Guyana Times - Friday, November 4, 2022

Over 30,000 secondary school girls to benefit from sanitary pads as distribution commences Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5182

P10

THE BEACON OF TRUTH PRICE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Govt moves to auction 14 blocks in coming months ...royalty increases to 10%, changes to cost

$100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

See story on page 3

Timehri man gets 36 months for breaking into private jet P2 at CJIA Man slapped with 17-years’ jail term for P15 raping girl, 12

oil & relinquishment clauses – VP Jagdeo Attempts to rig 2020 elections:

Only 90% of rice harvested as 2023 spring crop begins in Berbice P5

15 witnesses to testify as CoI gets underway today – Chairman says focus is on getting “truth” with “credible evidence” Page 7

MoH&W to screen 230 Govt ahead of applicants for steel, schedule on cement initiative next week delivering manifesto promises – Finance Minister …says Govt committed to ensuring

See story on page 13

Page 9

all Guyanese benefit from resources

Construction to soon begin on 7 new hospitals across Guyana – Dr Anthony Page 11

AGM/Zijing Mining Group donates P11 garbage truck to M&CC

Ex-con handed 30-year jail term for P12 “premeditated” killing

2 NEWS Taxi driver granted bail Timehri man gets 36 months for for killing motorcyclist breaking into private jet at CJIA F T FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

hirty-eight-year-old Vishram Singh, a taxi driver, was released on $300,000 bail when he appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court on Monday when he was slapped with a causing-death-by-dangerous-driving charge.

Singh, who hails from Somerset and Berks on the Essequibo Coast, had allegedly caused the death of Vikash Kevin Fredericks, 18, of Lot 18 New Road, Essequibo Coast, on December 26, 2021, at the New Road Public Road.

He was not required to plead to the charge, but soon after entered a not-guilty plea after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied.

As such, he was granted bail and the case was adjourned to November 21.

Fredericks tragically lost his life while making his way home on a motor-

Charged: Vishram Singh

Dead: Vikash Kevin Fredericks

cycle after he was struck down by a car that was driven by Singh. He was at the time heading in a southern direction.

Reports are that residents heard the loud impact of the accident and rushed to the scene.

Fredericks was picked up in a bloody and unconscious state and rushed to the Oscar Joseph Hospital.

He was then transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital and later succumbed to his injuries.

orty-three-year-old Albert Rajram, also known as “Bunny”, of Circuit Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) who confessed to breaking into a private jet that was parked at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

He appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman and pleaded guilty to two counts of simple larceny. He was accused of breaking into the private aircraft of Courtney Curso and Jason Johnson between October 26 and October 28 and stealing a number of items valued over $2 million.

Following his guilty plea, he was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment for each charge, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The private jet had landed in Guyana on Wednesday last and was parked close to the hangar of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps at the CJIA. Reports are that when the pilots returned to the airport on Friday to prepare their flight for take-off, they discovered

Albert Rajram, also called “Bunny”

that the main door to the plane had been breached.

An investigation was subsequently launched which led to the arrest of Rajram, who, during interrogation, admitted that he dug a hole under the perimeter fence of the airport and made his way onto the tarmac where he broke into the aircraft and stole several items which have since been recovered.

It was reported that upon his arrest, he was taken to his home, where the stolen

Several bottles of alcohol that were recovered

items were found. Among the recovered articles are several bottles of high-end alcoholic beverage and electronic gadgets.

Meanwhile, after it was determined that the overall integrity of the aircraft was not compromised, the plane had departed Guyana for Texas.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, November 4 – 01:30h-03:00h and Saturday, November 5 – 02:30h-04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Govt moves to auction 14 blocks in coming months …royalty increases to 10%, changes to cost oil & relinquishment clauses – VP Jagdeo

Friday, November 4 – 13:35h-15:05h and Saturday, November 5 – 14:20h-15:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected in the earlymorning hours, followed by cloudy skies, with thundery to light rain showers in the afternoon and at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to North-Westerly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 13:50h reaching a maximum height of 2.41 metres.

Low Tide: 07:19h and 19:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.82 metre and 0.80 metre.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

02 04 06

09 17 22

24

FREE TICKET THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

06 08 12 18 24 LUCKY 3

7

1

1

1

Afternoon Draw

9

8

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 03

06 07

17 18 20

18

SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2022

02 07 12 15 16 1

13

02 03 14 15 20

0

2 Afternoon Draw

5X Afternoon Draw

8

8 Evening Draw

FP Evening Draw

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$95.08/barrel

+0.43

Rough Rice

$315.054/ton

-0.35

London Sugar

$535.90/ton

-0.19

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1633.70

$1634.70

Low/High Change

$1616.10 +3.10

$1639.80 +0.19%

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he Guyana Government has decided to auction 14 offshore oil blocks in the coming months under new fiscal conditions that can see the country benefiting from as high as a US$20 million signing bonus with royalties more than doubling and corporation taxes imposed.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday at a press conference, where he also revealed changes to the cost oil formula, bidding restrictions, and more stringent relinquishment clauses.

According to Jagdeo, the bidding round will be launched soon and will last for about five months.

Cabinet fine-tuned the new terms for the upcoming auction during a meeting on Thursday morning in order to ensure that Guyana enjoys maximum benefits from the booming oil sector.

It was decided that 14 offshore blocks will be up for auction – 11 in the shallow area and three in the deepsea area. These blocks will range from 1000 square kilometres (sq km) to 2000 sq km, with most of the blocks being approximately 2000 sq km.

Among the new fiscal regime that will govern the new oil contracts resulting from the auction as well as all future Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) are the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery; the increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to a 10 per cent fixed rate; the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax, and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent from 75 per cent.

This, according to Jagdeo, will bring Guyana’s total share under these new conditions to 27.5 per cent compared to 14.5 per cent under the old terms.

Additionally, the Vice President revealed that there would be a signing bonus of US$20 million for the deepsea blocks and US$10 million for the shallow blocks. With these new conditions, the VP reassured that Guyana would remain competitive in the global market, which is currently buzzing with auctions.

“We wanted, in the beginning, a greater share of the revenue for the Government and people of Guyana, which we believe we will succeed in

with this new fiscal formula.

A significantly greater share of the proceeds [will come to us]. That was one of our objectives. But the second objective was to remain globally competitive and to accelerate the exploration in the context of net zero.

“We have the consultants [London-based HIS Markit] working to strengthen the PSA to be ready before the auction is concluded… and the PSA will be amended to reflect these new fiscal terms too… The laws of the country will also be amended, where necessary, to reflect [these new terms],” Jagdeo stated.

Qualifications

Moreover, he noted that Government has also decided to make the bidding process more competitive by having the auction open to both local and foreign companies/ individuals, who will have to meet minimum technical and financial qualifications that will be outlined.

However, the qualifications for the three blocks in the ultra-deep area will be more stringent than those for the shallow blocks since only a few companies have the capability and technology to explore the deep sea.

On the other hand, while there will be no restrictions on how blocks a company can bid on, there is, however, a limit of three blocks awarded to a single company.

“So, whilst you can tender for all the blocks, but you’d have to do so and list all your preferences so we get more competitive bidding for all the blocks. But the award to a company will not be more than three blocks. Each bidder will be required to put up a work programme because the criteria for accessing the

Map showing the various oil blocks already in the hands of operators and the untapped Block C

bids will be weighed between the price and the work programme… So, we’ll have to hold them [and] have a guarantee that they will actually meet the work programme,” the VP explained.

Relinquishment

With regard to the updated relinquishment clauses, Jagdeo revealed that these provisions would be tightened in order to ensure there was greater turnover of the offshore blocks. As such, an initial three years will be allotted for both the shallow and deep-sea blocks for seismic work. Upon moving onto phase two after the first three years, the operators will have to relinquish 50 per cent of the blocks.

Two one-year extensions will be given to the shallow block operators, giving them a total of five years to move onto the work programme.

For the deep-sea block holders, they will get a total of 10 years given the complexities of those operations.

Jagdeo further pointed out that these companies would also be held accountable for

not fulfilling commitments made in the work programme such as capital investments, and would be liable to a penalty of a $30 million remittance to Government as well as lose the block. He added too that the successful bidders would have to put up a 20 per cent guarantee of their work commitment in the contract.

“This is to prevent people taking a block and sitting on it for three years, and then at the end of the three years you hear “we can’t do anything… we need to relinquish it” …

The country [would have] lost three years from potential development… We don’t want people to sit on the blocks.

And if this comes back to Government, it can then go in subsequent auctions,” the Vice President stated.

In addition, the Guyana Government has also taken a decision to place ring-fencing on the contracts instead of the blocks up for auction since those are small. This, he explained, is the most efficient way that will allow the developers to maximise projects within an area.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 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

Maternal deaths

W

orldwide, maternal mortality rates are still unacceptably high, and, no doubt, more strenuous efforts are needed by international development partners, Governments and policymakers to ensure that countries make progress in reducing these rates.

According to statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO), about 830 women die from pregnancyor childbirth-related complications around the world every day. Improving maternal health has been one of 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted by the international community in 2000.

Under MDG 5, countries committed to reducing maternal mortality by three-quarters between 1990 and 2015; and since 1990, the number of maternal deaths worldwide has dropped. Seeing that it is possible to accelerate the decline, countries have now united behind a new target to reduce maternal mortality even further. One target under Sustainable Development Goal 3 is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 births, with no country having a maternal mortality rate of more than twice the global average.

According to WHO, the high number of maternal deaths in some areas of the world reflects inequities in access to health services, and highlights the gap between rich and poor.

Almost all maternal deaths (99 per cent) occur in developing countries.

The media have reported several cases of maternal and child deaths over the past few months, and several investigations were launched to determine what contributed to those deaths. In many cases, the findings of the probe brought into question the conduct of healthcare professionals and the entire system as a whole.

The bottom line is that too many of our women have lost their lives during child birth, and too many babies have died due to various complications in the very early stages of their lives. On several occasions before, we had called for the authorities to take immediate action to ensure that maternal and child death rates continue to decline steadily.

Now that Guyana will have access to millions in loans from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to help reduce maternal, perinatal and neonatal deaths, much of the crucial programmes we had called for over the years to reduce these deaths could be implemented.

According to the IDB, given that about 93 per cent of deaths in children less than one year of age occurred in the neonatal period, the programme would support and improve maternal and child health care, with a focus on improving access to quality neonatal health services and providing a better path to, and quality of, reproductive and maternal health services.

It is also expected that more would be done to improve the vaccination programme, and to incorporate new vaccines.

Additionally, under the Maternal and Child Health Programme, it is expected that all mothers would be registered with a clinic, and be examined during the course of their pregnancy. This would greatly reduce the chances of maternal deaths, as well as create environments for pregnant mothers to have healthy pregnancies.

The WHO has underlined the fact that all women need access to antenatal care in pregnancy, skilled care during childbirth, and care and support in the weeks after childbirth.

To avoid maternal deaths, it is also vital to prevent unwanted and too-early pregnancies. All women, including adolescents, need access to contraception, safe abortion services to the full extent of the law, and quality post-abortion care.

To improve maternal health, barriers that limit access to quality maternal health services must be identified and addressed at all levels of the health system.

The fact is that most maternal deaths are preventable, as the healthcare solutions to prevent or manage complications are well known.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat visited The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Abu Dhabi. During his visit, he shared that the Mandir was a true landmark of the unity and harmony the world needs at this time

Explaining the inexplicable intricacies in today's cricket

Dear Editor, Once popular Guyanese cricket commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Pereira had a famous term which he loved to use on the air, “and he is on his way.” Those wellknown words were used to describe a batsman making his way back to the pavilion after been giving out by the umpire.

