Guyana Times - Friday, August 20, 2021

Turkey’s Yesim Oruc appointed UN Resident Coordinator P 14 in Guyana Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4745

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

PRICE

Bridging the Corentyne River

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

We want bridge as quick as possible – President Santokhi Page 3

…joint working group given 4 weeks to finalise company for feasibility study

Ganja, gun, P 14 ammo found during Police operation along Berbice River

Family of cop killed in accident accepts $5M settlement P8

Earthquake relief arrives in Haiti, gangs kidnap 2 P18 doctors – death toll climbs to over 2100

Guyana to meet local demand for livestock feed by 2023 – President Ali

WCB man P16 beaten, stabbed to death in broad daylight

Page 7

...as ... as trade agreement inked with Suriname

Guyana is "open for business" – Finance Minister tells Suriname

Page 12

141 more test positive for COVID-19

Woman injured in Rupert P16 Craig Highway smash-up

Page 13

– death toll now ...as ... as Govt seeks to expand stands at 588 with untapped economic possibilities 1 more fatality ...and ... and Suriname’s Optiek Ninon opens 1st branch on Camp Street Page – cash, 10 Gunmen escape with $2.5M in cellphones jewellery during home invasion also taken

Man nabbed with gun, ammo in city hotel P2

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Alleged Police drug bust

Substance in milk packets was not cocaine, tests determine – duo released after lab tests return negative result

T

he two persons who were arrested earlier in the week at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, following the discovery of suspected cocaine in Fernleaf packets, were released after lab tests proved that the contents were actually powdered milk.

A senior Police source has told Guyana Times that following the seizure of the milk powder packs, field tests had indicated that the contents were cocaine, but after the substance was sent for lab testing, the results returned negative.

“After the field test showed that the content was cocaine, the ranks did a test at the lab, and it was proven that the content is actually

milk powder… As such, the woman who was arrested at the airport and the man who was subsequently arrested were released,” the source noted.

On Monday, the Police, in a release to the media, stated that a 34-year-old woman was arrested after she was busted with over 4kg of suspected cocaine in milk powder packets.

The woman, who is from New Street, Cumberland, Canje, Berbice, was an outgoing passenger on Caribbean Airlines flight BW 217 destined for Barbados.

A search was prompted after the woman was seen acting in a suspicious manner.

Ranks checked her lug-

gage and found several packets of Fernleaf milk among her clothing and other stuff.

As a result of the discovery, the Police opened and tested the contents of two of the Fernleaf packets using the Narcotics testing kit, during which there was an indication of a narcotic suspected to be cocaine.

As a result, the woman was told of the offence committed, arrested and cautioned.

Initially, she remained silent, but subsequently she claimed that someone (male, name withheld) had given her the items to take to Barbados.

The Police subsequently arrested the man, who admitted giving the woman the packets, but denied knowl-

The milk packets at Police Headquarters

edge of them containing the illicit drug. The suspected cocaine was weighed and it

amounted to 4.873kg.

Following this new development, the Guyana Police

Force has not issued a release, nor did it offer an apology for its actions.

Man nabbed with gun, ammo in city hotel

A

49-year-old guest at a city hotel in Hinck Street Lacytown, Georgetown was on Wednesday evening arrested with one .38 pistol and five matching rounds of ammunition.

The Police have said that, based on information received, ranks went to the hotel and made contact with the suspect who was a guest in one of the rooms, and requested to conduct a search.

At the time he was accosted, the suspect was carrying a black bag around his shoulder, which, when searched, was found to contain one Bryco .38 pistol and five matching rounds of ammunition.

The suspect was asked to

The .38 pistol and matching ammunition

produce his firearm and ammunition licence, but told the ranks that he did not have one. As such, he was told of the offences committed, cautioned, arrested, and escort-

ed to the Brickdam Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were lodged and he was placed in custody. Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

NEWS

3

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, August 20 – 02:00h-03:30h and 13:30h-15:00h and Saturday, August 21 – 02:30h-04:00h and 23:00h-03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, August 20 –15:00h-16:30h and Saturday, August 21 – 15:50h-17:20h.

Bridging the Corentyne River

We want bridge as quick as possible – President Santokhi …joint working group given 4 weeks to finalise company for feasibility study

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals with light rain showers are expected during the day. Clear skies are expected at night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 15:16h reaching a maximum height of 2.39 metres.

Low Tide: 08:44h and 21:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.72 metre and 0.83 metre.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

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Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali

By Lakhram Bhagirat

B

oth Guyana and Suriname are eager to have the Corentyne River bridged in an effort to advance relations between the two South American nations.

The Surinamese Head of State, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, on Thursday at a joint press conference with Guyanese President Dr Irfaan Ali, said that the bridge was needed “as quick as possible”.

In November 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Guyana and Suriname to facilitate the bridging of the Corentyne River. It was reported last month that 38 bids were received and jointly reviewed by the two countries, with eight bidders eventually shortlisted.

President Santokhi, speaking directly to the investment required for the construction of the bridge, revealed that at a meeting with both countries’ Private Sectors on Thursday, he and President Ali invited the members to raise the funds to construct same.

“We want that bridge as quick as possible and that bridge should have not only a function where people can cross the border but that bridge will be very pivotal for the entire economic development, the industrial development for both sides of the countries. That bridge should bring very strategic development also towards the southern part of our country,” he said.

President Santokhi is currently leading a delegation of Surinamese Ministers and Private Sector representatives on a four-day State Visit to Guyana. This is the second time that Santokhi is officially visiting Guyana since taking office in 2020.

Joint Working Committee

President Ali said that with Thursday being the penultimate day for the visiting President’s stay in Guyana, they have had the chance to discuss a wide range of issues and the Corentyne River Bridge is one that dominated those discussions. He also added that persons from both countries were also following, closely, the developments on that front.

“We both recognised that

Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi

we now need to consolidate actions to choose from the shortlisted companies that have submitted Expressions of Interests for the construction of this bridge. We have decided that the approach would be a design, build, finance, own and upgrade model.

“Our sides also have agreed that a Working Group will be established, which includes the addition of the Ministers of Finance to determine the investment and concessions package that will accompany this Expression of Interest in securing the financing, building, operating, and ownership of the bridge,” the Guyanese Head of State related.

Ali further related that the Working Group would be looking at the bridge model, taking into consideration the strategic development that will take place on both sides. The

Working Group will take into consideration the now preferred model of design, build, finance, own and upgrade and put it to the shortlisted firms to determine whether they qualify for the feasibility study contract.

“In terms of the bridge and who will own the bridge, that is why we’re going out for a design, build, own, operate, and finance model…there is already interest that has been sent to both countries on building, designing, financing, operating and ownership of the bridge. The terms of that, and then the type of incentives, fiscal incentives, that both sides would have to give to offer as the package for investment that will be determined by the group,” Dr Ali explained.

Four weeks to make decision

Suriname news agency

Waterkant had reported the shortlisted bidders as: China Road and Bridge Corporation (China); EGIS (France); Exp Services Inc; Pedelta; Arcadis; CEMCO (Canada, Spain, Netherlands, Guyana); FIGG/ Sunecon/SRKN’gineering & Associates/E&A Consultans/ P-ALL Consultants/ Environmental Management Consultant (United States of America); Politecnica and Rina JV/ILACO / SRKN’gineering & Associates (Italy, Suriname, Guyana); SYSTRA International Bridge Technologies Inc/ AP&G Consultancy Suriname NV/Delta Marine Consultants/Deltares (Dubai, Suriname, Netherlands); TYPSA/Leonard; Andra und Partner GmbH/FIRM (Spain, Germany, Suriname) and WSP Caribbean Ltd. (Trinidad).

TURN TO PAGE 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 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

Corentyne bridge

G

uyana’s Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, and his counterpart President of neighbouring Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, over the past four days, have been engaging on many of the issues which were brought to the fore when the Surinamese leader visited Guyana last year, and Ali’s subsequent visit.

After just a mere year, it should be pleasing for citizens of both countries that, within a week, there will be a Joint Evaluation Commission to evaluate whether the eight shortlisted companies meet the new requirements to design, build, finance and operate the Corentyne River Bridge.

To quote President Santokhi on the rapid pace of this project: “The technical advice from the maritime authorities of both countries will be included in the decision to determine where and how the quarantine bridge will be built. And this advice will include the state oil STATSOLIE study on the development of Suriname on the decision regarding the construction of the Corentyne bridge. This decision must be made within four weeks.”

It could be recalled that this transformational project had been in the pipeline for some time now, and we are very pleased that the two leaders are moving rapidly on it.

From both sides, many persons have expressed the need for such a bridge to physically link the two countries, and it is now that this is becoming a reality.

President Ali was quoted as saying: “When we look at the strategic development that will take place on both sides, we have to ensure that we get it right in terms of the development that will take place and the location of the bridge.”

It is well known that many Guyanese have taken up permanent residence in Suriname over the years, and there is a large amount of trade/business being done between the two countries. Hence, the bridge across the Corentyne River would considerably enhance trade and economic relations as well as cultural exchanges between Guyana and Suriname.

The Governments of Guyana and Suriname have recognised the enormous benefits the bridge can bring in the areas of transportation, tourism and trade. Important to note, too, is that once constructed, the bridge would not only serve as a permanent physical link between Guyana and Suriname, but also to the rest of the South American continent. This in itself would allow Guyana to access a whole host of opportunities as it relates to commerce etc.

That said, Guyana and Suriname have a history of enjoying good neighbourly relations, and there are many areas which both sides can explore to the benefit of all.

For example, now that both countries have proven to have vast amounts of oil and gas resources, it would be in their interest to develop synergies and work collaboratively, especially considering the fact that they are both relatively small.

President Ali has already revealed that the two countries have recognised the need to develop synergies in relation to the oil and gas sector.

Additionally, there is need for both countries to continue working collaboratively to tackle the issue of cross-border crime. The fact that criminal elements in the past, and even now, are using the borders between the two countries to carry out criminal activities poses a serious threat to both countries’ national security.

Also, in view of the many instances, over the years, of robberies at sea, it is crucial that both countries share information and work together to address this challenge, which has been having a severe impact on the fishing industries of our countries.

It is our hope that the now concluded engagements between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname would continue to bring about positive results, as it is clear that both sides are eager to move ahead with various projects that would see a better quality of life for their citizens.

His Excellency, Dr Irfaan Ali greets President of Suriname, His Excellency, Chandrikapersad Santokhi upon his arrival at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Thursday for the joint press conference by the two leaders

“COVID-19 vaccines work”, get vaccinated and save lives Dear Editor, Vaccines save millions of lives around the world each year.

The more persons who are vaccinated, the slower COVID-19 and its variants would spread, saving lives.

Wearing masks and practising social distancing help reduce the chance of being exposed to the virus, or of spreading it to others.

Living in a neighbourhood where people are not vaccinated increases exposure to the virus and to its possibly mutating.

The Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, has released new data on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, and is recommending all people, young and old, get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Guyanese, we cannot allow this virus to freely circulate, and not try to stop it. Sooner or later, there is a likelihood that we would get another variant that could - I’m not saying it would, but could - be more problematic than the Delta, which is now circulating.

The question is: Are

the unvaccinated persons in Region #10 and around Guyana becoming architects of their own destruction?

COVID-19 remains as great a threat to human life as atrocities resulting from terrorism or war. The fact that, unlike leprosy, the disease is not obvious until it has ravaged its victims, only hides its lethal effects. All Region 10 leaders, including those of civil society and politicians who want power, should put the wellbeing of our people and our country’s safety first.

Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, has expressed concern about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Region #10, and has made a strong appeal to people to get vaccinated.

We must all be truly concerned about what is happening in our region and country in general, with people being reluctant to get vaccinated and relaxing their adherence to public health measures.

So please!

Please!

Please take your vaccines, and please wear your masks properly and

practise social distancing.

We know that Lindeners and Guyanese like to be close-knitted, and we like fetes, and we like to congregate; but please avoid congregating. Observe respiratory etiquette, and wash your hands frequently.

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, because they are more at risk of contracting serious, prolonged illness. Studies indicate some immunocompromised people don’t always build the same level of immunity after vaccination the way non-immunocompromised people do.

What we must all know is that the greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated persons, who are much more likely to contract, and therefore transmit, the virus.

COVID-19 vaccines work; get vaccinated and save lives! There is enough evidence that COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of contracting the virus and experiencing its potentially severe complications.

While COVID-19 vaccines

are working well, some people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will still get sick, because no vaccine is 100% effective. These are called vaccine breakthrough cases.

Many COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to provide protection against severe illness and hospitalisation among persons of all ages who are eligible to receive them. Those include persons 65 years and older, who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.

Our PPP/C Government’s #1 goal is to provide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines to all the unvaccinated population in Guyana, which is essential to ending the COVID-19 pandemic and saving lives in Guyana, so we can rebuild our economy and stop the threat of new variants. We must vaccinate our entire nation as quickly as possible, so we can put this pandemic behind us and focus on growing our economy.

Sincerely, David Adams

NEWS

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Ali implores Private Sectors of Guyana, Suriname to build partnerships – encourages them to be aggressive in going after opportunities

H

ead of State, Dr Irfaan Ali has urged the Private Sector in both Guyana and Suriname to think big and be bold and aggressive in going after the opportunities on the horizon.

