Guyana Times - Friday, July 29, 2022

P16

The birth and rapid rise of the Canada-Guyana Chamber Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 5084

guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

Pres Ali, US Under Secretary discuss areas of cooperation on energy, environment See story on page 7

…series of meetings held with US leaders on Capitol Hill

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana has P13 capacity to test for Monkeypox – Health Minister …section of Ocean View facility repurposed to treat any detected cases

Education Ministry aiming for 6-day distribution period for $30,000 cash P12 grant

Death of 2 miners

GGDMA calls on miners to adhere to, P15 implement good safety practices President Dr Irfaan Ali meeting with the US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, Jose W Fernandez on Thursday morning in Washington, DC (OP photo)

Undocumented TIP victims will not be prosecuted – Magistrate Page 2

P8 Woman previously jailed for stealing from employer facing similar charge

…urged to come forward without fear

US playing integral role in Guyana’s security architecture Murder accused shot dead after chopping Lethem miner to death

Guyana under massive transformation to change lives of citizens – Ali tells US Diaspora Page 9

Page 3

Page 11

Many persons remain vulnerable without COVID-19 booster shot P10 – Dr Anthony …56 more cases recorded

Police raid P17 unearths ganja under Stabroek Market clock

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Undocumented TIP victims will not be prosecuted – Magistrate …urged to come forward without fear …as Supreme Court hosts forum on combating human trafficking

I

n observance of International Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP), which is held on July 30 annually, members of the Magistracy on Thursday participated in a radio discussion centred around protective measures in place to address the crime, and the law in relation to such offences.

This year’s theme for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is “Use and Abuse of Technology”. It focuses on the role of technology as a tool that can both enable and impede human trafficking.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and Magistrate Christel Lambert gave insights on the trial process for such offences, and the international best practices adopted by the justice system to not only enhance the prosecution of this crime, but also to provide protection to victims.

Guyana’s commitment to preventing this form of serious modern-day slavery has seen the enactment of the Combatting Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005, said Magistrate Lambert.

cruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a person by means of the threat or use of force or other means of coercion, or by abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability, or by the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purposes of exploitation.”

Magistrate Lambert explained that in order to es-

threat. “…also have to prove exploitation. This is the element that sets Trafficking in Persons apart from any other crime. It entails sexual exploitation, forced labour, …slavery and practices similar to slavery,” she added.

Importantly, she noted that the offence is punishable both in the Magistrate’s Courts and High Courts by sentences ranging from three years to life in prison.

Protection efforts have

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

The legislation, she pointed out, criminalises all forms of human trafficking, including forced labour and prostitution, and prescribes adequately stringent prison sentences.

During the informative discourse, she explained what is required in a court of law to establish TIP — the third largest criminal activity in the world, behind guns and drug trafficking. In so doing, she said one must be mindful of the definition of TIP as outlined in the Act. It defines TIP as the “re-

Magistrate Christel Lambert

tablish the offence, the prosecution has to prove one of the following elements: recruitment, transportation or harbouring. Once one of these is proven beyond reasonable doubt, she said, it now has to be proven that the victim was recruited/ transported/haboured by means of force, coercion, or

helped victims of this crime to rebuild their lives.

Victims’ protection

Against this backdrop, Magistrate Lambert assured that victims are protected in such a way that they are not prosecuted while being heard for certain types of offences they

may have engaged in while being trafficked, such as immigration-related offences.

“So, we would like persons out there, who are undocumented in our country, to know that they will not be prosecuted, and that they should not be afraid to come forward,” she added.

For her part, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan spoke about the trial process, noting that the majority of human trafficking cases are disposed of in the Magistrates’ Courts.

Once a matter is filed in the court and the accused

is arraigned, she said, “the court’s role is to conduct a victim-centred, trauma-informed, speedy trial which aims at avoiding revictimisation.”

The first consideration after the charge is read is the consideration of bail.

“The court must consider as paramount the security of the victim and all of the witnesses. Of course, one of the main considerations is whether the accused will return to court for the duration of the trial. The security of the victim is particularly important, because of the nature of these offences, which involve syndicates, and a number of persons are involved in the crime. That is the reason for a rigorous bail hearing…” Chief Magistrate McLennan explained.

After this, she said, the court would then schedule a Case Management Conference (CMC) with the defence, prosecution and victim advocate. At these proceedings, the defence is briefed by the court about the conduct of the trial and the nature of the questions that would be allowed.

TURN TO PAGE 11

NEWS

3

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, July 29 – 03:30h-05:00h and Saturday, July 30 – 02:00h-05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, July 29 – 17:10h-18:40h and Saturday, July 30 – 05:00h-06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light to thundery showers are expected throughout the day and the evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to South Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:14h reaching a maximum height of 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 10:49h and 23:00h reaching minimum heights of 0.68 metre and 0.77 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

03 09 12

15 17 23

FREE TICKET THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

4 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

03 09 14 19 25 LUCKY 3

4

2

7

3

Afternoon Draw

9

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 03 05 09 13 19 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2022

04 07 09 11 13 13

02 04 05 08 21

9

6 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

8

1 Evening Draw

FP 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

$107.10/barrel

+0.00

Rough Rice

$306.864/ton

+0.06

London Sugar

$531.60/ton

Live Spot Gold

-0.23

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1758.80

$1759.80

Low/High Change

$1735.20 +2.00

$1760.90 +0.11

US playing integral role in Guyana’s security architecture W

ith President Dr Irfaan Ali currently leading a government delegation in the United States to further strengthen ties in a number of areas, collaboration and cooperation in the security sector has been placed high on the agenda.

This is according to the Head of State, who on Wednesday participated in a discussion hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Americas Program on strengthening US-Guyana relations.

According to President Ali, a big part of his visit is dedicated to security enhancement and the US’s role in advancing Guyana’s security plans.

“The US is playing a greater, more integral role in our security architecture.

We’re building partnership. We have an information-sharing platform. We have greater collaboration and cooperation. We have integration in what we’re doing,” he stated.

The President noted the reality is that Guyana is facing certain security issues and challenges. To this end, he stressed that Guyana is working with the US on confronting that reality and deal with the multi-dimensional nature of the security challenge.

The focus is on building the architecture, building and supporting the infrastructure, training and development, information and technology sharing, working on a common platform, and support through technology.

The Guyanese Leader noted that these were all part of a new comprehensive security plan that the two countries

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the CSIS event on Wednesday

were working together on.

“That has been an important part of the agenda and discussions we’ve had up here… We’re not only deepening our relationship, but for us it is an imperative that the US plays an important part in our security architecture. Our geographic location brings with it, its own challenges and when talking about building out an infrastructure that would have deeper, faster and a more integrated connection with more countries, you attract new challenges too,” he stated.

Already, Guyana and the US have several security cooperation programmes including training of local army officers.

Climate change

In addition to security, other major areas of cooperation between the two countries are food security, climate change and sustainable development, among others.

President Ali told the

CSIS forum that Guyana has the potential to become a world leader in key sectors such as the environment, agriculture and technology.

“Our commitment to climate change and development, sustainable development, is unshakable,” he contended.

He went on to highlight that over 80 per cent of Guyana is covered by pristine forests that are larger in size than England.

This large forest cover, the Guyanese Leader explained, currently stores more than 19 gigatonnes of carbon and is attached to a value of more than US$500 billion.

“So, I present to you a country that is enormously rich in biodiversity, ecological services, environmental services,” he noted.

According to President Ali, climate change cannot be dealt with in a “transactional way”, but must be dealt with through global policy formation that is supported by all.

“There needs to be a bal-

anced conversation, a conversation that understands the reality of the world.

Because guess what, when supply becomes low, and demand continues to increase, prices are affected, and the most affected continues to be the developing world.

So, this conversation cannot take place without the balance,” he posited.

This balance, the President further outlined, is highlighted by Guyana as an oil-producing nation.

“And I want to present Guyana as a perfect example of a country and a policymaking environment that is seeking to achieve that balance in our development trajectory and our commitment to climate change. We are a net-zero country, we have among the lowest deforestation rate in the world at 0.05 per cent. We have a forest that goes through all the rigid global audits, and we are not going to change that,” he noted.

TURN TO PAGE 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 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

Emancipation O

n Monday, Guyana and many parts of the world will be celebrating the 184th anniversary of Emancipation. It was a long and difficult road to freedom for the slaves, who were forced into bondage and made to endure inhumane conditions. They were resilient even in the face of unimaginable atrocities unleashed upon them.

In the end, freedom came with the expectation that the mental and economic shackles would be banished forever. Unfortunately, this has not happened, and race has been infused, thereby creating many difficulties for humanity in general.

Emancipation Day serves to remind us that this nation was founded on slavery, the paradigmatic instance of human inequality.

Settlement by the Europeans of what is now known as Guyana started in the second decade of the 17th century, when the Dutch enslaved some of the Indigenous Peoples they encountered along the Pomeroon and Essequibo rivers.

As with the Spanish who preceded them in other parts of the “New World”, they soon switched to importing slaves from West Africa to fill the labour demands of the plantation economy they were developing. Ironically, the Indigenous Peoples were now hired to recapture slaves who escaped into the jungles in their quest for freedom.

Dutch plantations soon spread to the Berbice and Demerara rivers, and it was not until the fertility of those soils was exhausted, almost two centuries later, that the critical decision to move to the coast was made. While this may be of surprise to some, given the present nature of our settlement patterns, it must be understood that the Guyana coastland, then and now, is at least 5 to 6 feet below sea level at high tide.

The land was inundated with salt water, and, over the millennia, had been formed from sedimentation of the silt brought thousands of miles away from the discharge of the Amazon River. The Guyana coastland was actually uninhabitable mangrove swamps, which had to be drained and “empoldered” to accommodate plantations.

It was a matter of fortuity that the Dutch had vast experience in effectuating exactly such land rehabilitation from waterlogged soils back in their homelands, utilising a combination of dykes/ dams and digging ditches/canals. While the labour in the Netherlands was supplied by the Dutch inhabitants, in Guyana, African slaves were dragooned to perform that mammoth task.

Cuffy’s 1763 Rebellion should remind us that, in the second half of the 18th century, most plantations were still “up river”. By the time the British finally took possession of the three colonies of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara in 1814, after those colonies had changed hands several times between the British, the French and the Dutch from 1796, most plantations had moved to the coast.

Therefore, when the 82,000 African slaves were finally freed in 1838, after their 4-year “Apprenticeship”, the “movement off the plantations” was confined to the coast, and this is where the “village movement” took hold.

Unquestionably, Emancipation was a seismic event in Guyana in more ways than one. Notably, it was a decision based on economics, rather than on the “humanitarian” impulses of the British, as has been touted by their historians. This circumstance had long-lasting repercussions in the freed African population.

Britain wanted to move from mercantilism to “free trade”, to open up new markets for her manufactured goods; but equalising the duties on sugar from other producers, such as Brazil and Cuba which still practised slavery, meant the West Indian planters would face tremendous pressures after they would have lost their price advantage for the British market. After the British Government compensated the planters for losing their “slave property” (but did not compensate the “property”), many of them abandoned their plantations and left Guyana.

The remaining planters feared the freed slaves would decamp the plantations after Emancipation, and hedged their bets by importing Portuguese indentured labour from the impoverished island of Madeira, and freed African slaves from the smaller West Indian islands such as Barbados. In the latter locales, there was no alternative source of employment, and the Guyanese wages were comparably higher, even as local African workers started to move off the plantations.

These locals successfully struck for higher wages in 1842, but this only increased the rate of abandonment of plantations; and in 1847, when they struck again, the planters held off their challenge.

The Portuguese, West Indians, Africans (seized from slave traders) and Indian indentureds provided the labour, and by the following year, most Africans had moved off the plantations.

Guyana became a “plural society” after Emancipation, with all the challenges that implied.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, on Thursday met with Guyana Reparations Committee Chairman, Dr Eric Phillips and a visiting African Royal Delegation from South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho who are in Guyana for Emancipation celebrations 2022 (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

When will COVID really be over? 3 things that will mark the end of the pandemic …history tells us the end of a deadly outbreak isn’t just about medical data – it’s about political and social changes too

By Erica Charters

M

ore than two years after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic and more than 18 months after COVID-19 vaccinations were first widely administered, it can still seem there is little consensus on what stage of the outbreak we are now at. Is the epidemic over, with British restrictions lifted a year ago and airline travel surging? Or do soaring case rates and continued individual health measures suggest the epidemic is nowhere near its end?

The trouble is that epidemics do not have the sort of neat, objective endings we may imagine. A swift and decisive endpoint, achieved through the speedy application of scientific innovation – a magic bullet treatment – is usually wishful thinking. It is unlikely we will see anything like that with COVID-19.

Analysing past epidemics shows us that actual endings are long, drawnout and contested. Societies must grapple not just with the medical realities of the disease, harms and treatments, but the political and economic fallout from emergency measures, and disputes over who has the authority to declare an end and what should be measured to guide this process.

This is why there is so much uncertainty about the current state of COVID-19: different groups have vastly different experiences of the medical, political and social aspects of the epidemic, and different ideas of what an ending may look like.

Research demonstrates that the end of an epidemic involves more than disease rates (the medical end). Instead, the end also encompasses the end of the crisis and regulations (the political end), and the return to normalcy (the social end). These endings are related, but they are different – and they can be at odds with one another. Analysing a variety of past epidemics reveals that it is more accurate to identify multiple endings to an epidemic, taking these different sorts of endpoints into account.

