Guyana Times - Monday April 26, 2021

Iconic veteran Guyanese broadcaster passes on Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4629

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

Guyana’s oil per capita to eclipse Middle Eastern oil producers – consultant ...says ... says Guyana could end up being last major new oil producer

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

CJ to rule in APNU/AFC P15 election petition case today

Page 3

Child care P12 Director renews calls for Special Victims Unit …says it will address slothfulness in probing sex crimes

Shot Venezuelan soldier returns home for P14 treatment

T&T oil expert says gasto-shore project an “absolute must” for Guyana See story on page 7

— requisite studies should be done

Guyana looking to unlock US$135M climate funds by year end – President Ali Police destroy over 108,000lbs ganja along Berbice River See story on page 11

Page 14

— attack stemmed from interception of boat with ganja

COVID-19 death toll jumps to 284 as 3 more die — 103 new cases recorded in 1 day

Brothers P14 nabbed with gun, ammo during Police operation PM reaffirms Govt's commitment to develop P13 Region 5

Page 14

Miner dies P10 after pit caves in at Kuribrong

2 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Iconic veteran Guyanese broadcaster passes on

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conic veteran Guyanese broadcaster of Radio Demerara from 1957, Ishri Singh has passed away in New York City at the age of 89. He was popularly known for hosting Indian musical and cultural programmes.

In fact, he hosted the programme “Aap ki Khushie” - for your pleasure - on Sundays at 13:30h when half of Guyana waited anxiously to hear his mellifluous baritone as much as the Bollywood songs. He was known as the “man with the golden voice”.

Ishri Singh

He migrated to the United States in the early 1980s and became a fixture on Spotlight TV with his daughter, Tanuja Raghoo.

Sexual offence accused nabbed with ganja

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ifty-two-yearold Compton Adams who was arrested for questioning in relation to allegations of sexual offence found himself in hot water once more after a quantity of ganja was found in his possession after he was arrested.

He was subjected to a mandato- The ganja that was found on the suspect ry search during earthed in his home. which three transAccording to Police reparent plastic bags containing a quantity of leaves, seeds ports, a party of Police ranks and cannabis stems was dis- conducted a search at Area E, covered hidden in the sides of Ogle, and a search was conducted on the home of the his joggers.

The cannabis which 51-year-old suspect during amounted to 60 grams was which six transparent plastic weighed in the presence of bags containing a quantity of the suspect before he was re- leaves, seeds and stems were leased on $100,000 bail as the found.

The cannabis was subseinvestigation continues.

Only on Friday Police ar- quently weighed and amountrested an Ogle, East Coast ed to 20.8 grams. The suspect Demerara man after a quan- was placed into custody pendtity of marijuana was un- ing charges.

Man wanted for Charlestown murder captured on fuel boat

Dead: Anthony Yearwood

Captured suspect: Lenroy Michael Forde

enroy Michael Forde also known as “Biggie,” who was wanted by Police in connection with the murder of 25-year-old Anthony Yearwood, also called “Odinga,” of Lot 2 Drysdale Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, was on Saturday apprehended.

Based on information received, Forde was captured on a fuel boat en route to a mining area called Devil Hole, located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

In addition, a female associate of Forde was also arrested and placed into Police custody for allegedly harbouring a wanted fugitive.

One day after the fatal shooting, Police had issued a

wanted bulletin for Forde.

It was reported that Yearwood was killed on Wednesday last during a confrontation with Forde. The incident reportedly emanated from a dispute between the two men over an alleged robbery committed by “Biggie” on a victim who is known to Yearwood.

Yearwood reportedly died on the spot, but was later confirmed dead when he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

His body was then placed in the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

Nevertheless, since Yearwood’s killing, Forde managed to evade Police until he was apprehended on Saturday.

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NEWS

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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, April 26 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Tuesday, April 27 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, April 26 – 15:55h – 17:25h and Tuesday, April 27 – 16:40h – 18:10h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunny intervals during the day.

There will be partly cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 16:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.86 metres.

Low Tide: 09:51h and 22:08h reaching minimum heights of 0.3 metre and 0.38 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Crude Oil

$66.11/barrel

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Guyana’s oil per capita to eclipse Middle Eastern oil producers – consultant ...says Guyana could end up being last major new oil producer

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ood Mackenzie, a United Kingdombased global energy consulting group, believes that Guyana’s oil production per capita ratio, that is oil relevant to the population, is on track to eclipse even some of the leading oil-producing countries from the middle east.

According to the consultancy group in a recent publication, Guyana’s current phased oil development is expected to reach over 1.1 million barrels of oil per day (bopd) by 2028. This, in a country with just 800,000 people, will make Guyana a per capita richer country than even the leading oil producers in the middle east.

“Our analysis models almost 6 billion barrels of oil. First production was achieved in December 2019, only five years after the initial discovery. The phased development will lift output to over 1.1 million b/d by 2028, and Guyana will become just the 11th nation in oil’s history to reach the million b/d milestone,” the group revealed.

“The giant oil fields will deliver untold riches to this nation of only 0.8 million people. Guyana will, as output builds, rise to be king of the heap. Production per capita will eclipse even that of the leading Middle East producers, Kuwait, UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Saudi Arabia,” the group said.

Wood Mackenzie included charts comparing projected production figures in Guyana and its middle eastern counterparts. For instance, where Guyana is projected to have 500 barrels of oil per capita in 2027, Kuwait lags some way behind with 300 barrels per capita.

In the UAE the figure is just shy of 200 barrels per capita, while in Saudi Arabia it hovers around 120 barrels per capita. The figures for both Libya and Iraq are projected to be beneath 100 barrels of oil per capita by 2027.

What’s more, Wood Mackenzie noted that Guyana’s oil is mostly light and in keeping with the market’s increasing need for oil that is low in carbon. This means that when it comes to refining, Guyana’s oil would be low cost.

“The country’s economy will be transformed. Annual capital expenditure on the project will average US$4 billion a year this decade – the same as 2019 GDP (Gross Domestic Product).

Much will be spent on production equipment outside Guyana, but considerable investment will flow into infrastructure onshore and offshore to support the growing oil industry,” Wood Mackenzie stated.

However, the consultancy group noted that Guyana could very well be the last major new oil producer, in a world moving increasingly towards renewable ener-

Guyana could be the last of the new major oil producers

gy and alternatives to fossil fuels.

“Guyana may well be the last new major oil-producing nation. What’s important now is that critical lessons are learned from those who have gone before. There’s a long list of developing countries, including some in Latin America, which have struck black gold and failed to make the most of it, suffering what economist Richard Auty called ‘the resource curse’.”

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

To date, the country has received payments for five lifts of oil. The most recent payment was made earlier this month for a 997,420-barrel oil lift in February from Liza Destiny. That lift was valued at US$61 million, taking the total amount received at the time for Guyana’s share of oil to US$246.5 million. Inclusive of royalties, the total in the Natural Resource Fund account stood at US$267.6 mil-

lion.

The Natural Resources Ministry reported that Guyana received its first payment of US$54.9 million for an oil lift dated February 19, 2020. Guyana’s second lift, on May 21, 2020, was valued at US$35 million. The third lift, which occurred on August 9, 2020, was valued at US$46 million, while the fourth lift occurred on December 9, 2020, and came in at US$49.4 million in value.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 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

Education for Guyanese

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he delayed CSEC and CAPE results have precipitated the usual accolades for the top performers and with good reason. While some may cavil about “elitism”, no society can flourish unless those with natural abilities in various fields of human endeavour are facilitated to develop their potential. One positive development in this year’s announcement is that while the top performers in both CSEC and CAPE were from the traditional “elite” Queen’s College, the top ten performers in both categories included students from other schools – especially rural ones such as Anna Regina Secondary in Essequibo and SVN at Cornelia Ida on the West Coast of Demerara.

The performance of the latter school, as it has done in the last decade, has proven that schools that are not fortunate enough to hive off the top NGSA performers can still compete with those that do. The anecdotal evidence suggests that effectiveness in the delivery of the curriculum by trained and dedicated teachers combined with a disciplined student body can go a long way in equalising test performances. It was interesting that the Bishops High School, which is just below Queen’s in harvesting NGSA high performers, was noticeable by its absence from the latest top ten.

But as Guyana at long last has been given the opportunity to build a nest egg from our oil revenues to be the catalyst for spurring our development in a directed manner in the next three decades, we will have to re-examine the premises of our educational system. Fifty-five years after independence, Queen’s and Bishops are still redolent of the British Grammar School philosophy on which they were founded back in the mid-19th century.

While the “classicist” focus on Latin, etc, might have been jettisoned, we still have not clarified what is proper “Education” –- with a capital “E” - -that our state should be funding. For instance, while “Agriculture Science” is a subject at CSEC that is available at even the “elite schools”, there is no commensurate gravitation of these elite graduates into agriculture, even though there is much lip service given to this endeavour being the long-term saviour of our economic viability as a nation. The old British disdain for manual labour still lingers, especially as it is related to “the fields”. Maybe it is the reason we have not produced a Jimmy Carter who was a peanut farmer before he became President of the United States.

While we cannot coerce students into any particular field of study, the Government can provide incentives to steer them in directions that would further the developmental needs of our country. Some of the high flyers did say they were interested in engineering, for instance, and perchance they should be earmarked by the Government to encourage them to move on to specific engineering areas demanded by our present needs. From the continuing challenges faced by GPL, we can be sure that more power engineers are needed.

But as our country develops, we have to be also careful to nip in the bud the detour that academia in the Western countries we emulate took in the humanities. There, inspired by post-modernist French theorists, for the last five decades, graduates secularly replicated the medieval scholastics who debated the number of angels who could dance on the head of a pin. The advice of the iconoclastic 19th century philosopher Nietzsche in his essay “On the Uses and Disadvantages of History for Life,” might be useful.

Nietzsche begins by quoting a sentence by Goethe: “I hate everything that merely instructs me without augmenting or directly invigorating my activity”, then indicates that history should help us to live: “We need history, certainly, but we need it for reasons different from those for which the idler in the garden of knowledge needs it...We need it for the sake of life and action... We want to serve history only to the extent that history serves life.”

Education in general must serve life or else it is selfindulgence.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who celebrated his 41st birth anniversary on Sunday, was regaled by the Guyana Police Force Band in a simple ceremony held at State House to commemorate his birthday. The Head of State was accompanied by First Lady Arya Ali, as renditions of “Happy Birthday”, “For He is a Jolly Good Fellow”, “Electric Avenue” and other special requests from the President were played.

