Guyana Times -- Wednesday, April 20, 2022

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4984

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

High interest from Middle East to develop Guyana’s remaining oil blocks – Jagdeo

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Gunman shoots, robs Linden man P20

Page 3

Great opportunity exists for export of hemp to US market – New York Senator Philippines proposes visa waiver agreement with Guyana …as Zimbabwe expresses interest in Guyana’s rum industry Page 5

See story on page 7

2 murdered during holiday weekend drinking spree $1M stolen from woman killed in ECD accident Page 12

See story on page 9

President Dr Irfaan Ali enjoying a game of cricket with some youngsters at Everest Cricket Club ground on Monday (OP photo)

$100 VAT INCLUDED

P15 57 active COVID-19 cases in Region 4 being monitored …5 new infections

"Zero" COVID-19 vaccine uptake over Easter weekend – P18 Health Minister Kingston Seawall littered during holiday weekend festivities P10

“It really shocked me” – father of P5 motorcyclist killed in Ogle accident

Common trade law for Caricom being discussed

by Ministerial Task Force P17 …to aid in removal of logistical hindrances, non-tariff trade barriers

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, Apr 20 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Thursday, Apr 21 – 22:00h – 23:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, Apr 20 – 06:30h – 08:00h and Thursday, Apr 21 – 07:10h – 08:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:46h and 19:20h reaching maximum heights of 2.76 metres and 2.53 metres.

Low Tide: 12:50h reaching a minimum height of 0.45 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

06 11 17

20 26 28

13

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

11 21 22 23 24 LUCKY 3

0

9

5

3

Afternoon Draw

7

9

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 05 07 19 17 19 21

High interest from Middle East to develop Guyana’s remaining oil blocks – Jagdeo

T

he Government of Guyana, which has yet to decide whether it will go the route of auctioning the remaining oil blocks offshore Guyana, has nevertheless been the recipient of significant interest, particularly from Middle Eastern companies, to partner with the state in developing these blocks.

This revelation was made

by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who participated in a Policy Dialogue as part of the 2022 Bloomberg NEF New York Summit. But Jagdeo made it clear that a decision has not been made yet on how these remaining oil blocks will be treated.

“That determination is going to be made by September.

We’ll decide whether we will auction these future blocks and whether we’ll do so with seismic or without seismic.

Or if we’ll invest the resources in a national oil company with strategic partners,” Jagdeo explained to the attendees.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from large operators in the Middle East for that sort of becoming a strategic partner.

Now we’ve not determined, because there has been a big issue that ExxonMobil and the others already have large tracts of land, two areas. So, there’s been a public issue about concentration. We’re yet to determine whether we’ll allow those large operators, particularly in that Stabroek Block, to bid on future auctions, if we go the auction route.”

Meanwhile, Jagdeo also reiterated his Government’s plan for both spending and saving the oil revenues, which he noted must benefit current and future generations and also aid in strengthening the non-oil economy and climate mitigation efforts.

“How do we spend the money, to avoid the curse?

We’ve outlined that, we said world class education for our people, world class healthcare, producing the infrastructure of the future, the roads, the power plants, the highways, the sea defences, so that we can stimulate growth in other industries.”

“That’s why we’re focused so much on agriculture and diversification. We believe in

SUPER

PAY DAY

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FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

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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

$107.25/barrel

-5.51

Rough Rice

$290.46/ton

+0.27

London Sugar

$537.60/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1946.60

$1947.60

Low/High Change

$1943.60 -3.50

$1982.60 -0.18%

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in his virtual appearance at the summit

saving a substantial part of these resources. We believe if we do that, then we can avoid some of the problems other countries have,” he said.

Countries getting into the business side of oil and gas is nothing new. In neighbouring Brazil, Petrobras is a well-known example of a State-owned oil company. Venezuela also has its own State-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). There is also the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (PETROTRIN).

However, the latter two companies have not fared well, with PETROTRIN closing its refinery and laying off thousands and PDVSA closing and then reopening, amid Venezuela’s economic meltdown.

Guyana has long been expected to go out and auction oil blocks, both untapped and relinquished.

Considering the more than 25 oil finds that have been made by oil giant ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block, the country is likely to be in a good position to leverage the value of those blocks when the context of the global oil and gas industry is considered.

The relinquishment clause is typically included in contracts so that companies can relinquish a portion of the block when the renewable period is up, thereby allowing other companies to buy into the respective blocks.

For the Stabroek and Canje Blocks, operators are required to relinquish 20 per cent of their blocks after the first renewal period; while

those of the Demerara and Corentyne Blocks are expected to relinquish 15 per cent within this period.

The Kaieteur Block’s relinquishment provision is said to be 25 per cent, then 20 per cent by the first renewal; with the Mahaicony and Roraima Blocks at 25 per cent. By the time of the first renewal for the Orinduik Block, the operators are not expected to relinquish any portion.

Last year, ExxonMobil had applied to the Government for a one-year extension before it would be mandated to relinquish portions of the Stabroek Block, where it has made a plethora of discoveries. In its application, Exxon had cited the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 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

Positive impacts of recycling

T

he issue of recycling is becoming a major concern for both the general public and the economy. Scientific research has suggested that due to lifestyle patterns of citizens, the earth’s natural resources are being depleted too quickly to sustain a healthy balance. The earth’s natural resources are being consumed at a rate that reinforces the idea that we are living for today; and future generations will be paying for the consequences that result from our lifestyle choices.

For years now, calls for citizens here to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner have fallen on deaf ears, and the build-up of garbage in and around the city continues to be repeated.

Governments and businesses all over the world are realising how serious the problem is, and are taking steps towards putting policy mechanisms in place to ensure that the environment is protected from various forms of pollution.

Recycling, along with reducing consumption, has proven to be an effective way to counter the damage we have been doing to the earth for centuries.

A major part of recycling relates to how best we can recycle much of what we use, instead of turning it into unusable waste.

For the sake of emphasis, recycling is important as a means of reducing poisonous emissions into the atmosphere, and also to postpone depletion of our natural resources.

Guyana has indeed taken some time to get “on board”, while many companies and individuals in other parts of the world are improving their recycling habits by coming up with more ways to reduce and reuse what they use. In essence, while there has been much talk about the need to recycle certain products to save our environment from further damage, in a practical sense, the concept has not as yet taken much root here. Only a handful of companies have shown that they are really serious about moving in this direction. For example, in a bid to support the efforts to sustain and maintain a clean and healthy environment through the provision of proper disposal mechanisms and technology, one local company had launched a line of bio-degradable products called Eco Pak. The Eco Pak products consist of bio-degradable table wares, including bowls, boxes, and cups which are all environmentally-friendly products because of the materials and the process utilised to manufacture them.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had, in the past, made an offer of tax-free concessions to individuals and businesses willing to invest and set up recycling plants for plastics and Styrofoam. This was viewed as a good start, and from all indications, a few companies had expressed an interest in taking up the offer. However, we are not certain how far these companies have actually gone ahead with actual implementation of the project ideas.

That being said, if we are serious about maintaining a healthy and clean environment, consumers must demand that businesses engage in practices that are more eco-friendly. For example, consumers must be encouraged to purchase from companies that manufacture more eco-friendly products.

As part of efforts to spread the message of recycling, a comprehensive education and public awareness campaign would need to be carried out, using every available means.

Following this, the authorities should explore setting up recycling centres across the country, since it makes no sense preaching about recycling if the necessary infrastructural support system is not present.

In addition to its positive impacts on the environment, recycling brings in a lot of money for many countries. Companies make huge sums from basically utilising the materials that could otherwise have been thrown away.

As this publication has previously said we believe there is need for lifestyle changes among our citizens, and it would be very helpful if the schools, religious organisations and local Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and municipalities in every region start the conversation with citizens about recycling. This should be done with direct involvement of the decision-makers.

President Dr Irfaan Ali examines a kite depicting the Golden Arrowhead at Everest Cricket Club ground on Monday (OP photo)

Resetting sugar industry must be contextualised

Dear Editor, It is not news anymore, to rehash the words of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, when he recently stated that “… the PPP/C Government inherited dilapidated and neglected estates from the former Government, a far cry from the estates the APNU/AFC inherited in 2015”. And that is why the current efforts at restoration and re-purposing of these estates must be contextualised.

In this missive, I will make my comments, and hopefully the cavillers will be put to rest.

Anyone can access the information and ratify that when APNU/AFC downsized the sugar industry there was the dismissal of 5160 workers, including 1889 from Skeldon Estate and 1531 from East Demerara Estate. Dismissals from the Wales and Rose Hall Estates both numbered below 1000. And that act wreaked havoc in the homes of the affected.

