Guyana Times - Friday, July 22, 2022

P17

1st tribal woman elected India’s 15th President Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5077

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

Govt seeks $44.7B in supplementary funding from National Assembly – to undertake massive transformational projects to benefit all Guyanese Page 7

Sod turned for US$45M AC Marriott Hotel on ECD

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

CCWU wins right to represent P15 CJIA aviation security workers Govt unveils "Enough with the violence" 914 hotline mural P18

…hospitality is main cornerstone of development – Pres Ali Page 3

Berbice man P8 gets 16 years for raping child National Assembly approves 1st salary for P11 Public Servants to be paid in “reasonable time” – as attempts made to abolish 3-month wait for payment

President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond; Trinuyana Investments Incorporated Chairman John Aboud and GOInvest Chairman, Dr Peter Ramsaroop took a toast at the sod-turning exercise

Page EAB overrules Blairmont Estate 16 EPA’s decision produces 72 to waive EIA for tonnes sugar as radioactive storage 2nd crop production Page facility at Coverden commences 13 $400M allocated this year for relocation of GuySuCo Packaging Page 9 Plant to Albion – Mustapha

...says more sugar will be packaged at new $1.9B facility

80 new COVID cases detected, P16 5 in ICU Task force P12 deployed to address issues at Meadow Bank Wharf following President Ali’s visit

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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, July 22 – no further closure and Saturday, July 23 – 00:30h-02:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, July 22 – 11:45h-13:15h and Saturday, July 23 – 13:00h-14:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Lightly cloudy skies should give way to sunshine in the afternoon, with partly cloudy to clear skies in the evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 11:31h and 23:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.17 metres and 2.23 metres.

Low Tide: 17:22h reaching a minimum height of 1.06 metres.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

06 16 17

18 20 28

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FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

08 13 16 22 26 LUCKY 3

2

1

1

3

Afternoon Draw

6

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 07 11 12 13 14 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022

05 11 15 16 17 13

01 05 07 15 20

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7 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

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2 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$105.20/barrel

+1.25

Rough Rice

$304.74 /ton $532.60/ton

-0.40 +0.09

London Sugar

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1715.10

$1716.10

Low/High Change

$1680.80 -4.10

$1721.90 -0.24%

Sod turned for US$45M AC Marriott Hotel on ECD …hospitality is main cornerstone of development – Pres Ali

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flurry of investments in the hospitality sector has been triggered by the windfall of oil opportunities, with another major investment being the US$45 million AC Marriott Hotel.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and hotel officials on Thursday turned the sod signalling the official commencement of the project at Plantation Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

For this week already, the Head of State was present for the sod turning of the Blue Bridge Hotel at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown and a Sheraton Marriott Hotel at Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD). Then on Wednesday, he opened the new Pegasus Hotel Suites and Corporate Centre. These recent events have unlocked a newer level in the country’s infrastructural growth.

Sitting on three acres of land with 150 rooms, the internationally-branded hotel will take some 27 months to be completed. AC Hotels by Marriott is a chain of hotels operating in almost 200 locations. Through Trinuyana Investments, this project will be executed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

As he delivered the feature address, President Ali said the presence of this hotel takes the investor's reach into South America – beyond their current scope of operation. Ali remarked that the entire area will eventually become a corridor for large-scale transformative structures. Meanwhile, parallel Government projects will add to the value of the brand and real estate.

"The goal is not a narrow goal of building more rooms.

If we believe that that is the goal, we are wasting time.

That is just an output of the goal. The goal is to build a sector in which hospitality is the main cornerstone of growth and development...Building a sector is directly related to supporting a robust, sustainable, and resilient development plan that is linked to many new and innovative products," President Ali said.

He underscored that the scale of such developments required partnerships that are unbreakable and possess seamless coordination.

“Integration is not a theory. Integration is something in practice. We can shout as much as we want about regional integration, but it means nothing if it remains in theory. Integration has to be something in practice. I will say there is no other country in the region that has demonstrated our willingness in the strength we have demonstrated in the true meaning of integration," he relayed.

The Head of State is encouraging more investments in the eco-tourism landscape and other areas feasible for stakeholders, now that the traffic to Guyana’s markets has reached new heights.

"We have to get done, because we have a responsibility

The sod being turned by President Dr Irfaan Ali; Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond and officials for the AC Marriott Hotel

to support your investment by building the platform and creating the opportunities that will bring traffic here. As we expand our footprint and take us into new markets, that is part of what we do as part of what we have to do. We cannot expect the Private Sector to invest in supply without making a necessary investment that will support, bolster, and make it successful. I want to show you that in this Government, in this country, we have a vision that will not only support the oil and gas industry but will open up new investments," Dr Ali declared.

Trinuyana Investments Incorporated Chairman John Aboud recognised the “tsunami of investments” coming here linked to the receptive nature of the Government towards development. He underscored that Guyanese were to be trained to occupy at least

95 per cent of positions at the Hotel.

He noted that immense cooperation was provided to ensure that the project picked up pace, enabling attention to other projects of interest.

"Over the many years that I've been in business, I have had the opportunity to interact with many Government agencies throughout the Caribbean region and I can tell you without fear of hesitation and pride, Guyana stands tall...It is our intention to have as many nationals participate in both the construction and operational phases of this project. And when necessary, we will commence training of Guyanese nationals to assume if not all of the positions at the hotel, at least 95 per cent will be Guyanese nationals. That this project is not the first that this investment team aspires to undertake in

Guyana," Aboud said.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond reflected that when the Government took office in 2020, having taken stock of accommodation facilities, the ambition was revised from adding 200 quality rooms to 2000. Projects in the pipeline now facilitate 500 rooms by 2025, changing the landscape and moving greater transformation. This is 75 per cent of the Government's five-year target for the hospitality sector.

“That, in my opinion, is all senses is transformation. Something that is transformed bears little resemblance to what existed before.

We would see 1500 rooms by 2025 and this is not just talking. These are rooms that are actively under construction that we have come and turned the sod,” Minister Walrond underscored.

Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Peter Ramsaroop noted that in building a healthy economy, infrastructure would be built to keep up with development.

"When you develop a healthy economy, you eliminate the infrastructure logjams. The President is very big on infrastructure development. And as we move forward, everything we do, and under the guidance of His Excellency is measurable.

You can manage what you can measure and every plan that he has presented so far is measurable,” Dr Ramsaroop shared.

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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 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

Fostering empowerment

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he vulnerability of women without formal education, which severely constrains their income generation/wealth creation capabilities, has been the primary factor for women remaining in abusive relationships, as providing for offspring is of major consideration.

Successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Governments have tried to ameliorate the social dislocations of families caused by such dysfunctional family constructs in multiple ways. The Women of Worth (WoW) economic initiative, launched by then Social Services Minister Priya Manickchand, was established as a loan programme that provided low-interest and collateral-free loans to single mothers from lower-income brackets who wished to start up or expand their businesses.

As a former and current Minister of Education, Manickchand formulated systems that levelled the educational playing field and fructified in top students at all levels emerging from not only the elite schools but schools countrywide.

On September 5, 2020, she launched the Workforce Recovery Initiative programme in Guyana that offered 4000 free online courses from reputable universities through Coursera, and the number of Guyanese who registered for the Initiative offered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and Coursera continues to increase steadily, with over 53,371 registered to pursue courses in various areas, and 43,305 certificates issued to 9473 persons. She was, unsurprisingly, selected as a mentor on the Commonwealth Wise Woman Mentoring Project.

Her continuous activism in formulating programmes and advocating for girls and women to recognise their value and achieve their full potential has the full support of her colleagues in Cabinet.

Women have natural skills that could generate income to enable comfortable, if not luxurious lifestyles for themselves and families.

However, most women are incapable of translating these inherent skills into profitable business ventures.

Kitchen gardens, properly landscaped and nurtured, could drastically cut food bills and even provide extra produce for sale. Stores sell end materials cheaply, so women in communities, either individually or in groups, can purchase these end materials in bulk and sew pillow cases, hand towels, etcetera, and sell these, and even prepared foods on market days. Bring-and-buy sales on designated days, where hand-crafted items, such as crocheted and other handicrafts, could be sold could fructify in sustained sources that provide income and simultaneously allow mothers to be stay-at-home parents.

To foster empowerment and build skill-sets for women and girls, especially school drop-outs – who, as a result of impoverished circumstances, are often constrained to work as maids in households where they are exploited – the Human Services Ministry launched a women empowerment programme on May 7, 2021.

The Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), which seeks to help women and girls become financially independent, was piloted in Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini). However, the programme, which offers free training in information and communication technology, décor and design, graphics, beauty and wellness, professional care, garment and hospitality, and administration, et al, delivered both in-person and online, is open to women from all across Guyana.

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud iterated that a woman in an abusive relationship could be enabled through WIIN to choose either to remain in or to leave the relationship.

“If she does make such a choice, she would then be in a better position to care for her needs.”

“She will be empowered and able to provide for herself and children.” Our Indigenous communities are being given special consideration, with plans to come on-stream, as a long-term goal, for the Ministry to arrange to translate the modules into the dialects of the Indigenous communities.

WIIN is an off-shoot of WE LIFT, an empowerment exercise for women that was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

According to Minister Persaud, “People have to be able to see, seize and create opportunities in preparation of where our country is going and be very creative so that they have a competitive edge in promoting their skills.”

Plans are also afoot for a series of technical vocational training programmes across the country. People can access these through online applications, hard-copy applications at Ministry locations, and through community outreaches.

Education/skills training and development are primary factors in cultivating economic independence for vulnerable persons, and to further this, the Ministry has set up a female-centric business incubator at the Guyana Women’s Leadership, through which WIIN and other programmes are being delivered.

Mental health issues mainly stem from depression, primarily caused by helplessness and hopelessness. The empowerment/ educational/skills training programmes may catalyse a surge of hope in lives long existing in physical subjugation, emotional despair, and mental bondage.

Palestinian people play inside a swimming pool to cool down during hot weather, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Heatwaves have been sweeping parts of the globe with Western Europe and other parts of the Mediterranean experiencing record-breaking hot weather ( Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa)

President Ali riding on a wave of popularity Dear Editor, It is said that Dr. Francis Crick was the most notable naysayer. He was the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, and he went on to become a neuroscientist. Dr. Crick also shared with Watson and Watkins the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1962.

Guyana is being plagued and bombarded on a daily basis with soothsayers, naysayers, anti-hero protagonists, antagonists, critics, cynics, skeptics, misanthropists, doubters, complainers, and a throng of pessimists who value, market, and propagate only the negative side of anything seen, heard, developed, proposed, or potentially possibly viable for the good of a Guyana that is being developed at a rapid pace.

Of course, there are those who provide constructive criticism, and they must be lauded for their commendable input. They approach any situation with a keen sense of judgment, and with a sober and open mind. But when a court of law in Guyana fails to rationalise that 33 is the majority of 65, then that proves the level to which insurgents are ready to take this country. The agents of subversiveness are poised and placed in each strategic area; ready, willing, and capable of not defending the rights of the people.

The usual suspects are always hard at work, and devote their lives to producing and manufacturing propaganda, with lies and distortions in order to discredit the current Government and its officers. They would challenge anything at the expense of their electoral constituent and financial supporters, regardless of the moral indignity or the legal implications, or the worthiness of its nature, or commonsense. There is no sense of pride, and shame does not exist in their vocabulary or DNA. There is no room for integrity, and so honour has escaped, been eradicated, eliminated and extinguished from human nature with explicit profanities. There is absolutely no reservation for extending any respect or regard for principles, rules and regulations, law and order, precedents, or the normal functioning of society with acceptable, established, and cherished

norms.

No need to regurgitate the details surrounding the three famous cases presented by the PNC Party to the CCJ during the infamous 2020 elections, but the outcome of them losing simply supports the above paragraph. The painful 18 months’ waiting after the Motion of No Confidence, the illegal transactions conspired during this hiatus, the 5-month siege by the PNC after the election in March 2020, their outright refusal to demit office, their denial of fraud attempts, their contempt for the international community, and their scorn for the legitimate recount results simply impede on the sacrosanctity of truth and the inhibition of devious and devilish miscreancy.

Coming home closer to time, since the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition, so many events have unfolded, confirming that he, his people, and his party are meant to disrupt the smooth flow of progress in the country, and their aim is to disrupt any peaceful agenda prevailing, and prevent the Government from functioning in its rightful capacity. His animosity when reaching with the President set the tone and tune to follow for the remaining period in office.

