Guyana Times - Friday, May 13, 2022

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5007

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

Guyana to export manganese for 1st time in 54 years – Finance Minister See story on page 3

...as int'l operators exploring 3 large-scale gold mines

Mohamed’s Enterprise to construct stone depot, shore-based facility at Providence Int’l Nurses Day Paul Cheong Nurses to re-elected benefit from Chairman int’l training – of PSC – lobbies local companies to seek int’l partners to capitalise on opportunities Health Minister Page 9

See story on page 16

Page 7

Rice farmer dies in 3-vehicle collision at Mahaicony Over 51,000 arrivals in Guyana in 1st quarter of 2022 – GTA

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Investment portal connecting Guyanese P17 entrepreneurs, start-ups with investors Motorcyclist dies after crashing into teen P10

Armed bandits rob pump attendants, minibus P10 passengers Allegedly P8 drunken driver gets $275, 000 bail for Mahaica fatal accident

Page 2

Dead: Nareshwar Arjune

Page 13

2nd Magistrate recuses self P17 from misconduct trial against fmr Finance Minister COVID cases continue to P15 rise with 52 new infections …adolescent herd immunity only at 34.7%

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rice farmer dies in 3-vehicle collision at Mahaicony A three-vehicle collision along the Bushy Park Public Road at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara has resulted in the death of 25-yearold rice farmer Nareshwar Arjune, also called Ryan, of Mahaicony, ECD. The incident, which occurred at around 07:40h, involved motorcar PCC 5219, driven by the late Nareshwar Arjune; motorcar HD 2859, driven by 26-year-old Kevin Bagot; and motor jeep PJJ 8723, driven by a 19-yearold male.

The Police have said that Arjune’s vehicle and the jeep

The state of the car that Arjune was driving after the accident

were proceeding in the same direction along the Bushy Park Public Road, with the jeep travelling behind. The jeep reportedly collided with the rear of Arjune’s motorcar, and Arjune lost control of the vehicle and it ended up crashing into the taxi on the other side of the road.

As a result of the collision, Arjune, taxi driver Kevin Bagot and his reputed wife sustained injuries to their bodies, and were picked up and transported to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where Arjune was pronounced dead on arrival.

Bagot and his wife, who both

The jeep that was being driven by the teenager

Dead: Nareshwar called Ryan

Arjune,

remain in an unconscious state, are being treated at that medical facility.

The teenager who was driving the jeep at the time of the accident has been arrested. A breathalyzer test was administered, but there was no alcohol in his system.

He remains in custody, assisting with investigations.

A few days ago, Divisional Commander Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon had reported that there has been a 20 per cent reduction in road accidents and a 50 per cent reduction in fatal accidents for the first quarter of 2022, as compared to 2021.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Guyana Times, the dead man’s sister, Taijwantie Arjune explained that her brother was heading to a cousin’s house.

“He was heading up to Mahaicony to make a pickup (of vehicle parts) and they said a car was in front of him and the car stop and he brakes behind the car and then there was a next pick-up come behind him, hit his car, and pitch his car into oncoming traffic,” the sister related.

“My mother actually called me and tell me that she heard something happen and she said for my husband to go, so I keep asking her what is it, she said she don’t know, but let him go see…I didn’t know it was an accident till when my husband reach there, then is when he call and said my brother end up in an accident,” she added.

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NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, May 13 – 01:30h-03:00h and Saturday, May 14 – 02:00h-03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Guyana to export manganese for 1st time in 54 years – Finance Minister ...as int'l operators exploring 3 large-scale gold mines

Friday, May 13 – 14:20h-15:50h and Saturday, May 14 – 15:10h-16:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain is expected in the early-morning to midafternoon hours, followed by sunshine. Partly cloudy to clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 14:46h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 08:19h and 20:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metre and 0.62 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$109.40/barrel

+1.79

Rough Rice

$310.284 /ton

+0. 50

London Sugar

$520.50/ton

Live Spot Gold

0.00

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1823.90

$1824.90

Low/High Change

$1810.00 +2.40

$1855.20 +0.13 %

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh

G

uyana’s gold industry will be significantly boosted with the potential establishment of three large-scale operations here, with major international players expressing interest.

According to Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, these developments would create scores of jobs and business opportunities for Guyanese.

Dr Singh made this announcement on Thursday while addressing the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), which is also celebrating 30 years since its establishment.

The Finance Minister noted that these promising gold developments would all be bigger than Omai’s operations in Guyana.

“Right now, multiple international companies are actively engaged in – at various stages of development of world-class, largescale gold mining operations in at least three very promising developments across Guyana that could see gold mines, each of which will be bigger than Omai Gold Mines… These are international investors.

Some of them are quoted on the international stock exchange, stock exchanges around the world. They are raising capital in the international markets, all to finance large-scale gold mining in Guyana,” he related.

Reminding of the significant role that Omai’s operations played in Guyana’s economy, Dr Singh stated these potential gold mines would have a ripple effect on the country, thus bringing benefits to scores of Guyanese.

“Consider for a moment that each one of these will probably be employing more than a thousand Guyanese persons.

Consider the food and other supplies that they will need, the transport services, the construction services, the equipment supply and maintenance services, and all of the multiplier benefits that three large-scale gold mining operations will generate in Guyana,” the Finance Minister pointed out.

The Canada-based Omai Gold Mines is currently the

largest operator in Guyana with its Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) operations, which has a reserve of some 3.7 million ounces of gold.

Omai, which has already started a 5000-metre drilling programme in the Wenot pit, had announced in April 2021 the presence of high-grade gold in the first two holes that extend at least 100 metres below ground.

The company only returned to the Wenot and Fennell pits at the Region Seven site in 2020 after leaving Guyana in 2015.

It had announced last December that it would be pressing forward with the 5000-metre drilling programme.

It was only in November 2020 that Omai Gold Mines, which is aiming to reclaim its place as Guyana’s top gold producer, announced the impending resumption of trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, following the reverse takeover of Avalon Investment Holdings.

Manganese export

Meanwhile, Dr Singh also noted that the interest by these major international investors runs alongside the Dr Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s push to advance non-oil sectors in Guyana’s rapidly-growing economy.

He outlined too that while the oil and gas industry, and the commencement of oil production, has a major role in Guyana becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, the Government is even more

The manganese operations in Matthews Ridge, Region One (Barima-Waini)

committed now to further diversifying the Guyanese economy. This, he added, includes special emphasis being placed on non-oil extractive sectors such as gold and other minerals.

In fact, Minister Singh further disclosed that Guyana was currently preparing to export manganese – a hard, brittle, silvery metal often found in ores in combination with iron – for the first time in over five decades.

“Guyana, I believe this very week, will resume exports of manganese for the first time in… 54 years.

Right now, as we speak, vessels are being loaded in the North-West of Guyana, with Guyana’s first shipment of manganese in 54 years,” Dr Singh related.

The Guyana Manganese Incorporated (GMI), a Bosai Minerals Group company, started extracting the metal early last year at Matthews Ridge, Region One (Barima-Waini) after being granted its Environmental Permit and Mining Licence, along with the approval of the Mine

Plan.

The project investment is pegged at US$75 million, and the annual production and shipment of manganese ore concentrate are targeted at 500,000 metric tonnes annually.

GMI purchased four prospecting licences that cover an area of 45,729 acres, exploration results, mineral agreement, certain properties and infrastructure from RMI of Canada in November 2016.

The total manganese resource in Matthews Ridge is some 26 million tonnes.

To produce the manganese concentrate, the company will have to mine some two million tonnes per year which will see the life of the operation lasting some 1213 years.

Manganese is used to make clear glass, desulphurise and deoxidise steel in steel production, and reduce the octane rating in gasoline. It also is used as a black-brown pigment in paint and as a filler in drycell batteries. Additionally, its alloys help stiffen the aluminium in soft-drink cans.

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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

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

Taking pride in Police profession

O

ver the years, great efforts have been made to reprofessionalise and re-capitalise each arm of the Joint Services. Gradually, the ranks, with rare exceptions, began taking pride in their uniform and profession, with dire consequences for the criminal population.

Governments changed, and there was a paradigm shift in the actions/inactions of the various ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), again with rare exceptions, in direct correlation with the multiplicity of infractions of the law by lawmakers then in Government, who were trampling on the Constitution in myriads of ways.

Subsequent to the PPP/C’s accession to the nation’s administrative offices in August of 2020, the new Government, through strategic placement of senior ranks, once again embarked on a dynamic crusade to create a people-friendly, proactive Police Force.

However, every organisation is a microcosm of the wider society, and the GPF is no different. Inasmuch as the society at large has criminals rampaging in every community, so too there are rogue cops defaming the entire Force and creating distrust between law-abiding citizens and the GPF. The rogues take bribes. In the past, some ranks have been accused, rightly or wrongly, of lending their weapons to bandits, and of setting free persons who were captured with great effort and at great risk to their fellow officers.

They have even been accused of perpetrating criminal activities themselves, and it is only just that, when caught, they should be dealt with in more punitive ways than those meted to civilians, because they are supposed to be guardians of the laws of the land and protectors of the society, so their felonious actions are tantamount to crimes against the State, and consequently are treasonous.

Some of these ranks disgrace their uniforms and the organisation to which they belong. They bring disrepute to the entire Force with their criminal actions, and should be dealt with condignly by their own counterparts in the service, as in a case where one Policeman nabbed three bribe-takers.

The minibus conductors know all the traffic Policemen who take bribes, and their stories of persecution by those delegated to protect travellers from lawless road-users who commit traffic violations that endanger lives are many. Amnesty should be offered to those who were coerced into paying bribes by the disreputable brigade of lawmen in exchange for their providing crucial and credible evidence in court.

The law banning music from minibuses is constantly being flouted, even within hearing of Police ranks, most of whom ignore the cacophony because they themselves feel that music, even the cacophonous and vulgar variety, is no crime, but is instead very enjoyable and should be tolerated, with anyone objecting being deemed a troublemaker. In this regard, they abdicate their responsibility to be guardians and enforcers of the law, regardless of personal opinions and preferences.

The travelling public is still being held to ransom, because if they complain about loud and crude music, speeding or overcrowding, they are most often abused, and sometimes even ejected from the bus. Sometimes, instead of respecting and heeding a request to turn down or off raucous and vulgar music, the volume is turned up to excruciatingly higher decibels. The public sometimes have no recourse but to endure the assault on their hearing organ, just to reach their destination.

The rogues in the GPF have to be weeded out by loyal and honest members of the Force themselves, in sting operations, cognizant of the fact that defamation ensuing from the criminal actions of even one rogue cop impacts the reputation of the entire Force, not merely the renegades. The distrust of the public for the Police intensifies rather than wanes, and there are numerous instances when members of the public, fearing a negative response, prefer to suffer in silence rather than report crimes committed against them.

The trickle-down effects of crimes committed by rogue cops affect every Police rank, even those who have performed heroically in the line of duty, risking and sometimes losing their lives, who have given service to their country and their countrymen beyond the call of duty; so it is incumbent on those honest, dedicated and professional Police ranks to identify, isolate and eliminate the criminals within their midst, so that the GPF once again becomes a highly efficient, trusted law-enforcement body that fulfills its mandate by protecting and serving the nation.

Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken on Thursday met with Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Ann Greene and other officials to discuss areas of partnership and collaboration, especially as it relates to children and juveniles who are in conflict with the law. In photo from left: Force Training Officer Supt Keithon King; Managing Director of Blossom Inc, Leanna Thompson; Court Superintendent of Regional Division (4C) W/ASP Shavon Jupiter; Court Superintendent of Regional Division (4A) W/ASP Shellon Daniels; Head, SPU W/ASP Nicola Kendall; CoP (ag) Clifton Hicken; Director of Children Services, Ann Greene; Programme Manager of Blossom Inc, Ayo Dalgety-Dean; Paediatric Surgeon at GPHC, Dr Marisa Seepersaud; Assistant Director of Children Services, Levine Gouveia and Managing Director of ChildLink, Omattie Madray

Abuse in the security industry Dear Editor, I wish to concur with the honourable Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken, who has warned security services to desist from the unnecessary use of high-powered AR rifles and submachine guns etc.

The private security industry in Guyana has been at its best, with respect, honour, dignity and service for a long time. It has always been an important component of the Guyana Police Force, as auxiliary support in crime-fighting and law enforcement.

The undersigned has been in the private security industry for 42 years, and I have employed tens upon tens of thousands of persons. Some of the finest security personnel, some of the most disciplined and articulate ones, many of whom have returned to the Creator. I will always be grateful to them.

Today, the security industry seems to be one in which many enter for their convenience and as a part of what they think is a “get rich quick syndrome or scheme.” Many are registering security services after other names of businesses, and even independently, merely for the factor of acquiring guns. They say it’s too hard to go through the normal system. Some guns are scary and unnecessary.

I’ve seen auto sales and security services, I’ve seen retail wholesale halaal and security services, and I’ve seen pawnbrokers and security services.

Very soon we may have toilet rentals and security, latrine makers and security, cosmetics and security, Cinderella and security, tamarind-ball and security etc.

My point, dear Editor, ladies and gentlemen, is that a lot of people are adding security companies to their vari-

ous businesses because they want guns for their families and friends. Some of them are involved in renting weapons to neighbours, corporate owners, and business people whom they process as SCs. And one wonders who else!

I know one person who says he has several guns, his mother-in-law has a gun, his wife has a gun, his maid has a gun, and all his neighbours have guns. They all make it seem as if security services in Guyana have gone gun mad with madness! It seems people can use all kinds of games to acquire firearms by registering a security business.

It rocks my heart at times when I suddenly see an announcement of a new security service. Their personnel have heavy-duty firing power around their necks. I sometimes have to wonder, after 42 years in the security industry, we are trying to upgrade or get approval for 2 or 3 upper-level firearms as we are a responsible company and we do not use firearms to show off nor play big or bad. But these new boys on the block instantly seem to have their personnel processed, and weapons galore as soon as they get their licence.

Many long-term security services are asking the same questions, as well as the citizens of Guyana. They usually get the high-powered weapons instantaneously, it seems, and it makes us feel as if we are providing service in places like Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Palestine and Israel. Weapons that make us look horrible, and as if our state is a war zone or a narco-state, which is not the case!

I have had many visitors in Guyana, and they have expressed shock to see these kinds of firepower and security outfits, as if we are legal

mercenaries for some countries, and are being used to support the militant campaigns of some powerful nations in places like Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq etc. It is shocking to know that one of the most equipped in the country was recently formed, and has such firepower and such reach with only one business.

People are beginning to say that some of these businesses are merely fronts for other businesses, and are using legal weapons for possibly illegal businesses. This is the opinion and view of many educated and simple Guyanese.

We have, in Guyana, a stable Government! We have a well-trained Police Force that no one can defeat in a major altercation! These overnight security services are carrying more firepower than our Police Force. This is scary.

My specialist friend in security, Mr. Robert Gates, has been talking about the possibility of these kinds of personalities coming together, rivaling the Police and our Defence Force in an attempt to create mayhem and destruction in Guyana, especially those with ulterior motives in Guyana and possibly anti-Government.

We saw one operator of a security company -- before the elections, during the count and recount in 2015, and even in 2020 -- threatening this Government when they were in Opposition in pre-2020. He, the head, put up advertisements that ex-GDF, military, and Police personnel were warning the then Opposition which was the PPP/C and the Government now, of major activity against them, yet still this company is being awarded security contracts and has firearms.

