Guyana Times --Thursday, May 5, 2022

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Issue No. 4999

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

President Ali hails ancestral contributions to nation-building on Arrival Day …PNCR makes call for day to be recognised as Indian Arrival Day See story on page 3

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Guyana most exciting investment destination – GOGEC President Czech Republic seeking PAC probes closer economic millions cooperation with Guyana spent on unaccountedfor drugs under APNU/ AFC Govt …$60.4M spent, but $4.1M Page 22

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…air services agreement on horizon as Guyana accredits new Nigerian Ambassador cannot be traced in Region 3

Corentyne River Bridge

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Contract signed for preliminary studies; EoIs for construction launched

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Security firms warned against using sirens, flashing lights P on roadways 14 …companies in breach of law will have licences revoked – Minister

P Man nabbed 18 after ‘selling’ gun, ammo to undercover cop

'High' cases of rape recorded in Regions 1,8 P18 P8 3 men arrested for sale of drugs in schools

Supplier charged for selling fake HIV test kits to Govt freed P20

Arrival Day signifies mixture of all peoples who came P16 to Guyana – &17 Indian High Commissioner

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, May 5 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, May 6 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

President Ali hails ancestral contributions to nation-building on Arrival Day …PNCR makes call for day to be recognised as Indian Arrival Day and honouring the legacy of those who came and those who were here before them!”

President Ali said.

Thursday, May 5 – 06:05h-07:35h and Friday, May 6 – 06:45h-08:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

PNC/R

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers are expected during the day and into the night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:43h and 19:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.52 metres and 2.33 metres.

Low Tide: 12:47h reaching a minimum height of 0.71 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Crude Oil

$110.50/barrel

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$310.914/ton

London Sugar

$516.70/ton

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$1900.80

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$1860.80 +18.50

$1904.80 +0.98%

President Dr Irfaan Ali

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has hailed ancestral contributions to nation building made by the first Indian immigrants to land on Guyana’s shores, as Guyana today celebrates Arrival Day. In his message for today’s observances, the President extended Arrival Day greetings to all, and lauded the achievements of these immigrants who contributed to the collective effort to build Guyana and agitated for the country’s freedom.

“Arrival Day celebrates Guyana’s multicultural heritage. The immigrants who arrived added to the country’s cultural diversity. Their cultural imprint is evident in their religions, festivals, folklores, dress, music, dance, food, values and traditions.

Many countries have struggled with the challenges of multiculturalism.

“Guyana, however, stands as a proud example of how persons from diverse ethnic backgrounds can coexist in harmony, cooperate for the common good, and respect one another. We must work to preserve this legacy,” President Ali has said.

Referencing his “One Guyana” initiative, the President noted that the initiative he launched is aimed at celebrating Guyana’s diversity. According to him, it affirms that Guyana is a multicultural society, and also aims to promote greater mutual respect and cooperation among Guyanese.

“The 5th May each year is also observed nationally as Indian Arrival Day. This year marks the 184th anniversary of the arrival to our shores of the first batch of Indian indentured immigrants. In the ensuing years, more 240,000 Indians made the long and arduous journey by ship to the colony of British Guiana.

“Most remained and planted roots in our land.

Indian indentured immigrants transformed the human, physical, economic, social and cultural landscape of our country. Indian indentured immigrants helped to sustain the sugar industry,

diversify economic activities, and contributed to the struggle for freedom and improved living and working conditions,” the President said.

He noted that, today, the descendants of these immigrants continue to make positive contributions in all facets of national development.

Thus, he noted the historical and national importance of Indian Arrival Day. “On this Arrival Day, let us all move forward as a united country, mindful that each of our various peoples has a claim on national development and an entitlement to share in the great bounty which the future promises.

“Let us commit to living as brothers and sisters in peace, harmony and goodwill, knowing that in doing so we will be preserving

Meanwhile, the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), in its statement on occasion of the day, issued a call for the day to be rebranded as Indian Arrival Day…a call that comes despite the fact that under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), no effort was made to change the day.

In fact, former President David Granger signed into law orders creating Chinese Arrival Day (January 12) and Portuguese Arrival Day (February 27), while studiously avoiding renaming Arrival Day as Indian Arrival Day. In its statement, the PNC/R acknowledged the need for separate arrival days for people to celebrate their distinct cultural identities. According to that party, it has chosen the theme “Safeguarding and Building on our rich heritage” for this year’s observances.

“Designating May 5th as Indian Arrival Day also respects the historic fact that the date specifically marks the arrival of the first Indian Indentured labourers to these shores. May 5th therefore should be wholly devoted to celebrating the valu-

able contribution that our East Indian brothers and sisters have made to the development of our country and the shaping of its rich cultural tapestry.

“Separate Arrival Days for Guyanese of Indian, Portuguese, and Chinese descent; a Heritage Month for Guyanese of Amerindian descent; and Emancipation Day for Guyanese of African descent should all be seen as occasions to celebrate our distinct ethnic identities and cultural expressions, while at the same time embracing our unity in diversity, our mutual respect, our common understandings, and our shared destiny,” the party also said.

According to the Opposition party, the untiring efforts and sacrifices of these ancestors must be saluted. And while more work remains to be done in the quest for a “perfect nation”, the PNC/R noted, Arrival Day presents an opportunity to recommit to that task.

The existence of “Arrival Day” as a public holiday stems from a 2003 parliamentary process whereby a Special Select Parliamentary Committee was tasked with considering the date of May 5 to commemorate Indian Arrival Day. It has been speculated that naming the day “Arrival Day” was originally done in the hopes of promoting inclusion of other groups of indentured servants. (G3)

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 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

Indian Arrival Day

T

oday is Indian Arrival Day. One hundred and eighty-four years ago, two ships – the Whitby and the Hesperus, which had left the port of Calcutta more than two weeks apart – serendipitously arrived off port Georgetown on the same day, May 5th, 1838. The receiving depot was not ready to process them, so the Whitby was sent to Plantation Highbury, up the Berbice River, to disgorge some of its human cargo. The first Indians set foot on Guyana soil – and in fact in the entire Western Hemisphere – in Berbice.

The arrival of Indians to the then colony of British Guiana was a momentous occasion, one that would irremediably alter the trajectory of its social, economic, cultural and political development.

Socially, the society was already “plural”, with the freed African ex-slaves and Portuguese (brought in since 1835) adding to the white planters, overseers and Government officials. There were also the Indigenous Peoples sequestered in the interior, and a “Coloured” strata issuing from the miscegenation between the white planters/overseers and African slave women. They formed a buffer zone between whites and blacks.

The Indians, however, with their vast numbers pouring in for the next 79 years, qualitatively altered the nature of the society; but it was economically that the Indians had their greatest impact. Even before the abolition of slavery, the planters were petrified at the prospects of sugar’s survival in a post-slavery economy in light of the vast tracts of land that were available for the freed slaves to occupy and make their own “living”. And it was this fear at the loss of a stable labour force that drove them to reintroduce “indentured” labour into the industry. In many of the small West Indian islands, there was not even the transitional “apprenticeship” scheme for the freed slaves: they had nowhere to go, but return to the cane fields. In fact, over 30,000 of them would be enticed to emigrate to British Guiana, since the conditions here were better.

But the planters had to also cater for the loss of their preferential British market. In addition to a stable work force, they needed a cheap one; and this was where the Indians’ greatest economic impact was felt. While the Portuguese and the Chinese (who arrival in 1853) quickly abandoned the sugar fields at the expiration of their indentureship, the Indians stayed on and facilitated more than a doubling of the production of sugar than in the heyday of slavery.

But how could the Indians survive on wages that the ex-slaves, Portuguese and Chinese balked at?

They supplemented their meagre sugar wages by cultivating rice on swampy lands leased or bought from the plantations, and by planting cash crops and rearing cattle to sell their milk. These endeavours, in time, became substantial industries on their own, and lowered the cost of living for the entire colony.

Culturally, the Indians’ different practices from the “Creole culture”, which had evolved between the African slaves and the white ruling class over hundreds of years, served the interest of the planters, since it helped to nip any ties that might be formed with the freed Africans who remained on the plantations.

Interestingly, most of the latter were the small-island immigrants, who were all dubbed “Bajans”.

Reflect on valiant efforts of ancestors to be inspired, better able to value gains – PPP T he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Arrival Day, observed today, May 5. It is a day of much significance to our country and all of its people, as it brings into focus the invaluable contributions of our ancestors who came to these shores from various parts of the world. It is also a day to commemorate their arrival and monumental achievements.

Arrival Day also affords us the opportunity to be imbued with a tremendous sense of pride, and

reflect on the selfless and invaluable contributions our ancestors and their descendants made to the development of our nation.

Their untold sacrifices and resoluteness, which must not be allowed to be forgotten, led to the building of a strong nation and improved standards of living for future generations.

The determined efforts of our ancestors, despite the hardships they faced, to remain steadfast and preserve their cultural traditions have led to the creation of a rich and colourful mosaic, which is our multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural

Guyana. This diversity has become our hallmark.

As we all observe this day, our Party urges reflection on the valiant efforts of our ancestors, so that we can all continue to be inspired and be better able to contextualise the value of our gains.

Inspired by the sacrifices and achievements of our ancestors, we must remain determined to build upon the gains that have been made, to: ensure that our country remains a place for all of its sons and daughters; safeguard our hardwon freedoms; ensure that peace is not compromised, and ensure that the safety

of our people is paramount.

Recognising the value of the gains we have made to date, we must continue to work together as one people to further advance the development of our nation for the betterment of all Guyanese.

Our Party would also like to commend all who have worked steadfastly over the years, as well as those who continue to do so, on the promotion of activities designed to foster greater awareness and preservation of our history, values, and cultural traditions.

Happy Arrival Day to all!

East Indians still act as a bridge between Guyana and India – High Commissioner

N

amaste. Greetings from the High Commission of

India.

On behalf of the Government and people of India, I extend my best wishes to all Guyanese and friends of Guyana on the occasion of Arrival Day. The histories of all nations contain certain significant junctures which point to a reshaping and a transformation of society.

For Guyana, one of those junctures was the arrival of the ship Whitby into then British Guiana 184 years ago from the port of Calcutta. It was on this day in 1838 that the first group of Indian Immigrants, as Indentured labour, set foot on this land at Highbury, on the Berbice River, to work on the sugar plantations. Thus 5th May is a very important day in the history of Guyana, and is celebrated as Arrival Day because the arrival in Guyana from India substantially changed the course of Guyana’s history. It is also an important day for the Indo-Guyana bilateral relations, as the cultural linkages brought in by the East Indians still act as a bridge between Guyana and India.

Arrival Day is a celebration of a nation carved out of the meetings of many worlds and cultures,

and we commemorate the arrival of the many peoples who came to these shores. Ancestors of present-day Guyanese came from various parts of the world: Europe, Africa and Asia, and those who came met the Indigenous people.

History informs us that not all came freely and of their own volition; some were forcibly brought here, and others were lured by the promise of a better life and opportunities. In the case of the indentured labourers from India, historians tell us that, for varying reasons, these men and women left the familiarity of their homes in the pursuit of the promise of a better future. Their arrival brought in new traditions, a new language, and new ways of thinking. The preservation of their customs enabled those pioneers to cope with the arduous journey across the seas, and the daily rigors associated with the harsh realities of life on the estates. Whether they came as slaves or as indentured labourers, they all had to endure the indignity of a cruel system.

These challenging conditions were met with great persistence and a determination to succeed.

The outcome of these efforts is evident today, and has been woven into the

fabric of the identity of Guyana, where it continues to make an indelible mark in Guyana’s national development. This country has always benefited from the rich heritage and diversity of the experiences of its people. Those very experiences enable us to transcend societal and economic differences.

As we are all aware, Indian religious rituals, cuisine, customs and traditions have indeed enriched the country’s cultural mosaic. Indian enterprise diversified the local economy. Indian descendants ventured successfully into politics, and were active in social organisations and in sport. Indians have achieved prominence in all aspects of national life.

They cultivated respectful relations with other races, and in so doing fostered the development of a more cohesive nation. They are an integral part of the political system, and, together with other ethnic groups, contributed to the evolution of Guyana’s demography, economy and society.

It is fascinating to note that, so many years after the arrival of the last ship in 1917, the desire for the exchange of ideas and economic cooperation persists. It is my hope that the cultural ties that this

nation shares with India would facilitate a deeper understanding and collaboration at the global level.

We would continue to work together toward mutual benefits and closer ties.

It is in consideration of all of these things that today’s celebrations have taken on a renewed and more potent significance.

Let us continue to be encouraged by the sacrifice and bravery of the people who helped to shape this nation.

Today we pay our humble tributes to the contribution of all those who came to Guyana, either as slaves or as indentured immigrants, or as volunteers, and their descendants.

Arrival Day is a time to celebrate the diversity spawned by the many peoples that came. It is a time to recognise how privileged the nation is to be a nation of so many cultures, each adding richness and value to the national tapestry.

It is time to reaffirm your commitment to Guyana, so that it can continue to traverse along the road of peace, unity and progress.

I once again wish all of you a very happy and safe Arrival Day. God bless you all. Long live the GuyanaIndia partnership.

High Commissioner of India Dr KJ Srinivasa

guyanatimesgy.com

The first Indian Arrivals

By Guyana Indentured Ancestry Association

The Whitby was 437 tons, length 99.5 ft; beam 24ft, 7ins, depth of hold 19ft 9ins.

The 249 Girmitiyas had to sleep on the deck between the mid and first masts. Five died.

The Hesperus was smaller at 334 tons*, and left with 165 Girmitiyas, of whom 13 died, mostly from cholera.

The Whitby left Calcutta on Jan 13, 1838 and the Hesperus on Jan 29, 1838, but both arrived off Georgetown on May 5, 1838.

The Whitby went directly to Berbice, and, on the same day, discharged 164 Girmitiyas: Pln. Highbury, EBB: 108 men, 3 women, 6 children Pln. Waterloo, EBB: 47 men.

It returned to Demerara and landed the remaining 80 Girmitiyas between May 14 - 16 Pln Bell Vue, WBD: 78 men and 2 women The Hesperus landed its Girmitiyas between May 8-10 to: Pln Vreedenstein. WCD: Men 31 Pln. Vreed en Hoop. WCD: Men 65. Women 3.

