Guyana Times -- Sunday, March 6, 2022

Women in focus: Altheia Bunbury’s business P21 showcases her Indigenous roots Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4940 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022

Guyana already going above & beyond in climate change fight – PM Mottley Page 3

...has right to explore, produce oil on its way to Net Zero by 2050

Joseph Harmon resigns as MP effective March 15

Page 7

– APNU/AFC Rep of List, David Granger was informed as per Norton

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

LGC debunks "erroneous allegations" levied by Georgetown P35 Mayor Guyana’s COVID-19 infections continue to plummet P38 – 16 new cases in 24h

Teen critical after co-worker turned on cement mixer while he was inside P10

Reg 3 to P41 undergo $10B transformation Over 300 to benefit from $22.2M water system commissioned at Shulinab P31 In observance of International Women’s Day, which will be celebrated on Tuesday, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry hosted “We Lift 2” at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Saturday. In this picture, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud; Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues and US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch interact with an exhibitor at the event

Private Sector will ensure Page 34 Guyana gets maximum benefits from oil and gas sector – PSC Chairman

CGX to Page 37 drill Wei-1 well in Corentyne Block in July

– also announces plugging of Kawa-1 well

Guyana regaining its spotlight on world stage – Teixeira Page 33

...criticises APNU/AFC Administration for squandering opportunities

Suspect wanted for murder of young P40 businessman still at large – Police believe suspect might have fled jurisdiction

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, March 6 – 04:00h-05:30h and 10:00h-11:00h and Monday, March 7 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, March 6 – 06:15h-07:45h and Monday, March 7 – 06:40h-08:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 06:45h and 19:06h reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.63 metres.

Low Tide: 12:40h reaching a minimum height of 0.51 metre.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

06 13 14 15 19 22

FREE TICKET

2 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

11 18 19 21 25 LUCKY 3

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6

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3

Afternoon Draw

9

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 05 08 09 11 13 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022

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05 08 13 16 20

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1 Afternoon Draw

FX Afternoon Draw

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9 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$118.10/barrel

+6.93

Rough Rice

$296.37/ton

+0.64

London Sugar

$532.30/ton

-0.09

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1972.90

$1973.90

Low/High Change

$1934.30 0.00

$1973.90 0.00%

Guyana already going above & beyond in climate change fight – PM Mottley

...has right to explore, produce oil on its way to Net Zero by 2050

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uestions about the pairing of climate change mitigation with oil exploration continue to rear their head, particularly in the Caribbean region. These questions were recently dealt with head-on by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who in the process lauded the role Guyana has been playing in the climate change fight.

During a press conference at the end of the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government, Mottley fielded a question on countries like Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago producing oil while the world seeks to reduce carbon emissions.

Not only did Mottley point out that developing countries need to use oil revenues to transition to renewable energy if they are to attain net-zero status, but she also highlighted the important role Guyana has been playing as one of the world’s foremost carbon sinks, with 80 per cent of the country covered in forests.

“Guyana already has one of the largest carbon sinks in the world, so you can’t talk about Guyana’s use of fossil fuels without recognising that Guyana is in fact playing its role way beyond most countries in the world already,” Mottley said.

“I think we need a strong public education programme in the region. Net-zero does not mean zero fossil fuel, and regrettably, because we use those phrases, people have as-

Barbados PM Mia Mottley

sumed that net-zero means zero fossil fuels,” she also explained.

Mottley noted that net zero by 2050 means countries having a minimum of 20 per cent fossil fuels in use in order to transition to a net-zero world. According to this Prime Minister, the reality is that countries like Guyana have to finance their development, and cannot therefore afford to ignore their natural resources.

“And to that extent, there needs to be a nuance to the discussion as to how all countries benefit within the context of the containment of the fossil fuels we produce. But if you say no new fossil fuels from any of these countries, all you’re doing is preserving an old World Order which in fact does not in any way help developing countries being able to achieve net-zero and play their role,” she said.

“And when you add to that the absence of a development compact, and you add to that COVID-19, and you add to that the climate crisis, it’s almost a veritable perfect storm.

Not everything can be reduced to four columns or 60-second

Eighty per cent of Guyana is covered with forests

soundbites. There are some things that require complex discussions because the issues are complex, and this is one of them,” Mottley added.

The United Nations (UN) Global Roadmap sets out the target that the world must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It involves balancing the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.

At the 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP26) last November, Guyana had committed to reducing carbon emissions by 70 per cent by 2030. The cleaner energy mix to be undertaken involves the use of natural gas through a 250-megawatt plant, reducing the use of fossil fuel. This is in combination with the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) and solar farms.

In January, President Dr Irfaan Ali had said that Guyana is poised to lead the Net Zero by 2050 Agenda through its robust plans for energy security and renewable generation, while continuously recording increased

economic prosperity.

Earlier this year, Brazil, Suriname and Guyana agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the development of an energy corridor linking the three states. The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is also being expanded to include the provision of environmental services, the protection of biodiversity and water resources, the development of marine economy, and the promotion of climate resilience.

The enhanced LCDS would allow Guyana to further decarbonise onshore economic activities.

Electricity generation and heating accounts for more than 25 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The Head of State had said these efforts come as countries cannot reduce generation, thereby putting pressure on economic growth. Rather, it must diversify to cleaner generation, pushing investors’ confidence in such reliable energy.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 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

Do not entrench ethnic divisions

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veryone in and out of Guyana concedes that our ethnic divisions have contributed to our historic state of underdevelopment following independence, when we were unable to translate our bounteous natural resources into a high standard of living for all our citizens. With the discovery of 13 billion barrels of oil (and counting) off our shores, there are concerns that we may repeat our historic failure.

However, there is much confusion in charting a way out of our political, economic, and social malaise. For the longest while, some have proposed obliterating the ethnic divisions through various mechanisms, like assimilating culturally or genetically. They saw this view encapsulated in the national motto adopted at Independence: “One People; One Nation; One Destiny”, which echoed Marcus Garvey’s “One God! One Aim! One Destiny!”

But across the world - as in Ukraine, Russia, and in most African countries - even when the people are of the same race and are culturally mixed, the divisions stubbornly persist.

This was especially true during the modernisation drive after WWII, which was supposed to resolve ethnic identities. The answer, it would seem, is not to try to obliterate divisions ethnic or otherwise - but to work out mechanisms that can deal with their imperatives.

Coterminous with the Independence Movement in the Caribbean, the Caribbean Anthropologist M.G. Smith had made a seminal observation that unfortunately was lost on the political elites. The ethnic divisions he analysed in his “Plural Society” model of our reality were not as static as the Marxists, who had appeared on the scene, claimed.

The critical element in generating change was the insertion of each group into the political relations of their society. To the extent these were perceived to be unequal and leading to unequal outcomes in valued areas of national life, there would be challenges to the status quo.

The political parties that were formed during the decolonisation wave to take advantage of the universal franchise inevitably mobilised along the lines of cleavage then existent in their societies – class, and ethnicity. In Guyana, after a briefly united front, politics devolved into the ethnic competition in which it remains into the present. The 28-year period of rigged elections under the mainly African Guyanese-supported PNC further entrenched the ethnic divisions. After 1992, the mainly Indian Guyanese-supported PPP was perceived to have an “unfair” advantage over the PNC because of its “inbuilt majority”.

At this time, proposals for an “Executive power-sharing” model of governance entered the political lexicon as a fix for the political logjam on the assumption that, with “everyone at the table”, all groups would be represented equitably in the power relations. The downside of this arrangement, however, is that it entrenches ethnic voting, since power is legitimised only via this cleavage. In the 2000 round of constitutional change precipitated by the PNC’s violent protests, they agreed to share power in Parliament with a simultaneous reduction of the powers on the Executive residing in the Presidency. These Parliamentary Powers - for example, in the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees - remain underutilised.

Fortuitously since then, the demographics in Guyana have changed to produce the existential reality that we are now a nation of minorities, and neither of the two ethnic-based parties can garner a majority from their core ethnic base.

As such, if they are rational, they would adopt strategies to also garner cross-ethnic votes to agglomerate the majority to form the Government.

This demographic-induced change was demonstrated in 2011, and again in 2015 and 2020, when Governments were changed via the ballot boxes. As such, the present PPPC Government has as much legitimacy to call itself an ethnically representative Government as the APNU/AFC Government did between 2015-2020. We must give the new form of governance time to demonstrate that all groups have an equal opportunity to enjoy valued aspects of the national patrimony. We do not need executive power-sharing to reentrench ethnic voting.

As to whether particular individuals succeed would depend on individual efforts.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall led an “Operation Clean Up" exercise on Saturday on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). Communities targeted were Buxton, Enterprise, Enmore, Vryheid's Lust, Better Hope, and several others along the East Coast corridor

Continuous registration approach to prepare citizens for LGE Dear Editor, There are some decisive indicators that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is activating welcome activities in preparation for Local Government Elections (LGE). This move follows a protracted period of public apprehension associated with numerous efforts by the main political Opposition, led by the PNCR, to first change the ‘Continuous Registration’ approach for updating the Register of Registrants, thereby realising further delays.

The necessary move to ensure that Guyanese are fully prepared and registered to go to the polls for Local Government Elections later this year is on the way. A recent GECOM press release confirms the commencement of the Continuous Registration exercise from Monday, March 7, 2022, following the established precedent within the legally approved framework.

Of course, the network of GECOM offices countrywide was created to support this mechanism over the years, and must be fully utilised. Consequently, the advantage of convenience to citizens nationally should complement

genuine efforts to get all Guyanese who are of age to get on the Register of Registrants.

Significantly, this registration exercise is very important to those young persons who would be firsttime applicants in the 14-to-18-years’ age group.

While held continuous exercises would have allowed persons to be registered, GECOM’s cancelation of the 2019 House-toHouse Registration impacted many young persons who were registered during the exercise. Hence, this Registration exercise would target the updating of all persons who would be 14 years and older by October 31, 2022.

This is provided they qualify as Guyanese citizens by birth, descent, naturalisation, or citizenship of a Commonwealth country and are living in Guyana for one year or more.

There are currently 28 permanent GECOM Registration Offices located in the ten administrative regions of Guyana. It is anticipated that GECOM would take advantage of this structure to promote the necessary voters’ awareness and registration education exercise. Mobile

and sub-offices’ complementary interventions would also have to be put in place to enhance ease of access by unregistered persons affected by difficult terrain.

Our citizens must also be proactive in ensuring the readiness of their original birth certificates, valid passports, adoption or naturalisation certificates in supporting applications for new registration. It must be noted that for a change of name after marriage, applicants must have an original marriage certificate.

Applicants must also bear in mind that with the massive Housing drive by the PPP/C Government, citizens who have established new residences should also take care of their transfers, which would strengthen the respective community representation in the area they now reside, making it easier for them to exercise their rights on voting day.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable that GECOM is asking that all applicants must provide proof of having been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to gain entrance to the respective GECOM Registration Offices. It follows that those persons who for dif-

ferent reasons did not take their vaccine will have to produce a negative PCR test taken within seventy-two hours.

These upcoming LGEs will be the first elections conducted by GECOM under a revised internal structure, given the removal of personnel against whom widespread evidence justified were involved in the clandestine attempts to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. As Guyana celebrates the replacement of those persons and recognises the efforts of the Commission to cleanse the organisation, there is more to be done towards genuine efforts to ensure the holding of free and fair elections.

The APNU/AFC and the PNC must produce their Statements of Poll from the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Further, GECOM must produce the reports of all the Returning Officers and the CEO, to inform a proper assessment of all the incidents that took place during the five months. This column encourages all Guyanese to do their best to get on the Register of Registrants.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 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

Georgetown needs remodelling Dear Editor, The city of Georgetown needs remodelling, and I am speaking in terms of modern town planning.

The term ‘town planning’ is used to determine the arrangements of the various components or units of a town in such a way that it attains the significance of a living or dynamic organism. It also includes ways and means to be adopted for the improvement of existing towns, or for the extension of towns. It is proper to say that God made the country and Man made the towns.

Town planning is a science as well as an art; the science consists of collecting, correlating and analysing the facts about the town, while the art lies in

the final finishing touches of a beautiful, convenient, economical, and efficient unit in a well-arranged town. This is my hope for a place called Georgetown.

