Guyana Times - Friday, June 3, 2022

27 cops complete Elementary Prosecutors Course P16

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5028

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

Citizens can benefit from Govt’s part-time job initiative for years to come – VP Jagdeo Pages 3& 9

– 3000 residents in Reg 6, including PWDs, to benefit ...Govt opens up 35,000 acres of land in Reg 6 for small farmers

PRICE

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

CANU intercepts car with $3M worth of ganja

– unearths ammunition during operation in G/town

P10

Father of P2 13-year-old girl rape victim cries for justice – says suspect’s mother offered financial compensation

Man wanted for murder of school teacher nabbed in P2 Berbice hotel

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday assessed road works on the Eccles-to-Great Diamond four-lane highway on the East Bank of Demerara which when completed is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion. He was accompanied by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and technical staff from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)

GGDMA lauds major tax incentives, other relief for mining sector

Page 7

GOGEC, EPA sign MoU for energy sector collaboration Page 11

– commits to working with Govt to continue vitality of industry

Fatal accident at Goed Fortuin

Police promise thorough, impartial investigation into death of 12-year-old

Page 11

Active COVID P14 cases skyrocket to 854 with 106 new infections 1 dead, 7 injured in Region 5 bee attack P17

Man found P8 guilty of raping, robbing woman

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man wanted for murder of school teacher nabbed in Berbice hotel D ays after a wanted bulletin was issued for his arrest in relation to the murder of his wife, Clarence Farley was arrested at a hotel in Berbice on Thursday.

Farley, called “Junior”, a 40-year-old mechanic of Lot 18 Crane Village, West Coast Demerara, was wanted for questioning into the death of 39-year-old Omega Ault, a school teacher whose decomposing body was found in their home.

According to the Police Force, the suspect was arrested sometime around 19:50h on Thursday.

Reports are that Police ranks, acting on information received, went to the hotel at Number 78 Village, Corriverton, Berbice, where Farley was seen and arrested.

“Farley was contacted in room number nine in the

Murder suspect Clarence Farley after being arrested on Thursday

said hotel. He was told of the allegation, cautioned, and arrested. He was escorted to Springlands Police Station where he was placed in custody,” the Police said.

Ault’s decomposing body was found on Friday evening at the couple’s Crane Public Road home. The discovery was made after the woman’s brother went to the house to check on her after failing to get in contact with her for two weeks.

The man told the Police that after phone calls to his sister had gone unanswered, he went to her home to check on her. He related that he pushed open the front door to the house, and immediately got an unpleasant scent.

He then went into the front room of the house and saw the body of his sister lying motionlessly in a state of decomposition.

Dead: Omega Ault

A post-mortem conducted on Monday revealed that the teacher died from brain haemorrhage and multiple traumas to the head.

It was reported that Ault and Farley, who lived with their three-year-old son, had been encountering “problems” in their marriage.

Police have said that about four days prior to

the discovery of the woman’s body, Farley took their son to the deceased’s sister in Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and left the boy there, telling her that he was going into the backdam.

A wanted bulletin was issued for Farley on Saturday.

The man’s car was found over the weekend in a lumberyard at Coverden, EBD. A source had told Guyana Times that Farley was contracted with the lumberyard and two Sundays ago, he parked his car at the business place at Coverden and used one of the company’s vehicles to travel into the interior.

On his way in, the vehicle reportedly encountered mechanical issues and the wanted man returned the following day to the office to get the parts to fix the problem. He left with the intention of securing the parts, but was not seen or heard from since at the office.

Father of 13-yearold girl rape victim cries for justice

...says suspect’s mother offered financial compensation

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he father of the 13-year-old lass who was allegedly raped by a 26-year-old man at Kwakwani, Region 10, is calling for the perpetrator to face the full brunt of the law.

The teenager was reportedly raped on Friday last, after leaving school.

Based on reports received, the suspect is a taxi driver who plies his trade in the community. Guyana Times understands that the teenager boarded the suspect’s car at about 15:00h, and requested to be taken home.

Speaking with this publication, the father explained that, on the day in question, his younger son returned home from school without his sister.

“I asked him where is his sister, and he said he doesn’t know. So, I say, ‘Let me give her some more time…

About 17:00h, she still did not reach home. I get a little worried, and I went to the Police Inspector and made a report, but he told me to give her some more time,” the father related.

The father noted that, at about 18:00h, he received a telephone call informing him that the young lady was seen walking in a section of the community. Without hesitation, he went to the location and made enquiries

about his daughter’s whereabouts. After some time, he located the teen, who related that she had boarded the suspect’s car and asked to be taken home, but he had instead taken her to a desolate area and raped her.

The father said he immediately reported the matter to the Police. He has said that while the Guyana Police Force has arrested the suspect and is investigating the matter, he wants justice to prevail.

Since the incident, the suspect’s mother approached him and offered financial compensation.

“His mother come at me with $300,000 to finish the story, but I told her money is not my problem, and I need justice for my daughter.” Further, he added that his daughter is traumatised by the fact that the suspect’s brother is now following every move she makes.

“On Tuesday, on her way to school, the brother drove up alongside her and was watching her every move…,” the father related. As a result, he has made a decision to keep his daughter away from school for some time.

Meanwhile, the Police, in a release to the media, have said they are investigating the incident, and that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested, pending charges.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, June 3 – 04:00h-05:30h and 10:00h-11:00h and Saturday, June 4 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, June 3 – 05:50h-07:20h and Saturday, June 4 – 06:30h-08:00h..

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Heavy to light rain showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to North North-Westerly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:26h and 18:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.50 metres and 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 12:31h reaching a minimum height of 0.73 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

02 09 14

18 19 21

23

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

05 09 13 19 24 LUCKY 3

2

5

9

0

Afternoon Draw

1

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 08 10 12 14 15 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2022

04 12 13 15 17 13

06 07 13 15 19

4

4 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

7

5 Evening Draw

FP Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$117.5/barrel

-0.08

Rough Rice

$306.18/ton

+0.06

London Sugar

$578.10/ton

+1.01

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1870.30

$1871.30

Low/High Change

$1843.60 +1.80

$1874.80 +0.10%

Citizens can benefit from Govt’s part-time job initiative for years to come – VP Jagdeo – 3000 residents in Reg 6, including PWDs, to benefit

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s the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government continues to expand its ambitious parttime job initiative across the country, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has reasoned that Guyanese can benefit from this programme for years to come.

He made this remark at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), where he launched the part-time job initiative on Thursday.

Already, this programme has been launched in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice), where respectively 2000 and 1000 residents benefited.

Now another 3000 persons are slated to benefit from part-time jobs in Berbice, and could start working as early as next week.

At Thursday’s launch, VP Jagdeo met with beneficiaries at various locations on the Corentyne, including at the University of Guyana Tain Campus and also in New Amsterdam. He said the Government would do whatever it takes to change the lives of citizens of this country.

To this end, the Vice President explained that though these are part-time jobs, persons can remain occupied for years under this initiative.

Responding to comments from the Opposition camp, he pointed out that this is not a one-year contract.

“These are not temporary jobs; they are part-time jobs… This can go on for many, many years. So, let me clarify right away that this contract does not end in a single year. Once you get onto the programme, it stays for a number of years. So, it’s parttime jobs, not temporary jobs,” he contended.

Persons benefiting from this initiative would be attached to various Government Ministries and agencies, where they would work for 10 days per month and earn $40,000.

According to Jagdeo, the only requirement needed is that the beneficiaries have to be Guyanese. He noted that this is just a stepping stone, especially as it relates to young people, until they get better job opportunities.

Explaining the need for the programme, the Vice President said that under the APNU+AFC Government, some 35,000 jobs were lost even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and after the pandemic hit, causing the country to shut down, another 35,000 to 40,000 jobs were lost.

In Region Six alone, about 7000 jobs were lost.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo interacting with residents at Tain Campus

“If you take out a few billion dollars from the economy of Berbice because of low wages or because the workers are laid off, it doesn’t affect only sugar workers; it affects the whole region, and we saw that happening right across the region. New Amsterdam, sales dropped and many people lost their jobs,” he noted.

Additionally, the Vice President claimed the policies implemented by the previous Administration were not helpful, as several new taxes were added, including taxes on construction material. As such, he called on citizens to disregard the negative utterances from the APNU/AFC Opposition, stating their economic policies were inimical to the interests of the people, and were retrogressive.

The VP noted, “The policy was not helpful to job creation. When taxes were introduced on electricity and water, machinery and equipment, we thought that was counterproductive, and that is what affected the economy.”

Nevertheless, he highlighted that the PPP/C Government, upon assuming office less than two years ago, had to quickly implement a strategy to deal with the job loss, as well as the rising cost of living brought on by the pandemic and exacerbated more recently by the Russia/Ukraine war.

However, while Jagdeo stated that his administration would do whatever it takes to ensure citizens’ lives are improved, he noted that the $40,000 which would be paid to the part-time workers is not free money, but they would have to work for it.

“You’re working for the Government now, so you have to have the attitude, in those 10 days that you work, that you’re there to serve people for the 10 days, and you give your very best… I hope that you deployed well, so that you can make the maximum effort in the 10 days that you work. The income too, although it is not too high, it will help to offset some of the cost-

of-living rise,” the Vice President stressed.

Meanwhile, he further stated that the PPP/C has always been interested in the nation’s young people, because they will be the ones determining the future of the country. As such, VP Jagdeo encouraged those participating in this initiative to ensure that they take advantage of the opportunity to study and upgrade themselves.

He cited Government’s Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships programme. “We expect all of you who are on the programme to utilise the other opportunities provided by the Government of Guyana to study, to upgrade yourself, because any person who wants to do an online scholarship from this group or anywhere in the country, the Government will pay for their studies,” he told the large gathering.

Another group that the Vice President mentioned is persons with disability (PWDs), whom he underscored will not be left out of this part-time job initiative.

Responding to a question posed by a member of the massive gathering at the UG Tain Campus, he outlined that the Government has been supportive of every group of Guyanese. In fact, he pointed to First Lady Arya Ali’s plan to establish a business centre for PWDs through a recently held fundraiser that raked in more than $13 million.

The brainchild of Mrs. Ali would provide a number of resource opportunities, knowledge and skills needed to increase the capacity of PWDs to determine their own future, and fully participate in community life.

Further, the Vice President underscored that the part-time jobs’ initiative that is being made available to Guyanese is a “stop-gap measure” to ease the burden on citizens, which came about due to thousands of jobs lost under the previous administration.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

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

Increased judicialisation of petulant politics

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s part of the 2000 electoral reform package, the constitutional stricture for the President to consult with the Opposition Leader on specified constitutional appointments was widened, along with statutory acknowledgment that the consultations must be “meaningful”. The PPP Administration has been in office for now almost two years, and has been champing at the bit after the Opposition could not designate an Opposition Leader.

This was finally achieved after Mr Aubrey Norton finally filled the position late last April. The country breathed a sigh of relief, and assumed that the staffing of critical institutions like the Integrity Commission, Police Services Commission, and Public Services Commission would now proceed with his availability. Sadly, this was not to be. It would appear that the Opposition Leader is determined to use his constitutional role to prove to his constituency that he is “tough”, by not cooperating with the President to catch up on lost time, and act with alacrity in view of the time lost due to his own challenges.

Matters came to a head when Mr Norton claimed that an invitation on April 29 for a May 13 meeting was too “rushed”, since his requested information a week later on the appointments was unavoidably delivered just days before the meeting. At that meeting, Norton raised his need for additional details on the qualifications of the President’s nominees, which were promised “within a week”. However, he broke protocol by playing to the gallery of public opinion by gratuitously announcing that he would support the two incumbent acting top judicial officers to be confirmed permanently. These appointments were not on the agenda, and it displayed poor form by the Opposition Leader.

Because of a tight schedule due to the exigencies of official public obligations, the President could not meet My Norton within the stipulated “week”, even though the requested information was supplied. However, when the meeting was scheduled to consult on the appointments, Opposition Leader Norton petulantly announced, after standing up to the President, that he was otherwise engaged. This is very unfortunate, and does not bode well for our politics to evolve in a more positive direction, after all the high drama surrounding the attempted rigging of the 2020 elections in full view of the world.

Mr Norton has now announced that he would be going to the Courts to challenge the appointments made by President Ali. What will be his contention? That he could not make the meeting, and could not find the time to inform the President that he was not going to be there? And, as such, he is demanding that the President - evidently with all the time in the world - wait on him to find the time on his busy schedule to make appointments that are vital to the proper functioning of large areas of governance?

By going this route, Mr Norton, first of all, forgets that “consultation” does not mean “agreement”; and secondly, he is confirming the “Judicialisation of politics” in Guyana, which was described in the paper “The Judiciary and the 2020 Guyana Elections” by Lecturer in Law Dr Ronnie Yearwood and Senior Lecturer in Political Science Cynthia Barrow-Giles.

They had led the high-level Caricom team to supervise the recount of all ballots cast at the March 2020 elections.

One expert on judicialisation, Ran Hirschl, defined the phrase to mean the adjudication of “matters of outright and utmost political significance that often define and divide whole polities, such as determination of foundational collective-identity questions, nation-building processes, corroboration of regime change, and determination of electoral outcomes.” He pointed out, however, that such questions “…reflect primarily deep moral and political dilemmas, not judicial ones. As such, they ought — at least as a matter of principle — to be contemplated and decided by the populace itself, through its elected and accountable representatives.”

Mr Norton should cogitate on this piece of advice as he proceeds, and not be pushed by extremist nihilists who would not mind Guyana going up in flames.

This Dwayne Singh photo shows the Ireng River, located just off the Orinduik Falls, flowing into the valley of the Pakaraima Mountain Range. This is another entry that was submitted for the Tourism Ministry’s 56th Anniversary of Independence Photography Competition under the category "Waterfalls, Creeks, Lakes & Rivers"

The President would never breach the Constitution by unilaterally appointing Chief Justice, Chancellor Dear Editor, I wish to respond to a letter dated Thursday, 2 June 2022 that appeared in a section of the media under the authorship of Tacuma Ogunseye. It is titled “Norton has to respond by a show of equal will”.

Firstly, President Irfaan Ali is so far known for respecting and abiding by the laws of Guyana. I believe that he has done nothing wrong with his appointment of the Integrity and Police Service Commissions, since they were appointed according to the letter and spirit of the Constitution, and after consultations with Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton.

