Guyana Times - Friday July 2, 2021

45% of regional tourism jobs affected in COVID’s highest peak – ILO P13

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

Issue No. 4696

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

Guyana increased protection efforts for TIP victims – US report …says human traffickers exploit domestic, foreign victims Page 3

PPP/C Govt working in interest of all Guyanese – Teixeira tells US Congressmen

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GPL’s transformer explosion causes DBIS shutdown P15

Guyana’s law clearly states ganja planting is an offence – Commander P11

Page 7

…says APNU/AFC must recognise legitimacy of Govt before talks GPF's 182nd anniversary Page 2

Police urged to embrace change, technology; build safer communities Canada Day 2021 3 females, Canada is Guyana’s 1 male largest export new market – President COVID-19 fatalities lauds strong relations …additional Sinopharm vaccines to arrive by Saturday

Berbice woman strangled to P14 death

P14 COVID-19 vaccines effective for variants – PAHO Director …gap to access vaccines is "unacceptable"

CAL flights P16 cancelled due to tropical storm

Page 9

Page 10

Tax relief for P17 COVID-19 supplies extended to December 31

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPF’s 182nd anniversary

Police urged to embrace change, technology; build safer communities

Commander-in-Chief President Irfaan Ali joined members of the Police Force and others for the annual church service to kick off the organisation’s 182nd anniversary celebrations

T

he Guyana Police Force on Thursday kicked off its 182nd anniversary celebrations

with the traditional Church Service and Drum Head Service during which ranks were urged to embrace

changes and adapt in adversity in order to build safer communities for citizens.

The Drum Head Service

is a precursor to a series of activities to commemorate the establishment of the Police Force on July 1, 1839. The traditional piling of drums, which was done by the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) and the laying of the Golden Arrowhead and Police Force’s flags was held at the Police Officers’ Annex, Eve Leary, Georgetown, and was witnessed by Commander-inChief of the Armed Force, President Dr Irfaan Ali. Other attendees at Thursday’s annual Church Service were Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie, Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Godfrey Bess, and National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia as well as Regional Commanders and

Ranks of Tactical Services Unit piling the drums at Thursday’s church service

other senior and junior officers.

President Ali has had a special interest in equipping the Force with the necessary advanced tools and human resource training since entering office last August.

The President believes that a stronger Force would help to bolster the economic development that will revolutionise Guyana.

In fact, while outlining his vision for the Guyana Police Force at their annual Officer’s Conference held in March, the Commanderin-Chief had coined the term “Smart policing”S.M.A.R.T: Systems, Manpower, Attitude, Reliability and Technology.

He has repeated at numerous forums that technology is an important component in the overall process of repositioning, restructuring, rebranding, reorganising, retooling and repairing the Force’s image and service delivery.

During the feature address at the handing-over ceremony of a Computer Training Centre at Cove and John Police Station on the East Coast of Demerara last week, the President had again explained the importance of technology and people-centred policing.

At that event, the President announced that work was already underway to expand the Smart City programme, which will see greater technological use, including surveillance cameras to aid crime-fighting and intelligence gathering.

“That is why easy access to technology and the training component that comes with it is such an important part of un-learning and re-learning to meet the future requirement demand.

Part of leading is to create an efficient environment, one in which people have belief in the systems and one in which the system itself is efficient, not where files are misplaced and lost. One in which there is traceability so that there is greater accountability.

That is what technology

helps us to do–that is the direction we’re heading in,” the Head of State had said last week.

Similar sentiments were expressed by the officiating celebrant of Thursday’s church service, Dr Raphael Massiah, who in his feature message congratulated the Force on its 182nd anniversary and thanked the leaders for their contributions and accomplishments achieved thus far. He charged the members of the GPF to embrace “change”, “technologies” and adapt in adversity in an effort to build safer communities for its populace.

In order to demonstrate inclusiveness as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious organisation, prayers were also done by Hindu and Muslim leaders.

Thursday’s activity showed the Police in their glory. Since the Drum Head Service is a tactical method, arranging the drums requires skills, poise, neatness and coordination.

Chairman of the proceedings, Deputy Commissioner “Administration” (ag), Calvin Brutus explained that the piling of the drums can be placed to a long-standing military tradition of dedication used for receiving divine blessings and protection prior to engaging in battle. Such practice, he added, emerged due to situations in shifting battlefields and the inability to access religious sanctuary. A convenient location is therefore identified in the field, and the drums are arranged to perform the sacred function.

Being a paramilitary organisation, the GPF adopted this tradition among many others in existence.

While the exercise is customarily all-female or allmale units, this year presented a mixed unit.

Thursday’s service was wrapped up with the un-piling of the drums.

Then called the British Guiana Police Force was established with 245 ranks. Today, the Guyana Police Force has several thousand members at posts all over the country.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, July 2 – 10:00h-11:30h and Saturday, July 3 – 00:30h-02:00h and 11:30h-13:00h.

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Guyana increased protection efforts for TIP victims – US report …says human traffickers exploit domestic, foreign victims

T

he Guyana Government’s continued serious and sustained efforts to tackle human trafficking during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the country retaining its Tier 1 status in the United States Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report 2021.

In the report, which was released on Thursday, Guyana was lauded for increasing investigations into human trafficking, identifying and assisting more victims, creating the first anti-trafficking hotline in Spanish, opening an additional shelter, and creating standard operating procedures for victim identification.

According to the report, the Government increased its protection efforts during the reporting period of 2020.

It was noted that in 2020, the Government identified 199 victims and another five were found by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). Of these 204 victims, some 127 were sex trafficking victims and 77 were labour trafficking victims. They included 127 Venezuelans, 27 Haitians, 24 Dominicans, 22 Guyanese, three Jamaicans, and one Cuban. There were 151 females and 53 males, and ten of them were children.

The discovery of these trafficking victims was a significant increase from 102 victims identified by the Government and three additional victims identified by an international organisation in 2019.

Exploiting domestic and foreign victims Guyana’s trafficking profile in the report shows that over the last five years, human traffickers have been exploiting both domestic and foreign victims in Guyana.

“Traffickers exploit victims in labour trafficking in mining, agriculture, forestry, domestic service, and in shops. The Government reported 78 per cent of human trafficking perpetrators in 2020 were men, predominantly Guyanese; 14 per cent of traffickers were from Venezuela, while less than three per cent were Dominican and Haitian. NGOs reported that traffickers are often middle-aged men who own or operate nightclubs.

Some traffickers are also family members of the victims,” the report detailed.

It went on to outline that migrants, young people from rural and Indigenous communities, and those without education are the most vulnerable to human trafficking.

Women and children from Guyana, Brazil, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Suriname, and Venezuela become sex trafficking victims in mining communities in the interior and urban areas.

While both sex trafficking and labour trafficking occur in remote interior mining communities, limited Government presence in the country’s interior renders the full extent of trafficking there unknown. Additionally, the report stated that some Cuban

nationals working in Guyana may have been forced to work by the Cuban Government.

On the other hand, it was reported that traffickers exploit Guyanese nationals in sex and labour trafficking in Suriname, Uruguay, Jamaica, and other Caribbean countries.

Nevertheless, the US TIP Report recognised that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Counter Trafficking (C-TIP) Unit identified as well as provided social welfare and assistance to victims. However, it was noted that while authorities developed standard operating procedures for victim identification, this is yet to be implemented pending an additional Government review.

Care and assistance During the reporting period, the Government referred 100 victims to shelter or protective services, compared with 99 victims in 2019. Guyana was also lauded for opening a new shelter for trafficking victims in a rural district, bringing the total number of Governmentoperated shelters offering specialised care, including food, training, translation, legal services, medical services, and psychological therapy, for trafficking victims to five.

In addition to financially

supporting two NGO shelters that house adult female trafficking victims, the Guyana Government also provided $4.52 million in direct financial assistance to victims who chose not to stay in a shelter. A total of 226 victims benefited from some form of assistance during the reporting period.

Additionally, it was noted that both foreign and Guyanese victims received the same access to care and assistance. However, the report flagged the inadequate presence of trafficking shelters for male or child trafficking victims and few employed trauma-trained staff. It pointed out too that victim assistance remained a serious concern in areas outside the capital and for Venezuelan, child, and male victims. In some instances, officials did not screen for trafficking indicators among vulnerable populations, including Venezuelans, those working in the mining sector, and Cuban medical professionals working in the country.

Prosecution When it comes to prosecution, while the Government meets the minimum standards, the report highlighted that not many traffickers were prosecuted. In

2020, authorities reported 31 new investigations – 23 for sex trafficking and eight for labour trafficking. This is compared to 27 in 2019 and 30 in 2018.

One of these was a labour trafficking investigation from the previous reporting period.

There was only one new prosecution for sex trafficking in 2020, compared with three prosecutions in 2019 and 11 in 2018. The prosecution was for one case of solicitation of trafficking victims. Further, one trafficker was convicted during the reporting period – the same as the two previous years.

In February 2021, a nonGuyanese was convicted of trafficking a Venezuelan woman for sex, following charges brought in June 2020. He received four years’ imprisonment and payment of $1 million in restitution to the survivor.

“Limited human and financial resources, in part due to the pandemic, hindered the Government’s ability to identify and investigate trafficking cases in the country’s remote regions…

The Government reported deficiencies in Police trafficking investigative skills and that victims were often unwilling to testify against traffickers out of fear or due to financial incentives; the Act required witness testimony of victims in order to prosecute. The Government reported both of these factors contributed to the low prosecution rate,” the report details.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

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

To serve and protect: weeding out rogue ranks

A

video gone viral shows absolute brutality meted out to a member of the public by a Police rank, with callous disregard of the feelings of his relatives who were present at the police station.

While this newspaper does not condone driving under the influence, the man was not seen resisting arrest but rather his aberrant action was pulling off the hoodie that was halfcovering the arresting rank’s face.

Many citizens no longer, in general, trust the members of Guyana’ security services, given the fact that many of them in the past have been caught in the act of committing crimes, even armed robbery and murder. One such case was reported in the media some time ago and it was indicated: “The coast guards accused of killing Bartica gold miner Dweive Kant Ramdass were found guilty by the jury and subsequently sentenced to death by Justice Franklyn Holder at the High Court in Suddie, Essequibo.”

Another article headlined “Cop arrested over bribe after sting operation” was published in a local print publication.

This aberration is seemingly very prevalent in society, especially in hinterland regions and rural areas.

The security services in Guyana were in the past deprofessionalised to aid the oppressive regime of a former dictatorial administration of Forbes Burnham in subjugating the citizens of the land, especially those perceived as ‘dissidents’ .

Subsequent to the PPP/C’s victory at the polls in October of 1992, newly-elected Executive President Dr Cheddi Jagan attempted to once more professionalise the service sectors – security, public sector, et al. However, by then corruption had become endemic to the national psyche and had infused every aspect of national life, to the extent that every transaction, no matter how small, was an exercise in futility unless a bribe was paid.

But with fortitude and determination, the Governments over the years have made inroads – mainly through forging partnerships with main players and key stakeholders, such as the Private Sector and impartial NGOs; and also by reconstruction of the Constitution and establishing relevant commissions, to eradicate dishonest and unpatriotic actions;, although Government has initiated many educational, wealth-creational and empowerment programmes to enable enhanced lifestyles of employees within the various sectors.

A letter writer posited: “Police living above their means is cause for dishonest practices, in spite of the fact that they have been getting constant increases in wages and benefits, including tax-free pay for lower ranks and annual bonuses, among others.”

Law-abiding and hard-working citizens feel great anger at being targeted by criminals and, in many instances, receiving little protection from the Police Force.

There is great dissatisfaction with the modus operandi of the Police in every division.

The general impediment to citizens providing information to Police is trust issues the public at large have with the Police Force.

A while ago, a Police Commissioner was taped allegedly having a conversation with a senior member of a political party in which the Commissioner implicated himself in serious criminal activities, including planting drugs on an innocent person and murder. Recent arrests of retired senior members of the Force are indicative of how widespread the corruption in the GPF is.

The Police will have to weed out the rogues within their ranks themselves so as to re-generate trust in the public once more.

Most Police ranks are serving with diligence and commitment to “serve and protect”, and it is up to them to weed out the rotten apples because the taint and mistrust are spreading to encapsulate the entire Force. Many Policemen have worked beyond the call of duty to “protect and serve”, and it is unjust and demotivating to label them with the actions of the rogues; so it is incumbent upon them to eliminate this scourge from their sector.