Travelling to Berbice a few

days ago during Ramadan, I was shocked to see a communication tower with a lone security guard and an AR rifle hanging on his neck, coming down his belly, over his reproductive part while eating. He could have easily been disarmed with a piece of stick, a baton, a punch to the face, or a spit in the eye.

It must be noted that some security services pop up with strange names, and some are being awarded major Government security contracts without having any experience, expertise or security specialisation. These businesses lack the ability to procure security personnel, and lack offices in different districts for which they are being awarded. After being awarded the contract, they even lack the ability to start the contract on time, even with the Ministry giving them as much as an additional two weeks.

We have had to suffer and wait those two weeks to assist the security service, because it is our Government’s properties and staff that were involved. But they were awarded the contract just because they tendered below cost.

With this below-cost tendering, I say this to the Government of Guyana: ‘watch out for Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, and definitely National Insurance Scheme being cheated’. It is the normal corollary of thefts. It is unfortunate that the law-abiding agencies with the skills, abilities, and talents, and those that cannot charge below cost will have to suffer the consequences of those bent on deceit and dishonour. So GRA and NIS, watch out for lower Income Tax and NIS funds into your schemes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

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

Agriculture is pivotal to our development

Women during Indentureship

By Guyanese of Indian Ancestry Association

F

rom the start of Indentureship, the planters insisted women should be recruited. This was more to ensure stability in the work force that would be encouraged to remain in Guyana if families were formed - which would also “reproduce labour”.

Dear Editor, The advent of the Oil and Gas Industry has brought untold millions to our treasury, and for this we are thankful to the Almighty, in blessing us to see this day, Amen. Oil, together with its prudent management by our Government, has caused us to turn the bend, and we are now well on the homestretch of progress and development. It is a road we are on, and must travel with care and caution, because oil remains an exhaustible resource; meaning, it will run out, and where would that leave us?

Then it behooves us to invest in the inexhaustible resource of agriculture. Yes, amidst the rush and aggrandisement of oil, we must not forget that Guyana is still an agricultural country, and, as such, we must put considerable effort and resources into it.

First on my list of reasons is that more persons are employed in the agricultural industry than in oil and gas.

There is a vast number of workers in the agricultural sector, over and above those that are employed in the oil and gas industry.

Secondly, we will not fall

prey to the Dutch Disease, which is: pouring all our effort and attention into oil and gas, to the detriment of the other employers of our people. Again, agriculture comes right back into focus.

In this regard, I applaud the Government for its efforts to continue the sustainable development of the agricultural industry, and at the same time explore newer avenues of development.

Recent developments wherein the Government has highlighted the need to develop the animal husbandry industry, specifically mentioning the enhancement of small ruminants, are most welcome. This is an area in which small entrepreneurs can cash in. It is a very lucrative market, taking it from the vantage point of the price for mutton (lamb) right here in the Caribbean and on the wider world stage. Guyana needs to take full advantage of this venture.

The growth time of the animal, its feeding and general maintenance are relatively short compared to other animals. The carcass quality is also good. Mutton remains a meat kind preferred by most people everywhere. And, like

I said, encouragement of the Barbadian Black Belly sheep in our ruminant population is most welcome, and small farmers should take ample opportunity to rear this animal and take command of the meat market, both locally and overseas.

I would just like to spend a little more time on the rearing of the Black Belly sheep, to say that keen care must be put into its grazing grounds and the quality of forage.

Small ruminants like the sheep, which take up less space, are a plus for the farmer. However, the quality of grazing needs to be improved.

In this regard, there are valuable lessons we can learn from the Kibbutz of Israel (Recently, I saw Guyana establishing ties with Israel).

Kibbutzim is a unique communal agricultural programme in which animals can be placed on communal farms and the system of rotational grazing can be instituted. Now, the naysayers would readily jump on this and say that Guyana has lots of land, so why go for the Israeli Kibbutz. But I would retort that we must take into consideration that our animals have to compete for the same space

that the crop husbandry farmer needs, and many of us are aware of how dicey, if not contentious, this can become. So, my advice to the Agriculture Ministry is to adopt and adapt a system conducive to our situation here in Guyana.

Wherever there is land space for open grazing, that should be encouraged.

However, in the present circumstances, wherein the two agricultural pursuits collide (please note: sheep are pesky ruminants), good sense should prevail, and a Guyanese version of kibbutz can be put in place.

Another area of importance is the planting of good quality forage. We in Guyana have the nutritious paragrass at our disposal, and this should be planted in areas where it does not exist. Other nutritious grasses that are found locally should be utilised.

Guyana is well on its way in the development trajectory, and agriculture is a mainstay. All efforts should be put into its modern development, all towards the good and prosperity of Guyana.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Let’s set the record straight on all rigged elections in Guyana However, within India it was generally the men, displaced by the British depredations who left villages to seek employment. The recruiters, or arkatis were offered a premium if they could persuade women. However even though there were various regulations specifying the number of women to men, - varying from 25 to 40 the latter was only achieved in the later years. Overall only 25% of indentureds to BG were women.

A few women came with their husbands - some formed at the Depots - while a significant number of single women were widows, some with children. Under the then prevalent rigid Victorian morality some women were described a “prostitutes” simply because they were unaccompanied by men.

This scarcity of women in Guyana led to led to further patriarchal denigration of women since their freedom from caste restraints and ability to earn a wage gave them an unusual freedom compared to the India they left. Some, called “Sadarines”, became heads of female gangs. Many observers castigated them for the ease in which they “left” husbands and “took up” with other liaisons. There were a slew of wife murders during this period arising out of matrimonial disputes. Many overseers and Sirdars on the plantations also abused female Girmitiyas often leading to protests.

Dear Editor, Last January, I sent the below-captioned letter to our local newspapers; however, it has not been published to date. It reads as follows: “It was reported in another local newspaper, as per article titled ‘Norton says accepts reality of the PPP/C government’ dated 01/01/2022, in which it is stated, ‘Newly-elected leader of the PNCR says that the reality is that the PPP/C is the Government of Guyana, and President Irfaan Ali and his office are accepted, but it does not change his belief that the 2020 elections were manipulated to give those results, thus making the Government an installed one’.

“Alas, the latter part of Mr. Norton’s utterance seems to be more of irresponsible claims and banal stories, hence his being ludicrous and hilarious; and given the facts of the notorious feats of the PNC-led APNU+AFC rigging mechanisms and ‘fishing expedition’ (as per Caricom Report) to steal and conceal the 2020 General Elections.

“In conclusion, on account of President Ali’s promise to have a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the rigging of the 2020 general elections, I would implore the new leader of the PNCR to request the President to extend CoIs for all of the PNC rigged elections between 1968 and 1985 (including the 1978 fraudu-

Abuse in the...

Starting from facing the first shootings at Devonshire Castle in 1872, women were in the midst of most protests against working conditions and their abuse. Salamea of Friends in 1903 and Sumintra of Leonora in 1939 are just two who stood out.

DID YOU KNOW? From the beginning of indentureship until 1948, “cane cutters” were just that - cutting cane and dropping it on the ground for mostly women to fetch it to the punts. This task was just as onerous, if not more so, than “cane cutting”.

Throughout Indentureship, women’s wages were less than that of men - 16 cents for them to 24 cents or one shilling for men. Yet they did domestic chores as well as work.

We have seen one security service that stole NIS, GRA monies and VAT. And made arrangements to pay, but never did to any of these agencies.

They declared bankruptcy, changed their name, and with the same uniform, at the same offices, they continued into business with the major Government contracts during the APNU era going their way. And they continued the same criminality, such as stealing the NIS, VAT etc…

A union was given the contract guarantee for 7 years, and it stole billions in NIS, GRA, and PAYE taxes, and never paid corporate taxes.

Then they went belly up. NIS suffered, GRA suffered, and the legal companies suffered to make up for the shortfall of

FROM PAGE 4

the dishonesty.

I tried to cover three important areas with some emphasis on what is happening in Guyana. The Cabinet, the Ministries and the Government must pay serious attention to the award of security contracts, and other contracts that are important to the development of Guyana; for example: seawalls, roads, kokers and housing. Do not leave it up to NPTAB only. They need to find a method to eliminate those bent on dishonesty and desperation.

I highlight these things with the hope that it will draw the attention of those in power.

Sincerely, Dr. Roshan Khan Snr

lent referendum, which was the instrument used in delivering birth to the iniquitous 1980 Constitution), and set the record straight once and for all on the subject of rigged elections in Guyana”.

Here again, at the recently held European Day Reception, the Guyanese people have the Leader of the PNC – APNU/AFC/ Opposition Leader - contesting the validity of the 2020 General Elections, but this time he wants a public debate with the PPP General

Secretary/Vice President on the matter.

However, he doesn’t want to submit his Party’s SoPs at the time of the debate, but after the conclusion of the debate. So callous, conning, and conniving with another gesture…

As the old saying goes, “those who are led to believe absurdities can commit atrocities”. Guyanese, please take note.

Truly yours, Paul Ramrattan

Friday, May 13, 2022

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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

I

n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to use a balloon to investigate if a solid plus a liquid can equal a gas?

Materials:

How it works:

Balloon Baking soda Vinegar Clean and dry bottle (glass or plastic) Small funnel

Instructions:

Using the funnel, add two tablespoons of baking soda to the balloon.

Now pour four ounces of vinegar into the bottle.

Put the balloon over the mouth of the bottle.

Two people make this job easier as one can hold the bottle steady while the other puts the balloon onto the bottle.

CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY

SCENE II. Another part of the island.

Enter CALIBAN, STEPHANO, and TRINCULO STEPHANO Tell not me; when the butt is out, we will drink water; not a drop before: therefore bear up, and board 'em. Servant-monster, drink to me.

TRINCULO Servant-monster! the folly of this island! They say there's but five upon this isle: we are three of them; if th' other two be brained like us, the state totters.

STEPHANO Drink, servant-monster, when I bid thee: thy eyes are almost set in thy head.

TRINCULO Where should they be set else? he were a brave monster indeed, if they were set in his tail.

STEPHANO My man-monster hath drown'd his tongue in sack: for my part, the sea cannot drown me; I swam, ere I could recover the shore, five and thirty leagues off and on. By this light, thou shalt be my lieutenant, monster, or my standard.

TRINCULO Your lieutenant, if you list; he's no standard.

STEPHANO We'll not run, Monsieur Monster.

TRINCULO Nor go neither; but you'll lie like dogs and yet say nothing neither.

Now lift the balloon and allow the baking soda to fall into the vinegar.

Observe the chemical reaction and the effect on the balloon.

When baking soda (solid) and vinegar (liquid) are combined, an endothermic chemical reaction occurs. This chemical reaction creates carbon dioxide (gas). Since the balloon is stretched over the mouth of the bottle, the carbon dioxide gas cannot escape. The carbon dioxide gas creates pressure in the bottle and inflates the balloon.

Make this a science project:

Try different amounts of baking soda and vinegar. Try cooling or heating the vinegar to test if the temperature effects the chemical reaction. Try different sized balloons and bottles. (sciencefun.org)

STEPHANO Moon-calf, speak once in thy life, if thou beest a good moon-calf.

CALIBAN How does thy honour? Let me lick thy shoe.

I'll not serve him; he's not valiant.

TRINCULO Thou liest, most ignorant monster: I am in case to justle a constable. Why, thou deboshed fish thou, was there ever man a coward that hath drunk so much sack as I to-day? Wilt thou tell a monstrous lie, being but half a fish and half a monster?

CALIBAN Lo, how he mocks me! wilt thou let him, my lord?

TRINCULO 'Lord' quoth he! That a monster should be such a natural!

CALIBAN Lo, lo, again! bite him to death, I prithee.

STEPHANO Trinculo, keep a good tongue in your head: if you prove a mutineer,--the next tree! The poor monster's my subject and he shall not suffer indignity.

CALIBAN I thank my noble lord. Wilt thou be pleased to hearken once again to the suit I made to thee?

STEPHANO Marry, will I kneel and repeat it; I will stand, and so shall Trinculo.

Enter ARIEL, invisible CALIBAN

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” – Joseph Addison

As I told thee before, I am subject to a tyrant, a sorcerer, that by his cunning hath cheated me of the island.

ARIEL Thou liest.

CALIBAN Thou liest, thou jesting monkey, thou: I would my valiant master would destroy thee! I do not lie.

STEPHANO Trinculo, if you trouble him any more in's tale, by this hand, I will supplant some of your teeth.

TRINCULO Why, I said nothing.

STEPHANO Mum, then, and no more.

Proceed.

CALIBAN I say, by sorcery he got this isle; From me he got it. if thy greatness will Revenge it on him,--for I know thou darest, But this thing dare not,-STEPHANO That's most certain.

CALIBAN Thou shalt be lord of it and I'll serve thee.

STEPHANO How now shall this be compassed?

Canst thou bring me to the party?

CALIBAN Yea, yea, my lord: I'll yield him thee asleep, Where thou mayst knock a nail into his bead.

ARIEL Thou liest; thou canst not.

CALIBAN What a pied ninny's this! Thou scurvy patch!

I do beseech thy greatness, give him blows And take his bottle from him: when that's gone He shall drink nought but brine; for I'll not show him Where the quick freshes are.

STEPHANO Trinculo, run into no further danger: interrupt the monster one word further, and, by this hand, I'll turn my mercy out o' doors and make a stock-fish of thee.

TRINCULO Why, what did I? I did nothing.

I'll go farther off.

STEPHANO Didst thou not say he lied?

ARIEL Thou liest.

STEPHANO Do I so? take thou that.

Beats TRINCULO As you like this, give me the lie another time.

TRINCULO I did not give the lie. Out o' your wits and bearing too? A pox o' your bottle! this can sack and drinking do. A murrain on your monster, and the devil take your fingers!

CALIBAN Ha, ha, ha!

STEPHANO Now, forward with your tale.

Prithee, stand farther off.

CALIBAN Beat him enough: after a little time I'll beat him too.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Paul Cheong re-elected Chairman of PSC – lobbies local companies to seek int’l partners to capitalise on opportunities

Re-elected PSC Chairman Paul Cheong, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and other executives at Thursday’s AGM

A section of the gathering at the PSC’s Annual General Meeting, held at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday

ongstanding executive of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Paul Cheong, was on Thursday re-elected to serve another term as chairman of the organisation, and will continue to push Guyanese companies to partner with international players in order to tap into the abundance of business opportunities available here.

The PSC held its 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, where its council elected the Executive Members of the Commission to serve the 2022-2023 period. In addition to Cheong, Ramesh Dookhoo was also re-elected as Honorary Secretary, while Komal Singh will also return as Treasurer.

However, the PSC elected a new Vice-Chairman in the person of Ryan Alexander. He replaces Krishnand Jaichand, who was appointed to that post

International Commerce has also expressed interest in an MOU with the Commission to create mutual trade and investment opportunities.

Cheong noted that these are also possible through the passage of the Local Content Legislation last December, which guarantees Guyanese and locally-owned businesses to reap the benefits of the rapidly growing economy.

Further, the PSC Chairman spoke of cooperation with the Guyana Government, which he lauded for adopting some of the organisation’s recommendations in its 2022 National Budget. He said while not all of the proposals were taken onboard, the budget caters for public investments such as infrastructure enhancement that would drive Private Sector development.