The Head of State gave this charge on Thursday at a working breakfast hosted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of Guyana. He was joined by the President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi and members of his delegation.

“There are many opportunities ahead of you; that is why it is important that we set the right tone. Today we are two countries, neighbours not talking about competing with each other, but talking about cooperating with each other, talking

Santokhi and I made the point that we lead from the front in demonstrating to the people of both countries that we trust the process, we trust each other and we trust the policies and programmes that will be designed to take the countries forward. We want the Private Sector of both countries to work towards building trust. When you build trust, you build partnerships; when you build partnerships, you build capacity; when you build capacity, you build a foundation to win.”

Consortiums

He explained that realistically, individual businesses would not be able to win those opportunities; however, if they formed consortiums, they could pool to-

tunities are there, don’t sit down, do nothing and when the opportunities go away from the local Private Sector you say ‘where do these outsiders come from and take the opportunities?

Why we never had the opportunities?’”

The President pointed to opportunities in various sectors including food production, oil and gas, infrastructure projects, security, natural resources, and the environment among many others.

He also encouraged those present to commit to the unification of efforts in the interest of both economies and the people of both countries.

“Today, members of the Private Sector, you are the foundation of this partnership. We can create the best

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday addressing the Private Sector at Pegasus Hotel

enabling environment, the best policy environment, but if there are no takers, then we are just creating policies in a vacuum and no one benefits. We recognise clearly that the engines to drive this is the Private Sector.”

Social and economic responsibility

A section of the gathering on Thursday

about coordinating with each other to develop the seamless path for the prosperity of the people of both countries,” Dr Ali said.

In an effort to achieve this, the President pointed to the importance of building trust.

“That is why President

gether their efforts. This, he added, is demonstrative of local content and Private Sector involvement. ‘’That is why we are connected today. We have to think big, in a bold manner, in an aggressive manner…I am saying that the oppor-

Dr Ali said that while this may be the case, the Private Sector must also understand their social and economic responsibility to ensure that people are included in the prosperity.

“Let me assure you that the aggression that is coming after the opportunities from the Private Sector outside of Suriname and Guyana is unbelievable.

The only way you can create a winning culture is if we cultivate the conditions to win.”

In his remarks, President Santokhi said that the discussions between the two Presidents over the last few days were grounded in a “new future” for the countries.

He assured that the Private Sector would be involved in all initiatives either independently or through public-private partnerships.

“Our two Governments will be your vehicles to all these markets.”

In welcoming remarks, PSC Vice Chairman Krishnand Jaichand acknowledged that the Private Sector was being consulted by the Ali Administration.

“This is the kind of commitment we are talking about and we are looking forward to the same with our Surinamese counterparts,” Jaichand noted.

Meanwhile, in his pre-

sentation, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh noted that it was indeed a great privilege to host such a large delegation from Suriname. He called the discussions with his counterparts “extremely fruitful” and productive.

He also acknowledged the unprecedented number of Private Sector leaders who form part of President Santokhi’s delegation.

Dr Singh said that both countries were at a unique juncture economically, particularly with the opportunities in the oil and gas sector: “We have an opportunity to transform Guyana that has never been seen before…We would like you to see Guyana as a place to do business, explore new markets, deliver new services and expand business.”

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond provided a brief overview of the key investment opportunities in Guyana’s tourism sector.

She outlined the opportunities that exist for strategic partnerships between operators from the two countries and the twinning of the two destinations.

“Guyana is serious about our tourism product and where it can take us…. We wish to work with you as investors to develop the tourism sector,” she said.

Members of the Private Sector were then invited to interact with both Presidents during an interactive question-and-answer segment.

6

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

Page

Foundation

Design Challenge: Creating a Cup Tower In this activity, your child will be challenged to make a tower using only one material: paper cups! The purpose of this challenge is to teach your child design thinking strategies so that they can maximize their tower's height.

What You Need: Paper cups Ruler, tape measure, or yardstick Pen and paper for taking notes

What You Do: 1. First, fully explain the prompt of this challenge to your child. Explain that their task is to create a cup tower and emphasize the purpose of the tower: to be as tall as possible. Tell your child that in order to achieve this, they will need to make at least a couple designs and compare their heights.

2. After your child understands the prompt, ask them to beginbrainstorming different ways they can create their tower. Have them write or draw their ideas on a piece of paper (or you can draw their ideas while they explain them to you).

3. After your child has come up with a few design ideas, ask them to pick one that will work best. Be sure to ask them why they think this design is best and reiterate the purpose of the tower (height).

This is an important step of the design thinking process because it teaches your child to prioritize the purpose of their prototype (design) over their personal preferences. This will also prevent your child from getting too emotionally invested in one design.

4. Once your child has identified the prototype they think will be the tallest, give them the paper cups and allow them tobuild. We suggest allowing your child to work independently through any challenges, but be sure to supervise and help out wherever you see fit.

5. After your child has finished building, it's time to test their prototype. Measure the tower's height and have your child record the height on a piece of paper.

6. Since the purpose of this challenge is to build the tallest tower possible, your child will need to create at least one more prototype and compare its height with the first tower. Ask your child some of the following questions so that they can reflect on their first design: a. What worked well in building this tower? b. What didn't work well? c. What could you change about this tower to make it taller?

7. After you and your child have come up with some modifications, explain to your child that they can now use their ideas to make a new, taller tower.

8. Once again, ask your child to brainstorm different designs that will hopefully create a taller tower than their first one. Then, ask them to pick the one they think will be best.

9. Next, allow your child to build their design. Once again, allow them to work independently as much as possible.

10. After your child has finished building, it's time to test their new prototype. Again, measure and record the height of their tower and compare it to the first one. a. If your child's second tower is taller, ask them some of the following questions: What worked well in your second design?

What didn't work well? What specific adjustment to your first design made the second tower taller? What could you change about the second design to make it even taller? b. If your child's second tower is shorter than their first, ask them some of the following questions: What worked well in your second design? What didn't work well? Why do you think your second tower was shorter than the first? What could you change about this design to make it taller?

11. You and your child can continue repeating this process and attempting to create a taller tower for as long as you'd like. Be sure to cover each step of the design thinking process since repetition will reinforce these core ideas!

(Education.org)

Author: Hanna Zarrinnegar Copyright © 2021 Education.com LLC All Rights Reserved

Write to your favourite singer

Write to your favourite singer telling him or her why he or she is your favourite.

By Robert Frost

Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

WORD SEARCH

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana to meet local demand for livestock feed by 2023 – President Ali ...as trade agreement is inked with Suriname

G

uyana is looking to meet the feed demand of the local livestock industry, and with trials ongoing for soya and corn crops, President Dr Irfaan Ali is optimistic that production would come on stream by 2023.

He made this announcement on Thursday during a joint press conference with his Surinamese counterpart, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, along with his high-level delegation.

Among the topics on the agenda was the agriculture sector, and one of the two agreements signed by the neighbouring countries was to foster the trade of fresh agricultural produce.

During remarks at the media briefing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), President Ali noted that extensive discussions were held, and the two countries have agreed on a strategy that would see them supporting each other in entering the North American, European, and regional markets.

He added that they would specifically examine the possibilities in the poultry sec-

tor, so as to harness the potential in satisfying requirements of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

The Guyanese Head of State further noted that they are going a step further to ensure benefits for local poultry producers.

“Right now, in Guyana, we are working towards ensuring all the soya and corn requirements for the poultry industry – the feed for the livestock industry - is produced locally by 2023,” the President told reporters on Thursday.

He indicated that conversations were already held on this with stakeholders from Guyana’s livestock industry. According to President Ali, they are now moving to collaborate with Surinamese representatives to further propel the livestock sector in both countries.

“What we want to do is to bring the [livestock] sector together from both Guyana and Suriname. And it’s interesting… because poultry is actually the example we use as to how we can bring the industry from both sides together…the two markets, [and] the aim is to get cover-

age for the Caricom market and to look at the backward and forward integration,” Ali posited.

Against this backdrop, the President reassured that the poultry producers in Guyana are integrally, and will be intimately, involved in the development of this sector. This, he noted, includes dealing with the challenges of the livestock industry as well.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that a consortium of six local companies joined forces to undertake a project that could potentially see Guyana, in the coming years, becoming self-sufficient in producing feed for the livestock industry from corn and soya bean.

Already, a trial crop has been planted at the Dubulay Ranch, which is located approximately 70 miles south of Georgetown along the Berbice River, where the 115 acres of soya bean and five acres of corn are showing positive results ahead of being reaped in September month end.

Trade agreement

Meanwhile, during dis-

We want bridge as quick...

FROM PAGE 3

At Thursday’s press conference, President Santokhi said that the Joint Working Committee would evaluate if the selected eight companies meet the new requirements to study the design, build, finance, own and operate model for the building of the Corentyne bridge.

“The technical advice from the maritime authorities of both countries will be included in the decision to determine where and how the Corentyne bridge will be built. This advice will include the State Oil Staatsolie study on the development of Suriname’s west on the decision regarding the construction of the Corentyne bridge. This decision must be made within four weeks,” he said.

“We are in support of an integral approach of the development on the west side of Suriname and the east side of Guyana…that is why we have asked the Joint Committee to have a close examination and come within four weeks with the final proposal and that will come to our table as Head of State, to take decision,” President Santokhi added.

He further explained that at the end of the meeting with the Working Group, a decision would have to be taken to determine which of the shortlisted companies would be able to execute the new model in lieu of the criteria.

It was noted that the connection of Guyana and Suriname via the bridge will enhance trade and cultural exchanges between

the two countries and the rest of South America.

The bridge will span the Corentyne River from South Drain, Suriname, to Moleson Creek, Guyana, taking advantage of the most economical and efficient land and maritime routes.

The project is being implemented by the Ministries of Public Works from both countries.

In October 2020, Guyana’s Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, and his Surinamese counterpart, Dr Riad Nurmohamed, had visited the site of the proposed bridge across the Corentyne River. There were three points of demarcation identified – Moleson Creek, Long Island in the Corentyne River and South Drain in Suriname.

Then in November 2020, Guyana and Suriname signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the bridge. The MoU was signed

by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, and his Surinamese counterpart, Albert Ramdin, at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo.

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

Reports indicate that the Corentyne River Bridge

is expected to be a flat bridge from Guyana to Long Island in the Corentyne River and then a high-span bridge from there to the Surinamese mainland to allow for heavy marine traffic. This bridge is expected to promote the safe movement of people and products.

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

In relation to the Long Island development, President Ali also said that the study would determine how that is done.

“In terms of the development of Long Island that will be as a determination that the Group will make and whether it comes in the package of the bridge.

And as President Santokhi said, we also have to look at the holistic development around the bridge, also what will be happening around the bridge, given our joint strategic approach in terms of the natural resources,” the Guyanese President said.

With the recent commitments to bridge the Corentyne River within five years, this project is expected to open up the pathway for other major developmental projects, including the much-anticipated deep-water harbour project in Guyana.

Agriculture Ministers Zulfikar Mustapha and Parmanand Sewdien signing the MoU to boost agricultural trade between Guyana and Suriname, as well as to find foreign markets for their produce

cussions over the past three days, both Presidents Ali and Santokhi emphasised that the agricultural sector offers similar strong opportunities for enhanced growth and development through increased cooperation and coordination in terms of production and market access to Europe and North America.

According to a joint communique from the two sides, Guyana and Suriname will be utilising their respective experiences and strengths to capture those two large markets.

On this note, the two countries signed an agreement aimed at boosting agricultural trade.

Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and his Surinamese counterpart Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Parmanand Sewdien inked the Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) on Thursday.

This agreement seeks to improve trade between the two nations for fresh and organic agricultural produce. It deals with areas of production, certification, processing, packaging and transporting of these goods.

Additionally, the agreement underscores a commitment between the two South American countries to collaborate on accessing the North America and European markets for their agricultural produce.

In fact, during the press conference, President Santokhi disclosed that agriculture stakeholders in Suriname are already benefiting from this pact. He explained that rice exporters in his country have been grappling with getting their produce into European markets because of the type of paddy seeds they are using.

“Those business group of

people involved in the rice export, they express their concern that the rice seed was not meeting the international quality standards, and they were lacking other seeds in Suriname,” he noted.

However, the Surinamese Head of State pointed out that this issue was discussed with President Ali, and they have already come up with a solution that would see Guyana sharing its paddy seeds with its neighbour.

“This business group of people can go back to Suriname now with rice seeds of better quality from Guyana to Suriname. With that seed, we can have an expansion…for all the other rice farmers. So here’s an example of what kinds of arrangements we can make now that we have an agreement for a structural cooperation in the area of agriculture and more,” President Santokhi stated.

8 NEWS Family of cop killed in accident accepts $5M settlement FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Towanda Clarke

T

he family of Policeman Carl Roach has accepted a $5 million settlement from the driver of a motor car who was on trial for causing Roach’s death in an accident at Brickdam,

Georgetown on November 25, 2019.

