Guyana Times -- Sunday, July 3, 2022

Global Peace Ambassador to visit Guyana for #IStandforPeace event P15 Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 5058 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

PRICE

Appointment of Top Cop

Norton refuses to engage in constitutionally required consultations See story on page 7

43rd Caricom Heads of Govt meeting begins today

Page 9

$140 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Murdered Berbice hairdresser

“Whatever will be will be” – arrested soldier tells Police P10

‘Caretaker’ busted with over 52kg P12 ganja in house

…Guyana’s border controversy, regional security to be discussed

119 persons P29 test positive for COVID-19 in 1 day Water woes to end at Waiakabra, Hillfoot with P25 new well

As heavy rainfall continues in the interior of Guyana, causing flooding, these students of Waramuri, Region One (Barima -Waini), are seen walking in waist-high water in order to reach their school (Colin De La Cruz photo)

Planned ‘day of protest’ on Caricom Day at Buxton illegal – GPF warns

Page 2

Attempt to rig 2020 elections

COI must be comprehensive -…onestakeholders that exposes all skeletons in the closet Page 3

“I wrote and passed the CXC exams after retirement”- retired teacher Dennis John

…says it’s never too late to get qualified

‘Every Child Safe’ campaign launched at Buxton P28

Page 13

GOGEC pursues membership in Caricom P11 Private Sector body

2 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Planned ‘day of protest’ on Caricom Day at Buxton illegal – GPF warns

W

ith the chaotic looting, robbery and violence that occurred last week on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) corridor and the circulation of a flyer calling for a further protest on Monday, July 4, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a stern warning against unauthorised protest action.

According to the GPF on Saturday, the flyer in question identified Buxton as the proposed location for the protest, however, it warned potential protesters that permission has neither been sought nor granted for this

The protest along the ECD on Wednesday last

‘protest’.

“Relative to a flyer/poster being circulated on social media about a Day of Protest to be held on the Buxton public road on Monday 4th July, 2022, the Guyana Police Force would like to make it clear that no application was made or permission granted to hold such a protest.”

Members of the public, the GPF said, as well as the “purported organisers of such a protest are asked to be guided accordingly and obey the law”. It added that the statement, which comes only days after a protest

over the killing of Quindon Bacchus devolved into looting and mayhem.

It was only a few days ago that sixteen persons were slapped with riotous behaviour charges under Section 136 (b) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02, in relation to these very protests.

The 16 accused all appeared at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday when the charges were read to them.

Fifteen of the 16 persons pleaded not guilty while one

pleaded guilty.

Those charged were Rondolph Murphy, 50, of Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Jawonza Fowler, 18, of Hackett Street, Golden Grove, ECD; Michael Moore, 23, of Victoria, ECD; Rawl Griffith, 45, of Haslington, ECD; George Teixy, 31, of Haslington, ECD; Daniel Thomas, 19, of Haslington, ECD; Legendi Pompey, 33, of Haslington, ECD; Seon Austin, 31, of Golden Grove, ECD; Quice Lawrence, 40, of Golden Grove, ECD; Winston James, 23, of Victoria, ECD; Andrew Sumner, 59,

of Victoria, ECD; Shentel Caesar, 25, of Melanie, ECD; Rondel Clarke, 21, of Ann’s Grove, ECD; Shamar Payne, 23, of Bachelor’s Adventure, ECD; Kevon Nicholas, 18, of Haslington, ECD, and Kester Paul, 24, of Haslington, ECD. The 15 persons who pleaded not guilty to the charges were placed on $15,000 bail each, while Sumner, who pleaded guilty, was fined $20,000. The cases will continue on October 19, 2022.

The persons were charged following the chaos that unfolded on the

East Coast of Demerara on Tuesday which started as a protest at Golden Grove calling for justice for the slain Quindon Bacchus.

However, the protest escalated into terror along the ECD corridor with several vendors at the Mon Repos Market being robbed, beaten and terrorised while their stalls were vandalised and goods looted.

Armed with cutlasses, knives, iron bars, and other handy weapons, looters stormed Mon Repos Market just after 10:00h.

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, July 3 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Monday, July 4 – 10:00 – 11:00h and 22:00h – 23:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, July 3 – 06:25h – 07:55h and Monday, July 4 – 07:00h – 08:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Attempt to rig 2020 elections

CoI must be comprehensive – stakeholders …one that exposes all skeletons in the closet putting them in garbage bags.”

“But you know, those things are never made public. People keep saying the documents were not included.

The documents were (to) be brought to the RO (Returning Officer’s) office and they did.

There’s lots of things, that I want to have come out and made public. Because the people of Guyana have a right to know,” Shadick said.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 08:33h and 21:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.34 metres.

Low Tide: 14:35h reaching a minimum height of 0.81 metre.

Strengthen institutions

GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

he Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the drama filled 2020 General and Regional Elections is a welcome one, which stakeholders say must be comprehensive and get to the bottom of the election’s many controversies.

Last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the long-awaited CoI. This publication spoke to several election stakeholders, whom for the most part welcomed the CoI while urging that it is a comprehensive one.

Guyana Elections

Commission (GECOM) Commissioner Bibi Shadick, who played a key role during the last elections and who would have been present during several pivotal moments, said she looks forward to a comprehensive CoI that exposes everything.

“I want to see all those things that they think they were hiding; I want to see them come out. I saw lots of stuff, in Ashmins. All those envelopes that they say were missing from ballot boxes, they were all in GECOM. There were videos showing GECOM staff opening them,

T

Meanwhile, Private Sector Commission Chairman Paul Cheong welcomed the inquiry and the chance it presents to better understand what happened and strengthen institutions. Cheong also said that the CoI could also play a part in holding those who attempted to delay the elections, accountable.

“This is a good thing. We need to understand and expose what transpired during that process, so we can put systems in place so we can prevent this from ever happening in Guyana again. So, the whole process can be corrected. And probably deal with those who also played a

APNU MP Shurwayne Holder

part in attempting to derail the process,” Cheong posited.

“We’re looking on”

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairman Shurwayne Holder was of the view that his party should have been among those consulted before the announcement of the CoI. Notwithstanding, he was of the hope that the CoI Terms of Reference would be as comprehensive as possible and receive the input of the Opposition.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 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

The East Coast Protest and the Police

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ow that the dust has settled on the protests against the killing of Quindon Bacchus by Police on the East Coast of Demerara, and its violent denouement at Mon Repos, it behooves the nation to consider the causes and effects of the conflagration that has shaken it.

What have been exposed are two issues that have been plaguing the nation from its birth in the sixties: the professionalism of the Police and law enforcement forces, or the lack thereof; and the opportunism of the political Opposition, from whose constituency most of those forces are drawn. We address the first issue today.

In 1964, before our Independence, the role of the Police Force and Volunteer Force came under scrutiny during a Commission of Inquiry into the Wismar Riots of May 25-26, which were claimed to have been precipitated by the murder of an elderly African Guyanese couple at the back of Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara. It reported: “The men in the B.G. Police Force (and “D” Company of the Volunteer Force) are predominantly Africans. A variety of allegations were made by witnesses against the security forces - the Police and Volunteers. These included bribery, partaking in loot, standing by and refusing to give assistance whilst rape and assault were being committed, refusing to extinguish fires, supplying gasoline to arsonists, and being politically partial by telling people who were beaten and stripped to go to their political leaders.” The Commission clearly intimated that because of the rioters’ ethnic/racial commonality with the African Guyanese residents of Wismar, the loyalty of the Armed Forces was tested and placed in an untenable position.

Even before this horrific tragedy, as the violence had unfurled from early 1964, the British Governor had recognised the dangers of the ethnic imbalance in the security forces, and had formed a Special Services Unit (SSU) as a specially trained part of the Guyana Police Force. It was ethnically balanced, with 72 recruits each from the Indian and African Guyanese groups, and 2 from the Mixed group. This unit was supposed to be the core of a new Guyanese Army that would be formed after Independence.

Flowing out of this in 1965, before Independence and as part of the agreement for same, a team from the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) examined the composition of the Armed Forces and the Civil Service, and recommended changes in the recruitment policy of the Volunteer Force, which focused on urban centres where African Guyanese were the overwhelming majority, to ensure a greater number of Indian Guyanese were recruited. In terms of the Police Force, the ICJ recommended that, for the next five years, 75% of recruits and cadets be Indian-Guyanese, until they reached their proportion in the populace. However, Prof Ken Danns showed that between 1970 and 1977, while the size of the Police Force was doubled by the PNC Government, 92.2% of recruits were African Guyanese, with only 7.84% being Indian Guyanese. The same was true for the other reserve and paramilitary forces launched by the PNC. After strident agitation following the decade-long violence directed at Indian Guyanese and precipitated by PNC protests from 1998, a Disciplined Forces Commission (DFC) was constituted in 2004 to take submissions and make recommendations on the composition of the forces. On the matter of ethnic representativeness, the DFC declared: “The Commission…is of the view that the allaying of ethnic security fears which stem from the predominance of Afro-Guyanese presence in the GPF must be addressed.”

More specifically, it recommended: “It should be an aim (of the GPF) to achieve a Force representative of the ethnic diversity of the nation without employing a quota system. To achieve this, ethnically-diverse recruitment teams should be employed as openly and extensively as possible. The report also suggested that a study be conducted on how to address the ethnic make-up imperative.

Since then, there have been countless instances of “Police unprofessionalism”, like the Police killings of Quindon Bacchus and Deanraj Singh, which invariably have a “racial” impact in Guyana. Interventions have been made to rectify the problem, but no permanent improvement is visible because the powers that be continue ignoring the elephant in the room.

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, (standing 3rd from left 2nd row) has completed the first of a twoyear Distance Education Programme of a Master’s Programme in Strategic Studies at the United States Army War College.

This three-week resident phase of the course focused on ‘Strategic Leadership in a Global Environment’, and allowed participants to interact with internationally recognised experts from a wide variety of fields, to deepen their understanding of the nature of strategic leadership and broaden their appreciation for the substantive security issues confronting nations (GDF photo)

Slew of factual and legal inaccuracies by David Patterson Dear Editor, On the 29th of June 2022, in a letter to the Editor, captioned “Gov’t rejected sensible amendments to the Local Content bill”, written by Mr. David Patterson, MP, was published. The letter contained a slew of factual and legal inaccuracies. My busy schedule prevented me from traversing this wanton menu of errors so boldly asserted.

Mr Patterson refused to acknowledge that only the night before the Local Content Bill was tabled in the National Assembly, the APNU/AFC submitted fourteen (14) proposed amendments to the Bill of which ten (10) were accepted by the Government, moved by the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Vickram Bharrat, MP and included in the Bill. This glaring omission was exacerbated by an accusation by Mr. Patterson that our government lacks inclusivity. I digress here momentarily to challenge Mr. Patterson to identify a single piece of legislation tabled in their five (5) years of Government in which the Opposition was allowed any input by way of amendments.

Mr. Patterson took umbrage to the fact that in the Act, we did not confine Guyanese nationals to citizenry by birth. He is correct.

This were among proposed amendments of theirs which we rejected. Mr. Patterson is obviously unaware that our supreme law defines who is

or is qualified to be registered as a citizen of Guyana.

Any law which purports to restrict or is inconsistent with that definition will run afoul of the Constitution and shall be void to the extent of that inconsistency.

Article 8 of the Constitution provides: “This Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and, if any other law is inconsistent with it, that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.”

More fundamentally, Article 149 of our Constitution prohibits discrimination. Article 149(1) of the Constitution provides, inter alia: “Subject to the provisions of this article – (a) no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect; and (b) no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any written law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority.”

In the circumstances, were we to adopt Mr. Patterson’s proposals, the Local Content Act would have been in violent tension and conflict with the Constitution. “The New immigration Policy” for which Mr. Patterson advocates would suffer a similar fate.

Mr Patterson also took umbrage to the speed with which Mr. Deepak Lall was “approved for citizenship”.

Again, a lack of learning underlies this contention. By

his heritage, Mr. Lall is a Guyanese citizen from birth.

He simply had to register that citizenship with the relevant authority: Article 44 of the Constitution provides: “A person born outside Guyana after the commencement of this Constitution shall become a citizen of Guyana at the date of his or her birth if at that date his or her father or his or her mother is a citizen of Guyana….”

Mr Patterson further admonishes us for not limiting the length of contracts within the sector to three (3) years. It is a basic tenet and a fundamental building block of the English common law that parties, having full capacity, have the freedom to contract with whom they want and on whatever terms they choose. Though this freedom is not absolute, the exigencies of the petroleum industry should dictate the length of the contracts entered into by the Licences, Contractors and Subcontractors. It is not a policy of our Government to stifle freedom to contract by legislation. It is indeed policies of that type pursued by the Coalition that placed them on the Opposition benches in the National Assembly.

Mr Patterson next criticizes the Act for not providing a right of appeal in respect of any application rejected. This was a conscious omission. The intent was to avoid administrative bureaucracy as far as possible, full well recognizing that a genuine chal-

lenge will eventually wind its way into the judiciary.

The drafter was alive to the provisions of the Judicial Review Act. Under section 3 of the Judicial Review Act, Cap. 3:06, any person who is adversely affected by an administrative act or omission of anybody which affects public law rights, obligations or expectations may apply to the court for judicial review. Further, under section 15 of the Act, a person adversely affected by an administrative decision may request reasons for that decision and must be provided with those reasons if that request was made within fourteen (14) days of the decision. Therefore, there was no need to burden the Local Content Act with such an unusual bureaucracy specifically dealt with by the Judicial Review Act. As fate would have it, this is the very Act, under which the lawyers for the company relied in their request for reasons regarding the rejection of their application.

As regards the allegations of violation with the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Government’s position was elaborately articulated for the public record. I consider it unnecessary to be repetitive.

Yours faithfully, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

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

Instigators of violence must be condemned, face strongest penalties Dear Editor, On June 28, 2022, the East Coast Demerara corridor was tainted by sad, riotous and unjustified events that have elicited varying responses from significant stakeholders. President Ali and leaders of the Government have immediately acted, engaging at the root level, while there has been the strongest condemnation from Guyanese at home and in the diaspora, various media, and observers. There have also been calls for transparency in the investigative process regarding the Police shooting that resulted in the death of Quindon Bacchus, from which the agitation commenced.

These aside, most disappointing is that we are forced to witness another callous, myopic display from the Opposition leaders and their patriots.

Media reports suggest that the overspill of anger resulting in the protest march that eventually lost control was the influence of a false report that the Policeman involved in the incident was released on minimal bail. Although false, it was enough to fuel the already instigated notion of discord that violence was the only way to quell responses targeted at a public trial of the accused officer, against almost every legal procedural norm.

The tacit no-objection and aggression-laden dialect used

by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, David Hinds, et al is irresponsible. Rather, these were uncovered intent to rile up the overspill, and incense passions that would result in a destabilising social crisis.

The highlights of Norton’s response to the mayhem caused by a majority of racial attacks on Indian vendors at the Mon Repos market was his unqualified distinction that some Police officers drank the drinks sold by vendors of a particular ethnic persuasion at Golden Grove.

It did not matter to the so-called Opposition Leader that hundreds of innocent, hardworking Indian people were attacked and beaten, and their proper-

ties destroyed without these persons having anything to do with the alleged Police wrongful shooting.

It also does not seem to matter that people of all nationalities have lived in harmony on this corridor for decades. The vicious attack on innocent, hard-working citizens must be stopped.

History confirms the characteristic violent behaviour of the PNC, and the consistent advocacy of these perpetrators of violence for decades in Guyana. There is a clear indication of a renewed advocacy for the return of the infamous ‘Mo-fire Slow-fiah’ touted by the late Desmond Hoyte in the late eighties and early nineties.

That mostly Guyanese Indian vendors at Mon Repos market unjustifiably were brutally beaten, robbed and humiliated by hooligans who were sent to burn, thief, and brutalise them establishes why the strongest intervention must be made to ensure none of our people face such tribulation and cruelty again.

It does not take the most educated to rationalise that the clandestine strategy of these wicked instigators is to disrupt the fast-moving “One Guyana” platform that has been a success story over the two years of President Ali’s leadership of the PPPC Government.

Lest they forget the consequences, on July 01, 2020, the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that he “instructed the US State Department to have all those who seek to undermine Guyana’s democracy be held accountable for their actions.”

Likewise, President Ali is expected to adopt assertive but prudent measures to provide opportunities while protecting our citizens according to the hilt of our laws.

The People’s Progressive Party was in struggle for decades, and on every occasion that the party held Government, the development progression to build a better Guyana was endowed. During these periods,

it was not that there were no challenges; however, this kind of hooliganism and lawlessness was always avoided. No protest would have been allowed to take place without the basics in place.

The organisers and leaders of the protest must identify themselves, and all protesters must wear the required “peaceful” picketing hand bands. The placards must be appropriate, and not libellous or instigating violence.

The PPP/C is fully aware of the impact of protests, given its participation in many during the years of struggle.

