Guyana Times -- Sunday, July 17, 2022

Delita John P upholds her grandmother’s craft traditions 15

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 5072 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

Attempts to rig 2020 elections

“Delicate balance” needed for CoI – President Ali Page 3

More amendments to be made soon to Petroleum Act – VP …as Govt seeks to strengthen regulation of oil sector

Page 9

“Being angry doesn’t do anything for you” – Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar …as “IStandforPeace” event

PRICE

$140 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

US$108.5 P12 million earned

by Guyana in latest sale of crude oil share …another lift expected this week

Over 1,000 birth certificates handed over to Toshaos for villagers P10

Another 'Facebook romance scheme' man charged P8

See story on page 30

4 COVID deaths recorded in 1 P29 week, 3 in ICU …673 new cases in 24 hours

Parents asked to get children vaccinated during semester break

hosted at National Cultural Centre (NCC)

‘Deportee’ stabbed to neck with grass knife during fight Page 8

…suspect rides into Police Station, confesses

Govt actively seeking to acquire more land from state agencies for housing – Croal Page 7

P11 P32 Barbados confirms 1st case of monkeypox

2

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, July 17 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Monday, July 18 – 22:00h – 23:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, July 17 – 06:55h – 08:25h and Monday, July 18 – 07:45h – 09:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day.

Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 07:08h and 19:37h reaching maximum heights of 2.65 metres and 2.52 metres.

Low Tide: 13:08h reaching a minimum height of 0.59 metre.

SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

01 02 04

06 07 21

28

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

04 08 10 16 19 LUCKY 3

0

4

6

7

Afternoon Draw

8

1

Evening Draw

04 08 13 15 18 19 20 SUPER

PAY DAY FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022

03 07 10 12 15 13

01 05 07 15 20

5

7 Afternoon Draw

3X Afternoon Draw

1

2 Evening Draw

3X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$101.16/barrel

+2.04

Rough Rice

$297.41/ton

+0.75

London Sugar

$598.60/ton

+7.58

Live Spot Gold

“Delicate balance” needed for CoI – President Ali

W

ith the Guyana Government going ahead with a Commission of Inquiry into the attempts to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, President Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined the need for a “delicate balance” given that several cases relating to this matter are currently pending in the courts.

Speaking with reporters recently, the Head of State explained that despite these pending court matters, Government had promised a CoI into the 2020 elections hence he still went ahead to announce the probe to deliver on that commitment.

“I came under criticism for not bringing the CoI into operation… [But] it is difficult to have the CoI running concurrently with an ongoing criminal case. So, now you have to find that delicate balance to satisfy all of what is ongoing. The team is now working on documents to ensure that the ToRs (Terms of Reference), while all-encompassing, does not interfere with the court case,” the President pointed out.

Only last Monday, the Guyanese leader told reporters that the ToR for the CoI must be in-depth and deal with all the issues that surrounded the conduct of the elections, according to President Dr Irfaan Ali. President Ali noted that it is important that the scope of the ToR – which will set out the task and jurisdiction of the Commission – is all encompassing. However, he could not give a definitive timeframe for when the CoI would be ready to begin.

“The names are now out there. So, the commissioners… the Chairman, I’m sure. I spoke to him a week ago. They are now working together, talking to each other and crystalising the Terms of Reference.”

“The Terms of Reference have to be in keeping with all the issues around the elections… this is a process with the commissioners. So, I won’t be able to give you the date now (for the start of the CoI). But definitely work has started,” the posited.

Long-awaited CoI

DRAW DE LINE

PAY DAY

Attempts to rig 2020 elections

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1708.60

$1709.60

Low/High Change

$1698.80 0.00

$1715.40 0.00

3

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Last month, President Ali had announced the long-awaited CoI. The inquiry will be chaired by Retired Justice of Appeal Stanley John of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The other members are former Attorney General, High Court Judge, and acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean, Justice Godfrey P Smith, SC; former Chair and Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr S Y Quraishi; and former acting Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh.

Additionally, it has been noted that former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Dr Nasim Zaidi; and Ghanian Election Administrator Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, who was appointed a Commonwealth Advisor to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) leading up to the 2020 elections,

President Dr Irfaan Ali

will both serve as resource personnel to the CoI. Since the announcement of the CoI, stakeholders from several sections of society have noted the importance of a comprehensive inquiry into the elections, which resulted in an over five-month delay before President Ali could be finally sworn-in on August 2, 2020.

In fact, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Paul Cheong had welcomed the inquiry and the chance it presents to better understand what happened and strengthen institutions including the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Cheong also said that the CoI could also play a part in holding those who attempted to delay the elections, accountable.

Tumultuous five months

Following a largely smooth polling day on March 2, 2020, Guyana was thrown into a tumultuous five-month political and electoral impasse after the then incumbent APNU/AFC regime attempted to steal the election.

It was found during a subsequent national recount process that former Returning Officer for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo had heavily inflated the votes in favour of the coalition party.

Since the election fiasco unfolded, several persons that served within the apparatus of GECOM have already been charged with electoral fraud. These include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former PNCR Minister Volda Lawrence, and Mingo, among others.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to further strengthen GECOM to prevent a reoccurrence of the 2020 election fiasco and restore public confidence in the entity, the Guyana Government has proposed a series of amendments to the Representation of the People Act (RoPA).

Those changes were released for public consultation before the document is finalised and taken to the National Assembly.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration had said it wanted to have the widest possible engagement with stakeholders including the various political parties on the proposed amendments to RoPA. But the only political party to make recommendations on the proposed RoPA changes is the A New and United Guyana (ANUG) – one of the new parties formed to contest the 2020 elections.

Additionally, Oppositionnominated GECOM Commissioner, Charles

Corbin has also made a submission.

An overhaul of the country’s electoral laws can see, among other things, the Chief Elections Officer at GECOM facing as much as life imprisonment for committing fraud, while others can similarly face hefty fines and jail time for any related offence.

Moreover, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, had disclosed in May that Government is finalising a second set of amendments that will be released to the public soon. These new reforms are proposed changes to the Registration Act. The PPP/C Administration is looking to put in place laws that would allow the Election Commission to transparently remove the names of dead persons from the voters’ list, amid concerns of it being bloated.

The proposed methodology would see these changes to the list being done on a large scale starting with the Chief Election Officer obtaining a list of all the dead people for every year as well as historically. These names will have to be shared publicly before they are removed from the voters’ list.

Back in August 2019, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George had ruled that GECOM cannot deregister persons from the National Register of Registrants (NRR) – from which voters’ list is compiled – unless they are dead or otherwise disqualified under Article 159 (2), (3) and (4) of the Constitution. (G3)

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 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

T

The lessons of Sri Lanka

he President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled his country after his house was overrun by waves of Sri Lankans who, since March, had been protesting the collapse of the economy under his and his family’s rule for almost two decades, has finally resigned. He had flown on a military jet to the Maldives, and then on a commercial flight to Singapore. Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was on Friday sworn in to act as President, and declared a nationwide state of emergency as he manoeuvred for Parliament to elect a new President.

Like Guyana, Sri Lanka is a bicommunal society that exemplifies the depth and persistence of ethnic divisions.

There, the majority, 75% mostly Buddhist Sinhalese, had been joined by Indian Hindu Tamils from across the straits in India over a thousand years ago, and, more recently, more Hindu and Muslim Tamils during the British colonial era. Also, like Guyana, the politics became ethnicised at independence (1947), as they adopted democratic parliamentary governance, with the two groups voting for different parties.

By 1983, feeling discriminated against and oppressed, the “Tamil Tigers (LTTE) of the Tamils, concentrated in the north and east of the island republic, launched a guerrilla war to secede. It was not until 2009, when Gotabaya was Defence Chief under his brother Mahinda’s Presidency, that he brutally ended the war. At least 40,000 Tamil citizens were killed during that operation, and overall, over 100,000 were killed.

Under the cloak of Sinhalese nationalism, stoked by Buddhist monks who extolled the “victors”, the Rajapaksa brothers nepotistically brought other family members into the Government, which became increasingly despotic and corrupt as they excluded Tamil citizens. Their rule also became quite idiosyncratic, as decision-making was concentrated within their family circle and close coterie. What Sri Lanka demonstrated is how easy an economy integrated into a globalised world can implode after poor policy choices.

Over the past decade, the Sri Lankan Government borrowed vast sums of money from foreign lenders to fund infrastructure for public services. Two examples were the Hambantota Port and the Mattala Rajapaksa Airport – constructed with loans from China at a cost of over $2 billion. They became white elephants, since they had almost zero utility. They could not service foreign debts of US$51 billion, and suspended debt payments, which ruined their credit rating and pushed them into the arms of the IMF. Simultaneously, their economy was hit by external and internal shocks from which it never recovered, and which subsequent policy decisions exacerbated. To please the ecologically woke foreign constituency, they banned chemical fertilisers, which immediately decimated farmers' harvests, reducing exports and foreign exchange. They had to import rice for the first time.

Facing a massive deficit, Rajapaksa slashed taxes in a doomed attempt to stimulate the economy. But the move backfired, instead hitting Government revenue. That prompted rating agencies to downgrade Sri Lanka to near default levels, meaning the country lost access to overseas financial markets even as foreign direct investments plunged.

Sri Lanka then had to fall back on its foreign exchange reserves to pay off Government debt, shrinking its reserves.

This impacted imports of fuel and other essentials, which sent prices soaring. Topping all that, the Government, in March, floated the Sri Lankan rupee, which plunged against the US dollar, making things worse for ordinary Sri Lankans, as inflation soared to double digits, reaching 54% last month.

The country's foreign exchange reserves plummeted to record lows, with dollars running out to pay for essential imports, including food, medicine and fuel -- leaving millions unable to feed their families, fuel their cars, or access basic medicine. COVID-19 was the final blow, as it reduced tourists, and even remittances, when the world shut down. These drove the largely peaceful protests, until their storming of the President’s home. Tackling the balance-of-payment crisis would require structural reforms to address constraints to domestic and foreign direct investments, industrial competitiveness and exports. It is doubtful that the interim Government which is to be formed can deal with all these challenges.

Forewarned is hopefully forearmed for our leaders.

President Dr Irfaan Ali sharing a photo with a female team during the Guyana Police Force's Inter-Division/Inter Agency “Cook Up Competition” on Saturday at the Police Officers’ Mess compound at Eve Leary. Also in photo are Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken (OP photo)

GECOM must not waste time!

Dear Editor, The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) must not waste time deliberating over trivial matters designed to procrastinate the delivery of the institution’s mandate. It is opportune for the Commission, as a collective, to recognise the deliberate, sinister, and abusive approach by the Opposition Commissioners to slow down or immobilise any rational delivery by the institution.

Our nation must stand together strongly and condemn the abrogation of purpose by these cabal Commissioners. Their clandestine and characteristically partisan actions fly in the face of their appointment and accommodation which, luckily, the scripters of the Constitution may have contemplated.

Consequently, objectivity at the Commission level cannot be held to ransom, and this is ensured by the odd-number formula preserving the rights to rational decision-making.

GECOM therefore must continue its purposeful forward-thrust, and put all systems in place for the holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs).

At the last meeting of the Commission, GECOM Chairperson Madam Claudette Singh threw out the APNU/PNC-WPA second trivial and procrastination-laden motion. Another motion that failed to dis-

guise its clear intent and design to realise stalling of the holding of the delayed LGEs. One and all must applaud the decisive position taken by Chairwoman Madam Claudette Singh, who perhaps by now has become extremely frustrated and fed up with the obvious undercurrents as those commissioners continue to call for a review of the 2020 polls.

It is of note that the GECOM Chairwoman had addressed a previous motion on the issue, and in her written decision against any internal review of the 2020 Elections, provided acceptable justification. Further, there have been judicial decisions in centrally-related matters and the differentiation between a review of GECOM’s approved procedures in effectively conducting free and fair elections compared to investigations into what transpired during the glaringly fraudulent actions of key elections officials.

Aside from the foregoing, the APNU/AFC Commissioners are well aware of the likely futility of such exercise, given that the former CEO Keith Lowenfield failed to submit the relevant reports, and many of the institution’s computers were wiped clean of related data. As one would suspect, had it not been for the protectors of democracy, who were certainly willing to protect the cast ballots

with their lives, our country might have had to rely on the conflicting falsities and indictable fictitiously-created declarations.

The absolute irrationality resonating from the Vincent Alexander-led clan informs an inconsistent and baseless comparison concerning other recent elections at which the then APNU/AFC Government was widely defeated. One must therefore ask obvious questions concerning the reasons why there was no review of the 2016 and 2018 Local Government Elections.

Further, there could be no pretense about the nation’s perception regarding the role of the APNU/ AFC Government in ensuring that the PPPC Election Petition against the 2015 Elections results was never heard. It is therefore reasonable to assert that the likes of Vincent Alexander and his clan would have also had many reasons to request internal reviews. So why was there no request for review for the clan on this occasion?

Further, evidence of significant difficulties experienced by the Auditor General in his attempt to Audit GECOM was met with a defiant lack of cooperation from officials of the GECOM Secretariat. There is also public evidence indicating that GECOM’s financial statements were not audited since 2011, but the nation has not heard a word

concerning reviews in the heat of the wide stakeholders’ outcry.

It is clear that from 2015 onwards, GECOM staff and the entire operation at GECOM were taken over by a notorious cabal. It is not by chance that several senior members of the GECOM Secretariat who participated in the 2020 elections are facing fraud charges in the courts. It is also factual that several others ran away from GECOM because of the consequences they anticipated would follow.

The GECOM Chairperson is trying her best to improve things at the Commission. However, the harsh reality is that the electoral system must be strengthened by putting measures in place to ensure no more rigged elections. The good news is that the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections are currently being implemented.

In addition, genuine efforts are in place for the holding of LGEs, although the Opposition Commissioners at GECOM are deliberately trying to come up with delaying tactics and are also hell-bent on seeking to postpone the elections.

There is no time for any review before LGEs, take it to the courts!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

5

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

Do we need more resource extractors in Guyana?

Dear Editor, I noticed, with some annoyance and disappointment in my heart, the Government of Guyana is proceeding with bringing in two major world gold mining operators into Guyana. Despite objections and the concerns of most Guyanese that more gold mining companies are coming to Guyana, it is observed that two world class gold mining companies would commence operating, in the very near future, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

I just want to draw to the attention of the country’s Government that we, the people, voted and appointed them to manage our resources, our affairs, law enforcement, defence, and our ‘One Guyana’ policy. The Government needs to understand that we, the people, are the bosses of this country, and they are the servants.

We have a right to protest, and we, the people, have a right to “fire” them if they do not do what is good for Guyana and

for the people of Guyana, particularly for our future generations.

I know a time will come when the future generations would applaud and sing heroic songs of this current administration in power, or they would cuss and buse and make mockery of the leaders of this generation.

It would appear to me that this Government wants to become exceptionally rich, with cash reserves overnight, by selling out our minerals/natural resources: oil + oil + more oil + plenty, plenty oil = all oil gone. For what? Coloured paper money that will raise our standard of living for a while?