Children 4 Anna Regina Essequibo: Men 41. Women 3; Children 7

DID YOU KNOW? By the end of their 5-year indenture in 1843, of the 396 who arrived, 98 had died.

236 returned to India (206 men, 12 women, 14 boys and 4 girls) in the Louisa Braille and Water Ditch.

60 chose to remain in Guyana to became the first Girmitiya “Indian Guyanese”.

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

PNCR joins call for Arrival Day to be redesignated, celebrated as Indian Arrival Day

T

he PNCR extends best wishes to the entire Guyanese nation on the occasion of Arrival Day 2022. For this year’s observances, the PNCR has chosen the theme “Safeguarding and building on our rich heritage.”

May 5th has been designated as the special occasion when we pay homage to the arrival of Indentured workers to these shores, regardless of their origin. It also marks the anniversary of the arrival of our East Indian ancestors on this day in 1838.

The arrival of these various Guyanese ancestors has added to the multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural magnificence of Guyana. This rich diversity is today rooted and given unity in our shared experiences, shared goals, and shared destiny as One Nation.

The untiring efforts and enormous sacrifices of these ancestors have helped to build a nation that today we are proud to call home, that we are ready to represent and defend, and that we are willing to keep building.

True, much more work remains to be done as we today undertake, in the words of the preamble of Guyana’s Constitution, “our collective quest for a perfect nation.”

Arrival Day therefore should cause us to recommit to the charge in the very preamble to “safeguard and build on the rich heritage, won through tireless struggle, bequeathed us by our forebears.”

To strengthen national integration and social cohesion by according due respect and recognition to the various ethnic groups in our multicultural society, the former Leader of the PNCR, and former President of Guyana, David Granger, issued two public notices: (i) on February 27, 2017, he designated May 3rd each year as Portuguese Arrival Day; and (ii) on January 6, 2017, he designated January 12th each year as Chinese Arrival Day. Given these changed circumstances surrounding the original purpose of Arrival Day - coupled with the fact that Guyanese of African and Amerindian origins have designated days or months to celebrate their distinct heritages - the PNCR hereby joins the call for the May 5th observances to be officially recognised henceforth as Indian Arrival Day. Designating May 5th as Indian Arrival Day also re-

spects the historic fact that the date specifically marks the arrival of the first Indian Indentured labourers to these shores. May 5th therefore should be wholly devoted to celebrating the valuable contribution that our East Indian brothers and sisters have made to the development of our country and the shaping of its rich cultural tapestry.

Separate arrival days for Guyanese of Indian, Portuguese, and Chinese descent; a Heritage Month for Guyanese of Amerindian descent; and Emancipation Day for Guyanese of African descent should all be seen as occasions to celebrate our distinct ethnic identities and cultural expressions, while at the same time embracing our unity in diversity, our mutual respect, our common understandings, and our shared destiny.

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We celebrate enrichment of diversity Arrival Day embodies – ERC

T

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends greetings to all Guyanese on the observance of Arrival Day 2022.

Arrival Day commemorates the arrival, at different historical points, of numerous indentured servants in a hodgepodge of diverse cultures to replace slave labour on the sugar plantations.

The role of the colonial power, without argument, was responsible for facilitating a labour supply made up of different faces, who made unique contributions.

The ERC reiterates the need for Guyanese of all ethnicities to remember their history, which has irreversibly shaped our country.

Today we celebrate the enrichment of diversity that Arrival Day embodies in the shaping of modern

Guyana.

Arrival Day is most significant for what it represents in the context of the multi-faceted mosaic it created, and for which our country is known. We are multi-ethnic as a result of the untold sacrifices, desires, and steadfastness of our ancestors to practise and preserve their rich and colourful cultural traditions. As One Guyana, it is evident that many participate meaningfully in each other’s festivities, which have become truly national observances.

Over time, that rich, beautiful, and vibrant diversity has become our strength and common bond in the process of becoming one people, working towards a common destiny.

Happy Arrival Day to all!

Spare a moment to reflect on the journey, challenges and successes – GAWU on Arrival Day

O

ur rich cultural tapestry is one of the several features that set Guyana apart from many of its contemporaries. As a people, we take great pride in our diversity and the coexistence of our several cultural groupings. It is against this background that the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends best wishes to all Guyanese, both at home and further afield, on the occasion of Arrival Day. This important observance is yet another reminder of what makes Guyana special, and what plays a role in our renowned hospitality and welcoming spirit.

While Arrival Day, May 05 – though largely associated with the arrival of East Indians - reminds us of all indentured immigrants brought to our land, our research advises us that, outside of the East Indians, the Madeiran Portuguese came in May 1835, the Chinese in 1853, as well as a few other ethnicities during that phase of colonialism. We are aware that the colonialists also brought labourers from Malta, Ireland, Germany and England.

Arrival Day also re-

minds us of the reasons for the indentureship system.

The then immigrants, who replaced the emancipated slaves, were made to toil in the fields of the sugar plantations to enrich the foreign owners of the plantations.

Indentured labourers and their families were forced to exist in inhumane and atrocious conditions, and like their compatriots, were forced to engage in several struggles - which gave us several martyrs - in order to bring about small improvements and meagre benefits in their lives and working conditions.

As we observe Arrival Day, the GAWU is constrained to remind that our unique culture has a common thread in the sugar industry. It is that historical industry which binds a great lot of our peoples.

We remind as well that it is the very industry on which modern Guyana is built through the labours of many of our peoples.

As Arrival Day is once again commemorated, we remain saddened over the affairs of this important industry. At this time, a legacy of mismanagement has invoked severe setbacks and undue pains. Though we recog-

nise and appreciate efforts to breathe new life into the industry, we remain concerned over the seeming inability of the current managerial cadre to grasp the situation inherited.

We harbour apprehension, as we consider data which demonstrates not a welcome direction.

Critically, given the linkages between Arrival Day and sugar, we urge the need to strengthen the current management with skilled and capable personnel. We believe this would be an appropriate tribute to those who toiled in the fields and factories, and on whose contributions we proudly stand today.

As we celebrate Arrival Day, the GAWU urges all Guyanese to spare a moment to reflect on how far, as a people, we have come, the challenges we overcame, and the successes we have recorded. At this time, when we ought to be looking to reach new and higher plateaus, we see concerted efforts that would very likely reverse much of the progress we have made, and rightly can take pride in. Let us resist such efforts, and get back on the development track.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

I

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

Materials:

Flour Corn syrup Sugar Measuring spoons Red food colouring 2 glasses

Instructions:

ACT II SCENE I. Another part of the island.

Enter ALONSO, SEBASTIAN, ANTONIO, GONZALO, ADRIAN, FRANCISCO, and others GONZALO Beseech you, sir, be merry; you have cause, So have we all, of joy; for our escape Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe Is common; every day some sailor's wife, The masters of some merchant and the merchant Have just our theme of woe; but for the miracle, I mean our preservation, few in millions Can speak like us: then wisely, good sir, weigh Our sorrow with our comfort.

ALONSO Prithee, peace.

SEBASTIAN He receives comfort like cold porridge.

ANTONIO The visitor will not give him o'er so.

SEBASTIAN Look he's winding up the watch of his wit; by and by it will strike.

GONZALO Sir,-SEBASTIAN One: tell.

GONZALO When every grief is entertain'd that's offer'd, Comes to the entertainer-SEBASTIAN A dollar.

longer to pass through into our blood.

Make this a science project:

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

How it works:

Fill each of the glasses halfway full with corn syrup.

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

CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY

will represent blood for our demonstration.

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

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

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

GONZALO Dolour comes to him, indeed: you have spoken truer than you purposed.

SEBASTIAN You have taken it wiselier than I meant you should.

GONZALO Therefore, my lord,-ANTONIO Fie, what a spendthrift is he of his tongue!

ALONSO I prithee, spare.

GONZALO Well, I have done: but yet,-SEBASTIAN He will be talking.

ANTONIO Which, of he or Adrian, for a good wager, first begins to crow?

SEBASTIAN The old cock.

ANTONIO The cockerel.

SEBASTIAN Done. The wager?

ANTONIO A laughter.

SEBASTIAN A match!

ADRIAN Though this island seem to be desert,-SEBASTIAN Ha, ha, ha! So, you're paid.

ADRIAN Uninhabitable and almost inaccessible,-SEBASTIAN Yet,-ADRIAN Yet,-ANTONIO He could not miss't.

ADRIAN

“To teach is to learn twice” – Joseph Joubert

It must needs be of subtle, tender and delicate temperance.

ANTONIO Temperance was a delicate wench.

SEBASTIAN Ay, and a subtle; as he most learnedly delivered.

ADRIAN The air breathes upon us here most sweetly.

SEBASTIAN As if it had lungs and rotten ones.

ANTONIO Or as 'twere perfumed by a fen.

GONZALO Here is everything advantageous to life.

ANTONIO True; save means to live.

SEBASTIAN Of that there's none, or little.

GONZALO How lush and lusty the grass looks! how green!

ANTONIO The ground indeed is tawny.

SEBASTIAN With an eye of green in't.

ANTONIO He misses not much.

SEBASTIAN No; he doth but mistake the truth totally.

GONZALO But the rarity of it is,-which is indeed almost beyond credit,-SEBASTIAN As many vouched rarities are.

GONZALO That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their

freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water.

ANTONIO If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies?

SEBASTIAN Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report GONZALO Methinks our garments are now as fresh as when we put them on first in Afric, at the marriage of the king's fair daughter Claribel to the King of Tunis.

SEBASTIAN 'Twas a sweet marriage, and we prosper well in our return.

ADRIAN Tunis was never graced before with such a paragon to their queen.

GONZALO Not since widow Dido's time.

ANTONIO Widow! a pox o' that!

How came that widow in? widow Dido!

SEBASTIAN What if he had said 'widower AEneas' too? Good Lord, how you take it!

ADRIAN 'Widow Dido' said you? you make me study of that: she was of Carthage, not of Tunis.

GONZALO This Tunis, sir, was Carthage.

ADRIAN Carthage?

GONZALO I assure you, Carthage.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Corentyne River Bridge

Contract signed for preliminary studies; EoIs for construction launched

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and his Surinamese counterpart, Riad Nurmohamed (centre) signing the US$2 million contract with a representative from WSP Caribbean for feasibility studies and research on the Corentyne River Bridge

P

reparatory work is moving apace for the much-anticipated Corentyne River Bridge as a US$2 million contract was signed on Wednesday in Suriname for several preliminary studies and research to be conducted, while a call for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) was simultaneously launched for the construction of the link between the two neighbouring nations.

The Governments of Guyana and Suriname have already decided on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain (DBFOM) model for the Corentyne River Bridge that will be constructed via a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangement. It will have a lifespan of 100 years.

The Corentyne River Bridge will run approximately 3.1 kilometres, connecting Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination will be established.

On Wednesday, subject Minister Juan Edghill led a delegation from the Public Works Ministry to Suriname for the signing of the contract for the feasibility study and

design of the bridge, which he said is a milestone for the project.

He added that the launch of the EoIs was also reflective of not only both Governments’ commitment towards achieving a quality bridge across the Corentyne River as early as possible, but improving the lives of their peoples.

“With the launching of Expressions of Interest today, we hope to invite the best firms from around the world to become involved and engage in the building of the Corentyne Bridge as to advance our joint infrastructure development agenda.

The citizens of Guyana and Suriname must be satisfied that their Governments are committed to the comprehensive development of this space,” Edghill posited.

Development of two nations

The Minister further noted that this bridge was more than just an infrastructure project, but was a physical and social connection between the two countries that cut across various economic sectors.

“It is a vision for the further development of two nations being realised.

Development practitioners

have agreed that bridges are key drivers of economic activity, ensuring the increased efficiency of trade, rapid exchange of ideas and quick access to services for those who need them most,” he stated.

The US$2 million contract for the preliminary studies and research was awarded to WSP Caribbean, which outbid seven other shortlisted and pre-qualified consultancy firms for the project.

All eight shortlisted firms had conducted a site visit last November before submitting their proposals to do the studies for the bridge project.

WSP’s scope of work includes: geo-technical tests and study; topography study; hydraulic, hydrographic and morphologic studies; traffic demand and traffic projects/ forecasts; financial and economic evaluation; PPP evaluation/PPP suitability on DBFOM model; environmental assessment (ESIA scooping report); tender documents for DBFOM model and the preliminary design of bridges and roads.

The contract period is seven months within which all studies and research reports will have to be completed.

Thereafter, it is anticipated that tenders for the con-

struction of the bridge will be out by early next year.

According to Suriname’s Public Works Minister, Riad Nurmohamed, a lot of work has been done to get to this stage and fast-track the Corentyne River Bridge project, which is said can take about two years to be completed depending on the final design.

“You have to take [into consideration] the situation now in the world. Under COVID conditions, it’s not so easy to get things [done] very fast… We hope that before the end of the year we can, perhaps, start with some pre-work. If we have selected a good company in time, [it] can be that we can start earlier; if not; it will be for sure in the beginning of or in the first quarter of 2023,” the Surinamese Minister stated.

Running from Moleson Creek to Long Island, the bridge will be a low-level structure, approximately one kilometre long; with a 2200-metre (2.2 km) road across Long Island and a high bridge, spanning 2100 metre (2.1 km) thereafter.

At the high end of the bridge, which will facilitate marine traffic, it will cater for 40,000 to 45,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) capacity featuring a vertical (height) clearance of 43 metres and a horizonal (width) clearance of about 100 metres.

In addition, both ends of the bridge will have connecting roads.

The prioritisation of the bridge across the Corentyne River has been much touted by both President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

In October 2020, Ministers Edghill and Nurmohamed had visited the site of the proposed Guyana-Suriname river bridge across the Corentyne River.

There were three points of demarcation identified – Moleson Creek, Long Island in the Corentyne River and South Drain in Suriname.

Both Ministers planted flags on the Guyana side of the river and then the Suriname side of the river – where the bridge is to be constructed – as well as on Long Island.

