Guyana Times - Friday September 10, 2021

Post-pandemic recovery

More int’l support P12 needed for sustainable development – House Speaker Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4766

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Exxon makes 23rd oil discovery offshore Guyana − with new discoveries oil-equivalent barrels exceed 9 billion Page 3

Liza Unity FPSO vessel begins voyage to Guyana See story on page 9

...to start early 2022 production in ExxonMobil’s Liza 2 field

President Ali to lead Cabinet Suicide outreach in Region 2 prevention

World Suicide Prevention Day Page 8

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana battles with 2709 active COVID cases P7 …as 240 new infections detected, 2 more deaths

Businessman dies, teen P16 injured after car turns turtle

Wakenaam murder

Son chopped father 24 times – autopsy P2

Lindeners P17 charged for assaulting cops − Corentyne teen slapped with wounding charge

Page 11

"is everybody’s business" – Dr Vindhya Persaud …30 children attempted suicide in 1st half of 2021

Classes continue as usual ...as GTU "protest" moves into 2nd day See story on page 14

British High Commission, MoE launch art competition to address P17 climate change THE LATEST NEWS ON YOUR MOBILE

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Canje 2-vehicle smashSon chopped father 24 up leaves 3 injured Wakenaam murder

T

The taxi that was involved in the accident

hree persons, including the driver of a taxi, sustained bodily injuries following a two-vehicle collision on Wednesday along the Rose Hall Public Road in East Canje Berbice.

Injured are Chaatram Sukhu, 55, of West Canefield, East Canje, Berbice and his two passengers, Angela Fraser, 34, of Speculation Village Canje, and Drupwattie Samaroo, 49, of Adelphi Village Canje.

The Police have said that on the day in question, at about 15:30h, the taxi HB 6439 was proceeding along the Rose Hall Public Road at a normal rate of speed, while motorcar PZZ 1423 driven by a 32-year-old resident of Reliance Settlement was heading in the opposition di-

the taxi driver and the two female passengers sustained injuries about their bodies.

The three injured persons were pulled from the wreckage in conscious condition and taken to New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were examined.

The two female passengers were treated and sent away, while the driver was admitted a patient crying out for pains around the chest area.

His condition is regarded as stable.

Meanwhile, the driver of the speeding car was taken to the Central Police Station,

The car that the intoxicated man was driving at the time of the accident

rection at a fast rate of speed.

In the process, the driver of PZZ 1423 suddenly swerved and collided head-on with the taxi.

As a result of the collision,

where a breathalyzer test conducted on him proved he had consumed alcohol above the legal limit. He is expected to be charged shortly.

times – autopsy

A

n autopsy performed on the remains on Archaelus Anthony Miguel revealed that he had sustained a total of 24 chop wounds on the head and other parts of the body.

The 59-year-old labourer of Onderneeming Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was chopped to death on Monday by his son at Great Troolie Island, Essequibo River.

The post mortem was performed by Government Pathologist Dr Nehal Singh at the Ezekiel Funeral Home, and gave the cause of death as multiple incise wounds.

It was reported that the 26-year-old son confessed to the heinous crime moments after he committed the act.

Initial reports state that Miguel and the suspect left for the backdam, but after some time, the son returned and claimed that he was unwell. He also claimed that his father was in the backdam, but upon making checks for the man, only his pants and a cell phone were found.

The suspect reportedly travelled to Troolie Island, where villagers further questioned him, and it was then he related, “I chop he up, caz he de troubling me”.

He was arrested, and subsequently took ranks to the scene. On arrival, he pointed to the area where he allegedly chopped his father, thence to the area where he had dragged the body and hid it under some branches. The body bore multiple chop wounds on all parts, including the face.

Guyana Times was told that the now dead man and his son Anthony would work all day until 16:00h, but on the day in question, his son requested to leave at about

Murder suspect Antonio Miguel

15:00h.

His employer thought something was amiss, since he was acting in a strange manner. As such, the owner of the farm reportedly instructed him to wait until his father returned before leaving. After some time had elapsed and the man did not return, the owner summoned several relatives to assist in searching for the man, but it proved futile.

Instead, the employer told Guyana Times that the man’s cell phone, some of his tools and his pants were found on the ground. At that time, the woman informed relatives and residents that Anthony was missing.

Upon questioning the man’s son, he confessed to the heinous crime. He is expected to be arraigned today for the capital offence of murder.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Friday, Sept 10 – 04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, Sept 11 – 04:00h-05:30h and 23:00h-03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, Sept 10 – 06:15h-07:45h and Saturday, Sept 11 – 07:00h-08:30h.

Exxon makes 23rd oil discovery offshore Guyana – with new discoveries oil-equivalent barrels exceed 9 billion

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny skies are expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:40h and 18:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.8 metres and 2.79 metres.

Low Tide: 12:31h reaching a minimum height of 0.48 metre.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS B

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FREE TICKET

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

W

ith oil giant ExxonMobil making its 23rd discovery of oil offshore Guyana, this time in the Pinktail well, the Government of Guyana has said it welcomes this latest discovery and confirmation of the resource potential of the Stabroek block.

In a statement on Thursday, ExxonMobil announced that it found 220 feet (67 metres) of high-quality oil in the Pinktail well offshore Guyana. It was explained that the Pintail discovery, which was drilled by the Noble Sam Croft drill ship, is 21.7 miles southeast of the Liza Phase 1 project.

Additionally, Exxon was able to successfully appraise the Turbot-1 and 2 wells, where oil was previously found. In the case of the Turbot-2 well, drilling encountered 43 feet (13 metres) of net pay, separate from the oil previously encountered in the Turbot-1 well.

The statement included quotes from Exxon Senior Vice President Mike Cousins, who said the discoveries were part of an extensive well programme. He also reaffirmed that these finds will increase the block’s resource potential and benefit both them and the Guyanese people.

“These discoveries are part of an extensive well programme in the Stabroek Block utilising six drill ships to test play extensions and new concepts, evaluate existing discoveries, and complete development wells for the Liza Phase 2 and Payara projects,” Cousins said.

“Our exploration successes continue to increase the discovered resource, and will generate value for both the Guyanese people and our shareholders,” the Vice President further explained in the release.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat released a statement in which he lauded the new discovery. The Minister expressed confidence that these discoveries would aid Guyana in its transition to a world class oil producer.

Oversight

Bharrat therefore noted that the Government remains committed to effective oversight and management of the sector. The Minister further

The Noble Sam Croft drill ship

assured that the Government is committed to engaging all stakeholders towards the development of Guyana’s resources, in keeping with international best practices for compliance and transparency within the petroleum sector.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana welcome these new discoveries offshore Guyana, and remain committed to the sustainable exploration and development of Guyana’s oil and gas resources,” the Minister said.

“The Government of Guyana has mandated the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Petroleum Sector regulatory agencies to enhance the oversight and management of the exploration programmes of all operators, as we seek to further expand the sector through advancing commercial discoveries,” the

statement also said.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through subsidiary Esso Exploration Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019 in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s oil revenues are being banked in the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

In March 2021, the Natural Resources Ministry had disclosed that, to date, a total of 5,009,797 barrels of oil

worth US$246.5 million have been lifted. This sum, added to the royalties the country receives, took the total in the NRF account to US$267.6 million. And if one considers earnings from the sixth lift in April and royalty payments, this amount is expected to climb to over US$300 million.

Guyana received its first payment of US$54.9 million for an oil lift dated February 19, 2020. The second lift, on May 21, 2020, was valued at US$35 million; while the third lift, which occurred on August 9, 2020, was worth US$46 million.

The fourth lift of oil offshore Guyana occurred on December 9, 2020, and came in at US$49.4 million in value. And on February 5, 2021, some 997,420 barrels of oil were lifted from Liza Destiny.

A sum of US$61 million was paid for that lift.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 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

“Creating hope through action”

T

oday is World Suicide Prevention Day. Guyana will be joining the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in observing the day, themed: “Creating hope through action”. The objective of the day, which is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), is to raise awareness about suicide prevention worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, every year, close to 800,000 people take their own lives, and there are many more people who attempt suicide. The organisation also informed that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-to-29-year-olds globally.

Here, in Guyana, statistics released by the Human Services Ministry point to recent studies which stated that COVID-19 pandemic had a serious impact on mental health wellness among adolescents and adults. According to the Human Services Ministry, “most worrisome in Guyana, there have been 147 suicides, with 120 being men. Nineteen of those were persons 5-19 years, while 109 were between 20 and 60 years. Regions Three, Four and Six accounted for the largest numbers of those deaths. During the first half of 2021, 30 children attempted suicide, with 25 being females.”

Suicide is a mental health problem, often precipitated by one catalysing factor at a moment’s impulse. This global phenomenon is a scourge affecting every nation of the world.

However, suicides are preventable, and education through generally interactive counselling sessions, especially in schools, churches and at various youth fora; as well as easily-accessible helplines that could provide timely interventions by way of a conduit – a compassionate listening ear and provision of advice based on rational reasoning, for revealing bad experiences and expressing negative emotions, especially if it is an impersonal one, can serve to reduce the crippling pain to bearable levels, and enable rational thought that diffuses intentions of selfdestruction.

In a national context, there needs to be a holistic approach involving multi-sectoral agencies, especially in the health, education and social services sectors.

A comprehensive suicide prevention strategy is imperative to curb and eventually eliminate this scourge from society.

According to the WHO, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation is strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; Indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons.

By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.

Prioritising formulating a strategy for suicide prevention has become an imperative, because the consequence is not only the tragic, preventable loss of a life; but this one irreversible and tragic act has many victims, especially loved ones on whom are inflicted a lifetime of unendurable pain and emotional and psychological scars.

Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide, but this figure is not cast in stone because, according to WHO, globally, the availability and quality of data on suicide and suicide attempts is poor. Only 80 Member States have good quality, vital registration data that can be used directly to estimate suicide rates. The first WHO World Suicide Report, “Preventing suicide: a global imperative”, published in 2014, aims to increase the awareness of the public health significance of suicide and suicide attempts, and to make suicide prevention a high priority on the global public health agenda. It also aims to encourage and support countries to develop or strengthen comprehensive suicide prevention strategies in a multisectoral public health approach.

Even one life lost to suicide is one too many. A listening ear and rational advice proffered in a non-judgmental way can prevent many disturbed persons from taking their own lives.

We endorse Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, who in her World Suicide Prevention Day message said: “Unless we can stop treating it as a taboo subject and peel away the layers of societal insensitivity and treat attempts for what they are, a cry for help, we will continue to see the relentless surge of self-harm.”

His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali; Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Juan Manuel Pino Vasquez; Mrs Vasquez and Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd shares a light moment during a reception to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Co operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Chile. The event was held at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown

Guyana is not alone in its COVID measures

Dear Editor, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon is yet again ‘true to form.’ He is now urging the Government to revoke new COVID-19 measures on access to public buildings. He, of all people, is saying that this move is “wholly authoritarian.”

Well, quickly let me say that he can resort to challenges at the legal level, but, for now, I have a few things for him and others to think about.

Back in March 2021, Chief Executive Alan Joyce of Australian airline Qantas told the BBC that “Governments are going to insist” on vaccines for international travellers. According to him, “Coronavirus vaccines are seen as crucial to reviving an industry that saw worldwide passenger numbers fall 75.6% last year.”

The CEO said many governments were talking about vaccination as “a condition of entry,” and that even if

that were not the case, he thought the airline should enforce its own policy.

I point anti-vaccinators and the Harmon crew to Canada, and this is as recent as last month. The news is still fresh, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he’s considering making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for federal employees - a move health and labour experts say could set an example, but would have to be a decision backed by science. Well, the science of COVID-19 is well established. I repeat it however, that is: vaccination is the best choice, if not the only one at times.

In Quebec, one of the provinces of Canada, Premier Francois Legault announced that his province would be instituting a vaccine passport amid concerns over rising case counts. And I add that the Prime Minister said he’s also looking at whether new requirements to either re-

quire or encourage vaccination would be necessary in federal workplaces or in federally-regulated industries, such as banking, rail and air travel, and Parliament.

So where is Harmon going with his talk of ‘authoritarian rule?’

So, I agree with the corresponding move here in Guyana. It serves the bigger purpose, and it is the way of many countries, if not most, and soon all.

Now, I hope that we would all comply, as stipulated in the Official Gazette under the COVID-19 Emergency measures “that vaccination is mandatory for any person who wishes to enter a public building, privately owned building, and an institution of learning.”

Harmon is making a claim that this “…effectively mandates and imposes vaccination on every citizen, and for him, “This measure runs contrary to all the tenets of personal liberties,

including an individual’s freedom of conscience, as enshrined in Article 147 of the Constitution.”

Like I said, and I repeat: Harmon has choices; he can resort to the court.

He is rather uninformed, or is ‘turning a blind eye’ in saying that “The PPP must immediately cease and desist from the wild and reckless approach it has adopted, which only benefits its acolytes and financiers, and leaves the people of the nation isolated, locked out and vulnerable.” Well, he has to substantiate this.

