Guyana Times - Friday, February 18, 2022

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4924

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Govt pursuing peoplecentred transition to clean energy – PM Phillips …says major investments for projects in hinterland communities

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Miner dies after pit collapses P8 in NWD

Page 3

“You have to start now” – GO-Invest CEO tells potential investors …or risk being late in fast-paced economy

Govt to recruit int’l experts to supervise, operate Amaila Falls Hydro Project See story on page 7

– car thief to Magistrate … jailed for 2 years

P10

See story on page 14

Power Purchase Agreement being negotiated for Hope Wind Farm – Project Manager Page 17

…construction likely to start this year

Infrastructure unprepared for green transition will be left obsolete – EU Ambassador

“I was under the influence”

Page 9

…as diplomats talk renewable opportunities for Guyana

EBD man found guilty of killing 16-year-old P10 Venezuelan woman charged with killing P15 Sophia man

Agri Ministry funds upgrades to President’s College farm P16

Police unearth, destroy $90M worth of ganja P17

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, February 18 – 04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, February 19 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Govt pursuing people-centred transition to clean energy – PM Phillips …says major investments for projects in hinterland communities enhanced with the expansion of wind and solar power as the country continues to replace heavy fuel oil.

Friday, February 18 – 05:35h-07:05h and Saturday, February 19 – 06:05h-07:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Feb 15 – 14:35h – 17:05h and Wednesday, Feb 16 – 16:15h – 17:45h.

Hinterland energy access

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy conditions are expected during the day and the night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 18:01h reaching a maximum height of 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 11:34h and 23:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.52 metre and 0.48 metre.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips

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rime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips has said that the Guyana Government has a dynamic path for the country’s energy transformation by not only harnessing energy in innovative ways but also ensuring that people were placed at the centre of this transition to clean and renewable sources.

He made this remark at the International Energy Conference and Expo, which is being held under the theme “Charting a Sustainable Energy Future” at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown. The four-day event wraps up today.

Speaking on Guyana’s clean energy transition, the Prime Minister posited that Government was committed to providing affordable, stable, and reliable energy to benefit everyone while simultaneously reducing the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation.

This, he noted, is outlined in the country’s revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

“Our Government will pursue a strategy of developing low-carbon energy resources like solar, hydro, wind, natural gas and biomass to meet the rapidly-rising energy demand while keeping greenhouse gas emissions low. Under the strategy, we will advance an energy mix that will lead to more than 500 megawatts of newly-installed capacity over the next five years,” Phillips stated.

According to the Prime Minister, who has responsibility for the country’s energy sector, Guyana’s energy transition will be phased over the next decade with three components – the first being from 2022 to 2027 during which the much-anticipated Gas-to-Shore and

Amaila Falls Hydropower projects are slated to come onstream.

The second phase, up to 2030, will see these two energy sources being further

However, as part of Government’s aggressive energy transition programme, plans are afoot to develop the country’s Indigenous energy resources while also addressing energy security concerns with the aim of advancing climate change mitigation efforts and promoting sustainable energy solutions.

To this end, PM Phillips said several projects are currently underway to improve energy access for hinterland communities in

Guyana.

“Projects are on the way to improve people-centred energy access through investments in solar PV sys-

tems for off-grid areas and the development of micro grids for large hinterland areas leading to the expansion of our Hinterland Electrification Programme,” he stated.

These projects, he noted, will see the installation of 13 utility-scale solar PV farms, 30,000 solar home systems for hinterland and riverine communities, 20 solar PV mini-grids for hinterland public buildings and more than 180 solar PV standalone systems for the Government Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Technology (ICT) hubs.

“These solar PV installations will result in approximately 46.4 megawatts of

installed solar PV capacity and are expected to be commissioned within the next two years,” he indicated.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 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

Amaila Falls Hydro Power and energy mix

I

t is pleasing that the Government is moving forward with the Amaila Falls Hydro Power project as part of its energy mix, to ensure that the nation is provided with clean, reliable and affordable electricity.

From the onset, it should be stated that Guyana would have been in a better position regarding an affordable, reliable supply of electricity if there was bipartisan support for the Amaila Falls Hydro Power (AFHP) project which was proposed by the PPP/C years ago. In fact, had the Amaila project gone through, it would have been in the system since 2017. By now the problem of constant blackouts would have been a thing of the past.

Therefore, it was refreshing for Guyanese to hear coming out of the now concluded International Energy Conference and Expo that the AFHP is expected to get underway later this year and that government has committed to hiring international experts to both oversee and manage the project.

Petroleum Economist at the Natural Resources Ministry, Winston Brassington in his most recent update informed stakeholders that after over a decade since its conceptualization, the transformational 165-megawatt (mw) project is very close to becoming a reality.

It could be recalled that the project was not given parliamentary support by the APNU and AFC parties, which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat majority at the time. Further, in spite of pleadings from the PPP/C to continue the conversation and ensure the project was restarted, when the APNU/AFC took office in 2015, they moved ahead and killed the project.

However, now that the PPP/C has returned to Government and has a Parliamentary majority, it is now a reality that this transformative project would get off the ground.

Amaila was expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy, and was envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs while removing dependency on fossil fuels. The Electric Plant was proposed to be a 165MW (installed capacity) hydropower generation facility located in west-central Guyana approximately 250 kilometres south-west of Georgetown.

In addition, it would have improved Guyana’s balance of payments by significantly reducing end-user costs for electricity, and improving reliability of energy supply and generation of clean energy, which would have helped to encourage economic growth and development by improving regional competitiveness, Private Sector investment, and Foreign Direct Investment.

An “objective and facts-based” assessment done by Norconsult, an engineering and design consultancy firm from Norway, had concluded and recommended that “the only realistic path” for Guyana moving towards was an emission-free electricity sector, and achieving its 2025 Green Agenda commitment was to develop its hydropower potential in general, and maintain the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project in particular.

In spite of assurances from the power company that blackouts would be a thing of the past, over the past couple of years, prolonged periods of blackout have actually increased across the country. Consumers have written several letters to this newspaper expressing their disgust over the situation.

The Government has now taken steps to ensure that citizens are provided with affordable and reliable electricity utilising an energy mix of wind, solar and hydro. It is also working seriously on the gas-to-shore energy project, which would see an additional megawatts of power being provided.

Guyana is currently generating electricity at between 17 and 20 US cents per kilowatt/hour; this is among the highest in the Region. On this basis, the Government had promised to reduce the cost of energy in the country by 50 per cent over the next five years.

As we had stated before, energy is one area in which there could be a bipartisan approach by politicians; meaning, the Opposition and the Government could work together towards a lasting solution to Guyana’s electricity problems.

President Dr Irfaan Ali met virtually with Isha Foundation — a volunteer-run spiritual and well-being organisation — and renowned Trinidadian Soca artiste Machel Montano, who is also a practising yogi. The Isha Foundation, with headquarters in India and the USA, is dedicated to raising human consciousness and fostering global harmony through individual transformation. Ali was joined by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Director of Projects in the Office of the President, Marcia Nadir-Sharma (OP photo)

Clearly, Britain loses more than it gains from the monarchy

By Polly Toynbee

T

he Queen should abdicate: this is the right time. Not because another scandal has broken out, with Police probing allegations of Saudi cash-for-honours donations to the Prince of Wales’s charity. Not because of Prince Andrew’s disgrace.

Nor should she abdicate for the reason given this week by my friend and colleague Simon Jenkins: he calls for her to withdraw gently from public life to spend her declining years in dignified tranquility, and allow a “planned transfer” to Charles. In other words, let there be no perilous moment when people ask themselves why no one asked them first.

Allow no possible pause for thought between her last breath and the shout of “vivat rex”. Make sure it’s a fait accompli with his royal posterior already cemented to the throne.

It is indeed a good time to bow out gracefully, as this platinum jubilee celebrates her 70-year reign with all the pomp of a four-day bank holiday and a new pudding. But let it mark an end to monarchy itself, those feudal centuries drawing to a peaceful close. The Queen has held the monarchy together skilfully through tempestuous scandals, from the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the divorces of three of her children to the flight of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, once heralded as royals for the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo era.

This jubilee would make a cheerful ending to all the royal folderol. What better time to return the sovereignty promised in Brexit to the people to whom it be-

longs? Elizabeth the Last should get a historic sendoff, her golden coach and crown retired, and her six palaces opened as fine museums. (No, tourism is no excuse for monarchy: Versailles gets many more visitors, and so does Legoland, down the road from Windsor Castle).

In death or abdication, her passing would be an emotive memory-marker in every family, the last link to the Second World War, to remnants of empire, and to that old black and white world of Pathé newsreels with their jolly jingo voices. “Thank God for the Queen”, proclaims the Sun’s front page today, absurdly. It’s doubtful she returns any thanks to Rupert Murdoch, whose lèse-majesté arrival here shattered that old reverence for royal mystique.

The crown and constitution are no longer abstract debates. The need for an elected president has become urgent now that Boris Johnson’s arrival in Downing Street tests conventions, laws and civil rights beyond their limits. John Major expressed that constitutional outrage eloquently on these pages, listing Johnson’s abuses: deliberately breaking international law; tearing up the ministerial code; ordaining Police stop and search “without any cause for suspicion”; removing British citizenship at whim, while waging war against the civil service and the BBC, those national safeguards.

The Commons Speaker turns out to be powerless against lies told to his face.

There is no voice to admonish, check or protect against elective dictatorship by a wrecker of a Prime Minister with a strong majority. His MPs are shockingly derelict.

Until now, monarchy was defended as dignified and powerless, a harmless decoration that never interferes with Parliament.

Embarrassing lapses – the Guardian’s revelations of the Queen’s consent to preventing laws that may reveal her wealth, or Charles’s “spider letters” leaning on ministers – are relatively trivial.

The constitutional problem is not the monarch’s power, but powerlessness.

Presidents around Europe protect constitutions and guard against overmighty politicians breaking basic law. A president would have stopped Johnson illegally proroguing Parliament: it takes the authority of election to take action as a vital backstop in a constitutional emergency.

Our monarchy has handed all royal prerogative to the Prime Minister with no check or balance, bar a House of Lords almost as weak as the monarch for the same bad reason – lacking the authority of election. Look how Johnson engages in voter suppression: his proposals for compulsory photo ID and abolishing colleges registering their students will deliberately deter the young and poor from voting. Look how he moves to curb the electoral commission’s power to prosecute illegal political donations protecting his own party’s pelf. There is no brake on an errant Prime Minister in a country without a written constitution, where a warped electoral system denies fair representation and there is no effective Head of State to guard against law-breaking.

The unelected Queen must do what the Prime Minister tells her to.

Monarchists speak with revulsion of who an elected president may be. The roy-

al historian Robert Lacey, in a recent debate, asked in tones of horror, “President Lineker? President StreetPorter?” But, urges Graham Smith, CEO of the Republic pressure group, look around Europe at dignified presidents who understand their ceremonial duties and the political limits to their role, while acting as constitutional guarantors.

Former politicians take on a presidency with as much independence as our Speakers in Parliament.

Look across the Irish Sea at Michael D Higgins, Mary McAleese or Mary Robinson and ponder why British voters are too wild or daft to be trusted to make equally sensible choices.

Support for this antique dysfunction wanes with each generation, and it has become fragile. A majority of under-25s expect it to be gone in 25 years. Monarchy is a cast of mind-blocking reform. Monarchy is a feudalism of the imagination that stamps approval on inheritance, inequality and privilege, all growing rampantly right now.

“Take but degree away, untune that string, And, hark, what discord follows!”

Shakespeare has Ulysses warn, eulogising “degree, priority and place” in Troilus and Cressida: no one knows if this deep conservatism aligning the planets with aristocratic order was his own view. The point is this: that string is untuned already. The crown decorates a riot of constitutional disorder. Abolishing it would open windows into every aspect of how we choose to be governed and how we think of ourselves. (The Guardian) (Polly Toynbee is a Guardian columnist)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

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

Doesn’t Bisram recognise the very essence of our Guyanese culture?