In particular, having to deal with, and condemn, malpractices at GECOM with massive protests. Further, in the struggle after the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion, several massive but peaceful protests were organised. Another peaceful protest calling for the return of the ‘prestigious ‘Carter Center to observe the 2020 Elections was also held.

Unlike the previous Granger Government, President Ali must be commended for his immediate response in visiting all areas, and for his effort to forge true working partnerships with all of our people, despite the deliberate ethnic-driven divisive approach of the Opposition. I do not believe many had anticipated he would do this, and on both sides, his sincerity is recognised.

My vivid memory recalls how meticulous our leaders were if it became necessary to protest. There was always objectivity in the decision of the location, and in ensuring that we have leaders responsible for our protestors. Never was there the clandestine design to attack and create mayhem against fellow countrymen and women realising civil strife.

Organisers were quick to inform the Police of our ‘route’ and our movement, and they were willing to give advice.

Further, careful consideration and scrutiny avoided the efforts of villains and lumpen with intentions to loot and steal from

the stores.

The fact is that the PPP is capable of mobilising and giving leadership to its supporters, while, comparatively, the PNC depends on instigating violence and intimidation to get people to loot, thief, burn and create fear, which must at all times be rejected.

Consequently, the Police must assert themselves and do what is constitutionally legal to maintain monitoring control in these cases. Efficient intelligence would have informed about the plan to go on the ‘rampage’, create havoc, and burn to make the PPP/C Government look bad in the eyes of the public at Quindon Bacchus’s funeral.

My personal experience participating in, and organising, a protest for decades reminds me of the role of the Police, who are tasked with monitoring such events. In this regard, the Commissioner and commanding ranks have to be careful to create an effective balance, given that, in reality, some Police are immune to being supporters of wrongdoing.

Although sworn to protect and serve, some are constitutionalists, and will stand up to follow the law, while others are biased towards the Government of the day; and alternatively, there are those who are corrupt and bent on working with the Opposition and wrongdoers.

In 2020, my personal experience stands as testimony and reactions to related activities. I was arrested for leading a peaceful protest calling on the APNU/ AFC/PNC to allow the Carter Center to return and observe the 2020 Elections’ Recount.

Opposition loyalist mercenaries in the Police Force threatened to lock me up over the weekend, while the PNC woman who was signing at the road corner to lock up Jagdeo and throw away the keys gave instructions to lock me up. However, we were fully within our ‘rights’ to protest, and it must be noted that after my case was dismissed, the known PNC Policeman said that at that time they did what

In(s)ane requirements CIOG condemns violence on ECD, by banks deplores death threat to President Dear Editor, After thirteen years of charitable work in Guyana, a potential business opportunity from which I just may be able to generate some funds that could be donated to said organisation arose. Business registered - no problem. TIN # obtained - no problem. Time to open bank account - nightmare. Two pages of requirements.

Hired business consultant to prepare three years’ projection, get character references etc. Documents submitted, but not enough.

Statement from lawyer certifying he’s handling transaction, bank statements from personal accounts plus other documentation were required.

I now await approval from Central Bank, but realise seller is not going to wait forever.

To avoid further delays, I suggested that my investment partner transfer funds from his US account into my personal account, from which I can get a bank cheque to pay off the sell-

er. One week later, the funds have not been credited. New requirement - letter certifying origin of funds. This was provided. Two weeks later, nothing. New requirement - proof that the investor will be on the Board of Directors.

To date, three weeks after the funds were transferred, my account still has not been credited. I understand the need to ensure the legitimacy of the origin of funds, but if said funds are being moved from one reputable bank in the US to another in Guyana, shouldn’t that be enough? After all, US banks have to account for any sizable deposit into personal accounts.

Funny thing is, all I wanted to do was buy a piece of property with the intention that it can be resold or used for some business venture at a later date. Could it be, as one person mentioned, I am not the correct shade of American?

Sincerely, Name provided

Dear Editor, The Central Islamic Organization of Guyana condemns the violence perpetrated against innocent civilians at Mon Repos recently.

There is no justification for the violence against innocent citizens; looting, destruction of property, vehicles, and the blocking of roadways. These protests do not augur well for peace and security in our country.

We, as Guyanese, must respect each other, irrespective of race and religion, and must allow the rule of law to prevail.

These protests bring into question the competence of the GPF, which is tasked with the security of people and property. The onus for the safety of the community is not on its members, but on the GPF. These incidents confirm the power of fake news on social media. We demand all social media platforms fulfill their basic journalistic obligations and promote the truth.

CIOG deplores the recent threats of assassination against His Excellency. It is our firm view that instigators and perpetrators are equally responsible. In this regard, CIOG supports His Excellency’s call for the National Assembly to decry political violence and threats of assassination.

We look forward to the passing of this resolution in our National Assembly with the support of all members of Parliament.

We commend His Excellency the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and his Government on their compensation and other assistance extended to the innocent citizens who suffered losses as a result of the violent protest.

May God bless our country and our people with peace, love, unity and harmony.

Sincerely, The Central Executive Council of CIOG

they had to do, and by arresting me, the picket line was stopped.

Not so long after, Police Commander Mr. Thomas was sent home, and removed as Commander for rightfully refusing to illegally carry out the dictates of the PNC at Ashmin’s building. These are all areas of correction we need to improve on going forward.

In the circumstances, one must recognise the genuine intent of the positive national programmes, and not allow the carriers of false innuendos to use them to derail the positive programmes of the PPPC, which would swiftly realise a collective

Guyana benefit on an unfounded basis for protest. It is not acceptable to change the rule of the game to suit the PNC’s political expediency. Our country has laws, and they must be upheld to sustain a framework for all.

Guyana is a better place to live. Our country is on the “Rise”, and our democracy must be strengthened with the togetherness of all our people.

The time is most opportune for our people to unite and stop all violence.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

There had to be ringleaders who instigated East Coast riot Dear Editor, I categorically condemn the recent East Coast riot on 28th June.

The word “riot” is used because it may have started as a peaceful protest at Golden Grove, but unfortunately, unsavoury characters took advantage and turned it into an opportunity to loot and destroy the properties of many market vendors at Mon Repos.

While every Guyanese has the right to protest if they feel aggrieved, they do not have the right to block the roads, destroy property, assault others, and loot. That’s not protesting; that’s hooliganism.

This riot appears to have been planned, and this is said because it is very difficult to believe that so many young persons could spontaneously turn to the roadway to block it at Golden Grove, then march, run or ride all of the way to the Mon Repos market to loot and destroy the properties of the market vendors. There had to be ringleaders who instigated this action, and these persons

must be arrested and placed before the Court to answer for their actions.

The political party which has the majority of voters in the Golden Grove/Haslington area did little, if anything, to quell or prevent the atrocious actions carried out. The leadership of this political party lost a golden opportunity to show good leadership and concern for all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity. The leadership should have known of the peaceful protest taking place, and have a presence there to prevent or discourage the hooligan elements in the crowd from asserting themselves.

Actually, some “political leaders” were saying that it is normal for looting and destruction of property to happen during a protest. Those types of comments by political leaders only served to embolden the rioters into believing they had the political support of popular politicians.

Respectfully, Jonathan Yearwood

Sunday, July 3, 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 E6 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 - Color My World with Love (2022) 14:00 Movie - Sneakerella (2022) 16:00 Movie - Dying for Chocolate: A Curious Caterer Mystery (2022) 17:30 Wheel of Fortune 18:00 Maths is Fun 18:30 Week-in-Review 19:00 Lucifer S2 E12 20:00 Those People 21:00 Riverdale S3 E5 22:00 Arrow S3 E8 23:00 Heartstopper S1 E4 23:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? S14 E6 00:00 Sign off

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2022

Puppy ailments – continued Cardiopulmonary Syndrome (CPS) Q: What is CPS?

A: This is a shock-like condition that occurs in newborn pups under 5 days of age. As I had mentioned in a previous column, pups react to and accommodate stress conditions better as they grow older.

Q: What are the usual stress conditions that impact on newborn pups early in their lives?

A: As I had mentioned earlier, stressors impacting on the newborn are, inter alia, the following:

the newborn pup(s), one can expect a deterioration of the body's vital functions.

Consequently, it is obvious that the impact of these negative conditions is progressive.

The pup cannot defend itself with an adequate response to these multiple (even single) stressors.

Q: What are the symptoms that a newborn pup is not faring well?

A: i. There is an increased production of saliva (drooling).

ii. The pup begins to cry incessantly. iii. The pup begins to swallow air, or at least makes swallowing motions. iv. The pup soon loses its ability to walk, resulting in the animal keeling over on its side and not being able to bring itself on to its belly. v.

There is great and growing respiratory distress (the pup actually cannot breathe more than four-five breaths per minute. Since the blood distribution (via poor circulation) is not reaching

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the brain adequately, the pup might lapse into spasms, accompanied by breathless periods, lasting as long as 50-60 seconds. vi. Traces of blood in the stool and in the urine. This portends an irreversible condition. The pup will not be saved beyond this point. vii. Gagging and mucus fluid in the nostrils.

Q: Can the caregiver save the life of the pup with CPS?

i.

Inability to nurse optimally. ii. A drop in the pup's ability to maintain its body temperature, iii. A drop in its rate and quality of heartbeats (pumping the blood through the newborn animal's body), iv. A decrease in its energy output (=weakness/listlessness) v.

Inability to digest the colostrum (first milk).

Clearly, with all of these conditions impacting individually and collectively on

LOTTERY NUMBERS

A: I have mentioned the interventions associated with the hand-rearing of disadvantaged newborn pups. Actually, a pup exhibiting symptoms of CPS should be brought into a veterinarian's clinic as soon as possible. For example, an incubator might be needed for a pup whose temperature has dropped below 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Centigrade). Speed is of essence.

Carry

the pup(s) to the vet's clinic the moment the symptoms listed above appear.

Let us recap the main causes related to puppies dying within days of birth.

1. Small size and low birth weight compared with siblings.

2. Unsanitary environments in which the pregnant mother resides during pregnancy, and into which the pups are born.

3. Poor nutrition of the mother dog, especially when she is pregnant with a large litter.

4. Genetic deficiencies/ defects (inherited from either or both parents).

5. Parasites and diseases within a pregnant mother.

6. Inherent low immune (defence) levels of the newborn pups to fight off invading pathogens (germs).

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NEWS

7

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Appointment of Top Cop

Norton refuses to engage in constitutionally required consultations

W

hile the Government has reached out to Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton to have consultations with him on the continued acting appointment of Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Norton has poured cold water on such consultations until he has his day in court regarding the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The Government, through Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira, had written to Norton in a letter dated June 29, inviting him to send his written submissions to President Dr Irfaan Ali on Hicken’s appointment. On Friday, however, Norton moved to court seeking to quash the appointment of the PSC. In his Fixed Date Application (FDA), Norton had also contended that Hicken’s appointment was unilateral and not in keeping with Article 211 of the Constitution. When contacted on Saturday about whether he intends to consult with the President, Norton made it clear he would not until his case is concluded.

“We have legal action in the court. And there can be no consultation until this matter is determined in the courts.

So, I don’t know… they have already violated the law. So, the matter is in the courts and the courts will determine,” Norton said.

In the letter to Norton, Teixeira had explained why Norton was not initially consulted on Hickens’s appointment. Teixeira noted that at

President Dr Irfaan Ali

the time Hicken was appointed on March 30 to fill the position left by the retiring Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, there was no Opposition Leader.

Hoppie had proceeded on pre-retirement leave at the time. Teixeira had explained that in the interest of preserving peace, law and order, the President appointed Hicken to act, rather than leave a power vacuum in the senior echelons of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Having already consulted the recently appointed PSC Chairman, Patrick Findlay, Teixeira explained that President Ali was now inviting written submissions from Norton on the matter, by July 4.

In his FDA, Norton has asked the High Court to quash the recent appointments of the Chairmen and members of the Police Service and Integrity Commissions who were sworn in before President Dr Irfaan Ali on May 31.

Appointments

The Head of State had

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

forged ahead with the appointment of the constitutional commissions notwithstanding Norton’s threats to take legal action if the Government went ahead with the process without completing the consultation process as required by the Constitution.

Norton had failed to attend a meeting to discuss constitutional matters with the President on May 30, despite being invited to the meeting via a letter sent to Congress Place, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. President Ali had not only described Norton’s action as regrettable and disappointing but also a “demonstration of immaturity”.

The new members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) are: Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway, businessmen Ernesto Choo-a-Fat, and Hakeem Mohammed, and Pastor Patrick Findlay, who will serve as Chairman.

Meanwhile, the Integrity Commission (IC) has Demerara Bank Corporate Secretary Chandra Gajraj as Chairperson, along with

Mohamed Haniff, lawyer and former Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas, Hardesh Tiwari, and Reverend Wayne Chris Bowman as members.

Norton, who is also the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)—the largest party in the APNU/AFC coalition—complained that he was not afforded a “reasonable opportunity” to express a considered opinion on the matter of consultation with respect to the appointments of the PSC and IC. He deposed that President Ali did not provide adequate information to him in respect of the President’s rationale, reasons, and/or grounds having regard to the respective persons’ suitability and/ or competence for appointment to the respective public offices.

Against his backdrop, he argued that the spirit and letter of the Constitution in respect of consultation and meaningful consultation were violated by the President.

The politician, among other things, is seeking an order quashing the appointment of Findlay and Gajraj as the Chairmen of the PSC and IC, respectively, and an order declaring that all actions taken by commissions are null, void, and are

The letter that was dispatched to Norton

of no force and effect.

Pending the hearing of his application, the Opposition Leader through Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde is requesting an injunction prohibiting Findlay and Gajraj as well as the commissions’ members from exercising any of the functions, duties, obligations, and/or powers

vested in them.

He is seeking another injunction barring the PSC’s Chairman from engaging in meaningful consultation with the President for the appointment of a Police Commissioner, and the appointment or appointments of Deputy Commissioner of Police until the FDA is determined. (G3)

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CoI must be comprehensive...

“Our position is, we’re looking on at what’s happening… that has come, the President has made his decision on that.

So, we can’t reverse it at this stage. But at minimum, if he pushes ahead with this CoI, we would expect that we would be involved in crafting the (Terms of Reference).”

“I wouldn’t want to comment on what they should be. Specifically. But it has to be broad-based, wide enough to deal with all the issues… you will want any Terms of Reference they put out, has

to be able to capture a wide range of discrepancies that occurred during the elections,” Holder said.

CoI announcement

President Ali announced the members of the CoI last month, which will be chaired

by Justice of Appeal (retired) 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, will both serve as resource personnel to the CoI. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, had subsequently explained that works are expected to commence soon to establish the ToRs for the CoI before the four-member team begins the probe.

“The Terms of Reference will have to be drawn up, and that will determine the jurisdiction and the parameters within which the Commission

FROM PAGE 3

of Inquiry will conduct its work,” Nandlall had said during his weekly programme – Issues In The News.

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.

Infiltrators…

Y

…in PNC protests?

our Eyewitness has heard some ridiculous things in his lifetime, but this excuse about every Opposition/ PNC protest that ends up with Indian Guyanese being beaten or worse because of “infiltrators” takes the cake.

How stupid do these people think Guyanese are?? We know their own supporters just lap it up because of the old “confirmation bias” tendency. But do they expect to make friends and influence folks outside their echo chamber?? Or they don’t really care about that??

Now, if they know that infiltrators did the damage… how come these persons are never identified?? Wouldn’t that solve the matter there and then?? Secondly, let’s for a minute say that there were some “infiltrators”; why didn’t the legit protestors grab them for messing up their peaceful protest and diverting attention from the point of their protest?? Surely, the “infiltrators” couldn’t have outnumbered the REAL protestors, could they?? Then they wouldn’t be “infiltrators” no mo’!!

But the social media jokers aren’t only insisting there were “infiltrators”, but PPP INFILTRATORS!!! Man…the way these people carry on about the PPP, you’d think they could leap tall buildings in a single jump!! And be faster than a speeding bullet!! You mean the protest started in Golden Grove and, within two hours, the PPP was able to put together so many “infiltrators” as to overwhelm all those vendors and coordinate their attacks so precisely?? What is this?? The PPP has Rent-a-Thug gangs of African Guyanese in every village? What nonsense is this?? How could they be so disrespectful of African Guyanese??

But that’s the problem with the Opposition brain trust behind the new wave of attacks. They give the PPP so much credit that pretty soon their constituents are gonna be convinced that the PPP’s invincible, and what’s the point of going up against them!! They first insisted that the PPP was able to rig the 2020 elections - AGAINST THE PNC!! - from the outside!! So, imagine what they can do from the inside when they’re in Government?!! But hold it!! Didn’t they lose that election in 2015 when they WERE in Government?? What happened then?? Somebody fell asleep at the wheel??

Or did the PPP’s infiltrators forget to ensure that their SOPs for their strongest Region were never shown and doctored the results to project on a soiled bedsheet??