Having said that, I want us to focus on recent developments in the city that make for the reshaping of that urban unit. The announcement by the Home Affairs Minister that the Central Fire Station would be relocated to Durban Park is of note, because here we have the availability of an open area for commercial use; that is, the former Water Street location. That area is overcrowded, for want of a better word, unsightly, and is a regular haunt for pickpockets and other unsavory elements. This

commercial, crime hotspot scenario has to change, and one way to do this is in the remodelling of that entire area around Stabroek Square.

A golden opportunity now presents itself in the relocation of the fire headquarters to Durban Park.

This means that the entire block can be utilised for municipal purposes.

It provides city planners with the prime opportunity to remodel that entire area, starting from the defunct Cornhill Street Co-op Bank and going right on to the Stabroek Market proper; one can now envision its transformation into one big commercial hub.

It sets the stage for the construction of a municipal market hub and the re-

moval of those vendors occupying the roadways, if I should add. It sets the tone for the building of a second floor on the present Stabroek Market. The sole aim is to bring an end to street vending around that area. It will ease the overcrowding and often dangerous traffic situation that now exists, as persons would have the ease of navigating their way around the shopping area unencumbered.

Georgetown has to be transformed into a modern city, and we must start with the remodelling of the Stabroek Area.

You would have noticed that I have touched only on the town and country planning aspects of its transformation, but the

We can’t allow seasonal actors to hijack Guyana’s future

Dear Editor, The ability to feel a sense of shame and to have one’s conscience nag at them for their actions is a human condition most people are able to experience.

It is this inner voice that causes us to do the right thing, even when nobody is looking.

But there are people who are entirely bereft of conscience, and have no concept of shame. They are instead driven by self-serving motivations that, in their world, transcend decency, trump credibility, and tower above integrity.

In recent days, I have

seen groups - some never before heard of - emerge from the woodwork, waxing lyrical about corruption, oil and gas projects, the need for fair play, inclusivity and good governance. These include the Guyana Human Rights Association, run by a lone individual who emerges from deep slumber only when a particular political party is in office. Others, such as the East Coast Development Committees and Community-based Rehabilitation, seem to have been conjured up entirely out of thin air, since no one has heard of them,

knows where they operate from, who the principals are, or what their mandate is.

While make-believe and make-up organisations commenting on matters of national importance would normally be scoffed at and ridiculed, times have changed. People believe what they read. Therefore, calling out fraudulent groups and groups with no locus standi has to be the duty of all right-minded Guyanese.

We also have to be frank and call a spade a spade.

The noisemakers calling for a halt to developmen-

tal projects, including the offshore operations which are bringing in billions of dollars, are doing so on the grounds of spurious claims and false concerns about having the country and its people at heart. This is unadulterated hogwash.

We must band together and reject opportunists and actors who clearly have no interest in progress and development.

Put Guyana first.

Sincerely, Romel Khan

political aspect of the town needs to be addressed also.

Our towns and city areas are plagued by the perennial decadence of a political turf war, and this has to stop now! For forward-thinking and for any

developmental movement to take place, we must put an end to this backwardness now!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

The headlines have become infinite one to all of us Dear Editor, Like COVID-19, hate is considered a virus. I have become tired of reading headlines such as “Man murders wife”, “Man attempts suicide”, Man on bicycle robs woman/school children”, or “Gunshots leave woman paralysed”.

These headlines have become infinite headlines to all of us.

Hate is considered a virus too because it has us feeling traumatised, and can ruin your entire day. Hate damages our healthy minds. Luckily, many Guyanese still carry a good mind and a good heart with them.

Racial discrimination in Guyana will decrease among our six races since the new $2000 note has been released.

This note shows us an image of our six children’s faces to remind us of the right path to take, because we're all brothers and sisters of this beautiful Guyana. We all carry

rich and diverse cultures, and it should be reminded every day when we go into our wallets or purses.

"We don't discriminate against anyone. We teach people to reach their highest potential. I set examples by the way I lead my life."

-Rosa Parks.

I want my fellow Guyanese to all continue to live in peace and harmony with each other, despite what crisis they are facing at this time, because cooperation of our six different races of people helps build an improved Guyana. I therefore would love to thank this Government for its excellent job, because the note builds peace, harmony, and cooperation among our Guyanese races.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."– Helen Keller.

Yours sincerely, Avi Persaud

6 FEATURE

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Veterinarian–Client Interaction

Machel Montano, Soca, Sadhguru, and Maha Shiva Ratri 2022

– “Choice Of Vet”

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o u and your family have chosen your pet, and are excited to enjoy the new acquisition in your home. There is a new mouth to feed, and new responsibilities to be assigned. Someone has to take overall control, and all must play a role in the rearing and ensuring that the pet bonds with everyone and is secure in his new home. A vital decision must be taken relative to your pet’s continued health and the associated disease prevention measures - choosing a veterinarian.

Do recall that I previously advised that you could involve a vet (or some genuinely knowledgeable person) while in the process of choosing the animal from a shelter, or from a friend, or from a breeder. Having a professional by your side early in the transaction may save you some heartache in the future.

I also advised that the choice of pet should be a family decision.

How does one choose a vet?

Without going into great detail, here are some considerations associated with your final decision: 1. Availability of the vet at all reasonable times for genuine emergencies. Under this rubric would fall the factor of the proximity of the vet to your home. Also, does the vet’s clinic hours coincide with your own availability to take your companion animal for routine check-ups and treatment?

2. Does the vet make house calls (visits)? This is something you should discuss with your prospective veterinarian very early in your relationship with him/her. Lots of vets do not make home vis-

its (for very valid reasons).

For example, how can a vet listen carefully to heart beats or lung (breathing) sounds when other dogs in the household or in the neighbours’ yards are making huge barking commotions? How can tests be carried out when the required equipment and aids may not be available?

Even routine interactions can be compromised when trying to undertake any necessary steps outside of the clinic’s veterinary laboratory.

Also, the excitement/stress associated with the vet’s visit could influence the results/ values of the sample taken.

3. Have you previously had pleasant/unpleasant experiences (eg “bedside” manners; technical expertise, etc) with a specific veterinarian while he/she was caring for another of your pets earlier? Would you like to continue such a relationship?

Perhaps you may wish to “try out” another vet. You have every right to switch vets, but do not do this willy-nilly. You should have very valid reasons; after all, your vet is like your family doctor with whom, over years, trust has been built. Do not allow one vexing episode to ruin that trust/relationship.

4. Is the vet registered to practice (registered by the Veterinary Board of Guyana) for the current year? That Registration Certificate should be prominently posted in the vet’s clinic.

5. Does the vet have a good reputation? Now, here we are stepping on thin ice. If, for example, a vet is known to castigate unscrupulous “breeders for their inept breeding practices, that vet will be maligned by the exploitative practitioners. Similarly, if a vet had cause to reprimand, however gently or sternly, a perpetually lapsing and irre-

sponsible client, then one can be assured that such a caregiver will, in all likelihood, give a very biased opinion about the vet. That is so unfair to the hardworking, caring vet, and especially one that is young and now commencing his/her practice.

A paediatrician friend of mine (now deceased) once told me that, in his field of practice, a doctor could save 99 babies/children and then lose one; yet the mother of the baby that died would malign and defame the good and goodly doctor for the whole world to hear. The advice on this point is to judiciously and sensibly weigh what you are hearing from some disgruntled pet owner before you make that important choice.

6. Does the vet have a pleasant personality compatible with your own (quite different from #3 above)? This you will, of course, only know for sure after you have taken “Rover” or “Felix” into the clinic, and after you have experienced the vet’s unflappability - even in times of stress and working in an overwhelming environment.

7.

Specialisation.

Throughout the history of human medicine, the average person would seek out any doctor for any sickness. After all, in his/her mind, a doctor is a doctor is a doctor. Now, however, things have greatly changed. There are specific areas of medicine which deal with specific ailments.

One does not visit a cardiologist for a urinary problem.

Even in veterinary medicine, there has been specialisation.

A practitioner in equine diseases, especially as they may relate to thoroughbred racehorses, may not be as adept in treating a small bird, a rabbit, or a pet snake, to say nothing of a Chihuahua, or a

hissing Mexican hairless cat, or a jaguar. Yet, vets are confronted with all types of ailing animals.

You may be fortunate to find a vet who is quite willing to refer you to a colleague who has a proven track record of dealing competently and successfully with many species. Generally, however, your vet will try to solve the problem - and often does.

It will be your choice, after factoring into the pet health equation all appropriate considerations, as to whether you will stay with your current pet practitioner or transfer to the referred vet.

8. Finally, costs associated with companion animal care must be considered when choosing your vet. I reluctantly mention this factor.

Each vet will charge what he/ she thinks the treatment and his/her services are worth.

Nobody else, surely not I, can pronounce on a colleague’s fees. So, my advice on this topic is that the pet caregiver must make his/her own decision. You may even discuss your current financial situation with the vet. You would be surprised how many veterinarians would treat your animal gratis (no payment), at least not until you are in a position to remove your debt.

Also, there is no harm in “shopping around” until you find a vet whose charges are more compatible with your financial circumstances.

As I said, to write about payment for services rendered makes me somewhat uncomfortable. But today’s topic, “Choice of Vet”, would by necessity have to include this consideration.

T

&T’s Machel Montano seems to have been in spiritual joy when he performed his Soca compositions in reverence to Mother Earth, the theme being celebrated by the ISHA Foundation and affiliates worldwide.

Some felt such music and song were not in keeping with the traditional ways of observing Mahashivatri. After all, it’s the grand night of Shiva, for which yogis wait; and when kathas (sacred narratives told in story-telling style) are recited in mandirs and homes; and when devotees eagerly prepare for their sadhanas (rites and rituals observed during the period of worship).

Maha Shiva Ratri is a solemn period of fasting and prayer for days and into the long night of Mahashivaratri. One should not, for a moment, equate what Machel was doing at Sadhguru’s ashram in India with a carnival/calypso or chutney stage. Both spaces are poles apart, though they share elements like creativity and expression. Machel would have had to undergo intense sadhana - meditation, fasting, and so on – with his singing being just one element. In this sacred space, there is uplift – not the depravity that characterises parts of the Trinidad Carnival with its appeal to the LCD, or lowest common denominator, in what we call culture. Of course, there is tremendous creativity in the local carnival, but the point must be made that Machel was operating in a different space, and his presentation did not desecrate that space. Music, song, and dance are part of an ancient Indian tradition that we have inherited.

Mahashivratri is a period of deep spiritual reflection and observances

for direct experience of that Highest Reality (some name it God) called Shiva. It is about the human intellect using the aesthetics of name and form (as Shiva in different images and having various narratives about his life and experiences) to directly experience the One without name and form. This path of experience connotes direct perception through the third eye and beyond the five material senses of knowing. The ancient Indian sages have a long history of experimentation in this realm, and so diverse pathways have been opened up for reaching that Shiva, of which we speak here.

In India and the diaspora, we have inherited and transmitted rites and rituals associated with Mahashivatri. However, something different recently started happening at Sadhguru’s ashram in South India. It is a markedly spiritual event with aesthetic expressions like public performances. The very attempt to capture the spirit of that Highest Reality as Nirakar (formless) in Sakar (with form) is an aesthetic one. Through music, song, dance, rituals, and so on, devotees seek to perceive the imperceptible directly. There is a mandir tradition in India that has associated music festivals, and so on, with sacred events like Mahashivaratri, Divali, etc. However, the objective is that higher aesthetic experience of experiencing Nirakar through Sakar.

Aesthetics is the key to appreciating the Hindu worldview and its sacred expressions.

Music, song, dance, rituals, and so on seek to stir and unfold the creativity within human beings. Sadhguru has been providing the sacred space for these expressions for some time now. Aside from foreign performers, there is music by the Indian-based “Sounds of Isha,” and dance performances by “Isha Samskriti.”

September at Isha Yoga Center sees a festival dedicated to International Day of Peace and Sadhguru’s enlightenment; it showcases the culture of different parts of the world and India. Through these events, Sadhguru has been able to bring together diverse strands of humanity in a celebration of their creativity.

The Hare Krsna worshippers demonstrated the same in song and dance, and at first were an anomaly in the Hindu world. However, they stormed the international stage, and have retained the sanctity of their traditions.