Currently, the Government is going the extra mile to promote vaccination, rendering assistance in terms of goods and monies, and seeking to enforce COVID-19 safety protocols and best practices. I urge all to be compliant, so that all Guyana can benefit and move on from COVID-19.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

Govt’s COVID rules are intended for the greater good Dear Editor, The Government’s recent COVID rules - mandating that vaccinated citizens must show their vaccine card along with a relevant national identification before entering a public or private facility; and, conversely, anyone that is unvaccinated must

provide a negative COVID PCR test for entry - has been made with the greater good of the nation in its combat against this pandemic.

This pandemic is now in its second deadly year, and the amount of literature written by the World Health Organization,

Center for Disease Control, Anti-Vaxxers, Conspiracy theorists, Born Again Experts etc is more voluminous than the number of vaccines produced worldwide. So, it is really ingenious for anyone to propose that we need more literature to influence the unvaccinated to be vaccinated.

The lines have already been drawn, and the vaccinated and unvaccinated are firmly in their respective camps. This is where the Government must decide on how to wage this war against the COVID scourge for the greater good.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

5

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

GTU opposing COVID-19 vaccines for teachers Dear Editor, There is the catastrophic damage caused by more than seventeen (17) months of remote schooling. Not only did our school children fall dramatically behind in the recent school year, the damage was substantially greater for low-income and minority school children, whose families tended to lack the resources to navigate the perils of turning their home into a virtual classroom.

Meanwhile the Guyana Teachers Union is opposing a vaccine mandate while citing… contributed very little to suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cherry on top of this sundae of public dysfunction is the fact that the Guyana Teachers’ Union has refused to support a

vaccine requirement for teachers.

“Vaccinations must be negotiated between employers and workers, not coerced”, they say.

My question to the Union representatives and teachers is: “So, the COVID-19 pandemic supposedly presents a medical threat so dire that it could potentially limit schooling for the third year in a row?

But is it not serious enough to justify a vaccine requirement for teachers? This bizarre combination of positions is the product not only of the narrow self-interest that union leaders can advocate on behalf of their members, but also an ideological hothouse they have fostered from the APNU/ AFC leaders, and a cadre of activists in and around the

unions inhabit an alternate reality nearly as paranoid as the one constructed by the pandemic deniers.

Here, in Guyana, we have enough evidence of significant learning loss and drop-outs at every level, with more than 600 drop-outs recorded at the primary level alone, and the Minister of Education and her team are working assiduously to arrest this situation and reverse this reality for our children, who have already fallen victim to these phenomena.

The PPP/C want all of our children engaged and in school, and are working towards achieving this safely. There is no mandatory requirement for children to be vaccinated to return to classrooms. Teachers have been accorded the sta-

Setting the record straight Dear Editor, A Mr Clayon F. Halley wrote that “Considering worldwide trends, it may not be prudent to reopen schools just yet.”

In his opening paragraph, he intoned, “I believe that the Government’s fixation on scoring political points has clouded their thought process and judgement, while exposing their policies and measures for what they are - political gimmicks. It is quite obvious that this push to reopen physical school is not founded in any sound analysis of our COVID-19 situation, but rather a direct fulfillment of a political gimmick dubbed as “Because We Care”.”

Well, I am incensed that such an attack was made on the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government, and I herein present the very opposite to what Halley sought to foist on readers, even without debunking his political outburst.

First, in terms of the thrust of his missive, it is the very opposite that obtains as regards what is trending in the ‘re-opening of schools’ debate. The body of evidence in the public domain is that various experts and task forces, manned by ‘scientific’ advisors and educators, have all agreed on one thing: that is, schools must be reopened, as the losses from school closures outweigh any benefits gained from a shutdown.

I quote from a “Save the Children” global survey of children and their families to ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on the access to health, education, livelihoods and protection, and to collect the views of children. The research was carried out in seven countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and in terms of Education (as I want to zero in on this aspect), the following stark reality was discovered.

7 out of 10 children (70%) considered that they learned

little during the pandemic; 5 out of 10 children (50%) required school materials; 4 out of 10 children (40%) indicated that they needed counselling; 3 out of 10 children (30%) mentioned that the teacher checked homework fewer than once a week; 3 out of 10 children (30%) did not know if they will return to school; and 4 out of 10 adults (40%) did not know if their children would go back to school. This is like a hell has been created already.

In the United States, as preparations are continuing for safe in-person learning and welcoming students back to physical classrooms for the 2021-2022 academic year, there were key steps outlined to help school communities remain safe and healthy during the return to school and beyond. I mention here the top four, and I am deliberately placing number one where it is: Everyone aged 12 years and older get vaccinated before school begins; Make a plan to prevent COVID-19 from spreading at school; Connect students and families to nutritious school meals; Help students and families access safe transportation to school.

Two pediatricians from Duke University School of Medicine and a political scientist at Michigan State, after discussing the significance of prioritising teachers for the vaccine and what it ultimately means for in-person learning, stated that “The choice to vaccinate all adults in schools — not simply teachers, but anyone working in schools, including those who transport students to campus — reduces the likelihood of their infection, which keeps the students with whom they interact safer, and thus entire neighbourhoods by extension. In this way, prioritising adults in school for vaccination amounts to a public-health force multiplier.” Need I say

more?

I inform Halley that some 170 countries over the world have managed to open schools, as they have overcome fear and logistical challenges to discharge their duties. In the United Kingdom, children returned to school in March and April 2021. In France, a third COVID-19 wave shuttered schools briefly around that time, but pupils were back in class by May. In the United States, more than half of all school districts had resumed full-time instruction by early June, and nearly all offered at least some in-person learning.

I rest my case, but before doing so, I remind all that the United Nations cultural organisation UNESCO estimated last year that around 24 million schoolchildren would drop out as a result of the pandemic. Because they provide so many essential services in addition to learning, schools should be the last to close and the first to open, says Robert Jenkins, Chief of Education for the UN children’s charity UNICEF in New York City.

Thank you, Thomas Cole

tus of a most valuable resource, and teachers were paid their full salaries and benefits throughout the 17 months there was no school.

There were no salary cuts or layoffs, as in so many other countries.

Vaccination of teachers is not mandatory, and there are clear guidelines issued for those who do not want to be inoculated. All of this to keep teachers, their families, and our children safe.

For the educators across this country, I feel strongly that if you’re eligible to get vaccinated, get vaccinated.

Do your part to make sure that we’re all safe, and that we can reopen schools without interruption. Again, our students have suffered enough.

What is reassuring is that our Government do know how to keep our children safe. They are doing so by getting as many people around them who are eligible for vaccinations to be vaccinated, and to keep our schools masked right now, until we have more and more people vaccinated, and until we have our young children vaccinated.

Teachers must be considered a priority group due

to the “essential nature of their work”, which requires them to be in “daily contact with a large number of people from a large number of households”.

I believe that as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and the Delta variant spreads, a vaccination requirement — with provisions and responsible accommodations negotiated under collective bargaining laws — is vital to the continuation of in-person learning in Guyana.

We must do everything in our power to protect students, educators, public health, and all of our communities. Teachers must take seriously their responsibility to protect our students, early childhood through higher education, our parents and their families, and our communities.

The Minister of Education supports required vaccination of all education workers and eligible students in our schools. The Government also support regular COVID-19 testing in lieu of vaccination for those not yet eligible, or those for whom vaccination is not medically advisable.

Educators and the Teachers Union must do

everything in their power to ensure that our schools can open safely, and stay open. We continue to be alarmed by the failure of Opposition political leaders to follow our Government’s example, and their refusal to engage with other stakeholders during this critical time.

It is very important that teachers and school workers get vaccinated, as it would give confidence to parents regarding their children’s safety. It is imperative that teachers and school workers get vaccinated, which could prevent the spread of COVID-19 and also provide protection to teachers and school workers.

I don’t see the need for the Guyana Teachers Union opposing the COVID-19 vaccine for teachers. The awful thing is that 17 months of closed schools has brought with it hardly any public-health benefit. Even before widespread vaccinations, evidence suggested that closing schools contributed very little to suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sincerely, David Adams

Govt’s COVID rules...

FORM PAGE 4

Make no mistake, it is a relentless war we are fighting against this pandemic, and the macabre theater is played out on the daily COVID billboard with a constant scorecard of so many more deaths and so many more infected. It is a matter of life and death.

Like any war, citizens are first asked to join the fight voluntarily, which is then closely followed up by conscription, which mandates compulsory enlistment. The Government’s actions are akin to being on a war footing against this pandemic, and the choices are there, as follows: 1. Get vaccinated, because it has scientifically been proven as the best protection against the virus.

2. There are vaccines available to everyone for the nation to achieve herd immunity.

3. If you choose to be unvaccinated, then we require proof that you are not contagious in spreading the virus, at your own expense.

State resources have to be spent on the people who

are fighting to end this pandemic, not on those whose actions seems to want to prolong it.

These are all choices made in the interest of the greater good.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Page

Foundation

Map your world H

ave you ever gotten lost in a new place? Chances are you used a map to find your way.

Maps are filled with information to show where things are, how far apart they are, and how to get from one place to the next.

There are many kinds of maps, each created to show different kinds of information. If you were in a city and didn’t have a car, you might use a subway map. If you were lost in a museum, you could use a floor plan to find the exhibits and the exits.

Archaeologists create different kinds of maps.

Some show an entire excavation site. Others show sections of a site. To map the layout of the buildings they excavate at a site, archaeologists make maps called plans.

A plan shows the walls of a structure along with everything found there.

These plans help archaeologists understand what happened at that site, like where people cooked or slept. For example, imag-

ine that an archaeologist finds a row of houses that don’t have kitchens inside.

Then a hearth is discovered outside between the houses. The archaeologist might hypothesize that several families cooked together.

Now it’s time to map your own world by creating a floor plan of where you sleep.

What you’ll need

Ruler Paper Pencil Coloured pencils or crayons Graph paper (optional)

What to Do

Step 1: Choose a room for your floor plan.

Step 2: Try to imagine what your room would look like if you were looking down on it from above.

Then draw your room from this point of view.

Step 3: Use your ruler to draw the walls of your room.

Step 4: Look around and notice all the places where the walls stop, like the windows, doors, and closets.

Draw and label these features on your floor plan.

Step 5: Now look at the large pieces of furniture, like your bed, dresser, and desk. As you draw them on your plan, try to estimate their sizes and shapes.

Step 6: Add some of the smaller features in your room, like a chair or laundry basket.

Step 7: Label everything on your floor plan. If something appears more than once or it’s too small to label, create a key. For example, use blue to identify all of the chairs in your room, and yellow for the windows.

Show your map to a friend or family member to see if he or she can use it.

Map your room to scale so everything is drawn in the right proportion. (In other words, if your bed takes up half the wall, it’s drawn this way on your plan.)

Use a tape measure to measure the length and width of your room in feet and inches.

Draw the walls on graph paper, using the scale 2

squares = 1 foot. (A 10-foot wall would be 20 squares long.)

Write the scale under your floor plan.

Measure things in your room, like the doors, your bed, and the dresser.

Use the same scale as above to draw things in the right size and place.

Label everything on your plan.

Try Next: Map a Bigger World

Make a map of a place that’s bigger than your room, like your entire house, the block you live on, or your school.

Label all the important places, such as rooms, streets, or parks.

Add a compass rose. A compass rose is the symbol that shows the directions north, south, east, west.

If you’re not sure which way is north, ask a parent.

That’s all you need to figure out your compass rose! Try using a real compass.

Give your map to a friend to see if they can understand and use your map.(amnh.org)

Illustrated bookplate Create an illustrated bookplate for the books in your home library. Have your design represent you — who you are and what you like to do! Then, write a letter that explains the meaning of your pictures and why you chose to draw those particular images for your bookplate.

By Mother Goose

Little Jack Horner Sat in the corner, Eating a Christmas pie; He put in his thumb, And pulled out a plum, And said, “What a good boy am I!” Source: The Dorling Kindersley Book of Nursery Rhymes (2000)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana battles with 2709 active COVID cases

…as 240 new infections detected, 2 more deaths

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

240

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

128

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

2504 36

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

9

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

14,175

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

13,126

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

27,301

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

23,974

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

327,519

FULLY IMMUNISED

171,094

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

659

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1382

REGION 2

901

REGION 3

3367

REGION 4

12,883

REGION 5

902

REGION 6

2122

REGION 7

1416

REGION 8

411

REGION 9

2260

REGION 10

1657

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.

W

ith growing infections from the coronavirus disease on a daily basis, Guyana’s active cases now stand at 2709 after another 240 persons tested positive during a 24-hour period.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony made this disclosure during Thursday’s coronavirus briefing.

“This trend is going to go up if people are not taking precautions and because what we keep seeing now is a surge as I keep saying over the last couple of weeks. We were anticipating this because with a new, more contagious variant, we are going to see more cases, especially

if people are going to be complacent,” he outlined.

With the death of two more persons as a result of the life-threatening COVID-19, Guyana’s death toll has now reached a startling 659. The fatalities were a 69-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman – both of whom resided in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). They succumbed on September 8 while receiving medical treatment at a medical facility.

