Guyana Times - Friday, May 14, 2021

Education Ministry’s NGSA booster to start on May 17 …parents urged to join today’s launch

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

Issue No. 4647

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

ExxonMobil must now pay fines to Guyana for excess flaring – EPA Page 3

Younger age groups now dying from COVID-19 – Health Minister

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Former Chief of Protocol, Vic Persaud dies P13

1 freed, 3 to lead defence in father, daughter P12 murder …another remains on the run

Salesman to P11 face Judge, jury over murder of Triumph father 1 week later

See story on page 9

20,000 scholarships 2 more deaths, “This is your opportunity to 186 new get an education you don’t COVID-19 cases have to pay for” − PM within 24h Page 10

Essequibo Coast man dies after being lashed to head over P11 biscuits

Page 17

Police PR Dept

P16 Civilian appointments recommended by UK consultants – Top Cop

Workers’ unions set up body to push for electoral reforms Page 7

“Devil” found P15 guilty of raping 13-year-old girl

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, May 14 – 04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, May 15 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, May 14 – 05:10h-06:40h and Saturday, May 15 – 05:35h-07:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny intervals are expected in the earlymorning hours followed by light rain showers in the afternoon hours into the evening.

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

ExxonMobil must now pay fines to Guyana for excess flaring – EPA

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aving flared millions of cubic feet of gas per day over the past year, US oil giant ExxonMobil will now have to pay fines for flaring excess gas outside of stipulated timelines set out in its Environmental Permit.

This is according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has modified the Environmental Permit for the Liza-1 Development Project off-

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

Exxon’s Liza Destiny flaring gas (Annette Arjoon photo)

High Tide: 18:06h reaching a maximum height of 2.50 metres.

Low Tide: 11:40h and 23:50h reaching minimum heights of 0.56 metre and 0.76 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, 2021

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$67.05/barrel

-3.39

Rough Rice

$246. 114/ton

+0.07

London Sugar

$455.50/ton

-3.45

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1823.80

$1824.80

Low/High Change

$1808.10 -2.70

$1829.50 -0.15%

shore Guyana to include, among other things, a fine of US$30 per tonne of carbon emissions going forward.

In a statement on Thursday, the EPA said the Liza-1 Environmental Permit “was recalled and modified to include specific regulatory requirements for flaring of associated gas offshore Guyana, in accordance with the EPA’s legislation”.

These were missing from the original permit that was issued under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.

Due to recurring technical issues onboard the Liza Destiny Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, the oil company recently resumed flaring. This follows intermittent periods of flaring since December 2019.

The oil major was projected to exceed the 14 Billion Standard Cubic Feet (Bcf) of gas estimated to be flared by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project on May 13, 2021. The Government has been under heavy pressure to clamp down on Exxon over its excessive flaring.

Against this background, the EPA said it has been engaging Exxon’s local subsidiary – Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) – in discussions concerning the technical and legal issues regarding modifications to address flaring.

On Thursday, the two parties signed the Modified Permit. Among the changes are revised terms and conditions relating to emissions reporting requirements, technical considerations for flaring, timelines for flaring events and an obligation on the company to pay for the emission of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) as a result of flaring in excess of these timelines.

The oil company is now required to pay US$30 per tonne of carbon emissions.

Exxon has come under fire for its increased flaring

activities in recent years, with environmentalists up in arms over environmental and safety concerns.

Earlier this year, the company sent its gas compressor for repairs in Germany after it developed technical issues resulting in increased flaring. However, after it was reinstalled in April, technical issues were still encountered, forcing the company to significantly drop production.

It was reported that ExxonMobil’s local oil production plummeted to 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil in mid-April, as the gas compressor that had been in Germany for much of February being repaired once again failed.

The oil giant had explained that other problems in the discharge silencer were detected during the fi-

nal testing phase of the reinstalled flash gas compressor on board the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel.

It was explained that a team from SBM Offshore, MAN Energy Solutions and ExxonMobil was on site to assess repairs, supported by engineering experts in Europe and the United States.

Nevertheless, in a subsequent update on April 21, Exxon had said production was back up to 100,000110,000 bpd accompanied by a flare level of no more than 15 million cubic square feet of gas per day.

“These operating parameters were defined after careful consideration of safety, environmental, technical and economic factors as well as discussions with the relevant Government agencies on the best path forward

while repairs and upgrades are ongoing,” Exxon’s Advisor, Janelle Persaud had said.

Further, the US oil major had expressed its disappointment with the design issues and continued underperformance of the compressor unit, saying it was below its global expectations for reliability.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

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

COVID-19: Too much tragic loss of lives

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here are many tragic stories of loss of beloved, irreplaceable lives replicated in hundreds of thousands of cases worldwide as the COVID-19 pandemic ravages global mankind, with borders swept away by a virus that is no respecter of boundaries. The rich, the poor, the intellectuals, the uneducated– across every divide, all mankind is at risk, with no restriction to class, race or creed.

When the Coronavirus erupted into the global sphere from its reportedly original source in China, single cases became tens, then hundreds, then thousands, then millions of victims, with no surcease in sight. Instead, the deaths multiplied, with no respect for rank or status of persons, while Governments with research capabilities and capacities went into emergency mode to find a cure for the deadly pandemic ravaging even developed nations.

This highly contagious disease continues to spread and take lives because of the intransigence of persons to observe COVID-19 protocols and take the requisite precautions.

Here, in Guyana, health authorities continue to plead with Guyanese to adhere to the national COVID-19 guidelines and to take their COVID-19 vaccine. However, there seems to be no significant heed by many citizens of the danger to which they are exposing themselves and other persons when they continue to blatantly disregard guidelines, and vaccination levels are low in some communities as a result of persons refusing to be vaccinated.

Since the beginning of this year, the COVID-19 cases and death toll have continued to increase consistently.

Guyana’s death toll now stands at 333, with 34 of those persons dying in May and the month is so far only 14 days in.

While the Joint Services have finally begun to up their enforcement of the national curfew and guidelines which were put in place to help curb the spread of the deadly virus, some of their own ranks are violators themselves.

The situation with their own ranks is so grave that the Joint Services have had to issue a warning to their own, threatening condign actions. This comes just as the Joint Services had finally stepped up, after much criticism of the lack of enforcement, to help health authorities manage the enforcement of the COVID-19 guidelines.

While, for many months, law enforcement officers have been dispersing crowds, not many persons have been charged for breaching the guidelines, but that position has since changed, and tougher enforcement actions are now being taken.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony was quite candid when he said Guyanese have dropped their guard in taking precautions and following national guidelines to protect themselves from COVID-19. He had also pointed to the level of complacency currently seen, which is contributing to rising cases.

There is no doubt that non-adherence to precautions as outlined by health officials has reached an all-time high.

Every day, persons are going about their daily routine as if they are not bothered at all about COVID-19 and its deadly effects.

We have supported, and continue to support, the move

by Government to make it mandatory for persons to wear masks while out in public, which was implemented since August 2020. Authorities have made it clear that it is not the Government’s intention to have persons locked up or fined for not wearing a mask while out in public. However, now that law enforcement are getting tough for adherence to the guidelines, this is one of the areas in which they would also need to ensure full compliance.

It must be noted, too, that COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. For this reason, it is important that everyone wears a mask in public settings, and practise social distancing. Everyone wants the virus to be contained, so that they can get on with their daily lives, but this would not be possible if citizens are complacent or continue to ignore the health guidelines.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali and son, Zayda share a photo moment during Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations on Thursday (Office of the President photo)

Mangrove-clearing was necessary to facilitate development Dear Editor, I note, with concern, the emerging controversy between the concepts ‘Economic Development’ and ‘Mangrove Eradication’.

Firstly, I should wish to welcome and congratulate Tristar for their bold and massive investment of US$100-US$150 million in the construction and establishment of a Shore Base on the western side of the Demerara River, and to indicate the tremendous benefits the region will gain in jobs and developmental improvements.

The Minister of Public Works’ intervention in the matter was instrumental in avoiding unnecessary delays to the project and in laying out the alternatives that the contractors have

in building steel piling defence around the proposed site to avoid flooding and erosion in the absence of mangroves.

Tristar’s investment which now stands as the most significant to date, given its current size - will definitely shift the playing field with less costly logistics for oil and gas, which in the long run will reduce the burden the people of Guyana will have to face, as currently experienced with Exxon or any other company that will be engaged in oil and gas exploration and production.

Any logically-thinking Guyanese can acknowledge that there have not been any significant investments made on that side of the Demerara River, and, as such, should welcome

this venture.

I am sure that, as the project progresses, Tristar will be outlining their scope and plans for development, and the positive impact it will have on the region and Guyana as a whole.

The corridor from La Grange to Vreed-en-Hoop promises to be the epicentre of commercial activities in the oil and gas sector, with Tristar leading the way.

From the construction phase to the commencement of the Shore Base, jobs and other related economic enterprises will mushroom and revitalise that area in a manner reminiscent of the days when it was a hub of activities for the sugar and rice industries.

We must express our

pride in understanding that the owner of Tristar is a Guyanese entrepreneur who has taken on unprecedented risk of developing a port facility to handle extreme loading and logistical conditions which the oil and gas industry demands.

The success of this port facility would be an overall win for Guyana, since we will not have to pay exorbitant costs in US dollars for each shipment of materials from our oil fields to Trinidad and back.

While this is not the first time, and definitely will not be the last time, mangroves are cleared to facilitate development, though unfortunate, it is necessary.

Sincerely, Captain B Blackman AA (Mech Navy)

Investors, whether local or foreign, must be respectful of our people Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has been disturbed to learn from social media about the assault of a Guyanese worker at the hands of reportedly a Russian national employed by Innovative Mining Inc. Our Union has seen the statement emanating from the company, which seeks to offer, in our view, a feeble defence of what clearly were intoler-

able actions by the official.

For the GAWU, which draws a large number of members from the sugar industry, the scene jarred our memory back to the time of the plantocracy. It was a painful period wherein workers’ rights were ignored or wantonly trampled upon, and workers were seen as the means of production, rather than living, breathing human beings. It was from the concerted struggle of the

working-class and their allies that workers were able to put such wretched relations into the dustbin of history. Therefore, for us to see such occurrences taking place in our modern time is upsetting and disturbing.

The assault brings into focus, for us, the credibility of foreign investors in our country. Though we are not averse to foreign investment, recognising its role in advancing development, we

hold that investors - whether local or foreign - must be respectful of our people and their rights. We live in a society that is governed by rules and laws, and no one has a right to take the law into their hands.

Though heartened by the swift response of relevant Government agencies, we expect that those in the breach will be condemningly dealt with, and be made to answer for their actions.

