Guyana Times - Friday March 26, 2021

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Coastal communities warned of high tides Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4599

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

PRICE

Cargo, marine traffic halted as major breakage occurs on DHB Retractor Span

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

4 more COVID-19 deaths, 88 new cases recorded

Page 3

P2 Eccles property fraud

…only 1 truck at a time allowed to traverse bridge

10-point plan in place for improved Fire Service operations

Page 9

Guyana’s sugar industry in for “good times” times” – Indian diplomat

Page 18

P15

Page 7

...corruption must be weeded out – Minister Benn …says big players from India interested

Smart classrooms now at Brickdam, East Ruimveldt Secondary Schools

Wanted bulletin for “ghost fraudster”, D’Urban Street man

Husband chops pregnant wife, burns Pomeroon home Page 7

Dr Walter Rodney’s assassination

Court begins hearing Donald Rodney’s appeal against 1982 conviction

Page 13

…no evidence of explosives' possession — DPP

Essequibo Coast man crushed to death by falling P10 tree

Police unearth 300,000 ganja P10 plants

Anna Regina vendors, Town Council at P14 loggerheads over street vending

2 NEWS 4 more COVID-19 deaths, 78 new cases recorded D FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

eaths from the coronavirus continue to rise, with four more persons succumbing as of Thursday. The death toll in Guyana is now 225.

The Health Ministry announced that the latest fatalities were a 60-yearold man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 61-year-old from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) who died while seeking treatment on Wednesday, while a 63-year-old female from Region Four and a 78-yearold died on Thursday.

With the deaths of six persons earlier in the week, the overall total for this week so far is 10.

Positive cases recorded in

Guyana increased by 78, and the total confirmed cases have now climbed to 9898. The new positive cases came from 822 samples that were sent for testing. The data shows that 8721 patients have recovered so far after 5063 males and 4835 females tested positive for the life-threatening virus.

According to the Ministry’s dashboard, there are 12 persons in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 893 in home isolation, 49 in institutional isolation and 18 in institutional quarantine.

New cases

Of the new cases, one was detected in Region Two

(Pomeroon-Supenaam); 14 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 45 in Region Four; seven in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); eight in Region Seven; two in Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Five (Demerara-Mahaica), and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) remained at 1028, 275, and 246 respectively.

Vaccine after recovery

During the COVID-19 update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared that persons who tested positive

for the coronavirus produce antibodies to fend off the infection. As such, they will be administered the vaccine after recovery.

“If they already have the infection, we’ll wait until they recover and then give them the vaccine. The guidelines have been that if you’re already infected, that because you’re infected, your body will start reacting to produce antibodies. At that point, there is no need for the vaccine. The vaccines really help you from getting the severe form of the infection, so you want to give healthy people the vaccine,” he pointed out.

TURN TO PAGE 7

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 26 – 03:00h-04:30h and 13:30h-15:00h and Saturday, March 27 – 03:30h-05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 26 – 14:40h-16:10h and Saturday, March 27 – 15:25h-16:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy showers with instances of thunder are expected during the day and evening. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Cargo, marine traffic halted as major breakage occurs on DHB Retractor Span …only 1 truck at a time allowed to traverse bridge

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“major breakage” at Retractor Span9 of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) has forced authorities to restrict heavy vehicles from traversing the bridge, as well as halt retractions for marine traffic.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, during a press briefing on Thursday to give

Several trucks were parked on the eastern end of the DHB, waiting to cross the bridge on Thursday night

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.36 metres.

A component from the DHB Retractor Span 9, where there is a breakage

High Tide: 15:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.59 metres.

to the law, but we have to move with some haste so we can get this done quickly.

So, we have an engagement with the Tender Board on that, to get things moving

Low Tide: 08:53h and 21:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.73 metre and 0.56 metre.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, along with the technical team and other officials, inspected the damaged Retractor Span 9 on Thursday afternoon

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an update on the emergency situation with the Retractor Span, announced that only trucks carrying loads of up to 18 tonnes would be allowed to traverse the bridge.

However, only one truck from either side would be allowed at a time to cross. This has resulted in a back-up of trucks on either side of the Demerara Harbour Bridge since Thursday afternoon, going into the night.

A team led by the Minister had inspected the troubled Retractor Span 9 as well as Span 10. A defective component was extracted from Span 9.

“We had to make a decision to interrupt the traffic for trucks bearing loads.

We have satisfied ourselves that if we release one truck at a time on the bridge, as against several trucks both going and coming at the same time, we’ll be able to alleviate some of the problems that we currently face,” Edghill said.

Further, he noted that loaded trucks that usually get special crossings for carrying up to 22 tonnes would not be allowed until a full review of the situation is done and a remedy is arrived at.

Regarding marine traffic, Chairman of the DHB Board, Ravi Ramcharitar, would be meeting today with stakeholders who handle vessels that traverse the Demerara River.

“As it stands right now, we would not be able to have a retraction until we engage these agents and we have some agreement, because we have to reduce the amount of retractions that are being done, so as to save this bridge because of what is taking place currently,” the Public Works Minister noted.

Meanwhile, a technical team, comprising DHB engineers and engineers

Marcel Gaskin and Marley Bhaveshwar and Captain Gerry Gouveia from local steel company InFab Inc, will go back to the drawing board and do the necessary testing and engineering designs to come up with a solution within 72 hours.

According to Edghill, they are also currently working with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to fast-track access to the $890 million allocated in the 2021 Budget for works on Retractor Span 9 in order to get these emergency works done.

“We wanna ensure that the procurement process for the works to be done at Span 9 is done according

quickly,” he explained.

In the meantime, Edghill is urging truck owners and operators to be patient as works move apace to resolve the issue as soon as possible, so as to prevent any disruption to commercial activities or loss of livelihoods.

The Public Works Minister also implored motorists traversing the bridge to observe the speed limit and avoid braking suddenly – which he said is partially the cause of the issues being faced now. TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

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

Safeguarding against substitutes: Youth and smoking

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ccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 40 million young people aged 13-15 have already started to use tobacco. This, by any measure, is quite alarming, and one can only imagine the kind of impact this would have on our young people if urgent action is not taken to discourage such actions.

The WHO, for some time, now has embarked on a global campaign to highlight the “strategic, aggressive and wellresourced tactics” employed by the tobacco industry to target youths, and to debunk the myths they create.

The campaign seeks to provide young people with the knowledge required to easily detect industry manipulation – from product design to marketing campaigns – and equip them with the tools to rebuff such tactics, thereby empowering young people to stand up against them. The WHO described this effort as a counter-marketing campaign, as it would reinforce work in assisting countries to implement effective policy interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco.

Guyana’s Chronic Diseases Coordinator Dr Kavita Singh has, in the past, lamented the fact that the tobacco industry is capitalising on new trends, targeting young persons. She noted that it is during this point in time that ‘big tobacco’ is using strategic marketing techniques to try to get young people to experiment with the new and emerging novel products, like the e-cigarettes and the heated tobacco products.

While there is a myth that these products are safe, they are equally as harmful as the smoke of an actual cigarette.

According to WHO, smoking e-cigarettes and hookah pipes – marketed as “safer” alternatives to conventional cigarettes - is harmful, addictive, and increases the risk of developing heart and lung diseases.

Of note is that these products have the same tobacco, which has cancer-causing cells among other deadly emissions.

The WHO notes that most of the countless flavours on offer – such as bubble-gum and candy - are there to attract youngsters, who at least double their chances of smoking cigarettes later in life.

It should be stated that tobacco is responsible for over seven million deaths per year worldwide. This includes approximately 900,000 persons who die from diseases related to exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 40% of all tobacco-related deaths are from lung diseases like cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and tuberculosis.

Guyana’s tobacco control law, enacted in 2017, follows several of the Articles of the WHO Convention, and mandates the adoption and implementation of a series of tobacco control policies that make it one of the most complete tobacco control laws. These include: 100% smokefree environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation, and specified outdoor spaces to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke; a ban on all forms of advertising and promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; health warnings featured on 60% of tobacco product packaging, including images. It also includes a ban on the sale of tobacco products to and by minors, prohibition on vending machines’ sales; and a ban on the manufacture and sales of toys and candies, and any other goods in the form of tobacco products.

However, there is still much work to be done to win the battle against tobacco, as 78% of all deaths here are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), some of which we all know are strongly related to tobacco use.

Having the necessary legislation in place is a good starting point, but there are many other challenges which health authorities here must address if Guyana is to really reduce the number of persons dying or becoming ill due to tobacco use or exposure. These challenges relate to monitoring and compliance, stricter enforcement of the legislation to ensure that the population is protected from the dangers of tobacco use; and, more recently, tackling the newer forms of cigarette substitutes, which are proving to be very attractive to youths.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo received a courtesy visit from several members of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists on Wednesday. The five-member team was led by President of the Conference, Pastor Exton Clarke, and included Executive Secretary Pastor Jumoul Sancho, Treasurer Rovena Harrinauth, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director Pastor Osley Edwards, and Public Campus and Youth Ministry Director Pastor Marvyn Smith. The group updated the President and Vice President on their charitable work, their primary school, youth department and uniform clubs, etc. The group discussed partnering with the Government for nation-building (Office of the President photo)

I’ve sailed the Suez Canal on a cargo ship – it’s no wonder the Ever Given got stuck

By Rose George

R

esearching the global shipping industry, I saw how modern mega-vessels offer the efficiency consumers demand, at a price However grim and difficult life these days is, I’d still prefer to be sitting on dry land in lockdown than trying to do a three-point turn on the Suez Canal with a 400-metre cargo ship under my control. Wouldn’t you? The grounding of the Ever Given container vessel in the Suez Canal has provoked both hilarity and genuine concern.

Vessels have got stuck before in the canal: at its narrowest, the “ditch in the desert”, as crew on the container vessel I travelled with in 2010 told me, is only 300 metres wide. It’s tight. That’s why ships must wait at either end to be sent through in a slow convoy. But the Ever Given is longer than the canal is wide, and it is stuck sideways. A simple shunt off the banks will not work.

The blockage is costly in all sorts of ways, as well as embarrassing for the Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine, the company that operates the ship.

The Suez Canal was opened in 1869, after the French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps employed forced labour to improve rudimentary pre-existing canals (that had been in existence probably since the time of Pharaoh Senusret III) and created an essential thoroughfare for marine traffic, expending many lives in the process and taking 10 years.