These days, we sadly have to say the same for an entire team making their way back to the pavilion and back to their respective countries after a joy-ride for a short “holiday”, lasting three games in Australia, during their ICC T20 World Cup 2022 series. What a disaster for the West Indies Cricket Team to be referred to as the “Worst Indies” team! Under the headline, “The Titanic is sunk,” Sportstar Magazine of India (in 1997) said West Indies cricket eventually “may well be as much part of history as the Titanic.”

Once there were the “Bourda Green” days, when the cavalier West Indies Team was the most feared team in the world, filled with master blasters for batsmen, and leaving blisters to be plastered from their throng of pace bowlers, all done in a continuous manner from number 1 to number 11 and also year in year out. It used to be a continuous attack with the bat and the ball (okay, minus Lance Gibbs with the bat).

Even Colin Croft, a bowler and tailend batsman, showed his prowess with the bat. His records show that he had a highest Test score of 33, while remaining not out 22 times from his 27 Tests!

At the prestigious Lord’s cricket ground in the UK, the West Indies won the ICC Cricket World Cup twice, when it was known as the Prudential Cup, played every 4 years; they won the inaugural tournament in 1975, and again in 1979. Under Clive Lloyd’s captaincy, they beat Australia in the first encounter in 1975, when they fielded four Guyanese players: Clive Lloyd, Rohan Kanhai, Roy Fredericks and Alvin Kallicharran.

They then thrashed England on the second occasion in 1979; this time three Guyanese took the field: Clive Lloyd, Alvin Kallicharran and Colin Croft.

But they were unable to complete the

hat-trick in 1983, when India beat them in a low-scoring game with only two Guyanese at the crease, Clive Lloyd and Faoud Bacchus. West Indies never fully recovered from that astounding loss, and never won this World Cup 60/50 overs format of the game again.

A slow but sure decline in quality of the Caribbean’s magnificence occurred with the setting sun, and the tiger lost its teeth. Michael Henderson of the Times in London maintained that “an era came to an end, beyond all argument,” adding that it ended with a submission so feeble that the years of West Indian domination appeared to be a trick of the light. Such commanding dominance went to bed.

The ICC T20 World Cup was introduced in 2007, and is played every 2 years. Rays of hope seeped through dark clouds momentarily to enlighten some spark of excitement, enticing a cricket-starved Caribbean people for some more days of glory, to truly represent the international fame of bedazzled names, decorating the electrifying era of earlier thrilling sensationalism. West Indies won the Cup in 2012 when they defeated Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, and won in 2016 when they beat England in India, both times under the captaincy of Daren Sammy.

The glaring absence of any Guyanese player was prominently featured on both occasions. Again, the doldrum of boredom seeped through the crevice to intoxicate rousing and gripping cricket.

West Indians were spoiled with the calypso-style tempo of cricket, accustomed to seeing runs flowing freely and fluently from the flashing bats, and wickets tumbling from the pace and turn of the ball, coupled with hawk-like fielding from the athletic and acrobatic skills of the inspiring cricketers. The prolific, powerful players did not proliferate the past protégé of profiled prominence. Cricket in the Caribbean again bloomed like wild unwanted flowers without fragrance in the burial ground, to be noticed from far but not to be used productively or practically.

Samuel Hasan of Pakistan’s leading English newspaper, Dawn, once advised,

“The only thing the West Indies now require is a complete overhaul. If the team remains as disparate as it currently is, they may be up for greater humiliation.”

So true, embarrassed, the West Indies did grieve and mourn the death of a premature birth.

The West Indies team failed to cross the starting line this year. Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting described West Indies performance as a “disgrace.” Beginning gloomily, the team failed to secure direct entry into the Super 12s. Former West Indies cricket captain Kieron Pollard said it’s a “sad day” for Caribbean cricket. He was both surprised and disappointed at the team’s early exit.

Cricket West Indies president, Ricky Skerritt, stated, “A post mortem will be carried out immediately.” The first man on the table may be the head coach, Phil Simmonds. He has already indicated his decision to resign at his “beck and call.”

Really? Not playing some key players with experience may also come into play. Daren Sammy confessed, “The team lacked inspiration, they lacked motivation, and tactically, we were not on song.” The Hetmyer saga is another drama. Was there contamination at the selection level? Was the captain Nicholas Pooran at fault? Was there indiscipline?

Did their attitude, attire and aptitude attribute to an attrition? Sir Andy Roberts wrote, “I’ve said it more than once – our players need to embark on personal development. They have to develop their game.”

Is this the answer, or is there need to play the blame game? He further observed, “I hardly hear the Director of Cricket (Jimmy Adams) say anything concerning the development of cricket.” As previously advised by the expert, “new attitudes, new ideas, and liberal minds are needed to work for progress.”

Should the focus shift from too much fitness and concentrate on skills and/or, they need to try new things, rather than sticking to the same script.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

5

News

Only 90% of rice harvested as 2023 spring crop begins in Berbice

Regional Chairman David Armogan

A

s the 2023 spring crop of rice officially commenced in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), several major rice-producing communities have not completed harvesting their 2022 autumn crop of paddy. Some paddy has still been left in the fields in the Black Bush Polder and Number 52/74 areas of the Corentyne.

Overall, 82 percent of these rice-producing communities have completed harvesting their 2022 autumn crop. In Crabwood Creek, 90 per cent of the rice has already been harvested, and land preparation is currently underway

A farmer sowing paddy as the 2023 spring crop began

for the new crop.

According to Region Six Chairman David Armogan, if the current weather pattern continues, there would be need to set up a pump in the Upper Corentyne area to irrigate lands in Moleson Creek and contiguous communities.

“Remember, they are not getting water from Sandaka anymore, because the pump at Sandaka is not operable because the Estate [GuySuCo] is not operable there. So, we may have to ask NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] to put in a pump

so that we can get water from the Canje Creek and pump it into the irrigation system for the Crabwood Creek people to plant their rice,” Armogan has said.

While updating the Regional Council on Thursday, Armogan pointed out that although the 2023 spring crop has commenced, five percent of the paddy for the 2022 autumn crop is still to be harvested in the Number 52-74 area.

“The pumps there are starting today; the crop is going to start today. They have done land preparation, so we have started

to pump water as of today (Thursday). In Black Bush Polder, we have started four pumps two days ago, and so people have flooded their fields and they are in the process of starting the new crop as well,” he explained.

Region Six is projecting to put 64,000 acres under rice cultivation. For the 2022 autumn crop, which is now finishing, just over 50,000 acres had been cultivated. The reduction from the 64,000 acres for the 2022 autumn crop was due to flooding.

“We are hoping to get

back to our peak production, because the weather seems to be favourable at the moment. So, once the weather continues to hold like this, and we keep pumping irrigation water into the system, I think a lot of people will get back into the crop and have every available land under rice cultivation,” Armogan has predicted.

According to Armogan, cash crop farmers would also be able to increase their cultivation this season. He said that many of them have been complaining that an insufficient supply of water has been preventing them from increasing their acreage un-

der cultivation. However, Armogan added that December 31 is the last day any farmer should be planting rice for the 2023 spring crop.

“That is what I am told by the technical people.

Because if people plant at different times, what you would find is that when some would be reaping, some will be growing; and so, the paddy bugs, when one person is finished reaping, would go into the other person’s rice field. That is one of the difficulties we have. So, the last day in December should be the cutoff point for the sowing of paddy,” Chairman Armogan has told the RDC.

Rice farmers from Greenwich Park to Vergenoegen use the road disrespectfully Dear Editor, It is appalling that the relevant authorities have been condoning the muddy condition in which the rice farmers from Greenwich Park to Vergenoegen, in Region Three, have been leaving the public roadway.

These rice farmers have been driving their tractors with wheels loaded with wet mud, and as the tractor drives along the public road, this wet mud is catapulted all over the road, and thousands of people are affected by these uncaring and unconcerned rice farmers.

It does appear as if the drivers of these tractors got their licences by 'hook or crook'. I say this because their use of the roads does not show they have any knowledge of the 5Cs taught by the Police in driv-

ing classes. Care, concern, common sense, courtesy, and consideration for other road users seem to be completely absent from their minds.

Firstly, when the road is left in a muddy state and it rains, other vehicles are splattered with mud. This gives hundreds of vehicle owners added work to clean their vehicles, or add to their expenses by having to visit the wash bay. What is worse, pedestrians and cyclists have to face this onslaught of wet mud totally unguarded. Just imagine a neatly dressed school child or office worker coming out to use the wet, muddy road on a rainy day.

On one of those days, persons waiting on transportation can be seen standing in the grass, instead of

at the edges of the road, because of the mud left on the road. This bullying by rice farmers cannot continue.

Secondly, a wet, muddy road significantly reduces the effectiveness of brakes on vehicles. This is because wet mud forms a slippery film between the road and the tyres. As a result, the probability of accidents increases notably.

Thirdly, when the mud has dried on the road, it is transformed into dust.

This dust makes its way into nearby houses, forcing homeowners and housewives to do extra work to keep their homes clean.

Moreover, they are compelled to lock up their houses to avoid dust.

Additionally, persons with respiratory problems are at greater risk of being hospi-

talised due to dust pollution.

It is unfortunate that a few rice farmers are allowed to affect thousands of people in this manner.

I'm suggesting that these few rice farmers wash the mud off their machinery before driving it onto the public road. Further, I'm recommending that the traffic Police monitor the use of the road by the rice farmers, to ensure the carriageway is a clean and safe space for other road users and residents.

No one should have to endure the stress caused by these insensitive rice farmers.

I hope the relevant authorities would attend to this matter immediately.

Respectfully, B Persaud

Friday, November 4, 2022

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

w

Prime and Composite Numbers A prime number is a whole number that cannot be divided exactly by other whole numbers except itself and 1. That is the same as saying prime numbers cannot be made by multiplying other whole numbers.

Example: 5 is a prime number.

We cannot multiply other whole numbers like 2, 3 or 4 together to make 5.

5 can only be divided by 5 or 1 without leaving a remainder.

Example: 6 is a composite number 6 can be made by 2×3 so it is not a prime number, it is a composite number 6 can be divided exactly by 2, or by 3: Example: 7 is a prime number.

We cannot multiply other whole numbers like 2, 3 or 4 together to make 7.

7 cannot be divided up exactly: When a number can be divided up exactly it is a composite number When a number cannot be divided up exactly it is a prime number So 6 is composite, but 7 is prime

P

ut on a naturalist’s hat and explore the world around you.

Naturalists study animals and plants in the wild and have sharp observational skills.

They can spend hours in the field observing and recording data to understand how plants and animals live. This activity challenges girls to take a close look at local habitats, determine if area animals have enough resources, and make a difference in their communities.

You’ll need: paper and pencil clipboards aerial maps of your survey site with street names optional: camera, field guides Method Decide on an area in your community to survey. Make

CONTINUED

Exercises:

sure this area has a significant portion of plants, trees, grass, flowers, etc. You will be surveying the resources in three habitats within the area and using the data to make some conclusions about the amount of resources in the whole area. You can also survey planned gardens, such as the local gardens or farm.

Pointer: If you see animals, describe, draw, or take a photo of them and note where you saw them (on a flower, flying around, drinking water, etc).

Do not pick up any creatures, plants, or leaves.

After surveying, find a way to share your information using a chart, graph, or drawing. Be creative! Were you surprised

by what you found? (Compare the results to the predictions.)

Are there a lot of resources for animals in your selected area?

What types of resources are missing? What could be done to increase the number of resources? (pbskidsgo.org)

By The Brothers Grimm

`1) List the prime numbers between 1 and 100.