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

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News 162 new recruits begin GDF training

Some 162 recruits have commenced training on the Basic Recruit Course (BRC) 2021. Colonel General Staff, Colonel Julius Skeete, in his adress during the formal opening ceremony for the course, commended the new recruits for choosing to serve the GDF and their country

We should desist from undermining Govt’s efforts to save lives

Dear Editor, Last weekend, I had a disturbing conversation with a taxi driver. The conversation began with me asking if he received the COVID vaccine. This taxi driver gave a very long speech about the pharmaceutical companies and their alleged involvement in the pandemic. He didn’t stop there, he refuted that senior Government officials were vaccinated, and shared a conversation he said he had with a healthcare provider.

I repeated this conversation to a colleague, and he, too, shared what was said by another person. Well, I was disappointed, a bit confused, and lost for words.

I think that, as health care workers, we should be

careful how we share our opinions. I think we should keep our opinions to ourselves, especially if sharing is likely to create confusion in the minds of the citizenry.

We should desist from undermining the efforts of the Government to save lives, especially during a time when many are losing their loved ones to this pandemic.

We should commend the Government for its efforts to ensure all eligible Guyanese are vaccinated. To date, almost 150,000 Guyanese have been vaccinated. While we are not a rich nation, approximately twenty percent of the population has received at least the first dose of the COVID vaccine. This is great news. Kudos to the authorities.

Inspectorate department now for public transportation Dear Editor, The time has come for Government to consider creating an Inspectorate Department within the Public Works Ministry for public transportation services.

My suggestions are as follows: (1) Registration of all mini buses, hire cars, taxi services and water crafts, including fees to print batches and coded caps.

(2) Seminars on a quarterly basis for owners and all operators.

(3) Erecting of bus stops (4) Checking system by inspectors on working vehicles at parks and via journeys during day and night, not forgetting taxi and water craft bases.

(5) Complaint hotline number for passengers (6) Owners, drivers,

conductors and captains must adhere to the Guyana Revenue Authority’s pay as you earn system and to the National Insurance Scheme.

The revenue to be collected from the above would certainly offset the expenses for the employment of inspectors, etc. No union is necessary, as it is a waste of time and this new venture will automatically remove private vehicles.

Please implement now, as this will bring confidence in our public transportation not only by passengers, but the tourism industry as well, and our Guyana Police Force, who will do a better job to make roads and water top a safer place.

Respectively, Parmanand Ram

However as successful as this is, I believe that if we should share with citizens why it is necessary for them to take the vaccine, more Guyanese would be vacci-

nated. As health-care workers, if it’s your desire not to take the vaccine, please don’t deny others the right to make a personal choice to be vaccinated. Please, let us

Did collusion and complicity play a part?

Dear Editor, It is reported that sand is being removed from a popular beach in Berbice by a contractor to fulfill the demand of an internationally funded project (“Contractor accused of taking sand from Number 63 Beach for project” GT May 13).

From indications, it appears that the accusations are true, since the contractor has promised to return the sand,

and has repaired a section of the damaged area.

It boggles the mind how this could have happened without collusion. Further, the claim by the engineer who lives along the beach entrance is ludicrous, and could be seen as not having the best interest of the region, and raises the question of complicity.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

continue to be responsible citizens and promote positivity.

Regards, Suematra Alves

Investors whether...

The incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny of what takes place in our workplaces, especially in the interior.

Of course, the sad situation, we note, cannot be delinked from the dismantling of the Ministry of Labour

FROM PAGE 4

by the former Government.

Indeed, the ghost of the scant regard paid to workers’ rights continues to haunt us.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

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Foundation ◄

Question 1

Thursday’s answers

On First Looking into Chapman's Homer

By John Keats Much have I travell'd in the realms of gold, And many goodly states and kingdoms seen; Round many western islands have I been Which bards in fealty to Apollo hold.

Oft of one wide expanse had I been told That deep-brow'd Homer ruled as his demesne; Yet did I never breathe its pure serene Till I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold: Then felt I like some watcher of the skies When a new planet swims into his ken; Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes He star'd at the Pacific—and all his men Look'd at each other with a wild surmise— Silent, upon a peak in Darien.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Workers’ unions, leaders set up body to push for electoral reforms

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group of labour unions, leaders and ordinary workers have joined forces to establish the ‘Labour for Electoral Reform’ – a body focusing on championing the need for electoral reform in Guyana.

In a statement on Thursday, the new organisation said the five-month impasse following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections remains vivid in the minds of many of the nation’s workers.

“Many workers, during that period and after, expressed and continue to express anxieties over the attempts to undermine our democracy.

Several expressed consternation that, had our democratic rights been lost what other rights, our people stood to lose; or whether any of their rights would have been preserved.

The dangerous precipice that our country confronted has caused workers to harbour doubts of the institutions and mechanisms that are charged with consolidating our fledgling democracy,” the new body has stated.

This sentiment, according to the Labour for Electoral Reform, is one that is felt broadly throughout the nation and one that no right-thinking Guyanese

GLU’s Carvil Duncan will lead Labour for Electoral Reform

can ignore.

It was against this background that workers’ leaders and bodies, having shared their views on the issue, decided recently to establish the ‘Labour for Electoral Reform’. They recognise that the current system is susceptible and requires strengthening to enjoy the confidence of the Guyanese people.

“We see our establishment as timely, recognising that efforts are underway to advance serious considerations of electoral reform. Indeed, as genuine representatives of our working-people, our group is eager to have an oppor-

tunity to express our views and share our thoughts on areas for reform. In the coming days and weeks, we hope to fine-tune further our proposals as we begin to advance our cause and to speak on the behalf of our workers on this important and essential issue,” the entity has said.

The Labour for Electoral Reform will be led by General Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Carvil Duncan, and its Secretary is General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Aslim Singh.

Speaking with this newspaper on Thursday, Singh explained that the entity is hoping to engage more with workers on their concerns and views on electoral reform.

“So, one of the first (courses) of action is to get a broad view of what workers think or what are their views on this whole concept of electoral reform. Of course, there are many ideas that have been floating in society, but this is to look at it from a worker’s perspective… These will be channelled to the relevant authorities and, of course, the Government,” he stated.

Singh further point-

ed out that the new body is hoping to meet with the International Republican Institute (IRI), which is currently working on a project to strengthen the capacity of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and the Attorney General’s Chambers, to lay the groundwork as it relates to electoral reform. The 18-month project is being supported by US Department of State.

Only recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali reassured that constitutional and electoral reforms are still a top priori-

ty for his administration. He noted that work is already ongoing on both fronts.

During a press conference last month, the Head of State, in response to a question from Guyana Times, contended that those reforms are “indeed critical.”

According to President Ali, there is a lot of work currently ongoing regarding electoral reform.

“A lot of international agencies are in discussions with both GECOM and the different stakeholders. But, more importantly, we, as a

people, have to start the discussion on electoral reform, but that is high on the agenda. Also important on that agenda is the strengthening of GECOM and the internal reform of GECOM itself. So that we can have the best professionals in there managing and running an election,” the President posited.

The need for constitutional, and moreso electoral, reform was underscored following last year’s March elections, which led to a fivemonth tumultuous impasse.

(G8)

ExxonMobil must now pay...

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said earlier this month EEPGL would switch the manufacturer of the compressor equipment, to ensure there was no flaring during future projects.

“This now has forced us to enter into engagements with Exxon to ensure that the Unity FPSO that is coming later in this year, and then Prosperity in early 2024, that we don’t have this issue with those FPSOs… So, we have gotten that assurance that General Electric will be used as the manufacturer to ensure that the compressor,

there is not a recurring problem on those FPSOs with the gas compressor,” Bharrat told reporters on the sidelines of an event last week.

General Electric is a renowned US multinational company.

The Minister said the adjustment needed to be made since both the Liza Destiny and Prosperity are each designed to produce 220,000 bpd – almost twice the amount the Liza Destiny was designed to produce.

In the meantime, Bharrat said the Government has been in contact with Exxon daily to ensure that a swift

FROM PAGE 3

resolution was reached for the challenges on the Liza Destiny.

“It is not something that the Government of Guyana wants. It is not something that we will tolerate. It is not something, I believe, that Exxon-EEPGL wants either, because it is affecting production and worse yet, it is causing damage to the environment by the flaring of gas,” the Natural Resources Minister stated.

ExxonMobil has given a timeframe of two-three months to fix the recurring issues on the Liza Destiny FPSO.

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ex-cop walks free of manslaughter charge

Dead: Feroze Khan

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ormer Police Sergeant Shawn Sandy has been found not guilty of manslaughter in the unlawful killing of dredge owner Feroze Khan, which occurred at King Buoy Hole,

Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on March 24, 2016.

The former Joint Services member had been on trial for this offence before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury in the Demerara High Court.

Following the close of the prosecution’s case, which was presented by State Counsel Tiffini Lyken, Sandy’s lawyer George Thomas made a submission of no case to answer.

The submission was upheld by the trial judge, who directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

The Police Force, in a statement, said Sandy had allegedly found a handgun, and was showing it to 30-year-

Freed: Shawn Sandy

old Khan at King Buoy Hole, Mazaruni when a round was discharged. Sandy was reportedly struck to his right hand and Khan to his abdomen. Khan was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bartica

Hospital, while Sandy was admitted a patient.

Following investigations, Sandy was charged.

At the time of his demise, Feroze Khan had two children to support, and his wife was pregnant.

Thomas, In the no-case submission, argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case of manslaughter against his client, and, as such, there is not sufficient evidence for him to be called upon to lead a defence. According to Thomas, the only evidence in regard to what had transpired on the day in question comes from a caution and oral statement given to the Police by his client.

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Fixing...

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…what ain’t broke ooks like we’re in for another round of “fixing the constitution”. Never mind that the Government insists ELECTORAL REFORM is on the agenda. That’s what’s broke. The Americans introduced constitutions into politics 250 years ago, and they’ve become the nostrum folks the world over believe will fix whatever ails their political systems. But in that same 250 years, has the world become less fractious?

Let’s not forget that, before the constitutional ubiquity, no “world war” killed 20 million persons at a pop. And there weren’t the mass genocides within countries like has happened in the 20th century. But the yen for constitutions as the plaster for every politics’ “sore” continues unabated. How come? Well, it arose from a still dominant kind of thinking that came out of the EUROPEAN ENLIGHTENMENT, that insisted men were rational, and would act according to rules embodied in constitutions, once “it was for their own good”.

So, we had constitutions that said only the landed gentry could vote…then only the moneyed class…then the educated ones…then all men over 21…then all adults, now defined as 18-year-olds. Then we had different methods to conduct the votes: FPTP, then PR…then a mixture of the two. Then as to how we would select the judiciary and so on and so forth ad infinitum. But hope beats eternal! The point is, like all arguments, the problem lies in the premises justifying constitutions. In this case, that folks will act rationally.

