Guyana Times -- Sunday, May 29th,2022

Archer Samira Duncan fulfils a childhood P 13 dream Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 5023 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022

Lindeners benefit from $250,000 business grant Page 3

– VP Jagdeo also allocates 1000 part-time jobs

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

East Ruimveldt P10 vendor arrested after gunfire erupts at ‘Baderation’ concert

Fire ravages Soesdyke home, 4 homeless P24 Unvaccinated Reg 4 woman succumbs to COVID P25

– death toll now at 1233; 44 new cases recorded in 24h

Guyana/Barbados food terminal to accommodate 45 containers, packaging & processing plants – Pres Ali commissions water catchment project in Barbados

Govt mulls establishing Guyana as oil & gas regional hub – Min Bharrat – able to service nearby oil producers Page 7

Page 22

Page 9

CANU

unearths $17M cocaine in container at city wharf Water level in Kwakwani continues to rise – flooding reported in Region 7 communities as shore bases coming on stream grow

See story on page 12

No Police report of Crane teacher alleging being abused by P28 husband – Police Commander

P7 Teenager among 2 busted with ganja at Parika shop

Pensioner killed after crashing electric bike P26 into water truck

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SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, May 29 – 03:00h – 04:00h and Monday, May 30 – 03:30h – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 29 – 16:10h – 17:40h and Monday, May 30 – 16:45h – 18:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light cloud and sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy conditions and light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:56h reaching a maximum height of 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 09:32h and 21:41h reaching minimum heights of 0.59 metre and 0.72 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Lindeners benefit from $250,000 business grant – VP Jagdeo also allocates 1000 part-time jobs

I

n keeping with promises he made during visits earlier this year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday returned to the mining town of Linden to launch 1000 part-time jobs and small business grants.

The Vice President was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Local Government and Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall.

When it comes to the small business grant, 200 Lindeners who had registered their interest received $250,000 to develop their small businesses.

As their names were called, they went to the front to sign the forms and receive their monies. The Vice President warned that the Government would be following up to make sure the grant money is used for the setting up of small businesses and not spent on household expenses.

“It’s very important that people utilise the resources in a manner that will advance their wellbeing. So, I hope that people don’t think this is free resources, that it has to be utilised for a purpose. We’ll be checking to ensure that people are actually doing the small business that we’re giving the grant for.”

“People who got grants before, must not get grants again. We want to make that clear. You can’t get two grants for the same purpose. There are lots of

other people who need help in this region to start a small business. So, I hope we check everyone to see that the projects are actually going on,” Jagdeo further said.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Lindeners also turned out to sign their one-year contract so they can start their part-time jobs. According to Jagdeo, 1000 Lindeners will start working in their part-time jobs over the next few days.

He urged the Lindeners, however, to use the parttime jobs as a stepping stone to even greater things. The part time jobs initiative entails persons being hired for $40,000 per month for 10 days of work.

“I hope that all of you, who are now going to work on this programme, you see this as a stepping stone to something bigger. Not, this is the end in itself. This is not an end in itself, this is where I want to be for the rest of my life, doing a parttime job. That you use this as a stepping stone, that you make sure that you continue to study or seek another employment that pays you more.”

“This is just to ensure that you can have some income at some point in time.

This is how I want you to see the programme. And I want all the people in Region 10, Linden, I want you to make full use of the scholarship programmes that we have launched,” Jagdeo said.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo as he engaged with Lindeners on Saturday

The Vice President also lashed out at critics who have been against the part-time job initiative.

According to him, many persons are actually grateful for the jobs and meanwhile, will allow them to bring in an income and also develop themselves.

Mention was made of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships as a means of doing this.

Back in March, Jagdeo had announced during a meeting at Watooka that citizens in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) will soon benefit from some 250 small business grants while another 800 persons will gain part-time employment.

Jagdeo led a team of Government Ministers to meet with residents in the region and learn about some of the issues they are encountering, while also informing them of the

Government’s plans for the development of the Upper Demerara-Berbice region as well the entire country.

These meetings hosted at the Watooka House are part of the Administration’s efforts to engage people at the grassroots level to get a better understanding of their issues with a view to resolving them. A sum of $5 billion was set aside in the 2022 budget for various interventions aimed at easing the financial burden on the local population caused by increasing global prices.

Only last week, Jagdeo had also kicked off the Government’s part-time job initiative for thousands of persons along the Essequibo Coast. The Government has already announced that 8000 parttime jobs will be created countrywide to help families cope with the rising cost of living while the Government works towards more long-term solutions.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 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

Democracy in Guyana

A

fter commemorating our 56th anniversary of Independence, it is clear that we still have a way to go before we can enjoy a functioning democracy.

If we needed a reminder, we saw it when the PNC Government refused to accept our constitutional device of testing a Parliamentary Democracy through a No Confidence Motion in 2018. And then, most egregiously, when they attempted to blatantly rig the 2020 elections.

Apart from the observation by BR Ambedkar, crafter of the Indian Constitution, that bad men can always subvert a good constitution, there are also several structural conditions that we must take into account.

Our political culture and structures, with their undergirding philosophy and institutions, are an inheritance from the British. The premises of the system reflect the values of Liberalism, where the supposedly rational individual engages in a variety of roles, and belongs to a multitude of organisations and groups whose several interests are cross-cutting. The individual, in his political role as a voter, therefore makes a “rational” choice based on the position a given party takes on the issues before the electorate. Even if all voters do not conform to this ideal, there are enough who do to constitute a pool of “swing” votes, for which all parties compete. This situation creates a centripetal moderating effect, and the parties line up on a continuum on the issues. Since these swing voters may always change their minds, the majority is always careful to be respectful to the minority.

The party system in a divided society operates on totally different bases. Here, the individual is a member of groups which, instead of diffusing the cleavages, act to reinforce them. The “broker institutions” that each group participates in, and which represents him in the larger society, are also ethnically based trade unions, political parties, houses of worship etc. Affiliation is thus not based on the party’s position on a variety of issues, but generally on one issue: which group’s interest does the particular party represent. A dilemma is created when one group constitutes an absolute majority.

In Guyana, following the split of the nationalist, unified, multi-ethnic PPP in 1955, both of the major parties – the PPP and PNC - have attempted to bridge the ethnic chasm through various mechanisms. They both adopted, for instance, “socialism”, with its focus on working class unity, transcending race, which had no “socialist content”. But unfortunately, the policies and programmes of the PNC between 1964 and 1992 acted to alienate Indian Guyanese, since rigging elections meant excluding the party of their choice from office. During the PPP’s term of office between 1992 and 2013, even though objective measures such as several Household Income and Expenditure Surveys showed that the Government’s policies benefited all groups, the perception of discrimination by PNC supporters persisted.

One reason that militates against parties attempting to be multi-ethnic is the existence of “flank” parties or groups. These are found within every ethnic group, and take positions which can be considered extreme in favour of their given group. The “multi-ethnic” parties are forced to respond to their demands, so as not to lose support.

Since the demands of these flank parties are invariably particularistic and in opposition to the “out” group, the major parties move away from the centre as they respond.

In Guyana, up to the 2011 elections, the PPP’s ethnic core base was larger than the PNC’s, but demographic changes due to differential ethnic emigration have altered that equation fundamentally. As the elections of that year, then 2015 and 2020 have shown, with neither party having an inbuilt ethnic majority. If they are rational, they should both appeal to swing voters if they want to win elections. From this perspective, APNU/AFC’s decision to shutter four sugar estates and fire mostly Indian Guyanese workers was not politically rational.

Today, there are several flank groups that are putting pressure on the new leader of the PNC/APNU to take ethnic rather than a national stance on issues. It would appear that want to torpedo the PNC’s chances of winning democratic elections.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, visited one of the booths at “Agro Fest” immediately after the opening ceremony in Barbados on Friday evening. The event showcased 56 entities from Guyana as the two countries forge partnerships in agriculture

GECOM must commence a period of claims and objections, and not be dissuaded by attempts to further delay LGEs Dear Editor, The recent Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) cycle of continuous registration exercises came to an end on May 29th, 2022. The highly commendable efforts of the GECOM staff in this regard fulfill the legal requirements for updating the Register of Registrants and making it the most current basis for deriving an updated Voters list.

The preparatory position augurs well for the urgent holding of Local Government Elections (LGEs), but elicits reactions from certain quarters designed to slow down this significant achievement.

Amidst the challenges of flood-prone areas, the objectives of the continuous registration exercises were largely successful, as all the permanent offices across the country were in full operation, together with the mobile operations that contributed in a very effective way.

To this end, various media reports confirm that over 65,000 transactions in various categories were completed since the process began. Included are first-time applicants (Category A) between the of ages 14 and 17, and in (Category B) 18 years and older, who sought replacements for Identification Cards and photograph retakes, applied for changes and corrections, and requested transfers.

GECOM has notably informed of several parallel due-diligence undertakings

and clarified activities concerning (i) the responsibility for the filling of the registration forms, (ii) signature of applicants for registration, residency verification, (iv) cross-matching of fingerprints, and (v) production and distribution of National Identification Cards. Keen attention to the follow-up activities is likely the focus of the key political players and citizens at large, given the peremptory position and objections to the process from some Opposition quarters.

With the completion of the successful period of continuous registration, GECOM must now produce the updated Register of Registrants and commence a short period of claims and objections so that all stakeholders could have a thorough look at the List and make sure its readiness for the Local Government Elections.

This process would produce a Voters List that would be valid for six months, and as such, there must be LGEs as soon as possible.

Notwithstanding, it is extremely funny to see that GECOM is being pressed by Opposition Commissioners in a call for the use of biometrics in ascertaining voters' identity on voting day.

The hypocrisy in this convenient slowdown tactic is extremely glaring and flagrant.

Not so long ago, there was the almost outright use of this intervention as a strengthening reconciliatory tool in the facilita-

tion of automated processing and delivery of results.

The learned Chairman and Commissioners ought to be aware that the use of such systems must first have the necessary supporting legal framework in place before its implementation.

One will recall that, in 2018, the UN had organised funding and well-planned meetings for the discussion with GECOM and other stakeholders, implementation of much talk about the use of ‘Biometrics’. However, it was the PNC/APNU/ AFC unilaterally appointed Chairman Patterson and his colleagues at GECOM who refused to attend the UN meetings, and they frustrated all efforts to move on with the biometrics. The UN team had visited Guyana and met with various stakeholders to gain information for their needs assessment task, and to respond to requests by GECOM to furnish information technology experts.

At the Tuesday, August 7, 2018 meeting, Patterson had mystified the Commission’s statutory meeting when he stated that he had cancelled ‘indefinitely’ a meeting scheduled for 5:00 pm that day to review with the United Nations (UN) Mission the report and proposal of the United Nations Risk Assessment Team in respect of upcoming Local Government and National Elections in Guyana.

The view of some Commissioners was that the

Chairman had received copies of the UN report and proposal, at least one week before, when the question of a meeting was first discussed, but had only released the report to the Commissioners on the evening of August 6, 2018, creating (deliberately?) issues with adequate time to review and consider the report.

We should be aware of all the PNC/APNU tactics to avoid contesting LGEs. The biometrics plan must be put aside, and all systems must be put in place to hold the overdue elections. The biometrics suggestion at this time calls for serious security control discussions and the enactment of laws to implement before implementation.

Further, this will be very time-consuming and will cost huge financial expenditure related to the preparation and training of staff, particularly the recruiting of the quality of staff that would be required and the preparation and purchasing of the necessary equipment, they are too much at this time.

Recent history is replete with the characteristic PNC stagnating delays, and the unforgiving five months of the brutal disposition of the thieves and liars is a good enough lesson for all Guyanese to appreciate that we have to stop them. We, as a nation, must unite and demand free and fair elections.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022

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The passage of the NRF Bill was legal and above board

The Rose Hall Protest & Massacre

By Guyanese of Indian Ancestry Association

O

n March 13, 1913, a massive contingent of Police, under the command of Inspector General Rinzi, under direction of the Plantation Management and abetted by the judicial system, opened fire on Indentureds and time-expired Indian sugar workers at Rose Hall Estate, Canje, killing 14 workers and wounding 41. It has been the deadliest massacre of sugar workers in Guyana’s history. It illustrates the contradictions of the Indian Indentured Labour system.

Management broke an agreement (Jan 20) to grant four post-crop holidays, starting Jan 28. Workers refused to work that day, but worked the other three days.

The Manager (Feb 1) yet summoned seven of them to appear in court, which could result in a fine and jail time. The workers went to consult (Feb 2) the Immigration Officer in New Amsterdam.