Transiting the canal saves ships more than a week and much fuel costs compared with the longer route via the Cape of Good Hope. The canal is a huge money-spinner for the Egyptian Government, earning it several billion dollars a year. When I went through on Maersk Kendal in 2010, as research for a book I wrote about the shipping industry, the transit cost US$300,000.

That fee included 14 hours of sedate

trundling down what is actually rather a dull canal, once you’ve had an hour or so of excitement at seeing sand and palm trees, and realise you’ve got 13 more hours of them to go. It also included an obligatory “Suez crew”, who joined for the transit and had their own cabin, and a pilot who took control of the ship. This is standard procedure in modern shipping: ships often take on pilots in harbour areas or tricky passages because they have better local knowledge. Technically the pilot took command of the bridge.

Although the official reason given so far for the Ever Given’s plight is that it was blown sideways by wind, I do wonder. In the vast majority of maritime accidents, human error is at fault.

And no wonder: seafarers, working in ever smaller crews on ever larger ships, are knackered. Most on my journey were old enough to remember when they could stop for lunch in port. Now, ships are rarely in port for more than several hours, and those are busy. As we entered the canal, transiting south with our mostly empty boxes to collect made-in-China consumables and essentials such as medicine, the second officer was operating on three nights of three hours’ sleep, and would have

no sleep during the transit. There is, as the Ever Given demonstrates, much to look out for during the passage.

I think of those tired workers often, when I read about crew who have been stuck on their ships for the entire pandemic, forbidden from setting foot ashore, unable to go home. Even 10 years ago, the Filipino crew I sailed with called their job “dollar for homesickness”. So among the jokes and references to beached whales, I think of the crews on the 150 ships stuck behind and ahead of the Ever Given.

Over the years, ships have been getting bigger and bigger, the better to bring us 90 per cent of world trade – even if most people probably think that their breakfast cereal and electronics and clothes and fish arrive by air. In fact, modern shipping is so efficient, it’s cheaper to send Scottish fish to be filleted in China and back again than it would be to do the filleting at home. But that efficiency comes at a price: of ships reliant on this one waterway to get to the bounties of Asia, and of crews who spend months away from home, missing the births and birthdays of their children, to bring us what we need, and what we think we need. (The Guardian)

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

Retrial ordered for machine 7 years in jail for operator’s murder accused manslaughter convict H A retrial was on Thursday ordered for 24-year-old Rayan Carter, the accused in the murder of 30-year-old machine operator Ishwar Ramanah of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who was shot when gunmen invaded his home on December 13, 2017.

Following deliberations Thursday, the jury was unable to arrive at a unanimous verdict.

As such, Judge Navindra Singh declared a hung jury and ordered a new trial for the murder accused at the next session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes, slated to commence next month at the Demerara High Court. The charge against Carter states that between December 13, 2017 and January 13, 2018, in the county of Demerara, he murdered Ramanah during a robbery.

According to reports, Ramanah sustained a gunshot injury to his abdomen when two armed men invaded his home just after midnight on December 13, 2017. During the robbery, the machine operator was relieved of a gold chain valued at $40,000 before the bandits made good their escape.

The injured man was

Dead: Ishwar Ramanah

taken for emergency attention at a medical facility, where he underwent surgery, but succumbed one month later while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital on January 13, 2018. Carter was subsequently arrested

by Police ranks and placed on an identification parade, where he reportedly was positively identified.

Following the close of the prosecution’s case on Tuesday, Carter opted to give an unsworn statement in his defence. He also called his mother to testify on his behalf. Carter, in his statement, insisted that he did not know about the crime.

In fact, the murder accused told the court that at the time when gunmen had gone into Ramanah’s home, he was at the home of his girlfriend’s mother. “I don’t

Murder accused: Rayan Carter

know anything about this murder. I read [about it] in the newspapers,” he said.

The murder accused claimed that he learnt of his alleged involvement in the crime only when he was charged and served with statements. According to him, on several occasions, Police had gone to his mother’s house looking for him.

He testified that his mother turned him over to the Police.

“Me mother tell the Police that she bring me in, because she does not want them to kill me,” Carter added. He said, too, that Police returned to his mother’s house on January 17, 2018, arrested him, and escorted him to the Grove Police Station, EBD. He added, “Them [the

Police] never tell me what they arrested me for. They had me for nine days in the lock-ups. Them bring something for me to sign, but me ain’t sign it, because it had the wrong name.”

According to him on January 19, 2018, he was placed on an identification parade, after which the Police informed him that he had been positively identified. He, however, claimed that the other men on the ID parade were not of a height, race, complexion, and body structure similar to his.

“That is why I told my mother to get a lawyer for them to do over the ID parade,” he explained.

But, by then, Carter stated, it was too late because he was already charged and placed before the court. (G1)

Kwame’s vindication – Opposition still in (rig) marole Dear Editor, I was very pleased that the press reported that (independent) investigators, who were probing the assault allegation against Minister Kwame McCoy

by APNU/AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Tabitha Sarabo-Halley have found “… that there is no evidence of a physical assault,” after rummaging through relevant footage of the supposed assault.

We all recall that on March 4, 2021, that House Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, was forced into suspending a parliamentary session, and why? The reason: “APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change) members had begun to disruptively bang on their desks, demanding that Government Member of Parliament, Minister Kwame McCoy, be removed, and apparently they had a right to be accommodated.

Editor, APNU+AFC have not come to grips with modern day reality, and I refer herein to the ‘inability to hide the truth.’ All we have to do is to revisit the

recent post March attempts to rig the Guyana Elections.

It is patently clear that they seemed to be afflicted with a form of dumbness that befuddles the mind. Their attempts were observed live by the entire world (who had an interest). The worrying part back then was that when incontrovertible and debunking evidence was confronting them from the general public, the observers and the PPP/C (People’s Progressive Party/Civic), the APNU+AFC continued to live in a world of pretence.

Their phobia with transparency is unprecedented.

Now let us look at the series of events. We note that this issue all stemmed from ““Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones (alleging) that an Opposition MP, who(m) he did not name (at the time) had been assaulted by Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy.” At a later time, APNU/AFC named the MP as former minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley.

Where is the evidence?

In an atmosphere of modern technology, acquiring

‘live evidence’ is just too facile. In fact, some human rights advocates have become so emboldened that they ‘push’ for matters of assault and verbal attacks to be heaped on them. This is because even the everyday non professionals have recording and filming devices.

So it begs the question: “Are the Christopher Joneses of ANU+AFC so daft that they think they can just hurl accusations and then be heard or believed?”

Editor, this kind of opposition filibustering is not new in Guyana’s Parliament.

I vividly remember how in 2012, Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, and Opposition Leader, David Granger, sought to unconstitutionally stop the then Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, from tabling any new Bills in the National Assembly.

Preposterous! So, this infantile time-wasting-trouble-making tactic, even though non-effective, still permeates the Opposition.

I point out that Minister Kwame had indicated that this kind of behaviour was

forthcoming. In his Budget 2021 preliminary remarks, he did intone that, according to his own intelligence, the Opposition was hell bent on disruption, via ‘heckling’ or a ‘walk out.’

Disarming them with such a prognosis then meant that APNU+AFC had to concoct another evil, and hence the folly of ‘rigging up’ an assault scenario.

Let me remind the public Editor, that APNU+AFC have in their artillery ‘horses for courses.’ This said Christopher Jones seems bent on some form of vendetta. In August 2020, the now disgraced Former Sports Director faced allegations of simple larceny of a quantity of barber chairs among other items reportedly belonging to the State…all the items were allegedly confiscated from his house.

I now rest my case.

Minister Kwame was vindicated, and I hope he will prosecute his agents provocateurs.

Regards, Alvin Hamilton

igh Court Judge Gino Persaud on Thursday imposed a seven-year prison term on 23-year-old Clinton Allen, who had earlier pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge over the stabbing death of a man in 2019. Allen was initially indicted for murder by State Prosecutor Lisa Cave.

He, however, pleaded guilty to the lesser offence, admitting that between May 30, 2019 and May 31, 2019, at Kamarang Landing, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), he unlawfully killed Godrell Joseph.

When Allen made his first court appearance in 2019, the Prosecutor told the court that two years prior, Allen and Joseph were involved in a fight that left Allen with a scar on his face.

On May 30, 2019, Allen spotted Joseph at a bar imbibing. He waited until the man left the bar and attacked him with a beer bottle. Allen then made good his

Jailed: Clinton Allen

escape. Joseph’s body was discovered on the roadway the following day with injuries to the neck and head.

Allen was later arrested and confessed to killing the man as payback. Following a sentencing hearing at the High Court in Essequibo, Justice Persaud sentenced Allen to seven years, two months, and six days in prison.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

Æsop’s Fables

Thursday’s answers

FOR CHILDREN

1ai) Petronella scored 15 + 19 + 18 + 18 + 14 +12 +16 + 112 1aii) The mean = 112 ÷ 16

moist air rises and meets colder air high in the atmosphere. The water vapour condenses and forms precipitation that falls to the ground.

Materials: Glass canning jar Ceramic plate Hot water(parental guidance with this part) 4 ice cubes Instructions: Pour two inches of the hot water into the canning jar.

Cover the jar with the ceramic plate face up.

Wait three minutes to continue to the next step.

Put ice cubes on the plate.

Observe your homemade water cycle.

How it works: What happens? The cold plate causes the moisture in the warm air, which is inside the jar to con-

dense and form water droplets.

This is the same thing that happens in the atmosphere. Warm,

Extra experiments: Do two separate experiments at the same time. Have all the variables controlled except for the temperature of the water. Have one hot and one cold. How does it affect the experiment?

Try using a paper plate instead of a ceramic plate. Which one worked better? Could the results have anything to do with absorption? Or not?

Now think on a bigger scale, the world scale. Draw a picture of your experiment, but draw it to reflect what happens in the world’s water cycle. (sciencefun.org)

A

lion, worn out with years and powerless from disease, lay on the ground at the point of death.

A boar rushed upon him, and avenged with a stroke of his tusks a long-remembered injury.

Shortly afterwards, the bull with his horns gored him as if he were an enemy.

When the ass saw that the huge beast could be assailed with impunity, he let drive at his forehead with his heels.

The expiring lion said, “I have reluctantly brooked the insults of the brave, but to be compelled to endure such treatment from thee, a disgrace to nature, is indeed to die a double death.”

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s sugar industry in for “good times” – Indian diplomat …says big players from India interested

W

ith plans being afoot by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government to reopen the closed sugar estates and revive the three estates currently operating, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K.J. Srinivasa, has said the local sugar industry is in for some “good times.”

