Guyana Times -- Wednesday, April 13, 2022

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4978

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

NRF had $150B closing balance at end of March – BoG report

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Soesdyke man P7 wanted for murder of GEA employee

...Guyana to further earn millions from 12 remaining oil lifts for 2022

Guyana seeks to evolve economic ties with Canada, other countries – Dr Ashni Singh …as Govt signs MoU with Canadian Commercial Corporation Page 7

GRA's $220M modern Licence Office on stream for 2023 completion P14

GPF promises thorough probe into accident that claimed life of Sophia teen

P12 Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh signed on behalf of the Government of Guyana while Canadian Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business & Economic Development, Mary Ng signed on behalf of the Canadian Commercial Corporation

4-year-old Mother of critical after 3 brutally being stabbed by murdered mother’s girlfriend by husband $500M contract inked to dredge Pomeroon River See story on page 20

See story on page 20

...“All systems failed her” – family contends

...as $1.3B in contracts inked by Agri Ministry

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Cyclist seriously injured in Yarrowkabra accident P15 Iwokrama, P13 Canadian company ink MoU for hydropower model

US citizens P8 arrested after allegedly forging PCR tests

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Apr 13 – 13:00h – 14:30h and Thursday, Apr 14 – 02:00h – 03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Apr 13 – 13:55h – 15:25h and Thursday, Apr 14 – 14:45h – 16:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light cloud and sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 14:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.42 metres.

Low Tide: 08:15h and 20:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.88 metre and 0.73 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

03 05 06

07 24 26

12

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

07 10 15 22 26 LUCKY 3

7

3

6

9

Afternoon Draw

0

1

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

06 08 10 12 14 19 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

01 03 04 15 16 13

01 06 09 20 21

2

5 Afternoon Draw

3X Afternoon Draw

9

0 Evening Draw

3X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$104.64/barrel

+5.89

Rough Rice

$283.14/ton

+0.22

London Sugar

$563.70/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1694.00

$1965.10

Low/High Change

$1949.60 -2.20

$1979.60 -0.11%

NRF had $150B closing balance at end of March – BoG report ...Guyana to further earn millions from 12 remaining oil lifts for 2022 T

he Natural Resource Fund (NRF), which has already received inflows for at least 10 oil lifts since ExxonMobil started production in the Liza 1 Development, as well as interest earned, had a $150 billion closing balance at the end of March 2022.

This is according to the Bank of Guyana, which recently released the first-quarter report on the NRF. In it, it is explained that the fund had a starting balance of $90.9 billion at the start of the 2021 fourth quarter and a balance of $150 billion at the end of the 2022 first quarter.

The Bank also revealed that Guyana is expected to earn millions from 12 crude lifts planned for this year.

These lifts, each of which amounts to 1 million barrels of crude, will presumably come from both the Liza 1 and 2 Developments.

As of March 31, 2022, Guyana has received revenue from 10 oil lifts as its share of profit oil. According to the report, this amount includes payment for one crude lift, which has already been received in this quarter.

Saudi Aramco was awarded a 12-month contract to market Guyana’s crude last year. Guyana’s crude lift share was initially marketed by Shell Western, after which Hess International marketed Guyana’s crude.

It was previously revealed by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat that this month could see as many as two oil lifts being undertaken, with lifts from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels potentially crossing paths.

Bharrat had explained in an interview with this publication that Liza Destiny is already scheduled to lift its 1 million barrels of oil in April - its second lift for the year. Meanwhile, the Liza Unity FPSO, which started producing oil in the Liza Phase 2 Development in February of this year, could potentially mark its first oil lift as well.

According to Bharrat, they got approximately US$95 million for the last lift. And with Brent crude prices currently averaging US$120 per barrel, he noted that Guyana could expect to make over US$100 million for each lift, should both lifts from the Liza Destiny and Unity be completed in April.

The historically high oil prices (oil prices have not exceeded US$100 on the global market since 2014), is part of the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is, however, a double-edged sword where Guyana is concerned. That is because of the sharp rise in oil prices at the local pumps.

The Bank of Guyana

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

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

Since Exxon found crude in commercial quantities offshore in 2015, there have been 28 oil finds to date in the Stabroek Block and an estimated recoverable resource of over 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

United States oil giant, ExxonMobil is currently undertaking four production projects Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara and Yellowtail in the oil-rich block. Production capacity is currently at 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) with the Liza Destiny FPSO in operation.

Meanwhile production only recently started in the Liza 2 Development, which

is said to produce even lighter crude than Liza 1. It is also estimated that with the Yellowtail Development

project on stream, production will climb to 810,000 bpd by 2027. The US oil major anticipates at least six FPSOs producing 1 million bpd by 2030.

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

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

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 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

Reality of domestic violence underestimated

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nother mother has been killed on Tuesday morning at the hands of her partner, after years of abuse. This mother of three, 57-year-old Savitrie Raj, attempted to escaped her situation after 32 years of marriage, but her efforts were futile in the end.

This issue of domestic violence, its trickle effects and impact on society has, on numerous occasions, been reported in Guyanese media, but unfortunately, this continues despite awareness efforts. In this particular case, the woman, according to her family, used the mechanisms available to help domestic violence victims, but all systems seemed to have failed her.

Domestic violence has been described as “behaviour which causes one partner in a relationship to be afraid of the other. Domestic violence can take the form of physical or sexual abuse, and forced social isolation away from friends and family members.”

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem appears much larger than reflected in the news, as many cases go unreported. This speaks to the reality being underestimated.

Many reasons have been made known for what can deter an abused victim from seeking the intervention of the law.

Among them are aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some, and the absence of confidence in law enforcement precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.

The magnitude of the impact cannot be underestimated.

Many persons have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults. Those ghastly images, especially when life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative for all to know the extent of what is available and offered. While expectations would be for what obtains in the developed nations, realistically, there must be something tangible in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not, in any way, suggesting that there is not an effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some, depending upon the circumstances.

Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue, and which would make added demands on the system, the question of adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities, and support systems becomes more pertinent.

While there is a disadvantage in accurately quoting figures based on extensive research, if available, on the amount of people lost, injured and disfigured and those scarred for life as a result of domestic violence, they must be extremely high in proportion to our population. Clearly, the highest number would be those who are left traumatised.

This therefore must be seen as a serious cause for concern, and a compelling reason for consideration for declaring domestic violence a national priority. This is an apolitical issue, and is not confined to any one group, thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In such small societies, the impact permeates throughout.

As this newspaper had previously said, persons reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated.

Its mitigation has to uncompromisingly be immediate, holistic, effective and sustained. Persons within communities most often do not think it is their business to report instances of abuse, but proper and timely intervention could save someone’s life.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand watched as this Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara child set up his kite at the Community Centre Ground, where she distributed kites to children on Tuesday (Education Ministry photo)

We cannot fix racism in society if we do not first fix it within ourselves

Dear Editor, The recent reports in the media about the alleged incident between Attorney-at-Law Mr. Nirvan Singh and Ms. Shawnette Bollers, security guard assigned to former Chancellor Justice Carl Singh’s home, seem to have struck a chord within the Guyanese public. The ensuing outrage, while understandable, is concurrently revealing of a couple of things: Firstly, we, as a society, seem to have done away with the concept of an accused person’s innocence until proven guilty.

Without any material proof of the alleged racist allegations; without knowing this young man personally or having ever physically encountered him; without any interaction with him on a professional level; we are ready to condemn him as a racist, and question his ability to represent Afro-Guyanese in his capacity as an Attorney-atLaw. A recording has been circulated in the media which purports to be evidence of the alleged racist and physical assaults; yet, no racial epithet, slur, or insult is heard in this recording, nor do the male or female voices heard on the recording indicate that a physical assault (the al-

leged spitting) took place.

The fact that we are willing to condemn Mr. Singh without evidence is consequently revealing of our own individual and communal internalised racism. Racism is so entrenched in our collective psyche as Guyanese people that we automatically believe that a successful Indo-Guyanese man would treat an Afro-Guyanese woman of lower socio-economic status with racial contempt, without any evidence whatsoever of the alleged racism.

There is no denying that racism exists in Guyana, but we also need to leave room for the fact that not everyone is racist. If you are reading this, ask yourself right now, “Am I racist?”. The answer is no, I’m sure. So then why are you so quick to believe that Mr. Nirvan Singh is? Again, we judge our counterparts by our own standards. Maybe it is time for us to face our own hypocrisy and address our internalised racism on an individual level.

We cannot fix racism in society if we do not first fix it within ourselves. Race cannot, and should not, be imputed in every situation involving persons of different races. Automatically believing that everything is always about race will keep us all in a perpetual-

ly racist mindset, which is counterproductive to us as a nation.

There are many other facets of this issue which may be explored, but I will conclude here. In the present forum, I am not advocating for Mr. Nirvan Singh’s innocence, nor am I accusing Ms. Bollers of ly-

ing; I am pointing out that every accused person is innocent until proven guilty.

I am sure that you, as a non-racist, would want the protection of this maxim to be applied to you, were you in the instant situation.

Regards, Name withheld

Revise Public Service retirement age to preserve brain gain Dear Editor, Canadian citizen Ms. Hazel McCallion, a political icon at the age of 101, has recently been hired to run Canada’s largest airport in the capacity as a director with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority, for a contracted period of three years.

Prior to her recent milestone appointment, Ms. McCallion retired in 2014 as the Mayor of Canadian City Mississauga when she was 93 years.

Of interest, given Guyanese citizens’ life expectancy as at 2021 was 70.4 years, and since it is projected that Guyanese life expectancy would increase in the future, it becomes crucial for Guyana to revise its retirement age

of 55 within the traditional Public Service to a higher limit.