“The Private Sector Commission is very optimistic about Guyana’s future, given that the Government has already laid the foun-

L

in 2021.

In his Chairman’s Report, Cheong remarked that, over the past year under his leadership, the PSC continued with efforts to promote a culture of collaboration and joint ventures to access larger investment opportunities.

“We recognise that building partnership is crucial in increasing our knowledge, expertise, and resources to make better products and reach a greater audience.

In building these partnerships, our local businesses will remain relevant rather than operate in isolation, enabling the achievements of our long-term goal.

“These partnerships, of course, are not confined to local companies, but include foreign companies, Governments, and organisations which are willing to work with us towards the success of businesses and the economy at large,” the PSC Chairman noted.

According to him, this is

evident in the fact that several foreign companies have joined the Commission as Corporate Members.

Additionally, he noted that the PSC has been able to forge strong ties with regional and international countries. He referenced the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Suriname Trade and Industry Association, which give birth to the GuyanaSuriname Business Council that was established in March this year. A similar partnership was built with Barbados, which will be hosting a Guyanese delegation later this month to further explore trade talks.

Moreover, the PSC Head pointed out that they are currently working with the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce in Houston, Texas to establish an agreement to further strengthen relations between the Private Sectors of Guyana and the United States.

The Chinese Chamber of

dation for massive economic growth, expansion of the Private Sector, and the creation of jobs with the plans and programmes outlined in the National 2022 Budget,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, delivering the feature address at Thursday’s AGM, reiterated the commitment of the Dr Irfaan Aliled Government to support Private Sector development in Guyana.

This in the face of criticism by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change Opposition, which accuses the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration of producing pro-Private Sector budgets.

But according to the Finance Minister, his Government will continue to promote the growth of the local Private Sector as their collective objectives are aligned.

“This Government's po-

sition is that a budget that promotes Private Sector growth, that promotes the creation of jobs, that promotes the generation of incomes for Guyanese people, can only be a good thing for Guyana. And we will continue to maintain a policy framework that is conducive to growth and expansion in the Private Sector, the creation of jobs, the generation of incomes, and the creation of wealth for all of the Guyanese people.

“My assurance to you today, on behalf of His Excellency the President, is that you have in this Government a Government that believes strongly, unshakably, unflinchingly, and indeed unapologetically, the role of the Private Sector in the future of Guyana; and you have in this Government a partner committed to ensuring that a rapidly growing and a highly competitive, world-class, diversified economy in Guyana,” Dr Singh posited.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Trial begins for man accused of killing Soesdyke remigrant A

nthony Breedy, the 60-year-old remigrant agriculturist, was robbed of his life and his possessions when he was killed during a robbery at his Hill Foot, SoesdykeLinden highway home

back in March 2016, State Prosecutor Latifah Elliott told a 12-member jury on Wednesday.

She was at the time making opening statements in the trial of 26-year-old Donell Trapp, the accused

Allegedly drunken driver gets $275,000 bail for Mahaica fatal accident

Charged: Saif Arjune

Dead: Shazie Hoosain

wenty-one-year-old Saif Arjune was on Thursday granted $275,000 bail on charges of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence.

Arjune, of Green Field, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the first charge which stated that on May 9 at Handen-Veldt Public Road, Mahaica, ECD, he drove motor car PJJ 458 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of 44-year-old Shazie Hoosain of Green Field.

The matters were adjourned until June 30.

It was reported that Hoosain was killed and two others were injured when the car in which they were travelling crashed into a utility pole at the Handen-Veldt Public Road, in the wee hours of Monday, May 9.

Based on reports, motor car PJJ 485, driven

by Arjune, was proceeding along the Hand-enVeldt Public Road at a fast pace when he lost control and crashed into the utility pole after which the car slammed into a concrete culvert.

As a result of the impact, the driver and other occupants sustained injuries to their bodies. Police ranks who responded reportedly pulled the injured persons from the wreckage and took them to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where Hoosain was pronounced dead on arrival.

Arjune and a teenager suffered broken right legs and were subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they were admitted. Following the accident, a breathalyser test had been administered to Arjune. He was found to be over the legal alcohol limit.

T

C Dead: Anthony Breedy

Murder accused Donell Trapp

indicted for the murder of Breedy, when he was arraigned before Justice JoAnn Barlow.

Trapp, who is being represented by Attorneys-atLaw Dexter Smartt and Jevon Cox, has denied killing Breedy between March 12 and 14, 2016 in the course/ furtherance of a rob-

bery.

Police have said that Breedy’s body, found in the lower flat of his home, bore multiple injuries to the head. Breedy, who had lived alone, was found with his hands and feet tied. The upper flat of his home was also ransacked.

Minibus driver accused of raping differentlyabled woman to know fate today

A

48-year-old Route 42 (GeorgetownTimehri) minibus driver who is on trial for allegedly raping a differently-abled woman will know his fate today when the jury retires to deliberate.

Sherwin Reynolds of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was charged with the crime back in September 2018. It is alleged that on April 19, 2018, in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration of a 21-year-old woman without her consent.

Upon his indictment before Demerara Sexual Offences Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Reynolds denied the charge.

It has been reported that, on the day in question, the woman, who is mute, boarded Reynolds’s bus to travel from Georgetown to Timehri.

She allegedly refused to exit the vehicle, and was taken back to Georgetown, where she again remained in the

Rape accused Sherwin Reynolds

bus, and was taken back to Timehri for a second time.

It is alleged that Reynolds then drove the woman to a secluded area and raped her.

The woman went home and told her parents what had transpired, and a report made to the Police led to Reynolds being arrested. A confrontation was reportedly held between him and the woman, during which she identified him as the person who had raped her.

Rice farmer dies in 3-vehicle...

Upon receiving the dreaded news, Taijwantie said she could not believe it.

“He was my baby, I literally screamed…that was my baby. He was like a gem for everybody…he was jovial, kind, always there to lend a hand, anytime you call him he is always ready,” she related.

She expressed frustra-

tion with the level of speeding and recklessness of drivers on the roadways.

“I understand that he [19-year-old driver] was speeding, because that has to be with speed for him to hit that car to spin it around like that…everybody is in a rush today, nobody’s not thinking about anybody’s life, who

The law...

is going to compensate my mother for her baby? Or my father?,” she lamented.

“We would say that we want justice, but then, at the same time, ’sorry’ is going to bring him back? No matter if anybody says he’s gonna be charged for what he done, charge is not going to bring our brother or

FROM PAGE 2

my mother’s son back…it already happen.”

She advised drivers to take their time, since “speed is just end up with you losing your life or maybe losing some other person who is not even close to you, but that person who lost their life have close relatives that really value them.”

…”is a ass”? harles Dickens published Oliver Twist in 1838 - the same year Slavery was abolished and Indentureship began. Slavery, of course, had been “legal” for hundreds of years up to then, and, of course, so was Indentureship - described by some as “a new form of slavery” - for another 79 years. So, we should appreciate Dickens’s cynicism about the law in a scene from Oliver Twist.

When poor Mr. Bumble, the henpecked spouse of a domineering wife, is told in court that "…the law supposes that your wife acts under your direction", he replied: "If the law supposes that," said Mr. Bumble, squeezing his hat emphatically in both hands, "the law is a ass - a idiot"!!!

And this brings us to the contretemps in the US over their 49-year-old Supreme Ct decision on abortion in Roe v Wade.

Your Eyewitness has already commented on our predilections to import these American idiosyncrasies into our dear mudland. Now, the ironic thing is that Roe was originally just a cynical trope for racist Christian fundamentalists. They objected to the Government intervening via Brown v Board of Education to desegregate Southern schools so Blacks wouldn’t be relegated to a substandard education.

They couldn’t do anything about THAT decision, so they picked abortion as another battleground to fight state “intrusion”!! However, the Court ruled that women have a “right of privacy” over their bodies, and could choose to have abortions in the first “trimester”. After that, it became a question of fact in deciding between the rights of the foetus and the mother. For instance, if the mother’s life is threatened, or if there was rape or incest etc, the doctors might recommend abortion. The right-wing fundamentalists want an absolute ban on abortion, and from a leaked decision that’s before the Supremes, it now looks like Roe v Wade might soon be dumped.

Now, what does this have to do with us in Guyana?

Well, the defeat of the Democrats in the US Senate 49-51 to pass a law to allow abortion along the Roe v Wade decision offers a clue. You see, Roe v Wade is an INTERPRETATION of the Law - where there was none!! The “right of privacy” was plucked out of thin air!! At that time, there was severe criticism about judicial activism - and that the law was a ass!!

Congress had never passed any law on the subject!! So, if the Democrats had been successful, there would’ve been a law that pronounced on the matter!! Voice of the people through their representatives, and all that!!

In Guyana, our Parliament has passed the “Termination of Pregnancy Act”, so we’re ahead of the Americans.

No need to get our drawers in an (American) knot!! The law isn’t an ass!! …and burden of proof Your Eyewitness is sick to his stomach on this recent development on the Neesa Gopal horrendous murder. He’s very much in agreement that, under the rule of law, there must be due process for everyone, to prevent railroading.

But is there any doubt that that cold-hearted mother and her lover did murder that poor child? Hadn’t the child made reports to the Police that the man was abusing her?

Hadn’t the mother turned a blind eye?

But what’s unfolding is that the case presented by the state was deficient - procedurally and substantively. The CCJ pointed out that the two defendants should’ve been tried separately, and that there was no clear chain of proof that a dumbbell - supposed to be the “smoking gun” - was used by the male lover.

There are too many of these cases being thrown out; we gotta do better. The training of Police prosecutors would help, but it also comes down to better CSIs. …and Brazil To those kvetching about Bolsonaro’s credentials, let’s remember that even if the ICJ rules in our favour on Venezuela’s bullying controversy, no matter who rules Brazil, we need them in our corner!!

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

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mohamed’s Enterprise to construct stone depot, shore-based facility at Providence

The land at Providence that is being developed (Photo by Mike.592)

M

o h a m e d ’ s Enterprise is currently developing a facility at a prime waterfront property in Providence, on the East Bank Demerara (EBD), to support its quarry operations as well as the oil and gas sector.

The 25-acre property will be transformed into a stone depot and shore-based facility. Managing Director of the company, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, when contacted, explained that plans to develop the land were in the pipelines for a very long time, but were put on hold due to a legal battle with Toolsie Persaud Limited.

However, in late 2020, the principals of Toolsie Persaud Limited withdrew the legal proceedings, thus giving sole ownership to

Mohamed’s Enterprise. A few months later, the team made the necessary applications to the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory bodies, including the Maritime Administration.

In December 2021, the EPA had given Hadi’s World Inc, a subsidiary of Mohamed’s Enterprise, the necessary permission for the construction of the facility.

“Hadi’s World Incorporated, hereinafter referred to as the “Permit Holder”, is hereby authorised in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana, the Environmental Protection (Amendment) Act, 2005, and the Environmental Protection (Authorisations)

Regulations, 2000, for the construction and operation of a Laydown Yard and Wharf, located at Foreshore Block ‘U’ part of Peter’s Hall and Providence, East Bank of Demerara, hereinafter referred to as the “Project”, in a manner indicated in the Application dated July 23, 2021, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein under the Environmental Protection Act and any existing or

The map showing the location of the property

Azruddin Mohamed at the location on Wednesday (Photo by Mike.592)

forthcoming best practices, guidelines and standards relevant to this project”, the letter issued to the company stated.

In the same document, it stated that the permit holder shall be liable for any ac-

tivity that causes or is likely to cause pollution of the environment, unless all reasonable and practicable measures are taken to prevent or minimise any resulting adverse effect.

TURN TO PAGE 10

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Motorcyclist dies after Armed bandits rob pump attendants, minibus passengers crashing into teen

O

ne day after colliding with a 13-yearold pedestrian on Nelson Mandela Avenue in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens in Georgetown, motorcyclist Thakur Rajnarine of Sheriff Street Campbellville, Georgetown succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Police have said that on Wednesday, at about 16:30h, Rajnarine was driving motorcycle CJ 4459 along Nelson Mandela Avenue while the 13-year-old pedestrian, of John Steet, Campbellville, was attempting to cross that roadway.

As the teenager reached the centre of the road, the front portion of Rajnarine’s

The motorcycle Thakur Rajnarine was riding at the time of the accident

motorcycle came into contact with the teen, and a collision ensued, resulting in both the motorcyclist and the pedestrian falling on the roadway and receiving injuries to their bodies.

They were picked up by public-spirited citizens and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where the teenager was treated for pain in the body and sent away, while Rajnarine, who was treated for abrasions and head injuries, was admitted as a patient in the GPHC’s Accident and Emergency Unit.

He reportedly succumbed at about 22:10h. His body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await a post-mortem.

An investigation has been launched into the accident.

T

hree armed men carried out a daring daylight robbery on the Guyoil Service Station at Track ‘E’ Good Hope, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Wednesday.

The Police have said that on Wednesday, at about 17:30h, two Guyoil pump attendants were performing duties at Good Hope, Mahaica, and as one of them was fuelling route 50 minibus BWW 2987, three armed and masked men entered the gas station, held on to the pump attendants, and relieved them of the cash and other valuables in their possession.

19-year-old Alisha Barnes of Helena #1, Mahaica, ECD was relieved of $160,000, and 20-year-old Iyansha Moses of Plantation Hope, ECD was relieved of $80,000.

However, not satisfied with that quantity of loot, the bandits, who were armed with a handgun and

Mohamed’s Enterprise to construct...

Further, it stated that the environmental permit shall remain valid until November 30, 2023, unless otherwise suspended, cancelled, modified, or varied in accordance with the provisions of this Permit, or the Environmental Protection Agency.

Nevertheless, with the clearing and preparation of the land, the quarry depot is expected to be completed by the last quarter of 2022.

With respect to the construction of the wharf, the

businessman explained that his company is in discussion with several tier-1 contractors to get the job done. Once the construction of the wharf commences, it will be sub-let to those contractors.

Meanwhile, thus far, about 20 residents are already employed by the company.

“We have about 20 people from the village that we have employed for the first phrase…the second phase will see an additional 30 being employed…it is a big in-

vestment, we cannot put a figure to it right now, but the entire area was swamp and will take a lot of building up,” the businessman told Guyana Times.

In addition, Mohamed noted that the company would also be constructing a play park in the community for the children to utilise.

Further, the company plans to sponsor bursaries for children in the community. “We want to build a safe community as well…we want to get rid of the petty criminals and

let the area be safe for people to traverse,” he added.

Only last month, Hadi’s World Incorporation, a subsidiary of Mohamed’s Enterprise, partnered with China Harbour Engineer Company Guyana Inc. to pursue the US$25M quarry project to cater to the needs of the country’s booming construction sector.

The long-term agreement will see the establishment of the quarry along the Mazaruni River, where the Chinese company will pro-

a knife, entered the minibus and robbed the passengers.

Minibus driver Iftikar Rahamat,39, of Mon Repos, ECD, was relieved of US$400, Gy$18,000, two Samsung S9 cellular phones, and the key to the minibus. Besides that, the bandits confiscated $100,000 in cash and one cellular phone and a wallet with documents from David Shaiwupaul, 67, of Cove and John, ECD; $10,000 in cash and a Samsung Galaxy A11 mobile phone from Errol Wheeler, a 44-year-old security guard of Good Hope Mahaica, ECD; and one key for Canter GPP 2645 from Nicholas Narine,44, a shopkeeper of Helena #1 Mahaica, ECD. After committing the robbery, the men made good their escape on foot.

