Guyana Times - Friday, May 21, 2021

Pomeroon Trading Inc looking to expand Guyana’s coconut products P15

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

Issue No. 4654

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

PRICE

Exxon’s Liza-1 Environmental Permit

Modifications were according to legislation, int’l industry practice – EPA Page 3

Govt envisions modern infrastructure for Judiciary – Attorney General

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

MoH to host COVID-19 P17 vaccination drive at Providence Stadium on Saturday P17 GGMC Prosecutor arrested for bribery during sting operation

Page 11

...says legal system must be impartial, effective in delivering justice …as Bartica Magistrate’s Court opens with advanced outfit

Plane carrying over 400kg cocaine crash-lands at Orealla Page 7

− CANU suspects aircraft was heading to Suriname − 2 Brazilians onboard arrested

Cars found at Rose Hall as Police probe stolen P18 vehicles racket

Pedestrian dies weeks after Soesdyke accident P18 Man wanted over Corriverton ganja bust surrenders P16 to CANU

Human Services Ministry, Police to collectively address domestic violence, child abuse Page 14

Senior, retired Police Officers slapped with $10M fraud charge Page 9

Unlicensed P12 cop slapped with causing death charge released on bail

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, May 21 – 01:00h-02:30h and 11:00h-12:30h and Saturday, May 22 – 01:30h-03:00h and 12:00h-13:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Exxon’s Liza-1 Environmental Permit

Modifications were according to legislation, int’l industry practice – EPA

Friday, May 21 –11:35h-13:05h and Saturday, May 22 –12:40h-14:10h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected followed by sunny intervals from the mid-afternoon hours, with partly cloudy skies in the night.

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

Winds: East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 12:22h reaching a maximum height of 2. 32 metres.

Low Tide: 18:24h reaching a minimum height of 0.83 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS O

07 10 11

20 23 26

FREE TICKET THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021

21 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

01 11 12 18 26 LUCKY 3

6

3

8

2

Afternoon Draw

4

8

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01

02

06

12

16 19 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

05 07 08 14 15 13

08 09 12 13 19

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

$65.11/barrel

-2.38

Rough Rice

$238.914/ton

-0.65

London Sugar

$453.40/ton

-0.02

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1871.10

$1872.10

Low/High Change

$1864.60 -5.50

$1885.20 -0.29%

T

he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defended recent modifications done to the Environmental Permit for the Liza-1 Development Project in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, saying that it was done in accordance with local legislation and international industry practices.

Last week, the EPA and ExxonMobil Guyana’s local affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) signed a modified Environmental Permit which was updated to include, among other things, a fine of US$30 per tonne of excess carbon emissions that is flared in the future.

However, there have since been several “misconceptions and inaccuracies being peddled by persons, particularly select political, legal and technical pundits” on the modifications, thus prompting a response from the Agency.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the EPA clarified that the modification to the Liza-1 Environmental Permit were pursued in strict accordance with the legislation as a result of the intermittent periods of flaring conducted by EEPGL due to technical issues offshore Guyana.

“Prior to its modification, the Permit prohibited ‘Routine Flaring’; however, process upsets, equipment failures and maintenance events are not considered ‘Routine Flaring’ in the Oil and Gas Industry. Such events were not specifically addressed or regulated in any way by the original Permit,” the Agency explained.

It further noted that the original permit, issued under the previous APNU+AFC Administration, required EEPGL only to notify the EPA For flaring sustaining a volume of at least 10 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD) and lasting at least five days. However, the modified Permit now includes specific timelines for detailed instances of flaring, and notification and approval processes, during which the company must justify its reason(s) for flaring, and the EPA reserves the right to reject this request if unjustified, the missive detailed.

The changes in the modified Permit are: revised terms and conditions relating to emissions’ reporting requirements, technical considerations for flaring, time-

Liza Destiny FPSO

lines 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.

According to the EPA, “The timelines prescribed by the Modified Permit are consistent with the US Code for Federal Regulations, which establishes that flaring may not exceed 48 hours without seeking approval. Further, international benchmarking shows that the initial startup period averages approximately 90 days. However, the modified permit specifies a more conservative startup period of 60 days, below the average international benchmark.”

This, the Agency pointed out in the missive, is also consistent with the recently issued Payara Environmental Permit, which includes similar provisions for flaring.

Fines for carbon emissions

In the modified Liza1 Environmental Permit, any flaring in excess of the timelines outlined requires the company to pay for the emission of Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) at the rate of US$30 per tonne of CO2e.

The EPA explained that this figure was determined based on guidance from the Polluter Pays Principle, which was prescribed by the Environmental Protection Act in 1996, but has served as a universal principle of environmental management even prior to this, and has continuously developed in its interpretation and applicability as a result of national and international jurisprudence, customary law, and international environmental laws and conventions.

“Consequently, the EPA utilised carbon pric-

ing benchmarking to determine this payment, so that the monies acquired from the pollution events could be used for supplemental environmental projects (SEPs).

Moreover, the determination of US$30 per tonne of CO2e was a result of rigorous research, and is consistent with introductory prices for CO2e implemented by developed countries such as Canada,” the Agency posited.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 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

New investments in coconut industry

A

s Guyana seeks to evolve in the expansion of its coconut industry, another major investor is seeking to invest US$8 million in the Pomeroon area, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The coconut industry is one which could be a money-spinner for the country. Already, coconut is the third major crop cultivated in Guyana, after rice and sugar cane. This industry can be one which could produce scores of by-products, for which there is demand for export as well as local use. As it stands, according to the British investor of the Pomeroon project, Duncan Turnbull, the company currently cultivates the three-year dwarf variety primarily for the production of coconut water. The company is also involved in inter-cropping, with crops like passion fruit, bananas, turmeric, and ginger under cultivation.

What is noteworthy is that the investor said a relationship has been established with farmers from the Pomeroon. This is the kind of collaboration Guyana needs, wherein local farmers are able to benefit from large projects.

It was only last year that Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha made a welcoming announcement that Guyana would soon join the membership of the International Coconut Community (ICC) as Government advances plans to increase cultivation of this crop countrywide.

The coconut and its by-products are now in growing demand worldwide.

Coconut oil, which once used to be wrongly labelled as highcholesterol, is now regarded as among the best cooking oils, many consumers preferring it to olive and canola oils.

Most of the old coconut-growing families who had large estates have gone out of business. In the Pomeroon area, for instance, there are only a few producers left. As a matter of fact, one of the largest producers in Laluni. Haresh Tewari, only on Wednesday, reminded that the industry can provide employment for the residents of the community. This particular farmer has plans to cultivate one million coconut trees.

The economic advantages of the industry should be widely disseminated, as the numerous profitable by-products which could easily be produced should be made known to the public, and the available markets should also be made known to producers.

It could be recalled that a coconut expert from India, Dr Shivarama Reddy, had come to Guyana some years ago to work with NAREI and local farmers to examine ways in which the coconut industry could be revitalised, and to look at possible markets for the product. Also, a position paper by NAREI had outlined three main areas of intervention to aid in the coconut industry: increasing the productivity and production potential of the sector; assessing the state of Guyana’s coconut oil industry and its future, and considering possible support mechanisms; and exploring other coconut-derived products in terms of their valueadded and export potential. Nonetheless, over the years, the industry seemed to have contracted. Coconut oil, to a great extent, has been largely replaced by foreign imports. Dried coconuts are still exported, but in much lesser quantities than formerly.

Today, a great part of coconut production is used to provide coconut water. One local producer exports the commodity to Trinidad for canning. The cans carry no reference to the Guyanese origin of their contents. An infrastructure of international packaging standards already exists in Guyana. There is, for instance, the Beharry Group, which has put on the local and export markets a number of products with world class packaging.

The coconut industry could become highly profitable within the next three or four years. This can be achieved if suitable lands are leased to prospective farmers, and intensive agricultural extension services are provided, as well as soft loans and marketing exploration.

The Agriculture Ministry and the Lands and Surveys Commission, with the help of experts, should be able to locate good coconut-growing lands and advertise for suitable takers.

Unlike in the past, when there were talks of the massive production, giving optimistic hopes propagated to the public but never materialised, it is time that serious effort be expended in reviving the industry. This industry has very huge potential for expansion and development, especially as it relates to processing and value-added products. Guyana could tremendously increase its earnings from exports in this industry.

An assistant stands beneath a mass participation art installation entitled “Peace Doves”, which was created by sculptor Peter Walker, in Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool, north-west England (AFP photo)

Calls to end gender-based violence futile Dear Editor, Although well meaning, recent calls by Guyana’s Education Minister Priya Manickchand for women to get out of abusive relationships, and

by Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud for men to refrain from preventing women from leaving a relationship when they want to, and to stop abusing women, are futile, given the realities of the gender-based violence landscape.

And placing the onus on victims to leave is seen by abuse prevention activists and advocates as re-victimising the victim, since it is really the wrong-doer, the abuser, who ought to leave.

For one, victims must overcome a variety of hurdles — fear, guilt, economics, emotional, social and gender roles — in order to take those first steps to ending abusive relationships, and they cannot do so unless the support infrastructure and networks are in place. For two, abuse is about control — physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological, financial, spiritual – and those who display such traits are never interested in letting go.

Victims generally stay in abusive relationships because the fear of leaving and of the ‘unknown’ is greater than the fear of staying. Most domestic violence-related homicides occur after the victim has left, has attempted to leave, or has threatened to leave. Victims also fear for the safety of loved ones and

those who help them, since abusers threaten those people too.

As well, many victims feel that they have more control by remaining in an abusive relationship. They know their abuser’s whereabouts and moods, and therefore know how to act in a way that would be least likely to trigger the abuser’s temper. Furthermore, victims’ identities are usually lost, because the abusers have made many of their life choices for them.

Abusers encourage or completely forbid victims from seeing their friends and loved ones, and perhaps even from keeping their jobs; or the victims are homemakers, which means being completely reliant on their abusers for financial and emotional support. As well, victims may come to believe that they somehow deserve the abuse, abusers having destroyed any sense of self-esteem they had, and therefore they no longer believe that they deserve anything better.

Often, victims may believe that the abuser is sick and needs their help.

The idea of leaving can thus produce feelings of guilt. The fact is that many people enter relationships for love, and the emotion does not simply disappear in abusive relationships.

Most victims want the violence to end, but love their partners and want the relationship to work.

Thus, when the abuser promises that it would never happen again, the victim wants to believe that this is true.

On average, female victims leave and return to the relationship seven times because abusers often apologise and promise to change. Even in arranged marriages, victims are invested in relationships because of cultural/ social mores, parental/family pressures, prevailing gender roles, and usually children.

Also, being a single parent is a strenuous experience under the best conditions, and for most victims, conditions are far from the best.

The enormous responsibility of raising children alone can be overwhelming. As well, often, the abuser may threaten to take the children away, or even kill them if the victim leaves or attempts to leave.

Victims who grow up in abusive homes may believe that violence is a normal part of a relationship.

Many victims are also survivors of childhood sexual abuse, with its emotional/ psychological consequences, including low or non-existing self-worth. Their abusive partners tend to reinforce this low self-esteem and make victims feel unlovable. Victims are often told no one else would want them. The psychological damage of abuse is immense, and may result in victims having trouble making decisions, feeling dependent on their abusive partners, suffering from depression, or using drugs/ alcohol for coping.

So, what can be done?