Sadhguru seems to have that golden touch in business that remained with him even after his spiritual awakening with its associated spiritual powers. He has been able to market spiritual goods and attract spiritual seekers worldwide. India’s spiritual culture has always been an attraction to the outside world.

India’s material wealth drew foreign oppressors as colonisers for thousands of years. Nonetheless, its soft power in yoga and the arts have drawn admirers. Today, India is rising out of its earlier poverty caused by colonisation and powerful Western narratives constructed to colonise the mind further. There is a parallel rise in its global image – both in material and spiritual wealth. Many of us are proud that Machel was there. Did we hear the content of his songs and their respect for Mother Earth?

As Machel Montano danced his Soca and shared one aspect of our local culture with the world, he was fulfilling his spirituality. He was dancing in tune with the cosmic dance of subatomic matter that points to the immanence of that Highest Reality – where creation, preservation and dissolution are interwoven over cycles of time, pulsating in the process of an ever-changing universe.

Dance on, Machel Montano – the Cosmic Dance of the Universe – and sing your song in devotion to Highest Reality!!!

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

7 Joseph Harmon resigns as MP effective March 15 NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– APNU/AFC Rep of List, David Granger was informed as per Norton

F

ormer Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon has submitted his resignation as an APNU (A Partnership for National Unity) Member of Parliament, and his resignation is slated to take effect from March 15.

According to a well-placed source, the APNU Member of Parliament’s resignation letter was submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Issacs, late on Thursday, and this was subsequently transmitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

Harmon had previously stepped down as Opposition Leader in January of this year, amid mounting pressure from within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

That position has still got to be filled. He nevertheless had stated that he would remain a

Former Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

PNC/R Chairman Shurwayne Holder

Member of Parliament.

Following his resignation as an MP, Harmon told a section of the media that he resigned for personal reasons, while adding that he did so in the best interest of the nation, and more so that of the APNU/AFC. With Harmon’s resignation coming to light, PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton is

widely seen as the frontrunner to become the new Opposition Leader. In fact, he has a mandate from the PNC Central Executive Committee (CEC) to take up both that position and the position of Representative of the List of Candidates. The current list representative is former PNCR Leader David Granger.

However, Norton is yet to

even become an MP. While Nicolette Henry, another APNU MP, had resigned last month, her resignation takes effect only on March 31. In a

press conference on Tuesday last, Norton had disclosed that Granger, as Representative of the List, has been asked to extract his name from the list for entry into Parliament.

“The determination (of who goes to Parliament) is made by the APNU, forwarded to Mr. Granger, who acts as the Representative of the List… as far as I know, yes (the party has recommended Granger extract his name),” Norton said.

“I don’t know that (Granger informed the National Assembly), and I think that will have to await the resignation. Remember,

the resignation (Henry’s) is not until March 31, so there is not a vacant seat until the 31 of March. So, I don’t foresee him writing until the 31 of March,” the party leader had also said.

With the change of events, PNCR Chairman Shurwayne Holder, in an interview with Guyana Times, noted that Norton’s entry to Parliament could be speedily expedited.

He also noted that he was not surprised at the news, and that Harmon’s reported reasons for his decision have to be respected.

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No peace…

I

…through appeasement n all of human history, there is yet to be a SINGLE instance of an aggressor being deterred from further aggression through appeasement actions by the victim. All appeasement does is to confirm the initial assumptions of the aggressor that his victim FEELS too weak and IS too cowardly to fight back. This was distilled in the folk wisdom that “you give them an inch and they’ll take a mile”!!

Now, in the case of Putin’s taking HUNDREDS of miles of Ukraine, it’s not just his assessment that they’re too weak and cowardly. He knows that Europe and the US have strategic interests with Ukraine, and believe they’re the same.

Isn’t this why Putin said he invaded? That Ukraine wanted to join NATO - the EU and US ‘defensive shield?

Now you, dear reader, may believe that your Eyewitness is personalising this war too much. Harking to the “great men” school of history and all that - to exclude structural factors like the need for “strategic depth” and “buffer state” etc. Well, aside from the fact that your Eyewitness doesn’t think Putin is any “great man”, he’s channelling some rather personal Russian feelings of being historically “dissed” by the EU and the US. And that’s as structural as you can get!

Even Marx - who came up with the ideology that Russia followed for 70 years in its futile push to catch up and get some respect from the West - pronounced that they weren’t ready!! And this was AFTER two of their aristocratic rulers, Fredrick and Catherine, who were bestowed with the appendage “GREAT”, also tried and failed!! Just can’t get any respect! Gotta give the Ruskies a real humungous inferiority complex, no? So, no, your Eyewitness isn’t personalising this “too much”.

Now on to the response by the West - sanctions.

Isn’t this the same response they launched when Putin annexed Crimea in 2014 - which, in case you forgot, is a part of Ukraine?? But is now “WAS a part of Ukraine”?? And that’s Putin’s point, isn’t it? Just as with appeasement, your Eyewitness would like to know when sanctions have ever worked? Cuba since 1960?

Iran since 1984? There will always be ways for these to be circumvented - even by their allies and even their own members!!

The bottom line is Putin’s convinced the EU and the US won’t commit boots on the ground - because they don’t want body bags to return with bodies in them.

Russians, who suffered 20 million deaths in WWII AFTER a similar number had been killed by Stalin don’t have the same aversion to death. Especially when they’ve been told that the pride of Mother Russia’s at stake.

And so, at best, western Ukraine will be Russia’s. …on two fronts One would’ve thought that Europe and the West had learned a basic lesson by now - after Napoleon and Hitler - that you try not to fight a war simultaneously on two fronts. Strategically, it’s been clear to most for a decade that China is the US’ major strategic threat. It’s now an economic powerhouse about to overtake the US, has the military capabilities on land, air, and sea to back up its interests, and its authoritarian Government is unchallenged domestically. But the US has taken on Russia.

Doesn’t it worry that China might now make a move on Taiwan? All of Putin’s arguments for invading Ukraine apply: China sees Taiwan as historically part of its national territory - and as such - a breakaway province that must be brought back into the fold. If the US doesn’t commit troops to Ukraine, why should China worry that it’ll do so for Taiwan?? And sanctions will affect China even less than it will Russia - while hurting Americans more.

Can America survive empty Walmart shelves? …with piece?

Your Eyewitness was surprised by Mia Mottley’s declaration that Caricom stood by us during the bad times, and must now share in the good times.

So Barbados’s Guyanese Bench and Trinidad’s Piarco harassment of traders was “standing by us”?

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

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10 NEWS

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Teen critical after co-worker turned on cement mixer while he was inside

F

amily members of 18-year-old Ricardo Nandlall, a labourer at the Forrester Lumber and Building Complex at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, are hoping for the best after the teen sustained injuries when a co-worker turned on a ‘cement mixer’ while he was inside.

According to Police, the co-worker was unaware that the teen was inside the machine cleaning it.

Nandlall, of South De Kinderen Line-Top, West Coast Demerara, who sustained injuries to his abdomen that had his intestines protruding, is currently battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

It was reported that on Friday, at about 15:45h, a doctor from the Leonora Cottage Hospital contacted the Police

The mixer the teen was inside cleaning

Station and requested that a rank visit the institution in relation to the matter.

Ranks were unable to speak with the victim, and as such proceeded to the worksite at Stewartville, WCD. There, the proprietor was questioned by the investigators, and he revealed that the teen had gone into the mixer to clean it, but in the process, a 22-year-old operator who was unaware that the young man was inside the

machine, turned it on.

As soon as the machine came on, Nandlall began to scream. Upon realising that he was inside the machine, the mixer was turned off and several other coworkers rushed to his assistance, pulling him out of the machine.

They then took him to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, from whence he was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The co-worker who turned on the cement mixer has been detained by the Police.

Regional Commander Errol Watts has indicated that the co-worker remains in custody on the prisoner’s bench as the Police await updates on the victim’s condition.

“Given at the moment his actions were not malicious, but suspected to be that of negligence,” the Commander added.

Joseph Harmon resigns...

FROM PAGE 7

“With the news of Mr. Harmon’s resignation… certainly (there’s a) possibility of the leader of the PNCR getting into parliament much sooner than was anticipated. It didn’t take me by surprise when I saw the resignation. But I believe, as (claimed), Harmon has some personal issues.

If that is the choice he has made, well we can’t do much about that,” Holder said.

Norton, who secured a landslide victory at the party’s internal Congress in December 2021, had disclosed in January that the PNCR Central Executive Committee (CEC) had decided that he should also hold the post as Leader of the Opposition.

But Harmon, who lost his bid for the PNCR leadership position to Norton, had been adamant at the time that he should remain in the position, which

was given to him by former PNCR Leader Granger.

And despite being co-opted previously, Harmon was neither re-elected to the party’s Central Executive Committee – the highest decision-making body of the party, nor co-opted.

Harmon’s resignation as Opposition Leader came one day after he also stepped down as General Secretary of the APNU, while Granger resigned as the party’s Chairman.

APNU’s Chairmanship was then taken up by Norton.

Granger and Harmon had met with Khemraj Ramjattan and other AFC leaders – Chairman Raphael Trotman; Vice Chair Catherine Hughes and General Secretary of the AFC, David Patterson – in January 2022 to discuss several matters of interest including his replacement as Opposition Leader.

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No quick fix for equity

A

fter the last (almost rigged) elections, the calls for “power sharing” have been reverberating from the Opposition. The call is being justified to ensure that the representatives of all groups be “at the table” when the economic pie is being divided “for the people”.

Now, even as an end for itself, this has been justified because in divided societies such as ours, there is great symbolic and psychic value in seeing oneself reflected in country’s top leadership. We now accept “representation Ravi Dev by presence” for women, so why not for ethnic groups?

But evidently it is not only the wider leadership’s image per se that suffices. When the PPP or PNC are in Government, they take great pains to select leaders from all groups, but the cry of “exclusion” still reverberates - as it does at this time. The members of the “other” in the respective Cabinets etc are accused of being “window dressing” or “tokens” with no real “power”.

I have suggested that these parties create “ethnic caucuses” that meet separately to discuss and take stands on issues affecting “their” particular ethnic group, and then make recommendations to the party en block. One hopes that if their recommendations are accepted and demonstrably so, this might blunt some of the cynicism on “representation”. But even if there is Executive power sharing, one expects that the party with the larger number of votes/seats would still take the Presidency, with the party next in line selecting the putative second in command, the Prime Ministership. Will this be satisfactory to the second-tier party? Or their supporters? One is doubtful.

And the same questions of distributive equity/justice will be raised by the ethnic groups’ memberships if it is not perceived that the pie is being appropriately shared. We are then faced with the challenge of ensuring equitable distribution through some objective mechanism. We have suggested “Ethnic Impact Statements” be issued before any Governmental project is initiated, and then also at its end. This might be time consuming and clumsy, as it is with “Environmental Impact Statements” - like with the DHB project but should alleviate the inevitable acrimonious post mortems such as are plaguing the PPP right now.

But we come to a very touchy topic that no one wants to address: what happens if even after ensuring that the opportunities are equitably distributed ethnically, the results do not follow suit?

In a word, will equality of opportunity lead to equality of results?

To address this conundrum, we have suggested following the American practice: if particular groups can show they have been historically discriminated in specific areas of endeavour, the Government should implement affirmative action programmes to rectify the historical injustices. Areas that immediately come to mind for African Guyanese are entrepreneurship and business; for Indian Guyanese, all the institutions of the state, but especially the Disciplined Forces and Public Service; and for Indigenous Peoples, all professions excepting protecting our forests.

But even if all these innovations were implemented, we have to accept - which is going to be difficult - that there will still be (at a minimum) a lag between equality of opportunity and equality of results. And this is for the simple reason that changes in behaviour that have been systemically induced over centuries will take time to alter. We saw this after the PNC regime between 1964 and 1992, which only had themselves at the table, yet at the end, African Guyanese were just as poverty stricken as Indian Guyanese - with Indigenous Peoples below them both.

And this was after the PNC mandated that all paddy be sold to the Government; constructed mega mills that employed primarily African Guyanese in construction and operations (along with housing etc) and then sold and exported the rice produced at high prices that showed an implicit 118% tax on paddy. Rice production plummeted.