The latter negotiated (Feb 3) with the manager, who demanded that the 7 workers pay court costs, but refused their request to pay in installments. The case proceeded (Feb 4th and 7th) the men’s lawyer advised a guilty plea. The Magistrate fined them the original costs of trial. This infuriated the workers who went to support their fellow workers.

The manager now vindictively applied (Feb 17) to the Immigration Office for five “ringleaders”, including one named Bux, who was literate and knew the regulations, be expelled from the estate. Bux showed the Magistrate (March 4) that expulsions were not in the contract.

Workers now called for the dismissal of the head driver (and management’s lackey) Jugmohan, and his lackey, who abused their positions - including extracting sexual favours for men and himself.

Five new “ringleaders” were identified, and management demanded heavier Police presence.

Charges were now brought for “bad work”, and were heard on March 13. However, the manager attempted to seize one of the original five to expel him. The workers protested, and the estate was shut down.

Dear Editor, The Opposition are making a last-ditch effort to appear rational and relevant in a modern, developing society, and they are doing this in the most unorthodox fashion; they criticise and oppose everything they can lay their hands on.

One of the areas in which they are pointing an accusing finger is in the passage of The NRF Bill in Parliament. In a matter now engaging the court, they contend that the bill was not legally passed because the Mace, which is a symbol of parliamentary authority, was not in place.

Now, we must ask ourselves the question: Why wasn’t the Mace in place when the bill was passed? Or, where was the Opposition when the bill was passed? To answer the above, the Mace was re-

moved by the Opposition themselves in the worst form of hooliganism ever seen in known history. They stormed the Speaker’s chair and violently removed the Mace then left the chamber.

Thankfully, the Mace was restored, and the bill was legally passed.

So, for the Opposition to turn again and say that there was a missing Mace and they were not consulted when the bill was passed epitomises the crass stupidity of these people. But this is not a new phenomenon when it comes to the Opposition, since their disgraceful exit from power.

These are the same individuals who would constantly make raucous noises, lie on the floor, and shout out at the Government side whenever important matters are being discussed.

So there is nothing new

under the sun in the way they conduct themselves in Parliament. For want of a better description of this sordid group, I would sum it up by saying “their behaviour stinks to the high heavens.”

So, to go into a court of law for a judge to validate such foolishness is ludicrous, at best. Now, the Justice hearing this case is very thorough, and he is delving in to every detail of the matter before him.

He is taking the high road in giving each man a fair hearing, so he has requested that they put everything in writing before he tosses them out!

What is there to rule on when the plaintiffs are clearly out of place? In fact, if anyone should be punished, it is the Opposition, who can be so charged for domestic terrorism. The

last time I looked upon this, I concluded that their actions constitute a charge, but their asininity knows no bounds.

In closing, I must inform and educate the Opposition that their negative approach to governance would get them nowhere.

They are further alienating themselves from mainstream Guyana with these streetside brawls. Guyana needs an Opposition that would cooperate with the Government on matters of development and nation-building, and criticise when it is absolutely necessary. Engaging in this aggressive and confrontational mode would cause them to become the pariah they already are.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Deplorable roads in Block “Y” Cornelia Ida

Dear Editor, It is with great disappointment and frustration that I pen this letter to your newspaper to let everyone reading know about the grave neglect which has been happening in our community of Cornelia Ida, more impor-

time before the road deteriorated.

For example, the 3rd and 4th Streets on the left are at their “worst”.

Whenever it rains, the holes would hold water for days. These two streets are so bad that if cars at their normal height from the

rains and a garbage truck passes, it’s like going through a trial.

There were meetings with the councillor of the said district, who said that whenever he says anything to the RCD, everything falls on deaf ears.

Between the 3rd and 4th Streets also, there is a clump of bush which is a habitat for mosquitoes, bees, and harmful animals.

The bushes were cut once, and we tried maintaining the land, but whenever it rains, the bushes would grow at an alarming rate, which makes it unsuitable to go in and spray the

bush, because it’s swampy in there.

These two issues have been here since before the Granger Government came into power, now the Ali regime is in control, we hope for some relief, as this community is a stronghold of the current Government.

This is unacceptable in today’s age, and would serve no motivation for persons wanting to purchase a new vehicle, due to fears of it getting jammed or bent tires, etc.

Yours respectfully, Concerned Citizen

Rose Hall Monument

The notorious Col. Rinzi had arrived (March 12) from Georgetown with 70 ranks. He dragged a Maxim gun through the Canje Settlements (March 13) to intimidate the striking workers. They proceeded to the logies, were met by angry workers, read the Riot Act, and opened fire with their personal weapons. One worker, Ganga, struggled with a Police corporal, who was killed by a bullet through his head.

A COI by a Magistrate exonerated Rinzi for the murders, but blamed the workers for the corporal’s death.

The McNeil-ChimanLall Commission from the Indian Government, examining living conditions of Indentureds, was in the country, and reported back to India (June 1914).

It helped convince officials to abolish the Indentureship system by 1917.

The survivors received no compensation.

Maxim Gun

DID YOU KNOW? •

Renzi had led the Police who shot and killed 5 and wounded 59 striking Indentureds at Non Pareil, Oct 1896.

•

The killings of Indian workers continued: Ruimveldt (13 murdered, 18 wounded - 1924); Leonora (4 murdered, 4 wounded - 1939) and Enmore (5 murdered, 9 injured - 1948).

Sunday, May 29, 2022

tantly Block “Y”, with respect to the streets and with bushes.

Some streets are in a terrible state presently. They were bad, then worse, now some are at their “worst”. We have filled the holes with bricks already, but they only covered the holes for a certain

ground drive, their bottoms would jam. All the people in these streets are subjected to the same discomfort.

Sometime last year, a grader came in the streets and spread dirt over the holes, but after the rains came, everything was back to normal. Whenever it

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6 FEATURE

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

OTHER FORMULA OPTIONS AND METHODS OF FEEDING ORPHANED PUPPIES L ast week, we advised on the composition of a formula that could be used by caregivers whenever a crisis situation presents itself and new-born puppies are deprived of their mother’s milk. The formula has been successfully used by my clients over the years.

There are other formulae which have also been used successfully, and we shall provide two other options for your consideration today.

Option #1 E m e r g e n c y home-formulated milk replacer • 240 ml cow's milk • 3 egg yolks • 1 tablespoon (15ml) corn oil • Small pinch of salt • 1 drop of high-quality oral multivitamin solution Blend ingredients uniformly, and warm to 95100°F. Refrigerate between use. Discard any unused concoction 24 hours after mixing.

SOURCE: Neonatal and paediatric care of the puppy and kitten- documented by Dr. D. F. Lawlen in "Thierogenology" vol 70, no.3, 2008 Option #2 Homemade milk replacer for puppies • 120 ml cow's or goat's milk • 120 ml water • 2-4 egg yolks • 1-2 teaspoons vegetable oil (e.g., corn oil) • 1000 mg calcium carbonate (e.g.,

"Tums", which is readily available in any drug store- used as an antacid) Blend ingredients uniformly, and warm to 95100°F. Refrigerate between use. Discard any unused concoction 24 hours after mixing.

SOURE: Care of the orphaned puppy or kitten documented by Dr. M.E. Peterson in " Small Animal Paediatrics: The first 12 months of life" 2011.

You would have noted that the ingredient compositions of these two formulae, as well as the one provided last week, are quite similar. They aim to provide the nutritive requirements of the orphaned puppies in as close a value to that of their mother’s milk. If you have any doubts or questions needing clarification, please

contact your veterinarian.

METHODS OF FEEDING MILK REPLACERS TO PUPPIES: 1. New-born pups may be fed via droppers (e.g., the ones that humans use to administer medication to the eyes or nostrils). One has to be very careful when using the dropper, because, too often, the pup can choke, a condition which can result in the formula going into the lungs. It is especially for this reason that using a spoon to feed the (especially new-born) pup is not advisable.

2. A baby bottle with a small, soft nipple may also be used. I favour this method because the pup can actually perform the natural suckling reflex.

The caregiver may have to enlarge the hole in the nipple. However, be careful and ensure that too much of the liquid formula does not emerge from the nursing bottle via the nipple, as this, too, may cause the puppy to choke.

Caregivers have also used a doll's bottle with soft nipple for particularly small puppies.

Whether feeding via a dropper or bottle, please ensure that the pup is placed on its stomach,

and the nipple is inserted firmly into its mouth to initiate the suckling action. It is a slow learning process that requires your observation of the swallowing action and continuous. The major issue is preventing the milk from entering the puppy’s lungs. Every 20 seconds or so, pull the nursing bottle a bit away from the mouth, and observe the pup’s behaviour.

pup is too weak to suckle.

Your vet would teach you the technique. It is not difficult, and the caregiver does not have to fear that the tube would enter the lungs, as the diameter of the windpipe is so small and the tube will glide smoothly into the stomach.

Within a week, the puppy fed through this method would become strong enough to suckle from the bottle.

3. Feeding an orphaned pup via the insertion of a tube into its stomach is the best way to feed the new-born pup.

However, it takes some skill and courage. You can nevertheless easily learn the technique, and become quite proficient in a short time. It is the method of choice, especially if the

If you do not have a thermometer to measure the temperature of the formula, place a few drops on the back of your hand; if you can easily tolerate the warmth, then that is the right temperature (about 100°F). Please make every effort to provide fresh and warm formula that is consistent with mother’s milk.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt mulls establishing Guyana as oil & gas regional hub – Min Bharrat – able to service nearby oil producers as shore bases coming on stream grow

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has as one of its goals, the establishment of Guyana as an oil and gas hub for the region, a goal the country is working to realise with the coming on stream of infrastructure for the oil sector, including various shore bases.

According to Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat during a recent address, infrastructure is just one of the challenges that oil-producing countries are faced with. But he pointed to the shore base expected to come on stream by next year, a reference to the US$300 million project piloted by the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc (VEHSI).

“I’m sure you would have seen, I think it was in this very room, that a contract was signed between ExxonMobil and Vreed-enHoop shore base. So, we have a second shore base that is coming on stream by third, fourth quarter 2023, in time for the Payara development,” Bharrat said.

“And it is necessary, we know we already have infrastructure or capacity in terms of shore base. But with the third development coming on stream late next year or early 2024 and then already signing the Yellowtail production licence and with a fifth development coming, it’s necessary that we look ahead at other developments to support what is happening offshore Guyana.”

The Minister made it clear that they welcome com-

panies who can come and aid in Guyana’s building out of its oil and gas infrastructure. He noted that even now, countries in the Guiana shield such as Suriname and French Guiana can provide opportunities for Guyana to expand its shore base services.

“We welcome the com-

“We know we have Suriname, we have French Guiana, the entire northern Brazil block. So, we want Guyana to be established as that hub within the Guiana shield. And also, if possible, within the Caribbean region,” the Minister said.

According to Bharrat, they are trying to make investing easier from their end, such as improving the ease of doing business and the granting of permits. He pointed to the moves towards setting up a single window system, for which the Government is seeking a consultant.

“On our side, these are some of the steps we’re taking to make investment easy and make investors feel welcome. We want to continue to work with you,” Minister Bharrat said, adding that they are also mulling a ceiling for approving projects, that would not require the

is a joint venture between a fully-owned Guyanese consortium – NRG Holdings Incorporated, and Jan De Nul Group, a Belgium-based company that specialises in offshore, marine, civil, environment, and project development.

The consortium includes Hadi World Inc, owned by businessmen Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed, Nicholas Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited, and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc. NRG holds a majority stake of 85 per cent in VESHI, while the remaining 15 per cent is owned by Jan De Nul – the company that will construct the facility.

The multi-million Port of Vreed-en-Hoop, which will be located at the Best, West Coast Demerara foreshore,

tive buildings, among other facilities.

Located in Region Three, the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop will occupy some 400 hectares of coastal land. Phase One of the project will see the deepening, widening, and dredging of the access channel, as well as land reclamation.

It also includes an offshore terminal, dry dock facility, and fabrication yard spanning 65 hectares.

Meanwhile, Phase Two involves deepening the dredging of the access canal and expanding reclamation. The mega-port will centralise multiple shipping and logistic services in one location.

Teenager among 2 busted with ganja at Parika shop

The marijuana that was found during the search at Parika

T

Design for the Vreed-en-Hoop shore base

panies who would have taken the initiative to come and establish their base here, moving from other countries and coming here. And also, to service other countries from Guyana too. Because we’ve been looking to establish Guyana as a hub in the Guiana shield. And if possible, in the Caribbean region.”