Monday’s answers 1) Cost Price (CP) = $10.50 Selling Price (SP) = $12 The SP is greater than the CP therefore a profit (gain) was made Profit = SP – CP Profit = $12.00 – $10.50 = $1.50 2) Cost Price (CP) = $570 Selling Price (SP) = $350 The CP is greater than the SP therefore a loss was made Loss = CP – SP Loss = $570 – $350 = $20

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Attempts to rig 2020 elections:

15 witnesses ready to testify as CoI gets underway today

– Chairman says focus is on getting “truth” with “credible evidence”

T

he Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events that followed the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections that led to a five-month political deadlock in Guyana is set to commence public hearings today, with approximately 15 witnesses already lined up to take the stand.

The Election CoI opened on Thursday with Chairman, Retired Justice of Appeal Stanley John of Turks and Caicos, declaring that the exercise was aimed at uncovering “truth”.

“We are aware that much has been said about these events by many people from diverse places and organisations. But it must be borne in mind that this Inquiry has no case to prove. It is interested in the truth and in fair conclusions based on the evidence properly analysed.

“In making our findings, we will regard only to such matters as are substantiated by credible evidence with unstinting regard for the rules of natural justice, fundamental fairness especially as it relates to public inquiries and the rule of law,” the Chairman posited during remarks at the brief opening.

Justice John will be heading the Inquiry along with former acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean, Godfrey P Smith, and former acting Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary, Retired Justice Carl Singh.

The CoI Chairman accepted that the responsibil-

CoI Chairman, Retired Justice Stanley John (centre) with Commissioners Retired Justice Carl Singh and Justice Godfrey Smith

ities before the Commission are “serious and heavy” and committed to executing the attendant duties with the utmost care but as expeditiously as possible.

“It is a responsibility that I, and my fellow Commissioners, intend to discharge carefully, with professionalism, efficiency, thoroughness, fairness, objectivity and impartiality…

We shall ensure that the report of this Inquiry is scrupulously fair, both in terms of an accurate recording of the events we will be investigating and in terms of any criticism we may make of persons involved in those events,” he asserted.

Justice John further stressed, “This is an Inquiry to find out what in fact occurred; why it occurred; who, if anyone, is responsible and what can be done to

prevent a reoccurrence.”

The Commission will commence public hearings from today at 09:00h at the CoI Secretariat located at Middle Street, Georgetown.

The hearings will commence at 09:00h on weekdays and end at 16:00h with a twohour lunch break.

Witnesses

According to Secretary of the CoI, Javed Shadick, there are already over a dozen witnesses set to testify, which will be sufficient for at least the first two weeks of the Inquiry.

While he did not want to divulge any details of who these witnesses are in order to ensure their safety and avoid any intimidation before their testimony, Shadick did note, however, that these persons include representatives from the

various political parties that contested the March 2020 polls who were present during the various events that unfolded and led to the five-month impasse.

“There are persons who have a part to play in the elections. There are many persons who played a part – there are observers, there are presiding officers, there’re GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission) officials, there is the press… There are persons who, from each one of those categories, are willing to come forward… We have about 15 persons who have stepped forward already,” the Secretary noted, adding that more witnesses were expected to come forward as the Inquiry progressed.

The testimony of each witness is expected to last about two to three hours.

Three persons are lined up

to take the stand at today’s hearing.

Moreover, Shadick further explained that the Commission would decide on whether it would subpoena witnesses as the Inquiry goes on but for now, various civil society stakeholders and representatives from all the political parties including the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition have been invited to participate in the exercise.

“We are trying to be as impartial and fair as possible and we are seeking the truth of what happened.

So, our first methodology is to invite as many as possible… and we sent out invitations to a lot of persons,” he stressed.

The CoI is expected to run until the end of January 2023 after which its report would be handed over to President Dr Irfaan Ali at March month-end.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the CoI include inquiring into and reporting upon the relevant circumstances and events leading up to, and the procedures following, the March 2, 2020 elections regarding the counting, ascertaining and tabulation of votes polled and the public declaration of those results by the Returning Officer of Region Four and other elected officers.

The CoI is also mandated to determine what attempts, if any, were made to obstruct, frustrate, subvert and pre-

vent the counting ascertainment and tabulation of votes as well as what attempts, if any, were made to obstruct, subvert and prevent a decision of the Guyana Elections Commission on March 14, 2020, to conduct a national recount of the votes polled.

The CoI is also expected to investigate the conduct of the Chief Elections Officer and other election officers and others in respect of the discharge and execution of their statutory duties, and finally, to make recommendations as to permit GECOM to discharge its statutory functions in compliance with the Constitution and relevant electoral laws.

Following a largely smooth polling day on March 2, 2020, Guyana was thrown into a tumultuous fivemonth political and electoral impasse after the then incumbent APNU/AFC regime attempted to steal the elections. It was found during a subsequent national recount process that the former Returning Officer for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo, had heavily inflated the votes in favour of the coalition.

Since the election fiasco, several persons who served within the apparatus of GECOM have been charged with electoral fraud. These include former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, former APNU/AFC Minister Volda Lawrence, and Mingo.

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Inquiring... …into the heist attempt

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t long last – two years and three months after that blatant and shameless attempt to rig our elections – the CoI appointed by President Ali will begin taking evidence from witnesses to the sordid affair on Friday.

Knowing ahead of time that the PNC/APNU/AFC combine will go all out to discredit the work of the Commission, the President went to great pains to appoint men of the highest credibility. These are: retired Justice John; former Attorney General, High Court Judge, and acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean, Godfrey P. Smith SC; and former Chancellor (ag), of the Guyana Judiciary, Carl Singh.

Justice John will chair the Commission, while Dr Nasim Zaidi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India; and Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, former Chairman of the Ghana Elections Commission, would serve as resource personnel.

The last two experts have a wealth of direct experience of these elections, being the advisors to the GECOM Chair throughout the rape of the safeguards protecting our electoral system. Your Eyewitness predicts that the Opposition will go after the one local person on the Commission – Justice Carl Singh – since they consider him as PPP-friendly. And how does your Eyewitness know this??

Well, because they refused to agree to his appointment as Chancellor for twelve years, and booted him out rather unceremoniously in 2017!!

One of the reasons your Eyewitness is happy about this CoI is that he feels that the PPP erred badly when they came into office in 1992, but didn’t investigate all the atrocities committed by the PNC for 28 years – including repeated riggings. The PNC then had the barefacedness not only to deny the riggings that were documented by reputable groups like the British Parliamentary Group under Lord Chitnis (they described the 1980 elections as “more crooked than barbed wire”!!) but, in 1997, claimed the PPP RIGGED THE ELECTIONS!!! Even after the Caricom-approved Justice Cross’s forensic audit proved the claim baseless, they keep on lying about it. Shameless!

While we know that several GECOM officials are before the Courts to determine their culpability and to decide on the appropriate sanctions, the CoI would inquire into all pertinent issues that arose before, during, and after the rigging attempt. They’ll then report their findings, give advice, and make recommendations to the President.

Remember the CoI in the Rodney assassination?? It determined that Burnham was the intellectual author of the dastardly act, and Gregory Smith executed it. Unfortunately, the perpetrators croaked.

It's widely believed that the GECOM officials didn’t decide to rig the elections on their lonesome. Persons within the administration - who had a vested interest in remaining with their hands in the oil-funded cookie jar - had to have been the intellectual authors!!

Let the chips fall where they may!! …into poverty The World Bank released some data on poverty in Guyana that the Opposition Leader – struggling to retain some relevance in the face of the Pres Ali Juggernaut rolling over his support base – jumped on to score some points. But all he did was to illustrate how out-of-touch he is with both economics and the country he wants to lead.

The report said, “Poverty in Guyana, measured using the upper-middle income poverty line (US$5.50 per day PPP) has dropped from close to 61 % in 2006 to around 48% in 2019, but was still among the highest in Latin America and Caribbean region.”

The data ended in 2019, when the PNC was still in office!

While the World Bank didn’t have later poverty data, they did point out that “Extraordinary economic growth of 20-40 percent over the last two years brought GDP per capita to over $9,300 in 2021, from about $6,600 in 2019.” Clearly the poverty rates have decreased from that economic growth!!

The LoO’s grasping at straws!! …into the Mother Country’s state We all know that Indian-Origin Sunak was brought in to save our erstwhile “Mother Country”. But did you realize 22% of the UK population – 14.5 million people – live in relative poverty??

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

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt ahead of schedule on delivering manifesto promises – Finance Minister

…says Govt committed to ensuring all Guyanese benefit from resources

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he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration continues to prioritise countrywide development and is working assiduously to deliver on its manifesto promises.

This assurance was given by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, during an interview on Trinidad’s AM Prime on Thursday.

The Minister said that the Government has been making concentrated efforts to boost oil and gas production since the start of production in 2019. He noted that the deployment of the second Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in early 2022 saw an increased capacity of over 200,000 barrels per day, and said that currently, there was a production capacity of over 300,000 barrels per day.

“We’re going to continue rolling out additional FPSOs, and we see ourselves within the decade getting up to producing one million barrels a day and more.

“We would like to deploy the returns of the industry in a manner that would

promote long-term sustainable growth in Guyana and for improvement in the lives of all Guyanese people,” Dr Singh related.

The Finance Minister also debunked the “incoherent” postulations of the Opposition that the Government is not doing enough to put resources at the disposal of the Guyanese, reiterating that the administration encourages coherent, constructive criticism to facilitate countrywide development.

“The PPP/C Government places the highest importance on Guyana’s credentials as a democratic nation.

We strongly believe in democracy and democratic connection, in a functioning parliamentary democracy, and in engaging the Opposition in and out of Parliament, and we will continue to do that.

But, we can only do so to the extent that the Opposition offers sensible and coherent policy positions that we can respond to,” he explained.

He noted that the manifesto was formulated following multiple consultations with the public to pinpoint

“The manifesto is our binding commitment and we are delivering. We are ahead of schedule in terms of delivering on these commitments and we will continue to push aggressively to ensure that we deliver every single thing we promised in the manifesto,” he assured.

Moreover, Minister Singh addressed the Opposition’s claims that there was unequal distribution of resources. He said President Dr

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

key areas requiring action.

“The manifesto reflects feedback that we got from the people of Guyana, and what they consider to be important, and it reflects commitments that we believe we can deliver realistically, and that we are committed to delivering,” Dr Singh said.

The Minister referred to the Government’s advance-

ments in various sectors such as education, agriculture, and housing, noting that well over 10,000 house lots have been distributed to Guyanese people.

He also posited that thousands of jobs have been created in various sectors in keeping with the Government’s commitment to create 50,000 jobs by 2025.

Irfaan Ali’s “One Guyana” philosophy was built on the foundation of the PPP/C’s policy of ensuring development and prosperity for all Guyanese regardless of race, religion, or social class.

“We, as a Government, are committed to ensuring that all of Guyana participates in and benefits from this incredibly exciting period of transformation in Guyana,” the Minister conveyed.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 30,000 secondary school girls to benefit from sanitary pads as distribution commences T he distribution of sanitary pads through the First Lady’s Menstrual Hygiene Initiative has begun in secondary schools in several regions across Guyana which will see more than 30,000 girls benefiting.

The Regional Education Department in Regions One, Five, Six, and 10 were provided with one year’s supply of sanitary pads for each secondary school-aged girl.

The pads have been supplied to every secondary school in those regions, and distribution has commenced.

The schools have prepared a register that each student will be required to sign upon collection of the pads.

This is being done to strengthen the accounting procedures involved in the distribution and to ensure that every girl child in need benefits from this programme.

Over the next few months, the remaining regions – Two, Three, Four, Seven, Eight, and Nine – will receive their allocation and begin providing the pads to the schools for distribution.

“Investing in interventions to empower girls to

Two secondary school students and First Lady Arya Ali display the pads

manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence and without stigma, so that they continue to attend and perform well in school once they start puberty isn’t just the morally right thing to do, it also

makes economic sense.