They nationalised sugar, and imposed a levy to not only expropriate the windfall profits of 1975 and 1982, but maintained it to deny sugar workers legally mandated “profit sharing”. The levy went into the Consolidated Funds to benefit other public sectors, while the sugar industry was wrecked. Sugar production plummeted.

We do not have to elaborate on the running and staffing of the nationalised 80% of the economy; the Co-ops; the Co-Op Bank; the Co-Op Insurance; the dozens of new “Guystac” companies, such as Sanata Mills; 1000% increase in Disciplined Forces. etc.

Delivering equity and equality will take more than “powersharing”.

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

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WHAT’S ALL THE NOISE?

S

ound is what we hear. Noise is an unwanted sound. The difference between sound and noise depends upon the receiver and the circumstances. Rock music can be a pleasurable sound to one person and an annoying noise to another. In either case, it can be hazardous to a person's hearing if the sound is loud, and if the person is exposed long and often enough.

It is important to note that noise can be continuous, variable, intermittent or impulsive, depending on how it changes over time: * The continuous noise is the noise that remains constant and stable over a given time period. The noise of boilers in a powerhouse, for example, is relatively constant, and can therefore be classified as continuous. * Most manufacturing noise is variable or intermittent.

Different operations or different noise sources can cause the sound to change over time. Noise is intermittent if there is a mix of relatively quiet and noisy periods. * Impulse or impact noise is a very short burst of loud noise which lasts for less than one second. Gunfire or the noise produced by punch presses are examples of such noise.

At the Environmental Protection Agency, noise nuisances form the majority of complaints received. Noise is one of the most common occupational health hazards in heavy industrial and manufacturing environments, as well as other operations such as farms, cafeterias, or bars. Permanent hearing loss is the main health concern.

Annoyance, stress, and interference with speech communication are the main concerns in noisy offices, schools and computer rooms. As such, the Agency conducts noise assessments when complaints are received. Officers equipped with noise meters test the limit of the noise that was reported.

If the reading recorded is above the normal limit, then the EPA would work with the operator to reduce the noise level.

Let us zero in on our workplaces, because often times we only focus on the noises around our homes and immediate environments.

How can I tell if my workplace is too loud?

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, the workplace may have a noise problem. ? Do people have to raise their voices? ? Do people who work in noisy environments have ringing in their ears at the end of a shift? ? Do they find when they return home from work that they have to increase the volume on their car radio higher than they did when they went to work? ? Does a person who has worked in a noisy workplace for years have problems understanding conversations at parties or restaurants, or in crowds where there are many voices and "competing" noises?

If there is a noise problem in a workplace, then a noise assessment or survey should be undertaken to determine the sources of noise, the amount of noise, who is exposed, and for how long.

What can be done to minimise noise at the workplace?

1. Buy Quiet – select and purchase low-noise tools and machinery; 2. Maintain tools and equipment routinely (such as lubricate gears); 3. Reduce vibration where possible; 4. Isolate the noise source in an insulated room or enclosure; and 5. Place a barrier between the noise source and the employee.

References https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/noise_ basic.html https://ajph.aphapublications.org /doi/full/10.2105/ AJPH.2016.303527 https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noisecontrol/default.html You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail. com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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

FEATURE

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Fashion icon Sonia Noel to launch “I Am” furniture collection

G

uyana’s iconic fashion designer Sonia Noel is gearing up to launch her first-ever furniture line, “I Am.” The fashionista hosted a preview of what the new business venture has to offer to various friends

over the weekend. Noel is currently celebrating 25 years in the fashion industry, and she wants to try something different for this milestone.

The “I Am” furniture collection feat u r e s pieces of furniture t h a t are infused with abstract paintings for which N o e l thinks persons can create their own interpretation.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the fashion icon declared she is excited to launch the collection, which she described as a new and unique way to celebrate her 25 years in the fashion industry.

“I am actually celebrating 25 years in the fashion and creative industry, so I thought about part of the celebration. I wanted to do something different and something I have been thinking about for a long time, like furnishing; things that are unique and very versatile, like my clothing,” Noel said.

At the preview event, Noel demonstrated how versatile the pieces really are. A picnic table that can be turned into a make-shift poolside bar is one of her favourite pieces in the collection. In addition, some of the pieces are carved and decorated with inspirational and motivational quotes that leave room for self-empowerment.

“Everything that you see has more than one purpose. I didn’t want to just do a line, I wanted it to have meaning behind it; and given the artwork, when you look into the artwork, you can immerse yourself into them,” she said.

TURN TO PAGE 17

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FEATURE

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Fashion icon Sonia Noel to launch “I Am”... you persevere. Because along the way, trust me, you’re going to get hit down, sometimes harder than you want to; but when you are passionate, when you have

Noel also shared that part of the proceeds from the line would go to the Sonia Noel Foundation.

Shonta Noel; Crafted

by Chey; Natasha David; David Creation; Linden Cave Azirra Games; Shari

Singh; Floral by Shari; CJ Peppers and Pickles; and Becky's Blessings pineapple achar were collaborators at Noel’s preview event.

Meanwhile, Noel encourages women who are serious about entrepreneur-

ship to never give up.

“Entrepreneurship is not for the fainthearted, because you’re going to have days you don’t feel like getting out of bed; and that’s why you have to have a level of confidence in the way

that passion and you know that this is one of the reasons why I was created, you get up back with tenacity.

Don’t give up!” Noel encouraged.

FROM PAGE 15

The “I Am” Collection would officially be launched at the Women’s Business Expo, which will be hosted at the Pegasus Hotel on March 30 and 31.

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FEATURE

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B

ack in 2016, Altheia Bunbury was searching for apparel that showcases Indigenous culture, but her hunt proved futile. Then an idea popped up, and she decided to pursue the thought, which materialised

into a business.

Bunbury is the owner of A.B Prints, located at the Plaisance Market, ECD. This business customises T-shirts through screen printing, and customises cups and aprons among other items that suit the customers’ needs.

Born at Kamarang in Region Seven, Bunbury told Guyana Times

she possesses a creative touch, and while she had little experience in screen printing, she decided to research and pursue the idea.

“I wanted something a bit more modern but it still must showcase the Indigenous culture, but there was nowhere I could find something of that ntature,” she said. “There was no shop or no business offer-

ing Indigenous-inspired prints,” she added.

She said she contacted someone who had experience in screen printing, and after printing her designs, she shared them on the social media platform Facebook.

“A lot of persons messaged me and they wanted what I was selling,” she added. TURN TO PAGE 27

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FEATURE

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM FROM PAGE 21

Several pieces which were customised by Altheia Bunbury for the annual Indigenous Heritage celebrations

She said in 2017 she decided to participate in the Indigenous Month Celebrations at the Sophia Exhibition Complex, and all her products were sold out.

“So that motivated me to continue, and then persons were requesting their own designs, and things got a bit hectic,” the mother of two added.

She said she went back and forth trying to fill their demands while working along with the persons whom she had contracted to undertake the actual printing.

Bunbury, who lives at Plaisance, East Coast

Demerara, where she runs another business with her husband, completed a Diploma in Communication Studies at the University of Guyana prior to starting her business. Soon after starting her business in 2017, she restarted her studies to complete the degree programme in communication studies at Turkeyen.

She said that soon after restarting her studies, she decided to place more emphasis on her business. “I decided to import my own equipment to do the printing. It was a bit of an investment, and I thought

that this is something I would be doing for the long term,” she added.

She said she has since expanded her business to taking orders for additional occasions, such as birthdays and such events. “My main customers are persons requesting Indigenous prints, but I also cater for others and various occasions”, she iterated.

Bunbury says that her husband and her friends in the city and in the hinterland have been her main supporters.

She said her mother passed away some 18 years ago when she was a child, while her father has been a miner for decades. But according to this determined young woman, her entire family circle has been by her side ever since childhood.

As regards challenges she faces, she noted that there are persons who request bulk orders, and this can be time-consuming to meet their deadlines. “Managing the number of orders can be hectic, “she said.

She said her materials are ordered via online shipping entities, and receiving them on time can be a challenge.

“I do not always advertise on social media, but (on) my WhatsApp account, where I share a lot of my work,” she said.

As regards the future, Bunbury has said she is looking to find a permanent location in the city, where persons can walk in and make purchases. She said she also

plans to increase the promotion of the products she can offer besides her Indigenous line, but this hinges on when she secures a permanent location downtown.

At the same time, the young entrepreneur is pursuing her educational goals as she matches her accomplishments in business with her potential in academics.

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FEATURE

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Linden farmer constructs mini-hydro plant

…to power his chicken pens, home

Farmer Jarad Atkinson and his wife Sue-Ann

By Alva Solomon

O

ne may be surprised when Jarad Atkinson, a farmer of Amelia’s Ward in Linden, Region 10, relates how he constructed a mini-hydropower plant using an old ceiling fan, parts of a bicycle, an old Singer machine stand, and old car tyres, but given the availability of technology online, one would understand how a man who

is determined to make use of his environment created the apparatus in 2016.

Atkinson has been a farmer for several years. “I am a farmer by choice,” he told Guyana Times recently. In his down time from the farm, he does construction work as a means to supplement his family’s income.

Back in 2016, this skilled Guyanese looked at several videos on Youtube, and researched which motors can

The car wheel which revolves in the water and powers the system

produce higher energy and how to connect the device directly or via batteries to his chicken pens.

“It took about five months of research,” he said, noting that building the apparatus and connecting the motor to the system were the main challenges he encountered.

He started working on the power source in 2016, when he and his father worked tirelessly on their poultry farm at Amelia’s Ward,

Linden.

He said there is a creek which runs close to the farm, and according to him, he has a knack for things mechanical and electrical, although his area of study was in the agriculture field. He said he studied at the Guyana School of Agriculture years ago, and has ever since been in the field of farming.

Atkinson said he decided to find a means of producing electricity besides solar pow-

er, which he and his family have been using at the farm.

“So, I went on the internet and I learn everything from there,” he said of his hydro-power project.

He said he needed a steady flow of electricity to power the lights at his chicken pens, and he and his father started working on the idea of the hydro-power. He said that, as he researched the idea, he started to collect the parts needed for the apparatus, and those included the ceiling fan motor.

“I built the motor for the hydro using a ceiling fan motor, and I stripped it and used it after trying and testing it a few times,” he said.

Atkinson said he then went online on Ebay, where he searched for the best magnets to boost the energy output of the hydro project.

“Magnets, when connected across wires, generate electricity,” he said, noting that he needed neon magnets for his plant.

He then welded an old car wheel with cut-out tyre flaps onto an axle, and connected it to an old Singer sewing machine stand. After mounting the motor on the machine stand, he connected it to an old bicycle wheel

sprocket.

Atkinson then connected a belt to the car wheel, which made rotations when placed in the water. The rotating car wheel and the motor produced the electricity. He said a 12-volt battery stores the power.

The entire system was mounted on a platform he built over the creek, which he noted is small and cannot produce his desired output of 300 to 500 watts. Although it produced enough power for his lights at the pens, his home and the TV, the amp output is low, Atkinson related.

“The voltage was high, but the amps were low,” he said, and this he noted may be because of the type of motor he used.

Atkinson said he sourced a 200-watt motor online, and this was specially designed for hydropower. It was an improvement from his ceiling fan motor. “It worked better than the ceiling fan,” he said, noting it produced the electricity which powers his lights, radio, and of course his chicken pens. He said he placed a series of 3-watt bulbs in the pens, and these have lasted a few years since 2016.

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2020 elections a defining moment for leadership …Ministers reflect on events of March 2, 2020

Public Service Minister Sonia Parag

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy

ublic Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill has said the General and Regional Elections of March 2, 2020 were a defining moment for leadership, a moment in time that showed Guyana and the rest of the world the kind of leadership needed to take

attempted to steal the elections using all the ‘tricks up their sleeves’, which were all documented.

Minister Edghill said, “If, at that first attempt, [Keith] Lowenfield and [Clairmont] Mingo were able to intermingle those fictitious numbers of Region

P

the country forward. He said there was a need for ‘good leadership’ leading up to, during, and after the elections.

