Guyana Times -- Tuesday, April 13, 2021

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4616

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

PRICE

COVID-19 COVID -19 pandemic

“Your actions will impact other persons’ lives” – President tells reckless persons ...3 more die, death toll now 258

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Multinational security exercise to be held in P10 Guyana …to prepare nations for natural disasters; land, maritime threats

See stories on pages 3 & 10

…30,000 additional vaccines arrive La Soufrière volcano

Guyana mobilises 350 tonnes of supplies for St Vincent relief Page 12

…shipment leaves today Linden poisoning

6-monthold fed poison by mother dies See story on page 7

Electoral fraud charges

P7 Give up “illegitimate Govt” narrative – Ali tells Harmon to face reality …urges him to be a responsible Opposition Leader

See story on page 2

Lawrence, Mingo, Joseph plead not guilty

Bel Air woman wanted for P11 operating pyramid scheme

Missing Guyanese in The Bahamas

Men feared dead after boat capsized while illegally entering US

See story on page 13

“Short Boss” confesses to gunning down mason at P12 Sophia party Labourer remanded for grabbing city Policewoman’s P10 breast

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Electoral fraud charges Lawrence, Mingo, Joseph plead not guilty

C

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan has ruled that the electoral fraud charges against Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Volda Lawrence, embattled Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, and APNU/AFC’s activist Carol Joseph will be disposed of summarily.

In effect, this means that the cases will be tried in the Magistrates’ Courts. As a result of the Chief Magistrate’s ruling, Lawrence, Mingo, and Joseph have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

They were instructed to return to court on June 11, 2021, for disclosure of statements.

After then, the Chief Magistrate will set a date to begin their trial.

Previously, their lawyer, Nigel Hughes had laid over submissions request-

Charged: Embattled Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo

ing that the charges against his client remain indictable.

This would have entailed the Magistrate conducting a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to com-

mit the trio to stand trial at the High Court.

Lawrence was slapped with two charges of conspiracy to commit fraud at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. She was placed on bail. Joseph is charged jointly with Mingo for forgery. They, too, have been placed on bail.

In February, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly ruled that a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) will be conducted into the two counts of misconduct in public office against Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers. This was after she upheld submissions by Hughes for the charges to remain indictable.

Myers was not required to plead to the indictable charges which stated that, during the period March 4 and 14, 2020, she wilfully misconducted her-

Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence

self in declaring fraudulent results for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

She has been placed on $300,000 bail in relation

to both charges. Given the magnitude of the allegations levelled against Mingo, Myers, Lawrence, Joseph, and Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, their lawyers are contending that the best forum for the matters is in the High Court.

Lowenfield is facing three counts of forgery and three counts of misconduct in public office. He has been placed on $300,000 bail. There are also electoral fraud charges against GECOM clerks Denise Bob-Cummings and Michelle Miller and GECOM Elections Officer Shefern February and Information Technology Officer Enrique Livan. They, too, have been released on bail.

Lowenfield’s report claimed that the APNU/ AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes while the PPP/C gained 166,343 votes.

How he arrived at those figures are still unknown.

The certified results from the recount exercise supervised by GECOM and a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with

APNU/AFC activist Carol Joseph

233,336 votes while the coalition garnered 217,920.

The recount exercise also proved that Mingo heavily inflated the figures in Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting District – in favour of the then caretaker APNU/AFC regime.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has hired a team of lawyers to prosecute these cases on the State’s behalf. (G1)

Teen charged for snatching phone

E

ighteen-year-old Shamar King of James and Barr Streets Albouystown, Georgetown, was on Monday granted bail in the sum of $60,000 for the charge of robbery with violence.

King made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he denied the charge.

The charge read by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan stated that on April 8, King, while on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, in the company of others, robbed Ivelaw Jacobs of one Samsung Galaxy AZ valued at $34,000. It is further alleged that after the robbery, King used violence against the Virtual Complainant.

Meanwhile, the Police prosecutor told the court that on April 8, the Virtual Complainant and the teen were involved in an accident.

He explained that at the time of the accident, King was riding a motorcy-

cle along with a pillion rider, while Jacobs was driving a motor car. When the accident occurred, the defendant reportedly demanded that the VC make repairs to his motorcycle. However, when Jacobs refused, an argument ensued between the two.

The prosecutor added that King allegedly pulled the VC out of his car and dealt him several cuffs about his body. He then reached into Jacobs’s car and picked up the man’s cellphone.

The scuffle subsequently came to an end when Jacobs signalled a passing mobile patrol. Ranks reportedly intervened and arrested King.

Meanwhile, the pillion rider made good his escape with the VC’s phone before Police intervened.

As a condition for bail King has to report to the East La Penitence Station once per week until the conclusion of the case.

The matter has been adjourned to April 19.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 13 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Wednesday, April 14 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 13 – 17:15h – 18:45h and Wednesday, April 14 – 05:05h – 06:35h.

COVID-19 pandemic

“Your actions will impact other persons’ lives” – President tells reckless persons

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and sunny intervals during the day. There will be clear skies during the night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 17:29h reaching a maximum height of 2.68 metres.

Low Tide: 11:04h and 23:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.45 metre and 0.58 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Change %

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$63.28/barrel

+0.52

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USD Per Ounce

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$1734.90

$1735.90

Low/High Change

$1727.00 +2.20

$1746.20 +0.13%

President Irfaan Ali

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday reprimanded Guyanese for the reckless behaviour displayed during the current coronavirus pandemic, where flouting of the national measures and guidelines persists despite the law enforcement crackdown.

Speaking during an interview with media operatives, the Head of State questioned whether citizens place any value on their lives or realise the implications which their irresponsible behaviour could have on others.

“Guyanese have to understand this is not a joke.

This is their lives they’re playing with. You can’t put your life in the hands of the Task Force. You have to have value for your life. If you don’t understand that your life has a value, then at least understand that your actions will impact other persons’ lives and appreciate the value that other people place to their lives.”

Recently, the Joint Services would have rounded up scores of persons in buses after they attended social gatherings beyond curfew hours and disregarded the guidelines. The President rapped these individuals for their conduct and others on social media who failed to comprehend the gravity of these incidents.

He lamented, “It is time for us to understand that sometimes we have to take responsibility and this is a case and a scenario in which we have to exercise that. If you look at the army bus the other night, I see responsible people sharing this on social media like it is some big joke. The reckless behaviour in that bus…What they were behaving with in that bus is reckless.”

Within weeks, law enforcement has stepped up its response to ensure that the guidelines are followed and have been more stringent in their strategies. Ali indicated that the only possible alternative is to process persons through the judicial system for these offences.

“We have really stepped up. The Task Force is doing a good job. They are out there every night until 3-4

hours in the morning but people have a responsibility too…You would have seen that we would have stepped up tremendously. The Task Force has been doing more patrols. They’re more aggressive and the only other thing now is to have the courts sentencing people.”

Guyanese were urged yet again to take the pandemic seriously, as arresting persons would also strain the Police stations’ limited capacity to ensure all measures are followed.

President Ali advised, “This thing can only be managed if we are all responsible and we have to act in a responsible way. If the Police pick up 300 persons and take them to the station, then you have another problem because you will go there and overcrowd the station and we’ll have more difficulties. At the end of the day, we have to act as a collective. We are behaving sometimes as if this pandemic doesn’t exist.”

Anyone who fails to comply with the national measures commits an offence under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty under that section.

Last weekend, 21 persons were arrested for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines. A total of 12 persons were arrested at Mabaruma, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini), while the others were arrested at Vergenoegen, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

On Easter Monday a

“Guyanese have to understand this is not a joke. This is their lives they’re playing with.

You can’t put your life in the hands of the Task Force. You have to have value for your life. If you don’t understand that your life has a value, then at least understand that your actions will impact other persons’ lives and appreciate the value that other people place to their lives.” number of Essequibians were caught in large gatherings and were arrested for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines. The violators were arrested at Adventure Resort, Lake Mainstay Resort, Golden Fleece and Capoey Lake.

Also, 40 persons were arrested during a COVID-19 patrol operation along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Police said those persons were also in breach of the COVID-19 restrictions at the Boat House Bar at Land of Canaan, EBD. Additionally, 27 persons were arrested sometime last week after they were found gathering at the Homme Hospitality Hotel and Bar. They were later placed on

cash bail, pending court appearances.

Reports also revealed that some 23 persons were arrested at the Sleep-In Hotel, located on Church Street, 20 at the Altitude Bar on Sandy Babb Street, and, 31 at the Kairos Bar on Charlotte Street. Those arrests were also made sometime last week.

In March, popular music selector Negus Mcfarlane known as “Selector Seen Up” and two other men were sentenced to perform 40 hours of community service at D’Urban Park in Georgetown after they appeared in court and pleaded guilty to hosting a party, thereby breaching the gazetted COVID-19 orders.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 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

Acting responsibly

A

s health authorities continue to plead with Guyanese to adhere to the national COVID-19 guidelines, there seems to be no heed by many citizens as to the danger they are exposing themselves and other persons when they continue to blatantly disregard these rules.

On Monday, the Head of State himself condemned persons for their reckless behaviour in breaching the COVID-19 guidelines thus endangering the lives of others while urging that persons act in a responsible manner. To quote him: “It is time for us to understand that sometimes we have to take responsibility and this is a case and a scenario in which we have to exercise that.”

Since the beginning of this year, the COVID-19 cases and death toll continue to consistently increase. As of Monday, the death toll was 258. What is noteworthy is that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has finally begun to up its enforcement of the national curfew and guidelines, which were put in place to help curb the spread of the deadly virus. This comes after much criticism of the lack of enforcement by the Police to help health authorities manage the execution of these guidelines.

While for many months law enforcement officers have been dispersing crowds, not many persons were charged for breaching the guidelines. However, over the weekend, Police ranks swooped down on private parties, gatherings and many social events. Only recently also, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said that Guyanese have dropped their guard in taking precautions and following national guidelines to protect themselves from COVID-19 and called on law enforcement to impose stricter penalties for violations. He had also pointed to the level of complacency currently seen which is contributing to rising cases.

There is no doubt non-adherence to precautions as outlined by health officials has reached an all-time high, and there is need for stricter enforcement. Every day, persons are just going about their daily routine as if they are not bothered at all about COVID-19 and its deadly effect.

We have supported, and continue to support, the move

by Government to make it mandatory for persons to wear masks while out in public, which was implemented since August 2020. Authorities have made it clear that it is not the Government’s intention to have persons locked up or fined for not wearing a mask while out in public. However, now that law enforcement is getting tough for adherence to the guidelines, this is one of the areas where they also need to ensure full compliance.

Of note, too, is that even in cases where persons choose to wear a mask, they do not do so properly. Face masks should cover the nose, mouth, and chin. When not in use, the mask should be safely stowed away or discarded, and not be placed on any other part of the face or neck.

Mandatory mask-wearing and other preventative measures: handwashing/sanitising and social distancing are the key measures to halt the severe impact of COVID-19.

With COVID-19 in Guyana, the Government, along with the various health partners, has wasted no time in stepping up the national response to contain the spread of the virus.

However, citizens also have a role to play, and they must take that role seriously, or else the country will not be able to win the battle to control the virus.

The fact is, once the health guidelines to contain the spread of the virus are not taken seriously by citizens, the infection rates will continue to climb, and the country would take even longer before it could be fully reopened. This, we know, would have severe economic and social impacts on the country.

We support President Dr Irfaan Ali when he said: “Guyanese have to understand this is not a joke. This is their lives they’re playing with. You can’t put your life in the hands of the Task Force. You have to have value for your life. If you don’t understand that your life has a value, then at least understand that your actions will impact other persons’ lives and appreciate the value that other people place to their lives.”

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Monday received a miniature model of the Bell 412 EPI helicopter, which Guyana received in March. The model was presented by Commanding Officer of the Guyana Defence Force Air Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Courtney Byrne, on behalf of Bell (Office of the President photo)

Laudable prompt response to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines

Dear Editor, CIOG commends His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and the Government of Guyana for their prompt response to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This is a laud-

able initiative to our sister Caricom nation.

Disasters are a part of life, a test for those afflicted and a test of response for those who are saved from the disaster.

Guyana and Guyanese

have always been recognised for their generosity.

We pray that God Almighty bless the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines with the

strength of faith, unity and courage. May He grant them relief and protect them and their property.

Sincerely, Gulzar Namdar President (ag)

Supportive of Minister Hamilton’s thrust to bring OSH compliance

Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has noted, through media reports, the several visits to workplaces by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton in recent weeks. From what we saw, it appeared that the Minister was very disturbed by the apparent nonchalant attitude in abiding with statutory Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) obligations by certain employers. Indeed, this has been a soaring issue for quite some time and one which we believe became precariously worse when the former Labour Ministry was downgraded to a Department by the former Government and scant attention was paid to workers’ rights.

It appears that the Ministry, under the leadership of Minister Hamilton, has roared back to life. It

is now seeking to right the wrongs that have been perpetuated for far too long against unwitting workers.

The Federation, for its part, is supportive of every and any effort that seeks to ensure workers benefit from, at the very least, their lawful rights. There can be no excuse or rationale that can convince us that workers should receive anything less.

We recognise that the Minister has allowed employers a chance to put themselves in order. We, however, do not share similar views. The Federation contends that employers ought to be well aware of their obligations outlined in the OSH Act. It should not escape our attention that the OSH legislation has been on the Statute Book for almost quarter of a century now. There is no convincing rationale for ignorance. It is

our concerted view that delinquent employers ought to face the full force of the law given their seeming reckless attitude adopted. There undoubtedly is a need to send a strong and clear message.

At the same time, we recognise that the penalties outlined by the Act are hardly much of a deterrent and there is an urgent need for amendment. The Federation recognised too that the Minister had indicated that relevant amendments were being prepared to correct the situation. We are hopeful this will be sooner than later.

We urge the Minister to continue his visits as we express our willingness to accompany him. The FITUG has heard that there are some employers, some under the nose of the Ministry, being allowed a free reign.

We urge the Minister and the Ministry to also visit

these workplaces and to look at all breaches within the gamut of labour legislations.

We also believe that there is need for a revamping of the Ministry. We did see Minister Hamilton speaking about the expansion in the cadre of labour officers, this is a welcome first step. But such officers must be knowledgeable and competent to identify and arrest breaches of the workers’ rights. At the same time, the law must have teeth to deter the recklessness of some employers.

Indeed, for far too long unorganised workers have seen their rights attracting little attention. This is a situation that is not in the interest of those workers and the country as a whole.

Sincerely, Federation Independent Unions of (FITUG)

of Trade Guyana

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

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

Agriculture is pivotal to our development (Pt 2) Dear Editor, In a definitive way, oil exploitation has taken over the economic landscape of Guyana, so say the experts in economic development.

Their analysis is based on the fact that oil has the capacity to develop any country overnight, simply put, your GDP will grow exponentially in a short space of time. Nevertheless, we cannot hide from the reality of it that oil is an exhaustible resource and at

some time down the road, the wells will run dry. As an extractive industry, there is always the possibility of this resource becoming exhausted, a prime example is our sister Caricom nation of Trinidad where oil is no longer a major industry, but has been taken over by natural gas.

So, it is imperative that we take an in-depth look at some of the more permanent resources that this country is blessed with. In this

regard Guyana must place much more emphasis on agriculture, that is, to fortify that which already exists and diversify into other areas in the agro-business field.

It is an established fact that to be successful in agriculture you must have the two main resources available, I am talking about the two most important aspects of agricultural development, the availability of arable land and a healthy supply of

Musings of desperation, clutching at straws

Dear Editor, I read with great astonishment the letter captioned, “If gas to shore is that good, then give Guyanese the goods on it” by GHK Lall carried in the April 8 edition of the Kaieteur News. I am one known to be respectful of my elders and it would not be nice of me to say that his letter has the ramblings and musings of someone who is mentally unfit to be taken seriously. Mr Lall appears to be clutching at straws when one understands the real focus of his intended attack. As I often hear my mom admonishing me, “there is a method to the madness”. I wholeheartedly agree, however, when he said his view is “distant… limited”. I might add, it is not scholastic or academic, to say the least when referring to the Government’s energy projects.