It is not the President’s or Government’s fault that Norton did not respond initially, or could not find time to meet again to wrap up that round of consultation.

There were several issues spanning staff promotions, disciplinary matters, and other things that warranted the urgent swearing-in of the Commissions. In any case, the PSC has not been functional since August of last year, and the Integrity Commission has not been functional since February last year.

Respecting the Constitution and democracy means moving the process along and appointing the Commission now, so that there would be a smooth flow and continuity in governance in Guyana.

I think Norton can respond in any way that he feels necessary via the court to contest what he sees as wrongdoing. He will have to tread very cautiously, because this time is not like the post 2015-era. The public knows when the politicians are serious about constitutional issues, or are engaged in politics for cheap political points. President Ali would never repeat former President Granger’s embarrassing mistakes and errors, as in when he appointed Justice Patterson to the post of GECOM Chairman, or challenged the election results at the CCJ, despite losing to the PPP. Secondly, I believe President Ali would never unilaterally appoint a Chief Justice and Chancellor to office without the Opposition’s agreement. He does not think like the political pundits in the opposition APNU/PNC/AFC. I believe that only when there is an explicit agreement by both parties, and when there is electoral and constitutional reform, would the President appoint a Chief Justice and Chancellor.

Ogunseye is trying to work up the Opposition constituency by suggesting otherwise. I am bold enough to call him out and challenge this misleading and confounded whimsical theory that he has brewed up out of thin air. Politicians must cease getting our people

worked up. Tell the truth, and tell it fearlessly!

Finally, I do not want to be sucked into responding to the other purely political things that he has buttered in his letter. They are unworthy of response, because they are not true.

Ogunseye may want to call on every Guyanese, including his little support base, to join the PPP Government’s job drive ad get employed either permanently or temporarily.

He might consider using his time more wisely, by asking fishermen or miners to go and get the Government’s cash grants.

He might call on all persons who, for a year, had matters pending before

the Integrity and Police Commissions to be alert now, because those are now fully commissioned.

Good governance does not require a matching or equal collective response to make it work according to the Constitution. It does not require violence or fear-mongering. It does not require strategy or protest.

It does require good leadership, excellent decision-making, unbiased political will, and constitutional compliance for it to work.

Politicians with common sense are a rarity, and would understand that!

Yours truly, Michael Younge

GROW with GOAL Dear Editor, Once again, the Government of Guyana has committed to making education free through its new initiative, GROW; through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning.

The Hon Sonia Parag continues to deliver on her mandate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. GOAL thus far has been amazing for many, and will continue to enrich the knowledge of Guyanese. This new initiative, GROW, allows persons without a secondary

education background to really grow!

Guyanese, now is your chance to utilise the opportunities that are before you, by registering on the online platforms for the two courses offered; those are: the GED and the SCQF. I cannot stop applauding this Government for this specific initiative, which continues to enhance the lives of Guyanese.

Sincerely, Tanya Katrina Niamatali

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

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

The misinformation on oil and gas must stop Small miners welcome Dear Editor, Journalism must be factual and have evidence to support its contentions. It should be as balanced and truthful as possible, especially when reporting on Guyana's journey to develop its oil and gas sector.

Sadly, some sections of the media are failing to meet the standard of journalism expected of investigative and focused journalists.

Recently, there was an article that got my attention. It was about the oil and gas sector, and the newspaper was attributing all of its information to a particular source. There was no comprehensive analysis done, with no other side or person

to be quoted on the issue being reported. I was blindsided by the poor investigative work done, and the generalisation of the issues related to costs, debts, and expenses of Guyana in the oil and gas sector.

As I was penning my complaint about the body of work, which contained several pieces of misleading statements, untruths and fallacies, lo and behold, Vice President Mr Bharrat Jagdeo was addressing the same article in his press conference on Monday.

Jagdeo debunked the claim that every citizen owes ExxonMobil $9 million.

“The only debts that this country has to repay are

debts contracted or guaranteed by the state, and I told you already that’s only 16 percent of GDP. No debt contracted by Exxon or any of these companies (is) guaranteed, or we are party… so you don’t have to pay [the citizens of this country],” he stated.

He also dismissed the claim that these debts have to be repaid before Guyana can receive any funds.

“So that’s not true again, because if you look at even the original agreement that was signed since 1999, you will see that there is a cutoff point for cost recovery from revenue of 75 percent.

So, 75 percent of revenue goes to cost recovery, includ-

ing servicing and everything else, and 25 percent from day one becomes available as profit oil, of which we will get 12 and a half percent and then a two-percentage point as royalty, which gives us about 14.5 percent from day one.”

These sensational and misleading media reports must stop immediately. The media must understand the dangers they pose to development by their false or misleading reporting. I call on the media to be responsible and factual when reporting.

All for your consideration, Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

Tribute to Dr Samsundar Doobay Dear Editor, Out of the indentured sugar cane fields of Annandale, East Coast Demerara emerged a medical icon, Dr. Samsundar Doobay, whose parents saved and toiled to give their children a fine education.

Dr. Samsundar Doobay, in concord with his Hindu philosophy of simple living and high thinking, reached the highest level of enlightenment in medicine. He went to England and the United States of America after being qualified at UWI as a Doctor of Medicine, being a disciple of the vedic God of Medicine, then Dhanvantari.

It was recognised that he has an intuitive knowledge and true affection for his medical information

and treatment in the world of his profession. In the United States of America and in England, he pursued several advanced medical programmes, and his professors were astonished at his easy grasp and assimilation of the medical information imparted, so much so that they pleaded with him in those countries to remain and serve there, but he refused and told them he would return to serve the sick and suffering in his own country.

Indeed, he did serve with devotion, dedication, and affection to the sick and suffering patients whom he attended.

His simplicity and informal course of conduct caused one to believe he is an ordinary layman star at the GPHC. His kindness, calmness, tolerance

and great knowledge made him very popular among his fellow practitioners and, above all, the many interns, who were amazed at his learning and cordial treatment and attitude towards them, including his dry sense of humour.

He served at the local School of Medicine with distinction and approbation. He was nicknamed “the walking library of internal medicine”.

To the misfortune and pain of the medical professional world, he was sent home by the APNU Government without lawful cause on the nebulous ground of old age. When the imparting of knowledge and performance of service can be cut off on the

ground of advancing years, tyranny and injustice prevail, but when prejudice is the cause of such disaster, nations fall into the abyss of a new dark age.

Dr. Doobay restored many suffering patients to reasonably good health, and the name Dr. Sundar Doobay, as he is known, will reign with love in the hearts of the many whose treatment ameliorate their lives.

Eternal rest give unto Sundar Doobay, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, Om. Sincerely, Jailall Kissoon Attorney-at-Law

Govt's interventions

Dear Editor, As a small miner operating within the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni and Aranka mining areas for over 20 years, I am heartened by Government’s recent announcement of over $2 billion worth of incentives and support to the mining sector. This will benefit everyone but everyone.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat have delivered on their promises to support all miners. Even the smallest of the small will benefit from these interventions to cushion the increasing cost of production, due to COVID-19 and the ongoing Ukraine/Russia war.

This is evidence that the current administration is listening, not only to the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, but also to the small miners in the backdam, whom the Government and its agencies have been engaging constantly.

Editor, I am more pleased to know that we have a listening and caring Government, and more so that ordinary citizens can make suggestions and recommendations which are acted upon by the Government to guide policy and create avenues for incentives across the board for all.

I must say miners have received and benefited from support over the past two

years, such as in the last budget, wherein was a reduction and removal of VAT and some taxes on various levels of pick-ups, trucks and ATVs; and, most recently, the complete removal of taxes on fuel and lubricants.

And now there is an additional set of incentives, such as the reduction of final tax on income from gold produced from 3.5% to 2.5%; abolition of the 10% tributors’ tax; removal of 14% VAT on lubricating oils, etc. This is in addition to a commitment to expedite the construction of roads and associated infrastructure to support not only mining, but logging as well.

Therefore, I am pleased, like thousands of other miners, with these incentives for the mining sector. It’s a clear indication that we have a caring Government, a Government that listens and, most importantly, has made a firm commitment that mining is here to stay, just like every other traditional productive sector in Guyana.

In closing, I would again like to commend the Government for not only listening to the miners, but also acting for the benefit of all Guyanese, as we are all responsible for transforming and elevating the lives of all our brothers and sisters across all sectors. God bless us all.

Sincerely, C. De Barros

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

Page

Foundation

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

It’s good to be intense

National Grade Six Assessment 2013, Mathematics Paper 2

National Grade Six Assessment 2010, English Language Paper 2

Not all studying is equal.

You will accomplish more if you study intensively.

Intensive study sessions are short and will allow you to get work done with minimal wasted effort.

Shorter, intensive study times are more effective than drawn-out studying.

In fact, one of the most impactful study strategies is distributing studying over multiple sessions (Newport, 2007). Intensive study sessions can last 30 or 45-minute sessions and include active studying strategies. For example, self-testing is an active study strategy that improves the intensity of studying and efficiency of learning. However, planning to spend hours on end selftesting is likely to cause you to become distracted and lose your attention.

On the other hand, if you plan to quiz yourself on the course material for 45 minutes and then take a break, you are much more likely to maintain your attention and retain the information. Furthermore, the shorter, more intense sessions will likely put the pressure on that is needed to prevent procrastination.

WORD SEARCH

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GGDMA lauds major tax incentives, other relief for mining sector – commits to working with Govt to continue vitality of industry

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ith Government announcing some $2 billion in relief for the mining community, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) commended the move and lauded the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration for keeping its campaign promises.

During a consultation with GGDMA miners and other stakeholders in the mining sector on Tuesday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo outlined a slew of incentives that he said would benefit operators.

According to a statement, the GGDMA hailed the engagement as a “major success”. In particular, the Association welcomed the reduction of the Final Tax on income from gold produced, declared, and sold. Currently, the tax is 3.5 per cent, but it will now be reduced to 2.5 per cent.

The GGDMA said another major development was the abolition of the burdensome 10 per cent Tributors Tax, which miners were subjected to for many years.

“The abolishment of this tax will benefit the personnel working within the various mining operations throughout the country as larger disposable incomes will allow them to better support their families during this time of rising prices. Managers and own-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ers of mining operations welcome this move as it will create a more level playing field for recruitment and retention of quality personnel,” the Association stated.

In totality, the GGDMA said these measures would result in approximately $1.9 billion returning to the industry and this revenue would be utilised to reduce the burden of added operational costs and also to improve varying aspects of miners' operations.

Moreover, it pointed out that the removal of the 14 per cent Value-Added Tax (VAT) on lubricating oils will have an immediate positive impact not just on the mining sector but all other sectors, such as construction and agriculture, where heavy equipment was essential.

Additionally, the Association said it was

also pleased with the Government's announcement of the $2.4 billion to be spent upgrading roads in mining areas.

“The Government has also committed to revisiting locations where the roads would be constructed so that the road development is aligned with the needs of the mining industry. New roads and upgraded roads will provide key linkages to mining areas allowing for ease of access and reduction in transportation costs,” the organisation outlined.

Meanwhile, during Tuesday’s engagement with VP Jagdeo, the GGDMA said it also raised several issues, including the need for reform at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and closer collaboration between the Association and the Natural Resources Ministry.

“The Vice President gave the assurance that those would be addressed.

Government also expressed a willingness to encourage better relations between miners and the local banking sector to potentially overcome hurdles faced regarding access to financing,” the missive detailed.

According to the GGDMA, it values the partnership with the Guyana Government as they both seek to ensure the continued viability of the mining sector at the small, medium and large scale.

In fact, during Tuesday’s

A section of the miners at Tuesday’s engagement

consultation, the Vice President reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting small miners from being bullied by larger concession holders. As a result, he promised to take the matters affecting the sector before Cabinet, once those matters were captured in report form in an effort to have them resolved. “Because they’ve been festering for a long time, and they must focus on what I said before: efficient discharge of duty in a fair, impartial manner; and safeguards against capricious acts and corruption. So those would be the terms of reference,” he said.

According to Jagdeo, he wants the report to detail what the Government can do insti-

tutionally, as well as monitor the staff members who are deployed into the fields.

Jagdeo also noted the importance of protecting miners.

“We have to find a fair way safeguarding people who have mining permits, at the same time ensuring that there is more land and opportunities for small miners, and small miners must also feel like they are an important part of the sector, and treated fairly.

“So, some mechanism for doing this (must be found), and I expect that the GGDMA and the large miners would work with us in ensuring that that happens. You have to have a live-and-let-live philosophy in this industry,” he explained.

Jagdeo also noted that there were times in the industry when very large mining companies try to force small miners off their concessions.

The Vice President made an appeal that they could all co-exist, while noting that a mechanism must be found for this to happen: more land to be allocated and small miners to be better protected.

“Other things have to be done. The roads we will continue. There is a programme about roads. We’ll have to meet again and talk about how we do roads in the future.

And so that will be ongoing.

And I hope the current projects, which exceed $2 billion, will be implemented quickly,” he said.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Winston Jordan’s misconduct case now in 3rd Magistrate’s hands

…after Chief, Principal Magistrates recuse themselves

F

inance Minister under the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, Winston Jordan’s misconduct case is now in the hands of a third Magistrate after Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus recused themselves from hearing the matter.

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly is now presiding over the matter which came up on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Another hearing has been fixed for August 29 when Jordan’s legal team will lay over submissions on the mode of trial.

On April 29, the Chief Magistrate had recused herself from hearing the case.

In providing insight on her recusal, she had explained that one of Jordan’s lawyers, Dawn Cush, previously served as a Magistrate in Guyana. As such, the Chief Magistrate recused herself of her own volition citing “apparent bias”.

In light of this, she transferred the case to Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus, who also recused herself from presiding over the case “in the interest of justice” on May 12. The matter was then transferred back to the Chief Magistrate, who also has the responsibility of assigning Magistrates to cases. She reassigned it to Magistrate Daly. The case is being prosecuted by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutor, Attorney-at-Law Tuanna Hardy.

Bail

The former Minister was granted bail in the sum of $3

the property being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree amounts to an abuse of the public’s trust without reasonable excuse or justification.

Corrupt transactions

Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan

million when he initially appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on December 28, 2021.

