Guyana Times -- Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Food For The Poor celebrates P 31 years of charitable work 17

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

Issue No. 5032

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

“Culture of intimidation” led technical officers to falsely certify 2017 works – PAC hears – Chairman to ascertain whereabouts of fmr REO Page 7

Sheraton Hotel & Resort for Guyana – following signing of agreement between Marriott, joint venture

FITUG calls Contractor gets 1 for urgent month to complete revision Mahdia of national Road – given final minimum wage warning Vaccination of children 5 to 11 to commence on Saturday …as Guyana receives 52,800 paediatric Page 13 COVID vaccines from Spain

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Fake AA memo designed to create mischief, confusion – P14 GCAA

Boat Captain found dead in fuel vessel P2

Husband remanded for Crane teacher’s P8 murder

See story on page 3

Page 16

PRICE

Page 11

Security officer attacked, stabbed to death over old grievance P15

Woman gets 3 years over false rape claim against ex-boyfriend P13

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Boat Captain found dead in fuel vessel

David Shurland’s Wharf

The fuel boat in which Hopkinson’s body was found

A

n investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of a boat captain whose body was found in a fuel tank at David Shurland’s Wharf located at Adventure, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Monday.

The dead man has been identified as 28-year-old Sagon Hopkinson of East Pataro Road, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

At the time of his demise, he was employed to transport fuel to a popular gas station along the Essequibo Coast.

Police stated that just after midnight on Monday, Hopkinson along with two other sailors left Bartica in a 75-foot metal boat powered by three 60 HP engines to collect fuel for their employ-

Dead: Sagon Hopkinson

er at Adventure, Essequibo Coast.

According to the men, they arrived at Adventure at about 05:30h and claimed

that they both went into the boat’s cabin to rest since they had to wait for the boat to be loaded, leaving the now dead man on the boat’s deck.

Further, they related that at about 08:00h they woke up and noticed that Saigon Hopkinson was missing, and as such, they made checks around the boat.

It was while searching, Hopkinson’s body was found in a fuel tank on the boat.

The Police were alerted and subsequently retrieved the body. His body is presently at the Suddie Hospital’s Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. It is believed that the man might have suffocated from the vapour of the fuel tank. Police stated that no marks of violence were found on the body.

Buxton man electrocuted while building step

A

30-year-old carpenter of Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was electrocuted while constructing a step on Sunday.

Police Headquarters said that the incident occurred at around 09:30h. A Police report said that Conrad Spencer was erecting the step with an electrical saw when he came into contact with a live wire.

According to the Police, the man was observed lying motionlessly next to his workbench with what appeared to be burn marks on his right elbow.

Investigations are ongoing.

Only recently, 27-yearold Shaqueen Butts, a labourer of Lot 4 Airy Hall, Mahaicony, and 25-year-old Gousham Narine, a welder of Lot 78 Triple X NonPareil, ECD, died after they were electrocuted while conducting welding work at the Trans Rice Mill located at

Dead: Conrad Spencer

Branch Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

It was reported that Butts and Narine were building a metal shed at the eastern side of the Trans Rice Mill, and were report-

edly standing on a metal scaffold.

An eyewitness, who was working with the duo at the time, told the Police that Butts and Narine were working together on one scaffold.

Shortly after welding some plates, Narine was reportedly seen lengthening the 20 feet metal scaffold when it connected to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) line and shocked him.

At the time, Butts was still on the scaffold.

Butts then held onto Narine, thus resulting in him also being electrocuted. Both of the men then fell off the scaffold and unto the ground.

They were picked up and rushed to the Mahaicony Public Hospital, where Narine was pronounced dead on arrival and Butts subsequently died while receiving treatment.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, June 7 – 23:00h – 00:30h and Wednesday, June 8 – 23:30h – 01:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, June 7 – 09:10h – 10:40h and Wednesday, June 8 – 10:20h – 11:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and light rain showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

Sheraton Hotel & Resort for Guyana

– following signing of agreement between Marriott, joint venture

M

a r r i o t t International, in collaboration with H-Towers Incorporated and other international partners, has signed an agreement that will bring the Sheraton Hotels & Resorts brand to Georgetown, Guyana, by 2025.

The signing was announced on Monday, between Marriott, H-Towers (a Guyanese-owned company), and its US-based partners, The Triwest Financial Group, Inc and Black Pearl

High Tide: 10:04h and 22:47h reaching maximum heights of 2.23 metres and 2.21 metres.

The hotel, which will occupy one of the two towers, is located in close proximity to downtown Georgetown in the suburban city of Providence. It is expected that the 200-room hotel will feature a mix of king and double rooms and several suites, including a Governor’s Suite and a sophisticated Sheraton Club Lounge.

In addition, planned amenities for the hotel include a swimming pool, 24hour fitness centre, specialty restaurant, meeting and conference rooms, state-of-the-art spa, and the brand’s signature bar, coffee, and market concept.

The up-and-coming neighbourhood features residential, commercial, and retail centres, offering guests a variety of experiences to explore.

The intention is for the hotel to serve as a community hub for locals and visitors alike, creating a holistic experience with spaces to connect, be productive, and help travellers feel connected to the local community.

Low Tide: 16:11h reaching a minimum height of 0.96 metre.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

01 05 12

24 25 27

FREE TICKET

6 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

01 09 11 12 23 LUCKY 3

6

9

2

7

Afternoon Draw

3

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

06 08 09 12 17 19 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

04 07 10 11 13 13

01 02 03 07 08

1

0 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

2

3 Evening Draw

3X 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

$119.51/barrel

-0.18

Rough Rice

$309.42/ton

-0.06

London Sugar

$593.10/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1839.60

$1840.60

Low/High Change

$1837.50 -1.80

$1858.80 -0.10%

Executive Directors of H-Towers, Kerwin Bollers and Rawle Ferguson along with GO-Invest Chairman Peter Ramsaroop during the signing of the agreement

TURN TO PAGE 7

The Sheraton Hotel that will be built

Holding Co. According to a statement, the project is expected to include a 200-room Sheraton Hotel and 224 residences, marking the brand´s debut in the market.

The two-tower new-build project will expand the company’s existing portfolio in the country and is expected to break ground by the end of the year. Chief Development Officer for Marriott International, Caribbean and Latin America, Laurent de Kousemaeker, was quoted in the statement lauding the initiative.

“We are pleased to expand our presence in Guyana and bring a new brand to this exciting destination. The signing of this new project is a significant moment and the brand’s rich heritage is an excellent fit for this growing market,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of H-Towers, Kerwin Bollers made it clear that they “are very honoured to be given the opportunity to bring such a recognisable brand to the market, knowing the impeccable standards Guyanese and international guests alike will enjoy.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 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

Male teachers in the education system

T

he current situation regarding males in education is significant enough to warrant a strategic, long-term intervention. For over a decade, there has been clear evidence that the boys in our schools are not having an equal experience to that of girls. More importantly – as studies have unearthed – the issue goes well beyond a mere question of competence, interest in, or value for, education.

There are at play deep socio-cultural and other factors that indicate the need for a multifaceted approach towards addressing the issue. The potential consequences of ignoring the problem are dire, and the red flags are numerous, demanding that something be done at the soonest. The issue is affecting the entire Caribbean, and as such, there are some lessons from sister territories that could inform the approaches adopted.

One dimension — and arguably one of the most significant contributors to the problem — is the absence of male teachers in the system. The exodus of males from the teaching profession would have been chronicled over the last three decades. The process unfolded gradually, and, over time, it appears that the system simply adjusted to the changes. There has not been any intervention to target the absence of male teachers in the system.

Initially, economics was considered the major push factor at play. The question of whether this remains the primary consideration has merit, and studies are now examining why males are not opting for teaching as a career.

Regardless of the causes, there has to be a well-thoughtout solution, since the issue has now hit crisis proportions.

The most recent data shows that there are over 8000 female teachers in the system, as compared to just about 2000 males.

Research has indicated that this acute imbalance impacts the quality of the educational experiences boys are having.

It is important to mention here that female teachers view the behaviour of boys much differently from male teachers.

The research indicates that female teachers consider boys at the primary level to be highly disruptive and uninterested in education; whereas girls, on the other hand, are viewed as settled, model pupils. An extension of this is that boys are more often penalised for their behaviours, which in turn impacts their academic experiences.

As early as Grade Four, there are decisions made regarding the academic potential of boys that have little basis in competence indices, but more to do with their behaviours.

In studies across the world, boys have reported that their male teachers encourage them more, and have a greater impact on their confidence levels as pupils.

This issue has implications well beyond the academic experiences boys are having, however, and speaks to the very nature of their socialisation. Schools are critical socialising institutions, and the absence of male role models in schools must impact the extent to which boys receive critical social cues regarding their gender identity and their expected roles.

The fact is that the absence of male teachers further compounds the problem of the education of the ‘emotions of boys’. This forces boys to seek guidance from alternative external sources that oftentimes are not as wholesome.

Research has also shown that boys feel more comfortable speaking to male teachers about issues they are having both at home and at school.

It must be noted here that boys are not the only ones to benefit greatly from the presence of male teachers. Girls also need solid male role models to provide balance in their socialisation. In addition, to the extent that schools are a microcosm of society, they should fully reflect the diversity and prevailing cultural dynamics found in the wider society.

There is an overabundance of accounts of the ‘feminisation’ of schooling, brought about in large part by the absence of male teachers in the profession. Both female and male inputs are vital to the effective delivery of education.

The work environment is greatly enhanced by the presence of male teachers providing balance in perspectives and approaches. Traditionally, males have championed the use of technology and the importance of sports and other extracurricular activities in schools. Their absence has left key voids that need to be addressed.

The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and the Office of the First Lady recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for support to be provided to the Kingston Seawall Redevelopment Project.

In photo are CEO of GBTI, James Foster, First Lady Arya Ali and Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda after the signing of the MoU

For 50 years, Governments have failed to act on climate change. No more excuses …conflict and COVID make these troubling times, but national leaders must cooperate and take action now

By Christiana Figueres, Yvo de Boer, and Michael Zammit Cutajar

A

t the end of February this year, the world’s Governments signed on to a statement that was startling in its strength and clarity. “The cumulative scientific evidence is unequivocal: Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health,” reads the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. “Any further delay in concerted anticipatory global action on adaptation and mitigation will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.’”

You might think that political leaders could have no higher priority than securing a “liveable and sustainable future”. Is that not what all of us, in every country, need and want for ourselves and for future generations? It is true that other issues are causing grave concern in many societies: Governments worldwide are tackling poverty and hunger, wars and civil conflicts, the rising cost of food and energy, health systems and economies crippled by COVID-19.

But as three former UN climate chiefs, let us be clear: as the world’s first major environment summit – the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment – recognised, the crises in security, health, development and the environment are linked. They are loading stress upon stress, especially in the most fragile

and conflict-torn parts of the world. The myriad reports of extreme weather we have witnessed in 2022 suggest there is no time to waste.

The further climate change progresses, the more we lock in a future featuring more ruined harvests and more food insecurity along with a host of other problems, including rises in sea level, threats to water security, drought and desertification. Governments must act against climate change while also dealing with other pressing crises. We recall the Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley’s words at COP26: “The leaders of today – not 2030, not 2050 – must make this choice.”

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was adopted 30 years ago. In our time leading its secretariat, we have witnessed commitments and pledges that have not been fully honoured. While developed countries accepted the convention’s principle of equity and thus their responsibility to lead climate action, their performance has been disappointing, not least in reducing their emissions of greenhouse gases and in mobilising financial support for developing countries that need it.

In the 2015 Paris agreement, all Governments agreed to “pursue efforts” to limit global warming to 1.5C (2.7F). We are entitled now to ask where their efforts have reached, where they are heading and how genuine they are.

Science shows action this decade to reduce all greenhouse

gases is critical. But the sum total of policies in place now will take us to a world hotter by 2.7C and perhaps a catastrophic 3.6C above pre-industrial levels.

If science has not persuaded most Governments to act, perhaps economics will. The IPCC provides clear evidence that societies will be more prosperous in a world where climate change is constrained, than in one left to burn. In the energy sector, evidence of the zero-carbon transition is all around us. Wind and solar generation shows compound growth of about 20 per cent a year and is cheaper almost everywhere than the alternatives. Electric car sales doubled between 2020 and 2021.

Unless one is invested in fossil fuels, there is now no reason not to take the clean energy path. Many corporate actors understand the need for early action on this front.

But Governments still need to incentivise the transition.