With the 240 new cases, Guyana’s positives have jumped to 27,301. There are 36 patients seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 128 in institutional isolation, 2504 in home

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

isolation and nine in institutional quarantine. In total, 23,974 persons recovered completely.

Since the pandemic started, 282,525 individuals have been tested – of which 13,126 males and 14,175 females were positive.

An analysis showed 14 new cases in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 54 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 154 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); eight in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); three in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); four in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); one in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); one in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Region One (Barima-Waini) did not increase.

Hotspots now range from Tuschen, Region Three to Diamond, Grove, Kitty, Sophia and Mon Repos in Region Four; and Bartica in Region Seven. Positives have also been on the rise in Santa Mission.

“These are some of the places where we have seen a rapid increase in cases.

Again, it is not only here. In every single region, we have active cases. So, people must take those precautions and we’re urging people to get vaccinated, because vaccination would help to reduce your chances of going into the hospital with a severe form of COVID,” said the Minister.

He noted that Operation COVI-CURB continues to visit these high-risk areas, providing sensitisation to residents and other persons.

“I think there shouldn’t be anybody in the country now who doesn’t understand

about COVID-19. We have done so much work, but people are so complacent. They know they have to wear a mask. They don’t. Even if they do have a mask, they wear it under their chin. If you have it under your chin, what protection are you getting?” he questioned.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 2267480 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 emphasises: the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home, the importance of maintaining six feet of physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

World Suicide Prevention Day

Suicide prevention “is everybody’s business” – Dr Vindhya Persaud …30 children attempted suicide in 1st half of 2021

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a serious impact on mental health wellness among adolescents and adults. Most worrisome in Guyana, there have been 147 suicides thus far for 2021, with 120 being men. Nineteen of those were persons 5-19 years while 109 were between 20 and 60 years. Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (DemeraraMahaica), and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) accounted for the largest numbers of

sary tools to face the world and play a valuable part in society.

Recently, the Ministry unveiled its Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) to empower women and girls and provides hope for a promising future, through meaningful careers and financial independence.

The Ministry is rolling out its skills training programme for persons liv-

those deaths.

During the first half of 2021, 30 children attempted suicide with 25 being females.

Reports revealed that approximately 30 per cent of children aged 15-19 years could not share their problems with anyone. This alarming trend signals the need for adults to recognise the pre-emptive signs, identify the triggers, and offer critical support through listening in a non-judgmental or understanding way, creating a support network and being proactive in getting that young person professional help if necessary and developing a trustworthy relationship that invites confidence.

The Ministry has rolled out a series of programmes that target the core of vulnerable communities to equip them with the neces-

ing with disabilities to provide them with the practical skills that will afford them the opportunity of finding employment or becoming entrepreneurs.

The toll-free 914 hotline is available for persons to call and report acts of domestic and sexual violence. They can speak to trained social workers or survivor advocates who will assist them.

Additionally, through the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), the Ministry also offers support to children who may be having a hard time coping.

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry reminds persons that they do not have to feel alone and that there are avenues through the Ministry where persons can get the help and support needed.

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

s Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing World Suicide Prevention Day, under the theme “Creating Hope through Action”, the Human Services and Social Security Ministry stands with Guyana and the rest of the world in recognising the importance of tangible interventions to save lives.

In 2016, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud piloted a motion in Parliament to decriminalise suicide in Guyana which unfortunately was not supported.

The Minister believes that this was an important step that must be taken, which would tangibly recognise the need to treat and support persons who struggle with mental health issues that may lead to suicide.

Suicidal thoughts are often the result of difficulties coping with mental health.

Persons may turn to alcohol, isolate themselves from others, and demonstrate irritability. The effects of being

persistently alone and worried may have forced some into drug use, self-harm, disturbing thoughts, withdrawal, and depression.

The call to action to stimulate hope is a necessary reminder to everyone that suicide is preventable. What is required is collectivity in awareness, accurate information dissemination, and the concern for each other to not dismiss any person when they express suicidal intent or exhibit signs of depression or other mental health issues.

Anyone who attempted suicide would be able to speak of the stigma surrounding mental health and illness as demoralising and crippling, pushing them further into an abyss of hopelessness. Unless we can stop treating it as a taboo subject and peel away the layers of societal insensitivity and treat attempts for what they are – a cry for help, we will continue to see the relentless surge of self-harm.

Recent studies show the COVID-19 pandemic had

Solidarity...

T

…against Priya? rade Unions were invented at a time when those who owned the factories, mines and businesses that had launched the “Industrial Revolution” were squeezing every iota of energy from workers, but were hogging all the profits, and leaving those workers mired in abject poverty. The song “Solidarity forever” - composed in 1915 USA - captured the sentiment perfectly.

While office workers didn’t see themselves as oppressed, it’s interesting that while they weren’t “ploughing many fields”, a Teachers Union was formed in Britain, the US - and in Guyana! Yep…they beat Critchlow to the punch - save that the Union only mobilised the administrators!! Ordinary Teachers were accepted much later, and by the time the USA tried to remove the PPP in the sixties, they found a willing set of ears to go along with them. It was in the 1963 strikes that “Solidarity Forever” became so popular here, and as your Eyewitness noted earlier, teachers literally threw their bodies on the line for the PNC’s cause.

This verse resounded with them: “In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold/Greater than the might of atoms, magnified a thousand-fold/ We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old/For the union makes us strong”. Their power was in being able to mound the minds of the future generation and its leaders.

And for this reason, your Eyewitness always had a soft spot for teachers - even though he was one of the inveterate “back benchers” who were creating distractions!

But he must confess that he’s mighty disappointed with our teachers and their behaviour during this COVID-19 crisis. First of all, how will the ones - who refused to vaccinate - explain to their charges that they must use REASON to deal with the contingencies of life - such as COVID-19? Which part of reason explains the “Mark of the Beast” explanation for vaccine hesitancy? So, these people take NO vaccines? And secondly - and as importantly - has been their rude and crude behaviour during their picketing exercises and over social media.

Why have they gotten so personal against Minister Priya Manickchand?? What does her appearance and alleged grammatical in exactitude have to do with anything?? Teachers warn students against “name calling” in the schoolyards, yet they’re now routinely referring to their subject Minister as “Sitira Gyal”. It’s a downright cryin’ shame.

But there is hope for the new generation, since, from what your Eyewitness is seeing, the majority of teachers showed up for work, to be with our young’uns at this critical time in their lives.

They really don’t need the stress of seeing “Miss” and “Sir” marching up and down in the sun crying, “Down with Sitira Gyaal”!! …with “justice for the Berbice 3” Your Eyewitness was also taken aback by the rank opportunism of the Opposition leader-wannabes, who aren’t satisfied with exploiting the vaccine hesitancy of some in their constituency - and leaving them exposed to a higher risk of death. Monday was one year since Isaiah and Joel Henry were brutally murdered aback Cotton Tree village in West Berbice - and the carrions flocked to their village to build a monument calling for “justice” for them.

Nothing wrong with that…but yesterday was also one year since another youngster, Harish Singh, was murdered near the same location. And your Eyewitness waited in vain for the opportunists to repeat their calls for the same justice for him. After all, didn’t the Police arrest persons for all three murders? So, if there isn’t “justice” for the Henrys, shouldn’t there also be no justice for Harish??

Did Harish not have the same eyes, and was he not subject to the same diseases, and healed by the same means?

When he was chopped, did he not also bleed? …with Africa The Africa-Caricom Summit was a huge disappointment for your Eyewitness. What exactly came out of it? Shouldn’t the Sherpas have at least one project they could’ve signed off on??

It’s just another talk shop with new buzzwords, like “blue economy”!

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

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Liza Unity FPSO vessel begins voyage to Guyana ...to start early 2022 production in ExxonMobil’s Liza 2 field

By Jarryl Bryan

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he Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which is earmarked for the Liza Field 2, has set sail from the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore on course for Guyana’s waters.

This is according to SBM Offshore, which was contracted to build the FPSO on oil giant ExxonMobil’s behalf over two years ago. In a statement on Thursday, SBM explained that the vessel is likely to arrive in Guyana late this year.

Once the FPSO arrives at the Liza field offshore Guyana, she will be hooked up to the seabed, which will then be followed by installation of umbilicals and risers, allowing the next phase of operations to start.

The statement quotes Managing Director of Floating Production Solutions, Olivier Icyk.

According to him, the Liza Unity is the world’s first FPSO to gain a SUSTAIN-1 class notation, which means the vessel was constructed based on the requirements of the ABS Guide for sustainability and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Some of features that are recognised by the SUSTAIN-1 class notation include energy efficiency management, ability to mitigate ozone-depleting substances, and management of hazardous materials throughout the life cycle of the FPSO. “We are pleased to see that the Liza Unity FPSO is ready for the next phase, and we look forward to cooperating closely with our client ExxonMobil to ensure that the start-up is a suc-

The Liza Unity FPSO on its journey to Guyana

cess,” Icyk has said.

“At SBM Offshore, we work closely with our clients and our supply chain towards the goal of reducing emissions from our products. This is an important step in our journey to deliver safe, sustainable and affordable energy from the oceans,” he added.

The Liza Unity FPSO, which was dedicated by Guyana’s First Lady Arya Ali earlier this year, is designed to produce approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day, to have associated gas-treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day, and water-injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.

The FPSO will be spread moored in water depth of about 1,600 metres and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil.

According to SBM, there is a total of 19 topside modules.

ExxonMobil envisions at least six projects online by 2027, and sees potential for up to 10 projects to develop its current recoverable resource base. The Liza

Minibus driver intercepted with 3.7 grams ganja during roadblock

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35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after he was found with 3.7 grams of cannabis in his possession during a Police road block exercise along the Orangestein Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Based on reports received, several Policemen were operating the road block in the area in question when the suspect who was driving a minibus was intercepted.

Upon stopping the suspect, the Police reported-

ly requested to conduct a search on the vehicle and he agreed. During the search, a quantity of ganja was found in a black strap bag that he was wearing around his shoulder at the time.

He was cautioned and told the rank, “Officer ,you is a demon.”

The cannabis was taken to the Police Station where it was weighed in his presence and amounted to 3.7 grams.

The Police stated that the minibus driver remains in custody pending charges.

Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel is currently producing about 120,000 barrels of oil per day.

The start-up of Liza Phase 2 remains on tar-

get for early 2022, and it has been previously reported that the Liza Unity FPSO expects to sail from Singapore to Guyana in September 2021. The Unity has a production capacity of

approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

The hull of the Prosperity FPSO vessel is complete, and topside construction activities are ongoing in Singapore with a startup target of 2024. The first Payara development well was spudded in June 2021, and the offshore SURF installation will begin in 3Q 2021.

Yellowtail has been identified as the fourth development project in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, with anticipated start-up in 2025. Following necessary Government approvals and a final investment decision, this project will develop the Yellowtail and Redtail fields, which are located about 19 miles (30 kilometres) southeast of the Liza developments and potentially adjacent resources.

These new projects con-

tinue to contribute to the advancement of the Guyanese economy. More than 2600 Guyanese are now supporting project activities on and offshore, which reflects an increase of more than 20 per cent since the end of 2019.

ExxonMobil and its key contractors have spent approximately US$388 million with more than 800 local companies since 2015.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil’s affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator, and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PDC, CDC initiate National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment – Prime Minister Mark Phillips lauds multi-stakeholder approach

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he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has commenced its collaboration with the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) to initiate the National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA) – enabling the tools, scientific data, and evidence-based practices to effectively reduce disaster risks.

Commencing with a virtual workshop, over 60 participants from various entities and agencies in Guyana participated, including the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Red Cross, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

For more than two decades, Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) has supported the most demanding governments and non-profit organisations worldwide, sharing in the mission to save lives and reduce disaster risk. As an applied research centre managed by the University of Hawaii, it is developing

Participants of the workshop on Wednesday

new technologies and best practices to help global partners effectively mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips has lauded the multi-stakeholder approach to such a venture, stating that the participants were crucial components of reducing disaster risk. He indicated that the 2005 flood was a turning point for Guyana’s approach to disaster risk re-

duction.

“Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to ‘Build Back Better’ in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction is one of the four priorities outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which was adopted by Guyana,” said Phillips.

CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, stressed the impor-

tance of science and technology as crucial components in Disaster Risk Management.

He also indicated that this assessment “aims to establish a national baseline for priority hazards and vulnerable communities and populations, with requisite mapping and analysis that aims to strengthen Disaster Risk Management (DRM) across all sectors.”

The Director General committed to a multi-stake-

holder approach for DRM, and anticipates that the process would create widescale symbiosis. Craig additionally spoke about the urgency to have such a project bear fruit, considering the inevitable effects of climate change.

Meanwhile, Director of Global Operations for PDC, Dr Erin Hughey, stated that she is elated to start building a lasting partnership between her entity and that of the CDC and the other participatory stakeholders. She said the joint programme is primarily a true exchange of knowledge, and her team is eager to learn about the unique hazard environment of Guyana.