For starters, perhaps consideration may be given to

inclusion of lay counsellor training as part of the community advocate programme being rolled out

by Guyana’s Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. This would ensure that every community has proactive eyes and ears armed with requisite skills sets and knowledge to act to mitigate abuse and assist victims, and possibly abusers as well.

Consideration could also be given to a measure the South Australia Government has implemented: a programme that provides accommodation, support services, and behaviour and attitudinal change interventions for the perpetrators of domestic and family violence – enabling women and children to remain in the family home.

On the one hand, this places the focus where it ought to be, on perpetrators and institutes batters’ programmes (which exist to some degree in St. Lucia, Bermuda and Barbados, run by activists and NGOs), which are so critical. On the other hand, it brings into play that part of the Domestic Violence Act that says victims can legally apply for perpetrators to be removed from homes, and if it’s a rental, continue to pay rent.

As well, the Uruguayan example should be considered. In a high-risk situation, a judge can ordain the abuser to wear electronic bands connected to an electronic device that the woman at risk carries.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

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

Law and law enforcement must be respected Dear Editor, I wish to comment on a few matters that is gaining the attention of the public on Facebook, these are, police making a stop and enquiry of a civilian and the other, where peace officers went to a location to make an arrest.

In the first mentioned scenario the officer was met with a hostile female member of the civilian crew who promptly removed the police barricade with the associated “cuss” words to go with. When this did not get the desired result, she attacked the officer biting him on the hand.

In the second scenario peace officers went to a certain location to make an arrest of a female member of that household, to which the officers were again met with a hostile crowd and a poorly clad woman who was the subject of their arrest.

The out-of-control crowd - which I will call friends and relatives of the accused - were up in arms against the police demanding answers to questions

such as why she was being arrested and her mother stating emphatically that her daughter ain’t going any “expletive” way.

Now, at this point I must loudly make the call for the authorities, to have our policemen and women fitted with body cameras, because this will go a far way in making matters of this sort easily adjudicated in a court of law.

I move on with my analysis, in the first mentioned story I blame the police officers for not acting in the appropriate manner, you have set up a cordon and about to make the requisite questioning or arrest - as the case may be - why entertain comments from the hooligan crowd? Why allow yourself to be sidetracked by unnecessary questions of other parties not related to the incident? This shows poor police work on the part of Law Enforcement.

My second point is once that woman showed signs of aggression she should have been handcuffed and properly restrained, be-

cause no one knew what she was capable of doing, in this case she bit the officer! This is outrageous to say the least and for this reason I call on the GPF to take a careful look at their operating procedures.

When a civilian can physically attack a peace officer, then it sends the wrong signal to the lawless public out there, it shows that we have a spineless police force that is incapable of carrying out its policing duties. This quite naturally emboldens the lawbreaker into more disorderly conduct. This cannot be allowed to take root in a civilized society The next instance I want to discuss with you, is the police going to a house to make an arrest, this time it is to make an arrest of a woman. Here again the Lawmen encounter a hostile crowd who encourages the poorly clad woman to resist arrest.

Now, the officer in question was asking her to get dressed and to accompany them to the precinct, but the raucous, intimidating,

foulmouthed, crowd were encouraging her on to flatly ignore the officer’s directives. I know that this sort of behaviour gains traction in some quarters, that is, when you can openly curse law enforcement, violently chase them out of your area, break a police barrier kicking the officer in the head in the process and much more. When this culture of lawlessness becomes the norm then you know where we are headed.

The point I am making is when society can degenerate to such an extent where anyone, from politician to ordinary people, can show outright defiance to the law and by extension to lawmen, then this is a clear indication that there is a total breakdown of law and order. In my book the rule of law must be upheld or else we are going nowhere as a people and as a nation. Law and Law Enforcers must be respected.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

The response Fraud is fraud from Government is refreshing Dear Editor, I read in the daily news that Police Service Commission Chairman Paul Slowe and others will face the music for their part in defrauding the State of millions of dollars.

I, as a member of the public, feel this is a step in the right direction, and the authorities should prosecute them to their full power, if they are indeed guilty.

These men ought to have known that the PPP was keeping a close eye on the Government because sto-

ries were told (some factual and credible) about their roles in questionable dealings in the Force even though they retired some years ago, especially during the days when Guyana was under the siege of the APNU+AFC dictatorship right up until this present administration. No one is above the law.

I am watching. The public is watching.

Regards, Baldeo Mathura

Calls to end...

FROM PAGE 4

Dear Editor, The rainy season is upon us, and as has happened in previous years, flooding usually follows a downpour, due to blocked canals and drains in my community. I’m a resident of Greenfield, and a lot of the drains in my community have been blocked with excessive vegetation in recent years.

I decided to make contact with the Ministry’s hotline, asking for some assistance with clearing these canals. I was told that my request would be forwarded to the engineer for my area, to see what assistance could be rendered, and that someone would contact me on the matter.

I immediately assumed that that would be the last time I heard from anyone at the Ministry. To my surprise, I was contacted by Mr Ramdeen, who identified himself as the regional engineer.

The residents were pleased with the response, and the works conducted so far. I was also told that the Minister had visited the area some time ago, and a number of drains and canals were cleared following that visit. The responsiveness and drive by this Government to get work done is refreshing and much needed at this time.

Sincerely, Amala Sargoon-Singh

If the abuser comes close to her, the device alerts the Police automatically. While in the programme, both victim and abuser also receive psychological support. So far, not a single one of the women in this programme has been killed.

In those cases where victims may have to leave, there would be need for protective services such as adequate, easily accessible, safer alternatives to traditional shelters; quick and ready access to magistrates and other legal resources; and avenues for financial independence and psychological/emotional wellbeing.

But even before the victim can leave, there is need to provide safety planning training for victims/ potential victims and their sup-

port circles; GBV sensitising of all Police officers (perhaps establish Police DV units as in Trinidad & Tobago and Police DV intervention centres as in Jamaica); self-protection training for victims and potential victims, as is the case in some Caribbean nations; laws to make it easier for victims and potential victims to carry pepper spray and guns, and to be trained in using them (as is happening in Trinidad & Tobago); enable battered victims syndrome to be a viable defense in the courts; ensure establishment of safe houses which are easily accessible, adequately staffed and resourced, and able to accommodate all victims and their children.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

Alcohol consumption allegedly causes brain damage

Dear Editor, On May 20th this year, CNN reported on a ground-breaking study to do with alcohol and its effect on the brain. According to the report, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

The Oxford study also states that the consumption of alcohol reduces the grey matter of the brain, and increased consumption is associated with poorer brain health.

In the past, I have heard of the beneficial effects of a glass of wine on the longevity of life.

This new report points out that, independent of the type of alcohol - whether it be wine, beer or spirits (eg, rum and vodka) - the largest muscle in the body, which is known to be the brain, is reduced in size due to alcohol consumption.

Our society is a small one, with many indiscretions currently affecting the peace and safety of our citizens. This added negative aspect of alcohol does shine additional light on the importance of responsible consumption, if any at all.

Many beverage alcohol market leaders have undertaken a campaign promoting responsible drinking. Guyana has recently seen many incidents of drinking buddies

killing each other while under the influence. Given the empirical evidence from this new study, which concludes that brain damage is caused by the consumption of even small amounts of alcohol, the Government should seriously consider putting in place a limit on the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Most societies have restrictions on the consumption and sale of alcohol at on-premise locations such as rum shops and bars, to prevent drunk driving. Guyana can adopt similar measures to help reduce the accidents and violence due to over-consumption.

It appears that we may also need to head into a similar marketing campaign as seen in the tobacco industry, where it is clearly stated on the product the damage that it causes to your physical health. To date, neurodegenerative diseases do not have a cure, so all precautions should be taken.

As many say in the beverage alcohol industry, “Please drink responsibly”.

Sincerely, Jamil Changlee

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

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Foundation ◄

Question 1

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Wednesday’s answers

Part IV ‘I fear thee, ancient Mariner!

I fear thy skinny hand!

And thou art long, and lank, and brown, As is the ribbed sea-sand.

I fear thee and thy glittering eye, And thy skinny hand, so brown.’— Fear not, fear not, thou Wedding-Guest!

This body dropt not down.

Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea!

And never a saint took pity on My soul in agony.

The many men, so beautiful!

And they all dead did lie: And a thousand thousand slimy things Lived on; and so did I.

WORD SEARCH

I looked upon the rotting sea, And drew my eyes away; I looked upon the rotting deck, And there the dead men lay.

M

yths are stories told aloud that have been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. Myth is from the Greek word, “mythos” — which means “word of mouth” — oral stories shared from person to person.

Myths have helped people from different cultures to make sense of the natural world, before scientific discoveries guided our understanding. Myths explained the reason for an erupting volcano, or thunder and lightning, or even night following day. Many myths feature gods, goddesses or humans with supernatural powers. Kids may be familiar with Zeus, the king of all gods in Greek mythology, who could throw lightning bolts from the sky down to Earth. Myths often include a lesson, suggesting how humans should act.

A legend is a traditional story about a real place and time in the past. Legends are rooted in the truth, but have changed over time and retelling and taken on fictional elements. The heroes are human (not gods and goddesses), but they often have adventures that are larger-than-life. The tales of Odysseus from Ancient Greece and King Arthur from Medieval England are two examples of legends.

Myths and legends can be found throughout the world. Many of these traditional stories feature similar subjects, but express the unique culture and history of the regions where they are from. There are flood myths from India, aboriginal legends from Australia, Taino creation stories from Puerto Rico, the legend of the Chinese zodiac, Norse myths, and many more.

Count how many myths and legends you know. What is a common theme?

I looked to heaven, and tried to pray; But or ever a prayer had gusht, A wicked whisper came, and made My heart as dry as dust.

I closed my lids, and kept them close, And the balls like pulses beat; For the sky and the sea, and the sea and the sky Lay dead like a load on my weary eye, And the dead were at my feet.

The cold sweat melted from their limbs, Nor rot nor reek did they: The look with which they looked on me Had never passed away.

An orphan’s curse would drag to hell A spirit from on high; But oh! more horrible than that Is the curse in a dead man’s eye!

Seven days, seven nights, I saw that curse, And yet I could not die.

The moving Moon went up the sky, And no where did abide: Softly she was going up, And a star or two beside— Her beams bemocked the sultry main, Like April hoar-frost spread; But where the ship’s huge shadow lay, The charmèd water burnt alway A still and awful red.

Beyond the shadow of the ship, I watched the water-snakes: They moved in tracks of shining white, And when they reared, the elfish light Fell off in hoary flakes.

Within the shadow of the ship I watched their rich attire: Blue, glossy green, and velvet black, They coiled and swam; and every track Was a flash of golden fire.

O happy living things! no tongue Their beauty might declare: A spring of love gushed from my heart, And I blessed them unaware: Sure my kind saint took pity on me, And I blessed them unaware.

The self-same moment I could pray; And from my neck so free The Albatross fell off, and sank Like lead into the sea.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Plane carrying over 400kg cocaine crash-lands at Orealla – CANU suspects aircraft was heading to Suriname – 2 Brazilians onboard arrested tioned, related that a team had travelled into the area to conduct an investigation.

Up to press time, the actual weight of the cocaine was not known, but Singh had stated that it is in excess of 400 kilogrammes.