Minister’s approval.

It was only in April that VEHSI signed a 20-year agreement for shore base services to be provided at the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop facility to support the US oil giant ExxonMobil’s operations offshore Guyana.

VEHSI, which is undertaking Guyana’s first multi-purpose port facility,

will feature an offshore terminal; fabrication, umbilical and spooling yards; a dry dock facility; a wharf and berths, and administra-

wo women, one of whom is a teenager, were arrested on Friday following the discovery of a quantity of marijuana at a shop at the Parika Junction, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

The Police have said that on the day in question, at about 20:30h, ranks acting on information received conducted a cordon-and-search exercise at this shop at the Parika Junction, owned by a 52-yearold businesswoman of Parika Retreat Road, EBE. During this search, in which members of the Community Policing Group participated, several Ziplock plastic bags and a “Pringles” container with a quantity of ganja concealed therein were found on the premises. The find was brought to the attention of the businesswoman,

and she was told of the offence committed and was cautioned, but she remained silent.

A further search was conducted on an 18-year-old female acquaintance of the businesswoman who was at the shop at the time, and a black plastic bag containing several other Ziplock plastic bags which each contained ganja was discovered.

Following this discovery, the teenager also remained silent when questioned by the cops.

The two women were arrested and taken to the Parika Police Station. The narcotics found on the 18-year-old woman, when weighed, amounted to 29.04 grams, while the narcotics found in the shop amounted to 5.27 grams.

These women remain in custody, pending charges.

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Meetings…

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…and exclusions

learly, we’re in the midst of a realignment of the world order. And no matter who’s calling for “multipolarity”, the logic of power inevitably pushes these matters into bipolarity. Then the situation becomes not much different from the condition of those who’re diagnosed as “bipolar” by psychologists!! Extremely unpredictable!! And if that presents a problem at the individual level, imagine what’ll happen when you’re dealing with 192 countries!! With 9 of them having nuclear weapons to bomb us back into the Stone Age!!

One sign of the realignment, of course, is unfolding in Europe. These are the folks who insist they’re the most civilised of our human species, yet they’ve launched the deadliest wars in human history, and are engaged in one right now in Ukraine as we read!! What’s the takeaway??

Maybe being “civilised means being able to kill the highest number of people? And not having to say you’re sorry!!

The problem with these bipolar power contests is that they don’t remain at the level of “you show me yours and I’ll show me mine, and we decide on the basis of whose is bigger”. Instead, the two contestants act like magnetic poles, pulling the rest of us into one or the other camp.

So, from where your Eyewitness sits, it looks like the West wants to knock Russia out of the competition, to leave only them and China in the pulling contest.

For a while, some thought that BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) would be the core of a multipolar world - but that ship has long sailed! For a host of reasons that shouldn’t detain us right now. What should detain us is how the new “great game” would affect little ole us!! And your Eyewitness isn’t talking about the astronomic price of flour, onions, and various other essentials; he’s talking about the aforementioned magnetic poles. Right now, one symptom is the Summit of the Americas (SOTA) that’s being held in Los Angeles - the (ironic) City of Angels!! After months of speculation, the US announced it ain’t inviting those pinko-lefties: Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Among other reasons, they’re too chummy with the Ruskies!! But in any case, Cuba said they wouldn’t have attended, even if they WERE invited!!

Sorta like Groucho Marx, who said he wouldn’t belong to a club that wouldn’t have him as a member!! He was also from Los Angeles!!

Anyhow, Cuba just had a meeting with ALBA. Not ABBA, dear reader - even though they’re getting together for a geriatric concert!! - but the Spanish acronym for the “Bolivarian Alliance of Americas”. They got one Caricom Member - St Vincent - to refuse the US invitation to the SOTA. Ooooh!! America must be shivering!!

…and greetings

Essequibians are still basking in the glow from the Independence Flag Raising Ceremony that was moved from Georgetown to their town of Anna Regina. Your Eyewitness hopes the Government has taken note of the patriotic fervour that arouses folks who normally would’ve been quite blasé at the annual event. This should now be a regular feature, with the flag raising being rotated in places like Springlands, Lethem, Linden etc. we would literally be “showing the flag” to emphasise our One Guyana!

The folks in these areas are the ones who had to go to Georgetown for everything - especially to see those Ministers. But here, they were now in the Essequibian front yards - and it wasn’t even elections time!! To your Eyewitness’s delight, some of the locals took the opportunity to “give a piece of their minds” to the visiting “big ones”. This is direct democracy being fostered. It’s clear that the representative democracy isn’t working when the PNC MPs are using Parliament just for pushing histrionics!!

In the meantime, look how many jobs Essequibo got!!

…and making up

At the last G20 Meeting, Brazil’s Bolsonaro complained that Biden had snubbed him. Because he was so chummy with Trump?? Anyhow, he’s swallowed his Latin pride and says he’ll be going to LA! Realpolitik!

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

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

NEWS

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Guyana-Barbados Food Terminal to accommodate 45 containers, packaging & processing plants – Pres Ali commissions water catchment project in Barbados

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali, who is in Barbados for the Agro Fest exhibition, and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, on Saturday visited the site where the Guyana-Barbados Food Terminal will be built.

The facility will be constructed on seven acres of land and upon completion, will accommodate 45 containers and a multi-purpose facility.

The terminal will be located at Lears, St Michael, Barbados.

During the tour, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha; Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond, along with Barbados Minister of Agriculture, Food & Nutritional Security, Indar Weir and other technical officers from both countries were also present.

“The food terminal to be constructed on seven acres of land will boast a multipurpose facility to accommodate about 45 containers, cold storage and packaging, and processing plants. The area will also have a large reservoir for water storage and land set aside for crop production,” a statement from the President said.

The President’s activities on Saturday also extended to helping Prime Minister Mottley officially commission

a large water catchment – the Brown’s Pond Catchment – in St Philip. A water catchment is an area in which water from rainfalls can be collected to be carried away by a single drainage system.

President Ali and Prime Minister Mottley also cut the ceremonial ribbon and unveiled a plaque. Minister Mustapha, Minister Walrond and other Government officials from both countries were also at the event.

During the ceremony, President Ali praised Mottley for having the “forward-thinking vision” to invest in the “transformative project”, which he said will increase the productivity of farmers and enhance their ability to be sustainable while Barbados and the Caribbean move towards food security.

“The pond has the capacity to store more than six million gallons of stormwater and will provide water to farmers during periods of drought,” a release from the Office of the President further explained.

Cooperation While he was delivering the feature address at the opening of “Agro Fest” on Friday evening in Bridgetown, Barbados, which is being held from May 2829 under theme: “Greening

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Barbados PM Mia Mottley look on as the ribbon for the catchment area is cut

Together Ah Caribbean Thing”, President Ali had spoken of the GuyanaBarbados Food Terminal initiative.

The initiative will see the two countries seeking to address the hurdles of transportation and logistics in the Region and is not only aimed at helping the movement of products and reducing the cost of local produce but also providing the opportunity to access new markets.

“It is aimed at developing an important transhipment hub for food here in Barbados to move on to different hotel chains in other Caribbean islands, and to

move on to Miami. We must believe that we can do it. We must stop thinking narrowly that we cannot achieve these things… We’re setting bold targets. We are working on bold and innovative ideas. At the end of it, it is only bold thinking, bold initiatives, and pursuing those initiatives and ideas that would ensure we are successful,” Ali had asserted.

According to the Head of State, the aim is to create a value chain for development in the region. He further dismissed naysayers who are claiming that the region’s plan is too ambitious, noting that there needs to be proac-

tive action by all stakeholders.

There are also plans for Guyana and Barbados to set up Trade and Investment Facilitation offices in each other’s countries. This came about during business collaborations between the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) and Export Barbados.

According to GO-Invest, this initiative is timely and much-needed as the two countries seek to further develop strategic partnerships between their private sectors. The CEO of Export Barbados had also indicated that his team will be working with their Guyanese

counterparts to develop the Guyanese export market for Barbadian products.

They had cited that currently, Barbados exports approximately $25 million worth of products and services to Guyana. Over the next three years, Export Barbados through its collaboration with GO-Invest and the Guyanese Private Sector seeks to move this total to $50 million.

This is all part of the Government’s drive for Guyana and Barbados to strengthen bilateral relations on a number of fronts that will create a win-win model for both nations and boost agricultural production.

Currently, there is a group of young Barbadians in Guyana being trained on shade house development.

Simultaneously, Guyana is preparing prefab shade-houses to ship to Barbados that will be developed by those trained young people to accelerate agriculture in the island state.

Already, Guyana has benefited from one thousand black belly sheep from Barbados that was launched in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) with special emphasis being placed on women and young people to take the lead in this project.

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East Ruimveldt vendor arrested after gunfire erupts at ‘Baderation’ concert P andemonium broke out at the National Park in Georgetown on Friday evening when gunshots were discharged during the dancehall concert dubbed “Baderation”, and hundreds of patrons had to run for cover.

Besides the gunshots, bottles were thrown in the air, resulting in some patrons receiving injuries. It was also reported that several persons were robbed, as was the Banks DIH Bar. When the incident occurred, Jamaica dancehall

artist Kevaun Douglas, known as “Skeng”, was on stage performing one of his popular tunes, “Protocol”.

Shaneil Muir and Akhenaton Lewis, known as ‘Young Bredda’, also performed at the show, which was organised by Hits and Jams Entertainment as part of their lineup of Genesis X Utopia events.

Following this unruly episode, Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken had a meeting with the organisers of the show at the Guyana Police Force Headquarters

Patron caught on video firing shots in the air during the Baderation concert

The gun and ammo found on the vendor leaving the show

at Eve Leary, Georgetown.

At that meeting several issues regarding the breach of security and subsequent discharge of gunshots at the concert were discussed. Among those present at the meeting were Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’, Calvin Brutus; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Ravindradat Budhram; Head of Special Branch, Errol Watts; Commander of Regional Division 4 ‘A’, Simon McBean; CCU Head, Mark Ramotar; and promoter of the ‘Baderation’ concert, Rawle Ferguson of HJ. The security posture (and lack thereof) at the event was discussed, and recommendations were made for strict compliance prior to the hosting of any other such event in the future.

Some of the other issues discussed related to the stakeholders’ approach – with promoters, members of the Fire Service, GRA, and the Police; increased Police posture in partnership with the Private Sector; Prohibition of beverages in bottles (only plastic cups and bottles would be allowed); improved security search; metal detectors and scanners will be employed.

However, the Police have confirmed that a vendor from East Ruimveldt, Georgetown has been arrested while leaving the National Park with an illegal 9mm firearm with one live 9mm round of ammunition. He is presently in Police custody.

The Police have said they are presently reviewing the CCTV cameras and videos circulating on social media with a view to identifying and arresting persons who had discharged rounds in the air at the event in the National Park. As such, the Police are appealing to the general public, or anyone who might have knowledge or information (maybe phone videos), to share same with the Police, as this would assist investigators in identifying the perpetrator(s) who had fired shots at the event, causing chaos and panic.

Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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Silencing Wismar Massacre of May 25-26th

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n May 26, Guyana once again commemorated the “Independence” that was given to the PNC Government by the British in 1966, after engineering the latter’s victory in the Dec 7, 1964 elections. But 1964, and specifically May 25-26, 1964, also marks a rupture in the history of Guyana, and, Ravi Dev more specifically, the history of the relations between African- and Indian-Guyanese, which needs to be bridged.

The political competition between the African-Guyanesebased PNC and the Indian-Guyanese-based PPP segued from the “sweeping out the PPP with brooms” in 1961 elections through the burning and looting of Indian businesses in Georgetown on Black Friday, Feb 16, 1962, and the spread of tit-for-tat ethnic violence and arson across the Demerara Coast after the 89-day Public Service 1963 (April 18-July 5?) and Feb 17-July 27 GAWU strike of 1964.

The culmination was the pogrom against Indians of WismarChristianburg on May 25-26, following the murder of an elderly African couple aback Buxton. 220 Indian homes were razed, two Indians were murdered, several women and girls raped, almost the entire Indian population of 3000 was forced to flee.

Six weeks later, the explosion of the Sun Chapman launch on July 7 killed 43 of the all-African passengers headed towards Wismar from Georgetown. The retaliatory killing of five more Indians who had returned or stayed behind at Wismar was almost an anti-climax. The Inquiry into the bombing of the Sun Chapman found its causes to be “inconclusive”, while that into the Wismar Pogrom declared it to be “politically and racially inspired”.

