Guyana Times -- Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Guyana participates in India’s Raisina Dialogue 2022

P18 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4991

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

ExxonMobil makes 3 more oil strikes offshore Guyana

PRICE

See story on page 3

…oil resources now near 11 billion barrels

“Aggressiveness” missing from UK investors – Pres Ali on UK Private Sector …outlines investment opportunities in Guyana Page 7

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Complete P13 absurdity” – Finance Minister on barriers to doing business …tells Canada-Guyana Chamber hurdles to be dismantled

GFS records P17 surge in prank calls in Berbice Labourer P15 accused of theft attacked, chopped Contractor robbed at gunpoint by motorcycle P5 bandits Miner allegedly disappears while working in Puruni backdam P5

Legendary Guyanese cricketer Sir Clive Lloyd chats with President Dr Irfaan Ali; Baroness Valerie Amos; GO-Invest CEO, Dr Peter Ramsaroop on Tuesday evening at a dinner hosted by Guyana’s High Commission in London at the Royal Horseguards Hotel. Also in photo is Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond (OP photo)

Rift in PNCR Central Executive

Page 9

Norton upset Van West-Charles wanted to act as broker between PNCR and Govt

Mechanic killed by hauler truck

Low hospitalisation

Infectious Diseases P16 Hospital to remain operational …19 new cases recorded

Page 11

2

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, April 27 – 01:00h – 02:30h and Thursday, April 28 – 01:30h – 03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

ExxonMobil makes 3 more oil strikes offshore Guyana …oil resources now near 11 billion barrels

Wednesday, April 27 – 14:25h – 15:55h and Thursday, April 28 – 15:10h – 16:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine and light rain showers during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Westerly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 14:38h reaching a maximum height of 2.45 metres.

Low Tide: 08:12h and 20:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.8 metre and 0.73 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

06 13 16

18 22 27

FREE TICKET

19 Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

03 07 09 17 23 LUCKY 3

2

8

5

7

Afternoon Draw

2

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

SUPER

PAY DAY FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022

03 08 09 10 12 13

02 07 13 17 21

0

1 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

0

5 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$104.99/barrel

+2.54

Rough Rice

$299.57/ton

-0.76

London Sugar

$521.90/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

O

il giant ExxonMobil has announced three oil finds in the Stabroek Block, which are being heralded by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) as an opportunity to fast-track development and improve living standards for all Guyanese.

In a statement on the heels of the finds, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Natural Resources lauded Exxon subsidiary Exxon Exploration and Production Guyana (EEPGL) and partners for finding oil at the Barreleye, Patwa-1, and Lukanani-1 wells offshore Guyana in the southeast portion of the Stabroek Block.

It was explained that the Barreleye-1 well encountered approximately 230 feet (70 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone and was drilled in 3840 feet (1170 metres) of water. The second well, Patwa-1, encountered 108 feet (33 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone and was drilled in 6315 feet (1925 metres) of water.

Meanwhile, the Lukanani-1 well encountered 115 feet (35 metres) of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone and was drilled at a water depth of 4068 feet (1240 metres). Operations, it was explained, are ongoing at both Barreleye-1 and Lukanani-1.

Accelerates development

02 10 11 13 19 20 21 PAY DAY

The Stena DrillMAX, one of the drill ships that were involved in the oil finds

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1903.80

$1904.80

Low/High Change

$1895.50 -1.90

$1912.30 -0.10%

“The GoG welcomes the continued success of exploration and discovery work

by EEPGL and its partners within the Stabroek Block which has now produced five discoveries in total offshore Guyana thus far in 2022.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat noted in the statement that the new discoveries add to Guyana’s growing legacy as an oil-producing and exporting nation with “medium sweet crude”.

He said that these discoveries bring Guyana closer to and accelerates the Government’s “One Guyana” goal of enhanced infrastructure, world-class healthcare and education, realising a higher standard of living and better quality of life for all Guyanese.

“The Government of Guyana remains vigilant and committed to ensuring the benefits of Guyana’s petroleum resources benefit all Guyanese paving the way for a thriving future for generations ahead,” Minister Bharrat said.

The Ministry went on to highlight that currently, ExxonMobil has four projects developing the recoverable resource offshore Guyana. The Liza Phase 1 is currently producing approximately 130,000 barrels per day utilising the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

The Liza Phase 2 is meanwhile ramping up towards its capacity of 220,000 barrels per day using the Liza Unity FPSO. The third project, Payara, is scheduled to begin production at the end of 2023 with a capacity of 220,000 barrels per day from the Prosperity FPSO, which is currently under construction in Singapore. The fourth project, Yellowtail, is expected to produce 250,000 bar-

ExxonMobil Upstream Company President Liam Mallon

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

rels per day when the One Guyana FPSO comes online in 2025.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana welcome these three new discoveries offshore Guyana, totalling 31 discoveries within the Stabroek Block and 36 discoveries overall, which will strengthen Guyana as a petroleum-producing country, while at the same time be guided by good international oil field practices for effective and efficient governance,” the Ministry further outlined.

The three discoveries are southeast of the Liza and Payara developments and bring to five the discoveries made by ExxonMobil in Guyana in 2022. It was explained to this publication that the Lukanani well was spud and completed by the Noble Tom Madden, while Barreleye was drilled by the Stena DrillMAX and Patwa

by Noble Don Taylor.

ExxonMobil, in its statement announcing the three

new discoveries offshore Guyana, said that the finds will increase its estimate of the recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block to nearly 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

According to President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company Liam Mallon, the oil finds will also provide valuable impetus to Exxon for its future plans to develop that portion of the Stabroek Block.

“These discoveries and the updated resource estimate increase the confidence we have in our ambitious exploration strategy for the Stabroek Block and will help to inform our future development plans for the southeast part of the block,” Mallon said.

“ExxonMobil remains committed to delivering value at an accelerated pace to the people of Guyana, our partners and shareholders and reliably supplying affordable energy to meet increasing demand around the world,” he added. (G3)

4

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 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

Guyana’s opportunities Guyana becoming a developed country is not merely an optimistic hope, but a doable and achievable reality, because Government’s facilitation of investments can propel this nation into First World status.

This status was foreseeable when President Dr Irfaan Ali told a group of investors in London on Tuesday that while there is an abundance of opportunities in the country’s emerging petroleum sector, there are other lucrative industries. He is correct when he said that this country has always presented a wide range of investment opportunities long before the discovery of oil and gas in 2015 – however, there was little to no international interest being shown.

Before the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration assumed the primary executive office in the land in October of 1992, Guyana was rated on international developmental indices as being on par with Haiti. Graphed during the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration as the least developed nation in the world, with a crippling debt burden, Guyana’s development under the astute leadership provided by successive PPP/C Presidents has been rapid.

After a relatively short time span of approximately two decades, Guyana has been recognised by the world as a middle-income developing country, and described

by Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines as “The only shining star in the Caribbean”.

The popular prognosis heralded great things for this nation, because the focus of the PPP/C Administrations – then and now – is to make Guyana a modern and developed country; and Guyana had indeed been inexorably moving from a middle-income developing country to becoming, in the not-too-distant future, a developed country.

However, for the country to achieve such a status, it has to be a joint effort by all stakeholders, working in conjunction and cooperation with Government. There have been, in the past, multiple successful partnerships between the Government, Private Sector, and other stakeholders working together to create of Guyana a modern society.

The transformation of the national socio-economic landscape has not been easy, because there are elements of negativity who are intent on stymieing every developmental initiative.

Regrettably, this progressive developmental paradigm took a relentless and rapid retrogression – in every sector – with the advent of another PNC-led Government in 2015.

Post-2015 elections, a relentless reversal of Guyana’s developmental trajectory under the coalition Government administration brought this country to an almost bankrupt state, with a debt burden of billions of dollars.

One of the worst disincentives to private investment in Guyana is the high energy costs, which send overheads skyrocketing, especially in the manufacturing sector; and the PPP/C Government had attempted to address this problem through hydropower, but had reached the usual developmental roadblocks from the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition, which used every armament in their arsenal to shoot down the project.

It is a proven fact that not having cheap energy is one of the most prohibitive factors that have impeded Guyana’s manufacturing sector from surging.

However, now that the Amaila Falls Hydro and gas-to-shore projects are on stream, it highlights the Government’s pursuit of alternative energy being prioritised.

With a progressing agricultural sector that can easily develop an agro-industrial complex, Guyana is once again climbing global developmental graphs.

We support the view of the President when he said on Tuesday to UK investors: “The country is in a very important stage now.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali shares a light moment with United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller in London, England before an investment roundtable discussion (OP photo)

Ridiculous critique of Govt of Guyana Dear Editor, I am extremely disappointed with Mr Shamir Ally’s critique and missive of the Government of Guyana. He is creating an illusion that Guyana is in a crisis because of debts and that Guyana could end up in a similar position to Sri Lanka and other countries which lost major ports and parts of their country to China.

I cannot understand on what basis Mr Shamir Ally, who was an Ambassador for Guyana, to curate and compare this responsible Government of ours to Sri Lanka and some African countries.

He smartly gives the idea that our Government doesn’t seem to know what they are doing and that they are taking debt to what could be termed in a layman’s parlour, “willie-nillie”. It appears that Mr Shamir Ally is fulfilling the bid of either Kaieteur News or some agency which wishes to not see Guyana prosper while taking advantage of the opportunities that oil and gas brings to Guyana. It is important that our Government take debts responsibly as they are known to do, to invest in the infrastructure of the Amaila Falls; the gas-toshore project; highways and by-ways, a bigger and better airport, etc. These services such as modern hospitals, medical institutions and educational facil-

ities are there to enhance and develop our country.

I wonder if Mr Shamir Ally wants the Government of Guyana to park the money in a banking institution and not utilise it for the benefit of the people of Guyana? And not using the money to support the development of Guyana so that our people will be unhappy and suffer or to just give it to persons without work to create mendicants?

This responsible Government of Guyana is looking at a modern public transport system! They are looking at roads, bridges to bring our counties together and even to link countries as we see in the case of Suriname. There are plans for modern rail and bus services! Must our people suffer, Mr. Ally?

For Mr Ally and those who share his ideas, they need to understand that our people need happiness, love and care. They need projects that will bring comfort to them. I think a man like Shamir Ally is going low as to be negative to the ideas, visions and wisdom of our Government, and he seems to have a purpose behind it.

I wish to applaud the ventures and vision of our President His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali and his Government. We are blessed to have men like the Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Brigadier Retired

Mark Phillips and the entire cabinet of power ministers. We must remember that these people are human beings and they have been elected by the people to make decisions in the best interest of the country. At times their decisions might not be all sweet and dandy but collectively we have to trust the government and know

that their intentions are good. Remember we as a people voted for them to be our leaders and I as a man of religion do believe that once persons are selected and elected by the people, such appointments are by the will of God. Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

PPP Govt always about socioeconomic progress Dear Editor, Undeniably, the PPP’s track record as a Government has proven beyond any doubt that it remains the only political party in Government which is not only all-inclusive and pursued racial integration meaningfully, but which has uplifted the country from the morass of social and economic decadence.