Firstly, it was under the Low Carbon Development Strategy that the idea of using solar panels got widespread acceptance as a means of cleaner renewable energy. This led to the Bharrat Jagdeo Government rolling it out in the far-flung hinterland regions and areas in Guyana. This was continued by issuing and gifting solar panels to communities before pushing for their usage to become more residential and commercial.

This should not be confused or mixed up with the gas-to-shore energy project when comparing benefits in terms of sector. As local Financial Analyst Joel Bhagwandin puts it, “The Government’s transformative gas-to-shore project is underway and is set to be completed by 2023. The main objective is to transport sufficient gas from the Stabroek Block’s petroleum operations to supply some 200-250 megawatts of energy to the national grid, leading to a significant reduction in electricity costs”.

He reasoned, just to school Mr Lall, “Reducing

the cost of energy would not only make the country more competitive in terms of we could export more, with the objective of having a trade balance surplus, but we will also save foreign exchange because we spend more than $500 million a year to import fuel”.

And finally said “So, if the gas-to-shore would mean that we will get cheaper electricity, we will be pushing industrialisation and reduce manufacturers’ costs.

It also means we are going to save about $250 million or more in fuel import”.

So Mr Jagdeo has our interests at heart when he is pursuing this project from all fronts. The challenges faced by the projects are not insurmountable to dissuade them from being pursued to the fullest. He has shown that with the right skill set and policy direction,

anything is accomplishable.

Mr Jagdeo is not getting any drawback or side deal to what he does for the project as a VP in the Government.

He understands how the energy, gas, and oil sectors work as opposed to the last Government, which did not.

Guyana has the right skills and policies to move forward into the future.

It is men like the writer of the musing in the Kaieteur News, and the policy of Kaieteur News of itself that point to “dangerous and dark times” ahead because jealousy trumps the facts, and suspicion overrules their good judgement.

I am confident that Guyana will be safe and the renewable energy projects (both) are in safe hands.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

rainfall, these are two natural resources that Guyana is blessed with and if utilised wisely will bring about untold wealth and development to our country. We can now move on to greater things such as maximising production to its fullest extent.

In the established crop areas of sugar and rice, these have served us well over the years with copious supply for the local market as well as for export.

With respect to sugar, rum and molasses we have a few things goings for us at present. Firstly, we have the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which is a free trade agreement cooperation area with developing Third World Countries.

Here we have uninterrupted market access to the United Kingdom for our traditional crops of which Guyana is the largest producer. Our position becomes more enhanced as the United Kingdom exits the European Union, this means that Europe’s loss will be our gain as we maximise our exports to Britain.

Hitherto under the sugar protocol Britain’s good relations with former colonies we can now again get back into the family of relations as we improve production and exports.

We can expand and improve on our traditional crops such as plantains, eddoes and dasheen, oranges, sweet and sour oranges. I would add cherries to the last-named crop, as this creates a natural boost to the natural juices production. Lemons, limes, sour-

sop and golden apple (dwarf variety) which is an all year round producer will also add a spike to the organic juices list.

Pumpkins, corn, bora and string beans are aimed for expansion. Soya bean and sorghum are areas we can explore and possibly expand on. Sorghum which is a newcomer to this list has the potential of doing well in Guyana.

Mangoes and pineapple production still holds a niche in the agro market, as well as avocado pears.

There are so many by-products that can be had from the humble avocado pear.

Ginger, hot peppers and turmeric still carry the day as we seek out areas for rapid expansion.

Other traditional plants grown here but not on a commercial scale are aloes and tulsi. The last-named crop holds far superior health benefits. These crops can be processed and packaged for the export market.

Another crop with very valuable ethnomedicinal qualities is moringa. This crop which comes from the Tamil

word murungai is used for many centuries in the subcontinent for its medicinal and health benefits, among these are antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant and anti-inflammatory qualities.

My list is by no means exhaustive and there are many other crop areas we can successfully tap into.

You may also have observed that I did not make mention of animal husbandry areas we can get into, this I shall take up in a subsequent presentation.

Guyana is sitting on a gold mine, I am not talking about the ore that exists under the ground, but that which lies above.

Agriculture, if explored in its truest sense, can bring benefits which will redound to the overall development and progress of our nation We are in good hands under the capable hands of Minister Mustapha, who is qualified and a man who has a passion for the industry.

Let us give him our staunchest support.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

Monday’s answers

By Kamau Brathwaite

But today I recapture the islands' bright beaches: blue mist from the ocean rolling into the fishermen's houses.

By these shores I was born: sound of the sea came in at my window, life heaved and breathed in me then with the strength of that turbulent soil.

Since then I have travelled: moved far from the beaches: sojourned in stoniest cities, walking the lands of the north in sharp slanting sleet and the hail, crossed countless saltless savannas and come to this house in the forest where the shadows oppress me and the only water is rain and the tepid taste of the river.

(i) Please insert into table 23 |||| (i)

23 –25 v 25 – viii 26 –26 ii

5|||| ||| 8 2||

5 8 2

(ii) 24.5 degrees Celsuis (iii) 24.1 degrees Celsuis

Map maker

I

n Guyana, we have so many beautiful and amazing places. Places that have meaning to all of us as citizens, places that are geographically stunning, and places that have personal meaning to us as individuals and smaller communities — towns our ancestors emigrated from, places our friends and relatives live now, favorite vacation spots, town monuments, libraries, ball fields, all kinds of special places.

Make a map with at least 10 locations (Grades K-5) or 20 locations (Grades 6-12) that are important to you.

And we don't just want you to show us the places on a map; we also want you to tell us what these special places are and why they are important to you, so remember to add labels to the points on your map.

You may draw your map or use software. There are several free online application you can use — Google Earth (for mapping) and TimeGlider (for timelines). Note:

We who are born of the ocean can never seek solace in rivers: their flowing runs on like our longing, reproves us our lack of endeavour and purpose, proves that our striving will founder on that.

We resent them this wisdom, this freedom: passing us toiling, waiting and watching their cunning declension down to the sea.

But today I would join you, travelling river, borne down the years of your patientest flowing, past pains that would wreck us, sorrows arrest us, hatred that washes us up on the flats; and moving on through the plains that receive us, processioned in tumult, come to the sea.

Bright waves splash up from the rocks to refresh us, blue sea-shells shift in their wake and there is the thatch of the fishermen's houses, the path made of pebbles, and look!

Small urchins combing the beaches look up from their traps to salute us: they rememer us just as we left them.

The fisherman, hawking the surf on this side of the reef, stands up in his boat and halloos us: a starfish lies in its pool.

And gulls, white sails slanted seaward, fly into the limitless morning before us.

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

WORD SEARCH Google Earth requires installation on your computer.

(Adapted from startwithabook.org)

7 Give up “illegitimate Govt” narrative – Ali tells Harmon to face reality NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…urges him to be a responsible Opposition Leader

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has urged the Opposition Leader, who has consistently claimed that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government is illegitimate despite it winning the 2020 elections by 15,416 votes, to give up his false narrative and be a responsible Opposition Leader.

President Ali made this statement on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of the eight Local Government Commissioners (LGC) on Monday. He was asked about the process for the appointment of the LGC. According to him, he has personally not consulted with the Opposition Leader and knows from his utterances that his baseless comments against the Government remain unchanged.

President Irfaan Ali

“Mr Harmon has consistently repeated, since our last conversation, the same narrative about his feelings about the Government. So

that hasn’t changed… on more than one occasion I’ve made it clear. My role as President is to engage every Guyanese and stakeholder in the development of our country and the advancement of the lives of our people,” President Ali said.

According to the President, it is necessary for the Government to engage with stakeholders who will not act in bad faith. He urged the Opposition Leader to desist from the false narrative he perpetuates that the PPP is not the legitimate Government.

“There’s no compromise on that. But as I said in that engagement, there must be an acknowledgement that you’re dealing with a partner who, one, has great clarity in his own head that he’s

dealing with someone he respects as the Government and two, he acknowledges as the Government.”

“What I would say is that Mr Harmon needs to get off this narrative that he’s comforted himself with for far too long, face the reality and act in a manner that is befitting the citizens of Guyana and puts Guyana and the people first. And if he does so, he will immediately correct his statements. And I put the challenge out to him,” Ali said.

The President has previously said that he would not engage with the Opposition Leader if he continues to undermine the legitimacy of the Government. While Harmon has said he is prepared to meet with Ali in the national interest, he has also main-

Linden poisoning

6-month-old fed poison by mother dies

Dead: Six-month-old Malique Newton

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ne day after the passing of his mother, six-month-old Malique Newton who was fed a poisonous substance succumbed while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The toddler died at about 05:00h in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The now dead toddler and his eight-year-old sister were fed the poisonous substance by their mother, 24-year-old Temicia Sampson at their Phase

1B, Wisroc Squatting Area home. After feeding the children the substance, she reportedly ingested same.

On Thursday last, Sampson and her children were taken to the hospital after consuming the poisonous substance.

The three were immediately admitted, with the mother’s condition being listed as critical. It was reported that the woman showed no sign of improvement and never regained consciousness. She died at

Dead: Temecia Sampson

about 00:22h on Sunday morning in the Intensive Care Unit of the Linden Hospital Complex.

In April 2018, 25-yearold Hofoswana Awena Rutherford killed her two children by poisoning them with carbon tablets The woman was subsequently sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh to 98 years’ imprisonment on two counts

of manslaughter.

On the first count, the killing of four-yearold Hodascia Cadogan, Rutherford was sentenced to 45 years’ jail; while on the second count, the killing of one-year-old Jabari Cadogan, she was ordered to serve 53 years’ jail time.

Rutherford had collapsed on the floor when the 12-member jury unanimously found her guilty on both counts on March 15, 2018.

The jury believed the State’s evidence that the mother had given each of her children half of a tablet of aluminium phosphide (rat poison) on March 27, 2014, at Supply Branch Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

tained his non-recognition of the PPP Government.

Persons, including prominent Guyanese-Canadian Attorney-at-Law Selwyn Pieters, have called on the Guyana Government and Opposition to find ways of working together for the betterment of the country. In public statements on the issue, however, Pieters has recognised that this cannot happen if the Opposition continues to refer to the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration as “illegal”.

According to Pieters, who was an election observer at the contentious March 2 polls and had spoken out against the blatant attempts to “frustrate” the tabulation process of the Region Four votes, it is time to move on.

In the aftermath of the controversial five-monthlong elections last year, a number of high-ranking Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials have been investigated by the Police and charged for misconduct in public office

and forgery.

They include Lowenfield, who on October 12, 2020, was slapped with six charges by the Police relating to forgery and misconduct in public office pertaining to his alleged role in the attempts to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The CEO is being accused of attempting to undermine the will of the people by repeatedly refusing to submit the verified results from the National Recount to Chair of GECOM, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, for a final declaration.

The National Recount exercise showed that the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes. But Lowenfield had repeatedly refused to submit his final elections report with those figures, despite being so directed by the GECOM Chair on several occasions.

However, he did submit unverified figures that would have given APNU/AFC the win.

Lowenfield eventually complied, paving the way for the declaration and subsequent swearing-in of the new Government on August 2, 2020 – five months after elections were held. Also before the courts are Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers.

Following the elections and its attendant controversies, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) scrutinising team had recommended a political audit into the functioning of GECOM. President Ali has previously said that persons for the CoI could come from Caricom, the Commonwealth or the Organisation of American States (OAS). (G3)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Crum-Ewing’s murder

State to call 7 more witnesses in “Grey Boy” trial

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he remaining seven prosecution witnesses will testify on Tuesday when the trial of 45-yearold Regan Rodrigues, called “Grey Boy” who is accused of the March 10, 2015 murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing continues before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury.

On Monday, Rodrigues appeared virtually from prison at the High Court in Demerara. State Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Tyra Bakker presented a murder indictment against him for CrumEwing’s murder which occurred at Third Avenue Diamond, East Bank Demerara. The accused has pleaded not guilty.

According to reports, 40-year-old Crum-Ewing, a father of three, was gunned down while he was encouraging residents in the area to vote at the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

It was reported that

Dead: Courtney Crum-Ewing

Crum-Ewing’s motionless body was found with gunshot wounds to the temple, back of the head, and stomach.

The Police in a statement had said that the political activist was accosted by four men in a car, one of whom discharged several rounds, hitting him about the body.

It was reported that the killer(s) used a .32 pistol to execute him. When Rodrigues’ trial commenced

Monday, Police officers Dwayne Harvey and Devon Bowen were among those called to testify.

Harvey, a Sergeant of Police, told the jury that he was present when a party of Police ranks carried out a search on the murder accused’s home located at Riverview, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, where they discovered narcotics and an illegal gun, and several rounds of ammunition.

According to Sergeant Harvey, Rodrigues was told by a rank that he was being arrested for possession of illegal arms and ammunition and subsequently cautioned to which he replied, “Officer give me a chance nah! I can’t turn in this gun, this gun do nuff things.”

The Police witness recounted that Rodrigues was arrested and escorted out of the house during which he pushed the arresting rank aside, jumped into the

Murder accused: Regan Rodrigues called “Grey Boy”

Demerara River, and made good his escape. He said that a rank gave chase behind Rodrigues but was unable to apprehend him.

Sergeant Harvey added that the arresting rank took possession of the illegal firearm and ammunition and took them to the Ruimveldt Police Station where they were lodged and the necessary records made.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Playing with fire...

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...on UN vote he PNC keep complaining they don’t get a fair shot at presenting their views inside and outside of Guyana.

Most recently LOO Joseph Harmon – with his doormat Ramjattan in tow –- ran to the US Ambassador to make this charge. What the dyspeptic duo didn’t say was that they’ve been using their supporters and camp followers on social media so ubiquitously that the reach of their propaganda far exceeds what the PPP might be putting out.

Take the calumny they spread about our Ambassador to the UN, Carolyn Birkett, not voting for the resolution entitled: “A global call for concrete action for the elimination of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.” This canard was taken up and used as another stick to beat up on the Government that it’s “racist”.

This has been the PNC’s line from the moment they were forced by the international community to quit their nonsense about winning the elections on the cocked-up Mingo figures. Every initiative of the PPP was greeted by the charge, “Racist!!” Even taking Lowenfield, Mingo, Myers and the other riggers from the GECOM Secretariat was “racist”!

Now at some (jaded and cynical) level, one can say they’re “just playing politics” – as they’ve done since they were launched in 1958.

But on miscategorising the UN vote, they’ve crossed a line that’s been steadfastly defended since independence: that local partisanship shouldn’t be taken outside our borders. When it came to our image abroad, we were always as one. Until now. But the irony is, Ambassador Birkett didn’t just vote for the resolution, but she actually INTRODUCED it!

Guyana was the Chair of the Group of 77 and China and as the main sponsor of the resolution, jointly with South Africa, facilitated and lobbied for the negotiations in the Third Committee!!

And in recognition of those efforts, Birkett actually was chosen to speak on the resolution on behalf of the African and Caribbean nations – an unprecedented honour for us! Now, why would the PNC stoop so low as to pull our country down in the eyes of allies in the UN? Some might want to excuse them by saying they went along with the automatic generated screen showing the votes on the resolution. But this isn’t authoritative. If they’d bothered to check the official tally, they would’ve seen that Guyana was in the “for” column and not in the “against” or “abstained” ones.

But this just shows how far the PNC are prepared to go: domestically, they were willing to precipitate ethnic violence on WC Berbice.