Plus VP Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has been warning us about excessive money in the system and country causing excessive inflation!!! Well, Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, VP Dr. Jagdeo, Hon. Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Hon. Min of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat etc. The same equa-

tion above for oil goes for gold.

Okay, I understand we get 5% plus 3% royalty of extracted declared gold! What mechanism do we have in place to prevent the smuggling of extracted gold by these gold mining companies, though they might be termed as world-class? We know Omai Gold Mines had their own airstrip and planes, so I appeal to you all, just wonder and ponder on the reality.

These companies have a way of bringing in the chefs and hotel management for places like Marriott International: to feed, wine and dine the expats.

The monies that are calculated from us partially pay for their lifestyles. I wish to advise the Government to study Aruba, where the Spanish extracted every iota of dust of gold out of that nation and left it bare, without anything for the future generations. Thank God they cannot take the sand, the sea or the wind, which finances Aruba at this juncture in its civilisation.

Guyana Goldfields: this is a nasty case of evil conspiracies of a Canadian corporation, only hungry for wealth.

They brought in a few tents, a few pieces of equipment, they spent a few dollars to train female drivers in Santa Mission to prove their corporate generosity. They did some drilling, extracted gold, then they complained that they were not making money, and as the typical capitalist trying to eat every single dollar by sucking the wealth out of nation/nations, they sold to a Chinese company.

I personally do not have any problems with China, but reports have it that it was one of those Chinese companies that are not really positive for the development and partnership in a country.

They sold for US$200,000,000 (two hundred million USD), paid not a single dollar in taxes to the Guyanese nation, but ended up paying taxes in Canada, and we lose.

An urgent appeal for intervention at the Parika Marketing Centre

Dear Editor, I am writing this letter in disgust and frustration over the current situation at the Parika Marketing Centre. I am a businessman who operates a gold business in the market, and, for several years now, I am operating at a loss, and I believe this is partly due to the actions of the persons who are responsible for the administration of the Marketing Centre, and Region 3 as a whole.

The market has been in a deplorable state for some years now, and several persons who own stalls were forced to close their businesses. The authorities are allowing persons to ply their trade on the road, to the detriment of the persons who operate inside the market.

This has resulted in several persons going out of business over the years.

The authorities promised they would rebuild the market and bring back some order in its operation. It is now some ten months since they started the works to fix the market, and, to date, only some posts and frame of the roof have been constructed. The roofs of several stalls are leaking, and the market is like a ghost town, as shoppers are not coming in due to persons occupying the roadways.

We have complained to several Government Ministers who have visited the marketing centre, and even though they have promised to rectify the problem, no action has been taken so far. Representatives of the Government in this region have forgotten why they have been elected to office.

They have become complacent, and I am asking the higher authorities in Government to intervene and bring the situation under control.

I am making an impassioned appeal to President Irfaan Ali, who seems to have

to visit the Parika Marketing Centre for some years now.

Please, Mr President, businesses are suffering, and we are hoping that a solution could be found soon.

Yours truly, Robin Salim Stallholder

The current state of the market after ten months of construction (photo by Robin Salim)

the interest of the people at heart, to come and listen to the business persons in the market, and to find a solution to the problem. The President

has been very proactive to solve the problems of persons in various communities across Guyana, but he has not been afforded the opportunity

Sunday, July 17, 2022

06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Rel. Hour 07:00 Cartoons 08:00 Shekinah Ministry 08:30 Evening News (RB) 09:30 Fast n Loud S7 E8 10:30 Cartoons 11:00 D. Persaud Religious Program 11:30 Prime Series - Blippi’s Educational Adventures for Kids 12:00 Dharmic Ki Awaz 12:30 Movie - Superbabies: Baby Geniuses 2 (2004) 14:00 Movie - Getting Even with Dad (1994) 16:00 Movie - Pegasus: Pony with a Broken Wing (2019) 17:30 The Healing Touch 18:00 Wheel of Fortune 18:30 Week-in-Review 19:00 Lucifer S2 E14 20:00 Those People 21:00 Riverdale S3 E7 22:00 Arrow S3 E10 23:00 Heartstopper S1 E6 23:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? S14 E16 00:00 Sign off

The laws of this country for these investors must make it clear that if they sell their companies, the Government/ people of Guyana must get a 50% cut in the sale of that company.

There are foreign companies only set to eke out the wealth of our country and our people, they don’t care a damn about us.

I, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan, hereby demand that this Government begin to put things in place that no foreign corporation can sell out its business without us getting a fair share of the taxes for our people and our country.

So, Barrick Gold is coming to suck the juice out of our people and our nation, as are Alicanto Minerals, which obviously only care about themselves. I am appealing to the Government that, as we have oil, and monies are coming on a regular basis, and more will come into the future, also as we expect to go to a million

barrels of oil per day in a few years, plus we want to control inflation, we should let Guyana rest, especially in the fear of inflation.

Government officials, peoples of Guyana: whenever they drill for gold, they destroy the environment! They destroy the ancestral lands of the Indigenous peoples, who are the original owners, but were decimated by conquerors, and even enslaved at one time.

These lands truly belong to the Amerindians/Indigenous peoples of this country, and by extension the people of Guyana.

It is also known, as you see with oil, Guyanese are usually ill-treated! Guyanese are fed worse and less quality food, and Guyanese are paid less than expat workers. I am prepared to protest with any organisation or institution that is not political on this issue.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr

Tangled web being weaved just keeps getting worse Dear Editor, Even with all the video and other evidence available following the brouhaha in Parliament with the blatant removal of the Mace, the Opposition remains adamant and steadfast in its position it wasn’t us. This stance can be likened to, and is similar to, the 2020 Elections’ aftermath which was witnessed,

and the attempts to steal democracy with all the evidence, and still they persist in saying: “We won, and the elections were rigged by the then Opposition”.

The tangled web being weaved just keeps getting worse.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

6 FEATURE

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

W

hen researching this topic, I came across the actual scientific name for this disorder: "Juvenile Sterile Granulomatous Dermatitis and Lymphadenitis".

I thought I would share this with you, dear readers of this column, not because I wanted to elicit a smile from you (which I hope I just did), but mostly because I wanted to project the truth that every profession has its own scientific word/phrase usage. For example, doctors have this reputation of writing words that are indecipherable; lawyers sometimes use Latin as part of their practice; and so on. However, in defence of technical professionals, the terminologies used have very specific descriptive meanings, with the ailment and the transmitting of a multiple of factors associated therewith.

This "Pet Care" column serves quite a different purpose. Our policy is to identify problems when caring for our pets, and offer simple solutions to ease/cure

PUPPY AILMENTS – continued PUPPY STRANGLES discomfort. So, let us now have a look at the frequently asked questions (FAQ) associated with Puppy Strangles.

Q: What is Puppy Strangles?

A: It is a skin disease (dermatitis) of the face, ear flaps, and lower jaw in puppies (usually occurring between three weeks and 4 months of age).

Q: What are the causes of Strangles?

A: The causes presented are questionable and unconvincing; enough so for me to answer with "unknown". However, since the lesions have been found to be sterile when examined in the laboratory, and the ailment responds well to anti-inflammatory ste-

roids, practitioners believe there is an initial and even more deep-seated dysfunction in the pup's immune system.

If the lab culture does in fact reveal evidence of an infection, it is believed that the infection is secondary, and not the primary cause of Strangles.

I should mention that the caregiver, and even breeder, might con-

fuse Strangles with other ailments, such as Demodectic Mange or a reaction to drugs and other chemicals. It is relatively easy to dispense with such suggestions, not lastly via laboratory test and questioning the caregiver about the chemical agent(s) and levels of application of same.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: The caregiver first notices a swollen face, which often includes the eyelids and muzzle.

Papules/pustules (small bumps on the facial skin, often containing pus) are clearly visible.

Actually, the condition begins to resemble a blister.

When the ailment spreads to the ear flaps a n d

the bottom jaw, these

areas also become swollen and contain fluids (edema).

This is a fast-moving ailment. Within 48 hours, the areas mentioned above exhibit these bumps (vesicles), which begin to merge into one swollen mass of tissue around the eye, muzzle, lips, and ears. These lesions then begin to exude a sticky fluid (firstly clear, and later puss-like due to infection).

At this point, the skin of the face and ears becomes painful to the touch.

Strangely, there is not usually much of the itch/ scratch cycle at the beginning of the ailment.

I should mention that, as concomitant symptoms, 50% of the affected puppies are listless. They are emaciated; they are not eating/ nursing well (or not at all); they have a fever; some of them exhibit lameness.

Please note that these latter symptoms are all inconclusive findings, and not specifically reflective of the causes of Strangles.

However, they do support the final diagnosis.

Q: What is the treatment?

A: Early and aggressive treatment with steroids and antibiotics seems to give the best results. Of course, this therapeutic intervention must be under supervision of the caregiver's veterinarian.

Supportive treatment would include warm water baths to remove crust and discharge from the affected areas.

Q: Are particular breeds more vulnerable to Strangles?

A: Over the years, irrespective of the continent, I have encountered Strangles in pretty much all breeds. However, the North American literature suggests that predisposed breeds include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos; and yes, mixed breed puppies as well.

NEWS

7

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt actively seeking to acquire more land from State agencies for housing – Croal …land recently received from GuySuCo; GL&SC, MMA-ADA also being engaged

T

he Government is in a constant mode of seeking land to acquire from State agencies for housing development, and according to Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, their efforts paid off recently with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) transferring land to them.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Croal explained that the demand for housing largely drives how much land they seek to acquire from State agencies. According to Croal, land acquisition is always ongoing as the Housing Ministry engages agencies that fall under other Ministries and hold large tracts of land.

“We have to work closely with GuySuCo too.

Because they need their land for their purpose. But there has been some land they’ve been giving up, that allows us future expansion for housing development. And we received some recently. We received in Region Three and we’ve now gotten some on the East Coast.”

“There are some new areas we’ve been working on, on the East Coast.

So, for example, there’s a new opening at Enterprise.

And we’re coming down the

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

line, we have Lusignan. I’m working closely to get the Success land. You know we had some issues with squatting there,” Croal said.

He noted that in Region Four, most of the land they are interested in is either under the auspices of GuySuCo or the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Croal explained, however, that the first agency the Ministry interfaces with is the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), the custodian of all State land.

“Once we are able to identify with them possible areas we can get, then we would engage the agen-

cy,” Croal explained, noting that another agency they would engage with after GL&SC is the Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA).

Zeroing in on Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), where there are 13,000 pending applications, Croal explained that land acquisition is an ongoing exercise here. In Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), he noted that there will be a Dream Realised initiative during the Building Expo period from July 22 to 24.

“We will be having another round of our Dream Realised land allocation exercise that will see some

lands on the East Bank, as well as some lands on the East Coast. So, these are always an ongoing process.

And in Region Five case, lands fall under two agencies,” Croal explained.

“This year, all regions can look forward to being part of our programme to ensure we have additional distribution taking place.

Likewise, you saw the President when he went to Region Seven. There was a commitment. I’m going back there with the team in August. Right now, our focus is on the Building

Expo. We committed our programme for housing, 500 houses in Bartica as well as additional land for allocations.”

With the delivery of Budget 2022 back in February, the Government of Guyana is aiming to accelerate an already robust housing plan that will include the distribution of 15,000 house lots for the year.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal had previously told Guyana Times that the 2022 plans include the distribution of

15,000 house lots as well as the continuation of the home improvement and subsidy programme.

Of the $552 billion in the budget, $12.4 billion had been allocated for the housing sector. This figure had included money to build out the infrastructure required to sustain these house lots, including roads.

Since taking office, the PPP/C Government has made it clear that it was aiming to fulfil its manifesto promise of distributing 50,000 house lots over the next five years. (G3)

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Another 'Facebook romance scheme' man charged

Charged: John Patrick Lewis

J

ust a few days after the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) charged an East Bank Demerara (EBD) man for defrauding a woman on Facebook, a 56-year-old man from Berbice was Friday charged with Conspiracy to Defraud.

John Patrick Lewis of Williamsburg village, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Leron Daly where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Based on reports received

by SOCU, John Patrick Lewis, who is a carpenter, was the recipient of $146,500 sent by the victim with the understanding that she would receive a money laundering certificate to clear her expensive package sent by her ‘Facebook boyfriend.’

He was alleged to have acted as a third party for another person who befriended the victim via the said Facebook connection. Lewis is just one of the four recipients to whom the victim sent money. SOCU has

since said that they are currently looking for the others.

The victim claimed she sent the money to Lewis after she was instructed to do so by her ‘Facebook boyfriend’, who provided her with all of Patrick’s personal information. She said she sent the money using a Western Union money transfer.

To date, the woman said she has never received any package and her Facebook boyfriend has since disappeared.

The matter was investigated by SOCU and the suspect was arrested and charged. He was represented by Attorneyat-Law Euclin Gomes. SOCU was represented by attorney Towanna Hardy. Lewis was released on $50,000 bail and the case will continue on September 2.

On Tuesday last, SOCU instituted similar charges against Jaffon Hinds of Downer Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Hinds, who is a production administrator at Caribbean Containers Incorporated, collected a total sum of $502,340 from his victim. The payments were made on three separate occasions. He was alleged to have acted as a third party for another person who befriended the victim via Facebook.

The victim claimed she sent the money to Hinds using a Western Union money transfer after she was instructed to do so by her Facebook ‘boyfriend’, who also promised her a huge package with lots of expensive items, but she said she never received any of the items.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Assistant Commissioner Fizal

Karimbaksh is once again calling on all Guyanese to be vigilant against package delivery and romance scams.

“Deportee” stabbed to neck with grass knife during fight …suspect rides into Police station, confesses

A

36-year-old man of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was stabbed to death during a fight.

Dead is Jermaine Elias called “Deportee”, who was killed at around 11:35h on Saturday evening in front of a business place at Kent Street, New Amsterdam.

Reports are that the now dead man and the suspect, a 40-year-old labourer of Alexander Street, New Amsterdam, had a misunderstanding during which a scuffle ensued.

It is alleged that during the argument, Elias attacked the suspect with a mop stick, and the suspect reportedly whipped out a grass knife from a backpack he was carrying and stabbed Elias in the neck.

Video footage that was seen by this publication on social media, showed Elias lying on the road covered in blood, while persons around him were heard contemplating whether or not to take him to the hospital.

One man was heard saying “Here is not where he got to go,

Dead: Jermaine Elias

is the hospital he have to go, not here. Who gon help he? Who gon carry he in them car?”.

Elias was eventually picked up and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Guyana Times understands that after committing the act, the perpetrator picked up his bicycle and rode to the Central Police Station where he turned himself in and related to Police what had occurred.

He is currently in custody assisting Police with their investigation. (G9)

Divvying up… …marital (coalition) property

J

ust when your Eyewitness thought the AFC and the PNC had sorted out their divorce amicably, because they had the foresight to craft a pre-nup agreement called the “Cummingsburg Accord”, there appears to be some serious discord popping up!! So, it looks like - as with most divorces - this one’s gonna be quite messy!!

