Guyana Times -- Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Applications open for teachers’ dutyP free concession

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4949

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

PRICE

Govt officially removes COVID-19 restrictions

WHAT'S INSIDE:

See story on page 9

…presenting vaccination proof, wearing mask no longer mandatory but encouraged

Global rise in cost of living

Adjustments to income tax, relief grants among measures proposed

by Private Sector …PSC to seek audience with Finance Minister See story on page 3

Continuous registration exercise

GECOM to meet APNU/AFC today

Page 7

…vaccination requirement for registering may be removed

$100 VAT INCLUDED

Woman dies by suicide at Brickdam Police Station

P13 Staff convicted in fuel racket at Education Ministry yet to repay

GDF rank stabbed to death at sister’s wedding

P15

Page 13

Horse cart operators allegedly shot by customs P11 officer

Despite assurances to Govt

Corentyne rice millers reduce …millers now paying paddy prices again $61,000 per tonne

Page 14

Fuel price increase

Berbice hire car operators demand increase in fares See story on page 17

75-year-old new COVID-19 P12 death …5 in ICU, 3 new cases

P10 Murder accused jailed, fined $2M for drug trafficking

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, Mar 15 – 02:00h – 03:30h and Wednesday, Mar 16 – 02:30h – 04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Mar 15 – 14:25h – 15:55h and Wednesday, Mar 16 – 15:15h – 16:45h.

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 during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 15:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.4 metres.

Low Tide: 08:46h and 21:10h reaching minimum heights of 0.94 metre and 0.76 metre.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

04 05 07

19 23 25

FREE TICKET

09 Bonus Ball

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

06 12 19 20 22 LUCKY 3

6

5

3

4

Afternoon Draw

4

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 06 10 12 15 16 18 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022

01 07 09 16 17 13

10 11 13 14 15

2

1 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

7

2 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$106.90/barrel

-5.40

Rough Rice

$290.88/ton

-0.05

London Sugar

$528.40/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1950.40

$1951.40

Low/High Change

$1946.80 -0.90

$1980.00 -0.05%

Global rise in cost of living

Adjustments to income tax, relief grants among measures proposed by Private Sector …PSC to seek audience with Finance Minister

T

hough the Guyana Government has already budgeted a whopping $5 billion to address the rising cost of living locally, two major Private Sector players believe a much more impacting intervention is needed in order to help Guyanese navigate these challenging times.

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Timothy Tucker, in an interview with this publication explained that “the Private Sector wants to stay competitive but we have to face the reality.”

“The COVID pandemic has taken shipping costs and delays in shipping to a next level…apart from that, we now have a war in a part of the world that controls a lot of the commodities that are traded…we’re looking at oil, we’re looking at gas, we’re looking at wheat…,” the GCCI Head lamented.

“So, you have a dynamic there that is affecting the prices worldwide and you may say that we don’t import fuel from Russia and people will say we don’t import wheat from Ukraine… but, the countries around the world that do import from there and no longer can, are now bidding higher prices from our usual suppliers such as Mexico and other places around the world, such as Canada and US, we now have a supply and demand issue,” Tucker further reasoned.

The prices for a wide range of commodities have significantly increased – such as fuel and flour with the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO) announcing a hike of 15 per cent with immediate effect.

“The price of wheat today is 40 per cent higher than it was on February 15, 2022, just three weeks ago. During this period, we have also seen increases in the cost of packaging, additives, and just recently, fuel.

Consequently, we can no longer sustain our operations at our current flour price levels,” the company said in a statement on March 11.

And though the Government this year further lowered the excise tax rate on gasoline and diesel from 20 per cent to 10 per cent - which should have resulted in major savings at the pump – global events have sent the prices up, with gas now retailing as high as $246 per litre of gasoline.

In 2021, the Government had also announced several reductions to shipping-related charges to the tune of $4.8 billion in order to bring relief to citizens and businesses.

Tucker explained that these interventions have been effective but as cost of living continues to skyrocket, more intervention is needed.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Timothy Tucker

“The interventions that they have taken so far, even though the regular person would say they haven’t seen and that the price still went up, I can assure you that if it wasn’t for some of those interventions the prices would have been a lot higher than we have seen…it has really helped in keeping the price rise marginally,” he explained.

Removal of income tax, fuel excise tax & introduction of relief grants

However, the GCCI Head believes those in authority should explore the possibility of removing altogether income taxes and the excise taxes on fuel – even if just temporarily – until the cost of living stabilises.

“The Government may need to step in…we definitely think that they may need to remove entirely the taxes on fuel…we think that there are some other moves that may need to be made…you have shipping costs rising again…,” Tucker explained.

“Either give us a cash grant or they [the Government] can actually waiver income tax or something for a period of time… or reduce the income tax rate on employees for a period of time. Either one can be done and we would welcome something like that,” he added.

These points were also supported by the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Paul Cheong who told this publication that “definitely something needs to be done”.

Cheong reasoned that there are a number of possibilities that will need to be examined by the authorities such as the removal or reduction of taxes as well as the introduction of relief grants.

“To allow for more disposable income so people can carry out their activities as per normal and not be affected so much…you can increase wages, you can give other subsidies…,” the PSC Head expressed.

Increase in wages

When asked about the possibility of the companies increasing the sala-

Private Sector Commission Chairman Paul Cheong

ries of their workers during this time, the GCCI Head reminded that the Private Sector has already agreed to the hike in the national minimum wage from $44,200 to $60,000.

On March 10, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton had told this publication that he is still awaiting the approval of Cabinet in order to give effect to the pay hike.

Though the Minister had previously explained that this increase would only affect about 10 per cent of Private Sector workers, there have been mounting calls for this change in the pay scale to be implemented – the most recent being issued by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

TURN TO PAGE 9

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 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

Mental health

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here has been much discussion locally about the mental health of citizens. While the topic was categorised as ‘taboo’ in many cultures, it came to the fore as the COVID-19 pandemic took centre stage. It is well known that the pandemic has taken a severe toll on the mental well-being of persons all over the world.

For example, the initial challenge of dealing with the lockdown measures, or the fear of being infected with the virus, or having to deal with the death of a loved one has caused tremendous stress and anxiety on many. All of this is added to the economic pressures that are brought on due to persons not being able to go out and work to support themselves and families.

Due to the lack of resources, many countries are unable to mount the kind of response that is needed to address the mental health challenges of their populations, or many are forced to scale back the level of response needed due to other areas competing for scarce resources.

According to a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) survey, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93 per cent of countries worldwide, while the demand for mental health services is increasing.

A survey of 130 countries provides the first global data showing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health services, and underscores the urgent need for increased funding.

The survey was published ahead of WHO’s Big Event for Mental Health, a global online advocacy event on October 10 that will bring together world leaders, celebrities, and advocates to call for increased mental health investments in the wake of COVID-19.

According to WHO, the survey was conducted from June to August 2020 among 130 countries across WHO’s six regions.

It evaluates how the provision of mental, neurological, and substance use services has changed due to COVID-19, the types of services that have been disrupted, and how countries are adapting to overcome these challenges.

It was reported that over 60 per cent of countries reported disruptions to mental health services for vulnerable people, including children and adolescents (72 per cent); older adults (70 per cent), and women requiring antenatal or postnatal services (61 per cent).

More than a third (35 per cent) reported disruptions to emergency interventions, including those for people experiencing prolonged seizures; severe substance use withdrawal syndromes; and delirium, often a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

Additionally, 30 per cent reported disruptions to access for medications for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders.

Around three-quarters reported at least partial disruptions to school and workplace mental health services (78 per cent and 75 per cent respectively).

WHO had previously highlighted the chronic underfunding of mental health. The Organisation had pointed out that prior to the pandemic, countries were spending less than two per cent of their national health budgets on mental health, and were struggling to meet their populations’ needs.

The pandemic is increasing demand for mental health services; for example, bereavement, isolation, loss of income, and fear are triggering mental health conditions, or exacerbating existing ones.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 itself can lead to neurological and mental complications, such as delirium, agitation, and stroke.

People with pre-existing mental, neurological, or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. They may stand a higher risk of severe outcomes, and even death.

WHO has issued guidance to countries on how to maintain essential services, including mental health services, during COVID-19, and recommends that countries allocate resources to mental health as an integral component of their response and recovery plans. The Organisation has also urged countries to monitor changes and disruptions in services, so that they can address them as required.

It should be pointed out that although 89 per cent of countries reported in the survey that mental health and psychosocial support are part of their national COVID-19 response plans, only 17 per cent of those countries have full additional funding for covering these activities. This all highlights the need for more money for mental health. Spending two per cent of national health budgets on mental health is not enough, according to WHO. As stated by WHO, those who do invest in mental health would reap rewards. Pre-COVID-19 estimates reveal that nearly US$1 trillion in economic productivity is lost annually from depression and anxiety alone. However, studies show that every US$1 spent on evidence-based care for depression and anxiety returns US$5.

A 'falla' is pictured ahead of the Fallas festival in Valencia, Spain. The fallas, gigantic cardboard structures that portray current events and celebrities in which individual figures or ninots are placed, are burned in the streets of Valencia on March 19 as a tribute to San Jose (Saint Joseph), patron saint of the carpenters' guild (AFP photo)

Climate change will fuel greater displacement What can we do to reverse the trend?

By Alexandra Bilak

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or the first time, there is high confidence among scientists that the impacts of climate change are increasingly driving displacement in all regions of the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest report, published on February 28, recognises that climate change is one of several multi-dimensional factors contributing to forced movement today, and that “peace and mobility” are at significant risk from its effects.

Without global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and better adapt to the effects of climate change, say the authors, the number of people displaced will grow in the coming decades.

The past several years have been some of the warmest on record, with above-average rainfall, unusually active storm seasons and devastating wildfires.

The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), whose data and analysis feature in the report, measured 30 million displacements triggered by extreme weather in 2020. In recent weeks, thousands of families have been uprooted as Brazil suffered catastrophic flash flooding and landslides, and Madagascar was hit by four tropical storms in as many weeks. Climate change will make natural events such as these more frequent and more intense in the future.

Some people are able to return home after a short time to recover and rebuild, others remain displaced for months or years, or never return home at all. Two years after Cyclone Idai struck

Mozambique, for example, more than 120,000 people are still homeless. While most stay within their countries and don’t cross a border, the impacts of climate change touch every region, so it is a global challenge that must be addressed collectively.

The most vulnerable can become trapped in a vicious cycle whereby the effects of climate change erode resilience to withstand natural hazards or environmental stressors, pushing people into displacement, which further amplifies their vulnerability.

Responding to these risks will not only require concerted efforts to reduce emissions and limit global warming, but also sustainable investments in the countries most affected to help prevent and respond to displacement in the face of a changing climate.

Fragile or developing states, which have often contributed the least to global warming, bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change, so it is right that they are financially supported. Industrialised countries must honour their promise to provide US$100 billion annually to support mitigation and adaptation measures in developing countries, a commitment that is yet to materialise. While the costs of displacement are not explicitly accounted for, a fund to cover “loss and damage” failed to garner sufficient support and Scotland was the only nation at last year’s COP26 in Glasgow to pledge anything towards compensation.

Greater commitments must be made across the board at the upcoming COP27 in Egypt, and the world will be watching.

With flexible and predictable investment, local, adaptive and sustainable measures can be developed.

Urban planning, land reform, resilient infrastructure, disaster defences and early warning systems, for instance, can all help to reduce vulnerability and avoid loss of homes, livelihoods, and lives.

Identifying alternative means of making a living that are not reliant on the land could prevent future forced migration ,but when disasters or climate impacts render a place unsafe or unhabitable, planned relocation or resettlement may be the only suitable options. A 2021 report commissioned by the Platform on Disaster Displacement found that planned relocation is a global phenomenon occurring in all regions of the world. Multiple hazards and diverse drivers prompt decisions to relocate, according to the report, but around two-thirds of cases surveyed were linked to climate-related hazards.

Given present trends in sea-level rise, the number of communities requiring assisted relocation or resettlement to another country will grow significantly in the years to come. These approaches must include participation from the people at risk and be led by strong local governance. In a world made more isolated by the COVID-19 pandemic, investment in locally-owned solutions will be more important than ever.

The world is waking up to the threat of climate change for the planet, but the challenges of human mobility in this context require far great-

er global attention if years of hard-won development progress are not to be lost. To build a strong case, we need a strong evidence base. IDMC, for our part, will continue to monitor the phenomenon and highlight best practices around the world. I also use this opportunity to call for a dedicated IPCC report on the link between climate change, forced migration, and displacement. A scientific investigation into how climate change interacts with other social, economic, and political factors to influence human mobility is necessary to lay the foundations of effective action and sustainable investment.

Solutions exist, but more reliable and robust data is needed to focus our actions.

The number of people forced to flee; their conditions, needs and aspirations; the duration and severity of their displacement and the risk of future forced movement must all be better quantified so that Governments and the international community can plan and respond accordingly.

As we look ahead to COP27 later in the year, when leaders will be given a final chance to act before it’s too late, we hope that this report inspires urgent, renewed commitment. As the authors conclude: “The scientific evidence is unequivocal: climate change is a threat to human well-being and the health of the planet. Any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future.” (Al Jazeera) Alexandra Bilak is the Director of Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

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

800 Guyanese get house lots, a success of housing programme Dear Editor, The news within the housing sector is getting better almost daily. I mean it is so exciting to read that “Some 800 Guyanese on Friday became owners of house lots as the Housing Ministry, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), held its first “Dream Realised” housing drive for this year”. This housing drive is exponential, and, for sure, quite unprecedented. This latest burst of house lots for Guyanese was held at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara, and this phase fell within the Grove/ Diamond Block-1 Housing Development and were al-

located to moderate, middle, and high-income citizens.

So, what a relief for so many Guyanese. In fact, I was perusing that some “1000 affordable wooden houses are to be constructed,” and the Government will be constructing them utilising 100 per cent local wood, as part of its efforts to provide affordable homes to Guyanese. This was just before the Grove/ Diamond Block-1 exercise.

