Guyana Times - Friday, October 1, 2021

Grades 10, 11, 12 students to return to faceto-face teaching this month P

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4787

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

Hiring of top officials to be transparent, within short timeframe – GECOM …as ads to fill positions begin today See story on page 3

Indian US$7.2M Line of Credit to enable solar electricity for 30,000 hinterland homes

…says COVID-19 “real” and a “killer”

WHAT'S INSIDE:

100,000 Pfizer vaccines from COVAX to arrive next week – Health Minister …3 more deaths, 189 cases in 1 day P7 …no child died after receiving COVID-19 & 5 vaccine – Ministry

Labourer P20 charged for beating brother to death Men drop 14kg ganja after P16 spotting cops Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Indian High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa exchanged documents following the signing

19-year-old electrician shot dead during robbery …“they kill he for one chain!” – sister cries Page 19

$80 VAT INCLUDED

1 dead, 1 missing in Essequibo P20 River boat mishap

Page 9

Doctors, nurses worked “round the clock” – COVID-19 survivor

PRICE

North West school fire act of arson – Fire Service

Page 16

Page 20

Neighbour stabbed to death after warning son about P17 abusing mother

Man who jumped into Demerara River after seeing cops busted with ganja P17

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, October 1 – 01:00h-02:30h and 13:00h-14:30h and Saturday, October 2 – 01:30h-03:00h and 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, October 1 – 13:10h-14:40h and Saturday, October 2 – 14:00h-15:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day, with clear skies are expected at night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 12:48h reaching a maximum height of 2.07 metres.

Low Tide: 06:05h and 18: 41h reaching minimum heights of 1.09 metres and 1.17 metres.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

04 16 17 19 22 23

FREE TICKET

09 Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

06 07 18 24 26 LUCKY 3

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0

0

Afternoon Draw

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Hiring of top officials to be transparent, within short timeframe – GECOM …as publishing ads to fill positions begin today

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he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has mandated that the appointment of officials to fill top spots within its apparatus would be done transparently and with efficiency.

Positions to be filled are that of the Chief Elections Officer, Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Assistant Chief Elections Officer, Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Logistics Manager, and Civic and Voter Education Manager.

At its statutory meeting held on Tuesday, the Commission approved advertising for the seven senior positions to be filled. A statement reassured, “The Commission is adamant that the hiring process would be transparent and the process could be completed effectively within the shortest time possible, so that the work programme of the agency could proceed.”

Advertising will commence today and last for a two-week duration using a combination of media, including, but not limited to, newspapers, radio, television, GECOM’s website and GECOM’s Facebook page.

Interested applicants are advised to fully utilise the GECOM website for details pertaining to the respective positions and their full job descriptions. Signed applications can also be submitted electronically via email to applications@gecom.org. gy.

The advertisements are seeking persons to fill the vacancies following the dismissal of former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, his former deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, and former Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 04 05 06 09 10 15 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

01 05 08 09 17 13

02 04 05 07 09

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$78.52/barrel

-0.15

Rough Rice

$245.43/ton $512.80/ton

-0.26 +1.54

London Sugar

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1756.50

$1757.50

Low/High Change

$1722.00 -0.70

$1765.80 -0.04%

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

After several delays and legal proceedings, Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo were dismissed from their respective positions at the GECOM on August 12, 2021, following a vote by the seven-member Commission. In a statement announcing the terminations, which came after weeks of deliberation on the motions, GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, indicated that the services of Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo would be terminated effective August 18, 2021, and they would be compensated in accordance with provisions in their contracts.

Justice Claudette Singh disclosed that CEO Lowenfield was dismissed via Clause 9 of his contract, which stipulates that his services can be terminated

by giving him three months’ notice, or payment in lieu thereof.

Regarding the DCEO and the RO, their contracts similarly stated that the Commission may, at any time, terminate their employment by giving them three months’ notice, or payment in lieu thereof.

Government-nominated Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Manoj Narayan had brought motions on June 1, 2021 calling for the dismissal of Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo from GECOM. The trio are before the courts on a number of electoral charges relative to their alleged attempts to sway the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the then ruling A Partnership for National

Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

After those officials were removed last month, GECOM’s discussions shifted to filling those critical positions. In fact, it was only on Tuesday at the statutory meeting that the Commission was able to finalise the advertisements for these positions.

The Chief Election Officer, according to GECOM, is required to play the “key leadership role in the Secretariat” with responsibility for implementing all aspects of its operations and ensuring that results are achieved in keeping with Guyana’s laws and the agency’s policies.

The deadline for submission of applications from interested parties is October 14, 2021. (G12)

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

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

International Day of Older Persons

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oday, as the world observes International Day of Older Persons, themed “Digital Equality for all Ages”, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres is urging that persons stay connected with loved ones, attend a religious service, and take a stance. However, all of these actions and many more are increasingly carried out online, especially as individuals and communities grapple with restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guterres said: “older persons have often been left more isolated during the pandemic. They are also at greater risk of suffering from the rising threat of cybercrime. While taking all possible measures to hold to account those unscrupulous criminals preying on older persons, we must also work to strengthen the digital skills of the elderly, as an important defence and means to improve their wellbeing.”

We agree that older persons, as he said in his message for the day, “are far more than a vulnerable group; they are a source of knowledge, experience, and rich contributions to our collective progress.”

Last December, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its Baseline Report for the Decade of Healthy Ageing, which included useful insights into the status of the world’s older populations, and what health authorities, policymakers and international development partners could do in order to ensure this group of people is not left behind.

According to the report, at least 14 per cent of all people aged 60 years and over – more than 142 million people – are currently unable to meet all their basic daily needs. The report brings together data available for measuring healthy ageing, defined by WHO as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age”.

WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notes that humans now live longer than at any time in history.

“But adding more years to life can be a mixed blessing if it is not accompanied by adding more life to years.”

He said the Baseline Report for the Decade of Healthy Ageing has the potential to transform the way policy-makers and multiple service-providers engage with older adults. The report also discusses what is needed to promote collaboration and better measure progress towards healthy ageing.

WHO says that optimising “functional ability” is the goal of the Decade of Healthy Ageing, which began in 2021 and addresses five interrelated abilities that all older people should enjoy: the ability to meet basic needs; to continue to learn and make decisions; to be mobile; to build and maintain relationships; and to contribute to society.

The Baseline Report presents the experience of countries which have been successful in starting healthy ageing initiatives in each of these areas, such as Ireland, Mexico and Vietnam.

It also stresses that older adults must be engaged throughout.

According to the report, only one-quarter of countries around the world are compiling comparable data which can be used to monitor global progress towards healthy ageing.

It should be stated that the Caribbean has been recognised as having one of the fastest-growing older populations in the developing world. This certainly poses its own challenges, and Governments and other actors would be required to take the necessary measures to ensure that this segment of the population leads healthier and more productive lives.

There is no doubt that among the more pressing issues affecting older persons are health concerns and the quality of care being provided to them on a daily basis. It is therefore crucial for Governments to put in place systems which would allow for older persons to obtain the health services they need.

WHO’s new Guidelines on Integrated Care for Older People recommend ways community-based services can help prevent, slow, or reverse declines in physical and mental capacities among older people. The guidelines also require health and social care providers to coordinate their services around the needs of older people through approaches such as comprehensive assessment and care plans.

Guterres called on this year’s International Day of Older Persons for more inclusive policies, strategies, and actions to achieve digital equality for people of all ages.

Participants stand in front of a giant flower basket arrangement set up ahead of the Chinese National Day, before a ceremony at the Monument to the People’s Heroes on Tiananmen Square to mark Martyrs’ Day, in Beijing, China (Reuters)

Is the EPA’s court case based on scientific analysis?

Dear Editor, I am following intently a case filed by Dr Troy Thomas and Quadad De Freitas, representatives of The Environmental Protection Agency, against ExxonMobil, and by extension the Government of Guyana, on the impact of carbon emissions in the development of oilfields offshore Guyana.

The plaintiffs are contending that the carbon emissions generated from oil extraction here are so great that they would have – if they are not already having - a negative impact on climate change in Guyana.

While we are all concerned about climate change and the negative effects of greenhouse gases, we must not forget that this is a scientific discussion, and, as such, we must not deviate from that path; scientific matters must be dealt with in a scientific context. This, therefore, is not an emotional or political issue on this platform that we base our arguments.

Secondly, we cannot put forward as proof that because negative consequences occurred further afield, such will happen here. That is for a streetside gaff, but

is not evidence in a court of law. It thus behooves us to take a careful look at the arguments and counter arguments that would be put forward in court.

This is purely a scientific case, and, as such, the plaintiffs must go the full length of the examination of empirical evidence to support their claim. Pure, hard scientific facts have to be generated for any court to come up with a sensible conclusion, if any; otherwise, this case should be thrown out for lack of scientific proof.

A case of this nature must examine the following factors: The extraction of crude petroleum here brings with it natural gas, the two exist together. As an oil-producing nation, Guyana is less than 3 years into the production of oil and natural gas. The excess gas extracted has to be utilised; in the present circumstances, it is being flared.

The question is: Is flaring of the excess natural gas so great that it would cause drastic changes in the climate?

As a consequence of the above, The EPA must, through empirical evidence, show that gas emissions, or flaring, that is in

(ppm), is great enough to produce that negative effect. I am talking about evidence collated over that period.

In this regard, the EPA would be hard-pressed to produce scientific evidence to the satisfaction of the experts in this debate.

The natural gas is presently being flared or burnt as a consequence of the company not having any alternative for its proper use.