He noted that, based on the flight pattern, the aircraft might have been heading to neighbouring Suriname. Nevertheless, he stated that the CANU are

Suspect Isaias Luiz Pereira

A

n aircraft carrying more than 400 kilograms of cocaine crash-landed in the Amerindian community of Orealla, along the Corentyne River in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Thursday afternoon.

The green and white Beechcraft Bonanza plane carried registration number PT-SRR. Guyana Times understands that the aircraft landed on a road between Orealla and its sister village Siparuta, which is five miles away, at about 14:00h.

At the time of the crash, a storm was affecting certain parts of Region Six and also Region Five (MahaicaBerbice). When the aircraft landed, there were two occupants inside, including the pilot. Both men had Brazilian identification documents in their possession.

The men told residents at Orealla, after emerging from the aircraft, that they were travelling and visiting several areas to do sport fishing and other leisure activities, but had encountered difficulty with the weather.

Suspect Salem Nobrega de Alencar

They further claimed that they were almost out of fuel, and got lost after circling the area for some time.

Meanwhile, the men were subsequently approached by Police ranks, who questioned them about their presence in the area. They then took the officers to the aircraft, where a search was conducted and a quantity of cocaine was discovered.

In a brief statement on Thursday afternoon, the Guyana Police Force said its ranks discovered the aircraft at about 16:00h with a number of wrapped packages suspected to be cocaine found in its body.

Joint Services personnel have been dispatched to the area, and detectives from Region 6 were also sent to the location to assist with the investigation.

Additionally, ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) have also travelled to Orealla to take possession of the illegal substance.

Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, when ques-

The parcels of cocaine found in the aircraft

The cocaine-laden Beechcraft that crash-landed in Orealla on Thursday afternoon

continuing their investigations.

Meanwhile, the Police have said the two suspects who were on the aircraft, Salem Nobrega de Alencar and Isaias Luiz Pereira, according to their IDs, have been arrested.

When contacted, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, told this newspaper that since the aircraft is illegally in Guyana, and given the nature of the cargo found onboard, the law enforcement agencies have taken control of the probe. However, he said the GCAA has taken note of the incident.

According to DG Field, the GCAA’s role in the ongo-

Modifications were...

Further, it noted that in determining the volume of CO2e emitted, Condition 3.10 of the modified Permit specifically prescribes multiple methodologies, including but not limited to: American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Compendium of Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Methodologies for the Oil and Gas Industry; and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

“The EPA categorically rejects and opposes all unfounded and baseless remarks about the capabilities of its staff to utilise and apply these methodologies,” it stated.

Meanwhile, the Agency further addressed discussions surrounding the recoverability of the payments for CO2e emissions.

“While the EPA, in its role as an environmental regulator, does not typically concern itself with the contractual arrangements between the Ministry of Natural

ing investigation will be to verify the documentation of both the Beechcraft and the two occupants.

“The only role we’ll be looking at is checking the documents for the aircraft, and maybe correspond them with our colleagues overseas, where the aircraft is registered, to confirm the authenticity of the registration and the documentation with [the suspects],” he explained.

Resources and EEPGL, during discussions with the company regarding the modifications, it was indicated that any such payments would not be recoverable against the Government of Guyana,” it added.

To this end, the EPA contended that the modification will not create any additional adverse effects, but will serve “as a means of implementing more specific flare management conditions that are consistent with industry practice, in order to regulate and/ or deter periods of flaring.”

Nevertheless, the Agency outlined that some amount of flaring is to be expected for maintenance events, process upsets, and equipment failures, given the complexities of oil and gas production in the offshore environment.

But it noted that the modification was pursued to ensure that there are environmental safeguards and deterrent mechanisms to address any prolonged periods of flaring which may pose risks to the environment.

FROM PAGE 3

“The EPA wishes to assure that it will continue to work assiduously toward national standards which specifically address flaring, and following this modification, the EPA has commenced the process of developing specific flaring targets for the upcoming renewal of the Liza 1 Environmental Permit (June 01, 2022) as well as other upcoming EPEGL projects offshore Guyana.”

The EPA, and by extension the Guyana Government, had come under heavy pressure to clamp down on the US oil major over its increasing flaring activities in the past year, which exceeded the estimated amount of 14 billion standard cubic feet (Bcf) of gas when production began.

But 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 GCAA Head noted that this process has not started. He added that the GCAA are waiting on the Police to hand over the relevant documents, so that they can start the verification process.

“We will have to request some of the documents from the Police, which will deal with registration of the aircraft and possibly the licensing of the persons who were onboard in their home territory,” Field further stated.

Only last September, another Brazilian-registered Beechcraft crash-landed at Issano, Middle Mazaruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) with some 390 kilograms of cocaine. Also, onboard that aircraft was the motionless body of a foreign national who was later identified as 49-year-old Brazilian national Alessandro Eduardo Petravicies.

The completely wrecked plane was discovered on September 14, 2020 at around 12:05h in the vicinity of the 9 Miles Airstrip, where authorities had discovered another aircraft that

landed in the country the night before.

The police had said that the first plane, which had three occupants, had no illegal items onboard, nor were any illegal articles found nearby.

It was reported that that plane, a 206 Cessna, was travelling along with the Beechcraft, heading to Suriname. The three occupants, who hailed from Brazil and Venezuela respectively, had told investigators they were forced to land in Guyana after the Beechcraft encountered mechanical problems.

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rumble in...

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…Sophia? ubrey Norton announced he’s challenging Granger for the leadership of the PNC. Poor Aubrey. He’s one of those fellas who’s always the bridesmaid, but never the bride…much less the groom! He seems to be good at catching bridal bouquets, but somehow unable to translate that skill with the ones necessary to get him to march up the aisle to say “I do” to the question, “Will you be leader of the PNC?” much less “President of Guyana”.

But he’s been around the block…and some. Over twenty years ago, he’d been summarily fired from his post as PNC General Secretary by Party Leader Desmond Hoyte after one year in the post. Hoyte called Norton a “creature” of the Leader, to remind him he should know his “place”. He was trying to mount a challenge to Hoyte’s leadership on ground that the latter had lost General Elections three times.

He was brought back by Corbin, who succeeded Hoyte as PNC Leader during the “mo fyaah, slow fyaah” days, because his thug image was now seen as an asset. Corbin wasn’t exactly a cupcake himself!!

Ironically, Norton’s partisans insisted he was one of the most qualified for leadership – intellectually! But Norton ran afoul of Corbin over leadership issues, and was ousted in 2009 as Chairman of the Georgetown District in favour of Volda Lawrence, a Corbin protégé.

Similarly, he teed off Granger when he claimed the latter beat him from the leadership position in 2011 only after a Corbinite rigging.

Granger, like Desmond Hoyte before him, wanted to change the thug image of the PNC, earned from the 1960s on the exploits of folks like Hamilton Green, Robert Corbin et al. He figured the PNC needed a “kinder, gentler” image to sidle into office without the Burnhamite riggings. And Norton certainly didn’t fit that image, so he had to be hidden away like the lunatic relative no one should see. Post 2015, he was kept in the shadows at the Ministry of the Presidency, as “Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment”.

But after Granger stumbled during his five-monthlong war of attrition to steal the elections, and was eventually ousted, many in the PNC felt Norton’s day had finally come. Like Freddy Krueger, Norton came back to the fore after the PPP’s NCM, when the PNC needed a forceful counterattack. So here it is in 2021, Aubrey Compton Norton has decided to frontally challenge Granger!!

So, what are his chances? About as much as a snowball in hell! Frankly, while he may be good at mobilisation on the ground, he’s never projected that savoir-faire that the PNC’s base demands in its Leader.

This was Corbin’s ultimate failure, and it will be Norton’s …the past There was a nostalgic piece on Cheddi Jagan’s politics in one of the dailies, written by a distinguished Guyanese who’s lived abroad probably for the last 50 years. As a walk down memory lane, your Eyewitness sees nothing wrong with the sentiments expressed.

And even the recommendations - after all, everyone’s entitled to their opinion - including Cheddi and the writer.

Your Eyewitness’s problem is that the ideas that Cheddi espoused during his lifetime didn’t really resolve any of the concrete problems that he faced at the time, did they? Now, one may say he wasn’t allowed to implement his ideas because Burnham rigged the elections and kept him out of power. But wasn’t Burnham’s rigging one of the challenges that he faced?

What were his ideas to address that? Was declaring the PPP a Communist Party in 1969, for instance, just a year after Burnham rigged the 1968 elections, the way to go?

Or giving “critical support” to the PNC in 1975 after the 1973 rigging? Just askin’!

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Senior, retired Police Officers slapped with $10M fraud charge

Retired Senior Superintendent Michael Sutton

Assistant Superintendent Marlon Kellman

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Royston Andries-Junor

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ine serving and retired officers who are implicated in a $10 million fraud at the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been charged with misconduct in public office and conspiracy to commit fraud.

They were arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Charged are Police Service Commission (PSC) Chairman retired Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe; PSC member and retired Assistant Commissioner

Retired Assistant Commissioner Claude Whittaker

Retired Superintendent Mark Gilbert

Clinton Conway; retired Assistant Commissioner Claude Whittaker; Senior Superintendent George Fraser; retired Senior Superintendent Michael Sutton; Superintendent Mark Gilbert, serving Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor; Senior Superintendent Marcelene Washington, and Assistant Superintendent Marlon Kellman.

The first charge stated that Sutton, while performing duties as Finance Officer for the GPF between July 1, 2019 and July 31, 2019, at the GPF’s Headquarters, Eve Leary Georgetown, willfully misconducted himself when he falsely signed seven payment vouchers as the accounting officer, which he was not authorised to do, enabling Slowe, Conway, Whittaker, Fraser, and Gilbert to be paid $1,000,766, without the approval of Daniella McCalmon, the Accounting Officer, and without any reasonable excuse or justification.

It is further alleged that Slowe, Conway, Whittaker, Fraser, Gilbert, AndriesJunor, Washington, Sutton, and Kellman, between

Senior Superintendent Marcelene Washington

Police Service Commission Chairman Paul Slowe

Retired Assistant Commissioner Clinton Conway

Retired Senior Superintendent George Fraser

March 1, 2019 and July 7, 2020, at Guyana Police Force Headquarters, Eve Leary Georgetown, conspired together and with other persons unknown to defraud the GPF of $10,056,000 by paying Slowe, Conway, Whittaker, Fraser and Gilbert $10M without complying with the proper procedures, purportedly to do a review of the Guyana Police Force’s

Standing Orders, which had already commenced in July 2018 and been concluded in March 2019 by the Strategic Planning Unit.

The defendants were not required to plead to the indictable charges. Sutton was granted $200,000 bail, while the others were each granted $100,000 bail. Their next court appearance is June 3, 2021.

They were represented

by a team of lawyers, including Nigel Hughes, Patrice Henry, Dexter Todd, Dennis Paul, Everton LammySingh, Narissa Leander, and Darren Wade.

“These charges, I believe, are not based on facts. All of the persons who have been charged are of impeccable character, and they have all stood on their integrity. We have got people who have served this country for over 30 years without any allegation, without even any suggestion of an allegation…

Never before in their entire life…”, Hughes added.

No basis

Speaking with reporters after the court hearing, Hughes underscored that there is no basis on which to level such charges against his clients.

