Guyana Times - Friday, June 25, 2021

GBTI receives recognition award P8 from Health Ministry

− over 22 units of blood collected during blood drive Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4689

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

President Ali revokes visa-free travel order for Haitians − amid growing concerns over human trafficking,

PRICE

Page 3

Guyana gets over $8M P18 from Canada to buy flood relief supplies

…bucket brigade formed to save surrounding houses

2 arrested for murder of Haresh Singh …1 reportedly confesses Passing of Lennox Canterbury a “national loss” – President Ali

P13

See story on page 5

Page 11

13-year-old robbed at P10 knifepoint Armed men intercept, P10 escape with $2.8M car along Leopold Street

Intelligence, technology to drive fight P7 against new, evolving crimes – Pres Ali

President Irfaan Ali consoling Lennox Canterbury’s widow, Karen at his funeral service on Thursday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac

Page 16

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Fire rips through Tucville home, mechanic shop

unaccounted-for Haitians who arrived in Guyana WCB brutal murders

$80 VAT INCLUDED

…as $12M Cove and John Training Centre handed over

Arson suspected 4 more die from COVID, 206 as city house, new cases recorded in 24h vulcanising shop go up in flames Page 17

Welder arraigned for stabbing Kitty man to death P5

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, June 25 – 04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, June 26 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, June 25 – 17:00h-18:30h and Saturday, June 26 – 05:10h-06:40h.

President Ali revokes visafree travel order for Haitians − amid growing concerns over human trafficking, unaccounted-for Haitians who arrived in Guyana

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected until the early afternoon hours followed by sunny conditions. Clear skies are expected in the night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 17:09h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 10:40h and 22:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.44 metre and 0.66 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

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13 17 21

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28 Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2021

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

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Crude Oil

$75.56/barrel

Rough Rice

$236.16 /ton

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$426.80/ton

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+0.49

USD Per Ounce

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$1777.80

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Low/High Change

$1772.50 +3.30

$1789.00 +0.19%

President Dr Irfaan Ali

I

n order to curb the high influx of Haitians who are suspected to be victims of human trafficking, President Dr Irfaan Ali has signed an Immigration Revocation Order, which effectively removes Haiti from the list of countries whose nationals enjoy visa-free travel to Guyana.

Haiti was added to the list through an order under the Immigration Act by former President David Granger in January 2019.

Guyana had joined only two other Caricom Member States that allowed Haitian nationals visa-free entry.

However, with the order now being revoked by President Ali, Haitian citizens will no longer enjoy an automatic six-month stay upon arrival in the country.

Government was forced to implement this visa restriction in light of growing concerns of human trafficking coupled with the fact that more than 30,000 Haitian nationals who entered Guyana over the past few years could not be accounted for, as there were no records of them leaving.

In fact, data seen by Guyana Times show that as many as 9239 Haitians entered Guyana in 2020, but only 717 were documented as leaving. So far for 2021, 1378 Haitians were documented entering Guyana and records show only 165 have left.

Further, figures over the past six years revealed that some 38,187 Haitian nationals are unaccounted for.

It was reported that during the period 2015 to present, of the 42,100 Haitians who entered Guyana, only 3913 were shown to have left the country.

During this week’s edition of “Issues in the News”, Attorney General Anil Nandlall explained that Government’s decision was based on the suspicions that these persons were part of a human smuggling ring of international stature involving not just Haitians but also Cubans and Venezuelans.

Nandlall on Tuesday made reference to last week’s discovery of 10 Haitian teens, including one who was pregnant, who were found in a hotel at Skeldon, East Berbice without any passport or ID. He explained that

the teens were being looked after at the Hugo Chávez Centre on the West Coast of Berbice as Police conduct investigations.

“These are the classic trappings of a human smuggling ring, where you have young women, young men and people deposit them.

They come through the backtrack route illegally, and the person just disappeared with their passport. And they are left in a hotel room, to become a charge on the State.

“Well, there are laws to govern these situations… we have to tackle this issue,

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Mexico.

Only in February, Federal Police in neighbouring Brazil arrested 27 immigrants – 26 Haitians and one Cuban – who illegally entered the border town of Bom Fin from Guyana.

It was reported that the Haitians were initially denied entry into Brazil from Lethem, but authorities there were suspicious that the immigrants would try to sneak in the country through the porous border hence they partnered with Guyana’s Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) to intercept

The Haitians who were intercepted in Guyana last year (File photo)

once and for all. Only three countries in the Caribbean are visa free for Haitians. All the other Caribbean countries had to put in place visa requirements. Guyana will be moving in that direction,” the Attorney General stated.

Guyana has previous-

ly been flagged as a transit point for narcotics trafficking but more recently, has seen increases in both Haitians and Cubans using the country as a conduit to get to neighbouring States – with some passing through the Region to eventually get to the United States through

them, along with two taxi drivers.

Back in December, AG Nandlall had disclosed that the Brazilian Government had complained about immigrants using Guyana as a transit point.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 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

Supporting local products

T

he current COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to rethink their approach to their own food supplies. At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a mad rush to stock up on food supplies as there was a fear that stocks would become scarce due to the emergency measures that were implemented. This saw supermarkets and other retailers jacking up prices for their items which in effect contributed to households facing more financial pressure.

However, an important lesson that could be learnt from the pandemic is the need for persons to become less reliant on imported products. One way in which this could be done is for families to get involved in growing some of the items they consume, especially in terms of vegetables and fruits. Not only would this ease the financial burdens on families, but it also means that persons would be consuming healthier foods.

In addition to planting their own kitchen gardens, etc, to meet the demands of their own household, there is a need for persons to support local manufacturers so that they would thrive and be able to meet local demands and to export, if possible.

It continues to surprise many to see the number of foreign products which are on offer in supermarkets here as against the same type of local products. A quick glance at the shelves in most of the supermarkets in Georgetown and its environs will show that in spite of several campaigns being carried out to encourage consumers to ‘support local’, more foreign products are being offered to consumers, sometimes even at higher prices.

In the past, supermarket managers, though not dismissing the quality of local products, have claimed that it was easier to stock foreign products and that consumers have a preference for such products, and as such, there is greater turnover. It should be noted too that many local producers have claimed that the supermarkets would buy only limited quantities of their products despite the fact that their prices were competitive.

The Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has been pushing local products and has even suggested that if the local product is of good quality and being offered at a competitive price when compared to foreign ones, then it would be in the consumer’s own interest to support locallyproduced items. The GCA had stated that when consumers go into supermarkets, they should ask for local products, noting that if they keep buying foreign products, the supermarket owners will continue stocking foreign products.

Buying local products generates wealth and employment locally and is as much of social as economic benefit to communities and the country as a whole. Supporting local is something which all countries, even the wealthy ones such as the United States, advocate in one guise or another despite talk about globalisation and free trade.

Buying local is of ultimate benefit to the consumer himself; and it is easy to buy local if one analyses and compares the local product with its foreign equivalent.

While we are not advocating that supermarkets or other retailers should limit the choices to consumers in any way, many consumers would agree that some local products are as good, or even better than the foreign ones, but yet, as a result of long indoctrination, they almost mechanistically buy the foreign ones.

That said, we just cannot assume that consumers would change their attitude to local products overnight. It requires much effort from both the Government and the mainstream Private Sector to encourage persons to support local products. While there have been campaigns in the past to encourage persons to buy local, such efforts were limited; they were basically ‘food fairs’ with minimal participation from local companies and citizens.

Additionally, some analysts have pointed out that the vast majority of the local manufacturing initiatives have been undertaken on a small scale, with minimal financial investment. In most cases, there is hardly enough money allocated towards ensuring that those local products are effectively marketed. We urge the authorities to take the necessary steps that would really begin to see local products being pushed on the market.

People walk around the rain vortex at Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore (AFP photo)

Beware of Trojan Horses Dear Editor, In a letter dated June 21st 2021, veteran PNC/R member Thandi McAllister resigned from that party, which she has served for almost three decades.

This comes as a blow to the PNC/R, as another longstanding member has parted company with that party.

Disaffection and ill feelings with the hierarchy of her party were the main cause given for her decision to leave. From our vantage point, that should be a natural phenomenon with most right-thinking members of that party, because that party has a twisted way of conducting business. Its hierarchy is corrupt to the core, with no

proper set of rules governing their operations, and on that note, many members are becoming disillusioned with the party.

Now, having said that, I must say I am not in the least overjoyed at those defections, nor am I convinced of the sincerity of the actions of the defectors. I am of a different view; my view is that there is a sinister plan afoot to destabilise the PPP/C, and that plan is slowly seeing its fulfillment.

Now, one may be tempted to ask how a resignation in the PNC can cause any instability in the ruling party, it just doesn’t add up; PPP/C matters are not in any way bound up in the actions of the Opposition.

But careful scrutiny of the events of the past ten months paints a different picture altogether.

Well, here’s my reason for saying this: there is a concerted effort on to bring the ruling party down, and as it was discussed, this should come from within the party itself. It was suggested that they gift the PPP/C a Trojan Horse, who would then get into the inner workings of the party and then sabotage them.

Crudely put, just gift them a ‘mole’ and watch them crumble. When you piece it together, it means that they are on course to throw this fledgling democracy in turmoil.

The point has also been advanced that there is not

a hair’s breadth chance wherein they can beat the PPP/C at an election; therefore, create an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty within that party, try the “if you can’t beat them then join them scenario” and, like a cankerworm, you might eventually pull something off.

So, I am highly suspicious of these deflections, and I am calling on my party to be extra careful when dealing with such individuals, it is too good to be true. Most members of the Opposition can best serve their country by being where they are.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

In the end, there is truth and then there’s Harmon’s insinuation Dear Editor, I am appalled by the irresponsible and dangerous leadership shown by Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon over the past few days in regard to the ongoing vaccination debacle, or faux pas.

The recent news’ headlines carried in the press, which suggest that the Russian authorities have verified Guyana’s Sputnik supply and the Health Ministry has called on Harmon to back the vaccine programme and apologise for his utterances, are reasons why I have lost confidence in Harmon’s style of

politics and leadership of the country’s Opposition.

I expected rationality and common sense to guide Harmon’s intelligence on the issues. Alas and again, he has exposed his true self as a quick-tempered, and unstable political adversary. He is blind to simple, verifiable, and authentic facts available to the common researcher online.

Doesn’t Harmon have a researcher in his fold?

Doesn’t he have lawyers, doctors, and prominent people to guide his thoughts before he engages the public with the “uninformed” position that he took on the vac-

cines?

And to think that Harmon intends to become President of Guyana!

It makes me quiver in my boots out of sheer fear and bewilderment.

Keep on digging, there is likely another round of blows that Government would share out on the vaccine. I believe that that next round would sink Harmon and expose his real intentions for causing the public undue fear and promoting vaccine hesitancy in Guyana.

Now, I don’t care what propaganda the Opposition or Mr. Harmon comes up

with, the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, real, and effective in the fight against illnesses brought on by the pandemic. I urge all to take one of the vaccines and protect themselves.

Finally, Guyana needs leadership in the Opposition benches. The time of some politicians parading as intellectual and factual beings is long over. You either are, or you are not.

I ask: it is too quick or early in the race to say Harmon is not?

Regards, Michael Younge

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Welder arraigned 2 arrested for murder of Haresh Singh for stabbing Kitty …1 reportedly confesses man to death WCB brutal murders

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Murdered: Haresh Singh

wo persons have been arrested in connection with the murder of Haresh Singh, the 17-yearold who was killed amid violent protest that erupted in West Coast Berbice (WCB) in September 2020 following the gruesome murder of Isaiah and Joel Henry.

Guyana Times has been informed that one of the arrested suspects has since confessed to the heinous crime.

The Major Crimes Unit within the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) made the breakthrough and initially arrest-

ed one person on Wednesday.

That person provided information which led to the arrest of a second person.

When contacted, a senior Police rank told Guyana Times that the Police are on the hunt for two other persons in connection with the murder. He, nevertheless, did not divulge any other information with respect to the breakthrough.

However, relatives of the late Haresh Singh have said detectives visited their home two days ago and informed them that the investigation has intensified. They were not officially informed of the developments, but received information unofficially that investigators had arrested one person who confessed to murdering the 17-year-old.