Dear Editor, On 29th January, 2022, my wife, Gem MadhooNascimento, wrote deploring the mismanagement of the stage and sound at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) for a cultural performance presented by the Indian High Commission on the occasion of the 72nd Republic Anniversary of India. On 2nd February, 2022, Mr Vishnu Bisram wrote supporting the concerns she expressed, but went on to echo a longstanding complaint against the fact that the NCC had been built under the administration of former President Forbes Burnham with Indian Immigration Funds, proposing that the monies be returned with interest

to build “Indian Cultural Centres” in various parts of the country.

My wife responded to Mr Bisram, acknowledging that funds assigned for the repatriation of Indian Indentured Labour were instead used to build the National Cultural Centre.

I repeat, the National Cultural Centre, to host CARIFESTA 1972 for the celebration of our Caribbean and national culture and identity. My wife also acknowledged the need for the permanent and appropriate recognition of the origin of those funds at the Centre.

My wife, however, disagreed with Mr Bisram’s proposal, which urged that the money be used purely for building Indian

Govt pursuing...

In addition to solar, the Prime Minister further outlined to stakeholders that Government was pursuing small, mini and micro hydropower systems for hinterland communities.

“A total of 2.35 megawatts of hydropower capacity will be added to serve hinterland communities by 2024. Our Government's Hinterland Electrification Programme aims to electrify some 200 unserved and underserved communities by 2026 using the most technical and economically feasible solutions that will include the enhancement of the productive usages of energy,” he added.

The Prime Minister went on to point out that access to sustainable energy for everyone has far-reaching economic, environmental and social benefits.

“Consequently, in addition to serving domestic needs, it is important to link rural electrification efforts to productive activities such as ICT connectivity, commerce and agro-processing to allow for greater community involvement, retention of skills in the communities and long-term sustainability,” he stated.

Behavioural change

Some $29.4 billion has been allocated in Budget 2022 to accelerate Guyana's transition to cleaner sources of energy and to boost its capacity for increased generation in order to meet rising demand.

PM Phillips contended that behavioural change was essential in this transition to sustainable energy. This, he added, can

FROM PAGE 3

lead to improved efficiency, less wastage, and a significant reduction in energy consumption.

“Increased efficiency can reduce the need for investments in energy infrastructure leading to savings in energy bills, reductions in the country's oil import bill, increase competitiveness and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2022,” Phillips stated.

On this note, he said the distribution and installation of 22,000 LED bulbs and 12,000 LED tubes to households, businesses, and Government buildings would be undertaken this year. The Prime Minister said this initiative would help to reduce their carbon footprint and trigger behavioural change.

Added to this, the Prime Minister further highlighted the need for low-carbon transportation infrastructure to reduce the demand for imported fossil fuels for vehicular transport. To encourage this transition, Government will be fostering the development of an electric vehicle industry while enhancing the ability of the electric grid to integrate high levels of intermittent renewable energy.

As a result, the installation of new fastcharging stations for electric vehicles will be piloted this year in Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) with more to come in the future.

In fact, Budget 2022 includes some $31.6 million as a catalyst for e-mobility. (G8)

Cultural Centres across the country, making the very valid point that this would exacerbate an already racially-divided country. She argued in preference for national theatres being built in every region, which would serve as the home for the celebration of all of our cultural heritages, both separately and collectively.

To my surprise and disappointment, Mr Bisram, on 12th February, 2022, responded to my wife’s letter, vigorously maintaining an argument that has long since proved to be false, that the National Cultural Centre is not used

by Guyanese of Indian descent.

May I remind him that the late great Lata Mangeshkar performed there in 1981 to a full house of Guyanese of Indian descent?

The National Cultural Centre has also hosted the annual Nrityageet for over 40 years (out of production now), as well as Naya Zamana and many other shows, attracting audiences of Guyanese of Indian descent.

More disturbing from a man of his intellect, while recognising that we are “a multicultural nation”, his words, he persisted to urge

that we build theatres confined solely to the performance of our separate cultural heritages. He even went on to suggest that any merging of these cultures is tantamount to “cultural genocide”.

So, according to Mr Bisram, our Government must spend the people’s money building Indian Cultural Centres, and by inference African, Chinese, Portuguese and Amerindian Cultural Centres and, presumably, more theatres confined to the performance of our Guyanese culture; or maybe Mr Bisram doesn’t recognise that the very es-

sence of our Guyanese culture is, as indeed is our cuisine and the sports we play, a synergy of all of our heritages.

If you consult a dictionary for the definition of culture, you’ll find that it is “the customs, ideas and social behaviour of a particular people or group”, in our case, the culture of the people of Guyana. By all means, let us continue to recognise where we came from but, much more importantly, who we are today.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Tree Diagrams

By Katharine Coles

A tree diagram can be used to show possible combinations of people, places, or things. It looks like a set of trees with branches.

Example:

At a school cookout, you can buy a ticket that allows you to choose one main item, and one side dish. The tree diagram shows the possible combinations.

In this fun and easy botany and biology science experiment for kids, we’re going to create a plant trap to see if we can keep a plant from escaping.

Materials:

Thin plastic container Scissors Paper towel Rubber band A weed with its roots Shallow pan

Instructions:

To find out how many possible combinations there are, count the number of branches. In this example, there are nine branches.

How many possible combinations could there be if you couldw also order chips as a side?

Add chips as a branch on each item. Since there are 3 items, add 9 + 3 = 12.

Exercises: Interpret 1) How many different outcomes are there in the tree diagram?

2) Below is the tree diagram of the choices at the lunch you are going to attend. If you don’t like salad, how many different meal combinations can you select from?

Cut two squares from the plastic container big enough to fit the roots from the weed.

Fold a paper towel and place it on a plastic square.

Lay the roots on the paper towel.

Now fold another paper towel and lay it on top of the weed roots.

Place the other plastic square on top to make a sandwich of all the layers.

Secure the layers together with a rubber band.

Fill the shallow pan with water.

Lay the “sandwich” in the water making sure it is propped on the side of the container and facing a sunny window.

Make sure you keep at least an inch of water in the pan while you wait four to five days.

Observe the changes in your weed.

It was like climbing a mountain to those of us who’d climbed one. To the others, it was like, I suppose, something else. In other words, we let everybody find her own figure of speech.

Not that it—speech—lay thick on the ground, or mountain; it presented itself one word at a time, far between. A body had to keep an eye out, like for firewood at dusk, or else miss her chance. Nobody else, let’s face it, cared about metaphor, or even simile, the like-it-or-not-ness of the mountain pretty much getting between a body and her musing, in its going. One step at a time, anyone could lose herself or someone else just staring at her feet. And if a body meet a body is not mere speech but something that could happen, like hopping a bus—though on the mountain you’ll catch no rides, worse luck, the mountain requires to be climbed on foot, one after the other, nothing else will get you up it. There’s nothing like such obduracy but in the wild, nobody can tell you otherwise. No simple figure, this struggle: just a crag, your burden, and your own two feet.

Say otherwise, talk through your hat, which I don’t care for.

Source: Poetry (April 2019)

How it works:

Ever notice a bulge in a sidewalk and realise it was caused by the roots of a nearby tree?

Roots are a very important part of a plant that is usually hidden underground. Roots help keep a plant upright and keep it from blowing away, while also bringing nutrients and water up from the soil. Roots will grow out in all directions (and even break up strong concrete sidewalks) in an attempt to perform these important tasks.

Make this a science project:

Try this experiment with roots from different types of plants and weeds. (sciencefun.org)

Teacher's Tip “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter” – Francis Chan

WORD SEARCH

7 Govt to recruit int’l experts to supervise, operate Amaila Falls Hydro Project W NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ith the highly-anticipated Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) expected to get underway later this year, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has committed to hiring international experts to both oversee and manage the project.

This was revealed by Petroleum Economist at the Natural Resources Ministry, Winston Brassington, during an update on the AFHP on Thursday at Guyana’s inaugural International Energy Conference and Expo, which ends today.

Brassington told stakeholders that more than a decade since its conceptualisation, the transformational 165-megawatt (MW) project was very close to becoming a reality.

“We’re currently engaged with China Rail in negotiations for this project to start by the third quarter of this year. Under the new structure, we have much better terms than we did in 2015,” he stated.

Last November, Cabinet gave its ‘no objection’ for China Railway Group Limited to construct the Hydropower Project on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model to the tune of US$700 million, which is lower than the cost estimated in 2015.

According to Brassington, the developer will be undertaking all of the risks from this venture in addition to fi-

Winston Brassington

nancing it.

“The Government is not making any financial commitments. So, there is no money from the IDB (InterAmerican Development Bank) and there is no money from Norway for this project.

This project is being financed

by China Rail,” he emphasised.

The previous PPP/C Government was planning to use revenues Guyana had earned from its 2009 deal with Norway to fund the project. That five-year pact, which was not renewed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime, saw Guyana earning US$250 million for maintaining its forest cover at a high level in order to offset global carbon emissions.

Nevertheless, the Amaila Falls Project is slated to come online in 2026, with construc-

tion lasting for some three and a half years.

Brassington reassured that Government would ensure world-class supervision during the construction stage as well as international experts to operate and maintain it.

“We will have independent supervision which will be internationally tendered to review the work that had been done. So, we will hire, through public tender, worldclass international project supervision firm to ensure that what is being designed and built is built to those standards. We also agreed that we will have an international O&M (Operations and Maintenance) operator so when it’s built, we will have someone who would be competent to operate this [project],” he stated.

However, while the aim is to have construction start

later this year, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is currently being negotiated for Guyana to benefit from the hydropower before those works start.

“GPL (Guyana Power and Light) will be the off-taker. So, GPL will buy all of the power under a Power Purchase Agreement and secure its payment with a receivables agreement,” he stated.

The agreement is for the company to supply electricity to GPL at a cost not exceeding US$0.07737 per kWh. Moreover, in addition to the hydro plant and all the related technical and physical works, the scope of project also includes a 270-kilometre double circuit, 230-kiloVolt transmission line running from Amaila Falls all the way to GPL’s Central Substation at Sophia,

Greater Georgetown. This, according to Brassington, covers GPL’s entire transmission system which is just over 200 kilometres.

“So, this is a project scope that covers everything to get the project into our load centre,” he said.

Additionally, the project includes the cost of upgrading the roads and bridges leading to and from Amaila.

The AFHP was a brainchild of the previous PPP/C Administration and was the flagship project under its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which has since been revised to meet a 2030 timeline. However, the project was shelved by the APNU/AFC coalition shortly after its took office in 2015, citing the lack of investors.

PPP/C had contended that the 165-megawatt proj-

ect could have already been generating about 50 per cent more electricity than the entire current GPL supply of 120 megawatts to the grid.

The now governing party had promised on the 2020 elections campaign trail to revive the project to boost the country’s capacity and as part of its transition to clean energy sources.

Meanwhile, as part of its energy-mix towards more clean and renewable energy sources, the Government is also forging ahead with its gas-to-shore project which will generate close to 200 megawatts.

Together, these two mega projects as well as other renewables such as solar and wind will reduce the high cost of electricity as well as the country’s importation of fossil fuels. (G8)

8 NEWS Miner dies after pit collapses in NWD FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

C

h r i s t o p h e r Bumbury of Pakera, Matthew's Ridge, North West District (NWD) met his demise on Monday after the mining pit in which he was working collapsed. The incident took place at Highwood Backdam, Region One (Barima-Waini) NWD. Based on information received, on the day in question, 58-year-old Bumbury and another worker were reportedly digging gravel at the bottom of the mining pit when it collapsed, pinning him in the process while the other worker managed to escape unhurt.

An alarm was raised, and other workers rushed to aid Bumbury, but by the time he was pulled from under the debris, he was

MINING TRAGEDY already dead.

The body was transported to the Port Kaituma District Hospital to await a post mortem.

This is the first mining death for the year. Last April, a mining accident at Kuribrong Backdam, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) left one man dead. He was only referred to as “Coolie”.

It was reported that the now dead man was working in a mining pit when it reportedly caved in, and he was pinned by a fallen tree. On the day in question, the now dead man and others were working in the mining pit when it caved in.

He was pinned by a tree that came crashing down.

He sustained injuries,

and was picked up by his colleagues and rushed to Mahdia Regional Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty, who pronounced him dead on arrival.

A month prior to that incident, 29-year-old Manley Williams, a miner, drowned while taking a swim in an old mining pit at Sand Creek Village.

