Guyana Times -- Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Guyana more connected with global investment P 11 markets

…with latest representation on WBAF Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4998

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

Espionage on population has no place in a democratic society – President Ali See story on page 3

...no ... no intention of spying on Journalists, citizens President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing media workers at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) who gathered to observe World Press Freedom Day, 2022 held under the theme: “Journalism Under Digital Siege”

Over 100 power outages recorded by GPL in 2021 – power company tells PUC COVID to blame for maintenance shortfalls

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

2 arrested for cocaine, ganja in separate P15 incidents in Mabaruma, Parfaite Harmonie Construction P8 worker wanted for murder of Sophia man arrested

Authorities seize unregistered drugs from P14 pharmacies, private hospital

Page 7

MoU inked to increase Guyana launches airlift between Guyana Media and and Houston Communications Academy See story on page 2

Page 14

PRICE

Tackling learning P9 loss may require keeping schools open in July-August – Manickchand Vlissengen-Sandy Babb Street accident

EBD resident gets bail for DUI, driving unlicensed vehicle P16 – expected to be charged today for causing death by dangerous driving

Husband arraigned for killing wife, burying body in shallow grave

Page 9

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana launches Media and Communications Academy

I

n observance of World Press Freedom Day, the Guyana Government launched the country’s first Media and Communications Academy which aims to empower and further professionalise local media workers.

The launch was done at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) during a national conference and symposium organised by the Guyana Government to commemorate this day which is being observed under the theme “Journalism under Digital Siege”.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister

with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy explained that a lot of hard work went into the launching of this new academy.

“We, in the Office of the Prime Minister, have spent the past few months toiling over the birthing of a new facility that can facilitate the bridging of the many skills and learning gaps that must be quickly addressed that allow practitioners and the fraternity as a whole to grow and flourish hand in hand with the country,” McCoy noted.

“What started out as the active consideration for the

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy addressing media workers on Tuesday

establishment of a broadcasting academy as was [mentioned] in my 2021 budget speech in the National Assembly has evolved fulsomely into what will be the ground-breaking Guyana Media and Communications Academy – a virtual academy that works in the interest of our media practitioners to ensure that the academy facilitates worldclass learning and certification across the widest possible spectrum of the industry-related in areas of study,” he added.

The Guyana Government has partnered with Coursera in delivering this initiative. “…to make the academy a dynamic virtual institution of reputable credence,” McCoy noted.

According to the Public Affairs Minister, every single Guyanese media practitioner including those in the diaspora will have access to the courses offered by the academy. Moreover, he noted that the classes will be paid for by the Government. “[The initiative] will allow you to pursue selections from among more than 2000 world-class courses at various levels of certification from leading partnered universities in the world including Ivy League institutions.”

“The academy’s continuous media education programme will allow for the streamlining of graduates into professional grades of practice at the level of professional, specialist and expert practitioners.”

Minister McCoy further stated that in the coming years, the Government will redouble these efforts.

Meanwhile, joining the event in a virtual message was Kevin Mills, who is a representative from Coursera. He noted that Guyana in 2020 stood out as one of the top three countries in the world in terms of successful graduates per capita.

“When we launched our programme, Coursera for workforce recovery initiative, with over 100 countries back in 2020, Guyana stood out as one of the top three countries in the world in terms of successful graduates per capita, with over 50,000 course certificates issued across a wide range of domains in just a few months,” he expressed.

“The energy and commitment of Guyanese learners demonstrate a hunger for learning and positions Guyana as a middle model for other countries. It is a strong testament to Guyana’s leadership as they aim to match skills needed of the country with the growing ambition of its people as Guyana ushers in a new era of national development,” Mills added.

NEWS

3

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Wednesday, May 4 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Thursday, May 5 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, May 4 – 05:30h – 07:00h and Thursday, May 5 – 06:05h – 07:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be light rain showers and light cloud during the day. Expect light rain showers and drizzles at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 06:09h and 18:36h reaching maximum heights of 2.63 metres and 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 12:10h reaching a minimum height of 0.6 metre.

Espionage on population has no place in a democratic society – President Ali ...no intention of spying on Journalists, citizens

Q

uestions raised

by Guyana Press Association (GPA) President Nazima Raghubir, on the potential use of spy equipment on media professionals, were addressed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who vociferously assured that his Government will never go the route of spying on the media or citizens as a whole.

President Ali made these comments while delivering the keynote address to members of the media fraternity at the National Conference and Symposium hosted in observance of World Press Freedom Day at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The President made it

President Dr Irfaan Ali

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GPA President Nazima Raghubir

clear that a Government spying on its people has no place in a democratic society and should be rooted out wherever it exists. Not only did he assure that the Government would never go this route, but he also made it clear that he is not afraid of criticism.

“This Government has no

intention whatsoever; it has not even contemplated my mind to move in any direction to have any spyware. I have not even imagined something like that, it will never happen, at least under this Government,” President Ali said.

“I am open from leadership to criticism… construc-

tive criticism. My favourite part in any newspaper is the cartoonist. We have to celebrate them. Because in a single cartoon, they can send the most powerful message. And I love it, even when I’m the subject of it.”

According to the President, his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is a firm believer in a free press and also being accessible to the media. He also responded to Raghubir’s comments on the lack of post-Cabinet press briefings.

“The Cabinet press briefings. Yes, it must be done.

Yes, commitments to have it done were made. But I would reposition this message, that this Government that I lead and this President that sits here, has been the most accessible Government and President to the media, any time in history. And that will continue that way.”

“There has never been any time I am called upon, anywhere and not make myself available, not only to the media but to the people of this country because there is where I belong, there is where I feel comfortable, I would not run away from

that,” President Ali said.

When it comes to the Cybercrime Act which was signed into law by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government (which was also mentioned by the GPA President, Ali noted the history of this law. He also recalled that it was the PPP/C, at the time in Opposition, who fought against it.

“If we want to address an issue, we have to call out all the actors on the issue. The Cybercrime Bill was passed in 2018. This Member of Parliament then, as well as the then Opposition, what did we do? We (PPP) spoke out about it, we objected to it, we placed amendments on the table, and the then Government disregarded all of those amendments and went ahead with the Bill,” he said.

World Press Freedom Day 2022 is being observed under the theme “Journalism Under Digital Siege”. In her address prior to the President, Raghubir had zeroed in on threats faced by the media in various parts of the world, such as spyware like Pegasus.

TURN TO PAGE 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 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

Impact of learning loss

T

he impact of learning loss due to COVID-19 is now at the forefront in its true sense, now that schools are fully reopened.

It was always understood and known that the pandemic has significantly affected the level of learning of children.

Now that the extent of this impact due to diagnostic tests is recognized, the Education Ministry is examining whether or not to continue classroom activities during the usual July and August school term break.

To quote Education Minister Priya Manickchand: “I don’t think people really appreciate what two years of school closure has done. But we have to find ways to make sure that these children get exposed to the hours of education that they need. We may have to work into July/August. How we do that would be dependent on who’s willing to work and all of that…We have real issues academically to pursue. We have already administered diagnostics that would check to see where students are, relative to where they should be. That’s how we’re going to be teaching.”

Like Guyana, this is a discussion that has engaged much debate in several counties, which are trying to recuperate from the impact of loss of school/learning time. However, this is not a recent discussion for many other counties as, for example, New York, among other states in the US, school superintendents have been for years now advocating for the scrapping of what they have described as “outdated” July and August break and moving to year-round calendars.

During an assessment of COVID on learning in Guyana, Manickchand had some time ago said that, at the primary level, at least 1000 children had dropped out of school due to the pandemic.

At the time of that announcement, the newspaper had welcomed the Education Ministry’s “Operation Recovery”. That programme, which was aimed at finding those primary school students who have been continuously absent from school, was very important.

Absenteeism from school can thwart the educational development of our children, thus “Operation Recovery” saw education officers going into communities to find students who were continuously absent from school.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the operation of the education systems of most countries in the world like it has challenged Guyana’s, since generally their curricula are delivered in face-to-face classrooms, where the probability of transmitting the virus increases exponentially. There is no doubt that the Education Ministry, and by extension the Government, has done a remarkable job for learning to continue for students across the country. It was President Dr Irfaan Ali who had said last year that the global situation with children being out of school is indeed “frightening”.

To quote President Ali: “Many countries are already giving frightening reports in terms of the impact. I’ve been travelling around this country, and I know I’ve seen children who ought to be in school, they are out of the system. So, we have to get back to school…to create the conditions to ensure that we get back to school, and that is what we are aiming for.”

No one should underestimate the level of planning and the kind of resources that are needed to ensure that academic learning continues and students and teachers are safe in these challenging times.

Around the world, COVID-19 had caused an extraordinary amount of flexibility around the disruption by the pandemic. The same level of flexibility could also be found to change school calendars if needed, and therefore we support the Education Ministry if it decides to have schools remain open during July and August to combat learning loss.

The Education Ministry must be commended for the work it has done to ensure learning continues.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand listening as a child reads during one of her visits to schools on Tuesday to discuss how students and teachers are coping since the full reopening of schools countrywide (DPI photo)

Around the world, Journalists are resisting the regimes that would jail and kill them

By Mary Fitzgerald

S

hould we be celebrating press freedom at all?

Last year, a record number of Journalists were jailed worldwide. Five out of every six of us live in a country where press freedom has declined over the past five years; some 400 Journalists have been killed in the same time frame. Vladimir Putin has crushed the last vestiges of independent journalism inside Russia. And from India to the Philippines to the UK, there’s been a sharp rise in coordinated, misogynistic attacks against female Journalists.

There seem few causes for celebration, then. And yet, this year, I’m daring to believe there’ll be some cautious reasons for hope.

For a start, there’s the bravery of our many colleagues who keep reporting, even in the most hostile circumstances. In Peru, in recent weeks, the legendary Gustavo Gorriti and IDL-Reporteros, an online newspaper based in Lima, have endured breakins, physical assaults and smear campaigns, but they keep going. Mexico is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist, but that doesn’t stop the investigative journalism organisation Quinto Elemento and their partners from exposing mass graves, money laundering and much more.

When the offices of Canal de Moçambique and Canal Moz in Mozambique were ransacked and set ablaze, the editor-in-chief, Matías Guente, and his team refused to be cowed. “We will not bow to fire,” ran the paper’s headline that week.

There’s plenty of courage and determination to cel-

ebrate, then – but, also, increasing ingenuity. In the Philippines, Nobel prizewinner Maria Ressa faces up to 100 years in jail on trumpedup charges, yet she and her Rappler colleagues aren’t just continuing to report the news and embarrass corrupt politicians, they’re building new technology for newsrooms, and have assembled a powerful coalition, ranging from the Catholic Church to rural newspapers, to call out lies and hold presidential candidates accountable ahead of next week’s crucial election.

Their mantra? “In crisis, we innovate.”