Rejecting the concept of consultation, and wanting to rule from the outside is his mantra. Challenging all the President’s appointments ushers him into a state of denial, that he is not the President of Guyana. In Dec. 2021, after the Mace-grabbing debacle and disruption of the National Assembly, the eight APNU/AFC members involved were rewarded with a mere slap on the wrist by the Privileges Committee for them to be suspended. Now it is rumoured that there will be a court challenge. Bullies will always remain tormentors and intimidators.

No wrong can ever be right, but this generated despicable behaviour underlines the fact that even the current generation of youngsters in that Party is determined to preserve the heredity of hooliganism, and to preserve the motto of brute force and ignorance in order to live and not let others live, so that they

can greedily survive at any cost.

There will never be any transition from evil to good, because they simply cannot comply with waging the war for decency over indecency. This transgression is again repeated in the recent looting, robbing, beating, and burning of innocent people of one community in Mon Repos. This is a repetitive action from the instigated and inspired misdoings at West Berbice in 2020.

The backlash from the worst oil agreement in the history of the oil industry is a slap in the face of Guyanese, and leaves the current Government imprisoned with a lopsided contract and the wrath of the people to forge a change for a better deal, after being tied into unfair clauses which literally handcuff the hands of any negotiators, thanks to the generosity of AFC’s brilliant professional and expert as a specialist.

The blame is no longer on the onus of the previous administration, and there is no call for the real culprits to step forward and face the heat, but to transfer the attention of the problem with a misdirection. Such is the bullishness of those who have sold out the rights of Guyanese and their real worth.

Guyana being the fastest growing economy in the world and the richest nation per capita in this hemisphere is now being seen through the eyes of haziness and glazed but not glossy clarity, as an image of mirage. But the international experts from the IMF, the InterAmerican Development Bank, and the CDB view Guyana through the telescope of sound financial stability, and would contradict such negative reproach.

This week alone, the pessimists are trembling in their boots as so many projects are being unfolded and the President is riding on a wave of popularity nationally and internationally to silence the critics. Isn’t it time for Guyana to wake up and smell the freshness and richness of its homegrown products, and turn a blind eye to those who want to mislead and misrule? It’s time for the naysayers to get real and accept reality!

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 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

An insult to the cricket- The need for loving people of Albion constitutional reform Dear Editor, I was invited to the Annual General Meeting of the Albion Cricket Club, which was held on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 3:00pm in the main hall of the Albion Sports Complex.

I duly attended, and what I witnessed can only be described as a farce and a mockery of what good governance should be in the running of a cricket club.

To begin with, the AGM started with 17 persons present out of a membership of 120 persons.

Besides the Community Development Officer, who was there to do the duties of Returning Officer for the elections, which were to follow the main agenda, the other 16 persons present comprised five executives and 11 cricketers, who were mainly from the under-13, under-15, and under-17 teams.

No Financial Report was given to members at the start of the AGM, so that they could be in a position to ask questions or seek clarifications. The Financial Statement was read from a laptop computer by the President, because the Treasurer was absent. Also, no copies of the President’s and Secretary’s reports were given to members, as has been the norm in past AGMs. As could be expected, there was hardly any participation or discussion by members during the presentation of these three reports.

Now to the elections.

From the start, it was clear that a few executives had decided before the AGM who would fill which position; so, from the time nominations were opened, the Secretary and a Committee member were doing all the nominating and seconding.

As could be expected, there was no election for any of the positions.

Vemen Walter retained his position as President, although he is now the GuySuCo Human Resources Director and lives in the GuySuCo Compound at Ogle. Harripersaud is the Vice President, although he is a Production Manager at Blairmont Estate, and lives in that estate’s compound. Prem Kanhai is the Assistant SecretaryTreasurer; he lives at Port Mourant. I am sure he could have taken his talents to the Port Mourant Cricket Club, which is in dire need of good cricket administration; but, then again, he is a good friend of the Secretary. At least Secretary Outar and Treasurer Orvin Mangru are living at Albion.

And finally, one of the Committee members is

the Personnel Manager of Albion Estate. He recently came to the estate from GuySuCo Head Office, and guess what, he was not even present at the AGM. Editor, as I mentioned at the start of this missive, the whole exercise was a farce and an insult to the cricket-loving people of Albion, who are proud owners of the Albion Cricket Club; and they are shocked, angry, and disappointed at what is happening at the club, and are calling on the relevant authorities to do something about it.

There are many people living in Albion who are willing to be part of the Albion Cricket Club and help contribute to the development and growth of the club. Would someone please reach out to them?

Dear Editor, The arguments put forward in the case appealing the decision on the elections petition makes it clear that constitutional reform is necessary to address the weaknesses and gaps within the Constitution. Given that, over time, the position of each political party may change, the ability to appeal a decision is in the best interest of both the governing body and the Opposition.

The construct of the current Constitution does hinder to a large extent the ability to correct a perceived or actual wrong committed during an election.

We must, as a country, go beyond the constraints of the current construct of the Constitution, which

was created to allow for the Executive President at the time to hold on to power without letting the Opposition appeal the decision of the court, which also was under the Executive President's control.

In the pursuit of a just and equitable judicial and electoral system, we must, as a country, via the National Assembly, take the necessary step of removing such restrictions, so as to ensure the court’s ability to correct a wrong committed during the elections. Our Constitution should not be inviting to future dictatorships, but should strengthen our ability to prevent them from occurring.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

Open letter to President Irfaan Ali Dear Editor, As I am writing this letter, I feel victimised as a single mother. Over the past three years, I’ve been living in a housing scheme known as “Block 5 Ankerville”, which is located in the home community of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and was established under the tenure of the current President, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, when he was Minister of Housing & Water.

Since its creation, no infrastructural upgrade was done in this housing scheme.

The state of the streets and drainage systems is deplorable! This housing scheme has been in existence for over 20 years, and has been left

abandoned by the Ministry of Housing & Water.

I must point out that the Minister within the Ministry of Housing & Water, Susan Rodrigues, did help with some street lights, for which we are thankful; but twenty years have passed and there has been no infrastructural upgrade done to this housing scheme in regard to streets and drainage. The streets are so deplorable that even the kids in the village are left to suffer, in that they cannot go to school when it rains. It is a shame!!!

Many times I reached out to Ministers of the then Granger-led administration, and they were of no help, except for empty promises.

They were useless!!! And

Leasing of aircraft to operate US, Canada routes Dear Editor, I came across a post by Victor Singh, writing that “President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday floated the idea of convincing the Private Sector to explore the leasing of aircraft to transport persons to and from the United States (US) and Canada, because existing carriers are charging exorbitant airfares.”

Let me first commend President Irfaan Ali for such an insightful, innovative business idea (many of these innovative ideas, taken cumulatively, cause a free-market economy to evolve, leading to greater economic efficiency nationwide). Let me then ask His Excellency President Ali to move from “floating the idea” to actually convening a potential group of local busi-

ness executives to seriously explore the idea.

Maybe the initiative should not be limited to local businesses, but should also be extended to overseas Guyanese business people who have somewhat of a foot in Guyana. Fares are outrageous! On a personal level, I was planning to visit Guyana for a relative’s wedding on August 13, but I called it off due to the unconscionably exorbitant fares demanded.

Don’t forget that visiting Guyanese increase consumption and foreign exchange, both increasing GDP; and that spearheading such a move would only be great for Guyana.

Sincerely, Dev Persaud

again, it’s a shame!!!

Editor, I reached out to the Ministers of Infrastructure, Regional Chairman of Region 6, Regional Vice Chairman of Region 6, Regional Sports Officer of Region 6 (who lives right in the scheme), NDC members and other Government officials, and all efforts have proven to be futile.

Just two days ago, residents of Liverpool Village on the Corentyne came out and launched a protest about the deplorable state of their main entrance street. I could not believe when I was told that the very next day Government began working on the street. It hurts to have been fighting and asking, time and time again, for the roads (even the main entrance) in this housing scheme to be built/upgraded,

only for this request to fall on DEAF ears.

There are residents living in this scheme: nurses, soldiers, teachers, cane harvesters etc., as soon as it rains a little, the scheme is flooded, due to the poor engineering of drainage systems.

We, the residents, have suggested time and time again the way by which this could be solved, but all suggestions keep falling on deaf ears.

We, the poor people, are left to suffer all losses here in “Block 5 Ankerville”, Region 6.

Mr President, I am appealing to you: PLEASE render some help to us. We are tired of promises, we need to see action. We know you are a man of action, please demonstrate that.

Yours truly, Trudy Sinclair

Friday, July 22, 2022

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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Adding mixed numbers with unlike denominators There are two ways to do this. You could change each mixed number to an improper fraction and then add them. But an easier way to add mixed numbers is to add the whole number parts first and then add the fractions.

Set in box Example: Add Step 1: Subtract 2 + 7 = 9 Now add the fractions: Step 2: Change the fractions with unlike denominators to fractions with a common denominator:

Step 3: Add the fractions Step 4: If the numerator in the total is greater than the common denominator, you have an improper fraction. Change it to a mixed number: Step 5: Add your two totals:

By

Exercises: Subtract fractions

Some men are born to good luck: all they do or try to do comes right—all that falls to them is so much gain—all their geese are swans—all their cards are trumps—toss them which way you will, they will always, like poor puss, alight upon their legs, and only move on so much the faster. The world may very likely not always think of them as they think of themselves, but what care they for the world? What can it know about the matter?

One of these lucky beings was neighbour Hans. Seven long years he had worked hard for his master. At last he said, “Master, my time is up; I must go home and see my poor mother once more: so pray pay me my wages and let me go.” And the master said, “You have been a faithful and good servant, Hans, so your pay shall be handsome.” Then he gave him a lump of

the

Brothers Grimm

silver as big as his head.

Hans took out his pocket-handkerchief, put the piece of silver into it, threw it over his shoulder, and jogged off on his road homewards. As he went lazily on, dragging one foot after another, a man came insight, trotting gaily along on a capital horse. “Ah!” said Hans aloud, “what a fine thing it is to ride on horseback! There he sits as easy and happy as if he was at home, in the chair by his fireside; he trips against no stones, saves shoe-leather, and gets on he hardly knows how.” Hans did not speak so softly but the horseman heard it all, and said, “Well, friend, why do you go on foot then?” “Ah!” said he, “I have this load to carry: to be sure it is silver, but it is so heavy that I can’t hold up my head, and you must know it hurts my shoulder sadly.” “What do you say of making an exchange?” said the horseman. “I will

give you my horse, and you shall give me the silver; which will save you a great deal of trouble in carrying such a heavy load about with you.” “With all my heart,” said Hans: “but as you are so kind to me, I must tell you one thing—you will have a weary task to draw that silver about with you.” However, the horseman got off, took the silver, helped Hans up, gave him the bridle into one hand and the whip into the other, and said, “When you want to go very fast, smack your lips loudly together, and cry “Jip!”” Hans was delighted as he sat on the horse, drew himself up, squared his elbows, turned out his toes, cracked his whip, and rode merrily off, one minute whistling a merry tune, and another singing, “No care and no sorrow, A fig for the morrow! We'll laugh and be merry, Sing neigh down derry!”

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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt seeks $44.7B in supplementary funding from National Assembly

– to undertake massive transformational projects to benefit all Guyanese

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he Government is seeking approval from the National Assembly for a whopping $44.794 billion in supplementary funding for a number of programmes, including support to hinterland communities and several infrastructural projects across the country.

Financial Paper No 1 of 2022 was tabled in the House on Thursday

by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who requested that it be considered at the next National Assembly sitting.

Of the $44,794,011,175 being requested, $12.2 billion is for current estimates and the remaining $32.5 billion is for capital estimates.

The funds being sought are for various Ministries and other State agencies, including $3.116 billion under the Amerindian Affairs Ministry to “support Amerindian and hinterland communities”.

During the National Toshaos Conference (NTC) 2022 last week, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced that the Government would be seeking this money to immediately address the interest of Indigenous people, adding that a large portion of the $3 billion would go towards youth empowerment.

Another $1.296 billion is being requested for the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry to facilitate new infrastructural development initiatives and to support regional economic transformation programmes.

Under the Agriculture Ministry, a request was made for $1.908 billion for support to the Black Belly Sheep Project and $300 million to support fisherfolk as well as promote other agricultural initiatives while an

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

additional $1.4 billion is to support the sugar industry – all capital estimates.