The matter was reported, and one person was subsequently taken into Police custody to assist with investigations.

FROM PAGE 9

duce boulders and quarry aggregates for local and foreign construction markets.

On Wednesday, one of the company’s principals, Azruddin Mohamed, visited the site to inspect ongoing works. In fact, the New Harbour Bridge will pass over the location.

Back in September 2018, Mohamed’s Enterprises officially opened the first-ever laydown facility at Mc Doom, Greater Georgetown. The facility, constructed on five acres of land, is estimated to

cost US$3 million.

At the opening, Mohamed related that the facility will be used as a holding area for ExxonMobil as that company prepares to extract oil in 2020.

The area was underdeveloped and required massive intervention to get to being one of the well-constructed facilities in modern times. A total of 7000 tons of crush and run, 500 loads of sand, and approximately 250 loads of red loam were used to construct the facility.

11

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS 18 selected for Digicel’s 2-year graduate programme FRIDAY, MAY 13,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

W

ith applications for the inaugural Digicel Graduate Programme closing on January 31, 2022, and an impressive 799 high-calibre applicants applying, the successful 18 candidates, who together make up the Class of ’24, started their induction week in Jamaica on Monday.

The Digicel Graduate Programme is a high-energy, high stakes programme that will take the lucky graduates from a retail environment experience right through to the Boardroom, and everything in between, and has overall sponsorship

The 18 candidates selected for the programme

from Digicel Chairman and founder, Denis O’Brien, and Digicel Group CEO, Oliver Coughlan.

After a tough and wide-ranging multi-round selection process, the successful 18 now have the unique opportunity to learn and grow in a diverse, dynamic, and competitive environment, as they are exposed to a world-leading international organisation and brand, and a world-leading entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist.

Representing the brightest and best of global graduate talent, the Class of ’24 now embarks on a two-year

immersion which will develop technical knowledge, digital mindset, business acumen, commercial savvy, and leadership skills through a combination of real-world, on-the-job experience, professional development, networking and mentorship.

The programme is designed to create a pool of candidates who are fully prepared to assume cross-functional/ multi-functional roles at the end of the period, having worked alongside amazing Caribbean talent backed by a leadership team from across the globe.

Hailing from Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, Ireland and Trinidad & Tobago, the graduates will each spend their first nine-month rotation in either Antigua, Cayman, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, or the Turks & Caicos Islands. Of the 18 graduates, two are existing Digicel staff members – one from Jamaica and one from Trinidad & Tobago.

“Our Digicel Graduate Programme is our latest way of finding, developing and mentoring high performing talent which, in time and with a healthy amount of hard work and meaningful business and life experiences, may go on to become some of our future leaders.

It’s a serious opportunity for advancement. And since we pride ourselves on the calibre of the people we have here at Digicel, as you can imagine, when it came to finding our new batch of the brightest and best, the selection process was not for the faint-hearted,” Digicel Group CEO Oliver Coughlan stated.

He continued, “I would like to thank the 799 candidates who put themselves forward, and congratulate the successful 18 who make up our Class of ’24. The fact that two members of our existing Digicel team are part of the cohort is a further point of pride. I wish them all luck, and look forward to taking the journey with them.”

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NEWS

13

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 51,000 arrivals in Guyana in 1st quarter of 2022 – GTA

T

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has recorded 51,389 visitors arriving in the country in the first quarter of 2022.

Despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which crippled the tourism industry globally, Guyana registered 158,347 overall visitors in 2021. In its sectoral update, the Authority said there is a projected 10 per cent increase in visitor arrivals by the end of 2022.

As Guyana continues to welcome travellers, there has been a number of notable achievements in the tourism sector. Guyana is featured as the cover story of the April edition of the National Geographic magazine. “Up the Mountain, to a World Apart” is a 36-page feature, inclusive of pullouts and maps, covering the full story of the adventure by climber Mark Synnott, with stunning photography

by Renan Ozturk.

The GTA further highlighted that through its licensing & inspections’ mandate, the GTA has since licensed 14 tourism businesses as at April 2022. These are Adventure Guianas, Azure Experiences, Bimichi Eco Lodge, Blackwater Adventures, Elite Kayaking & Nature Tours, Evergreen Adventure, Exciting Tours, Ride Along GY, The Jungle Bug, Toma1 Guyana, TrailMasters Adventure Tours, and Wanderlust Adventures.

To decentralise tourism and expand other tourism hotspot areas within Guyana, 12 new experiences will be at the disposal of the Guyanese public for 2022. Seven new experiential tourism products were officially launched in 2021.

The GTA’s Product Development Team has also initiated the projects through collaboration with stakeholders, and will feature the Kopinang Waterfall Experience; Yoga, Breakfast and Nature Walk; Nappi Mountain Trekking; Nature

Retreat Experience; Linden Day Tour Experience; Wayne's World Apartments and Oasis; Community-led and owned tourism development with Quarrie Village; Tri-Island Experience with Trail Masters; and Mahaica River Birding Tours.

The team also executed outreaches, engagements, and product assessments to the communities of Capoey Village in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); and Tapakuma Village, Quarrie Village, Nappi Village, and Masakenari in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“Outreaches like these are part of the GTA’s mandate to secure multi-stakeholder partnerships for the development of new tourism experiences. Its intent is to highlight key assets, aspirations, opportunities, and challenges surrounding tourism development, and set the course to build more prosperous and diversified community and tourism experiences,” the GTA stated in a release to the media.

As at April 2022, the GTA trained 355 persons across the country in the areas of delivering quality service, hygiene and sanitation; first aid and CPR; and digital marketing essentials. At the end of 2022, GTA is expected to train at least 2000 candidates. An additional 1000 are expected to be trained as part of the collaborative Barbados training initiative.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector, in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the travellers’ experience. The GTA is focused on Guyana becoming recognised locally and internationally as a premier des-

tination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximising local socio-economic benefits.

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Guyana’s Dr Tracey Bovell Digicel Guyana donates to storm-affected Berbice residents receives prestigious OAS Award

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Chief Commercial Officer at Digicel Guyana, Simone Pierre handing over a cheque to Deputy Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Major Loring Benons at Digicel’s Head Office in Kingston

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igicel Guyana on Thursday handed over a cheque for $500,000 to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), to support the CDC’s efforts in assisting residents of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice who were affected by the recent freak storm.

A number of families were displaced due to heavy rainfall and winds that

caused severe damage to their homes and livestock.

In a release, Digicel has said that it is committed to collaborating with the Government of Guyana on national and regional emergencies, and that it applauds management of the CDC's relief efforts.

“We are confident that our donation will be put to good use in meeting some of the immedi-

ate needs of the residents of Bath Settlement,” Chief Commercial Officer Simone Pierre stated at the handing over.

"Digicel is pleased to be a part of this joint effort with the CDC, in assisting residents in the impacted area. We are committed to continue supporting the Government of Guyana in the areas of risk management and preparedness."

onsultant in Emergency Medicine at the Georgetown Public Hospital and Lead Doctor at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Dr Tracey Bovell, has been selected to be a recipient of the prestigious Award for Good Practices in Women’s Leadership, at the upcoming Organization of American States’ (OAS’) Summit.

The OAS will be recognising women in leadership in the Americas. The Health Ministry said it received notification that Dr Bovell, one of the nominees made by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, has been selected to receive this distinguished and prestigious award from the OAS. She will receive her award during the summit in the presence of almost every Head of State from the Americas. The award ceremony will be held during the IX Summit of the Americas, on June 9 in Los Angeles, California.

The Health Minister has since congratulated Dr Bovell for the distinguished, excellent, and compassionate leadership she has provided in the treatment and care of COVID-19 patients in Guyana.

She is presently the doctor in charge of, and lead doctor at, the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, an annex of the Georgetown Hospital Corporation.

The Infectious Diseases Hospital opened its doors for operation in September 2020.

Since that time, every critically-ill COVID-19 patient has been treated at the hospital, being the national referral hospital for critically-ill COVID-19 patients. The hospital has often been fully occupied with

Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr Tracey Bovell will receive the prestigious OAS Award for her outstanding contributions

more than 100 critically-ill patients, and often with more than 30 patients on ICU, ventilator-dependent treatment.

The Infectious Diseases Hospital has treated more than 3,500 patients. It boasts 195 beds with capacity for ventilator-based treatment, surgeries, dialysis, radiological and imaging interventions. The hospital caters for adults and children, and provides complete maternal care for COVID-19-affected women.

While Dr Bovell has been in charge, and has provided leadership for the operationalisation and functioning of the Infectious Diseases Hospital from the very beginning in September 2020, her leadership in the fight against COVID-19 started even before that. She was part of the clinical team that crafted the COVID-19 response from the time COVID-19 became a pandemic.

This healthcare professional was appointed in March 2020 as the Chairperson of the GPHC COVID-19 Taskforce.

She led a team of specialists from various departments of

the hospital to craft the first set of protocols and guidelines for COVID-19, including the protocols for diagnosis, treatment and occupational health and safety. “In the early days, when COVID-19 caused intense illness and had a high mortality rate, Dr. Bovell fearlessly became the face of the treatment programme. Yet, she found time to communicate with family and friends of those who were critically-ill and who could not benefit from families being around them.

In the face of high mortality among critically-ill COVID-19 patients, Dr. Bovell remained resilient, determined, and compassionate in her quest to ensure that patients were receiving quality care,” the Health Ministry has lauded.

The Minister added that the support and equal dedication and commitment of many doctors, nurses, technologists and other allied healthcare providers played a significant role in Guyana being able to provide quality and life-saving treatment to thousands of Guyanese who contracted the COVID-19.

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COVID cases continue to rise with 52 new infections …adolescent herd immunity only at 34.7%

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD MAY 12, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

52 6 238

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

4

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,387

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,349

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,736

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,260

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2520

REGION 2

2505

REGION 3

8097

REGION 4

31,558

REGION 5

2385

REGION 6

5845

REGION 7

2425

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4039

REGION 10

3476

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

440,628 339,960

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1228

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

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n two days, Guyana has seen over 100 new COVID cases surfacing,

marking a significant spike within months.

The 52 infections were

detected on Thursday, and confirmed warnings from authorities regarding the

Clerk granted $250,000 bail over ganja found under bed

Anasia McAllister

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The ganja that was found under McAllister’s bed

he 19-year-old woman who was initially remanded to prison after a large quantity of marijuana was allegedly found under her bed was, on Wednesday, released on $250,000 bail.

Back in March, Anasia McAllister of Perry Street, Tucville, Georgetown was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. She was remanded to prison during that hearing.

Her lawyer, howev-

er, renewed a bail application on her behalf on Wednesday, and it was granted. McAllister was required to lodge her passport with the Clerk of Court as a condition of bail, and must report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

It is alleged that on March 26, 2022, McAllister had 17.1 kilograms (37.6 pounds) of cannabis sativa in her possession for the purpose of trafficking. The young woman pleaded not

guilty to the charge.

It was reported that on the day in question, ranks attached to the Police Narcotics Branch went to the home of the marketing clerk where they conducted a search. During the exercise, they found two brown boxes under her bed containing several rectangular brown duct-taped parcels.

Upon examination, cannabis was found in the parcels. As such, McAllister was told of the offence committed, cautioned in accordance with the Judge’s rules, and taken to the Narcotics Branch, along with the ganja. The illicit drug was then weighed in her presence.

probability of another hike among the population. New statistics released by the Health Ministry showed 63,736 confirmed cases to date while deaths remain at 1228.

New cases were dispersed across six administrative regions as follows: one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 10 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 34 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); two in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There are four persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), six in institutional isolation, 238 in home isolation, and three in institutional quarantine.

Thus far, 62,260 infected individuals have recovered completely, while 608,164 tests have been processed for the virus.

Earlier this week, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony urged the public to upkeep measures to keep themselves safe, in light of many discarding the guidelines.

He had warned that such

actions could result in increased cases.

Moreover, the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron, considered highly transmissible, have already been circulating in numerous countries. Research shows that the strains have evolved to evade vaccines and immunity from previous infections.

Immunisation

Herd immunity for the adolescent population in Guyana, as it relates to COVID vaccination uptake, is only at 34.7 per cent.

The Health Ministry’s statistics show that 34,608 persons, or 47.5 per cent of this cohort, have taken a first dose, but only 25,329 persons, or 34.7 per cent of this cohort, have returned for their second jab – figures that are significantly low, and have remained stagnant in recent times.

For adults, herd immunity is 66.4 per cent after 340,470 persons took both doses. In total, 440,992 persons, or 86 per cent, received their first shot. Meanwhile, 63,477 booster doses have been administered.

Herd immunity, according to the World Health Organization, is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through infection.

WHO has said it supports achieving 'herd immunity' through vaccination, not by allowing disease to spread through any segment of the population, as this can ultimately result in unnecessary cases and deaths. It is urging more countries to push for 70 per cent herd immunity as soon as possible.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotlines: 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately, or visit www. health.gov.gy.

Global figures show that almost 516.9 million people have tested positive for the virus, and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 154.2 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

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Int’l Nurses Day

Nurses to benefit from int’l training – Health Minister

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urses are set to receive training under international partnerships, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said at a ceremony on Monday to observe International Nurses Day, celebrated under the theme “Nurses: A Voice to Lead - Invest in Nursing and Respect Rights to Secure Global Health.”

Dr Anthony, in brief remarks at the small ceremony, made known that nurses in Guyana would benefit from international training through the Ministry’s various collaborations with international institutions around

GPHC Chief Executive Officer (ag), Dr Robbie Rambarran Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony with nurses at the Georgetown Public Hospital

GNBS aims to lead in quality & standards

Technical Officer at CROSQ, Latoya Burnham addressing media operatives

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he Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and Caricom Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) on Thursday held a media sensitisation programme to establish the importance of Quality Infrastructure (QI).

During the programme, the GNBS highlighted that it hoped to become the country’s lead organisation in terms of quality and standards.

Head of Corporate Communications at GNBS, Lloyd David, at the event, explained that in order to accomplish this goal, the organisation must partner with all the sectors in Guyana.

“We have a vision and it is to be the premier national institution for standards and quality in Guyana. We must be the best; we must lead in terms of when it comes to quality and standards in Guyana. Our mission is to develop and implement a national Quality Infrastructure…we want to develop a Quality Infrastructure for partnership with sectors, so all the sectors we need to partner with. We cannot do it by ourselves, we need to partner with those in tourism, those in agriculture, those

even in the transportation industry…wherever there is a sector we want to work to ensure that our services are there, because we want to have socioeconomic development and obviously to protect the consumers,” David related.

Technical Officer at the CROSQ, Latoya Burnham pointed out that QI basically stood on five pillars to form a system that works to facilitate the best quality in products.

“Quality Infrastructure it is a lot, it is all of these areas, what we call the five pillars of quality working together to create a system that works, functions, that’s effective and efficient,” she said.

“It’s standardisation; metrology (metrology is the science of weights and measurements); we’re talking about accreditation…; there’s conformity assessment: conformity assessment covers the testing, inspection and certification services and finally, there is quality promotions.”