Then in February 2021, the Governments of Guyana and Suriname had invited companies to submit EoIs to provide consultancy services for the conduct of a feasibility study and the preparation of detailed designs for the construction of the bridge.

The Corentyne River bridge will not only link the two neighbouring countries, but also open up access to greater economic opportunities beyond them into French Guiana, and through the road network being developed into Brazil, and eventually further into South America.

Moreover, it is anticipated that Long Island will become an economic hub and free zone that will also see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets.

Edghill was accompanied to Suriname on Wednesday

by Public Works Ministry Permanent Secretary Vladim Persaud, and the Ministry’s Chief Transport Planning Officer, Patrick Thompson.

(G8)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 men arrested for sale of drugs in school

T

hree persons have been arrested for allegedly facilitating the sale of drugs in schools in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). They are Mark Opie, 21; John Lee Edmond, 23; and Okemmey Jervis, 23; and they are all of Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, Lethem, Region Nine. They were held with a parcel of suspected cannabis which had a total weight of 260 grams.

Reports are that, on May 3, officers of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) conducted an operation in the area, and it led to the discovery of a quantity of suspected cannabis. CANU explained that, subsequent to the report surfacing of students selling narcotics in schools in the district, its officers were able to apprehend several individuals who were suspected to be facilitators of these illegal activities.

On May 3, Guyana Times reported that investigations had found that school-aged children in Region Nine were engaged in the sale of illicit drugs. This prompted swift action by Police officers in the division, which has led to the arrest of the adults suspected to be giving the minors narcot-

Arrival...

Y ics to sell. This was revealed

by Regional Division Nine Commander, Superintendent Raphael Rose, during a conversation on policing, community relations, and partnerships in that region.

During a recent Police outreach in the Karasabai District, Commander Rose said, ranks were informed by a teacher of a teen boy being accosted with drugs while at school.

The teenager, he noted, indicated that an adult was giving him the narcotics to sell.

Commander Rose said ranks interviewed the child, and were able to arrest the adult.

There was also a similar case in the Annai District, he revealed, adding that Police had received information about persons selling drugs at the Annai Secondary School. He added, “We received information from the teachers and other persons in the school, and we were able to arrest the adults who gave the children the [narcotics].”

Outreaches

In an effort to fight the drug scourge, Commander Rose said, “We continue to follow up with the schools by keeping daily outreaches with them, sensi-

tising them in many areas, not just drugs alone, but teenage pregnancy… At times, we have reports of teenage pregnancy.”

He said the Police in that division continuously work with schools and all the youths in the region.

To this end, an outreach was recently held at a playground in Lethem, during which Police ranks encouraged youths to do meaningful things with their lives and take part in the Police Force’s training programme. Most of them, Commander Rose said, signalled their intention to join the programme.

…or Indian Arrival?? our Eyewitness - like most of you, dear readers couldn’t help noticing the fervent calls for the present “Arrival Day” public holiday on May 5 to be changed to “Indian Arrival Day”. This has now become an annual ritual - as much as the commemorative events that long predated the approval of the holiday in 2004! But even though the calls are coming from its core constituency, the PPP has steadfastly held on to the decision it made back then!

It was anomalous then, and it remains anomalous now. In the explanatory note to the Bill, the then PPP Govt acknowledged there’d been calls from the INDIAN community for over 4 decades for INDIAN Arrival Day to be a holiday. It also justified its Bill by noting the contributions of the Indian Guyanese to the development of Guyana.

Yet, there it was - the Procrustean clause that restricted the work of the Parliamentary Committee it established to “Arrival Day”!! Which lumps the arrival day of all the other groups of Guyanese who came here as indentured servants - notably, the Portuguese and Chinese!! Not to mention the freed, formerly-enslaved West Indians and “liberated” Africans from West Africa!

Now why would it do this?? Not only does it diss the Indian Guyanese for not recognising their special date of arrival – but it implicitly insults the other groups!! They’re being told their arrival dates must be subsumed within the arrival date of another group!! One reason for this strange decision could possibly be that, in 2003-2004, when the Committee was established and took submissions from the public, the country was embroiled in a virtual civil war, launched by the five escaped convicts. They insisted the PPP was oppressing African Guyanese in favour of Indian Guyanese, and they were African Freedom Fighters!!

Not a good time to seemingly be pandering to Indian Guyanese??!!

Yet there were these calls from its constituency!!! What to do?? Well, they did what they obviously thought was best!! But, 18 years later, has their decision - if that was the reason - addressed concerns about their “favouritism”??

Not from where your Eyewitness sits!! And, most ironically, it was the PNC, after it came into office in 2015, that suggested the way to go. Granger passed executive orders for Portuguese Arrival Day (June 3) and Chinese Arrival Day (Jan 12) to be recognized, but not as public holidays. And observed “Indian Arrival Day”!! The only thing he didn’t do was pass legislation - which he could’ve done - to change the name of the holiday to “Indian Arrival Day”!

So, your Eyewitness humbly adds his voice for the holiday’s name to be changed!! What’s the downside risk politically when the PNC’s signalled it’s for the change?? …of Pegasus spyware??

For “World Press Freedom Day”, the Govt collaborated with the Guyana Press Association to organise an event at the Convention Center. All the media houses displayed their “wares”, and the President delivered the feature address. With the global theme being, “Journalism Under Digital Siege”, obviously UNESCO’s concern was the threat from the now infamous Israeli-made “Pegasus Spyware”.

It’s supposed to be sold only to Governments, cause it’s so sophisticated that, in some instances, you don’t even have to click to allow it into your IOS or Android devices.

There, it works on its own to collect everything you may want to keep private - like passwords, contacts and private texts, and send it to the controller!! Scary, ain’t it?? And there have been numerous instances of countries caught using it!!

However, the local media honed in on our local Cyber Crime legislation - which is completely a horse of another colour (pun intended!! Pegasus?!)

However, President Ali stuck to the subject, and assured that his Govt isn’t into spyware of any stripe!! …of cyber freedom But the GPA’s query is relevant to our local reality. The President pointed out that it was the PNC that passed it over their objections on specific clauses.

The AG’s already signalled they’ll be amending it! So there!

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

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

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PAC probes millions spent on unaccounted-for drugs under APNU/AFC Govt …$60.4M spent, but $4.1M cannot be traced in Region 3

T

he Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday probed millions of dollars that were spent on drugs and medical supplies by the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Administration, but which could not be accounted for at the time of the 2017 Auditor General Report.

Officials from the Region Three administration, in-

cluding Regional Executive Officer (REO) Jagnarine Somwar and his predecessor, Dennis Jaikarran, appeared before the PAC. During the hearing, PAC member Dr Vishwa Mahadeo questioned them on the Auditor General’s findings in his 2017 report.

Mahadeo pointed out that $60.4 million was spent on drugs and medical supplies by the regional admin-

istration. However, voucher examinations revealed that $4.1 million worth in drugs and medical supplies purchased that year could not be traced to the goods received.

Additionally, it was found that nine payment vouchers totalling $10.4 million to purchase drugs and medical supplies could not be located. Thus, these documents were not presented

to the Auditor General for audit.

Dr Mahadeo questioned whether these missing vouchers were ever recovered and what systems were in place, to prevent a reoccurrence. In response, the REO said that some of the vouchers have actually been located.

“We have been able to locate three of those vouchers… (totalling) $9.1 mil-

Region Three REO Dennis Jaikarran

Former Region Three REO Jagnarine Somwar

lion,” the REO explained, to which Dr Mahadeo noted that this meant that $1.3 million in payment vouchers was still outstanding.

According to the REO, they will seek the guidance of the Auditor General’s office.

“At this point in time, what we have now in place is a goods received book in place. Before that, there was no goods received book or if there were, we could not have found it. So, we have that in place. That would have been able to correct the situation from then,” he explained.

It was subsequently clarified by the storekeeper that they were able to locate the full amount in payment vouchers from the sub-treasury. The REO meanwhile explained that based on advice from the Regional Health Officer (RHO) , any request for emergency supplies requires the RHO to make a formal request to the REO through the purchasing department.

Jaikarran was one of several REOs that the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry had given their marching orders , days after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) took office in August of 2020.

Besides Jaikarran, the REOs relieved of duty were Randolph Storm from Region One (BarimaWaini); Ovid Morrison from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); Jennifer Ferreira Dougal from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Kim StephenWilliams from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Carl Parker from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Orrin Gordon from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

At the time, Minister Nigel Dharamlall had said that “the Ministry lost confidence in their ability to perform. Their deportment was inimical to the effective and efficient functioning of the regions they managed.

Moreover, they practised heavy partisan politics…

They were void of professionalism and impartiality”.

(G3)

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14 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 5,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Security firms warned against using sirens, flashing lights on roadways

…companies in breach of law will have licences revoked – Minister

Seated in front row, from left: Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram; former Commissioner of Police, Leroy Brummell; acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, and acting Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Ravindradat Budhram. Standing are proprietors and representatives of the private security services

T

raffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram has made it clear that the use of sirens and flashing lights on security vehicles was not authorised to get through traffic or clear the roadway for right-of-way.

Superintendent Ashram was at the time speaking to heads and representatives of private security firms at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Georgetown during a meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting was facilitat-

ed to identify issues and concerns and offer suggestions related to security, especially now that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is encouraging collaboration through very structured and developmental approaches.

Ashram, in his address, made it clear that security vehicles were not categorised as “emergency vehicles”, adding that only vehicles from the GPF and Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and ambulances were considered as emergency transport vehicles.

As such, he said that the private security services would need to comply with road rules and regulations, and not have sirens or flashing lights on their vehicles.

If caught with such, Ashram said, the revocation of the motor vehicle’s Certificate of Fitness would result.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, in his remarks, told representatives of security firms that he was also prepared to revoke the licence of any private security firm found in breach of the law.

The Minister also stated that there was a need for more training to be done with security personnel. He said it was important to maintain a professional security posture, as well as be alert and aware.

“Your responsibility is to provide discrete service to your clients and to protect them, not to act outside of the law,” Minister Benn told the representatives.

Benn said he also looked forward to the strengthening of the partnership and having more collaborative efforts between the private security services and the Police Force.

Only a few months ago, the Traffic Chief had warned that only emergency-type vehicles were authorised to use certain devices. This warning came amid an apparent surge in the use of sirens by ordinary vehicles.

Also in March 2019, the GPF had issued a warning to private security vehicles that had been using sirens. At the time, then Traffic Chief Linden Isles had contended that only emergency vehicles such as ambulances, Police vehicles and fire trucks were allowed by law to go through traffic with such aid.

The GPF Traffic Department had pointed out that the Road Traffic (Guyana Fire Service) Order made under Section 49 specifically states what emergency vehicles are.

It explained, “Approved Police Vehicle means any vehicle carrying a lamp showing to the front an amber light and sounding continually a bell, gong, or siren. Vehicle of the Fire Service means any engine, pump, trailer or another vehicle of the Guyana Fire Service, and includes any vehicle carrying a lamp showing an amber light and sounding continually a bell, gong, or siren, in which any member of the Guyana Fire Service is being conveyed to any fire or suspected fire.” (G9)

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Arrival Day signifies mixture of all peoples who …acknowledges “strong” cultural link between Guyana, India

I

ndian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa has extended Arrival Day greetings to all of Guyana. He has noted that this day not only signifies the arrival of Indians to this land, but also is a symbol of the mixture of all the people who came to Guyana from Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Observed annually on May 5 as a national holiday, Arrival Day commemorates the arrival of all ethnic groups which came here as indentured labourers, and their stellar contributions to the overall development of Guyana. Today also marks the 184th anniversary of the arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured immigrants.

During an interview on Wednesday with Guyana Times, Dr Srinivasa highlighted that the cultural link between India and Guyana has been strong throughout the

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa

past 184 years. To develop and continue this relationship, and to promote Indian cul-

ture, music, dance, language and art, among other things, he said, the Government of

India, through the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Georgetown, has been conducting various classes in this regard. “…be it dance classes like Kathak, we have music classes for tabla, harmonium, and other instruments. We have the teaching of Hindi and Sanskrit languages. We also have Yoga classes,” the Indian High Commissioner shared.

When in-person classes were discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre had moved to online teaching.

But with the relaxation of most COVID-19 measures, that cultural centre is looking to resume face-to-face classes.

The Indian High Commissioner has said that these classes will commence soon, “and we hope to get more

students involved”. He added that there will be outreach programmes in the three counties, where teachers will go and teach music, dance, languages, and yoga to the people in these regions.

Scholarships

Every year, the High Commission, under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), awards five scholarships to persons to study the various Indian art forms in India.

Dr Srinivasa disclosed that numerous persons have benefited from these two-tothree-year courses. India had stopped these scholarships for the past two years due to COVID, but with the easing of restrictions, applications have restarted.

“We have already got applications for these courses, and selection is underway. The last date has been extended up to May 31, 2022 across the world.

File photo: Indian High Commissi within the Local Government Minis Arrival Monument at Palmyra Villag

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| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

o came to Guyana – Indian High Commissioner

ioner to Guyana, Dr Srinivasa (third from right) along with Minister stry, Anand Persaud (second from right), and others, visited the Indian ge, ECB, Region Six, to lay floral tributes

We want to encourage more persons to join,” he added.

He said India has also resumed its Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.

Dr Srinivasa explained, “The Government of India gives 50 ITEC scholarships.

These are short-term scholarships, within four to 12 weeks, which are in various subjects.

We have about 1,200 courses, and these are mainly being worked out online due to COVID. But now we have restarted those ITEC courses, we have got a great demand for them already. We have people from the Guyana Police Force applying, people from other ministries, and private people applying…”

He foresees there being a “great demand” for these scholarships this year, adding that “we are going to have to in-

crease the scholarships for Guyana”.

A qualified medical doctor, Dr Srinivasa assumed his assignment as High Commissioner of India to Guyana in August 2019.

Arrival Day celebrations

In recognition of Arrival Day, the Indian High Commission in Guyana has collaborated with the Berbice Cultural Committee to have a cultural and commemorative event at Highbury village, East Bank Berbice (Region Six: East Berbice-Corentyne). Such activities have become an integral part of the Indian High Commission and other bodies in ensuring that the rich history of this ethnic group is kept alive.