It is alleged that Jordan, being and performing duties of Minister of Finance and being the concerned Minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between February 26, 2020 and July 31, 2020, at Main Street, Georgetown, wilfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order No 50 of 2020, which was published in the Official Gazette, transferring to and vesting to BK Marine Inc, absolutely, all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms, and further appurtenances, that is to say, Mudlots 1 & 2, F of Mudlot 3, A, B & D, situated at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres, for payment of $20,260,276 for the property valued over $5 billion.

It is further alleged that

Jordan was arrested

by SOCU, an arm of the Guyana Police Force that specialises in white-collar investigations on December 3, 2021, as part of investigations into alleged instances of corrupt governmental transactions between 2015 and 2020.

BK Marine, SOCU said, had only paid 10 per cent of the purchase price, that is, $20 million, and Jordan went ahead to issue a vesting order, passing the title to the purchaser without the payment of any further sum of monies.

According to SOCU, the vesting order stated that the property is being sold free from encumbrance and liabilities and no further sum of money is owed by the purchaser. It said that the transport was subsequently issued for the property and the value strangely stated on the transport was $400,000,000. Further, SOCU said that the agreement of sale stated that the title must only pass upon full payment of purchase price.

However, SOCU contended that investigators have evidence to establish that a facility that is a mere fraction of the size of the State property under investigation, located some seven miles upriver, was sold by a private company for US$17 million. It had pointed out that this was only one of several investigations that implicated former Minister

…on the Depp defamation?

T Senior Magistrate Leron Daly

Jordan.

Lawsuit

While Jordan had previously denied any wrongdoing regarding this transaction, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, had announced that there were active investigations into a number of suspected shady dealings under the former APNU/AFC Government, and the former Finance Minister had been implicated in a number of “nefarious transactions”.

On behalf of the State, the Attorney General has also filed civil proceedings against Jordan at the Demerara High Court over the sale of the river frontage to BK Marine.

In this case, Nandlall is seeking to overturn the contentious sale of the State property. To this end, he is asking the court to declare the agreement of sale between BK Marine and NICIL illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant, and contrary to public policy.

This matter is still ongoing.

Man found guilty of raping, robbing woman

A

35-year-old man was further remanded to prison pending sentence on Thursday after he was found guilty of raping and robbing a 20-yearold woman at gunpoint over nine years ago.

The 12-member jury which deliberated for a little over two hours unanimously found him guilty on both counts. The convict, Ronald Armstrong, called “Sargie”, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Everton Singh-Lammy, will be sentenced on June 30 by Demerara Sexual Offences Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Guilty: Ronald Armstrong

According to court documents the Virtual

Complainant was at home on January 22, 2013, with her baby and sister who were both sleeping. While the victim was in the bathroom doing laundry, she was confronted by Armstrong, who was armed with a gun, and two other men.

Armstrong demanded gold and other valuables from the woman while threatening to injure her baby if she did not cooperate. Afraid for her life, she handed over several pieces of gold jewellery her baby was wearing as well as some she had stored in a cabinet.

He then pulled her into a bedroom, placed her on a

What’s the scoop...

bed, and raped her. The victim was revived by her sister after the men left the house.

In addition to the jewellery, Armstrong and his accomplices stole two televisions and two laptop computers from the home.

The case for the prosecution was presented by State Counsel Cecilia Corbin, State Counsel Caressa Henry, and State Counsel Paneeta Persaud.

Meanwhile, in July 2014, Armstrong was jailed for 50 months after he was found guilty of trafficking 181 grams of marijuana and conveying 32 packs of cigarettes into the prison.

hank God that’s over…the Johnny Depp defamation case, that is. Or, more properly, “cases”, since both Depp and his wife Heard were suing each other. The lurid trial, with its not unexpected salacious and scandalous details of the high-profile couple, transfixed an audience larger than the Super Bowl for over SIX WEEKS!! Then the jury had to deliberate another 13 hours to reach a verdict!!

During that time, most folks got to know more about defamation and libel that they probably cared to know.

Mostly because most had already made up their minds, depending on whose fans they were!! As such, in the court of public opinion, Depp had loooong been the winner!!

Did you see his fans from Australia to Zimbabwe pouring out in support?? And you really think they were swayed by the evidence that came out in Court?? Gwan da side!! Your Eyewitness won’t even get into the merits or demerits of the cases. One reason being that defamation in jurisdictions like ours, that follow English law and precedents, are quite at variance with the Yanks’!!

In America, they place much more weight on “freedom of speech”, and must less than the British on the rights of the person who’s at the receiving end of the “free speech”.

While this was a civil trial without any “guilty” or “not guilty” verdicts, the amount and type of the damages awarded give us a clue as to who was more “wronged”!!

That Depp received US$15 million - with US$5 million of that being PUNITIVE - and Heard only US$2 million clearly shows the Jury felt that Depp was more wronged!!

And this brings us to the point that your Eyewitness wants to make. This case was all about “Intimate Partner Violence” (IPV), which - as we should know - is a megaproblem in Guyana. We know that while there ARE a few men who’re abused by their female partners, in the vast majority of IPV cases, it’s the women who’re abused. And fully aware of this reality, Heard’s lawyers made their case about men abusing women writ large. But all cases in front of juries have to turn on the facts presented, and the jury would have been charged to ignore what they knew about OTHER abuses. But most folks don’t listen to the “fine print”.

As such, Heard has done a disservice to so many women who’re being abused by men but who will now be seen by many as “taking advantage” of the laws that “favour” women. Which is as far from the truth as is Andromeda from Earth!!

So, with the Depp verdict, let’s not make one bad Heard spoil the all-women’s IPVs. …on the oil money We were just advised we’ll be making our second oil lift - this time from the second FPSO, the Lisa Unity. That’s a million barrels to be auctioned to the highest bidder. But we know it’s gonna be more than the present Brent light US$115/barrel! With the world scrounging for oil and the EU being dragged, kicking and screaming, to impose more stringent sanctions on Russian oil, the experts are looking at US$123/barrel!! So, we’re talking about US$123 million smackeroos pouring into our account at the NY Fed - with increasing frequency, as the other FPSOs start to kick in!!

Now the whiners are complaining they didn’t know how the money’s being spent. Well, duh!! Are they still whingeing about the folks who were appointed by the same institutions that were identified by the PNC’s NRF Bill? Which they’d rushed through when they were illegally occupying the Government?

Well, it’s being put into the Consolidated Fund, and they can track it from there!! …on the Ukraine war From Guyana’s interests, the Ukraine war’s good for our oil. Before the war broke out, Brent light was US$96.84.

At US$123, we’ll be doing US$26M better - more than the PNC’s bonus!!

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

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt opens up 35,000 acres of land in Reg 6 for small farmers The Vice President disclosed another plan to utilise GuySuCo lands for the production of sugar on a smaller scale.

He also said some of the leases that state that only sugar cane could be cultivated on the land would have to be revised to reflect the objective of the venture. The Finance Minister, the VP noted, will look into this.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during the meeting with farmers at the Classic Hotel Conference Hall, Corentyne (DPI photo)

T

he Government of Guyana has earmarked some 35,000 acres of land across Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to be cultivated and a 10-member Committee has been established to determine the feasibility of the crops to be planted.

The committee will be working along with the Agriculture and Finance Ministries , and regional authorities in Berbice to decide on which crops can be cultivated, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

He made this decision during a meeting he hosted with farmers in the region to examine how the Government could assist them with the venture, according to the Department of

Public Information (DPI). It was noted that this initiative was expected to create employment for approximately 3000 persons in the region.

The meeting, which was held in the Conference Hall of the Classic Hotel, Corentyne, saw a number of farmers in attendance.

This move is in keeping with a commitment made by the Vice President about a month ago when he spearheaded an outreach in the region.

One of the crops being considered for cultivation is hemp, which VP Jagdeo said could be beneficial to small farmers.

Only recently, the hemp cultivation legislation was tabled in the National Assembly. The Government

has already made known its plan to venture into value-added hemp production, which is a multibillion-dollar industry that would create thousands of jobs.

Other small crops and aquaculture are also being considered for these lands.

Region Six was hardest hit when the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government closed several Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) estates, causing more than 7000 sugar workers to lose their jobs.

This initiative forms part of the Government’s co-investment programme which will see partnerships with the Private Sector to create employment opportunities.

Government is also keen on providing support to the co-ops and ensuring the members benefit equitably.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will also be looking into the drainage system to ensure maximum production, as the intention is to export the produce on a large scale.

Further, the VP ad-

dressed several other concerns raised by the farmers.

He committed to providing fertiliser and planting tools to some farmers.

He was accompanied

by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall, officials from the NDIA and the regional administration.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CANU intercepts car with $3M worth of ganja – unearths ammunition during operation in G/town

T

The car in which the ganja was found

The duo who were arrested during the operation in Guinep Lane

he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Thursday intercepted a motor car along the Mahaica Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) with 9.8 kilograms of cannabis.

At the time of the interception, the driver was the only occupant of the vehi-

cle. The cannabis was reportedly found hidden in the vehicle’s trunk.

The driver, Raymond Tinnis, 47, along with the suspected narcotics, was taken to CANU headquarters where it was weighed in his presence and amounted to 9.8 kg with a street value of approximately $3

The ammunition found in the house

million.

The driver remains in custody pending charges.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday, the drug enforcement unit conducted a raid at Guinep Lane, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown during which a quantity

of suspected narcotics and several types of ammunition were unearthed. These include one live round of 40mm ammunition, 100 rounds of .38 ammunition, two .38 short rounds and 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition. In addition, 1.26 kg of

The driver of the motor car in which the ganja was found

ganja was discovered.

At the time of the operation, Julian Aaron, 48, and Denese Aaron, 46, were the

lone occupants of the house.

They were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters. They are now assisting with investigations.

Final accused in murder of South Road grannies freed

T

Jailed: Stephen Andrews

he trial into the murders of two elderly women – Constance

Jailed: Christopher Khan

After he was arraigned for the capital offence, Suffrien, of Albouystown, Georgetown,

Dead: Constance Fraser (left) and Phyllis Caesar

Fraser, 89, and Phyllis Caesar, 77 – ended on Thursday with the final accused, Phillip Suffrien being freed upon Demerara High Court Judge Jo Ann Barlow directing the jury to return a formal not-guilty verdict.

Suffrien, who had been on remand for the past five years, was discharged three years after his former two co-accused had pleaded guilty to killing the women.

They were each sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of being paroled after serving 35 years.

When the trial continued on Thursday morning, Justice Barlow found that the evidence adduced by the prosecution would not be sufficient to prove the element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. As such, she directed the jury to return a formal not-guilty verdict.

Freed: Phillip Suffrien

denied the charge which stated that he murdered the women between October 2 and October 3, 2017, during the course/furtherance of a robbery at South Road and Albert Street, Georgetown.

TURN TO PAGE 17

11 GOGEC, EPA sign MoU for energy sector collaboration W NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ith the aim of building relations, the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collaborate in the local energy sector.

The MoU was signed by GOGEC President Manniram Prashad and EPA Head Kemraj Parsram.

According to the Energy Chamber, the objective of the agreement is to provide a framework for cooperation between both parties.

It is also geared towards facilitating business development while promoting public participation in relation to scoping of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and its role in economic development within the

energy sector.

“GOGEC’s aim is to create and build relationships with key agencies in Guyana to work in collaboration and facilitate key players in the energy sector,” it was noted.

Speaking with Guyana Times on the MoU, Prashad explained that it was to foster closer and stronger cooperation and collaboration between members of GOGEC in the oil and gas industry and the EPA. The Chamber President said the body wanted to be a facilitator between its membership and the regulatory arm, especially in the event an issue arises that affects the environment.

“We just want to make sure that the EPA and members of the Oil and Gas Chamber work in harmony.

The whole idea is to make sure that whilst we pursue our interests and we pursue getting the maximum from the oil and gas industry, we

want to make sure we take care of the environment,” he stated.

Prashad noted that the Chamber has been supportive of and satisfied with the work of the EPA and was looking to continue these efforts through the MoU signed not only to benefit its members but all Guyana as well.

“So, as issues arise, we will deal with them with the EPA, but so far we’ve had no issues and we’re very satisfied with the way in which the EPA has been carrying out its mandate,” he posited.

The issues on which GOGEC is seeking to partner with the Agency include events that have an impact on the environment such as oil spills.

According to Prashad, the MoU is positioned in such a way that before such an event occurs, the two entities will have regular en-

Fatal accident at Goed Fortuin

Police promise thorough, impartial investigation into death of 12-year-old

Acting Deputy Police Commissioner (Administration) Calvin Brutus and other members of the Guyana Police Force meeting the father of the 12-year-old

Dead: 12-year-old Kayla Barnabus

A

s condolences continue to pour in for the parents and family of 12-year-old Kayla Barnabus, who lost her life in a tragic accident on Wednesday, acting Deputy Police Commissioner (Administration) Calvin Brutus, along with other senior Police officials, on

The grieving mother being consoled

Thursday visited the grieving family.

Brutus, who met with the child’s parents – Delmon and Somatee Barnabus at their School Street, Goed Fortuin home, expressed his sympathy on the tragedy, on

behalf of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and himself.

Brutus assured the grieving parents that a thorough and impartial investigation would be conducted into the unfortunate accident.

TURN TO PAGE 15

GOGEC President Manniram Prashad and EPA Head Kemraj Parsram sign the MoU for cooperation in the local energy sector

gagements and monitoring so as to anticipate such activities and have solutions in place.

Moreover, he further stated that GOGEC and the EPA have already established a close relationship over the past years, and through this new pact, they were looking to expand their ties. In fact, GOGEC plans to invite the EPA Head to participate in its student programme that informs young people of the opportunities in the oil and gas sector. Parsram would be asked to talk to the students about the environment.

“So, all that is on the cards to assist GOGEC and EPA in our mandate to ensure that the environment is preserved and our members operate within the laws of Guyana and the Environmental [Protection] Agency,” Prashad said.

Since its establishment in 2017, GOGEC has been

an active participant in a number of initiatives within the energy sector, including the training of locals.

According to its website, GOGEC is described as an independent, apolitical, non-profit organisation that is aiming to be the mediator, the interlocutor, and the negotiator for all the stakeholders in Guyana’s oil, gas, petrochemical, and heavy industrial sectors.