And now trying to strip away our “south” allies! Wankers! ... on race and racism One of the points Ambassador Birkett had made to the Group of 77 and China was that this year marked the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration against “Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance” – with its Programme of Action for addressing same. She pointed out: “It constitutes a holistic agenda that encompasses measures to improve education and awareness, to fight poverty and marginalisation, and to secure inclusive development. Its relevance is further strengthened by the recognised nexus between combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

And it is this agenda that the PNC are afraid of. They know that in the 23 years of PPP governance post 1992, the former performed heroically to reverse the “racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance” they’d practised in the preceding 28 years of illegal rule. And they know upon investigation for the Durban Declaration’s anniversary observance, they’d repeated all these sins between 2015 and 2020.

The PNC’s racism is endemic. ...on PNC’s non-recognition Some are pushing for President Ali to engage LOO Harmon – even though the latter refuses to recognise the legitimacy of the President’s Government, So, we should also reject the “innocent till proven guilty” rule?

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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Central Govt will not meddle with functioning of LGC – President

…8 new Commissioners sworn in

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali has signalled the importance of a functional Local Government system that integrates professionalism and efficiency, as Guyana takes on a path of unprecedented economic and social growth.

He was speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for new Commissioners of the Local Government Commission on Monday at the Office of the President in the presence of Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Local Government Minister, Nigel Dharamlall and Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Anand Persaud.

New Commissioners of the Local Government Commission are Clinton Collymore, Carol Sooba, Norman Whittaker, Carvil Duncan, Julius Faerber, Clement Corlette, Joan Romascindo and Nicola Trotman – all of whom will serve a three-year term.

Ali explained that as Guyana sets itself in motion for tremendous economic and social growth, the Local Government system must take up the mantle of ensuring efficiency to aid this transformation.

“Guyana’s continuous economic development over the next decade is expected to result in economic and social transformation at all levels of our society, of which Local Government organs

President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall share a photo moment with the new LGC Commissioners

and local governance play a critical part in ensuring that that transformation is administered effectively and efficiently.

Development, however, is foremost about improving the lives of the people. It is the Executive’s intention to ensure that the country’s forthcoming development is balanced and most importantly, safeguarded,” Ali outlined.

The Head of State indicated that Government is crafting policies for better management and execution in the local sector but the responsibility is upon the Commission to ensure its implementation. This, the President noted, will curtail some of the current bugbears faced by local bodies.

“Government is crafting policies to give effect to

State to call 7...

FROM PAGE 8

For his part, Policeman Devon Bowen said that during March 2015, he was stationed at the Golden Grove Police Station, East Bank Demerara, when he received a phone call about a body lying motionlessly at Third Avenue Diamond. As a result, Bowen stated that he and some other ranks went to the scene where they saw a man lying on the roadway with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

The Police witness told the court that the body was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where it was pronounced dead before being taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.

In July 2015, Rodrigues was charged with unlawful possession of a gun and 14

live rounds of ammunition.

It was reported that the gun was linked to Crum-Ewing’s murder. He was later freed of those charges after a Magistrate found that the prosecution failed to prove the elements of the offence.

In October 2017, Rodrigues was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for threatening CrumEwing’s mother, Donna Harcourt. The Court heard that on August 12, 2017, at Regent and Alexander Streets, Georgetown, he threatened the woman.

Prior to these, Rodrigues was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after he was found guilty by a city Magistrate of escaping from Police custody. (G1)

local development and it values the important role which the Local Government Commission can play in ensuring that the policies and programmes are not retarded by obstructionism, poor implementation, the absence of professionalism or by dis-

putes between or within Local Government bodies.”

He said the selection of Commissioners, through the requisite constitutional requirements, points to its commitment to endorse Local Government authorities. Moreover, it

was assured that Central Government will not meddle with the functioning of this constitutional agency.

“I look forward to the Commission discharging its mandate with the highest level of professionalism…I assure you of the support

from my Administration and give you my personal guarantee that no attempt to interfere or interference with the discharge of your functions specified under the Constitution and the Local Government Commission Act will be tolerated,” said the President.

Article 78 (A) of the Constitution states that “Government shall establish a Local Government Commission, the composition and rules of which empower the Commission to deal with as it deems fit, all matters related to the regulation and staffing of Local Government organs and with dispute resolution within and between Local Government organs”.

The appointed Commissioners will nominate among themselves, persons to fill the roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman. (G12)

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 more die, moving Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll to 258 …30,000 additional vaccines arrive

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hree more persons have died, pushing the country’s COVID-19 death toll up to 258.

The latest fatalities are two 64-year-old men from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a 60-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). All three persons died while receiving care at a medical facility.

On Monday, some 40 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, taking the total positives to 11,189. In the facilities, a whopping 17 patients

are in the Intensive Care Unit, 74 in institutional isolation, 13 in institutional quarantine and 1090 in home isolation. Some 9751 of the 5683 males and 5506 females have recovered completely. Guyana has since tested 99,746 individuals.

A breakdown of new cases showed that 12 were detected in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 17 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), four in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and six in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) remain at 1029, 276, 973, 247, 449, and 777 respectively.

Meanwhile, the second batch of 30,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine, purchased by the Government of Guyana from Russia, also arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) onboard an Amerijet International flight.

The second batch of Sputnik V vaccines arrived at CJIA on Monday

The shots, manufactured by Russia, are part of 200,000 purchased by Government. Some US$4 million has been spent to acquire the total tranche, at a cost of US$20 per dose. Two weeks ago, a consignment of 25,000 Sputnik V vaccines was delivered to Guyana.

As the country continues to roll out its COVID-19 vaccination programme, Government continues to approach various bilateral partners and manufacturers to acquire more vaccines for its population.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said one of the latest entities approached was Johnson and Johnson, an American multinational corporation.

“Last week we had some discussions with Johnson and Johnson to explore the possibility of accessing the vaccine from that particular company. So, we are still engaged in talks with different manufacturers of vaccines and as those talks mature, we will let the public know,” the Minister explained during his daily COVID-19 update.

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine has an efficacy rate of 66.3 per cent. Guyana has so far received vaccines from Sputnik V through Russia; AstraZeneca through India, Barbados and under the COVAX mechanism; and

Sinopharm from China.

Dr Anthony explained that so far, they have been able to administer the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to over 60,172 persons.

Based on reports, no one has experienced any adverse side effect from the vaccines.

He along with his wife, Dr Shanti Singh, recently got inoculated with the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia.

“I didn’t have any side effects. My wife did not have any side effects as well.

Different people will react differently to vaccines. Most of the side effects is basically a reaction one would expect. From the vaccines that we have given so far, people would complain about fever, chills, pain at the site of injection and so forth,” he said.

There are 100 fixed and mobile sites spanning all administrative regions, where persons over the age of 40 and healthcare workers can get themselves inoculated.

Labourer remanded for grabbing city policewoman’s breast

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ne month after he was charged and released on bail for allegedly grabbing a postwoman’s buttocks, 33-year-old Jason Yarris is back in court on a similar charge. This time, it is alleged that he grabbed the breast of a city policewoman while she was executing duties in the capital city.

Yarris, a labourer of Bent Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, appeared last week before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on December 7, 2020, at Water Street, Georgetown, he sexually assaulted a woman by grabbing her breast without her consent.

He was remanded to prison and is due back in court on May 10.

The Police Prosecutor told the court that on December 7, 2020, Yarris walked up to the woman and grabbed her breast before walking away. The city policewoman reported the matter.

In early March, Yarris was charged with sexual assault after grabbing a postwoman’s buttocks. He was released on $30,000 bail after an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The charge stated that on September 24, 2020, at Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, he committed a sexual assault by touching the woman’s buttocks with-

out her consent.

According to information received, on the day in question, the postwoman was riding her bicycle in the vicinity of Bent and John Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, delivering mail. As the woman entered Yarris’ yard, he approached her and pulled her bicycle.

The woman pulled the bicycle from Yarris, and in turn, he grabbed her butt and walked away. The woman continued her duties.

While doing so, Yarris attempted to grab her breasts.

Out of fear, she screamed and neighbours went to her rescue.

She later made a report to the Police and based on investigations, Yarris was arrested and charged. (G1)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Multinational security Police finance officer exercise to be held in Guyana slapped with fraud charge …to prepare nations for natural disasters; land, maritime threats

Military and security officers from the United States and around the Region on Monday commenced the final planning session for “Exercise Tradewinds 2021” (GFC photo)

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ore than 23 nations are expected to participate in a multinational Caribbean security exercise, which is set for June 2021 in Guyana. The “Tradewinds” exercise will be held in several locations in Guyana.

As such, in preparation for this massive undertaking, representatives from the United States military and partnering nations will come together to participate in the final planning conference this week.

“All training locations provide opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency partner nation capacity building focused on increasing regional cooperation in complex multinational security operations, as well as in humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations,” the US Embassy stated in a release.

Further, it stated that this year’s exercise will include participation by officials and senior leadership of Caricom and its functional sub agencies, many of whom are participating in this week’s planning conference.

“The strong relationships forged during Tradewinds through the exchange of knowledge and expertise are key to maintaining regional security and prosperity throughout the Caribbean,” the US Embassy stated.

With the Caribbean as its focus, Exercise Tradewinds is designed to aid all participating nations to be able to better respond to natural disasters and land and maritime threats.

In January, acting Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess related that Guyana was in a region prone to natural haz-

ards and man-made threats which have the potential to undermine security.

Aside from natural disasters, the GDF Head explained that terrorism, trafficking in arms, narcotics and human trafficking undermine the rule of law and corrupt youths and institutions, resulting in threats to regional security and stability.

He had further highlighted that defence cooperation also contributed to the enhancement of professionalism and training of military officers, noting that the GDF would participate in the annual “Exercise Tradewinds”.

The Chief of Staff made these comments at the signing of an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement during a visit to Guyana

by Commander of the US Southern Command, Admiral Craig Faller.

Bel Air woman wanted for operating pyramid scheme

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he Police have issued a wanted bulletin for 33-year-old Keziah Jeuel Roberts for questioning in relation to obtaining monies from several Guyanese while allegedly operating a pyramid scheme.

Police stated that Roberts would have collected the money between September 2020 and February 2021.

In December 2020, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) said it has received reports of more than a dozen pyramid schemes operating here, defrauding Guyanese of their hard-earned cash.

Director of the FIU, Matthew Langevine has said these organisations are operating different types of unauthorised and unlicensed financial activities, intended to defraud persons.

Langevine said some of the proposals offered by the operations “are not practicable, not reasonable, and we believe that it is all in an effort to scam individuals of their hard-earned currency.”

He added that the FIU has been actively involved in supporting all the different investigations.

The Attorney General’s

Wanted: Keziah Jeuel Roberts

Chambers have been actively pursuing justice for thousands of Guyanese, who were caught up in a local Ponzi scheme operated by the Accelerated Capital Firm Incorporated (ACFI).

Government, in August, received thousands of complaints from citizens after they were cheated out of their savings. A Police investigation saw the operator and his wife arrested and charged with over 30 counts of fraud.

Attorney General and

Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall recently said the Government would be strengthening laws to address investment fraud, as the lack of this legislation has affected the prosecution of the largest Ponzi scheme operators in the country.

Meanwhile, Langevine said the FIU has also noted the use of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook by persons to scam others.

“Because of the pandemic, I think persons are more inclined to be at home and using those forms of platforms, and so criminals have been seeing that as an opportunity to (reach out), and have been reaching out to individuals and have been orchestrating all kinds of financial scams,” he said.

The FIU has been collaborating with institutions regionally and internationally to effectively deal with the threats that are surfacing, he said.

Meanwhile, anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Roberts is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 2253079, 225-3085, 268-2328, 911 or the nearest Police station.

Kurt Smith

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s s i s t a n t Superintendent Kurt Smith and Superintendent Lorraine Saul - members of the Guyana Police Force were jointly charged at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday for two counts of fraud.

Smith appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where he was not required to plead to the indictable charges while Saul is yet to appear in court.

Saul, the court was told, is out of the jurisdiction.

The first charge stated that between December 18, 2020, and December 28, 2020, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other and other persons while being officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to falsify a payment in the sum of $1,350,000 to show that meals were supplied to ranks of the Riot Unit training during December 1, 2020, and December 15, 2020.

It was further alleged that between December 18, 2020, and December 28,

2020, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other and other persons while being officers of the GDF to falsify a payment account in the sum of $465,000 to show that meals were supplied to ranks of the Riot Unit training during December 1, 2020, and December 15, 2020.

Smith was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Mark Waldron, who in his bail application told the court his client was executing his duties in signing the documents. He added that Smith was not aware of any shady transactions.

As such, he requested bail in a reasonable sum for his client. Smith was released on bail in the sum of $200,000.

He is expected to make his next court appearance on May 14.

Last month, retired Assistant Commissioner Kevin Adonis and three other serving members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were slapped with a $19 million larceny charge.

The men were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and were not required to plead to the indictment.

Apart from Adonis of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD); the others charged were Sergeant Jermaine Fraser of 4116 Phase One Westminster, West Bank Demerara (WBD); Sergeant Michael Corbin of First Avenue, La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD, and Corporal Rawl Haynes of Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Particulars of the first charge stated that between March 26, 2019, and March 29, 2019, at Georgetown, Adonis, Fraser, Corbin, and

Lorraine Saul

Haynes conspired with each other and persons unknown while being public officers employed by GPF to steal $19,030,767 It is alleged that Corbin, on March 26, 2019, at GPF’s Finance Office, input electronic data, that is to say, a payment voucher entry for $19,030,767, resulting in inauthentic data, with the intent that it be considered or acted upon by the Finance Ministry Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) staff as if it was authentic, regardless of whether or not the said data was directly readable or intelligible.

According to the final charge, Haynes, on March 29, 2019, at Georgetown, while being a public officer employed by the Guyana Police Force, stole 19,030,767. On the first charge, the ranks were instructed to post $150,000 bail each. Corbin was released on $100,000 bail on the computer-related fraud charge, while Haynes was granted $50,000 bail on the last charge. (G15)

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

La Soufrière volcano

Guyana mobilises 350 tonnes of supplies for St Vincent relief …shipment leaves today

President Irfaan Ali had pledged continuous support to St Vincent and the Grenadines

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ecades of inactivity ended this week for the La Soufrière volcano, and eruptions have left

blankets of ash and debris on the island of St Vincent and the Grenadines, prompting evacuation for thousands of people.

To cushion the devastating crisis caused by ongoing volcanic activity and rumbling explosions, Guyana has managed to source 350 tonnes of relief supplies to assist its fellow Caribbean country.

President Dr Irfaan Ali told media operatives on Monday that Government is gearing towards continuous support and these efforts are spearheaded by Prime Minister, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips. The first shipment, expected to leave today, contains food supplies, personal protective equipment, cleaning materials, water and other articles which were requested by St Vincent.

“This will be continuous support. What St Vincent

is going through is not going to be a one-off event. All we can, we have worked on mobilising, with the Private

St Vincent Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

Sector, various commodities. The Prime Minister himself is looking at this.

We’re trying to get at least 350 tonnes of items. This is what this shipment will take and then during the course of the week, we’re going to send more items,” the Head of State revealed.

Dr Ali said the challenge in delivering relief has been logistics. But since the undertaking to lend support was announced, the local Private Sector has played an instrumental role in mobilising their contribution as well.

“We are now mobilising the black tanks that would go later in the week. The greatest difficulty is the logistics in this but we have had tremendous goodwill from the Private Sector and we will be able to, at least in a continuous manner, support St Vincent.”

In responding to the issue of offering relocation to affected persons, the President indicated that such has not been relayed by the St Vincentian Government.

However, Guyanese on the island have been moved to safer grounds.

The President shared, “That issue has not been put to us. For example, the Guyanese living there we have been in contact with the honorary consul and I know the Vice President had many conversations over the weekend and as far we have been advised, they are all safe – most of whom are in the green zone.”