The President expressed his gratitude for the special performances by members of the Guyana Police Force Band

100 years of trade unionism in Guyana

Dear Editor, This year, 2021, is the centenary year for lawful trade unionism in Guyana consequent upon the enactment of the Trade Unions Act: Chapter 98:03 – No 17 of 1921 on June 18, 1921.

With Labour Day on May 1, trade unions through their leaders may reflect on this law in their statements to mark this important centenary year of lawful trade unionism. This Trade Unions Act provides for the regulation and registration of trade unions to enable them to function in good standing within the law.

The then British Guyana Labour Union became the first trade union to register on July 21, 1921. (Ashton Chase a History of Trade Unionism in Guyana) This Trade Unions Act imposes obligations on trade unions to enable them to carefully manage the affairs of the trade unions as good and faithful union stewards, in a transparent and public accountable manner. Some of the main provisions of the Trade Unions Act include: * The purpose of any trade union shall not be unlawful so as to invalidate any agreement (Section 5). * The Act protects trade unions against action of tort and breach of contract or agreement or trust in pursuance of a trade dispute (Sections 7 and 8). * The prohibition of trade unions from conducting union business, and to function, unless legally registered with the Registrar of Trade Unions in accordance with this Act. (Sections 1112). * The Act also provides for the property of the unions to be vested in trustees, (trustees cannot hold office in the same union), for legal actions by or against trustees, and limitation of responsibility of trustees (Section 16-21).

On financial accountability, the Trade Union Act ex-

pressly requires every treasurer or other officers of unions to render to the trustees, and the members of the union at a duly constituted meeting of the union, a just and true account of monies received and paid, funds remaining, and all bonds and securities of the union. The trustees are required to submit to the Auditor General for audit within fourteen days of the receipt of the account from the treasurer (Section 22).

The Act further stipulates the requirements and conditions in relation to the registration with the Registrar of union rules, the registered office of the unions, withdrawal or cancellation of certificate of registration, change of union’s name, amalgamation of unions, registration of change of name and amalgamation, and dissolution of the union (Sections 25-33).

Annual Return and Registrar’s Reports

Section 35 of the Act imposes an obligation on every registered Trade Union to present to the Registrar a general statement of receipts, funds, effects, and expenditure before May 1 every year. The statement must show fully the assets and liabilities of the preceding year and must be prepared together with such information and in the manner stipulated in this Act. The Registrar of Trade Unions is required to lay before the National Assembly, annual reports with respect to matters transacted by the Registrar in keeping with the requirements of the Trade Unions Act (Section 36).

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and trade unions.

The International Labour Conference of the ILO at its 35th Session adopted a resolution in 1952 concerning the indepen-

dence of the trade union movement and the principles for the establishment of freedom of association and good industrial relations.

The resolution affirmed that a stable, free and independent trade union movement is an essential condition for good industrial relations and should contribute to the improvements of social conditions of workers. The principles which should be laid down in this regard are essential to protect the freedom and independence of the trade union movement and its fundamental task of advancing the social and economic well-being of the workers.

The resolution affirmed that: * the fundamental and permanent mission of the trade union movement is the economic and social advancement of the workers; * the trade unions also have an important role to perform in cooperation with Governments and employers’ organisations in promoting social and economic development and the advancement of the national community as a whole; * it is essential for the trade union movement in each country to preserve its freedom and independence so as to be in a position to carry forward its economic and social mission, irrespective of political changes; * a condition for such freedom and independence is that trade unions be constituted as to membership without regard to race, national origin or political affiliations and pursue their trade union objectives on the basis of the solidarity and economic and social interests of all workers. * When trade unions in accordance with national law and practice, and on the decision of their members decide to establish relations with a political party or to undertake constitutional political action as a means to-

wards the advancement of their economic and social objectives, such political relations or actions should not be of such a nature as to compromise the continuance of the trade union movement or its social and economic functions irrespective of political changes in the country. * Governments in seeking the cooperation of trade unions to carry out their economic and social policies should recognise that the value of this cooperation rests to a large extent on the freedom and independence of the trade union movement as an essential factor in promoting social advancement and should not attempt to transform the trade union movement into an instrument for the pursuance of political aims, nor should they attempt to interfere with the normal functions of a trade union movement because of its freely established relationship with a political party.

On Labour Day, May 1, 2021, the trade unions and the trade union movement and their leaders are called upon and challenged to let their membership and the Guyanese public know how accountable and faithful they have been over the last decade in meeting all their obligations and requirements under the Trade Union Act as outlined above.

Similarly, the Registrar of Trade Unions, the Trustees of Trade Unions, Trade Union Treasurers, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and the Auditor General, in faithful discharge and in the integrity of their responsibilities under this Trade Unions Act Chapter 98:03, must inform the concerned parties and the public on the state of affairs in relation to their statutory duties under this Act Sincerely, Samuel J Goolsarran

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

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

Careful planning and harmonious development are the watchwords Dear Editor, During my primary school years, I read a story in one of my reading books of a man, his son and a donkey who were travelling through some villages on their way to a distant destination. As they traversed each village, someone would somehow offer advice to the travelling trio. As the story goes, during their passage through the first village someone shouted out to them, why chase behind the beast instead let the man get up on the donkey and have his son prod the animal on, so they gratefully obliged and the man got on the donkey.

During their trek through the next village another villager called out what a lazy

big man why not have the little boy ride on the donkey and let the adult gentleman chase after them, so they readily heeded the advice and the little boy got on the donkey.

Passing through another village they all shouted out to them in chorus, look at these two senseless people, they should be carrying the poor animal! At the advice of the last set of villagers, the little boy suddenly got off the donkey, the father and son then made a raft and thereafter went struggling on their way through the streets carrying the heavy animal. It was a sight of laughter and humiliation as the two went through village after village carrying a heavy beast of burden. Now

the moral behind that story is when you try to please everybody or act on every piece of advice, the most ridiculous things will be the result.

With the above premise in mind, I turn your attention to our situation here in Guyana.

Now that we are an oil-producing giant, US$342 million and counting, the call comes as to what should be done with our newfound wealth and how best it should be utilised.

1. Coming from one source, let us plough much of the oil wealth into a fund to develop that industry to full capacity, that is, put more money into the oil industry so that we can maximise profit. A nice-sounding idea, but

how much of that would redound to the benefit of the people of this country is left unanswered.

2. Yet another says that we should do some more on the border with Venezuela. Let us buy some fighter jets to combat any aggression from our neighbour to the west of us.

3. Put the oil dollars into medicine and fight the COVID-19 disease. People are dying and the death toll is rising, come on people, let us channel more of our resources into the medical field.

4. Let us put a major part of our earnings into agriculture, after all, it is the productive sector so let us focus on the modernisation,

Indigenous women in Guyana Dear Editor, “Women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights.” This phrase is so common to our ears, but how often do we act on it? According to the World Bank, “one billion women— one out of three women globally—will face intimate partner violence or sexual violence in her lifetime.” The situation for Indigenous women is even worse as they suffer disproportionate violence and discrimination due to their intersectional identities as both women and Indigenous people.

Studies have found that Indigenous women are among the most vulnerable groups in society and historically, have been victims of poverty, violence, marginalisation, and racism due to lack of education.

In order to advance gender equity, a number of initiatives are required. For instance, men and boys should be educated from a very young age—

at homes, schools and in communities—to cultivate respect for women. Further, all people should be engaged in gender and development training to better appreciate the opposite sex and to gain knowledge that helps to reduce gender inequalities in communities. In addition, we need better social programmes to support women and address ongoing issues of gender-based violence, maternal and infant mortality, poverty and racism.

Although there is still much work to do, we are seeing significant changes in Indigenous villages, especially when it comes to Village Council elections. In the South Rupununi villages alone, more women are contesting leadership positions, including the position of Toshao. The nomination of Indigenous women for these positions must be applauded and encouraged. We hope these women will be given the opportunity to become village leaders so that there will

be an increase in Indigenous women’s representation among Toshaos and senior Councillors. We need an improvement from the last election cycle, which saw only 24 women elected to leadership positions out of 200+ communities in Guyana.

We see that traditionally—whether it be globally, nationally, or locally—the preference is for a male leader. There seems to be a misconception that if a woman leader is elected, she will not be capable of handling all the responsibilities a Toshao upholds and is very emotional.

However, until women are given leadership positions, we can never move forward in breaking these stereotypes and address all the issues we face in our villages.

For too long, we have ignored Indigenous women. We have been told to keep quiet—in other words, that our opinions do not matter. Even more disheartening are the comments on social media where

men in so-called “leadership positions” attack women for exercising their basic rights.

One could just imagine what goes on at home or elsewhere.

Such leaders should be challenged and replaced because they breed disrespect and harmful behaviour towards women.

It is about time that our communities and we as a society start appreciating our women more. It is time that women stop being afraid to voice their opinions, because they are also key decision-makers in the villages.

Now is not the time to politicise everything, now is the time to elect a leader who will work in the best interests of all the people, respecting everyone. Therefore, we encourage our communities to work together to close the gender gap and consider electing women leaders in these upcoming elections.

Dear Editor, Crime-fighting anywhere in the world is not a one-man job or a lone government approach, it requires instead a unified, all hands on deck, firm stand. It is not for a lack of strong, insightful and proactive management of the crime portfolio that has got us to this point. In fact, the Government of Guyana has been steadfast in its efforts and actions to strengthen the national security apparatus.

The Guyana Police Force has reported a more than 40 per cent decrease in serious crimes over the past year, although there has been an increase in the number of murders. Our President has given the commitment of the Government to further strengthen and develop the Police Force, whereby key training programmes will be unveiled as part of the plans to retool the Guyana Police Force maintaining that the goal has to be efficiency, effectiveness, responsiveness which requires clarity of vision and not a mixture of vision. There must be one

common vision and one approach.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn was charged with the responsibility to improve systems, manpower, attitude, reliability and use technology by revising Police training programmes, improving attitude collectively and individually, improving reliability that allows the Police Force to become people-oriented and unlearn existing habits and improve integrity which involves the community and support their initiatives to build trust and harmony while breaking the barriers of division.

With this new approach, it is evident in some communities the Police have built intelligence capacity and networking with key organisations which allows them to become proactive rather than reactive, setting goals proactively instead of merely reacting to the levels of crime.

A string of investments has been undertaken to upgrade several existing Police stations and, in some cases, reconstruct others.

Additionally, millions of dollars are being spent to leverage technological solutions in crime-fighting. These are being complemented by upgrading the fleet of Police vehicles to enhance the mobility and responsiveness of the Police.