But they don’t!! They act out of their self-interest -- as defined by themselves. And rationality has very little to do with it. Do people really sit down and go over pros and cons in a systemic manner before they make decisions, including how they’ll vote? Do we even LISTEN to the arguments from the various “sides”!? No, we don’t we go with our “gut feeling”. And the gut certainly isn’t connected with the brain, in case you forgot!

In Guyanese politics, folks vote along ethnic lines, and it’s not because “leaders” tell them to. They do…but the predisposition - the gut feeling - is already there. So, if we dig a bit deeper in Guyanese politics, we’ll see that a lot of African-Guyanese really don’t accept that any party dominated by Indian-Guyanese should govern them.

And they can back that gut feeling up because state institutions are controlled by them! So, the heck with “democratic rules” in constitutions saying that a majority vote should select the Government - if the Government isn’t their “own”!! If it is, then okay…like with the PNC in 2015! But now? Nada!

So, dear readers, it doesn’t matter what constitution we jimmy up - once the PNC’s extra-constitutional bases remain intact.

…racial (political) stereotypes Guyana’s being roiled by some utterances from a new PNC MP. She claimed that PPP supporters are “mentally lazy” when it comes to following their leaders, as opposed to PNC supporters. It would appear that she’s channelling Forbes Burnham’s thoughts on the matter. Back in 1963, having lost the 1961 elections, he noted, “It is a fact that at the last elections the Indians voted predominantly for the PPP and the Africans likewise for the PNC.” And that this didn’t mean there weren’t some crossover votes. “…in spite of the new values now becoming part of the Indian repertoire, there is a lag between the forward group and the rest… The Indian, unsure of himself, will find emotional and psychological compensation in emphasising the cultural legacies…from Mother India. The African will find succour in the derogatory observation that the Indian, after all, is socially and culturally inferior, because he has not been, and may never be, fully westernised.”

But he concluded: “As in there is an intrinsic merit in being westernised.”

…East Bank traffic bottleneck Your Eyewitness was pleased to hear that the DiamondEccles-Mandela Ave link will soon be completed. Has anyone calculated the number of lost man hours - and blood pressure damage! - this will relieve?

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Younger age groups now dying from COVID – Health Minister warned.

The Director also shared that countries must contin-

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

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he coronavirus mortality pattern in Guyana has taken a new trajectory, affecting younger age groups within the population.

Addressing the new trend was Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony during Thursday’s COVID-19 update. He explained that data gathered in recent weeks shows that individuals from lower age groups are falling victim to the novel disease.

Previously, only older people or those with comorbidities were at risk.

“What we have noticed over the last couple of weeks is that we have seen a change in the mortality patterns, because we’re seeing persons who are between 50 and 40, we have seen a few cases in that age category. We have had a few cases in the 40-to-30 age category, and we have had about three cases in the 30-to-20 age category. So, we have to be mindful that this is no longer a situation where it’s just older people. We’re seeing different ages, and this is a trend that is also being observed globally,” he shared.

The Minister outlined that this trend could be due to the fact that a large percentage of the 60-and- older subset has already been vaccinated. With this indication, he said it is important for Guyanese to ensure that they take both doses of the vaccine.

“That pattern is changing, because what we are noticing now is that 63 per cent of our over-60 population has now been vaccinated, at least with the first dose of the vaccine. We encourage all those who got their first dose to make sure that they get their second dose of the vaccine, because unless you

get both doses, you’re not going to be fully protected.”

The vaccines offer protection against death from the virus, and will prevent people from developing the worst form of the virus. Dr Anthony pointed out that once positive cases reach the hospitalisation stage, there will be some deaths.

He detailed, “Once you have hospitalisation, a percentage of those persons would end up in the ICU and would die. We keep repeating that. I don’t know how many persons have been paying attention to it, but we keep repeating it.

“Unfortunately, some persons would get very sick when they’re in the hospital, and they would die. Initially, when we start monitoring this, we noticed that older people and people with comorbidities were more at risk.”

Just last week, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Carissa F Etienne, highlighted that more younger persons were being hospitalised across the Americas.

“Adults of all ages, including young people, are becoming seriously ill. Many of them are dying…In Brazil, mortality rates have doubled among those younger than 39, quadrupled among those in their 40s, and tripled for those in their 50s between December 2020 and March 2021,” she had informed.

She said hospitalisation rates of people under 39 years old rose by more than 70 percent in Chile during the past few months.

“If infections continue to rise at this rate, we expect that, over the next three months, countries across our region will need to maintain and even increase their ICU bed capacity further,” she

ue public health measures – social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding

gatherings in closed spaces.

Communication campaigns also should be launched to

remind younger people that they need to protect themselves. (G12)

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2 more deaths, 186 new COVID-19 cases within 24h …34 fatalities in 12 days

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he Health Ministry on Thursday announced that two more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus have died, hiking the local death toll to 333.

The latest fatalities are two males: a 64-yearold and a 55-year-old from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), who both died on Wednesday while receiving care at a medical facility. For May, 34 deaths have been reported. The deadliest month has been April 2021, with 66 reported deaths.

On Monday, four persons: a 78-year-old male from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a 69-year-old female from Region Four, a 63-yearold female from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and a 66-year-old male from Region One (Barima-Waini) succumbed.

New cases

On Thursday, 186 new cases were detected from

1364 tests. The updated Health Ministry dashboard showed the total confirmed cases moving up to 14,845.

There are 12 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 111 in institutional isolation, 1696 in home isolation and eight in institutional quarantine. Active cases are now down to 1819 while 12,693 recoveries were recorded.

Since the pandemic started, 133,695 individuals have been tested locally – with 7429 males and 7416 females returning positive results.

Of the new cases, 28 were from Region Three; 86 from Region Four; seven from Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica); 25 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 21 from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); 16 from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and three from Region 10 .

There were no new cases in Regions One; Two

(Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Current hotspots are Tuschen in Region Three; Georgetown, Diamond, Kitty, Sophia and Mon Repos in Region Four; New Amsterdam in Region Six; Bartica in Region Seven; and Amelia’s Ward in Region 10.

More vaccine outreaches

The latest statistics have shown that 161,886 persons received their first dose of the vaccine, while 18,526 were completely vaccinated. Region 10 continues to lag behind with a 10 per cent coverage of the adult population while Region Six leads with 40 per cent.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony notified the public on Thursday in the coronavirus update that more outreaches were organised for this weekend, so as to increase the vaccination numbers.

“We will be doing a lot

more outreach work this weekend. I know the teams in the different regions have been planning outreaches, so over the weekend, there will be many more sites.

On average, we’re hoping to operate close to 100 sites.

People on the weekends have a little more time, so perhaps we’ll see a better uptake,” he informed.

For those companies and other organisations that mobilised persons to take the first shot, he encouraged them to follow suit for the second dose to be administered.

“We want to continue those partnerships, so we have been working

with a number of companies. Those companies who would have organised for us to do the first dose of the vaccine, we’d like them to do the second dose so we can make sure that we immunise those working population,” the Minister outlined. (G12)

Drunken brothers’ brawl

Labourer died from single stab wound to heart

A

post-mortem examination conducted on the body of 32-yearold Ganga Persaud, also known as “Toney”, who was stabbed to death by one of his brothers, has revealed that he died from a single stab wound to his heart.

Persaud was stabbed to death on Sunday at his mother’s Fairfield, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) home during a drunken brawl with two of his brothers.

The post-mortem was performed by Government

Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh at the Suddie Public Hospital on Thursday, and revealed that Persaud died from perforation of his lung and an artery owing to the one stab wound he received. The suspect has since been arrested.

He is expected to make his first appearance today at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

The labourer, the suspect, and another brother, who was visiting from Wakenaam were drinking about 15:00h when his visiting brother and his wife became involved in an argument that led to a drunken brawl.

Reports are that the suspect armed himself with a rum bottle and lashed Persaud to his head while the other relative attempted to make peace. Persaud and the suspect exited the house via the front door and back door, respectively. Shortly after, the suspect started shouting as soon as his brother dropped to the ground.

The other relatives rushed towards Persaud as he lay motionless in a pool of blood. The suspect then fled from the scene and hid in the backdam. Subsequently, he was handed over to the Police by his mother, who took him to the station on Monday morning.

He is currently in Police custody pending his court appearance today.

NEWS

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Salesman to face Judge, jury over murder of Triumph father

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salesman was on Thursday committed to stand trial at the Demerara High Court for the December 27, 2020 murder of 29-year-old David Barclay, a father of two.

Murder accused Kevin Lewis has been committed to stand trial by judge and jury following the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry (PI) into the matter held at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts.

In her ruling after the PI, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan noted that a prima facie case has been established against Lewis.

Accordingly, he has been committed to stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

In the meantime, he remains on remand.

According to reports, Barclay, of Triumph, East

1 week later

Essequibo Coast man dies after being lashed to head over biscuits

M

ore than one week after being lashed to his head during an argument over biscuits, Kurt Stephany succumbed to his injury while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

The 24-year-old Stephany, of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, had been in critical condition at the GPHC after being hit to his head on May 6. He died at about 01:00h on Thursday morning.

Reports out of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are that Stephany had been involved in a heated argument with another resident of Henrietta at about 08:15h on May 6 at a roadside snackette. Police have since said the argument arose over a packet of biscuits.

According to reports, Stephany first attacked the suspect with a piece of wood.

Dead: Kurt Stephany

However, the suspect disarmed him, and, with the same piece of wood, dealt a lash to Stephany’s head.

Stephany was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital in an unconscious state.

However, as a result of the severity of his injury, he was transferred to the GPHC, where he remained until his death on Thursday morning.

Coast Demerara (ECD), contacted Lewis in a bid to have a tyre on his vehicle repaired after encountering mechanical problems at Durban Street, Georgetown. An argument subsequently ensued between the men over payment, during which Lewis whipped out a knife and slashed a tyre on the now dead man’s car.

Guyana Times had previously reported that Lewis had turned up at the location and had fixed the problem with the tyre. However, Barclay was reportedly short of $700 to pay him for his services.

This publication understands that the mechanic’s fee was $4000, but Barclay had only $3300.

Dead: David Barclay

The Police had said that Lewis claimed he then jumped into a vehicle, and in the process of driving off, Barclay

jumped onto the right front door of the vehicle and held on to him. As a result, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into several parked cars.

Media reports stated that after Barclay was struck, he was dragged several feet before Lewis’s car came to a halt. Barclay, who was lying motionless on the roadway, was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.

Following Barclay’s death, the Police conducted investigations and sent the file to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. The initial advice was that Lewis be charged

Charged: Kevin Lewis

with manslaughter. However, earlier this year, the charge against him was upgraded to murder. (G1)

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1 freed, 3 to lead defence in father, daughter murder …another remains on the run

T

hree men who have been accused of the July 14, 2019 murder of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara moneychanger Aaron Latchman and his daughter Arianna Latchman have elected to lead defence

Magistrate’s Courts.