Singh’s body was found in the backdam at Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) during a protest for justice for the Henry boys, whose mutilated bodies were found on a coconut farm at Cotton Tree.

It has been widely speculated that Singh was murdered in retaliation for the murder of the Henry boys.

Members of Singh’s fami-

Murdered: Isiah Henry and Joel Henry

ly were initially arrested as suspects in the murder of the Henry teens, but they were subsequently released.

Three persons are currently before the courts for the murder of the Henry boys. In addition, a brother of one of the boys is also before the court for killing his neighbour, whom he claimed was responsible for his brother’s death.

On September 9, 2020, Singh left his home at Number Three Village in the company of his uncles to go to the backdam to work.

However, he returned home shortly after by himself to take some water to the estate. It was on his way back to the farm that he was murdered. Singh was riding a

motorcycle at the time he was chopped to death.

His body was discovered in the backdam next to his motor cycle, which has also been burnt. A postmortem examination has found that Singh died as a result of a brain haemorrhage and blunt trauma to the head, compounded by compression injuries to the neck.

Following the death of the Henry boys, there was widespread protest across Guyana, demanding justice, and the Police had said they would investigate Singh’s murder with the same intensity that was being employed in relation to the murder of 16-year-old Isaiah Henry and 19-year-old Joel Henry.

President Ali revokes visa-free travel...

“We have a complaint from the Brazilian Government to say that Guyana is being used as a trans-shipment point for people smuggling into Brazil. And we are being blamed for this. We are not an island. We are a mainland. And we have extraordinarily wide borders that are almost impossible to monitor and police,” Nandlall had said during an interview with Trinidad’s Morning Edition in December 2020.

This was after Police in E Division (LindenKwakwani) had arrested 26 Haitians who had reportedly entered Guyana illegally in November last year.

They were reportedly intercepted in two minibuses at Mabura Trail, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice)

and subsequently detained after it was discovered that they had entered the country illegally via Suriname.

Police related that the foreign nationals were en route to neighbouring Brazil at the time of interception.

The Haitians were placed in protective custody at the Hugo Chávez Centre, and Magistrate Sherdel Issacs-Marcus had granted an order to deport them after being approached by the Immigration Office.

However, the Association of Haitian Nationals in Guyana successfully approached acting Chief Justice Roxane George on December 3, to block the deportation until the constitutionality of the Haitians’ detention came up for the hearing of arguments on

December 18.

But before the hearing could come up, the 26 Haitians who were subsequently released by local authorities pending the determination of the court proceedings disappeared from their city dwelling.

FROM PAGE 3

This publication had visited the guest house, where it was confirmed that the 26 Haitians, including children, had left in two Route 94 minibuses (which ply the Georgetown to Lethem Route).

Dead: Kwal Dindon (Newsroom photo)

A

21-year-old welder of Shell Road, Kitty, Georgetown was on Thursday remanded to prison for murder committed on 23-year-old Kwal Dindon.

Mark Doliveira, called “Buck boy”, was not required to plead to the charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The Police have said that between June 19 and 20, 2021, at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Doliveira murdered Kwal Dindon, also known as “Coolie boy”. The accused killer will return to court on July 16.

It was reported that on

June 19, 2021, Dindon and two friends attended a birthday party at Sandy Babb Street, where an argument broke out between him and Doliveira.

Doliveira left the scene, but Dindon armed himself with a piece of wood, and in the company of his friends, they went after him.

Doliveira was eventually cornered by Dindon and his friends, and was dealt several lashes about his body.

In retaliation, he reportedly whipped out a knife from his pants waist and stabbed Dindon to his right-side upper back.

In a bid to escape, the injured Dindon reportedly ran into a nearby yard, where he collapsed to the ground and fell unconscious. He was taken to the public hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

He died the following day while receiving treatment. A post mortem examination showed that Dindon died from shock and haemorrhage due to stab wounds.

Following the incident, Doliveira and two of the late Dindon’s friends and another male were arrested. The chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has advised that Doliveira be charged with murder after reviewing the Police file.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

Thursday’s answers

By Bernadette Mayer

B

lackout poetry is like a treasure hunt since you find hidden meanings and secret messages in unlikely places. It also creates a beautiful “night sky” — with words as the twinkling stars of your poem.

Supplies • Old newspapers or magazines • Thin and thick black markers • Highlighters (optional) How to 1. Select a newspaper or magazine page.

2. Look at all of the words on the page.

3. Go back over the page, and with a thin black marker draw a box around the words that you want in your poem.

4. Colour in (black out) the rest of the words on the page with the thick black marker, leaving just the words you selected.

5. Highlight all or some of the words, if you like, to create a more colourful effect. (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

Be strong Bernadette Nobody will ever know I came here for a reason Perhaps there is a life here Of not being afraid of your own heart beating Do not be afraid of your own heart beating Look at very small things with your eyes & stay warm Nothing outside can cure you but everything's outside There is great shame for the world in knowing You may have gone this far Perhaps this is why you love the presence of other people so much Perhaps this is why you wait so impatiently You have nothing more to teach Until there is no more panic at the knowledge of your own real existence & then only special childish laughter to be shown & no more lies no more Not to find you no More coming back & more returning Southern journey Small things & not my own debris Something to fight against & we are all very fluent about ourselves Our own ideas of food, a Wild sauce There's not much point in its being over: but we do not speak them: I had written: "the man who sewed his soles back on his feet" And then I panicked most at the sound of what the wind could do to me if I crawled back to the house, two feet give no position, if the branches cracked over my head & their threatening me, if I covered my face with beer & sweated till you returned If I suffered what else could I do

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Intelligence, technology to drive fight against new, evolving crimes – Pres Ali …as $12M Cove and John Training Centre handed over

President Irfaan Ali

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s the world progresses and Guyana prospers as an oil-producing nation, greater intelligence and newer methods from law enforcement will be needed to stop sophisticated crimes.

President Irfaan Ali shared this on Thursday at the handing-over ceremony of a computer training centre at the Cove and John Police Headquarters, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The centre was built and equipped through a collaborative effort between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Jay and Sylvia Sobhraj Foundation, Zara Group of Companies.

“The theory we’re working

by and working with is that results matter. At the end of the day, it is the results of our collective efforts that matter.

There’s the result not in going after criminals but stopping crime through great intelligence – not only intelligence gathering but through greater intelligence with the use of well-trained professional manpower and also, technology. This, by no means, suggest that we’re naïve,” he outlined.

According to the Head of State, the country will become a target for white-collar crimes and other related activities, which would require collaboration across borders.

Already, he said, partnerships with counterparts have paid off, resulting in major drug busts.

“We understand very clearly that the nature of crime is changing globally.

We understand very clearly that the nature of crime would change locally. A more prosperous country becomes a target for more sophisticated criminals. Our approach to crime fighting has to be one beyond the boundaries of Guyana. We’ve already seen where our collaboration has led to some of the largest drug busts regionally over the last few months. This did not

The building which houses the new training centre at Cove and John The ribbon-cutting exercise with Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn to open the new building

come about by accident. This came about by strategic planning,” Dr Ali noted.

Moving forward, the President said that there needed to be a robust learning environment, where ranks were able to drop traditional methods and adopt newer ones that will speak to the demand. The population’s confidence will also be boosted if the Force can perform efficiently. He further stated that Government was embarking on a “massive” programme to create this environment and build a better product.

“The Police Force has to lead by creating a learning environment. You have to unlearn methods sometimes and learn new methods. That is

why easy access to technology and the training component that comes with it is such an important part of unlearning and relearning 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,” the Head of State declared.

“Human resources are driven not only by salaries but driven by opportunities.

Opportunity to own their own home; opportunity to be trained; opportunity to get an additional skill; opportunity to get onto the scholarship programme to pursue studies.

These are all things that help to drive the human resourc-

es.”

Through collaboration with the GPF, the Foundation has trained some 13,626 persons at its four computer training centres around the country; with 2834 being members of the Force and 10,792 civilians. This new centre provides resources to aid in the continuation of such initiatives.

Through partnership with the Foundation since 2012, the GPF has also benefited from software and other resources to better manage reports and its response.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn highlighted that they were working towards having improved databases and technology throughout Police Stations in order to have information at their fingertips.

“While we are working on bringing in five Police Stations just now, we have been paying some attention to issues in relation to developing software … An important thing going forward is that we have proper care and proper use of the software, better engagement with our people. We have to be more empathetic with the people that we deal with, both victims and perpetrators so that we can have a more holistic response,” the Minister shared.

Jay Sobhraj of the Foundation emphasised that the centre was an investment in the people of Guyana and they would continue to help provide other resources. It was pointed out that crime fighting must be done with the proper tools.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GBTI receives recognition award from Health Ministry – over 22 units of blood collected during blood drive

Saving...

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GBTI’s staff Godwin Fernandes donates blood

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he National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has recognised the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Limited as an official blood donation site after more than 22 units of blood were collected on Thursday.

GBTI Branch Manager Binsaud Bakhsh related that “this is the company’s ninth blood drive, this is our signature activity, and is done on an annual basis, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health. This activity is usually kept in June to coincide with World Blood Donor Day, which is usually June 14th”.

Bakhsh noted that GBTI would continue to support

Some of GBTI Staff giving blood at Water Street Branch

the noble and humanitarian cause and as such, encouraged all staff and customers to continue donating.

Normally, the blood drive sees both staff and customers participating, but given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, only staff were allowed to do so this time round.

Showcasing the plaques awarded in recognition of GBTI’s efforts was the Bank’s Customer Services Manager, Raymond Forde, who, in a brief comment, said that “the company’s blood drive efforts began in 2012 in effort of World Blood Day by the then Branch Manager Terry Gopaul, who thought it was a splendid humanitarian ef-

fort in which they can give back to the community.”

Over the years, the event has really been fruitful and the company has seen well over 300 units of blood donated.

NBTS Supervisor Tonza Younge-Bamfield explained “There isn’t any one type of blood that is needed, but rather we welcome all types of blood as there are times when demand is greater than supply. Most times, the O group is in demand.”

GBTI’s ninth annual blood drive was held at its Water Street location. Last year, the Bank donated 50 units of blood from two drives at the branch.

Only recently in observance of World Blood Donor

Day, the Health Ministry, through the NBTS, recognised GBTI as a donor partner.

“I always give because we know of the need for blood from the media,” said GBTI Enterprise Risk Manager Tonia Griffith “It’s an easy process and I feel good. We know that it’s healthy for your body too.”

Among repeat donors on Thursday were Christopher Mackintosh, Randir Ramkisson, Yuvraj Bhagwandeen, Adeeb Bacchus, Mercedes LowKoon, Griffith, Godwin Fernandes and among the first-time donors were Latifa Harris and Colleen Mackintosh.

…sugar hen the PNC ignored their own COI - which cost God knows how many millions! - and shuttered four estates, more than half of the sugar industry, the PPP immediately announced they were gonna reverse that if they were returned to power. What else could they say? They’d lost the 2015 elections by a mere single seat, or 5000 votes - much of that drawn away from their core constituency by the AFC and handled to the PNC. Who wouldn’t take advantage of Granger shooting his coalition in the foot to woo back those errant voters?

If Granger had a death wish for his party, that was his business!

Anyhow, the PPP were duly returned to office, and they did keep their promise when they announced they were going to reopen three of the four closed estates.

They had big plans for Wales as part of their O&G-based industrialisation of the country. So, since then, we’ve been privy to bits and pieces of news on GuySuCo getting the three other closed estates - Enmore, Rose Hall Canje and Skeldon - back into shape. In lush, tropical Guyana, it doesn’t take long for cultivated lands to revert to the “bush”!

Then, lo and behold, - the skies opened up from April, and the Noah-type deluge hasn’t ceased since!

Meanwhile, the meteorologists predict this will continue way into August!! So, when we hear about the “country” being flooded, can you imagine what’s happening to those cane fields that are surrounded by swollen irrigation and drainage canals? Not to mention the drains between the beds inside the fields! Waterlogged canes are what you have!!

So, apart from not being able to get into the fields to cut the canes and transport them to the factories, the said canes would mostly have “fallen” - making it much more difficult to cut. The efforts at mechanisation of the “harvesting”, which was supposed to compensate for the shortage of labour, will also have to be abandoned in the waterlogged fields. As much mud as canes would’ve been picked up by the Bell Loaders! Then we’ve heard about the young canes not growing under all that water.