Through an improved policy mechanism, the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn has embarked on the wholesome transformation of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) into a force for good.

Although there are positive changes seen through the effective work of members of the Guyana Police Force bringing charges against several criminals, disrupting the unlawful activities, creating a safe space for good, law-abiding citizens to live and enjoy their families, there is still the worrisome matter of a murder rate that runs counter to our established Christian and religious values.

The Government of Guyana and the Guyana Police Force remain fully invested in crime-fighting efforts and endeavour to add

further investment and other necessary resources, including manpower. We must acknowledge that we are in this together. We have a unique role to play in ridding our communities of those who perpetrate crime and violence and those who bring notoriety upon our family’s good name.

All crimes, in particular murder and shooting, are a blight against the decency and goodness in us as Guyanese. We must learn to disagree without turning to violence to settle our differences. It is full time we return to being neighbourly and caring people.

In this moment, we need to look inward and staunchly reject that which is bad, indecent and cruel. Let us be sincere, kind and helpful. If it’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, it is that we are indeed our brothers’ keeper and, for the sake of our children and grandchildren, let us come together and live as one people.

Warm regards, Judy Winter

Crime-fighting is not a one-man job

Sincerely, David Adams

retooling and refashioning of this sector. It will bring in much-needed foreign reserves which will work towards the development of our country.

5. Place all our monies into the pockets of our frontline workers. Definitely a pet project for the Opposition, they constantly clamour for these workers whom they claim risk their lives for our health and safety. They are the most important people in our country today, so let us put all our resources into this avenue.

6. Another one of those in the stomping ground arsenal of the Opposition, is the housing and water sector.

Water is life - they will argue - we also need a place to live, why should a country as large as ours and richly blessed as ours called the "Land of Many Waters," have a problem accessing these. Much, if not all our resources should be put into housing and water.

7.

Then infrastructure should take centre stage.

As a nation, we must have good roads, highways, bridges, buildings, sewer systems and a reliable power supply.

Without these, we would be a backward and underdeveloped third world economy.

More, if not a major part of our resources ought to be put into infrastructural works.

8.

Crime and crime-fighting is crucial to development. Lest we forget this fact we shall soon be overcome by the criminals out there. The very fabric of society will come crashing down should the criminals have their way, so why not put a hefty part of our reserves into crime-fighting.

9. Job creation. People need jobs, we need jobs so that we can work and earn and feed ourselves and our

families. This was the top priority during the election campaign and the Government should provide more jobs for its citizens.

10. Education training and people development.

Without an educated workforce, we would be backward and at the mercy of outside forces. Guyana can ill afford to be uneducated at this period of our development.

Yes, we subscribe to a democratic process, but with everybody shouting from every corner let us do this and let us do that, then, we will certainly be in a position like that man, his son and the donkey. I am talking about being bogged down by every titbit of advice. Truly it would be democracy gone mad and nothing will ever get done if we only source that line of reasoning.

Then it behoves us to rely on the Government who has the intelligence and brainpower in calling all stakeholders to the table in discussion as to the way forward, that is opposition and the wider society. Those ideas, projects and programmes are now marshalled into a national development strategy.

The point I am making is there must be a harmonious coordinated approach of all sectors of society with varying degrees of intensity. Only then can true development be effected. Careful planning and the putting together of those programmes for the most viable outcome. If this process is followed then and only then can true progress be achieved. No doubt Guyana is in good hands and I implore all of us to put our best foot forward as we build a nation we can all be proud of.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

By Elma Mitchell

We shouted out ‘We’ve got her!

Here she is!

It’s her all right’.

We caught her.

There she was – A decent-looking woman, you’d have said, (They often are) Beautiful, but dead scared, Tousled – we roughed her up A little, nothing much And not the first time By any means She’d felt men’s hands Greedy over her body – But ours were virtuous, Of course.

Friday’s answers a) 40% b) The recipe with the greater proportion of chocolate is the richer recipe. In Recipe A, the ratio of milk to chocolate is 3:2, hence 2/5 of total volume is chocolate and in Recipe B, the ratio is 2:1, 1/3 of total volume is chocolate. So in Recipe A, 40% of the drink is chocolate and in Recipe B, 33.33% of the drink is chocolate. Drinks made with Recipe A are richer. c) 36.667% d) Given that 3 cups of milk and 2 cups of chocolate make 6 bottles of chocolate drink, to make 150 bottles, the recipe must be multipled by 25 (150 ÷ 6). So 75 cups of milk and 50 cups of chocolate will make 150 bottles of chocolate drink. i) The cost of making 150 bottles of chocolate drink = 75 x $0.70 + 50 x $1.15 = $110 ii) The cost of 1 bottle of of chocolate drink = $0.73. To make 20% profit overall, each bottle must be sold for 120% of cost price= $0.88

And if our fingers bruised Her shuddering skin, These were lovebites, compared To the hail of kisses of stone, The last assault

And battery, frigid rape, To come Of right.

For justice must be done Specially when It tastes so good.

And then – this guru, Preacher, Godmerchant, Godknows-what – Spoilt the whole thing, Speaking to her (should never speak to them) Squaring on the ground – her level, Writing in the dust Something we couldn’t read.

And saw in her Something we couldn’t see, At least until He turned his eyes on us, Her eyes on us, Our eyes upon ourselves.

We walked away Still holding stones That we may throw Another day Given the urge.

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

WORD SEARCH

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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T&T oil expert says gas-to-shore project an “absolute must” for Guyana

— requisite studies should be done

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he importance of the gasto-shore project that will be rolled out by the Government in Guyana is such that Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) expert Anthony Paul described it as an “absolute must” for Guyana.

Paul, who was part of a panel of experts last year that looked at making recommendations for Guyana’s Local Content Policy, was quoted by online publication Oil Now as questioning what would be the next move for Guyana if it were to walk away from a project that is a must if it wants to expand its industries.

He noted that should Guyana go the route of full renewables at this stage, there are key questions that have to be answered. These include where the country will get the equipment from and how will foreign exchange be earned.

On the other hand, he noted that an energy mix has many opportunities for growth and development on an explosive scale.

Paul also advised that Guyana should not rush to make decisions on a future trajectory while also forsaking its present realities.

“There are so many opportunities, for big, medium or smallscale plants, the latter of which Guyanese can own and operate to turn gas to LNG, diesel, LPG, power, chemicals, animal feed etc,” he said, though he cautioned that the relevant studies must be done.

“It’s not just how quickly you produce oil; it also means how you deal with the gas. With 20 per cent of your reserves as gas, you cannot ignore it. The responsible thing to do would be to pursue it, don’t leave it as an afterthought,” Paul added.

The gas-to-shore project is a game-changing initiative that will see gas from the Liza Field offshore Guyana being pumped onshore to generate power. The main objective of the initiative is to transport sufficient gas from the Stabroek Block’s petroleum

operations to supply some 200250 megawatts of energy to the national grid, leading to a significant reduction in electricity costs.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously said the landing of the gas-to-shore pipeline in Region Three would lead to “big industrial development taking place there that is linked to not only power generation and a power plant.” He also said the investment on the Demerara River’s shoreside would create massive opportunities and a trickle-down effect.

Soon after the Government issued permit licences to Exxon for the Payara Development Project last year, Jagdeo had announced that the Government would turn its attention to negotiating the gas-to-energy project.

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

As such, he noted that the project could cut the cost of electricity in the country by more than half. To

T&T expert Anthony Paul

this end, he had announced that a team has been set up to start negotiations on the gas-to-energy project, with the Government eyeing 2023 to bring the project to fruition.

And indeed, a Gas-to-Shore Project Advisory Committee headed by former National Industrial and Commercial Investments

Limited (NICIL) Head Winston Brassington was set up soon afterwards to look at various locations for the gas-to-shore project.

A number of factors including geotechnical, geophysical and environmental were examined before Vice President Jagdeo announced recently that the Government had settled on Wales to land the pipelines for the project.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who has responsibility for the energy sector, has previously said that the Government is looking to produce 200 megawatts of power from the gas-to-shore project by 2024.

Exxon has said that around 30 to 35 million cubic feet of natural gas would be required for the gas-to-shore project. Recentlyreleased data from Norwegian research company Rystad Energy had indicated that less than 20 per cent of the 1.8 billion Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) discovered last year was gas.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 convicted for manslaughter awaiting sentencing

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hree men who have been convicted for manslaughter are presently on remand pending sentencing. On April 13, 2021, 33-year-old Orpheus Johnson formerly of Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared before High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon on two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. In relation to the murder charge, Johnson pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

Johnson admitted that on June 21, 2015, at Nandy Park, EBD, he unlawfully killed Travis Rudder. He further admitted that on April 22, at Agricola, EBD, he un-

Dead: Claude De Jonge

lawfully killed Gladstone George. He further pleaded guilty to two counts of attempt to commit murder committed on Rudder’s reputed wife Mowanza Gill and the couple’s 18-monthold son Jaleel Rudder.

It was reported that on the day in question, Johnson went to Rudder’s home where he opened fire on the couple and their baby while

Confessed killer: Orpheus Johnson

Convicted killer: Eustace Abrams

Confessed killer: Corwyn Arthur

they slept. Rudder was reportedly shot some 21 times about his body, while his reputed wife was shot several times to her leg.

The couple’s 18-monthold son received injuries to his stomach and leg. The family of three was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where Rudder was pronounced dead on arrival.

In addition, Johnson also pleaded guilty to killing George, who he riddled with bullets.

Reports are that on the day in question, George was a passenger in a minibus that had stopped at Agricola, EBD. It was then Johnson walked up to a window and discharged several rounds at him. An injured George was rushed to the public hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Johnson returns to court on May 3, 2021, for sentencing in relation to these matters.

Meanwhile, Eustace

Abrams, the man who was implicated in the 2017 murder of a miner, will be sentenced on Monday after he

Backdam, North West District (NWD). After he was arraigned before the Judge, the now-convicted killer had initially pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.

According to reports, La Cruz was lying in a hammock at his mining camp when Abrams and another man visited him and they started to consume alcohol.

It was reported that shortly after, one of the men had asked La Cruz to perform oral sex on him, however, when the now-dead man refused, an argument ensued.

During the ordeal, La Cruz was shot in the right side of his neck by one of the men.

The two men made good their escape. La Cruz was later discovered in the hammock bleeding. He was pronounced dead at the

Dead: Travis Rudder

was found guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter by a 12-member jury. On April 6, 2021, Abrams was convicted of the offence following a trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds.