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, the Indian diplomat disclosed that several major players in India’s privatised sugar industry have been eying the sector here in Guyana.

“I understand from several sources that there are multiple companies interested in working with the Guyanese Government on the sugar sector. This is an ongoing process; it is not a

one-night decision process.

This is something where the companies that are interested will talk directly to the Government of Guyana.

Our job is to facilitate them, and we’re facilitating more and more players as and when they are approaching us.

“In fact, just two weeks ago, we had another big player trying to reach out, and these are really big players in India,” he posited.

Under the previous APNU/AFC Government, four of Guyana’s seven estates – Wales, Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon – were closed in an effort to downsize the ailing sugar industry. It resulted in thousands of sugar workers being placed on the breadline.

The PPP/C had promised on the campaign trail to reopen these estates, and within weeks of being in office, had taken steps in this direction. In fact, last September, the Irfaan Ali-led administration had invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for “A joint venture, partnerships, or a leasing arrangement on the now re-opened vested sugar estates at Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon, and also on the operational sugar estates at Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion…”

The notice invited “…interests from the private sector to participate in different forms in the ownership or operations of GuySuCo.” It was reported last November that, along with one local entity, some nine international companies had submitted EOIs from Asia, North America, South America and the Caribbean.

At least three of those foreign companies were Indian.

According to the Indian diplomat on Thursday, with this rise of foreign interest, Guyana’s troubled sugar sector would see better days in the future.

“Everybody is now recognising the importance of Guyana, and the sugar sector in Guyana, I think, is in for good times when and if these companies get to do what they want. They want

Cargo, marine traffic...

FROM PAGE 3

Further, the Minister warned that if there is any breach of these restrictions on overladen trucks, the DHB staff who are responsible for allowing this would face the consequences.

“Every truck must be weighed before crossing; and if, for any reasons, there is a local arrangement where people want to exercise their personal discretion and put this important structure at risk, that staff will have to face the consequences, because we’re not gonna allow it,” Minister Edghill cautioned.

He added, “So, we’re appeal to all for patience. We haven’t taken the decision to shut things down, we’re gonna manage it because (we) know the importance of keep-

ing the traffic flowing… We are committed to ensuring that this bridge stays afloat while we advance the process for the new, four-lane, concrete high-span bridge [across the Demerara River], which will not have to be opened and closed, but you could have 24-hour traffic – both vehicular and marine traffic.”

Already, nine international companies have pre-qualified for construction of the new Demerara River Bridge.

The next stage will be for the selection of a contractor, after which works would commence in the last quarter of this year. Construction of the new bridge, which will be a 50-metre flyover from Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara

to La Grange, West Bank Demerara, will take approximately two years.

The construction of the new bridge will be a timely one, as the East Bank is notorious for heavy traffic congestions due to the current retractable bridge.

Floating at a length of 1.25 miles, the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the eastern and western banks of the Demerara river, and facilitate daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo. The structure was built in the 1970s, but was opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years. However, some 43 years after, it is still floating.

(G8)

4 more COVID-19 deaths...

FROM PAGE 2

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that recovered patients give others a chance to receive the vaccine first, given that they would have already developed some level of immunity to the virus.

“I think the WHO’s recommendation is primarily because of the scarcity of vaccines so if you had the infection and you recover, they were basically saying give somebody else a chance because at least for the next two to three months, your antibodies would help

to protect you. But once we get enough vaccines, we’ll be able to ensure that everybody gets their vaccine.”

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 15), which are in effect until March 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home, the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of

COVID-19.

Symptoms of the coronavirus includes fever, cough, tiredness, diarrhoea, pains, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. The more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement. If persons are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

(G12)

to develop in harmony with what the Government of Guyana wants, because this is supposed to be a joint venture, in a sense, that everybody has to benefit. It can’t be a pure private play,” the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana asserted.

In the meantime, Dr Srinivasa further disclosed that based on a request from the PPP/C administration, the Indian Government is currently in the process of selecting two sugar experts to assist Guyana in revitalising the sector.

When the PPP/C took office in August 2020, it highlighted that due to gross neglect under the Coalition regime, the three existing factories were operating at only 40-60 per cent capacity. As such, the then new Government tapped into India’s offer of assistance to correct this situation and restore the estates to full operation with the help of expertise in both factory operation and field cultivation.

However, since then, efforts afoot to revive the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) have been on track with the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion estates recording the highest daily production for 2021, as well as 2020 at 710 metric tonnes of sugar on March 11.

Since taking office, the

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa

PPP/C administration has injected some $7 billion into the sugar industry – $5 billion in the 2020 Emergency Budget and a further $2 billion in this year’s budget – to help in the turnaround of the sector.

During a previous interview last November, High Commissioner Srinivasa had pointed out that the introduction of the Private Sector into local sugar industry would yield good results for Guyana, as is the case in his country. India’s sugar is completely occupied by the Private Sector, with Government having only a policy-making role and ensuring the regulations are being followed.

Moreover, he had explained that almost all the sugar mills there have diversified their operations, thus making their ventures more profitable.

“Once the sugar cane enters the mill, nothing comes out – literally nothing. They crush the sugarcanes and they make brown sugar, white sugar; then they do the co-generation of electricity; then they do the molasses and ethanol; then they use the bagasse, and then also make fertilisers of the remaining parts. So, nothing ever comes out,” he told this newspaper at the time.

According to the High Commissioner, private farmers play a more integral role in India’s sugar sector.

“Unlike GuySuCo owning so much of lands; in India, the sugar factories are there and they have a catchment area of individual farmers. So, the farmers grow the sugarcanes, but there is a symbiotic relationship between the factories and the farmers. The factories will fund, to certain extent, the [cutting] and so on in exchange for the farmers to supply canes to them. Then they will deduct that amount [for the cuttings and other materials provided] and pay whatever is remaining… That’s how the private companies are making a lot of profit and the price of sugar is now up. I think Guyana will stand to gain if they catch that up-trend,” the diplomat had opined. (G8)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS

Accused fraudsters on $200,000 bail A

3 0 - y e a r - o l d Nigerian, Nzube Zkegwuonu and a 25-year-old Guyanese, Kevin Smith, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and were placed on bail on a conspiracy to defraud charge.

Zkegwuonu and Smith, who are both residents of Melanie, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It is alleged that between February 1, 2021 and March 15, 2021 at Georgetown, they conspired with persons to obtain $3,000,000 from Denita Bonnet.

Both men were represented by Attorney-atLaw Ronald Daniels, who in his bail application told the court that his clients were innocent.

The Attorney said that Smith was a businessman and Zkegwuonu was a Nigerian who is married to a Guyanese.

He further explained that Zkegwuonu was awaiting his Guyanese citizenship.

Daniels told the court that both defendants had been placed on $100,000 station bail pending formal charges.

Meanwhile, the Police

Prosecutor did not object to bail; however, he requested that the defendants lodge their passports and that they report twice a month to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Eve Leary until the conclusion of the case.

The men were released on $100,000 bail each.

They were also required to lodge their passports and report to the CID twice per month.(G15)

Elections...

I

…in WI Cricket n case you didn’t realise it, today’s cricket is big business; BIG, BIG BUSINESS! With all the US hype and chutzpah, did you realise that cricket in India alone pulls in more revenue annually than American Major League Baseball? This growth has been driven in the last decade by the explosion in interest in the shorter forms of the game, T-20 and ODI. The cricketing fan demographic has now doubled to include as many women as men!

The upsurge is largest in India, now the locomotive pulling along cricket in all the 104 countries in which it’s played. In addition to the traditional Test powerhouses in Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan; Australia; in Europe, England; in Africa, South Africa; and in the Americas, the West Indies - we now have in all those continents T-20 Leagues that have infused new life into the venerable sport.

And when a sport is pulling all those fans, you know the advertising world will take notice! And this they have! Broadcasting rights have even drawn in US TV broadcasters like Fox, for instance, signing BILLIONDOLLAR contracts with the BCCI of India. And with such sums being tossed around, you know the competition to control the boards in the cricketing nations is going to heat up something fierce. Money, after all, is what makes the world go ‘round, doesn’t it?

Coming out of the amateur gentleman’s era hundreds of years ago, cricket has maintained the structure of clubs grouped by geographical location within countries. They elect representatives at the county and then the country level. It’s all supposed to be democratic, exemplifying the character-building nature of the great sport. But that era is now nostalgia, replaced by a no-holds-barred elections process just like in national politics! Cricket, after all, goes “beyond the boundary”!

And so - with that long run-up! - we arrive at the topic du jour: elections for the Chairmanship of the Cricket West Indies Board. Toppled from its once lofty pedestal, WI Cricket is not exactly setting the cricketing world on fire, but it still has a seat at the Cricket Roundtable - which gives administration officials more than a modicum of influence, not to mention the not inconsiderable perks.

But though Guyana’s done its bit for WI Cricket from the start in the 1890s…it’s remarkable that we’ve never had one of our own become Chair of CWI. It was always snagged by fellas from the islands - even the very small ones. And yet, we were supposed to be one of the “Big Four”!

Well, with oil, our economic profile is now ascendant in the region. And it’s time to match that in cricket.

Go, Sanasie! …and rigging Now, whatever we may say about our friends (brothers and sisters, actually!) in the West Indies, they have the moral upper hand when it comes to holding free and fair elections. Even though Eric Williams in TT might’ve encouraged and settled “small islanders” to augment his base, the cheating never really got out of hand. And, for sure, never reached the macabre levels into which Forbes Burnham plunged us - like killing ballot box protectors.

But it does look like this record is about to be changed at the level of the elections for the Chair of CWI. Not anything blatant, like having Region 10 voting in Guyana for GCB positions when there are no functional clubs there! But, more subtly, by changing the METHOD of voting from THE ANONYMOUS standard secret polling to a public “show of hands”. The latter ensures that the insular pressure to select “your own” prevents small islanders from voting for the “outsider”, Guyana.

And this even though the incumbent Skerritt was voted in by secret poll. …for local govt?

With this COVID-19 pandemic showing no sign of slowing down, do we really want to have the entire country engaging in a mass event like LGE? Maybe we should all vote by proxy?

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10-point plan in place for improved Fire Service operations ...corruption must be weeded out – Minister Benn

T

o upkeep professionalism and a high standard of operation in the Guyana Fire Service, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Thursday called for a complete weeding out of corrupt practices therein.