The history of recent epidemics such as H1N1 (swine flu) or HIV/AIDS bears this out. Most epidemics end not with the disappearance of disease, but when case rates no longer result in a medical crisis – a point in which rates reach what is defined as normal, expected, or locally acceptable levels. In August 2010, for example, the WHO declared that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was in its “post-pandemic period”. This did not mark the end of H1N1 cases; instead, the WHO explained that cases and outbreaks were still expected to occur, but following normal seasonal patterns of influenza. This raises the question of what is a normal, acceptable or manageable level in a given place – particularly for a new disease. Differences of opinion over responses to COVID-19 disease rates – whether to maintain or reinstate public health measures, and when to relax them – demonstrate debates as to what is an acceptable level of infection, as well as who should decide this.

As a result, the end process is when different forms

of authority negotiate and compete with one another, often debating fundamental social, economic and political priorities as much as medical data. Even in the face of persistent circulation of a disease (whether H1N1 or COVID-19), events such as war and political instability can redirect public alarm and political resources to other crises, changing what local authorities and local communities deem “normal, expected, or locally acceptable” levels of disease.

Concerns about the war in Ukraine or soaring energy prices pushed COVID-19 reporting to the background, regardless of case rates.

For example, while the HIV/AIDS pandemic has faded from public attention, cases have not disappeared.

Instead, medical treatment has transformed the disease from a highly publicised killer into a manageable, chronic condition. Yet access to such treatment varies, often remaining out of reach for many in the socalled global south. In fact, the success of medical interventions has ended the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in the global north, in many ways pushing its global end further out of sight and thus out of reach.

Political and social contexts fundamentally shape the pandemic’s medical end. In places such as Kenya, COVID-19 interacts with continuing outbreaks of HIV/AIDS, Ebola, cholera, and tuberculosis.

Understanding the end of epidemics as a drawn-out process, in which disease continues on even after our attention fades, explains long-term and global patterns of epidemics.

While we are drawn to tales of quick and effective solutions to end outbreaks, such as John Snow’s removal of the Broad Street pump handle to end London’s 1854 cholera outbreak, such stories are often fables – not only did Snow never remove the handle, but cholera was declining at the time for other reasons. The true account of cholera’s end in London was gradual, requiring political negotiation over how to implement improved urban infrastructure and sanitation alongside slow social improvements – rather than the incisive insight and decisive action of one individual. And, as with HIV/AIDS, regardless of modern epidemiological knowledge, cholera outbreaks continue to this day – tied to political and social crises.

Epidemics are not a series of discrete biological events that simply pass into history with the disappearance of the disease. They are also moral crises, testing the limits of social cohesion and trust. As we are seeing now for COVID-19, the end process is a period of moral reckoning, with discussions of “lessons learned” and the crafting of narratives featuring heroes and villains.

We seem to be in the midst of such a process, as medical experts debate what are acceptable infection rates, politicians debate the implications of lifting restrictions, and we debate with our relatives, friends, and neighbours how best to live our lives. (The Guardian) Erica Charters is professor of the global history of medicine at the University of Oxford, where she leads a multidisciplinary project on How Epidemics End

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

5

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

GAWU/OWTU collaboration seeks to strengthen the rights of workers Dear Editor, The GAWU’s attention was drawn to a press statement issued by the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) regarding our recently inked Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with

the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) of Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the statement, the Chamber expressed concern over our efforts to consolidate our longstanding relations with the OWTU, urging us to re-

consider our decision.

The GAWU thanks the GOGEC for its interest in our work and activities. We are pleased that the Chamber has taken time to pen a statement on the MoC. We believe that the Chamber could have

reached out to the Union regarding its concerns. Even at this stage, we are not unmindful of engaging the GOGEC; which, according to the statement, advances equality between foreigners and locals working in the sector.

With social pathologies, one must always be very careful about one’s language

Dear Editor, The following is a quote from a recent letter in the Guyana media: “Nothing justifies abuse, except the victim who has become so comfortable within the environment, the victim who believes that without the abuser, there will be no way to have basic necessities for survival, the victim who thinks about the family unit and the destruction abandonment will cause to that unit or the psychological effects it will have on the child/children. These factors among others are often the reasons why the victims renege on the decision to leave.”

There is one word that

is misplaced in that quote – ‘justifies’. The simple fact is that nothing justifies abuse, absolutely nothing! Thus, while the quote suggests reasons why a victim may be unable to leave an abusive relationship, none of those reasons either justifies their abuse or supports the contention that the victim is comfortable with the environment.

Victims remain because they rely on abusers to fulfill emotional needs, and have formed trauma-bonding.

Abused persons are psychologically conditioned to respond in certain ways, which reinforce the abuser’s use of controlling behaviours,

and they use coping strategies that are self-protective in nature, including denial, minimisation, addictions, arguing, defensiveness, rationalisation, compliance, detachment, and dissociation.

None of this means that the victim is in any way culpable for the abuse, or comfortable in the abusive situation.

In writing/talking about social pathologies, one must always be very careful about one’s language, so that whatever is conveyed does not skew the reality and distort perspectives and reactions.

In fact, it is for this reason that, in contemporary times, experts, activists and advocates are on a trajectory to

re-engineer language relating to these social ills. Thus, for example, to attribute an abuser’s actions to emotional neglect implies that the caregiver may not be aware that her/his behaviour or attitude is abusive, which is absolutely not the case. Therefore, mental cruelty and psychological battering should be the language applied in this particular context.

To say that the victim is ‘ashamed’ of her/his abuse somehow suggests that the abuse is the victim’s fault.

This particular word has no applicability in this context.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram

Optimism justified - Guyana’s leadership in good hands Dear Editor, Good News! Prudent Governance! This is how I feel as I read that “Guyana’s economy continues to shine as IMF projects gloomy outlook for the world.” This is not propaganda. According to the Washington Post, January 2022, right after a strong rebound in 2021, the global economy is now in a pronounced slowdown amid fresh threats from COVID-19 variants and a rise in inflation, debt, and income inequality; all of which could endanger the recovery in emerging and developing economies.

In fact, the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report that “Global growth is expected to decelerate markedly from 5.5 percent in 2021 to 4.1 percent in 2022 and 3.2 percent in 2023, as pent-up demand dissipates and as fiscal and monetary support is unwound across the world.” Bleak indeed!

However, Guyana is expected to ‘stand out above the rest’ in a very timely manner too, as the country has its booming oil and gas sector. Gleaning from the local dailies, I see that, just last month, the World Bank, in its Global Economic Prospects report, outlined that “Guyana is leading the pack with the highest forecast for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for Latin America and the Caribbean Region with 47.9 per cent.” Those figures are buttressed by 34.3 per cent GDP growth in 2023,

yet again representing the highest growth forecast for the Region.

This kind of forecast is candid, and has no ‘politics’ to it. It is consistent with the country’s outlook, according to Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who reported a revised 2022 growth projection for the country: 57.8 per cent in 2022, up from the 47.5 per cent projection made earlier this year. Let me add that the non-oil economy is projected to grow by 7.7 per cent.

I draw attention to my outburst of ‘Prudent Governance’ as I recall that Guyana’s MidYear Report for 2021 did indicate that Guyana recorded real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 14.5 percent, while non-oil GDP grew by 4.8 percent, “…despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and even the devastating floods experienced in May-June.”

Havoc was wreaked on the land, and still famine and collapse did not devastate the country. I think it is still fresh on people’s minds that, in spite of this onslaught; the unprecedented floods which impacted particularly the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors; along with the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic (the effects of which spilled over into the last half of that year and even beyond), the revised full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2021 was 19.5 percent overall, and 3.7 percent for the non-oil economy. Indeed, a testimony to resilient and

wise leadership.

For some final thoughts, I highlight that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) explained that global output contracted in the second quarter of this year, owing to downturns in China and Russia, while consumer spending in the United States undershot expectations. Then, aside from the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath, several other shocks hit the world’s economy; namely, higher-than-expected inflation worldwide (especially in the United States and major European economies), which triggered tighter financial conditions; a worse-than-anticipated slowdown in China, reflect-

ing COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns; and further negative spillovers from the current war in Ukraine. The dismal conclusion is that “The IMF baseline projection is for the world’s economic growth to slow to 3.2 per cent this year – 0.4 per cent lower than what was projected in April.”

So, kudos, justifiably so, for the leaders. Outside of oil and gas, things are still on the upward move. The signs are so noticeable - job creation, housing boom, and quite a lot of infrastructural initiatives. This is just the beginning.

Yours truly, H Singh

The Chamber expressed the view that they are good industrial relations practitioners within the sector.

We do not entirely share that view. In our activities among workers within the sector, we have learnt of the departure of certain practices, whether enshrined in statute or otherwise. Some of these issues were remedied only after we had brought them to the attention of the relevant authorities.

Had good industrial relations practices been a hallmark of the sector, such issues, we believe, would not have existed. We could provide further elucidation, should the GOGEC take up our offer of engagement.

The GAWU, howev-

er, sees our MoC with the OWTU as an important step in advancing the rights and conditions of Guyanese workers within the sector.

Indeed, it strengthens solidarity between workers of the region’s energy powerhouses. It also allows the GAWU and the workers overall to benefit from the experiences of the OWTU. This, we believe, is critical to allowing our people to avoid any pitfalls, and to repeat successes.

The GAWU hopes that the GOGEC can see the wisdom in our collaboration at this time.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Success for Housing Ministry Dear Editor, Since the change of Government, Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues have been on the ground, working effortlessly with their team over at Housing. Many house lots have been allocated in such a short span of time.

The recently concluded International Building Expo

brought out families in their numbers, but also showcased where our country would be by the year 2030.

May the housing sector continue to grow and bloom under the stewardship of the Dr Ali-led administration!

With best wishes, Tanya Katrina Mohabir

Friday, July 29, 2022

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 14:02 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

(Sign on) Inspirational Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering MasterChef Junior House Hunter Renovation Paternity Court Divorce Court Movie - Safety (2021) The Thundermans S4 E14 Liv and Maddie S1 E18 Indian Soaps Call me Kat S2 E18 Inspector Gadget The Young & The Restless CNN The Evening News Stop Suffering Brooklyn Nine-Nine S5 E3 Friday Night Smackdown The Ranch S4 E6 Whose Line Is It Anyway? S15 E2 Sign off

6

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers: Reducing (continued) MULTIPLY MIXED NUMBERS: You can probably figure out the easiest way to multiply mixed numbers. Change them to improper fractions. Then multiply the fractions just as you normally would.

MORE ABOUT REDUCING: Here is a good trick for reducing when you multiply two fractions. Look at both numerators and then at both denominators. If you can divide either of those numerators by the same number as either of the denominators, you can reduce.

By

Exercises: Multiply

There was once an old castle, that stood in the middle of a deep gloomy wood, and in the castle lived an old fairy.

Now this fairy could take any shape she pleased. All the day long she flew about in the form of an owl, or crept about the country like a cat; but at night she always became an old woman again. When any young man came within a hundred paces of her castle, he became quite fixed, and could not move a step till she came and set him free; which she would not do till he had given her his word never to come there again: but when any pretty maiden came within that space she was changed into a bird, and the fairy put her into a cage, and hung her up in a chamber in

the

Brothers Grimm

the castle. There were seven hundred of these cages hanging in the castle, and all with beautiful birds in them.

Now there was once a maiden whose name was Jorinda. She was prettier than all the pretty girls that ever were seen before, and a shepherd lad, whose name was Jorindel, was very fond of her, and they were soon to be married. One day they went to walk in the wood, that they might be alone; and Jorindel said, “We must take care that we don’t go too near to the fairy’s castle.” It was a beautiful evening; the last rays of the setting sun shone bright through the long stems of the trees upon the green underwood beneath, and the turtle-doves sang from

the tall birches.

Jorinda sat down to gaze upon the sun; Jorindel sat by her side; and both felt sad, they knew not why; but it seemed as if they were to be parted from one another for ever. They had wandered a long way; and when they looked to see which way they should go home, they found themselves at a loss to know what path to take.

The sun was setting fast, and already half of its circle had sunk behind the hill: Jorindel on a sudden looked behind him, and saw through the bushes that they had, without knowing it, sat down close under the old walls of the castle. Then he shrank for fear, turned pale, and trembled.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pres Ali, US Under Secretary discuss areas of cooperation on energy, environment …series of meetings held with US leaders on Capitol Hill

President Ali and his delegation in discussion with Senator Tim Kaine of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

T

he Guyanese delegation led by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday met with the US Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, Jose Fernandez, to discuss areas of cooperation relative to energy and the environment.

President Ali and a team of top Government officials are currently in Washington DC, and have been participating in a series of high-level engagements in the United States’ Capital.

During Thursday’s meeting with Under Secretary Fernandez, the discussions

were centred on identifying strategic areas of cooperation.

The Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment leads the US State Department’s efforts to develop and implement international policies related to economic growth, energy, agriculture, the ocean, the environment, and science and technology.

President Ali was accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, and Guyana's Ambassador to

the United States, Samuel Hinds, during the meeting.

Already, the US and Guyana have been cooperating on climate change issues, including protection of the environment and sustainable development.

In fact, only Wednesday, a $2 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Guyana and the US EXIM (Export/ Import) Bank that would allow for funding for a range of projects, including in the renewable energy sector.

Following that signing, the Head of State pointed out that this funding would

US playing integral...