On June 15, 2017, he unlawfully killed Orlando La Cruz, the Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) man who was shot dead at Jack and Vieira

Dead: Gladstone George

Matthews Ridge District Hospital.

In another matter, 34-year-old Corwyn Arthur, who pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing his ex-partner’s lover, will also be sentenced on May 3, 2021, by Justice Kissoon. Initially indicted for the May 10, 2018 murder of 40-year-old Claude De Jonge, Arthur opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Arthur called “Cross Eye” formerly of Cinderella Street, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), fatally stabbed De Jonge, a taxi driver who was reportedly in a relationship with his ex-girlfriend. De Jonge was found lying motionlessly in a pool of blood at the woman’s home.

At the time, he was clad in trousers and his body bore several stab wounds to the neck, shoulder, and abdomen. A post-mortem examination gave his cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds.

So predictable...

A

...with Granger couple of days ago, your Eyewitness commented on David Granger S.G. (Sanctimonious Gangster, have you forgotten?) and his sidekick Harmon’s patent attempts to hold off the PNC’s Congress – which is supposed to select the Leadership. They don’t have to be geniuses (political or otherwise) to know they have absolutely no ground support to win. The writing isn’t only on the wall, but stamped on their foreheads – losers! Harmon had been defeated by Volda Lawrence for the party chairmanship while Granger had to be rigged into office by Corbin!

Granger just released a statement on the developments and to no one’s surprise, we’re no closer to knowing when the Congress will be held. In fact, he revealed he’d commissioned a report on the feasibility of holding it because of COVID-19!! Yup! That’s right – FEASIBILITY! He’s so concerned about the health and well-being of PNC delegates that he’d sacrifice democracy in his party!! Yeah right! What a guy!! But then, sadly, he’s the Sanctimonious Gangster, isn’t he? All fake.

First of all, he’s the one who set up the Committee to pronounce on the feasibility of Congress. This is the man who’s never appointed anybody before assuring himself that they’d ask “How high?” when he tells them to jump!

Remember James Patterson for GECOM Chair? Remember him choosing Harmon and a bunch of neophytes to represent the PNC in Parliament over Volda and the veterans? He was burnt by Claudette Singh in the end – but this would’ve made him even more paranoid about choosing guaranteed flunkeys!

Anyhow, Granger hasn’t released the report, but says the entire Central Executive Committee will be making its decision in a couple of weeks on the aforementioned “feasibility” of holding Congress. But in the meantime, Granger SG insisted that he’s the best thing since sliced bread for the PNC! After all, wasn’t he the only PNC leader to win an election since Hoyte in 1985, he asked? In fact, if he wanted to go down that road, he could’ve pointed out he was the only PNC leader to win an election since Burnham in 1964!! The elections of 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985 were all “more crooked than barbed wire”!!

And more to the point, many of the PNC supporters – especially the new converts from the WPA – are totally pi55ed with him for not following that tradition and going along with Mingo’s figures! They’re insisting he’s lacking in testicular fortitude for not being willing to “tough it out” against “foreign meddlers”!!

So what’s next? As your Eyewitness has been saying, he’ll rig his way back as PNC Leader.

Unlike the rigging at Ashmin’s, the PNC Congress won’t have international observers, but Granger’s enforcers! ...on unpreparedness There’s a tragedy unfolding in India as their COVID-19 infections and deaths careen off the charts. What’s the lesson for us? We can’t get complacent...that’s what! Just a few months ago, India was proud of the low infection rates of less than 10,000 daily for a nation of 1.3 billion, but with a mortality rate of 1.7% –one-sixth of Britain’s. Right now, in comparison, while the mortality rate has dropped, with the infection shooting up to almost 300,000 daily, the absolute number of deaths are now over 2000+ daily.

While India – the world’s vaccine’s factory – was pushing “Vaccine Maitri” or “vaccine friendship” by donating vaccines across the globe including to us in Guyana, they’re now asking other manufacturers to help. But what’s most poignant is that while we were all worried about having ventilators to deal with the virus’ damaging of the lungs, most – including India – didn’t focus on the supply of oxygen.

Yet this isn’t a high-tech product – right up India’s alley.

How’s our supply? ...for inducing corruption While it may appear quite equitable to allow duty-free vehicles to returning Venezuelans – as was just announced – this is going to encourage corruption for sure. Many will “sell” their rights.

Forewarned is forearmed?

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

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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Construction in housing sector already employing hundreds – Croal — Govt development agenda geared towards providing jobs

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he Government’s housing programme has always been multi-fold and geared at providing 50,000 new house lots and providing employment for the masses. According to Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, this is already bearing fruit in several communities.

Cummings Lodge, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), where at least 400 persons have been employed in the Government’s construction and housing drive.

This is despite the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve just started a number of low-income houses at Cummings Lodge. If Housing Minister Collin Croal

During a broadcast programme where he shared a panel with Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill, Croal gave the example of

you go there and I’m going there again tomorrow.

Every single one of those houses that have started, the construction, there’s a

minimum of 10 persons employed right now,” he said.

“On an average, there are 40 houses. Now there’s a total of 190 we’re building.

40 by 10 will tell you. If you [go] at the back there right now, you will find 400 persons employed in the housing sector, directly for the commencement of construction,” Minister Croal added.

He noted the spin-off effect from all of this construction on the transportation and services sector.

According to the Minister, this is all part and parcel of

the Government’s efforts to fulfil its promise.

“The spin-off for all of that, you have the transportation sector, whether it’s the horse carts or trucks, they are benefitting. The people selling snacks on the roadside, they’re benefitting. You saw in the news someone was able to give their success story. They’re from Sophia and now supplying blocks for one of the contractors involved. So, it amplifies itself.”

Minister Croal also noted that in under nine months, the Government has been able to distribute 3600 house lots. He also made it clear that his Ministry will be following up on last week’s visit to Essequibo, with another visit to Charity. This is in addition to the 10,000 house lots promised for the year.

“This year, as part of our commitment over the five years, you will still have 10,000 house lots before we’re finished. And the level of investment we’ve already placed in communities for

their development, we’re talking about $14 billion for new infrastructure works.

For over 10,000 persons to be able to take up their land allocations and to construct their own homes.”

“To aspire to grow their own families. To live in that environment, now that we’re developing the economy and making more disposable income available to them, it means they will be able to spend and enjoy a comfortable life. This is what we’re doing.”

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill noted that the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) developmental projects are geared towards making sure persons get jobs. He referenced initiatives in his own Ministry, including one that has seen hundreds of youths being hired for community projects.

“Our programmes are designed to make sure people get jobs and of course the main objective is that they own their own home.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

We have roadworks, sea defence works. Just in one programme, we have just hired 305 young people across Guyana who are involved in community projects in the various towns and areas.

They’re going to be working every day.”

“Every time you award a contract for a road or sea defences or drainage, its employment for people. But it’s also development. Whether you build a timber bridge or concrete bridge, it’s work for people,” Minister Edghill said.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Home Affairs Minister chairs meeting Miner dies after pit caves in at Kuribrong on firearm trafficking in Caricom

H

ome Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, the current Chairman of the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) of Caricom, led a meeting recently between Caricom Member States and representatives of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The meeting was held virtually.

The meeting was attended by Ministers and senior representatives with responsibility for national security of Caricom Member

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

States.

The Executive Director of the Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security

(IMPACS), Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, was also in attendance.

Firearms trafficking in the Caricom Region was reviewed and approaches to urgently deal with the issue and its related manifestations were identified.

They include implementing the Regional Roadmap for Addressing Caribbean Priority Actions on the Illicit Proliferation of Firearms and Ammunition across the Caribbean by 2030; collaboration with regional stakeholders such as IMPACS to facilitate training and capacity building for Member States and col-

laboration with international stakeholders such as the ATF and HSI who deal with transnational organised crime.

Optimising the use of the Regional Integrated Ballistic Information Network (RIBIN) and E-Trace; the operationalisation of the Caricom Gun Crime Intelligence Centre (CGIC) was given high priority, as well as opportunities for training, intelligence gathering, and sharing with the ATF and HSI were discussed along with the deployment of intelligence officials to and within the Caricom Region.

Businessman robbed at knife-point at Ogle Seawall

F

ifty-eight-year-old Garsran Ramdat, a businessman of Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was allegedly robbed of a quantity of items on Saturday at the Ogle Seawall, ECD, by two bandits, one of whom was armed with a knife.

Ramdat was reportedly robbed of one cellular phone, a bus key and $71,000 in cash.

The victim told Police that on Saturday he went to Ogle Seawall, ECD, in his minibus to collect his workers who were returning from the sea. Upon arrival at the

location, Ramdat parked the said vehicle and exited.

Soon after, one of the suspects, who was armed with the knife, held the victim and demanded that he hand over his valuables.

During the ordeal, the suspect carried out a search on the victim and relieved him of the above-mentioned items. On the other hand, the second robber reportedly ransacked the vehicle but did not find anything.

After committing the act, the two men made good their escape on bicycles. The matter was later reported and an investigation was launched.

Only a few days ago the Guyana Police Force said it is going after those perpetrators who use motorcycles and bicycles to execute their criminal acts.

A report from the Police Headquarters said serious crime has decreased by 29.8 per cent for the year thus far.

In particular, the Police said there has been a 38.4 per cent decrease in armed robberies where firearms were used by the perpetrators and a 47.7 per cent decrease in armed robberies where other instruments were used.

However, one day af-

ter the Police had issued the statement, the Timothy Tucker-led Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said that there seems to be an increasing rate of criminal activities against the business community.

According to the GCCI, this has created an atmosphere of fear amongst the populace.

In saying this, the GCCI called on the relevant authorities to take stern actions against the criminal elements and ramp up its campaign against crime-fighting.

P

olice are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man who reportedly died following a mining accident at Kuribrong Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Sipuaruni).

The man was referred to as “Coolie”.

Based on information received, the now dead man was working in a mining pit when it reportedly caved in and he was pinned by a fallen tree.

The victim’s co-worker told Police that the man was employed by a 50-yearold gold miner of Haslington Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD), as a pitman for just about five days.

The workers reported that on the day in question, the now dead man along with others were working in the mining pit when it caved in. As a result, “Coolie” was pinned by a tree that came crashing down.

He would have sustained injuries and was picked up by his colleagues and rushed to Mahdia Regional Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead on arrival.

The body was further examined by Police and marks of violence were seen on the victim’s head and right foot.

The body was taken to the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

An investigation has been

The unidentified man

launched into the accident by the Guyana Police Force and the Natural Resources Ministry.

More than a month ago, 29-year-old Manley Williams, a miner, drowned while taking a swim in an old mining pit at Sand Creek Village.

