Guyana Times - Friday, August 5, 2022

Guyana receives 1st batch of P16 black belly sheep from Barbados

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

Issue No. 5091

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

Govt exploring commercial arm of Guyana’s Air Corps

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Assistant CEO to be appointed to improve literacy – P11 Minister …says some students left NGSA Paper 2 blank

P10 Linden pensioner’s home goes up in flames

Page 3

…President Ali wants to build premier service Snatching of Speaker’s Mace

Judge denies request for suspended APNU/AFC MPs to attend Parliament 3 dead after log-laden truck turns turtle See story on page 2

See story on page 13

ISA Committee Meeting

Craft realistic plan to fund transition to renewable energy – President Ali

See story on page 7

…says US$11B needed to unlock Caricom’s potential …as US helps Guyana examine its hydropower potential

Teen chased, stabbed to P10 death

61 new COVID-19 cases recorded; 1 in ICU P9 All access dams will be fixed – Agri Minister to Corentyne P15 rice farmers …says inclement weather affecting maintenance works

Digicel Guyana launches LTE service in P14 Lethem

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Snatching of Speaker’s Mace

Judge denies request for suspended APNU/AFC MPs to attend Parliament A

request made by lawyer Selwyn Pieters, for eight APNU-AFC Members of Parliament (MPs) to attend sittings of the National Assembly despite their being suspended by the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges for unacceptable behaviour, has been denied by High Court Judge Damone Younge.

minded to grant any interim order without having considered Nandlall’s Notice of Application (NoA). In that application, the Attorney General is seeking an order granting an extension of time to file and serve an Application in Defence to the MPs’ amended FDA filed on July 28.

The Opposition MPs have

recommendations were based on video recordings, statements by staff of the Parliament Office and the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), eyewitness accounts by other Members of the House, media reporters, and the public, both locally and internationally.

Additionally, each Opposition Member had

Parliament who were present…”

According to them, they had specifically requested that the Committee of Privileges identify to them the Standing Orders or privileges they supposedly violated, as this was essential if they were to effectively exercise the opportunity to show cause.

that their likely suspension is part and parcel of an unconstitutional scheme and/ or device by the Government to utilise its majority in the National Assembly to silence and to reduce the numbers of sitting Parliamentary Opposition Members of Parliament.

The Clerk of the National Assembly has since written

Opposition Chief Christopher Jones

Anette Ferguson

Ganesh Mahipaul

Vinceroy Jordan

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

Maureen Philadelphia

Natasha Singh-Lewis

Sherod Duncan

been granted until August 8 to file an Affidavit in Answer to the AG’s NoA. Arguments

been written to and asked to “show cause” why sanctions should not be meted out to them. Their responses were received and considered by the Committee. With these on hand, the Committee “found that the named MPs were in violation of the Standing Orders and established Customs and Practices regarding acceptable behaviour of Members in the Assembly.” It therefore determined that the appropriate sanction available for the National Assembly to impose is suspension from service in the House.

They complained that at no time were they invited to appear before the Committee of Privileges to be allowed a hearing, nor were they told what action of theirs had violated established customs and practices regarding acceptable behaviour of MPs. The parliamentarians have argued that the report of the Committee of Privileges would be a published record that would forever inevitably affect their character and reputation. They argued that any suspension would further hinder them from representing the people who elected them to sit in the National Assembly, and would also prevent Mahipaul from functioning as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

They contend, inter alia, that “any suspension will deprive (them) of their full salaries and of the opportunity to be representatives of the National Assembly and people of Guyana at national, regional, and international forums.”

Further, they submitted

the Members of Parliament, informing them that during the period of their suspension, they would not be paid salaries and allowances, and would not be entitled to some of the other benefits enjoyed by other Members of the House.

Besides Pieters, the suspended MPs are being represented by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde and Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan, who are both Opposition MPs.

High Court Judge Damone Younge

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, Ganesh Mahipaul, Sherod Duncan, Natasha SinghLewis, Annette Ferguson, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Maureen Philadelphia were officially suspended last month for participating in the infamous grabbing of the Speaker’s Mace and disrupting the sitting of the National Assembly on December 29, 2021.

The next sitting of the National Assembly is on Monday, August 8.

Following investigations, the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges delivered its report in mid-July, recommending the suspension of eight Opposition

suspension in the High Court.

Against Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC; House Speaker Manzoor Nadir; and Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, they are seeking, among other things, a declaration that the report of the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges is unconstitutional, null, void, and of no legal effect; and that their suspension is a breach of the principles of natural justice because their rights, as guaranteed under Article 144 (8) of the Constitution, have been infringed.

Further, they are seeking an order suspending any decision, resolution, or other determination made by the National Assembly to suspend them; and a further order that they be allowed to perform their duties until they have been afforded the right to be heard before the Parliamentary Sessional Select Committee of Privileges, pending the hearing and determination of their case.

During a hearing of their Fixed Date Application

Whip

‘Unaware’

Members of the A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change removed the Speaker’s Mace at a sitting of the National Assembly on December 29, 2021, during the debate on the Local Content Bill

MPs for violating Standing Orders and established customs and practices regarding acceptable behaviour of Parliamentarians.

The suspended MPs are, however, challenging their

(FDA) on Thursday, Justice Damone Younge said that while she has heard submissions from the respective parties, at this stage of the proceedings, she is not

on the application for an extension of time will be heard on August 10.

Suspension

According Committee’s

to report,

the its

Notwithstanding, the APNU-AFC Parliamentarians, in legal documents seen by this publication, contend that they are “unaware of any act of ours on the day in question falling in the category of gross disorderly conduct, contempt, and breaches of privileges, and that to the best of our recollection, on the day in question, our posture was no different from all other Members of

Privilege Motion

The Committee of Privileges was tasked with considering a Privilege Motion which stated that the eight Opposition Members, in attempting to prevent the second and third readings of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill, No 20 of 2021, conducted themselves in a gross, disorderly, contumacious and disrespectful manner, and repeatedly ignored the authority of the National Assembly and that of the Speaker, thereby committing contempt and breaches of privileges.

TURN TO PAGE 8

NEWS

3

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, August 5 – 10:00h-11:30h and Saturday, August 6 – 23:00h-00:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, August 5 – 09:05h-10:35h and Saturday, August 6 – 10:05h-11:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day.

Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to North North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 09:48h and 22:12h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.40 metres.

Low Tide: 15:42h reaching a minimum height of 0.89 metre.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

08 14 16

22 23 28

27

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

01 02 06 21 22 LUCKY 3

3

7

2

16 9

Afternoon Draw

8

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 07 10 11 16 18 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

01 04 09 14 17 13

01 03 12 15 17

1

0 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

9

8 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$94.26/barrel

+0.15

Rough Rice

$311.85/ton

+0.09

London Sugar

$528.00/ton

-0.21

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1792.10

$1793.10

Low/High Change

$1769.10 +0.90

$1795.80 +0.05

Govt exploring commercial arm of Guyana’s Air Corps – President Ali …wants to build premier service

W

ith the aim of establishing an Air Corps that is the “go to” in the Region, the Guyana Government is currently looking to integrate the civil aviation sector and the Guyana Defence Force’s Air Corps with the aim of commercialising the service.

This was revealed by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali while addressing the ranks of the Air Corps at the Air Corps Hangar in Timehri on Thursday. He explained that his visit was to conduct an on-the-spot analysis in order to get an understanding of how integrated things were within the Air Corps and identify the gaps that have to be filled to bring the entity up to world-class standard.

According to the Head of State, his Government will work to ensure that the Air Corps becomes the best in its class, providing training for persons transitioning into the aviation sector.

“I want Air Corps Guyana to be the premier Air Corps in the Region. This must be the go-to Air Corps for any country in the Region seeking training or seeking to build their capacity… This will now be the new training ground for people who will transition into civilian aviation in the future, having the technical skills and technical capability. This has to be the premier institution,” he stated.

This will necessitate the establishment of an academy. Additionally, the plan is to build a skills-development programme that can be integrated into Government’s scholarship programme, the national training programme and ultimately, integrated with the regional programme.

President Ali noted that he wanted to be able to go to regional Heads of State and present a detailed plan on how Guyana intended to transition its Air Corps, in order to get their commitment that they would utilise the academy for all their aviation training as well as flying needs.

To this end, the Commander-in-Chief pointed out that the standards within the Air Corps would no longer be for the GDF, but would be tailored to be “best in class”. However, he pointed out that this would require the involvement and cooperation of all stakeholders.

“So, today is about working to get to those standards, it’s about understanding each of you and where you were thinking, what you’re thinking and how you’re thinking because frankly speaking, we can’t make this investment if people are not ready to invest their future with us too.

It’s a two-way street, so we have to understand the gaps, and we have to work on filling those gaps. So, we are going to come up with an action

Commander-in-Chief, President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging ranks of the GDF Air Corps on Thursday

plan today,” he informed the ranks.

Commercial arm

Another major area the Guyana Government is currently looking at is whether to establish a military-operated commercial arm of the Air Corps, and if so, how to structure it. It is considering whether this arm should be only for emergency rescue missions, national support or the movement of goods and services.

“That decision has to be made, because in building what I’m imagining has to be built, requires a lot of resources. We can’t keep pumping capital resources into it.

We have to have a revenue stream to support what we’re going to do also,” Ali posited.

On this note, the Guyanese Leader stated that a decision would also have to be made on the equipment that must be invested in to carry out this service.

“We can’t invest in the King Air and it’s on the

ground 90 per cent of the time. The King Air must be a revenue earner for us. So, if there is VIP movement…, the King Air must be able to be deployed. The King Air must be able to be deployed if the oil sector has people who want a private jet going out. And it’s going to be profitable,” the Head of State asserted.

Currently, the GDF has a King Air 350 Beechcraft.

Back in 2020, a large sum was budgeted for the maintenance of the King Air to increase its aerial operational capacity.

The King Air Beechcraft is being upgraded to seat a maximum of eight passengers.

President Ali said that if operated efficiently, it could also be used to conduct commercial flights for the local oil and gas sector as well as the broader business community. He noted that this would be an excellent alternative to chartered flights.

“So, this is the type of

discussions that we want to have… This is about us making some important decisions as to where we want to position it. In my mind, I want to position it as the best Air Corps in the Region, and we’re already making the investment in human resources. We’re spending a lot of money,” he contended.

Moreover, with the GDF currently in the process of acquiring a chopper, President Ali said consideration would also be given as to how to integrate that effectively into this new plan.

Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Godfrey Bess; Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field (Retired); Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir, and other Government officials and senior ranks and officers of the GDF and the Air Corps were also at the engagement on Thursday. (G8)

4

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Do you see the benefits of CSR?

E

very business seeks to maximise its profit, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) would seem to contradict this logic by taking away some of the company’s resources.

At its heart, Corporate Social Responsibility is about an organisation taking responsibility for the impacts of its decisions and activities on all aspects of society, the community, and the environment. Corporate Social Responsibility is more than just donating money; it’s about contributing to the health and welfare of society, operating transparently and ethically. More importantly, this way of operating should be embedded in the business, rather than be an afterthought.

What many may not know is that Corporate Social Responsibility also helps to build a good corporate reputation.

In other words, companies agree to do more for society than simply create jobs and pay wages and taxes with the expectation of some reward, such as a good reputation or a competitive advantage in the local market.

Corporate philanthropy can serve to promote solidarity in a society where different groups agree on what is ethical and beneficial, according to the researchers. In societies built on this consensus model, CSR can smooth out the effects of economic inequality, and corporations voluntarily support public benefit projects to achieve this goal.

It can be understood that CSR helps in building a reputation as a responsible business and as a good citizen.

Keeping social responsibility at front of mind encourages businesses to act ethically, and to consider the social and environmental impacts of their activities. In doing so, organisations can avoid or mitigate detrimental impacts of their business on the community. In some cases, organisations would find ways to make changes in their services or value chain that actually deliver benefits for the community, where they once didn’t.

In addition, CSR supports public value outcomes; put simply, public value is about the value that an organisation contributes to society. A sound, robust Corporate Social Responsibility framework and organisational mindset can genuinely help organisations deliver public value outcomes by focusing on how their services can make a difference in the community.

This might happen indirectly, where an organisation’s services enable others to contribute to the community, or directly, through the organisation’s own activities, such as volunteerism and philanthropy.

Quite recently, a local company, in seeking to fulfil its CSR, donated a quantity of cash to the victims of a fire; a family of five was left homeless after the tragedy. This is commendable.

However, this was only one family in need of such assistance.

Another benefit of a strong Corporate Social Responsibility framework is that it is essential to building and maintaining trust between the company and clients. It can strengthen ties, build alliances, and foster strong working relationships with both existing and new clients. One way this can be achieved is by offering pro-bono or similar services, where a company can partner with not-for-profit organisations to support their public value outcomes where funds or resources may be limited.