Now, just imagine what all of this homeownership translates to in a few years from now! So let me make some important comments in this regard.

First, we can start to believe in the Government, if doubts were still lingering.

At the onset of its current five-year tenure, the promise was to provide 50,000 house lots by 2025, and so far, so good. This year is likely to be a bumper one where this all-important sector is concerned, as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government has allocated $12.4 billion for further development herein.

According to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, “… the allocation would continue infrastructure works in housing areas and includes upgrading of 45.5 km of roads in 31 existing housing schemes in all of the Regions except 7 and 8”.

He added, “Additionally,

the allocation is intended for the construction of drains, structures and the installation of LED street lamps in the various housing settlements”. In other words, it is not just about putting up a house, but building the requisite infrastructure.

Secondly, under the ongoing construction of homes initiative, the Ministry of Housing and Water’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is constructing a total of 350 two-bedroom elevated homes in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown; 100 two-bedroom flat units in Prospect, East Bank Demerara; 100 two-bedroom flat units in Williamsburg, Region Six;

and 40 two-bedroom elevated units in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10.

I remind our people that in 2021, a total of 10,063 house lots were allocated to Guyanese, while some 1266 Land Titles and Transports were distributed. This, as we all know, is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to deliver 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by 2025, and from the evidence of accomplishment so far, the promise is as good as realised.

So, there is no way one can even begin to have any “hang-ups” whatsoever, when it comes to the nation’s drive towards accelerating the housing programme, through the

allocation of funds, lands and the construction of low, moderate and young professional homes for Guyanese. I do recall that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government promised to deliver 50,000 house lots, and last year it handed out some 10,000 lots across the country.

This year, it aiming to distribute another 15,000 house lots.

I remind all that homeownership correlates to higher educational achievement, civic engagement, better health and happiness, and lower crime…overall, a better country.

Yours truly, H Singh

March memories Cecil Kennard was truly extraordinary

Dear Editor, We the people of Guyana should be happy that we were eventually able to manage our own internal affairs and peacefully resolve the political impasse that we encountered during the last elections. Yes, our allies did have a strong voice and hand in the matter, but at the end of the day it was the will of the Guyanese people, the patience, conscience and love of country of our elected leaders that resulted in a peaceful ending of the political conflict.

We Guyanese know how headstrong we can be, especially when emotions are running high, but we also know that as the voice of reason becomes clearer, we listen and seek understanding. It is understanding and the embracing of it that allowed us to peacefully resolve our internal affairs as an independent and sovereign nation.

Quarrel with each other today, but listen to each oth-

er tomorrow when everyone has calmed down. This is the blessing of the Guyanese way. The seeking of understanding has and will continue to serve us well. For this reason, I reflect on what we were able to overcome together as a people and thank all parties involved for taking the actions which they had to take during that difficult moment in our history. Sometimes there are experiences that we must pass through together as a nation to strengthen our sovereignty and democracy. We have all learnt and grown from the experience. Let the next elections be an opportunity to illustrate to the world that Guyana has matured politically, is capable of peacefully managing its internal affairs, and has strengthened its democracy and democratic process since the last elections.

Sincerely, Jamil Changlee

Dear Editor, As we should all be aware by now, Former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Cecil Kennard passed away on Saturday morning. I write to pay tribute to a kind soul, an indulgent heart, and a disciplined mind — one of the most gracious people to walk the earth - Justice Cecil Kennard.

Kennard was truly extraordinary. So was our long friendship. He held a very important and valued position being the Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary, but he was a man who never allowed status and power to overcome his soul and personality. He walked with queens, kings, and various Presidents but he never forgot his common touch with

his family, friends, or the ordinary folk.

He owned a horse racing club in Berbice and would host horse races for the residents. Due to his caring nature of holding concern for the poor who are unable to afford luxuries or simple forms of enjoyment, he would host the annual Boxing Day, Emancipation Day and Independence Day horse racing meet. He does not benefit financially from this club, he did it simply for the greater good and for the satisfaction of the poor.

I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to his family. He was a wise and well-educated man, who never walked without confidence and certainty. Society has lost a great son of the

soil. Guyana has lost a remarkable person; he made our country proud with his exemplary conduct and diligence. He is a legal luminary of great stature and, I am honoured to have shared a long relationship with him.

He is very kind, loving, and caring.

He made a tremendous mark on Guyana’s legal system and jurisprudence. He served for many years in very important capacities of the law. He has positively impacted the criminal justice system in Guyana.

And that’s how Cecil Kennard became the greatest Chancellor of our time.

He did it by hewing to principle, yes, but also by seek-

ing compromise and common cause—not through law-making and horse racing alone, but through friendship, kindness, and humour.

We do not weep for him today because of the prestige attached to his name or his office. We weep because we loved this kind and tender hero who persevered through pain and tragedy— not for the sake of ambition or vanity; not for wealth or power; but only for the people and the country that he loved. May God bless Cecil, and may he rest in eternal peace.

Yours truly, Nazar Mohamed (Shell)

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

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Foundation ◄ Question 1

By Martin Carter

In this fun and easy ecology science experiment, we’re going to make a paper straw.

Paper Scissors Tape Ruler

Materials:

Instructions:

Monday’s answers 1ai) The number of red tomatoes = the total – the green tomatoes = 40 – 18 = 22 1aii) The fraction of tomatoes that are red = the number that are red the total = 22/40 Reduce to lowest possible numbers = 11/20 1bi) The ratio of red to tomatoes to green tomatoes = the number of red toma toes : the number of tomatoes = 22:18 1bii) The ratio 22:18 in its simplest form is 11:9

Cut a strip of paper 2 inches by 10 inches.

Holding down a corner of the strip of paper, start rolling the paper up in a diagonal direction so that it begins forming a cylinder.

Once the strip is rolled up, tape the ends to hold the paper in the straw shape.

If I wanted I could make pictures of night the map of stars above the mass of water the mass of water underneath the stars the beauty of my beloved like a flower bringing dawn light into dark.

Yes, if I wanted I could close my eyes right now and bring these things like life into my brain. but new are these times and no matter where I turn like fierce revolt goes with me like a kiss the revolt of Malaya and Vietnam the revolt of India and Africa like guardian. like guardian at my side is the fight for freedom and like the whole world dancing for liberation from the slave maker shines the beauty of my darling in her laughing eyes

How it works:

A straw is an example of a single use plastic.

These types of disposable plastics can be damaging to the environment. In this simple experiment, we made a straw out of paper which is a more sustainable material.

Make this a science project:

Consider other examples of single-use plastics and explore creating sustainable replacements. (sciencefun.org)

“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have” – Thomas Jefferson

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Continuous Registration exercise

GECOM to meet APNU/AFC today …vaccination requirement for registering may be removed

the registration process is conducted in all regions “to the full satisfaction of applicants”.

Moreover, the PNC posited that the beginning of the Continuous Registration ex-

2020 General and Regional Elections. In 2019, acting Chief Justice Roxane George had ruled that the Houseto-House Registration exercise that was being conducted was not unconstitutional.

However, she cautioned that existing registrants cannot be deleted from the voters’ list unless certain criteria are met as provided by law—such as death.

The then controversial House-to-House Registration, which began in July 2019, came to an end on August 31 following the court’s ruling.

The PNC – which is still pushing for a House-toHouse Registration exercise – has since advised that “first-time applicants during the 2019 House-to-House Registration have to now reapply from scratch.”

Meanwhile, another is-

ercise will not thwart its efforts to ensure a clean voters’ list for the next Local Government Elections (LGE) as well as General and Regional Elections.

However, Commissioner Shadick reasoned that from all appearances, the PNC’s demands are not backed by law.

“They are on a mission to have a new voters’ list, new in the sense that you must throw away everything else and start from house-tohouse…our law doesn’t allow that and at all times, GECOM follows the law…up to now the law is, that we do Continuous Registration,” Shadick contended.

The last time GECOM conducted Continuous Registration was in 2019, in preparation for the March

sue which was raised by the PNC was the COVID vaccination requirement for persons to register during the Continuous Registration exercise.

GECOM has since issued a statement announcing that persons between the ages of 14 and 17, who are unvaccinated but want to obtain their national identification card, can do so.

However, the COVID vaccine requirement remained in place for persons 18 and above. “With specific reference to the provision that requires persons 18 years old and over must be fully vaccinated in order to visit any GECOM registration office to conduct registration transactions, the Commission will deliberate on this matter at its next

Government-nominated Commissioner Bibi Shadick

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he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is slated to meet with representatives of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition today to address their concerns regarding the Continuous Registration exercise which resumed on March 7.

Government-nominated Commissioner Bibi Shadick told Guyana Times that the APNU/AFC wrote a letter to GECOM requesting the meeting.

“The letter was a very short one, just to say they want to meet to discuss concerns about the current registration exercise,” she told this publication during a telephone interview.

It is unclear who will be representing the APNU/AFC Opposition at the meeting but GECOM’s Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh; Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud as well as the Commissioners are expected to be present.

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the largest political grouping in the APNU/AFC coalition – has already publicly expressed concerns regarding the Continuous Registration exercise.

While the PNC has encouraged all eligible Guyanese to participate in the exercise, the party said it expects GECOM to ensure

statutory meeting, to determine a conclusive approach regarding this category of unvaccinated persons who may wish to conduct registration transactions,” the Elections Commission had contended in a statement issued on March 11.

The Commission’s next statutory meeting is today and when asked if this topic will come up for deliberation, Shadick explained that it may not be necessary in keeping with the Guyana Government’s announcement of its intention to fully reopen the economy.

Over the weekend, it was announced that the National COVID-19 Task Force is working on lifting the emergency measures that were put in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus and that the official order is expected to be signed

by President Dr Irfaan Ali in a matter of days.

Guyana first implemented the host of COVID-19 measures shortly after the first case was detected in the country on March 11, 2020.

Over the past two years, these restrictions have been

amended – strengthened as well as partially removed – in order to fit the situation of the pandemic in Guyana.

One of the existing requirements is the need for persons to be vaccinated to enter certain public spaces or access certain services.

While shying away from commenting on the constitutionality of the vaccine requirement for registration, Shadick explained that the rule was put in place in keeping with the national COVID guidelines.

“We were scheduled to deliberate [on the removal of the requirement] but I’ve just been reading that the President has passed instructions that the country must be fully opened so I have no doubt…because what we did was follow the COVID guidelines…but if [the country] will be opened up, it might not be necessary,” she explained.

“I strongly suspect that we wouldn’t have to [keep the vaccine requirement] because I’m aware that there are many places where people go and they would no longer have to show any

COVID [vaccine] card,” she added.

Any person, who will be 14 years or older by October 31, 2022, and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, or naturalisation or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more can apply for registration, provided that he or she was never registered before.

They are required to visit the GECOM registration office responsible for their area of residence with the relevant source documents: original birth certificate, valid passport, adoption certificate or naturalisation certificate in the case of new registration.

For change of name, the original marriage certificate or deed poll with birth certificate is required.

Existing registrants, who are desirous of updating their records, such as a request to correct or change their names, date of birth, occupation or update their addresses are advised that those transactions would also be facilitated during this exercise.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Marcus Bisram to know fate today

…as CCJ set to rule on legality of DPP’s order for him to face murder trial

Marcus Bisram

M

urder accused Marcus Bisram will know his fate this afternoon when the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s court of final resort, delivers its decision in his appeal challenging the powers vested in the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act. This statute empowers the DPP to direct the committal of a murder accused for trial even though the Magistrate may have found there was no prima facie case to do so. Bisram is challenging a ruling by the Guyana Court of Appeal which overturned a High Court ruling quashing an order made by the DPP for him to stand trial for the 2016 murder of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt, a father of two.

Bisram was charged with murder on the basis that he counselled and procured the death of Narinedatt. On two occasions, Magistrate Renita Singh, who conducted a Preliminary Inquiry (PI), found that there was not sufficient evidence to commit Bisram to stand trial for the capital offence, and accordingly, she discharged him.

The Magistrate, nevertheless, committed him to stand trial on the direction of the DPP, Shalimar AliHack, SC. Bisram then filed judicial review proceedings, challenging the DPP’s directive. High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall, having reviewed those proceedings, quashed the decisions of the DPP and the Magistrate.

Justice Morris-Ramlall ruled that the DPP acted unlawfully, as there was not sufficient evidence against Bisram to warrant his committal. The DPP then appealed Justice Morris-Ramlall’s decision to the Court of Appeal which set aside the Judge’s decision after finding that the DPP’s directive was lawful. Bisram was granted special leave to appeal the decision of the Appeal Court to the CCJ.

Unconstitutional

The power of the DPP to direct a committal was the focal point of argu-

ments presented before the CCJ, with Bisram’s lawyer, Darshan Ramdhani, QC, urging the regional court to strike down as being unconstitutional Section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act. Apart from arguing that the DPP’s directive to the Magistrate amounts to judicial interference which violates the doctrine of the separation of powers, he contended that her directive is also unlawful because it violates Article 122 A of the Constitution and infringes on his client’s right to a fair trial within a reasonable time guaranteed under144 (1) of the Constitution.

Prima facie case

The DPP, however, submitted that as a constitutional office holder, she was merely exercising a quasi-judicial function when

she directed the Magistrate to commit Bisram. She argued: “That direction itself does not affect any judicial powers. I say this because the PI is only a stage in the trial. When the DPP directs the Magistrate to reopen and to commit, who hears those matters? It goes before a Judge and jury. The DPP has no control over what decision the Judge… or jury makes.”

According to Ali-Hack, the powers vested in her pursuant to Section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act are just a matter of convenience to expedite the charge and do not in any way collide with Articles 122 A and 144 of the Constitution.

While noting that the evidence against Bisram established a prima facie case, the DPP said that any reasonable jury, if properly directed, might convict.

The DPP argued that the Magistrate in Bisram’s case was assessing the credibility of the prosecution’s main witness, Chaman Chunilall.