The Government, for its part, has produced a comprehensive plan to bring that gas to shore for full utilisation in power generation. This is commendable, and must be taken note of.

Most of our gas is found offshore, which means that this gas extraction is in the midst of one of the largest carbon sinks of the world, which is water. Offshore drilling is in the limitless ocean of water.

Another source of carbon sink is our forest, found in the wider Amazon basin, the second largest forested region in the world.

Guyana itself is heavily forested, being 90% forest.

Our oil industry has to be utilised in a sustainable manner, which means that oil extraction is defined as development that meets the needs of the present,

without compromising the ability of the future generations. The safety and wellbeing of all can be assured if we endeavour to adopt and adapt to these factors.

Some may find difficulty with the interpretation of the word sustainability, as is the case with the EPA and the use of the fossil fuel. They may want to question its validity when we see the disappearance of biodiversity, ecosystems and the most dreaded climate change. However, all is not lost with the implementation of present technologies to mitigate the negatives. And where there is deficiency of present methods, there is adoption of more appropriate and efficient models for the wellbeing of the industry and society.

The oil and natural gas are not going to be left in the ground, as our VicePresident has intimated and I am in agreement, but it will be utilised in a sustainable manner in keeping with modern standards.

This is what a court must uphold; not rely on unscientific, non-empirical, and at best political statements.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

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News

Grades 10, 11, 12 students to return No child died to face-to-face teaching this month after receiving S COVID-19 vaccine – Health Ministry …Cybercrime Unit to probe misinformation campaign on social media

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he Health Ministry on Thursday evening said that officials have noted a social media posting of a video purporting to be a child who had just received the Pfizer vaccine and instantly reacted and died.

As such, the Ministry said that no such vaccine-related incident occurred in Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) or anywhere else in Guyana.

According to the Ministry, with more than 25,000 adolescents receiving the Pfizer vaccine, there has been no death or any serious illness. Those who are spreading such fake news, using a non-vaccine related tragedy, are guilty of dangerous, deadly mischief-making and propaganda.

“A family tragedy is being used to wickedly pro-

mote false stories about COVID-19 vaccines in an effort to derail the vaccine programme in Guyana. We urge those who are spreading this story to desist from doing so. The MoH intends to report this deliberate misinformation campaign to the cybercrime unit so that action can be taken to bring those responsible to justice,” the Ministry said in its statement.

It also reiterated that all vaccines used for adolescents and adults are safe.

“After more than 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, there have not been any serious negative reaction. We, therefore, urge all eligible citizens to come forward to get their vaccines,” the Health Ministry said.

tudents in Grades 10, 11, and 12 will return to face-to-face schooling this month. This announcement was made by the Education Ministry on Thursday.

According to the Ministry, there will not be one fixed date for the reopening of all secondary schools, since it is being done according to the vaccination programme.

“The advice received from the Ministry of Health is that those students who were vaccinated should be given the time to be fully inoculated before entering the school environment. Since students of the various secondary schools received their first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine on different dates, their reopening dates will also differ,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It added that for an adolescent to be deemed fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine they must receive two doses (21-28 days apart) with an additional 10 days after the second dose to be fully protected. This would mean that the different secondary schools would return to face-to-face instruction on different dates.

The Ministry said that each secondary school would be informed of their respec-

tive reopening date, adding that the Health Ministry has also advised that only students of these three grades at the secondary level should be allowed back into school for face-to-face learning.

“Grades 7 to 9 will not be reopened physically at this time. As it relates to the other levels, the plans that were previously announced stand without variation.

Schools will be reopened based on the individualised programme established by the respective schools to facilitate face-to-face engagement,” the statement read.

In September, the Ministry announced that secondary schools would reopen based on the rollout of

GuySuCo has met all obligations to its workforce, despite challenges Dear Editor, GuySuCo was able to pay its employees’ wages and salaries despite the 2021 natural disaster.

Permit me space to correct certain inaccuracies published recently by a media house on the affairs of the Corporation under the caption “GuySuCo was unable to pay workers’ wages and salaries since August 2021”. This statement is inaccurate. In fact, GuySuCo has met its wages and salaries’ obligations to its workforce every week on a timely basis since August 2020.

Despite the Corporation’s setback as a result of the recent national disaster of 2021, which affected the entire industry, the shareholders, GuySuCo’s board of directors, and its executive management continue to collaborate actively to ensure all workers are paid on time every week. The Corporation continues to experience numerous challenges as a result of the

natural disaster. This includes the inundation of its largest cultivation at Albion/Port Mourant estate for over 65 days, which has adversely affected its production targets for 2021 and 2022.

The first consequence of the flood was a decline in production and sales of sugar and molasses. This decline in production and sales hijacked the revenue stream of the industry. Notwithstanding these challenges, GuySuCo has met all of its obligations to its workforce, and continues to meet its obligations to the local sugar market.

GuySuCo is cognisant of the importance of the media in its rebuilding efforts. More is expected of the ‘fourth estate’ at this delicate juncture of the industry’s life. On behalf of the Corporation, I stand ready to facilitate any clarification on any matter pertaining to the operations of GuySuCo on telephone number (592) -624-0256.

Kind regards, Indira Badal Senior Public

Relations Manager Guyana Sugar Corporation

the vaccination programme for adolescents aged 12 to 17.

It also warned that all COVID-19 protocols such as wearing masks, washing or sanitising hands and social distancing must be observed.

“It must be noted that children who are not vaccinated will not be prevented from entering their school for instruction. However, we encourage as many parents as possible to consent for their children aged 12 to 17 to receive the vaccine, which will serve to protect them from the effects of COVID-19. We also encourage our parents and teachers who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated so that we can protect each other,” the Ministry said.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

Page

Foundation

By William Blake I was angry with my friend; I told my wrath, my wrath did end.

I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow.

And I waterd it in fears, Night & morning with my tears: And I sunned it with smiles, And with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night.

Till it bore an apple bright.

And my foe beheld it shine, And he knew that it was mine.

And into my garden stole, When the night had veild the pole; In the morning glad I see; My foe outstretched beneath the tree.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

100,000 Pfizer vaccines from COVAX to arrive next week – Health Minister …3 more deaths, 189 cases in 1 day

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 UPDATE

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n the coming week, Guyana will be in receipt of another shipment of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX mechanism – 100,000 Pfizer jabs.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony announced on Thursday that the shots would arrive on October 4.

“It is the first time we will be receiving Pfizer vaccines from COVAX. Before, we got AstraZeneca, so it’s the first time we’re getting 100,000 Pfizer vaccines from COVAX,” he noted.

The country has already been utilising the PfizerBioNTech jabs to immunise the adolescent population with a donation of 146,250 doses from the United States Government.

Overall, more than 24,000 children between the ages of 12 and 17 have received a first dose of the vaccine since this leg of the vaccination campaign commenced.

The double-dose vaccine, one of two which have been approved for children, is proven to be 95 per cent effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 in people who receive two doses.

COVAX is a partnership between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI); Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance; the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO)

and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The mechanism aims to secure 1.3 billion doses for 92 low- and middle-income countries by the end of the year. Guyana has been included among 10 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that are receiving vaccines at no cost through the Advance Market Commitment (AMC). Thus far, 120,000 AstraZeneca vaccines have been sent to immunise Guyanese.

Vaccine uptake

Second-dose uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines has increased dramatically with the availability of Sputnik V second component and now, over 37 per cent of adults have been completely immunised.

On Wednesday, 1029 first doses for adults and another 530 first doses for children were administered. In terms of the administration of second doses for adults, 6655 persons took the shots when compared to 1762 for children.

Dr Anthony outlined during the coronavirus update that this was a new daily record for the country, vaccinating 9946 persons in one day.

Some 358,237 persons have been administered with a first-dose COVID-19 vaccine, amounting to 69.8 per cent of adults. Second

doses are at 192,672 persons or 37.6 per cent.

New cases and deaths

As of Thursday, three more unvaccinated persons died from the coronavirus, taking the death toll to 786.

Those who died were a 74-year-old woman from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) and a 68-yearold man from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – who both died on September 29.

On September 26, a 69-yearold man from Region One (Barima-Waini) also succumbed.

One hundred and eightynine new cases were detected within the course of one day – raising the total confirmed positives to 31,827.

There are 32 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 140 in institutional isolation, 3839 in home isolation and 786 in institutional quarantine. Throughout the pandemic, 317,348 individuals were tested – of which 15,117 males and 16,710 females were positive.

A region-by-region breakdown of new cases shows three persons testing positive in Region One, 15 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 30 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 104 in Region Four; 10 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); five in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); nine in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni);

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

189

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

140

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

3839

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

32

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

9

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

16,710

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

15,117

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

31,827

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

27,030

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

358,237

FULLY IMMUNISED

192,672

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

786

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1481

REGION 2

1153

REGION 3

4193

REGION 4

15,295

REGION 5

1126

REGION 6

2290

REGION 7

1615

REGION 8

498

REGION 9

2361

REGION 10

1815

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

one in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni); five in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and seven in Region 10.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19,

or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of

the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise: correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; maintaining the six feet of physical distance from others; and good hand hygiene. (G12)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Experimenting…

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…with lives our Eyewitness saw some statistics on Venezuela that really didn’t surprise him: 76.6% of their population live in extreme poverty, with 94.5% living in poverty.