The members of the virtual workshop were then introduced to the NDPBA Project with an overview of how it operates in various facets. The goal framework was showcased, which highlighted the importance of accurate data, so that a bridge can be built which would connect the correct resources to meaningful information.

Participants also witnessed the layout of

DRM software called DISASTERAWARE, and other technological advancements geared at aiding Guyana to prepare for and manage hazards and disasters.

A key feature of DISASTERAWARE is an Early Warning System which would disseminate alerts on hazard type, severity and geographical location.

As presented by the PDC team, some of the NDPBA benefits would include: encouraging multi-agency cooperation and strengthening disaster management networks, providing necessary tools and data for disaster monitoring, promoting risk-informed decision-making and sustainable development, and aligning capacity development efforts with priority needs.

Several instances of how the system would work, if employed, were put on display, and participants were given opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback. Further, there was a brief demonstration of how the system actually works using real world circumstances such as forest fires.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Ali to lead Cabinet outreach in Region 2

President Irfaan Ali in Region Two back in June

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resident Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet will embark on a 2-day outreach to Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) starting today.

Cabinet members will lead several teams for direct engagement with residents, women, youths, farmers, Private Sector representatives and the religious community for two full days across all communities of the region.

According to a statement from the President’s Press and Publicity Unit, Cabinet outreaches have been a hallmark of successive PPP/C Administrations in keeping with the ruling party’s philosophy of people-centred governance that engages directly with citizens in their respective communities.

“While delivering goods and services to taxpayers is a natural part of the governance continuum, the

President and his Cabinet believe that it is equally important for those with direct responsibility for policies to witness their impact on the everyday lives of citizens, their families, and communities. As such, this activity serves to foster an open and transparent relationship with citizens as stakeholders in the development process through direct communication and feedback,” the missive detailed.

It was further noted that public outreaches also allow the policymakers to gain a first-hand account of onthe-ground developmental challenges in communities, and enable them to craft appropriate interventions for short-, medium- and longterm solutions that ensure optimal benefits are continuously accrued to citizens.

This is the fourth round of the Cabinet outreach since the PPP/C’s return

to office last year, and it is particularly crucial, coming on the heels of the devasting floods across the country that severely impacted people’s livelihoods and the continued national impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents of Region Two are asked to be prepared to engage the team fully in all matters of governance, particularly those which impact them directly.

As part of his nationwide outreach to communities impacted by the unprecedented May/June floods, President Ali had visited the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region 2 on June 6 to assess the impact of the inundation there.

Stops were made at Karawab, St Monica’s Mission, Kabakaburi, Abram’s Creek, Siriki, Jacklow, Martindale, Marlborough and Hackney.

During the visits, the

Members of the PPP/C Cabinet

Head of State had interacted with the residents, listened to their concerns, and promised his Government’s full support to help them return to some level of normalcy. He had subsequently announced some $7.8 billion in relief assistance to various categories of farmers across the country. Distribution of these funds is likely to commence in the PomeroonSupenaam region today.

President Ali had first visited Region Two back in December 2020,

during his tour of regions across the country following his election to office.

The Presidential Outreach, which included a delegation

of Ministers and heads of several Government agencies, was aimed at addressing various concerns of residents.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Post-pandemic recovery

More int’l support needed for sustainable development – House Speaker …during 5th World Conference of Parliamentary Speakers in Austria

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uyana’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, used the occasion of the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament (5WCSP) in Vienna, Austria to make a call for increased international support for sustainable development.

Nadir was participat-

ing in a panel discussion on post-pandemic recovery. The discussion was being held under the theme: Transforming the Economy to Combat Climate Change and Promote Sustainable Development.

According to a statement from the Parliament of Guyana, Nadir pointed out to the panel that climate

change is currently widespread, rapid, and intensifying. He further posited that while there are global decisions to address climate change, many opportunities exist for cheating at the national level, and not enough international support is given for sustainable development efforts.

“Speaker Nadir spoke of

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, in Vienna, Austria

Guyana’s experience of the effects of climate change, drawing attention to the 2005 and recent floods and their effects. The Hon. Speaker shared that, in 2005, after a few days of rain, floods destroyed over 35 per cent of Guyana’s gross domestic product, and the recent rainfalls have destroyed an additional 5 per cent of the economy and have affected 20 per cent of the population,” the statement noted.

Nadir concluded his contribution by pointing to Guyana’s commitment to counter climate change through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

The 5WCSP, which brought together Speakers and delegations from more than 193 countries, concluded on Wednesday. The con-

tributions Nadir made to the panel discussion follow similar calls that have been made by the Government whenever the opportunity presented itself during international and regional seminars.

There was the inaugural Africa-Caricom Summit that got underway virtually on Tuesday. During the summit, President Dr. Irfaan Ali spoke of the need for African and Caribbean Community (Caricom) states to come up with a common strategy for advocacy. This is especially important ahead of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and the UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26.

According to the President, the group needs to have a forceful message when it comes to common issues like rescheduling

loans, debt financing, and access to capital in the region’s rebuilding efforts.

Additionally, there must be an evaluation of the global vaccination system as well as its failure to respond to the most vulnerable in the world.

“For us, the global pandemic awakens the harsh reality of the differentiating treatment between the developed and the developing world. It also re-emphasises that, fundamentally, it is the developing world that suffers the most under these circumstances,” President Ali had said.

“I am therefore of the view that this forged collaboration must address the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery, climate change, mitigation, and adaptation measures; food security and cost of commodities and transportation,” the President also said.

And earlier this year, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh used the platform of the 2021 United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing for Development to call for increased concessional financing for the developing world.

The Minister was at the time virtually attending the forum, and he emphasised the urgent need to address the challenges faced

by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in accessing financing to meet their development needs. This is especially in light of the targets set by the developed countries.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

World Suicide Prevention Day

COVID-19 pandemic has worsened risk factors associated with suicidal behaviours – PAHO ...males account for about 77% of deaths by suicide

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n the framework of World Suicide Prevention Day, which is observed on September 10 each year, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the risk factors associated with suicidal behaviours, and has called for prioritising the prevention of suicide.

PAHO says studies have shown that the pandemic has amplified risk factors associated with suicide, such as job or economic loss, trauma or abuse, mental health disorders, and barriers to accessing health care. Around 50 per cent of people who participated in a World Economic Forum survey in Chile, Brazil, Peru, and Canada one year after the start of the pandemic reported that their mental health had declined.

Suicide is an urgent public health problem, and its prevention must be a national priority,” says head of

PAHO’s Mental Health Unit, Renato Oliveira e Souza. “We need concrete action from all elements of society to put an end to these deaths, and for governments to create and invest in a comprehensive national strategy to improve suicide prevention and care,” he added.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO); it accounts for one in every 100 deaths. Each year, more people die from suicide than from HIV, malaria, or breast cancer, or war and homicide, PAHO has said.

Suicide is also the fourth leading cause of death worldwide among young people aged between 15 and 29, after road traffic accidents, tuberculosis, and interpersonal violence.

According to WHO’s World Health Statistics 2019, 97,339 people died by suicide in the Americas in

2019, and it is estimated that suicide attempts may have been 20 times that number.

The PAHO explained that males account for around 77 per cent of all deaths from suicide, and although progress has been made in the development of evidence-based interventions in suicide prevention, many countries continue to have increased rates.

“Losing a loved one to suicide is heartbreaking and preventable,” said Oliveira e Souza. WHO’s recent LIVE LIFE guidance aims to support national efforts and help the world reach the goal of reducing the global suicide rate by one-third by 2030.

Key proven suicide prevention measures include limiting access to means of suicide (such as pesticides and firearms); early identification, assessment, management, and follow-up of people affected by suicidal thoughts and behaviours; fostering adolescent social-emotional

skills, and educating the media in responsible reporting on suicide.

Stigma, limited resources, and lack of awareness remain major barriers to help-seeking, highlighting the need for mental health literacy and anti-stigma campaigns.

“Creating Hope through Action” is the theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day, organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), and endorsed by WHO, with the overall goal of raising awareness of suicide prevention worldwide.

Suicide warning signs

Most suicides are preceded by verbal or behavioural warning signs, such as talking about wanting to die, feeling great guilt or shame, or feeling a burden on others.

Other signs are: feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, or with no reason to live; feeling extremely sad, anxious, agitated, or full of anger; or with unbearable pain, whether emotional or physical.

Behavioural changes such as planning or researching ways to die; staying away from friends; saying goodbye; giving away important items, or making a will; doing very risky things, like driving at extreme speed; showing ex-

treme mood swings; eating or sleeping too much or too little; using drugs or alcohol more often can also be warning signs of suicide.

Effective interventions to prevent suicide are available.

On a personal level, early detection and treatment of depression and alcohol use disorders are critical to suicide prevention, as well as follow-up contact with those who have tried suicide and psychosocial support in communities.

If a person detects warning signs of suicide in themselves or in someone they know, they should seek help from a health care professional as soon as possible.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Classes continue as usual

...as GTU "protest" moves into 2nd day

Teachers and pupils of St Theresa’s Primary School in Region Six making their way into their school

Children in their classroom at Kwebanna Primary

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hile a handful of teachers continue to picket the Education Ministry against the Government’s vaccination campaign, hundreds of teachers from across the country were in their classrooms, educating the nation’s children.

This was confirmed by an official of the Education Ministry.

Thursday was the second day of the Guyana Teachers’ Union -organised protest, and it saw less taking to the streets than on the previous day. On Thursday, however, supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) joined the protest, calling for the Government to discard its COVID-19 vaccination campaign and consult with the union.

One such supporter was former Member of Parliament (MP) Simona Broomes, who

Pupils at Providence Primary School

called on the Government to engage the Union on a way forward as it relates to its latest COVID-19 vaccination policy.

“If the teachers are hurting; if the teachers are unhappy, I am unhappy,” Broomes said, adding, “I stand in solidarity with the teachers.

If the teachers are not hap-

py, the parents are not happy, the country is not happy. So, I stand in solidarity with teachers and all the workers in this country.”

On Thursday, several teachers were led into protest by several executives of the GTU, including APNU/AFC Parliamentarian Coretta McDonald, who is

also General Secretary of the GTU. Holding signs and speaking out against the COVID-19 vaccines, the teachers staged a protest in front of the Education Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown Headquarters, calling on Government to rescind its vaccination policy.

In light of the rise in COVID-19 deaths and cases, the Government has mandated that any person wishing to enter a public building

After being closed for more than a year, some schools in Guyana reopened on Monday for face-to-face classes. The GTU said unvaccinated teachers were locked out of school buildings.

The Union, however, is also against the reopening of schools until safety protocols are agreed with the Union for the protection of teachers and students.

Pointing to the rise in COVID-19 deaths and posi-

and were paid their full salaries and benefits throughout the 17 months schools were closed. The Ministry said teachers received no salary cuts, neither were they laid off, like had obtained in many other countries.

The Education Ministry is adamant that there is no grievance/basis for strike action, and has urged all teachers, parents, and administrators not to fall prey to the “political machinations of

Some protesting teachers in front of the Education Ministry on Thursday

must be vaccinated. A public building refers to a building to which the public has lawful access, and includes both privately- and publicly-owned buildings, including learning institutions.

An unvaccinated person who wants to enter a public building must make an appointment, and present a negative PCR test taken within seven days of the day they want entry.

Only tests from a Health Ministry-approved laboratory are accepted. This is just one of the measures Government announced in the Official Gazette on September 4.

These measures are slated to last until September 30.

tive cases, the GTU has said it believes it is unsafe to fully reopen schools for face-to-face learning.

Despite the protest action, the Education Ministry on Wednesday reported a high turnout of teachers and students. The Education Ministry has described the GTU’s call for protest action as “uncaring and unconscionable”, while condemning it as “irresponsible and not reflective of the realities of the present state of the COVID-19 pandemic nor the needs of the nation’s children”.

According to a missive from the Ministry, teachers have been accorded the status of a most valuable resource,

Coretta McDonald and the small cabal of self-serving individuals who have hijacked the Guyana Teachers Union”.

“Vaccination of teachers is not mandatory, and there are clear guidelines issued for those who do not want to be inoculated – all of this to keep teachers, their families, and our children safe,” the Ministry has clarified.

The Public Service Ministry has also reminded that no teacher who does not report for duty will be paid.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has defended the updated vaccination requirements as necessary to ensure public safety.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

90% GDF ranks, staff take COVID-19 vaccine …50% prisoners fully vaccinated – GPS … as 30,000 persons due for AstraZeneca 2nd dose

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

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accination among the Joint Services has been progressing, with 90 per cent of ranks within the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) already taking at least one shot of the COVID vaccine.

Statistics provided on Thursday by the disciplined forced show that 43 per cent have already returned for their second dose. In addition, the Guyana Prison Service stated that almost 60 per cent of officers and staff have been completely immunised.

Based on the prison population, figures highlight that more than 50 per cent of inmates have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Prison Service has

were awaiting the information from the hierarchy of the Force.

Government has been lobbying for all Guyanese, especially those on the frontline, to be vaccinated in light of the new and deadlier Delta variant.

