Guyana Times -- Tuesday, April 19, 2022

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4983

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

PRICE

Guyana oil revenue earnings

1st quarter interest more than twice 2021 figures – BoG

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

See story on page 3

Windsor P11 Forest residents call for reinforced sluice defence …after koker door breaks

…following US Federal Reserve decision to increase rates

Auditor General flagged over 500 breaches of law by APNU/AFC

See story on page 7

Guyanese revel in return to kite flying, picnicking after 2-year COVID COVID-19 -19 lockdown See story on pages 12 & 13

US citizens P9 remanded for uttering forged COVID-19 test certificates

COVID-19 ICU cases remain at zero, 4 new cases recorded P10 CANU finds gun, ammo during raid P7

Easter 2022 celebrations: Children and adults alike were excited to have their kites soar into the air at the National Park as families gathered for picnics on Easter Monday (DPI photos)

Gas-to-shore project

Private Sector investments critical to avoid oversupply of gas – economist

See story on page 2

Joinder parliamentary parties support airport, stadium for Berbice Page 9

CCJ optimistic about future – Justice P8 Saunders …as Court celebrates 17th anniversary

Pensioner P7 appealing 60year jail time for killing brother-in-law

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gas-to-shore project

Private Sector investments critical to avoid oversupply of gas – economist U

sing the examples of countries like Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago, economist and former Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Justin Ram has warned Guyana to guard against the oversupply of gas to the market when the gasto-shore project comes onstream.

Dr Ram was at the time fielding questions from the media during an OilNow-organised webinar.

According to Dr Ram, such is the magnitude of investment needed for the gas-toshore project, that not having enough industries to take off the energy would be detrimental.

The economist gave the examples of Ghana and T&T, in urging that Guyana’s Private Sector be integrally involved in making the gas-to-shore project an overall success. He noted that if Private Sector money was involved, the fiscal burden could be reduced.

“With respect to two examples, I would say look at the case of Ghana. That provides a useful example for us, with respect to an oversupply of gas and so we have to be mindful of that. I think to

avoid that, it’s really critical that Private Sector investment is part of this. Because if you’re putting private money in this, the risk management approach is going to be very high.”

“The other example, I would say, is to look at Trinidad and Tobago, which built a very large gas-to-power plant in south of the country. That gas-to-power plant was supposed to have provided electricity to an aluminium smelter. So, of course, you could imagine there was going to be significant demand for electricity. But what transpired is that the aluminium smelter was never built.”

This is likely a reference to the Alutrint aluminium plant in La Bera, Trinidad, the construction of which was halted back in 2009 owing to a court order. At the time, the majority Stateowned US$3.3 billion aluminium smelter plant was blocked due to environmental concerns, although current T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has hinted previously that the project could make a return.

Additionally, Dr Ram explained that there was a take-it-or-pay-for-it contract

Artist’s impression of the natural gas plant

in place for the gas-to-power plant that was supposed to supply energy to the smelter plant. This means that even though all the electricity was not being utilised, it still had to be paid for.

“Who has to pay for that?

Well, it’s the owner of the grid and that is a publicly-owned entity. So, one has to look at that as well. So, those two examples provide some useful framework. And that is why I’m saying, it’s

very important to do proper demand and supply analysis for this. Because that would have very serious implications for the viability of the project. And you really don’t want a situation where you’re generating too much electricity,” Dr Ram said.

Even while it was planning the gas-to-shore project, the Government was looking at alternative uses for the excess gas which would become available. Natural Resources

Minister Vickram Bharrat has told media operatives that while Government was focused heavily on energy generation in the gas-to-energy project, the excess natural resource produced represented a significant figure and could be converted to another use.

The gas-to-shore project will see gas from the Liza Field offshore Guyana being pumped onshore to generate power. The main objective

of the initiative 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.

The project will be located in the Hermitage section of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), with approximately 150 acres allocated for it. It is expected to come on stream by late 2024 and will likely cut electricity costs by more than half. Importantly, there are plans for an industrial park comprising industries that could use gas, steam, and/or electricity.

The Government has already invited interested parties to invest in its US$900 million gas-to-energy project WDZ. The pipeline, which would end in the WDZ, will measure some 225 kilometres from the Liza field, where the natural gas is produced.

The project will see the establishment of a gas processing plant (GPP) and a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility, capable of producing at least 4000 barrels per day, including the fractionation (or separating out) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). (G3)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, April 19 – 03:30h-05:00h and Wednesday, April 20 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, April 19 – 05:45h-07:15h and Wednesday, April 20 – 06:30h-08:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy conditions are expected throughout the day, interrupted by late-afternoon sunshine.

Partly cloudy skies are expected at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to North NorthWesterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 06:05h and 18:35h reaching maximum heights of 2.87 metres and 2.69 metres.

Low Tide: 12:07h reaching a minimum height of 0.33 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

06 11 17

20 26 28

13

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

02 06 11 15 25 LUCKY 3

7

7

1

3

Afternoon Draw

3

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 06 15 16 18 19 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

01 02 03 09 17 13

01 06 09 20 21

1

7 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

2

0 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$113.90/barrel

+0.64

Rough Rice

$299.52/ton

+0.54

London Sugar

$568.80/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1978.00

$1979.00

Low/High Change

$1974.70 -0.70

$2000.80 -0.04%

Guyana oil revenue earnings

1st quarter interest more than twice 2021 figures – BoG …following US Federal Reserve decision to increase rates

S

ince Guyana started earning oil and gas revenues, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) being banked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has seen its first-quarter interest earnings more than double over the past year.

A perusal of the Bank of Guyana’s quarterly report shows that in 2021, the fund earned $13.7 million (US$65,823) in interest during the first quarter.

This has since risen to $31.5 million (US$151,412) in the 2022 first quarter covered by the report. According to the Bank of Guyana, this has to do with a decision by the Federal Reserve to increase its interest rates.

“In March 2022, the Federal Reserve increased its target range for federal funds rate from 0 per cent-0.25 per cent to 0.25 per cent-0.5 per cent. As a result, the interest rate on overnight deposits was increased and the fund was able to earn a higher level of interest income on its overnight deposits,” the report stated.

Back in March, the decision of the Federal Reserve to increase its interest rate ranges for the first time since 2018 was seen as a measure to address increasing inflation. A decision was also taken to implement more increases this year and also in 2023.

Since Exxon subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) found crude in commercial quantities offshore Guyana in 2015, there has been 28 oil finds to date in the Stabroek Block and an estimated recoverable resource of over 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block.

The first-ever payment of US$54.9 million for an oil lift was received in February 2020.

So far, the NRF has already received inflows for at least 10 oil lifts since ExxonMobil started production in the Liza 1 Development. The fund had a $150 billion closing balance at the end of March 2022.

It was explained in the Bank of Guyana report that the NRF had a starting balance of $90.9 billion at the start of the 2021 fourth quarter and a balance of

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

$150 billion at the end of the 2022 first quarter.

The Bank also revealed that Guyana was expected to earn millions from 12 crude lifts planned for this year. These lifts, each of which amounts to one million barrels of crude, will come from both the Liza 1 and 2 developments.

ExxonMobil is currently undertaking four production projects – Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara and Yellowtail in the oil-rich block. Production capaci-

ty is currently at 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) with the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in operation.

Meanwhile, production only recently started in the Liza 2 development, which is said to produce even lighter crude than Liza 1. It is also estimated that when the Yellowtail development project comes on stream, production will climb to 810,000 bpd by 2027. The US oil major anticipates at

least six FPSOs producing one million bpd by 2030.

The oil-rich Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

Exxon, through its local affiliate EEPGL, is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

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

The Easter spirit: renewal F

or millions of Christians in countries around the world, including Guyana, the just-concluded Easter holiday was a time to celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. During this period, Christians celebrated Christ rising over death, setting us free from its ultimate affect, previously permitted through the streak of inherited sin coming from Adam and Eve (the very reason why we sometimes are compelled to act as our own worst enemy). This breaking of the bonds of death is forever good news.

The ideal of Easter for many others is to merely contemplate the moment, whether it is religious in nature or not. Easter means to live with a sense of newness. Just as the season lifts our spirits and makes us feel like the whole world is new, the Resurrection of Jesus makes “all things new”. (Rev. 21:5) The Easter spirit. therefore, is a spirit of renewal that enables us to show up at work with a positive attitude, to renew relationships that have been taken for granted, and to express appreciation and affection to those closest to us. It means to see the world through new eyes – God´s eyes. With this faith, we are able to hold on to an enduring sense of joy even in the midst of the sadness we experience from the loss of a loved one, a failure to achieve an important goal, or a setback during recovery from an illness.

The vibrant colours of flowering plants, leafing trees and greening grass are all reminders that life is continuously renewed each year, without fail – the very essence of hope. The symbols of Easter should continue to remind us, beyond the holiday itself, that our world can indeed be a colourful, vibrant and life-affirming place – despite all the sobering events that occur in it each day. Even though the holiday has passed, we owe it to ourselves every day to stop and appreciate all the good things our lives hold — all the blessings, both large and small.

Perhaps some persons go to church every Sunday, or maybe only go to church on Easter Sunday; maybe do not go to church at all, or maybe you do not belong to a Judeo-Christian religion. No matter. The contemplation of renewal can be a useful exercise for everyone. Renewal can, however, be a peculiar thing at times; sometimes, like seasons, it is an immutable law, part of nature’s cycle.

Other times, there is no renewal at all. Things happen, good and bad. That’s it, and there’s no reset. It is hard fact. While in nature, renewal is mostly automatic, for humanity, renewal requires sacrifice, or hard work, or a promise to do so.

In a world where so much is lacking, where innocent lives are lost through war, where millions starve every day and where a large percentage of the world’s population is still marginalised, it is the spirit of hope that keeps driving us forward. It is the hope that tomorrow’s sunrise will herald a change in these circumstances and will bring about renewal in all its forms.

In some ways, humanity can be able to renew itself, at least temporarily. Even after the Easter and Passover season, it is ideal for us to consider our own moment of renewal, whatever it may be. We can use the period to cultivate an Easter spirit that enables us to be truly Christian all year round, embracing joy, living without fear, and seeing the world again – as if for the first time.

No matter one’s religion – or even one’s lack of any religious belief – all welcome this time of year. So whether it is with our kids, with plants, with nature, in our workplaces, within the Government or in our relationships, let us all take time away from regular routines this time of year to renew ourselves and refresh others with hope that springs eternal. We always have the hope of renewal, if not the fact.

These cowgirls showing off their dancing skills at the Rupununi rodeo 2022, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) (Office of the President photo)

The Rwanda plan for refugees is shocking, but we don’t need to bring God into it

By Simon Jenkins

B

oris Johnson’s Government’s proposal to deport asylum seekers of whatever origin who arrive on unauthorised routes, such as by crossing the Channel, to Rwanda in east Africa is beyond callous. It is understandable that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, should want to add his voice to the protests. But invoking God’s judgment in the matter leaves him vulnerable to a second question. If the Almighty did offer him such an opinion, what did He suggest be done instead?

The Government’s argument for deportation is bizarre. It is that people smugglers along the French coast are endangering the lives of refugees – so it is “bold and innovative” to arrest and expel the latter. To Jacob Rees-Mogg this is “almost an Easter story of redemption”. Redemption for whom? What do these people think they are doing? It is like reacting to a spate

of burglaries by locking the victims outside their homes.

Since tens of thousands of refugees crossed in small boats last year, but only low numbers are likely to face removal in the short term – and with legal challenges expected – Johnson’s gesture is pure headline fodder. He has even demanded that the first flights go within weeks, to be close to his critical May local elections. Was vote-grabbing ever more blatant?

We know that the only solution to the Europe-wide migration crisis must lie in a long-term and agreed-upon EU policy towards the movement of people, particularly from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. For Britain, in particular, it must lie with France. When it was a member of the EU, Britain could at least seek collaboration on a joint policy, most critically along its Channel coast. While the chief argument for Brexit was to stop immigration, the reality has turned out to be that Britain’s membership of the EU has no

bearing on the movement of those forced to leave their homes as a result of war, crisis, and state failure.

France has no need or incentive to help us.

Handling migration requires political realism and sensitivity. Britain’s policy is chaotic thanks to the Home Office’s deployment of “hostile environment” as a tool of control. Anyone with personal experience of this knows it to be cruel, expensive and of limited effectiveness. Its ingrained bureaucratic obstructionism has given the lie to Johnson’s boast of an open door to Ukrainian refugees.