The PNC for 28 years plunged the country into extreme poverty, hunger and criminal activities which relegated it next to Haiti and it took the PPP Government during its 23 years in office not only to reverse this but to transform the country from a Highly Indebted Country to a progressive Middle-Income

Country. This devastation was again repeated by the PNC masquerading as the coalition for another 5 years from 2015 to 2020. And again, the PPP Government took on the Herculean task to rebuild an economy which was on the verge of bankruptcy, the PNC-dominated coalition this time was on a squandering binge. This time the alacrity of the corruption surpassed what took place from 1964 to 1992. Imagine they tried ‘a thing’ with the first oil money we received (US$18 signing bonus), thus it will not take an astrologer to predict what would have happened thereafter.

Many who are vociferous today were mum then.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

5

News

Contractor robbed at gunpoint Miner allegedly by motorcycle bandits disappears while working

A

contractor was on Monday relieved of items worth $630,000 by two bandits while walking along Kaikan Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Police stated that the robbery took place at about 20:45h while the contractor was making his way home.

Based on information received, the victim was confronted by the two men who turned up on a motorcycle.

One was reportedly armed with a handgun and the other with a knife.

The pillion rider, according to reports, held the victim at knifepoint while his accomplice took the man’s iPhone, one Apple laptop computer, and $80,000 in cash.

As they were leaving, the

in Puruni backdam

T bandit who was carrying the firearm discharged a round in the air.

The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. Earlier this month, a 47-year-old male driver of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, was robbed in the vicinity of the Chinese Embassy, D’Urban

Backlands.

The man had stopped and was awaiting a customer when he was pounced on by two unidentifiable males, one of whom was armed with a knife. The man was relieved of one Samsung Galaxy A10 cell phone, one silver band, one gold ring, and one keypad.

he Police are now investigating the alleged disappearance of 27-year-old Noel Anthony Fredericks, a miner of Mainstay/Whyaka Village, Essequibo, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), who went to work in Region Seven.

Based on the Police report, the missing man was employed at a mining camp located at Toroparu backdam, Lower Puruni River. Preliminary investigations revealed that Fredericks left his camp on April 14, 2022, at about 17:30h. He was last seen

Missing: Noel Fredericks

at about 3:00h the following morning in the company of a 29-year-old man.

The men were reportedly under the influence of alcohol and were seen leaving a shop in the area.

Details about the other man are not available.

However, Fredericks is of Amerindian descent, medium built, and fair in complexion. He also sported long black hair.

At the time of his disappearance, he was clad in a pair of blue jeans and a white top. Anyone with information that can lead to the whereabouts of the young man is asked to contact 911 or the nearest Police station.

Indian Heritage Month Urgent need for building codes, standards

Dear Editor, It is an excellent idea that the doctor has suggested. This coming month will bring with it Indian Arrival Day. A day of reflection, celebration, and the embracing of our heritage and values, which have guided us this far for generations.

The suggestion that we leverage the occasion to expand upon it to celebrate the rich history of our people during the month of May is an idea worth pur-

suing and bringing to fruition.

We the Cooperative Republic of Guyana fully support making the month of May a month dedicated to the in-depth embracing of the legacy of our ancestors and their Indian Heritage.

It will provide an opportunity to enjoy the music, poetry & plays inspired and created by the likes of Kalidasa, our artwork and art forms from throughout the ages, pre-colonial clas-

sical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, cuisine representing the different regions of our motherland and so many more aspects of the richness of our culture.

Yes, dedicating the month of May to the national celebration of our Indian heritage is definitely worth pursuing and has our full support.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

PPP Govt always about...

FROM PAGE 4

Now there are some who are crying ‘wolf’ again, hoping that the more gullible Guyanese will fall for this again. Those who do not remember the past will most certainly be condemned for repeating it and Guyanese have learnt their lessons well. The PNC/coalition governed this country for 33 years and brought nothing but hunger and suffering for Guyanese. There was a time when putting food on the table was a criminal activity. When it is analysed, what took place from 2020 to now, the full magnitude of the progressive nature of the PPP Government will surely come to fore.

The PPP had to fight the PNC juggernauts hellbent of thieving an entire Government in full view of the world and then had to battle an unseen enemy in the form of the pandemic and in the midst of that had to charter our survival from the most devastating flood ever when entire regions became inundated and crops and livelihood were destroyed. But this Government not only overcame these but once more herald an era of unprecedented socio-economic de-

velopment.

This brings to mind the words of our President Dr Irfaan Ali when he was in Region 6, “We are creating a macro-vision that will transform this region beyond recognition, create opportunities for new jobs, bring sustainable jobs, and empower people to participate in a greater way in the economy of this region.

That is what we are about.”

The Government’s macro vision will most definitely transform the country beyond recognition as major economic projects get underway across every region.

Already, some areas have developed beautifully beyond recognition.

The PNC has never been good for Guyana whilst in Government and even as an Opposition and third force parties, such as the UF, AFC and the WPA have all become subservient to the PNC and have intrinsically lost their goals and founding principles.

Guyanese must not be misled by the few who are only interested in grabbing power to foster their own selfish ends. There are those who have condemned the macro developmental proj-

ects for Berbice outlined

by President Ali but never uttered a word in condemnation when the coalition made the entire Region 6 a ghost town, with children and mothers walking with their abdomens glued to their backs, unaware where the next meal will come from. Little did these naysayers realise that this Government has buffered the rising global prices, including fuel prices, and have put billions back into the pockets of every Guyanese directly and indirectly through cash grants, salary increases, and decrease in taxes. This seemed to be forgotten.

These projects and the many others in progress will create employment and peoples’ lives will improve.

People will learn to fish and not be depending on a fish to be thrown at them. Of course, it will take time but patience is what is required because there is a timeline when the dividend from every project will materialise.

Guyanese are living far better than they did under the coalition.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Dear Editor, The PPP/C Government has embarked on a building boom that is receiving worldwide attention. Guyanese at home and abroad are excited, and rightly so, about the impending improvement in the quality of life from this building boom. However, there is a hidden danger that can turn the boom into a bust. There are no codes and standards (or contemporary ones) to guide quality and safety.

Over the last four decades, there have been sporadic calls, especially after a fire, from groups and individuals for the enactment of building codes.

Policymakers have not, at least seriously, heeded these calls. Rather, they lament, usually after public outrage, when public infrastructural works are poorly constructed, and the public is deprived.

Codes (building, residential, electrical, fire, plumbing, and so on) and standards embody technical knowledge from contemporary research and years of practical experience. They include a comprehensive set of minimum health, safety and energy standards to protect the public (safety, security, health and costs), and the environment. These codes and standards are essential guides for safe, sustainable and economical design, construction best practices and maintenance of infrastructural works.

Guyana is in a unique position to capitalise on codes and standards developed and used in many countries, especially high-income countries, to quickly establish its own. This requires personnel familiar with current codes and standards, the local environment and state-

of-the-art practices. For example, the International Building Codes (IBC) is popular in the USA. However, each state and its jurisdictions make amendments to some of the IBC clauses to satisfy local conditions, statutes, and practices. Enacted codes and standards via legislation are necessary but not sufficient. One or more organisational structures are required to provide training of inspectors, architects, contractors and engineers, and empower enforcement.

I implore the current Government to earnestly be-

gin the process of developing and enacting codes and standards, provide for the training needs and enable tight enforcement. The success of the fantastic ongoing and planned infrastructural works including the proposed Silica Smart City is threatened by the absence of these codes and standards.

The excitement, hopes and dreams of the Guyanese people must not be vanquished by substandard infrastructural works.

Sincerely, Dr Muniram Budhu

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

02:00 03:39 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:30 Kids 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 22:00 23:00 00:00 00:30

Movie - Miss Juneteenth (2020) Movie - The Runner from Ravenshead (2010) TVG's Ramadan Special Inspirational Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering Pioneer Woman Prime Series - Blippi's Educational Adventures for House Hunter Renovation Paternity Court Divorce Court Movie - Presence of Love (2022) Wheel of Fortune The Thundermans S2 E8 The Evermoor Chronicles S1 E4 Indian Soaps Lost in Space S2 E5 The Young & The Restless From the Pavilion The Evening News Stop Suffering JB & Salim The Bold Type S4 E12 You S2 E8 The Ranch S2 E10 Movie - Infinite (2021)

6

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

Page

Foundation

◄

I

n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate weather by making an anemometer.

Materials: Needle or thin nail Lump of modelling clay Glue Small block of wood for your base Pencil Stapler Scissors Foil muffin cups Stopwatch Piece of cardboard One brightly coloured sticker

SCENE I. On a ship at sea: a tempestuous noise of thunder and lightning heard.

Enter a Master and a Boatswain

Instructions: Set the block of wood on a flat surface or table. This will be the base of your anemometer.

Place the lump of modelling clay in the centre of your block of wood.

Stick the pencil into the modelling clay with the eraser pointed up. Mould the clay around the pencil so it is secure and straight.

Cut two strips of cardboard 16 inches long and 2 inches wide.

Use a drop or two of glue to fasten the two strips together in the shape of a cross.

Now push the pin or nail through the centre of the cross into the eraser. The cross should spin freely.

Tape a foil muffin cup to each end of the cross making sure all of the cups are facing in the same direction.

Set your anemometer outside and begin documenting the wind speed each day.

To measure the wind speed for this demonstration, use the stopwatch to count the number of rotations per minute.

Boatswain Heigh, my hearts! cheerly, cheerly, my hearts! yare, yare! Take in the topsail.

Tend to the master's whistle. Blow, till thou burst thy wind, if room enough!

Enter ALONSO, SEBASTIAN, ANTONIO, FERDINAND, GONZALO, and others

our labour: keep your cabins: you do assist the storm.

GONZALO Nay, good, be patient.

Boatswain When the sea is. Hence! What cares these roarers for the name of king? To cabin: silence! trouble us not.

GONZALO Good, yet remember whom thou hast aboard.

Boatswain None that I more love than myself. You are a counsellor; if you can command these elements to silence, and work the peace of the present, we will not hand a rope more; use your authority: if you cannot, give thanks you have lived so long, and make yourself ready in your cabin for the mischance of the hour, if it so hap. Cheerly, good hearts! Out of our way, I say.

Exit

ALONSO Good boatswain, have care.

Where's the master?

Play the men.

Boatswain I pray now, keep below.

ANTONIO Where is the master, boatswain?