It was noted that its President, a former Industry and Commerce Minister as well as Private Sector executive, sees it fit to use his skills and knowledge to establish an organisation to harness the players in the industry to ensure that they all speak with a collective voice to address any anomalies that may arise in the industry.

The intention is to ensure that the Chamber educate all Guyanese about this new industry by host-

ing several seminars, trade missions, and expositions throughout the entire country. It also planned to conduct a regional and international symposium to attract investors to fill the gap in those areas where there are opportunities.

GOGEC’s strategic priority areas are: to ensure that there are equal opportunities for all the operators and potential operators within the industry; to ensure that the revenue generated from the industry contributes to sustainable and economic growth and development of Guyana and all Guyanese; to continually strive to enhance the Chamber’s ability to better serve its members while operating as a self-sustaining, non-profit and non-political organisation, and to promote trade, investments and knowledge transfer within the energy sector to all members and stakeholders.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 3,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$300M road upgrade slated for priority areas in Kwakwani

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill in Kwakwani with his team and residents

R

esidents of Kwakwani, in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), have been assured that the $300 million in road works slated for the community would commence soon.

They have however, been informed that priority would be given to areas that have schools and hospitals, and where there is heavy traffic

of people.

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, during a recent visit to the community, said a team of engineers had already been on the ground, and would return to finalise which roads would be rehabilitated under the budgeted sum.

“The priority that we have are the roads that are

heavily used by the majority of people. For example, everybody has to go to the hospital, so the roads in the hospital must be fixed in this go-around. The secondary school and primary school (see) hundreds of children daily, and their parents have to go to those schools, so we need to make those roads a matter of priority,” the

Minister said.

Minister Edghill further explained that roads that cannot be rehabilitated with asphaltic concrete would be upgraded to a crusher-run level. Project engineers on the ground have been asked to ensure that measurements for roads selected for rehabilitation be made available by Monday, June 6, 2022.

This multi-million-dollar investment demonstrates the PPP/C Administration’s commitment to improving the lives of all Guyanese, Minister Edghill has posited.

“This is historic. The PPP/C Government, in a community where they did not win, is spending more money in that community than the Government that won the last election spent in the community where they got the vote from. That is a clear case to show how our politics takes place. We are not looking at where the votes coming, we are looking at what needs to be done.

“If you add up all (that) the APNU did for five years when they were in Government, it did not make $300 million. And in one year, the PPP is spend-

Vice-Chairman of the Kwakwani NDC, Cort Simeon

ing $300 million,” Minister Edghill has said.

The mammoth investment in community roads and the decision to make some roads a priority have been welcomed by residents. Paris Archer, Councillor of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council, has said: “We are happy, as a community, and it is the first time that such a large sum of money has been allocated for Kwakwani in terms of internal roads.”

Vice-Chairman of the NDC, Cort Simeon, has

also shared similar views.

Simeon said: “Even before that was mentioned here by the Minister, we, as a council, when we heard about it, that is some of the positions we had taken: to look after the areas that are more needed, like the school area and hospital area.”

The Government will invest $1.3 billion in infrastructural development between Linden and Kwakwani. To date, the allocation is the largest the communities have received in a single year.

New Domestic Licensing System launched to curtail abuse of wildlife

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

G

overnment is taking steps to curtail the abuse of wildlife locally with the introduction of a Domestic Licensing System (DLS).

The DLS is a management system aimed at preserving wildlife through effective monitoring for commercial and non-commercial uses.

Under the new system, persons involved in the use of wildlife must be licensed in six categories; wildlife trapping, wildlife collection, commercial, recreational, captive wildlife, and special wildlife licences.

The new system was

launched on June 1 by the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC), as part of its fifth anniversary celebration.

Speaking at the launch, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira lauded the initiative, noting that Guyana has come a long way in the protection of its wildlife.

Guyana has managed to monitor the exportation of wildlife internationally for many years; however, this is the first attempt to do so locally.

Minister Teixeira lamented the corrupt prac-

tices within the wildlife industry and called for similar penalties as those for narco and human trafficking. Under the DLS, perpetrators could be fined a maximum of $1 million for any violation within the wildlife industry.

“We must become more regulated in terms of the way we do business in Guyana. This is part of the rule of law, this is part of the governance of our society, and we have to learn that this is how life goes, and this is what you need to do in order to carry out certain activities,” she said.

“So, from a principled point of view, I think we have to do that and to make sure that we are constantly monitoring and looking at how it is evolving, and convince the people using the powers of persuasion before you do the enforcement.”

Recognising the importance of public support in the preservation of the country’s wildlife, Minister Teixeira acknowledged that the success of the DLS is dependent on a public-private partnership, and called for greater public awareness.

“If we do not preserve and protect and learn to have some kind of sustain-

GWCMC Commissioner Alona Sankar

able use of our resources, we could be facing a serious crisis… so we have to teach in simplified ways to our people and, therefore, the awareness programmes and the PR programmes are important.”

As part of the long-term strategy for biodiversity and socio-economic sustainability of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Minister Teixeira highlighted that the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 outlines the protection of wildlife.

“The Low Carbon Development Strategy of-

fers an opportunity for the Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission—a greater level of prominence because it is an important component of what we’re talking about…it positions you as a commission in a different way than before… I believe the opportunities are here.

And it is how creative and innovative we can be in order to use the Low Carbon Development Strategy, and the opportunities it offers to be able to fit the wildlife and conservation management commission into that strategy—into that programme.”

Meanwhile, GWCMC

Commissioner Alona Sankar said effective monitoring of wildlife in Guyana has posed a number of challenges. Sankar believes that the DLS will give the Commission a better understanding of how wildlife is affected and the interventions needed.

“When we have that information, we can make informed decisions about the management of the species.

It will help us also to set harvest quotas. We can say this is the level of offtake per year, and it would not impact our populations and we can also then look at the information we collect to determine harvest zones,” Sankar stated.

Persons are being encouraged to uplift applications from the Commission’s office located in the compound of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Applications will be opened online soon.

The GWCMC is responsible for the regulation of hunting, trapping, trading, protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife, harvesting, and transporting wildlife under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2016.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scenes from Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo's visit to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on Thursday, where he launched Government’s part-time job initiative. He met with scores of beneficiaries of the programme at various locations across the region as well as hosted meetings with farmers and fisherfolk in Berbice (Photos taken from the Vice President's Facebook page)

14 NEWS Active COVID cases skyrocket to 854 with 106 new infections L GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD FRIDAY, JUNE 3,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ess than one month ago, Guyana’s active coronavirus infections were numbered at just over 100. That number has now made a steep jump to 850, and health authorities continue to suspect the circulation of the BA.2 strain of Omicron is responsible.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday cautioned that cases would continue to rise amid the more infectious subvariant, especially if the COVID-19 measures are not adhered to.

“Omicron has different strains. The one that is circulating widely is called the BA.2, and there is a subvariant that is circulating. That variant is very, very infectious, so people can get infected if they are in close proximity to somebody, especially if they’re not wearing masks. So, you can get infected easily. We believe that the variant is now circulating here, and with that circulating, we are going to see an increase in cases,” he relayed.

Moreover, the symptoms can easily mimic the common flu. “If persons have developed such symptoms, they are asked to get tested. One caveat with this strain is that people who get infected would get symptoms like the flu. You get more upper respiratory symptoms, things like runny nose, sneezing, a little bit of sore throat, and that sort of thing. Many people who may be positive, if they don’t come and get tested, we would not know whether or not they’re positive,” he said.

With the rise in COVID

cases, 27 persons are hospitalised with complications.

At the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 17 persons are being monitored, three of whom are in the Intensive Care Unit.

On Thursday, 106 new infections were reported, but the death toll remains at 1237. There are 65,075 confirmed cases.

Some 24 persons are in institutional isolation, 816 are in home isolation, and two are in institutional quarantine. A total of 62,995 recoveries have been recorded.

Meanwhile, 13 new cases have been reported in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); nine in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 65 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); seven in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); three in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); five in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Vaccination

Adult vaccination numbers reflect 442,278 first doses being administered along with 341,890 second doses. This is 86.2 per cent and 66.6 per cent respectively.

For persons 12-to-17, complete immunisation coverage is 25,436 or 34.9 per cent.

Only 65,607 booster doses have been administered.

As at Wednesday, the second booster shots were introduced for adults, as well as the first booster shots for the adolescent age group.

Health Minister Dr Frank

Anthony has called upon people to take advantage of the opportunity to protect themselves, as waning immunity can make them vulnerable to COVID-19.

“We’re appealing to persons who are older, persons who have comorbidities, for them to come and get that second dose. In addition to that, for the 12-to-17 age group, we have authorised giving a booster dose for those persons who had their primary doses more than six months ago. They are now eligible for booster doses.

We really want to encourage people to come out and get their booster doses, because we have seen that while people have gotten their primary doses, after about a six-month period, the immunity drops. If the immunity drops, then you would be vulnerable,” he explained.

As Guyana prepares for a rollout of vaccines in the five-to-11 age group, the Health Minister is encouraging parents to give consent for their children to be vaccinated. He has assured that these jabs have been created specifically for children, and are approved by the regulatory bodies.

“These vaccines have been specially developed for this age group, and it has been approved by all the stringent regulatory authorities in the world. They have been very difficult to come by because there is a global shortage of these types of vaccines…This has been used in many developed countries, and they have had very good results,” Dr Anthony outlined.

JUNE 2, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

106 24 816 3

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

35,145

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,930

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

65,075

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,995

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2524

REGION 2

2603

REGION 3

8220

REGION 4

32,361

REGION 5

2427

REGION 6

6038

REGION 7

2436

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4059

REGION 10

3521

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

442,087 341,687

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1237

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.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, please contact the COVID-19 Hotlines: 231-

1166, 226-7480, or 6246674 immediately, or visit www.health.gov.gy.

Global figures show that 528 million people have tested positive for the vi-

rus, and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 157 million confirmed cases have been reported, with over 2.7 million deaths.

Businessman continues to invest in education, makes donations to several schools

Teacher of the schools that benefited from the donations

Headteacher of Strathavon Nursery School, Petal Telford, receiving a freezer from the businessman

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o other investment yields as great a return as an investment in education. An educated workforce is the foundation of every community and the future of every economy. It is behind this backdrop that Azruddin Mohamed continues to donate to several educational institutions across the country.

On Thursday, Mohamed handed over several pieces

of equipment to schools in Georgetown and Regions 3, 4 and 5. The donation, made at his Houston, Greater Georgetown estate, included one HP coloured printer each for Novar Secondary School (Region 5); F.E Pollard Primary School (Georgetown), Two Brothers Primary School (WBD), and St Ann’s Primary School in Agricola, EBD. These will assist signifi-

cantly with printing learning material.

In addition, a desktop computer, a printer and a laminating machine were handed over to Vryheid’s Lust South Nursery School (ECD), while a desktop computer was also handed over to Vryheid’s Lust Primary School.

As schools prepare for the technological world, three routers were donated to West Ruimveldt Primary School (Georgetown), which is expected to benefit some 900 children.

Two laptops each were handed over to the Patentia

Deputy Headteacher of St Stanislaus College, Ms LaFleur, and students, along with Azruddin Mohamed on Thursday

Nursery School (WBD) and Agricola Practical Instruction Centre/Industrial Arts centre (Greater Georgetown).

These will be used by teachers to facilitate the work programme of these two institutions.

Further, Mohamed donated one freezer to the Strathavon Nursery School (ECD), to assist with its feeding programme. He also handed over a fridge to St. Stanislaus College (Georgetown) to aid their fundraising raffle, from which proceeds would be used to offset expenses for their Annual Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony.

Finally, an inflatable pool was donated as the second prize in the Craig Primary School’s fund-raising raffle.

The proceeds from this event will be used to purchase a photocopier.

Mohamed has been extremely pleased to make the donations, since those would ultimately benefit hundreds of children. The smiles on the faces of the teachers and children said it all – they have been very appreciative of the kind-heartedness of the businessman, and they have expressed their gratitude.

15 UG’s Faculty of Education moves online C NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ourses offered by the Faculty of Education at the University of Guyana can now be pursued online with the launch of the International Center of Excellence in Education Innovation, Learning and Development (ICEEILD).

This mechanism now allows teachers to acquire higher education without having to leave their classrooms to attend physical courses at the University.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand highlighted that it translates to more trained teachers in the education system.

“The University of Guyana is the premier campus…Anybody anywhere can do all of the courses the University of Guyana offers.

What does this mean to the people of this country? What does this mean to children who are currently in the system? What does this mean to children who are coming into the system? It means we are going to be putting more and more trained teachers in the classroom,” the Minister expressed.

The idea was birthed after the intake at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) was significantly increased owing to the establishment of courses online.

Pre-COVID teacher training at CPCE was done face-to-face, and, due to physical space, the College was able only to admit around 535 students per year. However, the pandemic forced the closure of the institution, and eventually CPCE began offering its programmes online.

This has led to the intake increasing to around 2000 students as at 2021, and the number has since been

Minister Manickchand, Professor Mohamed and other key officials at the launch on Wednesday

growing. Within that increased number of students, there was an increase in the number of persons pursuing the Associate Degree in Education (ADE) programme at CPCE. Minister Manickchand has explained that when teachers complete this course at CPCE, they can move on to the University of Guyana, and, after two more years of studying, be awarded a full degree from the University.

Minister Manickchand has said that, with the college now producing more teachers who are eligible to move on to UG to acquire their degrees, this created a problem, since, at the time, the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Education and Humanities could not accommodate such a large number of teachers via a face-to-face mode of engage-

Police promise thorough...

FROM PAGE 11

He also assured the family of the GPF’s commitment to helping them through this extremely difficult time and noted that Police would assist in every way possible to take care of the expenses of the wake and funeral arrangements for Kayla.

The 12-year-old lost her life on Wednesday after she was struck down by a vehicle belonging to the Police Force that was transporting prisoners at the time.

Kayla was described by her mother as a godly child who was brilliant, kind, compassionate, caring and loved by all. She was a firstform student of the West Demerara Secondary School.

Deputy Commissioner Brutus was accompanied

by Regional Commander for Division #3, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siwnarine; Traffic Chief, Superintendent Ramesh Ashram; Head of the Force’s Community Relations Department, Superintendent Crystal Robinson, along with members of the Cops and Faith Community Network.