Now, you should know that your Eyewitness’s interest in this matter isn’t purely voyeuristic – but then, no voyeurism is “pure”, is it??!! But seriously, folks, what’s playing out here has serious implications for coalition politics in our dear mudland!!

Cause coalition politics is the only way the PNC’s gonna be able to get back into power without trying that riggythingy that backfired the last time. The first coalition was all the way back in 1964, when - under the watchful eyes of the Yanks and Brits - the PNC of Burnham and the UF of D’Aguiar had joined in not-so-holy-matrimony!! After all, while it wasn’t a real shotgun wedding, there was so much COLD calculation involved by all sides – including the matchmakers – they didn’t need no shotgun!!

But for sure there was little love lost in that loveless marriage!! And sure enough, before the five-year term was up, Burnham had already sweet-talked his way into the hearts of several PPP and UF MPs, so he didn’t need the UF no mo’!! Did you, dear reader, think Charrandas was the first to cross the floor of the Public Buildings?? Ha!! In politics, of course, “sweet talk” means offering inducements, like “Minister wuk” and so on!! The “sweetness” is in the perks!!

But back to our present contretemps-in-the-making over who has claim over the most valuable assets coming out of that marriage – the seats in the National Assembly!!

And secondly, when and how can the marriage be dissolved according to the pre-nup?? Now, how many of the 31 seats should go to each party should be simple, no?? According to Ramjattan, just go by how many seats were apportioned when the spoils were divvied up after the 2020 elections – NINE to the AFC!!

But while Aubrey’s gonna argue the AFC didn’t earn those seats, how in the world is he gonna prove that?

And with possession being nine-tenths of the law and all that, your Eyewitness sees the AFC keeping those seats when they leave!! As Ramjattan said, he doesn’t see “the Leader of the List, Mr. David Granger, changing that”!! And when can the AFC leave?? Ramjattan says according to the “Accord”, in three or five years, and he’s opting for three.

So exactly how’s Norton gonna stop the AFC-9 from decamping?? He can always follow Burnham and offer “inducements” to some who see AFC as dead meat!! …love??

Few things exemplify our colonial mentality than our retention of our Victorian-era laws on sex and sexual morality. But that has been changing, hasn’t it? Take the sexual double-standard, that men wanted and needed sex while women didn’t, and submitted to sex only to please their husbands!! Women who – God forbid!! –demonstrated any desire for sex were “loose”!! But we’re past that now, aren’t we??

Now, while we’ve blamed “Victorian morality” for the “anti-buggery” laws still on our books, the Buggery Act was passed as far back as the 1530s. They made sexual relations between men a criminal offence punishable by death, till 1861. Two decades later, during Victoria’s reign in 1893, the Anti-buggery Act also created the offence of “gross indecency” for any same-sex male sexual relations, punishable by life imprisonment. Now, can someone say exactly how such acts performed in private can harm society??

Let’s call this outdated law for what it is: immoral for criminalising acts of expressions of love!! Get it off the books!! …arms?

The PNC and AFC’s dispute on whether their Accord is for “three years or five years” invoked Sierra Leone’s civil war question: “short sleeve or long sleeve”? The former meant you wanted your arm chopped off above the elbow; the latter at the wrist!!

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

9

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

More amendments to be made soon to Petroleum Act – VP …as Govt seeks to strengthen regulation of oil sector

W

ith the Government having passed the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Amendment) Act 2021 in the National Assembly last year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has said that more changes to the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act will be forthcoming soon.

According to the Vice President recently, the Government has an obligation not only to ensure the rapid development of the oil and gas sector, but to also ensure that the regulatory environment keeps pace with that development.

“We have to ensure that the oil and gas industry meets its obligations.

We promised also, when in Opposition, we said we will find that balance. And so, since we’ve been in office, we’ve been creating the conditions to ensure that the country can better regulate the sector, manage these resources and get progressively a greater share of the benefits flowing to Guyana and to Guyanese.”

“Therefore, we promised that we are going to strengthen our capabilities to manage the industry.

We have a process through which the Ministry is being strengthened. Secondly, we’re working on the

Petroleum Act of 1986. That will change soon,” Jagdeo explained.

Other activities the Government is engaged in is creating a model Production Sharing Agreement, which will ensure that no new agreements are signed with similar flaws to the 2016 agreement the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government signed into law.

“We promised local content legislation in Opposition. And we passed it last year. And many of our people are already benefitting from this. And in the consultations, we promised to tackle two issues, which we have already embarked upon,” he said, noting that those issues include ensuring sub-contractors get payments in a timely manner and better payment terms.

The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) (Amendment) Bill 2021 was brought to the National Assembly in August of last year to amend Section 52 of the principal act. This section deals with land use.

It specifically targets work done by a petroleum licensee in furtherance of its operations on State land, Government land, or land that is otherwise controlled

or under the management of the Government of Guyana.

Based on the amendment, the Minister would have the power to grant permission to the licensee to land, install or operate any pipeline, fibre optic cable or similar infrastructure on or through the said land.

It also empowers the Minister to order the licensee to maintain, inspect, repair or renew such infrastructure. The amendments also speak to the granting of consent to the Minister and a petroleum licensee for use of land by the private owners or lawful occupiers of said land in aid of petroleum operations.

Prior to the amendment being passed, the Government had issued an order to compulsorily acquire land that would be used to build the US$900 million gas-to-shore project and lay the gas pipeline from Nouvelle Flanders on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) to Canal Number One Public Road on the West Bank thereof.

The gas-to-shore project, which has a 25-year lifespan, is expected to employ up to 800 workers during the peak construction stage, as well as some 40 full-time workers during the operations stage, and another 50 workers during the decom-

missioning stage.

It features approximately 220 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from the Destiny and Unity Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to onshore.

Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline will continue approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The pipeline will be 12 inches and is expected to transport some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of dry gas to the NGL plant but has the capacity to push as much 120 mmscfd.

The pipeline’s route onshore will follow the same

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

path with the fibre optic cables and will terminate at Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ) which will house the gas-to-shore project.

The Guyana Government has already invited interested parties to make investments in the Wales Development Zone, which will be heavily industrialised and for which approximately 150 acres of land has been allocated. Those lands were previously used by the Wales Sugar Estate.

Additionally, it has gone out to tender for an international firm to manage the construction phase of the integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and the 300 MW power plant, all part of the project. Additionally, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) have been issued to the companies that were prequalified.

Those proposals are expected soon. (G3)

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 1000 birth certificates handed over to Toshaos for villagers H

ome Affairs Minister Robeson Benn handed over in excess of 1000 birth certificates to several village leaders at the National Toshaos Council Conference on Friday for residents within their zones.

A number of marriage and death certificates were also released to the Toshaos, who hailed from various Amerindian communities across the ten administrative regions.

The General Register Office (GRO), which is under the auspices of the Home Affairs Ministry, has, over the last three days, accepted and processed over 1000 applications for certificates, including birth, marriage and death certificates at the NTCC. Additionally, applications for over 2000 late registrations

were accepted.

According to the Deputy Registrar General, Visham Budhoo, for every birth certificate application received, a search is conducted on the spot, which determines if the applicant was previously registered.

Once an entry is found, the application is processed, and the certificate is issued to the applicant or in the care of the Toshaos at the NTCC. Further, for those applicants who were not previously registered, immediately the late registration process is started.

The GRO has been conducting outreaches in different communities across Guyana and will soon commence specialised outreaches in Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and

Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Last year, concerns had surfaced over the GRO’s slothful pace in issuing birth, death, and marriage certificates.

Registrar General Raymon Cummings had indicated that the deficiency was due to the pandemic circumstances, as well as the need to have the certificates authenticated. Persons were also filling out the wrong information on the forms. At that time, all records had been digitalised as he promised a faster delivery of these services.

For over one year, the General Register Office has distributed computer-generated certified copies of births, deaths and marriages registered in Guyana. The computer-generated certificates sports enhanced security fea-

tures which include a QR code to the top left-hand corner of the certificate and invisible markings, readable only under a black light.

The NTCC was organised this past week after a twoyear hiatus due to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. It brings together Amerindian leaders from over 212 hinterland communities across the country, enabling a platform for Amerindian leaders to engage the Government and other stakeholders on issues about the development of their communities.

The NTC, which spanned five days, focused on improving access to Government services such as health, education, land titling, demarcation, security, and infrastructure, among others. (G12)

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn handing over some of the birth certificates

2 nabbed for dumping ganja, attempting to escape from cops

The car in which the suspects were travelling

A

38-year-old driver along with his 58-yearold passenger were both arrested on Thursday after 46.36 grams of cannabis was dumped from a car in which they were travelling while trying to evade Police ranks.

The incident occurred at about 13:20h.

It was reported that two Police ranks attached to the Brickdam Police Station were on motorcycle patrol in the vicinity of Cummings Street and South Road, Georgetown, when they observed the driver of a motor car smoking what appeared to be cannabis.

The ranks signalled the 38-year-old driver, who is from D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, to stop, but he continued driving South on Cummings Street.

The motor car was pursued by the ranks and while in the vicinity of Camp and Croal Streets, the driver discarded a transparent plastic bag out of the driver’s side window and continued driving.

One of the ranks picked up the bag and found a number of leaves, seeds, and stems of cannabis. The car was subsequently intercepted at Hadfield and Cross Streets, Georgetown.

The driver and occupant were arrested and escorted to the Brickdam Police

The cannabis that was dumped from the car

Station where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 46.36 grams.

This is the second incident of this nature that occurred with a week.

On Tuesday, Police in Regional Division 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were looking for a man who abandoned the vehicle he was driving and escaped after dumping a bag that contained a quantity of ganja.

It was reported that at Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, a Police patrol vehicle was on duty in the area when the ranks observed the driver of a motor car acting in a suspicious manner. The purple vehicle, which bore registration PRR 3003, was intercepted by the Police ranks, who requested a search of the driver.

However, as the ranks approached the motor car, the driver sped off along the Burnham Drive Public Road, Wismar, causing the ranks to give chase.

The suspect managed to throw a plastic bag through a window of the car. Shortly after, the suspect exited the motor car and made good his escape on foot.

The plastic bag was retrieved by the ranks, who, upon searching it, uncovered leaves, seeds, and stems of cannabis. It was weighed and amounted to two pounds or 907.184 grams. (G9)

NEWS

11

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Parents asked to get children vaccinated during semester break PPP needs to accommodate ethnic interests

S

tarting from the 1960s, the PNC’s attitude towards politics has been “what is ours is ours, and what is the PPP’s is negotiable” - with the PPP to be brought to the negotiation table through force and violence, or threats of the same, with the expectation that the African Guyanese-dominated Disciplined Forces would support them. Around the turn of the Ravi Dev new millennium, however, some young radicals in the PNC, which included Aubrey Norton, proposed “executive power sharing” as a new, more positive approach to Guyanese politics. At the time, we proposed a one-term powersharing arrangement, as in South Africa, during which more permanent arrangements could be worked out under a collegial atmosphere.

PNC Leader Mr. Desmond Hoyte rebuffed the calls, and publicly derided my assertions that voting in Guyana was ethnically based. After the PPP was bludgeoned to the negotiation table in 1998 by violent PNC protests, they supported extensive constitutional changes in 2000, which ROAR criticised as not deep enough to address the African and Indian Ethnic Security Dilemmas.

Paradoxically, their protests continued, and descended into increasingly serious waves of violence against Indian Guyanese after the 2001 elections. Mr Hoyte’s allusion to “kith and kin” in the Disciplined Forces did not help matters, but just before passing away at the end of 2002, he accepted executive power-sharing.

However, the extremists inside and outside continued the Buxtonbased gang violence to overthrow the PPP, until they were wiped out in 2008.

In 2007, Aubrey Norton issued a paper, “Governance in an ethnically divided society: the case of Guyana,” in which he argued that “the ethnic security dilemma increases because political power has been treated as a zero-sum game.” He then repeated his argument that African leadership must be part of executive power sharing, to facilitate their constituency’s share of economic and other resources. But after challenges to the leadership, starting in 2009, he was peripheralised when Granger was made leader in 2011 and President in 2015.

The elections of 2011 and 2015 demonstrated that our predicted demographic changes after 2006 could produce the “politics of in and out”, rather than the almost certain “politics of over and under”, when one ethnic group commands an absolute majority in a plural society.

We proposed that the PNC should not succumb to calls to be more confrontational in the streets, since this would alienate needed ‘crossover votes’. They held the line, formed alliances, and removed the PPP Government in 2015.

The proof of the moderating centripetal politicking to attract “outsiders” was provided, and it was left for the PNC-dominated Government to continue in that vein, so that all groups could see their interests represented.

But the present PNC under Norton is responding to extremist pressures, and continues to shoot itself in the foot, as Granger did during his presidency, when he alienated groups outside the PNC’s core constituency, which they need to secure a majority.

For instance, claiming that the PPP rigged their win from the outside; dubbing their Government an “illegal, installed cabal”; and denouncing every governmental initiative since 2020 as “discriminatory and racist” without providing any proof for their allegations, does not help.

Protests against these allegations heightened tensions in the society, so when a justified protest against an unexplained Police killing of an African man ended in an ethnic riot at Mon Repos, it was like a Greek tragedy playing out.

As I had pointed out after the Jan 12, 1998 anti-Indian ethnic riots in the wake of a protest march, it did not matter whether the organizers actually instigated the riot or not. They were, at a minimum, criminally negligent, since, based on our history, they ignored obvious risks, and disregarded the life and safety of those Indian Guyanese vendors at Mon Repos.

To strengthen its centripetal power-sharing mode of governance, the PPP should start by issuing “Ethnic Impact Statements” on their initiatives, monitored by the ERC. They should also reform and professionalise the GPF and other state institutions openly, with their ethnic compositions taking centre stage as Singapore’s Lee Kwan Yu did, and not to play ducks and drakes with this imperative.

Finally, now that PM Mark Phillips has felt he needed to announce his “Afrocentricity”, other African Guyanese in the party should be facilitated to form an “African Guyanese Caucus”, to signal to that constituency that their interests are explicitly represented by their presence.

Aubrey Norton should likewise incorporate an “Indian Guyanese Caucus” in the PNC. The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

C

A child from the 5-11 age group receiving her COVID vaccine (Ministry of Health photo)

hildren are at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus and now that schools are closed, parents are asked to take their children to the vaccination sites to get protected.

Authorities have been aiming to up the vaccination numbers for the children population, after recording a slothful uptake.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared during the COVID-19 update that vaccination sites remain active now that schools are closed.

“Now that school is closed, they can come to one of the vaccination sites and get their children vaccinated,” he shared.

He debunked the myth that children are not affected by the coronavirus.

Statistics have shown that in Guyana, several children have died after being infected while many were hospitalised. It is recommended that minors with underlying illnesses take the vaccine since they are at higher risk of developing a severe form of COVID. “There is a myth that has been going around that chil-

dren really don’t get COVID and if they do, it won’t be severe. That is really a myth because for some children, they can get severe infections and we’ve had on occasions, children coming into the hospital. Those particular children were vulnerable because they had other underlying illnesses.”