Incidentally, how did that bedsheet get so soiled at GECOM? And then why, in the first place, was there a bedsheet at GECOM?? Was it to facilitate folks falling asleep at the wheel??

You see what happens when you try to take these agent provocateurs (French pronunciation, please!!) seriously??

They’re revealed as the slapstick comedians they are.

Save it’s not funny when real people get beaten and robbed. …and negligence Now, your Eyewitness always wondered about the legal implications for the organisers of the protests-segueinginto-violence episodes in Guyana. So, he asked a friend who has a friend who’s a lawyer. And he was told that, in Guyana, if so many protests have ended up as they did, then the organisers could be convicted of criminal negligence!! “And what’s this??” your Eyewitness asked his friend of a friend.

He was told, “Criminal negligence is conduct where a person ignores an obvious risk, or disregards the life and safety of those around him. They also describe such behaviour as a form of recklessness.

The negligent person acts significantly different than most people would under similar circumstances.”

An example given was if a parent or guardian leaves a loaded firearm where a small child can get it.

So, think about it. Shouldn’t a reasonable organiser take reasonable precautions to prevent fellow citizens from being brutalised?

Or should it be every man for himself and the Devil takes the hindmost?? …as taxmen “Elder Green” wants the GRA to note the quantum of business done by Mon Repos vendors - going by their claims for losses during the riots.

Maybe the GRA should also investigate why he’s receiving a pension based on 10 times his original salary??

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 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Planned ‘day of protest’...

43rd Caricom Heads of Govt meeting begins today

FROM PAGE 2

…Guyana’s border controversy, regional security to be discussed

President Dr Irfaan Ali being welcomed as he arrived for the 43rd Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in Suriname

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali is in neighbouring Suriname to attend the 43rd Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

During the three-day meeting, the Heads of Government are expected to discuss issues of advancing Caricom’s agri-food systems, climate finance, security and matters that arose from the 49th Meeting of the Community Council.

The meeting is also expected to have an update on the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging health issues.

Additionally, the leaders of Caricom will also receive updates on the border issues between Guyana and

Venezuela; and Belize and Guatemala.

At the end of the meeting, the regional leaders are expected to ratify a number of decisions, issue a communique and select a date for their next summit, which will be held in the Bahamas.

Guyana’s President is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, Caricom Ambassador and Department of the Americas in the Foreign Affairs Ministry Director George Talbot, Agriculture Ministry Director General Mandanlall Ramraj and the Natural Resources Ministry’s Local Content Secretariat Director Martin Pertab.

The protest along the ECD on Wednesday last

Claiming that they were avenging the shooting death of Bacchus, which took place on June 10, the rioters proceeded to destroy goods, burn stalls and vehicles, shatter windscreens, and even assault vendors who were forced to run into the adjoining streets in fear for their lives.

After the looters made off with fruits, vegetables, clothing, shoes, and other articles which were being sold in the makeshift market, vendors were left counting their losses, which in some cases amounted to millions of dollars.

The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is investigation Bacchus’ killing.

Bacchus, a father of one and late resident of Golden Grove, ECD, was allegedly shot six times about his

body following an encounter with Police ranks. It was reported that, on June 10, ranks were conducting an intelligence-led operation in the Haslington New Scheme area of the ECD after receiving some information earlier in the day. While there, the ranks said, they contacted a 22-year-old construction worker, who provided them with certain information.

As a result of the information, a plainclothes rank who was armed made arrangements to purchase a firearm from Bacchus, who left and returned with the firearm.

In the process of handing over the firearm to the rank, an alarm was raised.

As a result, Bacchus ran in a southerly direction and discharged a round in the

rank’s direction, and the rank drew his service pistol and returned fire.

Police said Bacchus then ran further south and jumped into a yard, and the rank gave chase. While the rank was in close proximity to Bacchus, Bacchus allegedly discharged several other rounds at the rank, and the rank took cover and returned fire, hitting the now-deceased man about his body.

Bacchus reportedly fell to the ground, along with the firearm, which was later identified as a .380 pistol with a magazine that still had one round. Police said Bacchus was picked up in a conscious state and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was seen and examined, but subsequently died. (G3)

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Murdered Berbice hairdresser

“Whatever will be will be” – arrested soldier tells Police

A

s Police continue to investigate the brutal murder of 29-year-old Donalesa Park, an umbrella that the woman had left home with was reportedly found in the suspect’s bedroom.

The hairdresser’s lifeless body was found wrapped in plastic at Courtland Village Public Road, Berbice, on June 30.

Based on information received, the mother of one had left her Number Two Village, East Canje, Berbice home on Wednesday at about 08:00h to plait a client’s hair, but never showed up. On Thursday morning, relatives became worried and started to call friends and other relatives to enquire about her whereabouts. However, the woman’s body was discovered at about 07:00h wrapped in plastic on an open plot of land.

On Saturday, ranks from the Major Crimes Unit continued to interro-

Dead: Donalesa Park

gate the suspect, a 32-yearold Corporal of the Guyana Defence Force, who was in a relationship with the now dead woman.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed on Saturday that while the soldier did not admit to killing Park, he told investigators

that he will “live with the consequences” of his action and “whatever will be, will be”.

Meanwhile, investigators have confirmed that the last person to see the woman alive was the suspect’s sister, who admitted to detectives that she saw Park being physically assaulted by the suspect.

Police are also reviewing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the area.

Reports are that the nowdead woman’s sister had last seen her sibling alive on Wednesday at about 08:00h at home. While at home, Park had told her sister that she was going to braid someone’s hair at Fort Ordinance, East Canje, Berbice.

“About 06:00h on Thursday, the sister called the individual whose hair Donalesa told her she was going to braid, but the individual related that she never showed up, and explained that the woman called and

The umbrella which was allegedly found in the suspect’s bedroom

told her she had to go to Corentyne”, the Police statement added.

At about 07:00h, the woman’s body was found

wrapped in plastic along the Courtland Village Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, on an open plot of land.

Following the discov-

ery, an uncle, Mortimer Amsterdam, explained that his niece had been in the hairdressing business for about 15 years. He said he had received a telephone call from his sister, who told him that her daughter had not been seen since Wednesday morning, when she had left the house. In addition, calls to her cell phone went unanswered for a short period, and the phone was later turned off.

He noted that the woman would conduct business with a serving member of the Guyana Defence Force, and she might have gone to collect the items.

“He does normally bring detergent for Donalisa from Lethem…so she went to collect the stuff, and since then they ain’t see she back…,” Amsterdam added.

The aggrieved uncle further stated that they were home when they received information that the woman’s body was found along the Corentyne.

11 GOGEC pursues membership in Caricom Private Sector body T NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Inciting the Mon Repos Anti-Indian Riot

G

uyana experienced another protest march for “justice” that ended up in a riot in which Indian Guyanese were beaten, robbed, brutalised, and their properties destroyed. Now commonplace since the 1960s, the organisers again claimed with straight faces that it “Wasn’t us; infiltrators did it”. Yet, they have never managed to produce an Ravi Dev “infiltrator”. The same for a Police Force that by now should have their protest-riot response plan as part of basic training for new recruits.

After the PNC violently protested the Dec 1997 election results with hundreds of Indian Guyanese assaulted, I did an analysis, “Aetiology of an Ethnic Riot”, to which I refer after every protestriot. It is a well-worn document. This pattern is so predictable that it was reduced to a formula by an ethnic conflict expert, which I have explained ad nauseum: Group Worth + Group Comparison + Group Legitimacy = Politics of Entitlement.

Since the APNU/PNC lost the elections of March 2020, there has been a constant bombardment from activists on social media platforms, claiming that Indian Guyanese, “who own everything because of past advantages”, were again getting preferential treatment from the PPP Govt; while Africans were being deprived.

For instance, on food assistance, school vouchers and everything distributed since the change of Government. As we had warned back in 1998, “…a feeling of deprivation is exacerbated when, as in Guyana, the group which is perceived to be moving ahead (Indians) was previously seen as “backward” by the group which is now told it is lagging (Africans).

The assertion that African Guyanese have a greater legitimacy to the patrimony of Guyana is flouted continuously on social media. This argument is based on a claim that they suffered more during slavery than Indian Guyanese during indentureship; arrived earlier; westernised (read “civilised”) earlier, Christianised earlier; educated all late-comers; and finally, that the Caribbean, including Guyana, is an African nation. All of these trump the modern norm of equality through citizenship. The educational system also reinforces the claims of Africans’ greater legitimacy by silencing Indian contributions to Guyana. For instance, the Indian counter- assertion - that they rescued the colony as a viable proposition by saving and expanding the sugar industry after the abolition of slavery - to justify the extraordinary outlay on hydraulics is dismissed.

“With the state as the arbiter of who gets what, when, and how, the perception of being denied their ‘earned greater share’ precipitates a struggle to control that state. Elections become flashpoints. Where the group that has severe questions about its worth also has entrenched claims to legitimacy to rule, as African Guyanese do in Guyana -- but this claim is contested by the other groups (Indian Guyanese) -- the potential for extreme behaviour is greatest. This is exacerbated when the groups are of comparable size, as Indian and African/Mixed Guyanese are here.

And this is why the possibility of extreme behaviour is omnipresent here during heightened group contestation. This possibility is increased when the group, here African Guyanese, are convinced that Indian Guyanese and “their” PPP Government are frustrating them from achieving their legitimate expectations. In general, the emotional response to frustration is anger, and there was much anger in that march from Golden Grove. But the expression of this anger depends greatly on the strategy of the group’s leadership.

Back in 2004, one WPA MP who sat next to me in Parliament told me of her disappointment with Corbin, who was supposed to “manners” the PPP. This is also why Aubrey Norton is now PNC leader.

A major factor in the likelihood of an aggrieved group leader choosing violence to achieve their thwarted goals is the perception of the retribution that may be unleashed against it. As I wrote in 1998, and which remains true today, “In Guyana, the PNC have repeatedly declared that the members of the Disciplined Forces which were built up during their Burnhamite dictatorial regime are their “kith and kin”. Their strategy has been to test the Forces through escalating forays and protest marches, so as to expose the troops to the fact that the protesters are actually and literally their “kith and kin. The PNC knows also that if African Guyanese’s frustration and anger are addressed only by sanctions or fear of retribution, eventually the forces will refuse to use violence against their ‘own’.” The social media activists seeking to outflank Norton have been stressing this angle even since Pres Granger accepted his defeat.

Hence the Mon Repos Anti-Indian Riots.

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

he Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber has agreed on joining the Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), with pledges by the two sides to collaborate and better position the private sector in the task of regional integration.

Technical Director of the CPSO, Dr Patrick Antoine met with President of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC), Manniram Prashad for exploratory discussions at the GOGEC Office on the role of the private sector in the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

They used the opportunity to exchange information on both institutions, recalling their historical antecedents and the respective mandates of the CPSO and GOGEC. Dr Antoine explained the unique position the CPSO holds as an associate institution of Caricom, while Prashad added that GOGEC is seeking to maintain its position as a key player in the oil and gas sector in Guyana. He expressed a keen interest in GOGEC becoming a member of the CPSO which was welcomed

by Dr Antoine, who set out the processes for attaining membership.

The CPSO Director further elaborated that the

From left: Advisor Neville Bissember; CPSO Technical Director Dr Patrick Antoine, GOGEC President Manniram Prashad, and Desmond Sears

CPSO is currently engaged in a membership outreach and onboarding programme and acknowledged the recent decision of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry to join the CPSO. Antoine also disclosed that the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Barbados Manufacturers’ Association (BMA) would have also joined as members of the CPSO. Both sides acknowledged the critical partnership that is necessary between the member states of Caricom and their respective private sectors, in order to advance the vision for the CSME. In this regard, Dr

Antoine noted the importance of regular dialogue between the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom, and the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and the CPSO, particularly in areas such as achieving regional food security and industrial development, as well as in addressing subject areas such as NonTariff Barriers (NTBs) and Front of Package Labelling (FOPL).

Prashad supported this position and said that it was in the interest of GOGEC to align itself with the CPSO through membership. To this end, GOGEC will review the aims and objec-

tives of the CPSO to identify synergies and possible areas of convergence.

The Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) is the most recently accredited Associate Institution of the Caribbean Community.

The CPSO is a ‘Service Organisation’ to mobilise and advance private sector participation in Caricom, with a mandate to contribute to the full implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). The membership of the CPSO is comprised of private sector entities operating in the Caricom space, including micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). (G12)

12 NEWS ‘Caretaker’ busted with over 52kg ganja in house SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

23-year-old labourer is now in Police custody after ranks from Regional Division Five unearthed over 52 kilograms of cannabis in a house for which he was the ‘caretaker.’

Reports are that acting on information received, the Police ranks went to the left bank of the Abary River (about 40 miles from the public road) at about 12:00h on Saturday.

On arrival at the area, the ranks saw a two-storey wooden and concrete house on a plot of land where the 23-year-old labourer from Tempie Village, West Coast Berbice was seen.

A search was conducted on the house and four salt bags

were found in a room in the lower flat. The bags were checked and they contained 31 wrapped parcels, all containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The labourer was told of the offence, and in response told Police that the house belongs to someone he only knows by the named “Jah Jah” and that he was just the caretaker.

He was taken to the Weldaad Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed and it amounted to 52,617 grams.

Police are now searching for the owner of the house. (G2)

The over 52 kilograms of cannabis that were found on Saturday

13 “I wrote and passed the CXC exams after retirement” – Retired teacher Dennis John FEATURE

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

By Alva Solomon

F

or Dennis John, being an educator is not only a passion which inspires him to assist the younger generation, it is also a field which he is determined to utilise to qualify himself. And even after retiring in 2015, he ensured he went back to write several CSEC subjects to satisfy that passion, with years of experience to his advantage.

John, a father of four, was a school teacher for some 35 years, and although it was difficult and challenging to teach in the remote villages of the Barama and Waini Rivers of Region One, he believed it was his duty to ensure that the children of those areas receive an education that would benefit them in the long term.

John was an untrained teacher whose services made a difference in the remote village of Kariako, one of the far-flung mining communities in the Barama River in the North West District.

Down memory lane

John went down memory lane and gave an insight into how he started out in the teaching profession. He

said it all started back in 1976, when he completed an agriculture programme at the village of Arakaka near Matthew’s Ridge, another area of the North West District.

He travelled back to his home in the village of Waikarebe in the Barama River, where he felt inspired to become a teacher.

After applying for the post, he said, he was placed at the village of Warapoka, which sits on the Waini River.

“I started there on June 21, 1980, and was there for two and a half years,” he said.

After that period, John moved to live with his wife and children in the nearby village of Santa Cruz. He spent some four years teaching at the primary school there, and then Regional Education Officer Mr Lloyd Baharally asked him to head a new school which was touted to be opened at the village of Kariako.

“I was really anxious to go to Kariako, because I never went there prior to that, and it was an experience to remember,” he said.

Accompanied by another young teacher at the time, one Learmond Abrams, the two created history as being the first teachers to teach

at the village. That was in 1986, and John remembers paddling to the area as if it were yesterday.

“It took us almost a week to get there,” he said. “It was there I gained much of my experience paddling.”

He recalled spending the nights on mudbanks and under mora trees as the sun set in the distance during the week-long trip. On arrival at the village, the duo received a warm welcome from the residents.

At the time, the Smith family provided much support to the young teachers, and John noted that he and Abrams lived at the same building where school was kept.

He said some 60 students registered to attend the school, and they were placed at various levels.

“We had to adjust and teach all the levels,” John recalled.

He said that, during this time, the Smith family would supply the two teachers with rations needed for their upkeep. In addition, he noted that there was no need for them to travel to their home dozens of miles away, except on occasions to uplift their monthly salaries.

John noted that he also

had to put systems in place for his wife and children to ensure their well-being was in order back at Santa Cruz where they resided.

“I didn’t know where I was going, because Kariako is a far place, so I couldn’t take them,” he said, noting that he made arrangements with shops for them to obtain rations.

Malaria and moving back home

Given the remoteness of Kariako, John said, at times of sickness, he faced many challenges. “It was not easy at all, because there was no health centre and so nearby,” he added. He said he contracted malaria countless times, and he remembers the days of paddling to get treatment dozens of miles away.

“I remember paddling down to get to the nearest health centre, at Santa Cruz where my family was living, it was far,” he added.

John said that for a short period, he relocated to be with his family at Santa Cruz while a new building was being constructed to house the school at Kariako.

He said he went back to the latter location in 1991 after construction of the school

Retired schoolteacher Dennis John

building and a teacher’s quarters had been completed. He stayed at the village until 2012, three years prior to retirement.

“During that time, I gained a lot more experience in working with the children at various levels,” he said. “We worked hard with those children, because we wanted them to become educated,” he said.

He said that, while at the

village, he managed to set aside time to upgrade his own qualifications. As such, in the year 2000, he studied for and wrote Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) mathematics and English examinations. When the results came, he was happy to learn he had obtained Grade One passes in both subjects.