Moreover, President Ali pointed out that Guyana’s development is structured in a Low Carbon Development Strategy that looks at the enhancement and prosperity of livelihood, the development of the infrastructure and human resources and the transformation of the country as an important part of the Environmental Modelling.

“As we move forward with our oil and gas sector, we are simultaneously moving forward and advancing our forests as a tool to combat climate change.

And we are now moving to a Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 that expands itself beyond the forests to

the ocean and the blue economy.”

Food security

The Guyanese Leader went onto note that Guyana has the potential to become a leader in food security and agriculture technology.

“Guyana has rich freshwater resources. We have abundant freshwater, and large-scale arable lands, we are well positioned to be the food basket of CARICOM. For a matter of fact, in the early days of the development of CARICOM, Guyana was referred to as the food basket of CARICOM (Caribbean Community),” he stated.

FROM PAGE 3

In fact, he underscored that the regional bloc, led by Guyana, is working aggressively on a plan to reduce its food import bill by 25% by 2025.

“We have the potential to become a leader also in climate change, food security, transport and logistics,” he explained, adding that Guyana’s geographic position of being in South America allows economic access to Brazil and other countries on the continent.

Additionally, the Head of State spoke of the country’s plans to revolutionise its health and education sectors and not only make them world-class but global hubs.

(G8)

go a long way towards aiding Guyana to be a leader in the areas of climate change and food security.

“The areas that were identified show the broad, multi-faceted nature of the leadership of EXIM Bank.

Anyone looking out on Guyana now narrowly focus on oil and gas at their own detriment, because the country has significant other distinct advantages in becoming the leader on climate change and environmental and biodiversity services for food security and agriculture — critical infrastructural links that can unlock tremendous potential for the vast array of natural resources we have,” Ali has stated.

Meanwhile, President Ali and his delegation commenced a series of meetings with US leaders at Capitol Hill on Thursday.

They engaged in discussions with Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women’s Issues, Democratic Senator Tim Kaine.

He was joined by a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was one of the Capitol Hill officials to call for democracy to prevail in Guyana two years ago when the country was locked in a five-month political and electoral impasse following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. He had called on then President under the APNU/AFC regime to “honour the will of the Guyanese people and concede.”

Additionally, the Guyanese Leader also met with Democratic Senator

President Ali greeting Democratic Senator Cory Booker at Capitol Hill on Thursday

Cory Booker on Thursday, and they discussed enhancing Guyana-US relations at Capitol Hill.

Senator Booker commended President Ali on his leadership and developmental plans for Guyana.

Senator Booker, the first African-American US Senator from New Jersey, made a commitment to advance issues of mutual interest as a member of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

Over the past week, President Ali has been meeting with top US officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, to advance bilateral relations between the two countries.

During Wednesday’s teleconference with VP Harris, the discussions held were beneficial not only to the two countries, but to the entire Caribbean Community (Caricom) region.

“This conversation with the Vice President and President started at the Summit of the Americas. It has advanced rapidly. So, I will say that our conversation today was refreshing. It was beneficial, both to Guyana and the US and Caricom. It confronted the

big issues, it was very frank and open, very respectful, and it outlines the vision and supports the vision that I’ve been talking about,” President Ali said about his discourse with the US Vice President.

In a social media post after the engagement, VP Harris said discussions were held on cooperation in the areas of energy and food security, among other issues.

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State had said that Guyana has been a very strong partner for the United States, and is in many ways a global leader.

The two countries, he added, would continue to advance discussions and collaboration in areas of cooperation.

Blinken hinted that, in the weeks ahead, several initiatives between the two countries would materialise, particularly in regard to climate change and energy, which have been important topics during this current visit to deepen bilateral engagements.

The United States, Blinken had emphasised, is “very eager to continue to deepen and strengthen the partnership,” which would also redound to the benefit of the region, given that Georgetown, the country’s capital, is also the seat of Caricom. (G8)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman previously jailed for stealing from employer facing similar charge

A

24-year-old woman of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was earlier this year found guilty of stealing $1.2M from her former employer and was sentenced to two years in jail, is facing a similar charge at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

This time, Reshma Deoroop is accused of stealing $50,000 from her former employer, Tesoro Resources and Grey Wolf Resources.

She is charged with larceny by clerk or servant contrary to Section 185 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. On June 22, 2020, at Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Deoroop, while being employed as an accounts clerk by Tesouro Resources and Grey Wolf Resources, allegedly stole $50,000 in cash — money belonging to the company.

She has pleaded not guilty to this charge.

Reshma Deoroop

In her closing submissions to the court, the Prosecutor, Attorney-atLaw Latchmie Rahamat, said the company’s manager testified that whenever a purchase has to be made, the procedure is that the purchasing clerk/ procurement officer would locate the item, prepare a purchase order, and take same to the senior manager for approval.

After approval is granted, the purchase order is taken to the Accounts Department for cash to be released if the payment is $50,000 or below, or a cheque if the payment is above $50,000.

Deoroop was responsible for attaching the money or cheque to the purchase order, after which she would prepare a cash voucher in duplicate.

The sum on the cash voucher must match the sum on the bill/purchase order. The purchasing clerk/ procurement officer would then collect the purchase order along with the money or the cheque and proceed to the supplier to purchase and uplift the item.

Facts revealed that the young woman was employed as an accounts clerk with the company from October 16, 2017. On June 20, 2020, the company was in need of a battery relay, but the office was not open that day, so the usual purchasing pro-

cedure had to be bypassed, and the purchasing clerk/ procurement officer used his own money to purchase the item from HD Excavator Parts for $20,000.

Two days later, the purchasing clerk/procurement officer gave Deoroop the receipt for the purchase in order that his refund could be processed. As such, she prepared a cash voucher and refunded him $20,000. He testified that he collected the money, and that at the time he gave the receipt to Deoroop, it was not altered.

On that very day, however, a daily report prepared by Deoroop recorded the purchase as $70,000 instead of $20,000. She also prepared a cash voucher for $70,000.

Also, the receipt from HD Excavator Parts showed that it was tampered with and the amount of $20,000 was changed to $70,000.

TURN TO PAGE 15

Anything you can do... …US can do it better I

t’s an old show tune that came out in 1946 right after WWII - and while it was just a playful banter between the sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler, it did seem to summarise the just-launched Cold War rivalry between the US and USSR – “Anything you can do, I can do better."

While the two then-aspiring superpowers had asserted that the line applied to their prowess, countries across the globe exploited their competition and played them off against each other to extract the most benefits for themselves!! If the US and the West could build the Volta Dam to generate electricity in Ghana…hey!! then the USSR would do the same for Egypt with the Aswan Dam!!

Anyhow, with the USSR having faded away after 1989, the US was left as the lone superpower standing.

But evidently, the logic of the state-system that evolved over the last 400 years seemingly dictates that such a circumstance inevitably would be challenged by one upstart or another!! Think Athens and Sparta, Rome and Greece, and then England and Germany!! So now we have the US and China glaring at each other across the continents and seas - ready to draw guns like the cowboys of Annie Oakley vintage!! What’s of interest to your Eyewitness is knowing the history of international relations, the US built up China into the economic behemoth it’s become today!!

And with China’s historic conviction that it’s the “Middle Kingdom” that straddles and pivots the world, who’s surprised that the Chinese have parlayed their economic power into political, social, and now even cultural power!! Unlike the older empires, they haven’t resorted to conquering other countries, or cowing them into fiefdoms, but, using that economic power, have put together their “Belt and Road Initiative”, which controls other countries in an embrace of loans and grants, using the greed of some rulers - who think there are things in this world that are free - to lure them under the Dragon’s Wings!!

So, here you have China giving Guyana - barely an insignificant speck a decade ago, but now flush with oil, and taking the lead in the 15-member Caricom Caribbean bloc – the full court press. What’s the US to do?? Well, Secretary of State Blinken just invited Pres Ali, VP Jagdeo, and the top of their cabinet up to Washington to tell them, “Anything China can do, we can do better!!” They started out with a US Ex-Im $2 billion credit facility – which can be used to finance Guyanese purchases of American goods.

The US VP’s homily on “promoting inclusive democracy, economic development, and security for all Guyanese” was the moral line to justify the economic and strategic imperatives!! …there’s always another The Opposition elements at home and abroad were all hot and sweaty, labelling the President’s visit to Washington as a “Summons” – so they’d be “dressed-down” by the Biden Administration. Now, who’s gonna pretend that big powers with smaller countries in their “sphere of influence” don’t try to tell the latter what to do? Don’t we see the US trying to convince not just the European countries, but the rest of the world, to take their side on the Ukraine War against Russia?

But the Americans now use the carrot more than the stick. On the same day that Blinken met Pres Ali and team, for instance, he also met the President and Prime Minister of Kosovo. They’d helped Kosovo become independent after the vicious civil war following the breakup of Yugoslavia.

And Kosovo hadn’t forgotten – as the President reminded Blinken when they met, they were the first to impose sanctions on Russia following the US request.

They were invited to Washington to discuss joining the EU!! …the new bank can also do The African Guyanese-owned New Hayven Merchant Bank - just licensed by the Bank of Guyana - should settle one source of tension: the claim that African Guyanese are discriminated against by banks in getting loans.

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 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana under massive transformation to change lives of citizens - Ali tells US Diaspora F

or the diaspora to be confident in systems to return to Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali said, fundamental principles of transformation are currently in the works to enhance the lives of citizens.

The Head of State attended a reception with members of the Guyanese diaspora on Wednesday evening at Guyana’s Embassy in Washington DC. He was joined by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud; Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Samuel Hinds; and US Ambassador to Guyana,

President Ali and Ambassador Hinds with members of the Guyanese diaspora

must be complemented by human transformation – a feat that must be undertaken by every Guyanese, which brings focus on the One Guyana initiative led

by President Ali. “These are fundamental issues which require a change in mindset, thinking, attitude, behaviour, and the way we operate. That requires hard work, commitment, the involvement of every Guyanese in this project Sarah-Ann Lynch.

In addressing the gathering, Ali pointed out that the diaspora community would want a level of confidence in the local system to return to these shores, which Government is seeking to address.

“You want to know that you can return to a healthcare system that can take care of your family. You want to know that you can return to an education sys-

tem that can give your children the best possible education. And you want to know that you can return to a system where the security of your family is not a worry, but a given. These are three

fundamental principles that we must address.”

However, at the same time, he said such aspirations extend beyond infrastructural investments.

Physical transformation

called One Guyana,” he explained.

“If you come to Guyana now, you will see massive changes in the physical transformation. The physical transformation must be supported with institutional transformation, and that is why we have to ensure that the system of governance works,” he added.

In enabling human transformation of Guyanese, the President outlined that his Government has been investing heavily in education and healthcare in order to bring world-class services to the people. Government would also create the human

resources necessary to manifest the developmental trajectory.

“We’re investing heavily in education and healthcare.

This investment is to ensure we give Guyanese the best possible healthcare and education, second to none in the world, so that they can live a long, healthy and rewarding life”.

He mentioned that the Guyana which his administration is trying to build is one that must reflect the values that define us as a

people.

“We cannot build a Guyana that does not reflect the values we share as a people…When someone says they’re Guyanese, they must

build a resilient and sustainable pathway to prosperity that is not completely dependent on the oil and gas sector. Ali contended that the resources will be used to

be a symbol of the rule of law, democracy, ethnic harmony, unity, tolerance. This is how a Guyanese identity must be defined.

“When we combine the collective differences in our individual identity, we get the identity that is called Guyanese. That is fundamentally important, because that will shape our character,” the Guyanese Leader noted.

He reiterated that Government is trying to

ensure that the other sectors flourish.

“In advancing this process of development, we have tremendous opportunities ahead of us. You should be proud that this is your heritage…We are building thousands of homes, creating and improving the net value asset of individuals and families. That is what we’re about; giving every single family the best opportunity at prosperity,” he added. (G12)

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Many persons remain vulnerable without COVID-19 booster shot – Dr Anthony …56 more cases recorded

T

he slow uptake of booster vaccine doses for COVID-19 has left many persons vulnerable to the virus and reinfection, according to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony.

In Thursday’s coronavirus briefing, the Health Minister advised that many persons remain at high risk of COVID-19 if they have not taken the booster shot. If they are infected, there is a great possibility of developing a severe form of the novel coronavirus, and hence hospitalisation or death.

To date, about 70,000 persons have returned for their booster shots. Both first and second booster doses have been made available by the Health Ministry.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people who remain vulnerable to COVID, who can end up with a severe form of COVID, many of them have not come back for their booster doses. That’s unfortunate because a percentage of those persons, if they get infected with COVID, they can end up in the hospital and in some cases, some of those persons may die,” Dr Anthony shared.

He linked the high number of daily cases to the new Omicron subvariants that are circulating specifically BA.5, and reinfection. Another trend is older persons and those with comorbid conditions coming into the hospitals.

“That’s one of the challenges we have. A lot of persons are getting reinfected…

There are persons, believe it or not, who still have not taken vaccines. Now, while we’re seeing a few cases like that, we also have persons who took vaccines, but the last dose was probably more than a year ago. If you want to be up to date with protection against COVID-19, every six months you would have to take a booster.”

In terms of vaccination statistics, 444,950 or 86.7 per cent of adults have taken their first dose; with 344,596 (67.2 per cent) returning for their second doses.

For the age 12 to 17 category, 35,373 first doses (48.5 per cent) and 25,876 second doses (35.5 per cent) have been delivered. In the five to 11 age group, there is an uptake of 6325 first doses or 6.2

per cent with 1529 second doses (1.5 per cent) administered.