During the GFS annual Senior Officers’ Conference, the Minister explained that corruption affects the functionality of the Service in their response to situations and in their duty to the public.

“Our Service is professional, and we need to set aside some of the negative and confusing issues which impede on our providing the requisite service… We need to improve on the esprit de corps in the Fire Service and get rid of issues of intrigued corruption and all the other issues which we know are there, like in other agencies,” Benn declared.

According to the Minister, there are cases in which the confidence to execute important tasks is lacking. Calls were made for officers within the Fire Service to accept merited criticism and work towards ensuring lapses are not repeated.

“As the Minister, and having to go out to some locations when there are issues in respect of fires…that we have an issue of confidence in operational issues… We have

alise fire stations in Mahdia, Lethem, Mabaruma and Wakenaam island, while lessening congestion at the Stabroek station.

“It is our intention to provide an enabling environment at all our various locations that will support the growth of the organisation as well as the country’s developmental plan. Our staff need to operate under conditions that are (encouraging) positively, so the focus will be on creating recreational space, even private space for male and female staff members,”

Minister Robeson Benn is joined by senior officers of the GFS and other officials

to improve on what we have.

We have to perform better operationally with what we have, and we have to note the criticisms from the public, the critiques we get, both in the media and when there is a fire. We have to note those criticisms, improve, mitigate, and prevent the types of criticisms that are rational and reasonable in respect of our operations.”

Meanwhile, the Minister flagged lack of diversification of the GFS as another area which must see improvement. He added, “We will not be able to set aside issues of seeming disdain or non-connection if we don’t develop diversity in our services… The way we have to move forward to develop is to

improve on the issue of diversity. Diversity brings it other experiences, approaches, better optimisation in what we do, and makes it possible for (the Service) to be more efficient in totality.”

In addition, the GFS was charged with ensuring that women are welcomed into the operation without discrimination or any form of abuse.

With elevated buildings spanning several storeys now appearing in several parts of Guyana, Benn said such establishments must be equipped with sprinkler systems.

Meanwhile, homeowners have been asked to invest in smoke alarms and fire extinguishers for their own safety.

“We have to give out ad-

visories actively in respect of those buildings having fire sprinkler systems beyond three storeys, and depending on what they have in storage.

We have to increase and encourage the use of extinguishers at homes. We have to get each home (to be equipped) with electronic alarms.”

Plans

Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo highlighted that a 10-point plan has been developed and would be embarked upon to change the landscape of the Fire Service. Among the areas of focus are human resources, better environment for firefighters, and expansion of stations across the country. Moreover, there is intention to operation-

the Fire Chief outlined.

Further, he stated that training of officers within the Service would be placed on the frontline, so as to improve their skills and competencies.

“The Guyana Fire Service plans to conduct a needs assessment, and to identify training opportunities so that staff can be trained and updated with current techniques, including fire suppression best practices and technology. The Guyana Fire Service workers cannot lag in terms of requisite knowledge and skills.” (G12)

Labourers charged for simple larceny

L

abourers Ali Khan, who has no fixed place of abode, and Lakeram Sukhdeo of Whim, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to answer a charge of simple larceny.

Khan pleaded not guilty and was granted $5000 bail, while Sukhdeo pleaded guilty and was fined $70,000.

Failure to pay the fine will result in him serving four months’ imprisonment. The case against Khan will continue on March 31.

It is alleged that between

March 16 and 17, at Water Street Georgetown, the duo stole 12 children’s pants valued at $30,000, a gents’ pants valued at $3000, three shirts valued at $7,000, and 29 jerseys valued at $41,000, all the property of Quacy McKay. The Police Prosecutor said McKay had secured his stall on March 16 and had gone home, but upon returning the following day, he discovered that the items were missing.

He subsequently made a report at the Brickdam Police Station, and the suspects were arrested and charged.

None of the items was recovered. (G15)

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police unearth 300,000 ganja plants

The makeshift camp along with some of the cannabis plants

T

he Police have reported discovering two cannabis farms each measuring about six acres in size. According to the Police, the farms were discovered during an eradication exercise conducted on Wednesday at De Veldt savannah, Upper Berbice River in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The

more than 12-hour-long exercise started at 05:00h on Wednesday.

The Police have said the farms contained 300,000 cannabis plants ranging in height from two feet to five feet. Additionally, 5,000 nursery plants and 40 kilograms of dried cannabis, along with three makeshift camps and a water pump,

were found at the farms.

Following the discovery, the dried cannabis and plants were destroyed by fire.

No arrest has been made.

In January of this year, ranks had carried out a similar exercise in De Veldt, and had netted over $100 million worth of cannabis, along with firearms.

During that exercise, the ranks had discovered three cannabis farms which measured about 15 acres and contained roughly 600,000 ganja plants ranging in height from six inches to five feet. In addition, a quantity of cannabis was found wrapped in transparent plastic bags. When the illicit substance was weighed, it amounted to 40 pounds. Six makeshift camps were also found.

In that exercise, ranks had also discovered a 12-gauge single-barrel shotgun along with two live 12-gauge cartridges and one empty shell.

The camps were reportedly occupied by three men, who ran into the bushes and escaped upon seeing Police.

The camps and ganja plants were destroyed by fire. No arrest was made.

Some of the cannabis discovered

Essequibo Coast man crushed by falling tree A 27-year-old resident of the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has

Dead: Silas Allan Federicks

been crushed by a falling tree.

Dead is Silas Allan Federicks, a logger of Wakapao village, Lower Pomeroon River.

Reports are that the in-

cident occurred at about 13:00h on Monday at Kaburi Backdam in Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Monday.

According to information obtained, Federicks was cutting a tree but apparently did not realise that it was entangled in a large vine, which unexpectedly burst and caused the tree to fall.

The falling tree pinned him to the ground, killing him instantly. His colleagues rushed to his aid, but by then he had already died.

He was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead. His body has been taken to the Suddie Mortuary to await a post mortem examination.

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12 NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Coastal communities warned of high tides T

he Public Works Ministry has advised of a current spring tide period until April 1, asking the general public to take precautionary measures to secure their homes.

Above-normal tides are predicted for this period. The Sea and River Defence Department has since indicated that the Pomeroon River banks; Wakenaam Island; Leguan Island; Windsor Forest to DeWillem, West Coast Demerara; Zeelugt, Parika Market Area, and Salem to Sparta on the East Bank of Essequibo; Water Street, Georgetown; Helena, Mahaica; Belvedere,

Mahaicony and communities along the Canje River are at risk.

The highest tides are expected on March 29 at 04:30h and 16:42h at a height of 3.27 metres. This will be followed on March 30 at 05:07h at a height of 3.28 metres.

“In addition to the captioned locations, all persons residing along the banks of rivers and low-lying coastal areas are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flooding. Precaution should also be taken by all mariners including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. The use of beaches and

foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised,” the Ministry stated.

In the event of flooding, persons are asked to stay

out of the water and keep food items safe. Water-borne diseases can be contracted through contact with these waters. Direct contact with floodwaters can expose per-

sons to several germs that can lead to any of these diseases. Guardians are also asked to keep children especially out of the water, as they are most at risk of contracting diseases, and everyone should avoid swimming in canals and trenches.

Protective gear should be used, and feet should be washed regularly after persons exit the waters. If necessary, Vaseline or oil can be applied to form a barrier to protect from the dirty water.

Additionally, water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes which spread Zika, dengue and Chikungunya.

Fruits and vegetables

should be washed thoroughly with clean water to prevent contamination.

To protect against an electric shock, turn off the main electrical switch, unplug all appliances, and move them to safe areas in the home. If it is suspected that electrical wiring has been damaged in a home, turn off the main switch and have it checked by a qualified electrician before turning on the power again.

For information or assistance, persons can contact 225-9868, 226-1070, 2264368, 654-4226, 654-4227, 623-1161, 646-3501, 6185541, 687-1999 or 627-5453.

(G12)

NEWS

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Dr Walter Rodney’s assassination

Court begins hearing Donald Rodney’s appeal against 1982 conviction

…no evidence of explosives' possession — DPP

T

he Guyana Court of Appeal on Thursday commenced hearing arguments in an appeal filed by Donald Rodney against his 1982 conviction and 18-month prison sentence for the possession of explosives without lawful authority.

Rodney is the brother of late politician and historian, Dr Walter Rodney, who was assassinated on June 13, 1980, when a walkie-talkie given to him exploded in his car at Georgetown.

Rodney was charged for possession of explosives.

Donald Rodney, through his lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin, is seeking to have his conviction and sentence overturned, arguing that the decision of the trial Magistrate was unreasonable and could not be supported since there was no evidence. He has proffered several grounds in this regard.

During his submissions, Datadin argued, “The trial that was conducted has no evidence, absolutely no evidence that can found a charge much less a conviction of Mr [Donald] Rodney.

There was no evidence upon which the court could find that

ted that the prosecution established no case against his client, and as such, the matter should have been dismissed when the prosecution closed its case.

Donald Rodney

there were knowledge and control [of explosives].”

“There was no evidence which was sought to say what was in possession was in fact a substance for which there would have been a level of control. There was no evidence led by the State that demonstrates that there was no lawful authority,” the lawyer advanced.

According to him, the prosecution did not meet the element of proving that his client was not in lawful possession. Against this backdrop, Datadin submit-

Conviction deprived Moreover, the Attorney said that the conviction has deprived his client of essentially most of his life.

“A criminal conviction to an honest man is worse than a death sentence. He can’t travel, he cannot do the things he likes, because every form asks whether you have had a conviction,” Datadin noted, adding that his client is a graduate of the Hugh Wooding Law School and has been unable to practise in Guyana because of the criminal conviction to his name.

Datadin told the court that at the time his client was charged, it was a notorious fact and public knowledge that Dr Walter Rodney and the circumstances that surrounded his death were marred in political controversy. “Some views are that it was a political assassination; some views were that it was at the other end. We don’t ask the court to take a position

on that. But we ask the court to note the environment and circumstances that existed in the trial of Donald Rodney…”

Suppression of evidence Rodney further argues that the Magistrate failed to admit his defence, namely, the public eyewitness’s account by him, which precluded a charge of possession and was read into evidence in the court’s record by the Police witness under oath, and the true unsworn statement he made in his defence in open court. Rodney argues, too, that the Magistrate failed to allow him time and facilities to prepare his defence which is a breach of Article 144 (2) (C) of the Constitution.