That department’s permanent secretary has reportedly questioned the Rwanda policy as an unproven expense, only to be overruled by his boss, Priti Patel. Britain’s civil service is in a poor state if, when ordered to implement an unethical policy, it can object only on grounds of “value for money”. In which case, where were their objections to costly PPE procurement or HS2?

As for God, where is He in all this? Welby is professionally entitled to claim priestly infallibility, though his distinction between a policy’s details, which he leaves “to politics”, and its principles that must “stand the judgment of God” needs exegesis. I always thought “the devil is in the detail” was a cop out.

The days when an archbishop could plausibly speak for the conscience of the nation are over. Surveys now put “irreligious” Britons at 52 per cent of the population and Welby’s Anglicans at below 12 per cent. This need not affect a priest preaching to his own flock. But when a State-established church summons God to condemn an evil policy it merely confuses the forces that need mustering against it. They are forces not of religion, but of reason and common humanity. They must now confront a desperate politician’s latest attempt to save his own skin. (The Guardian) (Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

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

It would take years to revive sugar industry

Dear Editor, The sugar estates closed by the APNU/AFC coalition due to sheer vindictiveness and spite have remained closed ever since. From APNU’s perspective those estates would not be reopening again. This is the mantra the PNC have been peddling since and they have been holding a never-ending amen corner since with that sanctimonious gangster theme, ‘why are the sugar estates still closed, why are the sugar estates still closed!’

Well, to begin with there are lots of things going on in the sugar belt other than their reopening that they need to be cognisant of. I am talking about many developmental changes which augur well for the movement

of industry and people, well into the fashioning of a modern society. Reopening of the estates is a final culmination of things, but for the moment the germane issues take preeminence.

But let me begin at the beginning, the prophets of doom who are going forward with their evil predictions must face the facts that they are the ones who closed a thriving industry, near 250,000 tons produced, and brought it down to a level where it is barely limping along. It is a fact they would have to live with for the rest of their lives.

You see, metal, such as iron and steel, has been left idle for near seven years now and much of it is derelict machinery, that has to

be rebuilt and/or replaced.

It takes money to replace these before a restart of activity there.

There is also the Wales Estate which was scrapped and cannot be replaced.

Instead of ploughing the proceeds of that sale back into the industry, the proceeds are unaccounted for or safely said, placed into private accounts.

While all of this is going on, in the fields lay thousands of tons of sugarcane that was left abandoned, all of its sucrose content gone, canes that cannot produce the brown crystals anymore. The canals and farm roads have deteriorated due to years of neglect.

The rehabilitation of these infrastructural works will

require millions of dollars, with millions more to bring the industry into production mode. In the meantime, our external markets have long turned to other producers.

This is the legacy the APNU/ AFC coalition has left us.

Now, we haven’t taken into account the human factor, that is, the more than 7000 workers and their families that were displaced and callously placed on the breadline. That human factor index meant nothing to the visionless, rudderless coalition as they blazed a trail of hate and destruction of the very fabric of Guyanese society.

You would recall that those workers were suddenly cut off from employment and income and left to

wander. More than a year, those workers were left out of mainstream Guyana, it took the herculean effort of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to call upon the then Government to pay the workers their severance. Even that did not achieve much as the matter had to be taken to court for the workers to get what was rightfully theirs. So, when the incoming PPP/C Administration gave that $250,000 subvention, it merely marked a pittance payback to our hardworking sugar workers.

But I must hasten to a close, when you analyse the true extent, scope

and depth of the damage done to the sugar industry in Guyana, you get the real picture of what the Granger Administration has done to our country. They have pushed our economy decades into retrogression.

It would take years to revive the sugar industry, but we will get there. With external help and direct injection of state capital, sugar will rise again. We look forward with great hope and expectation to that time when sugar will be a success story.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Education Ministry Misleading to say no commitment was has improved given to reduce Berbice Bridge toll

Dear Editor, The writer of the letter “Were those recent promises taken from the PPP’s Manifesto, or are they just pulling things out of a hat?” stated Region Two ‘will get 1000 jobs’.

The VP rolled into that region a few weeks ago and rolled out 800 part-time

jobs to help cushion the effects of the rising cost of living for Region Two. The writer further stated in the matter of the Berbice Bridge tolls, ‘the Government said no to lower tolls on the Berbice Bridge as requested by the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce’.

This is misleading as it creates the impression the Government is opposed to a review of the toll structure of the Berbice Bridge.

In a recent Cabinet outreach to Region Six, it was reported the President made clear there are no plans or intention for the Administration to take

ownership of the Bridge.

Further, a commitment was given by the President to engage stakeholders on reducing the steep tolls.

No was the response to the Chamber’s request, not to the toll reduction.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Dear Editor, The Ministry of Education has made several improvements during this current administration. It is encouraging to see the commitment and community participation shown under the stewardship of the young Minister.

Focusing on setting an example for the next generation is clearly a priority for the Ministry. Before, one associated educational initia-

tive with the PNC, but with this young Minister who is working hard in all of our communities, it is clear that she is driving continual improvement in the education sector. Congratulations on a job well done and may you continue to have success during the remainder of the current administration’s term.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

Page

◄

Foundation Stop a

strainer I n this fun and easy science experiment for kids, we’re going to see if we can use science to stop a strainer from straining.

Materials:

Cooking oil Small strainer Glass of water Bowl

By Gabriel Okara Once upon a time, son, they used to laugh with their hearts and laugh with their eyes: but now they only laugh with their teeth, while their ice-block-cold eyes search behind my shadow.

There was a time indeed they used to shake hands with their hearts: but that’s gone, son.

Now they shake hands without hearts while their left hands search my empty pockets.

‘Feel at home!’ ‘Come again’: they say, and when I come again and feel at home, once, twice, there will be no thricefor then I find doors shut on me.

Instructions:

Pour some cooking oil into the bowl and slosh the strainer around until it is coated in oil.

Gently shake off the excess cooking oil.

Now slowly pour the water from the glass into the strainer.

The strainer should hold the water.

So I have learned many things, son.

I have learned to wear many faces like dresses – homeface, officeface, streetface, hostface, cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles like a fixed portrait smile.

And I have learned too to laugh with only my teeth and shake hands without my heart.

I have also learned to say, ’Goodbye’, when I mean ‘Good-riddance’: to say ‘Glad to meet you’, without being glad; and to say ‘It’s been nice talking to you’, after being bored.

How it works:

The surface tension of the tiny drops of water is what keeps the water from slipping through the holes in the strainer. The oil also helps by coating the wire mesh, while also making the spaces between the wires a little bit smaller. This creates a very cool effect – that you have stopped the water from flowing through the strainer.

Try strainers with different sized holes. Try dissolving salt or sugar in the water. Try different types of oils. Try different temperatures of water. (sciencefun. org)

But believe me, son.

I want to be what I used to be when I was like you. I want to unlearn all these muting things.

Most of all, I want to relearn how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror shows only my teeth like a snake’s bare fangs!

So show me, son, how to laugh; show me how I used to laugh and smile once upon a time when I was like you.

Questions

Summarise the poem List two themes Analyse these lines:

“I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship” – Louisa May Alcott

“Once upon a time, son, they used to laugh with their hearts and laugh with their eyes” “But now they only laugh with their teeth, while their ice-block-cold eyes search behind my shadow.”

“There was a time indeed- they used to shake hands with their hearts: but that’s gone, son.”

“Now they shake hands without hearts while their left hands search my empty pockets.”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Auditor General flagged over 500 breaches of law by APNU/AFC

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

T

he Audit Office of Guyana (AOG), via the annual Auditor General reports, has redflagged more than 500 breaches of various laws between the years 2015 and 2018, most of which occurred while the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government was in power.

This revelation was made by Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, while she was making her contribution to a motion during

Wednesday’s sitting of the National Assembly, that aimed to strengthen the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by making it mandatory for both the Government and Opposition sides to be present to form a quorum before decisions could be made.

During her presentation, Teixeira cited a summary of the various breaches to laws such as the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA); the Procurement Act and the Stores Regulations of 1993 that Auditor General Deodat Sharma had flagged (a total

of 512).

“If we look at the FMA Act, the Auditor General points out that there were 21 breaches in 2015. In 2016, 82.

In 2017, 40. In 2018, 71. You get the gist? Procurement Act breaches, 18 in 2015, 21 in 2016, 27 in 2017, 28 in 2018. Breaches of the Stores regulations, it has gone up from 53, 60, 34, 57.

“These are the summations of the Auditor General’s reports of what they’ve found, the breaches. And certainly, it’s important for us to be able to try to correct these things. And it’s the seriousness with which we take these things, the Treasury Memorandum was circulated on the floor today,” Teixeira also said.

The Treasury Memorandum, which was circulated on Wednesday, dealt with the 2015 fiscal year and the Auditor General’s findings. In it, the relevant budget agencies responded to various findings in the report and what had been done since, to prevent a reoccurrence.

The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the motion, which was brought by Teixeira, to amend

CANU finds gun, ammo during raid

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anks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Sunday discovered a Taurus PT92 9mm pistol, along with a magazine containing four 9mm rounds during a raid at the Plaza Complex on Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

On Monday, in a brief statement, CANU explained that its officers were at the time conducting an operation at the building when the discovery was made.

“CANU would like to thank the general public for their support and pledges to continue rooting out narcotics and other criminal activity, as well as keeping communities safe as part of our national strategy,” the Unit said.

The gun and ammunition found by CANU

Standing Order 82, and increase the number of members required for a quorum at the PAC. The PAC is made up of nine members: five from Government and four from the Opposition.

Prior to the amendment, only three members were required to form a quorum from either

side of the House.

The motion amended the Standing Order by inserting immediately after paragraph (3), the following paragraph – “(4) A quorum shall be five (5) members, two (2) representing the Government, two (2) representing the Opposition and the chairperson.”

In explaining the need for the motion, Minister Teixeira had said that the intention was to ensure no decision was made unless all members were present, stressing that it was no attempt to delay the work of the Committee.

“The issue is the quorum being amended, is not harmful; it will, in fact, make sure both sides always have two on each side. You do not have to have everybody, but you have to have two on each side to ensure the work goes forward… this will enhance the way in which we operate in the Parliament. It is not harmful to anyone,” Teixeira said. (G3)

Pensioner appealing 60-year jail time for killing brother-in-law

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ixty-six-year-old Les Charles Critchlow, who was sentenced back in March 2021 to 60 years in prison for murdering his brother-in-law has moved to the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction and jail term. Among other things, he argues that he had an unfair trial and that the trial Judge committed errors in law.

Critchlow was found guilty of the capital offence by a jury following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Demerara.

On May 12, 2016, in the county of Demerara, he murdered Terrence Adams, called “Uncle Terry” or “Sleepy”. At a sentencing hearing, the convicted killer had expressed remorse, saying that he was “sorry” while begging the Judge for leniency.

For his part, Justice Singh had said this was a very unfortunate case.

The Judge had noted that

Convicted killer Les Charles Critchlow

the convicted killer had expressed no genuine remorse.

Reports are that 56-yearold Adams of Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was stabbed to death by his brother-in-law, who was armed with a knife, during a heated argument. His cause of death was given as multiple incise wounds.

Dead: Terrence Adams

At the time of his demise, Adams operated a small rum shop at his residence.

During Critchlow’s trial, he was represented by Rachael Bakker, while the Senior State Counsel Tiffini Lyken appeared on behalf of the prosecution. Lyken had described Adams’s killing as an “unprovoked and vicious” attack. (G1)

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CCJ optimistic about future – Justice Saunders …as Court celebrates 17th anniversary

T

he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – the apex court for Guyana and three other Caribbean Community (Caricom) Member States – celebrated its 17th anniversary last Saturday.

In a statement to mark the occasion, its President, Justice Adrian Saunders said like a healthy 17-yearold, the Court was optimistic about the future.

“At this time, we give thanks to all who contributed to getting us where we are today. We salute all our Judges and staff, past and present, and we are pleased to fulfil our mission, bearing proudly the values that continue to guide us – excellence, courtesy and consideration, industry, and integrity,” Justice Saunders added.

Since its opening 17 years ago, the Trinidadbased court has pronounced on 249 cases, with the majority – 111 – coming from Guyana; 88 are from Barbados, another 42 are from Belize, and the remaining eight are from Dominica. Here is a breakdown of the cases filed by Guyana per year: 2006 (1); 2007 (3); 2008 (10); 2009 (7); 2010 (2); 2011 (5); 2012 (3); 2013 (6); 2014 (10); 2015 (5); 2016 (11); 2017 (7); 2018 (13); 2019 (13); 2020 (6); 2021 (5) and 2022 (4).