The first activity will get underway from 10:00h today.

Then, at 16:00h, there will be

another event at the Indian Arrival Monument at Palmyra Village, East Coast Berbice, Region Six. This event is being hosted in collaboration with the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. The events will adopt a similar pattern, as Guyanese of East Indian descent will gather to reflect on the heritage of their ancestors. The activities would feature various aspects showcasing the Indian culture.

Activities can also be streamed online.

Indentured labourers

Indentured labourers came to fill the void created by the exodus of ex-slaves from plantations following emancipation. Once known as Plantation Highbury, this estate was the first to receive East Indian Indentured servants on May 5, 1838, the same year the slavery

system was abolished. On that day, two ships —Whitby and Hesperus - landed in the colony with some 396 East Indians.

The Indian Arrival Monument was donated to Guyana by the Indian Government, and was unveiled in May 2019 to coincide with Arrival Day. People of Portuguese descent were also introduced to Guyana as indentured labourers. The first groups arrived in 1835, and they continued coming until 1882, by which time approximately 32,000 Portuguese immigrants had arrived here.

The first batch of Chinese indentured labourers, mostly men, landed in Georgetown, British Guiana in 1853. By 1913, the British Colony was the recipient of over 15,000 Chinese indentured labourers.

(Feona Morrison)

18 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

‘High’ cases of rape recorded in Regions 1, 8 P olice in Regional Divisions One (Barima-Waini) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) are even more concerned with the number of rape offences occurring in these two regions.

Region Eight Commander, Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston, has said the issue of rape is an “eyesore” for his ranks, given the number of reported cases.

He said that, so far, there have been nine reported cases of rape, even with a 14.3% decrease in serious crimes.

This is compared to 12 cases

Region Eight Commander, Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston

in the corresponding period.

“We had just one report of homicide so far for the year. Those are the only two serious crimes we have at the moment. Things are rel-

atively quiet. I think we had one report of a (case of) robbery-with-violence for the year”, he explained.

Commander Kingston has said he is working assiduously to ensure that the region continues to see a decrease in cases of serious crime.

Last August, Commander Kingston revealed, the region had close to 19 reports of rape for that year, as opposed to about six for the previous year. This revelation was made during the Guyana Police Force’s weekly Police & You radio programme.

Region One Superintendent Sawh

Commander, Himnauth

Kingston said the crime statistics within the Region have indicated that rape is the main cause of the crime rate in Region Eight being high, and it is currently a

matter of concern for the Police Force. In this regard, he said, collaborative efforts are ongoing with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Child Link Inc, and Blossom Inc, all of which are organisations on a mission to curb occurrences of rape within the region.

Further, he said the challenge is not in being able to obtain reports of rape, but rather in getting to the perpetrators in a timely manner, since they would move from one location to another.

Lack of education

Meanwhile, Region One Commander, Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, has said his ranks are battling cases of rape.

He said the reason for the increased cases of rape in Region One is due to the lack of education.

“Region One is known for an increase in rape matters, primarily because of the lack of education. So, my team and I are partnering with

members of the regional authorities… rape remains a challenge for us, because the victims don’t come forward”, he said.

Commander Sawh has said it is only when health officials detect pregnancy in Region One that matters of statutory rape are brought to the attention of the Police. “…or in schools, where the teachers detect that the students are not responding properly, and upon questioning, they would recognise that the person might have been sexually active.

That is when other reports come to the Police”, he explained.

As such, he said, the Police in Region One are also working with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Child Link Inc, and Blossom Inc to reduce the cases of rape. For the year 2021, the Region saw almost 18 cases of rape, compared to this year, when the Region has seen 10 such cases so far. (G9)

Man nabbed after ‘selling’ gun, ammo to undercover cop

The firearm that was ‘sold’ to the undercover cop

T

he Headquarters of the Guyana Police Force have reported that ranks attached to the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station on the West Bank of the Demerara (WBD) have arrested a resident of the community after he had arranged to sell a .38 revolver to an undercover Policeman for $150,000.

The arrest was made on Tuesday, Police have said.

Reports are that ranks, acting on information received of a firearm for sale, went to La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD, where the undercover rank approached the man and told him he was interested in buying the firearm. At the time, the illegal weapon was being advertised at a price of $150,000.

The suspect then went into his home, and returned with a black plastic bag which he handed over to the rank. Upon examination, it was observed that a .38 revolver with four matching rounds of ammunition was inside the bag.

The man was imme-

diately arrested, and escorted to the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, where he remains in custody. The firearm was lodged, and further investigations are ongoing.

Just recently, a .32 Taurus pistol was found in the compound of the Parika Police Station by a man who reportedly assists in cleaning the area.

Based on reports received, the man was cleaning as normal when he observed a black object on the ground between the garbage bins.

As such, he picked up the said object, which appeared to be a firearm, and immediately brought same to the attention of a Police rank who was close by.

The firearm was checked, and turned out to be a .32 Taurus pistol without any ammunition.

The said firearm, Police stated, turned out to be the one that was reportedly used in the execution of a robbery-under-arms offence which was not proven.

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20 NEWS Supplier charged for selling fake HIV test kits to Govt freed A THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

pharmaceutical supplier who was accused of selling fake/expired HIV test kits to the Health Ministry has been cleared of the charge.

Davendra Rampersaud of Area G, Hydronie Railway, Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) had been charged with the “sale and distribution of device with misleading representation, contrary to Section 18 (1) of the Food and Drugs Act”. He is reportedly the Area Manager for Caribbean Medical Supplies Incorporated.

It was alleged that on January 16, 2020, the Caribbean Medical Supplies sold and supplied 400 units of Uni-Gold HIV Test Kits with misleading representation to the Health Ministry’s Materials Management Unit (MMU), in violation of the Food and Drugs Act. Rampersaud had been on trial before Senior Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, his lawyers, Latchmie Rahamat and Naresh Poonai, urged the court to dismiss the charge against their client based on insufficient evidence.

In their no-case submission, Rampersaud’s lawyers argued that there was no evidence linking their client to the delivery or sale of any Uni-Gold HIV Test Kits to the MMU. Further, the lawyers argued that there was “absolutely” no evidence linking him to the delivery of any Uni-Gold

Freed: Davendra Rampersaud

HIV Test Kits of either batch numbers that were testified in court.

They contended that there was no evidence showing that Rampersaud had any knowledge that any expiry date was changed, false, and misleading on any packaging, because there was no evidence that he supplied or sold any of the items to the MMU. Without evidence to support these essential elements of the offence, Rahamat and Poonai submitted, the prosecution “failed miserably” to make out a case against their client.

Considering this, they urged the court to dismiss the case.

Magistrate Ally-Seepaul upheld the no-case submission and dismissed the charge against Rampersaud on Wednesday.

Following their discovery, the fake devices were seized by the Government Analyst

Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD). Caribbean Medical Supplies had previously denied knowingly supplying expired goods, and had also claimed to have thoroughly vetted their Kenyan supplier.

According to news reports out of Kenya News Agency k24tv, three businessmen – Erick Mwangi, Jones Olouch, and Robert Njoya – were charged in the Milimani Law Court with selling expired and fake HIV kits to consumers in Kenya and abroad. The news report also indicated that prosecutors revealed that the trio allegedly stole HIV test kits and exported them to Guyana. According to the report, Mwangi was charged separately with exporting 400 packets of counterfeit UniGold HIV test kits to Guyana in December 2019, using the Jomo Kenyatta Airport.

These alleged fake test kits found their way to Guyana.

The presence of the fake kits was uncovered when their Irish manufacturer, Trinity Biotech, wrote to the Government.

In its correspondence, the company had revealed that counterfeit boxes of the UniGold HIV Test Kits were created, complete with fake expiry dates, and the expired kits were then repackaged in said boxes.

Trinity Biotech had pointed out that only Trinidad-based Transcontinental Medical Products Limited was the authorised distributor of the testing kits.

In the aftermath of the scandal, the World Health Organization (WHO) had issued an alert naming Guyana and Caribbean

Medical Supplies, and reporting confirmed cases of fake HIV test kits. The WHO had revealed that through its Global Surveillance and Monitoring

System, it had been informed of the distribution of some 8240 fake HIV rapid diagnostic tests kits circulating in Kenya. (G1)

Vlissengen Rd fatal accident

Allegedly drunk driver on $200,000 bail

A

Dead: Ian Mekdeci

n allegedly drunk driver was granted $200,000 bail on Wednesday on a charge of causing the death of former national squash player Ian Mekdeci in an accident at the intersection of Vlissengen Road and Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Roberto Narine, 37, of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on April 30, he drove motor jeep PTT 4136 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 27-year-old Mekdeci.

In the end, he was released on $200,000 bail with instructions to lodge his passport with the court and report to the Alberttown Police Station every Friday until his trial ends.

The matter has been adjourned to June 15.

On Tuesday, Narine was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse on two

Critical: Sheik Baksh

charges—driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving an unregistered vehicle.

He pleaded not guilty to the drunk driving charge and was released on $20,000 bail. After admitting guilt to the other charge, Narine was fined $20,000.

Mekdeci died in the wee hours of Saturday following the 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 the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Camp Ayanganna.

Police have said that the accident occurred about 02:15h and involved motor car PXX 4592, driven by Baksh, and motor jeep PTT 4136, driven by Narine.

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

Charged: Roberto Narine

driver of the motor car was reportedly crossing the intersection on the green light when the driver of the jeep failed to stop, thus causing 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 administered on the driver of the jeep proved that he was way 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 performed exceptionally well in the Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament. (G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Little Guru” app to learn Sanskrit a huge success worldwide – High Commissioner He said that this model of the app was very unique, in that it is called the “freemium model”. Dr Srinivasa explained that users get all the basic chapters for free.

However, there is a slight premium on the advanced chapters which the Indian Government will subsidise for organisations.

The “Little Guru” app creates awareness not only about language but also opens the doors for people to access the rich cultural heritage of

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aunched a little over a year ago in response to demand from the Indian Diaspora and institutions, the “Little Guru” app, which enables users to learn Sanskrit – the world’s oldest language, has been deemed a huge success by Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa.

The Government of India launched the “Little Guru” app in April 2021 in Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, and Anguilla.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Dr Srinivasa provided an update on the app, highlighting that it has been a “success” all over the world. He reminded that the app was developed by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in response to demand from the Indian Diaspora and various institutions which teach Sanskrit as a language.

Over the past few years, the ICCR had received a large number of requests for assistance in learning the language from across the

world, both from the Indian Diaspora as well as foreigners interested in Sanskrit.

Many Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and other religious texts are in Sanskrit, so there has been great demand for assistance to learn Sanskrit.

Within the Diaspora community the desire to stay connected with their roots as well as to access the rich literary epics and texts of India has also helped create this huge demand for Sanskrit. A number of Sanskrit universities across the world have also been keen on an app that would help not only the students who are currently studying in these universities but act as a feeder for young scholars to learn Sanskrit before joining universities.

“Sanskrit is a very old language, but there were not really schools that were teaching it on the ground. But there was a lot of demand, because most of our ancient texts are in Sanskrit and people who wanted to learn it had a bit of a difficulty,” the Indian High Commissioner explained.

“Little Guru” is a gami-

fied app based on an interactive platform that makes Sanskrit learning easy, entertaining, and fun. This app helps people who are already learning Sanskrit or those who are desirous of learning Sanskrit to do so in an easy manner based on games, competitions, rewards, peerto-peer interactions, etc. This unique app combines education with entertainment thereby keeping the attention of the learner as well as encouraging him/her to advance further.

Noting that the app was designed “to keep the interest of the children”, Dr Srinivasa said, “You gave them challenges, you gave them games, you make them learn the language”. Since its launch, he said the app has been picked up tremendously.

“This app has not only been taken up by various educational institutions, but also private people in schools, in colleges, and also religious mogs. They are learning Sanskrit through this app.

Across the world, there has been a great uptake… so this is a success.”

India. The developers of the app have provided the High Commission with a ‘special promotional code’ for the people of Guyana for subscription at concessional prices to unlock the higher levels and learn advanced techniques.

Sanskrit, the oldest language, continues to be a living language, being used daily in religious activities as well as by scholars in accessing literary texts for research work, etc. The ICCR is promoting Sanskrit across the

world by providing books and material to Sanskrit institutes. The ICCR also deputes teachers and professors to universities and institutes for teaching Sanskrit. It is confident that the app will go a very long way in popularising Sanskrit. The ICCR has noted that the Sanskrit language is the best pathway to Indian culture and has encouraged youngsters to learn the language using the app for their better understanding and immersion into the culture. (G1)

22 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Offshore Tech Conference…

Charge dismissed against Guyana most exciting investment soldier who robbed destination - GOGEC President teen with toy gun

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GOGEC President Manniram Prashad speaking at the conference

uyana has been described as the most exciting investment destination by Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) President Manniram Prashad in an investment pitch to delegates at the Houston, Texas Offshore Technology Conference (OTC).

In his address to the delegates at the Guyana Night Event at the Asian Society Texas, which also included Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, Guyana Office for Investment (GO-

Invest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Peter Ramsaroop, and senior officials of ExxonMobil and the local Private Sector, Prashad spoke of the investment opportunities available.

He noted that, on a per capita basis, Guyana will become one of the richest countries in the world. This can all be attributed to the fact that the total recoverable resource of Guyana’s Stabroek block to date amounts to nearly 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

“This is the 3rd highest oil

reserve in Latin America and Caribbean Region. The discovery of major crude oil reserves off the Atlantic Coast has since made a large impact on Guyana’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) since drilling began in 2019,” he explained. “Guyana has become the most exciting investment and business destination in the world. Its offshore development remains competitive in the global market, and is an attractive investment opportunity.”

According to Prashad, Guyana is on the path of massive economic and infrastructural transformation. He informed the delegates that investment and business opportunities exist across the various emerging sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, industrial development, oil and gas, manufacturing, etc.

“The country will also unveil international stadium, state-of-the-art modern hotels, malls and hos-

pitals, and other major infrastructural developments.

The Government of Guyana is also placing emphasis on the education sector and capacity building. There will be a surge in demand for support goods and services in and out of the oil and gas sector,” he explained.