The evolving Just Energy Transition packages may yet offer an investment pathway that can accelerate deployment in emerging and developing countries. Corporate action towards other targets such as reduction of methane emissions, also needs to be encouraged.

If economics should give us hope for accelerating action despite the host of other issues menacing our times, then so should history. Fifty years ago, the international community faced a similar litany of troubles: depletion of natural resources, desertifica-

tion, the legacy of atom bomb testing, mercury contamination, Cold War proxy conflicts.

Geopolitics split the world.

Yet at the 1972 Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, leaders agreed to cooperate on threats faced in common.

Now, with geopolitics made frosty by superpower disagreements and with nations bleeding from COVID and conflict, the world’s people need their leaders once more to work together. Governments have acknowledged that their window of opportunity to avert dangerous climate change is closing and have admitted the perils that failure will bring.

Rapidly changing economics mean that a climate-safe future is also a more prosperous one. The will of the public – especially among young people – to see climate change constrained is clear.

As we recall the Stockholm conference on its 50th anniversary this week, we need national leaders to recall what it demonstrated about the potential of cooperative action even in disturbed times. We need to see leaders delivering on their climate change promises, in the interests of people, prosperity, and the planet.

Christiana Figueres was Executive Secretary of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 2010 to 2016; Yvo de Boer was Executive Secretary of UNFCCC from 2006 to 2010, and Michael Zammit Cutajar was Executive Secretary of UNFCCC from 1991 to 2002.

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

5

News

PM warns M&CC to end its laxity & gamesmanship with people’s lives – calls for immediate steps to better manage city’s drainage, other infrastructure

P

rime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips has issued a stern warning for Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine to bring an immediate end to the nonchalant approach in managing the drainage and other infrastructure of the city, meant to mitigate flooding during the ongoing rainy season.

The Prime Minister has expressed disgust with the mismanagement of key drainage pumps across the city after impromptu checks made on Sunday

evening revealed continuing neglect and dereliction of duty, resulting in undue suffering by residents.

During these checks, the North Ruimveldt pump which drains areas including Alexander Village and North Ruimveldt was turned off, resulting in flooding from heavy rainfall over a 24-hour period.

Meanwhile, pumps at Church, Cowan and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown and Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown were left unattended by opera-

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips

tors.

“These actions by the

M&CC demonstrate clear dereliction of duty to the citizens of Georgetown, whom they were elected to serve. I strongly believe that this untold suffering thousands of residents are made to face yet again are as a direct result of the M&CC’s laxity with managing the affairs of the city and the unconscionable, unabated political gamesmanship from the mayor, which needs to end now,” Phillips noted.

Further, he lambasted the City Council for

its lack of maintenance of Georgetown’s infrastructure, coupled with its continued neglect of the systems which are designed to drain water off the land and cautioned that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government would no longer condone such irresponsible and reckless abandonment of duty, since it was counterproductive to the Government’s transformative development plan for the nation’s capital.

In recent months, mem-

bers of the Government, diplomatic corps, Private Sector, and citizens were engaged in activities aimed at beautification and restoring the cleanliness of the capital city.

PM Phillips wishes to assure citizens of the Government’s commitment through the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry to provide intervention and support for the continued development of the city and the improvement and safeguarding of their lives.

Guyana will not be recolonised (part 2) EPA a step closer to unlimited insurance coverage

Dear Editor, It is pretty clear that the Opposition does not want the PPP/C Government to succeed, and by extension, they do not want this country called Guyana to succeed also. So, they have embarked on an obstructionist strategy to bring all major projects to a standstill. The scope and extent of their diabolical plan is to have a total shutdown on all projects this present Government has embarked upon. To this end, the blockage of the gas-toshore project becomes one of their prime targets, earmarked for a total shutdown.

So, in order to frustrate the present Administration, The Opposition has embarked on the obstructionist road by bringing on a bunch

of what I call, soothsayer groups and organisations to chant their cry of doom in the gas-to-shore project.

They have all these hypotheses as to why this project should not be implemented. Their doomsday mantras are published in the dailies that are sympathetic to their cause, hoping somehow somewhere to get a receptive audience. Some have been so bold as to take their so-called case to the courts hoping to get redress, however, thankfully none of these have gained the required traction.

So far, the stark reality of a vindictive Opposition is that they are stuck in time with their backward ideology no one is really taking them seriously.

They have been so blinded by vindictiveness and spite that they have forgotten to

highlight the sure benefits of the gas-to-shore energy project. In the first place, the gas-to-shore project is of major importance to this country, and rather than obstruct its implementation the Opposition should enhance it.

The natural gas plant would bring untold relief to the energy sector as this newest form of energy generation would bring a massive transformation in the development trajectory of our country. There would be cheaper energy to fuel manufacturing, commerce, and industry among others. It means that our domestic energy consumption bill would be greatly reduced. Power for students to run their computers and much of a modernised home study. In short, every single area of our economy

would be positively affected as we go on the development road. Cheaper and reliable power would be the shot in the arm to remedy our present ills. This is something that all progressive thinkers embrace. We will not be daunted by the naysayer groups and their doomsday formulas.

The PPP/C Government is moving apace with all developmental projects in this country, and the majority of us are supporters of these initiatives. It, therefore, means that the Opposition with its obstructionist policies cannot stem the tide of that progress. The momentum of progress is too great for us to turn back now.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Dear Editor, Some people are peddling misinformation in the press as to what can take place as a result of the assured coverage for the legitimate cost of a spill. Clearly, the EPA is a step closer to obtaining unlimited insurance coverage.

Given that our supplier has assured the Government that legitimate costs will be covered, and has done so without a monetary limit, the EPA is now in a stronger position to approach Exxon and its affiliates to add to the assurance of the insurance coverage.

Remember, assurance means something which is guaranteed to happen. The language used is not confus-

Lamming was an outstanding and a fearless voice against external pressures Dear Editor, It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend and brother, the esteemed author and social commentator, George Lamming. His extensive body of work reflects a deep and personal understanding of the complex historical, cultural, and political landscape of the region.

His was a powerful Caribbean voice – one that is urgently required even now, as Caricom hovers over important decisions to be made on the 2022 Summit of the Americas. He was well known as an outstanding and a fearless voice against external pressures aimed at undermining national and regional unity and political sovereignty. There is no doubt that he would have advised Caribbean governments to absent themselves from this gathering.

George was a man of tremendous courage, singular

in his undaunted pursuit of truth and justice. My family must forever be grateful to him when in 1983, he assembled and led students on a peaceful march to protest the revocation of my work permit because of my criticism of the ill-fated Grenada invasion.

He never shied away, nor was he ever ambivalent when it came to urging the Caricom governments never to waver when the moment arose to be firm in their solidarity on commonly held values, or their right to regional unity and relationship.

George’s influence on academia and political thought has been profound. It was my good fortune to listen to him deliver various public lectures across the campuses of the University of the West Indies. Particularly memorable was an event at the Cave Hill campus in 2004, where in his unique baritone, for a breath-tak-

ing two hours, he masterfully weaved together a review of four decades of his literary work.

George commanded respect for his unflinching forthrightness whenever the occasion arose, of speaking truth to power – especially when it came to the preservation and dignity of the call to the leadership of the Caricom Member States.

There was also a gentleness and humility to George that was rarely seen save for those intimate with him. On

occasion I witnessed his quiet and respectful acquiesce to his mother’s playful chiding. He loved her dearly. He was and will always be remembered by me as a journalist and I had the privilege of having a close and special friendship with such a brilliant scholar, and a great man.

May God grant you peace dear George. Farewell from all the family.

Sincerely, Rickey Singh

ing, the political motivation behind the new missive in the press is trying to confuse readers into thinking that we are further away from achieving full coverage. The truth of the matter is that we are closer to our goals, and if handled/negotiated correctly we will obtain full unlimited coverage.

It is also in our suppliers' best interest to obtain insurance to meet the clean-up obligations that they have assured us they will pay for in the event of a spill. We now have an opportunity to leverage the meaning of the word assurance.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 00:00

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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

Page

Foundation

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

A

Reconsider multitasking significant amount of research indicates that multi-tasking does not improve efficiency and actually negatively affects results (Junco, 2012).

In order to study smarter, not harder, you will need to eliminate distractions during your study sessions. Social media, web browsing, game playing, texting, etc, will severely affect the intensity of your study sessions if you allow them! Research is clear that multi-tasking (eg, responding to texts, while studying), increases the amount of time needed to learn material and decreases the quality of the learning (Junco, 2012).

Eliminating the distractions will allow you to fully engage during your study sessions. If you don’t need your computer for homework, then don’t use it. Use apps to help you set limits on the amount of time you can spend at certain sites during the day. Turn your phone off.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Culture of intimidation” led technical officers to falsely certify 2017 works – PAC hears – Chairman to ascertain whereabouts of fmr REO

T

he Public Accounts Committee (PAC) continued its examination of the 2017 Auditor General Report on Monday, with past Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) officials appearing before the committee to testify why they signed off on documents without verifying that works were completed.

On Monday, when Region Two came before the PAC, then Regional Engineer Latchman Singh admitted that while works were falsely certified as completed, staff were intimidated into doing so.

He reported that in his case, when concerns were raised about what was happening, those in higher authority insisted that he follow their instructions. He

Engineer Latchman Singh

recounted one time when he was pressured by his superiors to prepare final payments for a contractor and they would verify that

the works were completed.

“At that time, the structure of the Works Department in the region was in terms of monitoring and evaluation, was the Senior Superintendent of Works and the two Regional Engineers, who would either do measurements or prepare payments. In this particular case, the Senior Superintendent of Works, who is present here, did the measurements and returned to give his findings.”

“He indicated to both of us that the works were yet to be completed, missing items from the bills of quantities. On that note, we communicated with the contractor that he needs to complete the works before we could execute payments,” Singh said.

Sheraton Hotel & Resort for...

FROM PAGE 3

“In addition to seamless technology integration and an elevated food and beverage philosophy, the layered design balances a sense of timelessness with a fresh and modern feel, that aims to make guests feel comfortable and at ease, whether working, meeting or relaxing,” a statement from HJ Entertainment said.

Given Guyana’s growing demand around accommodation for visitors, the project came to life when the Government of Guyana, through its GOInvest Office, launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) in 2021 for hotel developers.

The project includes a residential component, as well, and 224 residences will be housed in the second tower, connecting with the hotel via a sky bridge.

Construction for the two towers is slated to begin at the end of the year.

It has already been said that over the next

few years, Guyana will see the construction of at least eight hotels. Last year, the sod was turned for a US$15 million boutique hotel under the Aiden brand to be constructed in the heart of Georgetown. The hotel, which would feature 101 “smart rooms”, is being constructed as part of the Best Western Hotel and Resorts franchise.

Globally recognised hotel brands like the Hyatt, Hilton and Radisson hotels have also expressed an interest in investing in Guyana. In 2020, the Government of Guyana, through the Tourism and Commerce Ministry and the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with investors for a US$90 million Hilton Hotel to be constructed at McDoom, Greater Georgetown.

The investors in the luxury hotel are part of

a joint initiative among 658 Guyana Holdings, GREC Investment Group and TOTALTEC Oilfield Services Guyana Incorporated.

It was also announced that the 289-room branded hotel would be constructed in the already busy area which is home to many businesses such as Gafoors, Pritipaul Singh Investment, Guyana Shore Base Inc, Farm Supplies, and Schlumberger. Construction was slated to begin in January 2021 and was expected to last for two years.

Around the same time, Chairman of the Giftland Group, Roy Beepat, announced plans to construct a US$100 million Radisson Blu Hotel as part of an international chain of hotels in several destinations around the world. According to Beepat, the agreement has already been finalised to offer this five-star package to Guyana.

PAC Member Ganesh Mahipaul

Singh also testified that the Works Department received award letters from contractors for works that they did not even know had been tendered. According to Singh, he wrote to those in higher authority in the RDC complaining about what was happening.

In response, Singh said he was told to show the contractors the sites and to stop making excuses for not doing his job. According to the engineer, he was even threatened with sanctions if he did not follow the instructions.

Singh’s story did not elicit much sympathy from some members of the PAC, with member Ganesh Mahipaul making it clear the engineer was still liable for signing off on documents even if he was pressured into doing it.

“When we in the PAC accept such notions that are being put to us… the gentleman indicated about not knowing certain things, giving instructions

by REO. And they had to do it and what’s not. The point I am making sir, is

that when we seek to justify our answers by those statements… there is this perception as though they had to do it because they were singing for their supper.”