Boatswain Do you not hear him? You mar

GONZALO I have great comfort from this fellow: methinks he hath no drowning mark upon him; his complexion is perfect gallows. Stand fast, good Fate, to his hanging: make the rope of his destiny our cable, for our own doth little advantage. If he be not

Master Boatswain!

Boatswain Here, master: what cheer?

Master Good, speak to the mariners: fall to't, yarely, or we run ourselves aground: bestir, bestir.

Exit Enter Mariners

How it works: An anemometer is a meteorological instrument. An anemometer is used to measure wind speed. When the wind blows, it causes the foil muffin cups to spin.

As you count the number of rotations, you are able to determine higher and lower wind speeds.

Make this science project: Try recording winds speeds (rotations of the foil cups) at different times of the day. Try recording winds speeds (rotations of the foil cups) at different times and seasons of the year. (sciencefun.org)

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge” – Albert Einstein

born to be hanged, our case is miserable.

Exeunt

two courses off to sea again; lay her off.

Enter Mariners wet

Re-enter Boatswain

Mariners All lost! to prayers, to prayers! all lost!

Boatswain What, must our mouths be cold?

GONZALO The king and prince at prayers! let's assist them, For our case is as theirs.

SEBASTIAN I'm out of patience.

ANTONIO We are merely cheated of our lives by drunkards: This wide-chapp'd rascal-would thou mightst lie drowning The washing of ten tides!

GONZALO He'll be hang'd yet, Though every drop of water swear against it And gape at widest to glut him.

A confused noise within: 'Mercy on us!'-- 'We split, we split!'--'Farewell, my wife and children!'-- 'Farewell, brother!'-'We split, we split, we split!'

Boatswain Down with the topmast! yare! lower, lower! Bring her to try with main-course.

A cry within A plague upon this howling! they are louder than the weather or our office.

Re-enter SEBASTIAN, ANTONIO, and GONZALO Yet again! what do you here?

Shall we give o'er and drown? Have you a mind to sink?

SEBASTIAN A pox o' your throat, you bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog!

Boatswain Work you then.

ANTONIO Hang, cur! hang, you whoreson, insolent noisemaker!

We are less afraid to be drowned than thou art.

GONZALO I'll warrant him for drowning; though the ship were no stronger than a nutshell and as leaky as an unstanched wench.

Boatswain Lay her a-hold, a-hold! set her

ANTONIO Let's all sink with the king.

SEBASTIAN Let's take leave of him.

Exeunt ANTONIO and SEBASTIAN

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Aggressiveness” missing from UK investors – Pres Ali on UK Private Sector …outlines investment opportunities in Guyana

I

nvestors in the United Kingdom (UK) were on Tuesday urged to be more aggressive in their investment pursuits in Guyana with President Dr Irfaan Ali cautioning that they must do so hastily, as it is becoming more and more expensive to tap into local sectors.

He made these pronouncements during an investment seminar held at the Carlton House in London. President Ali and a team of Government officials including Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond and GO-Invest CEO Peter Ramsaroop are currently in London where the Guyanese Head of State is slated to present at the prestigious Caribbean Council’s House of Lords Reception and the Guyana Investment Seminar.

Whilst speaking about investment opportunities in Guyana to a group of investors, President Ali explained that his homeland presented a wide range of investment opportunities long before the discovery of oil and gas in 2015 – however, there was little to no international interest being shown.

And while he noted that there is an abundance of opportunities in the country’s emerging petroleum sector, President Ali reminded that there are other lucrative industries in Guyana such as agriculture.

“In just 20 months, we’ve embarked on a programme of crop diversification and in two years, we will produce all the corn and soya we need in Guyana for the feed production for our poultry and livestock sector. This is the type transformation I’m

for medical services or sometimes for dental services, you can’t afford…so, we want to create a health sector that is world-class.”

Education and tourism are also two integral sectors which Government intends to significantly develop.

“We want to have the best education providers stationed in Guyana and having education as foreign currency earner…tourism is integral and important for the future of our country… in order to build this sector, we are now working with the best internationally to market our product.”

Aggressive

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the Guyana Investment Seminar at Carlton House in London, England

talking about,” he detailed.

He also spoke about the Government’s plan to get into wheat cultivation, to guard against shocks from the international market.

Guyana currently imports wheat and is being significantly affected by the surge in prices globally.

Speaking about its sugar industry, President Ali said, “there are persons in this room here who we’re hoping will come to Guyana as private investors to invest in some of the estates, to add values to the estates, to diversify the product portfolio.”

The Guyanese Head of State also revealed to the investors his plans to tap into the hemp industry as well as other non-traditional crops.

Plans to the develop the local manufacturing sector were also announced as President Ali spoke of the

initiatives being undertaken by Government to significantly slash energy costs.

The Guyanese President also spoke about the country’s macro-energy policy which includes collaboration with Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana.

“When we combine our gas with the gas from Suriname, we are now studying whether we now have the potential to become an energy hub for the Guiana Shield and create a new energy corridor that will supply northern Brazil…So, our energy policy is integrated into the regional energy demand,” he explained.

President Ali also spoke of the construction boom and the enormous opportunities this opens up for investors.

Another sector which the Government intends to enhance is Information

and Communications Technology (ICT) which President Ali explained will be a new and significant pillar of the Guyanese economy.

“We’re now working on a programme on which we want to see every single student coming out of primary school having training in elementary coding…and secondary students graduating must have not only basic but foundational training in software development. It is ensuring that we train the human resource base of the country for the future opportunities also,” he revealed, noting that this thrust presents opportunities for investors.

Health is another area of focus for the Ali-led Government. “We have a huge diaspora that is five hours away from us, the US, Canada…they go to India

Being very blunt, the Guyanese Head of State contended that UK investors have not been aggressive enough in pursuing opportunities in Guyana.

“The UK has earmarked, notionally maybe $750 million as development that Guyana can qualify for, through investment, infrastructure development, infrastructure transformation. But what is missing is the aggressiveness from the

private sector here in the UK and the EU generally.”

“Many people ask sometimes why the Chinese investors find the market faster than anyone else. Well, I can tell you from our humble experience, their aggression is far different.”

In giving an example of how aggressive international investors need to be, President Ali said, “we recently finalised financing for a new children and maternal hospital and those financing are coming from the EU at better terms than the Chinese.”

Meanwhile, President Ali called on the UK investors to quickly identify opportunities in Guyana and start investing, noting that it is becoming increasingly expensive to invest in Guyana by the day.

“The country is in a very important stage now, those who are going to invest today, you’re a few dollars more in your expense column that three years ago, because it is going to become more and more expensive to invest.”

8 NEWS Trio busted with gun, ammo during Police operation in NA WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The path...

W P

olice acting on information received went to the home of a 47-year-old self-employed woman of Queenstown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, on Monday during which a search was conducted on her premises for narcotics/drugs, arms and ammunition, stolen articles and wanted persons.

During the operation, two males of mixed race, both aged 30 years – one is a

The firearms and ammunition found during the raid

welder from West Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, and the other a farmer of Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice – were observed.

However, a search of the house unearthed a silver and black .32 pistol bearing serial number S205619 with a magazine and seven live .32 ammunition. The firearm and ammunition were found under a mattress in one of the rooms.

The Police took posses-

sion of the firearm and ammunition and immediately told the woman and two men of the offence committed.

They were cautioned but denied having any knowledge of the find.

Further, Police stated that a search was conducted in another bedroom where a black 32 pistol bearing serial number DAA209536 with three matching rounds of ammunition were found at the side of a wooden vanity.

The search was conducted in the presence of the three suspects.

Again, the trio denied the allegation of possession of firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

They were arrested and escorted to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam along with the firearms and ammunition.

An investigation is continuing.

…to development e know that since Medieval times, men have been looking for “the Holy Grail” – to deliver desires – from immortality to infinite resources.

But your Eyewitness is pretty sure that even before then, folks had been hankering for that Deus ex machina that would take care of all their challenges and leave them on the easy street. After all, up to then, no matter how hard and diligent most folks worked, their lives had remained “nasty, short and brutal”! So, it was all up to forces from the “outside” – including one deity or another!

But from the 18th century, after Europe had conquered most of the earth and plundered their resources, they were able to arrange matters so that every year things got better – for them!! The idea of “development” was born!! Initially, of course, it meant they’d keep on conquering and divvying up the world to fatten their own countries!! It’s also not surprising that the era was distinguished by continuous war between various European empires! Each coveted the other! But when we became independent, it was also not surprising that we insisted we should also “develop” along their lines.

Around that time – in the sixties – there were two paths to this new Holy Grail that would be generated by one’s own efforts – conquering countries to extract loot was supposedly finished after WWII- capitalism and communism/socialism.

Burnham bet on his special brand of co-operative socialism, and by the eighties, we were completely, utterly ruined – beyond anything the British and Dutch had inflicted in three centuries!! Wags would chortle that our West Indian comrades have earthquakes and hurricanes, but we more than compensated with Burnham!!

Anyhow, after 1992, the PPP had to craft their development plans to dig us out of the PNC’s hole – before they could even think about moving on up and out of our miseries. Up to when they were ousted in 2015, we’d done pretty well, considering the circumstance.

Which necessitated finding funds for infrastructure and industrialisation. Well, oil was discovered on the PNC’s post-2015 watch, but they blew it by giving away the (oil) store! And then sitting on their haunches rather than preparing our business community to take advantage of local content opportunities. They were just waiting for (oil) manna to gush from under the Atlantic.

Well, the PPP’s been in since 2020, and they’ve stuck with the plans introduced in their Manifesto. And just reiterated by Pres Ali and VP Jagdeo in separate events recently: they’re continuing with their “Fourfold Way” to kickstart economic development: education, health care, infrastructure, and assistance to non-oil industries”!!

This ensures that all Guyanese will benefit, since the benefits flow to one and all!! …to workers’ heaven Ever since “development” was introduced with the Industrial Revolution, it was workers who bore the brunt of the work, while the factory owners “developed”!! It was the old colonial relationship now established in each business. Maybe we should be proud that the system was introduced right here in the West Indies on our plantations!?! Our enslaved workers didn’t even get a penny, while the indentures who followed them literally worked for a penny!!

Well, workers eventually started mobilising themselves to fight for their development – much like freedom fighters had done for independence. (Not Burnham…he sold us down the river!) The trade union movement was born.

Here, in Guyana, Critchlow founded the very first trade union in the entire Commonwealth in 1919. At a recent labour event, one trade unionist bemoaned that even though trade unions birthed political parties, they’ve become the latter’s “puppets”!

But that’s not new, is it? After his initial progressive role, Critchlow himself opposed universal franchise for Indian Guyanese.