Now, “Extreme poverty” is also called deep poverty, abject poverty, absolute poverty, destitution, or penury; and is the most severe type of poverty. The UN defines it a as "a condition characterised by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, etc”. You get the idea? Just to quantify this, the World Bank figures that if you’re not getting US$1.90 per day, you’re in “extreme poverty”.

That’s right folks, three-quarters of Venezuelans can’t scrape up Gy$380 per day - which would buy you half a fried rice!! But to get a real insight, even if you’re working in Venezuela - which half the country ain’t - the average monthly wage is equivalent to US$3.54 in what it can buy.

That if Gy$708 PER MONTH!! Even top executives don’t get much more than that. Is it surprising that 5 million Venezuelans have fled as refugees into every country that would have them - including Guyana? And some that wouldn’t - like the US? Now, Maduro has been insisting that all of this misery is due to the US embargo/sanctions that are intended to force his government to hold free and fair elections. Now, there’s no question the measures must have some effect or else they wouldn’t have been imposed! But Cuba’s been living with the same measures since 1960!! For sixty-one years! And while they aren’t exactly a nirvana, their poverty rates aren’t even in the same universe as Venezuela’s!

And it’s not like they’re sitting on the largest oil reserves in the world; and - before they brought down the axe on the foreign oil companies - as a member of OPEC, were shipping 3 million bpd!!

So, what’s the problem? Basically, we can understand Maduro if we compare his “Chavezism” to Burnhamism.

These were both convinced they had the ANSWER to all questions, including the nature of human nature! So, they embarked on experiments to show that they can “mould” their people to reach nirvana. And were willing to see all of them die but would not abandon their experiment.

And that’s the problem with so many of these dictators and their true believer followers, isn’t it? Just look around in Guyana: there are still people who swear that Burnham was just a notch below God. And some would put him on par!!

Sadly, both the socialist and co-operative dogma misread raising standards of living. Just look how the Chinese communists pragmatically accepted capitalism to achieve that goal!!

Doesn’t matter whether the cat is black or grey…once it catches mice!!

…in Guyanese politics Sadly, the PNC and all its friends from the AFC, WPA and the other small parties are still stuck in the sixties and seventies with their anti-capitalist dogma. As such, they still don’t appreciate that even Marx accepted you gotta HAVE to create wealth before you can redistribute it. You can’t RE-distribute something if you have accumulated the “thing”!! And again, Marx was the one who insisted that capitalism is the most effective way to create the “thing” – namely, wealth!! The man understood human nature up to that point!!

So, what’s the PNC’s stance on capitalism? Nothing but contempt!! During Burnham’s time, they nationalised everything that generated wealth, and cursed out even peasants as “feudal” exploiters!! During his disciple Granger’s five years, they did everything in their power to cut down capitalists, because they figured most - being Indians and Portuguese - were their enemies.

Well, by end-Nov-mid-December, we should see the new PNC’s stance on capitalism.

Bet they equivocate!!

…with language Someone pointed out there’s a sign announcing “UG authorize taxi” near UG - which the university should’ve corrected. UG huffily replied it wasn’t their sign. But shouldn’t they at least have spoken to those responsible for the sign?

It didn’t bother their sensibilities?

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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Indian US$7.2M Line of Credit to enable solar electricity for 30,000 hinterland homes T

he Guyana Government has signed a Line of Credit agreement with India, activating funds that will enable 30,000 hinterland homes to benefit from solar electricity solutions.

Signing the agreement were Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa during the celebration of Indian Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day on Wednesday evening.

In his address, Minister Singh said it was a timely project, pegged at $1.44 billion, that would transform and uplift the lives of Guyanese in remote locations.

“We had the opportunity to coincide the observance of ITEC Day with the signing of the US$7.2 million facility, provided by the India EXIM Bank and under which, we will be able to deliver 30,000 solar home solutions to families across every single hinterland region in Guyana,” he detailed.

Extending gratitude on behalf of the Guyana

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa inking the agreement

Government, Dr Singh added, “I have no doubt that you share with us the great satisfaction of seeing this project delivered and the manner in which it will transform peoples’ lives.”

The Minister pointed out that this project is among several in the pipeline to achieve a grander developmental agenda of the Government. It will make a significant difference for families who will for the

first time acquire electricity.

“Those 30,000 families, delivering electricity to their home for the first time will literally be the single biggest thing that probably happened to them in an entire generation…This project might not be the biggest project on the radar of the Ministry of External Affairs in India, but this project will have a truly transformative impact,” he opined.

Since assuming office,

the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has been exploring various avenues of ensuring cheaper and reliable electricity for Guyanese, as well as expanding these services beyond the current scope.

In terms of renewable energy, Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which was shuttered by the former A Partnership for National

Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, is now back on the table as tenders were opened in July. According to a Request For Proposal (RFP), the PPP/C Government is aiming to start construction on the project by the second half of 2022.

Amaila, first touted by the last PPP/C Administration, was expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy that would have been affordable and reliable, and was envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs while removing dependency on fossil fuels.

Meanwhile, Government is looking to produce 200 megawatts of power from the gas-to-shore project by 2024. Exxon has said that around 30 to 35 million cubic feet of natural gas would be required for the gas-to-shore project. Recently-released data from Norwegian research company Rystad Energy had indicated that less than 20 per cent of the 1.8 billion Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) discovered last year was gas.

Soon after the Government issued permit

licences to ExxonMobil for the Payara Development Project last year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that the Government would turn its attention to negotiating the gas-to-energy project.

He had pointed out that Guyana was generating power at nearly 17 to 20 cents per kilowatt/hour.

As such, he noted that the project could cut the cost of electricity in the country by more than half. To this end, he had announced that a team had been set up to start negotiations on the gas-to-energy project, with the Government eyeing 2023 to bring the project to fruition.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL), in its Development and Expansion (D&E) plan for 2021 to 2025, estimates that by 2025 some 465 megawatts and 2900 Gigawatt hours (GWH) of power would be needed.

Government wants an energy mix that uses both natural gas (the gas-toshore project) and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), as well as renewable energy like hydropower, wind, and solar.

(G12)

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16 NEWS 19-year-old electrician shot dead during robbery T FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he relatives of 19-yearold Joshua Denny of Festival City North Ruimveldt, Georgetown were on Thursday plunged into a state of mourning after he was shot and killed during a robbery moments after leaving for work.

Police have said that the shooting incident occurred at about 7:20h, and his sister Felicia Denny has told investigators that shortly after leaving his home, she received information that he was shot. She said that as she looked out, she saw her brother lying on the roadway with blood oozing from his chest.

Without hesitation, she picked him, up with assistance of others, and took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), but he reportedly died while undergoing an emergency surgery.

The sister recalled that her brother was late for work, and his boss was calling for his to meet him at a particular area.

“I told him to push (his) body and he ran out to go and catch the bus… Soon after, he call meh phone and tell me that he got robbed and shot… I said, ‘Okay, I am coming’… carry he to the hospital, and they say he heart stop… He get robbed like two houses away from where we live… They took his chain…they kill he for one chain!” the sister cried.

Further, she stated that

“Me son suppose to bury me, not me burying me son!

I just pray for he this morning, and they kill me son for a chain. All I could do is ask God to give me strength, just give me strength”, the woman cried.

The young man had worked hard after leaving school, and had become a talented electrician. He was trained at the Youth Challenge Guyana organisation. He had continued

Murdered: Joshua Denny

her now dead brother had left for work, but returned home to use the washroom.

It was when he left home for the second time that he was attacked and shot.

The aggrieved sister related that with the assistance of persons around, she was able to take him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

At the hospital, the young man’s mother, Afaria Denny, was in a state of shock and disbelief. As she wailed in anguish, the grieving mother stated that she should not have had to bury her son. “It is the opposite way; he should be burying me!” the woman cried as family members attempted to console her.

his studies at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) in the evenings after work.

He worked with private people, and was someone whom relatives stated never got into the way of anyone.

He would always stay out of trouble.

“Joshua was always respectable and always quiet.

Anything you call him for, and he is there. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know why

they jus didn’t take the chain and go along their way. He was 19 and an electrician with a job, leaving home early to go to his job, and they kill he”, an aunt who was at the hospital stated.

The grieving family is calling on the Police to conduct a thorough investigation into the shooting incident. Guyana Times understands that the now dead teen’s girlfriend is pregnant.

He was a member of the

Camptown Football Club, and had been playing football since he was three years old.

Meanwhile, the Police have said that investigations into the robbery/murder are ongoing. A Police source said detectives had visited the scene to look for any CCTV cameras in the area, so that they could get a glimpse of the perpetrator.

Men drop 14kg ganja after spotting cops

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olice are on the hunt for a duo who allegedly disposed of two bags containing 14.497 kilograms of cannabis at Parker Street, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Wednesday.

The Police have said that on the day in question, at about 11:15h, ranks were on motorcycle patrol in the area when they observed two known individuals, each with a bulky black plastic bag in their hands, standing at a koker.

Upon seeing the Police, the two men started to act in a suspicious manner; and as the ranks approached them, they threw the two bags into a nearby clump of bushes and escaped on foot.

The bags, when retrieved and examined, were observed to contain several blue-and-white and pink-and-white transparent plastic bags containing ganja. The bags of narcotics were taken to the Grove Police Station, where they were weighed and amounted to 14.497 kilograms.

An investigation is underway.

The large amount of ganja retrieved by the Police

Plumber remanded for narcotics’ possession

Jevon Rodwell Taylor and the narcotics that were found during the operation

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rrested on Monday after he reportedly threw a bag containing ganja over a fence, 31-year-old plumber Jevon Rodwell Taylor of Lot 4344 Prince William Street Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was yesterday remanded to prison.