The Health Minister expressed that with the support of parents, the country’s vaccination of children in the five to 11 age group can move beyond the current mark. As of now, only about 4000 children have taken their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, with some 200 returning for the second shot.

“If we have closer collaboration with parents, we can get much more vaccinations done…We can do much better than that but we require the collaboration of parents because we cannot go and administer vaccination to a child without parental consent. There’s an opportunity here because we should really encourage the parents to bring their children to be vaccinated.”

Guyana has enough

vaccines to immunise the younger age groups. The United States has also committed to delivering vaccines for everyone to be vac-

cinated, as well as boosted.

The World Health Organisation has published data, indicating that if children with mild or no symptoms transmit the disease, they may act as drivers of transmission within their communities.

“Understanding symptoms, infectivity and patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in children and adolescents is essential for developing, adapting and improving control measures for COVID-19 across all ages,” the agency had stated.

After schools were opened fully a few months ago, both the Health and Education Ministries were collaborating to get children immunised. However, there were challenges relating to the consent forms, which parents need to sign before the vaccine can be administered. (G12)

12 NEWS US$108.5 million earned by Guyana in latest sale of crude oil share SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…another lift expected this week

G

uyana’s last documented sale of its share of crude from ExxonMobil’s operations in the Stabroek Block netted the country US$108 million. This is according to data from the Bank of Guyana.

According to the Quarterly report from the Bank of Guyana on the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), profit oil was last recorded in June. In that entry, Guyana earned US$108.5 million from the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The market value of the fund, which is housed in the United States Federal Reserve, was US$753.2 million at the end of June.

However, a portion of money from the fund was transferred to the Consolidated Fund only days ago.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had announced the withdrawal of GY$41.7 billion from the NRF. The withdrawal, which is the second from the fund for the year, is to finance national development projects.

“It would be recalled that in May of this

The Natural Resource Fund is deposited at the US Federal Reserve

year, Government made its first withdrawal of US$200 million equivalent to GY$41.7 billion. This brings the accumulated withdrawals to date from the NRF to US$400 million, equivalent to GY$83.3 billion,” the press release from the Minister explained.

“The recent amendments to the 2019 Natural Resource Fund Act set clear ceilings on withdrawals from the fund for budgetary spending and promote transparency in the management and use of oil resources. Staff praised the authorities’ thorough

review of the 2019 NRF Act before making amendments, and the restraint in using any oil revenues before the passage of the amendments.”

In a recent interview, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had meanwhile informed this publication that Guyana’s next lift is likely to be within this new week. According to him, this will come from the Liza Unity FPSO. “We’ve got one coming up, that’s Destiny.

Destiny is coming up. And also, Unity. July for Unity, August for Destiny. Third

week in July and second week in August for Destiny,” Minister Bharrat explained.

Guyana currently has a one-year contract in effect with Saudi Aramco, to market its crude entitlement.

Last month, Brazilian state-owned company Petrobras purchased one of two lifts of crude from the Liza Phase One and the Liza Phase Two projects operated by ExxonMobil.

According to a report from the Nasdaq, Petrobras bought what would be its first shipment of crude from Guyana. The one million barrels of crude, which were loaded from the Liza Destiny, were to be refined in Brazil.

A Petrobras spokesperson was also quoted in the Nasdaq report as saying that the state-owned company is constantly on the lookout for different suppliers on the international market. The crude grades it aims to acquire also varies.

“Petrobras constantly monitors the international oil market, looking for different suppliers and new production worldwide…the selection of crude grades

varies, depending on economic scenarios, trying to identify those that can meet domestic and international demand of refined products, aiming at greater profitability for Petrobras,” the company spokesperson was quoted as saying.

While this marked Petrobras’s first purchase of crude from Guyana, Mataripe, an independent refinery located in Brazil and operated by Acelen, is reported to have bought two cargoes of Liza crude since January.

Back in April, for the first time in Guyana’s short oil production history, Guyana had had as many as two oil lifts in one month, with lifts from the Liza Destiny and Liza

Unity FPSO vessels crossing paths.

The historically high oil prices (oil prices have not exceeded US$100 on the global market since 2014) are part of the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is, however, a double-edged sword where Guyana is concerned. That is because of the sharp rise in oil prices at the local pumps.

When the lifts were completed in April, the Guyana Government had announced it would be receiving US$106 million for its first oil lift entitlement from the Liza Unity FPSO vessel, having already sold the lift via a competitive bidding process to an ExxonMobil affiliate. (G3)

FEATURE

13

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…prepares for conservation training in Rwanda Asaph Wilson stays focused during a hunting expedition

By Alva Solomon

T

wo decades ago, Asaph Wilson decided to take a proactive role in conservation of the environment around him by becoming a ranger so as to ensure that the flora and fauna of the South Central Rupununi villages remain intact.

It is a manual job that requires dedication and

physical stamina. These days, the father of four is taking things to the next level, by undertaking leadership training to further enhance his knowledge and ability and by year end, he will be travelling to complete the “exciting” parts of the programme.

Wilson, who hails from the village of Katoonarib, is a member of the South Rupununi Conservation

Society (SRCS) and according to him, he has dedicated much his life to conservation of the animals within the region.

He has been a part of the Red Siskin project being undertaken by the SRCS and it involves dedicating lots of his time to monitor the rare bird around the clock.

According to research, Guyana is one of the only places in the world where

the bird can be found in the wild. It is considered endangered and the South Rupununi Conservation Society has been leading a project to prevent destruction of the habitat of the bird as well as to protect it

from trappers.

Wilson told Guyana Times that as part of his duties, he and others volunteer their services at various sites within the South Central Rupununi to ensure that the birds’ popula-

tion is increasing. He said there are several villages where the teams operate from and these include Sand Creek, Sawariwau, Katoonarib, Rupunau, Shulinab and Potarinau.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FROM PAGE 13

By Alva Solomon

W

hen Delita John was growing up in the Central Rupununi, she would pay keen attention to her grandmother making her craft items. In the evenings, the elderly woman and John’s mother would gather the children around and teach them how to make a variety of crafts. These days that tradition is evolving, as John’s children are very much involved in learning the skill.

John lives at the village of Campbelltown on

Delita John preparing to make a handcrafted item

the periphery of the town of Mahdia in Region Eight.

The single mother of five told Guyana Times that she is ardently passing on the skills she learnt from her grandmother and her mother to her children as well as to villagers who have paid an interest in learning the skill.

She said she grew up at the village of Parishara and she attended the primary school there. Later, she attended and completed her secondary education at the St Ignatius Secondary School near Lethem. She would then move to Mahdia,

around the year 2000 through marriage.

John said when she moved to the mining area, she took her craft-making skills with her and it was there that she managed to explore her designs and create various items such as Tibisiri crafts, beaded items such as earrings and necklaces and various styles of head dresses. She also honed her skills in designing Indigenous clothing and she would explore different patterns, many times, to the choice made by her customers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Asaph has moved to the classroom to boost his conservation leadership skills

“I have been in conservation since the year 2000,” he said, adding that he was involved in laying the foundation for the Red Siskin project. Wilson said that the monitoring process involves teams fanning out in the wild, checking on the bird’s population and these duties are undertaken weekly or fortnightly. He said the teams would alternate their times.

“So once week a group would go out and then another group would take over the week after or it happens fortnightly,” he added.

According to the SRCS, the body plans to collaborate with the communities and this will create a “Red Siskin Community Based Conservation Management” zone which would be one of the first of its kind in Guyana. “The zone would cover the known range of the Red Siskin and have a set of rules whose purpose is to protect the Red Siskin that will be decided upon by the 6 communities. The zone would then be monitored by SRCS rangers from each of the 6 communities with the aim of a reduction in the number of threats and a hopeful increase in their population,” the SRCS said.

As part of its mandate, the body was provided with another tranche of a conservation grant by the Conservation Leadership Programme, a global environmental non-profit body.

It is under this funding that Asaph has been invited to participate in the “Conservation Management and Leadership Course” by the CLP. Wilson said he recently embarked on the one-month virtual leadership training and he said he is adjusting to the

Asaph Wilson stands ready to protect his environs and to ensure that conservation of the flora and fauna of the area remains intact (Photo Credit: SRCS)

use of technology in the office environment. “Well it is difficult to transition to the office and technology but I am happy for the exposure,” he said.

He said he is particularly excited about the practical phase of the training which would see him travelling to Rwanda in Africa in October this year to complete the in-person phase of the course.

“I feel good about it because I never had that sort of training in conservation before,” he said.

Wilson, who is a father of three boys and a girl, said that he has been passing on his knowledge and experiences to his children and he noted that they are all involved in conservation. “Conservation is key to our future and I ensure that they have that understanding because that would be part of their future,” the conservationist added.

Neal Miller, Programme Coordinator of the SRCS told Guyana Times that Wilson is also an experienced tour guide.

In particular, Wilson’s focus is on birds and he has been described as the “best tour guide ever” and the “world’s greatest field assistant” due to his incredible eyesight.

Miller said that Wilson is able to spot birds from an “incredible distance by both sight and sound.”

In 2019, Wilson received an honourable mention from the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) during their 2019 award ceremony. The conservationist continues to live a traditional lifestyle which involves hunting, fishing and farming.

FEATURE

15

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM FROM PAGE 14

She also does rock paintings and she noted that she would sometimes draw the designs on paper and frame them while ensuring that the arts of her ancestors remain within the household.

Memories of granny

John recalled that her grandparents, who were descendants of the Macushi and Arekuna tribes, would design various craft items and sell them at the village of Karanambo. They made items using balata, Tibisiri and straw and it was their primary means of earning a living. “My grandparents use to say that they taking the craft there to Karanambo to sell and that is how they earn money,” she said.

John recalled that her mother and grandmother would gather the children around them at nights, mainly around 7 pm and teach them how to make

Another style of necklace which Delita John designed

various craft items. “It used to be a nice experience,” she said, and she would gaze at the night sky in the distance.

With a smile, John recalled becoming angry on occasions when her grandmother would spin cotton on a reel. It is a skill she still hasn’t fully mastered.

“It used to get me angry because the cotton would burst while I spin it,” she recalled.

John said she has fond memories of her grandmother, noting that there were occasions when she would tell the elderly woman how she felt about craft-making. “I said I want to be like you granny, I must have it in me to learn and to teach other people,” she recalled telling the elderly woman.

Managing her own business

She said she married her husband in the year 2000 and the two decided to settle at Mahdia. She said it was an opportunity for her to teach others and to also develop her business. “So I came here to Campbelltown and I would make craft items and I also started to advertise my craft,” she said. John said persons got wind of

These chains made by Delita John come in a kaleidoscope of colours. John said the chains can be customised to have the customer’s name, zodiac sign or other symbols can be placed on the chain

her business and as such, she would receive calls from as far as Georgetown with orders for her craft.

These days, her customers are from various administrative regions and tourists would also call with requests. She also registered her business, under the name D and Sons Craft Shop.

She said the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs contacted her a few years ago and as such she established an arrangement for her craft to be sold at the Ministry’s offices in the city. “So it is easier for my customers because they can go there and buy the craft," she added.

John recalled that three years ago, she attended a village meeting and she spoke to the Toshao about teaching the villagers how to make craft items. She said she told the gathering that it is important for others, especially the youth, to learn the skill. “Because the young ones do not want to follow their tradition or pass on whatever their grandparents used to do,” she said.

She described the craft making business as a lucrative one. Sadly, she noted that her marriage did not work out, but she manages to ensure her business assists her in taking care of her children’s wellbeing. She said too, that she teaches her children how to make the craft items, just as her mother and grandmother taught her. “My daughter is seven years old and she can make hand bands, earrings and even slippers,” she added.

Chain in demand

As regard her eye-catching chains, John said it is always sold out whenever she advertises them. She said last week she posted photos of the chains and soon after, someone called from Berbice and he informed her that he has been searching for the chains in the city but to no avail.

“So I told him it sells quickly because I also send that to the Ministry and I was told it is always sold out,” she added.

She said the process involved in making the chain

requires patience and one must also be skilled in plaiting the item. She said she would order some of the materials from the city and that includes the colourful beads. She would then plait the chain using catgut, a natural fibre that can withstand the test of time.

She makes various colours and widths of chains.

“It all depends on what the customer order,” she added. She said persons would request the name of their village, their own names, or even symbols to be painted onto the chains.

According to John,

Delita John says that she teaches her children the art of making handcrafted items

while it is time-consuming, she would make two chains per day. But on short notice, she said she would call on another villager to assist. “Sometimes a Minister is coming this side and they would request garlands and for the name of the Minister or official to be placed on the chain,” John explained. She said the prices for the chains vary from $2000 to as much as $5000.

However, she pointed out that, that is the price in Campbelltown. “Someone said he bought one of my chains for a lot more than that in Georgetown,” she

noted.

John said she always encourages the women in the village to utilise their skills and to ensure that they can independently take care of their children in the absence of a father.

“A lot of women, when they are single parents, they would tell you that they separated from the husband and they live alone with nothing to do, “she said. “I would encourage them to do something, do it neatly, sew or make pillowcases, because at the end of the day it would help them to make a living,” the upbeat woman added.

16

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

17

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

18

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

19

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

21

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

22

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

24

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

25

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

26 FEATURE

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

SMELLY FEET – BROMODOSIS

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes

F

eet can take a person from point A to point B, but they are subject to aches, pains, and smells along the way. While most people would experience a case of smelly feet from time to time, some people live in fear of taking their shoes off. The medical term for smelly feet is “bromodosis”, and the good news

is that many treatments are available to reduce the incidence of the condition.

According to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, an estimated 16 percent of people aged 21 and older have reported a problem with foot odour. * Bacteria and moisture are the underlying causes of most cases of smelly feet. * Smelly feet are not usually a medical concern, but they can affect a person’s relationships and cause self-consciousness. * Bacteria naturally live on people’s feet. * When the bacteria rid themselves of wastes from breaking down oils and dead skin cells, bad smells can result.

PREVENTION TIPS

People can take steps to reduce the incidence of

guaranteed to contribute to smelly feet, because they are not breathable, and they promote foot sweating.

* Alternating shoes and socks

smelly feet, such as wearing certain footwear, practising good foot hygiene, trying home remedies; and, if necessary, consulting a doctor for stronger treatments.

* Wearing socks

Wearing socks can help address smelly feet and reduce the incidence of sweaty feet. Socks, especially those made from sweat-wicking materials, can absorb sweat and reduce odours. Socks are also easy to change, and

doing so may reduce the odours, which may otherwise linger inside a person’s shoes.

* Wearing certain shoes

Wearing shoes that have some breathability can help reduce the incidence of sweating and moisture.

People can look for shoes that have mesh panels, which allow for breathability.

Shoes made from plastic, such as “jellies,” are almost

People should allow shoes time to fully dry out between wears, to help cut down on particularly smelly feet. Wearing one pair of shoes one day and a different pair the next day can give the shoes enough time to dry.