In turn, this helps deliver public value outcomes that may not have been delivered otherwise. Studies have shown that a robust Corporate Social Responsibility framework can also help a company become more attractive to potential future employees who are looking for workplaces with socially responsible practices, community-mindedness and sound ethics.

The era of the social enterprises is upon us. More so than ever before, the most successful, respected, and desirable businesses exist to do much more than make money; they exist to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

Study after study has shown that socially responsible businesses (aka social enterprises) not only provide sustainable business models, but also have improved marketing, employee recruitment, employee satisfaction, legal treatment, customer loyalty, brand perception, and richer partnerships.

The questions that many local businesses need to consider are: Can corporate social responsibility help my organisation?

Do I see the benefits of CSR?

KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft of the South Korean Air Force’s 53rd Air Demonstration Group “Black Eagles” aerobatic team perform during the Pyramids Air Show 2022 at the Giza Pyramids Necropolis on the southwestern outskirts of the Egyptian capital (AFP photo)

It’s time we all come together to address the global food crisis

By Abdulla Shahid and Gabriel Ferrero de Loma-Osorio

A

s parents and global citizens, we are very worried about the costof-living crisis that the world is facing – the worst in over a generation. The interlinked shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and conflicts have thrown the global food, agricultural, financial and energy systems and markets into turmoil.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has added fuel to the already precarious poverty, hunger and malnutrition situation. Besides its tragic humanitarian toll, the war is extending human suffering to all corners of the world through widespread disruptions to the planting, harvesting, transport, and export of major agricultural commodities from the Black Sea region.

The war has also disrupted prices of and access to inputs like fuels and fertilisers. And in this context, we welcome the grain trade deal which offers a lifeline to millions, and strongly urge all parties to honour the agreement.

Even before the war, hunger and malnutrition were on the rise globally, with an unacceptable 823 million people going hungry in 2021 according to the recent edition of the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report by five United Nations agencies, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO); International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); World Food Programme (WFP) and World Health Organisation (WHO). That said, the war has pushed an additional 50 million people into severe hunger in 2022 across the world. With food prices continuing to rise, another 19 million people are expected to face chronic undernourishment globally in 2023.

These are not mere statistics but real people around the world, from Cairo to Caracas, Dhaka to Donetsk, who are going to bed hungry.

While everyone is squeezed by food price inflation, the poor are the hardest hit, especially in developing countries, where food accounts for half of a typical family’s budget. They are finding it more and more difficult to afford the food needed to nourish their families, and are being forced to reduce food intake, sell their productive assets, or take their children out of school.

As a result, we are seeing years of progress in reducing hunger and poverty reversed, undermining efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 while exacerbating inequalities.

The World Bank warns that the war in Ukraine is likely to plunge up to 95 million people into extreme poverty, making 2022 the second-worst year ever for poverty alleviation, behind only 2020.

The growing number of export bans and trade restrictions on wheat and other commodities are making the crisis worse. These actions are counterproductive and they must be reversed.

We are glad to note that representatives from more than 100 World Trade Organisation (WTO) member countries have recently taken action to step up their efforts to facilitate trade in food and agricultural products and reaffirmed the importance of refraining from export restrictions.

In addition, the Group of Seven, which includes major food exporters like Canada, the European Union, and the United States, has already pledged to avoid export bans and other trade-restrictive measures.

Food insecurity and malnutrition will remain a key challenge given the intensification of its drivers, including conflict, climate variability

and extremes, and economic slowdowns, combined with the high cost of nutritious foods and growing inequalities. In challenging circumstances like this, we are all called to come together, united in common responsibility, to address and solve the problem. As the UN Secretary General says: “It takes a world to fix the world.” For us, inaction is not an option.

We call on the international community to urgently support affected people, communities, and countries through coordinated action. We welcome and laud several initiatives that have been launched over the past months by Governments, institutions, and political fora. These are mobilising leadership, finances, political will, and a wide range of policy responses to the global food crisis.

To succeed, all of us must work together to ensure our actions to address the crisis converge. Millions of lives are at stake and the world’s most vulnerable do not have the luxury of time for duplication or wastage of efforts.

Priority policy responses

Thankfully, we know what we need to do, together, to raise our ambition and deliver concrete actions.

First, stepping up humanitarian response for those already in need. However, addressing this crisis and the vicious cycles it creates calls for an approach that looks at the emergency today with our focus firmly fixed on strengthening livelihoods against future shocks.

Second, urgent stabilisation of markets, debt, and commodity prices to immediately restore the availability, accessibility and affordability of food to enable all people everywhere to realise their right to food. We urge countries to continue releasing strategic food stockpiles and inputs into markets, minimise hoard-

ing and other speculative behaviour, and avoid unnecessary trade restrictions.

Third, encourage increased local production by family farmers, small-scale food producers, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives, as well as increased consumption of diverse food varieties; diversify sources of imported foods; and reduce food loss and food waste. Fourth, restore fertiliser availability ensuring sustained and affordable access by smallholders and family farmers. This should go handin-hand with transformation to sustainable and inclusive production as promoted by the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, including a commitment to increased efficiency in the use of energy and fertilisers, unleashing the potential of agroecology and other innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture.

Fifth, reinforce social protection systems needed to prevent vulnerable communities from sliding into poverty and furthering malnutrition.

Examples of such measures include the time-proven school meals programmes to address the impact of this crisis on children’s malnutrition, or cash transfer programmes to boost the purchasing power of poor households.

Sixth and last, countries need financial resources and the fiscal space to support strong national responses to the crisis. We need to fund existing international financing mechanisms; with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the international financial institutions (IFIs) playing an essential role. We urge countries that were proposing cuts to Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments to reconsider their decisions and instead respect the target to direct 0.7 per cent of their national incomes to ODA. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

5

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

Comparison of what APNU/ Drop hyperbole, remain AFC did in 2 years to what within the realm of fact PPP achieved in 2 years

Dear Editor, The date August 2nd, 2020 is a date to remember in Guyana, and it is ironic that after 5 long months of agony and suffering in defending our freedom and democracy, Dr Irfaan Ali was duly sworn in as the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, one day after Emancipation Day. The Coalition’s Mr David Granger was sworn in on May 16, 2015, and even though, in his inaugural speech, he had said that “you don’t need 5 days to get the election results”, the 2020 Elections’ results took 5 months. The former President had spoken of unifying the Guyanese people, but he failed miserably.

At the very inception, it was evident that the tale of these two Presidents and their Governments are diametrically opposed. Both promised that they would unify Guyana and would govern for all Guyanese, but after 2 years, it is crystal clear who delivered.

The Coalition fragmented the Guyanese people, as they sought wholesale neglect of those communities which are perceived as PPP/C support base. President Irfaan Ali has delivered on his ‘One Guyana’ vision by targeting socio-economic development equally across all ten Administrative Regions. Any perceived discrimination is certainly a figment of an overactive imagination.

Furthermore, that vision was again clearly manifested on Emancipation Day, when he embraced our AfroGuyanese brothers and sisters without any pretensions.

He was at one with them, and yet again his extended hand of friendship was spurned by the Opposition Leader. Mr Aubrey Norton has failed his people.

This ‘One Guyana’ vision is a great achievement. It has made tremendous progress in unifying our people.

President Ali’s Government must be applauded for making such progress in a country marred by racial politics, and the people are now beholding who are truly the culprits and perpetrators of racial division.

Both Presidents had promised to deliver on the promises of a good and better life for all Guyanese, as made on their respective campaign trails, but only President Ali delivered. At the very beginning, the Granger Administration was bent on self-aggrandisement.

They gave themselves humongous salary increases in order not to be tempted to steal and be corrupted, but they went to ‘work’ almost instantaneously in becoming ‘fat cats’.

The Ali Administration has ensured that each and every Guyanese benefited from all cash dispensation. Today, thousands of unemployed Guyanese are gainfully employed. Jobs are now created, not taken away from poor Guyanese.

During its term in office, the Coalition snatched away nearly thirty thousand jobs from poor Guyanese, throwing them into instant poverty.

During the Coalition’s tenure, people were struggling for house lots, and only the selected persons benefited. Today thousands of Guyanese are benefiting. In one shot, over 5,000 house lots were distributed after years of waiting at the International Building Expo.

But not only that, but these persons will also benefit from free steel and cement.

This Government is on target to deliver 50,000 house lots, as promised in its Manifesto.

The Coalition could only deliver 360 house lots in 5 years, and of this paltry sum, only 20 houses were built.

This Government has invested heavily in agriculture, and the massive investment will ensure that Guyana achieves food security, not only in traditional crops, but non-traditional high-value crops as well. This is the complete opposite of what the Coalition did. They trimmed the agriculture budget and mismanaged the sector. In the first 2 years, they damaged the sugar industry to such an extent that today billions have to be spent in order to get it back in a decent, operable condition.

Another term in Government and GuySuCo would have

been non-existent. GuySuCo was deliberately transformed into a ‘black hole’ by mismanagement and corruption by the Coalition. The squandering of the $30 billion Bond to revitalise and resuscitate GuySuCo was expended, and nothing achieved.

During its term in office, the Coalition depleted the Reserves, voraciously devoured the Contingency Fund, and displayed astronomical propensity for corruption and cronyism. The Durban Park massive corruption is well-documented. This Government has been investing billions in all the sectors, and there is transparency and accountability for every dollar spent, unlike the Coalition, whose corrupt practices were exposed repeatedly by the Public Accounts Committee and the Auditor General’s Report.

Let anyone provide documentary evidence of corruption, and not those fed by misguided perception and fake news.

Today, the health Sector is improving by leaps and bounds, and rehabilitation of existing hospitals and new ones are built in various regions. Only recently, the President turned the sod for a paediatric and maternal hospital costing $31.9 billion at Goedverwagting.

The Coalition squandered millions on storage of condoms, and siphoned off millions and later on targeted the Infectious Disease Hospital at Liliendaal. Even the health of the nation was not spared by the Coalition.

The Coalition taxed the citizenry to the hilt, by increasing taxes and introducing new ones whilst promising them the elusive ‘good life’. This Government did exactly the opposite.

The list of achievements of this Government is a long one, and space will not permit, but there is indeed a stark contrast between the Coalition and this Government. Whilst this Government delivered the good life, the Coalition provided a mirage.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Dear Editor, We are a remarkably free country when it comes to the public expression of opinions by small groups of people, who set themselves up to speak with political authority while representing no one in particular, and are given a platform in our national newspapers.

One such group defines itself as “Article 13”, who takes its name from an Article in our Constitution which provides “for the participation of citizens in the management and decision-making processes of the State”. This group has never, as far as I know, publicly declared its membership, or named a leader or an executive; preferring, it seems, to remain anonymous, yet presuming to speak with political authority on behalf of “Civil Society”.

In fact, I know some of them in this group, and regard them with some respect as individuals; and I know that, as individuals, they played an active and admirable part in opposing the attempt by the David Granger-led Government to rig the results of the last elections.

The question which I ask is, however: Should a small group without any evidence of significant popular support be taken seriously, using an Article of our Constitution to give them the right to pronounce upon the political performance of the elected Government of the day and the major Opposition?

It seems that one local newspaper, at least, takes them seriously enough to continuously publish what they say, not as a letter to the Editor, but as a legitimate article of news in the columns of the newspaper.

In Wednesday’s (3rd August) edition, this group is highly critical of the performance of the Government, while dismissing the APNU+AFC Opposition as “lackluster” and having little or no credibility.

It criticises the Government as having done little to advance “democracy, good governance, the rule of law and the country’s interest” without present-

It’s time we all come together...

Accelerators

Lessons from the 200708 food crisis, as well as from the COVID-19 pandemic more recently, show that meaningful and principled policy response should support country-led coping strategies that involve all of society: from farmers to consumers, civil society, and businesses, especially those most affected by the food crisis.

Gladly, we have seen many countries around the world, including those

that are affected most, put in place a raft of solutions to cushion their people against the crisis. These solutions should be encouraged and supported. The UN Secretary General’s Global Crisis Response Group is providing joint analysis and policy recommendations from the whole of the UN System.

We must ensure that our responses are consistent with and guided by the SDGs, which are the comprehensive blueprint for

sustainable development.

More importantly, we must remain committed to sustainable transformation of our food systems. Only then will we deliver sufficient, safe, affordable, and nutritious food for all people, provide employment and income particularly in rural areas, while at the same time fully respecting planetary boundaries.

The imperative to act on the transformation of our food systems is greater now than it was in September

FROM PAGE 4

2021 when the UN Food Systems Summit was held.

We must do everything possible to end this food crisis and forestall future ones.

We have the tools and resources to make it happen.

It is time to act together to ensure no one is left behind.

(Al Jazeera) (Abdulla Shahid is the 76th President of the United Nations General Assembly.

Gabriel Ferrero de LomaOsorio is the Chairperson of the UN Committee on World Food Security)

ing a scintilla of evidence to justify such a harsh criticism.

