Guyana Times - Monday, May 18, 2021

Diaspora conference “no talk shop”, will guide Govt policy – Foreign Secretary Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4651

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

PNC has always been afraid of electoral reform – PPP Page 3

No homes directly impacted in Region 9 flooding – CDC

Page 9

P15

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Hypertension a “silent killer” P13 – Health Minister Use 15 years' jail time to rethink, detox – Judge tells convict P8

Guyana's non-oil economy shrunk by 7.3% in P2 2020 – IDB ... total oil revenue produced 43.3% GDP growth

Linden men wanted for manslaughter, P12 rape

Guyana-Chile relations bolstered by similar aspirations, values – President Ali

3 injured after car slams into utility pole P10

See story on page 12

$20M project launched to provide 400 jobs in vulnerable communities Page 16

1 dead, 1 hospitalised after motorcycles collide Page 12

…bikes disappear from accident scene

3 more COVID-19 deaths, 81 new cases …Guyana among leading countries regionally Pages 10 & 14

in COVID-19 vaccination – report …as another 67,537 vaccines arrive; 800,000 more doses ordered

$20M default judgement

P15 Ferguson failed to fulfil requirements necessary for default judgement – lawyer …urges court to dismiss lawsuit

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s non-oil economy shrunk by 7.3% in 2020 – IDB …total oil revenue produced 43.3 % GDP growth

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in its Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin for 2021 has said that Guyana is the only country in the region to record a positive growth rate in spite of the 2020 electoral impasse and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, financial institution explained the non-oil (traditional) economy contracted by 7.3 per cent while the agriculture sector recorded a 4.1 per cent expansion which was as a result of 4.8 per cent growth in the rice industry and 6.6 per cent in variety crops. This growth accounts for almost 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. Gold production contracted by 7.8 per cent, mainly due to production

interruptions among large gold producers owing to administrative/technical reasons, the IDB explained. It noted the small and medium scale gold miners were able to cushion the contraction of the industry by increasing their production to just 8.3 per cent. That grown was propelled by the relatively high gold prices.

The services sector, which makes up a quarter of the economy, contracted by 9.4 per cent, the IDB reported.

Guyana’s economy grew by 43.5 per cent in 2020 with the main driver being oil production. The IDB said that oil production represented 37 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounted for 51 per cent of overall GDP growth.

Fiscal balance

The Central Government’s overall deficit was approximately US$434 million or 9.4 per cent of non-oil GDP in 2020 (7.4 per cent of total GDP), higher than previous deficit levels of about US$140 million. In 2020, Government revenue (excluding oil proceeds) fell by 5.5 per cent as a result of reduced economic activities and a series of tax exemptions in specific sectors.

On the other hand, expenditure grew by 15 per cent. For 2021, total revenue is expected to increase by 17 per cent, from US$1 billion in 2020 to US$1.3 billion in 2021. Total expenditure is projected to increase by 13 per cent from US$1.5 billion to US$1.7

billion.

Capital expenditure is expected to increase by 35 per cent, from US$365 million in 2020 to US$495 million in 2021, increasing from 8 to 10 per cent of non-oil GDP in 2021.

A deficit level of approximately US$430 million is expected in 2021, though that level would be a slightly lower share of GDP, at 8.7 per cent of non-oil GDP or 5.8 per cent of total GDP.

Public debt

Total public debt increased from US$1.8 billion in 2019 to US$2.6 billion in 2020, reaching 47.4 per cent of GDP. This significant increase is mainly due to reporting changes, as Central Bank overdrafts are now included in Central Government statements.

This was not previously the case. These overdrafts represented 30 per cent of total public debt in 2020.

Additionally, the Government now includes publicly guaranteed debt, which was less than half a percentage point. In terms of new debt policies, the Government has recently approved increasing the debt ceiling to US$5.5 billion by increasing the domestic debt ceiling to US$2.4 billion (GY$500 billion) from US$720 million (GY$150 billion) and the external debt ceiling to US$3.1 billion (GY$650 billion) from US$1.92 billion (GY$400 billion).

Shortand medium-term perspectives for 2021 and beyond are positive, with GDP estimated to grow by 20.9 per cent.

This growth is potentially related to the assumption that oil production will increase by 46.7 per cent, from 74,300 barrels per day in 2020 to 109,000 in 2021.

The non-oil economy is expected to rebound to 6.1 per cent in 2021 based on the assumption of a phased re-opening of the economy, with services and construction growing by 5 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively. Over the medium term, oil production is expected to continue driving GDP growth, with oil exports growing by an annual average of 48.5 per cent over 2020-2023, contributing to average annual GDP and Government revenue growth rates of 17.1 and 6.7 per cent, respectively, in 2021 and 2026.

Government expenditures are estimated to grow by an average of 5.3 per cent over the same period, contributing to a fall in the fiscal deficit from 7.4 per cent in 2020 to 3.4 per cent in 2026. For medium-term

projections, the IMF assumed an average price of oil of US$58.52 per barrel in 2021 and US$54.83 per barrel in 2022, with the price remaining unchanged in real terms thereafter.

Additionally, they are conservatively based on the output of two oil production wells.

The prospect of more oil discoveries continues to improve perspectives for Guyana in the medium term.

On April 27, ExxonMobil announced its 19th oil discovery in Guyana and increased the estimate of recoverable petroleum resources from 8 billion to 9 billion oil-equivalent barrels, an estimate that had not been adjusted since January 2020.

Additionally, ExxonMobil updated its development plans of having five oil production projects by 2026 to six projects by 2027, which could potentially grow to 10 production projects in the future.

The Government received US$267 million for oil sales and royalty payments through 2020 and March 2021. These revenues were saved in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) and were not part of the 2020 or 2021 budget, as the Government has announced plans to modify the NRF law.

With Brent crude oil at more than US$60 a barrel and the expectation of oil production increasing by 46.7 per cent in 2021, Government oil revenues could significantly increase this year. The Government could receive US$263 million in oil revenues in 2020, which would take the balance of the NRF to approximately US$500 million by the end of 2021. (G2)

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, May 18 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Wednesday, May 19 – 09:30h – 11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

PNC has always been afraid of electoral reform – PPP

Tuesday, May 18 – 07:55h – 09:25h and Wednesday, May 19 – 08:55h – 10:25h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 08:34h and 21:25h reaching maximum heights of 2.3 metres and 2.16 metres.

Low Tide: 14:47h reaching a minimum height of 0.91 metre.

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

01 07 14

15 26 25

FREE TICKET MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021

27 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

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PAY DAY FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$69.46/barrel

+1.08

Rough Rice

$242.33/ton

+0.04

London Sugar

$453.60/ton

Live Spot Gold

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USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1868.20

$1869.30

Low/High Change

$1844.10 +1.80

$1871.10 +0.10%

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has slammed the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) and the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) for their opposition to the entrance of the International Republican Institute (IRI) into Guyana, where it would be integrally involved in electoral reforms.

On Monday, the governing PPP said that it was not surprised to see the APNU/ AFC, which is dominated by the People’s National Congress (PNC), opposing the IRI’s work in Guyana.

The IRI is currently working on a project to strengthen the capacity of GECOM and the Attorney General’s Chambers to lay the groundwork as it relates to electoral reform.

The 18-month project is being supported by the US Department of State.

According to the Party, the PNC has always been afraid of electoral reform.

“The PNC historically has always been opposed to any reform that would enhance Guyana’s democratic structure, strengthen the legal progress, and bring transparency to the electoral machinery. The PNC would like a weak system which they can pervert and corrupt as the world saw them attempt to do for five long months after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.”

Nothing has changed, the PPP said, adding that “only recently, the PNC leader, Mr David Granger, is on public record as saying that electoral matters should not be heard and determined by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Every sensible Guyanese must know that were it not for the CCJ, the PNC would have successfully stolen Government”.

The PPP reminded that the IRI was no stranger to Guyana and has, in fact, been integrally involved in improving Guyana’s democratic process over the years. The Party noted that IRI’s role in Guyana has been twisted by the Opposition for political gain.

“Indeed, the very APNU/

AFC coalition who is condemning the IRI now was comfortable in partnering with the very IRI during the 2011 and 2015 electoral campaigns across the country. In 2014, the IRI supported the formation of the Guyana National Youth Council.

“A month before the elections, the group rolled out its ‘Vote Like a Boss Campaign’ – a slogan that was coincidentally being used by the APNU/AFC co-

PNC Leader David Granger

alition in its campaigning.

Therefore, the sudden disdain and criticism of the IRI is simply duplicitous and disingenuous,” the PPP said.

Govt to spearhead

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), which the PPP referred to as “defunct”, was also criticised by the Party. According to the PPP, claims by the WPA that the IRI would spearhead the electoral re-

form process were simply not true.

The PPP noted that it was the Government, in fact, that would be spearheading the electoral reform process. In fact, the Party noted that it had made it clear before assuming office that electoral reform would be a priority, but sought to assure that the Opposition parties would have a part to play in this process as well.

TURN TO PAGE 8

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 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

Transforming Georgetown P

arking areas in downtown Georgetown that were specially prepared by the Police Traffic Department and designated for parking by minibuses plying various routes have been overrun by vendors plying their trade and private cars working as taxis, which, as a consequence, have created chaos and congestion in central areas in the city, as well as piles of garbage accumulated over time.

The garbage accumulation continues unabated, growing from little hillocks into mountainous piles of refuse, with no solution in sight. This appears to have started in 2014 as a deliberate attempt to derail the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s “Clean Up My Country” initiative.

Now, with insufficient space because of constrained parking allotments to park the buses for which the various areas were designated, bus drivers are forced to occupy areas not allotted for parking purposes, thereby creating traffic hazards and danger to pedestrians, as well as incurring the wrath of the Traffic Police.

Former Mayors Hamilton Green and Patricia Chase Green and City Councillors have, over decades, encouraged the lawlessness prevailing all over the city and its environs. Visitors come to this country to, among other things, enjoy our heritage sites, and a heap of garbage has accumulated just outside one of Guyana’s primary sight-seeing locations, specially promoted by the Tourism Ministry and tour operators – Stabroek Market.

This development is not only a public nuisance, but also constitutes a serious public health threat, with the attendant hazard of escalation of vector-borne and other serious diseases.

While the City Council condemns the business houses that are lax in paying their taxes, it simultaneously inhibits their businesses by allowing illegal vending outside the stores.

This creates unfair competition, especially during special holidays and is wreaking havoc on the viability of legitimatelyestablished businesses, because most vendors do not pay taxes, they have no overheads, are not subject to the various by-laws governing established trade, and worst of all, many create humongous garbage piles and litter that jam the waterways, with the consequence being an exacerbation in drainage problems in the city and its environs.

Georgetown has always fallen under the jurisdiction of the People’s National Congress (PNC), and from being the pride of Guyana as “The Garden City,” it has increasingly deteriorated, losing its pristine and idyllic environment. Because it has become a microcosm of the decay of Guyana under the PNC’s watch.

Political leaders have a duty and responsibility to encourage citizens to respect the laws of the land in the interest of their constituency, in particular, and the nation as a whole; and illegal vending breaches the city’s by-laws in a multiplicity of ways.

However, every time there is a governmental effort to find alternative accommodation for vendors, there is a hue and cry by political protagonists, who organise protests.

Successive PPP/C Governments intermittently pump millions of dollars into clean-up campaigns in the city, but as long as illegal vending prevails, Georgetown would always remain a “garbage city”.

Oftentimes Government, under various PPP/C leadership, executes essential capital works that are the direct responsibility of the M&CC and that body in turn castigates the Government for not giving them the money allotted for that purpose. However, the corruption at City Hall seems to have become endemic, as was revealed by the Burrowes Commission of Inquiry.

Georgetown was once a pristine and extremely scenic city, legendary for its idyllic beauty. However, under successive PNCrun City Councils, the deterioration continues to escalate, to the point where it would be a Herculean task, and necessitate the injection of massive amounts of funding, with extremely wise, creative and honest management to restore Guyana’s capital city to its former glory.

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PPP/C Govt’s commitment to revitalisation of agriculture in Guyana Dear Editor, Food is essential for our survival, a fundamental requirement of life and the provider of strength, vitality and energy. It is also the keeper of our cultural traditions and indispensable to our social lives — think of any celebration, and it will involve food. In some parts of the world, communities are converting football fields into community farms as their populations continue to grow and their citizens depend on farmers for food more than ever before. In Guyana, we are fortunate that we have land and water combined with the correct climate for agriculture.

However, our relationship with food is dangerously imbalanced. We produce enough food but many still don’t have sufficient to eat, cannot afford a healthy diet.

At the same time, we waste one-third of all food produced along with the natural resources that went into its production.

Our food and agricultural systems stretch planetary boundaries beyond their limits. Valuing quantity over quality and driving farmers to produce monocrops for low prices, using the natural resources needed for sustained production and degrading

the land, will lead to climate change and extreme weather events.

As the coronavirus crisis unfolded, we started to understand how fragile our food systems are. We saw news stories of food destroyed, milk dumped and crops rotting in the fields, while consumers faced empty shelves. Our complicated supply chains couldn’t adapt fast enough to our changing realities.

To mend our damaged relationship with food, there are critical questions we need to answer: How do we produce sufficient food that’s healthy for both the people who produce it and the people who eat it? How do we ensure our food systems are fair, resilient and equitable?

How can we feed our growing population and protect our planet for generations to come?

We have a choice: We can continue to grow our food systems in a linear, exploitative and extractive way; or we can move to a system that promotes biodiversity, regeneration, nutritious food, equity and healthy people. We believe the decision is clear.

We must choose to work with the planet — not against it — for the benefit of people.