Reports are at about 11:30h on the day in question, Williams was seen swimming in the old mining pit located some 40 feet from his camp. It was later observed that the man suddenly went underwater and did not surface.

Shortly after, Williams’ brother went into the pit and conducted a search and discovered his motionless body at the bottom of the pit.

His body was subsequently taken out and escorted to Bartica where a post-mortem examination was conducted.

NEWS

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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana looking to unlock US$135M climate funds by year-end – President Ali

President Irfaan Ali

W

ith Guyana set to undergo massive economic transformations, President Dr Irfaan Ali said his Government is looking to unlock some US$135 million in climate-related funds that are stalled overseas by the end of this year to finance Guyana’s sustainable development.

The Head of State made this disclosure during a recent address to the Private Sector Commission (PSC), where he reminded that Guyana also has a global responsibility.

“While our focus is on advancing our economy, it is important and critical to understand that this must be done in a sustainable way,” he posited.

As such, President Ali noted that Guyana will be using the funds it earned for sustaining its rainforests in order to absorb global carbon emissions, to finance its development.

Guyana has earned more than US$250 million via the ground-breaking forest partnership agreement

with Norway under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) initiative, which was the brainchild of former President and now Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. However, the country has been unable to access the outstanding funds due to the political instability under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

But according to Ali, “By the end of this year, we’ll put measures in place to unlock almost US$135 million that we’re yet to receive, and going forward, we are already targeting new initiatives with higher value markets to be a major player in the carbon markets.”

The Head of State noted that these new initiatives will have the potential of earning the country hundreds of millions of US dollars annually.

With the current PPP/C Government aiming to implement Phase Two of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), it has already re-engaged the

Kingdom of Norway, which was the source of the funding.

VP Jagdeo is leading the efforts in this regard and according to President Ali, only Thursday last Guyana signed a pact that places the country ahead of everyone else in this regard.

The LCDS initiative was the first for a developing country and the third-largest agreement in the world at the time.

At a press conference last year, Jagdeo had said the LCDS would be the main document guiding Guyana’s climate actions. He had also said that the LCDS would also be expanded in the areas of biodiversity, water management and other sectors.

The Vice President had added that the Government was creating a coordinated and efficient mechanism to deal with all climate and environment-related issues. In this regard, the Government had merged the Office of Climate Change and the Department of the Environment.

Guyana had, in 2009, signed with Norway a historic forest protection accord aimed at Guyana receiving payments for sustaining its rainforests to absorb global carbon emissions. A total of US$250 million was to be paid to Guyana over a fiveyear period.

However, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during the presentation of the 2021 budget in February had explained that the former Government’s misman-

agement and then the protracted political crisis from when the coalition fell to a No-Confidence Motion in 2018, led to outstanding funds not being released to Guyana by Norway.

“When the APNU/AFC Government came into office, they squandered whatever funds were available, and brought the release of the rest of the funds already earned by Guyana to a halt.

This culminated in the last payments from Norway being suspended,” the Finance Minister had said.

He added, “On top of this lost opportunity, a successor Guyana-Norway agreement for the period from 2015 to 2020 never materialised.

Almost US$30 million for existing projects has not been disbursed. More than US$135 million that was earned by Guyana is sitting in bank accounts outside our economy.”

Nevertheless, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat subsequently told reporters in March that

Government is already in talks with Norway to start Phase Two of LCDS, which was renamed the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) by the APNU/AFC regime.

“We’ve already re-engaged Norway so that we can start Phase Two of the LCDS programme. We know the LCDS programme was replaced by what was called the Green State Strategy.

I’m not sure how much benefits it yielded for Guyana,” Bharrat had stated.

When it comes to Guyana’s current management of its forest resources, the Minister had revealed that Guyana is way ahead of many other countries. He cited Guyana’s neighbour to the East, Suriname.

“I’m happy to say that we probably have the best forest coverage presently among forest producing nations. We have one of the best sustainable forestry system or harvesting in Guyana. It’s something that is probably second to none,”

Minister Bharrat indicated last month.

“Suriname, our neighbour, another forest producer country, we’re way ahead of Suriname in terms of how we manage our forestry activities. It is a model that has been working for us over the years and we will continue to use and improve it, so we protect our forests and wildlife at the same time we are producing,” he added.

One of the hallmark projects under the LCDS initiative was the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which would have used US$80 million in funding from the LCDS. However, the project was torpedoed by APNU/AFC while they were in the combined Opposition and was eventually scrapped after the coalition took office in 2015.

Now, the PPP/C Government is keen on reviving the AFHP, which is expected to add some 165 megawatts of power to the national grid, thus providing clean and reliable energy.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man wanted for murder of Anglican priest nabbed in Region 8

A

Berbice man who was wanted for the murder of Anglican priest George Chuck-ASang was arrested by Police in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

The suspect, Orlando Orin Ormando Richards of Gibraltar Road, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was caught on Thursday evening last.

Police stated that based on information received, the

22-year-old man was apprehended and will be questioned in connection with the December 2020 murder of the priest.

Following an investigation, the Police had issued a wanted bulletin for his arrest in February last.

In a statement on Sunday, Police said Richards is currently in custody at the Major Crimes Unit where further investigations are ongoing.

Two other persons,

Captured: Orlando Orin Ormando Richards

Major repairs commence on damaged Casaurina Drive

E

xtensive repair works have commenced on an extremely damaged section of Casaurina Drive at Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The project is being executed through the Public Infrastructure Ministry and is being done by Lindenbased contracting company, Orin Supreme Enterprises Inc. The project will see a complete overhaul of the damaged section of the roadway, including drainage works. The patch of road was recently listed amongst those slated for emergency road repairs by regional officials, following assessments of major road networks in the Linden community.

This particular section of road, which is situated in the vicinity of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Linden Electricity company Inc (LECI), had suffered massive erosion and usually floods during inclement weather condi-

Rawle McPherson, 45, of Victoria, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Mohanie Mohabir, 43, of Corentyne, Berbice, were already arrested, charged and remanded to prison for the murder.

The charge read that between December 21 and December 22, 2020, at St Sidwell’s Anglican Church, Vlissengen Road, Lodge, Georgetown, the suspects murdered Chuck-A-Sang.

The lifeless body of the Priest was discovered at his Lodge, Georgetown residence.

It was reported that his daughter, Renata ChuckA-Sang, had last spoken to him via a WhatsApp call on December 18, 2020, but on

Murdered priest: George Chuck-A-Sang

December 21, 2020, at about 15:00h, when she attempted to contact him, his mobile phone went unanswered.

This prompted her to vis-

it his residence at the vicarage of St Sidwell’s Anglican Church, but again she was unable to contact him. As a result, she went to the residence of the current priest, at North East La Penitence, Georgetown, and explained the situation.

They subsequently returned to her father’s residence and the priest opened the door to his office to give her access to the upper flat of the building. It was then the body of the elderly man was discovered clad in a pair of white briefs, lying motionlessly on the floor.

Based on reports, his body bore several stab wounds and his forehead appeared to be swollen.

Child care Director renews calls for Special Victims Unit …says it will address slothfulness in probing sex crimes

T Drainage works ongoing along the roadway

tions.

This was considered dangerous by motorists since there is also a steep turn at the major corner. This was coupled with large potholes as a result of poor drainage in the vicinity.

Prior to the commencement of the project, Region 10 Vice Chairman Douglas Gittens had also made calls for major repair and drainage works to be executed in the area. Gittens had also indicated that a culvert had collapsed underneath the section of road which had

been one of the main causes of flooding in the vicinity.

He had also expressed concerns that the drainage system in the area had become nonexistent due to vegetation buildup.

"They will put several tubes so that the water can run off...they will resurface it (the section of the road) and then it should be back in driving order. It's a complete overhaul of that stretch of road," Gittens recently told this publication, as he gave a description of the repairs which are underway.

o address the slothfulness in probing sex crimes against children, Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CC&PA), Ann Greene has renewed her call for a Special Victims Unit (SVU) to be established within the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Greene made this call on Friday in an interview with Guyana Times during which she acknowledged that “sex abuse cases do not get to court fast”.

Asked specifically for figures on the number of child rape reports for 2021 that are now court cases, Greene said, “…the cases getting to court is a long way. Sex abuse cases do not get to court fast.” On this note, she disclosed that the majority of child rape reports received for 2021 are still under investigation.

According to Greene, the problem lies with the “system” which permits the Police to hold a suspect for 72 hours. If charges are not filed after the 72-hour period, the Police have to release the suspect on bail, unless

CC&PA Director Ann Greene

an extension to hold them is granted by the High Court.

The State, however, reserves the right to file charges at a later time.

“When 72 hours gone the Police has to loose the man out of the lock-ups.

[Sometimes] the man walks away from the case, walks away from the country. It is not speedy. The Police has to prepare their files and send it to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions). So, it is a process. You have to go back and find them, and many times the Police cannot find the perpetrators,” Greene explained.

“So we have a lot of cases that we cannot get to see the

end of them. That is a challenge we are working on. I am not bashing the Police because we have to cooperate with them… But the system… We have to get a speedier system to deal with child sexual abuse.”

Greene stressed that given the number of child rape/ abuse reports across the country, there is an urgent need for the establishment of an SVU. The Michigan State University defines a SVU as a team of sworn personnel that investigates sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, harassment, child abuse, vulnerable adult abuse, hate crimes, and missing persons’ cases.

The SVU would include a team of specially trained Police ranks, social workers, and public health workers such as psychologists and psychiatrists. “I have been calling for us to establish a Special Victims Unit so that everything can be done fast and within the 72 hours the [perpetrator]is placed before the courts.”

Greene noted that the SVU will facilitate speedier probes which will see perpetrators of sexual offences against children being brought to justice swiftly. Moreover, she noted that it will also prevent such crimes. Greene applauded the Sexual Offences Courts which, according to her, have been yielding speedier trials.

13 PM reaffirms Govt’s commitment to develop Region 5 P NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

rime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Saturday visited several communities in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) during which he reaffirmed Government's commitment to developing the region.

The outreach is a part of Government's responsibility to assist in solving challenges of the ordinary Guyanese.

"This is a visit that I intend to do to every region, so that as your Prime Minister I can interact with you, lis-

COVID-19 virus.

The Prime Minister further told the residents that the Government is committed to fulfilling promises made in its manifesto. High on the agenda, he stated, is the agricultural sector and development projects within the region.