It’s a twofold reason: apart from Government agencies losing these talented personnel and skillsets in their respective fields, most employees at the age of 55 are at the pinnacle of their careers, and have much more to contribute and deliver for the benefit of these institutions.

Further, based on the current trajectory for our country’s economic development, it’s time we stem all forms of brain drain and preserve our brain gain.

Yours truly, Paul Ramrattan

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 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

Guyanese engineers can obtain practical experience in design, construction of new Demerara River Bridge

Dear Editor, Guyanese have, for years, been dreaming of a fixed bridge across the Demerara River; now the PPP/C Government has boldly undertaken to make this dream a reality.

Unlike bridges across a trench or a canal or a small river (small span bridges), the New Demerara River Bridge (NDRB) is a Large Span Bridge (LSB), requiring, from conceptualisation to construction and operation, professionals from across various disciplines such as economics, social science, environment, law, geology, many sub-disciplines of civil engineering (eg, geotechnical, structures, hydraulics, traffic, and so on),

architecture, electrical and mechanical engineering, construction, and project management.

Often, specialists in the technical disciplines involved in bridge engineering and contractors with significant experience in LSB construction are required.

Newspaper articles reported that the NDRB is conceptualised as a fanstyle, cable-stayed bridge, allowing uninterrupted ship traffic along the river. It is unknown if any substantial environmental and geotechnical investigations have been carried out.

Nevertheless, the soils at the location of the bridge are likely to be a relatively thick layer of a very soft to

soft clay (Demerara Clay) sitting on a stiff clay of unknown thickness (Coropina clay). Bedrock, the ideal foundation support for at least the towers for the cable-stayed section, is at considerable depth from the surface.

The NDRB is a complex structure requiring technical professionals with significant relevant experience working as a team.

Bits and pieces of the work, both preconstruction and during construction, cannot be farmed out to locals and others without comprehensive professional management and understanding of contemporary design and construction of such a complex structure.

The Government decided to invite contractors to bid for a four-lane bridge under two contract models (a) Design, Finance and Build (DFB); and (b) Design, Finance, Build and Operate (DFBO).

Procurement for public infrastructure works in Guyana is based on the low- bid method (LBM), in contrast to qualifications-based bid method (QBM). The winner in the LBM is usually the contractor with the lowest bid.

Negotiations with the winner follow the opening of the bids. These negotiations are necessary to ensure that the contractor has equipment, personnel, materials, finance, and a work plan to complete the work accord-

Are the part-time jobs in Regions 2, 6 and 10 fair and equitable?

Dear Editor, Observers and commentators alike are quick to look at everything the Government does through racial or some form of discriminatory lens, without any analysis and logical reasoning whatsoever.

This is an unfortunate reality in our society.

To this end, I have seen some criticisms that the Government announced 800 part-time jobs for Region 2, another 800 parttime jobs for Region 10, and some 3,000 part-time jobs for Region 6.

The question by observers is what is so special about Berbice (Region 6) to be getting almost 3 times more part-time job opportunities than Regions 2 and 10.

Well, the answer is simple; nothing is special, and there is absolutely no discrimination here for the following simple, logical reason: According to the last census (2012) the population of Regions 2, 6, and 10 are as follows: Region 2: 46,810 Region 6: 109,431 Region 10: 39,452.

Clearly, the population of Region 6 is about 3 times the population size of Regions 2, and 10. Region 6 also may have a higher unemployment rate, given the closure of sugar estates a few years ago and the lack of investment over the years in that region.

Region 2 is a predominately rice farming region, not as badly affect-

ed as the people in Berbice with the closure of the sugar estates, and Region 10 has subsidised electricity where the residents of that region enjoy cheaper electricity rates than residents across the country; thus, a competitive advantage of Region 10 for light if not heavy manufacturing activities, attractive for investments of these nature.

In short, the fact that Region 6 is highly likely to have a higher unem-

ployment rate and a larger population than Regions 2 and 10, almost 3 times the population size of those regions, then to benefit from 3 times the amount of parttime jobs than Regions 2 and 10 could only be fair and equitable, given the unique situation of each region, and taking into consideration the population size of each region.

Regards, J C Bhagwandin

ing to the specifications for the quoted price.

There are situations when the winning contractor cannot perform consistent with the bid. Often this happens when the procurement documents are not thorough, and thus provide loopholes. For structures such as the NDRB, it is important that procurement documents be prepared by professionals who are familiar with state-of-the-art design and construction of such structures.

In QBM, the Government would have to choose a contractor according to the contractor’s qualifications, experience, and reputation.

Compared to LBM, QBM is more prone to favouritism and corruption. QBM is preferred when the contractor has specialised experience for the project and a good performance record.

The Government commenced negotiations with the lowest bidder, China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd, to construct NDRB at a cost of some $51.2 billion (iNews, Jan 11, 2022).

Negotiations with this bidder ceased because Minister Juan Edghill cited as one reason “the increase in cost for the construction of the bridge”, and negotiations with the next lowest bidder commenced (iNews, Feb. 9,2022).

Suggestions of corruption erupted from the failed negotiations with the low-

est bidder. There is nothing sinister about the termination of negotiations with the lowest bidder and starting new negotiations with the next lowest bidder. This is the way these LBM procurement procedures work.

Negotiations for DFBO or DFB require special skills not only in technical matters connected with evolving LSB design and construction, but also in financial mechanisms and guarantees, maintenance and operations plans. It would be foolish if the Government were to disclose its strategies before negotiations are completed and a contract is awarded. It is the Government’s responsibility to select the best contractor with the credentials and price tag to DFB or DFBO the NDRB. It is also the Government’s responsibility to ensure that the public receives value for such infrastructure works. This can be achieved by well-prepared procurement documents and quality, incorruptible project/program management, messaging, and transparency. It is imperative that the Government provides opportunities in the contract for Guyanese, especially engineers, to obtain practical experience in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of this symbolic structure.

Sincerely, Dr Muniram Budhu

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

By Gerard Manley-Hopkins

I

n this fun and easy water science experiment, we’re going to make a rainbow.

Materials:

Baking pan Water Mirror White piece of paper

Instructions:

Fill the baking pan three quarters of the way full with water.

Find a sunny spot.

Place the mirror in the water and lean it against the edge of the baking dish.

Now direct the mirror’s reflection onto the white piece of paper.

You will see a rainbow of colours.

How it works:

When the white sun-

light shines into the water it bends. White light is a combination of all the visible colours. So, when white light bends, all of its parts also bend. These parts or colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) all bend at a different angle because each of the colours travel at different speeds in the water. When the mirror reflects the light back out of the water it has been broken up from refraction into the full rainbow of colours that you can see on the piece of white paper.

Make this a science project:

Try this experiment using a flashlight. Try this experiment with coloured light. Try using crumpled aluminium foil instead of a mirror. Try colouring the water. (sciencefun.org)

“I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday” – Abraham Lincoln

The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?

Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.

And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; And though the last lights off the black West went Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs — Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.

Summary In this poem, the persona is adulating the incredible power of God. He compares the glory of the Lord to an electric charge present in all things – a fulminant power uncontainable and endlessly great. However, the persona questions the actions of mankind in their insatiable search for self-gain and exploitation of the natural world.

He wonders why mankind does not heed the warning of and defer to the immense power of the Lord, but rather leaves a permanent deleterious mark on the surrounding world.

Even in this questioning of the deplorable acts of humanity against the world, he realizes that the ever-present innate freshness in all things continues to live on. Nature is never completely depleted by humanity's ruthless exploitation of it.

Even though the sun sets on one day, the sun rises yet again for the triumphant beginning of another, simply because the Holy Ghost, like a mother bird tending to her young, nurtures it without fail.

You may notice that this poem is similar to Sonnet Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 by William Wordsworth.

They both speak about the wonder and beauty of nature. (And they are both Italian Sonnets) The theme of this poem is a sort of glorification of God – that is, Hopkins intends to adulate the grandeur of God and his unshakeable infusion in nature. The theme also incorporates man vs nature or man's destruction of nature. The tone is reverent overall, but shifts between disgust and hope at some points. (Quelpr) Analyse the following lines: "The world is charged with the grandeur of God." "Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;" "And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;" "And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod."

"And for all this, nature is never spent;"

WORD SEARCH

7 Guyana seeks to evolve economic ties with Canada, other countries – Dr Ashni Singh NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as Govt signs MoU with Canadian Commercial Corporation

M

aking it clear that Guyana wants to evolve its economic ties with Canada and other countries, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Government Minister from Canada.

Dr Singh signed on behalf of the Government of Guyana while Canadian Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business & Economic Development, Mary Ng signed on behalf of the Canadian Commercial Corporation, which is owned by the Government of Canada.

Canada’s International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Minister is presently leading a business delegation to Guyana to explore trade opportunities.

The visit to Guyana is part of trade exploration to examine sustainable business opportunities in clean technology and green infrastructure in Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, and

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (left) and Canadian Minister of Trade, Mary Ng

Trinidad and Tobago.

The MoU signed on Tuesday will facilitate cooperation and exchange of information regarding the procurement of Canadian goods and services by Guyana.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who met Ng along with several other members of his Cabinet earlier, witnessed the MoU signing.

In his address to the attendees, Minister Singh spoke of the path of econom-

ic expansion that Guyana was currently on and the fact that Guyana wanted to evolve its economic ties and relationships, not only with Canada but other “friendly” countries.

“We see this as an opportunity for those relationships to evolve with the same speed with which the Guyanese economy is changing right now. And so, your visit to Guyana, and the trade mission you’re

Soesdyke man wanted for murder of GEA employee

N

ine years after the disappearance of Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) employee, Levoy Taljit, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for a Soesdyke man for questioning in relation to the murder.

Wanted is 44-year-old Ryvan Shervin Francis of Lot 4 Sharma Alley, Soesdyke, EBD for the 2013 murder of the former GEA employee.