Moreover, it would take the country closer to herd immunity, pegged at about 85 per cent.

Meanwhile, giving an update on the country’s vaccination figures, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday related that 327,519 persons or 63 per cent of the population have been immunised. However, there is a lag in the second doses, where only 171,094 persons or 33.4 per cent have taken same.

“We’re doing well with the first dose at 63.8 per cent. Of course, we’ll want that to go up because we want to get closer to 80-85 per cent for us to achieve some form of herd immunity. Despite that, persons are coming. We are getting 2000-3000 persons a day coming out to get their first dose.”

He added, “But there is a corresponding lag. People take the first dose and they’re not coming back for the second dose. If you only got one dose of a two-dose regimen, then you’re not going to get full protection. I

Guyana Prison Service Headquarters

said that a weekly vaccination drive is organised at each penitentiary, in collaboration with the Health Ministry. Owing to limited spaces in the prison system which often lead to overcrowding, prisoners have tested positive for the virus in the past. But with vaccination now available, they have another layer of protection.

“Further, an initiative to increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and reinforce basic prevention measures among inmates are also high on the GPS agenda,” Public Relations Officer Rajiv Bisnauth added.

The Guyana Police Force’s PR Unit has not released any vaccination statistics despite it being requested by the media several weeks ago. When prompted, an official claimed that they

want people to understand that. Having one dose does not fully protect you. It will give you some level of protection, but you wouldn’t get full protection.”

He further disclosed that a whopping 30,000 persons are due for the AstraZeneca second shot – vaccines which are currently available in Guyana.

“They are within the four to 12 weeks period and they need to come and get their second dose. It’s about 30,000 people out there.

I know in some of the regions, the staff have been going through the list, calling up people and asking them to come get their second dose, but that’s very tedious work.”

The Minister added that persons should be cognisant of when they’re required to return for the second dose and visit a vaccine site so

Members of the Guyana Defence Force

that it can be facilitated.

For those who took Sinopharm vaccines, the second dose is readily available. Only the Sputnik V jabs are challenging to source in large batches, but the Ministry will notify the public when another

consignment arrives in the country. On a weekly basis, some 5000 doses have been delivered to Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has already vaccinated 23 per cent of adolescents with a Pfizer first dose, which amounts to

16,769 persons. The targeted figure in this subset is 72,000 persons – both students and other youths.

In Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), the Minister said they have not been able to train a

complete team to roll out the Pfizer shots, adding that more work needed to be done.

“In all the other regions, we have been able to train people so that the vaccination there continues,” Dr Anthony notified.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bids for company to review Guyana’s oil & gas framework under evaluation – AG …says contract attracted considerable interest from int’l companies

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ids for the company that will eventually review and make recommendations for Guyana’s current legislative and policy framework for the oil and gas sector are currently being evaluated.

Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has explained that the tender, which was put out by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), attracted considerable international interest.

“There is a public tender that went out to secure legal services for the oil and gas sector in terms of policy directives as well as legislation. I believe that tender is being evaluated. A lot of companies around the world responded. And once that contract is awarded, that will kickstart the process,” he disclosed.

“That company will (liaise) with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Legal Affairs Ministry (regarding) all the oil and gas legislation, local content, Sovereign Wealth Fund, Natural Resource Fund, the environment, regulatory frameworks that have to be

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

established,” the AG noted when asked about the possible scope of the company.

Oil exploration and production in Guyana has been governed for the longest while by the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1986.

Even though oil was discovered in 2015 under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, the only updated legislation they passed that was relevant to the sector was the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act. Even this Act is scheduled for an overhaul by the

current People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government.

It is expected that once the Natural Resource Fund Act, which stipulates that various committees must be established to provide oversight for the fund, is reviewed, it will be brought to the National Assembly by the current Government.

In keeping with its manifesto commitments, the Government has pledged to implement a number of measures to ensure accountable and transparent management of the country’s natural resources, including establishing an arm’s length Sovereign Wealth Fund insulated from political interference, and upholding the Santiago Principles of transparency and accountability, and the EITI. The PPP Government has sought to make some changes to the Petroleum Act, however. Last month, an amendment to the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act was tabled, which would see the Government, through the Minister of Natural Resources, being given more oversight over how licensees in the oil and gas sector

High hinterland airfares causing hotels, lodges to suffer – RCCI President

utilise the lands they have been allocated.

According to the Explanatory Memorandum of the amended bill, which was subsequently passed in the National Assembly, the amendment seeks to give the Government more control over the use of both public and private lands in the oil and gas sector.

The bill is seeking to amend Section 52 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, Chapter 65:04, which deals with the restrictions in place on petroleum licensees. It specifically targets work done by

a petroleum licensee in furtherance of its operations on State land, Government land, or land that is otherwise controlled or under the management of the Government of Guyana.

Based on the amendment, the Minister would have the power to grant permission to the licensee to land, install or operate any pipelines, fibre optic cable, or similar infrastructure on or through the said land.

It would also empower the Minister to order the licensee to maintain, inspect, repair or renew such infrastructure.

Businessman dies, teen injured after car turns turtle

Dead: Remy Ramsammy

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businessman is now dead while a teen is injured after he reportedly lost control of the car he was driving along the main access road of West Coast of Berbice (WCB) on Wednesday.

Dead is 30-year-old Remy Ramsammy of Bush Lot, WCB, while the injured woman has been identified his ‘rakhi sister’, 19-year-

The car that Ramsammy was driving

This resulted in him colliding with a concrete fence after which the car crashed into a utility pole.

The businessman and the teenager were pulled from

Minister Oneidge Walrond and Minister Deodat Indar in meeting with President of the RCCI, Daniel Gajie, President of AOAG, Capt. Gerald Gouveia Jr, and Nadira Persaud, Secretary of AOAG

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uring a recent meeting with President Irfaan Ali, the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) related that high airfares have resulted in significant economic losses for hotels, lodges and other businesses.

Upon learning this, President Ali instructed the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond to meet with the local aircraft operators to address the matter.

Minister Walrond has said flights from Georgetown to Lethem are full, and the price per ticket remains unchanged even after the 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) was removed from the cost of the ticket under the PPP/C Government. She said no reduction in fares was granted to passengers.

Minister Indar has said that input VAT of 14 per cent is recoverable from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and does not form part of the cost of operation, only financing cost associated with working capital during the refund period, as this was flagged as an issue by the members of the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana.

A commitment was made subsequently by the President of the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG), Captain Gerry Gouveia Jr, to re-examine the costs of airline tickets to the main hinterland destinations.

Meanwhile, Gouveia took the opportunity to highlight several issues that are affecting the local aviation sector, some of which include urgent rehabilitation of runways, the installation of solar runway lights for night operations, and the re-

moval of travel voucher tax.

He also spoke of the need for an established Aircraft Accident Investigations Unit within the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), an automated weather observing system to assist pilots with weather information at airstrips continuously, and an area navigation approach into major runways to assist pilots in landing at airstrips during severe weather conditions.

Additionally, Minister Walrond indicated that the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry would work collaboratively with the aviation industry to develop packages to enhance the tourism sector. On the other hand, Minister Indar gave a commitment to holding a monthly meeting with the local Aircraft Owners Association (AOAG) to work through the many issues that were raised at the meeting.

The amendment comes ahead of several oil-based projects coming on stream, including Exxon’s US$900 million gas-to-shore project.

The gas-to-shore project is a game-changing initiative that would see gas from the Liza Field offshore Guyana being pumped onshore to generate power.

The main objective of the initiative is to transport sufficient gas from the Stabroek Block’s petroleum operations to supply some 200-250 megawatts of energy to the national grid, leading to a significant reduction in electricity costs.

The fence into which the car slammed

old Mohanie Jagdeo of Bath Village, WCB. According to the Police, Ramsammy was proceeding along the roadway at a fast pace when he lost control of his vehicle and ended up on the other side of the road.

the wreckage and taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

A resident in the area told Guyana Times that he was at home when he heard a loud sound, and upon checking he

realised that it was the sound of an accident. At that time, he said, the car’s four wheels were in the air.

When this publication visited the dead man’s home, his wife, Rakhaj Williams related that her husband had left home on Wednesday to run some errands with the teen.

She noted that she had been in contact with him throughout the day.

She related that Ramsammy had asked her to accompany him, but she could not make it and suggested that he take the teenager.

She recalled that prior to the accident he phoned her and requested that she carry out an accounting procedure at the tyre shop which he ran.

“When I called him back about 10 minutes after, someone else answered the phone and told me that he was no more.”

Williams said she immediately panicked and contacted his aunt, who stated that by the time she arrived at the scene, they had already taken her nephew to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the teenager remained hospitalised in stable condition.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

British High Commission, MoE launch art competition to address climate change T

he British High Commission and the Education Ministry on Thursday launched the COP 26 Child Art Competition under the theme “The Environment and the impact of Climate Change.”

The initiative is a result of an important climate change conference that will be held in November of this year, the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties – ‘COP 26’.

Speaking at launch in the boardroom of the Education Ministry, UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Caroline, noted that the idea of the competition is to get children to think about issues concerning climate change, such as prevention, mitigation and its impact, and to express themselves in art.

She said the judges will be looking at how children express themselves in terms of how they believe climate change can be prevented, how to protect the envi-

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Caroline, and the Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Mrs Lorraine Barker-King, at the launch on Thursday

ronment, and how they see their personal responsibility to bring about the change necessary to address the issue.

“So, let’s express that, and have a competition and really think about climate change ahead of the conference in the UK later this year,” she remarked.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand related it is known that if there is to be any change, children have to

be involved in the process, whereby they are taught from a very young age about the new habits that need to be embraced.

“We have to reverse the way we treat our environment, the way we use energy, and the way we are working to conserve and preserve the environment around us,” the Education Minister noted.

She said protecting the environment has al-

Lindeners charged for assaulting cops

– Corentyne teen slapped with wounding charge

Rondel Rodney

Jacqueline Payne

Andrew Moore

man and a woman were on Thursday released on bail after they denied assaulting Police ranks.

Twenty-four-year-old Rondel Rodney and 58-yearold Jacqueline Payne were arraigned before Magistrate Dylon Bess at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

The former defendant, a miner of 265 One Mile Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was slapped with three counts of assault and three counts of assault causing actual bodily harm. The charges are in relation to him attacking a Police rank.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and placed on bail in the sum of $120,000.

He will return to court on October 12.

The latter defendant, 58-year-old Jacqueline Payne of 265 One Mile Wismar, Linden, Region 10, is accused of assaulting a Police officer as well as resisting arrest. She denied both charges during her appearance before Magistrate Bess, and was placed on $40,000 bail.

It is alleged that on September 5, at Linden, she assaulted a Police officer who was acting in the execution of her duties. It is further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, she assaulted the Police officer in an attempt to prevent lawful apprehension.

Payne’s next court date is October 12.

Meanwhile, a teenager who is accused of wounding a 58-year -old man has been placed on $150,000 bail. Andrew Moore, 19, of Line Path Skeldon, Corriverton, East Berbice appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court on the Corentyne.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on September 6, 2021, in Berbice, he inflicted grievous bodily harm on 56-yearold Dyanand Shiwamber.

He entered a not-guilty plea, and his case has been adjourned until November 1.

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ways been a priority for her Government. The Minister explained that, for developing countries, there is a choice that has to be made between protecting the environment and not earning revenue, or earning revenue and damaging the environ-

ment. She said that, with innovative leadership, Guyana has been able to earn revenue while protecting its environment.

Manickchand has said that the competition would provide Guyanese, especially the young participants, with the opportunity to reinforce what is known about environmental protection.

“I think there could be no better way than to inculcate in our next generation or next generations the attitude of responsibility for the environment; and to do that through art can be no better way, in my view,” Minister Manickchand has said.

The Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King, gave an overview of the competition, and said that it intends to promote a greater understanding of the COP

26, and to establish collaborations between the people of the United King and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on climate and environmental issues.

She said that entries can be submitted in the 5 to 7 age group, 8 to 10 group, and the 11 to 15 group.

Mrs Barker-King noted that the competition is not limited to children in the public school system, but to all children in Guyana within the three groups. The entries can either be a painting or a poster.

Mrs Barker-King said all the rules and competition details would be posted on the Ministry of Education’s website and Facebook page.

Prizes will be awarded to winners in each category, along with an overall prize for the category.

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Regional

UN Secretary General commends Police break up protest in Port of Spain Latin America and the P Caribbean on climate action

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nited Nations Secretary General António Guterres commended the leadership of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on climate action on Wednesday.

Guterres said he was counting on the countries of the Americas to send a strong signal to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) that it is possible to achieve a resilient net zero future.

“We need to act together to overcome the current impasse,” he said when he addressed the virtual HighLevel Dialogue on Climate Action in the Americas.

COP26 will be held from October 31 to November 12 in Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow.

Guterres told the conference that countries in the region were already showing their ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climatic

UN Secretary General António Guterres

change, even as they grapple with the social and economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He also pledged “the full support of the UN system to address the triple threat of COVID-19, climate change and debt”.