That the members of this group, whom I know to be serious people, and I believe are well-intentioned, should accuse our Government of having done little, for instance, to advance the country’s interest, which is patently and obviously and demonstratively untrue, is careless, irresponsible, and thoughtless.

This Government inherited an economy which was bankrupt from a Government which held on to office illegally for many months. The economy is now, within two years of the Government being in office, in good shape, but, like every other economy in the world, under severe threat from the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

There are massive shortages of food, for instance, across Africa and in parts of the Middle East, but not so here. The escalation in prices is no fault of the Government. Considerable tax relief to help reduce the rising cost of living has been granted by the Government, including the removal of VAT on essential food items.

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has shown remarkable initiative in driving collaboration with Caricom, and in particular Barbados, in hosting the Agriculture Expos and Exhibition, attended and supported by many of the Caricom Heads of Government.

Agro-processing facilities have been introduced

in a number of regions; a dairy milk production plant is about to be established; mutton production is hugely enhanced by the partnership with Barbados for blackbelly sheep rearing in Guyana, to cite a few examples of Government’s efforts to ensure food security for our country.

To criticize the Government for not meeting its constitutional obligations is unfair and unreasonable when the Government is faced with a totally unapproachable Opposition, refusing consultation and intent on destabilising the country by foul means if permitted; yet, the Integrity, the Police, Judicial and Public Procurement Commissions have been appointed.

To criticise the Local Content Bill 2021, though far from perfect and requiring modification in ongoing collaboration with the Private Sector, as “bungled” and “in disarray” is a gross exaggeration. To blame the Government for the failure of GECOM, an independent body, for not having yet scheduled Local Government Elections is patently unfair and wrong.

So, if the Article 13 group, however small and unimportant it may be, wishes to be taken seriously and play a decisive role in the “decision making processes of the State”, it need to drop the hyperbole and remain within the realm of fact.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Friday, August 5, 2022

06:00H 06:30H 07:00H 08:00H 09:00H 10:00H 11:00H 11:30H 12:00H 13:30H 14:00H 14:30H 15:00H 16:00H 16:30H 17:00H 18:00H 19:00H 20:00H 20:30H 21:00H 23:00H 23:30H 00:00H

(Sign on) Inspirational Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering MasterChef Junior House Hunter Renovation Paternity Court Divorce Court Movie - Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (2022) Wheel of Fortune The Thundermans S4 E18 Liv and Maddie S2 E1 Indian Soaps Henry Danger S1 E4 Inspector Gadget The Young & The Restless CNN The Evening News Stop Suffering Brooklyn Nine-Nine S5 E9 Friday Night Smackdown The Ranch S4 E9 Whose Line Is It Anyway? S15 E7 Sign off

6

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Proportions and cross-multiplying

A proportion is a problem that contains two ratios that are equal. In a proportion problem, one of the numerators or one of the denominators is not known. The met6hod for finding the missing numerator or denominator is called cross-multiplying.

Exercises: Solve CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY

Remember

When you divide both sides of an equation by the same number, the expressions on both sides remain equal.

Exercises: Solve for x

Friday’s answers:

1) 10/4 of a dollar = $2.50 2) 25/3 of a kilometre = 8.33 kilometres 3) 3/15 or 1/5 of a kg 4) 6/3 of a kg= 2 tonnes 5) 8/23 6) 4 and 4/5 slices

But about midnight, when the robbers saw from afar that the lights were out and that all seemed quiet, they began to think that they had been in too great a hurry to run away; and one of them, who was bolder than the rest, went to see what was going on. Finding everything still, he marched into the kitchen, and groped about till he found a match in order to light a candle; and then, espying the glittering fiery eyes of the cat, he mistook them for live coals, and held the match to them to light

By the Brothers Grimm it. But the cat, not understanding this joke, sprang at his face, and spat, and scratched at him. This frightened him dreadfully, and away he ran to the back door; but there the dog jumped up and bit him in the leg; and as he was crossing over the yard the ass kicked him; and the cock, who had been awakened by the noise, crowed with all his might. At this the robber ran back as fast as he could to his comrades, and told the captain how a horrid witch had got into the house, and had spat at him and scratched his

face with her long bony fingers; how a man with a knife in his hand had hidden himself behind the door, and stabbed him in the leg; how a black monster stood in the yard and struck him with a club, and how the devil had sat upon the top of the house and cried out, “Throw the rascal up here!” After this the robbers never dared to go back to the house; but the musicians were so pleased with their quarters that they took up their abode there; and there they are, I dare say, at this very day.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ISA Committee Meeting

Craft realistic plan to fund transition to renewable energy – President Ali …says US$11B needed to unlock Caricom’s potential …as US helps Guyana examine its hydropower potential

President Dr Irfaan Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali, his cabinet Minister and other Government officials with respective Ministers from various Caribbean and Latin American countries

W

ith the Caribbean region moving its development in a low carbon and climate- resilient way, President Dr Irfaan Ali, while delivering remarks at the Fourth Regional

Community (Caricom) is estimated at a whopping US$16 billion, and President Ali pointed out that US$11 billion is needed over the next decade to unlock the region’s renewable energy potential.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips

Committee Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for Latin America on Thursday, charged policymakers to implement a realistic pathway to finance this transition.

The renewable energy market in the Caribbean

To acquire these funds, he has urged countries to tap into their abundance of natural resources, noting that Barbados, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Brazil will play a key role in achieving this target.

He said the funds earned

from Caribbean nations utilising their natural resources should be used to finance mitigation and adaptation measures for climate change, which severely affects small island developing states (SIDS).

“This region cannot ignore its natural assets; there are some natural assets that we have that we will have to deploy. We must deploy (them) for the advancement of our people, and raise the finances that are necessary for adaptation and mitigation.

Let us face it, we are no way close to meeting five percent of the adaptation and mitigation costs for the developing world. Who is going to finance it? There is no clear pathway where that financing is coming from. Loans are not the sustainable answer, especially when it is variable interest rates’ loans.”

Not cheap

He admitted that the transition process is not cheap. “We must not fool our-

Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCA) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

At the meeting, ISA member states would review and align their strategic pri-

President Dr Irfaan Ali greeting officials at the meeting

selves that the transition is a cheap process. We have not mastered the technology, nor have we been able to demonstrate from a financial and economic model that any single transition application is sustainable in the long run,” the Guyanese Head of State told those gathered at the

orities and regional initiatives in the area of solar power generation with the goals of the ISA. As such, the President has implored policymakers to craft transitional plans that fit the reality of what the region faces. He said that plan must include the following: “The reality

of where our economic positioning is, the reality about where our economic development formula wants to take us, the reality about what our people can afford, the reality about what our debt to (Gross Domestic Product) ratio is, the reality of the capital cost of the technology we want to deploy.”

In affirming Guyana’s commitment to transition to cleaner energy, he said, “If we say that we are not on a path to transition into cleaner energy and renewable energy, then we are not a part of the global framework that will save and sustain livelihood on earth.”

Caricom has committed that, by 2027, 47 per cent of its power would come from renewable sources; namely solar, wind, biomass, and hydrogen. Since Barbados is leading the region in renewable energy, President Ali said, this country is an excellent example of how “we can develop an economic model that can show us what is viable” at the household and national level.

TURN TO PAGE 14

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen mason remanded for robbery at Kitty seawall of his pants and pointed it at him. His four accomplices then pounced on the virtual complainant and relieved him of his mobile phone before making good their escape.

After the incident, Magadai and his friends made a report to a Police patrol that was in the

area. While the patrol was searching for the perpetrators, Magadai pointed out Collins, who, upon seeing the Police patrol, ran away, throwing the cell phone between some rocks.

He was pursued and apprehended, and the stolen item was found in his possession. (G1)

Judge denies request...

FROM PAGE 2

Robbery accused Shawn Collins

A

resident of Russell Street, Charlestown, Georgetown appeared in a Georgetown Magistrate’s court on Wednesday to face a charge accusing him of robbing a man of a cellular phone.

Shawn Collins, 19, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on an allegation that, on July 31, at Kitty Seawall, Georgetown, while in the company of others, and armed with a knife, he

robbed Sabaronie Magadai of a cellular phone valued at $80,000.

Collins, who denied the charge, has been remanded to prison until August 10.

The prosecutor told the court that on the day in question, Magadai and his friends were liming at the Seawall when Collins approached him and begged him for $1000. When the man refused to give him the money, Collins pulled out a knife from the waist

After seeking an extension to its one-month timeline to consider the violations committed by the members, the Committee finally completed the report, and submitted it to be laid in the National Assembly for debate.

Recommendations

The Privileges Committee recommended that Jones, Mahipaul, Duncan and Singh-Lewis be each suspended for four consecutive sittings for attempting to prevent the second and third readings of the NRF Bill, and for conducting themselves in a gross, disorderly, contumacious and disrespectful manner, and

repeatedly ignoring the authority of the Assembly and that of the Speaker, thereby committing contempt and breaches of privileges.

A recommendation was also been made for MPs Ferguson and Jordan to each be suspended for six consecutive sittings for a similar offence. However, their suspension was higher, since the Committee concurred that they had committed “serious violations which were severe and egregious by unauthorizedly removing the Parliamentary Mace from its rightful position in a disorderly fashion, causing damage to the Mace, injuring and assaulting a staff of the Parliament Office while attempting to remove the Mace from the Chamber”.

Meanwhile, a similar recommendation of suspension for six consecutive sittings has been made against Sarabo-Halley, whose violations were found to be “severe and egregious with regard to unauthorisedly entering the communication control room of the ACCC and destroying several pieces of audio-visual equipment, being public property”.

MP Philadelphia is also facing a suspension recommendation of six consecutive sittings over her severe and egregious violations, whereby she “verbally assaulted a staff of the Parliament Office within the precincts of the National Assembly”.

The Privileges Committee is chaired by the House Speaker, and its members comprise both Government and Opposition MPs. Representing Government are: Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC; Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson; and Attorney-atLaw Sanjeev Datadin.

On the side of the APNU/AFC Opposition are: Khemraj Ramjattan; Roysdale Forde, SC; Geeta Chandan-Edmond, and David A Patterson.

It is understood that the Opposition Members did not participate in the last three of five Committee meetings.

Hence, the other members, including the Chairman, went ahead and concluded the report with the recommendations for the suspension of the eight Opposition MPs. (G2)

Poking... …the Chinese Dragon

“M

ay you live in interesting times” is a Chinese saying meant to be taken ironically – it’s better appreciated by another saying, "Better to be a dog in times of tranquility than a human in times of chaos!" And against that background, US Congressional Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit last weekend to Taiwan just made our times much more “interesting”!! After all, look what poking the Russian Bear’s rump in Europe has gotten us into: shortage of flour across the world, since Ukraine and Russia are two of the biggest exporters of wheat.

But from a realpolitik standpoint, your Eyewitness can kinda understand the situation in Europe. There, Putin, the Authoritarian, showed all signs of following in the footsteps of Stalin – or Fredrick the Great, if you will – to build Russia into a “European” power. The USSR had fallen apart through the weight of its own pretentions and contradictions. If you think trying to have a Cadillac lifestyle in a donkeycart economy is ridiculous, imagine trying to match the US militarily when you can’t even produce a tractor!! The US had become the sole superpower left standing!! But shorn of its restless satellites, Putin has a good chance of building Russia into a power-competitor in the heart of Europe.

He'd already challenged the US in the Middle East, and come out on top in Syria; cosying up with nuclear-ambitious Iran, a card-carrying member of OPEC!! Not to mention undermining the fragile egos of his western peers with his wrestling bare-chested with bears and suchlike!!! Can’t ever trust such a chap to know his place, can you??! So, lo and behold, he took the bait when Ukraine signalled they were going ahead and joining NATO – an alliance specifically to counter Russia – and attacked. Claimed Russia as a budding “great power” needed “strategic depth”!!

And ditto for China - which the US carefully nurtured for 4 decades, so that it’s about to surpass them economically within a decade, and militarily - maybe right now!! Now, Americans know, from the days of Athens and Sparta, their hegemony’s gonna be challenged any day now by China!!

So, they’ve been slowly trying to put together strategic alliances to contain the Chinese Dragon with its pretentions of becoming the globally pivotal Middle Kingdom once again. Its latest gambit is the QUAD - comprised of itself, India, Japan and Australia.

And into this, Speaker Nancy Pelosi – second in line to the US Presidency, just behind Kamala Harris – takes it upon herself to show her independence from her fellow Democrat in the White House, Biden!! She visits Taiwan, which even the US recognise is a province of China!! Is she signalling a presidential run in 2024?? To show her “toughness” by raising the temperature?? …the Black Caucus?

One area of American politics we Guyanese don’t appreciate enough – even though half our population lives there - is the role of ethnic caucuses. The Americans have always openly accepted that folks are gonna be influenced when they vote by their identity. Makes sense, doesn’t it?

After all, other people deal with you along those lines to impact you in a like manner. So, we have the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) in the Democratic Party. While the Republican Tea Party – now morphed into the Freedom Caucus – identifies ideologically (right wing), it’s totally White.