I use “Silence” in the tradition of Rolph Trouillot: “…an active and transitive process: one “silences” a fact or an individual as a silencer silences a gun. One engages in the practice of silencing.” But the rupture of the silencing of the history of the period needs to be rectified, if for no other reason than allowing the survivors of those events to express their grief about their experiences. It is quite possible that the reason for the silence about the period may be because the political leaders “wanted to move on”, but in the new millennium, there were some who evidently thought otherwise.

One such person is David Granger, who referred to the inter-ethnic violence of the 1960s as the “disturbances” and “the troubles”. In a 2003 paper, (Hurricane of Protest The Impact of Civil Violence on African-Guyanese in 1964”) without ever mentioning the preceding Wismar atrocities, he wrote, “The most alarming slaughter of the ‘Disturbances’ was that of 40 Africans on 6 July at Hurudaia in the Demerara River as they travelled in a motor launch to Mackenzie.”

The following year, a “Son Chapman Tragedy Commemoration Committee”, with the PNC integrally involved, organised a 40th Anniversary event at the fatal spot at Hurudaia on the Demerara River. Robert Corbin, leader of the PNC, said, “A nation that fails to record its history is bound to make the same mistakes.” After Granger became the leader of the PNC in 2011, he attended the now annually observed Commemoration ceremony, and declared he wished more people would converge at the spot. The Motto on the Monument at Hurudaia declared: “Those who forget the lessons of history do so at our own peril.”

In 2013, Granger and the PNC initiated moving the commemoration to the centre of Linden, so the people there “would not forget”. The PNC kept this promise, and on July 6, 2020, did so without once mentioning the Wismar ethnic cleansing of Indian-Guyanese, as the PNC representatives bemoaned the “pain and hurt” of the survivors. But Dr Alissa Trotz and Red Thread also interrogated the purpose of this commemoration, and queried the silencing of the preceding tragedy of the violence and ethnic cleansing of Wismar.

They interviewed many of the refugees from Wismar, living on the East Coast of Demerara. Like the survivors of the Sun Chapman, their loss is also palpable.

We cannot undo the past, but we simultaneously, from our present, should have our eye on our future – a future we hope to create with the knowledge gleaned from the past. For me, it is a future in which all Guyanese can live in peace to create their progress, and not be manipulated to a return of that past.

I have long proposed we should erect a memorial for all the 176 Guyanese who perished in the 1964 disturbances and need restorative justice.

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

Govt using best diplomatic efforts to safeguard Guyana’s territorial space – President Ali P

resident Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has underscored his Government’s position to marshal the best diplomatic efforts necessary to maintain respect for all of Guyana’s territorial space.

The Head of State said Independence imposes the duty to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty on these issues, emphasising that Guyanese must broker

no division.

“You must continue to stand united in defending our motherland from external threats,” President Ali told a mammoth crowd on the eve of Guyana’s 56th Independence Anniversary, at Damon Square, Anna Region, Region Two. The Guyanese leader said the Government has no intention to deviate from the judicial path, which has been taken to address the contro-

versy with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

“Our path to peace is paved with good intentions.

We are committed to good neighbourly relations,” Dr Ali pointed out.

He said that Guyana is equally committed to expanding and deepening relations with its sister member states within the Caribbean Community, as well as global partners and being part of the global family of demo-

cratic states.

The President underscored that the Constitution clearly outlines that sovereignty belongs to the people.

Guyana moved to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to challenge the non-participation of Venezuela back in March 2018, over its disagreement on the legal validity and binding effect of the October 3, 1899 Award.

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Water level in Kwakwani continues to rise – flooding reported in Region 7 communities water level at Devil’s Hold is relatively high, even though rainfall has stopped in the area. At Eteringbang, the water level is approximately 12 inches, but rainfall continues in that location.

“The CDC will work closely with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) representatives to monitor and assess the situation closely,” the CDC has stated in a release to the media.

Meanwhile, Head of the National Taskforce on Flood Monitoring, Prime The water in one of the houses in Devil’s Hole

The water level in a section of Kwakwani

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he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is presently monitoring two communities in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) after reports surfaced about flooding due to heavy downpours over the past few days.

The communities Devil’s Hold, a village along the Cuyuni River, and Eteringbang, a village along the border with Venezuela, have both indicated that water levels are rising.

Reports are that the

A house under water in Kwakwani

Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, has committed to supplying aid to any impacted region.

The rains have since caused flooding in Regions Two, Five, Nine, 10, and now Seven. The CDC has further stated that Regions 2, 5, 9 and 10 remain impacted, but water levels along the coastland have receded significantly.

“Region 10 has also seen water levels drop by 3 feet. Region 9 is still inundated in some parts, especially in the town of Lethem and neighbouring farmlands.”

Meanwhile, the

Hydrometeorological Service forecasts minimal rainfall over the next few days, but precipitation would increase exponentially by Wednesday.

The ‘Above Normal High Tide Advisory’ is also in effect, and will continue until June 2, 2022.

The CDC continues to urge all residents to remain vigilant and cautious during this rainy season, and to report any impacts to local authorities or to the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

FEATURE

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A

Archer Samira Duncan readying her bow during a photo shoot

s a child, Samira Duncan would watch television shows, movies and documentaries featuring persons with the arrow and bow, and she fell in love with the thought that one day she would be aiming for the bullseye.

Fast forward to 2022, and the ambitious Duncan has not only fulfilled that dream, but she would be representing the Golden Arrowhead in archery in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, at the InterCaribbean Development Championships in September this year.

The sport involves aiming an arrow with bow

held tightly, and firing the sharp-ended object at a target set at various distances on a range.

Lord of the Rings fan, this multi-talented young woman, who studied psychology at university, is also an ardent player of the violin. She also has a knack for information communication technology (ICT). She is referred to as a wizard, but archery lies close to her heart.

The former Bishops High School student told Guyana Times that she has been involved in the sport some five years to date. “Archery is a sport that I saw on tv as a child watching Lord of the

Rings, watching Legolas, or any movie that involved archery,” she said.

She said she fell in love with the sport, and one day she grabbed the opportunity while on the shooting range with her father.

“I wanted to do archery immediately,” she said of that experience.

Describing her experience as “amazing since from the beginning,” she said she learnt to be better disciplined from the sport.

In addition, the sport entails the need for exercise and good posture.

Overall, her skills have seen her being designated one of the best female shooters in the Guyana archery circle, a sport which is still in its embryonic stage here. She said she has attained pivotal skills over the years, and she is now able to teach others how to be an archer.

“I want to encourage the sport more here, because it’s fun and can be used as a great stress re-

lief,” she added.

Started her own club

Historically, archery has been associated with hunting or combative activities, but, as time evolved, it has become a sport or a recreational activity. In addition, the sport is seen by many as male-dominated, but as one of the few females involved in the sport here in Guyana, Duncan is encouraging other females to get involved in archery.

“Actually, I have since started my club,” Duncan has said. She said the number of females who have joined is more than she expected. She said, too, that they are even more willing to participate in competitions, “and it has been a great experience so far.”

As regards her chances in Santo Domingo, Duncan has said she would be putting her best foot forward. “I cannot say what my chances will be, at this is my first time shooting against people on an international stage, but I do know that

Samira Duncan aiming at the target during an archery contest

I will practise and try my best, as I am very excited to

go to my first international competition,” she noted.

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Experiencing Berbice through Blackwater Adventures

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he county of Berbice is serene. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Ancient County’ due to its Dutch colonial heritage, Berbice has abundant tourism attractions. Several small communities within three towns - New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton - conjure up images of Dutch heritage and rich agriculture and historic industrial estates that speak to our diverse history as a nation.

Berbice has recently been launched into an even bigger spotlight within the tourism sphere through Blackwater Adventures, the only licensed tour operator within the region.

Owned and operated by Naturalised Guyanese citizens Dillon and Stephanie Ross, Blackwater Adventures delivers adventure in its truest form.

There are a number of exciting experiences to be had in the region through this tour operator. So, let’s take a look at a few of them, which are focused more on the riverine areas of the Canje Creek.

Fishing

Canje Creek Sunset Tour

This experience will begin with an evening introductory tour to the Canje Creek, where you can learn a brief history of the area. After that, you will be guided through a thorough tour of the Canje Creek. Here you will be able to sip on your favourite local beverage while wildlife-spotting. On any given day, you could see a variety of animals, such as various species of monkeys, the giant river otters, anteaters and sloths, and you are all but guaranteed to see the national bird of Guyana - the Hoatzin (Canje Pheasant).

While absolutely stunning, the scenery will do more for you than just bless your eyes. It will allow you to detach from the busyness of everyday life and just enjoy all that nature has to offer. This is one of the main facets of Guyana’s tourism product, and Blackwater Adventures would ensure that you experience it all.

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A tour group sight-seeing

FEATURE

Experiencing Berbice...

FROM PAGE 14

Fishing excursion

Blackwater Adventures primarily offers fishing expeditions within the Canje Creek and Berbice River. So, whether you’re a professional fisher, a simple enthusiast, or are just looking to have a nice time with your friends and family, you’re in the right place. And, of course, to make your experience even more convenient, the team has a wide range of high-quality fishing gear/tackle available for rental at a small cost.

Fish species that are known to be endangered are not caught during this experience.

Fort Nassau 1-day tour

The Fort Nassau Tour, currently a full day’s activity, allows persons to experience the remnants of the Fort (western and eastern grave plots, the semi-circular brick stairs of the Court of Policy Hall, the stairs of the Armoury, the ruins of the bridge, the Lutheran Church and soldiers’ barracks), as well as provide an opportunity for wildlife-spotting.

Persons who wish to extend their experience can opt for an overnight stay in New Amsterdam, or at the newly commissioned Doe Park Eco Lodge in East Canje, Berbice. This will be the perfect tour for persons who are looking to experience both history and nature.

The “talking tree”, found in the Berbice River on the Fort Nassau trail, is one of the most interesting sights along the trip. Folklore has it that this tree was used by rebels to send messages to each other during the 1763 rebellion. They would do this by hitting the tree with varying degrees of force on different parts to create unique sounds, which formed their messages. Wouldn’t it be great if this tree could tell us its rich history now?

Caiman-spotting experience

And last, but certainly not least, is their caiman spotting experience, a fan-favourite. As the sun winds down after a long day, it’s time to bring out the torches! Your expert guides will take you up and down the river in hopes of spotting one of these amazing creatures. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, they will carefully bring it

onboard your boat for a closer look. After which, they will release it back into the wild.

However, if you prefer to observe it from a distance, that can be arranged as well.

This experience is available as an add-on to other tours.

If you wish to book this tour by itself, then your request would be accommodated.

Booking with Blackwater Adventures

Travellers would be able to choose the date of their adventure, and would be happy to know that they have no minimum number of guests per trip, but the minimum price would always be equal to 4 guests.

Let them know what tour package you would like, how many guests comprise your party, and what date you’d like to book. You will be able to talk to them about customised tour packages, payment methods, and what you can expect during one of their tours.

They, of course, are able to provide flexible scheduling options to accommodate busy families looking to get away for a while, or travelling groups.

More importantly for all you pet lovers out there, Blackwater Adventures is pet friendly! If you follow their social media channels, you probably know their dog, Shakira, who often accompanies Dillon and Stephanie on trips. So why not bring a friend for her?

Give them a call or message via WhatsApp at +592-610-9774. Or visit their website www.blackwater-adventures.com or Facebook and Instagram pages at Blackwater Adventures for more information on how you can begin planning your Berbice experience!

Travel better in Guyana In Guyana, we recognise we have a responsibility to protect and conserve our spectacular natural and cultural treasures. We’re equally blessed that so many of our visitors want to lend a hand in doing so. We look forward to welcoming you to Berbice.

A tour to Fort Nassau

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National symbols of Guyana (Part 1)

ymbols of nationhood signify the independence of nations. They are symbols of self-governance and self-determination. Guyana’s national symbols include: the National Flag (the Golden Arrowhead); the National Coat-of-Arms, the National Animal, the National Flower; the National Bird; the National Motto; the National Anthem; and the National Pledge.

The National Flag (the Golden Arrowhead)

Our unmistakeable National Flag, the Golden Arrowhead, is a unique design of a yellow/gold arrowhead bordered by a white strip, arising from a green field with a triangle of red bordered by a black strip.

The green of the flag represents the agricultural and forested nature of Guyana. The white border represents the rivers and water potential. The arrowhead represents Guyana’s mineral wealth, and the black border represents the endurance that will sustain the forward thrust of the Guyanese people. The red of the flag rep-

resents zeal and nation-building.