Meanwhile, Paris-based Forbidden Stories is unveiling the Safe Box Network: a secure digital system where Journalists in danger can keep their stories safe. If something happens to the reporter, their work will be published nonetheless – both a handy insurance scheme, and a big disincentive for those tempted to harm Journalists in the first place. “Now, killing the journalist won’t kill the story,” as Forbidden Stories’ founder Laurent Richard told me recently.

Indeed, as the violence, intimidation and censorship have got worse, many Journalists and their allies in law, tech, activism, advertising and elsewhere have just got more creative. Networks have sprung up to deploy targeted ads, mirror sites, free VPNs, and much more to deliver accurate news about the war inside Russia, despite draconian Kremlin censorship. Journalists forced to flee are teaming up with other news outlets and building new operations across Europe.

The war has also finally forced politicians to try

to curb the abuse of our courts to silence and intimidate Journalists. In March, Dominic Raab announced plans aimed at deterring strategic lawsuits against public participation (Slapps), a tool often used by oligarchs against Journalists. Britain’s days as the capital of “libel tourism” may also be numbered, thanks to similar European Union plans announced weeks later, which would also refuse to recognise judgments from outside the EU – including London. The US also announced a global defamation defence fund late last year.

While not perfect, Europe’s landmark new deals on tech regulation could be a big step forward in curbing the harassment and abuse of Journalists online, too, by forcing big tech companies to clean up the disinformation and hate speech that pollute our news environment. We may also see meaningful action on spyware used to target and surveil Journalists, after the Pegasus scandal earlier this year. Critically, big tech firms such as Apple have committed action and money to the cause, as have governments on both sides of the Atlantic. The devil will be in the detail, but it is at least movement in the right direction.

It shouldn’t have taken Ukraine’s epic human tragedy or scandals such as Pegasus to force action from our leaders. And there have been other, far less desirable consequences of Putin’s war. Facing constricting energy supplies, Boris Johnson duly trotted off to Riyadh to court Saudi crown prince Mohamed bin Salman, ignoring the gruesome murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. A month

later Johnson was in Delhi, cosying up to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, without so much as a mention of Rana Ayyub, Fahad Shah, Sajad Gul, or the countless other Journalists in Kashmir alone who have been arrested and jailed. “Global Britain” should be so much better than this.

The situation remains dire. We can fete the bravery of Journalists such as Ayyub, who stand tall in the face of relentless attacks from Modi’s ruling BJP. “I am proud of the fact that the Government is scared of me and my words, because somewhere it is impacting them, my truth is impacting them. I’m glad,” she told the Perugia journalism festival last month. But the ongoing persecution has taken a huge toll on her health and her ability to work.

Meanwhile, Novaya Gazeta in Moscow was finally forced to suspend operations in recent weeks, and its editor, Nobel prizewinner Dmitry Muratov, was brutally attacked by Putin’s thugs.

Yet, from Journalists devising their own insurance schemes to keep colleagues alive, to lawmakers who are finally feeling pressure to act, there is much to fight for – and win – in the coming weeks and months. As Muratov said of journalism in his Nobel speech just weeks before Russian tanks swept into Ukraine: “Yes, we growl and bite. Yes, we have sharp teeth and strong grip. But we are the prerequisite for progress.

We are the antidote against tyranny.” (The Guardian) (Mary Fitzgerald is Director of Expression at the Open Society Foundations, and former Editor-in-Chief of openDemocracy)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

5

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

May 5 should be "Indian Arrival Day"

Regions in India from where Girmitiyas to Guyana came By “Guyanese Indian Ancestry Association”

Of the 238,908 Girmitiyas who were shipped to British Guiana between 1838 and 1917, because there has been no digitization of the records to assist in a definitive analysis, all numbers have been drawn from samples of the data.

Breakdown of one sample between 1865 and 1917 Regions of origin United Provinces (Uttar Pratesh) Bihar.

Bengal.

Orissa.

Central Provinces and Berar.

Central Indian States Rajasthan.

Punjab.

Madras Presidency

Percentages 70.3 15.3 (subtotal 85.6) 1.4 0.6 0.9 1.1 3.1 1.0 6.3

The vast majority of the Girmitiyas, as such, were from North India -- especially eastern UP and Western Bihar, which form the “Bhojpuri Belt” with its distinctive culture and language. They left from Port Calcutta. The principal recruiting districts were Allahabad, Ghazipur, Kanpur, Azamgarh, Basti, Benares, Faizabad, Gorakhpur, Shahabad, Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur and the 24 Parganas. From the 1890s to the end of indenture, Basti was the single largest exporter of Indian labour overseas.

From the Madras Presidency in South India, most of Girmitiyas were from modern Tamil Nadu and Telengana.

They left from Port Madras. The main recruiting districts were Madras, Ganjam (now Orissa) Madurai, and Vizagapatam (now Andra Pradesh).

Many from first batch of immigrants on the Whitby and Hesperus - and for the first 20 years - were tribals from the Chota Nagpur region near Calcutta

Below: Main Districts of shipment from Uttar Pradesh

DID YOU KNOW? There was a significant number of Immigrants to Guyana who had returned to India from other Girmitiya countries and who remigrated here.

A few Girmitiyas came from neighbouring Nepal, such as the father of the famous Dr Jang Bahadur Singh.

Dear Editor, The East Indian Indentured Immigrants have redefined and shaped the history and cultural ethos of Guyana with their resourcefulness and sacrifices, to establish a progressive and democratic society for the benefit of all Guyanese. Many unsung East Indian heroes were martyred for challenging the abominable treatment and inhumane conditions that were synonymous with the slave-like conditions that characterised the oppression and abuse that were meted out by the colonial plantation owners to the "coolies", as they were demeaningly called.

These indentured (coolies) immigrants, notwithstanding, endured, and found the courage and resolve to refute and challenge the unfair and punitive labour practices and

discriminations of their colonial masters, to become one of the foundational pillars of the present-day robust Guyanese society.

They forged bonds of integrated kinship with all the races and working-class citizens of Guyana, and became an integral link in the demands for Independence. Indeed! no doubt, the East Indians' arrival in Guyana has redefined the landscape with the synthesis of a homogenous and forward-thinking society. Today, Guyanese are a proud people, of which the offspring of the Indentured Immigrants are one of the cornerstones of this great nation.

A May 2, 2022 letter signed by several hundred persons to Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali requested that the Government consider that “May 5th be designated as

“Indian Arrival Day”, to mark and commemorate this undeniably momentous and significant historical event that has paved the way for the birth of a dynamic and distinctive society.

“It is a long-overdue acknowledgment to recognise the tremendous contributions of people of Indian origin to the unique history, vibrant culture, and economic progress in Guyana”, stated Ashook Ramsaran, President of Indian Diaspora Council International. Ramsaran continued, “We also recognize the invaluable contributions over several generations that persons of Indian origin have made to the diverse culture and economic development of Guyana”.

The organisers of the petition stated that this petition does not, in any way, diminish the many

contributions of other ethnic groups in Guyana, in particular the descendants of African slaves, brought to then British Guiana against their will, yet persevered under inhumane conditions.

Further, it should be noted that several countries with significantly smaller percentages of people of Indian origin celebrate Indian Arrival Day as a national holiday, e.g., Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and others.

Ramsaran and Ramnarine Sahadeo Jr (Toronto, Canada) collaborated on the petition, garnering signatures in Guyana, USA, Canada, UK, South Africa, Reunion Island, France, and India.

Cliff Rajkumar, President, Indian Diaspora Council, Canada

Arrival of East Indians in Guyana Dear Editor, Over little more than a week ago, we have had many informative letters and articles written by some leading contributors on matters pertaining to East Indians, and the call for naming May 5 as Indian Arrival Day is a major recurring theme.

Those contributors included Shri Ravi Dev, Lomarsh Roopnarine, Devanand Bhagwan, Shabudeen, and Vishnu Bisramji, among others.

It is very interesting that most of these gentlemen reside outside of Guyana, and I am certainly perplexed as to why we do not have more stridency on this issue by East Indians residing here.

Before making my small contribution, I refer to Vishnu’s letter in today’s newspapers, mentioning Dr. Balwant. I thought it best to state he is in fact referring to Dr Balwant

Singh Sr, former Chief Government Bacteriologist and Pathologist, and former General Secretary of the Gandhi Youth Organization.

I have been associated with the GYO since 1971 to current, and have attended many of these Rama Khan celebrations which Mr. Bisram alluded to. The president of the organization at the time was the inimitable Shri Raghunandan Misirji (founder) and the spiritual head, and the first Pandit Dharma Acharya was Pandit SP Sharmaji.

The main purpose of my letter, however, is to point out that East Indians, who currently make up the largest single group, at around 40% of the population, have been taken for granted despite their monumental contributions to the life of this country; excelling in every sphere of endeavour, but have been given short

shrift by all Governments, and, without a doubt, the 5th of May must be designated as Indian Arrival Day as of 5th May 2022.

If a Government led by East Indians cannot have this relatively simple matter corrected immediately, then I advocate that East Indians sign a petition of

not less than 20,000 persons and immediately send same to the President’s Office, to the office of the Leader of the Opposition, and to other parliamentary leader(s), to ensure that this travesty is resolved forthwith.

Yours sincerely, Chris Persaud

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

06:00 (Sign on) Inspirational Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 09:00 Pioneer Woman 09:30 Prime Series - Blippi's Educational Adventures for Kids 10:00 House Hunter Renovation 11:00 Paternity Court 11:30 Divorce Court 12:00 Movie - Far from Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog (1995) 13:30 Wheel of Fortune 14:00 The Thundermans S2 E12 14:30 The Evermoor Chronicles S1 E9 15:00 Indian Soaps 16:00 Lost in Space S2 E10 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 From the Pavilion 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 JB & Salim 22:00 The Bold Type S4 E13 23:00 You S2 E9 00:00 Sign off

6

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

I

n this fun and easy science experiment, we are going to go to the kitchen and learn how to make litmus paper with red cabbage.

Important: This experiment requires the assistance and supervision of an adult.

Materials: Jar Paper towels Head of red cabbage Grater Saucepan Strainer

Instructions: With the help of an adult, grate half of the head of red cabbage into the saucepan and add one cup of water.

Boil for 15 minutes.

Let the juice cool.

Strain out the cabbage from the cooled juice and pour the juice into the jar.

Cut several strips of paper towel into two-inch wide by four-inch long strips.

Soak the paper towel strips in the cabbage juice for about a minute.

CONTINUED FROM TUESDAY

FERDINAND O, if a virgin, And your affection not gone forth, I'll make you The queen of Naples.

PROSPERO Soft, sir! one word more.

Aside They are both in either's powers; but this swift business I must uneasy make, lest too light winning Make the prize light.

To FERDINAND One word more; I charge thee That thou attend me: thou dost here usurp The name thou owest not; and hast put thyself Upon this island as a spy, to win it From me, the lord on't.

FERDINAND No, as I am a man.

MIRANDA There's nothing ill can dwell in such a temple: If the ill spirit have so fair a house, Good things will strive to dwell with't.

PROSPERO Follow me.

Speak not you for him; he's a traitor. Come;

Remove the strips and let them dry completely.