The La Soufrière volcano started erupting on Friday and heavy ashfall has left most of St Vincent and the Grenadines coated in thick ash and the strong stench of sulfur filling the air. The volcanic ash moved with the winds and is now affecting neighbouring islands including Barbados – which is experiencing the brunt of it – St Lucia, and now Grenada.

The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre has said there is evidence of pyroclastic flows, as an avalanche of heated gas and debris travels at more than 120 miles per hour along the mountainside. Episodes of high-amplitude tremor continue to coincide with periods of enhanced venting or explosive activity.

On Sunday, small volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded and on Monday at about 04:15h, observations indicated that pyroclastic density currents (PDC) entered multiple valleys surrounding the volcano.

Pyroclastic density cur-

A map showing the danger zones, spanning half of the island

rents are extremely hot, ranging from 200°C-700°C, flows of ash and debris.

Analysis of satellite imagery and comparison with previous images indicate that the explosive eruptions thus far have destroyed the pre-existing domes and current explosions are being generated from a new vent.

The Centre added that the volcano continues to erupt explosively and accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, is likely to continue to occur over the next few days.

Head of the Diaspora Unit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Guyana, Rosalinda

Rasul told Guyana Times on Sunday that just over 3000 Guyanese currently reside in the country – approximately three per cent of the island’s population.

According to Rasul, information coming out St Vincent indicates that most of these persons are currently seeking accommodation in private homes and not in any of the shelters established by the SVG Government.

Other Caricom states have already sent supplies to the island and Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was moved to tears last week by the degree of support from regional counterparts. (G12)

“Rasta Man” charged for gunning down contractor

Derryck Favourite

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second suspect in the murder of Kitty, Georgetown contractor Peter Gonsalves was charged with the capital offence on Monday and taken to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Derryck Favourite, 30, a clothes vendor of Lot 76 Meadow Brook Gardens, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan where the charge was read to him and he was remanded for the capital offence.

He was jointly charged with his alleged accomplice

Daniel Parris, who made his appearance virtually.

It is alleged that Daniel Parris called “Black Boy” and Derryck Favourite called “Rasta Man”, on December 7, 2020, at Garnett Street, Newtown, Georgetown, murdered Peter Gonsalves in the course or furtherance of a robbery under arms.

Favourite was not required to plead; the duo has since been remanded until May 4.

On February 8, Parris was remanded to prison for the murder. He had made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

On December 7, 2020, Peter Gonsalves, a father of four, was gunned down during a robbery in front of Red Bar, at Garnett Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

At the time, he was in the company of a coworker, who was a passenger on Gonsalves’ bike.

During the ordeal, the pillion rider fell to the ground and the two men, who were armed, made good their escape with the now dead man’s XR motorcycle,

Murdered: Peter Gonsalves

CJ 600.

Gonsalves was shot at least three times about his body by the two men – one of whom was armed with a handgun. They reportedly trailed him to the drinking bar.

Parris is no stranger to the law and was jailed back in May 2017 for 18 months.

He pleaded guilty to committing a violent robbery. The facts of the case state that at High Street, Georgetown, on April 28, 2017, he robbed the victim of a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone, valued at $40,000, a phone case valued at $4000 and $50,000. (G15)

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Missing Guyanese in The Bahamas

Men feared dead after boat capsized while illegally entering US

The four missing men in The Bahamas prior to the fatal journey

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he four men who allegedly disappeared after travelling to The Bahamas in January are feared dead after a boat that was illegally transporting them to the United States capsized.

The men are Kevin Sukraj, a father of two also called “Davin” of Lot C 40 Block R Sophia, Greater Georgetown; his cousin, Krishna Sukraj, and two friends Rayan Bhodoo and Anil Deonarine.

Initial reports are that the men left Guyana for The Bahamas on a two-week vacation. However, it was reported that on January 10, 2021, Sukraj reportedly contacted his relatives in Guyana and informed them that Police had raided the 2 Sister Hotel at Bimini, Bahamas and confiscated their passports.

The man also accused Bahamian officials of “getting them on a royal runaround to get back their documents.” Further, a sister of Sukraj in an interview with Guyana Times had related that the last time they heard from the father of two was on February 10, 2021, when he allegedly went back to the Police Station to get his passport so that he could return home.

Illegally crossing into US

But after the article was published in Guyana Times on Monday, the publication was provided with a recording between the US Coast Guard and the relatives of Sukraj who are residing overseas.

In that recording, the US Coast Guard was updating the relatives on the search

and rescue mission after the four men along with two others had disappeared after the boat in which they were illegally crossing over into the US capsized. The boat reportedly capsized due to bad weather.

During the update, the members of the US Coast Guard were heard telling the relatives of Sukraj that after more than 63 hours of search over a three-day period, there were no signs of the missing men. Several boats and aircraft were used in the mission but all came up empty-handed.

The Coast Guards were also heard informing the relatives that based on the location where the boat went down, swimming to shore is quite impossible. Due to the weather and no sighting of the men, the US Coast Guards had made a decision to suspend the mission.

“I don’t think it’s possible for someone to swim to shore… I am certain that we have exhausted every piece of information and utilised every tool and every resource to the best of our ability…and I am sorry to tell you that we have reached the point where we have made a decision to suspend the search,” a member of the Coast Guard team noted.

The official further stated that there were hundreds of Coast Guards who tried their best to achieve a better outcome.

Boat captain rescued

In fact, in a report posted on February 13, 2021, on WPTV News in Florida captioned “1 person rescued after boat capsizes off Fort Pierce;

Coast Guard searching for 6 other people,” it was stated that the boat capsized off Fort Pierce on February 10, 2021 – the same day one of the sisters last heard from her brother Kevin.

It was reported that the lone survivor was the captain of the 18-foot vessel.

The captain, Orville Lyons, a Jamaican, was rescued by another boat captained by Chase Cornell.

He recalled seeing Lyons’ hands waving at them. “I didn’t know what to do other than start screaming, ‘There’s a guy in the water up there!’”, he reportedly told the Coast Guards.

Cornell of Southern Eagle Charters in Fort Pierce was at the time on a fishing expedition with a few others.

Nevertheless, with the assistance of the others, they reportedly tossed a life ring attached to a rope to Lyons and pulled him to safety.

“We got on the VHF radio and called the Coast Guard who told us to stay with the boat,” Cornell said. “They asked us a bunch of questions about our position I’m assuming so they begin planning a grid search for the others.”

They were about 20 miles offshore of Fort Pierce Inlet.

When contacted on Monday, Geeta Sukraj, who had initially provided Guyana Times with the report, refuted the information that was given to her.

She claimed that the family was not aware of the incident and held out that her brother travelled to The Bahamas to spend two weeks and had no intention to illegally enter the US. Meanwhile, Guyana Times was told that Sukraj’s wife only became aware that he had left Guyana when he called her via telephone from The Bahamas. He reportedly contacted her on the evening of February 10 and told her that he was on a boat heading to the US and promised to call her when he arrived there.

Guyana Times understands that a relative of Sukraj in the US had made all the arrangements for him and the others to illegally enter that country via The Bahamas. In addition, after the Coast Guard would have briefed the family in the US about the possible demise of the men, several relatives

Brawl lands sisters, neighbour in court

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hania Ellis, 19, and Zoisa Profit, 25, along with their neighbour Deon Roberts, 46, all of Lot 15 D’Urban Backlands Squatting Area appeared before the court of law on Monday after they were involved in a brawl at their residence.

They appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, where they were all released on self-bail.

Ellis, who is currently unemployed, denied both of the charges.

The first charge read to Ellis alleged that on February 21, at D’Urban Backlands, she made use of threatening language towards Deon Roberts.

It was further alleged that on February 21, at D’Urban Backlands, she threw a brick to the annoyance of Deon Roberts.

Moreover, her sister Zoisa Profit, who is a primary school teacher, also denied the charges against her.

According to the particulars of the charge, on

February 21 at D’Urban Backlands, Profit threw a brick to the annoyance of Deon Roberts.

Meanwhile, the sisters’ neighbour also pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on February 21, at D’Urban Backlands, he threw bricks to the annoyance of Zoisa Profit.

The trio was placed on a bond by Magistrate McLennan until the completion of the matter. They are set to reappear in court on May 11. (G15)

Kevin Sukraj also called “Davin”

A social media post on the death of two of the men

flooded social media with messages of comfort.

Attempts to contact the wife of Kevin Sukraj also called “Davin” proved futile.

She too took to social media expressing her disbelief and sorrow on the possible death of the father to her two children.

Govt working to protect, integrate migrants into local workforce – Foreign Secretary

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

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oting that the Guyana Government takes the issue of migrants very seriously, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud revealed that the current Administration is working to ensure migrants here are protected from xenophobia and are treated fairly, as they are integrated into the local workforce.

During an American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) panel discussion on Monday, Persaud spoke of the Government’s efforts to integrate migrants into the local workforce.

According to him, it is important that xenophobic tendencies, which are prejudiced against foreigners, are rooted out.

“The reality is we’re already seeing an influx of migrants into the country.

There’s no doubt that these migrants are now part of our labour force, working in many of the existing small and medium-sized businesses or seeking to start their own business ventures to support themselves and their families.”

“We’re therefore commit-

ted to examining how best to incorporate migrant labourers into our economy, ensure their humane treatment while simultaneously ensuring the well-being of our local population is not affected by any xenophobic tendencies,” the Foreign Secretary explained.

He noted that the Government has made efforts to track all migrants and to provide them with support. He also noted that humanitarian support has been extended to migrants who entered the country both through regular and irregular pathways.

“For instance, the Government of Guyana in responding to the unprecedented flow of Venezuelans and other migrants in the country has taken exemplary tests in applying best practices and providing much needed humanitarian support to those who have arrived through regular and irregular pathways.”

“It is in this context that Guyana is mindful of the importance of labour migration and its potential effect on economic growth. And in this regard, migrants are documented, provided assistance and even sources of employment. And I’m sure the Minister of Labour will expound on that.”

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, who also participated in the session, spoke of the efforts the Ministry has been making when it comes to employing migrants. He also referenced the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency within the Labour Ministry.

“We have a department called the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency, that deals with employer and employees and placing potential employees in companies. We are willing also to play our part there,

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud

to see how we can have migrants placed in work environments where they are protected.

It was only in February that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the International Organisation of Migration, launched a migration profile. The project aims is to centralise and analyse data on migration in Guyana, to better develop a migration policy.

It was reported in 2019 that Guyana, which shares a 3000-kilometre largely unpatrolled and unprotected border with Venezuela, has over 5000 documented Venezuelan migrants living in Guyana.

Many of them fled to Guyana with the economic crisis and hyperinflation that brought Venezuela to its knees. According to the United Nations in its “Global Humanitarian Response Plan COVID-19 United Nations Coordinated Appeal” released last year, more would have since crossed the border to escape the COVID-19 fallout in their own country. (G3)

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Ramadan Mubarak message

President Ali urges unity and love for all, eradication of prejudice

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali, a practicing Muslim, has urged the nation to come together in unity and love, while eradicating hatred and prejudice as the world enters the period of Ramadan from today until next month.

In extending Ramadan Mubarak greetings to the Islamic community of

Guyana and, by extension to all Guyanese, he noted the significance of the month.

President Ali called it a period of reform and returning to spiritual purity for Muslims.

Ramadan, he noted, is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, pointing out that it is traditional at this time for Muslims to not only fast from food and drink but to desist from evil thoughts, words and actions.

“Ramadan is also a time for reforming and perfecting our character. It reminds us that a sign of good character is showing care and consideration and beneficence to-

wards others,” he said.

The Head of State noted that it is also a period for expressing gratitude. “As we reflect on the challenges posed in a COVID-19 environment, let us be grateful to Allah Almighty for blessing us with the observance of another Ramadan so that we can inculcate the correct attitude and behaviour nec-

essary for our success here on earth, as well as in the hereafter.”

President Ali also noted that while the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the country’s vulnerabilities, Ramadan reinforces messages of the powerful and redeeming qualities of humility, empathy and gratitude.

“During this Holy Month, let us therefore never forget to express our gratitude for God’s infinite love, mercy, and wisdom. Fasting brings us closer to God and grounds us in the desirable values of humbleness and understanding. Fasting offers a pathway to piety but

requires that we clean our hearts of every form of hatred, envy, and prejudice.”

“Ramadan teaches us to have love for all and hatred for none, The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) reminded us that: You will not enter Paradise until you have faith, and you will not have faith until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other?

Spread peace between yourselves.”

The President expressed hope that all would strive to live as one and “banish hatred, envy, and prejudice from our hearts and from our relations with one another.” He was also hopeful that Muslims would follow the example of the Holy Prophet and his generosity.

“Ramadan Mubarak to all of you and your families. May this Ramadan bring with it true blessings and success for all of us as we fast. Remember those who are less fortunate, remember every Guyanese, remember all humans in our prayers as together we seek to exit this pandemic,” the President said.

Moon not sighted

Meanwhile, Director of Dawah and Education at the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill speaking with reporters in Berbice President Irfaan Ali

(CIOG) Shaykh Moeenul Hack issued a statement in which he informed the Muslim community that the appropriate moon for Ramadan has not been sighted and fasting would therefore begin on Wednesday.

“The Crescent for Ramadan has not been sighted locally or regionally, therefore fasting begins on Wednesday 14th April 2021. Taraweeh prayers will commence on the evening of Tuesday 13th April 2021.”

“Oh Allah, safeguard us for Ramadan and safeguard Ramadan for us and accept it from us. Oh Allah, heal the world and grant us the opportunity to observe Ramadan,” Hack said in the statement.

“Short Boss” confesses to gunning down mason at Sophia party

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n Monday, Travis Evans called “Shot Boss” appeared before High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon and pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge over the August 2, 2018 killing of 21-year-old Ronsley Clarke which took place at C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Evans, 26, was initially indicted for murder by State Prosecutor Tyra Bakker.

According to the prosecutor, on August 2, 2018, Clarke, a mason, of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, was at a birthday celebration in the community. The prosecutor added that while sitting next to a horse cart with his friends, Evans, who was armed with a gun, walked up to Clarke and shot him.

After the shooting, the prosecutor told the court that Evans made good his escape.

He was subsequently arrested, and according to the prosecutor, he gave Police ranks a caution statement in which he stated that he and Clarke had a disagreement a day before, and as a result, he shot him.

Reports are that Clarke

Confessed killer: Travis “Short Boss” Evans

was shot to his right-side rib and his right-side upper back in the presence of his girlfriend. His cause of death was given as haemorrhage and shock due to gunshot wounds.

Sentencing for the confessed killer has been deferred to April 29 for the presentation of a probation report.

In the meantime, Justice Kissoon has ordered Evans’ lawyer, Mark Conway, to file submissions setting out mitigating and other factors he would like the court to con-

sider in determining an appropriate sentence for his client.

Similarly, the prosecutor was also instructed to layover submissions outlining the aggravating factors and other matters she would like the court to consider when imposing a sentence on the confessed killer.

Evans is also charged with the 2018 murder of 46-year-old Gregory Frank.

The charge against Evans alleges that between July 31 and August 2, 2018, at Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, he murdered Frank during the course of a robbery.

According to reports, Frank, a legal clerk, was found lying in a pool of blood in his Lot 686 Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highway home. The gruesome discovery was made by Frank’s father after he suspected something was amiss and decided to check on his son.

A post-mortem performed on his body revealed that the man died as a result of asphyxiation due to compression injury to the neck compounded by blunt trauma to

Public Works Ministry to repair streets in 3 Region 6 towns, 18 NDCs

Dead: Ronsley Clarke

the head.

Moreover, Evans is awaiting trial at the High Court in Demerara for rape.

It is alleged that on October 30, 2010, in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with a woman without her consent.

He was also charged with robbing the same woman of $650,000 on the same date while being armed with a knife. To this charge, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Evans was among three prisoners who escaped from the Lusignan Prison in October 2018. (G1)

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he Public Works Ministry is to repair two streets in each of the eighteen Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Additionally, the Ministry will also be spending huge sums on miscellaneous roads in the three townships in the region.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill speaking with reporters in Berbice on Sunday disclosed that on average, just over $20 million will be spent in each of the NDCs in addition to a larger sum in the municipalities of Corriverton, Rose Hall Town and New Amsterdam.