The areas in which most of these judgements were rendered included land,

Nostalgia…

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criminal, constitutional, company, and commercial law; practice and procedure; judicial review, and Original Jurisdiction claims.

The Trinidad-based court has an Original and an Appellate Jurisdiction and is effectively, therefore, two courts in one. In its Original Jurisdiction, it is an international court with exclusive jurisdiction to interpret and apply the rules set out in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) and to decide disputes arising under it. The RTC established Caricom and the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). In its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ is critical to the CSME and all 12 Member States which belong to the CSME (including their citizens, businesses, and governments) can access the Court’s Original

Jurisdiction to protect their rights under the RTC. In its Appellate Jurisdiction, the CCJ is the final court of appeal for criminal and civil matters for Guyana, Barbados, Belize, and Dominica which have altered their Constitutions to enable the CCJ to perform that role.

However, by signing and ratifying the agreement establishing the CCJ, other Caricom countries have demonstrated a commitment to making it their final court of appeal. The CCJ said it was the realisation of a vision of our ancestors, an expression of independence, and a signal of the Region’s coming of age.

Disappointment

Justice Saunders, while delivering the keynote address at the recently-held

Guyana Bar Association’s Annual Dinner, expressed disappointment that other Caricom countries continued to have the British Privy Council decide their final appeals.

He, however, noted, “Whether a State chooses to continue having Her Majesty’s Privy Council adjudicate its final appeals is, of course, a fundamental constitutional question for that Government and its people. It is disappointing, however, that any Caribbean country should renege on its treaty responsibilities preferring instead to have British Judges continue to interpret its Constitution and laws”.

And while this is a choice a country has to make, Justice Saunders warned that such a choice has consequences. He explained that one of the consequences is that this choice deprives people of ordinary means of the ability to avail themselves of a level of access to justice that they could and should enjoy. Another unfortunate consequence, the esteemed Judge highlighted, is that it impacts negatively on the full development of Caribbean jurisprudence.

The CCJ President commended Guyana, Barbados, Dominica, and Belize for acceding to the court’s Appellate Jurisdiction, noting that the Governments of these countries made “a wise decision”. Last month, the Government of St Lucia signalled its intention to become the fifth Caricom country to have full membership with the CCJ. The Governments of Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda had taken similar steps in the past to sign onto the CCJ. But Justice Saunders noted that the independence constitutional arrangements in these two States have effectively frustrated their deep desire to do what he described as “proper and noble”.

…as Rupununi money fter a two-year hiatus, the Rupununi Rodeo was back with a bang last weekend!! The bang being provided by President Ali on a visit with a couple of his ministers. They brought out the usual entourage from the media – both governmental and private to tell the tale! Pres Ali is becoming like a paraphrase of the Scarlet Pimpernel – “They seek him here, they seek him there / Those PNCites seek him everywhere / Is he in heaven, or is he in hell? / That damned, elusive Pres Ali”!!

The Rupununi Rodeo’s been around for many moons and it always pulled the more adventurous souls from the Coast – along with some eco-tourists from “foreign”.

They never came out in multitudes, however, and the event was always marked by the bucolic atmosphere of a remote ranch in a remote savannah region of a remote, backwater country! So, while most Guyanese know about Texas ranches, cowboys and bucking broncos, they aren’t aware that at one time our Rupununi had one of the largest ranches in the world – second only to the King ranch in Texas.

That’s the 1700-square-mile Dadanawa Ranch – founded in the mid-19th century along with all those Texas ranches and still there way south of Lethem. It’s now way past its glory days when it reared thousands of cattle and hundreds of vaqueros – our name for “cowboys”. Then, they’d laboriously carved out the over-a-hundred-mile “Rupununi trail” to get the cattle to the Demerara River and then ship them to Georgetown. That’s gone – as is the regular scheduled flights that succeeded it.

The Dadanawa Ranch is now more of a “Dude Ranch” for tourists to get a taste of our eco-tourism savannah product along with the unique cowboy touch. No Caribbean Island can match THAT!! Also now, along with some smaller ranches they do provide enough working vaqueros to put up its annual Rodeo around Easter.

I guess like the rest of us on the coast, they had to’ve been influenced by the cowboy movies we all consumed back in the last century. And we see this influence in the “cowboy” hats the vaqueros don as they saunter about the place. And ride their bucking broncos and bills!

An interesting bit of trivia is Dadanawa was sold in the late 19th century to a white Bajan adventurer Melville.

He married a local Wapishana girl to produce the Melville Clan. The novelist Pauline Melville’s from the family as is Shirley Melville, the GAP MP, who married into it. It took quite a while for them to live down their unsuccessful 1969 Rupununi rebellion. Now all is forgiven.

And Pres Ali will now be monetizing our “cowboy” tourist potential! …for horror In the last two weeks, Rwanda’s been in the news twice. First when Boris Johnson cut a deal with its President, Paul Kagame to accept all male refugees caught trying to get into Britain by water for US$158M! The same Rwanda that in 1994 saw 800,000 Hutus and Tutsis hacked to death and floated down the river!! The second was Kagame visiting Jamaica to educate them on how Rwanda’s become the economic success of Africa.

He’s been ruling for over 22 years now and will in all likelihood be ruling till he dies. He’s been regularly receiving more than 90% of the votes at elections so maybe he advised Holness on how to replicate that!! Or maybe the rest of the Caribbean including Guyana? So, how’d he do it? Well, most of the opposition leaders have been literally disappearing!!

The rest have been exposed to intimidation, violence, prison – in addition to the prospect of disappearing as soon as they criticise President Kagame and his ruling party!! …for the PNC Your Eyewitness once again warns about the danger of the PNC-as-Opposition disappearing from the scene.

It might work in Rwanda since the West sees Kagame as their poster boy for their guided democracy.

But Guyana?

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

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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Joinder parliamentary parties support airport, stadium for Berbice T

he announcement by President Dr Irfaan Ali about the construction of an international airport and stadium in the county of Berbice has been welcomed by small parties in the National Assembly.

Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman, who represents the Joinder List’s one seat in the National Assembly, has lauded the Government’s plans as “nothing short of visionary”, while highlighting that they reflected 22nd century thinking and the country’s future needs.

Shuman said, in a letter to the editor on Monday, that “I support the establishment of an international airport and stadium in Berbice and commend the Government for being forward thinking…Currently, Berbicians represent the greatest population of Guyanese expats. In consideration of this fact, they are required to traverse across the entirety of the Berbice and Demerara corridors to get to the only international airport with direct flights to

President Dr Irfaan Ali

the US and Canada.”

He detailed that the journey that would take a person from Georgetown 90 minutes in moderate traffic would take someone from Skeldon over five hours in some cases, to get the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. By establishing an international airport in Berbice, it would benefit these persons significantly with consideration to a variety of factors.

“One need not look hard for the kind of energies and development that follow in-

frastructure. The US would not have been the global economic superpower had it not been for infrastructure.

Canada, Europe and even our island neighbours are also prime examples of the kinds of development that follow infrastructure investment,” the Deputy Speaker added.

Shuman, who leads the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), underscored that the airport would provide a critical node not only for international travel, but also for domestic travel and servic-

US citizens remanded for uttering forged COVID-19 test certificates

Diamond-Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court

T

wo United States citizens who were arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with allegedly forged COVID-19 test certificates were charged on Wednesday and remanded to prison.

Jesse Vick, 24, and William Ross, 26, were charged with the offence of uttering a forged document.

They appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the DiamondGolden Grove Magistrate’s Court, where they pleaded not guilty to separate charges.

They were both remanded to prison, and the case was scheduled to continue on May 10.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that the man and woman were outgoing passengers on a Caribbean Airlines flight – BW526 – destined for the

JFK International Airport, New York.

However, while checking in, they handed over their Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test results from the Sheriff Medical Centre, which showed that they tested negative. Upon examination, the documents were suspected to be forged. As such, contact was made with the Sheriff Medical Centre which proved that the documents were indeed forged.

The duo was immediately handed over to the Police and subsequently placed on station bail. Police did not release the photographs of Vick and Ross.

Last September, an alleged Ponzi schemer, Cuban national Yuri Garcia-Dominguez and his wife Ateeka Ishmael were slapped with similar charges. It is alleged that on July 27 at Georgetown,

they conspired with each other to forge COVID-19 test results to show that they had tested positive for the disease. They denied the charges and were released on $200,000 bail each

by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

Meanwhile, in February 2021, an investigation was launched by the Health Ministry after reports surfaced that people were entering Guyana with fake COVID-19 PCR test results.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had stated: “We have had some reports – not so much of people going out, but we’ve had reports of people coming in where they were forging their PCR results. Because remember, we require PCR to come into Guyana.” At the time, the Minister, however, did not disclose which countries the reports came from. (G1)

ing the soon-to-be developed deep-water port.

“It will drive trade, commerce and further development while serving as a critical component to seeing a lot more Guyanese returning home. Where there may have been apprehension in the past with the long transit times from CJIA to Berbice for expats, they will be greeted with a step off the airplane onto their doorsteps thus bringing greater capital to invest in their local neighbourhoods. This will also serve to further fill hotel rooms and bring tourist dollars to the area that would otherwise struggle to compete with the Georgetowners. Traders and farmers will also have easy access to international transport thus decreasing the strain on the infrastructure in the capital with a domino effect of reducing traffic jams and costs to list a few [benefits],” Shuman said.

These things, he noted, are not things to be taken lightly in this competitive global environment.

Coupled with a stadium in the east, it will drive the

Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman, who also represents the Joinder List’s one seat in the National Assembly

kind of sports development that Guyana has been lacking.

“Travelling through the neighbourhoods on the coast, one will notice a complete absence of premier sports facilities in the area.

This project will now put Guyana in a better position to host wider international tournaments that can be spread across the country while inspiring our young athletes to be competitive at a higher calibre. Economies generally develop in lockstep with their infrastructure.”

The Deputy Speaker

added, “Having travelled to a few countries and seen what infrastructure has done for those economies, I commend the blistering and urgent pace with which the Government is moving to address key infrastructural deficiencies in Guyana with an aggressive development agenda. It is a look into the future of the country and addressing those needs before they become growing pains.”

While the stadium is earmarked for Palmyra, the airport would be developed at Rose Hall and would resemble the Ogle International Airport. (G12)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 ICU cases remain at zero, 4 new cases recorded G

uyana has recorded four new COVID-19 cases as of Monday, with the number of patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) remaining at zero.

Updated statistics via the Health Ministry’s dashboard have shown that active cases are at 98. There are 93 persons in home isolation, five in institutional isolation, and 11 in institutional quarantine.

There are 62,049 recoveries after 29,173 males and 34,202 females tested positive. COVID-19 tests have amounted to 584,139 since the virus was first detected here.

Most recent vaccination statistics show that 439,140 or 85.6 per cent of adults have taken a first dose and of that number, some 338,208 or 65.9 per cent are fully vaccinated.

For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, approximately 34,407 or 47.2 per cent of them have received their first dose, while some 25,160 or 34.5 per cent of them are fully immunised.

In addition, in excess of 60,612 persons have returned for their booster shots thus far. Booster doses have been offered by countries since the data shows that immunity from vac-

cines starts to wane after six months of immunisation.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy.

Global figures show that almost 500.8 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.19 million have died. In the Americas, more than 151.6 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths. (G12)

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD APRIL 18, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

4

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

93 0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

11

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,202

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,175

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,375

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,049

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2519

REGION 2

2492

REGION 3

8057

REGION 4

31,348

REGION 5

2380

REGION 6

5778

REGION 7

2423

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

4020

REGION 10

3471

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

438,399 337,197 1228

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Windsor Forest residents call for reinforced sluice defence …after koker door breaks

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broken sluice door in the community of Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara (WCD) has activated calls of concern from residents for better infrastructure in wake of the threats they face.

Given that the community sits below sea level, residents were alarmed when the koker door collapsed this weekend. As efforts unfolded to prevent flooding, many persons were concerned about the possibility of a recurrence.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn; Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar; Local Government Minister Nigel Dharmalall and officials from both the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the

National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) were on the ground to assess the situation.

In light of the high tide, a pump was operationalised and works later commenced when the water level dropped. Machinery aided workers as the sea defence system was secured promptly.