He also alleges suppression of evidence, in that, the records of appeal were adjusted against him. The convict argued that all he would have said in his defence before he was convicted was not included in the records of appeal and extraneous and inadmissible statements had also been placed in the records of appeal.

Among the other grounds raised by Rodney’s lawyer

was that his client’s right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time as guaranteed under Article 144 of the Constitution was infringed on, given the almost 40-year delay in the hearing of his appeal, which was filed shortly after his conviction.

The appeal is being heard by the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and two other JUDGES. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack is appearing on behalf of the State. The matter continues on April 13, 2021. In the meantime, Rodney has been released on bail pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, in her submissions, agreed with the defence that there was no evidence provided to demonstrate that an analysis of the components of the device were part of an explosive.

“The State’s position is that there is no evidence in the record of an expert witness,” the DPP informed the court.

She noted that no evidence

Dr Walter Rodney

has been led to suggest there was an analysis of anything that was found at the scene of the explosion.

CoI According to reports, Rodney was the only eyewitness to the June 13, 1980 assassination of his brother who was the co-leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) held in 2015 under the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration found that Dr Walter Rodney’s death was a State killing and that the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham had to have known about the plot. (G1)

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Anna Regina vendors, Town Council at loggerheads over street vending

S

cores of vendors selling alongside the Anna Regina Public Road have staged another protest against the decision to have their wooden stalls dismantled and to order them to use collapsible tents for their vending by April.

Vendors are complaining that they could not afford collapsible tents as these were expensive, costing some $300,000.

A vegetable vendor, Sattie Persaud explained that the fee the Council was charging for vending on the roadside was $2000 per day, adding that with low sales vendors were poor and could not afford to buy such tents.

Another vendor, Satesh Mangra said that the old market at Anna Regina did not have adequate space and the infrastructure was very poor. This claim, however, has been

disputed by the Anna Regina Town Council, which has since said that about 300 spots were available.

Vendor representative Nahib Shabar called on the Anna Regina Town Council to reconsider the decision and to allow long-term vendors to vend.

Shabar said that many of the persons were depending on vending as their livelihood and most could not afford to purchase the tents.

He also mentioned that they needed more time and less rental fees.

Intruding on Govt reserves

Meanwhile, Anna Regina Mayor Rajendra Prabulall said that he was concerned about vendors intruding on Government reserves and the public road, and warned

Street vendors protesting in front of the Anna Regina Town Council

that these persons must demolish all permanent stalls within the Town by April.

At a recent meeting held in the boardroom of the Anna Regina Town Council, the Mayor stated that there were more than 300 spots within the market area waiting to be occupied by vendors and, therefore, vendors should cooperate

with the Council in assisting in the beautification of Anna Regina.

It was decided by the Council that the environs of the Anna Regina High Bridge and the passageway leading to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building must be cleared.

The Mayor said that the Council has invested millions of dollars in

42 solar lights, repainting and refurbishing stalls and other works to make vendors comfortable within the environment.

Additionally, he said that was done to make the market environment conducive to selling and if vendors were having difficulties in managing to vend using collapsible stalls, they should apply for stands at Bush Lot Market.

“We don’t want no wooden shabby-looking stand in the town, instead vendors can be more organised and vend using makeshift tents and by evening they can remove and the place will clear,” Prabhulall said.

The Mayor added that if at any time the market became overcrowded, the Council would make the tarmac in Cotton Field available to vendors with makeshift stalls.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Eccles property fraud

Wanted bulletin for “ghost fraudster”, D’Urban Street man

T

The wanted “ghost fraudster” allegedly known as Mohamed Wazir

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) is now seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the man whose picture is on a suspected bogus identification card – which was used for the fraudulent transfer of a property situated by the public road at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Further, Police have also issued a wanted bulletin for 45-year-old Alistair Michael Mitchell of Lot NN D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown in connection with the matter.

The men are wanted for fraud committed at the Deeds Registry during the year 2017.

Reports are that the bo-

gus ID card, which bore the name Mohamed Wazir, was used to file an application in 2008 for the transfer of a transport through the High Court.

The landowner, Rohit Lall, become aware of the fraudulent transfer when he attempted to pay his rates and taxes for his Lots B and C, Eccles property at the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). He was informed that the property had been transferred to one Mohamed Wazir of Fourth Street, Herstelling, EBD. Following this, Lall filed a Police report.

As Police probed the matter, it was discovered that the lots after being transferred

to Wazir were further sold to a company on the East Bank that manufactures toilet tissue for some $35 million.

However, that transaction was not fully processed as the original owner— Lall – intervened before the property was advertised in the Gazette for passing to the company.

Guyana Times understands that Wazir had reportedly appointed a Guyanese woman of Chinese descent as the Power of Attorney for the property and had her sell the land to the manufacturing company.

Further, a Police source close to the investigation had told this newspaper that the woman was hauled in for

preliminary questioning at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Eve Leary and was scheduled to be questioned again.

Meanwhile, the Notary Public, a former Magistrate, who executed the Power of Attorney for the property to the woman, was also called in to CID headquarters for questioning.

As the Police continue to investigate the issue which initially started off as transport fraud, all angles are being looked at including whether the woman is the actual architect behind the crime or is in fact a victim as well.

The Police source indicated that the latter might be the case, since some money was paid by the woman to Wazir, who is yet to be found.

Conversely, the Legal Affairs Minister believes that there is an integrated conspiracy at work in committing these acts of fraud, noting that no one person could pull such off.

Meanwhile, initial investigations had let to the arrest of a 37-year-old former staffer of the High Court Registry who is attached to a realty

Wanted: Alistair Michael Mitchell

firm.

However, the staffer was released from custody on March 20 on $200,000 bail after the statutory 72-hour detention period expired.

According to the Police, he was the person who took the transport in Wazir’s name to the Eccles NDC along with photocopies of Wazir’s identification card for the name change in the records there.

He told Police at the CID headquarters that the transport and photocopied ID were given to him by someone called “Max” to take to the NDC. He was, however, unable to provide any contact information for Max.

This publication was informed that all the records pertaining to the court order transferring the land from Lall to Wazir have disappeared.

Further, Police had also made checks at the address given for Wazir, but were informed that no one by that name lived there.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the wanted individuals is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 2261389, 227-2128, 226-7476, 226-7065, 227-9271, 2271611, 227-1149, 227-1270, 225-6940-9, 225-3650, 2261928, or 911 or at the nearest Police Station. (G15)

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17 Husband chops pregnant wife, burns Pomeroon home NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

The injured woman covered in blood before being rushed to the hospital

pregnant woman of Grant Friendship Lower Pomeroon, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) had to be airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital after she was severely chopped by her husband.

Reports are that the injured 23-year-old woman was chopped about 09:00h on Thursday during a dispute with her husband at their Pomeroon home.

Guyana Times was told that during the heated ar-

gument, the woman’s husband took a chopper and dealt several chops to her body and head with several fingers severed in the process. Police have since confirmed that the six

months pregnant woman has had her right hand partially amputated.

Following the incident, the perpetrator set the house on fire. However, persons in the vicinity

managed to render assistance and the woman was rushed for medical attention. Her husband has since been taken into custody.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

News

Smart classrooms now at Brickdam, East Ruimveldt Secondary Schools

S

mart classrooms were commissioned by the Education Ministry at the Brickdam Secondary School and the

East Ruimveldt Secondary School in Georgetown on Wednesday.

The commissioning of the smart classrooms at the

two schools form part of the Ministry’s drive to modernise the education sector.

A release from the Ministry stated that the

smart classrooms are equipped with items such as an interactive board, a television that allows teachers and students to

Students of the Brickdam Secondary School enjoying a lesson on matrices inside their smart classroom

connect remotely and motion- and voice-activated cameras complete with face recognition software.

Systems Development Coordinator within the Education Ministry, Godfrey Munroe explained that the interactive board will allow the virtual student to be able to interact with the class that is being facilitated at the time and view all the content that is being shared.

He said that the smart classrooms would provide for the infusion of Information

Meanwhile, at the commissioning exercises, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said that she was very pleased to be commissioning the classrooms especially in this COVID-19 period, as information and teaching could flow from one to many using the equipment installed.

She promised that the effective usage of the classrooms would not be left up to the schools alone, but would be part of a managed programme to make sure the classrooms were be-

C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology (ICT) for all subject areas. Munroe explained that the facilities would have a multiplier effect as they would allow for expert teachers to reach and engage with students from other schools and vice versa.

The smart classrooms will benefit the 368 students currently enrolled at the Brickdam Secondary School and the 506 students at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School.

ing used effectively to benefit the students at the respective schools as well as students at other schools which do not have such classrooms.

Manickchand added, “Imagine what we can do here. We could get experienced teachers delivering content to thousands of students at the same time.

This will help us to expand the reach of our human resources for the benefit of all our students regardless of where they are located.”

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices drop on 3rd wave of coronavirus lockdowns

T

he unfortunate tanker mishap in the Suez Canal that continues to block tanker traffic is being overshadowed by another wave of coronavirus-inspired lockdowns, sending oil prices once again downward.

Oil prices slipped roughly four per cent on Thursday afternoon, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude trading down US$2.80 per barrel at US$58.88 –down 4.58 per cent on the day.

Brent crude was trading down US$2.48 per barrel at US$61.93—a slide of 3.85 per cent on the day.

Weighing heavily on oil prices are the third wave of coronavirus lockdowns in Europe. Experts suggest that Poland is in the throes of its worst point in the pandemic, reporting a record number of cases. As a result of the increase in infections, Poland has just announced a strict two-week lockdown that will close nursery schools and salons and reduce church capacity.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that Poland was “one step away from crossing the border beyond which we will not be able to properly heal our citizens”.

Additional lockdown measures in France went into effect on Saturday, and the Government has threatened to implement tougher measures still.

Germany had imposed a strict five-day lockdown over the Easter holiday, but has since rethought that strategy, which has angered its citizens.

The lockdowns will stifle oil demand in Europe, and the market is more concerned with this aspect than with the vessel that has lodged itself in the Suez Canal, creating a traffic jam that includes oil tankers, which is tightening shortterm supplies. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Biden pressed on child migration at 1st news conference

US President Joe Biden

U

S President Joe Biden was pressed on how he would address the surge in migrants at the southern border at his first official press conference.

More than 17,000 children are being kept in Government detention centres, and Biden was challenged on whether his policies could be contributing to the increase in child arrivals.

The President defended his record and vowed to be transparent.

The hour-long event also covered subjects from guns to foreign policy.