This is only in the area of road works in the Region, where $1 billion will be spent on the alignment of a farm access road from the Corentyne Highway to the Canje River.

The NDC miscellaneous roads will be getting $400 million while $50 million will be spent on urban roads in each of the three towns.

According to the Minister, an additional $50 million will be spent on the East Bank of Berbice on the main access road. This is apart from the current sums being spent to rehabilitate 1.25 miles of road there.

Meanwhile, $100 million will be spent on the first phase of the Moleson Creek road which will connect to the proposed Corentyne River Bridge which will bridge Guyana and Suriname.

Edghill told reporters on Sunday that road devel-

opment in the Region for 2021 will see each NDC receiving just over $20 million on average to resurface two streets in each of the eighteen NDCs in the Region.

These streets, he further disclosed, will be completed with a bituminous surface.

In fact, Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall on Friday night told residents of the Number 52/74 NDC that they will have to decide on the priority streets. He said because of the size of that NDC, three streets will be resurfaced by Central Government.

He said priority will be given to streets with schools and places of worship.

According to Edghill, he had engineers from his Ministry in the Region during last week visiting all of the streets in each NDC to gather data of what is the state of each street.

During his visit, the Minister stopped at several NDCs including the 51/ Good Hope NDC where he noted that on many occasions, streets closer to the Corentyne Highway are resurfaced and repaired several times and no work is done to the back streets.

In that NDC area, he noted that one of the two streets will be a back street.

Edghill noted that his Ministry should not be boasting about repairing roads in NDC areas but underscored that emphasis must be placed on the fact that the responsibility is that of the NDC. (Andrew Carmichael)

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Take advantage of BIT courses – Let this period of Navratri Minister to Essequibo Coast youth herald inner peace, positivity, L spiritual upliftment – GHDS

abour Minister Joseph Hamilton has urged Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) youngsters to take advantage of Board of Industrial Training (BIT) classes.

During a visit to the region over the weekend Hamilton said that all training programmes offered through the BIT are available to young people of Region Two. He was at the time speaking to trainees who participated in the cosmetology training course in the region. During interaction with participants, he encouraged persons to partake in these courses because training is one of the most important investments anyone can make in their future.

In encouraging the participants, he said when persons gain a skill it can help them get promotions and make them more marketable in the field of work, adding that it is important for persons to be accredited and certified so that they can gain a job with the skills they acquire.

“Learning new skills is essential to advancing your career. It diversifies your job options, helps you develop new techniques to keep up with the fast-changing world, helps you grow as an individual, and improves your knowledge. You can potentially earn and save more money,” the Minister explained.

The Government continues to provide training opportunities through BIT with numerous new courses planned such as sewing, makeup artistry, fibreoptic

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A participant practising nail design during the cosmetology practical course

technician, welding, electrician, and many more interesting courses that are beneficial.

Currently, seven persons are being trained in a fourmonth cosmetology course at Anna Regina, Essequibo Technical Institute, Essequibo Coast.

Trainer, Indera Chapell stated that the training began in September 2020 and the classes are held four to five days per week from 09:00h to 14:00h. She also mentioned that she facilitates two trainees on Sunday, who are fully occupied during the week because she wants students to be part of the course.

“It’s a real struggle because of the pandemic but I do understand every one of the trainee’s situation. So I try to fit them whenever they miss a class.” Chapell related Many participants have

no regret about enrolling and are motivated to do more courses in the future. One of the participants, Tiffany Mentus, said that she already has an appointment lined up to design nails for a wedding, adding that it is her “side money” to assist with expenses.

Another trainee, Cassia Bacchus, said that growing up, she was obsessed with designing nails, loved to try out hairstyles and also play with makeup.

“I have learned new methods of designing nails using acrylic nail gel and nail polish to create simple nail, ombre nails and also elegant nail looks. Learning how to do pedicure, manicure, and nail art is what caught my interest,” Bacchus said.

Meanwhile, the BIT continues to encourage persons to take the opportunity to learn new skills and enrol in the courses.

Police swoop down on private party, several arrested, music system seized

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everal persons have been arrested while parts of a music system were seized and a number of vehicles impounded after Police swooped down on a private party being hosted at Stanleytown, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Church Street, Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Acting on information received, a party of policemen went to the location where they observed several vehicles parked along the street.

When the partygoers noticed the cops, they began to disperse and hide.

Nevertheless, the Policemen managed to arrest a 30-year-old woman who allegedly hosted the party. Seven other persons were subsequently arrested after they came out from hiding to retrieve their vehicles which were being towed.

Police said a tow truck was summoned and seven vehicles were removed;

The house at Stanleytown, Region Three where the party was hosted

six were lodged at the La Grange Police Station while one was taken to the Wales Police Station.

Parts of the music system which was being used at the party were also seized and lodged, Police said.

According to

Police Commander for Region Three, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, those arrested were placed into custody at the La Grange Police Station for breach of restrictions on social activities, pending charges.

he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha wishes the Hindu community a blessed and happy Navratri as Chaitra Navratri commences. During the sacred nine-night period, devotees worship the principal forms of Shakti Ma as Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, seeking to dispel darkness and negative energies to be illuminated with spiritual wisdom and knowledge. It is a disciplined period of fasting, prayers and introspection. The transformative period of Navratri allows the seeker to surmount difficulties in life.

Dharmic Sabha is advising all mandirs to adhere to strict COVID-19 prevention guidelines. The variant of COVID-19 is deadly and easily transmissible and we are deeply concerned by the escalating numbers of positive cases and deaths across the country and would like to recommend the following:* Virtual Navratri satsanghs on social media. * When having satsanghs at the mandir, do not exceed the 40 per cent capacity. We suggest smaller numbers within the mandirs and adherence to the 6 feet distancing rules at all times. * All devotees, singers, musicians and pandits must wear their masks at all times in the mandir. * Bhojan/food/prasad must be served in boxes/bags for takeaway and not eaten at the mandir * Mandirs can also encourage staggering of attendance to prevent crowds.

Persons can attend services on alternate days to allow for smaller numbers. * That there be handwashing facilities or sanitisers available President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud said she is cognisant of the difficulties the world is facing through the COVID-19 pandemic and recently our neighbours through natural disaster, she urged the Hindu community to offer prayers for all the people of the world to be blessed by Aad Shakti Ma with resilience, health and faith to surmount these adversities and challenges. She also encouraged persons to use this period to extend support and kindness to those in need by sharing hampers and meals. Dr Persaud exhorted all to recognise this as a period when as

we worship the feminine aspect of the divine to continue to be staunch advocates against violence and abuse meted out to women and girls. Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will be bringing the mandir to homes through programmes, chanting, bhajans, kirtan and online satsanghs on Facebook throughout the period in an effort to keep persons safe. We encourage prayer at home, fasting and disciplined observance of the period which dedicates 9 nights to the worship of Ad Shakti Durga Ma. We know that the Hindu community looks forward to this sacred period for collective worship or satsangh, but we are in a period that threatens health and life with the increasing transmissibility of this deadly variant of COVID-19, so it is important for all the stay safe. As you worship Durga Ma to dispel negativity, Lakshmi Mata to usher in abundance and light and finally Saraswati Mata for knowledge and wisdom, it is our fervent hope that you will all be safe and enjoy good health. Let this period of Navratri herald inner peace, positivity and spiritual upliftment. Happy Navratri!

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Govt expects significant Killer volcano warning increase in annual oil …scientist warns La Soufriere behaving more like 1902 eruption revenues by 2025

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atural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat expects a significant increase in Guyana’s oil revenues in the years to come.

The Minister indicated this on Saturday after the Youth in Natural Resources opening ceremony, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. “Liza [Destiny] will be the smallest [Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading] FPSO vessel, producing 120,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd). We would have gotten a little over US$200 million on that one FPSO alone, [last year],” Bharrat is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

“So, it means the larger one, of 220,000 bpd capacity, we should be getting US$400 million proceeds from one of the larger FPSOs.” The Liza Unity and Prosperity FPSOs are each designed to safely operate at that level, and are expected to come onstream in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

Minister Bharrat explained that by 2025, Government is looking to make over US$1 billion a year from the sale of Guyana’s produced crude of about 560,000 bpd. The Government expects that figure to increase even more in the following years.

“By 2027, we are hoping with seven FPSOs at least, that we will produce either close or even over a million barrels per day. That would augur well for Guyana. It means more direct proceeds from the oil and gas industry will be coming in.”

Vice President, Dr

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

Bharrat Jagdeo has said that the PPP/C Government wants ExxonMobil to produce oil as quickly as possible. Dr Jagdeo has said that Guyana should capitalise on the industry’s potential before the global transition to renewable energy sources drives oil prices down.

ExxonMobil has optimistic production plans, in keeping with the PPP/C Government’s aggressive depletion policy.

The company’s Global Vice President of Deepwater Projects, Jayme Meier said in December that ExxonMobil intends to have five FPSOs in operation by 2026, with more than 750,000 barrels produced per day, and sees potential for a total of 7-10 FPSOs later on.

Chief Operating Officer of Hess Corporation, Gregory Hill said in January that ExxonMobil intends to seek Government’s approval for the fourth FPSO by yearend, to produce oil at the Yellowtail project.

ExxonMobil is already mulling its fifth project, Hill revealed in January, with the Mako-Uaru area a likely target.

regional volcanologist on Sunday warned that the ongoing eruption of La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent is in keeping with the events surrounding the 1902 eruption, which claimed 1,600 lives at a time when early warning systems and evacuation capabilities were not as advanced.

Speaking on the Stateowned NBC Radio, Professor Richard Robertson, the lead scientist monitoring the volcano, said that while most people know of the 1979 eruption, what is currently happening at La Soufriere is more akin to a century ago.

“The activity pattern we have currently is more similar to a 1902 type of eruption of that kind of scale, rather than a 1979 scale. The people who lived through 1979 know the kind of eruption we have had,” Robertson said.

“What does that mean? It means, unfortunately, that it is likely going to cause more damage and destruction to St Vincent, but it also means that there will always be a safe place in the south of the country, which might have a lot of ash every now and then, but you can still sustain life and limb, and it would not — which is what we all worry about — get so big that it destroys the whole country. That currently doesn't seem to be the case.

Robertson's comment came as he warned that pyroclastic flows could become a major issue. Pyroclastic flows resulted in many of the death recorded in 1902. No one died as a result of the 1979 volcanic eruption.

The volcanologist, who is based at the Seismic Research Centre of the St Augustine Campus of The

University of the West Indies (UWI) in Trinidad, said that the monitoring team now has evidence that there have been pyroclastic flows.

When a pyroclastic flow occurs, a mass of superheated air and volcanic material, rather than rising into the atmosphere, collapses on itself, rushes down This handout image courtesy of The UWI valleys, and Seismic Research Centre released on April destroys every9, 2021, shows the eruption of La Soufriere thing in its path. volcano from Rillan Hill in St Vincent “So if you visualise that you of the previous explosions have something is shoot- that has occurred since La ing down the mountain- Soufriere erupted on Friday, side, it is going faster than and not necessarily the ac[Usain] Bolt, … sometimes tivities Saturday night.

200 kilometres per hour…

“So far, it seems that we Fortunately, it stays in the had not observed them from valley, but sometimes it the observatory, but there is spreads out to the surround- evidence that they have ocing, higher paths,” Professor curred,” he said, speaking Robertson said. from the monitoring station “But when it meets any- in Belmont, near Rose Hall, thing in the valley, wheth- which offers a commanding er it is trees, cars, buildings, view of the volcano. it has enough force that it “There is one on a video pushes them out of the way, that we have access to that destroys them, and it keeps happened on the leeward going. It has so much force, side,” he said, speaking of so much energy, and so much his team's evidence that pyheat than when it gets to the roclastic flows had occurred. coastline … it is so hot that it “That tells us that, in adthen boils the top of the sea dition to the venting that's … and it then creates a cush- happening, these things can ion of bullets that it then happen, and are beginning shoots across the sea even to happen, which means that faster, and it only runs out the volcano itself, the mouneventually,” he explained. tain, Soufriere, and any comRobertson said the flows munities there, not only they that the team had observed had to survive the heavy ash, might have been from one but now they have the poten-

tial of being destroyed by these flows that go down the mountainside,” Robertson said.

“These things are not like the ash that damage things by the weight; these flows really are moving masses of destruction,” said Robertson, who warned that the roofs of even more buildings could collapse under the weight of volcanic ash.

“They destroy everything in their path,” Robertson said of the pyroclastic flows, adding “if you have the strongest house in the world, they will just bulldoze it off the ground.

“So, it means that the amount of devastation you are going to have on the volcano itself, when this thing has stopped and we go back and see, is going to be significant, not only because of the ash, but because of these flows that could go down the mountainside.”

The whole of St Vincent, some of the Grenadine islands, as well as neighbouring countries are blanketed in ash, and Robertson warned that the volcano is not showing signs of letting up.

“The activity that we are having now, there is no indication on the instrumentation that it is waning... that it is going towards the end.

“So, I would love to tell you that this is all we have to sustain, this last couple days, but I can't tell you that. It is likely that at some time it would quiet down and there will be a break so that we can recover a little bit more. But don't be surprised if after the break it picks up again, and then we have another period like this, and then there might be another break, and it picks up again,” he said.

Meanwhile, The UWI has described as “fake news” reports being posted on social media that it has issued an “Emergency Orange for Grenada, meaning that an underwater eruption is possible within the next 24 hours”.

Yesterday, the director of the Seismic Research Centre Dr Erouscilla Joseph said that Barbados should be prepared for ash emanating from the volcano “for days to weeks”, in the first instance.

“Unfortunately the worst-case scenario is that this can go on for weeks because of the changes in the dynamics of the system. We just have to kind of keep monitoring the seismicity associated with the volcano and advise based on that,” she told a news conference at which Prime Minister Mia Mottley urged Barbadians “not to panic” as a result of the tremendous amount of ash falling on the island since the volcano began explosive eruptions last week. (CMC)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

St Vincent volcano eruption: Stragglers urged to evacuate “immediately’

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hree days after La Soufrière volcano began to erupt on St Vincent, the eastern Caribbean island remains under a shower of ash and subject to severe water restrictions as authorities grow increasingly concerned for the safety of those who refused to evacuate.

La Soufrière, which last erupted in 1979, has been firing an enormous amount of ash and hot gas into the air since Friday morning. In the early hours of Monday, the largest explosion of the current eruption sent pyroclastic flows down the volcano’s south and south-west flanks.

“It’s destroying everything in its path,” said Erouscilla Joseph, director of the University of the West

A beach buried in ash

There were no immediate reports of injuries or death, but Government of-

Deserted and devastated

Indies’ seismic research centre. “Anybody who has not heeded the evacuation needs to get out immediately.”

ficials were scrambling to respond to the latest eruption. Approximately 16,000

people who live in communities close to the volcano had been evacuated under Government orders on Thursday, but an unknown number have refused to move.

Richard Robertson, from the seismic research centre, told the local NBC Radio that the volcano’s old and new dome had been destroyed and a new crater had been created. He said the pyroclastic flows have razed everything in their path.

“Anything that was there – man, animal, anything – they are gone,” he said. “And it’s a terrible thing to say it.”

Joseph meanwhile said the latest explosion was on par with the one that occurred in 1902, killing about 1600 people.

The National Emergency

Management Office (Nemo) of St Vincent and the Grenadines has warned people to expect similar – if not greater – explosions and accompanying ashfalls over the next few days.

The volcanic activity has threatened water and food supplies, with the Government forced to drill for fresh water and distribute it via trucks.