Reports are on the day in question, Williams was seen swimming in the old mining pit located some 40 feet from his camp. It was later observed that the man suddenly went underwater and did not surface.

Shortly after, Williams’s brother went into the pit and conducted a search and discovered his motionless body at the bottom of the pit.

Signals…

T

…from Oil and Gas he O&G conference at the Marriott finished yesterday - but today, the exhibition’s open to the public. Your Eyewitness must compliment the organisers. Guyana’s finally hit the big leagues, and we had to raise our game to deal with folks who’re used to world-class standards. A hint of the tone is offered by just the CLASSIFICATION of its sponsors: Platinum; Diamond; Gold Plus; Gold; Gold Exhibiter; Silver; Bronze; then Partners. They discreetly started with the Gold Sponsorship at $35,000.!! And if you gotta wonder whether it’s US or GY dollars, you really shouldn’t be reading this!! US Greenbacks, of course!! This is OIL business we’re discussing - the last big oil play of the century!! The mind boggles at how much the Platinum sponsors - three notches above gold - had to shell out!!

Folks who wanted to listen to the presentations had to fork over some US$500 a pop - which included three more-than-square meals and all sorts of extras! No black pudding vendors - from Mon Repos OR Buxton, thank you!! But was it fee that you’re the PNC leader fumed he didn’t get a free invite? How come there were so many other Opposition folks from the PNC and AFC? They understand how the modern business world operates and bought tickets!! Who could he want a freebie from when he can’t even be designated “Opposition Leader”?

If they’d done so, wouldn’t they have to do the same for Jaipaul Sharma of the Equal Rights and Justice Party (ERJP); Sarabo-Halley of the Guyana Nation Builders Movement (GNBM), Keith Scott of the NFA, and Allicock of GAP? Right now, AFC’s Ramjattan stands higher, since he’s a coalition partner, not IN APNU, but WITH APNU! Anyhow, like with the Budget - which we can expect will precede it every year - this Conference was “bigger and better”! And it’ll keep on expanding as our oil production balloons and new fields are opened up.

Pretty soon, the Marriott mightn’t be able to contain the mega-event this’ll morph into. Luckily, the Pegasus, which was built for these contingencies, will be ready then!! But you, dear reader, might be wondering what this high octane (pun intended!) event’s doing for Guyana.

Well, we’d better understand that the development trajectory we’ve now finally embarked on is hinged on such gatherings. Here, business tycoons the world over are afforded the opportunity to show their wares; meet and network; seal new deals; get a hands-on feel for this still-frontier economic opportunity, and so on. It’s for this reason that every major US city - and some not so major - have one or more “Convention Centers”.

They make our National Stadium look like a hut in a jungle!! …COVID-19 Well, while Shakespeare has made the most famous Dane of all, Hamlet, to pose the existentialist question of the ages - to be or not to be? - that was six hundred years ago. The modern Dane evidently isn’t given to too much navel-gazing - at least when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Feb 1st, they decided that COVID isn’t a "socially critical disease"! As such, they’ve dropped all restrictions and protocols that were imposed to confront the spread of the virus, that has already taken some 5.85 million lives worldwide!

Now this decision might seem counterintuitive, since Denmark has the highest rate of infection in the world!!

But the hospitalisation and death rate have fallen; so, basically, they feel COVID-19 is now ENDEMIC. Meaning they’ve reached a point where they can accept the death and hospitalisation rate - like the world has done with, say, the flu!! The WHO figures the flu kills 290,000 to 650,000 people per year.

Are we accepting our present 3/daily rate? …from PNC elders The PNC “Elders” would know Brenton Wood’s greatest hit from the ‘60s – “Just gimmie a little sign (girl)”.

Cause the base is “feeling down (and) wearing a frown” for the leader to be there when they “look around”!!

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

9 Infrastructure unprepared for green transition will be left obsolete – EU Ambassador NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as diplomats talk renewable opportunities for Guyana

European Union Ambassador to Guyana and Suriname, Fernando Ponz Canto

C

ountries must adapt to the green transition in wake of the climate emergency currently befalling the world, as those who fail to make a change will be left in a defunct state.

European Union Ambassador to Guyana and Suriname, Fernando Ponz Canto has urged countries to align closely with the climate neutrality objectives.

The European Green Deal aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050, boost the economy through green technology, create sustainable industry and transport, and cut pollution.

His caution on the conspicuous climate emergency currently facing the world resounded during the second day of the International Energy Conference and Expo on Wednesday, which generated widespread attention this week in Guyana.

“They must be prepared already for the green transition, because the green transition is happening and infrastructures which are not prepared for that will be obsolete…Our international policy reflects our internal commitments,” the Ambassador told attendees.

Ambassador Ponz Canto emphasised that the current climate emergency required a joint effort and the EU was prepared to extend a hand in meeting such.

“We are in a climate emergency and we have a shared responsibility to address it.

This is what has led to the European Union’s Green Deal, which integrates new trends like increased electrification, energy system integration, decarbonisation and digitalisation for shaping our future infrastructures. From now to 2030, we estimate that investments in electricity grids will have to double, compared to the last decade,” he added.

Ensuring energy efficiency and combating waste across grids, he mentioned, is also a significant factor.

“I think this is a problem in many countries, including Guyana. It is very important and a great way to reduce our emissions,” he said.

Later on Wednesday, High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana and Suriname, Mark Berman; US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; the UK’s Regional COP26 Ambassador for Latin America and Caribbean, Fiona Clouder; High Commissioner of India, Dr KJ Srinivasa; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Fernando Nogales Alvarez were included in discussion on the opportunities for cooperation in energy, technology, education and services.

Precursors for renewables

Canadian High Commissioner Berman emphasised that Guyana’s large coastline, vast rivers

The High Commissioners and Ambassadors in discussion on opportunities for cooperation in energy

and warm climate were indicative precursors for renewables. In the new investments and projects touted for Guyana, clean energy could be integrated.

“One of the great opportunities for Guyana is because there is a lot they need to do, particularly in the context of infrastructure and other industries. Therefore, they have the opportunity to use new and clean technologies, whether it is the development of roads, buildings, or new sources of energy. There are opportunities right now and I know there is interest in all of our countries in sharing some of the technologies that we’re developing,” Berman disclosed.

Gamechanger

Indian High Commissioner Srinivasa outlined that India, being the third largest consumer of energy with its potential in renewable energy, would be a gamechanger for the wider world.

“India plans to have 500 gigawatts by 2030 and 50 per cent of its energy would be coming from renewable energy…Getting these renewable energy projects off the ground itself is a big task and India has faced all of them. Solar expansion for India has offered key les-

sons for other countries.

What I feel is it is important to set specific policy targets and then going through all the efforts required by Government,” he shared.

Grid integration and storage integration to sustain such projects, the diplomat added, must be considered. Dr Srinivasa added that relying solely on private finance would not achieve that goal.

“Power, solar energy especially, if it doesn’t have the proper inverters and storage capacity, it’s not going to work. India has found out very recently that achieving this rapid increase in providing clean energy access to the people requires pub-

licly-funded programmes through large-scale subsidies, to get the people to understand that this will be beneficial not only to them but also to the country,” he said.

In the panel discussion, US Ambassador Lynch drew attention to Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy – a framework which she said was lacking in many developing countries.

“Guyana took it very seriously…It might be tweaked, but very important effort on their part,” the diplomat opined.

The LCDS is the brainchild of former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Under

President Dr Irfaan Ali, an updated LCDS has been launched. Government has announced plans to resuscitate the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

Smaller hydroelectric plants have been added to hinterland regions, and the solar distribution panel programmes have been reintroduced. Solar farm projects will be created around larger communities to support economic projects.

The new gas-to-shore project will kick in by 2025, enabling a significant reduction in Guyana’s dependency on fossil fuels. Guyana’s goal is to reduce fossil fuel use by 50 per cent by 2025, and by 70 per cent by 2030. (G12)

10 NEWS “I was under the influence” EBD man found guilty FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

of killing 16-year-old

– car thief to Magistrate … jailed for 2 years

“I

was under the influence of alcohol when I took the vehicle. I was waiting on the park for a bus when I saw the key in the car and decided to drive home.”

Those were the words 32-year-old Anthony Cooper uttered to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Cooper pleaded guilty to the charge which stated, that on October 10, 2021, at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, he stole a Toyota Axio motorcar valued at $3.5 million, property of Onika Ashanti Bobb.

Facts presented by the court prosecutor stated that, on the day in question, the woman parked her vehicle, forgot the keys in the driver's side door, and went vending. Upon her return, she observed her car missing, and she made a report at the Brickdam Police Station.

The Police, after reviewing

A Jailed: Anthony Cooper

Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the area, saw a man driving away with the car.

Days later, Bobb’s husband saw someone driving the car on the East Bank Demerara public road, and he drove his vehicle into the car, causing that driver to stop. He then confronted the man who was driving his wife’s car.

The court heard that Bobb’s husband took Cooper to the Brickdam Police Station.

Meanwhile, Cooper apologised for stealing the woman’s car. He told the Chief Magistrate that he was willing to compensate the woman for the time he had the car.In the end, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. (G1)

Killed: Brian Charles Yearwood

Freed: Andy Peters

Guilty: Shannon Cox

resident of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara who fatally stabbed a schoolboy has been found guilty of manslaughter.

Shannon Cox, 23, was indicted for the April 29, 2017 murder of 16-year-old Brian Charles Yearwood when he appeared before Demerara High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall.

After deliberating for just over two hours on Wednesday, the jury found Cox not guilty of murder but unanimously guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter.

A sentencing hearing for the convict has been fixed for March 10. He is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Madan Kissoon.

On Monday, Cox’s co-ac-

cused, 20-year-old Andy Peters, was freed after Justice Morris-Ramlall upheld the nocase submission made by his lawyer Latchmie Rahamat, and directed the jury to return a formal not-guilty verdict.

When called upon to lead a defence, Cox had elected to give an unsworn statement in which he denied knowing or killing Yearwood.

He said, “I didn’t have no problem with no one…I don’t know the person who dead.

Is when I go at the station they show me a picture of him [Yearwood]… I cooperate with them [Police] because I know me ain’t do nothing ma’am…”

Senior State Counsel Lisa Cave led the case for the prosecution.

Yearwood, formerly of

Grove Public Road, EBD, was stabbed once to the chest while attending a concert hosted by the Covent Garden Nursery School in the school’s compound. It was reported that the stabbing stemmed from an old grievance between the now dead teen and some other boys.

Yearwood, who was a student of the Covent Garden Secondary School, was found lying motionless on the grass by an off-duty cop. He was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Reports are that the murder weapon, a knife, was found at the home of one of the persons accused of killing Yearwood. (G1)

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 new COVID death, 72 new cases T

he Health Ministry has reported a total of 1203 COVID-19 deaths as of Thursday, with the announcement of one more fatality from the virus.

The latest death is that of a 77-year-old woman from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), who died on Wednesday. She was fully vaccinated.

Statistics have shown that 72 more persons were infected in one day. Of the 62,537 total confirmed cases, 28,794 are males and the remaining 33,743 are females.

There are 10 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 84 in institutional isolation, 940 in home isolation and 16 in institutional quarantine. For now, there are 60,300 recovered cases.

Data shows that the new positives were dispersed among eight regions, with nine in Region One (BarimaWaini); six in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 32 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); 15 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); one in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); 17 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-

Berbice).

There were no new cases in Regions Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

Active COVID infections account for 1168 of total confirmed cases.

Vaccination statistics indicate that in the adult population, 429,643 first doses and 323,662 second doses, reflecting 83.8 per cent and 63.1 per cent respectively, have been administered.

Another 23,873 or 32.7 per cent of persons within the 12 to 17 age group are fully vaccinated. Booster doses stand at 47,555.

In responding to questions on whether the Infectious Diseases Hospital is equipped to handle emergency cases or conditions, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony underscored, “The COVID-19 hospital is an annex of the Georgetown Public Hospital so all the professionals that work at the GPHC are available to the staff at the COVID-19 hospital.”

In an instance where a surgery or any specialised procedure is required, a team from GPHC would be dispatched to the East Coast Demerara facility to perform such. A surgical theatre at the COVID hospital is where

patients would undergo operations.