On Sunday, a resident contacted Guyana Times and highlighted that there was need for such structures to be properly maintained, checked for damage, and reinforced when high tides approached.

Dewar (only name provided) contended, “This should give officials an idea that these structures need regular checking and so on, because at any time it could

give away and we could be affected…It must not be when something happen that they step in. It should always be maintained.”

He noted that it would be devastating should the systems fail, since many persons would be severely affected.

“It was a high tide and if the water was coming in, it could affect us a lot. I have a lot to lose. People have a lot to lose around here. So, anything that would ensure it doesn’t happen would be appreciated,” Dewar stressed.

Last month, some $2.9 billion was awarded for the construction and rehabilitation of sea defence structures through 22 contracts from the Public Works Ministry.

Government’s overall vision is to use $5

Region 8 drowning

Dead man identified as pork-knocker

T

he body of a man who drowned at Obanna, Kurubrong, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) has been identified as that of a pork-knocker.

On Monday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) informed that the body is that of 33-year-old Iftikhar Haniff Hussain, a pork-knocker of Lot 245 Britannia Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

After a photograph of the deceased was released and circulated in the media and on social media, a number of persons reached out and were able to identify the deceased man. His relatives were then contacted.

According to Police, Hussain was employed at a mining operation some distance away from Obanna landing, where he also resided.

Investigators have pin-

pointed that he allegedly drowned on Friday, April 15 between 19:00h and 21:00h.

On that day, at approximately 19:00h, the now deceased man and another male were trying to cross Caiman creek on a piece of log, to get from the backdam to the landing.

It is alleged that the water level was very high and Hussain reportedly slipped off the makeshift bridge into the water and vanished.

The other person managed to cross the creek and informed their employer of what transpired.

Persons then visited the scene in search of Hussain but could not locate him.

A report was filed with the Police. Later, on Saturday, the search continued and the pork-knocker’s body was found in the creek. It was

examined and marks resembling fish bites were visible.

No foul play was suspected.

The scene was photographed and statements taken by the investigators. The ranks then took the body from the scene to Mahdia District Hospital, where it was examined and death confirmed. The body is presently at the said hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

Just two weeks ago, a truck driver attached to BK International was reportedly strangled to death and thrown into the Mazaruni River.

The victim was identified as 69-year-old Pitamber Sharma of Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

He was employed at BK Quarries. (G12)

Officials on site after the koker door broke

billion this year towards enforcing and enhancing the sea defence mechanisms. Funds this year are for structures at Grove, La Resource, Maria’s Delight, Zeelandia, Leguan, and Bygeval among others.

Last month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo met with stakeholders from the coastland to discuss the Government’s national strategic flood protection measures, where he underscored the need for adaptation at the earliest. There, he said Government planned on tapping into the oil revenues to build and invest in management systems.

“The cost of doing so is enormous to fix our sea defences. These water management systems require heavy investments. Part of

the oil resources have to be spent in this manner. Many developing countries now are waiting for the devel-

oped world to provide funds for adaptation,” Jagdeo was quoted as saying. (G12)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

Guyanese revel in r picnicking after 2-yea

Two brothers assist their sister in raising her kite in Joe Vieira Park

Terrence Hodge and Kirk Gravesande show off their 10ft kite

By Jemima Holmes

B

lue skies littered with airborne kites of all fashions is a sight Guyana and the wider world have not been able to behold over the past three years. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic abruptly halted any kite flying activities that

rain threatened to dampen the highly-anticipated day; thousands of Guyanese chose to pay no heed to the possibility of the weather turning, instead choosing to populate their community grounds and numerous hotspots along the coastland.

There, the once blue sky boast-

tradition that many were forced to cast aside at the advent of the coronavirus pandemic.

At Joe Vieira Park, on the West Coast of Demerara, a group from nearby communities ensured that the area was suitable enough for the impending kite-flying activities. The Singh family, seen with their picnic baskets and even a barbecue grill, was grateful for this initiative, highlighting that some of the younger children in the family were now getting their first taste of kite flying.

At the Ogle Seawall, a group of Canadian re-migrants basked in the glory of a missed tradition, one which could not be replicated in Canada. The elder folks in the family divulged that they had plans of

living away for 40+ years and it’s to come back and see the traditional is still here.”

Meanwhile, Chandra Alfred saw the Easter Monday celebrations as reflective of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s call for “One Guyana”.

Chandra shared, “It’s a lovely experience, I’ve been here before but because of COVID, you guys didn’t

Patrick and Chandra Alfred along with some of their re-migrant family at the Ogle Seawall were planned for Easter Monday.

Two years later, with most COVID-19 restrictions lifted in Guyana, citizens wasted no time in getting back to their Easter routine; indeed, it felt like the last Easter celebrations were only Sunday.

Although greyish clouds traversed the skies and a sprinkle of

ed an array of colours with no help from a rainbow; wooden kits, box kites, bird kites (plastic), over-sized kites and for those who hoped to get a laugh out of the activity, caddy-opunch kites were on display.

Patrons even opted for their customary family picnics in honour of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, a

returning sooner, but the COVID-19 pandemic hindered those plans, since Easter celebrations were their main focus.

Now, in 2022, Patrick Alfred is excited to see the tradition rejuvenated.

“Well, we came because we haven’t been here for many years

and it’s truly a great experience to see people now feel released after the COVID and we are having a great time. We were here yesterday and we’re here today again, and we’re happy to see camaraderie amongst everybody,” Alfred told <<<Guyana Times>>> on Monday afternoon.

He added, “This is a traditional thing for us in Guyana. We’ve been

have it for a couple of years, so we missed it. But it’s great to see everybody celebrating out here as One Guyana.”

Further down along the Seawall, that was populated with numerous families and children figuring out the art of kite raising, Dennis Prittipaul marvelled at the ability

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return to kite flying, ar COVID-19 lockdown was Richard Singh who commented, “Well, after two years and over of the COVID, well, now we come to fly kite and it’s been a wonderful day so far and I thank God for more to come, better days like now.”

Who has the biggest kite?

of Guyanese to exemplify togetherness, even on a religious holiday.

“After 47 years, I’ve never experienced this. Coming back, this is what it’s all about. As much as Easter is a Christian holiday, everyone participates. It’s something that brings people together, that’s so beautiful, it is,” Prittipaul told this publication.

Another person who enjoyed the day, in spite of religious persuasion,

Usually, one would witness a gigantic kite or two around the kite flying hot spots and there were avid kite flyers who ensured there was a ‘biggie’ or two to spot.

In the National Park, Georgetown, Malcolm Chechester could be seen wrestling with his fivefoot kite, wearing gloves to ensure he had enough grip to hold on to his apparatus. However, Chechester brushed off any idea of a struggle, noting that the most difficult part was getting the kite airborne.

“Well, it’s not a lot of hard work right now, the hardest part was to put it up, with the breeze and so on,” he said.

About his day in the park with family, Chechester related, “As I look around, I was very impressed because I can’t tell when last I see a sight like this.”

The largest of all, however, was a 10-foot kite in the Carifesta Ground, a kite which Guyana Times later learnt was made in a hurry for Monday’s celebrations.

“So, this is a last-minute rush and we take two days to deal with this,” Terrence Hodge said with a proud smile, “We really work hard to get it done for today.”

As he went on to explain, Hodge is usually in the business of making the largest kites around.

“This is a small one that we make.

Normally, we make a 20ft, 25ft, it all depends, but after the pandemic, we could get to do what we gotta do,” he disclosed.

“Every year, I normally put on two or three feet, but after we got the pandemic, I couldn’t do anything more than what I do now.”

Questioned about his reason for going big, Hodge attributed it to his

Several children enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt in the National Park

large family.

“This is a long story. I got like 40 nieces and nephews and I used to have to paste small kites for everybody. One year I decided that I ain’t able with this, I’ll make one big kite and everybody fly and I go to Hope Beach one time and I saw a guy with one and I say I’m going to make better than that,” he said, recollecting the story with a smile.

In revealing that he has upheld this tradition for over 10 years, it was soon realised that the Easter Monday kite flying holds similar significance for most families across the country. Though the coronavirus pandemic hindered all from the activity in 2020 and 2021, it was as if no time had passed as children pulled vigorously to keep their kites airborne and proud parents watched on with a smile.

British High Commissioner Jane Miller enjoying Easter Monday in Guyana

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scenes from Rupununi Rodeo and Bartica Regatta 2022

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese-American actress Ingrid Griffith to perform in Guyana G

uyanese-American actress and playwright Ingrid Griffith is set to perform her one-woman show “Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed” for the first time in Guyana.

The one-woman show, written and performed by Griffith herself will take centre stage at the Theatre Guild of Guyana Playhouse, Kingston, on April 29. The 80-minute performance will start at 18:30h with no intermissions.

The solo performance with Griffith was inspired by the life of Shirley St Hill Chisholm, who was an American politician, ed-

ucator, and author, who, in 1968, became the first black woman elected to the United States Congress.

“Unbossed and Unbowed” is the largely-unheard story of the Brooklyn-born politician of immigrant parents, who in the 20th century, was the first African-American woman to win a seat in the US Congress and run for the presidency of the United States.

The story journeys back to 10-year-old Shirley returning to the US after being separated from her parents during The Great Depression. It reveals how Chisholm, living with her

Guyanese-American actress and playwright Ingrid Griffith

grandmother in Barbados, over the years, manifested and reinforced her Caribbean heritage in her bearing, speech pattern, and expectations of herself.

“Unbossed and Unbowed” dramatises the Civil Rights era, the unrest of the 1960s, the patriarchal system, and the allboys network Chisholm was up against, many themes we still see in the politics of today.

Griffith is a member of The Screen Actors GuildAmerican Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA) and the Dramatist Guild of America. She is an immi-

grant and a trained actor with a master’s degree in creative writing who migrated to the United States of America when she was 12 years old. She has been in off-Broadway and regional theatrical productions in both classical and contemporary roles. Griffith is the writer and performer of the internationally-acclaimed solo show “Demerara Gold”, a nostalgic, funny, and thought-provoking story of a Guyanese girl’s immigrant experience. Griffith performed “Demerara Gold” in Guyana in 2015 at the National Cultural Centre.

people to get countrywide support.

The initiative, she added, was a successful one as many persons joined in the activity around the country.

At the Christianburg Cemetery in Linden, Orin Fanfare, who is the sexton of a nearby church, said that the Linden municipality did not have adequate staff to properly maintain the cemetery as needed.

“Most of these people that rest in their graves here were hard-working persons and they paved the way for us to make this place a success. So, I don’t believe that people should dump their loved ones and just leave them like that here,” the sexton said.

Speaking of activities at the Stanleytown Cemetery in New Amsterdam,

Grumble explained that the township was involved.

“What they did was to send in people to start clearing up the high trees before we got there. So, they made it possible for us to be able to look and see where we want to go…”

According to Grumble, BTR was birthed out of an idea to serve and link communities globally with a common objective of not losing our unique cultures while assisting the underprivileged, elderly and vulnerable. “… we now have a group on the East Coast, we have one in Berbice, we have one in Linden, we have one in Georgetown, we have one in Barbados and we have one in London, so Back To Roots is spreading,” Grumble said.

(G2)

NGO cleans cemeteries in Berbice, Linden

Clean-up at Stanleytown Cemetery, New Amsterdam and at Christianburg Cemetery in Linden

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Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) took the opportunity on the long weekend to clean several cemeteries in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Back To Roots (BTR) used Easter Sunday – the day when Christ’s resurrection is celebrated to execute the project.

However, the day chosen had nothing to do with the

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(Ext 55)

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significance of Easter.

Many cemeteries in Guyana are unkept with thick vegetation taking over where dear loved ones are laid to rest after passing.

Founder of BTR, Suzan Grumble urged that some more consideration should be placed on the place loved ones are laid to rest.

“I went to visit my dad’s grave and I couldn’t get to it – the bushes were high and mud and ants were biting, so we had to run out

from the burial ground and it saddened me a lot and I said, ‘Why should we bury our loved ones and wait on the Council to clean when it is our loved ones. We bought a plot and put them there, why should we walk away and leave them?’ So, I started this by calling up a few persons and said let’s do this,” Grumble explained.

She said at first people were reluctant to support the idea but eventually, she was able to sell it to enough

(G4)

16 NEWS Visible reinvention of NIS needed – Finance Minister F TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has called for a cultural change at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which will allow the organisation to operate in a completely new mode.