Minister Edghill played an integral role during the five months when the world watched as the then APNU+AFC Government

Four and join it to those other returning officers and make a general declaration, you could cry foul however you want; once that declaration was made…”

Edghill, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, M.P, and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister,

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill

Kwame McCoy, M.P, were being interviewed on the two-year anniversary of the elections on Thursday. The Public Works Minister has said peace and development are ‘inseparable twins’, and that the business environment must be predictable, which means there must be people who observe the rule of law.

For that reason, he said, the events of 2020 must never recur on Guyana’s soil.

“In terms of electoral reform, the one thing that every decent, law-abiding, democratic Guyanese needs to sign on to is a principle that says what happened must never happen again, and let us put mechanisms in place to make sure they never happen again. And if anybody ever attempts to do that, you must find yourself in a jail, because you are not good for the democratic process of this country, you must be penalised,” Edghill noted.

Former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, among others, are before the courts facing charges of electoral fraud.

In addition, Minister McCoy echoed the sentiments of Minister Edghill.

He said the Government of the day portrays the kind of leadership the people of Guyana voted for on March 2.

“We believe, as we have demonstrated, that we have the right leadership in Guyana to be able to take us to where we will all be prosperous, successful, socially just, making sure that there is equity in the distribution

of the wealth and resources.

And that is what matters to most Guyanese, and that is what we promised them.

We will work hard and work hard every day to deliver those things to the people of Guyana,” Minister McCoy has said.

He said Government is promoting the ‘One Guyana’ concept in light of the fact that all Guyanese are deserving of the benefits of Government services.

He said the three budgets passed by the PPP/C Government were aimed at ensuring the people benefit at every level.

Minister Parag had also played an integral role in the recount process of the election. She said that after enduring everything the coalition tried during that period, it is satisfying to be able to serve the people of Guyana.

She said the hallmark of the PPP/C has always been the welfare of Guyanese.

“Transformation does not happen overnight.

Money is continuously being placed in the budget in different sectors to enable people from all walks of life and all categories of persons from every region to benefit equitably from the transformation.

Whether it be infrastructure, education, healthcare, social issues, everyone will benefit equitably, and that is something Guyanese should be excited about… Ultimately, this development is for the betterment of Guyanese lives,” the Minister stated.

March 2, 2022 marked two years since the 2020 elections were held before the PPP/C Administration took office on August 2 that year.

31 Over 300 to benefit from $22.2M water system commissioned at Shulinab NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

part of the Government’s strategic plan to move the percentage of potable water coverage in the hinterland from 60 to 100 by 2025.

He said close to $1 billion has been expended on water systems in the hinterland, since the PPP/C Administration got into office in August 2020.

In Region Nine alone, the Government, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), has thus far completed eight The new water system at Shulinab, South Central Rupununi, Region Nine

S

ome 395 residents of Shulinab, South Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) will benefit from improved access to potable water following the commission-

Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” concept, where every Guyanese would benefit from the programmes and policies implemented and executed by the State.

Therefore, the Minister

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during the ceremonial tasting of the water

ing of a $22.2 million water distribution system on Friday.

Funded by the Government of Guyana, the water distribution system includes the installation of a new distribution network for households, elevated storage tanks, and a photovoltaic system that would provide 24h service to the community.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, officially handed over the water supply system to the Makushi community of Shulinab. In attendance at that handing over ceremony were Regional Chairman Brian Allicock and Regional Executive Officer Karl Singh, among other technical officers from the Finance Ministry.

During his address, Minister Dr Singh said the PPP/C Government is fleshing out a detailed developmental agenda designed around its manifesto and aligned with His

said, even as Government embarks on large transformational projects, such as the Linden-to-Mabura road as well as the upgrading and expansion of bridges along the Lindento-Lethem Road, it is keen on ensuring that the most immediate needs are addressed within the villages.

As it relates to the issue of water, he said that, like as obtains at Shulinab, the intention is to achieve 100 percent water coverage within all the communities in Region Nine.

“So, this is not a oneoff project. In fact, over the course of today and tomorrow, we will be commissioning four wells in addition to the one here. We will be heading to Aranaputa, Wowetta, and Rupertee to hand over water systems,” Dr. Singh informed the residents.

While outlining the holistic plan for the water sector, Minister Croal said the intervention of new and upgraded water systems across the hinterland regions and riverine communities on the coast forms

new wells in the region.

Further, of the 30 wells expected to be drilled this year in the hinterland regions, five will be drilled and expanded in Region Nine to the tune of $450 million.

Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock said the region will this year receive its largest budget of over $4 billion to roll out its 2022 programme across the 57 villages that make up the region. Included in this

year’s programme is the construction of a water supply system for Sand Creek.

The contract for that project will be signed shortly.

The residents also expressed their gratitude to the Government for the new development, and thanked the administration for the many transformational projects earmarked on for the village, including the establishment of a processing facility and the ICT hub.

32 FEATURE

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden farmer constructs mini-hydro...

On a sad note, Atkinson said his father passed away a few months after he started the hydropower project in 2016, and he noted that after that period, he continued developing the system, which ran continuously through to 2020, when he decided to make a few changes to the system.

“The concept of it is that I can calculate the amount of power I can get from the creek,” he said, noting that he can estimate the amount of power he can get from a running water source.

He said he can further enhance the system so that it can power a freezer continuously, but this would require additional resources. He surmised that a smaller, narrower wheel, unlike the car rim, can work well on a faster flow of water.

At the moment, he is working to enhance the system, and he noted that it is a cheap source of electricity. He said if another farmer wants to invest in a

The motor from the ceiling fan which is connected to other parts of the apparatus Atkinson stands atop a platform which he built over the creek near to his home

similar project, he is willing to provide his knowledge, adding that his aim

is to assist others.

“If someone wants to invest in it, we can see what

FROM PAGE 29

is feasible and how well it would work out for them,” Atkinson said.

As regards his project, Atkinson said the greatest expense he incurred was on acquiring his motor, which he noted cost him around US$200. He said he is eyeing a few more efficient motors which may cost a bit more, but, according to him, it would be a good investment.

“It got 100-watt motors which can produce 500watt output of power, but then the water flow has to be enough to power the system,” he added.

“I am always studying how to get electricity from the creek,” the self-taught inventor noted, as he reiterated that he would be happy to assist others who may wish to build their own mini-hydropower project.

“At least people would get electricity. For me, (the joy) is to share the knowledge,” Atkinson said, noting that it would make him extremely happy.

33 Guyana regaining its spotlight on world stage – Teixeira NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– criticises APNU+AFC Administration for squandering opportunities

U

nder the presidency of Dr Irfaan Ali and the leadership of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration, Guyana is regaining its spotlight on the world stage after years of no significant progress or accomplishments under the APNU+AFC Government from 2015 to 2020.

This was the view of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, who was at the time speaking during a televised programme to reflect on the second anniversary of the five-month-long March 2, 2020 election, which saw blatant attempts by forces to sway the results of the polls in favour of the ruling David Granger administration.

Acknowledging that those five months shattered the country’s image internationally, Teixeira posited that Guyana is now successfully rebuilding its image on the world stage.

“We have kinda taken back our rightful place in Caricom (Caribbean Community) …rightful place as an equal and leading member of Caricom… Look at the role the President has played, look at the relationships with the Caricom leaders,” the Governance Minister and former presidential advisor posited as she referred to Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan

Ali’s push on sustainable food security and agriculture in the region.

President Ali’s vision and work in this area have already been lauded by the Caricom Chairman, Belize Prime Minister John Briceño.

“One of the highlights of the meeting was the important and stimulating presentations by President Ali of Guyana, who laid out a comprehensive plan for the development of the agri-food sector that was embraced by all. I congratulate President Ali and his team for their excellent work,” the Caricom Chairman remarked during a press conference to culminate the recent 33rd InterSessional Meeting.

Regionally, Guyana has been fostering deeper ties with countries such as Suriname, Brazil and Barbados. Among other things, Guyana, Brazil and Suriname are working together to develop a regional energy corridor, while Guyana and Barbados have partnered to market a joint tourism package.

Teixeira went on to criticise the APNU+AFC Administration for squandering opportunities that were available for the country as a result of the gains Guyana made in the international arena pre-2015.

She made reference to the inno-

Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

vative Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the carbon trading agreement with Norway.

Guyana has earned millions of dollars in foreign currency from carbon trading; specifically, the millions it earned from the Kingdom of Norway for keeping deforestation rates low and for reaching certain benchmarks.

“We came forward with a model in 2010 that went through two years of consultation across the country and was a model that tried to balance between environmental protection but also dealing with development, also dealing with the whole area of mitigation and adaptation and so on. We are now in the new phase of the ex-

panded LCDS. But that respect for us was shown when they gave President Jagdeo the Champion of the Earth,” Teixeira explained.

Since its inception in 2005, the annual Champions of the Earth Award, the United Nation’s highest environmental honour, has been awarded to some of the world’s most dynamic environmental leaders.

Referring to the LCDS, Teixeira indicated that the award was fitting, since “it was something emanated from Guyana and was different and unique and innovative on the world scene.

“So, we got on to the international arena and we lost that. The whole areas of what we took: low carbon, the Norway Agreement with carbon trading, all these things kinda flittered away,” the Governance Minister contended.

“APNU+AFC came into a Government that was over $700M in foreign currency reserves, over four months of foreign currency reserves, sitting there. They came in with an agreement with the Norwegians that we were being paid for our forests and the fact that we were preserving the planet, making our own contribution to preserving the planet, and they squandered that, they squandered that at the international level,” she further asserted.

Teixeira noted too

that, instead, the Granger Administration introduced a “Green State Development Strategy”, which, according to her, “no one saw”.

Against this backdrop, she reasoned that Guyana “lost our footing at the international level, and now we’re taking that back.

“The whole area of balancing between oil and gas and development of other sectors, preserving forest and taking care of our environment…”

This level of international attention and respect, Teixeira posited, presents a remarkable opportunity for the country and its people.

According to her, “Guyana has never ever, in its history as a nation, reached this level of attention”. She reasoned that throughout its history, Guyana has always been in a “negative light” on the world stage, ranging from riots, ethnic violence, rigged elections, and Jonestown.

“Now we have enormous attention on Guyana…there is this tremendous interest in our country,” she remarked.

“This I call ‘the golden era of Guyana’…where we can do things and make it right, and that’s why the whole platform of ‘One Guyana’ is so important, to try to bring us all together in looking at how we go forward…”

34 NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Private Sector will ensure Guyana gets maximum benefits from oil and gas sector – PSC Chairman

P

rivate Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Paul Cheong has affirmed that the local business community will ensure the country and its people get maximum benefits from the burgeoning oil and gas sector.

He made the assertion during a panel discussion at the inaugural fourday International Energy Conference and Expo hosted in Guyana from February 15 to February 18, 2022.

The Local Content Law, he noted, will be key in ensuring all Guyanese benefit from the country’s oil wealth.

“We want to ensure that we, as a country, we get maximum benefit from these resources,” Cheong remarked.

“We in the Private Sector, we have a Local Content Advisory Group which we set up with professionals and technical people around the oil and gas sector to advise us and to help model and mould the way we would advocate going forward in the future for different services available to the Private Sector,” he added.

He noted too that the local Private Sector was working closely with the Guyana Government and oil and gas operators in a bid to better understand the sector and further build local capacity.

“We’ve been working closely with the Government, but we also intend to work closely with the operators and contractors, subcontractors to understand the other categories, so we can disseminate that information on to the wider Private Sector and also to help build capacity so that they can participate in a more meaningful way in the operations,” the PSC Head noted.

But in ensuring Guyanese get maximum benefits from the sector, Cheong underscored the importance of striking an appropriate balance within the industry.

“There has to be a balance, because, [if] you go overboard, taking the targets too high and if we don’t have capacity, it can be of hinderance to the industry. We don’t want to be in that position because we know of the importance of this resource to our future as a country, our

future as the Private Sector…

“We also recognise the importance of foreign investment and we welcome foreign investment; we also feel foreign investors should benefit in a fair way for their investment and effort,” Cheong reasoned.

The Local Content Act lays out 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese companies by the end of 2022. For instance, these companies must procure from Guyanese companies, 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food, and 90 per cent local accounting services.

These are just a few of the services highlighted in the first schedule in the Local Content Act. The Local Content Act penalises oil and gas companies and their subcontractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act. These fines range from

as low as $5 million to as high as $50 million.