Your litmus paper will turn reddishpink if something you test is an acid and green if something you test is an alkali.

Try using you litmus paper to test the pH of things like milk, vinegar, and various fruit juices.

How it works: The pigment in red cabbage has the ability to change colour when exposed to acids and bases. This ability is known as an indicator since red cabbage can change colours when exposed to different chemical compositions.

Make this a science project: Test the red cabbage litmus paper in different liquids. Test the same liquids at different temperatures to see if the chemical composition of the items being tested change in any way. Mix liquids and use your red cabbage litmus paper to test and see if there are any changes in pH. (sciencefun.org)

I'll manacle thy neck and feet together: Sea-water shalt thou drink; thy food shall be The fresh-brook muscles, wither'd roots and husks Wherein the acorn cradled. Follow.

FERDINAND No; I will resist such entertainment till Mine enemy has more power.

Draws, and is charmed from moving MIRANDA O dear father, Make not too rash a trial of him, for He's gentle and not fearful.

PROSPERO What? I say, My foot my tutor? Put thy sword up, traitor; Who makest a show but darest not strike, thy conscience Is so possess'd with guilt: come from thy ward, For I can here disarm thee with this stick And make thy weapon drop.

MIRANDA Beseech you, father.

PROSPERO Hence! hang not on my garments.

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning” – Brad Henry

MIRANDA Sir, have pity; I'll be his surety.

PROSPERO Silence! one word more Shall make me chide thee, if not hate thee. What!

An advocate for an imposter! hush!

Thou think'st there is no more such shapes as he, Having seen but him and Caliban: foolish wench!

To the most of men this is a Caliban And they to him are angels.

MIRANDA My affections Are then most humble; I have no ambition To see a goodlier man.

PROSPERO Come on; obey: Thy nerves are in their infancy again And have no vigour in them.

FERDINAND So they are; My spirits, as in a dream, are all bound up.

My father's loss, the weakness which I feel, The wreck of all my friends, nor this man's threats, To whom I am subdued, are but light to me, Might I but through my prison once a day

Behold this maid: all corners else o' the earth Let liberty make use of; space enough Have I in such a prison.

PROSPERO [Aside] It works.

To FERDINAND Come on.

Thou hast done well, fine Ariel!

To FERDINAND Follow me.

To ARIEL Hark what thou else shalt do me.

MIRANDA Be of comfort; My father's of a better nature, sir, Than he appears by speech: this is unwonted Which now came from him.

PROSPERO Thou shalt be free As mountain winds: but then exactly do All points of my command.

ARIEL To the syllable.

PROSPERO Come, follow.

Speak not for him.

Exeunt

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 100 power outages recorded by GPL in 2021 – power company tells PUC COVID to blame for maintenance shortfalls

W

ith over 100 power outages recorded by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) for 2021, the utility company has informed the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that the COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for the maintenance shortfalls.

This was revealed following a hearing that was held by the PUC on March 29, which reviewed GPL’s Operating Standards and Performance Targets for last year and then published a report outlining the findings.

Eight standards and targets were reviewed, including customer interruptions, voltage regulation, meter reading, issuing of bills, accounts payable, accounts receivable, system losses, and average availability.

According to the report,

GPL Chief Executive Officer Bharat Dindyal

consumers experienced an average of 103 power outages for 2021, when the maximum number of outages consumers should experience on average, according to the standard, is 90.

“The standard was therefore not met. The company in their presentation noted that the outages were

as a result of feeder and transmission line trips and increased planned maintenance in 2021,” the report stated.

“The company proffered that the COVID-19 pandemic hampered its usual schedule of maintenance in 2020 and the increase in planned maintenance activities was the direct result of that increase to 103 outages for the year 2021,” PUC added.

The PUC took care to explain the protocol for dealing with these lapses. For instance, it was explained that “the Commission is tasked with the responsibility to determine whether GPL has failed to achieve the standards and targets set. Should there be a failure to realise any of the standards, the Commission is empowered to impose a monetary penalty on the

Espionage on population...

“World Press Freedom Day is being observed under the theme journalism under siege, which highlights not only media conversions but the threats facing the media, as we navigate this move to online.

These threats expose the media to destructive intrusions from ransomware and spyware, which poses severe risks (to) the existence of media houses.”

“In our statement, we called on media houses to safeguard ourselves and the

Government to assure media houses and operatives that such tactics will not be used to threaten the work of the media,” Raghubir said, also calling on the President to say whether the Government is in possession of any spyware.

The two-day conference was conceptualised by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy. Also in attendance of the opening were mem-

FROM PAGE 3

bers of the Cabinet including; Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry Susan Rodrigues, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall and Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud. Members of the diplomatic community also attended.

The Guyana Power and Light plant at Garden of Eden, EBD

company in an amount not to exceed 25 per cent of the total value of dividends which is payable to the company’s shareholders in the calendar year under consideration”.

It was noted that consideration for the impact the company’s failure to reach its targets has on consumers, determines whether any penalty will be levied on the company. However, it was revealed in the report that PUC decided not to impose any penalties.

“In arriving at its decision, the Commission is cognisant that the imposition

of penalties is often a measure of last resort for egregious events and not to be applied lightly. Therefore, the Commission after careful review of the targets achieved and GPL’s projections for improved service has determined that no penalty is warranted for GPL’s 2021 performance.”

“The Commission commends the company on its achievement of most of its standards for the reporting year 2021. The Commission takes this opportunity to recognise the company’s continuous stride in the reduction of system losses,

which loss poses an enormous financial burden to the company,” PUC also said.

Among those who appeared for GPL were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bharat Dindyal and Deputy CEO, Support Services, Renford Homer.

They appeared before PUC Chairman Dela Britton and Commissioners Verlyn Klass, Dr Leyland Lucas and Dr Nanda Gopaul. Guyana Consumers Association President Patrick Dial and advisor Dr Yog Mahadeo were also present.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Construction worker wanted for murder of Sophia man arrested

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orty-one-year-old Joseph Sargeant, called “Joey”, who has been wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Terry Ault, was arrested on Monday.

The construction worker, a resident of the Postal Housing Scheme in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is now being interrogated about the murder committed on Ault, which took place on July 23, 2019 in South Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Ault, a father of one, had reportedly left his Lot

Captured: Joseph Sargeant

Murdered: Terry Ault

63 Block A, South Sophia home to attend a pool party in the same community.

However, at about 03:00h on July 21, 2019, the man’s relatives received a report that he had been shot. Ault was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

It is still unclear what had caused the shooting; however, five persons, including two women, had been held for questioning by the Police, but no one had been charged for the offence.

Freedom...

W

…of the press e just commemorated “World Press Freedom Day”, so there are all sorts of hullabaloo, analysis, discussion and commemoration to mark the occasion. But we all know, when the day is done, it’ll all go back to “the way we were”. But there’ll be no Streisand crooning mellifluously and soulfully in the background; just the same deeply divided press that’s a reflection of our deeply divided politics!! There never really was an idyllic time in our history in which we can bask the way Streisand did, was there?!! This “deep division” has now become the distinctive feature of the way we were - and are!

The press was birthed simultaneously with the first striving for democracy. That ended with the lopping off of some heads of kings!! Its self-appointed job was to keep an eye on those who took over from the kings, to remind the rest of the “citizenry”, in case they showed signs of bringing back the nasty old days!! But, as with everything else, the press itself inevitably became a power in itself as it curated what the people were told!! To help define people’s reality is to control even those in government!!

And the latter obviously knew this, as they took steps - and still take steps - to pressure the press!!

As far as our history’s concerned, D’Aguiar’s Chronicle pushed his line and then his party’s, the anti-communist UF. And after Burnham was ushered into office, he nationalised the Chronicle and Graphic to support his Government’s excesses - and this continues to this day.

Why should we be surprised?? But Burnham went a bit too far when he insisted there was a “free press” in Guyana since the PPP’s Mirror and the Catholic Standard existed.

That he banned newsprint so they couldn’t PUBLISH was just an irrelevant detail!!

And we come to the present. The Opposition’s whining that the “mainstream media” are biased against them!!

What stuff and nonsense!! All media are “biased”, if one accepts that every person and institution inevitably has a perspective!! What the Opposition should do is run its own media. But HOLD IT!!! Don't they do this?? Don’t they have a TV station -Ch 9 - that gives them time? Didn’t they launch a newspaper to get then column inches?? Didn’t their supporters get oodles of radio stations?

And, more importantly, haven’t they beaten the PPP to the new “big thing” in media - social media? And are curating the news even more one-sidedly than has ever happened in the history of Guyana?? Unlike the “mainstream” media, social media’s still pretty much a Wild West operation.

And imagine they’re screaming bloody murder in the developing attempt to regulate them!! But then the Opposition HAS to oppose, no? …has a price Having passed through the mills of slavery and Indentureship - and then through the PNC’s two-decade dictatorship, all of which ground very finely, thank you!!

- you’d think Guyanese would be very protective of their freedom. But the hitch is, there’s a price for defending freedom that folks who want to enjoy it have to pay. And thank goodness there seems a willingness to pay that price - at long last. There was quite a lull after Walter Rodney paid the ultimate price back in 1980!!

And don’t even bring up those so-called Buxton “Freedom Fighters”, who created killing fields for a decade after 2002! Even persons who’d fought alongside Rodney publicly declared, “not in my name”!! Fortunately for Guyana, we seem to’ve developed a democratic culture after that killing wave - and Governments have been alternating with regularity since.

The last attempt to deny our democratic freedom was successfully thwarted by some “Defenders of Democracy”.

They paid the price, but they’re waiting for that medal!! …to make money Exxon just announced that they made US$4.5billion in profits for the first quarter of 2022. Now, the “renegotiators” will be having a field day. While it’s isn’t all from us - maybe EXXON will do the right thing?

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

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Husband arraigned for killing wife, burying body in shallow grave

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ifty-five-year-old Avemanen Permaul was on Tuesday arraigned for the murder of his estranged wife, Waynumattie Permaul, when he appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

The accused, of Lot 73 First Street Kilcoy, Chesney, Corentyne, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which says that between April 21 and 22, he murdered Waynumattie “Datalin” Permaul.

The deceased woman was the mother of four including West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul. At the arraignment on Tuesday, Police Prosecutor Corporal Shillel Matterson told the court that the Force is yet to complete its file and as such, requested another three weeks to do so.

As such, the murder accused was remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on May 31, 2022. The matter was

Murder accused: Avemanen Permaul

transferred to the Albion Magistrate Court.

It was reported that the couple’s son, cricketer Versammy Permaul, turned up at the Police station on Thursday and reported that his mother and father were not on speaking terms and that his mother was last seen on April 21, 2022.

As such, an investigation was launched during which bloodstains were found at the home of the murdered woman. Her husband was immediately arrested and interrogated during which he revealed

Murdered: Waynumattie “Datalin” Permaul

that he and the woman have been separated for about two years now.