He said Government was fully cognisant of the effort the insurance company has been making in serving the nation. He stressed, however, that the same energy needed to be redoubled and become visible.

The Finance Minister, a Department of Public Information (DPI) report stated, was at the time speaking at the Trainee Inspectors and Nurse/Sick Visitors graduation ceremony on Thursday, at the

NIS Sports Club Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

“Everybody has to reinvent themselves in this period of rapid change, and the NIS that reinvents itself is more relevant to institutions like the NIS, like anywhere else. You are a public institution, you serve the people of Guyana, you have the responsibility and obligation to provide the best of quality of service,” Dr Singh added.

He emphasised that the new cohort of trainee inspectors and nurse/sick visitors must play an integral part in the transformation and reinvention of the Scheme, noting that they were now ambassadors of the Government.

“I want you to take this

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

responsibility very seriously, not only from the standpoint of dealing with pensioners and claimants with compassion, but dealing with employers in a diligent and professional manner,” the Finance Minister was quoted by DPI as saying.

Dr Singh said the agency needed to make sure every contributor received a statement of contribution annually, while noting that the contributors themselves have a responsibility to inquire and uplift their documents.

Further, the Minister pointed out that the Administration has zero tolerance for employees in any sector who treat citizens with disrespect, contempt, or lack of concern.

Guyana is rapidly becoming a nation of massive transformation; however, those changes are not confined to physical development.

“New economic sectors are emerging, new infrastructure is being built out at an unprecedented pace, new services are being demanded and are being provided,” Minister Singh relayed.

He said it was unfair for Guyanese to boast about the revolution of the State, but have institutions still operating like they were “in the Stone Age or the Ice Age”.

Every institution within the private and public sector is required to change with the same pace.

Ukraine war: Dramatic images appear to show sinking Russian warship Shakhter, is on its right.

Smoke can be seen billowing out of the ship, with a section of the freeboard heavily damaged.

Holes are also visible in other parts of the freeboard in one picture, suggesting the warship had taken in a substantial amount of water.

It also appears all of the

The warring sides have given conflicting accounts of what caused the sinking

D

ramatic pictures and a credible video showing the Russian warship Moskva before it sank last week have appeared online.

The video and images match the shape and design of the missile cruiser.

Russia says a fire on-

board caused ammunitions to explode and the vessel sank as it was being towed in a storm. Ukraine says it hit it with missiles.

The new images do not immediately back the claims of either side - but there is no sign of a storm at the time.

The images were allegedly taken on 14 April, a day after Ukraine claimed to have struck the warship.

The three-second video clip - likely taken from a rescue boat - shows the Moskva in the distance listing heavily on her port side.

A tug, likely a Russian

vessel's lifeboats had been deployed.

Ukraine says it successfully struck the Moskva with two recently-introduced Ukrainian-made Neptune missiles last Wednesday.

Unnamed US officials have told US media they believe the Ukrainian version.

Russia alleges it was

damaged after an explosion and subsequently sank because of "stormy seas".

The BBC showed the footage to three naval experts who agreed the damage appeared consistent with a missile attack, but disagreed over whether other causes were still possible.

(BBC)

Mayor holding off on new COVID restrictions as NYC nears ‘medium’ risk level

M

ayor Adams would not commit Monday to reimplementing some mask and vaccine mandates that his health team says could be necessary again as the COVID risk spikes in the city.

Guidance from Adams’ Health Department states he should consider reinstating mask mandates for schools and vaccination proof for indoor settings like restaurants if the city hits a “medium” COVID risk level, which is defined as when the average infection rate surpasses 0.2%. On Friday, Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said he expects the city to surpass that threshold this week.

Still, Adams said Monday morning that he may not put the mask and vaccine requirements back in place unless other more troubling coronavirus data points begin surging as well.

“Our hospitalizations are at a steady level, deaths are at a steady level. As the cases tick up, we are not at the area where we have to move to the next level,” he told reporters during a press conference at City Hall.

Adams said he must balance any new pandemic restrictions with economic concerns and noted that the Health Department guidelines are recommendations, not requirements.

“The most important term: ‘considering,’ ” said Adams, who was making his first in-person appearance since testing positive for COVID-19 last Sunday.

“We have to factor in everything, and I think Gov. Hochul was right when she stated, ‘We can’t close down our city.’ We need healthy bodies, healthy minds and healthy economy. They all go together.” The city’s recent COVID uptick has been driven by the extremely contagious BA.2 omicron subvariant, which now accounts for more than 80% of cases in New York.

According to the most recent Health Department data, from Thursday, the city is reporting 192 new cases for every 100,000 residents on a seven-day average. That’s eight infections shy of the “medium” risk category’s 200-case threshold.COVID patient intake and hospital bed capaci-

ty rates are rising, according to the data. Deaths rate have remained relatively low, with nine people perishing from the virus statewide Thursday, including two in the city.

Since taking office, Adams has made the case that COVID restrictions should be peeled back in order to stimulate the city’s pandemic-battered economy.

In March, he rescinded the public school mask requirement and the Key2NYC vaccine mandate for indoor activities like dining and using gyms. He followed that up a few weeks later with exempting professional athletes and performers from the city’s private-employer vaccine mandate.

Despite his penchant for rolling back pandemic precautions, Adams vowed at Monday’s press conference that he is not afraid to reimplement them. He did not specify what data point would necessitate a return to stricter public health guardrails, though.

“If we get to the place of a mandate, we’ll make that call,” he said. “We’re not there yet.” (NY Daily News)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Women, please walk away” – ex-wife of Coast Guard who killed wife, himself

T

he ex-wife of the Coast Guard officer who shot and killed his wife and himself on Saturday said while she was saddened by the deaths, she was not surprised.

On Saturday, around 9 am, residents of Hibiscus Avenue Extension in Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas heard gunshots and alerted the police. When the police arrived, they found the bodies of Kester “Congo” Williams and Sharsa David, both age 47.

David was the deputy general secretary of the Banking, Insurance and General Workers’ Union, in Barataria.

Williams was found with a gunshot wound to the head on a couch in the living room while David was found in the corridor between the kitchen and the living room with two gunshot wounds.

Williams was the same officer who shot himself in the head when his dog jumped on him on December 2, 2020, at his home.

According to a relative of David, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, David’s 19-year-old daughter heard the first shots and her mother cry out. She went downstairs to investigate and found her mother’s body on the floor and then witnessed Williams kill himself.

Dead: Sharsa David

Describing David as sexy, loving, vibrant and bubbly, the relative said her family was unaware that the couple, who had been together for five years, was having any issues.

“What’s hurting is that she never talked to anyone, even her sister, so nobody knew what she was going through.”

She begged women in domestic violence situations to just walk away and not to be concerned about what people would say. To the men, she said, “There are so many women outside there. Just turn your back and walk away.”

Janelle Yarde-Blackman, William’s ex-wife and the mother of William’s only child, a 20-year-old man, said she was married to him between 2000-2005 and she did not wait to become a victim.

“I will say to women (in abusive relationships) don’t wait. I had one threat and I left. I didn’t wait for the lash or physical abuse. You cannot be in your bed and they tell you if you go out with anybody else I am going to kill you and you hope it gets right. It doesn’t get right. It don’t ever get right.

“This here is not going to be the last time such a sit-

uation will happen in this country because people like to think it won’t happen to them. But don’t wait. Don’t take that chance. And I want to say too, that if women are coming to family members and letting them know what is happening, I would advise them not to take sides.

“This is not a situation to say, ‘no he will never do that,’ or ‘he didn’t mean it.’

No. Don’t take sides. If you want to help, the best way to do so would be to take them to counselling or get them professional support.

Picking sides and talking people business in public simply just doesn’t help.”

Although they were divorced, Yarde-Blackman said Williams was a very proud and supportive father who provided for his son.

She said she spoke to Williams on Friday night when he dropped his son home after spending time together.

“He was very pleasant and was normal. I asked (my son) today if he said anything or was distraught about anything. He said no his father was normal and he was fine.”

In a press release on Saturday, the TT Coast Guard extended its condolences to the family and friends of those involved in

Dead: Coast Guard officer, Kester Williams

“this regrettable situation.”

It said the TT Police Service was investigating “this unfortunate occurrence” and would support the investigation.

This incident was the third murder-suicide or attempted murder-suicide for the year.

In February, Vashti Suraj-Sookram, 30, was attacked by her husband David Sookram, 38, with a cutlass during an argument at their Barrackpore home.

Sookram then drank poison before he collapsed and died at the back of the house.

Suraj-Sookram was seriously injured but survived.

In April, primary school teacher Amar Deobarran chopped his wife Omatie to death at their Barrackpore home before drinking poison and dying hours later at hospital.

In addition, there were three other killings on Good Friday into Saturday including a double murder in Azeez Lane, Kelly Village, Caroni and a watchman who was murdered at his job site in San Fernando.

Between Thursday and Friday, there were four murders – three in Arima and a 35-year-old soldier Junior Chase in San Fernando.

(T&T Newsday)

Six sentenced to death in Pakistan for lynching Sri Lankan national cal police officials told AFP that rumours spread that Diyawadana had torn down a religious poster and thrown it in the dustbin. Several gruesome video clips shared on social media showed a mob beating the prone vic-

Members of a civil society group participate in a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana

A

court in Pakistan has sentenced six people to death after convicting them for their roles in last year’s vigilante killing of a Sri Lankan factory manager accused by workers of committing blasphemy.

The six men sentenced to death were convicted of murder of Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana in a case that outraged many Pakistanis.

The Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore, set up inside a high-security prison, also gave life sentences to nine people, five years’ jail to one, and two-year sentences to 72, according to a statement from the public prosecutor.

Diyawadana was killed in December by workers at a

sports equipment factory in Pakistan’s eastern Sialkot district where he was a manager.

Few issues are as galvanising in Pakistan as blasphemy, and even the slightest suggestion of an insult to Islam can supercharge protests and incite lynchings.

“The prosecution team worked very hard to present its case to the court and to reach this judgement,” Abdul Rauf Wattoo, the lead public prosecutor, told AFP. “We are satisfied with the outcome.”

The special anti-terror court was established to speed up justice in high profile cases that can otherwise spend years being processed.

At the time of the killing, lo-

tim while chanting slogans against blasphemy. Other clips showed Diyawadana’s body set ablaze.

Many in the mob made no attempt to hide their identity and some took selfies in front of the burning corpse.

Rights groups say accusations of blasphemy can often be wielded to settle personal vendettas, with minorities largely the target.

In April 2017 an angry mob lynched university student Mashal Khan when he

was accused of posting blasphemous content online.

A Christian couple was lynched and their remains burned in a kiln in Punjab in 2014 after being falsely accused of desecrating the Quran. (Al Jazeera)

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

Regional

Gonsalves to seek medical attention in Venezuela

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

S

t Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves is travelling to Venezuela and possibly to Cuba for medical attention, after suffering “an excruciating” pain on his right side that has been keeping him awake.

Dr Gonsalves, 75, said he received medical attention locally last Friday,

but was advised to do a full medical check-up.

He said his initial plan was to travel directly to Cuba, but would go to Venezuela first, because of insistence “from the highest level” in Caracas.

“I wanted, by way of this medium, to indicate that I am going to be travelling to Venezuela and possibly to Cuba for medical atten-

tion,” Dr Gonsalves said on radio, adding that he was likely to miss the visit of the Britain’s royal family on Saturday.

“On Thursday night, I didn’t sleep well. I had an excruciating pain on my right side and I went into the hospital on Good Friday, was attended to and looked after quite well by local doctors and other health personnel.

“But, I was advised to go and do my full check-up.

I did one last year in July and I was going straight to Cuba, but the Venezuelans insisted that I come there.

In fact, the insistence is from the highest level. So that’s where I am going today.

“In all probability, I will miss the visit of Prince Edward, Earl of Essex and his wife who are coming to St Vincent for one day on Saturday,” he said.

Dr Gonsalves said that the royals were coming on behalf of the Queen, who is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee – 70 years on the throne. (Excerpt from CMC)

Guarapuava shoot-out as Brazil robbers target security firm

A

n armed gang spread fear in the southern Brazilian city of Guarapuava early on Monday as it attempted to rob a security firm.

Residents reported hearing gunfire and some posted videos appearing to show locals being used as human shields as the robbers made their getaway.

Two Police Officers were injured.