Those to lead a defence are 37-year-old Paul Chan, called “Anthony”, a bus conductor of Dennis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown; 44-year-old Troy Abrams, called “Rasta Man”, a vendor

From left to right: Lloyd Sadloo, Mark Rufino, Paul Chan, Troy Abrams, and Sean Thomas

Dead: Arianna Latchman and her father Aaron Latchman

following a ruling that a prima facie case has been established against them.

The ruling was handed down on Thursday by Magistrate Alisha George, who is the presiding magistrate at the Sparendaam

of Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD); and 37-year-old Lloyd Sadloo of Mocha Arcadia, EBD. Meanwhile, the case against 41-year-old Sean Thomas, called “Yankee”, an electrician of William Street,

Kitty, Georgetown, who had been jointly charged with the three men, has been discharged after the magistrate upheld a no-case submission made by his lawyer. As such, Thomas was informed that he was free to leave the court.

A fifth accused, 25-yearold Mark Rufina, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison at some time between October 20 and October 21, 2020, remains on the run.

It was reported that on the day of the murder, both Aaron Latchman and his 19-yearold daughter Arianna had just returned to their Lot 58

Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara home when they were attacked by armed men.

It is alleged that the men held the man and his daughter at gunpoint and took them into the upper flat of their home, where they demanded money. Upon receiving a bag that contained an undisclosed amount of cash, the men shot the money changer and his daughter before escaping.

Shortly after, the businessman and his daughter were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were both pro-

nounced dead.

Sometime later, a motorcar that belonged to the dead businessman, which had been used by the bandits, was found at Front Road, La Penitence, Georgetown. During a search of the vehicle, an illegal firearm and several rounds of ammunition were found.

Two of the accused killers – Abrams and Sadloo – had previously been arrested and placed before the court for various offences ranging from robbery-under-arms to trafficking in narcotics.

Abrams had, in 2016, been found guilty of rob-

bery-under-arms committed on moneychangers Rayburn Fraser and Osaffo Ward at America Street, Georgetown on November 3, 2015, and had been sentenced to five years in prison.

Sadloo had, in 2008, been charged with murder. It is unclear at this time what had been the outcome of that matter. However, in 2016, Sadloo had been handed a four-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of trafficking in marijuana. He had also been previously charged with armed robbery and escaping from lawful custody.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Education Ministry’s NGSA booster to start on May 17 …parents urged to join today’s launch

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he Education Ministry will be introducing its booster initiative for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) on Monday, allowing students to access key material for the examinations.

The booster lessons will feature topics from every subject area that could appear on the examination papers. Education Minister Priya Manickchand had noted that along with airings on the Guyana Learning Channel, the lessons would also be available on

YouTube, Facebook, cable and other broadcast networks.

It will be launched today, and parents have been urged to sign onto the Zoom link, where they will be guided on how to access these classes for their children.

The launch starts at 10:00h and can be accessed with the meeting ID 951 5990 4892 and passcode 908538.

Since classrooms have been closed until otherwise decided, the additional virtual platform is expected to boost learning among students sitting the assessment

Former Chief of Protocol, Vic Persaud dies

Former Chief of Protocol, Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, fondly known as “Vic Persaud”

F

ormer Chief of Protocol at the Office of the President, Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, fondly known as “Vic Persaud”, has died.

Persaud served nine Presidents of Guyana during his 60 years of public service in the capacity of accountant, foreign service officer and chief of protocol and advisor on protocol affairs.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

in a statement on Thursday said that Persaud was a model public servant, embodying the finest attributes of professional public service.

“His wit, charm, grace, sophistication, courtesy, excellence and efficiency were the hallmarks of his exemplary service,” the President said, adding that Persaud has had the distinction of providing protocol duties to himself and former Presidents Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Dr Cheddi Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and David Granger.

The Head of State added that Guyana has lost an outstanding public servant, and the Office of the President one of its most beloved and respected stalwarts.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and on my own behalf and that of my family, I extend heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Carol, his children and other relatives,” the President said.

Ex-cop walks free...

“This caution statement and oral statement does not suggest that [Sandy] aimed or pointed the gun at the deceased. There is no evidence of malice or any assault by [Sandy] to the deceased. Throughout [Sandy] claims the incident was an accident,” defence counsel argued.

According to Thomas, the uncontradicted caution statement of his client suggests that he and Khan were both examining the gun when it accidentally went off and struck him. “There is no evidence, whether direct or circumstantial, that supports a reasonable inference other than [Sandy] accidentally applied force to the trigger thereby letting off the fatal shot,” counsel added.

FROM PAGE 8

Emphasising that Sandy is not charged with possession of a gun or discharging a loaded firearm with intent, Thomas noted that his client is said to have been handling and examining the gun along with the deceased, which itself is not an unlawful act.

Moreover, Thomas contended, “[Sandy] is not said to have aimed the gun at the deceased. He is not said to have been in any confrontation with the deceased.

There is nothing to suggest that the act of the accused was unlawful.”

The lawyer urged that the trial judge should take the arguments into consideration and rule in favour of the no-case submission, and direct the jury accordingly.

(G1)

this year and providing additional practice.

In a recent video briefing, Minister Manickchand stated, “We are doing videos that will consciously reflect what is in that curriculum and looking at topics that are high frequency on the exam papers and doing videos for those. We think that if we do these videos, if we look at these videos that will be aired on the Learning

Channel, YouTube and various forums that you can look at, you will see what you need to see.”

She had emphasised that the resources were created using local teachers, so that children could understand more easily.

“It’s bringing information that students would be expected to know from the curriculum to be able to successfully sit these exams…

There’s going to be a play and a replay, and then a component of this is the teachers are going to take you through exam-type questions and the type of answers that will be expected of you.”

The Education Ministry had announced that the dates set for the NGSA are August 4 and August 5, 2021. The placement examination will consist of papers one and two for four subjects: English, Science, Social Studies and Maths. This year, some 14,300 Grade Six students will be writing the assessment – an increase over last year, which saw 14,032 candidates writing the exam.

In efforts to set the candidates into exam mode, two sets of mock exams will be administered prior to the final national assessment. To guide preparations for the assessment, teachers are to

be given a consolidated curriculum, which was crafted by international consultants and officials at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

Each Grade Six student attending a public school would receive a care package which will contain past papers and all the requisite textbooks. The textbooks are to be returned to the Ministry after the students complete their exams.

Since the closure of primary schools last year owing to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, their only reopening was to facilitate last year’s NGSA sitting. It was facilitated under strict distancing and sanitisation protocols in order to protect students. Sinks and other hygiene units were established prior to the exams.

(G12)

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NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Devil” found guilty of raping 13-year-old girl I ndicted on three counts of rape of a child under 16 years old, 33-yearold Damon Assanah was on Thursday convicted on one of those counts after the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict. The man was on trial for the offence before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the High Court in Demerara.

While he was found not guilty on the first and second counts, which alleged that he engaged in sexual penetration of the 13-yearold girl between January 1 and 31, 2015, and between October 1 and 31, 2015, Assanah was found guilty

Convicted: Damon Assanah, aka “Devil”

on the third count, which detailed that the offence occurred between November 1 and 31, 2015.

The now-convicted rapist, who had been out on bail pending the hearing and determination of his case, has been remanded to prison following the guilty verdict. He will return to court on June 3 for a sentencing hearing.

He was represented by Attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir, while Attorneysat-law Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig appeared for the State.

Facts presented by the prosecutor revealed that Assanah is known to the

teenager. Between January 1 and 31, 2015, he called the girl’s mother’s phone and asked the girl to meet him downstairs. They met at the back of her yard next to a turtle pen, where Assanah took off his pants and the young lady’s underwear.

He instructed her to bend over, she complied, and he raped her.

In October 2015, the teenager’s mother sent her

to the shop to purchase an item. On her way there, she met Assanah, who held on to her hand and placed her in his car. The man then drove off to his home, where it is alleged that he raped the girl again.

The jury found that he raped the girl between November 1 and 31, 2015.

In early December 2015, the girl attended school, where she started to vom-

it. Her mother was called in. The girl was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was made to undergo a blood test.

The test confirmed that she was seven weeks’ pregnant. The girl later confided in her mother about what had transpired between her and Assanah. A report was made to the Police, and the man was arrested and charged. (G1)

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FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police PR Dept

Civilian appointments recommended by UK consultants – Top Cop made in 2019 by two United Kingdom (UK) media and communication consultants.

During the recently launched ‘Police and You’ live radio programme, the Top Cop defended the appointments of former Editor-in-Chief of the State-owned Guyana Chronicle, Mark Ramotar, as the Communications Director of the GPF, and radio broad-

consultants, Dr Joan Boyd and Susan Corbett, had recommended, among several other things, the civilianisation of the Guyana Police Force following a visit to Guyana back in 2019 as part of a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) mission.

“The appointment was in keeping with recommendations from a PR consultancy

UK Public Relations specialists Dr Joan Boyd and Susan Corbett in Guyana back in 2019 (DPI photo)

Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie

F

ollowing widespread criticisms over the appointment of civilians to head the Public Relations Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and an Opposition Member of Parliament submitting a plethora of questions to the National Assembly regarding this unit, acting Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie has explained that it was in keeping with recommendations

Members of the GPF’s Corporate Communications Unit

caster Stan Gouveia as the Deputy Communications Director back in February.

He disclosed that the UK

report that was done by some Irish consultants… There were several recommendations made, but…I know that

one of the recommendations would have been that civilians occupy the upper echelons of the Public Relations Department. There are also recommendations for the configuration of the department, among other things…,” Commissioner Hoppie explained.

The two high-ranking UK Media Relations and Communications Specialists came to Guyana in January 2019 through the British High Commission here as part of the Police Force’s reform process.

They worked with the Police PR Department in efforts to advance that department’s capabilities in the disciplines of communication and Public Relations, as well as highlighting necessary departmental upgrades which would coincide with best practices of modern policing. A training was also held on Media Relations and Communications for members of the PR Department at the time.

The experts subsequently prepared and submitted a report with a series of recommendations, after assessing the capacity of the Force’s PR Department with the aim of advancing its communication and Public Relations capability, as well as highlighting necessary departmental upgrades which would coincide with best practices of modern policing.

According to Commissioner Hoppie during the radio programme on Tuesday evening,

this report was handed over to Guyana in August 2019.

Implementation of recommendations

The Top Cop pointed out that the implementation of the recommendations is part of ongoing efforts to reform the Police Force.

“It’s part of our Strategic Plan 2019 through 2021, and we have five priority areas: performance, development of our people, operational priorities, infrastructure and partnership. So, as part of our strategic plan, the recommendation was made and it was adopted,” Hoppie stated.

However, questions were raised over the appointments of Ramotar and Gouveia.

This is especially after the standard practice by which a serving member of the Force would assume responsibility for the organisation’s public relations.