A person may also wish to keep an extra pair of socks on hand to change into during the day. This can help reduce sweating and smell.

* Replacing insoles

People can also replace their shoes’ insoles with odour-reducing or antibacterial insoles.

Another option is to pur-

chase an antibacterial or disinfecting spray to use on the insoles. However, this option is not usually as effective as allowing the insoles of the shoes to dry out fully. A range of insoles is available for purchase online.

* Exfoliating the feet

People can use a scrub or a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells that bacteria like to feed on. A person who has especially smelly feet may wish to use a pumice stone 2–3 times each week, to avoid buildup.

Pumice stones are available for purchase online.

People should also wash their feet every day with antibacterial soap, paying close attention to the areas between the toes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

FEATURE

27

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

SMELLY FEET – BROMODOSIS FROM PAGE 26

* Salt soak

Soaks are potentially useful as part of an exfoliating routine or on their own.

A person can prepare a bowl or tub of warm water and dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salts in it. Soak the feet for 10–20 minutes, and then dry the feet thoroughly.

People may also use additional ingredients such as a Listerine foot soak.

* Vinegar soak

Another type of soak is a vinegar soak. A person can add two parts warm water and one part vinegar (apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are both suitable) to a tub and soak the feet for 15–20 minutes.

However, a person should not use a vinegar soak if they have any cuts, sores, or scratches, as the vinegar may irritate open areas of skin.

* Antiperspirant

Another remedy a person can use is antiperspirant on the feet. Although traditionally used for the underarms, antiperspirant might also reduce the incidence of excessive sweating on the feet.

*Iontophoresis

One treatment option for a person with smelly feet is a process called iontophoresis. This approach involves delivering a mild electric current to the skin through water for 15–40 minutes, depending on the device, to reduce the incidence of sweating feet.

*Botox

Another option a person may use in some instances is the injection of botulinum toxin, or Botox. A professional will inject this med-

ication into the feet via a means known as plantar injections.

However, these injections can be especially painful, and may not be the most effective option. The results usually last 3–4 months, and a person would require subsequent treatments.

People may also use Botox to address excessive underarm sweating.

If a person suddenly experiences a new onset of smelly feet, they should inspect their feet for signs of sores or cuts that could be infected. They can put a mirror on the floor and examine the bottom of the feet to look for any abnormalities.

A person should see a doctor if they see signs of wounds on their feet. Redness, red streaks and swelling may be signs of infection. A person should consult a medical professional to address this immediately, es-

pecially if they have diabetes, as they may experience complications.

If a person does not have any sign of wounds, over-the-counter and at-home measures should reduce the incidence of smelly feet.

A person should not suffer or feel self-conscious as a result of their smelly feet, and they should seek medical advice.

Most people may experience smelly feet from time to time, due to the shoes they wear.

Others may have trouble finding a remedy for smelly feet, and, in some cases, may experience excessive sweating. However, many home remedies can reduce the incidence of the condition, including exfoliation, soaks, and antiperspirants. A medical professional can also administer treatments, such as Botox, to help reduce foot odour.

28

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ENFORCEMENT POWERS OF

I

OFFICERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

deally, recognition that the environment is important to human sustenance would lead to the prioritisation of its protection. In such a scenario, persons would voluntarily manage, conserve, protect, and improve the environment even in the absence of prevailing penalties for failing to do so. However, the reality is that sole reliance on personal commitments to effect environmental management proves insufficient for achieving an acceptable level of compliance with environmental best practices. In view of this, the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05 (“EP Act”), and its Regulations identify various types of environmentally- harmful activities, impose specific conditions or standards for those activities, prohibit the breach of those conditions or standards, and penalise their breach. Further, at Section 3(1), the EP Act establishes the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), which is principally concerned with enforcing the provisions of the Act.

Top ten enforcement methods

In order to ensure that preventative and remedial actions are taken to protect the environment, officers of the EPA utilise a range of enforcement options, which include the following:

1. Formal warnings

Often, where it appears that a person is in breach of a provision of the EP Act, officers of the EPA firstly strive to encourage compliance by informing the person of the Agency’s stance on the offending activity, the threat involved, the steps that can be taken to remedy the situation, and the time-frame within which corrective actions ought to be taken.

2. Prohibition Notices

Where oral cautions and formal warnings fail, and it appears that a person is conducting activities which are injurious to human health and the environment, the officers of the EPA may proceed to issue a Prohibition Notice in accordance with Section 27 of the EP Act. Such notices order the immediate cessation of the offending activity.

Persons who fail to adhere to Prohibition Notices become liable to a fine, which may exceed three hundred thousand dollars, and to imprisonment for up to one year.

3. Enforcement Notices

Where an officer of the EPA observes that a person is contravening, or is likely to contravene, a condition of an Environmental Permit, that officer may issue an Enforcement Notice, in accordance with Section 26 of the EP Act. If the person in breach of an Environmental Permit fails to adhere to an Enforcement Notice, an officer of the EPA may proceed to cancel or suspend the Environmental Permit issued to that person.

4. Cessation Orders

Where any project is being carried on, or has been started, without an environmental permit, as required by the EP Act, the EP Agency is required to immediately serve an order, in accordance with Section 15(2) of the EP Act, directing the person responsible to immediately stop the project.

5. Fixed penalties

Where an officer of the EPA has reason to believe that a person has committed an offence, the officer may give that person a notice, pursuant to Section 46 of the EP Act, offering them the opportunity to discharge any liability to conviction for that offence by payment to the EPA of two-thirds of the minimum prescribed penalty within twenty-eight days of the date of the notice.

6. Clean-up Orders

Where an officer of the EPA considers any premises - when viewed from a public road, street or highway - to be unsightly or seriously detrimental to the amenities of the neighbourhood by reason of litter, that officer may proceed to issue a clean-up order, pursuant to Regulation 24 of the Environmental Protection (Litter Enforcement) Regulations 2013, requiring the person in control of the premises to remedy its condition.

7. Litter-removal Orders

Where an officer of the EPA finds a person depositing litter in a public place without reasonable excuse, that officer may proceed to issue a litter removal order, pursuant to Regulation 22(3) of Environmental Protection (Litter Enforcement) Regulations 2013, requiring the person to remedy the condition caused by their action.

8. Detention of property

Section 35(2)(f) and (g) of the EP Act provides that officers of the EPA may take any article or substance found in or on premises which they consider to have caused, or to be likely to cause, pollution of the environment, and dismantle it, subject it to processing or testing, or detain it for the purpose of ensuring that the articles or substances are available for use as evidence in any proceedings for an offence under the EP Act.

9. Injunction

Where a person has done, is about to do, or is likely to commit, any act or thing constituting or directing the commission of an offence under the EP Act, an officer of the EPA may, in accordance with Section 47(1) of the EP Act, proceed to make an application to the High Court, requesting that the Court make an order which requires the person to either refrain from doing a particular thing, or to do a particular thing which would prevent the commission of an offence.

10. Prosecution

Although the EPA makes every effort to encourage voluntary compliance with the EP Act, in certain instances, it becomes necessary to prosecute offences under the Act. For instance, where breaches have significant environmental consequences, where there is an apparent disregard for the law, or where the offender has been found guilty of breaches on previous occasions, officers of the EPA may proceed to initiate legal proceedings against apparent offenders, in accordance with Section 32(1) of the EP Act. 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.

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

NEWS

29

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 COVID deaths recorded in 1 week, 3 in ICU …673 new cases in 24 hours

T

hroughout the past week, a whopping 673 cases were detected across nine administrative regions in the country.

Data provided by the Health Ministry last Sunday showed confirmed cases at 68,194. On Saturday, this number moved to 68,194 – reflecting 31,687 males and 37,280 females.

The dashboard, reflecting Saturday’s figures, showed 137 new positives detected while deaths remained at 1264. In one week, four persons succumbed to the virus.

There are three persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 37 in institutional isolation, 974 in home isolation and zero in institutional isolation. Active cases have surpassed 1000.

In examining new positives, the figures reflect one for Region One (BarimaWaini), three for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), five for Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 75 for Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), one for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), eight for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 39 for Region Nine (Upper Takutu-

Upper Essequibo) and five for Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) has not witnessed any increases. Authorities have suspected that it might be due to reduced testing in the region, since persons are not presenting themselves at the sites.

Moreover, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony shared on Friday that due to a lot of persons doing self-testing, the actual COVID infections are not reflected in the Ministry’s records.

“If they test positive, they do not necessarily report it to us…It is probably an underestimate of the actual cases that we have. I just want people to understand that.

We’re seeing this in other countries too,” he shared.

Meanwhile, 66,589 infected persons have recovered completely. The country has since processed 669,716 tests for COVID.

Vaccination

Latest vaccination figures show that so far, over 442,200 or 86.6 per cent of adults have taken a first

dose, while some 344,000 or 67.1 per cent of persons 18 years and over are fully vaccinated.

For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, more than 25,700 or 35.3 per cent are fully vaccinated. Vaccination for children in the five to 11 categories showed over 4000 first doses or 4.5 per cent. In addition, more than 69,700 persons have returned for their booster shots thus far.

According to the World Health Organisation’s recent figures, some 557,917,904 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 6,358,899 deaths.

In the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 166,308,606 while the death toll in the region has gone up to 2,773,046.

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. (G12)

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 16 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

137 37

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

974

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

3

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

0

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

37,280

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

31,587

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

68,867

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

66,589

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

444,911

FULLY IMMUNISED

343,698

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2022 REGION 1

2651

REGION 2

3035

REGION 3

8528

REGION 4

34,250

REGION 5

2512

REGION 6

6621

REGION 7

2555

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4185

REGION 10

3644

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Wear a face mask.

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

1264

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

30 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Being angry doesn’t do anything for you” – Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar …as “IStandforPeace” event hosted at National Cultural Centre

Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar at the National Cultural Centre

“B

eing angry doesn’t do anything for you, nor being anxious about the future.

This just brings toxicity to your system. Keep your mind in the present moment. Smile more and frown less,” Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar told hundreds at the National Cultural Centre as he hosted the “IStandforPeace” event.

The Global Peace Ambassador and Humanitarian leader was in Guyana over the weekend as he continues to travel the world to promote his message of peace and living in togetherness.

At the National Culture Centre, the spiritual leader was greeted with a rich dose of Guyanese culture with welcoming sounds of Indian

and African drumming as he entered.

During his presentation Gurudev invited all in attendance to join him in a 28-minute meditation as he encouraged attendees to be in harmony with one’s mind, body and soul. He said that this will enable persons to free themselves of self-imposed limitations.

“Meditation is about transcending and focusing is a type of meditation,” he told the gathering, adding that art of living is based on making life happy and joyful despite the challenges encouraged in a person’s daily life.

During his presentation at the National Culture Centre, Gurudev invited questions and comments from the audience as he thought the gathering about

the importance not allowing themselves to become devoted only to power and money.

“Your heart always takes pride in the old, your head always wants something new. You take pride in the latest technology and you take pride in the old friend,” he said, explaining that life is a combination of both, and to progress in life persons have honour both “old and new”.

Speaking directly to young people in the audience, the humanitarian, who is also known as the master of peace and love, advised that if their minds are isolating between the past and future, then it will only bring toxicity in their lives.

“We are angry about the past and anxious about the future…both are useless.

Being angry about the past, does it do any good for you?

Being anxious about the future, does it do any good? It brings more toxins in your system; you feel more suffocated. So, live in the present moment, face the principles.

This is the essence of the ancient scriptures. Keep your mind in the present moment. Smile more and frown less,” he advised young people.

Speaking on the issue of stress, he said this is the root cause of violence,

as he urged and advised those present to manage their minds which will lead to their minds letting go of stress. Speaking on the issue of violence against women, he called on men to “do better”, noting that women and girls should be treated with respect.

Also in attendance at the event were Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud and High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa among other members of the

diplomatic community.

Prior to the event, President Dr Irfaan Ali hosted the global peace ambassador at State House where Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips along with a number of Cabinet Ministers; members of the diplomatic community and religious leaders also attended the event.

Gurudev’s campaign was launched at the UN Headquarters in Geneva in April 2022 and is a call for the silent, positive, and ra-

ten called the Master of Love, Gurudev has worked with Governments and civil society leaders to progress peace in conflict-stricken areas of Sri Lanka, Iraq, Venezuela, and Colombia, among other countries.

He has also been actively involved in efforts to promote peace and sustainable development in several countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Lebanon, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Haiti. He recently pro-

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar along with Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud at the National Cultural Centre during his “IStandforPeace” event in Guyana

tional voices in society to stand and be heard.

The campaign is premised on intentions being the driving force behind purposeful actions, and that resolve to stand for peace would itself empower those overwhelmed by the rising global aggression to channel their energies into peaceful outcomes.

Gurudev, who heads the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association of Human Values, which has a presence in more than 156 countries, says conflict arises when trust and communication break down, and can be prevented if people are mentally strong and their minds are serene and calm.

He has worked over the last 40 years to bring peace and well-being into the lives of more than 450 million persons around the world.

Standing for Gandhian values of non-violence, and of-

posed the settlement adopted by the Supreme Court in India to settle the age-old Ayodhya dispute.

Gurudev, who began his teaching journey with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi of the Transcendental Meditation movement before he began the Art of Living, teaches breath-based meditation techniques to calm the mind and to lead to improved health outcomes.

Gurudev has inspired a wave of service activities across the world among 30,000+ instructors, and over one million volunteers who also work tirelessly to bring trauma relief in areas ravaged by stress, tension, and natural disasters.

Volunteers have proactively embraced environmental sustainability by planting more than 36 million trees around the world, and they have rejuvenated thousands of water bodies in India.

31 Micobie man who spent almost 10 years in jail was not indicted – DPP NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…after Judge finds man’s constitutional rights violated

A

Micobie man who was on Friday freed after languishing in jail for almost 10 years, was not indicted for the murder charge he was facing.

Raymond Jones, 58, an Indigenous man of Micobie village, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), was remanded to prison on December 28, 2012 for the murder of Gary Joseph, 33, who was shot with a “bow and arrow” sometime between December 26 and December 27, 2012, while the men were imbibing at a shop.

The man was committed to stand trial on October 15, 2014 at the Essequibo High Court following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in the Magistrate’s Court.

However, his case was never called up since, thus Raymond remained incarcerated until he was freed on Friday.

High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon found that the man’s constitutional right to trial in a reasonable time was violated by the State.

But in a statement on Saturday, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) disclosed that there was no indictment for Jones.

“The DPP did not prefer an Indictment against Raymond Jones and there was no Indictment against Raymond Jones and so the Judge did not quash an indictment," the DPP Chambers said.

According to the DPP, the Chamber had written to the Magistrate on three occasions – in 2015, October 2020 and recently in January 2021 – for the additional evidence to be forwarded for an indictment to be preferred.

Moreover, the DPP had remitted the case to the Magistrate’s Court for the presiding Magistrate to correct what the chambers said were “several material irregularities and/or omissions”.