National Coat-of-Arms

The National Coat-of-Arms of Guyana is a composite of motifs suggested in separate designs by three Guyanese artists.

The Amerindian head-dress symbolises the Amerindians as the Indigenous people of the country.

The two diamonds, one on either side of the head-dress, represent the country’s mining industry. The helmet is the monarchical insignia. The two jaguars, the National Animal, hold a pick-axe, a sugar cane, and a rice stalk to symbolise labour and the two main agricultural industries of the country – sugar and rice.

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National symbols of....

FROM PAGE 18

The shield, which is decorated with the National Flower, the Victoria Regia Lily, is to protect the nation.

The three blue wavy lines represent the many waters of Guyana. The Canje Pheasant, the National Bird, found at the bottom of the shield is a one-of-a-kind bird found principally in this part of the world and represents the rich fauna of Guyana. The streamer below the shield bears the nation’s Motto:”One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

The National Flower (The Victoria Regia Lily)

The National Flower, the Victoria Regia (Victoria amazonica) is native to the Guianas, including the Amazon River. The water lily, the largest of its kind, was discovered by Robert Schomburgk, a German botanist in 1837 in British Guiana, and named for Queen Victoria. In its native habitat, the perennial plant grows to be three metres wide (approximately 10 feet); the flowers, which start out white, but turn pink on the second day after pollination, can measure up to 40 centimetres (16 inches) in diameter.

The enormous lily, one of the giants of Guiana, captured the imagination of the Victorian public upon discovery, with Dukes among those competing to successfully grow it, complete with flower. It even inspired Sir Joseph Paxton, an English gardener, architect, engineer, and Member of Parliament, who was the first to grow one successfully for the Duke of Devonshire, in his design of The Crystal Palace that housed the Great Exhibition, the first of the World Fairs and expos.

The National Bird (the Hoatzin or Canje Pheasant)

With its blue face, crimson eyes and multi-hued feathers of reds and browns marked with green streaks, the Canje Pheasant, as it is commonly known locally, is a striking bird – almost phoenix-like with its crown of long feathery tendrils. It has a very short and very thick beak.

The young of the species over which there has been much

debate about its place in the bird world has two claws on each wing enabling it to climb tree branches easily until its wings are strong enough for flight.

Given its many unique traits, the Canje Pleasant has been given its own family, the Opisthocomidae, and its own suborder, the Opisthocomi in the animal kingdom.

An aquatic vegetarian, the bird can be found in areas along the banks of the Berbice, Abary, Mahaicony and Mahaica Rivers as well as the Canje Creek.

20 FEATURES

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes

M

igraine is a neurological condition that can cause multiple symptoms. While intense, debilitating headaches frequently characterise it, additional symptoms may include: • Nausea • Vomiting • Difficulty speaking • Numbness, or tingling sensation • Sensitivity to light and sound The condition often runs

in families, and can affect people of all ages. People assigned females at birth are more likely to be diagnosed with migraine than those assigned males. The diagnosis of migraine is determined based on clinical history, reported symptoms, and by ruling out other causes. The most common categories of migraine headaches (or attacks) are episodic versus chronic, and then those without aura and those with aura.

WHAT DOES A MIGRAINE FEEL LIKE?

People describe migraine pain as: • Pulsating • Throbbing • Perforating • Pounding • Debilitating It can also feel like a severe, dull, steady ache. The pain may start as mild, but, without treatment, it can become moderate to severe.

Migraine pain most commonly affects the fore-

MIGRAINE HEADACHE head area. It’s usually on one side of the head, but it can occur on either side, or shift.

Most migraine attacks last about 4 hours. If they’re not treated, or don’t respond to treatment, they can last for as long as 72 hours, or even a week. In migraine with aura, pain may overlap with an aura, or may never occur at all.

Migraine symptoms

Migraine symptoms may begin 1 to 2 days before the headache itself.

This is known as the prodrome stage. Symptoms during this stage can include: • Food cravings • Depression • Fatigue, or low energy • Frequent yawning • Hyperactivity • Irritability • Neck stiffness In migraine with aura, the aura occurs after the prodrome stage. During an aura, persons may have problems with their vision,

sensation, movement, and speech. Examples of these problems include: • Difficulty speaking clearly • Feeling a prickling or tingling sensation in the face, arms, or legs • Seeing shapes, light flashes, or bright spots • Temporarily losing vision The next phase is known as the attack phase. This is the most acute, or severest, of the phases, when the actual migraine pain occurs.

In some people, this can overlap or occur during an aura. Attack phase symptoms can last for any length of time, from hours to days.

Symptoms of migraine can vary from person to person.

Some symptoms may include: • Increased sensitivity to light and sound • Nausea • Dizziness, or feeling faint • Pain on one side of the head, either on the left side, right side, front, or back, or in the temples

• Pulsing and throbbing head pain • Vomiting After the attack phase, a person would often experience the postdrome phase. During this phase, there are usually changes in mood and feelings. These can range from feeling euphoric and extremely happy to feeling very fatigued and apathetic. A mild, dull headache may persist.

The length and intensity of these phases can occur to different degrees in different people. Sometimes a phase gets skipped, and a migraine attack may occur without causing a headache.

CAUSES OF MIGRAINE ATTACKS

Researchers haven’t identified a definitive cause of migraine. But they still believe the condition is due to “abnormal” brain activity that affects nerve signalling, and chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

FEATURES

21

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS MIGRAINE...

Many migraine triggers are continually reported, including: • Bright lights • Severe heat, or other extremes in weather • Dehydration • Changes in barometric pressure • Hormone changes in people assigned female at birth, like estrogen and progesterone fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause • Excess stress • Loud sounds • Intense physical activity • Skipping meals • Changes in sleep patterns • Use of certain medications, like oral contraceptives or nitroglycerin • Unusual smells • Certain foods • Smoking

• •

Alcohol use Travelling

MIGRAINE DIAGNOSIS

Doctors diagnose migraine by listening to a person’s symptoms, taking a thorough medical and family history, and performing a physical exam to rule out other potential causes.

Imaging scans, like a CT scan or MRI, can rule out other causes, including: • Tumours • Abnormal brain structures • Stroke

MIGRAINE TREATMENT

Migraine can’t be cured, but doctors can help to manage migraine attacks by giving the tools to treat symptoms when they occur, which may lead to fewer attacks in general.

Treatment can also help make migraine less severe.

A treatment plan may include a combination of: • Lifestyle adjustments, including stress management and avoiding migraine triggers

• OTC pain or migraine medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) • Hormone therapy if migraines seem to occur about the menstrual cycle • Counselling • Alternative care, which may include meditation, acupressure, or acupuncture Medication Medications can be used to either prevent a migraine attack from happening, or treat it once it occurs. The severity of the migraine and any other health condition persons have would determine which treatment is right for them.

Acute medications — taken as soon as you suspect a migraine attack is coming — include: • NSAIDs: These

medications, like ibuprofen or aspirin, are typically used in mild-to-moderate attacks that don’t include nausea or vomiting.

• Triptans: These medications, like sumatriptan, eletriptan, and rizatriptan, are typically the first line of defence for individuals who have nerve pain as a symptom of their migraine attacks.

• Antiemetic: These medications, like metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, and prochlorperazine, are typically used with NSAIDs to help decrease nausea.

• Ergot alkaloids: These medications, like Migranal and Ergomar, aren’t prescribed that often, and are usually reserved for individuals who don’t respond to triptans or analgesics.

Preventative medications — prescribed to people whose migraine attacks can be debilitating, or happen more than four times a month — are taken once a day, or every 3 months via injection. These medications include: • Antihypertensive:

These drugs are prescribed for high blood pressure, and can also help with migraine attacks. Beta-blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers (losartan) are some examples of antihypertensive drugs used for migraine prevention.

• Anticonvulsants: Certain anti-seizure medications may also be able to prevent migraine attacks.

• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, like amitriptyline and

FROM PAGE 20

Fluoxetine, may also be able to prevent migraine attacks.

• Botox: Botox injections are administered to the head and neck muscles every 3 months.

• Calcitonin gene-related peptide treatments: These treatments are administered either via injection or through an IV, and work to prevent a migraine attack from developing.

Migraine prevention Some options that may

help to prevent a migraine attack.

• Learn the foods, smells, and situations that trigger migraine attacks, and avoid those things when possible.

• Stay hydrated.

Dehydration can lead to both dizziness and headaches.

• Avoid skipping meals when possible.

• Focus on quality sleep. A good night’s sleep is important for overall

health.

• Quit smoking.

• Make it a priority to reduce stress • Invest time and energy in developing relaxation skills.

• Exercise regularly.

Exercise has been linked to lowered stress levels.

Talk with a doctor about the best treatment for you and your specific type of migraine.

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CANU unearths $17M cocaine in container at city wharf

R

anks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Saturday discovered several parcels of cocaine at the Demerara Shipping Limited wharf on Lombard Street, Georgetown.

In a statement, it was revealed that the CANU Officers, acting on intelligence, conducted an operation at the wharf – a subsidiary of the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) – during which they discovered a bag containing several parcels of suspected cocaine inside a container.

The suspected narcotic – a total of 21 parcels – was transported to CANU Headquarters, where it tested positive for cocaine that weighed a total of 24.63 kilograms or 54.29 pounds.

According to CANU, this cocaine has a street value of approximately $17 million.

“However, the fact that it was discovered on the wharf, indicates that it was intended for transhipment to another overseas territory which would have increased its street value,” the AntiNarcotics agency explained.

Nevertheless, investigations are ongoing into the narcotics bust.

Only last November, authorities in The Netherlands discovered over 1100lbs of cocaine in a rum shipment that

The cocaine found in a container at the city wharf on Saturday

departed Guyana. The cargo belonged to DDL and the company contended that the shipment was not contaminated here.

The local distilling giant had also expressed concerns about international shipping routes which necessitate transhipment through certain other countries.

At the time, CANU Head James Singh had explained that the container left Guyana drug-free since it was scanned before departure.

Cargo training

Meanwhile, CANU men-

tioned on Saturday that its agents and officers from other agencies recently participated in several maritime training courses which included container cargo operations and vessel searches.

According to CANU, these courses were facilitated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and United States Government.

They were aimed at strengthening the capabilities of law enforcement units operating at port facilities around the country.

Back in January of this year, CANU officers had dis-

covered 16.046kg (36lbs) of marijuana, worth $14 million, on a vessel docked at the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated (GNIC) Wharf, Lombard Street, Georgetown.

A CANU operation at the GNIC Wharf saw officers from the Special Operations section conducting a search on the vessel that was scheduled to leave Port Georgetown on the morning of January 19 with a quantity of cement.

However, the narcotics were discovered on the foreign-registered vessel that had a crew of 19 foreign na-

tionals.

Three persons were charged in relation to that discovery.

A national of the Dominican Republic, Fredy Diaz Cabrera, was jailed for four years and six months along with a fine $14 million after he pleaded guilty to the trafficking charge.

Meanwhile, the two other persons – the mother of Cabrera’s child, Epiphany McLennan called “Tiffany” of B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and Eustace Rodrigues called “Fine Man” of Albouystown, Georgetown, were remanded after pleading not guilty to the same charge.

NEWS

23

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NCD Commission calls for urgent action to regulate e-cigarette, hookah usage …alarming rate of usage continues despite harmful effects

T

he Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of NCDs has voiced its concerns over the use of and prevalence of e-cigarettes and hookahs, calling for urgent regulation.

Chairman of the Presidential Commission, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Saturday stated that the Tobacco Control Act 2017 was enacted in Guyana five years ago. This week, Guyana also joins the World No Tobacco Day observation.

The Presidential Commission underscored its disappointment in the weak implementation of the law in Guyana, while also highlighting that the global efforts to reduce the risk of tobacco use continue unabated.

The Commission has committed to intensifying its effort to lead the fight against tobacco and tobacco product use in Guyana.

“We note that Big Tobacco, the consortium of tobacco companies around the world, has come together to find new ways to introduce tobacco and tobacco products to a new generation of people. One of their strategies is to add new tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and hookah products, to bypass regulations that try to restrict use of traditional cigarettes and cigars. The NCD Commission, therefore, high-

lights the need for urgent regulations of these products in Guyana,” a statement released to the media on Sunday outlined.

The use of both e-cigarettes and hookahs in Guyana started before the introduction of the Tobacco Control Act 2017 and has gained even more popularity since the passage of the Tobacco Control Act. The use of either the e-cigarette or hookah is not a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco products.

The Tobacco Act 2017 recognises that the alternatives the tobacco industry has provided do not represent a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco products and, therefore, the regulations in the Tobacco Control Act 2017 equally applies to these products.