And here’s where Hakeem Jeffries – who’s been in our news – comes in. He’s the whip of the CBC, as well as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. If the Democrats win the upcoming midterm Congressional elections – and Nancy Pelosi steps down as she’s promised – Jeffries is favoured to succeed her. Now, that’s real national power.

Your Eyewitness hopes he rises above the petty agenda of a few Brooklyn constituents! …and handshakes After the hullabaloo over Opposition Leader Norton refusing to shake President Ali’s hand, your etiquettechallenged Eyewitness looked up the protocols. And discovered, “Ignoring a handshake is deemed to be impolite and rude.”

He normally fist-bumps!!

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

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

61 new COVID-19 cases recorded; 1 in ICU A

nother 61 persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus from 367 tests conducted within a 24-hour period.

This now takes the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana to 70,009, according to the Health Ministry’s updated COVID-19 Dashboard for Thursday.

However, only 513 of these are currently active cases, with one patient in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining persons in isolation – 491 in home isolation and the other 21 in institutional isolation.

The COVID-19 death toll in the country is currently at 1271 with the latest fatality recorded on July 25 when a 74-yearold male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) died.

During the month of July, a total of 16 persons died from the virus, while no fatalities have been recorded thus far in August.

Some 68,225 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease in Guyana since its outbreak here over two years ago.

This shows that 85 more recoveries were recorded when compared to the figure reported the previous day.

To date, a total of 677,998 tests have been conducted countrywide and of this number, positive re-

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 4, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

61

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

21

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

491

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

0

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

37,926

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

31,083

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

70,009

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

68,225

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2677

REGION 2

3086

REGION 3

8621

REGION 4

34,870

REGION 5

2543

REGION 6

6705

REGION 7

2618

REGION 8

888

REGION 9

4317

REGION 10

3684

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

445,000 344,700 1271

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.

sults have been returned for some 32,083 males and 37,926 females.

Of the 61 new cases recorded on Thursday, one was from Region One (Barima-Waini), four from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), three from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 42 from Demerara-Mahaica, two cases each from Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), and the remaining five cases were from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) There were no new cases recorded in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) within the 24-hour reporting period.

Get vaccinated

After a prolonged period of declining cases, the Guyana Government, back in March, removed most restrictions as the country moved to recover from the pandemic and return to normalcy. But in recent weeks, there have a spike in COVID cases here, which health authorities have attributed to subvariants of the Omicron strain, such as the BA.2 and more recently the BA.5.

To this end, health authorities are urging persons to get vaccinated and for those who qualify, to get their booster shots.

The latest vaccination figures show that so far, more than 445,000 or 86.8 per cent of adults have taken a first dose, while over 344,700, or 67.2 per cent, are fully vaccinated.

For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, just over 35,400, or 48.6 per cent, have received their first dose, while more than 25,900, or 35.5 per cent, have returned for their second dose.

Vaccines administered to children within the ages of five and 11 have surpassed 6800, which is about 6.7 per cent of that age cohort. Second doses for this group are just over 1900 or 1.9 per cent.

Meanwhile, in excess of 71,200 persons have returned for their booster shots thus far.

According to the World Health Organisation’s recent figures, some 578,148,444 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 6,405,080 deaths.

In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 171,312,848 while the death toll has gone up to 2,791,967.

As it relates to vaccination against COVID-19, WHO also reported that a total of 12,308,330,588 doses have been administered worldwide. (G8)

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen chased, Linden pensioner’s home goes up in flames stabbed to death

Dead: Jude Christino

E

ighteen-year-old Jude Christino has been chased and stabbed to death in the wee hours of Wednesday, following an argument at Kumaka Water Front, Mabaruma, North West District.

Police have said that on the day in question, at about 02:00h, the victim and two males were engaged in a heated argument; and in an attempt to escape the two men, the teen ran, but the suspects pursued him. Christino was reportedly cornered, and the two men started to beat him.

An eyewitness told Police that one of the men pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim to his neck, causing him to collapse. The suspects then fled the scene, leaving the teen’s motionless body behind.

Police were summoned to the scene, and the injured Christino was picked up and taken to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Two persons have been arrested, and are assisting with the investigations.

premises using all available safety measures and went to his daughter’s home at Blueberry Hill, Wismar Linden. While there, he received a telephone call from his neighbour, informing him that his house was on fire.

Upon arriving at the scene, he saw his house completely engulfed in flames. The Linden Fire Service was summoned, and the firemen were able to extinguish the fire. An investigation has been launched into the circumstances that caused the fire.

The house that was destroyed by fire on Wednesday evening

A

fire of unknown origin has completely destroyed the home of 63-year-old Collins Joseph, a farmer of One Mile Extension, Wismar,

Linden, on Wednesday evening.

Police have said Joseph reported that, at about 16:30h, he had just finished cooking, and he secured his

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Assistant CEO to be appointed to improve Literacy - Education Minister …says some students left NGSA Paper 2 blank

T

he Education Ministry will be increasing its focus on the area of literacy, and will be assigning an Assistant Chief Education Officer (CEO) to focus solely on literacy, to ensure that by the age of eight, every child is literate.

This was disclosed by Education Minister Priya Manickchand during a recent social media programme titled “Education Spotlight”.

“For the first time, we’ve actually made an Assistant Chief Education Officer for Literacy, where literacy will receive specialised attention apart from English… it is now Literacy. How…we make sure (that) by Grade 4 every single child is literate, can read, can understand what they read, can reproduce it in writing,” the Minister has said.

Further, she revealed that the committee marking the National Grade Six Examination (NGSA) has completed marking Paper Two of the examinations, and has discovered that some students left the entire Paper Two exam sheet blank. This, the Minister noted, is another reason why more emphasis is to be

placed on the area of literacy.

“I was so disappointed, so hurt, so worried… when the report came in that there were students at Grade 6 who were not writing a single word on that exam paper; who were writing in language that people did not understand; who were just joining up letters to make a sentence, (in order) to appear to the invigilators to be busy,” she explained.

“We failed those children… That can’t continue, we have to devise a system in the Ministry of Education; and we are working feverishly on that, and will be implementing, come September, to make sure that every single child by age 8 is able to read, understand what they are reading, and reproduce in writing a summary of what they are reading,” she stated.

The Minister added that this programme will be a “game changer” in the education sector.

Emergency or disaster

Meanwhile, Minister Manickchand has also said that the Ministry is placing focus on ensuring education

is available to all students throughout the country in the event of an emergency or disaster, like had occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance. She related that steps have been taken in this regard, and the Guyana Learning Channel will be available to all hinterland communities.

“Currently, one of the big things we are doing is trying to make sure that every home can access the Guyana Learning Channel and a new educational radio station called ‘Ed-U’,” she said. “So, the Guyana Learning Channel is going to be, for the first time in the history of this country, available to all communities, including Amerindian, hinterland and riverine communities. We’re giving in every village a television set, solar power (systems), and a satellite (dish) that the Government bought and is installing; and by the end of this year, all our communities will have it,” she further explained.

The Education Minister has said that, since 2020, the Ministry has moved forward in terms of educational channels, and will soon establish 6 channels that are dedicated to learning.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand speaking on the “Education Spotlight” social media programme

“The Learning Channel used to be one channel dedicated to pushing out learning, and…so you had to give one hour to Nursery, one hour to Grade 1, one hour to Grade Two, which is not nearly enough. We will have, shortly, six channels it’s up and running already, we’re populating it now that are dedicated to learning,” she explained.

She also mentioned that the Ministry “has safekept in its repository worksheets

we can roll out in case of a disaster like floods, or hope there is not an elections disaster again. Any disaster we can give worksheets immediately, we can print immediately, we have these television shows banked in ‘the cloud’.”

Further, the Minister disclosed that text books are currently being purchased to distribute to students at all levels of high school, an exercise which had already been completed

last year for students at the primary school level.

“We are currently purchasing Math, English and Literature books for all students from Grade 7 to 13 that’s all high school children - as well as Science and Enrichment textbooks for CSEC classes. So, before the end of these 5 years, we would have, for every single child in the public-school education system, all the text books they need,” she disclosed.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj leads Caricom’s Observer Mission for SKN elections

G

uyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n ( G E C O M ) Commissioner Sase Gunraj is leading a four-member Observation Mission from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to monitor the St Kitts and Nevis General Elections set for today.

The other members of the Caricom Election Observation Mission (CEOM) are Corey Carlisle Greenidge from Barbados; Cecil Ferdinand Valies from Suriname and Roslyn Khan Cummings from Trinidad and Tobago. The team is being supported by Jhonson Alexandre and Alan Donawa of the Caricom Secretariat.

Caricom was invited by the St Kitts and Nevis Government to mount an Election Observation Mission to observe its August 5, 2022 General Election.

According to a statement from the Mission, its role is to observe the electoral process in St Kitts and Nevis, and collect qualitative and quantitative information regarding the voting process and the results to facilitate the preparation of a final report on the General Election.

The team has already met virtually with the Governor

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj leading the Caricom EOM in SKN

General, the Commissioner of Police and a team from St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party (SKLP) led by the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Denzil Douglas, prior to their arrival in Basseterre on Wednesday evening.

Ahead of today’s election, they were scheduled to meet with incumbent Prime Minister, Timothy Harris, as well as the Supervisor of Elections and representatives of other contesting political parties. The team will also expect to engage other key stakeholders and representatives of civil society

groups; and attend rallies – all in an effort to obtain an overview of the general atmosphere and level of preparedness for the electoral process.

The CEOM observed the pre-election period and on Election Day, today, would continue monitoring activities in as many of the constituencies as possible including the opening, conduct, and closing of the polls through to the tabulation and announcement of the results.

A Preliminary Statement will be issued on the Mission’s initial assessment of the electoral process after polling day, and the Final Report on the election will be subsequently presented to Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett.

This is the second EOM in which Gunraj, a Government-nominated Commissioner at GECOM, is participating.

Back in June, Gunraj was part of a nine-member Caricom Mission mounted to observe the General Election held in Grenada on June 23, 2022. Representing Guyana, he joined election experts from several other CARICOM territories including Barbados’s Corey Greenidge and Suriname’s Cecil Valies. (G8)

NEWS

13

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 dead after log-laden truck turns turtle

The mangled truck that was involved in the accident

T

hree persons were killed late on Wednesday evening after the truck in which they were travelling turned turtle along the Linden-Soesdyke highway in an accident that reportedly occurred at about 23:30h in the vicinity of the

Kuru Kuru College Road.

That accident involved motor lorry GNN 4083, which at the time was being driven by a 47-year-old resident of Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

The dead men have been identified as Michael

Edwards of Timehri Base Road, and Wilfred Phillips and Alicious Squad, both of communities in the Pomeroon River, Region Two. Based on reports received, the truck, which was laden with lumber, was proceeding along the LindenSoesdyke Highway when, as alleged by the driver, he saw something running across the roadway and he swerved left to avoid a collision, but instead lost control of the truck.

As a result of his losing control of the vehicle, the left side wheel collided with the barranca, causing the vehicle to topple several times before coming to a halt in a ditch. The three victims, who were all seated atop the lumber, were pinned thereunder as it came to a stop.

After a few hours had elapsed, the injured men were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where they were pronounced dead. Their bodies are at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

Police have said that a breathalyzer test conducted on the driver of the truck, who escaped with minor bruises, revealed there was no alcohol in his system. He remains in custody, assisting with the investigation.

14 NEWS Digicel Guyana launches LTE service in Lethem FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

D

igicel Guyana has recently launched its LTE service in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), bringing to those residents faster speeds and access to information.

With this launch, the company is saying it is the network of choice in the Rupununi, having the widest and fastest service.

This LTE service upgrade also means more opportunities for economic empowerment for Guyanese, due to the direct correlation between access to broadband internet and economic

Digicel CEO Gregory Dean

growth.

To date, Digicel has invested Gy$5 billion in roll-

ing out its LTE services across Guyana.

“Digicel’s focus on delivering the best customer experience, by ensuring its networks are superior and ubiquitous, has seen an emphasis on speed, quality and coverage. This was independently recognised by Ookla, with the telecom’s provider winning Ookla’s Best Mobile Network, Best Mobile Coverage, and the Best Speeds awards,” the company has stated in a release.

Digicel Guyana’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gregory Dean, related,

“When we launched in Guyana 15 years ago, we transformed the communications landscape with a promise to connect everyone everywhere to world class mobile communications. We are happy to be delivering

on this promise to our customers in Lethem.

“This is a signal of our commitment to providing superfast connectivity for everyone everywhere via our LTE networks. We’re proud to be connecting Guyanese

to economic opportunities, with our overall population coverage (being) the best available in Guyana at 98.14%, along with an industry-leading LTE population coverage of over 90%.”

Craft realistic plan to...