As our population contin-

ues to grow, people will depend upon farmers for food — more than ever before. We must empower farmers to drive solutions and be at the forefront of Guyana's regenerative revolution by making them an integral part of policy discussions. They can help build the system of products and services that are locally relevant and reduce dependency on patented and/or chemical inputs.

This is critical to overcoming the biggest challenges of our time: a degrading environment, loss of biodiversity and climate change.

Regenerative agriculture leads to healthy soil, capable of producing high quality, nutrient-dense food. It also improves rather than degrades the land and supports productive farms and healthy communities. This helps safeguard farmers’ livelihoods so they can grow the food we need now and in the future.

Though we’re hopeful for the future, we are quickly running out of time. We urgently need to remove the barriers that prevent us from transforming the way we produce and consume food. This involves changing mindsets, trying new things and learning fast. We don’t yet know all the answers, but we do

know that business as usual is the problem. We must change course and do it now.

We are privileged to have the PPP/C Government’s commitment to the revitalisation of agriculture in Guyana - modernising and upgrading infrastructure; strengthening support to our farmers.

Which is only possible through collaboration between farmers, consumers, our Government, businesses and NGOs. Together, we can work toward a food system that not only feeds us but also celebrates life — one that nurtures people, adds colour and flavour to our plates and palates and, most importantly, ensures a future for ourselves on this planet’s important finite minerals like phosphates. Food loss and waste can be composted so valuable nutrients return to the soil instead of being thrown away. And organic farm waste can be used for bioenergy to power homes and agribusinesses. New nature-based technologies such as the use of black soldier flies to compost waste, can generate multiple useful products including compost, fertiliser and animal feed.

Sincerely, David Adams

Little Guyana Avenue: A moment of jubilation and pride Dear Editor, In the 1960s when Forbes Burnham imposed the ban on basic foods items and imposed belt tightening measures in his quest to prevent Guyanese from buying foreign products in order to save foreign exchange, thousands fled and in the 1970s and 1980s and 1990 more followed, taking up residence in various parts of the planet mainly the United

States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.

It seems that a large percentage of them took up residence in New York, mainly in Queens. They were attracted to the area of Richmond Hill, and Ozone Park area which they later transformed into a Guyanese community - importing the foodstuff they like from Guyana mainly seafoods -- hassar. bangamary, catfish,

shrimp and vegetables such as pumpkin, ochro, eggplant, bora etc. Walking or driving through Liberty Avenue one can see dozens of markets and small grocers where one can smell the aroma from curry powder and other Indian spices.

The Guyanese community grew rapidly and some of the vibrant ones wanted their voices to be heard

since they have made significant financial and other contributions to the city, state and district. A few ran for offices in the District Council and supported Senators and Congressmen of their choice.

The Guyanese are community-minded and wanted their presence to be felt and made representation for an area to be called Guyana.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 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

Include full history of indentureship in CXC curriculum Dear Editor, It is quite disturbing to read Vishnu Bisram‘s letter published in the local media on May 11, 2021, and also in Indocaribbean. com the next day entitled CXC syllabus and curriculum discriminate against Indians.

What is more alarming is that it mentions that these issues were raised with CXC officials a few years earlier by Dr Kumar Mahabir from Trinidad yet there have been no substantial changes that we are aware of.

We were hoping that there would be some response by the Ministry of Education in Guyana by now since this omission or commission has been ongoing even after Independence. The value of a cultural balance sheet does not seem to fit into the calculation of development and progress.

It may be too late to make changes for 2021 Caribbean Exams but we

intend to see this issue remain in the public domain until it is adequately addressed considering the fact that about 40 per cent of the population is of Indian ancestry and May 5 is a special day each year.

If there is some explanation why the history, culture, literature etc of East Indians has not made its way into the classrooms of the nation we look forward to the reasons for there is much harm already inflicted on a people who have no knowledge of its past.

An obvious example is that many are celebrating the arrival of Indians on May 5, 1838, when the idea is to remember or commemorate the event. Any celebration should be reserved for the dates this abhorrent system ended and Gandhi must be credited for bringing public attention to it based on his experience in South Africa. If the history is taught, they would have found nothing to celebrate considering how and

why our ancestors were initially taken from their land of birth to countries from the Pacific to the shores of British Guiana, how many died aboard the ships, and the abominable conditions under which they toiled and survived.

There is no longer a shortage of scholars or academic materials and the internet has provided us with the virtual classroom so what then is the issue if not political will?

If the concern is disharmony in a multiracial, multi religious country then there are also abundant lessons to be learnt from the life and message of peacemakers like Gandhi and others who from all races and religions followed his footsteps.

We recognise that CXC will take some time to consider changes since it must get input from the entire Caribbean and there are procedures that must be followed. We understand, however, that some chang-

es can be made expeditiously by the Ministry of Education in that it can correct these glaring omissions by introducing educational material from kindergarten up to the secondary level even if subjects are not yet contested at the CXC level.

If necessary, support may come from the many impatient retired scholars at home and in the Diaspora who will remain restless until universal principles of equality and fairness as expressed by regional and international bodies like the United Nations find application in the land where the most indentured servants have made their home.

Those who left a second time have made their mark in other lands and have influenced policy and law.

While Guyana decides whether to call it Arrival Day or Indian Arrival Day, Provinces like Ontario, Canada, call for activities the entire month of May, solidified by Provincial and Federal legislation that ac-

Little Guyana Avenue: A moment of...

After years of negotiations, the authorities have decided to answer their call.

On Sunday May 29, the corner of Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard will be renamed Little Guyana Avenue - a sign will be unveiled to mark the change and it is expected that hundreds if not thousands of Guyanese in New York will attend the brief ceremony which commences at 10 am. The organ-

isers are Adrienne Adams (Councilwoman); Richard David (District Leader) with Dr, Dhanpaul Narine, Ashook Ramsaran, Romeo Hitlall, and Vibert Bernard.

Ramsaran described the event as “historic, a significant milestone of achievement for the GuyaneseAmerican community, reflecting the many remarkable accomplishments and contributions of the vibrant community of Guyanese liv-

ing in New York. Indeed, it has taken more than 40 years to arrive at this moment for Guyanese and those of Guyanese origin to be recognised as a significant part of the social, cultural and economic fabric of New York. It is truly a moment of jubilation and pride which we share with Guyanese living everywhere, in particular in Guyana where most of them have families and we retain

FROM PAGE 4

a strong bond and interest in Guyana’s success as well”.

In the Richmond Hill area, there are Guyanese travel agents, real estate offices, accountants, lawyers, doctors, mechanics, technicians not to mention the numerous restaurants, eating houses and fast food outlets.

Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

knowledge their achievements and contributions after only a few decades in a new land.

Their contribution to the adopted countries has also resulted in changes not just to law but to streets Some parts of Liberty Ave in Queens, NY, will soon be called Little Guyana and Pandit Ramlall Way. We look forward to timely and regular announcements from the Ministry as

to what steps are being taken to ensure that the next generation of students develop some pride in their culture by learning about their history, language, literature etc in all schools private or public.

Sincerely, R Sahadeo, M Sookdeo, J Singh, O Sharma, B Gajraj, H Singh, A Kumar and others

EPA is making progress Dear Editor, The progress being made by the EPA is commendable. It should be noted that the US Administration has recently, in March this year, increased the social cost of carbon to US$51 per ton. In addition, the fines for methane and nitrous oxide are now at US$1500 and US$18,000 per ton, respectively. The social impact cost of these pollutants is expected to almost double by 2050.

The EPA in the USA will revisit the costs once again next year and the EPA in Guyana should follow suit with annual revisions to the fines imposed on oil and gas producers. The thorough work being done by the US Administration should be benchmarked so as to capture the impact on the lungs of the planet of not just CO2, but also methane and nitrous oxide. Our EPA is in the early stages of development, but this benchmarking process could help it progress much faster in

policy development. This will help bring producers back in line with globally acceptable practices to safeguard our environment.

Congratulations to the nation’s EPA for taking the first steps towards ensuring the pollution in the oil & gas sector is kept to a minimum.

As for the current contract restrictions in place that may he used to limit new fines from being implemented, it is clear that the permit process must stipulate that without the acceptance of the new fine structure and its annual revisions, no new permit will be issued. This should provide enough grounds upon which to make an amendment to the existing contracts with oil and gas producers such as Exxon. Thus, allowing for the implementation of the new fine structure to existing and new drilling operations.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

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TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

Monday’s answers

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Part I It is an ancient Mariner, And he stoppeth one of three.

'By thy long grey beard and glittering eye, Now wherefore stopp'st thou me?

The Bridegroom's doors are opened wide, And I am next of kin; The guests are met, the feast is set: May'st hear the merry din.'

He holds him with his skinny hand, 'There was a ship,' quoth he.

'Hold off! unhand me, grey-beard loon!'

Eftsoons his hand dropt he.

He holds him with his glittering eye— The Wedding-Guest stood still, And listens like a three years' child: The Mariner hath his will.

WORD SEARCH

Writing Prompt: Pyramid Builder

The Wedding-Guest sat on a stone: He cannot choose but hear; And thus spake on that ancient man, The bright-eyed Mariner.

'The ship was cheered, the harbour cleared, Merrily did we drop Below the kirk, below the hill, Below the lighthouse top.

The Sun came up upon the left, Out of the sea came he!

And he shone bright, and on the right Went down into the sea.

Higher and higher every day, Till over the mast at noon—' The Wedding-Guest here beat his breast, For he heard the loud bassoon.

The bride hath paced into the hall, Red as a rose is she; Nodding their heads before her goes The merry minstrelsy.

J

ourney back four and a half thousand years to Egypt's Old Kingdom, to the Pyramid Age. As the vizier, or head of state, you are about to undertake the building of the king's pyramid.

Write down a list of task you need to accomplish to complete the building of the king's pyramid.

(Adapted from BBC.co.uk)

The Wedding-Guest he beat his breast, Yet he cannot choose but hear; And thus spake on that ancient man, The bright-eyed Mariner.

And now the STORM-BLAST came, and he Was tyrannous and strong: He struck with his o'ertaking wings, And chased us south along.

With sloping masts and dipping prow, As who pursued with yell and blow Still treads the shadow of his foe, And forward bends his head, The ship drove fast, loud roared the blast, And southward aye we fled.

And now there came both mist and snow, And it grew wondrous cold: And ice, mast-high, came floating by, As green as emerald.

And through the drifts the snowy clifts Did send a dismal sheen: Nor shapes of men nor beasts we ken— The ice was all between.

The ice was here, the ice was there, The ice was all around: It cracked and growled, and roared and howled, Like noises in a swound!

At length did cross an Albatross, Thorough the fog it came; As if it had been a Christian soul, We hailed it in God's name.

It ate the food it ne'er had eat, And round and round it flew.

The ice did split with a thunder-fit; The helmsman steered us through!

And a good south wind sprung up behind; The Albatross did follow, And every day, for food or play, Came to the mariner's hollo!

In mist or cloud, on mast or shroud, It perched for vespers nine; Whiles all the night, through fog-smoke white, Glimmered the white Moon-shine.'

'God save thee, ancient Mariner!

From the fiends, that plague thee thus!— Why look'st thou so?'—With my cross-bow I shot the ALBATROSS.

7

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 NEWS Use 15 years’ jail time to rethink, detox – Judge tells convict E TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ustace Abrams, the 34-year-old father of four who was found guilty of manslaughter, was on Monday sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds. Last month, Abrams was indicted for the capital offence of murder. Following a trial at the Demerara High Court, he was found guilty on the lesser offence of manslaughter.

On June 15, 2017, at Jack and Vieira Backdam, North West District (NWD), Abrams unlawfully killed 40-year-old Orlando La Cruz. It was reported that on the day in question, La Cruz was lying in a hammock at his mining camp when Abrams and another man, Joseph Kerr, visited. They began consuming alcohol. It was reported that shortly after, Kerr asked the now dead man to perform oral sex on him.

However, when he refused, they got into an argument during which Abrams gave Kerr the cartridge to load a shotgun. Kerr shot La Cruz to the neck after which he and Abrams made good their escape. La Cruz was later discovered in the hammock bleeding. He was rushed to the Matthews Ridge District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

After four years on the run, Kerr was arrested and charged with La Cruz’s murder earlier this month.

Following an appearance

Jailed: Eustace Abrams

at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court, the murder accused was remanded.

During a sentencing hearing on Monday, it was revealed through a probation report, that Abrams, a pork-knocker of Matthews Ridge, is the sole breadwinner for his family.

Although he was found guilty of the offence, the probation officer said that Abrams continues to maintain his innocence, stating that he did not shoot the man. Notwithstanding, the probation officer said that Abrams has expressed regret for the loss of a life.

The convicted killer told the probation officer that he and La Cruz were friends and he had no grievance with him. The probation officer also told the court that residents in Abrams’ com-

munity and prison officials described him as being very quiet.

While the probation officer noted that this was Abrams’ first encounter with the law and that he shows good prospects of being rehabilitated into society, he urged the court to impose a sentence that reflects the serious nature of the crime.

According to the probation officer, his investigations revealed that La Cruz had a fondness for imbibing alcohol and misbehaving but this never led to physical altercations. Relatives of the deceased told the probation officer that they are pleading for justice to be served.

For his part, Justice Reynolds told Abrams that he recognises that he does not fully understand the nature of the offence for which he was found guilty by the jury. “While you were not the trigger man, and while you did not fire the weapon on that day. You were properly indicted by the State for your participation in the commissioning of that offence,” Justice Reynolds explained to him.

Like many others in the riverine and interior districts, the Judge further told the convicted killer, “you have had a challenging childhood. But I say this, you get no credit for drinking yourself to a point where your judgement becomes seriously impaired.