Francis was previously held for questioning in Taljit’s disappearance in December, 2013, after he was reportedly found in possession of some of the missing man’s belongings.

He was subsequently released from custody without a charge be-

Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) employee Levoy Taljit

ing instituted against him.

Back then, he had admitted selling a phone belonging to Taljit and hiding his Toyota Raum motorcar which was found along the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. Taljit of Anira Street, Queenstown was 25-years-old at the time of his disappearance.

Wanted: Ryvan Shervin Francis

The police is asking anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the Francis to contact them on telephone numbers 216-0251, 2160254, 216-0251, 444-3429, 225-6978, 225-8196 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet held a meeting earlier with Minister Ng and her delegation

leading, comes at the most opportune time.

“We see incredible opportunities for Canadian companies to invest in Guyana.

We have, as a government, worked very hard to create an investment climate that is hospitable and attractive to Canadian companies and we would like to see more Canadian companies investing in Guyana,” he said.

According to Dr Singh, the MoU signed establishes a framework within which more Canadian companies can do more business within and with Guyana. He noted that Guyana anticipated the MoU leading to a greater presence of Canadian businesses in Guyana, as well as Guyanese businesses also establishing a presence in Canada.

“Similarly, of course, we look forward to greater and closer economic relations in every other regard, of course in Guyanese companies doing business in Canada and closer economic and com-

mercial ties, in every respect and in every sector of the economy.”

In previous comments on her visit to the Region, Ng had said, “I am thrilled to lead this trade mission, as it will strengthen the long history of collaboration and trade between Canada and Caribbean countries. During the mission, Canadian businesses will network, learn about trade opportunities and build stronger bridges to grow our economies, create jobs, and benefit people across our nations.”

In a release from the Government of Canada ahead of the visit, it was stated that the Caribbean was rich in diversity and natural resources and shared a mutual interest with Canada in further developing green and blue economies.

“Growing Canadian partnerships with members of the Caribbean Community [Caricom] allows Canadians to promote their business-

es and for our nations to work together to build sustainable recoveries from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Caribbean is poised for a post COVID-19 economic recovery with opportunities for growth in green infrastructure, renewable energy, climate resilience, financial services, extractives, tourism, and education,” the release had said.

The Canadian Government had also stated that the trade mission will give new and experienced Canadian exporters the chance to explore the growing number of sustainable business opportunities in clean technology and green infrastructure in the Region.

It had added that the Canada-Caribbean Trade Mission will help grow partnerships with members of Caricom, promote Canadian businesses in key sectors, and help build a path to sustainable recovery from the pandemic.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US citizens arrested after allegedly forging PCR tests

T

wo US citizens were arrested on Sunday after they allegedly presented forged PCR test results to authorities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Based on reports received, the man and the woman were outgoing passengers on a Caribbean Airlines flight - BW526 - destined for the JFK International Airport.

However, whilst checking in they handed over their PCR test results from the Sheriff Medical Centre which showed negative.

Upon examination, the documents were suspected to be forged and as such, contact was made with the Sheriff Medical Centre which proved that the documents were indeed forged.

Duo was immediately handed over to the Police

Politics...

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and subsequently placed on station bail. An investigation into the alleged forgery is ongoing. In February 2021, an investigation was launched by the Health Ministry after reports surfaced that people were entering Guyana with fake

COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test results.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony had stated “We have had some reports not so much of people going out but we’ve had reports of people coming in where they

were forging their PCR results. Because remember, we require PCR to come into Guyana”.

At the time of the report, the Minister did not disclose which countries the reports came from.

…in Parliament echnically, “Parliament” includes both the President and the National Assembly. But since the Presidency’s already locked away, he’ll discuss the National Assembly where the Opposition has 32 of the 65 seats. It’s one of the three branches of Parliamentary governance, and is a repository of power that can be flexed. And all Guyanese know it as “Parliament” …as in “wha’ foolishness goin’ on in Parliament nowadays”!!

But it doesn’t seem the PNC Opposition think Parliament’s worth the bother. All your Eyewitness hears about from their more voluble wing is “boots on the ground”!! Meaning – coming out into the streets like Desmond Hoyte’s “slow fyaah; mo’ fyaah” – to bring the PPP Government to its knees! Because Aubrey Norton’s had a visible role in those protests, most feel it’s why he was elected PNC Leader ahead of “Lil Joe”.

But your Eyewitness thinks that “radical” wing is misreading the ground reality as President Ali unleashes his blitzkrieg of initiatives in their bases. While there’s a chance they can collect (PPP) birds in the hand, they’re not going to be rummaging through bushes. They KNOW Norton ain’t got no birds up his sleeve!! Most of them will still vote for the PNC, come the next elections, though, and that’s where Parliament comes in!!

The margin between the Opposition and Government is razor thin. And Norton gotta remember that if he hopes to win an election, any “boots on the ground” strategy’s gonna drive away those swing votes he needs to pip the PPP. What he gotta do, therefore, is use whatever means is at his disposal to convince swing voters that whatever the PPP does, he can do it better!! Remember that song??

Hence Parliament. While it’s true the Government have a majority and can pass any bill they chose – like the NRF – that simply means the Opposition can identify flaws that’ll soon become visible. And the swing voters will remember when they enter the voting booths in 2 years. Similarly, while it’s all well and good to point out screw-ups in the Public Accounts Committee – that’s history!! Who really bothers about what happened in 2017? Besides, that’s when the PNC was in power!!

Once again, your Eyewitness raises his hands to the heavens and ask why the Opposition aren’t using the Sectoral Committees that were created just for them in 2001? They have the power to summon ANYONE IN GOVERNMENT TO GRILL THEM ON CURRENT PROGRAMS!!

Two of those Committees are chaired by the Opposition on a rotating basis. Meaning the entire gamut of governmental activities are open to scrutiny in real time!! They don’t have to “throw talk” or make allegations about discrimination etc. Summon and grill them on pain of contempt!!

That’s power, baby!! …and the Judiciary The President of the CCJ – Justice Adrian Saunders – is a very urbane fella. Coming from the island of St Vincent, he’s not caught up with our intense racial internecine warfare.

Sitting at our apex court and dealing with our cases, however, has to’ve opened up his eyes on the aforementioned warfare. Especially in the almost continuous series of appeals during the last elections – about which we say no further!! Just to note he handled them with much aplomb.

Well, at a black-tie dinner sponsored by the Bar Association, he waded into the battleground by suggesting that we need to appoint a permanent Chancellor and Chief Justice. Rather than having them act for longer periods than Will Smith!! And HE’s been acting sooo long, he literally flipped!! But we know it ain’t gonna happen, don’t we?

Even in that bastion of democracy the US, each of the two adversarial parties nominate their Supremes Court Justices based on their party’s ideological orientation.

As they say, it’s always “outcome-determinative”!! …and sanctions It was expected that the US would try to convince all nations not to buy Russian oil. What was unexpected was India’s reply: that US’ European allies buy more Russian oil in an afternoon than India buys in a month!!

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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10 NEWS

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New Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana accredited – committed to friendly relations, strong bilateral ties with Guyana

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new Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana has presented his credentials to President Dr Irfaan Ali just days after it was revealed by the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd that Venezuela had designated a new Ambassador to the post.

On Tuesday, the newly appointed Venezuelan Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Guyana, His Excellency Carlos Amador Perez Silva, presented his credentials before Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry Elizabeth Harper.

During a courtesy call on Todd recently, the Ambassadordesignate emphasised his Government’s commitment to friendly relations and strong bilateral ties with Guyana.

For his part, Minister Todd had welcomed the Ambassadordesignate and informed him that President Ali’s Administration remains committed to advancing relations with Venezuela in areas of mutual interest. Minister Todd also reiterated President Ali’s commitment to maintaining the region as a zone of peace.

“The Ambassador-designate emphasised his Government’s commitment to friendly relations and strong bilateral ties

New Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Perez Silva, as he hands over his credentials to President Dr Irfaan Ali

with Guyana. Minister Todd welcomed the Ambassador-designate and informed that His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Administration remains committed to advancing relations with Venezuela in areas of mutual interest,” the Ministry said in its information note.

This is particularly significant

since Guyana took Venezuela before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the border controversy between the two countries. In 2015, Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro had withdrawn the country’s Ambassador to Guyana after Exxon found oil in Guyana’s waters. Eventually, this decision was

reversed.

Venezuela claims Essequibo as its own, despite the 1899 arbitral award confirming Guyana’s sovereignty, which is accepted by the international community. Matters escalated in 2021, when Maduro issued a presidential decree reinforcing his country’s illegal claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region.

In the wake of Maduro’s decree, there was condemnation from all corners including from President Ali, then Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon and even the United States (US). More condemnation would follow when Venezuela detained two Guyanese vessels.

At the time, Minister Todd had summoned the head of the Venezuelan mission in Guyana to a meeting to remonstrate with Venezuela over its actions.

Todd met with Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Moses Chavez, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, Minister Todd registered the strong objection of the Government of Guyana over events that are developing in Caracas related to the attempts

by Venezuela to assume jurisdiction over marine and terrestrial areas, solely based on unilateral action without due regard for international law and the rights of

Guyana. The vessels were eventually released.

Guyana moved to the ICJ after exhausting all means of negotiation with Venezuela and the failed good offices process between the two South American neighbours.

Then United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres in January 2018, decided that the case should be settled by the ICJ, after exercising the powers vested in him to decide how the controversy should be settled by the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom.

Back in March 2021, ICJ had granted Guyana until March 8, 2022, to file its written submissions for the case, after requesting 12 months. Guyana filed its submissions on schedule. Venezuela was meanwhile given until March 8, 2023, to submit its counter-memorial.