New positives In Guyana, 56 more persons have been infected.

Confirmed positive cases have reached 69,676 with a death toll of 1271.

Only one person is seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A total of 21 persons are in institutional isolation, 615 in home isolation and two in institutional quarantine. About 67,768 recoveries have been reported. Meanwhile, 674,485 tests have been processed to date.

A breakdown of the cases reported on Thursday revealed two were detected in Region One (BarimaWaini), one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 20 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 27 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), four in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and two in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 28, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

56

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

21

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

615

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

37,739

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

31,937

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

69,676

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

67,768

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2673

REGION 2

3064

REGION 3

8587

REGION 4

34,667

REGION 5

2540

REGION 6

6689

REGION 7

2600

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

2301

REGION 10

3669

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

444,950 344,596

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1271

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

pegged at over 169 million with a death toll of 2.7 million. Globally, the confirmed positives stand in excess of 571 million with more than

6.3 million reported deaths.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information,

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

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Murder accused shot dead after chopping Lethem miner to death A man who allegedly chopped a miner to death on Wednesday at Peady Machie Backdam, Cuyuni River, has been shot dead while attempting to escape.

The miner who has been chopped to death has been identified as Andre

Williams, called ‘Roy’, of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); while the dead suspect has been identified as Ryan Singh of Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Based on reports received, after fatally chopping

Undocumented TIP victims will...

FROM PAGE 2

The CMC, according to her, is “especially” important in cases of sexual exploitation, to ensure that questions related to the victim’s prior sexual conduct are not asked.

She said the victim advocate is required to report to the court directly, or, through the prosecution of the victim’s psychological state, to give evidence, and whether they are ready to do so.

Also, during the case management hearing, the prosecution has to advise the court on the status and readiness of the case file to proceed to trial, and what forms of special measures are needed for the victim and witnesses, said the judicial officer.

The latter, the Chief Magistrate pointed out, include protective screens for the witness box, video-audio link, and an interpreter.

“Once the court is ready to proceed, a trial date is set.

The matter is heard in camera, and only concerned parties are allowed in the courtroom. Trials are adjourned from day to day…the victims are allowed to sit and to have an advocate, family member or friend, with them for support throughout the trial…and this person is responsible for advising the court whether or not the victim needs a break, or whether or not we should adjourn to the next day.”

She

Court controls

continued,

“The

court controls cross-examination for the victims, ensuring that questions which are not allowed are not asked; or, if asked, are not answered, and that there are no repetitive questions.”

If the accused person is found guilty, the Chief Magistrate noted, the court allows a victim impact statement to be tendered into evidence before sentencing the accused and making an award for restitution.

With human trafficking still a global problem, the Chief Magistrate, who is also the President of the Guyana Association of Women Judges (GAWJ), highlighted, collaborative efforts are needed to raise awareness and gain support for its prevention.

Guyana remains at Tier One in the US Trafficking in Persons Report 2022.

Although this means that the country meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, the report pointed out that Guyana did not convict any trafficker for the first time in four years.

Further, the report, which was released last week, said Guyana did not formally approve standard operating procedures (SOPs) to identify victims, provide sufficient security for trafficking victims at shelters, provide enough Spanishlanguage interpreters, identify any victims among the vulnerable Haitian population, or adequately oversee recruitment agencies. (G1)

Williams, Singh allegedly attacked and attempted to chop a Supernumerary Constable attached to the Hopkinson Mining Inc who, with another man, was attempting to detain him.

The Police have said that

Singh and Williams had been known to each other, and at about 9:00h on the day in question, they were seen walking on the roadway under the influence of alcohol. An argument broke out between them, and

Singh, who was armed with a cutlass, dealt Williams several chops to his body, causing him to collapse on the ground in a motionless state.

Singh then tried to escape on foot, but was pursued and later confronted on the Blackwater Main Road by Avondale Glan and Chevez Andrews, a Supernumerary Constable employed with Hopkinson Mining Inc. Still armed with the cutlass, Singh fired two chops at Andrews, but Andrews, who was armed with an AR15 rifle, deflected the chops with the rifle and discharged three rounds at Singh, hitting him in the up-

per back and right thigh.

Singh then ran a short distance before collapsing in a clump of bushes.

The Police were contacted, and upon arrival, they found Williams’s body with three gaping wounds to the back of his head, three deep lacerations to the right shoulder, and a gaping wound on the lower back.

Singh’s body was also examined, and several gunshot injuries were seen on it. The bodies were subsequently escorted to Bartica.

Chevez Andrews, the Constable who pulled the trigger, has been taken into Police custody to assist with the investigations.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Education Ministry aiming for 6-day distribution period for $30,000 cash grant T

he Education Ministry is putting systems in place to deliver $5.8B in Because We Care cash grants and uniform allowances, a process which is being done in transparency and fairness.

This is according to Permanent Secretary Alfred King during the Education Spotlight programme on Wednesday.

Underscoring that it is a massive programme to roll out, Permanent Secretary Alfred King highlighted that the Ministry’s system provides for accountability, transparency, fairness, and efficient distribution of the

cash grant.

“We have a planning committee that is headed by the Minister. Our policy directive to the other players or members of the committee is that, as far as practicably possible, we must do everything that is within our grasp to ensure that this programme is fully transparent. The fairness and registration is one that can withstand thorough scrutiny at every level,” King expressed.

The Guyana Police Force is involved in strategising a detailed plan to ensure that the distribution and escort

for the cash are secured.

The Office of the Auditor General is also involved in this exercise.

The Because We Care cash grant has been increased to $25,000, while the School Uniform Programme has been raised to $5,000, making it $30,000 per child for the upcoming academic year.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand underscored that the aim is to provide the grants in a timely manner for parents to prepare for the 2022-2023 academic year. The distribution will roll out from August 2.

“This year, we hope to

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

finish it off in all 10 regions in six days. That’s a bit of a challenge, but we believe we can meet that. The reason we’re doing it in that condensed time is because we want parents to have this

in their hands to be able to prepare their children and make them ready for the September school opening that we have coming upon us,” Manickchand disclosed.

According to her, the Ministry is also activating plans to reduce the waiting time to collect the grant.

“You won’t see very many schools with more than 1,000 students receiving on the same day at the same place. Some, we had no choice simply because that’s the number in the school, but we’ve really tried to split up and divide where will receive. The reason for that is simply because we want to make the waiting time as short as possible, as much as we can.”

Any child who is present on the school register and in attendance is eligible to re-

Permanent Secretary Alfred King

ceive the grant. Parents can collect the grant or authorise someone to do so. Dates and locations to uplift the grant will be published by the Education Ministry.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

NEWS

13

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana has capacity to test for monkeypox – Dr Anthony …section of Ocean View facility repurposed to treat any detected case

H

ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has outlined that Guyana has the capacity and the necessary equipment to conduct testing for monkeypox.

The country has been preparing both human resources and medical supplies after cases were detected in the Region.

Confirmatory testing can be carried out at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

Dr Anthony commented on Thursday, “We have the reagents, the equipment, so we can be able to do that at the National Public Health Reference Lab. Today, we have training that is going on. What we have done is take laboratory and medical personnel from all the regional hospitals, who have been involved in this training so that if they do have a case, they would have the right techniques of how to take the sample, how to

store the sample, and transport it to the laboratory.”

To this end, he said Government was prepared should a case be detected.

With 17 to 18 per cent of monkeypox cases requiring hospitalisation, the health official said a section of the Infectious Diseases Hospital has been repurposed to host patients as a precautionary and preparatory measure.

Reports of monkeypox detected in Brazil have already caught the attention of local authorities.

The Health Minister underscored that many cases have surfaced within the past week as this new epidemic persists.

“Brazil has reported monkeypox for a while now.

It is not their first case. In fact, the total cases that they have reported is 696 cases and over the last seven days, Brazil would have had 312 new cases. Brazil is one of those countries where a number of cases have been

Education Ministry aiming for...

FROM PAGE 12

Previously, the Education Ministry, in a memorandum, indicated that only parents and guardians who returned textbooks loaned to students for the school year by the Ministry would be eligible for the “Because We Care” cash grant.

The memorandum, addressed to Regional Education Officers from across all ten administrative regions, informed that all textbooks that were loaned to students must be returned on or before July 7 for students to receive the cash grant.

The memorandum had also indicated to parents and guardians that if the textbooks loaned to their child and/or children become lost or destroyed, they would be given the option of having the book(s)

replaced. If the book cannot be replaced, a $5000 fee would be charged to the parent/guardian.

The “Because We Care” cash grant initiative was first introduced in 2014, and saw each public-school child benefiting from $10,000.

However, the initiative came to a halt by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government, but was reinstated in 2020 after the current People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government went back into office. In addition to resurrecting the programme, the PPP/C increased the value of the cash grant to $15,000. This was alongside the $4000 uniform grant, meaning every child received a total of $19,000. (G12)

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

recorded and around us, Venezuela has recorded a case.”

Jamaica, Bermuda, Barbados, the Bahamas and Martinique are the Caribbean countries to report monkeypox.

Dr Anthony pointed out that it was a situation which re-

quired attention.

“We are seeing cases circulating in the Region and we have to be cognisant of that. We have also seen, in the Americas, about 5412 cases total…This is something that we have to pay a lot of attention to and trying to make sure that it is con-

tained,” he relayed.

If a person contracts monkeypox, healthcare authorities can extract epidemiological findings when the case is reviewed.

Dr Anthony detailed, “A person that presents with monkeypox, we can gather the history of that person.

Most of these persons would have travelled to a place where they might have been in very close contact with someone who was infected. Travel history is very important when reviewing these cases. Secondly, what is becoming very clear is that there’s certain epidemiological features that are coming out from the data that we have.”

Monkeypox would appear as a rash.

Approximately five to 13 days can pass between infection and the appearance of the first signs of infection, but that period can

last up to 21 days.

The acute skin rash may be present with maculopapular (flat based lesions) to vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), pustules, and subsequent crusting affecting the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet and the rest of the body.

The rash may be accompanied by headaches, acute onset of fever, myalgia, back pain, asthenia and lymphadenopathy. The monkeypox virus is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials such as bedding.

Presently, antiretroviral treatment is used, but it is not widely available around the world. Guyana is also making attempts to procure some smallpox vaccines, which have been used to treat monkeypox.

14 ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Contestants for

Miss Jamzone

2022 Pageant sashed

Jada Jones

A

fter several years of hiatus, Jamzone Summer Break is back with the hosting of the Miss Jamzone Pageant, which will see eight Guyanese beauties competing for the coveted crown. Seven of the eight delegates were on Wednesday evening sashed by their respective sponsors at the Herdmanston Lodge at Peter Rose and Lamaha Streets in Queenstown, Georgetown.

The delegates are: Jada Jones – sponsored by Jacob’s Jewellery and First Change Builder’s Inc. Amel Griffith – sponsored by Fireside Suites Omaiah Hall – sponsored by Triple D’s Trucking Service Phelicia Adams – sponsored by Aronco Shaniya DeCosta – sponsored by AJM Enterprise Jade Mercurius – sponsored by Star Party Rentals Jasmaine Assanah – sponsored by Outside Lounge and Bar The eighth delegate was not

J

Amel Griffith

Jade Mercurius present at the sashing ceremony, due to an emergency.

The contestants are all confident leading up to the first segment of the competition – the Fantasy Swimwear, billed for the Kingston Beachfront on Sunday.

With rigorous training, the delegates are all prepped and ready to take to the stage. They have all

amaican Dancehall artiste Charly Black is back with the Song of the Summer, “Whine for Me”, to be released on August 5, 2022.

The track is produced by Kevin Balgobin and his brother Troy Balgobin from the prominent Slingerz label based in Guyana and the United States.

According to Charly Black, he’s always writing with the women in mind.

“It always feels good writing songs that complement the females, their image, and I love their attitude towards my music. It makes me happy to make good music for the females that helps their self-esteem, and I have been writing songs for the females since 2007,” Black said.

He added, “This song is going to live on because it’s like ‘One in a Million’, ‘Perfect’ that women really love.”

Charly Black is a multi-talented artist known for his music, which is geared towards women, and most of his hits are clean and built on authentic

Omaiah Hall lauded the training and coaching they have received under the supervision of Pageant Director Wazim Khan, who is no stranger to pageantry.

In his remarks, Khan mentioned that the delegates are ready and have been outstanding in their sessions, and more so, he is confident that whoever is crowned would represent Guyana when the time comes.

The sponsors, including cricketers Stephen Jacobs and Leon Johnson, are extremely happy to be part of the event, and while they have wished the delegates the best, they are each optimistic that their contestant would be wearing the crown come August 13.

In speaking with Director of Hits and Jams Entertainment, Kerwin Bollers, Guyana Times Entertainment was told that HJ Entertainment is super excited to reintroduce Jamzone, especially the pageant, to the Guyanese populace. He added that Hits and Jams Entertainment was put on the map by the hosting of the event some 22 years ago.

dancehall riddims. Black previously worked with Slingerz record label, and according to him, the song will perform well because of the beat and lyrics, which are dancehall and reggaeton combined.

The track and accompanying video will be released on August 5, 2022. According to producer Kevin Balgobin, Slingerz has been producing dancehall music for quite some t i m e now, and is happy to have Black o n the track.

“We’ve been in the dancehall industry for a few years now, but we actually started producing in 2018; and since then, we were able to work and record some of the biggest names in the dancehall industry.”