The Health Minister also addressed recent headlines surrounding the death of a three-year-old child unincluded in the country’s COVID-19 death toll. He pointed out that the protocols for categorising such deaths have not changed, but clarified that the primary cause of death was not COVID-19.

“There has been no change to the protocols. When you do certification of death, there is a primary reason why the person died and there are other secondary/tertiary reasons that contributed to the death. In this particular case, the primary reason was not COVID. The primary reason was another diagnosis. The child had to undergo surgery and so, the primary reason that resulted in the death was totally different from COVID,” Dr Anthony stressed.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures, which are in effect until February 28, 2022.

This order emphasises the need for everyone, 12 years and older, to get vaccinated against COVID-19, correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD FEBRUARY 17, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

72

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

84

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

940

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

10

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

16

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

33,743

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

28,794

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

62,537

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

60,300

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2479

REGION 2

2440

REGION 3

7994

REGION 4

30,957

REGION 5

2329

REGION 6

5661

REGION 7

2404

REGION 8

887

REGION 9

3930

REGION 10

3456

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

427,680 320,221

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1203

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.

your home, the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from others, and good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associ-

ated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy. (G12)

Miner feared dead after falling off boat’s bow

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he Police in Regional Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have launched an investigation after a miner, who is commonly known only as ‘Brother Ken’, is suspected to have drowned at Matouk Falls, Cuyuni River, on Wednesday.

Preliminary reports state that the missing man, who hailed from Karrau Village, Mazaruni River, was shuttling fuel with a metal boat which was powered by two 75 HP Yamaha outboard engines and was captained by Pargia Gibson.

On their return journey after offloading the fuel, one of the engines developed a mechanical problem, thus causing the boat to start drifting while at the same time taking in water.

As such, “Brother Ken” reportedly went to the bow of the boat and attempted to tie the boat to a nearby rock, but while doing so, he allegedly slipped and fell overboard.

A search was launched by the boat operator with the assistance of a passing boat, but he was not found. The matter was reported, and a team of Police ranks travelled to the area to assist in the searchand-rescue mission.

Earlier in the month, the body of 54-year-old Lakeram Kuber of Belle Plaine, Wakenaam Island, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), was pulled

from the Essequibo River two days after the boat in which he was travelling capsized.

It was reported that the boat had left Wakenaam Island with Feroze Amin of Good Success and 54-yearold Lakeram Kuber of Belle Plaine to collect a friend, Floyd Dazzell, at Supenaam.

It was on their way back to Wakenaam that the boat capsized and went down.

Dazzell and Amin managed to swim to the Wakenaam shore safely, but Kuber went missing.

In another incident earlier in the year, 19-year-old miner Renaldo Rampersaud died after the boat in which he was travelling capsized in the Mazaruni River between Luw Luw Island Point and Banana Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Rampersaud and another miner had left the Cashew Creek Backdam in a canoe, and had gone to Banana Landing, where they had purchased some items. The Police have said that while the men were paddling the canoe back to the backdam, it began taking in water, and eventually sank.

The other man managed to swim to shore, but Rampersaud went underwater and did not resurface. A search party was then launched, and the body was recovered in the same area where he had gone under.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“You have to start now” …GO-Invest CEO tells potential investors …or risk being late in fast-paced economy

A

fast-paced country on the rise to greater economic development will not wait for investors who take too long to capitalise on the opportunities that would become available to them.

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), Dr Peter Ramsaroop, was presenting on the investment opportunities in Guyana at the International Energy Conference on Thursday when he urged potential companies to act quickly, as Government’s plan takes shape to enable such investments.

He underscored that, with the macro-stable economic environment that awaits them in Guyana, coupled with competitiveness and a democratic atmosphere, those investors would no longer have to speculate.

With Guyana being referred to as the ‘El Dorado Corridor’ with Suriname and Northern Brazil, he noted that this would vigorously impact trade and the rate at which the country is modernised.

“You don’t have to speculate anymore about what Guyana is going to look like… You can actually know every year what

is going to happen to us.

Your role is to figure out where you fit. Catch our President’s vision, and you will see those investment opportunities come to fruition,” he declared.

“If you’re wondering what Guyana will look like two years from now, when we have 50 percent reduction in energy, and should I come in to Guyana to do manufacturing, you’re already too late. You have to start now, looking at what you will do… We treat every investor fairly, honestly, accountably. There is no underhand work. Everything we do is transparent and on the books. You get a chance to be part of it,” Ramsaroop added.

Speaking on the investment factor, the CEO pointed out that the vision is not affixed on oil and gas. In fact, several sectors will require attention.

Government is focusing on reliable energy through the gas-to-shore project; wider road networks; the new smart city; new connective bridges, among other projects that would enable easier access in other sectors.

“Our outlook in Guyana is using the oil and gas as an enabling factor. Our future is a lot more than that. From the investment perspective,

coms companies, cheaper bandwidth, and technological providers.

“Guyana is open for business. We’re excited about the opportunities. We understand the need for technology transfer and for opportunities to build together,” he said.

we’ve got Caricom, a lot of bilateral treaties around the world. Ultimately, what we’re building is global partnerships. You’re here because we know we cannot do it ourselves,” he told potential investors.

Infrastructure

Ramsaroop told the conference that Government has centred its efforts on ease of doing business and national infrastructure projects to support investments.

“As you build that infrastructure, the prosperity and the down effects that come with that become very critical to our people.

The infrastructure projects bring about that change.

It’s really modernising our known industries,” he said.

He pointed towards the vertical infrastructure that is in the works for the near future, resulting in a peak in the construction industry.

The Deepwater harbour, a major link with Brazil, will also be an advantageous contender for persons to trade though Guyana.

Agriculture

The country, once regarded as the Breadbasket of the Caribbean, is also aiming to reduce the Food Import Bill of Caricom by 25

Tourism

CEO of GO-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop

percent by 2050. This is a US$1 billion market, which the CEO said the country easily has land capacity to fulfil its target. However, it creates a domino effect for potential investments.

He further emphasised, “If we’re going to own 25 per cent of that bill, it is not just about growing more food, but logistics, the supply chain, air cargo, ship cargo… That alone is a very important aspect to think about in the agriculture sector, and as we get cheaper energy, agro-processing.”

When cheaper and more

reliable energy becomes a reality for the country, investors would be asked to make preparation to capitalise on these lucrative and fresh markets.

ICT

The GO-Invest Head relayed that there is a young workforce in Guyana that is looking for opportunities, and services can be outsourced. This has been supported through Government’s liberalisation of the Telecommunications Act, and authorities are now welcoming new tele-

Another budding industry is the tourism and hospitality sector, with Guyana regarded recently as the Best Eco-Tourism Destination in the world. Companies were asked to look beyond hotels and re-examine other services which can be provided.

Government is on the hunt for large scale operators that are willing to invest in such services.

“We have an Expression of Interest out right now.

We’re looking for large operators for eco-tourism. We’re looking at significant incentives to give operators a chance to develop our areas.

We’re going to put a lot of money and infrastructure in developing our ecotourism,” he revealed. (G12)

Cop under probe for allegedly assaulting physically-challenged man

T

he Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an investigation into an incident in which a Police rank reportedly assaulted a civilian at Orinduik, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Based on reports received, the incident allegedly took place on February 10. The Police have said that a Constable attached to the Region 8 Police Division physically assaulted a 35-year-old male resident of Kurukabaru, the victim being also physically chal-

lenged.

Initial investigations have revealed that visible signs of injury have been seen on the victim's body, and he has since received attention from

a Medex in the area.

The Police Constable involved in the incident has been placed under close arrest, and is assisting with the investigation.

15 NTS Amega Atlantic Guyana opens to service oil sector T NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he opening of NTS Amega Atlantic Guyana at Houston, East Bank Demerara has been dubbed an opportune development in adding direct support to the oil and gas sector.

NTS Amega Atlantic Guyana is a joint venture between the global manufacturing and repairing company NTS Group and Atlantic Marine Supplies Incorporated.

It will be providing precision manufacturing and repair services for the oil and gas sector.

Over two dozen jobs will be created.

The opening ceremony on Wednesday evening was at-

ExxonMobil’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods (led); President Dr Irfaan Ali and Head of GO-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop

tended by President Irfaan Ali, who lauded this investment as an avenue to change

Venezuelan woman charged with killing Sophia man

Killed: Beauford Watson

A

Venezuelan woman has been arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on a manslaughter charge alleging that she stabbed a Sophia, Greater Georgetown man to death.

Yesica Carolina Roodon Mayo was on Wednesday not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on February 12, 2022, at Sandhills Backdam Kaikan, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuynuni Mazaruni), she unlawfully killed Beauford Watson.

The accused was remanded to prison, and the

Remanded: Yesica Roodon Mayo

Carolina

case will continue on March 14.

Guyana Times understands that, on February 12, the now dead man, together with Mayo and another woman, was imbibing at a bar. It was reported that Mayo and the other woman left the bar shortly after. When they reached a certain point, Watson reportedly requested that either Mayo or the other woman join him on his bike.

When the other woman did, Mayo allegedly became annoyed and stabbed Watson to his left side chest. As a result, he collapsed and subsequently died. (G1)

the human resource landscape by introducing specialised skills.

Ali noted, “These are the types of investments that would change the skillset of our human resource base, because many of the jobs in a machining or fabrication environment are skilled jobs, so whenever we have small and medium-sized enterprises like these in a machining context, they have the ability to create jobs that are highly specialised and skill-based with higher salary range.”

The Head of State added that such a facility would provide indirect jobs in the transportation, logistics, and

President Ali joining the ribbon-cutting exercise for the opening of the new NTS Amega Atlantic Guyana company

other sectors. It would also modernise services offered in the machining industry.

“It is important that every aspect of the puzzle - not only the large-scale investments, but the small and medium scale investments - be put together to make an integrated whole as to what this sector brings to our country,” he said.

“From the Government level, we understand that we

have to have the right mix of infrastructure to support this development, because in this industry, time is essential, proximity is essential. Not only is it important that the facilities are built to certain standards, but it is important that they deliver the services in a reliable and efficient manner,” the President added.

Chief Executive Officer of NTS Group, Paul Mc

Millan, noted that the track record of his company includes providing solutions to Schlumberger, Baker Hughes and Haliburton, among a slew of companies. NTS Group has locations in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the USA, Canada and Norway; and aims to bring a culture of ‘trust and integrity’ to the local market.

(G12)

16 NEWS Agri Ministry funds upgrades to President’s College farm FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha with some of the students from the President's College Agriculture Science Department

P

resident’s College having written to the Ministry of Agriculture, requesting help to restore its Agricultural Science Department, Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, in response on Thursday, donated over 400 broiler chicks and starter feed amounting to some $310,000 to assist students with completing the farm management aspect of their School-Based Assessment (SBA).

Last year, the school’s headteacher wrote to the Minister, requesting urgent help with restoring the school’s Agriculture Science Department as the students prepared for their CSEC and CAPE exams. Her request for help is what prompted the Minister’s donation.

Handing over of this assistance was done at the Ministry’s Head Office on Regent Street, Georgetown, where Mustapha said the Ministry has already em-

barked on several other projects aimed at improving the school’s farm, which is managed by the students in the Agriculture Science Department.

“In addition to these chicks that you are receiving today, the Ministry is also in the process of rehabilitating the school’s entire farm, so that students have the necessary resources and facilities to fully prepare for their exams. I hope that we will be able to replicate this initiative across the country at different schools, because it is important for us to start the process in the school system, to ensure our students are well prepared for the professional agricultural field.

Guyana’s average pass rate for agriculture at the last sitting of CSEC was about 95%. This shows that our students are very passionate about agriculture; so, as a Government, we have to ensure that both their

theoretical and practical knowledge (is) strengthened. This is the only way they will be able to have an

Some of the students from President's College who were benefit from the donation

that it was important for the Government to facilitate the development of a strong agriculture sector locally.

Some of the feed that was donated

all-around and comprehensive understanding of the industry,” Mustapha said.

The Minister has said that Guyana is tasked with driving the agriculture agenda in Caricom, and President Dr Irfaan Ali is spearheading the Caricom agri-food systems agenda. He voiced

“We wrote a letter pleading our cause, and I want to thank the Minister for his timely response.