Let me illustrate, and at the same time inform readers what the present Government is still dealing with. An independent and candid June 2021 report by the United Nations International Labour Organisation (UN ILO) pinpointed an increase in suicide, crime, and alcohol consumption, after the closure of four sugar estates by the former regime. The details showed that “Entire communities were sent into depression because of the sheer dominance of sugar estates for income, employment, business prospects, aspirations of families,” local economist and author of the study, Dr Thomas Singh said, as the findings were made public. Think on this a bit: “According to the report, weekly household incomes fell by 64 per cent, from an average of $32,238 to $18,450 af-

ter the closures.” To even attempt recouping from such a catastrophe is unimaginable.

So, I cannot understand these loud-mouthed attackers of the current Administration.

Right now, kudos are in order, as it was just reported by President Dr Irfaan Ali, that “Govt will ensure work be found for sugar workers”.

Directing his comments to the ‘ou0t-of-work sugar workers’, attached previously to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, the President gave assurance that “… work would be found for them and that every effort was being made to get the estate operational”. Monumental undertaking indeed, but such was the damage left, and it must be matched by an ‘immensity of effort and re-strategisation.’

Let’s bear in mind that the factory has been grappling with issues affecting its equipment, but the President was nevertheless able to organise temporary employment for out-of-work cane harvesters of the Uitvlugt Estate.

He also announced that the estate would find alternative work for six days per week on a short-term basis for the sugar workers. Thus, he was right on target when he stated that, “You have a Government who understands your pain; you have a Government who is committed to working with you and helping you. As we said when we came back, we are here to ensure that the sugar sector succeed and ensure that we keep employment and not displace employment”.

The big word of comfort is that even though there are mechanical issues, the Government has procured another piece of equipment that would be delivered in July.

And in the meantime, there is a search for a factory in Miami, Florida, that has sim-

ilar facilities, and where parts can be sourced.

A sweet note to end on is that plans are unfolding to register the workers to be part of a livelihood improvement programme to supplement their estate jobs. One of the options is the establishment of chicken farming facilities, where workers could take part in poultry farming with approximately 150-200 birds.

As I stated already.

The damage left by the last

Government is still having repercussions. But ‘bit-bybit’ measures are coming to the fore, to once again revive and re-stabilise the sugar industry, and when and where necessary, redirect and repurpose operations and functions. The bottom line is that the Government is very people-centred, and employment will always be a top priority.

Yours truly, H Singh

NBS concerned over prejudicial nature of certain media reports Dear Editor, The New Building Society Limited (NBS) notes with grave concern that there continues to be inaccurate reporting of the ‘Maurice Arjoon Appeal Case’ touching and concerning his summary dismissal from NBS, which is currently engaging the attention of the Court of Appeal in Guyana.

Of most recent, Kaieteur News on April 13, 2022, made reference to an Ombudsman’s Report which it published “…confirmed Arjoon’s contention that he was framed for refusing to lend some $2B of NBS’ money to the Bharrat Jagdeo-led Government for the construction of the Berbice River Bridge”.

This statement is factually inaccurate, a mischaracterisation of the findings of the Ombudsman’s Report, in breach of the sub judice rule, prejudicial to the pending appeal proceedings and damaging to the reputation of the

Society as a premier financial institution in Guyana.

Contrary to the above inaccurate published statement, the Ombudsman in his Report at pg 23 stated “I have no jurisdiction to pronounce on the action of the NBS Board in firing the managers and I therefore refrain from any comment.”

NBS was not invited to take part in the determination of the complaint made to the Ombudsman

by Maurice Arjoon. The Ombudsman nor his office did not invite NBS to so partake. He never sought to interview or obtained a statement from the New Building Society or the Board of Directors.

We categorically state that the Berbice Bridge investment was one of the most profitable investments made in the history of the Society and continues to be a profitable venture.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

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News

Great opportunity exists for export of hemp to US market – New York Senator O

n a visit to Guyana to meet with Government officials and the local Private Sector, New York State Senator James Sanders Jr of the 10th Senate District said there is significant interest to boost trade with the South American nation – both in the exports and imports markets.

Senator Sanders, who arrived in Guyana over the weekend, told this publication on Tuesday that his constituents have interest in business opportunities in Guyana. At the same time, he noted that there are also opportunities for Guyanese investors in New York, that can be explored.

“In terms of opportunities, there are those who want to import Guyanese products and sell them in the US market, or export US products into the

NY Senator James Sanders Jr during the interview with Guyana Times journalist Jarryl Bryan on Tuesday at Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown

Guyanese market. I personally wish we could get some of these coconuts and coconut water that Guyana has.

I have found it incredibly rejuvenating,” the Senator said.

Hemp

According to Sanders, he met with President Dr Irfaan Ali and Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine. He also noted that there is an interest in building capacity to export hemp to the US

market.

“Hemp is one of the things that the people of Guyana, the business community, is speaking of. So as chair of banking, I am very anxious to make sure that they’re speaking to the right banks and Guyanese banks are speaking to the right entrepreneurs.”

“Especially budding entrepreneurs. I think that we should have special projects and special programmes to help communities get into it. Especially communities that may not have a tradition of entrepreneurship at that level,” Senator Sanders said.

When it comes to establishing the framework for the hemp industry, which the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is doing right now, Senator Sanders emphasised the importance of

“It really shocked me” – father of motorcyclist killed in Ogle accident

By LaWanda McAllister

A

22-year-old man was deprived of the opportunity of meeting his unborn child after he was killed just months before his reputed wife gave birth. The man who was expecting his first child lost his life on Easter Monday along the Ogle Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Alex Amsterdam, a security guard who was last seen alive by his family on Monday afternoon.

While details are still sketchy and the Police have not yet issued a report on the accident, when Guyana Times visited the home of the now-dead man, his father Dexter Amsterdam said he was at home when he was informed that his son was involved in an accident and rushed to the scene.

The man said when he arrived, he found his son lying motionlessly on the ground.

Dead: Alex Amsterdam

The man said that based on the information he received, his son was in the process of crossing the road, when the car then decided to speed across the intersection, striking him down in the process.

At the time, the dead man was heading home, while his friend was riding behind him on another motorcycle. His friend told the family that it was the driver of the motor car who was in the wrong.

“His friend said that the vehicle stop, by the time my

son near for reach up, he [the car] drive off. A bike man come calling for Alex…I turn and I tell him my son is not here, he ain’t come back yet. Then, he comes said ‘come and watch this video,’ that my son lying down at Ogle Road there.”

“So, I follow him behind and I go, when I go and see my son. Was me and my daughter, so by the time I could’ve get to park the car I hear my daughter hollering…when I get there now, I see the driver of the vehicle…he said my son run into he,” the father related.

The man said while on the scene he met the driver of the vehicle who struck his son down, and he along with several occupants who were in the vehicle at the time were in a drunken state.

“I don’t know if is he family but all of them was drunk.”

The man said after his son was struck down, he was left lying on the road for about 30 minutes before he died. The family claims

that the man’s death was sudden given that his life was snatched at such a tender age.

“It really shocked me because me ain’t really cut out for that, what happen last night, I ain’t get to sleep for the whole night and my wife, I had to just cheer she up…she cried and she cried,” the grieving father said.

While he is calling for justice, Amsterdam believes the family needs to be properly compensated since his son’s child will now be left without a father.

“I know my son done died already but I got to get some compensation and whatsoever,” the father contended.

The man’s father said his son was looking forward to meeting his unborn child, and he was already purchasing materials to finish his home just in time for his child’s arrival. Now, he said the child will grow up not knowing their father.

NBS concerned over prejudicial...

FROM PAGE 4

There were absolutely no risks involved in that investment and there was no disagreement or disaffection with Mr Arjoon’s position on that matter nor was he dismissed for his alleged lack of support of the investment or anything touching and concerning that investment.

His dismissal emanated out of completely differ-

ent circumstances touching and concerning the execution of his duties. Any insinuation or allegation to the contrary or that he was “framed” by NBS is a complete fabrication.

It is most regrettable that just a day after counsel for NBS made mention during the hearing of the said appeal of the continued public statements be-

ing made thereon in breach of the sub judice rule, that such statements would be proffered. In the premises we call on media houses to observe the sub judice rule and to ensure that published statements are not prejudicial to individuals or organisations that are involved in litigation matters.

Specifically, with re-

gard to Kaieteur News, we call on them to wholly withdraw the aforesaid inaccurate statement and issue an unreserved apology to NBS. Sincerely, Anil Beharry, CEO/Director/ Secretary (ag) The New Building Society Ltd

making finance available.

“The laws in (the US) is in flux and they’re changing fairly rapidly now, over the issue of hemp and over the issue of marijuana. But they’re also changing over many things. Then the second thing is, you want to have adequate financing.”

“You want to make sure that you can make a thing work from one end of the pond to the next, from the Caribbean to the Americas,” said the Senator, who has further meetings planned with various stakeholders, before he departs Guyana today.