“Guyana is set for momentous economic growth. Local and foreign investors are encouraged to reap the benefits of what the country has to offer. With the obvious wealth of resources at our disposal, the transformative development of our nation is sure. The time to visit Guyana is now.”

Among the ExxonMobil officials present in the audience were Senior Vice President, Deepwater, ExxonMobil Upstream Company, J. Hunter Farris; and President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge.

The OTC conference is held annually in Houston, Texas. It provides a platform to showcase the world’s leading-edge technology for offshore drilling, exploration, production, and environmental protection. This is Guyana’s third participation in the event.

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Charged: Cidel Frank

idel Frank, a 22-yearold serving member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), was on Wednesday charged in connection with the armed robbery committed on a 17-yearold girl of Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on April 19.

Frank, of Good Hope, Mahaica, was arrested shortly after the teen was robbed of one ZTE cell phone valued $40,000 and one Samsung Galaxy cell phone valued $130,000, at around 19:50h.

The GDF rank appeared at the Sparendaam

Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

However, the virtual complaint decided not to give evidence against the suspect, and, as such, the matter was dismissed.

Reports are that the teenager, who is a salesgirl, and her friend were heading home on a bicycle when they noticed three males on the road fixing their bicycles.

As they approached the group, one of the males grabbed the victim’s bicycle and demanded her belongings. He then took out her cellular phones from her bag while the other two perpetrators went to her friend and began to search him, but found nothing.

A scuffle ensued between the two suspects and the victim’s friend, during which one of the suspects struck him to the head with a toy gun, which broke after the blow.

The three suspects then made good their escape, but the matter was reported and, during checks of the area, pieces of the toy gun were found.

FEATURES

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uyanese, will today observe East Indian Arrival Day; an occasion commemorating the 184th anniversary of their arrival, bringing with them their ancient customs, food and culture from India.

Under a system of agreement, an order in the Council of Britain was passed on July 12, 1838 making provision for indentured immigrants to travel to Guyana for a term of five years.

On January 13, 1838 the Whitby left the shores of India with 249 immigrants on board and arrived in Guyana on the 5th May 1838 after a voyage of 112 days. Five immigrants died during the voyage. The Whitby proceeded first to Berbice and landed 164 passengers at Hilbury, East Bank Berbice, nearly 12 miles from New Amsterdam.

East of the capital, the same day it returned to Vreed-en-hoop, West Demerara and landed 80 passengers. Out of the 244 immigrants that came with the Whitby they were 233 men, 5 women and 6 children. The first man to step on shore in Berbice was Anant Ram while in Demerara the first man to disembark was Nutha Khan.

On January 29, 1838, the Hesperus sailed from Calcutta sixteen days later than the Whitby, with 165 persons on board. It arrived at Port Georgetown on the night of May 5th 1838, 13 immigrants died during the voyage including two persons who fell over-board. Out of the 152 immigrants that came on board the Hesperus, were 135 men, 6 women and 11 children.

On January 26, 1845 ‘Lord Hunger’ left Calcutta with 162 passengers on board, the ship arrived in Georgetown on May 4, 1845, and ten persons died on the way. Next ship was the ‘Success’, which arrived on July 21, 1845 with 231 passengers, 14 died on the way. Next was the ‘Nester’, which arrived on December 26, 1845 with

233 persons and brought 500 bags of rice.

On February 2, 1846 ‘Manchester’ then the ‘Thetis’ followed by the ‘Tamerlane’ the ‘Martin Luther’ and ‘Troy” in succession, then the ‘John Wickliffe’, the ‘Bussorary Merchant’, the ‘Aurora’, ‘Lady Mekennaway’ and lastly the ‘SS Ganges’, which docked in Georgetown on April 18, 1917. Bringing that period, 79 years- 238,979 indentured labourers journeyed from India to Guyana to work under colonial administration. They were distributed to various locations on the coastland of Guyana.

The plantation system and conditions were not favourable at all. The immigrants worked from sunrise to sunset and were so poorly paid that they were just able to exist. They slaved and provided luxurious living for their masters. They brought with them a rich culture and heritage together with a language.

The indentured immigrants were disciplined and found satisfaction in honest and productive work. They were kind, hospitable and generous and they lived contented lives.

They made tremendous sacrifices so that their descendants would be able to enjoy a better standard of living.

The foremost characteristic of the struggle of the East Indian immigrants against indenture and plantation system was their unity. Their unity had been forged on shipboard. Those who came on the same ship were considered as ship brothers and sisters-“Jahaji”.

A further contributing factor to unity was that everyone came with an inter-faith mind of mainly Hindus and Muslims and there was also a belief that the caste system has been lost through the crossing of ‘Kaala’ Pani (Black Water). Through the years the community spirit has manifested itself in various situations-forming groups singing Ramayan,

Bhajanas reading of the Holy Quran and observing the various festivals and holi days etc.

The plantation owners and the colonial administration feared the unity of the workers and used several techniques to destroy it. By January 1830, there was evidence that the Indian labourers were being mistreated. Far more significant were the uprisings, which frequently led to tragic deaths of immigrant workers protesting illegal wages, bad condi-

tions and the exploitation of their women.

There were eight main disturbances on sugar plantations leading to shooting by colonial police from Devonshire Castle in 1872 to 1948 at Enmore. At Vreed-en-hoop, West Bank Demerara an English nurse Betsy Ann testified that she had witnessed the flogging of immigrants with the cat-o-nine tails, and another woman Elizabeth

Caesar witnessed the flogging of immigrants under the manager’s house after which, salt pickle was rubbed on to their backs.

Figures show that one out of every five immigrants was brought before the courts; not for offences of a criminal nature but for resistance to a plantation system, which was supported by the judiciary and colonial administration.

There were no trade

unions until recent times.

The East Indians have contributed in a significant way to build Guyana’s economic and social structures. It was indeed the unity of principle and action among East Indians that brought overwhelming success to our dear land of Guyana. (Adapted from an article by Shan Razak; 2013 Guyana Times newspaper)

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by

Ravi Dev

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n May 5th each year, the nation commemorates Indian Arrival Day. The holiday is officially designated “Arrival Day”, putatively to recognise all the other immigrant groups that were brought by the planters to labour on the sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery. These groups would then also include the Portuguese and Chinese, Liberated Africans from Liberia and St Helena, as well as small-islanders, collectively dubbed “Bajans. But there has not been any noticeable participation by the descendants of these industrious and hardy pioneers since the holiday was ushered in back in 2004.

In 2016, President Granger – leader of the PNC-led coalition, announced that the Arrival Day of the immigrants other than Indians would also be recognised – but not as public holidays. In the following year, he passed Executive Orders to fulfill his promise.

In the run-up of the efforts to have the day officially recognised, we had predicted this outcome, not merely because May 5th was the specific day Indians arrived in Guyana - Portuguese landed on May 3rd and Chinese on January 12th - but because the latter two groups, especially the Portuguese, never demonstrated any collective inclination to remind themselves or the nation that they had arrived as immigrants to

this nation. Very few African Guyanese acknowledge that 56,000 of their ancestors came as indentured servants, as apposed to 82,000 who were freed slaves. Whatever the reasons for this self-induced amnesia, it may be time for the Government to alter the omnibus appellation that probably forcibly reminds these communities of a circumstance they would rather not deal with. Trinidad also initially ushered in an “Arrival Day” holiday, but soon changed it to “Indian Arrival Day” without raising any fuss.

But whether we call the holiday “Indian Arrival Day” or “Arrival Day”, there is still the objection originally raised by some Afrocentric groups as to why Africans should celebrate an occasion that resulted in the undercutting of the bargaining power for their labour? Whether the group that was used as scabs were Indians or Portuguese (as I have argued) or Bajans or Liberated Africans to break their seminal 1847 strike,

the argument needs to be addressed. There are several ripostes apart from pointing out that because of the loss of preferential prices from England in 1846, if wages were not cut, the entire industry would have had to be shuttered, and hydrologically, the Guyanese coast would have ceased to be viable. Sugar planters were not in any position to give the old wages, and this was the case in all the islands, and is why so many Barbadians and other small-islanders migrated as indentureds to Guiana after the abolition of slavery.

Firstly, the occasion is not mandated to be “celebrated”, but to be “commemorated”. This is not an idle semantic distinction. Occasions are commemorated in a manner intended to inculcate some value into the participants related to the occasion. It is from this perspective that we have been criticising some events in Mashramani, which we feel do not serve to promote the values necessary for the authentic realisation of Republican status.

“Holocaust Day”, which has been proposed by ACDA as a holiday (and supported by the Select Committee on Holiday in 2004) is meant, I am sure, to commemorate, and not celebrate, one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the world – the uncountable deaths of so many Africans during the Middle Passage.

I believe the way that ACDA has been commemorating the event over the past few years is most touching and appropriate, and inculcates a palpable ethos of overcoming in the African Guyanese community.

The arrival of Indians – especially because of their relatively large numbers and the decision of most of them to remain - has impacted on the rest of Guyanese society in profound ways, and other groups can reflect on these to commemorate Indian Arrival Day. In the economic realm, apart from the early undercutting of wages, the Indian immigrants’ drive for material accumulation has been transmitted to their descen-

dants, and has influenced how they exploit economic opportunities in the present. This is not unique: when African Guyanese emigrate to the US, they exhibit these same immigrant values, and stand out in their new communities.

Maybe the same resolve and wherewithal can be reinforced right here through activities and events on Indian Arrival Day. A similar argument can be made for dealing with the political consequences of the demographic changes precipitated by Indian Arrival.

But there is a deeper level at which the whole society might deal with the question of “arrival”. After all, every group that now inhabits this land of many waters came from somewhere else. It is taught to us from our earliest lessons in primary school – but we seem to forget as soon as the school doors close – that even the Amerindians came across the Bering Straits. So, in the most mundane geographical sense, we all arrived

by merely setting foot on this land. We have posited before, however, that “arrival” can also be looked at from an aspirational perspective: arrival becomes not a “where” but a “what”. What is it that each one of us, individually, sectionally, and collectively, want to become? When we have achieved that, then and only then would we have “arrived”.

As a start, I believe that we all want to live in dignity and in peace. On May 5th, let us therefore at least spare a thought as to what we can do as citizens and as groups to create the conditions in this land of immense possibilities to move us closer to that goal.

Arrival can thus become a notion that can bring us together, rather than divide us, as it does presently.

Fundamentally “Indian Arrival Day” signals that the descendants of indentured Indians ((Girmitiyas) are declaring they have arrived in the home those who stayed on helped to build.

By Professor Indira Babbellapati

Coerced Manipulated Lured Hoards and hoards Huddled up on decks What the dark waters Had in store None could guess Thrown into one’s own kinsman But each in one’s own Cocoon of dreams Of wealth Of returning Names forgotten Numbers, their identity ‘Slaves’ reinvented To augment imperial arrogance To make the rulers ‘sweeter’ Cheap labor to fill the royal coffers Thumb impressions Sealing generations of lives Labeled ‘coolies’ They passed on legacy of uprootedness They strived and struggled The song they secretly Carried from the homeland Their only connect To the past of familiar shores Lurking like fading light Where are they?

Scattered all over the world Return to the motherland A distant cry Human history— A saga of exploitation A saga of subversion Personal history— Cracked memories Carefully secured in one’s heart.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Czech Republic seeking closer economic cooperation with Guyana …air services agreement on horizon as Guyana accredits new Nigerian Ambassador

New Czech Ambassador to Guyana, Sandra Lang Linkensederova (centre), after she presented her Letters of Credence to President Dr Irfaan Ali

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new, non-resident Czech Ambassador has been accredited to Guyana, and she has declared her intention to seek closer economic cooperation between her country and Guyana -- an intention President Dr. Irfaan Ali made clear he would support.

New Czech Ambassador to Guyana, Sandra Lang Linkensederova, presented her Letters of Credence to President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday. In welcoming her accreditation, President Ali pledged to support her objectives of seeking closer ties with Guyana.

“Your appointment provides ample opportunity for us to continue to strengthen these ties. The challenges of the 21st century transcend borders. If the

COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is about our interconnectivity and our interdependence.

We should therefore not ignore what can be achieved collectively.

“Guyana is on a path of economic transformation and diversification leading to sustainable development. We recognise that if we want to achieve sustainable development as a developing country, one of the things we must have is food security,” the President said.

President Ali urged Ambassador Linkensederova to seek cooperation in the areas of agriculture, as well as providing assistance in the health sector. He expressed hope that a practical programme of bilateral cooperation be-

tween the two countries could be launched.

Opportunities

Meanwhile, Ambassador Linkensederova, in her address, spoke of the opportunities partnering with the Czech Republic provides.

She made it clear that her country wants closer economic ties with Guyana.

“Although it’s a quite small country, with 10 million inhabitants, it is a very highly developed country… so we offer a lot of opportunities in machinery, in automotive, among others.

In the past, our countries had less bilateral (partnerships) than deserved. So it will be my mission and my task to change this reality,” the Diplomat said.

The Czech Republic is considered the most indus-

New Nigerian Ambassador Abubakar Danlami Ibrahim presenting his Letters of Credence to President Ali

trialised European country, and manufactures various heavy-duty equipment applicable to the sugar industry. It has previously been reported that the Czech Republic was interested in Guyana’s sugar industry, currently being resurrected.

It was reported earlier in the year that the Berbice Estates of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) had surpassed 50 per cent of their 2022 1st crop sugar production target, and were on course to surpass their crop targets for the first time since 2018.

GuySuCo had revealed that these estates are at a

half way point in the crop.

It was explained that, as at March 31, 2022, the Berbice Sugar Estates had produced 54 per cent of their aggregate sugar targets.

In the case of Albion and Blairmont, GuySuCo had said that these estates produced 5,407 and 4,447 metric tonnes (MT) respectively. Meanwhile, Uitvlugt Estate, which was at the time out of grinding operation for over four weeks as a result of a mechanical failure, made 66 MT in the limited grinding time.

Nigeria

Meanwhile, a new Nigerian Ambassador, Abubakar Danlami

Ibrahim, has also been accredited. President Ali told the Ambassador that he is looking forward to the continued exchanges between the two countries in the area of defence, as well as the possible signature of the negotiated bilateral air services agreement.