The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

It was established by the United Nations Charter in June 1945, and began its activities in April 1946. The Court is composed of 15 Judges elected for a nine-year term by the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations. The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands).

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GPF promises thorough probe into accident that claimed life of Sophia teen

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team of ranks from Police Regional Division 4A on Tuesday visited the home of the late Makida Quick, 14, who recently lost her life in a motor vehicular accident in her community at Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The team was led by Superintendent Carol Harding, accompanied by Deputy Superintendent Timothy Williams, Assistant Superintendent Alvin Hoyte along with Inspectors Gavin Boyce, Devon Lowe and other ranks within the Division.

During the visit, ranks met and interacted with the teen’s grieving family members, who were still traumatised by the brutal nature in which their loved one was killed.

Superintendent Harding, who is Second-in-Command of the Division, expressed sincere condolences to the grieving family on behalf of the Commissioner and ranks of the Force and assured them that a thorough and comprehensive investigation is underway and that no stone will be left unturned.

Meanwhile, Williams in his address to the family, highlighted that the Police

Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the teen’s home on Tuesday. Inset photo is the dead teen, Makida Quick

Force will continue to offer support to them throughout this time.

Quick leaves to mourn, her mother, foster father and nine siblings.

Coordinator of the National Road Safety Council Ramona Doorgen, and head of the Education SubCommittee on the National Road Safety Council Carol Benn were also part of the visit to offer words of comfort and pledged their organisations’ support to Vossey and her family during this period.

It was reported that mo-

torcycle CK 7840 – ridden by 21-year-old Glenton Redman of Section E Field Sophia, ECD, was speeding south along the eastern side of Section E Field Main Access Road in a lying position on his motorcycle which he allegedly lost control of and collided with 14-year-old pedal cyclist Makida Quick – a student of Tucville Secondary School who resided at Lot 668 Section D Field, Sophia, ECD. Reports disclosed that Quick was riding south along the eastern side of Section E Field Main Access Road

whilst Redman was speeding in the said direction. As a result of the collision, Quick was flung some distance in the air before falling into a nearby drain while Glenton Redman fell onto the road’s surface.

Quick along with Redman were picked up in an unconscious condition and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit where Makida Quick was pronounced dead on arrival, and the body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Iwokrama, Canadian company ink MoU for hydropower model mercial projects including agriculture and mining.

Dennis remarked, “We are delighted Iwokrama sees value in our versatile hydrokinetic energy solutions in terms of helping them meet their environmental and conservation goals. Major General Singh was an important catalyst in terms of connecting our technology with this amazing opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Gobin expressed that “Iwokrama looks forward in earnest to this collaboration. The Centre has introduced new Iwokrama Chief Executive Officer Dane Gobin and Chief Executive Officer of Instream Energy Systems from Vancouver, Canada, Dave Dennis

C

hief Executive Officer of Iwokrama, Dane Gobin and Chief Executive Officer of Instream Energy Systems from Vancouver, Canada, Dave Dennis have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purpose of providing reliable, environmentally friendly, low-cost hydrokinetic energy to support conservation and sustainable use of Guyana’s natural resources.

As part of the collaboration, Iwokrama said it is keen to develop and implement joint green energy initiatives and models which can support the local riverine communities and which could scale up to larger industrial and com-

technologies to Guyana in the past and believes that working with Instream can indeed further community livelihoods, conservation and other development objectives contained in the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. Green energy remains an important objective for Guyana”.

Instream Energy Systems (IES) is a Canadian company that is

a pioneer developer of versatile, clean, reliable, and low-cost hydrokinetic energy solutions for inland waterways and tidal applications. The company’s globally patented vertical axis hydrokinetic turbines efficiently convert the kinetic energy in moving water into renewable electricity and has been proven safe in marine and avian habitats.

IES was founded in 2008 with strategic and design partner BAE Systems, who co-developed the IES technology. IES works with multiple strategic partners, licensees, and stakeholders committed to sustainable energy to implement its technology for projects in North and South America, the EU, and the UK.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GRA's $220M modern Licence Office on stream for 2023 completion

An artist’s impression of the new Licence Office

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o support the expansion of operations and offer more effective and efficient systems and services to the general public, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has commenced reconstruction of its Licence Revenue Office situated at Smyth and Princes Streets, Georgetown.

The estimated cost of this new facility is $220 million, and construction is slated for completion within the first half of 2023.

The modern facility provides all licences and motor vehicle-related transactions

and offers a more efficient and comfortable office space for both staff and taxpayers.

In the interim, operations were relocated to GRA’s Parking Lot, Lamaha Railway Embankment in December 2021.

This temporary office facilitates registration, transfer, and examination of various categories of motor vehicles. Other services, such as the issuance of driver’s and miscellaneous licences are processed at the GRA Headquarters, Camp Street.

GRA is reminding the

general public that payments for services provided by the Licence Revenue Office can be facilitated through MMG and Bill Express, and encouraged customers to utilise the internet/online bill payment services at any of the following banking institutions; Demerara Bank, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and Republic Bank.

GRA said it continues its efforts to provide services to taxpayers in a conducive business environment to encourage and foster compliance with Guyana’s tax laws.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Cyclist seriously injured Wrong and strong – the PNC creates crisis and wants to benefit from bad behaviour

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recent poll shows unprecedented popularity of President Irfaan Ali, VP Bharrat Jagdeo, the Cabinet, and the PPP Government. This is reflected everywhere that the President, the VP, and other Cabinet members show up. The Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government is changing what participatory democracy means. The Government outreach programme, with the President and Cabinet being among the people almost on a daily basis, was invented by Bharrat Jagdeo. Today, President Irfaan Ali has taken it to another level not visible anywhere else in the world.

But even as the Government is busy involving the Guyanese people in Guyana’s development trajectory, these days, a new category of narcissists has emerged in Guyana. They are called “gaslighters”. These people create an enemy or a crisis, and then take credit for solving the crisis or for removing the enemy. Guyana’s Dr Leslie Ramsammy champion “gaslighter” and narcissist is Aubrey Norton. He is clueless, has no vision, no plan for the country, and no plan to rescue the PNC from its descent into oblivion. He has resorted to lies and innuendos, creating a fake crisis and pretending to solve it.

Usually, Lindeners give the PNC Leader a royal welcome.

But few Lindeners bothered to even acknowledge his presence.

Fewer turned out to listen to him. The PNC Leader was essentially rejected in what is the strongest, most loyal base of the PNC. Neither Norton nor his party could provide Lindeners with the barest of signals that the PNC represented a better choice for the people of Region 10 than the Government of President Irfaan Ali. The people’s response told Norton enough – that their strongest base has become disillusioned with them. He left Linden totally deflated.

What made this Linden rejection worrisome for Norton is that the visit followed another visit, the one made by Guyana’s VP Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the PPP. Bharrat Jagdeo was embraced and given a royal, rock-star welcome. The VP mingled and interacted with Lindeners, who could not have enough of him.

For a full two days, the VP spoke of development in Linden, and Region 10 and in Guyana. Guyana’s VP spoke of the vision for our country, our people, particularly the youths. The people of Region 10 and Linden know that Guyana is in good hands.

Showing up in Linden after the VP, Aubrey Norton had no explanation why the PNC abandoned Linden and Region 10 when they were in control of Government between 2015 and 2020.

He was clueless in assuring Lindeners that the PNC could ever reclaim the Government. This was when “gaslighting” became the only option left to him. This was when resorting to lies and misinformation became the only vision Norton could offer the people who steadfastly supported him and the PNC for decades now. His main message was a total fabrication: the PPP has plans to raise electricity rates for Lindeners. The PPP has no such plan, and this was not even an issue that emerged during the VP’s visit to Linden. With the Government’s forceful rejection of Norton’s lies, Norton’s position is that the PPP has backed-off after he exposed the PPP’s plan. He created a crisis, and then pretended he solved it for Lindeners. In the process, Norton made his woes worse, because Lindeners now feel insulted that he thinks they are stupid.

But this has become the MO of Norton and the PNC: fabricating a crisis and then pretending they brought solutions.

Take the OIL deal. Norton is now calling for adjustments to the EXXON contract. He completely pretends that the PNC had nothing to do with the horrendous, one-sided EXXON Oil deal.

He now demands the PPP must adjust the agreement. The PPP has always said that the deal was a bad one, but a contract nonetheless. The PPP has always said whenever and wherever opportunities for adjustments to existing deals arise, those opportunities would be taken. A number of adjustments have already been made, and the PPP has insisted that, for any new development, new contracts would ensure Guyana maximises our benefits. Now Norton, whose party is solely responsible for the bad EXXON deal, is pretending he is leading Guyana’s effort to have a better deal. They created this bad situation, and now he is pretending he is the inspiration for a solution.

The appointment of a Police Commissioner is another of the crises they created and are now using as an example of PPP bad governance. There is no Leader of the Opposition, something the PNC bears total responsibility for. There is no Police Service Commission because a PNC-backed former Chairman has asked the courts to prevent the appointment of a new commission. So, the President is unable to consult anyone, creating a “doctrine of necessity”. This is entirely a contrived crisis. Local Government elections need to be held soon. The PNC wants two things – the removal of the GECOM Chair and a new voters’ list. These will mean no Local Government elections this year or anytime soon.

Every day, the PNC finds new fabrications to create a crisis, and then figure out how it can take credit for solving the problem. But the Guyanese people are too wise to be “gaslighted” again.

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

in Yarrowkabra accident

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pedal cyclist is nursing a fractured clavicle and spinal injury after he was reportedly struck down by a motor car along the Yarrowkabra Public Road, LindenSoesdyke Highway on Tuesday morning. The injured man has been identified as 27-year-old Damian Edwards of Madewini, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Based on information received, on the day in question at about 7:30h, motor car PYY 974, driven by a 23-year-old man of Central Amelia’s Ward, MacKenzie,

Linden, was proceeding along the Yarrowkabra Public Road when it is alleged that Edwards rode out from a track, turned onto the roadway and into the path of the vehicle.