Balgobin also dishes in the riddim of the track, noting that the intention was to have a

Phelicia Adams

Jasmaine Assanah “Jamzone has made Hits and Jam Entertainment a household name…

We started at Splashmin’s Fun Park and Resort, and without a doubt, the event was overwhelmingly supported by all… This year, we wanted to take it back to the original venue, but after several meetings with the owner and team, it is not the right time to do so,” Bollers explained.

dancehall reggaeton feel.

“This riddim gives you a bit of both dancehall and Latin. We were aiming for more of an international type of vibe, but we still wanted to include dancehall, which is very energetic and infectious, and will have you moving the minute the song comes on.”

Balgobin also said he and Black are coming a long way, having previously worked together for his performance at major events in Guyana.

“We’ve known each other for a while, and also did business in the past, where we booked him for major show events in Guyana; so, it was a pleasure being able to work with him again in our new journey of producing, and for him to trust and believe in us on our producing journey,” the sound system owner turned label boss said.

In the meantime, the music video for the song was shot in Portland, Jamaica and edited

by Xtreme Arts.

For more on the track, be sure to check out “Whine For Me” out on all digital platforms on Friday, August 5th 2022, and also check out the official music video on YouTube and subscribe to Charly Black’s Vevo channel.

You can also find more updates about the upcoming projects of Slingerz on Instagram @ slingerzrecords @slingerzfamilyent.

Shaniya DeCosta This, he noted, is due to several developmental works that are being undertaken at and around the venue.

He nevertheless remains optimistic that Jamzone would return to its original location in due time.

Meanwhile, the Fantasy Swimwear Event is slated for Sunday, and he is encouraging Guyanese not to miss this spectacular event. At this event, the delegates would design a swimwear of their choice to match a specific theme.

Bollers added that while security is always a concern, he is urging patrons to follow the rules and cooperate with the security personnel.

With respect to parking, he noted that space is limited, and urged patrons to either use taxi, since the venue is in Georgetown, or carpool.

The last Jamzone pageant was hosted in 2014, when Soyini Fraser was crowned. Now with the reintroduction of the event, Miss Fraser, who served as the longest Jamzone Queen, will be giving up that title.

returns to Theatre Guild

F

or four nights: Thursday 28 through Sunday July 31, 2022, the Theatre Guild will see the staging of the comedic thriller ‘Nothing To Die For’, marking the return of serious theatre to the Guild after a hiatus of over two years.

Written by award-winning American Playwright Michael ‘Sasha” Miller, the play explores the theme of infidelity and how this affects relationships in the modern world.

Starring acclaimed Guyanese performers Andre

Wiltshire, Sonia Yarde, Mark Luke Edwards, and former Miss Guyana-turned-radio announcer Nurriyih Gerrard, the play is directed by Russel Lancaster.

A Gala Night will be held on Thursday, July 28, starting at 19:00h with a cocktail reception. The rest of the nights, the performance will start at 20:00h. Proceeds from the gala go to charity.

Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Guild between 10:00h and 16:00h each day, or from members of the cast.

NEWS

15

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Death of 2 miners

GGDMA calls on miners to adhere to, implement, good safety practices in diameter and 70 feet in depth when one of the walls caved in and covered him.

Also, in June, 23-yearold Akeem Khan of Lot 37 Old Housing Scheme, Bartica was killed after he was covered in slush when the walls of the mining pit he was working in

T

he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has called for a closer examination of the practices of small and medium-scale miners.

This call has come as the GGDMA extends its deepest sympathy to the relatives and friends of the two miners who recently died when a section of the open pit in which they were working collapsed.

Dead are 44-year-old Troy Scott of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) and 32-year-old Seon Martin of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), who had been employed by a businessman of Rahaman’s Park, Greater Georgetown.

They were both working at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Preliminary investigations revealed that Martin was the general manager for the operation, and at the time of the incident, he was operating the jetting

hose while Scott was operating the marrack hose in the mining pit, which was about 25 feet in depth.

During the mining operation, the land reportedly caved in, trapping them beneath. Based on reports, the other workers who were in the mining pit at the time escaped unhurt.

The two men were pulled from under the debris, but by that time they were already dead.

Their bodies were taken to the Bartica Hospital the following day. An investigation has been launched.

On Thursday, the GGDMA said such accidents are now frequent, and reiterated its appeal to the general mining community to adhere to, and implement, good safety practices.

“The GGDMA recognises that many miners cannot afford to close their operations during the rainy season, since they have huge bills to pay, further compounded by an increase in operation costs. We also recognise that the rainy

Woman previously jailed...

FROM PAGE 8

The mining pit at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

season has become prolonged, and this results in the instability of the soil, thus heightening the risks for workers’ safety.

“While we continue to recognise that the mining sector is a very high-risk industry, we urge all our miners to follow good occupational health and safety practices.”

To reduce these accidents in the mining sector, the GGDMA, through its Technical Services Unit [TSU], which is housed in the lower flat of the GGDMA Secretariat, will be offering free technical support and advice to all miners.

“We implore all miners

US economy shrinks again sparking recession fears

T

he US economy has shrunk for the second quarter in a row, a milestone that in many countries would be considered an economic recession.

That is not the case in the US, which uses additional data to make that call.

But the contraction, at an annual rate of 0.9 per cent in the three months to July, has drawn widespread attention as worries about the economy grow.

Prices for groceries, petrol, and other basics are rising at the fastest pace since 1981.

As the US central bank raises borrowing costs quickly to try to cool the economy and ease price pressures, fears are rising that a recession is coming – if it has not officially started already.

Faced with sinking

public confidence, US President Joe Biden has tried to make the case that the economy remains sound, noting that the unemployment rate remains at a low 3.6 per cent and hiring has remained strong.

"If you look at our job market, consumer spending, business investment – we see signs of economic progress," Biden said Thursday, noting the historic post-pandemic gains the US experienced last year. "There's no doubt we expect growth to be slower than last year .... That's consistent with a transition to stable, steady growth and lower inflation."

This week, ahead of the data from the Commerce Department, he told reporters that the economy was "not going to be in a recession". That prompted his opponents in the

collapsed at Sand Hills Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

It was reported that, at the time of the incident, Khan was jetting in his mining pit with a 25-yearold employee when the walls of the pit began to cave in.

Republican party to accuse the White House of trying to redefine the term.

"White House recession 'rebrand' won't reduce Americans' suffering," they said.

In the first three months of the year, the US economy shrank at an annual rate of 1.6 per cent.

At the time, economists attributed the decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to quirks in trade data.

But Thursday's report showed more marked slowdown, with growth weighed down by declines in the housing market, business investment, and Government spending.

Consumer spending grew at a slower annual rate of one per cent, as people spent more on healthcare, accommodation and dining out, but cut back on goods and groceries. (Excerpt from BBC News)

to utilise these services offered by the GGDMA, to ensure the adaptation of practices and technology that will increase their productivity and the safety and health of workers,” the mining body has said.

Only recently, another mining accident occurred at Micobie Village, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), which led to the death of 64-year-old miner and businessman Donald Gouveia.

It was reported that Gouveia and three others were working in a mining pit which is about 60 feet

She allegedly removed the monies from the company’s petty cash.

She was arrested on June 24, 2020, and taken to the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters (CID), Eve Leary, Georgetown, where she gave a written caution statement admitting that she changed the figure on the cash voucher.

In her closing address to the court, Prosecutor Rahamat submitted that she was able to prove “each and every” element of the offence, and therefore Deoroop ought to be found guilty as charged. The court will render its ruling soon.

Meanwhile, in November 2020, Deoroop was charged with stealing $1.2M from the company.

She had also denied this

charge, which stated that she stole the cash in June 2020. But following a trial, she was found guilty and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment by City Magistrate Rondel Weever.

In that case, it was revealed that she had prepaid several payment vouchers which showed that she paid out monies totalling more than $1.2M. However, an audit revealed that the vouchers for payment were not signed by the recipients. In fact, representatives from the company testified that Deoroop prepaid payment vouchers for transactions that never occurred.

The woman’s wrongdoings came to light after an audit of the company’s finances revealed several discrepancies in payment vouchers. (G1)

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The birth and rapid rise of the Canada-Guyana Chamber

Winston Kassim

W

hen oil revenues began to power record-breaking growth in Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, saw an opportunity to grow the relationship between Canada and Guyana even further. At the time (2019), Chatterjee was getting near the end of her term, and wanted to fulfill a goal before moving on to a new role. So, she called Winston Kassim with an idea, and the native son of Guyana, now living in Canada, instantly took up the challenge.

Chatterjee’s idea was to establish the Canada-

Guyana Chamber of Commerce (GGCC), that could help further trade and investment between two nations for which she has great affection. However, in order to bring the idea to fruition, Chatterjee knew she had to recruit, in both countries, highly respected people who could lead the way and bring others on board.

That’s when Chatterjee picked up the phone and called Kassim in Toronto.

Winston Kassim was born in Albouystown, Georgetown as the sixth of seven children of the late Police Superintendent Subaydar Kassim and the

late Noorun Nisa Kassim.

When the family moved to East Canje, Berbice, he attended St. Patrick’s Anglican School.

After completing his secondary education at Indian Education Trust College in Georgetown, and while still a teenager, Winston Kassim began his professional career at Barclay’s Bank.

Kassim comes from a well-known and respected family which has given back to the community and public service of Guyana. His maternal grandfather, Imam Khoda Baksh, was the first Imam at the Adelphi Masjid in the early 1900s.

His father retired from the Guyana Police Force in 1972 as a Superintendent, after a distinguished career of 30 years. His eldest brother, Sultan Feroze Kassim, retired as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2001, after 38 years of service; while another brother, the late Dr Sultan Farook Kassim, served for over 25 years in the public hospitals of Suddie, Port Mourant, and Georgetown.

After various postings throughout the Caribbean, Winston Kassim left Barclay’s in 1975 and moved to Canada with his wife, Kameni Cheddie. While raising a family in Toronto and pursuing a university degree at night, Winston embarked on a career with Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in 1976. Over the next 40 years, Kassim excelled in a number of leadership roles at RBC, including as the executive Head of Strategy

and Strategic Performance Management for Retail Banking in Canada and the Caribbean.

It was in this latter role that Kassim led large strategic initiatives and helped RBC set industry-leading benchmarks for performance, which resulted in the bank winning four prestigious international awards, including “Best North American Retail Bank in 2012 and 2013, and “Best Retail Bank in the World” awards in 2014 and 2015. This was the first time in the 30-year history of the U.K-based Retail Banker International Awards that any bank had won best global retail bank in consecutive years.

While at RBC, Kassim also obtained his designation as a certified board director from the Institute of Corporate Directors through the University of Toronto, and served on a variety of boards, including RBC Royal Bank Barbados Limited. He was also a champion of diversity in the workplace, and led a number of bank-wide initiatives to promote a more inclusive environment and culture.

And when he retired from RBC in December of 2015, Kassim formed his own boutique management consulting company which specialises in providing strategic planning, performance management, and communications advice to selected global companies, particularly with respect to large-scale investments. At the same time, he has continued in a wide range of charitable causes, wherein his highly regarded financial and corporate governance capabilities have been put to effective use.

C o n s e q u e n t l y , Chatterjee knew that Kassim’s business credentials and connections would help in recruiting business leaders in Canada as Chamber members. And she also knew that Kassim’s reputation as an outstanding community leader and volunteer would serve them well in setting the right focus and framework for the nascent Chamber.

“I was drawn to volunteerism early in my career, while I was still a young man,” explained Kassim.

“The full credit for that goes to my mother, who instilled in me a passion for community service, and I followed her lead. She encouraged me to volunteer with Hindu, Islamic, and other faith communities, and I began by assisting in establishing a number of community and faith-based centres in the Greater Toronto area.”

That grounding in com-

Former Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee

munity service has stayed with Kassim throughout his life, and many worthy causes in both Canada and Guyana have benefited from it. For example, he has been involved in a wide variety of humanitarian charities, including serving two terms (2010 to 2014) as Chair of the International Development and Relief Foundation, one of Canada’s top charities.

Since then, IDRF has implemented a range of projects throughout Guyana in partnerships with CIOG, National Committee of Sisters Affairs (NACOSA) and the Doobay Gafoor Medical and Research Centre (DGMRC), the latter of which Kassim played a pivotal personal role in helping Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay establish in 2010.

“Mr. Kassim was among the first set of individuals who provided his own funds to help establish the centre,” recalls Dr. Doobay. “He was most instrumental in securing a vast number of individuals to donate their monies since the centre was established. I continue to rely on Winston’s financial and governance expertise to help expand the centre in Guyana.”

This lifelong commitment to volunteerism and giving back to the community resulted in Kassim being made a Member of the Order of Canada (the first Guyanese-born citizen of Canada to be awarded the nation’s highest civilian honour) in 2009, being selected as a Torch Bearer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, and being awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for volunteerism in 2012.

Currently, Kassim serves as an inaugural Governor with Toronto’s International Business University (IBU).

After accepting Chatterjee’s challenge to serve as a founding director and as the Canadian Co-chair of the Chamber alongside its Guyanese Chair Anand Beharry of the Beharry conglomerate Group, Kassim set about re-

cruiting Canadian business leaders to become members, setting up a board, and recruiting a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

With the help and support of many Government, business and community leaders in both nations, the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce was officially launched on December 4, 2020 with some 27 founding members, who provided legacy funds to cover the Chamber’s short-term operations. To commemorate the second anniversary of the Chamber, a fund-raising gala will take place in Toronto on September 24 of this year.