TURN TO PAGE 13

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Freak storm destroys several homes in Region 5

…3-year-old toddler pulled from collapsed patio

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he roofs of at least three houses at Zorgen-Hoop, West Bank Berbice (WBB) Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) were on Wednesday blown away as a result of the heavy winds that accompanied a freak storm. Reports are that the zinc sheets were ripped off the rafters, causing household items and other materials to go flying through the air.

A three-year-old girl, daughter of Bibi Sofia Lakraj, who was left in a hammock on the patio as her mother went inside to

close the windows during the heavy downpour, miraculously escaped injury after the patio of their house collapsed.

Lakraj recalled that the freak storm struck at about 14:00h. “The place was black, and (I put) my baby to stay in the hammock because I was going and lock the window… As I go inside to lock the window, the rooftop fly out and the wood from the top fall and hit me,” she said.

Lakraj said she held on to a piece of furniture to secure herself. “I try to open

the bedroom door to come and save my daughter, and when I get to open it and come, the whole verandah cave in and I had to crawl and go and find (her). She was screaming.”

Lakraj said the infant sustained only mild injuries to her leg.

Meanwhile, her husband Christopher said he was a short distance away from home when he received information that the roof of his house had blown off.

According to the labourer, as he arrived at home, he saw that even the rafters

The home belonging to Christopher Lakraj and his family

had been ripped off from the house, and most of them had landed in a neighbour’s yard.

“I could not believe what I saw when I came home! I couldn’t recognise this was my house… Everything displaced! Some parts in the bush, some parts next door, some parts about five (or) six house lots away.”

He estimates his losses to be in the millions.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the street, a small house also had a part of the roof blown off, the solar panel being removed with that part.

Villagers were prompt in assisting with the repairs to that structure. The wind also removed the zinc sheets

from another building in the same village.

Another resident, Cheryl Mangal, said several of her household items were damaged beyond repair due to the storm.

The Region Five Administration has since visited the affected families and promised to offer the necessary support.

The suspect was told of the offence, cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Fort Wellington Police

Station, where he was processed for court. He is expected to make his court appearance today.

8lbs of ganja found during Police operation

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42-year-old man was taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of ganja at his Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) home on Wednesday.

According to reports received, Police, acting on information, went to the home of the man where 3928 grams (8 lbs) of cannabis was discovered.

Police stated that on the day in question about 16:35h, the ranks swooped down on the home where they conducted a search during which two transparent wrapped parcels containing the illegal drug were found hidden in a barrel.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt envisions modern infrastructure for Judiciary – Attorney General ...says legal system must be impartial, effective in delivering justice …as Bartica Magistrate’s Court opens with advanced outfit

The new Bartica Magistrate’s Court

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overnment will be working to modernise the infrastructure of the Judiciary across the country, providing newer technologies and facilities to aid in the dispensation of cases and service to the people.

These were the sentiments of Legal Affairs Minister and AttorneyGeneral Anil Nandlall, SC, on Thursday during the official opening of the Bartica Magistrate’s Court in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – which he identified as a standard bearer for future courts.

With a modernised structure, he said, the country’s judicial framework should be able to stand among other systems, regionally.

“Ten years ago, those facilities in a court would have been considered inconceivable, not possible. This, I have no doubt, will be the standard bearer of courts going forward…Today, you will have a magistrate resident here in an air-conditioned courtroom who will be able to take your evidence by recording five days per week all year round.

The judicial arm of the State is essential to us going forward as a country and as a people,” Nandlall said.

He added, “We have to get modern structure that will be the epicentre of our judiciary, modern infrastructure that can be compared with any in the Caribbean and we are working towards that. It will be done with the same degree of cooperation and collaboration and respect.”

It was outlined that Guyanese must benefit from a legal system that is impartial and functions most efficiently to deliver justice.

“The economists have done a lot of studies and they have established beyond doubt that in every society in which there is economic development, social progress and prosperity, you have a judicial system that is functioning, efficient, considered to be impartial and that enjoys the public confidence of that society,” the Legal Affairs Minister said.

Nandlall added that the

decision to upgrade this part of the legal network stemmed from a realisation that a robust judiciary was essential in gaining confidence from the population, in the rule of law.

“Our Government is committed, after recognising a pivotal role and function of the Judiciary in the equation of nation-building, to working with the Judiciary every step of the way to ensure that we provide you, the people of our country, the quality of justice system to which you are entitled. This is the place where we must all turn for the settlement of our disputes,” the AG noted.

In 2018, construction commenced on the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, which was slated for completion in 2020. After delays due to the pandemic and a few readjustments, the building is now complete. The $177 million facility includes a court office, chambers, lock-ups, chambers of the Magistrates, courtroom, probation office, library, briefing room, and two living quarters.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards related that the modernised court would be a ‘busy court’, with the increased cases coming out from mining areas and incidents of Trafficking in Persons.

“There are many cases I’m told on the horizon. There’re many cases in relation to child support cases, active and inactive ones. I dare say that the inactive ones will become active as the services would be achieved right in the community. We would like to say also that the Police who have been on the frontline have seen an increase in cases, especially given the gold mining districts and the borders, and increased cases in Trafficking in Persons,” Justice Cummings-Edwards noted.

Resident Magistrate Crystal Lambert indicated that the adopted use of technology would be advantageous while noting that they were seeking to build greater synergy between law en-

forcement and the Judiciary.

“Our Judiciary has fully embraced the use of technology in the management of our daily case flow. I look forward to building on the synergies that we have already developed with the Police, the prison and other stakeholders and community leaders …

A resident magistrate would mean that the court can sit five days per week with an enhanced and improved access to Bartica community and the wider region,” Magistrate Lambert said.

Meanwhile, Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall said that this infrastructure was a symbol of institutional strengthening and a greater mechanism to uphold the rule of law.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Unlicensed cop slapped with causing death charge released on bail

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24-year-old Police Constable who fled the scene after an accident was on Thursday slapped with a charge for causing death by dangerous driving. Joel Simon appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.

Simon denied the charge which stated that on May 8, 2021, at Better Hope Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he drove motor pick-up bearing reg-

istration number GPP 8699 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Navindra Ramnarine of Third Field, Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Simon was also charged with the following traffic offences; being an unlicensed driver, breach of insurance, failure to stop after an accident, and failure to render assistance. He also pleaded not guilty to these charges.

As such, he was released on $400,000 bail and was

scheduled to return to court on June 3.

Ashton Barker, the registered owner of the motor vehicle Simon was driving, was charged with permitting an unlicensed driver and breach of insurance. He pleaded guilty, and was reprimanded and discharged.

Ramnarine, 50, a fisherman, was killed while crossing the road at Better Hope.

The accident occurred around 20:00h. It was reported that Ramnarine was struck by a Toyota Tundra

Charged: Constable Joel Simon

pick-up while it was overtaking another vehicle.

The now dead man was dragged approximately 100 feet from the initial point of impact. He was then run over by the vehicle which later sped off the scene.

Ramnarine reportedly had been visiting relatives in Better Hope.

A few days after the accident, Simon, who is attached to the Brickdam Police Station, surrendered to the Police in the company of his lawyer, stating that he had been the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident. This was only after the registered owner reported that the vehicle that had been involved

Dead: Navindra Ramnarine

in the accident belonged to him.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No COVID deaths recorded, 136 new cases detected in 24hrs – active cases now jump to 1941

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n Thursday, the Health Ministry recorded 136 new COVID-19 cases, thus raising the number of active cases to a whopping 1941.

There are now 15,743 total confirmed cases in the country as deaths remained at 349. No deaths were reported on Thursday with the last fatalities being reported on Tuesday, when four persons succumbed.

All four fatalities were males: a 37-yearold of Region 10 (Upper

Demerara-Berbice); a 50-year-old and a 73-yearold from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 54-year-old man from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

To date, there are 19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 99 in institutional isolation; 1823 in home isolation and six in institutional quarantine.

In total, 13,453 persons have recovered completely.

Since the local COVID-19 outbreak began,

Senior, retired Police...

FROM PAGE 9

Probe

Investigations by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) revealed that former Police Commissioner Leslie James had hired Slowe, Conway, Whitaker, Gilbert, and Fraser - all former officers of the GPF - to conduct a complete revision of the Guyana Police Force’s Standing Orders in March 2019.

James did not prepare a budget for the service that was offered. He made no contractual agreements with specifications of what was to be revised and terms of payments. He never even sent for, or received, approval from the Permanent Secretary of the then Ministry of Public Security, nor the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

The payments, amounting to $10M, should have been budgeted for and approved by the NPTAB. The GPF has a raft of Standing Orders which comprises 104 orders. These very Standing Orders that James hired the former officers to revise had already been revised by highly qualified and competent policy analysts of the Strategic Planning Unit (SPU) of the Force.

More than $10 million was paid to the former of-

ficers, who did not provide the GPF with a completed revised raft of Standing Order. Payments’ accounts were prepared individually from March 2019 upon instructions from the Head of the Strategic Planning Unit, Andries-Junor.

Upon his transfer from the unit in November 2019, Andries-Junor instructed the new Head of SPU to ensure she continues making out payment accounts for the said officers. She made out accounts as instructed until February 2020.

An examination of over 60 payment vouchers showed that Washington and Sutton, who were former Police Finance Officers, signed 15 payment vouchers collectively as the Accounting Officers.

They had no authority to do so. The only accounting officer of the Police Force is the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs (former Ministry of Public Security).

The Permanent Secretary gave no such authority to them. As a result of what they did, Kellman entered the information into the Integrated Financial Management and Accounting Systems (IFMAS) although the vouchers were not approved and signed by the substantive accounting officer McCalmon.

141,712 individuals have been tested – with 7843 males and 7900 females returning positive results.

New cases were reported in seven administrative regions: 13 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 137 in Region Four; four in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 15 in Region Six; two in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 13 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 12 in Region 10.

In Regions One (BarimaWaini), Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), there are 1104, 419 and 273 confirmed cases.

In his usual update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday noted that the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) was yet to respond on claims it made that the Brazilian COVID-19 variant was present in Guyana.

He reiterated that only

genetic sequencing could identify the presence of variants and the 10 samples analysed did not prove such. Given this, he questioned where the organisation got its information from.

“None of those samples we had seen anything that resembles a variant…

Those are the only 10 samples that we’re aware of that went to a lab for sequencing. Where PAHO got its information, I don’t know. And that’s what we’re seeking to clarify: how they arrived at this conclusion that Guyana has variants circulating. We have not received that clarification as yet. We have sought that clarification from the local office here and we still await those clarifications, discussions,” Dr Anthony said on Thursday.

Advisor on emerging viral diseases at PAHO, Dr Jairo Mendez Rico had claimed during a webinar

for Journalists that the Brazilian variant of the disease was present in Guyana. According to him, 37 countries in the Americas had reported the presence of variants as well.

When asked on Tuesday about this revelation, Minister Anthony said the Ministry was unaware of such news.

The four variants of concern include those that originated in the United Kingdom (B 1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1), and India (B.1.617).

Dr Rico had noted that variants could increase lethality of viruses or change clinical patterns that could affect control measures, including vaccines.

Meanwhile, some 51 imported cases have been detected since the reopening of airports last October.

If anyone is displaying

any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Human Services Ministry, Police to collectively address domestic violence, child abuse I n a bid to strengthen collaboration between the Human Services and Social Security Ministry and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), subject Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud on Wednesday held discussions with Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken.

The main focus of the meeting was to discuss issues related to domestic violence, one of the biggest concerns at the moment.