In fact, prior to establishment of the rebranded Communications Unit, Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor served as the Public Relations Officer (PRO). Prior to him, the position was held by Senior Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan.

Subsequently, Opposition Member of Parliament and Shadow Home Affairs Minister Geeta ChandanEdmond submitted a plethora of questions to the National Assembly regarding the operations of the Force’s new Corporate Communications

Unit.

She asked Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn to explain the rationale of setting up a new unit to manage the Force’s communication and public relations.

In particular, she asked: “Can the Hon Minister state whether the recently established Corporate Communications Unit was created in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Guyana Police Force? If yes, can the Minister indicate which Section was amended?

If no, can the Minister state under which authority was the Unit established?”

Minister Benn was also asked to disclose whether the positions of Director and Deputy Director were advertised, and what criteria were used in arriving at suitable candidates.

Chandan-Edmond further requested that copies of the terms of the contracts for the appointments of the Director and Deputy Director of the Corporate Communications Unit be made public.

The Opposition Member also asked the Home Affairs Minister to disclose the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of the incumbents, and state if other allowances and benefits are afforded to the Director and Deputy Director which are not included in their contracts.

Minister Benn is expected to make his answers available in writing at the next sitting of the National Assembly.

NEWS

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20,000 scholarships

Govt cuts cost on $275.5M UG road upgrades with new technology

“This is your opportunity to get an education you T don’t have to pay for” – PM

P

rime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips told residents of Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara that the Government’s 20,000 scholarships initiative is an opportunity for free education.

He said that the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), was initiated to develop a highly-skilled and qualified population and to empower Guyanese to take advantage of opportunities to come as the country goes through a transformative period of development.

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, he added that it was a step in the direction of free education from nursery to university, another promise his Government has endeavoured to achieve.

“This is your opportunity to get an education you don’t have to pay for… this signals the return of free education from nursery to university… all you have to do is take the opportunity and sign up, because as I mentioned, you have to be a part of the development of Guyana,” the Prime Minister is quoted as saying.

“We have to educate our people”

In his feature remarks to residents at the Diamond Primary School, the senior Government official added that an educated population was what would take Guyana from a mere developing country to a more progressive and emerging economy.

“New roads, new house lots, new housing are not enough.

We have to educate our people, we have to provide the opportunities for people to educate themselves, because there will be a demand for labour, and not just unskilled and semi-skilled labour, but highly-skilled labour and we need to have a

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips interacting with residents of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (DPI photo)

highly-skilled labour force in Guyana and we need Guyanese to grab at the opportunities to be a part of that labour force,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

Meanwhile, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, who accompanied the Prime Minister, told the residents gathered that the courses offered are not inferior ones, but are from internationally-recognised universities.

“These are all internationally-recognised universities across the world and it is no fly-by-night programmes that you’re getting, because some require higher skills, but we have catered for everyone,” she noted.

Community service

GOAL Director, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, during his remarks, said that the only obligation scholarship awardees would have was performing several hours of community service.

“You just have to give something back to the people, because you’re using the people’s money to do your training,” Dr Opadeyi said.

He added that scholarship awardees were allowed to fail a course only once at no cost to them, after that they would have to pay to retake the exam-

ination.

Massive discounts

Dr Opadeyi also encouraged persons to keep trying if they were not granted a scholarship in the first instance or if they could afford to pay for the courses themselves to do so.

He said that some master’s degree programmes cost as low as US$1500, while some bachelor’s degrees cost less than US$2000, as a result of the Government securing massive discounts from international universities.

“If you don’t get through and you can afford it, pay yourself… the University of Germany is giving us 85 per cent discount, the University of the West Indies is giving us 45 per cent discount, the University of the Southern Caribbean is giving us 47 per cent discount. These are discounts that the Government have negotiated, and that discount applies to all Guyanese whether you get the scholarship or not.”

The Government through GOAL, is offering over 100 courses at varying levels from six international universities, including the Indira Gandhi National Open University and the International University of Applied Sciences.

he Government is using technological solutions to reduce the cost attached to the rehabilitation of a section of the University of Guyana, Turkeyen road leading to Sophia.

During a recent inspection of the $275,506,000 project, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said geotextile fabric would be used to enhance the roadwork. He said the technology was needed to protect the road’s structure, which has undergone numerous repairs.

“The only way to keep this road without the geotextile is to do revetment on both sides of the road and to do revetment, the cost is astronomical,” the Minister is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

The eight-month project will prevent the deterioration of the shoulders and other sections of the road which were exacerbated by two parallel trenches. Edghill, DPI reported, said he would lobby the utility companies for the swift repositioning of posts to allow contractor Yunas Civil and Building Construction to move ahead with the road upgrades.

Further, he urged the contractor to ensure the project

The geotextile tubes that will replace expensive revetments

was adequately staffed and supplied with sufficient machines, so that the work could be completed within the contractual period.

Edghill reminded that contractors were Government’s development partners, adding that his visit aimed to resolve any issue that may affect the successful completion of the project.

At a similar inspection of rehabilitation works at Owen and McDougal Streets, Kitty,

Edghill said the roadway was widened by two feet following requests by residents.

The contractor was also encouraged to complete works within the established timeframe.

Under Budget 2021, $25.6 billion has been allocated for the rehabilitation of roads and bridges. From that sum, $9 billion has been set aside for the continuation of the Public Works Ministry’s miscellaneous roads programme.

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Regional

Brazil’s Lower House St Vincent Govt plans passes bill contested by tourism recovery conservation groups

Preliminary data released last week showed that deforestation of Brazil’s Amazon in April was the highest for that month in at least five years [File: Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters]

B

razil’s Lower House of Congress has approved a bill fiercely contested by environmental groups to loosen licensing requirements for infrastructure, mining, agriculture and other projects.

The move drew criticism from conservation groups at a time when Brazil’s environmental record is under intense scrutiny as deforestation in the Amazon rainforest soars.

US President Joe Biden’s Administration is in talks

with Brazil to possibly fund conservation efforts, but has demanded that the country first show results in reining in destruction.

Preliminary data released last week showed that deforestation of Brazil’s Amazon in April was the highest for that month in at least five years.

The report prepared by the Government’s Deter monitoring system showed that deforestation rose 43 per cent over the same month in 2020, to 581 square kilometres (224 square miles).

The new licensing bill, which was approved late on Wednesday, will now pass to the Brazilian Senate for consideration.

For many types of projects, it would allow for permits to be automatically issued if the applicant meets certain filing requirements.

That would include projects like repaving existing highways in the Amazon that were built by the military dictatorship and have fallen into disrepair.

Bolsonaro has pledged to repave one such road that a scientific study predicts will increase deforestation by five times through 2030, leading to the clearance of an area larger than the US state of Florida or 170,000 square kilometres (65,600 square miles).

Proponents of the bill include Brazil’s powerful agricultural caucus in the Congress. They argue that byzantine environmental permitting rules stymie investment and hinder economic growth of the natural resource-rich country. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Anger grows in Guatemala over COVID vaccine rollout, corruption

A protester holds a sign that reads ‘Health Is A Constitutional Right’ during a rally on May 8 in Guatemala City [Sandra Cuffe/Al Jazeera]

M

aria Zita arrived before dawn. She had her required appointment confirmation but with reports of large crowds and confusion at some Guatemala City COVID-19 vaccination sites, she wanted to make sure she got her jab.

“We arrived at five o’clock in the morning,” Zita, 70, told Al Jazeera on Monday morning outside a sports complex building in the Guatemalan capital, where her son stood with her at the front of a short line before vaccinations began at 8am.

Up-tempo music from a nearby outdoor aerobic dance class played as more people trickled into line.

Army Health Service personnel arrived and joined civilian health workers at the site, where an official told Al Jazeera they expected to ad-

minister 300 doses that day.

Zita was the first.

COVID-19 vaccinations got off to a late and rocky start in Guatemala, driving growing discontent over vaccine access, pandemic management and alleged corruption issues. Initially, the problem was getting vaccines into the country, but now the issue is getting doses into arms before they expire.

Vaccine inequity between higher- and lower-income countries is an ongoing global concern, but disparities also exist across Latin America. While jabs are well under way in four countries, Honduras, Nicaragua and Guatemala lag far behind as they have some of the lowest vaccination rates in the region.

There are political

and technical reasons for Guatemala’s vaccine woes, explained Oscar Chavez, the director of Laboratorio de Datos, a Non-Governmental Group founded last year to disseminate and analyse data related to the pandemic and propose solutions.

“It is a management crisis,” Chavez told Al Jazeera.

“The problem here is that when there were no vaccines, [the Government] did not prepare cold storage, vaccine centres, or personnel.”

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

W

eeks after the explosive eruption of La Soufrière volcano caused widespread devastation in St Vincent and the Grenadines, that country’s Tourism Minister, Carlos James has revealed early plans for tourism recovery.

In a Caribbean Tourism Organisation Zoom presentation on Thursday, James said plans were already in train for the re-launch of yachting tourism, a major part of tourism in the 32-island state.

He said details would shortly be announced for the first event, Sail St Vincent, which is expected to attract sailors from around the Caribbean to once again experience the beauty of a Caribbean destination known for its excel-

lent sailing facilities.

In addition, St Vincent and the Grenadines was preparing to welcome people from the wider yachting fraternity interested in taking advantage of “the volcano experience” and James said these sailors who would be afforded a first-hand look at the still active volcano from a safe distance.

The Minister of Tourism said the La Soufrière explosive eruption, which began on April 9, had caused millions in damage to the island and destroyed a vital section of the tourism infrastructure, but he gave the assurance that St Vincent and the Grenadines was “down but not out” and was in fact preparing to welcome peo-

T

ple back to the destination.

He added they were expecting to see an increase in tourism arrivals, especially people who were vaccinated.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

Man in red dress robs Barbadian bank

A

man wearing a red dress, straw hat, mask, a pair of sneakers and carrying a handbag, robbed the CIBCFirstCaribbean Bank at Wildey, St Michael, Barbados of an undisclosed amount of money on Thursday afternoon.

Police Public Relations Officer, acting inspector Rodney Inniss, said the man might have also been wearing a grey long-sleeved shirt

under the dress.

He told Nation News at the scene they received the call of a robbery in progress around 12:15h. The person approached the teller and presented a note demanding cash in specific denominations.

Inniss said the teller did as she was trained to respond in such situations, and handed over some money. The robber put it in a bag and walked out of the bank.

Meanwhile, Director of Retail Banking, Michelle Whitelaw, said staff was very shaken up and they had both counsellors and human resources personnel on hand. Some of the executives also visited the branch.

“Right now, our major concern is just comforting the staff and trying to really encourage them and try to get them over this unfortunate incident,” she said.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

Persad-Bissessar hails new Caricom Secretary General

O

pposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar congratulated Dr Carla Natalie Barnett on her appointment as Caricom’s eighth SecretaryGeneral.