Garth Saunders, Minister for the island’s water and sewer authority, said it was impossible to protect existing water sources from the ash: “We cannot put tarpaulin over a river.”

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, said Government officials were scheduled to meet on Monday afternoon to talk about difficulties with food supplies. Cots, tents, water tanks and other basic supplies have been flooding into St Vincent as nearby countries rush to help those affected by the eruptions.

At least four empty cruise ships were waiting nearby to take evacuees to other islands that have agreed to temporarily receive them, including Antigua and Grenada. All Government sea port employees were asked to report to work.

Dr Gonsalves said it could take four months for normality to return to St Vincent, part of an archipelago that includes the Grenadines. The majority of the 100,000 inhabitants live in St Vincent.

Ashes rooftops

The COVID pandemic has complicated response efforts. At least 14 new cases have been reported since the eruptions began on Friday, and all those going to shelters are being tested. Those who test positive are taken to isolation centres. More than 3700 people are being housed in 84 Government shelters.

the north, so the seaports are open.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said there were “no plans for further evacuations” beyond those already ordered by the Government of St Vincent, adding: “British nationals in the area should follow the advice of local authorities.”

Young: 50 T&T soldiers arrive in St Vincent

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embers of T&T Defence Force were scheduled to sail to St Vincent on Monday on the Galleons Passage vessel to carry supplies and assist the eruption-ravaged island– and the vessel will also bring home T&T nationals who are in St Vincent.

This was confirmed by National Security Minister Stuart Young.

Foreign Affairs Minister Amery Browne also received a letter from St Vincent and the Grenadines Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves giving a status report on the situation and what they needed following last Friday’s explosive eruption of the Soufriere volcano.

Billowing plumes of ash covered St Vincent, also swamping Barbados, 118 miles east. The volcano has continued pulsing.

Young stated, “We will be deploying 50 officers of the T&T Defence Force to St Vincent and the Grenadines …. This contingent comprises of personnel from Engineers, Infantry/Provost, Medical and Logistics. They will be stationed in St Vincent and the Grenadines for two weeks in the first instance.”

“The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), and

A man carries a container of water in Questelles, St Vincent, on Saturday, during a distribution of water in the area

the Ministry of National Security, has been coordinating efforts to collect supplies. These will be sent to St Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In the first instance, supplies comprise of water, food essentials, toiletries, hygiene materials, simple medical supplies and other items requested, for example, water tanks and buckets.”

Young added: “We will seek to repatriate T&T na-

tionals from St Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday using the vessel and are currently making such arrangements along with the Foreign and Caricom Affairs Ministry. All nationals returning will be quarantined and treated in accordance with the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 protocols.”

“Government will continue to provide support and assistance requested and required by St Vincent and the Grenadines. Our prayers

and thoughts continue to be with St Vincent and the Grenadines—we assure our brothers and sisters there, we stand in solidarity with them during their period of challenge.”

Browne said St Vincent’s water catchment areas are affected by ash and dust and he received an urgent request last Saturday for drinking water.

St Vincent and the Grenadines Finance Minister Gonsalves (son of Prime Minister Gonsalves) wrote him on Sunday stating the “explosive events are ongoing”.

Gonsalves said immediate needs are water, bedding, respiratory equipment and supplies, and sanitary products for babies/elderly/ women.

Gonsalves added, “The island is covered in ash, from a dusting/few inches in the south to many feet in the north. Scientists’ predictions were very accurate. We managed to get the majority of people out of the danger zone before the first explosion... some chose to stay and only decided to leave once explosions were underway. Immediate evacuation was somewhat chaotic, but largely successful.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

The volcano has sentt a huge ash cloud across the sea

Rhiannon West, originally from south-west England, but who has lived on St Vincent with her partner since December 2019, said they were out of water, adding that she was worried about breastfeeding her sixmonth-old son. “I’m noticing that my milk is very low, which is scary – probably the scariest thing,” she told the Guardian.

West, 28, said she had hung damp sheets across doorways and windows to stop ash blowing in, but called on the British Government to evacuate her family for her son’s sake.

“He can’t even breathe clean air and we don’t know if there’s ash coming through gaps in the windows,” she said.

“We want the British Government to get us out.

I don’t understand what more they need to see that it’s a crisis. What more do we need to experience for it to be considered a crisis? I know the Barbadian coastguard are helping people to get off who are still stuck in

It said the British Government was providing emergency assistance and had provided an initial £200,000 to support the regional response, through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

Nadia Huggins, a visual artist and photojournalist who lives on the south of the island, said locals and the island’s authorities were doing their best to help people as the rain turned the ash coating St Vincent into thick sludge, and amid the water shortages and continuing pandemic.

“I think COVID was definitely a major concern before this happened,” said Huggins. “But people are so preoccupied with just being OK and coping and being able to breathe properly at the moment that I don’t think anybody is thinking about COVID right now, although the Ministry of Health still has major concerns about that and has put things in place to try to curb that.” (The Guardian)

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

Regional

St Vincent’s Deputy PM says north- Leftwinger Pedro Castillo east agriculture sector destroyed takes surprise lead

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t Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Prime Minister Montgomery Daniel said the agriculture sector was non-existent on the eastern side of the La Soufrière volcano, which erupted last Friday.

Daniel visited the area on Sunday and reported to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves during a talk show on the State-owned NBC Radio on Monday that the devastation reminded him of when Hurricane Thomas brushed St Vincent and the Grenadines five years ago.

“The primary forest area close to the La Soufrière volcano is all gone,” he said.

“The farms are basically gone. The tree crops have been denuded. It is only the stems that are standing in some cases.

“Breadfruit, coconuts, mangoes, soursop, all of those tree crops are basically gone. Things such as

T

Coconut trees in the red zone bowing under the weight of volcano ash, April 11, 2021 (Picture courtesy Professor Richard Robertson/UWI-SRC)

plantains and bananas, all of those are gone,” he said.

Responding to a question from Dr Gonsalves about the arrowroot crop, which was soon to be harvested, Daniel also painted a bleak picture.

“With the root crops, the ashfall in some areas would have been so deep that all of the vegetation would have been covered,” he said.

“Whether it is arrowroot, yams, dasheen, ginger, you name it, all have been lost and not a single blade of grass can be seen on these farms, so that it’s an area that has been levelled all across the farms.

“There is not going to be very much food available from that area for quite a long time.” (Nation News)

rade unionist Pedro Castillo has taken a surprise lead in the presidential election in Peru.

With more than half of the votes counted, Castillo had 16.3 per cent.

Eighteen candidates competed in the first round and the election looks certain to go into a run-off on June 6 in which voters will have to choose between the top two candidates.

Currently in second place is right-wing economist Hernando de Soto with 13.5 per cent, followed by Keiko Fujimori with 12.9 per cent.

The 51-year-old is a primary teacher from the

Cajamarca region in Peru.

He started his political career in 2002, when he unsuccessfully ran for mayor.

In 2017, he became a prominent figure in a teachers' strike over pay and in October 2020 he announced he would run for President for the left-wing Free Peru party.

In opinion polls ahead of the election, he had failed to make it into the list of top six candidates, barely registering three per cent in a poll taken in mid-March.

His lead in the counting therefore came as a surprise to many.

His support seems to have come in particular from remote rural areas,

Jamaican Opposition rejects use of expired vaccines

P Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala to deploy troops to slow migration

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exico, Honduras, and Guatemala have agreed to deploy troops to their borders to slow the movement of migrants trying to get into the United States, a Biden Administration official said on Monday.

“We’ve secured agreements for them to put more troops on their own border,” Tyler Moran, a special assistant to President Joe Biden for immigration policy told the MSNBC news outlet.

“That not only is going to prevent the traffickers and the smugglers, and cartels that take advantage of the kids on their way here, but

also to protect those children,” Moran said.

The US Border Patrol is struggling with an increase in the number of people trying to cross the southwest US border because of violence, poverty, natural disasters, and a lack of access to food in Central America and Mexico.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) caught 172,000 people trying to cross the border in March, a 71 per cent increase over the prior month.

Most of those caught crossing were single adults and the CBP expelled 104,000 according to the lat-

est data.

Many of those apprehended at the border, however – 19,000 in March alone – were unaccompanied children who have begun to overfill CBP detention facilities and the housing capacity of the Health and Human Services Department (HHS).

Mexico has agreed to maintain 10,000 troops at its border, Honduras sent 7000 troops to disperse an emerging caravan of migrants and Guatemala placed 1500 troops on its border with Honduras, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Monday.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

which pollsters rarely reach.

Castillo thanked them in a brief speech on Sunday, saying he wanted to greet those "who have been forgotten, who live in the corners of our homeland where there is no State presence".

Castillo managed to appeal to many Peruvians who are fed up with the corruption scandals which have overshadowed politics for years.

He has said that he was not out to enrich himself and that if elected, he would only draw the salary equivalent to what he was paid as a teacher. He also wants to lower the salary paid to lawmakers. (Excerpt from BBC News)

eople's National Party (PNP) spokesman on health and wellness, Dr Morais Guy, says the Opposition rejects any attempt by the Government to use expired AstraZeneca vaccines.

Guy is calling on Health and Wellness Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton not to pursue any plan to seek authorisation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the manufacturers for use after the April 13 expiry date.

Responding to an announcement Monday morning by Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jacquiline BisasorMcKenzie, that the Ministry of Health was pursuing this plan, Dr Guy reminded the Government that the European Medical Agency in a publication on January 29, 2021, specifically warned against the use of corona-

Opposition spokesman on Health, Dr Morais Guy (File photo)

virus vaccines after expiry dates.

He said owing to the nature of formulations in drugs, they were not to be used after expiry and this regime was even stricter for vaccines.

Dr Guy said the use of the expired vaccines could expose the Jamaican popula-

tion to health risks and consequently, the Opposition was not in agreement with this plan. Further, he noted, some vaccine manufacturers were already seeking indemnities from Governments for use of the vaccines.

He said there was already vaccine-hesitancy in Jamaica and the Government's handling of this issue would only serve to heighten scepticism.

“Had the government been forthcoming about the expiration date of the recently-acquired shipment of vaccine, and alerted the public of the reduced usage window, I am sure people would have cooperated with requests for immediate take-up. Instead, citizens were left to make the discovery on their own, reducing public confidence. As it is now, some may not even want the vaccine,” Dr Guy said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Conservative ex-banker Guillermo Venezuela sends 20 tons Lasso elected Ecuador’s President of aid to St Vincent

A

conservative former banker, Guillermo Lasso, has won Ecuador's presidential election following a run-off vote.

His opponent, the left-wing economist Andrés Arauz, conceded defeat hours after polls closed on Sunday.

With almost all the ballots counted, Lasso had won 52.4 per cent of the vote compared to Arauz's 47.6 per cent.

Lasso, a 65-year-old three-time presidential candidate, told supporters he accepted the "challenge of changing our country's destiny".

"It's a day on which all Ecuadoreans have decided their future," he said.

"They have used their vote to express the need for change and the desire for better days."

Arauz, congratulated the winner: "I will show him our democratic convictions," he said at a rally.

The 36-year-old had won the first round on February 7 by a 10-percentage-point margin and until recently had been the favourite to become

S

Guillermo Lasso has vowed to attract foreign investment and break away from leftist policies

President. But polls suggested Lasso started to catch up with him late in the campaign.

Arauz called the result "an electoral stumble, but not a political or moral defeat". He said it was now time to "move on, build bridges and create consensus".

Arauz's mentor, ex-President

Rafael Correa, wished Lasso "lots of luck". Correa, who defeated Lasso in the 2013 election, could not run for office this time after he was sentenced in absentia last year for corruption.

Lasso, who finished second in the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections, will assume office on May 24. (Excerpt from BBC)

t Vincent and the Grenadines received 20 tons of humanitarian aid from Venezuela on Monday.

St Vincent Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves and the Venezuelan Vice Minister for the Caribbean, Raúl Li Causi, announced this on their Twitter accounts.

Dr Gonsalves and Li Causi received a Venezuelan navy ship in the south of St Vincent after the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano, in the north of the island.

The shipment is part of aid that will begin to arrive over the next few days, coordinated by the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA).

Li Causi, who was appointed by Venezuelan

President Nicolás Maduro to coordinate the aid from St Vincent, said the ship brought 17,000 litres of water, non-perishable food, mattresses and personal hygiene kits.

Li Causi said Venezuela also sent 15 medical specialists, first responders, and experts in search-and-rescue efforts. The 15 medical staff will be made available to the local disaster centre for evacuation tasks and then for reconstruction.

Li Causi said the Venezuelan ship will work to establish a seabridge with other nearby islands and Cuba.

Dr Gonsalves thanked Venezuela for the shipment.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises on US vaccine rollout, Middle East tension

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il prices edged higher on Monday on optimism over the pace of coronavirus vaccinations in the United States and after the Yemen-based Houthi movement said it fired missiles on Saudi oil sites.

Still, crude prices have remained rangebound in the past three weeks, as growing expectations of surging US economic activity are balanced by the slow rate of vaccination in Europe and anticipation of additional supply from Iran in coming months.

Brent rose 20 cents to US$63.15 a barrel by 1:10 pm EDT (1710 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 22 cents to US$59.54 a barrel.

The United States has fully vaccinated 22 per cent of its population, while the United Kingdom has vaccinated 11 per cent fully, according to the Reuters vaccine tracker. Still, other countries are not faring as well, with France and Germany at around 6 per cent vaccinated.

“Oil prices rose today as a result of progress in vaccination campaigns in the US, which are helping the country’s plan to spend,” said Louise Dickson, Rystad Energy’s oil markets analyst.

“The upward momentum in other countries is promising, but large discrepancies remain globally,” Dickson added.

Prices also found some support after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement said it had fired 17 drones and two ballistic missiles at Saudi targets, including towards Saudi Aramco refineries in Jubail and Jeddah.

There was no immediate Saudi confirmation. Saudi Aramco, the state oil firm, did not comment when contacted by Reuters.

“While there are still plenty of reasons to be bullish, market players have become more cautious as infections have surged in Europe, India and some emerging markets, while vaccine rollouts have proved slower than anticipated,” said oil broker PVM’s Stephen Brennock.

India now accounts for one in every six daily coronavirus infections worldwide, and cases are also rising in other parts of Asia.

Asian oil demand has remained weak and some buyers have asked for lower volumes in May, partly because of refinery maintenance and higher prices.

In an interview on Sunday Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the US economy is at an “inflexion point” amid expectations that growth and hiring will accelerate in the months ahead, but it faces the risk of reopening too quickly and sparking a resurgence in coronavirus cases. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Minneapolis: Daunte Wright shooting by Police “accidental”

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he fatal shooting of a black man by a Police officer in the US city of Brooklyn Center was an accident, the local Police Chief has said.

Daunte Wright, 20, was shot after the officer meant to use a Taser, but mistakenly drew her gun instead, Chief Tim Gannon told reporters.

Wright's death has sparked angry protests and an overnight curfew.

Tensions in nearby Minneapolis are high as the trial of an ex-officer accused of killing George Floyd continues.

In a courtroom just 10

T

terrifying".

"You just thought, this is it. I would have thought that when we opened the door, that there would be nothing around us except that roof," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

"We are a small town. Half of it has been flattened."

Weather authorities said Cyclone Seroja had maintained "uncommon" pace and strength throughout Sunday night, as it moved from Kalbarri and Geraldton on the coast, and inland across the state's Wheat Belt.

Emergency services said about 70 per cent of structures in Kalbarri, which is home to about 1500 people, were damaged by the

Daunte Wright's mother, Katie, said her son called her as he was being pulled over by Police

heard saying "Taser, Taser, Taser," - normal Police procedure before firing one of

the stun guns. Wright is seen to get into his car and drive away, while the same officer says "I just shot him".

Fatally wounded, Wright crashed a few blocks away.

Angry protests erupted in Brooklyn Center on Sunday night as news of Wright's death spread.

Hundreds of protesters chanting his name gathered late outside the Police headquarters.