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A

MANAGING YOUR WASTE – COMPOSTING

2016 study conducted by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council showed that more than half of the waste going to the Haags Bosch Landfill is organic waste – resources which can be good for both the planet and your pocket. These organic wastes, mostly consisting of kitchen and yard wastes, can be recycled by nature to create compost.

Composting is the natural decomposition of plant remains and other once-living materials to make an earthy, dark, crumbly substance called compost. Composting provides a free, top-notch soil conditioner that improves plant, garden and lawn growth.

Composting does the following: * Converts waste into a valuable resource * Helps break down heavy clay and sandy soils * Helps reduce erosion * Helps the soil retain moisture * Improves plant health and growth, increasing yields *Increases nutritional quality of home-grown foods * Raises the fibre in the soil, helping it bind together * Recycles nutrients back into the soil * Reduces reliance on land-filling of waste * Reduces reliance on toxic chemicals & pesticides * Reduces water demand of trees and plants * Encourages a wider diversity of living organisms in your garden.

There are two main types of backyard composting: cold (also known as passive composting) and hot (also called active composting). Cold

composting breaks down organic matter slowly, but it also takes the least amount of effort and maintenance. Anything organic decomposes eventually; cold composting is just letting Mother Nature do her job with minimal intervention on your part.

You do not need to worry about the ratio of compost ingredients, regular aeration, or monitor of moisture levels. Cold composting is the best process if you have little organic waste to compost and not much time to tend to the process, and if you are not in a hurry for finished compost.

Hot composting is a faster but more managed compost process. This method requires attention to keep carbon and nitrogen in the optimum ratio to decompose organic waste. It also requires the right balance of air and water to attract the organisms that thrive in an oxygen-rich environment.

Under ideal conditions, you could have the final compost product in a matter of four weeks to twelve months.

Make your own compost Compost is easy to make! All you need are your materials – kitchen and garden/yard waste and water, and nature will do the rest with air and micro-organisms. To take it to another level, you will need a container, something as simple as a large tub, or as fancy as a barrel, bin, or block bin.

For efficiency, you will also need a container for collecting kitchen scraps, and a pitchfork, shovel or other turning device. Organic material should be added to the bin (should you decide to use one) as it is generated. Enclosed bins keep out pests, and hold heat and moisture.

Most compost is made up of organic materials like leaves, garden plants, newspaper, straw, grass clippings, manure, and kitchen scraps.

Kitchen waste should include materials like vegetables and fruit peeling, eggshells, coffee grounds, etc. Meat, fat, and bone products should never be added to the compost pile, as they can introduce harmful parasites and attract animals.

You should alternate layers of green and brown materials. Green items include grass clippings and kitchen scraps, which add nitrogen to the compost. Brown materials add carbon to compost containers, and consist of things like leaves, newspaper and small woody materials.

Moisture and adequate air circulation are vital for composting.

Therefore, they should be kept wet, but not soggy.

In addition, compost should be frequently turned with a garden fork, to aid in aeration as well as speed up the decomposition process.

Depending on the materials used and size of the compost pile, decomposition can take anywhere from weeks or months to a year.

All organic materials contain a mixture of carbon and nitrogen, this is known as the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio. For best results, your compost pile requires a balance of carbon and nitrogen. Organic materials can be divided into two categories: "green" & "brown".

"Green", or "nitrogen rich" organic material, is wet and often green, like grass clippings or fruit and vegetables. “brown", or "carbon rich" organic material, is dry, woody material that is usually brown, such as fallen leaves and tree-cuttings.w Next week, we’ll continue our article on composting by sharing tips on making great compost.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Sources

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/ composting-basics.htm For the EPA’s full Composting booklet, visit: https://www.epaguyana. org/epa/resources/booklets/summary/12-booklets/135-compostingbooklet-updated

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

FEATURE

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Global Peace Ambassador to visit Guyana for #IStandforPeace event

Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Samuel Hinds, met Gurudev last week at an intimate gathering

G

lobal Peace Ambassador and Humanitarian Leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will visit Guyana on July 15 for an #IStandforPeace public event at the National Cultural Center, as part of his global peace campaign across major cities in Europe, North America, South America, and Africa.

Launched at the UN Headquarters in Geneva in April 2022, the IStandforPeace campaign is a call for the silent, positive and rational voices in soci-

ety to stand and be heard.

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

“People come together when there is crisis, when they feel threatened, or when they are wise; when they understand we are all interdependent. Can people not come together for something positive? Something

that is creative?

Something that can create harmony in society?

Yes, they can, provided that they are strong mentally and are not swayed by the so-called news,” Gurudev asserted in an address to a seminar on Unity & Collaboration in a PostPandemic World at the UN recently.

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, but conflict can be prevented if people are mentally strong and their minds are serene and calm. He noted that rumours often inflame conflicts, and social media has become a source of both information and misinformation.

Gurudev and his million-plus volunteers have been working tirelessly in the last 40 years to bring stress and trauma relief to communities and individuals ravaged by disaster, conflict, trauma, anxiety and depression. They have been teaching a powerful

breathing technique called Sudarshan Kriya, which allows individuals to experience immediate release from stress and anxiety, and brings calm and peace to the mind. This allows one to go deeper into a meditative space that brings healing to the mind and the body.

The peace envoy believes that peace begins within, at the level of the individual, and then ripples into families, communities, and into the world. He does not believe that anyone is inherently bad, and shares that even in the most violent criminal lies a beautiful being waiting to be uncovered.

All that is required is for persons to learn how to handle their negative emotions and manage their minds.

The World Health Organization recently declared a mental health crisis, and Gurudev notes that depression and suicide are on the rise on one hand (every 40 seconds, one person commits suicide in the world) and aggression on the other.

“All this indicates to us is that we need to educate people how to handle their minds and their emotions.

See, neither at school nor at home has anyone taught us how to handle our emotions.

You feel bad and go on for

days and weeks or months with those bad feelings.

This is where our foundation volunteers are helpful,” Gurudev says in referring to Sudarshan Kriya technique.

“Your breath has a secret. Every emotion has a definite pattern in your breath. By changing the breathing pattern and doing some exercise with the breath, you can change the way you feel. Acting schools teach breathing techniques to bring out the emotions in actors. However, our schools do not attend to mental health and hygiene,” Gurudev shares.

“A mind that is clear and strong can carry a weak body, but a weak mind cannot carry a strong body; so mental strength is needed, and that can come when people who are like-minded, who support positivity and who have the right intention with a big vision, can come together and say, ‘I stand up for peace’. Standing up for peace is necessary,” says Gurudev.

He notes that while deep within we all want and support peace, we need to bring that desire to the fore of our minds, and to take steps to advocate for it. A referendum for peace in Colombia was rejected, as those supporting peace did not turn

up at the polls and the 20% opposing was able to defeat the process.

“The negative voices, though very small, are very strong. You can hear them very loud everywhere.

What is needed today in the post-pandemic era is for the sane voices to become strong and loud. There is no dearth of sanity in the world. There are wise people everywhere, but somehow they sit back and are not proactive. The post-pandemic requires action from all who have care and concern for the planet, and who are really worried about the welfare of whole of humanity,” the peace envoy implores He also calls for independence in thinking, dubbing it “sacred”.” We must be independent thinkers, and we also need independence within ourselves, from our negative emotions.

Many times we are under the clutches of these negative emotions, and we suffer and we do not know how to get out of it. We reel in those emotions. If one person is mentally or behaviourally not okay in the family, that entire family is unhappy.

Few families like these, and the whole community, has a negative energy.

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Global Peace Ambassador to visit...

FROM PAGE 15

We need to do something to make people understand the value of their thoughts, their intentions, their feelings, and how they need to harness themselves into more socially-acceptable and personally beneficial roles that nature has provided us in abundance. We only need to wake up and see that the irresponsible behaviour of one person can affect so many around us,” he said.

For there to be a more peaceful world, Gurudev says, multiple approaches are needed, whether it is to foster peace among nations, or within or among communities.

“All this can be handled when we have a broader vision, when we recognise that life is sacred and that we are here for a short period of time, when we want to leave a better world for the future generation; a world that is economically sound, environmentally safe. Water pollution, soil pollution, air pollution, noise pollution, electronic pollution - these are things that we really need to take care of. And it cannot happen just by some laws that the Government makes. It must be a people’s movement.

“Similarly, I feel that peace is something that can bring people out of despondency and helplessness.

When they stand up and say ‘I stand up for peace’, it empowers them and brings out their

inner strength. Collectively, then, we will be able to influence our atmosphere positively, and in such a positive atmosphere, only good things can happen”, the peacemaker has said.

The idea is noble, it is building into a tsunami effect with more than a million names attached to the pledge of peace at https:// istandforpeace.artofliving. org/. Gurudev is hoping that at least one percent of the world population would take the pledge, and he has been meeting with congressional leaders, community leaders, and influencers across the world to make this happen.

“When 1% of the population meditates, it elevates the collective consciousness.

Similarly, if enough people say, ‘I stand for peace,’ then we project that energy, that vision, and it will happen!”, Gurudev says.

Gurudev arrives in Guyana on July 15 for the IStandforPeace public event at the National Cultural Center at 6:30pm (18:30hrs).

Who is Gurudev?

Gurudev is a global humanitarian, spiritual leader and peace envoy who has worked tirelessly in 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 often called the Master of Love,

programmes, including through 18 Veterans Affairs hospitals and Veteran centers.

American Songwriter Philip Lawrence recently interacted with Gurudev at a public audience

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. Recently, he proposed the settlement adopted by the Supreme Court in Indian 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.

More than 450 million individuals worldwide have experienced peace, and experienced calm and inner resilience in the face of adversity through his programmes. There are more than 100 scientific research papers published on the efficacy of his Sudarshan Kriya Technique on improving mental health outcomes, including studies by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harvard University School of Medicine, Yale University and Stanford University. A recent randomised control trial at Yale University found that Sudarshan Kriya Yoga is more effective than the mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and Emotional Intelligence programme in countering depression, stress, mental health, mindfulness, positive affect, and social connectedness among college students. And American bestseller writer and breath researcher James Nestor, in his book “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art”, describes Sudarshan Kriya as the “most powerful” breathing technique he has ever experienced.

Sudarshan Kriya has recently been adopted by several hospitals in the United States in their wellness programmes to combat burnout among healthcare workers.

Each year, more than 400 physicians commit suicide in the United States, and the US Surgeon General anticipates a shortage of 139,000 physicians in another 10 years because of burnout.

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 sustainabil-

ity, planting more than 36 million trees around the world, and they have rejuvenated thousands of water bodies in India.

Programmes

Apart from the introductory SKY Breath Meditation Programme (called the Happiness Programme in Guyana), and the 702 schools established in India which currently educate 70,000 children, Gurudev SKY Schools programme is approved in the US by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), as a social emotional learning programme. SKY Schools has breathed life into the US education system by giving students and educators the tools to optimise the educational experience. More than 120,000 students at 225 schools across the U.S. have learned how to manage stress and make more responsible choices through these programmes.

Independent research

by Claremont Graduate University also shows that the SKY Schools programme reduces anxiety, depression, and bullying, and increases attentional, focus, and responsible decision-making.

The foundation also offers a SKY Campus programme to combat the fast-paced, highstress university environment where students report more depression and suicidal ideation than ever before in history. SKY Campus is a comprehensive well-being and resilience training designed to help students, faculty, and staff achieve their fullest potential. More than 127,000 students on 101 university campuses have participated in these programmes, and can experience clarity of mind, resilience, purpose and belonging.

Veterans programmes

Gurudev has also designed a free programme for the armed forces and their families in the US. The Welcome Home Troops offers restoration and tools to reduce chronic stress and PTSD. More than 3,700 veterans across 30 U.S. cities have benefited from these

Prison Programmes His Prison Smart Programme, which has rehabilitated more than 800,000 prisoners globally, is accredited by the American Correctional Association and is accepted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons as an evidence-based programme. More than 50,000 inmates across 17 states have benefited from this programme to manage stress and trauma and begin the process of true rehabilitation.

The programme tackles individual stress and transforming the mindset, attitude, and behaviors of offenders.

Independent research shows the prison smart programme has been successful in dramatically reducing offender recidivism rates, effectively breaking cycles of violence.

Inner City Programmes

Urban violence is a major issue in the US, and Gurudev’s Cities 4 Peace initiative actively promotes peace and social cohesion.

The program empowers community stakeholders, including social justice activists, former gang members, and law enforcement officers, with evidence-based breathing and meditation techniques. Upon graduation from this programme, leaders become “Ambassadors of Peace,” and conduct peace workshops in their own communities.

Vedic Programmes

Gurudev, known as the master of love, fosters global awareness of Vedic spirituality. He has established schools to revive the ancient Vedic practices that are sought out by Vedic scholars.

He also facilitates commercial diplomacy, promotes cultural and artistic exchange, accelerates awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, facilitates disaster responses in India, and promotes gender equality in India and globally.

Gurudev seeks to build bridges between beliefs and religions to universalise wisdom and foster greater compassion, love and mutual understanding for a stressand-violence-free society. In 2016, he brought together 3.75 million people in New Delhi for the World Culture Festival that celebrates unity in diversity, something no politician on earth has been able to do. The World Culture Festival will be held in Washington DC in 2023 as a platform to heal the fabric of society, torn apart by polarisation, by uniting cultures and celebrating our uniqueness. The theme of the World Culture Festival is Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, the World is one Family.

For tickets to the IStandforPeace event at the National Cultural Center, please email info.guyana@artofliving.org.

FEATURE

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“I wrote and passed the CXC exams...

FROM PAGE 13

John then asked to be transferred to Santa Rosa at Moruca, and while there, he concretised plans to build his home to permanently settle with his family. He said a senior Education official then informed him that he was needed to be in charge of the primary school at the village of Father’s Beach, located along the Atlantic Coast near the mouth of the Moruca River. There he spent the remaining years of his lengthy career until 2015. He said although the area was different from where he had previously worked, he received full cooperation from the parents, students and villagers.

“I retired with a 100% pass at the Grade Six level there,” he added.

CSEC subjects and move to Region Seven

John said that in 2015, some months after retirement, he prepared to write additional CSEC subjects.

He said he wrote Social Studies and Integrated Science, and according to him, he worked tirelessly as he prepared to sit the examinations. John said his wife was especially supportive during that time, and that he studied 45 modules for both subjects during his preparations and would be up as late as 3am some mornings with his books.

“I could say to anyone, there are times when I overheard young people say that it is too late. But for me it is not too late; it is up to you,” he said of writing the secondary school exams. “You are never too old to learn. once you have that in you, you can do things and share with others, “John said as he offered some advice to persons who may be unsure of sitting the exams.

He said he contemplated his next move post-retirement, and he applied for and was offered a job as the ‘dormitory father’ at

Bartica in Region Seven.

He oversaw the dormitory which housed students of the Three Miles and Bartica Secondary schools, and he stayed there for some four years, until 2019. John said that although he had to adjust to a new environment and a new role, his main aim was to assist the students at the facility.

“The key thing I had in mind was to ensure the students study. Every day I would sit with them and try to encourage them, so they could be motivated and build their minds,” he added.

John said being a ‘dorm

father’ is not only about sitting and being an administrator at the facility, “but you have to work with the students.”

He said that when he took up the role, the students were preparing to write the CSEC examinations, and he noted that he ensured he provided support to them. “They did well at the exams. It takes a lot of encouragement to show these students that they can do well,” he elaborated.

Future plans and retiring for sure

At the moment, John is in charge of the dormi-

tory at the Santa Rosa Secondary School, and although he is in his mid60s, he said he still has a lot of educational knowledge and advice to share with the students. At the male dormitory, there are posters and words of advice plastered on the walls, which John said he prepared and placed there to ensure the boys are always motivated.

“My thing is that they should never give up,” he said, adding that once they set their goals, they should work towards them persistently.

As regards when he is “really retiring,” John said

he feels satisfied that he is able to understand students at all levels of primary and secondary education, and he noted that he plans to be around the learning environment even when he moves on from his current role.

He said he would make it his duty to offer valuable knowledge and advice to his predecessor at the dormitory, and noted that he is always ready to share his experience. “I don’t like to keep this knowledge to myself,” he noted. “This is my word of advice to students: ‘Never give up on what you are doing’,” he said in an upbeat tone.

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HEALTH TIPS HIGH BODY ODOUR

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes

B

ody odour is a fairly common issue that can affect a person’s quality of life. It occurs due to bacterial processes in sweat, and not due to sweat itself. It is a common misconception that sweat itself causes body odour. In actual fact, human sweat is almost

odourless.

Body odour occurs due to bacteria on a person’s skin breaking down protein molecules within sweat, and producing odour as a result.

Although its root causes are often down to a person’s hygiene practices, body odour can indicate a more serious underlying condition in some instances.

The body can produce odours in the mouth and other cavities, as well as in bodily fluids.

WHAT IS BODY ODOUR?