But for your passing of that cartridge to your workmate

PNC has always been...

“The truth is that the PPP/C’s Administration has made it very clear as soon as they assumed office there will be electoral reforms and the Government would drive that process. It was also made very clear that the Government will accept the assistance and work with various international organisations and Governments, as well as local organisations and political parties that stood with Guyana in defence of our democracy, during the dark five (5) months when it was under

FROM PAGE 3

severe threat.

“Needless to say, that it is downright naive for anyone to think that such a process can be undertaken without the input of the major Opposition political party in Guyana. The law reforms must be done through the Parliament and the Opposition will have an input, both in and out of Parliament,” the PPP said.

GHRA’s sudden reappearance

that day, we would not have been here today. And that I say is the sad truth that confronts us in several districts in the riverine and interior community and as well disturbingly so, on the coastland.”

According to the High Court Judge, Guyanese men in large measure find it necessary to drink themselves to stupor for hours at a time.

“And we as a nation have come to accept this as normal, and that is the sad reality for all Guyana.”

Considering Abrams’ relatively young age, his domestic circumstances, and the favourable probation report, Justice Reynolds said to him, “there is a real prospect of rehabilitation in your circumstances.”

The Judge, in sentencing the killer, considered the mitigating factors in his favour and the fact that he was not the trigger man.

The Judge also considered that a deadly weapon was used during the commissioning of the offence. In the end, Justice Reynolds urged Abrams to use his time in prison to rethink, detox, and ween himself off of the excessive use of alcohol.

The prison authority was ordered to deduct the time Abrams spent in pre-trial custody from his sentence. State Counsel Seeta Bishundial appeared on behalf of the prosecution in this matter, while Attorneyat-Law Rachael Bakker represented Abrams. (G1)

Perhaps most egregious of all, ac-

cording to the PPP, is the GHRA, which the Party noted kept silent during the five-month long struggle for democracy last year, but has now come out of the woodwork to attack the upcoming work that would be done by the IRI. “For five long months when Guyana’s democracy was under siege, and while every major local organisation made its voice heard, every international organisation in this hemisphere played a part, and 100 Governments across the globe lent their support, we did not hear a murmur from the GHRA. “Now that we are proceeding to reform the process, in order to strengthen it against the type of fraud we witnessed being attempted to be perpetrated against the will of the Guyanese people, this undemocratic organisation is critical. The least said, the better,” the PPP said.

Earlier this month, a group of labour unions, leaders, and ordinary workers joined forces to establish the “Labour for Electoral Reform” – a body focusing on championing the need for electoral reform in Guyana.

The Labour for Electoral Reform will be led by General Secretary of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Carvil Duncan, and its Secretary is General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Aslim Singh.

Speaking with Guyana Times recently, Singh had explained that the new body was hoping to meet with the IRI, which is doing its work in Guyana with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Gaming the system...

D

...to rig in perpetuity avid Granger still remains cloistered in his Palazzo at Pearl. But facing mounting dissent from within and without the PNC redoubt, he deigned to be “interviewed” by a local loyalist hack! Presumably to show he’s not only alive, but ready to defend his leadership. But all he did was to reinforce how out of touch and irrelevant he’s become since he was voted out at the last elections.

So, what pearls of wisdom did he drop from his Pearl hideout? Nothing new, that’s for sure. He merely confirmed that he’s an implacable enemy of democracy, democratic values, and democratic institutions. And that he’s a coward to boot! Let’s start with the last, shall we? Here it is, his handpicked Leader of the Opposition, Joe Harmon, every African-based NGO within his constituency – and the oneman GHRA to boot – have taken up cudgels against the American-funded IRI that will assist the AG Chambers in the area of electoral reform. But Granger purported to pronounce on his position on electoral reform and didn’t utter even a “coo” about the American group!!

And the reason? Well...duh! Didn’t you hear, Dear Reader, that the Americans had yanked the visas of a host of Opposition figures during their thwarted rigging attempt last year? The mouth is muzzled by the hand that issues the visas!! Coward!! Anyway, now to the anti-democratic stripes he developed under his mentor Burnham since 1965 and – which are impossible for him to wipe out this late in life. The man said yes...he is desirous of electoral change, which should operate to close off “the type of mischief perpetrated on the people of Guyana last year”.

Can you believe this fella? No wonder his Caricom peers dubbed him the “Sanctimonious Gangster”!! Talk about taking your doo-doo and smearing it on your opponent’s bamsie!! But he revealed his thinking when he explained that the “electoral change” he wanted was for appeals on electoral matters to end at our Court of Appeals – and not the Caribbean Court of Appeal, which is our Apex Court!!

Just because he was supported by the Court of Appeal that 33 isn’t the “majority” of 65?

Imagine that!! His mentor Burnham cut resorts to the British Privy Council for our final appeal – claiming the Brits didn’t understand us Caribbean people. He, however, supported the concept of the CCJ and now his sycophant wants out, because even our Caribbean cohorts don’t understand us? Where will this stop? When he can fly the flag over the Court of Appeal like Burnham? Until his elections protests are heard by Congress Place?!

All he wants is to game the electoral system to return to power! ...and GECOM But Granger didn’t stop at wanting to upend our entire judicial system to wangle his way back into the Presidency.

He went on to explain that the role of the CEO of the GECOM Secretariat should be “clarified”. We know what THIS means since he said he agreed with Lowenfield’s subjective alterations of the tabulated SoPs, which invalidated 115,000 voters. And not coincidentally, handed a victory to the PNC!! What this means, of course, is that voting will become a notional act which becomes real only after the GECOM CEO makes it so!!

Granger also feels the method of choosing the GECOM Chair – for the President to choose from a list of six submitted by the Opposition Leader – is too protracted.

Since we know he actually “protracted” the process by rejecting THREE lists submitted by then Opposition Leader Jagdeo, his unilateral choice of James Patterson as Chair signals his preferred methodology!

This was confirmed when he added the Chair should be a Judge!!

Such a transparent wannabe dictator! ...in USA for what?

Your Eyewitness is still aghast at the CDC’s irresponsibility to announce that folks in public don’t have to wear masks and also indoors if they’re with others who’ve been vaccinated.

So, Americans can’t tell a lie?

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-Chile relations bolstered by similar aspirations, values – President Ali the bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.

The Framework Agreement on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between the two countries, signed in 1994, he explained, remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

“The Statement of Intent on Cooperation in Energy and Mining and the Memorandum of Understanding between the “Andres Bello” Diplomatic Academy of Chile and the Foreign Service Institute of Guyana demonstrate our desire to enhance cooperation.”

Enhanced Relations

New Chilean Ambassador to Guyana Juan Manuel Pino Vásquez hands over his letters of credence to President Irfaan Ali

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday said that the accreditation of Juan Manuel Pino Vásquez as Chilean Ambassador to Guyana is a timely one, particularly as the two countries prepare to commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations.

The Head of State made these remarks following the accreditation ceremony at the Office of the President.

“Your accreditation, therefore, is as timely an occasion to underscore the excellent relations we enjoy, and which have been enhanced in recent years through your Embassy in Georgetown. Our relations have been bolstered by our deep commitment to dem-

ocratic values, the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, and the guarantee of fundamental freedoms.

We are also enjoined in our commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and the sanctity of treaties,” the Head of State is quoted by the Public Information and Press Services Unit within the Office of the President as saying.

He added that inhabitants of the South American nations harbour similar aspirations in respect to economic opportunities, social advancement and safety and security.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he emphasised that the Government

of Guyana is working to protect the lives and livelihoods of Guyanese while strengthening the foundations of democracy in an effort to build a more resilient and sustainable economy.

“We remain focused in particular on the development of our agriculture sector while harnessing the opportunities in emerging sectors such as oil and gas and information communications technology.”

Areas of cooperation

President Ali noted that Guyana-Chile relations have been buttressed by cooperation in various areas such as geology, mining, agriculture, and human resource development, which have been expressed at

“The time is now opportune for further enlargement and diversification of our relations. I welcome your indication of Chile’s interest in strengthening econom-

ic and commercial links…I bid you a warm welcome to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. I congratulate you on your appointment and wish you a successful tenure.”

In his remarks, the newly accredited Ambassador stated that Chile shares a similar vision with Guyana regarding development policies, regional and global affairs, human rights, defence of democracy and territorial integrity.

The new Ambassador pointed to future collaborations on major projects in agriculture, training, human resources, and mining development. He also indicated that there would be opportunities for enhanced partnership in other areas, such as the environment, energy, human resource development and human rights.

“This is my first post as an Ambassador, and it is an honour to me it started in Guyana, a member country that links South America and the Caribbean in a privileged position. Thank you very much, Mr President.”

Vasquez has served in various international relations positions in South America since 1992.

These include his most recent posts of Counsellor and Consul General of Chile in Argentina from 2016-2017 and Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Counsellor in Paraguay.

He is replacing Patricio Becker as Chilean Ambassador to Guyana.

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Permanent Secretary Elisabeth Harper were also in attendance at the ceremony.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana among leading countries regionally in COVID-19 vaccination – report …as another 67,537 doses of Sputnik V vaccine arrive

W

ith over 19 per cent of its population vaccinated against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) reported that Guyana is the fourth leading country in the Latin America-Caribbean Region in relation to vaccination numbers.

Through April, Guyana has received 265,000 doses through donations, the COVAX Facility led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Government purchases. The vaccination campaign began after Guyana received 3000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as a donation from Barbados (originally from India). Other donations include 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from China, and 80,000 doses

of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India, of which Guyana donated 5000 back to Barbados.

Finally, Guyana received 24,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at the end of March through the COVAX Facility, which is the first instalment of the total of 104,000 doses originally planned through this mechanism. By April 19 Guyana had received 138,000 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine. This is part of the Government’s plan to purchase 200,000 doses of this vaccine, all expected to arrive in the near term.

On April 16, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign was opened to everyone over the age of 18. As of early May, more than 150,000 people had received at least one dose, represent-

The 67,537 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine arriving at CJIA on Monday

ing 19.2 per cent of the population.

“Guyana’s vaccination

rate is below that of Chile (44.8 per cent), Uruguay (35.4 per cent), and Barbados (26.3 per cent), but ahead of all the other more populated countries in Latin America and the Caribbean,” IDB said in its quarterly report.

67,537 doses

On Monday, Guyana received 67,537 doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to further advance its vaccination campaign.

The vaccines arrived aboard an Amerijet flight at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and was received by the Ministry of Health officials.

The Ministry explained that the shipment was delivered free of charge by Amerijet.

In a statement, Amerijet said that it is honoured to be able to support the Government of Guyana during this global health crisis.

“These are the kinds of shipments that remind us that we move the goods that enrich and connect the lives of our friends, customers, and the communities we serve; they can change and even save lives. As the leading all-cargo carrier in its service region, Amerijet is in a unique position to assist with immediate humanitarian support and medical supplies. All of us at Amerijet hope that today’s shipment will help provide relief to the impacted communities in Guyana,” Tim Strauss, CEO of Amerijet International Airlines said.

The IDB reported that the average number of daily new COVID-19 cases decreased from a high of 53 in September 2020 to an average of 37 in October through December and 38 in January through February 2021. However, the average number of daily cases climbed to 54 in March and 101 in April. In relative terms, average transmission rates in Guyana peaked at 11 new cases per 100,000 population in September and reached a high of 16 in April, similar to peaks experienced in Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. (G2)

3 injured after car slams into utility pole T hree men are now nursing various injuries after the car in which they were travelling lost control and slammed into a utility pole at Buxton Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Sunday evening.

Those injured are the driver, Dennis Basdeo, 24, and two occupants: 33-yearold Shameer Yasim and 23-year-old Bhupendra Harrichand.

Based on reports received, at about 22:00h, motor car bearing registration number PWW 885 was proceeding along the Buxton Public Road at a fast rate of speed, when the driver reportedly lost control and collided with a utility pole.

As a result of the collision, the driver and the occupant received injuries about their bodies. They were reportedly assisted from the wrecked motor car by mem-

bers of the Guyana Police Force and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were treated and admitted patients.

Basdeo reportedly sustained injuries to the neck and a broken left foot while Shameer Yasim suffered a broken left hand and a broken right foot. In addition, Harrichand is also nursing a broken left foot.

An investigation was launched into the accident.

NEWS

11

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

9-year-old crushed by garbage truck

Family pleads for assistance to offset funeral expenses

O

ne day after their 9-year-old son, Enam Holder, was crushed by a garbage truck at C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, his parents, Nigel and Roxanne Holder, are in a state of shock and disbelief. This incident has brought back the grave memory of losing one of their children in a similar manner.

It was about 12 years ago that their 2-year-old son, Isaiah Holder, was killed by a speeding driver. This, a relative told Guyana Times, had left the family is disarray.

Speaking briefly with Roxanne Holder, mother

of the dead child, she explained that she sent her son and his sister to the shop to purchase some items but soon after she was greeted with the devasting news.

Before fainting, she related that after she heard about the accident, she rushed to the scene only to see the body of her dead child covered in a bloodstained sheet.

“All is see is he body under the sheet… he head crushed… blood everywhere…,” the woman related after which she stopped talking.

Soon after, a woman who identified herself as the woman’s eldest daugh-

Dead: Enam Holder

ter picked up the telephone and told Guyana Times that ever since the accident

on Sunday, her mother has been constantly fainting.

Katima Holder explained that her brother was on his way home when he was struck from behind by the garbage truck. As a result, he and the bicycle fell onto the roadway and was crushed by the rear wheel of the vehicle.

“It was nothing like what they reported in the media, he did not collide with the truck, is the truck knock he from behind,” the sister reiterated.