Represented by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, Taylor appeared before Sparendaam Magistrate Rushell Liverpool and pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of narcotics.

It was reported that the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) was conducting an operation at Prince William Street, Plaisance when they observed the

plumber carrying a black plastic bag in his hand. At the time, he was standing in front of a two-storey building, but upon seeing the officers entering his yard, the suspect ran into the lower flat of the building, and the drug enforcement officers gave chase.

The suspect reportedly exited the lower flat through a back door, leaving a trail of Ziplock bags containing ganja, before throwing the black plastic bag over a concrete fence. He was subsequently arrested and the black plastic bag was retrieved.

Upon inspection, ranks found that the bag contained several small Ziplock bags, each carrying the ille-

gal substance. The cannabis, when weighed, amounted to 200 grams.

Meanwhile, Taylor will make his next court appearance on October 8, 2021.

Only recently, ranks of CANU and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) destroyed more than $100 million in illicit drugs, including cocaine and marijuana that had been seized over the past two years. The joint operation, which was conducted at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown, saw over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines and other illegal drugs being destroyed by fire. The drugs carried a total street value of more than $100 million.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Neighbour stabbed to death after WCD man dies in arms of son after warning son about abusing mother complaining of feeling unwell

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hirty-three-year-old Anil Samsudeen of Parika Outfall Sea Dam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), who was on Wednesday evening stabbed to the abdomen after he intervened in a dispute between a mother and her son, has died of his injuries.

The Police have said that on the day in question, at about 23:00h, the suspect, a 28-year-old, went home under the influence of alcohol and told his 61-year-old mother that he wanted some food. She, however, told him to serve himself.

At that point, the intoxicated son became annoyed and threw the pot with the food to the ground, and started to verbally abuse his mother.

Samsudeen, who lives next door, heard the commotion and went over to enquire what was the problem.

He admonished the sus-

The knife that was used to commit the act

pect to desist from abusing his mother, but the suspect asked him if he wanted to do something about it.

The victim replied, “If you want do something, come do it”. The suspect then armed himself with a black knife, walked up to the victim, and dealt him one stab to the abdomen before making good his escape.

Samsudeen was taken to the Leonora Cottage

Hospital, where he was treated and transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further attention. His condition was regarded as critical.

The matter was reported and an investigation has been launched. The weapon suspected to have been used to commit the act was recovered at the scene. The Police are now on the hunt for the suspect. (G10)

Police hunting man who posted nudes of ex-girlfriend on TikTok

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olice are on the hunt for a resident of Albouystown, Georgetown who reportedly posted several nude photos of his ex-girlfriend on TikTok. Based on reports received, at about 10:40h on Wednesday, a 21-year-old female lodged a report at the Leonora Police Station against the suspect, with whom she had shared an intimate relationship.

She reportedly told the

Police that, during the relationship, she had sent nude photos and videos of herself from her handset to the suspect’s mobile phone.

She said the suspect had accused her of being unfaithful, and that had led to heated arguments and disagreements between them.

She said she opted to end the relationship, but the suspect refused to do likewise, and had threatened to post on social media all the photos that she had send him.

The young woman said that, on September 27, 2021, she was checking through videos on the social media platform TikTok when she came across a video with several of her nude photos posted under the suspect’s profile. Upon seeing this, she immediately went to the station to make a report.

The Police have taken a statement from the young woman and the details of the suspect, as investigations continue.

Lindener remanded for attempting to set building on fire

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ifty-eight-year-old Mohamed Khan, an operator of Andyville in Wismar, Linden, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice), was on Wednesday remanded to prison for setting fire to an item in a building.

Khan appeared virtually before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, and was not required

to plead to the indictment when it was read to him.

The accused was arrested on September 26, 2021, and was charged with the offence, committed contrary to Section 145 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01: setting fire to an item in a building.

He will make his next court appearance on October 25, 2021.

Charged: Mohamed Khan

Wismar man slapped with breakand-enter and larceny charges

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ifty-six-year-old Nerville Corbin, a farmer of Victory Valley Wismar, Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was on Wednesday arraigned virtually before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on two counts of breakand-enter and larceny.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, but the Police have said that the accused broke into the dwelling houses of Cedrica Wilson

Charged: Nerville Corbin

and Devon Lorrimer.

The court was told that the accused and Wilson have come to an agreement that he would compensate her in the sum of $15,000. Upon hearing this, that matter was dismissed.

However, Corbin was placed on bail in the sum of $100,000 for the second offence involving Lorrimer. He has been ordered to report to the Wismar Police Station every second Thursday of the month until the determination of that matter.

ixty six-year-old Vijay Munusami reportedly died in the arms of his son who was giving him a bath on Thursday morning at their home at Edinburgh Squatting Area, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Police have said that ranks at the Leonora Police Station received information from an anonymous caller that a man was seen lying motionless at Edinburgh Squatting Area, WCD. The ranks went to the scene and made contact with

the now dead man’s son, who took them to the house where his father’s motionless body was lying.

Police have said that, based on information received from the son, at about 10:15h on the day in question, the son was giving his father a bath when the father complained of feeling pains about his body. Soon after, the father held on to his son’s arms and suddenly became motionless.

Police have confirmed that late the Vijay

Munusami had been a diabetic and an alcoholic who would normally receive treatment at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH).

Munusami’s body was examined, but no marks of violence were seen. The body was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was officially pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Munusami’s body has been taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home to await a post-mortem. (G10)

Man who jumped into Demerara River after seeing cops busted with ganja

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29-year-old man of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was on Wednesday arrested after he was found to be in possession of 176 grams of cannabis while on the Craig Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The Police have said that at about 7:30h on Wednesday, ranks were on patrol duty in the vicinity of Craig Public Road when they observed a male - clad in a dark blue t-shirt and a pair of short, blue, damaged jeans - walking in the opposite direction and acting in a suspicious manner. He was reportedly carrying a black haversack on his back.

The ganja that the suspect was carrying at the time he jumped into the river

Police ranks stopped the man, intending to conducting a search on his person,

but the man instead jumped into the Demerara River and hid himself among the bushes.

However, he was apprehended by the Police and was searched, but nothing was found in his possession.

Checks were then made in the area, and the Police discovered a yellow plastic bag containing the cannabis.

The young man was told of the allegation, arrested, and taken to the Grove Police Station, where the said cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 176 grams. He has been placed into custody pending charges, as investigations continue. (G10)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ruby businessman’s murder

Jury to decide today on fates of daughter, alleged hitman

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12-member jury will commence deliberations this afternoon in the trial of Bibi Nazeela Habiboodean and Linden Lewis, the man she allegedly hired to kill her 76-yearold father. Bibi and Lewis, called ‘Bullet’, are jointly charged with the February 2008 murder of her father Habiboodean.

Media reports state that the businessman, of Ruby, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was murdered between February 14 and 15, 2008.

According to reports, the elderly man died after he was badly beaten at his home.

The businessman’s widow and one of his employees were initially charged with his murder. However, owing to insufficient evidence, the case against them was thrown out at the end of a preliminary inquiry.

The murder of the pensioner had gone cold for several years, until 2016, when Police received new leads which led to the arrest of his daughter and the alleged hitman.

Earlier this week, during closing arguments before Justice Sandil Kissoon, the defence and prosecution painted different pictures of Habiboodean’s death.

This morning, beginning at 09:00h (9am), Justice Kissoon will sum up the evidence from the trial, which lasted for close to one month.

Murder accused: Bibi Nazeela Habiboodean

In weighing the evidence, the jurors must unanimously agree in order to convict or acquit the two accused persons. Should they be unable to agree and decide that they are deadlocked, the trial judge would declare a mistrial/hung jury, and the accused would be further remanded to prison until the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decides to try the matter again.

Senior State Counsel Lisa Cave, who led the case for the prosecution, called Detective Police Inspector Devon Lowe to the witness box, from where he disclosed the contents of Lewis’s caution statement.

The Police witness testified that, in the presence of other officers, Lewis told

Man acquitted of raping woman, but found guilty of assaulting her

Bhola Bhagwandin

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man was on Thursday unanimously found guilty by a 12-member jury of assaulting a woman during an alleged rape that occurred two years ago.

Bhola Bhagwandin, called ‘Buddy’, who was also indicted on two counts of rape committed on the said woman, was however acquitted on both counts.

Represented by Attorneyat-Law Teriq Mohammed, Bhagwandin had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. The offences were alleged to have occurred on September 2, 2019 in the county of Demerara. State

Counsel Sarah Martin presented the case for the prosecution.

Following the guilty verdict on the assault charge, High Court Justice JoAnn Barlow informed Bhagwandin that he remains on bail until October 20, when he has to return to court for sentencing. In the meanwhile, he has been instructed to stay at least 150 feet away from the woman he was accused of raping.

Facts presented by the prosecutor revealed that Bhagwandin and the woman are known to each other. The woman was at home alone on the day in question when Bhagwandin allegedly went there and began feeling her breasts and holding her hands against her will.

When the woman told him to desist from touching her, he allegedly cuffed her in her back and belly, before allegedly picked up a piece of wood from the yard and dealing her several lashes about her body. Thereafter, he pushed the woman onto a concrete floor and allegedly engaged in sexual penetration of the woman without her consent.

The woman reported the matter to the Police the following day. (G1)

him that Bibi promised to give him $6M, a house, a car, and a piece of land to murder her father. Lewis, Inspector Lowe said, told ranks that Bibi wanted her father dead because, unlike her other siblings, she did not get any of his assets.