Guterres also highlighted three essential areas that needed immediate action.

He said the first was to keep

the 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels target within reach, noting at present, the world is “a long way from achieving it”.

He said the second area would need a breakthrough on adaptation and resilience and urged donors and multilateral development banks to allocate at least 50 per cent of their climate finance to this end. Currently, only 21 per cent is devoted to it.

Guterres said the third essential area would result in developed countries delivering on the solidarity agenda.

The one-day conference was hosted by the Government of Argentina, and it brought together countries in the Americas to discuss shared commitment to enhancing climate ambition.

The virtual conference was co-organised by the Governments of Barbados, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Panama.(Excerpt from CMC)

Nicaragua orders arrest of award-winning author

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tate Prosecutors in Nicaragua have ordered the arrest of award-winning novelist Sergio Ramírez.

Ramírez, who won Spain’s Cervantes Prize for literature in 2017, is one of Nicaragua’s foremost writers.

He has been accused of inciting hatred and conspiring to destabilise Nicaragua.

Dozens of influential Nicaraguans have already been detained on similar charges as part of a crackdown on critics of President Daniel Ortega.

Among those detained are several presidential hopefuls, union leaders and newspaper editors.

The 78-year-old novelist, who left Nicaragua in June, responded defiantly to the arrest order issued against him.

Writing on social media, he said words were his only weapons and that he would continue to use them to support freedom and democracy against dictatorship.

Sergio Ramírez has been charged with inciting hatred by Nicaraguan state prosecutors

Ramírez was once a close ally of President Ortega and served as his Vice President during Ortega’s first presidency from 1985 to 1990.

But he broke away from the Ortega-led Sandinista Party in 1995 in protest at what he said were Ortega’s “autocratic tendencies”.

He has been an outspoken critic of Ortega ever since. In an interview with Chilean daily La Tercera in July, he accused President Ortega of “not having limits”.

“His strategy is to remain in power at whatever cost,” he

said of Ortega, who is expected to run for a fifth term in office in elections in November.

The wave of arrests began in June when presidential hopeful Cristiana Chamorro was placed under house arrest and banned from running for office.

Unlike most of the other Opposition figures, who have been charged with treason or inciting hatred, Chamorro was accused of using a foundation she ran – the Violeta Barrios Chamorro Foundation – to launder money. (Excerpt from BBC News)

olice quashed protest action against mandatory COVID-19 vaccination at the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS) on Thursday morning.

A statement from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said that around 10:20h., officers of the Port-of-Spain Division observed several groups of people converging in what appeared to be an organised manner.

However, since no permission was granted by the Office of the Commissioner of Police for any group to host large gatherings or demonstrations at the venue, law enforcement officers sought to disperse the group.

Several Police units, under the command of Acting Superintendent of Police Sampooran Kissoonlal, were deployed at the scene where those gathered were warned of the potential breaches of the current Public Health

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fast-rising food prices.

The South American country is the world’s fifth largest beef exporter, a key global wheat supplier, the world’s number two corn exporter and the top exporter of soy oil and meal.

The four main farm bodies said in a joint statement on Thursday that they met earlier in the day to discuss plans regarding “collective actions we will take following the (Government) intervention in

the cattle and beef market.”

“We are defining with our bases how we will protest,” they said.

Last week the Head of the Argentine Rural Confederations (CRA) said that farmers would definitely be halting trading, including in grain transactions, unlike a protest earlier in the year that only affected livestock.

A source from another body, the Sociedad Rural Argentina (SRA), told Reuters

Regulations and Emergency Powers Regulations under the State of Emergency.

“There were about 175 citizens scattered about the QPS, all in groups of five or less. During the course of the discussion, a man, who appeared to be the leader of one of the groups, was conveyed to Belmont Police Station where senior Police

Officers conducted further enquiries. He has since been released,” the TTPS said.

Another man was ticketed for failing to wear a face mask while in public after being warned by Police Officers several times about the breach of the Public Health Regulations. (CMC) (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Bolsonaro steps back from Supreme Court battle, boosting Brazil markets

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razilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday said he never intended to attack any branch of the Government, as he sought to defuse a dispute with the Supreme Court in a move that boosted markets.

Earlier this week, as pro-Bolsonaro marches took place across Brazil, the President called on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to step down and said he would no longer comply with his rulings, deepening a rift with the Judiciary.

On Thursday, pro-Bolsonaro truckers, seeking to support the President in his battle with the Supreme Court,

blocked highways across Brazil, threatening key export routes.

As tensions mounted, Bolsonaro put out an official statement on Thursday afternoon seeking to smooth over his tussle with the Supreme Court, whose Justices he has accused of preventing him from governing.

Brazil’s currency strengthened dramatically after the presidency released its statement, closing 1.8 per cent stronger against the dollar. After losing four per cent on Wednesday in the wake of the controversial comments, Brazil’s Bovespa stock index rebounded 1.7 per cent on Thursday following his sud-

den moderation in tone.

In his statement, the former Army Captain said his occasional strong language came from “the heat of the moment” and any problems with the Justices should be resolved in court.

The tensions with Brazil’s top court have created one more crisis for the embattled far-right leader.

The President’s poll numbers are already slipping as he has overseen the world’s second deadliest coronavirus outbreak, nearly double-digit inflation and stubborn unemployment levels ahead of next year’s presidential election. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Migrants denounce Mexico’s crackdown amid bilateral talks in Washington

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S-bound migrants, mostly from Central America and the Caribbean, said on Thursday that a Mexican Government crackdown was keeping them “prisoner” in the south of the country.

The migrant comments

Argentine farmers vow protest over beef export cap, still planning details rgentina’s main farm associations said on Thursday that they plan collective action to protest against the extension of Government limits on beef exports, although the timeframe and scope of the actions were still under discussion.

Argentina’s Government late last month extended until October 31 a cap on beef exports at half the normal levels in a bid to increase domestic supply and tamp down

Several Police units were deployed at the scene where those gathered were warned of the potential breaches of the current Public Health Regulations

on Thursday that “more options than trade stoppages were being evaluated” and that deliberations would continue in the coming days.

The centre-left Peronist Government, which faces primary elections on Sunday ahead of a November midterm vote, is battling inflation at an annual rate above 50 per cent and is trying to keep food prices low. (Excerpt from Reuters)

contrasted with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s promises of humane treatment ahead of Thursday’s high-level meeting between Mexican and US officials in Washington, where the two countries agreed that development of poor regions was a longterm solution to slow migration north.

“Mexican authorities are mistreating us migrants,” said Guillermo Rivas, 25, from El Salvador, who said he was beaten by agents while in a detention centre in the southern city of Tapachula.

Mexico’s immigration agency, which runs the detention centre, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rivas said he has been waiting in the city for nearly five months for asylum paperwork that would allow him to move freely in

Mexico.

“Tapachula is like a prison,” he told Reuters by telephone on Thursday. “We’re asking that Mexico open its doors to allow migrants to cross the country without danger, abuse, or mistreatment.”

Migration was one of the top issues in the high-level talks in Washington, where officials agreed to pursue development programmes in southern Mexico and Central America aimed at tackling the economic causes that drive immigration to the United States.

Ahead of the talks, Lopez Obrador said Mexican officials and security forces have “complete and absolute respect for human rights” of migrants and heralded the Washington discussions as the beginning of a “new stage” in migration politics. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

19

Around the world

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil dives late, hit by China supply plan, US bond auction

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il prices fell to a two-week low on Thursday as China rolled out a plan to release State oil reserves, the US weekly crude draw was smaller than expected and US Treasuries rallied as investors sought safer assets.

In volatile trade, Brent futures fell US$1.15, or 1.6 per cent, to settle at US$71.45 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$1.16, or 1.7 per cent, to US$68.14. That was the lowest settlement for both since August 26.

“A tremendous auction in the 30-year bond with the lowest interest rate print since January put a significant scare into the (oil) market in what looks like a flight to safety,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

After falling over US$1 a barrel early in the session, both benchmarks turned positive following reports that a ship was stuck in the Suez Canal. The ship was refloated and caused no delays.

Oil held those gains following a US report showing a much bigger-than-expected petrol draw and on the continued slow return of US production after Hurricane Ida. But oil futures fell over US$1 a barrel again soon after strong demand in the afternoon US$24 billion US 30-year bond auction pushed yields down to 1.91 per cent. Investors sold riskier assets like oil and stocks.

Oil was pressured when China’s state reserves administration said it would release crude reserves in phases via public auction to help domestic refiners control costs. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Japan yearns for charisma as race to replace Suga heats up

Biden requires employees of big businesses to be vaccinated or face testing

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resident Joe Biden has announced sweeping federal COVID measures that require workers at large companies to be vaccinated or face weekly testing.

The new measures – which also include a vaccine mandate for millions of federal workers – come as the President is under fire to combat a COVID surge.

COVID has killed 650,000 Americans and hospitals nationwide are at capacity.

Biden had promised a “summer of freedom” from the virus. But the Delta variant has instead run rampant.

President Joe Biden

In an address made from the White House on Thursday, Biden directed

the Department of Labour to require all private businesses with 100 or more workers to mandate the jab or require proof of a negative COVID test from employees at least once a week.

The order will affect around 80 million workers.

“This is not about freedom, or personal choice, it’s about protecting yourself and those around you,” he said as he unveiled the sixpoint plan.

Nearly 17 million other healthcare workers at facilities receiving federal benefits will also face the same requirements, he said.

The President’s plan uses

the full force of his executive power to mandate the jab for unvaccinated Americans.

Some of his initiatives address common concerns of Americans who have yet to get the vaccine – such as not wanting to miss work to get the jab or recover from side effects.

The President said that requirements that large businesses provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated will be unveiled in the coming weeks by the Labour Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Osha). (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russia and Belarus agree closer energy, economic integration

T

he leaders of Russia and Belarus on Thursday agreed to set up a unified oil and gas market and to deepen economic integration in the face of what they regard as unjustified Western sanctions on both their economies.

The agreement, reached after Kremlin talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, is likely to be seen as the latest show of support by Putin for Lukashenko who last year used force to break up huge protests against his rule.

The West has hit Belarus with sanctions to punish the authorities for the

crackdown. Russia is under Western sanctions too for its treatment of Ukraine.

Moscow and Minsk have long been formally part of a “union state” and held talks about further integration.

That has prompted concerns from the beleaguered Belarusian Opposition that Lukashenko will trade off chunks of sovereignty in return for even more backing from the Kremlin against the West.

The two leaders told a news conference that they had agreed to 28 integration road maps that covered common approaches to macro-economic policies, including monetary policy, taxes

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko attend a news conference following their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, September 9, 2021

and custom rules.

They also announced plans to integrate their energy markets.

Putin said the two countries would sign a document before December 2023 to create a unified gas market and

conclude similar agreements for oil and electricity.

He said Moscow would also leave its prices for natural gas unchanged for Belarus at the current US$128.5 per 1000 cubic metres in 2022.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Libyan Parliament Speaker says election plan approved Japan’s Vaccines Minister, Taro Kono (left) is seen as one of the frontrunners to lead the ruling LDP [File: Stringer/Jiji Press via AFP]

T

he race to replace Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is gathering momentum after the veteran politician chose not to run for re-election as President of the leading Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) when it holds elections at the end of the month.

The four main contenders include 58-year-old vaccine tsar Taro Kono, 64-yearold former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, also 64. Sanae Takaichi, 60, a conservative nationalist with the support of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, announced her bid on Wednesday, becoming only the second woman after current Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike to challenge for the role.

A general election must be held by November 28.

Given the pronounced sense of malaise surrounding the LDP’s main rival, the Constitutional

Democratic Party, it is likely that whoever replaces Suga will also go on to win the election.

For Lully Miura, head of the Yamaneko Research Institute, the election will probably be too soon for Sanae Takaichi. The former Internal Affairs Minister “has only a small chance of winning the LDP presidential race. This is her first time running. She is also yet to show her quality as a leader, so she is unlikely to gather as many votes as Kono or Ishiba”.

A new generation of LDP Diet members, Miura believes, are likely to lean towards the younger of the main candidates, Taro Kono. “But what complicates the situation is the local party members’ votes, which constitute half of the first ballot. These may go to the better-known, stable candidate. So if Ishiba runs, he will certainly get a large number of votes.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

L

ibya’s eastern-based Parliament Speaker on Thursday signed a law allowing a presidential election to take place in December, though another body of state rejected the move, saying the legislation was flawed.

Parliament Speaker Aguilah Saleh has sent the law that would allow the December 24 presidential election to other political bodies and to the United

Nations, the chamber’s spokesman said.

The High State Council, a body empowered by a political agreement in 2015, said Saleh had unilaterally pushed the law through using powers he did not possess in order to “obstruct the upcoming elections by deliberately issuing a flawed law”.

The presidential and parliamentary elections were mandated through a UN-

backed political forum last year in a process that also led to the installation of a unity Government in March.

The eastern-based parliament, elected in 2014, has not yet agreed a law for an election to replace itself.

Its law on the presidential election would allow serving officials to stand for office so long as they temporarily stepped down from their posts three months before the vote.