With offices in both Georgetown and Toronto, the Chamber continues to grow, and now has more than 60 members. And while challenges and opportunities still lie ahead, Kassim is grateful the Chamber has come as far as it has in such a brief time.

But it wasn’t easy.

Kassim says the successful launch of the Chamber, and its ability to thrive in turbulent times, has required hard work by the current top-notch Board of Directors comprising both Canadian and Guyanese business individuals.

From the Guyana side, he paid special recognition to Anand Beharry and the CGCC CEO Treina Butts.

On the Canadian side, he fondly remembers the late Mr. Richard Whyte, who played a pivotal role during the Chamber’s formulation stage, along with the former Deputy Minister for the Ontario Provincial Government, Fareed Amin, who is the Chair of the Chamber’s Planning and Policy sub-committee.

Kassim also singled out two ex-officio members of the CGCC for praise, the new Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman, and Jake Thomas, Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian High Commission, both of whom have been actively promoting Guyana’s opportunities throughout Canada.

However, he reserves his greatest praise for Lilian Chatterjee.

“Lilian had the vision, and stuck with it even when COVID-19 threatened to derail all our efforts,” says Kassim. “And while Lilian has moved on to become Canada’s High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, her legacy of the CanadaGuyana Chamber of Commerce will live on for many years, and bring benefits to many people in both countries.”

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16 bridges, farm-to-market road for Buxton-Foulis area

M

ajor infrastructural works will soon commence in the Buxton-Foulis area which will bring significant relief to residents of the two commu-

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill made the announcement when he met with residents at Tipperary Hall, Buxton on Thursday.

Edghill said an engi-

ed, after which a bill of quantities will be compiled.

“If we have 16 bridges at $1.5 million, $1.3 million, we will do all 16. Sixteen contractors from Buxton will get work… so, you will be invited to bid and one lot per person,” Edghill is quoted by Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

The farm-to-market road will give farmers easy access to their farms.

During the meeting, residents suggested two locations where the road should be constructed. Edghill said three engineers would return to inspect the two locations.

The Minister said they were going to “walk both areas and see first hand the conditions and then we make a decision within a two-week period because we cannot sit down and talk about this forever.”

Government’s intervention to construct the farmto-market road was welcomed by farmers. “I got a

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and technical staff of the Ministry meeting with residents of Buxton-Foulis at the community’s Tipperary Hall

lot of stuff at the back there.

The plantain falling down, my cassava under water, my potato under water and we need the commerce to come out. The road, the trench bad, and it need to clean up and we need it like yes-

terday. If he could do that for me, it would make me pleased and comfortable,” Gavin Baird, a farmer from the Buxton community, said.

The meeting in the community stemmed from

a ministerial outreach, which was led by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on July 4.

Edghill was accompanied by Permanent Secretary to the Ministry Vladim Persaud and senior engineers.

GPF hosts medical outreach nities.

Works to be executed include the rehabilitation of 16 bridges and the construction of a farm-to-market road to provide access to farmers.

neer from the Public Works Ministry would return to the villages today to inspect the bridges. The inspection will give the ministry a full understanding of works need-

Police raid unearths ganja under Stabroek Market clock

The ganja that was found during the operation

A

quantity of ganja was on Wednesday evening found in a black plastic bag at the side of a stall under the Stabroek Market’s clock.

The discovery was made following an operation by ranks of the Regional Division 4’A’ at Stabroek Market Square, during which several persons were

stopped and searched, but nothing illegal was found.

However, searches between and around several stalls were conducted, during which a quantity of cannabis was unearthed.

The ganja was taken to the Brickdam Police Station, where it was weighed and amounted to 189 grams. No arrests were made.

The Guyana Police Force’s medical outreach held at the Officers’ Training Centre

A

s part of its 183rd anniversary celebrations, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday hosted a medical outreach at the Officers Training Centre at Camp Road, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Guyana Police Association Chairman, Inspector Sewan Ramdat said that the event aimed at ensuring the well-being of ranks.

He related that the services offered at the outreach were also open to the Force’s sister agencies such as the Guyana Fire and Prison Services as well as the general public.

“We’re looking into the welfare of our ranks and this health fair is not only for the Guyana Police Force members, also the general public and all the sister organisations, like the Prison Service, the Army, the Fire Service. So, basically, we are looking out for our ranks and we decided to do something that can assist them during this special time for the Guyana Police Force,” he stated.

Inspector Ramdat further revealed that the Force was looking to have similar initiatives set up in all of the

other administrative regions to ensure that all ranks benefit from these services.

Meanwhile speaking on the medical side of the initiative was the Coordinator of Elderly Health at the Health Ministry, Dr Melissa Dehart, who shared that a wide range of testing was offered at the event.

“We have a section for testing for any age of persons, whether it be diabetes, hypertension, you could have your weight tested as well, we have HIV testing available, we also have VIA testing for the females as well; we have blood donation that is going as well, so we have a variety of testing being done, prescribed medica-

tion as well and information on where you can follow up,” she stated.

The event also featured optical and dental services as well as the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for all age cohorts, offering both primary and booster doses.

Mental health

Further, Dr Dehart related that the Ministry has recently placed more focus on mental health among the elderly, which was highlighted at the outreach on Thursday.

“It is a newly-established service so we’re trying to touch base with all factions, public health, institutional health, which includes

all the elderly homes across Guyana of which there are many and additionally, we try to cover training for health staff on elderly care. Some of the main topics or the main aspects that we try to look at is mental care or mental health which includes Alzheimer’s, dementia and forgetfulness… we try to look at the physical and nutritional aspect of aging and let persons know that it’s different. We specify aging as over 60 so we want persons to know that all these aspects are different from when you’re over 60 compared to when you’re a working adult,” she explained.

“We are here mainly with educational material information on where they could have services, etc. We know that a lot of persons in the Force right are not considered elderly, but we’re aging as we go along and we want them to take this information to their parents, their elderly relatives, etc,” Dr Dehart added.

The outreach was held in collaboration with the Health Ministry, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and other agencies.

18

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Brazil's Petrobras smashes profit At least 5 migrants dead, 66 rescued in waters off Puerto Rico estimates amid divestments, Ukraine War

In a smuggling incident in May, 11 Haitian women drowned and 38 others were saved after their boat sank north of Desecheo Island, near Puerto Rico [File: United States Coast Guard/Handout via Reuters]

A

t least five migrants drowned and another 66 were rescued in an incident involving a suspected human smuggling boat near an uninhabited island west of Puerto Rico, officials in the United States have said.

The bodies were found on Thursday by Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Park Rangers on Mona Island, the Coast Guard

said in a statement, adding that 66 survivors, including two minors, were safely ashore.

“The smugglers basically forced the migrants to disembark, it appears that five of the migrants drowned in the process,” Jeffrey Quinones, public affairs officer for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), told the Reuters news agency in a telephone interview.

US Coast Guard spokes-

man Ricardo Castrodad told The Associated Press that the boat fled the scene, and it was unclear how many people were on board at that time.

A CBP official told the Miami Herald newspaper that most of the people are believed to be Haitians.

The incident is the latest in a string of deadly voyages across the northern Caribbean carrying mostly Haitians fleeing their country amid a spike in gang-related killings and kidnappings. Many of the Haitians have been heading to the US. Most try to enter the US by land, through the southern border with Mexico. But starting in March 2020, the US has been imposing Title 42, a pandemic-era rule that has prevented the majority of people from claiming asylum at the border.

Under the measure, many Haitians have been expelled to their crisis-stricken island on board deportation flights. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

B

razil's Petrobras smashed second-quarter profit and margin estimates, boosted by divestments and higher margins in its fuel and natural gas businesses, the company said on Thursday.

In a securities filing, Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as the State-run oil firm is formally known, reported a net income of 54.33 billion reais (US$10.5 billion). That represented a 26.8 per cent increase from the same period last year, and was well above the Refinitiv consensus estimate of 38 billion reais.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, or EBITDA, adjusted for certain non-recurring factors, came in at 98.26 billion reais, up 58.6 per cent in annual terms and well above the Refinitiv estimate of 83.2 billion reais.

In comments accompanying the figures, Petrobras attributed its results to strong Brent prices , as well as improved margins in its natural gas and fuels business, which includes gasoline, diesel and various other petroleum derivatives.

The effective divestment of part of its Atapu and

Colombia and Venezuela to appoint new Ambassadors, reopening diplomatic relations

Privy Council dismisses appeal filed by T&T AG regarding Bail Act

T

he London-based Privy Council dismissed on Thursday an appeal by the Attorney General that sought to determine whether Section 5(1) of the Bail Act 1994 is inconsistent with the Trinidad & Tobago Constitution and, therefore, susceptible to being struck down In a 28-page ruling, the Privy Council, the country’s highest and final court, said it also did not grant permission to the interested party, namely the Law

Association of Trinidad & Tobago (LATT) to cross appeal.

“In circumstances where the Board’s decision recognises that the Supreme Court Judges have a discretion to grant bail in murder cases, for Magistrates not to have a similar discretion involves no unconstitutionality,” the five-Judge panel ruled. “Moreover, they had no such discretion under the existing law saved under Section 6.”

The appeal to the Privy Council concerns the consti-

tutionality of a law passed by the T&T Parliament, which provides that bail may not be granted to anyone charged with the offence of murder.

The appellant, the Attorney General, accepted that the bail provision deviates from the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in Sections Four and Five of the T&T Constitution adopted in 1976, but contends that it was nevertheless constitutional on two grounds.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Sepia offshore fields to two Chinese State-run oil firms helped boost profits, while the global hunt for alternative sources of oil due to the war in Ukraine also favoured the company.

Petrobras said the war significantly affected its export markets, as Asian buyers received Russian crude that European and North American buyers forwent.

The percentage of Petrobras exports purchased by China, for instance, fell from 38 per cent to 15 per cent, the company said, while exports to Europe increased significantly.(Reuters)

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Carlos Faria attends a joint news conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Russia, July 4, 2022 (Reuters/Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool)

C

olombia's incoming Government and Venezuela will appoint Ambassadors to the two countries' capitals after years without diplomatic relations and will work to boost security along their shared border, officials said on Thursday.

The plan to appoint Ambassadors was outlined in a joint declaration made

by Venezuela's Foreign Minister, Carlos Faria, and

Alvaro Leyva, the designated Foreign Minister of Colombia's next President, Gustavo Petro, following a meeting in the border city of San Cristobal.

Petro, who will become Colombia's first leftist president on August 7, plans to fully reopen the border with neighbouring Venezuela, following a breakdown in the two countries' relations since 2015.

Colombia and Venezuela

share a porous border of 2219 kilometres (1378 miles), which has been the site of conflict between armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents.

The lack of security has raised concerns over illegal activities ranging from kidnapping to drug trafficking.

The officials "expressed their willingness to move forward with a work agenda for the gradual normalisation of bi-national relations starting next August 7 with the appointment of Ambassadors and other diplomatic and consular officials", Leyva told reporters.

They also reaffirmed "their willingness to make joint efforts to guarantee security and peace on the border of our two countries," he added.

Feria described the meeting as "historic" and confirmed they had discussed "the gradual opening of the border" at the meeting.

(Reuters)

IMF says global economic conditions challenging for the Caribbean T&T Judge to rule on continued detention of Venezuelan boy, mother T he International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean have continued their strong post-pandemic rebound, but “the winds are shifting” as global financial conditions tighten, commodity prices reverse upward trend and inflationary pressures persist.

The IMF said on Wednesday that the reopening of contact-intensive sectors, especially hospitality and travel, the unwinding of pandemic “pent-up” demand and still favourable external financial conditions, supported a solid expansion in the first half of the year, enabling services to “catch up” with manufacturing and employment to reach pre-pandemic levels.

The Bank said year-onyear growth reached 2.8 per cent in the first quarter, compared to an average of 1.7 per cent in the years preceding the pandemic, and that high-frequency indicators point to continued momentum in the second quarter.

On the back of this “solid” first half of the year, and despite an expected slowdown in the second half, the IMF forecasted the Region to grow by three per cent this year, an upgrade from the April forecast of 2.5 per cent.

But it said the Region faces “significant challenges”, including tightening global financial conditions, lower global growth, persistent inflation, and increasing social tensions

amid growing food and energy insecurity.

“These factors contribute to our downgrade in growth to 2.0 per cent in 2023, 0.5 percentage point lower than anticipated in April,” the IMF said.

It said the strength of the post-pandemic recoveries has varied across the region.

The IMF said the global rebound of commodity prices from the pandemic lows, further boosted by the war in Ukraine, has generally supported the recovery of commodity exporters (some South American economies), while constraining those that depend more on commodity imports (Central America and tourism-dependent Caribbean economies). (Excerpt from CMC)

T

oday, a High Court Judge will rule on the continued detention of a Venezuelan boy and his mother, despite objections from the State.

The decision that Justice Margaret Mohammed will give on this morning concerns the ruling of the Privy Council on July 14 that the 15-year-old boy's detention for 19 months was unlawful.

The Privy Council deferred to the Judge on whether the mother and son’s period of detention was reasonable.

The landmark ruling also dealt with the exercise of power by the State

to detain children using an unwritten policy that when a parent and child enter Trinidad and Tobago illegally, a deportation order is also taken as a deportation order against the child.