“He [Habiboodean] alone went sitting down in a chair, and he ask me what I doing in the house, and I tell he he daughter send me to kill him. Then I start fuh cuff he up on he neck, chest and belly, and he stop move,” Inspector Lowe said, as he recounted what Lewis had told him.

Inspector Lowe testified that Lewis had told him that after he had killed the man, he asked Bibi about his $6 million payment and the other items she had promised him, but she told him that she had to go to the bank. According to the Police Inspector, Lewis related that the woman paid him only $5000.

Murder accused: Linden Lewis, called “Bullet”

The murder accused told Police ranks that shortly after, a man by the name of “John” gave him another $5000 and told him to go away in the “bush”, and that everything would be okay upon his return.

The Police witness said Lewis told him, “So I guh

way to Puruni Backdam.

Two years after I come back, I hear the matter finish, and I ask John what happened to my car, my money and house and land, and he tell me the money done on lawyer and tuck shop, and I ain’t got nothing to get. That was it, and I never ask back for anything, and I never see back the woman.

“Dem take advantage of me, cause I deh young and didn’t thinking straight. I even hear my uncle Michael get $7 million from [Bibi] for this same wuk. I did lash [her] father in he head with a wood, and I throw away the wood at the back of the yard,” Lewis said in the caution statement.

However, Bibi, in her defence, denied knowing Lewis prior to her father’s death. Her lawyer, Roger Yearwood, asked her, “Did you at any time tell this accused [Lewis] that you would give him $6 million, house, land, and car fuh done your

Dead: Habiboodean

father?” The woman responded in the negative.

Yearwood again asked, “Were you in any way involved in the death of your father?” Bibi answered, “Sir, I never do that, sir.” In telling her side of the story, Bibi also refuted Inspector Lowe’s assertion of a confrontation being held between her and her co-accused at the CID Headquarters. (G1)

Roxanne Myers’s misconduct charges

Ruling on application to quash Magistrate’s decision deferred to Oct 13

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ruling by Justice Franklin Holder on an application for judicial review of a decision

by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly for the two counts of misconduct in public office against former Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers to proceed indictably has been deferred to October 13.

The application was filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, who is seeking to have the Magistrate’s ruling quashed.

In February, Magistrate Daly ruled that a preliminary inquiry (PI) would be conducted into the charges against Myers, to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a jury trial at the High Court.

In coming to her decision, the Magistrate had overruled submissions by a team of lawyers hired by the DPP to prosecute the electoral fraud cases against Myers and others. The prosecutors had moved to have the matters tried summarily, which would have seen the matters being heard and determined by a Magistrate.

But Myers’s lawyers, Nigel Hughes and Ronald Daniels, objected to the prosecution’s request on the ground of the gravity of the offence, and as such, sought to have the charges remain indictable.

The Magistrate ruled in favour of the defence.

It is alleged that between March 4 and 14, 2020, at High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, without any reasonable excuse or justification, Myers wilfully misconducted herself, to-

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

gether with former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and others, to declare a fraudulent account of votes for the Regional and General Elections of March 2, 2020, the said misconduct amounting to a breach of the public’s trust in the office of the said Returning Officer.

In her application for judicial review filed against Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC and Magistrate Daly, the DPP is seeking an order of certiorari, quashing the decision of the Magistrate on the ground that it is irrational, unreasonable, arbitrary, ultra vires, without legal foundation, contrary to natural justice, and without legal authority.

Among other things, AliHack is asking the court to grant an advisory declaration that, in the circumstances of the charges and in compliance with the Constitution of Guyana and a fair trial, the charges against Myers proceed sum-

marily.

In her application, the DPP deposed that Magistrate Daly, in her oral reasons, said the charge against the former DCEO was serious and should be heard indictably. The DPP has said the Magistrate likened the offence for which Myers is charged to that of armed robbery and theft, as far as the court’s sentencing powers are concerned.

According to Ali-Hack, Magistrate Daly also expressed concerns about the maximum penalty that could be imposed by the Magistrate’s Court, and effectively stated that the summary court is not able to punish adequately for the offence.

The DPP is contending that Magistrate Daly’s decision engages Article 144 of the Constitution, with the likely result that the case may not be tried within a reasonable time.

In arriving at her decision, the DPP contended that the Magistrate failed to consider that the High Court could impose no greater penalty than the Magistrate’s Court on any conviction for the offences charged, and erroneously proceeded on the basis that the High Court could in certain circumstances impose a greater penalty than the Magistrate’s Court.

“The Learned Magistrate took into account matters Her Worship could not properly in law take into account, namely that on a trial by indictment before the High Court, the Judge could use aggravating matters disclosed by the offences to impose a penalty which was greater than that which

Former DCEO Roxanne Myers

could be imposed by the Magistrate on summary disposal,” the DPP argued.

The Senior Counsel submitted that the question of the adequacy of the punishment which could be imposed by either court was the substantial basis for the exercise of the Magistrate’s discretion. She argued further that the Magistrate failed to consider that the right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time is for the benefit of both the prosecution and defence.

The DPP argued, too, that Magistrate Daly failed to consider and/or failed to take into account that the resources of the State would be better utilised by the expeditious hearing and determination of the charges against Myers.

Against this backdrop, Ali-Hack is contending that the “decision by Magistrate Daly offends Article 144 (1) of the Constitution, which provides that all criminal cases should be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time.” (G1)

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Doctors, nurses worked “round the clock” – COVID-19 survivor

…says COVID-19 “real” and is a “killer”

COVID-19 survivor Orin Boyce

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OVID-19 survivor Orin Boyce is one of the many persons in Guyana who were infected with the life-threatening virus, but recovered completely after being treated at the Infectious Diseases Facility at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Now recovered, Boyce has high praise for the doctors and other personnel at the facility, whom he said worked ‘round the clock’ to ensure he was getting the best treatment possible.

A few weeks ago, Boyce re-

called, he began to feel unwell, and was not able to complete his daily work activities. With the onset of these signs, he was swabbed for COVID-19 the following day, and the result was positive.

“I normally would work sometimes 10 to 12 hours per day, and I didn’t really feel well. When I came home around 02:30pm and went to bed, my wife said, ‘Something’s wrong here’.

The following night, I went at Woodlands and I did the test, and it came up positive,” the

man shared.

He said he had developed symptoms associated with the virus within a few days, but adjusted his diet to supplement his immune system.

However, after the seventh day, he developed breathing complications, and had to be taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

“This thing got you tired.

You don’t want to walk around, and between the eighth and ninth day, I find that I started getting problems breathing…The Friday, it took to the worse, and I couldn’t breathe properly. My wife took me to East Street (GPHC), they put me on oxygen because I had difficulty breathing, and I could tell you (that), within half an hour, I got so weak I couldn’t even get up. It was painful.”

He said the next day he was admitted a patient at the Ocean View Facility. Boyce expressed that the treatment from healthcare personnel at the designated hospital was excellent, with persons working beyond the call of duty to ensure patients are comfortable. Moreover, they specif-

“The intention is not for you to be a CSO forever” – Minister

…as 151 graduate from BIT programmes

The Infectious Diseases Hospital has successfully treated over 85 per cent of COVID patients

ically treated infected persons on a case-by-case basis according to their complications and needs.

“The recovery period at the facility was excellent. The nurses and doctors work assiduously. When I was admitted, I could not breathe; I was on oxygen, and the support in terms of the doctors checking up every four hours, checking your vitals, pressure, and making sure that everything is intact… My recovery was very formative. They worked round the clock.”

He added, “When I was admitted, from what I observed, the doctors would prepare a cocktail for everyone. Some patients would be diabetic, some would have high blood pressure complications; so, based on your illness and the challenges you have, they would document it. From that they would be able to come up with the dif-

ferent medication based on your illness.”

Boyce is one of the architects behind the design of the COVID facility, but being in that space as a patient was an awakening experience, he noted.

He said, “It was remarkable…What happened gave me a second chance at life.

I was so busy, and my faith made me realise that life is nothing. With the help of God, you have to pray. When I went in there, I said to myself I am not dying in there; I am coming out safe and healthy. It is very frightening.”

Now he is advising persons to ensure that they are protected at all cost, and adhere to the national guidelines instituted to keep them safe.

He added that if an outing is not essential, persons should desist from mingling in the public domain. Even today,

he cannot pinpoint where or whom exactly he contracted the virus from.

“This thing is not a myth.

This thing is serious. It’s not easy. Some people have this thing that they will drink some ‘bush’ and feel well. No. This thing is a killer. I could tell you this thing brought me down to my knees. Some days I actually broke down and crying because it’s you alone in there. Some of the persons that are dying are the ones giving up, because if you’re not mentally strong, you’re going to crumble in there.”

Since the Infectious Diseases Hospital opened its doors last year September, the Health Minister has revealed, a total of 2338 patients were admitted up to the end of August. Of this number, 2003 or 85.7 per cent were successfully treated and discharged. (Rupa Seenaraine)

Over 30% decrease in accidents, deaths – Traffic Chief

…as persons are urged to report breaches of traffic laws

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A

A section of the CSO graduants

collaborative effort between the Labour and Amerindian Affairs Ministries saw a total of 151 Community Service Officers (CSOs) graduating with various skills through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

A simple graduation ceremony on Wednesday, held at the Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, saw 151 CSOs from various hinterland communities graduating from training programmes for photovoltaic systems, tractor driving and maintenance, and other areas.