“We have to accept that they did the wrong thing by putting their signature there. Regardless of what is the circumstances… the wrong thing was done. Signature is not supposed to be put on a document if you cannot verify the work,” Mahipaul said.

However, PAC Member Gail Teixeira offered a defence of public servants who are prevailed upon by those higher up to commit wrongdoings. According to her, it would be wrong of the PAC to castigate and upbraid public servants, particularly when the engineer was able to show a letter that he brought the matter to the attention of higher authorities.

“There is something called reality. In these regions, people depend on their jobs. That is the reality. Unfortunately, people have been put in difficult situations. I am saying that whilst we uphold the issue of no public servant can be asked to do something unlawful, we cannot castigate the public servants who have done so. We can warn them that they should not do it again.”

In his contribution, Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha urged the PAC to go the route of forensic audits in such cases. He noted that it is difficult for a normal audit to pick up cases of management override.

Meanwhile, PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira revealed that a letter was received on

Former Region 2 REO Rupert Hopkinson

June 5, 2022, from the REO of Region Two, indicating that contact was made with former REO Rupert Hopkinson, who was in power back in 2017, but that he is currently out of the jurisdiction.

Figueira noted that the PAC would be engaging the Commissioner of Police to ascertain Hopkinson’s whereabouts.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

8 NEWS Husband remanded for Crane teacher’s murder S TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

everal days after he was apprehended by Police while hiding out at a Berbice hotel, 40-yearold Clarence Farley was on Monday remanded to prison for the murder of his wife, Omega Ault, a teacher of Crane, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that he murdered the 39-year-old woman between May 23 and May 27.

The murder accused, who appeared before Senior Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court, was remanded to prison until June 27.

Crime Chief Wendell

Murder accused Clarence Farley

Blanhum had confirmed for Guyana Times that Farley

confessed to killing his wife, but the senior investigator did not divulge any details about the confession.

An autopsy confirmed that the Home Economics teacher ,formerly of Aurora, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), died as a result of brain haemorrhage and multiple blunt force trauma to the head.

Farley, called “Junior”, a mechanic of Lot 8 Crane Village, for whom a wanted bulletin had been issued was arrested on Thursday.

Reports are that Police ranks, acting on information received, went to the hotel at Number 78 Village, Corriverton, Berbice where

Moutar vs guitar…

T

Dead: Omega Ault

Farley was arrested in room nine.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

…in code of conduct

here’s been a lot of kvetching and bitching by the Opposition and their myrmidons about the appointment of the Integrity Commission by Pres Ali. But you gotta understand where these folks are coming from. The word “integrity” to PNC people is like garlic to vampires!! It just sucks the lifeblood out of them!! But then, their party was founded by Burnham on the betrayal of the nationalist cause when he conspired with the Imperialists to split the movement for “pelf and power”!! Integrity??

Gwan da side!!

But they didn’t call his successor Granger the “Sanctimonious Gangster” for nothing!! After all, he was weaned by Burnham himself to betray the principles of military integrity!! Imagine going along with – and even being the point man – to promulgate the army’s swearing PERSONAL loyalty to King Kong! Anyhow, when he was handed the presidency by Corbin who worked out the coalition strategy – and even executed it – it was Granger who came up with a “Code of Conduct” to go with the Integrity Commission. Which the PNC had NEVER supported for decades. The Sanctimonious One was just the man to try rehabilitating the PNC in other areas than politics!!

Granger’s point man on the Code of Conduct was Raphael Trotman – his oleaginous clone from “Nassau” days!! You had to have hypocrites of this magnitude to say with a straight face that Ministers of Government are expected to practise accountability, dignity, diligence, duty, honour, integrity, loyalty, objectivity, responsibility, and transparency!! Takes a lotta brass balls!! When Trotman signed that “contract” with Exxon, he had to’ve broken every one of those guiding moral principles!! The best any of his defenders can say is he was “loyal” to the foundation principle of the PNC on betrayal!! Like the scorpion who bit the kind toad fetching him across the swollen river and drowned, “it was his nature”!!

The cynicism of the PNC on integrity in general and on the Commission in particular was exemplified by no one else than David Granger. Towards the end of November 2018, while promoting the Code of Conduct for his Ministers, he wrote: “…The Government remains in office only so long as it retains the confidence of the Parliament and all Ministers stand or fall together with the Government”.

Less than a month later, when the PNC coalition was defeated in Parliament on a No-Confidence Motion 33-32 – the same majority that had delivered the Government to them – Granger and his Cabinet refused to resign as commanded by the Constitution!! So much for integrity!!

But some might say that the Integrity Commission is more about financial transparency and not just “values”.

Financial propriety is the modern test of those values!! …on Environment Day Your Eyewitness just happened to be in “town” on Sunday and saw the large bands of coloured T-Shirters marching around for “World Environment Day”. Not that he’s cynical or anything, but he saw that all the oil majors drilling our oil in the Atlantic had sent their people out en masse!! Your Eyewitness knows how their hearts bleed for the environment!! But let him lay his cards on the table as far as oil and the environment go.

First of all, he doesn’t think they don't mix figuratively – as they don’t physically!! Oil and all its related products, including natural gas are…well…natural!! They’re there in Mother Earth as part of the environment!! They’re part of the bounty she’s provided us to fulfil our destiny!! Do we blame her when she belches out billions of tons of noxious gases during volcanic eruptions?? That’s “natural” – as is us.

It’s just plain ignorance and arrogance to pretend we’re not part of the natural order in our environment!! …on Land for GRA It’s now decided to have the GRA remain on Camp St. Their planned move to deal with parking challenges had struck your Eyewitness as “lowering the river and not raising the Bridge” to solve a flooding problem!!

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

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GAWU calls out oil firm for hiking pay of expatriate workers while snubbing locals ...says many foreign companies have been adopting “anti-union policies” A

n unnamed oil firm is in the hot seat, with the Guyana Agricultural and General Works Union (GAWU) claiming that the company has been approving pay hikes for its expatriate staff, while at the same time snubbing local staff.

In a statement it released on Monday, GAWU expressed concerns over reports that this oil and gas firm has been engaged in this exclusionary policy against its local staff, despite the fact that the firm’s local workforce comprise a significant proportion of the staffing strength.

“It is widely recognised that workers and their families are facing serious constraints arising from the substantial hike in the cost of living. Notwithstanding efforts by policymakers to provide breathing room, the ascension of prices remains steep for many important and essential commodities and services.”

“In this regard, some enterprises are aware of having sought to alleviate their workers’ burdens

by approving pay rises as they recognise the importance of their employees.

Undoubtedly it was against that background that a well-known foreign-owned oil sector company decided to improve pay rates for its employees,” GAWU said.

It was noted by the union that the Guyanese employees are still baffled at their exclusion. GAWU noted that the foreign employees already earn substantially more than the locals.

Despite the fact that they have an urgent need for pay raises, however, they were passed over.

“The workers said they heard rumblings that the locals did not require any pay rises. They said from what they learned their foreign bosses felt that their earnings were more than adequate, and a pay rise would represent essentially a favour.”

“The workers told GAWU they were simply appalled that their employer would engage in such demeaning thoughts. Some employees who have been

GAWU President Seepaul Narine

there for several years to date have not received any rise in pay despite continuing to perform credibly,” GAWU stated.

According to GAWU, this company’s actions represent yet another assault on Guyanese workers in the oil sector which the union has been confronting and further illustrates the need for the sector to be organised.

“Of course, many for-

Husband remanded for...

Ault’s decomposing body was found on the evening of May 27 at the couple’s Crane home. The discovery was made after the woman’s brother, Kevin Ault had gone to the house to check on her, because he had failed to get into contact with her via phone for two weeks.

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

He then went into the front room of the house and saw the motionless body of his sister lying in a state of decomposition.

It has been reported that Ault and Farley, who lived with their three-yearold son, had been encountering “problems” in their marriage. Police have said that about four days prior to the discovery of the woman’s body, Farley had taken their son to Ault’s sister at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and had left the boy there after telling her that he was going

FROM PAGE 8

into the backdam.

His car was later found at a lumberyard at Coverden, EBD. A source had told this publication that Farley was contracted to the lumberyard and he had parked his car at the business place before using one of the company’s vehicles to travel into the interior. On his way in, the vehicle reportedly encountered mechanical issues, and he returned the following day to the office to get the parts to fix the problem. The vehicle was impounded by the Police.

eign-owned companies have adopted stringent anti-union policies and have sought to quell any efforts by workers to become unionised. This is not surprising given the exploitative practices perpetuated by some enterprises in the sector,” the union explained.

“Some firms we have heard have sought to assure their workers that they have their interest at heart. This, of course, is a misnomer as only their bottom line is what really matters and workers becoming unionised seemingly represents a threat to profitability. It is indeed a disheartening situation.”

As far back as last year, GAWU President Seepaul Narine has been drawing attention to labour atrocities

being committed against oil sector workers, which had included companies reducing workers’ basic pay and calling it an increase.

At the time, GAWU actually met with workers who were terminated by a well-known enterprise in the sector. It was following a review of the documents shared that it became known that they were fired after seemingly attempts were made to cheat them out of their fair wages.

Since the production of oil began in Guyana in 2019, oil companies have increasingly hired more and more Guyanese. This was only solidified when the Government passed the Local Content Act to ensure Guyanese are hired and local services procured.

The Local Content Act lays out 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their subcon-

tractors must procure from Guyanese companies by the end of 2022. For instance, these companies must procure from Guyanese companies 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

These are just a few of the services highlighted in the first schedule of the Local Content Act. The Local Content Act mandates penalties for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act. These fines range from as low as $5 million to as high as $50 million.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man gunned down at East Ruimveldt “Criminal” wanted for arms cache in mining camp identified as Madewini resident

Wanted: Navindra Ramsammy

A

few days after several high-powered weapons were found in a mining camp in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has issued a wanted bulletin for a Bartica resident.

Wanted is 27-year-old Navindra Ramsammy also called “Criminal and Bandit”

of First Avenue, Bartica, Essequibo River. Police stated that the man is wanted for questioning in relation to the possession of firearms and ammunition and break and enter and larceny.

On Saturday, Police stated that Ramsammy is suspected to be linked to the discovery of a high-powered Rock River 5.56mm rifle with 27 rounds at Blackwater Backdam on May 31.

It was reported that Police received information about the suspect’s whereabouts and as such, ranks went to a mining camp where they unearthed more high-powered guns.

The camp’s owner was questioned and revealed that the suspect was at the location the previous night but had already fled the scene by the time the Police arrived. The camp owner admitted that the suspect had four firearms in a bag which he buried at three different

T

The arms cache found buried

spots.

The camp’s owner identified the areas to the Police ranks who dug up the earth to uncover a Rock River 5.56mm rifle, a Benelli ARMI rifle, a 13-gauge magnum shotgun, an FN rifle, and 37 .223 rounds of ammunition.

The Police are asking

anyone with information that may lead to the arrests of Ramsammy to contact them on telephone numbers 226-6978, 225-8196, 6806969, 455-2222, 455-3299, or the nearest Police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

he lifeless body of a man that was found on the roadway at Self Help Square, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on Sunday has been identified as that of Dexter Lynch, 49, a vendor of Madewini, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Police stated that the man’s body was positively identified by his brother, Cedric Warrick, on Monday in the presence of a detective at Memorial Gardens.

It was reported that Lynch’s body bore a single gunshot wound. Police stated that at about 03:05h on Sunday, ranks received a report from an unknown caller about a body was seen lying on the roadway.

Upon arrival at the scene several minutes later, officers observed the victim lying face down. He was clad in a pair of black pants, a multi-coloured shirt along with a blue hooded sweater, and a toque on his head.

Further observation of the body discovered what appeared to be a gunshot in-

Dead: Dexter Lynch

jury on the left side of his abdomen.

The scene was processed by the officers and one .40 spent shell was recovered about 6ft south of the body.

Also found next to the body was a haversack containing two bottles of alcoholic beverages, two bottles of cologne, two body sprays, two knives, and $18,860 in cash.

Police investigations are currently ongoing.

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Contractor gets 1 month to complete Mahdia road

– given final warning

P

ublic Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill has given a onemonth extension to K & P Project Management to complete a major thoroughfare in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Minister Edghill expressed dissatisfaction with the current rate of implementation of the contract during his inspection of the project on June 3. He warned that there will be no further delays in the development of the township and cautioned the contractor of the consequences of delinquencies.