The Government, through the Natural Resources Ministry, has since operationalised its Local Content Registry as stipulated by the law.

The Local Content Act mandates the Local Content Secretariat to develop and maintain Local Content Registers of Guyanese nationals for employment, and Guyanese nationals and companies from which goods and services may be procured.

In keeping with this, two registration options are available, namely, supplier registration and employment registration.

Using the Supplier Registration Portal, a Guyanese national or Guyanese company can apply for and be issued with a Certificate of Registration from the Secretariat for the supply of goods and/or the provision of services for petroleum operations in Guyana.

There are five steps for applicants to take in order to register. Registration applications can be electronic or hard-

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

copy. Importantly, as per section eight of the Local Content Act, a Guyanese national or Guyanese company which is not registered on the Local Content Register shall not be measured for purpose of compliance with the minimum local content levels. Once an application is submitted and received, the Secretariat will issue an Acknowledgement of Receipt along with a Reference Number for the application and the review process will be initiated.

After conducting the necessary checks and balances, the Secretariat will either approve the application and issue

a Certificate of Registration or refuse the application and notify the applicant. The holder of a Certificate of Registration from the Local Content Secretariat has satisfied the requirements stipulated in the Local Content Act No.18 of 2021 as a Guyanese national and/or Guyanese company for the provision of goods and services or employment within the petroleum sector.

Once an application is approved and a Certificate of Registration granted, the applicant will be issued with log-in credentials to gain access to either the Supplier Registration Portal or the Employment Portal. Through the respective portals, the Secretariat will communicate available procurement opportunities to registered Guyanese suppliers and available employment opportunities to registered Guyanese seeking employment.

The Certificate of Registration becomes renewable on the anniversary of its issuance. The option to renew the Certificate is available in the Supplier and Employment Portals.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

LGC debunks “erroneous allegations” levied by Georgetown Mayor

LGC Chairman Julius Faerber

T

he Local Government Commission (LGC) has debunked several allegations that have been made against the entity by Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, which were labelled inaccurate and erroneous in nature.

In a recently-aired programme with presenters Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes, Mayor Narine alleged that the LGC was actively working

to undermine the work of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

LGC Chairman Julius Faerber has since debunked these allegations, noting that they were inaccurate. He then addressed the allegation made by the Mayor that the Commission received political directives in conducting its work.

The Chairman pointed out that the LGC was a statutorily independent Commission and, specifically, Section 3 (2) of the Local Government Commission Act prohibits the Commission from receiving directions on the exercise of its functions from any external authority.

The Chairman maintained that the LGC comprised a panel of eight Commissioners who were nominated by both sides of the political arena and who have outstanding professional records in their respective fields. These Commissioners are committed to dispatching their

functions in an impartial and transparent manner in accordance with the law.

In another matter, the Mayor had claimed that the LGC dismissed some seven employees of the Council after disciplinary action was instituted against them. Here, Faerber clarified that these workers were found to be directly involved in a financial embezzlement scheme within the City Treasurer’s Department, based on an investigation conducted by the Constabulary Department of the M&CC. He further observed that notwithstanding any purported disciplinary action taken by the Council, the LGC, in accordance with Section 13 of the Local Government Commission Act, is the only institution that is authorised to sanction an employee of a local government organ.

Section 13 (2) states, “The Commission shall have the power to deal with all matters relating to staffing of Local Government

tive working relationship with all municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils across the country.

He cautioned, however, that these engagements were done at the level of the administrative and technical staff, since the LGC has no legal authority

Mayor Ubraj Narine

organs and in particular shall – be responsible for employment, transfer, discipline and dismissal of staff.”

In circumstances of proven financial misconduct at the largest municipality in the country, the LGC has an explicit legal obligation to act decisively in sanctioning such conduct.

The Chairman clarified that the LGC has a produc-

to exercise any jurisdiction over the politically-elected officials of the Councils.

Notwithstanding this, the LGC says it remains open to working with elected officials who are committed to strengthening the performance of the local government organ which they represent.

36 NEWS Guyana commended by WTO for future trade policy plans SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

G

uyana has been commended for its future trade policy plans by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with Member States lauding the Government’s efforts to ensure a business-friendly investment environment.

Guyana concluded a two-day presentation of reports and responses to questions posed in the context of its Fourth Trade Policy Review (TPR) by the WTO’s Secretariat.

The delegation was led by Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar.

During the engagements, the country was also encouraged to continue its participation in the ongoing negotiations at the WTO, on matters related to investment facilitation, trade and environment, and the joint statement initiative. The Member States commended Guyana’s efforts thus

far on facilitating a business-friendly regulatory and investment environment and urged the continuation of this pursuit.

Representatives also commended the in-depth information provided regarding the new oil and gas industry and local content legislation.

The questions were posed by 19 WTO members, and comments were made by the Caricom; African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States; Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); and African Groups in Geneva. These questions related to the oil and gas sector; the local content legislation; Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS); services sector; mainstreaming gender in trade; Natural Resource Fund (NRF) and notification obligations to the WTO. Informally conclud-

ing the TPR, Guyana is now expected to provide written answers within a stipulated time frame to the almost 200 additional questions received so far.

The TPR is an integral part of the multilateral trading system in the WTO and is administered under

the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM).

Under the TPRM, trade policies of all members are subject to a periodic review. Under the rules of the WTO TPRM, Guyana is required to undergo a review every six years, with previous reviews done in

2003, 2009, and 2015.

The TPRM is one of the main channels used by the WTO to promote accountability, predictability, and transparency – the core values of the multilateral trading system.

Over the past few years, the World Bank has generally made projections of Guyana’s economic growth that have been buoyed by the growing oil and gas sector. For instance, the Bank had projected last year that Guyana’s economy would grow by 20.9 per cent, outpacing other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

US oil giant ExxonMobil began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. It has since made a slew of finds in the Stabroek Block, leading to Guyana’s rise as the world’s hottest new oil producer.

As Guyana looks to expand its reach globally, the

focus is being placed on getting its products into markets across the Caribbean region and according to President Dr Irfaan Ali last December, efforts are being made to remove hindrances to trade within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

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

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CGX to drill Wei-1 well in Corentyne Block in July – also announces plugging of Kawa-1 well

C

anada-based oil explorer CGX Resources Incorporated is set to start drilling its Wei-1 well in the Corentyne Block offshore Guyana in July 2022, but it has also decommissioned another well, the Kawa-1 well.

In a notice in which the company sought information on potential contractors for a number of support services, including offshore support vessels, CGX noted that drilling of the Wei-1 well in the Corentyne Block will begin in July 2022 and last for between three and four months.

CGX is currently seeking offshore support vessels, directional drilling services and Tubular Running Services (TRS). Requests for Information on potential suppliers, according to CGX in its notices, are due on March 16.

In its notices, CGX also urged interested companies to register with the Local Content Secretariat of the

Natural Resources Ministry.

The Secretariat, a necessary part within the Local Content Act passed last year, will be managing a Local Content Registry containing the names of Guyanese nationals who can service the oil industry.

The Government has explained that by using the Supplier Registration Portal, a Guyanese national or Guyanese company can apply for, and be issued with, a Certificate of Registration from the Secretariat for the supply of goods and/ or the provision of services for petroleum operations in Guyana.

Kawa-1

When it comes to the Kawa-1 well, which was spud last year, CGX announced in a statement on Friday that it had plugged the well and abandoned it. According to CGX, it had never intended to keep the Kawa-1 well active.

“Kawa-1 was a first-stage

exploration well intended to identify the presence of hydrocarbons, which occurred.

The well was then decommissioned by way of safely plugging and abandoning it, standard practice and planned event. The Kawa1 well was never intended to be kept active following completion of the successful drilling campaign,” it said in the statement.

Back in May 2019, the then Government had approved a Strategic Joint Venture between CGX Energy Inc and Frontera Energy Corporation to farm into two shallow-water offshore Petroleum Prospecting Licences for the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks – both of which are adjacent to ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block, where multiple discoveries have been made.

The farm-in joint venture allowed Frontera to acquire a 33.333 per cent working interest in the two blocks.

The Kawa-1 well, which is approximately 200 kilo-

CGX’s holdings offshore Guyana

metres offshore Georgetown, was expected to de-risk multiple prospects in the Corentyne Block. Both the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks have been in CGX’s hands for some time without being drilled.

Last month, CGX and its joint venture partner, who had previously announced a find of 177 feet of oil-bearing reserves in the Kawa-1 well, had revised that figure up-

wards following additional tests.

According to the Joint venture partners, the new figure had been confirmed to be 200 feet of oil-bearing reserves in the well. The revision came about after the analysis of logs and samples, to provide an update on the find.

“As a result of the initial positive results at the Kawa1 exploration well, the joint

venture will focus on the significant exploration opportunities in the Corentyne Block and will not engage in drilling activities on the Demerara Block in 2022, as previously outlined by press release on February 16, 2021.”

“Kawa-1 early-stage Wireline Logging results confirm the Logging While Drilling (LWD) indications previously disclosed on January 31, 2022 with a total of 200 feet of net pay encountered at multiple depths. Further analyses of logs and samples are ongoing. The joint venture will provide an update when these activities are complete,” the joint venture partners had also said.

CGX and Frontera Energy had previously commissioned an independent report which had revealed that they were potentially sitting on 4.9 million Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) in the Demerara and Corentyne Blocks under their control.

38 NEWS

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s COVID-19 infections continue to plummet – 16 new cases in 24h

T

he detection of positive COVID-19 cases has been on the decline in recent weeks, with just 16 new infections within a 24-hour period.

This was according to new statistics released by the Health Ministry on Saturday. Since there were no reported deaths, the death toll remains at 1223.

From 309 active cases, a total of four patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 15 in institutional isolation, and 290 in home isolation. Another 11 are in institutional quarantine.

Out of the 29,020 males and 34,020 females that contracted the virus, 61,508 have recovered.

Some 545,087 COVID-19 tests have been administered since the virus was detected here.

Regionally, a breakdown of the new cases showed that one was detected in Region

One (Barima-Waini); three in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); two in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); eight in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

There were no increases in the other regions.

The most recent vaccination numbers show 433,497 or 84.5 per cent of the adult population have received a first COVID vaccine dose while 330,026 or 64.3 per cent are completely immunised.

For the 12 to 17 age group, 33,661 or 46.2 per cent received a first dose of a COVID vaccine and 24,373 or 33.4 per cent took both doses. In terms of booster doses, 51,925 persons have received their jabs.

This past week, antivi-

ral drug Molnupiravir was approved for use in the treatment of COVID-19 cases in Guyana, targeting mainly patients with moderate symptoms to prevent the severe form of disease from manifesting.

Produced by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, the oral medication has proven to significantly reduced both hospitalisations and deaths. On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) updated its guidelines on COVID-19 therapeutics to include the conditional recommendation on Molnupiravir.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had also announced that a local agency was given the greenlight to import the drug and Government would activate efforts to introduce it into the public health system.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 39

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD MARCH 5, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

16

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

15

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

290

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

4

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

11

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,020

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,020

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,040

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

61,508

REGION 1

2515

REGION 2

2475

REGION 3

8028

REGION 4

31,161

REGION 5

2368

REGION 6

5716

REGION 7

2420

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

4005

REGION 10

3465

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

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

432,381

FULLY IMMUNISED

328,273

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1223

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s COVID-19 infections continue...

Persons with comorbidities have been continuously asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. The preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must

be adhered to since this category of person is at a greater risk if they contract COVID-19.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasises: the need for

correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene.

If anyone is displaying any

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

FROM PAGE 38

Globally, 438 million people have tested positive for the virus and over 5.96 million have died. In the Americas, more than 147 confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.6 million deaths.

40 NEWS Suspect wanted for murder of young businessman still at large SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– Police believe suspect might have fled jurisdiction

A

keem Rajkumar, called “Barney”, 29, the man wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of 24-year-old Carlos Waithe who was shot dead last month, is still on the run, according to Police.

Rajkumar, of North East La Penitence and of Leopold Street in Georgetown, allegedly shot and killed Waithe on February 7 at Leopold Street while he was trying to part a fight between friends.