It was reported that on the

day in question, a vehicle had stopped for the young lady to use the pedestrian crossing, but the vehicle attached to the GPF bearing registration number GXX 6575, driven by a Police Corporal, reportedly overtook the stationary vehicle and struck the pupil.

From reports received, the vehicle was allegedly speeding at the time.

The Police stated that the now-dead child ran from east to west across the road in the path of the pick-up.

They added that the driver swerved to avoid a collision, but the front of the vehicle collided with the schoolgirl.

She sustained injuries about her body and was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver of the vehicle was placed under close arrest.

A breathalyser test was administered to the driver, but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. The Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the accident.

ment.

As such, the University was tasked with revisiting how it offers its programmes to teachers, which led to the establishment of the ICEEILD. The Centre provides all of the courses offered by the faculty through an online mode within a 17:00h to 22:00h period. This would allow teachers to pursue studies after school hours, consequently reducing the loss of time with students.

Additionally, she said, this means that teachers would no longer have to seek a release to study at the University of Guyana

the courses offered by the faculty.

Meanwhile, ViceChancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed, has said the University has been able to craft an avenue to reduce the learning gap by ensuring teachers are no longer leaving the classroom to teach, but simultaneously not depriving teachers of the opportunity to study.

She said that when the relevant data was considered together with the understanding of the type of workforce that would be needed in Guyana in the future, it became clear that

the educator, or teacher of the future, needed to be a very different person from what exists today.

“When we did our survey, students and staff basically said that ‘we want to remain online’. We’re now reconfiguring our campus and our offerings to a blended campus, so that many persons who want to stay online can do that. Those who want to come will be able to do that, and those who want to blend, they can do that,” said the Professor.

She said that, within the Centre, two new Units have been added. According to Professor Mohamed,

one Unit is going to study, teach and research Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) education with a focus on Technology. The second Unit, she said, will focus on digital technologies and educational technologies.

The Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dr Roslin Khan, has said the Centre would lay the foundation for ongoing training opportunities anchored in relevant theories, and provide learning opportunities for academic and professional training within communities.

She said targeted participants would include trained or untrained teachers, and other interested adult learners throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, as well as further afield.

Coordinator of the FEH at the Berbice Campus, Camania Khedaroo, added that the Centre offers educators the learning opportunities and experiences that would allow them to critically engage with current and evolving dynamics in their environment. She said that, for educators in Berbice, the Centre represents renewed energy directed to revitalising the education sector through educators’ engagement with the highest standards of professional development in leadership, management, teaching and learning, innovation and research.

“Do not try to trick the system!” Min. Mustapha – as Gov’t prepares to roll out cash grants to fisherfolk

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griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has given a stern caution to persons attempting to trick the cash grant systems, as the Government gears up to roll out assistance for affected fisherfolk.

He met with groups of fisherfolk from villages along the East Coast of Demerara to discuss the $150,000 one-off relief grant, which was recently announced by President Irfaan Ali. The meetings were held with fisherfolk from Annandale, Mon Repos and Montrose.

Minister Mustapha said that since assuming office, the Government has been working to improve the lives of citizens and help them deal with the rising cost of living. He noted the many initiatives and direct cash transfers that have been implemented by the administration over the last two years.

“You know (that) with the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of many items increased significantly, especially basic food items. We started with the COVID grant, then we restarted the school grant for children, and last year that was extended to private school children. We also restored the water subsidy for pensioners, and increased old-age pension and public assistance. I am men-

Minister Mustapha meeting with the fisherfolk to discuss the cash

tioning these things so that you can see all the things we have been doing; all the efforts we’ve been making to put monies back into the pockets of the citizens,” the Minister has said.

According to him, Government has been aware of the hardships in the sector due to the decline in catches over the last three years, and the rising cost of living caused by the pandemic. He said although reports suggest that the catches have been improving, fisherfolk were still finding it difficult to afford basic household items for their families, and that the grant would be able to assist with those needs.

The Minister, however, cautioned persons not to try to defraud the system, given that there were issues with persons receiving mon-

ies who were not entitled to during the distribution of the flood relief grants following the 2021 flooding.

“When we looked at the fishing sector, and many times the fisherfolks would ask what relief was available for you, the President and the Government have decided that we will give every person working in the industry…a $150,000 grant.

Let us ensure that this process is done well; let’s not try to smart the system.

“We had issues with the flood relief with farmers, I don’t want this thing to happen in the fishing sector.

When we have the list, we will return and let you, the fishermen, verify the list before we distribute the grants.

We have to have a list that is transparent; a list with people who are working in the

sector and need the benefit.”

Authorities will be making the funds available after a verification process, which is expected to commence by the end of the week. The process of having boats licensed would also assist with the verification process, but some persons do not license their boats.

“When we ask that the boats be licensed, some of you do not want to do that, even though we would’ve reduced the licensing fees.

When your boats are licensed, we’ll have that database, and that would make this process easier,” Minister Mustapha said, while adding that the Government was making funds available to assist farmers with developing the industry.

“This year, we are looking to increase production, and because of the high cost of fertilizer, farmers are finding it very difficult to go back to the land. The Government will be making $1 billion available to purchase fertilizers that will be given to farmers, and this is for both cash crop and rice farmers. We’ve also removed the taxes that were imposed on certain sectors, like the fishing industry. All the VAT that was placed on fishing materials and agriculture machinery,” he related.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese entertainers call for 90% air time to promote music P resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announced that his Government would do more to support local Guyanese talent before Guyana's entertainment industry ceases to exist.

He made this announcement during an interactive session he hosted at State House with local talent spanning Guyana, especially those who performed at the 56th Independence Anniversary Flag-Raising Ceremony.

At the candid affair, many local artistes voiced their many concerns over the cloudy future of Guyana’s entertainment industry.

As the world progresses, musicians seek exposure, for their craft to be heard by many listeners across the world. Many musicians have seen mainstream musical success by just having their songs played on the radio, which leaves up-and-coming and new artistes vying for radio stations to play their music.

Guyanese musician and producer Calvin Burnette understands the power of radio play as it pertains to exposure. He said on Wednesday, at the engagement, that Guyanese music should represent 90 per

Calvin Burnette and Samuel Medaz at the event on Wednesday

cent of the music played on radio stations across Guyana.

“A lot of times, getting us to that international level, or getting us on stages in Guyana, so that when foreigners come in they can hear us, what we need to do is engage the radio stations, and TV stations as well,” the producer said.

He added that artistes can only do so much when it comes to promoting their music, but, many times, promotions depend on external sources, like radio stations and television channels across the country.

“As artistes, we can produce and we can push; we can put out our stuff

on social media, doing the groundwork for ourselves; but we can only do much.

The radio and TV are what feeds the nation. If we can get 90 per cent of Guyanese music on the radio on repeat, then all the kids can know it,” he explained.

But some may think that Guyana has a long way to go as it pertains to solidifying or finding our identity, not only in the music industry, but in the arts industry as a whole.

This was a sentiment shared by Guyanese gospel legend Samuel Medaz.

“A lot of boys never knew that they could make money off of their craft.

I mean everybody in the arts industry. We’re very grateful for it. When we talk about what we want for Guyana, I think we had to put individual endeavours and individual careers on the back burner, because Guyana is still trying to find an identity in the arts,” he said.

He added, “We would borrow from all the different countries, but we (don’t) have our identity.

That is a thing that has to start from the grassroots and come all the way up.”

He added that many times artistes start off and are heavily influenced by mainstream musicians and

their televised success.

They don’t see, or something, and don’t understand the hard work that is put into monetizing a music career.

His solution is to have professionals train the newcomers on how to monetize their music careers.

“If we could get professional training concerning the business of music, that would be a big plus for us,” he has said.

President Ali has said he would give Guyanese artistes and entertainers a chance to showcase their talent. He has charged Guyanese artistes and entertainers to work together and come up with a unique package for the ‘Guyana Night’ activity at the upcoming Cricket Carnival, which will in turn be used as a conduit to get local talents into the regional and international entertainment scene.

The Head of State has said his Government wants to give Guyanese entertainers a larger platform to display their talents.

Hence, he noted that the upcoming Cricket Carnival – a packed two weeks of entertainment that will run alongside the 2022 CPL tournament here later this year – will have a dedicated event for local artistes,

dubbed the ‘Guyana Night’.

“I want you guys to sit down and come up with a world-class programme.

You’ll come up with the budget; you’ll come up with the best songs, the best beat. You’ll come up with the best anybody has ever seen at this Guyana Night… What I want is a stage that sells Guyana, promotes Guyana, promotes you, and advances your careers,” the President has stated.

For that event, the Government will set aside $10 million for the production, and will also look to incorporate the Private Sector. The revenue that is garnered from this event, the President has said, will go back to the performers and the industry.

He said, “We must have the type of talent that we could go on a Regional Night and we can dominate. We’re not going as a sideshow; we are not going as an add-on; we must go there to blow people’s minds with our performance. That is the type of attitude we will develop.”

According to the Head of State, once this is done right, the ‘Guyana Night’ performances will be packaged and sent to every network across the Caribbean to be broadcasted.

27 cops complete Elementary Prosecutors Course

Some of the ranks during the closing ceremony

The ranks who completed the course and senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force

T

wenty-seven ranks attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday completed the first Elementary Prosecutors’ Course.

The closing ceremony was held at the Police Officers’ Training Centre at Eve Leary. The ranks were welcomed by Force Training

Officer Superintendent Keithon King, while the course review was done by Corporal Munesh.

Deputy Commissioner 'Administration' (ag), Calvin Brutus, delivered the brief remarks at the ceremony.

The course -- the first of its kind, a collaborative effort between the

GPF and the School of the Nations University -- was attended by two Assistant Superintendents, three Sergeants, seven Corporals, three Lance Corporals, and 12 Constables. It commenced on October 16, 2021 and lasted for a period of six months.

The course was aimed at equipping ranks with the

necessary skill-set to become prosecutors within the Magistrates’ Courts. The attendant ranks were selected from various Police divisions based on their performance.

During the course, they were also exposed to Basic English training and seminars on trafficking-in-persons and gender-based violence, among other subject areas.

During his address to the ranks, Deputy Commissioner Brutus noted that the event marked a significant step in the Guyana Police Force’s achieving its strategic plan.

He said development of members of the Force is critical to ensuring the GPF delivers the quality of service for which it is mandated.

“We’re at a stage where, over a period of time, and due to retirement, resignation, and other matters, our stock of trained prosecutors has now been depleted," he disclosed.

This first batch is set to fill those gaps by next week.

Brutus also charged the participants to uphold their integrity while executing their prosecutorial duties.

Due to the volume of work involved, participants were

given full exceptions/time from their policing duties to aid in the completion of the course, in order to meet the country's demand for such skills.

During the closing ceremony, Corporal Quincy Lacon was named the most outstanding rank.

In closing his remarks, the Deputy Commissioner added that the GPF is willing to support ranks who are desirous of pursuing their law degree at the University of Guyana. With that, he congratulated the ranks, and reminded them of their duties as Policemen and women.

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Crime on EBD down 1 dead, 7 injured in by 91% – Commander Region Five bee attack A C rime in Division 4B (East Bank Demerara) has plunged to a 91 per cent low in recent times, according to Divisional Commander Superintendent Denise Griffith. She was at the time speaking at a programme hosted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

This, the Commander related, is seen through her comparative analysis, comparing the crimes committed last year with those committed this year and those for the period since she has taken over.

“We’ve seen a decrease in a lot of areas in the region.

I did look at a comparative figure from January to yesterday, and I did look from the time I took over, from the first of April, to today.

So, we’ve had a decrease in murder, manslaughter, robbery, robbery under arms, robbery with other instruments,” she said.

Among the other crimes that have decreased in the division, Commander Griffith related, are rape, break and enter, and burglary.

However, the Commander

Commander Denise Griffith

stated that she is not only focused on reducing common crimes, but traffic-related offences as well.

“For traffic, we had a decrease (in) overall fatal (accidents)… Since I’m here, we had 80 per cent decrease.

Serious accidents, we had a 71 per cent decrease since I’m here; minor, 73 since I’m here… So, we have some reductions, and we’re still working,” she explained.

Commander Griffith explained that those decreases stem from the support and cooperation of ranks, as well as the tremendous response from members of the public.

“We’ve been having good feedback thus far… We’re slated to have a new CPG group there, persons would have contacted me in office and expressed some concerns, and we’re working closely with the community, as I said,” she disclosed.

The Commander noted that the division would continue to work to get a complete reduction in all crimes, and improvement in the communities.

“We’re trying to do a lot to clear off things that would have occurred before.

We are still on the run, the wheels are still on in terms of scouts, youth groups, face-the-community, because we want them to understand what we expect from them, and we’re looking and listening to what they expect from us too,” she said.

“It’s a collaborative effort…it’s a partnership, so to speak,” she explained.

Final accused in murder of...

The former murder accused was represented by defence counsel Madan Kissoon.

In 2019, Christopher Khan, also known as “Imran Khan”, and Stephen Andrews were arraigned for the women’s murders.

They, however, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The bodies of Fraser, known as “Mother Fraser”, and Caesar, her niece, were found in the upper flat of

their home in their respective bedrooms. They were found lying unconscious on their beds. Caesar’s hands and legs were bound, and a piece of cloth had been stuffed in her mouth.

According to reports, Caesar had failed to report to her place of worship, as is customary, prompting several attempts to contact the duo, all of which were to no avail.

A congregation member then alerted the Police, and

FROM PAGE 10

together they ventured into the home and discovered the two women dead. The elderly women were last seen alive while attending church two days prior to the discovery of their bodies.

Autopsies conducted on the bodies of the two women by Dr Nehaul Singh revealed that they died as a result of asphyxiation due to suffocation and manual strangulation, compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

deadly bee attack on a group of fishermen in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Thursday, June 2, has resulted in the death of one man and injury to seven others.

The incident occurred at some time around 13:30h at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice (WCB), and the person who has died has been identified as 71-year-old Winston Rigby of No. 41 Village, WCB. Among the other fishermen who were stung by the Africanized bees are 72-year-old Kenneth Rigby of El Dorado Village, WCB and 44-year-old William Rigby of Onderneeming, WCB. They both are broth-

Dead: Kenneth Rigby

ers of the deceased Winston Rigby.