With the aim of establishing a viable industry here, the Guyana Government has already completed the first draft of the Hemp Bill and is now reviewing it. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, recently said that there is a lot of interest being demonstrated, both in and out of Guyana, for the establishment of the relevant legislation to lay the foundation for a viable hemp industry here.

Some uses for hemp include rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel. It is rich in protein, unsaturated fats, fibre, minerals and vitamins.

Hemp protects the brain, boosts heart health, reduces inflammation, improves skin conditions and relieves rheumatoid arthritis.

Hemp seeds are known to be particularly rich in healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty ac-

ids that are known for improving heart health by reducing cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides.

Additionally, the results of the 2021 Hemp Acreage and Production Survey in its National Hemp Report which shows data of hemp grown in the open and under protection in the United States (US), stated that the value of US hemp production in the open totalled US$712 million. The value of production for hemp that was grown under protection in the US totalled US$112 million.

Senator Sanders has served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banks and he heads the Senate Task Force on Minority and Womenowned Business Enterprise (MWBE), which is charged with finding innovative ways to better encourage and support MWBEs in the expansion of the New York economy.

In addition, Sanders was a member of former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Advisory Council on MWBEs. The Advisory Council guides policymaking and strategy to assist the city in reaching its pledge to award more than US$16 billion dollars to MWBEs over a 10-year period.

Sanders was first appointed Senator for the 10th Senatorial District which includes the neighbourhoods of South Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens and most of the Rockaways, on September 13, 2012. (G3)

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

Page

Foundation

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n this fun and easy science experiment, we are going to go to the kitchen and learn how sugar absorbs and rushes into our blood streams.

Flour Corn syrup Sugar Measuring spoons Red food colouring 2 glasses

Materials:

Instructions: Fill each of the glasses halfway full with corn syrup.

Now, add two drops of red food colouring to each glass.

This red mixture will represent blood for our demonstration.

Next, put one teaspoon of flour on top of the liquid in one of the glasses and then add one teaspoon of sugar on top of the liquid in the other glass.

Observe the different rates of absorption between the flour and the sugar.

By Lorna Goodison Her son was first made known to her as a sense of unease, a need to cry for little reasons and a metallic tide rising in her mouth each morning.

Such signs made her know That she was not alone in her body.

She carried him full term tight up under her heart.

She carried him like the poor carry hope, hope you get a break or a visa, hope one child go through and remember you. He had no father.

The man she made him with had more like him, he was fair-minded he treated all his children with equal and unbiased indifference.

She raise him twice, once as mother Then as father, set no ceiling On what he could be doctor, earth healer, pilot take wings.

But now he tells her he is working for you, that you value him so much you give him one whole submachine gun for him alone.

He says you are like a father to him she is wondering what kind of father would give a son hot and exploding death, when he asks him for bread.

She went downtown and bought three and one-third yards of black cloth and a deep crowned and veiled hat for the day he draw his bloody salary.

She has no power over you and this

How it works: Sugar consists of small molecules that break down quicker than the big starch molecules in flour, thus sugar is absorbed quicker than the flour. Whenever we consume sugar, these smaller molecules rapidly pass into our blood and is often referred to as a sugar rush. Whenever we consume starches the molecules take longer to pass through into our blood.

Make this a science project: Try salt, coffee creamer, and powdered spices in place of the flour. Try other types of sugar like powdered sugar, brown sugar, and artificial sweetener. (sciencefun.org)

“I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it” – Pablo Picasso

at the level of earth, what she has are prayers and a mother’s tears and at knee city she uses them.

She says psalms for him she reads psalms for you she weeps for his soul her eyewater covers you.

She is throwing a partner with Judas Iscariot’s mother the thief on the left-hand side of the cross, his mother is the banker, her draw though is first and last for she still throwing two hands as mother and father.

She is prepared, she is done. Absalom.

Summary In this poem, the persona seems to be addressing a man who has taken a woman's son into a life of crime and gun violence. The history of the woman's relationship with her son is recounted and the love she felt for him even before his birth.

Analyse the following lines "Her son was first made known to her as a sense of unease, a need to cry for little reasons and a metallic tide rising in her mouth each morning."

"She carried him full term tight up under her heart."

"She carried him like the poor carry hope, hope you get a break

or a visa, hope one child go through and remember you."

"He had no father. The man she made him with had more like him, he was fair-minded he treated all his children with equal and unbiased indifference."

"She raise him twice, once as mother then as father," "set no ceiling on what he could be doctor, earth healer, pilot take wings."

"But now he tells her he is working for you, that you value him so much you give him one whole submachine gun for him alone."

"He says you are like a father to him she is wondering what kind of father would give a son hot and exploding death, when he asks him for bread."

"She went downtown and bought three and one-third yards of black cloth and a deep crowned and veiled hat for the day he draw his bloody salary."

"She has no power over you and this at the level of earth, what she has are prayers and a mother’s tears and at knee city she uses them."

"She says psalms for him, she reads psalms for you, she weeps for his soul, her eyewater covers you."

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Philippines proposes visa waiver agreement with Guyana …as Zimbabwe expresses interest in Guyana’s rum industry

Newly-accredited non-resident High Commissioner of Zimbabwe, Ignatius Graham Mudzimba

of Guyana, the Philippines is interested in further expanding operations in the field of hydropower technology and sugar industry.”

President Irfaan Ali and newly accredited Philippine Ambassador Mario Chan (right), along with Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd; and Philippines Consul General to Guyana, Manniram Prashad and other officials

T

he Philippines, a country in Southeast Asia, is seeking to enter into a visa waiver agreement with Guyana.

This was conveyed by the newly accredited non-resident Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to Guyana, Mario Chan.

On Tuesday, Mario Chan presented his credentials to President Dr Irfaan Ali, where he expressed his country’s interest in having a visa waiver agreement between the two nations, which would facilitate easier travel between the two countries.

The newly appointed High Commissioner to Guyana said that it is his country’s desire for the peo-

ple of both Guyana and the Philippines to travel with ease between the two countries.

“I wish to propose consideration of a visa waiver agreement between the Philippines and Guyana covering holders of diplomatic and official passport holders. This will facilitate interaction between our Government functionalities as they may be allowed freer travel between our two countries. This waiver agreement may be explored to expand to holders of ordinary passports, especially as we seek cooperative engagements under the Philippines-Guyana technical cooperation agreements on tourism, fishers, food manufacturing, and agricul-

ture,” Chan put forward to President Ali. High Commissioner Chan also noted that as Guyana and the Philippines embark on the new venture, it will give Filipinos the opportunity to contribute to Guyana’s society, in the fields of education, mining, health, and with further expansion in the future, hydropower technology, and the sugar industry.

He said, “I wish at this venture to take pride that our people-to-people exchanges have given Filipino the opportunity to beneficially contribute to Guyana’s society in the fields of education, forestry, mining, and health. To enhance this contribution to the economic and social development

Will be examined

President Ali, in accepting Chan’s Letters of Credence, said that for the benefit of the people of both nations, the visa waiver

agreement will be examined.

“For the neutral benefit of our people, we should therefore seize this opportunity to renew our commitment to increasing people-to-people contact and enhancing our cooperation in key areas. In this regard, we’ll examine your Government’s proposal for the conclusion of a partial

visa waiver agreement for the travel between Guyana and the Philippines,” the Head of State said.

Further, President Ali said that Guyana and the Philippines share many ideals which provide the scope for enhanced bilateral relations in key areas, including agriculture.

“Guyana is on the cusp of economic transformation with opportunities for growth and development of all Guyanese. My government is working on expanding and diversifying all sectors of the economy with special emphasis on agriculture. This sector is expected to promote sustainable lively goods for all Guyanese while ensuring food security in the Caribbean. Agriculture is an important sector in your country’s economy, it is the driver of growth and development and a significant employer. Guyana is key to explore opportunities for cooperation in this area,” President Ali said.

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8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Philippines proposes visa...

Officially the Republic of the Philippines, the Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. It is situated in the western Pacific Ocean and consists of about 7640 islands. The Philippines covers an area of 300,000 km2 (120,000 sq mi) and, as of 2020, had a population of around 109 million people, making it the world’s thirteenth-most populous country.

It is considered to be an emerging market and a newly industrialised country, which has an economy transitioning from being based on agriculture to being based more on services and manufacturing.

The Philippines is a founding member of the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, Association

of Southeast Asian Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and the East Asia Summit.

Zimbabwe, Guyana

Meanwhile, in creating bilateral relations with countries across the globe, President Ali also accepted the Letters of Credence from Ignatius Graham Mudzimba as the Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Zimbabwe to Guyana.

Owing to contribution to the development of Zimbabwe’s public service, President Ali said that the two countries share similar ideals when it comes to food security.