At time of the fatal shooting, Waithe had been consuming alcohol with friends in Charlestown, Georgetown, after which he told them he was leaving to head to a

known bar in the same community. It was reported that Waithe, in the company of a friend, arrived at the bar, and his friend became involved in an argument with another patron.

Shortly after, this friend was seen running east on Leopold Street towards Smyth Street, Georgetown, while being chased by a group of men. Loud explosions were heard during the chase, which caused Waithe to also give chase behind the men, yelling “Y’all can’t shoot da man”.

The men then turned their attention to Waithe, and an argument ensued, during which he was shot.

Waithe was then rushed to a private city hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Subsequent to that incident, a wanted bulletin was issued for Rajkumar in relation to the murder. However, to date, the man has not yet been found. One person had also been arrested in relation to the shooting, but was later released.

On Saturday, Guyana Times was reliably informed that the Police are of the belief that the wanted man might have fled the jurisdiction. However, investigations are still ongoing.

The wanted man, Akeem

Wanted: Akeem Rajkumar

Dead: Carlos Waithe

Rajkumar, called Barney, is no stranger to the justice system. In March 2020, he was charged after he committed three robberies in one day. He was refused bail and remanded to prison.

In September 2021, he was charged with harbour-

ing a fugitive. On August 7, 2021 at Leopold Street, while knowing Antonio Maraj, called “Thuggie,” and others had committed an armed robbery, he received, comforted, and harboured him.

Maraj is among three men who are wanted in connection

with a $58 million robbery carried out on the Wallison Enterprise at Lot 23 Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown in August 2021. Three persons, including a former soldier, were charged with the robbery. The soldier pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Rajkumar is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 226-6977, 225-8196, 2269941, 226-1326, 225-3061, 225-3650, 911, or at the nearest Police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reg 3 to undergo $10B transformation

S

ome $10 billion will be exhausted this year to advance the transformative agenda in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

This major investment will see improvements in the living standards of residents in the areas of health, education, and agriculture.

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, a total of $7.6 billion was approved in the 2022 National Budget under the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry.

The region will also benefit from investments from the Ministries of Public Works and Agriculture, which Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall related would exceed $10 billion.

The Minister met with members of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Friday, and urged the officials to ensure that the investments reflect the Government’s commitment to the people.

“We would like to see people get help across this region in every single village. As it relates to com-

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Dharamlall

munity development, we have enough resources at

Nigel

the RDC. “We will also be pro-

viding more resources to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) directly and indirectly, to make sure that little things that irritate people get done within our communities,” the Minister said.

He said while the Government would be doing the “heavy-lifting”, each local organ must play its role in the region’s development. To complement this effort, officials were urged to meet with the region’s Community Enhancement Workers (CEWs) to ensure their work was done effectively.

He also reiterated the Government’s position on ensuring every contractor is awarded contracts within their capability for the betterment of the residents there.

“Region Three is slated for massive development and the economic transformation of this region is going to be on parallel as Region Four, and so, the potential of this region is enormous.”

Dharamlall has recommitted on the Government’s intention to focus on people-centred programmes to enhance the quality of life for all.

42 NEWS NATO rejects no-fly zone; Ukraine slams "greenlight for bombs" SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Russian President Vladimir Putin

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ATO has rejected Ukraine’s appeal for a no-fly zone, prompting fierce criticism from President Volodymyr

Zelenskyy, who has said the move greenlights Russia’s bombing campaign of his country.

Jens Stoltenberg, the

Secretary-General of NATO, announced the decision following an urgent meeting of the 30-member alliance in Brussels. He said helping Ukraine protect its skies from Russian missiles and warplanes would require NATO forces to shoot down Russian aircraft, a move that could result in a “full-fledged war in Europe involving many more countries”.

“We are not part of this conflict,” he said. “We have a responsibility, as NATO allies, to prevent this war from escalating beyond Ukraine, because that would be even more dangerous, more devastating, and would cause even more human suffering.”

Six persons died due to the shelling of the village of Markhalivka in the Kyiv region

Ukraine’s President criticised the decision in a bitter and emotional speech.

“Today there was a NATO summit, a weak summit, a

confused summit, a summit where it was clear that not everyone considers the battle for Europe’s freedom to be the number one goal,”

Zelenskyy said in a televised address late on Friday.

“Today, the leadership of the alliance gave the green light for further bombing of Ukrainian cities and villages, having refused to set up a no-fly zone.”

Russia invaded Ukraine by land, sea and air on February 24, calling it a “special military operation” aimed at dislodging “neo-Nazis” ruling the country. The nine-day offensive has killed and wounded thousands of people, and sent more than one million people seeking refuge across the borders of Ukraine.

CONTINUE ON PAGE 43

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NATO rejects no-fly zone...

Zelenskyy said NATO, too, now bear responsibility for the deaths in Ukraine.

“All the people who die from this day forward will also die because of you, because of your weakness, because of your lack of unity,” he said.

“Only Putin can end this”

Western nations have condemned Russia’s invasion, sending arms supplies to Ukraine and imposing the heaviest international economic sanctions against Moscow to date, including on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle; but that has failed to stop the Russian onslaught.

On Friday, the West and its allies again promised Ukraine more military sup-

Ukraine President Volodymyr had earlier appealed to NATO to set up a no-fly zone over Ukraine after Russia invaded the country

port – short of going to war – as well as more humanitarian aid and more essential supplies.

Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, speaking to reporters after the NATO meeting, said the alliance was

committed to “doing everything we can to give the Ukrainian people the means to defend themselves against Russia”.

But “we also have a responsibility, as the Secretary-General said, to ensure that the war doesn’t

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

spill over even beyond Ukraine,” he said. NATO will continue “to raise the cost for Putin”, he added.

“Unless the Kremlin changes course, it will continue down the road of increasing isolation and economic pain.”

Meanwhile, G7 countries said they would hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, and refuse to recognise any Russian territorial gains.

European Union countries said separately that more punishment was com-

FROM PAGE 42

ing, after the bloc already cut several Russian lenders from the SWIFT banking system, curbed trade with Moscow, and targeted some of the wealth held

by Russian oligarchs in the West.

But it was not clear when and what more sanctions the EU could agree on, given its reliance on Russian energy supplies, which think tank Eurointelligence said amount to US$700 million daily.

“It’s Putin’s war, and only Putin can end it,” said the top EU diplomat, Josep Borrell. “If someone expects that sanctions can stop the war tomorrow, they don’t know what they’re talking about.” (Al Jazeera)

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2021

MCG to be renamed after Australia great Shane Warne

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he late Shane Warne will be honoured at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with the stadium's Great Southern Stand set to be renamed in tribute.

Warne was born in Melbourne and played for Victoria, with the MCG being his home ground.

He took more than 50 of his 708 Test wickets at the MCG, and in his memory, part of the sta-

dium will be named after him.

In his last appearance for Australia in Melbourne, Warne took a five-for against England in the 2006 Boxing Day Test.

"I wanted to tell you all today that we will be renaming the Great Southern Stand the S.K. Warne Stand, and we will do that as soon as we possibly can," said

Martin Pakula, the Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events. "I can think of no finer tribute to the greatest cricketer this state has ever produced than to rename the stand the S.K. Warne Stand.

"No matter whatever happens to it in the future, if it is rebuilt or refurbished or renovated, it will remain the S.K. Warne Stand in perpe-

tuity, because his legend will live in perpetuity. He is the greatest cricketer that this state has ever produced, and it will be a long, long time before we see anyone near as good as him."

Warne's death has stunned the world of cricket, with tributes pouring in for the leg-spinner, who will go down as one of the sports' greatest players. (Sportsmax)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022

India v Sri Lanka: the Mohali Test…

45

India on top after supreme Jadeja-led all-round show

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ndia’s bowlers brought all their quality to bear on a the wicket ball. pitch just beginning to offer turn and variable bounce Angelo Mathews’ stay at the crease was similar. He hit to bag a fifth of the wickets they need to win the Mohali a four and a six when Jadeja overpitched, and moved to 22 Test. Ravindra Jadeja made an unbeaten 175, the high- before Jasprit Bumrah squared him up and hit his back est score by an Indian #7, to help them post a formidable pad with a ball that defied the pitch to straighten sharply first-innings total. off the seam.

Jadeja and R Ashwin made a serious impact with the Given out on a 50-50 lbw call, a review returned umball in the final session of the day, picking up three of the pire’s call verdicts on both impact and where the ball was four Sri Lankan wickets to fall. Well before that, though, projected to hit the stumps. they put on a smooth, untroubled century stand to snuff Bumrah could have had another wicket in his previous out any hope Sri Lanka may have had when day two began over, when he sneaked a brilliantly disguised slower off-cutwith India on 357 for 6. ter through Pathum Nissanka’s attempted drive, Before India declared, Jadeja added an unbroken 103 but the third umpire had caught him overstepwith Mohammed Shami for the ninth wicket, their runs ping. Even apart from those two deliveries, this coming at more than a run a ball against a flagging attack spell from Bumrah was breathtaking, comand a ragged pack of fielders. bining pace, pinpoint short balls, and a hint of Rohit Sharma called his batters in with Jadeja 25 reverse-swing when he went full. runs from a double-hundred. While he didn’t get a Ashwin returned late in the day for chance to add that feat to his two first-class triples, one last spell, and he struck immedithe timing of the declaration gave India a ately, though on this occasion it was an full, extended session to bowl at Sri indiscretion from the batter that led to his Lanka. downfall, Dhananjaya de Silva becoming They squeezed 43 overs of pace, the fourth man out lbw in the innings while spin and testing gameplans into attempting a risky sweep off the line that time, and at stumps, Sri of the stumps.

Lanka were four down Ashwin had and a masfigures of 13-6-21sive 466 runs 2 at stumps, a adrift of India’s terrific finish to a first-innings total. day he had begun India used four bowlers within the first 10 with a n innings that harked overs, throwing almost all their weapons at Sri back to his early years in Test cricket, Lanka’s openers, and testing the surface for evfull of effortless drives through the off side and erything it could potentially offer when the ball the V. Sri Lanka set defensive fields right from was still new and hard. the start of the day, with sweepers on both The breakthrough finally arrived in the boundaries; but he still scored his 61 runs at a 19th over in a most familiar manner. Lahiru strike rate of 74.39.

Thirimanne had faced 36 pressure-packed balls Jadeja receded into the background for from Ashwin to Dimuth Karunaratne’s six, and most of his partnership with Ashwin, but afhe had been kept constantly on guard by the ter the latter’s dismissal - which was immeoffspinner’s changes of pace and trajectory. He diately followed by that of Jayant Yadav, the had already been beaten a couple of times on only India batter to not get into double figthe outside edge, but ball 37 turned less than ures - he switched gears effortlessly. Having Thirimanne expected as he pressed forward to been on 105 off 173 balls at the time of defend, and it slid past his inside edge to have Jayant’s dismissal, Jadeja clattered 70 runs him lbw. off his next 54 balls. Having kept it hidden Jadeja, the last of India’s five bowlers to be all through the first half of his innings, he introduced, replaced Ashwin after a 10-over brought out the lofted drive, and hit three spell, and immediately had Karunaratne in straight sixes off Lasith Embuldeniya and strife with sharp turn from the rough outde Silva. side the left-hander’s off stump. Having had Over recent years, Jadeja has lifted an lbw appeal turned down off his first ball, both his white-ball hitting and his TestJadeja had one upheld off his second, with match crease occupation to new heights, the ball ripping in to beat the inside edge as while largely keeping the two sides of his Karunaratne shuffled nervously across his batting personality strictly compartmentalstumps. ised. Here was one occasion when he could Karunaratne had looked fluent through let one bleed into the other. most of his innings, timing the ball crisply off Shami, usually happy to slog at everyhis pads when given the opportunity, and usthing, blocked stubbornly at his end, and Ravindra Jadeja scored ing his feet well against the spinners. But contributed no run to the first 50 runs of his an unbeaten 178 there wasn’t a lot he could have done about partnership with Jadeja.

Ravindra Jadeja got the big wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne

Sri Lanka’s bowling and fielding wilted after this point, and at one point, Vishwa Fernando fumbled the ball and let Shami escape when both batters were stranded at the same end.