In current estimates, another $2 billion for operational expenses of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is being sought as part of a $3.5 billion request. This also includes operational expenses for other agencies such as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) – $1.2 billion; the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) – $44.1 million and the MahaicaMahaicony-Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) – $218.9 million.

Moreover, another $4.439 billion is being sought for the Public Works Ministry for rehabilitative works on 28 pontoons of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), for the acquisition of spares and the completion of rehabilitation of ferry vessels, and for upgrading of roads and drains in several communities for which some $3 billion was requested.

To facilitate the completion of the critical sea and river defence works as well

as new works to address areas of erosion along the Mahaicony shoreline, an additional $550 million was requested. Some $525 million was also sought to facilitate the advancement of preliminary works to support the East Coast-East Bank Road Linkage project.

Only last month, the Guyana Government signed a US$106 million contract with Indian contracting firm Ashoka Buildcon Limited, for the construction of the highly anticipated four-lane bypass road that will link the East Coast of Demerara at Ogle directly to the East Bank Demerara at Eccles.

In addition, supplementary funds to the tune of $21 billion for the Housing and Water Ministry was requested and of that amount, $15.9 billion is to facilitate infrastructural works in new and existing housing areas, as well as to promote the housing programme.

The remaining sum is for works in the water supply sector, including the completion of water supply interventions in hinterland areas, and resources to increase treated water coverage through the construction and upgrading of water treatment plants as well as improving and expanding water supply systems in underserved and unserved areas. Monies were listed too for the replacement of aging and deteriorated pipelines in Georgetown along with the upgrading of the water treatment plants in Linden and drilling of wells.

Other funds listed in the Financial Paper include $50 million for the Office of the Prime Minister; $40.5 million for the Finance Ministry as well as another $6 billion current estimates which include $4 billion to pay electricity arrears to Guyana Power and Light

Incorporated (GPL).

Meanwhile, $700 million is being sought for the Human Services and Social Security Ministry to facilitate public assistance to persons living with disabilities.

The Education Ministry is requesting $307 million for the construction of a primary school in Wakenaam and to purchase school furniture for the reopening of school.

Another $216 million was requested for the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry to procure tools and machinery for training programmes, maintenance of the State’s swimming pools, and upgrading of community grounds.

Under the Health Ministry, $332.6 million is being sought for the government’s collaboration with the US-based Mount Sinai International. Earlier this month, Guyana signed an agreement with Mount Sinai and Hess Corp to transform the country’s healthcare system. The collaboration will see the establishment of Centres of Excellence for heart and cancer care as well as discounts for Guyanese patients at the Mount Sinai facility.

For the Home Affairs Ministry, $22.4 million in capital estimates and another $838 million in cur-

rent estimates are being requested. Another $100 million is being sought to cover legal fees under the Legal Affairs Ministry.

A sum of $435.7 million was requested for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for the acquisition of a helicopter and the maintenance of the Army’s Beechcraft.

Supplementary funds to the tune of $36.8 million were also earmarked in the Financial Paper for Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) to expand their respective work programmes.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice man gets 16 years for raping child

C

hild rapist Devon Welcome has been sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Berbice High Court on Wednesday, after 12 jurors last month found him guilty of engaging in sexual penetration of a child below the age of 16 years between December 1 and 13, 2019.

The Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) resident had initially denied the charge.

The court heard that, on December 1, 2019, the child’s mother had left her in Welcome’s care and had gone to the neighbouring country of Suriname to trade. Upon her return on December 13, 2019, she picked up her daughter from Welcome’s house and took her home, and while bathing her, the girl complained of experiencing pain in her vagina.

After her mother had checked her private area and had observed redness and bruising, the woman took her child to the doctor, who, after examining her, discovered that her hymen had been partially perforated.

The doctor referred the matter to

H The High Court in Berbice

the Police, and an investigation was launched, during which the child stated that Welcome had “troubled” her by inserting his finger into her vagina.

Welcome, in his defence, had denied sexually abusing the child. To prove his case, he had called a witness, his cous-

in, who told the court that Welcome was always at work.

The Prosecution’s case was presented by State Counsel Nafeeza Baig, while Welcome was represented by Attorney at Law Surihya Sabsook.

Princes Street man slapped with gun, ammo possession charges

D

ion Cornelius, a 43-year-old miner of Princes Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown,

Politics...

was on Tuesday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Rondell Weever on charges of possession of a

firearm and ammunition.

Cornelius was allegedly found with one .38 revolver and two live .38 rounds

Charged: Dion Cornelius

of ammunition in his possession.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges, and has been remanded to prison until August 9, 2022.

The Police have said that on the day in question, acting on information received, a party of Police ranks from Regional Division 4’A’ went to a house in Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown.

When the Police arrived, Cornelius was observed standing in front of the house, and on seeing the Police, he tried to escape.

The Police gave chase, and he was apprehended.

A search carried out on his person unearthed a brown .38 Smith and Wesson revolver, along with two (2) matching live rounds of ammunition in his left side pants waist.

He was told of the offence committed, cautioned, and arrested. He was escorted to the Brickdam Police Station, where he was later charged.

…and the Courts

ave you noticed that, with all the various and sundry (and not so sundry!!) crimes committed in our dear ole mudland, the Courts yet seem to be more taken up with dealing with political matters, rather than with dispensing justice to the poor victims of crime?!!

What’s going on?? Well, remember what those two UWI academics - who’d been part of the Recount Team - wrote after that sobering experience?? (Sobering because Granger, who’d brought them in during a COVID upsurge, allowed some PNC supporters to challenge the recount in – where else? – the Courts!!)

Anyhow, the academics offered a big word that we should all get familiar with to describe what’s going on - the “judicialization” of politics. Basically, it says that because some politicians are too immature to follow the rules of political participation that have been worked on and worked out - for hundreds of years, they have to call in a referee all the time to tell them what to do!! That’s right folks… immature, squabbling, tantrum-throwing politicians who want to have their way all the time!! You ever saw a bunch of primary-school kids in the playground arguing about whose turn it is to bat?!!!

So, you have Judges – who aren’t elected by the people of Guyana – having to make decisions that the politicians who’re elected by the people of Guyana, and paid by them (and let’s not even get into the perks and playthings!!) should’ve made!! Can you imagine even a bunch of Grade 6 students arguing about the “majority of 65”?? Yet that’s what the PNC took all the way to the CCJ, because they refused to accept the answer was 33 – even though they’d formed the Government because they had the “majority of 65 seats: 33 seats!! No wonder even the staid Justices had to force themselves not to roll their eyes during the hearings – which was broadcast to the entire region over Zoom, because of the COVID pandemic!!

So, right now we have the same CCJ in TT deliberating whether an elections’ petition is still valid, after the PNC that brought the petition - after complaining the PPP had rigged the elections by raising the dead and teleporting the migrated - didn’t comply with the rule of service. That is, they didn’t officially give their Sanctimonious Leader a copy of the petition as required by the law!! But maybe it’s part of their devious plot – they wanna show they were just as careless during the elections for their agents to’ve missed the alleged PPP shenanigans in the polling stations!!

And here, the Opposition’s in the Courts claiming their 8 MPs - who created mayhem in Parliament after they stole the Mace - shouldn’t have been suspended!!

Commended instead?? …and survival Well, now that the Sri Lankans have chased out the corrupt, nepotistic, hapless Rajapaksa dynasty, they gotta start saving their country. But can they?? One test’s gonna be if their Buddhist Monks - who’ve stoked hatred in the Sinhalese majority against the minority Tamils - will start talking “inclusivity”. The second test will be whether they’ll be able to swallow the IMF medicine – which, like most medicine, is gonna be bitter!! Your Eyewitness doesn’t see how Sri Lankans can tighten their belts, when their bellies are already touching their backs!!

One thing that should work to their benefit, however, is the rivalry between China and India. The latter was pretty miffed by the Rajapaksas cosying up to the Chinese with their billion-dollar projects – which mostly went bust – but the debt’s gotta be paid!! Like giving the Chinese the port they’d financed!! India’s given about $1.5 billion for imports of food, fuel, medicines and fertilisers. Plus another $3.8 billion in currency swaps and credit lines.

China? $75 million in humanitarian aid; no debt relief, but a firm handshake!! …in old Blighty!!

And now there are two – Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss - to face the 200,000 Conservative members, who would decide who’ll be PM till 2024!! Truss is the bookies’ favourite.

Wonder why??

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

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$400M allocated this year for relocation of GuySuCo Packaging Plant to Albion – Mustapha

...says more sugar will be packaged at new $1.9B facility

A

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has disclosed that some $400 million has been earmarked for relocation of the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo’s) Packaging Plant to Albion in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Responding to a question from APNU/AFC Opposition Member of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo-Halley during Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly, Mustapha said: “In this year’s Budget, $400 million has been allocated to commence the movement of the plant… to Albion, and we will have a bigger and much [more] modernised plant at Albion, to cater for more production of sugar in GuySuCo.” The Minister indicated that the GuySuCo Packaging Plant is being relocated from Enmore, East Coast Demerara, where the facility there is being transformed into a modern oilfield service centre and manufacturing facility.

Back in February, it was disclosed that Government had leased the packaging facility to local company Guysons Engineering, which has partnered with US-based K+B Industries to form the GK+B Joint Venture that will be establishing the Enmore Manufacturing Facility to cater to the oil and gas sector.

As part of the agreement, the company would have to retain all the workers of the packaging plant, and conduct training so that they can be absorbed into the new operations – something which the workers have previously lauded.

According to Minister Mustapha, the new packaging plant at Albion, which will cost approximately $1.9 billion and is a multi-year project, will cater to the production of more packaged sugar, which is currently in demand locally.

In recent weeks, there had been an apparent shortage of packaged sugar in Guyana, but GuySuCo has since ramped up production activities, thus making several thousands of bags of sugar and packaged sugar available for local consumption.

The Enmore Packaging Plant was shut down under the previous APNU/AFC Coalition regime, but was restarted in October 2020 by the PPP/C Government.

During Thursday’s sitting, MP Sarabo-Halley asked about the monies spent on the facility since its opening, and why the current administration did not opt to use the monies spent over the past two years at Enmore as injection into the new facility instead.

Mustapha clarified that

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

GuySuCo’s Packaging Facility

the expenditure from 2020 to April of this year had to do with operational expenses, and not on the packaging facility itself.

“The money was not used to enhance or expand the plant at Enmore. The money was used for two things: material cost and employment cost. In the planning and restructuring of GuySuCo, we’ve decided to move the plant to Albion because Albion is the premier estate in this country [right now], and it’s earmarked to produce more sugar, or the largest amount of sugar in our country.

“That is the reason we are moving the plant from Enmore to Albion… and we have not used a cent to do enhancement work or expansion work on the plant,”

Mustapha contended.

Nevertheless, the Minister further disclosed in the National Assembly that, in 2020, some $4.59 million had been expended from October to December that year. This includes $1.56 million in salaries for 42 workers who were rehired to work at the plant, and $3.03 million in material costs.

The full 2021 year saw another $94.95 million being spent at the packaging plant, of which $47.99 million was for employment costs and $46.9 million for material costs. From January to April this year, a total of $16.28 million was expended, with $15.8 million being for employment cost, $0.39 million for material cost, and $0.01 million for outside costs.

As part of the transition of

the workers from the Enmore Packaging facility, the Government, in addition to securing their jobs, also gave the workers a two-month bonus to assist them.

Guysons K+B Industries has committed to investing in the people of the East Coast Demerara Corridor, plugging an “unmatched” US$37.5 million (Gy$7.5 billion) to establish the Enmore Manufacturing Plant, a stateof-the-art oilfield services facility.

The company clarified that its lease is for the Enmore Packaging Facility, and not the Sugar Estate – a site that was recommended by the Government.

The packing facility is approximately 100,000 sq. feet, and its transformation would take an estimated 18 to 24

months. GKB has said the Packaging Plant can be repurposed and become operational almost immediately, preserving jobs currently held at the Plant, with a guarantee of 150 employees by end of the first year, and 500 in five years.

According to the company, a minimum of 50 acres of land is required to effectively deliver OCTG (oil country tubular goods) and premium accessory services to the local oil and gas sector. These services are currently being outsourced to Trinidad and Tobago, United States, and other countries.

It further noted that it has agreed to strict land development timelines and milestones over the first three years, which would be monitored as the phased development occurs.

10

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

National Assembly approves 1st salary for Public Servants to be paid in “reasonable time” – as attempts made to abolish 3-month wait for payment

Public Service Minister Sonia Parag

T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has moved in the National Assembly to address the three-month delay in the payment of the first salary for new Public Servants by committing to have this done within a reasonable time.