Almost immediately after sending the email, we received a response, so I can say to the country at large that you have a vision and you want that vision to be accomplished. Just like you, we are passionate about having that vision accomplished too. We are

very grateful, Honorable Minister, that you reached out to us. We are enthusiastic, we are synergised that we must keep the hope of agriculture. We are no longer looking back. We are very optimistic about the future,” President’s College’s Headteacher (acting) Samantha Success said while expressing gratitude to the Minister for the donation.

Under the Ministry’s Rural Agriculture I n f r a s t r u c t u r e Development (RAID) Project, the Ministry has since completed the construction of a shade house and a timber bridge at the school’s farm, as well as upgrades to the farm access road. A cattle perimeter fence will also be constructed at the farm to assist with the rearing of livestock, and there will be the establishment of a one-acre passion fruit plot. Coconut seedlings will also be planted at the farm.

Additional support will also be given to the department through the RAID Project, which will see the

construction of a poultry and vegetable processing facility. The facility, which is currently under construction, is expected to be completed by May 2022 at a cost of $15 million. An additional 25 bags of grower feed and 10 bags of finisher feed would also be handed over to the school when the birds have matured.

Last month, President Ali launched the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme, which forms part of the Government’s vision for empowering youths while further developing Guyana’s agriculture sector. This programme, in its first phase, is expected to see the construction of twenty-five shade houses, which would be used to cultivate high-value crops such as carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower.

The programme targets both current and past students of the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the University of Guyana (UG), and other budding agriculture entrepreneurs.

(G2)

Persons living with Down Syndrome at higher risk of contracting COVID – Health Minister

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

H

ealth Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday related that those who are suffering from Down syndrome disease are at a higher risk of contracting the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).

The Minister has said that this is because most of

these patients have a number of comorbidities. “We have a few patients with Down syndrome in the country, and they are at a higher risk because Down syndrome itself, persons with this particular disease would have a number of problems.

“So, they’re more prone to have heart problems, problems with their digestive tract, some of them would have problems with leukemia…these patients generally would have what we would call a number of comorbidities,” he explained.

He noted that that is why it is very important that these persons get fully vaccinated.

“Therefore, if they are not vaccinated and they get COVID, they will have the more severe form of the disease; so, it’s absolutely essential that this category of patients should get vaccinated,”

he said.

For young patients with Down syndrome who are not eligible for vaccination, Minister Anthony urged that they take all necessary precautions and follow the official COVID-19 guidelines.

Thus far, 429,643 persons, or 83.8 per cent of the adult population, have received the first dose of a COVID vaccine, while 323,662 persons, or 63.1 per cent of the adult population, have received a second dose of the COVID vaccine.

For the 12-to-17 age cohort, 33,261 persons, or 45.6 per cent of that age cohort, have received a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, and 23,873 persons, or 32.7 per cent of that demographic, have received both doses.

For booster doses, 47,555 persons have received their jabs.

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Power Purchase Agreement Police unearth, destroy being negotiated for Hope $90M worth of ganja Wind Farm – Project Manager …construction likely to start this year

A

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is being negotiated for Guyana to boost its electricity generation capacity with more renewable energy sources such as the Hope Wind Farm Project.

During a presentation at the International Energy Conference and Expo in Georgetown, Hope Energy Development (HED) Inc Project General Manager John Sydow, on Thursday said the company was currently working with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to finalise the 20-year PPA for the project.

“So, it is possible to get to construction in this year [if] everything goes right…

I’m not putting dates on this, because everything hangs on that PPA. Once, we’re done with that [signing of the PPA], the timeline is in our control again,” Sydow explained.

With the necessary feasibility and environmental studies already conducted and approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, when the PPA is in place then the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) design and financing aspects would take less than a year after which the Final Investment Decision (FID) would be done before construction can commence.

Another six to 10 months would be needed for the construction of the wind turbines overseas and transportation to Guyana.

“Most of that effort, though, is the civil works: roads, foundations, piling and such, and of course, the electrical works – that’s the collector lines and the substation. Most of that work will be local contractors,” he explained.

With six wind turbines along the East Demerara coastline, the Hope Wind Farm project is expected to add 25 megawatts of power to the national grid through a nearby substation thus reducing the power company’s reliance on fossil fuels.

HED has formed a joint venture with international partners to carry out this project, including Vestas Wind Systems – a Danish manufacturer, seller, installer, and servicer

Hope Wind Farm Project General Manager John Sydow

of wind turbines. This company will be manufacturing and installing the turbines for the project. Vestas will also be taking the EPC lead to build the plant and will have a 15-year operation and maintenance contract catering for performance guarantee of the wind turbines as well as the training of three local technicians.

In addition to the wind farm, the project has a 20-megawatt solar farm.

“We realised that with the wind resource that the peak power is in the evening, which is good. It matches the evening peak that you have here – the domestic peak. But the average wind speed lowest is midday which is when the sun is shining so then the question is ‘how can we get the highest capacity use of the substation by adding solar’ and it turns out, 20 megawatts of solar is a good amount before you start have these two competing with each other through a 25-megawatt substation.

“So, the results of this is a project with combined solar and wind at 25 megawatts with very high average output, starting to approach run-of-river projects that we have seen and looked at in other places.

So this is good news. This is much, much better than we had thought that was possible when we first started this project,” the Project Manager stated.

HED is the project developer and is responsible for getting it ready for construction thus undertaking all the risks. However, after two years when the risk element is eliminated, the

project will be handed over to low-risk investors.

These include Vestas and Hope Wind Energy (HWE), which is the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with all the assets and will finance the project. HED will be supporting HWE with the operation and maintenance of the substation and lines.

According to Sydow, this investment model is what is typically adopted for renewable energy projects in Europe, the United States, and other regions around the world.

He went on to note that there was a lot of interest in financing this project from both international and regional banking institutions.

However, they are looking to have a high ownership percentage by Guyanese investors.

“So, we are the guys that have to clean up the project and get it ready for these investors. At financial close when we’re about to start construction, we hope to entice a lot of the private investment community here to come onboard. We are aiming for more than 50 per cent [Guyanese ownership].

We would like to reverse, depending on how the investment goes, for pension funds, insurance companies, etcetera, so the more institutional investors that have to meet much low-risk levels,” Sydow said.

The Hope Wind Project, at construction stage, is expected to create 50 to 100 job opportunities for Guyanese with some 15 to 25 permanent jobs for technical staff, who will benefit from training as well. (G8)

P

olice in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Thursday unearthed and destroyed $90 million worth of marijuana during an eradication exercise at Gateroy Village, Berbice River.

Reports are that ranks led by a gazetted officer went to the location where a field covering some 10 acres with approximately 115,000 cultivated plants measuring between one and five feet in height, was discovered. Police also found four makeshift camps and one drying area which had about 215 cannabis plants drying.

The cannabis and camps were destroyed by fire.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday, acting on information received, Police in Regional Division Six went to a secluded area on the southern bank of the Canje River where a search was conducted for narcotics, guns, ammunition, and stolen articles.

During the search, five bulky parcels wrapped in transparent and black plastic were found. They contained a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

No one was seen in the area.

The suspected cannabis was taken to Central Police Station, where it was weighed, amounting to 90 pounds.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Regional

Mudslides and floods kill at Mexican Journalists protest, urge least 117 in Brazil’s Petropolis President to stop violence against press

An overview of a site of a mudslide at Morro da Oficina after pouring rains in Petropolis, Brazil, February 16, 2022

T

he death toll from mudslides and floods in Brazil’s colonial-era city of Petropolis rose to 117 on Thursday and was expected to increase further as the region reels from the heaviest rains in almost a century.

Heavy downpours in the afternoon, when the city recorded some six centimetres (2.36 inches) of rain, caused even more soil instability and disrupted efforts to find survivors and clean up the debris. Up to 4cm of rain was expected overnight in the region, according to meteorolo-

gists.

“There are at least six children here and there may be more from the neighbours,” said Fabio Alves, a resident, who noted that rescuers were not searching that area. “We are estimating more than 10 people buried here and we need help,” he said.

More than 700 people had to leave their homes and take shelter in local schools and other makeshift accommodation. Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro on Wednesday compared the

damage to a war zone.

“I am here hoping to find my wife. I’m sure she’s here.

The downstairs neighbour said she was on the balcony when the mudslide hit,” said Marcelo Barbosa, another resident.

There is conflicting information regarding the number of victims of the tragedy.

The Police said more than 100 people are missing while the Prosecutor’s office said at least 35 people are missing.

During the day, the local morgue was forced to use a refrigerated truck as a backup as more victims were being brought in while other bodies still awaited identification by their families.

Rio de Janeiro’s civil defence head Leandro Monteiro worked overnight, with poor lighting on soggy ground to find survivors. He is among the more than 500 rescue workers, along with neighbours and relatives of the victims who are still searching for loved ones. (Excerpt from Reuters)

J

ournalists in the Mexican border city of Tijuana on Thursday held protests to urge President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to bring to an end the spate of violence that has seen five media workers killed this year.

Reporters protested inside and outside the military barracks in Tijuana, where Lopez Obrador held a morning news conference.

Two of the five media workers murdered this year were killed in Tijuana and the protests come at a time when the President has increased his verbal attacks

against Journalists.

“Our profession is very hurt. As in all of Mexico, we work beneath the shadow of being attacked and killed for our work, and the crimes committed against us aren’t resolved,” said local reporter Sonia de Anda during the conference.

Lopez Obrador said he regretted the deaths and that there would be no impunity in their cases, though he later lashed out at “mercenary” Journalists whom he said were funded by “influence peddlers” and the United States to attack him.

Haitian garment workers protest to demand higher wages

Opposition Leader: T&T blackout was no laughing matter

O

pposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar is saying the 11-hour power outage which crippled all of Trinidad on Wednesday was no joke and no laughing matter.

This was her response to a joint press conference held on Thursday by Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales; Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young; National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, TTEC General Manager Kelvin Ramsook and representatives from the various arms of national security, called to discuss the outage.

Noting Ramsook’s own

description of the “catastrophic failure” at TTEC’s installations which led to the islandwide power outage, Persad-Bissessar said the press conference was nothing more than a PR stunt by Government.

In a press release issued about an hour after the press conference, Persad-Bissessar said what was most startling was Gonzales’ reaction when asked by reporters about what assurances he could give that such a massive failure would not happen again.

“The Minister of Public Utilities Marvin Gonzales began laughing. He even callously stated that the Police Commissioner could not give

an assurance there would not be another murder,” she said.

The Opposition Leader claimed the blackout “devastated” the perishable stock of businesses and facilitated criminal activity.

“Yet the Government is behaving like it is a joke.

I wish to tell these immature Ministers that this is no laughing matter.

“Based on the utterances of those present today, Hinds, Young and Gonzales, the Government had no clue about what was happening in the country and worse, had no idea what to do about it,” she said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

The President’s bellicose comments follow days of sharp criticism against him for repeatedly broadcasting the purported salary of a well-known Mexican newscaster, Carlos Loret de Mola, in his daily press conference.

Lopez Obrador’s broadside against Loret came after the reporter published an exposé alleging one of the President’s sons lived in a house in Texas owned by an executive of a company doing business with State oil firm Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex).(Excerpt from Reuters)

Haitians protest along the streets against their country’s unstable economic, political and social situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, February 17, 2022

T

housands of Haitian garment workers protested in Portau-Prince on Thursday to demand higher wages following weeks of similar demonstrations over pay and working conditions at firms that export to US clothing retailers.

For decades, Haiti has promoted itself as a centre for clothing manufacturing thanks to low wages and proximity to US mar-

kets, but has faced consistent complaints that wages are too low to cover the cost of basic goods in the Caribbean nation.

Workers are seeking a raise that would take their daily wage to 1500 gourdes (US$15), from the current wage of 500 gourdes (US$5), union leader Dominique St Eloi said in a telephone interview.

“With 500 gourdes per day, without any

Government subsidies, we cannot meet our needs while the price of basic goods, transport costs have increased,” said St Eloi, coordinator for the National Union of Haitian Workers.

St Eloi said that if factory managers did not respond, they would ask Haiti’s Government to raise the minimum wage.

Protesters first congregated around the Sonapi industrial park, and then later gathered along a nearby road after Police dispersed them with tear gas.