She noted that after they heard about the incident, they rushed over to the scene. “He head damaged… he brain all come out… you

Linden taxi driver robbed of motor car

A

forty-two-year-old taxi driver was on Sunday robbed of his motor car along Mora Street, McKenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). The incident reportedly took place at about 11:30h.

Police stated that on the day in question, the taxi driver reportedly stopped at his home at Mora Street to drop off an item, leaving the keys in his motor car, a red and silver-grey Fun Cargo bearing registration number HC 8996.

Upon his return about ten minutes later, he discovered that the vehicle was missing. As such, he immediately went to the McKenzie Police Station

where he lodged a report.

However, the Police along with the victim were canvassing the area when the driver shouted, “Officer watch me car driving pass deh.”

At the time, a mixed male who is brown in complexion and wearing a black cap was driving the said motor car. The Police reportedly went after the car which entered the Amelia’s Ward district.

The Police added that during the chase, the vehicle got stuck in a slush in the vicinity of Empire Drive and without hesitation, the suspect exited the vehicle and made good his escape on foot.

The abandoned vehicle

was taken to the Amelia’s Ward Police Station where it is being processed. The suspect is reportedly known to the driver and was subsequently arrested and remains in custody.

Only about a week ago, a 32-year-old taxi driver of Kitty, Georgetown, was robbed of his motor car by three men who were armed with ice picks at Pradoville, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

It was reported that on the day in question, the young man was plying his trade and while in the vicinity of Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he reportedly picked up the three men, who requested to be taken to Ogle, ECD. As he reportedly turned

onto the Ogle Access Road, the men requested to be taken to Pradoville instead.

However, upon reaching a dead end, two of the men placed the ice picks to the victim’s body and ordered him to hand over all his valuables. The third suspect then searched his person and took his mobile phone and $42,000 cash.

Soon after, the suspects instructed the victim to exit his silver-grey Toyota Allion motor car bearing registration HC 1720. They then fled the scene in the said motor car, leaving the owner behind. The driver was, however, rescued and a report was subsequently made with the Police. To date, the car has not been located.

can’t recognise he because of the injuries.”

The aggrieved sister further stated that after the accident, the driver went to the Turkeyen Police Station where he made a report.

Initially, relatives thought that he was trying to escape but instead he made the report and was immediately taken into custody.

The truck, the sister related, however, was not impounded and upon inquiring, she was told that the truck was handed over to the company, C&S Trucking Service. Nevertheless, a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver but there were no traces of alcohol in his system.

Meanwhile, the sister

explained that the family needs as much assistance as possible in the form of finances and counselling. “One of my sisters witness the accident… she is traumatised and need the relevant counselling… my mother is going through what happened 12 years ago… and at this point we need money to offset expenses,” she cried.

She added too, that her father is speechless while adding that he has not eaten or slept since the horrific accident. Enam Holder leaves to mourn his parents, three sisters and one brother.

For those who wish to assist the family financially, they can be contacted on telephone numbers 2191861 or 638-3785.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden men wanted 1 dead, 1 hospitalised after motorcycles collide for manslaughter, rape …bikes disappear from accident scene

O

ne motorcyclist is now dead while another is hospitalised following an accident along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, on Sunday.

Dead is 20-year-old Calvin Peters formerly of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), and of Lot 485 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, while the injured man is Shemar Pratt.

Based on reports received, at about 17:00h on Sunday, the now dead motorcyclist stopped his bike in the middle of the roadway on Mandela Avenue in the vicinity of the Multilateral Secondary School when Pratt, who was also driving a motorcycle, slammed into him.

As a result of the collision, both riders fell onto the roadway and received injuries about their bodies.

They were then picked up in a semi-conscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Peters was pronounced dead on arrival. Pratt, on the other hand, sustained injuries to his head and lacerations about his body.

When Guyana Times visited the home of the now dead man, his uncle, Dave Canterbury, explained that they were attending a friend’s funeral when his nephew met his demise.

“We went on a funeral and somebody pass and tell me that there was an accident but I didn’t know was me nephew until me brother-in-law come… when he come, he tell me that Calvin

Dead: Calvin Peters

just crash up so I tell he let we go the hospital and before I reach the hospital, I call me brother and he tell me that Calvin dead… when I reach the hospital I see me nephew lying on the hospital bed dead,” the uncle stated.

He explained that one of the persons who saw what occurred said that his nephew, who was in front of the funeral procession, stopped his motorcycle in the middle of the road to divert persons attending the funeral through another route.

It was then Pratt, who was coming from the opposite direction, collided with him and pitched him off the bike.

“My nephew fly up in the air and land on he head… the other three that went on the two bikes also get injured but I don’t know what happen to them,” Canterbury stated.

He stated that his nephew had no visible injuries.

The now dead man,

he noted, left his parents’ home to live with him and two other uncles. While in Georgetown, he worked with Canterbury in the construction business.

“I use to carry he out and do mason wuk… I is a mason so he use to come and work with me…and if he ain’t doing nothing, he does liming in the circle.” Peters, the uncle noted, started to live with them about five months now.

When contacted, his mother, Roxanne Bountrin, told Guyana Times that she last saw her son on Mother’s Day when he visited her.

“He does normally call and find out how we doing and so because he does stay with his uncle to work…on Sunday, I get a call from another brother telling me that Calvin get in accident and he passed away… up to now I don’t have the strength to see him so the father went,” the distressed mother explained.

Peters attended Tucville Secondary School and continued his studies at Rising Stars Academy. His mother described him as a quiet and peaceful young man who did not get into fights.

His body is at the Georgetown Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

He leaves to mourn his parents, five siblings and other relatives.

Meanwhile, the Police stated that after the fatal incident, none of the two motorcycles that were involved in the accident could be located. An investigation is underway. (G10)

Wanted: Kevin Adams

Wanted: Nicolai Cameron

he Guyana Police Force has issued wanted bulletins for two men - one for questioning in connection to a manslaughter and the other for the offence of rape.

First, Kevin Adams of Lot 51 Victoria Alley, Wismar, Linden, is wanted for questing in relation to the death of Samuel De Souza, whose body was found on March 6, 2021, at Lot 50 Victory Valley,

Wismar, Linden.

It was reported that on the day in question, De Souza had an altercation with a female, who along with her daughter had confronted him.

He subsequently ran away through a track leading to his home but some thirty minutes afterwards, two men came out of the said track and told the woman and her daughter that De Souza was dead.

T

The Police were contacted and De Souza was found lying in the track in front of his home. A wooden-handled spear was observed resting on the deceased’s body with what appeared to be blood. Three knives and a screwdriver were found in the waist of the deceased’s pants.

His mouth and right ear had what appeared to be blood oozing from same.

There were superficial bruises seen on the exposed parts of his body. Following the incident, the two females were arrested but were later released.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Nicolai Cameron is wanted by the Police for questioning in relation to rape. His last known address was given as Lot 28 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Adams and Cameron is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 4420759, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest Police station.

No homes directly impacted in Region 9 flooding – CDC

Sections of roads, bridges and savannahs in Region Nine have been inundated

T

he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Monday said that it is closely monitoring the current seasonal flooding in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Guyana Times had recently reported that a number of villages in the region experienced extreme flooding due to heavy rainfall last week. Some affected areas are Sand Creek and Shea Village. It was reported that some 48 farms were affected and several animals died as a result of the stormy weather.

In a statement on the situation on Monday, the CDC

said it is prepared to deploy resources and personnel to the region if assistance is required. The CDC said from its assessments so far, “no homes were directly impacted but sections of roads, bridges and savannahs have been inundated.”

According to the CDC, Guyana is currently experiencing the May-June rainy season which encompasses continuous rainfall as indicated by the National Weather Watch Centre.

As such, the CDC is urging the regional authorities of Region Nine along with the other Administrative Regions across Guyana to

stay alert and be prepared with their regional disaster preparedness and response plans.

Residents are also encouraged to store as much clean water as they can, food, health and hygiene supplies and are also encouraged to avoid flood waters and inundated areas; and observe weather patterns of at-risk areas.

Persons can contact the CDC’s National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500, 226-1027 and 226-1114 or they can send a message on their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts.

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hypertension a “silent 1 injured during brawl killer” – Health Minister at Angoy’s Avenue

H

ypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, is considered to be the silent killer since it presents with vague symptoms or no symptoms at all, according to Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony.

The Minister, in his World Hypertension Day message on Monday said that the disease affects an estimated 1.13 billion persons globally, with more than two-thirds living in low- and middle-income countries. He added that men are more affected than women.

“High blood pressure is considered the “silent killer” since it presents with vague symptoms or no symptoms at all. Over time, uncontrolled hypertension commonly leads to chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, dementia and death.

Stroke and ischemic heart disease, arising from hypertension, are consistently among the top three causes of death in Guyana,” he explained.

He further explained that fewer than 1 in 5 cases of people with hypertension are well controlled worldwide. According to the Guyana STEPS Survey conducted in 2016, 18.4 per cent of Guyanese who were found to have raised (high) blood

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

pressure were not on medication.

Like other developing countries, Guyana is facing many challenges in identifying and caring for patients with hypertension.

“With the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation’s (PAHO/WHO) support, the Ministry of Health aims to reduce premature death and disability from hypertension and cardiovascular disease and embark on the HEARTS project. HEARTS is the acronym for Healthy lifestyle counselling, Evidence-based protocols, Access to essential

medicines and technology, Risk based cardiovascular disease management, Teambased care and Systems for monitoring. HEARTS is fundamentally evidence-based practice in diagnosing and treating arterial hypertension,” Minister Anthony related.

The Health Minister said that regardless of the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work has begun on the HEARTS project in keeping with this Government’s vision to “develop an adequate, welltrained, competent, and compassionate healthcare workforce.”

“Nationwide implementation will standardise the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

Medical practitioners will be more equipped with evidence-based knowledge at the community level. It is an ambitious project which will see the review and procurement of more effective medicines to treat hypertension. The screening services offered to the population will be more efficient, allowing for cases to be detected earlier. This will see a lowering of complications and death rates to hypertension.

We expect to see significant positive outcomes from this project within two to five years,” he said. (G2)

Venezuelan national slapped with gun, ammo charge – BV man charged for narco-possession

Junior Jose Garcia Ferrier

T

hirty-nine-year-old Venezuelan national Junior Jose Garcia Ferrier was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan for the possession of illegal firearm and ammunition.

He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 13, 2021, he had in his possession an illegal firearm and 25 live rounds of ammunition.

The matter was adjourned until June 14, 2021, for statements.

M e a n w h i l e , Keevin D’Oliveira of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was arrested on May 14, 2021,

Keevin D’Oliveira

was on Monday charged for narcotics possession for the purpose of trafficking.

He appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate R Liverpool where he pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Police stated that on Friday last, he had 391 grams of cannabis and 10.56 grams of methamphetamine in his possession. However, he was granted bail in the sum of $80,000 for the cannabis and self-bail for the methamphetamine.

He will return to court on June 10, 2021.

The gun and ammunition that was found on Garcia Ferrier

A

30-year-old man was in the wee hours of Monday taken into Police custody after he reportedly wounded another man at Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, during a brawl.

Based on reports received, the suspect and the victim were at the same location imbibing and at about 02:00h on Monday,

an argument broke out between them.

The argument reportedly escalated during which it is alleged that the now injured man picked up a beer bottle and threw it at the suspect.

In retaliation, the suspect became annoyed, armed himself with a cutlass and dealt the victim a chop to his right hand and

another to his forehead.

As a result of the wounds, the injured man fell onto the ground. He was subsequently picked up and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was treated and admitted. His condition is regarded as stable.

The suspect, on the other hand, was arrested pending charges.

State to call 18 witnesses as “Two Colour” murder trial begins Monday

Murder accused: Lennox Wayne called “Two Colour”

P

ursuant to a High Court order, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, on Monday presented the indictment of the State against Lennox Wayne for the offence of murder at the High

Court in Demerara. As such, Wayne, called “Two Colour” was arraigned before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a jury.

Wayne, who is being represented by Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 10, 2014, in the county of Demerara, he murdered Ashmini Hariram.

According to reports, 19-year-old Hariram, a cosmetologist of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was shot and killed just after disembarking a minibus in her community. It was reported that a man emerged from a motor car and shot Hariram at close range to the right side of her head.

The gunman then re-entered the motor car which later sped off. Media reports are that Wayne gave Police oral statements detailing his role in the woman’s execution. On September 8, 2014, Wayne was charged

Dead: Ashmini Hariram

with the teenager’s murder.

The murder accused has been on remand since then.

Wayne’s trial will commence next week Monday.

State Prosecutor Lisa Cave is expected to call a total of 18 witnesses, inclusive of Police ranks and civilians.

(G1)

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 more COVID-19 deaths, 81 new cases …800,000 more doses of Sputnik V vaccine ordered

T

he COVID-19 death toll continues to rise, with Guyana recording three more fatalities as of May 16, 2021. This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 344.

The victims have been identified as a 68-year-old man and 45-year-old woman from Region Four (Dem era ra -M ah ai c a) and a 60-year-old woman from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at the various medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive. They all died on May 15.

Based on the daily statistics released by the Ministry, 81 new cases of the virus have also been recorded, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 15,352. To date, 137,730 tests have been administered.

There are 15 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) along with 112 in institutional isolation, 1796 in home isolation and 6 in institutional quarantine.

The gender distribution shows that 7660 males have contracted the virus while 7692 females tested positive.

The Ministry also revealed that 13,085 persons have recovered.

the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

800,000 more Sputnik V vaccines

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Government has ordered an additional 800,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia.