Investing in good menstrual hygiene management to enable women and girls to reach their full potential is a critical measure to build a nation’s human capital over time,” First Lady Arya Ali

noted.

The First Lady explained that when her office launched this project last year, it was with faith, hope, optimism, and zero dollars.

“I made the announcement about the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative and we waited patiently and hoped for support from our partners,” she said, adding that the support so far has been overwhelming.

“I am most pleased, and proud, that we are able to provide one year’s supply of sanitary pads to every secondary school-aged girl in this country at no cost to them. Of course, this will continue every year after this one,” she noted.

Having achieved this, Ali posited that her attention would now shift to providing coverage for women.

With limited funding, she underscored the need for donations and fundraisers which allow her office to expand coverage for women.

Just recently, the Office of the First Lady, in partnership with Dilmah Tea, hosted one such fundraiser – Chari-Tea – a tea party and fashion show, at State House.

“Fundraisers like these

First Lady Arya Ali and Mignon Bowen-Phillips, wife of the Prime Minister, share a light moment at the recently-held Chari-Tea fundraiser at State House

are, therefore, very important to this aspect of the project, because the funding received from the Government only provides partial coverage for our girls. Therefore, we rely heavily on these

fundraising events and donations to compensate for that shortfall,” she shared.

The Government of Guyana has provided $50 million in its 2022 Budget towards this programme.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Construction to soon begin on 7 new hospitals across Guyana – Dr Anthony

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ommitted to its promise to build a world-class healthcare system in Guyana, the Government is moving ahead with the construction of seven new hospitals that will deliver quality health services to Guyanese in all regions.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, in a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), said that the mobilisation phase for the construction of the hospitals has been completed.

“We have already handed over the site to the contractor [for the 256-bed Paediatric and Maternal Hospital in Ogle], this is to the Austrian company called VAMED and very soon you will begin to see site preparation occurring…they have [also] engaged the Ministry of Health and its technical team to finalise the design of the hospital… and very soon laying of the foundation will commence,” he revealed.

In Regions Two and Three, contractors have already begun site preparation for the construction of the hospitals there, Dr

Anthony stated.

The hospital for Region Three will be constructed in De Kinderen and will provide adequate health care for residents within the Parika-Tuschen catchment area; which has seen increased population growth.

In Region Four, a new hospital is being constructed in Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and another at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

“Similarly in Bath Settlement and Number 75 Village, we have been working on the site preparation and very soon in another couple of days we will be handing over the construction site in Bath Settlement, while we have already handed over the site in Number 75 Village to the contractor for construction to commence,” the Minister said.

Moreover, the Government, since 2020, has moved to continuously upgrade primary care access at more than 240 facilities across the country, including health centres, local area hospitals, and health posts.

The health sector will

AGM/Zijing Mining Group donates garbage truck to M&CC

Chief Finance Officer of the company, Peter Luo, handing over the keys to Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador and other officials

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he AGM/Zijing Mining Group has on Thursday handed over a garbage truck to the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC).

The keys to the vehicle were handed over to Mayor Ubraj Narine by Chief Finance Officer of AGM/Zijing Mining Group, Peter Luo, in the presence of Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan and Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall.

In her remarks, Ambassador Haiyan praised the generous donation from AGM/Zijing Mining Group, and said the donation reflects the pursuit and com-

mitment of Chinese enterprises in Guyana to make vigorous contributions to local communities. She also said the donation is testimony to the friendly relationship existing between the two countries, and the friendship between sister cities Fuzhou and Georgetown.

“Creating a healthy and clean living environment for the people is the common goal of the Government of China and the Government of Guyana,” she related.

She is optimistic that other Chinese enterprises would make even bigger contributions to the economic and social development of Guyana, thereby bolstering the friendship between these two countries.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

continue to see massive infrastructural and human resource development in all regions as Guyana continues its upward trajectory.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had stated that the modernised regional health facilities were part of a US$180 million project. Each of the hospitals will be 65,000 square feet.

“In advancing the health and well-being of our population, we have promised to deliver a world-class health system. We have embarked on this journey with great vigour to design and implement a plan that will deliver such result. We have already put in place several

projects that will improve access to quality health care for the people of our country,” said the Head of State.

For the year 2022, Government plans on injecting a whopping $73 billion into the health-care sector. This was an enormous increase from the $53.5 billion spent in 2021. From this figure, $1 billion was set aside for upgrades to health centres and an additional $2 billion for medical and non-medical equipment.

There are several larger projects on the Ali-led Administration’s agenda, geared at decentralising health care and enabling easier access for Guyanese.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ex-con handed 30-year jail term for “premeditated” killing T wenty-five-year-old Timothy McKenzie of Kitty, Georgetown, who previously had served time in jail for simple larceny and unlawful and malicious wounding, has now been sentenced to 30 years in prison for manslaughter.

Indicted for the June 4, 2018 murder of 21-yearold Richard Noel, called “Nippo”, a father of one, McKenzie had last month been found guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter by a jury in Justice Sandil Kissoon’s court.

McKenzie was represented by two defence counsels: Ronald Daniels and Kiswana Jefford, while State Counsel Muntaz Ali had presented the case for the prosecution.

Police reports indicated that the killing had reportedly stemmed from an old grievance between the two men, allegedly involving the sister of Noel, whom McKenzie had reportedly

Manslaughter convict Timothy McKenzie

hit, and that had resulted in a fight between the two men.

However, on the day in question, the men, who had once been friends and neighbours, had reportedly crossed paths, and McKenzie had been heard asking Noel if he “wanted a

problem.” According to what had been reported, Noel had walked away, and an aggravated McKenzie had allegedly gone after him and stabbed him twice in his chest. After Noel had fallen, McKenzie had stomped him on his chest.

Noel had been rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries one day later.

McKenzie, who had been on remand since June 2018, was sentenced on Thursday.

In his sentencing remarks, Justice Kissoon told McKenzie that, given his previous convictions, he has pursued a life of violence, and has refused to abide by societal norms and the rule of law. As such, he must be prepared to face the consequences of his actions.

“As an early youth, you were bent on indiscipline and a violation of rules.

You pursued a path that led you to criminal convic-

Killed: Richard Noel

tions,” Justice Kissoon told McKenzie.

According to records from the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, McKenzie was, in 2014, found guilty of larceny from the person and was sentenced to imprisonment. He was subsequently convicted

and jailed for unlawful and malicious wounding.

As McKenzie grew older, the Judge pointed out, the offences he committed increased in severity. Given his misbehaviour, which continued while he was on remand for the killing, Justice Kissoon stressed, the convict had refused to be reformed and to rehabilitate himself. Based on the facts of the case, Justice Kissoon said, Noel’s killing was premeditated.

Alluding to the prevalence and frequency of unlawful killings in “our very small society”, Justice Kissoon said the safety, security, and wellbeing of citizens continue to be at risk; as in the case of Noel, who had been plying his trade as a vendor when he was attacked and stabbed to death.

According to Justice Kissoon, during the trial, a video of McKenzie relentlessly pursuing the victim

around the Stabroek Market area was presented. This, he noted, demonstrated the convict’s callous regard for other persons in the usually crowded area. “You fled the scene of the crime after carrying out the dastardly act,” Justice Kissoon reminded McKenzie.

In sentencing McKenzie, the Judge commenced at a starting point of 25 years, to which he added five years for the overwhelming aggravating factors, bringing the final prison term to 30 years. He has also ordered that McKenzie must serve at least 25 years before becoming eligible for parole.

Justice Kissoon further ordered that the convict be credited for time spent on remand, that he be enrolled in anger management and skills training classes, and that he be subjected to continuous psychological intervention for his delusional disorder diagnosis.

Pedal cyclist busted with ganja gets 6 months’ jail

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The ganja that was found at Charity, Essequibo

abbed with 138 kilograms of cannabis, Kenroy Sam, a 24-year-old labourer of the community of Charity, on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), has been charged with the possession of narcotics.

Ranks of the Charity Police Station have said they were on a mobile patrol in the community of Charity on Tuesday. The patrol was headed by a senior rank, and members of the Community Policing Group (CPG) were with them, when a male was spotted riding a bicycle. At the time of being spotted, the man was carrying a black plastic bag in his hands, and upon seeing the Police vehicle, the man attempted to ride away. He was, however, intercepted by the ranks, and he later gave his name as Kenroy Sam. A search was conducted on his person, but nothing was found. A search was then made on the plastic bag he was carrying, and 17 small, transparent plastic bags were found therein, each containing a quantity

Convicted: Kenroy Sam

of ganja. Upon being questioned, he told the ranks, ‘Is meh own”.

As such, he was cautioned and taken to the Charity Police Station, where the cannabis, when weighed in his presence, amounted to 138 grams.

Last Wednesday, Sam was arraigned in the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court, where the charge was read to him and he pleaded guilty to the offence. He has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, and fined a total of $207,000.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MoH&W to screen 230 applicants for steel and cement initiative next week

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

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he verification process involved in the disbursement of steel and cement for home builders could begin as early as next week, according to Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who made this disclosure in an article recently published by the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The ‘steel and cement

initiative’ announced by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali earlier this year will see homeowners benefitting from the receipt of steel and one sling of cement for homes being built under $6 million, and the receipt of two slings of cement for homes being built between $6M and $25M. “The implementing stage is going smoothly. In fact, we

have over 1,900 persons who would have uplifted forms to be able to benefit from that programme. In terms of persons who are able now to move to the next phase, we have over 230 such persons; for which, in the new week, we will commence the investigative stage,” Croal added.

The Minister explained that any Guyanese in possession of land can qualify for the initiative, granted that they have pre-approval in the form of their construction plan.

“And once we have that pre-approval for the plan, then, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority mechanism, you must provide your ownership and we’ll move smoothly, fill out the necessary application forms.”

Suppliers of steel and cement are currently being approved by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Board.

Once the Committee for the Housing Subsidies is approved, applicants will be-

gin receiving the materials.

“The beneficiaries will receive a voucher. There is no cash payment…there is a voucher that will be going to the respective optional suppliers. We will have a list of those such suppliers indicated, and so they will be going to the respective suppliers to uplift their steel and cement…to start the construc-

tion,” the Minister has said.

Persons can register for the steel-and-cement support by uplifting forms from various offices of the Housing and Water Ministry, as well as from the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s Head Office; or, they could receive the forms from any of the sub-offices in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six,

Nine, and Ten. Forms can also be downloaded from the Ministry of Housing and Water’s website, mohw.gov.gy, or the CH&PA website, chpa.gov. gy.

Private developers embarking on home construction are encouraged to utilise the housing support as well.

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he parking lot of the Leonora Synthetic Track will come alive on November 19, 2022 with the hosting of ‘Chutney Bacchanal’, promoted by Royalti Vibez Entertainment.

The event will feature the Music Boss out of Trinidad and Tobago, Raymond Ramnarine; Chutney Queen Savita Singh; Kenneth Salick; Guyana’s very own Tony Cuttz, Vicadi Singh,

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ome Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Black Panther - Wakanda Forever’ will premiere at MovieTowne at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown with a grand Red Carpet ‘All White’ affair. The event will see live drumming, poetry, dance performances, a cocktail hour, and many more exciting attractions. In addition, there will be a special tribute to the star of Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman.

If you want to view the movie 3D, that starts at 19:15h and 19:45h, but the 2D action gets underway at 19:30h.

The movie, which has been creating quite a buzz, was released at the El Capitan Theatre and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on October 26, 2022. It is a 2022 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics’ character Black Panther.

Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed

by Walt Disney

Stephen Ramphal, Sonia Singh, Kevin Singh and Elizabeth Wong, among others.

These artists will be backed by the Shakti Strings Band, with music being provided by AJ and Golden Chyld. Early bird tickets cost $1,500 and $2,500, and VIP tickets cost $10,000.