This led to the prosecution withdrawing the charge against 36-year-old Towanda Clarke on Tuesday when she appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Confirming that a settlement was agreed to was the woman’s lawyer, Dexter Smartt. In November 2019, Clarke was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

The charge had stated that on the day in question, she drove motor car PMM 2528 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Roach.

After her not-guilty plea, Clarke was released on $700,000 bail pending the hearing and determination

Carl Roach

of her trial. Her driver’s licence had also been suspended.

At the time of the accident, Clarke was a Corporate Secretary attached to the National Agricultural Research and Extension

Institute (NAREI) and was residing at Lot 1919 Norton and Haley Streets, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

Reports are that on the day in question, Clarke was driving the motor car east along the northern side of the Brickdam Public Road.

However, she failed to stop at Chalmers Place and swiftly turned south, colliding with Roach who was on motorcycle CH 9436 which was proceeding west along the southern side of the road.

The court heard that Roach was thrown 150 feet from the point of collision and landed on the road, which resulted in him receiving multiple injuries.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

"Smiley" appeals 13-year jail sentence for attempted murder

H

ansel Andre Lewis, also called ‘Smiley’, of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, who was found guilty of attempted murder over the New Year’s Day 2013 stabbing of another man, has filed at the Guyana Court of Appeal an appeal against his 13-year prison sentence.

In July 2016, Lewis, 43, was unanimously found guilty of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Chris

Burrowes, called ‘Bully’, with intent to murder him.

The court was told that Lewis had slashed Burrowes to the throat while outside a bar on New Year’s Day. Burrowes had told the court that he had known Lewis for several years. He had also said that, on the day in question, he was in the vicinity of the Rainbow Bar when Lewis came and stood next to him smoking something that smelt un-

pleasant. He said he asked him to move, and moments after, Lewis attacked him and fled.

The injured Burrowes was transported to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was discharged some 18 days later.

Meanwhile, throughout the trial, Lewis had maintained that he was wrongfully accused of the crime.

Convicted: Hansel Andre Lewis

In his testimony, Lewis had told the jury that he and Burrowes were at a bar consuming alcohol when an argument ensued between them, after which they both went their separate ways.

The now-convicted man had said he could not recall any physical altercation between them.

In a probation report, it was disclosed that Lewis “felt bad” about the incident, even though he maintained his innocence. The report disclosed that he had migrated to the United States in 1990. However, after coming into conflict with the law, he was deported to Guyana in 2002.

A report from the National Psychiatric Hospital revealed that Lewis was admitted to the institution in 2008 for drug abuse.

Investigations conducted in his neighbourhood revealed that he is known for his alcoholic tendencies, and has caused disturbances in the community.

A medical doctor had testified that Burrowes suffered a wound measuring seven centimetres in length with a depth of six centimetres.

The doctor had explained that the injury resulted in temporary disability and a permanent scar.

Man to man…

Y

…is a wolf esterday was “World Humanitarian Day” (WHD) and, ironically, the theme was “The Human Race”!! The UN explains: “Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.” Well, that might very well be so, but do they realise that the “Human Race” makes that “humanitarian” goal impossible to make progress in, much less “solve”??

Now, we know that “humanitarian” is supposed to be derived from the term “human”, but let’s be honest, dear reader: how many humans do you know fit the meaning of “humanitarian” in their everyday lives? In case you forgot, the dictionary says “humanitarian” means: compassionate, humane; unselfish, altruistic, generous, magnanimous, benevolent, civilized, merciful, kind, good, sympathetic.

To your Eyewitness, the opposite of “humanitarian” seems to be much more apt to describe the human condition: selfish, egocentric, narcissistic, megalomanic, beastial, boorish, cad, churlish, creep, cretin, cur, heel, jerk, louse, lout, skunk, snake!! And that’s why your Eyewitness dubbed the theme - “the Human Race” - “ironic”.

Now, way back in the day, it was the Roman Emperor Paulus who concluded bitterly, “Homo, homini lupus” - man to man is a wolf! And if there is one thing the Romans knew, it was the nature of man - having tried to civilize the rest of Europe, only to be rewarded by being defeated by the savage Germans. Almost two millennia later, those same Germans plunged Europe into two World Wars, taking 90 million lives, and gassing 6 million Jews to death for good measure! And they were supposed to be the most “civilised” nation in Europe, with great music and science to boot!

Now, this shouldn’t stop folks from trying to help and prevent all these horrors of man against man…but why call it “humanitarian”? That’s what sticks in your Eyewitness’s craw! In fact, he thinks that to try to stop the carnage is actually going AGAINST the grain of what humans are.

So maybe the efforts should be more accurately dubbed “anti-humanitarian”!

Now, your Eyewitness isn’t being a churlish misanthrope just for getting a rise out of you, dear reader. He just believes that if we call things for what they are, we’re better placed to deal with them. We won’t be shadow boxing, wasting most of our energy and then returning right where we started out in the first place. Fact of the matter is that, at the very best, our efforts to “keep the peace” are always temporary holding operations.

Sooner or later, we’ll return to our default fractious position! Here’s to “Anti-Humanitarian Day”! …and Haiti Now, tell me what you think of “humanitarian” when you recall the history of Haiti. By 1789, the island was the pride of France, and helped to make it the richest country in Europe. But that was because they’d dragged millions of Africans across the Atlantic to labour on their sugar plantations for free under the most unimaginably horrific conditions. By the time they successfully rebelled in 17911804, there were 500,000 of them.

Now, if you compare the status of the US, which had rebelled just two decades before them, and Haiti today, you’ll see the true nature of man. The US and France refused to recognise Haiti’s freedom, and conspired to saddle them with REPARATIONS TO FRANCE that were only paid off in 1947!! It’s like walking through history with a ball and chain!! Then when they couldn’t pay, they had to take American loans…and when they couldn’t service those, the Americans invaded and foisted a succession of tyrants on them!!

And now controls them with “humanitarian” aid!! …and COVID-19 vaccines For centuries, the colonialists - who’re (coincidentally?) the richest countries today - insisted they were “tutoring” us to be “civilised”. So what happens when we’re hit by the deadliest pandemic in a century?

They hoard their vaccines for themselves!!

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fishing in Surinamese waters

Guyanese fishermen to be licensed directly

by Suriname in 2022 – President Ali …MoA already submitted 150 names to Surinamese authorities

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

fter years of being exploited by unscrupulous practices at the hands of some Surinamese fisherfolks, Guyanese fisherfolk fishing in Suriname’s territorial waters can now breathe a sigh of relief as measures have now been put in place to have them licensed by the Surinamese authorities.

This announcement was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali at a joint press conference with Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi on Thursday.

President Santokhi discussed the issuance of Suriname Coast (SK) fishing licences to Guyanese fisherfolk with President Ali during their four-day engagement. The Presidents agreed that their Ministers of Agriculture would work towards the issuance of fishing licences in that category by January 1, 2022.

However, this would be done in accordance with the established quota on the Surinamese side.

“I’m pleased at the conclusion of discussions between the Ministers of Agriculture…we have found a way forward in relation to the granting of licence by Suriname to our fisherfolks, and this would be in effect from January next year, and this is because that is the period that the licences are normally granted,” President Ali explained.

“When we dealt with

this fishing industry and the licence in the initial stage, there were some allegations, and we asked the fishermen to give us the information in relation to those allegations in terms of licensing. So, we had a back-and-forward with that. That impeded the finalisation of this issue, but we have come to a solution,” he added.

Over the years, Guyanese fishermen who ply their trade in Surinamese waters have been complaining of undue harassment at the hands of their South American neighbours. The harassment came either from the authorities or their neighbouring fisherfolks.

They have been repeatedly complaining about the exploitative system that they have to endure in relation to acquiring a fishing licence in the Dutchspeaking country. Since the vessels are Guyanese owned and operated, the fisherfolks found it difficult to register them in Suriname, hence not being able to acquire licences to fish on the Surinamese coast.

Thinking of ways to beat the system, they were subjected to paying almost 50 times more than the cost for licences to operate. The Surinamese Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Ministry would issue SK licences for an approximate cost of US$75 or less, but when Guyanese fishermen have to acquire

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha with his Surinamese counterpart Parmanand Sewdien

these licences through a middleman, they are made to pay as much as US$4000.

150 names submitted

In an interview with Guyana Times, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha explained that the move would assist fisherfolk tremendously, since it means they would have to pay significantly less for their licences.

“I explained it a number of times that our fishermen would normally rent the licences from the middlemen in Suriname…so this will help them tremendously, and at the same time, they would be licensed directly, rather than to depend on those middlemen who are making the profit,” he said.

“Both sides agreed that they would start with the licensing here next year, when the new licence would commence. In the meantime, I would have got some more documents and submit to the Ministry of Agriculture (in Suriname) and I am in the process of doing that. Within two weeks I would have those documents, and then the preparatory works would commence to start leading up to the licensing for our fishermen,” Mustapha added.

Mustapha further noted that he already submitted 150 names for fisherfolk to receive their licences when the process commences. He said the names were sub-

mitted to him by representative organisations, and form the quota to which the Surinamese authorities agreed.

Fishing and traversing the Corentyne

Another sore point in the relationship of Guyana and Suriname has been access to the Corentyne River.

Over the years, fisherfolk there have complained about undue harassment at the hands of the Dutch authorities. Additionally, residents in the Indigenous communities of Orealla and Siparuta have registered similar complaints, since they would have to use the Corentyne River to access their villages and liveli-

hoods.

When asked about what guarantees he could give to the protection of Guyanese using the river, President Ali said they would address the concerns whenever complaints are made, and that systems are being put in place to curb the harassment.

“In terms of the issues on the Corentyne river with the Indigenous community and our fisherfolk, we raised this from the time it occurred with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he intervened. I think we had… two incidents reported to us, both there was intervention, and we also had discussion on how we can avoid situations like those in the future.

“We are in a process of identifying officials from both sides who can work in collaboration with each other to avoid these unfortunate incidents in the future,” the President said in response to questions posed by this publication.

In relation to fishing in the Corentyne, Minister Mustapha explained that a different licence would be needed by the Guyanese fisherfolks to operate there, but he added that those never came up in discussion with the Surinamese authorities.

Based on Suriname’s laws, an Inland Water (BV) would be needed to fish in the Corentyne.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gunmen escape Durban Street fire destroys with $2.5M in workshop, machines jewellery during A home invasion – cash, cellphones also taken

T

hree gunmen have executed a daring robbery on the business place of a goldsmith at DaSilva Street, Newtown, Kitty Georgetown on Wednesday evening, reportedly carting off at least $2.5 million in jewellery, about $700,000 in cash, and several mobile phones.

The Police have said that the robbery was committed at about 20:40h by the three men who were armed.

They reportedly robbed the goldsmith of $1.2 million in jewellery, and several others who were at his home at the time were robbed of another $1.3 million in jewellery. US$2,200 and at least two high-end mobile phones were also taken.

The Police have said that on the day in question, the 40-year-old goldsmith was

in his business place while four others were in the yard waiting to collect items from him when the suspects entered the yard and held them at gunpoint, demanding that they hand over their valuables.

Fearful for their lives, the men complied. One of the suspects then kept the four men at gunpoint while two others went into the workshop, where they held the goldsmith at gunpoint and relieved him of the jewellery mentioned.

The armed men then made good their escape on two motorcycles.

Immediately after the robbery, the Police were contacted. No arrest has as yet been made, but the Police are continuing their investigations.

n early morning fire on Thursday has extensively destroyed a workshop at Lot 86 Durban and Smyth Streets, Werken-Rust, Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the fire started at sometime after 2:30h at the wooden-and-concrete structure, and tenders from the Central, Alberttown and West Ruimveldt Fire Stations responded.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire might have started from the overloading of an electrical circuit, which resulted in a feedback to an electrical panel and ignition of nearby combustible materials. As a result of the fire, the Hot Stamp Machine, the Emboss Machine and the

The workshop that was on fire

Open Tray Machine were completely destroyed, while the workshop sustained ex-

tensive damage.

Quick response from the fire service contained and

extinguished the fire. No injury was reported during the blaze.

Female arrested after attempting to smuggle ganja in papayas into NA Prison

A

23-year-old woman was arrested on Wednesday after she attempted to smuggle a quantity of ganja into the New Amsterdam Prison in two papayas.

Police have said that on the day in question, at about 14:28h, the suspect visited the facility to take food for an inmate. As is customary, a search had to be conducted on the food brought.

During that routine search, five parcels containing the ganja wrapped in transparent plastic were found hidden in two papayas.

The matter was reported to the Police at Central Police Station, and the suspected narcotic was handed over. The suspect was told of the offence committed, cau-

The ganja that was found in the papayas on Wednesday

tioned and arrested.

The cannabis

was

weighed in her presence and amounted to 192 grams. She

is expected to be charged shortly.

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New DHB project exempted from full-scale EIA, assessment still needed – EPA Head …says project has no significant, irreversible impacts

W

hile the new Demerara River bridge project is being exempted from conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director Kemraj Parsram says that an Environmental Assessment and Management Plan will have to be done instead.