This means that the sugar production will be affected for years to come. And we’ll have to pretty much kiss the second crop goodbye.

Then what about the reopening of the three estates?

Obviously, anything to do with the fields has to been put on hold; no work can be done there. We’d heard the factories were being rehabilitated, and maybe we could get an update? But for sure, they won’t be getting any canes soon!

Can the Govt plead an “Act of God” in not keeping their contract with sugar workers? …the PNC? It’s pretty hard for a political party to survive when all that motivates its leadership is getting back into power but yet shooting themselves at every turn. Your Eyewitness has already mentioned Granger’s unilateral closure of the sugar estates and pissing off 7,000 sugar workers.

Then patting himself on his back after the NCM for being “democratic” - but immediately somersaulting to claim 33 wasn’t the majority of 65!

But that pales in comparison with what’s now going on in the PNC. So many knives have been drawn at Granger and his myrmidon Harmon, the wielders are tripping over each other in trying to get their thrusts in! The WPA - such as it exists - and now on the outside are quite miffed that their “representative” - alleged to be a relative of one of their executives - has now launched a new “party” to replace them!!

From within the PNC, a former “creature” of Desmond Hoyte and a son-in-law of Burnham have now openly declared that they’re taking on Granger.

Such saviors!! …face Now that even fervent supporters have panned him for his denigration of the Sputnik V vaccine, Harmon is trying to extricate his size 12 from his mouth.

He claims he’s worried about the cold-chain logistics!!

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

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS Duo robbed of cash, phone at construction site FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he Police are on the hunt for two men who reportedly robbed a duo of their cash and mobile phones at a construction site at Orealla Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown on Wednesday evening.

The Police have said that at about 20:30h on the day in question, a 41-yearold male and his 60-yearold counterpart were at a construction site when they were attacked by the perpetrators, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

Held at gunpoint, the two men were ordered out of the yard and were made to lie on the parapet with their faces towards the ground.

The perpetrators then relieved the men of three mobile phones and about $172,000 in cash, before boarding a black-and-red XR motorcycle and making

good their escape.

No one was injured during the ordeal, but the matter was reported to the Police and an investigation has been launched.

Armed men intercept, escape with $2.8M car along Leopold Street

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wo armed men have relieved a 46-yearold man of his Toyota Fielder wagon, PZZ 7156, and other personal items after intercepting him along Leopold Street, Georgetown.

The incident was reportedly committed at about 1:10h on Thursday, and one of the two suspects was armed with a handgun while the other had a knife.

The Police have said that the victim was driving along Leopold Street, Georgetown

when he observed a Mazda motorcar parked in the middle of the roadway to obstruct him from proceeding on his journey.

As his vehicle came to a stop, two men reportedly exited the back passengers’ seat of the Mazda car and walked up to him. The perpetrator with the gun pointed the weapon to his head and ordered him out of his vehicle, while the perpetrator with the knife searched his pockets and confiscated one iPhone 7.

The victim was also relieved of a silver chain and a silver band that he was wearing at the time.

The two suspects then boarded their victim’s car, and the Mazda motorcar made way for that car to pass. The victim was left standing on the roadway as the men drove off with his car.

A report was subsequently made at the Brickdam Police Station, and an investigation is underway.

13-year-old robbed at knifepoint

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13-year-old lad has been left traumatised after he was attacked and robbed at knifepoint by two men at Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Wednesday.

During the ordeal, the teen was reportedly relieved of his mobile phone

and $3000 in cash.

Based on reports received, on Wednesday at about 20:30h, the teenager was heading to a shop at Zeelugt when two perpetrators who were riding a black Jialing motorcycle attacked him from behind.

The perpetrators reportedly pulled out a knife and

placed it on the teen’s neck as they searched his pockets. They confiscated his cellphone and the cash before making good their escape.

The matter was reported to the Police, and an investigation has been launched, but up to press time, no arrest had been made.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Passing of Lennox Canterbury a “national loss” – President Ali

P

Lennox Canterbury

resident Dr Irfaan Ali said that the passing of Lennox Albert Canterbury, who dedicated his life in service to his country is a “great national loss”.

The Head of State made these remarks as he delivered a tribute to the former Director of the Mashramani Secretariat during his funeral service on Thursday at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) tarmac.

President Ali joined friends and family members gathered to celebrate the life of the beloved friend, father, and husband. “ “Canty” belonged to Guyana. He belonged to Guyana in life; he belonged to Guyana in action and in commitment. He was not only an outstand-

President Irfaan Ali pays his final respects on Thursday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac to Lennox Canterbury, who served as National Director at the Mash Secretariat for a number of years

ing Guyanese, but he was a Guyanese who sought to leave positive change. He created positive vibes and created positive energy in everything he dedicated his life to,” the President said.

The Head of State recalled the close bond cultivated over the years, both professionally and personally, between himself and “Canty”, as Canterbury was popularly known.

The President stated

that he had worked with Canterbury over the years during his tenure as Housing and Water and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministers.

Canterbury sat on organising committees for many national projects, including Building Expo, GuyExpo, Guyana Festival and Mashramani, among others.

“I have had the privilege to learn from him. I have had the privilege to

work with him on many occasions, to experience his calmness when things become difficult; to experience his wealth of knowledge when things become complex and huge in size to manage and handle; to experience his winning way of bringing people together in a team to accomplish a task,” Dr Ali said.

He also recalled Canterbury’s calm demeanour and his commitment to

bringing out the best in situations. “Everything that seemed gloomy came out bright and beautiful.

“I enjoyed his company.

I enjoyed his knowledge. I enjoyed his simplicity. I enjoyed his commitment. I can truly say, as President, I felt his love in good times and in not-so-good times.”

The President said too that Canterbury’s legacy would live on as he took the time to nurture and impart his wealth of knowledge and experience to those that came after him. In addition, he ensured the seamless continuity of projects in which he was integrally involved in planning. These projects include the 55th Independence activities as well as Guyana National Day celebrations at

Expo2020, Dubai.

“That was a man who was fearless in sharing his ideas.

You know, sometimes people guard their ideas and knowledge, not “Canty”. For me, he was not an employee; he was much more than a public servant, he was a friend, a brother, someone who I admired, someone who I looked up to, someone who I am thankful I was able to meet and share time within my lifetime. I pray that his soul finds everlasting peace,” the President said.

He expressed profound gratitude to Canterbury’s widow, Karen and his family members for giving him the latitude over the years to share his time, his talent, and his love with Guyana and the people of Guyana.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice man attacked, stabbed over old grievance C hirulall Mankarran, also called Tony, of Bush Lot Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was on Wednesday stabbed during a scuffle with a man with whom he had had an old grievance.

Police have said that on Wednesday at about 15:30h, the 30-year-old Mankarran had gone to a Chinese restaurant to make a purchase, and while there, was confronted by the 22-year-old suspect, with whom he had had a previous misunderstanding.

The suspect was report-

Mankarran reported the matter at the Whim Police Station, and the suspect was arrested while the victim was taken to the Port

Mourant Hospital, where he was treated before being referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Mankarran has been ad-

mitted a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital, while the suspect is expected to make his court appearance today.

tained injuries to his left foot, face and chest, but he reportedly managed to flee from his brother and was rescued by neighbours and other family members.

He was taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he has been admitted

a patient.

His brother was subsequently arrested, and the cutlass was retrieved. He was taken to the Central Police Station, and is expected to be arraigned in court soon. An investigation of the incident is underway.

Man chops brother who refuses him entry into yard

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edly imbibing in the same restaurant, and upon seeing Mankarran, armed himself with a glass bottle and con-

fronted him. In the ensuing scuffle, the suspect broke the bottle and dealt Mankarran a blow to the left hip.

i f t y- si x-ye a r - old Derick Baker, a farmer of Warren village, East Coast Berbice (Region Six: East BerbiceCorentyne), has been hospitalised after his brother whom he had refused to give access to his yard chopped him multiple times on Wednesday.

Police investigations have revealed that at about 20:00h on Wednesday, Derick Baker was at home when his brother visited, but Derick refused to let him into the yard.

This angered his brother, who reportedly left and returned with a cutlass.

Upon his return, Derick was reportedly standing on the road, and his brother dealt him several chops about his body. Derick sus-

Chainsaw operator collapses, dies at worksite

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chainsaw operation was pronounced dead on arrival at the Suddie Public Hospital on Wednesday evening after collapsing at his worksite

at Aurora Grand Backdam, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The dead man has been identified as 52-year-old Ronaldo Morris Williams of

Lake Mainstay, Essequibo Coast.

Based on information gathered, the now dead man was in the company of other workers when he started to complain of chest pains and requested some water to drink.

Soon after drinking the water he began coughing, and subsequently collapsed to the ground and began drooling before losing consciousness.

He was picked up and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 23:40h. His body is at the hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem.

13 Fire rips through Tucville home, mechanic shop NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…bucket brigade formed to save surrounding houses

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bucket brigade formed by alert neighbours averted a major tragedy on Thursday morning, as fire ravaged a home and adjoining mechanic shop in Tucville, Georgetown.

The victim, Deon Richards, was only able to save his toddler son, before the fire engulfed the wooden structure, reducing it to ashes in the space of half an hour.

According to reports at the scene, Richards was awakened about 08:00h on Thursday by the smell of smoke. When he investigated, he reportedly found the living room on fire.

In a state of shock, the mechanic, who is attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), rushed to save his two-year-old son while he

raised the alarm. His neighbours then formed a bucket brigade in the hope of quelling the blaze.

Though the neighbourly effort was enough to contain the blaze to the single lot, the mechanic was unable to save anything from the burning building, as the fire quickly engulfed the wooden structure and mechanic shop.

Richards was too overwhelmed with the grief of losing his home and source of livelihood to speak to the media, but his neighbour Alwyn Vanderstoop related what he knew of the devastating fire.

“After drinking some tea, next thing I know this man come and throw he son at me and said ‘fire’. By the time he make so to go and throw

A glimpse of the aftermath of the fire on Thursday morning

the bucket of water, there was bottle blowing up and

the fire just keep exhausting more and more and more,”

Vanderstoop said.

He further stated: “We

couldn’t do nothing else, but keep throwing water til the fire engine come and that was it.”

“It appears like he was sleeping, he and he son, but like when he feel the heat, he just jump up and pick up he son and run outside,” the neighbour speculated.

Speaking about the damage done to his own home, which is situated to the left of the burnt house, Vanderstoop stated, “It just scorch and the windows break up, the blaze just damage up the ceiling and them thing. Nothing much to talk though, ‘cause it coulda be worse if them boys didn’t come and help me with the water and thing from the gutter. Could be worse, God is good still.”

TURN TO PAGE 15

14 NEWS Guyanese singers team up to record ‘BEND’ FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BEND

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everal overseas-based Guyanese singers have teamed up to record another musical masterpiece, which is expected to create a stir on both local and international airwaves.

The song, called ‘BEND’, has been done

by Adrian Dutchin; Jumo Proctor (Kapashanti); Ryan Lynton, also called Gucci Boss; and Gaddiel Henry, called ‘Gaddie G’; and was released a few days ago. It has been receiving excellent reviews.

This is the first time, that four Guyanese artistes have come together to record this unique blend of music, which created the right rhythm, described as a Caribbean fusion.

The song was done on

the ‘Tassa Drum Rhythm’ and was produced by Negus, another Guyanese who resides in Canada.

The objective of the song is to demonstrate that Guyanese artistes can come together and record good, clean music that is pleasing to the ears.

It took several days to be completed, but it is indeed a masterpiece, having brought together friends to execute a project which had been in the making for quite some time.

The experience leading up to and during the recording was overwhelming, and will not be forgotten.

The four Guyanese, each a singing sensation, have thanked God for good health and strength; and

moreso, they have thanked their families and fans for supporting them throughout the project.

In a brief comment, Adrian Dutchin, the former X2 singer, expressed how elated he is at the release of the new song, while adding that there will be more collaborations in the future.