Having a better response to the issue and forming partnerships for effective approaches to this and other social ills were deliberated. Also at the meeting were Permanent Secretary Anjanie Ramlall and Director of Child Services, Ann Greene.

The Ministry is intensifying its prevention, awareness and intervention campaign against domestic violence and abuse through a series of strategic collaborative programmes with critical stakeholders.

“For Guyana to achieve suc-

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud in discussion with Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken and other stakeholders

cess in eradicating domestic violence and abuse against women and children, an objective analysis of the inefficiencies and gaps must guide programmes, policies and interventions,” Minister Persaud

had expressed recently.

The Spotlight Initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry, is the channel through which many of these initiatives will be carried out. The discussions on Thursday

were especially significant with the launch of two major collaborations imminent. The GPF will collaborate with the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) to give intense focus to children's safety

and to reduce abuse and children being on the streets, open to danger and risks.

The meeting also dealt with Minister Persaud’s recent visit to Baramita, in Region One (BarimaWaini), and how the GPF could better assist the Ministry to address the issues there.

“We want to build a strong connection with Baramita and help the community to rise,” Minister Persaud had said during her recent visit as she listened to reports of high cases of suicide, drugs, alcohol consumption, child sexual abuse, and incest.

She had called on all involved, including the Police, to work together in addressing the serious problems of the community.

“People will only develop confidence in you if you do something about their concerns; not if they have to keep coming back to voice the same complaints over and over.

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get down to the real work,” she stressed.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pomeroon Trading Inc looking to expand Guyana’s coconut products W ith Guyana once again taking up its place in Caricom as the lead on agriculture, the Government has been aggressively promoting and supporting investment and development of the agriculture sector.

In addition to rice and sugar production, focus is now being placed on the cultivation of non-traditional and high-earning commodities. One such industry is the coconut industry. Since taking office, the Government, through the Agriculture Ministry, has moved to develop the sector by ensuring proper planting materials are easily accessible to farmers across the country.

Last year, as part of the Hope Coconut Industries Limited (HCIL) emergency budgetary allocation, two new coconut nurseries were established, one at Kairuni on the LindenSoesdyke Highway and the other in Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon Supernaam).

Furthermore, the Ministry has announced plans to establish six additional nurseries across the country during this year.

On Tuesday, representatives from Pomeroon Trading Inc met with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to discuss the company’s current operations and plans for expansion in the future, in the coconut industry.

Pomeroon Trading Inc Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Duncan Turnbull told Minister Mustapha that, so far, they were able to cultivate close to 400 acres with about 35,000 seed nuts. He also said that the company was able to establish fruitful relationships with farmers in the Pomeroon to ensure

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Pomeroon Trading Inc CEO Duncan Turnbull and other officials

it got the required quality of seed nuts before it commenced operations.

“We started planting about three years ago. Right now we are doing a seedling nursery. We always start with a nursery, because we want to do the seedlings ourselves. We want to control the quality of the seed nuts and the health of the palms so we are very selective with the seedlings,” Turnbull said.

He added, “We’ve been able to establish relationships with farmers from the Pomeroon and we have a team of agronomists who go around, hand-selecting the seed nuts from trees that are the right age and have all the visible and desired characteristics required.

The nuts are then sorted, cleaned, and planted in the nursery. Every two months we carry out checks on their growth, strength, and appearance to be able to decide whether they have what we are looking for.”

The company’s Chief Operations Officer (COO), Jared Kissoon said that they have visited several farms and identified which trees

bore the characteristics they desired.

“We have about three or four small farmers earmarked. They have select trees on their estates that are bearing. When they have droplets, they would usually put them aside and we would do our selection for purchasing. In that way can always identify the parent plant, which is very important. Our mortality has also gotten better. As we go along, we’ve learned how to maintain the plants,” he said.

According to Kissoon, the company is exploring retail and export opportunities and he thinks the local market would be a good learning place in terms of setting up long-term operations for export.

Pomeroon Trading currently cultivates the threeyear dwarf variety primarily for the production of coconut water. It is also involved in inter-cropping, with crops like passionfruit, bananas, turmeric, and ginger under cultivation.

Turnbull explained that the company’s ultimate goal was to acquire more land

to expand is operations, as well as establish a processing facility.

“Once we have this facility set up, we would not only take produce from our farms but from other farmers in the Region. So far, we’ve invested approximately US$3 million since we started. In order to expand our cultiva-

tion and construct the processing facility, we would like to invest another US$8 million. We are currently engaging additional investors to buy into the project.

We’re working very closely with the United States Government and USAID. If we can get those sums within the next six months, we would start straight away,” Turnbull said.

The CEO also said that the company was currently exploring a joint venture with Trinidad and Tobago to export coconut water. However, he said the company’s aim was to become US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) certified to be able to export its products to the United States.

Pomeroon Trading Inc is a private company with shareholders that commenced operations in Guyana four years ago and currently employs close to 65 persons.

Minister Mustapha complimented the team for their investment so far. He told them that a host of new opportunities would soon be made available in the agriculture sector.

“Very soon, a number of new opportunities will be made available for local farmers as we are currently working to address barriers to trade in the Caribbean. After His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali would’ve submitted a paper to Caricom on advancing the agriculture agenda, a task force was set up that Guyana is chairing. So we are working aggressively to tap into the Caricom market, which is a very large and lucrative market,” Minister Mustapha said.

He also disclosed that although COVID-19 has affected the entire world, Guyana’s agriculture sector has recorded growth for the first quarter of the year.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NAREI signs over $29M in contracts for lab equipment, installation of geotextile tubes

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ational Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jagnarine Singh signed several contracts for the supply and installation of laboratory equipment and 100 metres of geotextile tubes along the Nonpareil foreshore on the East Coast of Demerara.

The contracts were signed on Thursday at the Agriculture Ministry and will see the execution of topographic surveys in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) as well.

The surveys, when completed, will be a critical component for the restoration and management of mangroves and to ensure suitable shoreline elevation. NAREI, in a statement, said that surveys would facilitate the gathering of critical elevation data to support monitoring along the foreshore from Ogle to Kitty and from Enmore to Annandale, Region Four, and from Taymouth to Anna Regina, Region Two.

creasing production and productivity.

In an invited comment after the contract signing, NAREI’s CEO stated that such contracts remain paramount to the smooth functioning of the institute’s work programme and further progress in the strengthening of the country’s mangrove structures.

“For instance, 100 metres of geotextile tubes groyne will be constructed along the shoreline to increase sedimentation and create a suitable habitat for mangroves to be restored… similar structures were done

Officials after the signing of the contracts

It added that data collected would be used to inform future management and design of restoration interventions.

The $10.7 million contract for the installation of the geotextile tubes was awarded to S&K Construction and Consultancy Services and General Supplies. The project, which has a duration of two months, will cater for groynes along the Nonpareil foreshore, Region Four.

An $8.72 million contract for the topographic surveys in Regions Two and Four and a $9.85 million contract for the supply and delivery of laboratory equipment and accessories for NAREI’s lab were signed with Bailey and Associates and MS Trading, respectively.

The equipment, once installed, will allow for the smooth operation of NAREI’s laboratory, thereby increasing the number of annual germplasms produced. In the past, the lab has been instrumental in producing disease-free and disease-resistant planting materials for farmers, thereby in-

by NAREI in areas such as Devonshire Castle, Reliance and Anna Regina which have resulted in natural regeneration of mangroves,” he said.

Just Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha inked several contracts for the execution of works across the country and the supply of several pieces of machinery which are intended to improve the general lives of farmers and other residents across the country.

Six agencies that fall within the Ministry’s purview signed a total of 16 contracts, which amounted to $975,170,707.

Man wanted over Corriverton ganja bust surrenders to CANU

Omesh Lakeram (left) with his Attorney-at-Law, Bernard Da Silva

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The parcels of cannabis that were seized by CANU

mesh Lakeram, the 47-year-old man who was wanted over an $18 million marijuana bust at Corriverton, Berbice surrendered to the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday. He was accompanied by his Attorney, Bernard Da Silva, who confirmed that investigations were ongoing.

On May 11, 2021, CANU said it interdicted 94 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (marijuana) at Number 68 Village, Corriverton, Berbice.

After conducting surveillance for several days at a location along Number 68 Village, CANU officers around 04:00h on the day in question observed three to four individ-

uals with flashlights coming through a track.

As the individuals approached, CANU ranks identified themselves and ordered the persons to stop. However, the individuals dropped what they were carrying and scattered in different directions.

The CANU ranks attempted to pursue, but given the poor visibility at the time which raised concerns for their safety, they decided not to contin-

ue.

CANU officers then returned to the spot where the items were dropped and discovered four bags with several parcels inside. The bags were transported to CANU’s headquarters where they were processed. Some 80 parcels of marijuana weighing 94kg (207 pounds) collectively were found. Shortly after the discovery, CANU issued a wanted bulletin for Lakeram.

Ganja among contraband items found at Timehri Prison

A

raid conducted by law enforcement officers at the Timehri Prison on Wednesday unearthed several contraband items, including a quantity of marijuana.

During the raid, two cellphones, six lighters, a quantity of rope in assorted lengths, a quantity of cement, a cellphone battery, four SIM cards, six improvised weapons, 30 razor blades, one cellphone charger, one cellphone adapter, a cable, and one installation tape were found.

Further searches unearthed a leather belt, two pieces of sandpaper, one broken glass bottle, three steel wires, five broken tiles, one phone case, 40 cigarettes, 10 lengths of phone wire, one nail clipper, six large nails, one ball of string, one metal fork, seven metal spoons, one pair of large scissors, four mirrors, and two needles with two lengths of thread.

Later in the day at the prison farm, a pair of red and black slippers was also discovered under a coconut tree.

Upon further investigation, 70 grams of ganja was found concealed in the soles of the slippers. A probe into the discovery has been

The items that were unearthed at the Timehri Prison

launched.

Just a few days ago, prison officials at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD), unearthed drugs, improvised weapons and alcohol among other contraband items.

It was reported that ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service conducted a search at the Prison between 06:00h and 08:15h.

During that time, 34 improvised weapons, five cellular phones, six lighters, four pieces of broken mirror, three cellular phone chargers, three earpieces, three SIM cards, a bottle of fermented wine, and seven bottles of oil were found.

The items were seized, as well as a quantity of cannabis which weighed 34 grams, and later taken to the Vigilance Police Station and lodged.

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MoH to host COVID-19 vaccination drive GGMC Prosecutor arrested for bribery at Providence Stadium on Saturday

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

T

he Health Ministry has brought innovation to its immunisation programme with a vaccination ‘drive-thru’, set for Saturday, May 22, 2021 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where the public can get vaccinated from their vehicles.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday outlined that the idea was to improve accessibility for persons to get vaccinated against COVID-19. As such, he explained that the steps involved in getting the shots would be incorporated in a drive-thru setup.

“We thought that this is one way that we could make it more accessible, more convenient for people to come and get their vaccines. What we have in mind is that you can drive into the stadium with your car and once you get in, arrangements are in place where someone will approach the car, see how many occupants in there would need vaccination. They would do the paperwork for the vaccination and proceed to the next station. At that station, the paperwork is verified and they will do the actual jab,” the Minister underscored.

After taking the vaccine, the person would spend 15 minutes under observation,

before they could leave. The Ministry is anticipating a great turnout, since many persons can be vaccinated within the day. Dr Anthony also added that there would be enough vaccinators and volunteers to ensure a smooth process, and both first and second doses would be administered at the site.