"We have cleared 800 miles of canal from August 2nd to now and we have also reduced the land rates from $15,000 to $3500, this is a Government that didn't only put promises in a manifes-

dreds of rice farmers across Region Five and Region Six and that she appreciates the commitment of the Government in assisting with overcoming challenges that would hamper the sector's growth.

“It’s nice to have the Prime Minister visiting us, what's comforting is to know that he is willing to be there with us to help the farmers.

We have farmers coming here from both Region Five and Six and they look forward to doing business with

Prime Minister Mark Phillips in discussion with residents during the outreach on Saturday

move to resolve them where possible, while noting that Central Government will also assist where it can.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal related that he was pleased by the Government’s engagement with the citizens.

"Our people made full

The Prime Minister addressing residents during one of his brief stops in Region Five

ten to you and have a fair idea as to what are the big things that are affecting you in your community and what are the big ideas that you would like me to take back to the Cabinet and to the President as we seek to conduct the affairs of State to the benefit of all Guyanese," the Prime Minister stated.

During Saturday’s outreach, the Prime Minister visited Mahaicony Branch Market, where he met with vendors and shoppers during which he appealed to the residents to take their vaccines to protect themselves against the deadly

to, but also hit the ground running from August 2nd,” Phillips told residents of Bush Lot. The Prime Minister also toured A Cayume Hakh and Sons Rice Mill at Golden Grove and R&R Business Enterprise (a hardware store) at Bath.

Location Manager of the rice mill, Reymona Ramlall said that she was pleased to have the commitment of the Prime Minister for the development of the region and to an extent the Private Sector.

She noted that the mill purchases paddy from hun-

us."

Nevertheless, Phillips also toured the Guyana Power and Light's Onverwagt Power Station.

Among some of the concerns raised by the residents during the outreach were land disputes, drainage and irrigation challenges and the upgrading of farmto-market and community roads.

The Prime Minister requested that the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), look into the concerns and more so,

GMSA mourns passing of executive member

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he Board of Directors and Staff of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) were saddened to learn of the death of one of its members, Bissessar Chintamani, founder and CEO of Triple C Consultancy and Modern Security.

Chintamani was recently appointed to the GMSA’s Executive Board. This appointment recognised him as an invaluable contributor to the agri sector, having demonstrated his commitment and passion towards advancing the sector since joining the membership.

He was an advocate for cultivating non-traditional crops and used many innovative techniques and solutions to encourage farmers to undertake large-scale production. Under his accolade of contributions,

Bissessar Chintamani

Chintamani recently partnered with the University of the West Indies (UWI), in an initiative which offered free online courses to GMSA members. His contributions were well recognised and impacted many small farmers country-wide.

His passion was always to empower farmers and see them develop. He was committed to that cause and pursued it with vigour and relentless drive.

In December 2020, Chintamani was the recipient of the GMSA Award in recognition of his efforts in sharing knowledge with agro-processors for agriculture initiatives. In 2018 he was also the recipient of the President’s Award in recognition of his company’s efforts in promoting the use of technology to enhance primary crop productivity.

“As we pay tribute to this true professional, our friend, colleague, mentor, and innovator, the GMSA would like to extend deepest condolences to Chintamani’s family during this time of grief,” the GMSA stated in a release.

use of this opportunity of the Prime Minister visiting the region and that is the approach that we have to take to better the living standard of our people... Region Five is the largest rice-producing region in our country and so there is much need for improved infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also stopped briefly at Number 41 Village to pay his final respects and offer his condolences to the relatives and friends of Abiola Blackman, a supporter of the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) who died on April 16, 2021.

Region 1 to undergo massive transformation – Chairman

– $500M pumped into rehabilitation of major roads, other infrastructure

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he Public Works Ministry will be advancing some $500 million into the rehabilitation of internal road networks within Region One (Barima-Waini).

Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley said the 2021 National Budget has catered for a range of developments in the agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure sectors. This, he said, is in keeping with the PPP/C Administration’s promise of improving citizens’ quality of life.

“That tells volume to the Government’s commitment to bringing development to the people of Region One, regardless of where they live. The Government and the RDC are very committed to ensuring that the gaps are closed, that bridges are built, so that people can feel a sense of prosperity, wherever they are,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI) recently.

In the education sector, the Chairman said the Tasawinini community in the Matarkai sub-district will soon have a school, which will allow children from satellite villages to access education closer to their homes.

“Prior to this project, children had to go to a number of miles to Matthews Ridge, et cetera, so education is becoming more accessible to the children across the region.”

The region is also gearing for major developments in Information

Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley

and Communications Technology (ICT). Ashley said students have been learning virtually since the pandemic began. To this end, smart classrooms will be established to further advance the education programme.

Concerning health services in the region, Ashley related that the upgrading of the Mabaruma Regional Hospital to a smart hospital is already underway.

Several specialists including surgeons, gynaecologists and internal medicine physicians have already been assigned to the institution. Doctors will also be placed in communities such as White Water, Yarakita, Manawarin and Waramuri in the Moruca sub-region and Arakaka in the Matarkai sub-region.

Further, the Chairman added that the region has

been allocated a substantial amount of money for the agriculture sector. The programme for this year will include investments in large-scale poultry rearing at the Santa Rosa, Port Kaituma and North West Secondary Schools.

A Regional Agriculture Department will also be established to support farmers in the region.

Meanwhile, Ashley said Barima-Waini has been able to successfully reduce the number of COVID-19 cases which had skyrocketed last year.

“We are very grateful because of our hardworking frontline staff, whether Joint Services, community leaders and health workers, we were able to fight and reduce COVID drastically,” he said, adding that the few positive cases are being monitored.

14 NEWS

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 death toll jumps to 284 as 3 more die — 103 new cases recorded in 1 day

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hree more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) died on Saturday, taking the total number of deaths from the pandemic in Guyana to 284.

These latest fatalities are a 55-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and two men, a 72-year-old and a 42-year-old, both from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

They all died while receiving care at medical facilities.

On Saturday, the Ministry had reported that two other males died on that day – a 72-year-old and a 42-year-old, both from Region Four as well.

Prior to this, a 60-yearold woman from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and a 65-year-old woman from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) had died on Friday.

Nevertheless, with the additional three fatalities on Saturday, the death toll for the month of April has gone up to 51 - the deadliest month since the first case was detected in March 2020.

Meanwhile, some 103 new COVID-19 cases were detected from 1344 tests conducted during a 24-hour period throughout Guyana.

According to the updat-

ed COVID-19 dashboard on Sunday, the total number of confirmed cases in Guyana is now 12,703.

However, only 1633 of these are currently active cases. These include 12 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 1621 persons in isolation, that is, 73 persons in institutional isolation and the other 1548 persons in home isolation.

There are also another 10 persons in institutional quarantine.

Further, the number of persons who have recovered from the life-threatening disease in the country to date has increased to 10,786 – some 84 more recoveries than the figure reported the previous day.

A total of 117,390 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus thus far in Guyana, and from that some 6419 males and 6284 females were positive.

Of the 103 new cases recorded on Sunday, one was detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); 23 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 13 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), a whopping 49 cases in the DemeraraMahaica region; seven in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), six in the East Berbice-Corentyne region,

three in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one case in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The figures remained the same in Regions Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The rising number of COVID-19 cases and death toll comes as local authorities continue to battle with a new wave of the novel coronavirus that is seeing a higher number of young people contracting the virus, and infected persons becoming sicker with some requiring hospitalisation.

As such, health authorities are reminding all Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 16), which was extended for this month and will be in effect until April 30, 2021.

Among these measures is the 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) national curfew, which the National COVID-19 Taskforce recently reminded remains intact and cautioned that those who fail to adhere to the guidelines will be prosecuted.

It also reinforced that only essential services are

authorised to operate on a 24-hour basis and that other services and businesses are

required to close operations by 21:30h (9:30 pm) in order to facilitate workers getting

home by the curfew time.

Restaurants and places of worship have been given approval to operate at 40 per cent capacity. Gyms are to operate at 50 per cent capacity while sporting events are only permitted with approval from the Health Minister.

The order further emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving 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.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 146,054,107 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 3,092,410 deaths.

The WHO also reported on Sunday that in the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 60,950,456 while the death toll in the region has gone up to 1,481,263.

Police destroy over 108,000lbs ganja along Berbice River

Shot Venezuelan soldier returns home for treatment – attack stemmed from interception of boat with ganja

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he Venezuelan soldier who was shot and injured by two of his countrymen on Saturday within Guyana’s border has returned to his country for further treatment.

The injured man, who has been identified as 28-year-old Lieutenant Edmundo Luis Berti Garcia, had requested to return home, the Police said on Sunday.

“While receiving medical attention at the [Mabaruma Regional] Hospital, the victim requested to be taken back to Venezuela for further treatment. This was facilitated by a team of Police and Guyana Defence Force ranks who took him to the Guyana-Venezuela border and handed him over to another officer of the Venezuelan National Guard,” a statement from the Guyana Police Force on Sunday detailed.

Lieutenant Garcia was shot sometime around 14:00h at Imbotero, NorthWest District, within the vicinity of the GuyanaVenezuela border by two Venezuelan nationals.

It was initially reported that the two suspects and the victim had a previous misunderstanding which resulted in an altercation on Saturday. During that confrontation, the suspects known as “Freddy” and “Kendell” shot the vic-

A

The cannabis plants being put to dried

n almost 12-hour eradication exercise at Henrietta Village in the Berbice River on Sunday unearthed over 108,000 pounds of ganja.

The exercise, conducted by a party of policemen, started at about 07:00h and ended at 18:40h. The team

The camp being destroyed by fire

reportedly went to Henrietta Village, Upper Berbice River, where two cannabis farms were located along with one makeshift camp.

The farms measured about five (5) acres in length and had about 13,000 cannabis plants ranging from three to five feet in height.

In addition, about eighty pounds of dried ganja was found hanging in the camps along with five salt bags containing leaves. An estimated weight of the cannabis plants is 108,600lbs.

The farms along with the dried cannabis were all destroyed by fire.

Brothers nabbed with gun, ammo during Police operation

The injured Venezuelan soldier being handed over to the Venezuelan National Guard

tim twice about his body before escaping over the border into Venezuela after being pursued by ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

However, in an update on Sunday, the Police said further investigations revealed that on April 19, 2021, Lieutenant Garcia had intercepted a boat in which a quantity of cannabis sativa (marijuana) was found.

The narcotic was seized and the two occupants, who are the suspects in Saturday’s shooting incident, were subsequently released.

On Saturday, the Venezuelan Lieutenant reportedly crossed the border into Guyana at Imbotero during which he was confronted by the suspects, who were each armed with a firearm. They opened fire, hitting him to his body.