He is encouraging fans to share the song, which can be downloaded from iamadriandutchin on instagram, Adriandutchin27 on ticktock, Gaddie g on fb, IG, twitter; iamgucciboss on Instagram, DLJEntertainment Gucci boaa x pablo youtube; Ryan Lynton on FB, Gucciboss rgb on ticktock, and Kapashanti on instagram and Facebook.

‘Venom’ poised to unleash ‘musical lava’ with lavish ‘Linden Summer Jam’

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fter many mind-boggling musical exploits around the Caribbean and China, overseas-based Guyanese artiste Jermaine ‘Venom’ McBean has returned to the local shores to unleash a ‘musical explosion’ on Sunday, August 1, 2021.

The 33-year-old super-talented song writer, composer and professional vocalist returned to his hometown, Linden, a few months ago, and was disappointed that he could not explore his musical fantasies due to the COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions.

In a brief interview on Wednesday, he noted that while it has been a major setback for him, he utilises his time wisely by composing and writing songs.

“I was very disappointed when I returned to Guyana some months ago and realised (that) because of the coronavirus pandemic, I would not be able to perform at several live shows I had planned around Guyana. I was even more perplexed that I had to stay indoors most of the time. Being the wise man I am, I decided to use the quiet and peace indoors to compose and write some of the best songs I may have ever written, some of which will be aired at my August 01, “Linden Summer Jam’, which will be hosted in the prestigious environs of the Shanghai’s Residence in Amelia’s Ward, Linden,” he shared.

McBean let on that the

Jermaine ‘Venom’ Mc Bean has returned with a bang to unleash A MUSICAL THUNDERSTORM

mega event would be an open-air show, but would be executed in a family-oriented manner, where families can come out in their numbers and have the true picnic atmosphere. He said tables would be set up, and even tropical umbrellas, to further accentuate the venue. He added that the cooking would be done ‘open air’ style, as he intends to infiltrate the nostrils of revellers with some of the most succulent bar-b-que pork, beef, fish and chicken done on several grills to be set up around the venue.

While ‘Venom’, as he prefers to be called, will be the main attraction, he indicated that he is contemplating the inclusion of a few other local backup acts as well.

McBean has indicated that the event would

be a ‘musical inferno’ and would rival any other event staged here locally, since it has received intense planning and coordinating by both local and international experts.

He particularly dubbed the event ‘A Summer Jam to Remember’, emphasising that it would be laced with melodious vocals, electric lyrics, and a raunchy onstage frenzy never seen here before.

This artiste is no stranger to the world of music, and has performed at the Carib Soca Monarch in 2012, where his soca hit ‘Storm the Road’ was quite a hit single. After that it was ‘Bumper’, another soca single that received rave reviews both locally and internationally.

‘Main Squeeze’, his reggae single, in 2010 was dubbed as ‘scorching’ by local critics and music enthusiasts.

In that year, he travelled to China, where he was invited to perform at several prestigious functions after his live videos and performances were sent to promoters in that land. Large Chinese audiences loved him, and he was soon chalking up notable points and raking numerous paying gigs there.

Now he is back to take Guyana by storm, and related that he would be focusing on more live performances on events to be staged across the Land of Many Waters.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Murder suspect arrested 1 arrested after opening fire on cops after fleeing scene

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he prime suspect in the murder of 30-year-old Shane Blake, who was shot dead at a mining camp at Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), has been arrested on Thursday.

The murder suspect was reportedly found at Apaiqua, Middle

Mazaruni, but is expected to be escorted to the Bartica Police Station for further interrogation in connection with the heinous crime.

Police have said that Blake, a miner of Moruca Village, North West District (NWD), was shot dead on Tuesday by the 30-year-old suspect. It has

been reported that on the day in question, the victim was asleep when he was awakened by the armed suspect, who ordered him to put on his clothes.

Upon being so instructed, the victim armed himself with a cutlass and chopped the suspect to his shoulder. The suspect retaliated by discharging

Fire rips through Tucville ...

Guyana Fire Service’s Divisional Officer in Charge of Operations, Haimchandra Persaud was at the scene and related that the Fire Service received a report of the fire at 08:57h. The fire tenders reportedly arrived at about 09:05h.

With three trucks, the firefighters got into action, but nothing much could have been done to save the building. Persaud commended members of the community for their swift action.

“With regards to these enclosed areas, there’s a challenge as it relates to fire spread, quick fire spread, but as you can see there’s good neighbourly support.

They have helped and I want to compliment them for that,” Persaud said.

The Divisional Officer added, “You can see the building to the east was slightly scorched, but they would’ve prevented a spread. To the other end, West, because of a zinc fence, you can see the radiated heat did not do much damage to the other building, but they’re in close proximity.”

FROM PAGE 13

A grief-stricken Deon Richards, being consoled by a member of the Guyana Fire Service

Working with the theory that a gas bottle might have

in the victim’s direction a round which struck him in the upper left chest area.

The suspect subsequently fled the scene, but public-spirited citizens escorted the victim to a health post, where he succumbed to his injury.

The suspect is expected to be arraigned for the capital offence of murder.

exploded causing the fire, Persaud cautioned citizens

to exercise better fire prevention measures.

“I want to advise the general public also, let’s practise some level of caution and fire safety. People need to be careful, because from the words I’ve heard here, sounds of explosion means you had gas in proximity. So, we need to store these things in safe manner, we need to be careful, so that these occurrences can be curtailed.

“Nevertheless, we are there to support the public, to render that assistance whenever needed. We’ve come on scene and we’ve done our task and I just want to thank the ranks who worked; we’ve worked relentlessly since one o’clock this morning,” the Divisional Officer declared.

Richards is said to have suffered severe losses in the fire, including several vehicles that belonged to customers on which he was working in his shop.

– gun, ammunition found in fast-food outlet

A

man was arrested on Sunday after he and his accomplice, who remains on the run, reportedly opened fire on the Police at Regent Street, Georgetown.

Based on information received, Police, acting on information, went to a certain part of Regent Street, Georgetown, where they observed two men standing in front of a fast-food outlet. As a Police corporal approached them, they both whipped out guns from their pants crotch and pointed same at him. The policeman accordingly took evasive action and discharged three rounds in their direction, forcing them to run.

One of the suspects reportedly ran into the fastfood outlet, while the other ran in the direction of

the Plaisance minibus park.

The Police reportedly went in pursuit of him, leaving the other in the fast-food outlet.

In attempting to evade capture, the suspect scaled a fence at Guyoil Gas Station and jumped into a canal, but quick action by the Police led to his arrest along Charlotte Street, Georgetown.

When the Police returned to the fast-food outlet, the other suspect had disappeared. However, acting on information received, a search was conducted in the kitchen area of the outlet, during which a Taurus Judge handgun with five 410 rounds of ammunition were found in the garbage.

The suspect who was arrested remains in custody, and is assisting Police with their investigations.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Arson suspected as house, vulcanising shop go up in flames

The house and shop have been reduced to ashes

The aftermath of the fire

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ver a dozen persons, including Venezuelan migrants, are now homeless after an early morning fire destroyed their place of abode

at Durban and George Streets, Georgetown on Thursday. An adjoining vulcanizing shop was also ruined.

Based on reports re-

ceived, the fire started just around 1:45h, and firefighters from the Central, West Ruimveldt, Alberttown, and Campbellville fire stations were dispatched to the

scene, but despite their efforts, the building was completely gutted.

While the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, the owner of the vulcaniz-

brothers’ keepers, because this flooding is a national issue that has affected us all. This is time for us to demonstrate compassion for life and our fellow farmers,” Minister Mustapha has said.

The Minister has also said the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) and the Regional Agricultural Coordinator for Region Six, Dennis Deroop, are currently working with farmers to determine the reason behind the heinous attacks, and to resolve amicably any conflict that exists.

He added that the GLDA and regional agricultural officers are working with farmers to ensure animals brought from the backlands remain housed in secure areas and away from farms and rice fields.

Further, he said the GLDA has been providing feed free of cost to farmers.

Cattle farmers have been forced to relocate their

animals to higher ground following onset of the rainy season back in May, which has resulted in the flooding of savannahs in Regions Five and Six and many other agricultural and residential areas across the country.

So far, more than 20,000 animals have been relocated to higher ground in the front lands. The GLDA has been using a pontoon to transport animals from the flooded savannahs to higher ground in the front lands.

Agri Minister condemns acts of "cattle-hacking" in Region 6

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griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has condemned acts of cattle-hacking in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

This comes on the heels of farmers in the region appealing to the relevant authorities for help, after persons had hacked several of their animals. Some farmers who were forced to move their animals to the front lands, after their designated grazing areas in the backlands had become inundated, have reported that several of their animals are nursing life-threatening injuries allegedly inflicted by other farmers.

After learning of the incidents, Minister Mustapha condemned the acts, and is urging persons to desist from harming the animals.

“Over the past few days, cattle farmers from Berbice have been reaching out to me about the issue. I’ve instructed the regional ag-

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

riculture officers to meet with the farmers. Farmers have also engaged regional law enforcement. I’m hoping that things do not escalate further. I know these are very troubling times for farmers, who are trying to preserve whatever cultivation and livestock they have left.

“I’m urging farmers to work together and be their

ing shop, Kevin Phillips, believes it might be arson.

Phillips explained that he was sleeping at home when he was awakened by his dogs barking at about 1:00h on Thursday. Upon checking, the man said, he saw two persons riding away from the side of his home.

Shortly after, he heard his neighbour screaming, “Fire!

Fire!”

He said that after noticing the blaze, he immediately began dousing the building with water, but his attempts were futile.

Owner of the vulcanising shop, Kevin Phillips

This group of Venezuelans had occupied the building

“We tried to contain the fire, but we couldn’t do that…We tried to save something, but we didn’t get to, since everything is just burnt. We sell electrical bikes, and all of them were destroyed. We also have people who had their bikes in the shop, and those were destroyed,” he said.

The man has estimated his losses to be in the millions.

Meanwhile, Divisional Fire Officer Haimchandra

Persaud related that at about 3:00h, firefighters had the blaze under control. He said they were able to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby homes and businesses.

Nevertheless, Elegance Jewellery and Pawnshop, which is located close to the burnt building, was scorched.

The Fire Officer has assured that all theories surrounding the origin of the fire will be investigated.

Takutu River boat mishap

Mother of missing businesswoman claims daughter being held captive

...says there is no sign of a capsized boat

I

n light of a boat mishap in the Takutu River, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), that has left the captain and a businesswoman missing, relatives of the missing woman are now looking for answers.

Police had reported that the boat had capsized on Thursday last. The missing businesswoman is Walletta Rigby of Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden. The identity of the Brazilian captain is not known.

Police have said that Rigby and her friend Shaunette Gonsalves, a 48-year-old housewife of Beverly Hills, Lethem, Central Rupununi, had crossed the Takutu Bridge and had gone to Bonfim in Brazil to purchase some items; and while on their way back, the boat had capsized.

Gonsalves told the Police that after the boat sank, she held on to a branch and was rescued several hours later by two men who were passing in another boat.

She told relatives that she and her friend had gone

Missing businesswoman Walletta Rigby

to purchase rum, chicken and other items from Brazil to take to Venezuela to sell.

She also revealed that the water was rough, and they had encountered difficulty and had thrown several items into the river, including the rum, to make the boat lighter. Despite that, however, the boat had capsized due to the rough waters.

The missing Walletta Rigby’s mother, Waveney August, also a businesswom-

an of East Bank Berbice, is claiming that there is no evidence in the water to show that the boat had sunk.

Further, she is claimed that the boat captain has been spotted in Venezuela.

“The whole thing ain’t adding up! Something is wrong!

Even though they say they are not finding this girl, they must see something on the water.

You have to see a slipper or something. There is nothing you are seeing! If they know where my daughter is, tell us…if she has anything for you that she has to refund, let us know!” August said in an appeal to persons who might have Rigby captive.

She noted that Rigby is a mother of six. “I can’t say my daughter is dead because I didn’t see a dead body. I am begging anybody in Brazil or Venezuela, if they know the whereabouts of my daughter, please call us…my number is 663-1937.”

Rigby and her reputed husband would normally trade between Brazil and Venezuela, and had taken her 14-year-old daughter with them on their last trip.