This move stemmed from a motion tabled by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition to abolish the longstanding three-month rule entirely.

Persons joining the Public Sector for the first time are subjected to wait for three months to receive their first salary from the State. When they are then paid, they are paid for the three months, and thereafter, they are paid monthly.

The Opposition Motion was tabled by Coalition Member of Parliament Tabitha Sarabo-Halley during Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly.

It sought to have the Government “…ensure that Public Servants receive their first paycheck no longer than one month after the commencement of their employment in the Public Sector.”

Sarabo-Halley, a former Public Service Minister, called the three-month rule “unconscionable” and “unethical”. She contended that Public Servants should no longer face the burden of such a delay in getting paid, especially during this period, when the cost of living is on the rise and other difficulties are confronting Guyanese.

“Guyana may be the only country who consistently has it as an unwritten policy that [new] Public Servants must learn to live with waiting months for a paycheck… The

State has access to the necessary resources required to figure out best practices that exist in other countries, to better what we have here as a country,” she said.

“Do not think of this as a political issue, but the recognition that Public Servants require more, deserve more, and should get more from the State and from us in this National Assembly,” the MP argued, noting that there needs to be a commitment by both sides to change this process.

However, although the Government’s side agreed that this issue is one that needs to be fixed, it was pointed out that the administrative process in place does not allow for the amendment that the Opposition is proposing to be made, since there is a multi-agency system in place to get new recruits onto the Public Sector payroll.

To this end, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag countered and proposed that the Opposition’s motion be amended to show instead that Public Servants receive their first paycheck within “a reasonable time” after receiving their employ-

Opposition MP Tabitha SaraboHalley

ment contract.

“This Government does not want to see Public Servants waiting three months to be paid. They do not want to even see Public Servants wait for two months to be paid,” the Minister noted.

According to the Public Service Minister, despite there being a tedious process involving several state agencies, there are systems in place to alleviate this financial strain on new Public Servants.

“When you get to the Ministry of Public Service, you go through several agencies before you get there, and what is a fact…is that even

as persons are waiting for their approval (to be on the payroll), agencies such as the regional bodies and other Ministries would pay an advance. They would place (the new recruits) on a temporary employment so that they can be paid while waiting,” she outlined.

“Every Public Servant that has come to the Ministry of Public Service, we have tried within a timely manner to be able to get those persons their salaries.

That obviously involves a multi-agency collaboration…

I take offence to everything that has been said, because this Government – whether

be it Public Servant; whether be it farmers; whether be it the vulnerable groups, the elderly or the children – this Government, from day one, has been in all of the villages and regions of this country, trying to assist, and have been assisting,” Parag stressed.

This Motion took most of Thursday’s National Assembly sitting, as MPs from both sides traded barbs and argued their respective positions on the issue. The debate was eventually wrapped by Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Thursday evening, who called out the APNU/

AFC Coalition for deliberately pretending not to understand the longstanding issue and process that has languished over several administrations.

Nevertheless, the Government used its one-seat majority in the Assembly, along with the support of Opposition MP Lenox Shuman – the representative of the Joinder List – to eventually pass the amendments to the Motion.

Consequently, the amended Motion was approved by the House, and will see Public Servants getting their first salary long before three months.

12 NEWS Task force deployed to address issues at Meadow Bank Wharf following President Ali’s visit FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– priorities include provision of security, lighting, access to washroom facilities, water

T

he Meadow Bank Wharf will be outfitted with security and amenities, following direct instruction from President Dr Irfaan Ali when he visited the facility on Thursday.

Before daybreak, President Ali led a team down to the Meadow Bank Wharf, Georgetown with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha after he received complaints surrounding the working conditions at the facility.

Senior officials from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were also present.

“I wanted to understand

President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging stakeholders at the Meadow Bank Wharf to remedy their concerns

the issues myself. I wanted to be out here in the working environment to understand the challenges in the environment. That is why I decided to come so early, so that I can interact with them and see physically the challenges that they’re facing,” President Ali said.

Exchanges with persons plying their trades drew attention to the lack of washroom facilities to cater to the hundreds of people at the wharf. Another issue was the unlit environs which pose a security threat.

One person told the

President, “The place is a little dark in the morning and you don’t know where they are. Somebody just pops up, chokes a man, and runs out of the yard. You can be right here sitting down, but because you have no light, a man can run through your pockets and run through the gate and there is no way to find him.”

Immediate intervention was solicited, with the Agriculture Ministry being tasked to deploy a task force to remedy some of the occupational woes. A permanent security presence is to be employed as authori-

ties work on a developmental plan for the area.

“We will have to work immediately on establishing a permanent presence to support the industry. We will bring in some lighting facilities, washrooms, and water and then look at more holistic development plans for the area. This is an area that serves a major part of the city and beyond in retail and wholesale aspects of fisheries,” Ali explained following his inspection.

The Guyanese Head of State also acknowledged that the fisheries indus-

try was critical to Guyana’s economy and the sustenance of jobs. He contended that his administration was making such efforts to effect sustainable operations and a stable production environment.

“The fisheries industry is a very important part of the overall socio-economic development…Fisheries is critically important. It supports thousands of jobs, thousands of truck drivers, ice houses, the boat operation, so, we’re working in supporting this industry and building capacity.”

With Government pushing the agricultural agenda, fisheries have been one of the major focal areas, where funds have been injected to support newer initiatives.

Last month, the President announced the rollout of one-off cash grants to the tune of $150,000 for local fisherfolk across the country. He explained that this measure is intended as direct assistance to the thousands of persons who depend on the fishing industry to sustain themselves and their families.

NEWS

13

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Blairmont Estate produces 72 tonnes sugar as 2nd crop production commences

W

A harvester loading cane in the second crop of 2022

ith the commencement of the second crop at the Blairmont Estate, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) declared that the factory was able to produce 72 tonnes of sugar.

The Estate commenced its second crop last Friday and started grinding operations the following Tuesday.

By Wednesday, July 20, 72 tonnes of sugar had been produced.

The second crop of 2022 is scheduled for approximately eight weeks with a target of

tinuous grinding in the factory.

“This will allow for the achievement of Blairmont’s weekly target of 925 tonnes of sugar, and the employees benefiting from extra earnings,” the GuySuCo release added.

The Estate said that much-needed resources were supplied to continue production, which included four tillage tractors. Additionally, the factory’s critical spares and parts were made available on a timely manner allowing for a smooth transition in the

190HP JD 6190 tractors that are being used for harvesting

7899 metric tonnes.

One of the Estate’s main concerns has been the availability of labour and attendance. In this regard, the Estate’s management has been appealing to all employees to turn out in their numbers so that a regular supply of canes is available for con-

second crop of 2022.

“Finally, Blairmont Estate is re-engineering itself to become one of GuySuCo’s profit centres. The Corporation and its stakeholders are investing heavily in Blairmont and these investments will see Blairmont Estate maximising its production of bag and

package sugar. Currently, extension work on the Sugar Bond is being undertaken, and approximately 48 per cent of the work has been completed.”

In recent weeks, shelves have been scarce of sugar, leading to concerns from the population about the apparent shortage. GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sasenarine Singh has alleged that the commodity is being smuggled outside the country. This was specifically the case with packaged sugar produced in the country.

A few days ago, the Uitvlugt Estate factory said

Burning of canes to commence the second crop of 2022

it ramped up production to meet the demand of the local population. When the Estate resumes sugar pro-

duction at 1000 bags a day, the goal is to restart the sale of sugar to wholesalers. Moreover, it was not-

ed that when drier weather prevails, the Uitvlugt factory can produce 2000 bags or close to 100 tonnes of sugar per day.

With interventions, sugar is now available at most markets through collaboration with the New Guyana Marketing Corporation.

Just last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali charged officials at the Corporation to improve efficiency and accelerate their timelines for mechanisation on the estates, in expressing the need for sweeping changes within the apparatus.

14 ENTERTAINMENT Beauty Razack – Miss Teen India Worldwide 2022 FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The newly-crowned Queen poses with the National Directors after winning the pageant

Beauty Razack

H

ailing from the Amerindian community of St Cuthbert’s Mission in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), which has a population of just over 1,700 people, 18-year-old Beauty Razack knew that she wanted to better her life, taking into consideration

the struggles her family had faced in raising her.

Coming from a single-parent family was just one of the many struggles she had faced as a child, and she knew that one day it would be her responsibility to bring her family out of poverty.

Her journey to success began very early as a child, but became even more pronounced after she had written the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations in 2015. Awarded

a scholarship to pursue her secondary education at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School in Georgetown, she left the only people she had known in that little village, and embarked on her search for a better life, in the process enduring being bullied and abused.

Fortunately, with a bit of enthusiasm and optimism, Razack became even more determined to aim for the stars, not letting anything deter her from pursuing her goals; and at the Caribbean

Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, she secured passes in 21 subject areas.

Beauty Razack aims daily to prove that, with determination and sacrifice, anyone can achieve anything they set their mind to achieving. While many people know Razack to be academically inclined, she finds

Beauty Razack being crowned Miss Teen India Worldwide

Caribbean; Ambassador at Blessed Girls Global Chapter; Representative at the International Affairs Committee (IAC); and

Miss Razack bearing the Golden Arrowhead in New Jersey

it critical to be rounded, and has thus participated in activities that have secured her ambassadorial positions in many areas globally.

Beauty Razack currently holds more than 25 global titles and nominations, and has recently represented Guyana at the Caribbean Youth Ambassadors programme, aimed at promoting leadership and civility among the countries in the Western hemisphere.

She is a Changemaker with UNITE2030 (an initiative that falls under the auspices of the United Nations); the Global Peace Chain has also appointed her as one of the Global Peace Ambassadors for the years 2020-2022; she is the Country Representative for the Global Youth Model United Nations (GYMUN); Country Director and Representative at the International Crisis Summit (ICS); Representative at UNFPA Caribbean; Advocate at UN Women

Deputy Country Coordinator at the International Youth Summit (IYS). And those are just some of the titles she holds.

Just a few months ago, the Talk African Foundation nominated her as one of the most beautiful and influential young women.

She is one of the co-authors of the Blessed Girls International’s first book, which is focused on the 4Cs - Civility, Creativity, Community, and Climate Change. The book was launched and published one year ago, and has been gaining tremendous internal traction.

Beauty Razack is currently pursuing degrees in International Relations and Civil Engineering. In addition, she is pursuing an online Law course at the University of Peking, as she has hopes of embarking on career paths in both law and engineering. Her conviction is that an individual should not be limited to just one ca-

reer path.

Just about a month ago, Miss Razack represented Guyana at the Miss Teen India Worldwide pageant in New Jersey, USA, and for the first time in history, Guyana was able to bring home the coveted title.

“It wasn’t an easy road, but with the right people to guide and support me, we’ve come out successful. And throughout, we’ve gained such great experiences; the network and bond created among the many countries represent social and civic cohesion, and will be utilised to foster a global community where positive change is promoted greatly,” she has said.

She is enthusiastic about continuing to make her mark globally through this platform and the many others of which she is a part.

“I’m more than eager to fulfill the mandate under this portfolio, and to continuously create a ripple effect on those I encounter through the many platforms I’m affiliated with. The collective efforts made, and the contribution of everyone to my overall being, whether it was just an interaction, a piece life of advice, or whatever it was from my childhood days to now, has led me to this point, and I’m entirely grateful. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child, but in my case, it went beyond that,” she has said.

She would like to thank everyone for believing in her, especially her family, sponsors and, most importantly, the Directors of Miss India Guyana Organization, for their immense support and guidance.

This star-stunning young woman is evidence that, with determination and hard work, no goal is impossible, and her advice to everyone is to challenge themselves to better their past.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CCWU wins right to represent CJIA aviation security workers A

viation security officers and supervisors at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) have, by a landslide, voted to be represented by the Clerical & Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU).

The CCWU and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) had entered the poll to represent the CJIA avia-

tion security officers, aviation security supervisors, and clerical assistants, and the CCWU certified 54 workers out of 120; thus, the CCWU applied for Certification of Recognition out of 120 employees.

According to a statement from the CCWU, the GLU had challenged the CCWU’s certifica-

tion with an inflated certification of 70 out of 140 workers. A list of 116 workers was presented to the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board by the CJIA management, and in disagreement with the list presented by the CJIA, the CCWU sought clarifica-

tion to finalise the list. This led to three more workers being added to the list, taking the total to 119 workers.