“Because of how it’s arranged, we think that we’ll get a lot more people coming out and it’s quite convenient. If four persons are coming in a vehicle, we can easily do four persons very quickly.

We’ll have a number of volunteers; we’re expecting to get 40 people volunteering to assist us with the write-up and so forth. These are persons who would have worked with us before and did quite a good job.”

The site will be operational from 09:00h to 21:00h.

This initiative materialised through collaboration with the Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sports; Home Affairs;

and Public Works, along with other organisations.

“While it’s innovative and novel, I think it should get a lot of people vaccination once we have persons coming to do that…I think we’ll have everything in place, ready to go early Saturday morning, so that we can roll this out. We could be able to accommodate a lot of people once we get a steady flow of traffic coming through,” he assured.

If the pilot initiative is successful, authorities will replicate it in other areas. The Ministry has already announced that vaccination sites in Georgetown would remain open until 20:00h. There are about 100 sites, both fixed and mobile, where persons can turn up to get inoculated.

According to recent statistics, over 169,000 persons have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 34.5 per cent of the adult population. Some 34,317 persons have returned for their second doses.

Jury empanelled for Laing Avenue murder trial

a father of one, was shot following an argument stemming from the payment of debts.

Following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in 2017, Rambarose, called “Spleen”, and Jefford, called “Smokey”, were committed to stand trial for the offence before a Judge and jury. The Magistrate presiding over the PI had ruled that sufficient evidence had been presented to put them on trial.

Dead: Orin David

A

12-member jury was empanelled earlier this week to commence the trial of two men who are accused of fatally shooting another. Indicted for murder are former soldier Jermaine Jefford and Howard Rambarose.

Together, they are jointly charged with the August 1, 2016 murder of Laing Avenue, Georgetown taxi

Murder accused: Jermaine Jefford

Murder accused: Howard Rambarose

driver and former murder accused Orin David, called “Malik”.

Jeffers and Rambarose were arraigned before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court.

They pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Their trial is expected to commence in the coming week. State Counsel Lisa Cave is pre-

senting the case for the prosecution. Rambarose is being represented by Attorney-atlaw George Thomas while Jefford has retained Senior Counsel Stanley Moore.

According to reports, David was shot dead in front of his Lot 89 Laing Avenue home, in the presence of his reputed wife and relatives.

It was reported that David,

15-year-old nabbed after attacking, robbing couple in Albouystown

A

30-year-old female security guard and her boyfriend were on Wednesday evening attacked and robbed by two armed bandits at James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown.

Police said the couple were walking along James Street, about 22:15h when the two perpetrators rode up on bicycles and confronted them.

One reportedly pulled out a firearm from his right front pants pocket, pointed it at the guard and demanded that she hand over her valuables, so she complied.

A gold chain valued $35,000 and a cellphone worth $17,000 were handed over.

Meanwhile, the victim’s

boyfriend and the other bandit were engaged in a scuffle and upon realising what was happening, the armed robber discharged several rounds in the man’s direction and made good his escape, along with his accomplice. No one was injured.

Police were alerted, and checks were made at a res-

idence on the said street where a 15-year-old suspect was arrested. Police reported that the suspect’s mother was instructed to have her son report to the Ruimveldt Police Station pending investigations.

Checks were made for the second perpetrator, but he was not found.

during sting operation

GGMC Prosecutor Sherwin Crandon

A

Prosecutor attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was on Wednesday arrested for bribery during a Police sting operation.

Guyana Times was informed that a gold miner had visited the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters where he revealed that in 2019, he was charged for illegal mining at Blackwater, Mahdia in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

The gold miner revealed that the GGMC Prosecutor informed him that he was willing to dismiss the case if he was paid $300,000.

The gold miner told investigators that the official agreed to meet with him around 16:00h on May 19,

2021 at a popular bar located at Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown to collect the “bribe money”.

With this information, Police executed a sting operation during which Sherwin Crandon, 44, of George Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown was arrested.

After a search was conducted on his person, the $300,000 was found.

The officer reportedly admitted that he was prosecuting an active matter against the gold miner and admitted that he indeed collected money from the man. However, the Prosecutor reportedly told CID ranks that he was actually borrowing the money from the miner.

He was placed in Police custody as investigations continue.

18 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cars found at Rose Hall as Police probe stolen vehicles racket

Police have seized several vehicles believed to have been stolen in a carjacking operation

Some of the scraps suspected to have come from stolen vehicles

olice on Wednesday seized several motor cars in Berbice which are suspected to have been stolen. Police reports stated that a party of Policemen headed by an Assistant Superintendent conducted searches at a number of locations where the suspected

Police said a search was conducted at the home of a female nurse of Rose Hall, Corentyne, where they found several “car-related documents”. These were also taken to the Rose Hall Outpost and lodged, pending investigation.

A search was also conducted at the home of a 75-year-old of Rose Hall, Corentyne, but nothing was found.

During the search, Police said, a named suspect was detained. He is presently in hospital under guard. For

P

stolen vehicles were found.

A white Fielder Wagon bearing registration number PVV 6272 and a silver-grey Premio bearing registration number PRR 3989 were reportedly found in a yard in New Market Street, Rose Hall.

At another location

in Rose Hall, another silver-grey Premio (registration number PTT 9316) and a Fielder Wagon (registration number PTT 7651) were discovered.

The vehicles were taken to the Rose Hall Outpost and lodged pending further investigations.

Pedestrian dies weeks after Soesdyke accident

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female pedestrian – Lucrecia Alberts, 36, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital more than two weeks after she was struck down by a lorry in Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to the Police, the accident occurred on May 5 along Adams Road, Soesdyke, East Bank, and

involved motor lorry GJJ 3292, owned and driven by Ian Jhaman, and Alberts, of Adams Road.

Although Police have not given any details about the accident, it was reported that Alberts succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday about 11:00h in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital without regaining conscious-

ness.

Her body was taken to the hospital’s mortuary to await a post-mortem examination. The driver of the motor lorry was reportedly released on bail a few days after the accident, but a Police source confirmed that he was rearrested following the woman’s death.

Charges are expected to be instituted shortly.

the year, there have been several reports of stolen cars.

The most recent incident occurred about two weeks ago when a man was relieved of his Toyota Allion motor car bearing registration number PZZ 3220 by three passengers at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Delroy Adonis, 33, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD), who operates a private hire service, reportedly picked up a passenger from Vreed-en-Hoop who request-

ed to be taken to Diamond, EBD. On their way to the destination, the passenger requested for Adonis to pick up a male and female. Adonis reportedly complied, but shortly after they entered the car, the driver was held at gunpoint and ordered to stop and exit the vehicle.

Upon doing so, Adonis was relieved of his Samsung A20 smartphone and $15,000 in cash by the perpetrators who made good their escape with the motor car.

Guyana’s 1st Philatelic Library commissioned

Prime Minister Mark Phillips being assisted to cut the ribbon to officially open the Philatelic Library

P

rime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips on Thursday commissioned Guyana’s first Philatelic Library on the ground floor of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).

The Library, which is dedicated to books about stamps, is a project of the Guyana Philatelic Society (GPS), in collaboration with the GPOC. During his remarks, the Prime Minister said that the GPOC, through its Philatelic Bureau, would continue to partner with the GPS to promote philately (the collecting or studying of stamps as a hobby) in Guyana.

“The GPS has worked closely with the Guyana Post Office Corporation’s Philatelic Bureau over the

years to host stamp exhibitions and even as the GPOC continues to improve its services to ensure that it remains relevant in this day and age, so too will it continue to work with the GPS to promulgate the interest of philately in Guyana,” the Prime Minister stated.

He added that although the use of postage stamps has diminished with the advent of digital communication, Guyana has a rich philatelic history, of which more Guyanese should be aware.

“Our country’s history has long been told through postage stamps, including the British Guiana One Cent Magenta which is regarded as the most famous and rare stamp in the world—valued at over US$9.4 million,”

Phillips noted.

GPS President Ann Wood said that the Library was committed to promoting and facilitating the pursuit of stamp collecting.

“We have begun accumulating various stamp publications from donations of stamp catalogues, auction catalogues and philatelic books from the American Philatelic Society, the Royal Philatelic Society in London and the San Diego Philatelic Society among others,” she revealed.

She said that membership was not necessary to gain access to the library or its resources. Postmistress General Karen Brown and Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson were also at the launch.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices fall as Iran claims sanctions will be lifted

O

il prices dropped again early on Thursday after Iran’s President said that the world powers had accepted during the latest round of talks that sanctions against Iran would be lifted.

As of 10:39h EDT on Thursday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading down 0.95 per cent at US$62.76.

Brent crude prices had declined by 1.07 per cent to trade below US$66 a barrel – at US$65.96.

Just two days ago, Brent crude briefly touched US$70 early on Tuesday, but failed to hold on to that gain later during the day as reports of a breakthrough in the indirect talks about the nuclear deal between the US and Iran (it was later clarified that there had been no breakthrough) sent prices down.

On Thursday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was quoted as saying that global powers taking part in the indirect US-Iranian talks on a return to the nuclear agreement had accepted that the US sanctions on Iran, including on its oil exports, would be removed.

“The main agreement has been made,” Rouhani said according to Iranian State television, Bloomberg reported.

The report sent crude oil prices down for the third day in a row as the market anticipated a legitimate return of Iranian oil supply. Analysts say that the market would likely be able to absorb additional barrels from Iran, but traders and speculators react to any reported breakthrough in the talks. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Sarkozy goes on trial for illegal campaign funding

Since leaving office, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been dogged with legal battles

F

ormer French President Nicolas Sarkozy is going on trial for illegally funding his 2012 re-election campaign.

Sarkozy, who denies the charges, stands accused with 13 other defendants over their role in the socalled "Bygmalion" scandal.

They allegedly overspent by tens of millions of euros on the campaign, and hired a PR firm to cover it up.

It is the ex-President's latest legal fight, after being convicted of corruption earlier this year.

The trial was supposed to start in March, but had to be postponed because a lawyer fell ill with COVID-19.

France sets strict limits on campaign spending.

But Prosecutors claim Sarkozy's party splurged nearly double the €22.5 million cap on lavish campaign

rallies and events.

To hide the costs, it allegedly hired a PR firm called Bygmalion to invoice the party, not the campaign.

While Prosecutors admit they cannot prove Sarkozy organised or was involved in the scheme, they say he must have been aware of it.

Sarkozy, 66, has denied the charges of wrongdoing.

He faces up to a year in jail and up to €3750 in fines if convicted.

Jerome Lavrilleux, Sarkozy's deputy campaign chief in 2012 and one of 13 co-defendants, has publicly acknowledged overseeing the rerouting of funds. He has said he acted on his own.

Two co-founders of Bygmalion are also on trial.

One of them, Guy Alves, has publicly acknowledged the fake billing. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Israel and Hamas announce Gaza ceasefire

I

srael and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire on Thursday to halt 11 days of fighting in the Gaza Strip.

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the security Cabinet had “unanimously accepted the recommendations to accept an Egyptian initiative for an unconditional … ceasefire.”

Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad then confirmed the ceasefire in a statement, saying it would come into force at 14:00h on Friday (23:00 GMT on Thursday).

Netanyahu’s office said the two sides were still negotiating exactly when it would take effect.