Parliament agreed the bill last month and sent it to the legal committee, but did not then hold another vote on it before Saleh issued it as law.

Libya’s peace process has stuttered since the unity Government was installed, amid hold-ups in agreeing how elections should be held and over a unified budget, and there are doubts whether the election will take place. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Afghanistan: First foreigners fly out of Kabul since US pull-out

D

ozens of international passengers – including UK citizens –- have flown out of Kabul in the first such flight since US forces left the country.

The Qatar Airways charter flight landed in the Qatari capital Doha on Thursday, with a second flight due on Friday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged help with evacuations during a recent visit to Qatar.

Hundreds of Afghan citizens who had helped the US military were unable to get out in last month’s US airlift.

Reuters news agency reports that 113

people were on the plane.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said 13 British citizens had arrived in Doha, and thanked Qatar for facilitating the flight.

The White House released a statement confirming that US citizens had flown, and also thanked Qatar, saying the flight was the result of “careful and hard diplomacy and engagement”.

It said the Taliban had been “businesslike and professional” in helping the US citizens fly out.

Canada has also confirmed that 43 of its citizens were on the flight, while the Netherlands said 13 of its nationals were

on board.

In a press conference held at the airport, Qatari special envoy Mutlaq bin Majed Al Qahtani described Kabul international airport as operational and said it was a historic day for Afghanistan.

The flights are the first to leave since the rushed US military-led evacuations finished last month, following the Taliban takeover of the country on 15 August.

More than 124,000 foreigners and Afghans fearful of Taliban retribution were flown out of the country. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Join forces with someone you love and trust, and gain momentum. What you set out to do will encourage a better relationship and a joint venture to help you achieve long-term goals.

Consider your choices, and make arrangements that will protect you, regardless of what others do or say.

Look out for your interests, and make moderation a priority.

Be aware of the competition and the changes being made that can interfere with your plans. Think ahead, and prepare to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way.

Stick to the truth to avoid setbacks.

Listen carefully and digest information without retaliating. Don't pick a fight with people eager to upset you.

Tidy up unfinished projects, and do something physical.

Be observant, or you may end up in an emotional tiff with someone close to you.

Don't dismiss a plea for attention. Nurture what you have, and adjust if it will help to keep the peace.

Let go of the past, and make decisions that will allow you and those affected by the current situation the freedom to do what's best. Choose a positive path, and personal growth will follow.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Find a way to eliminate debt. An exciting opportunity will evolve through a networking event or forum you join. An old acquaintance will make a noted suggestion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Consider your options for home improvements that will lighten your load.

Living a simple lifestyle will allow you more time to explore your philosophy.

Congregate with people who share your beliefs.

Use experience and SAGITTARIUS knowledge to outmaneuver (Nov. 23anyone. Focus on self-imDec. 21) provement and helping a cause that concerns you.

Romance will lift your spirits and bring you closer to someone you love.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Gather information and verify facts. Consider how much it will cost to follow a path that excites you, and budget your way through a window of opportunity that brings you high returns.

Prepare to put everything to rest so you can move on to pastimes that offer an ultimate experience. Share your knowledge with someone who has something to offer in return.

Don't let anyone handle your financial, medical or legal affairs. Taking a hands-on approach to whatever concerns you will ensure that you come out on top. Leave nothing to chance.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

21

Tallawahs keep CPL 2021 hopes alive after Kings’ win T

he Jamaica Tallawahs have made it two wins in as many matches as they defeated the Saint Lucia Kings by 55 runs at Warner Park in St Kitts.

This win means the Tallawahs move into a qualifying spot for the knockout games next week, but all six teams still have a mathematical chance of reaching the latter stages.

The Kings remain in third place on the points table, with all teams having two more group matches left to play.

The Tallawahs got off to a lightning start, thanks to another brutal innings from Kennar Lewis, who smashed 56 from just 24 balls. Lewis was well supported by Shamarh Brooks as the Tallawahs reached 78/1 off their PowerPlay overs.

While wickets fell throughout the Tallawahs innings, they managed to

Carlos Brathwaite to bring the Tallawahs back into the match.

Those two wickets gave the Tallawahs a lot more control, as they squeezed the Kings in the middle

overs, with Brathwaite keeping things very tight. The Tallawahs took two wickets in two balls, twice more as the Kings’ chase petered out and the Tallawahs emerged victorious. (CPL)

SCOREBOARD

maintain a fast-scoring rate throughout with contributions from the middle order. It was Imad Wasim who pushed the Tallawahs

TALLAWAHS INNINGS Kennar Lewis †c Royal b Alleyne 56 Kirk McKenzie c Joseph b Chase 16 Shamarh Brooks c Joseph b Royal 34 Rovman Powell (c) c Chase b Williams 22 Andre Russell c du Plessis b Royal 31 Carlos Brathwaite c & b Joseph 2 Haider Ali c Chase b Alleyne 7 Imad Wasim c Chase b Alleyne 27 Migael Pretorius c & b Royal 1 Chris Green run out (Chase/Alleyne) 2 Veerasammy Permaul not out 0

past 200 with a 10-ball innings worth 27 runs, including three consecutive sixes off the 20th over.

The Kings chase started

Extras (lb 5, nb 1, w 7) 13 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 10.55) 211 Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Kirk McKenzie, 3.4 ov), 2-91 (Kennar Lewis, 7.4 ov), 3-133 (Rovman Powell, 13.1 ov), 4-138 (Shamarh Brooks, 14.3 ov), 5-162 (Carlos Brathwaite, 16.1 ov), 6-169 (Haider Ali, 17.2 ov), 7-179 (Andre Russell, 18.1 ov), 8-183 (Migael Pretorius, 18.4 ov), 9-211 (Chris Green, 19.5 ov), 10-211 (Imad Wasim, 19.6 ov)

Usain Bolt not plotting return despite Tokyo 2020 comeback temptation Kennar Lewis

just as quickly, with Andre Fletcher and Mark Deyal both making quickfire scores as they reached 79/1 off their first six overs. Roston Chase and Deyal put on 66 runs in just 32 balls, but both fell in the space of two balls to

BOWLING Jeavor Royal Alzarri Joseph Samit Patel Roston Chase Kadeem Alleyne David Wiese Kesrick Williams

O-M-R-W 4-0-37-3 4-0-32-1 3-0-43-0 1-0-9-1 4-0-53-3 2-0-16-0 2-0-16-1

ST LUCIA KINGS INNINGS (TARGET: 212 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Andre Fletcher †c Brathwaite b Russell Faf du Plessis (c)lbw b Imad Wasim Mark Deyal c Brooks b Brathwaite Roston Chase c †Lewis b Brathwaite Samit Patel st †Lewis b Permaul Tim David c sub (JM James) b Imad Wasim David Wiese run out (Permaul/†Lewis) Kadeem Alleyne run out (sub [JM James]/†Lewis) Alzarri Joseph c Green b Imad Wasim Jeavor Royal c Permaul b Russell Kesrick Williams not out

30 6 33 30 14 8 15 0 5 6 2

Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 4) 7 TOTAL (18.1 Ov, RR: 8.58) 156 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Faf du Plessis, 1.5 ov), 2-38 (Andre Fletcher, 2.6 ov), 3-104 (Mark Deyal, 8.2 ov), 4-104 (Roston Chase, 8.3 ov), 5-123 (Tim David, 11.5 ov), 6-136 (Samit Patel, 13.4 ov), 7-136 (Kadeem Alleyne, 13.5 ov), 8-148 (Alzarri Joseph, 15.5 ov), 9-148 (David Wiese, 15.6 ov), 10156 (Jeavor Royal, 18.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Migael Pretorius 3-0-33-0 Imad Wasim 4-0-34-3 Andre Russell 3.1-0-34-2 Veerasammy Permaul 4-1-25-1 Chris Green 1-0-15-0 Carlos Brathwaite 3-0-13-2

“I am not here for a vacation” E

ight-time Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt is not contemplating a return to athletics, despite feeling the temptation for a comeback.

Bolt ended his career on the track in 2017, calling it quits at the age of 31 after a spate of hamstring injuries, one of which curtailed his efforts in what was supposed to be the Jamaican's final race at the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

Although it was not the glorious conclusion he may have hoped for, Bolt still left sprinting as the world record holder in the 100 metres, 200m and 4x100m relay, and his exploits on the track saw him collect a remarkable eight Olympic

− Ronald ready for Man-Utd homecoming

gold medals.

Back in August 2018, Bolt began training with Australian football club the Central Coast Mariners, and he scored twice in a friendly before being offered a contract, which was to be partially funded by the A-League.

He ultimately left the Mariners in November, and declared two months later that he was done with all sports – though the thought of a U-turn did cross his mind later in 2019.

However, Bolt’s coach has urged him to resist such a temptation, seemingly denying the world another opportunity to see the legendary sprinter in action at another Olympic Games.

Asked if he was contemplating a comeback at the age of 35, Bolt told BBC Sport: "It's too late. If I was going to come back, it would have been to be for this Olympics. When I told my coach I was going to retire, he sat me down and said, 'When you retire, that's it. I'm not doing any comeback tours, nothing. So, make sure you are ready to retire'.

"I remember I went to him in 2019 and said, 'What do you think about coming back for the Olympics?'

And he looked at me and said, 'Don't even start'. So, if it's not my coach, I'm not going to do it, because I believe in him, and if he says no, it's no - but I've got that itch though." (Sportsmax)

C

ristiano Ronaldo has said he is not returning to Manchester United "for a vacation", as the Portugal captain prepares for his Old Trafford homecoming on Saturday.

During his first spell with the Red Devils, the 36-yearold scored 118 goals in 292 games over six successful years in the North West.

"I am capable," Ronaldo told the club's official website.

"I am ready to go."

United host Newcastle in the Premier League in a 15:00 BST kick-off.

The re-signing of Ronaldo for £12.8m from Juventus was one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, as United's rivals Manchester City had looked

to be one of the favourites to land the forward.

The Portuguese star, who will wear the number seven shirt once again, won three Premier League titles, one Champions League, two League Cups and one FA Cup - as well as the Fifa Club World Cup and Community Shield - under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Although United have won trophies since Ronaldo left for Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2009, they haven't secured a top-flight title since the 2012-13 season. "This is why I am here," he said. "I am not here for a vacation.

Before was good, winning important things and I wore the

shirt before, many years ago, but I am here to win again.

"It is a good chance for me, for the supporters, for the club, to get one step ahead. I am ready,

and I think I will be a huge thing in the next three or four years."

(BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

WI squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021…

Rutherford unfit, Shepherd just missed out on a spot − says Chief Selector Roger Harper C

By Brandon Corlette

ricket West Indies Selection Panel has announced the West Indies squad for the International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup, 2021.

The panel named 15 players and 4 travelling reserves for the marquee event, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17 to November 14, 2021.

Some astounding announcements were made, especially the non-selection of Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford, who have knocked down the selection doors with consistent Caribbean Premier League (CPL) performances.

Lead Selector Roger Harper had this to say: "The CPL, like any other tournament of that stature, gives us an indication of the level of performance of players and (their) readiness.

It gives us the option to select players we think where spots are available in a situation like this," Harper said.

When asked about

question, you have to direct that question to our Sport Science Department."

Sherfane Rutherford

Rutherford and Shepherd, who both had strong performances in the same CPL, Harper said: "Consideration was given for Romario, because he has been performing extremely well, and he just missed

out on a spot.

Rutherford finds himself in a different situation, as well as he is performing. He is one of a number of players that do not meet our fitness criteria, so he is not eligible for selection.

“The other players that failed to meet that fitness criteria are Odean Smith and Sunil Narine,” Harper revealed.

While attempting to clear the air on when Rutherford was tested, Harper said: "I cannot tell you when he was tested; I think the question is: When would Sherfane have made himself available to be tested? I can't answer that

Gayle brings value Despite his poor run of form, Harper said Chris Gayle would bring value to the West Indies team.

"Of course, present form is important and performance is keen, but I think as well we look at the pedigree of the player, we look at what the player brings to the team; and in Chris Gayle's case, all that was taken into consideration, and what he can offer, whether him being part of that squad would make it stronger.

"The Selection Panel, having taken everything into consideration, thinks that Gayle brings value to the team, and thus he has been included in the squad," Harper said.

Rampaul brings experience Some players have been given exemption when it comes to the fitness test. The 36-year -old Ravi Rampaul is

a highly experienced bowler, who performed well in the last CG Insurance Super50 Cup and is so doing in the current Hero CPL to date. He will boost the team's wickettaking options in the powerplay and the middle phase, and will provide another option for the death overs, according to Harper.

Chase will add balance to the heavy lefthanded batting order "Roston Chase has shown that he is a very capable T20 player. He performed well in the CPL in 2020, and has been outstanding in the 2021 edition so far. He has shown the ability to knit the innings together while still scoring at a fast rate with a low dotball percentage. He will be an excellent foil for the explosive players in the team.”

Based on what Lead Selector Harper is saying, Chase is tipped to play the anchor role in a T20 team that is stacked with power-hitters.