“That letter of poor performance will be copied to

the Tender Board and you guys have one month… if the work is not finished that you all cannot get no more work no other part of this country because you cannot fulfil a job,” the Minister stated.

“I cannot let this continue because while you are sitting down under the shed and you work when you get materials and your boss when he gets money then he buys materials, the people of Mahdia are suffering,” Minister Edghill underscored.

K & P Project Management signed an $87 million contract in 2020 for the delivery of a 500-metre road within six months.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and team along with a representative from K & P Project Management inspecting the road

However today, only 45 per cent of the work has been completed.

This massive delay is causing socio-economic hardships for 4200 residents who depend on mining and farming for their livelihood.

Apart from mining and agriculture, Mahdia is the hub for coast landers seeking employment in the mining industry.

Currently, only one side of the concrete road is complete while the other side is

The incomplete road in Mahdia

filled with potholes, making it uncomfortable for travel and increases wear and tear on vehicles.

President Dr Irfaan Ali in November 2021 met with contractors executing Government projects, where

he advocated for quality, expediency and accountability.

President Ali also told contractors that they have to adapt to the culture of working at night to complete projects that will ultimately benefit the people of Guyana.

12

TUESDAY, JUNE 7,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vaccination of children 5 to 11 to commence on Saturday …as Guyana receives 52,800 paediatric COVID vaccines from Spain

I

mmunisation of children between the ages of five to 11 will commence on Saturday, following the arrival of 52,800 doses of COVID paediatric vaccine from the Government of Spain.

Receiving the vaccines at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Monday were Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

Dr Anthony underscored that from the 65,000 and counting persons that contracted the virus, about one-third were children. As such, children are at risk if they do not take the COVID shots. For this to happen, parents need to give consent.

“Once we see that the uptake is good, then we will work with other partners to make sure that we can get more vaccines into the country. We have started some discussions to get more vaccines. But we would like to see people coming to get vaccinated.”

He added, “We cannot go and vaccinate a child without parental permission.

When we start the vaccination process on Saturday at the tarmac of the [National] Cultural Centre, one of the things we would like is for parents to bring their children and give permission so that we can do the vaccination.”

Ministers Frank Anthony and Priya Manickchand with Non-Resident Ambassador Fernando Nogales Alvarez as they receive the vaccines

He further stated that the Government has been actively trying to ensure coverage across the country, in order to achieve the targets, set out by the World Health Organisation.

“One of the best ways of reducing COVID in Guyana is to make sure that we get people vaccinated. The WHO has set certain targets in terms of vaccination and we are working to achieve those targets,” Dr Anthony stated.

Meanwhile, the Education Minister outlined that from statistics, vaccines have proven to slow the spread of COVID. While Guyana struggled initially to get the jabs, she

pointed out that cases and deaths dropped significantly when they were finally introduced.

“Just looking on at the data, it says to us very clearly that vaccines work to prevent spread and serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, countries like ours had to struggle and fight and depend on the graciousness of our friends in the world and allies to get vaccines in the country.”

According to Manickchand, vaccines will remain voluntary but parents should look at the data before making a decision, on whether their child to get immunised against COVID or not.

Woman gets 3 years over false rape claim against ex-boyfriend

A

2 2 - y e a r - o l d Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) woman was on Monday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for her conviction of attempted extortion of her ex-boyfriend.

Princess Williams, who had been on trial for the offence since last year, was found guilty on May 6 by Magistrate Rhondel Weever who presides at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Williams had demanded her ex-boyfriend, Kenrick Thomas, give her $10 million to prevent her from making a false rape allegation against him. The incident occurred between January 4 and 7, 2021, in Georgetown. It was reported that Williams and Thomas had shared a relationship for about four months. She last visited Thomas’s residence on January 4, 2021.

They engaged in consen-

Jailed: Princess Williams

sual sex after which they ended up in an argument, which resulted in one of them ending the relationship. Following the breakup, Williams sent a voice note to Thomas, claiming that he had raped her. She further gave him an ultimatum to either pay her $10 million or she would make a report to that effect to the

Police. But after receiving the threat, Thomas lodged a report with the Police.

After she was found guilty, Williams, who was out on $100,000 bail, was remanded to prison pending sentencing. While being escorted to the East La Penitence Police Station, she complained of feeling unwell and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital the next day.

After receiving medical attention, she requested to use the washroom. It was while using the washroom that she made the desperate dash for freedom. But her escape was short-lived as she was arrested while walking along Thomas and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown.

When Police ranks arrested her, she had a piece of cloth wrapped around her handcuff. She was subsequently charged with escaping from lawful custody and remanded to prison.

“To all the parents, vaccines will continue to be voluntary and we are not insisting that anyone takes the vaccine but we’re encouraging you strongly to pay attention to the data.

One is less likely to get severely ill if they are inoculated against this disease.”

Spain said these efforts are in line with its staunch

advocacy for fair, equitable, and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines. This donation is in addition to the 28,800 doses donated in February of this year by Johnson & Johnson through the COVAX mechanism.

These figures place Spain as one of the largest vaccine donors in the country and the second-largest on the continent.

“Spain is fully committed to efforts to achieve the highest possible immunisation and to facilitate access to vaccines for all countries and age groups. This donation is one more action of the “Team Europe” in Guyana formed by the EU and its Member States,” a statement shared.

Spain has already fulfilled the commitment made at the G-20 Summit in Rome to donate more than 50 million vaccines in the first quarter of 2022, as it has donated more than 55 million. Of these, 30 million have been allocated to African countries and more than 20 million to Latin America and the Caribbean. Subsequently,

the President announced that Spain would donate an additional 20 million vaccines, increasing the total committed by the country to 70 million doses.

In a statement, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Spain, Baltasar Fernández relayed, “Our donation effort has to be viewed in the framework of a renewed effort to prop up the multilateral institutions dealing with health. Spain has made COVAX the keystone of our donation exercise and is working with our European Union partners under the “Team Europe” effort that aims to provide 700M vaccines to partners. Spain is also undergoing other efforts to combat the pandemic: we have financed both the development and patent-free manufacturing of a COVID-19 serologic test and new vaccines. We are also proud to finance a CARPHA project that includes providing the reference microbiology laboratory at UWI with the necessary inputs to identify the full sequence of the genome.”

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 7,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Draining works in Kwakwani continue as CDC monitors countrywide flooding

Flooding at the Providence Nursery School, East Bank Demerara (Photos taken from Facebook)

Flooding in Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara

T

he National Task Force on Flood Monitoring through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Monday said that it was working assiduously to ensure impacted communities and those likely to be impacted across Guyana are assessed and managed

during this rainy season.

Reports from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) indicate that while water has accumulated in some areas owing to heavy rainfall, the impact

Flooding at the Special Needs School at Diamond, East Bank Demerara

CIOG hosts medical outreach in Mon Repos

thus far is not significant.

The village of Rockstone in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), however, has reported household

impacts. Emergency works in Kwakwani, Region 10 have commenced to ensure drainage systems remain operational, and water purification tablets, collapsible water containers, and cleaning hampers have been distributed to some residents.

Additionally, the Hydrometeorological Service highlighted that the Region Two communities of Karawab, Leguan, and Versailles; Region Four communities of South Ruimveldt, Grove, Friendship, Enmore, and Timehri; Region Six village of Crabwood Creek; and the Region 10 community of Coomacka all have accu-

Flooding at the Tucville Secondary School in Georgetown

CIOG medical team

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) in collaboration with the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Triumph Community Development Council, and the Triumph/Agriculture Road Policing Group, on Sunday, held a medical outreach for the general public at the Guyana School of Agriculture, Mon Repos, East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The primary purpose of the outreach was to provide medical assistance to the community and surrounding area in general. The resi-

dents were able to have their blood pressure and glucose levels tested, HIV and STDs testing, and access to mental healthcare, with medical advice from general and specialty doctors.

The medical team was able to provide care to over 150 persons inclusive of children, the elderly, and the differently able.

Along with the medical care provided, the residents present were issued with packages that catered for basic daily necessities, inclusive of face masks, toothpaste, clothing, and diapers (both children and adults),

sustenance, and provision of over the counter and prescription medication.

The CIOG expressed thanks to the members of the Triumph Community Development Council and the members of the Agriculture Road Policing Group for their hard work, dedication, support, and cooperation and to all the supporting partners.

The outreach was supported by the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Mike’s Pharmacy, National Blood Transfusion Services, and the National AIDS Programme Secretariat.

mulated at least two inches of water over the last 24 hours.

Persons living in those areas and their environs are urged to be vigilant and cautious as more rainfall is forecast. The Task Force, through various Ministries and agencies, is continuously monitoring locations countrywide and is prepared to render further assistance if necessary.

On Sunday, the Hydromet Office reported that a tropical wave was affecting Guyana and that significant amounts of rainfall were expected across the country.

“As the tropical wave continues its westward movement, wet conditions are likely to continue overnight and through Monday, June 6, 2022. Rainfall events may be accompanied by thunder, lightning, and wind gusts,” the Hydromet Office had said.

It said that while cloudy conditions may persist, a reduction in rainfall was expected from Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the CDC is encouraging all to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) at 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

Fake AA memo designed to create mischief, confusion – GCAA

I

n light of a memo purportedly issued by American Airlines (AA) that it will cancel all flights out of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Monday evening confirmed that the memo was fake.

“The GCAA hereby advises the general public that there is a fake memo dated June 10, 2022 which alleges that it is from American Airlines. The fake memo states “Effective 1 August

2022 American Airlines will cancel all flights to Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri,” the release stated.

Further, the GCAA stated that it has contacted American Airlines about the fake memo circulating on social media, and as such, wishes to advise the travel-

ling public that American Airlines has not issued any such statement to that effect.

“The GCAA hereby reminds the general public that it is illegal to use the logo and brand of another entity without written permission or consent of the company,” the release noted.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s oil spill response bolstered after US-led support, training

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actical and operational support provided by the United States Government has advanced and fortified Guyana’s national response to oil spills, as the new petroleum industry flourishes.

In December 2019, Guyana officially became an oil-producing nation, which presented new challenges like the possibility of oil spills and other disasters.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Headquarters on Monday, provided a recap on the series of training and support provided to 231 persons from over 30 agencies by the United States Coast Guard in building capacity to handle such matters. From June 2021 to April 2022, these efforts have addressed gaps in Guyana’s management of any oil spills.

CDC Director General (ag), Major Loring Benons posited that a successful national oil spill contingency plan exercise was conducted, through support from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the

CDC Director General Major Loring Benons with Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch as a quantity of supplies were handed over for disaster response

United States Coast Guard.

Participating agencies included the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Maritime Administration (MARAD), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“The intention of the ex-

ercise was to test Guyana’s capabilities to respond to oil spill scenarios…Technical support was also provided by the Response Group, which is an international incident and crisis management entity. The exercise sought to identify strengths, weaknesses and lessons learnt to enhance the plan, thereby providing all stakeholders to be ready, to respond

effectively and efficiently,” Benons outlined.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch has committed her Government’s support in sharing expertise for future initiatives.

“The United States supports the responsible development and utilisation of natural resources.

Therefore, we positively re-

sponded to a request from the Government of Guyana to provide essential training to members of the CDC and the National Oil Spill Committee to strengthen Guyana’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan.”

She further noted, “We are committed to providing the tools to Guyana to enhance its capacity in this area and it is a sign of our commitment to regional security and environmental protection…This bilateral engagement should not be, by any means, a one-time intervention.”

A quantity of supplies was also donated by the US to the CDC for its disaster management efforts.

The National Oil Spill

Contingency Plan for Guyana was handed over to Government back in October 2020, after key input from a series of stakeholders, adding a layer of disaster preparedness for the country.

Work on the finished plan was months in the making and involved the input of many key stakeholders including the Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Security officer attacked, stabbed to death over old grievance

Guyana records 22 new COVID infections A GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JUNE 6, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

22

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

30

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

881

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

35,268

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

30,026

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

65,294

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

63,143

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2529

REGION 2

2626

REGION 3

8246

REGION 4

32,491

REGION 5

2437

REGION 6

6047

REGION 7

2445

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4059

REGION 10

3528

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

442,395 342,021

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1238

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.

T

he Health Ministry on Monday released new COVID-19 statistics via its dashboard, showing an increase of 22 new positive cases.

Confirmed cases have

reached 65,294 – 30,026 males and 35,268 females.

The death toll remains at 1238.