In a public notice on Wednesday, the EPA said it screened the environment permit application for the new bridge across the Demerara River and determined that “it will not significantly affect the environment” hence, it is exempted from conducting an EIA as outlined in Section 11 of the Environmental Protection Act. Speaking with Guyana Times Parsram explained that while the full-scale EIA was not required to be done, an assessment was still needed so that the Ministry can outline how it intended to address the issues that are not significant or irreversible that were identified in the project before the permit was approved.

“Based on the information they provided to us and based on our site visits, we determined that we do not need a full-scale Environmental Impact Assessment. We just need

EPA Executive Director Kemraj Parsram

an assessment to [address] some of the issues we identified in the screening and for them to propose how they intend to manage those minor issues. So, they’re not required to do a full-scale impact assessment; they are just to do an Environmental Assessment and Management Plan to deal with some minor issues that we identified which are not significant and are not irreversible,” he stated.

According to the EPA Director, all projects have an impact but the critical aspect is whether the impact is significant. He described “significant impact” as being irreversible – such as deaths, damages, health threats and so on.

“In this case, there will

be some impacts, but they will not be significant and because of that, we still require for them to identify clearly-outlined impacts that are typical during construction, for example, air emissions, noise. And for them to purpose measures to address those minor issues that are not irreversible,” Parsram said.

He added too, “We ask them to go and do a little more detailed assessment and it also include anything relating to residents – if they may have to engage residents and discuss any potential alignment issues with houses... When they do that assessment and consult with those residents, and provide their Management Plan to us, we will then use that to determine the approval of the project and we then issue a permit.”

Parsram went on to point out that that screening method is also used by international organisations such as the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and International Finance Corporation (IFC), whereby they screen projects and determine via categories whether a certain project requires a full-scale EIA or just an environmental assessment or nothing at all.

“So, it is our screening process that helps us to de-

termine that. Not every project must have a full environment impact assessment as stipulated in the Act. We have that discretion, based on the information we have, to determine what scale of assessment is required,” the EPA Head stated.

The new Demerara River bridge would land aback Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Only last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the contract for the new Demerara River bridge would be signed by the end of this year.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill subsequently told this newspaper that the financial proposals from the nine prequalified companies were due in early October and thereafter, Government would move to select the “preferred contractor”.

The Public Works Ministry in April launched the bid documents for the “long-awaited and extremely necessary” new Demerara River Bridge. Initially, 21 Expressions of Interest (EoIs) were received for the project, but only nine bidders were shortlisted.

They are: China State Construction Eng Corp (China); Ballast Needam Infra Suriname

BV (headquartered in The Netherlands); China Geizhouba Group Co Ltd (China); JV – China Railway International Group Co Ltd, China Railway Major Bridge Eng Group Co Ltd, Reconnaissance & Design Inst Co Ltd (China); JV – China Road & Bridge Corp Peutes y Calzadas Infrastructuras SLU (China and Spain); JV – OECI SA and Odebrecht Engenharia E Coonstrucao SA OEC (Brazil); JV – China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Ltd, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co Ltd, and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co Ltd (China & Trinidad and Tobago); JV – Rizzani

de Eccher S p A & Preconco Ltd (Italy and Barbados), and Boskalis Guyana Inc Eiffage Genie Civil (Guyana & Netherlands).

These prequalified bidders are required to submit their proposals for either a Design, Build and Finance (DBF) option, or a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain (DBFOM) option.

The new bridge across the Demerara River will be a high fixed-span design with a 50-metre flyover at minimum to allow for marine vessels to pass without any interruption to vehicular traffic.

The new bridge is expected to be completed in two years from the date of the commencement order.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana is “open for business” – Finance Minister tells Suriname ...as Govt seeks to expand untapped economic possibilities ...and Suriname’s Optiek Ninon opens 1st branch on Camp Street

T

he geographical positioning of Suriname and Guyana has a plethora of possibilities for the expansion of markets and trade across borders, and local stakeholders from both countries have been urged to capitalise on these untapped opportunities.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh took this position on Thursday as Optiek Ninon - a Surinamese optics centre now spanning seven locations - opened its doors to the Guyanese populace.

It was stated that unparallel possibilities are yet to be discovered, as he urged businesses across the border to take a leap and make investments here. Local enterprises have also been urged to consider expanding across the border.

“We would like, at a policy level, every single Surinamese company to regard Guyana as a potential source of supplies, because everything we produce in Guyana could be de-

livered to Corriverton easily; a source of supplies for your inputs, a market for products, and a destination for your investments. We would like every single Surinamese company to regard Guyana as open for business…

“In the equal vein, I would say to Guyanese companies to look beyond the borders of Guyana and look immediately to the east, to Suriname, where we have obvious opportunities,” Dr Singh stated.

He pointed out that both Governments have been in discussion this week to enhance the economic space among Guyana and Suriname, essentially moving closer to realisation of the construction of the bridge across the Corentyne River.

“Our Presidents have spent the last two days speaking about how we can achieve an even more effective integration, a more effective realisation of the singularity of the economic space in which we live and work… The economic

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin join the ribbon-cutting exercise at the opening of Optiek Ninon

potential is truly vast, and as two small countries, we have for a long time been speak-

ing about the constraints that small countries face as a result of the smallness of their internal or domestic markets.”

According to Dr Singh, as markets become saturated in both countries, the next obvious step would be expansion across borders, and both countries stand poised to welcome investors, contributing to development and creating employment.

The Finance Minister outlined, “We have a reality in Guyana that Suriname is the natural and obvious expansion of the Guyanese market, and every single Guyanese company has an opportunity in Suriname.

That, for many of them, still remains untapped… While there has been movement of people back and forth across the river, the economic potential of our proximity has not nearly realised the fullness of our potential. The reali-

ty is that you can drive from Georgetown to Paramaribo in seven hours. You can literally work in Georgetown and go back home in the weekends, and come back for work if you wanted to; and vice-versa.

On Guyana’s end, Singh said his Government is working to enable ease of doing business by removing the red tape which inhibits or prevents investors from establishing their ground and offering services to Guyanese.

“President Irfaan Ali could not be more emphatic in his conviction that the Private Sector will be the driver of economic growth and transformation. Internally, in our respective countries, we are committed to making every aspect of doing business easier and simpler; and, right now, work is ongoing to identify ways in which bureaucratic processes can be simplified,” Minister Singh emphasised.

Meanwhile, Suriname’s

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin, also spoke on the lines of cross-border trade, as he said, “Establishing Optiek Ninon in Guyana is kind of a branding of Suriname as well. We take that as a value that we should not underestimate. We strongly believe that these two markets must be seen as one single market. We have to expand that market - it creates business opportunities; it creates opportunities for growth, investment and employment.”

Optiek Ninon, located on Camp Street, aims to bring a different experience to the optics department for locals.

With experience spanning 50 years, General Manager Derrick Klaverwide has said, “Optiek Ninon will bring to Guyana another way of optical services a little different from what Guyana is used to, and I think it will complement what is already happening here. I think we are in a unique position that we already have a Dutch experience of optical service, bind with the Guyana optometry knowledge, and that combined puts us in a unique position to offer a very nice and different customer experience.”

With opening of the new branch, one of the company’s strategic objectives, namely to explore and develop international markets, will also become a reality.

Over the past five decades, Optiek Ninon has characterised itself as an innovative, proactive and progressive, 100 per cent Surinamese company that has grown into a leading optics chain, with six branches in Suriname and now one in Guyana. This new location will be operated by 100 per cent Guyanese employees.

NEWS

13

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

141 more test positive for COVID-19 – death toll now stands at 588 with 1 more fatality

W

ith the death of one other person as a result of the life-threatening COVID-19, Guyana’s death toll now stands at a startling 588.

On Thursday, the Health Ministry reported that the latest fatality is a 34-year-old male from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), who died while receiving care at a medical facility.

However, in one day, a total of 141 new positives has emerged, taking the confirmed cases in Guyana to 23,936. There are 15 seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 92 in institutional isolation, 1048 in home isolation and two in institutional quarantine. In total, 22,193 persons have recovered completely.

Since onset of the pandemic, 249,959 individuals have been tested, of which 111,627 males and 112,309 females were positive.

An analysis showed one new case in Region One (Barima-Waini); 18 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 25 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 75 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); four in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); one in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and five in Region Nine (Upper

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 19 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

141

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

92

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

588

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

15

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

12,309

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

11,627

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

23,936

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

22,193

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

296,059

FULLY IMMUNISED

152,433

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

588

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1342

REGION 2

700

REGION 3

2780

REGION 4

10,911

REGION 5

788

REGION 6

1978

REGION 7

1309

REGION 8

381

REGION 9

2166

REGION 10

1581

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

There were no new cases in Regions Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Pfizer shots

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday stated that Guyana will be in receipt of the Pfizer vaccines in

time for the reopening of schools, which is scheduled for September.

The Pfizer vaccines will be used to immunise children from the age of 12 in

Guyana, so as to facilitate classroom activities in a safe setting.

“We are working with the Ministry of Education.

We have sent out letters to parents. Once those consent forms come back to us, we have already started preparing where we are going to start the exercise,” the Minister updated.

In addition, Education Minister Priya Manickchand clarified that even if Government is willing to buy Pfizer shots, it is not easily accessible. As such, parents should allow their children to take the vaccines – which were made possible through a donation from the United States Government.

Adding some more facts about the vaccines, Manickchand shared, “For many universities [and] institutions across the world, students will not be accepted unless vaccinated.

Indeed, it will be that many countries will not even allow students to enter, unless vaccinated. It will have an expiry date, and there will be only so much. So don’t delay deciding whether you are giving consent for your child to be vaccinated. Make the decision, because the time is upon you when that decision needs to be made. if you delay making a decision and you think you can make it later on, you may well find

vaccines are not available.”

In Guyana, 296,059 persons, or 57.7 per cent of the population, have each received a first dose. For second doses, the figures stand at 152,433 or 29.7 per cent.

NIS closure

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) notified on Thursday that due to COVID-19, a decision has been taken to temporarily close its Local Office at Melanie, East Coast Demerara. This closure has already taken effect.

The office would resume services as per normal on Monday, August 23. In the meantime, testing of staff for the virus would be conducted, along with sanitisation of the building and compound.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotlines: 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit www. health.gov.gy.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Turkey’s Yesim Oruc appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana

Newly-appointed UN Resident Coordinator Yesim Oruc

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nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Yesim Oruc of Turkey as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guyana, with the host Government’s approval. She will take up her post on August, 22, 2021.

Oruc brings to her new role more than 20 years of experience in international relations and sustainable development.

At the United Nations, she held leadership positions

with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), including most recently a senior role at the UNDP Representation Office in Washington D.C., USA, where she managed key organisational strategies and partnerships.

She also served as UNDP Country Director in Albania, and led programme and partnership initiatives for UNDP country operations in Romania as well as Turkey.

Prior to joining the United Nations, Ms. Oruc worked as a copy editor in Cairo, Egypt.

She holds a master’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the American University in Cairo, Egypt and a bachelor’s degree in political science and comparative governments from Yale University in Connecticut, USA. She replaces former United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Mikiko Tanaka, whose tenure comes to an end this month.

During Tanaka’s stint in Guyana, she led the implementation of the first ever

With the European Union, she has enabled Guyana’s inclusion in the Global Spotlight Initiative, which aims to eliminate violence against women.

Tanaka has maintained the closest strategic relations between the UN and successive Guyana Governments

Former UN Resident Coordinator Mikiko Tanaka

Caribbean Multi-country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDF), a development partnership that supports Guyana in the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

She had deployed the UN System in Guyana to address challenges faced during the 2020 national and regional elections, to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support people directly affected by flooding and forced migration.

since 2016, supporting them in strategic planning, helping them prepare for the effects of the unfolding climate emergency, and highlighting the challenges faced by some of Guyana’s poorest and most marginalised communities.

The UN Rep has worked

tirelessly to ensure that the United Nations system supports Guyana to protect human rights; preserve democracy; and ensure that no-one, regardless of their circumstance, status or identity, is left behind from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Ganja, gun, ammo found during Police operation along Berbice River

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A quantity of dried cannabis

embers of the Guyana Police Force have found two ganja fields at DeVeldt and Gateroy, Berbice River with thousands of cannabis plants along with a gun and ammunition.

First the Police stated that at DeVeldt, a farm with about 6000 plants ranging from three to five feet in height and about 600 pounds of dried cannabis, along with one 12-gauge shotgun and matching cartridge, were found.

In the Gateroy area, another field was discovered consisting of about 10,000 plants ranging from three to six feet in height and a

A section of one of the ganja fields destroyed by the Police

One of the camps being destroyed by fire

nearby camp, which was searched leading to the discovery of about 100 pounds of dried cannabis.

Police stated that a party of Policemen went to the locations where the two farms were found. The estimated street value of the plants is about $5.4 million while the estimated

street value of the dried cannabis is $21 million.

The cannabis plants and camps were destroyed and the firearm, along with the ammunition, has been lodged at the Central Police Station pending further investigations. No arrests were made in connection with the discoveries.

15 CDC Director General appointed Vice Chairman of ACS’ Disaster Risk Reduction Committee D NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

irector General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, has recently been appointed a Vice-Chairman of the Special Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction by the Association of Caribbean States (ACS).