As a result, he fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries about his body. He was picked up in a conscious condition by the said driver of the motor car and other public-spirited citizens

and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Whilst there, he was further examined during which it was confirmed that he suffered a fractured clavicle and spinal injuries. He was admitted to the medical facility in a stable but serious condition.

The driver was subjected to a breathalyser test but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. He remains in custody assisting with investigations.

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17 $500M contract inked to dredge Pomeroon River NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

...as $1.3B in contracts inked by Agri Ministry

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contract was inked between the Agriculture Ministry and Gaico Construction and General Services Inc to the tune of $500 million for the dredging of the Pomeroon River. This along with 24 other contracts were signed on Tuesday at the

Ministry’s head office, Regent and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

Gaico Construction was awarded the contract as there is an “urgent need to dredge the Pomeroon River estuary to allow for the economic and agricultural development within the area,” the Agriculture

Govt will not take over Berbice Bridge, but will negotiate to reduce tolls – Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing Berbicians on Monday

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali related that his Government has no intention of taking control of the Berbice River Bridge but assured that discussions will be held on the possibility of further reducing the tolls.

He gave this reassurance on Monday in response to the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) which suggested that Government could look at the option of purchasing the shares from the owners of the facility.

The Corentyne Chamber has recommended that the Berbice Bridge toll be reduced by 50 per cent. The organisation had sent a letter to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill in this regard.

According to the letter dated March 29, the Chamber is aware that as presently constituted, it would not be feasible for the Berbice Bridge Company to grant such a reduction.

Chamber President, Mohamad Raffik told the media they are asking the Government to negotiate with the owners of the bridge and see if they can come up with an agreement so that the Government will be the new owners of the bridge.

But President Dr Irfaan Ail said the Government will not do that. “We believe in a free open society and so the Government would not go and take over the bridge. This Government is willing

to work with every single stakeholder and if it is that the shareholders of the bridge want to speak with the Government then, believe me, that you have a Government that is receptive. The PPP [People’s Progressive Party] is willing to listen to them so that we can make the best possible decision in the interest of the people of this region and the people of the country.”

The cost for a small vehicle to cross the Berbice River Bridge is $1900 compared with $200 for a small vehicle to cross the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

Bicycles and pedestrians are forbidden from using the bridge.

That is one of the reasons for the Chamber seeking to have the bridge toll reduced by at least 50 per cent.

“I want to make it clear, this is not taking over the bridge. We are asking the Government to negotiate with the owners of the bridge and see if they can come up with an agreement so that the Government will be the new owners of the bridge,” Raffik had explained.

According to President Ail, something can be done to reduce the cost.

“This Government would embrace that action because fundamentally we want to remove as much hardship from the people.

That is our fundamental philosophy,” the President posited.

Ministry stated.

The work of Gaico Construction will assist in increasing the draft of the Pomeroon River, which will facilitate various vessels to access the river at both high and low tides.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the signing ceremony related that the dredging of the Pomeroon River contract is the most important compared to the others.

“We know for a fact that the dredging of the Pomeroon River, that’s a major project. This is a very important project for us. Tremendous work is to be done there,” the Minister said. The contract allotted to Gaico Construction is worth exactly $569,300,000.

In addition, Minister Mustapha stated that the Ministry will also be looking to dredge the Mahaicony, Mahaica, and Abary Rivers in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) next.

“We are also looking at

the three rivers in Region Five, the Mahaicony, Mahaica, and Abary River to do dredging, so later on, I think in the year, we might have those programmes commence. And we’re also looking to do a lot of major drainage work in the other region; regions, three, five, and six,” the Minister noted.

Meanwhile, the 35 contracts are being procured by six entities – Mahaica Mahaicony AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA); Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo); Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC); the Fisheries; National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); and the National Drainage & Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

The Minister said that the 35 contracts that were awarded will enhance and improve operation so that the Ministry can function at its full capacity since Guyana will be leading the agri food system in the

Gaico Construction CEO Komal Singh inking the contract

Caribbean.

In this regard, he added, “We’ll be hosting an Agri Investment Forum not so long from now, from the 19th to the 21st of May. That means that a lot of investors will be coming to Guyana to invest in the agriculture sector, so we have to have the infrastructure in place.

Those contracts that we'll be signing this afternoon are necessary for us to enhance our agriculture sector.

“We are now putting our country in place to take up the slack of the agriculture sector in the

Caribbean. We are now building our country, putting the necessary infrastructure in place.”

General Equipment Guyana Limited was awarded the second-highest contract, amounting to $143,155,423 for the supply and delivery of two complete sets of land levelling equipment to facilitate GuySuCo agriculture policy on improving the efficiency and productivity of its cultivation.

The total of the contracts amounted to some $1,359,795,148.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mother of 3 brutally murdered by husband …“All systems failed her” – family contends

By La’Wanda McAllister

T

he shocking murder of a 57-year-old woman in the wee hours of Tuesday has incensed the usually quiet community of Foulis on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

Savitrie Raj, a mother of three of 15th Street, Foulis, was brutally murdered by her abusive husband of 33 years, whom she has been trying to escape.

In fact, the couple were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday as the woman had filed a report against him three weeks ago, after he attacked her with a glass bottle, causing her to receive injuries to the head.

But around 01:00h on the day in question, the couple’s only son was in the lower flat of house when he heard his mother screaming. As such, he ran to the upper flat of the house where he saw his mother lying on the bed in a pool of blood. Three wounds were seen on her face and neck.

The husband, a fisherman, was allegedly seen jumping through the window.

When Guyana Times visited the home of the couple, the woman’s daughter Dian Raghunath and her husband said Raj had been abused by her husband and two other children for years, with the grieving daughter saying that she believes her mother’s death was planned.

Raghunath related that for the past two months, her mother has been going through hell at the hands of her children and husband who joined forces against her. Raghunath said last month her mother called her and told her that she was applying for an American visa, and she asked her husband’s permission to do so.

“She applied and she done get the date. He goes to work and comes home and would drink and walk and come in… my brother would also drink and torment she… he [ the husband] would argue with she and say that he need more money and I would tell she give he the money.

“That make him end up lashing her with a bottle. My

Dead: Savitrie Raj

aunty in America call me and asked me to ‘go and see what that man do to your mother’.

He lash she with a bottle…

I tell my mother to come by me and she say no; she went hide for the night at my father sister,” she explained.

The woman’s daughter said when her mother returned home the next day, her stepfather continued the abuse while accusing her mother of infidelity. She said her mother’s phone was her company since everyone was against her in the house.

“Me and my aunt and cousins would call her to ask her how she was doing, and he feel a way. He would tell she that she doesn’t have time with he and so. He went on sea and come back and he lash she again and she went away. When she come home is torment,” Raghunath related.

After returning home from being in hiding, her mother made the decision to take her son and husband to court so that she could be at peace. A restraining order was also taken out against her son and husband.

“She moved out of the room with him and went to another room. She keeps going to the Police and they were not doing anything, so I told her not to go to the Police. The same night when he lash her with the bottle, he drink and he went upstairs. They say they can’t break the door, so they never come back,” she said.

The family said the nowdead woman then went to the Social Security Ministry where she was promised that someone would visit her home, but no one came.

She then revisited the Police

Station where she was given a court date for April 13, 2022.

Raghunath claimed that the day before the murder occurred, her stepfather pretended as though he was sick, sent her mother to the bank to withdraw $100,000, and planned how he was going to execute the murder.

“She told me that she feel like he has an intention to kill she, so she don’t want to go anywhere with him. Plus she said the law said to keep away from him them… he always say he gonna kill she and kill he self. My mother told everybody that he will kill she, but everybody told her to stay in the place.”

“She went yesterday to the bank and draw the money for he and come home. She said she only give him $60,000 and save the $40,000 to give them to bail themselves [ her son and husband] if they get locked up after the court session,” the woman’s daughter said.

Just after 21:00h (9:00 pm) on Tuesday, Raj locked her bedroom door and went to bed; the suspect reportedly waited until she was fully asleep before jumping the wall and stabbing her about the body. He then threw her phone a far distance from her, so that she could not call anyone to come to her rescue.

The man then reportedly drank a poisonous substance before escaping. A wanted bulletin has since been issued for his arrest.

Raj’s relatives said after she was stabbed, the Police and ambulance were contacted, but only arrived almost an hour later. They claimed that the woman could have been saved since she was still breathing.

Years of abuse from husband and children

In addition to giving details leading up to the murder of her mother, Raghunath told this publication that she grew up seeing her mother being beaten by her stepfather for 32 years.

She said as a child her mother would sell to provide for her family, and after finishing working for the day, her stepfather would take the money and throw it away.

The house where the murder occurred

“He would snatch the money from her and throw it in the trench and she would have to call people to come and help her take it out from the trench. One time he beat my mother so bad he knock out her teeth out of her mouth,” she explained.

Raghunath said right through the abuse she stood by her mother, but later married and moved out of the home. She said that is when her siblings turned on her mother and started abusing her too. It even got to a point where they began demanding that the woman give them money, and if she did not, they would physically and verbally abuse her.

“If she do anything or talk anything, they would abuse she. If she go out and come back or somebody call she, when the father come from work, she [the daughter] would tell the father that mommy went on the phone… the next one [ the son] would abuse her, don’t giving she a dollar and when they money finish they would come and fight she down and knock

her,” Raghunath said.

Relatives further claim that the woman would be abused by her husband and children almost every day.

They are alleging that the man and his son even became drinking buddies and the husband would insult her in the company of visitors.

“He would tell her in front of people that she doesn’t give him sex the way he wants it or do the things he wants her to do…you should hear the nasty things he would say.