The piling of drums being done by ranks of the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) and the laying of the Golden Arrowhead and Police Force’s flags were held at the Police Officers’ Annex, Eve Leary, Georgetown to kick off the 182nd anniversary of the Guyana Police Forces.

The event was witnessed by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force, President Dr Irfaan Ali, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Top Cop Nigel Hoppie among other senior security personnel (Office of the President photo)

Everyone must benefit equally from investments in infrastructure

Dear Editor, After the flood water receded from the affected area, people will be focusing on the various types of infrastructure that remains.

Most importantly, transport infrastructure which helps us access food, jobs, healthcare and other services.

Water infrastructure which helps us access safe drinking water and provides nourishment for crops. Housing infrastructure which provides protection, shelter and a stable place to call home.

This infrastructure is the foundation for development – it’s key to providing human dignity and improving well-being.

However, after this disastrous flood waters we experience in 2021, our PPP/C Government must examine an all-inclusive infrastructure - an infrastructure that takes into account the needs of every Guyanese citizen, including marginalised and vulnerable groups of people, one can imagine what happens when infrastructure doesn’t take the needs of everyone into account?

What happens when the infrastructure that is vital for daily life is accessible and affordable for some but not others?

People can be restricted from infrastructure intended to make their lives easier.

Infrastructure must be inclusive – when we plan it, when we design it, when we deliver it and when we manage the services that it provides. We must ensure that infrastructure is responsive

to users’ needs. If we fail to do so, the services carrying out a need’s assessment at the beginning of a project provides a deeper understanding of the people who will be using the infrastructure, including the specific requirements and needs of identified vulnerable groups. This can help inform the design of infrastructure so that it caters to diverse needs.

Once a needs assessment is completed it should be followed by the creation and implementation of an action plan that tackles the identified constraints and opportunities.

Taking steps such as these helps address the needs of the most vulnerable to unlock opportunities for marginalised and excluded populations. This inclusive infrastructure acts as a catalyst to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality and grow economies – helping everyone benefit equally from investments in infrastructure.

When provisions become inaccessible to marginalised and vulnerable groups – including women, the elderly, the physically challenged and the economically disadvantaged, to name a few – it causes them to miss out on developmental opportunities.

Take transportation infrastructure.

Roads in many rural communities are mainly designed to reduce traffic congestion and geared towards the needs of car and truck users (who often have

higher incomes). In many of the communities, people who can’t afford cars choose to walk or cycle, but often there are non-existent or inadequate sidewalks or cycle lanes. Roads designed with these needs in mind would help them safely access jobs, schools and health services.

The public transportation systems are mainly designed to provide a lower cost means of getting around. But access to these services for the elderly or those with physical challenges may be limited for people in wheelchairs or people with other mobility issues. Public transportation infrastructure that takes that need into account would enable the elderly to access critical health services more easily and ensure people with physical challenged are able to access education and economic opportunities.

Gender-blind public transportation can hamper the safety and security of women, exposing them to sexual, verbal or physical harassment. For example, if bus and car parks, bus stopping areas are not well lit or do not provide adequate safety and security measures, they can leave women vulnerable to attackers while waiting for their ride.

Women who try to avoid this harassment may stop using the very infrastructure meant to give them access to education and job opportunities, potentially limiting their economic growth.

The above examples could just as easily apply

to other types of infrastructure, including water infrastructure and sanitation facilities, schools and hospitals, just to name a few.

Practical actions must be embedded into the planning, delivery, and operation and maintenance of infrastructure projects so that they are inclusive and address the needs of all users.

Simply engaging with a wide and representative group of stakeholders at each phase of an infrastructure project is one of the most fundamental actions we can take.

This engagement provides information to interested actors, helps us understand their expectations from the project, involves them in the decision-making processes, and enables us to receive feedback on the results of a project.

The Government of Guyana seeks to develop Guyana’s infrastructure to meet the increasing demands of the oil and gas sectors, and transport demands of all our citizens.

Roads require restoration and expansion to address the needs of the large vehicles from the oil and gas sector and inbound freight to its ports.

Financing of these projects is likely to be done through Public Private Partnerships. The current PPP/C Administration has already signalled its intent to pursue heavy infrastructure projects after the floodwaters recede.

Sincerely, David Adams

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

US$6M World Bank financing sign of renewed confidence from partners – Ashni Singh

F

inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has said the approval of additional financing from the World Bank to aid Guyana’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign is a sign that the country has regained the confidence of its development partners.

That confidence, the Minister said, had plunged owing to a number of circumstances, principally the assault on democracy by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government during the five-month saga following the 2020 elections.

“A number of international donor agencies had effectively disengaged with Guyana…Since President Ali’s Government assumed

office on the 2nd of August 2020, we have been working on resuming Guyana’s engagement with the various international partners who obviously welcomed the return of Guyana to the fold of democratic nations,” Dr Singh is quoted by the Department of Public Information (DPI) as saying.

Dr Singh said Guyana has engaged all of its development partners with a view to mobilise development resources. He revealed that the Government has been in discussions with the World Bank on how it can support Guyana’s response to the pandemic.

The World Bank announced on Wednesday that it has approved the financing to the tune of US$6

million to the country.

A World Bank release states that the additional financing comes under the Guyana COVID-19 Emergency Response Project to support affordable and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and ensure effective vaccine deployment in Guyana. The Bank said the funding was also purposed to support general preparedness, resilience, and overall health system strengthening.

It noted that the original project was approved in November 2020 to support Guyana’s pandemic response and strengthen the country’s health system.

According to the Bank, US$5 million is an interest-free loan from the International Development Association (IDA) – a member of the World Bank Group, while an additional US$1 million is a grant from the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

World Bank Resident Representative for Jamaica and Guyana, Ozan Sevimli said “an efficient and equitable rollout of COVID-19 vaccines will be critical to

Guyana increased protection...

FROM PAGE 3

However, it was noted that the Government funded training for 144 Police, investigators, probation officers, and prosecutors on trafficking, traumainformed investigations, and prosecution.

Consequently, the recommendations in the US TIP Report 2021 include increased prosecutions and convictions in sex and labour trafficking cases under the 2005 TIP Act; investigation of trafficking cases in remote regions; funding of specialised victim services, particularly for child, adult male, and Venezuelan victims in their native language; reduced delays in court proceedings and pretrial detention of suspects; monitoring of the working conditions of Cuban medical workers; and

development of standard trauma-informed victim identification and referral procedures and training of law enforcement officials and front-line responders in their use, among others.

This TIP report comes on the heels of the Government of Guyana last week revoking visa-free travel for Haitian nationals after it was discovered that more than 38,000 Haitians who arrived here since 2015 cannot be accounted for.

It is believed that Guyana was being used as a conduit due to its easy access by traffickers to illegally move Haitians and other foreign nationals to neighbouring countries including Suriname or Brazil.

Only Wednesday, the Region 10 Commander

disclosed that 71 foreign nationals, 60 of whom were Haitians, were found in the jungle at the Kurupukari crossing after being abandoned in the forest and left starving for at least a week. (G8)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

save lives and restore economic activities in Guyana.

The World Bank is closely coordinating with development partners and Government of Guyana counterparts to support the vaccination campaign, and long-term improvements to the country’s health-care system.”

Guyana has been working assiduously to vaccinate its adult population.

The Health Ministry said on Wednesday that 233,134 persons have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, with 108,752 being fully vaccinated. The Health Ministry reiterated

Finance Singh

Minister,

Dr

Ashni

that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and urged persons to get vaccinated.

Dr Singh told the DPI that the recent flooding disaster has complicated the Government’s vaccination campaign, but that it hoped for a reinvigoration of that campaign, as floodwaters were receding in some of the more devastated regions.

The Minister also noted “unfortunate” statements from Opposition politicians which have resulted in vaccine hesitancy.

Notably, the World Bank stressed the need for vaccine awareness communication in Guyana, as it announced the US$6 million financing.

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FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

Thursday’s answers

By Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey (Written by Martial)

My friend, the things that do attain The happy life be these, I find: The riches left, not got with pain, The fruitful ground; the quiet mind; The equal friend; no grudge, no strife; No charge of rule nor governance; Without disease the healthy life; The household of continuance;

Select an animal that fascinates you and find out about its habitat, life cycle, behavior, social structure — and its home. Is it a cave, hive, nest, burrow, or tree hollow?

Take the point of view of the animal and write a onepage descriptive essay using specific details and rich language to describe your home and why it’s perfect for you.

Include a drawing if you wish.

Suggestions

The mean diet, no dainty fare; True wisdom joined with simpleness; The night discharged of all care, Where wine the wit may not oppress; The faithful wife, without debate; Such sleeps as may beguile the night: Content thyself with thine estate, Neither wish death, nor fear his might.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PPP/C Govt working in interest of all Guyanese – Teixeira tells US Congressmen …says APNU/AFC must recognise legitimacy of Govt before talks

O

ver the last few days, United States Congressmen Albio Sires and Hank Johnson have called on the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government to ensure that all Guyanese benefit from the nation’s wealth and for the advancement of inclusive governance.

In response, Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is working in the interest of all Guyanese and that the calls of the US Congressmen is in keeping with the Party’s plans outlined in its manifesto.

“I want to say on behalf of the Government that we have been saying this all the time.

In fact, the manifesto of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic during the election campaign and in the programmes we brought out since is focusing on making sure that Guyanese benefit not only from the oil money, but from the development of our nation, the modernisation and expansion of our economic base and so all our programs show that.

“In fact, if one looks at since we've come into government in terms of COVID relief to every household across Guyana, in relation to increasing the cash care program for every child registered in school, the increase in the school uniforms for children across Guyana including the COVID relief

Georgia’s 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson

to the Amerindian villages of $1.5 billion, that we have been moving to ensure that all Guyanese are benefiting from the wealth of our country prior to oil during oil and after oil,” the Minister said in a video statement.

Congressman Johnson, representing Georgia’s 4th District, released a statement on Wednesday saying that he has been following the issue of flooding across the country.

“Guyana has experienced substantial economic growth in recent years, but the COVID-19 pandemic and this national emergency threaten to erode some of those gains.

It is important that every person affected by this disaster is able to receive the support they need to rebuild their lives in the shortest possible time.

Guyana’s wealth is for all the

people of Guyana, irrespective of their ethnicity,” the brief statement read.

Teixeira reiterated that the Government has been doing everything in its power to ensure that every Guyanese benefit from the wealth. She explained that when the PPP/C Government took office just about 10 months ago, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the country was “woefully” underprepared for the pandemic owing to the nonchalant attitude of the APNU/AFC – the same party now crying foul. She said that the then Government, led

by David Granger, failed to secure basic supplies to treat COVID-19 infected persons and within months the PPP/C had reversed that.

In relation to the flooding, the APNU/AFC has been accusing the PPP/C of discrimination in the distribution of the flood relief supplies.

“We are not here to discriminate against anybody.

But we're here to represent people who need and so the point their Opposition has carried is that some people aren't getting flood relief that they should be getting.”

She added that the assessment was done by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) along with UN organisations and civil society, who are “going region by region to assess the state of the damage and people in need.”

“We've given out 1000s and

what ethnic group they belong to, what gender they are, and what part of Guyana they from and what race,” she said.

Inclusive democracy

US Congressional SubCommittee on the Western Hemisphere Chairman Albio Sires

1000s of hampers, hygiene kits and cleaning materials and so, no one has been left behind.

Persons who may not have gotten those who were not flooded.

So it is not a situation where everyone could get but there are people who suffered tremendously, and they are not only now in certain areas after a month that water is going down, after livestock and people's homes were damaged. We are pleased that our friends in United States are monitoring Guyana and watching out for our interest and we wish to assure them that we will continue as a democratically elected Government, to stand by our Constitution and the protection of rights, the rights of all Guyanese regardless of who they voted for and for

The APNU/AFC has also been complaining about the lack of dialogue with the Government on key areas of interest while labelling the Ali-led Administration as “installed”. The Government has since maintained that it will engage the Opposition only when it recognises its legitimacy.

“I urge the current Government and leaders of the Opposition in the National Assembly to work together towards further strengthening Guyana’s democracy and building a more inclusive nation,” Congressman Johnson urged in his statement.