Lieutenant Colonel Craig shares this portfolio with a colleague from the Dominican Republic, and together they will serve from 2021 to 2022.

The Association of Caribbean States is a product of the desire of the 35 contracting States, countries and territories of the Greater Caribbean to enhance cooperation within the region - an initiative aimed at building upon obvious geographic proximity and well-documented historical linkages.

As stated in the convention establishing the ACS, its primary purpose is to be an organisation for “consultation, cooperation, and concerted action” for its member countries. Its framework provides a forum for political dialogue that allows members opportunities to

Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

identify areas of common interest and concern that may be addressed at the regional level, and the solutions for which can be found through cooperation.

The Ministerial Council of the ACS, which is made up of Ministers and Representatives of the member States, has appointed several Special Committees to aid in the implementation of its mandate. Each Committee is operated by

an Executive Board which consists of a chairman, two vice-chairmen and a rapporteur.

The Special Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction, of which Lieutenant Colonel Craig is one of two Vice-Chairmen, is headed by a representative from Jamaica, with its rapporteur hailing from Trinidad and Tobago.

Lieutenant Colonel Craig has 25 years’ experience in the military service, and more than 15 years of experience working with community groups; Government agencies; and national, regional, and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the local government, health, security, energy, and environmental sectors.

Craig serves as the current Director General of the Civil Defence Commission.

He had previously held the positions of Deputy Director General and Operations and Training Officer at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); Adjutant and Avionics Supervisor at Air Corps; and an Infantry Commander/ Platoon Commander of the

Offshore Technology Conference 2021

GTT boasts unmatched capabilities in ICT space

The GTT Business Solutions Team

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elecommunications giant the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has managed to garner the attention of many international companies interested in operating in Guyana’s Oil & Gas sector as a result of its participation in this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) which was held in Houston, Texas.

Members of the company’s Business Solutions Team have revealed that, so far, the conference has been a success.

“The main aim of our involvement in the conference was to represent Guyana as the number one provider of 21st centu-

ry business solutions, and showcase our unmatched capabilities in the ICT space,” Chief Operations Officer of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, noted.

“We have been serving businesses in Guyana for over 30 years. With the rapid developments in the Oil & Gas sector, we have been meeting the needs of companies operating in Guyana like Exxon, Halliburton, Schlumberger, etc., and we wanted other companies interested in operating in Guyana to know that we have the network and capabilities to meet their needs; and today we have done that,” he added.

The Offshore Technology

Conference is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources. It also brings together industry leaders, investors, buyers, and entrepreneurs to develop markets and business partnerships.

GTT's participation is part of the wider delegation representing Guyana. The local team was given the opportunity to advertise its resources to 59,000+ energy professionals from over 100 countries.

The GTT team was also present at the Guyana Night hosted on Wednesday evening. The conference concluded on Thursday.

Guyana Defence Force.

He also serves as Chairman of the Plan, Development and Review Subcommittee of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and

Founder and President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Alumni (Guyana).

Craig has a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) specialised in Emergency Management

from Walden University, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Emergency and Disaster Management (Honours) from the America Military University, and is a Project Management Professional (PMP) certified by the Project Management Institute.

The Executive Board of the Special Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction will serve to foster co-operation among the organisations responsible for disaster planning and relief in the region.

This will allow for the prevention and mitigation of risks, and for the purpose of incorporating knowledge on prevention, education and planning with respect to the effects of disasters.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Electronic passports, automatic data-sharing can improve migration tracking – IOM report I mplementing electronic passports, collecting migration data across borders, and facilitating automatic information-sharing between migration-related entities can significantly improve migration governance in Guyana.

These were identified by the Government in a recently launched report titled Guyana Needs Assessment on Migration Governance, implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under the Western Hemisphere Program (WHP), and funded by the US Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.

The report is divided into six themes to guide policymakers on areas most relevant to their field as those relate to migration governance; migration policies and adherence to international standards; migration and border management; migrant protection and assistance; migration management in situations of emergencies and disasters; migration and health; and labour migration and human development.

Among the report’s findings are that the specific needs of migrants are not considered in policy documents, particularly in relation to disaster risk reduction. Consequently, it is possible that many migrants are not being reached by crisis plans and communications. To address these concerns, the study recommended that language translations for emergency situations and essential migration information be available in Spanish, Portuguese, Indigenous languages, and Haitian Creole.

Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud

A key recommendation was made to manage labour migration, including the development of a multi-agency coordination mechanism, and to develop and implement a labour policy and strategy with provisions on the integration of migrants into the formal labour force.

Further, the study recommended amendments to the Prevention Against Discrimination Act to include migrant status, and persons of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) community, as well as the decriminalisation of homosexuality under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. In addressing the vulnerabilities of women and girls, the report noted Government’s commitment to enhancing officials’ capacity on gender-based violence referrals.

Chief of Mission in Guyana, and Coordination Officer for the Caribbean,

Robert Natiello, has said the Guyana Needs Assessment on Migration Governance is part of a series of other reports that cover the Caribbean and Central America.

Natiello explained that the reports address the challenges and opportunities that exist through well managed migration management policies.

“The report for Guyana has been contextualised to the country’s particular situation, and provides key information to support the Government in understanding current migration governance systems and the steps we can take to improve those systems,” shared the IOM Guyana official. He added that IOM is currently working with the Government of Guyana on the development of the Guyana Migration Profile. This profile would provide a summary of the state of migration in Guyana, and would contribute to the development of migration policy and law.

In his address, Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Robert Persaud, said these findings come at an opportune time in the country’s national development.

“We recognise that migration and its potential socioeconomic impact on the country must be carefully considered… We are cognisant that a comprehensive, whole-of-society response must be formulated, and supported as well as properly implemented,” Persaud outlined.

The Foreign Secretary added that Government has worked closely with the IOM

Chief of Mission in Guyana, and Coordination Officer for the Caribbean, Robert Natiello

on projects that provide data to better understand the im-

pact of migration, and is committed to working towards creating policies that would lead to successful migration governance.

According to Persaud, better migration governance policy would guarantee that all the people of Guyana, both native and foreign-born, would be able to contribute to society. The official noted that the Guyana Needs Assessment also complements the work of the Migration Profile.

IOM, through the WHP, conducts research to provide governments with evidence on which to base the development and review of policies and practices relative to migration and migration governance. The report provides an easy-to-use tool and refer-

ence for Government officials and other stakeholders on which to base proposals and activities.

These are among the several observations noted in the study that is desegregated in its thematic areas.

The report was developed in an accessible format that provides data on the structures and policies in regulating migration governance and identifying priorities for strengthening Government’s capacity to manage migration effectively.

The Migration Governance Report recommends the development and implementation of a Labour Policy and Strategy that has provisions for the integration of migrants into the formal labour force.

the suspect went to a grocery shop at Bennett Dam to purchase a bottle of water.

After collecting the water, he reportedly left the shop and, arming himself with a piece of wood, attacked Khan, who was walking on the said street.

Khan was reportedly lashed to his body with the piece of wood, causing him to fall on the roadway. The suspect then whipped out a knife from his pants waist

and stabbed the victim several times before making good his escape.

Upon seeing this, an eyewitness summoned the Police to the scene, and the injured man was transported to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The circumstances surrounding the man’s demise are unknown, but the Police have launched an investigation into the murder.

WCB man beaten, stabbed to death in broad daylight

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he Police are on the hunt for a man who reportedly lashed and stabbed a West Coast Berbice (WCB) resident to death on Thursday at Bennett Dam, Rosignol, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The dead man has been identified as 48-year-old Feroze Khan of Carriage Road, Rosignol, WCB. Preliminary investigations revealed that on Thursday at about 14:30h,

Woman injured in Rupert Craig Highway smash-up

The car that was involved in the accident

F

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, August 31, 2021

orty-year-old Kemela Chinapin was, in the wee hours of Thursday, injured following a two-vehicle collision along the Rupert Craig Highway between Conversation Tree Road and Bel Air Access Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The accident reportedly involved motorcar PLL 724 and minibus PDD 6571 being driven by a 62-year-old man of La Bonne Intention, ECD. The Police have said that on the day in question, the minibus was proceeding along the Rupert Craig Highway when the driver allegedly felt an impact to the rear portion of the mini-

leged that, after the collision, the driver of motorcar PLL 724 exited his vehicle and fled in an easterly direction on Rupert Craig Highway.

Chinapin, who was seated in the front passenger’s seat, was thrown through the front windscreen by the impact of the collision, and received several injuries about her body. She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was admitted a patient.

The motorcar was taken to the Kitty Police Station,

The minibus in which the injured woman was travelling

bus that caused the vehicle to spin several times.

The driver further al-

where it has been lodged as investigations continue.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ART expands TREES standard to mobilise large-scale climate solution

– VP Jagdeo welcomes initiative

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he Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) has released an expanded and enhanced version of The REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard (TREES), its high-integrity standard for measuring, monitoring, verifying, and crediting climate progress in the forest sector.

The updated version – TREES 2.0 – broadens opportunities to unlock largescale solutions from forests in support of efforts by the international community to achieve the ambitious goals in the Paris Agreement.

TREES 2.0 expands options for participating jurisdictions to access carbon market financing by including crediting for additional mitigation actions from the forest sector notably (i) protecting forests in jurisdictions with high forest cover and low rates of deforestation and (ii) enhancing carbon ‘removals’ due to reforestation and forest restoration efforts. It also creates a pathway to recognise the contributions of Indigenous peoples to protecting forests and reducing associated emissions.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has since welcomed the introduction of the High Forest Cover Low Deforestation ART-TREES module. He posited, “We have long called for market mechanisms that meet both the transitional challenge of reducing deforestation and restoring lost forests and the longer-term challenge of conserving the world’s existing forests.”

He further added, “With the addition of the new module, ART-TREES gives forest countries a pathway to plan for the long term – beyond just reducing and restoring, and towards a steady-state of conservation. If markets respond to this opportunity at the scale required, efforts to reach very low global rates of deforestation can be accelerated. Standing forests can be valued in a way

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

that benefits forest communities and countries, while also continuing to act as indispensable assets in the global fight to avert catastrophic climate change and protect biodiversity.”

The announcement of an enhanced version comes amid a major surge in corporate interest in purchasing forest carbon credits as part of climate action strategies.

TREES 2.0 allows companies to purchase high-integrity emission reduction and removals credits from countries and large sub-national jurisdictions that are achieving real results in protecting and restoring tropical forests.

It will also bolster the growing interest from major economies – such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway – to support enhanced climate action in tropical forest countries. In the fight against climate change, the urgency of reducing deforestation, restoring and regrowing forests, and protecting intact ecosystems in areas with low historic rates of deforestation is well understood. Scientists estimate that these natural climate solutions can provide one-third of needed climate action this decade.

The Paris Agreement paved the way for largescale climate solutions from forests by endorsing international cooperation to protect

and enhance forest carbon stocks and reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, collectively known as REDD+. A major barrier to mobilising large-scale finance has been the lack of a high-integrity, standardised approach for the measurement, monitoring, reporting, verification, and crediting of emission reductions and carbon removals from forests at a jurisdictional scale, including the assurance of environmental and social safeguards.

ART was created to meet this challenge to attract finance at scale to support ambitious climate action in the forest sector by countries and large sub-national jurisdictions (such as provinces or states). The first version of TREES, released in 2020, focused on ensuring the integrity of credits for emission reductions from reduced deforestation and forest degradation - the most urgent priority for the forest sector.

TREES 2.0 includes innovations to broaden access to and activities covered by forest carbon crediting while maintaining rigorous safeguards. Executive Director of ART Winrock International, Mary Grady said, “TREES 2.0 widens the scope for climate solutions from the forest sector in line with what the science in the new IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change] assessment report tells us is needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. TREES 2.0 enhances and expands opportunities for jurisdictions to access performance-based payments for forest protection and restoration through a range of innovative approaches to crediting.”

TREES was the first jurisdictional crediting standard for REDD+ developed and published after the adoption of the Paris Agreement, ensuring full alignment with the objectives and ambition of the global accord. The standard also ensures social and environmental integrity

Guyana’s forest

aligned with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) decisions including the Cancún Safeguards and the avoidance of double counting.

Since its launch, ART has gathered significant momentum. Seven jurisdictions from three continents have started the registration process. In addition, TREES was selected as the standard of quality by the LEAF Coalition announced at US President Joe Biden’s Climate Summit in April, offering at least US$1 billion, at a floor price of US$10/ton for qualifying jurisdictions, to demonstrate reduced deforestation through the TREES process. The LEAF coalition is a public-private initiative involving 13 companies, along with the US, UK, and Norwegian Governments, that has issued a call for proposals that aim to massively reduce deforestation globally using TREES credits from tropical forest countries as the vehicle.

In a statement, the Forests for Life Partnership said, “Any viable pathway for keeping global warming well below 2°C is dependent on retaining the world’s intact forests. However, intact forests all over the world are under increasing threat and

there is a pressing need for enhanced climate finance for their protection. The Forests for Life Partnership – made up of Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN); Re:wild; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); and World Resources Institute (WRI) – commends ART for introducing new pathways for High Forest Cover Low Deforestation (HFLD) jurisdictions in TREES 2.0.