Body odour is an umbrella term for natural smells originating from a person.

The human body can produce a range of substances that carry a smell -- known as odourants. Many of these odourants are important for regular bodily function, and in small quantities,

do not lead to unpleasant odours. However, an excessive accumulation of these compounds on the skin can cause noticeable smells.

Body odour usually becomes more evident during puberty, as hormones and sweat glands become more active at this time. People with obesity, and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are also more susceptible to having body odour. Sweat itself is virtually odourless to humans. However, the rapid multiplication of bacteria and their breaking down of sweat into acids can cause unpleasant smells. As a result, people who sweat a lot — such as those with hyperhidrosis — may be more susceptible to developing body odour.

Body odour is most like-

ly to occur in the following places: feet, groin, armpits, genitals, pubic and other hair, belly button, anus, and behind the ears. A person’s diet, natal sex, health conditions and medications help create a unique body odour.

Some research suggests that people, and more so animals, are adept at identifying individuals by these smell profiles.

Causes

A person’s skin contains both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands. Apocrine glands start to function at puberty, and are associated with hair follicles in the underarms and groin. These glands produce a viscous, protein-rich sweat that is initially odourless. However, as bacteria break down the abundance of proteins, they will produce odourant mole-

cules in greater concentrations, causing body odour.

In contrast, eccrine sweat glands predominantly regulate body temperature through perspiration, and are not as strongly linked with body odour.

Prevention

Having a large concentration of apocrine glands in the armpits and groin makes these areas susceptible to the rapid development of body odour. However, body odour can occur almost anywhere on a person’s body.

There is no universal treatment for the causes of body odour, but taking the following steps may help control body odour: * Washing: A person should wash regularly with soap, and ensure that they dry themselves thoroughly. * Shaving: Having hair

in areas such as the armpits can slow down the evaporation of sweat, giving bacteria more time to break down proteins and create odourants. Shaving can help body odour control in those areas. * Using antiperspirants: Antiperspirants can reduce the intensity of a person’s body odour by changing sweat volumes and altering the amount and activity of odour-causing bacteria.

A person may also experience noticeable body odours in areas that are often covered by clothes, such as the feet. A combination of increased humidity and sweat trapped in the fabric can promote bacterial multiplication and activity, leading to body odour.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

FEATURE

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HEALTH TIPS HIGH BODY ODOUR

FROM PAGE 22

To prevent this from happening, a person may wish to pay extra attention to those areas when washing, and ensure that those areas are completely dry before putting on clean clothes. Wearing natural fibres may also help with the evaporation of sweat, and help reduce buildup of bacteria.

Consuming chilies, onions, garlic and other potent foods can also make some people’s sweat more pungent. Further, if a person consumes excessive amounts of protein, this may affect their body odour.

TREATMENT

If body odour is affecting a person’s quality of life, and home remedies have not worked, a doctor may recommend additional treatments. These may include: * Aluminum chloride: A doctor or dermatologist may recommend prescription antiperspirants containing aluminum chloride. Aluminum chloride is absorbed into the skin and reduces the amount a person sweats. Prescription antiperspirants can contain 10–30% aluminum chloride. * Botulinum toxin (Botox): A medical professional may recommend Botox treatment for people who sweat excessively. They may inject Botox directly into the skin, which can block the release of chemicals that trigger sweating. Some reports indicate that Botox injections in the armpits can reduce sweating by 82–87%. * Surgery: When self-care and medicinal measures are not effective at treating severe body odour, a doctor can perform a surgical procedure called an endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). This severs the sweat-controlling nerves below the skin of the armpits. This option is a last resort, and it runs the risk of causing damage to other nerves and arteries in the area. However, a 2019 review found that more than 90% of people who underwent ETS reported improved quality of life after the procedure.

WHEN TO CONTACT A DOCTOR

Some medical conditions may change how much a person sweats, or the odour their body produces. These can be indicators of more serious conditions. If a person should notice any of these changes, they should contact a doctor immediately. For example, an overactive thyroid gland or menopause can make people sweat much more; while liver disease, kidney disease and diabetes can change the consistency of sweat.

A person should contact a doctor if: * They start sweating at night. * Bouts of sweating occurs irregularly, or at excessive levels. * They begin to experience cold sweats. * Changes to their sweating are impacting their daily life. * A person should also contact a doctor if their body odour suddenly smells different. A fruity smell could indicate diabetes due to having high levels of ketones in the bloodstream, while liver or kidney disease can often lead to a bleach- or ammonia-like smell, due to a buildup of toxins in the body.

JUST REMEMBER...

Body odour is a common occurrence, and people can often remedy it at home. Although people often associate body odour with unpleasant smells, this is not always the case.

Thoroughly washing, using antiperspirants, and shaving may all assist a person in managing unwanted body odour.

Body odour and excessive sweating may also be indicators of an underlying health condition.

24 NEWS

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Agri sector’s global attention warrants developing of value-added goods – Minister

G

uyana’s agriculture sector is garnering attention on the global stage, but this calls for the development of more value-added products using local produce to supply export demands.

This position was shared

by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at the commissioning of equipment and machines valued in excess of $37 million for the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC). This addition is geared at strengthening the corporation’s capacity to deliver services to farmers and other stakeholders across the sector.

After coming out of a successful Agri Investment Forum and Expo back in May, the Agriculture Minister has relayed that Guyana is now attracting attention beyond the region. Taking this factor into account, he noted that

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

there is need for more value-added products.

“I think Guyana is attracting attention not just regionally but globally.

Many persons would say Guyana is attracting attention globally because of oil and gas but today, the agriculture sector is taking the region by storm. We are moving forward to ensure that we have food security. If we have food security, then the GMC has a very important role to play,

and that is to ensure that our farmers’ produce is developed into value-added products.”

In 2001, the GMC established the Central Packaging Facility – Sophia to prepare produce for export and enhance its services to farmers. A number of agro-processing facilities are being created across the country to decentralise these opportunities.

“It was built for farmers

to bring their produce to the urban areas and many farmers in the regions were denied the opportunity to add value to their produce. As a Government and a commitment that was made by the President, that we should ensure that we deliver to farmers, deliver the resources equally around the country, develop the skills of farmers, you will notice over the last 20 months, we have seen a marked improvement in agro-processing across the country.”

The Agriculture Minister added that farmers are now interested in adding value to their produce.

“Today as a Government, we are driving the agricultural food agenda. Our President is leading excellently in that field so much that the entire Caribbean is looking forward to Guyana for its leadership. While

we are developing our sector, other countries are also looking forward to us,” said Mustapha.

Guyana is working with countries like Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and others to support and grow their respective agricultural sector.

“We are having requests from many other countries in the Caribbean like St Vincent, Suriname and other places to lead the process. We are also interested to ensure that we develop our sector and move

it to different stage in development. That is why we are increasing budgetary allocations in the last three budgets we have passed,” he added.

When the PPP/C Government left office in 2015, the allocated budget for the sector was about $18.5 billion. After returning to Government in 2020, it was found that this number had dropped to $11.5 billion. With continued increases in three years, the sector budget is now $28.5 billion. (G12)

NEWSE

12-year-old missing for over 6 weeks

T

he family of 12-year-old Kimberly Samantha Tull of Onderneeming in La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, are worried for Kimberly’s life after she ran away from home six weeks ago.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the child's mother, Nadia Narine said that she last saw her daughter some six weeks ago after she had scolded her for teasing her younger brother.

“Me and she had a little argument before she ran away…I give her two box (slaps) because of how she was handling her brother,” Narine said.

The woman said that she cannot recall what her daughter was wearing when she left the home.

The single mother explained that her daughter is a student of Carmel Secondary School. A Police report was made but searches proved futile.

However, villagers have since claimed that they saw the child with a woman and

Missing: 12-year-old Kimberly Samantha Tull

another girl around the same age within the community.

The child’s uncle, Shane Tull, and father were only over the weekend notified that she is missing. The uncle said that he is worried about his niece’s whereabouts.

Anyone with information pertaining to the whereabouts of 12-year-old Kimberly Samantha Tull is asked to contact her uncle on (592) 683-1154; or her mother (592) 676 5849 or the nearest Police Station.

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Water woes to end at Waiakabra, Hillfoot with new well

O

ver 300 households within the communities of Waiakabra and Hillfoot on the LindenSoesdyke Highway will soon benefit from a new well, ending the water woes faced by residents.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh met with residents on Friday. Present at the meeting were NDC Chairman for LamahaYarrowkabra, Floyd Smith; Vice Chairperson Michelle Drepaul and other community representatives.

The existing Waiakabra well, which was drilled in 2017 to serve both Waiakabra and Hillfoot, is currently inoperable. It is suspected to be damaged due to a rupture in the well casing that occurred during an extraction process. Several attempts were made by the water company to rehabilitate the well to no avail.

Residents sharing their concerns during the engagement

"We understand that this situation has affected all of you tremendously, and we are committed to finding a solution. GWI is currently drilling a well at Swan. We expect this to be completed in the next two weeks and then the team will mobilise to begin drilling the new well here in Waiakabra," the Minister assured residents.

The new well is expected to be completed by the end of August, 2022. GWI CEO

Baksh stated that procurement of the necessary materials has already begun.

As part of temporary measures, the region is trucking water in a tanker and pumping it into the distribution network through the well discharge to serve Waiakabra. Residents of Hillfoot will also benefit from similar measures over the coming days. GWI is also exploring the use of the community's tractor and

trailer to transport water directly to the homes of residents.

Additionally, Ricks and Sari Agro Industries Limited has agreed to provide support to residents from their water supply system.

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has crafted a new five-year strategic plan for the period of 2021-2025. Included in the plan is a target to achieve 85 per cent treated water coverage in coastal areas as compared to 53 per cent in 2019.

This plan also sets out to achieve 100 per cent access to potable water countrywide by 2025. Based on baseline data from 2019, 96 per cent of the population has access to potable water.

The company has over 130 wells that are currently functioning as the major suppliers of potable water. this is coupled with over 20 private Sector wells. (G12)

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Every Child Safe” campaign launched at Buxton T

o combat the issue of child abuse, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry has launched its “Every Child Safe” initiative at Company Road Primary

School, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, to increase awareness of child abuse at the community level.

The initiative was launched on Friday during a Ministry outreach.

According to Minister Vindhya Persaud, the hope of the initiative is to help the public recognise warning signs of child abuse.

Dr Persaud along with Deputy Chair of the Child

Human Services and Social Security Minister Vindhya Persaud speaking with some children during the launch of the programme

Care & Protection Agency Levine Gouveia hosted a sensitisation session on child safety with children from the school where she candidly chatted with the

of Public Information, “I had a good session with the children on child abuse because that’s a part of what we will do through ‘Every Child Safe’, and also work with

paign back in 2021, to expand its reach at the community level to eliminate the high number of reported child abuse cases in Guyana.

In addition, the Ministry

children about verbal and other kinds of abuse. The sensitisation session was in line with the Ministry’s “Every Child Safe” campaign.

She told the Department

parents and members in the community to make communities safe, so we have less and less of child abuse.”

The Government launched the three-year “Every Child Safe” cam-

also launched the “Every Child Safe” short story competition which will target children between the ages of 12 to 17 years, to create stories on child care, child safety, and child abuse.

NEWS

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119 persons test positive for COVID-19 in 1 day GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 2, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

119

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

34

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

833

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

3

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

36,564

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

31,027

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

67,591

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

65,466

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

443,529

FULLY IMMUNISED

343,324

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

1255

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 hand-sanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

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

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he Health Ministry on Saturday announced another 119 new infections of COVID-19 in Guyana. This has taken confirmed cases to 67,591.

Data from the latest dashboard indicates that the death toll remains at 1255.

From the 31,027 males and 26,564 females that tested positive, 65,466 have recovered completely.

Three patients are in the Intensive Care Unit, with 34 in institutional isolation, 833 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine.

In analysing new cases, figures indicate that nine were recorded in Region One (Barima-Waini), 12 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), five in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 61 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 20 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), 10 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Latest vaccination figures show that so far, 443,802 or 86.5 per cent of adults have taken a first dose, while 343,575 or 66.9 per cent of persons 18 years and over are fully vaccinated.

For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, 35,045 or 48.1 per cent have received a first dose. Second doses stand at 25,634 or 35.1 per cent. Meanwhile, in excess of 68,800 persons have returned for their first boost-

er dose.

This week, over 1.3 million new cases of COVID-19 and over 4100 deaths were reported in the Americas.

This represents a 13.9 per cent increase in cases from one week ago.

COVID-19 cases increased in all four subregions of the Americas and deaths increased in two: In South America, by 32.8 per cent, and in the Caribbean, 13.3 per cent. In South America, there has been a significant increase in COVID-19 incidence, with almost half a million new COVID-19 cases reported during the last week – a 24.6 per cent increase as compared to the previous week.

“In the Caribbean, weekly cases have been plateauing for the past two consecutive weeks, with a 3.2 per cent increase observed during the last week. These numbers serve as a stark reminder that too many people are still vulnerable. Indeed, there is work to be done to reach all that need a vaccine,” said PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne in her weekly briefing.

In the context of evolving patterns of transmission, she said countries should not lower their guard.

“I would like to focus on one issue we must face and prepare our health systems to address for the long term: post COVID-19 condition…It is difficult to be precise about

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2584

REGION 2

2936

REGION 3

8426

REGION 4

33,601

REGION 5

2468

REGION 6

6538

REGION 7

2498

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4079

REGION 10

3575

how many people are affected, since cases of post-COVID condition are not always officially reported. But we know that people who had underlying health conditions, people who did not get vaccinated against COVID-19, people with other risk factors such as asthma, and those who smoke or vape are particularly at risk for this condition. We also know that people that had COVID once and recovered may still develop post-COVID condition if they are infected again.

Post-COVID condition can be extremely debilitating,” Dr Etienne stated.

In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are pegged at over 162 million with a death toll of 2.7 million.

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.se

30 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Capacity-building training offered to Victoria youths

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, speaking with participants during the training

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everal young leaders from the community of Victoria, East Coast of Demerara, are now recipients of a capacity building training executed by the Community Development Department of the Ministry of Housing and Water - Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) at the Victoria Primary School on Saturday.

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry,

Susan Rodrigues during her engagement with the participants, highlighted that grassroots leaders are crucial to the socio-economic development of communities, as they create a link between the Government and the people.

In this regard she noted that Guyana is on the path to rapid development and the Government is committed to working with all communities to ensure that all

Guyanese benefit.

“It is important for us to come here to build your capacity and to empower our young people,” Minister Rodrigues stated.

She urged the participants to promote unity in their community as “This country cannot progress as long as we are separated [or] if we are divided.”

The youths were trained in the areas of Developing Effective Communication

and Conflict Management Skills; Developing Negotiation Skills; and Building Partnership and Community togetherness.

However, training on housing codes will be facilitated at a later date.

Following this initiative, the trainees will be used as point persons for the Government to collaborate with and streamline programmes and policies for the community’s development.

Recently, several business owners whose businesses are being affected by ongoing infrastructural works under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP) in Sophia, Greater Georgetown benefitted from capacity building training to assist them during the challenging period.

The capacity building training falls under the Livelihood Restoration Plan of AHUAP, which is designed to ensure that all project-affected persons (PAPs) who are economically displaced by the programme’s activities have their socio-economic conditions re-established or improved.

NA businesses donate to Howard scholarship awardee

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Howard scholarship awardee Kayla Vanderstoop

everal business owners within the township of New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice Corentyne) have joined together to assist a former Queen’s College student who was awarded a scholarship to Howard University.

Kayla Vanderstoop of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, was accepted into the Chemical Engineering programme at Howard University in Washington, DC. The scholarship is worth US$19,000 which is a substantial difference from the US$47,000 annual school fee.

On Friday, businesses in the country’s oldest town pledged to support the 19-year-

old Vanderstoop at a special reception hosted by New Amsterdam Mayor Winifred Haywood.

Those who contributed towards the young woman’s education were A Ally’s and Sons; Sheldon Contracting Firm; KT Fabrication and Construction; Danzie’s Fashion Center and Auto Sales; S and R Catering; Winifred Haywood; Carol Trim-Bagot; Haven Developmental Care and Trim Contracting.

Vanderstoop, who was accompanied by her father, Easn Vanderstoop, expressed her gratitude. She is expected to commence classes in August.

(G4)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over $18M in projects awarded by Anna Regina Municipality for infrastructural works R

esidents living in various communities along the Pomeroon-Supenaam region can expect transformation in the coming months as the Anna Regina Municipality, Region Two, has awarded over $18 million worth in projects.

The contracts have been awarded to eleven contractors from the region by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The signing was done on Thursday at the Anna Regina Town Council (ARTC) Boardroom, Region Two. Speaking at the simple contract signing ceremony, Mayor of Anna Regina Town Council, Rajendra Prabulall noted that projects will commence soon in Anna Regina, Lima, Bush Lot, Walton Hall and Reliance on the Essequibo Coast. Prabulall emphasised that the tendering

and the bidding processes were very transparent and various contractors benefitted.