Burnham lauded the actions taken so far by the GNBS in the QI services provided to Guyana which are recognised throughout the Region.

Meanwhile, David said that the GNBS, which is an

Head of Communications Lloyd David

Corporate at GNBS,

ISO-certified organisation, provides core services such as standard development, certification, calibration &testing, verification, and product inspection along with training and consultancy among other services.

The GNBS has recently launched the Made in Guyana certification mark, which not only indicates that the product is made in Guyana but that it meets the necessary quality standards.

“Recently, we introduced the Made in Guyana certification mark, which is a mark that companies apply. So far, we have three companies on board certified to their products and this, of course, is an opportunity to showcase Made in Guyana; it attests that the product is meeting quality and other requirements and the company is fulfilling certain requirements to be considered Made in Guyana. We are pleased.

“We would like more and more companies to come on board; at this time, there are many companies that we’re auditing, so in a few weeks’ time, more and more companies would certify and their products will be certified.”

the world.

He said that the Government was working to modernise the health-care sector and to do so, there must be healthcare workers, like nurses, who were equipped with expert knowledge and skills to function and administer health care to the citizens of Guyana.

He added that for that to happen partnerships must be made at the international level to ensure that the health care being administered was of the best standard.

The Minister noted that

the Health Ministry would be partnering with York University – a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The university is known globally for its Nursing Resource Centre.

It is the hope of the Ministry that nurses could benefit from the team that would be coming to Guyana from York University as it pertained to improving the administration of healthcare services to patients, not only at the Georgetown Public Hospital, but at all the public hospitals across the country.

Acting Chief Executive

Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Robbie Rambarran told sections of the media that citizens must not underestimate the importance of nurses in the health-care sector.

He noted that the administration of state-of-theart health care would not be possible without nurses and as such, to this end, was committed to advocating for them.

Every year on May 12, the world marks International Nurses Day in recognition of the tireless and invaluable contribution of nurses to health care and global health security, and also nurses around the world celebrate the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, a British nurse who was known as the foundational philosopher of modern nursing.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) observes International Nurses Day with the presentation and issuance of promotional and educational materials.

The small local ceremony, which was organised to celebrate the hard work of nurses, was held in the parking lot of the GPHC.

Caricom develops online platform for statistical capacity-building

The Caricom Secretariat

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he Regional S t a t i s t i c s Programme of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat has established an electronic platform for training, research, and knowledge acquisition that is aimed at improving sustainable statistical capacity in the Region.

The platform is the “Statistical Training and Research in the Caribbean” (e-CISTAR), financed under the 11th European Development Fund.

As one of the deliverables of the Regional Strategy for the Development of Statistics, the platform is aimed at training members of staff of the National Statistical Offices and other stakeholders across the Region.

In a statement, Caricom

informed that visitors to the site will find training materials derived from a pilot activity that was supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as well as links to other training resources. There is a tab for the Statistics Centres of Excellence, which are being developed among statistical agencies in Caricom.

“Manuals, guidelines, and other reference documents are included in the Knowledge Base component of the e-CISTAR, as are Frequently Asked Questions. The Knowledge Base is secure with strong encryption standards for sensitive data and also has the facility for the creation of groups of users, collaboration on live documents, as well as powerful live and custom-filtered

searches,” the regional entity detailed.

While there will be continuous updates, and design and development work being undertaken on the Moodle-driven platform, it is currently semi-operational. Once the site is fully operational, some of the key functions would include access to training of staff of the Caricom Statistical System (CSS) including the National Statistical Systems (NSS) in Member States/Associate Members and other Caricom agencies with statistical units.

The availability of statistical resources and the sharing of knowledge to support the production and dissemination of statistics; networking on statistical issues and concerns, the sharing of best practices across the CSS and the facilitation of exchange visits will also be included.

This platform will allow access to and support for the conduct of applied research and analysis as a support service required to be conducted by countries to enable the adoption of regional and international work programmes, recommendations, and related statistical analysis and research.

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2nd Magistrate recuses self from misconduct trial against fmr Finance Minister

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wo weeks ago, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan recused herself from presiding over the trial of former Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who is accused of misconduct in public office and on Thursday, another Magistrate, this time, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus followed suit.

When the matter was called on Thursday, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus told the court that she would not preside over the case in the interest of justice.

The Chief Magistrate had stated that she knew some of the lawyers who were involved in the case and reassigned the matter to Magistrate IsaacsMarcus.

Now with the new development, the matter was adjourned to June 2, 2022.

Jordan, who served as Finance Minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government from 2015 to 2020, was granted bail in the sum of $3 million when he initially appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on December 28, 2021.

Official Gazette, transferring to and vesting to BK Marine Inc, absolutely, all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms, and further appurtenances, that is to say, Mudlots 1 & 2, F of Mudlot 3, A, B & D, situated at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres, for a payment of GY$20,260,276 for the property valued over GY$5 billion.

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

Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan

It is alleged that Jordan, being and performing duties of Minister of Finance and being the concerned Minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between February 26, 2020, and July 31, 2020, at Main Street, Georgetown, wilfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed NICIL (Transfer of Property) Order No 50 of 2020, which was published in the

Corrupt transactions

Jordan was arrested by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), an arm of the Guyana Police Force that specialises in white-collar investigations on December 3, 2021, as part of investigations into alleged instances of corrupt governmental transactions between 2015 and 2020. BK Marine, SOCU said, had only paid 10 per cent of the purchase price, that is, GY$20 million and Jordan went ahead to issue a vesting order, passing the title to the purchaser without the

50:50 chance of global temperature raise reaching 1.5°C threshold in next 5 years

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he Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update has suggested that there is a 50-50 chance of the annual average global temperature temporarily reaching 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level for at least one of the next five years.

The new climate update issued by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the likelihood is increasing with time.

It points to a 93 per cent likelihood of at least one year between 2022 and 2026 becoming the warmest on record.

This would dislodge 2016 from the top ranking.

The chance of temporarily exceeding 1.5°C has risen steadily since 2015, when it was close to zero. For the years between 2017 and 2021, there was a 10 per cent chance of exceedance. That probability has increased to nearly 50 per cent for the 2022-2026 period.

The chance of the fiveyear average being higher than the last five years (20172021) is also 93 per cent, according to the update provided by the United Kingdom's Met Office, the WMO’s lead centre for such predictions.

The annual update harnesses the expertise of internationally acclaimed climate scientists and the best prediction systems from leading climate centres around the world to produce actionable information for decision-makers.

WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas has advised, “This study shows – with a high level of scientif-

ic skill – that we are getting measurably closer to temporarily reaching the lower target of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The 1.5°C figure is not some random statistic. It is rather an indicator of the point at which climate impacts will become increasingly harmful for people and, indeed, the entire planet.”

He added, “For as long as we continue to emit greenhouse gases, temperatures will continue to rise. And alongside that, our oceans will continue to become warmer and more acidic, sea ice and glaciers will continue to melt, sea level will continue to rise, and our weather will become more extreme.

Arctic warming is disproportionately high, and what happens in the Arctic affects all of us.”

The Paris Agreement sets long-term goals to guide all nations to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, to limit the global temperature increase in this century to two °C while pursuing efforts to limit the increase even further to 1.5°C.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that climate-related risks for natural and human systems are higher for global warming of 1.5°C than at present, but lower than at 2°C. Dr Leon Hermanson of the Met Office, who led the report, has remarked, "Our latest climate predictions show that continued global temperature rise will continue, with an even chance that one of the years between 2022 and 2026 will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. A single year of exceedance above 1.5 °C does not mean we have breached the iconic threshold of the Paris Agreement, but it does reveal that we are edging ever closer to a situation where 1.5°C could be exceeded for an extended period."

In 2021, the global average temperature was 1.1°C above the pre-industrial baseline, according to the provisional WMO Report on the State of the Global Climate. The final State of the Global Climate report for 2021 will be released on 18 May. (G12)

of several investigations that implicated former Minister Jordan.

Lawsuit

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus

payment of any further sum of monies.

According to SOCU, the vesting order stated that the property is being sold free from encumbrance and liabilities and no further sum of money is owed by the purchaser. It said that the transport was subsequently issued for the property and the value strangely stated on the transport was GY$400,000,000 million. Further, SOCU said that

the agreement of sale stated that the title must only pass upon full payment of purchase price.

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

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

On behalf of the State, the Attorney General has also filed civil proceedings against Jordan at the Demerara High Court over the sale of the river frontage to BK Marine. In this case, Nandlall is seeking to overturn the contentious sale of the State property. To this end, he is asking the court to declare the agreement of sale between BK Marine and NICIL illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant, and contrary to public policy. This matter is still ongoing.

Investment portal connecting Guyanese entrepreneurs, start-ups with investors

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n investment portal, created by a United States-based Guyanese, seeks to provide companies in Guyana with access to more than 15,000 potential investors from around the world with billions in funding available.

The platform – GuyanaInvestors.com – was developed by Florida-based Guyanese tech-entrepreneur Salaudeen Nausrudeen, to support the growth of businesses and entrepreneurs in Guyana.

Nausrudeen, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PositivePlans, a business technology solutions company, also recently launched Kaietour.com, Guyana’s only global travel booking app built to support the growth and modernisation of the local tourism sector.

In a press statement, it was explained that GuyanaInvestors.com is an innovative approach to bridging the capital gap in Guyana and works in all sectors with small, medium, and large enterprises. It is capable of funding projects from US$100,000 to as much as US$1 billion.

This is in keeping with the push by the Guyana Government to attract investments, both local and foreign, in various sectors so as to diversify the country’s economy.

“Business activities and investment opportunities in Guyana are soaring at a record pace, with 2022 expected growth to be 40 per cent+. While oil and gas is kickstarting the economy, the Government of Guyana is also pushing with heavy focus on upscaling other key sectors with infrastructure and gen-

erous fiscal incentives. This is attracting thousands of companies, entrepreneurs, and start-ups from within Guyana and internationally who are looking to raise capital or find investors. Capital raise an investor match is now easy and accessible with www.

GuyanaInvestors.com,” it noted.

According to the missive, Guyana’s economy is expanding in every direction and there are hundreds of companies and entrepreneurs that are gearing up to take advantage of the opportunities; however, a significant hurdle is the availability of investors or capital to serve the array of interests and opportunities.

“Guyana’s economy is being fuelled by the oil and gas sector as well as Government’s commitment to bolster other key sectors through massive infrastructure and fiscal incentives. Guyana is also rapidly becoming a regional powerhouse and the demand for capital is increasing daily, with supplies and options remaining very limited… [GuyanaInvestors.com] connects Guyanese businesses with more than 15,000 investors and fund managers around the world with billions in available funds,” the statement detailed.

GuyanaInvestors.com is a technology platform to help companies easily create their investment-seeking project for browsing and consideration by investors.

It has partnered with Plan B Enterprise, an investment firm with a global network of investors and fund managers with access to capital in the billions.

Plan B Enterprise would

US-based Guyanese Salaudeen Nausrudeen

be working with local companies and entrepreneurs in a variety of ways to secure funding or investor match.

This is a significant and much-needed requisite in order for Guyana to remain on its strong growth trajectory.

Companies and start-ups wishing to access this global network of fund managers and investors can do so at www.guyanainvestors.com; likewise, any investor looking for opportunities in Guyana can browse the investable projects created by companies and start-ups.

GuyanaInvestors.com, through its partners, provides a full menu of services to support entrepreneurs including research, business development, business strategy, financing planning, investor matchmaking, investment advisory, pitch preparation, and other critical support services needed for success in Guyana’s economy.

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Regional

Trinidad: PM excuses on Peru community wants abuse report weak and its land back, threatening feeble – Opposition MP Chinese copper mine

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pposition Shadow Minister for Children’s Affairs, Barry Padarath has slammed Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley for what he describes as a weak and feeble series of excuses regarding Government’s handling of the Children’s Authority and Community Residences as it relates to the report on the rape, abuse and murder of children.

Padarath says the Prime Minister deflected from the real issues and questions raised in the aftermath of reports of abuse at children’s homes and instead chose to make excuses for his incompetence in effectively dealing with the situation.

In a press release issued Thursday afternoon, Padarath questioned why 46 per cent of community residences have been unlicensed for the past seven years. He has also filed a pri-

T

Opposition MP Barry Padarath

vate members’ motion in the Parliament that would be debated on the Government’s atrocious handling of the affairs of children in this country.

He also questioned why there was no urgency in addressing and or reviewing the legal framework that governs the licensing of children residences in the past seven years with a view of monitoring and supervising

the activities of the homes.

The Princes Town Member of Parliament (MP) stated that the issues affecting the Community Residences and the Children’s Authority have been languishing for over seven years and only when there was an outcry from the national community, the Prime Minister found his voice on the matter. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaica: Govt’s inaction, arrogance causing serious disruption of vital services — PNP

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he People’s National Party (PNP) has once again criticised the Government for not taking “necessary action” to prevent strike action of workers of essential services, and has called for the urgent resolution of the issue now developing with Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) who walked off the job Thursday morning.

The island’s air traffic controllers are on strike over concerns about a reclassification exercise.

Confirming the strike, Minister with responsibil-

ity for Information, Robert Morgan had initially said Jamaica’s airspace was not closed.

However, at least one airport – Sangster International Airport – later confirmed that flights were cancelled for the rest of the day.

In a statement on Thursday, Tourism Senator Janice Allen called on Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett to lead the charge on behalf of the industry.

“The ATCs make up a critical sector in the tourism industry and we can’t do without them. Whatever

the matters are, they must be addressed with urgency,” Allen said.

According to the Senator, tourists had to scramble to leave Jamaica Thursday morning.

She said the tourism industry, trying to recover from the pandemic, cannot now afford any further disruptions.

“This Government has consistently shown a lack of regard for workers, but the industry cannot survive without the workers as the big companies alone cannot do it,” she said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

he community of Fuerabamba in the Andean region of Peru was resettled eight years ago to make way for a giant Chinese-owned copper mine, in a US$1.2 billion scheme billed as a model solution to protests dogging the South American nation’s mining sector.

Now the community wants the land back.

In mid-April, more than a hundred Fuerabamba community members stormed the Las Bambas mine and pitched tents near the open pit, forcing a halt in production at a site that provides two per cent of global copper supplies.

They were joined by the

nearby Huancuire community, which was protesting a planned expansion of the mine on their former land.

An attempt in late April by the mine’s Chinese owner MMG Ltd to remove the camp led to clashes in which dozens of people were injured and failed to end the protest. Copper production – worth US$3 billion a year – remains suspended, with no restart in sight.

The Fuerabamba members were evicted but the Huancuire community remained in place – and the two groups have formed an alliance to bargain with the Government and the mine.

Las Bamas acknowledges that 20 per cent of its

obligations under the resettlement agreement are outstanding, including the purchase of new lands for the community.

While Fuerabamba’s leaders had initially called just for Las Bambas just to fulfil its commitments, tensions have flared since the failed eviction.

“We’re going to keep fighting until Las Bambas shuts down and gets out of here for good,” Edison Vargas, the President of the Fuerabamba community, told Reuters. “It’s war.”

The protest is the most severe crisis Las Bambas has faced since opening in 2016. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hunt on for killers of anti-mafia Prosecutor on honeymoon

P

Marcelo Pecci was a high-profile Prosecutor in Paraguay

olice from Colombia and Paraguay are working with agents from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the FBI to hunt down the killers of an anti-mafia Prosecutor.