He also doubled his Administration's vaccine rollout goal, saying that he now aimed to have 200 million jabs be given before his 100th day in office.

But questions about the situation at the US-Mexico border dominated the event.

During the White House news conference, Biden blamed his predecessor Donald Trump for the growing humanitarian crisis on the southern border, and said it was normal for the US to experience an influx of migrants in cooler months.

"The truth of the matter is, nothing has changed," he said, adding: "The reason they're coming is that it's the time they can travel with the least likelihood of dying on the way because of the heat in the desert."

"I'd like to think it's because I'm a nice guy, but it's not," he said, calling the surge a cyclical event. (Excerpt from BBC News)

19

Around the World

US and Britain blacklist Myanmar military-controlled companies

T

he United States and Britain imposed sanctions on conglomerates controlled

by Myanmar’s military on Thursday, following the Generals’ February 1 coup and deadly crackdown, with Washington calling it a response to “abhorrent violence and abuses”.

The US Treasury Department said its sanctions targeted Myanma Economic Holdings Public Company Ltd (MEHL) and Myanmar Economic Corporation Ltd (MEC).

Britain imposed similar sanctions on MEHL, citing the Myanmar military’s serious human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims.

Representatives for the two entities, which control big sections of the Myanmar economy, had no immediate comment on when Reuters reported on

Firecrackers explode as protesters take cover behind a barricade during a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 21, 2021

Wednesday the sanctions were expected.

Thursday’s actions were the most significant by far against the business interests of Myanmar’s military, which range from beer and cigarettes to telecommunications, tyres, mining and real estate.

Shortly after the announcement, the State

Dislodging the huge ship blocking the Suez Canal could take “days to weeks”, as the traffic jam builds

S

hipping experts believe it could take days or even weeks to free the 224,000-tonne vessel that is wedged across the Suez Canal, blocking one of the world's busiest waterways since Tuesday.

The Ever Given, a container ship almost as long as the Empire State Building is tall, ran aground on March 23 after being caught in 40knot winds and a sandstorm that caused low visibility and poor navigation, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said in a statement.

Authorities attempted to re-float the vessel Thursday morning, but were not successful. Another attempt was scheduled to be made later on Thursday, according to Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, the ves-

sel's technical manager.

Meanwhile, at least 160 ships carrying vital fuel and cargo are waiting to pass through the blocked waterway, according to a senior canal pilot at the SCA. Dislodging the vessel could take "days to weeks, depending on what you come across", according to Peter Berdowski, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Boskalis, whose sister company SMIT salvage is now working to free the ship.

Berdowski told Dutch TV on Wednesday that his company had determined it was impossible to free the ship with its current cargo on board. "The ship with the weight that it [has] now has is impossible to pull," he said. "You can forget about that." (Excerpt from CNN)

Department condemned the continued use of lethal force by authorities in Myanmar over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people, including several children.

“These abhorrent and

brutal acts against children, one as young as seven years old who was shot and killed in her home while sitting on her father’s lap, further demonstrate the horrific nature of the Burmese military regime’s assault on its own people,” department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Washington’s move freezes any assets held by the entities in the United States and is the latest in a series of sanctions following the military takeover that have targeted Myanmar’s central bank as well as top Generals.

The designation prohibits American companies or citizens from trading or conducting financial transactions with those listed.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Bolsonaro under pressure as Brazil’s COVID deaths top 300,000

B

razil has topped 300,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, becoming the second country to do so amid a spike in infections that has seen the South American country report record death tolls in recent days.

On Wednesday, Brazil’s Health Ministry reported 2009 daily COVID-19 deaths, bringing its pandemic total to 300,685. On Tuesday, the country saw a single-day record of 3251 deaths.

The United States reached the grim milestone on December 14, but it has a larger population than Brazil.

According to local media reports in Brazil, the latest coronavirus figures might be affected by changes in the Government’s counting system.

Newly-appointed Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said in a news conference that he was going to check whether the numbers had been artificially reduced.

With daily death tolls at pandemic highs, State Governors and Mayors in

Brazil have expressed fears that April could be as bad as March for the country’s overwhelmed hospitals.

Just in the past 75 days, Brazil has registered 100,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths, a spike health experts blame on a lack of political coordination in fighting the virus, new variants that spread more easily, and a disregard for health protocols.

President Jair Bolsonaro has consistently downplayed the severity of the pandemic, insisting the economy must be kept humming to prevent worse hardship, and he has criticised health measures imposed by local leaders.

As the pandemic has worsened in recent weeks, Bolsonaro has shown signs of taking it more seriously. The return of his political nemesis, former left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, also appears to have stirred him into action.

Lula’s corruption convictions have recently been annulled, allowing him to run in next year’s election. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Thousands of Venezuelans flee to Colombia amid violence on border

T

ensions on the border between Colombia and Venezuela continued to escalate on Thursday, amid military operations that sent thousands of Venezuelans fleeing to Colombia from their homes located along the border.

Thousands of Venezuelans have fled to Colombia from the province of Apure in the wake of continuing military

operations, the Colombian Government and some of those displaced said.

Venezuela has said its military is fighting Colombian armed groups in rural areas and has its population’s support.

“When the bombs were falling I felt so nervous,” said Niomar Diaz, 26, who arrived in Colombia by canoe told the Reuters news agency. “In one house, a

grandfather died, an eightyear-old boy died, a nineyear-old girl and her mom.

The situation was terrible.”

Diaz said the Venezuelan military was abusive and his family and several neighbours chose to flee.

More than 3100 people in 780 families make up the group, which began arriving in the Colombian municipality of Arauquita starting on Monday because of the mil-

itary operations, Colombia’s migration agency said.

The border is currently closed due to COVID-19.

“The foreigners are in eight shelters in Arauquita municipality and the National Government, the Governor of Arauca, and the international community are making efforts to provide them with assistance,” the agency said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

Finish what you start before moving on to something (March 21more enjoyable. Choose your April 19) words wisely when dealing with a friend or relative. An argument will ruin a perfect day if you let it.

ARIES

Make a change because you want to, not because you are emo(April 20- tional or angry. Look for a way May 20) to make your home more comfortable. A positive attitude will bring the best results. Work to improve a special relationship.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Tempers will flare if you GEMINI (May 21- spend too much time with June 20) someone who is critical or if you focus on what’s not working instead of on what you can accomplish. Personal growth is encouraged.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Take note of what others are doing, and consider what you can do to improve your life. A chance to do things differently will help you stand out. You’ll find a loophole that will save money if you update documents.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Pay more attention to your actions and how you present yourself, and less to what others are doing. It’s better to look for opportunities than to try to make what someone else is doing work for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Let your feelings dictate your decisions. If you follow your heart, you will discover the best way to use your skills to reach your objective. Refuse to let anyone goad you into an argument.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Look for safe ways to get out and enjoy the fresh air.

Spending time in nature will encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle. Exercise often, eat well and spend time with someone you love.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

You’ll get a chance to change your environment, but don’t go overboard financially.

Look at ways to cut corners to find ways to stay within budget. Aim to lower your stress levels.

Monitor what others do SAGITTARIUS or say. Someone will mis(Nov. 23interpret what you say if Dec. 21) you aren’t articulate. Leave nothing to chance, and you’ll outdo anyone who tries to get in your way.

Take a different approach CAPRICORN to the way you handle money.

(Dec. 22A possible change that interJan. 19) ests you will cause you to ques-

tion your relationship with someone. Go directly to the source if you want the truth.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Clear a workout space and get moving. Fitness and exercise will give you the boost you need to start new projects. Spend time doing things, not contemplating.

Seek out family members.

An emotional situation PISCES will be eye-opening. Don’t get (Feb. 20March 20) upset when something goes wrong; use your anger to motivate you to change. Let go of the past and do what’s best for you.

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

21

Dorren George slams century as BCB/Zulfikar Mustapha U-15 tournament continues

T

he BCB/Zulfikar Mustapha U-15 tournament continued last week in the Ancient County of Berbice with several promising players putting in outstanding performances.

The tournament is currently at the round robin stage, with 18 teams vying for a place in the quarter-finals.

Two teams would advance from Zone A (West Berbice) and three each from Zone B (New Amsterdam/Canje) and Zone C (Lower/Upper Corentyne).

Sterling batting performances were recorded by T. Conelley (52), Tulsieram Ramcharran (74) and Doren George (111); while outstanding bowling performances came from A. Khan (4 for 21), A. Bacchus

(4 for 28), Ravin Budhwa (5 for 10), T. Conelley (5 for 24), Romario Ramdehol (5 for 24 and 6 for 9), D. Persaud (4 for 24), Justin Doobay (6 for 20) and Aaron Craig (4 for 19).

Scores from the latest matches played are as follows.

1. Achievers defeated Paradise by 102 runs.

Achievers: 228-5 from 35 overs; Tulsieram Ramcharran 74, Tiea Isaacs and S Ramkishun 2 for 11 from 7 overs. Paradise: 126 all out in 22.1 overs. T. Conelley 52, S. Ramkishun 26.

Justin Doobay: 6 for 20 from 6 overs, and W. Hartman: 2 for 33 from 4 overs.

2.RH Canje defeated Edinburgh by 140 runs. RH Canje: 173 all out from 45.4 overs; Zadeem LaRose 36, Adrian Hetmyer 19. Wesley Castello: 3 for 32 from 10 overs,

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

and Danish Persaud: 2 for 41 from 6.4 overs. Edinburgh: 33 all out in 14 overs. Troy David 10; Romario Ramdehol: 6 for 9 from 7 overs, and Aaron Craig: 4 for 19 from 6 overs.

3.RH Canje defeated Tucber Park by 138 runs. RH Canje: 187 all out 33.2 overs.

Aaron Craig 34, Zadeem LaRose 25, Romario Ramdehol

28. Demitte Hermonstyne: 2 for 36 from 5 overs, and Gavin Kisten: 2 for 27 from 9 overs. Tucber Park: 49 all out in 14.2 overs. Gavin Kisten 15.

Aaron Craig: 4 for 17 from 6 overs, Adrian Hetmyer: 3 for 4 from 1.2 overs, and Romario Ramdehol: 2 for 19 from 6 overs.

4.RH Canje defeated Kendall’s Union by 7 wickets.

Kendall’s Union: 65 all out in 24.3 overs. Rahul Victor 12.

Romario Ramdehol: 5 for 24 from 10 overs, and Jayden Edwards: 2 for 4 from 2.3 overs. RH Canje: 66 for 3 from 11 overs. Zadeem LaRose 24.