Explaining the project, Prabulall said that several works will be done in the township of Anna Regina, Essequibo, which includes: repairs to old trailers at the Town Council, at a cost of $810,568; construction of shed, walkway and concrete slab in front of sanitary block at Anna Regina Car Park, at a cost of $1,366,690.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , $4,218,352 was awarded for the rehabilitation of the western and southern fence at Anna Regina Town Council; and the construction of a canteen at Anna Regina Car Park at a tune of $2,000,000. A total of $1,028,820 was also awarded for the construction of an 18’ x 2’ x 2 concrete box culvert with head walls in Telecoms Street,

Anna Regina; source and supply crusher run at a cost of $1,195,970.

To improve the lives of residents, the construction of one 18’ x 2’ x 2’ concrete box culvert with head walls in Naipaul Street, Reliance at a cost of $1,028,820. The construction of a foot path bridge in Walton Hall was also awarded at a total cost of $746,200; the landfilling on swamp reserve in Bush Lot at a cost of $2,000,000 and construction of sanitary block at Bush Lot Market at a tune of $2,105,700. Coming to Lima, a cost of $1,498,880 was awarded for the construction of a 10’ by 3’ by 3’ concrete box culvert with head walls and self-acting the door at Lima.

Meanwhile, Prabulall called on the contractors to ensure that they deliver quality works in a timely manner.

Mayor Rajendra Prabulall handing over one of the signed contracts

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Employers must adhere to labour laws – Labour officer to Region 2 business community

Chief Labour Officer Daneshwar Deonarine speaking to business owners at the seminar

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ssequibo is well known for its businesses, and as such, employers should work on the labour relationship between themselves and employees and all businesses

must adhere to the country’s labour laws.

This was the message from the Representatives of the Labour Ministry on Wednesday during a one-day seminar, under

Some of the business owners at the training seminar

the theme, “Conditions of Work in the 21st Century” which was held at Jaigobin Hotel’s Conference Hall, Henrietta, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

This seminar attracted scores of business owners and was aimed at sensitising the business community on the laws and regulations governing the conditions of work and the safe system of work.

The business persons that attended the sem-

inar employ more than 200 workers, and as such, they received information on the labour laws governing Overtime Payments, Termination of Employment and Severance Pay, Inspection and Record-Keeping, National Minimum Wage, Probation Period and Leave with Pay, Industrial Training and Relations through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and Safety and Health at Work and the OSH Laws.

During the presentation, Chief Labour Officer Daneshwar Deonarine educated business owners on their roles and responsibil-

ities as an employer and also the importance of the human resource in an organisation.

Deonarine urged business owners to understand the labour laws which focus on conditions of work, occupational health and safety requirements, apprenticeship and employment exchange services “In workplace, employees are reluctant to wear their safety boots but the responsibilities for you as the employer should make sure that your employees wear their safety boots, belt goggles, helmet and gloves when working, especially in height work,” he noted.

He added that employers should educate their employees on the importance of the safety in the workplace and strictly supervise them to ensure that workers work in a safe space and that they go back to their families in one piece when the afternoons come.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva in closing, expressed gratitude to the team from the Ministry of Labour for enlightened labour laws to business persons in order to ensure that their employees’ living, health and safety conditions are intact.

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

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Regional

Brazil: Rio's residents garden J/ca: Fisherfolk reeling from pollution, high gas prices their way out of hunger

Fernanda da Silva earns a monthly stipend of US$95 working in the urban garden

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ot too long ago, Fernanda da Silva was going hungry, like millions of other Brazilians.

The 40-year-old mother of three was out of work and money was tight. Her husband's monthly earnings as a doorman - 1300 reais (US$250), just over a minimum salary - kept their family afloat. "It was really difficult for us," recalled Silva. "I had no income, I was hungry."

Then, just over a year ago, Silva started planting fresh produce on a patch of land not far from Cajueiro,

the Rio de Janeiro favela where she lives, as part of an ambitious project aiming to create the world's largest urban garden.

Now, Silva puts her green fingers to use - along with 34 other gardeners - in exchange for a monthly stipend of 500 reais (US$95, £79) from the city, as well as heaps of fresh food that she can take home at no cost.

The idea behind the community garden is to generate an income for people in nearby favelas, such as Silva, while also helping feed vulnerable residents.

Once completed, it should

grow food for some 50,000 local families every year, starting in 2024.

The garden is tucked in a working-class area of Rio de Janeiro, on a plot of land that was once a “quilombo” a settlement founded by enslaved Africans who escaped their captors. In the run-up to the Rio Olympics, around 900 families were expelled to make way for a manicured park where spectators could watch the games.

A small slice of this park is now being transformed into an urban garden. An area the size of a football field is already complete, and it is expected to expand more than tenfold - to 110,000 square metres (27 acres) - by the end of the year.

Half of the production will be donated to favela residents in need, while the rest will be sold at a fair price, with earnings split among the gardeners, said Júlio César Barros, a soil and crop expert employed by the city, who is leading the project. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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arbage from inland that then makes its way into the sea, chasing fish further out, and the increasing price of fuel are making life difficult for fisherfolk at River Bay Fishing Village in Montego Bay. As they gathered on June 29 to attend a virtual celebration of International Fisherman’s Day, they spoke about the challenges being faced by the 85-member organisation and plans for the future.

“We have some drains coming from the city and they flow out into the sea.

When we get the environment messed up with the

garbage, the fish go further out. So we have to go deeper and this put our lives more at risk to get the good fish so we can supply the people,” explained chairman of the Montego Bay Fishermen’s Cooperative Society Richard Bowen.

There is also strong competition, he said, from foreign fishers entering Jamaican waters, some of whom use large equipment to scoop up the fish, even the younger ones, said Bowen. As a result, the fishing stock has depleted and the fish being caught are smaller than in previous years.

He was, however, quick

Shot Mexican journalist marks 12th reporter murdered this year

T&T: Hinds worried as more children abusing ganja, alcohol

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hildren as young as eight years old are using illegal drugs, drinking alcohol and gambling on the streets, according to Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds.

He made the revelation during the Ministry’s commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, where it also launched its drug policy and operation plan for 2021 to 2025.

“I have confirmed reports that there are children of this nation, as young as eight, and nine and ten years old, who are on the streets at wee hours of the

night and morning and who are already engaged in the use of marijuana, gambling, using alcohol, even at those ages in Trinidad and Tobago,” Hinds said.

He said that data shows there were some 7000 people convicted for drug-related matters between January 2018 and December 2021. These include people as young as 15 years, he said.

Also commenting on the issue, acting Commissioner of Police McDonald Jacob said children have always been involved with drugs and these kinds of activities. However, he said more are being charged now be-

cause the Police have decided to pursue legal action.

Hinds said marijuana is the preferred illicit drug in T&T but they are also monitoring the presence of new psychoactive substances in the country. He said these include meth, amphetamines, ketamine and fentanyl.

In launching the national drug policy and the operational plan for drug control 2021-2025, chair of the National Drug Council, Jennifer Boucaud-Blake, said it “seeks to address the complex issue through a balanced and multi-pronged approach.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

to praise the work of the local marine park which, through the establishment of nurseries, has been protecting the young fish so some are able to make it to maturity.

In relation to the price of fuel, Bowen said, “A few months ago you could have come down here and get a pound of fish for $700, $800. Now, it’s like a $1000, $1200 per pound. That is due to the price of gas. The fishermen have to go out, you have to buy gas to go on the sea, and sometimes they go out there and buy gas and they don’t catch anything.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mexican journalists protest the murder of a colleague in February 2014. Antonio de la Cruz, shot outside his home on Wednesday, is the 12th Mexican journalist murdered in 2022 [Marco Ugarte/AP]

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Mexican journalist was shot and killed while leaving his home in Ciudad Victoria in northeastern Mexico.

His 23-year-old daughter was also seriously injured in the gun attack on Wednesday.

The victim, 47-year-old Antonio de la Cruz, a reporter for the regional newspaper Expreso, is the 12th Mexican journalist murdered this year amid rising violence against members of the press.

De la Cruz worked for Expreso for nearly three decades, reporting on rural and social issues while living in the city of Ciudad Victoria.

The city is located in the border state of Tamaulipas, which has faced issues of violence and organised crime.

The shooting of de la Cruz is the latest in a string of violent attacks on journalists in Mexico, making 2022 the deadliest year on record for members of the country’s press.

Mexico is the most dangerous country for reporters outside of war zones.

Two Mexican journalists, Yessenia Mollinedo and Sheila Johana Garcia, were murdered in the state of Veracruz in May, and more than 150 journalists have been killed since 2000. Those employed by smaller regional outlets often face the most risk.

Human rights and press freedom groups have lamented the violence faced by Mexican journalists and called on the Government to act.

On its website, the group Reporters Without Borders said that Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had not “undertaken the necessary reforms to stop the spiral of violence against the press”.

President Obrador has been criticised for his hostility to the press, whom he has attacked repeatedly during his tenure. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Brazil's Lula says he will not tolerate Indigenous leader who opposed illegal threats against institutions mining killed in Venezuela – NGO

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V e n e z u e l a n Indigenous leader who was an opponent of armed groups and illegal mining was shot dead on Thursday in the Amazonas state capital, a non-governmental organisation and three people with knowledge of the case said.

Virgilio Trujillo Arana, a 38-year-old Indigenous Uwottuja man, was a defender of the Venezuelan Amazon and had set up community groups to act as guardians of the Autana municipality of Amazonas.

"In life, Trujillo Arana strongly opposed the presence of foreign groups and illegal mining exploitation

in the Indigenous territories of the Uwottuja people, in the Alto Guayapo area," Indigenous rights NGO A.C Kape Kape wrote Friday on Twitter.

The Uwottuja community is made up of about 15,000 people.

Kape Kape's Director General Armando Obdola told Reuters that Trujillo had received threats for his activism, and that his case echoed the murders of environmental and social activists in neighboring Colombia.

Communities from the town of Uwottuja announced last February their decision to defend their ter-

ritory against a "silent invasion" by criminal groups, rejecting illegal mining exploitation as well as the use of their land for illicit activities.

"Virgilio was accompanying the Armed Forces as a territorial guard during operations into areas where there are irregular groups," said Obdola, who added that there are other leaders in hiding who fear for their lives.

Non-governmental organizations and a United Nations report have denounced the presence of violent criminal groups that control gold mines in the jungle. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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ormer President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is leading in the polls for Brazil's October presidential election, said on Saturday he will not tolerate threats against institutions, and that the armed forces need to commit to democracy.

"It is necessary to overcome authoritarianism and anti-democratic threats. We will not tolerate any kind of threat on the institutions that represent the popular vote," Lula said in a speech in the northeastern city of Salvador.

Three other presidential candidates also attended the event to celebrate the independence of the State of Bahia, including right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, who is running for re-election.

Lula was President of Brazil from 2003 to 2011.

Military leaders have repeatedly said Brazil's armed forces will respect any result of the election, but military officials have made headlines by echoing comments

by Bolsonaro about potential weaknesses in Brazil's voting system.

A former Army captain, Bolsonaro has placed several military personnel in key positions traditionally held by civilians in the Government.

In May, he suggested the military should conduct its own parallel ballot count alongside the court.

Bolsonaro has threatened since last year not to accept the results of the October presidential election, and un-

successfully tried to make a constitutional amendment to Brazil's voting method, advocating a return to a paper ballot system. His reasons for these actions are based on continual and unproven claims of fraud in the country's electronic voting system.

Lula said at Saturday's event: "It is necessary to re-establish an environment of political, economic and institutional stability that provides confidence and security to investments that are of interest to the country's development."

He defended the importance of the military for the country, while emphasizing they must have a commitment to democracy. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS OPEC oil output again misses target in June as outages weigh, survey says

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PEC in June did not deliver on an oil output increase pledged under a deal with allies, a Reuters survey on Friday showed, as involuntary declines in Libya and Nigeria offset supply increases by Saudi Arabia and other large producers.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pumped 28.52 million barrels per day (bpd) in June, the survey found, down 100,000 bpd from May’s revised total. OPEC had planned to boost June output by about 275,000 bpd.

OPEC plus Russia and other allies, known as OPEC+, are unwinding 2020 output cuts made due to the pandemic, although many are struggling to do so. OPEC+ at a meeting on Thursday stuck to its planned output hike for August.

The deal called for a 432,000 bpd increase in June from all OPEC+ members, of which about 275,000 bpd is shared by the 10 OPEC producers the agreement covers. Supply from the 10 rose by just 20,000 bpd, the survey found.

Output undershot pledged hikes between October and April, with the exception of February, according to Reuters surveys, as many producers lack the capacity to pump more due to insufficient investment, a trend accelerated by the pandemic.

As a result, the 10 OPEC members are pumping far less than called for under the deal. OPEC compliance with pledged cuts was 253 per cent in June, the survey found, up from 178 per cent in May. The biggest decline was in Libya, where supply dropped by 170,000 bpd as unrest continued to curb the country’s output.

Libya is one of the members exempt from making voluntary cuts.

The second-largest decline of 80,000 bpd came from Nigeria, where outages and maintenance curbed output. Refinitiv figures put exports in June down by at least 100,000 bpd, as did two other sources in the survey who track the flows.

Iraqi supply also fell, with sources in the survey citing lower exports.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait added a combined 130,000 bpd. Saudi Arabian output was over 100,000 bpd below its quota, according to the survey.

Production in Iran and Venezuela, the other two exempt producers, also edged higher.

The Reuters survey aims to track supply to the market. It is based on shipping data provided by external sources, Refinitiv Eikon flows data, information from tanker trackers such as Petro-Logistics, as well as information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Gambia bans all timber exports to combat rosewood smuggling

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he Gambia has banned timber exports and revoked all export licenses to try to combat illegal logging.

The ban has come into effect immediately, and the port authorities have been instructed to refuse to load timber logs onto any vessel.

In 2020, a BBC investigation revealed that vast quantities of protected West African Rosewood were being trafficked through the country from Senegal.

Much of it ends up in China, where it is used to make furniture.

It has been listed as an endangered species since 2017, and last month CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, called on seven countries, including The Gambia, to suspend its trade.

The Gambia is consistently among the five largest global exporters of West African Rosewood (Pterocarpus eri-

naceus), despite declaring its own stocks close to extinction almost a decade ago.

By value and by volume, rosewood is one of the most trafficked wildlife products in the world.

Also called Hongmu or “red wood”, it is prized for its colour and durability and is primarily used for antique-style furniture.

Figures obtained by BBC Africa Eye showed that China imported more than 300,000 tonnes from The Gambia between 2017 and 2020.

That is the equivalent of about half a million trees and worth more than US$100 million (£80 million).

During a year-long investigation in both Senegal and The Gambia, multiple sources confirmed to the BBC that the rosewood being shipped out of The Gambia to China came from the Casamance region of southern Senegal.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Fighting intensifies for Ukraine’s last bastion in eastern Luhansk province

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ighting intensified on Saturday for Lysychansk, Ukraine’s last bastion in the strategic eastern province of Luhansk, while blasts shook a southern city after the civilian toll from Russian strikes climbed in towns well behind the frontlines.

Andrei Marochko, an officer of the pro-Russian Luhansk People’s Militia, was quoted by Russia’s TASS news agency as saying that the militia’s red hammer-and-sickle flag was now flying over the administrative building in Lysychansk, although Ukraine’s military rejected claims that the city was encircled.

Russian media showed videos of Luhansk militia parading in the streets of Lysychansk waving flags and cheering, but Ukraine

In this picture obtained from social media, a damaged residential building is seen at the site of the missile strike in Mykolaiv, Ukraine on June 29, 2022, amid Russia’s invasion on Ukraine

National Guard spokesman Ruslan Muzychuk told Ukrainian national television the city remained in Ukrainian hands.

“Now there are fierce battles near Lysychansk, how-

ever, fortunately, the city is not surrounded and is under the control of the Ukrainian army,” Muzychuk said.

He said the situations in the Lysychansk and Bakhmut areas, as well as

in Kharkiv region, were the most difficult on the entire front line.

“The goal of the enemy here remains access to the administrative border of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Also, in the Sloviansk direction, the enemy is attempting assault actions,” he said.

Oleksandr Senkevych, mayor of the southern region of Mykolaiv, which borders the vital Black Sea port of Odesa, reported powerful explosions in the city.

Ukrainian media quoted Vadym Denysenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry, as saying that the Russian claims to have surrounded Lysychansk were a lie aimed at demoralising Ukrainians and encouraging pro-Russian forces.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 5 killed in magnitude 6.1 earthquake in southern Iran

A man cleaning up rubble after an earthquake at Sayeh Khosh village in Hormozgan province, Iran [Abdolhossein Rezvani/AP]

A

t least five people have died and dozens of others injured after at least three earthquakes with a preliminary magnitude of more than six hit the province of Hormozgan in southern Iran.