Palestinians sit amidst the damage in the aftermath of Israeli air strikes in Gaza [Mohammed Salem/AP]

At least 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, have been killed in 11 days of Israeli bombardment.

On the Israeli side, 12

people, including two children, have been killed.

“I pay tribute and appreciation to the US President Biden for his role in the

success of the Egyptian ceasefire initiative,” Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said in a series of tweets after the ceasefire was announced.

Palestinians in Ramallah celebrated as the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took hold in the early morning hours of Friday, reported Al Jazeera correspondent Safwat al-Kahlout who described the sounds of fireworks and gunshots into the air.

Palestinian factions are calling the ceasefire a victory and words of praise to Allah were being broadcast from mosque loudspeakers, al-Kahlout said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Latin America poised to Black fungus outbreak benefit as US raises exports raises alarm of COVID-19 shots – sources

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atin America is poised to receive millions of US-made COVID-19 shots in the coming weeks as the United States emerges as a top exporter of vaccines against the novel coronavirus, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The United States is considering prioritising countries within its own hemisphere for the 80 million domestically-made vaccine doses it has pledged to send abroad, one person familiar with the matter said.

Meanwhile, Pfizer Inc has begun exporting millions of its US-made shots largely to countries in Central and South America, a second person familiar with the matter said.

Many Latin American countries have a dire need for COVID-19 vaccines as

they combat outbreaks.

Brazil has been one of the world's hardest-hit countries, reporting more than 15 million cases and 400,000 deaths as of this week.

Pfizer, which developed its vaccine with German partner BioNTech SE , is producing around 10 million shots in the United States each week for export as its domestic output pulls ahead of US demand for vaccines, the second person said.

The drugmaker is making shipments from its Michigan facility to US neighbours Canada and Mexico, as well as nearly 10 other Latin American countries, the person said.

Recent recipients of Pfizer's US-made vaccine doses include Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay, the person added.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

I

ndia's states should declare an epidemic following a rise in deadly "black fungus" cases, the country's health authorities has said.

The normally rare infection, called mucormycosis, has a mortality rate of 50 per cent, with some only saved by removing an eye or jaw bone.

But in recent months, India saw thousands of cases affecting recovered and recovering COVID-19 patients.

Doctors suspect there may be a link with the steroids used to treat COVID. Diabetics are at particular risk, with doctors telling

the BBC it seems to strike 12 to 15 days after recovery from COVID. On Thursday, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal wrote to India's 29 states to ask them to declare it an epidemic.

By doing so, the Ministry will be able to more closely monitor what is happening in each state, and allow for better integration of treatment.

It is not clear exactly how many cases there have been across the country, which is currently in the grip of a deadly second COVID-19 wave which has left tens of thousands dead. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Guatemala prison: Inmates beheaded in deadly gang fight

PAHO, WHO: Keep COVID protocols in place for travellers

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ven as some Caribbean countries relax entry protocols for travellers who are fully vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has strongly advised against going that route.

PAHO Director of Health Emergencies, Dr Ciro Ugarte said on Wednesday that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and PAHO do not agree with relaxing measures, since people who are fully vaccinated can still contract and spread the virus.

“The vaccine does not protect you from getting infected although there is increased evidence that that is the case in a significant proportion of per-

sons who get vaccinated,” he said during the virtual weekly press briefing.

“There are many people that will still get infected and by reducing the protective measures for the persons who get vaccinated, of course there is an increased probability and risk of getting infected and passing the disease to others that have not got vaccinated yet. So, in that regard, the WHO and PAHO do not recommend to change the entry requirements for the people who get vaccinated.”

Ugarte said the disparity in protocols for the vaccinated versus the non-vaccinated, even among the population, raises the issue of discrimination.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Some 500 police officers were deployed to take control of the prison

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olice in Guatemala say at least seven prisoners have been killed during a fight between rival gangs in a jail in Quetzaltenango.

Most of them were beheaded as members of the Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 gangs attacked each other.

The prison, 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the capital, was built to house 500 inmates, but has more than 2000.

Some 500 Police Officers were deployed to take control of the prison, National

Police spokesman Jorge Aguilar said.

Police sources told local media one of the inmates had ordered the attack on rival gang members in retaliation for the murder of his wife, who had been shot dead by two men on motorbikes hours earlier.

According to the source, the inmate behind the violence is serving a sentence for murder.

Almost half of the roughly 3500 violent deaths a year in Guatemala are carried out by gangs, officials say.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Follow a path that interests you, and you will find it easier to reach your goal.

Discipline and hard work will get you where you want to go. Focus on the big picture.

Take on as much as possible, and show everyone what (April 20you are capable of doing. Put May 20) your energy where it counts and leave nothing to chance.

Be honest, and demand the same from others.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Be careful when dealing with sensitive issues. Someone (May 21- will use information you share June 20) against you. Keep personal matters to yourself, and focus on taking care of your responsibilities.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Too much time to think or worry will lead to an emotional outburst. If you focus on what you want to accomplish, you will develop a plan that will help you improve your workspace.

Talk to someone you enLEO joy collaborating with to find (July 23solid solutions and improveAug. 22) ments. A serious talk with a loved one will lead to personal stability and a better future.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Emotions will be difficult to control. Refrain from getting into a debate with someone who will never see things your way. Concentrate on making changes that will improve your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Someone will offer you suggestions to help you get ahead. An online course or networking opportunity will lead to opportunity. Make plans with a loved one.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Touch base with someone you find inspiring. Exchange thoughts and feelings, and it will help you put things in perspective. Don't jeopardize a friendship, regardless of the circumstances.

Promise only what's possiSAGITTARIUS ble.

If you assert something, be (Nov. 23prepared to back your claims.

Dec. 21) Discipline will pay off when it comes to your health and relationships. Stick to the truth.

Put everything in its place

CAPRICORN and finish what you start. Don't (Dec. 22leave anything to chance or alJan. 19)

low anyone to take advantage of you. Anger is a waste of time, and regret will lead to stress.

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

Stop worrying about what others are doing. Don't feel pressured to tag along or follow someone's lead.

Concentrate on your happiness and doing the things you enjoy most.

Refuse to let someone annoy you. Spend time getting (Feb. 20March 20) back to the basics and activities you enjoy doing most. A creative outlet will inspire you to brighten your everyday routine.

PISCES

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

21

Lebron James secures Lakers’ play-off spot

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eBron James made a game-winning shot with 58 seconds remaining to ensure the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors in the new ‘play-ins’ format and secure a place in the Western Conference playoffs.

James shot a 34-foot three-pointer to claim a 103-100 win, despite struggling to see after a foul to the face.

LA face the second-seeded Phoenix Suns in the play-offs on Sunday.

“I was literally see-

“I was seeing three rims out there”

need to poke LeBron in his eye a lot more to hit shots like that”.

Stephen Curry scored 37 points, but it was not enough for the Warriors, who must beat the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday to advance.

The Grizzles beat the San Antonio Spurs 10096 in their play-ins game to set up the meeting. The winners will become the eighth seeds and play the top-seeded Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs. The losers are eliminated. (BBC Sport)

ing three rims out there,” James, 36, said.

James received treatment after he appeared to be poked in the eye by Draymond Green with two minutes left in the game.

He was given eye drops, but admitted he was unable to focus on making the shot.

“I just shot at the middle rim and I was able to, with the grace from the man above, knock it down,” he said.

His team-mate Anthony Davis joked afterwards that the Lakers “might

Speed to thrill!

Warner, Cummins could be rested Gateshead Diamond League showdown set to feature 3 of 6 fastest women in history for Windies Series …as ball-tampering scandal comes back in the spotlight

A

ustralian cricketers David Warner and Pat Cummins could be given rest ahead of the West Indies Series as tensions continue to simmer over the latest ball-tampering comments.

The pair were both named as part of a 23man preliminary squad for the July Series, which would consist of five T20Is and three ODIs, but recent reports are suggesting that Cricket Australia is contemplating resting these players in order to give them more time with their families as fissions within the squad appear.

The issue came back into the public spotlight after recent comments were made by bowler Collin Bancroft, who hinted that the team’s

bowlers were aware of the plan to use sandpaper on the ball during the Test against South Africa.

The 2018 incident had led to bans for then Australia captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and bowler Collin Bancroft. The team’s bowlers: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, all issued a statement denying any involvement in the issue, but another investigation from Cricket Australia now seems likely.

Several players have been left discontented after Warner’s manager James Erskine recently came out openly to say that the Sandpaper Gate was handled badly, and eventually the truth would come out.

(Sportsmax)

T

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Sha’Carri Richardson and Elaine Thompson-Herah

he blockbuster women’s 100m clash scheduled for this Sunday at the Müller Grand Prix Diamond League Meet in Gateshead will feature three of the six fastest women ever to run over the distance.

In what many predict could be a preview to the Olympic Games later this summer, Jamaican speed queens Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah will finally face red-hot American Sha’Carri Richardson, the early-season favourite, for the first time this year.

Historically, as far as the speed record book is concerned, the early season clash could be one of mam-

moth proportions. The trio are not only three of the six fastest women alive, but also the only ones still active on the all-time speed list.

Fraser-Pryce holds the fourth-fastest time ever recorded over the distance at 10.70, set in Kingston, Jamaica in 2012. Her compatriot Thompson-Herah matched that identical time at the same venue in 2016, and is joint-fourth on the list. Richardson joined the exclusive list last month with her clocking of 10.72 recorded in Florida, making her the sixth-fastest of all time.

The times are bettered only by Marion Jones (10.65), Carmelita Jeter (10.64), and Florence Griffith-Joyner

(10.49), a trio of American sprinters who are no longer active.

Richardson has, of course, set the season marker with her burst of speed last month, but ThompsonHerah is not far behind, having registered 10.78 in Clermont.

The trio are, however, not the only big names in the field, with Great Britain’s fastest woman Dina Asher-Smith and Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare also set to face the starter. Another Jamaican who will line up in the blocks, Natasha Morrison, is also in fine form this season, having recorded the third-fastest time, 10.87, last month in Florida.

In addition to the times, there will be plenty of pedigree on display, between them Fraser-Pryce and Thompson-Herah have claimed 7 of the last 9 major games 100m Olympics and World Championship titles. The only exceptions to that dominance being the 2011 World Championships which was won by Jeter, and the 2017 World Championships which was won by another American, Torrie Bowie.

Also scheduled to take part in the meet are world long jump champion Tajay Gayle, world triple-jump silver medallist Shanieka Ricketts, and world shot put silver medallist Danniel Thomas-Dodd. (Sportsmax)

22 Independence Road Race, Relay Festival, Plaisance Mile booked for this weekend T

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

he upcoming weekend will be packed with athletics’ activities in all forms as the Guyana ExAthletes and Friends stage a string of events over two days.

On Saturday May 22nd, the Plaisance Mile, catering for younger athletes, will get things going; while, later on on that day, the Relay Festival will get underway at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

On Sunday May 23rd, 1K, 5K and 10K road races will be run concurrently, stretching from Carifesta Avenue to Turkeyen and back.

Relay Coordinator Kenrick Smith shared some exciting insights into this year’s relays.

“As promised, this year will be bigger and better and more exciting. The reason why I said that is that we have added five more events to the programme, and those are: the 4x200M relay Boys and Girls, 200M relay Allcomers male and female, and a Master…,” he revealed.