Paraguayan Prosecutor Marcelo Pecci, 45, was shot dead on Tuesday on a beach in Colombia, where he was on honeymoon.

Pecci investigated high-profile corruption and money-laundering cases in his native Paraguay.

His murder was likely related to his fight against crime, Police say.

Pecci and his wife were on the sixth and final day of their honeymoon in Colombia when he was killed on Baru, an idyllic island off the Caribbean coast.

Just two hours earlier, his wife, Journalist Claudia Aguilera, had posted a picture on her Instagram account announcing that they were expecting a baby.

She said that they were on a stretch of private beach of Decameron Hotel on Tuesday morning when her husband was targeted.

“Two men attacked Marcelo. They came in a small boat, or on a jet ski, the truth is I did not see well,” she told El Tiempo newspaper.

She said that one of the men got off and “without a word he shot Marcelo twice, one [bullet] hit him in the face and another in the back”.

Colombian Police have released a blurry photo and a sketch of a suspect and announced a US$500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. (Excerpt from BBC News)

St Kitts: Dismissed Minister defends position on social media Barbados, Jamaica officials hold talks

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evis Premier Mark Brantley charged late Tuesday that he and five other Cabinet Ministers were fired for standing up for their country and for “what is right”.

In a series of posts on social media, the sacked Foreign Affairs Minister was adamant that the six had done right by the people of St Kitts and Nevis by standing up to Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris.

“I have not been fired for lack of performance, because many, locally and regionally, have said that my performance as Foreign Minister has been exceptional. No, I and my colleagues have

been fired because we decided that we will stand up for principle and for what is right,” Brantley wrote on his Facebook page.

Harris had earlier announced that he had advised Governor General Sir Samuel Tapley Seaton to revoke the appointments of Brantley; Deputy Prime Minister Shawn Richards; Tourism, International Trade, Industry, and Commerce Minister Lindsay Grant; Education, Youth, Sport and Culture Minister Jonel Powell; Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources Minister Alexis Jeffers; and Environment Minister Eric Evelyn.

The six had filed a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Harris which was yet to be scheduled for debate, after the Governor General refused to remove Harris when the group of legislators wrote to him indicating that the Prime Minister no longer had the support of the majority in the nineseat National Assembly.

Brantley’s Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) and Richards’ People’s Action Movement (PAM) are partners in the fractured Team Unity coalition Government which also includes Harris’ People’s Labour Party (PLP).

(Excerpt from CMC)

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arbados and Jamaica have identified several areas of cooperation after acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and Jamaica’s High Commissioner, Arthur Williams, held wide-ranging talks on Tuesday during a courtesy call at Ilaro Court.

The High Commissioner said he was keen to assist Barbados in sports development, given his country’s success in the Region and internationally.

Williams said there was a sporting institution in Jamaica that produced highly qualified people in sports and sports administration.

Bradshaw said Barbados would benefit from Jamaica’s expertise in sports, and that this could be achieved by partnering with the University of the West Indies.

“Even though we are known for cricket, Barbadian athletes are good at sports and can definitely benefit from such a partnership, and perhaps some of your coaches can come here,” she stated.

Williams said the two countries had excellent ties in music, sports, culture, and gender affairs.

Bradshaw noted Jamaica’s contribution to the Barbadian economy by way of investment,

and expressed optimism about new opportunities.

On this point, Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development, Sandra Husbands, who was also present, suggested that the sharing of best practices with this island’s stock exchange was an “excellent area to pursue”.

She also noted opportunities for trade missions for entrepreneurs, fashion, the signing of a cooperation agreement and labour exchanges. Williams promised to take the ideas on board, pointing out that “he was happy to make all the right connections”. (Excerpt from Nation News)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil settles mixed amid Beijing lockdown fears, tight supplies

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il prices settled mixed on Thursday as supply concerns and geopolitical tension in Europe got the upper hand over the economic fears dogging financial markets as inflation

soars.

Brent crude fell six cents to settle at US$107.45 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 42 cents, or 0.4 per cent to settle at US$106.13.

"The trading has been thin and nobody knows what's going to move the needle," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

A pending European Union ban on oil from Russia, a key supplier of crude and fuels to the bloc, is anticipated to further tighten global supplies.

The EU is still haggling over details of the Russian embargo, which needs unanimous support. However, a vote has been delayed as Hungary opposes the ban because it would be too disruptive to its economy.

More broadly, oil prices and financial markets have been under pressure this week amid jitters over rising interest rates, the strongest US dollar in two decades, concerns over inflation and possible recession.

Prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns in the world's top crude importer, China, have also impacted the market.

"The slide in demand growth could not come at a better time, with China seemingly on the brink of locking down the capital of Beijing at any given moment," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.

US headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12 months to April jumped 8.3 per cent, fuelling concerns about bigger interest rate hikes, and their impact on economic growth.

"Soaring pump prices and slowing economic growth are expected to significantly curb the demand recovery through the remainder of the year and into 2023," the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday in its monthly report.

"Extended lockdowns across China ... are driving a significant slowdown in the world's second largest oil consumer," the agency added.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cut its forecast for growth in world oil demand in 2022 for a second straight month, citing the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, rising inflation and the resurgence of the Omicron coronavirus variant in China.

On Wednesday, oil prices jumped five per cent after Russia sanctioned 31 companies based in countries that imposed sanctions on Moscow following the Ukraine invasion.

That created unease in the market at the same time that Russian natural gas flows to Europe via Ukraine fell by a quarter.

It was the first time that exports via Ukraine have been disrupted since the invasion. (Reuters)

Rwandan genocide fugitive Protais Mpiranya confirmed dead

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he death has been confirmed of the last major Rwandan fugitive indicted by a war crimes court for his role in the 1994 genocide.

Protais Mpiranya was head of the presidential guard and was accused of ordering the murder of the then Prime Minister, Agathe Uwilingiyimana.

His officers also murdered the 10 Belgian United Nations peacekeepers guarding her.

Investigators tracked him down to Zimbabwe, where a recently exhumed grave confirmed he had died in 2006.

They found that Mpiranya had used various aliases whilst on the run to evade

capture for over 12 years.

In the immediate aftermath of the genocide – in which about 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by ethnic Hutu extremists in 100 days – he moved to Cameroon.

Others accused of taking part in the genocide had fled over the border to the Democratic Republic of Congo, forming a rebel group known as the FDLR. Mpiranya joined them in 1998, commanding a brigade that fought alongside Zimbabwe's army, which had become embroiled in a conflict in DR Congo involving several nations often dubbed "Africa's world war".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Moscow warns Finland over NATO bid as Ukraine says Russian ship damaged

M

oscow warned Finland on Thursday it would face consequences as it seeks to apply for NATO membership "without delay" and Ukraine said it had damaged a Russian navy logistics ship in the Black Sea, where there has been renewed fighting in recent days.

The Vsevolod Bobrov vessel was near Snake Island, close to Ukraine's sea border with Romania, spokesman Serhiy Bratchuk for the Odesa regional military administration in southern Ukraine said.

"Thanks to the actions of our naval seamen, the support vessel Vsevolod Bobrov caught fire – it is one of the newest in the Russian fleet," Bratchuk said.

Reuters could not inde-

pendently verify the details.

Russia's Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Its Black Sea flagship, the Moskva, sunk last month.

Finland's plan to apply for NATO membership, announced on Thursday, and the expectation that Sweden will follow, would bring about the expansion of the Western military alliance that Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed to prevent.

Abandoning the neutrality they maintained throughout the Cold War would be one of the biggest shifts in European security in decades.

Moscow called Finland's announcement hostile and threatened retaliation, including unspecified "mili-

tary-technical" measures.

"Helsinki must be aware of the responsibility and consequences of such a move," said the Foreign Ministry.

Russian officials have spoken in the past about potential measures including stationing nuclear-armed missiles on the Baltic Sea. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the Finns would be "warmly welcomed" and promised a "smooth and swift" accession process.

The White House backed such a move.

"We would support a NATO application by Finland and/or Sweden should they apply," said Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

Russia faced a further setback on the battlefield as Ukraine drove its troops out of the region around the

second largest city Kharkiv, the fastest advance since forcing the Kremlin's forces from Kyiv and the northeast over a month ago.

The United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution to set up an investigation into possible war crimes by Russian troops in the Kyiv area and beyond, a move that the Kremlin said amounted to political score-settling.

"Finland must apply for NATO membership without delay," President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin said in a joint statement.

Asked on Wednesday if Finland would provoke Russia by joining NATO, Niinisto said: "My response would be that you caused this. Look at the mirror."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Sri Lanka names new PM in bid to address growing crisis

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ri Lanka appointed a new Prime Minister on Thursday, as its embattled President seeks a way out of the country's worst economic crisis since independence that has sparked widespread protests.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, a political veteran who has been Prime Minister of the island nation five times before, must try to address financial chaos and heal political divisions as he sets out to form a coalition govern-

ment.

"We are facing a crisis, we have to get out of it," Wickremesinghe told Reuters as he left a temple in the main city of Colombo shortly after his swearing-in. Asked whether there was a possible solution, he replied: "Absolutely."

The 73-year-old is an economic liberal who has experience dealing with the International Monetary Fund, which is currently in discussions to bail out Sri Lanka. He has also built re-

Couple in India sue son for not giving them a grandchild

A

couple in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand are suing their only son and his wife for not giving them a grandchild after six years of marriage.

Sanjeev and Sadhana Prasad, 61 and 57, say they used up their savings raising their son, paying for his pilot's training as well as a lavish wedding.

They are demanding compensation worth nearly US$650,000 if no grandchild is born within a year.

The highly unusual lawsuit was filed on grounds of "mental harassment".

Prasad said he had spent all his savings on his son, sending him to the US in 2006 for pilot training at a cost of US$65,000.

He returned to India in 2007, but lost his job and his family had to support him financially for more than two years, the Times of India reports.

Shrey Sagar, 35, did eventually get a job as a pilot. His parents say they arranged his marriage to

Shubhangi Sinha, now 31, in 2016, in the hope that they would have a "grandchild to play with" during their retirement.

The parents say they paid for a wedding reception in a five-star hotel, a luxury car worth US$80,000 and a honeymoon abroad.

"My son has been married for six years but they are still not planning a baby," Prasad said. "At least if we have a grandchild to spend time with, our pain will become bearable."

The couple's lawyer, AK Srivastava, told The National that the couple had demanded the money "because of mental cruelty".

"It is a dream of every parent to become a grandparent. They had been waiting for years to become grandparents."

The couple's petition, filed in Haridwar, is expected be heard by a court on May 17.

(BBC News)

lationships with regional powers India and China, key investors and lenders who vie for influence over the island nation that lies along busy shipping routes linking Asia to Europe.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa congratulated the new premier.

My best wishes to the newly appointed PM ... who stepped up to take on the challenging task of steering our country through a very turbulent time," he tweeted.

"I look forward to working together with him to make Sri Lanka strong again."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Wildfires threaten New Mexico resorts, burn California mansions

A multimillion-dollar home smolders at the top of a canyon hillside in the aftermath of the Coastal Fire, a wildfire in Laguna Niguel, California, US, May 12, 2022

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ildfires edged towards mountain resort towns in northern New Mexico on Thursday and engulfed an enclave of multimillion-dollar mansions in southern California.

Residents of around 900 houses were under evacuation in coastal California and one firefighter was injured when a wildfire fire torched about 200 acres (81 hectares) in Laguna Niguel on Wednesday, Orange County officials said.

In New Mexico, meanwhile, more than 300 homes and other buildings have been destroyed in wildfires burning since early last month. As westerly winds picked up Thursday, firefighters torched fire breaks and set up sprinkler systems to save ranches and homes around 15 miles (24 km) south of Angel Fire, a

ski resort town.

Crews bulldozed containment lines to stop the blaze getting into Black Lake, Angel Fire, and even the Taos area, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site Native American community.

"We are red flag conditions today so high, high winds," Todd Abel, a leader on the inter-agency team fighting the fire, told a briefing.

To the south, residents returned to the rubble of homes built on land that has been in their families since before the area became part of the United States in the mid-19th century. All that was left of Michael Salazar's modular home in Tierra Monte was twisted metal.

US President Joe Biden has ordered federal aid for fire recovery efforts. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Look at contracts and documents that influence your ability to earn money and handle it wisely. A potential move or change in direction looks promising.

Send out your resume.

(March 21-April 19) Change begins with you. Look for the best way to get things done and refuse to let someone's input cause uncertainty.

Trust your instincts and put one foot in front of the other.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Participate in something that sparks your imagination and helps you find alternative ways to reach your goals. The information others share with you will require adjustments to suit your needs.

(May 21-June 20) Do your best to get along. If you let your emotions take control, you'll regret it. A creative outlet will encourage you to focus on what you can do instead of on what you cannot.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Use your skills efficiently and stay updated to ensure you can function at top level. Shoot for the stars and be a leader. Use the experience you gain to help build a secure future.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Gather information, observe and network. The interactions you have with people who can offer insight into trends or how to make your skills more in demand will set you on a profitable path.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Discussions will give you a better understanding of what's possible. Be honest about your feelings and intentions, and find out where you stand.

Personal growth and home improvement are favored.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Get the OK before making changes that affect others. The input you get will help you decide what's feasible. Don't take on a burden you cannot handle. Be realistic and monitor your progress.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Plant both feet on the ground and give your all until you get what you want. Make a change at home that will render your life and responsibilities more manageable.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take care of your physical and emotional well-being. Don't take an unnecessary risk that puts you in a vulnerable position. Make alterations at home and practice moderation.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Don't feel obligated to do something because someone else does. Follow your heart and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Give others the freedom to do as they please.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Focus on the changes you want to make. Avoid discussions with negative people or those who like to meddle. Take an intelligent approach when helping a cause or addressing a concern.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

21

IPL 2022: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians…

Daniel Sams bagged 3-16

Sams, Meredith lead rout of Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni was the only bright spot for Super Kings, scoring 36* in 33 balls

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he greatest rivalry in IPL history lived down to its improbable basement-battle status, as Chennai Super Kings gave Mumbai Indians an outside chance of leapfrogging them at the bottom of this year's standings with a scrappy five-wicket defeat at the Wankhede Stadium.

Not for the first time were Super Kings discombobulated by the early swing that Mumbai seamers were able to extract, as they slumped to 97 all out with four overs left unused. It was their second-lowest total in IPL history, behind the 79 they made on this ground in 2013, while they also lost five wickets in the powerplay for the second time - again, Mumbai was responsible for the previous occasion, at Sharjah in 2020.

At least Super Kings' own quicks resolved to go down fighting, as Mukesh Choudhary and Simarjeet Singh combined to grab four wickets inside five overs and very briefly it seemed that MS Dhoni's partial rally of 36 not out from 33 balls (three times as many as any of his team-mates) might have just given his team a fighting chance. However, Tilak Varma and Hrithik Shokeen - who between them barely add up to Dhoni's 40 years - broke the chase with a responsible grind of 48 in 7.5 overs, before Tim David's typically forceful finish.

Power outage?

Powerplay outage

Farcical scenes greeted the opening exchanges of the contest, as a local power outage meant that no DRS was available for the start of Super Kings' innings.