Following the separation, the suspect moved to the upper flat of the home while his wife remained in the lower flat. The suspect further stated that on April 21, 2022, between 18:00h and 18:30h, he was in the yard in close proximity to the woman’s bedroom and overheard her

speaking on her mobile phone to a male.

He told detectives that he immediately confronted the woman in the bedroom and an argument broke out between them. This led to a scuffle during which he cuffed her about her body and choked her neck.

Soon after, he stated, he saw blood on her body and she fell to the floor and re-

Permaul at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday

mained motionless.

The suspect, instead of calling out for assistance, wrapped the woman’s body in a bedsheet, left her on the floor, and went into the empty lot which is about 100 yards opposite his home where he dug a hole.

He later returned to the house and dragged the woman’s body to the empty lot

and dumped it in the hole. He then covered it with dirt.

After committing the act, he went back to his home and went about his normal business. Nevertheless, after interrogation, the businessman took homicide detectives to the area where he buried the woman’s body and the gruesome discovery was made.

Tackling learning loss may require keeping schools open in July-August – Manickchand

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he extent of learning loss through the pandemic is being measured now that schools have fully reopened, and the Education Ministry is contemplating continuing classroom activity during the months of July and August to counter worrying trends.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand communicated on Tuesday that schools across the country are physically prepared to accommodate students. Since last Monday, normal class activities resumed after getting the greenlight from officials.

Upon visiting some institutions, the Minister said some worrying scenarios were detected, pointing to significant learning loss. The reopening has provided an environment for authorities to gauge the degree of learning loss suffered during the two

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

years of closure.

“We’re ready physically for the students to come back to school. What I am seeing, and this is just cursory glances at what’s happening, is that two nursery students couldn’t identify letters and sound out the short vowel sounds. That’s very worrying. At this point, the third term in year two,

they should be reading. These kids are going into Grade One,” Manickchand outlined.

To address the academic issues, diagnostic tests have already been executed. Now, the Ministry is mulling keeping schools open during the July-August break as well to tackle the learning loss shown.

“I don’t think people really appreciate what two years of school closure has done. But we have to find ways to make sure that these children get exposed to the hours of education that they need. We may have to work into JulyAugust. How we do that would be dependent on who’s willing to work and all of that…We have real issues academically to pursue. We have already administered diagnostics that would check to see where students are, relative to where they should be. That’s how we’re going to be teaching.”

Consolidation of the curriculum has enabled educators to include content from one school year below the current grade level. For the first 20 weeks of the school year, classrooms will get exposed to the previous year’s work and then followed by 20 weeks of their substantive year material. This model will continue when students move on to the next grade.

“That’s how it should be happening. I truly hope that’s

happening across levels. It requires us to monitor and implement because those changes are absolutely necessary if we’re not to be suffering from the effects of COVID five years from now. What I have seen academically is worrying.”

On the reopening factor, Manickchand said there was a positive reaction from not just teachers and students but the auxiliary stakeholders involved.

“The students are happy to

be back out, a little anxious, a little nervous. Teachers are really glad to have students out.

Canteen workers and vendors are happy to be able to ply their trade again…When we close schools, it is not just the students and teachers.

It’s a large number of people that suffer for those closures.

Of course, whether we close or open would depend only on what is in the best interest of the children,” she underscored. (G12)

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NEWS

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Health authorities on alert as new, infectious Omicron strains circulate ...Guyana records 7 new COVID-19 cases

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ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony says Government will be on alert to monitor the progress of two new Omicron variants, which have proven highly infectious and capable of evading immunity against COVID. The two new Omicron variants have been the cause of increased infections in South Africa, with cases already reported in the United States. The

BA.4 and BA.5 strains have been shown to evade vaccines and immunity from previous infections.

“One thing that is coming out is that even if you’ve had an infection in the past with Omicron, the BA.4 and BA.5 seem to be evading your immune response.

If you had a previous infection, even with vaccination, it can also evade those defences.

What they’re noticing is that if you’re up to date with your vac-

cines, then more than likely you will have a milder form of the infection,” the Minister shared in Tuesday’s COVID update.

South African authorities on Friday said that the country would possibly enter its fifth COVID-19 wave owing to the rise of the BA.4 and BA.5 variants.

Infections are rising, and so are hospitalisation figures.

Vaccination statistics here as of Tuesday show 440,451

Guyana more connected with global investment markets …with latest representation on WBAF

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uyana will be represented at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), enabling greater connection to international investment markets.

This has been realised after Managing Partner of Atlantic Ventures Holding Incorporated, Miranda Thakur-Deen Senior was appointed Senator for Guyana.

The inclusion of Guyana in WBAF provides a wide range of opportunities for Guyana’s start-ups, scale-ups and highgrowth businesses and opens doors for economic development.

With this new appointment, Guyana has joined the largest forum of the world’s equity investment markets and will now be able to connect more with the global investors market, which will open up splendid opportunities for the country.

Now local Guyana angel investors, incubation centres, accelerators, private equity funds, co-investment funds, technology parks, corporate ventures, and aspiring entrepreneurs will have more opportunity to connect with global leaders in the same field.

Chairman of the WBAF Board of Directors, Baybars

Altuntas has expressed, “As an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnerships for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the WBAF supports start-ups, develops entrepreneurial ecosystems, and helps venture capital and companies connect with international companies, fintechs, and other relevant institutions.”

He added, “We are confident about our contribution to the economic development of the country by facilitating connections with entrepreneurial ecosystems. We strongly believe that Guyana will soon become a country that can foster the development of its economy in a more entrepreneurial atmosphere.”

As an affiliated partner of the G20 GPFI, the WBAF is committed to collaborating globally to empower the economic development of the world by fostering innovative financial instruments for start-ups, scale-ups, innovators, entrepreneurs, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and to promoting gender equality and women’s participation in all sectors of the world economy. , WBAF has invited efforts to ease access to finance, promote financial inclusion, and create more jobs and social

justice.

The Forum accomplishes its mission through various parties and channels. These include the 138 high commissioners, senators and international partners from 79 countries; seven country offices on five continents; the WBAF Business School and its more than 50 faculty members from 32 countries; and five international working committees.

WBAF also has an angel investment fund, partnerships with 12 global institutions, and economic cooperation agreements with five governments. The WBAF World Congress, held in February of each year, hosts at least five summits and numerous other events, including a Global Fundraising Stage and a World Excellence Awards ceremony. WBAF also boasts a number of publications, including the WBAF Business School Journal.

On the other hand, the GPFI is an inclusive platform for all G20 countries, interested non-G20 countries, and relevant stakeholders to carry forward work on financial inclusion, including implementation of the G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan endorsed at the G20 Summit in Seoul, South Korea. (G12)

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD May 3, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

7

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

113

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

1

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,255

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,236

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,491

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,149

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2519

REGION 2

2497

REGION 3

8071

REGION 4

31,408

REGION 5

2381

REGION 6

5797

REGION 7

2423

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4037

REGION 10

3472

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

440,194 339,446

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1228

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

first doses and 339,754 second doses have been administered across the adult population. This is approximately 85.9 per cent and 66.2 per cent respectively.

Booster doses stand at 62,649.

Meanwhile, second doses stand at 25,289 or 34.7 per cent for the adolescent category.

Dr Anthony has reiterated, “We have seen a slowdown in the 12 to 17 age group. We think it can be attributed to a number of factors, which include parents not giving permission, not having ready access to children and so forth. We think there is an opportunity with schools now opened that we’ll be able to reach a lot more children. We’ll be able to provide them with letters that

they can take to their parents to get permission.”

New positives Seven new positive COVID-19 cases were recorded on Tuesday, adding to the 63,491 confirmed cases in the country.

The death toll is still at 1228.

Since January’s alarming spike, cases in Guyana have been relatively low.

From the 63,494 persons – 29,239 males and 34,255 females – that tested positive, 62,149 have recovered. There are 113 persons in home isolation and one person in institutional quarantine. Guyana has 122 active cases being monitored.

Only one COVID-19 patient is

currently hospitalised in Guyana.

That person is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

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

Global figures show that almost 511.9 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 153.2 million confirmed cases have been reported with in excess of 2.7 million deaths. (G12)

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man wanted for fatal shooting turns self in

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Murder accused: Denzil Haynes

Murdered: Yardan Jacobs

ne week after Police issued a wanted bulletin for 24-year-old Denzil Haynes, for questioning in relation to the murder of 27-year-old Yardan Jacobs, he turned himself in at Brickdam Police Station on Tuesday in the company of his attorney.

Haynes reportedly went into hiding after the shooting incident.

It was reported that Jacobs, a labourer of North Sophia, Georgetown, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, almost two weeks after he was shot in his communi-

ty at around midnight on April 16, while hanging out with a group of persons at the Tanary Area in the community.

Jacobs’s cousin, Steve Bacchus, was also shot during the incident.

Reports are that Jacobs had gotten into an argument with an individual, and Bacchus had subsequently intervened, causing the suspect to whip out a firearm and discharge several rounds in the direction of the duo before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MoU inked to increase airlift between Guyana and Houston

F

ollowing months of dialogue between the Government of Guyana and the Houston Airport System (HAS), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Monday.

The MoU, which was signed on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, has established a mechanism between the two parties to strengthen collaboration and promote the expansion of a safe, modern and efficient airport system.

During brief remarks, both Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch applauded this partnership which paves the way for the exchange of expertise in the areas of operation, economic development and advancements of both airports.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat; US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; CEO of GO-Invest, Dr Peter Ramsaroop; Guyana’s Consul to Houston, Lutfi Hassan; CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir and Chairman of CJIAC’s Board of Directors, Sanjeev Datadin in Texas

Both expressed optimism that by working together,

the airports will be better positioned to increase air-

lift between Guyana and Houston via the introduc-

tion of new airlines and increased frequencies from the existing carriers.

Chairman of Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation’s (CJIAC) Board of Directors, Sanjeev Datadin signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Guyana.

Datadin described the event as a red-letter day in the history of aviation development in Guyana. He noted that this partnership will accelerate the developments already taking shape, not just in Guyana, but more specifically at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Additionally, he reminded that, “Partnerships such as this are essential for the sustainability of the aviation sector.”

CEO of the facility, Ramesh Ghir, who is also present in Texas, said the Houston Airport System presents an opportunity for Guyana to increase its connectivity to the rest of the world.

He added that, “HAS is ranked as one of the largest airport systems in the world, which means that such allies in the aviation sector can further increase Guyana’s potential to promote and market itself as being among the top travel and investment destinations.”

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is expected to benefit, immensely, from this newly signed agreement with the exchange of technical expertise and support between Guyana and Houston. The Houston Airport System provides a safe and dynamic air services network that fosters economic viability for the aviation (transportation) industry.

Also witnessing the signing were GO-Invest CEO, Dr Peter Ramsaroop; Guyana’s Consulate to Houston, Lutfi Hassan, and other representatives who are in Houston, Texas, representing Guyana at the Annual Offshore Technology Conference.