Large-scale bank robberies by heavily-armed gangs in Brazil have become more frequent and more violent in recent years.

In this latest attempted heist, the target appears

to have been a security firm which stores and transports valuables and cash.

The firm has not yet commented and it is not clear if the robbers managed to get away with any money.

As in similar robberies, the gang blocked access roads leading to the city by setting vehicles alight.

The gang also attacked the local Police Station and in recordings made by residents rapid gunfire can be heard.

Local media said the gunmen arrived in at least seven vehicles, two of which they abandoned as they made their getaway.

They also posted videos of the lorries the gang had set alight.

So far, Police have not reported making any arrests.

On social media, many residents compared the incident to the assault by an armed gang on the city of Criciúma in December 2020.

In both instances, the robberies seemed to have been well-planned and involved a large number of armed men who blocked the access roads to prevent reinforcements from arriving, surrounded the Police Station, and terrorised locals. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ing to spiral out of control.

This is even more evident, Padarath claimed, that the reason cited for the suspension was “critical matters concerning the management of the authority.” Padarath called on Gonzales to tell the public exactly what these critical matters were that led to the suspension and whether it had anything to do with someone’s insubordination to fire WASA employees on Government’s insistence.

After the resignation of WASA’s Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lennox Sealy in July,

and now the suspension of Sheppard, Padarath is also questioning the process used in appointing new acting CEO, Kelvin Romain.

The MP asked what exactly are Romain’s qualifications and if they were commensurate with the position he has been put to act in.

Padarath also asked if people being put in to act in certain positions are closely aligned to several Government Ministers and if people were being brought in to simply rubber-stamp actions by the Government.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Mexico’s President slams Opposition for voting down power bill

M

exican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has slammed Opposition legislators for voting down a planned constitutional overhaul of the country’s power system, which had emerged at the centre of diplomatic tensions with the United States.

Lopez Obrador has spent months championing the bill that would have tightened State control of Mexico’s power market, but Opposition legislators united on Sunday night to defeat the legislation that needed a two-thirds majority to pass.

“I believe that yesterday was an act of treason against

Mexico committed by a group of legislators who, instead of defending the interests of the people … became outright defenders of foreign companies,” Lopez Obrador said during a regular news conference on Monday.

The changes would have ensured that the stateowned Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has at least 54 per cent of the electricity market – a move the government says is needed to prevent soaring power prices.

But Lopez Obrador’s plans had alarmed the US and Canada and prompted warnings that Mexico would be in danger of violating its

trade commitments by favouring state-run entities heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

Washington also had said the reforms risked bringing “endless litigation” that would impede investment and undermine joint efforts to fight climate change.

“Mexico’s energy policies damage the environment, US business and investor interests in multiple sectors, and hamper joint efforts to mitigate climate change,” US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said last month, according to her office. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Jamaica to explore rail technology

A

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to facilitate exploration of rail technology, as Jamaica continues its push to revive the local railway service as a sustainable transportation option.

Jamaica’s first railway operations began in 1845 under the Jamaica Railway Company which was a private entity.

After decades of changing hands between private and public enterprise, the Jamaican Government became the sole proprietor of the railway in 1900, operating as the Jamaica Government Railway.

Jamaica’s railway service was discontinued in 1992, except for use by bauxite companies to transport products.

Transport Minister Audley Shaw spoke recently at the International Symposium on Railway Engineering held at the University of Technology (UTECH): “We are in the process of acquiring elec-

State Minister in the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ministry, Leslie Campbell

tric and biodiesel buses for public transport as a pilot project, to ascertain benefits. This naturally brings into focus the importance of a well-functioning railway market, because in order for a country to maximise on productivity and economic activity, people and goods must be able to move,” he said.

Shaw said the impact of the reimplementation of the railway service was multi-sectoral and multidimensional, as it would not

only solve the problem of vehicular congestion, particularly in the more urban areas, but it would also provide an economic inflow, boosting the tourism product of the country.

State Minister in the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ministry, Leslie Campbell said, through the MoU, a new Jamaica centre of rail innovation would be founded to facilitate new training and research programmes on a range of railway topics. (Excerpt from CMC)

JDF appeals to West Kingston Padarath to Minister Gonzales: Come residents to cooperate with security clean on suspension of WASA CEO forces after fatal shooting

P

rinces Town Member of Parliament P Barry Padarath is calling on the Minister of Public Utilities, Marvin Gonzales to come clean with the nation and explain why WASA’s acting CEO Sherland Sheppard was suspended by the Board on Wednesday.

Padarath, the Opposition’s shadow public utilities minister, said in a press release on Monday that the suspension of Sheppard was a clear sign that the day-to-day management of WASA had failed and the utility was continu-

T

he Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is urging residents in Denham Town, West Kingston to cooperate while the security forces conduct operations within the space to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens.

The JDF’s comments came following the shooting death of a civilian in the community, reportedly by a soldier, during operations by a joint mobile patrol team on Saturday.

“An internal investigation into the incident is being conducted and the JDF continues to cooperate with INDECOM and the civil authorities as required,” said

the JDF statement issued on Sunday.

The deceased has been identified as Horaine Glenn of a Charles Street, Kingston address.

According to reports, about 18:20h, a team of JDF personnel was on foot patrol in the community when they saw a group of four men who aroused their suspicion. The men were approached and the JDF requested to search them.

The JDF team reported that while conducting the search, they were approached by a woman who was behaving boisterously and proceeded to spit on members of the team. The report added that the team

was then approached by Glenn who had a beer bottle in his hand and allegedly proceeded to pour the contents on the JDF members.

One military personnel reported that they attempted to take Glenn into custody but he ran into a yard.

Glenn was pursued into the yard by one soldier, and a woman also ran in behind.

It is reported that the woman held onto the right hand of the soldier while Glenn tried to disarm him by holding on to the soldier’s M-16 rifle. A tussle ensued during which the soldier discharged four rounds from the firearm. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises over 1% as Libya outages add to Russia supply fears

O

il prices rose more than one per cent on Monday, with Brent crude topping US$114 a barrel, as outages in Libya deepened concern over tight global supply amid the Ukraine crisis.

Adding to supply pressures from sanctions on Russia, Libya’s National Oil Corp on Monday said “a painful wave of closures” had begun hitting its facilities and declared force majeure at Al-Sharara oilfield and other sites.

“With global supplies now so tight, even the most minor disruption is likely to have an outsized impact on prices,” said Jeffrey Halley, analyst at brokerage OANDA. Brent crude, the global benchmark, rose US$1.46, or 1.3 per cent, to settle at US$113.16 a barrel. The contract rose to US$114.84 a barrel, its highest since March 28.

West Texas Intermediate rose US$1.26, or 1.2 per cent, to settle at US$108.21 a barrel. The benchmark hit US$109.81 a barrel, also the highest since March 28.

Deeper supply losses loom. Russian production declined by 7.5 per cent in the first half of April from March, Interfax reported on Friday, and European Union Governments said last week the bloc’s executive was drafting proposals to ban Russian crude.

Those comments came before an escalation in the Ukraine war. Ukrainian authorities said missiles struck Lviv early on Monday and explosions rocked other cities as Russian forces kept up their bombardments after claiming near full control of the port of Mariupol. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine says “Battle of Donbas” has begun, Russia pushing in east

R

ussian forces launched a new offensive push along most of Ukraine’s eastern flank on Monday and the “Battle of Donbas” has now begun, Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy and senior officials said.

Ukraine’s army has been bracing for a new Russian assault on its eastern flank since Moscow withdrew its forces from near Kyiv and from Ukraine’s north late last month in order to focus on an assault in the Ukrainian region of Donbas.

“We can now say that Russian forces have started the battle of the Donbas, for which they have long prepared,” Zelenskiy said in a video address.

Ukraine Security Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov said in televised comments: “They (Russian forces) began their attempt to start the active phase this morning. This morning, along almost the entire front line of the (eastern) Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv regions, the occupiers attempted to break through our defences,” he said.

Russia has been bulking

A local resident rides a bicycle past a charred armoured vehicle during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the separatist-controlled town of Volnovakha in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, March 15, 2022

up its forces in the east of Ukraine using troops that it pulled out of Ukraine’s north and neighbouring Belarus, a close Russian ally.

In a post on Facebook, the Ukrainian armed forces command said that Russia’s main military force was concentrating on taking control of the

entirety of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the swathe of land known as the Donbas.

“The second phase of the war has begun... Believe in our army, it is very strong,” the Ukrainian President’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, wrote on the Telegram mes-

saging app.

Russia’s reinforcements have set the stage for a protracted battle that military analysts say is certain to inflict heavy losses on both sides as the Russians try to encircle Ukraine’s fighters dug in to defend the Donbas region.

(Reuters)

Egypt female TikTok star jailed Israel downs Gaza rocket as for 3 years for human trafficking Jerusalem tensions simmer

A

n Egyptian TikTok star has been sentenced to three years in prison after a court convicted her of human trafficking at retrial.

Haneen Hossam, who is in her early 20s, was accused of exploiting girls for money through video-sharing platforms.

She denied the charge, which was linked to an invitation to her followers to get paid for making live videos.

Human rights activists say she has been prosecuted as part of a crackdown on female social media influencers.

Haneen Hossam pleaded for clemency in a video posted before her detention last year

They argue that the charges Hossam and at least

11 other women with millions of followers have faced since 2020 violate the rights to privacy, freedom of expression, non-discrimination, and bodily autonomy.

Hossam, a Cairo University student, gained more than 900,000 followers on TikTok by posting videos showing her lip-syncing to songs and dancing.

She was first arrested in April 2020 after inviting her women followers to join another video-sharing platform, Likee, where she said they could make money by broadcasting live videos.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

I

srael shot down a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip on Monday, the Israeli military said, the first such attack in months as tensions over a flashpoint Jerusalem shrine drew angry pro-Palestinian rhetoric from Jordan and US mediation efforts.

No Gaza faction claimed responsibility for the rocket, which Israel said its Iron Dome interceptor shot down. Gaza’s dominant Palestinian Islamic faction Hamas had warned of reprisals for Israeli conduct around Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa mosque compound.

Since Friday, the site – also revered by Jews as vestige of two ancient temples –- has seen confrontations between Palestinian stone-throwers and Israeli Riot Police recalling violence that helped fan a Gaza war one year ago.

Palestinians accuse Israel of encroaching at Al Aqsa during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Israel says Palestinian protesters seek to disrupt Muslim prayer for political ends and to prevent visits by Jews, who are now celebrating Passover.

The tensions complicate Israel’s security ties

with Jordan, which is custodian of Al Aqsa and has a Palestinian majority.

Jordan’s King Abdullah told United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres that Israel’s Al Aqsa policy “seriously undermines” chances of it making peace with the Palestinians, Amman said.

Jordan also summoned Israel’s acting Ambassador for a reprimand.

At least 152 Palestinians and eight Police were injured around Al Aqsa during Friday’s confrontations, medics said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

South Africa deploys troops to help US Judge overturns mask mandate for airplanes and trains with flood relief efforts

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federal Judge in Florida said on Monday a US mask mandate on public transportation is unlawful, overturning a Biden Administration effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Last week, US health officials extended by 15 days the mandate requiring travellers to wear masks on airplanes, trains, and in taxis, ride-share vehicles or transit hubs, saying they needed time to assess the impact of a recent rise in COVID-19 cases.

The ruling by US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, an appointee of President Donald Trump, came in a lawsuit filed last year in Tampa, Florida, by a group called the Health Freedom Defence Fund.

It comes as COVID-19 infections

are again rising in the United States, with 36,251 new infections reported on average each day.

Judge Mizelle said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had exceeded its authority with the mandate, had not sought public comment, and did not adequately explain its decisions.

It was not clear whether the order would take immediate effect.

The Judge sent the issue back to the CDC, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mask mandate appeared to still be in effect.

The White House called the ruling “disappointing”, and said it was reviewing information related to the order. (Excerpt from Reuters)

S

outh Africa’s armed forces have been deployed to help with relief efforts in the KwaZulu-Natal province, where more than 440 people died following torrential rains that triggered floods and mudslides last week.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said it had been instructed to activate 10,000 troops for tasks including mop-up work and transporting aid.

The SANDF would also provide medical support and helicopters for rescue and reconnaissance missions.

The death toll stands at 443, but with each passing day, hopes diminish of finding more survivors.