Lieutenant Garcia was assisted out of the river by public-spirited persons and then taken to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital by Police ranks stationed at Imbotero, where he was listed as stable before being escorted back to his home country.

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wo brothers were on Saturday arrested after they were busted with a firearm and matching ammunition during a Police operation on Saturday at Kwakwani Water Front, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 12:30h, a team of Police ranks went to the area where they conducted a raid during which two 12-gauge cartridges were found in the possession of a 38-year-old man.

Further, a search was carried out on a small boat belonging to the suspect and

The gun and ammunition found during the raid

a 12-gauge shotgun was unearthed.

His brother, who was present, has since denied having knowledge of the arms and ammunition.

Nevertheless, they were both arrested after they could not produce the relevant licence. They are expected to be charged later in the week.

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CJ to rule in APNU/AFC election petition case today

Chief Justice Roxane George

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hief Justice Roxane George is expected to rule in the only election petition left standing for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) today at 11:00h.

To date, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Attorney General Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, and the then

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo [now Vice President] are all maintaining that there is nothing unconstitutional about Order #60 of 2020 and Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act as is being contended by petitioners Claudette Thorne and Heston Bostwick.

In this regard, they have dismissed the petitioners’ argument that Order #60, otherwise known as the recount order, is invalid, null, void, and of no effect.

During the oral presentation, Thorne and Bostwick argued that Order #60 and Section 22 of the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act are unconstitutional, and as such, the results of the elections which resulted in a win for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic should be invalidated since there was total non-compliance with the law regarding the conduct of

elections.

Order #60 was created pursuant to Section 22 of the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act and Article 162 of the Constitution of Guyana to

resolve irregularities, anomalies, and discrepancies coming out of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections and to determine a final credible count before

declaring the results of the elections which are required by the Representation of the People Act and the Constitution.

GECOM, Jagdeo, and Nandlall have submitted

that under Article 162 of the Constitution, GECOM has the authority to issue Order #60. Against this backdrop, they argued that the petitioners failed to present any

evidence upon which the results of the elections can be invalidated.

Nandlall, in his submissions to the court, cited case laws and underscored that Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act was promulgated because framers of the Constitution thought that Article 162 was inadequate and needed to be boosted to handle situations like the 1997 election controversy.

The petitioners, however, contended that once there is proof of substantial departure from the electoral laws, the election results ought to be invalidated as no evidence is required to prove that the results of the elections were affected.

According to the petitioners, the unconstitutionality of Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act and Order #60 mark a clear departure from the democrat-

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

ic principles which ought to govern elections and the declaration of results such that the March 2, 2020 Elections was a sham and a travesty to the ordinary Guyanese man/woman.

As such, they are asking the High Court to vitiate the results of the election as it was substantially not in compliance with the law in relation to the conduct of the elections.

COVID-19 and Pregnancy (Part II)

Dr. Narine Singh Chief Medical Officer Ministry of Health

COVID-19 and Pregnancy (Part II)

In Part I last week, we covered the latest research into COVID-19 and pregnancy, as well as looked at mother-to-child transmission and the need for remote appointments, if necessary.

In case you missed it, here is the link: https://guyanachronicle.com/2020/11/29/ covid-19-and-pregnancypart-i/.

Labour and delivery

If you are healthy as you approach the end of pregnancy, some aspects of your labour and delivery might proceed as usual. But be prepared to be flexible.

Whether you deliver your baby vaginally or via cesarean will depend on a lot of factors, and not just whether you have COVID-19.

If you are scheduled for labour induction or a C-section, you might be screened for COVID-19 symptoms 24 to 48 hours before your arrival at the hospital. You might be screened

again before entering the labour and delivery unit. If you have symptoms or the virus that causes COVID-19, your induction or C-section might be rescheduled.

To protect the health of you and your baby, the hospital might limit the number of people you can have in the room during labour and delivery. Visits after delivery might be affected too.

Also, during your hospitalisation, if you have COVID-19, or are waiting for test results due to symptoms, it's recommended during hospitalisation after childbirth that you wear a cloth face mask and have clean hands when caring for your newborn.

Keeping your newborn's crib by your bed while you are in the hospital is fine, but it's also recommended that you maintain a reasonable distance from your baby when possible. When these steps are taken, the risk of a newborn becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus is low.

Research suggests that only about 2-5 percent of infants born to women with COVID-19 near the time of delivery test positive for the virus in the days after birth.

However, if you are severely ill with COVID-19, you might need to be temporarily separated from your newborn.

Postpartum guidance

It's recommended that postpartum care after childbirth be an ongoing process.

Talk to your healthcare provider about virtual visit options for checking in after delivery, as well as your need for an office visit.

During this stressful

time, you might have more anxiety about your health and the health of your family. Pay attention to your mental health. Reach out to family and friends for support, while taking precautions to reduce your risk of infection with the COVID-19 virus.

If you experience severe mood swings, loss of appetite, overwhelming fatigue, and lack of joy in life shortly after childbirth, you might have postpartum depression.

Contact your health-care provider if you think you might be depressed; especially if your symptoms don't fade on their own, you have trouble caring for your baby or completing daily tasks, or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

Breast-feeding

It isn't yet known if the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through breast milk. Limited research has shown no evidence of the virus in the breast milk of women with COVID-19. But experts caution that more research needs to be done before they can definitively say there’s no risk.

The bigger concern is whether an infected mother can transmit the virus to the baby through respiratory droplets during breast-feeding. If you have COVID-19, or are an asymptomatic person under investigation for having the virus, take steps to avoid spreading the virus to your baby.

These include: • wearing a face mask • washing your hands thoroughly before touching your baby (be sure to get un-

der your nails and into the webbing of your fingers) • washing your hands thoroughly before handling a breast pump or bottle • considering having someone who is well give the baby a bottle of expressed breast milk

What you can do

A vaccine to prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus is still not available in Guyana at this time.

To reduce your risk of infection, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises pregnant women to do the same things as the general public does to avoid infection, such as avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms, and keeping about six feet of distance between yourself and others beyond your household. Wear a cloth face mask in public and at work. Limit contact with others as much as possible.

Instead, consider sharing moments with friends and family via photos, videos or videoconferencing.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. And skip the baby wipes -- they don’t disinfect.

Above all, focus on taking care of yourself and your baby. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss any concerns. If you're having trouble managing stress or anxiety, talk to your healthcare provider or a mental health counselor about coping strategies.

Safe Medical Treatments

Treatment for COVID-19

is similar to the treatment of other respiratory illnesses. Whether you’re pregnant or not, doctors advise: • taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher • staying well hydrated with water or low-sugar drinks • rest If Tylenol doesn’t bring down your fever, you have difficulty breathing, or you start vomiting, call your doctor for further guidance, or call the COVID-19 Hotline immediately.

Like swollen ankles and constipation, worry is a constant companion when you’re pregnant. But it’s important to keep perspective.

This new coronavirus is serious business, but, pregnant or not, you’re not a sitting duck.

While much still needs to be learned about the virus, the little research that’s out shows that pregnant women with COVID-19 are no more likely than others to have severe disease. And the virus is not likely to be passed along to their babies during pregnancy or childbirth, according to limited data we have so far.

As the saying goes, it pays to be prepared, not scared. Simple steps like thorough hand washing and limiting your time in crowds can go a long way in protecting you and your baby.

Article submitted as part of the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 public information and education programme. For questions, email ministersecretaryhealth@gmail.com

16 NEWS Region 5 to intensify COVID-19 vaccination campaign MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he Region Five ( M a ha ic a - B er bic e) Health Department will soon take the COVID-19 vaccination campaign to every village across the region with the aim of getting every citizen vaccinated.

Members of the Region Five COVID-19 Task Force took a decision to take a holistic approach during a recent meeting but this can only be done with the blessing of the National COVID-19 Task Force and

the Health Ministry.

During a recent press conference, Head of Region Five COVID-19 Task Force Vickchand Ramphal, who is also the Regional Chairman, revealed that the region will be collaborating with stakeholders and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to make its plan a reality.

“At our meeting, we would have decided to have more stakeholders involved

Superintendent Raphael Rose receiving his COVID vaccine

Tazmein Coates-Crawford using her story to inspire other agro-processors

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eing a mother of three, a wife and an ago-processor can be taxing, but Tazmein Coates-Crawford is certain that sharing her story can inspire other women to follow their dreams of becoming agro-processors – a dream the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC) is dedicated to supporting.

Coates-Crawford started her agro-processing business, Lionel’s Products, after she gave birth to her third child.

She said she used coconut oil on her baby's skin as a moisturiser and found that it was good and decided that pursuing a coconut oil business is a great venture.

Before becoming an Tazmein Coates-Crawford with some of her products agro-processor, CoatesCrawford worked in the marshe had an inspiring story to tell, so she deketing field. Initially, she desired to become a lawyer, but because of cided to start her own business. “...I enjoyed that and later started doing financial constraints, working as soon as she my own marketing. I would visit or call teleleft high school was her only option at that vision stations to find out the cost for airtime. time because I thought that I had a good stoCoates-Crawford worked for a seafood ry to tell and I knew that if I am able to find company where she marketed seafood prodsponsors for my own show, I would be able to ucts to places that purchase large quantimotivate women with my past experiences,” She said.

Due to her persistence, CoatesCrawford now has her own television show called “TLC” where she not only markets her agro-processing business but highlights the work of other agro-processors through interviews, advertisements and other marketing opportunities.

Coates-Crawford, like other local agro-processors, has benefitted from the support of the New GMC. Over the years she received assistance from GMC’s Agri-Business Development Unit and was able to properly develop her product, labels and packaging to a high standard where they will be better positioned to compete on the local market.

She participated in New GMC’s Farmers' Market day and other exhibitions where she was able to market her product.

In addition to that, her products were given shelf space in The Guyana Shop where she held sampling sessions during the “Month of Bride” proSome of the products by Coates-Crawford on display motion.

The agro-processor wants to encourage women to become entrepreneurs, ties. Subsequently, a friend, she said, told noting that “women having their own busiher about “Guyana Enjoy the Mix'' a magness is an excellent idea.

I would encourage azine that featured stories on the Cricket more women to get into business and supWorld Cup that was happening in Guyana port other female entrepreneurs.” in 2007.

Lionel’s Products can be found in The The mother of three sold advertisements Guyana Shop and at all the leading superfor the company and found that she was “remarkets in Guyana. (DPI) ally good at marketing” and also knew that

in this exercise. We are going to include the NDCs whenever there is a medical team going to a particular NDC, also the health officials what works within that NDC will be a part of that group that will reach out to each household and at the same time take with them take flyers that tell us about the importance of the vaccine and how we can stop the spread of COVID-19,” Ramphal told the media.