The other injured persons are 56-year-old Basil

Ramesh Davie of Bush Lot Village, WCB; 56-year-old Kenneth Hero of No. 28 Village, WCB; 61-year-old Leon Bobb of Belladrum Village, WCB; 62-year-old Glenroy Fraser of No. 22 Bel Air, WCB; and 59-year-old Charles Cadogan, also of No. 22 Bel Air. According to reports from the Information Department of the Region Five Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the fishermen were attacked while making their way out to the Public Road from the Onverwagt seashore.

Reports are that the men were heading to get registered for the $150,000 cash grant that the Government had recently announced for fisherfolk.

Firefighters to undergo specialised training in Barbados

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he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is seeking to roll out a set of new training initiatives to enhance the skill set of its ranks, to respond to new and emerging challenges.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn disclosed some of the plans on Wednesday at the commissioning of a new $37.8 million fire station at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Minister Benn related that he has been in talks with Barbados’ Home Affairs Minister, Wilfred Abrahams to have local firefighters use that country’s Specialised Training Facility.

According to him, the Barbadian Minister said that the regional facility was underused, and as such, in-

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

vited Guyana to participate in courses offered.

Minister Benn believes

that the training would be beneficial to the GFS. “There may be certain specialised things at that facility in Barbados which we could make use of in terms of training,” he added.

While addressing the GFS Senior Officers’ Conference in April, the Home Affairs Minister spoke extensively about re-energising the Fire Service to better handle fires and emergencies.

With Guyana producing oil and gas, he explained that firefighters have to get the appropriate training and technology to fight fires related to such operations. In this regard, he had noted that training for firefighters and other personnel had to be “stepped up”.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

Regional

Brazilian state hit by TTMA meets with Police on illicit floods fears more rain trade of consumer products

Residents of Recife whose houses are still standing fear more rains could pose a threat

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esidents of Brazil's Pernambuco state fear that heavy rains forecast for Thursday could cause fresh landslides.

The number of people killed after torrential downpours started last week has risen to at least 120, according to official figures.

One survivor said his wife had died in his arms as both lay buried by mud.

More than 7300 people have been left homeless and those whose homes were

spared fear they could be swept away if the rain-sodden ground gives way.

"We have children, we have all our things inside the house. We stay up until dawn, afraid that the hill will fall on us," a resident of the city of Recife told Agence France Press (AFP) news agency.

Another woman who lives on a hillside told AFP that "whenever it rains, the hill gives way a little... we are all very nervous here".

One of the areas hardest hit by the rains was Jaboatão dos Guararapes, south of Recife.

Glaucio José da Silva told Brazilian news site G1 that his home in Jaboatão was buried in a landslide early on Saturday while he and his 47-year-old wife were sleeping.

"She died in my arms; she said 'I'm dying, Glaucio, bye, I'm dying', that's how it happened."

Silva said that he owed his life to his neighbours who pulled him from the mud. "It's thanks to my neighbours that I'm here, if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here either."

One of the victims found on Wednesday was a child whose body was pulled from mud three metres (10ft) deep.

Severe flooding and mudslides have killed hundreds of people in Brazil over the past year. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T

he Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) has met with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to discuss the prevalence of illicit trade in consumer products, such as but not limited to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, cleaning agents, and counterfeit items.

Illegally-traded items are also being looked at on a national level, via the AntiIllicit Trade Task Force of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as well as the

TTMA’s Anti-Illicit Trade Desk.

At the meeting held on Thursday, the TTMA said, acting Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob and members of his team reinforced their commitment to undertake initiatives to tackle the issue of illicit trade.

"This initiative will be pioneered through the efforts of the Multi-Agency Task Force involving other agencies such as Customs and Excise Division, Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, Chemistry Food and Drug

Colombian rescuers inch towards trapped miners

El Salvador committing “massive” rights violations, Amnesty says

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uthorities in El Salvador have committed “massive human rights violations” in a sweeping gang crackdown, Amnesty International has said, including arbitrary arrests, violations of due process, torture and ill-treatment.

In a new investigation released on Thursday, the United Kingdombased rights group said at least 18 people have died in State custody since the Administration of President Nayib Bukele in late March declared a state of emergen-

cy to stem gang violence.

The figures come from Salvadoran non-profit organisation Cristosal, which said all those who died had been male. Some died due to lack of timely medical attention and others had shown signs of suffering aggression, such as bruises, it said.

Amnesty also pointed to mass hearings of up to 500 detainees charged at the time. The majority are prosecuted, even in the absence of evidence, according to the report.

“On the pretext of punishing gangs, the

Salvadoran authorities are committing widespread and flagrant violations of human rights and criminalising people living in poverty,” Erika Guevara-Rosas, the rights group’s Americas Director, said in a statement.

“Instead of offering an effective response to the dramatic violence caused by gangs and the historic public security challenges facing the country, they are subjecting the Salvadoran people to a tragedy,” GuevaraRosas said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Division and the Tobacco Control Unit. Discussions entailed the need for strong public-private partnerships to ensure the public is adequately sensitised on all aspects of illicit trade, especially the negative impact on the economy," the TTMA said.

It added that furthermore, he noted that training and education remained an important tool for law enforcement to increase detection at ports of entry into T&T and retail outlets. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

The accident happened at La Mestiza coal mine near El Zulia in northern Colombia

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escue workers in Colombia are working against the clock to save 14 coal miners who have been trapped deep underground since Monday.

The men were cut off after an explosion thought to have been caused by a buildup of gases ripped through a tunnel.

The blast’s expansive wave hit one miner on the surface who has since died from the burns he sustained.

Mining accidents are

not uncommon in Colombia, with 148 deaths recorded in 2021.

Relatives of the miners have been holding a vigil by the banks of a little stream not far from the mine entrance.

“We’re desperate, but we’re clinging to the hope that they’re alive,” one wife told RCN radio.

Officials and rescue workers have given different estimates as to the depth at which the men are trapped.

The regional mining secretary, Jhon Olivares, said they were 200 metres (650ft) below ground while some local media reported that they could be as far down as 300m (1025ft).

Olivares said that the mine was operating legally.

It had been closed in 2021 owing to a high concentration of gases but had been given the green light to reopen on May 19, he said.

The rescue work has also been hampered by a buildup of gas as well as heavy rains.

“Conditions are very complicated. The impact caused by the explosion was strong and the subsequent fire has generated contaminating gases,” Olivares explained.

The explosion was so powerful that flames shot 15m from the tunnel’s entrance, where they engulfed Fabio Cáceres, the 37-yearold miner who has since died. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Peru’s Congress gives Castillo goahead to attend Americas summit Colombia only partially adopting measures to prevent rights abuses – rights panel

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President Pedro Castillo

eru’s Congress gave President Pedro Castillo the goahead on Thursday to attend this month’s Summit of Americas, adding another South American President

to a meeting that the United States is hosting, but that has seen uncertainty over attendance.

The legislature’s approval is a requirement in Peru for Presidents to take inter-

national trips. Castillo received a formal invitation in May from US President Joe Biden to attend the gathering in Los Angeles.

The summit aims to improve cooperation in the Region, but there has been last-minute uncertainty around the final guest list.

Invitations have been slow to roll out from Washington amid protests from regional leaders over the host nation’s exclusion of the leaders of Venezuela and Cuba.

On Wednesday, Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez confirmed his presence at the meeting. Brazil’s leader Jair Bolsonaro and Chile’s Gabriel Boric are also expected to attend. (Reuters)

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olombia is only partially adopting necessary measures to prevent members of its security forces from committing human rights violations, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) said on Thursday.

Last year, the CIDH, an autonomous arm of the Organisation of American States (OAS), made 41 recommendations to Colombia, following a visit to investigate largely peaceful anti-Government protests which left more than two dozen people dead.

Since 2019 a series of demonstrations against the

unpopular Government of President Ivan Duque, who leaves office in August, have led to at least 40 civilian deaths, according to Government figures.

Victims’ families, their lawyers and human rights groups say many of the deaths are driven by heavy-handed policing and that prosecutions of those involved are rare and slow.

The Defence Ministry had no comment on the CIDH report, while the presidential office for human rights did not immediately respond.

The CIDH had urged the Government to impartially and thoroughly investigate

all alleged abuses by representatives of the State and implement intensive human rights training.

Dozens of investigations into alleged security force abuses, including extrajudicial executions – some committed as far back as 2002 – are under way, the CIDH said in its annual report, citing information provided to it by Colombia.

Colombia also reported that 18,696 officials received human rights training in 2021.

“This recommendation is considered partially completed,” the CIDH said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil rises 1% as US crude drawdown overshadows OPEC+ boost

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il rose more than one per cent on Thursday after US crude inventories fell more than expected amid high demand for fuel, shrugging off the agreement by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, known as OPEC+, to raise output about 650,000 barrels per day in the next to boost crude output to compensate for a drop in Russian production.

Prices were also supported by the European Union's sixth package of sanctions against Russia, which will include an immediate ban on new insurance contracts for ships carrying Russian oil and a six-month phase-out on existing contracts.

Brent futures settled US$1.32, or 1.1 per cent, higher at US$117.61 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose US$1.61, or 1.4 per cent, to US$116.87.

US crude oil and fuel stockpiles fell last week, as demand continued to outstrip supply, with commercial crude inventories drawing down even as more strategic reserves entered the market, Government data showed.

US crude oil stockpiles fell by 5.1 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.3-millionbarrel drop.

Oil prices fell earlier on Thursday as Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ states agreed to bring forward oil production rises to offset Russian output losses to ease surging oil prices and inflation and smooth the way for an ice-breaking visit to Riyadh

by US President Joe Biden.

OPEC+, agreed to raise output about 650,000 barrels per day (bpd)in the next two months rather than the current 432,000 bpd.

"While OPEC+ agreed to increase their production quota by a bit more than the market expected, in reality it does very little to add additional supplies as OPEC+ was already falling short of its existing quotas by over two million barrels per day," said Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston.

Oil has mostly marched higher for several weeks as Russian exports have been squeezed by US and EU sanctions against Moscow over its February 24 invasion of Ukraine, an action Moscow calls a "special military operation".

The market has also seen support from China's gradual emergence from strict COVID-19 lockdowns.

Russian production has fallen by around one million bpd following sanctions.

One OPEC+ source familiar with the Russian position said Moscow could agree to other producers raising production to compensate for its lower output, but not necessarily making up all the shortfall.

The Kremlin says it can re-route oil exports to minimise losses from EU sanctions, but analysts remain sceptical.

"The extent to which this will prove achievable is questionable, however. Russian oil production is, therefore, likely to fall again in the coming months," said Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch, who also questioned OPEC+'s ability to add considerably more oil to the market. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine's Zelenskiy eyes “inflection point” in war as Russia tightens grip on key target

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ussia tightened its grip on a key target in a battle for control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region while President Volodymir Zelenskiy pleaded for more Western arms to help Ukraine reach an "inflection point" and prevail in the war.

Zelenskiy told Luxembourg's Parliament via video link on Thursday that Russian forces now occupied about a fifth of Ukrainian territory, with battle lines stretching more than 1000 kilometres (620 miles).

As the invasion reaches its 100th day today, Russia says Washington is adding "fuel to the fire" with a new US$700 million weapons package for Ukraine that will include advanced rocket systems with a range of up to 80 kilometres

A service member of pro-Russian troops rides on top of an armoured personnel carrier during Ukraine-Russia conflict in the town of Popasna in the Luhansk Region, Ukraine, June 2, 2022 (Reuters/Alexander Ermochenko)

(50 miles).

But separately addressing a forum in Slovakia, Zelenskiy said more weapons supplies would "ensure an inflection point in this confrontation," in Ukraine's favour.

US President Joe Biden

hopes extending Ukraine's artillery reach will help push Moscow to negotiate an end to a war in which thousands have been killed, cities and towns flattened, and more than six million people forced to flee the country.

His Administration said it had Ukraine's assurances it would not use the rocket systems to hit targets inside Russia.

"Ukraine is fighting an exclusively defensive war, and we always state this," the country's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar told a briefing when asked whether Kyiv made such a promise.

While Moscow denies targeting civilians it says it regards Ukrainian infrastructure used to bring in Western arms as a legitimate target. Still, it insisted those supplies would not change the course of what it calls a "special military operation" to disarm Ukraine and rid it of ultra-nationalists the Kremlin says threaten Russian security. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Beaming Queen Elizabeth waves to Jubilee crowds

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beaming Queen Elizabeth waved to cheering crowds massed outside Buckingham Palace on Thursday as Britain kicked off four days of pomp, parties, and parades to celebrate her record-breaking 70 years on the British throne.

The 96-year-old monarch appeared on the balcony alongside her family, but the palace later said she had experienced a recurrence of mobility problems and some discomfort, and would no longer attend a Service of Thanksgiving today.

The queen has reduced her public appearances in recent months due to "episodic mobility issues", and the palace had warned that her attendance at events to mark the Platinum Jubilee would be decided nearer to the time.

Elizabeth has been on the throne for longer than any of her predecessors, and is the third-longest reigning monarch ever of a sovereign state. Opinion polls show she remains hugely popular and respected among British people.

World leaders including US President Joe Biden,

Britain's Queen Elizabeth; Anne, Princess Royal; Prince Charles; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, along with Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as part of Trooping the Colour parade during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in London, Britain, June 2, 2022

France's Emmanuel Macron, Pope Francis and former British Prime Ministers were

among those sending messages of goodwill. (Excerpt from Reuters)

outh Africa's former spy chief has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of kidnapping and bribery in a case he has registered with the Police.

Arthur Fraser said the case related to the alleged attempted theft of US$4 million in 2020 at one of the President's properties and the alleged efforts to conceal what happened.

Ramaphosa said "there is no basis for the claims of criminal conduct".

Fraser is seen by some as an ally of former President Jacob Zuma.

Some believe the allegations could be linked to wrangles within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) ahead of a leadership race in December.

The Police have confirmed that a case has been registered with them and that "due processes will follow", which includes an initial investigation.

Fraser, who ran the country's State Security Agency (SSA) between 2016 and 2018, has said he has handed photographs, bank account details, and video footage over to the Police.