“The Commission is concerned that both e-cigarettes and hookah products are imported, distributed and sold in

shops, stores and street-side vendor stalls. This is in contravention of the Packaging and Labelling Regulations (2018) which were passed under the Tobacco Control Act 2017. Hookah has become an integral part of bars and restaurants around the country and hookah bars are now popping-up across the country at an alarming rate,” it also notified.

Clauses 25 (2), 29, 30 and 33 of Guyana’s Tobacco Control Act requires that e-cigarette and hookah products must be properly packaged and labelled before they are permitted to enter Guyana and before they are allowed to be distributed and sold in the country.

The Commission is of the view that none of the e-cigarette and hookah products being sold to the Guyanese public adhere to the clear definition and provisions of the Packaging and Labelling Regulations (2018) under the Tobacco Control Act 2017.

Under Section 25 (2) of the Packaging and Labelling Regulations (2018), hookah products must meet the same packaging and labelling requirements as traditional tobacco products.

Dr Ramsammy added, “The truth is at this time, hookah products imported, distributed and sold in Guyana, invariably, do not meet the

packaging and labelling requirements. These products are seen displayed for sale on store shelves and can even be handled directly by the consumer prior to sale, a circumstance which is prohibited according to Section 29 of the regulations. Additionally, these products are now being sold on the internet via various social media platforms with delivery services being offered in Guyana. This is in contradiction to Section 30 of the Regulations. While we recognize that some hookah products do not contain tobacco, these products are almost identical to the ones that do contain tobacco and, therefore, must adhere to the packaging and labelling requirements.”

Hookah and e-cigarettes are among products defined as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). There are also electronic non-nicotine delivery systems known as ENNDS. Among the ENDS and ENNDS products are vapes, vaporisers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), e-cigars, and e-pipes.

The ENDS products use an “e-liquid” that usually contains nicotine derived from tobacco, as well as flavourings, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and other ingredients. The liquid is heated to create an aerosol that the user inhales. Many ENDS prod-

ucts are manufactured to look like conventional combusted cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.

These products may have reusable parts, or they may be disposable and only used once before they are thrown away.

Similarly, ENNDS products are made to look like ENDS products.

“The Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of NCDs emphasizes the truth – there are no safe tobacco products, whether traditional or in the category of ENDS or ENNDS products. In addition to the risks of diseases, disabilities and death that traditional tobacco products impose on users, ENDS products also have been shown to have other dangers associated with them.

These include over-heating, fires and explosions, lung damage and seizures and other neurological symptoms.”

While Guyana has made a quantum leap in enact-

ing laws for regulating tobacco products which are among the most potent risk factors for NCDs, disabilities and death around the world, the Commission admitted that Guyana has had a poor track record when it comes to enforcing the laws.

“Guyana is not unique in this regard. Most of the countries, particularly developing countries, have shown little to no willingness to effectively enforce the tobacco products regulations.

The Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of NCDs urges the relevant authorities to pay attention to the growing importation, distribution and use of ENDS and ENNDS, including e-cigarettes and hookahs and to enforce the Packaging and Labelling Regulations 2018 made in accordance with the Tobacco Control Act 2017,” the statement relayed.

24 NEWS Fire ravages Soesdyke home, 4 homeless A SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

fire at Ayube Road, Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) in the early morning of Saturday, May 28, has completely ravaged a home and has left at least four persons making alternative arrangements for their accommodation.

Reportedly at about 8:00h, smoke was seen billowing from the upper flat of the house, and within minutes, the house was completely engulfed in flames.

Ricardo Ramgobin, one of the occupants of the house, when contacted, told Guyana Timesthat he was at work on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway when he received a telephone call from his wife, who was at home with their two children and mother-in-law, informing him that smoke was coming from the upper flat of the house.

He related that by the time he reached the scene, the house was complete-

ly engulfed. Persons were just flocking around looking on… they couldn’t help with anything because the heat was too intense, he explained.

Ramgobin added that tenders from Timehri Fire Station took some time to arrive at the scene, by which time the house was completely burnt to the ground.

“When they come too, they encountered some issues with the hose, so that delayed them from getting

Govt using best diplomatic...

FROM PAGE 11

Venezuela had maintained that the ICJ was without jurisdiction to hear the case, and had not participated in the matter.

However, in December 18, 2020, by a 12-4 majority ruling, the ICJ upheld that it has jurisdiction to entertain Guyana’s contention concerning the validity of the 1899 Award about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela, and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land boundary.

Guyana earlier this year informed the Caricom Community (Caricom) that it will be submit-

President Dr Irfaan Ali at the 56th Independence Anniversary celebration in Anna Regina, Region Two

ting its written pleadings to the ICJ in the ongoing

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case.

into action right away…,” he explained.

He, nevertheless, noted that his family managed to run to safety. “They stand there looking at everything we have worked for over the years go up in flames… Nothing, nothing was saved, the only thing was the clothes we had on…

We talking about millions of dollars just went up in flames,” the disconsolate father of two said. He added that someone managed to save his 4-runner that was parked under the house.

While he does not want to speculate, he believes that the fire might have been electrical in origin.

“No one was in the upper flat of the house…my wife was doing chores and my two children were playing in the lower flat… my mother-in-law was cooking…so we can only assume that it might have been electrical,” he explained.

The wooden-and-concrete structure belonged to his in-laws, but after marrying at least 10 years ago, he lived there with his wife. Up to late Saturday afternoon, friends and family members were assisting to remove the debris.

The Fire Service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Teen nabbed after attempting to dispose of marijuana

A

The cannabis that was found at Plaisance

n 18-year-old male of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested by Police ranks on Friday after he was caught trying to discard 40.32 grams of cannabis, that he had concealed in a KFC-branded cup.

It was reported that on the day in question at about 19:00h, ranks of the Sparendaam Police Station were on patrol duty in the vicinity of Prince William Street, Plaisance, when the 18-year-old was seen standing with a KFC cup in

his hand.

Upon seeing the ranks, he dropped the said cup and attempted to run. The teen was apprehended and the cup was retrieved by the ranks.

A search of the cup revealed a quantity of the illegal drug but the young man denied ownership. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Sparendaam Police Station where the cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 40.32 grams.

He remains in custody pending charges.

25 Unvaccinated Reg 4 woman succumbs to COVID NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– death toll now at 1233; 44 new cases recorded in 24h

T

he Health Ministry has reported that an unvaccinated 66-year-old woman is Guyana’s latest COVID-19 victim. The Region Four resident died while receiving medical care on Friday.

With this latest death, the country’s death toll has been increased to 1,233.

The Ministry has expressed condolences to the relatives of this latest victim.

New statistics released by the Ministry have shown that 44 new cases were detected in the past 24h, thus taking the confirmed cases to 64,565, of which 29,681 are males and 34,884 are females.

The new cases are dispersed among four administrative regions as follows: eight in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); six in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 28 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Statistics also revealed that two persons remain

in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 21 are in institutional isolation, 576 are in home isolation, and two are in institutional quarantine.

To date, 62,733 persons have recovered from the deadly virus since it was first detected in March 2020.

On Friday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony explained that the BA.2 and BA.2.12 .1 subvariants of the Omicron are circulating in Guyana. Despite a high transmission rate, the infection is milder.

“It can cause hospitalisation, especially for persons who are older and unvaccinated. We are seeing cases of a few persons getting sick and requiring hospitalisation, but it is not causing much hospitalisation as previous variants.

We’ll have to be on the lookout for this,” the Minister was quoted as saying.

Consequently, amid the new urge, he underscored that following the guidelines and measures would

prevent a rise in infections.

Latest adult vaccination numbers show 441,911 first doses and 341,493 second doses being administered, translating to respectively 86.1 per cent and 66.6 per cent of that demographic being vaccinated.

For children, 34,689 first doses and 25,414 second doses have been administered. Only 64,989 booster shots have been administered.

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 Hotlines: 231-1166, 2267480, or 624-6674 immediately, or visit www.health. gov.gy.

Global figures show that almost 525.4 million people have tested positive for the virus, and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 156.5 confirmed cases have been reported, with over 2.7 million deaths.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD MAY 28, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

44 2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

576

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,884

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,681

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

64,565

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,733

REGION 1

2522

REGION 2

2557

REGION 3

8169

REGION 4

32,041

REGION 5

2411

REGION 6

5992

REGION 7

2430

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4045

REGION 10

3512

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

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

438,399

FULLY IMMUNISED

337,197

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1233

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.

26 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pensioner killed after crashing Contractor gets 2-week deadline electric bike into water truck to finish Cane Grove road

P

The body of the electric bike rider lying on Mandela Avenue

A

67-year-old man was killed after he crashed an electric bike he was riding into a water truck along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, on Saturday.

Dead is Karan Mahadeo, an employee at the National Park of Lot 452 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

On the scene, the driver along with eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that the canter was heading west along Mandela Avenue, and while in the vicinity of BK International and John Fernandes Terminals, the man rode out of a street and into the path of the vehicle.

As a result, the electric bike collided with the can-

ter, thus causing a collision.

Mahadeo was reportedly struck down and dragged some distance before the truck came to a halt.

Following the accident, Emergency Responders arrived at the scene where the man was pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle was also taken into custody.

The man’s wife, Kumarie Mahadeo, 65, who was beyond devasted after learning of her husband’s death, explained that her now dead husband had purchased the bike a few days ago. She said he had left his house just after 16:00h and told her he was going to see his friend.

While at home around

18:30h, she was informed by neighbours that her husband was involved in an accident and had died on the spot. The couple has been married for almost 40 years and were living alone at their West Ruimveldt home.

The man who was a father of two was described as a hardworking and dedicated husband.

One neighbour explained that only a few days ago she warned the dead man to be careful with the bike after he seemed to be having trouble operating it. She said it is unfortunate that a few days later it was the same bike that claimed his life.

ublic Works Minister Juan Edghill has given the contractor executing works on the Cane Grove Access Road, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), a two-week extension to wrap up the ongoing project.

He would have inspected the works after complaints of residents surfaced. According to the Public Works Ministry, the works which should have been completed on May 21, was undertaken by Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal. While the contractor has failed to meet the deadline, residents have also been urged to cooperate so as to enable smooth operations.

The $117 million works include asphaltic concrete of 260 metres of road, and construction of two bridges and a culvert. Additionally, the Ministry will soon be undertaking emergency works on a concrete bridge in the community, which collapsed. Minister Edghill said a contract will soon be awarded.

In August 2021, Minister Edghill accompanied Junior Local Government Minister, Anand Persaud to inspect the access road in Cane Grove, which was found to be in a deplorable state.

This year, the Public Works Ministry has been set to roll out a mas-

Minister Edghill and other stakeholders inspecting the works being done

sive infrastructure agenda for Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six through its Miscellaneous Road Programme.

In Region Four, upgrades were set aside for Herstelling; Jaipaul to Zamo Street, Mahaica; Back Street Hope; First and Second Cross Street Old Iron, Enmore; and Old Enmore Railway Embankment. In Cane Grove, Eddie Ram Street, Donald/Jango Street and Church Street will see major upgrade, along with Pauline Street and Fourth Street in Strathavon.

Residents of Annandale would see rehabilitation works being undertaken on Pump Road, Benkey Alley and First Cross Street.

Similar works were to be carried out in First and Sixth Cross Street in Good

Hope Phase One. Training School Road and Cookie Street in Kuru Kururu, along with Martyr’s Ville Seventh Street, Double Road and Second Cross Street in Jango Town in Mon Repos are also set to be rehabilitated.

Residents of Mahaica will not be left behind, as roads in De Hoop Line Top Street, De Hoop Mahaica; Broom Hall; Middle Walk Street, Mahaicony; District One, West of De Hoop Branch Road, Mahaica River; Road Network, Perseverance; Purain Street, Blairmont No 2 Village; Kassim Street, Cotton Tree; Bachelor Street, Rosignol; Paris Street, No 22 Village; Second Street, Section C, Bush Lot; and the road network in Shieldstown were in the cards for repairs.

NEWS

27

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Barnwell residents renew calls for better roads following deadly fire

A

fter the deadly fire at Barnwell North, Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD), which claimed the lives of three children on Thursday, members of the community are of the belief that the present condition of the road hindered the rescue attempt by members of the Guyana Fire Service.

Eight-year-old Timothy and six-year-old Trayshon Kippins and one-year-old Zhlia Flue perished in an early morning fire that erupted at their home while their mother was at work.