New cases

There were six new cases in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 25 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 44 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); two in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), and one in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The Ministry is also appealing to the general public to respect the confidentiality of the deceased and their families and to allow them to mourn their tragic loss in peace.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 17), which are in effect until May 31, 2021. This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, kindly contact

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report.

The Health Minister is quoted as saying the Government has ordered more of the Russian Sputnik V vaccines, which will arrive here soon.

“The Government of Guyana, we’re buying 800,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine and that would be able to give 400,000 persons their full vaccination with that. Because these are two doses, we will have enough

for 400,000 people. In total, we’re going to have 800,000 doses, which would be for 400,000 people. So, we have already secured it, and they will be coming into Guyana in tranches.”

Dr Anthony said the COVID-19 vaccines would be available for every adult in Guyana. He said individuals should not hesitate to get inoculated as many countries are still struggling to obtain vaccines.

Dr Anthony said the Irfaan Ali-led Government is safeguarding the nation by ensuring there is enough vaccines to decrease the spread of the disease.

The Government has already bought 200,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine from Russia, which has been arriving here in batches.

To date, the Ministry has obtained 235,463 COVID-19 vaccines. This sum includes a consignment of 67,537 Sputnik V vaccines, which arrived in Guyana on Monday.

In addition to the Sputnik V vaccine, the Sinopharm and Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccines have also been administered in Guyana.

Minister Anthony said over 168,000 individuals have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Guyana, and more than 28,000 persons have been fully immunised against the disease.

The Minister is encouraging all adults to get immunised to lessen their chances of contracting a severe form of COVID. Government is seeking to vaccinate at least 500,000 persons to reach herd immunity.

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Diaspora conference $20M default judgement “no talk shop”, will Ferguson failed to fulfil requirements guide Govt policy – necessary for default judgement – lawyer …urges court to dismiss lawsuit Foreign Secretary …intends to build bridges with Diaspora

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud

T

he inaugural virtual Diaspora conference, which is the latest in a series of engagements by the Foreign Ministry seeking to coax the Diaspora back to Guyana one way or another, will be a very important one for the Government.

During a virtual press conference on Monday, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud was asked what the conference would set out to achieve, that other engagements hadn’t. But according to Persaud, the results of the conference will play an important role in guiding Government policy.

“Regarding the conference, I think that many of us have gotten conference fatigue. But we don’t want this to be another conference. The fact that you have the President, Vice President, several Ministers of Government addressing key topics pertinent to the Diaspora, is intended to have specific outcomes.

And one that will inform Government policy and interactions,” he said.

“So, it is to bring all of that to within a framework, to be able to inform the work of the Diaspora Unit.

The fact that we now have a Diaspora Unit, the fact that you now have a budgetary allocation to support the work of the Diaspora Unit, I think this conference is about ensuring they’re sustained to long term results.”

It was further explained that prior to the virtual conference, the Diaspora Unit had done extensive groundwork with the Diaspora.

There were outreach meetings, with ideas pouring in on how to collaborate.

According to the Foreign Secretary, concrete steps have been taken to ensure that the foreign missions are capable of bridging the gap between Guyana and the Diaspora.

“Our missions have been given a mandate to be much more proactive and much more engaged with the Diaspora. Take for example, we’ve appointed an advisor on Diaspora and invest-

ment matters in New York, Fazil Youssef. And all the missions will be tasked in terms of having that focused approach and to ensure that there are meaningful engagements.”

The virtual Diaspora conference is scheduled for May 22, 2021. It is expected that President Dr Irfaan Ali will make a feature address at the conference. Additionally, a number of Ministries and Government agencies will be taking part, with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Foreign Minister Hugh Todd billed to appear.

The conference is aimed at engaging the Diaspora on ways they can play a more active role and invest in Guyana.

In attracting the Guyanese Diaspora community to return and grasp the slew of imminent opportunities within the country, Government has been targeting second and third generations from these families abroad.

Persaud had previously disclosed that Government is partnering with the International Organisation for Migration to target this younger population and fill the demands in several sectors.

“One project that we’re working on the IOM, which is a very innovative project, is to target young people, meaning the second and third generation living in the Diaspora for them to come back, to serve, volunteer; work with both the Government; Private Sector, civil society, NGOs and groups that are in need of special care, attention and support,” Persaud had shared.

These efforts, pegged at some $38 million, are geared at ensuring that there is continued interest in development and also mobilising skillset or capital which the Diaspora can inject into the country. (G3)

J

ustice Sandra Kurtzious set July 16, 2021, as the date she will rule on Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo’s application to set aside a $20 million default judgement awarded against him in a defamation lawsuit mounted against him by former APNU/AFC Government Minister Annette Ferguson.

At a Zoom hearing on Monday, Justice Kurtzious fixed that date to render her decision following brief submissions by counsel for the parties.

Ferguson had filed the lawsuit in January 2020 and claimed therein that Jagdeo, who was at the time Leader of the Opposition, made defamatory statements in which he questioned her acquisition of a house lot and the construction of her home at Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara.

Apart from an order setting aside the judgement, Jagdeo’s lawyer, Devindra Kissoon, is also asking the court to dismiss Ferguson’s lawsuit for delay in accordance with Part 13 of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).

On March 11, 2021, Justice Kurtzious, pursuant to Part 12:01 (2) (d) of the CPR, rendered the default judgement after Jagdeo failed to file a defence within the required time.

But Jagdeo’s lawyer is seeking to have the judgement set aside on the basis that it was “improper” and “irregular”. Kissoon argued that Ferguson has not fulfilled the requirements necessary for the grant of a default judgement.

Since Ferguson’s claim was for an unspecified sum in damages, Jagdeo argued that the court should not have issued a default judgement sum without inviting his lawyer to an assessment hearing.

Shortly after the filing of the lawsuit, Kissoon said that Jagdeo retained Anil

Taxi driver assaults passenger over payment of fare

A

22-year-old labourer of Crane Old Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was on Sunday evening dealt one blow with a steel rod by a taxi driver during a misunderstanding.

Police stated that on the day in question at about 23:00h, the victim hired the taxi to take him to Soesdyke on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) for $15,000.

However, on the completion of the trip, the two men had a misunderstanding with respect to payments.

This, however, caused

the taxi driver to become annoyed and in retaliation, he picked up a steel rod and dealt the victim one lash to the left elbow, thus causing him to sustain a fractured hand.

The victim is presently admitted at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Police have since confirmed that the suspect was arrested and escorted to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station where he was placed into custody assisting with the investigations.

Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Nandlall, SC, the current Attorney General, to represent his interest. The lawyer added that Nandlall drafted a defence in this matter before January 27, 2020, but owing to several reasons, the defence was not filed.

Kissoon deposed that at the time the defence was due, Nandlall was legal adviser to Jagdeo and was also a senior member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP); responsible for large portions of the party’s campaign for the March 2020 national elections.

Even after the elections concluded, Kissoon added that Nandlall continued to be extensively and exclusively engaged in matters relating to elections, including acting as lead counsel in election-related litigation, as well as matters involving

a recount of votes.

“These tasks resulted in Mr Nandlall inadvertently failing to file the defence though drafted. This inadvertence was not due to neglect, but rather a combination of unusual and exceptional circumstances, which caused counsel to simply be unable to comply with the time limits established by the rules.”

Additionally, Kissoon submitted that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the shuttering of Nandlall’s law office for several months and the subsequent relocation of files.

Because of this, the lawyer stated that Nandlall did not discover that the defence, though drafted, was not filed.

According to Kissoon, “[Jagdeo] ought not to be penalised for law office inadvertence.”

Jagdeo’s lawyer has since filed his defence in which he argues that his client has a real prospect of successfully defending the lawsuit, since the statements made by him were not defamatory and the defences of justification, fair comment, qualified privilege, and the provisions of the Defamation Act apply.

“In any event, it is clear from the facts alleged in the Statement of Claim that the comments concerned the distribution of State land and the conduct of public of-

Former APNU/AFC Government Minister Annette Ferguson

ficials, which are matters of public interest and matters concerning the discharge of public functions, [Jagdeo], a constitutional office holder, being entitled to bring these matters to the public’s attention,” Kissoon put forward.

Taking this into consideration, he submitted that Jagdeo acted “reasonably and responsibly”.

Meanwhile, Ferguson is urging the court to dismiss the Vice President’s application.

Ferguson filed an identical lawsuit against Guyana Times, which she claimed published articles based on Jagdeo’s statements. This matter is still engaging the attention of the High Court.

(G1)

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$20M project launched to provide 400 jobs in vulnerable communities sand suppliers to execute the initiative.

CEO of CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves explained that the agency will be giving start-up support including block making sheds, tools, organising credit for sand and cement, as well

as transportation. To date, ten contractors have agreed to purchase blocks from the project to aid in the construction of 290 homes being built by CH&PA in Prospect, East Bank Demerara, and Cummings Lodge, Georgetown.

Target communities identified thus far are Tiger Bay, Albouystown, East Ruimveldt, West Ruimveldt, Sophia, Agricola, Mocha, Lusignan and Buxton in Region Four. Canje, Region Six, and Linden in Region 10 have also been identified.

Enhanced security features for birth, death, marriage certificates – GRO

T

Housing and Water Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues along with CEO of CH&PA Sherwyn Greaves share a photo during the launch of the project on Monday at Tiger Bay, Georgetown

T

he Central Housing & Planning Authority on Monday launched its Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP), aimed at providing job opportunities for residents in vulnerable communities.

The project was launched on Monday at Tiger Bay, Georgetown, and is expected to be expanded to other communities across the country.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal told Tiger Bay, Georgetown residents that the Government has recognised the need for improved standard of liv-

ing for them as well as other residents across the country.

He said the project is therefore a fitting response and will see the employment of hundreds over the next few years.

Croal further noted that the project was conceptualised by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a visit to Tiger Bay in August 2020. At that time, the President promised the community that the Government would explore ways for community enhancement and job creation.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry Susan Rodrigues stated that the

project is not only a fulfilment of the President’s commitment but also a manifesto promise to provide 50,000 jobs during the 2020-2025 tenure.

The project will run from 2021-2025 at an estimated cost of $20 million. However, $3.9 million has been allotted to pilot the project in 2021. Phase One will span from May to November, 2021, with an expected 80 direct beneficiaries.

The CH&PA will be partnering with vulnerable communities, block makers, Guyana National Bureau of Standards, contractors, hardware suppliers and

he General Register Office will today begin the distribution of computer-generated certified copies of births, deaths and marriages which are registered in Guyana.

The computer-generated certificate will see enhance security features which include a QR code to the top left-hand corner of the certificate and invisible markings, readable only under a black light.

The certificates to be issued are similar in colour and size to the ones presently being issued and all information will be printed by computer.

Agencies who use birth, death and or marriage certificates to verify the information of individuals doing business with them are asked to contact the General Register Office via email on groguyana@gmail.com or WhatsApp +1-592-610-9394 for details on security features and the step-by-step instructions to download the application needed to read the QR code.

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Canada to provide funding for local NGO to support LGBTQ rights

C

anada will be providing funding to local non-governmental organisation (NGO) EQUAL Guyana to promote the rights of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) persons; an initiative lauded by Minister of Governance Gail Teixeira, who also hailed the growing civil society presence in the fight for human rights.

EQUAL, which is an acronym for Empowering Queers Using Artistic Learning, is an NGO that was formed back in 2019.

The partnership will see the Canadian Government providing funding to EQUAL to support LGBTQ rights.

Minister Teixeira, who gave the feature address at the signing ceremony marking the partnership between local NGO EQUAL and the Canadian High Commission in Guyana, spoke about the important role civil society plays in the fight for human rights. The Minister

Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

recalled a time when there were no such organisations in Guyana and lauded their bravery in stepping forth.

“The Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives, I’ve known about it for a long time and I’ve done it’s done a lot of work with smaller organisations, NGO’s and communities over the many years.

Socio economic activities.

So, I’m very pleased that this particular agreement

and project will involve the issue of LGBTQ rights in Guyana.”

“And I’m very happy that we’ve seen the growth of civil society organisations in Guyana, dealing with the rights of persons that are LGBTQ. Years ago, there was no organisation. And it was a taboo. And then of course there was one organisation now that has spread into many organisations. So, it’s a very important expression of persons being willing to step out and associate with the rights of persons that are LGBTQ.” Teixeira admitted that Guyana has a long way to go, having not made the changes that a number of other countries have adopted. However, she expressed the hope that engagement, empowerment and education will prove to be critical tools in bringing about the necessary changes.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Mark

Canadian High Commissioner Mark Berman

Berman lauded the Government for the efforts it has been making so far.

According to him, Canada is ready to provide whatever support is needed in ending discrimination.

“Changing perceptions is never easy but the key to success. Canada remains committed to working in solidarity with other governments and organisations towards the goal of ending

discrimination and violence against LGBTQ persons.”

“On this May 17, as we recall the fact that countless LGBTQ persons across the globe continue to face persecution simply for being who they are, Canada affirms the human rights principles are universal and indivisible,” Berman said.

The agreement being signed will see Canada through its Fund for Local Initiatives providing funding for the organisation.

This is something Canada does in more than 120 other countries for small scale, high impact projects.

Anil Persaud, the Managing Director of EQUAL, spoke of some of the things the NGO will set out to do with the funding.

One of the key things the funding will be used for, is to provide free counselling and therapy services to as many persons as resources and time allow.

“Our new project will be,

EQUAL Managing Director Anil Persaud

among other things, providing more education to groups from different key sectors, building more conflict resolution and peace building skills among youths, exploring public education campaigns to provoke thought and dialogues, promoting the arts as key to LGBTQ and human rights and preservation of cultures which rely heavily on the arts,” Persaud said.