But this, she pointed out, is “strictly” a duty for the jury, noting that the Magistrate’s only task is to assess whether the evidence is sufficient and admissible. Considering this, Ali-Hack submitted that Chunilall’s evidence is admissible, that her directive to the Magistrate was lawful, and that there is noth-

It’s not over…

Y Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

ing unconstitutional about Section 72.

Very incongruous

But CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders expressed that he found

it very “incongruous” that some other authority other than the appellate court is vested with the power to direct a court.

He asked the DPP, “In this day and age, does it sit comfortably with you that an authority, even if that authority is not considered to be part of the Executive, but an authority which is not a Court of Appeal, is not a part of the core Judiciary, can actually direct a court as to how it must dispose of a matter before that court… doesn’t that strike you as being incongruous?”

“Whether the DPP is or is not a member of the Executive, to me, it does not detract from the fact whether a court ought not to be directed by some other authority other than a Court of Appeal; only a Court of Appeal can direct a court. It is very incongruous if someone is invested with a power to direct a court,” he added.

The DPP agreed with Justice Saunders’s point that Article 122 A is intended to secure the court’s financial and administrative independence, and, therefore, ensures that “no one can direct a court how it must decide cases”.

For his part, CCJ Justice Jacob Witt described the provisions in Section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act as a “really remarkable concept”.

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt

He said that he does not know of any legal system in which the DPP is empowered to direct a Magistrate.

“I also wonder, if that is the case, why, in the first place, do we have the committal procedure? Why

is it necessary that the Magistrate should commit, because if he doesn’t, then you [DPP] can tell them to do it anyway,” he said to the DPP. Meanwhile, CCJ Justice Denys Barrow said the statute is unfortunately framed in a way “where it seems as though the DPP is telling the Magistrate what to do”.

He said that the Belize law regarding indictable matters allows the DPP to ask the Magistrate to send the depositions to him/her, or a High Court Judge and the Judge would then examine the depositions upon the DPP’s request to commit an accused.

Justice Barrow opined that the Guyanese legislation did not intend for the DPP to be a Judge over, or to interfere with, the judicial functions of the Magistrate, but rather to take the process to another tribunal for determination.

Modify law

In the end, the CCJ said it would engage the DPP and Bisram’s lawyer on a possible modification of Section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, which would allow the DPP to ask a High Court Judge to review the depositions from a PI and exercise his/her independent discretion on whether to direct a committal or not.

TURN TO PAGE 10

…till the last ball’s bowled ou, Dear Readers, would know your Eyewitness is a cricket tragic. So, it couldn’t have been easy to keep focus on this critical aspect of his life nowadays, could it? What with the COVID pandemic driving away all international games from our shores for the last two years, the “boys” in Maroon struggling to field a team that’s not even a shadow of their glory years, and WI seemingly locked in a long-term transition, many would be throwing up their hands to the sky!!

But out of the Stygian darkness came news that the CPL season is nigh upon us and we may be getting the semis and finals at Providence!! Lord, have mercy!! Talk about being thrown a lifeline!! Now this is only a POSSIBILITY right now ‘cause the Government and the CPL brain trust have to straighten out those pesky contract details. But like he just said, he’s a true believer!! When the possibility of cricket returning with the Guyana Amazon Warriors is on the table, your Eyewitness has absolute confidence that our Government will come through! After all, if those small islands can snag those prime games when they’re spiralling out of control on the economic front, what about us, with our oil money finally coming down the pike!?

Point of the matter, Dear Readers, Warriors cricket is just what the doctor ordered for our people! Not just because of the COVID lockdown that had everyone else in the Caribbean under wraps, but because of the tensions generated by the PNC during the five months when they tried to rig our elections. That wasn’t just nasty when our dirty linen (including stained bedsheets!) were hung in public – especially before our Caricom brothers and sisters – but jeez, it caused such severe strains on our famous Guyanese bonhomie.

So, we desperately need something to remind us that beneath all the sturm and drang (meaning “stink and dutty mess”!) of politics, we really ARE one people with the same gusto for life. And what brings that out better than Warriors cricket at Providence Stadium?? Have you seen pictures of us Guyanese cheering on our “boys”?? Warriors Cricket proves that while our bonds might sometimes be strained by those politicians around election time, they’re never snapped.

So, let’s put some pressure on the powers-that-be to ensure that one of those “small islands” don’t steal our thunder once again. If we’re now on the radar of the big powers because of our oil, we must ensure we’re on the radar of the cricketing world with our Warriors Cricket played at home!!

Let this be the year we go ALL THE WAY!! Go Warriors at Providence!! …till Granger goes As your Eyewitness has been going on ad nauseum, (that is, until you want to scream, “Enough, yet!!!”) we need a fit and proper Opposition. Let’s face it…power corrupts and you know what they say about “absolute power”. And if you don’t, just ask anyone who lived through the “Burnham days”! You gotta keep those in power on their toes. After all, wasn’t it some big political guru who said that if men were angels, we wouldn’t need Governments?? And even then, look what one angel named Lucifer tried to do!!

So, your Eyewitness wants to know when will the PNC develop the cojones to get to the root of the demeaning impasse. Which is that fella who earned the sobriquet “Sanctimonious Gangster” from his then peers in the Caribbean. If they hadn’t been so kind, they would’ve said “Mealy-mouthed Gangster”!! Unlike the Mafia who preferred “Let’s go to the mattresses”, Our gangster preferred “Let’s go to the Courts”.

That’s where he should be taken!! …till it’s over And that’s what the Ukrainians must be saying.

Everyone and their armchair generals insisted that Putin would’ve swept through the Ukraine like a knife through butter.

What say they now? It ain’t over till the fat lady sings!!

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

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

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt officially removes COVID-19 restrictions …presenting vaccination proof, wearing mask no longer mandatory but encouraged

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overnment on Monday evening officially announced that numerous changes were made to the COVID-19 regulations, paving the way for several of the restrictions to be lifted.

In the new gazette

order - Public Health (Coronavirus) (No 3) Regulations 2022 – it is stated that wearing a face mask is no longer mandatory but encouraged when in public; proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter public buildings and the

COVID-19 restrictions on social activities and gatherings were removed.

The new gazette order also states that employers are still required to ensure that COVID-19 guidelines are in place to reduce transmission of the virus among

Adjustments to income tax...

FITUG had expressed, “given the hikes in the cost of living, most recently evidenced by the substantial hike in the cost of fuel, there is no justification to continue to perpetuate denial of the improvement. We urge, at this time, that the procrastination be brought to an end and our nation’s workers receive the deserving hike in the national minimum wage.”

Incentives

Weighing in on this discussion, Tucker cautioned that raising workers’ salaries too high can trigger inflation but he recommended the introduction of incentives by companies to help employees during this time.

“I would like to recommend to the regular Private Sector in looking at incentives or special incentives to aid or to help cushion their employees’ travel or things like that…cognisant of the fact that if we raise our wages too high, then that by itself will help push inflation up because of the more disposable income,” the GCCI Head expressed.

Notwithstanding, Tucker explained that wages and salaries paid have tremendously increased over the years and he indicated that this will continue to occur based on the law of supply and demand.

“If you ask everybody in the Private Sector, they are struggling at this moment to merely keep the staff that they currently have based on the fact that there is such a demand and a shortage of the labour force…so the supply and demand issues in terms of wage increase is very well there and is forcing wages up…what somebody would have paid a clerk five years ago, they are paying almost double that at the moment and that is without a Government intervention in the minimum wage,” the GCCI Head explained.

Not unique

Meanwhile, Tucker reminded that it is important to understand that the rise in cost of living is not unique to Guyana but in fact, is affecting countries and citizens all across the globe.

“We need to understand that this is not something that is unique to Guyana.

This is something that is being felt by every country around the world and it is a direct impact of the pandemic and a direct impact of a major war…and so, we have to embrace and accept and find ways in which we can work together and keep the costs down and of course, still survive,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, the PSC Chairman explained that its Trade and Investment SubCommittee will be meeting on Thursday to discuss the matter of the rising cost of living, after which, they will seek an audience with the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, to discuss what can be done to bring relief to the population.

Assistance

President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a press conference on March 6, emphasised that the Government is not turning a blind eye to the rise in cost of living. According to him, it is a matter that is being addressed on multiple fronts, which includes addressing input cost and issues at the consumer and market levels.

“One is that we set aside $5 billion in the budget for cost of living adjustment.

We have to finalise the programme and the consultation has started on that.

Secondly, we have to find a way in terms of economies of scale for example with the purchase of fertiliser, because one of the other major problems we have is the drought of the Demerara River. So, instead of one 30,000 tonne ship coming in, you can only have 7000 tonnes. So, we have an added problem in terms of transportation,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

FROM PAGE 3

Since taking office in 2020, the Ali-led Administration has introduced several measures to put more disposable income in the pockets of Guyanese.

From the onset, Value Added Tax (VAT) was removed from water and electricity. There has also been the increase in old-age pension and public assistance, putting $2.3 billion and $432 million respectively into the pockets of Guyanese.

Additionally, the PPP/C Government reinstated the “Because we Care” cash grant and school uniform cash grant which stands at $30,000 per child in both public and private schools.

In addition, a $25,000 per household cash grant was rolled out to assist families struggling during the pandemic.

Moreover, the Government had announced a one-off cash grant of $25,000 to all pensioners where almost 65,000 persons benefitted; this measure placed a total of $1.6 billion in disposable income into the hands of the elderly population.

A one-off grant of $25,000 was also given to all public assistance recipients and persons living with disabilities. This grant benefited about 25,000 persons, and placed more than $600 million in additional disposable income in their hands.

Furthermore, a onemonth free electricity for households consuming not more than 75 kilowatt per hour a month was announced – a measure that was intended to benefit some 40,000 households.

In total, these measures provided $2.6 billion worth of additional support to vulnerable groups.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

workers in offices, adding that officers and places of business must ensure that handwashing stations and sanitising equipment are at the entrances. This requirement is also encouraged for places of worship.

With respect to persons testing positive for the virus, the order states that they were required to isolate and follow the quarantine requirements. The order states: “Any person who has tested positive for coronavirus or identified for quarantine shall (a) comply with all applicable directions given and requirements imposed by the Health Emergency Operations Centre, including home isolation or quarantine or placement in an isolation or quarantine facility; (b) provide information

to the Health Emergency Operations Centre about any individual with whom the person may have had contact with, at least fourteen days before testing positive for coronavirus; and (c) not knowingly expose themselves, without proper and necessary precautions against spreading the coronavirus, in any public place or to any person.”

With respect to travel, the new order states that “all operators and passengers of any land, water or air transport shall comply with any port health measures issued by the Board or any measures issued by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority or any other competent authority.”

On Sunday, it was announced that with the aim

of moving towards full reopening, the Government, through the National COVID-19 Task Force, was working to lift the emergency measures.

Guyana first implemented the host of COVID-19 measures shortly after the first case was detected in the country on March 11, 2020.

Over the past two years, these restrictions have been amended – strengthened as well as partially removed – in order to fit the situation of the pandemic in Guyana.

On Monday, it was reported that a 75-year-old man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) was Guyana’s 1225th death from the novel coronavirus. Confirmed cases have reached 64,147 since March 2020.

Also on Monday, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall said while steps are being taken to remove all COVID-19 restrictions, continuous vaccination and regular sanitisation practices will remain enforced.

During an interview with DPI on Monday, AG Nandlall said the new guidelines which take effect from Monday, March 14, is the first step towards Guyana regaining normalcy.

Only recently, Caricom (Caribbean Community) Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett had opined that in the region’s post-pandemic economic recovery, it does not make sense to remain closed.

A number of jurisdictions and territories have already reopened.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Inadequate critical staff hampering work of Education Ministry – PS

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he Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday heard that a shortfall in critical staffers at the Education Ministry has been hampering the operation at the Education Ministry, particularly in the area of storage management.

While scrutinising the Auditor General’s report for the years 2017 and 2018, it was revealed that in 110 instances, assets purchased by the Ministry at a value of $100.9 million were not recorded in the permanent storage ledger – a breach in the storage regulation.

While 100 per cent of it has since been recorded, Permanent Secretary Alfred King told the Ministry that due to the large volume of assets purchased and distributed by the Ministry, it requires a larger complement of staffers.

“By volume, one day alone, we can be taking in and distributing books in thousands and at the same time, issuing equipment and other things to the institutions… A check will show us that maybe if we get seven staff in critical areas – finance, procurement and storage – we would be better able to do justice to the implementation and re-

Education Ministry Permanent Secretary Alfred King

duce half of the queries if not 90 per cent,” he noted.

When asked if the Ministry is adequately staffed to take care of such matters, the PS noted that the storage regulation calls for a deliberate structure for its management and separation of duties.

“All Ministries, including the Ministry of Education, operated makeshift storage systems where there is no dedicated facility for proper storage, stocking, marking and distributing. Very often, the items received by the Ministry of Education is marked on the go and distributed on the

go. The Auditor General observed it…There’s no real separation of storage management and if we expect the implementation of the storage regulation as is, then there must be a structure of storage management, which is not currently practiced,” the PS divulged.

According to the PS, while the Ministry is in deficit of over 100 workers, a few to fill the key positions will significantly improve their operations. He noted that procurement, storage and finance staffers are most critical.

In response, PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueria noted, “We’ll coin that into a recommendation to the FS and to all Ministries. I think that’s a good suggestion.”

PAC Member, Ganesh Mahipaul also questioned the setback behind hiring persons. However, the PS noted that the Public Service Ministry is responsible for identifying areas of weaknesses and satisfying them. He has written the Ministry on this matter in order to effectively discharge their budgetary programme.

“Public service recruitment is not done through the Ministry just like that.