In a statement, he alleged that criminals broke into a farm in Limpopo province in February 2020 to steal more than US$4 million. They were then detained and interrogated on the property and paid to keep quiet about what had happened, the statement alleges. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Developing world should reap benefits of new monkeypox Arthur Fraser accuses research, experts urge South Africa’s President Oklahoma gunman of kidnapping and bribery kills 4 people, including A surgeon who treated him S

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man who fatally shot five people, including himself, at an Oklahoma medical building, after buying an assault-style rifle on the same day, had gone there to kill a doctor who he blamed for back pain he felt after surgery, authorities said on Thursday.

The suspect, identified as Michael Louis, entered a building on Tulsa's St Francis Health System campus with a semi-automatic weapon on Wednesday and opened fire at anyone he encountered, Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin said at a news briefing. Two doctors, a receptionist, and a patient were killed.

Dr Preston Phillips, 59, the

orthopedic surgeon who treated the gunman, was killed along with Dr Stephanie Husen, a 48-year-old sports medicine specialist.

The suspect "came in with the intent to kill Dr Phillips and anyone who came in his way," Franklin said.

Authorities found a letter on the gunman that made it clear the attack was targeted.

Authorities named two other fatalities: Amanda Glenn, a receptionist, and William Love, a patient. The receptionist was initially identified as Amanda Green, but Police later corrected the name on the department's Facebook page. (Excerpt from Reuters)

s cases of monkeypox in wealthier Western nations spark a flurry of scientific research to combat the outbreak, scientists are urging the world to make sure lower-income nations benefit from the fruits of that labour as well.

More than 550 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported by at least 30 countries outside of Africa, where the virus is typically found, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Scientists are flummoxed as to what is driving the current crop of cases – mostly identified in Europe so far – given they are predominantly not linked to travel to Africa.

Countries in Africa have experienced sporadic monkeypox outbreaks since the virus was first discovered in humans in 1970.

In Nigeria, there has been an ongoing outbreak since 2017, which so far has resulted in 600 suspected and nearly 250 confirmed cases, Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said at a monkeypox briefing convened by the WHO on Thursday.

The biopharmaceutical industry has in recent weeks made commitments to deliver vaccines, treatments and develop more diagnostics to address monkeypox as the viral disease spreads in many parts of the developed world.

Animals and humans are changing their behaviour, including food-seeking habits to adjust to rapidly changing weather conditions linked to climate change, the WHO warned on Wednesday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Review how you handle money and wield your earning power. Making sure that you can afford the lifestyle you choose will help you make reliable plans for advancement.

(March 21-April 19) Take care of yourself, your relationships and your health. Leave nothing to chance. Don't let anyone back you into a corner. Associate with people who bring out the best in you.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Sign up for something you care about, and work to make a difference. How you contribute can set the stage for new beginnings. A hands-on approach will help you gain insight and confidence.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Consider alternatives and share thoughts with a trusted acquaintance who will help you reach your objective.

Invest time and money in yourself and your skills. Learn from experience and the experts.

Speak from the heart, but don't reveal your financial, medical or contractual obligations. Share your feelings and personal goals, and you'll be the recipient of good news and exciting plans.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Step up and take charge. Say what's on your mind. Offer solutions that are well thought out and easy to apply. Your dedication and loyalty will far outweigh what anyone else has to offer.

Push for what you want. Don't hold back or let someone outshine you. Put your heart and soul into getting what you want and be ready to counter any negativity or manipulative tactics that pop up.

Emotions will get you in trouble. Let your humor and wit lead the way and offer a positive and playful attitude that is difficult to resist. How you present yourself will determine what you receive.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Invest in something that stabilizes your life. Take on a project that eases stress and makes your daily routine free of trouble. Don't share personal information with a colleague.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Honesty is the best policy when dealing with relationships. Be precise and keep everyone informed to avoid costly last-minute changes. Don't let yourself get overloaded.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Put your energy where it counts.

Look over your financial papers and adjust your budget. Stay away from individuals who meddle or try to push you in a direction you don't care to travel.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Don't settle for less than what you want. Be willing to put in the labor required to get things done your way.

Make unique plans with someone you love, and you'll end your day on a happy note.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

21

CWI's Regional Four-Day Tourney…

-says Head Coach Stuart Williams

Leeward Islands Hurricanes - currently second with 65.4 points to leaders Barbados Pride’s 67 points - are aiming to pull the proverbial rabbit out of a hat.

Hurricanes’ Head Coach Stuart Williams is cognisant of the consequences of his team thinking too far ahead as they come up against the Jamaica Scorpions in their final match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. He has said, “For the entire tournament, we’ve been

Devon Thomas has scored quickly for the Hurricanes

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ith less than two points separating first-place holders from second-place holders on the points’ standing after four rounds of the West Indies’ Regional 4-Day Championships, the

Rahkeem Cornwall is the leading wickettaker this season

preaching ‘one game at a time’. We just want to stay in the moment, and not look too far ahead. Once we play to our full potential, we will get the desired result.

“Our senior players and some of the juniors have stepped up to the plate with their performances.

Kieran Powell has over 400 runs from four matches.

Rahkeem Cornwall is the leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets. Colin Archibald and Jeremiah Louis, along with Devon Thomas, have all put their hands up for the team. And Keacy Carty is now reaping the rewards with a West Indies ODI debut.”

Barbados Pride Head Coach Vasbert Drakes has indicated his team has plans for their final match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes, to be played at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex.

Coming off a loss to the

French Open tennis tournament…

Nadal aims to move a step closer to 14th title against Zverev Zverev eyes another shot at a maiden Grand Slam

Rafael Nadal has reached 13 French Open finals - winning all of them - in 17 appearances at Roland Garros

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afael Nadal will aim to reach a 14th French Open final on his 36th birthday on Friday - although it remains to be seen whether it could be his last.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion - a record 13-time winner in Paris meets German third seed Alexander Zverev for a place in Sunday’s showpiece. However, the Spaniard is yet to find a “solution” to his chronic foot injury.

“The last three months and a half, for me, the only thing that I can say is they haven’t been easy,” Nadal said. “If we are not able to find an improvement or a small solution, then it’s becoming super difficult for me. So that’s it,” added the world number five, whose encounter with Zverev is scheduled to start at 13:45 BST. “It’s not the moment to talk about (what happens after the French Open). We are going to talk about that

when my tournament finishes,” he promised.

Nadal overcame defending champion and world number one, Novak Djokovic, in a thrilling four-set and four-hour encounter in Tuesday’s night session. His 110th win at Roland Garros leaves him two victories away from moving another title clear of 20-time major winners Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Despite winning the Australian Open in January, after returning from the foot problem that he feared may end his career, it is clear the injury is still causing issues.

“I am just enjoying every day that I have the chance to be here, and without thinking much about what can happen in the future,” Nadal has said.

“Of course, I’m going to keep fighting to find a solution; but, for the moment, we haven’t. I don’t know what’s going to happen after here.”

Nadal has won six of his nine matches against Zverev - and four of their previous five meetings on clay.

The 25-year-old German’s wait for a maiden Grand Slam title continues, but he did record his first victory over a top-10 opponent at a major with an impressive four-set win over talented Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. That display secured a second successive French Open semi-final for the 2020 US Open finalist, and victory against Nadal would set up his best chance yet of claiming a maiden Slam, against either Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud or Croatia’s Marin Cilic.

“I’m not 20 or 21 years old anymore; I’m 25. I am at the stage where I want to win, I’m at the stage where I’m supposed to win,” Zverev said. “Yes, I have not beaten (Djokovic or Nadal) in majors, but I feel like I was very close,” he added.

“I feel like I have had very difficult and tough matches against them. But there is a big difference between having a tough match and beating them. Still a major difference,” he admitted.

Ruud chases debut final against experienced Cilic

World number 23, Cilic, edged a captivat-

ing four-hour match against Russian seventh seed Andrey Rublev in a fifth-set tie-break to book his place in the final four at Roland Garros for the first time.

With that achievement, the experienced 33-yearold became the fifth active men’s player, after current world number one Djokovic and former top-ranked players Nadal, Federer and Andy Murray, to reach the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams.

The 2014 US Open champion, who also reached finals at Wimbledon in 2017 and the Australian Open in 2018, meets a first-time major semi-finalist in Ruud - the first male Norwegian player to reach the last four at a Grand Slam.

Having ended unseeded 19-year -old Holger Rune’s run in the previous round, Ruud has recorded the most ATP clay-court wins since the start of 2020, with an impressive 65.

“These are the matches that you dream about playing, and hopefully, of course, even the final, if it’s possible,” Ruud has said. “I have to be really focused, and bring my A-game in the semi-final. Marin has played great all week, and it’s going to be another tough match.”

Their semi-final will follow the Nadal-Zverev match on Court Philippe Chatrier. (BBC Sport)

Guyana Harpy Eagles in round three, the Pride dominated Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in round four, winning by an innings and 22 runs. With a slim lead of 1.6 points over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, coach Drakes has been pleased with his team’s “collaborative efforts and momentum gained” from the victory over the Red Force.

Coach Drakes has indicated that his Pride players are ready for the Volcanoes’ challenge, and are looking forward to displaying their skills as they execute their plans.

“The skills are already there, it’s just a matter of going out there and playing

Leeward Islands Head Coach, Stuart Williams

the cricket we are capable of playing…and controlling the game,” he has said.

In a roundup of the remaining matches, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will take on third place Guyana Harpy Eagles at the Queen’s Park Oval. No doubt, it will be an exciting fight to the finish for the Headley/ Weekes Trophy of the West Indies Championship 2022.

(CWI)

Brazil vs South Korea friendly match…

Neymar penalties help Selecao ease to comfortable win

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Brazil’s Neymar

eymar scored two penalties as Brazil cruised to an entertaining 5-1 win over South Korea in a friendly match in Seoul on Thursday.

Although South Korea star Son Heung-min had urged his team-mates to be fearless against the topranked side in international football, they were outclassed for much of the match by Tite’s men.

A scrappy Richarlison opener had Brazil in charge as early as the seventh minute, and although the hosts did equalise through Hwang Ui-jo, more Brazil goals were inevitable, such was their dominance.

Alex Sandro proved key to getting Brazil back in front, as he won two penalties either side of half-time, with Neymar outsmarting the goalkeeper on both occasions to put the game beyond South Korea, before substitutes Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus finished off the rout.

Brazil’s purposeful start saw Thiago Silva have a goal disallowed for offside inside

two minutes, though they did not have to wait much longer to legitimately take the lead, as Richarlison deflected Fred’s strike into the net.

After wasting several chances in something of an onslaught, the Selecao were pegged back just past the half-hour mark when Hwang held off Silva, spun into the box, and shot into the bottom-left corner.

Dominant Brazil were back on top by half-time, though. A VAR review spotted Lee Yong catching Alex Sandro in the box, and Neymar coolly converted.

A similar incident occurred 10 minutes into the second half, with Kim Young-Gwon being culpable this time, and Neymar ensured the outcome was identical.

Coutinho emphatically found the top-right corner just after replacing Neymar, to increase Brazil’s handsome lead, before Jesus slotted home at the end of a darting run to round off an impressive day’s work for the Selecao. (Sportsmax)

22

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NSC/Archery Guyana’s Independence Indoor Open Shoot 2022…

Persaud takes gold in men’s Recurve & Barebow …Duncan and Boodhoo take gold in separate divisions for the women …Youths also walk away with gold medals

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rchery Guyana’s Inaugural Open Competition, sponsored by the National Sports Commission, came to its climax last Saturday night at the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) ground in the final night of the Barebow Division.

The week-long competition commenced on Monday, May 23, 2022 with the ranking rounds for the Barebow Division, wherein all participants from Archery Guyana and The Archery Guild shot to achieve their best scores.

Competing in the Youth Men’s category was Antuwan Lamazon. In the Youth Women’s category was Amara Nandan. In the Barebow Women’s category were Lisa Khan, Roshini Boodhoo and Tifanny Ramdayal.

And in the Barebow Men’s category were Sean Duncan, Jeewanram Persaud, Saeed

Karim, Fabian Ramdatt and Kenrick Cheeks.

The youths Lamazon and Nandan automatically medalled, since they were the only ones in their respective categories. For the Women, Lisa Khan came out on top against Roshini Boodhoo, followed

by Tifanny Ramdayal. And Sean Duncan, who topped off the Men, was followed by Persaud, Khan, Ramdatt and Cheeks.

Action continued on Tuesday with the men’s and women’s Recurve ranking rounds. Sean Duncan again topped this category, with Jeewanram Persaud being just 17 points behind him.

Umasankar Madray followed them, with Ruel Douglas and Fabian Ramdatt trailing behind.

Only 2 women recurve competitors shot, and Samira Duncan topped the ranking against Roshini Boodhoo.

Duncan took gold and Boodhoo took silver automatically.

In the men’s elimination matches, Sean Duncan gained a bye straight to the gold medal match from his ranking scores, leaving the other men to battle it out to the finals. Persaud beat Karim 6-3 out of 5 sets in match 1, while Madray beat Ramdatt 6-0 in 3 straight sets in match 2. Persaud and Madray then battled in the bronze medal match, and Persaud defeated Madray in 3 straight sets of 6-0 to go on to the gold medal match against Duncan.

Madray gained the bronze.

It was tense a match between Duncan and Persaud, with partisan family members and friends cheering them on, but Duncan succumbed to pressure as Persaud eventually gained the upper hand with a 6-2 victory in 4 sets.

Charity through bird racing is Dead Squad’s mission

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A ‘Dead Squad’ bird in action during a competition

ird Racing, for some, is a recreational activity that has grown quite popular amongst Guyanese.

The hobby has become quite the common practice locally, and contrary to what the name suggests, a bird does not need to leave its cage to participate.

The opposing birds are usually placed together and are left to chirp, the first bird to complete 50 chirps or any other stipulated number, is the winner. The hobby requires two judges or count men and overseers can be present to ensure the counting is correct.

A local group of Business men, Dead Squad, are ready to take their birding hobby to the next level, with organized bird racing tournaments.

Looking to keep the activity batting-free, Dead Squad member Ryan Boodhoo shared his passion for the bobby.

“Birds are very fun-loving pets; they actually take a lot of spare time that you may have.

My birds actually show my personality, it actually takes me away from bad environments,” he explained.