To realise Guyana’s enormous hydropower potential, a technical group from Guyana is working with the US Energy Department to examine the country’s hydro project, President Ali has said.

National priority

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who holds responsibility for the country’s energy sector, during an opening reception for the meeting, said Guyana remains committed to developing a low-carbon economy, with a transition to clean energy remaining a national priority. He also acknowledged the ISA’s work in solar energy development at the local level. “…I am extremely heartened by the timeliness of ISA’s contributions in the area of solar energy development, for such assistance accords with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development

Strategy (LCDS), which promotes, among other things, the development of utility-scale solar PV farms, solar mini-grids, and solar home systems as part of our country’s ongoing energy transformation.”

ISA Director General Ajay Mathur has said the Latin America and Caribbean region has been extremely important to the ISA and the global solar energy eco-system.

He pointed out that the region is home to countries that have been identified as achievers in the ISA’s ease of doing solar index, and countries that have been rising rapidly to achiever status. He noted that solar energy is the preferred energy choice of countries in the region, and, as such, urged member countries to identify strategies to mobilise investments to meet these needs in a technically and financially viable manner.

FROM PAGE 7

Several other Cabinet Ministers and Government officials and respective Ministers from the various Caribbean and Latin American countries were also at the event.

The International Solar Alliance is a member-driven, collaborative platform aimed at increasing the deployment of solar energy technologies as a means of enhancing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.

The ISA seeks to develop and deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by the sun, to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories with particular focus on delivering impact in countries categorised as least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). (G1)

15 All access dams will be fixed – Agri Minister to Corentyne rice farmers NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…says inclement weather affecting maintenance works

R

Farmers at the meeting

A farmer raising an issue during the meeting

ice farmers in the area stretching from Number 52 to Number 74 villages on the Corentyne Coast in Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne) have been assured that all the dams in the cultivation areas would be rehabilitated as soon as possible.

This assurance was given to those farmers by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during a meeting he held with them at the New Market Primary School on Wednesday.

During that meeting, many farmers told the Minister that the dams were in a deplorable state, and that they were having issues in accessing their rice fields. In addition to the terrible state of the dams, farmers said, several canals in the cultivation areas needed to be cleared.

One farmer even said that

farmers had rice that would be ready for harvesting in a few days’ time, but given the state of the dams, harvesting would be difficult.

“We have in there about 70 acres of rice bearing there now. We need the dam to track out. The dam needs to track out now, because of the continuous rain that falling. There are areas where we need the machine to work.

This is urgent,” the farmer said.

In responding to the farmer’s concerns, Minister Mustapha said the Ministry has a continuous dam maintenance programme, and called on farmers to be more responsible when using the dams, especially during the rainy periods.

“Issues with dams don’t exist only in Black Bush Polder or in the #52 to #74 area; these are common is-

sues across the country. We have to work together to develop better strategies, and be a bit more responsible. When farmers cut their rice and use the dams irresponsibly, these dams are once again destroyed. Some farmers have no consideration for other farmers who have to use the dams. We have to begin taking into consideration that other farmers have to use it.

When you use these heavy-duty machines like the tractors and combines, the dams will continue to be destroyed once this type of weather continues. This will continue until we can build permanent all-weather roads across the country. Hopefully, we can start some of those works next year,” the Minister is quoted as saying in a release from the Agriculture Ministry.

He also told farmers that while the Ministry has been

working across the country to ensure all of the dams in the cultivation areas were repaired, persistent rainfall due to climate change has been adding to the issues involved in maintaining the infrastructure.

“We are repairing these dams so that you, the farmers, can harvest your crop.

For the last two years, we’ve seen changes in the weather and the harsh effects of climate change. We are now in August; July and August are supposed to be the driest months of the year, and we are still experiencing constant rainfall across the country. That is why the Ministry is working to boost the drainage system. By the end of this year, we’ll have an additional 11 pumps in the system. We are working with a financial institution to be able to procure another 40 pumps, so that we can have pumps in-

stalled at every sluice across the country.

“I’ve also asked the NDIA to inspect those areas that have canals that need to be cleared, so that we can develop a programme to clear those channels,” Mustapha has said.

Fertiliser distribution

Farmers also sought to obtain a date when the Government’s fertiliser distribution exercise would begin; and while giving an update on that initiative, Minister Mustapha said the Ministry would “soon commence” the distribution. He informed farmers that the exercise cannot commence until the list of farmers has been confirmed.

“We would’ve already started, but we keep having problems with the list. When the lists are posted, farmers are contacting us saying

that there were persons on the lists who were not farmers. We do not want a repeat of what happened with the flood relief. That is why we developed committees comprising farmers and other stakeholders to do the registration and verification.

“As the Minister, I cannot say who are all the farmers in these areas. That is why we are depending on your help, and we expect you to be honest. We had officers colluding with persons during the flood relief, and we do not want that to happen again,” Mustapha explained.

Mustapha has also said the Ministry would make a grader available for farmers in the region. He said a committee should be formed so that farmers can also have some input into how the machines are utilised in the region.

Agri Ministry, private investor to create swine abattoir at Garden of Eden

T

he Agriculture Ministry is showing improvement in all aspects, and not only in the rice and sugar sectors, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said while on a visit to the Corentyne in Region Six. According to the Minister, the boom in ag-

riculture is being noticed by leaders of other countries, and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who is the Head of Government in the Caricom Quasi-Cabinet with responsibility for the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), has indicated that she needs a project in Guyana. This, the Agriculture Minister said, would entail the cultivation of berries.

“She wants to reduce the cost for food in the Caribbean by producing it right here in Guyana,” he disclosed.

“Guyana”, he said, “has successfully cultivated blue berries,” adding, “we want to have one of the largest hydroponic farms in the Caribbean right here in Guyana. We have had successful indoor trials with our wheat. Within a few days, we will be reaping that wheat at Burma. Now we are working with Brazil, and by the end of September, we would start the open-field trial.”

Some 200 acres will be

Artificial insemination is also a part of the programme, farmers were told.

Swine industry

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, along with Region Six Chairman David Armogan; President of the Rice Producers Association, Leaka Rambrich, and CEO of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Lionel Wordsworth, at the meeting

put under cultivation at Roraima next month.

“The Brazilians are very optimistic that we will be able to plant wheat on a large scale, and if we can do that, it would be a revolution we would be creating in the Caribbean; we will have

wheat for local consumption, and also be a net exporter,” he declared.

“We are working with the Brazilians also to do embryo transplants, so that we can improve our cattle industry – both dairy and beef industries. Already, 400 head

of cattle have been selected from a farm at Ebini, where the Agriculture Ministry has its farm for embryo transplants. When you do the embryo transplant, you get better genetics and a better breed in a shorter span of time,” he explained.

Meanwhile, efforts are being made to develop the swine industry. This will see breeding animals being given to pig farmers.

“When they get the piglets, they will have to give two each to two other farmers, so that we can increase the swine industry. Right now, we are working with a private investor to create a swine abattoir at Garden of Eden, and they will also be setting up a meat processing plant there, to make things like sausage.”

Meanwhile, with funds from the International Development Bank, he said, a similar project will be done at Onverwagt in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice).

Mustapha, however, called on farmers to ensure that the sector becomes a robust one, producing food for both the local and international markets. (G4)

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana receives 1st batch of black belly sheep from Barbados

M

ere months after President Dr Irfaan Ali launched a black belly sheep project in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and announced that Guyana would receive 1000 black belly sheep from Barbados, on Thursday, the first batch arrived on Guyana’s shores.

Some 132 black belly sheep arrived on a vessel at the Rambaran Wharf, Water Street, Georgetown. Of this batch, 112 are ewes and 20 are rams.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in brief remarks at the Wharf, said now the first batch of black belly sheep has arrived, they would be taken to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), where the sheep would be introduced to Guyana’s conditions and new eating patterns. He said it was important for the environment to be accommodating to the species of sheep in Guyana.

“Today is reality that we have received the first shipment or the first batch of sheep coming from Barbados.

We have 132 – 112 ewes and 20 rams. This is the first batch and this will be taken to the GLDA location where we’ll prepare them to introduce them to Guyana’s conditions. We’ll have to wean them off the normal food in Barbados so that we can give them food in Guyana and start to make the environment more accommodating for them,” the Agriculture Minister explained.

Given this first shipment, Minister Mustapha said that he was looking forward to

Black belly sheep being transported off the vessel and onto the wharf

having the remaining 868 black belly sheep arrive in the next two expected shipments.

“As a matter of fact, I’m looking, in the other two shipments, we can have all of the 1000 black belly to come to Guyana,” he said.

The President launched the black belly sheep project back in March when he declared that Mahaica-Berbice could be the livestock capital of the Caribbean. It is an investment of US$3 million for 2000 black belly sheep.

To this end, Mustapha noted that works were moving apace in Region Five as a number of pens were being prepared for the black belly sheep.

“Works are moving apace in Region Five where we are now preparing a number of other pens so that those sheep pending to come from Barbados will be going there, so we can also continue the preparation.”

The collaboration between Guyana and

Barbados, according to Mustapha, is one way of working to reduce the food import bill not only in Guyana but also in the Caribbean.

He said, “This here will be a very important project for us in Guyana and in

Four of Guyana’s first batch of black belly sheep

the Caribbean. This is one of the ways we are working to reduce the food import bill and when you look at the importation of meat and meat products in the

Caribbean, it is a large percentage of foreign revenue to import that. So, we are hoping to build the livestock industry and Guyana has to play that leading role.”

Barbados’s representative, Alphea Wiggins assured that the other batches of black belly sheep would arrive safely in Guyana.

(G2)

“We need to keep our children in school” – Minister Sukhai to parents …says school cash grant integral to hinterland students’ education

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai hands over the cash to a resident of Kato in the presence of Village Toshao and Regional Chairman Headly Pio (far right)

T

he importance of the “Because We Care” school uniform and supplies cash grants are continuing to manifest, especially in the hinterland communities where opportunities to earn are sparse.

For Arlene Fredericks, a mother of one from Kato, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), the possibility of returning her child to school was slim; however, after receiving the $30,000 on Wednesday at Kato Primary, she assured that her child would attend school when it reopened in September.

“I will use it wisely to get the things I need for my child – school things and bag.

Without that [Government support] we wouldn’t get enough to send them back to school. We will use it wisely to get the things we cannot afford; the pencils, the ribbons and stuff like that,” she is quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Nikita Pio, a mother of three, also underscored that the “Because We Care” grant is paramount for parents living in the hinterland: “It is important right now, because our children right now need the money, so I think this grant is helping my children to buy the uniform. You know sometimes it is hard for the parents to get the money. I think it’s helping us, helping the parents, especially the parents that are very poor and needy.”

Noel Fredericks noted that “this initiative is a very good initiative. I’m proud of it for the hinterland students of Guyana. What I feel today is so pleased that our Government is doing a better job since they took office in 2020. So, I feel if we should give him [Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali] another five-year term, I expect it to be more. We are happy to have this support.

It will help us a lot in pro-

viding the little that they [children] need to continue school.”

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai oversaw the launch of the students’ cash grant in Kato, sub-district one of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

She reminded that the Government was ensuring all students in the education system, from nursery to secondary, receive the cash pay-out.

“This financial support is not only for the public schools, but we have made a commitment to the private schools also, that we will ensure that students that are Guyanese will receive the same support like students in the public schools are getting. This is something I’m very proud about; a Government that is true to its commitment, a Government that wants to ensure that whether you live on the coast or whether you live in the hinterland that there is equity in what

we are doing,” she said.

The “Because We Care” cash grant for every registered school child is an initiative birthed by a previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government and rolled out in 2014, to ensure every child has the means to attend school, regardless of geography and topography.

Though halted in 2015 by the previous Government, the cash grant programme was resuscitated by the Irfaan Ali-led Government in 2020.

When the project was launched, every schoolchild received $10,000; however, in 2022, every child is entitled to $25,000 under the same programme. The total sum for every child is $30,000 as the school uniform voucher grant is now pegged at $5000.

Sukhai was adamant that children must be afforded the opportunity to be educated.

“We need to keep our children in school, we need to ensure that we assist them at whatever level of work we are capable of assisting them at the school level. We must not forget that you, the parents, are the first teachers and you have to instil in your child the love for education,” Sukhai said.

In Region Eight, $135,030,000 is being distributed to parents and guardians of the 4501 registered students: 1621 in sub-district two and the remaining 2880 in sub-district one.

17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Republic records US$171.5M Monkeypox: US declares outbreak a in 3rd-quarter profits

public health emergency

E

asing of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic health and safety protocols, and rising interest rates on US dollar-denominated securities have significantly benefited Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), the parent company of Republic Bank.

Chairman Vincent Pereira announced on Wednesday a profit attributable to its equity holders of US$171.5 million for the nine months ending June 30 this year.

It is an increase of US$16.4 million or 10.6 per cent over the US $155.1 million reported in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

“Our performance for this period of 2022 reflects a modest improvement over our core preCOVID 2019 third-quarter performance, by US$0.94 million or 0.6 per cent,” Pereira said.