“Such an agreement will aid in the expansion of our trade relationships with Nigeria —an area which our two nations have already begun to embark upon. And it will also help to create vital connections on a regional and international scale,” President Ali said.

The President pointed out that since both Nigeria and Guyana are oil-producing nations, they can share experiences. Additionally, he noted that they can explore opportunities to cooperate for economic security.

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was also brought up, with the President explaining that it aims to facilitate Guyana’s economic transition to cleaner and cheaper energy. Additionally, its inclusion of climate and ecosystem services will also allow the country to map out its investments in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Regional

Caricom members “deeply Haiti kidnapping: Diplomat Carlos Guillén “safe and sound” concerned” by Britain’s response to BVI D ominican diplomat Carlos Guillén has been freed four days after he was abducted by a gang in Haiti, an official says.

The Dominican Republic’s Foreign Minister, Roberto Álvarez, wrote on Twitter that Guillén was “safe and sound”. Álvarez did not say how Guillén had been freed, but thanked “all those who actively took part in his release”.

Kidnappings for ransom have surged in Haiti in the past two years.

More than 1200 people, 81 of them foreign nationals,

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Wednesday.

The UN in Haiti “condemns the armed gang violence ongoing since April 24 that is affecting the communities in the north and north-east of Port-auPrince, which has killed dozens of Haitians and injured and displaced thousands of others”, it said.

A day earlier, the UN’s deputy spokesman, Farhan Haq warned that unrest was growing between gangs in the neighbourhoods of Croixdes-Bouquets, Cite Soleil, Bas Delmas and Martissant.

(Excerpt from BBC News and Al Jazeera)

US Embassy restarts issuing immigrant visas in Havana after 4 years

Caricom Secretariat

he 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping Tuesday said it was “deeply concerned” at the recommendations by a one-man Commission of Inquiry that called for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Government to cease to exist in its current format for at least two years.

In a statement, Caricom said it has taken “note of the release on April 29, 2022, of the Report of the British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry (CoI) with its far-reaching recommendations”.

It said that the BVI, a British Overseas Territory, has been an Associate Member of the grouping since July 1991.

“Caricom supports the

were abducted last year, according to Haiti’s Centre for Analysis and Research on Human Rights.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed concern over the recruitment of children by Haitian gangs, as escalating violence in the capital, Port-au-Prince, has forced thousands from their homes and killed dozens of civilians.

The UN “is particularly worried about the recruitment of minors within the gangs, one of the six serious violations of the rights of the child”, the Integrated Office of the United Nations in Haiti tweeted on

decision of the duly-elected Government of the BVI to welcome the recommendations for improving governance and their commitment to work with the United Kingdom to address the weaknesses identified in the CoI report.

“Caricom agrees that the people of BVI and their duly-elected representatives have the responsibility to ensure good governance with full transparency and accountability and should work together to achieve mutually-acceptable solutions to address the concerns highlighted in the CoI report,” it added.

Last Friday, Governor John Rankin said that the Commissioner, Sir Gary Hickinbottom, had rec-

ommended “a return to Ministerial Government and an elected House of Assembly as soon as practicable, with the Governor taking regular advice from the Advisory Council and others on the earliest practicable date on which such Government can resume”.

“Secondly, the Commissioner recommends an early and speedy review of the Constitution with the purpose of ensuring that abuses of the type he has identified do not recur, establishing a Constitution that will enable the people of the BVI to meet their aspirations, including those in respect of self-government within the context of a modern democracy.” (Excerpt from CMC)

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he US Embassy in Havana began issuing a trickle of immigrant visas to Cubans this week, making good on an earlier promise to restart visa processing on the island after a four-year hiatus.

The State Department under former US President Donald Trump sharply scaled back embassy staff in 2017 following a spate of “anomalous health incidents” that came to be known as “Havana syndrome”.

Cubans seeking to immigrate were instead directed to apply for visas in person at the US Embassies first in Colombia, and later in Guyana, costly trips beyond the reach of many.

On Tuesday, the Havana Embassy processed its first visa applications in more than four years, although it said it would limit the new-

The United States Embassy in Havana, Cuba

ly-renewed services to parents of US citizens, a fraction of those seeking visas to move to the United States.

“We are pleased that our limited restart of immigrant visa processing in Havana has begun well,” the US Embassy said on social media on Wednesday. “We look forward in the future to processing many more immi-

grant visas and continuing to expand our consular services in Havana.”

The United States has said it will also ramp up visa processing for Cubans at its embassy in Guyana to reduce a backlog of cases that resulted from staffing shortfalls there during the coronavirus pandemic. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T Minister condemns culprits involved in physical, sexual abuse of children

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inister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Gender and Child Affairs, Ayanna Webster-Roy says the recent reports of widespread abuse at children’s homes and care centres, while not new, were still chilling and breaking the troubling cycle meant convicting offenders.

She is promising that the perpetrators of heinous acts against children at these institutions will not be allowed to get away.

In an interview on CNC3’s The Morning Brew on Tuesday, Webster-Roy condemned culprits involved in the alleged physical and sexual child abuse as unearthed in a recent investigation, of which the harrowing findings were laid in Parliament last Friday.

Responding to questions

Minister in the Office of the T&T Prime Minister with responsibility for Gender and Child Affairs, Ayanna Webster-Roy

about justice for impacted children, Webster-Roy said, “I’m confident that the necessary actions will be taken to ensure there is some sort of redress.”

While the wheels of justice may be slow, the T&T

Police Service has confirmed it has taken note of the 307page Judith Jones Task Force report, which highlighted cases of physical and sexual abuse, gang rape and even prostitution at institutions, and is investigating the latest claims.

In fact, a senior Police official informed Guardian Media Ltd that previous reports of abuse have led to the arrests of perpetrators and other cases are currently under their radar.

Attorney and child rights advocate Jonathan Bhagan meanwhile stated that these investigations must seek to determine whether there was gross negligence at children’s homes and whether there was even a conspiracy of human trafficking.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Russia fights for control of Ukraine's Mariupol stronghold

Oil jumps US$5 a R barrel as EU nears ban on Russian oil

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il prices jumped on Wednesday, as the European Union, the world's largest trading bloc, spelled out plans to phase out imports of Russian oil, raising concerns about further market tightness as those nations hunt for adequate supply.

Crude benchmarks have risen steadily over the past two months following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Until now, the European Union has been reluctant to fully cut off imports of Russian oil and gas, and its plans still do not suggest a full ban for all EU members.

Europe imports some 3.5 million barrels of Russian oil and oil products daily, and also depends on Moscow's gas supplies.

"Inventories are so tight, so against this backdrop, when you're talking about this ban, there are a lot of questions on how (Europe) is going to make up for this," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group.

Brent crude futures settled up US$5.17, or 4.9 per cent, to US$110.14 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled at US$107.81 a barrel, up US$5.40, or 5.3 per cent.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed a phased oil embargo on Russia, as well as sanctioning Russia's top bank.

The Commission's measures include phasing out supplies of Russian crude within six months and refined products by the end of 2022, von der Leyen said. She also pledged to minimise the impact of the move on European economies.

Russia could offset the loss of one of its primary customers by selling oil to other importers ,including India and China. Neither country has stopped buying from Moscow.

Needs for much greater supplies are not likely to be met at a meeting today of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers, OPEC+. It is expected to stick to its plan for a gradual ramp-up of monthly production.

In the United States, crude stocks rose modestly last week, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Stocks were up 1.2 million barrels as the United States released more barrels from its strategic reserves.

Fuel stocks fell, in part owing to stronger exports of products since Russia's invasion as buyers have sought other sources.

The markets largely shook off the Federal Reserve's announcement that it would raise interest rates by a half percentage point to try to bring down rising inflation.

"The market was up so strong before the announcement I think (the Fed) was a foregone conclusion," said Gary Cunningham, Director of market research at Tradition Energy. (Excerpt from Reuters)

EU plans Russian oil ban and war crimes sanctions

T

he European Union (EU) has proposed some of its toughest measures yet against Russia, including a total ban on oil imports and sanctions on war crimes suspects.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the package was aimed at maximising pressure on Russia while minimising damage to Europe.

Russian crude oil would be phased out within six months, she said.

Hungary has rejected the proposal as unacceptable and the Czech and Slovak Governments want a transition period.

The EU has been focusing for weeks on how to wean itself off Russian oil and gas. It has already pledged to reduce gas imports by two-thirds by the end of 2022 and now plans to phase out crude oil over

six months and refined products by the end of 2022.

"We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion," the Commission President said.

The package first has to be approved by EU Ambassadors and is set to be signed off in the next few days.

But Hungarian Government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs said his country would veto it in its current form: "They exactly know that what they are proposing is against Hungarian interests... and if we do that we are completely going to ruin the Hungarian economy."

Slovakia as well as Hungary currently relies on Russian oil and under the initial proposal would be given until the end of 2023 to find alternative suppliers. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ussian forces battled on Wednesday for control of the last stronghold in Ukraine's besieged city of Mariupol, Ukrainian officials said, and the European Union proposed tough new sanctions against Moscow including a phased oil embargo.

Mariupol authorities say some 200 civilians, as well as Ukrainian fighters, are still holed up in a vast network of underground bunkers in the Azovstal steel plant, which has suffered repeated bombardment from encircling Russian troops.

Civilians who were evacuated to safety this week under a United Nations-led deal voiced fear for those still trapped inside.

"God forbid more shells hit near the bunkers where the civilians are," said evacuee Tetyana Trotsak,

A residential building heavily damaged during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the southern port city of Mariupol, Ukraine, May 3, 2022

who was among dozens of Ukrainians who reached the Ukraine-controlled town of Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday.

After failing to capture the capital Kyiv in the early weeks of an assault that has killed thousands and flattened cities, Russia has accelerated attacks on

Ukraine's south and east, where the Azov Sea port of Mariupol is its main target.

Russia declared victory over Mariupol on April 21 after weeks of siege and shelling. The city is key to Moscow's efforts to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea – vital for grain and

metals exports – and link Russian-controlled territory in the south and east.

Ukrainian fighters inside Azovstal are fighting "difficult, bloody battles" against Russian troops, said Denis Prokopenko, a commander with Ukraine's Azov regiment. A Ukrainian parliamentarian said Russian forces were inside the plant.

Russia's military said it would pause military activity at Azovstal today daytime and the following two days to allow civilians to evacuate.

Humanitarian corridors will be opened "for the evacuation of civilians (working personnel, women and children) whose presence in the underground facilities of the plant (has) been announced by the Kyiv authorities", Russia's military said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trudeau vows to defend US makes biggest interest abortion rights after US rate rise in 22 years Supreme Court move T

C

anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau vowed to defend abortion rights as the decades-old battle over the issue exploded anew this week in Canada's southern neighbour, with the US Supreme Court apparently set to overturn the decades-old ruling that legalised the procedure nationwide.

"A woman's free choice is a choice to be made by her alone. Every woman in Canada has the right to a legal and safe abortion," Trudeau told reporters before a meeting of Liberal lawmakers in Ottawa on Wednesday.

A draft US Supreme Court decision, leaked late on Monday, showed a ma-

jority of Justices prepared to overturn the 1973 Roe v Wade decision that protects abortion rights. The court on Tuesday confirmed the authenticity of the leaked document.

"We know that unfortunately, what we're seeing with our neighbours in the south and even in debates within the Conservative Party of Canada, that we need to ensure that there are protections in place so that we never see people backtracking on that right," Trudeau said.

US President Joe Biden appealed to voters on Tuesday to protect abortion rights by backing candidates who support them in November's mid-term elections. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he US central bank has announced its biggest interest rate increase in more than two decades as it toughens its fight against fast-rising prices.

The Federal Reserve said it was lifting its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, to a range of 0.75 per cent to one per cent after a smaller rise in March.

With US inflation at a 40year high, further hikes are expected.

The push marks the latest effort to contain spiking costs being felt by households around the world.

India's central bank on Wednesday announced a surprise increase to its benchmark rate, while Australia's central bank recently enacted its first interest rate hike in more than a decade.

The Bank of England is also widely expected to raise rates today, which would

be the fourth increase since December.

"Inflation is much too high and we understand the hardship it is causing," Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said in a press conference in Washington on Wednesday.

"We are moving expeditiously to bring it back down."

By raising rates, banks will make it more expensive for people, businesses, and Governments to borrow.

They expect that to cool demand for goods and services, helping to ease price inflation.

But their actions also risk triggering a sharp economic slowdown, especially as new challenges emerge, such as the war in Ukraine and recent COVID shutdowns in China. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kenya's Talai clan petitions Prince William over land eviction

The UK has recognised the abuses carried out against the Mau Mau during the Kenyan struggle for independence

A

group of more than 100,000 Kenyans from the Talai clan has written to Prince William to seek an apology, and his support for repara-

tions for human rights abuses they say they suffered during the British colonial settlement.

The letter, a copy of which the BBC has seen, says the

British Government has declined to engage with the clan's representatives and they are, therefore, reaching out to the Prince "because Kenya is special to him".

A request for comment has been sent to both the Royal Family and the British Foreign Office.

The Talai say the British Government has declined to recognise the suffering of its members during the colonial era.

A United Nations inquiry determined last year that gross human rights violations were committed particularly against the clan, including unlawful killing, sexual violence, torture, and

arbitrary detention and displacement.

Five UN Special Rapporteurs then wrote to the British Government regarding public apologies, reparations and remedy. In response, the UK said it had already issued a public apology and settlement in 2013 of claims made by Kenyans who lived through the emergency period and the Mau Mau insurgency, from 1952 to 1963 when Kenya gained independence.

The Talai, however, insist that the case the British Government referred to in its response is a separate case. (Excerpt from BBC News)

28

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Take a moment to rejuvenate and put things in perspective. An emotional situation will escalate fast if false claims or assumptions manifest. Choose your words wisely and be patient.

(March 21-April 19) Clear your head and pay attention.

Stay on top of world events and protect your health and financial well-being. Don't take a risk or act in haste.

Plan your actions and make every move count.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Take the initiative to protect your money, health and reputation. Use diplomacy and intelligence, and you will outmaneuver anyone who tries to interfere in your life. Think before you act.