“Guyana is pleased that it has made a worthwhile contribution to the develop-

ment of Zimbabwe’s public service. Indeed, there is now even greater scope for us to construct a practical framework to enhance bilateral cooperation in those areas where we could benefit from neutral equities to aid in the development [of] particular sectors of our economies.

For both the Caribbean and African regions, food security has become a priority.

If you’re to achieve the sustainable development goal of eradicating poverty, ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture, we must do so in partnership with like-minded countries and institutions,” President Ali explained.

Additionally, Mudzimba hopes that Zimbabwe can benefit from Guyana’s ex-

FROM PAGE 7

pert knowledge in rum production.

“There is need to explore and trap potential for our two countries for the development of our two people.

Guyana has developed expertise in rum production, it may hope that Zimbabwe can benefit from your country’s technical expertise for the mutual benefit of our two nations,” Mudzimba expressed.

The Republic of Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in Southeast Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the south-west, Zambia to the north, and Mozambique to the east. It is a country with roughly about 15 million people, speaking sixteen official languages. (G2)

When elephants fight…

W

…the grass gets trampled ell, all who thought that with the fighting going on all the way up in Europe, we wouldn’t be affected, wasted a thought, didn’t they?? It was five hundred years in the making but it’s almost there – globalisation making us into a global village, that is!! And we’re all connected and now all consumed!! We were there from the beginning, weren’t we? Yep…little old us in this backwater called the Caribbean!!

But we weren’t always a backwater. Was a time when our sugar was the most valuable commodity in the world – and wars were fought over us! In fact, most of what the tourists gawk about in Europe nowadays was built on the blood, sweat and tears of our forefathers and mothers!

With the travails of GuySuCo nowadays, you’d never think so, would you?? Oh…how the mighty has fallen!! But from the wealth generated, the Europeans expanded their navies and conquered the world. Their exploitation was raised to heights from which they still haven’t come down!! And tied the world across land, sea and air with their logistical marvels that saw us in little Guyana, enjoying grapes from Chile, salmon from Alaska, clothes from Bangladesh, every kitchen device and whatever you can conceive of from China – not to mention cars from Japan and iPads from Taiwan. You get the idea, don’t you?

And to bring the point home – wheat for our flour from Ukraine and Russia that makes the bread of life! Between the two of them they produce 14 per cent of the world's wheat supply, but more importantly, export ONE QUARTER of imports!! Meaning most of what we mill into flour to eat.

And when that’s interrupted, it creates a chain reaction that filters into so many other supply chains that were disrupted

by COVID!!

According to the UN, the loss of trading in basic commodities due to the war has resulted in astronomic food prices. Not to mention uncertainty about the future of food security globally – especially in us poorer countries.

But not sparing the obscenely rich ones. For once in their lives they’re seeing their supermarket shelves running empty and not certain when they’ll be replenished! Your Eyewitness doesn’t like to gloat, but he does enjoy that frisson of schadenfreude as those who were above these matters because of their past exploitation now experience how the other half (the bottom half) lives!! The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation Food Price Index has made its biggest jump since its inception in 1990, reflecting an alltime high in the cost of vegetable oils, cereals, and meat!

We’ll have to back Pres Ali to get back to the land and become that food basket! …they get hurt too!

But don’t think for a while the rich countries are the only ones being hit in their stomach with food shortages and in their wallets by higher prices. This Ukraine war’s speeding up a process that’s been in train for three decades or more.

This threatens a complete reorganisation in the world order that we’ve become used to. One in which the US has been the sole superpower standing, following the collapse of the USSR in 1989.

The war has caused a realignment along “sides” – which everyone thought had disappeared after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Now we see China, India, most of Africa and so many other countries not outrightly condemning Russia for its invasion. They’re hedging their bets and that’s not good news for our ally, the US. Yesterday, their Treasury Secretary met with the IMF, World Bank, Group of Seven and Group of 20 global organisations to address the food and inflation crisis.

If there’s no relief, expect more desertions. And realignments! …descend into duttyness?

Imagine someone thought the thing to do between Good Friday and Holy Sunday/Easter Monday was to invite Dexta Daps to perform at our National Stadium!!

This Jamaican Dancehall star’s oeuvre just BEGINS with “bloodclaat”!! Oh tempora! Oh mores!!

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

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$1M stolen from woman killed in ECD accident A

40-year-old woman who worked as a cook in the interior was on Monday evening struck down and killed by a motor car in an accident along the Mon Repos Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

Dead is Rada Panday, a mother of two of Third Street Mon Repos North, ECD, who was killed on the day she returned from the interior after sending almost five months.

According to the woman’s family, she had $1 million in her possession which is now missing and is suspected to have been stolen from the scene of the accident.

According to the woman’s son, Michael Sooklall, his mother called him on Monday afternoon and told him that she returned from

Dead: Rada Panday

the interior and that he should come and visit her.

He said he went to his mother’s house but she was not at home, and he was

told that she went out with friends.

It was as she was crossing the road to go back home that she was struck down by a car driven by a 34-year-old driver who is a civil engineer.

The accident occurred at around 23:38h at Mon Repos on Monday evening.

According to a Police report, the driver was proceeding west along the southern driving lane on the southern carriageway when the woman crossed the road from north to south.

The car then collided with the pedestrian who fell onto the road’s surface.

Panday was picked up in an unconscious condition and placed into an ambulance. She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital

where she was pronounced dead.

A notice of intended prosecution was served on the driver of the motor car and a breath alcohol test was also conducted, which found no trace of alcohol in his system.

Paid

Meanwhile, the woman’s son said his mother was paid $1 million for the period she worked and had that cash in her possession.

“She come out with the money that she get pay, and no money not appearing.

She had the money on she.

The jewellery, she husband take off the jewellery from she… they say her phone crush up in the accident.”

Upon checking her at the scene, the money was missing but her jewellery was intact.

Only recently the Guyana Police Force warned persons to stop stealing from accident victims.

Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Stan Gouveia said persons usually pretend to be helping the victims, when in fact they are actually trying to gain ac-

cess to their valuables.

Items such as cell phones, wallets, jewellery, and other valuables are taken from the victims under the pretext of assisting them. Vehicles involved in accidents are also looted before help is sought.

It is also the belief of many family members who reported that their loved ones’ belonging went missing at scenes, that some of the accident victims probably succumb to their injuries because the preparators are busy filling their pockets instead of lending a helping hand. (G9)

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Kingston Seawall littered during holiday weekend festivities

T

he Kingston Seawall resembled a littering ground on Tuesday, one day after scores of persons used the vicinity for their Easter day kite-flying activities.

From discarded kites to bags of garbage, unwanted items left behind by visitors lined the coastal sea defence. Volunteer group, Seawalls and Beyond would have highlighted the issue in pictures posted on social media, where a vast difference could be identified from the aftermath of Monday’s happenings.

Bins placed within the environs of the seawall were

A section of the Kingston Seawall littered with waste following Easter activities (Seawalls and Beyond photo)

also overflowing with refuse. This publication understands that the seawall is not included under the jurisdiction of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, and as a result, would not be cleaned by the municipality.

On social media, some persons pointed out that additional skip bins would have reduced the amount of garbage being disposed of recklessly. Others lamented at the irresponsible behaviour of persons to leave behind their unwanted items, painting a dreadful and untidy picture of the seawall. It was also pointed out that after such events,

it has become customary for such vast amounts of litter to be seen. Some called for actions from authorities to hold persons accountable.

Monday was the first celebration of Easter Day since the pandemic struck, where persons were able to resume some level or normalcy following limited measures.

Other locations which were frequented by Guyanese included the National Park, Joe Viera Park, Everest Cricket Ground, Ogle Seawall; but the status of these places was unclear as of Tuesday.

Other areas were cleaned in the early morning hours.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 murdered during holiday weekend drinking spree

A

teenager and another man lost their lives during the Easter holiday weekend celebrations at separate locations in Region One (Barima-Waini).

The first incident occurred at Black Water, Region One, where a 17-year-old lad was stabbed to death by his foster father.

Dead is Daniel Wilson.

His cousin, 19-year-old Ron Moonsammy, was also stabbed in the chest during the incident and is currently receiving medical attention.

Reports are that the trio was together imbibing alcohol when an argument ensued amongst them, which led the foster father stabbing the young man with a knife.

Moonsammy intervened and tried to save his cousin but the suspect reportedly stabbed him in the chest. He was rushed to the Mabaruma Public Hospital in a critical condition and was medevacked to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation shortly after for further treatment.

The body of the deceased is presently at the Mabaruma

Wanted: Nigel Abraham

Hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police had initially said that the suspect was arrested and taken into custody at the Mabaruma Police Station, but later issued a wanted bulletin for 30-year-old Nigel Abraham of Lower Black Water, Barima River, in relation to the murder.