Similarly, Sires – who is the Chairman of the US Congressional Sub-Committee on the Western Hemisphere – urged the Government to ensure all Guyanese benefit from oil wealth and for the advancement of inclusive governance.

Governance Minister Teixeira reminded that Article 13 of the Constitution talks about parliamentary democracy and participatory democracy, adding that her Government believes in that.

However, she said that in order for the Opposition to get a seat at the table they must first recognise the legitimacy of the PPP/C Government.

Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

“We have no issue with the calls by the two gentlemen in relation to all Guyanese benefiting. We are committed to the sustainable development goals, we're committed to Article 13 of our Constitution, we're committed to constitutional rule of law and participatory democracy. But it cannot be the rule of those who refuse to accept democracy and those who do not accept the will of the people of our country who elected the People's Progressive Party/Civic.

“We won't be bullied, we were bullied for over five years and therefore, we look forward to the APNU/AFC taking a mature political position of recognising the PPP/C as the legitimate Government of our country and then the opportunities for dialogue and a number of issues become opened.

So, we wish to assure friends in the United States that we are committed,” she said.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Appeal Court reduces killer’s prison sentence

Dead: Imran Bacchus

Dead: Shaheed Bacchus

he Guyana Court of Appeal on Thursday reduced the prison sentences of a convicted killer.

Back in 2017, Abdul Budhoo was found guilty by a 12-member jury of killing his cousins Shaheed and Imran Bacchus. On September 30, 2012, at Industrial Area, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), there was an argument between Budhoo

and his cousin Shaheed over a debt. Shaheed’s brother Imran intervened during which Budhoo stabbed them.

Budhoo was sentenced to 62 years in prison for the murder of Shaheed. Though indicted for the murder of Imran, Budhoo was found guilty by a jury by a margin of 11 to one of the lesser count of manslaughter and sentenced to 32 years in jail.

The trial Judge had ordered that the sentences be

T

served concurrently. Budhoo subsequently appealed his convictions, which he argued were unsafe because the Judge did not sufficiently direct the jury on key aspects of the law.

As for his sentences, he argued they were excessive and not in keeping with established sentencing guidelines.

After much deliberation on the case, the Appeal Court, led by acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, dismissed the convict’s arguments that his convictions were unsafe. In doing so, the Court affirmed both convictions.

However, his sentence on each charge was reviewed.

On the murder charge, the 62-year prison sentence imposed by the trial Judge was set aside. A sentence of 25 years and seven months was instead imposed by the Appeal Court. Budhoo’s 32-year jail term for manslaughter was also set aside.

Surveying…

W Convicted killer: Abdul Budhoo

The Court of Appeal imposed a sentence of 20 years and seven months. The sentences were determined after the appellate court credited the convict for the time he spent in pre-trial custody.

The Court of Appeal also ordered that the sentences run concurrently. Budhoo was represented by Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway, while State Counsel Teshana Lake appeared for the State. (G1)

…the flood damage e’re informed by our meteorological mavens that the rains will continue through this month and into August. But in the meantime we just received a briefing from the “Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency” (CDEMA) which –- in collaboration with Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission (CDC) – had conducted an on-the-ground survey of the “damage” wrought on our long-suffering country from the floods. All of this while we’re dealing with the PNCinspired threats and the COVID-19 pandemic!

This is enough to make your Eyewitness wonder whether we’re being tested by the Big Fella up in the SKY. As if we didn’t pay for whatever sins we might’ve committed as a people through the 28 years of suffering and misery we endured under Burnham and his PNC dictatorship. And this suffering – let’s not forget – fell on all and sundry, regardless of political affiliation. Excepting, of course, the “big ones” around the Kabaka.

But back to the flood damage report from the Caribbean experts. What was released wasn’t very helpful - - basically just a bunch of generalities. Farms and livestock were damaged and cost of farm products have risen. “Water and sanitation issues”. Lives have been disrupted and it is suggested that there be some relocation of some households and farms – presumably to higher ground. The CDC, in the meantime, offered that since May 18 over 51,000 households in more than 300 communities across all 10 administrative regions of the country have been affected by the floods. With our average household around four persons, we’re talking about 204,000 persons inundated by the floods – more than one-quarter of our entire population!!

This is a tragedy of immense proportions and we need more than platitudes. What we need is a plan – with short, medium and longer term timelines. We can work backwards from the long-term move to create a city up the Linden Highway as suggested by President Ali. Medium term, some of our farmers should be facilitated to mega-farming the intermediate savannahs with crops like soya and sweet corn. This idea has been floated for decades, but the weak link has always been the lack of real farmers - folks who’re used to getting mud squelching between their toes. We now have them from the flooded coast.

Then, of course, there’s the immediate tragedy of the 51,000 households that isn’t going to disappear with the continuing deluge. We’ve got to get away from the more or less symbolic hamper-handouts and institute an income-transfer scheme to the affected households where they can take care of their own needs. This will also pump money into the economy in a virtuous cycle.

Finally, compensate the families for their losses and institute crop insurance.

…the rape of Guyana Some might’ve thought that your Eyewitness was a tad too cynical when he suggested with the PNC, “if it’s another day, it’s another scam”! They were back in office after their 28-year rigged rule for another five years between 2015 and 2020. But the revelations of their kleptomania during this short time are coming so fast and furious, your Eyewitness might have to carry a “PNC scam du jour” section going forward!

Consider what showed up in his newsfeed this morning. That a rusting hulk of a Skyvan – a propellerdriven bulk plane not manufactured for almost half-acentury – just showed up at a city wharf. With no one having the foggiest notion of who ordered it. But it’s suspected that it’s the tail end of a PNC scam that played out back in 2018. Two other Skyvan hulks had been bought for the princely sum of $484.2 million – over the protests of the PPP! Is the hulk at the wharf for cannibalising for parts? …karma operating It’s said that “payback’s a bitch!” During their last five years at the helm, the PNC rushed through a draconian “Cybercrime bill” intended to gag criticism.

They’re now squealing that one PNC ex-Minister was just charged under it!!

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 females, 1 male new COVID-19 fatalities

…additional Sinopharm vaccines to arrive by Saturday

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 1 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

87

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

100

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1460

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

14

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

10,308

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

9834

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

20,142

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

18,109

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

233,756

FULLY IMMUNISED

110,710

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

473

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1208

REGION 2

561

REGION 3

2286

REGION 4

9229

REGION 5

668

REGION 6

1542

REGION 7

1264

REGION 8

379

REGION 9

1510

REGION 10

1408

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

G

uyana has now reported 473 deaths as a result of the novel coronavirus – four of which were announced on Thursday.

This means for the month of June, fatalities numbered 72. The deadliest month was May 2021, with 99 deaths.

Those who succumbed are a 91-year-old woman from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) who died on June 30, and a 71-year-old woman, a 34-year-old woman, and a 54-year-old man – all of whom were from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and died on June 29.

They were admitted with COVID-19-like symptoms and died while receiving care at medical institutions.

Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive tests.

As the third wave continues to rise, 87 new cases were reported within one day.

Some 20,142 persons have

been infected locally – 9834 males and 10,308 females.

There are 14 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 100 in institutional isolation, 1460 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine. Of the confirmed cases, 18,109 persons have recovered. Guyana has since tested 189,878 persons.

A regional breakdown of the new cases showed five in Region One (BarimaWaini), 22 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 40 in Region Four, five in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and two in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Cases in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remain constant.

Guyana had purchased 100,000 doses of the Chinesemanufactured Sinopharm

shot, which will be used to immunise 50,000 people. A majority of this consignment, amounting to 88,000 doses, arrived on Wednesday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony shared that the remaining 12,000 are slated to arrive by Saturday.

“That 100,000 vaccines would help to fully immunise 50,000 people. As of yesterday, we have received a majority of it. We have received 88,000 and so by Saturday, we will get the rest. Within the country, we will now have these 100,000 doses. We’re still a far way from herd immunity, because for us to get to herd immunity, we are projecting that we need to be approximately 80 to 85 per cent of the adult population be fully immunised,” he stated.

Sinopharm vaccines, which have an efficacy of about 79 per cent, have already been used in Guyana’s vaccination campaign after

20,000 doses were donated by the Chinese Government earlier this year.

“We have started the distribution of those that we received so we’re sending them out to the region. And one of the advantages with this particular vaccine is that it does not require the ultra-cold storage. These are vaccines that can be stored from 2 to 8 so we’re very happy with that, because it allows us to

move them to very remote places as well,” Dr Anthony said.

With 22 per cent of the adult population fully immunised, the Minister cautioned that Guyana was still distant from achieving herd immunity, so persons needed to take their vaccines.

The Minister expressed, “The vaccines that we have could certainly help us to get there, but we need peo-

ple to come forward and take the vaccines. I’m very hopeful that more and more people would understand the importance of getting vaccinated, because without vaccination, you’re putting your family and yourself at risk.”

In Guyana, 233,756 persons have taken their first doses, of which 110,710 have returned for their second shot and are now fully immunised.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Canada Day 2021

Canada is Guyana’s largest export market – President lauds strong relations

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali has extended best wishes for continued prosperity and well-being to the Government and people of Canada on the 154th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada.

In a brief video message, President Ali on Thursday highlighted that Guyana and Canada have shared a long and fruitful relationship.

“Canada is Guyana’s largest export market, a source of significant investment and home to thousands of Guyanese citizens.

Common membership of the Commonwealth of Nations has enhanced cooperation and deepened the shared values of democracy and respect for human rights, the rule of law, and each other’s territorial integrity and sovereign-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

ty,” the Guyanese Head of State said.

Canada Day celebrates an important national milestone on the way to the country's full independence. On July 1, 1867, the nation was officially born when the Constitution

Act joined three provinces into one country: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province, which then split into Ontario and Quebec. However, Canada was not completely independent of England until 1982.

Guyana and Canada established diplomatic ties in March 1964. The strong bilateral relations between the two countries resulted from political ties through the Commonwealth, commercial links, development assistance and immigration.

Guyana and Canada also share extensive people-to-people ties with the Guyanese Diaspora in the North American country estimated to be over 200,000.

Currently, Canada accounts for over 20 per cent of Guyana’s exports.

Additionally, Guyana benefits from bilateral funding through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives; and Canada’s Caribbean Regional Development programme, which also supports Caribbean collaboration and integration efforts.

Canada-Guyana business relations encompass a plethora of trade initiatives which include but are not limited to agriculture; oil & gas; mining, promoting Canadian expertise at world-class mining events, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Only in December, the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce was launched to promote and facilitate investment and trade between Guyana and Canada and other countries.

Meanwhile, Canada also played an integral role during last year’s tumultuous electoral process to ensure Guyana’s democracy was not undermined.

At the February accreditation of Canada’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mark Berman, he spoke of Canada’s intentions to deepen ties with Guyana and for further assistance with COVID-19, which he noted Guyana has made strides in

addressing.

Berman also referred to the recent launch of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce and pledged that he would play his part in advocating for Canadians to invest locally. Additionally, the diplomat said that support from Canada would continue in other, non-economic areas.

“You can continue to count on the High Commissioner to support Guyana in the development priorities, working in areas such as Private Sector development, strengthening the Judiciary, promoting gender equality, supporting Indigenous peoples and other areas as you continue your rapid economic growth,” the Canadian diplomat had stated.

President Ali, on the other hand, had noted that with Guyana on the cusp of major economic transformation, new opportunities for mutually-beneficial partnerships were arising, which is exemplified by the establishment of the Canada-Guyana Chambers of Commerce.

“This reciprocal initiative paves the way for greater trade ties between our States as is evident with the presence of major Canadian companies operating in Guyana.

Guyanese-owned businesses are partnering with Canadian companies. I welcome your own commitment to facilitate the contributions of Guyanese Canadians to Guyana’s development,” the President had stated.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s law clearly states ganja planting is an offence – Commander

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raise has been given to Police ranks of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) division by their Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter, for the drug interception and eradication exercises that have been ongoing in the region.

Raids on numerous ganja fields between Kwakwani and Mackenzie have been conducted from the beginning of 2021 to present, with millions worth of the illicit

the year 2021 to date” were found and (some) destroyed through information the division had received.

He assured that his team has been working around the clock to ensure the safety of the region with continuous eradication exercises.