Authorities seize unregistered drugs from pharmacies, private hospital

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Drugs seized by the GA-FDD

he Government Analyst – Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has seized and removed a quantity of foreign labelled and unregistered drugs from several pharmacies and one private hospital.

The drugs seized were Anafranil, Flomax, Antabus, Diamicron, Coversyl Plus, Buscopan, Voltaren, Avodart, and Proscar. These drugs are used in the treatment of various ailments and diseases.

To date, 84 boxes and 526 tablets have already been confiscated.

According to the Food and Drug Act of 1971 and its accompanying Regulations of 1977, all drugs must be registered with the GA-FDD before they can be legally sold on the local market. In addition, each drug being offered for sale must have adequate directions for use in the English Language.

Proprietors are warned that it is an offence to have in possession or offer for sale foreign labelled or unregistered drugs. Consumers should note that unregistered drugs which are lacking regulation in terms of safety, efficacy, and quality may cause serious health prob-

lems or unpredictable Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs).

Likewise, prescribing non-English labelled drugs may pose a serious health risk to patients.

The GA-FDD has said that they will not allow drug proprietors to ignore the Food and Drug legislation that governs the importation and sale of drugs. They added that the GA-FDD will continue to work assiduously to ensure that drugs meet the importation and sale requirements as they strive to ensure their safety and efficacy.

The department will continue to monitor pharmacies, drug bonds, and hospitals countrywide to uncover these violations thereby ensuring that foreign labelled and unregistered drugs do not reach consumers.

These seizures are one of several actions that will be taken as part of a crackdown on non-compliant drug proprietors countrywide. Environmental Health Departments in the various regions will continue this enforcement exercise to ensure that consumers are protected from illegal drug sale practices that may pose a health risk to consumers.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

2 arrested for cocaine, ganja in separate It is time Amaila moves incidents in Mabaruma, Parfaite Harmonie forward – do not let naysayers stop it again

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nough is enough. Let us get the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project going now. Let us not allow the naysayers and the antihydroelectricity charlatans in Guyana to dictate the future of this development project. The naysayers, including the PNC, the AFC, the bunch calling themselves APNU, and sections of the media, will continue to find one reason or another to object.

At first it was the impact on the environment, then the design, then the cost. With none of these contrived objections appearing to gain traction among the citizenry, the naysayers keep inventing more absurd reasons to object. The latest one is that solar energy is a preferred option to hydroelectricity.

Right away, this column asks the question: can these naysayers tell us which country has made solar energy its main energy source? The truth is that less than 3% of the global energy comes from solar energy, and in Dr Leslie Ramsammy the last twenty years, less than 10% growth has occurred. The “experts” must tell us why, after almost 100 years of solar energy technology, more of the global energy is not coming from solar sources.

On the other hand, almost 20% of global energy is today coming from hydroelectricity, and, in the last 20 years, hydroelectricity has grown more than 70% globally. There must be some explanation why countries and the real energy experts have chosen hydroelectricity as a potent source of energy to replace fossil fuel. In this regard, the PPP Government’s trajectory with solar and hydroelectricity is more aligned with the experts than the naysayers in Guyana.

Guyana has made solar energy a part of its menu of energy sources.

Solar panels, to provide energy to hard-to-reach communities, have been a strategy for more than 25 years now. Solar farms have now become a budgeted item in Guyana’s energy development.

The Irfaan Ali-led Government has aggressively pursued the expansion of solar energy, following the footsteps of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led PPP Government between 2001 and 2011. But the PPP Government understands that solar energy cannot be the major option for replacing fossil fuel; the PPP has proclaimed a policy where solar energy is part of the energy-mix for Guyana.

Without Amaila or hydroelectricity, the dependence on fossil fuel will grow, not be reduced. With the proposed energy mix of hydroelectricity, solar electricity and gas-to-shore energy, Guyana has a good chance of reducing fossil fuel use by more than 75% by 2030.

We cannot come close to this if we discard the hydroelectricity option.

The real experts, whether they come from the IDB, the World Bank, or other energy-related institutions, tell us so. The problem is that energy “experts” have been sprouting here, there and everywhere in Guyana, even more than pests and weeds. Every day, these experts give us another weird and absurd reason why the Amaila Project must be discarded.

This country has talked about hydroelectricity for more than 50 years now. In fact, every country that has the potential for hydroelectricity has chosen this pathway to be at least a part of its energy needs’ solution.

Guyana is a country with remarkable hydroelectricity potential.

In 1974, the PNC Government, with the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham playing a lead role, requested the UNDP to conduct a survey of this potential. That survey revealed that Guyana has the potential for more than 7,000 MW of energy from hydroelectricity.

Similar studies have been done since then. One of those early studies identified Amaila Falls as having the best opportunity for Guyana to begin benefiting from hydroelectricity. Concrete movement towards implementing the Amaila project began, and, now more than twenty years later, we are still awaiting the start of this project.

The PNC are the last of those who should oppose hydroelectricity.

In a May Day speech in 1981, President Burnham regaled the audience with the absolute need for hydroelectricity. In that famous speech, defending freezing wages and benefits for workers, Burnham asked which is more important – wage increases or hydro-power.

But he upbraided the Amerindian community also for objecting to hydropower in the Upper Mazaruni Hydro-Project, which the PNC had embarked on in 1974. Seven years after the start, the PNC had already expended more than US$50M on the project.

In 1974, the PNC under Forbes Burnham, using the study by the UNDP, began preparation for the Upper Mazaruni Hydro Power Project. That year, importation cost for fossil fuel consumed more than 25% of Guyana’s total GDP, an unsustainable cost. In addition, the objective of building an aluminum smelter in Linden depended on the availability of cheap hydroelectricity. The project, as designed then, involved the flooding of Amerindian settlements. The Akawaio Amerindian settlement sternly objected, but they were ignored.

In a dictatorship, the voices of the people were brazenly discarded.

But the project failed to garner financial support from the lending institutions such as the IDB and WB, because of the growing concerns relating to the dictatorship and Guyana’s growing debt. In addition, Venezuela, which had good relations with America and the banks, used its influence to bar support from the banks. By 1985, the project was abandoned.

The real experts have given their support to the Amaila Project in Guyana. Government must pursue this project with greater urgency.

Allowing the naysayers to dictate the trajectory of this project is working against the interest of Guyana and the Guyanese citizens. Let there be no more delays.

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

The ganja that was found in the shop at La Parfaite Harmonie

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wo males have been arrested for cocaine and ganja possession in separate incidents in Mabaruma, North West District (Region One) and La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (Region Three).

On Monday between 14:00h and 18:00h, ranks from the Mabaruma Police

Station conducted a stopand-search raid/exercise in the District, and several persons were intercepted and searched.

Consequently, Police said, one male of mixed race was seen acting in a suspicious manner, and a search was conducted on his person. During the search, 15 packets of a white substance

suspected to be cocaine were in the man’s possession.

Police said the narcotics were weighed and amounted to 1.7 grams. The suspect has been placed in custody, pending investigations.

Meanwhile, on the same day, at about 23:30h, Police ranks of Regional Division #3 arrested a 35-year-old man after 124 grams of cannabis were found in a shop that he operates.

The ranks were performing mobile patrol duties in the La Parfaite Harmonie community when they observed the man standing in the shop acting suspiciously.

The ranks stopped and engaged the man, and he told them he is the owner of the shop. The ranks asked the man to subject himself to a search, and he agreed.

During a further search of the premises, a rank unearthed a transparent plastic bag containing several Ziplock bags of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis under the shop's

The cocaine that was found in Mabaruma

counter.

The man was told of the offence, and was cautioned.

He denied ownership of the cannabis, saying, “I don’t know about da!”

He was then arrested and escorted to La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, along with the cannabis.

The drug was weighed in the presence of the suspect, and it amounted to 124 grams.

Further investigations are ongoing.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Vlissengen-Sandy Babb Street accident

EBD resident gets bail for DUI, driving unlicensed vehicle – expected to be charged today for causing death by dangerous driving

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Charged: Roberto Narine

Dead: Ian Mekdeci

Injured: Sheik Baksh

hirty-seven-yearold Roberto Narine of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who allegedly caused the death of Ian Mekdeci and left another person critically injured, was on Tuesday slapped with two charges in relation to the fatal accident.

Narine has been charged for driving under the influence of alcohol, and for driving an unlicensed vehicle. Before Georgetown Magistrate Clive Nurse, he plead-

ed not guilty to the first charge, but guilty to the second charge. As such, he has reportedly been placed on $20,000 bail for driving under the influence, and fined $20,000 for driving an unlicensed vehicle.

Narine, however, remains in custody, and is expected to be charged today (Wednesday) with causing death by dangerous driving.

Mekdeci, a former national squash player, died in the wee hours of Saturday following

a two-vehicle collision.

His friend, 31-year-old Sheik Baksh of Dowding Street, Kitty, remains in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road, in the vicinity of Camp Ayanganna.

Police have said that the accident occurred at about 02:15h, and involved motor car PXX 4592, driven by Baksh, and motor jeep PTT 4136, driven by Roberto Narine, a 37-yearold male of School Street, Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

City Constabulary Chief Peter Livingstone passes on

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hief Constable of the City Constabulary, Peter Livingstone died on Tuesday evening at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, in Georgetown, after a brief illness.

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine in a statement expressed regrets at the passing of Chief Constable Livingstone.

“I am deeply saddened by his passing and extend comfort to his family at this time…”, he said.

Chief Constable Livingstone served the Council with distinction and executed his duties with diligence and commitment, according to the Mayor and the City Council.

Following his passing, scores of persons took to social media to express their sadness and their condolences to his family.

“My sincere condolences to the Mayor and City Council and employees, the family, relatives, and friends of the late Peter Livingstone who has gone home to the Lord. Rest In Peace Bro,” one post stated.

“I can't believe you're gone.... what just happened? Peter Livingstone!

Please someone tell me this is not true…My dear family this hurts, God please send your comforting spirit right now over each of us,” another person expressed.

“I am saddened by the passing of Mr. Peter Livingstone… Mr.

Dead: City Constabulary Chief Peter Livingstone

Livingstone was a symbol of hope within the community of Parfaite Harmonie and a political stalwart in his own right. I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Livingstone on many occasions such as the Local Government, National, and Regional Elections where he would have supported me as a young budding politician” “His advice to me, will not go on unheard nor his actions unseen. On behalf of the people of Constituency 7 and extension the community of Parfaite Harmonie, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones,” Councillor Denzel St Hill related.

Meanwhile, the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) in a social media post also extended its deepest sympathy to the family, relatives, and friends of Livingstone.

The car that was involved in the accident

The jeep was proceeding along Vlissengen Road, while the motor car was travelling along Sandy Babb Street.

At the time of the accident, the driver of the motor car was reportedly crossing the intersection on the ‘green light’ when the driver of the jeep failed to stop, thus resulting in a collision.

Mekdeci and Baksh sustained injuries to their

bodies, and were picked up by an ambulance in an unconscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Baksh was admitted as a patient to the Emergency Unit of the hospital, suffering from a broken left arm, a laceration to the head, and a punctured left lung. Mekdeci, on the other hand, was pronounced dead on arrival.