Khemraj Permanand: 1 for 17 from 1 over, and Devindra Victor: 1 for 5 from 2 overs.

5.Edinburgh defeated Tucber Park by 6 wickets.

Tucber Park: 72 all out in 20

BCB delegation visits Upper Corentyne area to meet cricket clubs – 2021 player registration season completed

T

BCB Treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry handing over financial donation to Mr Baksh of the Skeldon Cricket Club

he longstanding problem of registration of players for participation in tournaments in the Upper Corentyne area was resolved on Tuesday last when Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster and an 8-man delegation met with clubs in that area.

Representatives of 26 clubs were present at that meeting, which was chaired by President of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA), Dennis D’Andrade.

Members of the BCB delegation included Vice President Albert Smith, Treasurer Dr Cecil Beharry, Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman, Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu, and Competitions Committee Chairman Leslie Soloman.

Foster noted that the main problem in the area was the registration of players and the habit of players leaving clubs regularly; and, in some cases, players representing as many as three clubs in the calendar year.

He disclosed that the BCB, with

support of the UCCA, organised the meeting to resolve the problem, so that the packed cricket season for the area can start.

On his 81st visit to this subassociation since his election as BCB President, Foster explained that once players have been registered with a club for 2021, they would have to play out the year with that club.

No request for transfer would be accepted in 2021, while players who desire to move to another club in 2022 would have to follow the BCB guidelines and produce permission from their old club as well as acceptance from the one to which they are seeking transfer.

The BCB delegation worked along with each of the clubs on their lists of players, and apart from two minor objections, the process went smoothly.

More than 400 players were registered during that two-hour session.

Further, Foster informed the clubs of the major plans

overs. D. Persaud: 4 for 24 from 5.3 overs, and M. Cort: 2 for 5 from 1 over. Edinburgh: 73 for 4 from 12 overs. Dorren George 17. D Hermansingh: 2 for 25 from 3 overs.

6.Edinburgh defeated Guymine by 255 runs.

Edinburgh: 295 for 7 from 40 overs. Dorren George 111, W Castello 35, Troy David 30. D. Hope: 3 for 53 from 7 overs.

Guymine: 44 all out in 10.5 overs. C Cort: 3 for 14 from 5 overs.

7.Achievers defeated Cotton Tree by 196 runs.

Achievers: 218 all out from 40 overs. Tulsieram Ramcharran 43, E. Rogers 41. A. Khan: 4 for 21 from 8 overs, and A. Bacchus: 4 for 28 from 8 overs. Cotton Tree: 28 all out in 13 overs. A. Ramkumar 11.

Tulsieram Ramcharran: 7 for 7 from 7 overs, and K. Ogle: 2 for 2 from 5 overs.

8.Port Mourant defeated UCCA ‘B’ by 10 wickets. UCCA ‘B’: 27 all out in 14 overs. A Singh 10. Romel Budwah: 5 for 10 from 5 overs, and J. Mohan: 2 for 7 from 7 overs.

Port Mourant: 28 without loss

from 4 overs. Rampersaud Ramnauth 11 not out.

9.Cotton Tree defeated Paradise by 12 wickets.

Paradise: 81 all out from 18.5 overs. T Conelley 24. A Khan: 3 for 17 from 5 overs, and A Ramkumar: 3 for 3 from 3.5 overs. Cotton Tree: 82 for 8 from 13 overs. A Khan 21.

T Conelley: 5 for 24 from 6 overs.

10.Blairmont defeated Cotton Tree by 70 runs.

Blairmont: 123 all out in 23.4 overs. R Shiragon 27, N Saffar 21, S Gafoor: 4 for 28 from 9 overs, and A. Bacchus: 6 for 30 from 6.4 overs. Cotton Tree: 53 all out in 17 overs. S Shabeed 12.

11.Albion CCCC ‘A’ defeated UCCA ‘B’ by 198 runs. Albion: 264 for 6 from 30 overs. Dhanesh Prabhudiyal 61, Afraz Budhoo 48, and Devin Lalbehari 36. T Ramjit: 2 for 60 from 5 overs, and T Bissoon: 2 for 52 from 5 overs. UCCA ‘B’: 66 all out in 20 overs. O Asait 25. Afraz Budhoo: 3 for 34 from 6 overs, and Devin Lalbehari: 7 for 12 from 6 overs.

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch relay finally begins in Japan

BCB PRO Simon Naidu handing over donation of kites to UCCA President and Vice President, Dennis D’Andrade and Syndey Jackman respectively

for the Upper Corentyne area for 2021. Those include at least 4 cricket tournaments, a mini cricket academy, coaching clinics, assistance for clubs, and scholarship for a cricketer to attend the University of Guyana.

Clubs in the area have already benefited from donations of cricket balls, cricket gears, scorebooks, trophies and catching cribs from the BCB this year. Two weeks ago, 8 clubs in the area received $1.4M worth of gears from an overseas donor.

It was disclosed that the UCCA and the BCB would, in early April, be hosting 2 knockout tournaments: the Vishu Super Store 40-over, and the Vitality 20/20.

Teams have been encouraged to register for upcoming tournaments which would start shortly at the U-13, U-19, U-21, U-23, Intermediate, countywide second division, and female levels.

The BCB delegation also discussed UCCA participation in first division cricket, and the debarring of players. The

Skeldon Community Centre Cricket Club received a financial donation from the BCB to assist in the purchase of gear, while the UCCA was presented with a huge quantity of kites for distribution to children in the area as part of their outreach programme.

Several clubs which did not attend the recent Shimron Hetmyer Trust Fund programme were still able to collect their donation of cricket balls and scorebooks.

At the end of the meeting, Foster urged the teams to remain united, disciplined, and working along with management of the UCCA. He specially mentioned the outstanding work of the UCCA President and Vice President Sydney Jackman, who at age 80 continues to be a livewire of energy and commitment.

UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade expressed gratitude to Foster for his hard work, and the special emphasis he places on cricket in the UCCA subassociation.

Azusa Iwashimizu, one of Japan's 2011 Women's World Cupwinning footballers, was the first to carry the torch. She was accompanied by former team-mates

A

year later than planned, and despite an ongoing global pandemic, the torch relay for the delayed Tokyo Olympics finally got underway in Japan on Thursday.

The 121-day relay signals the start of the buildup to this summer's Games, which were postponed from 2020 by coronavirus.

The torch was lit during a ceremony in Fukushima, and will be carried by 10,000 runners across Japan before the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the Games' opening ceremony on 23 July.

But, as expected, this year's torch relay will be one with a difference.

Thousands of people have lined the streets for the event in previous years, but because of virus restric-

tions, spectators have been banned from this year's launching ceremony.

A small number of fans were allowed to watch the relay's second section, but face masks were compulsory, and cheering was banned in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19. It was announced last week that international fans would not be allowed to travel to the Games.

Chief of Tokyo 2020, Seiko Hashimoto, has said she hopes the Olympic flame would serve as "a ray of light at the end of the darkness".

"This little flame never lost hope, and it waited for this day like a cherry blossom bud just about to bloom," she said in speaking at the launch ceremony.

(BBC Sport)

22 RHTY&SC cricket teams "Let’s fly high at Easter" programmes distribute 1000 kites

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

role model to their peers.

The teams have also donated a water dispenser, a solar light, and some special gifts to the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church on Saturday last as part of their “Say Yes to Religion” programme.

The church’s youth club had, in 1990, played a major role in the formation of the RHTY&SC, which has since gone on to become Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation.

The teams of the RHTY&SC are: Poonai Under 12 and 13; Farfan and Mendes Under 15; Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division; Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate; BCB Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu handing over donation to the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost

T

he 11 cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) continue to make a positive impact on the lives of others in the county of Berbice.

Under the supervision of BCB Asst Secretary/CEO Donation being handed over to a representative of the We Care Simon Naidu, the teams creFoundation of Tuschen, EBE ated and distributed 1000 church, among other places kites under their "Let’s Fly the kites for distribution.

The kites were distribwhile the teams would also High at Easter" programme uted across the county be sharing out kites to less for 2021.

This programme, brain- of Berbice, and 260 kites fortunate children.

Naidu explained that child of the 21-year-old have also been donated to the We Care Foundation each year, management of Simon Naidu, has as its at Tuschen, East Bank the RHTY&SC, MS, manmain objective to provide Essequibo. dates the teams to undera kite to each child whose Donations have also take a wide range of activiparents cannot afford to been made to the Black ties under the sub-headings purchase one for them.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ Bush Polder, Corriverton of health, sports, education, development, CEO Hilbert Foster has and Port Mourant Roman community Catholic parishes, and to youth development, relihailed the hard work of Naidu and members of the Rose Hall Town Police gion, culture, anti-drugs, the club over the last two Outpost, Upper Corentyne anti-crime and anti-suicide.

Association, Additionally, each member weeks. That work has re- Cricket Berbice Cricket Board, and is expected to be a positive sulted in them obtaining the Deeper Life Ministries

Vitality Under 23; Metro Females; NAMILCO Under 21 and First Division.

The teams are hereby acknowledging their gratitude to the following donors for making the donations possible: Rickey Itwaru, Arjune Nandu, Kumar Joseph, Therbhuwan Jagdeo, Kevin Ramnarain, Surendra Ramcharitar, Doorsammy Mahadeo, Mahendra Gopilall, Chanderpaul Govindhan, Surendra Kissoonlall, Christopher Deroop, Shawn Pereira, Sunil Marimoothoo, Ryan Tillakram, Prettipaul, Rabindranauth Kissoonlall, Kris Baromasi, Randolph Lewis and Shimron and Nirvani Hetmyer.

Permaul eyeing the target at Pan Am Championships

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Devin Permaul eyeing his target

ore than a year ago, Archery Guyana reported on two members, Devin Persaud Permaul and Wayne De Abreu, who had been participating in the Olympic Qualification process.

Then, unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit globally.

Right now, however, in the world of Archery, there is some glimmer of hope as things return to a new ‘normalcy”, and Guyana is once again back on track to seek to secure spots for Archery in the Tokyo Games.

This week, in Monterrey, Mexico, 20 countries sent representatives to shoot at the Pan American Championships under strict pandemic regulations set out by World Archery and the local health authorities.

And present there in Monterrey, Mexico is Guyana’s very own Devin Permaul, flying the Golden Arrowhead amidst fierce competition for the quota places.