Reports are that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was alerted to the fire immediately after it started, and fire tenders from the Diamond and West Ruimveldt Stations were dispatched to the scene, but took some time to arrive there as a result of the deteriorating road.

A resident, Rozanne Allen, stated that it took the firefighters approximately 45 minutes to arrive on the scene, only to find the charred remains of three young children. It is her belief that if the road that led deeper into the community was accessible to the firefighters, the children might have still been alive.

“The Fire reel come and stop up to a point, where they couldn’t come in fuh save these children. Over twenty-five years we asking for this road fuh do.

They [the Government] say in here is farmlands,

so Government don’t do farmland roads. If they [the Government] do that main road, them children wouldn’t have dead. I was here,” she added.

The road that leads to the backlands in the village is described by the villagers as a “back dam” trackway, because of all the mud. The residents of the community complained that they have children who go to school and they have to endure the struggle on a daily basis. On rainy days, it is even worse, some villagers related.

One resident told Guyana Times that she has made several attempts to get the subject Minister from both the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) and the present Government to look into their plight but was unsuccessful.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, explained that she experienced a wave of deja vu since her house went up in flames a few years ago and again, at that time, the fire-

fighters were unable to provide assistance. She had to watch her house burn to the ground.

She, like many other residents, believe that the “back dam” road seems to be the cause and will continue to be the cause that affects firefighters from doing their jobs in the event of a fire.

Community leader Brittany Henry voiced that she had to sell her minibus due to the condition of the road.

“I have two vehicles. I had a bus, I had to sell it out because there is no way, when rain fall that I got to bring home my vehicles to my yard. For weeks I in drive. My cars in my yard, parked, because of the road,” she said.

“I born and grow in this area. It’s twenty-something years and it’s in this deplorable state at rainfall. And it seems to get from bad to worse as time goes by,” Henry expressed. Henry explained that she has to hoist her daughter up when she’s leaving her home for school and back.

The road at 10 Field Barnwell

Regional forecast urges countries to brace for flooding, landslides

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regional team of meteorologists and other climate scientists are warning that as the Caribbean faces another wet hurricane season, Government and other decision-makers should prepare for flash flooding and landslides to minimise socio-economic disruptions, particularly in the second half of the season.

That announcement was made during the virtual forecast delivery for

the 2022 Hurricane Season Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), hosted by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) in collaboration with national hydrometeorological services (NHMSs), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Columbia University’s International Research Institute (IRI) for Climate and Society, and the World Meteorological Organisation

(WMO).

The wet season officially starts annually on June 1 and ends on November 30.

This year’s forecast would mark the seventh consecutive year of an above-average season for the region.

The situation of high tropical cyclone activity and excessive rainfall is likely being enhanced by an extended La Niña that should extend into the summer.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

28 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No Police report of Crane teacher alleging being abused by husband – Police Commander

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s the police continue to hunt for the husband of 41-year-old Omega Ault, a school teacher whose decomposed body was found in her Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home, Regional Commander Mahendra Siwnarine has confirmed that at no point in time was a report made against him for being abusive.

This now leaves many unanswered questions regarding why the suspect would want to kill the former Home Economics teacher and leave her body in the house for days.

Superintendent Siwnarine told Guyana Times on Saturday that after going through their records, they have not yet found any Police report that was made by the teacher against her husband, and they would continue to dig deep until they solve the case.

Attempts to speak with the siblings of the dead woman have proven futile.

They have requested personal time to deal with the tragedy.

However, a friend of the dead teacher, when contacted, explained that Ault would normally complain about being verbally and emotionally abused by her husband, but at no time did she ever mention that she had been physically assaulted.

This friend also related that she had been trying to get in contact with the woman for days, but all her

ple had been encountering ‘problems’ in their marriage, and it was reported that, four days prior to the discovery, Farley had taken their three-year-old son to the woman’s sister in Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD),

and had left him there, claiming that he was heading into the backdam.

The mechanic has since not been seen or heard from, and late on Friday evening, the Police issued a wanted bulletin for his arrest.

Following the discovery, the scene at Crane was processed by Police investigators. The woman’s body was then taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home to await a Post Mortem.

Regional forecast urges...

The late Omega Ault and her husband Clarence Farley (wanted) in happier times

phone calls had gone unanswered – an unusual occurrence since, she related, they would video chat for hours.

She became worried and contacted the woman’s relatives to enquire about her whereabouts, but they also had not heard from the woman. “After I contacted her siblings, the brother decided to go to her house, where he made the gruesome discovery,” the friend stated.

Like the rest of Ault’s family members, she is still in a state of shock and disbelief, with questions only the woman’s husband, Clarence Farley, called “Junior”, can answer.

Police have reported that the woman’s brother, Kevin

Ault, visited the Vreeden-Hoop Police Station on Friday and reported that, for the past two weeks, he had been calling his sister’s phone but was not getting through to her.

The man added that after calls to his sister had gone unanswered, he went to her home to check on her, and as he pushed open the front door to the house, he immediately got an unpleasant scent.

As he entered the front room, he saw his sister’s body lying in a state of decomposition. Reports are that the now dead woman had been living with her husband, Clarence Farley, called “Junior”, and their three-year-old son. The cou-

“Governments, sectors, communities and other interests should prepare for the implications of expected conditions during the 2022 wet season such as floods and cascading hazards, frequency of tropical cyclones higher than average, a decrease in the frequency of dry spells, and extreme heat peaking between August and October (though not as strong as in recent years),” explained Adrian Trotman, Chief of Applied Meteorology and Climatology at CIMH. CIMH also announced a set of key messages on this year’s predicted seasonal activity intended to alert policymakers and other authorities to take steps to protect property, lives, public health and safety.

It has been outlined that heat discomfort will increase towards August, and heat stress will peak during heatwaves. However, it is not likely to be as hot as in recent years. There will be progressively stronger tropical cyclone activity into August.

“Flash flood and longterm flooding potential will

increase from moderate to high by August in the islands but should remain high in the Guianas. Flood potential was particularly high between 3-9 June in the coastal Guianas, extending recent concerns of flooding, particularly in Suriname. Drought is not expected to be a major concern. However, those currently experiencing drought may still see impacts in early portions of this period.”

From September to November, there will be strong tropical cyclone activity through October and, likely, more active than normal. Heat impact is expected to potentially peak in September, with cooler temperatures expected from November onwards, when heat discomfort should sharply decrease.

“The potential for flooding and flash floods is high and should be of particular concern if the La Niña persists. Region-wide, longterm drought is not expected to be a major concern by the end of November,” the prediction reads.

CIMH, which also

FROM PAGE 27

operates the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) designated Caribbean Regional Climate Centre (RCC), advised stakeholders to check their website for updated information throughout the season.

Following the forecast delivery, experts gathered with sectoral representatives to discuss how expected conditions can impact climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and food security, disaster management, health, energy, tourism, water resource management.

They also addressed how those sectors can effectively engage in contingency planning to prevent loss of economic productivity and livelihoods.

CariCOF is hosted twice a year by CIMH ahead of the start of the region’s wet and dry seasons. During the bi-annual event, Caribbean meteorologists and other climate scientists gather for training, discussions and the preparation of seasonal forecasts and other products.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022

Liverpool 0-1 Real Madrid

'We know what's at stake' – Tatum a '10 for confidence' as Celtics target NBA Finals

J

V

inicius Junior scored the decisive goal as Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0 in a delayed Champions League final in Paris on Saturday.

Kick-off was pushed back by more than 30 minutes as Liverpool fans struggled to gain entry to the Stade de France, eventually taking their places to see Jurgen Klopp's men control much of the proceedings.

But Madrid got the vital goal in the 59th minute when Vinicius tucked away his fourth of this season's competition – from one of just four Blancos attempts.

Premier League runners-up Liverpool were denied by a string of superb saves from Thibaut Courtois either side of that strike, and Carlo Ancelotti's side held on to lift the European Cup for a 14th time – seven more than any other side.

Liverpool had started in confident mood following the delay and only failed to take the lead inside the opening 20 minutes

courtesy of two fine stops from Courtois.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper got down quickly to keep out Mohamed Salah's instinctive effort, before he superbly pawed Sadio Mane's powerful strike onto the post.

Madrid thought they had taken the lead shortly before the interval when Karim Benzema stroked home after some slapstick defending from Liverpool, yet it was ruled out for offside against the France international – the decision confirmed by the VAR after a

lengthy review.

They were not to be denied just before the hour mark, however, when Vinicius stole in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold to turn in Federico Valverde's low ball across the penalty area.

Courtois made three vital saves from Salah inside the final 20 minutes – the last of which really caught the eye – to cap a wonderful individual display and ensure Ancelotti's men claimed a recordextending triumph.

29

ayson Tatum is full of confidence that the Boston Celtics will bounce back against the Miami Heat and seal a place in the NBA Finals.

Jimmy Butler turned in one of the great playoffs displays for the Heat on Friday as a 111-103 away win forced the Eastern Conference Finals series to Game 7, tied at 3-3.

Butler scored a playoff careerhigh 47 points, claimed nine rebounds, and provided eight assists, with 17 of his points coming in the final quarter.

While the momentum might now be with the Heat, who have home-court advantage for the final game of the series, Tatum believes the Celtics can step up.

Asked about his confidence level heading into Game 7, Tatum replied: "On a scale from 1 to 10

– 10. It shouldn't be any less than that, right? You know it's the last game. This is what it's all about.

"On a scale from 1-10, it's a 10 for my confidence level in myself and the group. It's no secret it's Game 7. A trip to the NBA Finals – there's a lot on the line.

"A couple of us have been in this situation before, so we know what's at stake, we know how much this means to everybody. We know that going into the game."

Tatum led the way for Boston, scoring 30 points and finishing with nine rebounds and four assists, though he only made one shot in the fourth quarter, while Butler took hold at the other end.

"I think it was just in the flow of the game, and how the game was going," Tatum said.

"Obviously I've got to watch

the film, and things like that, but I think being out there, and the feel of the game, I was drawing a lot of attention.

"I was trying to find a mismatch obviously, and when I find it, they sent a double, so I'd find the open man. I think it was just kind of how the flow of the game was going."

30

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022

Spotlight on Ahmedabad, as Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals look to cross final hurdle Stadium then for one final time after what seems like ages since the season began on March 26.

One team playing for their first captain, another playing to make history, like their opponents did in their very first season all those years ago. This one should be a cracker.

Previous Meetings

T

Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson

he stage is set for what is likely to be the mostattended cricket match in India. In white-ball cricket, perhaps only a World Cup final, or an India-Pakistan game at a World Cup, can come closer in terms of the hype and grandeur.

Gujarat Titans will be playing in front of their home crowd for the first time in Ahmedabad.

Rajasthan Royals, for whom Motera has been a home venue earlier, will be playing their second final. If they can win - or even just play fearlessly as they have so far to make it a spectacle - it would be the perfect tribute to Shane Warne, their first captain, or as they say, “forever the first Royal”, who defied conventional wisdom and cricketing logic to lead them to glory in 2008.

The fascinating subplot to this is a contest between two young captains. Sanju Samson is only in his second season into the job; Hardik Pandya is in his first. Where Samson has been an advocate of the firebrand approach he brings, Hardik has shouldered more responsibility with the bat, deviating from his natural style of play for the team’s sake.

If Royals possess two of India’s best spinners currently in

R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, Titans have legspinning maverick and global superstar Rashid Khan. Royals have six-hitters right through - a marauding Jos Buttler up till Shimron Hetmyer as finisher, with Samson thrown in between.

Titans have the ferocity of David Miller, the brazen aggression of Matthew Wade, the calmness of Shubman Gill, and the fearlessness of Wriddhiman Saha, for whom this is an opportunity to do one better than in 2014, when his hundred went in vain.

Titans have picked the most wickets in the powerplay, one where Royals have tended to go hard. This will make for fascinating viewing. Titans have also been the best death-bowling unit this season. How Royals formulate their batting plans around this could form the crux of the contest.

Whereas Royals have had to come here the hard way, having taken a detour to Qualifier 2, Titans have had the advantage of three days of rest in the build-up to the game. At times this can be a massive advantage.

Royals, who have had a short turnaround time, will be banking on adrenaline to carry them.

Over to Narendra Modi

Hardik’s unbeaten 87 and 1 for 18 helped Titans beat Royals in their first meeting. It was a game where Hardik and Miller combined to give them the finishing kick. Royals faltered despite Buttler’s blistering halfcentury, with none of the others managing a score of 20-plus. They eventually lost by 37 runs.