With regard to questions asked by members of the public who were tuned in to the programme, the Commander lamented the fact that the GPF could only abide by the laws that are

A drug eradication exercise in Region 10

drug destroyed.

On Tuesday, Commander Winter during a weekly Guyana Police Force (GPF) programme “Police and You” revealed, “… around 69,000 cannabis plants and 6500-odd dried cannabis for

already in place, and that the anti-narcotic drug laws of Guyana deem cannabis to be one of the illicit drugs, hence it is illegal to carry out cultivation of these plants.

Chapter 35:11 part

two 8 (1) of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act states, “any person who cultivates any prohibited plants or being the owner, occupier or concerned in the management of any land or other premises to be used for purpose of the cultivation, gathering or production of any prohibited plant, shall be liable- on summary conviction…no less than $15,000 nor more than $30,000, with imprisonment…on conviction…a fine of no less than $30,000 or three times market value, along with imprisonment for not less than five years nor more than ten years.”

On June 25, there were peaceful protests by the Rastafarian council in front of the office of Guyana’s Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall over the Marijuana Bill. The AG has since informed the group of the necessary procedures that are being taken in an attempt to amend the laws that are currently in place (since 1988), in urging the group to be patient. He assured the group that an opportunity to meet with

Region 10 Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter

the Parliamentary Select Committee would be granted whereby they would be able to voice their concerns with regard to the marijuana plant that is said to be used for religious purposes by the Rastafarian community. He also advised the group that until that amendment has been passed, the laws remained the same.

Woman fined for threatening husband’s classmate

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woman was fined $15,000 with a default sentence of three weeks’ imprisonment after she was found guilty by Magistrate Annette Singh of using threatening language towards her husband’s classmate.

Emily Emon had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on December 6, 2019, at Georgetown, she made use of threatening language towards Charmaine De Mendonca.

Reports are that Emon visited the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) base at Camp Ayanganna where her husband worked on December 6, 2019, and accused De Mendonca of having a relationship with him. It was reported that De Mendonca, 44, and Emon’s husband are classmates at the University of Guyana.

A heated argument ensued between the women during which Emon threatened De Mendonca and hurled a series of expletives at her. It is alleged that Emon also dealt her

Guilty: Emily Emon

several punches and kicks during the process. It is further alleged that she threw De Mendonca to the ground causing her to sustain injuries.

As a result of the injuries sustained, De Mendonca was forced to seek medical attention.

The matter was later reported, and Emon was arrested and charged. She was also charged with wounding the woman.

The wounding case is still ongoing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Haresh Singh’s murder

Lawyer claims murder accused Gladston Henry has alibi …Police seek alibi witnesses after video evidence contradicts assertion

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ttorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes has written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, asking her to review the Police’s file on the murder of 17-year-old Haresh Singh, who was found dead last September in the backlands at West Coast Berbice (WCB).

Gladston Henry, the brother of 16-year-old Isaiah Henry and cousin of 19-year-old Joel Henry - the two cousins brutally murdered at Berbice - is among four men charged with Singh’s murder.

He was charged based on an alleged confession statement given to the Police by Phillip Anderson, a family friend of the Henry family, who has also been charged.

The Police said the DPP advised that Gladston Henry, 27, called “Gladwin Henry” and “Soldier man” of Number Three Village, WCB; Charles Scott, 21, called “Bucko” of Jarvis Street Rosignol, Berbice; 29-year-old Philip Anderson called “Ratman” of Number Three Village, WCB; and 27-year-old Joel Gittins called “Bolo” of Jangotown, East Coast Demerara, be charged with Singh’s murder.

During a press conference on Thursday at his Cross Street, Werk-en-Rust office, Hughes claimed that the evidence against Gladston is so tenuous that it warrants the charge being dropped. In fact, he revealed that his client has an alibi and claimed that investigating ranks have been ignoring this fact.

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes

Gladston Henry’s family members – 10 in total – including his mother Patricia Henry, have come forward claiming that he was at his family home at Number Three Village, WCB, at the time Singh was murdered. The family members have provided Hughes with statements in this regard.

These statements, according to Hughes, have been handed over to the Police.

“I emailed the DPP indicating my very serious fears and reservations about the conduct of the investigation and expressing my firm view that a miscarriage of justice was occasioned by the institution of the charge against Mr Henry, because of course, once you are charged with murder you are not admitted to bail,” Hughes told reporters in the presence of Gladston’s relatives.

According to the lawyer, Singh was killed between 21:30h and 22:00 on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, and his body was found

about 100 yards away from his home. He said that during the time the murder took place, Gladston was at home with his family.

He said at the time, the family of Isaiah Henry was gathered at Gladston’s home to offer condolences.

Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Gladston in relation to Singh’s murder. Shortly after, Hughes informed that, in his presence, the man surrendered and was subjected to an interview during which he was asked about his whereabouts on September 9, 2020.

He recalled that he advised his client to exercise his right to remain silent.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force, in response to Hughes’ accusation of insufficient investigation and that his client had alibi, said that during a video interview conducted on June 26 and June 27 with Gladston Henry, he exercised his right to remain silent on each occasion and at no time informed investigators that he had an alibi or that he was elsewhere during the time of the murder.

In a statement on Thursday evening, the GPF said that his attorney did not submit a statement for Gladston Henry or put any alibi on record either in an oral or written statement during the video interviews that were conducted.

“No alibi witnesses ever presented themselves to the investigators for their statement to be taken. Nothing prevented this from being done,” the GPF said.

Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

It noted that on June 28 at 16:00h, pre-prepared statements were delivered to the investigators at CID Headquarters and investigators immediately commenced probing the alibi statements by

ducted. According to Police, he was there for the sole purpose of identifying the body of his son Isaiah Henry as is in keeping with the standard operating procedure.

“Gladston Henry’s father was never holding a phone in his hand at the time, he only had a mask and a rag in his hands. Further, when he exited the room, he could be seen standing outside and putting on his mask while holding a rag in the other hand. Gladston Henry’s father never re-entered the room. Therefore, it is impossible for him to have attended the post-mortem examination and video recorded it live as it was being conducted,” the GPF said in its statement.

This, it added, diametrically opposes what is being peddled as the alibi for the ac-

Dead: Haresh Singh

the family and threatened to kill them.

After the confrontation, they left the Singh’s premises and went to the back of Isaiah’s home then to a dam at No 3 Village.

He said there, they crossed a bridge and went to the other side where they saw Haresh

Murder accused: Charles Scott, Joel Gittins, Phillip Anderson, Gladston Henry

making earnest efforts to contact these witnesses.

The assistance of senior officers stationed in Region Five were also solicited and they could not locate two of these witnesses.

cused, Gladston Henry, that he was home at the time watching a live video recorded by his father, when his father was never present in the room during the conduct of the post-mortem examination.

Alibi witnesses

Perverting course of justice

Additionally, according to the GPF, details of the purported alibi were also furnished to the investigators via an email correspondence from Hughes on behalf of Gladston Henry on June 30.

The email, the GPF said, stated that Gladston Henry (senior), father of the accused whose name is also Gladston Henry, attended the post-mortem examination of Isaiah Henry and video recorded it live as it was being conducted.

According to Police, the email also stated that the accused Gladston Henry along with several witnesses were at the home of his parents viewing the live transmission and also said that he remained at the location for the entire day as confirmed by each by the alleged witnesses.

But Police said that the entire post-mortem examination of Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry was video recorded by the investigators in Gladston Henry’s (senior) presence.

Police said that after receiving the email from Hughes, the video recording was reviewed by the investigators assigned to the case to ascertain the veracity of the alibi proffered on behalf of the accused but the recording showed that Gladston Henry (senior) briefly entered and exited the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home where the post-mortem examination was being con-

According to Police, they are seeking all nine of purported alibi witnesses in connection with alleged attempts to pervert the course of justice.

The GPF also stated that these purported alibi witnesses directly contradict other individuals who placed the accused in the company of the other suspects at Haresh Singh’s home and at the scene of the crime at the material time.

Confession

Police said that Anderson, in a confession statement, disclosed that a relative of the Henry cousins went to his home and told him that Singh’s relatives were the ones responsible for his brother’s death and that “they got to die,” as a form of revenge.

Anderson allegedly confessed that he was part of the initial plot to murder Singh as revenge for Isaiah’s murder. He said that the relative of the Henry boys asked him to accompany him on the road where they were joined by Scott and Gittins.

As they were heading towards the road, they armed themselves with pieces of wood.

Anderson stated that they went straight to Haresh Singh’s house and accused his relatives of killing his brother and cousin. They reportedly started to verbally abuse

Singh approaching on his bike.

As such, the four men instructed him to stop and Singh complied but refused to come off the bike when he was told to do so.

An angered Gittins reportedly grabbed Singh from behind and pulled him off the bike after which he bent him over and it was then Henry’s relative, who was carrying a piece of wood, dealt him one blow to the head.

After receiving the blow, Singh was thrown to the ground and groaned in pain, the man told Police. Still full of anger, Gittins then picked up a piece of wood and repeatedly lashed Singh to his head.

Anderson reportedly apologised for being involved in the heinous crime especially after he found out that Singh’s family was innocent and had nothing to do with the Henry boys’ murder.

On September 6, 2020, the badly mutilated bodies of Isaiah and Joel were found in the backlands of Cotton Tree, WCB – almost two days after they had left their Number Three Village, WCB home to pick coconuts.

Then days later, on September 9, Singh was found murdered at the Number Three Village backlands. It is suspected that his death was in retaliation for the murders of Isaiah and Joel, since he is related to one of the persons initially held by the Police for the cousins’ murders.

The murders of the Henry cousins and Singh had sparked protests across several villages along the West Coast Berbice corridor, with many persons being robbed and vehicles set alight by rogue persons. (G1)

13 45% of regional tourism jobs affected in COVID’s highest peak – ILO T NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he International Labour Organisation has released new statistics, which show that about 45 per cent of jobs in the tourism sector had been lost during the worst wave of the pandemic in the Caribbean and Latin America.

This has signalled the need for policies in the recovery process to generate jobs and income among affected households.

According to a new regional technical note from the ILO, while the number of total employed persons contracted on average by 24.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2020, the loss of jobs in the hotel and restaurant sector in Latin America and the Caribbean totalled 44.7 per cent.

At the worst point of the crisis, about 45 per cent of jobs in the tourism sector had been lost. As such, the Organisation positioned on Wednesday that the need to design policies aimed at the recovery of tourism in Latin American and Caribbean countries will promote one of the most dynamic economic sectors essential for the generation of foreign exchange, income and jobs.

ILO Regional Director, Vinícius Pinheiro related, “The recovery of tourism depends directly on the advancement of vaccinations and the adoption of adequate safety and health measures at work. The re-

activation of this sector may have an important multiplier effect on the economy and employment, which may be crucial to overcome the crisis generated by the pandemic.”

Titled “Towards a sustainable recovery of employment in the tourism sector in Latin America and the Caribbean”, the technical note is part of the labour overview series of the ILO Regional Office. It highlights that before the pandemic in 2019, the tourism economy, which includes both tourism and all the sectors that depend on it, accounted for 26 per cent of total gross domestic product (GDP) in the Caribbean and 10 per cent in Latin America.

It also says that the reduction in employment did not affect all workers in a homogeneous way: the loss was greater for women, young workers, migrant workers and for those who were in informal positions.

In 2019, women were overrepresented in the hotel and restaurant subsectors,

with 58 per cent of employment, while in total occupations they accounted for 42.5 per cent. Another overrepresented group in the sector is young workers, up to 24 years of age, who make up 20.9 per cent of employment in the sector and 13.5 per cent of total employment.

Before the pandemic, informal jobs in tourism outweighed informality in all other areas of employment: 63.3 per cent of workers in hotels and restaurants in the region worked in informal conditions, while that percentage was 51.8 per cent of total employment.

The ILO analysis highlighted the need to design policies to promote a recovery with productive employment, the creation of decent work and sustainable companies in the tourism sector, especially to face challenges associated with the high presence of informality, underemployment and low income.

“Additionally, the sector's support policies must have a focus on protecting the environment and max-

imising the benefits for the host communities and minimising the negative impacts that tourism activities may involve…And, given the significant presence of women in the sector, the legal frameworks for the development of the activity should have a gender perspective and include mechanisms for the prevention of discrimination and the promotion of gender equality,” it detailed.