What came next was thoroughly inevitable. Daniel Sams's first delivery to Devon Conway nipped back off the seam to thump him on the pad, and Umpire C Ravikanthreddy's response was mercilessly instantaneous. Conway was nonplussed, to put it mildly - the ball might, at a pinch, have been clipping the outer extremity of his leg stump. But the die was cast, and die Super Kings did.

Moeen Ali, never the most comfortable starter against the quicks, emerged at #3, and didn't hang about. A second-ball bouncer stopped in the pitch as Moeen swung too eagerly across the line and scuffed an ugly hoick to short midwicket; and at 2 for 2 after four legitimate balls, the omens weren't too promising, even before Jasprit Bumrah had started walking to the top of his mark.

Against Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday, Bumrah had sauntered off with the small matter of 5 for 10 in four overs. Now he made it 6 for 10 in 4.4, as Robin Uthappa was beaten hollow in an undignified stay - three times outside the off stump, and finally pinned plumb in front of that same stump for 1, as he flitted across the line, to leave Super Kings utterly beached at 5 for 3.

Before the next ball had been bowled, the DRS issue had been resolved - though fortunately for Uthappa, not in time for him to waste a lifeline.

Aussies rule in the middle overs

Sams will bowl better balls than the leg-side long-hop that snaffled his third wicket in the space of 13 balls. Ruturaj Gaikwad had just driven Bumrah for four through the covers in his previous, a rare feat this week, but his followup was to feather a slender edge to Ishan Kishan for 7.

Riley Meredith's arrival for the final over of the powerplay, however, produced a rather more classical fast bowler's breakthrough, as Ambati Rayudu was sawn in half by a nip-backer from back of a length, for Kishan to gobble the inside edge.

With Shivam Dube emerging at 29 for 5, there might have been a temptation to turn back to Bumrah for his third over out of seven, but Meredith was perfectly capable of giving the new man the hurryup. An attempted ramp off the short ball ended up as a muffed top edge; and at 39 for 6, Kishan had suddenly three catches in the space of four overs.

Dhoni has licence to go deep

Dhoni is never a man to let a match situation tilt his equilibrium.

Presumably, all he saw, as Dwayne Bravo emerged (for a seventhwicket stand that would exactly double the total without remotely rescuing the cause), was the chance to bed in and drag the innings as deep as was feasible.

An early flurry hinted at what he might yet be capable of, as Kumar Karthikeya was flayed for consecutive fours to bring up the team's 50, before Dhoni smoked his next ball, from Shokeen, over square leg for six. But Bravo never quite settled in the same circumstances. He had been living dangerously for 13 balls before clouting Karthikeya over long-on for six, but one ball later, he took

on an ambitious drive, and drilled a head-high chance to short cover.

Three balls later, Simarjeet became Karthikeya's second wicket of the over, and when Maheesh Theekshana responded to a sharp bouncer from Ramandeep Singh with the meekest of prods to cover, time and wickets were running out for Dhoni. He bided his time as Sams completed a superb day's work with 3 for 16, then tried to take on Meredith's extra pace with a four and a six in the 16th over.

But Kishan, alert to the likelihood of a final-ball bye, clawed down the bouncer and unleashed his shy with glove still attached. It was unerring, and Choudhary was caught yards short.

Choudhary, Simarjeet go down with guns blazing

With so few runs to play with, there was no scope for subtlety in Super Kings' response. For just the fourth time in IPL history, both new-ball bowlers - Choudhary and Simarjeet, in this case - rattled straight through all four of their overs, and instigated something approaching panic in Mumbai's

ranks too - reducing the chase to 33 for 4 in the first five overs.

Choudhary, in particular, bowled a beautifully sharp line, swinging the ball late to prise out Kishan in his first over, before seizing the moment in his third - as first Sams, then the South African debutant Tristan Stubbs, both paid the price for their safety-first reticence. Each was served up a full toss the ball before they fell, but neither could capitalize, and they were both nailed lbw for a total of 1 from eight balls.

Only Rohit Sharma - inevitably - had the measure of the conditions, as he set himself to counterattack against the attacking length, and took some sizeable lumps out of the target with four fours in his 18. Simarjeet found the nick in his second over, as a total of nine wickets fell across the two powerplays - the joint-most in IPL history - but by the end of the new-ball spells, Varma and Shokeen had ridden out the threat, to ease Mumbai towards their third win in the last four outings.

Ordinarily, you'd say that was a classic example of peaking at the right time. For once, it hasn't been quite that straightforward. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Ruturaj Gaikwad c †Ishan Kishan b Sams 7 Devon Conway lbw b Sams 0 Moeen Ali c Shokeen b Sams 0 Robin Uthappa lbw b Bumrah 1 Ambati Rayudu c †Ishan Kishan b Meredith 10 MS Dhoni (c)†not out 36 Shivam Dube c †Ishan Kishan b Meredith 10 Dwayne Bravo c Tilak Varma b Kartikeya 12 Simarjeet Singh lbw b Kartikeya 2 Maheesh Theekshana c Sharma b Ramandeep Singh 0 Mukesh Choudhary run out (†Ishan Kishan) 4 Extras (lb 3, w 12) 15 TOTAL 16 Ov (RR: 6.06) 97 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Devon Conway, 0.2 ov), 2-2 (Moeen Ali, 0.4 ov), 3-5 (Robin Uthappa, 1.4 ov), 4-17 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 4.1 ov), 5-29 (Ambati Rayudu, 5.4 ov), 6-39 (Shivam Dube, 7.3 ov), 7-78 (Dwayne Bravo, 12.2 ov), 8-80 (Simarjeet Singh, 12.5 ov), 9-81 (Maheesh Theekshana, 13.3 ov), 1097 (Mukesh Choudhary, 15.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Daniel Sams 4-0-16-3 Jasprit Bumrah 3-1-12-1

Riley Meredith 3-0-27-2 Hrithik Shokeen 2-0-12-0 Kumar Kartikeya 3-0-22-2 Ramandeep Singh 1-0-5-1 MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (Target: 98 runs from 20 overs) Ishan Kishan †c †Dhoni b Mukesh Choudhary 6 Rohit Sharma (c) c †Dhoni b Simarjeet Singh 18 Daniel Sams lbw b Mukesh Choudhary 1 Tilak Varma not out 34 Tristan Stubbs lbw b Mukesh Choudhary 0 Hrithik Shokeen b Ali 18 Tim David not out 16 Extras (lb 1, w 9) 10 TOTAL 14.5 Ov (RR: 6.94) 103/5 Did not bat: Ramandeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Riley Meredith, Kumar Kartikeya Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Ishan Kishan, 0.5 ov), 2-30 (Rohit Sharma, 3.3 ov), 3-33 (Daniel Sams, 4.3 ov), 4-33 (Tristan Stubbs, 4.5 ov), 5-81 (Hrithik Shokeen, 12.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mukesh Choudhary 4-0-23-3 Simarjeet Singh 4-0-22-1 Dwayne Bravo 2-0-16-0 Maheesh Theekshana 3-0-24-0 Moeen Ali 1.5-0-17-1

East Coast Cricket Board Navin/Hanso 50-Over cricket competition…

Action to continue on May 15 -Chandrika, Khan, Balgobin, among top performers

Rajendra Chandrika

Amir Khan

Chaitram Balgobin

Ariel Tilku

he East Coast Cricket Board’s Navin/Hanso 50Over competition, initially scheduled for continuation on Sunday May 8, is now scheduled to be played on Sunday May 15 at various venues.

Fairfield Rivals will be at home on their community centre ground against Lusignan Sports Club; Enterprise Busta CC will clash with Strathavon CC at the Enterprise CCG; Buxton CHCC will play Better Hope CC at the Buxton Community Centre Ground; and Ogle CC will compete against Golden Grove CC at the Ogle CC Cricket Ground.

So far, several outstanding performances have highlighted the action, and cricket fans can anticipate lots more excitement as the tournament continues.

Meanwhile, on April 10 last, Enterprise Busta Sports Club (ESC) defeated Mahaica SC in a lowscoring match. The latter team batted first and scored 49 all out in 14.4 overs, with M Singh topscoring with 22. Bishram Samaroo turned in commanding bowling figures of 5 wickets for 22 runs, while Rajendra Chandrika bagged

2 wickets for 27 runs in his 7.4 overs.

In their turn at the crease, Enterprise knocked off the required runs in 5 overs, while conceding just 1 wicket. Vivan Albert 18* and Himnauth Dindyal (25)* eventually sealed the victory for ESC by 9 wickets.

The Lusignan Sports Club (LSC) won the toss and inserted Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) in a game reduced to 45 overs. The ECCCC compiled 266 all out in 43.2 overs through the efforts of Chaitram Balgobin (70), Amir Khan (63) and Viswanauth Ramlakhan (50). Karamchand Persaud bagged 5 wickets for 48 runs from 9 overs, while Navin Persaud chipped in with 2-48 from 9 overs.

The LSC turned in a brave performance, but despite a gusty effort from Stephen Ramdass (36), fell short by 4 runs in 27.2 overs.

Balgobin bolstered his batting performance with immaculate bowling that saw him registering 4-4 from a similar number of overs. Yuvraj Dyal supported with 2-5 from 2.2 overs.

In another encounter, Ogle took on Better Hope at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground (LCCG). Better Hope won the toss and sent Ogle in to bat on a damp and soft wicket, and with the overs reduced to 45.

Ogle were bowled out for 41 in 21.1 overs. Sachin Singh claimed 4 wickets for 15 runs off 9 overs for the LSC. Rajendra Singh bagged 3 wickets for 14 runs off 5 overs, while Ravi Singh took 3-8 off 6 overs.

In reply, Better Hope reached 48/3 in 11.3 overs, with Ryan Singh notching up 12*.

In another truncated 45-over encounter, Fairfield Rivals took on Strathavon SC, with the former team winning the toss and taking first strike. Fairfield compiled 144 all out in 35 overs, with Ramnarine Chatura (50) and Dorain Grenion (22) being the principal scorers.

Strathavon SC’s Ajay Persaud with 3-20 (9 overs) and Prakash Chowtie with 3-26 (9 overs) were instrumental in restricting Fairfield Rivals, but the Strathavon SC batsmen were unable to complete the job, scoring 131 all out in 31.3

overs. Ramnarine Chatura with 4-25 (8 overs) and Karpov George with 3-16 (5.3 overs) were the leading bowlers.

Over at the LBI Ground, LBI CC took on Buxton and batted first after calling correctly.

Several batsmen turned in good performances, including Ariel Tilku (75), Nizam Khan (52), Alex Algoo (34), and Richard Dowlatram (24), to steer LBI CC to 273 for 9 from their allotted 50 overs.

Yojeshwar Bishun snared 5-29, Richard Dowlatram 3-19 and Ariel Tilku 2-22. Buxton, in reply, fell short, scoring 101 all out from 26 overs. Their top batsman was Owen Andrews (31).

In another encounter, Better Hope called the toss correctly and inserted Ogle in another game that saw a 5- over reduction.

Ogle then amassed 41 all out in 21 overs. Better Hope responded with 48/3 in 11.2 overs.

Sachin Singh bowled 9 overs and took 4 wickets while conceding 15 runs. Rajendra Singh bowled 5 overs and took 3-14, while Ravi Singh contributed 3 wickets for 8 runs from 6 overs.

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22 GFF, Namilco renew “Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Power U17 League” partnership FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

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Managing Director of Namilco, Bert Sukhai, and GFF President, Wayne Forde, shaking hands

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he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) will relaunch the intra-association NAMILCO THUNDERBOLT FLOUR POWER U17 League for boys this year, with an agreement to renew

the partnership and to ensure continuity in the coming years, in line with NAMILCO’s objective to support the sustainable development of youth in Guyana.

The competition, participation in which is compulsory for all nine GFF regional associations, will have

two phases – the intra-association league, which will decide the best teams in each regional association, and a championship round to crown the national champions.

It is expected that the regional segment of the tournament will kick off in June, with the

championship round scheduled for September. The agreement builds on the highly successful delivery of two NAMILCO-sponsored leaguebased competitions for U17 boys prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and underlines the company’s strong record as a national leader in corporate social responsibility.

“As a local company with a long history of supporting sport and youth development, we are pleased to continue to support the young men of this country through this impactful tournament with the Guyana Football Federation,” said NAMILCO Managing Director Bert Sukhai. “We are eager to see this U17 tournament for boys grow in the coming years, so that we can continue to make a lasting positive impact on the future of our nation through the power of football.

“We encourage our customers, bakers, chowmein manufacturers

and consumers of flour and flour products to support NAMILCO, so that we can sustain this major contribution to the development of our youths and the game of football in Guyana,” Sukhai iterated. “Without you, this would not be possible, and you should be comforted to know we are doing this on your behalf.”

The agreement followed a meeting this week between NAMILCO management and GFF officials, led by President Wayne Forde. “We are delighted that NAMILCO, as a brand with a long history of service in Guyana, has come on board again to support this tournament, which is a crucial pillar in our long-term strategy to develop young men who will lead positive, productive lives, and to discover and nurture talented footballers through age-specific programmes,” GFF President, Wayne Forde, said.

“NAMILCO’s corporate values make a great fit for the GFF, and we are humbled by the faith the company’s management, led by Mr. Sukhai, has shown in us to establish the U17 ‘Flour Power’ league, and then to continue to build the competition for the future.

“NAMILCO is an exemplary partner in the national development of our youth through sport,” Forde added.

More than a thousand boys across Guyana benefited from the first two seasons of the GFF/ NAMILCO “Flour Power” U17 IntraAssociation League, with several players progressing to Guyana’s youth and senior national teams, including Omari Glasgow, who recently signed a professional contract with Chicago Fire II. Further details on the launch of the competition will be released by the GFF in due course.

GCB Women’s Inter-County Tournament commences with T20 tournament T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be conducting its Women’s Inter-County Tournament from today to May 22, 2022. The two-format tournament will be played among four teams: Essequibo, Demerara, Berbice and a Select X1. The teams are comprised as follows: Essequibo: Analesia D’ Aguiar, Lavina Ragobeer (wkpt), Kumarie Persaud (captain), Cyanne Retemiah, Navika Narine (vice-captain), Nafeeza Sabar, Devine Ross, Desmona Hill, Natalie Chaitram, Varuni Petambar, Roxanne Hendricks, Ingrid Gouveia, Carina Smith and Ann Francis. Manager is Milenda Cornelius, and Coach is Nandkishore Andrews.

Demerara: Laushuna Toussaint, Latoya Smith, Mandy Mangru, Kavita Yadram, Heema Singh, Akaze Thompson, Cherry-

Ann Fraser, Kaysia Shultz, Emalissa Whyte, Lyndia Sylvin, Lessha Jordan, Shameka Edwards, Jo-Ann VanSertima and Tilkaha Madramootto.

Berbice: Shabika Gajnabi (captain), Tremayne Smartt (vicecaptain), Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Devona Frank, Marian Samaroo, Plaffina Millington,

Ashmini Munisar, Dian Prahalad, Oma Matadin, Kimmone Thomas, Shemaine Campbelle, Kentana Mentore, Sherica Campbelle.

Shemaine Campbelle will

join the team on May 19, 2022.

Manager Angela Haniff and Coach Winston Smith.