Both parties - the CCWU and the GLU - agreed on the total number of workers; and there subsequently was an election for the

representation of the 119 workers of aviation security at the CJIA. Of the 88 votes cast, 79 were in favour of the CCWU, while nine were in favour of the GLU. The CCWU was formed in 1948, and represents the widest cross-section of workers.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EAB overrules EPA’s decision to waive EIA for radioactive storage facility at Coverden A

mid protest by residents of Coverden, East Bank Demerara, over the significant health risk posed by the setting up of a radioactive equipment storage facility in their community, the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) has set aside a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the project.

Non-Destructive Testers Limited (Guyana) Incorporated is joining with the National Hardware to construct the storage facility at Lots 1-2 Coverden, EBD. After the EPA had decided to waive the requirement for an EIA, the EAB received three formal appeals regarding that decision.

Having allowed due process, and considering all of the concerns, comments, and responses made during the public hearing, the EBA conducted a site visit on July 12, and rendered its decision on Thursday.

The appellants' presentations outlined arguments that included exposure risk from the scope of activities of the project; risks of exposure of radioactive sources, leading to contamination of the environment; and the impact on lives and livelihoods of the Coverden community. The appellants also expressed concerns regarding the lack of baseline and effective safeguards, and the absence of communication with residents on the scope, impact, and implications of operations.

They questioned the potential impact on residents regarding exposure to radioactive sources, insurance coverage associated with the project, concerns regarding the proximity of the project within a residential area, and the specificity of screening for impacts for a project of this type.

The EPA presented a background to the project, an overview of the screening process results, and key reasons for the decision not to require an EIA. Public feedback following the presentations raised matters regarding the newness of the project area, and the concomitant uncertainties surrounding radioactive materials within the context of a populated community environment; the regulatory framework for a project of this type; and potential health hazards.

Scientific studies needed

The EAB, having thoroughly examined the assessment of the EPA, said that written information regarding the storage of the radioactive sources, and the oral submission of the potential use of these sources, changes the scope of the project.

“The risks which are

the EAB pointed out that the requirements for the application of a project do not necessitate engagement and feedback as part of the process of application. While this may not pose a significant challenge to projects that are more routine in their application, the EAB highlighted that the storage of radioactive sources within a community environment poses concerns for residents who, because of the lack of engagement, are not ade-

Consultations being held with residents

identified and assessed may likely change, given expanded project scope. The absence of an identified procedure or plan to address exposure prior to project commencement is also noted. The new application of this source within the oil and gas sector, nested within a populated residential community, requires baselines to be established for monitoring, and proximity considerations for safety, without which effective prevention, management, and mitigation of risks would not be possible,” the EAB noted.

It further noted that the sensitivities toward the lives and livelihoods of the Coverden community, regarding the storage and potential use of radioactive sources within close proximity to residences, need to be addressed through scientific studies and effective engagement with the residents of Coverden throughout the process.

Purpose of facility

The developers are seeking to store radioactive sources at the project site.

The EPA assessment as part of the Agency’s site verification outlines the use of radioactive sources on-site in its description of the operating process for the facility.

The approvals of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) refer to welding and fabrication, as well as storage of X-Ray materials. The EPA and the developer expressed that the facility would be used for storage only, but there is a possibility that this can include the use of the sources.

It was highlighted that the type of risks that would be assessed, monitored, and mitigated would be different in an environment where there is the use of radioactive sources. The assessment of risks for storage, where there is a potential for use of these sources to be added, limits and/or invalidates the effectiveness of any identified mitigation measure.

Proximity to nearby residents

The proposed project location is within a residential community. While international standards on proximity have been shared by the EPA for projects such as these, regarding the spe-

cific parameters for the project site, there is no established set of guidelines to define the project structure with regard to safety and best practice in the absence of an EIA.

Baselines for monitoring

The project was presented as one that is new for the scale and type of application, though similar uses currently take place in the health sector.

The project, the EAB, and its application, the EAB said, are new to the oil and gas sector in Guyana, and more so, the embedding of this aspect of its application within a populated community.

Though information is available globally and regionally on a baseline level for monitoring impacts regarding environmental and human health receptors, this information is also needed at the local level, to enable effective monitoring, the Board said.

One example of the lack of baseline relates to groundwater level, which, based on the verification report, could not be confirmed, and is stated as unknown.

Without this, the EAB pointed out, there are inherent uncertainties that would be introduced in preventing, managing, and mitigating direct and indirect risks involved in the project.

Potential risks of exposure

The developer outlined several company-level procedures for mitigating identified risks. However, the EAB said the risks of exposure, and guidelines for treating events of exposure, are less clear. It further said the screening assessment that was completed focused heavily on mitigating risks, and less on preventing risks and treating instances of exposure. While some of this may be addressed as part of an Environmental Management Planning process for projects relating to radioactive sources, it noted, this becomes important for risk assessment, prevention, and exposure plans to be identified before commencement of operations.

The EPA Act requires full stakeholder engagement during an EIA process, and

quately informed, aware, or able to discern the potential risks or safeguard measures that may be present for a project of this type.

And while an E n v i r o n m e n t a l Management Plan may provide for some aspects of this to take place, the timing of the engagement becomes of consequence, the Board added.

“Communicating with residents before project implementation: answering

questions, clarifying areas of concern, and providing an opportunity to effectively engage with direct stakeholders of the project, is broadly recognised as an important part of the process for new projects, especially ones that involve the storage and possible use of radioactive sources.

“In view of the above, the EAB sets aside the decision of the EPA: that no EIA is required for the Project,” the EAB decision reads.

80 new COVID cases detected GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 21, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

80

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

32

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

866

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

5

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

37,492

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

31,760

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

69,252

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

67,081

REGION 1

2664

REGION 2

3046

REGION 3

8552

REGION 4

34,459

REGION 5

2526

REGION 6

6651

REGION 7

2560

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4253

REGION 10

3655

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

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

443,802

FULLY IMMUNISED

343,575

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1268

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.

A

s of Thursday, the country has recorded 80 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the total of cases detected to date to 69,252.

There are 32 persons hospitalised, five of whom are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while 866 are in home isolation. Five persons are in institutional quarantine. The recoveries stand at 67,081.

The country’s death toll remains at 1268.

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Guyana over two years ago, a total of 672,314 tests have been conducted countrywide and of this number, some 31,760 males and 37, 492 females were found to be positive.

Of the 80 new cases recorded, one was recorded in Region One (BarimaWaini); four in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); two in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 43 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 11 in Region Six (East Berbice-

Corentyne); 12 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and five in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There were no new cases recorded in Regions Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) within the reporting 24-hour period. On Wednesday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony encouraged persons who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to get tested for COVID-19.

The Minister explained that the disease has recently started to present with more flu-like symptoms than previously, leaving many persons thinking they have the common flu rather than COVID-19.

“There’s lots of people who might be infected, to them it looks like a flu ,but if they go and do the test, it probably is COVID, because the presentation, now you see a lot of flu-like symptoms, so unless you test you wouldn’t know if you have COVID,” he explained.

The Minister continued

to lament that many persons have not only been hesitant to take the vaccines but are complacent as well.

He also urged persons to not take vaccination lightly as cases have recently risen globally.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), as recent as Tuesday, reported that the number of COVID-19 cases has tripled and hospitalisation rates doubled globally with the emergence of the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.

“So, they have a tripling of cases globally and you have a doubling of hospitalisation, so it is not something that we should treat lightly… One way of avoiding severe infection is through vaccination, and I think we have to reinforce that message, so that our population can understand that. So, now is not the time to be complacent if more than six months have gone by since last COVID shot, then you’re eligible for a booster,” Dr Anthony stated.

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1st tribal woman elected India’s 15th President M

rs Droupadi Murmu on Thursday won the elections for the post of President of India.

She would become the first tribal woman to take up that office when she is sworn in on Monday, July 25.

Becoming President marks the culmination of a career spanning three decades for Mrs Murmu.

An arc of triumph forged through personal tragedy is complete for this unassuming politician, who, along her campaign trail, found many backers beyond her political affiliations.

Droupadi Murmu, 64, the Presidential Candidate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), received over 64 percent of the votes cast.

Born on 20 June 1958, she was the first girl in the remote village of Uparbeda, in the eastern State of Odisha’s tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj District, to go to college. Murmu belongs to the Santhal tribe. Her father and grandfather were the traditional Heads of the Village Council.

She graduated with a BA degree from Ramadevi Women’s College in Bhubaneswar, and worked as a clerk in the Odisha State Secretariat. She married Shyam Charan Murmu, a bank employee. In the early 90s, Droupadi Murmu taught at Sri Aurobindo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Mrs Droupadi Murmu following her victory

Educational Centre at Rairangpur.

Murmu entered politics in the 1990s, being elected as a Councillor in Rairangpur Municipality in 1993, and later elected as the President of BJP’s ST Morcha. Murmu was then elected to the Odisha State Assembly from Rangraipur Constituency, and became

a Minister twice, from 2000.

She handled Transport and Commerce portfolios, and, from 2004, was the Minister of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries. Between 2006 and 2009, Murmu served as State President of BJP’s ST Morcha, and from 200209 and 2013-15 she was a National Executive Member of the BJP’s ST Morcha. In

2015, Murmu was appointed as the first woman Governor of the State of Jharkhand, for 6 years till 2021.

She is an excellent orator in Santhali, Oriya and

Hindi languages. She has worked extensively to improve infrastructure such as roads and ports in the region, while batting strongly for traditional tribal rights, including land rights.

Mrs. Murmu has witnessed many ups and downs in her personal life, including loss of three family members. Her eldest son, Laxman Murmu, died in 2009; her younger son, Sippon Murmu, passed away in 2013; and her husband, Shyam Charan Murmu, passed away in 2014.

She has a daughter, Itishree Murmu. Mrs Murmu is believed to be a deeply spiritual and keen practitioner of the meditation techniques of the Brahma Kumaris – a movement she embraced after her tragic loss.

On her victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Murmu, stating, “India scripts history.

At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (India’s 75 years of independence), a daughter of India, belonging to a tribal community, born in a remote part of eastern India, has been elected our

President.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was joined by top Cabinet Ministers, party leaders, and millions of tribals and common people across India, who celebrated her election as a triumph for both tribal and women’s empowerment.

Meanwhile, the High Commission of India in Georgetown has received congratulatory messages from many Guyanese located in Guyana as well as abroad. High Commissioner Dr. K J Srinivasa thanked all well-wishers, and stated that “Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, being the second woman President of India, and the first tribal to become the Head of State, marks a remarkable journey of Mrs. Murmu. The vibrant nature and strength of India’s democracy are now reflected in the empowerment of both tribals and women in this election. India continues to march ahead in various fields, aided by an overall development pathway taking all sections of society together, with no discrimination. Women’s empowerment in India has been very successful in the past few decades.”

18

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Gafsons Industries uses GNBS certification to demonstrate product quality

G

afsons Industries Limited (Gafoors), established more than 15 years ago, is one of Guyana’s largest and leading manufacturers of building materials. Its sister company, Plastic Products Limited manufactures PVC pipes.

As Guyana hosts the International Building Expo 2022 at the National Stadium, under the theme “A new frontier for building a One Guyana”, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has recognised Gafsons Industries as a local manufacturer working to have more of its products certified under the GNBS Product Certification Programme to demonstrate quality.

Currently, the products manufactured by Gafoors that are certified are PVC pipes and four-inch concrete hollow blocks. They were first certified in 2002 and 2019, respectively. Since then, Gafoors continued to maintain certification for these products, which include meeting pro-

GNBS Technical Officer Latchman Mootoosammi presents a plaque to Gafsons Industries Limited Factory Manager Bharrat Rampersad

duction and testing requirements based on the National Standards.

Just recently, the company’s four-inch blocks were re-

certified by the Bureau for another year. The company was awarded a plaque from the GNBS for ensuring its blocks continuously meet the require-

ments of the Guyana Standard Specification for Load Bearing Masonry Concrete Units (GYS 215:2018).

Speaking at the hand-

ing-over ceremony at the company’s Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara location, Factory Manager Bharath Rampersad said with the current and anticipated demand for building materials, Gafsons was gearing up to increase capacity to meet the demand of the construction sector.

Providing a list of products the company was considering having certified shortly, Rampersad added that certification of products manufactured was important and the company intended to add more products to those already certified by the GNBS. He believes that certification is integral to demonstrate that Gafsons Industries produces quality products.