A breathalyser test ad-

ministered on the driver of the jeep proved that he was above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Mekdeci was a squash player who had recently participated in the Georgetown Squash Association-organised Squash League. In 2019, he had performed exceptionally well in the Bounty Farm Handicap Squash tournament.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pregnant, nursing mothers urged to get vaccinated – 139,000 pregnant mothers took vaccines to date

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he Guyana Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society (GOGS) is reiterating its calls for all pregnant and breastfeeding women, those planning to get pregnant, and other individuals who are eligible; to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

President of the GOGS, Dr Natasha France said “Based on past and ongoing surveillance data on COVID-19 in pregnant and recently pregnant and/ or breastfeeding women, GOGS concludes that the benefits of the COVID-19

vaccines far outweigh the serious risk of harm of COVID-19 and encourages all women who are pregnant or recently pregnant and are breastfeeding to get vaccinated without delay as it is our best chance to save lives.”

“We have reviewed the evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines in these women. We have also witnessed first-hand; the devastating effects this disease has had on our maternal population and has seen the role these vaccines play

in preventing severe disease and death. Therefore, the best way for women to protect themselves against the potential harm from COVID-19 is to be vaccinated.”

Data available from 139,000 pregnant women who have taken the vaccines has indicated no concerns or risks to pregnancy or miscarriages.

In fact, women who were vaccinated during pregnancy had similar adverse risks within the normal range expected in a general population. Data has also shown

that vaccinated women who contract the virus that causes COVID-19 experience a milder form of the disease.

Therefore, women contemplating pregnancy should not delay getting vaccinated until they are pregnant as there is no evidence that the vaccines impact fertility.

“We are aware that women are concerned about COVID-19 vaccines safety in pregnancy, especially of foetal risks. We would like to reassure these women that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines (mRNA COVID-19

vaccines) are safe and highly effective in pregnant and lactating women (94-95 per cent effective) after a 2-dose

series in preventing severe disease and death,” Dr France added.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Putin puts West on notice: Moscow can terminate exports and deals

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ussian President Vladimir Putin put the West on notice on Tuesday that he could terminate exports and deals, the Kremlin's toughest response yet to the sanctions burden imposed by the United States and allies over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Putin, Russia's paramount leader since 1999, signed a broad decree on Tuesday which forbade the export of products and raw materials to people and entities on a sanctions list that he instructed the government to draw up within 10 days.

The decree, which came into force with its publication, gives Moscow the power to sow chaos across markets as it could at any moment halt exports or tear up contracts with an entity or individual it has sanctioned.

The Russian government has 10 days to draw up lists of those it will sanction beyond the Western politicians it has already.

Putin explicitly framed the decree as a response

Oil slides as China lockdowns outweigh proposed EU Russia oil ban

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Russian, President Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during a meeting of the Council of Legislators at the Federal Assembly in Saint Petersburg, Russia April 27, 2022

to what he cast as the illegal actions of the United States and its allies meant to deprive "the Russian Federation, citizens of the Russian Federation and Russian legal entities of property rights or the restricting their property rights".

The decree sets out "retaliatory special economic measures in connection with the unfriendly actions of some foreign states and international organizations".

Russia's Feb 24 inva-

sion of Ukraine prompted the United States and its allies to impose the most severe sanctions in modern history on Russia and Moscow's business elite, steps Putin casts as a declaration of economic war.

The West's attempt to economically isolate Russia - one of the world's biggest producers of natural resources - has propelled the global economy into uncharted waters with soaring prices and warnings of food shortages. (Excerpt from Reuters)

il prices fell by more than 2 per cent on Tuesday as demand worries stemming from China's prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns outweighed the prospect of a European embargo on Russian crude.

Beijing is mass-testing residents to avert a lockdown similar to Shanghai's over the past month. The capital's restaurants were closed for dining in while some apartment blocks were sealed shut.

Brent crude settled down US$2.61, or 2.4 per cent, at US$104.97 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ended US$2.76, or 2.6 per cent, lower at US$102.41.

"There are real concerns about whether Chinese demand, which is a huge factor in global demand, will remain strong in 2022," said Gary Cunningham, director at Tradition Energy.

Prices remain high, however, with Brent crude having reached US$139 in March for its highest since 2008 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine exacerbated supply concerns that were already driving a rally.

The European Union is working on a sixth round of sanctions against Russia, with officials saying that

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to spell out the plans today, including a ban on imports of Russian oil by the end of this year.

Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures group, said price action is likely to remain volatile as traders weigh the impact of China's lockdowns against the West's oil sanctions and ahead of a US Federal Reserve meeting today.

"We have a market that's in flux and reacting from headline to headline in a very choppy trading range," Flynn said.

Also in focus will be the latest round of US inventory and supply reports. Nine analysts polled by Reuters estimated on average that crude inventories decreased by 800,000 barrels last week.

The American Petroleum Institute industry group issues its inventory report at 4:30 pm EDT (2030 GMT), followed by government figures today. (Excerpt from Reuters)for commodity markets and the world economy," Tobin Gorey, a Commonwealth Bank commodities analyst, said in a note. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

A positive attitude mixed with charm will help you get what you want. Call on people you know you can trust to support you. Bring about change that will benefit you and your peers.

(March 21-April 19)

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Change requires thought and planning. Leave nothing to chance and don't let your emotions trick you into a costly mistake. Double-check to ensure you have the necessary paperwork filled out and have taken care of small but essential details yourself.

The information you receive will not be reliable. Don't make assumptions or trust someone who exaggerates. Use your charm and intelligence to wind your way through tricky conversations.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Take better care of your health and emotional well-being. Make lifestyle adjustments that help ease stress and encourage you to stick to a budget and routine. Think before you make any promises.

Trust yourself to do what's best for you. Concentrate on achieving personal growth, making physical improvements and spending time with people who bring out the best in you. Romance is on the rise.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Turn unexpected changes into a learning experience. Be receptive to input, but follow the path best suited to the things you want to pursue. Control your emotions to ward off discord.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Family and friends will influence your life and the decisions you make.

Ask questions and open your doors to those who shed light on the possibilities.

Personal gain is within reach.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Sit back and observe, and your day will gain momentum. Let your imagination take charge, and you'll attract interest and suggestions that lead to personal improvements. Don't buy into someone's plan.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Divide your time between professional and personal responsibilities.

Leave no stone unturned and nothing to chance. Be sure to ask questions. Acting on an assumption will not pay off.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Formulate a plan and know what you want and what's meaningful to you before you make a move. Do the work yourself, and you won't be disappointed in the results. Protect your health.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Choose to observe rather than participate in someone's grand plans. Put your energy into domestic improvements and make sure your environment is comfortable and convenient.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) A creative venue will spark your imagination and encourage you to team up with other like-minded people. Explore how other people's talents and skills can complement what you have to offer.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

Kagiso Rabada bagged 4-33

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Rabada, Dhawan, Livingstone give Punjab Kings NRR-boosting win

stifling bowling show, led by Kagiso Rabada's four-for and figures of 4-0-17-0 from Sandeep Sharma, restricted table-toppers Gujarat Titans to a below-par 143, and revived Punjab Kings' campaign for the playoffs race.

Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Liam Livingstone made short work of the chase, which they sealed with as many as four overs to spare, and lifted Kings from eighth to fifth spot on the table. More importantly, their net run rate was boosted from -0.470 to -0.229.

Titans experimented with the decision of opting to bat, but could not stitch any substantial partnerships together, as wickets fell regularly. It was Sai Sudharsan's maiden fifty that steered them from 67 for 4 in the 12th over towards 150, but like captain Hardik Pandya said later, "Obviously, we were not even close to par".

The early strangle from Kings' bowlers Shubman Gill's recent poor form and the lack of a stable batter at #3 had been troubling Titans, and their issues were compounded on Tuesday. Wriddhiman Saha swung for the hills down the ground for a stroke-filled 21 off 17, but he and Gill fell in consecutive overs. Gill was the first to go, when he tried to steal a single that didn't exist, and fell well short after colliding into the bowler Sandeep Sharma, while Rishi Dhawan got a direct hit from cover.

Saha swung the next ball for a one-bounce four, and hammered a six next over, but he swung one too many when he miscued Rabada to mid-off in the fourth over.

Eight overs without a boundary Not only did the Kings bowlers strike regularly, but they dried up the boundaries. Sandeep stuck to the length and short-of-good length areas just outside off with a hint of swing, and the others also bowled to their fields so well that the Titans couldn't score a boundary for 48 balls.

Hardik Pandya crawled to a single off six balls, before edging one behind after the powerplay ended, when he tried to drive Rishi through the covers, and Titans were 44 for 3.

Rahul Chahar then hurt his bowling hand in his first over, while collecting a throw from the deep, and he walked off immediately.

Livingstone completed the over, and then got one more, also because he could bowl offbreaks to two left-hand batters with the longer boundary on the leg side. He barely offered any room, and when David Miller tried to end the boundary-less streak, he found long-off for 11, and Titans were 67 for 4.

Sudharsan's maiden fifty lifts Titans It was almost as if 20-year-old Sudharsan flicked a switch on for boundaries, once Miller fell. He pounced on the short balls, and collected fours in consecutive overs off Rishi, Livingstone, and the returning Chahar, and then one down the ground off Arshdeep Singh, to race to 45.

Even though Rabada choked the lower order with back-to-back

wickets of Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan in the 17th over, Sudharsan pulled Arshdeep for six, to bring up his fifty and lead Titans to a more respectable 143 for 8.

Dhawan, Rajapaksa go bang! Bang!

Chasing a below-par total on a pitch that was two-paced and had good bounce for the quicks, Kings promoted Jonny Bairstow to open, to pull him out of his rut, but the move didn't work. After swinging and pulling four times in his six-ball stay, Bairstow miscued Mohammed Shami's short ball to deep backward square leg, and departed for a single.

Mayank Agarwal chose to drop himself down further, and sent lefthand batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa at #3. Shikhar had already dispatched two wide balls for back-to-back fours against his Delhi team-mate Pradeep Sangwan, and he found able support in Rajapaksa, who struck Shami for two fours when the fast bowler pitched it even slightly short in the third over.

Alzarri Joseph came on for Sangwan, and got the same treatment.