The floods have left thousands homeless, knocked out power and water services, and disrupted op-

A search and rescue team uses a dog to search for bodies in Umbumbulu near Durban, South Africa, April 18, 2022 [Rogan Ward/Reuters]

erations at one of Africa’s busiest ports, Durban. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Emotional spending or paying for a mistake will put you in a difficult position. Pinch pennies and save for a rainy day. Time is on your side, and observation will help you make better decisions.

(March 21-April 19) Put your energy where it will do some good. Don’t make waves when what you achieve will have a more significant impact on how you live or how you do things. Choose peace over chaos.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20) Promise only what you know you can deliver, and don’t debate with business associates if you want to avoid a feud.

Make your intentions clear, and channel your energy into purpose.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Keep your eyes on the ball, don’t mix business with pleasure and avoid sensitive topics with argumentative people. Before you share, put everything in place. Look inward and concentrate on growth.

Rummage through your thoughts, use logic and think twice before making an emotional statement or purchase that could cause damage to you physically, financially or emotionally. Be disciplined.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Set your sights on what’s doable, and surround yourself with people who are eager to participate. Discuss the changes you feel are necessary to with someone who has a different perspective.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don’t display discrepancy or inconsistency. Share facts and budget wisely, regardless of the decisions others make.

Maintaining balance and equality in all aspects of life will pay off.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Protect what you’ve got, and give no one a reason to doubt you. Take note of what a friend, relative or colleague says.

Do something creative to ease stress and make you think about what’s next.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be careful what you share with a friend, relative or peer. You’ll be misinterpreted or misled by someone trying to outmaneuver you. Don’t display your emotions or vulnerabilities.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) You won’t see eye-to-eye when it comes to budgets and what’s necessary.

A lifestyle change will be successful if it complements what you do for a living.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

21

Jos Buttler ton, Yuzvendra Chahal hattrick give Rajasthan Royals narrow win saw Narine getting run out without facing a ball after his promotion to pinch-hit at the top of the order, Knight Riders fought back. Aaron Finch led the charge with 58 off 28 balls, adding 107 in just 8.5 overs with Shreyas Iyer.

Yuzvendra Chahal appeared to have won the match in his final over: he had Venkatesh Iyer stumped off the first ball, a ripping googly, then removed Shreyas, Shivam Mavi and Pat Cummins to complete his first IPL hat-trick and five-for and leave KKR needing 38 off 18 balls with two wickets in hand.

With nothing to lose, Umesh swung hard. Trent Boult's final over cost 20 runs, including two sixes and a four, to leave 18 required off the last two. But Prasidh Krishna conceded only seven, and McCoy held his nerve with two wickets in four balls to seal a breathless win.

Jos Buttler scored an unbeaten 103

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ajasthan Royals defended 217 by the skin of their teeth in an instant IPL classic at the Brabourne Stadium, with debutant Obed McCoy rearranging Umesh Yadav's stumps to see out a nerve-jangling win.

Kolkata Knight Riders were pinned against the ropes as Jos Buttler hit his second hundred of the season and his third in his last seven IPL innings, playing out Sunil Narine but dominating the rest of their attack on his way to 103 off 61 balls. He was supported ably

by Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer, as Royals plundered the highest total of the season.

But after a false start, which

Buttler sparkles Buttler has started the season in prolific form but struggled for timing in the first two overs, reaching three off nine balls on a pitch he later described as "a little bit sticky at the start". But he was soon into his groove, hitting Umesh for consecutive boundaries, toying with Varun Chakravarthy and slapping Mavi for six over the off side.

He reached fifty from the second ball he faced after the powerplay, and played with characteristic self-awareness about his strengths and weaknesses: he nudged Narine into gaps, hitting five runs off the nine balls he faced from him, but plundered 98 off 52 against the rest of the attack.

After Narine - wearing '150' on his back, his total appearances for Knight Riders

Shimron Hetmyer played an unbeaten cameo of 26 off 13 balls

- had bowled Devdutt Padikkal, Buttler found support from Samson, whose cameo of 38 off 19 balls kept Royals moving.

Buttler reached his hundred by belting Pat Cummins over longon for six, but fell two balls later, top-edging a pull to fine leg.

Royals had reverted to a bowling-heavy line-up, with R Ashwin carded at No. 7, and threatened to fall away at the back end after Buttler's dismissal. But Hetmyer ensured they finished well, hitting Andre Russell for consecutive sixes in the final over before carving the last ball of the innings through cover to steer Rajasthan to 217.

Finch, Shreyas start brightly Finch had struggled badly heading into this match, averaging 25.19 with a strike rate of 121.33 in T20 cricket since the start of 2021. He kept his place in the side despite Sam Billings' recovery from illness and after hitting the first ball of the chase to cover, he watched Hetmyer's direct hit run Narine out before his new opening partner had faced a ball.

But he felt comfortable taking on Royals' spinners, smoking the final ball of the powerplay for six off Ashwin and thrashing three boundaries in Chahal's first over. He also tucked into McCoy and Prasidh with Shreyas playing second fiddle after a bright start of his own. When Finch skied the final ball of the ninth over to deep-backward point to fall for 58, the required rate was a shade over ten an over.

Shreyas had hit his first two balls for four off Trent Boult, playing with the attacking intent, and launched Ashwin for sixes via a reverse sweep and a clean blow down the ground.

After Nitish Rana holed out to long-off and Andre Russell's off stump was pegged back by Ashwin's perfect carrom ball, Shreyas had a life: he gloved a pull behind off McCoy, which wriggled out of Samson's grasp as he dived to his left. He responded by hitting the next two legal deliveries for six and four, and swung Boult away for six more to leave Knight Riders needing 40 off the final four overs.

Chahal, McCoy seal it Venkatesh had turned down a second run twice, to Shreyas' visible annoyance, and decided to justify his decisions by trying

to hit the first ball of Chahal's final over for six. He skipped down the pitch, but was beaten by a googly; Samson redeemed himself, completing a simple stumping.

After Sheldon Jackson nudged a single, Chahal attempted to hide the ball wide outside Shreyas' off stump and was penalised with a wide, but then surprised him by pitching one up, full and straight. It hit Shreyas on the pad, and the on-field lbw decision was upheld on review.

Knight Riders sent Shivam Mavi in at No. 8, perhaps due to Cummins' weakness against

spin. He looked to slog his first ball for six but holed out to long-on, and Cummins edged his first ball through to Samson to give Chahal a hat-trick - the first of the season.

The tail provided a twist, as Umesh belted Boult over long-on for two sixes, then slapped him through cover for four, taking the equation down to 18 off 12 balls. But neither Prasidh nor McCoy conceded a boundary, with McCoy's slower balls to Sheldon Jackson (caught at fine leg) and Umesh (bowled looking to swing over midwicket) icing the victory.

(ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD RAJASTHAN ROYALS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Jos Buttler c Varun b Cummins 103 Devdutt Padikkal b Narine 24 Sanju Samson (c)†c Shivam Mavi b Russell 38 Shimron Hetmyer not out 26 Riyan Parag c Shivam Mavi b Narine 5 Karun Nair c Cummins b Shivam Mavi 3 Ravichandran Ashwin not out 2 Extras (b 3, lb 6, nb 1, w 6) 16 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.85) 217/5 Did not bat: Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-97 (Devdutt Padikkal, 9.4 ov), 2-164 (Sanju Samson, 15.2 ov), 3-183 (Jos Buttler, 16.4 ov), 4-189 (Riyan Parag, 17.1 ov), 5-198 (Karun Nair, 18.5 ov) BOWLING: Umesh Yadav 4-0-44-0; Shivam Mavi 4-034-1; Varun Chakravarthy 2-0-30-0; Pat Cummins 4-050-1; Sunil Narine 4-0-212; Andre Russell--2-0-29-1 KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (Target: 218 runs from 20 overs)

Aaron Finch c Nair b Prasidh Krishna 58 Sunil Narine run out (Hetmyer) 0 Shreyas Iyer (c)lbw b Chahal 85 Nitish Rana c Buttler b Chahal 18 Andre Russell b Ashwin 0 Venkatesh Iyer st †Samson b Chahal 6 Sheldon Jackson † c Prasidh Krishna b McCoy 8 Shivam Mavi c Parag b Chahal 0 Pat Cummins c †Samson b Chahal 0 Umesh Yadav b McCoy 21 Varun Chakravarthy not out 1 Extras (w 13) 13 TOTAL 19.4 Ov (RR: 10.67) 210 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Sunil Narine, 0.1 ov), 2-107 (Aaron Finch, 8.6 ov), 3-148 (Nitish Rana, 12.6 ov), 4-149 (Andre Russell, 13.4 ov), 5-178 (Venkatesh Iyer, 16.1 ov), 6-180 (Shreyas Iyer, 16.4 ov), 7-180 (Shivam Mavi, 16.5 ov), 8-180 (Pat Cummins, 16.6 ov), 9-209 (Sheldon Jackson, 19.2 ov), 10210 (Umesh Yadav, 19.4 ov) BOWLING: Trent Boult 4-048-0; Prasidh Krishna 4-0-431; Obed McCoy 3.4-0-41-2; Ravichandran Ashwin-4-0-38-1; Yuzvendra Chahal-4-0-40-5

2 more COVID-positive cases in Delhi Capitals camp

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t least two more fresh cases of Covid-19 have been detected in Delhi Capitals' contingent, including an overseas player.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the other positive case concerns a support staff member.

This takes the total number of cases in this IPL to three after Captials' physiotherapist Patrick Farhart had become the first person to test positive this season.

The latest cases emerged two days before Capitals' next match, which is scheduled in Pune against Punjab Kings.

There is no information yet on whether the match would be affected, but Capitals cancelled their scheduled travel to Pune

on Monday after the entire contingent was asked to go into in-room quarantine.

It is understood that the entire Capitals contingent is undergoing fresh testing, based on which the next step is likely to be decided.

Farhart had tested positive the day before Capitals played Royal Challengers Banglaore at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

Consequently, the IPL asked both teams to maintain social distancing and not do the usual milling around, after the match, where players and coaches mingle.

It is understood that the player returned a positive rapid antigen test and is now

positive the day after Farhart tested positive and has been isolating since.

As per the IPL rules any person testing positive in the tournament bubble would need to isolate for a minimum of seven days. To reenter the bubble, the person would need to return consecutive negative RT-PCR tests taken 24 h o u r s apart.

I f

awaiting results of the RT-PCR test done on Monday. The support staff member tested

Delhi Capitals' Mitchell Marsh has been admitted to a hospital after he tested positive for COVID-19

a franchise had multiple positive cases, the rule says the team can take the field with a minimum of 12 players, including seven Indians and one substitute. In the scenario where 12 players are not available then the IPL would take the final call, which would be binding.

Both the teams and the IPL are bound to be concerned by the development, considering the 2021 IPL had to be abandoned at the halfway stage after the number of Covid-positive cases multiplied across several teams. At least five teams had returned positive cases last year, including Capitals after their then legspinner Amit Mishra returned two positive tests.

22

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CONCACAF, UEFA wish Guyana U16s well on European adventure

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Junior Jags explore tourism brochures ahead of their historic trip to a UEFA-sanctioned tournament this month

he U16 national team’s historic participation in a European tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina this month will accelerate their development as players and young men, according to CONCACAF and UEFA, who praised the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for crafting opportunities for young players to expand their horizons and reach their potential.

Enabled by UEFA Assist and with the full support of

CONCACAF, a 20-player strong Junior Jaguars squad will play Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania and Montenegro in Guyana’s first appearance at a UEFA-sanctioned tournament in Europe.

“We are delighted to support the development of the Guyana Football Federation’s U16 national team,” said UEFA Head of International Relations Eva Pasquier. “The opportunity to play in a European tournament, learn from and exchange with UEFA national associations, and ex-

perience new cultures will undoubtedly help these young stars to develop both on and off the pitch. And this is exactly what UEFA Assist is all about.”

Guyana, led by Head Coach Vurlon Mills, play Bosnia and Herzegovina today, April 19, Lithuania on April 21, and Montenegro on April 24. The unprecedented invitation to play in the four-team friendly tournament is the direct result of the GFF’s focus on building meaningful relationships with UEFA and its other international football partners as it strengthens the image and standing of Guyana in the football world.

The GFF and UEFA have worked together on “return to play” planning during the COVID-19 pandemic, while UEFA funded two minibuses to reduce the cost of participation for players in GFF development programmes and competitions. With the backing of CONCACAF, UEFA is also supporting the creation of Guyana’s first professional football league.