It is initiated by way of recommendation and the Public Service Ministry takes responsibility for authorising, advertising or

filling of those vacancies…

The letter that I wrote is in keeping with the process of the Ministry of Public Service to identify these ar-

eas of weaknesses and the importance to get mainly the budgetary responsibility,” King outlined. (G12)

Murder accused jailed, fined $2M for drug trafficking …currently serving life sentence for attempted murder

Murder accused/attempted murder convict: John Caesar

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man who is currently serving life sentences for attempted murder and armed robbery was on Monday sentenced to four years’ imprisonment along with a fine of $2 million after pleading guilty to trafficking nearly seven pounds of marijuana.

John Caesar, an inmate of Mazaruni Prison, was charged with the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

He appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert and confessed to the crime.

In the end, he was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and fined $2,587,500.

On March 10, prison officials observed Caesar walking around the prison with a five-gallon bottle in his hand. They called out to him, but he ignored them and continued walking. A prison rank caught up with him and enquired about the contents of the bottle he was carrying and he told them that it was water.

The prison officer col-

lected the bottle and escorted Caesar to an office where the bottle was opened in his presence and found to contain a quantity of leaves seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis along with three cellular phones, three cellular phone chargers, 20 packs of cigarettes and an earpiece.

As such, the attempted murder convict was arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station where the illicit drug was weighed in his presence. He was later taken back to the penitentiary pending his appearance before a Magistrate.

In October 2018, Caesar was sentenced to life imprisonment after he was found guilty by a jury of violently robbing businesswoman Dhanwantie Phulchand in an attack at City Mall at Regent and Camp Streets, Georgetown.

He was indicted for two offences, namely attempted murder and robbery under arms committed on Phulchand, the owner of Rishma’s Collection, on July 4, 2009. He was sentenced to life in prison on each of the two charges; the sentences will run concurrently. He will be considered eligible for parole after serving 35 years.

Reports state that the woman was alone in her store inside of the City Mall when a man and a woman walked in and demanded that she hand over money.

When she refused, she was brutally chopped about her body and beaten.

Caesar, formerly of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is also charged with the murder of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) businessman Romel Edison Gomes.

Dead: Romel Edison Gomes

The charge against him states that on March 12, 2018, in the county of Demerara, he murdered Gomes, a former national footballer.

According to reports, on the day Gomes was murdered, Caesar was reportedly one of two persons last seen at his home. The now dead 32-year-old businessman was allegedly heard arguing with Caesar and another man prior to his death.

It was reported that during the argument, a loud explosion was heard and the suspects fled the scene in Gomes’s motor car – PVV 2057 – which was parked in front of his shop. Gomes was discovered in a pool of blood with his hands bound and gagged with a bandana. He was reportedly found with a gunshot wound to his right temple, a laceration on top of his head, and another wound to the neck.

A post-mortem examination later gave his cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head. Following an investigation, Caesar was arrested and prosecuted.(G1)

Marcus Bisram to know...

With the law revised this way, CCJ Judge Peter Jamadar noted that the PI process will “stay within the separation of powers, it stays within the [Judiciary], preserves the independence of the Judiciary, and in terms of the human rights…conforms to the right to a fair hearing by an independent and impartial court.”

Extradited

Bisram was extradited from the United States to Guyana in 2019 to face the murder charge. There was an extended fight in the US courts to block his extradi-

tion.

He was eventually charged and remanded to prison for the murder of Narinedatt of Number 72 Village Corentyne, Berbice.

It is alleged that on the day of the killing, Bisram had a party at his home, which Narinedatt and others attended. Media reports are that Narinedatt went to the yard and was followed by Bisram, who reportedly began “feeling him up.”

It was reported that Narinedatt slapped and chucked Bisram, who allegedly directed his friends to kill him. According to re-

FROM PAGE 8

ports, several men had beaten the carpenter and dumped his body on the Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice road.

It was reported that they then drove over his body at Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice, to make it appear like a vehicular accident.

Five other men: Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob, are currently awaiting trial at the High Court in Berbice for Narinedatt’s murder. They are expected to be arraigned before a Judge today. (G1)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Applications open for teachers’ Horse cart operators allegedly shot by customs officer duty-free concession

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T

he Education Ministry has opened the application process for teachers to apply for duty-free concession for vehicles.

The deadline for submission is April 8, 2022.

Applicants must submit copies of their birth certificate, first and present appointment letters, TIN certificate, and national identification card. These are to be submitted to the Office of the DCEO Development at the Ministry’s Brickdam office.

The form can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website.

There are different criteria for which teachers can benefit. Criterion A includes all Heads or Principals and Deputy Heads or Deputy Principals of Grades ‘A’ and ‘B’ institutions, immediately on appointment with three (3) years remaining before retirement.

Criterion B covers Head Teachers or Administrators of Grades ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’ institutions after three years in their appointment with

three (3) years remaining before retirement.

Criteria C is for all Senior Masters or Mistresses and Heads of Departments of all schools and Lecturer 11 of CPCE, Technical, or Craft Institutions after six years in the same position after their appointment. These persons and must have at least three years remaining before retirement.

In 2019, 300 educators from across the country were selected to benefit from duty-free concessions as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

which was signed between the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Education Ministry. The decision was for concessions to be granted on vehicles up to 1800cc, boats with outboard engines up to 75 horsepower and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) for the hinterland communities.

Initially, the Memorandum of Understanding covered the years 2016 to 2018. The GTU’s initial request was 200 concessions annually but this was reduced by 50 per cent after Cabinet deliberations. (G12)

40-year-old customs officer attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority was arrested on Sunday after he reportedly shot and injured two horse cart operators at Kersaint Park, La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara.

Police stated that on the day in question at about 16:00h, the two horse cart operators went to an empty lot which is situated close to the suspect’s home to cut grass for their animals.

Upon seeing this, the suspect allegedly discharged a loaded 9mm pistol belonging to the Guyana Revenue Authority in the direction of the two men.

As a result, one of the men, 30, received injuries to his right leg while the other, a 36-year-old, sustained injuries to his right foot.

After the shooting in-

cident, both of the victims were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital

by Police where they were admitted and underwent surgeries.

The suspect was subsequently contacted and he handed over his licensed 9mm pistol with 12 matching rounds in the magazine. He was told of the of-

fence and cautioned but he has since accused one of the men of attempting to enter his yard and in retaliation, he discharged the firearm in the air and then in the direction of the men.

He was arrested and taken to the Sparendaam Police Station where he is assisting with investigations.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 15,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

75-year-old new COVID-19 death

…5 in ICU, 3 new cases

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75-year-old man from Region Four has been recorded as Guyana’s 1225th death from the novel coronavirus.

According to the Health Ministry on Monday, the person was partially vaccinated. He died on March 13.

Statistics from the latest dashboard showed that from 276 tests processed, only three persons tested positive. This included one in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), one in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica)

and one in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Confirmed cases have reached 64,147 since the virus was first detected – comprising 29,078 males and 34,069 females.

From 150 active cases, five patients are in the Intensive Care Unit, 13 in institutional isolation and 132 in home isolation.

There are six persons in institutional quarantine.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s recovery is at 61,722, and 552,595 tests have been analysed to

date.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

Government, through the National COVID-19 Task Force, is currently working on lifting the emergency

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD MARCH 14, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

3

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

13 132

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,069

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,078

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,147

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

61,722

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2518

REGION 2

2484

REGION 3

8041

REGION 4

31,217

REGION 5

2373

REGION 6

5731

REGION 7

2422

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

4009

REGION 10

3465

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

435,509 332,602

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1225

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. measures that were put in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Director of the Task Force’s Secretariat, Colonel Nazrul Hussain recently explained that President Dr Irfaan Ali passed the directive on Sunday to have this done at the soonest time possible.

Over the past two years, these restrictions have been amended – strengthened as well as partially removed – in order to fit the situation

of the pandemic in Guyana.

Colonel Hussain pointed out that the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country does not warrant the continued implementation of strict guidelines.

After a spike of 20,000 cases for the month of January, the country’s daily detection of active cases has dropped significantly within recent weeks. On Sunday, only 10 cases were detected.

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 Globally, almost 450.2 million people have tested positive for the virus and six million have died. In the Americas, more than 148.4 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.65 million deaths. (G12)

Machine operator arrested with illegal gun, ammo

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37-year-old machine operator was on Monday taken into custody after he was found with a .32 pistol in his possession at Middle Walk, Ann’s Grove on the East Coast of Demerara.

Based on reports received, Police acting on information went to the area where they found the firearm along with three live rounds of ammunition. The serial number on the firearm was reportedly filed off.

He remains in custody and is assisting with investigations. In 2021, a total of 71 firearms were recovered by the Police. These include 36 pistols, 18 revolvers, and 17 shotguns. For 2021, several firearms have already been seized.

The gun and ammo that were seized by the Police

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman dies by suicide at Brickdam Police Station ...after public quarrel with husband M isfortune struck again at the Brickdam Police Station on Monday morning after a woman died by suicide in the midst of a public and emotional quarrel with her husband and father of her two children.

Dead is 48-year-old Trudy DeHaarte, who was an animal inspector attached to the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and a well-known animal rights activist.

Police Headquarters released a statement explaining that the victim and her husband, who is a taxi driver, were having marital problems and as such, the man had left their East Coast Demerara (ECD) home about a week ago and was living with his father on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD).

At around 08:50h on Monday, the woman confronted the man and their

Trudy DeHaarte’s body on the ground at the Brickdam Police Station

son on Camp and Regent Streets, Georgetown, where she reportedly used an object wrapped in a yellow cloth and struck her husband’s motor car.

As a result, the man drove to the Brickdam Police Station to make a report against his wife. The woman then followed him.

As the husband was waiting

to make a report, the victim stood in front of the station.

The husband then pointed out the woman to an officer who then escorted her into the compound.

The woman walked to the entrance of the Enquiries Office where she took out the object in the yellow cloth, which was concealed in a black plastic bag. The

woman looked at her husband, who was a short distance away, raised the object - which was still concealed in the bag - to her head, and remarked “this is what you want”.

A clicking sound was then heard and the woman fell to the ground. She was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the weapon used by the victim was a stun gun which she had in her possession and used during her job as an animal inspector.

Investigations so far revealed that the woman was a patient at the Psychiatric Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). It is unclear how long she has been a patient there and what her exact condition was.

Unfortunate

At the scene of the incident, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn told the media that the development

Dead: Trudy DeHaarte

was “unfortunate”.

“They are doing forensics and other works and doing the questioning of the related parties and we’ll hear most of it afterward, but it’s a matter for the Police at the moment,” Minister Benn had posited.

The now dead woman’s sister, Emily Clarke told the media that DeHaarte had confided in a family mem-

ber overseas about her marital problems but that relative never believed that the woman would have committed suicide.

“I just called my relatives in Canada and Trinidad and they told me that she complained about some affair that the husband had, so maybe that triggered it,” the sister reasoned.

On October 2, 2021, a significant portion of the Brickdam Police Station was destroyed following a fire at the building. Clarence Green, 26, has since been remanded to prison for the crime. Police Headquarters had said that Green – who was placed in the lock-ups for robbery under arms – confessed to starting the fire. Green reportedly confessed that he took a piece of sponge and wrapped it on a piece of wire which he lit and pushed through a ventilation hole in the cell over to a part that had some documents. (G2)

Staff convicted in fuel racket at Education Ministry yet to repay

I

n a scandal under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, which saw gallons of fuel being stolen from the Education Ministry, the staff that was charged for the offence is yet to repay for the loot.

The Police report was handed over to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday during a meeting to scrutinise the Education Ministry’s fiscal operations for 2017 and 2018. Amid several revelations that were brought to light, Public Works Minister and PAC Member, Juan Edghill called out the

The Public Accounts Committee sitting on Monday

“corrupted” activities that were ongoing.

In 2017, six vehicles

uplifted fuel while not being registered with the Ministry. This amounted

to 4351 litres of diesel at a value of $788,773 from GuyOil’s Regent Street,

Georgetown location. This was followed by three vehicles uplifting fuel in 2018.

“On average, in excess of one ‘45 gallons’ drum was uplifted on each occasion.

We could not determine the basis on which such quantities of fuel were uplifted, and whether it was in the public’s interest,” the AG’s report had outlined.

An employee of the Education Ministry, who was implicated and charged for theft from the entity, is yet to repay for the stolen goods and efforts are now being made to relocate him.

It is understood that an employee facilitated this duplicitous transaction and

after the Police completed their investigation, he appeared before the court.

In 2020, he was found guilty of theft and an arrangement was brokered for the repayment of the cost of fuel stolen.

Yet to pay

Information coming from the Education Ministry on Monday suggested that he did not make any payments. In fact, officials are now trying to locate him. The Ministry told the Committee that a follow-up is now being made by providing an update to authorities.

TURN TO PAGE 14

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 15,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Despite assurances to Govt

Corentyne rice millers reduce paddy prices again …millers now paying $61,000 per tonne

The price of paddy displayed at two rice mills in Berbice

F

ollowing the announcement by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday that rice millers in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) agreed that they would continue to pay farmers $65,000 for a tonne of paddy, millers on Sunday reduced the price to $62,000 per tonne.

On Saturday Mustapha assured rice farmers that they will receive no less than $65,000 per tonne of paddy.

On Monday, farmers told this publication that hours after the Minister had made the announcement, the prices being offered were slashed by at least $3000 per tonne.

The farmers said that none of their paddy is graded as A+, hence, they will only receive a maximum of $61,000 per tonne.

This was confirmed by

notices which millers are required by law to have, which publicly displays the price they are offering to farmers.

Suraj Ishwardiyal, who cultivates 300 acres between Number 65 and 66 Villages, said he received $65,000 per tonne on Sunday but when he took his paddy to Rayaadul Hakh Rice Industries he was offered $61,000 per tonne.

“They dropped the price from $65,000 for $61,000,” he told this publication as he presented documents to verify his claim.

Ishwardiyal added that when he went to the mill, he was expecting to be paid $65,000 per tonne.

“The Minister told us that we will be getting $65,000 per tonne and we held on that.”

He said for the crop he has already sold about 4000

bags of paddy.

Meanwhile, another rice farmer, Yado Hamman, who cultivates 200 acres at Number 64 Village, in explaining his experience and the impact the reduced price is having on him noted that farmers were using this crop to recover from losses they experienced during the last crop.