Shikhar ramped him for six, and followed it with a tickle down the leg

SCOREBOARD GUJARAT TITANS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Wriddhiman Saha †c Agarwal b Rabada 21 Shubman Gill run out (R Dhawan) 9 Sai Sudharsan not out 65 Hardik Pandya (c)c †Sharma b R Dhawan 1 David Miller c Rabada b Livingstone 11 Rahul Tewatia c Sandeep Sharma b Rabada 11 Rashid Khan c †Sharma b Rabada 0 Pradeep Sangwan b Arshdeep Singh 2 Lockie Ferguson c Livingstone b Rabada 5 Alzarri Joseph not out 4 Extras (b 1, lb 4, nb 1, w 8) 14 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.15) 143/8 Did not bat: Mohammed Shami Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Shubman Gill, 2.1 ov), 2-34 (Wriddhiman Saha, 3.5 ov), 3-44 (Hardik Pandya, 6.2 ov), 4-67 (David Miller, 11.2 ov), 5-112 (Rahul Tewatia, 16.2 ov), 6-112 (Rashid Khan, 16.3 ov), 7-122 (Pradeep Sangwan, 17.4 ov), 8-129 (Lockie Ferguson, 18.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sandeep Sharma 4-0-17-0

Kagiso Rabada 4-0-33-4 Arshdeep Singh 4-0-36-1 Rishi Dhawan 4-0-26-1 Liam Livingstone 2.3-0-15-1 Rahul Chahar 1.3-0-11-0 PUNJAB KINGS INNINGS (Target: 144 runs from 20 overs) Jonny Bairstow c Sangwan b Mohammed Shami 1 Shikhar Dhawan not out 62 Bhanuka Rajapaksa lbw b Ferguson 40 Liam Livingstone not out 30 Extras (b 1, lb 3, nb 1, w 7) 12 TOTAL 16 Ov (RR: 9.06) 145/2 Did not bat: Mayank Agarwal (c), Jitesh Sharma †, Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Sandeep Sharma Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Jonny Bairstow, 2.2 ov), 2-97 (Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 11.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Shami 4-0-43-1 Pradeep Sangwan 2-0-23-0 Alzarri Joseph 3-0-25-0 Lockie Ferguson 3-0-29-1 Rashid Khan 4-0-21-0

Liverpool survive scare in Spain to reach Champions League final Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, 28 May. No English side has ever won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup all in the same season, with Liverpool aiming to create history.

Liverpool suffer, but get the job done

Sadio Mane scored in both legs of the Champions League semi-final to help Liverpool reach the final

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iverpool survived a scare against Villarreal to move into the Champions League final and keep their hopes of winning an unprecedented quadruple alive.

The Reds had comfortably won 2-0 in the first leg, but that advantage was wiped out after only 41 minutes at a noisy and passionate El Madrigal, as the Spanish side pushed for a huge upset.

Boulaye Dia scored Villarreal's first after only three minutes, converting Etienne Capoue's pass, before ex-Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin headed in a second from another Capoue cross, as the Reds looked rattled.

Liverpool had to improve in the second half, and Fabinho put them back in front on aggregate with a shot that went through the legs of Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli in the 62nd minute.

Luis Diaz, whose introduction at half time changed the game after he replaced Diogo Jota, restored Liverpool's two-goal aggregate advantage with a header at the back post.

Sadio Mane secured Liverpool's place in their third Champions League final in five seasons with a third goal, after taking the ball around Rulli. Villarreal ended the game with 10 men, with Capoue sent off late on for two bookable offences.

The Reds will play either Manchester City or Real Madrid at the

Villarreal's performance in their 2-0 loss at Anfield led one English radio pundit to call the Spanish side a "disgrace", and "pathetic", despite an incredible run that had seen them eliminate former winners Juventus and Bayern Munich in the previous two rounds.

However, Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp knew the tie was not over, and warned his side they "would have to be prepared to suffer" in the second leg. And suffer they did in arguably Liverpool's worst half of football this season, with passes misplaced, errors made, and the side looking uncharacteristically vulnerable. They made the worst possible start, conceding after only three minutes.

Pervis Estupinan, who scored an own goal at Anfield, provided a cross which was pulled back by Capoue, and Dia, inside the six-yard box, reacted quickest to convert from close range.

Dani Parejo shot just wide, and Gerard Moreno had an effort blocked, before Villarreal, seventh in La Liga and managed by ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery, made it 2-2 on aggregate, thanks to Coquelin's fine header.

Liverpool had to improve in the second half, and Trent Alexander-Arnold's shot hit the crossbar after taking a huge deflection off Coquelin.

But the breakthrough came with Fabinho's strike, and that led to a capitulation from Villarreal, who conceded three times in a 12-minute spell.

Diaz headed in Alexander-Arnold's cross to give the visitors some breathing space, before a rash decision from Rulli saw him sprint off the line, with Mane getting there first and finishing into an unguarded goal.

This is the 10th time that Liverpool have reached the final of the European Cup or Champions League, as they aim to become European champions for a seventh time after successes in 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019. (BBC Sport)

side for four more. He continued to target the off-side boundary, and the big over came when Sangwan returned as soon as the powerplay ended.

Rajapaksa heaved Sangwan for two fours in two balls, before Shikhar unleashed another upper cut to make it a 15-run over and reduce the equation to a comfortable 86 off 78.

Dhawan, Livingstone give NRR a boost The situation was such that Kings could have cautiously seen through Rashid's spell and still won. Shikhar was happy to rotate the strike, until Lockie Ferguson returned for an eventful over. Shikhar brought up his 47th IPL fifty, and Rajapaksa was trapped lbw a ball after, as he tried to flick one, but the top edge went very fine, for a six.

With 47 needed off 48, Kings sent in Livingstone, who came into his element when 27 were needed off 30. He needed just six balls for those runs; three sixes in a row included the biggest of this IPL and a top edge nearly over the Shikhar keeper's head, followed by a pull for four, a double Dhawan to the leg side off a yorker, and a one-bounce four scored an to third man, which meant he was unbeaten on 30 unbeaten 62 off just 10. (Cricinfo)

NBA Roundup…

Ayton and Booker lead Phoenix to decisive Game 1 win

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he Phoenix Suns were at their offensive best in their 121-114 Game 1 win against the Dallas Mavericks.

Led by center Deandre Ayton, who had 19 of his 25 points in the first half, the Suns scored 35 in the first quarter and 34 in the second, to lead 69-56 at the long break.

The only thing that kept the Mavericks in the game was superstar Luka Doncic, who had 26 first-half points on his way to 45 on 15-of-30 shooting, while grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out eight assists.

The Dallas defence was much improved after half-time, but they struggled to cut into the lead, as Devin Booker kept things ticking on his way to 23 points with some cold shooting late, bringing his figures to seven-of-20 from the field with nine rebounds and eight assists.

Cameron Johnson also chipped in with a playoff career-high 17 points off the bench in 24 productive minutes.

With a 16-point lead heading into the last frame, the Suns moved their perfect record to 51-0 this season when leading after three quarters, with only some too-little-too-late shot-making cutting the final margin to a respectable deficit.

Dallas will need much more out of guard Jalen Brunson on the attacking end to keep up with the powerful Suns’ offence as this series moves forward, finishing six-of-16 from the field for his 13 points, with eight of those points coming in the last quarter, when the game was essentially decided.

76ers go cold against Heat

A dominant second half saw the Miami Heat pull away for a 106-92 Game 1 home victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.

It was a great start for the Heat, jumping out to a 25-11 lead, but a strong Philly fightback in the second quarter gave the road team a 51-50 advantage heading into half-time, as James Harden put through his 12th point.

Harden scored only four points in the second half, which was indicative of how it went for the 76ers as the Heat raised their defence to another level in the third period.

Miami outscored the visitors 56-41 after halftime, as Tyler Herro led the way with 25 points off the bench on nine-of-17 shooting, adding seven assists.

It was also a strong scoring game for Bam Adebayo, who shot eightfor-10 for his 24 points, with 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a blocked shot.

Tobias Harris was the shining light for the 76ers, battling hard on both ends to finish with 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting, and was a big reason for Jimmy Butler's poor performance, which saw the Heat star not play a minute in the fourth quarter. (Sportsmax)

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CM Taffin Khan wins 2nd GAICO Grand Prix chess tournament

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andidate Master Taffin Khan has again proven his skill over the board by winning the second GAICOsponsored Grand Prix chess tournament. Khan won seven of his eight matches, with his only draw being against Loris Nathoo, who came in second place.

Renowned in the chess community for his very solid play, Loris Nathoo did not disappoint. He and Taffin Khan played the opening and middle game well, with Khan attempting to force Nathoo to make inaccuracies and mistakes. Nathoo held strong, and the two traded down to a draw. Nathoo won five and drew three of his matches, finishing the tournament on 6.5 points to win the secondplace trophy.

In third place was FIDE Master Anthony Drayton with 5.5 points, having lost to Taffin Khan and drawn his game with Loris Nathoo.

During the second round of the tournament, Drayton was defeated by veteran player Errol Tiwari, the Stabroek News columnist.

The opening was played with minor inaccuracies from Tiwari, giving Drayton a considerable positional edge. Disaster struck when Drayton blundered his queen to Tiwari, turning the tide completely in Tiwari's favour.

Drayton resigned the game immediately afterwards.

Tiwari was later defeated by Roberto Neto.

Frankie Farley played against Loris Nathoo in round 6. The two solid players began their openings with

little to no errors, but with little to no extravagance at the same time. The position eventually became closed, a wall of pawns blocking any real intrusion into the position.

However, a seemingly innocent trade of pieces was offered by Nathoo, and Farley accepted. As a result, the

the odds were in DaSilva's favour. The opening was sharp, as DaSilva gambited a pawn for a devasting attack, but Lam's defence appeared to be sharper. DaSilva quickly lost steam in his attack, and now entered into a poor middle game. In an attempt to draw, DaSilva closed the position defensively, but

Taffin Khan receiving his trophy from GAICO Company Secretary Marcia Lee

position erupted with life, as Nathoo's pieces stormed across half the board, while Farley's were left on the farther end, away from the action.

The innocent trade was devastating for Farley, as 10 moves later led to a forced checkmate by Nathoo, who claimed victory 3 moves later.

A clash between the older, more experienced player Justino DaSilva and rising star 14-year-old Pooja Lam in round 5 indicated that

after reorganising her forces, Lam broke through and began claiming the advantage gifted to her by her opponent. The game ended as swiftly as it started, as Lam's advantage snowballed, inducing a resignation from DaSilva, marking a glorious day in her promising chess career as a female junior chess player.

Women’s Champion Sasha Shariff (5 points) took away the trophy for ‘best female player in the tournament’.

The trophy for ‘best junior

female’ went to Pooja Lam (4.5 points). Jessica Callender (5 points) received the trophy for ‘the best U20 player in the Grand Prix’.

Medals for 4th to 10th places were also awarded to Roberto Neto, Errol

Canada Cup 1 softball extravaganza…

OTSCL President Azeem Khan confident of hosting tourney

…Top Guyanese players to showcase talents

Andrews Supermarket backs Magnum Futsal Cup

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Supervisor at Andrews Supermarket Sherryann Hoyte handing over the sponsorship to the Magnum Futsal organiser Edison Jefford yesterday

he Andrews Supermarket at 860 Aubrey Barker Road in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown has supported the Magnum Independence Futsal Cup with a timely presentation.

The Futsal tournament began last Sunday (April 24), and has already witnessed a few shockers from the best in the Futsal business around Guyana. With several match days to go, the donation from Andrews Supermarket is most timely as the tournament intensifies.