The Police said anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the wanted man is asked to contact them on 216-0251, 216-0254,

216-0251, 444-3429, 225-6978, 225-8196 or the nearest Police station.

Meanwhile, Sherwin Smith, a Mabaruma, Region One resident was stabbed to death during the Easter weekend celebrations.

The incident occurred on Monday at the Mabaruma Settlement Ground, North West District, during an Easter activity.

Reports are that the suspect was armed with a knife when he suddenly approached the victim and stabbed him twice about the body: once to the abdomen and once to the neck.

A policeman who was stationed at the compound’s gate witnessed what transpired and arrested the suspect.

The victim ran to a nearby car and was rushed to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital where he was immediately taken into the Emergency Unit. However, he succumbed to his injuries that evening.

The suspect is presently in custody at the Mabaruma Police Station. Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Making life for every citizen better every day is the very essence of democracy

L

ast week, President Irfaan Ali commissioned a brand-new four-lane road linking Eccles on the East Bank Demerara to Mandela Avenue in Georgetown. This new carriageway has immediately reduced the traffic into Georgetown from the East Bank. While by itself, it cannot fully resolve the traffic jam, it has brought some ease in the traffic. For residents of South Georgetown who live just five minutes from downtown, Georgetown, the traffic jam in the mornings could make this trip more than an hour. With the new road, residents in South Georgetown can travel into the city much faster. These citizens have had their lives made better, with a dramatic ease in their travel woes.

That is what a government is expected to do. While naysayers have focused on the depiction of the Harpy Eagle located in the roundabout, citizens in South Georgetown and those who need to bypass the city on their way Dr Leslie Ramsammy to the East Bank or to the East Coast can save muchneeded time because of this new roadway. In less than two years, since his inauguration, President Ali has kept his promise and the new beautiful Eccles-to-Mandela Road is actually being used by thousands of vehicles every single day already. The new, beautifully landscaped road also set a standard for road construction in Guyana. But it is only one of the new roadways to ease traffic jams in and around Georgetown. Another one is starting from Ogle to Diamond. Both the Eccles-to-Mandela and the Ogle bypass roads are expected to link up to the new Silicon Village on the Linden Highway.

A visionary President and a responsive Government have combined to make the lives of thousands of citizens better, with more improvement to come. The plans were there. For five years the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) procrastinated and sat on the plans.

For some of us, the driving force in fighting for democracy is that we can have a government that try to make the lives of citizens a little better each and every day. Free and fair elections at regular periods provide citizens an opportunity to have their say on how the Government they elected is meeting that obligation. When the people of Guyana on March 2, 2020 voted in the election that Granger and APNU/AFC delayed for more than one year, the people elected Dr Irfaan Ali to be their President and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to lead the government. They believed that Dr Irfaan Ali and the PPP would work harder and better to make people’s lives better than the Granger-led APNU/AFC. Less than two weeks ago, President Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo led the Cabinet in an outreach to Region Six. The President and the VP led large community meetings in different parts of Region Six, while Ministers fanned out to meet with communities. Between President Ali and VP Bharrat Jagdeo, several significant announcements were made that have major implications for the lives of the people of Region Six and also for the Guyanese people. A new international airport in Rose Hall, Canje; a new hotel in Palmyra and a new stadium, similar to Providence National Stadium, also in Palmyra, are to be constructed. Already, a deep-water harbour is taking shape on Crab Island. The expanded Albion Sugar Estate is intended to operationalise a modern packaging plant. This Region will also see a major overhaul of the New Amsterdam Hospital, a new hospital to replace Skeldon Hospital and hundreds of new roads and schools and new housing schemes. More than $3 billion has been set aside for community roads. These are real, concrete examples of a government working to makes lives better, each and every day. People’s lives in Region Six are about to have a major upgrade.

Since the announcements in Region Six, the naysayers, becoming more and more desperate, have jumped on the plans with their negativity. There was a story a few days ago in one of the favourite newspapers of the naysayers by a perpetual naysayer who disappeared between 2015 and 2020, but has miraculously found his voice again. A Charles Sohan described the various Region Six projects as “white elephants”. These are the same naysayers that said the Hope Canal project could never be built and, even if it were built, it would be a constant danger to the lives of people and a “white elephant”. The canal has safely functioned. But those voices, proven wrong every single time, have risen again.

They object to the plans for Region Six with various dubious reasons. Charles Sohan’s objection is that the people of Region Six will never be able to attend activities at the stadium or visit the hotel or use the airport because they have been out of jobs since the estates have been closed, etc. The charlatans were quiet when Granger and APNU/AFC closed the sugar estates. Now that the estates are reopening, now that other development projects are on their way, the charlatans have come alive again. The real test of our democracy is whether our people will embrace the vision of President Ali and the PPP Government or the pathetic negativity of the naysayers like the ones who scream these new facilities in Region Six will not benefit the people.

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

15

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

57 active COVID-19 cases in Region 4 being monitored …5 new infections

O

nly five new coronavirus cases have been recorded as of Tuesday in the country, while over half of the remaining active cases are being monitored across Region Four.

The dashboard showed a total of 63,380 confirmed cases in Guyana thus far, representing 29,173 males and 34,207 females. Deaths have not increased, thereby remaining at 1228.

With zero patients being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), six are in institutional isolation, 92 in home isolation and six in institutional quarantine. A significant 62,054 recoveries have been made. Across facilities, 585,899 samples have been processed for the novel virus.

There are six hospitalised persons, inclusive of four at the Infectious Diseases Hospital on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

TURN TO PAGE 19

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD APRIL 19, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

6

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

92

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,207

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,173

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,380

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,054

REGION 1

2519

REGION 2

2492

REGION 3

8059

REGION 4

31,350

REGION 5

2380

REGION 6

5779

REGION 7

2423

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

4020

REGION 10

3471

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

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

438,399

FULLY IMMUNISED

337,197

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1228

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Common trade law for Caricom being discussed by Ministerial Task Force …to aid in removal of logistical hindrances, non-tariff trade barriers

S

anitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) issues and other hindrances to the ease of trade in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), are being discussed at the level of the Ministerial Task Force on food security, including possible solutions like a common trade law for the region.

This was revealed

by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, the current Chair of that Ministerial Task Force. In an interview with this publication, Mustapha spoke of the importance of tearing down these barriers, if the vision of a 25 per cent reduction of the Caricom food import bill by 2025 is to be realised.

According to Mustapha, it is important that a lev-

Agriculture Mustapha

Minister

Zulfikar

el playing field exists across the Caribbean, when it comes to the export of produce. He noted that each country has a different rule when it comes to phytosanitary standards.

“What we are doing at the Ministerial Task Force, is to ensure that first of all, if we want to reduce the food import bill of the Caribbean then we have to amend the

laws in various countries so that we can have common laws to govern these regulations in other countries.”

“So, we’re discussing that. At the Ministerial Task Force, for example, we are looking at some of the loopholes to amend it so we can be level with other countries. Likewise, other countries are doing similar.”

Minister Mustapha was optimistic that by the time the objectives of reducing the food import bill by 25 per cent are realised, common or similar phytosanitary standards can be implemented throughout the Caribbean.

“We’re hoping that by the time we get to that period we’re talking about, in reducing the food import bill, we can have similar phytosanitary standards across the Caribbean. Where we

can trade easily and freely and we will not have these barriers that affect trade within the Caribbean.

That’s by 2025.”

“We’re working assiduously to get it done. As a

matter of fact, we have cited that as one of the main barriers for trade within the Caribbean. So, we’re hoping we can get these common regulations in all the countries in Caricom.”

Referencing the fact that 98 per cent of poultry products to the Caribbean come from overseas markets, Mustapha stressed the need to improve inter-regional trade. TURN TO PAGE 20

18 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Zero” COVID-19 vaccine uptake over Easter weekend – Health Minister

O

ver the course of the Easter weekend, the Health Ministry did not record an increase in COVID-19 vaccination, as the drop in immunisation rates persists.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared the country’s current statistics regarding COVID vaccination on Tuesday, where he expressed concerns over the low numbers. Since last Friday and throughout the weekend, persons visiting vaccination outlets ceased.

“From Good Friday to now, we basically recorded zero vaccination,” Dr Anthony identified.

Adult vaccination statistics show 439,205 first

doses and 338,303 second doses. This is equivalent to 85.6 per cent and 66 per cent, respectively. In the adolescent category, 34,416 persons or 47.2 per cent received a first dose while 27,166 second doses or 34.5 per cent were recorded.

He pointed out that especially in the adolescent cohort, which spans ages 12 to 17, significant work is needed to propel the figures. This is especially as the date for school reopening nears.

“There is a lot more work to be done with this age group. Unfortunately, we have been seeing about 100 to 200 vaccinations per day. That includes both

first and second doses.