That image summed up Sri Lanka’s position in this Test match. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1ST INNINGS Mayank Agarwal lbw b Embuldeniya 33 Rohit Sharma (c) c Lakmal b Kumara 29 Hanuma Vihari b Fernando 58 Virat Kohli b Embuldeniya 45 Rishabh Pant † b Lakmal 96 Shreyas Iyer lbw b de Silva 27 Ravindra Jadeja not out 175 Ravichandran Ashwin c†Dickwella b Lakmal 61 Jayant Yadav c Thirimanne b Fernando

2 Mohammed Shami not out 20 Extras (b 4, lb 12, nb 12) 28 TOTAL (129.2 Ov, RR:4.43) 574/8d Did not bat: Jasprit Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Rohit Sharma, 9.5 ov), 2-80 (Mayank Agarwal, 18.3 ov), 3-170 (Virat Kohli, 43.3 ov), 4-175 (Hanuma Vihari, 46.3 ov), 5-228 (Shreyas Iyer, 61.1 ov), 6-332 (Rishabh Pant, 80.5 ov), 7-462 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 109.4 ov), 8-471 (Jayant Yadav, 113.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Suranga Lakmal 25-1-90-2 Vishwa Fernando 26-1-135-2 Lahiru Kumara 10.5-1-52-1

Lasith Embuldeniya 46-3-188-2 Dhananjaya de Silva 18.2-1-79-1 Charith Asalanka 3.1-0-14-0 SRI LANKA 1ST INNINGS Dimuth Karunaratne (c) lbw b Jadeja 28 Lahiru Thirimanne lbw b Ashwin 17 Pathum Nissanka not out 26 Angelo Mathews lbw b Bumrah 22 Dhananjaya de Silva lbw b Ashwin 1 Charith Asalanka not out 1 Extras (lb 6, nb 7) 13 TOTAL (43 Ov, RR: 2.51) 108/4 Yet to bat: Niroshan Dickwella †, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 18.2 ov), 2-59 (Dimuth Karunaratne, 24.2 ov), 3-96 (Angelo Mathews, 33.6 ov), 4-103 (Dhananjaya de Silva, 38.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Shami 7-3-17-0 Jasprit Bumrah 9-2-20-1 Ravichandran Ashwin 13-6-21-2 Jayant Yadav 5-2-14-0 Ravindra Jadeja 9-3-30-1

Berbice Amateur Basketball CECC ten-10 semis and final set for today Assn host level 1 coaches’ clinic

T

T

Jenessa Waithe

Orande Solomon

he Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA), along with the World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC), recently hosted a Level 1 clinic from which Jenessa Waithe and Orande Solomon were appointed coaches for the Berbice Amateur Basketball Association.

BABA Vice President Rodwell Elders, who attended the coaching clinic, has said he recognised the need to start basketball in Guyana at a primary level. For this to be achieved, he said, a joint effort between the Government, associations, clubs, schools and companies must be employed to improve players’ standards and skills.

he inaugural Central Essequibo Cricket Committee’s (CECC’s) ten-10 Knockout Hardball competition for 2022 has reached its semi-final stage, and the final has also been set for today, Sunday March 6, at the Reliance Sports Ground on the Essequibo Coast in Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Bacchus Bulls will clash with Rising Stars Sports Club from 10:00hrs, while, at noon, Reliance Hustlers Sports Club and Queenstown Junior Sports Club will do battle in the semi-final segment. The

championship game, involving the two winners from the semis, will commence at 15:00hrs.

President of the CECC, Trevis Simon, related that the semis and final were slated for February 27, but bad weather had affected the fixtures.

He is, however, confident that the two final rounds would be completed, as sunshine is likely to prevail.

Simon, who is also Secretary of the Essequibo Cricket Board, informed that the victorious side would pocket $70,000 and a trophy, while

the runner-up team would pocket $30,000 and a trophy.

This competition began early in the year so as to kick start the season for 2022.

Simon mentioned that there would be a plethora of competitions slated for the year, and felt that the 10-overs version should give the players the right momentum.

Recently, under the umbrella of the CECC, the various sub- tournaments of the annual Simons Memorial tournaments got started with three categories, and they are: Over-40, Open, and Under-19.

Several prizes are also up for grabs.

Simon declared that teams have expressed excitement to participate, while his family is still saddened by the death of his father and several other loved ones. He pointed out that the veteran cricketers have got an opportunity to play the game competitively, while the youngsters are anxious to display their natural talents.

In the opening division, there are many players who still ply their trade professionally.

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46

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022

Ramdhani siblings awarded for performances in Canadian Athletics Conference

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arayan Ramdhani and his sibling Priyanna Ramdhani, currently ranked among the best Badminton players in the Canadian Collegiate circuit, have recently earned top-

notch awards.

In spite of personal loss, Priyanna and Narayan, who have made podium positions throughout the 20212022 season, have both been recognised and awarded for

their performances at the Alberta Colleges’ Athletics Conference.

For the first time in his illustrious career, Narayan, who plays for the Kings’ University, was able to cop

the ACAC Male Player of the Year award (Most prestigious award at the championship), and was named in the Men’s Badminton All Conference Award. This is the third consecutive season that

Narayan Ramdhani has been awarded his first ACAC Male Player of the Year title

Narayan has made it to the All-Conference Award.

Meanwhile, Olds’ College player Priyanna has been awarded the Women’s Badminton All Conference Award.

qualifiers for nationals to represent Alberta Colleges at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (Nationals), which is also scheduled to be played during this month.

In Guyana, the Ramdhani

Priyanna Ramdhani has copped the Women’s Badminton All Conference Award

The Ramdhanis are both on scholarship at the Kings University and Olds College, and represented their respective schools at the champion-

siblings have stepped up to the plate, spearheading a number of major initiatives on part of the Guyana Badminton Association. Only last year,

ship.

Next on the agenda for the siblings is the ACAC Badminton Championship (Provincials), which is currently being played at Olds College.

The tournament is also the

the duo acted as coaches in the GBA’s Introduction to Badminton, Air-Badminton, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s Badminton Academy (Nursery) programme.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022

47

Flying Ace Cycle race shifted to March 20 T

he Flying Ace Cycling race that was originally set to pedal off on March 6 has been shifted to March 20 for various reasons. The race will be held around the town of New Amsterdam.

This circuit race is open to cyclists from Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). Cyclists will assemble in front of the Rainbow Beer Garden on Republic Road and Charles Place, and the race will pedal towards Coburg Street, into Main Street, and through Stanleytown to the Tacama Turn at Republic Road, for a total of 10 laps.

Prizes will be awarded to the first four finishers in the senior category, the Romello Crawford will be first three vetergunning for the top spot

CONCACAF Women’s U20 Championships…

Haiti scores late to send Guyana packing

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uyana’s under-20 women’s football team the Lady Jags made a valiant exit at the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championships on Saturday night, succumbing to Haiti in a 2-1 encounter.

In this particular event, the two teams hold a long history, Haiti being the very team that knocked out Guyana in the 2020 edition of the tournament. However, the younger Lady Jags were close to exacting sweet revenge on their Caribbean counterparts before a last-minute goal shattered their dreams.

In the goal, and performing Captain duties was Anessa O’Brien, while Valentina Khan, Shamya Daniels, Jenea Knight, Jessica Myers, Savannnah Mordesir-Singh, Audrey Narine, Kiana Khedoo, Samantha Banfield, Dylana Makarowski and Inari Moore constituted the remainder of Guyana’s starting XI at the Panamericano

The Guyana women’s under-20 team, the Lady Jags

Stadium in the Dominican Republic.

Guyana started well, in spite of Haiti’s tenacity, and even drew first blood with an Inari Moore goal in the 37th minute. Haiti turned on the pressure from that moment, but just could not find the back of the net, even as they controlled possession and had a slew of chances in front of the goal.

Their salvation did not come until the second half, when Maudeline Moryl got past O’ Brien in the 58th minute to level the scores.

Both teams tightened their defenses, making for an entertaining second segment of the game. In the final minutes, just when it looked as though Guyana would hold on until the end of regulation time, a goal kick that failed to make it past Guyana’s half was collected by a Haitian forward.

A couple passes and an assist later, Valentina Ornis took a shot at the goal from the corner of the box, and easily got past Guyana’s custodian, to break the lock and score the winning goal.

With their 2-1 victory over Guyana, Haiti advance to the quarterfinals, where they would encounter the likes of USA, Canada, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala and Puerto Rico.

On the other hand, the loss has ended Guyana’s campaign in the 2022 Women’s Under-20 Championships.

ans and the top junior. Eight sprint prizes will be up for grabs.

Flying Ace Cycling Club President Randolph Roberts said other big events would be held in Berbice, and those events would be open to cyclists countrywide.

“I would not invite cyclists from Georgetown and give them $15,000 first prize. Cycling is very expensive; a tyre is more than $25,000. So, you have to give cyclists proper packages. For me, as the President of Flying Ace Cycling Club, I want the best for cyclists. I am looking … to business people to continue supporting Flying Ace, and I would like to thank those who are on board,” Roberts said.

This race is in collaboration with the Mashramani celebrations in New Amsterdam, while the Arokium Funeral Home, Derick Funeral Home, Dexter Funeral Home, and Suresh Business Complex, among other sponsors, have come on board. According to Roberts, this race was given the green-light by the COVID-19 Task Force.

Andre “Padlock” Green and Junior Niles are among the riders carded for the race in New Amsterdam

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

CONCACAF Women’s U20 Championships…

Page 47

Table Tennis Sport Academy officially launched … major upgrades to be done on Sports Hall

By Timothy Jaikarran

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he Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry and National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), launched the Table Tennis Academy Programme “Guyana TT Kidz – With the Future in Mind” on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr delivered the feature address alongside Director of Sport, Steve

all of us to see that this can turn into something huge. When we take the time to do this, it is not that we are taking the time to drive all the attention to us, but sport is important for the country and you as young people. It also knits our country together in a strong way, today’s event and all the other sports events related to the National Sports Academy could not have occurred without the strong leadership coming from the NSC, etc, as well as the other sports associations.”

Minister Ramson and GTTA President Godfrey Munroe officiating at the launching of the academy

Ninvalle.

In his feature address, the Sport Minister said, “We are doing it with this type of event, because it is a new initiative that requires

Ramson Jr explained that previously, before permission was given to use sporting facilities a fee had to be paid; however, under his leadership, the Ministry

has waived that fee for the usage of facilities, owing to the fact that athletes can come and train for free. He related that as long as he was in charge of the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, athletes had nothing to fear.

“When you know that you have got training or stuff that your friends want you to do, skip the stuff that is unconnected to your training; there is a lot that is being invested here so that you can get the training to develop your skills,” Ramson Jr posited.

He further elaborated to the young ‘pongsters’ that with the academy, they would be given the training, the racquets, people, lights, and everything available for them to use. The Minister explained that all he required of the young athletes was for them to turn up to their training sessions and focus on what they have to do and give their best.

Minister Ramson also related that Government had approved some $130 million for the upgrading of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. This will see the installation of air conditioning, refurbishing of the stands with bucket seats, and changing of the front of the building to a glass front, to modernise the Sports Hall.

“We’re doing this, yes, we

Minister Ramson engaging in a game of table tennis

want you to be comfortable, but we want to encourage families and spectators to come to this location when hosting national events, because for all of the core sports they have to have their national events which will be added into the elite training programme. Within this coming year, we are going to transform this facility into a modern facility that you will be satisfied about,” the Minister explained.

Director of Sport Ninvalle, in sharing his sentiments, relayed that he was proud and enthused with the GTTA as it

has accomplished a lot in a short period of time. He clarified that table tennis was the fourth core sport that would commence its nursery, as next week the athletic nursery will kick off.

“Through such a programme, tennis already has one Olympian; through this programme we may be seating among the next Olympians in the next decade,” Ninvalle stated.

He said that while these programmes were important, he was urging all athletes and coaches to give their all into what the Minister has envisioned.

The programme launched is in keeping with the strategic vision of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). It, therefore, allows the GTTA to establish talent identification programmes across the regions, with academies being identified for Regions Two, Three, Six, Seven, and 10. The programme will target athletes between the ages of 6 and 16 for the table tennis nursery which will orient them in the game and all that it has to offer. The programme will seek to have at least nine hours of athlete engagement every week.

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