The ceremony was attended by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, and Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal.

Hamilton, in his remarks, stated that the CSO programme came into being subsequent to the recognition of the difficulties persons in the hinterland areas face in employment and de-

velopment.

“The CSO programme came into being, because there was a recognition of the difficulty of employment and development in Amerindian communities and hinterland communities. And therefore, the Government sought to have in every village either 10, 15, or 20 CSOs, pay them $30,000 and they were instructed to work with the Village Councils – work as a teacher’s aide in the school, work with the CHW [Community Health Worker] or the nurses at the health centre to learn a skill to understand Government policy and how Government functions,” he explained.

Additionally, he noted that the intention was not for the graduates to be CSOs forever, but for that to serve as a building block for them to elevate to greater things.

“I know of CSOs who started off as a CSO and today they are nurses… they are teachers…. CSOs, the

intention is not to have you be a CSO even when you are grandparents.”

Meanwhile, Minister Croal expressed satisfaction in the programmes being offered while reassuring the group of the Government’s commitment to aid in their development.

“I’m particularly pleased that the Board of Industrial Training has a number of programmes… relevant programmes that are geared towards creating opportunities for employment, but more importantly, that wherever you traverse in the hinterland regions, it will provide an equal opportunity for all,” he expressed.

He further stated that “our Government is committed to providing opportunities for all of its citizens, but more importantly, we are committed to bridging the gap with the hinterland and the coastland. And training programmes like these will certainly help in reducing that gap”.

here has been a decrease in road accidents by some 32 per cent, along with a 33 per cent decrease in deaths in the country.

This was revealed by the Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram, on Wednesday during an interview with the Department of Public Information and as he urged the public to report persons found breaching traffic laws.

“For 2020, to date last year, we had 102 accidents with 111 deaths. For the same period this year, we are having 69 accidents with 74 deaths. So, in accidents, we have a 32 per cent decrease, and 33% decrease in deaths”, the Traffic Chief revealed.

As he appealed to the general public to obey the traffic rules, the Traffic Chief lauded the installation of the CCTV cameras, since those have been assisting the Traffic Department in easily capturing events of fatal accidents as well as in curbing traffic offences.

“I could tell you that the CCTV (cameras are) helping us a lot, because we solve a lot of traffic offences with that on a daily basis. As long as it pops up on the phone or the CCTV centre and we get it, we get the driver, and 90 out of 100 they do not dispute it, because when you show them, they realise it’s them,”

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Ramesh Ashram

he stated.

He urged road users to not be reluctant in reporting persons who breach traffic laws, since in most instances, especially in public transpor-

tation, persons sit silently as drivers break the traffic laws.

He, further, highlighted that those persons would make complaints against errant drivers via virtual programmes and social media, but would not give an actual statement to the Police.

In most instances, he said, the persons making the report would refuse to testify in court.

“Remember, we cannot prosecute a person if the person making the complaint does not give a statement,” he said.

Ashram further stated that if persons are uncomfortable going to the Police station, they can send their complaints or send photos and videos to the Traffic Department’s WhatsApp number, 620-6713.

20

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Labourer charged for beating brother to death

A

32-year-old man was on Thursday placed on bail in the sum of $250,000 after appearing before Springlands Magistrate Robindranauth Singh to answer a charge of manslaughter in relation to the killing of his younger brother at their Number 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice home on Sunday night.

Deodat Dhurup, a labourer of Number 72 Village, Corentyne, appeared without legal representation, and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on September 26, he unlawfully killed 29-year-old Lakeram Dhurup, called ‘Videsh’, of the same address.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Fiona Simpson told the court that she had no objection to Dhurup being placed on bail, but asked that special condi-

Charged: Deodat Dhurup

Dead: Lakeram Dhurup

tions be attached. Those conditions, she said, are that the accused lodges his passport and keeps in contact with the Police until the determination of the case.

As such, the father of three was placed on bail, and was required to lodge his passport and report to the Springlands Police Station weekly.

The matter has been adjourned to next Thursday.

Reports are that Lakeram Dhurup was beaten by his brother after the two were involved in an argument over the now dead man’s reputed wife, whom Lakeram was planning to legally marry in a few weeks’ time.

According to the Police, after the argument, both

men went into the yard, but Lakeram allegedly continued to hurl expletives at his brother, and then choked him, caused Deodat Dhurup to retaliate by picking up a bat that was in the yard and dealing his brother three lashes to his right hand, forehead and back.

Lakeram Dhurup fell on the concrete surface, hitting his face and forehead and becoming unconscious. His brother then tried to revived him, but that was unsuccessful. As such, Lakeram Dhurup was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy conducted on his body by Government Philologist Dr Vivavakand Bridgemohan gave the cause of his death as shock with cerebral and cerebellar haemorrhage and a ruptured aneurysm. (G4)

North West school fire is act of arson – Fire Service Boodnarine Persaud and fire investigators visited the scene on Saturday last and assessed the damage caused by the fire.

Meanwhile, the

Education Ministry has committed to providing support and alternative arrangements to facilitate the 600 students who attend the school.

Canada marks 1st national holiday for Indigenous reconciliation

C

T

The aftermath of the fire

he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has confirmed that the fire which destroyed almost 60 per cent of the North West Secondary School on September 24 was deliberately set.

An investigation has been launched by the Police to ascertain the motive for setting the educational facility on fire, severely affecting hundreds of children.

It was reported that on Friday last, at about 21:20h, a security guard attached to the school reported hearing at least three loud explosions before seeing smoke and flames emanating from the direction of the Head Teacher’s Office.

Firefighters in the area and other officials, along with public-spirited persons, responded to the scene and managed to contain the blaze to one section of

the school, thus preventing it from spreading to the dormitories, Information Technology Department, and contiguous buildings.

Despite their efforts, however, the wooden-and-concrete building was severely damaged by the fire.

Guyana Times understands that a new fire station was recently constructed in the community, but it is being temporarily used as a COVID-19 Quarantine Centre.

Furnishing and installation of equipment, inclusive of a water tender, are scheduled to be in place for late October.

Several officials, including Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo, Regional Executive Officer Tikaram Bissessar, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, Headteacher (ag) Indra Chacon, Police Commander

anada on Thursday held its first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour the lost children and survivors of Indigenous schools, following the gruesome discovery of more than 1000 unmarked graves at two former schools earlier this year.

The so-called residential school system, which operated between 1831 and 1996, removed about 150,000 Indigenous children from their families. Some were subjected to abuse, rape and malnutrition at schools in what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015 called "cultural genocide".

Run by the Government and Christian churches – mostly Catholic – the schools' stated aim was to assimilate Indigenous children. Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Government created the new federal holiday in June.

"I urge you to pause and reflect on Canada's full history," said Governor General Mary May Simon, the first aboriginal person to serve as the representative in Canada of its Head of State, Queen Elizabeth.

"Do it to honour those Indigenous children who ex-

1 dead, 1 missing in Essequibo River boat mishap

T

he body of a businessman was discovered while the search is on for another man following a boat mishap at Quarawak Falls, Essequibo River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Thursday.

Dead is 53-year-old Darmindra Dean, a businessman of Aranaputa Valley, North Rupununi and of Chinese Landing, Essequibo River.

Missing is Roach Leo, 68, of Fair View Village, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The Police have not released any details surrounding the accident, but based on information received, at about 14:15h on Thursday, a team of Policemen visited the scene at Quarawak Falls, Essequibo River, where a search party was established. It was during the search that the body of Dean was recovered.

The body was reportedly found among tree branches on the right bank of the river. It was facing downwards with suspected fish bites on the left ear. The body was transported to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await a post mortem.

Meanwhile, the search continues for Leo, who is feared dead.

Only on Thursday, this publication reported that Harry Mangal, a 37-yearold farmer of Abrams Creek, Upper Pomeroon, went missing and is feared drowned after the canoe in which he was travel-

perienced or witnessed cruel injustices. Many emerged traumatised, many still suffer pain," she added in a statement.

The Queen sent a message, saying she joined with Canadians "to reflect on the painful history that Indigenous peoples endured in residential schools in Canada, and on the work that remains to heal and to continue to build an inclusive society". (Excerpt from Reuters)

ling collided with a wooden boat in Abrams Creek, Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Tuesday night at about 21:00h.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that a wooden vessel powered by a 15-horsepower motor engine was returning to a destination in Abrams Creek when it collided with the small canoe that Mangal was paddling. As a result of the impact, Mangal was thrown into the Pomeroon River.

Additional information revealed that his father was on a wharf not too far from where the collision occurred.

Police have since arrested the captain of the wooden boat, and a search party has been dispatched in search of Mangal.

Ethiopia orders expulsion of 7 top UN officials for “meddling”

E Nanook Gordon, from Inuvik, dances while wearing grass dance regalia during Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the lost children and survivors of Indigenous residential schools, their families, and communities, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, September 30, 2021

Dead: Darmindra Dean

t h i o p i a ’ s Government has ordered the expulsion of seven senior United Nations officials from the country for “meddling” in its internal affairs.

The move on Thursday came as humanitarian workers have been sounding the alarm about limited access to the embattled Tigray region, which has been racked by conflict for nearly 11 months.

The seven officials, who include individuals from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), have been declared “persona non grata” and given 72 hours to leave the country, a statement by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said on Thursday.

Grant Leaity, deputy humanitarian coordinator for OCHA, and Adele Khodr, UNICEF representative in Ethiopia, were among those expelled.