The Association of Industries of Haiti, the country’s main manufacturing trade group, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesman for the office of Prime Minister Ariel Henry said Henry was working on the issue with the High Council of Salaries, which recommends changes to the minimum wage, and that he had met on Tuesday with industry leaders about the issue.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Dominican Republic ends mask St Lucians urged to join crime fight mandate, all other COVID-19 rules

T

he Dominican Republic ended all COVID-19 public health restrictions on Thursday, including a mask mandate and vaccine checks in public spaces, despite not yet reaching the Government’s vaccination target of 70 per cent coverage for adults.

President Luis Abinader made the announcement on social media and in a televised message late Wednesday.

“It’s time to recover all our freedoms and way of

life,” he said.

The Caribbean nation, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, started relaxing COVID-19 containment measures last July, when authorities ended a nighttime curfew that had been in effect since March 2020.

Prior to the latest announcement, the Government had required face coverings in public places and proof of vaccination before riding public transportation or showing up at local businesses to

work or shop.

Health Minister Daniel Rivera told reporters on Thursday that ending the containment measures was due to “constant reductions” in both COVID-19 infections and death rates.

After Abinader’s order was announced, health worker union leader Senen Caba expressed concern that the decision to end coronavirus restrictions could discourage unvaccinated Dominicans to get their jabs. (Excerpt from Reuters)

P

rime Minister Phillip J Pierre says addressing the crime situation in St Lucia “is a concern for all citizens” and that strengthening of the judicial system was a priority for his Administration.

Pierre was reacting to last weekend’s mass shooting incident where three people were killed and several others injured including an off-duty Police Officer at a party.

“We are now relying heavily on the Marigot Community to give us the necessary support so what

we can restore a semblance of a safe community in Marigot by limiting the ability of the criminals to operate and the opportunities available to them,” Deputy Police Commissioner Wayne Charlery told a news conference, adding that there was a plan to prevent any further escalation in the gun violence.

But in a message posted on his Facebook page, Pierre said that while normally he would have received a report from the Police Commissioner, Milton Desir, he instead requested an “emergency

meeting” with the hierarchy to discuss the incident.

Pierre extended his “sincerest condolences to those who lost loved ones”, assuring St Lucians that his Administration, which came to office in July last year “will continue to provide resources and training to the RSLPF (Royal St Lucia Police Force) and challenged the hierarchy to use more innovative strategies, professionalism, and proactiveness in their work”.

Last year, St Lucia recorded 74 murders. (Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil slides 2% as Iran talks offset Ukraine crisis

O

il prices fell about two per cent on Thursday as talks to resurrect a nuclear deal with Iran entered their final stages and could unlock more crude supplies, but losses were limited by tension between top energy exporter Russia and the West over Ukraine. "(The) oil market is locked in a tug of war between Iranian sanctions relief and Russian-Ukraine tensions," said Stephen Brennock at brokerage PVM Oil. Brent futures fell US$1.84, or 1.9 per cent, to settle at US$92.97 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$1.90, or 2.0 per cent, to settle at US$91.76.

Both benchmarks rose to their highest levels since September 2014 earlier in the week and both continue to face extreme backwardation in coming months, a market structure where prompt contracts are more expensive than those for later dates, indicating supply tightness.

Futures for Brent and WTI through August were in what Robert Yawger, Executive Director of energy futures at Mizuho, has called "super-backwardation" with each month trading at least US$1 a barrel below the prior month.

"The price could already be in triple-figure territory if not for the nuclear talks between the US and Iran," said Craig Erlam, market analyst at OANDA, noting a deal "could mean around 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude quickly re-entering the market".

The United States is in "the midst of the very final stages" of indirect talks with Iran, aimed at salvaging a 2015 deal limiting Tehran's nuclear activities, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday.

With a new deal possibly on the horizon, South Korea said on Wednesday it had held talks on resuming imports of Iranian crude oil and unfreezing Iranian funds. South Korea was previously one of Tehran's leading oil buyers in Asia.

However, tension over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine continued to support oil markets because of the potential disruption to energy supplies. Russia denies planning to invade its neighbour.

US President Joe Biden said on Thursday there was every indication Russia planned to invade Ukraine in the next few days and was preparing a pretext to justify it, after Ukrainian forces and pro-Moscow rebels traded fire in eastern Ukraine.

Russia, meanwhile, has expelled Bart Gorman, the number two US official in Moscow, the State Department said on Thursday, with Washington warning that it would respond to the "unprovoked" move. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Police warn Canada protesters of “imminent” action to clear them

P

olice warned protesters occupying central Ottawa of "imminent" action to clear them from the capital and began making some arrests on Thursday to end a crisis that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned was threatening public safety.

Truckers opposing coronavirus mandates have blocked roads in downtown Ottawa for nearly three weeks, the centrepiece of a movement that has inspired anti-Government protests in other countries and temporarily shut border crossings with the United States.

Threats of fines and jail helped convince protesters to retreat this week from four US border points. Police have issued similar warnings in Ottawa, where interim Police Chief Steve Bell said they were committed to driving protesters out.

"We've been bolstering our resources, developing clear

plans, and preparing to take action. The action is imminent," Bell told reporters. "To those engaged in the unlawful protests – if you want to leave under your own terms, now is the time to do it."

Police were seen arresting several protesters on Thursday evening, including Chris Barber, one of their main fundraisers and organisers. Officers handcuffed him and placed him in the back of a Police vehicle, a video posted to the organisers' Facebook page showed.

There was no immediate Police comment.

The arrests marked an escalation of Police activity that has drawn defiance by protesters, who honked their horns in unison earlier on Thursday in violation of a court order. Others shrugged off the warnings and soaked in a portable hot tub set up near the door to Parliament that many lawmakers use.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine shelling renews invasion fears as Russia expels US diplomat

S

helling in Ukraine on Thursday renewed Western fears of an imminent Russian invasion as US President Joe Biden said Moscow was preparing a pretext to justify a possible attack and the Kremlin expelled an American diplomat.

Early-morning exchanges of fire between Kyiv's forces and pro-Russian separatists – who have been at war for years and where a ceasefire is periodically violated – caused alarm as Western countries have said an incursion could come at any time.

One of the deepest crises in post-Cold War relations is playing out in Europe as Russia wants security guarantees, including Kyiv never joining NATO, and the US and allies offer arms control

An interior view shows a kindergarten, which according to Ukraine's military officials was damaged by shelling, in Stanytsia Luhanska in the Luhansk region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released February 17, 2022

and confidence-building measures.

While Russia accuses the West of hysteria, saying some of its troops have returned to bases and that it has no plans to invade, many Western countries are adamant that the military build-up is con-

tinuing ahead of a possible assault.

"We have reason to believe they are engaged in a false flag operation to have an excuse to go in," Biden told reporters at the White House.

"Every indication we have is they're prepared to go into

Ukraine and attack Ukraine."

He ordered Secretary of State, Antony Blinken to change his travel plans at the last minute to speak at a United Nations Security Council meeting, where he outlined possible Russian scenarios.

"It could be a fabricated so-called terrorist bombing inside Russia, the invented discovery of a mass grave, a staged drone strike against civilians, or a fake – even a real – attack using chemical weapons," Blinken said. "Russia may describe this event as ethnic cleansing, or a genocide."

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said Blinken's comments were regrettable and dangerous.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Uttar Pradesh: 13 dead after falling into well

A

t least 13 people have died after falling into a well during a wedding ceremony in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Police said the victims – all women and children – were sitting on a metal slab covering the well when it collapsed under their weight.

Two more people have been injured in the accident, which took place in Kushinagar district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the deaths "heart-wrenching".

The tragedy took place on

The guests were sitting on a metal slab covering the well

Wednesday evening during the traditional "haldi" cere-

mony, in which relatives apply turmeric paste to the fac-

es of the bride and groom as a marker of prosperity.

When the slab broke, other guests ran to rescue the victims and took them to a nearby hospital. While 11 people were declared dead immediately, two others died later during treatment, Police said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked district authorities to assist the families of the victims, while District Magistrate S Rajalingam said they would be paid compensation.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

As “Great Firewall” Judge rules Donald looms, fears for Hong Trump must testify in Kong’s free Internet New York investigation

F

or decades, Hong Kong’s Internet operated outside the reach of China’s vast army of censors, guaranteeing the free flow of information that undergirds the city’s status as a global business hub.

Little by little, that is starting to change, as a small but growing list of websites go dark under a sweeping crackdown on dissent.

The creeping censorship casts uncertainty over the future of the city’s free and open Internet, a draw for international businesses that has remained largely untrammelled by the Beijing-imposed National Security Law (NSL) used to wipe out practically all political opposition and silence critical media and civil society.

“So far, in the cases of suspected national security law takedowns, the Police did not give any indication as to even if the NSL was applied to those websites that ‘disappeared',” Charles Mok, a

former pro-democracy politician who represented Hong Kong’s information technology sector, told Al Jazeera.

“There is no reason to believe that this will not occur more frequently,” Mok added, predicting the concept of endangering national security could be expanded to cover topics such as Hong Kong’s controversial “zero COVID” pandemic policy.

On Monday, Hong Kong Watch, a United Kingdombased group that advocates for freedoms in the city, said that its website had become inaccessible through certain networks in the Chinese territory.

Hong Kong Watch CEO Benedict Rogers said that blocking the site, if confirmed, would amount to a “serious blow to internet freedom,” and add to fears that Beijing planned to place Hong Kong behind the “Great Firewall”, under which popular websites such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter are banned.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Donald Trump with his son, Donald Trump Jr, and daughter Ivanka

F

ormer US President Donald Trump and two of his children must answer questions under oath in a New York investigation into their business practices, a Judge has ruled.

New York's Attorney General has accused the Trump Organisation of obtaining tax breaks and loans through "fraudulent or misleading asset valuations".

Trump must sit for sworn testimony within 21 days.

He denies the accusations, and is expected to appeal the decision.

He could also invoke his right to remain silent in any deposition.

The Trump Organisation could not be immediately

reached for comment.

On Thursday, New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur Engoron said that Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr, 44, and daughter Ivanka Trump, 40, must each comply with legal orders that Prosecutors issued in December.

New York Attorney General Letitia James' investigation had uncovered "copious evidence of possible financial fraud", the judge said, giving her a "clear right" to question under oath the former President and two of his children involved in the business.

Trump, 75, has called the investigation politically motivated and a "witch-hunt"

by James, a Democrat.

(Excerpt from BBC News )

20

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Aligning yourself with like-minded individuals will help you advance faster.

Refuse to let anyone use manipulative tactics to push you in a direction that compromises your beliefs.

(March 21-April 19) Take hold of whatever situation you find yourself in and use your strengths to push forward. You will gain support if you are direct and honest about your concerns and intentions.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Double-check everything before agreeing to participate in something.

Someone will try to take advantage of you if you aren't careful. Use your intelligence, ask questions and leave nothing to chance.

Use the power of persuasion to get your way. Show the people around you how you feel, and let them know your intentions. Update your image or appearance, and compliments will come your way.

You are a better leader than you are a follower. Don't feel compelled to back down or do something you don't want to do, regardless of pressure. Make necessary changes that are within your budget.

Don't be shy. Do what you want to do.

Social events will give you a perfect setting to approach someone who interests you. A unique partnership looks promising. Romance will enhance your life.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Be careful how you handle domestic matters. Getting along with the people around you will be challenging. Take good care of your health and well-being.

Avoid gatherings that put you at risk.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Pick up the pace and be optimistic about your future. The right attitude will help you convince others to take a chance on you and support your efforts.

A change is overdue.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Keep an open mind, but don't trust anyone who likes to exaggerate or is controlling. Have confidence in yourself and your ability to get things done. Don't count on others today.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) A domestic change will be a good investment. There is money to be made and more options to consider. Explore the possibilities and work hard to secure your financial situation.

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- LOITERS

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Discuss sensitive issues with care.

Information you share may be used against you. Listen and observe to avoid backing yourself into a corner. You'll accomplish the most if you stick close to home.

Offer to help those who lack your skill set. A partnership will prove to be lucrative and engaging. Be open to suggestions and quick to offer a unique twist.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

21

Fireworks expected at Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic tournament -action set for this weekend

Defending Champions Pitbull 3.0

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he highly anticipated 2022 edition of the Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic will commence this weekend (February 19-20) at the Burnham Basketball Court at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown. A total of sixteen teams are set to battle it out on the court.