“We are hoping that the Minister can look into it and see how we can assist us because the Guyana Times has the Minister saying that the millers will hold the price at $65,000 per tonne but now we are getting $61,000 which is putting us on the breadline.”

Former Chairman of 5274 Water Users Association Ahmad Rajab was supposed to commence harvesting last Monday and contacted one miller who promised

him that he would be paid $70,000 per tonne.

However, subsequent rainfall prevented him from harvesting until Friday.

“I think sometime like about Wednesday the millers started offering $65,000 per tonne. I started getting $65,000 and I supplied Nand Persaud and yesterday morning (Sunday) when my driver went there, they told him that the price is $61,000. Prior to that, the Minister had some discussions with us in the Black Bush Polder and he assured us that he had talked to the millers who reassured him that the price will stabilise at $65,000. I am surprised that from Saturday when the Minister spoke with us to yesterday morning what changes took place.”

Farmers had taken to the streets in protest last week after millers slashed the price from $70,000 per tonne to $65,000 per tonne, forcing the intervention of the Agriculture Ministry.

According to Rajab, there are factors that should be explained to farmers which has resulted in the drastic reduction in the price millers are offering farmers for their paddy.

“What is happening with-

A receipt showing the price paid to a rice farmer

in this short period of time for the price to drop like this? If you go into the supermarket the small sack of rice used to sell for $1300 now it is being sold for $2000. Even the by-product we use to buy the cone husk for $200 per bag and it is $800 now. We used to buy a bag of bran for $400 now it is $1200. These are things that need some

answers,” he said.

Meanwhile, one miller who asked to remain anonymous said it is likely that the prices might be further reduced if the price on the world market remains the same. According to the miller, before the end of the crop paddy could be as low as $52,000 per tonne. (G4)

Staff convicted in fuel...

FROM PAGE 13

“He didn’t make any payment…We tried to locate him and moving forward, we will have to report it back to the court that he has not done any of the payment. What the order said is that we were supposed to enter into a reasonable arrangement for payment. We’re still to engage him directly. We sent him a letter and no response,” Permanent Secretary Alfred King told the PAC. PAC Member and Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill inquired if the Ministry followed suit with an internal investigation, given the fact that a seri-

ous breach occurred. In response, it was noted that the transport officer and a driver were interviewed.

Two persons from GuyOil were also questioned.

This publication understands that GuyOil is informed of the vehicles that are authorised to uplift fuel and reconciliation is a monthly activity. While the Chief Accountant had some spearheading capability in this operation, this person was not investigated.

Edghill questioned, “This is not a small matter. In 2017, on 13 instances, more than 45 gallons of fuel was uplifted and it

went to vehicles that didn’t belong to the Ministry. The vehicles did not belong to the Ministry. It’s not one time it happened; 13 times.

Where was the breakdown in the system? Was it at the Ministry or at GuyOil? Even if a man at the Ministry illegally signed an authorisation to collect fuel, based on the arrangement between the Ministry and GuyOil, where was the breakdown of the system?”

He also questioned what systems were put in place to avoid such illegal activities in the future.

In another matter, the Auditor General flagged in his report that some $52.8 million was received by eight schools but it could not be determined whether those deposits were intact due to the absence of key documentation, including bank statements. He furthered that the monies were not fully accounted for in 11 schools.

Upon inquiry into the matter by PAC Member Dharamkumar Seeraj, the Permanent Secretary informed that evidence for reconciliation was submitted to the Auditor General, and the rollout of receipts of deposits are accessible.

(G12)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF Corporal stabbed to death at sister’s wedding

Murdered: Lakan Chatterpaul

A

Corporal attached to the Guyana Defence Force was in the wee hours of Monday stabbed to death during a row over music at his sister’s wedding at Good Hope on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). Dead is 28-year-old Chaves Mangal of Enterprise Gardens, ECD. The fatal stabbing was reportedly committed by four men who were armed with knives and cutlasses.

Based on reports received, on Sunday at about 17:00h, the victim attended the wedding ceremony of his younger sister along with the suspects who were imbibing alcohol.

During the celebration, the deejay reported stopped playing the music, thus re-

sulting in one of the suspects approaching him to enquire the reason for stopping the music. Other celebrants also gathered at the DJ booth.

At that time, one of the suspects attempted to assault the deejay and the Corporal intervened. In retaliation, the suspect whipped out a knife and stabbed Mangal to his upper chest. In addition, another person who was trying to make peace was also stabbed to the left hand and bottles were hurled at him.

Not satisfied, the four men armed themselves with glass bottles and threw them at the building. Mangal, who reportedly lost consciousness, was picked up and taken to the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital where he died a few hours later while receiving medical attention.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old deejay subsequently exited the yard and was confronted by one of the suspects who dealt him one chop to his left hand and relieved him of a laptop computer.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient. The Police have since confessed that one of the perpetrators was arrested about five houses away from where the incident took

place.

Upon his arrest, a search was conducted on his person during which two knives and a pair of scissors were found in his possession. He also claimed that he was attacked at the wedding house. He was also taken to the GPHC to receive medical attention.

At the home of the dead man, his mother Christina Kenson explained that her son was trying to stop one of the suspects from hitting the deejay with a bottle.

“All I see it had a boy and the deejay had a fight. The boy been ago lash boy what argue with the deejay and meh son hold he hand with the bottle not [to] lash the boy and one next boy come and bore meh son,” the woman cried.

Kenson further stated that the suspects were not invited to the wedding but showed up and started to drink and smoke.

“Them binna smoke up in the place and people feel uncomfortable, we see the crew in the corner and we ain’t tell nobody nothing, everybody come to enjoy themself, no fight, that we did want.”

“We never know it could be a fight,” the woman related.

After stabbing her son, the woman stated that the suspects started to throw

glass bottles in the midst of the wedding which resulted in others receiving injures.

“It’s nuff of them, they start pelt bottles in the place.” The aggrieved mother noted that her son was not a troublesome person, but he did not like to be bothered.

“He was a loving person but he does get angry when people bother him, he don’t like see eye pass. He does stand up for he sister he does do everything for he sister.”

The woman is calling for the perpetrators to face the full brunt of the law while stating that it was extremely painful to see her son losing his life in front of her.

“I can’t believe what me see…I want justice for my

son, I want justice for my son,” the grieving mother cried.

Mangal joined the GDF ten years ago and worked as a medical officer. He was engaged to be married. He leaves to mourn his mother, siblings, and fiancé.

Less than a week ago, 21-year-old Lakan Chatterpaul, an overseas-based Guyanese was stabbed to death at his brother’s wedding at Crabwood Creek, Region Six. It was reported that the now dead man was stabbed to death during an altercation with three men who showed up at his relatives’ house during a party.

According to the man’s grandfather, they were having a get-together at his

home when the three suspects walked into the yard.

After the suspects, who are from the community, reportedly began to smoke marijuana, the family asked them to leave.

The suspects left the yard and went onto the street where they began to destroy the vehicles belonging to persons at the party.

As such, family members went to confront the trio and it was during the altercation Chatterpaul was stabbed once to his chest.

The injured man was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Two of the suspects were arrested while the third perpetrator escaped.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy being addressed in Region 2

W

ith approximately 68 per cent of the adult population having taken the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 52 per cent fully vaccinated in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), there are still many persons hesitant to take the jab because of misinformation.

This statement was made by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Monday in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) where he said that it is important for citizens to understand that vaccines can protect against the severe form of the virus and even prevent deaths.

Dr Anthony was at the time opening a threeday workshop to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the region. The workshop is being hosted by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The Health Minister

Health Minister, Dr Frank Antony, US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall; Director of Primary Health Care Services at the Health Ministry, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton and Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh at the opening ceremony

said that Guyana has faced many challenges in motivating and encouraging citizens to be immunised. One of the challenges includes persons reluctant to take the jab because of false information circulating about the vac-

cines.

“Because of the invention of the COVID-19 vaccines, millions of lives across this world were saved. Without this vaccine, it would have been a big catastrophe in the world and it is very im-

portant for us to get people to understand that the vaccines will protect and, in most instances, save your life,” the Minister told the gathering.

He urged more persons to get vaccinated, adding that

the vaccination process will help prevent “long COVID”.

“There are people still to take the first dose of vaccine and persons eligible for a second dose, still to take the jab. If your system is not prime to protect you then you will get infected in a very severe way which will be very challenging,” the Minister said while adding that 59 persons died from COVID-19 in Region Two. Dr Anthony said the workshop will help community healthcare workers to interact with community and religious leaders, and other influential persons in the communities about the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Meanwhile, United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch said that the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the major steps in ensuring the return of some sort of normalcy.

“The vaccination will help people to overcome

their fears and concerns...

It is known that the vaccine can save lives and help Guyana to bounce back from the devastating effects of COVID-19,” she explained.

She also stated that the US Government will continue to support Guyana’s vaccination programme and continue to be a resolute partner to the Government and the people of Guyana in their COVID-19 response.

Also attending the opening of the workshop was UNICEF’s Deputy Representative of Guyana and Suriname, Irfan Akhtar; Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall; Director of Primary Health Care Services at the Health Ministry, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton; Regional Health Officer Ranjeev Singh, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva and Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit among others.

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$25M earmarked for expansion of MMA-ADA seed paddy facility T

he Mahaica Mahaicony Abary – Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) seed processing facility will see tremendous expansion this year, with $25 million set aside for major rehabilitation work.

The effort will advance the nation’s rice production significantly, especially since Guyana anticipates new markets, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha told DPI during an interview on Saturday.

“With this facility, we will be moving just around 10,000 bags seed paddy to about 50,000. So that will help tremendously in Region Five to increase the capacity,” the Agriculture Minister underscored.

Three companies have already applied to conduct rehabilitation works on the MMA-ADA paddy factory.

Blairmont Sugar Estate.

“We will be starting the second phase shortly of the MMA Scheme, we have started to do work there already and this will help us to help farmers to get enough seed paddy. The Burma Rice Research Station normally produces these seed paddy and we also have private people who are working with us to produce, but sometimes the capacity is not there,” the Minister added.

Government had invested $20 million to repair the seed drying facility at Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Region Six, that was left abandoned. The Agriculture Minister along with his technical team had toured the building and found it dilapidated.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is tasked with implementing strategic measures to ensure rice produc-

The entities include JS Engineering Services & Supplies with a proposed sum of $25.2 million, NK Engineering Services with $47.1 million and DBL Group providing $24.1 million to complete the project.

Additionally, Minister Mustapha said the goal is to make more lands available, although the scheme is known to be the largest rice producing area in the country.

The first phase of the MMA-ADA Scheme was completed since the mid1980s with a conservancy situated at the headwaters of the Abary River. This phase services approximately 40,000 acres of paddy production from State lands and about another 20,000 acres of private lands within the Abary-Berbice district.

The irrigation system also services some 14,000 acres of cultivation at the

tion accelerates.

“What we have found is that these seed paddy that is being produced by GRDB, we are having more yield for example in Black Bush Polder, with the common variety that we have, they have moved to about 40 bags per acres.

The new variety that we have planted, the GRDB-16, we have seen the average move to about 30 bags per acres to about 60 bags, and this is good for us as a country,” the Minister said.

Mustapha said the aggressive move to ramp up rice production will eventually help with cost reduction, “because if you produce more with the same cost, then the cost of production will come down,” he stressed.

Region Five contributes between 35 to 50 per cent of the gross national rice production.

School-aged children gifted game-changing literacy Graphogame app

T

hrough the collaboration between Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (GTT) Business Solutions and STEM Guyana, Guyana’s schoolaged children will now have access to the Graphogame literacy app.

Following the app’s successful rollout in countries across the globe and more recently in Jamacia’s primary education system, GTT Business Solutions & STEM Guyana joined and introduced the app to Guyana’s primary education system.

The Graphogame literacy app, which was developed after 25 years of research by linguists, neuropsychologists, and speech pathologists from the Finland-based Grapho Group is an educational game, with proven efficacy in achieving basic literacy, equal to one-to-one teacher support, among children in the four to nine age group. The game has been used in Finland for the past 10 years and has subsequently been adopted in the United States, Jamaica, and other countries, with impressive results.

The app is made available to all Guyanese school

Children interacting with the Graphogame literacy app

children courtesy of STEM Guyana and is incorporated into the organisation’s IDB and Tullow Oil funded Learning Pod programme.

STEM Guyana partnered with GTT Business Solutions in the game’s rollout phase

of implementation by notifying parents via a sponsored national SMS campaign and virtual launch event.

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for GTT Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, commenting on the partner-

ship, said, “We continue to support innovative initiatives through organisations such as STEM Guyana towards our customer promise – innovate for all in our country.” He added, “The pandemic has definitely cre-

ated a learning gap; however, we’ve provided data solutions to many communities to help lessen this impact; this collaboration is yet another support effort to ensure as we return to normalcy, students have that added

element to ensure continuous learning.”

In regards to the impact of the pandemic on the education system, not only in Guyana, but around the world, Winsome Wishes for Kids (WWKIDS) founder, and sponsor responsible for Graphogame’s rollout in Jamaica, Simone Sobers, said, “The pilot rollout in Jamaica has demonstrated that this app can play a very important role in bridging gaps in our early childhood education system, which are now widening as a result of COVID-19.”

“It is interactive, intuitive, and user-friendly, and best of all, it is free.

Once downloaded, it can be played without connectivity and data, which is significant at a time when children may have increased access to devices through several governmental and Private Sector initiatives, but still lack connectivity and have no access to data,” she continued.

Parents and students can download the Graphogame app free on any device by accessing the following link www.STEMGuyana.com/ graphogame.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fuel price increase

Berbice hire car operators demand increase in fares A s a result of the increase in fuel price, hire car operators who ply the Corentyne route are demanding that they be allowed to increase their fares.

Prices at the pumps have increased sharply in recent weeks. In fact, world market oil prices have more than doubled when compared with the prices at the start of the year.