UNESCO World Conference

2021-2025 Education Sector Plan to be launched soon

E

ducation Minister Priya Manickchand on Monday participated in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development where she registered Guyana’s continued commitment to this process.

In her presentation, Manickchand said that education for sustainable development is not new to Guyana and its commitment to this process started in 2009 through the Low Carbon Development Process built around the sustainable use of its forestry resources.

She said that this process forms the basis of policies at a national level that aims to transform Guyana’s economy to deliver greater economic and social development and to provide a model for the world of how climate change can be addressed through low carbon development in developing countries.

Further, the she noted that the development of an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Policy in 2016 by the education sector in Guyana is a testament to the country’s commitment.

She said that great strides have been made as it relates to the policy objectives that are still relevant today.

“These are evident in our ongoing curriculum reform process, which articulates the Guyana vision of the new curriculum where Guyanese students have the knowledge, skills, and values to

live life and reach his/her potential to participate positively towards social cohesion and sustainable national, regional and global transformation,” Manickchand is quoted as saying in a release from the Education Ministry.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand while delivering remarks at Monday’s conference

She added that the Ministry’s 20212025 Education Sector Plan that will be launched soon is the sector’s policy position with a 2030 vision that is about providing opportunities for quality, equitable

education and lifelong learning for all that is aligned with all of the Sustainable Development Goal Four targets. She said that these two documents are the roadmaps through which the ESD is integrated into the education sector in Guyana.

Manickchand said that Guyana supports any movement towards Education for Sustainable Development.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

Regional

Brazil to receive ingredients from BMCLA and UWI China for more COVID vaccines form partnership

B

razil has announced it will receive enough coronavirus vaccine ingredients from China to produce as many as 25 million doses of the AstraZeneca and Sinovac jabs, as the South American nation continues to struggle to vaccinate its population.

Rodrigo Cruz, executive secretary of the Brazilian Health Ministry, said the Fiocruz medical research institute would receive two lots of AstraZeneca jab ingredients on Saturday.

“The good news is that today I received confirmation that these two lots will be shipped on May 21. It’s enough to produce approximately 18 million doses,” Cruz told a congressional committee hearing on the COVID-19 crisis on Monday.

Meanwhile, São Paulo State Governor Joao Doria

Teacher Raquel Soares Leite da Silva receives an AstraZeneca jab at a kindergarten in Campo Bom, Rio Grande do Sul state, on May 12 [File: Diego Vara/Reuters]

said the state’s Butantan biomedical institute would receive ingredients for seven million shots on May 26.

“Good news!” Doria tweeted.

Fiocruz and Butantan need ingredients from China to produce the two most common COVID-19 vaccines

being used in Brazil.

The country continues to be hard-hit by the pandemic, registering more than 435,000 deaths linked to the coronavirus – the second-highest tally after the United States – and more than 15.6 million infections.

Health workers and public health experts have warned that another surge in cases could be imminent in the country’s Amazonas region, where a more highly-transmissible variant of the virus was first discovered.

“A third wave is a big concern. It may not be as explosive as the second but it could last longer,” Lucas Ferrante, a biologist and researcher at the National Institute for Research in the Amazon, told Al Jazeera earlier this month.

The health system in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, collapsed during a deadly second wave of the pandemic that led to widespread shortages of oxygen and other medical supplies needed to treat COVID-19 patients.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Caribbean’s blood Cayman Islands Govt adjusts pressure rates rank protocols for travellers highest in the Americas T

T

he Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging regional Governments, civil society and Private Sector organisations to take a whole-of-society approach to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25 per cent by 2025 and premature mortality by a third by 2030.

The call comes in observance of World Hypertension Day on Monday, under the theme “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.

In a statement on Monday, CARPHA noted that hypertension or raised blood pressure is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases worldwide, with the non-Latin Caribbean having the highest mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease, ac-

counting for 418 per 100,000 population.

CARPHA Executive Director, Dr Joy St John said, “The Caribbean region has the highest prevalence of raised blood pressure in the Americas ranging from a high of 27.1 per cent to a low of 20.9 per cent.”

“It is a cause for concern and action when in all Caribbean countries, hypertension is above the regional average for the Americas,” she added.

CARPHA recommended developing public education campaigns to improve public knowledge, attitude and practice towards hypertension prevention and control and other measures to help the region reduce the prevalence of high blood pressure.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

he Government has removed the PCR testing requirement for returning travellers who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination course with the Health Services Authority (HSA).

The announcement, which also maintained a ban on carnival parades, was made through a statement Friday evening outlining amendments to existing COVID-19 regulations.

“Amendment to Regulation 4 removed the requirement for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing prior to boarding a plane to the Cayman Islands. This applies only if the traveller has completed a full course of vaccination by the HSA against the COVID-19 disease at least two weeks before boarding,” the statement said.

The quarantine protocols remain unchanged. Those fully vaccinated returning to the Cayman Islands are required to isolate for 10 days.

However, unvaccinat-

ed travellers are mandated to quarantine for 14 days and PCR tests 72 hours prior to arrival will still be required for everyone else.

The changes were gazetted Friday and took effect immediately.

The newly-amended Control of COVID-19 (No. 2) Regulations, 2021 will continue through July 15.

The Government also issued an exemption for shelters from the 500-person gathering limit when the premises are being used for an emergency.

This change comes weeks ahead of the formal start of the 2021 hurricane season on June 1.

Changes were also made to the prohibitions around carnival-related social events.

These events now have the green light to resume in earnest; however, Government has maintained the prohibition for parades, including carnival parades. (Excerpt from CMC)

Outdoor sports, exercise banned 24/7 in T&T

No longer allowed: This photo showed a group of people enjoying exercise and leisure earlier in May [Trinidad Guardian photo]

A

ll outdoor sports and exercise are now prohibited 24/7 in Trinidad and Tobago under the 2021 emergency powers regulations.

The new regulations were published around 19:00h on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Prime Minister announced the country would be

under a State of Emergency from Sunday.

In addition, there will be a daily curfew from 21:00h-05:00h (9 pm-5 am).

The regulations said, “During the period of public emergency between 5.01 am and 8.59 pm (outside of curfew hours), a person shall not participate in outdoor sports or exercise in public places or operate any sport clubs including cycling, running, hiking, swimming, golf, tennis, football, rugby and hockey clubs.”

Last Thursday, an alarm was raised when around 60 people went hiking in Lopinot.

But Police said they were separated into groups of five, thus not breaching the public health regulations.

All these activities are now prohibited.

The regulations will stay in effect until July 4. (Trinidad Newsday)

T

he Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority (BMCLA) announced on Monday that it has entered into a strategic agreement with the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus TradeLab clinic managed by the Faculty of Law and the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy, and Services (SRC).

This initiative is led by co-directors, Dr Ronnie Yearwood, lecturer in law at the Faculty of Law and Dr Jan Remy, Deputy Director of the SRC. UWI Cave Hill is home to one of the newest and the first TradeLab clinics in the Caribbean. TradeLab is a prestigious network of universities worldwide.

TradeLab uses a practical teaching method, involving legal clinics to engage law students across the world to provide free legal advice on trade and investment issues to developing country beneficiaries.

This semester’s TradeLab clinic engages UWI Cave Hill Faculty of Law students in researching and writing a legal memorandum titled “An assessment of the IP regime for the Promotion of Trade and Investment in the Cannabis Industry In Barbados”.

BMCLA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, said, “We believe this is an ideal partnership with the UWI, whose track record for research and development is beyond reproach, to work on this project. Because as our industry starts to grow, we expect to see companies acquire IP in order to protect their rights as part of their broader strategy to participate in the global market.

“Globally, we have seen acquisitions by large players in the sector – evidence of the potential for significant shareholder value creation – formalise and protect their IP.” (Excerpt from Nation News)

Jamaica: Literacy programme for parents to be rolled out soon

National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kaysia Kerr (Photo: JIS)

T

he Education, Youth and Information Ministry , through the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), is rolling out a literacy programme for parents, so they can, in turn, impart the literacy skills learnt to their children.

Following the successful pilot of the literacy programme for parents in 2017, dubbed “Literacy is a Family Experience”, in schools in St Elizabeth, the Commission is now rolling out the programme in six other parishes.

The initiative, which is expected to get under way shortly, will now incorporate schools in Manchester, Hanover, St James, Westmoreland, St Ann, and Trelawny.

NPSC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kaysia Kerr told JIS News that the literacy levels of children who were initially involved, improved by two or more grade levels, “which is why we are rolling it out now to include other schools”.

She noted that revival of the programme was a major thrust for the Commission, as the entity is of the belief that education is the vehicle that can transform the lives of people, “and so if parents are better participants in education, then chances are they will be there to support their children through that journey to ensure they achieve and, ultimately, will realise their potential”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil climbs 1% on economic recovery hopes despite fresh Asian restrictions

O

il prices rose more than 1 per cent on Monday, lifted by European economic reopenings and rising US demand after prices fell earlier due to surging coronavirus cases in Asia and underwhelming Chinese manufacturing data.

Brent crude ended the session up 75 cents, or 1.1 per cent, at US$69.46 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled 90 cents, or 1.4 per cent, higher at US$66.27.

The British economy reopened, giving 65 million people a measure of freedom after a four-month COVID-19 lockdown.

With accelerating vaccination rates, France and Spain have relaxed COVID-related restrictions, and on Saturday, Portugal and the Netherlands eased travel restrictions.

The promise of economic growth has supported oil prices in recent weeks, although the pace of inflation has kept many investors concerned that interest rates could rise, which could hit consumer spending.

"The news is not all negative on the demand front as the U.S. saw air travel jump on Sunday to 1.8 million people, the highest total since March 2020," said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA. United Airlines announced it will add 400 daily flights to July for European destinations, Moya noted.

Summer travel bookings rose 214 per cent from 2020 levels, the airline said, adding it planned to fly 80 per cent of its US schedule compared with July 2019.

Investors remained worried about the coronavirus variant first detected in India. Some Indian states said on Sunday they would extend lockdowns to fight the pandemic, which has killed more than 270,000 people there.

Domestic sales of gasoline and diesel by Indian state refiners plunged by a fifth in the first half of May from a month earlier.

Singapore is preparing to close schools this week and Japan has declared a state of emergency in three more prefectures.

"The market is seemingly trapped between observing encouraging improvements in demand in the United States and Europe, and the sluggishness in consumption due to the persistence of COVID-19 in Asia," StoneX analyst Kevin Solomon said.

China's factories slowed their output growth in April and retail sales significantly missed expectations as officials warned of new problems affecting the recovery in the world's secondlargest economy.

China's crude oil throughput rose 7.5 per cent in April from the same month a year ago, but remained off the peak seen in the last quarter of 2020.

Signs of rising supply also capped oil's gains.

US oil output from seven major shale formations is expected to climb by 26,000 barrels per day (bpd) in June to 7.73 million bpd, the first rise in three months, the US Energy Information Administration said in a monthly forecast.

Meanwhile, US retail gasoline prices hit a fresh sevenyear high on Monday, as it will take some time for the nation's largest fuel pipeline's supply chain to fully catch up after a cyberattack that resulted in a six-day system outage last week and mass panic-buying. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business

F

riends will hug, pints will be pulled and swathes of the British economy will reopen on Monday, giving 65 million people a measure of freedom after the gloom of a fourmonth COVID-19 lockdown.

Most of the British will be free once again to hug, albeit cautiously, drink in their pub, sit down to an indoor meal or visit the cinema after a series of lockdowns that imposed the strictest restrictions in peacetime history.

The biggest public health crisis in a century was accompanied by a drastic extension of state power; during England's lockdowns police broke up parties and protests alike, shut down religious services and handed out fines of up to 10,000 pounds (US$14,000) to

youngsters for partying.

As freedom beckons once more, there is excitement.

Beside the euphoria, though, there is also anxiety.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who before he im-

posed three national lockdowns had railed against the "nanny" tendencies of the British state, advised people to cuddle cautiously and served notice that the spread of the coronavirus variant first identified

in India meant that the final UK reopening in June could be delayed.

There is growing concern about B.1.617.2 which British scientific advisers say will become the dominant variant in the United Kingdom and which is more transmissible than B.1.1.7, the variant first identified in Kent, England.

Broadly, from Monday in England gatherings of up to 30 people will be allowed outdoors, two families will be permitted to meet indoors; cafes, bars and restaurants will reopen for indoor service; care home residents will be allowed to have five visitors; and face coverings will no longer be compulsory in schools.

A ban on international travel has also been lifted.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

were damaged in coastal areas of Gujarat, state authorities said.

With the worst of the storm expected to last for several hours after it slammed into the state's coast, it piles more pressure on Indian authorities already struggling with a huge caseload of COVID-19 infections.

The cyclone has already killed at least 16 people and left a trail of destruction as it brushed past the coastal

states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, the authorities said.

"The landfall process has started, and it is expected to last for four hours. The intensity of the Cyclone Tauktae will go down once it is over,” Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said in a social media address on late Monday evening.

State revenue secretary Pankaj Kumar told Reuters it would be the most severe

cyclone to hit Gujarat in at least 20 years. A 1998 cyclone killed at least 4000 people and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage in Gujarat.

Regmi said the Indian Red Cross Emergency team was working with authorities and helping with the evacuations from low lying areas to relief centres further inland in the face of what he called a "monster storm". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Customers at The Swinging Witch pub enjoy drinks, as lockdown eases amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Northwich, Cheshire, Britain, May 15, 2021

India's Gujarat state evacuates over 200,000 people as cyclone hits

M

ore than 200,000 people were evacuated from their homes in the Indian state of Gujarat and authorities shut ports and major airports as the most powerful cyclone in more than two decades made landfall in the state late on Monday.