Concrete hollow blocks and PVC pipes are building materials used in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Hollow blocks are used to erect interior and exterior walls and fences while PVC pipes (pressure and non-pressure) are used in

plumbing and drainage. The availability of these certified products on the market provides homeowners and contractors with confidence and quality options when choosing building materials.

As the local economy grows, more entrepreneurs and companies in the manufacturing sector are looking to produce value added and other products for consumers. Like Gafoors, they too can access certification from the GNBS to demonstrate that their products are meeting standard requirements for quality.

The benefits of certification include third-party assurance of the quality, permission to use the National Standards Mark as a marketing tool, a competitive edge in the local and overseas markets and the ultimate increase in revenue, increased consumer confidence, and consistency in the manufacturing process through the monitoring and implementation of quality control procedures.

Over 120 persons benefit from CIOG outreach at 58 Miles Mabura Road ported by the Guyana Cancer Foundation, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Eye Care Team, SEWA International, Dauntless

Professional Therapeutic Bodyworks, and the Region 10 COVID-19 vaccination team.

CIOG expressed thanks to the executives and mem-

bers of the #58 Miles Full Gospel Church for their hard work and dedication and their kind support and cooperation, as well as all the supporting partners.

Govt unveils “Enough with the violence” 914 hotline mural

T

Persons at the medical outreach

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), in collaboration with public and civil society organisations, hosted a medical outreach on Sunday at 58 Miles Mabura Road in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) that benefited more than 120 persons.

The primary purpose of the outreach was to provide medical assistance to the

community and surrounding areas. The residents were able to have their

blood pressure and glucose levels tested, access to mental health and eye care, therapeutic massage and

COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots, with medical advice from general and specialty doctors.

The medical team was able to provide care to in excess of 120 persons inclusive of children, the elderly, and the differently able.

Along with the medical care provided, the residents present were issued with packages with basic daily necessities, inclusive of face masks, clothing, Pampers (both children and adults), sanitisers, and sanitising wipes along with over-thecounter and prescription medication.

The outreach was sup-

he Government, through its Human Services and Social Security Ministry, recently unveiled its first “Enough with the violence” mural promoting the domestic violence toll-free 914-hotline, at the Amazonia Mall at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The mural is a representation of the PPP/C Administration’s stance against gender-based violence, and falls under the “Enough with the violence” campaign being held in commemoration of 16 days of activism, which calls for the mitigation of violence against women and girls.

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud has said this is the first of many projects to be unveiled. “We have had enough, and it is not only about having enough, it is understanding the plight of people who experience violence, and giving them recourse, and that is 914,” Persaud explained.

The toll-free hotline was conceptualised to aid persons exposed to domestic abuse.

It provides them with a safe space to seek help. The service was launched in December 2020, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and several telecommunications networks, including Digicel Guyana, Guyana Telephone

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, and staff of the Amazonia Mall standing in front of the “Enough with the violence’ poster

and Telegraph (GTT), and the Guyana Telecommunications Agency.

Since the launch, the Ministry has taken steps to improve the hotline by ensuring all 914 operators are trained in foreign languages, to assist every victim who makes a report.

To further ensure victims who come forward are safe, the Ministry has trained and employed survivor advocates to provide victims with support to overcome their experiences. Survivor advocates are accessible to persons through the 914-hotline number. They are responsible for informing victims of their rights, and of services available to them.

Additionally, the Government launched an ‘imatter’ app, which is linked

directly to the 914 hotline when a person presses the panic button. The app is easy to use, and is accessible on both IOS and android downloading platforms.

Meanwhile, the mural was created by young artist Roberto Teeka, who participated in the Ministry’s “Paint for Purpose” initiative.

The mural initiative created the platform for Guyanese artists to express themselves through art in a creative way, to deliver the message of domestic violence while advertising the hotline.

General Manager of Amazonia Mall, Nandram Kishore, and employees were present at the launch of the mural. Kishore extended appreciation for the mall being the home of the first mural.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Ukraine's ports to reopen under deal to be signed today, Turkey says

Oil slumps US$3/ bbl on gasoline stockpiles, rate hikes and resuming supply

O

il prices fell more than US$3 a barrel on Thursday on higher US gasoline stockpiles and after a European Central Bank (ECB) rate hike stoked demand worries, while returning oil supply from Libya and the resumption of Russia's gas flows to Europe eased supply restraints.

Brent crude futures settled at US$103.86 a barrel, falling US$3.06, or 2.9 per cent. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at US$96.35 a barrel, declining US$3.53, or 3.5 per cent.

Both were down more than US$5 earlier in the session.

US gasoline futures settled at US$3.15, losing 13 cents, or 3.8 per cent following a jump of 3.5 million barrels of the commodity in storage last week, US government data showed on Wednesday, far exceeding analyst forecasts.

"If you don't need the gasoline, then you don't need the crude oil to make the gasoline, and that's the math that's killing crude oil right now," said Robert Yawger, executive director of energy futures at Mizuho.

Oil futures trading volumes have also been thin and prices volatile as traders attempt to square weaker energy demand with tighter supply resulting from the loss of Russian barrels after the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Flows through Russia's Nord Stream 1 natural gas pipeline, which runs under the Baltic Sea to Germany, partially resumed after being shut for maintenance on July 11. The pipeline had already run on reduced volumes following a dispute sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The resumption of Nord Stream gas flows appears to be conjuring up images of a more conciliatory posture on the part of Russia regarding continued movement of crude and products into Europe in the coming weeks/month," said Jim Ritterbusch of Ritterbusch and Associates in a note.

The European Central Bank on Thursday joined many other central banks in raising interest rates, focusing on fighting runaway inflation rather than the economic downturn, which can weigh on oil demand. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mario Draghi resigns, plunging Italy into political turmoil

Cargo ships are docked in the Black Sea port of Odessa, Ukraine (file photo)

R

ussia and Ukraine will sign a deal on Friday to reopen Ukraine's Black Sea ports to grain exports, Turkey said, a hopeful sign that an international food crisis caused by Russia's invasion could be eased.

Ukraine and Russia, both among the world's biggest exporters of food, did not immediately confirm Thursday's announce-

ment by the office of the Turkish presidency. But in a late-night video address Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hinted that his country's Black Sea ports could soon be unblocked.

The blockade by Russia's Black Sea fleet has reduced supplies to markets around the world and sent grain prices soaring since Russian President Vladimir

I

taly will hold a snap national election on September 25 after Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigned following the collapse of his national unity government, sending tremors through financial markets.

It will be the first autumn national election for more than a century in Italy, where the second half of the year is normally taken up with getting the budget law through Parliament.

It is likely to be a fractious campaign fought in the fierce summer heat in a drought-hit country.

A bloc of conservative

parties, led by the far-right Brothers of Italy, looks likely to win a clear majority at the ballot, a study of opinion polls showed this week.

Draghi, an unelected former central banker who has led a broad coalition for almost 18 months, handed in his resignation earlier on Thursday and was asked by President Sergio Mattarella to stay on in a caretaker capacity.

"We must deal with the emergencies related to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation and the cost of energy," Draghi told Cabinet colleagues. (Excerpt from Reuters)

our ports."

Moscow has denied responsibility for worsening the food crisis, blaming instead a chilling effect from Western sanctions for slowing its own food and fertiliser exports and Ukraine for mining its Black Sea ports.

Russia on Thursday said the latest round of European Union sanctions would have "devastating consequences" for security and parts of the global economy.

Meanwhile, the BBC reported Russia will struggle to maintain its military campaign and Ukraine may be able to hit back, the head of Britain's foreign intelligence service says.

MI6 chief Richard Moore said Russia had seen "epic fails" in its initial goals; removing Ukraine's President, capturing Kyiv and sowing disunity in the West. (Excerpts from Reuters and BBC News)

Biden tests positive for COVID; Australia battles new outbreak

U

S President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating at the White House.

The 79-year-old, who is fully vaccinated and has twice received booster jabs, is experiencing "very mild symptoms" and will continue to carry out all his duties, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

The President is taking the antiviral medicine Paxlovid, her statement added.

In a tweet, Biden said he was "doing great" and "keep-

ing busy".

His wife First Lady Jill Biden said she had tested negative.

Consistent with White House protocol the President will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative, Jean-Pierre said – and will take part in meetings via telephone and Zoom.

Meanwhile, according to Reuters, Australia reported one of its highest daily death tolls from the novel coronavirus on Thursday while hospital admissions hovered near record levels, as authorities struggle to get

Duguid hails 1st SaudiCaribbean Forum

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi looks on during his address to the lower House of Parliament ahead of a vote of confidence for the Government after he tendered his resignation last week in the wake of a mutiny by a coalition partner, in Rome, Italy, July 21, 2022 (Reuters/Remo Casilli)

Putin ordered troops into neighbouring Ukraine on February 24.

Full details of the agreement were not immediately released.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres was going to Turkey, a UN spokesman said. The agreement was due to be signed today at 1330 GMT, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's office said.

Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar said last week that the deal includes joint controls for checking shipments in harbours. Turkey would also set up a coordination centre with Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations for grain exports.

Zelenskiy, whose address mainly focused on Ukrainian forces' potential to make gains on the battlefield, said: "And tomorrow we also expect news for our State from Turkey – regarding the unblocking of

S

enior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr William Duguid said the first SaudiCaribbean Investment Forum staged from July 6 to 8 in the Dominican Republic was an important for Barbados to prove its “pro-business approach” to prospective investors.

Duguid led the Barbados delegation that also included Deputy Permanent Secretary (ag), Prime Minister’s Office, Paula Byer; Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Invest Barbados, Sandra Payne; and Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Disa Lewis.

Approximately 60 Saudi Arabian firms with interest in a wide cross-section of sectors, including bank-

ing and finance, construction, energy, health care, food and beverages, hospitality, petrochemicals, pharmaceutical, mining and industry, wealth management, and maritime, attended the Forum.

Duguid said he was “pleased with the calibre of investors attending the Forum, as well as their interest in investing in the Caribbean generally and in Barbados in particular”.

He added that Barbados’s participation was a “clear signal to global investors of Government’s pro-business approach to welcoming businesses of substance and attracting sustainable foreign direct investment from new markets”. (Excerpt from Nation News)

President Joe Biden pictured at his desk in the White House on Thursday

ahead of highly contagious Omicron variants.

The BA.4/5 variants are good at evading immune protection from vaccination or prior infection and have been driving a surge of new infections globally.

Australia is reporting the highest daily numbers

since the first Omicron wave earlier this year, with 89 deaths from the coronavirus on Thursday and 90 on Wednesday. Just over 55,600 new cases were recorded on Thursday, the highest since May 18.

(Excerpts from BBC News and Reuters)

At least 18 dead in Brazilian Police raid on Rio favelas

A

t least 18 people have been killed in a Brazilian Police raid on a sprawling complex of favelas in Rio de Janeiro, state military Police said, in the latest deadly Police operation in the city’s impoverished communities.

A law enforcement officer and a woman who lived in the area were among the 18 people who died in Complexo do Alemao on Thursday, while 16 others are believed to be members

of organised crime groups, a Police spokesperson said during a news conference.

“It’s a massacre inside, which Police are calling an operation,” one woman told The Associated Press news agency, speaking on condition of anonymity because she feared reprisals from authorities.

“They’re not letting us help [victims],” she added, saying she saw one man arrested for attempting to do so. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Make plans with someone who makes you laugh. Kicking back with friends will eliminate stress and help put situations in perspective. Avoid over-the-top behavior.

(March 21-April 19) Share your thoughts and plans with passion. Go over every detail and put the final touches on whatever you pursue. Own your contributions and present what you have to offer with pride.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20) Be calm, observant and receptive, and you'll find out what's possible and where and how you can fit in and do some good. What you offer and how you perform will impress others.

(May 21-June 20) You'll draw plenty of attention if you pitch in and help. Putting your attributes to the test will give you a better sense of what you can do next. Believe in yourself and don't hold back.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

You must go it alone if you want to get things done your way. The path of least resistance will tempt you when you know sticking up for yourself is the better choice. Don't let others limit you.

A positive attitude will encourage progress. Share information and follow through with a plan that offsets any negativity you encounter. Look at trivial matters realistically.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You'll have some expansive ideas and plans, but before you engage, make sure you have the stamina to finish what you start. When in doubt, wait until you are confident you have the backup required.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Pay attention to how you present yourself. Verify information before you pass it along, or you'll pay the price. You may not relish change, but it will be beneficial in the end.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Put more thought into investments and how and what you do with your cash. Building a secure platform will help you get ahead. Refuse to let emotional interference get in the way.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) You are heading in the right direction, but trying to take on too much or make up for someone's incompetence will slow you down. Stop trying to fix what isn't fixable. Romance is favored.