That’s pretty low and these numbers have been stagnant for quite a while. I’m hoping that with school reopening shortly, that more parents would give permission for their child to get vaccinated.”

Along with collaborative efforts from the Education Ministry, the Health Minister is encouraging efforts from parents to consent to the vaccination initiative. All schools will be fully reopened on April 25.

This reopening comes over two years after the COVID pandemic struck, forcing a closure to reduce an infection spread. Now, when school reopens after the

Vaccination against the novel coronavirus (Health Ministry photo)

Easter holiday break, all students will be returning to a classroom setting.

The Health Minister noted, “We have been talking with the Ministry of Education. We want to promote some school-based vaccination programmes where the Ministry would be sending in the vaccinators to schools and we’d be

able to administer the vaccines there. The catch in all of that is that parents would have to give permission. We’re hoping that this is something we can do jointly”.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry would have collaborated with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to conduct sur-

veys on the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy and low immunisation rates.

According to the Minister, stakeholders found several factors pertaining to myths.

A workshop was conducted for healthcare workers to effectively counteract these myths with facts.

“The workshops on a whole, have been quite successful. We have gone to the regions where we had low uptake of vaccines – Region 10, Region Eight, Region Seven, Region Two. The understanding is that if our healthcare workers and other stakeholders better understand the reasons why people should be vaccinated, they can become champions of getting people vaccinated.”

In addition, training has continued for civil society organisations, faith-based communities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) among others.

“We’re hoping that they can talk to people and help to organise these vaccine drives,” he concluded.

NEWS

19

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GNBS certifies 1st company with “Made in Guyana” mark

T

he Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Tuesday certified the first company under its Made in Guyana Certification Mark

Programme.

Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP), based on the East Coast Demerara, became the first Guyanese company to achieve this cer-

50-year-old found dead near coconut tree

Lallbacchan lying on the ground

P

olice in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 50-year-old man who was found at Richmond, Essequibo Coast.

Dead is Lallbacchan also known as “Ravi” and “Labaria”.

The man’s body was discovered by residents of Richmond Housing Scheme, Mandir Street, on Tuesday.

According to Tulsieram Monilall, the dead man was an alcoholic and would usually consume alcohol with his father.

Monilall added that he was at home when he heard a noise coming from his

yard, and upon investigation, he saw Lallbacchan next to a toilet area.

“I asked him what he doing there and he told me that he is using the toilet.

I then saw Ravi fall on the concrete and I pick him up and put him to sit at his father’s verandah and give him some water to drink,” Monilall said.

Monilall stated that minutes later, he saw a huge gathering in front of his father’s house and upon checking he saw Lallbacchan lying motionlessly on the ground next to a coconut tree.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted on Thursday to determine the cause of death.

57 active COVID-19 cases...

A breakdown of the 103 active cases reflects two in Region One (BarimaWaini), 12 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 57 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), one in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), 23 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), four in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and four in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

However, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony pointed out on Tuesday that because there is a drop in the number of individuals presenting themselves for testing, the figures can be artificially low. Alertness is essential, he advised, as the region braces with new spikes.

“The numbers right now are really low…We keep monitoring but we have to be cautious because we know in other countries in the region, they have started to see a spike in cases. While most of the cases are not severe, there are still cases…

We have to be careful. Right now, persons are not coming forward to be tested so we’re not doing a lot of tests.

Therefore, the numbers might look artificially low so

FROM PAGE 15

we have to be careful,” the Health Minister cautioned in his COVID update.

This month, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) urged countries within the Americas to remain vigilant as cases of COVID-19 surge in Europe and East Asia due to the Omicron BA.2 strain.

In parts of North America and the Caribbean, where Omicron is becoming the predominant variant, authorities were warned that new infections are beginning to rise. The Omicron BA.2 has already been detected in 8.7 per cent of sequences reported from South America.

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

Global figures show that almost 503.1 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 152 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

(G12)

tification and is now authorised by the GNBS to affix the Made in Guyana stamp to several of its fibreglass products.

Items produced by the company, including its shower units, kitchen units, bathroom units, outdoor furniture and play equipment will now be marked.

The Made in Guyana Certification Mark is a prestigious stamp that was unveiled by First Lady, Arya Ali at the GNBS’ National Quality Awards Ceremony in October 2021. It is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets and is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese products.

Among the requirements to become certified, manufacturers are required to use at least 60 per cent raw materials from Guyana and to employ 70 per cent Guyanese staff. The Made in Guyana Certification is valid for one year and will be monitored through surveil-

Minister Oneidge Walrond joins officials from FTIP and the GNBS at the certification ceremony on Tuesday

lance visits by the GNBS to ensure the approved quality is maintained.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond in her feature address encouraged Private Sector companies to buy into the Government’s plan and to aspire for stan-

dards.

Meanwhile, acting Executive Director of the GNBS, Ramrattie Karan highlighted that the Bureau has worked with several stakeholders to formalise the mark which will boost Guyana’s local content.

Karan noted that by us-

ing the mark, manufacturers will be able to promote brand recognition and increase competitiveness for their products certified under the programme.

Managing Director of FTIP, Somat Ali also encouraged other manufacturers to apply to be a part of the programme. He added that standards are the direction for local companies to go to ensure their competitiveness and to demonstrate that Guyana can produce articles of impeccable quality.

In addition, First Vice President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramsay Ali stated, “The mark is a good thing, and it is good to have local products carry the seal ‘Made in Guyana’.” He added that the GMSA will encourage its members to apply for the mark and have their products certified.

Applications are open for local manufacturers interested in getting their products certified. (G12)

20 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gunman shoots, robs Linden man Common trade law for Caricom...

FROM PAGE 17

A

lone gunman shot and robbed a Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) resident as the man returned home from an outing.

Reports are that at about 22:00h on Monday, the 41-year-old man of Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, and his family had just returned home from an Easter outing when the gunman pounced on them.

“The suspect came from the front direction of the victim’s yard and pointed a handgun in his (victim’s) direction and demanded his valuables,” Police said

in a statement.

After the victim refused to comply, the lone perpetrator shot him to the left thigh, pulled off the man’s chain and ring, and then made good his

escape.

The victim was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex.

Police said that the chain is valued $300,000 while the ring is worth $120,000.

He pointed to Guyana’s efforts to expand its poultry industry.

“We need almost 60 million eggs annually, right here in Guyana. If you look around the Caribbean, you can see the number of eggs that are needed. So those are the things we’re working on for investors,” the Agriculture Minister also said.

Last year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had declared that his Government would be pursuing an aggressive campaign to dismantle regional barriers to agricultural trade and that in the next four years, with the assistance of more diversi-

fied crops, Guyana would aim to reduce Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent.

Guyana will meanwhile be hosting the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) from May 19 to 21, to bring together producers, importers and exporters, investors and other players to promote and improve the region’s productivity and resilience of its agri-food systems. The event will be held under the theme: “Investing in Vision 25 by 2025”.

The two principal objectives of the event are

matching bankable agricultural projects with available private and public financing, and making potential investors and other stakeholders aware of new and emerging opportunities in Caricom agriculture, including technological and logistical solutions.

It will focus on specific areas in the food value chain including: primary production (farm and field); agro processing (including post-harvesting and marketing); logistics (distribution, shipping, air cargo), and infrastructural development, including in the areas of finance and technology. (G3)

21 Riversview lift Bartica Easter Regatta “Bounce Back” football title WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

… Potaro Strikers clobber way to 3rd place against AX Galaxy

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commanding display of solid football in offence and defence guided Riversview to first place in the Bartica Easter Regatta “Bounce Back” football competition, which was organised by the Bartica Football Association (BFA) in conjunction with the Easter Regatta Committee.

Four days of football, which attracted seven teams, ended on Easter Saturday night at the Bartica Community Centre Ground and were witnessed by a very large crowd. Riversview were the only team that played unbeaten as they dispatched Lazio 2-0 in the championship match to walk away with the top prize of $360,000.

It was a bruising affair, fit for a final as neither of the teams was

able to wrest the early initiative by imposing themselves on the other.

The Riversview fans were very animated and tried their best to motivate their fellow villagers at varying points of the encounter, which was witnessed by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall and BFA President Alden Marslow among other dignitaries.

But as the match matured, the patience of the fans was tested and they started calling for a goal. They were finally rewarded with 11 minutes to the final whistle. The Riversview lads were jumping for joy when Antonio Jones finally broke the

deadlock with a well-taken shot that evaded the Lazio defence and goalkeeper.

The Riversview fans were equally ecstatic and their voices were heard resonating over the rivers to their family and friends who were left at home.

One goal was never going to make fans and players comfortable so Riversview doubled the advantage so that their minds could have been more relaxed as the match neared conclusion. With four minutes to full time, Omario Lake banged in the sealer to once again send the fans into a frenzy.