Tickets are expected to be released over the weekend at ticketing locations on the West Side.

Studios Motion Pictures, it is the sequel to Black Panther (2018) and is the 30th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The film is directed by Ryan Coogler, who cowrote the screenplay with Joe Robert Cole, and stars Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Dominique Thorne, Florence Kasumba, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta, Martin Freeman and Angela Bassett. In the film, the leaders of Wakanda fight to protect their nation in the wake of King T'Challa's death.

Ideas for a sequel began after the release of Black Panther in February 2018. Coogler negotiated to return as director in the following months, and Marvel Studios officially confirmed the sequel's development in mid-2019.

Plans for the film changed in August 2020 when Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer, with Marvel choosing not to recast his role of T'Challa.

Other main cast members from the first film were confirmed to return by that November, and the title was announced in May 2021.

Production initially took place from late June to early November 2021, in Atlanta and Brunswick, Georgia, as well as around Massachusetts, before a hiatus to allow Wright to recover from an injury sustained during filming. Production resumed by mid-January 2022, and wrapped in late March in Puerto Rico.

welve young ladies drawn from across Guyana will be vying for the coveted title of Miss Guyana Police Force Youth Ambassador when that pageant is hosted at the National Cultural Centre on the evening of Sunday, November 6. The delegate for each policing district was selected at their respective pageants. However, these delegates are all in Georgetown, and are undergoing final rehearsals for the big night. On the evening of the pageant, the 11 delegates will compete in sportswear, professional wear, evening gown, talent, and intelligence segments.

Members of the public have a few hours to vote for their favourite delegate. All that is required

is:

Like the Page First – Guyana Police Force or @guyanapoliceforce; share the post and click the picture of the candidate that you want to vote for, and hit the "LIKE/LOVE" button.

Voting ends at 23:59h on November 5. The GPF has said that votes made by "Fake or Dummy Accounts" will not be counted as valid.

The winner of the Regional Youth Ambassador Pageant People’s Choice Award will be announced on the night of the pageant. In addition, there will be special awards for Best Gown, Best Talent, and Miss Congeniality. Admission to the pageant is absolutely free. Showtime is at 18:00h.

Miss Region One (Barima-Waini) Name: Akeelah Doliveira Age:15 Platform: Domestic violence against women

Miss Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Name: Ocynthia Holder Age: 17 Platform: Identity crisis

Miss Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Name: Aurelia Parag Age: 17 Platform: Equal rights and justice

Miss Region 4 ‘A’ Georgetown Name: Shenica Daniels Age: 14 Platform: Ethical use on the roadway

Miss Region 4 ‘B’ (East Bank Demerara) Name: Kesley Bernard Age: 14 Platform: Suicide

Miss Region 4 ‘C’ (East Coast Demerara) Name: Jasmin Wiggins Age: 16 Platform: Domestic violence

Miss Region 5 (Mahaica Berbice) Name: Arianna Fraser Age: 17 Platform: Teenage pregnancy

Miss Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) Name: Saskia Willie Age: 14 Platform: Child abuse

Miss Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Name: Novita Pawelae Age: 17 Platform: Drug abuse

Miss Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) Name: Francis Arenas Age: 16 Platform: Domestic violence

Miss Region 9 (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) Name: Sarah Joseph Age: 14 Platform: Domestic violence

Miss Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Name: Syesha Fraser Age: 14 Platform: Building community relations

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Father of 6 who chopped wife for Man slapped with jail term having abortion jailed for 10 years 17-year for raping girl, 12

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azil Osman of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), the man who, on February 24, 2019, had mercilessly chopped his reputed wife after finding out that she had had an abortion, will be spending the next 10 years in jail.

The 44-year-old Osman, a father of six and a farmer by profession, had last month appeared before Demerara High Court Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge, wherein he admitted that, on February 24, 2019, he had unlawfully and maliciously wounded the 24-year-old woman at Handen-Veldt, Mahaica with intent to commit murder.

This mother of two was attacked and chopped after she had made a report at the Mahaica Police Station that Osman had beaten her.

Based on what had been reported, the abused woman had been instructed by the investigating rank to return home to Osman, who had accused her of stealing his money when she had gone to their home to uplift her clothing.

On the day in question, she had gone back home in the company of a

Jailed: Fazil Osman

Rural Constable to identify Osman, in order that he be served with a restraining order. Osman had used that opportunity to attack his reputed wife, chopping her with a cutlass and causing the Rural Constable to flee for her safety. Osman and his reputed wife had been living together for six months.

During Osman’s sentencing hearing on Thursday, he begged his former part-

ner and her family to forgive him for the brutal assault he had launched on her. “I am very sorry for what happened,” a remorseful Osman said.

Osman had told a probation officer that he had not chopped his partner because she had stolen his money, but rather because she had aborted a pregnancy without informing him.

Justice Barlow, in her sentencing, told Osman that

he had not only disrespected his reputed wife, but also the Special Constable who had accompanied her to serve him with the legal document.

According to the Judge, the information provided to the court shows that Osman has had a history of violent behaviour towards his previous partners. Justice Barlow disclosed that Osman’s reputed wife suffers from visual impairment due to the chops she had sustained to her head and face.

After considering the aggravating and mitigating factors, Justice Barlow commenced Osman’s sentence at a base of 18 years. Onethird of same (six years) was deducted for his early guilty plea, and from the resulting 12 years, two years were deducted for time the convict had spent in pre-trial detention, bringing his final jail sentence to 10 years.

The Court has also ordered that Osman be exposed to counselling/training sessions for persons convicted of violent offences stemming from domestic violence.

State Counsel Latifah Elliot was the prosecutor.

Osman was represented by lawyer Teriq Mohammed.

Child rapist Gavin Assanah

F

ound guilty on two child- rape charges by a majority verdict of 10-2 last month, and remanded to prison to await a sentencing hearing, Gavin Assanah has on Thursday been sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment for the crime.

Trial Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall imposed a jail term of 16 years for the first count, and increased the sentence to 17 years for the second count. She has, however, ordered that the sentences be served concurrently.

The indictments against Assanah stated that he en-

gaged in sexual penetration of the girl on January 26, 2014, and again between August 1 and 31, 2014. The offences were committed in the county of Demerara.

According to the prosecution’s facts, Assanah, who had been a close friend of the girl’s mother, raped the girl on two occasions when she was just 12.

Assanah was represented by Attorney-at-Law Euclin Gomes, while State Counsel Cecilia Corbin had appeared on behalf of the prosecution. This trial was heard in the Sexual Offences Court in Georgetown.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

US grants some Venezuelans speedy entry Haitian Police confront under new programme, sponsors say gangs near blocked fuel terminal – sources U S sponsors applying to bring Venezuelans into the United States under a new programme are receiving approvals in hours or days, a lightning-fast pace that could soon fill up available spaces in the programme, according to US sponsors and advocates.

Some sponsors are US-based relatives of Venezuelans eager to flee political and economic turmoil back home. But others, like South Florida business consultant Maria Antonietta Diaz, are willing to help strangers. Diaz, a Venezuelan-American advocate who has lived in the United States for the past 25 years, got in touch with Venezuelans seeking sponsors via social media.

Since the humanitarian program officially launched on October 18, Diaz has already been approved to

Venezuelan Victoriana Loaiza reunites with her partner Jhonny Rosales after she arrives from Mexico City to Orlando International Airport in Orlando, Florida, US, October 31, 2022 (Reuters/Phelan M Ebenhack)

sponsor nine Venezuelans – six in her hometown of Maracaibo, Venezuela, and another three in Mexico en route to the United States.

The program does not have explicit income requirements but Diaz

and her husband earn US$150,000 annually, far above the roughly US$23,000 that would typically be required to sponsor someone for a US green card.

Around 7000

Venezuelans have been approved for the new programme since the October 18 launch, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The source did not say how many had applied.

"It is clear that this orderly and limited way to live and work in the United States is providing incentives to Venezuelans to not put their lives in the hands of smugglers," the person said, requesting anonymity to share internal figures.

Diaz's request to sponsor a Venezuelan man in Cuernavaca was approved in just an hour, she said. She submitted another for two women in Mexico City at midnight and woke at 07:00h to see it was approved. Other organisations tracking the programme also said applications have been approved quickly. (Excerpt from Reuters)

H

aiti's Police on Thursday launched an operation to confront gangs that are blocking the Varreux fuel terminal, according to three sources with knowledge of the situation, in an effort to restore fuel distribution halted by the gangs in September.

The Police operation began at mid-morning and has resulted in heavy shooting near the terminal's main entrance, where the G9 coalition of gangs have dug trenches to prevent trucks from loading fuel, according

to the sources.

"There is a big Police operation in the area," said one of the sources, who like the other two asked not to be identified. "Lots of shooting."

It was not immediately evident if the effort was successful. Haiti's National Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The fuel blockade has created a humanitarian crisis so severe that the United Nations has discussed sending a strike force to open the terminal and resume fuel distribution.

Shortages of gasoline and diesel have crippled economic activity and forced businesses, hospitals, and many schools to scale back operations or shut their doors.

(Reuters)

Persad-Bissessar: Rowley, PNM now Man gunned down on son’s grave at Tacarigua cemetery running scared of the electorate

A

51-year-old Malabar, Trinidad man and killed while visiting his son’s grave on Wednesday night.

Police said Maurice Sylvester Koon Koon went to the Crown Street, Tacarigua Cemetery around 20:55h with other relatives to light candles for his sons Meakale and Dominic Koon Koon.

Police said a man wearing a red hat and black mask shot the elder Koon Koon was shot several times and ran away.

Police said Koon Koon collapsed on the grave of his son Meakale.

A seven-year-old-boy was also hit by a bullet in the left foot and was taken to hospital by a relative.

Arouca Police and homicide investigators visited the cemetery and declared Koon Koon dead.

Crime scene investigators found seven spent shells.

Police from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations Region II are continuing inquiries. (Trinidad Newsday)

T

rinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar has accused Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley and the People's National Movement (PNM) of being scared of the electorate following Thursday's announcement that Local Government Elections have been postponed.

The Opposition issued a statement on the matter: "The announcement that the PNM intends to underhandedly shift the Local Government Elections (LGE) by one year is a clear indication that Keith Rowley is running scared of the public.

“Rowley’s move to partially proclaim certain parts of the Local Government legislation to extend the term of current elected representatives is in keeping with the draconian and undemocratic nature of this PNM regime.

“It is in the PNM's DNA to delay Local Government Elections. Former Prime Minister Patrick Manning

United National Congress leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar

denied people their democratic rights for almost a decade. It was only under a UNC-led Government with Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP as Prime Minister were Local Government Elections finally called.

“Rowley like Mr Manning knows that the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are eagerly awaiting the LGEs to show their discontent with this unlawful, corrupt and incompetent PNM regime and to send a clear message that

they want a return to good governance.

“Having destroyed the economic and social fabric of our nation and now, coupled with the attacks on the liberty of our Constitution with Nelsongate, Rowley knows the PNM has collapsed in office and is on the cusp of being booted out.

“The Opposition calls on Keith Rowley to call the Local Government Elections and let the voice of the people be heard." (Trinidad Guardian)

Senior IMF official on C’bean visit says wants more action to fight climate change

A

senior official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), appealed for greater action to mitigate the impact of climate change being felt in the Caribbean and other small island developing states.

IMF’s Deputy Managing Director, Bo Li said the world needed to do more to avert a climate catastrophe.

“Even if fully implemented, current country pledges would only cut global emissions by 11 per cent compared to the 25 to 50 per cent needed be on track to contain global warming to

1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius,” LI told CMC. “Thus, it is critical that the world steps up climate mitigation efforts to prevent further damage and avoid a more costly transition later on.”