YESTERDAY'S WORD

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Refuse to let anyone get in your way. Avoid fighting a losing battle.

Use your intelligence and discipline to get where you want to go; doors will open and new beginnings will unfold.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Don't overanalyze money, health or legal matters. Distance yourself from situations to get a clear picture of what you must do to make the most of what you've got. Do what's necessary.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

21

Clarke striking a pose during his training

Clarke to shift focus on Pro Worlds …Will not be attending CAC

By Timothy Jaikarran

H

aving won the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation-sanctioned Hercules Charlie Carollo Legacy Classic, by which he earned his pro card ranking, Guyana’s incredible strength and conditioning athlete Kerwin Clarke will now shift his attention to the Pro

Worlds competition, slated for Los Angeles, California on November 20, 2022.

Speaking exclusively with this publication, Clarke divulged, “Unfortunately for me, the Central American and Caribbean Championships wouldn’t see me this year, but I am eyeing the World Championship, which is slated for Los Angeles, California

in November this year.

Preparation for that is coming along pretty smoothly thus far, and I am just trying to put the necessary logistics and application in place with respect to training, diet, and forecasting in regard to my budget for this event.”

As it relates to his level of confidence, Clarke said he is very confident, and he has al-

Bartica Summer Splash Regatta 2022…

POWERBOAT RACING PROMISES TO SIZZLE -Belle, Scott & Gonsalves headline marquee event …Impact Orient, Kartabo are champions of Summer Splash cricket Summer Splash Cricket

Emerging as the Bartica Regatta Summer Splash Softball Cricket competition, winners were Impact Orient for the males, and Kartabo, which took care of business

ways been confident. He explained that he has always trusted in his knowledge, experience and application. He described his application as steadfast, as it has been giving him much success, which is something he plans to maintain. He reiterated that he is very confident in his package, and said he would put together a competitive package when he hits the stage on November 20, 2022.

“Fitness for me is a lifestyle. Looking at me now and from where I came from, that motivates me more than anything else. People that surround me - I have a very small circle - they embrace the greatness that I possess. I also pat myself on my shoulders when I look back at how decorated I am as a natural athlete, and (what) my achievements (are) over the decade of being competitive. That motivates me and fuels me to even press harder,” Clarke has posited.

This talented Guyanese

muscleman detailed that when heading off to the Worlds in November, he needs to win his category to advance. He divulged that the Open category may or may not be a mixture, but if it is, he would have to put together his best total package to cement the top podium spot.

Outside of that, if it is the weight category, Clarke would have to top his category to advance into the overall to bag the top spot. He noted that, whichever way the competition goes, for him it means hard work, therefore he will be channelling his energy and focus the right way, as he intends to make use of all of the resources available to him, as it is his intention to leave no stone unturned.

Clarke is optimistic that he would do well and do his country well, thus inspiring and motivating the youths and his other competitors in the same sporting discipline.

In likes of the 2022 team

Goldmedal Electricals to be “Powered By” partner for Series MATCH SCHEDULE

Randy Belle aboard his machine 'Quantum' at the Easter Regatta

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he history of powerboat racing in Bartica has been well documented over the years, at Easter time as well as at the more recent “Summer Regatta”.

Being held under the slogan “Summer Splash”, this year’s edition of this always highly-anticipated spectacle, being held under the auspices of the Bartica Business Development Committee (BBDC), promises to continue the rich rivalry between the Belles, the Scotts, the Gonsalves and Sanjay Ramkissoon in the Formula One class races, where reputedly “the big boys play”.

The Easter Regatta in April this year was a bounce-back event, after the COVID-19 global pandemic had halted the event for a couple of years. It did see the Randy Belle vs Dave Scott vs Neil Gonsalves shindig return, but it was short-lived, as Scott had developed early mechanical challenges in the opening race, and those had eventually ended his further participation in the event.

Belle had gone on to dominate the remainder of the day’s races, and had walked away with the Champion Driver accolade and a very handsome financial package.

However, come Sunday, July 24th, 2022, Scott is promising to turn the tables, while Gonsalves is also promising to upset both his rivals

that would be attending the CAC, Clarke has encouraged the team to put their proverbial best foot forward and make their application process worthwhile. He also urged that athletes do the right thing and stay on the right path.

“I have been fortunate to have a few workout sessions with Roger Callender, who will be participating in the bantamweight category. He looks good, and if he can keep his focus up and execute, he is definitely a gold medallist,” Clarke has said.

“Emmerson Campbell, he knows his stuff, and I am confident he will do well. I am confident he will do well in his application. Nicholas Albert, whom I have seen, he has nice shoulders and he looks very promising, and I have always shared a lot of positive energy with him, and I think he is putting together a decent package.

I also wish the other athletes well, and I give them my blessings” Clarke has declared.

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The victorious Impact Orient team

on a day that is sure to be fabulous for the fans and supporters of all three competitors.

Apart from the tactics that would be employed by the men at the controls, millions of dollars have been invested to build unbeatable engines that each competitor would expect to give them the edge over their rivals. A bit of luck must also be added to the ingredients to ensure a fun-filled day does not have any mechanical issues.

The organisers are also set to introduce the first-ever Female Bikini Kayak Race.

Following are the events that would be contested: Three (3) Formula One races; three (3) 200HP races; three (3) 90HP races; three (3) 40HP races; two (2) Jet Ski races (open); one (1) Female Bikini Kayak Race; one (1) 200HP Bush Boat race.

on the distaff side.

All the action unfolded at the Bartica Community Centre Ground. The male competition attracted a total of 13 teams, while the female competition saw some 11 teams competing. Tyube DeFreitas organized the competitions in collaboration with the Bartica Cricket Committee.

Impact Orient claimed the first prize of $100,000 after defeating Corruption in the final; the losers walked away with $40,000. Female winners Kartabo defeated Orient 7 in the final.

The competitions were played on Sunday last at the Bartica Community Centre Ground, and were sponsored by Exclusive Minerals, Nicholas Mohammed's Mining, and The Trophy Stall.

ORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – Goldmedal Electricals, one of India’s leading electrical manufacturing companies, announced on Thursday, July 21, that it has signed a sponsorship agreement for the upcoming CG United One Day International (ODI) Series between West Indies and India, to be played in Trinidad.

Goldmedal will be associated as the “Powered By” sponsor for the three-match series, which would be titled the “CG United ODI Series, Powered

by Goldmedal”. The series will be played on 22, 24 and 27 July at the historic Queen’s Park Oval.

Through this sponsorship, the Goldmedal brand will have a prominent presence on the ground during all the ODI matches. As part of the partnership, the Goldmedal Logo will be promoted on the pitch mat, perimeter boards, on the integrated logo of the Series, and on presentation boards.

This will be Goldmedal’s second foray into sponsoring a cricket event this year.

Goldmedal was also the official Power Partner of the recent India vs Ireland T20I Series held in June.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Kishan Jain, Director of Goldmedal, said: “As a cricket-loving nation, we are thrilled to be associat-

ed with this ODI Series. The Goldmedal brand is about providing amazing experiences, and the way India and West Indies play the game, there’s a lot of amazing moments in store for the audience. We are looking forward to an electrifying Series between the two teams, and we hope that this is just the beginning of our long association with Cricket India.”

Speaking on the association, Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave said: “We’re pleased to welcome Goldmedal as the “Powered by” partner for the CG United ODI Series, as they increase their partnerships in cricket and become one of several new sponsors for the West Indies vs India Series.

“The West Indies vs India Series is always exciting and highly anticipated around the world, featuring two of the world’s most charismatic teams and two incredibly passionate sets of fans.”

The Indian team is led

by Shikhar Dhawan, while Nicholas Pooran will captain the West Indies. The matches will begin at 9:30am Eastern Caribbean Time/8:30am Jamaica Time/7pm IST, and will be telecast live on FanCode and Doordarshan in India, and on ESPN Caribbean in the West Indies.

Starts at 9:30am (8:30am Jamaica/7pm India) Friday, 22 July: 1st CG United ODI, powered by Goldmedal – Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad Sunday, 24 July: 2nd CG United ODI, powered by Goldmedal – Queen’s Park Oval Wednesday, 27 July: 3rd CG United ODI, powered by Goldmedal – Queen’s Park Oval

Goldmedal Electricals

Goldmedal Electricals is a home-grown electrical company which was established in the year 1979 with a vision to create electrical switches and accessories that make a positive difference to the lives of consumers.

The company is known in the industry for manufacturing high quality wiring devices and introducing a host of innovations in the industry.

The company has manufacturing units in Vasai outside Mumbai, Bhiwadi in Rajasthan, and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the few companies in the industry to have a completely in-house, state-of-the-art tool room and testing facility.

Today, the company manufactures a vast range of electrical products, including various types of switches, home automation systems, LEDs, fans, security systems, entertainment devices, doorbells, wires, cables, DBs and more for residential buildings as well as commercial establishments.

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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CWSS, North Ruimveldt secure Milo semifinal spots to five.

The following game was another lopsided contest, from which North Ruimveldt Secondary emerged victorious over West Ruimveldt Secondary.

Omar Sam opened the scoring for North in the 7th minute, and Akeem Perreira followed up with North’s second goal in the 21st minute.

The third and final goal came in the 27th minute off the

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efending champions in the Milo Schools Under-18 Football tournament, Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, and North Ruimveldt Multilateral School have completed the semifinal lineup for this competition following wins on Wednesday evening.

The Milo Semifinal fixtures for Sunday, July 24th, have been set in stone following resounding 5-0 and 3-0 victories earned by CWSS and North Ruimveldt respectively.

In the first game of the

evening, Christianburg Wismar came up against an aspiring Cummings Lodge Secondary, who looked good in their quarterfinal match last week.

After a slow start, Christianburg recorded their first goal in the 17th from the efforts of Kemar Mc Lauren, and their second in the 35th from Demoll Warber. At half time the score was reading 2-0.

In the next half, Mc Lauren demonstrated his dominance by completing his hattrick with goals in the 67th and 76th minutes.

segment, and managed to restrict their opponents’ scoring, but were unable to find the back of the net, resulting in North’s 3-0 win.

Already highly anticipated, the Milo semifinal games will be hosted this Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

In the first semi, 2019 champs Christianburg Wismar would be aspiring to become back-to-back finalists when they lock horns with Golden Grove Secondary from 3pm.

The second semi, which pits Dolphin Secondary against North Ruimveldt Multilateral, begins at 5pm.

Christianburg Wismar Secondary: 5, vs Cummings Lodge: 0 Goal-scorers Christianburg: Kemar Mc Lauren: 17, 67, 76 Demoll Warner: 35 Kelvin Hintzen: 69 Yellow card CWSS Lamar Jules: 50 Game #18: West Ruimveldt: 3 vs North Ruimveldt: 0 Goal-scorer North Ruimveldt: Omar Sam: 7 Akeem Perreira: 21 Jevon Pluck: 27

Glimpses of the encounter between West and North Ruimveldt Secondary

Meanwhile, Kelvin Hintzen added one in the 69th to bring Christianburg’s tally

The Guyana Cup: Sunday, August 14 at Rising Sun Turf Club…

boots of North’s Jevon Pluck.

West Ruimveldt cleaned up their act in the second

Yellow card North Ruimveldt Calvin Bowling: 76 Semi-Finals, Sunday 24th July 2022 Game #21: Golden Grove vs Christianburg Wismar Secondary School @ 3pm Game #22: Dolphin vs North Ruimveldt Secondary @ 5 pm

Top Trinidadian trainer set BCB first mini cricket academy to to arrive in Guyana today commence on Saturday in West Berbice

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nother member of The Guyana Cup horseracing contingent is expected to arrive today to engage in preparatory work for the much-anticipated event.

The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) welcomes retired racing correspondent Glen Mohammed, who has been involved in the sport of horseracing for over 40 years.

He is a trainer/ owner and bloodstock agent who has imported horses from Ocala, Florida and Caymanas Park in Jamaica.

As a de facto ambassador, he has the live wire for shipping horses for leading Guyanese owners Nasrudeen Mohamed, Thurbhuwan Jagdeo and the late Sharif. He continues to ship the majority of horses from Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana.