17 4 more die from COVID, 206 new cases recorded in 24h GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD T NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Health Ministry on Thursday reported that four more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died, thus taking June’s death toll so far to 60 and the overall toll to 458.

The latest fatalities are two women – an 85-year-old from Region One (BarimaWaini) and an 81-yearold from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – both of whom died on Tuesday.

The other two are a 58-yearold man from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and a 54-year-old woman of Region Four, who died on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, a 68-year-

old female from Region Four and a 55-year-old male from Region Six died while receiving care at medical facilities.

New statistics provided by the Ministry show that overall, cases have now risen to 19,565 – 9561 males and 10,004 females. This is after a whopping 206 new cases were recorded during a 24-hour period.

The stats also showed 18 persons remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 112 in institutional isolation, 1572 in home isolation and nine in institutional quarantine. The country has seen 17,405 recoveries.

Since the pandemic started, 182,066 persons

were swabbed for the coronavirus.

Of the new cases, three were recorded in Region One; six in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 16 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 46 in Region Four; two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 21 in Region Six; a staggering 101 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 11 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) did not increase, remaining at 1243 and 379 respectively.

The Ministry has reminded citizens that symp-

Vaccines from COVAX delayed until July – Health Ministry sees a decline in 1st-dose uptake

T

he AstraZeneca vaccines, which were expected to arrive this month via the COVAX mechanism, have been delayed and are now expected to arrive in July.

On Thursday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony indicated that upon arrival of the vaccines, they would be immediately used in the current vaccination campaign.

“Unfortunately, COVAX has written to us to say that there is delay in that shipment and now they’re scheduled to send those shipments in July. We await from COVAX the specific dates when we will get it in July, and once we get, we will be using it,” the Minister said.

Under the African UnionCaricom agreement, possible dates are being explored to ship these vaccines.

Meanwhile, there continues to be a delay on the shipment of Sputnik V second doses.

So far, Guyana has been able to secure 62,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from COVAX, with more to arrive to cover a total of 20 per cent of the population. There were donations of 3000 doses of the AstraZeneca shot from Barbados, 20,000 Sinopharm doses from China and another 80,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from India.

Government has procured 400,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines from Dubai. Some 305,000 doses of this have arrived so far and the additional 95,000 are expected to arrive soon. Another 100,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from China will arrive

within the next two weeks.

Through an African Union-Caricom Agreement, Guyana is procuring another 148,000 vaccines – a portion of which will include Johnson and Johnson single-dose vaccines.

Decline

Meanwhile, in recent time, the Health Ministry has seen a decline in the number of persons turning up for their first doses, causing officials to examine reasons behind such hesitancy.

To date, 229, 846 persons have received their first vaccine dose – that is 47.2 per cent of the adult population.

Approximately 103,029 persons, or 21.2 per cent, have received their second doses.

The Regional Health Officers (RHOs) in the various administrative regions have been engaged, to improve these numbers by eliminating doubts which drive vaccine hesitancy.

“In almost all the regions, we have seen a relative decline in first dose vaccination and initially, we thought because of the flood, people were not coming forward, but in some of those areas, the flooding has eased up and we’re not seeing people coming out. We will do some assessment. We have been talking with the RHOs in those regions. They have been reporting that people are a little bit more hesitant, and so, we’ll have to see what is driving that hesitancy and work on maybe demystifying some of the things people have in their minds,” the Health Minister said.

On the other hand, num-

bers are increasing for second doses. He noted that with just over 20 per cent of people receiving both doses, Guyana is closer to achieving herd immunity. This entails immunising some 80 per cent of the adult population.

“By people having both doses, we’re getting closer to herd immunity. We estimate that we’ll have to get at least 80 per cent of our adult population vaccinated with both doses, so this is a step in the right direction. We’re approximately at 21 per cent. We still have a far way to go, but I think if we work with people and get them to come and get both doses, then Guyana will be much better off…Over the last couple of days, we have seen more persons coming in for second dose and we’ve seen less people coming for first dose. That’s something that we have to encourage: more people to come and get their first dose that is available for everyone,” the Minister outlined.

Regionally, the number of adults vaccinated with their first dose stands at 58.6 per cent for Region One (Barima-Waini); 43.3 per cent for Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 46.7 per cent for Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 48.7 per cent for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 49.9 per cent for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 55.1 per cent for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 46.2 per cent for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 31.7 per cent for Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), 45.7 per cent for Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and 14.3 per cent for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

In terms of second doses, statistics show a rate of 20.9 per cent for Region One, 21.7 per cent for Region Two, 19.8 per cent for Region Three, 24 per cent for Region Four, 22.1 per cent for Region Five, 22.2 per cent for Region Six, 16.8 per cent for Region Seven, 11.4 per cent for Region Eight, 16.6 per cent for Region Nine and 5.8 per cent for Region 10.

JUNE 24 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

206

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

112

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1572

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

18

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

9

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

10,004

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

9561

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

19,565

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

17,405

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

229,846

FULLY IMMUNISED

103,026

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

458

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1185

REGION 2

543

REGION 3

2241

REGION 4

9028

REGION 5

654

REGION 6

1487

REGION 7

1243

REGION 8

379

REGION 9

1426

REGION 10

1379

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.

toms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, tiredness, diarrhoea, pains, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.

The more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement. If persons are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person, they are asked to contact the

COVID-19 Hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from oth-

ers; and the need for good hand-washing hygiene. The 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) national curfew is in effect until June 30, 2021.

Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported some 179,241,734 confirmed cases along with 3,889,723 deaths. For the Region of the Americas, confirmed COVID-19 cases have increased to 71,232,746 with a death toll of 1,873,241.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

News

Guyana gets over $8M Guyana identifies legislative agenda to remedy from Canada to buy deficiencies in AML/CFT Act – Nandlall flood relief supplies I

CDC Director-General Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig (right) and Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman signing the agreement as the High Commission’s First Secretary- Development Cooperation Jessica-Leigh Teasdale looks on

A

s support continues to pour in to aid with the ongoing flood crisis, the Government of Canada on Thursday donated Cdn$50,000 (Gy$8.484 million) towards emergency flood relief for the hardest-hit areas in Guyana.

The donation has been funded through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), and is earmarked for the procurement of water storage receptacles, water purification materials, collapsible water carriers, personal protective equipment (PPE), and shelter items such as treated mosquito nets, rechargeable battery-operated lamps, cots, and tents.

According to a missive from the Civil Defence Commission on Thursday, the donation of financial assistance has been marked by the signing of an agreement between CDC DirectorGeneral Lieutenant-Colonel Kester Craig and Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman at the High Commissioner’s Office at High and Young Streets, Kingston, Georgetown.

Present at that signing was the High Commission’s First Secretary, Development Cooperation, Jessica-Leigh Teasdale.

Expressing the CDC’s profound gratitude for the donation, Colonel Craig called the contribution timely, highlighting that it would go a far way in benefiting many of the residents most severely affected by Guyana’s current floods, which have impacted all 10 regions across the country.

“The funding will help tremendously in our response,” Craig commented during the signing. He added, “It is in keeping with our needs, and the items that we will procure will definitely benefit the communities that are affected by the flooding.”

Colonel Craig further said the CDC is particularly grateful that many of the items covered under the funding include critical items such as the water purification tablets and water containers.

“Because of the flooding, we have water contamination, and having drinking water is essential to prevent-

ing any outbreak. So, we place a lot of emphasis on ensuring there is potable water available to the affected residents,” Craig noted.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Berman has conveyed his Government’s empathy with Guyana as the country faces one of its biggest flooding disasters in years. Berman noted that Canada recognises the impact of an effective humanitarian response to protect the lives of those severely affected during this national disaster.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, we are very pleased to assist Guyana in combating their flooding situation, and I just want to state our resolve to help Guyana address the immediacy of the flooding disaster and recover from it. Canada stands firmly with the Government and people of Guyana during the crisis,” Berman stated.

The Canadian envoy further remarked that the donation demonstrates the profound friendship between the two countries, and also commended the well-coordinated flooding response that has been executed since the flooding first began last month.

“I would like to commend the President [Irfaan] Ali, the Government of Guyana, and the Civil Defence Commission for the leadership and coordination of the relief efforts, and we are looking forward to continued partnership as we help to rebuild Guyana through this disaster,” Berman posited.

This will not be the first time that Canada has come on board to offer assistance to Guyana in disaster risk management. In 2016 and 2018, the CDC received significant contributions towards the rehabilitation of a school in Berbice for the establishing of a temporary shelter.

Additionally, during the 2019-2020 period, the CDC again received support from the Canadian Government towards construction of two shelters in Region One (Barima-Waini), which were used to assist Venezuelan migrants.

n completion of its second Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF) National Risk Assessment (NRA), the Government of Guyana is currently engaged in a twoday virtual workshop facilitated by the World Bank in order to validate the findings of the NRA. The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, in his opening remarks thanked the World Bank for their technical assistance in the conduct of the NRA. He added that despite the challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana has completed its second NRA. The Attorney General outlined that Guyana has already identified a legislative agenda in order to remedy the deficiencies in the AML/ CFT Act and related legislation as identified by the NRA. Nandlall noted the importance of the assessment related to the oil and gas sector, as Guyana has become an oilproducing nation, it is critical

to ensure that the AML/CFT apparatus is adequate in addressing the risks and threats that Guyana may face.

He further outlined that the Government of Guyana has boosted the prosecutorial capacity with a view to improving the effectiveness of investigations, prosecutions and convictions.

To that end, he announced that the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has recruited additional staff in the areas of law, forensic audit, accounting and investigations. Inter-agency cooperation between SOCU and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) would also be improved, leading to an increase in the conclusion of money laundering-related cases.

Guyana also expects to improve its supervisory framework as well as enable the expansion of the AML/ CFT financial and commercial sphere, in order to bring unregulated entities under the sphere of compliance.

These actions, he stated, further illustrate the intent to have a ‘well oiled’ machinery to protect Guyana’s financial

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

sector.

Nandlall further expressed gratitude to the Members of the National Working Group, and expressed Government’s commitment to the prevention of the abuse of Guyana’s financial system from the illicit gains and motives of criminals.

World Bank Representative Klaudijo Stroligo congratulated Guyana on the methods employed during the NRA, given the challenges faced globally

by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also expressed gratitude to the European Union for their financial contribution in funding the World Bank’s participation in the NRA process.

Day one (1) of the Workshop consisted of presentations on the money laundering (ML) threats faced by Guyana, also encompassing assessments of the oil and gas sector, illegal wildlife trade, terrorism financing (TF), and proliferation financing risks. There was also an assessment of the overall national vulnerability of Guyana in relation to ML/TF risks.

Day 1 concluded with presentations by the Banking and Insurance Sector, as well as a presentation relating to other non-bank financial institutions.

Presenters included staff members of authorities such as the Bank of Guyana, the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Lack of confidence in Commission led to resignation – fmr GECOM Legal Officer

– insists she did not breach contract, did private work for former Chairman

F

ormer Legal Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Attorney-at-Law Excellence Dazzell, has clarified that her resignation earlier this year was as a result of her loss of confidence in the seven-member Commission, and it had nothing to do with a breach of her contract, which she insists was not the case.

Government-nominated GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick on Wednesday revealed that Dazzell and Chief Accountant Joseph Eastman had resigned after they were both found to be in breach of their contracts by conducting private practice, among other things.

Shadick had stated that the then GECOM Legal Officer had a “very active private practice” while being employed at GECOM, thus violating her contract. As such, the Commissioner disclosed that she had moved a motion several months ago for Dazzell to be removed as Legal Officer. However, Dazzell proceeded on her annual vacation leave earlier this year, during which she tendered her resignation in February.

But according to the lawyer on Thursday, her resignation had nothing to do with her private practice.

“The reason why I left is because, based on everything that transpired, I lost confidence in the (GECOM) Commission, and I ten-

Former GECOM Legal Officer Excellence Dazzell

dered my resignation. So they did not send me on leave, and I did not resign because I breached my contract. I resigned because the Commission is unfair and unethical, and I could not work any longer with them,” Dazzell told <<Guyana Times>> on Thursday.

In fact, this was indicated in a correspondence to the GECOM Chairperson, (retired) Justice Claudette Singh, who had written the then legal officer asking her to show cause why she should not be disciplined for allegedly breaching her contract.