Two of the strongest shocks were registered at magnitude 6.3, but the one that inflicted all the casualties is thought to be an initial magnitude 6.1 quake at a depth of about 10km (6.2 miles) below the surface that hit in the early hours of Saturday.

“All of the victims died in the first earthquake and no one was harmed in the next two severe quakes as people were already outside their homes,” local official Foad Moradzadeh was quoted as saying by the state news agency IRNA. At least 30 aftershocks were felt in villages and towns near Bandar Abbas, local officials said, adding that tremors were also felt in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates.

The quakes sent thousands of people into the streets, where they spent the rest of the night. Many people are still staying in tents that local authorities and emergency services have set up.

Yaqoub Soleimani, the Secretary General of the local Red Crescent emergency aid service, told Iranian state media the search and rescue operations have concluded and no more casualties are expected.

He said setting up cooling systems for those affected by the tremors is a challenge as local temperatures reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius.

Videos on social media

and those aired by state television showed homes destroyed in several villages.

Dozens of villages also briefly lost power.

Iran’s southern provinces have recently seen several powerful earthquakes, but casualties and damages have been limited. The state TV said 150 quakes and tremors had struck western Hormozgan over the past month. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Over 2 dozen crew missing as storm Chaba hits Hong Kong

M

ore than two dozen crew on an engineering vessel with 30 people on board were missing after it snapped in two in waters off Hong Kong as tropical storm Chaba passed through, authorities said.

Three crew members were rescued, and search and rescue operations were continuing for others about 300 km (200 miles) southwest of the city, the Hong Kong Government Flying Service said.

Some of the crew had abandoned the vessel and harsh weather conditions were hampering rescue efforts, they said.

Chaba skirted the global financial hub, bringing heavy rain and wind, restricting public transport and forcing many businesses to close.

The financial hub’s weather forecaster lowered the storm warning to signal No 3 on Saturday afternoon as Chaba was set to make landfall near Zhanjiang in

A vessel is seen sinking in waters off Hong Kong, China after it snapped in two as tropical storm Chaba passed through, according to authorities, July 2, 2022

China’s Guangdong province.

Authorities in Hong Kong raised the typhoon warning on Thursday just as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the city to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its handover from Britain to

China.

The Palace Museum, which was set to open on Saturday as part of celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to Chinese rule, remained closed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

ARIES (March 21April 19)

35

Work with what you have to build a strong foundation.

Put your heart and soul into the people and things that matter to you, and you will excel. Share your intentions with a loved one.

Change only what's necesTAURUS sary.

Keep the peace by avoid(April 20ing situations that make you May 20)

feel uncomfortable. Reset your goals and gather valuable information. Be a leader, not a follower.

An idea you have will help GEMINI (MAY 28- you advance. Put together a proposal and a list of people June 20) who have something unique to offer. An impromptu gathering will lead to sensitive discussions and an exciting plan.

Do something that chal-

CANCER lenges you physically and (June 21- mentally. Including a famiJuly 22) ly member, loved one or good friend will encourage team spirit and plans that lead to a vibrant, healthy lifestyle.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

An energetic plan will challenge you and help you make positive changes to your life. Don't settle for less when you can have so much more with a bit of effort.

Do what you feel passionVIRGO ate about, and make a state(Aug. 23ment that will draw attenSept. 22)

tion. Socialize, network and interact with people who inspire and motivate you. Don't slow down.

Dilbert LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

Take a step in a new direction. Speak up, share your thoughts and find out who wants to help. Don't let anger or disappointment set in if someone decides not to join you. Carry on!

Play by the rules and make necessary adjustments. Find a way to make a difference for a loved one. Setting a good example will help you bring people together. Honesty and integrity matter.

Be positive, and do your SAGITTARIUS best to make others smile. A (Nov. 23kind word, gesture or offer Dec. 21)

will open a conversation that encourages you to start something new. Consider how to better utilize your space.

Relax and do something CAPRICORN to improve your surround(Dec. 22ings or relationships. Assess Jan. 19) your routine and consid-

er what you can do to avoid overindulgence. Hang out with inspiring people.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don't hold back; speak up

AQUARIUS and clear the air if something (Jan. 20concerns you. Evaluate your Feb. 19) life, what you've achieved and what you want to do next. Put a plan together and share your intentions.

Don't let the little things PISCES (Feb. 20- get to you. Keep your eye on Mar. 20) what matters and walk away from confusing or uncomfortable situations. Take better care of your health and reputation.

36

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

C

ristiano Ronaldo wants Manchester United to let him leave the club if they receive an appropriate offer for him this summer.

The Portugal forward, 37, returned to Old Trafford from Juventus last summer.

However, while he was United’s top scorer last season - and third in the Premier League - the overall campaign was seen as a big disappointment.

United finished sixth in the Premier League, and so missed out on Champions League qualification. That means Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.

It is not something he is

to him at this stage in his career. The former Real Madrid forward is anxious to stress he respects United, but as he enters the final stages of his career, he wants to compete for the biggest prizes.

It is understood United do not regard Ronaldo as a player who is for sale.

While it would be a blow to United’s prestige if they were to lose one of the greatest players they have ever had, it

Ronaldo’s last appearance for United was in their penultimate game of the season -- a 4-0 defeat at Brighton in May

viewing with relish, and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner

feels there could be more attractive options available

would also solve a few issues for new manager Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo clashed with Harry Maguire over the United captaincy last season, while interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s desire to implement a pressing game was thwarted by Ronaldo’s refusal to fit in with such a system.

Although Ten Hag has said how much he is looking forward to linking up with Ronaldo, it is not clear how the

forward’s playing style would fit in with the Dutchman.

In addition, Ronaldo is the highest paid player in the Premier League, and his exit would create more scope within United’s summer transfer budget.

Ronaldo is due to return to the club for pre-season training this week. It is anticipated he will be on their pre-season tour to Thailand and Australia.

(BBC Sport)

Strong Jamaica team set for 2022 World Championships

…Persaud optimistic of team’s performance Jamaica’s Women blew away the sprint competition at the Olympics last year

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McGill captain Sudesh Persaud

The McGill squad

embers of the Mc Gill Super Stars Sports Club departed Guyana’s shores on Friday for Barbados, where they will be competing against five Barbadian clubs in fixtures from July 4th to July 11th, 2022.

The team is scheduled to arrive home on July 12, and captain Sudesh Persaud has said he is optimistic that his side can maintain a perfect record. he mentioned that he is very confident in his unit, and thinks they can return to Guyana with a perfect record from Barbados.

He also said the pitches in Barbados are very different from those in Guyana, and players will have to adapt to the conditions as quickly as possible if they are going to have a positive impact for the club.

The Mc Gill Super Stars contingent has four former Guyana Under-19 players in Travis Persaud, Kheshram Seyhodan, Narendra Persaud and Daniel Basdeo. Off-spinner Abdul Razack has been one of the go-to bowlers for Mc Gill over the years, and he will be one to look out for in Barbados.

Young leg spinner Ganesh

Puran is also one of the players who might have a big impact in Barbados.

Veterans Sudesh Persaud (C) and Balram Aron are the experienced campaigners in the set-up, and are expected to share their knowledge and expertise with the young and talented group.

This Sports Club is one of the top clubs on the West Demerara Cricket Association Club Panel, the well-established club having been in existence for 30-plus years and boasting ownership of more than 10 WDCA titles.

Mc Gill previously toured Barbados in 1994, 1995 and 1996, and decided that a tour to Barbados was long overdue.

The tour was made possible due to the generosity of some prominent businessmen, former members of the club, current members of the club, and residents of Canal #1 Polder.

The fixtures are as follows: * Game 1 (T20) - 4th July 2022 Mc Gill vs Wanderers CC @Wanderers CC Ground * Game 2 (40 Overs) -5th July 2022 Mc Gill vs Barbados Defence Force @Police SC

Ground * Game 3 (T20) 6th July 2022 Mc Gill vs UWI @UWI Ground * Game 4 (T20) - 7th July 2022 Mc Gill vs Cupid Cavaliers @St Michael’s Ground * Game 5 (T20) - 11th July 2022 Mc Gill vs St. Catherine CC @St Catherine CC Ground Members of the Mc Gill Super Stars Sports Club would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their sponsors: Namilco; Farm Supplies; Genequip; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (Hon Charles Ramson Jr.); Anand Persaud, Nankishore Persaud, Deodat Persaud, Ganesh Persaud, Ramroop Parsram, Jagat Parsram, Liloutie Bahadur, Richard Sukhdeo, Shines Beepat, Amanda Beepat, Karan Beepat, Rocky Goordeen; Nick, Anil, Randy, David, Keeno and Shanna Manram.

The Mc Gill squad reads: Sudesh Persaud (C), Travis Persaud, Troy Persaud, Daniel Basdeo, Trevor Lawrie, Balram Aron, Abdul Razack, David Sears, Mark Deochand, Ganesh Puran, Joshua Rahaman, Kheshram Seyhodan, Ranjiv Khusial, Narendra Persaud and Rajiv Tiwary.

helly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson, Yohan Blake and Oblique Seville lead a strong 64-member Jamaica team named to compete at the 2022 World Athletics Championships from July 15-24, 2022.

Also included as first-timers are 800m champion Navasky Anderson, and Adelle Tracey who will compete in both 800 and 1500m. Tracey, an American-born middle-distance runner who also represented Great Britain, recently received her official status as a Jamaican athlete. Tracey, who spent part of her early childhood in the parish of Manchester, will join newly crowned national champion Chrisann Gordon Powell and eight-time national champion Natoya Goule in the 800m.

Meanwhile, Fraser-Pryce, Thompson-Herah, Jackson and Kemba Nelson will contest the 100m event, with Briana Williams listed as an alternate.

Fraser-Pryce, Jackson and Thompson-Herah will take on the 200m, with Natalliah Whyte named as the alternate.

Seville, Blake and Ackeem Blake will run in the 100m. Jelani Walker is listed as the alternate.

However, Andrew Hudson, who won the 200m at Jamaica’s national championships last weekend, misses out, as he remains ineligible to compete for Jamaica until July 28, four days after the championships end in Eugene, Oregon. In his stead, Akeem Bloomfield will compete in the 200m alongside Rasheed Dwyer and Yohan

Blake.

Candice McLeod, StephenieAnn McPherson and Charokee Young will compete in the 400m, with Stacey-Ann Williams named as the alternate.

Jevaughn Powell, Nathon Allen and Christopher Taylor will take on the men’s event.

Demisha Roswell, the fastest Jamaican woman over 100m hurdles this year, is named as an alternate to national champion Britany Anderson, Megan Tapper and Danielle Williams.

Damion Thomas is the alternate in the 110m hurdles that will be represented by Olympic champion Hansle Parchment, Rasheed Broadbell and Orlando Bennett.

There is also good news for Andrenette Knight, the fastest Jamaican woman over the 400m hurdles this year. Knight, who has run 53.39s this season, is the alternate in the event that Janieve Russell, Shian Salmon and Rushell Clayton will not compete in the championships.

For the first time ever, Jamaica will have two female high jumpers at a world championship, as NCAA champion Lamara Distin and Kimberly Williamson were both selected.

Chanice Porter has been selected for the long jump, while defending champion Tajay Gayle has been selected along with NCAA champion Wayne Pinnock. Gayle injured his knee at the national championships and is in a race against time to prove his fitness.

Shanieka Ricketts, Kimberly Williams and Ackelia Smith will

represent Jamaica in the triple jump, while Jordan Scott will compete in the men’s event.

Danielle Thomas-Dodd and Lloydricia Cameron will contest the shot put for women.

Samantha Hall competes in the discus, while national champion Traves Smikle, world championship silver medallist Fedrick Dacres, and Chad Wright are set to compete in the men’s category.

Jamaica will field strong 4x100m relay squads at the championships, as Fraser-Pryce, Thompson-Herah, Jackson and Nelson will form the core of the team, along with Olympic gold medallist Williams and Remona Burchell.

The men’s squad is comprised of Blake, Blake, Seville, Jelani Walker, Kemar Bailey-Cole and Conroy Jones.

The 4x400m squads will comprise McLeod, Young, McPherson, Williams, Roneisha McGregor and Natalliah Whyte, while the men’s squad will include Powell, Allen, Taylor, Karayme Bartley, Javon Francis and Anthony Cox. Junelle Bromfield, Tiffany James, Akeem Bloomfield and St Jago High School runner Gregory Prince will form the mixed relay team.

Sprintec head coach Maurice Wilson has been appointed technical director of the contingent, and he will have Paul Francis, Bertland Cameron, Lennox Graham, Julian Robinson, Marlon Gayle, Reynaldo Walcott, Lamar Richards and Gregory Little as his team of coaches. (Sportsmax)

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GCB Inter-County Under-17 tourney…

37

UNBEATEN DEMERARA CROWNED U17 CHAMPIONS …Van Lange, Mahabir had most runs, most wickets Lovell came back strong with the bat to top score with 23, while Shaaziff Mohamed scored 11.

Bowling for Berbice, Rashaad Gaffur collect the best figure of 3 for 3 from 3 overs, while Afax Ali Budhoo took 2 for 22, Salim Khan took 2 for 6, and Sanjay Algoo took 2 for 11.

Berbice won by 29 runs, but Thaddeus Lovell claimed the Man of the Match award.

Demerara were declared the winners after playing unbeaten throughout the tournament, and Skipper Alvin Mahabir claimed the award for taking the Most Wickets: 11, whikle Jayden Dowlin collected 7.

Jonathon Van Lange walked

away with the award for Most Runs: 104, while Alvin Mahabir

scored 83 runs.

Berbice Team were awarded

the Runner Up position in this tournament.

WI vs Bangladesh tickets now on sale in Guyana

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be hosting four international cricket matches between the West Indies and Bangladesh on behalf of Cricket West Indies (CWI) in July 2022. Both teams will showcase a number of talented players and all

Tickets will be sold at GCB’s Regent Road office Alvin Mahabir picked up the most wickets of the tournament

I

n the fifth and final round of the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Under-17 InterCounty tournament, Essequibo played Berbice on Friday July 1 at the GCB Cricket Facility at La Bonne Intention, ECD and were comprehensively defeated.

Berbice won the toss and elected to bat, scoring a meagre 83 all out from 36.1 overs. Salim Khan was the lone batter to reach double figures, and extras top scored with 26.

Thaddeus Lovell, the most effective Essequibo bowler, grabbed 3 for 13, and was supported by Shaaziff Mohamed and Gulcharran Chulai with 2 for 8 and 2 for 2 respectively.

In response, scoring runs was well-nigh impossible for Essequibo, and they fell short of their target by 29 runs. Thaddeus

The multitalented Jonathan Van Lange receiving his 'most runs' award

Guyana Cup taking off with Air Services Limited

G

uyana Cup will reach new heights this year as one of the most trusted names in Guyana’s aviation, Air Services Limited (ASL), has extended financial support to the Sunday August 14 mega- event.

Having more than fifty years of experience in the aviation industry, Air Services Limited has an impeccable track record in the areas of safety, efficiency and reliability. ASL has been an avid supporter of many local charities, and will now run for the upliftment of horse racing in Guyana.

The Guyana Cup, with a 14-year track record of success, was the brainchild of Nasrudeen “Senior” Mohamed, a humble man from Bush Lot, WCD. Horse racing is hailed “The Sport of Kings” and is viewed worldwide, generating revenue through direct and online gambling.

To execute an event on this scale is extremely costly and time consuming, especially after a two-year pause due to the pandemic. The challenges

that warranted immediate attention were: the terrain for parking, the wooden stands, the track, and perimeter rails.

With the upgrades being more than fifty percent complete, the venue is expected to be completely transformed come race day.

Thus far, over 30 thoroughbred horses have been imported, while at least five more are carded for importation by new horse owners. This magnitude of horses will undoubtedly make the competition even keener.

This comes after years of demand from local stables to The Jumbo Jet Racing Committee for more international horses that will ultimately raise the bar for the races.

ASL Captain Mazahar Ally indicated, “Our company has supported countless charity cases across Guyana, and we are proud to support Guyana Cup. Who knows, maybe next year ASL might enter the arena. Horse racing has grown tremendously in Guyana, and

as a result, more jobs will be created. With Guyana’s rapid growth, more expats and foreigners are expected to attend these events, therefore increasing foreign exchange and revenue from concessioners at the event.

“Also, through social media, the country’s talents with jockeys will be showcased. So of course, we will support Guyana Cup 2022 one hundred percent this year,” he said.

The countdown has begun to the biggest horse racing event in the Caribbean, carded for Sunday August 14 at the Rising Sun Turf Club with over $30M in cash and prizes to be won.

The organizers are urging spectators to be at the turf club before noon to avoid the rush, and to use the indoor parking lot, which can easily accommodate more than 500 cars.