In the last T20 home series, Hetmyer was tasked

Romario Shepherd

with playing the anchor role.

However, Harper believes that Hetmyer and Chase are not competing for the same role.

Darren the best option The elegant Darren Bravo, a man who has been lacking impact with the bat of late, has made the reserve list, which was a surprise to many.

"Again, we looked at the batsmen that were available to choose from, and what they would bring to the team.

We thought Darren Bravo would be the best option as our reserve player in that situation," Harper revealed.

Pierre, Munro lift Trinbago Knight Riders to top of table A

comprehensive bowling performance from Trinbago Knight Riders has routed Barbados Royals by six wickets as the Knight Riders chased down 94 with more than three overs to spare.

Knight Riders' spinners did enough to stifle the Royals throughout the first innings, with Akeal Hosein, Khary Pierre and Sunil Narine responsible for seven of the nine wickets that fell while just 59 runs were conceded in their combined 12

overs.

In response, Knight Riders chose to coast, rather than blast their way to victory, with the asking rate not a concern for them. Colin Munro's unbeaten 41 shepherded them through the chase, with Hosein's two sixes finishing the game off with a flourish and putting Royals on the brink of elimination.

Royals got off to a flyer, thanks to Kyle Mayers, whose 12-ball 24 was as good as things got for his side.

At that stage, the pitch looked like it had little for bowlers, and a big total was seemingly on the cards.

SCOREBOARD ROYALS INNINGS Kyle Mayers c Webster b Pierre 24 Johnson Charles b Seales 14 Smit Patel †c Simmons b Pierre 0 Raymon Reifer b Narine 16 Glenn Phillips b Pierre 2 Azam Khan b Narine 17 Jason Holder (c)c Pollard b Hosein 0 Nyeem Young c Simmons b Hosein 0 Joshua Bishop not out 17 Jake Lintott c Webster b Seales 2 Mohammad Amir not out 0 Extras (w 1) 1 TOTAL(20 Ov, RR: 4.65) 93/9 Fall of wickets: 1-24 (Kyle Mayers, 2.2 ov), 2-27 (Smit Patel, 4.3 ov), 3-41 (Johnson Charles, 7.1 ov), 4-46 (Glenn Phillips, 8.6 ov), 5-58 (Raymon Reifer, 11.5 ov), 6-59 (Jason Holder, 12.3 ov), 7-59 (Nyeem Young, 12.5 ov), 8-80 (Azam Khan, 17.4 ov), 9-88 (Jake Lintott, 19.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Akeal Hosein 4-0-13-2 Ravi Rampaul 4-0-22-0 Khary Pierre 4-0-16-3 Sunil Narine 4-0-30-2 Jayden Seales 4-0-12-2

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (TARGET: 94 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Lendl Simmons c †Patel b Mohammad Amir 0 Tion Webster c Lintott b Mohammad Amir 9 Colin Munro not out 41 Darren Bravo c Holder b Bishop 19 Tim Seifert †c Lintott b Bishop 12 Akeal Hosein not out 12

O-M-R-W 3-0-19-2 2-0-10-0 3-0-9-0 4-0-18-0 1-0-10-0 3.5-0-29-2

ly having much of an impact, and the innings spluttered along to the end, by which time the Royals had limped to 93.

Despite a brilliant first couple of overs from Mohammad Amir, including a first-ball wicket, the chase never really threatened to unravel. Knight Riders understood all they needed to do was keep wickets in hand and the win was all but assured,

Colin Munro

and unlike the Royals, they negotiated the middle overs expertly. Royals' spinners had few runs to play with, and thus struggled to build any real pressure, and even though Lendl Simmons and Tion Webster departed early and Darren Bravo struggled for runs, Knight Riders were always in control.

Both sides were going through the motions at the end, with the game drifting and the result not in doubt.

The win took Knight Riders to the top of the table, with the defending champions assured a spot in the playoffs.

Royals, meanwhile, are staring elimination in the face.

(ESPNcricinfo)

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Extras (lb 4, w 2) 6 TOTAL (16.5 Ov, RR: 5.88) 99/4 Did not bat: Kieron Pollard (c), Sunil Narine, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales, Ravi Rampaul Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Lendl Simmons, 0.1 ov), 2-22 (Tion Webster, 2.5 ov), 3-61 (Darren Bravo, 10.6 ov), 4-85 (Tim Seifert, 14.6 ov) BOWLING Mohammad Amir Glenn Phillips Jason Holder Jake Lintott Nyeem Young Joshua Bishop

But once Mayers fell, no batter could build on the mini-platform he had set, and as the spinners took over, Royals began to crumble.

A disastrous middle-order collapse saw Knight Riders pick up five Royals wickets for 18 runs, with all three spinners making hay. Azam Khan hung around with the tail without real-

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23

World Champions West Indies name squad to defend T20 World Cup title T

he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel has announced the West Indies squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup, 2021.

The panel named 15 players and four (4) travelling reserves for the marquee event, which will be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17 to November 14, 2021.

West Indies are the defending World champions and only twotime winners of the ICC T20 World Cup, winning in 2012 against Sri Lanka at the Premadasa in Colombo, then four years later in 2016 against England in Kolkata.

The West Indies now have the opportunity to create further history by becoming the first team to win a hat-trick of ICC T20 World Cup victories.

Experienced bowler Ravi Rampaul, a member of the 2012 winning World Cup squad,

has been recalled for the first time since 2015. All-rounder Roston Chase is called up to the West Indies T20I squad for the first time.

Roger Harper, CWI Lead Selector, said: “The squad is one with good depth and strength in all departments. There is tremendous T20 experience along with World Cup winning experience, which should stand the team in good stead. This squad is made up of many world-beating players who once knitted into a wo r l d - b e at i n g team, (it) will be extremely difficult to beat.

“I expect the team to do very well, and with the ‘rub of the green’, I think the team has a good chance of defending the title.”

Harper added: “Ravi Rampaul is a highly experienced bowler who performed well in the last CG Insurance Super50 Cup and the current Hero CPL to date. He will boost the team's wicket-taking options in

The squad and reserves selected for the T20 World Cup

the power-play and the middle phase, and will provide another option for the death overs.

Roston Chase has shown that he is a very capable T20 player. He performed well in the CPL in 2020 and has been outstanding in the 2021 edition so far. He has shown the ability to

knit the innings together while still scoring at a fast rate with a low dot-ball percentage. He will be an excellent foil for the explosive players in the team.”

West Indies have been drawn in Group 1, and will play five group games against England, South Africa and

Australia, along with the winner of Round 1 Group A (Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Namibia) and the runnerup from Round 1 Group B (Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and Oman).

West Indies’ first group game will be against England in Dubai on October 23. (Windies Cricket)

The groupings: Round 1 Group A: Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Namibia Group B: Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and Oman (Top two teams from each group advance to Super 12s) Super 12s Group 1: England, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, A1 and B2.

Group 2: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, A2 and B1.

(Top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals)

West Indies Match Schedule October 23: v England in Dubai (6pm UAE time, 10am

Eastern Caribbean/9am Jamaica) October 26: v South Africa in Dubai (2pm UAE time, 6am Eastern Caribbean/5am Jamaica) October 29: v B2 in Sharjah (2pm UAE time, 8am Eastern Caribbean/7am Jamaica) November 4: v A1, in Abu Dhabi (6pm UAE time, 10am Eastern Caribbean/9am Jamaica) November 6: v Australia in Abu Dhabi (2pm UAE time, 6am Eastern Caribbean/5am Jamaica)

SEMI-FINALS November 10: Group 1 winner v Group 1 second in Abu Dhabi (6pm UAE time, 10am Eastern Caribbean/9am Jamaica) November 11: Group B winner v Group A second in Dubai (6pm UAE time, 10am Eastern Caribbean/9am Jamaica) FINAL November14: Final in Dubai (6pm UAE time, 10am Eastern Caribbean/9am Jamaica)

Local boxers for World Championships, Sleepless Pooran thrilled with important win as Tallawahs clash looms Junior Pan Am Games

T

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is eyeing a string of international tournaments in the coming months on both the senior and junior levels.

While there were three tournaments previously on the cards: the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Elite Championships, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Boxing Championships, and the Junior Pan A m e r i c a n

Alesha Jackman

Games, it has been cut down to two with the cancellation of the Elite Championships.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle shared this information on Wednesday, simultaneously giving reasons for the event’s cancellation.

“The reasons, there was one reason, being that the AMBC championships (were) just too soon after the Olympics and too near to the World Championships. That’s one of the reasons (that were) given,” Ninvalle informed media operatives.

The Elite Championships were set to be hosted in Colombia from September 25th to October 4th.

In spite of this, the GBA boss revealed that the Association would still send a team to the World Championships scheduled for October 24th to November 6th in Belgrade, Serbia.

“Nevertheless, we have - and the Technical Director Mr Terrence Poole will be able to guide us on that - we have selected a team for the World Championships that will be held in Belgrade, former Yugoslavia, and I think we’ve selected three persons to go on that team.”

He then added, “Those three persons were the same three we would have selected to head to the AIBA Elite Championships.”

That team will comprise Olympian Keevin Allicock (featherweight) light welterweight Colin Lewis and middleweight Desmond Amsterdam. Completing the four-person team will be National Three-star Coach Terrence Poole M.S. Ninvalle has expressed interest in boosting the

female capacity in the sport. This drive will start with promising youth boxer Alesha Jackman, who a few months ago missed out on the opportunity to participate in a qualifying tournament for the firstever Junior Pan American Games.

According to the GBA boss, this was due to a “mix up in guardianship”, owing to the fact that Jackman’s mother had recently passed away. In that moment, there was not enough time for the executives to straighten out the issues with her guardianship before the team was scheduled to travel.

However, the GBA has explored other avenues to get the talented female boxer into the classy youth competition later this year.

“We are also seeking to have much more involvement of our females,” Ninvalle began.

He continued by stating, “Nevertheless, young Ms Jackman, we’ve asked that she’s included, because the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just sent out communique to the GOA, and a door has been opened whereby we can include two other persons for the Junior Pan Am Championships.

“We have submitted those names, and now we’re just awaiting word from the Guyana Olympic Association on if they have been accepted or not,” the GBA President revealed.

The Junior Pan American Games are slated for November 25 to December 5 in Cali, Colombia, with four Guyanese athletes already qualifying for the event. They are table tennis player Miguel Wong, swimmer Aleka Persaud and badminton players Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes.

(Jemima Holmes)

A

fter suffering a defeat against Bowling his last over and getting the Barbados Royals, Guyana wicket of Faf was really excellent, Amazon Warriors captain and we are happy he can deliver perNicholas Pooran said he could not formances like this," Pooran added.

"Naveen did not start the toursleep after that match. The Warriors rebounded with an all-import- nament well for us, and coming to ant win against St Lucia Kings on bowl four on the trot against two set Wednesday, and Pooran w a s batsmen was exceptional. He won beyond happy to come the game for us in the death with out on the winning side, Romario Shepherd.

“Two overs for 11 runs (from as Warriors climbed to eight points.

Shepherd), we could not ask for anything better. We know he is having Warriors have a wonderful tournament, and he contwo matches remaining in the tinues to show his class and talent. league stages of “And then Odean Smith at the end, he is just doing his thing. We are the tournament, happy things worked out for us." both being against Player of the match, the rising Jamaica Gudakesh Motie, said: "It Tallawahs on Saturday and feels really good. The Sunday. management has "After losing r e a l l y that game (against Imran Tahir celebrating supported Royals), I could not sleep. It was tough, me. I've learnt I wanted to win this a lot from Tahir and all the overgame really bad as a seas players." captain, a leader.

Jamaica Tallawahs: Andre Russell, Chris Green, We needed this vicCarlos Brathwaite, Rovman tory going into this Powell, Haider Ali, Chadwick weekend.

“I must give praise to Walton, Fidel Edwards, Qais Brandon King. He did not Ahmad, Jason Mohammed, have the best tournament, Migael Pretorius, Kennar Lewis, Shamarh Brooks, but he showed his fight," Pooran disclosed. "I felt like Veerasammy Permaul, 150 we had a chance, the Abijhai Mansingh, Joshua momentum was on our side, James, Kirk McKenzie, Odean and Shepherd at the end and Ryan Persaud. there. We knew that the wickGuyana Amazon et was helping the spinners and Warriors: Nicholas Pooran, Shoaib Malik, we have quality spinners in Imran Tahir, Shimron our team, so we were confident that once we bowled well in the Hetmyer, Mohammad power play, we could win this Hafeez, Brandon King, Naveen-ul-Haq, Romario game," Pooran said at the postmatch interview.

Shepherd, Waqar Salamkheil, "Gudakesh Motie bowled Chandrapaul Hemraj, Odean well, he used the condiSmith, Nial Smith, Gudakesh tions really good. He varied Motie, Anthony Bramble, Kevin his pace, you could not (have) Sinclair, and Ashmead Nedd. asked for anything better.

(Brandon Corlette)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

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

Page 23

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Page 22

Rutherford unfit, Shepherd just missed out on a spot − says Chief Selector Roger Harper

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