Tensions rose as Police donned riot gear, and two Police vehicles were pelted with stones and jumped on, Reuters news agency reported. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ontario hospitals may have to withhold care as COVID-19 fills ICUs

D

octors in the Canadian province of Ontario may soon have to decide who can and cannot receive treatment in intensive care as the number of coronavirus infections sets records and patients are packed into hospitals still stretched from a December wave.

Canada’s most populous province is cancelling elective surgeries, admitting adults to a major children’s hospital and preparing field hospitals after the number

of COVID-19 patients in ICUs jumped 31 per cent to 612 in the week leading up to Sunday, according to data from the Ontario Hospital Association.

The sharp increase in Ontario hospital admissions is also straining supplies of tocilizumab, a drug often given to people seriously ill with COVID-19.

Hospital care is publicly funded in Canada, generally free at the point of care for residents. But new hospital beds have

not kept pace with population growth, and shortages of staff and space often emerge during bad flu seasons.

Ontario’s hospitals fared relatively well during the first wave of the pandemic last year, in part because the province quickly cancelled elective surgeries.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario told doctors last Thursday that the province was considering “enacting the critical care triage protocol,”

something that was not done during earlier waves of the virus. Triage protocols help doctors decide who to treat in a crisis.

In a statement, the Health Ministry said Ontario has not activated the protocol. A September draft suggested doctors could withhold life-sustaining care from patients with a less than 20 per cent chance of surviving 12 months. A final version has not been made public.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Turkey, Libya committed to eastern Mediterranean maritime accord

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urkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey and Libya were committed to a 2019 maritime demarcation accord in the eastern Mediterranean, after meeting Libya’s Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh in Ankara.

“The maritime accord signed between Turkey and Libya secures national in-

Cyclone Seroja: Storm leaves trail of damage in Western Australia ropical cyclone Seroja has ripped across a 1000km (621-mile) stretch of Western Australia, leaving a trail of damage.

The category three storm made landfall near the town of Kalbarri on Sunday with gusts of up to 170km/h (105mph).

The storm was later downgraded to a tropical low, though strong winds continue to move south-east.

Residents reported smashed houses, fallen trees and downed power lines.

Kalbarri resident Debbie Major said the storm, which hit the resort town around 19:00 local time (11:00 GMT), raged through the night and was "absolutely

miles (16km) from the latest unrest, proceedings resumed on Monday, with Derek Chauvin's lawyers set to begin his defence.

Daunte Wright was pulled over on Sunday for a traffic violation, but there was a struggle when he tried to get back into the car.

At a news conference on Monday morning, Chief Gannon played a short video from the body camera worn by the policewoman, which shows Wright trying to get back into his car as officers attempt to handcuff him on the side of the road.

An officer can then be

cyclone. Several towns in the state's south-east remain under "red alert" on Monday, meaning residents were advised to take shelter, and thousands of homes were left without power.

One Kalbarri resident told the West Australian newspaper that he was forced to hide in a pantry with his pregnant wife and their dog.

Emergency services received 175 calls for help on Monday, a Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman told the BBC. Government emergency funding is being offered to affected residents. (Excerpt from BBC News)

terests and future of both countries...We confirmed our determination on this issue today,” Erdogan said in a news conference.

Libya’s new unity government was sworn in on March 15 from two warring administrations that had ruled eastern and western regions, completing a smooth transition of power after a decade of violent chaos.

Turkey had backed the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) against the eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), which was supported

by Russia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and France.

Greece, which opposes the maritime agreement between Tripoli and Ankara, called for the accord to be cancelled, as it reopened its embassy in Libya after seven years.

Libyan Prime Minister Dbeibeh said agreements between the two countries, including the maritime demarcation agreement, are based on a valid framework.

Separately, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias met Libya’s alternative Prime Minister Hussein Atiya

Abdul Hafeez Al-Qatrani in Benghazi and noted that Libya’s Parliament had not ratified the accord, which Greece considers has no legal force.

The set of meetings with the Libyan delegation also included discussions over concrete steps to improve investments, bilateral trade and economic relations Erdogan also said adding that Ankara will send 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Libya as part of a support against the outbreak. (Excerpt from Reuters)

1 dead and an officer wounded in Tennessee school shooting

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olice faced gunfire as they responded to reports of a possible gunman at a Tennessee high school Monday, leaving one person dead and an officer wounded, authorities said.

No one else was killed or wounded at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville, a city about 290 kilometres (180 miles ) east of Nashville, Police said.

A male has been detained.

Police said they responded to the school around 15:15h

and when they encountered a male with a gun, shots were fired.

“Upon approach of the subject, shots were fired,” Knoxville Police Department posted on Facebook. “A Knoxville Police Officer was struck at least one time and transported to the hospital with injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening."

Speaking from outside a hospital, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon told WATE-TV that she spoke

with the wounded officer and that he was conscious and in good spirits.

The police post said a male died at the school, which is not far from the city’s zoo and Interstate 40. A map of the neighbourhood shows the school is in a residential area near some churches.

Three students from Austin-East Magnet High School have been shot to death away from the campus less than three weeks apart this year, Police said.

(Excerpt from NBC)

20

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

A situation will not be what it appears. Don’t jump (March 21to conclusions or lose sight April 19) of your goal. Do your own thing, and focus on success, peace of mind and happiness.

ARIES

Impulse is the enemy.

Plan your actions and ded(April 20icate time to reaching your May 20) objective. Put your energy where it counts, and your income will increase. Don’t let an outsider take charge.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Gather information before GEMINI you make a move or spend (May 21- money unnecessarily. Expect June 20) someone who has ulterior motives to mislead you. Think for yourself and take action based on facts.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

You’ll get the help you want, but before you accept it, consider what you may owe in return. Don’t put yourself in a precarious position, regardless of the temptation.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Stop fretting over what others are doing. Consider what you want and figure out a way to follow a path that satisfies your needs.

Discipline will bring opportunity and help you excel.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Learn from experience, then proceed with confidence.

Knowing what you want will make it easier for you to put whatever stands in your way aside so that you can excel.

Don’t lose faith.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Pay more attention to what’s going on around you.

Seek out information that will help you decipher who and what’s best for you. An equitable partnership looks promising. Romance is in the stars.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Emotions will surface if someone rejects your ideas or opinions. Look at every angle of a tricky situation.

An innovative approach will help things turn in your favor.

Tidy up loose ends. Focus SAGITTARIUS on your surroundings and (Nov. 23do what’s necessary to make Dec. 21) your space user-friendly.

Use what you already have to initiate positive domestic or professional changes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Listen to your friends and relatives, but do what’s best for you. Taking care of your responsibilities will help put your mind at ease and deter others from interfering.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Refuse to let your emotions wreak havoc with your financial well-being.

Unnecessary spending will not make you feel better. Use your intelligence and make sensible improvements.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

An unexpected change will turn out to be what’s best for you. Don’t get discouraged. Be an entrepreneur, and you will flourish.

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

21

Vitality Inc on board as RHTY&SC’s Under-23 sponsor for 2021 – co-sponsors club’s 31st annual magazine

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ne of the main reasons why the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) is widely considered Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation is its ability to attract and keep sponsors for a long period of time.

Vitality Inc of Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Thursday became the seventh official sponsor of the club’s cricket section. It joins an elite list that includes Poonai Pharmacy, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Pepsi, Metro Office Supplies and the National Milling Company (NAMILCO).

RHTY&SC Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster disclosed that the company would be sponsoring the newly-established Under-23 team which would be playing in the upcoming Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)

Sandeep and Son Under-23 Tournament. The team would be led by West Indies whiteball player Kevin Sinclair while the highly-talented Kevlon Anderson would be his deputy.

The Rose Hall Town Vitality team will start the tournament as one of the favourites with a long list of national and Berbice players. Among the players in the team are Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Slyus Tyndall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Chanderpaul Govindan., Jeremy Sandian, Tyreese Sealey, Kevin Ramnarine, Lucas Arthur, Christopher Deroop, Surendra Ramcharitar and Matthew Pottaya.

The sponsorship from Vitality Inc would cover the cost of cricket balls for practice sessions and matches along with transportation, snacks

and the overall operation of the team for the year.

Additionally, the management of the RHTY&SC had mandated the team to successfully complete a total of 30 personal development programmes under the name of the sponsorship for 2021 under the sub-headings of education, culture, cricket development, community development, anti-crime, and anti-suicide.

Among the upcoming events to be hosted by the team are a Special Mother’s Day hampers project, clean-up of the public beach in Rose Hall Town, senior citizens breakfast project and the distribution of cycles to less-fortunate students.

Meanwhile, the company would also be co-sponsoring the 21st edition of the RHTY&SC Youth Review Magazine.

Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu stated that the club since 2000 has published

an annual magazine as part of its youth outreach programmes. The magazines have traditionally carried articles on the work of the club during the calendar year, outstanding members, plans for the future and highlight the support of its sponsors. Each year, the magazine also features articles with advice for youths on topics such as drug abuse, suicide, the importance of education, religion, climate change, and domestic violence. The 2021 edition would consist of 48 pages and was expected to be published by the middle of the year. Naidu disclosed that special articles would be done on West Indies players Kevin Sinclair, Shakabi Gajnabi and Kevlon Anderson.

Secretary/CEO Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), expressed thanks to the Directors of the compa-

Vitality Director Abbas Hamid hands over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah

ny for their support and reassured them that the club would be good ambassadors of their brand and play a major role in making the company a household name in Guyana.

Company Director Abbas Hamid stated that Vitality Inc was pleased to be associated with the team and wished them success on and off the cricket field. The company, which was recently launched in Guyana, is a US$10 million investment in Guyana and offers a wide range of services

including providing equipment needed to serve the oil sector, consultancy and strategic planning. Subsidiaries include Vitality Supplies and Vitality Accounting and Consultancy.

The other sponsored teams of the RHTY&SC are Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and 13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second-Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females and NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Under-21 and First-Division teams.

Joshua reveals “positive Bakewell renews RHTY&SC cricket sponsorship for 22nd successive year news” on Fury unification fight

“I

t is common knowledge that sponsorship for sports in Guyana is mostly a one-off thing. The RHTY&SC is, therefore, very grateful that over the last two decades, Bakewell have remained steadfast in their support of our Under-17 and Second-Division teams. There can be no doubt that Bakewell is one of the main reasons why we are widely considered Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation.”

The words of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC ) Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster as prominent bakery Bakewell renewed its annual cricket sponsorship for the 22nd successive year.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), stated that Bakewell has been an official sponsor of the RHTY&SC since early 2000. The company started with the sponsorship of the Second Division team before adding the Under-17 team. Foster disclosed that the two teams have won more than 20 different tournaments over the years at different levels.

The Rose Hall Town Bakewell teams have produced numerous Berbice and Guyana players including Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra

A

Natasha Bhikhari hands over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah and Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, Sylus Tyndall, Dominic Rikhi, Abdel Fudadin, Khemraj Mahadeo, Brandon Prashad and Matthew Pottaya. Fudadin, Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Esuan Crandon, and Royston Crandon have all gone on to play for the West Indies at different levels. Foster hailed the support of Bakewell over the years as it allowed the players to perform on the cricket field, without thinking about the expenses associated with playing the game.

The two teams, over the years, have also hosted hundreds of personal development programmes under the name of the sponsorship. The two teams are mandated by club management to complete between 50 and 60 activities per year. These include food hamper, senior citizens breakfast, and television programmes; cricket academy, clean-up campaign, say no to drugs, say yes to education and say no to suicide programmes.

RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu disclosed that the Under-17

team in 2021 would be led

by Christopher Deroop while Matthew Pottaya would serve as his deputy. The talented Kevlon Anderson would lead the Second-Division team with Junior Sinclair as his deputy. Naidu reassured the management of Bakewell that the two teams would uphold their high standards of the past and would continue to be good role-model ambassadors of the company’s brand.

Bakewell General Manager Rajin Ganga stated that his company was delighted with the performance of the teams on and off the cricket field.

The two teams, he noted, have played a great part in making Bakewell a household name in Berbice. Ganga expressed confidence that the relationship would continue to be strengthened in the future. Bakewell, apart from sponsoring the two teams, co-sponsors numerous activities, including award ceremonies, a magazine, cricket academy, Christmas village, Mother’s Day programme and Father’s Day programme for the club annually.

nthony Joshua declared there is “no place to hide” for Tyson Fury after the first official offer to stage their heavyweight unification fight was lodged.

Promoter Eddie Hearn last week revealed he planned to present “three or four offers” to the respective teams of Joshua and Fury for an eagerly-awaited unification bout.

Negotiations over a blockbuster showdown between the British duo have been ongoing for several months, with Hearn revealing a two-fight deal has been signed.

WBA, WBO, and IBF champion Joshua has provided a positive update as he eyes Fury’s WBC belt.

“Positive news this evening! I’m lacing up my running boots rn [sic]!!!” Joshua posted on social media. “@258MGT and @

Matchroomboxing have received the first official offer to host the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship Of The WORLD! I will be victorious God Willing!

“No place to hide now! IM [sic] COMING.” John Fury – Tyson’s father – recently expressed his con-

cerns over the ongoing negotiations in an interview with Boxing Social, citing the financial difficulties owing to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, tweeted on Sunday: “Busy day today and a long night ahead!”

(Sportsmax)

Tour of Turkey: Mark Cavendish wins stage two to end winless streak

M

ark Cavendish won his first race in three years with victory on stage two of the Tour of Turkey.

The Briton, back with Deceuninck-Quick Step six years after leaving the Belgian team, found a superb final 100 metres to edge Belgian Jasper Philipsen at the end of the

114.9-kilometre stage.

Cavendish, 35, celebrated as he crossed the line for a first win since the third stage of the Dubai Tour in 2018.

He was pondering retirement last season before a move to DeceuninckQuick Step.

Cavendish signed a oneyear deal with the team

and this win builds on his fourth-place finish in stage one of the event.

He has won 30 stages of the Tour de France and is considered one of the best sprinters in the event’s history, but has been omitted from the Tour de France roster in the last two years.

(BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

Punjab Kings snatch thrilling victory as KL Rahul’s 91 trumps Sanju Samson’s 119

R

ajasthan Royals' new captain Sanju Samson nearly won his side their opening game single-handedly, with a stunning century, but fell short on the last ball by holing out to deep cover when they needed five to win. Chasing a stiff 222, Samson brought it down to 21 off 12 and then 13 off six.

They managed only two off the first three balls of the last over and needed 11 from three when Samson crunched Arshdeep Singh over the covers for a six.

He then drilled the next delivery along t h e ground to wide long-off but sent a sprinting Chris Morris back without a single, which took the equation to five from the final ball.

Samson connected well with Singh's cutter but only found deep cover, where Deepak Hooda fittingly took the catch after he had set up the game for the Punjab Kings with a blitz of 64 off 28, the perfect assault they needed after the start KL Rahul and Chris Gayle provided.

After Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler fell within eight overs, for 0 and 25 respectively, the onus was on Samson and he kept the chase on course by taking the Royals past 100 in the 11th over. But he would have also fallen much earli-

er had the Kings not given him two lives on 12 and 35.

Samson cashed in by timing his drives and flicks to perfection and muscling the shorter balls for a total of 12 fours and seven sixes.

The asking rate soared, but so did the boundaries from Samson's bat.

With able company from Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag, he hammered a combined 59 runs off 22 balls off the Australian duo of Riley Meredith and Jhye Richardson.

Sanju Samson scored 119 in a losing effort

The partnership of 52 off 22 balls between him and Parag stretched the match right until the end but it was only a few yards eventually that separated the two sides.

Samson steers the Royals ship alone

When Buttler was bowled by a deceptive slow yorker from Richardson, the Royals needed 152 from 75 balls and Samson was on 29 off 22. Samson's confidence and strokeplay, however, didn't suffer at all. He took on the pace bowlers and only settled

for singles or doubles when Rahul held on while diving to M Ashwin turned the ball or his right. Samson got anothM o h a m m e d er life on 35 when Mayank Shami turned in Agarwal dropped him while bursts of accu- running back from mid-off. rate pace bowl- Samson crunched boundaries ing. almost at will thereafter.