Select XI: Adena Smith, Lorraine Williams, Alliya Clarke, Karishma Ramnauth, Trisha Hardat, Leah Kamalall, Kamani Mahadeo, Dharshanie Subramanie, Realanna Grimmond, Jamie Campbelle, Nirveena Ramnauth, Renata Liverpool, Kimberly Sookdeo, and Tamar George.

The T20 fixture is as follows: In round one, matches will be played at the Albion Community Centre ground, where from 0900 hours the Select X1 will play Demerara, and from 13:30 hours, Essequibo will do battle with Berbice.

In round two, matches will be played at the Everest Cricket Club ground, where from 0900 hours the Select X1 will oppose

Essequibo, and from 13:30 hours Demerara will compete against Berbice.

In round three, at the Everest Cricket Club ground from 09:00 hours, Essequibo will oppose Demerara, and, from 13:30 hours, Berbice will oppose the Select X1.

The One-Day 50-Over fixture: In round one, Select X1 oppose Demerara at Everest Cricket Club ground, while Essequibo take on Berbice at Enmore Community Centre ground. In round two, Demerara play Berbice at the Enmore Community Centre ground, while Select X1 will compete with Essequibo at Everest Cricket Club ground.

In round three, Essequibo will take on Demerara at the Enmore Community Centre ground, while Berbice will oppose the Select X1 at the Albion Community Centre ground.

Guyanese riders, five-man Surinamese team to battle Slingerz returns as WDFA launches Senior League at Independence three-stage cycle race from May 14

WDFA President Trevor Williams is surrounded by WDFA Executive members and club representatives at the launch

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Raynauth Jeffrey and Jamual John will return from USA to ride in the three-stage race

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he Guyana Cycling Federation will be hosting the annual three-stage cycle race on May 14 and May 15. This colourful and prestigious event, which is in its 39th year, commences at 7:30am on Saturday in the town of Corriverton, and proceeds to New Amsterdam for the finish in a distance of 40 miles.

At 14:00hrs on the same day, the second stage commences at Rosignol village and proceeds to Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown for the finish in a total of 60 miles.

On Sunday May 15, riders will meet for the third and final stage from 7:30am.

The third stage starts in the town of Linden, and proceeds to Georgetown for the finish in a total of 65 miles. Presentation

of prizes will be done at the conclusion of this stage.

This event encompasses the Elite, Open, Veterans, Juniors and Ladies categories. A five-man Suriname team will be competing in this event, while overseasbased riders Raynauth Jeffrey and Jamual John are expected to return home to participate in he action.

Last year, We Stand United cyclist Briton John clocked six hours, 56 minutes, and 57 seconds (6:56:57) across the three stages to take the event’s overall title.

Jamual John placed second in a time of 6:57:09, and Paul DeNobrega placed third in a time of 7:01:56. Raynauth Jeffrey placed fourth with an overall time of 7:02:17. Team Evolution’s Christopher Griffith finished six

Briton John was the overall winner last year

seconds behind Jeffrey for overall fifth position (7:02:23).

Overall, Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club’s Suzanne Hamilton finished ahead of Shenika Teixeira and Aneisha Crandon in the female battle.

hings are heating up on the West Coast of Demerara, as the Leonora Track and Field Facility readies itself to host the West Demerara Football Association’s (WDFA) Men’s Senior League. While former GFF Super 16 Winners Den Amstel FC have made a play for the championships, competition on the ‘West side’ is set to be a bit tougher, with the return of Slingerz FC to the fold.

Like the other Senior Men’s leagues around the country, the WDFA games will commence this Sunday evening at the Leonora Track and Field Facility as nine clubs begin their quest for top honours.

On Wednesday evening last at the host venue, WDFA President Trevor Williams unveiled the league in the presence of fellow Executive Members and Club Representatives.

He challenged the clubs to work together with eth Association and by extension the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to ensure that the game reaches heights never reached in the

WDFA. Clubs were informed that in this short season, the GFF has made it mandatory that Elite League clubs within the various Regional Associations (RA) compete in the local leagues, and in this instance, Den Amstel FC will be throwing down the gauntlet to their fellow West Demerara rivals.

Additionally, former Elite League club, Slingerz FC will be making a grand comeback which adds more spice and excitement to the competitive pot as it will serve up mouth-watering action for fans to absorb on each match day.

Setting the tone for the league from Sunday evening will be Pouderoyen FC against Bell West FC from 18:00hrs with the main attraction featuring Den Amstel FC against #1 All-Stars from 20:30hrs.

The other contesting clubs are Wales, Crane Rovers, Eagles, Uitvlugt Warriors, and Slingerz.

President Williams is urging fans to come out in their numbers to support their favourite club as the game will be back with a bang and fan support is critical to making

this a reality.

Meanwhile, clubs were each presented with balls and other gear compliments of the GFF.

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23 BCB to assist 90 cricket clubs with cricket balls under Shimron and Nirvani Hetmyer Cricket Trust Fund T FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

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he Berbice Cricket Board

Shimron Hetmyer

(BCB) would this weekend start the distribution of one million dollars’ worth of cricket balls to ninety clubs across the county as this proactive cricket board continues to assist Berbice clubs to fulfill their mandate.

The balls would form part of the 2022 edition of the BCB/Shimron and Nirvani Hetmyer

Cricket Trust Fund. The West Indies middle order batsman and his wife have been sponsoring the trust fund since 2021, and have indicated that they would continue to do so as long as the correct President, Hilbert Foster, remains in office.

Foster has said that Mrs Hetmyer contacted him two weeks ago to inform him that the couple were interested in not only renewing their support, but to increase the funds from $1m to $1.5m. Last year, the couple had assisted the board to donate seven hundred thousand dollars’ worth of balls across the county, while two hundred thousand dollars was used for educational grants to students living in the New Amsterdam/Canje area.

The remaining funds were used for MVP programmes and coaching. Under this year’s edition, one million dollars would be used for the distribution of red

cricket balls, while two hundred thousand dollars would be given out as educational grants.

Foster explained that three hundred thousand dollars would be used for the hosting of a oneday grassroots tournament and a three-team female tournament involving West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje and Rose Hall Town Metro.

The grassroots tournament would be played in Canje and would involve four teams, including Young Warriors and Rose Hall Canje. The BCB President also disclosed that under the educational grants, a female national player would receive a grant of one hundred thousand dollars to assist her to successfully complete her studies at the Guyana School of Agriculture.

Foster, hailed the assistance of the couple, who have been very supportive of his presidency, and noted that it was refreshing that

current players are assisting in the development of Berbice Cricket.

The distribution of the balls would start on Sunday in the Upper Corentyne area, where thirty clubs would each receive a box of balls.

The next area would be the West Berbice sub-association, where fourteen clubs are expected to benefit.

The BCB, since 2018, has assisted clubs with cricket balls, and, late last year, donated one million dollars’ worth of white balls to the eleven first division teams and the Berbice River area under its Patron Fund. Clubs and sub-associations in the county have also benefited from donation of gear, scorebooks, stumps, catching cribs, grass cutters, w a t e r pitchers, rain coats, uniforms,

educational materials, pitch covers, trophies, medals, bicycles among other things from the BCB since 2018.

BCB President Hilbert Foster

10 teams to contest EDFA League

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ollowing in the footsteps of a number of Regional Member Associations (RMAs) from across the country, the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA), on Thursday morning launched their Senior Men’s League in collaboration with the Stag Beer brand.

10 teams based on the East Coast of Demerara will do battle for the top spot in the Regional Member Association (RMA), inclusive of the Elite League teams in the area.

Similar to the leagues in other parts of the country, the action will commence on Sunday, May 15. The EDFA’s first host venue will be the Golden Grove Ground.

Guyana Breweries Inc, under the Stag Beer brand will be the title sponsors of the EDFA’s league, with Marketing Manager Mikhail DaSilva reiterating Stag’s commitment to sport.

“As you would know, Stag has been supportive of local talent and by extension Sports in Guyana, especially where

football is concerned. As most persons would’ve mentioned, the pandemic for the last few years has really prevented us from having such activities planned but this tournament gives a breath of fresh air, not only to the football fans, but athletes themselves, giving them another chance to play at high levels,” DaSilva shared with the gathering at Guyana Breweries Inc’ East Coast Demerara office.

EDFA General Secretary Gidell Austin disclosed the 10 teams

SIC/Guyana NRA Smallbore Section Team Semi-Practical Pistol Competition…

Lennox & Jermaine Braithwaite and Jermaine Softley emerge winners

Members of the top four teams take time out for a group photo following the presentation of prizes.

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he combination of seasoned short and longrange marksman Lennox Braithwaite, his son Jamaine and Jermaine Softley were able to merge their shooting and team skills to perfect effect which propelled them to victory in the just-concluded Guyana National Rifle Association Smallbore Section Team Semi-Practical 9mm Pistol competition which was sponsored by Secure Innovations & Concepts Inc. located at 246 Samaan Drive, Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown.

Apart from an exciting day of rapid and calculated shots at 10m, 12m, and 15m ranges, the activity which was held at the Tactical Services Unit Range, Eve Leary, also saw a close tussle from start to finish with just two points being the difference between winning and losing.

The Braithwaite’s father and son combo along with Softley held their nerves to stave off the challenge of Robin Razack, Stefan John, and GuyanaNRA Smallbore Captain Gordon Richards who fell

short by two points, 177 to the winning total of 179.

Each team was allotted 50 rounds while team members assisted in loading magazines as well as collecting the same when their partners were taking aim at the targets at the various ranges.

Experienced shooters took aim at the longest range (15m) as teams sought to get their best shots on the home straight; the likes of Lennox Braithwaite, Gordon Richards, Satya Dayaram, and Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon.

The all-female combination of Persaud-McKinnon, Basmatee Mohabeer and Yonelle De Abreu did well to end in the fourth position.

Members of all four teams were presented with individual trophies, compliments of Secure Innovations and Concepts.

Smallbore Captain, Richards

expressed gratitude to CEO of Secure Innovations and Concepts Harold Hopkinson for his continued investment in the development of the sport in Guyana.

“Mr. Hopkinson has continued to show real commitment to growing the sport by his continued investment and partnership with us without any hesitation. We are most appreciative of his continued support. I would also like to thank our members for coming out in their numbers to compete and for making the event an exciting and successful one.

We look forward to many more partnerships with Mr. Hopkinson and his company as we continue to grow this sport.”

Following are the full results of the competition (first to fourth), names listed in order of competing at the 10m, 12, and 15m ranges.

Team Members Points Jermaine Softley, Jamaine Braithwaite, Lennox Braithwaite 179 Robin Razack, Stefan John, Gordon Richards 177 Dwain Vyfhuis, Terry Stuart, Satya Dayaram 172 Basmatee Mohabeer, Yonelle De Abreu, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon 169

participating, namely; Airy Hall All Stars, Mahaica Determinators, Ann’s Grove United, Victoria Kings, Victoria Scorpions, Dynamic FC, Haslington FC, Melanie FC, Buxton Stars and Buxton United.

Austin went on to remind the teams of the importance of disciplined behaviour.

“To the clubs, we want lots of discipline to be on show at our tournament. We do not want fighting, remember the referee’s decision is always final. Regardless of what you do, whatever the referee says will stand,” The EDFA General Secretary said.

He added, “I am pleading with you guys at this forum. Let us try as much as possible to adhere to the ruling of the referee so we could have a nice, clean tournament.”

Austin also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors,

articulating his hope that their relationships will see longevity.

“We wouldn’t want this to be the first and last engagement we have with Guyana Breweries Inc. we will definitely want this to be a partnership that will grow from year to year and as we go down the road, the sponsorship will increase. We’re grateful for this,” Austin related.

On the other hand, EDFA President Gregory Wickham also had words for the teams, highlighting that this is their opportunity to showcase their skills, for a bid at the National teams.

“I’m confident that this tournament will exhibit a number of players who want to showcase their talents. The intention is, behind the launching and the programmes we’re going to run

off, is that we want to have our best players, because we’re thinking we want to make the national team,” Wickham explained.

He further stated, “So, players you’re encouraged to do your best. As they say in the world of sports, the scouts will be out there looking to see and then they’re making their little jottings.

You can rest assured, that as your perform on the field, you will not go unnoticed.”

The leagues playing days will be Saturday and Sunday at the Buxton and Golden Grove Grounds respectively. Two games are expected to be played on each day. Similarly to the other 9 RMAs across the country, teams attached to the Associations received a quantity of equipment, to assist in their in-house training.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

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

KFC pumps $2M into GMMAF as they prepare for IMMAF Championships

…GGMAF aiming to host club tournament in last quarter of 2022

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ast-food giant KFC Guyana has plugged a hefty sum of $2 million dollars into the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Team as they prepare for the IMMAF Pan Am Championships set for June 20-22, 2022.

Those championships will see the local contingent travelling to Mexico to compete.

This will be Guyana’s second outing to a tournament of this kind, as they recently competed in the IMMAF World Championships in January in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking on behalf of KFC was Marketing Manager Pamela Manasseh, who expressed much satisfaction in supporting the quest of the team. “KFC is proud to be the leading sponsor for the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation. We are pleased that the federation was invited by the IMMAF to the PanAmerican Championships which is schedule for Montero, Mexico. On behalf of our KFC management and staff throughout Guyana, we would like to wish the federation safe travels and many successes in the upcoming

Pamela Manasseh

Gavin Singh

tournament.”

Also sharing his sentiments was Guyana Mixed Martial Arts President, Gavin Singh, who stated that the association is grateful to the fast-food giant for coming on board to support them yet again.

“In January 2022, Beharry Restaurant Holdings, under the KFC franchise, not only provided sponsorship for our national team to attend the first World Championships in Abu Dhabi, but they also pledged to aid in future competitions. They also prom-

ised to work together with the federation to aid in the development of the sport in Guyana”, Singh shared.

He also thanked the board of directors and the marketing manager among others of the KFC franchise for the efforts they have put in, supporting the team on their journey. He noted that the federation is aiming to select eight athletes to attend the games in Mexico, and relayed that the contingent would include one official and sports journalist Rawle Toney.

He mentioned that the federation has already se-

lected the teams by means of club athletes’ registration through the federation. Some of the clubs are Phoenix Jujitsu, Guyana Police Force Mixed Martial Arts Club and 3 RYU Karate Club. The GMMAF boss explained that some of the clubs are willing to exhibit their athletes for selection, while some were a bit reluctant to do so due to the unpreparedness.

“Most of the coaches and executives have expressed the need for a camp for these competitions. However, due to funding, it has not been

executed as we would have liked to see. The preparation of these athletes is a process, and entails individual selection, training mechanism, coaching apparatus, medical and antidoping training. It is a challenge, and one which we will indeed overcome,” Singh posited.

Singh is confident that his federation would be working arduously as they have plans to host a tournament in the last quarter of 2022 among clubs, and inviting athletes to qualify for the World Championships that are go-

ing to be held Abu Dhabi.

Singh said, “Many people may say that the task we aim to achieve is impossible, but impossible means we just haven’t found the solution as yet. It will take commitment from companies such as Beharry Restaurant Holdings, who understand that their company’s success is not only measured in sales, but also contributing to development of sports, academics, and cultural growth in our country. That will make the impossible tangible reality.”

10 teams to contest EDFA League

EDFA President Gregory Wickham and Guyana’s Breweries’ Mikhail DaSilva flanked by team representatives and other EDFA executives GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.