They’d upset the POLITICAL horse-cart!! …to inequality The inevitable end state of the old worker-business relationship is captured by one businessman – Elon Musk – buying Twitter for US$54 billion. All from his US$279 billion net worth!!

While half the world can’t get US$2 daily!!

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

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rift in PNCR Central Executive

Norton upset Van West-Charles wanted to act as broker between PNCR and Govt

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Former PNCR Advisor, Dr Richard Van West-Charles

he rift between Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and his former political advisor Dr Richard Van West-Charles, who is recently reported to have resigned that role, will be addressed at a Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting on Tuesday.

In December of 2021, Aubrey Norton and Richard Van West-Charles were challenging each other for the role of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader. After Norton triumphed, he appointed Van West-Charles as one of his advisors, alongside now parliamentarian Volda

Lawrence.

But the relationship seems to have soured, with Van West-Charles recently being reported to have said in a Notice of Withdrawal that Norton was sidelining him, refusing to call meetings of the party’s executive and that he would be resigning as advisor.

Accusing Van WestCharles of using him as a scapegoat, Norton addressed these reports during a press conference on Tuesday where he denied reports that Van West-Charles was being sidelined and assured that the party’s executive would

T

be discussing the matter.

“All I would say to the press about Mr Van WestCharles, and this is before I discuss it with the party, Mr Van West-Charles has been pushing for me to engage the People’s Progressive Party, through him.”

“And I made it clear to him, that I cannot engage the People’s Progressive Party, without a decision of the Central Executive. And I have on my phone, at least two messages from him that would verify that is the direction he was going in,” Norton said.

The Opposition Leader admitted that no meetings were held at Congress Place thus far this month, but attributed this to the party’s busy schedule. In the same breath, he labelled Van West-Charles’ claims that he does not call meetings, as untrue.

“I note he said as well, that we do not call Central Executive. Which is an untrue statement.

The Constitution provides for the Central Executive to meet at least once per month.

We met in January at least twice or thrice. We met in February, at least twice. We met in March once or twice.”

TURN TO PAGE 13

10

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mechanic killed by hauler truck

A

mechanic was on Tuesday struck down and killed by a motor lorry at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), as he was crossing the main access road.

Dead is 56-year-old Mohan Toolsie of Coverden, EBD. Based on reports stated that accident occurred at about 7:45h. Investigations revealed that motor lorry GZZ 1233 was proceeding along Bagotstown Public Road when Toolsie disembarked a parked motor pickup, GNN 7019 and attempted to cross the road.

Police stated that

ing lorry. The driver reportedly applied brakes to avoid a collision, but due to the short distance, the vehicle collided with the now dead man.

As a result of the collision, Toolsie sustained injuries to his body and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Emergency Medical Technicians.

A breathalyser test was admitted on the driver of the lorry but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. He remains in custody, as investigations continue.

Dead: Mohan Toolsie

Toolsie jumped over the concrete median at the center of roadway and ended up in the path of the mov-

The truck that was involved in the accident

TURN TO PAGE 16

12

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

13

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Complete absurdity” – Finance Minister on barriers to doing business …tells Canada-Guyana Chamber hurdles to be dismantled

“We still have agencies in Guyana where you have to go and pick up a paper form, carry it back to your office, fill it out manually, take it back to an office, lodge the form, go to another window to pay, probably go to another window to collect your receipt and then take your receipt back to another office to say, here is the evidence I paid. And many of us live this every day. We endure it. And frankly speaking, it’s a complete absurdity” – Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh while attending the CGCC AGM. Also in picture, from left, are Attorney-at-Law and Director/Secretary Patricia Bacchus and CGCC Chairman Anand Beharry

T

he Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday to, among other things, ratify the appointment of its directors, with Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh assuring it of the Government’s intent to dismantle barriers to doing business.

Dr Singh was a special guest at the Canada-Guyana Chamber AGM. In his keynote address, the Minister spoke of the Government’s efforts to increase the ease of doing business, which he noted

must be improved.

For instance, the Minister noted the impracticality of the paper-based business model overwhelmingly used in Guyana. This is something, he noted, both Government agencies and the Private Sector are guilty of.

“We still have agencies in Guyana where you have to go and pick up a paper form, carry it back to your office, fill it out manually, take it back to an office, lodge the form, go to another window to pay, probably go to another window to collect your receipt and then

Norton upset...

“Because the latter part of March, I think from the 18th, I was out of the country.

And this month, we’ve had a busy schedule and we’re meeting this evening. So, all the claims, I think are ridiculous,” Norton said.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had already signalled his intention last week, to meet with Norton in his capacity as Opposition Leader, within two weeks, where the various pending constitutional matters would be resolved.

The Head of State told media operatives on the sidelines of an event last week Wednesday that the Opposition Leader would be in receipt of an invitation in this regard, though up to Tuesday Norton said he had not received such an invitation.

Among the appointments to be discussed are those for the Police Service Commission, Public Service Commission, Teaching Service Commission, Judicial Service Commission, and the Integrity Commission. The appointments of a Chancellor

FROM PAGE 9

and Chief Justice are also pending.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips had called on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition to move with haste in filling this important position, noting that the PPP/C Administration stands ready to work with the new leader in the interest of Guyana.

This was in conjunction with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo indicating that President Ali was hoping to consult soon with the Opposition Leader and bring closure on the reinstatement of a number of constitutional service commissions, which has been delayed for some time.

The President has contended in several reports that while he is not averse to engaging APNU/AFC, the coalition party continues to show disdain for the will of the people who elected the PPP to Government with 233,336 total votes in the 2020 General and Regional Elections. (G3)

take your receipt back to another office to say, here is the evidence I paid.

“And many of us live this every day. We endure it. And frankly speaking, it’s a complete absurdity. It’s completely unnecessary. Modern technology has expanded the possibilities so tremendously.

And that technology is still so dreadfully underutilised,” the Minister said.

According to the Minister, Cabinet instructions to public sector agencies are clear: wherever possible, facilitate the submission of digital documents. He also noted that they were working on creating two portals – one for construction permits and the other for trade transactions.

“The Cabinet’s instructions are very clear. Government

agencies are to start embracing technology to make the business and corporate experience as friendly as possible.

Some of that will involve very simple solutions. Putting the form online. Some of that will involve more elaborate solutions.

“So, one of the more elaborate solutions we’re speaking about, is at least two single window pieces of architecture, which we will be putting in place. The first is for a single window for trade transactions. Import and export… we’re also looking for a single window for transactions associated with construction permitting,” Dr Singh said.

He noted that importers at times have to visit several agencies to get various permits, before they can import or export various goods. The idea is to have a facility where payments and one transaction request is then routed to the relevant agencies for approv-

al – all of which is done online and would cut down on the need for multiple visits to different agencies.

The construction permit single window would operate on a similar basis, since persons doing construction are presently required to liaise with a number of agencies, including the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA); the Guyana Fire Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Here again, the mandate that has been given from the highest level of Government is that that inefficiency must also be eliminated. Construction permitting must be facilitated through a single window,” the Finance Minister said.

Meanwhile, the CanadaGuyana Chamber of Commerce ratified the appointments of 10 directors.

Among them were Anand Beharry, the Chairman, and

Attorney-at-Law Patricia Bacchus as Director and Secretary.

The remaining members include former Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Vishnu Doerga, Winston Kassim, Suraj Mattai, Mohamed Hussein, Fareed Amin, Caron Hawco, Scott Young, and Andrew Mendes.

Other items on the agenda include receiving the chamber’s accounts and reports of the Directors and Auditors for the year ended December 31, 2021. Additionally, receiving the Chairman’s remarks was on the agenda.

The Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) is a non-partisan institution promoting and facilitating investment and trade between Guyana and Canada, and Guyana and other countries. The CGCC was launched on December 4, 2020. (G3)

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Made in Guyana” mark will increase market access – GNBS Director …as Pomeroon coffee company certified

A

my’s Pomeroon Foods Inc (APFI) on Tuesday became the second company to receive certification by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to use its Made in Guyana Certification Mark.

This is the second Guyanese company authorised to affix the prestigious mark on its products. Consumers will now be able to see the Certification Mark on the packages of its Regular and Mocha flavoured ground coffee as well

as its roasted and green coffee beans.

At a certification ceremony held at the company’s South Railway Embankment, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD) location, Executive Director (ag) of the GNBS Ramrattie

GNBS Certification Department Head Andrea Mendonca handing over the certificate to APFI CEO Louis Holder

Karan highlighted that the Made in Guyana mark will increase the potential of Amy’s Pomeroon coffee to access regional and international markets.

“The company has proven to be another patriotic company and we want to encourage you to continue to strive to meet the requirements of standards and quality…that will allow you to export and not only to serve the local market,” Karan noted.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of APFI, Louis Holder lauded the programme as a good step towards promoting local content. “This is indeed prestigious, and I am happy that my company was able to qualify,” Holder said.

Elated to receive the certificate under the GNBS’ Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme, Operations Manager at APFI Tyronne

Gravesande thanked the Bureau for working with his company to accomplish this significant milestone.

He said, “I can hardly express in words how proud we are at Amy’s Pomeroon Foods Inc to receive this Made in Guyana mark. I can assure you that we will try to maintain a higher standard and keep it to the standard GNBS is expecting from us.”

The Made in Guyana Certification Mark was unveiled in October 2021. The certification is only valid for a period of one year and is open to all local manufacturers. Among the requirements to become certified, manufacturers must use at least 60 per cent raw materials from Guyana and employ 70 per cent Guyanese staff.

Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP), based on the East Coast of Demerara, became the first Guyanese company to achieve this certification and is now authorised by the GNBS to affix the Made in Guyana stamp to several of its fiberglass products. (G2)

NEWS

15

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Duo robbed by gun-toting bandits Constitutional reform dead on arrival without Opposition’s A cooperation and support

G

uyana’s Constitution, as reformed by the PPP Government, especially between 2000 and 2002, has been generally lauded in and out of Guyana as one of the most advanced and progressive constitutions in Caricom and in the wider developing countries. The President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) recently acknowledged this. This in no way means Guyana has a perfect Constitution, and that constitutional reforms should be kicked to the backburner. The PPP Government has stated that constitutional reform is one of its priorities between now and 2025. But, because constitutional reform is one of the Irfaan Ali-led Government’s priorities, it does not mean it will happen.

It cannot happen without the cooperation and support of the Opposition.

The PNC has never had an appetite for constitutional reforms. Without a twothirds majority in Parliament, constitutional reform is dead on Dr Leslie Ramsammy arrival. Even a vote in Parliament on any constitutional provision is not appropriate because, without the effective functioning of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms, nothing can come forward for Parliament to vote on. If anything comes forward without the Opposition members participating in the functioning of the committee, the reforms would be deemed unacceptable, and claims of no consultation will be made.

In any case, the Opposition would vote against it in a sitting of the whole Parliament and the reform provisions would be dead on arrival.