But this was never done nor was the additional evidence ever forwarded as requested by the DPP. On Friday, Justice Kissoon lamented on the fact that the Magistrate is yet to comply with the DPP’s directive.

In fact, the High Court Judge frowned upon the state of affairs in Guyana’s criminal justice system, par-

resentation by him to have his matter heard, has had his request to plead denied; and where his case has still not been tried, despite previous orders for his case to be heard.

In the end, the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, or any other institution, has been ordered to assist Raymond financially or otherwise, to ensure that he meets home safely.

Cannot be condoned

Freed: Jones Raymond

ticularly the issue of accused persons languishing in jail for lengthy periods on remand, in this case nearly 10 years, before they are afforded a trial.

Agony

While delivering his ruling in the State vs Jones Raymond on Friday, the Judge pointed out that delays in the administration of justice cannot be tolerated, as a delay constitutes a violation of one’s constitutional rights.

The Judge disclosed that Raymond’s unfortunate circumstances were brought to his attention by the Superintendent of Prison.

As for Raymond, who wanted to end his “agony”, the Judge said that the man opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, as he saw this as his only way out of prison.

The Judge recalled that, in 2021, he had given directions for the accused to be taken before the Essequibo Criminal Assizes, for his plea to be taken and a sentence to be imposed.

Notwithstanding those directions, Justice Kissoon added, the accused was before him again.

Come December 2022, he pointed out, the time that the accused would have spent on remand would add up to 10 calendar years, which equates to 15 prison years. Having regard to the foregoing, Justice Kissoon held that “a grave tragedy, the unthinkable, has occurred in relation to Jones Raymond without compassion, conscious and judicial discretion.”

In the circumstances, Justice Kissoon has permanently stayed all crim-

inal proceedings against Raymond, ordering that he be released from prison immediately. In so doing, he ruled that the stay was warranted in the “exceptional circumstances” of this case: where there has been an undue and inexcusable delay without cause on the part of the State; when Raymond, who is clothed with the presumption of innocence, despite his requests and rep-

Referencing several scholarly legal articles and case laws on access to justice, Justice Sandil Kissoon declared that Raymond’s fundamental right to a fair trial within a reasonable time, as guaranteed by Article 144 of the Constitution, has been violated, and continues to be violated, due to the inordinate period he has spent in pre-trial detention.

Justice Kissoon expressed that he is unable to contemplate how “we in the crimi-

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack

nal justice system arrived at this juncture in 2022…a citizen can serve the equivalent of a few months short of a 15-year sentence on remand, and this is somehow acceptable in the system that prevails.”

He emphasised that this laxity cannot, and should not, be condoned, and it should not be tolerated when the liberty of a citizen has been, and continues to be,

wantonly violated with no effort to remedy these circumstances.

“To no one will we sell, to no one will we deny or delay right or justice,” said Justice Kissoon as he quoted from Clause 40 of the Charter of the Magna Carta.

Attorney-at-Law Teriq Mohammed appeared for Raymond, while State Counsel Muntaz Ali appeared for the prosecution.

32 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Barbados confirms 1st Thousands of ECD residents to get house lots – Housing Minister case of monkeypox

B

arbados on Saturday confirmed its first case of the Monkeypox virus. Officials have since indicated that the island is fully prepared to handle any cases of the virus.

Monkeypox has already been detected in two other Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Health and Wellness Minister Ian Gooding Edghill in a statement said the case is of a Barbadian national in his 30s “who attended the Winston Scott Polyclinic with symptoms of a progressive rash, body pains and fever.

“He sought medical attention at the Polyclinic within hours of his arrival in Barbados. The patient was seen and assessed based on a history of recent travel and clinical manifestations.

The patient was swabbed

and the samples were sent to the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory for testing where results revealed a positive case of Monkeypox.”

Edghill said that the results of the locally done test were obtained within 24 hours “against the days awaiting results when the tests were done” by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

“The patient remains in isolation and is under the direct care and medical supervision of our Medical Officer of Health. In the interest of patient confidentiality, no personal details will be disclosed.”

The Health and Wellness Minister said he remains “confident” that the speedy announcement of this case will, as has occurred with the island’s response to the coronavirus

(COVID-19) pandemic, “get from the Barbadian public the same level of cooperation in our ongoing management of the Monkeypox health issue.”

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness has commenced contact tracing as a responsible public health measure. Let me assure the public that the Ministry is fully prepared to handle any cases of Monkeypox in our nation,” said Edghill, who did not disclose when the national returned to the island and where he had travelled to.

The signs and symptoms of Monkeypox include rash, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, back pain and muscle pain and the World Health Organization (WHO) has prescribed that if anyone is exposed to the virus he or she should be quarantined for up to 21 days. (CMC)

T

ECD Residents at Chateau Margot Primary School on Saturday during a ministerial outreach

housands of residents along the East Coast Demerara corridor are set to benefit from a massive housing development that will improve their socio-economic conditions through homeownership, infrastructure growth and job creation.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal made

this statement during an outreach at the Chateau Margot Primary School.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall and local representatives were also at the meeting, which was in keeping with a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali. As part of the 2022 hous-

ing programme, he stated that thousands of residents on the East Coast of Demerara will be allocated house lots. Allocations are expected to commence as early as the new week, through the Ministry’s “Dream Realised” Housing Drive.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

NEWS

33

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 2 residents benefit from free eye testing

O

ver 100 residents of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have benefitted from free eye tests and spectacles as the Health Ministry continues to work with the Ophthalmology Department in the region along with the Regional Health Services and George Subraj Foundation and to host medical outreaches.

The testing was held at Region Two Police Headquarters, Anna Regina, where both children and adults benefited from free eye testing for refrac-

Technicians assisting persons to select the correct pair of spectacles

Some of the Region 2 residents at the outreach

tive errors and eye diseases.

The George Subraj Foundation, based in New York, continues to provide healthcare services to Guyanese in need and would visit annually to conduct the outreaches with the help of local authorities.

Speaking with the foundation member and coordinator of the effort, Richard B Mahase said that the founder, George Subraj (now deceased) always be-

lieved in helping the people of Guyana.

He added that the foundation started the eye clinics where the members would travel to various parts of Guyana, along with a team from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. “Our foundation purchases all of the medication, eyeglasses. Some cannot get to Georgetown because of different factors, so we take the specialists to them

Thousands of ECD residents to...

FROM PAGE 32

Over the past few days, the Ministry has also been registering persons who have been issued lands for their Agreement of Sale and Certificates of Title.

“This and every PPP/C Government has always made the housing needs of every Guyanese a priority and we will continue to develop programmes to satisfy the housing demand on the East Coast of Demerara,” Croal assured.

A statement from the Housing Ministry said that from August 2020 to date, more than 4000 house lots were allocated on the East Coast of Demerara at La Bonne Intention, Mon Repos, La Reconnaissance, Annandale, Vigilance, Strathspey, and Bladen Hall.

Billions of dollars have been invested for infrastructure works in these areas to deliver wholesome communities with access roads, bridges, drainage networks and utilities for the allottees.

Meanwhile, speaking on future plans, the Minister said that the Ministry will be seeking more funds to develop schemes under its purview.

“All of you who have old or pending applications, I am giving you the assurance today that within a two-year span we will fix the East Coast of Demerara for all prior applicants,” affirmed the Minister.

An appeal was also made to persons squatting on lands in the nearby community of Success to desist from the illegal activity. Croal also advised against the construction of more illegal structures by other persons. He indicated that the Ministry has assessed the situation and that the matter will be addressed soon.

During the outreach, residents were also given the platform to raise a number of issues with the Ministers and team, which were addressed.

to help them save costs,” Mahase pointed out, adding that the members do not hold fundraisers, but use personal funds to get their work done.

Meanwhile, the foundation’s team members are Gloria, Tony and Jasmine Subraj, along with Jay Jainarine. They have been coordinating various health initiatives in Guyana since the early 1990s, doing so with personal funds to give back to the country.

The team provided eye tests, blood sugar, pressure and glucose testing, and distributed thousands of glasses for adults and children, including anti-glare and blue-light glasses.

34

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Russia says it will ramp up operations as rockets pound Ukraine

R US rig count rises

despite chaotic week in oil markets

T

he number of total active drilling rigs in the United States rose by 4 this week, according to new data from Baker Hughes published on Friday.

The total rig count rose to 756 this week—272 rigs higher than the rig count this time in 2021.

Oil rigs in the United States rose by 2 this week to 599.

Gas rigs stayed the same for the second week in a row at 153.

Miscellaneous rigs added 2 rigs, and now sit at 4.

The rig count in the Permian Basin held steady at 350 this week. Rigs in the Eagle Ford increased by 1 to 69. Oil and gas rigs in the Permian are 112 above where they were this time last year. Granite Wash added 2 rigs, reaching 5.

Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count, an estimate of the number of crews completing unfinished wells—a more frugal use of finances than drilling new wells—held steady at 285 for week ending July 8, compared to 238 a year ago.

Crude oil production in the United States slipped to 12 million bpd in the week ending July 8, down 100,000 bpd from the week prior.

At 12:46 pm ET, oil prices were trending up on the day, but still down significantly on the week as recession fears outweighed the Russia factor. WTI was trading at US$97.82— up US$2.04 per barrel (+2.13 per cent) on the day, but down nearly US$6 on the week. The Brent benchmark traded at US$101.20 per barrel, up US$2.07 (+2.09 per cent) on the day, and down roughly US$5 on the week.

At 1:08 pm ET, WTI was trading at US$98,17, while Brent was trading at US$101.50 per barrel—both up on the day.

(Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Sri Lanka kicks off process to choose new President

T

he Sri Lankan Parliament met on Saturday to begin choosing a new leader to serve the rest of the current term after the President fled abroad and resigned following mass protests over the country’s economic collapse.

Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena promised a swift and transparent political process that should be completed within a week.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in on Friday as interim President until Parliament elects a successor to Gotabaya Rajapaksa, whose term ends in 2024.

Protesters in the crisis-hit island nation, however, insist the six-time Prime Minister too should step aside. The new President could appoint a legislator to replace Wickremesinghe.

Nominations for the presidential post will be heard on Tuesday, the Parliament’s Secretary General Dhammika Dasanayake said during a brief session. If there is more than one candidate for the President, the

legislators will vote on Wednesday.

Rajapaksa, 73, fled to the Maldives and then to Singapore this week to escape a popular uprising against his Government.

During the proceedings, Dasanayake also formally read out Rajapaksa’s resignation letter, the contents of which have not previously been made public.

In his letter, Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka’s financial crisis was rooted in years of economic mismanagement that predated his presidency, along with the COVID-19 pandemic that drastically reduced Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals and remittances from foreign workers.

“It is my personal belief that I took all possible steps to address this crisis, including inviting parliamentarians to form an all-party or unity government,” the letter said.

The protesters accuse Rajapaksa and his powerful political family of siphoning money from government coffers and of hastening the country’s collapse by mismanaging the economy.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ussia said on Saturday its forces would step up military operations in Ukraine in “all operational areas” as Moscow’s rockets and missiles pounded cities in strikes that Kyiv says have killed dozens in recent days.

Rockets hit the north-eastern town of Chuhuiv in Kharkiv region overnight, killing three people including a 70-year-old woman and wounding three others, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said.

“Three people lost their lives, why? What for? Because Putin went mad?” said Raisa Shapoval, 83, a distraught resident sitting in the ruins of her home.

To the south, more than

A shell crater in seen after a Russian missile strike, as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues, in Dnipro, Ukraine, July 16, 2022

50 Russian Grad rockets pounded the city of Nikopol, on the Dnipro River, killing two people who were found in the rubble, the region’s governor Valentyn Reznichenko said.

Ukraine says at least 40

people have been killed in such attacks on urban areas in the last three days. Russia says it has been hitting military targets.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered military units to intensify

their operations to prevent Ukrainian strikes on eastern Ukraine and other areas held by Russia, where he said Kyiv could hit civilian infrastructure or residents.

His remarks appeared to be a direct response to what Kyiv says is a string of successful strikes carried out on 30 Russian logistics and ammunitions hubs using several multiple launch rocket systems recently supplied by the West.

Ukraine’s Defence Ministry spokesperson said on Friday that the strikes were causing havoc with Russian supply lines and had significantly reduced Russia’s offensive capability.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Europe heatwave: Deadly wildfires spread in Mediterranean region

T

housands of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal, Spain and southwestern France, in the grip of a heatwave that shows no sign of easing.

In northern Portugal, a pilot died when his waterbombing plane crashed in the Foz Coa area, near the Spanish border.

Fires are ravaging areas of France’s Gironde region, where more than 12,000 people have been evacuated.

In southern Spain, near the Costa del Sol, about 2300 people had to flee a wildfire spreading in the Mijas hills.

Holidaymakers on the beach in Torremolinos saw big plumes of smoke rising in the hills, where several aircraft were tackling the blaze.

Planes have been a drop-

ping fire retardant substance, as helicopters shuttle to and from the coast, collecting seawater to douse the flames.

Meanwhile, near France’s south-west Atlantic coast, a local resident described the forest fires as feeling “post-apocalyptic”.

“I’ve never seen this before,” Karyn, who lives near Teste-de-Buch, told news agency AFP. The fire there and another just south of Bordeaux have ravaged nearly 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres). Some 3000 firefighters are tackling the blazes.

Heatwaves have become more frequent, more intense, and last longer because of human-induced climate change.

The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since

Haiti gang violence: UN votes to ban small arms sales

T

he UN Security Council has voted unanimously to ban some weapon sales to Haiti, rocked by deadly gang violence.

The resolution calls on UN member states to prohibit the sale of small arms, light weapons and ammunition to what it calls “non-state actors”.

But a proposal by China for a full embargo on weapon sales was rejected.

Since last week, 89 people have been killed in the Port-au-Prince capital region alone. Aid agencies say many areas are now dangerous to access.

On Saturday, the UN said 234 people were killed or injured by gang violence from July 8-12.

“Most of the victims were not directly involved in gangs and were directly targeted by gang elements,” UN spokesperson Jeremy Laurence

said.

He added that his office had also received reports of sexual violence.

The UN resolution to prohibit weapons sales - proposed by Mexico and the US - was adopted on Friday.

It envisages sanctions in the form of travel bans and asset freezes against Haiti’s gang leaders and human rights abusers.

It also extends the mandate of the UN special political mission to Haiti for another year.

Gang violence in the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere has shot up since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse by mercenaries a year ago.

The unrest along with poverty in the country is leading many Haitians to flee to the Dominican Republic and the US. (Excerpt from BBC News)

the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around

the world make steep cuts to carbon emissions. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Mexico arrests drug lord Caro Quintero, wanted for killing US agent

Mexican drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero is shown behind bars in this undated file photo. Quintero won an initial appeal against his conviction and 40-year sentence for the 1985 murder of US DEA agent Enrique Camarena. Quintero will stay in jail while prosecutors appeal against the ruling

M

exico’s navy on Friday captured drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, convicted of murdering a US anti-narcotics agent in 1985, in a law enforcement coup that came at a heavy cost when a helicopter used in the mission crashed, killing 14 military personnel.