Four nights ago, Titans made it 2-0 when Miller went 6, 6, 6 in the final over to smash the 16 runs they needed. Until then, it had been a close contest that see-sawed. Royals’ 188 was once again set up by Buttler, whose 89 was a knock of two halves.

He started well, then came a slowdown against spin, before he smashed 50 off 18 balls to give them the finishing kick. Titans once again rode on Hardik and Miller’s knocks to seal a tense win.

Likely XIs

Rajasthan Royals: 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Jos Buttler, 3 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 4 Devdutt Padikkal, 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Riyan Parag, 7 R Ashwin, 8 Trent Boult, 9 Obed McCoy, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Prasidh Krishna Gujarat Titans: 1 Shubman Gill, 2 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 3 Matthew Wade, 4 Hardik Pandya (capt), 5 David Miller, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 R Sai Kishore, 9 Yash Dayal, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Mohammed Shami

Strategy punt

No bowler has dismissed Buttler more than Rashid in T20s - four times overall, three times in the IPL. In eight innings, Buttler has managed just 25 runs at a strike rate of below 60.

Buttler’s starts have been contrasting. While batting first, he has struck at 81 in his first ten deliveries. While chasing,

his strike rate shoots up to 169 in the same period. It could be worth a gamble bringing Rashid early on against Buttler. In any case, R Sai Kishore’s addition has given them control in the middle.

Since his introduction, they have conceded at less than seven in the middle overs. Without him, that rate stood at 8.7.

One of the reasons for Miller’s success has been his improved spin game. His

average of 96 and strike rate of 144 are by far his best. All said, he has been out three times to Ashwin. This could make it a tantalising prospect for Samson to bring Ashwin on immediately with Miller at the crease.

While Miller has struck his 85 runs off Ashwin at 116, Royals won’t mind going for those many if it means Ashwin dismisses him again quickly.

(Cricinfo)

Junior Inter-County T20 tournament…

Demerara record easy win over Essequibo

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Demerara Captain Naomi Barkoye collecting the Player of the Match prize for her all-round performance, bagging 3-9 and scoring 28*

ction continued in the Junior Inter-County T20 tournament with Demerara Women’s U-19 duking it out with Essequibo Women’s U-19.

The one-sided affair saw Demerara Women’s U-19 storming to victory by 9 wickets at the Everest Cricket Club. Batting first, Essequibo were restricted to 98-6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Naomi Barkoye was instrumental with the ball as the bagged two

wickets in the opening overs, bamboozling both players. To make matters worse, she returned in her next over to pick up another wicket, to have Essequibo reeling at 9-3.

After the first three wickets fell, Essequibo were never the same as, one by one, wickets continued to tumble. Areah Ally added her name to the tally with two wickets to tighten things, drying up the flow of runs.

Added to the wickets tumbling, Demerara were successful in the fielding department, as they hardly missed an opportunity. At the end of the 20 overs, Essequibo could only muster 32 runs, at the expense of six wickets, but 39 wides and 27 no balls pushed the total to 98, giving them some hope and something to fight for.

Bowling for Demerara, Naomi Barkoye took 3-9, Areah Ally took 2-22 and Akeelah Eastman took 1-17.

Heading into the chase with just 98 required from 120 balls, Demerara were off to aflying start, and ended on 99-1 in 14.3 overs.

Aneesa Chetram was the first to go, But Barkoye and Melanie Dover held the fort and got their team over the line despite their slow scoring. Barkoye remained not out on 28 and Dover on 12, in addition to the 41 wides and 14 no balls from Essequibo.

Guyanese softball cricketers on show as ORSCA President’s Cup starts today

Anil Mahadeo

Dillon Heyliger

Devon Ramnauth

plethora of Canadabased Guyanese softball cricketers will be on show as the 2022 Ontario RoundArm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) 20 Overs Regular Season is set to get cracking from today at various venues across the Mississauga/Brampton Peel Region Areas. Teams will be vying for the President’s Cup Trophy.

Eight sides are in the Elite A division, while ten sides will be contesting in the Premier B Division. Captain of the Sunshine team, Anil Mahadeo, has expressed confidence that his boys would roar to glory again, after they had emerged champions last year in both the 20-over and 10-over categories.

They will be participating in the 15-over knockout competition as well.

A genuine all-rounder, Mahadeo has said his team is ready to churn out good performances and at the same time is anxious to get on the field.

“I am confident we can do well again this year. This obviously is the new beginning, but I think we have enough confidence to come out on top again,” Mahadeo explained.

There was no division in 2021, and Sunshine dominated proceedings from the commencement to the culmination, as they left the tournament unbeaten. In the 20-overs championship fixture, they got the better of Cambridge Jaguars, while they beat Masters for the 10-over trophy.

According to Mahadeo, they played with a great degree of positivity last year, and he and his lads are planning to repeat their sterling performance. “You have got to be positive when playing in a major tournament like this.

Winning two trophies in 2021 was just tremendous, but, obviously, we have to start all over again.

But the important thing is to keep the winning momentum,” Mahadeo declared.

Quizzed on what were some of the tricks to lift the trophy, Mahadeo responded: “As I said, it is about committed cricket. I think everyone contributed, and that was important. The effort was absolutely collective, and yes, we are heading into the competitions with the similar approach,” Mahadeo, who is righthanded in bowling and batting,

related. Sunshine will begin their season against former champion team Spartans at the Robert J Lee Public School ground, Brampton, from 09:00hrs. There will always be a sense of antagonism when facing former trophy holders, but Mahadeo is anticipating a keen contest.

Among the Canada-based Guyanese softball cricketers representing various teams are Damodar Daesrath, Shaun Deonandan, Royston Crandon, Azi Al Haniff, Troy Gobin, Zaheer Haniff, Rovendra Mandolall, Dillon Heyliger, Fazil Gani, Devon Ramnauth and Bobby Parasnauth.

A

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SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022

CWI Regional Four-Day...

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gudakesh Motie got through the defence of Lugg and Campbell in his first over

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

I

n what is described as batting paradise, the fourth round of the West Indies Regional Four-Day championships ended in a draw between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Jamaica Scorpions. In the match played at Diego Martin Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica ended on 271-6 after 80 overs, with players shaking hands at 16:18h.

This result meant that

Eagles' to all parts, with balls landing on different rooftops.

Gudakesh Motie was introduced from the Southern end, and he got pass the defence of both openers in his first over. While some deliveries kept low, the pitch was offering nothing for the bowlers. Lugg reached his half-century from 63 balls with consecutive fours from Demetri Cameron, who was using the short-ball ploy.

In Veerasammy Permaul's first over of the

Campbell looked surprised after he was given out

67 from 72 balls. His maiden half-century included six maximums and five fours.

The opening partnership yielded 105 runs. At lunch, Blackwood and Campbell took Scorpions to 111-1 after 27 overs, trailing by 80 runs at that stage.

In the afternoon session, Motie hit the right areas and bowled at a good pace.

Meanwhile, Blackwood and Campbell milked the bowling. The duo looked comfortable against Kevin Sinclair, dancing down the track and lifting him over his head.

Motie then forced Blackwood to play a false shot. He was caught at midon for 28, an innings that included five fours. Blackwood and Campbell added 64 runs together for the second wicket.

At 169-2, Oraine Williams partnered his skipper, Campbell, but the prob-

Motie, who was appealing almost every delivery for a leg-before, in that over.

Campbell looked comfortable but his partner, Paul Palmer was tentative at the initial stage of his innings.

He was dropped at first slip

by Leon Johnson. Campbell reached the nervous nineties and was dropped by Akshaya Persaud on 94 off Motie. He eventually played back and across and was trapped in front for 98 from 155 balls in-

John Campbell failed to convert his 22nd halfcentury to his seventh first-class century

Guyana Harpy Eagles chances of winning the title is of the slimmest of margins, as Barbaods Pride and Leeward Islands recorded thumping fourth round wins in their respective matches.

On day four, Scorpions captain and opener John Campbell missed out on a century, scoring 98 while Leroy Lugg made his maiden half-century to highlight the final day.

The day began with Guyana Harpy Eagles declaring overnight on 5847, with a lead of 191 runs.

Jamaica Scorpions openers, Campbell and Lugg came and pulled the plug, scoring runs at ease in batting paradise. In the first hour of the day, Jamaica scored 56 runs without loosing a wicket.

The duo clubbed the Harpy

Leroy Lugg slammed 67

day, Lugg, who was loose in his defense missed a straight ball and he was bowled for

ing Motie trapped Williams at the crease for one. The build-up was perfect from

SCOREBOARD JAMAICA 2ND INNINGS John Campbell lbw b Permaul 98 Leroy Lugg b Permaul 67 Jermaine Blackwood c Paul b Motie 28 Oraine Williams lbw b Motie 1 Paul Palmer c Johnson b Paul 26 Alwyn Williams c Imlach b Permaul 26 Derval Green not out 10 Aldane Thomas not out 4 TOTAL (6 wickets, 80.0) (11 extras) 271

31

FOW: 105/1 (22.3) Leroy Lugg 169/2 (40.2) Jermaine Blackwood 175/3 (44.6) Oraine Williams 207/4 (55.1) John Campbell 248/5 (74.5) Alwyn Williams 252/6 (75.6) Paul Palmer BOWLING Keemo Paul (10-0-36-1) Kevin Sinclair (15-4-74-0) Demetri Cameron (5-2-18-0) Gudakesh Motie (22-5-73-2) Veerasammy Permaul (28-7-61-3)

Compliments of

cluding 11 fours and one six.

Paul Palmer and Alwyn Williams then came and ensured no further hiccups taking Jamaica to 216-4 at tea with a lead of 25 runs. The Harpy Eagles were not sharp in the field but the wickets came after some accurate bowling. Permaul ended the 41-run stand when he removed Alwyn Williams caught behind at 248-5. Four runs later, Palmer was removed for 26, edging one be-

hind off a good Paul delivery.

Derval Green and Aldane Thomas were unbeaten on 10 and four respectively when both teams shook hands, and held out for a draw.

Permaul was the pick of the bowlers with 3-61 from 28 overs, including seven maidens. The Guyana Harpy Eagles will now play Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from June 1 at Queens Park Oval in the fifth and final round.

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

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI Regional Four-Day...

Pg 31

Campbell played some elegant shots

Blu Water Girls’ U15 league to commence soon

…RMAs receive equipment

T

he Blue Water Shipping Girls U n d e r - 1 5 Developmental football league is expected to commence soon, with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) presenting a complement of equipment to representatives of its 9 Regional Member Associations (RMAs), which will be utilised to train for

Training Centre, Providence on Saturday afternoon, President Wayne Forde spoke of the reach that the tournament would have, and the magnitude of its importance to the development of female players.

“We are creating history. Over the next couple of weeks and months, for the first time in Guyana’s 120

GFF’s Wayne Forde and Blue Water’s Richard DeNobrega are surrounded by some of the country’s Under-15 players

valuable life skills will be learned throughout their experience in this beautiful game,” Forde told the gathering on Saturday afternoon.

About the intended reach Representatives of the RMAs receiving their equipment for the U15 League

and run the developmental league.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the developmental league was inked back in February of this year by the GFF and Blue Water, and will feature club, RMAs, and possibly even school teams participating.

During the launch, at the GFF’s National

years of existence, we will have 1000s of young girls in the Under-15 category learning the fine art of football.

These young women will be given an opportunity to play consistently, and to discover for themselves where they have the ability to play and to play well,” he said.

“But playing well is not the only reason why we want them to be involved in foot-

A look at an Under- 15 exhibition game in which Blue Water’s Richard DeNobrega got involved

ball. We want them to be in football because many, many

of the tournament, he said,

“It is so important as we implement our mission here in Guyana that we recognise the importance of making football accessible to all of our young people. And that is why this tournament will be played across every region in this country. We will have Blue Water U15 games being played in Region One, Region Nine, Region Ten, Region Five, Region Six, across the entire area, 83,000 square miles.

“This is the mandate that we have from FIFA, and I believe Blue Water, as an enduring partner, is giving us the necessary support we need to deliver on that mandate. I want to use this occasion to say, ‘thank you’ to the management of Blue Water.”

Blue Water’ Country Manager Richard DeNobrega expressed hopes of witnessing an impactful tournament that will blossom bright futures for the young ladies participating.

“Our role is insignificant compared to the role these young ladies will play in not only the football fraternity, but in the role of the entire country. What we do within partnership with the Federation is to encourage, as Wayne rightly mentioned, the team spirit of football to transcend and to go in these young ladies to have a future, and also to make our country even better than it already is,” DeNobrega said.

“We’re happy to be here.

This is about football.”

(Jemima Holmes)

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