Operators plying the Crabwood Creek-Corriverton route are demanding a 40 per cent increase in fares, taking it from $100 to $140.

Some are demanding as high as $200. Commuters have expressed reluctance to pay the requested increases.

Operators plying the Corriverton-New Amsterdam route are also seeking similar increases and are being met with the same resistance.

More than 40 car operators parked their vehicles in the vicinity of Corriverton Market and held placards protesting.

Several persons were seen carrying heavy bags as they were forced to walk their journey. Others were seen standing and waiting and some said they had been waiting on cars for over an hour.

“Abe barely scrape lil money fo buy lil ration now abe gotta pay extra money fo travel an go abe house,” Ramnarine Jhandu said as he sat on the curb at Corriverton

Ramnarine Jhandu and his wife sitting on the curb in Corriverton hoping to get a car to take them home at Number 57 Village

hoping to get a car to take him home at Number 57 Village.

He normally pays $200 from Corriverton to Number 57 Village but now he is being asked to pay more.

He could not say what was the fare the operators were requesting but stated that he had been waiting and there were no cars available to take him home.

The operators converged at two locations; one for cars operating between Corriverton and New Amsterdam and the other for cars operating from Crabwood Creek to the Upper Corentyne Coast.

Takurdyal Rasharry, who plies the Crabwood Creek route, said throughout the country articles and items have been raising and in

Corriverton the fares for hire cars have remained the same for 15 years.

“Gasoline raised, each and every part for a car has also raised and it is high time we need a change. We need an increase in fare. Our price list that we are suggesting is not bad; short drop $140 long drop $200 and $300 to go in the street. It takes time to go into the street and some streets are very bad,” he explained.

“We are human beings we have needs also just like everyone else. We have bills to pay and some of us have loans also to be paid,” Rasharry added.

Meanwhile, Muhammed Fazilla, who operates along the Corriverton-New Amsterdam route, said it is

a small increase they are requesting.

“We are not asking for much it is just a little thing to cover a gas price.

Everything is expensive for us and we cannot manage it.

The maintenance of a vehicle is triple what it used to be. Is a peaceful protest,” he said and vowed not to work until their demands are met.

The fare from Corriverton to Number 64 Village is $100 and drivers say it cannot compensate.

“We are asking that customers pay $200 for that drop, $300 from here the Number 70 Village which will help us to be able to buy gas and maintain our vehicles. Otherwise, we will be forced to park our cars and everyone will have to walk,” he said.

“If the gas drops a lot we will modify it a little bit because the prices for parts are still very expensive.”

The drivers say that they do not have a fare structure and passengers are refusing the pay the increases they are asking for.

They are calling on the relevant authorities to intervene and help them to have a fare structure, one which well take into account the recent increases in gas prices and the increases in vehicle parts over the past decade.

Back in May last year, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond said no approval was given to hire cars in Region Six for a fare increase.

She pointed out that the Ministry of Tourism,

Industry and Commerce, which has control over the increase in fares and rates for hire cars and other forms of public transportation, has stated that no approval has been given for an increase in fares for hire cars plying routes in Region Six. Her comments came after operators plying several routes in the region had parked their vehicles demanding increases following a limitation on the number of passengers cars were allowed to carry as part of COVID-19 measures.

Despite those utterances by the Minister, operators plying some route increased fares and have not reduced them even when vehicles were allowed to carry the normally stipulated passengers. (G4)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

Regional

Peru Congress votes to start Petrobras and EIG near deal for impeachment proceedings Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline – sources against President S

P

eru’s Congress has approved the start of impeachment proceedings against left-wing President Pedro Castillo over allegations of corruption.

The Opposition-led Congress voted 76-41 on Monday to begin the political trial. “The motion [to debate] was admitted,” said Congress President Maria del Carmen Alva, an Opposition legislator.

Castillo or his lawyer must attend Congress on March 28 and present their defence before lawmakers will debate and have a final vote on the impeachment.

Legislators will need 87 votes to remove Castillo from office following the impeachment trial.

The development comes as Castillo has seen his popularity plunge to 26 per cent since taking office in July, according to an Ipsos poll

released during the weekend. Lawmakers are zeroing in on the testimony of a lobbyist who has alleged to Prosecutors that Castillo engaged in irregular acts.

The Opposition alleges that Castillo, who denies the accusations, is morally unfit to govern.

“The President must immediately explain to the country his repeated misconduct,” said conservative legislator Jorge Montoya, a retired General.

The Opposition also accuses Castillo of “treason” for saying he was open to a referendum on allowing landlocked neighbour Bolivia access to the Pacific Ocean.

The attempt to oust Castillo is promoted mainly by three right-wing parties, including Popular Force, led by former presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori, who lost last year’s elections to

Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, who took office in July, has seen his popularity plummet amid scandals [File: Aldair Mejia/Peruvian Presidency handout via AFP]

Castillo.

A similar previous attempt to start impeachment proceedings in December failed to gather enough votes in Congress.

In a speech at a public event on Monday, Castillo said he would go to Congress today to deliver a message about “what we are doing, and to say what we will do, for this nation”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Colombian elections: Petro takes lead, Congress divided

I

n presidential and legislative elections, Colombian voters signalled they want change, solidifying a left-wing former guerrilla member’s lead in the presidential race, and splitting the country’s Congress between right and left.

Centrists, meanwhile, lost out across the board, signifying the country’s deep political divide.

With most of the results tallied on Monday morning, leftist and former M-19 guerrilla member Gustavo Petro was the definitive winner in presidential primaries, gaining double the votes of any of his competitors.

“We’re at the gates

of winning the presidency,” said Petro in a speech Sunday night after polls had closed.

The Latin American country appeared to be following a regional trend, following the tracks of countries like Chile, Peru and Honduras that have turned away from traditional leaders in favour of alternative candidates.

“We want change. That’s the most important thing,” voter Sarita Zapata Casas, a 22-year-old actress, told Al Jazeera as she left a Bogota polling station. “Because if the country continues like it is, we’re going to run ourselves into the ground.”

Election results also reflected the deep divi-

sions in the country, with Petro’s right-wing challenger Federico “Fico” Gutierrez garnering enough support to pose a significant threat, and Congress divided – making it difficult for whoever wins the presidential race to build a coalition.

Petro, campaigning under the progressive coalition Pacto Historico, lost the presidency in 2018 to right-wing President Ivan Duque. Since then he has gained traction with voters on a platform that promises to more fairly distribute wealth, curtail oil and gas extraction, use tourist revenues to replace fuel profits and implement Colombia’s stalled peace process.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Mexico, US discuss need to stem “unprecedented flow” of migration

M

exican and US officials discussed the need to address the “unprecedented flow” of migrants in the region and its root causes, the US Ambassador to Mexico said Monday following a high-level meeting in Mexico City.

Mexico agreed with the US delegation, led by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, to work on border infrastructure “to create a 21st Century border between the United States and Mexico that enhances security and facilitates trade”, US Ambassador Ken Salazar said in a tweet.

Mexico’s Foreign

Ministry said that a border crossing project east of the Otay Mesa port of entry, called Otay II, was discussed as a “strategic priority”.

Mexico’s National Migration Institute said it had detained more than 2100 migrants of various nationalities bound for the United States at the weekend, including Mexicans.

Others included people from Cuba, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Earlier, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Twitter that his Government discussed labour and migration issues in the meeting with Mayorkas.

“We continue to promote cooperation for development with justice and respect for human rights,” Lopez Obrador said.

While most migrants caught at the US border are from Central America, officials are seeing Russians and Ukrainians passing from Mexico into the United States, the Government of border city Tijuana said.

Officials are trying to support them by handing out information in Russian and Ukrainian.

Mayorkas is in Mexico for meetings on Monday before he is scheduled to visit Costa Rica today.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

tate-run Brazilian oil company Petrobras is close to reaching an agreement to sell to US private equity firm EIG Energy Partners control of a natural gas pipeline that connects Bolivia and southern Brazil, three people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as the company is formally known, is expected to receive more than US$500 million for the 51 per cent stake in TBG, added one of the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private negotiations. The bid could reach up to US$1 billion depending on details

of the talks.

Under negotiation is Transportadora Brasileira Gasoduto Bolivia-Brasil (TBG), which operates the Brazilian section of the pipeline, called Gasbol.

The roughly 2600-kilometre (1600-mile) pipeline system is the main transportation network for natural gas in the south of Brazil. It generated more than 900 million reais (US$180 million) of operating profit for its owners in the first nine months of last year.

Gasbol can transport up to 30 million cubic metres per day (1.1 billion cubic feet per day) of natural

gas from Bolivia to consumer markets in Brazil.

Petrobras declined to comment on the talks. EIG did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last year, EIG sold a 27.5 per cent stake in TBG to Fluxys Belgium NV for an undisclosed amount in order to remove a regulatory conflict that could have prevented it from bidding for control of the asset.

TBG will be the third gas pipeline company privatised in recent years in Brazil. ($1 = 5.0939 reais) (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trini heads to Ukraine for freedom fight

N

early 20,000 foreign volunteers have signed up to fight in war-torn Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.

United National Congress (UNC) activist and business development consultant Brian Stone is one of the volunteer combatants who is now prepared to battle side-byside with Ukrainians for freedom against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invading army.

Stone will be T&T’s first volunteer to fight in Ukraine’s frontline if he achieves his goal.

“This decision did not come from the brain, but from my heart,” Stone admitted in a telephone interview to Guardian Media.

“So far, it is a go. You

Brian Stone

have to look at it for what it is.”

Knowing fully well that anything can happen during his intended month’s stay, Stone, who served in the Canadian armed forces reserves, has already put contingencies in place.

“I understand very clearly the risks. I am not

stupid. If Russian soldiers show up there, we will have to fight. I am prepared to do so. The only thing I am fearful of is if shots are fired, there are explosions or should a bomb drop. I hope I can handle it. I have already signed over a number of things to my wife.”

He knows if he loses his life in Ukraine, he will not be covered by his insurance policy.

Stone admitted his decision is not sitting well with his immediate family and close friends but more so his worried wife.

“My wife is not happy at all,” he sighed.

Stone, who is a dual citizen of T&T and Canada, is hoping to depart in two weeks.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Cuba to start vaccination campaign against polio

C

uba’s Public Health Ministry said that the 61st National Oral Polio Vaccination Campaign began on Monday.

The Ministry reported on its website that during the two stages of the campaign, all children from 1 month old to 2 years, 11 months and 29 days of age will be vaccinated.

Likewise, all nine-yearold children will be reactivated with a dose of oral polio vaccine.

The first stage of the campaign will take place between March 14 and March 19, 2022, with a catch-up week from March 21 to 26.

The second one between May 16 and May 21, 2022, with a recovery week from May 23 to 28.

Poliomyelitis is an infectious-contagious disease that affects the central nervous system,

Poliomyelitis is an infectious-contagious disease that affects the central nervous system, mainly in children, and can cause muscular atrophy, paralysis, deformity and in some cases death

mainly in children, and can cause muscular atrophy, paralysis, deformity and in some cases death.

Cuba carried out the first immunisation campaign in the first half of 1962, thus beginning the elimination of the disease, and since that date six vaccine-preventable diseases

and some serious forms of other diseases have been eradicated in the country.

Conditions such as tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis, typhoid fever and meningococcal disease register rates of less than 0.1 per 100,000 inhabitants in Cuba. (CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil falls over 5% on Russia-Ukraine talk hopes, China lockdowns

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il prices fell more than 5 per cent on Monday to the lowest in nearly two weeks amid hopes for progress toward a diplomatic end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine - a development that would boost global supplies - while a pandemic-linked travel ban in China cast doubt on demand.

Brent futures fell US$5.77, or 5.1 per cent, to settle at US$106.90 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$6.32, or 5.8 per cent, to settle at US$103.01.

That was the lowest close for WTI since Feb 28 and the lowest for Brent since March 1. Both benchmarks have surged since Russia's Feb 24 invasion of Ukraine and are up roughly 36 per cent so far this year.

Russian and Ukrainian delegations held a fourth round of talks on Monday - by video link rather than in person in neighbouring Belarus as in the past - but no new progress was announced. Ukraine said it held the talks with Russia on a ceasefire, immediate withdrawal of troops and security guarantees despite the fatal shelling of a residential building in Kyiv.

Brent and WTI have logged their most volatile 30 days since June 2020.

Analysts at energy consulting group EBW Analytics noted that "a renewed COVID outbreak in China is leading to rising shutdowns as Omicron spreads rapidly," which could reduce global energy demand since China is the world's largest importer of oil, liquefied natural gas and coal.

A northeastern Chinese province imposed a rare travel ban due to an Omicron outbreak.

Russia's output of oil and gas condensate rose to 11.12 million barrels per day (bpd) so far in March, two sources familiar with production data told Reuters, despite sanctions.

The United States has banned Russian oil imports and Britain said it would phase them out by the end of 2022. Russia is the world's top exporter of crude and oil products combined, shipping about 7 million bpd or 7 per cent of global supplies.

A senior Minister said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was trying to persuade Saudi Arabia to boost oil output, while International Energy Agency (IEA) chief Fatih Birol urged oil-producing countries to pump more.

European Union member states have agreed on a fourth package of sanctions against Russia, the office of the French EU presidency wrote on Twitter. It did not include Russian energy exports.

India indicated it could release more oil from national stocks.

Indian officials also said New Delhi was considering a Russian offer to buy crude and other commodities at discounted prices via a rupee-rouble transaction.

The United States needs to make a decision to wrap up a deal to salvage Iran's 2015 nuclear accord with world powers, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. Some feared talks might collapse, and 49 of 50 Republican US senators said they would not back a new nuclear deal.

Analysts said an agreement with Iran could add another 1 million bpd of oil supply to the market, but noted that would not be enough to offset declining supply from Russia.

The US Federal Reserve is expected to start raising interest rates this week, which should boost the dollar.