There are two persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 30 in institutional

isolation, 881 in home isolation and two in institutional quarantine. To date, 63,143 persons have recovered.

Meanwhile, 637,032 coronavirus tests have been processed since the virus

was detected here back in March 2020.

However, the latest vaccination statistics for adults reflect 442,395 first doses or 86.2 per cent. Second doses are at 342,021 doses or 66.7 per cent. For the 12 to 17 category, 34,726 first doses or 46.7 per cent have been administered along with 25,451 second doses or 34.9 per cent.

Booster doses have been made available for the adolescent age group as of last week, as well as second booster doses for the adult population. Persons are encouraged to take these shots before their immunity weans.

Persons with comorbidities have been continuously asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. The preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to since this category of person is at greater risk if they contract COVID-19.

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

Global figures show that almost 530 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 157 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

female security officer was on Monday attacked and stabbed to death by three women and a man in East La Penitence, Georgetown. The dead woman has been identified as 23-year-old Carol Davidson of Lot 191 East Ruimveldt Squatting Area.

Based on reports received, the woman was reportedly heading home from work when she was confronted by the four persons over an old grievance with one of the women.

During the confrontation, a heated argument broke out among them but the now dead woman reportedly attempted to escape by running to the back of the yard, but again she was surrounded and beaten.

Guyana Times understands that one of the attackers who was armed with a knife dealt the woman one blow to her chest. After committing the act, the four attackers ran away from the scene, leaving the woman in a pool of blood on the ground.

Davidson was subsequently picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

“We didn’t even know when she got stabbed, we thought that it was just a little fight, you know and everything would have done. But she was stabbed straight to her heart when we took her to the hospital, me and the driver of the car.

The doctor pronounced her dead at the hospital,” an eyewitness told a section of the media.

However, the victim’s father, John Davidson, recalled that he was at work when he received the news

Dead: Carol Davidson

of his daughter’s demise. He told the media that he was aware that his daughter had an issue with one of her attackers but he was under the impression that it was resolved.

“Truly speaking we heard she talk about the problem and this problem went around a while but I thought it ease down and she and one of the girls was friends. So that is how the sweetness turns bitter,” the father related.

He further stated that he had warned his daughter not to allow the problem to escalate.

“As a father, I always told her to let it ride, come off it but according to how I got it she was going her way this morning and they ran and attacked her,” Davidson said. He described his daughter as a very caring young woman. Police have confirmed that the four suspects have been arrested for the heinous crime.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FITUG calls for urgent revision GNBS, FAO collaborate to measure of national minimum wage prevalence of food insecurity

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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana has called for a prompt revision of the national minimum wage, and has signalled its interest in consultations that will be taken

by Government before arriving at a concrete decision.

A few days ago, President Irfaan Ali commented on an improvement to the national minimum wage (NMW), whereby Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton has been mandated to conduct wide consultations before presenting a paper to Cabinet.

Ali took into account the Private Sector Commission’s views that were made public last December, whereby they agreed on an increase to the national minimum wage from $44,200 to $60,000.

Arising from that decision, the private sector’s representatives on the National Tripartite Committee (NTC) would have expressed their support for the improvement of the NMW in January, this year. The NTC comprises representatives of the labour movement, the business sector, and the Government. This, FITUG

noted, is an adequate forum for the exchange of views on this matter.

In a statement on Monday, the Union noted, “We are convinced that the present NMW can hardly be seen as adequate. Even the Government through its recently launched part-time jobs programme has taken cognisance of this reality…The FITUG nonetheless seeks to play an active role in the consultations to be convened by Minister Hamilton. Given our massive economic expansion, undoubtedly there is a need to ensure the current rising tide lifts all boats and that Guyanese workers can seek to have a decent living.

Indeed, President Ali himself has committed to such and, we believe, at this time the NMW should be revised speedily.”

Shortly after taking office in August 2020, Minister Hamilton had announced the increase of the private sector minimum wage to $60,000 from $47,000.

However, while an order to this effect was made, there was no timeline set for its enforcement. This was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it

has had on businesses.

When the country began opening up last year, these talks resumed. The Labour Minister had been re-engaging the private sector in enforcing these increases.

The public sector minimum wage currently stands at $70,000, and even with this increase for private sector workers, it would still be less. The private sector’s minimum wage was last increased in 2017, from an hourly rate of $202 to $255, taking the monthly wage from $35,000 to $44,200.

Minister Hamilton had previously explained that this increase to $60,000 would only impact about 10 per cent of private-sector workers, who are currently being paid below that wage level.

Last year, when the Government announced a seven per cent retroactive salary increase for all public sector workers, it sparked conversations about pay in the private sector. In fact, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) had called on private businesses to follow suit in order to attract and retain their workforce.

Police ranks undergo “Four Wheel Driving” course

The trainees and senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force on Monday

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hirty-six Police ranks drawn from the various Police Departments and Regional Divisions on Monday commenced a 4-week “Four Wheel Driving” course.

According to the Police, the theoretical aspect will be conducted at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road, Georgetown, while the practical aspect will be done at various locations around Guyana.

The training programme is aimed at equipping ranks with the theoretical and

practical aspects of driving and transforming them into “Force drivers” who are competent.

In addition, the training will give the ranks a clearer understanding of driving a four-wheel motor vehicle, the theories and rules governing the use of the road by an emergency vehicle; defensive driving and, the responsibilities that come with being a Force driver.

Deputy Commissioner “Operations” (ag) Ravindradat Budhram declared the course open and

urged the participants to maintain professionalism and discipline during the training programme and more importantly, urged them to take full advantage of what is being taught.

In attendance were Force Training Officer, Superintendent Keithon King; Acting Traffic Chief, Deputy Superintendent Timothy Williams; Traffic Enforcement Officer, Woman Inspector Natasha Alder; and Traffic Officer-inCharge (Regional Division #3), Inspector Eon Isaacs.

Representatives of the Bureau and the FAO display the tablets which were provided

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he Bureau of Statistics – which is a part of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards – and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have collaborated to collect, analyse and disseminate data on the prevalence of food insecurity in Guyana.

This will be done at the individual and household levels, utilising the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) methodology which will be incorporated into the Bureau’s Labour Force Survey. In doing so, the Bureau has taken a cost-effective approach to produce food insecurity statistics.

The data collected will help Guyana to identify existing food insecurity, track progress towards global goals, and inform decision-making and humanitarian responses that can alleviate hunger.

Many countries across the world have adopted this methodology due to its simplicity and reliability to produce results using a set of eight questions about experiences related to food access.

This methodology was developed by the FAO to measure the prevalence of food insecurity in a given population and this informs Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 2.1.2, which estimates the proportion of the population facing moderate or severe difficulties in accessing food.

According to Deputy Chief Statistician (ag), Bureau of Statistics, Vanessa Profitt, “the FIES survey module has been incorporated into the Labour Force Survey (LFS) for the second quarter of 2022. The inclusion of this module into the ongoing survey allows for the gathering of information useful for the assessment of Guyana’s progress towards achieving SDG 2 as well as to reveal the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food access.”

Only recently, 40 field staff from the Bureau were trained to utilise the FIES methodology to collect data.

Also, the FAO provided 25 android tablets to support the data collection exercise and will work with statisticians at the Bureau to compute the indicators for Guyana for the first time.

FAO Statistician for the Caribbean, Maxime Luciéné

stated that the granular data of the FIES will not only allow a comprehensive understanding of the food insecurity situation of Guyana, but will offer to decision-makers an excellent opportunity to take targeted measures to combat food insecurity due to the difference between gender, ethnicity, region or rural versus urban areas.

Meanwhile, FAO

ficient in food, fish and meat, and food energy supply to meet the population’s recommended food energy requirements, there is need for improved access to nutritious food to achieve the goal of adequate food security.

The implementation of the FIES is a pathway that places the country a step closer to realising food systems transformation and the right to adequate food

Representatives of the Bureau and the FAO display the tablets which were provided

Representative in Guyana, Dr Gillian Smith highlighted that Guyana is on an ambitious development pathway to transform the agriculture food system, and food security coupled with resilient production systems are a vital part of this vision.

“FAO has tremendous expertise in these areas and continues to provide technical support to Guyana to ensure access to safe and nutritious food for a healthy and empowered population,” she added.

Guyana has significantly advanced its food security and nutrition agenda by achieving the World Food Summit (1996) and Millennium Development Goals (2015) hunger targets. Further, the country continues to improve its standing through advocacy and implementation of Caricom’s Regional Food and Nutrition Security Action Plan and Twenty-five by 2025 Strategy – Reducing Caricom’s Agri-food imports.

While Guyana is self-suf-

for its people, eventually marking a return to the position of “the breadbasket of the Caribbean”.

Reliable data on food and agriculture are key to understanding the level and severity of food insecurity in a country.

According to the 2020 report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030, has veered off course due to several drivers such as climate extremes, conflict, and the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, countries need high-quality data to measure their progress towards this goal.

A 2021 regional overview of food security and nutrition showed that estimates revealed that 4 out of every 10 people in Latin America and the Caribbean – 267 million – experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2020, 60 million more than in 2019.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$67M road works to commence Food For The Poor celebrates 31 years of charitable work in sections of G/town

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Some of the staff of FFTP

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Residents at the meeting on Monday

he Housing and Water Ministry will soon commence road rehabilitation and drainage works to the tune of $67 million in David Rose and Greenheart Streets and Cane View Avenue, South Ruimveldt Gardens.

This announcement was made during a meeting with residents of the area on Monday evening.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal; Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing & Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves and a team from the Community Development and Projects Departments engaged with the residents, following complaints on the state of the roads in the area.

At the commencement of construction for the Mandela Avenue-to-Eccles Four-lane Highway, a commitment was made to maintain and rehabilitate project-affected thoroughfares during and after the lifespan of the project.

With the completion of the highway and the necessary studies and assessment, Croal said a decision has been made to rehabilitate David Rose Street, Greenheart Street, and a section of Cane View Avenue.

These thoroughfares, he noted, are the ones most affected and are in dire need of repairs. While thanking the residents for their patience and tolerance during the construction of the highway, the Minister noted that it was only fair that the Ministry honoured the commitment made.

As such, he pointed out that a combined total of 590 meters of roads will be reconstructed and rehabilitated to asphaltic surface. In some areas, drains that were blocked will be excavated and parapets graded.

In addition, Greaves noted that in the coming weeks the agency would be conducting public consultations for other infrastructural development work in the South Ruimveldt Gardens and Park areas.

He noted that this was in keeping with a promise made by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali for the rehabilitation of the drainage systems in the community.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal meeting with residents

Meanwhile, residents were also given the opportunity to raise their concerns. Residents called for the re-installation of fire hydrants, the widening of the roads, and the clearing of a community playground.

Also, residents have called on the authorities to aid in the manage-

ment of heavy-duty trucks and heavy traffic passing through the area. Residents also took the opportunity to laud the Ministry on the announcement of the road works, noting that although it would take some time, the relief to be experienced from the rehabilitation would be much welcomed.

he charitable organisation, Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc (FFTP) celebrated its 31st anniversary of service to the poor of Guyana on Friday.

On a day of reflection, after a time of prayer and praise, Pastor Terry Thomas of Ambassadors of Christ Ministries brought a message of serving the poor with the love of God. Brief messages of encouragement, appreciation, and reflection were shared

by Senior Managers Jimeel Davis and Andrea Benjamin.

Chief Executive Officer Kent Vincent spoke of the growth of the organisation over the years and the need for all staff to be aligned to the organisation’s new vision as it seeks to expand its outreach and sustainable community development projects to the vulnerable in the hinterland regions.

Chairman of the Board of

Chief Executive Officer Kent Vincent

Directors, Paul Chan-A-Sue reminded the staff of the humble beginnings of the charity and noted the challenges ahead as Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc seeks to be even more strategic in its ministry to those in need.

The charity thanked Food For The Poor Inc of Florida, USA, and its sister organisations in other countries, donors both local and overseas, the Government of Guyana, and other in-coun-

try partners for their support over the years.

The charity also assured the disadvantaged families and needy of Guyana that it will continue to provide the necessary relief and assistance in the years ahead.

FFTP (Guyana) Inc continues to play a vital role in the development of Guyana via the transformation of communities and the lives of the poor and needy.

‘West Side’ Gymkhana 2022 wows spectators

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cores of persons from all walks of life came out to witness the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Gymkhana 2022’s “Best Side Edition”, on Sunday despite the dark clouds and persistent rain that resulted in a delayed start to the exciting and fun event.