Boodhoo added, “The chirping sound that these birds make in the morning, its refreshing, it’s beautiful. That is what I really and truly enjoy.”

Turning his attention to the sport, Boodhoo elaborated, “Bird racing is an opportuni-

ty for these birds to showcase their talent against each other, just like any other sport, where the individual athletes would go out and exhibit their talent against each other and see who would be more successful. Birds actually do the same thing.”

“So, what we do, we put them in a competition frame of mind, prepare them and stuff over a period of time.”

The bird-racing enthusiast went on to add, “Through birds, I have met people of all different caliber. I’ve met a doctor that has birds as pets, I’ve met veterinarians, I’ve met attorneys, machine operators, I’ve met people in all different capacity. And, when networking, meeting greeting and being around these people, I’ve somewhat learned a lot from them as well.”

Dead Squad’s first tournament, will be a seven-race event, scheduled for Fathers’ Day on June 19, 2022. The group has set their mind to change some aspects of the activity, in order to let their pet’s shine.

“Normally, we would have had cameramen in the 15feet ring, we’re telling them this time, we want you outside, we want to see the talent of the bird. Instead of distracting the bird with too much people, or too much cameras or whatever in the ring,” he stated, elucidating his team’s plans for the event.

Ryan Boodhoo

“So, we’re going to have them out of the ring, but the count men and observers will be in the ring, that will be six persons only. So, the bird actually gets the opportunity to exhibit their real talent, instead of any trickery or anything.”

Given the common misconception about the practice, Boodhoo keenly added, “Mind you, these competitions are not a gambling event, its where these birds come to showcase their talent in a friendly environment.”

While Bird racing is done purely out of the love of birds, Dead Squad has other plans in mind. As such, the group has chosen a beneficiary for a charitable venture.

Boodhoo explained, “We’re hoping to have some funds left back and there’s an individual that we know. We have a team captain, he knows an individual that is injured, he’s a contractor or carpenter, he’s currently paralyzed, I think.”

“So, we’re hoping that whatever we could accumulate from this, we’re going to reach out to them and we’re going to hand over the difference,” he concluded.

The Dead Squad team is made up of approximately 10 persons.

The winners and officials after the medal ceremony

Last Saturday, the Barebow finals brought the competition to its close with the women’s and men’s Barebow medal matches. The ladies started off the shooting with Roshini Boodhoo and Tifanny Ramdayal. Boodhoo made light work of Ramdayal in three straight sets, to win 6-0 and move on to the gold medal match against Lisa Khan, whose ranking points put her through to the gold medal match.

A focused Boodhoo, determined to take the gold, made light work of Khan with another 3 straight sets of 6-0, leaving Khan with the silver and Ramdayal with bronze.

Competition in the men’s game was up next, and Persaud and Ramdatt opposed each other in match 1. Persaud quickly shot a straight 6-point win against Ramdatt, while Karim went up against Cheeks in the 2nd match and also shot 6 straight points to beat Cheeks, moving on to the bronze medal match against Persaud. The younger Karim seemed no match

for Persaud, and was beaten 6-0 to go up against Duncan for the gold medal.

The final match was much more exciting, as Duncan and Persaud battled it out.

They shot 5 sets, and Duncan seemed confident as he took the first set, but Persaud took the next 2 sets, and Duncan then won the 4th. Duncan didn’t seem to be there mentally, and a determined Persaud took the 5th set to gain the first 6 points and the win.

The Presentation Ceremony was then hosted, at which time National Judge Ryan McKinnon announced the winners and gave remarks.

Congratulations were expressed on behalf of Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle on the hosting of this inaugural event, and all archers were congratulated for their participation.

The Judges for the competition were: Director of Shooting, Nicholas Hing; Line Judge Ryan McKinnon, and Target Judge Dr Ricardo Stuart.

Archery Guyana wishes to thank the Muslim Youth Organization for their generosity in allowing the use of their facility; the National Sports Commission for their sponsorship, Guyana Beverages Inc., International Business Services, and all those who came and supported.

Results were as follows: Youth women’s Barebow Gold - Amara Nandan Youth men’s Barebow Gold - Antuwan Lamazon Women’s Recurve Gold - Samira Duncan Silver - Roshini Boodhoo Men’s Recurve Gold - Jeewanram Persaud Silver - Sean Duncan Bronze Umasankar Madray Women’s Barebow Gold - Roshini Boodhoo Silver - Lisa Khan Bronze - Tifanny Ramdayal Men’s Barebow Gold - Jeewanram Persaud Silver - Sean Duncan Bronze - Saeed Karim

Football’s return to play in Guyana…

Pre-season transfer window opened

Local football action

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has opened the 2022/2023 pre-season transfer window, effective from June 1 to midnight on July 31. All transfers must be conducted in accordance with the FIFA regulations on the status and transfer of players, which can be found on the FIFA website.

As the current transfer window falls during the regional associations’ senior men’s leagues, the following provisions apply: • All legitimate transfers that fulfil the legal transfer

criteria will be accepted and finalised by the Transfer Management System (TMS) manager of the GFF. • A legitimate transfer can be considered as a tripartite agreement between two clubs and one player.

Appropriate signatories of all parties, or an intervention by the regional association, or GFF where appropriate, are necessary to complete the transfer.

• All transfer documentation must be submitted to the respective regional associations’ secretaries in cas-

es of regional clubs, or to the GFF Secretariat in cases involving an Elite League club, prior to the close of the transfer period.

• Each participating club within the respective regional association’s league must register a maximum of 25 players for the duration of the league.

• The submitted squad list for each team can only be adjusted with a maximum of five (5) players for the duration of the league.

If club officials have any further questions, please contact the GFF Secretariat.

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WI vs Netherlands…

T

he career-best efforts of Brandon King and Keacy Carty, respectively with 91 not out and 43 not out in an unbeaten 118run stand for the sixth wicket, rescued West Indies from 99 for 5 and led them to a series win against Netherlands in Amstelveen.

King backed up his unbeaten 51-ball 58* from the first ODI with another half-century, and found excellent company in Carty as the duo chased down a target of 215 with five wickets in hand.

West Indies had hoped for a much easier chase after

toe-to-toe with each other in their run-making. Vikramjit got the boundary counter running for the hosts as he ramped Alzarri Joseph over the slip cordon in the fourth over, before driving the same bowler through midoff. O’Dowd, initially sedate, picked Kyle Mayers through the backward square leg region for a four, and then drove him down the ground in his next over.

Akeal Hosein led the WI charge with the ball

Akeal Hosein’s career-best 4 for 39 had helped bring about a Netherlands collapse

SCOREBOARD NETHERLANDS INNINGS (50 overs maximum) Vikramjit Singh c & b Walsh 46 Max O'Dowd b Hosein 51 Scott Edwards † c Mayers b Phillip 68 Bas de Leede b Hosein 0 Musa Ahmed c Hosein b Bonner 7 Teja Nidamanuru c & b Hosein 4 Pieter Seelaar (c) c Mayers b Hosein 5 Logan van Beek c sub (SH Lewis) b Joseph 9 Aryan Dutt run out (†Hope/Joseph) 3 Ryan Klein b Joseph 0 Shariz Ahmad not out 1 Extras (lb 7, nb 2, w 11) 20 TOTAL 48.3 Ov (RR: 4.41) 214 Fall of wickets: 1-101 (Vikramjit Singh, 20.3 ov), 2-115 (Max O'Dowd, 25.4 ov), 3-117 (Bas de Leede, 27.6 ov), 4-148 (Musa Ahmed, 33.2 ov), 5-159 (Teja Nidamanuru, 36.2 ov), 6-180 (Pieter Seelaar, 40.5 ov), 7-204 (Logan van Beek, 45.5 ov), 8-211 (Aryan Dutt, 47.3 ov), 9-212 (Ryan Klein, 47.6 ov), 10214 (Scott Edwards, 48.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kyle Mayers 7-0-36-0 Alzarri Joseph 8-1-30-2 Anderson Phillip 7.3-0-33-1

Akeal Hosein 10-0-39-4 Hayden Walsh 10-0-40-1 Nkrumah Bonner 6-0-29-1 WEST INDIES INNINGS (Target: 215 runs from 50 overs) Shai Hope † b de Leede 18 Shamarh Brooks c Seelaar b van Beek 6 Nkrumah Bonner lbw b de Leede 15 Nicholas Pooran (c) b Dutt 10 Brandon King not out 91 Kyle Mayers c †Edwards b Shariz Ahmad 22 Keacy Carty not out 43 TOTAL 45.3 Ov (RR: 4.76) 217/5 Did not bat: Alzarri Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Hayden Walsh, Akeal Hosein Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Shamarh Brooks, 5.1 ov), 2-35 (Shai Hope, 8.5 ov), 3-48 (Nkrumah Bonner, 12.6 ov), 4-60 (Nicholas Pooran, 15.5 ov), 5-99 (Kyle Mayers, 23.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Ryan Klein 7-1-40-0 Logan van Beek 10-0-39-1 Bas de Leede 8-0-46-2 Aryan Dutt 7.3-1-33-1 Pieter Seelaar 7-0-31-0 Shariz Ahmad 6-0-28-1

Hayden Walsh Jr serving up a delivery

of 10 for 113. However, fast bowlers Logan van Beek and Bas de Leede fashioned a collapse of their own to threaten an upset in the second ODI. However, King and Carty resurrected the chase well.

While King was more adventurous in his shot-making, Carty, playing just his second ODI, took his time to settle in before opening up his shoulders, as the visitors eventually cruised home with 27 balls to spare.

Earlier opting to bat first, Netherlands openers Vikramjit Singh and Max O’Dowd had laid a solid platform in a 101-run opening stand. Both batters went

It didn’t help that the West Indies had dropped both openers thrice inside the first 15 overs, as Netherlands kept a steady run-rate going. Netherlands brought up their 100 in the 21st over, but it all went downhill for them thereafter.

As was the case in the first ODI, the spinners Hayden Walsh and Akeal Hosein brought about the Dutch downfall. Vikramjit was the first to depart, when he pushed an innocuous, tossed-up ball straight back at Hosein for 46. While O’Dowd reached his fourth

ODI half-century, he was soon undone by a short-ofa-length Hosein delivery that crept very low to bowl him.

With both set batters dismissed, Netherlands lost their way. Hosein sent back de Leede for a duck, before Nkrumah B o n n e r claimed M u s a Ahmed for 7.

Hosein t h e n claimed his fourth wicket in getting rid of Teja Nidamanuru for 4, with Netherlands suddenly finding themselves at 159 for 5.

Scott Edwards, batting at #3, did his best to take his side to a respectable total, but did not get much support. He struck 68 off 89 balls, and his wicket was the last to fall, as the hosts failed to bat out their 50 overs.

For the West Indies, Hosein was the pick of the bowlers, while Joseph picked up two wickets at the end.

West Indies’ chase got off on the wrong foot, with Shamarh Brooks and Shai Hope falling inside the first ten overs. While van Beek had Brooks caught at first slip for 6, de Leede left Hope’s stumps in a mess with a stunning in-dipper for 18. de Leede then struck again, trapping Bonner for 15, while Nicholas Pooran dragged Aryan Dutt back onto his stumps, having hit him for a six a few deliveries earlier.

23

Brandon King was unbeaten on 91

King and Mayers forged a bit of a fightback for the visitors, but once the latter fell on 22, with the team score on 99, Netherlands had sniffed an upset. King, though, made sure he did not lose focus. At no stage did he let the Netherlands bowlers bowl too many dot balls, and even when Carty failed to rotate the strike, King kept the boundaries flowing.

Netherlands fluffed a couple of run-out attempts, but apart from that, there was little the two West Indies batters offered in terms of chances.

King, who smashed nine fours and three sixes during his knock, was named Player of the Match for his effort.

(ESPNCricinfo)

CWI Regional Four-Day tourney…

Rain washes out day two play in Trinidad

Red Force fast-bowler Shannon Gabriel had a look at the conditions

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

R

ain had the final say on the second day of Cricket West Indies’ Regional Four-Day cham-

pionship tournament in all the matches in Trinidad and Tobago.

At the Queen’s Park Oval, where hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force were ex-

pected to resume the day on 203-9 against the Guyana Harpy Eagles, the rain ensured no play was possible.

According to the Weather Centre in Trinidad and Tobago, a Tropical Wave 04 was expected, with heavy, violent showers and gusty winds in excess of 55km/h.

Keemo Paul starred for the Guyana Harpy Eagles on the opening day of this fifth and final round by claiming 5-47 in 17 top overs. This triggered a Red Force collapse that saw seven wickets falling for 25 runs.

Speaking to Cricket West Indies media after the first

day, the family man Paul dedicated his fourth five-wicket haul in first class cricket to his late uncle, and to his mom whom he said is going through a tough phase.

“I didn’t know if I was going to play today, so I dedicated this performance to him (my uncle), and to my mom also, who is going through a lot. I went out there and wanted to do well, I wanted to put out a performance for them,” he disclosed.

“Trinidad made full use of the pitch, and batted well.

After tea, our plan was to bowl from one side of the wicket, set a proper field, and stick to

Compliments of

our plans. We were under a bit of pressure after the first two rounds (of the competition), but when we came here, we stood up and showed what we’re all about. We enjoy each other’s company, and the camaraderie that we have is showing,” Paul told CWI media.

On the first day, Red Force won the toss and elected to bat first. The home team looked set to make amends for the batting woes experienced in the previous two rounds.

Jeremy Solozano and Jason Mohammed posted a century partnership, before Mohammed edged Demetri

Cameron and departed for 68 runs made from 140 balls.

Mohammed’s wicket sparked a collapse, as Solozano followed for 72 runs from 252 balls, and no other Red Force batsman beside Isaiah Rajah (26) reached double figures.

The hosts ended day one on 203-9, with Terrance Hinds and Shannon Gabriel not out on nine and four respectively.

In addition to Paul, who ended the day with figures of 5/41 from 17 overs, Gudakesh Motie picked up 2/35 from 20 overs. The players were seen leaving Queen’s Park Oval at approximately 14:00h.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2022

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

Football’s return to play in Guyana…

WI vs Netherlands…

See story on page 23

Pre-season transfer window opened See story on page 22

CWI Regional Four-Day tourney…

Pg 23

It was all rain at Queen’s Park Oval (Brandon Corlette photos)

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