Marines flushed out Caro Quintero with a bloodhound in a far-flung corner of the northwestern state of Sinaloa, one of Mexico’s drug-trafficking heartlands, before the Black Hawk chopper came down as it was about to land further south.

Caro Quintero rose to prominence as a co-founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, one of Latin America’s most powerful drug trafficking organisations during the 1980s, and had been among the most prized targets for US officials.

The US Government hailed the arrest, and said it would waste no time in requesting his extradition.

“This is huge,” White

House senior Latin America adviser Juan Gonzalez said on Twitter.

Caro Quintero was captured in San Simon in the Sinaloa municipality of Choix after the military-trained female bloodhound named Max found him in shrub land, the navy said.

Caro Quintero spent 28 years in prison for the brutal murder and torture of former US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, one of the most notorious killings in Mexico’s bloody narco wars. The events, dramatised in the 2018 Netflix series “Narcos: Mexico,” led to a nadir in US-Mexico co-operation in a five-decade “war on drugs.”

Caro Quintero has previously denied involvement in the killing of Camarena.

He was released in 2013 on a technicality by a Mexican judge, embarrassing the previous Government. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

ARIES (March 21April 19)

35

Indulgence will bring you down. A moderate lifestyle will help you lower stress and keep you on track emotionally, financially and physically.

Take pride in how you look, feel and care for others.

Call on your resources to TAURUS help you get things done on (April 20time.

Working in unison with May 20) someone who shares your concerns will make your life easier and help form a close bond.

Think before you act. An GEMINI emotional mistake will take (MAY 28its toll.

Aim for stability, keep June 20)

the peace and do whatever it takes to avoid chaos. Reach out to people who share your beliefs.

Be a realist and be will-

CANCER ing to talk about who you are, (June 21- what you can do and what you July 22) want in return. Play to win,

and do whatever it takes to stand out and make others recognize what you can offer.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Protect your possessions, finances and health. Taking risks will lead to regret and force you to adjust how you live, work and play. Put a routine in place and set your priorities straight.

A positive attitude will VIRGO bring welcome results. Use (Aug. 23your imagination, but be realSept. 22) istic when putting together a budget or plan. Your due diligence will save you from making a costly error.

Dilbert LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

Strive for perfection, challenge yourself, get fit and follow your heart. Say goodbye to old habits and situations that are holding you back or causing stress. Be honest with yourself and others.

Share your thoughts and contribute knowledge, experience and insight. Encourage others to live their dreams.

Your impact on those around you will give your reputation a boost.

Think twice before getting SAGITTARIUS involved in someone's drama.

(Nov. 23Avoid people trying to manipDec. 21)

ulate or take advantage of your generosity and good nature.

Avoid temptation and health risks.

Avoid over-the-top behavCAPRICORN ior and people who overreact.

(Dec. 22Consider how you can imJan. 19) prove your finances and make

professional gains. Listen to suggestions, but change only what's necessary.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take care of business per-

AQUARIUS sonally, and you won't be disap(Jan. 20pointed with the outcome. Hard Feb. 19) work will pay off and make you

feel good about your accomplishments. Physical improvements will fetch compliments.

PISCES Look at your options.

(Feb. 20- The possibilities are endless Mar. 20) if you are willing to put in the effort. By trusting and believing in yourself, you will surpass expectations and impress someone important.

36

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

India Tour of England 2022: ODI Series, Match 3 of 3…

India seek batting fillip in series decider in Manchester

Positivity was something that worked rather well for the Indian team in the T20I series against England, as they set out on a new path in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. But their batting seemed bereft of positivity in the second ODI, allowing England and Reece Topley to dominate in their defence of an underwhelming 246, as the hosts levelled the ODI Series with a big 100-run victory.

India had slipped to 31/4 in the chase, a position not new to them in recent years, and weren’t able to mount a fight back.

“We have spoken about that a lot. It has happened in the 2019 World Cup, also the Champions Trophy and a few other games as well; where we were put under pressure, and we lost wickets, and we were 20 for 3 or 40 for 4. That is where I want the guys to change their mindset a little bit, and try and see if they can be a little positive and try and take the game on…,” said Rohit Sharma after the

second match, as he stressed on the need for the batters to deflect the pressure, rather than succumb to it in trying to control it.

The ODI World Cup is a while away, but India need a roadmap

Barcelona reach agreement with Bayern Munich to sign Poland striker Robert Lewandowski

B

arcelona and Bayern Munich have struck a deal for the transfer of Robert Lewandowski in one of the biggest moves of the window so far.

Lewandowski scored 50 goals across all competitions last season, but announced at the end of the campaign that he wished to leave Bayern, and would not be signing a new contract with the Bundesliga champions. With Bayern facing the prospect of keeping an unhappy player and then losing the Poland captain on a free transfer next year, they have elected to cash in and grant Lewandowski’s wish to join Barca.

Lewandowski returned to Munich for pre-season training on July 12, but all parties were said to have wanted an agreement to have been made prior to Bayern’s tour of the United States.

The Catalan club have been hampered by financial difficulties, but managed to put together a bid reportedly worth 50 million euros, which has been enough to convince Bayern to part company with the 33-year-old Lewandowski.

Barcelona on Saturday announced that an agreement in principle had been reached for Lewandowski, with completion of the deal contingent on him passing a medical on contracts being signed.

Lewandowski joined Bayern from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer in 2014, and went on to become one of the world’s most prolific goal-scorers.

In the 2020-21 campaign, Lewandowski broke Gerd Muller’s longstanding Bundesliga record by scoring 41 goals in a single season, while his 43 league goals in 2021 serve as the record for a calendar year in Germany’s top tier.

Lewandowski’s 312 Bundesliga goals are the second-most scored by any player in the history of the competition, behind Muller (365), while he leaves Bayern after having accumulated 344 goals and 57 assists across 375 appearances in all competitions.

The forward will become Barca’s fourth signing of the transfer window, following on from Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, while the Blaugrana have also tied Ousmane Dembele down to a new contract.

Bayern, meanwhile, brought in Sadio Mane from Liverpool earlier in the window, in essence replacing Lewandowski already, while they are expected to sign defender Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus. (Sportsmax)

and a method, especially with their batting. Shikhar Dhawan

N

has scored more than 500 runs in the 12 ODIs since 2021, but his strike rate of 82.69 has been a problem. Among the current lot in the Indian team, only Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya have a strike rate in excess of 100, with Padiya’s 114.42 being the highest.

In comparison, England have Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy and Phil Salt, who all have a strike rate of more than 110 in ODIs since 2021; Buttler’s 152.55 and Salt’s 132.33 being among the top three strike rates among those who have scored at least 200 runs in the said period.

Meanwhile, England will be hoping for more runs from their top-order batters, who have struggled against both pace and spin in this series. They were blown away by Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive bowling in the first game, skittled out for just 110, while the wily Yuzvendra Chahal

had restricted the opposition in the second match, with Topley’s six-wicket haul papering over England’s batting struggles.

The ball has dominated in both the one-sided games, with extended periods of swing coming as a pleasant surprise for the bowlers. Will the batters find some respite in Manchester? <England:> The hosts might field an unchanged eleven, like they did in the previous game. <Probable XI:> Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Craig Overton, David Willey, Brydon Carse, Reece Topley. <India:> This will be Virat Kohli’s last game before he takes a break from the West Indies Series; while Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami would also be rested for the West Indies ODIs. India, too, might possibly go unchanged.

<Probable XI:> Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna.

<<What they said:>> “He has played for so long, he has played so many matches, he is such a great batsman, so he doesn’t need reassurance…

We know on this topic there are discussions, we have seen for so many years that performances of all players go up and down.

But as I had said last time, the quality of a player doesn’t become bad, I think we need to keep that in mind. The guy has scored so many runs; you look at his average, he has scored so many hundreds, he has the experience of it”. Those were the words of Rohit Sharma as he backed the out-of-form Virat Kohli. (Cricbuzz)

-No fairytale ending, but magical memories involved

ot all fairytales have the perfect ending. In the final race of a career spanning two decades, and with more medals than anyone else in the history of athletics, Allyson Felix left Hayward Field with bronze, not gold, in the mixed 4x400m relay, as the United States were stunned by the Dominican Republic.

For a few magical moments, as Felix stormed to a 20m lead on the second leg and the crowd exploded with noise and love, she appeared to be rolling back the years. “I felt the love, and I felt joy running,” she said afterwards. And how it showed!

But Felix is 36 now, and she was closed down and reined in by the Tokyo 2020 individual silver medallist Marileidy Paulino.

Even so, the US still looked set to justify their status of 1-20 favourites, until a desperate final 15m of the race, when Kennedy Simon was caught and the script was ripped up.

It was mighty close. The Dominican Republic won in 3min 9.82sec, with the Netherlands just 0.08 back after a stunning anchor leg by Femke Bol. The US were third in 3:10.16.

At that moment, you could hear most of the air and joy being sucked out of the stadium.

Felix kept smiling, though, embracing her teammates and then hugging Sebastian Coe as she was awarded her medal by the president of World Athletics.

She was still beaming deep into the night when she spoke movingly of her final race, and inspiring her threeyear-old daughter, Camryn, who watched on. “To be able to compete here in front of my own crowd at a World Championship was something

I had always wanted,” she said.

“Obviously, I am not in the prime of my career. But just to be able to finish it with Camryn in the stands, and to share that moment with her, means a lot.”

Why isn’t Camryn with you now?” she was asked. “She is getting ice cream,” Felix shot back, laughing. “She is three.

She is loving her best life.”

Felix leaves her sport having hoarded a stupendous tally of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals over the past 18 years, a tally that may never be beaten. To put that into context, the closest to her in the all-time list, Merlene Ottey, had 23, while Usain Bolt had 21.

True, Felix does not leave a trail of scorching times in her wake. Her personal best over 200m is 21.69sec, and it ranks her as only the eighth best ever.

But greatness is not measured on one stopwatch, but over many, and few can match Felix’s longevity, her range of events, or her voice on important issues.

She really was a 3D athlete.

More recently, that voice has become amplified, especially after she became pregnant in 2018. At that point, Nike were already proposing to reduce her contract by 70%.

When she found the company wouldn’t add any protections for maternity leave, Felix became steelier and stronger.

Her second life had begun.

“The last couple of years I have stepped outside of just the clock and the medals,” she said after the race. “And I never would have imagined that would be a place I would come to; but I have. And what I hope to do from now on is to really support female and mum athletes and carry on the childcare initiative I have. They are all going to be in my next chapter.”

Who knows where it will take her? Already Felix has set up her own women’s-only shoe brand, Saysh, while in May she announced an initiative with her sponsor Athleta and the nonprofit group &Mother to provide free childcare to athletes, staff and coaches for the first time in the history of the US championships.

Speaking a few years ago, Felix also mentioned being an ambassador for the global humanitarian organisation Right to Play, which led to her travelling to refugee camps in countries such as Rwanda, Uganda and Palestine.

“I get to run for a living, and that’s great and fun,” she once

told me. “But the work that Right to Play does is so much more important.”

Asked on Friday night what message she would tell her young self, Felix replied: “Every defeat, every failure, is an opportunity to get better.

Earlier in my career, I would sometimes get paralysed by disappointment. But there is so much to learn from every moment. Embrace the journey!

All of it!”

As a motto to live life by, it doesn’t get much better than that. Then again, few have done it better than Felix – on or off the track.

Meanwhile it has been a frustrating first 24 hours of these World Championships for Team GB, with a freak accident and a COVID case to add to Chris Thompson missing Sunday’s men’s marathon because of a visa problem.

The Tokyo 2020 pole vault bronze medallist Holly Bradshaw was left in tears after her pole snapped in a freak accident during the warm-up, and she was lucky to escape serious injury when she landed on her neck and slid down the mat into the pit. “It’s the first time it’s ever happened in my career,” she said. “I was crying in the box, sobbing. It was a massive, massive shock.”

Morgan Lake was also upset as she revealed that she was still testing positive for COVID despite being asymptomatic.

“Absolutely heartbroken to have to watch in my hotel room, and while I am grateful to be feeling 100% fine, it’s even more frustrating to know that I am physically able to compete, but can’t,” the high jumper said.

(Guardian UK)

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

37

RHTY&SC, Metro Office Supplies renew historic sponsorship for 15th successive year -club to expand involvement in female cricket

“I

n 2008, no one was interested in female cricket, but you took the leap with us to invest heavily into giving young girls the opportunity to fulfill their dreams of becoming the next Ava Morgan of Guyana.

Fourteen years later and counting, the Rose Hall Town Metro Team is part of history,

and dozens of young females have fulfilled that dream, and many others are working to do so. Every historic feat starts with a small step, and we would like to thank you for doing so with us.”

Those were the words of the Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS, Hilbert Foster,

during a simple ceremony held in New Amsterdam to receive the 2022/23 sponsorship from Metro Office Supplies for the club’s female team.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, has said the vision for a female team was born when he and several other club executives saw a 13-year-

GNRA wins Police Commissioner’s Handgun Competition

T

he Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) has won the Annual Handgun Competition staged by the Commissioner of Police and hosted on Friday at the Tactical Services Unit’s Gun Range at Police Headquarters in Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Led by Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon (captain) and comprising Roberto Tewari and Lavendra Luckiram, the GNRA team amassed 143 points to defeat the Tactical Services Unit’s team, who copped second place with 132 points, and the Presidential

Guards team, who came in third place with 127 points.

The Tactical Services Unit’s team was led by Sergeant Asapha Easton (captain) and comprised Corporals Rudyard Thomas and Oneal Granville, while the Presidential Guards’ team consisted of Constables Tevin Jacobs (captain), Shakeel Garnett and Yeudistir Persaud.

Gordon Richards of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) copped the ‘Best Shot’ award.

Over 27 teams, including those from the various

branches of the Guyana Police Force and from private security firms and other services of the Joint Services, participated in the event.

Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag), Ravindradat Budhram, and Officer-in-Charge of the Tactical Services Unit, Superintendent Lonsdale Withrite, along with Guyana National Rifle Association officials Harold Hopkinson and Gordon Richards, were present at a simple presentation ceremony wherein the teams were awarded with trophies.

(GPF)

old Shemaine Campbelle and Jackie Singh play in an under-15 match versus the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team at the Albion Ground.

Campbelle has now become Guyana’s greatest female player, and the RHTY&SC has never regretted the decision to invest in females. In fact, Foster has said, the club views that decision as among its best ever investments, because it has resulted in the production of four senior West Indies players in Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond and Shakabi Gajnabi, along with dozens of players for Berbice and Guyana at the junior and senior levels.

The team recently had four players selected to the national under-19 team, and six to the Guyana senior team in 2022.

Foster recalled that the club had approached the then Chief Executive Officer of the Metro Office Supplies, Taajnauth Jadnauth, for sponsorship in early 2008, and he had readily agreed. The rest, he proudly stated, is history, and today the team remains the only fully functioning female team in Guyana. It has won every female tournament organised by the BCB and the GCB since 2008, and among the other players it has produced are Plaffina

A representative of the company handing over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Asst Secretary Jonathan Rampersaud

Millington, Dian Prahald, Sherica Campbelle, Trisha Hardat, Marain Samaroo, Oma Matadin, Leah Kamalall and Priya Mahadeo.