Rain intensified and several incidents of power outages were reported in the state.

Electricity pylons and trees were uprooted and buildings

Israel-Gaza violence: Calls to protect civilians as conflict endures

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he UN, US and UK have called for more protection for the civilians caught in intense violence between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Footage of children being pulled from the rubble in Gaza and people running for shelter in Israel

have sparked international alarm.

The conflict is now in its second week, with little sign of a ceasefire.

More than 212 people, including 61 children, have died in Gaza, and 10, including two children, in Israel.

Israel said most of those

New guidelines on masks stir debate in US, sow confusion

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ew federal guidelines stating that fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks – even indoors – continued to evoke debate on Monday as leading workers’ unions and retailers hesitated amid doubt that the new approach is safe or workable.

More than a dozen states quickly embraced the new rules, announced on Thursday, which still call for masks to be worn in crowded indoor settings including buses, airplanes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters.

But some Americans said the move may be premature.

With more than a third of the US population fully vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday eased its mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, in a step that was heralded as a milestone for recuperating normalcy in the country.

But commentators on Monday criticised the move.

Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s chief medical correspondent, said the CDC’s announcement was made abruptly and with little guidance on how to implement it.

“The CDC made a critical error here in surprising

On Monday, US President Joe Biden said that fully vaccinated Americans are free to continue to wear a mask if they choose, and businesses may continue to require it

basically everyone with a very significant change last week,” Gupta said.

The move was also blasted by the nation’s largest union of registered nurses, who said the guidance puts the lives of patients and

front-line workers at risk.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden said that fully vaccinated Americans are free to continue to wear a mask if they choose, and businesses may continue to require it. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

This Gaza woman lost her 15-year-old grandson, Mahmud Tolba, in an Israeli air strike

killed in Gaza are militants and that any civilian deaths are unintentional.

Hamas, the militant group that runs the territory, does not acknowledge this.

In the early hours of Monday, Israel conducted dozens more air strikes on the Gaza Strip, after Palestinian militants fired barrages of rockets at southern Israeli cities.

There is mounting international concern over the violence, with world leaders and humanitarian organisations urging for measures to be taken to avoid residents being hurt, killed, or having their lives upended by the destruction.

In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said Israel must avoid civilian causalities,

but expressed concern that "Hamas is again using civilian infrastructure and populations as cover for its operations".

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged both sides to protect civilians, especially children, while reiterating that Israel "as a democracy has an extra burden" to do so.

The United Nations has also expressed concerns about the damage to infrastructure in the already impoverished Gaza Strip, home to two million people. It said that 40 schools and four hospitals had been "completely or partially destroyed" in recent days. It also warned that fuel supplies there were running out, threatening basic services. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Take it easy. Refuse to let anyone bring out the worst in you. Control your emotions, and don’t let your temper take charge. Peace and love will help you get your way.

Take innovative approaches to how you live.

(April 20Gravitate toward the people May 20) who bring out the best in you and contribute to your pursuits. Choose stability over chaos.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Someone will hold you accountable if you exaggerate.

(May 21- Think twice before you share June 20) information. Stick to the truth and abide by the rules. Choose your words wisely. A revelation could change things.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Rely on your ingenuity to help you get ahead. Taking a different approach will attract attention. Work hard and you will get things up and running just the way you like.

LEO Stop questioning and start (July 23- doing. Meet a challenge headAug. 22) on, stay within your budget and don’t give anyone the chance to take charge. Be the best leader you can be.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Take good care of your health and well-being. Invest time and effort in upgrading your skills and qualifications.

Strive to keep up with economic trends. Don’t outstrip your means.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You have plenty to offer, but that doesn’t mean you can force others to do or see things your way. Take a peaceful, friendly approach to avoid getting into an argument. Romance is favored.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

If you jump into something new too quickly, you will fall short of your expectations. Pay attention to detail, and put a strategy in place that leaves nothing to chance.

Put your time and money SAGITTARIUS into something that will help (Nov. 23you advance. Invest in yourDec. 21) self and your skills. Focus on getting the experience you need to reach your target.

Romance is featured.

Uncertainty will surface CAPRICORN if you don’t take part in the (Dec. 22changes going on around you.

Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY'S WORD - BAGATELLE

Get your voice heard, or you will lose your right to criticize and complain.

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

Pay attention to domestic matters and the creative endeavors you want to pursue. Keep busy, and distance yourself from annoying people. A challenge could hinder you.

Explore new possibilities.

Participate in something you (Feb. 20March 20) believe in, and find a way to make a difference. Take care of your health and well-being.

Avoid those who are behaving riskily.

PISCES

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

21

NBA roundup:

Warriors top Grizzlies for No 8 seed

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BA champions the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 110-98, but they did not avoid the play-in tournament.

LeBron James – who appeared to tweak his ankle – posted 25 points for the streaking Lakers, who claimed their fifth consecutive victory; however, they did not end the regular season high enough in the Western Conference to bypass the NBA’s new play-in format involving the seventh through 10th seeds in pursuit of the playoffs.

The Lakers needed help from the Denver Nuggets, but the latter lost 132-116 to the Portland Trail Blazers, leaving the Los Angeles franchise seventh in the west and set to face Stephen Curry’s eighth-seeded Golden State Warriors for a play-off berth.

Andre Drummond had a double-double for the Lakers, while Anthony Davis finished with 14 points for the Lakers, who will have to win one of up to two play-in games to clinch a regular play-off position.

Portland locked up the sixth seed and their eighth straight play-off berth, meaning they will go head-tohead with the third-seeded Nuggets in the opening

round.

The Utah Jazz, meanwhile, clinched the NBA’s best record (50-20) for the first time in their history.

Jordan Clarkson finished with 33 points and All-Star Rudy Gobert contributed 13 points and 16 rebounds for the Jazz, who eased past the Sacramento Kings 121-99.

The Jazz edged the Phoenix Suns (51-21), who pipped the San Antonio Spurs 123-121, for top spot in the NBA – the first time they have finished with sole possession of the league’s best record.

Curry crowned scoring champ

Curry earned his second scoring title after posting 46 points in the Warriors’ 113101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Curry pipped Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal to the award, having finished the regular season with a 32.0 points per game average. Two-time MVP and three-time NBA champion Curry became the first player 33 years or older to lead the league in scoring since Hall of Famer Michael Jordan in 1997-98 (35 years at end of season and averaged 28.7ppg). The 33-yearold also joined Jordan, Wilt

Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players with multiple scoring titles, MVPs and championships.

James Harden was absent due to injury management, but the Brooklyn Nets still secured the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 123-109 win at home over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kevin Durant put up 23 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds.

Kyrie Irving added 17 points as he joined an elite list of shooters. Irving finished the regular season with a 50.6 field-goal percentage, 40.2 three-point percentage and 92.2 free-throw percentage – becoming the ninth member of the 50/40/90 club. He also joined Larry Bird, Curry, and Durant as the only players to average at least 25 points per game during a 50/40/90 season.

The New York Knicks secured fourth position in the east via a 96-92 win over the Boston Celtics. The Knicks – back in the playoffs for the first time since 2012-13 – will have home-court advantage for their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks, who routed the Houston Rockets 124-95.

The Wizards’ season ap-

peared dead and buried following an horrendous start, having acquired Russell Westbrook to team up with Beal. But the Wizards will face the Celtics as the eighth seed in the play-in tournament thanks to their 115-110 victory against the Charlotte Hornets. Westbrook recorded 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Beal had 20 of his 25 points after halftime.

Tyrese Maxey flexed his muscles as Eastern Conference top seed the Philadelphia 76ers rested their stars in a 128-117 victory over the Orlando Magic.

In the absence of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Seth Curry, and Danny Green, rookie Maxey had 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. He became the only rookie this season with multiple 30/5/5 games – LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edward only had one such game.

Precious Achiuwa’s career-high 23 points and 10 rebounds helped the shorthanded Miami Heat rout the Detroit Pistons 120107. Tyler Herro (16 points and 11 assists) and Gabe Vincent also had double-doubles as the sixth-seeded Heat

Cameron Bancroft: Cricket Australia asks batsman if he has “new information” on ball-tampering

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ricket Australia (CA) has asked batsman Cameron Bancroft if he has new information about the sandpaper ball-tampering scandal.

Asked in an interview with the Guardian if some Australia bowlers knew of the plan to tamper with the ball using sandpaper in a Test in South Africa in 2018, Bancroft said: “It’s pretty probably self-explanatory.”

Bancroft was banned for nine months by CA, while former Captain Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for a year.

CA’s investigation cleared all other players and staff.

“There was obviously a thorough investigation into that incident,” Ben Oliver, CA’s executive general manager of national teams, told reporters on Monday.

“We’ve maintained all the way through that if anyone has any new information relating to that incident, that we encourage people to come forward and discuss that with Cricket Australia.

“Our integrity team have

reached out to Cam... to remind him if he does have any new information in addition to what his input was into the original investigation, there is an avenue for him to do that.”

CA’s investigation confirmed opener Bancroft used sandpaper to damage the ball during the third Test in Cape Town. Television footage showed him hiding the sandpaper down his trousers.

CA found Smith and Bancroft had made “misleading public comments” after they initially claimed yellow tape was used.

“All I wanted to do was to

be responsible and accountable for my own actions and part,” 28-year-old Bancroft said.

“Obviously what I did benefits bowlers and the awareness around that, probably, is self-explanatory.

“I guess one thing I learned through the journey and being responsible is that’s where the buck stops [with Bancroft himself].

“Had I had better awareness I would have made a much better decision.”

In response to Bancroft’s comments, CA said in a statement that it has “maintained all along that if anyone is in possession of new

information in regards to the Cape Town Test of 2018, they should come forward and present it”.

It added: “The investigation conducted at the time was detailed and comprehensive. Since then, no-one has presented new information to CA that casts doubt on the investigation’s findings.”

At the time, CA said: “It appears to be an isolated incident, but if there are other allegations we will take them further.”

CA concluded Coach Darren Lehmann was not involved in the controversy, but he resigned at the end of that series in South Africa.

CA chief executive James Sutherland announced he would step down in June 2018 after 17 years in the role.

An independent report in October 2018 concluded that CA was partly to blame for the scandal, and condemned a “winning without counting the costs” culture in Australian cricket. (BBC Sport)

prepare to face third seed Milwaukee Bucks in the first round in the east.

Houston’s woeful season comes to an end

After a blockbuster trade sent wantaway superstar Harden to the Nets in January, the rebuilding Rockets crumbled. A crushing loss to the Hawks left the Rockets with a 17-55 win-loss record – their worst campaign

since going 14-68 in 1982-83.

Sit back and enjoy!

The Nets produced a stunning piece of offence against the Cavaliers in the second quarter. After dispossessing Cleveland, Blake Griffin played a behind-the-back pass to Irving, who passed the ball ahead to Mike James.

James tossed the ball off the backboard for Durant to slam down. (Sportsmax)

Sunday’s results

New York Knicks 96-92 Boston Celtics Indiana Pacers 125-113 Toronto Raptors Washington Wizards 115-110 Charlotte Hornets Phoenix Suns 123-121 San Antonio Spurs Golden State Warriors 113-101 Memphis Grizzlies Atlanta Hawks 124-95 Houston Rockets Brooklyn Nets 123-109 Cleveland Cavaliers Philadelphia 76ers 128-117 Orlando Magic Miami Heat 120-107 Detroit Pistons Chicago Bulls 118-112 Milwaukee Bucks Minnesota Timberwolves 136-121 Dallas Mavericks Los Angeles Lakers 110-98 New Orleans Pelicans Oklahoma City Thunder 117-112 Los Angeles Clippers Portland Trail Blazers 132-116 Denver Nuggets Utah Jazz 121-99 Sacramento Kings

Australian Open organisers say event will return to January time slot for 2022 and stay in Melbourne

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ustralian Open organisers say they are confident the 2022 event will go ahead in its usual January time slot.

The 2021 edition was moved back three weeks into February because of the pandemic, with all players required to quarantine for two weeks on arrival.

There have been forecasts that border closures until mid-2022 could mean the event is relocated to Dubai or Doha.

But tournament director Craig Tiley said: “We’re going to be in Melbourne, it’s going to be in January.”

Other problems for the 2021 event included positive coronavirus cases on inbound charter flights which meant 72 players remained confined to their hotel rooms.

Those on unaffected flights were only able to leave their rooms for five hours a day to train.

There was also a cap on attendance at Melbourne Park, and the state of Victoria reverted to full lockdown for five days during the

tournament in response to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Tennis Australia (TA) said it expected the overall financial loss for the staging of this year’s tournament to exceed A$78 million (about £43 million).

TA chief executive Tiley continued: “We felt like we climbed Mount Everest, and unfortunately, now we’ve found ourselves back at base camp.

“But the one positive thing is that we at least have a path, because we have done it once.

“There’s lots of speculation about 2022, and it’s the same journey we are going to go on. It’s going to be a ride.”

National broadcaster ABC has reported that the Australian Government’s forecast of border closures until the middle of next year could force the event to be moved to Doha or Dubai, because players would be unwilling to undergo quarantine again.

But Tiley said there were no plans to relocate the tournament. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

Aussies name extended squad for Caribbean tour

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ustralia have wel- pected to be trimmed, likecomed back their big ly to 18 players, along with names for the eight- Zampa and the uncapped match limited overs tour Tanveer Sangha, who travof the Caribbean, naming elled to New Zealand in a strong extended 23-man March, but did not squad for the July tour. play.