“CONCACAF wishes to express its full support on this initiative and wishes the team all the best,” said Howard McIntosh, Head of One CONCACAF and Caribbean Special Projects. “The GFF administration, led by Wayne Forde, has proven time and time again that it will

The U16s will share tourism brochures with other teams and officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina

take on numerous football challenges, and it’s good to see this remarkable opportunity coming to fruition.

“This approach is consistent with the philosophy expressed

by CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani in putting football first,” McIntosh said. “We hope that the boys have a safe and successful trip and take full advantage of every opportunity that they have to represent Guyana and CONCACAF in this tournament.” As part of their ambassadorial role in representing Guyana on their European trip, the U16 players will share Guyana tourism and investment brochures with other tournament participants and

officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Guyana Tourism Authority has also contributed financial support to the squad. “ We are very keen for the boys to make a positive impression on their European audience, and not just in the way they conduct themselves on the field of play,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “The squad has been preparing to represent their nation in the role of young ambassadors, including reading up on their history as well as taking it upon themselves to showcase Guyana’s beauty and spirit of adventure as a tourism destination and its attractiveness as an investment opportunity.”

Randy Belle crowned new king of the circuit A

king of the power boat racing circuit was crowned on Saturday at Golden Beach in Bartica and it was Randy Belle of the Belle clan, who powered to the overall champion accolade in the A-Class Formula 1 Category.

Thousands of fans, including Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton as well as Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams and Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall and their respective deputies, all soaked up an exhilarating day of action, dubbed “Bounce Back”.

The day was sizing up

The new King of A Class power boat racing, Randy Belle (left) receiving his trophy and cash prize of $500,000 from a GTT rep (Franklin Wilson photo)

to feature a clash of the titans between eight-time champions Dave Scott aboard Jaguar, Belle and the Gonsalves from the Pomeroon but early engine problems were encountered

by Scott in the first race of the day which put paid to his chances of challenging for a ninth championship title.

However, it was Belle aboard his boat “Team Belle”, which set the pace with classy performances in all three Formula 1/A Class (Unlimited) races as he took the first place and the overall Champions trophy in this category. He accumulated the most points in any of the five classes, 30 to cap

off a bumper day where he powered to 50,000 short of a million dollars along with multiple trophies on a rewarding day.

His overall cash prize was worth $500,000 while each individual win earned him $150,000.

Taking the B Class (115-200 HP) overall prize of $250,000 was Whitney Welcome, who amassed 14 points. The C Class (75-90 HP) division was won by Sanjay Ramkisson, who piloted Team Shivray and accumulated 20 points 1. The D Class (25-40 HP) produced joint winners in R Dookie aboard Poseidon and Samuel Ramkisson, who controlled Team

Young Warriors Cricket Club launches restoration funds project T

he once vibrant Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice is aggressively embarking on a project to restore the club and its venue to its former glory.

Executives of the club, led by recently-elected President Imran Saccoor, a banker by profession, met and launched the massive drive to raise funds to restore the venue to what it was before. Six years ago, the venue was in picture-perfect condition when Coach Hubern Evans migrated to the USA and hardworking executive Anil Beharry moved to Georgetown.

Since then, it has deteriorated into a state of disrepair.

In an invited comment, President Saccoor said he was positive that the club would return to where it rightfully belonged and was appealing

The current state of disrepair

to the Government of Guyana, corporate Guyana and private individuals for assistance. He said that the first step was to replace the fence, fix the outfield, fix the pavilions and then move aggressively to recruit new players.

The YWCC has produced many outstanding players during its 20 years of existence with the latest being West Indies batting star Shimron Hetmyer. Other players who represented Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies at different

levels are Gajanand Singh, who now plays for the USA; Richard Ramdeen; former National Captain Damodar Daesrat; Seon Hetmyer; Paul Wintz; Kwesi Maltay; Balram Samaroo; Alex Algoo; Kevin Ramdeen; Loaknauth Ramsuchit; Kassim

Khan; Linden Austin; Sanjay Khan; Shazad Khan; Ishwar Singh; Aaron Beharry; Anil Beharry; Suresh Dhanai; Farouk Hussain and Daryl Narine among many others.

The YWCC won the first and only Shapoorji Palonji National T20 competition defeating Blairmont CC, and Neal and Massy National 40over Competition, defeating the powerful Demerara Cricket Club in the final at the Guyana National Stadium among other championship titles. The club won the GCB club of the year title for two consecutive years.

The current executive is seeking help in cash and kind to help restore the venue.

Contact can be made with Imran Saccoor on 603-1436, Aubrey David on 646-0294 or any executive member of the club.

Shivraj 11. The duo divided the $150,000 prize while in a gesture of sportsmanship, Team Shivraj 11 agreed for Dookie to take the trophy.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CARIFTA Games…

23

Harvey, Austin clinch bronze medals on final day

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and third respectively. ttoya Harvey’s first outing at the Adriel Austin, who is no stranger to the CARIFTA Games continues to be one games, roped in another bronze for Guyana for the books, as the 16-year- old added in the Girls’ Under 20 800m event. Austin a bronze medal to Guyana’s medal tally at the clocked 2:13.62 for bronze, while Jamaica’s CARIFTA Games in Kingston, Jamaica.

Jody-Ann Mitchell stopped the clock at 2:09.73 Competing in the Girls’ Under 17 800m for gold and Barbados’ Layla Haynes 2:10.58 event, along with her Guyanese colleague for silver.

Narissa McPherson, Harvey clocked 2:14.08 Meanwhile, Keliza Smith missed a podifor third place and was closely trailed by um position once again, this time finishing McPherson, who finished on 2:16.13, missing fourth in the Under 20 Girls’ 200m. Brianna a podium position.

Lyston raced to gold in 23.16s for Jamaica, The race was won by US Virgin Islands’ followed by Trinidad and Tobago’s Shaniqua Michelle Smith, who stopped the clock at Bascombe’s 24.18s sprint for silver. While 2:10.78, while Jamaica’s Andrene Peart capJamaica’s Kaylia Kelly ran 24.33s for third, tured silver with 2:13.07.

Smith was close with 24.40s, but missed the In the male version of the event, Guyana’s medal opportunity.

Javon Roberts was unable to finish the race Thus far Guyana has amassed seven medafter being tripped up inside the first 400 als at the 49th edition of the CARIFTA Games; meters. The race was eventually won by two golds, three silvers and two bronzes. The Jamaica’s Ainsley Brown in 1:58.08, while CARIFTA Games were held in Kingston, T&T’s Keeran Sriskandarajah (1:58.45) and Jamaica’s Rasheed Pryce (1:58.51) took second Adriel Austin (Red and yellow) sticks with the pack during the 800m race (Photo Credit: Track Alerts) Jamaica from April 16-18. (Jemima Holmes)

Solomon victorious in Inaugural Guyana women’s hockey team complete disappointing Bruster’s Real Ice Cream & Qualitea Café Cup Golf Tourney competition with loss to Jamaica

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ith pride at stake in their final match of the CAC qualifier, the Guyanese ladies lost to Jamaica in similar fashion as they have all other encounters. After holding steady for most of the match and failing to capitalise on their scoring opportunities, Guyana eventually succumbed to Jamaica off a penalty corner in the 54th minute.

With a flawed trap at the top of the circle, the Jamaicans moved the ball to the right and misfired toward goal; the bouncing ball, however, was first met Aaliyah James weaves her way out of danger for Jamaica by the stick of Imauny Linton on the tally important for the continuity of the game far post who slammed a first-time shot into the net from close range. In all three of and for any decent international results for its encounters, Guyana held firm for most of Guyana to find a way to have an artificial the match only to have lapses in concentra- pitch. At the moment, Guyana is the only tion late in the game which resulted in their nation to compete regionally without such a surface. “This also prevents teams from comthree 0-1 losses. ing to Guyana to compete. No one plays on grass anymore and so it is impossible to bid for international competitions or to invite teams for friendly clashes which are vital for the development of our own players,” said Fernandes.

The Guyana Hockey Board President went on to say that the next calendar event for the female side of the sport was a Junior Pan Am Championships in March 2022 in Barbados. Fernandes is hopeful that Guyana can have an artificial pitch installed in Veteran of 50 caps, Marzana Fiedtkou battles against the Jamaican time for the players to train midfielders for those championships.

Hosts Bermuda won the Head Coach Philip Fernandes expressed ladies competition followed by Puerto Rico, his frustration and disappointment in the Jamaica and Guyana, with the top two qualiouting given that in his opinion, the team fying for the CC Games in 2023. In the men’s performed above the suggestion of the score competition, Jamaica finished first and quallines and should have won at least one of the ified for the CAC games along with second place Puerto Rico while the Bermuda men matches if not more.

“Our team is very young and inexperi- failed to qualify.

For the women’s tournament, Maha enced,” said Fernandes, “but our front line should have at least scored. Goalkeeper Clarke of Bermuda earned the Player of the Alysa Xavier, who won the Best Goalkeeper Tournament Award while Shareeka Elliott of of the Tournament award, did all she could to Jamaica and Josefina Freaney of Puerto Rico keep the ball out, but you cannot win games were joint top scorers with two goals each.

Alysa Xavier of Guyana received the Best unless you score.”

When asked what was next for the team, Goalkeeper Award.

Richard Harris of Jamaica was awardFernandes expressed that it was becoming virtually impossible to challenge teams that ed the male Player of the Tournament while train on artificial pitches similar to what is Brandon Clarke of Jamaica scored the most used for international competition, without goals with two. Justin Dill of Bermuda reone ourselves. He indicated that it was vi- ceived the Best Goalkeeper Award.

The victorious Maurice Solomon alongside Director of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Paton George

Richard Haniff copped second place

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n Saturday, players and spectators were treated to a great morning of golf at the Lusignan Golf Club. The competition was intense as players vied to have their names etched onto the first annual Bruster’s Real Ice Cream & Qualitea Café Cup. Maurice Solomon stormed out the gates and never looked back. He posted a firsthalf best net score of 3-under par 32, and kept it going on the back nine to fend off a strong challenge from veteran low handicapper Richard Haniff, who finished one shot back. Haniff’s solid play would have earned him first on most afternoons especially on such a challenging course set-up.

The greens were smooth and lightning fast which required soft putting hands and quiet nerves.

The morning round with the very fast true greens seemed perfectly suited for the soft touch of veteran golfer Solomon. He went under par on both front and back 9 to cap off a great morning and gain the honour of forever being the first to etch his name on the Bruster’s Real Ice Cream & Qualitea Café Cup. This was a most gratifying win for Solomon. Other top performers included a strong second-place showing by Haniff and Tom Watkins who won the best gross and closest to the pin prizes.

The full list of winners: • 1st. Maurice Solomon: Net 66, Gross 88 • 2nd. Richard Haniff: Net 67, Gross 78 • 3rd. Ronald Bulkan: Net 70, Gross 90 • 4th. Jaipaul Suknanan; Net 71, Gross 79

Ronald Bulkan received third best Net prize

Other prizes were presented for: Best Net Front 9: Maurice Solomon Best Net Back 9: Bholawram Deo Nearest to the Pin: Tom Watkins Longest Drive: Rohan Albert This golf tournament was the second sponsored by Bruster’s Real Ice Cream.

This year, a magnificent inaugural silver cup secured in a mahogany base was added – each year the champion golfer will have his name inscribed on the base of the cup.

This year’s tournament was co-sponsored by Qualitea Café – this new Café is on schedule to open two stores: the first opens early May at the MovieTowne Mall while in June a second Qualitea Café will be opened at Amazonia mall.

Director of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Paton George thanked all attendees for supporting the golf tournament and has signed on to making this one of the marquee golf tournaments each year.

The afternoon was also filled with excitement as the co-sponsors hosted a fantastic inaugural Kids Fun Afternoon which included wonderful treats from Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and Qualitea Café, as well as golf clinics and the first of what promises to be many kids’ competitions.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

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

Randy Belle crowned new king of the circuit

CARIFTA Games…

Harvey, Austin clinch bronze medals on final day Pg 23

Page 22

Attoya Harvey medalled in every event she contested at the 2022 CARIFTA Games (Photo Credit: Track Alerts)

Guyana women’s hockey team complete disappointing competition with loss to Jamaica Page 23

Solomon victorious in inaugural Bruster’s Real Ice Cream & Qualitea Café Cup Golf Tourney Page 23

Young Guyanese midfielder Madison Fernandes on the attack

Maurice Solomon was a dominant force

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