Attorney Dazzell insisted in her response that she did not violate the terms of her contract, adding that not only did she receive permission from the former GECOM Chairman Justice James Patterson to contin-

ue, but had also done some work for him.

She contended that based on the conduct of the Elections Commission, the contract of employment is a formality, and the real contract is evinced by the behaviour of the Commission.

According to Dazzell, while her contract states that she is to act according to the instructions and directions of the Commission through the Chief Elections Officer, when she commenced duty in 2018, she was told to report directly to the Chairman.

“I questioned this line of authority based on my contract, and even highlighted this fact on the agency’s organogram. Notwithstanding my queries, I was told that I am to report to the Chairman, and I did, and do presently. Thus, although my contract stated that I am to report to the Chief Elections Officer, it was not so in practice,” she indicated.

The attorney further stated that she informed Justice Singh approximately one month after joining GECOM that she was scheduled to appear in court for the decision in a private matter, and asked then Chairman, Patterson, for permission to attend, which was given in writing.

She further revealed that subsequently, the then Chairman had some matters that were not GECOM-

related that he wished to be attended to, one of which was before the Land Court for a church. “[Patterson] asked me to do the matter. I asked him for a letter as was done previously, but he said that it was not necessary… On another occasion, the Chairman desired to purchase a property. He introduced me to the vendor and gave me a file and asked me to do it,” the lawyer stated.

Dazzell continued in the correspondence that after some time, Patterson become suspicious that she was somehow politically affiliated with Shadick, who was then an Oppositionnominated commissioner, and so “…The Chairman stopped calling on me to do any work, whether GECOMrelated or not. I continued to do the work of the Commission (mostly minutes taking) and I continued to do other legal work with the clearest of conscience, as evinced by the open placement of my signature on legal matters.”

Nevertheless, Dazzell posited on Thursday, despite Justice Singh determining in a GECOM meeting that she was not in breach of her contract, she felt the seven-member GECOM Commission failed in its duty, hence her decision to resign, although there is one year remaining on her contract as the agency’s Legal Officer.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil settles up near 3-year highs on signs of demand growth

O

il prices steadied on Thursday, holding close to their highest in almost three years, supported by drawdowns in US inventories and accelerating German economic activity.

Prices also drew support from doubts about the future of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal that could end US sanctions on Iranian crude exports.

Brent settled up 37 cents, or 0.5 per cent, to US$75.56 a barrel by 12:28h EDT (1628 GMT), after earlier rising to US$75.78. US crude settled up 22 cents to US$73.30 a barrel, after hitting a session high of US$73.61 earlier.

On Wednesday, both benchmarks hit their highest since October 2018.

Data from Germany showed the largest upward leap in retail conditions since German reunification more than three decades ago, stoking expectations European fuel demand will recover.

Across the Atlantic, US crude inventories dropped to their lowest since March 2020, official data showed. US gasoline stocks also posted a surprise draw.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a group known as OPEC+ that meets on July 1, have been discussing a further unwinding of last year's record output cuts from August but no decision has been made, two OPEC+ sources said on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Iran said the United States had agreed to remove all sanctions on its oil and shipping, but Washington said "nothing is agreed until everything is agreed" in talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

The end of sanctions and a return of Iranian barrels to the global oil market "could still be months and not weeks away", said Jim Ritterbusch, President of Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Illinois.

Indian Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday urged OPEC to phase out crude output cuts as high prices are stoking inflation.

"Given the good sentiment and robust demand, OPEC+ is likely to find it easy next week to announce a further increase in production, at least for August, without jeopardising the upswing enjoyed by the oil price," Commerzbank analysts wrote.

They said "the currently positive general tenor on the oil market" was driving prices up.

Brent has gained more than 45 per cent this year on the OPEC+ supply cuts and recovering demand. Some industry executives have talked of crude returning to US$100 for the first time since 2014. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Miami building collapse leaves 99 people unaccounted for

A

t least one person has died and dozens are missing after the collapse of a 12-storey residential building north of Miami, Florida, officials say.

The number of people who have been located now stands at 102, while 99 are still unaccounted for, according to Miami-Dade Mayor Danielle Levine-Cava.

It is unclear how many people were in the building at the time.

The block in the town of Surfside was built in 1980.

A number of Latin American migrants have been reported missing by their consulates.

Relatives of the First Lady of Paraguay are also among the missing, Paraguayan officials said. Rescuers were unable to contact the sister and brother-in-law of

The cause of the collapse – affecting about half of the 130 units in the complex – remains unclear

First Lady Silvana López Moreira, along with their three children and a domestic worker.

751 unmarked graves found at Canadian residential school

A

n Indigenous nation in Canada says it has found 751 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in Saskatchewan.

The Cowessess First Nation said the discovery was "the most significantly substantial to date in Canada".

It comes weeks after the remains of 215 children were found at a similar residential school in British Columbia.

"This is not a mass grave site. These are unmarked graves," said Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme.

The Marieval Indian Residential School was operated by the Roman Catholic Church from 1899 to 1997 in the area where Cowessess is now located in southeastern Saskatchewan. It is not yet clear if all of the remains are

linked to the school.

It was one of more than 130 compulsory boarding schools funded by the Canadian Government and run by religious authorities during the 19th and 20th Centuries with the aim of assimilating Indigenous youth.

An estimated 6000 children died while attending these schools, due in large part to the squalid health conditions inside. Students were often housed in poorly-built, poorly-heated, and unsanitary facilities.

Physical and sexual abuse at the hands of school authorities led others to run away.

Last month, the Cowessess began to use ground-penetrating radar to locate unmarked graves at the cemetery of the Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan.

US seizure of Iran-linked websites Modi meets Kashmir leaders for “shortsighted”, analysts say 1st time since autonomy revoked J

I

ndia’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met pro-India politicians from disputed Kashmir for the first time since he removed the region’s semi-autonomous status and imposed a widespread crackdown almost two years ago.

Thousands of people, including mainstream and prominent Kashmiri leaders, were detained and a crippling months-long lockdown was imposed in August 2019.

Kashmiri leaders have long demanded the restoration of their semi-autonomy and for elections to be held, but India has been working to readjust some assembly and parliamentary constituencies there under a process known as “delimitation”.

Modi took to Twitter lat-

er on Thursday to reiterate the line he had taken in the roughly three-hour talks in New Delhi.

“Delimitation has to happen at a quick pace so that polls can happen and J&K [Jammu and Kashmir] gets an elected Government that gives strength to J&K’s development trajectory,” he posted on Twitter.

Regional leaders said they pressed their demand for restoration of statehood and limited autonomy at the talks.

“We told PM that we don’t stand with what was done on 5th Aug 2019,” said Omar Abdullah, leader of the regional party National Conference.

“We’re not ready to accept it, but we won’t take law into hands, we will fight this in court.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Rescuers pulled 35 people from the wreckage, officials said. Ten were assessed and treated, with two being sent

to hospital.

Search and rescue teams are working from a parking garage underneath the wreckage as they explore the rubble for survivors.

A small fire broke out during the search, but was extinguished within 20 minutes, said Miami-Dade fire chief Raide Jadallah.

He said they had been using sonar and search cameras as well as specially trained dogs, but it was a "slow and methodical" process because of the risk of shifting rubble.

Police gave the building's location as 8777 Collins Avenue, the address of the 12-storey Champlain Towers. The city of Surfside runs along Collins Avenue, north of Miami Beach city limits. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ust like its abandonment of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, another unilateral move by the United States once more promises to affect life in Iran for the worse, this time in terms of Internet freedom, analysts say.

In a surprise move on Wednesday, the US Justice Department seized 36 websites with links to the Iranian State for engaging in “disinformation campaigns and malign influence operations”.

The move initially arouse suspicions of a hack since a disclaimer that said “this website has been seized” accompanied an Arabic text instead of Farsi, and State Department spokesman Ned Price refused to comment, indicating that US officials working on Iran were likely not in the loop.

The seizures come as Iran and world powers – including the US – are soon expected to start a seventh and perhaps final round of negotiations in Vienna to restore the 2015 nu-

clear deal that the US abandoned in 2018.

The sanctions that the US has since imposed have been the harshest Iran has ever faced, and have led to rampant inflation and unemployment amid the deadliest COVID-19 pandemic of the Middle East.

The Justice Department eventually said three of the seized domains belonged to Iraqi group Kataeb Hezbollah, while the rest, including Yemeni, Palestinian, and Bahraini outlets in English and Arabic, were held by the Iranian Islamic Radio and Television Union, reportedly run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ foreign-looking Quds Force.

The seized websites belonged to outlets of the socalled “resistance axis” that Iran supports across the region to counter the influence of the US and regional rivals like Israel and Saudi Arabia.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Thursday's announcement marked the first phase of the search efforts.

Chief Delorme said there may have been markers for the graves at one point, but that the Roman Catholic

church, which oversaw the cemetery, may have removed them. Cowessess First Nation is "optimistic" that the church will work with them in investigating further, he said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Haiti gang leader declares “revolution” as violence spreads

Jimmy Cherizier, known as “Barbecue”, walks as residents chant, ““Barbecue” for life”, in his neighbourhood in Lower Delmas, a district of Port-au-Prince, Haiti in May 2019 [File: Dieu Nalio Chery/AP Photo]

O

ne of Haiti’s most powerful gang leaders warned this week he was launching a revolution against the country’s business and political elites, signalling a likely further escalation of violence in the impoverished Caribbean nation.

Violence has spiked in Haiti’s capital in recent weeks to what the United Nations has called “unprecedented levels” as rival groups battle with one another or the Police for control of the streets, displacing thousands and worsening the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Jimmy Cherizier, alias “Barbecue”, a former police officer, heads the so-called “G9” federation of nine gangs formed last year.

Surrounded by gang members wielding machetes and guns, he gave a statement to local media outlets in the slum of La Saline on Wednesday, saying the G9 had become a revolutionary force to deliver Haiti from the Opposition, the Government and the Haitian

bourgeoisie.

Human rights activists say Cherizier is actually not targeting the Government but the Opposition.

The Government has not publicly commented on his statements and was not immediately available for comment.

A suspect in several massacres of citizens in recent years, among other crimes for which he was sanctioned late last year by the United States, Cherizier depicts himself as a community leader filling the void left by weak institutions.

Cherizier said his gang members set off the looting at multiple stores in Portau-Prince last week, and the broader population followed suit because they were hungry.

“It is your money which is in banks, stores, supermarkets and dealerships, so go and get what is rightfully yours,” he said in comments that went viral on social media in Haiti.(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

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ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Keep your emotions in check, your thoughts on target, and your focus on health, wealth and the pursuit of happiness. Refuse to let anyone slow you down or stand in your way.

You'll face opposition if you are too vocal about your intentions. Don't give anyone a chance to meddle in your business or belittle your plans. Go directly to an expert for information.

Leave nothing to chance.

Take care of business, and don't count on anyone to do things your way. Look over your options for reasonable ways to fulfill your promises without going into debt.

Self-improvement projects will boost your morale and give you the courage to share your thoughts and plans with a loved one.

Speak from the heart, and you will captivate your audience.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Decide how best to handle whatever change occurs at home or work. Look for a positive alternative that will help you take care of your responsibilities, regardless of what others do or say.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

It's up to you to bring about change. Learn from your mistakes, and you'll be able to move forward with a perfect plan. Opportunity knocks, and it's up to you to take advantage of what comes your way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Be aware of what's important to others before you bring about change. Getting along will be half the battle and will require patience and intelligence to get things running smoothly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Reach out to a friend or relative to catch up. A financial opportunity is in the stars, and a partnership looks inviting. Get a better understanding of what you can do to make a difference.

Past problems will give SAGITTARIUS insight into the best way to (Nov. 23move forward. Distance yourDec. 21) self from unreliable people.

Make your intentions clear and carry on without hesitation.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Take control of whatever situation you face. If you wait for someone else to make the first move, you'll miss an opportunity. Embrace change, and share your plans with a loved one.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Take your time, follow instructions and do things properly. Refuse to let someone disrupt your day or plans.

You'll be happy with the opportunities that come your way if you do your own thing.

PISCES

Do a good job, and rewards will follow. Focus on presentation, updating your image and taking better care of your health and well-being.