They held the child had been subject to “a non-judicial detention” and said: “Lawful authority to detain cannot be derived from the respondent’s policy.”

Mohammed is hearing the habeas corpus application filed on behalf of the child and his mother, which calls on the Chief Immigration Officer to justify their detention from December 15, 2020, to the

present.

They have each been issued deportation orders.

Another judge, Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams, is hearing a constitutional claim filed on behalf of the two and other Venezuelans who are also being detained by the State. A status hearing in that matter has been fixed for October.

They were part of a group that entered TT illegally in November 2020. They were escorted out of TT by the Coast Guard, but returned days later. They were held again and detained in quarantine and then on deportation orders. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil mixed as US gasoline demand rebounds but recessionary fears loom

O

il prices were mixed on Thursday, as concerns about a potential global recession that would knock energy demand offset lower crude inventories and a rebound in US gasoline consumption.

Brent crude futures ended the day 52 cents higher at US$107.14, after gaining US$2.22 on Wednesday.

West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) settled 84 cents, or 0.9 per cent, lower at US$96.42 a barrel, after rising US$2.28 in the previous session.

Prices pared gains in mid-morning trade after the US Commerce Department reported the world’s biggest economy unexpectedly contracted in the second quarter, fuelling concerns about a recession that could hit energy demand. Consumer spending grew at its slowest pace in two years and business spending declined.

“When we look at recessionary numbers, if it is a slowdown at this point, it’s a minor slowdown,” said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures group. “If you look at demand and supply numbers for oil, we’re well below average on supply and demand is holding up better than anticipated.”

Investors focused on US crude inventory numbers from Wednesday that showed oil stockpiles fell by 4.5 million barrels last week, against expectations for a one-million-barrel drop, while US gasoline demand rebounded by 8.5 per cent week on week, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed.

“The US consolidated its position as the world’s largest petroleum exporter,” Citi analysts said in a note, as combined gross exports of crude oil and refined products stood at a record 10.9 million barrels per day.

US crude exports reached a record 4.5 million bpd as WTI traded at a steep discount to Brent. However, in a bullish signal, US crude oil production growth could stall due to a lack of fracking equipment and crews, as well as capital constraints, executives said this week.

Prices found further support from the energy supply battle between the West and Russia. The Group of Seven richest economies aims to have a price-capping mechanism on Russian oil exports in place by December 5, a senior G7 official said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Russia has cut gas supplies via Nord Stream 1, its main gas link to Europe, to just 20 per cent of capacity. That could lead to switching to crude from gas and prop up oil prices in the short term, analysts said.

“We increase our total estimates for additional oil demand from gas to oil switching by 700,000 bpd from October 2022 through March 2023,” JP Morgan analysts said in a note.

However, this could be offset by normalising Libyan supply, leading to a largely balanced global oil market in the fourth quarter, followed by a one-million bpd stockbuild in the first quarter of 2023, they added.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies will consider keeping oil output unchanged for September when they meet next week, despite calls from the United States for more supply, although a modest output increase is also likely to be discussed, eight sources said.

The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its benchmark overnight interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point, in line with expectations, to cool inflation.(Reuters)

Saudi Crown Prince's lavish Macron visit prompts outcry

S

audi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to France has angered rights groups, as he seeks to further rehabilitate himself following the murder of Journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

His working dinner with President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday came amid spiralling energy prices and fears over Iran's nuclear programme.

The prince denies approving the killing at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey.

Khashoggi's fiancée said she was outraged by his visit.

Hatice Cengiz accused President Macron of receiving her late partner's "exe-

cutioner with all the honours".

Mohammed bin Salman flew into Orly airport, south of Paris, the night before the talks and stayed at a luxurious château at Louveciennes, west of Paris.

A cousin of the murdered Journalist, Emad Khashoggi, designed the Château Louis XIV as a tribute to the so-called Sun King who ruled France in the 17th Century.

Hours before the two men were due to meet at the Elysée Palace, three campaign groups filed a criminal complaint accusing the prince of complicity in Khashoggi's torture and murder. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ukraine steps up drive to retake Russiancontrolled south with air strikes

U

kraine stepped up its drive to retake its Russian-controlled south by trying to bomb and isolate Russian troops in hard-to-resupply areas, but it said on Thursday it saw evidence that Moscow was redeploying its forces to defend the territory.

In messages to mark the annual Day of Ukrainian Statehood, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy congratulated Ukrainians and sounded defiant.

"We will not give up.

We will not be intimidated. Ukraine is an independent, free, indivisible state.

And it will always be so," he wrote on Telegram.

After Russia and Ukraine struck a deal last week to unblock grain exports from Black Sea ports, United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths said he was

A Russian military truck drives past an unexploded munition during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the Russia-controlled village of Chornobaivka, Ukraine, July 26, 2022 (Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko)

hopeful the first shipment of grain from a Ukrainian Black Sea port could take place as early as today.

He said "crucial" details for the safe passage of vessels were still being worked out, however, adding that "the devil was in the de-

tails".

Allowing safe passage for grain shipments from Ukrainian ports should ease shortages that have left tens of millions of people around the world facing soaring food prices and hunger.

Ukraine said on Thursday its planes had struck five Russian strongholds around the city of Kherson and another nearby city.

The southern Kherson region, which borders Russian-annexed Crimea, fell to Russian forces soon after they began what Moscow calls "a special military operation" on February 24.

Ukraine describes Russia's actions as an imperial-style war of conquest.

British military intelligence, which helps Ukraine, said it was likely that Ukrainian forces had also established a bridgehead south of a river which runs along the region's northern border. "Ukraine's counter-offensive in Kherson is gathering momentum," it said in a statement.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Xi and Biden exchange warnings on Taiwan

The US and Chinese leaders have held virtual meetings before

T

he US and Chinese leaders have warned each other over Taiwan during a phone call that lasted more than two hours.

President Joe Biden told

his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that the US strongly opposed any unilateral moves to change the island's status.

But he added that US policy on Taiwan had not

changed.

Beijing said Xi had told Biden to abide by the one-China principle, warning him that "whoever plays with fire will get burnt".

Tensions over the issue have increased ahead of a rumoured plan for US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Taiwan.

The State Department says Pelosi has not announced any travel, but China has warned of "serious consequences" if she were to proceed with such a visit.

Last week, Biden told reporters "the military thinks it's not a good idea", but his White House has called Chinese rhetoric against any

such trip "clearly unhelpful and not necessary".

Pelosi, who is next in line to the presidency after the Vice President, would be the highest-ranking US politician to travel to Taiwan since 1997.

During Thursday's phone call, Biden and Xi also discussed arranging a possible face-to-face meeting, a senior Biden administration official said, describing the bilateral meeting as "direct" and "honest".

When Biden was US Vice President he hosted Xi during a visit to the US by the Chinese leader in 2015, but they have not met in person during Biden's presidency. (Excerpt from BBC News)

India says it will protect N Korea's Kim says its interests as Chinese nuclear deterrent is boat heads to Sri Lanka ready, slams South's Yoon

I

ndia, which is trying to expand its influence in crisis-hit Sri Lanka after China made deep inroads there, said on Thursday it was aware of reports about the planned visit of a Chinese vessel to a Sri Lankan port built with money from Beijing.

Shipping data from Refinitiv Eikon showed research and survey vessel <<<Yuan Wang 5>>> was en route to the southern Sri Lankan port of Hambantota and was expected to arrive on August 11.

"The Government carefully monitors any developments having a bearing on India's security and economic interests, and takes all necessary measures to safeguard them," India's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told a weekly media briefing.

"I think that should be a clear message."

He did not say what mea-

sures India was taking and who the message was addressed to.

China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sri Lankan officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

A Sri Lankan government official told Reuters on condition of anonymity that Indian diplomats in Colombo had lodged a verbal protest with the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry on Monday.

Sri Lanka formally handed over commercial activities in its main southern port to a Chinese company in 2017 on a 99-year lease after struggling to repay its debt. The port is near the main shipping route from Asia to Europe.

US and Indian officials have been concerned that the US$1.5 billion port could become a Chinese military base.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

N

orth Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country is ready to mobilise its nuclear war deterrent and counter any US military clash, and criticised South Korea's new President for the first time, warning Seoul was pushing towards the brink of war.

Kim made the remarks during a speech at an event to mark the 69th anniversary of the July 27 Korean War armistice, which left the two Koreas technically still at war, according to the official KCNA news agency on Thursday.

The confrontation with the United States posed nuclear threats since the 195053 war and required the North to achieve an "urgent historical task" of beefing up its self-defence, Kim said.

"Our armed forces are thoroughly prepared to respond to any crisis, and our

nation's nuclear war deterrence is also fully ready to mobilise its absolute strength faithfully, accurately and promptly to its mission," he said.

Kim also denounced South Korea's new conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol by name for the first time, accusing him of threatening the North's security and right to self-defence.

Yoon's office expressed deep regret over Kim's "menacing" remarks, saying South Korea is capable of "strongly and effectively" responding to any provocations at any time.

"We once again urge North Korea to take the path of dialogue to achieve substantive denuclearisation and peace," Yoon's spokeswoman Kang In-sun told a briefing. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Check the facts, set the pace and don’t stop until you achieve your goal.

A problem at home mustn’t dictate how well you handle responsibilities. When in doubt, get the facts.

(March 21-April 19) You’ll face confusion if you or someone else sends mixed messages. Consider what you want and don’t lose sight of your objective. Recognize when someone is trying to use you to get ahead.

DILBERT

(April 20-May 20) Take pride in living a healthy lifestyle. Take the lead instead of following someone else. Strive for peace and love, and be willing to work for them. Choose your associates carefully.

(May 21-June 20) The more you give, the more you’ll get in return. A labor of love will make you feel good about yourself and those you work alongside. A move might be necessary; make sure you plan carefully.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Shoot for stability, security and a steady pace forward. Leave nothing to chance or in someone else’s hands. A broad view combined with practicality will help shed light on what’s possible.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Haste makes waste. Implement discipline and pay attention to detail. Don’t overlook something that can influence your income. Do things right the first time.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) A call for help will put you in good company. Do your best and make a difference, and good things will transpire.

Look for an opportunity, and you’ll regain momentum and initiate a friendship.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Go over every detail before agreeing to something. A change may appear to be your only option, but if you view your situation from a distance, you’ll find a different solution.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

There is money to be made if you are diligent about doing what you do best and marketing what you have to offer.

Improving your surroundings will make it easier to work from home.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) A change will bring you peace of mind, but it may not please everyone.

Refuse to let someone use emotional manipulation to sway your opinion. You must go with your gut.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Two unique options will lead to temptation. When in doubt, sit tight and wait for a sign that indicates what to do next.

Time is on your side and will allow you to make the right choice.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Don’t take on more than you can handle or let temptation lead the way. Pace yourself and focus on self-improvement.

Keep your life simple. Romance is encouraged.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

21

BCB hosts successful Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh mini academy in West Berbice T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently hosted the first of four mini cricket academies planned for the summer holiday. The academy was held in the compound of the Fort Wellington Secondary School, and was attended by close to fifty youths in the West

Berbice area.

Both Hilbert Foster, President of the BCB, and David Black, President of the West Berbice Cricket Board, were in attendance, along with several volunteers in the area.

Foster, who was present for close to two hours, urged

the attentive youths to improve themselves by taking advantage of the opportunities presented to them by his administration.

The board, he said, would also be hosting similar academies in the Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne and New Amsterdam areas. The main

Emancipation Day horse race meet postponed -Inclement weather blamed

T

The track at Port Mourant

he Emancipation Day horse race meet that had been scheduled for staging on Sunday, July 31, at the Port Mourant Turf Club has been postponed because of inclement weather.

Resumption of horse racing at the Port Mourant Turf Club would have been a highly anticipated event, since the COVID-19 health regulations had prevented promoters across the country from hosting such activities for more than two and a half years. Sunday’s meet would have been staged ‘under orders’ with spectators present. This race day was billed as preparation for the famed Guyana Cup, which will be held at the Rising Sun Turf Club at Arima Park in West Berbice on August 14.

Spokesman for the Port Mourant Turf Club’s Management Committee, Therbhuwan Jagdeo, has declared, “Our main priority is the safety of the horses and riders. The track was being prepared for this historic restart, but Mother Nature has had her say on matters.

“We have been refurbishing the plant and premises to bring a new outlook to the facility. Lots of work had started, and we were in the home stretch, literal-

ly speaking. On Tuesday, after finishing touches were done, we were confident of a restart, and were heading to the finish line. The amount of work that was needed to have this track ready was unimaginable.

“Remember, we did not have racing for two and a half years, but we were working overtime for this restart. The May/June rainfall did not help us, but we took the necessary measures. We closed the track late June/ early July, because at that point it got real bad from persistent rainfall. From then to now, the rain did not give us any chance, but we defied the odds. Ninety percent of the rails’ work was completed, the track surface was being prepared, and (was) near completion.”

“On Tuesday we were confident of a restart.

However, on Wednesday morning we decided to test the track despite overnight showers. A couple of horses were sent on the track to test the surface. We were happy when they returned, but that joy was short-lived, as a number of them lost their plates (racing shoes), and they were only trotting and cantering. The riders advised they weren’t happy with surface, because of how deep these horses’ hooves

were going down. These weren’t breezing (faster pace).

“In the best interest…of all, we have taken a decision to postpone the day’s card,” Jagdeo disclosed.