This could push down oil prices by making dollardenominated oil more expensive for holders of foreign currencies. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US raises concerns about China aligning with Russia at meeting it calls 'intense'

U

S national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Monday raised concerns about China's alignment with Russia in a seven-hour meeting with Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi as Washington warned of the isolation and penalties Beijing will face if it helps Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine.

The meeting took place in Rome as the United States told allies in NATO and several Asian countries that China had signalled its willingness to provide military and economic aid to Russia to support its war, two US officials said.

The US message, sent in a diplomatic cable, also noted China was expected to deny those plans, said one of the officials, who was speaking on condition of anonymity.

"It's real, it's consequential, and it's really alarming," the

US White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks to the news media about the situation in Ukraine during a daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, US, February 11, 2022

second US official said.

After talks ended, the White House issued a short statement, noting that Sullivan raised a "range of issues in US-China relations, with substantial discussion of Russia's

war against Ukraine."

The official described the meeting as "intense," reflecting "the gravity of the moment," although it had long been planned, was not timed to events in Ukraine and cov-

ered other issues including North Korea, Taiwan and tense bilateral relations.

Before the talks, US officials had said Sullivan planned to warn of the isolation China could face globally if it continued to support Russia.

Officials of the United States and other countries have sought to emphasise in recent weeks that siding with Russia could carry consequences for trade flows, development of new technologies and expose China to secondary sanctions.

Chinese companies defying US restrictions on exports to Russia may be cut off from American equipment and software they need to make their products, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said last week. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mass graves in Ukraine: Battered cities are digging makeshift burial sites

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he Russian bombardment of some places in Ukraine is so intense that towns and cities are being forced to unceremoniously bury dozens of civilian victims in mass graves.

Nowhere is this grim reality of war more apparent than in Mariupol, a key port city devastated by constant shelling, where several burial sites have been hastily dug in the past two weeks.

"We can't bury [the victims] in private graves, as those are outside the city and the perimeter is controlled by Russian troops," Mariupol's Deputy Mayor Serhiy Orlov told the BBC by phone.

Locations include a retired city cemetery that has now been re-opened, Orlov said.

Coffins buried in a trench in Chernihiv - photograph courtesy of Mayor Vladyslav Atroshenko

On Sunday, the city council said the civilian death toll had risen above 2100. The heavy Russian shelling has prevented any mass evacuation from Mariupol, despite efforts to open a safe exit route.

Orlov could not give a total for dead civilians buried in mass graves, but said 67 bodies were at one site. "Some we can't identify but some had documents."

Thousands of residents are hiding in cellars and in some

cases, he said, people are burying family members privately in courtyards or gardens.

The battered city's street cleaners and road repair teams were collecting bodies in the streets, he said, as municipal services had collapsed.

"Some people were killed during those collections. We've had no electricity, or heating, sanitation, water, food for 11 days," he said.

The return of mass graves is a shock for Ukrainians.

Many have bitter family memories of World War Two, when Jews and Soviet partisans were murdered by Nazis, and the Holodomor - the famine created in Ukraine by Soviet seizure of grain and livestock in the 1930s. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Iran says Israeli ‘sabotage’ on India’s inflation surges to 8-month Fordow nuclear plant foiled high on soaring food prices

I

ranian state television has aired a report claiming that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) foiled an imminent Israeli plot to “sabotage” the Fordow uranium enrichment plant.

A two-minute report broadcast late on Monday promised more details to come soon, but outlined a purported attack that involved an agent paid

by Israel attempting to approach a person working with advanced IR-6 centrifuges at the plant.

The alleged agent, who was reportedly provided with secure communications and was paid in cash and cryptocurrencies, tried to approach the plant employee using a contact at an unnamed Hong Kong company as a mediator.

The “major” sabotage attack was said to be set to happen before Nowruz – the end of the Iranian year – on March 20.

The intelligence arm of the IRGC and a never-before-mentioned unit referred to as IRGC Nuclear Command were said to have become aware of the plot and foiled it.

The report comes as Iran and the world powers party to the 2015 nuclear deal are at the final stages of their talks in Vienna to restore the accord after 11 months of intense negotiations.

If successful in restoring the accord that the United States unilaterally abandoned in 2018, an agreement will see the harsh sanctions imposed on Iran lifted while scaling back down its advancing nuclear programme.

Iran is now enriching uranium up to 60 percent – its highest-ever rate – using an array of advanced centrifuges, including the IR-6 model.

But Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is strictly peaceful. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

I

ndia’s headline inflation surged to an eight-month high in February on higher food prices, with the outlook set to worsen amid commodity-supply disruptions caused

by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Consumer prices rose 6.1 per cent last month from a year earlier, the Statistics Ministry said in a statement Monday.

That’s faster than the median estimate for a 6 per cent gain seen in a Bloomberg survey of economists and well above the upper end of the Reserve Bank of India’s inflation target band.

The war-fuelled uncertainty is likely to force the central bank to revisit its inflation and growth forecasts at its policy meeting next month.

Although, it’s unlikely to force the RBI to tighten interest rates just yet, given policy makers are intent on supporting the economy’s durable recovery. Rising costs of food and

clothing and footwear contributed to the price growth last month, data showed. Food prices jumped 5.9 per cent, clothing and footwear prices gained 8.9 per cent and housing prices climbed 3.6 per cent.

Fuel and electricity prices rose 8.7 per cent, slower than the 9.3 per cent pace seen in January. Pump prices have been frozen for more than four months coinciding with elections in some key Indian states. That could change if fuel retailers start passing on higher crude prices caused by Russia’s war. Rising prices could weigh on consumption amid high frequency indicators pointing to risks for the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Amid high input costs and supply shortages, wholesale inflation quickened to 13.1 per cent in February, data released separately showed Monday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Dig in and do what you can to make a difference. Your input and dedication will impress someone who can help you advance. Do your homework before you make a physical change or commitment.

(March 21-April 19) Say little and do a lot. Size up situations and schedule your time to ensure you fulfill your obligations. Refuse to let emotional issues interfere with your responsibilities.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20) Put your heart into taking care of your duties. Refuse to let anyone lead you astray or take advantage of your time, skills and helpful nature. A family burden is best dealt with privately.

(May 21-June 20) Focus on partnerships and working alongside others. New information will change how you do things. Address financial, medical and contractual concerns with practicality and insight.

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22) Don’t take on responsibilities that you can’t accomplish on your own.

Relying on others will lead to disappointment. Know your limitations and make promises based on your capabilities.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Consider suggestions and new ideas. Putting a unique spin on whatever you do or say will give you the edge and help you gain valuable support. You can do something great!

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Keep expenses to a minimum.

Determine what you can do without and sell what you no longer need. Focus on personal gain, fitness and achieving peace of mind. Excess will get you nowhere.

Deal with issues that are holding you back. Putting off difficult conversations will hinder your chance to get moving on things you genuinely want to do. Clear up unfinished business.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Concentrate on what’s doable. Listen to what others have to offer, but don’t take a risk or trust someone offering the impossible. Emotional spending and joint ventures will disrupt your plans.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Home improvements that enhance your ability to earn money, live and follow your dreams are within reach.

Adjustments to how you use your cash, skills and experience will be crucial.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Make an honest assessment of your life and relationships, and follow a path that suits your needs. Trusting someone to look out for your interests will put you in an awkward position.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Slow down; don’t let temptation lead you astray. Be diligent and consider your options, the cost involved and the consequences if things don’t go as planned. Be open to experimentation.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

21

India brush aside Sri Lanka despite Dimuth Karunaratne's resistance

F

or 173 balls, Dimuth Karunaratne defied India.

In constructing a fine 14th Test century, he showed his team-mates hitting your way out of trouble was not the only way to succeed on a tough Bengaluru track that offered sharp turn and variable bounce. Then he got a pearl from Jasprit Bumrah that breached his defences.

Even someone as well set as he was could not quite judge the extent of late inward movement on that full delivery, and that was that for Sri Lanka.

In the face of a relentless attack, the others proved to be sitting ducks as their highrisk, high-returns strategy fell flat. India wrapped up an emphatic 2-0 series win inside two sessions on the third day at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The series lasted all of six days, with Sri Lanka's 208 all out in their final innings being their highest total of the lot.

The innings promised a lot more, especially after Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis started the day positively.

While Mendis's positivity was not much of a surprise, Karunaratne tried to take a leaf out of Shreyas Iyer's book early in the day, repeatedly stepping out to negate Ravindra Jadeja from the rough. In the very first over, he also attempted an uncharacteristic reverse sweep. This was not the stonewaller Karunaratne, who

T

om Brady, one of the greatest players in NFL history, is coming back for his 23rd season just six weeks after announcing his retirement.

The quarterback, 44, said last month he was ending his playing career after winning a record seven Super Bowls.

But Brady has now said he has "unfinished business" and will rejoin the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"These past two months I've realised my place is still on the field and not in the stands," he said on social media.

"That time will come.

But it's not now. I love my team-mates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I'm coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa."

After being selected by the New England Patriots with the 199th pick of the 2000 draft, Brady led the franchise to six Super Bowl wins.

He left for the Bucs in 2020 and helped them win the Super Bowl in his first season, being named the game's Most

has methodically constructed knocks to be the highest rungetter among openers since 2018. This was Karunaratne trying to throw the oppositions spinners off their settings in the face of a challenging surface.

This approach rubbed off on Mendis too, as he stepped out and took R Ashwin on at the other end. The first eight overs of the day produced 42, and suddenly India were searching for answers. In this period, what worked for Sri Lanka was their clarity in committing themselves fully forward or going right back to play the ball. The odd ball scooting low or jumping from the rough did not seem to bother them much. Mendis raised his 12th half-century off just 57 balls.

But the party did not

last long as he ran down the pitch, only to be deceived by Ashwin's guile. Stepping out to smother the spin, he was done in by the skid off the pitch as Rishabh Pant effected an excellent stumping. This helped Ashwin equal Dale Steyn's tally of 439 Test wickets, a day after he went past Kapil Dev's tally of 434.

On a surface that turns big, the most dangerous delivery is often the one that does not turn. Angelo Mathews found out as much the hard way, stabbing at a Jadeja delivery outside the line only for the ball to sneak through and flatten the stumps. From there on, Sri Lanka were in free fall.

Dhanajaya de Silva was out to sharp turn as he lobbed a catch to Hanuma Vihari at short leg, Ashwin going past Steyn with that. Niroshan

Dickwella survived a DRS call for caught behind, but his tendency to run down the pitch and play big shots cost him as he was done in by Axar Patel's skid to be stumped.

As all this played out at one end, Karunaratne shelved his enterprising avatar and brought out the hard grind, also to good effect. He played with soft hands, played with his bat close to the body and ensured he did not let the spinners dictate terms. The same could hardly be said about the rest of the line-up.

Charith Asalanka was the next to go as he lobbed a simple catch to backward square leg.

As Karunaratne approached his century, he started to take chances as he was running out of partners.

Once into the nineties, he reverse swept for two

runs, then brought out a conventional sweep in front of square for four and then, having got to 99 via three singles, brought out a neat flick to the backward-squareleg fence off Bumrah to reach his hundred. No sooner had he celebrated getting to the landmark in what was a terrific knock, did Bumrah bounce back to get him with that magic ball. On "tail dismantle" mode, Bumrah took one more – Suranga Lakmal's last innings in Test cricket ending with his stumps disturbed – to finish with a match haul of eight.

The tame end was not entirely unexpected, but Sri

Lanka would be the first to admit they ought to have applied themselves better. This was among the easier series wins for India at home lately and, while clinically dismantling their opponents, they'd ticked plenty of boxes to end a dominant home season on a high. The season had begun with New Zealand being handed defeat across formats, and ended with Sri Lanka being given the same treatment, West Indies having fared no better in between.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD SRI LANKA 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 447 RUNS) Lahiru Thirimanne lbw b Bumrah 0 Dimuth Karunaratne (c) b Bumrah 107 Kusal Mendis st †Pant b Ashwin 54 Angelo Mathews b Jadeja 1 Dhananjaya de Silva c Vihari b Ashwin 4 Niroshan Dickwella † st †Pant b Patel 12 Charith Asalanka c Sharma b Patel 5 Lasith Embuldeniya lbw b Ashwin 2 Suranga Lakmal b Bumrah 1 Vishwa Fernando c Mohammed Shami b Ashwin 2

Praveen Jayawickrama not out 0 Extras (b 16, lb 3, nb 1) 20 TOTAL (59.3 Ov, RR: 3.49) 208 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Lahiru Thirimanne, 0.3 ov), 2-97 (Kusal Mendis, 19.4 ov), 3-98 (Angelo Mathews, 20.4 ov), 4-105 (Dhananjaya de Silva, 27.5 ov), 5-160 (Niroshan Dickwella, 41.6 ov), 6-180 (Charith Asalanka, 49.5 ov), 7-204 (Dimuth Karunaratne, 56.5 ov), 8-206 (Lasith Embuldeniya, 57.3 ov), 9-208 (Suranga Lakmal, 58.2 ov), 10208 (Vishwa Fernando, 59.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 9-4-23-3 Mohammed Shami 6-0-26-0 Ravichandran Ashwin19.3-3-55-4 Ravindra Jadeja 14-2-48-1 Axar Patel 11-1-37-2

NFL great makes retirement U-turn after 6 weeks Valuable Player (MVP) for a fifth time.

A three-time NFL season MVP, he led Tampa Bay back to the play-offs last season and still had a year remaining on his contract with the Bucs when he announced his retirement.

T h e franchise were yet to sign a new quarterback and, when asked about a possible return for Brady earlier this month, Coach Bruce Arians said: "That door is never closed."

In his final game of the 2021 season, Brady narrowly failed to pull off a sensational comeback from 27-3 down in the play-offs as the Bucs ultimately lost 30-27 to the eventual Super Bowl winners, the Los Angeles Rams.

He amassed a career-high 5316 passing yards last season and holds the all-time records for passing yards (84,520) and touchdowns (624).

The Bucs have been owned since 1995 by the Glazer family, who have also owned Premier League club Manchester United since 2005.