A unique proposal will lead to a positive lifestyle change.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

21

Multan Sultans complete turnaround title win in Pakistan Super League – despite Rutherford's blitz I

n the final of the Pakistan Super League for the first time, the Multan Sultans completed one of the great turnarounds in a franchise cricket season to lift their maiden title by comprehensively defeating Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2021.

Two blistering half-centuries from Sohaib Maqsood and Rilee Rossouw made them favourites at the halfway mark, after which regular wickets at key intervals saw off the Zalmi challenge.

Although the tournament's highest wicket-taker, Shahnawaz Dahani, finished wicketless, the others stepped up on the final day. Blessing Muzarabani and Imran Khan each took two wickets at economies of under seven, and the ageless Imran Tahir collected three.

Sultans started the second leg of the PSL at fifth on the points table, having lost four of their first five matches; but, led by their captain Mohammad Rizwan, they went on to win four of the next five, to finish the league stage at second. They then swatted the Islamabad United challenge in the first qualifier, and the win in the final was the crowning glory of the magnificent UAE leg of their season.

For Zalmi, it has been the third time in the last four seasons that they have faltered in the final. They failed to capitalise after keeping Sultans quiet for the first half of the first innings, and their hero of the two eliminators, Hazratullah Zazai, faced only

a fortuitous six, as Sherfane Rutherford failed to take a clean catch at the straight boundary. By the end of the innings, in which Maqsood finished unbeaten on 65 in 35 balls, Sultans had reached 206, and Zalmi needed to pull off a record chase after conceding 116 runs in their last eight overs.

Malik, Rutherford and co finished second

five balls.

Those factors, coupled with the lack of a big partnership a la Maqsood and Rossouw, resulted in the 47-run defeat for Wahab Riaz's men.

From 66 without loss, Sultans had swiftly fallen to 83 for 2, and only nine overs remained in the innings.

The fall after a blossoming start

It was just a few hours earlier that Maqsood was added to the Pakistan T20I squad travelling to England following news of Haider Ali's bio-bubble breach, and the batter showed why he had been called up.

He began by hitting Riaz for four and six off the first two balls of the 13th, and bookended the over with another boundary. He then showed power and finesse in the 15th by hammering Imran for a six over long-on and playing a reverse pat for four behind square.

Off Imran's next over, he got inside the line to place a four behind square, following it up with a powerful six over extra cover. By the time the 17th over was done, he had raced away to a 23-ball 50 - his fifth half-century of the season - and celebrated his return to the national set-up after five years.

But while Maqsood's big shots were a sight to behold, there was another man causing equal damage at the other end.

Rossouw started his innings with a first-ball four, and that was the tempo he played with all innings. Sandwiched between Maqsood's assault of Riaz and Imran, he smacked two sixes and a four in a 20run 14th over from Ahmad Butt.

He started the over by punching Butt down the ground for four. Next ball, he scooped a six over long leg, and a few balls later, he deposited Butt for six over square leg.

Rossouw eventually fell for a 21-ball 50, but by then the 44ball stand of 98 had demoralised the Zalmi bowlers and had Sultans dreaming of 200.

And 200 would be breached in the final over.

Maqsood survived a caught after Butt's waist-high full toss was deemed a no-ball, after which the free hit was deposited over long-on. Then came

Sent in to bat, it was a slow start for the Sultans. Openers Shan Masood and Mohammed Rizwan were kept quiet by Sameen Gul and Mohammad Irfan in the opening overs, and it was not until the fourth over that the acceleration began.

It was kickstarted by Rizwan as he drove Irfan for a four and then pulled him for six.

Masood then cut and flicked Gul for three fours to take Sultans to 42 after the Powerplay, and it seemed the base was set for both batters to continue their assault.

However, Masood, on 37, fell victim to a Mohammad Imran slower ball in the ninth over, and saw his off-stump shattered; and Rizwan soon followed, when he chopped a wide ball from the same bowler to the wicketkeeper.

SCOREBOARD Sultans Innings Shan Masood b Mohammad Imran 37 Mohammad Rizwan (c)† c †Kamran Akmal b Mohammad Imran 30 Sohaib Maqsood not out 65 Rilee Rossouw c Mohammad Irfan b Sameen Gul 50 Johnson Charles lbw b Sameen Gul 0 Khushdil Shah not out 15 Extras (b 1, lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 9 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 10.30) 206/4 Did not bat: Sohail Tanvir, Imran Tahir, Blessing Muzarabani, Imran Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani Fall of wickets: 1-68 (Shan Masood, 8.4 ov), 2-83 (Mohammad Rizwan, 10.6 ov), 3-181 (Rilee Rossouw, 18.2 ov), 4-181 (Johnson Charles, 18.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sameen Gul 4-0-26-2 Mohammad Irfan 4-0-27-0 Wahab Riaz 4-0-52-0 Amad Butt 4-0-52-0 Mohammad Imran 4-0-47-2 PESHAWAR ZALMI INNINGS (TARGET: 207 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Kamran Akmal † b Imran Khan 36 Hazratullah Zazai c Shan

Masood b Muzarabani 6 Jonathan Wells run out (Rossouw/Sohail Tanvir) 6 Shoaib Malik c Imran Tahir b Sohail Tanvir 48 Rovman Powell c †Mohammad Rizwan b Muzarabani 23 Sherfane Rutherford c †Mohammad Rizwan b Imran Tahir 18 Amad Butt c †Mohammad Rizwan b Imran Khan 7 Wahab Riaz (c) b Imran Tahir 0 Mohammad Imran b Imran Tahir 0 Sameen Gul not out 7 Mohammad Irfan not out 0 Extras (nb 2, w 6) 8 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.95) 159/9 Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Hazratullah Zazai, 5.2 ov), 2-42 (Kamran Akmal, 6.1 ov), 3-58 (Jonathan Wells, 9.2 ov), 4-124 (Rovman Powell, 14.1 ov), 5-137 (Shoaib Malik, 15.1 ov), 6-150 (Sherfane Rutherford, 16.3 ov), 7-151 (Wahab Riaz, 16.5 ov), 8-151 (Mohammad Imran, 16.6 ov), 9-151 (Amad Butt, 17.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sohail Tanvir 4-0-35-1 Imran Khan 4-1-27-2 Blessing Muzarabani 4-0-26-2 Shahnawaz Dahani 4-0-38-0 Imran Tahir 4-0-33-3

Maqsood, Rossouw put on a show

Akmal keeps Zazai at the non-striker's end

Zazai's back-to-back half-centuries in the two eliminators had dragged Zalmi to the final, but, on the night, he faced only three balls in the first five overs. While Kamran Akmal kept finding occasional boundaries in the opening salvo of the chase, he struggled to get the singles, starving his inform partner of the strike.

By the time Zalmi had reached 36 in five overs, Akmal had scored all those runs.

The first time Zazai faced the first ball of an over was the last over of the Powerplay,

delivered by Muzarabani. It started by Zazai swatting a length ball over square leg for six in what seemed like an ominous sign for Sultans, but Muzarabani returned with a slower ball, angling away that Zazai was tempted to cut over the off-side. However, all he could get was a thick edge, and Masood at point gobbled it up.

Imran Khan then sent Akmal packing by bowling a length ball on off that stayed a bit low and shattered the batter's stumps.

Malik and Rutherford try their best

With Malik and half-centurion from Eliminator 2, Jonathan Wells, around, Zalmi still had enough in the tank to pull the chase off. But boundaries after the Powerplay dried up, and in an attempt to take a second run against Rossouw's arm at long-on, Wells was run out at the bowler's end for a 13-ball 6.

In the five overs after the Powerplay, Zalmi could add only 27. But in Zalmi, the fourtime finalists, there was still some fight left. Malik pumped Imran for six and four, after surviving being caught off a front-foot no-ball, and then hammered Tahir for sixes over long-on and long-off in the 14th over that went for 21.

However, Malik was caught on 48, and while Rutherford kept scything away at deliveries that were in his arc, it was Tahir - the 42-year-old Tahir - who finally broke Zalmi's back. The West Indian looked to slog Tahir over deep midwicket, only to top edge it for Rizwan to swallow.

That had Tahir running towards the dugout, and he would do that two more times in the over.

By the time the 18th over was starting off, the remaining Sultans squad members were already standing shoulder to shoulder to run in for the celebrations. (ESPNcricinfo)

Hamilton starts negotiations with Mercedes over new contract

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-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton says he has started negotiations with Mercedes over a new contract to stay with the team beyond this season.

He had signed only a one-year deal last winter, but has indicated several times that he is keen to race on.

"Not a lot to say too much on, but we have had discussions, and things are positive," he said.

Hamilton also indicated he would be happy for Valtteri Bottas to stay.

The Finn is out of contract this season, and team boss Toto Wolff has yet to decide whether to keep Bottas, or

replace him with Williams driver George Russell, who starred on a one-off appearance substituting for Hamilton at last year's Sakhir Grand Prix.

"Valtteri is my teammate now," Hamilton said, "and both of us have had ups and downs in our careers, but he is a fantastic team-mate, and I don't necessarily see that it needs to change.

"We have worked well for many years. Valtteri has been my best team-mate overall, and when I say team-mate it's not just driver performance, it's about team morale and how you work in the team-mate environment."

Asked whether he would welcome the prospect of Russell at the team, Hamilton said: "He's not my team-mate currently, so no need to say anything on it."

Wolff said at last weekend's French Grand Prix that he wanted to spend more time observing Bottas and Russell this season before making a final decision on which of them would be signed.

"Two drivers for one seat, and two who can still have a great career in F1," Wolff said. "I want to just see Valtteri's full potential this year, and continue to observe George driving for Williams and handling the situation."

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

Veronica Campbell-Brown hangs up her spikes after a race well run Veronica Campbell-Brown

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fter a stellar career spanning more than two decades, during which she won 49 international medals, Jamaica’s beloved track queen Veronica Campbell-Brown has decided to hang up her spikes for good on the eve of her country’s national championships to select a team to the

Olympic Games in Rio this summer.

“As I take off my spikes, never to put them on again, this girl from Clarks Town, Trelawny, walks away happy and contented with a race well run,” the two-time Olympic 200m champion and one of the most decorated female athletes in history

posted on Instagram earlier today.

As a junior, the now 39-year-old CampbellBrown won gold medals for Jamaica in the 100m and 4x100m relay at the inaugural World U18 Championships in Bydgoszcz. The following year, she won the sprint

Away goals rule scrapped in Uefa competitions, including Champions League

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Porto beat Juventus on away goals in the 2020-21 Champions League

he away goals rule in European club football is to be abolished from the start of next season, governing body Uefa has confirmed.

The rule, used since 1965, decided drawn twolegged games by favouring the team that scored the most away goals.

All ties level on aggregate at the end of the second leg will instead go to extra time, and potentially penalties.

"It is no longer appropriate for an away goal to carry more weight," said Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin.

Uefa's Club Competitions Committee made the proposal in May, and it has now been approved by the body's executive committee. It means games in the Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League and Women's Champions League will no longer use the rule.”

Uefa says there is now a smaller gap between the number of home and away wins, as well as home and away goals scored in European competitions, compared to when the rule was introduced, reducing home advantage.

It says that it is down to a number of factors, including pitch quality, improved stadium infrastructure, and new technology such as the video assistant referee.

"The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose, as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams especially in first legs - from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage," Ceferin added.

"There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score

twice when the away team has scored.

"It is fair to say that home advantage is now no longer as significant as it once was."

Five famous Champions League away goals wins in recent years

May 2019: Ajax 2-3 Tottenham (3-3 on aggregate - Tottenham won on away goals) Tottenham reached their first Champions League final in the most dramatic of circumstances in May 2019. Trailing Ajax 1-0 from the first leg, Mauricio Pochettino's side trailed 2-0 at half-time of the return game in Amsterdam, and looked all certain to be knocked out.

Step forward Lucas Moura, who scored two goals in four second-half minutes to bring Spurs level on the night, before firing home a 96th-minute winner to complete his hat-trick and send them through to the final.

April 2019: Man City 4-3 Tottenham (4-4 on aggregate - Tottenham win on away goals) With Tottenham protecting a 1-0 lead from their quarter-final first leg against Manchester City, the two sides shared five goals inside a chaotic opening 21 minutes of the second leg.