This recognises forest stewards who are actively safeguarding intact forests and facilitates increased finance for their protection. These pathways include an HFLD crediting approach, fuller accounting for carbon removal by mature forests as well as an eligibility pathway for Indigenous peoples.

These could lead to more robust protection for tropical forests that delivers credible and crucial climate mitigation and other social and environmental benefits.”

“UN-REDD seeks to support the expansion of forest-based climate solutions at scale, with high environmental integrity and advancing social equality. We welcome the opportunity that TREES 2.0 presents to contribute to these outcomes,” Mario Boccucci, Head of

the UN-REDD Programme Secretariat stated.

“The Programme looks forward to reviewing the standard approved by the ART Board, and to continuing to work with the ART Secretariat, participating jurisdictions and interested demand-side entities to help achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, and make 2021 a turning point for scaling up climate action from forests.

“We strongly support the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions’ effort to broaden the scope of the TREES Standard to include removals, incentives for high-forest low?deforestation (HFLD) jurisdictions, and a further pathway for participation for Indigenous peoples. TREES 2.0 brings important potential to deliver more comprehensive and equitable incentives for forest protection, to facilitate broader participation, and to help bring sustainable economic benefits to Indigenous peoples and local communities. The strengthened standard could help mobilise greater finance to achieve forest emissions reductions at scale,” Climate & Forests and Chief Natural Resource Economist of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). Ruben Lubowski added.

Remedial works to be done on Cane Grove main access road

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ublic Works Minister Juan Edghill, along with Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry Anand Persaud, on Thursday visited Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) to inspect the main access road.

Residents and other users have found the road, which has been in a deplorable state for some time now, difficult to navigate.

The residents have been promised that remedial works would be conducted prior to scheduled reconstruction works that are set to be done on the road.

The Public Works

Minister stated that owing to the inclement weather and trucks that are traversing the road, it has been severely damaged.

“As a result of the rain and the movement of heavy vehicles, we have sections that have been deteriorated that the taxis and private cars are finding it difficult to navigate without getting damage.”

He further revealed that the next step for the ministry was getting the work done.

“This road is an important road. It has a rice mill – people have to get their produce out… we got to get the remedy done. That’s the way

Cane Grove public road

we’re going to do our work; bringing satisfaction to the people and that’s what we commit to do – serve the people of Guyana.”

It was noted that $200 million is allocated to do sectional repairs on the road. This contract was awarded to Colin Talbot Construction.

Additionally, three other roads within the village are set to be completed as well.

The Cane Grove Public Road was set to be completed by July 12, but was delayed owing to several factors, including inclement weather.

As a result, the Minister called for the immediate completion of the works.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

Regional

Earthquake relief arrives in Venezuela’s Maduro taps new Haiti, gangs kidnap 2 doctors Foreign Minister in Cabinet shake-up

– death toll climbs to over 2100

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elief for the victims of a powerful earthquake and tropical storm began flowing more quickly into Haiti on Thursday, but the Caribbean nation’s entrenched poverty, insecurity, and lack of basic infrastructure were still presenting huge challenges to getting food and urgent medical care to all those who need it.

Private relief supplies and shipments from the US Government and others were arriving in the southwestern peninsula where the weekend earthquake struck, killing more than 2100 people.

But the need was extreme, made worse by the rain from Tropical Storm Grace, and people were growing frustrated with the slow pace.

Adding to the problems, a major hospital in the capital of Port-au-Prince, where injured from the earthquake zone in the southwestern peninsula were being sent, was closed Thursday for a twoday shutdown to protest the kidnapping of two doctors, including one of the country’s few orthopaedic surgeons.

The abductions dealt a major blow to attempts to

Doctors from the US organisation Medic Corps transfer a man injured in the 7.2-magnitude earthquake to a helicopter at the Ofatma Hospital, in Les Cayes, Haiti [Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters photo]

control criminal violence that has threatened disaster response efforts in Port-auPrince.

Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency late Wednesday raised the number of deaths from the earthquake to 2189 and said 12,268 people were injured. An estimated 300 people are still missing, said Serge Chery, head of civil defence for the Southern Province, which includes Les Cayes.

The magnitude-7.2 earthquake damaged or destroyed more than 100,000 homes,

leaving about 30,000 families homeless, according to official estimates. Hospitals, schools, offices and churches also were demolished or badly damaged.

The US has deployed several heavy-lift helicopters and other aircraft to move relief supplies and personnel to the disaster zone and has dispatched the USS Arlington to provide additional transportation and medical capabilities, Major General Hank Taylor told reporters at the Pentagon. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bahamas PM announces September 16 General Election date

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ahamians will go to the polls on September 16, eight months before a general election is constitutionally due, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced Thursday morning.

Minnis said that whoever emerges victorious will have to make key decisions on the way forward in the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In an address to the nation at 11:00h, an hour after Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle, in his capacity as Provost Marshall, read a proclamation from Governor General Sir Cornelius Smith proroguing Parliament, Minnis said: “Earlier today, Parliament was dissolved. It

is time for you, the people, to choose who you will elect to form the next Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

“I have advised the Governor General to issue the writs of election which will be held on Thursday, 16th of September, 2021.”

Elections are not constitutionally due until May 2022, which would be five years after Minnis’ Free National Movement (FNM) defeated the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in the last polls, winning 35 of the 39 seats in Parliament.

The Prime Minister said the election was coming amid “the worst public health crisis in our modern history”, referring to the

COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in the deaths of millions.

He said his administration had been able to secure more than 550,000 doses of vital COVID-19 vaccines, some of which have already arrived in the country.

“Our goal is for The Bahamas to be one of the most vaccinated small-island developing countries in the world,” he said. “As a result of our country reaching the goal of securing the vaccines we need, it is now time for the Bahamian people to choose who they want to lead them as we move toward vaccinating every Bahamian who wishes to be vaccinated.” (Excerpt from CMC)

T&T Government seeks to extend state of emergency by 3 months

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he Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister will ask Parliament next Wednesday to extend the State of Emergency (SoE) for three more months.

This was reflected in the order paper for the House of Representatives, which will sit on that day.

As a measure to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the first period of the SoE was declared on May 15 and was then extended on May 24 for three

T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

more months. It is due to last until month-end.

Once the total length of the extension of the SOE is more than six months, Section 10 (1) of the Constitution says an SoE “may be further extended from time to time for not more than three months at any one time, by a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament and supported by the votes of not less than three-fifths of all the members of each House.”

Otherwise only a simple majority is needed.

(Trinidad Newsday)

V

e n e z u e l a n President Nicolás Maduro has named a new Foreign Minister in a Cabinet shake-up that comes amid negotiations with the Opposition meant to ease the country’s political deadlock.

Felix Plasencia, Venezuela’s envoy to China, will now serve as Venezuela’s top diplomat, while outgoing Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza will serve as Industry and Production Minister, President Maduro wrote on Twitter.

Plasencia “has the immense responsibility of continuing the excellent diplomatic work carried out by Jorge Arreaza”, Maduro wrote.

“We must ensure the triumph of our Peace Diplomacy around the world.”

Maduro is pressing for the lifting of sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe against Venezuelan officials and institutions for the State’s suppression of democracy in the oil-producing South American country.

US President Joe Biden’s Administration has maintained measures against Venezuela’s economy and continued support for Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó.

Maduro’s latest Cabinet shuffle also brings changes to the Education, Interior and Mining Ministries.

The Opposition and

the Government last week opened talks in Mexico City in which the Opposition is seeking improved electoral conditions and the release of imprisoned activists while Maduro allies are pushing for an end to US sanctions.

Maduro had on August 16 expressed optimism about talks with the Opposition, saying at a news conference in Caracas the discussions had got off to a “good start”.

Maduro brandished an agreement signed by Government and Opposition delegates at the talks, which are being mediated by Norway and hosted by Mexico. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US imposes sanctions on 3 Cuban officials over crackdown on protests

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he US Treasury Department said on Thursday it had imposed sanctions on three Cuban officials it said were involved in the suppression of protests on the island that began on July 11.

In a statement, the Department said it took the action under the Global Magnitsky Act programme, which freezes the assets of those who US officials believe are involved in human rights abuses and blocks Americans from doing business with them.

The new sanctions were the fourth round of measures Washington has taken against Cuban officials and entities since the protests began.

Those newly-sanctioned included the chief of the Central Army and the deputy chief of the General

People shout slogans against the Government during a protest against and in support of the Government, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Havana, Cuba, July 11, 2021

Staff Revolutionary Armed Forces, who Treasury said were connected to units deployed to suppress peaceful demonstrators.

The Treasury Department also blacklisted a top prison official responsible for the treatment of more than 800 people detained in response to

the protests, it said.

“The Treasury Department will continue to hold accountable those who enable the Cuban Government to perpetuate human rights abuse,” said Andrea Gacki, Director of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.

(Reuters)

Colombia extradites ELN rebel fighters to US for 1st time

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or the first time, Colombia on Thursday extradited two alleged members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) who are accused by a US federal court of drug trafficking.

The Andean country – under constant pressure from the United States to reduce production of coca and cocaine – has sent hundreds of its citizens north over the past three decades to face drug charges, including members of the now-demobilised FARC rebels and paramilitary gangs.

The men extradited on Thursday are Henry Trigos

Celon and Yamit Picon Rodriguez, who uses the alias Chonta, both wanted by the Southern District of Texas, Colombian Justice Minister Wilson Ruiz said in a statement.

Trigos is accused of storing and distributing drugs in Norte de Santander province, along the border with Venezuela, while Picon allegedly served as head of finance for the ELN’s north-eastern front and conducted business with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.

The men were handed over to US authorities at an air base in Bogota belonging to Colombia’s na-

tional police. They arrived in Houston on Thursday afternoon and were scheduled to appear in front of US Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon today, the Justice Department said in a statement.

US authorities also issued warrants for Wilver Villegas-Palomino, 38, who is believed to be the leader of the ELN, and two other members of the organisation. The Justice Department said it would award up to US$5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Villegas-Palomino.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

19

Around the world

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil falls for 6th straight day, sinks to the lowest level since May on fears of slowing growth

O

il dropped for a sixth-straight session on Thursday, falling to the lowest level since May as demand fears and comments from the Federal Reserve that it will suspend its bond-buying programme sent prices tumbling.

Crude came under pressure amid weakness in the commodities market and equities more generally.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for September delivery slid 2.7 per cent to settle at US$63.69, its lowest level since May 21. At one point during the session the more actively traded contract for October delivery dipped more than four per cent, touching a session low of US$62.41. International benchmark Brent crude declined 2.61 per cent to US$66.45 per barrel. Both WTI and Brent registered their longest daily losing streak since February 2020.

The dollar advanced Thursday after minutes from the Federal Reserve’s July meeting indicated plans to pull back the pace of their monthly bond purchases. A strong dollar can pressure oil since it makes the commodity more expensive for foreign buyers.

Weak data out of China has also pressured crude in recent sessions after data released Monday showed the economy slowed more than expected in July. Additionally, the country’s refinery output fell to the lowest level in 14 months.

“Concerns about demand due to the global spread of the Delta variant are continuing to preclude any higher prices,” analysts at Commerzbank wrote in a recent note to clients.

Data from the US Energy Information Administration released Wednesday showed a surprise build in gasoline stocks, which sparked fears of a weaker-than-expected end to the summer driving season. (Excerpt from CNBC)

Taliban urges Afghan unity as protests spread to Kabul

T

he Taliban called on Afghanistan’s imams to urge unity when they hold their first Friday prayers since the Islamist group seized control of the country, as protests against the takeover spread to more cities on Thursday, including the capital Kabul.

Several people were killed when Taliban militants fired on a crowd in the eastern city of Asadabad, a witness said. Another witness reported gunshots near a rally in Kabul, but they appeared to be Taliban firing into the air.

On the day Afghanistan celebrates its independence from British control in 1919, a social media video showed a crowd of men and women in Kabul waving black, red and green national flags.

“Our flag, our identity,” they shouted.

At some protests elsewhere, media reported people tearing down the white flag of the Taliban.

Protesters, with the flag of the deposed Afghan Government, rally against Taliban rule in Kabul, on August 19, 2021 (NYTIMES photo)

A Taliban spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

Some demonstrations were small, but combined with the desperate scramble of thousands of people seeking to flee the country they underline the challenge the Taliban face in governing.

The group had conquered Afghanistan at lightning

not yet approved to be vaccinated in the US, putting them at a higher risk of catching the highly contagious variant.

Infections and hospital admissions are on the rise among the young in a way not seen earlier in the pandemic, when the virus was mostly affecting the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions.

State epidemiologist Dr Paul Byers described the number of children now in quarantine as "dramatic".

"That exceeds what we've experienced... when we were at our previous peak for the impact on the schools," he told reporters on Wednesday.

The southern US state is just the latest to face such outbreaks among children.

In one school district in Florida, over 10,000 children and staff are being told to stay home. The outbreak made the Hillsborough County School Board vote on Wednesday to require masks in schools.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

from Reuters)

Man arrested over bomb threat near US Capitol

A

man has been arrested after making a bomb threat near the Congress building in Washington DC. The man, identified as Floyd Ray Roseberry, 49, surrendered hours after the threat was made.