The Gymkhana event dubbed the “Best Side Edition”, which was held at the Uitvlugt Community Centre Ground, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was hosted by Regional Police Division #3.

The event kicked off with a march past by the various participating teams of the Police Force.

Though the weather swiftly changed, that certainly did not stop the beautiful musical renditions by the Police ranks from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

Scenes from ‘West Side’ Gymkhana 2022

The large gathering was entertained by the GPF band which played an array of songs including the popular Soca hit “Jamming Still”.

To further thrill the gathering, DJ Akelo brought the KFC sing-off to Gymkhana allowing desirous spectators to participate in the sing-off competition.

Sunday’s activities included the obedience drill, acrobatics, greasy pig, musical chairs, dirt bikes display, tug-o-war, agility, dances, activity ride, and tent pegging.

Activities that had patrons on their feet cheering were the bat spin race, three-legged race, sack race, late-for-work race, hot dog race, watermelon and buns eating competition, two-litre drink for life competition, needle-and-thread race, and egg-and-spoon race, among others. Cash prizes were

awarded to the winners who took part in the many daring stunts and thrilling activities put together by the GPF. To add to the list of fun activities, the children were treated to attractions such as trampolines and bouncy castles. To bring the curtains down on the day’s activity the Uitvlugt ground came alive as Officer Bling and Granny Ivy made special appearances; these certainly evoked much laughter.

In an effort to build relations with the public, the GPF was aiming to take Gymkhana to a number of other regions across the country.

Present at the event on Sunday were the acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken; Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn; Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues; Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar; Amerindian Affairs

Minister Pauline Sukhai, Home Affairs Ministry Permanent Secretary Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas, and other senior and junior officers and ranks of the GPF. Gymkhana, which returned after a two-year hiatus owing to COVID-19, saw the first edition on May 8, 2022, at the Police Sports Club Ground located at Eve Leary, Georgetown with similar activities to those that were on display on Sunday.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

Regional

US bars Cuba, Venezuela Brazil’s Navy searching from Americas summit, for British Journalist Mexican leader sits out missing in Amazon jungle

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he White House on Monday excluded Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua from the US-hosted Summit of the Americas this week, prompting Mexico’s President to make good on a threat to skip the event because all countries in the Western Hemisphere were not invited.

The boycott of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and possibly some other leaders could diminish the relevance of the summit in Los Angeles, where the United States aims to address regional migration and economic issues. US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, hopes to repair Latin America relations damaged under his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, reassert US influence and counter China.

The decision to cut out Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua followed weeks of intense deliberations and was due to concerns about human rights and a lack of democracy in the three nations, a senior Biden Administration official said on Monday.

Biden aides have been mindful of pressure from Republicans and some of the President’s fellow Democrats against appearing soft on America’s three main leftist antagonists in Latin America. Miami’s large Cuban American community, which favoured Trump’ harsh policies toward Cuba and Venezuela, is seen as an important voting bloc in Florida in November elections that will decide control of the US Congress.

Lopez Obrador told reporters at a regular news conference on Monday that Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard would attend the

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro shakes hands with his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel during the ALBA group meeting in Havana, Cuba, May 27, 2022 (Miraflores Palace/handout via Reuters)

summit in his place, as he had previously indicated.

The Mexican President said he would meet with Biden in Washington next month, which the White House confirmed.

“There can’t be a Summit of the Americas if not all countries of the American continent are taking part,” Lopez Obrador said.

Lopez Obrador’s absence raises questions about the significance of summit discussions focused on curbing migration at the US southern border, a priority for Biden, and could be a diplomatic embarrassment for the United States.

A caravan of several thousand migrants, many from Venezuela, set off from southern Mexico early Monday aiming to reach the United States.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing populist and Trump admirer who leads Latin America’s most populous country, will attend after initially flirting with staying away. He and Biden have had chilly relations, but will meet to discuss a wide range of issues, including food insecurity, climate change, and pandemic recovery.

The exclusion of left-

ist-led Venezuela and Nicaragua had already been flagged in recent weeks.

President Miguel DiazCanel of Communist-ruled Cuba said last month he would not go even if invited, accusing the United States of “brutal pressure” to make the summit non-inclusive.

Cuba attended the past two summits.

Offering Cuba a limited role was seen as a way to placate Lopez Obrador, but the idea was rejected, one source said.

In a critical statement on Monday, Cuba called the decision “discriminatory and unacceptable” and said the United States underestimated support in the Region for the island nation.

The United States invited several Cuban civil society activists to attend the summit, but many said on social media that Cuban State security had blocked them from travel to Los Angeles to participate.

Having ruled out Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the Administration is considering a role for Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, Possibly virtually at a side event, a US official said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Dominican Republic’s Environment Minister shot dead in his office

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he Dominican R e p u b l i c ’ s Environment Minister, Orlando Jorge Mera was shot dead in his office on Monday, authorities said.

A spokesman for the President’s office, Homero Figueroa, said in a video posted to Twitter on Monday afternoon that a suspect, identified as Miguel Cruz, was arrested.

Figueroa said Cruz was a childhood friend of the Minister, without giving a potential motive for the attack.

Employees at the Environment and Natural

Dominican Republic’s Environment Minister, Orlando Jorge Mera

Resources Ministry told Journalists that they heard at least seven shots from within the building.

Police units arrived on the scene shortly after.

Mera, a 55-year-old lawyer, was the son of former President Salvador Jorge Blanco, who was in office from 2002 to 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Selma Villegas, and his two children. His son, Orlando Jorge Villegas, is a federal legislator and member of the Modern Revolutionary Party.

The President and the Government have made themselves available to the Minister’s family, Figueroa said.

(Reuters)

razil’s Navy on Monday dispatched a crew of 10 people to search for British Journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira who went missing while reporting in a remote and lawless part of the Amazon rainforest near the border with Peru.

Phillips, a freelancer who has written about Brazil for The Guardian, The Washington Post, The New York Times and others, was on a reporting trip in the Javari Valley with Pereira, one of Brazil’s most knowledgeable experts on isolated and uncontacted tribes.

The Javari is home

to the most uncontacted Indigenous people in the world, covering an area the size of Ireland. It is under threat from illegal miners, loggers, hunters and, increasingly, coca-growing groups that produce the raw material for cocaine.

Navy spokeswoman Cibelly Lopes, in the Brazilian border city of Tabatinga, said the Navy search team would arrive at the isolated base of Atalaia do Norte around 21:00h local time (2200 GMT), before heading to the riverside community Sao Gabriel, where the two men were last seen early on Sunday.

Brazil’s federal Police said in a statement that they were also working to locate the pair. A senior federal Police Officer in Tabatinga said on Monday afternoon that the force had sent its own search party, adding that there was still no information on their whereabouts or even a hypothesis about what could have happened.

Brazil’s presidential frontrunner Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a leftist former President, noted the disappearance of Phillips and Pereira on Twitter, adding “I hope they are found soon, (and) that they are safe and well.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Exclusion of countries from Americas Summit a “mistake”, says Chilean President

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he Biden Administration’s decision to exclude Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba from the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles this week was a “mistake”, Chilean President Gabriel Boric said on Monday.

The US decision, announced earlier on Monday, was taken due to concerns about human rights and a lack of democracy in the three nations, according to a senior official in the Administration of President Joe Biden.

Talking to reporters in Ottawa, Boric said the US move was “reinforcing the position that these other countries take in their own countries. We think it’s an error, a mistake, and we’re going to say that during the summit.”

Boric, a leftist and for-

Chilean President Gabriel Boric

mer student protest leader who took power in March, was speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after the two signed a memorandum to coordinate efforts to advance gender equality and empower women. Boric is scheduled to head to the summit after his Canada visit.

Boric’s comment was

the latest rebuke from a Latin American leader, highlighting how some are pursuing an increasingly independent foreign policy from Washington.

Earlier, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would not attend the summit, because not all countries from the region were invited.

Trudeau did not say whether or not he disagreed with the exclusion, but said Canada looked forward to participating fully in the summit.

“It’s extremely important that we have an opportunity to engage with our fellow hemispheric partners, some like-minded, some less like-minded, but talking about important issues that our people have in common,” he said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexico-based church leader pleads guilty to sexually abusing 3 children

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he head of a Mexicobased evangelical megachurch that claims about five million followers worldwide pleaded guilty on Friday to felony counts of sexually abusing three children, California state prosecutors announced on Friday.

The guilty plea was entered in court by Nasson Joaquin Garcia, leader and self-styled apostle of the Guadalajara-based church La Luz del Mundo (Light of the World), three days before he was sched-

uled to go on trial, according to a statement from the California attorney general’s office.

Sentencing for Garcia, 53, was scheduled for next Wednesday. He faces up to 16 years and eight months in prison, prosecutors said.

His conviction caps an investigation that began in 2018 leading to Garcia’s arrest the following year at Los Angeles International Airport with a co-defendant, Susana Medina Oaxaca, who

pleaded guilty on Friday to a charge of assault likely to cause great bodily harm, the attorney general’s office said.

The charges stem from abuse of three underage victims, prosecutors said.

A second co-defendant, Alondra Ocampo, also arrested in 2019, pleaded guilty in 2020 to three felony counts of contact with a minor for purposes of committing a sexual offence and one count of forcible sexual penetration.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil settles shy of $120 a barrel on OPEC+ deal, Saudi pricing

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il prices settled slightly lower after choppy trade on Monday, buoyed by Saudi Arabia raising its July crude prices but amid doubts that a higher output target for OPEC+ oil producers would ease tight supply.

Brent crude fell 21 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to settle at US$119.51 a barrel after touching an intraday high of US$121.95.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 37 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to settle at US$118.50 a barrel after hitting a three-month high of US$120.99. The benchmark fell by US$1 earlier in the session.

Saudi Arabia raised the July official selling price (OSP) for its flagship Arab light crude to Asia by US$2.10 from June to a US$6.50 premium over Oman/Dubai quotes, just off an all-time peak recorded in May when prices hit highs due to worries of disruptions in supplies from Russia.

The price increase followed a decision last week by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, together called OPEC+, to boost output for July and August by 648,000 barrels per day, or 50 per cent more than previously planned, though constraint in global refining capacity has kept prices elevated.

"Crude inputs into the US refineries have been reduced by about 6 per cent from four years ago at this time with this reduction associating with a need for less crude cover while contributing to a severe tightness in the gasoline and diesel markets," said Jim Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Illinois.

The increased target was spread across all OPEC+ members, many of which have little room to increase output and which include Russia, which faces Western sanctions after its invasion of Ukraine in February.

"With only a handful of ... OPEC+ participants with spare capacity, we expect the increase in OPEC+ output to be about 160,000 barrels per day in July and 170,000 bpd in August," JP Morgan analysts said in a note.

On Monday, Citibank and Barclays raised their price forecasts for 2022 and 2023, saying they expected Russian output and exports to fall by around 1 million to 1.5 million bpd by end2022.

Separately, Italy's Eni and Spain's Repsol could begin shipping small volumes of Venezuelan oil to Europe as soon as next month, five people familiar with the matter told Reuters. (Reuters)

Battle for Ukraine's Sievierodonetsk rages through city's streets

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krainian and Russian troops fought street by street for control of the industrial city of Sievierodonetsk on Monday in a pivotal battle of the Kremlin offensive in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.

Which side had the upper hand was unclear, with "the situation changing from hour to hour", the Ukrainian Governor of Luhansk province, which forms part of the Donbas, said in a Telegram post on Monday evening.

Sievierodonetsk has become the main target of the Russian offensive in the Donbas - comprising Luhansk and Donetsk provinces - as the Kremlin's invasion grinds on in a war of attrition that has seen cities laid waste by artillery bar-

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visits a position of Ukrainian service members, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Soledar, Donetsk region, Ukraine June 5, 2022.

Picture taken June 5, 2022

rages.

Ukraine's Defence Ministry said Russia was throwing troops and equipment into its drive to capture the largest remain-

ing Ukrainian-held city in Luhansk.

The province's Governor Serhiy Gaidai said earlier on Monday the situation had worsened after Ukrainian

defenders had pushed back the Russians over the weekend as they seemed close to victory.

President Volodomyr Zelenskiy told a media briefing later in the capital Kyiv that the situation was "difficult in the east".

He added: "We are in control of the situation, there are more (Russians), they are more powerful, but we have every chance to fight.

If there is a (Russian) breakthrough in Donbas, it will be very difficult."

Sievierodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said street fighting was raging and neither side was preparing to withdraw. Both sides say they have inflicted huge casualties on each other. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ryanair Afrikaans test: South African fury over language quiz

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outh Africans have condemned Irish airline Ryanair for making them take a test in the Afrikaans language on UK flights, calling it discriminatory.

The country has 11 official languages, and many say they cannot understand Afrikaans - a language which was imposed during white-minority rule.

The quiz contains questions on South African general knowledge.

Ryanair defended the test, saying it weeds out

those travelling on fraudulent South African passports.

"Due to the high prevalence of fraudulent South African passports, we require passengers travelling to the UK to fill out a simple questionnaire issued in Afrikaans," it said in a statement.

A South African man who was flying from Lanzarote to London in May said he was "shocked" when Ryanair took away his passport and boarding pass before presenting him

with the Afrikaans test.

When Dinesh Joseph protested, Ryanair staff told him: "This is your language," he said.

"It's callous and insensitive to force people to write a test which would evoke so much emotion around it the language of apartheid was Afrikaans," Joseph continued, saying he felt "oppressed" and insisting that speaking Afrikaans has nothing to do with how South African someone is.

There is also anger online.

Only around 13 per cent of South Africans speak Afrikaans as a first language, according to a 2011 census - making it the country's third-most spoken mother tongue, after Zulu and IsiXhosa.

The BBC asked Ryanair why they required the test to be taken in Afrikaans rather than any other South African language, but the company did not answer.

The test is not required

by UK border authorities.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

British Prime Minister South Korea, US launch Boris Johnson survives 8 missiles in response to More than 200,000 face North Korea missile tests starvation in Somalia confidence vote as rains fail – UN

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early a quarter of a million people are facing starvation in Somalia as drought worsens and global food prices hover near record highs, United Nations agencies have said.

The agencies said on Monday that a fourth consecutive rainy season had failed in the Horn of Africa country, and meteorologists are warning of another below-average rainy season later this year as the world’s climate becomes more erratic.

This is causing the worst drought in 40 years in Somalia and a major hunger crisis.

At the same time, world food prices are close to record highs as the Russia-Ukraine war roils markets for staple grains and edible oils.

Around 213,000 Somalis are at risk of starvation, a near threefold increase from levels expected in April, according to a statement from the World

Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The agencies said some 7.1 million Somalis or nearly half the population face acute levels of food insecurity, meaning they will be barely able to get the minimum calories they need and might have to sell assets to survive.

“We must act immediately to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe,” said El-Khidir Daloum, the WFP’s country director in Somalia.

Around three million livestock have died in Somalia due to the drought that has lasted since mid-2021, a terrible toll in a largely pastoral country where families rely on their herds for meat, milk and trade, the agencies said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

B

ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson has survived a confidence vote that could have seen him removed from power.

Despite serious discontent within his Conservative Party, Johnson won a vote of confidence on Monday by 211 to 148 votes.

Winning the vote means that Johnson is now immune from a leadership challenge for another year.

The confidence vote was triggered on Monday by Conservative Party official Graham Brady, who announced that he had received letters calling for a no-confidence vote from at least 54 Conservative Party members of Parliament – enough to trigger the measure under party rules.

Johnson needed to win the backing of a simple majority of the 359 Conservative legislators in the British Parliament to

remain in power.

If Johnson had not secured that majority, the party would have been forced to choose a new leader who would also have become Prime Minister.

Though Johnson has survived the vote, losing the support of so many of his parliamentarians is a serious challenge to his authority.

The result also leaves unanswered the deep divisions within the Conservative Party, less than three years after Johnson led the party to its biggest election victory in decades.

With no clear frontrunner to succeed Johnson, most political observers believed ahead of Monday’s vote that he would defeat the challenge to his rule.

Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands, reporting from London, said earlier that Johnson was expected to narrowly survive the vote.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

S

outh Korea and the United States said they fired eight surface-to-surface missiles early on Monday off South Korea's east coast, responding to a barrageof short-range ballistic missiles launched by North Korea on Sunday.

The action is a demonstration of "the capability and readiness to carry out precision strikes" against the source of North Korea's missile launches or the command and support centres, South Korea's Yonhap news agency cited the South Korean military as saying.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office last month, has vowed to take a tougher line against the North and agreed with US President Joe Biden at a May summit in Seoul to upgrade joint military drills and their combined deterrence posture.

North Korea has conducted a flurry of missile launches this year and Yoon said its

missile and nuclear weapons programmes have reached a level at which they pose a threat to regional and world peace.

The South “will continue to build fundamental and practical security capabilities and deter the North’s nuclear and missile threats,” Yoon said at an event for South Korea's Memorial Day. The militaries of South Korea and the United States fired eight surface-to-surface missiles over about 10 minutes starting at 4:45 am on Monday (1945 GMT Sunday) in response to the eight missiles fired by the North on Sunday, Yonhap reported.

An official from South Korea's Defence Ministry confirmed eight Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) had been fired.

US Indo-Pacific Command said the exercise included one US Army missile and seven from South Korea.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

20

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Be kind to yourself. Seek the company of someone who understands you.

Mull over what you are doing with your life and how you can position yourself to head in a stimulating direction.

(March 21-April 19)

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Change begins with you. Give yourself a once-over and adjust how you look and how you live. Listen to your intuition, and make decisions that please you. Take responsibility for your happiness.

Revealing too much too fast will leave you in a vulnerable position. Have a strategy in place that is easy for you to follow all by yourself. Being self-sufficient will give you a needed push.

(May 21-June 20) Adapt to change, then get on with your life. Look for the positive. Pursue the path that will bring the highest physical, mental and emotional returns.

Embrace life wholeheartedly.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Observe what's going on around you.

The competition will be fierce, so taking what you have to offer to the next level will be necessary. Pick someone's brain, and you'll discover valuable information.

(July 23-Aug. 22) You'll develop an efficient way to use your skills and knowledge to your advantage. Teach others the shortcuts you use to get things done on time.

Teamwork will pay off.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Keep your emotions under control, and you'll avoid a scene. Stay focused on what's important to you and gather information to make your job easier. An opportunity will come your way.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Take care of responsibilities, then move along. Shared interests will bring you and a colleague closer.

Romance is encouraged and will enhance your life.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Honesty is the best policy. An emotional situation will escalate if you hide your true feelings. Spend more time fixing and updating your surroundings to suit your needs.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Address issues head-on and pursue what makes you happy. Refuse to let what others do interfere with your plans. Say no to anyone pushing grand plans or self-indulgence.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

You'll face competition. Don't let the changes someone makes get in your way. Work around any obstacle you face by trusting in your ability to get things done. Avoid taking a physical or financial risk.

Tend to creative endeavors. Refuse to let a friend, relative or peer diminish what you are trying to achieve. Seek out those offering positive suggestions.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

K

ylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland are the most valuable players in the world, according to research group CIES Football Observatory.

Mbappé, 23, who rejected a move to Real Madrid to stay at Paris St-German, tops the list with an estimated transfer value of 205.6 million euros (£175.7 million).

Real Madrid's Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr, who scored the winner in the Champions League final against Liverpool, is second at £158.3 million, with Norway's Manchester Citybound striker Haaland third at £130.4 million.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham (£114.1 million) is the most valuable English player on the list in fifth place, ahead of England team-mate and Manchester City midfielder

World Cup-winner Kylian Mbappé has been ranked as the most valuable player in the world, ahead of Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland

Phil Foden in sixth (£105.9 million).

Premier League clubs dominate the list with 41 representatives in the top 100.

The CIES uses a range of variables including a player's age, performances, economic value of their club and inflation to work out estimated transfer values.

France striker Mbappé signed a new three-year contact with PSG last month as he chose to stay in Paris rather than move to La Liga and Champions League winners Real Madrid.

The World Cup winner scored 28 goals in Ligue 1 to help PSG win the 2021-22 title.

Haaland, 21, is join-

NBA Finals: 3rd-quarter trend concerning for Celtics after loss to Warriors in Game 2

T

he Boston Celtics were left to wonder what might have been after a poor third quarter saw them lose Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, levelling the series at 1-1.

An underwhelming firsthalf performance saw the Celtics trail by only two points, and after their incredible fourth-quarter showing in Game 1, the hope for Boston was they could finish strongly again and take a commanding 2-0 lead.

However, after finding themselves trailing by 23 points by the time the final quarter arrived, they had left themselves far too much to do.

Celtics Coach Ime Udoka blamed the number of turnovers, saying after the 10788 defeat at Chase Center: "That's been an ongoing

theme in the play-offs so far.

We've turned over the ball.

Take teams out of scoring against us in the half court, give them some baskets.

"But it was more of the same in that third quarter.

We had 11 for 18 points in that first half and gave up five or six more in that quarter. Kind of blew it open, and that hampered our offence, as well."

Jayson Tatum – who topscored for the Celtics with 28 points, though ended the game with a minus-36, which is the worst plus-minus of the 24-year-old's career – agreed with Udoka on turnovers, but also pointed to the general sloppiness at the start of the third quarter that saw the Warriors pull away.

"I think tonight, turnovers, and I think sometimes letting our offence affect how

we defend, kind of was a little stagnant in the third quarter," Tatum said.

"I feel like it translated on the defensive end, and they got going and hitting shots and things like that."

Boston have now been outscored by at least 14 points on four occasions in the third quarter during this year's play-offs, and guard Derrick White also expressed his frustration at the increasing trend of losing the game just after halftime.

"Yeah, it's definitely frustrating," he said. "I mean, we've talked about it pretty much the whole postseason.

It's easy to talk about, but we've got to go out there and change something.

"That was a big quarter for them and really a quarter that put us away." (Sportsmax)

ing Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund after City activated his 60-million-euro (£51.2 million) release clause. His new City team-mate Ruben Dias is the most valuable defender in ninth place (£93.6 million).

The Premier League player of the season, Manchester City's 30-year-old Kevin de Bruyne, is the oldest play-

er in the top 100 (£48.9 million) and Barcelona's 17-year-old Gavi (£49.9 million) is the youngest.

Meanwhile, PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma, who won the European Championship with Italy, is the most valuable goalkeeper at 41st in the rankings (£62.9 million).

This season's Premier League and Champions League runners-up, Liverpool, are represented in the top 10 by January signing Luis Diaz (£94 million).

Barcelona trio Pedri; Frenkie de Jong, who has been linked with Manchester United, and Ferran Torres all feature in the top 10.

England internationals Jadon Sancho (£88.1 million); Mason Mount (£85.7

21

World Cup-winner Kylian Mbappé

million) and Bukayo Saka (£85.6 million) are ranked 13th, 14th and 15th respectively.

Darwin Nunez, who has been heavily linked with a move from Benfica, has the highest valuation (£59.9 million) for players outside of Europe's top five leagues.

(BBC Sport)

EBECC distributes cricket gear to affiliates

T

Club affiliates receive their gear

he East Bank Essequibo Cricket Committee (EBECC) on Saturday had a Special General Meeting and distributed cricket gear to the various affiliated clubs.

EBECC Chairman and Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) Vice President Vishal Ambedkar and ECB Treasurer Shazim Nasrudeen made the presentation. Ambedkar related that this donation was part of a $4 million cricket gear drive to seven Area Committees of the ECB. The Chairman thanked the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the ECB for the wonderful and timely gesture to assist cricket clubs with the necessary equipment, as they strive to produce quality cricketers at the county and national levels.

Clubs that received gear were: * Parika Sports Club * Cold Fusion Sports Club * Hydronie Sports Club * Hyde Park Sports Club * Zeelugt Sports Club

* South Side Sports Club * Vergenoegen Sports Club Tuschen Sports Club did not accept any of the cricket equipment, because it was a club’s decision to ensure that all the other clubs receive the much-needed gear. Club members expressed their gratitude to the EBECC for this donation and promised that the equipment would be well-utilised and cared-for.

22 Pooran satisfied with team’s performance in ODI series TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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ENTERTAINMENT

W

est Indies whiteball skipper Nicholas Pooran said he was generally satisfied with the way his side handled their OneDay International (ODI) series against the Netherlands.

The Windies completed a clean sweep of the ODI series after they won the first ODI by seven wickets last Tuesday at the VRA Ground, where they won the second ODI by five wickets

two days later before wrapping up the series with a 20-run win on Saturday at the same venue.

“I felt it was a really good (series) for us,” Pooran said in an interview with CWI Media. “It was a new team and I felt that we bonded really good.