This tournament has drawn international attention, and two teams out of New York and one each from Suriname and Martinique would be participating.

Among the participating teams are defending champions Pitbull 3.0, Pacesetters, Linden, Q Ballers out of New York, and Royals.

In a sit-down with this publication, Rawle Toney, as founder of this tournament, shared a few insights on the tournament, and what fans can expect over the weekend.

Q: How do you feel with the competition on the horizon?

A: "I am very excited, knowing that the tournament is just a few days away. Of course, we have had a few setbacks, but no setbacks to say that the tournament won't be

a success; so, it is just a matter of putting things together and ensuring that everyone runs up on time, and we just have fun. I know a lot of people are anxious and excited to come out and watch a little basketball, as I've seen the enthusiasm at the launching last year. But with that being said, folks must be reminded that certain rules and regulations have been set in place by the National COVID-19 Task Force, one of which is wearing a mask, sanitising, and social distancing, which will be observed at the event this weekend. With

the combination of the teams, it is going to be one of the most competitive basketball events in Guyana that we would have had for a number of years."

Q: How is the preparation coming?

A: "Admission is absolutely free, all you have to do is turn up at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall!

With regards to the players, they are excited! The teams (include those) from Martinique, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, New York, as well as some former national players who are coming back to Guyana to play in the 3x3. I think (that) with the winners having a gold ring, that adds a little more flavour to the tournament and makes it a bit more premium, and that makes me happy.”

Q: What can the fans expect when things kick off on Saturday?

A: "Fireworks when things kick off! the anticipation is so high in this tournament that it is not even funny. The referees are asking about security, which definitely will be there from the Guyana Police Force alongside private security. All in all, it is

West Indies batters 'got caught' in India's spin trap, admits Nicholas Pooran - second T20I bowls off today

I

PL 2021 was ordinary by any standard for Nicholas Pooran. Batting for Punjab Kings, he managed all of 85 runs in 12 innings, including five ducks. Yet, when the fresh auction came around last weekend, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad went big in bidding for him. Finally, when the paddle came down, he was the second-most expensive overseas buy at INR 10.75 crore (US$1.42 million) going to Sunrisers.

On Wednesday, Pooran, the West Indies T20I vice-captain, showed why he is highly rated, as he anchored a floundering innings with a 43-ball 61, batting at #3 against India in the first T20I. It kept West Indies in the contest and allowed them to post 157, which he later felt was "ten or 15 short".

While it wasn't a flawless effort, Pooran's adaptability against both pace and spin was something his teammates would do well to note.

Pooran himself struggled to manoeuvre the ball when it was bowled into the pitch. Ravi Bishnoi and Harshal Patel profited from this approach.

As per ESPNcricinfo's logs, West Indies struck just 27 runs off the 32 deliveries bowled short of a good length. He was a lot more comfortable when it was tossed up, although Yuzvendra Chahal should have had him on 8 in the seventh over, but for Bishnoi's drop at long-off.

"We fell short, and that is where the game definitely slipped," Pooran said. "We can't fault the bowlers, to be honest. As batsmen, we need to pace [the innings] much smarter, so it was definitely the batting [that let us down]. We need to continue to build partnerships and negate spinners better.

"We were in two minds against them," Pooran explained. "Whether to attack them or keep them out of the game. We got caught there. It is a small fix.

We have to be (clearer) in the next game (in order) to execute our plans. It was a bit tricky today. The ball was stopping on the surface. It was two-paced. When the spinners and pacers bowled back of a length, you

had to adjust to the pace off the pitch, so hitting through the line was difficult early on.

"Dew was as big a factor as well.

When we were bowling, a lot of guys were wiping the ball. The guys bowled a lot of full tosses as well [because of dew] towards the end, so conditions played a big factor. The wicket also played a lot better in the second half, it came on a lot better. That said, India batted really well; have to give them credit."

One of the ploys with which the West Indies tried to unsettle India's spinners was to promote hitter Akeal Hosein, the lefthander, ahead of Kieron Pollard, to try and take advantage of the legspin, deliveries coming into his swinging arc, as against the ball turning away.

Bishnoi, however, was a step ahead on that count, and used the wrong'un as his stock ball. His drift Nicholas Pooran and the lengths he bowled in taking the ball across meant they didn't get too many deliveries in the hitting arc. Bishnoi delivered as many as four dots in the 13th over, his third, as Hosein tried to hit out. He was eventually dismissed in the following over for 10 off 12 balls.

This strategy may not have worked on the night, but Pooran felt the call to have him come up ahead of Pollard was a peek into their mindset of being flexible.

"If you think about it and look at T20 cricket all over the world, it's about being smart," he said. "We had just lost two wickets in the 11th over. The thinking, I guess, was to have a left-hander negate the spinner.

As soon as Akeal came in, they brought in Venkatesh Iyer and pushed the spinners deeper in the innings. I thought, from a team perspective, that was a good plan.

Had Akeal hit that [the delivery he got out] for six, we would've been back in the game. It didn't work out, but I like that thinking."

The second match bowls off today from 9:30h Eastern Caribbean time. (Espncricinfo)

going to be two nights of fun and entertainment, and the people will just come and enjoy themselves. They are coming here to have fun and watch basketball, it’s music non-stop."

Sixteen teams will be vying for a winner’s purse of $500,000.

In 2019, Pitbulls 3.0, comprising Ryan Stephney, Jermaine Slatter, Ryan Gullen and Travis Belgrave, edged Team Smooth 22-12 in the finals to walk away with Gy$300,000 and the Rawle Toney

3X3 Basketball Classic Trophy.

Among the sponsors on board are Mackeson, Guyana Lottery Company, Hennessy, FireSide Grill, Bush Cook, Stuff, MVP Sports, FK Sports, Shi Oil, Brother’s Security, The Muse Bar, Pressy’s Gift Shop, Jacob's Jewellery, 94.1FM. The action will commence at 18:00h on both days. Admission is free, and all COVID-19 regulations will be in effect, as only a limited number of patrons would be allowed at the venue.

Vice President Raghunauth represents GCF at FIDE meeting in Mexico

Anand Raghunauth, Vice President of GCF (at right), presenting a token from the GCF to the FIDE President

T

he Guyana Chess Federation was represented by Vice President Anand Raghunauth at the meeting organised by the Planning and Development Committee of FIDE and hosted by the CCA in Mexico City, Mexico.

Present at that meeting were FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich; Managing Director Dana Reniznice-Ozloa; Executive Director Victor Bologan, GM; and President of FIDE-America’s IA, Jorge Vega, along with delegates from 28 Federations from North, Central and South America.

The GCF was able to secure an in-person meeting with the FIDE president, and interacted with the major players in the development of chess in the region and throughout the world. The GCF presented its ambitions, and was able to forge relationships to better prepare its players for the future.

Promising agreements were made with the Federations of Uruguay, Costa Rica and Barbados to provide mutual support and assistance.

The first joint project will be to assist Guyanese chess players to acquire FIDE ratings, which is the first step on the journey to gaining international titles like FIDE Master and Grand Master. The project will consist of staging hybrid chess tournaments to be recognised by FIDE, and therefore qualifying players to earn rating points. Hybrid tournaments are structured so that players from each country are seated in a single location in their home jurisdictions, and playing against others located similarly in their own countries. Each location will be supervised by FIDE-certified arbiters, who will be in constant communication with each other throughout the tournament, to resolve issues and to ensure fair play.

This opportunity is important for the long-term and sustainable development of chess within the country. The exposure would ensure the GCF creates a larger pool of rated players, hence the natural progression towards titles.

The GCF has said, “We are humbled by the generosity of the community of Chess Federations in the Americas, in their willingness and enthusiasm to assist in the development of Chess in Guyana.

Coupled with the GCF’s chess in schools programme, chess players will have a valuable opportunity to become even more competitive on the international stage.

“The creation of invitational tournaments with close collaboration with the larger federations in the region will influence our strategic approach to development. This approach will have an immediate impact on player development as their goals become more defined, concrete and achievable.

“The Federation continues to make progress at the beginner level, with players in outlying regions being trained to play the game.”

22

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CWI Regional 4-Day Championships…

Harpy Eagles blown away by Hurricanes inside three days

- Kraigg Brathwaite hits double century against Jamaica

Alzarri Joseph claimed five wickets in the second innings A poor batting display from the Guyana Harpy Eagles has led to their being defeated by an innings and 57 runs in their game against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the Cricket West Indies Regional FourDay Championships’ second round clash at Queen’s Park Oval in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.

Batting the Harpy Eagles out of the contest, the Hurricanes declared on 438-7, made in 146 overs. In reply, Harpy Eagles scored 265 all out in 50.1 overs, after scoring 116 all out in the first innings.

The island boys, Hurricanes, started the day with a 250-run lead, resuming on 366-5. Terrence Warde remained unbeaten on 78 from 168 balls, with

eight fours and one six.

Earlier, Kieran Powell (74), Devon Thomas (72) and Montcin Hodge (71) each contributed to the Hurricanes’ dominance of the match.

After Rahkeem Cornwall was removed early in the day for 15 by Gudakesh Motie, Colin Archibald came and attacked the bowling in his 19-ball 38, which had four sixes and two fours, and was featuring in a 66run seventh-wicket partnership with Warde when Hurricanes declared on 4387, having a lead of 322.

Kraigg Brathwaite slammed a brilliant 267 against Jamaica at Kensington Oval (CWI Media)

With their top order being blown away, the Guyana Harpy Eagles were quickly reduced to 14-3. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who was strangled down the leg-side, made four, while Shimron Hetmyer made five before being out playing a loose shot and getting caught in the gully. Leon Johnson, who was trying to work one into the leg-side, was trapped by Alzarri Joseph, who ended up with five wickets.

Vishal Singh (18) and Chanderpaul Hemraj then added 59 runs to their team’s total before Hemraj, looking dangerous in striking Joseph for four consecutive fours, was then bowled

by Jeremiah Louis after he scored 50 from 45 balls, with 11 fours.

Bramble came and counter-attacked, hitting reverse sweeps in scoring 58 from 70 balls with two sixes and five fours. Keemo Paul (28) and Clinton Pestano (22) each played a cameo, along with Gudakesh Motie, who played an entertaining 49 from 52 balls, with six fours and two sixes. Nial Smith (17) was the final man dismissed, after he and Motie added 60 runs for the last wicket, the highest of the Harpy Eagles’ innings.

Joseph leaked 94 runs in 15 overs, but ended with five wickets. He should have had six wickets, but Devon

SCOREBOARD

Leeward 1st Innings Montcin Hodge c Bramble b Moti-Kanhai 71 Kieran Powell b Smith 74 Devon Thomas c Moti-Kanhai b Pestano 72 Kofi James b Moti-Kanhai 11 Jahmar Hamilton lbw b Smith 48 Terance Ward not out 78 Rahkeem Cornwall c Hetmyer b Moti-Kanhai 15 Colin Archibald c None b Smith 38 Alzarri Joseph not out 0 Extras 31 Total (7 wickets, 146.0) 438 152/1 (57.6) Kieran Powell 237/2 (81.5) Devon Thomas 246/3 (86.6) Montcin Hodge 257/4 (92.2) Kofi James 342/5 (123.3) Jahmar Hamilton 372/6 (139.1) Rahkeem Cornwall 438/7 (145.6) Colin Archibald Bowling O-M-R-W Keemo Paul 14-1-42-0 Nial Smith 26-3-100-3 Veerasammy Permaul 39-7-91-0 Clinton Pestano 23-3-69-1 Gudakesh Motie 43-9-119-3 Chanderpaul Hemraj 1-0-3-0 Guyana Harpy Eagles 2nd Innings Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Hamilton b Joseph 4 Chanderpaul Hemraj b Louis 50

Thomas put down a sitter.

The Regional Four-Day Championships will be suspended, and resume after the Test series against England.