Li is visiting the Caribbean as officials across the Region prepare for participation in the United Nations Climate Conference (COP 27), which takes place from November 6 to 18 in Egypt.

He said meeting the climate change targets at the national level will need a mix of incentives to push in-

vestors, firms, and households to prioritise low-carbon goods, services, and opportunities in all their decisions.

“At the international level, an agreement should be reached to accelerate emissions reductions in a way that is aligned with temperature goals,” Li said.

The IMF Deputy Managing Director said countries could commit to achieving a cut in emissions or emissions intensity depending on their income level or their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).(Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS G7 coalition agrees to set fixed price for Russian oil – source

T

he Group of Seven rich nations and Australia have agreed to set a fixed price when they finalise a price cap on Russian oil later this month, rather than adopting a floating rate, sources said on Thursday.

US officials and G7 countries have been in intense negotiations in recent weeks over the unprecedented plan to put a price cap on sea-borne oil shipments, which is scheduled to take effect on December 5 – to ensure EU and US sanctions aimed at limiting Moscow's ability to fund its invasion of Ukraine do not throttle the global oil market.

“The coalition has agreed the price cap will be a fixed price that will be reviewed regularly rather than a discount to an index," said a coalition source, who was not authorised to speak publicly. "This will increase market stability and simplify compliance to minimise the burden on market participants.”

The initial price itself has not been set, but should be in coming weeks, multiple sources said. Coalition partners agreed to regularly review the fixed price and revise it as needed, the source said, without disclosing further details.

Pegging the price as a discount to some index would have resulted in too much volatility and potential price swings, the source added.

Meanwhile, oil prices slid about two per cent on Thursday as China stood by its zero-COVID policy and an increase in US interest rates pushed up the dollar, raising fears of a global recession that would crimp fuel demand.

Losses, however, were limited by concern over tight supply.

Brent futures were down US$1.49, or 1.5 per cent, to settle at US$94.67 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$1.83, or 2.0 per cent, to settle at US$88.17.

Both benchmarks had gained more than US$1 on Wednesday, aided by another drop in US oil inventories, even as the Federal Reserve boosted interest rates by 75 basis points, and the US central bank chief Jerome Powell said it was premature to consider pausing rate increases.

That sent the dollar higher on Thursday, with Powell indicating that US rates are likely to peak above current investor expectations.

A strong dollar reduces demand for oil by making it more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

"Oil is battling both a weakening global economic outlook and a surging dollar. It seems these bearish drivers won't be easing up anytime soon," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA. The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting the labour market remains strong despite slowing domestic demand amid the Fed's hefty rate hikes to tame inflation.

The United States is not the only country tightening policy.

The Bank of England raised interest rates by the most since 1989, but also warned Britain faced a long recession.

"Rising anxiety about stalling growth will inevitably impact global oil demand and another downward revision in the next set of forecasts is not a far-fetched idea," said PVM Oil analyst Tamas Varga.

In China, meanwhile, COVID-19 cases hit their highest level in two and a half months after the health authority stuck by its strict containment policy, dampening investor hopes for an easing of curbs battering the world's second-largest economy.

In addition, China's natural gas consumption may post the first decline in two decades this year amid a struggling economy, with demand this winter set to rise more modestly than in previous years, State energy officials said.

Chinese policymakers pledged on Wednesday that growth was still a priority.

Oil price losses, however, were limited by expectations the market is set to tighten in the coming months.

The European Union's embargo on Russian oil over its invasion of Ukraine is set to start on December 5 and will be followed by a halt on oil product imports in February.

Lower output from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) also lent price support, with a Reuters survey finding the producer group's output fell in October for the first time since June.

OPEC and its allies including Russia, known collectively as OPEC+, decided in early October to cut targeted output by two million barrels per day from this month. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Kyiv wary as Russian official signals new retreat in southern Ukraine

A

Russian-installed occupation official in southern Ukraine said on Thursday Moscow was likely to pull its troops from the west bank of the Dnipro River, signalling a huge retreat that, if confirmed, would be a major turning point in the war.

Still, Ukrainian officials and Western analysts remained cautious about signs that Russia was abandoning the area, and there was silence from higher-ups in Moscow over what would amount to one of Russia's most humiliating retreats so far.

Kyiv said it was still fighting in the area and was wary that Moscow could be setting a trap by feigning a pull-out.

Kherson, the capital of the region of the same name, photographed in May, three months after it was captured by Russian forces [rferl.org]

"Most likely, our units, our soldiers, will leave for the left (eastern) bank," Kirill Stremousov, the Russian-installed deputy civilian administrator of the Kherson region, said in an interview with Solovyov

Live, a pro-Kremlin online media outlet.

The area includes Kherson city, capital of the region of the same name, and the only major city Russia has captured intact since its invasion in February. It

also includes one side of a huge dam across the Dnipro which controls the water supply to irrigate Crimea, the peninsula Russia has occupied since 2014.

Previously, Russia had vehemently denied its forces were planning to withdraw from the area, one of the most important new conquests which President Vladimir Putin claimed to have annexed to Russia at the end of September.

Russia has fought for months to hang on to the pocket of land it holds on the west bank at the mouth of the river that bisects Ukraine. Moscow had sent tens of thousands of troops to reinforce the area, one of its biggest battlefield priorities.(Excerpt from Reuters)

Pakistan: Ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan wounded at protest march

P

akistan's ousted Prime Minister, Imran Khan, has survived a gun attack on his convoy while holding a protest march in the eastern city of Wazirabad.

He was wounded in the leg when a burst of gunfire hit his vehicle. One person was killed and at least five others were injured.

There was no immediate official comment on the motive for the attack which allies say was an assassination bid.

The protest march had been called to demand early elections.

Khan, 70, was leading the march, which was meant to end in the capital

This still image obtained from video shows Imran Khan being assisted after the attack

Islamabad.

The former international cricket star turned politician was seen being taken to a hospital in Lahore.

A party spokesman said he had been hit in the shin.

He was in stable condi-

tion, but an operation was likely, aides said.

Police released a video confession of a man they arrested who they say attempted to kill the former Prime Minister.

It is unclear under

what conditions the interview was carried out, but in it the man is asked by Police why he opened fire, and replies: "He was misguiding the people. I wanted to kill him. I tried to kill him."

Speaking to the BBC World Service's Newshour programme, a senior aide and spokesperson for Khan accused the Pakistani government of being "directly involved" in the attack.

Raoof Hasan dismissed the Government-released video confession as a "crude cover-up" and said the Government was "attempting to eliminate [Imran Khan] physically". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Israel elections: Outgoing US Congress split on making daylight-saving PM Lapid congratulates Netanyahu on victory time permanent

A

push in the US Congress to make daylight-saving time permanent, which was unanimously passed by the Senate earlier this year, has stalled in the House, with a key lawmaker telling Reuters they have been unable to reach consensus.

In March, the Senate voted to put a stop next year to the twice-annual changing of clocks, which supporters say will lead to brighter afternoons and more economic activity.

US Representative Frank Pallone, who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee that has jurisdiction over the issue, said in a statement to Reuters the House is still trying to figure out how to move forward.

"We haven’t been able to find consensus in the House on this yet. There

are a broad variety of opinions about whether to keep the status quo, to move to a permanent time, and if so, what time that should be," Pallone, a Democrat, said, adding that opinions break down by region, not by party.

Legislative aides told Reuters they do not expect Congress to reach agreement before the end of the year. Supporters in the Senate would need to reintroduce the bill next year if it is not approved by the end of the year.

Daylight-saving time has been in place in nearly all of the United States since the 1960s. Year-round daylight-saving time was used during World War Two and adopted again in 1973 in a bid to reduce energy use because of an oil embargo and repealed a year later.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

I

sraeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid has congratulated Benjamin Netanyahu on his victory in Tuesday's General Election.

Lapid said he had called his rival to wish him luck and tell him he would ensure an orderly transition of power.

Netanyahu's Likud party and its far-right and religious allies won 64 of the 120 seats in Parliament, according to final results released on Thursday.

It marks a dramatic comeback for the former Prime Minister, who was ousted by his opponents 14 months ago.

The result also ends an unprecedented period of political deadlock that began in 2019, when Netanyahu was charged with bribery, fraud and breach of trust,

which he denies. He remains on trial, with the next hearing on Monday.

After exit polls projected that he would secure a majority, Netanyahu told Likud supporters that he would set up a government that would "look after all the citizens of Israel, without exception, because the state is all of ours".

"We'll restore security, we'll cut the cost of living, we'll widen the circle of peace even further, we'll restore Israel as a rising power among the nations."

Israeli media said the final results gave Likud 32 seats; Lapid's centrist Yesh Atid party 24; the far-right ultra-nationalist Religious Zionism alliance 14; and the centre-right National Unity party of Defence Minister Benny Gantz 12.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

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DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Look for any opportunity to stretch your dollar. Invest in yourself and your ability to earn more, and manage your savings efficiently. Don't fall prey to impulse purchases.

(March 21-April 19) Consider your position and how you can improve an unfolding situation. A change may seem scary, but sitting still and doing nothing will make you vulnerable. Decide what you really want.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Ignore anyone trying to interfere with your plans, and engage in matters that can help you advance. A disciplined attitude will help you gain respect and the assistance you need.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Read between the lines. Let your intuition guide you when dealing with youngsters, seniors and loved ones. Be a good listener, and you'll get a clear picture of what you can do to improve things.

Playing emotional games will backfire. Using charm to win favors can work if you don't renege on your promises.

Maintaining a stellar reputation will be key to getting what you want.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Make sure you know what's expected of you before you enter negotiations. It's up to you to lay out a feasible plan and sell it. A personal situation will turn out better than anticipated.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Focus on what you are trying to achieve. Learn as you go, and don't stop until you are happy with the results. You will suffer a financial loss if you hesitate or neglect your responsibilities.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) What you do will significantly impact what unfolds. Talk is cheap unless you are prepared to follow through with your promises. Look at your budget and adjust whatever is necessary.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. Your ability to size up situations and make decisions quickly will help you stay ahead of any competition you encounter.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Do what's right, and don't look back.

A change is necessary if you want to maintain balance and equality in your life. Look for opportunities that allow you to grow.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be cautious with investments, health and contracts. Read the fine print, and don't act in haste. Put more effort into taking care of your responsibilities. Selfimprovement is favored.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Weigh the pros and cons before agreeing to something questionable. Problems will begin with a lack of valid information and continue if you don't question what others do or say.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

21

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

2022 ICC T20I World Cup…

Pakistan keep semi-final hopes alive with win over South Africa

-Shadab Khan produces all-round heroics

P

akistan have kept their semi-final hopes alive with victory in a rainreduced, must-win match over their favourite opponents, South Africa. They've met four times at T20 World Cups, and Pakistan have won all four encounters. With this latest result, there are now no unbeaten teams left at this World Cup. On a chilly Sydney evening, against the express pace of Anrich Nortje and the craftiness of Lungi Ngidi's slower balls, Pakistan recovered from a position of 95 for 5 to post their fifthhighest score against South Africa, and highest at World Cups. While their top order failed to fire once again, Iftikhar Ahmed and then Shadab Khan scored half-centuries to get Pakistan to a competitive score.

They were helped by a sloppy South African fielding performance. South Africa dropped five catches - more than they have in the other three matches in the tournament combined - and there were several fumbles on a slippery outfield.

Pakistan were set up with the bat, but won the match with the ball. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw cheaply, but Temba Bavuma played his best innings of 2022, and the chase was going well until the start of the eighth over. South Africa were 65 for 2, ahead of the DLS par of 58 at the time, when Shadab found Bavuma's edge. At the fall of the wicket, the DLS par went up to 66, and it increased to 77 two balls later when Aiden Markam was dismissed. By the time play was interrupted after nine overs, South Africa needed to be on 85 to win, but were 69 for 4.