Other recommendations called on the need for digitisation and expansion of capacities; productive transformation and creation of green jobs; and social dialogue and strengthening of coordination and voice of the tourism sector This week, the recovery of the tourism sector will be the subject of analysis during a virtual tripartite meeting of representatives from Governments and employers' organisations and

workers' organisations. The gathering will seek to exchange experiences and initiatives aimed at underpinning the recovery.

The ILO call raises the need to “facilitate a rapid recovery that boosts the

sustainability of the travel and tourism sector, bearing in mind its labour-intensive nature and its key role in countries highly dependent on tourism, including small island developing states”.

(G12)

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 vaccines effective for variants – PAHO Director …gap to access vaccines is “unacceptable” D irector of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr Carissa F Etienne has provided reassurance about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, amid the circulation of new variants of the SARSCoV-2 virus in the Americas.

At a press briefing, Dr Etienne said while this is the case, variants increase the need for access to vaccines in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“So far, PAHO has found that the impact of variants of concern on the effectiveness of vaccines for COVID-19 has been minimal. Very few places are benefiting from the full potential of vaccines as there is a huge access gap in our region…This is unacceptable, and the emergence of variants makes it even more urgent that we accelerate supply to the places with the highest

PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne

transmission,” the Director expressed.

The Organisation has been tracking COVID-19 virus variants since June 2020, when it created the Genomic Surveillance Regional Network. The network has shared more than 52,000 viral sequences from Latin America and the Caribbean and continues to monitor variants of concern in 43 countries and terri-

tories that have detected the Alpha variant.

The Gamma variant has been reported in 29 countries while the Beta strain has been detected in 18 countries. The newest variant of concern, Delta, has been reported in 14 countries, including Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Canada, Chile, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Puerto Rico, USA, Barbados, Peru and Sint Maarten.

Turning to the continuing increase in cases in Latin American and Caribbean countries, Dr Etienne said that countries in the Americas last week alone reported 1.1 million new COVID-19 infections and 30,000 deaths, bringing the total case count to more than 72 million and deaths to nearly 1.9 million.

“Disruptions to essential health services are still widespread across the region, with

29 countries reporting disruptions to almost half of all services…Despite this worrisome picture, just one in ten people in Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The public health impact of vaccination is undeniable – and we are seeing it in places with high coverage. As more people get vaccinated, fewer fall severely ill. Eventually this will have an impact on transmission, keeping us all

safe.”

She also addressed the fresh challenges presented by new seasons for the region, adding that it might not be ideal to travel, especially in places with active outbreaks and countries with limited hospital capacity.

Countries were urged to use effective alert systems and consider outfitting hospitals and expanding shelters to reduce the potential for transmission, including among

family members, since social distancing and proper ventilation will become difficult in the context of a storm.

For those in the Southern Hemisphere where influenza season has started, it was pointed out that countries should bolster surveillance systems to monitor the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, and focus on the proven public health measures such as washing hands and wearing masks.

Berbice woman strangled to death

– son is prime suspect

A

West Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) woman was on Thursday morning found dead at her Lot 4 Number 3 Village home.

Dead is Tashwattie Jaglall also called “Babo”, former Assistant Overseer of the Rosignol/Zee Lust Neighbourhood Democratic Council.

The woman is believed to have been strangled. Her only son who is the prime suspect has since been taken into custody.

He claimed that his mother was murdered by three men who invaded the property.

Reports are that the man raised an alarm by shouting that his mother was strangled but Police took him into custody after residents in the area reported that he frequently physically abused his mother.

A neighbour, Indrowti Ramlochan, recalled that the woman was screaming on Wednesday evening.

“Since they lived there, he and the wife had some problem and the wife burn her-

Dead: Tashwattie Jaglall also called “Babo”

self and died. Now the mother has to take care of the two children. He does work in the nights and he does drink a lot of rum. He does beat the mother and she does holler. People say that they see him dragging the mother down the step day before yesterday and last night [Wednesday] my neighbour – a small boy call me and ask me if I am not going to see what happen to Auntie ‘Babo’ because she hollering,” the woman revealed while noting that she did not venture out of her home.

She recalled that on several occasions the woman showed her marks of violence on her body after beatings from her

son.

Reports are that the woman was lying on her back with what appeared to be marks of violence when the body was found.

Another resident, Tarmattie Sookraj, said, “I just saw the woman lying on the ground and she had wounds on her body and she was in her nightgown.”

According to Sookraj, the suspect claimed that he found his mother dead when he arrived home from work.

“He come over and tell me that three persons go in and kill his mother last night and he ask me if I hear anything and I tell him ‘No’. I asked him if he called the Police and he said that one of them boys already call the Police. He say that he went to work at 10 o’clock and when he come home he find she dead.”

When asked, Sookraj said that the suspect claimed that his five-year-old-daughter told him that three men had entered the house.

Police have since launched an investigation.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPL transformer explosion causes DBIS shutdown

T

he Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) experienced shutdown on Thursday afternoon following an explosion on one of the transformers at the Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara facility.

According to a statement from GPL, this occurred at approximately 14:22h. It explained that a 16.7MVA

transformer at the Garden of Eden facility caught on fire, resulting in all power-generating units at that site shutting down.

“This loss of 27MWs (megawatts) caused a cascading effect, disrupting service to all customers in the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected System (DBIS),” the power company stated.

GPL went on to outline

that at the time of the interruption, the DBIS was generating approximately 132MW of power. Accordingly, the company’s engineers are executing a technical investigation to determine the root cause of the fire.

However, it was noted that remedial efforts to restore power commenced immediately thereafter with the first area being repowered

Silvie's Variety Store now ISO certified

S

ilvie's Variety Store, which has been established for over four decades, has now become ISO 9001-2015 Certified.

Over the past two years, the company has been preparing for the certification.

During a simple ceremony held at SVS’s Hadfield and High Street, Georgetown branch on Thursday, Global Compliance Service (GCS) presented the certification to the proprietor of SVS, Bramanand Persaud.

GSC is an International ISO Certification Body and Registrar headed in Geneva, Switzerland, and is a leading ISO Management Systems Registrar in Europe with operational offices in the United States, Canada, Trinidad and now Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer of SVS, Bramanand Persaud said that his parents started the business as a snackette and from there it only grew, adding that now he and his team are filled with joy and excitement at the accomplishment of being ISO Certified. When asked if they have plans to expand now that they are ISO Certified Persaud said “Yes, we do have intentions of opening another

Silvie's Variety Store CEO Bramanand Persaud receiving ISO Certification from Candelle Bostwick on Thursday

branch on the East Coast of Demerara in the near future”.

Speaking on behalf on GCS was their ISO Quality Management Systems Trainer and Auditor Candelle Bostwick, who said that even though GCS has only been

in Guyana for fifteen (15) months, they are proud of the quality of service and coaching they provide to companies interested in becoming ISO Certified. Silvie's is now the third company for the year of 2021 to become certified.

at approximately 14:27h.

Incremental restoration continued, and the final area was repowered at approximately 15:22h, the power company stated.

Only last month, the DBIS also suffered a shutdown after a transformer in Georgetown had tripped.

GPL disclosed that on the morning of June 13, while reclosing the F8 feeder at Kingston (which serves cus-

tomers along Camp Street to Charlestown), the station transformer at the Kingston Power Plant tripped. This caused approximately 30 megawatts of generating capacity to go offline, which resulted in the shutdown of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System.

In less than 10 minutes, incremental restoration commenced in Demerara and Berbice. Power was restored

to all areas in Berbice approximately two hours later. Most areas in Demerara were repowered in about three hours. However, parts of East Bank Essequibo did not receive power until six hours later when the second of the three generators at the Vreed-en-Hoop Power Plant was returned to operation.

The third generator was undergoing scheduled maintenance.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Duo on trial for 2013 CAL flights cancelled due to tropical storm Mash Day murder

The flights that were cancelled

Murder accused: Devon Thomas

T

wo young men are presently on trial for the capital offence of murder at the Demerara High Court. The duo, Devon Thomas and Randy Isaacs have pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on February 23, 2013, at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, they murdered Kumar Mohabir,

Murder accused: Randy Isaacs

Dead: Kumar Mohabir

an Enterprise, East Coast Demerara businessman.

The trial Judge is Sandil Kissoon. State Counsel Lisa Cave and State Counsel Mohammed Ali are appearing for the prosecution while Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes and associates are representing the two murder accused.

According to previous

media reports, the now dead man, who was with his family partaking in Mashramani celebrations, was attacked and killed by a group of men who were armed with broken bottles.

The altercation stemmed from Mohabir stepping on one of his attackers’ feet.

Following investigations, the two men were arrested and charged.

C

aribbean Airlines on Thursday announced that several of its flights have been cancelled owing to Tropical Storm Elsa.

A statement from the airline said that it has reached out to the affected passengers, who will be accommodated on the next available service.

Further, the airline advised passengers to visit www.caribbean-airlines.com, to download the Caribbean Airlines mo-

bile app, to check its social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) or

call the Caribbean Airlines Call Centres for the latest updates.

World Bank appoints new Country Director for Caribbean

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he World Bank has appointed Lilia Burunciuc as the new Country Director for Caribbean countries, effective as of Thursday.

In a statement, the institution confirmed that Burunciuc will be based in Kingston, Jamaica. It noted that she brings a wide range of development experience to her new position.

She first joined the World Bank in 1996 and has held leadership positions in several countries and regions of the world, including in Europe and Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Prior to her current assignment, Burunciuc served as Country Director for Central Asia.

Relating to her appointment, she said, “I look forward to continuing and deepening the World Bank’s strong partnership with Caribbean countries to increase their resilience and address their most pressing development challenges…

Economically, Caribbean small states dependent on tourism have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am committed to working closely with our partners in the Caribbean, including Government, Private Sector, and civil society, to support the Region’s green, resilient, and inclusive recovery.”

Burunciuc has extensive experience leading policy dialogue with Governments on various aspects of development. Before joining the Bank, she was a Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Moldova and holds a Master of Public

New World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc

Administration Degree from George Washington University and a degree in Economics, Management, and Planning from the Technical University of Moldova.

As the new Country Director for the Caribbean, Burunciuc will lead the implementation of the World Bank’s programme, which includes an active portfolio of 75 projects worth US$2.7 billion in 13 countries, financed by the International Development Association (IDA), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and various trust funds.

The World Bank’s programme focuses on building cross-cutting resilience, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, human capital development, fiscal sustainability, digital transformation, financial protection, disaster risk management, agriculture, and the blue economy. The World Bank is also providing a wide range of analytical and advisory services in the Region.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tax relief for COVID-19 supplies extended to December 31

T

he Government’s tax relief measures to support individuals and corporations amid the COVID-19 pandemic are extended as per the amended list of

COVID-19 prevention, care and treatment supplies, which remain free of Customs Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Excise Tax (where necessary) until December 31, 2021.

Access-to-work projects, problems facing disabled persons raised with Govt Dr Persaud committed to helping the group with funding for food and transportation to their monthly meetings.

She also listened to their concerns about access-towork projects and the problems facing disabled persons and their livelihoods, and assisted them with food hampers.

Furthermore, the Minister committed to assist them with training. “They

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud meeting with members of the Disabled People’s Network

A

s plans are afoot to offer comprehensive training and development opportunities to persons with disabilities in Guyana, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud on Wednesday met with representatives of the

Disabled People’s Network (DPN).

The group, with 68 members, hails from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Treasurer/Coordinator Praimnauth Sukhdeo and Vice Chairman Bhoj Seeram, were among those who met with Minister Persaud

at her East and Lamaha Streets office. The group raised several concerns with Minister Persaud, who committed to assisting the best way she could. A new building, fully furnished, was donated to the group by Food For The Poor, but has not been in use.

will be part of the larger training programme that we have planned for persons with disabilities,” she said, adding, “These training programmes are quite extensive and will allow persons not only personal development but a chance to be employed or start their own business.”

According to her, the Ministry is currently in the process of fine-tuning the programmes and they are

expected to be rolled out towards the end of this month.

Sukhdeo said he was looking forward to more interactions with the Minister, adding that the meeting with her was excellent and surpassed his expectations.