Elaborating, Smith said, “We also added a two-man relay, which is the 2x2x4, and that means that there are only two athletes running per team, one male one female, and they will be running two 200M and two 400M (legs). It’s the first time we will have this event in

Aubrey Hutson (center) is flanked by AAG Vice President Amanda Hermonstine and members of the Guyana Ex-Athletes and Friends

Guyana.”

In regard to incentives, committee member Burgette Williams-Forde explained that the prizes have been extended to encourage the younger athletes.

“This year, we concentrate more on our junior athletes because our junior athletes (are) the future (of) tomorrow’s Guyana. So, instead of giving a 1 to 3 prize and that is it, we have: Under-19, we’re giving 1 to 12 male and fe-

male; Under-16, we’re giving 1 to 12; and the one mile, we’re giving 1 to 10. And then we have other little goodies that we’re going to give out to the younger kids,” Williams-Forde explained.

She added, “And then, for the Open, it’s all cash prizes.”

To avoid any questions, the committee has provided an additional prize for the first Guyanese to cross the finish line in the 10K event, in case an overseas athlete should win

the race.

Meanwhile, the main focus of Athletics Association of Guyana President Aubrey Hutson was ensuring the events are safe, so as to not contribute to the already alarming cases of the deadly virus in Guyana.

Hutson underscored, “We, at the Athletics Association of Guyana, we continue to work with the Task Force. We must never be a contributor to any number of increased COVID-

positive cases. Hence, we continue to encourage you guys to ensure that the necessary protocols are in place to avoid our events being an event where any athlete, any official, any other person in whatever capacity they’re in, contracts COVID at your event.

“I must say that I’m really and truly grateful for what I’m seeing, and as I said before, let us ensure the mechanism is in place to execute a safe event.”

For the Road Races on Sunday, which are set to begin at 7am, the 10K race will begin at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue, negotiate the Roundabout and proceed onto the Rupert Craig Highway, where it will continue to Turkeyen before turning back on the other side of the Rupert Craig Highway.

Once it has passed the Russian Embassy turn, it will take the Kitty Public Road and return to Carifesta Avenue, making a U-turn at the National Park and finishing at the GNS Ground.

While the 5K race will take the same route, athletes would be turning back at Conversation Tree instead of at Turkeyen.

The 1K race will be contested by athletes between the ages of 8 and 12 years old.

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BCCI asks ECB to rejig Tests’ schedule for IPL window

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…BCCI wants all Tests to be preponed by a week, with the Series finishing on September 7

esperate to stage the remainder of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has put in a late request to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to prepone the start of the five-Test Series by a week.

ESPNcricinfo understands that the request was put in this week, and the ECB is yet to respond. As things stand, the first Test is scheduled to begin on August 4.

The move is aimed at having a longer window in September to finish the remainder of the IPL season. The tournament came to a standstill midway due to the growing number of COVID-19 cases among players and staff during the Ahmedabad and Delhi legs.

Presently, the Series opener in Trent Bridge from August 4-8 will be followed

by Tests at Lord's (August 12-16), Headingley (August 25-29), The Oval (September 2-6) and Old Trafford (September 10-14). The request from the BCCI considers starting each of the remaining Tests a week earlier too.

The BCCI believes it will have a three-week window to finish the remaining 31 games if the final Test finishes by September 7. It is confident of including several double-headers to finish the

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remainder of the tournament in this window, before the teams converge for the T20 World Cup, which commences in the middle of October and runs until November 14.

Schedule-change could disrupt the ECB's plans

Such a change could disrupt the ECB's plans, as it would throw hotel bookings, bio-bubble arrangements, broadcast schedules and ticket sales (pretty much the entire tour is sold out) into chaos. It would also result in the Test series starting only a week after the launch of The

Hundred, which is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 21.

That would also all but close the window that had been allocated to allow England's top players to make appearances in the tournament. England's Test players were meant to be available for up to three group games at the start of The Hundred, and then the Eliminator and the Final (scheduled presently between the second and third India Tests) if their teams qualify.

The ECB would also have a lot of explaining to do to the counties, as well as the fans who have already bought

tickets for the India-England tour, the marquee series of the summer.

Currently, days one and three are sold out, with limited availability on days two and four for the Trent Bridge Test. At Lord's, day one is limited while days two to four are sold out. The Oval is already sold out for the first four days; Headingley has availability on the first two days, while the third and fourth days are sold out. At Old Trafford, only the first day has been sold out, with availability over the next three days.

The requests bring into sharp focus the havoc the

pandemic has wreaked on the cricket calendar. It is currently unclear, for instance, where the remainder of the IPL would actually be held.

The UAE has been tipped as a frontrunner, and English counties and Sri Lanka have also expressed an interest.

Though the T20 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by India, that destination has become less certain in wake of the second wave of COVID-19 currently gripping the country.

Realistically, the BCCI has only two windows in which to finish the IPL, which fall on either side of the T20 World Cup. (ESPNcricinfo)

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NOW!

23 Hero CPL confirmed for August 28-September 19 FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he tournament window for the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been confirmed. The 2021 event will get underway on August 28th and will run until September 19th.

This year, the tournament will take place in St Kitts & Nevis, with all 33 matches being played at Warner Park. This follows on from the successful staging of Hero CPL in Trinidad & Tobago in 2020.

In 2020 the tournament had a combined viewership of 523 million, an increase of 67% on 2019, with record value delivered to sponsors and commercial partners.

Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s COO, has said: “It is really exciting to have the tournament window for 2021 confirmed, and I would like to thank the St Kitts & Nevis Government for

Hero CPL COO Pete Russell

agreeing to host this year’s event.

We would also like to extend our thanks to Cricket West Indies for helping us create this window in a busy summer of cricket for them.

“We are looking forward to once again successfully staging the Hero CPL in 2021.”

No tolerance for harshness and unfairness in sports administration — Minister Ramson Jr

Terry Holder and Ananda Dharry instrumental in development of RHTY&SC — Foster

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inister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jnr, has been inducted as the sixth patron of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC).

This was done by Youth Ambassador Denica Henry on Sunday last at the St Francis Community Developers Training Hall.

Using that occasion, Minister Ramson informed RHTY&SC members of his Ministry’s work to return democracy to Guyana’s cricket, and shared his vision for sports, culture and education in Guyana.

Ramson also underscored that nation building is a team sport, as he congratulated all the awardees and declared there is no tolerance for harshness and unfairness in sports’ administration, while commending the club for the exemplary role it has been playing over its 31-year history.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster provided the gathering with a comprehensive report of the club’s history, major achievements during the period 1990 to 2021, and its activities over the last eighteen months. He noted that Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Sinclair had made their debut at the Under-19 and International 20/20 levels respectively for the West Indies, while the club was able to win eight Berbice Cricket Board match titles at several levels despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other major activities included the Basil Butcher Trust Fund’s donation of cycles and gear to less fortunate youths, the COVID-19 hampers project, upgrade of Club Office, Christmas Village, Club Review Magazine, Youth Information Booklet, Say No/Say Yes Programme, Solar Lights Project, Cycles Project, and donation of

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Kevlon Anderson has been honoured for his West Indies Under-19 debut

sporting gear.

Foster said the RHTY&SC had successfully completed 709 activities in 2020, 34 less than in 2019, but nine above the revised target after the club was closed down for two months last year due to the pandemic. A total of 315 activities have to date been completed in 2021, with special emphasis being placed on education, anti-drugs, anti-alcohol, community development, COVID-19 and less fortunate families.

Fourteen outstanding Guyanese received the Club’s highest award, the Dolphin Award of Excellence. They are Esuan Crandon, Romario Samaroo, Brandon Corlette, Ananda E T Dharry, Dr Cecil Beharry, Dr Ghansham Sukhdeo, Police Inspector Sonia Griffith-Ward, Anasha Ally, the late Terry Holder,

Navindra Persaud, and Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally, Leila Ramson, Charles Ramson Snr and the Patron himself. They were honored for their role model status and their contribution to national development.

Twenty-four members were also recognised for their contribution to the development of the club during the period 1990-2021.

The members receiving the RHTY&SC Zenith Award of Excellence were Lucy and Terry Pike, Joyce Wiggins, Moonish Singh, Navin Raghoo, Patrick Lewis, Leon Wiggins, Errol and Ashton Hendrax, Simon Naidu, Joel Pike, Ravindranauth Kissoonlall, Keith Hicks, Dawn Hicks, Elizabeth Brusche, Pamela Brusche, Mark Papannah, Franklyn Ross, Sohan Harry, Neville Beaton, Gregory Rambarran

and Bridgette Mc Donald.

Several of the Club’s junior cricketers received the Neil Williams Award of Excellence for outstanding performance at the junior level. Those honoured with medals, framed certificates and a collection of gifts were Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Sylus Tyndall, Mahendra Gopilall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Jeremy Sandia, Chanderpaul Govindhan, Matthew Pottaya and Oma Matadin.

Other awardees during the well-organised ceremony were Disciplined Male Member: Kevin Ramnarine; Disciplined Female Member: Marian Samaroo; Worker of the Year: Simon Naidu, while special awards were presented to Sinclair and Anderson for their West Indies debuts.

Dawn Cush handed over one of the cycles in memory of Terry Holder

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) last Sunday acknowledged the contributions of the late Terry Holder and Anande E T Dharry by honouring them posthumously with the club’s highest award - The Dolphin Award of Excellence - and launching two memorial programmes in their memory.

The two Berbicians had been Honorary members of the RHTY&SC, MS, and each had, for over two decades, played a major part in the club’s development.

Club Secretary Hilbert Foster has said that both Dharry and Holder had been very supportive of the work of the club, and had shared numerous ideas towards the development of programmes to make a positive difference in the lives of youths in the Ancient County.

Dharry had been a resident of Guyana’s smallest town, Rose Hall Town, and had headed the popular engineering company E and A Consultants of Peter Rose Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

He had been very supportive of the club’s “Say Yes” to education and charity programmes.

Terry Holder, a former resident of No 79 Village, had been the person responsible for the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company coming on board as an offi-

cial sponsor of the club for close to two decades, and had also been very supportive of the “Say No/Say Yes” programmes. He had served as a mentor to several club members, including Shawn Grant and Renwick Batson, who went on to play for Guyana at the junior level.

Three under-17 players drawn from clubs across the county received bicycles to assist in their attendance at cricket practice and school under the Terry Holder Memorial Programme.

The Anande Dharry Memorial Trust Fund handed over cricket balls to the Port Mourant and Rose Hall Canje cricket teams, while an under 13-player from the RHTY&SC benefited from a twenty-thousand-dollar educational grant towards his education.

The Dharry Fund also donated a cycle to Balraj Narine, a twelve-year-old student from Nigg Village.

Foster has said the club is delighted to honour the memory of both men, and committed that both programmes would continue in the future to assist youths.

He said Holder and Dharry would each always hold a special place in the history of the club. Ms Anasha Ally and her mother shared out the items in memory of her dad, while Holder’s daughter Dawn handed over the cycles to the three players.

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

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

Hero CPL confirmed for August 28-September 19

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Independence Road Race, Relay Festival, Plaisance Mile booked for this weekend Page 22

BCCI asks ECB to rejig Tests’ Page 22 schedule for IPL window

…BCCI wants all Tests to be preponed by a week, with the Series finishing on September 7

Page 23

No tolerance for harshness and unfairness in sports administration — Minister Ramson Jr

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