He never show she love,” Raghunath revealed.

Raghunath said it even got to the point when she was even scared to take her mother out because she was afraid that when she returned, she would be brutally beaten. “ Just the other day I told her I will buy a dress for her so that I can go to this wedding, but then again I said no because I don’t want if anything happened to her, my aunty them say is because I carry her to the wedding,” she explained.

Now that her mother is

dead, the woman said her siblings were regretting their actions.

“When she died, they cried, but now they will know the importance of a mother… when we were warning them they never listened. My mother always talked good about them, even though they did she all that. She loved her three children.”

Guyana’s system failed dead woman

The family is calling on those in higher authorities to look into the system that continues to fail abused women. They claimed that if the woman had gotten the help that she needed, she would have been alive today.

“The system fail she… look how much time she go to Police and they don’t come.

She keep saying the Police is the only people that can help she…”.

Raghunath further encouraged women who are currently in abusive relationships to get out before it is too late.

PC’s graduating class of 2021 encouraged to keep persevering

4-year-old critical after being stabbed by mother’s girlfriend

A

four-year-old child is currently battling for her life at the Georgetown Public Hospital after she was stabbed by a woman with whom her mother shared a relationship.

While details are still sketchy, Guyana Times was informed that the stabbing occurred at Hyde Park, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Tuesday morning.

A Police source explained that the child’s mother and the suspect had an argument that led to a fight. At the

time, the child’s mother was holding the child who was stabbed in the process.

This publication was made to understand that it was after the child started to bleed, the two women realised that she had been stabbed. She was picked up and rushed to the Diamond hospital, where she was treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The child was admitted a patient in a critical state.

When contacted on Tuesday afternoon, the Regional Commander of the

Division, Denise Griffith confirmed the stabbing incident while stating that the child was in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

She also stated that the suspect has since gone into hiding.

However, later in the evening, this publication was informed that the suspect turned herself in at the Timehri Police Station with an attorney, and was currently in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson and the 2021 graduating class of President’s College

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he 2021 graduating class of President’s College was encouraged to continue their academic pursuits and contribute to the development of the country by Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson at a graduation ceremony held last Friday.

At the graduation ceremony, Hutson noted that the theme for this year’s graduation, “Resiliently Pursuing

Excellence; Keeping the Banner Soaring High”, is fitting as this batch of students has demonstrated true academic resilience while in the middle of a pandemic.

“They possess the drive, determination, and enterprising qualities required to be the best. Let us remember that it is forward-thinking students like these who will lead the way in the development of a dynamic and

enterprising Guyana of the future,” he said.

The Chief Education Officer stated that Guyana’s progress as a nation was greatly rooted in the country’s education system. As such, he emphasized that educators have a responsibility to protect, promote, and nurture this resource as the Ministry seeks to establish a world-class education system.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

21

IPL 2022…

The Shivam Dube-Robin Uthappa Show puts CSK on the board I

Maheesh Theekshana bagged 4-33

t was supposed to be all about Faf du Plessis (and Josh Hazlewood) coming up against his former team, Chennai Super Kings. “It's like playing brothers,” he said at the toss.

However, it was Shivam Dube and Robin Uthappa who absolutely pulverised their former team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, taking 156 off the last 10 overs and turning an ordinary start into a formidable total of 216, to set up their team’s first win in five matches this IPL. It was almost like 2007 all over again: vintage Uthappa walking at fast bowlers and flat-batting them over their heads or into the leg side, and Dube invoking Yuvraj Singh with his languid free-flowing hits. Between them, they hit 17 sixes to go with 12 fours in the innings.

While each posted their highest IPL scores, Dube came within six runs of scoring a hundred, and Uthappa fell short of his by 12 runs.

In response, some dropped catches and questionable choices of bowlers towards the end produced tense moments, even after Royal Challengers had been 50 for 4 and 146 for 8. It was only when Dinesh Karthik got out for the first time in this IPL, with 46 required off 17, that Super Kings could finally breathe easy.

RCB stifle CSK at the start Ruturaj Gaikwad's poor IPL continued as he fell to the machine-like lengths of Hazlewood with the new ball.

Moeen Ali was run out by sharp fielding from debutant Suyash Prabhudessai, making it 36 for 2 in the seventh over.

With the early spin of Glenn Maxwell, Royal Challengers somehow managed to keep the quickest powerplay batter of this IPL, Uthappa, down to 23 off 22 in the first 10 overs.

All hell breaks loose Royal Challengers delayed the introduction of Wanindu Hasaranga probably because of the presence of a left-hand batter, but in the 11th over he was brought on. Dube immediately launched into him, hitting him for a six and a four. In the 12th over, Dube hit the left-arm spin of Shahbaz for another six.

Not to be left behind, Uthappa sent Maxwell into the bigger leg-side boundary for three sixes in the 13th over.

The assault was well and truly on, and Royal Challengers, the worst bowling side at the death this tournament, didn't have any answers in the absence of Harshal Patel, who missed this match because of the death of his sister.

The hitting was so clean that Super Kings didn't worry about hitting into the bigger boundary. Uthappa played a couple of cute ramps, but Dube just sat deep in the crease and smoothly punished errors in length.

And there were errors aplenty. When Mohammed Siraj had Uthappa caught at the end of the 17th over, it turned out he had overstepped.

Shivam Dube led the charge with an unbeaten 95

Akash Deep caught the worst of the punishment, but no one was spared.

Hazlewood's back two overs went for 12 and 15, Siraj conceded 18 off his final over, and Hasaranga cost 13, 13 and 14. From starting at a run a ball, both players were set for hundreds, but Uthappa found deep midwicket trying to go from 88 to 94 in the 19th over.

Dube began the final over on 80, got to 94 with the last ball to go, but managed to send a low full toss straight to long-off.

RCB's poor start Royal Challengers have been the second-slowest side in the powerplay

EML congratulates senior squash team following sponsorship

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ureka Medical Laboratories Incorporated (EML) has extended congratulations to Guyana’s senior squash team on their successful participation in the recently concluded Pan Am Championships in Guatemala.

The team’s participation was made possible in part by Eureka Labs in the form of free PCR COVID-19 testing to attend the games. The tests were conducted on March 31 at the company's head office in Thomas Street Georgetown. Seven persons from the team were tested at EML. Chief Executive Officer of EML, Andrew Boyle, has declared himself always happy to support Guyana’s sportsmen and women on both the local and international scenes. Last November, EML waived the cost for PCR tests for those who competed in the Junior Pan American Games, as well as for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, which was held in August, 2021. Boyle believes that this signals the trust Guyanese have in the accuracy and integrity of the Lab’s services. He posited that Eureka would continue to

uphold its ISO-accredited service to the Guyanese populace and to those visiting Guyana.

Further, Boyle has said his company stands committed to serving the sporting fraternity and the people of Guyana in any way it can.

At the Squash Championships, seasoned Guyanese Squash player Nicolette Fernandes

managed to secure a gold medal for Guyana in the women’s singles, while the senior national female team won bronze and the Men’s team placed eighth. These rankings have allowed them all to lock in their spots at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, which would be held in El Salvador from June 28 to July 8.

this IPL, preferring to set themselves up for acceleration in the middle and death overs, but they didn't have that luxury in the chase of 217.

Super Kings played their matchups perfectly, giving them a healthy dose of spin early on.

When Maheesh Theekshana began the third over at 11 for 0, somebody had to take a chance. du Plessis did, but Theekshana was good enough to cramp him up and produce a catch for long-on.

Kohli tried to hit out against Mukesh Choudhary in the fourth over, but found long leg. Theekshana ended the powerplay by trapping Anuj Rawat lbw with a carrom ball.

Maxwell's entry made way for Ravindra Jadeja to bowl, who duly proceeded to get Maxwell for the seventh time in 13 innings. Five of those dismissals have been bowled, the highest for any bowler against any batter in all T20 cricket.

SCOREBOARD CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Ruturaj Gaikwad lbw b Hazlewood 17 Robin Uthappa c Kohli b de Silva 88 Moeen Ali run out (Prabhudessai/ †Karthik) 3 Shivam Dube not out 95 Ravindra Jadeja (c) c Anuj Rawat b de Silva 0 MS Dhoni †not out 0 Extras (b 4, lb 2, nb 1, w 6) 13 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.80) 216/4 Did not bat: Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3.4 ov), 2-36 (Moeen Ali, 6.4 ov), 3-201 (Robin Uthappa, 18.5 ov), 4-201 (Ravindra Jadeja, 18.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 4-0-37-0 Josh Hazlewood 4-0-33-1 Akash Deep 4-0-58-0 Glenn Maxwell 3-0-29-0 Shahbaz Ahmed 2-0-18-0 W Hasaranga de Silva 3-0-35-2

Prabhudessai, Shahbaz delay the inevitable Prabhudessai continued his impressive debut as he and Shahbaz rebuilt the innings with a 60-run partnership in 5.3 overs.

Prabhudessai started off with boundaries through midwicket and extra cover, but also showed off his reverse-sweep and the ramp.

Shahbaz was more industrious, and had to work harder for his runs.