The truth is that outside of the dictatorial Burnham Constitution of 1980, the PNC has shown no interest in a progressive constitution.

After the December 2011 elections, the PNC (APNU/AFC) used its one-seat majority to take control of the Committee on Constitutional Reforms, electing David Granger as the Chair of the Commission.

Between 2011 and 2015, during the 9th Parliament, there were only two meetings of the committee. The first one lasted less than one minute because it was adjourned as soon as Granger was elected as Chair. The second meeting lasted for no more than fifteen minutes, during which it was decided that I would prepare and present a summary of all the recommendations that were made by two constitution commissions – chaired by Bernard De Santos and Ralph Ramkarran – and in that summary, the list of recommendations that were already enacted and those still to be included in the constitution.

I did it within one week. No further meetings were held between 2012 and 2015.

In 2015, the Government changed, Granger became President, and the PNC elected Basil Williams as Chair of the Committee. Between 2015 and 2020, the constitutional committee held two meetings.

The first was held in 2015, lasting no more than one minute, during which Williams was elected as chair. The next meeting was held, if my memory serves me well, soon after the No-Confidence Motion, during a period that it became illegal for parliamentary committees to meet. In spite of all the big talk about constitutional reforms, the PNC has shown no belly for constitutional reforms between 2006 and present. Now that the PNC has finally come around to electing an Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton has said that this is one of his priorities.

In fact, last week, the new Chair, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, convened a meeting of the committee. The meeting had to start without any Opposition MP, and only towards the end of the meeting did an MP from the Opposition show up. This total disregard for constitutional reform is not new. They had control of the committee between 2011 and 2020, for a full decade, and not one piece of constitutional reform was discussed or happened in that time. The only things related to the Constitution that occurred between 2015 and 2020 when the PNC controlled the Government and parliament were several violations of the Constitution. For instance, Granger appointed a Chairman of GECOM in breach of the Constitution, as he started the road to election rigging. The total abrogation of the NoConfidence vote in Parliament saw more than two years of violation of the Constitution. Last week’s disregard for the constitutional committee in Parliament makes a total mockery of Norton’s fake demand for constitutional reforms.

I hope that some of the mistakes we made in the reform agenda in 2000 to 2002 parliamentary period (7th and 8th Parliaments) can be corrected in this term. Outside of the Burnham Constitution, designed to prop up a dictatorship, the Bharrat Jagdeo-led constitutional reforms provided the most extensive platform for shared governance.

The shared governance provisions made in respect to appointing the Chancellor and the Chief Justice were mistakes, and until those provisions are corrected, we will have to live with acting Chancellors and Chief Justices. The requirement to go beyond meaningful consultations and achieve agreements is one destined to fail from the beginning. It is incumbent on this 11th Parliament to make the change now. But without Norton and the PNC’s support, that constitutional reform is dead on arrival.

The present Constitution is one filled with opportunities for shared governance. These opportunities could be strengthened with more reforms. But what is the point of more reforms if we do not utilise the opportunities that the present Constitution amply provides for shared governance? Is the intention simply to add pages to the present Constitution? What is needed is commitment from all to enforce the shared governance provisions of the Constitution.

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

30-year-old aircraft mechanic and a 54-year-old manager were on Monday robbed of their valuables at Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

According to the Police, the suspects were two unidentifiable males, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

Police further stated that the mechanic was robbed of an iPhone 7 while the manager was relieved of one Samsung Galaxy A2 cellular

phone.

Reports are that on the day in question at about 20:00h, the mechanic was visiting his girlfriend’s residence at Hadfield Street and had parked his motor car on the said street.

While conversing with the woman inside his car, the mechanic observed the manager proceeding along Hadfield Street on his motorcycle. He subsequently stopped his motorcycle in front of the mechanic’s girl-

friend’s home.

Soon after, the two suspects parked their motorcycle in front of the mechanic’s car and approached the manager.

One of the suspects held the manager at gunpoint and relieved him of a cellular phone. Upon seeing this, the mechanic exited his car and went to assist the other man. In doing so, he too was held at gunpoint and relieved of his mobile phone.

The suspects then ran to

their motorcycle and made good their escape.

Following the robbery, the mechanic managed to track his cellular phone which led to a house in James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, where a search was carried out on the premises by the Police but the phone was not found.

However, an 18-yearold male of the said address was arrested and is in custody assisting with investigations.

Linden woman robbed while standing on Croal Street

N

athalie Williams, a 33-year-old self-employed woman of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden, is traumatised after she was robbed in the wee hours of Tuesday in the vicinity of Croal Street, Georgetown.

The robbery took place on Monday at around 04:00h and was committed by two identifiable males, one of whom was armed with a double-bladed knife.

Police stated that Williams was relieved of a mobile phone and its charger.

Investigations revealed that Williams was standing in the vicinity of the old Footsteps store when she was approached by the two suspects.

After approaching the woman, one of the suspects whipped out a knife and

pointed it in her direction. At that time, the accomplice took the items.

The suspects then made good their escape east on Coral Street, Georgetown.

Checks were made for them but they were not found.

Investigations are ongoing.

Labourer accused of theft attacked, chopped

T

wenty-three-year-old Oslin Lewis, a labourer of Fourth Street, Kingston, was on Monday attacked and chopped by another man who had accused him of theft.

Police stated that on the

day in question at about 17:00h, Lewis was playing football at Laing Avenue, Georgetown, when the suspect walked up to the young man and accused him of stealing from him. At the time, the suspect was armed with a cutlass.

An argument reportedly broke out between the men during which the suspect chopped the victim to his right elbow. After committing the act, the suspect fled the scene.

However, the victim sustained injuries and was tak-

en to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was treated.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Police who have launched a manhunt for the suspect.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Low hospitalisation

Infectious Diseases Hospital to remain operational …19 new cases recorded

D

espite lowered COVID-19 hospitalisation rates, the Health Ministry will maintain operation of the Infectious Diseases Hospital on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The facility was created as an annex to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after the pandemic struck, specifically for the management of COVID-19 patients.

With cases declining and hospitalisation rates taking a dive, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony clarified on Tuesday that the numbers can change.

Only one person is hospitalised with complications relating to COVID-19.

In the future, as the health situation improves, a decision will be made to transfer other patients to the specialised hospital.

“The Ocean View hospi-

tal is regarded as an annex to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Right now, we’re using it for COVID-19 patients and those with different comorbidities. As it is now, the numbers are low. That does not mean that cannot change.

Therefore, we want to make sure that we still maintain the services and we’ll observe. Then maybe at some later point, we make a decision whether to shift some of the other patients outside of COVID to that facility,” Dr Anthony notified.

From the time the facility was operationalised, expansions have been made to cater for a higher patient load. This was complimented with additional doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff. There are some 195 beds at the Infectious Diseases Hospital – a majority of which have individualised oxygen supply.

An incoming oxygen plant will also be installed at the hospital. This new addition will occupy 512 square feet and be capable of supplying 800 litres of oxygen per minute.

The calculations show that some 50 patients can be attached simultaneously.

From the 63,439 confirmed cases detected to date, 98 remain active in the country. Only one person is currently hospitalised. Tuesday’s dashboard saw 19 new cases being detected in one day, with deaths remaining at 1228.

The numbers show zero patient in the Intensive Care Unit, 96 persons in home isolation, one in institutional isolation and 19 in institutional quarantine.

There are 62,114 recoveries from the 29,205 males and 34,234 females who tested positive. COVID-19 tests have amounted to

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD APRIL 26, 2022 UPDATE

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2519

REGION 2

2495

REGION 3

8064

REGION 4

31,383

REGION 5

2380

REGION 6

5782

REGION 7

2423

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

4035

REGION 10

3471

592,871 since the virus was first detected here.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

19

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

96

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

19

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,234

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,205

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,439

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,114

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

439,616

FULLY IMMUNISED

338,785

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy.

Global figures show that almost 508 million

1228

people have tested positive for the virus and 6.22 million have died. In the Americas, more than 152.5 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

(G12)

Mechanic killed by hauler...

FROM PAGE 11

Speaking with Guyana Times, the victim’s son, Darshan Ramdeen, related that his father left home for work as usual on Tuesday.

He worked as a mechanic and would travel to various locations with the company for which he worked.

He recalled that at about 7:56h, he received a telephone call stating that his father was involved in an accident and that he should head down to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. Without hesitation, he reportedly rushed out of the house and as he was making his way to Diamond, he saw his father’s lifeless body on the roadway.

“To confirm my worst fear, I exited the vehicle soon after I saw some of his colleagues. So, I asked whose body was lying on the roadway and they replied, Mohan Toolsie. At that time, I was so confused because when they called me, they say that he was involved in an accident… at no time did the person tell me that my father had passed away,” the son related.

Upon enquiring, he was told that his father was working at a house in the

vicinity when he left to purchase a hose at the shop opposite. This publication understands that it was while he was crossing the road after purchasing the item, he was struck down and killed by the motor lorry bearing registration number GZZ 1233.

“Apparently, they went to repair the home… after he was hit, I was told that an ambulance turned up at the scene… I am not sure if the ambulance was passing by or something at the same time, but there was a doctor in the ambulance and the doctor pronounced him dead,” he explained.

The driver of the motor lorry was subsequently arrested and remains in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Meanwhile, the son explained that the man’s death came as a shock to them, and they are still in disbelief that he lost his life so suddenly and in such a horrific manner.

“It’s not just his family, but everyone, even everyone in the community is in shock because [this] happened so suddenly,” another relative stated.

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GFS records surge in prank calls in Berbice T

he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said it has recently recorded a spike in prank calls coming out of Blairmont, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

According to reports from the Onverwagt Fire Station, the perpetrators are calling around a specific time during the day and giving false information regarding fires in the area.

Although it is the mandate of the Guyana Fire Service to respond to all fire reports, they warned that prank calls are dangerous because they result in the wastage of valuable time and resources.

It also hinders firefighters from effectively doing their jobs

and responding to actual fires that threaten a loss of life and/or property.

“Citizens are urged to desist from making prank calls and false reports. The GFS is not taking these offences lightly and once identified, perpetrators will face the full brunt of the law,” the release read.

Just recently, local telecommunications company, GTT teamed up with the Guyana Fire Service to clamp down on prank calls to the Fire Service’s emergency lines.

GTT had said that its aim is to help the Fire Service modernise calling and reporting through the donation of four phones equipped with caller ID and recorders.

In addition to the phones, GTT also provides a monthly report of all inbound calls to the 912 line to help track prank callers.

The initiative is expected to help improve the capacity of the Fire Service to provide timely responses to fire reports.

Fire Chief (ag), Gregory Wickham had also said that the phones will allow the Service to see a reduction in the prank calls being made to the Fire Service through the caller ID capturing and conversation recording functionalities.