The longstanding club official also disclosed a massive plan to double the female membership of the club in a few months’ time. The plan is to attract dozens of young girls to attend the annual cricket academy which bowls off on Monday, July 18, and then encourage them to become fulltime club members.

Foster and the RHTY&SC Asst Secretary Jonathan Rampersaud recently visited several primary and secondary schools in the Rose Hall Town area to speak to female students, and the response was overwhelming. These club executives would continue to visit schools across the county when they reopen in September with the aim to attract at least fifty new members to establish under-17 and under-19 teams.

The Club’s Cricket Coach

Delbert Hicks would be responsible for development of the players, and the club has already obtained the necessary cricket gear and equipment for the expansion.

The club has also committed to assisting the new members with their educational careers as part of their personal development.

Metro’s New Amsterdam Branch Manager Danny Ramnarine has said the company is delighted to be associated with the team, and is very proud of its many achievements on and off the cricket field. He expressed confidence in the club continuing its outstanding performance, and said the relationship would become stronger in the future.

He congratulated the players who made the national team in 2022, and wish them well in their careers.

Shemaine Campbelle and Shakabi Gajnabi would serve as captain and vice-captain of the team over the next twelve months.

38

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

CAC Bodybuilding Championships 2022 in Barbados…

Confident Campbell seeking elusive pro card

By Timothy Jaikarran

G

uyana’s bodybuilding doyen Emmerson Campbell had copped silver at the Central American & Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships which were held in El Salvador in August 2021. This year, 2022, the competition is being held in Barbados from July 27 to August 1, and Campbell is optimistic that his “current package” is worthy of a gold medal and that elusive pro card.

His no retreat, no surrender mentality has seen him push himself to the boundaries of his limits, and, to date, he has produced “one of his best packages”, while being mere weeks away from strutting his stuff on stage in Barbados.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, he was asked what he thought of his current package, and Campbell responded as follows: “This prep has been great, but it has been a grind.

I can’t wait to get on stage and display my end results of the 12 weeks of hard work and dedication. I am extremely confident. I always set the bar high and aim for the best. I think this will be my best package to date. The combination of size, conditioning and confidence is worthy of a gold medal

and the elusive pro card.”

Asked what motivates Emmerson Campbell, he said it is the fact that he hasn’t won the show on five tries, which doesn’t sit well with him. He explained that, to date, he has achieved a bronze medal and two silver finishes, and on both occasions that he placed second, the winner went on to win the overall competition and the pro card.

Campbell has said that winning the show is tiona motivaal booster to

Emmerson Campbell

let him know that he is “right there”, and that he has what it takes to win the entire competition.

He iterated that to win a gold medal would be the ultimate prize and reward for the years of dieting, working out, and cardio he has been putting in.

Campbell divulged that he has been competing for the better part of seven years, and has won ten shows locally and placed within the top three in five international shows.

Therefore, he said, to bag the gold at CAC 2022 would be the apex of his achievements.

Asked to give a word of advice to those who would like to one day represent Guyana on stage, Campbell said, “CAC is the highest regional bodybuilding and fitness competition.

It is the pinnacle of our sport in this location for amateurs, and is an annual event that they should aspire to attend and medal at. Bringing 400-plus athletes from 25-plus countries and different cultures is definitely an experience worth having.”

Campbell took opportunity to express his deep gratitude to Fitness

Express, Team Mohamed’s, Bounty Farm, Space Gym, Zoon Online Shopping, and Devcon Construction for their generous support.

This super-talented Guyanese is a two-time CAC

silver and bronze medalist (El Salvador, Dominican Republic and Mexico); five-time Mr Guyana Men’s Physique Champion; three-time Stage of Champions Men’s Physique Champion; and Darcy Beckles

silver medalist (Barbados).

He is also a Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and National Sports Commission (NSC) Sports Journalist of the Year, and a certified personal trainer and nutritionist.

Milo U18 Schools Football tournament 2022…

Quarterfinal matches on today

A glimpse of the Milo action thus far

T

he Milo Under-18 Schools Football tournament is pegged to resume today with two quarterfinal fixtures being played at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

The quarterfinals were scheduled to commence on Saturday, July 16, but heavy rainfall on Friday night and into Saturday morning dissuaded the organisers, the

Petra Organization, from having the games played.

Action in the highly anticipated quarterfinal segment of this tournament will see 4 schools doing battle today. At 14:00hrs, Golden Grove Secondary will face off with Friendship Secondary; while, at 16:00hrs, President’s College will lock horns with Dolphin Secondary.

Although playing days have not yet been confirmed, the

next two quarterfinal games would see Cummings Lodge Secondary opposing defending champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary, and West Ruimveldt Secondary battling North Ruimveldt Multilateral.

This year’s Milo tournament has taken on a straight knockout format in which the top finishers in the tournament would be given passage into the Guyoil/ Tradewind Tankers Secondary School League, coming up later this year.

CLASSIFIED ADS VACANCIES Experienced Joiners / Cabinet Makers. Very attractive salaries.

For further details, please call: 6408969.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

from the get-go. So that kind of carried on the momentum from the first day all through the weekend,” Jeffrey said about his car’s preparation and performance in Barbados last Sunday.

He added, “Being back in racing after so long, you know, after the pandemic and stuff, it feels so good to be back! So, I haven’t raced in three years, and got invited to this (event) at Bushy Park for the first round (of) the Radical Series; so, I went in there with no expecta-

W

hen the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) hosted a handful of events in 2021 - their first since the COVID-19 pandemic had halted the sport Kristian Jeffrey did not then embrace the opportunity to get behind the wheel again.

In fact, Jeffrey was occupied with another sport – Squash - in the meantime.

However, after ‘getting his gears oiled’ at Bushy Park in Barbados last weekend, this racer would today

take to the South Dakota track for the first time in 3 years, for the GMR&SC’s Circuit Racing, Round 2.

Telling Guyana Times Sport about his outing in the Radical Series, where he finished as the “champion driver” of the weekend with the fastest lap, Jeffrey related that it’s great to be back behind the wheel.

“We left no room for error, and it proved fruitful in the end. From the very first practice, all the way through, I think we were the fastest

Kristian Jeffrey and his Evolution 9 vehicle

tion, because I did no form of preparation other than gym work, or getting physically fit.

“I was doing more squash than racing at the time. So, just being able to do what you love was really nice.”

With two wins and a fourth-place finish in the Radical Caribbean Cup in Barbados, Jeffrey is poised atop the charts for the continuation of that series. Now looking to extend his success at South Dakota today, Jeffrey has said he is grateful for the preparation last weekend.

“What’s been happening is: just the opening back up to racing, getting everyone back involved, and it’s almost like starting over from scratch for everyone, you know. So, I think this race meet was just the start of getting off the old rust, all the cobwebs, and getting the momentum going for the future,” he explained.

“Fortunately, as you said, it’s back-to-back race weekends, so Barbados kind of sharpened me up for this weekend in Guyana,” this driver has added.

Eager to contest some of the best in Guyana today, Jeffrey has hailed Team

39

Mohamed’s for ensuring that the bar is always set high.

“I think I’m ready, but just like any other racer, because we didn’t get to really go on track, we are all in the same boat right now. I think I’m a driver that’s capable to adapt to changes, and fortunately for me, it only takes me like three or four laps to get back to where I was,” he said of his personal expectations for Race Day. Turning his attention to the competition, Jeffrey stated, “And I think what Mohamed’s are doing for racing in Guyana is really good, because you don’t really get that competition, you’d have to travel to different countries, maybe in the US or Europe, to get those type of competition. So, kudos to the Mohamed team for bringing that competition to the Caribbean! You can only get better by driving or riding against the best.”

Kristian Jeffrey will race his Mitsubishi Evolution 9, which he refers to as his “baby”. Having ‘been on the shelf’ for a couple of years, his team took three days to prepare the machine, and Jeffrey is hoping to ignite South Dakota with it today.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Bangladesh Tour of West Indies 2022: ODI Series, Game 3 of 3…

-despite top efforts of Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran Pooran stands tall, Islam bags five

Earlier, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field first.

Keacy Carty came in for Kyle Mayers. Bangladesh went into this match with one seamer, and Taijul Islam, another leftarm spinner, made way.

Brandon King clipped a boundary, but the first ball Islam bowled in the third over removed King for seven.

Attempting to defend, King was beaten all ends up as the ball spun away and castled the off-stump. The score was then at 9-1.

Shai Hope is stumped for two

By Brandon Corlette

T

he West Indies have lost 11 ODI matches in a row against Bangladesh. This equals their longest losing streak in this format against an opponent, including against Australia.

Chasing 179, Bangladesh clinched the third and final ODI match at Providence by four wickets, with nine balls to spare. This win meant Bangladesh clinched the ODI series 3-0 in Guyana; meaning that Bangladesh have whitewashed the West Indies in the ODI Series.

Litton Das made an even 50 for Bangladesh, but Guyana’s Gudakesh Motie put the brakes on Bangladesh with career-best ODI figures of 4-23 from ten overs, including two maidens.

Earlier, Captain Nicholas Pooran scored his slowest ODI half-century as West Indies posted 178 all out in 48.4 overs. Bangladesh lost the early wicket of Najmul Hossain

Albion player Gudakesh Motie then came and bowled a top-class spell, varying his pace and extracting turn on the slow surface. He removed Iqbal for 34, caught at deep backward square in attempting to sweep.

With the score at 96-4 in the 25th over, Motie bowled a superb wicket-maiden to send back Das, who was caught and bowled; and Afif Hossain, who was cleaned all ends up.

Mosaddek Hossain then had a brain fade, and in the penultimate ball of Motie's spell was removed via being caught for 14, with Bangladesh on 116-5 in 32.5 overs.

Bangladesh looked a bit more comfortable after Motie's brilliant spell, but it was slow going for them. However, Nurul Hasan made an unbeaten 32 to see Bangladesh across the line.

Nicholas Pooran guiding one past the keeper

Islam returned to the team and made an immediate impact

Shanto for one, when he edged one behind off Alzarri Joseph while the score was at 20; but Skipper Tamim Iqbal and Das added 50 runs for the second wicket.

West Indies went into this encounter with one bowler short, Keemo Paul having had a hamstring strain while batting earlier.

Litton Das scored an even fifty

West Indies’ number one ODI batsman, Shai Hope, continued his struggles this series. After playing 15 balls, he was brilliantly stumped for two off another ripping Islam delivery when the score was at 15-2 in the fifth over.

Mustafizur Rahman, the leftarm seamer, maintained a good line and length, and upon the ump i r e ’ s call, trapped Shamarh Brooks leg-before for four, with West Indies on 16-3 in the sixth over.

Carty and Pooran then joined forces, and the duo looked to counter the spin threat. St Martin's only international cricketer, Carty, danced down the track and occupied the crease.

He added 67 runs for the fourth wicket with his captain, the first half-century run stand for the West Indies this series.

He was dismissed when caught at mid-on in attempting a big shot. The right-hander made

Gudakesh Motie claimed 4-23

33 runs from 66 balls in an innings that included two fours and one six down the ground.

Rovman Powell joined Pooran at 83-4 after 26.5 overs, and the duo saw West Indies go past 100 runs in 34 overs. Powell, who struck a big six over long-off, was then bowled for 18 from 29 balls.

He was undone by the leftarm spinner Islam. In the process, Pooran reached his ninth ODI half-century in 93 balls.

Paul who struck a boundary but was struggling with his hamstring, was drawn forward by Islam and was beaten and stumped for six, with the WI score at 125-6 in 38.3 overs.

In the 40th over, Pooran took Mehidy Hasan for 16

runs, striking the off-spinner for successive sixes, and thumping him for a four.

Pooran was then castled for 73 runs made from 109 balls in an innings that had four fours and two sixes.

At 150-8, the final two wickets added 28 runs.

Romario Shepherd struck a 99-metre six in his 22-ball 19 as West Indies made 178 all out in 48.4 overs. Islam had 5-28 in ten overs, including two maidens. The left-arm spinner bowled 44 dot balls, and yielded only three boundaries.

West Indies will now shift focus to the ODI Series against India, starting on July 22 in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES INNINGS Shai Hope †st †Nurul Hasan b Taijul Islam 2 Brandon King b Taijul Islam 8 Shamarh Brooks lbw b Mustafizur Rahman 4 Keacy Carty c Tamim Iqbal b Nasum Ahmed 33 Nicholas Pooran (c) b Taijul Islam 73 Rovman Powell b Taijul Islam 18 Keemo Paul st †Nurul Hasan b Taijul Islam 6 Akeal Hosein b Mosaddek Hossain 1 Romario Shepherd b Nasum Ahmed 19 Gudakesh Motie b Mustafizur Rahman 2 Alzarri Joseph not out 7 Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5 TOTAL 48.4 O (RR: 3.65) 178 Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Brandon King, 2.1 ov), 2-15 (Shai Hope, 4.5 ov), 3-16 (Shamarh Brooks, 5.3 ov), 4-83 (Keacy Carty, 26.5 ov), 5-117 (Rovman Powell, 36.1 ov), 6-125 (Keemo Paul, 38.3 ov), 7-146 (Akeal Hosein, 41.3 ov), 8-150 (Nicholas Pooran, 42.3 ov), 9-153 (Gudakesh Motie, 43.5 ov), 10-178 (Romario Shepherd, 48.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Nasum Ahmed 9.4-1-39-2

Mustafizur Rahman 9-0-24-2 Taijul Islam 10-2-28-5 Mosaddek Hossain 10-1-23-1 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 8-0-61-0 Afif Hossain 2-1-2-0 BANGLADESH INNINGS Tamim Iqbal (c)c Hosein b Moti-Kanhai 34 Najmul Hossain Shanto c †Hope b Joseph 1 Litton Das c & b Moti-Kanhai 50 Mahmudullah st †Hope b Pooran 26 Afif Hossain b Moti-Kanhai 0 Mosaddek Hossain c sub (JNT Seales) b Moti-Kanhai 14 Nurul Hasan †not out 32 Mehidy Hasan Miraz not out 16 Extras (lb 1, w 5) 6 TOTAL 48.3 Ov (RR: 3.69) 179/6 Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 6.2 ov), 2-70 (Tamim Iqbal, 16.4 ov), 3-96 (Litton Das, 24.3 ov), 4-96 (Afif Hossain, 24.5 ov), 5-116 (Mosaddek Hossain, 32.5 ov), 6-147 (Mahmudullah, 39 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Alzarri Joseph 10-0-25-1 Romario Shepherd 10-0-38-0 Akeal Hosein 10-3-45-0 Rovman Powell 1.5-0-8-0 Keacy Carty 0.1-0-1-0 Gudakesh Motie 10-2-23-4 Nicholas Pooran 6.3-0-38-1

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.