OCHA’s Kwesi Sansculotte, Saeed Moahmoud Hersi, Ghada Eltahir Midawi and Marcy Vigoda were also ordered to leave, along with Sonny Onyegbula, of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “shocked” by the expulsion, the UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told a news briefing.

“We are now engaging with the Government of Ethiopia in the expectation that the concerned UN will be allowed to continue their important work,” Tremblay said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

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(April 20May 20)

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SUDOKU

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You can have fun without overspending. Choose to be with people who are happy to be around you to avoid the pressure of keeping up with someone overbearing. Take responsibility for your happiness.

Things are speeding up and changing fast. Do a reality check before you jump into something that has too many variables. When in doubt, take a pass and avoid stressful situations and unstable people.

Plan to get together with people you know and trust to abide by the rules. Don't let an outsider disrupt your life or goals. Take control of a situation, and you'll avoid letting someone take you for granted.

Be cautious not to take on more than you can handle.

Generosity will leave you in a compromising position. Take a step back and consider what's doable before you promise more than you can deliver.

Deep breathing will help you navigate your way through emotional ups and downs. A little patience, a sense of humor and a positive attitude will encourage others to calm down and make better decisions.

Think matters through before you decide to alter your course. Having everything in order will be mandatory if you want to avoid stress and be successful. Draw on your charm.

Romance is encouraged.

Think outside the box.

Turn your ideas into something concrete. Take on responsibilities that will beef up your resume or draw attention from those in a position to help you advance.

Observation will lead to the answers you want.

Pay attention, and you'll come up with a plan that will put you in the driver's seat. Keep your goals simple and your plans flexible.

Invest time and money SAGITTARIUS in something that will ben(Nov. 23efit you, your family or your Dec. 21) community. You will come across a valuable opportunity. Do not share personal information.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Keep a low profile, show interest in what others do and look for alternative ways to get ahead. You are overdue for a change, but how you go about it will determine how things will turn out.

Don't limit what you can do when broadening your horizons is what's called for.

Having a purpose and accomplishing something that makes you feel good will lead to stronger relationships.

Volunteer for something that will help a cause you (Feb. 20believe in, and it will encourMarch 20) age you to use your skills differently. Finish what you start and enjoy a little downtime with a loved one.

PISCES

22

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

West Indies defeat India for Legends − independent investigation finds World Cup title

System to manipulate outcome of boxing matches by officials was in place at Rio 2016 Olympics

W

est Indies defeated India for the 2021 Legends World Cup title on Thursday when the final was played at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, USA. The WI Stars, who batted first and set a target of 138 for victory, bowled out the Indian Stars in the 18th over for 84 runs, 54 runs short.

Both teams had won two matches in the preliminary round play and on Wednesday, they played a dress rehearsal at the same venue for their last preliminary-round matches of the T20 series.

On Tuesday, India easily got past the

United States and West Indies took care of Pakistan.

India owed their victory to the hard-hitting Fasal Alam who struck a mighty 76 to chase down a daunting 173-run victory target.

In the second match, it took a fine allround performance from former West Indies Test cricketer Mahendra Nagamootoo to seal the win against Pakistan. Nagamootoo took 3/32 when Pakistan batted as they fell away towards the end of their innings to finish on 123/9. Nagamootoo came back with the bat to score an unbeaten 21 off nine balls to get the seven-wicket win.

Vladimir Nikitin defeated Michael Conlan in the 2016 Olympic quarter-final

A

system to manipulate the outcome of boxing matches by officials was in place at the Rio 2016 Olympics, an independent investigation has found.

Professor Richard McLaren, head of the investigation commissioned by the sport's world governing body AIBA, said the "seeds had been sown" years before. "Suspicious" bouts included defeats for Great Britain's Joe Joyce and Ireland's Michael Conlan.

The AIBA has said it notes the investigation's reports with "concern".

The investigation also reported that qualifiers for the 2016 Games were the "practice ground" in which manipulation methods were "fine-tuned".

The investigation found there were two bouts that "caused the system to publicly collapse" - including the bantamweight quarter-final between Conlan and Vladimir Nikitin from Russia.

Conlan was the reigning world and European champion at the time, and his defeat led to a public outcry, after he had appeared to win the bout comfortably.

The other bout was the gold medal heavyweight match between Russia's Evgeny Tischenko and Kazakhstan's Vasily Levit.

The findings also call into question the final of the men's super-heavyweight division between Joyce and France's Tony Yoka, in which Joyce won silver.

The investigation indicates there were approximately 11 bouts in total that were "suspicious" - and there "may be others".

"I'm delighted," Conlan told BBC Sport NI. "It's five years on, and has been a long time coming. I didn't expect this to happen. The fact (is) it has been done and my fight has been called up. It's not news to me, but it's good news. It's a massive

day for boxing and for Olympic sport.

"The black mark of Rio will always be there, and I think if I hadn't said what I said and done what I did, this probably wouldn't be happening now.

"I think it's a huge day for amateur boxing, and especially for the guys who suffered in Rio, including myself. It is vindication."

Ex-President "bears ultimate responsibility" Professor McLaren was appointed to investigate the Rio 2016 allegations in June as part of the AIBA's steps - under new President Umar Kremlev - to reform the sport.

After an investigation by the International Olympic Committee, the IOC suspended the AIBA in 2017, banning it from organising the Tokyo 2020 boxing competition.

Professor McLaren - who investigated state-sponsored doping in Russia - found the manipulation structure within the AIBA was made possible because key personnel decided the rules did not apply to them.

He said the AIBA's then president, Wu Ching-kuo, "bears ultimate responsibility for the failures of officiating at Rio and the qualifying events", and that Wu was supported by his executive director Karim Bouzidi in Rio. "The executive director seized powers belonging to the permanent commissions.

The commissions would let this happen, as did the president," said McLaren.

"Once having acquired the power, he would oversee the appointment of referees and judges (R&Js) that knew what was going on but would comply with the manipulation, or who were incompetent but wanted to continue as an R&J, so were willing to comply or turn a blind eye to what was going on."

Wu was handed a lifetime ban by the AIBA in 2018.

"Boxing has a problem: it's not about the rules and processes; it's a people problem.

For too long, people have worked outside the rules," said McLaren.

In a short period of time, the AIBA changed its R&J system from judges being nominated by their own international federations to an accredited 1-3 star system, with the later addition of seven independently contracted 5-star permanent R&Js. This led to "poorly trained" R&Js being "preyed upon by those who had corrupt motives".

“In Rio, the executive director selected all of the R&Js. Corrupt members of the draw commission would influence the selection process, "so that the 'right' R&Js were in a position to officiate the bout as directed".

In a statement, President Kremlev said: "I am determined to ensure that boxers receive a fair fight. This determination is demonstrated by AIBA's clear commitment to uncovering the truth, and acting on it. We must now carefully examine the report, and see what steps are needed to ensure justice. What is important is that we make sure the mechanisms are in place to show that results are above suspicion."

Further reports on the investigation would be provided in November, and then March 2022.

"AIBA hired Professor McLaren because we have nothing to hide," added President Kremlev. "We will work to incorporate any helpful recommendations that are made. We will also take legal advice with regard to what action is possible against those found to have participated in any manipulation.

"There should be no place in the AIBA family for anyone who has fixed a fight." (BBC Sport)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Bravo, Hazlewood lead dominant CSK into playoffs …Sunrisers knocked out of contention after slipping to their ninth loss this season

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he Chennai Super Kings have stormed into the playoffs of IPL 2021 with a six-wicket victory over the now eliminated Sunrisers Hyderabad.

While they are yet to be assured of a top-two spot, which offers two shots at a place in the final, the progress MS Dhoni's men have shown this season suggests that target may not be too far outside their reach.

DJ in da house

Sunrisers were restricted to a meagre 134 for 7 on Thursday, and this is how it happened.

The match was played on a fresh Sharjah pitch. It remains unhelpfully slow, but, early on, it also offered sideways movement.

So Dhoni was prompted to do something he rarely ever does. He turned to Dwayne Bravo (4-0-17-2).

It was only the sixth time in five years that the West Indies allrounder was on as early as the seventh over of an IPL game, but there was a reason for this, and its name was Kane Williamson. The Sunrisers captain came

Jason Holder picked up another three wickets Man of the match was Josh Hazlewood

Dhoni and Rayudu led their team home

into the game with an immense record against Super Kings - 327 runs at an average of 47 and strike rate of 145. Taking him out early means wrecking 90% of the Sunrisers’ batting plans.

(Jason Roy had already been dismissed). So, Dhoni went to his "champion", and he obliged with a lovely outswinger that moved late, beat the bat, struck the pad and got the wicket.

The Super Kings’ squeeze

Sunrisers were now in a horrible predicament.

Their best batters were back in the hut, there were still 13.3 overs to face, and their opposition has a long and storied history of exploiting slow pitches.

Super Kings went 48 balls without giving away a single boundary between the sixth and 14th overs,

"Bunny" Shaw says, “It's a wonderful feeling” − after scoring hat-trick to put Manchester City into Women's FA Cup semis

with Ravindra Jadeja at the forefront of that squeeze.

The left-arm spinner looked unhittable as he attacked the stumps, taking all the pace off and getting just enough turn.

He finished with figures of 3-0-14-1.

Bravo celebrated his wickets with a dance

Josh Hazlewood then thrived at the death, picking up two wickets in three balls as Sunrisers, having made it to the end of the powerplay on 41 for 1, just fizzled out.