However, in a report from the Service on Tuesday, there was rather an increase in prank calls in Region Five.

18 NEWS Guyana participates in India’s Raisina Dialogue 2022 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

F

oreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd is currently representing Guyana for the Observer Research Foundation’s Raisina Dialogue, held in New Delhi, India.

The Minister would have met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the event, where he is expected to participate in important panel discussions on global issues such as climate change, disaster relief and COVID impact. An important bilateral meeting with Indian Cabinet Ministers as well as participants from other countries participating in the event is also on the agenda.

The Raisina Dialogue is India’s

premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, leaders in politics, business, media, and civil society converge in New Delhi to discuss the state of the world and explore opportunities for cooperation on a wide range of contemporary matters. The dialogue is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving Heads of State, Cabinet Ministers and local government officials, who are joined by thought leaders from the private sector, media and academia, ORF has published.

The Raisina Dialogue was created “to enable dialogue and con-

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi

versations with all parties”.

The ORF has noted, “In a travel-constrained world, the pandemic taught us an important lesson.

It made us realise that in a world functioning online, the Raisina Dialogue need not be located only in New Delhi. So, last year we hosted special sessions of the virtual Raisina Dialogue from other cities across the world. This year, we are doing the same with the in-person Raisina Dialogue with sessions being hosted from Washington, DC, as well as from Berlin.”

ORF is an independent global think tank based in Delhi, India.

The foundation has three centres in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. (G12)

NEWS

19

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ACM sounds need for standardised free movement process in all CSME countries …amid challenges faced by media workers

T

o eliminate the obstacles faced by media workers when moving across the region, the Association of Caribbean Media (ACM) Workers has highlighted the need for a standardised CSME process across all member states within Caricom.

The Caribbean Community Secretariat on Tuesday organised a sensitisation webinar for regional media workers on the Free Movement of Caricom Nationals within the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Collaborating on this venture was the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) and the Association of Caribbean Media Workers.

CSME speaks to an arrangement among member states to broaden the economic space through the removal of restrictions on the movement of goods and

services.

President of ACM, Nazima Raghubir shared that for some years, media workers have highlighted various issues regarding free movement and the process accompanying such.

“We do recognise that due to the unique nature of the media profession, recognition of this document poses a challenge, depending on where the media professional intends to work. Different countries have different mechanisms to recognise media professionals and this can pose a number of issues for processing certificates. Among the other challenges is the need for media workers to get skill certificates in their own territory, as well as one in the host country.

This is most unnecessary,” the Guyanese media professional underscored.

In this light, she raised calls for countries to syn-

chronise their requirements to enable the free movement encapsulated in the CSME framework.

“If one document has been provided following due process, that document should be recognised as the certificate…I want to sound the need for a standardised process by all countries.

This would go a far way in reducing some amount of hassle attached to the process.”

Media workers are one of the original five agreed categories of persons within the Free Movement of Skills regime.

Assistant Secretary General of the Caricom Single Market and Trade (CSMT), Ambassador Wayne McCook shared that technology is poised to transform CSME implementation, and the Secretariat is already revamping its systems for enhanced effectiveness.

“We are revamping certain online systems such as the Caricom Application Processing System (CAPS), Online Companies Registry System and the Community Public Procurement Notice Board aiming to make them more accessible and effective… It is a fact that in many instances, the CSME is judged by the effectiveness of the Free Movement of Persons regime. More importantly, free movement is one of the key promises of the CSME and its effects on Regional Integration is profound.”

Secretary General of the CBU, Sonia Gill was hopeful that this engagement would mark a turning point in the relationship with the key institutions involved in regionalisation.

She expressed, “For too long, Caribbean media are seen largely as pipes through which a greater volume of information must be channelled to the buckets of the Caribbean public.

Through today’s engagement and dialogue, it is my wish that we have more appreciation of the lived experiences of those of us who

have migrated as workers in the region, in the media sector and otherwise.”

Senior Legal Officer at the Caricom Secretariat, Gladys Young outlined that there are exceptions to the freedom of movement.

A national may be refused entry if they present a genuine, present, or sufficiently serious threat to a fundamental interest of the society, such as: national security, republic morals, public order and safety; or health. This action may also be taken to prevent the national from becoming a charge on the public funds.

Countries currently involved in the Free Movement regime include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname; and Trinidad and Tobago.

(G12)

20 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Software maintenance for vaccine digitalisation costly – Health Minister …feasible options being considered

I

nformation from the physical vaccination records had been converted into databases, marking the completion of one step in the digitalisation process.

Authorities are now seeking a suitable software but have so far been hindered by high maintenance costs.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony communicated in Tuesday’s COVID-19 update that the digitalisation of vaccine records has been completed.

It is a process that has been ongoing for many months, allowing for easier access and monitoring of the country’s coronavirus vaccination statistics.

“We are digitalising.

The way we were collecting our data was a more manual format so a lot of this data was in books. We have been digitalising that. We now have them in databases. We’re now working to get software that allows us to easily track if people get

vaccinated or not.”

However, engagements with several companies thus far have raised a common issue – the high maintenance costs attached to the software. As of now, he said Government is trying to balance and find a feasible option.

“There were several discussions with different companies, different makers of software.

Unfortunately, what we’re finding is that cost of maintaining the soft-

Data from the country’s vaccination efforts will be added to new software (MoH photo)

ware is quite high. In some cases, it would cost us about $3 million per month. These are things that we’re trying to balance to see what would be the best option at this stage of the pandemic,” the Health Minister contended.

Adult vaccination statistics stand at 439,888 first doses or 85.8 per cent.

Second doses are at 339,104 doses or 66.1 per cent.

Booster doses account for 61,744. The World Health Organisation has recommended 70 per cent full coverage among nations, and

Guyana is just a small gap from achieving this target.

Guyana is still in talks with Pfizer on the supply of vaccines for the five to 11 age cohort. Caricom is also making efforts to secure these vaccines for the region but there has been no concrete decision.

“Those discussions are still ongoing and we have not concluded anything as yet. Caricom is also in discussion with Pfizer and they’re hoping that they can have a negotiation on behalf of the Caribbean region.

I know they’ve had initial

meetings but nothing has concluded as yet.”

With the reopening of schools, Dr Anthony pointed towards adherence to safety protocols to protect students. These include mask-wearing and vaccination among the 12 to 17 age group.

“We would like to see a higher vaccination rate among the 12 to 17 age group. We’re still lagging behind in terms of those numbers,” he expressed.

Updated figures show 34,504 persons or 47.3 per cent of adolescents taking their first dose. Second doses are at 25,233 doses or 34.6 per cent.

“With the reopening of schools, it would give us an opportunity to meet more of the children. They’re coming back to school and getting letters to the parents so that we can get consent from the parents to be able to do the vaccination. I’m very hopeful that we can increase these numbers now that children are coming back to school,” the Minister asserted. (G12)

21

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

Around the World

Motion of no confidence filed against St Kitts PM

A

motion of no confidence has been filed against St Kitts Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris, whose coalition Team Unity Government faces an uphill task in keeping its majority in the Parliament.

Informed sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the motion was filed on Monday and follows efforts by the factions within the Government that was re-elected to office in 2022 to heal the rift.

Last week, seven legislators linked to the Government wrote to Governor General, Sir Samuel Weymouth Tapley Seaton, indicating that the Prime Minister does not command the support of the majority of elected members in the National Assembly.

St Kitts PM, Dr Timothy Harris

But the Head of State responded, indicating that he was awaiting “formal advice” on the situation and would “revert to you at the earliest”.

Harris has himself called on the population to be aware of “certain misgivings in the public domain with

respect to the issues raised by the Team Unity partners”.

“I wish to assure you, as your Prime Minister, that the country remains stable and every effort will be made to maintain the peace and tranquillity of our beloved Federation,” he added.

The coalition Government comprises Harris’ People’s Labour Party (PLP) the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and the Concerned Citizen’s Movement (CCM).

The PLP controls two of the nine seats in the coalition Government with the two other seats in the National Assembly belonging to the SKNLP. CCM leader and Nevis Premier, Mark Brantley, has maintained that Harris does not have the support of the majority of the mem-

bers in Cabinet, adding that based on legal advice, the Governor General “does in fact have the authority to act and, therefore, we have invited him to do so”.

Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards, who heads PAM, said they would follow the “rule of law and the Constitution”, adding “we will leave our fate in the hands of the people”.

When a motion of no confidence is filed, the Speaker of the National Assembly is required to schedule a sitting of Parliament within 21 days for the motion to be debated.

If the motion is passed, the Prime Minister may resign in three days or advise the Governor General to dissolve the Parliament. If Parliament is dissolved, the Prime Minister has the power to call an election in 90 days. (Excerpt from CMC)

Colombia: Former Army officials admit role in killing civilians

T

en former members of the Colombian military have publicly acknowledged their role in the 2007 and 2008 killings of more than 100 civilians, who were falsely portrayed as armed group members killed in combat with the Army.

The admissions were made on Tuesday during an historic public hearing of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) tribunal in the Norte de Santander department near Colombia’s bor-

der with Venezuela, where the killings took place.

The tribunal was created under a 2016 peace deal between the Colombian Government and the now-demobilised Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels.

It is meant to try former combatants, doling out alternative punishments in exchange for full disclosure of incidents that took place during Colombia’s decades-long, internal armed conflict.

On Tuesday, a former military general, four colonels, five other army officials, and one civilian said they participated in the kidnapping of 120 youths from the town of Ocana and neighbouring communities to kill and later present them as members of left-wing guerrilla and other armed groups that operated in the area.

“I recognise and accept my responsibility as a co-perpetrator of these war crimes,” said Nestor Gutierrez, who was the cor-

US, allies promise heavy arms for Ukraine, shrug off Russian nuclear warning

Emergency management specialists and volunteers remove the debris of a theatre building destroyed in the course of UkraineRussia conflict in the southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine, April 25, 2022

T

he United States and its allies promised to send more heavy weaponry to Ukraine during talks at a German air base on Tuesday, brushing off a threat from Moscow that their support for Kyiv could lead to nuclear war.

But in a move that sharply raises the economic stakes for the West, Russia said it would turn off gas supplies to Poland this morning af-

ter weeks of threats that it would cut off supply to countries who refuse to pay for gas in roubles.

Poland, a key NATO ally of the United States and among the European countries seeking the toughest possible sanctions against Russia, said it had sufficient gas reserves.

Russia's Defence Ministry said its forces had "liberated" the entire Kherson region

in southern Ukraine and parts of the Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv regions, Interfax news agency reported. If confirmed, that would represent a significant Russian advance across eastern and southern Ukraine.