Immediately after the final whistle, the celebrations went into overdrive as players, friends, family, and fans

celebrated a well-deserved win.

The champions also walked away with the two individual prizes with the MVP trophy awarded to Kellon Richardson and Dariq James taking the Best Goalkeeper accolade.

The preceding third-place match-up saw a blowout win for Potaro Strikers against upstarts LA Galaxy, 9-2 with a brace each from Troy Parris (5th, 15th)[ Jermaine Padmore (9th, 11th), and Daniel Gardener. There was one each for Lorenzo Cummings (65th), Arlington Williams (77th), and Antoine Allen in the 80th minute.

AX Galaxy’s goals were scored by Voldener Da Fonsia in the seventh minute and Ryan Andrews in the 48th minute.

The presentation of prizes

Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams handing over the top prize and trophy to the Riversview Captain in the presence of fellow players, BFA President Alden Marslow (right), and other executive members

took place immediately following the final, with Lazio receiving $200,000 while Potaro Strikers pocketed $100,000.

The other clubs participating in the competition were Beacons, Wolves United and Agatash United. (Franklin Wilson Photos)

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Faf du Plessis and Josh Hazlewood put Royal Challengers in top two F

af du Plessis equalled his highest Indian Premier League (IPL) score with a supremely-paced innings of 96 Josh Hazlewood from 64 balls, as Royal Challengers bagged 4-25 Bangalore restated their top-ofthe-table credentials with an emphatic 18-run victory over fellow high-fliers Lucknow Super Giants.

On a high-kicking surface at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, RCB overcame the loss of two wickets in the first over of the match to post a competitive total of 181 for 6, which was then put into context by a supreme display of seam bowling from Josh Hazlewood, who picked off a wicket in each of his overs for figures of 4 for 25.

Though Super Giants challenged through a hard-hitting knock of 42 off 28 balls from Krunal Pandya, they lost wickets at all-too-frequent intervals, and when Marcus Stoinis fell in frustrated circumstances with 34 needed from the final two overs, their challenge fell away, despite two final-over sixes from Jason Holder.

Kohli brings up an unwanted century

Dushmantha Chameera was the first seamer of the evening to discover the joys of a lively surface. By the time the first over of the match was done, Chameera was on a hat-trick thanks to the early scalps of Anuj Rawat and Virat Kohli … whose first-ball duck brought up perhaps the most unwanted century of his career.

Since making 136 against Bangladesh in November 2019, Kohli has now played exactly 100 matches without adding to that tally of hundreds – 17 Tests, 21 ODIs, 25 T20Is and 37 IPL games. This time he arrived at the crease after five legal deliveries, in which Rawat – unusually charged with facing the first ball – had lumped a drive through the line for four before scuffing a fuller-length ball to a diving KL Rahul at mid-off. One ball later, a stunned silence enveloped the stadium, as Chameera dragged back a hard length, found a hint of away movement, and lured a loose glide to point as Kohli sought to put bat through ball from the outset, but succeeded only in taking his record for this year's tournament to 119 runs at 19.83. With the score at 7 for 2, du Plessis at the other end had yet to face a ball. He'd make amends soon enough.

38 balls, with six cherry-picked boundaries – all but one of them eased through the off-side as he feasted in particular on the overpitched delivery. Thereafter, du Plessis smashed a further 53 from 26 – five more fours and a thudding drive for six off Krunal Pandya, for an overall strike-rate of exactly 150, as RCB transformed a faltering scoreline of 62 for 4 into a serviceable target of 182.

He was aided in that rebuild by Glenn Maxwell, who counterattacked after the two first-over wickets with 23 off 11, and Shahbaz Ahmed, who made 26 from 22 in a fifthwicket stand of 70, while Dinesh Karthik lifted his tally for the tournament to 210 runs from 102 balls with 13 not out from 8. But after Stoinis spilled a low chance at backward square to reprieve Karthik off the deserving Jason Holder, he made amends in the same position from the penultimate ball of the innings.

Leaning back into a pull to the long side of the ground, du Plessis couldn't get on top of another rising delivery from Holder, whose 6'8" frame made superb use of a springy pitch all evening long for figures of 2 for 25 in four overs. It meant that du Plessis had equalled his IPL-best of 96, made for Chennai Super Kings against Kings XI Punjab in 2019, but was still waiting for that elusive maiden hundred.

Hazlewood hits his lengths

On a Test-match wicket, bring out the Test-match players. With pace and bounce in abundance, this was a surface tailor-made for a bowler of Hazlewood's pedigree. His evening's work began in the third over of the reply, and he struck with his fifth ball, as Quinton de Kock snicked a beautiful length slanted across his left-handed bows, for Maxwell at slip to pouch a sharp chance with the keeper Karthik threatening to dive across him.

Manish Pandey followed in his next over, with a weak pull to midwicket, and when Hazlewood returned at the death for the 17th Faf du Plessis over, a knuckle ball scored 96 on a wide line did

Du Plessis presses the accelerator

Aside from falling agonisingly short of his century, du Plessis could hardly have crafted a more perfectlypaced knock. He stayed composed through the chaos of an otherwise malfunctioning powerplay, and accelerated smoothly into his evening's work, most particularly from the moment he launched an off-colour Ravi Bishnoi for six over long-on to move to the brink of his half-century in the 14th over. Up until that moment, he had cruised along to 43 from

SCOREBOARD ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Anuj Rawat c Rahul b Chameera 4 Faf du Plessis (c) c Stoinis b Holder 96 Virat Kohli c Hooda b Chameera 0 Glenn Maxwell c Holder b Pandya 23 Suyash Prabhudessai c Pandya b Holder 10 Shahbaz Ahmed run out (Rahul/Holder) 26 Dinesh Karthik †not out 13 Harshal Patel not out 0 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 6) ` 9 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.05) 181/6 Did not bat: Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Anuj Rawat, 0.5 ov), 2-7 (Virat Kohli, 0.6 ov), 3-44 (Glenn Maxwell, 5.2 ov), 4-62 (Suyash Prabhudessai, 7.2 ov), 5-132 (Shahbaz Ahmed, 15.2 ov), 6-181 (Faf du Plessis, 19.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Dushmantha Chameera 3-0-31-2 Avesh Khan 4-0-33-0 Krunal Pandya 4-0-29-1 Ravi Bishnoi 4-0-47-0 Jason Holder 4-0-25-2 Marcus Stoinis 1-0-14-0 LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS INNINGS (Target: 182 runs from 20 overs) Quinton de Kock †c Maxwell b Hazlewood 3

for Ayush Badoni. The final nail in Lucknow's coffin, however, came in a moment of mild controversy, with Hazlewood's fellow Aussie, Marcus Stoinis, in his sights.

Facing up to the first ball of the 19th over, with 34 runs still needed, Stoinis feinted to the off-side, and Hazlewood saw him coming and speared his delivery further out wide. Umpire Chris Gaffaney gave the bowler the benefit of the doubt, to the gritted-teeth frustration of the batter. One ball later, however, Stoinis exploded as the chase went up in smoke. Once again, he moved across to the off side, but over-compensated due to the previous call, and was bowled round his legs to a huge, and pointed, expletive for 24 from 15.

It was, however, a dismissal in keeping with Lucknow's chase, in which a highest partnership of 36 revealed RCB's ability to winkle out key wickets at key moments. Few were more crucial than Harshal Patel's moment of good fortune at the end of a leaky first over.

Moments after a wild bouncer had soared away for five wides, Harshal induced a leg-side strangle to see off the dangerous Rahul for 30, via a belated review. Krunal kept the pursuit on track for a while, with a brace of sixes in consecutive overs off spinners Shabhaz and Wanindu Hasaranga, the latter a savage extension of the arms through long-off. But when Maxwell returned for his second over, a hole-out to deep midwicket left his side with too much ground to make up.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Hinds, Looknauth propel Imlach DCB select Under-15 squad XI to easy win over Jerry XI

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uring the course of the holiday weekend, Jerry XI duked it out with Imlach XI in the Good Friday 40 Overs Bash. This thrilling encounter saw Imlach XI walking away with the spoils as Richie Looknauth was superb with the ball, bagging four wickets and Adrian Hinds with a match-winning half-century.

Batting first, Jerry XI posted 159-10 In 24.5 overs. Jerry XI had no response for their opponents, as wickets fell at decisive moments in the game. When Jerry XI needed to carry on, Imlach XI managed to nip away at their line-up piece by piece.

Looknauth and Mervin Permaul were instrumental with the ball, using the pitch to their advantage and extracting enough out of it to restrict their opponents to a meagre total. Top-scoring was Bernard Bailey with 32 (3×6, 2×4); Damuka Junior with 20 (2×6), Jeffrey Blair 19 (2×6) and Ushardeva Balgobin 18 (4×4) provided support. Leading in the bowling department were Looknauth with 4-45 (8 overs) and Mervin Permaul, 2-17 (4overs).