T h e r e are, in these Pan American Championships, three quota places which are reserved for countries in the Americas, and those can be won only by countries who have not already se-

cured a place. Each nation can collect a maximum of only one quota place per gender in Monterrey, Mexico.

After these continental championships, there is only one last qualification tournament, which will take place in Paris in June.

It will be open to all countries. However, with travel plans uncertain and the global pandemic still of great concern, this competition in Monterrey might be the last chance for some of the athletes - and especially for Guyana - to qualify for the Games. The pressure on our Archer and countryman is high, and the battle for these quota places will be intense.

The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana are extending best wishes to Devin Permaul, and are urging all of Guyana to rally around him and send positive energy across the miles for Guyana’s sake.

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(Ext 55)

NOW!

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

23 Bonner stars with ton as West Indies eke out draw FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

N

krumah Bonner spent as many as eight balls on 99. There was a threat of rain, with a drizzle going around, too.

The ground staff prepared themselves to run in with covers. In that short phase, there were various delays on the field, and it looked like Bonner would have to wait longer than he wanted for that maiden hundred.

He drove an overpitched delivery through covers soon after, to get to his maiden Test century in just his third Test.

Bonner's innings headlined West Indies' defiance in Antigua as they managed to pull off a stoic draw in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Beginning the day with 341 to get, and having lost a wicket late on Day 4, West Indies made a steady start.

Between going for a win or playing out for a draw, the first session made apparent which way West Indies were leaning.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Bonner shared a fifty-run stand and kept Sri Lanka's bowlers at bay, making an excellent start. Although they weren't particularly going after the runs, they frustrated Sri Lanka's pacers, who bowled tight lengths and lines, but failed to make any inroads on the docile surface.

Brathwaite was watchful and very conservative in approach, but Bonner, in stark contrast, was fluent and went

for his strokes from time to time, going after anything short.

West Indies scored 31 runs in the first hour of play.

It looked like they would see through the session with all wickets intact, until Lasith Embuldeniya changed ends and struck immediately. The left-arm spinner knocked over Brathwaite, who stepped out of his crease and was done in by the variation of pace, breaking the 66-run stand.

Embuldeniya attacked the stumps, and with two spinners operating from either end, Sri Lanka bowled four maidens on the trot in a session that was

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

because of a slight drizzle.

West Indies carried on after lunch in what was a much more fluid session for them, wherein runs flowed rather fluently. In 27 overs, they scored 90 runs, much in contrast with the opening session, which was a slow one.

Runs were not an issue for Sri Lanka, who tried everything they could and received no assistance at all, with deliveries keeping low. Nor did West Indies' batsmen err too much, but were fortunate that their edges landed in between slip fielders or where it was safe.

Kraigg Brathwaite is bowled all ends up

lunch was taken, found the boundaries more frequently after the break. It was a stellar second session for West Indies, wherein they lost no wickets while Bonner and Mayers kept Sri Lanka at bay for the entirety of the second one, with their unbroken century stand going to the break at 181 for 2.

However, in the first over after the break, Embuldeniya forced Mayers into the drive.

He went after one that was wide of off, edged it to slip, and was out for 52.

Jermaine Blackwood was knocked over by Vishwa Fernando for the second time

in the game. There was a hint of swing, and the incoming

angle to Blackwood did him in as Sri Lanka sniffed a chance.

Bonner, however, was as resolute as they come. On 95, Sri Lanka reviewed a legbefore call against him, but were on the wrong side of the decision, as it stayed with the umpire's call. Bonner soon got to his maiden Test ton, becoming the 87th West Indian to score a Test century.

Jason Holder kept Bonner company, unbeaten on 18, after the teams had entered into the final hour of play.

The Sri Lankan bowlers gave it everything, but ran out of steam, resulting in handshakes being taken 45 minutes prior to closing time. (cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 2nd Innings Kraigg Brathwaite (c) b Embuldeniya 23 John Campbell c †Dickwella b MVT Fernando 11 Nkrumah Bonner not out 113 Kyle Mayers c Thirimanne b Embuldeniya 52 Jermaine Blackwood b MVT Fernando 4 Jason Holder not out 18 15 Extras (b 4, lb 8, nb 3) TOTAL (100 Ov, RR: 2.36) 236/4 Did not bat: Joshua Da

Silva †, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-12 (John Campbell, 5.6 ov), 2-78 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 39.3 ov), 3-183 (Kyle Mayers, 75.4 ov), 4-204 (Jermaine Blackwood, 85.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Suranga Lakmal 25-10-33-0 Vishwa Fernando 19-0-73-2 Lasith Embuldeniya 28-9-62-2 Dushmantha Chameera 18-3-44-0 Dhananjaya de Silva 10-5-12-0

Nkumrah Bonner stroked an unbeaten century (Randy Brooks/ Getty Images)

Golden Jags miss several D’Edward humble Blairmont to advance to final chances as TT win 3-0 extended by 15 minutes due to the delayed start upfront

Bonner, who had just reached his fifty when

of the BCB/Faizal Jafferally 20/20 tournament

D

The winning D’Edward CC

’Edward Cricket Club have advanced to the final of the BCB/Faizal Jafferally 20/20 tournament by defeating a determined Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club by 16 runs in a match played at the Cotton Tree Ground.

In the presence of BCB President Hilbert Foster, the lone semi-final was played under very strict COVID-19 regulations.

D’Edward CC batted first after winning the toss, and soon found themselves in trouble when Deonauth Persaud was bowled for nought by Javed Karim,

Faizal Jafferally, MP

and then the ultra-aggressive Altaf Khan was caught off left arm spinner Nigel Deodat for a duck to leave D’Edward reeling at 5 for 2 in the second over. It soon became 12 for 3 when Deo Persaud trapped Devindra Lalsa lbw for 07.

However, the veteran duo of Heralall Bridgelall and skipper Jaipaul Heralall joined forces at 68 for 5 in the 14th over, and added 52 in 4 overs to rescue their team. Bridgelall ended on 74 not out (7x4, 2x6) and received support from Heralall (15) and Kevon Jawahir (21) as D’Edward ended on 141 for 6 from

their allotted 20 overs.

National youth players Nigel Deodat (2 for 22) and Javed Karim (4 for 30) bowled well for Blairmont.

In reply, the youthful Blairmont team were restricted to 125 for 7 when their 20 overs had expired.

Deodat returned with the bat to score a delightful 54, which included 6 boundaries and 2 sixes. Karim also completed a fine all-round performance to register 41 (2x6, 3x4). Veteran medium pacer Keith Fraser bowled well to take 2 for 28 from 4 overs, while Bridgelall returned incredible figures of 2 for 3.

2

0 seconds! 20 seconds was all it took to break the Golden Jaguars’ momentum and handicap another 90 minutes of play. That’s the way it went on Thursday night when the Guyana Senior Men’s National Team took on their counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago in the qualifier match.

For the starting XI, Head Coach Marcio Maximo opted for Sam Cox (C), Trayon Bobb, Keanu Marsh-Browne, Matthew Briggs, Miguel Scarlett, Akel Clarke (G), Emery Welshman, Daniel Wilson, Kadell Daniel and Callum Harriott.

The opposition TT side consisted of Michel poonAngeron, Neveal Hackshaw, Nicklas Frenderup, Sheldon Bateau, Khaleem Hyland, Daniel Phillips, Robert Primus, Ryan Tefler, Aubrey David, Levi Garcia and Joevin Jones. They got the first run.

By the 20th second of the first session, Trinidad’s intentions were clear as day, and the tempo was set for the remaining 44 minutes and 40 seconds.

T&T’s Joevin Jones charged at the Guyanese goal with lethal determination, but fate spared Guyana the immediate disappointment, with Jones missing the goal by inches.

Guyana, however, would not get the courtesy of two spares, as first goal game in the 7th minute.

Two Guyanese defenders were charged with being Levi Garcia’s security detail, and they did quite a messy job of it, thereby allowing the Trinidadian international player to escape on the line adjacent to the goal. Garcia took his best shot from the adjacent position, and a poised Akel Clarke could not get a finger on the lightning-fast shot.

Between the moments of the Soca Warriors’ first and second goals, the Golden Jaguars missed what could have been the equaliser and the leading goal in the space of minutes.

A free kick just outside the box was on mark, but went awry at the final moments, and a diving kick from Trayon Bobb off of an Emery Welshman assist missed the corner of the goal.

The four-man defense appeared incomparable to the Trinidadian front runners, indicative of their second goal coming in only the 15th. Sheldon Bateau was the man directing the free kick, and Kadell Daniel candidly moved out of the way, giving the ball a clear passage to the goal. All it took was the hip of Ryan Tefler to guide it home for the Twin Island Republic’s second and Tefler’s first.

Akel Clarke finally showed up for the game in the 30th, following a controversial penalty awarded to the ‘Trinis’. Trayon Bobb, hunting possession, reached between the legs of Jones in pursuit of the ball, but was unlucky, as his opposition writhed in pain in the box.

The penalty was unsuccessful for Trinidad, however, as Jones missed three opportunities to find the back of the net.

Guyana’s custodian, Clarke, pulled off the save of the night when he stopped the penalty with a right dive, a second attempt with a left dive, and a

third with a fist upwards.

The euphoria of Clarke’s heroics vanished fleetingly as he attempted a forward pursuit to stop a try at the goal. Clarke dived and missed as Tefler safely led the ball to the goal in a few jogs in the 44th minute.

The woes banked up on the Golden Jags as two more goal opportunities went abegging in the 27th and 38th.

With three goals on the board, the Soca Warriors didn’t seem too keen on pushing any urgency in the second half, making for a lackluster set of plays.

The visibly worn-out Soca Warriors held their nerve still, blocking any attempts that the Guyanese may have had at the nets. The closest the Golden Jaguars came in the second to registering a goal was Callum Harriot’s stray shot following up on a Welshman assist.

On a positive note, 4 of Guyana’s 5 substitutes (Omari Glasgow, Job Caesar, Kelsey Benjamin and Pernell Schultz) were locals. The homebred boys, in spite of not scoring, had a commendable run, lending a hand in restricting Trinidad to just three goals.

Thus far, Trinidad and Tobago sit on top of Group F, while St Kitts and Nevis have a similar three points after defeating Puerto Rico 1-0 on Wednesday. (Jemima Holmes)

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

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

Bonner stars with Permaul eyeing the ton as West Indies target at Pan Am Championships eke out draw Page 23

Page 22

Golden Jags miss several chances as TT win 3-0 Part of the action in the encounter between Guyana and T&T (TTFA Media)

See story on page 23

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