"Andrews Supermarket

is proud to be associated with an event that is geared toward grassroots sports and giving youth an alternative to demonstrate their ability in football. We continue to applaud Jefford and the organisers of this event for coming up with activities to positively impact the lives of young people,” a statement from the entity explained.

Tournament Organiser Edison Jefford was more than happy to receive the Andrews support, and has praised the Supermarket’s involvement in the development of sport.

"I want to thank Andrews Supermarket for their continued support. We believe that without such support we could not host this event, and we are heartened that the corporate leaders such as Andrews still understand their role in participating in the development of sport at all levels. We sincerely hope that this example will be followed throughout Guyana,” Jefford shared.

The Magnum Futsal organizer added, "I want to thank all stakeholders for making this event possible, including The National Parks Commission, Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Guyana Football Federation.”

The Magnum Independence Cup continues tomorrow night (Thursday, May 5) at the National Park with the Round of 16 Playoffs and with the Quarterfinals on Saturday (May 7). The tournament concludes on May 21st at the same venue, and the winner would pocket $700,000 while the team placing second takes home $400,000 and the ones placing third and fourth would receive $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Tiwari, Sasha Shariff, Jessica Callender, Jarell Troyer, Pooja Lam and Frankie Farley respectively.

A total of 27 players competed in the 4-day tournament. Notably, five local junior players have

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Azeem Khan

resident of the Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League (OTSCL), Azeem Khan, is confident that this year’s “Canada Cup 1” threeday softball extravaganza billed for September 2-4 would be successfully staged.

The Canada Cup has been rebranded after the three previous tournaments were held under the Toronto Cup, hosted by the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC).

A Guyanese based in Canada, Khan, who also served in the same capacity for the OMSCC, has said he is expecting teams from Guyana, Florida, Orlando, New York and Canada to participate.

“I [am] confident of us running off a great tournament; it will be the Labour Day long weekend in Canada and we want to make it an exciting event as well,” Khan related.

Mentioning that this tournament would be played in three categories: Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over40) and the All-Stars, Khan

declared that Canada Cup 1 has an organising committee set up to run the affairs of the tournament, and three former OMSCC members have already committed to serve. They are: Feisal Bacchus, Dickey Singh and veteran Sports Journalist Frederick Halley.

“This will be a huge softball tournament,” he declared.

“Recently, I was in Florida, at the Florida Cup three-day softball tournament held by the Florida Softball Cricket League, and what I saw there was tremendous. Those players showed great love for softball cricket, especially playing in this kind of competition. We will continue to run the Canada Cup on a two-year basis,” Khan commented.

Khan said OTSCL would work in collaboration with other functional softball cricket leagues across the Greater Toronto Area to make the tournament a success, because he feels the entire cricketing fraternity should be involved.

The tournaments that were played in 2015, 2017 and 2019 had seen Guyanese businessman Ramesh Sunich sponsoring a large number of trophies, and he has already expressed his interest in making a similar donation.

A large number of highprofile softball players are expected to be on show.

Among them are former Guyana first-class cricketers Sunil Dhaniram, Zaheer Haniff, Damodar Daesrath, Azib Ali Hanif, Hemnarine Chattergoon, Dillon Heyliger, Rovendra Mandolall, Eion Katchay, Naresh Roopnarine and Troy Gobin.

The top 10 winners

made the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE’s) “rated players list” as at May 1st, 2022. Those players are: Junior Champion Ricardo Narine, Ronan Lee, Oluwadare Oyeyipo, Jessica Callender and Pooja Lam. The national qualifier tournaments for the Open category and Women’s category will be held this weekend, May 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th, at the National Stadium at Providence.

Interested persons can register only on guyanachess. org. The deadline for registration is May 6th at 5pm.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Nicholas Pooran appointed West Indies white-ball captain T20I teams after being Pollard’s deputy over the last year. The appointment will include the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in October 2023.

Shai Hope has been recommended to stand as vice-

Nicholas Pooran has taken over from Kieron Pollard, who retired earlier this month

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ricket West Indies (CWI) have today confirmed the appointment of Nicholas Pooran as the West Indies Men’s One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) captain, following the international retirement of Kieron Pollard.

Pooran takes over captaincy of the West Indies ODI and

captain of the ODI team.

CWI Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, has said: “We believe Nicholas is ready for the challenge of leading our white ball teams, given his experience, performances, and the respect he has within the playing group.

The Selection Panel believes that

Nicholas has matured as a player, and were impressed with his leadership of both teams when Kieron Pollard had been absent.

The experience he has gathered playing in various franchise leagues around the world was also a factor in the decision to recommend him for the T20 captaincy.”

Pooran has already captained the West Indies Men in Pollard’s absence, leading them to a CG Insurance T20I Series win at home against Australia in 2021.

The left-handed wicketkeeper/ batsman has eight half-centuries and an ODI century to his name.

He has also scored eight T20I half-centuries for the West Indies Senior Men’s Team.

He first burst onto the cricket scene representing the West Indies Under-19 team at the 2014 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, wherein he smashed 303 runs from six matches.

CWI President Ricky Skerritt congratulated Pooran on his appointment, saying: “Nicholas Pooran is a specially gifted cricketer, and the right person to take over the white ball captaincy. We are confident that he will continue to climb the leadership learning curve speedily and successfully. I appeal to all West Indies cricket stakeholders to give Nicholas the support

and encouragement that he deserves.”

Pooran has expressed delight at his appointment by saying, “I am truly honoured to be appointed captain of the West Indies Team. I am following in the footsteps of several giants of the game, who have created an

BFA President, Alden Marslowe

UDFA President, Wanewright Bethune

EBFA General Secretary, Clayton Lambert

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) announced last week the return of consistent, competitive football on a regional scale. Several leagues will be spearheaded by the Regional Member Associations (RMA), with logistical and material support from the GFF. It goes without question that the RMAs, their leaders and members have jumped at the announcement, being eager to get back in the game. At last Friday’s launch, several heads of Guyana’s 9 RMAs shared their elation at the development, one of those heads being Bartica Football Association (BFA) President Alden Marslowe.

“The return to play is, for me, one of the greatest announcements that this country has had in two years. The return to play for this great sport means that the 100,000+youths across this country who want to play football can breathe again,” Marslowe said during his time with the mic on Friday last.

“I applaud the vision of the Guyana Football Federation because, even though those two years (had seen) a global pandemic, the Guyana Football Federation was not resting (and) did not stop breathing,” Marslowe has said.

Taking into account the dire situation in football before implementation of the Members’ Financial Assistance Programme (MFAP), Marslowe encouraged his

fellow RMAs to now utilise their resources free of excuses.

The BFA President explained, “Regional Associations were able, and continue to receive, cash money, actual money that can be used for the development of football. Regional Associations received, and continue to receive, gears, equipment and administrative support, capacitybuilding, and the list goes on.

“Now that football can breathe again, I encourage our colleagues from across the 9 Regional Members Associations to make full use of these resources that are being provided by the Guyana Football Federation; I see no need for excuses anymore,” Marslowe went on to add.

General Secretary of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Clayton Lambert, also likewise encouraged his colleagues to make use of the resources presented, while sharing admirable words for the GFF. Lambert related, “We were about two years at home, no football. All the children around the place, nothing to do, but then one day it came and we heard about the return to play. What a pleasant day that was!

“To crown it off, we didn’t just return to play, we returned to play with great support from the GFF! If we should all grasp it and run with it (the opportunity), I don’t think there’s any way that we can go

wrong.”

The EBFA General Secretary went on to urge, “Let us all grab this opportunity, and don’t let it fall on the wayside. Football can only get better with this kind of support.”

Describing how much the GFF’s supports augurs for the development of the sport was Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) President Wanewright Bethune, who highlighted that the move is an unprecedented one.

Bethune shared, “I’m very delighted to be here. Delighted and impressed because, for my years of involvement in football, I’ve never seen a collaborative effort steered by the parent body to have all Associations together to launch a league that will start simultaneously. This only breeds good for football.”

The UDFA boss continued, “Irrespective of the challenges we know we have in the various Associations, like Mr. Shabazz said, like that little bird, it thinks if we continue to push and do what we can do, it shows that Guyana football can only get better.”

The Regional Member Associations (RMA) have received equipment and other resources from the GFF, and are scheduled to commence 4 leagues during the month of May, 2022, signalling the full return of competitive local football. (Jemima Holmes)

T

things on the field for our fans and loyal supporters.”

His first outing as captain will be the three away ODIs against The Netherlands in Amstelveen, starting on May 31.

Those matches form part of the ICC World Cup Super League.

(Windies Cricket)

LGC grateful to Banks DIH for sponsorship … “We are beginning to plan and detail our summer camp for kids,” says LGC Secretary

Action in the recently concluded kids’ fun day

By Timothy Jaikarran

T RMAs receptive of football return, GFF support

amazing legacy for West Indies cricket. This is indeed a prestigious role, a pivotal position in the West Indian society, as cricket is the force that brings…all West Indians together. To be named captain is indeed the highlight of my career so far, and I want to drive the team forward to accomplish great

he Lusignan Golf Club last Saturday hosted the Banks/Smirnoff Vodka Golf tourney, which saw Rohan Albert emerging victorious over the other competitors.

To top it off, the club saw a whopping forty players turn out for the event, despite the weather during the week.

LGC Secretary Chet Bowling has said he is grateful to Banks DIH whom he labelled a friend and partner of the LGC. In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, Bowling was asked his view on the tournament, and he said, “It was a great

tournament. We had forty players, which is an indication of the Banks DIH/Smirnoff Vodka branding. Traditionally, they have always been a friend and partner of the LGC historically, so I think members and friends respect them. It’s nice to see them back, as you know, they were former Guyana Open sponsors, and we’d really like to thank them, as they have put a lot of effort in.”

Bowling reiterated high praise for the beverage giant by noting that, on the field, the tournament was up and down, as it was fiercely contested. He noted that some of the better players did well, while some didn’t, as reflected by the scores.

Bowling also said, “The next big thing for us, apart from our regular weekly tournaments and sponsorships, we are beginning to plan and detail our summer camp for kids. We want to have a robust summer camp for kids, and this is something Banks DIH has helped with in the past, and we (again) look to them for assistance. We are looking forward to the Ministry of Education to get schools involved; so, big plans for the summer,” Bowling posited.

During the month of April, the LGC had hosted the QualiTea Café and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Kids’ Golf Fun Day and Drive, Chip and Putt Competition. The club has noted that, with the inaugural kids’ fun afternoon being a success, road trips to Hopetown in Berbice and Linden in Region 10 are scheduled for later in the summer.

The club has stated that the goal is to provide golf equipment to kids in some of the faraway areas, to enable them to practice the game and learn valuable life’s lessons in the process. By doing this, the club is well on its way to raising the awareness of the sport and nurturing young talent that will prove beneficial in the future.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022

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

appointed West Indies white-ball captain Pg 23

Page 22 Top female players Pooja Lam, Sasha Shariff, Jessica Callender

CM Taffin Khan wins 2nd GAICO Grand Prix chess tournament

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