“Dr Barnett’s appointment is historic, as she is both the first woman and the first Belizean to be selected for the

post,” said Persad-Bissessar in a statement earlier this week.

“It is noteworthy that the Caricom Heads of Government unanimously agreed to the appointment, which is a clear expression of their confidence in Dr Barnett.”

Persad-Bissessar said

Colombia protests: Shortages in Cali as demonstrations rumble on hree weeks into nationwide anti-Government protests, residents in Colombia’s third-largest city, Cali, say they are struggling to get petrol and some food items.

Protesters have blocked some of the main access roads into the city and deliveries have been severely disrupted.

Cali has been the scene of some of the worst clashes between Protesters and security forces.

At least 42 have died in the protests.

While food and medicine have been reaching the city after a number of “humanitarian corridors” were established last week, the disrup-

St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Minister Carlos James

tion has been severe.

The demonstrations over the past two days in Cali may have been massive, but they were peaceful and colourful, with dances, music and artistic tributes paid to those who died or were wounded in previous protests. You don’t see many Police on the streets.

However, reports of Police violence continue to come in from other parts of the country. Not far from here, in Popayán, dozens of civilians were injured in clashes with security forces on Wednesday.

Cali, in any case, is paralysed. Everyday life has been affected by the blockades and petrol shortag-

es: if you need a plumber or someone to fix your Internet connection, you are going to have to wait for days, or even weeks. Most shops are shuttered and their doors have been sprayed with anti-government graffiti.

Cali’s Mayor Jorge Iván Ospina said it was vital that supplies be allowed through without any hold-ups.

“Some supplies or limited supplies are not enough,” he said about the agreement with protesters blocking the roads to let some delivery trucks pass.

The city depended on food from neighbouring regions to feed its residents, he explained. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Barnett has a long and distinguished career, as a Caricom former Deputy Secretary General and former Vice President of the Belize Senate, while having held various ministerial positions in her country’s Government.

She has also served as Financial Secretary of Belize, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Belize, as well as Vice President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). “I wish to also commend and thank Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, who served two terms as Secretary General, and made significant contributions to the organisation and the Region.”

Persad-Bissessar said the Caribbean Region was facing unprecedented challenges at this time, which Caricom could help address.

“Caricom remains the vehicle by which all our nations can unite in a common purpose to achieve the common goal of sustainable development throughout our Region.”

She said over the years Caricom has evolved to be more than just an organisation, but to also encapsulate the collective aspirations of the people of the Caribbean and work towards realising the true potential of our region. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil slides as inflation signs raise worry of commodity pullback

O

il slumped the most in over a month alongside a commodities downturn as growing inflation concerns raise the spectre of a less accommodative US Federal Reserve.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell 3.4 per cent on Thursday to the lowest since the end of April. Prices paid to US producers rose in April by more than forecast, adding to signs of rising inflationary pressures that have gripped broader markets recently. Elsewhere, China’s Premier Li Keqiang urged the country to deal effectively with the commodity price surge and its impact, according to a State television report, echoing previous comments from officials.

The latest data “are cementing the view we’re going to have markets that are just fixated on inflation” ,said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at Oanda Corp. “All these pricing pressures are ramping up those rate-increase bets. For crude, we’re trying to get a sense of what the path of the dollar’s going to be, and that’s uncertain.”

Meanwhile, the Colonial Pipeline – a key source of gasoline for the East Coast – is returning to service after a cyberattack last week, adding on Thursday that each of its markets should receive product from its system by mid-day. Still, the pipeline remains running at less than half of its capacity, according to people familiar with the matter.

Still, there were some glimmers of hope for the oil market.

India’s largest oil refiner is shopping for crude again after a one-month hiatus, providing some optimism that the South Asian country’s demand hasn’t been stalled by a rampant virus resurgence. Indian Oil Corp. issued three tenders to buy crude for loading in the next two months. (Excerpt from Bloomberg)

Israel reinforces Gaza border as conflict rages on

I

srael has deployed tanks and troops to its border with Gaza, as it mulls whether to launch a ground operation in the territory after days of violence.

Conflict raged throughout Thursday as Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel and the Israeli Army maintained a barrage of air strikes.

More than 100 people have been killed in Gaza and seven have died in Israel.

Jewish and Israeli Arab mobs have also been fighting within Israel, prompting the President to warn of civil war.

Defence Minister Benny

Israel deployed additional troops to its border with Gaza on Thursday

Gantz ordered a "massive reinforcement" of security forces to suppress the internal unrest, and more than 400 people were arrested.

Two infantry units and

one armoured unit were positioned near the border with Gaza on Thursday. At least 7000 army reservists have also been called up.

No decision has yet been

made on whether to launch a ground operation. The Israeli Army is expected to put forward plans for a possible offensive imminently, but it would need to be approved

by Army Chiefs and various levels of Government.

The four days of violence in Gaza and Israel is the worst since 2014. It was initially fuelled by weeks of Israeli-Palestinian tension in East Jerusalem which led to clashes at a holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews.

This spiralled into an incessant exchange of Palestinian rocket fire and Israeli airstrikes. (Excerpt from BBC News)

WTO can show “relevance” with vaccine waiver, US trade rep says

U

nited States Trade Representative Katherine Tai said on Thursday that World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations over intellectual property waivers for COVID-19 vaccines are a chance for the deeply-divided trade body to make itself relevant to the world’s needs.

Tai, speaking to the House Ways and Means Committee, said she was committed to entering negotiations that take into account concerns from all sides, including drug

companies.

“The WTO has not got a record of moving quickly, or getting to yes, across 164 members who must all agree, very often,” Tai said. “This is the opportunity for the WTO to show its relevance for mankind.”

For a second day in a row, Tai heard criticism from Republican lawmakers that the intellectual property rights waiver will give critical biopharmaceutical technology to China, Russia and

other strategic rivals while failing to increase vaccine supplies.

Republican Representative Devin Nunes told Tai that he was concerned China was one of the few countries that could quickly manufacture messenger RNA vaccines, a technology partly developed with US tax dollars.

“It really seems like they [China] want to steal this very new technology, especially as it relates to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines,” he said.

Tai said the Administration was working to exercise leadership on the issue to try to reach a solution that saves lives and puts the world back on a faster growth track, which will benefit the US. India and South Africa, the proponents of the original, much broader proposal, are expressing “that they feel extremely vulnerable in not having access to vaccines and not being able to make them either”, Tai said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trudeau cleared of wrong Kenyan court slams brakes on doing in political scandal President's constitutional changes

K

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appear at a WE Day UN event

C

anada's ethics watchdog has cleared Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of wrongdoing in the WE Charity scandal.

The charity had been tapped by his Government last year to oversee a volunteer programme for students during the pandemic.

Trudeau later faced scrutiny when it was revealed he had personal ties to the organisation.

But the report found former Finance Minister Bill Morneau had breached federal ethics rules in the scandal.

Morneau resigned in August, although he denied it was because of this case.

Morneau faced pressure to step down last summer after it was revealed WE had covered some of his expenses while he was on two trips with his family to see some of the charity's work in Kenya and Ecuador.

He said it was an over-

sight and repaid C$41,000 (US$33,000).

In October, federal ethics commissioner Mario Dion cleared Morneau of ethical wrongdoing for that, saying it appeared to be a genuine mistake.

But on Thursday, Dion released a report that found Morneau had placed himself in a conflict of interest "on several occasions" in other ways.

The former Finance Minister's relationship with the charity, and a friendship with WE co-founder Craig Kielburger in particular, "afforded WE unfettered access to the Office of the Minister of Finance", Dion wrote.

Morneau broke conflict-of-interest rules by "improperly furthering WE's private interests, by failing to recuse himself from decisions relating to WE, and by giving WE preferential treatment", the report said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

enya's High Court ruled on Thursday that a drive by President Uhuru Kenyatta to change the Constitution was illegal, stopping what his critics have called a political move designed to check his deputy, who he has fallen out with publicly.

Parliament has already passed the proposed amendments, popularly known as the Building Bridges Initiative, which mark the biggest change to the East African nation's Government structure since

a new constitution was adopted in 2010.

But issuing a ruling on several challenges lodged by various parties, a fiveJudge bench of the court said Kenyatta had used a constitutional provision reserved for citizens to initiate the changes, making the process illegal.

"The President cannot be both player and umpire in the same match," said Jairus Ngaah, one of the Judges.

The government, which wants to hold a referendum

after Kenyatta signs the bill into law, said it would appeal the ruling.

Kenyatta says the bill promotes the sharing of power among competing ethnic groups to reduce cyclical election violence and is not targeting anyone.

It will create 70 new constituencies, return the role of Cabinet Ministers to elected Members of Parliament, and create several powerful new posts: a Prime Minister, two deputies and an official leader of the parliamentary opposition.

Kenyatta initiated the changes with the backing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, after the two made peace in January 2018 following a divisive presidential election the previous year in which the President beat Odinga.

The rapprochement isolated Kenyatta's deputy, William Ruto, who wants to succeed his boss when he steps down next year after serving the constitutionally-allowed two fiveyear terms. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Judge postpones trial for 3 ex-cops charged in George Floyd's death

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Judge has postponed the trial of three former Minneapolis Policemen accused of taking part in the murder of George Floyd to March 2022 after they said that Prosecutors leaked prejudicial information about the case, according to media reports.

Tou Thao, 25, J Alexander Kueng, 27, and Thomas Lane, 28, all arrested days after Floyd was killed on May 25, have been charged with aiding and abetting the second-degree murder and second-degree manslaugh-

On Thursday, Attorneys for Thao, Kueng and Lane raised concerns that information had been leaked that would taint the jury pool

ter of Floyd.

Former Minneapolis Policeman Derek Chauvin was convicted on April 20 of murdering Floyd, 46, by kneeling on his neck for more than nine minutes, in a case that marked a milestone in America’s fraught racial history and a rebuke of law enforcement’s treatment of Black Americans.

The death, captured on cellphone video, led to protests around the nation and overseas.

On Thursday, Attorneys for Thao, Kueng and Lane

raised concerns that information had been leaked that would taint the jury pool, and that a key witness was coerced into amending his testimony.

The Attorneys said Prosecutors leaked “damning” information to the New York Times about Chauvin’s supposed plan to plead guilty and asked Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill to sanction Prosecutors, including state Attorney General Keith Ellison. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Align yourself with people who have your back, share your beliefs and bring out the best in you. Put personal growth, physical fitness and meaningful relationships on your priority list.

Take better care of your finances. Don’t spend money (April 20- lavishly when saving for a May 20) rainy day will ease stress.

Commit to taking care of your responsibilities and to making your views and intentions clear.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Keep your facts straight.

If you make a mistake, you (May 21- will be held accountable. Pay June 20) attention to detail and live within your means. Taking a chance on someone or something will backfire.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Take a pass if someone pressures you for money.