The DPN has several members who are shut-ins and unable to actively participate in the group because of the coronavirus pandemic. At the moment, about 20 members are active.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

Regional

T&T: AG challenges UNC Brazil’s Bolsonaro says he on Tobago bill claims won’t hand over presidency if there is vote fraud A

ttorney General Faris Al-Rawi rejected claims from the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) that the Tobago Island Government Bill, 2021 took them completely by surprise.

Pointe-a-Pierre Member of Parliament (MP) David Lee first made this claim during debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, on a motion to adopt the Report of the Joint Select Committee on the Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago SelfGovernment) Bill 2020.

Speaking as sole contributor to the debate on the Tobago Island Government Bill, 2021 in the House on Wednesday, Al-Rawi said, “The bill before us is a critical piece of law and, for the record, this bill, unlike

Trinidadian Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi

fulminations coming from the Opposition as recently as yesterday... I’m not going into that…but now in the public domain and I read it in the newspapers... there was this argument presented that somehow… this bill before us dropped out of the sky... came like manna from Heaven...and that everyone was caught unawares.”

He added, “That is the furthest thing from the truth.”

Al-Rawi said the 61 clauses and the two schedules in the bill “spring exactly from the 2016 legislative proposal from Tobago...the 2018 proposal from Tobago...both of which went to JSCs...two JSCs.” He said the bill “brings to life an ambition, a desire, a burning flame of want of this government and the Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Ancil Dennis...Mr (Orville) London, the previous chief secretary...Mr Charles the previous chief secretary... many other chief secretaries that have acted... that burning desire to give Tobago it’s fair share.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro attending Mass at a Catholic church in Brasilia, Brazil, July 1, 2021

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he would hand over power to whoever wins next year’s presidential election cleanly – but

not if there is any fraud.

His comments will do little to dispel the concerns of his critics, who fear that the far-right former army captain will not accept any election loss in next year’s vote.

Bolsonaro is almost certain to face his political nemesis, former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Polls show Lula ahead.

“I’ll hand over the presidential sash to whoever wins the election cleanly,” Bolsonaro said in a weekly address via social media.

“Not with fraud.”

Since his 2018 election victory, Bolsonaro has made baseless allegations of voter fraud in Brazil, which critics say could lay the groundwork to challenge upcoming elections in the same vein as his political idol, former US President Donald Trump.

Bolsonaro backed Trump’s claims of a stolen election last year, which culminated in a deadly January 6 assault on the Capitol building in Washington by Trump supporters.

In recent months, Bolsonaro has been touting a bill for printed ballots rather than Brazil’s modern computer voting. He has said the printed ballots will be easier to audit, and are thus more likely to avoid fraud. Few experts agree, and the bill has yet to gain much traction in Congress.

On Thursday, Bolsonaro said he was “alerting” people about the possibility of problems if the current electronic system remains in place.

“The people won’t accept it,” he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

United States, the State Department said.

Seven current and former top Salvadoran officials appeared on the list, including President Nayib Bukele’s Labour Minister Rolando Castro, Cabinet Chief Carolina Recinos, and former Justice and Security Minister Rogelio Rivas.

Bukele has drawn international criticism, including from the United States, over the recent ousting and replacing of senior Judges and the Attorney General.

The conservative ARENA party said in a statement that it had dismissed Carlos Reyes, a lawmaker, and Ezequiel Milla, a former Mayor, for having been included in the list. The party also asked Bukele to dismiss all offi-

cials mentioned on it.

More than a dozen Honduran lawmakers and two senior Guatemalan judges were also named, including recently-appointed Constitutional Court Judge Nester Vasquez.

Castro, Recinos, Rivas and Vasquez did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Ricardo Zuniga, US special envoy for Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, told reporters that tackling corruption in the region would help lessen migration to the United States and Mexico.

The Governments of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

TT$10M bail as Pastor charged Central American officials blacklisted with money-laundering

by US as part of corruption crackdown

A

pastor from south Trinidad, who allegedly attempted to change almost TT$28 million in old TT$100 notes into new polymer replacements on the deadline for doing so almost two years ago, has been granted TT$10 million bail after appearing in court charged with money laundering.

Pastor Vinworth Dayal, of Gulf View, La Romaine, was granted bail on Thursday after he appeared before Magistrate Maureen Baboolal-Gaffor on two

charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Dayal, who is the head of the Third Exodus Assembly Church in Longdenville, is accused of being in possession of a total of $30,719,938 in cash knowing that part or all was the proceeds of criminal activity contrary to the Income Tax Act. During the hearing, a close friend was named as Dayal’s surety for his bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Dayal was ordered to surrender his passport.

Dayal came under

the Police’s radar after he attempted to change $28,028,600 in old $100 notes at the Central Bank on December 31, 2019.

Officers of the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) executed a search warrant at the church and allegedly found $2,691,338 in smaller denominations.

The money was detained under the legislation with the latest renewal of the detention order being granted on Monday.

In the event that Dayal is eventually exonerated he can apply for the money, which has been deposited in an interest bearing account, to be returned.

Police can also seek to initiate forfeiture proceedings.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

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entral American presidential aides, top Judges and former Presidents were put on a US State Department list on Thursday that names individuals the US Government accuses of corruption, obstructing justice, or undermining democracy.

The so-called Engel List was created under a law sponsored by then-US Representative Eliot Engel and enacted by Congress in December that required the State Department to assemble within 180 days a list of high-profile individuals it regarded as corrupt in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Listed officials will have any US visas revoked and will be unable to enter the

Colombia’s Duque looks to get tough on vandalism, critics decry attack on protests

C

olombia’s President Ivan Duque will present a new law before the country’s Congress to increase prison sentences for vandalism, road blocks and attacks on Police during protests, he said on Thursday, sparking criticism the law will criminalise protests.

Colombian law already includes jail sentences of around eight years for obstructing public highways, violence against public servants and property, but Duque did not say by how much he was looking to increase prison time.

“We’ve seen some acts of vandalism that have destroyed public infrastructure, that have burned municipal courthouses, that

Demonstrators clash with Police at anti-Government protests in Bogota, Colombia, June 29, 2021

have also attacked commercial premises and clearly we need to toughen penalties,” Duque told reporters.

Since the end of April, the Andean country has seen anti-Government protests across the country, the

majority of which have been peaceful.

Although protests began in opposition to a now-withdrawn tax reform – which prompted the resignation of the former Finance Minister – demonstrators have since

widened their demands to include calls for a basic income, opportunities for youth, and an end to Police violence.

Almost all blockades have been lifted from highways, but smaller protests continue in cities such as Bogota, the capital, with clashes reported between Police and demonstrators.

The Attorney General’s office has so far linked 24 deaths to the protests, with another 11 under investigation. However, rights groups accuse security forces of killing dozens more protesters.

Opposition politicians accused Duque of working to criminalise protests.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices up about 2% on OPEC+ output, demand prospects

O

il prices rose roughly two per cent on Thursday on indications that Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, producers could increase output more slowly than expected in coming months, while rising global fuel demand causes supply to tighten.

Brent crude settled at US$75.84 a barrel, up US$1.22, or 1.6 per cent. US West Texas Intermediate crude settled at US$75.23 a barrel, gaining US$1.76, or 2.4 per cent.

During the session, both benchmarks climbed by more than US$2 a barrel, reaching their highest since October 2018.

Futures pared gains after the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, delayed its ministerial meeting until today to hold more talks on oil output policy, sources said, after the United Arab Emirates blocked a plan for an immediate reduction in supply cuts.

"Such a delay in talks is unusual and would appear to indicate some significant discord within the organisation between participants," said Jim Ritterbusch of Ritterbusch and Associates.

OPEC+ sources said earlier that the group was expected to increase output by 0.4 million barrels per day a month from August to December 2021.

"I firmly believe that in the near-term, OPEC+, led by Saudi Arabia, is looking to squeeze consuming countries and engender a higher price to make up for the damage done last year," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital in New York.

Some market participants remained sceptical of the demand projection.

"Everybody is drinking the OPEC Kool-Aid here and buying the story that demand is going to increase by five million barrels in the second half of the year," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures, at Mizuho Securities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Europe risks new COVID wave, WHO warns

US calls build-up of China's nuclear arsenal “concerning”

T

he United States said on Thursday China's rapid build-up of its nuclear forces was concerning and called on Beijing to engage with it "on practical measures to reduce the risks of destabilising arms races".

The build-up had become more difficult for China to hide and it appeared it was deviating from decades of nuclear strategy based around minimal deterrence, State Department spokesperson Ned Price told a regular news briefing.

Price was responding to a question about a report in the Washington Post that

State Department spokesperson Ned Price

said China had begun constructing more than 100 new missile silos in a desert area in the western part of the country.

"These reports and other developments suggest that

C

games? Are they going into crowded bars and pubs?"

The Delta variant, which originated in India, is seen as the biggest threat by many countries in Europe.

The European Union's disease control agency ECDC estimates that it could account for 90 per cent of cases by the end of August.

Russia has seen record numbers of deaths for the past three days, with 672 fatalities and 23,543 new cases announced on Thursday alone. Most of the new cases in Moscow are of the Delta variant, and top health officials are also talking of a new Delta-plus variant.

Euro 2020 host city St Petersburg recorded 115 deaths in the past 24 hours on Thursday, on the eve of its sixth and last tournament match between Spain and Switzerland. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Price added that this was why President Joe Biden had prioritised strategic stability in his engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and added: "The same rationale would apply to engagement with another nuclear power, the PRC." Price also said that Washington had "taken note" of remarks by Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party on Thursday, but was "not going to comment on the specifics". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump Organisation’s top executive charged with tax crimes

F

ormer US President Donald Trump's company and its finance chief have been charged with tax-related crimes.

Allen Weisselberg, 73, turned himself in to New York authorities on Thursday. He was later charged with avoiding taxes on US$1.7 million worth of income.

Prosecutors say the 15-year-long scheme helped executives evade taxes by giving benefits, such as rent and school fees, that were hidden from the authorities.

Lawyers for the firm and Weisselberg have pleaded not guilty to tax fraud.

No charges were brought against Trump personally, although New York City has already cut business ties with the twice-impeached

former President.

The Trump Organisation is a family holding company that owns hotels, golf clubs and other properties – and the cornerstone of a global brand that encompassed book deals, TV shows, and Trump-emblazoned skyscrapers.

The criminal charges are the first to arise from long-running investigations into alleged fraud by both the Manhattan District Attorney and the State Attorney General.

The probe by District Attorney Cyrus Vance focused on whether Weisselberg and other company executives received benefits such as apartment rentals or leased cars without reporting them properly on their tax returns.

Forest fire guts small western Canada town after days of record-breaking heat OVID-19 infections have risen by 10 per cent in a week in Europe after two months in decline and the risk of a new wave of cases is growing, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Regional director Hans Kluge said the risk had been heightened by sluggish vaccine rollouts, new variants and increased social mixing.

There was also a danger that Euro 2020 could act as a "super-spreader".

Hundreds of fans returning from London and St Petersburg have tested positive.

WHO senior emergency officer Catherine Smallwood called on host cities to do more to monitor the movement of fans.

"What we need to look at is around the stadia," she said, highlighting travel before and after matches.

"What's happening after the

the PRC's nuclear arsenal will grow more quickly, and to a higher level than perhaps previously anticipated," Price said using the acronym for the People's Republic of China.

"This build-up is concerning. It raises questions about the PRC's intent.

And for us, it reinforces the importance of pursuing practical measures to reduce nuclear risks," he said.

"We encourage Beijing to engage with us on practical measures to reduce the risks of destabilising arms races – potentially destabilising tensions."

A

forest fire that began after three days of record-breaking temperatures has destroyed most of the small western Canadian town of Lytton and damaged a nearby hydropower station, a local politician said on Thursday.

More than 1000 people in and around Lytton, in central British Columbia, were evacuated late on Wednesday after the fast-moving fire engulfed the community, catching residents by surprise. The cause of the fire was being investigated, BC Premier John Horgan told reporters.

This week Lytton broke Canada's all-time hottest temperature record three times.

The sizzling heat wave also ravaged the US Northwest with record-high temperatures. Some 62 new fires were reported in BC in the past 24 hours, Horgan said.

"The town has sustained

structural damage and 90 per cent of the village is burned, including the centre of the town," Brad Vis, a Member of Parliament for Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon, said in a Facebook post.

He said the fire also caused extensive damage to BC Hydro stations and highways, limiting access to Lytton by road.