US Capitol Police had been negotiating with the driver who had parked a pickup truck near the Library of Congress, across the street from the Capitol building and Supreme Court.

His motives remain unknown. Police are still

searching the vehicle.

Congress is currently in recess, but some staff are working in the Capitol.

Several office buildings were evacuated.

Videos purporting to be the man livestreaming from the vehicle have been shared on social media. Facebook has deactivated the livestream and removed the profile.

In the video, the man addressed US President Joe Biden directly and spoke of revolution.

Roseberry had parked

COVID-19: Mississippi quarantines 20,000 pupils at start of new school year Canadian soldier faces jail over feeding cannabis J cupcakes to troops

ust days after the start of their academic year, over 20,000 pupils from 800 Mississippi schools have been told to quarantine due to COVID exposure.

Some 4500 children became sick with COVID during this first week of school.

Across the US, states like Mississippi with low vaccination rates and relaxed mask rules have asked thousands of students and staff to quarantine.

The Delta variant, the dominant strain in the US, has been affecting younger people at a higher rate.

The US has recorded about 4.4 million child infections – out of a total of 37 million – since the pandemic began.

Fewer than two per cent of child COVID-19 cases require hospital admission, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and no more than 0.03 per cent of all such cases in the US have resulted in death.

Children under 12 are

speed as foreign troops withdrew, surprising even their own leaders and leaving power vacuums to fill in many places.

The Taliban urged unity ahead of Friday prayers, and called on all imams to persuade people not to leave the country.

Since seizing Kabul on Sunday, the Taliban has pre-

sented a more moderate face, saying it wanted peace, will not take revenge against old enemies and will respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law.

When in power from 19962001, they severely restricted women’s rights, staged public executions and blew up ancient Buddhist statues.

A report by a Norwegian intelligence group said the Taliban had begun rounding up Afghans on a blacklist of people linked to Afghanistan’s previous administration or US-led forces that supported it. Complaints by some Afghan Journalists have cast doubt on assurances that independent media would be allowed.

A US lawmaker said the Taliban were using files from Afghanistan’s intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security, to identify Afghans who worked for the United States. (Excerpt

A

Canadian soldier who fed cannabis cupcakes to her fellow troops during a live firearms exercise could now be sentenced to five years in prison.

Bombardier Chelsea Cogswell was found guilty of administering "a noxious thing" to eight soldiers, as well as behaving in a disgraceful manner.

Soldiers had described feeling drunk and confused while handling weapons after eating the cakes in 2018.

The crime occurred three months before cannabis was legalised across Canada.

Military Judge Commander Sandra Sukstorf announced the decision on Wednesday.

She said Prosecutors had proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the affected soldiers had eaten cannabis from the cupcakes, which the bombardier knowingly gave them.

The bizarre case stems from an incident at the Combat Training Centre at CFB Gagetown in the prov-

ince of New Brunswick.

Prosecutors in her military trial argued that Cogswell added more peril to an already dangerous situation when she handed out the chocolate cupcakes while in charge of the canteen during a field exercise.

Soldiers testified to feeling "spaced out", "incoherent", "paranoid", and "sluggish" after eating the homemade treats.

Medical officials were called to investigate after the soldiers reported their symptoms. Despite the hot summer day, heat exhaustion was ruled out.

Five later tested positive for cannabis, as did one cupcake wrapper recovered from the scene. Lawyers for Cogswell argued that military detectives lost several other cupcake wrappers, demonstrating investigative ability so "shockingly negligent as to constitute an abuse of process". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Multiple Capitol Hill office buildings have reportedly been evacuated

the vehicle on a pavement and told an officer who approached him that he had a bomb, while holding what appeared to be a detonator, Capitol Police Chief J Thomas Manger told a news conference.

Police communicated with Roseberry via a white board and used a robot to deliver

him a telephone, which he did not use, Chief Manger said. Roseberry then stepped out of the vehicle and surrendered.

"He gave up and did not resist and our folks were able to take him into custody without incident," Chief Manger said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Death toll from Burkina Faso attack rises to 80

T

he death toll from an attack on civilians and the military in northern Burkina Faso has risen to 80 people, the Government said in a statement on Thursday.

The attack occurred on Wednesday when Islamist militants raided a civilian convoy that was being escorted by military police near the town of Arbinda, the latest in a spate of attacks across West Africa's Sahel region this month.

Fifty-nine civilians, six pro-Government militiamen and 15 military Police were killed, the Government and the military said on Thursday.

The initial death toll was put at 47 on Wednesday.

Security forces said 80 militants were also killed.

Violence in the Sahel, a band of arid land that borders the south edge of the

Sahara Desert, has intensified in recent years despite the presence of thousands of United Nations, regional and Western troops.

The violence, centred on the borderlands of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, has killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions since 2018.

On Monday, armed men killed 37 civilians, including 14 children, in an attack on a village in Niger. An attack in central Mali on Thursday killed 15 soldiers.

The Sahel was thrown into chaos by the takeover in 2012 of northern Mali by militants linked to Al Qaeda.

France intervened the following year to push them back. But armed Islamists have regrouped and expanded their operations, making large areas of the Sahel ungovernable. (Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Reach out to people who share your concerns, and you’ll form a tight bond. Nurture a meaningful relationship by physically showing how much you care. Change isn’t necessary, but agreement is.

Set your sights on what you want, and put thought into how you will get your plans in motion. A discussion with someone in a superior position will help bring about positive change.

Use everything available to ensure you do the best job possible. Listen to suggestions and develop ideas that help you cover every potential problem. Refuse to let anyone lead you astray.

You’ll have to do things differently if you want to stand out and outsmart the competition. A passionate approach to your responsibilities will help you gain respect. Step outside your comfort zone.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Forge ahead. Engage in physical work, and you will feel productive and closer to reaching your goal. Observe what others are doing, but don’t feel compelled to follow someone else.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Speak pointedly and you will resolve issues quickly, leaving more time to socialize and enjoy yourself with friends and relatives. An understanding you have with a loved one will help you decide how or where to live.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t settle for less than what you want and deserve.

When one door closes, another will open. Be true to yourself, and go after what you want. It’s up to you to take responsibility for your happiness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Keep your life simple and meddlers at a distance. Look for the path that satisfies your needs and makes you feel good about where you put your time, money and effort. Seek the company of stimulating people.

SAGITTARIUS Get things done on time.

An opportunity to spend time (Nov. 23with a friend or relative will Dec. 21) lead to a reunion with someone you haven’t seen for some time. A colorful life story will spark your imagination.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Yesterday's Word -- Overlap

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Take precautions to avoid injury or illness. Use your intelligence to ward off an argument. Make adjustments that help you save money. Don’t pay for something that isn’t your responsibility.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Think big, but don’t go over budget. Pay more attention to how you look and feel. Be direct with someone you love regarding your intentions, then make plans.

PISCES

Look on the bright side.

It will be easier to get things done and win favors if you seek out those who have something to contribute to your plan. A positive change regarding money looks promising.

(Feb. 20March 20)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

21

Seonarine, Dhaniram propel WI Over-50s to final

A

devastating spell of off-spin bowling from Berbician Vejai Seonarine, which saw him capture four wickets for 11 runs in his nineover spell, and a responsible innings of 60 from his countryman Sudesh Dhaniram ensured Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA) Over-50s advance to the final of the trilateral series involving themselves, hosts Canada and the USA. In Wednesday’s encounter, played at the picturesque Danville ground in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, the WI Over50s thrashed USA by 67 runs, after reaching a challenging 178 all out in 44.3 overs and dismissing their counterparts for 111 off 43.2 overs.

Vejai Seonarine (left) and Sudesh Dhaniram

Both teams were unbeaten up to yesterday, each having made light work of Canada on Monday and Tuesday respectively. The format will however see USA and Canada clash in today’s semi-final, and

the winner battling with the WI Over-50s in the championship game tomorrow.

This victory will serve as a welcome rest for the WI Over50s, who have played four straight days since arriving in

Sudesh Dhaniram receiving the Man-of-the-Match award

Canada.

Wednesday’s much anticipated clash petered out into a one-sided affair after

Kenya strikes double gold – Tebogo makes 100m history for Botswana …Jamaica’s Clayton shines

T

he battle for superiority between East Africa’s athletics powerhouses, Kenya and Ethiopia, was reignited in full force as the men’s 5000m final, women’s 3000m final and men’s 1500m heats featured on Thursday (19), day two of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi.

After Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku stole the show on day one by inspiring a 1-2 for his country in the men’s 3000m, the host country came battle ready this time around, leaving no stone unturned to ensure they won

and Martin Magengo Kiprotich leading the first two laps. By the third lap, Worku led the charge for Ethiopia and overtook the Ugandans, while his teammate Addisu Yihune kept close. By the fourth lap the Ethiopians and Kenyans had distinguished themselves from the rest of the field with a 10-metre gap between both sides.

An unrelenting Worku maintained the lead almost all the way through to the final lap, briefly losing the lead to Kenya’s Benson Kiplangat a couple of times, who had his compatriot

Kenya’s Benson Kiplangat

both gold medals at stake in the men’s 5000m final and women’s 3000m final.

Despite the lack of fans at the stadium, the host team along with the volunteers and local media at the Kasarani Stadium ensured that the Kenyan athletes had more than enough moral support to push them to gold, starting with the 5000m which had an interesting formation of 10 athletes comprising two each from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Eritrea, plus a South Sudanese athlete and one athlete from Burundi.

At the sound of the gun the athletes went out in pairs with Uganda's Rodgers Kibet

Levy Kibet right behind him.

Yihune faded with two laps to go, making it a three-man race when the bell went off. Worku tried to go all out but at the last bend was overtaken by Kiplangat who stormed to sweet victory in a personal best of 13:20.37 as Worku followed in 13:20.65.

Kibet settled for bronze, also in a personal best of 13:26.01.

Kenya’s second victory of the day was secured by Teresiah Muthoni Gateri who became the first woman from her country since 2012 to win gold in the 3000m. Ethiopia’s Melknat Wudu pushed hard but Gateri went past her in the final lap to win the race in 8:57.78, blowing kisses to

Jamaica’s Tina Clayton (C)

her supporters as she crossed the finish line.

Fellow Kenyan Zenah Jemutai Yego followed in second, and she could hardly hide her delight, pumping her fists in the air as it dawned on her that she had won the silver medal. Wudu settled for bronze in a personal best of 9:00.12.

Another event Kenya dominated was the men’s 1500m heats, with the four fastest in each of the two heats and the next four fastest advancing to the next round.

Meanwhile, it was a historic night for Botswana as the country won its first ever 100m medal at the World U20 Championships, or any global championship for that matter. Having clocked two national U20 records the previous day, Letsile Tebogo had already cemented his place as the man to beat and he did not falter, despite the harsh conditions caused by rainfall.

Although he left the blocks a little late, the 18-year-old had enough steam to power to his first global title with a time of 10.19. South Africa’s Benjamin Richardson won the silver in 10.28 as Cuba’s Shainer Rengifo Montoya was more than happy with his bronze medal which he claimed with 10.32.

“I had to finish what I already started," said Tebogo. "I’m really proud of myself because we need to change how the books are. Now Botswana has their first

gold medal from the World U20 Championships.

"I know the people back home are very happy. This gold medal is for my mum, my coach and personal trainer. I can’t celebrate yet because I have the 200m tomorrow. Having the gold medal in the 100m is an advantage because some of my rivals are really scared since they do not know what I’m going to do in the 200m."

Jamaica’s 17-year-old Tina Clayton was in a class of her own in the women’s 100m final, maintaining her unbeaten run all through the championships to take the gold medal with a personal best of 11.09, bettering her former time of 11.17 set while racing to gold at the NACAC U18 Championships in San Jose last month.

Namibia’s Beatrice Masilingi took the silver in 11.39 while Switzerland’s Melissa Gutschmidt pipped Nigeria’s Praise Ofoku to the bronze medal, clocking a time of 11.51.

"The feeling is unexplainable," said Clayton. "It's really good to win this gold medal and register a personal best time.

"I am really grateful for the support offered to me by my parents and coaches and I know they are really proud of me after this result. It feels good to know that Jamaica has successfully defended this title after Briana Williams won it in 2018." (World Athletics)

Seonarine, who also bamboozled Canada in claiming four for 12 on Tuesday, was again in menacing form with the ball, making the USA batsmen find it hard to negotiate him on a turning pitch. Once Mohan Harihar (two for 21) had removed the two openers, the way was cleared for Seonarine to clean up the middle-order.

Earlier, former Guyana opener Sudesh Dhaniram shared in two important partnerships, 60 for the fourth wicket with his brother Sunil (23), and 45 with Seonarine (16). The Dhaniram brothers came together at 45 for three in the 16th over, after opener Daniel Sadeo (27) had dominated an opening stand of 38 with Krishna Harricharran (12), and Shivnauth Seeram had departed for four.

The Port Mourant-born Sadeo struck three fours before he was adjudged lbw to left-arm spinner Sanjay Pandya.