Consider what’s important to you, and put your effort where it can have the most impact. Make realistic promises.

Your involvement in someLEO thing you feel passionate about (July 23will connect you to like-minded Aug. 22) people. Share ideas, concerns and remedies, and you will come up with a doable plan. Romance will enhance your life.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Someone will offer misleading information. Check the facts, ask questions and don’t buy into a dodgy plan. Do something that will benefit you as well as those you care about most. Resist temptation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Put your time and energy into something that will enhance your awareness, qualifications and popularity. Use your charm, reach out to influential people and share your insights.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Don’t consider an offer if you can’t afford to take part.

Listen, then use the information you receive to formulate a plan that works well and is within your budget. Change begins with you.

Take a serious look at your SAGITTARIUS friends and determine who (Nov. 23is good for you and who isn’t.

Dec. 21) Say no to people promoting indulgence, and gravitate toward those who bring out the best in you.

Take a moment to think

CAPRICORN about what’s happened, and (Dec. 22it will be easier to bring about Jan. 19) positive lifestyle changes that

will encourage better health and less stress. Find a way to bring in extra cash.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Do something special for a loved one. Discuss your ideas. Avoid excessive consumption and put more effort into fitness, health and productivity. Romance is favored.

Be careful what you say and do. Someone will mis(Feb. 20March 20) inform you or twist your words. Play by the rules, live up to your promises and avoid reputation-damaging situations.

PISCES

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

21

12,000 English fans can attend Champions League final on May 29 in Portugal that they don’t have the chance to watch their teams in the biggest game of the season.”

Both Chelsea and Manchester City say they are in discussions with UEFA and other stakeholders over ticketing and travel arrangements.

City say they will offer fans a day-trip travel package from Manchester to Porto for the 20:00 BST match. The sale of tickets to the general public will start on 24 May 2021 at 13:00 BST. It is the second successive year the final is being held in Portugal, with Lisbon being the location for the delayed

T

The ground at Porto has a seating capacity of 50,033

he Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City on 29 May will take place in Portugal, and 6,000 fans from each club would be able to attend.

The game has been moved from Turkey to the Portuguese city of Porto because of coronavirus restrictions.

Portugal is on England’s green list, so players and fans can attend without having to quarantine on their return

home.

Turkey is on the red list.

The final had been due for staging at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

“To deprive supporters of the chance to see the match in person was not an option, and I am delighted that this compromise has been found,” said UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin.

UEFA, UK Government officials and the Football

Association met to talk about Wembley hosting the game, but no agreement could be reached on quarantine exemptions for sponsors, VIPs and broadcasters.

“Fans have had to suffer more than 12 months without the ability to see their teams live, and reaching a Champions League final is the pinnacle of club football,” added Ceferin.

“After the year that fans have endured, it is not right

final stages of last season’s competition, won by Bayern Munich.

The final capacity limit at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto is still to be fixed.

Ceferin acknowledged that the UK Government’s decision to place Turkey on the red list for travel was made in good faith, but said it also left the governing body with “a major challenge”.

“The difficulties of moving the final are great, and the FA and the authorities made every effort to try to stage the match in England, and I would like to thank them for their work in

trying to make it happen,” he added.

“The Turkish Football Federation and the authorities have always been reliable partners of UEFA, and I hope to be in Istanbul and Turkey for a Champions League final and many other events in the near future.

“I hope the final will be a symbol of hope at the reemergence of Europe from a difficult period, and that the fans who travel to the game will once again be able to lend their voices to showcase this final as the best in club football.”

(Adapted from BBC Sport)

Nadal, Djokovic into Italian Open quarter-finals as fans return

Knicks make play-offs for 1st time in 8 years – after Celtics lose to Cleveland

The New York Knicks last played a post-season game in 2013

T

he New York Knicks have been assured of a spot in the Eastern Conference play-offs for the first time in eight years, after the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Boston Celtics 10294 on Thursday.

Boston’s defeat sealed a top-six finish for the Knicks, while the Celtics are likely to have to come through the new play-in tournament for sides placed seventh to 10th in order to seal their place in the play-offs.

The Atlanta Hawks also sealed a post-season return, after a five-year absence. They overcame the

Washington Wizards 120116 in a game that had playoff implications for both sides.

John Collins’s three-pointer with 24.8secs remaining helped Atlanta secure the crucial comeback win that saw them move a half-game ahead of Miami and New York in their battle for fourth spot in the Eastern Conference, and home-court advantage in the first round.

The loss means the Wizards will miss out on the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, thereby keeping Chicago’s hopes alive.

Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma

ensured the Los Angeles Lakers remain in contention for direct entry to the playoffs.

His layup with 6.9 secs left earned them a 124-122 victory over the Houston Rockets, which leaves the seventh-placed Lakers a game behind Dallas and Portland.

Elsewhere, James Harden scored 18 points, contributed 11 assists, and came up with seven rebounds on his return from a hamstring injury, as the Brooklyn Nets beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-116. (Adapted from BBC Sport)

Spectators were allowed into the Italian Open on Thursday for the first time this week

R

afael Nadal saved two match points to overcome a huge test from Denis Shapovalov and reach the Italian Open quarter-finals.

The Spaniard was a set and a break down, but outlasted the Canadian to win 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-3) in a contest that lasted for nearly three and a half hours.

Chasing a 10th title in Rome, Nadal forced a thirdset tie-break by saving match points at 6-5.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic reached his 15th consecutive Italian Open quarter-final. The world number one and defending champion dropped his opening serve, but recovered immediately to beat Spanish qualifier Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-2 6-1.

Is Nadal wobbling on clay?

Nadal will bid for a record 21st men’s Grand Slam singles title at the French Open which starts on 30 May, as well as a record-extending 14th Roland Garros title.

The Spaniard won his match on Thursday, but it still raised question marks over his form before the French Open, even if his de-

termination to win was as strong as ever.

He was beaten in the Madrid quarter-finals by Alexander Zverev last week, and at the same stage in Monte Carlo by Andrey Rublev last month.

Although he won the Barcelona title in April, Nadal had to save a championship point to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final.

Against 22-year-old Shapovalov, he saved a break point that would have put the Canadian 4-0 up in the second set, and he also went a break down in the third set.

That, alongside some struggles with his serve and the match points he faced, were yet more dents in the aura of invincibility he has exuded on clay for so many years.

“It was a really difficult match. The score was against me almost all the time, but I was there, I was fighting all the time, I didn’t give away anything,” said 34-year-old Nadal, who plays Germany’s Zverev on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

“To be able to win these kinds of matches against young players gives me confidence with my body,” he added.

Djokovic enjoys return of crowd in Rome

The previous rounds of the tournament had been held behind closed doors, but, on Thursday, the venue welcomed the return of spectators with 25% capacity allowed.

“It was not good, it was great! I missed the crowd,” the five-time champion Djokovic, 33, said. “It was nice to see them back.”

After losing his opening service game against Davidovich Fokina, Djokovic went on to outclass the Spanish qualifier - who staged some late resistance by saving five match points in a clinical display.

He said his performance had been “at least 20-30% better” than against American Taylor Fritz in his opening match on Tuesday, when he directed a furious outburst towards the umpire over the playing conditions, and had been prone to errors.

Djokovic will take on fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a place in the last four, after the Greek beat Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.

(Adapted from BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

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resident of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Dwayne Scott, has expressed willingness to let athletes still compete at Olympic qualifiers even after a pair of Guyanese swimmers were offered spots in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Over the past week, many rumours swirled about the two Guyanese swimmers who would take up FINA’s Universality spots at the Tokyo Olympics. It has been alleged that Leon Seaton would be given the green light, ahead of his older counterpart Andrew Fowler.

While this has all been cleared up, with Jamila

Athletes can still pursue Olympic swimming qualification CLASSIFIED ADS

Dwayne Scott

Sanmoogan and Andrew Fowler being Guyana’s male and female representatives, GASA President Dwyane Scott has made it clear that he is in support of the athletes’ nomination and any ventures to clock better times.

“And we support all athletes trying to get the best

possible time that they can accomplish. Yes, we support that,” Scott noted in an invited comment.

On the topic of Leon Seaton, the GASA boss explained that while Seaton’s qualification looks unlikely at the moment, he would still be afforded opportunity to participate in qualification events.

“He still is (pursuing the qualification event), but the distance he is from qualification might make it impossible for him to actually qualify. But we have not ceased sending anybody to qualification meets, they can continue to do so,” the GASA President

shared with this publication.

FINA, the International Swimming Federation, last month wrote to GASA and the Guyana Olympic Association, offering the Universality spots to Sanmoogan and Fowler, after Guyana’s team failed to qualify for the Tokyo Games, which would be held from July 23 to August 8.

The Universality spots,

one male and one female, are usually afforded by FINA to countries which have no swimming qualifier for the Olympics’ swimming event.

While this would be a firsttime outing for Andrew Fowler, Jamila Sanmoogan is no stranger to the Games, having competed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

ICC to consider expanding T20 World Cup to 20 teams

Leon Bailey a no-go as JFF names 30-man squad for Japan and Serbia friendlies in June

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West Indies are the reigning T20 World Champions

Jamaica’s Leon Bailey

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eon Bailey and Michail Antonio will not be available for the Reggae Boyz matches against Japan and Serbia, which have been scheduled for June, as Jamaica’s senior squad continues its preparation for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July and the World Cup qualifiers in September.

Both players were excluded from a Jamaica 30-man squad because they have not yet signed wage contracts with the Jamaica Football Federation. As a result, neither player has been included in a 30-man Jamaica squad set to leave on May 30 for matches against number 28th ranked Japan on Thursday, June 3 in Sakura; 25th ranked Serbia on Monday, June 7 in Kobe; and the Japanese Olympic Team on June 12 in Nagoya.

Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts revealed that the management of the Bayer Leverkusen winger have committed to signing his contract, but they have yet to do so.

“There is a little bit of tardiness on behalf of Leon and his management. They have not yet signed the contract. I think we would have gotten a verbal commitment that he would do so in short order,” Ricketts said.

“Same thing goes for Michail Antonio. His agent has indicated that they have not yet gone through the document in its entirety, so they will do so in short order as soon as they have gone through and are comfortable

with the content of the document.

“So, we are hopeful that these contracts will be signed soon, and, based on indications from Coach Whitmore, these players will be part of the set-up as soon as the contracts are signed.”

The JFF President said other players could also join the squad as soon as ongoing discussions have been successfully concluded.