Guyana Cup is making a return since the 2019 running after an enforced break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

matches will be played at the fast-drying Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

This will allow patrons an opportunity to see the final T20 series match from 1330 hours on Thursday July 7, 2022 and three One Day International matches (ODI) on Sunday July 10, 2022, Wednesday July 13, 2022 and Saturday July 16, 2022. All ODI matches commence at 0930 hours.

Spectators are encouraged to attend the games and to support Government’s intent to drive a sport tourism culture. The two competitive teams are expected to light up

Providence within the usual cricket carnival atmosphere, which will be complemented with fascinating music systems.

Also, patrons are expected to adhere to the health, safety and prohibited guidelines.

Government’s existing policies on Covid-19 safety measures remain in effect, as well as the usual prohibited items.

These include but are not limited to firearms, weapons, knives and imitation weapons, fireworks, explosives and flammable items, mace, and gas containers. They also include no glass bottles and illegal items such drugs or narcotics; animals, tripods for

cameras and video cameras or camcorders.

Additional restricted items also include collapsible personal umbrellas, where, large umbrellas are not permitted. Although 12 x 12 x12 coolers will be allowed subject to check prior to entrance into the stadium. The authorized for entry include person’s own food stuff with plastic cutlery, soft drinks and water in plastic bottles, flasks, cameras for recreational and personal non-commercial use only, also balls, bats, banners and flags up to a maximum size of 1.5m 1m (5’x3’ provided that in the opinion of the management they are not vulgar nor dangerous to others.

Patrons can purchase tickets online at windiestickets. com or at the Guyana Cricket Board Office Regent Road Bourda from Saturday July 2, 2022. Tickets will be on sale daily from 0800 hours to 1700 hours.

38

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

Flour Power U17 set to commence this Saturday will also conduct yourself in a way that brings credit to the tournament, to the teams, to your communities.”

GFF President Wayne Forde, in his elation at the return of the National League, gave some background on the NAMILCO-

benefited from this partnership over the years, notably the likes of Jeremy Garrett, Omari Glasgow, Ryan Hackett, many of those young men that are now part of our Golden Jaguars Senior Men’s Team. They have all played the Flour Power National U17 Boys’

GFF President Wayne Forde sharing a light moment with NAMILCO’s Fitzroy McLeod and Alicia Anderson

By Jemima Holmes

T

he return of the NAMILCO Flour Power Under-17 Boys’ Football League will first be witnessed on Saturday, July 9, with commencement across the 9 Regional Member Associations (RMAs) being staggered.

The return of the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) fuelled league signals the Guyana Football Federation’s continuous roll out of youth development leagues; adding to the Blue Water Girls’ Under-15 and Tiger Rentals Boys’ Under-13 leagues. The Under-17 league will be played within the 9 RMAs first, before the champion of each RMA moves on to the national playoffs.

Additionally, for the first time, the league will be conducted in Region One (Barima-Waini).

At Saturday’s launch at the GFF’s National Training Center, Providence, NAMILCO’s Financial Controller Fitzroy McLeod highlighted the company’s intent to contribute positively to Guyanese society, and gave a charge to the players to seize the opportunity presented to them.

“It is well known that one of the most important things for young footballers, in terms of their development, is to have frequent, consistent competition.

NAMILCO’s Financial Controller Fitzroy McLeod handing over sponsorship to GFF President Wayne Forde in the presence of NAMILCO’s Alicia Anderson, Assistant TD Bryan Joseph and players So that periodic competition has its place, you’re going to be training and developing throughout the year, throughout the season, but you need to have games on a regular basis to really further your development,” McLeod shared.

“For Guyana, to be able to compete at international levels or international standards, this was one of the missing links in the entire process. NAMILCO, as critical basic food, seeks to serve the entire population. And we wanted to participate as a part of something that would impact the entire country, every nook and cranny,” he said about NAMILCO’s intent to contribute.

McLeod went on to urge players, “We certainly are buoyed by the experiences that we’ve had in the past. So, we look forward to continued success and continued growth. So, on behalf of the management and staff, we certainly ask that you youngsters, in whom we’re making this investment, that you will not only work hard, and acquit yourselves of these opportunities, but you

GFF partnership as he expressed his profound gratitude to the company.

Forde recollected, “When my executive came into office in late 2015, we engaged with the Managing Director Mr. Bert Sukhai, the Finance Controller Mr. Fitzroy McLeod and the Head Engineer at NAMILCO, and we shared with them the direction that we wanted to take Guyana’s football.

“And that direction had a strong emphasis on youth development, and I am convinced, as I was then and even now, that that resonated very well with the leadership of the National Milling Company.

“The first youth development, Nationwide, Intra-Association League that was launched by my Administration was done in partnership with the National Milling Company,” Forde said.

Forde spoke further on the league’s ability to churn out successful players, stating, “I would like to say, on behalf of the many young men who would have

Top horses in full preparation mode for July 31 horse race meet

Santa Cruz Lady took top honours in the last race held at Port Mourant he newly imported horses Horse-racing enthusiasts are in full preparation should expect high-quality mode for the July 31 horse racing, and all the top jockeys race set for Port Mourant Turf will also be on show. For the first Club. time in history, 24 new entries, According to the race including horses from Trinidad organisers, more than eight and Tobago, Jamaica, the United million dollars in cash prizes will States of America and Suriname, be up for grabs, and 30 newly will battle for top honours at the imported horses from Trinidad same venue, the Port Mourant and Tobago and the United States Turf Club. of America will be competing for Eight races are carded for the first time in Guyana.

July 31, with the feature event, Despite the rains that open to all horses, running over on Saturday morning swept eight furlongs for a winner’s across the ancient county of purse of $1M. The second prize Berbice, the horses turned out is $500,000, while third-place in their numbers at the Kennard prize is $100,000.

Memorial Turf Club at Bush Lot This lucrative one-day event Corentyne and were seen in full is expected to start promptly at preparation mode. This daily 12:00h with the L Open race, publication visited the venue, which will be contested over six and all the newly imported furlongs for a winner’s purse horses were in action. of $160,000. Second prize is

T

$80,000.

The second race is the eightfurlong race involving Guyana and West Indies-bred two-year -old horses for a top prize of $500,000, while the secondplaced horse will win $250,000.

The horse that finishes third will bag $125,000.

Race three will be the J Class race over eight furlongs, and the top horse will bag $200,000.

Race four will see the J3 maiden (all first-time starters) running over six furlongs for a prize of $200,000 will be the top prize.

In the H Class race, running over six furlongs, the top horse will bag $400,000.

Race 6 will be the F Class race running over 6.5 furlongs, and the top prize is $500,000.

In the Guyana and West Indies-bred two-year-olds’ race running over five furlongs, $400,000 will be the top prize.

Entries will be closed on July 25, and the races will run under updated classification.

For further information, contact Gingo on 618-7278, Dennis on 640-6396, Alan on 627-5741, and Rabani on 643-9696. Banks DIH, AGM, KP Jagdeo, and Fazal Habibulla are among the sponsors for this event thus far.

(Brandon Corlette)

League, and to see them graduate through this competition and now representing the Golden Arrowhead is a tremendous source of pride for the GFF and for the National Milling Company.”

With action set to begin next weekend, the hosting of the Under-17 League falls sweetly

before the CONCACAF Boys’ U17 Championship Qualifiers, set for August 30 to September 8. As described by Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph, the tournament will benefit the national setup.

“This NAMILCO championship gives our boys a great opportunity to have some game time in their legs. It gives us, also, an opportunity to be able to scout additional players across the country, so that we can strengthen our team,” Joseph enlightened.

About player development, he reiterated, “It’s also a critical time in the development process of our youth players.

This partnership with NAMILCO and this opportunity to play this league further closes the cycle of development for our players.

We’ve been able to have the training sessions, we’ve been able to have the academy, but the missing part has always been the competition.”

With the tournament set to begin next week, the championships round is expected to be played around September 2022.

ExxonMobil National School Basketball Festival…

GTI, St Roses, LTI record wins on opening day

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Newcomer Ninian Vincente top scored with 12 points for Linden he ExxonMobil National School Basketball Festival got off to an excellent start at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Friday, as GTI, St Roses High

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Carmelo Man-Son-Hing of St Roses scored 30 points and Linden Technical Institute recorded easy wins and some much needed points.

In a preview of what is to come over the next nine days, the energy of school basketball filled the atmosphere. Government Technical Institute scored on the buzzer to deny Lower Corentyne an upset win, with the game ending 27 points to 25 points for the rookie GTI team.

Kofi Hassanah scored 10 points (including the gamewinner) along with 11 rebounds, and Resean Barnwell supported with 8 points and 6 rebounds for

Kofi Hassanah scored 10 points (including the game-winner) for GTI GTI. Tyrese Gibbons for Lower Corentyne scored 10 points and had 14 rebounds. Ricardo Swamber chipped in with 12 (4 three-pointers).

In the second game, former champions St. Roses High School made a winning start in defeating New Amsterdam Multilateral School 49 points to 40 points.

Junior national player Carmelo Man-Son-Hing Led from the front with 30 pts.

Wayne Williams added 9 points for SRHS. For NAMS, Raekwon Williams scored 14 points, and Xavier Ferresco added 13 points in the losing effort.

The final game on Friday saw 5-time champions Linden Technical Institute humbling Tutorial High School 43 points to 33 points. Newcomer Ninian Vincente top scored with 12 points, while Damian Allen added 10 points and 5 rebounds for the boys from Linden. For Tutorial High School, Joel Lathan scored 7 points and 10 rebounds, and Zelciro Haynes scored 5 points and 11 rebounds.

ExxonMobil Guyana is the major sponsor of this year’s tournament with support also coming from the National Sports Commission, G-Boat Guyana, Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, and Banks DIH Ltd.

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for Bangladesh skipper Mahmudullah to set the tourists back even further at 75 for six in the 11th over, although Nurul’s improvisation and aggression, which followed on his unbeaten 60 in the second Test defeat in St Lucia five days earlier, gave his side some hope of a defendable total before falling to a catch on the square-leg boundary off Odean Smith.

Within minutes of his

The players at the anthem

P

ersistent showers spoiled the return of international cricket to Dominica as the scheduled first T20 of the three-match series between the West Indies and Bangladesh at Windsor Park was declared a no-result on Saturday.

Put into bat after a delayed start caused by heavy overnight

rain which left damp areas around the pitch, Bangladesh were limited to 105 for eight off 13 overs in a staccato innings interrupted twice as more showers swept down off the mountains surrounding the picturesque ground to eventually wash out any hope of getting a result from a

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH INNINGS (13 overs maximum) Munim Shahriar c †Thomas b Hosein 2 Anamul Haque lbw b McCoy 16 Shakib Al Hasan c †Thomas b Walsh 29 Litton Das c Pooran b Shepherd 9 Mahmudullah (c) c Walsh b Shepherd 8 Afif Hossain c King b Walsh 0 Nurul Hasan † c King b Smith 25 Mahedi Hasan c †Thomas b Shepherd 1 Nasum Ahmed not out 7 Shoriful Islam not out 0

Extras (nb 2, w 6) 8 TOTAL 13 Ov (RR: 8.07) 105/8 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Munim Shahriar, 0.3 ov), 2-36 (Anamul Haque, 3.3 ov), 3-56 (Litton Das, 6.2 ov), 4-60 (Shakib Al Hasan, 7.3 ov), 5-60 (Afif Hossain, 7.5 ov), 6-75 (Mahmudullah, 10.1 ov), 7-77 (Mahedi Hasan, 10.5 ov), 8-103 (Nurul Hasan, 12.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Akeal Hosein 3-0-22-1 Romario Shepherd 3-0-21-3 Obed McCoy 2-0-16-1 Odean Smith 2-0-22-1 Hayden Walsh 3-0-24-2

reduced match.

Test captain Shakib al Hasan (29 off 15 balls) and wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan (25 off 15 balls) were the only players to develop any momentum in the tourists’ innings as they lost wickets regularly to a varied home attack marshalled by captain Nicholas Pooran.

Fast-medium bowler Romario Shepherd led the effort with three wickets for 21 runs off his reduced allotment of three overs while leg-spinner Hayden Walsh claimed two for 24, including the important scalp of Shakib, caught behind by Devon Thomas, the wicketkeeper-batsman making a return to international duty at the same venue where he made his senior West Indies debut against the same opponents in a One-Day International in 2009.

Shepherd accounted

Region One begins process to become football RMA

GFF President Wayne Forde

By Jemima Holmes

F

or years, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has operated with Nine Regional Member Associations (RMAs), many of them reflective of Guyana’s Administrative regions; with the exception of Region One (Barima Waini).

While there has been no shortage of talent in the area, take for instance the discovery and development of Annalisa Vincent’s talent who hails from Moruca, the GFF is keen on upping the ante in the Region.

As such, Region One will be given a year to prove themselves as a viable Regional Member Association and, should they succeed, it will bring the number to a perfect 10.

Making the announcement on Saturday morning, during the launch of the NAMILCO Under 17 League, was GFF President Wayne Forde, who shared a detailed plan of how Region One’s induction is being approached.

“At the moment the GFF is working with stakeholders within Region 1 to put together an interim body that will work together for one year, in establishing Region One as an additional Regional

GFF Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph

Association of the GFF,” Forde revealed.

He went on to explain, “What we will be doing, going forward, the Body is expected to be in place in about 2-3 weeks. Once that body is in place, all youth and senior tournaments that are going to be organized going forward, will be organized within Region One as well.”

“So, it’s our way of expanding the reach of the sport but also giving opportunity for new talent to be scouted and spotted in remote parts of the country.”

When quizzed about what the GFF are looking for from the soon-to-be instituted body, by the Guyana Times Sport, the GFF Boss disclosed the main areas they are focused on.

Forde answered this publication’s queries, stating, “The new body will be exposed to training in Governance, Administration, Club Management, Competition Management and once they receive the training, they will be given assignments to execute particular tasks under these categories and through the Member Services department of the GFF they will be evaluated.”

The Region One body will get going soon, since they will also be involved in hosting an Under 17 Boys’ League, as a part of the NAMILCO Flour Power tournament.

GFF Assistant Technical Director, Bryan Jospeh, was the one to make the revelation.

Jospeh shared, “One of the most significant things that is going to happen here is now, we’re going to have 10 different leagues played simultaneously across the country. And I say 10, we have nine regional associations, but now we’re going to take the Under 17 league Region One also.”

He further stated, “So that we have an opportunity to see two players from that region, we know if it’s a region that has a lot of talent, and has produced some former national players, so we want to be able to take the NAMILCO Under 17 tournament to Region One.” According to the GFF, once they are satisfied with the Region’s performance after approximately a year, they will be allowed to apply to become an RMA. Their confirmation will only take place after the GFF Congress accepts their bid.

B

dismissal though the rains returned for another time, leaving the umpires with option other than to declare a no-result as the available time, even allowing for a prompt resumption, would not have permitted the West Indies to face a minimum of six overs, and a revised target on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, in reply to facilitate a definitive result.

39

Both teams will try again on Sunday in the second fixture of the series at the same venue before the scene shifts to Providence Stadium in Guyana where the final match is scheduled for July 7.

Providence also hosts the three-match ODI series. West Indies won the Test series 2-0, prevailing by seven wickets in Antigua and ten wickets in St Lucia.

Minister Ramson is flanked by community members and others after presenting and mounting the basketball hoops

asketball in the community of Ithaca, West Bank Berbice, will benefit from the installation of highquality Mega Slam-branded basketball hoops that were presented through efforts from the Volunteer Apprenticeship Community Support programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The presentation was made on June 26th by Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr., who was accompanied to the community

by Director of Youth, Suresh Singh, the Chairman of the National

Sports Commission (NSC), Kashif Muhammad, Commissioners of the NSC Dellon Davidson and Cristy Campbell, and National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia.

The basketball court has already benefited from some rehabilitative work, such as casting of the playing surface, reconstruction, and painting of both bleachers, painting of the washroom facilities, as well as landscaping and clearing of the nearby drains. As such, the hoopsare only the icing on the cake.

Ithaca, as the latest beneficiary of the programme, which is yet to reach its pinnacle, is evidence and testament of the current administration’s emphasis on community empowerment, which is a fundamental tenet and important facet of social cohesion.

The pledged and eventual delivery of the basketball systems is once again indicative of Minister Ramson Jr’s commitment not only to the development of Guyana’s sporting landscape, but the advancement of the nation’s human capital, which is its most important natural resource.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Rain had the final say in Dominica

Page 39

The U16 National Team (grey and black) that will benefit from NAMILCO’s U17 Flour Power tournament suited up for an exhibition game on Saturday (Jemima Holmes Photo)

Page 38

Flour Power U17 set to commence this Saturday

Page 37

Demerara Captain Alvin Mahabir receiving the championship trophy from GCB’s Colin Stuart

GCB Inter-County Under-17 tourney…

Page 37

Some of the horses at Bush Lot (Brandon Corlette photo)

UNBEATEN DEMERARA CROWNED U17 CHAMPIONS

…Van Lange, Mahabir had most runs, most wickets

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