Theekshana almost seals the deal Theekshana came back to take the wickets of both Prabhudessai and Shahbaz, and did enough to get a five-for, but Choudhary dropped a sitter from Karthik, his third miss of the night. In prime touch,

VS

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (Target: 217 runs from 20 overs) Faf du Plessis (c) c Jordan b Theekshana 8 Anuj Rawat lbw b Theekshana 12 Virat Kohli c Dube b Mukesh Choudhary 1 Glenn Maxwell b Jadeja 26 Shahbaz Ahmed b Theekshana 41 Suyash Prabhudessai b Theekshana 34 Dinesh Karthik †c Jadeja b Bravo 34 Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva c Jordan b Jadeja 7 Akash Deep c Rayudu b Jadeja 0 Mohammed Siraj not out 14 Josh Hazlewood not out 7 Extras (nb 1, w 8) 9 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.65) 193/9 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Faf du Plessis, 2.5 ov), 2-20 (Virat Kohli, 4.1 ov), 3-42 (Anuj Rawat, 5.6 ov), 4-50 (Glenn Maxwell, 6.5 ov), 5-110 (Suyash Prabhudessai, 12.2 ov), 6-133 (Shahbaz Ahmed, 14.3 ov), 7-146 (Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, 15.2 ov), 8-146 (Akash Deep, 15.4 ov), 9-171 (Dinesh Karthik, 17.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Moeen Ali 3-0-19-0 Mukesh Choudhary 3-0-40-1 Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-33-4 Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-39-3 Chris Jordan 2-0-20-0 Dwayne Bravo 4-0-42-1

Karthik proceeded to give Super Kings some nervous moments, especially when they chose to give the 17th over to Choudhary, when they had enough left from Bravo and Chris Jordan.

Karthik took 23 off that over, bringing the requirement down from 71 to 48.

Finally, in the 19th over, a catch stuck, as Bravo made Karthik hit into the bigger leg-side boundary, at the edge of which was captain Jadeja. He will be relieved his side is finally on the board, but Super Kings could have easily won by 50-60 more, which can have a big impact on the net run-rate. (Cricinfo)

22

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

International boxing in Guyana…

Hard Rock Cafe on board Road to Redemption CLASSIFIED ADS Bernard Chavez (third from left), General Manager of Hard Rock Cafe, known for its top-notch service, announced that the franchise would provide all food and beverages for the VVIP, VIP, Ringside and President's Pavilion during a press briefing with some of the principals of the event yesterday

H

ard Rock Cafe, known for fabulous entertainment and quality food worldwide, has touched gloves with the promoters of the 'Road

to Redemption' boxing event carded for April 23 at the National Stadium.

At a press conference held at its Movie Towne location yesterday,

Bernard Chavez, General Manager of this internationally-branded restaurant, which is known for top-notch service, announced that the franchise would provide all food and beverages for the VVIP, VIP, Ringside and President's Pavilion.

Chavez said, “Once in a while, a major event such as this double WBC international title fight comes along, and we realised that this is a first for Guyana and wanted to ensure that Guyanese and the world are treated not only to the best in boxing but the best in food, drinks and service.”

The card, which will be headlined by Elton Dharry, with Dexter Marques in the co-feature, brings international attention to

Guyana's sports development, and has been given full support of the Government, with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr all demonstrating their commitment and providing massive resources to ensure the success of the event.

The fight card will be broadcast locally and internationally, according to NCN head Neaz Subhan.

In addition to the packed action in the ring, there will be a halftime show put on by HJ Entertainment featuring top local artistes and dancers to showcase Guyanese talent to the world.

Many major sponsors and

new companies in Guyana, such as Demerara Mutual Life Assurance, Comfort Sleep, Samtronix, Morgan's Investment, Hand in Hand Insurance, Unique Electrical, Caribbean Motor Spares, HRTN Consulting, Darthan Investments, Turbo Energy Drink, SuperBet, and Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), along with dozens of overseas-based Guyanese companies, are supporting the event.

Tickets, priced as low as $1,000 for this amazing event, are on sale at Giftland, MovieTowne, Amazonia Malls, all Assuria General Insurance offices nationwide, The Locals Restaurant in Vreed-en-Hoop and Fagoo's General Store in Parika.

East Bank Cricket Assn/SD Investment T20 Competition roundup…

Ruimveldt, Herstelling B, among top winners Eric Sukrah took 3-15

A

ction continued over the weekend in the EBCA/ SD Investment T20 Competition 2022 with several matches being played at various venues across Georgetown.

In the first match, Herstelling A defeated Peters Hall by 46 runs.

Herstelling A produced 145 for 9 as Martin Salick with 31 (6×3, 4×1) and Ricky Sargeant with 22 (6×1, 4×3) led the charge. Peters Hall, in reply, were dismissed for 99, of which top scorers Narendra

Persaud (6×1, 4×2) and Yogendra Singh each contributed 17 (6×0, 4×1). Bowling for Herstelling A, Tej Persaud took 2-1 and Anand Bharat took 2-13.

In game two, Sandpipers CC defeated Patrewta Sawmills in a thrilling encounter. Patrewta Sawmills chose to bat, and were bundled out for 55 runs made in 8.2 overs. The top scorers were Kevin Ramdeholl with 19 runs from 9 balls and Neron Barrow with 10 runs from 4 balls.

Bowling for Sandpipers, Rafael Singh took 2 wickets from his 1.2 overs, from which 7 runs were scored, and Dwayne Dillon took a wicket from his 3 overs, in which 10 runs were scored; they were

the main wicket-takers.

The Sandpipers replied with 59-1 in 5 overs. Their top scorers were Ron Percival with 31 runs scored from 10 balls, and Andy Lall with 17 runs scored from 5 balls.

Bowling for the Patrewta, Steve Ramdeholl’s 3 overs took a wicket for 30 runs.

In game three, Demolition CC defeated Laluni CC in a lowscoring encounter. Batting first, Laluni ended on 71-7, of which Sheldon Domingo contributed 29 runs (1×4, 4×6) and Ryan Dundas contributed 13 (1×4). Bowling for Demolition, Kishan Singh took 2-10, Shemar Joseph took 1-13, Deon Pierre took 2-18 and Narine Dhanraj took 2-29.

Demolition ended their reply on 77-5. Leading the charge were Teekaram George with 23 (4×4), Damion Vantull with 18 (1×4, 2×6) and Corwin Austin with 16. The Laluni bowlers were Romel Khedu with 2 wickets for 20 runs and Leon Thomas with 1 wicket for 37 runs.

Game four saw Ruimveldt Sports Club thrashing Demolition Cricket Club. Batting first, Demolition scored 88 for 10.

Bowling for Ruimveldt were Eric Sukrah with 3-15 and Omesh Dhanram with 3-9. In reply, Demolition ended on 89-1, with Ershaad Ali’s 43 and Omesh Danram’s 39 topping the scores.

In the final game, Herstelling

Sunil Joshua took 3-17 in a losing effort

B whipped Meadow Bank CC. Batting first, Herstelling B scored 151 all out, with topscorers Miguel Parks and Trevon Benn contributing 31 and 37 respectively. Bowling for Meadow Bank, Daniel Persaud took 3-23 and Sunil Joshua took 3-17.

In reply, Meadow Bank were dismissed for 63, with only Brandon Jaikarran contributing 20. bowling for Herstelling B, Laurel Parks took 4-11 and Darren Manohar took 3-11.

ACCOMMODATIONS

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BUS SERVICE Need a bus? Call Us. Matthews Bus Service and Tours. Call: 6392663/673-2348.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Restaurant for Rent – West Bank Demerara (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop). Turn Key Business. Covid-19 Reduced Capacity 60; furnished and equipped.

Phone 264-2946; 626-5290

ENTERTAINMENT Swimming Pool Family Fun & Picnic – Crystal Clear Pool. Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. Aracari Resort : West Bank Demerara (Versailles, between Harbor Bridge and Vreeden-Hoop)- Every Weekend. DJ Music.

Groups and Excursions welcome.

(Fee applies)- Phone: 264-2946-9.

TOUR (EASTER WEEKEND) Easter Weekend trip to Suriname, April 14th – 17th. Call: 6392663/673-2348.

TOUR (INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND) Independence Weekend, May 26th – 29th. Call: 639-2663/673-2348.

VACANCY Vacancy exists for one security guard contact 655-6511.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Women’s CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers…

23

Must-win game ends in 2-2 thriller

I

…Guyana out of contention for CONCACAF W Championships, Trinidad advance

t was a roller coaster of emotions at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago on Tuesday night when Guyana and hosts Trinidad and Tobago battled tooth and nail for a spot in the CONCACAF Women’s Championships.

When the dust had settled, the result was one that Trinidad could be content with, but for Guyana, the 2-2 draw would be a crushing blow.

For the must-win encounter, Head Coach Dr. Ivan Joseph opted for a starting XI that comprised Goalkeeper Chante Sandiford, Brianne Desa, Captain Kayla DeSouza, Briana De Souza, Sydney Cummings, Ghilene Joseph, Calaigh Copland, Justine Rodrigues, Otesha Charles, Stefani Kouzas and the lone locally based player Annalisa Vincent.

On the other side, Trinidad and Tobago opted for Kimika Forbes (GK), Liana Hinds, Victoria Swift, Rhea Belgrave, Shadi Cecily Stoute, Kedie Johnson, Karyn Forbes (captain),

Asha James, Cayla Mc Farlane, Maria-Frances Serrant and Raenah Campbell to start.

Billed as a difficult encounter from the start, the contest looked exactly that, with the Lady Jags and the female Soca Warriors going at each other well into the first half. Just as the half was about to expire without witness of a goal from either side, Guyana’s Sydney Cummings capitalised on a set piece to net Guyana’s first goal in the 45th.

One would expect the Soca Warriors to return with a fighting spirit, and the script played exactly in this way. Maria FrancesSerrant was clever enough to draw out a foul from Briane Desa, creating a penalty opportunity which Asha James has no issue taking and executing well.

The scores were level at 1-1 in the 48th.

Cognizant of the fact that nothing less than a victory was needed in order for the Lady Jags to move on to the Championships, the Guyanese ladies went into overdrive once again in pursuit of

the deciding goal.

In the 82nd, Sydney Cummings once again found the solution as Trinidad’s goalie Kimika Forbes made a rookie mistake after an incoming free kick, pushing the score to 2-1 in Guyana’s favour.