“During the third quarter of the group’s fiscal year, all the countries where we operate continued the relaxation of COVID-related protocols, which positively impacted the tourism-dependent areas, where economic activity continues to improve steadily.

“The Group also benefitted from rising interest rates on US dollar-denominated securities in some of our operations. These positive impacts were somewhat dampened by continued supply

T

chain disruptions and inflationary pressures resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war.”

Pereira added RFHL’s total assets stood at US$16.9 billion at June 30 this year, an increase of US$0.7 billion or 4.3 per cent over the total assets at June last year.

“This increase was funded by growth in customer deposits across our subsidiaries in

the Cayman Islands, Eastern Caribbean, Guyana, and Barbados,” he said.

“Amid continued economic uncertainty, the group remains focused on cost management, improving the experiences of our clients and staff through increased investment in our digital offerings and continuing to provide a safe working environment for our teams.” (Nation News)

he US government has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency following a spike in cases.

The decision will speed up the distribution of vaccines, treatments, and federal resources to curb the spread of the virus.

It comes less than a fortnight after the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued its highest emergency alert following a worldwide surge in cases.

Cases have topped 6600 in the US, according to health officials.

A quarter of these cases have appeared in the state of New York, which declared its own state of emergency over the disease last week.

The two states with the next highest caseloads – California and Illinois – declared states of emergency earlier this week.

More than 26,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide this year, data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows.

Some public health experts have expressed concern the emergency declaration could further stigmatise the disease. Although anyone can catch monkeypox, the outbreak has been

largely concentrated among men who have sex with men.

But it is not purely a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and can also be passed on by close contact with an infected person.

The virus typically causes pimple-like rashes, which can be extremely itchy and painful, to develop and spread across the body, as well as other complications.

Infections are usually mild and clear up on their own in adult patients without treatment or hospitalisation – but the WHO has warned that young children have died at higher rates from the disease.

Officials in the US and elsewhere have recommended that people at the highest risk of exposure – including some gay and bisexual men, as well as some healthcare workers – should get the jab on a priority basis. (Excerpt from BBC News)

18

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Venezuelan politician sentenced Men convicted over Brazil fire over drone attack on Maduro that killed 242 go free

Venezuelan Opposition politician Juan Requesens was arrested three days after the drone blew up

V

e n e z u e l a n Opposition politician Juan Requesens has been sentenced to eight years in jail, his lawyer says.

He was arrested three days after a drone carrying explosives blew up at a military parade attended by President Nicolás Maduro on August 4, 2018.

Maduro was not hurt in the attack.

Requesens has denied any involvement in the incident and his family says he was targeted because he is an outspoken critic of the Maduro Government.

A former student leader, he became well known for organising anti-government protests in 2014.

He was elected to the National Assembly, where he made a name for himself with passionate speeches

in which he said he would not give up fighting until Maduro was removed from the presidency.

His lawyer, Joel García, said he had been found guilty of conspiracy, without giving more details.

Venezuela's prosecutor's office has not yet commented.

The charges against Requesens relate to an incident at a military parade in Caracas in 2018.

As the parade was in full swing, a small drone carrying explosives detonated in the air, not far from the stage where the President and top officers of the military were standing.

Maduro's bodyguards rushed to protect the President and he and those on stage were unhurt.

However, seven members of the National Guard were injured in the panic-filled moments which followed.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Barbados to promote environmental sustainability

B

arbados will promote environmental sustainability and economic development with a US$100 million guarantee approved by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) that will enable the island to create a long-term instrument to finance measures related to sustainability and marine conservation.

The Government has set an aspirational target of 30 per cent of the island, which has 92 kilometres of coastline, to be dedicated to conservation as a Marine Managed Area (MMA).

The IDB guarantee will help reduce borrowing costs for the country as it seeks to raise funds

for conservation activities, which includes the creation of a conservation trust fund, known as the Barbados Environmental Sustainability Fund.

“The operation, which is structured as a policy-based guarantee, will also support reforms to improve environmental governance and sustainable debt management in Barbados,” the IDB said.

“In addition, it will support capacity-building in project execution within the responsible Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment.

“The beneficiaries of this project will be the citizens in Barbados who will enjoy the environmental

and economic benefits of new protected areas and an enhanced natural capital.”

The project is the first where the IDB employs a guarantee to help a country create a long-term financing framework to use sustainable bonds for conservation measures.

This is also the first IDB public sector guarantee being delivered in collaboration with a Non-Governmental Organisation – The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental non-profit organisation, is expected to provide a co-guarantee of US$50 million.

The IDB guarantee has a maximum duration of 20 years.(CMC)

A

court in Brazil has overturned the conviction of four men who were sentenced to long terms in prison over a deadly nightclub fire.

The blaze in the Kiss nightclub in the southern city of Santa Maria in 2013 killed 242 people.

It erupted when a band playing at the club lit flares which in turn ignited the ceiling.

In 2021, two band members and the two owners of the club were found guilty of murder and attempted murder.

They received sentences ranging between 18 and 22

years in jail.

But on Wednesday a court made up of three Judges in the state of Rio Grande do Sul ruled two to one to overturn their convictions, saying there had been irregularities in the trial's jury selection.

Prosecutors said they were planning to appeal against the decision.

An order to release the four prisoners has already been issued and two of the four men left jail on Wednesday evening local time, news site G1 reported.

The fire was one of Brazil's deadliest and ac-

counts from survivors shocked the country, eventually leading to a review of safety regulations at similar venues.

Investigators found that flares used by the band on stage set alight the insulation material in the ceiling.

Most of the victims were killed by the toxic fumes produced by the burning insulation foam.

There were hundreds of young people in the overcrowded club at the time.

Poor signage and the fact that there were only two exits meant that 600 were injured as well as 242 killed.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Rescuers in Mexico battle to free 10 trapped coal miners

R

escuers are battling to free 10 workers believed to be trapped in a coal mine in northern Mexico, while three others were found alive, authorities said.

Military personnel and rescue dogs were deployed to the scene of the accident in the state of Coahuila, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday.

“A coal mine collapsed in the municipality of Sabinas, Coahuila, which caused a tunnel to flood” and trapped the workers, he tweeted.

“We hope to find them safe,” he added.

Lopez Obrador had said nine miners were missing, but the Security Ministry said later that three had been rescued and taken to hospital, while 10 were still believed to be inside.

“The work will not stop until they are found,” the Ministry said in a state-

The miners were trapped after the collapse of the coal mine in the municipality of Sabinas, Coahuila, in northern Mexico [Marcos Gonzalez/AFP]

ment.

“The Mexican Government guarantees all the necessary resources to carry out the search and rescue operations,” it said.

Anxious relatives gathered at the site waiting for news, with some crying and comforting each other.

One woman at the scene said, through tears, that two

of her children worked in the mine, though one of them managed to escape after the accident.

Coahuila’s state government said the miners had been carrying out excavation work when they hit an adjoining area full of water, causing the shaft to collapse and flood. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Antigua Airways tipped to start Sir Hilary to serve on ACU flights in October governing council

V

ice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles was elected last Friday, July 29, to a new leadership role on the Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).

According to a UWI media release, Sir Hilary was elected by his peers across the international academic community to serve on the governing council for the ACU for three years until August 2025.

The Council oversees

the ACU’s activities and determines its future strategic direction.

“It is indeed an honour to be invited to serve within the ACU, particularly in this capacity to impact its future strategic direction,” Sir Hilary said.

“The UWI has a legacy of partnership with the ACU that we are proud to continue to nurture in this new dimension of service.

This is also another opportunity to deepen my lifelong career engagement in higher education. I am grateful and humbled.”

This new leadership role for Sir Hilary follows his appointment in May this year by UNESCO to serve on the Council of the United Nations University for a six-year term, as well as his recognition as UN Visionary Expert on Higher Education last year.

The ACU is the world’s first and oldest international university network, established in 1913 to provide a forum for universities to share information, knowledge, and ideas.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

A

new airline called Antigua Airways, linking the twin-island nation directly to West Africa, is expected to begin flights in mid-October.

A formal agreement was signed between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Nigerian publishing and printing firm Marvelous Mike Press Limited at the office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday.

The news was first revealed in Cabinet notes last month which reported that the carrier would be financed by wealthy Africans wishing to open a new

route between the African continent and the Eastern Caribbean.

Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez witnessed this week’s official signing and said the third week in October is the tentative date for the first flight.

He said there may be about three flights per week.

Fernandez said this was not only beneficial to Antigua and Barbuda but the wider Caribbean.

“Initially the idea is that they will have passengers and do their bookings. So if someone is com-

ing from Nigeria, apart from just spending a week or two in Antigua, they will be able to spend a few days in Antigua, a few days in Dominica, come back to Antigua, catch a flight and go out or spend a couple days in one of the other islands,” he shared.

The July 21 Cabinet notes had also alluded to a possible collaboration with regional airline LIAT, which is set to be restructured.

Minister Fernandez also spoke of the possible benefits if the entities did indeed join forces. (Antigua Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices hit lowest since Ukraine invasion amid recession fears

G

lobal oil prices dropped on Thursday to their lowest levels since before Russia's February invasion of Ukraine, as traders fretted over the possibility of an economic recession later this year that could torpedo energy demand.

Benchmark Brent crude futures settled down US$2.66, or 2.75 per cent, at US$94.12, the lowest close since February 18. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled down US$2.34, or 2.12 per cent, at US$88.54, the lowest close since February 2.

The fall in oil prices could come as a relief to large consumer nations, including the United States and countries in Europe, which have been urging producers to ramp up output to offset tight supplies and combat raging inflation.

Oil had surged to well over US$120 a barrel earlier in the year. A sudden rebound in demand from the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with supply disruptions stemming from sanctions on major producer Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Thursday's selling followed an unexpected surge in US crude inventories last week. Gasoline stocks, the proxy for demand, also showed a surprise increase as demand slowed under the weight of gasoline prices near US$5 a gallon, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said.

"Seems the weakness from Wednesday following weaker than expected US implied gasoline demand, together with the break of technical support levels on Thursday, has dragged oil lower," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS. The demand outlook remains clouded by increasing worries about an economic slump in the United States and Europe, debt distress in emerging market economies, and a strict zero COVID-19 policy in China, the world's largest oil importer.

"A break below US$90 is now a very real possibility, which is quite remarkable given how tight the market remains and how little scope there is to relieve that," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda in London.

"But recession talk is getting louder and should it become reality, it will likely address some of the imbalance."

The Bank of England (BoE) raised interest rates on Thursday and warned about recession risks.

An Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) agreement on Wednesday to raise its output target by 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September, equivalent to 0.1 per cent of global demand, was viewed by some analysts as bearish for the market.

OPEC heavyweights Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also ready to deliver a "significant increase" in oil output should the world face a severe supply crisis this winter, sources familiar with the thinking of the top Gulf exporters said. (Reuters)

Breonna Taylor: US Police charged over shooting death

F

our US Police Officers have been arrested and charged over the fatal 2020 shooting of Breonna Taylor.

Taylor was killed in her home in Louisville, Kentucky, by plainclothes Police who were executing a "no-knock" search warrant.

The hospital worker, 26, was shot as officers stormed the apartment just after midnight while she was with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker.

Her death sparked racial injustice protests around the country.

Only one officer involved in the raid – former Louisville detective Brett Hankinson – had been previously charged over the case.

But Hankinson, who fired 10 shots during the incident, was acquitted by a jury earlier this year. He is among the four people to face new charges through the US Department of Justice.

The others are Joshua Jaynes, also a former officer, and serving officers Kelly Hanna Goodlett and Kyle Meany. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ukraine “corrodes” Russian forces in southern counteroffensive

U

kraine has deepened a counteroffensive in the south of the country in the 23rd week of the war, striking Russian garrisons and ammunition stockpiles, forcing Russia to bring in reinforcements and weakening other fronts as a result.

Ukraine also scored a diplomatic victory: Russia has agreed to lift its blockade of Black Sea ports to allow Ukrainian grain exports, which Ukraine estimates will bring in US$10 billion in much-needed revenue.

Ukraine likely lost territory on its eastern front, including a key defensive position near Donetsk city; while an explosion in a Russian prisoner of war camp in occupied Donetsk killed an

Russian servicemen stand on military vehicles near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and among the 10 largest in the world, in Enerhodar, Zaporizhzhia region, southeastern Ukraine [File: AP photo]

estimated 50 Ukrainian soldiers, in what Ukraine describes as a war crime.

Even before August 2, Ukraine claimed to have

liberated 46 settlements in southern Kherson province and it says the number now liberated has risen again over the past week.

Britain’s Defence Ministry said the Kherson counteroffensive was “gathering momentum” after Ukrainian-operated HIMARS rocket artillery systems struck three Russian-controlled resupply bridges on the Dnieper river between July 20 and 27.