SCOREBOARD

Khadija "Bunny" Shaw

K

hadija 'Bunny' Shaw scored her first hattrick for Manchester City on Wednesday, propelling the team into the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup, where they will face Chelsea on October 31.

Shaw scored in the 46th, 62nd and 85th minutes as Manchester City emerged 6-0 runaway winners over Leicester City.

Vicky Losada (53rd), Alex Greenwood (71st) and Filippa Angeldhal (87th) were the other scorers in the rout that marked a return to winning ways for the Garth Taylor-coached

side.

"It's a wonderful feeling," said Shaw, who was scoring for the first time on her home ground, after signing in the summer from Bordeaux. "It's always good to score goals and help the team. I'm here to help the team in any way possible. I'm here to win trophies, and you have to win games first and foremost.”

She said she has been working on certain aspects of her game that she believes will help her become even better at what she does best -- scoring goals.

"It's one of the things

The Super Kings cruise

The rise of Ruturaj Gaikwad has been remarkable. When he first came

I've been trying to work on: getting in the right positions and timing it right for when the ball comes,” she said. "When you practice and it happens on the pitch, you're happy because it's something you've practised before.

“I have to give my team credit, because they played me some wonderful balls. It's a team effort.

I'm scoring the goals, but if it wasn't for my team, it wouldn't be possible. As long as I'm getting the balls in the right positions to help the team, you can see more.” (Sportsmax)

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Jason Roy c †Dhoni b Hazlewood 2 Wriddhiman Saha † c †Dhoni b Jadeja 44 Kane Williamson (c) lbw b Bravo 11 Priyam Garg c †Dhoni b Bravo 7 Abhishek Sharma c du Plessis b Hazlewood 18 Abdul Samad c Ali b Hazlewood 18 Jason Holder c Chahar b Thakur 5 Rashid Khan not out 17 Bhuvneshwar Kumar not out 2 Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 4) 10 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.70) 134/7 Did not bat: Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Jason Roy, 3.3 ov), 2-43 (Kane Williamson, 6.3 ov), 3-66 (Priyam Garg, 10.5 ov), 4-74 (Wriddhiman Saha, 12.3 ov), 5-109 (Abhishek Sharma, 16.3 ov), 6-110 (Abdul Samad, 16.5 ov), 7-117 (Jason Holder, 18.2 ov) BOWLING Deepak Chahar Josh Hazlewood Shardul Thakur

O-M-R-W 4-0-32-0 4-0-24-3 4-0-37-1

Dwayne Bravo Ravindra Jadeja Moeen Ali

4-0-17-2 3-0-14-1 1-0-5-0

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (TARGET: 135 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Ruturaj Gaikwad c Williamson b Holder 45 Faf du Plessis c Kaul b Holder 41 Moeen Ali b Rashid Khan 17 Suresh Raina lbw b Holder 2 Ambati Rayudu not out 17 MS Dhoni (c)† not out 14 Extras (w 3) 3 TOTAL (19.4 Ov, RR: 7.06) 139/4 Did not bat: Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-75 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 10.1 ov), 2-103 (Moeen Ali, 14.4 ov), 3-107 (Suresh Raina, 15.3 ov), 4-108 (Faf du Plessis, 15.5 ov) BOWLING Sandeep Sharma Bhuvneshwar Kumar Jason Holder Rashid Khan Siddarth Kaul Abhishek Sharma

O-M-R-W 3-0-18-0 4-0-34-0 4-0-27-3 4-0-27-1 2.4-0-24-0 2-0-9-0

along, he seemed rather ill-fitting with the needs of T20 cricket. He was a batter who didn't have a power game, and worse, who didn't even bother to look for those big hits. All those fifties he made last season to pick up consolation victories came at about a run a ball.

Cut to 2021 and Gaikwad (45 off 38) is not just looking for the big hits, he's executing them better than virtually any other opener out there. His 75-run partnership with Faf du Plessis (41 off 36) broke the back of a small chase and ensured even a little hiccup towards the end - three wickets in eight balls - didn't matter.

(ESPNcricinfo)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021

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

Shabazz shares recipe for Chris Gayle boosting Golden Jags’ rankings leaves IPL bubble …Guyanese/former players will have a part in support staff

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urrently ranked at 174th in the World, there is much for Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, to do if they are to return to the glory days.

Many of those glory days were witnessed under the leadership of Jamaal Shabazz, who has again taken up the mantle of coaching this team.

Upon his appointment to the post of Head Coach, Shabazz was quizzed about what he thinks is necessary to give the Golden Jaguars a boost in the FIFA World Rankings. Shabazz presented a long list, some of the highlights including player and staff development.

“I think most important is developing mature international players by giving international exposure to them; by helping them become professionals, whether it’s in the local league, you know, going to another level. And also, getting the special ones to go outside of the Caribbean to play at a higher level,” the recently appointed Head Coach said.

“All that will be part of developing mature international players. I know we

come to make this argument about local and foreign, but on the pitch it’s really professional and amateur, and we have got to see that as a critical step in achieving our objective.”

In presenting another point, he opined, “And while we welcome the technology from all over the world, because the world has become a global village, we need to develop our coaches, our physiotherapists, our trainers, and bring them up to the level; and that requires

time, it requires hav- ing top people who can mentor them.”

Shabazz has voiced his admiration for the transformation of the systems used within the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), praising

Golden Jags Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz

them for acquiring the essential resources.

The four-time Head Coach shared with a laugh, “Of course, the proper use of modern technology. I was pleasantly surprised, and I said, ‘Mr. Forde, we have to get this’. He said, ‘Coach Shabazz, we have that’.

“It shows that the thinking of the GFF is one, moving from we participating in competitions to now competing. So, the technology, the exposure for the international players, the staff development,” Shabazz said, circling back to the initial question.

The new Head Coach also gave a glimpse of what’s to be expected in the composi-

tion of his coaching staff, affirming that there is a place for Guyanese as he looks to blend international experience and training others.

“Yes, there’s a place, and not just for the players who are living and residing in Guyana. And Walter Moore is a perfect example, he is living in Finland,” Shabazz answered when asked what his support staff would look like.

“I think it’s a remarkable thing and a good moment with what has been going on for the Football Federation in training coaches. The work of the Technical Director and the Technical Department is helping these guys transition from ex-players to coaches. And of course we want to use them, and in time we sit and look at competencies and how we can bring them up. So, it’s a kind of two-fold thing,” he added.

As he continued explaining his reason, the Head Coach said, “We want to get a staff with some international expertise, like we have Mr. Toldedo. But we also want to get 12-15 people who can learn from him, so that in time to come they can assume the situation.”

After 10,000 runs, 300 wickets…

Windies big-hitter Pollard glad to show young players he’s still got it

A

t 34 years old, West Indies big-hitter Kieron Pollard admits these days there is great satisfaction in showing younger players he has plenty left in the tank, despite the realisation that time is slowly catching up with him.

On Monday, the West Indian captain became the first player in history to take 300 wickets and score 10,000 runs in T20s, after taking two wickets and making 15 runs for the Indian Premier League team Mumbai Indians.

Over an outstanding career, the all-rounder is now second behind Chris Gayle on the all-time list with 11,217 runs, and 8th on the all-time bowling list in terms of wickets taken. Perhaps fittingly, Gayle’s was

one of the wickets he claimed on his way to this special milestone.

While proud of what he has accomplished in the sport, the dynamic player is keenly aware of a new generation of cricketers who are eager to make their own mark on the sport.

“Age is catching up with me, because (there are) young guys in the dressing room, so I have to continue to show them that, ‘Listen, I still got it,” Pollard said after the game.

So, most of the time, it’s just to show these young guys what I can do,” he added.

“For me, you are just supposed to do what the team requires. As an individual, I know what I can do in all the facets of the game, and whenever I get the opportunity, I just try to do my best.” (Sportsmax)

to stay fresh for T20 World Cup

…cites bubble fatigue, wants to “refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup”

T

he Punjab Kings have announced that Chris Gayle will be leaving the IPL bio-bubble due to bubble fatigue.

Having just arrived from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) bubble, Gayle said, he was looking to mentally refresh himself ahead of the T20 World Cup next month.

“Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble, followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself,” Gayle said in a statement. “I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup, and would like to take a break in Dubai.

My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off. My wishes and hopes are with the squad always. All the very best for the games coming up.”

Only six players have played more T20 matches this year than Gayle’s 37, which have come for four teams - West Indies, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Quetta Gladiators, and the Kings. The 42-year-old played in two of the Kings’ three matches since the IPL resumed in the UAE. The Kings’ statement said Gayle is expected to be in Dubai before joining the West Indies squad for the World Cup that begins on October 17.

“I’ve played against Chris and have coached him at Punjab Kings, and all through the years I’ve known him, he has always been an absolute professional, and we, as a team, respect his decision and desire to prepare himself for the T20 World Cup,” said Anil Kumble, Head Coach of the Kings.

Gayle isn’t the first marquee cricketer over the last few months to have taken a break from bubble life. Ben Stokes pulled out of the England Test squad to miss their series against India, and Kieron Pollard, Andre Russell, and David Warner all pulled out of The Hundred earlier this year.

Since onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, player withdrawals due to bubble fatigue have been a feature in many tournaments and series across the world, as the volume and frequency of cricket has approached regular levels faster than the world has moved back towards a pre-pandemic life. The withdrawals have had less to do with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and more with the phenomenon of jumping from one stringent bubble to the other, with restricted movement and a life confined to hotels. (ESPNcricinfo)

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