One of President Vladimir Putin's closest allies, Nikolai Patrushev, said Ukraine was spiralling towards a collapse into "several states" due to what he cast as a US attempt to use Kyiv to undermine Russia. His comments seemed to be an effort to blame Washington for any break-up of Ukraine that emerges from the war, now in its third month.

The United States has ruled out sending its own or NATO forces to Ukraine but Washington and its European allies have supplied Kyiv with arms including howitzer heavy artillery, drones and anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles. (Excerpt from Reuters)

poral of the 15th mobile brigade when the killings occurred.

“We killed innocent people, peasants. I want to emphasise this: those we killed were simple peasants,” he said, adding that pressure from higher-ups and “demands for results” played a role in what happened.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rebounds on China's plans to support its economy

O

il prices rebounded in volatile trading on Tuesday as the market weighed China's plans to support its economy against a possible coronavirus lockdown in its capital Beijing.

Brent crude futures settled up US$2.67, or 2.6 per cent, at US$104.99 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate contracts were up US$3.16, or 3.2 per cent, at US$101.70.

Brent and WTI had settled down about 4 per cent on Monday and touched respective lows on Tuesday of US$101.08 and US$97.06 a barrel, pressured by concerns over demand in China, the world's largest crude oil importer.

NYMEX ultra-low-sulfur diesel futures rose 9.2 per cent to settle at US$4.47 a gallon, a record close, after Poland said that Russia warned that gas supply would stop today.

China's central bank said on Tuesday it will step up prudent monetary policy support to the nation's economy and any stimulus would help boost oil demand amid worries about a slowdown in global growth.

"Oil traders are putting Beijing lockdown fears in the rear-view mirror and instead are focusing on more stimulus coming from China," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group.

The Chinese capital Beijing has expanded its COVID-19 mass testing to much of the city of nearly 22 million as the population braces for a lockdown similar to Shanghai's stringent curbs.

Weather-related outages in production in North Dakota's Bakken shale basin after snow storm knocked power and extreme products strength with emphasis on diesel prices are driving up the market, said Scott Shelton, energy specialist at United ICAP. Russian energy giant Gazprom told Poland's PGNiG it will halt gas supplies along the Yamal pipeline from this morning, PGNiG said in a statement.

Gazprom said on Tuesday that Poland would need to begin making payments under a new scheme as of Tuesday.

"Russia demanding payment in Rubles from Poland is likely to result in a halt in gas supplies and will also contribute to even stronger diesel prices" Shelton added.

Valero Energy Corp, the first US refiner to report earnings for the quarter, said it expects product demand to remain healthy.

The European Union continued to consider options to cut imports of Russian oil as part of possible further sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, but nothing has been formally proposed.

Germany said it hopes to replace all deliveries of oil from Russia in a matter of days, while commodities trader Trafigura Group said it will stop all purchases of crude oil from Russia's state oil company Rosneft by May 15.

Still, analysts said the release of oil from emergency reserves has eased concerns over tight supply.

Kazakhstan has also ramped up crude production over the past few days, sources familiar with the data told Reuters, after curtailing it due to a bottleneck on its major exports pipeline.

In a bearish signal for oil markets, analysts polled by Reuters estimated that US crude inventories had increased by 2.2 million barrels in the week to April 22. (Excerpt from Reuters)

22

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Finish what you start. Don't let anyone pressure you or goad you into taking on something that doesn't interest you.

Keep a low profile and do what makes sense and is meaningful to you.

(March 21-April 19) A secretive approach to what you are trying to accomplish will help ward off interference. Put everything in place and take full credit for your accomplishments. You'll surprise everyone.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20) Keep your thoughts and secrets to yourself. Don't give anyone ammunition to use against you. Stay focused on using your skills to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way.

(May 21-June 20) Go the distance and don't look back.

Think big and express your ideas with enthusiasm. Promote what you believe in and demonstrate what you can do using charm and diplomacy.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

See others for who they are, and represent yourself with honesty, dignity and grace. Call things what they are, and don't let anyone twist your words or your arm. Stay on course.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Follow through with your plans.

Trust and believe in what you know and can do, and you'll convince others to see things your way. Invest in your future and move forward with confidence.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don't put pressure on others when it's you who needs to choose. Concentrate on learning and gaining the experience needed to help you excel. Seek out inspiring ideas and people.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Take the high road and pour your energy into making your surroundings and relationships better. Pursue projects that intrigue you and ignite your imagination. Strive for perfection.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Pay attention to what others do or say, but don't get in their way. Assess what you've done and what you have left to do. Approach life and your responsibilities with intelligence and moderation.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Do your research and put your plans in motion. Upgrading your surroundings, position or long-term goal will inspire you to work harder and faster.

Discuss your plans with someone you respect.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Leave nothing to chance or in someone else's hands. Gather the facts and figures, and map out your plans accordingly. Don't feel pressured. Turn limitations into opportunities.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Pick up the pace and pursue your dreams. Let your imagination take you on an adventure, and surround yourself with people who share your vision. Live in the moment. Happiness will follow.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

23 KFC Guyana sponsors National Women’s Chess Championship K WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FC Guyana has donated the sum of $250,000 towards the National Women’s Chess Championship tournament to be held in June 2022. This will be the first female over-theboard competition to be held since February 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top female chess player Sasha Shariff was crowned women’s champion in the 2020 tournament.

Shariff was also most recently the top female competitor at the Junior Nationals.

The Guyana Chess Federation’s Women in Chess Community is pleased with the initiative by KFC Guyana, which expressed interest in specifically promoting

critical thinking skills, encourages creativity and planning and strategic skills, as well as build confidence. It also protects against dementia and helps ADHD. Pamela Manasseh, Marketing Officer of KFC stated, “KFC Guyana is ecstatic to be the primary sponsor of the National Women’s Chess Championship tournament.

KFC has a long history of sponsoring and supporting our local athletes as they compete both at home and abroad, and this tournament is no exception. We wish the competitors the best of success as they compete in this event.”

The GCF is happy to have KFC on board, and looks forward to continuing this partnership.

Women and girls who are interested in learning the game are encouraged to register with the GCF on its website guyanachess. org under the Women in Chess Community.

The Guyana Women in Chess Community would also be hosting beginner classes for girls and women in chess this Saturday, April 30th, at the Guyana National Stadium. The first session will be from 10:00h to 11:00h, while the second will be from 14:30h to 15:30h.

Guyana U17 Girls depart for CONCACAF Championship

CLASSIFIED ADS

he Guyana U17 Girls’ national team has departed for the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U17 Championship, to be played in the Dominican Republic, and Assistant Coach Levi Braithwaite has stepped up to replace Head Coach Akilah Castello, who was unable to travel due to a personal emergency.

The diverse 20-player squad, featuring young women based in Orealla, Kamarang, Kwakwani, Georgetown and the United States, will face the winner of Group E in the Round of 16 in San Cristobel on Saturday, April 30.

Unbeaten tournament favourites Mexico, top of the group with one game left to play and a very large goal difference, are virtually guaranteed to be Guyana’s opponents.

The Guyana-based squad has been in intensive training at

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

KFC Marketing Officer Pamela Manasseh with GCF Secretary Marcia Lee

T

the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) National Training Centre in Providence ahead of the tournament.

“We wish the girls all the best in the Dominican Republic, as they fly the flag for Guyana at the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U17 Championship,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “This is the first time we have reached the final stages of this tournament in back-to-back qualifications, which shows the tangible progress we are making at this level, thanks to continuous investments in our Guyana-wide programme and scouting efforts in the diaspora.

“We know the team will face very strong opponents in this stage of the competition, so it is important to manage our expectations,” Forde said.

“However, we can be sure that the squad and staff will make us all

female chess competitions. The community, which was formulated on February 20th 2022, includes girls and women within the Guyana Chess Federation. It is intended to promote and encourage growth and development in chess, as well as social and interactive sessions which will benefit young girls within the chess community, and help them to come together and build a common bond and passion for the game. Training sessions for girls and women will help to build a strong community of female chess players, as well as empower them to become a formidable force to be reckoned with both on and off the chess board.

Chess increases cognitive and

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES proud, on and off the field of the play.

“This Concacaf tournament is another excellent opportunity for our players and staff to showcase their talent and play at a higher

level than they are used to, and to learn and develop as we build capacity and capabilities for the future.”

Guyana qualified for the 2022 championship by finishing second

in their qualification group, registering wins against Anguilla and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and being defeated by Honduras in October and November 2021.

Parag, Kuldeep and Ashwin rescue Rajasthan Royals

R

ajasthan Royals' big three batters failed to fire, managing only a combined 38 off 37 balls; and the Royals’ lack of batting depth was sorely tested.

Trent Boult, a lifelong #11, walked in at#8 with 27 balls left in the innings, and the Royals went through a 43-ball stretch without hitting a single boundary.

But Riyan Parag, the 20-yearold whom the Royals had re-signed at this year's auction despite his having gone through a horrendous 2021 season, repaid their faith with an unbeaten 31-ball 56 that dragged them to a total of 144.

It was still a small total; the lowest total defended before today

in IPL 2022 was 156, by Gujarat Titans against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Royals' bowlers - who had already pulled off five successful defences in six attempts this season - didn't just better that effort; they were in control right through, as Royal Challengers Bangalore's chase fizzled out almost before it had begun.