An hour's interruption cut six overs off the chase, and when play resumed, South Africa needed 75 runs off the remaining five overs.

Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen - who came in for David Miller, who was out with back spasms - biffed

it around a bit, but the ask was always going to be too tall.

South Africa remain second on the Group 2 points table, behind India, and need to beat Netherlands on Sunday to keep their fate in their own hands.

Haris's hit out Mohammad Haris was parachuted into the Pakistan XI after Fakhar Zaman suffered a tournament-ending recurrence of the knee injury that he has struggled with this year, and Haris made an immediate impact. He was hit on the grille the second ball he faced - a Wayne Parnell short ball - and that seemed

creaming another short ball through square leg to cost South Africa their most expensive over of the tournament so far: 17 runs.

Haris demonstrated a clear strength playing the ball on the leg side, complete with a shuffle across the stumps; and it was his undoing, too.

He missed an Anrich Nortje delivery, was hit in line with off stump, and given out lbw. His 28 off 11 balls gave Pakistan's Powerplay some impetus, and they finished with the highest Powerplay score of the tournament, 42, even though they lost their top three.

Nawaz: out or not-out?

Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz

Pakistan ensured themselves of a win to stay alive in the T20 World Cup

to spark him into action.

He tucked into Kagiso Rabada's opening over and sent a half-volley over deep backward square for six, then a pull over fine leg for six more, before

Anrich Nortje took four wickets but took a hammering in the end overs

helped Pakistan recover from 43 for 4 with a 52-run fifthwicket stand. They had some nervy moments up front, when Iftikhar gloved the ball skywards, to Quinton de Kock's right. De Kock made a valiant one-handed effort, but could not hold on. Two balls later, Nawaz got a thick edge wide of de Kock, but the pair didn't look back from there.

Iftikhar took advantage of misfired lines and lengths from Rabada, and Nawaz got hold of Ngidi and then Shamsi. He slogged Shamsi over deep midwicket, and then shaped up for the sweep, but missed

and was struck on the front pad. Nawaz set off for a run as he was given out, and then Lungi Ngidi's direct hit found the stumps. Nawaz must have thought he was run out, and didn't review.

Replays showed he got a thick bottom-edge, and also that he made a mistake.

The ball would have been dead the moment the umpire raised his finger - before Ngidi's throw - according to law 20.1.1.3.

Nawaz would not have been out.

But maybe it was not such a bad thing, for Nawaz's dismissal brought Shadab Khan to the crease, and Pakistan could not have asked for anything more.

Shadab took a liking to Shamsi, and scored 13 runs off his final over - which cost 15 in total - before launching an Ngidi full-toss to deep backward square for four, driving Nortje through midoff for four more, and uppercutting him for six.

Nortje chose to bowl full at the end, and got an attempted yorker wrong. Shadab sent the full-toss into the stands, and then another over long-on, to bring up fifty off 20 balls - Pakistan's secondfastest fifty in T20I cricket.

He put Pakistan in touching distance of 200, but then went big once too many times, was dropped by Aiden Markram at long-on, and then caught by Tristan Stubbs at deep midwicket.

Overall, Pakistan scored 90 runs off the last seven overs.

Pakistan's frantic finish Shadab's dismissal set in motion an intense end to the innings, in which Pakistan lost four wickets for eight runs as Pakistan tried to breach the boundary with every ball. Mohammad Wasim topedged Nortje, and Bavuma scooted in from the ring to take a running catch. In the last over, Iftikhar opted to take on Rabada, and hit him to long-on, where Rilee Rossouw took a superb catch. And Haris Rauf was run-out off the last ball as Pakistan scrambled to run a fourth. Bavuma was the man who broke the stumps.

Afridi's amazing start Pakistan's ace had a quiet start to the tournament, with just one wicket from the first three matches, and explained he was working his way to a full head of steam after returning from injury.

Shadab Khan brought up his fifty off 20 balls - the second-fastest in T20Is by a Pakistan batter

He got there in this match, when he started with a series of back-of-a-length deliveries to de Kock, who was eyeing the midwicket area but not finding it. De Kock got there off the last ball of the over, but toe-ended his effort to Haris on the edge of the ring.

De Kock was dismissed for a duck.

In his next over, Afridi pulled in South Africa's big fish, Rossouw, with a ball that did not deserve a wicket. It was short, wide and screamed "hit me", and Rossouw obliged. He slashed to deep third, where Naseem Shah ran around to take the catch.

South Africa were 16 for 2.

Shadab's double strike Bavuma played his most pleasing and profitable innings of 2022, and scored 36 off 18 balls (which included a scoop for six, which he tried

and failed to pull off earlier in the tournament), and the hoodoo seemed to be broken.

But Shadab continued to own the night when he was brought on in the eighth over.

He delivered a stock-standard legbreak, Bavuma opened the face of the bat to try and hit to third, and nicked off.

This strike was crucial, because, with rain looming, it put South Africa behind on DLS. After 7.1 overs, at two down, the DLS par was 59.

With three down, it jumped to 66. South Africa were on 65 at the time. And it got worse for them. Two balls later, Shadab bowled Markram with a topspinner, as the batter went back to try and cut, and South Africa were 66 for 4.

The teams were taken off nine balls later, and it was clear that Shadab had had a decisive hand in this match.

(ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Pakistan (20 ovs maximum) BATTING R B Mohammad Rizwan † b Parnell 4 4 Babar Azam (c) c Rabada b Ngidi 6 15 Mohammad Haris lbw b Nortje 28 11 Shan Masood c Bavuma b Nortje 2 6 Iftikhar Ahmed c Rossouw b Rabada 51 35 Mohammad Nawaz lbw b Shamsi 28 22 Shadab Khan c Stubbs b Nortje 52 22 Mohammad Wasim c Bavuma b Nortje 0 1 Naseem Shah not out 5 3 Haris Rauf run out (Klaasen/Bavuma) 3 2 Extras(lb 1, nb 1, w 4) 6 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.25) 185/9 Did not bat: Shaheen Shah Afridi Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Mohammad Rizwan, 0.4 ov), 2-38 (Mohammad Haris, 4.4 ov), 3-40 (Babar Azam, 5.2 ov), 4-43 (Shan Masood, 6.3 ov), 5-95 (Mohammad Nawaz, 12.6 ov), 6-177 (Shadab Khan, 18.5 ov), 7-177 (Mohammad Wasim, 18.6 ov), 8-177 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 19.1 ov), 9-185 (Haris Rauf, 19.6 ov)

South Africa (T: 142 runs from 14 ovs) BATTING R B Temba Bavuma (c) c †Mohammad Rizwan b Shadab Khan 36 19 Quinton de Kock † c Mohammad Haris b Shaheen Shah Afridi 0 5 Rilee Rossouw c Naseem Shah b Shaheen Shah Afridi 7 6 Aiden Markram b Shadab Khan 20 14 Heinrich Klaasen c Mohammad Wasim b Shaheen Shah Afridi 15 9 Tristan Stubbs c Mohammad Nawaz b Naseem Shah 18 18 Wayne Parnell lbw b Mohammad Wasim 3 4 Kagiso Rabada run out (Mohammad Nawaz/ Haris Rauf) 1 2 Anrich Nortje c Mohammad Haris b Haris Rauf 1 5 Lungi Ngidi not out 4 1 Tabraiz Shamsi not out 1 1 Extras (w 2) 2 TOTAL 14 Ov (RR: 7.71) 108/9 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Quinton de Kock, 0.6 ov), 2-16 (Rilee Rossouw, 2.4 ov), 3-65 (Temba Bavuma, 7.1 ov), 4-66 (Aiden Markram, 7.3 ov), 5-94 (Heinrich Klaasen, 10.5 ov), 6-99 (Wayne Parnell, 11.5 ov), 7-101 (Tristan Stubbs, 12.4 ov), 8-103 (Kagiso Rabada, 13.2 ov), 9-103 (Anrich Nortje, 13.4 ov)

BOWLING Wayne Parnell Kagiso Rabada Lungi Ngidi Anrich Nortje Tabraiz Shamsi

BOWLING Shaheen Shah Afridi Naseem Shah Haris Rauf Mohammad Wasim Shadab Khan Mohammad Nawaz

O-M-R-W 4-0-31-1 4-0-44-1 4-0-32-1 4-0-41-4 4-0-36-1

O-M-R-W 3-0-14-3 3-0-19-1 3-0-44-1 2-0-13-1 2-0-16-2 1-0-2-0

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Zugzwang! Displaced GCF President, Executives trade words T

he Guyana Chess Federation has uncharacteristically stepped into the limelight with a brewing controversy among their Executive body.

Last Thursday, October 27, 2022, it was announced via missive that the GCF would have a new President assuming office, following a vote by the Executive body. However, no clarification was made in that GCF missive as to why President Frankie Farley was ousted from his position by way of vote.

Farley’s checkmate came almost a week later, when he accused the current Executive body of wrongdoing.

According to Farley, he has filed a claim with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), ironically on the very day that the GCF announced Anand Raghunauth as the new President of the Federation.

Farley and the GCF would apparently co nt i n u e trading pieces in the media, as the Federation, in its retort on We d n e s d a y, has accused

Farley of wrongdoing, and, by extension, has justified why he was voted out of his position as GCF President.

Below are the full statements from each party: The GCF initial statement: “The Guyana Chess

Newly-elected GCF President, Anand Raghunauth

While the GCF remains steadfast in its position, it has noted that it would await the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission’s determination o n the issue.

near future, (when) a new director is expected to be named.

The GCF wishes to thank

Frankie Farley

Federation wishes to inform the public and its chess community that Anand Raghunauth, former Vice President of the GCF, is now the new President of the GCF. “This decision was taken by the Board of the Federation by way of majority vote at its recent board meeting to fill the vacancy.

“The board will undergo s o m e restructuring i n t h e

former President Frankie Farley for his tenure of the last three years, and (wishes) him every success in his future endeavours.

“Anand Raghunauth will hold the post of President until the next Annual General Meeting in September 2023, when the election for the new governing body is scheduled to be held.”

Farley’s statement: “I, Frankie Farley, duly elected President of the

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ ECD tournament…

Fireworks expected at finals on Saturday in Haslington

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n utterly riveting showdown is anticipated as the curtains come down on the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ ECD tournament on Saturday at the Haslington Market tarmac.

Following two nights of hotly contested elimination matches, four resolute teams remain determined to emerge victorious after the battle for the coveted title and bragging rights for a year has been fought. They are: Vryheid’s Lust, Beterverwagting (BV)-A, Liliendaal Hustlers, and Non Pareil. Interestingly, three of these four remaining entrants would be first-time finalists if they are successful in their semi-final encounters.

Giant killers Vryheid’s Lust, who are responsible for the exit of champions Melanie-B in the quarterfinal section, are scheduled to confront the behemoth Beterverwagting (BV)-A for a place in the final, former champions BV-A having already disposed of the gritty Church Yard unit.

And the dark horse Non Pareil, who edged Victoria Eagles, have secured a showdown date with Liliendaal Hustlers in the second semifinal. The Hustlers, being who they are, have bested Old School in a tense penalty shootout to earn a berth to the final-four section.

Meanwhile, the plate section will crown a new

Guinness action in progress at the Haslington Tarmac last weekend champion following the exit of holders Belfield. The remaining teams are Portmore, Team Cruel, Buxton Diamond, and Uprising.

The first semi-final will pit Portmore against Team Cruel, while Buxton Diamond will battle Uprising.

According to tournament coordinator Rawle Welch, “The semi-finals are expected to be thrilling, and the fact that three of the four teams could possibly seal their maiden appearance in the championship match highlights the growth and

competitiveness of the tournament, which certainly bodes well for its future.