Sergio Aguero made it 4-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate in the second half to put Pep Guardiola's side on course for the last four, before Fernando Llorente's header edged Spurs ahead on away goals.

To add to the drama, Raheem Sterling saw his stoppage-time strike ruled out by VAR, leaving Guardiola on his knees in despair.

March 2019: Paris Saint-

Germain 1-3 Man Utd (3-3 on aggregate - Man Utd win on away goals) Manchester United became the first team in Champions League/ European Cup history to overcome a 2-0 or greater home first-leg deficit when they stunned Paris SaintGermain in March 2019.

Marcus Rashford was the hero with a nerveless 94th-minute penalty, to level the tie at 3-3 on aggregate and send the Red Devils through on away goals, arguably securing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the manager's job on a permanent basis in the process.

April 2018: Roma 3-0 Barcelona (Aggregate 4-4 Roma win on away goals) Another thrilling second-leg comeback, this time from Roma as they overturned a 4-1 first-leg deficit to progress past Barcelona and go through to the semi-finals.

Defender Kostas Manolas scored the crucial third goal, heading in at the near post with eight minutes remaining to spark scenes of delirium inside the Stadio Olimpico.

May 2009: Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona (1-1 on aggregate - Barcelona win on away goals) A stoppage-time strike from Andres Iniesta cancelled out Michael Essien's early goal and edged Barcelona past Chelsea and through to the final on away goals back in 2009, sparking scenes of chaos inside Stamford Bridge at full time.

It was all too much for a furious Didier Drogba who, frustrated at a number of refereeing decisions, launched a verbal tirade to referee Tom Ovrebo after the final whistle, before swearing directly down a TV camera as he made his way off the pitch. (BBC Sport)

double at the World U20 Championship, and with the performance, the hearts of her fellow Jamaicans.

Also, among the 27 gold medals she has won during an outstanding junior and senior career, VCB, as she is affectionately known to her millions of adoring fans, became the first Jamaican woman to win a 100m world title, in Osaka, Japan. It was only one of three gold, seven silver and a bronze medal she would win at those championships to go along with three Olympic gold medals, three silver and two bronze medals.

She also won two gold medals at the World Indoor Championships.

“As I climbed, I passed the rung of hurt, that of injuries and rejection, not to mention tears. However, they quenched my aspiration to grasp the fruits of success and satisfaction.

For that I must venture to say that I am proud and grateful,” she said in her farewell message.

“I want to thank the persons and companies who contributed to my success; my family, especially my husband Omar Brown, who in the latter years served as my coach. I must mention friends, fans and supporters, sponsors, coaches and my agent @ontrackmgmt. I could not have done it without your help and support.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

VCB, who gave birth to a daughter, Avianna, two years ago, did not indicate why she decided to retire at this particular point in time.

She competed in eight 100m races this season, the last at the NACAC New Life Invitational in Miramar, Florida, where she ran her fastest time of the season, 11.20 to finish fifth.

"Thanks for leading the way."

Fraser-Pryce lauds retired VCB

Reigning sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has paid tribute to Veronica Campbell-Brown, who announced her retirement from the sport on Wednesday on the eve of her bid to qualify for a sixth Olympic Games.

The 39-year-old VCB, the only woman to win a medal in five consecutive Olympics, in a post on social media, said the time had come to hang up her spikes.

“As I take off my spikes, never to put them on again, this girl from Clarks Town, Trelawny, walks away happy and contented with a race well run,” VCB said in her post, indicating that a career as a mother, entrepreneur and motivational speaker awaits.

In response, FraserPryce, who like VCB is a two-time Olympic champion, thanked the track and field icon who has helped pave the way for so many other Jamaican women.

“Thanks for leading the way @VCampbellBrown!!

Carrying the torch and continuing the legacy for Jamaica,” the Pocket Rocket tweeted on Wednesday.

Fraser-Pryce was a member of Jamaica’s team to the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, where she was a relay alternate. However, the following year, VCB effectively passed the torch to Fraser-Pryce when the latter booked her place on Jamaica’s team to the Beijing Olympics by finishing second at the national championships in Kingston, clocking 10.82.

VCB was fourth in 10.88.

Since then, Fraser-Pryce has been Jamaica’s leading female sprinter, winning Olympic 100m titles in 2008 and 2012, as well as four World titles in the 100m.

(Sportsmax)

'Two steps forward and one step backward'

Windies need time to assess true damage of lopsided hammering from South Africa

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est Indies coach Phil Simmons believes it may be too early to assess the full impact of a crushing defeat at the hands of South Africa in the recently concluded Test series.

Things looked to be on the up for the regional squad following solid performances away to Bangladesh and at home to Sri Lanka, which had even led to the team moving up the Test team rankings table.

However, the West Indies could hardly find a foothold in the series against the visiting South Africans. They failed to reach 200 runs in any in-

nings of the two Test matches, and were bowled out for 97 in the first innings of the Test match.

The coach will be hoping the performance is more of an aberration than an erosion of the progress made in recent months.

“It has been a setback. You don’t know how big a setback until we do our remedying and come up against Pakistan,” Simmons told members of the media. “At the same time, we keep making sure that sometimes you have two steps forward and one step back in progress. So, it is a little setback, we will know how big a setback with the Pakistan se-

ries.”

The West Indies will play against a visiting Pakistan in a two-Test series in August. (Sportsmax)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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fter suffering a 2-0 loss in the Test matches, the Kieron Pollard-led West Indies T20 team will shift focus to battle the South Africans in Grenada.

West Indies vice-captain Nicholas Pooran has said the team's confidence is very good heading into the five-match T20 series against South Africa, starting on June 26.

"We have (Andre) Russell returning, we have the most exciting T20 players in the world back together in the one team, and the confidence is good," Pooran said in a virtual press conference on Thursday.

When asked about his poor Indian Premier League (IPL) form and how eager he is to shake off that rust, Pooran said: "I did not

Pooran in West Indies training at Grenada

get the scores I wanted, but things like this happen. It's life, we all have our down-

time, I will keep it simple, backing my ability and enjoy my game," Pooran said.

Women’s Hockey Team in action today without Jardine and Xavier

While placing emphasis on making West Indian fans proud, Pooran said he would be looking to grab this opportunity, and not dwell on the past.

"I am a player full of confidence"

"We have the best T20 players in the world, and once we can play our roles and do the right things, we can put some good scores on the board," Pooran told media operatives.

With the 2021

International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup looming, Pooran said, these T20 matches would be important for the team to gather momentum.

The left-hander has said this provisional squad is the best 18-man squad, and they will be looking to get full support of the fans.

"We are building towards the World Cup, and we have to believe with each other," he said.

Speaking on his leadership role as the West Indies vice-captain, Pooran said he is thankful for this opportunity to have leadership influence among the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and company. The vice-captain said the West Indies unit will be looking to rotate the strike, and not occupy a lot of dot balls.

"We have been working on this in the nets, and hopefully we can improve in this series. A room is not built in a day," Pooran explained.

From a bowling perspective, Pooran said the bowlers would be aiming to strengthen the death bowling and cut down on the no-balls. The gifted Trinidadian has said that

23

as the wicket-keeper, he would always bring the energy behind the stumps, and voice his concerns.

"From my point of view, it is tough, but it is basically me reiterating everything," Pooran said. The West Indies have had difficulties with wrist-spin, and Pooran noted that the team would look to improve on this aspect, and not focus on the negatives.

He said the bubble life took a toll on him, and he got some good time at home, where he also got married.

Interestingly, Pooran said he has a greater appreciation for One-Day cricket rather than T20 cricket, where he noted that he is required to be super aggressive.

West Indies Provisional Squad for T20Is vs South Africa, Australia and Pakistan: Kieron Pollard(c), Nicholas Pooran(w/vc), Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Andre Fletcher(wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen, Fidel Edwards, Obed McCoy, Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell, Kevin Sinclair, Hayden Walsh Jr., Akeal Hosein.

Copa America tournament…

Brazil secure Group B top spot in dramatic fashion D

GHB President and Coach, Philip Fernandes

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he members of Guyana’s female hockey team will today get cracking in their first international engagement since onset of the Coronavirus pandemic.

However, the team has suffered major setbacks in their quest to qualify for the Indoor Hockey World Cup tournament scheduled for Liege, Belgium in February 2022.

Guyana’s national women’s team arrived in Philadelphia, USA on the afternoon of June 23rd, and before they could take the court for their first game, Guyana suffered two significant setbacks with the late ankle injury of prolific striker Sonia Jardine and the contraction of COVID-19 by Captain Gabriella Xavier. The loss of two of the team’s top players will leave a huge void on the forward line and midfield, as their expertise would be difficult to replace.

National coach Philip Fernandes, expressing great frustration and disappointment at this development, said, “These girls have put in so much time and effort that it is unfair for them to be left out at this late stage. As far as the team goes, we will have to

now rely on our young, inexperienced players.

While they are skilful and energetic, you cannot rush experience, and it will be a challenge for them to play with the discipline and consistency under pressure that is required for this level of competition.”

The team will have one practice session on 24th June on the playing facility, The Training Center in Spring City, PA. At that practice, Fernandes said, the focus would need to be on making some structural adjustments to the role of some of the players, in order to cover for the loss of Xavier and Jardine.

“Not much can be changed tactically at this late stage,” said Fernandes. “Tactical changes, especially among young players, need time and repetitive practice to be successful. This means that we will make a few structural changes by moving players around the floor in different roles to what was originally intended.”

Fernandes indicated that although the loss is great, team morale remains high, and the players are excited to apply what they have learned

and trained against foreign competition.

The global pandemic had prevented international hockey competition for over a year, and this is a welcome return for the players. The competition is being held under strict COVID-19 protocols, which include no spectators at the facility, and the team being confined to a bubble, with no outside contact for the duration of the competition.

The team has benefitted from the support of major sponsors GTT, the Ministry of Sport, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and Bounty Farm Ltd; and has received a donation of training vests from MVP Sports.

Guyana will face tournament top seeds and defending champions the USA in their first match set for 11:30am on Friday 25th June, after which they will battle Argentina at 6pm.

On Saturday, the Guyanese ladies will lock horns with Canada at 11.30am, and compete in another match at 4pm against Uruguay. The third-place playoff and final will be contested on Sunday.

efending champions Brazil secured top spot in Group B in dramatic fashion, claiming a last-gasp 2-1 win over Colombia as controversy marred the Copa America showdown.

Colombia were left seething when Brazil substitute Roberto Firmino's 78th-minute equaliser came after the ball deflected off referee Nestor Pitana in the build-up, the official allowing play to continue rather than call for a dropball, leading to lengthy protests from Colombia.

Brazil compounded Colombia's frustrations after Casemiro struck in the 10th minute of stoppage time as the Selecao extended their winning streak to 10 games on Wednesday.

Colombia had been holding on to a 1-0 lead after Luis Diaz's spectacular 10th-minute volley, ending Brazil's six-game run without conceding a goal.

Reinaldo Rueda's Colombia took the lead in stunning fashion, when Juan Cuadrado whipped in a cross from the right flank, finding an un-

marked Diaz – who fired home a sensational bicycle volley at the back post in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil, who went into the game having scored more goals (seven) and had more shots on target per game (eight) than any other team at this year's Copa America, struggled to create chances in the first 45 minutes.

Neymar

had his first sniff on goal in the 55th minute from a direct ball he volleyed tamely on target, while he shot wide from outside the box shortly after.

In the 66th minute, halftime substitute Firmino produced a clever pass for Neymar to round goalkeeper David Ospina, only to hit the post off-balance from an angle.

Brazil found an equaliser with 12 minutes remaining, although it was controversial, after the ball hit the referee in the lead-up, with play allowed to continue, rather than a drop-ball being called.

Tite's Selecao immediately pushed the ball wide to substitute Renan Lodi, whose cross was glanced in by Firmino, with Ospina unable to prevent it from creeping under him.

With virtually the last kick of the game, an unmarked Casemiro headed in Neymar's corner at the near post, sparking mass celebrations.

(Sportsmax)

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

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

Women’s Hockey Team in action today without Jardine and Xavier

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Multan Sultans complete turnaround title win in Pakistan Super League – despite Rutherford's blitz

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