As a Racing Correspondent, he has covered several Breeders Cup events in the USA, and has covered the only Breeders Cup event to be held outside of the USA -- at the Woodbine racecourse in Canada in 1996, when Alphabet Soup defeated the great Cigar.

He also covered the 2006 Kentucky Derby, rich Superstakes race which is run off at Caymanas Park, Jamaica, and the highly regarded Barbadian Gold Cup in Bridgetown. He has travelled to Ascot, England to witness the sport.

He was President of Trinidad and Tobago's Racehorse Trainers Association (RTA), and has trained several top horses.

He continues to train horses

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Glen Mohammed (left) interviewing top rider Ricky Jadoo after scoring with Triple Crown hero Top of the Class at Santa Rosa Park in Trinidad

presently, and will be sending across two of his charges: Memories, which will be handled by his son Shaun Mohammed, a regular to Guyanese shores, and Color of Sacrifice, to compete in the Derby on Guyana Cup Day. Contacted via cellphone, Mr. Glen Mohammed explained, “After the invitation from owner and entrepreneur Nasrudeen 'Junior' Mohamed to share my experience as a trainer and as an executive, I immediately accepted the offer. I possess extensive knowledge in rules and race day running of the sport, and am no stranger to the racing fraternity in Guyana. It will be my pleasure to work alongside fellow Guyanese to guide them is such a large event.

Adding structure will be difficult for the fraternity to accept, so therefore the method of approach must be accurate.”

The journey to the biggest Horse Racing Event in the Caribbean has begun. Carded for Sunday 14th August at the

Rising Sun Turf Club, it will see over Gy$30M in cash and prizes being won; so, this year, the competition is expected to be stiff.

Get there before noon to avoid the rush, and remember indoor parking is available for over 500 cars. Let’s all join together for this spectacular presentation, Guyana Cup 2022!

This event was made possible by Kris Jagdeo Contracting, through our title sponsor Banks DIH and supporting sponsors Guinness, XM Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Hop House 13, Johnny Walker, S. Jagmohan, A&R Security, Progressive Travel Agency, Auto Toy Store, Vals Construction, Air Services, Anand Ramchand’s Auto Body, King’s Jewellery World, K&P Project Management, Asif Auto Spares, Yellow Mines, Avinash Contracting, JS Guyana, Aronco, BM Soat, Club Neutraal, Japarts, AJM Enterprise & Jumbo Jet.

he aggressive developmental programme of the Berbice Cricket Board would continue this weekend with the hosting of the first of four mini cricket academies across the county.

The West Berbice Cricket Association, under the leadership of David Black, would host the first mini academy on Saturday July 23.

BCB President Hilbert Foster has said the academy is a continuation of the board's ambitious coaching programme, which seeks to ensure that every cricketing talent in the ancient county is discovered and given the chance to develop.

The board would also be hosting the academy in New Amsterdam/Canje at the Rose Hall Canje Ground; on the Lower Corentyne at the Area H Ground, and in the Upper Corentyne SubAssociation at the Skeldon Ground. Special emphasis would be placed on improving the players' techniques in batting, bowling and wicket-keeping.

Foster also disclosed that the BCB under his leadership would be very firm with players who refuse to attend developmental programmes to which they are invited.

Stating that the BCB is investing heavily in the development of players, Foster has said it is only fair that players take advantage of the opportunities; and, as such, players who bluntly refuse to attend would not be considered for selection to any Berbice team in the future.

Coach Travis Hardcourt would head the panel of coaches, and the following players are asked to re-

Campbell, Kemar Joseph, Winston Hartman, Michael Collis, Collis Harcourt, Christopher Baldeo, Simon

BCB President Hilbert Foster

port to the Fort Wellington Secondary School at 8:30am for the session, which would go on to 4:00pm. Lunch would be provided for all participants.

The players invited are: Joel Bascom, Jarvel Blackman, Ezekiel Blackman, Sheldon McPherson, Brandon Chance, Omani Alder, Carlston Sam, Aquanda Booker, Rawle Johnson, Shawn Ross, Dekentie Carmichael, Mario Apollo, Delray Morris, Levi Kishun, Neville David, Omari Arthur, Shelton Ramsay, Tulsieram Ramcharran, Omar Saul, Steffon Prince, Tyrone Prince, Tiea Isaacs, Tamara George, Renata Liverpool, Brandon Isaacs, Ashley Mangra, Nathaniel Lynch, Kummassy Mentore, Chan Cho, Darius Joseph, Tienacia Solomon, Cornel Archibald, Randy Dindial, Jaylen

Anandram, Vinash Boodhoo, Lakeraj Hemraj, Saife Satar, Aditya Ramgopaul, Fawaad Badulla, Ryan Ramsamy, Marlon Albert, and Christopher Ogle.

CLASSIFIED ADS NOTICE Maylene Duncan and Jessie Cozier of Charity, Essequibo, the witnesses to the execution of the last will and testament dated the 11th day of November, 2010 of MOHAN a.k.a MALA, deceased who died on the 10th August, 2021, are hereby requested to contact Mr. Khawn Rodney, Attorney-at-Law at Lot 216 South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, within 14 (fourteen) days from the date of publication of this Notice for the purpose of swearing the Affidavit of Attesting Witnesses.Dated at Georgetown, Demerara. This 12th day of July, 2022.

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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West Indies motivated to show fight as first India ODI bowls off today -Fitness cloud over Paul and Hetmyer

By Brandon Corlette

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espite the rain around Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies and India will lock horns from today, Friday July 22, in the first of three One Day International (ODI) matches.

Captain Nicholas Pooran, speaking to the media in a virtual press conference on Thursday afternoon, has said his team is motivated to show more fight against India.

Pooran also spoke about Keemo Paul, who is still being monitored, while Shimron Hetmyer, who was not named in the ODI squad, is around the team to work on his fitness.

“I (would) love (to see) him (play) in this ODI Series now, but he is here doing a lot of work on his fitness as well, and he has been putting in a lot of work. That is really nice to see the effort that he has been putting in. He wants to play for the West Indies, and trainers and coaches (are)

working with him, so expect to see him sooner than later. I have full confidence that he will be putting on the maroon colours again,” Pooran said on Thursday afternoon during a media briefing, and while responding to Ian Bishop.

Pooran added: “Yes, he has a fitness test to pass shortly, so he is preparing himself for that.”

Prior to this ODI Series against India, Hetmyer had missed the ODI Series against Bangladesh because of a shoulder injury, as cited by Cricket West Indies.

In recent years, Hetmyer has been under the microscope in relation to meeting CWI minimum fitness standards.

The 25-year-old Hetmyer last played for West Indies in November 2021.

Additionally, Pooran noted that the team needs to assess the conditions at Queen’s Park Oval after rain had fallen on the eve of the match. “For me, I just want to see the guys continue to

fight with both bat and ball. I think the last ODI we played against Bangladesh in tough conditions, we tried our best, and we felt like we had a chance to win the game, and we almost did. For this India Series, it is just for us to fight as long as possible. I want to see that fight from every individual (in) the team,” Pooran said.

When asked about Keemo Paul, who had a hamstring strain in the final ODI against Bangladesh, and if he is fit and ready to play in this first ODI, Pooran said: “The doctors are still monitoring Keemo. At this point in time, I cannot really say.

We will make a decision on him on the morning of the match. I hope he is fit and ready to play.”

India will be led by Shikhar Dhawan, while a host of IPL stars would be on show. Ravindra Jadeja, who is the vice-captain, may miss the opening game due to a niggle. The first ball of the opening ODI is expect-

ed to bowl off from 9:30h Eastern Caribbean time.

WEST INDIES FULL SQUAD: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales.

R e s e r v e s : Romario Shepherd and Hayden Walsh Jr. India ODI Squad: Shikhar Dhawan (capt), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vicecapt), Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Avesh Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh. (Guyana Times)

Captains Dhawan and Pooran on the eve of the match

ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ U14 shifted to July 30 start

…Exxon Advisor encourages parental, teachers’ involvement

Secondary Dolphin Secondary East Ruimveldt Secondary Lodge Secondary School Leonora Secondary North Ruimveldt Secondary Boys St Cuthbert’s Mission West Ruimveldt Secondary

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ExxonMobil’s Ryan Hoppie and Petra’s Jackie Boodie were happy to encourage the female players who would take to the pitch from next Saturday

he ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 football tournaments which were scheduled to kickoff this weekend will now be shifted to a July 30th start.

The announcement was made on Thursday afternoon during a team briefing with schools which are participating in the tournament.

Inclement weather has been given as the cause for postponement of the commencement date.

Petra’s Marlan Cole, sharing about the wiggle room that the shift in dates would allow, has said; “Because of inclement weather conditions, we’re unable to start the tournament on Saturday, but we will start the following Saturday, which will give you guys some additional time for preparation.”

Nevertheless, Petra is ready and rearing for the start of the tournament, as are the title sponsors ExxonMobil.

The Under-14 football tournament would cater to the participation of 32 teams, with possibility of the addition of more female teams which have since registered for the tournament.

The games will be played 9-a-side, with the format being round robin and then plate positioning. No team will be knocked out in the tournament.

“We’re excited particularly to see that there’s an emphasis on the girls’ football tournament as well as part of the brand and the execution of the sport development that comes with the Petra Organization,” ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Advisor Ryan

Hoppie shared with the student athletes at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Thursday afternoon.

Hoppie went on to highlight parental involvement, hailing it as one of the driving forces of the tournament’s success. He explained, “One of the other things that I want to say and emphasise is the absolute importance that we should place on the teachers and the parents realising this as well, because without them this wouldn’t be possible.”

A total of 24 boys’ teams and 8 girls’ team are currently on board for the tournament.

Those teams are: L’Aventure Secondary Boys Patentia Secondary Boys New Campbellville Secondary Cummings Lodge

ExxonMobil Community Relations Advisor Ryan Hoppie

Freeburg Secondary Boys West Demerara Secondary Boys Golden Grove Secondary Boys Tutorial High School Boys Marian Academy Boys Plaisance Bosco Boys New Central High School Houston Secondary School Boys Charlestown Secondary St Winefride’s Secondary Boys Kingston Secondary Boys Tucville Secondary Ann’s Grove Secondary

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The female members of the Chess Olympiad team

TR Wood Inc. has donated in excess of half a million dollars towards Guyana’s participation at the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad being hosted in Chennai, India, the birthplace of chess.

This fund will go towards the National Chess team’s participation in the auspicious event. Throughout the first half of this year, Guyana’s top local chess players competed in an intensive series of tournaments for a chance to qualify to represent Guyana at the biennial event.

The selection process required that players secure top spots in a number of tournaments against competitors of all ages, experience and skill levels. The players’ performances were ranked through “Grand Prix points” that could only be earned by winning consistently.

The team that would compete in India from July 28th to August 10th is constituted as follows: CM Taffin Khan, FM Anthony Drayton, Ethan Lee, Roberto Neto, Loris Nathoo, Sasha Shariff, Pooja Lam, Anaya Lall, Jessica Callender and Nellisha Johnson.

This is the youngest chess team to ever represent Guyana, which is testament to the vigorous youth-focused chess programme that the Federation has worked tirelessly to implement over the course of the past year. The fruits of the “chess in schools” training programme and Chesskid.com membership

offered, paired with consistent opportunities for players to test their skills in a compet-

itive arena, have led to a noticeable rise in the skill level and performance of Guyana’s young chess players.

The Guyana Chess Federation has expressed its sincerest gratitude to STR Wood Inc. for their generous contribution to support the National Team. Corporate support from business entities like STR Wood Inc. has ensured that the team is able to put 100% of their focus into their preparation, knowing that they can count on support from the Private Sector.

STR Wood Inc. specialises in the harvesting and production of all species of wood used in construction, bridge building, utility poles and the making of furniture. STR Wood is an associate of STR Group. The Group, through its associate companies, has been a proud sponsor of chess tournaments over the years, especially in the junior categories. This is done to ensure chess remains accessible to Guyana’s youth.

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022

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

Page 23

Shimron Hetmyer

Keemo Paul

West Indies motivated to show fight as first India ODI bowls off today -Fitness cloud over Paul and Hetmyer

ExxonMobil’s Ryan Hoppie and Petra’s Jackie Boodie taking a photo opportunity with students who would compete in the under-14 tournament

Clarke to shift focus on Pro Worlds …Will not be attending CAC Page 21

Clarke will now be focused on the Pro Worlds competition in November

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ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ U14 shifted to July 30 start …Exxon Advisor encourages parental, teachers’ involvement GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.