“We spoke about learning on the job and taking this opportunity… We set goals before this tour of batting our 50 overs and we achieved that

in the last game.

“Bowling out teams is obviously very important.

Getting wickets with the new ball and improving on our death bowling…

“I think we improved in our death bowling in the last two games – but we are still asking our bowlers to get wickets with the new ball… Well done, this series, looking forward to the next one.”

West Indies white-ball Captain Nicholas Pooran

West Indies headed off on Sunday to Pakistan, where they will face the hosts in another series of three ODIs, and Pooran hoped his team-mates could gain confidence from the series victory against the Netherlands and improve on the performance against much stronger opposition.

“It’s all about trust for us

as a team,” he said. “…It was good to see players taking their opportunity doing what was required for the team just to get that ‘W’ (win) for us.”

The first ODI against Pakistan is on Wednesday, the second is on Friday, and the series ends next Sunday with all matches to be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium. (CMC)

Wins for Mahaica, Buxton Stars, GDF, Beacon & Mainstay in eventful weekend

I

(16th), Elton Amsterdam (47th) and Omar Williams (63rd) added one goal apiece to Airy Hall’s tally, while their defence worked to keep the Haslington strikers at bay.

In the second game of the night, Ann’s Grove managed to hold on to an early goal in order to edge out Victoria Kings. In the eighth minute of the game, Clive Andries connected from the penalty mark and the ball would make no other contact with the goal for the remainder of the 90 minutes.

In the capital city, the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) would host an entertaining double-header on Friday, June 3, but their triple header was hampered by rain on Sunday, June 5.

On Friday, reigning Super-16 champions, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sent home four goals against Pele FC. It was a quiet first half and the rain of goals only began after the first 45. Rondell Heywood had the first in the 47th minute, followed by Colin Nelson in the 59th for GDF. GDF’s first two goals were punctuated by a Julian Joseph strike in the 57th minute from the penalty mark.

Sherwyn Caesar ensured Pele had no chance to get back into the game with a double in the 70th and 75th minutes, sealing GDF’s victory.

In the following game, a lone goal from Jemar Harrigan in the 50th minute sealed the deal for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC against Riddim Squad FC. On Sunday, Vengy FC romped to another scintillating win, this

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Men’s Senior League…

t was an action-packed weekend for football across the country as the Senior Men’s League continued in several Regional Member Associations (RMAs).

On the East Coast of Demerara, the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) hosted two double-headers on Saturday and Sunday, both at the Buxton Ground.

On Saturday, Mahaica Determinators thumped Victoria Scorpions 3-1, in an encounter that should have seen a blank score line for their opponents.

Shamar Pollard opened the game in the worst way possible for Mahaica, with an own goal in the 10th minute.

However, Kadasi Barnes made it a one-all game five minutes later. Eion Abel was the man who ensured Mahaica would win it convincingly, with a brace in the 44th and 64th minutes.

Later on, Buxton Stars barely got past Melanie FC in an entertaining 3-2 game. Stephon Thomas was the first man to find the back of the net in the 11th minute, while Neil Hutson scored the first of his two in the 28th.

With a 2-0 score at the half, Seon Heywood added one to Melanie’s tally in the 64th minute while Hutson replied with his second in the 68th. It looked as though Melanie were spurring a comeback, as Nial Hernandez sunk a penalty kick to bring the score to 3-2 in the 74th.

However, Melanie were unable to find the equaliser.

On Sunday, Airy Hall schooled Haslington FC 3-0. Dillon Desa

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Football Association (EBFA) league took shape.

Essequibo was not to be left out of the action last weekend, as the Essequibo Coast/ Pomeroon Football Association

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(ECPFA) took the excitement to Wakapao.

There, the home team suffered a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Mainstay Gold Stars on Saturday.

Persaud returns as LGC President – minor changes made to committee

Jermain Christian’s lone goal spurred a win for Rising Stars FC in the BFA league

time by an 8-0 margin over Deaf Super Kings (DSK). Later in the afternoon, Santos enjoyed a 4-2 victory over Order and Discipline.

In Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), the Bartica Football Association (BFA) took the action to River’s View, in a landmark move for the Association.

There, Beacons FC stole a victory against AK Galaxy FC. Oswin Joseph was the first to find the back of the net in the 41st minute for Beacons and the AK Galaxy reply came until the second half, by way of Brandon Mettilholzer in the 62nd.

As the game died away, Beacons’ Dwayne Blake’s 89th minute goal snatched any hope of shared points away from AK Galaxy.

A 37th minute strike from Jermaine Christian ensured that Rising Stars FC would enjoy a victory over Agatash FC in the second game of the day.

Soesdyke Falcons put on a show at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre on Saturday, for an 8-0 victory over the Kuru Kururu Warriors as the East Bank

T

The elected executive committee

he Executive of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) was returned, with minor changes, for a second term at the club’s Annual General Meeting Sunday, signalling broad approval for the organisation’s direction.

Returning President Patanjilee Persaud told members that the previous year had seen a far better financial situation thanks to increased activities, including a successful Guyana Open, and more green fees from the Diaspora and expatriates. However, he warned costs for maintenance of the grounds were up 25 per cent year-on-year mainly as a result of fuel increases, and a prudent approach to spending would be advisable.

Persaud thanked the club staff

for their hard work, especially in addressing the instances of heavy rainfall. He also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing committee members Anasha Ally (Public Relations Officer – PRO) and Captain Patrick Prashad.

The elected members of the Executive are: * President – Patanjilee Persaud * Vice President – Paton George * Treasurer – Maxim Mangra * Secretary – Chet Bowling * Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer – Rabindranath Persaud * Captain – Videsh Persaud * Ground Superintendent – Mike Guyadin * PRO – William Walker

223-7230-1

(Ext 55)

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

“Fans can expect a total effort from the Golden Jaguars” – Shabazz rallies local support for home game

G

uyana’s senior men’s national football team will make a case to remain at the top of Group B in League B of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Following the Golden Jaguars 2-1 victory over Montserrat on Saturday night, the local outfit will now face another test, this time in the form of the Bermudan national team.

The encounter is set to commence at 16:00h (4:00 pm), and the Golden Jaguars Head Coach is more than optimistic, especially with the expectation of Guyana’s home crowd backing them.

“Obviously, we’re happy to play at home; I’m looking forward to really give of our best. The good thing is that playing at home gives that feeling of wanting to please your fans and to make your country proud,” the Head Coach said in a pre-match statement on Monday afternoon.

He added, ““We want our people to be part of this journey with us; you know, there’ll be up times, there’ll be down times, share the moment.”

Turning his attention to Guyana’s opponents, Shabazz was realistic about the tough game ahead.

He explained, “Having

seen some of the clips of the Bermuda-Haiti match, I think we can anticipate another tough encounter from Bermuda. In fact, all the matches from this group will be great matchups, because of the fact that all of the teams are so closely knitted, in terms of ability and organisation.”

“The mood in the camp is quite good, and fans can expect a total effort from the Golden Jaguars. I cannot predict anything, but our intention is to work hard and to dig deep to grind out a result,” he went on to add about the Golden Jaguars’ preparations.

Shabazz then revisited his

call for support at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara on Tuesday afternoon, highlighting that part of the team’s success was dependent on their 12th man.

“There was time in the Montserrat game we were down 1-0, did you believe with us? And did you feel the disappointment with us and did you feel good when we fought back and equalised and then went forward and won the match? This is a collective thing,” the Head Coach declared.

He further stated, “The collective effort is many more times greater in blessings

UG pip GTI to emerge as YBL Champions …NATI keep LTI at bay to cop 3rd place

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz

than the individual one and we encourage the country to share on this journey with us,

for football’s contribution to the ‘One Guyana’.” (Jemima Holmes)

T20 Blaze to light up Providence as action set to kick off today …CG Insurance Super50 scheduled for June 16-25, 2022

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle hands over the third-place trophy to New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI)

T

he University of Guyana (UG) emerged victorious after they edged out the previouslyundefeated Government Technical Institute (GTI) in the closing minutes of the final period to take the firstever Tertiary Basketball League title back to Turkeyen Campus.

UG Coach Warren Wilson

Playing in front of an almost full Cliff Anderson Sports Hall crowd – which included the Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr and the Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle – the University team held their nerve for a 69-66 win.

Shaquawn Gill, who walked away with the Fireside Grill and Suites Most Valuable

Shaquawn Gill emerged as the MVP with an overall tournament average of 25.6 points and 12. 4 rebounds

said he was ecstatic the players were able to have a taste of the grand finale and more so win against an undefeated opponent.

Player (MVP) trophy and a pair of sneakers, finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds for an overall tournament average of 25.6

Some of the players set to be on show in the highly-anticipated T20 Blaze Coach Warren Wilson holds his trophy with pride after UG defeated the undefeated GTI

points and 12. 4 rebounds.

However, he got some muchneeded help in the final from the talented Timothy Richmond (17 points, 10 rebounds); Thariq Duncan (12 points, 6 rebounds) and Craig Harlequin (8 points and 15 rebounds). For GTI, Royon Shortt top-scored with 20 points and seven rebounds, but missed seven critical free throws down the stretch, Josiah Roberts had 17 points, including five threes, and Kobe Tappin finished with an uncharacteristically-meagre 11 points and five rebounds.

After the high-intensity match-up, when asked his view on the result, Coach Wilson said, “First of all, thanks be to God for His goodness. I'm extremely happy, more so for the players, as this was [for] most of [them], their first time playing in a final and to be able to win it is amazing. Ever since we walked off the floor after the semi-finals the guys were locked in and ready to work, it was amazing. What I hope it means is that the administration of UG will take note that there are coaches and players ready to put UG on the map and make the necessary decisions to have a comprehensive programme.

Most of our training was outdoors and so the weather was a real hamper at times.

Kudos to the organisers for a great tournament.”

In the third-place game, the New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) outlasted the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) 67 points to 66 points to take some hardware back to the Ancient County. Charles Williams led with 21 points and eight rebounds, Kadeem Dover had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Qwesi Joseph nine points and 11 rebounds.

For LTI, Shamar Savory finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds, Jemol Semple 18 points, and Gaius George 14 points.

Following the game, Minister Ramson Jr congratulated the teams for their effort and also the organisers for the successful staging of the inaugural Tertiary Basketball League, after which he, along with the Director of Sport, presented the first- and secondplace awards. The thirdplace award was presented

by Edward B Beharry and Company Brand Manager Malisa Jeffers.

The Tertiary Basketball League was sponsored by the National Sports Commission, ExxonMobil, G-Boat Guyana, Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, Fireside Grill and Suites, and Banks DIH Ltd.

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), on behalf of Cricket West Indies (CWI), is hosting the CG Insurance Super50 and T20 Blaze Tournament from June 7, 2022 to June 26, 2022.

The two-format tournament will involve the participation of several current West Indies players and young promising regional players, including Stephanie Taylor (West Indies Captain) from Jamaica; Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin from Barbados and our very own Shemaine Campbell, Shabika Gajnabi, and Mandy Mangru, who recently returned from their cricket assignment in New Zeeland.

The Super50 format was initially scheduled to bowl-off before the T20 Blaze.

However, owing to unfavourable weather conditions, challenges arise in securing venues fit for play based on the initial schedule, which prompted a more appropriate schedule. Given the fast-drying conditions at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, it was decided that the T20 Blaze matches will be played first at this venue with the CG Insurance Super50 stepping in later, provided that weather conditions become more favourable for play.

The first T20 B l a z e will be played today at the Guyana National Stadium.

The teams on show are: * Leeward Islands v Windward Islands – 10:00h * Barbados v Guyana – 14:30h * Jamaica v Trinidad and Tobago – 19:00h The CG Insurance Super50 will be played from June 16, 2022, to June 25, 2022.

The Guyana squad for the CG Insurance Super50 and T20 Blaze Tournament comprises Katana Mentore, Sherica Campbelle, Plaffianna Millington, Kaysia Schultz, Kumarie Persaud, Ashmini Munisar and Lashuna Toussaint, and West Indies players Shemaine Campbell (Captain), Shabika Gajnabi (Vice Captain), Cherry-Ann Fraser, Tremayne Smartt, Erva Giddings, Mandy Mangru, and Sheneta Grimmond.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022

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

Page 23

Persaud returns as “Fans can expect a total effort LGC President

from the Golden Jaguars”

– Shabazz rallies local support for home game

– minor changes Page made to committee 22

UG pip GTI to emerge as YBL Champions …NATI keep LTI at bay to cop 3rd place

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