Meanwhile, the 30-man squad will include Andre Blake, Dennis Taylor, Jaedine White, Dillon Barnes, Adrian Mariappa, Kasey Palmer, Amari Bell, Kemar Lawrence, Wesley Harding, Oneil Fisher, Alvas Powell, Devon Williams, Kevon Lambert, Ravel Morrison, Blair Turgott, Junior Flemmings, Damion Lowe, Luca Levee, Tyreek McGhee, Lamar Walker, Bobby Reid, Javon East, Shemar Nicholson, Cory Burke, Andre Gray, Jashaun Anglin, Ethan Pinnock, Michael Hector, Kevaugn Isaacs, Liam Moore.

Coach Theodore Whitmore has said that as the team approaches a crucial period in its preparation, the players are required to consistently bring out their best.

“This is an important year for the Reggae Boyz, insofar as international competition is concerned. The CONCACAF Gold Cup is slated for July and the FIFA 2020 World Cup qualifiers will kick off in September.

We will be very busy during the second half of this year,”

Whitmore said.

“We welcome the two matches against Japan and Serbia. These are important games to fine-tune preparations for the Gold Cup. “We anticipate a very competitive roster. Each player, domestic and foreign-based, must use every available opportunity to perform and press their case for selection. We have spent the last three years looking, moulding and preparing.

Now is the time to deliver.

“We need each player to challenge himself and take responsibility to be accountable on and off the pitch for performance and conduct.

The standards and expectations are high.”

Whitmore also commended the JFF and the players for settling the wage dispute, which has now removed an obstacle from their period of preparation, and he urged Corporate Jamaica to support the team, as he believes they have the talent to achieve their goal of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Whitmore scored both goals in Jamaica’s 2-1 victory over Japan during the 1998 World Cup in France, but the Reggae Boyz lost their encounter against the Japanese 1-0 in 2014.

Jamaica last played Serbia in 2017, and lost that match 2-1.

JFF President Ricketts has said the JFF is satisfied with the safety arrangements to be put in place for the three matches.

(Sportsmax)

he T20 World Cup could be increased to include 20 teams as part of the ICC’s attempts to develop the game globally.

While the 2021 tournament, currently scheduled to be played in India, will still feature 16 teams, ESPNcricinfo understands there are plans to increase that number from the 2024 edition.

Current thinking suggests that version of the event would feature four groups of five teams in its opening phase.

The ICC has long seen the T20 format as a vehicle for the game’s expansion, and there has been previous talk of such an expansion. The ICC has already confirmed its plans to increase the number of teams in the women’s competitions.

The move sustains a notably more inclusive recent approach from the ICC across formats.

This is also likely to involve an increased number of teams (from 10 to 14) in the 50-Over World Cup, a more positive attitude towards participation in the Olympics, and talk of a return of the Intercontinental Cup (albeit with a different name).

It is perhaps the move to increase the number of teams in the 50-Over World Cup which provides the most revealing insight into the changing mood of the ICC. In recent years, the ICC cut the number of teams in the 50-Over World Cup (from 16 in 2007 to 14 in 2011, and then 10 in 2015 and 2019), arguing that broadcasters preferred the streamlined format with the probability of fewer one-sided games.

There is, however, understood to be a growing appreciation of the need to balance long-term global development with the monetary value of short-term broadcast deals. It may be relevant, too, that since the powers of the ‘Big Three’ were rolled back in 2017, the influence of other nations has grown.

All these subjects have been discussed in recent Chief Executive Committee (CEC) meetings, and though no firm decisions have been taken, there has been a notably more positive

appreciation of the benefits of this expansion from the more powerful Full Member countries.

Indeed, it is understood that the subject of the Olympics was raised at a recent CEC meeting by the ECB’s Tom Harrison. The BCCI have also recently signalled their desire for involvement, albeit with the caveat that they would not tolerate interference from the Indian Olympic Association.

The Intercontinental Cup has, in the past, provided an opportunity for Associate ICC nations to play a good standard of first-class cricket. It is likely, however, that the revamped tournament, which will almost certainly carry a different name, might provide opportunities for at least some of those nations to play more Test cricket.

That could well mean more nations being permitted to play the format, and might effectively introduce a second division in Test cricket.

A return of cricket to the Olympics would provide a financial and publicity boost to areas of the global game which have traditionally struggled for both. While the most influential ICC Full Members have, in the past, resisted such a move, as it would reduce their window for bilateral series, there is a growing appreciation of the benefits of inclusion in the event.

An ICC sub-committee has been set up, and will report to the CEC. Ian Watmore, the ECB Chair, is on the subcommittee and is known to be a supporter of cricket’s inclusion in principle, believing it would help develop both the men’s and women’s game globally.

As a result, there is a growing likelihood of inclusion in the 2032 event (which is likely to be held in Brisbane), and a possibility of a bid for the 2028 version (which is scheduled to be held in LA).

The number of teams involved and the version of the game to be used remain undecided, though there is growing support for exploring the T10 version, which would probably allow more nations to be involved, and enable the event to be included within the small window available. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Tridents retain 9 ahead of CPL draft T

he Barbados Tridents have announced their retentions for the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League, which gets under way on 28 August in St Kitts & Nevis.

The Tridents welcome back the world’s number one rated Test all-roundBARBADOS TRIDENTS RETENTIONS JASON HOLDER JOHNSON CHARLES SHAI HOPE KYLE MAYERS HAYDEN WALSH JR RAYMON REIFER JUSTIN GREAVES NYEEM YOUNG JOSHUA BISHOP

er and Tridents’ captain, Jason Holder, along with fellow Barbadians Shai Hope, Kyle Mayers, Raymon Reifer, Justin Greaves, Nyeem Young and Joshua Bishop.

In addition to the local playing contingent, the Tridents have retained opening batsman Johnson Charles and leg spinner Hayden Walsh Jr, who was Player of the Tournament when the Tridents claimed the Hero CPL title in 2019.

Tridents have eight spots left to fill in their squad, and the remaining players will be announced in the coming weeks.

Kailash Pardasani, Barbados Tridents Co-CEO, said: “We are really excited to welcome back our retained players, and especially look forward to making Barbados and all Tridents’ fans very proud in our upcoming 2021 season.

“Our primary driving factor is the Barbados Tridents family, which comprises our players, their extended families, and all fans across the globe. This, together with our love and passion for the game of cricket, will enable us to bring the Hero CPL 2021 title back home, as we did in 2019.” (CPLT20)

Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race…

All plans are in place – GCF President

T

he highly-anticipated Independence ThreeStage Cycle Race is set for Saturday, May 15, and all Guyana’s big guns in cycling are expected to be at the starting line in Corriverton, the easternmost town in East Berbice, when the first stage pedals off for its end at Main and Alexander Streets in New Amsterdam, forty-five and one-half miles away.

The second stage is also set for Saturday. It commences at Rosignol, West Coast Berbice at 14:00hrs, and ends on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, some 65 miles away.

The third and final stage of this race commences on Sunday in the bauxite-mining town of Linden, and ends at Thirst Park, the Head Office Complex of Banks DIH Limited in Georgetown.

According to the Guyana Cycling News (GCN), the race will commence at 07:30hrs, and registration fee is $1,500 for seniors and masters, while juniors and females would pay $1000 and ride only two of the three stages.

If a junior or female rider is

GCF President Linden Dowridge

within the prescribed time after stage two, that individual would be allowed to compete in the third and final stage from Linden to the City.

Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) President Linden Dowridge has informed GCN that all plans are in place for a successful return of the Independence Race. The former national cyclist has also said the Federation is grateful for the financial support received from the Government of Guyana, especially from Minister of Sport Charles Ramson Jnr. Dowridge and the organising team are, moreover, thankful for the support received from the members of the cycling community, especially from the Ramsuchits, who are handling the logistics in Berbice.

However, Dowridge is disappointed at the slothfulness of the cyclists and clubs in registering for the event.

He added that, based on the number of registered cyclists, the race organisers would be able to properly cater for their meals and accommoda-

tion.

He is pleading with the riders and clubs to contact Hassan Mohamed at his office at the Ministry of Sport on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, or call him on 623-0736.

Dowridge has indicated that, upon registration, cyclists would be asked to indicate if they are desirous of being provided with transportation, accommodation and meals.

Registration is currently ongoing, and can be done in Georgetown at the National Sports Commission Office on Homestretch Avenue.

Contact person is Mr. Hassan Mohamed, who can be reached on tel. # 6230736. In Linden, the process can be done at Hyacinth’s Bed & Breakfast, situated at Manni Street, Mackenzie.

Telephone number is 4446350.

The top senior rider would receive a prize of $70,000 cash, while the second-placed rider would receive $60,000. Top veteran, junior and female riders would each receive $50,000.

Windies rise in Test rankings – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite says, “The sky is the limit”

T

he West Indies have made a significant move up the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) Test rankings following the release of the latest rankings on Thursday morning.

West Indies moved up two places to sixth place, leapfrogging South Africa and Sri Lanka. West Indies are on 84 points, ahead of the Proteas on 80 and Sri Lanka on 78. India lead the rankings on 121, with New Zealand (120), England (109), Australia (108) and Pakistan (94) following in that order.

The West Indies’ growth and progress are the result of the memorable 2-0 win away to Bangladesh and the hard-fought 0-0 draw in the Sandals Test Series at home against Sri Lanka. It signals an overall rise for the team.

Last month it was announced that they moved up one spot in the ICC One-Day International (ODI) rankings following the 3-0 clean sweep over Sri Lanka in the CG Insurance ODI Series.

Test Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has been full of praise for his players and

support staff. He said this is the beginning of the climb towards higher rankings. The experienced opener spoke to CWI Media on Thursday morning from Bristol in England, where he is playing for Gloucestershire in the County Championship.

Brathwaite said:

“I’m very proud of the team to jump two places in the Test rankings. I think this is just the beginning of good things to come. As a group, it shows that we can climb up the ladder, and it’s just important for us to work hard and keep the belief and attitude to doing things right – in the preparation and the execution on the field.

“Once we continue to do the small things right, and have the right attitude - because Test cricket is never easy - the sky is the limit.”

Jimmy Adams, the CWI Director of Cricket, said:

“I am pleased to see the improvement from eighth to sixth in our Test ranking. This comes on the

back of good cricket played earlier in the year against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

“Firstly, we should recognise the efforts of the players and support staff on the ground, who have delivered results under pressure; and secondly, (kudos) to the large number of people working tirelessly in the background to support them in the face of multiple challenges.

“We continue to work hard towards our strategic goal of top 3 rankings across all formats.”

Among the ICC MRF Tyres player rankings also unveiled, Jason Holder remains the Number 1 Test all-rounder, and is also our highest ranked Test bowler at Number 8. Kemar Roach is the next highest at Number 12.

Following the soon-tobe-announced Test Series against South Africa in June, the West Indies will then face fifth-ranked Pakistan in a Test Series due to be played in August 2021 as part of the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. (Windies Cricket)

FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

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

Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race…

All plans are in place – GCF President

Page 23 Page 23

Windies rise in Test rankings – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite says, “The sky is the limit”

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Tridents retain 9 ahead of CPL draft

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