On July 30, Ukraine struck again. Its southern command said it had damaged a railway bridge over the Dnieper, rendering the movement of freight impossible. These strikes have jeopardised Russia’s ability to resupply forward positions in the south, and Ukraine’s general staff have reported that Russian forces are trying to repair the damaged bridges. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Furious China fires missiles near Taiwan in drills after Pelosi visit

C

hina deployed scores of planes and fired live missiles near Taiwan on Thursday in its biggest drills in the Taiwan Strait, a day after US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a solidarity trip to the self-ruled island.

China's military confirmed multiple firings of conventional missiles in waters off Taiwan as part of planned exercises in six zones set to run until noon on Sunday.

It activated more than 100 planes, including fighter jets and bombers, and over 10 warships, State broadcaster CCTV said.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said it scrambled

jets to warn away 22 Chinese fighter aircraft that crossed the Taiwan Strait median line into its air defence zone, and said troops fired flares late on Thursday to drive away four drones that flew above the area of its Kinmen islands, off the southeastern coast of China.

It said missiles fired by China flew high into the atmosphere and constituted no threat to it, responding to public concern about whether they passed over the main island of Taiwan.

Japan protested that five missiles appeared to land in its economic zone.

"The US-Taiwan collusion and provocation will only push Taiwan towards

the abyss of disaster, bringing catastrophe to Taiwan compatriots," said a Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson.

Responding to the Chinese drills, President Tsai Ing-wen said Taiwan would not provoke conflicts, but would firmly defend its sovereignty and national se-

Alex Jones to pay US$4.1M in damages for Sandy Hook hoax claim

Mob attacks illegal miners after rapes shock South Africa

T

housands of angry residents in the South African city of Krugersdorp attacked a group of illegal miners with machetes, golf clubs, and hammers after a gang rape last week shocked the nation.

The mob set fire to their camps in Krugersdorp’s Kagiso township on Thursday and barricaded roads with rocks and burning tyres during a protest against the miners’ presence, whom they blame for high levels of crime in the area.

Some were stripped of their clothes and whipped by residents, while others were chased out of their camps and beaten before being handed to over to the authorities.

Police kept a distance and fired stun grenades from a helicopter to disperse the crowds.

“We want support from the Police because the illegal

miners are terrorising us. We cannot simply walk around the neighbourhood at night because they rape us,” said Nhlanhla Felatsi who took part in the protest.

Eight models were raped on July 28 when a television crew filming a music video at a mine dump in the nearby township of West Village was attacked by heavily-armed men.

Police Minister Bheki Cele said informal miners – commonly known as “zama-zamas” – were likely behind the shocking assault.

More than 80 suspects appeared in court on Monday.

Police said they are analysing DNA evidence and investigating 32 counts of rape.

But residents accuse local authorities of inaction despite warnings the illegal miners were operating in the area as part of a larger crime racket.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

curity.

"Taiwan will never be knocked down by challenges," Tsai said in a recorded video message to the people of Taiwan.

"We are calm and not impetuous, we are rational and not provocative, but we will also be firm and not shirk."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

C

Alex Jones

onspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay US$4.1 million in damages after falsely claiming the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax.

Parents of a victim have been seeking at least US$150 million in the defamation trial against the Infowars founder.

They said they had endured harassment and emotional distress because of the right-wing host's misinformation.

Twenty children and six adults were shot dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012.

The jury in Austin, Texas, decided compensatory dam-

ages on Thursday, and must still determine any punitive damages.

Jones repeatedly argued that the shooting was a hoax organised by the Government in order to strip Americans of gun ownership rights, and that the parents of the dead children were "crisis actors".

He has already lost a series of defamation cases brought by parents of the victims by default after failing to produce documents and testimony.

But this is the first in which financial damages were determined by a jury.

The case was brought

by Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, the separated parents of six-year-old Jesse Lewis, who died in the school shooting.

Ahead of Thursday's decision, a lawyer for the plaintiffs revealed that Jones' lawyer had inadvertently sent him two years of texts from his client's phone.

The messages could be of interest to the congressional panel investigating last year's US Capitol riot. The committee says Jones helped organise a rally that took place just before the riot.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Take money matters and dealing with institutions seriously. Look at alternative methods of how to use your money wisely. Aim to build a secure future that offers peace of mind and comfort.

Don’t let your concerns consume you. Consider all your options and don’t get in over your head. You may desire change, but don’t make a move to satisfy a whim. Be smart and sit tight.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Getting along with friends and family will be complicated if you overreact or don’t fulfill your promises. Finishing what you start will be the pivotal point between success and failure. Do what’s right.

Buying favors will backfire. Consider who you are, what you do and what you want. If you lose sight of your goals and agonize over what others think, you will miss an opportunity to advance.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Finish what you start. Distance yourself from situations, people and decisions you feel don’t support your needs.

Choose stability over reacting emotionally. Don’t give in to someone manipulative.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Make changes that encourage more opportunities. Attend functions conducive to meeting people who can help you advance. Update your look to ensure others view you as progressive. Romance is on the rise.

Risks will cause problems. Stick to what and who you know in order to ward off interference and peer pressure.

Choose what makes the most sense and brings the highest return.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Keep your emotions in check. Refuse to let anyone stand in your way. Walk away from partnerships that no longer encourage or motivate you to look, feel and do your best.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Clear a space conducive to getting things done. Invest time and money in comfort, convenience and bringing you closer to loved ones. Be blunt and pay attention to detail.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Simplicity will help you stay on target. Focus on your financial plans, and maintain a lifestyle that puts a smile on your face. Don’t give in to temptation or emotional manipulation. Romance is encouraged.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Bypass anyone trying to convince you to do something that doesn’t feel right.

Take the path that offers something concrete. Refuse to let an emotional incident come between you and your goals.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Invest more time and money in you, your future and the lifestyle you want to live. A difference in how you look will lead to compliments. Social events will bring you in contact with someone special.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

21

Near sellout in Florida for WI vs India Goldmedal T20I Cup finale

…Less than 400 tickets remain for Saturday’s 4th T20I

T

ickets for this weekend’s Goldmedal T20I Cup matches between West Indies and India in Lauderhill, Florida have been selling quickly, and a full turn-out is anticipated for the series finale this weekend.

Fans are being urged to book their seats immediately via the Windies Tickets online ticket service, presented

by Mastercard – tickets.windiestickets.com - as less than 400 tickets are available for Saturday’s fourth Goldmdeal T20I. Nearly 300 tickets remain for the bleachers and benches, and approximately 75 food and drink-inclusive tickets remain in the VIP hospitality section. For Sunday’s fifth and final Goldmedal T20I, just under 1500 stand tickets are available for general purchase.

The fourth and fifth Goldmedal T20I Cup matches will be played at the Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill on Saturday, 6 August and Sunday, 7 August, with first

ball at 10:30am (9:30am Jamaica/8pm India).

“After the thrilling matches in Trinidad and St. Kitts, we’re now in USA for the fourth and final matches in the Goldmedal T20I Cup, powered by Kent Water Purifiers. It’s great news that West Indies and India fans have flocked to Lauderhill in what is almost certainly going to be a full house. This is the last chance for many fans to watch two exciting teams making final preparations for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup and going all out to win the Goldmedal T20I Cup Trophy,” said Dominic Warne, CWI’s Commercial Director.

Fans can also visit the Box Office at the Broward County Stadium to buy tickets at the venue box office, if tickets have not sold out online.

Heading into the weekend, India have a 2-1 lead in the five-match Goldmedal T20I Cup, powered by Kent Water Purifiers Series. India

won the first contest by 68 runs last Friday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

West Indies bounced back to win the second Goldmedal T20I by five wickets at Warner Park in St. Kitts. Obed McCoy delivered the best-ever bowling figures by a West Indies bowler in T20I matches with his 6-17. India took a 2-1 series lead when they won the third Goldmedal T20I by seven wickets on Tuesday at Warner Park in St. Kitts.

Fans in the Caribbean can watch live on ESPN Caribbean. Fans in India will be able to view live on FanCode, India’s premier digital sports destination for all fans. Fans in the USA can watch exclusively live on ESPN+. Radio commentary is available live on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel, except in India, where FanCode also have exclusive audio commentary.

US basketball star Brittney Griner sentenced to 9 years in Russian jail

A

Russian court has sentenced US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on drug charges.

As Griner, 31, was being led out of the courtroom in handcuffs, she was heard saying: “I love my family.”

The double Olympic winner has admitted possessing cannabis oil, but told the court she had made an “honest mistake”.

The court near Moscow convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics.

The prosecution had sought a nine-and-a-half-year jail term.

Reading the verdict on Thursday, the presiding judge said she had taken into account the fact that the American had already spent a considerable time in detention.

Griner’s defence lawyer Maria Blagovolina said her client was “very upset, very stressed”.

“She can hardly talk. It’s a difficult time for her. When we saw Brittney on Tuesday, we told her, ‘See you on Thursday’. She said, ‘See you on doomsday’. So, it looks like she was right.”

The defence team said they would appeal against the verdict.

Griner, who is considered one of the best female players in the world, was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when vape cartridges containing canna-

bis oil were found in her luggage. She had come to Russia to play club basketball during the US off-season.

Soon after, Russia invaded Ukraine, and her case has become subject to high-profile diplomacy between the US and Russia.

US President Joe Biden called the sentencing “unacceptable”.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “Russia, and any country engaging in wrongful detention, represents a threat to the safety of everyone travelling, working, and living abroad.”

It is unclear how long she will actually spend behind bars, as the US and Russia have been discussing a potential prisoner swap that could involve the basketball player.

Reports in US media suggest imprisoned Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout - known as the Merchant of Death - could be transferred by Washington to the Russian authorities as part of the deal.

Speaking after her sentencing, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby urged Russia to accept the “serious proposal” offered by the US for Griner and fellow detained US citizen Paul Whelan.

“It’s a serious proposal.

We urge them to accept it.

They should have accepted it weeks ago, when we first

made it,” Mr Kirby has said.

After the court heard closing arguments, Griner said: “I made an honest mistake, and I hope in your ruling it does not end my life. I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime,” she added.

Griner also said she had received neither an explanation of her rights nor access to a lawyer in the initial hours of her detention, and that she had to use a translation app on her phone to communication. (BBC Sport)

Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges, but denied deliberately breaking the law

Brandon King firing during the 2nd T20I

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

A

jay Gainda, the youthful owner of Cricket Equipment Guyana, has answered the call from former national youth player Devon Ramnauth for one pair of cricket shoes for Orion Hope.

Hope, a student of St. Joseph High School who was once awarded by the Ministry of Tourism for being “the youngest Kidpreneur”, has for the first time attended the recently-concluded Malteenoes Sports Club’s Summer Cricket Camp, and he instantly fell in love with the game.

This Project is an initiative jointly owned by Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA. Total cricket-related items collected so far is as follows: $230,000 cash, two trophies, twelve cricket boots, nineteen pairs of batting pads, twenty-one bats, fifteen pairs of batting gloves, nineteen thigh pads, one pair of wicketkeeping pads, one arm guard, six cricket bags, and two helmets.

In addition to the above, $600,000 worth in gear was donated by Sheik Mohamed, former national wicket- keeper/batsman.

To date, thirty-eight young players from all three counties of Guyana have benefited from the receipt of

Young Hope displaying what he has received three junior gear bags, two trophies, one arm guard, fourteen bats, one box, two helmets, eleven pairs of cricket shoes, ten pairs of batting pads, one bat rubber and twelve pairs of batting gloves.

In addition, two clubs in the Pomeroon area have benefited from the receipt of two used bats.

Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees and the Cotton Tree Die Hard club have also each received one box of red cricket balls, while the RHCCCC has received two, fifteen white cricket shirts, one pair of junior batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves and a set of stumps and bails have been received by the Essequibo Cricket Board.

Cricket-related items, used or new, will be distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in

Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country, and club leaders also assist to identify talent. Progressive and well managed clubs will also benefit.

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

The media are also being thanked for the role they are playing in promoting this venture.

Distribution will continue.

Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 6640896.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

Pele FC Alumni Corp inks historic Bursary Award agreement with UG …Five students to benefit from full scholarship

T

he USA-based non-profit organisation “Pele FC Alumni Corporation” has taken to another level its commitment to invest in the educational development of Guyanese youths by inking with the University of Guyana a Bursary Award agreement which offers five undergraduate scholarships for new students to study at UG. This commendable initiative, being executed under the Pele FC Alumni Corporation’s Philanthropy, Alumni, Civic Engagement (PACE) deal, has been inked on behalf of Pele FC Alumni Corporation by the Treasurer, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton, in the presence of Chairman Denis Carrington and Executive Committee Member Eric ‘Riggy’ Smith.

The University of Guyana was represented by Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed and Ms. Travonna Azeez.

Attending this very significant and historic meet-

Discussion in progress prior to the signing of the Bursary award

ing was Dr. Mark Kirton, who played an essential role in making the initiative a reality.