It was the combiThe fifth over also had nation of Arshdeep and Buttler welcome Meredith Shami that kept the game to the IPL with four conin the Kings' favour. When secutive fours but he the Royals needed 48 from 24, fell two overs later to Shami bowled a mix of short Richardson, having balls and yorkers that went helped the Royals for only eight in the over. accumulate 59 in When Richardson bowled the the powerplay. next, Samson turned the tables again with crisp strokeThe other powerplay play for 4, 6 and 4 that took and the other him to a 54-ball century.

KL Rahul Shami was bowled out, which Rahul's strike meant Meredith bowled the rate was often penultimate over; Tewatia fell questioned in on the first ball but Samson the last IPL. whipped another six on the leg side to bring KL Rahul led the the equation down to Punjab Kings with 13 from six. a brilliant 91 Arshdeep eventually bowled the toughest He may over of the night, in which he h a v e kept aiming for the wide yorknulliers. The first three worked, fied those the fourth didn't and eventuquestions ally, he trumped Samson to for now by seal the victory. going for the boundThe Stokes duck and aries often boundary-laden powerplay and not The Royals got the big dropping wicket of Stokes on the third anchor. ball of the chase but that also After Mayank Agarwal edged nearly resulted in one of the one behind off IPL debutant numerous drops of the night.

Chetan Sakariya, Rahul and Stokes top-edged a short ball Chris Gayle picked up at least from Shami, and Rahul and one boundary an over in their Hooda both sprinted towards 67-run stand, and even accelthe ball, as did the bowler, erated after the powerplay. with the keeper-captain colBoth Rahul and Gayle liding with the bowler who were also given lives; Rahul still managed to hold on. dropped at the long-off boundThree overs later, Arshdeep ary by Stokes on 15 and took a sharp return catch off Gayle's difficult return catch Manan Vohra and would have put down by Tewatia on 33. had Samson two for 12 had

GBBFF’s Novices Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition, Mr Linden Classic set for May 29

Promoted over Pooran, Hooda steals the show

When Gayle holed out to long-on for 40 off 28, the Kings were 89 for 2 at the halfway mark, the perfect stage to unleash Nicholas Pooran. But they sent in Hooda, and by the time one could think of

the reason behind it, the batsman lifted the run rate from nine to 11 an over with a hammering the Royals wouldn't have expected.

The 13th and 14th overs were the most productive with three sixes each.

R a h u l s t a r t ed the assault off Shivam D u b e with a straight six for his 30-ball half-century, and Hooda ended the over with sixes on either side of the pitch.

The 14th over belonged only t o Hooda as he dispatched three Shreyas Gopal deliveries for sixes whenever the ball pitched in his slot. Hooda was also given a life in the next over when he skied a Mustafizur Rahman cutter - Buttler ran back from cover and barely got his hands under the ball.

The Royals paid the price for that as well. Hooda whipped a no-look six off Morris, brought up a 20-ball fifty and punished Sakariya with three consecutive fours at the end of the 17th over despite some clever pace and length variations from the bowler. Morris eventually had Hooda caught at long-on but Rahul continued to strike sixes, even as Pooran fell for a first-ball duck. Rahul and Shahrukh Khan collected another 15 off the 19th over as extras from Rahman also added to the Kings' total, before another impressive over from Sakariya meant the 20th went for only five and he finished a memorable debut with 3 for 31. (ESPNcricinfo)

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uyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) will be hosting the 2021 Novices Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition 2021 and Mr Linden Classic on May 29, 2021 at the Lichas Hall, Linden.

The virtual event will be live-streamed on all popular social media networks.

On the night of the competition, there will be about 25 athletes competing in the three different segments of the first competition – Bodybuilding, Bikini and Men’s Physique.

Some of the athletes

who have already signed up to compete are Mahendra Andy Ramjit, Quamie Ezra July, Shaquan Emmanuel Caleb, Gail Karim, Alexander Correia, Yusuf Khan, Denroy Ross, Leson Quince Jones, Joel Ramnauth, Michael Cockfield, Mohamed Kaliel Razack and Michael Sampson.

The GBBFF has collaborated with Fitness Express to present the hardworking athletes, the bodybuilding and fitness fraternity, and the entire Guyana with its first bodybuilding and fitness competition for 2021. The said

competition is to celebrate life, health, and fitness while promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy living.

Athletes, backstage personnel and the executive of the GBBFF undertake to observe all COVID-19 protocols. While on stage athletes would be required to stand six feet apart from each other. While backstage athletes will be required to wear their masks and to maintain the mandatory physical distance. Judges will be seated six feet from each other and will be required to wear their masks.

PUNJAB KINGS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) KL Rahul (c)† c Tewatia b Sakariya 91 Mayank Agarwal c †Samson b Sakariya 14 Chris Gayle c Stokes b Parag 40 Deepak Hooda c Parag b Morris 64 Nicholas Pooran c Sakariya b Morris 0 Shahrukh Khan not out 6 Jhye Richardson c Morris b Sakariya 0 Extras (nb 2, w 4) 6 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 11.05) 221/6 Yet to bat: Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Riley Meredith, Arshdeep Singh Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Mayank Agarwal, 2.4 ov), 2-89 (Chris Gayle, 9.5 ov), 3-194 (Deepak Hooda, 17.3 ov), 4-201 (Nicholas Pooran, 17.6 ov), 5-220 (KL Rahul, 19.2 ov), 6-221 (Jhye Richardson, 19.6 ov) BOWLING Chetan Sakariya Mustafizur Rahman Chris Morris Shreyas Gopal Ben Stokes Rahul Tewatia Riyan Parag Shivam Dube

4-0-31-3 4-0-45-0 4-0-41-2 3-0-40-0 1-0-12-0 2-0-25-0 1-0-7-1 1-0-20-0

RAJASTHAN ROYALS INNINGS (TARGET: 222 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Ben Stokes c & b Mohammed Shami 0 Manan Vohra c & b Arshdeep Singh 12 Sanju Samson (c)† c Hooda b Arshdeep Singh 119 Jos Buttler b Richardson 25 Shivam Dube c Hooda b Arshdeep Singh 23 Riyan Parag c †Rahul b Mohammed Shami 25 Rahul Tewatia c †Rahul b Meredith 2 Chris Morris not out 2 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 6) 9 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 10.85) 217/7 Did not bat: Shreyas Gopal, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Ben Stokes, 0.3 ov), 2-25 (Manan Vohra, 3.2 ov), 3-70 (Jos Buttler, 7.3 ov), 4-123 (Shivam Dube, 12.4 ov), 5-175 (Riyan Parag, 16.2 ov), 6-201 (Rahul Tewatia, 18.1 ov), 7-217 (Sanju Samson, 19.6 ov) BOWLING Mohammed Shami Jhye Richardson Arshdeep Singh Riley Meredith Murugan Ashwin

4-0-33-2 4-0-55-1 4-0-35-3 4-0-49-1 4-0-43-0

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Rose Jr optimistic of team's chances in …Team Guyana depart El Salvador

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Guyana national basketball team have officially departed these shores after months of preparation for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Pre-Qualifiers, which are scheduled to be played in El Salvador. The qualifiers will take place at the José Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium and Guyana will face Nicaragua on April 15, 2021 in their first match-up.

Before the team departed, Guyana Times Sport sat down with the Captain of the side, Stanton Rose Jr who elaborated on the team’s journey from the beginning of preparations to where they currently are. When asked what was the atmosphere like in the camp, Rose Jr said, "It feels great: we can't wait to meet there; everyone is excited to go and play, the camp is good. Like any other camp we have ups and downs, nevertheless, we always talk through stuff and get back on track. The team is ready, everyone is prepared mentally, emotionally; as captain I will make sure that we all are on the same page when we hit that

Stanton Rose Jr (Captain) and Delroy James (Co-Captain) at the airport

arena. For me, I'm mentally prepared, I've prepared myself for whatever challenges may come, I've also been looking at different things and ways to lead this team."

Rose Jr went on to state that going forward it was not going to be easy, in fact it was going to be tough, but he was confident that the team can overcome any challenge placed before them. He also related that in terms of the readiness of the team, it is his belief that the team would do fine

once they communicate.

He was also adamant that it was his wish for the first game everyone could be in sync as he knew the squad was right where they needed to be as a team.

"Going up against Nicaragua, I think it's a statement game. We have to go and show that we are here to stay and here to compete against the best and to show why we are the highest ranked team in the group as we want to come out victorious," Rose Jr

opined.

Rose Jr was also asked what were his expectations of the players and what role he expected them to play, he responded: "In terms of the local players, I believe they have that dog mentality.

Everyone has that chip on their shoulder and want something. Because I know for sure that they will bring that mentality to the game and I know that they will play hard.

"As for the professionals, I expect them to play not like everyone, even though they may be, but to show that level of respect on the court and help be a leader on and off the court and bring the team together."

Rose Jr also reiterated that everyone on the team knew their roles, such as the guards, shooters, etc.

He also said that while everyone was aware of the role they play, they were ready to take on whatever play called by the Coach and to bring the trophy home to Guyana.

The top three teams will advance to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

Israel Yaw will be itching for action

– Americas Pre-Qualifiers in July 2021. The participating national teams include Costa Rica (CRC), El Salvador (ESA), Guyana (GUY), Jamaica (JAM) and Nicaragua (NCA).

Guyana’s Game Schedule:

• Game 1: Thursday, April 15 – 21:00 GYT – Guyana v Nicaragua • Game 2: Friday, April 16 – 18:00 GYT – Jamaica v Guyana • Game 3: Saturday,

April 17 – 21:00 GYT – Guyana v El Salvador • Game 4: Sunday, April 18 – 18:00 GYT – Costa Rica v Guyana * Guyana is two hours ahead of El Salvador, hence the games set for 21:00h and 18:00h will be played at 19:00h and 16:00h local time.

All Guyana games will be broadcast via the E-Networks E1 Channel.

New GCB Executive aims Standpipe Foundation to set high standards in donates football gear …also hosts medical outreaches in community cricket administration

O

T

he newly-elected executives of the Guyana Cricket Board met on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

This was the second meeting under the chairmanship of new President Bissoondyal Singh; the first was held immediately after the election of the new GCB executives on March 29, 2021.

At the meeting on Saturday, the executives discussed a wide range of matters relating to the strategic development goals for cricket in Guyana and the pathway towards achieving such goals. In achieving these planned goals, it is essential that the Board’s policies, processes, and procedures be understood by those involved and carried out in an ethical and principled manner. Given this position, the GCB wishes to assure the general public of the executives’ unwavering commitment to the development and advancement of cricket-related activities and the empowerment and development of players. The GCB executives will, therefore, strive to conduct the Board’s activities with the highest regard for fairness, accountability, and transparency.

The initial assessment by the executives and engaged stakeholders indicate that a lot needs to be done to

Andre Percival

enhance Guyana’s cricket.

This assessment provides a significant intrinsic motivation, where all elected executives are committed to this cause and are prepared to lead by example. The executives will be giving their time and energy to create a supportive atmosphere by which all stakeholders are reasonably expected to strive.

To date, the executives have established several sub-committees and panels inclusive of those related to Senior Selection, Junior Selection, Cricket Development, Finance, Marketing, and Public Relations. Noticeably, former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan heads the Senior Selection Panel, while one of the most successful youth captains in the West Indies, Andre Percival, leads the Junior Selection Panel.

Vice President

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Hilbert Foster will chair the Cricket Development Committee, PRO Claude Raphael the Public Relations Committee, and the acting Treasurer, Dr Cecil Beharry, will chair the Finance Committee.

Additionally, the GCB has made several positions on the different committees available to members of the Essequibo Cricket Board.

Those members will be contacted with the hope that they will accept the positions in service to cricket.

A GCB transition team was established to ensure a smooth and orderly transfer of authority to the new executive committee. In this regard, an office visit was recently undertaken by some members of the executive committee to meet the office staff and get acquainted with the existing procedures of the Board’s office.

ver the weekend, the Tucber Park All Star United Football Club benefited from a timely donation, which is expected to boost the club’s prospects going forward. The donation of football gear came from the Standpipe Foundation.

The gear given to the Club included playing and training kits as well as several pairs of cleats.

“Basically, we’re just looking to improve the lives of residents of Tucber Park,” Public Relations Officer Julian Moore shared, speaking on the Foundation’s busy weekend.

the presence of several of the club’s players. “ T h e Foundation basically came about from a conversation between past and present members of Tucber Park, who felt the time was right to pool our resources and give

dation’s medical A glimpse of the Foun weekend the er outreach ov

The Standpipe Foundation VP Kester Darlington (left) presenting the items to Coach of the Tucber All Star FC, Jimmy King

At the presentation, President Kester Darlington urged the youngsters to give of their best, work hard and be disciplined. He also pledged the Foundation’s continued support for the football club.

The items were received by Head Coach Jimmy King, in

back to the community in a more tangible and organised manner,” Moore told Guyana Times Sport about the recently-formed Foundation.

At a separate event, the Standpipe Foundation hosted a medical outreach where in excess of 100 per-

sons benefited from the various services offered. The Foundation also distributed 100 blood pressure monitors to persons attending the outreach.

Those BP monitors were presented to the Foundation by the Johnson family, who wished to assist the upand-coming non-profit entity with its medical outreach programme.

“High and low blood pressure are two of the most common health issues we face in our communities and country at large, persons for various reasons do not get access to various check-ups. Our outreaches are once a month and we realised that that isn’t enough, hence we believe that these blood pressure monitors will be invaluable,” Moore added.

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021

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

National Table Tennis team begin quest for Tokyo 2021 Olympic qualification

T

…Edghill, Britton, Cummings, Allen to compete today

he team of Chelsea Edghill, Natalie Cummings, Joel Allen and Shamar Britton departed for Rosario Argentina to participate in the regional qualifications for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic. The event will commence today and run until the April 17, 2021.

This qualification is basically to select four players individual males and females from the Latin American regions in addition to two mixed doubles teams. The event will be done in a knock out format.

President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association Godfrey in a statement said, “ As you know Chelsea Edghill has been participating in training engagement in Portugal and our other plyers have been training domestically. Despite the pandemic the players have really put their minds to the task as they have been taking the necessary precautions and

Team Guyana arriving in Argentina

making the necessary sacrifices. In terms of their prospects, I think Chelsea has a great prospect so for her the next step will be the Olympic games. We are hoping that her experience in Portugal will

take her a far way in these games. I can say that the players are quite upbeat and are hoping to qualify which would give us international ranking which is key going forward.”

Munroe also noted that

it truly has been a herculean task getting the team there, with the pandemic and the cost to travel to Argentina which has recently had a spike in COVID 19 cases. He also went on to state that the

team is safe and have already pushed in their first training session and are gearing up for competition.

“The team is in high spirits despite being in the bubble, we are coming against higher financed teams and

Rose Jr optimistic of team’s chances in El Salvador See stories on page 23

New GCB Executive aims to set high standards in cricket administration

one must be realistic but again I am optimistic of our chances. I believe us stepping out in this regard will help to strengthen our team” Munroe added.

In closing Munroe said, “I want to say and his is not to rub any shoulders, but we have to look how our investments is made in sports in terms of giving our athletes the best chances to succeed, it requires a lot of financial input and strategizing. A lot of times the blame is cast at the association’s feet, but there is limited finance to deal with and if we are speaking of an Olympic qualification, Olympic medals, studies would show that it would come at a cost. Hence, we would have to start looking at key structures and systems in place. But overall, I want to give the players a pat on their shoulders for showing their resilience and going out and showing that commitment.”

Captain of the Guyana team, Stanton Rose Jr

…Team Guyana depart

Part of the training session

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