Summary scores in the other matches

At Kensington Oval: Jamaica Scorpions 328 (John Campbell 127, Paul Palmer 76, Nkrumah Bonner 49,

D’Edward CC defeat Cotton Tree to lift BCB/Jafferally /WBCA 20/20 tournament - MP assists BCB to obtain three more sponsorships for West Berbice

Members of the winning team pose with BCB President Hilbert Foster and sponsor Mr Faizal Jafferally MP

T

he D’Edward Cricket Club last Sunday defeated its arch rival Cotton Tree CC by twelve runs to lift the Berbice Cricket Board/WBCA/ Jafferally 20/20 tournament.

Playing under very strict COVID-19 guidelines at the Cotton Tree Ground, the powerful visiting team maintained their winning streak against their neighbours. The tournament was sponsored by the People’s Progressive Party Member of Parliament Faizal Jafferally, who described it as

a remarkable success.

The popular politician has renewed his sponsorship for this year, and has, to loud applause, announced a fifty percent increase thereof.

Batting first after being sent in, D’Edward rattled up an imposing 193 for 8 from their allotted 20 overs. The game was delayed for thirty minutes due to overnight rain.

The sponsor and West Berbice Cricket Board President David Black met the two teams before the start of play.

Altaf Khan top scored with

an even 50, and received support from Devindra Lalsa (26) and Kevin Jawahir (25).

Bowling for the home team, Abdul Sudhan and Narsad Gaffoor each took two wickets, while Roshan Gaffoor, Waqar Hassan and Pooran Persaud each took a wicket.

Needing to score 194 from 20 overs to lift the trophy, the home team disappointed their fans by falling twelve runs shorts, despite a top score of 82 not out from former Berbice youth player Nick Ramsaroop, which included three sixes and six boundaries. Abdul Subhan with 31 and Roshan Gafoor with 28 were the other main scorers, as Cotton Tree ended on 181 for 4.

Akash Herilall took 2 wickets for 11 runs from four miserly overs to claim the “Man of the Finals” prize, while Kevin Jawahir and Ricky Moore each took a wicket, for 26 and 28 respectively.

BCB President Hilbert Foster has said the sub-association can expected at least five more tournaments in 2022, and has hailed the support of Mr Jafferally, whom he described as a true friend of Berbice Cricket.

He congratulated the winners, while urging the runners-up to work harder. MP Jafferally has declared that he is very proud of the way the game is been run in the county, and has pledged his support as long as Foster remains at the helm of adminis-

Over the last few months, the BCB has assisted clubs with cricket balls, catching cribs, grass-cutters, youth information booklets, coaching manuals, bicycles, educational materials and scorebooks, among other items.

The sub-association has

Shimron Hetmyer c Doram b Joseph 5 Leon Johnson lbw b Joseph 0 Vishaul Singh b Louis 18 Anthony Bramble c Hamilton b Joseph 58 Keemo Paul c Hamilton b Archibald 28 Clinton Pestano lbw b Doram 22 Veerasammy Permaul lbw b Joseph 3 Gudakesh Motie not out 49 Nial Smith c Joseph b Archibald 17 Extras 11 Total (10 wickets, 50.1) 265 4/1 (0.2) Tagenarine Chanderpaul 14/2 (2.1) Shimron Hetmyer 14/3 (2.6) Leon Johnson 73/4 (15.2) Vishaul Singh 84/5 (17.2) Chanderpaul Hemraj 125/6 (26.1) Keemo Paul 177/7 (33.5) Clinton Pestano 182/8 (36.1) Veerasammy Permaul 205/9 (42.1) Anthony Bramble 265/10 (50.1) Nial Smith O-M-R-W Bowling Alzarri Joseph 15-3-94-5 Jeremiah Louis 12-1-50-2 Colin Archibald 8.1-1-31-2 Rahkeem Cornwall 7-1-30-0 Daniel Doram 8-1-52-1 Guyana 1st Innings 116 all out

Leroy Lugg 39, Ramon Reifer 6-23). Barbados Pride 521-8 (Kraigg Brathwaite 247, Raymon Reifer 71.

Patrick Harty 5-111).

Jamaica Scorpions’ second innings: 56-1. Jermaine Blackwood 24, John Campbell 15. Reifer 1-6.

At the Brian Lara Cricket Academy: Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 326 (Joshua Da Silva 73, Yannic Cariah 72, Jeremy Solozano 66, Terence Hinds 57; Shermon Lewis 5-43).

Windward Islands Volcanoes 98 (Alick Athanaze 33; Anderson Phillip 4-32, Jayden Seales 3-31), and 186 all out.

Dennis Smith 65 (Imran Khan 4-38) Result: Trinidad and Tobago won by an innings and 43 runs.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITYRESTAURANT RENTAL BCB President Hilbert Foster handing over a special gift to Mr Jafferally tration of the game in the ancient county.

He also announced that he was able to obtain three additional sponsorships for cricket in the area at the under-15, under-23 and senior levels.

These tournaments would be launched shortly.

also benefited from a pitch cover worth $324,000.

The covers played a major role in allowing the game to be played despite heavy overnight rain.

The winning team carried home sixty thousand dollars and a bag of cricket gear.

West Bank Demerara, (Versaillesbetween Harbor Bridge and Vreedn-Hoop): - Aracari Resort – Turn Key Business. Furnished and equipped.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Three women’s franchises likely for CPL 2022 en’s T20, we hope, this year.

That’s being signed off with the Cricket West Indies as we speak. Three teams will participate in that.”

Russell divulged to this publication, “We did a trial run in Trinidad two years ago. It was T10, but this will be official franchise teams.”

Based on a model from 2019, wherein the CPL host-

Flashback: A look at one of the CPL T10 women’s games in 2019

By Jemima Holmes

T

he 10th edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is already looking exciting,

with the body considering a women’s competition for the regional event in 2022.

This disclosure was made

by Hero CPL CEO Pete Russell during an exclu-

sive interview with Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday.

As he discussed inclusion and growth for the proverbial “biggest party in sport”, he said: “We’re bringing a wom-

Lady Jags pummel Dominica 4-0 …Coach Joseph very pleased with execution

Story and photos by Jemima Holmes

E

ven though the team had less than a week together as a group pri-

In the 19th however, things took a turn when Guyana’s team went down to ten as a result of Reece Scott picking up a red card infraction, after pulling Dominica’s Sari Finn down

Guyana’s Otesha Charles fending off Dominica’s defence or to their first international assignment for the year 2022, Guyana’s senior women’s national football team, the Lady Jags, put in a team effort to pull off a thrilling win against Dominica at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast Demerara.

Featuring a starting lineup of Kayla DeSouza (C), Chante Sandiford, Rylee Traicoff, Sidney Cummings, Ghilene Joseph, Justine Rodrigues, Shanice Alfred, Analisa Vincent, Calaigh Copland, Reece Scott and Brianne Desa, Guyana contained play to their half of the field and opted to utilise the wings for their advances.

Soon enough, the Lady Jags were rewarded for their tactical prowess, as Shanice Alfred was spot on in the 17th minute with a kick from the corner of the box. Less than a minute later, the score could have moved up to two with a closer call that went metres askew from the goalpost.

Ten minutes later, Analisa Vincent made it a 2-0 game with a gorgeous sliding kick, much to the delight of her vast support system in the stands.

by the collar in a chase.

The red card did not affect Guyana though, as the Lady Jags maintained their intensity. Their third goal came off the boots of Sidney Cummings, who launched a well-directed free kick over the head of the goalkeeper and into the goal.

Guyana’s Coach, Dr. Ivan Joseph, was quite pleased with the team’s victory. He noted that he was grateful for the good fortune.

“I'm grateful for the performance the team put out there, right. Dominica was a tough opponent, they came really hard at us, and today the ball bounced away a few times. So, it's on to the next game now,” Coach Joseph said after the game. doing a quick tactical assessment of his players, Dr. Joseph highlighted their almost spot-on execution of their game plan. “…for days, we worked on some things, some plays through the flank. We worked on making sure our shape was tight. And so, from a tactical point of view, we were pretty sharp. You know, we always like to execute a little better than we did, but I thought we made a lot of our goalscoring opportunities count, and so when you put the early ones away, it opens up the game and allows you to have the freedom to play.

“I was really happy with

Guyana’s Justine Rodrigues is locked in battle With the first half finishing 3-0, the Dominican goalkeeper once again found herself in a predicament in the 63rd, as Brianne Desa angled a shot into the corner of the goal just past the reach of her fingers for Guyana’s fourth.

the way we played, especially in the centre of the park,” he went on to say.

Guyana will take on Turks and Caicos Islands on Saturday, February 19, in their next CONCACAF Women’s Qualifier match.

CPL CEO, Pete Russell

ed one-off T10 women’s games, the idea has been improved upon with the birth of three female franchises.

This, Russell stated, would give the Caribbean’s female players a sense of inclusion in “the biggest party in sport”.

“The women players will feel part of the organisation that the men feel part of. So, that’s just the start of the process. It wouldn’t be a full tournament like the men’s is, but yeah, we’re excited about that, because we think it’s long overdue,” he said.

When quizzed about which Caribbean countries would own the three franchises, Russell alluded to Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados.

This new development, coupled with the positive reception of West Indian players on the world market specifically at the Indian Premier League (IPL) - au-

23

gurs well for the growth of the CPL and Caribbean players’ capabilities, according to Russell.

“I think it’s just going to get bigger and better,” he continued. “I think the IPL auction showed again that Caribbean cricketers are in demand. Their individual abilities are without question. They’re well suited to the T20 game, so I think we’ll continue to grow.”

Back in 2019, the Hero CPL announced a couple of T10 women’s matches that would be played between two teams consisting of the Caribbean’s bet female talents. The NLCB Revellers comprised players from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Leeward Islands, while the Courts Gladiators featured players from Guyana, Barbados and Windward Islands. Those matches were played solely in Trinidad and Tobago.

BCB lauds Patron Vickram Bharrat as a positive role model and leader - President Ali to assist BCB with a grass-cutter

P

resident of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, has hailed Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat as an outstanding Patron of the BCB. Foster has said that he and his executives have made hundreds of decisions for the board over the last four years, but the appointment of Minister Vickram Bharrat as Patron of the BCB has perhaps been the best decision they have ever made.

The BCB had, in early October 2020, visited the Minister and invited him to become the first ever Honorary Patron of the BCB, and he readily agreed.

He was officially sworn in on November 7, and immediately established the Patron’s Fund with a one-million-dollar contribution, which was used to provide cricket balls to all the clubs in the county. Several youths also received a combined two hundred thousand dollars’ worth of cricket gear.

In 2021, the Patron committed $2.5M to the Fund, which was used to provide white balls to first-division clubs, along with some catching cribs. He recommended the hosting of special social development seminars for youth players, and the Fund assisted to organise four sessions, which attracted in total over one hundred and fifty under-19 players.

The Fund also assisted fifty youths with an educational grant to assist each of them in their pursuit of an educational career.

The Patron, the BCB noted, also attended the opening ceremony of the social skills seminar, and was heavily involved in the programme.

The BCB Patron has also met the executives of

President Irfaan Ali also committed to assisting the BCB with a grass-cutter the board on numerous occasions at very short notice, and has committed himself to make the proposed Professional League a success later in the year.

He also played a major role in the recent visit of the legendary Sir Curtly Ambrose for a fast-bowling clinic, and has assisted junior cricketers with their own gear, including West Indies junior player Rampertab Ramnauth.

The BCB has said it would like to publicly express its gratitude to Minister Bharrat for his passion, dedication and hard work as its Patron. The board has also expressed confidence that Berbice cricket under his patronage would continue to

grow, and, most importantly, with his assistance, the BCB would make sure that every youth is given the opportunity to fulfill his/her potential on and off the cricket field.

The BCB would also like to express its gratitude to the Government of Guyana for the cooperation it enjoys from Government, and special mention must be made of President Dr Irfaan Ali and Ministers Charles Ramson Jr, Zulfikar Mustapha, Nigel Dharamlall, Collin Croal, Susan Rodrigues and Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

President Ali, during a recent courtesy call with Sir Curtly Ambrose, has committed to assisting the BCB with a modern grass-cutter.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

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

BCB lauds Patron Three women’s franchises Vickram Bharrat likely for CPL 2022 as a positive role model and leader Page 23

Page 23

Minister Vickram Bharrat

- President Ali to assist BCB with a grass-cutter

Lady Jags pummel Dominica 4-0

Page 23

The Lady Jags took a lap of honour following their resounding 4-0 victory

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