Regarding the race card, Jagdeo revealed, “Seven races were well supported. We had healthy fields in all the races. Most striking was the juvenile event for Guyanabred two-year-olds, which attracted 12 runners. In the 1,600-metre feature event, we had seven horses, with Trinidad-bred Early Bird, who won that country’s Stewards and Sian’s Gold Sprint on the turf in 2019 and 2020, heading the field, along with a number of recently imported horses.”(See entries hereunder) Jagdeo also pointed out that the Port Mourant Turf Club had invited experienced personnel involved in the horse racing industry in Trinidad to fly in to assist them with the entry process and setting up of a database to ensure the rules of racing are adhered to.

He has thanked all involved for their contribution to make the day a success.

Regarding when the postponed card will be staged, Jagdeo advised, “We are looking at late September/ early October 2022.”

The West Berbice cricketers have gained from this successful mini academy

objectives of the academy are to correct problems in the youths’ game, to look for promising players for further development, and to educate youths on their role as sports ambassadors of the county.

Foster spoke widely on the importance of education, personal discipline, and the right attitude. He urged the students to develop a culture of sheer hard work, dedication, and the ability to listen to seniors.

He committed the BCB to continue investing in development of the youths, and unveiled several major developmental programmes for

West Berbice, which includes assistance for six secondary schools in the area, and a massive coaching programme for both primary and secondary schools.

The BCB President also sounded his pleasure that the coaches on the panel were all from the West Berbice sub-association, which was historic, as normally the board had to send coaches from other areas. Among the coaches were Travis Hardcourt and Shamal Angel.

WBCA President David Black has expressed gratitude to the BCB for its continued investment in West

Berbice, and noted that Foster has personally visited the area over sixty times since his election in 2018, to make sure that every project or programme is well organised.

He urged the players to practise at home what they had learnt at the academy.

Head Coach Hardcourt expressed delight at the attitude and dedication of the players. He said the future of the game in the sub zone would be secure once the players continue to remain focused and work hard. The level two coach disclosed that special focus was placed on improving the batting and bowling techniques of each of the players, along with their attitude to physical fitness.

Female cricketer Sheniza Mangar was named Player of the Academy, and received a special gift, compliments of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS. Four other players also received cricket uniforms from the organizers for outstanding performances.

Double CARIFTA Medalist Shaqua Tyrell to take up Mississippi Scholarship

1

9-year-old Shaqua Tyrell, a force to reckon with in the distance races, would be leaving for the United States today to bolster her experience on the track.

After landing successive bronze medals over the 1500m distance at the CARIFTA Games in 2018 and 2019, the former Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) middle distance athlete has been awarded a scholarship to Hinds Community College in the state of Mississippi, and will wing out this evening for the United States, where she will make her entry to the college on 10th August.

Her father, Coach of the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) Moses Pantlitz, has said his 19-year-old daughter had performed outstandingly in 2019, and he is pleased that she now can take up the track and field scholarship offer to attend the college, where she would be able to compete at the NCJAA level for the next two years while being there.

Shaqua Tyrell has been an outstanding performer in the 800m and 1500m events throughout her secondary school years. She

Shaqua Tyrell (left) with her older sister Sheama

performed excellently at the Inter- Schools, at the National Schools, and Track and Field Championships from 2015 up to 2019.

“Shaqua will be leaving Guyana to do the 800m or 1500m events. However, when you reach there, it is possible that the coaches will put her according to their inclination of her talent. Presently, Shaqua has been competing at the 800m and 1500m, where her best results have been over the 1500m,” Coach Pantlitz shared in a brief comment about his daughter.

This is clear, since she is a two-time Under-17 Girls 1500m Bronze Medalist at the CARIFTA Games, when it was staged in the Cayman Islands in 2018 and again in The Bahamas in 2019.

Tyrell related that she

is very excited to be afforded the opportunity to attend a college in the USA, where she can improve both academically and on the track under conditions which would be helpful in her quest to show her true potential as an athlete.

Coach Pantlitz has been high in praise of former National Middle Distance Champion Marian Burnett, who was instrumental in Shaqua Tyrell getting this opportunity to study and train in the US. She began her athletic career at the New Silvercity Secondary School, and completed her secondary education at the CWSS, representing District 10 Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) over those years from 2015 through to 2019 at the Nationals.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

Campbell, Lewis join GAW for ‘The 6ixty’, as squads are announced

T

he official squads for the inaugural SKYEXCH 6ixty tournament have been announced, with a few tweaks being made to the original Caribbean Premier League (CPL) teams for the 2022 season.

The 6ixty will be played over four days, August 24th to 28th, in St Kitts and Nevis, and will bring a new format, new rules, and fresh excitement to the Caribbean region.

Closer to home, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) will retain the services of John Campbell and Shermon Lewis alongside the other Warriors.

The only two players the Amazon Warriors would be missing for The 6ixty are Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi, who will be joining the

CLASSIFIED ADS TO RENT One three-bedroom apartment, upper flat with front and back verandahs, parking available. Tel: 6138928 location Zeeburg, W.B.D

team later, for the start of the CPL on August 31st.

In regard to significant changes in other teams, the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle would turn out for the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the absence of Captain Dwayne ‘DJ’ Bravo. Star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga would also miss out on the truncated version of the game.

The St. Lucia Kings will also miss their CPL Captain, Faf du Plessis, for The 6ixty tournament. Other International stars Tim David and David Weise would also go into action for the CPL only, from August 31.

The Trinbago Knight Riders team will miss out on the services of Colin Munro, Ali Khan and Maheesh Theekshana, as compared to their CPL squad.

Another CPL captain, David Miller, will miss out on the T10 action for the Barbados Royals, alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Quinton de Kock.

However, the Jamaica Tallawahs are untouched, and will contest The 6ixty and the Hero CPL with the same team.

The SKYEXCH 6ixty is being seen as a revolutionary

new format that would transform the T10 game. The rules of the SKYEXCH 6ixty include: • Each batting team has six wickets – at the fall of the sixth wicket, they are all out • Each batting team has two PowerPlay overs. They can unlock a third PowerPlay by hitting two sixes in the first 12 balls. This extra PowerPlay over can be taken at any time between overs 3-9 • There will be 30 balls bowled from one end before the action switches to the other end for the final 30 balls • The 30 balls will be delivered as 5 separate overs, with no bowler being able to bowl more than 2 overs for the innings.

• If teams do not bowl their overs within the allotted time, a member of their team is removed from the field for the final six balls • Fans will vote for the timing of a “Mystery Free Hit” wherein a batter can’t be dismissed by the bowler.

For the future, there are plans to expand the tournament from just one venue to multiple locations around the Caribbean.

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Hetmyer returns for T20I Series against India Keemo Paul is ready after recovering from his hamstring injury

Sabina Park starting from Wednesday August 10 to Sunday August 14. An official squad of 13 players will be nominated ahead of each match.

The Selection Panel has recalled left-handed batter Shimron Hetmyer. Leftarm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell is recovering from injury and is unavailable for

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) Men’s Senior Selection Panel today named 16 players for the upcoming Goldmedal T20I Cup, powered by Kent Water Purifiers, against India, and for the three-match T20 International (T20I) Series against New Zealand.

Starting today, Friday July 29, the West Indies and India Men’s teams will go head-to-head in the fivematch T20I Series, with the first-ever West Indies Senior Men’s team match to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The T20I Series runs until Sunday August 7, with games being

Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein and Rovman Powell are among the players selected

played in Trinidad, St Kitts and in Florida.

The same pool of 16 players will then travel to Jamaica for the three-match T20I Series against New Zealand, to be played at

selection, while allrounder Fabien Allen is also unavailable for personal reasons.

Lead Selector The Most Honourable Dr Desmond Haynes has said: “We welcome back Hetmyer, and it

Berbice businesses continue to rally for the success of Guyana Cup

Natasha Boodram presenting the sponsorship to Navindra Ramnauth, Rep for the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee

Josh Rampersaud of Impressive Signs presenting the contribution to Navindra Ramnauth

Associated Construction Services have all maintained their place as a household name in the Berbice area. They continue to show financial support for the upliftment of sport and by extension their home track.

Only a few weeks away from the biggest horse racing event in the Caribbean, the JJTRC has already started the much-anticipated Guyana Cup Road Show, and it rolled into Stabroek Market car park on Friday 21st July and is now set to reach Linden toDr.Poonai handing over the day, Friday July 29, for a presentation at sponsorship to Navindra Ramnauth of JJTRC the Linden Georgetown-Bus Park. erbice is often considered as the anOn Sunday 14th August, at the Rising cient county that thrives on the close- Sun Turf Club, the competition will be stiff, ness of its communities. Many have with over 100 horses set to enter the 8 races expressed their utter passion for horserac- for over $30 million in cash prizes. ing, and most of the active racing tracks are Get there before noon to avoid the rush, in the Berbice area. and remember: indoor parking is available From a dream that was born over 14 years for over 1,000 cars. ago to now hosting the biggest horseracing This event was made possible through tievent in the Caribbean, Nasrudeen “Junior” tle sponsor Banks DIH and supporting sponMohamed is dedicated to being the driving sors Guinness, XM Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, force behind this mega-event. With first- Hop House 13, Johnny Walker, Forrester’s hand experience as a trainer and event pro- Lumber Yard, S. Jagmohan, A&R Security, moter, especially since he was part of the Progressive Travel Agency, Kris Jagdeo evolution of The Guyana Cup, his father’s General Contracting, Anwar Trucking legacy was cast in stone and handed down, Service, Impressive Signs & Graphics, so all horse owners and stables could work Level Up Bar & Gaming, Auto Toy Store, together to present world class horseracing. Vals Construction, Dr. Poonai’s Pharmacy, As residents of the Berbice area, numer- Air Services, Fix-It Tyre Shop, Associated ous business owners have shown their sup- Construction Services, Anand Ramchan’s port for the races carded for August 14th. Auto Body, Kings Jewellery World, K&P Creating employment for over 500 and Project Management, Asif Auto Spares, generating income for all the concessions Yellow Mines, Avinash Contracting, JS present is paramount to the Jumbo Jet Guyana, Aronco, BM Soat, Club Neutraal, Thoroughbred Committee.

Japarts, AJM Enterprise & Jumbo Jet. Poonai Pharmacy, Impressive Signs and

B

is good to see him again in West Indies colours. He will fortify the batting group, and with his experience and adaptability we have a ‘finisher’ who can add value and win matches for the team and delight the supporters.”

Haynes added: “Everything we do, we have to take into consideration we have a big tournament coming up later this year, which is the ICC T20 World Cup; so, we are planning and gearing up towards that event. It is good to give the players some exposure to the international stage, and look to find the right combinations.”

Fans can book their mounds or seated tickets online and in advance at tickets.windiestickets.com or via www.windiescricket. com/tickets without having to travel or queue to print out at home or download to their device. Box offices are also open at the Brian Lara Academy, Trinidad, with box offices to open from the 29 July at Warner Park, St Kitts, and then from the 3 August in Lauderhill, Florida.

Fans can watch live on ESPN Caribbean, and listen to live radio commentary on the Windies Cricket YouTube channel. Fans in India will be able to see the series on FanCode, India’s premier digital sports destination for all fans.

FULL SQUAD: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Dominic

Drakes, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr. FULL MATCH SCHEDULE Goldmedal T20I Cup, powered by Kent Water Purifiers Play starts at 10:30am ( 9 : 3 0 a m Jamaica/8pm India) F r i d a y 29 July: 1st Goldmedal T20I at Brian Lara Cricket A c a d e m y , Trinidad Monday 1 August: 2nd Goldmedal T20I at

Warner Park, St Kitts Tuesday 2 August: 3rd Goldmedal T20I at Warner Park Saturday 6 August: 4th Goldmedal T20I at Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida Sunday 7 August: 5th Goldmedal T20I at Broward County Stadium New Zealand tour of West Indies Play starts at 2pm (3pm Eastern Caribbean) Wednesday 10 August: 1st T20I at Sabina Park, Jamaica Friday 12 August: 2nd T20I at Sabina Park Sunday 14 August: 3rd T20I at Sabina Park. (CWI)

Shimron Hetmyer is back in the team, after passing his fitness test

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2022

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

Team Guyana show up and show out for Commonwealth Games opener

A

magnificent display of history and culture was chronicled in the opening ceremony of the 22nd Commonwealth Games, during which Guyana’s 32-member contingent proudly showcased the Golden Arrowhead.

The opening ceremony was hosted in front of a massive crowd at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England.

Though the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, could not be at Thursday evening’s opening ceremony, her anticipated message was read by her son, Prince Charles.

"On October 7th last year, this specially created Baton left Buckingham Palace to travel across the Commonwealth.

"Over the past 294 days, it has carried not only my message to you, but also the shared hopes and dreams of each nation and territory through which it passed as it

made its way to Birmingham.

"Over the years, the coming together of so many for the ‘Friendly Games’ has created memorable shared experiences, established longstanding relationships, and even created some friendly rivalries!

"But above all, they remind us of our connection with one another, wherever we may be in the world, as part of the Commonwealth family of nations,” the Queen’s message said, as it went on to charge athletes to make the most of the games.

For the Parade of Nations, Guyana’s athletes, coaches and other officials donned black and white suits, decorated with the National colours. They also sported Golden Arrowhead face masks and the flag itself.

Guyana’s flag-bearers for the Opening Ceremony were 400M specialist Aaliyah Abrams and boxer Keevin Guyana’s contingent during the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games Allicock.

Page 22

John Campbell

Shermon Lewis

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.