Virat Kohli followed up two successive first-ball ducks with a scratchy, chancy 9 off 10 balls; Glenn Maxwell fell to a first-baller; and Dinesh Karthik was run out in tragicomic manner. There was no let-up at any point from the Rajasthan Royals' bowlers. All of them performed their roles

SCOREBOARD RAJASTHAN ROYALS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Jos Buttler c Mohammed Siraj b Hazlewood 8 Devdutt Padikkal lbw b Mohammed Siraj 7 Ravichandran Ashwin c & b Mohammed Siraj 17 Sanju Samson (c)† b de Silva 27 Daryl Mitchell c Maxwell b Hazlewood 16 Riyan Parag not out 56 Shimron Hetmyer c Prabhudessai b de Silva 3 Trent Boult c Kohli b Patel 5 Prasidh Krishna run out (Prabhudessai) 2 Yuzvendra Chahal not out 0 Extras (w 3) 3 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.20) 144/8 Did not bat: Kuldeep Sen Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Devdutt Padikkal, 1.4 ov), 2-33 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 3.6 ov), 3-33 (Jos Buttler, 4.1 ov), 4-68 (Sanju Samson, 9.3 ov), 5-99 (Daryl Mitchell, 14.2 ov), 6-102 (Shimron Hetmyer, 15.3 ov), 7-110 (Trent Boult, 17.1 ov), 8-121 (Prasidh Krishna, 18.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shahbaz Ahmed 3-0-35-0 Mohammed Siraj 4-0-30-2 Josh Hazlewood 4-1-19-2 W Hasaranga de Silva 4-0-23-2 Harshal Patel 4-0-33-1 Glenn Maxwell 1-0-4-0

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (Target: 145 runs from 20 overs) Virat Kohli c Parag b Prasidh Krishna 9 Faf du Plessis (c)c Buttler b Sen 23 Rajat Patidar b Ashwin 16 Glenn Maxwell c Padikkal b Sen 0 Shahbaz Ahmed c Parag b Ashwin 17 Suyash Prabhudessai c Parag b Ashwin 2 Dinesh Karthik †run out (Prasidh Krishna/Chahal) 6 Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva c & b Sen 18 Harshal Patel c Parag b Sen 8 Mohammed Siraj c Sen b Prasidh Krishna 5 Josh Hazlewood not out 0 Extras (b 1, lb 4, w 6) 11 TOTAL 19.3 Ov (RR: 5.89) 115 Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Virat Kohli, 1.4 ov), 2-37 (Faf du Plessis, 6.2 ov), 3-37 (Glenn Maxwell, 6.3 ov), 4-58 (Rajat Patidar, 9.6 ov), 5-66 (Suyash Prabhudessai, 11.4 ov), 6-72 (Dinesh Karthik, 12.4 ov), 7-92 (Shahbaz Ahmed, 15.4 ov), 8-102 (Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, 16.4 ov), 9-107 (Mohammed Siraj, 17.4 ov), 10-115 (Harshal Patel, 19.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Trent Boult 3-0-20-0 Prasidh Krishna 4-0-23-2 Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-17-3 Kuldeep Sen 3.3-0-20-4 Daryl Mitchell 1-0-7-0 Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-23-0

ACCOMMODATIONS

perfectly on a two-paced pitch that also took turn as the match progressed, and the two big wickethauls in the end went to the pacy Kuldeep Sen and the evergreen R Ashwin, who followed up a cameo at #3 with a three-wicket haul that took him past 150 wickets in the IPL.

Royals promote Ashwin again Sent in to bat, Rajasthan Royals lost Devdutt Padikkal in the second over of the match, and in walked Ashwin, batting at one drop for the second time this season.

Was he a pinch-hitter or - given Royals' lack of batting depth - a pinch-blocker, sent out to ensure more valuable batters aren't dismissed in the powerplay?

Ashwin's intent suggested it was the former, and there was some logic to the move. While he might lack the raw power to find the boundary regularly later in the innings, he is a free-scoring timer of the ball in longer-format cricket, capable of finding the gaps while the field is up.

He did just that with four boundaries in two overs off Mohammed Siraj, before being dismissed while looking for a big hit; 17 off 9, job done.

Buttler, Samson, Hetmyer Jos Buttler was out the very next ball, miscuing Josh Hazlewood to mid-on. After three hundreds in his first seven games of the season, a low score was due at some point.

Almost as soon as Sanju Samson walked in, Faf du Plessis brought on Wanindu Hasaranga.

The legspinner had troubled Samson incessantly when a secondstring India team toured Sri Lanka for a white-ball series last year.

Before today, Samson had been dismissed four times by Hasaranga in all T20 cricket, while scoring just eight runs in 15 balls.

Their contest threatened to veer away from script early on, as Samson punched and lofted Hasaranga for a four and a six in

his first over, the sixth of Royals' innings. Then he hit a pair of sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed's left-arm spin, but just when he was looking ominous, Hasaranga came back for the 10th over.

Samson attempted two reverse-sweeps, missed both, and was bowled on the second attempt.

Daryl Mitchell, brought into Royals' XI as their latest middleorder batter/sixth bowler option, struggled to time the ball, and kept muscling singles to deep fielders,

until holing out in the 15th over for 16 off 24.

Royals were in a bit of a quagmire at 99 for 5, but this was a good entry point for Shimron Hetmyer, who had until today managed a strike rate in the 170s without once being dismissed for below 25. Law of averages was bound to catch up with him, though, and he miscued a slogsweep off a Hasaranga wrong'un and was out for 3. (Cricinfo)

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.

VACANCY R.A Soda Factory, Rossignol, West Coast Berbice. Tel.# 330-2399, 330-2852, 656-7456, 6922981. Male and Female Workers, Accountant, Bond Clerk, Machine Operator, Drivers.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2022

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

Dharry aims at WBL title in July F

Elton, I’m going to make you a world champion’. So, I called up the head office straight away and said I got a man that wants to fight for the world title. They said, ‘We could put it on’, and I handed him a world title fight,” St. Clair shared.

Dharry, who is just coming off of a victory last Saturday for the WBC International Super Flyweight title, detailed his need for rest and recuperation ahead of the upcoming bout.

“This is an opportunity for me. Right now, my focus is to heal up from this fight (last) Saturday night, it was a rough fight for me.

My body needs some healing, I need some mental healing as well, from all that was going on leading up to the fight,” the pugilist explained.

Dharry went on to add, “So, I’ll (bide) my time, heal up, get with Gairy, and jump at the opportunity when it comes.”

Last year, St Clair was intent on hosting his Superhero Fight

Elton Dharry sporting his recently acquired WBC International belt

ormer Guyanese professional boxing champion Gairy St Clair is fighting in Elton Dharry’s corner, as he hopes to provide the Guyanese pugilist with a shot at another world title later this year.

The event will be the Gairy St. Clair Superhero Fight Night on July 29, 2022, where Elton Dharry will have another shot at a world title in Sydney, Australia.

The announcement was made on Monday afternoon by none other than St Clair himself, a former IBF Junior- Lightweight champion who now resides in Australia.

Dharry’s opponent is not yet known, but the Guyanese will be contesting the Bantamweight World Boxing League (WBL) title.

A collaborative effort with the P.Y.A.R.G, St Clair spoke of his commitment to getting Dharry another world title opportunity.

“I promised him, I said, ‘Listen,

Night locally, but was unable to do so because of several circumstances; but according to the former champion, he is still open to hosting the title card in Guyana.

St. Clair explained, “My team in Australia is working on this.

It’s something I really wanted to happen in Guyana, but I would still love it to happen in Guyana.

If I could get the right phone call from the right people, I’ll decide to make the change, but at the moment, it’s happening in Australia, and we’re going to bring the title back to Guyana,” he said.

Ivan Bentham, of the P.Y.A.R.G had nothing but best wishes for the duo as they embark on the journey.

“I’m happy that this opportunity came off. Myself and Gairy, we’ve always been in connection, in contact constantly.

I told him that it’s going to happen, and here it is. I just want to wish Gairy and Elton success,” Bentham shared.

Dharry’s last outing in

From left, P.Y.A.R.G’s Ivan Bentham, Elton Dharry and Gairy St Clair

Australia came against Andrew Moloney at the Margret Court Arena in Melbourne, with the

LGC aiming to convert golf course into world championship status

then vacant WBA Super Flyweight title on the line, in 2019. The fight resulted in a stoppage loss for

Dharry to the home boy Moloney after 8 rounds.

Digicel Guyana to offer viewing of UEFA games free

LGC VP Paton George

LGC concluded a successful camp in which they introduced the game to the younger generation

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Lusignan Golf Club has continued with its main goal of raising the awareness of the game of golf in the community of Lusignan and around Guyana.

Apart from that, the club has also set out to achieve certain goals in 2022, one by which they have exceeded expectations.

According to LGC Vice President Paton George, the number one goal of the LGC is to covert the course into an 18-hole, or possibly even bigger course.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, George gave his insight on some of the goals the club has achieved, and revealed some major plans for the near

future. “Speaking of the goals for the club as an organisation, one of the goals is to be an accountable organisation. We want to be accountable to the members; balance our books, which we have done; and to grow the game of golf.

I think so far we have continued to build from the positive results of 2021, and that has continued throughout the months. In 2022, we are having regular tournaments, which is one of the driving forces behind the growth of the club,” George posited.

The LGC VP also related that the club has been seeing a growth in its membership and in the number of sponsors, and while that is important, he is extremely proud that the LGC has achieved

one of its major goals, which is the introduction of the game to young golfers, as seen over the Easter weekend.

George also noted that one of the major plans on the club’s agenda is attaining a world championship golf course, as it is his belief that a major golf course is needed in every country, because of the expansion of the sport, not only in the world, but in Guyana as well.

“We have to move forward with the trend. Our course was adequate in the past decades when golf was not as major as it is now. So, with the growth of golf, we must grow the club. We have to convert our course to an 18-hole championship golf course, possibly

a 27-hole golf course, as we are still the only golf course in the country.

“There are many golfers that would not be satisfied, as even though we have a golf course, we need a bigger one in Guyana, which is our number one goal” he explained.

George also made mention of the club raising awareness of the sport. He explained that while the club has commenced the process, it has not yet achieved that desired result.

He explained that the club will now have to sustain the step taken and get people to play golf in Guyana. He said one does not need to be at the course, but if they have access to an open field, they can hit balls and get adequate practice, resulting in them visiting the course once per week and still become relatively proficient.

The LGC VP has said the club would like to see Guyana competing on the international level one day, and while this is not now the case, the dream of it becoming a reality is not far away.

George closed by saying, “We have enough interest where I can see, in the next 10 to 15 years, Guyana, and more so Guyanese golfers, being considered as serious golfers on the international stage.”

D

igicel customers and sporting fans are in for a treat this coming week, as Digicel Guyana is offering the UEFA Games to its customers for FREE. Once you are a Digicel customer and you have the SportsMax app installed, you can watch the games without any data or additional charges. Football fans can watch these following FREE games on SportsMax: Free games Schedule 26th April, 2022 3:00 PM UEFA (SEMI LEG 1) 27th April,2022 3:00 PM UEFA (SEMI LEG 1) 3rd May, 2022 3:00 PM UEFA (SEMI LEG 2) 4th May,2022 3:00 PM UEFA (SEMI LEG 2) 28th May, 2022 3:00 PM UEFA FINALS Downloading the SportMax app is free and easy. Just visit the Google Play Store or Apple store and look for SportsMax and install. Log in with your Digicel ID and watch all your favourite sporting action. With the SportsMax app, you can stream live games, check the latest stories, or watch full games, highlights, reviews, and much more with the best Caribbean sports broadcaster. Stream events from SportsMax and Rush Channels, including the Premier League, ISSA School Boy Football, SSFL, NBA, UEFA Champions and Europa Leagues, La Liga, WTA, Top Rank Boxing, European Rugby, RSPL, Sky Bet Championship, the Olympic Games, SportsMax Zone and more.

Watch local productions on-demand, as well as clips and highlights from events around the world. With a Digicel Prime Bundle, customers receive dedicated data to live stream matches and sporting events without using their main data. The SportsMax app is easy to use, and is compatible with all smartphones. Get the SportsMax app today and enjoy UEFA matches FREE.

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.