In reply, Imlach XI made 1597 In 30.1 overs. Just like their opponents, wickets tumbled

KL Rahul (c) c †Karthik b Patel 30 Manish Pandey c Patel b Hazlewood 6 Krunal Pandya c Shahbaz Ahmed b Maxwell 42 Deepak Hooda c Prabhudessai b Mohammed Siraj 13 Ayush Badoni c †Karthik b Hazlewood 13 Marcus Stoinis b Hazlewood 24 Jason Holder c Mohammed Siraj b Patel 16 Dushmantha Chameera not out 1 Ravi Bishnoi not out 0 Extras (lb 4, w 11) 15 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.15) 163/8 Did not bat: Avesh Khan Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Quinton de Kock, 2.5 ov), 2-33 (Manish Pandey, 4.6 ov), 3-64 (KL Rahul, 7.6 ov), 4-100 (Deepak Hooda, 12.3 ov), 5-108 (Krunal Pandya, 13.4 ov), 6-135 (Ayush Badoni, 16.4 ov), 7-148 (Marcus Stoinis, 18.2 ov), 8-163 (Jason Holder, 19.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 4-0-31-1 Glenn Maxwell 2-0-11-1 Josh Hazlewood 4-0-25-4 Shahbaz Ahmed 4-0-25-0 Harshal Patel 4-0-47-2 W Hasaranga de Silva 2-0-20-0

CLASSIFIED ADS ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara (Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop) – AirConditioned Comfort. Amenities include TV, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Gym. Free Parking, Free WiFi. Spend 7 nights and get 1 Free. Rates from $45 US. Breakfast included. Long term rates available. Phone: 264-2946-9. www. aracariresort.com

BUS SERVICE Shaun Massiah is the team’s manager

Dave Mohabir has been selected as the captain

fter the recentlyconcluded Demerara Cricket Board (DCB)/ Premier Insurance Under-15 Inter Association tournament, the DCB Junior Selection Panel selected the best possible Demerara Under-15 team for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Dave West Indian U-15 Inter-County 2022 Tournament, scheduled to commence on April 22,2022.

The Demerara Under-15 team are as follows: 1. Dave Mohabir Captain 2. Arun Gainda Vice Captain 3. Kishawan Silas 4. Permeshwar Ram 5. Sayyad Lakeram 6. Mikel Sharma

7. Josiah Lim 8. Trilok Nanan 9. Dhanesh Persaud 10. Emmanuel Lewis 11. Brandon Henry 12. Shane Prince 13. Reyaz Latif 14. Darwin la Rose Manager: Shaun Massiah Coach: Orin Bailey On Friday, April 22, 2022, Demerara will face Essequibo at Imam Bacchus Cricket Facility, Essequibo in their first-round match. after which they will head to Number 69 village, Berbice to play against Berbice. Their final game will be played at Everest against the President’s IX.

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Richie Looknauth bagged 4-15 and Adrian Hinds top-scored with 61

at regular intervals, but Imlach XI just managed to pull things together and hold on to rally through. It was a responsible innings from Adrian Hinds and mini cameos from his teammates that took the team over the line. Leading the run scoring was Hinds with 61, followed

by Laurel Parks with 24; Tevin Imlach, 22; Owen Andrews, 18

and Mervin Permaul, 15. The main bowlers for Jerry XI were Krsna Singh 2-49 (8 overs) and Bernard Bailey 2-12 (5 overs).

The tournament was sponsored by One Movement Heat Transfer Shop, Guymart App, One Movement Entertainment, Js17 Online Cricket Shopping, Eclipse Enterprise, Gea Staffs, Banks DIH, and ANSA McAL.

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

TOURS Independence Weekend, May 26th – 29th. Call: 639-2663/673-2348.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Saint Lucia to host Hero CPL matches in 2022

Saint Lucia Tourism Authority CEO Lorine Charles-St Jules

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he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has confirmed that Saint Lucia will host matches during the 2022 season. Saint Lucia will be one of four countries to host Hero CPL matches in 2022 with the

matches set to be played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Beausejour.

The 2020 and 2021 seasons of the Hero CPL took place in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis respectively during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning the tournament needed to be played in one country. For the 2022 season, the plan is to

move around the Region once again with three venues being used for the group stages and another selected for the finals.

The tournament will take place from August 30 to September 30, with St Kitts & Nevis Patriots looking to defend the title they won in 2021.

Hero CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell said: “We are very pleased to confirm

Friendly series drawn after Guyana’s 2-1 revenge

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he Guyana senior men’s national team – an alllocal Golden Jags squad – “pulled up their socks” on Monday evening as they romped to a sweet 2-1 victory over French Guiana in Cayenne.

The result meant that the Golden Jags would level the series in the second of two international friendlies, after going down to the hosts last Friday. It was said the Jags had an improved performance, dedicating the deserved victory to Guyanese fans based in the French overseas territory.

First-half goals from Kelsey Benjamin and Jamal “Skinny” Perreira gave the Golden Jaguars a two-goal lead at half time, with French Guiana pulling one back late in the game and triggering a tense finish at the Georges Chaumet Stadium.

However, Guyana’s back four, marshalled by Quincy Adams, held off the late onslaught. The final whistle sent Guyanese fans in Cayenne into a frenzy, with the Golden Jaguars securing a revenge victory.

“This victory was for our Guyanese people living here in Cayenne. May they walk proud and know that Guyana’s football loves them,” stated Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz.

“These lads continue to make

that we will be back in Saint Lucia in 2022 and we are grateful to the Government for working with us to make this happen.

Saint Lucia has been such a huge part of the Hero CPL story and as we enter our 10th season, it is great to be back at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground this year.”

Saint Lucia Tourism Authority CEO Lorine Charles-St Jules commented: “We are delighted to be one of the venues for CPL this year. The pandemic limited major sporting events across the world, so to be able to welcome back a prestigious tournament such as this means a lot to us. This event is full of opportunities. It’s a chance to enjoy the brilliant sportsmanship that you see on the cricket field and it’s an opportunity to come together and enjoy our Saint Lucian

hospitality. We look forward to welcoming spectators and visitors this September.”

(CPLT20.com)

23

CPL CEO Pete Russell

Couchman leads Junior Nationals

A Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has a chat with his troops in Cayenne

us proud. It’s not the win, but the effort and discipline they put into their performance.”

“They rose above so many challenges on this trip and put in a command performance,” explained Shabazz.

The win saw Guyana bounce back from the disappointment of a 2-1 loss in the first game, and the character shown by the team has excited Coach Shabazz.

“The spirit of this team and the way we learn our lessons and overcome adversity gets me emotional,” Shabazz said.

Taking a verse from Jamaican entertainer Chronixx,

Shabazz stated: “They see us smile after the victory, but they don’t know what we feel inside us.”

“They don’t know what our Federation, our teams, our players go through and still we strive forward. If only the people knew what we feel inside for our country and the way we dedicate ourselves to represent. They will laugh little and weep much. Not just cry, they will weep.

“These young men will grow into a formidable unit for Guyana. May Allah grant us the focus and plant our feet firm on this journey,” ended Shabazz.

s players head into the final half of the tournament In the National Junior Chess Championship, sponsored by DeSinco Ltd, Kyle Couchman has taken the lead after five rounds as the only player on four points.

The 12-year-old Couchman, who qualified in ninth place after the qualifiers, has assumed the lead over more experienced players such as Rajiv Lee, who has been a force to reckon with in recent competition, and Ethan Lee, who won the qualifiers.

He will, however, need to face them, in addition to Ronan Lee and Keron Sandiford in the coming days. Couchman opened the tournament with a draw against top female player Sasha Shariff and then went

Kyle Couchman

on to secure three consecutive wins against Ricardo Narine, Matthew Singh, and Mayas Khan respectively. In his fifth round

on Monday, Couchman had found himself in a theoreticallydisadvantageous position against Jessica Callender, but the threehour match eventually ended in a draw by agreement. Rajiv Lee, Ethan Lee, and Keron Sandiford are currently tied on 3.5 points.

Narine is close behind on 2.5 points and coming up after him is Ronan Lee, Shariff and Callender, all on 2 points. Matthew Singh is on a solitary point.

Players assemble again today, Wednesday, April 20, for the final four rounds of the Nationals.

All boards will be streamed live on guyanachess.org and YouTube commencing at 09:00h (9 am) and at 14:00h (2 pm) each day.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022

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

Saint Lucia to host Hero CPL matches in 2022

Page 23

Friendly series drawn Page 23 after Guyana’s 2-1 revenge

Page 23

Kyle Couchman playing black against Jessica Callender

Couchman leads Junior Nationals

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has a chat with his troops in Cayenne

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