Pele FC Alumni Corporation Chairman Denis Carrington commented: “Our UG initiative was the next step in our longrange plans of going deeper in reinforcing to our young people the importance of having a solid education

as they transition into the work environment.”

Treasurer Barton added: “There are countless reasons a student would have to apply for financial aid or receive gifted funding to attend university, and no one should have their education limited due to a lack of household income.

“These scholarships provide an opportunity for stu-

dents to earn an education.

Without assistance from an outside source, such as Pele FC Alumni Corporation, students may have trouble paying for the degree they need to enter the workforce and become contributing members of society.

“This scholarship package to the University of Guyana has achieved one of our key initiatives in terms

of promoting education.”

Professor Mohamed expressed delight, on behalf of the UG and on her own behalf, in an initiative that would further empower the students who would benefit from the scholarships, while also complimenting the organisation for its continued investment in the educational pursuits of Guyanese youths.

Following are the requirements to access this award: - Scholarship awardees would be required to maintain a Grade Point Average of at least 2.7 for each academic year, and would be required to submit an official transcript to the Scholarship Committee at the end of each academic year.

- Each awardee would be required to attend an interview before the beginning of each new academic year.

- Applicants are required to send complete applications by email to Pelescholarships@gmail. com

The submission deadline is Monday, 15th August, 2022.

The application process also includes the submission of the following: 1. A 500-word essay presenting the applicant’s longterm educational and professional goals and the special and unique qualities which make them a suitable candidate for the award 2. Two character references 3. One passport-size digital photograph 4. Acceptance letter from the University of Guyana 5. Engagement and active participation in community-based activities 6. Demonstration of verifiable financial need 7. Presentation of an essay on a subject to be determined and 8. Proof of residence in Region Four.

Interested persons seeking further information can email pace@uog.edu.gy or call/Whatsapp (592) 623 3156.

Indian High Commissioner hosts grand Matthews surprised reception for India team in West Indies by Dottin's sudden

Indian High Commissioner Dr K.J. Srinivasa with members of the Indian Cricket team

T

he Office of the Indian High Commission, on Saturday, July 30, hosted the visiting Indian Cricket Team for a community reception at Hotel Marriott in St Kitts & Nevis.

Team India is on tour to the Caribbean, where they have already played 3 ODIs in Trinidad & Tobago, claiming a clean sweep of the Series. They also lead the 5 game T20I Series 2-1, with the last two games of the 5-match series to be played in Florida, USA. The ‘Men in Blue’ are being led by Rohit Sharma, along with officials from the BCCI, including Head Coach Rahul Dravid. They were joined in the reception by the West Indies team, led by Nicholas Pooran and coached by Phil Simmons.

Also in attendance were support staff; local dignitaries; members of the Indian diaspora; members of the diplomatic corps, including

ambassadors from Cuba & Venezuela; Cricket West Indies officials; the Hon Consul of India in St Kitts & Nevis, Ramesh Mulkanoor;

al charge of Antigua & Barbuda, St Kitts & Nevis, welcomed Team India and the West Indies Cricket team, and expressed hope

ity, and warm affection for India in the region, and indicated that the local public strongly looks forward to seeing the visit of the Indian sports contingent, which is a good example of India’s “soft power”, a fact well recognised across the world.

Team India Head Coach, Rahul Dravid, indicated that he had fond memories of his West Indies tours with the Indian cricket team, and thanked the High Commissioner for the reception.

West Indies Coach Phil Simmons stated that he expected more close matches from the series, and said both teams have great regard for each other.

High Commissioner

Members of the West Indies team were also in attendance at the reception

and members of the media, among other community leaders and guests.

In his official welcome note, His Excellency Dr KJ Srinivasa, the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, with addition-

for a competitive series.

He reminded of the bond West Indies and India share, which dates back to 1953, when India toured West Indies for the first time. He spoke about the welcoming spirit, hospital-

Dr KJ Srinivasa and his spouse later gifted mementos to captains and head coaches of both teams.

The event included a typical Indian dinner and interaction for the guests.

retirement

Heyley Matthews and Deandra Dottin

B

arbados and West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has said she had no indication that Deandra Dottin was planning to retire from international cricket midway through the Commonwealth Games, and she is planning to discuss the matter with her team-mate now that their campaign in Birmingham is over.

Appointed West Indies captain in June, Matthews has said she was as surprised as anyone by Dottin's shock announcement via Twitter on Monday, wherein she cited concerns over the team environment.

"Thankful to Deandra for everything she's done for West Indies cricket," said Matthews, when asked about her reaction to Dottin's decision. "She's obviously been a wonderful player for us over the last couple of years, and it's sad to see her go; but at the same time, if it's something that she's ready for, then (I’m) supporting her 100%," she added.

Matthews has said she hadn't spoken to Dottin before the announcement, and that she had "no interpretation" of Dottin's comments about the team culture and environment.

"I'm obviously down here representing Barbados and everything, so probably not looking to speak too much on that at the moment," the skipper said on Wednesday after her side had suffered a 100run defeat against India in their final Group A game.

"But yeah, I definitely would have a chat with her and see how things go," she added.

Barbados won their opening match of the Commonwealth Games against Pakistan by 15 runs, before losing by nine wickets to gold-medal favourites Australia on Sunday. The following day, Dottin published on Twitter a letter addressed to Cricket West Indies, announcing her "formal retirement from the senior women's West Indies team effective 1st July 2022".

(Sportsmax)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CPL final tickets on sale from August 5 in Guyana

CPL new Office (Jemima Holmes Photo)

By Brandon Corlette

F

or the first time in history, Caribbean Premier League (CPL) finals will be played in Guyana, at the National Stadium at Providence. Ticket sales for the group games in Guyana started in July, but the sales for the finals will commence on Friday, August 5 at the CPL box office at 233-234 Camp Street, Georgetown.

Additionally, tickets would

also be available online for purchase.

In an interview with CPL Head of Marketing, Chris Watson, this publication was made to understand that ticket prices for qualifiers (Qualifier one, and two, and the eliminator) would remain the same as the Warriors home games, with tickets starting from Gy$2500 (grass mound).

Orange Stand tickets for the Qualifiers are being sold

at $3300, Red Stand tickets are selling at $5500, and Green Stand tickets are being sold for $6000. Meanwhile, for the final, tickets would start from Gy$3000 (grass mound). Orange stand tickets would be $4000, Red Stand tickets would be $6000 and green stand tickets would be $6500.

CPL 2022 will be played in St Kitts, St Lucia, Trinidad and Guyana. According to Watson, reactions have been

good from the fans. "Across all four of our locations this year, the sales have been really strong, and the reaction has been huge. Particularly in Guyana, the new box office in Camp Street, the guys have seen great level of interests, with some games sold out already. So, it has been a strong reaction.

“Surprisingly, for some of the neutral games, 10 in the morning has been on sale, and it shows how hungry fans are to come out to a more normal CPL," he said.

"We have not been able to put on games in Guyana since 2019, so we are really excited to bring a more normal CPL this year," Watson told this daily publication.

While the 2022 CPL is historic for Guyanese, with the final being played at Providence, the 6IXTY, and the Women's CPL will be played this season. Therefore, fans would have more cricket to look forward to.

"We are very excited to have a 6IXTY and the Women's CPL. Two extra events, so it is a great step for us. We have always wanted to do more for Women's cricket since our exhibition games in 2019.

“This is something we want to grow. 6IXTY is talked about all around the world, the shorter format.

Getting the tournament done in five days is great for players’ availability and the innovations that make the game evolving. Lots for the fans to be excited for."

Watson is also encouraging fans to pick up tickets early, since the finals will be high in demand, and the Cricket Carnival will be in Guyana. The Guyana Amazon Warriors’ home leg starts on September 21 and

CPL Head of Marketing, Chris Watson

ends on Sept 25.

On September 21, Barbados Royals will face St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots from 10:00h, followed by Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs coming against each other from 19:00h.

Trinbago Knight Riders and St. Kitts and Nevis

23

Patriots clash from 10:00h on September 22, before Warriors play St. Lucia Kings from 19:00h. The lone match on September 24 is Knight Riders and Amazon Warriors from 19:00h.

On September 25, Tallawahs and Kings play the morning fixture, and the Warriors will face the Royals from 19:00h to conclude the tournament’s group matches.

The 10th season of CPL bowls off on August 31 at Warner Park in St. Kitts, and concludes on September 30 at the National Stadium at Providence, Guyana.

Prior to the CPL, the Warriors will play in a new 60-ball tournament called the 6IXTY, from August 2428 in St. Kitts. The box office opening hours will be 9:00h to 17:00h (MondayFriday) and 9:00h to 13:00h (Saturdays) Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad for 2022 CPL: Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Tabraiz Shamsi, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Colin Ingram, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Paul Stirling, Shai Hope, Heinrich Klaasen, Keemo Paul, Jermaine Blackwood, Gudakesh Motie, Ronsford Beaton, Veerasammy Permaul, Junior Sinclair, Matthew Nandu.

Commonwealth Games 2022…

Cummings, Britton, Franklin make history for Table Tennis

…Misfortune in other disciplines

T

eam Guyana started and ended Day 8 of the 2022 Commonwealth Games on a high note, with wins and a bit of history made in the Table Tennis arena at the National Exhibition Center (NEC).

A resolute display from Natalie Cummings in the Women’s Singles, and Shemar Britton and Christopher Franklin in the Men’s Doubles, ensured they reach the Round of 16 of their respective divisions; somewhere the Table Tennis teams have never gone before at the Commonwealth Games.

The day began with Shemar Britton and Chelsea Edghill teaming up for the Mixed Doubles, while Natalie Cummings and Christopher Franklin did the same.

Both teams registered victories in the Round of 64; Edghill and Britton defeating Solomon Islands 3-1 and Franklin and Cummings enjoying a 3-0 victory over Fiji.

However, in the Round of 32, the teams fell prey to Malaysia 3-1 and Canada 3-0.

The success in Table Tennis continued to flow in other divisions, with Natalie Cummings advancing to the Round of 16 in the Women’s Singles. After topping her Round of 64 group, Cummings defeated

Ruqayyah Kinoo of Mauritius in a gruelling 7-match affair.

Cummings won 4-3, with the games going 11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-5, 6-11 and 12-10.

Cummings will now turn her attention to Wales’ Anna Hursey in the Round of 16 today.

Further, in the Women’s

the Round of 32. Later in the day, however, Britton and Franklin rode on the positive vibes of Cummings's success to secure a Round-of-16 spot of their own.

Facing off with Mauritius’ Baboolall Muhammad and Brian Chan Yook Fo, the Guyanese duo romped to a

vance to the 200M semifinals. Phillips stopped the clock at 24.13s in Heat 4 for 5th place, but advanced on time.

For the Men, Arinze Chance raced to a 22.22s finish in Heat 2, while Akeem Stewart crossed

Emanuel Archibald gave it his all in the Long Jump final

Team Guyana (Black) reach for the shot against defending Commonwealth Champions New Zealand

Singles, Chelsea Edghill was not so fortunate, coming up short against Nigeria’s Offiong Edem. Edghill fought to force 6 matches, but eventually lost 4-2.

In the Women’s doubles, Edghill and Cummings defeated Fiji 3-1 to advance to

resounding 3-1(11-8, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6) victory in order to stay alive in the competition.

Athletics

Meanwhile, over on the track at the Alexander Stadium, Kenisha Phillips was the only Guyanese to ad-

the line in 21.42s in Heat 1. Additionally, Noelex Holder reached new heights this season with a 21.77s run in heat 7.

Nonetheless, the trio did not have good enough times to advance to the semifinal.

Heavy disappointment came in the Long Jump pit, as Emanuel Archibald was unable to announce himself in the Long Jump final.

Archibald registered a best jump of 7.54M in the anticipated final, which was only good enough for 11th out of 12 competitors.

The event was won by Laquan Nairn with an 8.08M leap.

Badminton

Another tough loss for Guyana came in the

Badminton arena, where Narayan Ramdhani fought valiantly against Australia’s Ying Xiang Lin. Ramdhani eventually lost the Men’s Singles’ match 2-0.

Squash

For squash, Ashley Khalil and Mary Fung-AFat could not withstand the test of New Zealand’s defending Champions Joelle King and Amanda Landers-Murphy, losing 2-0 in the Women’s Doubles round of 32.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

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

Page 23

Guyanese fans will be hungry for CPL finals

University of Guyana Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed (seated left) and Pele FC Alumni Treasurer Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton (seated right) are pictured with other UG and Pele FC Alumni members following the signing

Pele FC Alumni Corp inks Commonwealth Games 2022… historic Bursary Award Cummings, Britton, Franklin agreement with UG Page 22 make history for Table Tennis Natalie Cummings is the lone Guyanese Table Tennis player to move on to the Singles Quarterfinals

…Five students to benefit from full scholarship Page 23 …Misfortune in other disciplines GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.