BC officials told the briefing that "most homes and structures" in Lytton have been lost. Some residents have not been accounted for and Police are investigating.

Amateur video footage showed residents scrambling to get out of town in cars as fires burnt trees and some structures. The fire spread so swiftly that people were forced to leave behind belongings.

Lytton Mayor Jan Polderman ordered everyone in the town of 250 to vacate late on Wednesday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The charges announced on Thursday include tax fraud and falsifying business records.

At the hearing at Manhattan's criminal court,

Prosecutor Carey Dunne said this was a "sweeping and audacious" scheme involving "off-the-books payments". (Excerpt from BBC News)

UN Security Council likely to meet next week on Ethiopia dam

Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam is seen as it undergoes construction work on the river Nile in Guba Woreda, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia, September 26, 2019

T

he United Nations Security Council will likely meet next week to discuss a dispute between Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt over a giant dam built by Ethiopia on the Blue Nile, French UN Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere said on Thursday.

Arab states last month called on the 15-member council to meet to discuss the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and Ethiopia's plans to fill the dam for a second time this summer without an agreement with Sudan and Egypt.

Ethiopia is not keen on Security Council involvement and instead asked the body to defer the issue to the African Union.

Ethiopia previously rejected calls from Egypt and Sudan to involve mediators outside the African Union.

De Riviere, council pres-

ident for July, pointed out that there was little the Security Council could do other than bring the parties together to express their concerns and then encourage them to return to negotiations to reach a solution.

"I don't think the Council can do much more than that," he told reporters.

Ethiopia is pinning its hopes of economic development and power generation on the dam, while the two downstream countries – Egypt and Sudan – are concerned about it and seeking a binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.

Egypt relies on the Nile River for as much as 90 per cent of its fresh water and sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan is concerned about the operation of its own Nile dams and water stations. (Reuters)

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FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

Focus on how you look and feel. Exercising, updating your appearance and spending time with the person who brings out the best in you will pay off. Determination and hard work will be needed.

Take your time, and think about the consequences before you do or say something.

If you don't like what's going on, be quick to back out of any situation that makes you feel uneasy.

Listen carefully and GEMINI choose your words wisely.

(May 21- Misunderstandings can turn June 20) your world upside down. Stick to the truth; don't take on something beyond your capability. A minimalist approach will help.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Put what you know to good use. Refuse to let anyone play emotional games with you. Be blunt regarding what you want and what you are willing to do.

Refuse to let anyone or anything stand in your way.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Learn as you go. Your dedication and hard work will not go unnoticed. Be the spark, and you will encourage others to pitch in and help. Personal growth will lead to a brighter future.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Think before you say something you'll regret. Taking on too much responsibility or making a promise you cannot keep will cause a rift with someone you love and respect.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You'll gravitate toward people who offer mental stimulation. The discussions you have will broaden your outlook and encourage you to make physical and emotional changes that improve your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take better care of yourself and your relationships.

Protect against injury, illness and unnecessary risks. Make positive changes at home that will encourage you to be creative.

Trust in what you know, SAGITTARIUS not in what others tell you.

(Nov. 23Stick to a lifestyle you can afDec. 21) ford and a healthy regimen that will protect you from overindulgent behavior. Seek out inspirational people.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Handle a situation involving a friend, relative or loved one cautiously.

Emotions will flare up quickly, leaving you or someone you care about in an awkward position.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

You'll have an innovative idea that can help you raise your income. Put your talent to good use, and you'll find an outlet for something you enjoy doing

PISCES

Spend time reflecting and bringing about positive change. A new direction will entice you, but consider what you will have to sacrifice before you make a move. Someone will lead you astray.

(Feb. 20March 20)

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

21

RHTY&SC 1st home project...

Farfan and Mendes, Bakewell, Brian Ramphal, Vitality Inc and Dr Puran Singh among sponsors

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) has embarked on one of its most ambitious projects – the construction of a home for one of its hardest working members and executives.

The club has, over the years, successfully hosted thousands of diverse activities, but the home project is the first of its kind. The RHTY&SC parent body and founder, St Francis Community Developers has, over the past two decades, assisted hundreds of Berbicians to get a home in joint projects with Food For The Poor.

Club Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster stated that executives of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation decided to undertake the special project to assist the hardworking Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu in appreciation of his contribution to the development of the club.

Naidu joined the club in 2015 at the age of 15 and six years later is not only the Assistant Secretary/ CEO, but is also responsible for the day-to-day operation of the club, which hosts a record 700 activities every year. Naidu also serves

as the very vibrant Public Relations Officer of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB).

The project involves the Naidu family home in the village of Hampshire which was abandoned in 2015 after the family moved to Rose Hall Town following the death of his father.

Foster , who is specially looking after the project, stated that a lower flat is being constructed while the upper flat would be repaired.

The 11 teams of the club would also assist with the furnishing of the home before the official handing over in early August. Foster,

Messi contract: Barcelona star becomes a free agent

M

anchester City, Paris St-Germain – this is not a drill. One of the world's greatest players is now officially a free agent.

Yes, 12 months on from his aborted attempt to leave Barcelona, Lionel Messi is now out of contract.

The Argentine superstar's deal expired at midnight and despite months of rumour and conjecture, he has failed to commit to an extension.

Talks over a new contract are believed to be ongoing, meaning Messi may well decide to stay at the Nou Camp.

But, for now, he is available for absolutely nothing.

Where will Messi play next season?

Spanish football writer Guillem Balague said earlier this week that Barcelona had "raised the level of urgency" in contract talks, with the hopes of making an announcement of a new two-year deal before the start of July.

The club started negotiations in April and since then they have met or spoken to Messi's representatives at least 10 times.

"Barcelona are pushing for a quick solution, but there are still things to negotiate and no news is expected on Thursday." said Balague.

"They want him to sign as soon as possible, but the timings will be dictated by the resolution of all the details that have not yet been agreed – such as tax issues, Messi's wages and fitting the new contract within La Liga's financial fair play rules – to keep the Argentine, the club will have to reduce their wage bill by around 200 million euros (£172 million).

"There is synergy between

both parties and Messi has not listened to any other club yet."

The 34-year-old has been linked with moves to Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former boss at Barcelona Pep Guardiola, as well as America's Major League Soccer.

He is currently in Brazil playing for Argentina at the Copa America and became their most-capped player when he made his 148th international appearance against Bolivia on Tuesday, scoring twice and setting up another in a 4-1 win.

Messi's transfer timeline

August 25, 2020 – Messi sends a fax to the club saying he wishes to exercise a clause in his contract, allowing him to leave for free with immediate effect.

September 4, 2020 – Messi says he is staying at Barcelona, because it is "impossible" for any team to pay his 700 million euro (£624 million) release clause, which the club insist would have to be met.

October 27, 2020 Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who had fallen out with Messi over his failed transfer request, resigns.

December 28, 2020 – Messi says he hopes to one day play in the United States, but is unsure of his future when his contract runs out.

January 31, 2021 – Barcelona say they will take "appropriate legal action" against Spanish newspaper El Mundo after it published details of Messi's contract, worth £492 million over four years.

May 16, 2021 – Manager Ronald Koeman says he hopes Messi has not played his final home game for the club after a 2-1 defeat by Celta Vigo ended their title hopes and meant they finished outside the top two for the first time since 2007-08.

May 22, 2021 –- Paris St-Germain are believed to be "looking closely" at Messi's contract situation.

May 28, 2021 – Barcelona President Joan Laporta says a new contract for Lionel Messi is "not done yet", but that "things are going well".

July 1, 2021 – Messi's Barcelona contract expires and he becomes a free agent.

(BBC Sport)

Representatives of Farfan and Mendes and Panthera Solutions hand over the sponsorship to RHTY&SC Navin Raghoo in the presence of Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

who is also President of the BCB, stated that the club was delighted to be of assistance to Naidu as over the last six years, he has been an asset to the club with his outstanding leadership despite his young age. Foster disclosed that owing to Naidu’s leadership of the RHTY&SC, he has

been able to concentrate on his duties at the BCB. The club has received assistance from a wide range of its friends and sponsors including overseas-based Guyanese Brian Ramphal, Dr Puran Singh, Rajenda Sadeo, Bakewell, Farfan and Mendes, Panthera Solutions, GK Inc, Michael Khan,

Avenash Ramzan, Romario Samaroo/Decoris Service, Bissan Trading, Mortimer and Lucille George, Anasha Ally, Rajendra Ganga, and Anil Beharry.

Farfan and Mendes marketing executive Onai Vasconcellos stated that the company and the club have enjoyed close to 25 years of partnership, and the business was delighted to be of assistance to a remarkable young man who has himself been a positive role model to many youths across Guyana.

The 11 cricket teams undertaking the project are Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and Under-13, Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and SecondDivision, Pepsi Under-19 and Second-Division, Metro Females, Vitality Inc Under-23, and Namilco Under-21 and First-Division.

Tokyo 2020: Breastfeeding athletes allowed to bring children to Olympics

T

okyo 2020 organisers say "nursing children" can accompany Olympic athletes to Tokyo "when necessary".

It comes after Canadian basketball star Kim Gaucher, who has a three-month-old daughter, said she was being forced to choose between "being a breastfeeding mum or an Olympic athlete".

Organisers have banned athletes' families attending the Games owing to COVID-19 safety protocols.

USA footballer Alex Morgan says she is still unsure over the new guidance.

Olympic gold medallist Morgan, who has a one-yearold daughter, tweeted: "Still not sure what 'when necessary' even means.

"We are Olympic mothers telling you, it is necessary. I have not been contacted about being able to bring my daughter with me to Japan and we leave in seven days."

USA Captain Megan Rapinoe backed her teammate, saying: "If a mother/father/ parent says it's necessary, it's necessary."

When asked for clarity around the issue on Thursday, Tokyo 2020 organisers told BBC Sport: "Children must be within nursing age.

"NOCs [National Olympic Committees] will be responsible for confirming to Tokyo 2020 that children who accompany athletes to Japan require nursing care."

Gaucher will now be able to bring her daughter with her

to Tokyo, and said she was "so relieved I don't have to make this decision".

Team GB archer Naomi Folkard welcomed the decision, but said it had come too late for her to change her plans.

Her five-month-old daughter Emily will remain in the United Kingdom while she is competing in Japan.

Folkard will leave enough frozen breastmilk to last for the two weeks she is away.

"It's really good that they finally realised that it's a problem," she said.

"For me personally it's not quite enough and it's too late.

I have already made plans and to change those plans would be quite stressful. I would have to work out when to breastfeed, when to express, and how to keep what I had expressed at the right temperature. It's too much to take on."

In an earlier statement, Tokyo 2020 said: "After careful consideration of the unique situation facing athletes with nursing children, we are pleased to confirm that, when necessary, nursing children will be able to accompany athletes to Japan."

It added that as the Olympic village is restricted to athletes and team officials, children must stay in separate, private accommodation.

An International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokesperson said the governing body was "pleased" organisers found a "special solution regarding the entry to Japan for mothers who

are breastfeeding and their young children".

"It is great to see so many mothers compete at the highest level, including at the Olympic Games," added the IOC. "It is important to note that entry into Japan is the responsibility of the Japanese Government and the current situation of the pandemic requires a very significant reduction in the numbers of accredited participants who do not have essential and operational responsibilities."

The Olympics start on July 23, with up to 10,000 Japanese f a n s permitted at venues, w h i l e overseas fans a r e banned. ( B B C Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

Pollard, Bravo help West Indies keep series alive

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est Indies defended 167 in the fourth T20 International against South Africa to lock the five-match series at 2-2 and set up a decider for Saturday. Their big names all took responsibility: Captain Kieron Pollard top-scored with 51*, Dwayne Bravo claimed career-best figures of 4 for 19 and Chris Gayle's wicket off the first ball to go with two catches were the icing on the cake.

The hosts scored 20 off their first over and 66 in the final four, but their innings suffered a lull in between.

They managed just 81 runs in the 15 overs from the second to the 17th as South Africa's spinners put the brakes on. But their efforts were not enough for a batting line-up that lacks a finisher and remains over-reliant on Quinton de Kock.

South Africa's former

runs as Pollard brought up a sixth T20I half-century and his highest score in seven innings.