Eight players who were One-day inmissing from the T20 tour c u m b e n t s of New Zealand in March M a r n u s have all been included Labuschagne for the tour that will see a n d Australia play five T20s in C a m e r o n St Lucia before three One- Green have Day Internationals (ODIs) in both been left out.

Barbados.

Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Steve Smith C u m m i n s , Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, wicketkeeper Alex Carey and leg-spinner Labuschagne Mitchell Swepson were all is currently in England named in Australia's Test playing county cricket with squad for the now-cancelled Glamorgan, while Green has tour of South Africa, miss- expressed a desire to have a ing the series against New strong pre-season with WA and continue working on his Zealand.

Australia’s squad for bowling. the Qantas tour of the Labuschagne had ceWest Indies: Aaron Finch mented himself as a star in (C); Ashton Agar; Jason Australia's one-day side and Behrendorff; Alex Carey; Pat was said to be "deeply upset" Cummins; Josh Hazlewood; at having to miss the tour Moises Henriques; Mitchell due to "logistical complexiMarsh; Glenn Maxwell; ties".

Riley Meredith; Josh He is yet to play T20 Philippe; Jhye Richardson; cricket for Australia, but Kane Richardson; Tanveer showed his potential in the Sangha; D'Arcy Short; shortest format with a key Steven Smith; Mitchell role for the Brisbane Heat Starc; Marcus Stoinis; on their run deep into the Mitchell Swepson; Andrew KFC Big Bash League (BBL) Tye; Matthew Wade; David finals last summer, having returned to the side followWarner and Adam Zampa.

Swepson is one of three ing the Test series against leg-spinners in the squad ex- India.

"Anyone who knows Marnus understands he would give absolutely anything to play for Australia, and he is deeply upset to miss out due to circumstances beyond anyone's control," National Selector Trevor Hohns said.

"We worked through numerous options in conversations with Marnus to find a workable solution, but ultimately came to the conclusion it was more practical for him to remain in the UK. "Had we not been in the middle of a global pandemic Marnus would be on this tour as a well-established member and important part of the one-day side. It's an unfortunate circumstance of the many challenges the world is facing right now.

"As it stands, Marnus has the opportunity to continue in County Cricket and T20 games with Glamorgan as we head into the World Cup and home summer."

Batters Ben McDermott and Ashton Turner and all-rounder Daniel Sams – who made himself unavail-

Narine, Vantull instrumental in Majestic win …Dhanpaul, Patadin contribute as well

T

he action continued on Sunday in the New York National Cricket League (NYNCL) Caribbean Fest 40 Overs Tournament 2021, with Majestic CC seeing off the Bronx Cricket Club in a one-sided affair at Cunningham Park. This was thanks to the collective efforts of Derick Narine, Damion Vantull, Avi Dhanpaul, and Chris Patadin.

Their opponent was no easy walkover, but the Majestic CC picked up where they left off last week. After beating the top team in USA cricket, they were willing to take on anything thrown at them.

Hence, they made sure the Bronx CC felt the full force of their wrath.

Batting first, Majestic openers Narine and the in-form Patadin found their groove. They began their assault early in the 35-over affair. They found the boundary ropes with ease and made sure their opponents knew just how easy it was to pick their bowling. Patadin scored a quick-fire 45 off 28 deliveries which included 10 classy boundaries as he and Narine put together a 92-run stand. Even after Patadin was bowled, Narine continued to rally as Dhanpaul came to the crease. Narine was the aggressor before he ended his innings on 91 off 42 deliveries, inclusive of 10 boundaries and four maximums. Dhanpaul played the role of anchor as he contributed a 46-ball 4,7 which included three boundaries and one maximum. But the show was far from over, Vantull flexed his muscles yet again and produced a magnificent 65 off 41 deliveries, including four boundaries and four maximums. The top four striking at their best were able to take Majestics to a comprehensive 325-5 in their allot-

able for the tour on health and well-being grounds – are the players omitted from the side that lost 2-3 to New Zealand in March.

National Selector Hohns said the focus was on the upAaron Finch

coming T20 World Cup in picking three leg-spinners in the squad, with finger-spinner Agar also included. " M i t c h Swepson has been in exceptional form across all three forms of the game.

His Big Bash performances with the Heat have been superb, as was his bowling for Queensland," Hohns said.

"Tanveer Sangha was extremely impressive for the Sydney Thunder and we regard him very highly.

While he didn't play in New Zealand, i t was a great opportunity for a

y o u n g bowler to be around the group.

"Along with the class of Adam and Ashton we are very fortunate Mitchell Starc t o have four highly-capable spinners on this list."

Josh Philippe retains his place in the Australia squad and "adds another top order option" behind Finch and Warner, and provides a third wicketkeeping option with Carey and Wade in the squad.

Carey has not played T20 cricket for Australia since last August, with Wade the incumbent gloveman in the shortest format of the game.

Alongside Glenn Maxwell, the squad is bolstered by big-hitting all-rounders Stoinis, Marsh and Henriques, with Short

also included.

"We are very fortunate to have some incredibly-dynamic batsmen through the entire order who can be match-winners on any given day," Hohns said.

"Like all of our players we hope they will perform consistently, particularly as we approach the World Cup. " A l l rounders are such a critical part of the T20 game, along with our spinners. As we have seen evolve over time, having players able to give the captain more options make the team far more adaptable to all situations. We feel we have that luxury in this group."

Speedster Meredith holds his spot in the squad with fellow quicks Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson, Behrendorff and Tye named alongside Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood.

Australia could yet travel direct to Bangladesh after the Caribbean tour, with discussions with that country's cricket board ongoing, while Cricket Australia's executive general manager of national teams, Ben Oliver, has welcomed news Australians approved for international travel would be vaccinated prior to departure.

"It was great to see our Olympians receiving their vaccination shots ahead of the Tokyo Games and we are working through logistics for the Australian men's team with the relevant agencies," Oliver said in a statement.

"We will comply with all Government directives in relation to vaccinations and international travel." (Cricket Australia)

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Qantas Tour of the West Indies 2021

First T20: July 9, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 7:30pm (July 10, 9:30am AEST) Avi Dhanpaul (right) secured 47 & 2-47 and Chris Patadin (left) had returns of 45 & 1-21

ted overs. Bowling for the Bronx CC were Dewan Mulin 3-49, Sabir Chowdhury 1-55, and Rahaman Saifur 1-37.

The Bronx CC now needed 326 for victory; the mammoth total in the end proved too much for them as they were restricted to 153-6. Majestic CC not only showed that they had solid batting but they proved that they could defend whatever total they set. Narine was among the wickets as he bagged 1-8, Patadin 1-21, Dhanpaul 2-47 and Nicholas Ramrattan 2-13. Three of the four batsmen who top-scored showed their allround capabilities and bagged vital wickets to take their team over the line. In the end, Narine was adjudged the Man of the Match for his 91 and 1-8.

Second T20: July 10, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 7:30pm (July 11 9:30am AEST) Third T20: July 12, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 7:30pm (July 13, 9:30am AEST) Fourth T20: July 14, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 7:30pm (July 15, 9:30am AEST) Fifth T20: July 16, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 7:30pm (July 17, 9:30am AEST) First ODI: July 20, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 2:30pm D/N (July 21, 4:30am AEST)

2237230-1

Second ODI: July 22, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 2:30pm D/N (July 23, 4:30am AEST)

(Ext 55)

Third ODI: July 24, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 2:30pm D/N (July 25, 4:30am AEST)

NOW!

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GCB slams CWI’s response to selection debacle

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in a missive on Monday afternoon expressed its disappointment with the responses aired in the media by the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chairman of Selectors.

used for the retention and/ or nonretention of our

GCB’s statement reads:

“We write to you with great astonishment and much disappointment on the media statements by the Chairman of Selectors of the CWI as they relate to the issue of the non-retainer by CWI of male Guyanese cricketers. We at GCB thought that we were doing the proper and decent thing by first, writing to CWI requesting the criteria which was

male cricketers, prior to making any public statements on their non-retention.

It is most unfortunate and quite disappointing that while we are still patiently awaiting the submission of the said criteria, the Chairman of

Selectors thought it best, whether on his own accord or with the support of the CWI, to make the comments in the media that two of our Directors were present at the meeting when the matter of retention and/or non-retention was discussed. Of all persons, the Chairman of Selectors ought to have been aware that there was no “handing over of the mantle” to the current Directors of GCB by the two former Directors”.

Further, it was the first meeting of the CWI that the two new Directors attended and the issue of the retention of the players was more in the form of a report after the decision was already made.

Additionally, the two Directors could not have commented and/or usefully participated in the

“report” in relation to the retention of the players without the two Directors knowing or being fully apprised of the selection and/or non-selection criteria.

Like the Chairman of Selectors, GCB also has its own responsibility to the Public and will, therefore, following the trend set by the said CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper Chairman, make this letter available to cers (the Chairman), wheththe media. er on a frolic of his own or We are still patiently not, unleash his unnecesawaiting the criteria and sary and unfortunate wrath report on the non-retention on the GCB.” of our male cricketers and The back-and-forth bewe fervently hope that CWI gan earlier this month when sees it best to provide those CWI released a to us urgently rather than to have one of its offi-

list of male contracted players for the 2021/ 2022 season, which did not include any Guyanese players. As such, the GCB and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) expressed their disappointment with CWI’s decision.

However, last week, Lead Selector Roger Harper chided GCB President Bissoondyal Singh and Vice President Hilbert Foster, stating that they were present at the CWI’s Board of Directors’ meeting and had the opportunity at that forum, to object to the lack of Guyanese players in the list.

South American Seniors…

Eureka Giddings won best net back nine

Hutson looking beyond Mangal overall winner in Genuine Auto Spares Tokyo Olympics Golf Tournament W T hile the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) is looking to be a competitive force at the South American Senior Championships, President Aubrey Hutson is focused on setting the tone for international meets beyond the Olympics.

The AAG boss related this to Guyana Times Sport during a recent interview, in which he also shared his hopes for the upcoming South American Senior Championships.

The South American Senior Championships would have been contested last weekend May 14-16, if it were not for the rising coronavirus cases in Argentina.

Hence, Atletismo Sudamericano (South American Athletics), moved the event to Ecuador for May 29 to May 31.

Given that it is an Olympic qualifying event, the local Association is looking to send as many athletes as possible.

However, according to Hutson, they have met a stumbling block with college athletes.

“We would like to get every athlete with the potential of going to Tokyo getting into Ecuador, so we’re working on the dynamics. We’re in touch with some of the athletes, because a lot of our good athletes are in the college system and will be competing for the col-

lege on that very weekend,” he said.

“So, obviously they will not be able to come to go to Ecuador.”

Although the Tokyo Olympics is the goal, Hutson related that he was also focused on making a great impression and qualifying times for a slew of other upcoming international events.

“As it relates to going to Ecuador, we are not just looking at Tokyo,” Hutson declared.

“We have to look beyond Tokyo. There’s the Commonwealth Games coming up in Birmingham next year and there’s also the World Senior Championships that will be in Oregon, USA next year. So, by giving these athletes the opportunity to go into international competition this early strengthen your chances of qualifying and making it to the other championships as well,” the AAG President explained.

While corporate funding to get the athletes to Ecuador is an option, Hutson is relying on the Government, and by extension the Sport Ministry and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for funding.

“Working out the dynamics of what it’s going to cost, ticket prices, before we can come up with a good budget and get

it on to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Government of Guyana in particular,” he continued. “Of course, we’re going to target private sponsors too, but you know the time is short and I think the two entities will be more ready to issue us a cheque in time to get these athletes out there.”

On the home front, the Association had moved to stop its developmental meets, given the alarming number of COVID-19 cases in Guyana.

“Our athletes are our assets and while we may have all the protocols dictating what happens at the track, we cannot guarantee what happens en route to the track. It is for that reason we would have pushed back a little bit and asking for us to hold a little bit. You know, let the numbers come down a little bit before we try to resume competition,” the Athletics boss revealed.

Devaun Barrington, Akeem Stewart, and Mark Jhallu are some of the locally-based athletes earmarked for the South American Seniors. On the other hand, Arinze Chance, Quamel Prince, Andrea Foster, Jasmin Abrams and Aliyah Abrams are some of the internationally-based athletes who may represent Guyana at the event.

(Jemima Holmes)

he Genuine A u t o Spares Golf Tournament concluded at the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) on Saturday, May 15, with none other than Mike Mangal emerging as the overall winner.

The results of the tournament are: best net front nine Mike Mangal – hc 7 net 32; best

Genuine Auto CEO Amrit Prashad hands over the top prizes to Mike Mangal

Dhanpat defied all odds and bagged second place

net back nine Eureka Giddings – hc 31 net 33; overall best net first

Mike Mangal – hc 7 gross 74 net 67; second – Jeetindra Dhanpat – hc 8 gross 80 net 72, who

is an emerging player that is steadily improving and thus quickly moving up the ranks locally; and third – Brian Hackett – hc 18 gross 90 net 72.

The LGC in a statement after the tournament said, "We had a favourable turnout and the tournament was keenly contested as players turned out in support of our generous sponsor Genuine Auto."

All COVID-19 protocols were in effect.

TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021

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

Narine, Vantull instrumental in Majestic win

South American Seniors…

Page 23

Page 22

Damion Vantull (left) scored 65 and Derick Narine (right) had returns of 91 & 1-8

…Dhanpaul, Patadin contribute as well

Hutson looking beyond Tokyo Olympics

Mangal overall winner in Genuine Auto Spares Golf Tournament Page 23

From left: Genuine Auto Spares CEO Amrit Prashad, Mike Mangal, Jeetindra Dhanpat, Brian Hackett, and Genuine Auto Spares Supervisor Akash Singh

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