With Sudesh Dhaniram looking in excellent form, the WI Over-50s seemed destined to get past the 200-run mark, but following the loss of Sunil, Seonarine, and later himself at 167 for six, the rest of the batting subsided, and five wickets tumbled for a mere 28 runs as no other batsman reaching double figures. Sudesh’s knock included three fours.

Medium fast bowler Monesh Khan, who caused the early damage, ended with four for 37 from his nine overs, while the impressive Pandya finished with three for 23 from his nine overs.

Today’s final will be followed by a presentation ceremony.

MMZ crush New York Warriors in NYNCL 40-overs tournament

Terrence Madramootoo

M

eten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) have defeated New York Warriors by 33 runs in the New York National Cricket League 40-overs competition.

Troy Mayers, who contributed 45, and Mohamed Shaw's 43 took MMZ to 2149 in their allotted 35 overs.

Other contributions came from Kelvin Shewprasad, who made 38, and Andy Mohammed, who scored 20. Bowling for New York Warriors, Robin Das picked up 3-32, while Mohammed Nazu claimed 3-29.

Mohammed Shaw

In reply, New York Warriors could manage only 181 all out, after Terrence Madramootoo claimed 4-48 and Looknauth Chinkoo took 3-10. Keith Edie, Shewprasad and Matthew Lutchean each took one wicket for MMZ. The New York Warriors’ poor batting effort was led by captain Sreejon Hussain, who scored 61.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

L

ess than five days after playing one of the most memorable Test matches in recent history – which the West Indies won by a mere wicket - West Indies and Pakistan will again take to the field today (Friday, 20 August)

Pakistan might bring in a couple of changes if they also want to go with the all-pacers strategy, which would mean Yasir Shah would have to sit out the second match.

The bowlers might have hogged most of the limelight

Final Test bowls off today West Indies had scraped through by the barest of margins to register a thrilling one-wicket win against Pakistan in the first Test of this series.

Put in to bat first, Pakistan were knocked over for just 217 on a pacer-friendly Sabina Park track. Fawad Alam was the only batter to cross the 50run mark for the visitors, but he did find some support from Faheem Ashraf and Babar.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s 97 and Jason Holder’s 58 ensured Windies got a crucial 36run lead in the first innings.

The rest of the batters had no answer for Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Abbas’s masterful bowling, which accounted for seven wickets between

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SERVICE West Indies are searching for a clean sweep

them.

Playing in just his third Test, Jayden Seales registered his first five-for to restrict Pakistan to 203, setting West Indies a target of 168. Babar was almost the lone warrior in

Pakistan are playing for pride, to draw the series

to play the second and final game of the series.

Since the second Test would also be played at Sabina Park in Jamaica, both teams could opt to go with an allpace bowling lineup, considering that the spinners had gone wicketless in the first game.

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite could look to off-spinner Roston Chase to provide some variety, and bring in another fast bowler, perhaps Alzarri Joseph, to complete the pace quartet.

in the first Test, but what was also highlighted is how important it is for batters to grind it out in difficult conditions, especially in low-scoring encounters such as these.

While several batters on both sides got off to starts, they could not convert any of those into big scores.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Babar Azam, who led from the front in the first game, would want the rest of the batting lineup to get their act together in this final Test.

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Jayden Seales is aiming to build on his success

the third innings, as his fellow batsmen failed to convert their starts into big scores.

The drama of the Test match really unfolded on day four in the final innings. The control of the match swung from one side to another throughout – Pakistan struck early, as Windies were reduced to 16/3 before Jermaine Blackwood’s fifty wrested control back in favour of the hosts.

Pakistan bowlers fought back valiantly to dismiss Blackwood and Holder in a span of four overs. A crucial unbeaten knock of 30 from Kemar Roach proved to be the difference between the two sides, as Windies registered full 12 points on the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 table.

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Big Star CC calling for PSG undecided about upgraded cricket ground Messi debut on Friday

Patrick Gray

Current state of the Big Star ground

T

he Big Star Cricket Club is known for producing fearsome fast-bowlers over the years.

Former Guyana Under-19 pacer Sylus Tyndall, Melroy Barkley and Royden Gray are among those who eventually left the club, or moved away from cricket for different reasons.

Among those reasons is the lack of recognition the talented players experience, and the condition of the ground. This cricket club, located at Ulverston Village, Corentyne Berbice approximately two minutes’ drive from Whim, has been left in a state of disrepair. Longserving executive member of the Big Star Cricket Club, Patrick Gray, is a concerned man who is calling for an upgrade to this facility that exposes talented athletes.

“Big Star ground needs a lot of development. We need a pavilion, we need our ground to full up at the back,

P

Lionel Messi (right) is in full training with PSG and is eligible to make his debut when called upon

aris have

Messi make

Royden Gray celebrating

and the fence needs to be repaired. Once we get that, we would do wonders, because we produce a lot of fast bowlers for Berbice but were not given a fair deal, that is why the club has dropped back a bit. We are asking the Government to help look after the ground,” Gray has said.

The ground was fenced years ago under the administration of President Donald Ramotar.

In addition to the cricketers this club has produced, Gray said, during the school sports season, athletes have used the ground to prepare themselves for competition.

“This ground produced a

lot of top junior athletes in the country over the years, and for us to travel and use other grounds, we can save on transportation and make use of our facility,” Gray added.

The Big Star Cricket Club has, over the years, played at all junior levels in Berbice Cricket Board-organised tournaments, and played second division tournaments.

With the BCB’s new season looming, once the weather permits and there is full adherence to all COVID-19 protocols, including vaccination, Big Star Cricket Club would be hoping to participate in the new season. (Brandon Corlette)

St-Germain yet to decide if Lionel would h i s

much-anticipated debut in Friday’s Ligue 1 game at Brest.

Messi, 34, sixt i m e Ballon d ’ O r winner, j o i n e d PSG on a free transfer last week, after leaving Barcelona because of their financial difficulties.

He has yet to play a game since winning the Copa America with Argentina - but is in full training with PSG. “We haven’t decid-

ed the squad yet,” boss Mauricio Pochettino has said. “We will assess whether Messi can be a part of it. Everything is positive. There is a good atmosphere in the squad, and he has settled in well a n d quickly.

There i s a very g o o d feeling.”

Pochettino has played down rumours that France forward Kylian Mbappe could join Real Madrid this summer.

“Mbappe is our player, and I want him to be here this s e a son,” said Pochettino.

“He has another year left on his contract.

Even if he doesn’t renew it, he is still a PSG player, and we are very pleased with him; and from what I can understand, he is pleased with us.

“He is very calm, and preparing well for tomorrow’s game.” (BBC Sport)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Newest GAW members eager to contribute to success

By Jemima Holmes

G

udakesh Motie and Nial Smith have both been added to the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2021 season of the

5 matches. One gets a good feeling just to know that these two firebrands have been picked up by local franchise the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Guyana Times Sport sat

Nial Smith

Caribbean Premier League, and both will bolster the bowling department.

Although these two players would be bringing contrasting styles to the table, Motie being a left arm spinner and Smith a left arm medium pacer, one thing guaranteed is that they would be taking wickets.

As standouts in the Regional Super-50 2021 tournament, Motie picked up 17 wickets in 17 games, while Smith had 8 scalps in

down with these homegrown talents for a brief chat, in which they shared their expectations for the Regional Franchise tournament that is just one week away.

Questioned about their reactions to being handpicked as part of the GAW 2021 outfit, it is safe to say that ‘excitement’ and ‘gratitude’ were their first emotions.

“It was a good feeling, you know! This is any youngster’s dream; you

want to play for the Amazon Warriors. when I got the news, I felt glad to be part of the Amazon Warriors this year,” Nial Smith answered.

And Motie related, “Firstly, I’m thankful for the opportunity. I was really excited when I got the call from Mr Bobby. I was really excited and up for the challenge.”

The local group in the franchise were able to get their proverbial gears oiled during a practice camp last week, and for the pair that have just been inducted into the GAW family, it truly feels like home.

Smith shared, “So far, we’ve been around the local guys, we haven’t been around the international guys; they’ll be travelling to St. Kitts. When we get there, I’ll finally know how it feels to be around the international guys. But now it feels like family, it feels like the same Guyana Jaguars team.”

Motie concurred by saying, “It feels like home because most of the guys I grew up playing cricket with. I’m looking forward to learn as much as possible from the international players.”

Like any other player who is just now taking a step into the international world, both the spinner and pacer are looking to make their mark at the 9th edition of the Hero CPL. Eager to be handed the ball when the Warriors begin their title hunt on August 26, Motie is hoping to one- up his remarkable Super 50 spoils.

“I’m really looking forward to continue doing the same work that I did

Tickets for Hero CPL 2021 to go on sale today

T

CPL’s ticket price list, indicating availability and days when matches are closed to fans

ickets for the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) go on sale on Friday 20 August at www.cplt20. com and at the box office at Warner Park, Basseterre.

The tournament gets underway on the 26 August, with all matches taking place at Warner Park in St Kitts.

There will be 25 matches which the public are able to attend across 16 game days.

All those who wish to attend matches would have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and proof of vac-

cination status would be required to gain entry into the venue.

Hero CPL fans will have the chance to watch more than one match on seven game days, giving even more value for their money.

Tickets will start from just US$10, with all parts of the ground very competitively priced.

There will be strict COVID-19 protocols for all fans entering the stadium, and details of what ticket holders can expect when they arrive at the stadium

are available on CPL’s website.

St Kitts & Nevis is open to visitors, and those wishing to travel to watch Hero CPL matches will be able to do so as long as they are fully vaccinated and follow the arrival protocols and procedures laid out by the local authorities.

The full details of the protocols that they would need to follow can also be viewed on the tournament’s site.

Fans wishing to purchase tickets can do so by visiting www.cplt20.com.

(CPLT20)

Gudakesh Motie

throughout the Super 50.

I’m looking forward to it,” the Berbician bowler has said.

He added, “If I do get the opportunity, I’m just looking to make the most out of it and make a name for myself in CPL.” On the same topic, Smith expressed, “I’ve only been around in the senior level maybe two to three years now. Mostly I’m looking to learn from the other guys,

O

lympian Aleka Persaud has her sights set on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Games, and will now have the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to help make her dreams of competing at another Olympics come true.

The 15-year-old swimmer became the country’s youngest-ever Olympian when she qualified and competed at the games of the 32nd Olympiad in Tokyo, Japan.

Persaud didn’t just participate at the Olympics in Tokyo; her time of 27.76 seconds in the Women’s 50 metres freestyle was also a national record.

Persaud finished second in her heat, and while the time wasn’t fast enough to see her through the semi-finals in Tokyo,

the senior guys.”

According to Gudakesh Motie, he won’t be fazed by the presence or absence of fans, whom CPL has promised would be at 50% capacity. Smith is similarly looking forward to the on-field action with the fans at home in mind.

“Yeah, we always want the fans to back us, but we also know that we have the crowd back home; so, we’re just looking forward to play.

You just have to focus on what’s in front of you, you just can’t worry about the crowd. But we know we have fans backing us,” Smith explained.

The Hero CPL 2021 bowls off next Thursday, August 26, with a blockbuster opening game that sees the Guyana Amazon Warriors taking on old rivals the Trinbago Knight Riders.

The encounter begins at 10am local time.

the Guyanese swimming prodigy showed signs that, with the right support, she can be a force to be reckoned with.

Upon her return to Guyana, Persaud, along with her Coach Sean Baksh, spoke profoundly of the support needed to advance the swimmer’s ability to compete with the best in the world.

Those calls didn’t fall to deaf ears. Persaud met with Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, and NSC Chairman Kashif Muhammad in the company of her coach and President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Dwayne Scott.

“We understand that she’s maybe the best that came out of Guyana for some time, and we would want to make sure that this is not a ‘one stop’, whereby we support, but that we continue to support her over the years towards the 2024 Olympics,” Ninvalle said.

Coming out of the meeting, Ninvalle disclosed that the N S C

would start with Persaud’s preparation for the Junior Pan Am Games in Cali, Colombia later this year.

The Director of Sport pointed out that a detailed plan has been presented to the NSC, and a commitment was made that would see the Commission investing in Persaud’s future.

Ninvalle highlighted, “Yes, we would want other athletes to come forward.

If we have a proposal that we can study, the NSC will do that, and where we find (it) justified, then we would make sure that the support is forthcoming.

“We have just started, there’s a lot more work for us to do, but we want to make sure that, whatever we do, we can justify why we have been supporting. It is not by one person, we have a team of people working; we’re pooling our ideas and we’re also listening to the Associations,” Ninvalle said.

The country’s Director of Sport isn’t keen on paying attention to how things used to be in regard to how sport was being administered from the level of the Commission. He has said, “we’re moving forward, and we will encourage each and every association to have a discussion with us. It doesn’t mean that we will have to reach out to each and every association. The association can reach out to us too; it must be a 5050 way.”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2021

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

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Newest GAW members eager to contribute to success

NSC commits to supporting swimming prodigy

Page 23 Chairman of the NSC, Kashif Muhammad, making a presentation to Aleka Persaud in the Boardroom of the National Sports Commission in the presence of GASA President Dwayne Scott, Coach Sean Baksh and Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

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Tickets for Hero CPL 2021 to go on sale today

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