Brady and his two sons were guests of the Glazers at Saturday's 3-2 win over Tottenham at Old

Trafford, during which Brady met former Manager Sir Alex Ferguson and the first-team squad, including forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Thank you” – reaction to Brady U-turn Tampa Head Coach Arians welcomed Brady's change of mind, while the franchise's General Manager Jason Licht s a i d he was

"thrilled".

"Tom Brady loves to play football as much as anyone I have ever been around," said Arians. "As Tom said, his place right now is on the football field.

"He is still playing at a championship level and was as productive as anyone in the league last season. We are ecstatic that he decided to continue playing and working toward winning another championship."

Brady played in 10 Super Bowls, including an incredible comeback from 28-3 down against the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, and won a Super Bowl in three different decades.

Licht s a i d : " W e said w e wo u l d leave all options open for him should he reconsider his retirement.

"Bruce and I have had plenty of conversations with

Tom recently that led us to believe there was a realistic chance he'd want to come back.

"Tom is the greatest quarterback of all time who is still playing at an elite level."

Brady's last touchdown was one to Mike Evans, which Rams player Jalen Ramsey could not intercept.

Ramsey greeted Brady's decision not to retire by saying "thank you" and adding "throw that last touchdown on somebody else".

The ball for Brady's last touchdown was thrown into the stands by Evans and the fan who caught it sold it via Lelands, a sports memorabilia auction company.

"If there is any item in the field of sports collectibles that needs no embellishment, it is this historic piece: the final touchdown ball of Tom Brady's career," wrote Lelands in its description of the ball.

An anonymous buyer paid US$518,628 for it before Brady's retirement U-turn the following day. (BBC Sport)

22 GCB Development Committee donates coaching equipment to ECB TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…Hercules optimistic that gear will be useful to ECB’s development

G

uyana Harpy Eagles Assistant Coach Ryan Hercules, through the Guyana Cricket Board’s Cricket Development Committee, on Sunday, made a timely donation of some vital coaching equipment to the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) at the Imam Bacchus Learning Resource Centre, Affiance, Essequibo Coast.

Receiving the equipment was President of the ECB, Deleep Singh and other Executive members.

The ECB Head expressed immense gratitude for the valuable equipment, since it would aid in bringing the county’s cricketers to the level of fitness required for competitions.

Hercules stated that he was elated to make the donation, and further stated that it was the start of many more to come. Hercules, a former Essequibo cricketer, reminisced that during his time in the early days of coach-

bat, side arms, to help enable coaches to develop young players in Essequibo and taking them forward into being good ambassadors and role models of Essequibo.

I do expect the coaches to treat the stuff with high care, be responsible and I do expect them to nurture the young players in Essequibo and hope that the equipment is very useful to the development of the Essequibo Cricket Board and the players as they go forward in the venture of their careers Some of the gear

ing, he was not privileged to have so much equipment and he expected that it should be treated with utmost care and respect, since it was a stepping

stone for the development of players.

Hercules also said, “I would have mentioned to the Coach the uses of these equipment -- high cones,

Housain, Lim power EBDCA to victory over Tranzac

West Indies docked WTC points and dropped a place due to slow over-rate against England

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he West Indies have been penalised for a slow overrate during the first Test against England at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, slipping to number eight in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings as a result.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s side were found to have been two overs short after reasonable adjustments and time allowances had been taken into consideration.

The findings mean that West Indies have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee by Richie Richardson of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Elite Panel of Match Referees, and have also been penalised two points in the ICC WTC standings.

The implications of the docked points mean that West Indies slip below Bangladesh in the WTC standings into eighth, and are one of three teams to have b e e n

Josiah Lim (left) scored 50 and Farhan Housain (right) bagged 7-26

T

he East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA) Youth Team on Saturday battled Tranzac Cricket Academy out of Canada in a 40over affair at the Everest Cricket Club. The East Bank team edged the visitors by a mere six runs.

EBDCA won the toss and chose to bat first, they posted 129-10 in 34.5 overs. Topscoring were Josiah Lim with

50 off 57 balls (3x4, 2x6) and Vijay Ramrathan with 23 off 27 (1x4, 1x6). Bowling for Tranzac Cricket Academy were Dev Patel (6 overs, 21 runs, 3 wickets) and Miguel Nandu (6 overs, 27 runs, 2 wickets).

In reply, Tranzac Cricket Academy fell for 123-10 in 24.3 overs. Top-scoring were Karan Anim with 27 off 30 (2x4) and Nandu with 20 off 26 (2x4).

Bowling for EBDCA were Farhan Housain with figures of 7-26 (8 overs) and Dravid Manohar, 2-19 (8 overs, 2 maidens).

The EBDCA expressed its gratitude to Tranzac Cricket Academy for the opportunity to showcase the youth talent, which has proven fruitful.

to hopefully represent Guyana.”

Also present at the event was Essequibo Coach Rayburn Gonsalves, who also expressed appreciation for this assistance.

He acknowledged that the equipment would enhance his coaching programmes and promised to use it in the best interest of the players.

d o c ke d points due to penalty overs.

This is West Indies’ first slow overrate offence in the 20212023 Championship cycle, while India have been docked three points and

ninth-placed England have been docked 10 across 10 matches to date.

The penalties are in line with the pre-agreed playing conditions for the WTC, which state that a side will be penalised one WTC point and fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over they have failed to bowl in the allotted time.

Captain Brathwaite has acknowledged and accepted the ruling and sanctions.

The draw in Antigua saw England bat long in both innings, but West Indies frontline spinner Veerasammy Permaul sent down just 25 overs of his left-arm spin in the match, with the four-pronged seam attack bowling the bulk of the 188.5 overs.

Those lack of spin overs were a significant factor in the slow over-rate, and Brathwaite has pointed to it as an area for improvement going into the second Test in Barbados.

“There are some areas in terms of run rate we can improve and it’s simply just setting the field and bowling to it and being disciplined enough to bowl to that field,” Brathwaite said.

“I think we can do that better, especially in the middle overs when a partnership may build. I think once we’re tighter, then we can build a little more pressure for us to get the wickets later in the innings.

“It’s finding ways to build pressure and as a spinner, under three runs an over is crucial, because obviously the ball didn’t spin much, so I think the

spinner really has to be tight.

“I thought it was a very good effort from the bowling group.” (ICC Cricket)

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CPL’s 10th edition scheduled for August 30-September 30 … Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Royals, Trinbago Knight Riders franchises for women’s tournament

CWI President Ricky Skerritt

H

ero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have confirmed that this year’s CPL event will feature a women’s tournament with three franchise teams competing for the first Women’s CPL (WCPL) title. The three teams will showcase the best female

cricketers from across the Caribbean with overseas stars rounding out the teams.

The three teams who will compete in the inaugural WCPL will be Barbados Royals, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders.

The women’s tournament will take place during the men’s event inside the Hero CPL tournament window, which this year will run from August 30 to September 30.

The 2022 tournament will be celebrating 10 years of the

Hero CPL CEO Pete Russell

“Biggest Party in Sport” and enters its 10th season off the back of a highly-successful 2021, with over half a billion viewers tuning in for the second successive year.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt commented: “Increasing the

CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers…

Tactics, good prep high on Guyana’s agenda to face T&T, Nicaragua

G

uyana’s senior women’s football team, in the second window of the CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers, will be faced with tougher opponents, in long-time rivals Trinidad and Tobago and Nicaragua, in hopes of advancing to the CONCACAF Women’s Championships in July.

Those games will come up on April 8 and 12, in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago respectively, with the Lady Jags needing two wins to seal their spot at the top of Group F. Head Coach of the senior women’s team, Dr Ivan Joseph is looking forward to the two upcoming matches, with a keen eye on tactics, technicality, and pristine preparation.

Speaking during a virtual engagement on Saturday last, Dr Joseph shared his views on Guyana’s next two opponents in the Qualifiers.

“Well, those are two formidable opponents. You know, in my time with the national team we’ve never beat Trinidad and Tobago; in fact, we’ve taken a shellacking from them in the last time we played, in the CFU Cup several years ago,” the Lady Jags Head Coach said.

He then turned his attention to Nicaragua, stating, “I’ve watched their game tape, very technical team, they gave Trinidad a run for their money, a very skilled team. You saw they put 19 goals up against Turks, we only managed seven.”

“When I saw that draw, it’s a tough draw, there’re a lot of other teams that I would’ve preferred we played.”

Nonetheless, Guyana will not be shying away from the challenge ahead, with the Head Coach already commencing his ‘homework’ on the two teams.

‘We’ve got our breakdown of that game, we, as a staff, are beginning the game plan,

to assess what do we need to do specifically to address the Nicaragua game. You can’t look to Trinidad and Tobago for second; we’ve got to put our concentration and focus on Nicaragua,” Dr Joseph divulged.

“They’re a much better organised and technical team, player for player, for us. So, we’ve got to figure out how do we combat that.”

“They’ve had no trouble handling us in the past and we’ve got to say ‘hey, that was yesterday and here’s how we move forward today,” he said on the topic of meeting Trinidad once again.

“If we are able and are lucky enough to get past Nicaragua, Trinidad playing in front of their home and their fans, they will have the home energy and the emotional energy of the crowd. That will be our toughest match so far in our campaign.”

With plans for their preparation now in focus, Coach Joseph has indicated that the training camp would be dissimilar to the one hosted for the first set of games. While there were many players to choose from that time around, Dr Joseph is now looking to refine skills in a smaller group.

“One of the things we were lucky enough to have and the Federation endorsed was an extended training camp that had bigger numbers. So, we had 36 players, because again, we hadn’t seen all these players and we wanted the chance for some of the local players that were on the U-20 team, to train with the senior team, so that they could see that next level,” he explained.

“And I thought that really paid dividends in this recent U-20 that happened.”

“But when you have 36 players, not everybody gets the same repetitions and

opportunities for West Indian women and girls to get involved in cricket is one of CWI’s strategic priorities, and we are delighted that we have been able to partner with CPL to further the expansion plans that we had first unveiled in 2019 prior to the arrival of the COVID pandemic. We are confident that all CPL women’s games will be highly competitive and will add quality entertainment to our fans in the Region and around the world.”

Hero CPL will be played across more countries this year, with three Caribbean countries being selected for the group stages and a fourth venue being chosen for the finals. CPL anticipates that this four-venue structure could become the

norm for future seasons.

Hero CPL’s CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Pete Russell, said: “The addition of a women’s event to the CPL is something that has been an ambition for a long time and we are very pleased that it has become a reality. We would like to thank CWI for working with us to make this happen. The Women’s T10 Challenge, which took place during the 2019 CPL, was a huge success and we are looking forward to the next step forward."

“We are very pleased to confirm the dates for the 2022 tournament and with travel around the world and Region becoming easier, CPL will be able to visit more than one country this year, so fans can enjoy CPL in person once again.”

CWI has confirmed that a window has been created in an otherwise very busy international schedule so that all selected West Indies players will be available for this year’s Men’s and Women’s CPL tournaments.

Lady Jags Head Coach, Dr Ivan Joseph

the same opportunities to touch the ball and to be in the training environment.

This camp will see a reduced number, 23-24. So, we don’t necessarily need a longer time, because they will get more opportunities and more reps.”

While hinting at the possibility of a warm-up match, Dr Joseph explained how smaller numbers would lend to better preparation.

“What we’ll need is the same thing, which is no distractions, clear focus, an opportunity to maybe play an exhibition game early in the camp before we play Nicaragua and Trinidad,” the Head Coach said.

He continued, “Too long and we become flat, too long and we run the risk of injury and so, it’s that fine balance of how do you get people in camp? How do you make sure they’re peaked and how do you let them loose and do the things they’re ready and trained to do?”

For the CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers, the top finisher in each group will move on to the Championships, in July, where direct spots in the Paris 2024 Olympics and CONCACAF’s Gold Cup are up for grabs.

West Indies' Jason Holder celebrating

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) Men’s Selection Panel has named an unchanged squad for the second Apex Test match against England.

The match will be played at Kensington Oval from March 1620.

The three-match Apex Series is level 0-0 following a draw in the first Apex Test match, which was played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Nkrumah Bonner was named Player of the Match. He scored a career-best 123 in the first innings and 38 not out in the second innings on the final day.

Lead Selector, Dr Desmond Haynes said: “It was a hard-fought first match in Antigua and we decided to stick with the same 13 players for the second match in Barbados. Bonner

demonstrated the way you should play, and we were very pleased with the way he played in the first innings and again in the second innings. It was a hard work for all the bowlers, and we were very happy with the way they stuck to the task.”

Tickets for the second Apex Test match are available for purchase straight to a mobile device via the new Windies Tickets service https://www. windiescricket.com/tickets/.

Fans in the West Indies can watch the match live on ESPN Caribbean and on BT Sport in the UK, as well as other international broadcasters around the world – Fancode in India, Fox and Kayo in Australia, Sky NZ in New Zealand, ESPN and ESPN+ in the USA, ATN in Canada as well as Supersport in Sub-Saharan Africa.

West Indies Test Squad * Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain) * Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain) * Nkrumah Bonner * Shamarh Brooks * John Campbell * Joshua Da Silva * Jason Holder * Alzarri Joseph * Kyle Mayers * Veerasammy Permaul * Anderson Phillip * Kemar Roach * Jayden Seales Apex Test series schedule (10am local time/9am Jamaica Time) * March 16-20: 2nd Apex Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados * March 24-28: 3rd Apex Test at Grenada National Stadium, Grenada

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2022

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

CPL’s 10th edition scheduled for August 30-September 30

CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers…

Page 23

Pg 23

… Guyana Amazon Warriors, Barbados Royals, Trinbago Knight Riders franchises for women’s tournament

Tactics, good prep high on Guyana’s agenda to face T&T, Nicaragua Page 22

Ryan Hercules hands over the gear to ECB President Deleep Singh

GCB Development Committee donates coaching equipment to ECB … Hercules optimistic that gear will be useful to ECB’s development

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