(May 21-June 20) Be proactive when dealing with career, health or personal decisions that will have long-term effects. Don't let your emotions send you down the wrong path. Keep your intentions under wraps.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Sprucing up your looks will lift your spirits. Make plans with someone you find mentally stimulating and develop new ideas and projects. Put a budget in place to avoid unnecessary expenditures.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Your intuition won't let you down.

Follow your gut feeling, and it will help you decide whom you can trust to help you get things done. A lifestyle change is worth considering.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Take a close look at your options or any proposals you receive. Don't lose sight of what you want because someone dangles something tempting. Be true to yourself and follow your heart.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Push for what you want, and if no one wants to tag along, have the confidence to do your own thing. You'll discover that you have more going for you than you realize. Trust your instincts.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

A steady pace and a keen focus will help you bypass someone trying to meddle or get in your way. Use your experience and wisdom to help you reach your target. Make plans with a loved one.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Control your emotions when dealing with peers, friends or relatives.

Concentrate on your dreams instead of trying to please others or taking on responsibilities that don't belong to you.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Take a moment to rethink your strategy. Don't make an unnecessary move or follow the crowd. Play it safe and do what's best for you. Use intelligence instead of trying to impress others.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

A domestic project that will put your mind at ease and help you relax will pay off. Refuse to give in to temptation or someone's demands. Focus on what makes you happy and stop worrying about others.

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

29

IPL 2022…

Josh Hazlewood

‘Sharp’ bowling show lifts RCB into top four R

oyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have halted a run of three consecutive defeats to boost their play-offs’ hopes, thanks to a scrappy win against Chennai Super Kings in Pune, iced by a death-bowling masterclass from Josh Hazlewood and Harshal Patel.

Super Kings needed 56 runs off 30 balls with six wickets in hand when the final strategic timeout was taken in their run chase, but they then lost their way by losing three wickets for 25 runs across the next five overs.

Harshal was hit for two sixes in the final over, to close the margin of defeat, but in dismissing Moeen Ali and Ravindra Jadeja, he had already won the game for the RCB. Royal Challengers scrapped their way to 173 for 8, after being asked to bat first, as five batters passed 20, but Mahipal Lomror top-scored with 42 off 27 balls.

They had started brightly, with their highest opening stand and highest powerplay total of the season, but floundered against spin in the middle overs.

Lomror's 44-run stand with Rajat Patidar kept them ticking, before Maheesh Theekshana struck three times in the 19th over; but Dinesh Karthik took 16 runs from the final over to take them to a defendable total.

Super Kings are mathematically still in contention for the play-offs, but would need a miracle after seven defeats in their first ten games, while this result sees Royal Challengers return to the playoff position for the time being; although, with a poor net run-rate and having played a game more than their nearest contenders, they would need to finish the group stages strongly.

Royal Challengers lose their way Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli made a nervy start, both picking up streaky boundaries via the edge of the bat, as MS Dhoni used his seamers with the new ball; but then they pushed on, with

Kohli launching Simarjeet Singh for six over the covers, while du Plessis cashed in against Mukesh Choudhary by taking 18 runs from his third over.

But, as has often been the case this season, they struggled against spin, with the fingerspinners finding some grip from a good length. du Plessis holed out to deep midwicket off Moeen, while Kohli's own struggles with the bat continued.

After calling Glenn Maxwell through for a single that was never there, and seeing Maxwell being run out by Robin Uthappa, Kohli was bowled through the gate by a sharply-spun off-break from Moeen, for a scratchy 30 off 33 balls. From

51 for zero after five overs, Royal Challengers had stuttered to 79 for 3 after 10.

Lomror, Karthik lead rebuild Lomror was promoted to #4 after a cameo finishing of the innings at #7 against Gujarat Titans, and he started brightly, hitting Moeen back over his head for four, and slog-sweeping Theekshana for six, after knocking the ball around alongside Patidar.

Choudhary's brilliant catch at deep square leg brought in Karthik with 4.5 overs remaining, but Dhoni had planned accordingly. Clearly conscious of Karthik's strength against pace and relative weakness against spin - as well as his seamers'

SCOREBOARD ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Virat Kohli b Ali 30 Faf du Plessis (c) c Jadeja b Ali 38 Glenn Maxwell run out (Uthappa /†Dhoni) 3 Mahipal Lomror c Gaikwad b Theekshana 42 Rajat Patidar c Mukesh Choudhary b Pretorius 21 Dinesh Karthik †not out 26 Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva c Gaikwad b Theekshana 0 Shahbaz Ahmed b Theekshana 1 Harshal Patel run out (Conway /Pretorius) 0 Mohammed Siraj not out 0 Extras (lb 5, w 7) 12 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.65) 173/8 Did not bat: Josh Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Faf du Plessis, 7.2 ov), 2-76 (Glenn Maxwell, 8.6 ov), 3-79 (Virat Kohli, 9.5 ov), 4-123 (Rajat Patidar, 15.1 ov), 5-155 (Mahipal Lomror, 18.1 ov), 6-155 (Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, 18.2 ov), 7-157 (Shahbaz Ahmed, 18.6 ov), 8-171 (Harshal Patel, 19.5 ov BOWLING O-M-R-W Mukesh Choudhary 3-0-30-0 Simarjeet Singh 2-0-21-0 Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-27-3 Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-20-0 Moeen Ali 4-0-28-2 Dwaine Pretorius 3-0-42-1

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (Target: 174 runs from 20 overs) Ruturaj Gaikwad c sub (SS Prabhudessai) b Shahbaz Ahmed 28 Devon Conway c Shahbaz Ahmed b de Silva 56 Robin Uthappa c sub (SS Prabhudessai) b Maxwell 1 Ambati Rayudu b Maxwell 10 Moeen Ali c Mohammed Siraj b Patel 34 Ravindra Jadeja c Kohli b Patel 3 MS Dhoni (c)†c Patidar b Hazlewood 2 Dwaine Pretorius c Kohli b Patel 13 Simarjeet Singh not out 2 Maheesh Theekshana not out 7 Extras (lb 4) 4 TOTAL 19.6 Ov (RR: 8.00) 160/8 Did not bat: Mukesh Choudhary Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 6.4 ov), 2-59 (Robin Uthappa, 7.2 ov), 3-75 (Ambati Rayudu, 9.4 ov), 4-109 (Devon Conway, 14.1 ov), 5-122 (Ravindra Jadeja, 15.6 ov), 6-133 (Moeen Ali, 17.2 ov), 7-135 (MS Dhoni, 18.1 ov), 8-149 (Dwaine Pretorius, 19.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shahbaz Ahmed 3-0-27-1 Josh Hazlewood 4-0-19-1 Mohammed Siraj 2-0-22-0 W Hasaranga de Silva 3-0-31-1 Glenn Maxwell 4-0-22-2 Harshal Patel 4-0-35-3

NBA Roundup…

Celtics felt 'season was on the line', says Brown

J

-after starring role in Game 2 win

aylen Brown has said he and his Boston Celtics team-mates wanted to play "like our season was on the line", after a 109-86 win in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Brown shot only four-of-13 for 12 points in the Celtics' Game 1 defeat, but followed up by scoring 30 points, with six assists and five rebounds, as Boston levelled the series at 1-1 at TD Garden.

The 25-year-old Brown also sank a playoffs’ career-high six shots from beyond the arc, and said after the victory just how much the Celtics had wanted to square things up.

"We knew we had to come out and play like our season was on the line, and we did that," Brown has said. "It's the playoffs! Survival of the fittest!

Every game counts!"

Besides Brown's performance, Jayson Tatum stepped it up as he shot 29 points, with eight assists and three rebounds.

Boston coach Ime Udoka

pointed to what his team had learned in their Game 1 defeat; namely: not to get "outmuscled", and just as they were dominated for large periods on Sunday, they followed up with a physical performance of their own on Tuesday.

"We adjusted well," Udoka said. "We learned some things from Game 1, and felt like we knew we didn't react accordingly to the way that we're playing.

Two big teams, but we haven't been outmuscled like that all year. I think our guys took pride in that, took that to heart, and we knew we would come out with the right effort tonight."

His opposite number, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, acknowledged the game-plan from the Celtics had worked, particularly on star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who still finished with 28 points, with nine rebounds and seven assists.

"The guys on him, they're solid, good, good defenders, and then quite a bit of help," Budenholzer said. "That's where he's just got to see and feel it.

Do we kick it and get more threes, or he's got to finish against one-on-one defence? So, I think it's a little bit of both. But Giannis, he always figures things out." (Sportsmax)

inexperience at the death - Dhoni held Theekshana's final two overs back for the 17th and 19th.

Teekshana conceded only eight runs - six of them scored by Karthik, off seven balls - and struck three times in his final over, removing Lomror, Wanindu Hasaranga and Shahbaz Ahmed.

But Lomror had hit Pretorius for four and six - and been dropped

by Jadeja - in the 18th, to keep the scoreboard moving, and after surviving an incredibly tight review for lbw off the first ball of the final over, Karthik whacked him over deep midwicket twice, to take Royal Challengers to 173.

Conway's cruise Dropped one innings into his IPL career, Devon Conway marked his return to the side with 85 not out against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, and made it back-to-back half-centuries on Wednesday night with a fluent 56.

He started brightly, reversesweeping then sweeping Shahbaz for fours in the first over of the chase, and put on 51 for the first wicket alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.

As Royal Challengers had done, Super Kings lost their way through the middle overs against spin, and Maxwell in particular, who bowled four tight overs and

Harshal Patel celebrated as he bagged 3-35

removed both Uthappa and Ambati Rayudu, cramping them for room from around the wicket. But with Conway there and the required rate intact, Super Kings were always in the game.

Hazlewood, Harshal finish the job du Plessis held Harshal back until the 13th over, then ensured he would bowl three of the last five by throwing the ball to Hasaranga for the 15th. Hasaranga had been expensive, hit for three sixes in his first two overs, but du Plessis's gamble paid off: Hasaranga went full, but Conway could not clear Shahbaz at deep backward square leg.

Moeen looked as though he had found his rhythm when he

lofted Hasaranga's final ball down the ground for six, but Super Kings capitulated after the time-out.

Bowling his variations from around the wicket, Harshal had Jadeja well caught by Kohli off a skier, and he had Moeen pouched at extra cover, after having been swiped for six over the leg side.

When Hazlewood had Dhoni caught at deep midwicket with the first ball of the 19th over, the game was effectively over, and his four overs had been crucial. Hazlewood went for only 19 runs, bowling his hard lengths in the powerplay and at the death; Pretorius's top-edged pull off his penultimate ball was the only boundary he conceded.

(Cricinfo)

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden edition…

Swag Ent, DC Ballers, Silver Bullets, Amazing through to semis 10th minute.

DC Ballers needled WhapWhap 1-0, compliments of a 24th minute conversion from Allan Halley, while Amazings bested High Rollers 3-1, Errol Davies, George Stephen and Tyrese Lewis finding the back of the net in the 15th, 17th, and 21st minutes respectively.

For the losers, Qualon Andries found the back of the net in the 24th minute.

The respective semi-final winners would advance to the final, with the losers contesting the third-place playoffs. The winners of the tournament would pocket $300,000 and

Guinness action in Linden

D

efending champions Swag Entertainment will oppose Silver Bullets, while DC Ballers will tackle Amazings in the semifinal round on Saturday, following quarterfinal wins on Tuesday in

the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden edition.

Staged at the Silver City Hardcourt, Swag Entertainment downed Darkside 2-0, with Colwyn Drakes and Kendolph Lewis scoring in the 17th and

21st minutes respectively.

Silver Bullets edged Germans 2-1, with Donovan Francis and Darrel George scoring in the fourth and 11th minutes respectively. For the losers, Tyriq McAllister netted in the

the championship trophy, and would also earn an automatic berth to the national championships. The runners-up would receive $200,000 and the corresponding accolade. The third and fourth-place finisher would walk away with $100,000 and $70,000 respectively.

Complete Results

Game-1 Swag Entertainment-2 vs Darkside-0 Colwyn Drakes-17th Kendolph Lewis-21st Game-2 Whap-Whap-0 vs DC

Essequibo’s youngest opener Ravid Fredericks benefits

Ravid Fredericks (left) shaking hands with Anil Beharry as the cricket gear he received is on display

R

avid Fredericks, a 10-yearold opening batsman from Essequibo, is the latest cricketer to benefit from the project, an initiative of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana.

Fredericks, the baby of the team, has been the youngest batsman to participate in the GCB/Dave West Indian Imports and Exports Inter-County Tournament, which has been halted due to the inclement weather. Players are vying for a place in the national team to participate in the upcoming CWI Regional Tournament.

Fredericks, son of former national player Norman Fredericks, represents Jaguars Cricket Club and resides with his mother in the village of Pomona. He has been recipient of a junior gear bag, along with one pair of batting pad, one bat, one box, one helmet, one pair of batting gloves, and one bat rubber, which was up for grabs for the youngest batsman in the tournament.

The elegant right hander is one for the future, and has been highly recommended by officials, media representatives and former players.

At a simple informal presentation held recently,

Beharry, a current GCB executive, said he is happy to assist young players, and he considers this donation special because of the recipient player’s tender age.

He said the project has reached out to many young and promising cricketers and clubs across the length and breadth of Guyana, and the initiative hopes to assist in producing more cricketers for Guyana and the West Indies.

In responding, Ravid Fredericks, grade 5 student of Huis’t Dieren Primary School, expressed much gratitude for the gear, and promised to work hard on his game so as to realise his dream of donning West Indies colours one day.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: $130,000 cash, two trophies, 11 cricket boots, 16 pairs of batting pads, 17 bats, 11 pairs of batting gloves, 19 thigh pads, one wicket-keeping pad, one arm guard, five cricket bags and one helmet. In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former national wicket keeper/batsman.