With the CONCACAF Championships qualification now in sight, the Lady Jags got the bitter taste of what their male counterparts, the Golden Jaguars, experienced only mere weeks ago in Trinidad and Tobago.

While the stakes were not as high for the Golden Jags, the heart shattering feeling of a last-minute, equalizing goal is now a common feeling between Guyana’s Men’s and Women’s senior teams.

It was substitute player Lauryn Hutchinson who connected with the back of the net in the 90th to level the scores. The few minutes of added time were not enough for the Lady Jags to draw inspiration from the jaws of defeat, as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Lady Jags

The draw meant that Trinidad and Tobago would finish as the top team in Group F, with 10 points, while Guyana finished second with 8 points, compliments

of their back-to-back draws against Nicaragua and Trinidad respectively.

As such, Trinidad will be the only team from Group F

to advance to the CONCACAF Women’s Championships from July 4-18 in Mexico. (Jemima Holmes)

Guyanese athletes at CARIFTA Games…

Austin intent on bettering CARIFTA bronze performance

A

driel Austin was part of Guyana’s historic 21-member contingent for the CARIFTA Games in 2019.

Of the four gold, two silver and three bronze medals that the Guyanese team had returned home with after that outing, Adriel had contributed a bronze, which she had copped in the Under-17 800m event.

Now 18 years old, this year’s CARIFTA Games hold especial importance for Austin, given her intention to not only Adriel Austin is looking to replicate or bring home another better her last CARIFTA performance medal, but to also

guide the younger athletes in Guyana’s contingent.

Earlier in 2022, Austin had ensured that she would again head to the Games to compete in her pet event after clocking 2.13.46 to qualify on her first attempt. CARIFTA’s qualification standard was set at 2.14.50 for the 800m event.

Amid all the excitement of qualifying, Austin is all too familiar with the work that needs to be done, and the importance of the event.

“I’m always excited to go to represent Guyana. CARIFTA is a very big game for us, and it just helps to show us what to expect

Women’s Hockey Team bags $3M support from NSC for CAC qualifiers

T

Gabriella Xavier received the NSC’s support for the CAC Hockey qualifying team from Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle in the presence of her teammates

he National Sports Commission recently presented $3M to the country’s female national Hockey team that was heading off to this year’s Central American and Caribbean Games qualifying tournament in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, made a simple presentation to members of the team recently, and wished the players the best of luck on behalf of the NSC and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Guyana will be hoping to be one of the two teams advancing from the April 14 – 17 tournament, and will flick off their campaign on the event’s opening day against Puerto Rico.

After facing the tournament’s highest-ranked team, Guyana will

play Bermuda on April 16, and close their participation on April 17 against Jamaica.

According to the tournament rules, the top two teams after the round-robin play would qualify for the 2022 CAC Hockey Games in San Salvador, El Salvador in May 2023.

Guyana last competed in the CAC Games back in 2018, when the team finished in seventh place out of eight contestants.

Seven players remain from the team that contested the last CAC Games, which incidentally was the last time Guyana competed internationally. Those players are goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, Trisha Woodroffe, Marzana Fiedtkou, Samantha Fernandes, Princessa Wilkie, Captain Gabriella Xavier and the recently recalled defensive

stalwart Ulrica Sutherland.

Meanwhile, Coach Phillip Fernandes has said he’s excited about the new additions to this strong corps of players, as making their international outdoor debut would be speedy strikers Sarah Klautky, Abosaide Cadogan, and Claysa Bobb; midfielder Madison Fernandes and defenders Kezia Chinian, Makeda Harding, Mickelly Rahaman and Kirsten Gomes.

Fernandes has particularly been pleased with the return from injury of striker Aliyah Gordon, who is a key playmaker for the team.

Apart from receiving support from the NSC, the team is sponsored by GTT, John Fernandes Group of Companies and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

when we reach to the next level,” the Running Brave Athletics Club (RBAC) member has related to Guyana Times Sport.

Adriel has further stated, “Well, all I’m doing is training and focusing, because making timings aren’t easy, but once you train hard and you put in the work, you just go out and execute. Our motto is ‘train hard and win easy’, this is just the easy part.”

Being one of Guyana’s more experienced campaigners at the Games this year, Austin

discussed her intention to keep the ‘fresh blood’ in Guyana’s contingent on the right track.

She explained, “Some of them have never been to CARIFTA, and they might think it’s easy, but it’s really not. So, they have to go out and do their best and be serious, but also have fun.”

Given her bronze medal finish in 2019, Austin says, there is some pressure on her to repeat her performance, but she is pretty confident she can obtain the Gold.

“Yes, because going to

CARIFTA, it’s a really big deal, it’s not a joke, and you really have to go out there and do your best.

All the work that you put in, you just have to go and execute it now,” the teenage athlete has commented.

“Hopefully, bringing home the Gold,” she said with a smile about her intentions for this weekend’s event.

Guyana’s 14-member team is expected to jet off to Jamaica tomorrow for the April 16-18 Games.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

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

Kapil Dev hails Albion victory as turning point of Indian Cricket

Kapil Dev is embraced by a Guyanese fan at the Albion Sports Complex in Berbice in 1983

By Jemima Holmes

O

ften times when Cricket history is discussed in Guyana, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground fondly known as Bourda is the hot topic.

Over the years, the National Stadium at Providence has been included, but hardly ever is the glory of the Albion Sports Complex involved.

With a history of only 5 One Day Internationals played at that venue in the Ancient County of Berbice, the Albion Sports Complex may not hold any significance to the West Indian team which was lethal in that era, but this is not the case for the Indian Cricket Team.

For India, Albion is where they found their footing, confidence, and the right formula to go on to become one of the best-ranked teams in the modern-day sport.

It all began on March 28, 1983. Holi day. To face the reigning World Cup champions must have been a fearsome thought for the Indian Cricket Team. Coupled with the West Indies’ home advantage and the thought of facing up to Michael Holding’s and Malcolm Marshal’s pace, the visitors at Albion, Berbice were in for a treat.

39 years later, however, that fateful day at Albion has gone down as the turning point in Indian Cricket, the day the team realized they were capable; at least, that is according to former captain Kapil Dev. “I think it was wonderful.

That’s where I would say India’s Cricket One Day journey started, where we beat West Indies. West Indies, during that time, was a team nobody could dream to come close to them, and we beat them in West Indies, right here in Guyana,” the legendary Kapil

Dev shared during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

“So we were just over the moon, because no other team in the world had beaten West Indies in the West Indies. So, it was a great thing, and that’s where we start getting confidence, if we can beat them in their country, why not? We can beat them in World Cup history,” Dev said of the team’s emotions following the game.

Dev, a fairly new captain, made his way to the crease in the number 4 position, a tactic that was only tried once before. He went on to pull off what would be considered a T20 innings in modern day cricket,

smashing 72 from 38, and later taking 2 wickets.

India posted 282/5 and restricted West Indies to 255/9, winning by 27 runs.

But the legend in the game refuses to take the praise for his efforts, highlighting that it was Team India’s collective efforts.

“I think it’s not me, it’s the entire team,” Dev said in answering <<Guyana Times Sports’>> probe. “When you say I, me and myself, it’s not really you’re talking about your teammates. Yes, captains have to do his job, but I think no captain can win alone, you need a team, you need partnership, you need right kind of advice from the senior players, and that’s what had happened.”

He went on to state, “Yes, I played very well on that day, that was maybe my day, but I would say in that match I remember Sunil Gavaskar getting runs. It was beating West Indies here that was the cherry on the cake.

“On top of that, I still remember, it was Indian festival, Holi Day, and I can’t forget that,” the accomplished all-rounder added with a chuckle.

Quizzed about his recent stint

Kapil Dev receiving the World Cup Trophy from Lord Carr of Hadley at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.

in recreating the exuberance of the 1983 World Cup for the Bollywood movie, ’83, Dev refused to think of himself as a movie star, accepting only the title of cricketing legend.

“I think I never ever believed people like us can do any acting, but they made a movie on ’83 that was wonderful,” he said fondly.

With a wide smile, he added, “I’m not a star, I’m not an actor, I’m just a sportsman who played the game, enjoyed myself; that’s it.”

While the famous Berbice victory may have been an unforgettable experience for cricket fanatics of the day, it is an occurrence that has left its mark on Dev’s life.

Former Indian Cricket Captain Kapil Dev in action

“I mentioned many many times before back home in India, now also I say the same thing, because sometimes you need a victory like that to convince yourself you’re good enough. And

beating them in Berbice I think was pinnacle in my life; also, because that’s where the journey started in One Day cricket in Indian history,” he highlighted.

The fact that the ODI was played on Phagwah Day in 1983 made the match even more memorable for Dev, who recollected the overexcited Guyanese fan who rushed onto the field to meet him.

The emotions of the moment and the simplicity of the times gone past have since allowed Dev to grow to appreciate ‘simpler times’ and the livelihood here.

The former India captain related to this publication, “I think it’s wonderful. Anybody does something like that, in our time cricket was totally different to what you see today. Today you have 40, 50 cameras, you catch every spot on the ground, whatever is happening. In our period, it was not like that.

“Yes, West Indies Team was far better than Indian Team or any team in the world during that period, but coming here was always beautiful, because of the way they lived life.”

The rest was history. Led by Kapil Dev, India went on to win their first World Cup (Prudential World Cup) final on June 25, 1983, conquering the defending champions West Indies by 43 runs; motivated by their historic win in Berbice, Guyana.

“I mentioned many many times before back home in India, now also I say the same thing, because sometimes you need a victory like that to convince yourself you’re good enough. And beating them in Berbice I think was pinnacle in my life; also, because that’s where the journey started in One Day cricket in Indian history,” - Kapil Dev Kapil Dev embracing the World Cup Trophy in recent years

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