“Even the plate section has been very competitive, and features several new teams, and has really brought additional flavour to the event.”

He added, “More importantly, the support from the fans and players has been tremendous, and has exceeded expectations despite the brief timeline that was utilised to stage the tournament following a two-year hiatus; which is also indicative of the

passion that surrounds the event.

“Saturday will be no different, as the tournament concludes in front of what is expected to be one of the largest crowds to grace the venue.”

Semi-finals BV-A vs Vryheid’s Lust Liliendaal Hustlers vs Non Pareil Plate Semi-finals Portmore vs Team Cruel Buxton vs Uprising

Guyana Chess Federation, GCF, wish to inform the public and the Guyana chess community that I have officially notified the International Chess Federation, FIDE, of the illegal and unconstitutional actions by four board members in their attempt to undermine the president of the Guyana Chess Federation.

“I consider these board members’ actions to be null and void. My claims were filed on October 27th 2022 with the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission against the respective board members of the Guyana Chess Federation.

“The actions by these specific board members are disturbing, and can have far reaching implications for all federations if they are allowed to go without consequence.

Many federations in the region, as well as the Continental body, are already aware of these activities by members of the GCF Board, and are looking on in interest and disbelief to see how these concerning matters will be addressed.

I have already engaged my lawyers, who will be taking all the necessary actions to protect the Constitution of the Guyana Chess Federation.

“Rest assured that I will continue to function as president of the Guyana Chess Federation, and remain yours in service while awaiting the final decision of FIDE.”

GCF’s most recent statement: “The Guyana Chess Federation Inc. wishes to inform the chess community and the general public that, by way of a majority vote at a reconvened Board of Directors meeting, vacated the position of director and President of the Guyana Chess Federation Inc. that was being occupied by Mr Frankie Farley.

“A motion was approved by majority decision, (5 for, 1 abstention and 0 dissents) to remove Mr. Farley from the Board of Directors of the Guyana Chess Federation Inc., as well as from holding the office of ‘The President of the Guyana Chess Federation’ with immediate effect on October 20th 2022.

“This motion was passed pursuant to clause 6 a (iii) of the GCF’s Constitution. This action was deemed necessary by the Board, given Mr. Farley’s flagrant breaches of his responsibilities as set out in Clause 8 c (vii) of the GCF’s Constitution (“To abide by and carry out the instructions of the Federation”). The latest example of these failures was his decision to participate in the recently held CCA Assembly in Costa Rica despite the clear and unambiguous decision of the Board not to attend or participate in the Assembly.

“Mr. Farley was suspended from acting in the capacity of the President of the Guyana Chess Federation to give him time to present information on how his overseas trip was funded and the identity of the

person who paid for his airfare and hotel accommodation. It should be noted that Farley had admitted to a third party funding his trip.

“Mr. Farley failed to fulfill his commitment to provide the board with the relevant source documents to prove how the expenses for his trip (were) paid, so as to allay the grave concerns that the funding of his trip may have constituted breaches of the FIDE ETHICS CODE, inclusive of those set out in Articles 6 (E), 6 (F), 6 (H), 7, 8 (B – 8.8).

“Since the matter is before the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission, the GCF prefers to withhold any further comments until the Commission has made its findings, and would encourage Mr. Farley to do the same.

“The Board of the Guyana Chess Federation stands by its decision. Mr. Farley’s belief that he is still the President of the GCF is unfortunate. The GCF has made great strides in taking chess to another level in Guyana, and we would like to continue to provide the opportunity to the chess players, young and old alike. We would like to assure the public that the Guyana Chess Federation Inc. is functioning and continuing to provide a service to the chess players in Guyana.”

Farley was first elected as President of the GCF back in August 2019, and served a two-year term.

He was later re-elected as President in November 2021. On that occasion, the GCF can be quoted as saying “…under Farley’s stewardship, the GCF has been proactive in hosting tournaments, especially for the younger crop of players, by utilising online mediums.”

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

CG United Super50 tournament…

Harpy Eagles confront CCC tomorrow

By Brandon Corlette

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he Guyana Harpy Eagles, having on Wednesday defeated defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by three runs to register their first win of the CG United Super50 tournament, would now be aiming to extend their winning momentum when they face the jaded Combined Colleges and Campuses (CCC) team tomorrow, Saturday November 5, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from 14:00h.

The Eagles’ recent win against the Red Force was an important one, as described by player of that match, Romario Shepherd, who scored his List A career-best 74 and claimed 2-44.

Speaking to Cricket West Indies Media, Shepherd said: "It is our first win, so we will enjoy this one, because it is against one of the best sides in the tournament. We fell short in the first game,

Former West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin will lead CCC

Guyana Harpy Eagles will be aiming to register another win

Romario Shepherd has had a good all-round game

knowing that we lose back-toback, so this was an important game for us."

Reflecting on how he had constructed the innings,

Shepherd said he was focused on putting away the bad balls.

"When I went out, we were under a lot of pressure, but I tried to stay calm and play each ball on its merits. I was

looking (for the team to score at least 200). Myself and Permaul went out there, and he said if we bat 50 overs, we will get at least 250. I had to be smart and wait on the bad balls," Shepherd explained.

The Guyana top-order was blown away by Sunil Narine and Shannon Gabriel, while middleorder batsmen Tevin Imlach and Sherfane Rutherford rebuilt the innings. Shepherd added the finishing touches to propel Guyana to 269-9.

The burly Berbician Shepherd has said he was confident with the score at the half-way stage. "At the halfway stage, we were confident. The wicket was really slow and the ball was spinning. We were only taking in consideration the dew, but kudos to Pestano on the way he bowled, and

International circuit racing…

Vitality, Sawh VoltComm, Tekton racing with GMRSC

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itality Inc. in conjunction with Sawh VoltComm Construction and Tekton Inc made a presentation to Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC), signifying their sponsorship of the highly anticipated Annual International Circuit Racing slated for South Dakota on November 12-13, 2022.

In handing over the cheque, valued at Two million dollars ($2,000,000), Badesh Thakur, one of the Managing Director noted this sponsorship will extend into 2023 for this race meet.

He further acknowledged the works of GMR&SC, which over the past 50 years transformed the automotive industry in Guyana. It is for this reason that the trio companies extend their support toward this marquee circuit racing event in Guyana. At the simple handing over ceremony, Mr. Thakur explained that the directors are all thrilled by the fact that these strategic highlevel race meets and events attract over 30,000 patrons from all demographics in a single day, while recognizing

Badesh Thakur, one of the Managing Directors, handed over cheque

that the November Race of Champions is indeed the singlelargest sporting event.

Vitality Inc, a US-based company owned by Guyanese entrepreneurs, has been operating in Guyana over ten years and specializes in accounting, medical supplies, oil and gas and housing services and is fully committed to giving back to Guyana especially in all areas.

TEKTON Inc, is a professionally licensed construction and engineering company which has over 60

years of experience between its founders. A few of their services include Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, FF&E Manufacturing, Procurement, and Construction Management.

SVC has been delivering design-build construction for the public and private sector for nearly 20 years. It services include (but are not limited to) construction, HVAC, maintenance, cleaning, data and voice, millwork, architectural and electrical services done by a team of industry specialists.

(also to) Sherfane Rutherford," Shepherd added.

Guyana's next opponent, CCC, will be led by former West Indies captain and retired international wicketkeeperbatsman Denesh Ramdin. The CCC are yet to get a win in this tournament, having lost to the Windward Islands and to T&T Red Force in the two games of the tournament they have thus far played.

T&T Red Force will also be in action on Saturday, against the undefeated Windward Islands Volcanoes at Queen's Park Oval. Alick Athanaze has scored two centuries in the two matches he has played this far for the Volcanoes.

Guyana Harpy Eagles: Leon Johnson (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (Vice Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Quentin Sampson, Clinton Pestano, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Nial Smith, Kevin Sinclair, Kemol Savory.

Combined Campuses & Colleges: Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Matthew Forde (Vice Captain), Amari Goodridge, Abhijai Mansingh, Demario Richards, Isaiah Ali, Jonathan Drakes, Kirstan Kallicharan, Michail Powell, Nathan Edward, Navin Bidaisee, Odain McCatty, Romario Greaves, Zavier Burton.

Gobin Persaud Memorial T20 Cup 2022…

Beckles powers Independence Sports Club to big win

The victorious Independence Sports Club posed with their spoils after the final on Sunday at Canal Number Two Sports Club ground

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magnificent halfcentury from opener Vivian Beckles, scored in conditions of threatening clouds, gave Independence Sports Club (ISC) the first hold of the Gobin Persaud Memorial Twenty/20 Cup when the curtains came down on play last Sunday at the Canal Number Two Sports Club Ground, West Bank Demerara -- a small ground with a fast outfield.

Watched by a fair-sized crowd enveloped in a festive atmosphere, Beckles smashed five massive sixes and stroked two fours to lead ISC to a commanding 60-run win over Belle Vue Sports Club.

His match-winning knock of 61 from 48 balls was responsible for ISC getting to 174 for 8, before they limited the pre-tournament favourites Belle Vue SC to just 114 for 9 from their 20 overs.

Beckles lost his opening partner Javon Hector (11) inside the power play at 22 for 1 in the 5th over, then got excellent support from Mahendra Dhanpaul, who scored a quickfire 24 (16b: 3x6s) as the pair put on 61 for the second wicket.

When Dhanpaul was dismissed in the 11th over, Beckles soon followed, making way for some entertaining cameos to take

the total out of the reach of the opposition.

Safraz Esau stroked 32 (20b: 3x6s) and Ricky Sargeant thumped 29 (12b: 4x6s) in a performance that caused the crowd to erupt in spontaneous jubilation.

None of the Belle Vue bowlers was spared, but returning figures of 3/21 from three overs made Lucian Sam the most successful Belle Vue bowler, while captain Randy Ramrup’s 2/36 from 4 overs and Rondel Wills’s 2/45 from 4 overs offered support.

In their turn at the crease, Belle Vue lost wickets at regular intervals before the game ended in fading light. Only number seven batter Alex Parag, with an attacking 38 (16b: 2x4s; 4x6s), offered any resistance.

For the Independence Sports Club, Reaz Esau was the pick of the bowlers with 3/26, while Celvon Williams claimed 2/4 and captain Anand Bharat claimed 2/15.

‘Player of the Match’ was Vivian Beckles, who scored 115 runs in the four matches he played, and was also named ‘Batsman of the Tournament’.

He collected a trophy and a bat for his efforts, while leftarm spinner Anand Persaud of Canal Number Two Sports Club

collected a trophy and a pair of sneakers for being adjudged ‘Bowler of the Tournament’, in which he picked up nine wickets in three matches.

Belle Vue walked away with the Runners-Up Trophy and $50,000, while the champions ISC went away smiling with the winning trophy and $150,000.

All players and match officials were given medals to mark the occasion, which is a special occasion for the Persaud family and the entire Canal Number Two community.

Gobin Persaud, in whose memory the tournament was played, died on May 6, 2021 at the age of 85 years old. He was one of the founder members of the Cultural Cricket Club, and later became captain and then president of the club. Off the field, Persaud was a former Headmaster at Endeavour Primary School and Commons Primary School, former secretary of Vidya Daan Mandir, and, overall, a very prominent member of Canal Number Two Polder.

The tournament was sponsored by Star Sports, ND&S Furniture Store, SP General Construction and Raja Custom Brokerage Service, and Banks DIH Limited. (John Ramsingh)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

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

CG United Super50 tournament…

Harpy Eagles confront CCC tomorrow Pg 23

International Circuit Racing…

Vitality, Sawh VoltComm, Tekton racing with GMRSC

Pg 23

Zugzwang! Displaced GCF President, Executives trade words Pg 22

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