Lendl Simmons

fully chased a target above 160 in February 2018 when they beat India and had last won a T20I series in March 2019 against Sri Lanka, but will still have the chance to turn that around.

past short fine leg for four, cut his third delivery which was short and wide for four more, and then took two sixes off the last three balls.

The first was a sweep over fine leg and the second an audacious smack straight down the ground. West Indies scored 20 runs off that over, their most in the first over of a T20I and the most by any team batting first in this format.

… and then the squeeze

Kieron Pollard

Captain scored a second successive half-century and a sixth T20I half-century in his last 15 matches, but had little support from the other end as no other South Africa batter scored more than 20. They last success-

Opening overload…

Aiden Markram, South Africa's sixth bowler, was given the new ball and eyebrows would have been immediately raised over that choice. Lendl Simmons swept Markram's first ball

SCOREBOARD WI Innings Lendl Simmons lbw b Linde 47 Evin Lewis c Markram b Nortje 7 Chris Gayle c †de Kock b Rabada 5 Shimron Hetmyer c †de Kock b Linde 7 Nicholas Pooran † c van der Dussen b Shamsi 16 Kieron Pollard (c) not out 51 Andre Russell c Nortje b Shamsi 9 Fabian Allen not out 19 Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 4) 6 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.35) 167/6 Did not bat: Dwayne Bravo, Obed McCoy, Fidel Edwards Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Evin Lewis, 2.1 ov), 2-32 (Chris Gayle, 3.3 ov), 3-63 (Shimron Hetmyer, 8.6 ov), 4-70 (Lendl Simmons, 10.5 ov), 5-89 (Nicholas Pooran, 13.3 ov), 6-101 (Andre Russell, 15.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Aiden Markram 1-0-20-0 Lungi Ngidi 4-0-48-0 Anrich Nortje 4-0-32-1 Kagiso Rabada 3-0-36-1 George Linde 4-0-16-2 Tabraiz Shamsi 4-0-13-2 SOUTH AFRICA INNINGS (TARGET: 168 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Quinton de Kock †

c Simmons b Bravo 60 Reeza Hendricks st † Pooran b Gayle 2 Temba Bavuma (c) lbw b McCoy 7 Aiden Markram b Russell 2 Rassie van der Dussen c †Pooran b Pollard 6 David Miller c Gayle b Russell 12 George Linde c Simmons b Bravo 6 Kagiso Rabada not out 16 Tabraiz Shamsi c Gayle b Bravo 0 Lungi Ngidi c Simmons b Bravo 0 Anrich Nortje not out 4 Extras (b 5, lb 3, nb 1, w 4) 13 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.30) 146/9 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Reeza Hendricks, 1.1 ov), 2-36 (Temba Bavuma, 4.2 ov), 3-62 (Aiden Markram, 9.1 ov), 4-75 (Rassie van der Dussen, 10.4 ov), 5-94 (David Miller, 13.3 ov), 6-110 (George Linde, 15.2 ov), 7-126 (Quinton de Kock, 17.1 ov), 8-126 (Tabraiz Shamsi, 17.3 ov), 9-127 (Lungi Ngidi, 17.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Fidel Edwards 2-0-21-0 Chris Gayle 2-0-11-1 Obed McCoy 4-0-33-1 Andre Russell 4-0-30-2 Dwayne Bravo 4-0-19-4 Kieron Pollard 4-0-24-1

But South Africa pulled things back impressively and took six wickets in the 15 overs that followed. As has been the case throughout the series, their spinners controlled the runrate and frustrated the West Indies line-up. George Linde was introduced after the powerplay and put in the most economical performance of his T20I career by conceding just 16 runs in four overs. He also brought up 100 wickets in the format – across both international and domestic matches – when Simmons was given out leg before after missing a sweep and being hit in front of middle and leg. Just before that, Linde had Shimron Hetmyer caught behind off an under-edge as well.

Tabraiz Shamsi bowled overs in tandem with Linde initially – the pair gave away only 14 runs in five overs – and then returned for a second spell. Shamsi had Nicholas Pooran caught at deep-backward square off a top-edge a n d Andre

With West Indies on 101 for 6 after 16 overs and a par score looking distant, Pollard took matters into his own hands and tried to force runs with power hitting. He drilled the first ball of Anrich Nortje's final over straight back to him and clattered him on the left knee. Nortje went down for several minutes, his face scrunched up in obvious pain. He received some treatment on field, got back up, and bowled the remainder of his over before hobbling off for some rest to the applause of his team-mates.

Final four-over flourish

South Africa's tight work unravelled in the last four overs, when they conceded 66 runs as Pollard and Fabian Allen took on the specialist quicks. The pair scored six sixes in that period compared to the West Indies' five in the rest of the innings, and Pollard hit three in three balls off Kagiso Rabada, who bowled his most expensive T20 over. Rabada delivered the penultimate over the innings which was also the most expensive at 25 runs, and did not complete a full quota of four overs for the first time in T20Is since his debut in 2014.

Also, L u n g i Ngidi's two death overs cost 3 0

Too cool for (old) school The combined age of West Indies' opening bowling pair in this match was 81 years with Fidel Edwards (39) in his second series since his Kolpak comeback and Gayle (41) sharing the new ball, though their youth appeared endless. Edwards gave little away until his last ball, but it was Gayle whose joie de vivre was on full display. He took on bowling duties complete with cap, sunglasses and earpiece on, lured Reeza Hendricks just out of crease, beat him on the drive and had him stumped before cartwheeling in celebration. Gayle told the commentary team he had been dared to mimic Kevin Sinclair, who showed off some gymnastics moves earlier in the series.

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Take it on the shoulder now!

Nortje was not the only player to suffer an injury in the match. Allen jammed his right shoulder into the ground beyond the square leg boundary when he tried to cut off a Temba Bavuma sweep. He didn't save the boundary and his arm was put in a sling as he left the field before he could bowl, with what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder. Allen was the only specialist spinner in the West Indies XI. His overs were made up for by Pollard and Russell, who bowled his entire quota in a T20I for the first time since March last year.

Bravo for West Indies

Allen's absence was also mitigated by the performance of Bravo, who has been consistently excellent with the ball in this series and continued in that vein in this match.

Bravo's first spell straddled the powerplay and cost just eight runs before a second at the death was laced with slower balls.

He collected 4 for 11 in 12 balls in the closing stages of the match to eventually finish with career-best figures of 4 for 1 9 .

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Tabriz Shamsi

Russell caught at short fine leg after the latter topedged a sweep. The left-arm wrist spinner equalled his most miserly effort in T20Is with figures of 2 for 13, an identical analysis as the last match.

Take it on the knee!

Bravo had Linde caught at point off a slower ball, de Kock caught in the same position chasing a wide full toss, Shamsi skying a ball to Gayle at extra cover and Ngidi holing out to square leg, as he took 3 for 1 in the 18th over to shut South Africa out of the contest. (ESPNcricinfo)

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

NOW!

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

23

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hetmyer is one of our best players of spin – Coach Simmons …Radford wants Hetmyer to get fitter

G

uyana and West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer made a return to the T20 International team in the third match against South Africa in Grenada.

Hetmyer scored 17 from 10 balls which included two sixes, but his dismissal was soft in nature.

He followed up that performance with another poor display in the fourth T20I, where he scored seven from 12, playing a loose shot outside off stump.

Despite his failures in the two matches to spin, West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons said Hetmyer was one of the best players of spin in the team.

“Hetty, I think the situation eluded him. He started well against Shamsi and he is one of the guys that is the best player of spin in the team,” Simmons said in a virtual press conference after the third T20I. The Head Coach added that the world number one-ranked T20I bowler,

would like to see Hetmyer Shamsi get a bit fitter and show should that drive that he is willnot be ing to get fitter, beg e t t i n g cause it will help Hetmyer out in his all-round a soft way as was game,” seen in the third T20I. “It has been addressed. Hopefully, he looks at the situation and play the situation because he has all the ability,” Simmons explained.

Meanwhile, former West Indies batting coach Toby Radford said Hetmyer has always been an outstandShimron ing player with Hetmyer all the talent.

“What everyone wants from Hetty is for him to maximise his talent, go and win matches and be consistent. Do not always play the ego; he is a very compet e n t player. I

Radford disclosed on Tuesday’s Mason and Guest radio programme.

He said he was hoping that Hetmyer would be consistent with his decision-making and play against any team on any surface.

Hetmyer is included in the West Indies 18-man provisional squad for the T20 series against South Africa, Australia, and Pakistan.

With the T20 World Cup looming, Hetmyer will be aiming to grab the opportunities presented to him.

(Brandon Corlette)

Former West Indies batting coach Toby Radford

“Guatemala will be a tough challenge”— Pollard …Assistant Coach remains positive

Pete Russell is new CPL CEO

A

Golden Jaguars Assistant Coach Charles Pollard

P

New CPL CEO Pete Russell

ete Russell has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Russell has been part of the Hero CPL management team since the tournament’s inception, serving as the Chief Operating Officer.

Russell has overseen the operational side of the Hero CPL for the last eight years during which time the league has grown in stature to become one of the most watched franchise T20 tournaments in the world. He has also played a key role in secur-

ing commercial partnerships, broadcast deals and building strong and productive relationships with Governments across the Region.

Hero CPL’s Chairman, Richard Bevan, said: “We are delighted to confirm that Pete will be the tournament’s CEO. Having been

so fundamental to the success of the league to date, he was the perfect candidate to take on this role.

Not only does he bring a huge amount of experience from within the business of world-class sport, he also has an intricate knowledge of Hero CPL and Caribbean cricket. This means we can look forward to a continuation of Hero CPL’s success in the years to come.”

Russell will be leading the Hero CPL team as they prepare for the 2021 tournament which takes place in St Kitts & Nevis from August 28 to September 19.

(CPLT20)

ssistant Coach and former captain of the Golden Jaguars, Charles “Lily” Pollard has called for patience and positivity towards the national team programme ahead of what is likely to be a “tough challenge” against Guatemala on Saturday.

The Guyana senior national men’s team take on the Central American nation in Florida on July 3 in the preliminary round of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. It is the second consecutive appearance for Guyana’s male team at the Gold Cup, following their historic qualification in 2019.

“We all know Guatemala is a very good team in the Central American region and the Caribbean,” Pollard said in an extended interview with GFFNOW, the Guyana Football Federation media channel. “It will be a tough challenge for us that I think every footballer should relish – young and old – because this is what we do.

This is our game.”

Guatemala narrowly missed out on reaching the second round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification in the CONCACAF region on

goals scored, despite putting 10 goals past St Vincent and the Grenadines and finishing on equal points with group winners Curaçao.

Guatemala have pedigree at the regional level, winning the CONCACAF Championship – the predecessor to the Gold Cup – in 1967 and reaching the Gold Cup quarter-finals as recently as 2011.

“We know it will be a tough game, but we are positive,” Pollard said. “The ball is round and anything can happen. We are preparing right, but we have to believe as players and as staff. We are a Gold Cup team – we have proved ourselves in the Gold Cup, we went to the Gold Cup. We are not an ordinary team.”

The winners of Saturday’s match will play either Guadeloupe or The Bahamas for a place in the final rounds of the 2021 Gold Cup. Despite a disappointing World Cup qualification run, the Golden Jaguars have had a promising start to their preparations for the game against Guatemala.

In behind-closed-doors friendlies in Florida, the team beat Miami Dade FC 3-0 – with two goals from QPR’s rising

star Stephen Duke-McKenna and one Omari Glasgow, before a lone strike from Ryan Khedoo was enough to beat The Bahamas.

Pollard said he shared in the fans’ disappointment following the recent World Cup qualifiers, but urged patience, unity and support for the Golden Jaguars as the national programme underwent a necessary transition phase to “integrate a lot of young players” for the future. “I was disappointed, but we know that it’s a process and the process will take time,” he said.

“The coaches believe that it will take time, but it will become successful in the end.

“We have to be patient,” he added. “We are in a transition. We need to give the process a chance to allow it to grow. It won’t happen overnight. So, we need to give the youngsters a chance and they will deliver.”

Guyana will lock horns with Guatemala on Saturday, July 3 with kick-off at 21:30h local time. The match will be aired on Flow Sports. Pollard urged the nation to rally behind the Golden Jaguars.

FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021

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

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Pg 23

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Hetmyer is one of our best Pete Russell is players of spin – Coach Simmons new CPL CEO

…Radford wants Hetmyer to get fitter

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