To date, 35 young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from two junior gear bags, two

Game-3 Amazings-3 vs High Rollers-1 Amazings Scorers Errol Davies-15th George Stephen-17th Tyrese Lewis-21st High Rollers Qualon Andries-24th Game-4 Germans-1 vs Silver Bullets-2 Silver Bullets Scorers Donovan Francis-4th Darrel George-11th Germans Scorer Tyriq McAllister-10th

Smalta supports GCA’s girls cricket programme

Project “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana…”

trophies, one arm guard, 11 bats, one box, one helmet, nine pairs of cricket shoes, eight pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and nine pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, the Rose Hall Estate Cricket Club has benefited from a pair of stumps and bails, and two clubs in the Pomeroon area have benefited from two used bats. Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees, Cotton Tree Die Hard and Rose Hall CCCC also each received one box of red cricket balls.

Cricket-related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country, and club leaders will also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed clubs would also benefit.

We take this opportunity to thank Javed and Imran of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group of USA, Hilbert Foster, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Trevis Simon, Årïêl J. Tïlkú, Aaron Beharry, Leanna Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Devon Ramnauth, Teddy Singh, Romash Munna, Ravi Etwaroo, Ravin Harkishun, Surendra Harkishun, Allan Mangru, Vishal Mahabir, Sherman Austin, Huburn Evans, Rajendra Sadeo and Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Sheik Mohamed of Star Sports Awards and Trophies and Ajay Gainda of Cricket Equipment Guyana, Peter Ramkissoon, Rabindranath Saywack, Roshan Gaffoor, Ameer Rahaman, Denesh Chandrapaul and Dr Cecil Beharry.

Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875, or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.

Ballers-1 Allan Halley-24th

Marketing Manager of GBI, Melinda Telesford, handing over cheque to Programme Manager Deborah McNichols in the presence of GCA President Neil Barry Sr on Tuesday

S

malta will aid in the development of female cricket by sponsoring the Georgetown Cricket Association’s girls programme, which bowled off with its orientation on Wednesday afternoon at the Malteenoes Sports Club.

At the simple handing over ceremony on Tuesday, Marketing Manager of Guyana

Brewery Inc (GBI), Melinda Telesford, shared: "Smalta is big on supporting sport, and this is the perfect event to be part of, as it promotes the development of not only cricket, but women's cricket as well."

President of the Malteenoes Cricket Club and manager of the girls programme, Deborah

Thursday, May 5, 2022

06:00 (Sign on) Inspirational Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 08:30 Stay Woke 09:00 Anthony’s Arrival Day Special 10:00 Movie - Catwoman: Hunted (2022) 11:30 Divorce Court 12:00 Movie - Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017) 14:00 The Thundermans S2 E13 14:30 The Evermoor Chronicles S1 E10 15:00 Documentary: Coolies: How British Reinvented Slavery 16:00 Lost in Space S3 E1 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 The Cricket Show 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Stop Suffering 20:30 For Better or Worse S5 E7 21:00 Station 19 (ABC) 22:00 Grey's Anatomy (ABC) 23:00 The Ranch S3 E4 23:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? S12 E2 00:00 Sign off

McNichols, highlighted, "This is perfect for female cricket, and I can see this growing into something special, where future national cricketers are produced."

And President of the Georgetown Cricket Association, Neil Barry Sr, shared, "The development of the female game is something we have been lacking with, and hopefully this kickstarts a nucleus of players that we can develop for the game."

The programme will cater to young girls from the age of 12, with various venues around Georgetown being utilised for the running of the camp.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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31

Rain spoils Guyana Harpy Eagles' first practice match - second match set for Providence from May 9

T

he rain had the final say in the first Guyana Harpy Eagles practice match at the Everest Cricket Club in Georgetown. Only one day of play was possible, and the bowlers had a good showing, while the batsmen failed to score big.

The players are currently in preparation mode for the restart of Cricket West Indies’ Regional FourDay Championships in Trinidad and Tobago from May 18. Before departure, the Harpy Eagles will play the final Four-Day practice match from Monday May 9 at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. Although there is the prospect of rain, the players will be hoping to get some competitive cricket in before the ball gets rolling at Queen’s Park Oval, where the Guyana team would be in action against defending champions

The state of Everest on Wednesday morning

Guyana Harpy Eagles will play at Providence from May 9

Barbados Pride.

On the only day when play was possible in the first practice match, the Keemo Paul XI made 177 all out in 72 overs. Akshaya Persaud made 35, Kemol Savory scored 23, Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 21,

Kevlon Anderson 19, Junior Sinclair 18, and Matthew Nandu 17.

Kevin Sinclair was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-28 from 13 overs, while Demetri Cameron’s 2-14 (8), Stephen Sankar’s 2-38 (9), Mavin Dindyal’s 1-1, Shamar

Joseph’s 1-14 (6) and Clinton Pestano’s 1-28 (11) put each of them ‘in the wickets’.

In reply, the Leon Johnson XI were 18-3 (7), with Chandrapaul Hemraj having made 11, and Leon Johnson and Vishal Singh each

being on 03*. Trevon Griffith and Mavindra Dindyal had been sent back without scoring. Ronsford Beaton had 2-8 and Sylus Tyndall had 1-6.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles’ batting has been ordinary after two rounds of the tournament. Vishaul Singh is their leading batsman with 143 runs. He has a high score of 93, and averages 35.75. Anthony Bramble has 129 runs, and

Chandrapaul Hemraj has 124 runs.

Veerasammy Permaul has taken eight wickets. Permaul, the most consistent regional bowler, had gone wicketless in the second match against Leewards. After the Harpy Eagles play Barbados from May 18, they then play Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The Harpy Eagles are in fourth position with 21.4 points.

Odyssey Sight Seeing/WDCA 50 Overs Tournament…

Windsor Forest A defeat Shamrock in low-scoring thriller

Raylex Payne bagged 4-14

A

ction in the Odyssey Sight Seeing/West Demerara Cricket Association’s 50 Overs Tournament continued over the weekend with Windsor Forest A winning against Shamrock

Deendyal Guyadeen supported with 3-23

Kenzo Baksh led the charge with 34*

Avinash Ganesh chipped in with 30

Cricket Club at the Uitvlugt Ground in a low-scoring match that saw Windsor Forest A winning by 5 wickets.

Shamrock won the toss and took first strike, and were in

trouble from the very first over, as Deendyal Guyadeen struck with the 4th ball of the match.

Thereafter, Shamrock could not put together a solid partnership, and were eventually bowled out for 90

runs scored in 17.2 overs.

Shamrock’s top-scorers were Aleem Khalil with 23 and Kenan Foster with 30, while Raylex Payne, bowling for Windsor Forest A, took 4 for 14 from 3.1 overs; Deendyal

Guyanese table tennis players advance in latest ITTF World Rankings

Christopher Franklin is now ranked 538

W

ith a ranking of 243, the left-handed Shemar Britton is now the highest ranked Guyanese table tennis player ever, having scaled 205 places from 448. The Portugal-based national women’s champion and Olympian Chelsea Edghill also broke the 300 mark with a world ranking position of 263.

National Men’s Champion Christopher Franklin made significant progress and is now ranked 538, up from 1750; and Miguel Wong, Joel Alleyne and Jonathan Van Lange also saw some improvements in their rankings.

These movements are based on recent results at international competitions, and are significant for the sport. They testify to the players’ sacrifices, dedication, commitment, abilities, talents and discipline. They also testify to the support provided by the Government of Guyana through

Chelsea Edghill is now ranked 263

the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the National Sports Commission, the Guyana Olympic Association, the GTTA, and other private entities and public stakeholders who have supported and contributed to allow Guyana’s players to participate in the engagements.

“For this, we would like to publicly express our gratitude, as we are looking forward to the continued support as we endeavour to maximize the potential and talents of our athletes.

“The success also underscores the GTTA’s tenets, grounded in a position to have our players participate in tournaments even with the constraints due to, and during, the pandemic,” GTTA President Godfrey Munroe has said. “We believe our players have the talent to surpass these ranking positions; however, what is critical is that we continue to create the

Shemar Britton is now ranked 243

environment for them to have the opportunity for regular exposure and training, in view of developing their technical, tactical, physical and mental capacities as a base for sustained performance.”

With the Commonwealth Games, Islamic Games, South America Senior Games in addition to key world circuit events scheduled for 2022, and with the ITTF new world ranking position going back to a meritand-performance-based system, where players are rewarded for advancement in rounds of competition, given points for wins against higher-ranked opponents, with participation receiving minimal number of points, it lends to allowing players to make even more breakthroughs in the world ranking position as the GTTA seeks to improve their performance trajectory”.

Guyadeen took 3 for 23 from 6 overs; Abdulaah Nizamudeen Wazidali took 2 for 18 from 5 overs, and Kishaun Tracy took a wicket for 13 from 3 overs.

Needing a simple target of 91 from 300 balls, Windsor Forest lost 5 wickets in the chase, but got to the total in 26.3 overs. Despite losing a few wickets early in the chase, they held their nerve and eventually emerged victorious, guided home by handy knocks from Kenzo Baksh with 34 and Avinash Ganesh with 30.

Bowling for Shamrock CC, Tameshwar Dass took 3 for 25 in 9 overs, Tavindra Mangra took a wicket for 16 runs in 6.3 overs, and Keyon Alexander took a wicket for 7 runs in 2 overs.

His team having emerged

victorious, Vice-Captain Avinash Ganesh declared, “The game went well in our favour, of course. We could have been a bit more clinical in the field. It’s the first game we played for the competition. We had a walk-over victory on Sunday. We did not field our strongest 11 on Sunday, some of the guys weren’t around. But I expect us to improve over the next games, since everyone should be available for the final two games of the round-robin stage.

“I think we can progress far in the competition, and, on our day, we can upset any team. For us to take the title, we have to play hard and capitalise on any opportunity the game gives us.”

Windsor Forest A currently have 8 points from 2 games in the competition.

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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

Guyana launches FIFA F4S programme …Coaches/teachers to be rewarded

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. inviting Analisa Vincent to the podium

Story and Photos by Jemima Holmes

T

he climate of grassroots football in Guyana is about to witness a paradigm shift, in that not only would children be able play the sport they love at the Academy Training Centre (ATC) level, but the sport would also be provided in schools, ensuring that football would be present wherever they go.

This is the reality that the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) Programme offers students aged 4-14 within Guyana’s education system now that the initiative had been officially launched and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between FIFA, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), and the Ministries of Education and Sport.

Representing the aforementioned entities were: FIFA Project Manager Alexandre Gros, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr., and GFF President Wayne Forde, whose signatures solidified a developmental project and signalled the culmination of months of collaborative work.

As such, Project Leader Gros praised the Government entities for their involvement, citing the need for a positive relationship between football and governance.

“Today I want to particularly recognise and emphasise the excellent cooperation from the Ministry of Education, represented by Honourable Priya Manickchand. Thank you, madam, and thank you for making these wonderful teachers available to us over the past few days. You guys have been fantastic.

“And special thanks also to the Honourable Charles

Ramson, for his support to sports in general and football in particular. This means a lot to us in the football community,” he related to the gathering, which was made up of students and the newly-trained coaches.

About FIFA’s intentions, Gros explained, “For FIFA, its President, Gianni Infantino, the FIFA Foundation and its CEO, Yuri Dkorkaeoff, we here today from FIFA firmly believe that by embracing football for schools, you will see the exceptional power that football has to bring together a multicultural, multi-ethnic, multi-faced nation such as Guyana. The long-term benefits of such a programme,

Alexandre Gros, Wayne Forde, Priya Manickchand and Charles Ramson inked the F4S MoU

the developmental aspects of the F4S programme, which she figures would do well to create ‘rounded’ Guyanese students.

Manickchand said, “The central focus here, however, is

field.

“What is admirable is that it provides an array of developmental activities that concurrently build our children’s psychosocial and

everyday life,” She concluded.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. opted to use the brilliance of Lady Jags Forward Analisa Vincent as a shining example of what such a

As GFF President Wayne Forde thanked the aforementioned persons for their involvement, he predicted the transformative capabilities of the programme.

Forde highlighted, “We believe F4S will act as a catalyst to create a brighter future for football and for all of our communities.

We are all stakeholders in this process, in this mission, and I would therefore like to call on our teachers who are now certified master trainers to summon the determination to spread the knowledge you have acquired over the past three days.”

He went on to revealed plans of rewarding the teachers who have undertaken the coaching opportunity, another collaborative effort between the Federation and Government

FIFA Project Manager Alexandre Gros, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr., along with GFF President Wayne Forde, Caricom’s Dr. Douglas Slater and CFU’s Camara David, enjoying a light moment

The children running their drills after the launch of Football for Schools

if applied at full capacity, will be felt for years in terms of public health, both physical and mental.”

Echoing similar sentiments to that made by Education Specialist Olato Sam earlier this week, Education Minister Priya Manickchand highlighted

not on creating the next cadre of elite football players, although we do have our eyes set on 2026. This programme goes well beyond that, and uses football as the medium for exposing our pupils to a range of vital life skills and competencies that transcend what they do on the

social emotional capacity. I’ve had a look, a detailed look, at the content of the life skills curriculum, and I am convinced that it will meet expectations in relation to fostering the positive behaviours that will enable our pupils to effectively deal with the demands and challenges of

programme can achieve for Guyana.

“I saw a phenomenal player scampering, hunting down every single ball that she could in the most aggressive way possible.

I think she can outdo some of the guys on the team,” Ramson narrated.

He continued, “And I knew that it is because of programmes that we can create, like this, that you can create many versions of Annalisa, and that is what this FIFA Football for Schools programme has the potential to do.

“So, this is a huge achievement for the country. It is something that I am particularly proud of, and that when I look back at my tenure four years from now, this will be one of the moments that I identify as being seminal, that I will remember as one of the huge achievements on behalf of the people of the country, and young people behind me and all across this country,” the Sport Minister stated.

Ministries.

“I would like to announce that the GFF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Education, will be rewarding the teachers that meet the expected targets as we roll out the programme with the opportunity to acquire CONCACAF coaching licence, starting with the CONCACAF D licence.

“It is our goal to have at least one CONCACAF C-licensed coach in each school across the nation over the next two years,” The GFF boss disclosed.

Also in attendance at Wednesday morning’s signing were Dr. Douglas Slater of Caricom and Caribbean Football Union’s Camara David, who congratulated Guyana’s stakeholders on their achievement. The F4S programme is expected to be rolled out in nursery, primary and secondary schools across Guyana.

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