The region conducted over 2000 COVID-19 tests of which 317 were positive.

To date, Region Five has

recorded nine deaths.

Regional Health Officer Dr Desmond Nicholson related that since the vaccination campaign started in the region, only 6900 persons received the vaccines.

The aim is to vaccinate another 25,000 persons.

Nicholson related that the region will be taking a holistic approach to embark on a COVID-19 vaccine sensitisation programme, thereafter he is hoping for a fruitful response which will lead to more persons being inoculated.

“I took my vaccine, the Chairman took his vaccine, and I want to urge you; take your vaccines and help us to stop this pandemic, help us to achieve herd immunity which we are seeking to achieve so that we can get out lives back to normal so that we can prevent the strain on the healthcare system, reduce the numbers and to successfully exit this pandemic.”

Meanwhile, the Director General to the Health Ministry, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo noted that although the Government

has put mechanisms in place, citizens also need to play their part to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

He added that there are individuals who are misleading others by spreading false rumours about the vaccines. He further explained that those rumours are just fabricated.

“Vaccines and getting yourself vaccinated guarantees that you are not going to have serious consequences with the COVID. It will help you in some cases not to get infected and if you do get infected, you are not going to be hospitalised.

All of the vaccines have the same effect of reducing the serious consequences of the COVID-19 disease.”

In an effort to ensure persons comply with the COVID-19 measures; Region Five Police Commander Raphael Rose said the Region Five Police Division will continue to collaborate with the Regional Administration to enforce the law as it relates to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Get vaccinated through official Government channels – PAHO warns

…authorities monitoring “counterfeit” vaccines regionally

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he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is urging people to only get vaccinated against COVID-19 through national immunisation programmes and officially authorised mechanisms, since doing so outside these channels can be dangerous to their health.

PAHO said vaccines not procured through Government purchases from certified providers and offered by authorised national immunisation circuits are presumed to be counterfeit and dangerous to health.

The recommendation comes in response to reports of counterfeit or unauthorised vaccines in some Latin American countries such as Bolivia, Colombia, and Mexico. In March, the WHO issued a global alert on the counterfeit Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine in Mexico.

“People are advised to use only authentic vaccines as directed by national authorities, to seek the advice of a health professional if in doubt, and, if they know of any suspicious incidents, to report them to the authorities so that the products can be identified and withdrawn from circulation,” the Organisation cautioned.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in incidents of substandard, counterfeit, and unregistered medical products worldwide. In particular, the limited availability of

vaccines appears to be contributing to the emergence of products in illegal channels, ranging from internet sales offers to customs seizures to retail trade.

“Substandard, counterfeit, and unregistered vaccines can lead to increased prevalence of COVID-19, potential adverse and even toxic or fatal events, and loss of trust in the health system, as well as social and economic consequences of unpredictable magnitude.”

Recommendations to regulatory authorities included strengthened coordination between health, law enforcement, and customs authorities regarding prevention, detection, and response to incidents of substandard, counterfeit products. PAHO also called for increased comprehensive surveillance of the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain from the manufacturer or certified supplier to the patient or site of administration.

“Health authorities are also advised to keep vaccines in their original secondary packaging during storage and transport to

protect the QR and bar codes, which allow verification of product information throughout the distribution chain. Increased surveillance of illegal offers of COVID-19 vaccines, especially on the internet, social networks, and retail outlets is also recommended,” a statement indicated.

Other recommendations are to implement strategies for the destruction and/or final disposal of packaging, containers, vials, boxes, and labels of legitimate vaccines used in national immunisation schemes; to ensure a robust traceability mechanism; and to immediately notify the WHO - through the rapid alert system - of any suspected or confirmed vaccine counterfeiting.

PAHO and the operation of the Network of Focal Points of National Regulatory Agencies for the Prevention, Detection, and Response to substandard, counterfeit or unregistered Medical Products - comprising more than 20 countries in the region - promote the exchange of information and support decision-making in this field.

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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sustainability is Allies of Russia’s Navalny defiant in fundamental concept – face of possible extremism charges FAO Director General

Transplanting yams in rural Colombia

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ood and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General QU Dongyu has noted that sustainability was a “fundamental concept and a cross-cutting theme throughout the Organisation’s activities, interventions and initiatives”.

According to a FAO release, QU was addressing the Chinese Session of a 24hour sustainability-themed event: timed to coincide with Earth Day on April 22, it opened in Australia and worked its way across the world’s time zones, alighting in Asia-Pacific and moving on through the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Stopovers included some of the world’s largest economies: each one-hour session opened a window onto challenges particular to that country – and threw light on the best practices evolved in response.

Among speakers at the event were academics; senior policymakers; representatives of indigenous communities; youth groups; and other stakeholders at the intersection of environmental, agriculture and food security matters.

Opening the Chinese Session, the FAO Director General cautioned that making agricultural and rural development sustainable was far more than an academic exercise, noting that it required a “viable design with practical and concrete measures”. He went on to outline what he described as four “crucial elements”.

The Rule of Four

First, he argued, there was an acute need for “enabling policies for production, process, trade, and investment”. Second, more investment specifically in

rural areas – with improved broadband infrastructure, accessibility to roads and cold chain systems. Third, a push for innovation and science (including social, institutional, financial and technological innovations) to produce new varieties based on biotechnology, using non-polluting chemicals; and fourth – partnerships and new business models to maintain trade flow and the sustainable supply of food across regions.

The Director General further tied these four areas of action into FAO’s “Four Betters” approach – Better Production; Better Nutrition; a Better Environment; and a Better Life. He also commended China’s record on reducing poverty, while urging its scientists to act as an interface with policymakers and turn the country into a sustainability “powerhouse”.

The partnerships angle was endorsed by Roversi, with reference to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 – the “howto” goal, which provides for collaboration to fulfil the other SDGs. “Everyone”, she said, must “take responsibility”. She described the Food for Earth format as a framework where SDGs were being analysed through the prism of “integral ecology” – one which unites political, economic, human and social lenses. (Excerpt from FAO)

Myanmar activists slam ASEAN-junta consensus, vow to continue protests

Smoke rises after protesters burn tyres as they gather to continue their protest against military coup and detention of elected government members in Yangon, Myanmar on March 27, 2021

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yanmar’s pro-democracy activists sharply criticised an agreement between the country’s junta chief and Southeast Asian leaders to end the nation’s violent post-coup crisis and vowed on Sunday to continue their protest campaign.

Some scattered peaceful protests took place in Myanmar’s big cities on Sunday, a day after the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Jakarta, Indonesia, reached a consensus to end the turmoil in the country, but gave no timeline.

“Whether it is ASEAN or the UN, they will only speak from outside saying don’t fight but negotiate and

solve the issues. But that doesn’t reflect Myanmar’s ground situation,” said Khin Sandar from a protest group called the General Strikes Collaboration Committee.

“We will continue the protests. We have plans to do so,” she told Reuters by phone.

According to a statement from ASEAN Chair Brunei, a consensus was reached in Jakarta on five points – ending violence, a constructive dialogue among all parties, a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate the dialogue, acceptance of aid and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar.

The five-point consensus did not mention political prisoners, although the Chairman’s statement said the meeting “heard calls” for their release.

ASEAN leaders had wanted a commitment from Min Aung Hlaing to restrain his security forces, which the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) says have killed 748 people since a mass civil disobedience movement erupted to challenge his February 1 coup against the elected Government of Aung San Suu Kyi. AAPP, a Myanmar activist group, says over 3300 are in detention.

“We realised that whatever the outcome from the ASEAN meeting, it will not reflect what people want,” said Wai Aung a protest organiser in Yangon. “We will keep up protests and strikes till the military regime completely fails.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

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lose allies of jailed Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most vocal critic, pledged on Sunday to continue their actions despite the prospect of being outlawed under extremism charges.

Moscow City Court is expected to rule in a few days on a request from a Moscow Prosecutor to officially outlaw the backbone of Navalny’s political movement – the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) – on the grounds that it is an extremist group.

Such a ruling, if it happens, would give the authorities the legal power to arrest and jail his supporters and block their bank accounts simply for being activists in the foundation.

Leonid Volkov, chief of staff of Navalny’s team, said on Sunday the group

would continue its work, including investigations into corruption.

“We are not going to give up,” Volkov said in an online broadcast. Volkov lives in Lithuania.

Navalny was jailed in February for 2-1/2 years on charges he called politically motivated. On Friday, he said he would start gradually ending a hunger strike after getting medical care.

Navalny’s allies have pressed ahead with his “smart voting” strategy, supporting politicians outside of pro-Kremlin United Russia party they believe to be well placed to beat the ruling party candidates and urging Russians to vote for them.

Russians are set to vote in general elections in September.

“We have time, desire

Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny delivers a speech during a rally to demand the release of jailed protesters, who were detained during Opposition demonstrations for fair elections, in Moscow, Russia, September 29, 2019 (Reuters/Shamil Zhumatov/File Photo)

and strength to restructure our work, to get the smart voting to the elections and beat the United Russia,” said Volkov. (Reuters)

Rival groups clash in Somali capital over President’s mandate

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unfire erupted in Somalia’s capital on Sunday between security forces loyal to the Government and others angry at the country’s leader as tensions spiked over President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s extended stay in power.

The gunfire heard across much of the city highlighted earlier warnings that the election standoff could increase instability in the Horn of Africa nation.

Hundreds of mutinous sol-

diers, still in uniform, took up key positions in northern Mogadishu as some residents hid.

Somalia’s Homeland Security Minister, Hassan Hundubey Jimale expressed condolences to all victims but did not say how many people had been killed or wounded. He accused “some people who are not interested in the security of their people” of launching an attack in Mogadishu and said security forces had repulsed them.

The President signed a law in mid-April extending his mandate for two years, stoking opposition inside Somalia and putting him on a collision course with Western and other donors opposed to the move.

Somalia, which plunged into war and chaos in 1991, has been struggling to re-establish the authority of central government and rebuild the nation, with international help. The failure to hold elections that were due in February sparked a new crisis.

“There is gunfire between pro-Opposition military and Government forces at Fagah Junction,” Halima Osman, a resident of Fagah in Mogadishu, told Reuters news agency.

A Reuters witness saw four military vehicles positioned in one place in the Fagah area. (Excerpt from Reuters)

CARICHAM: Meeting planned to mitigate effects of COVID-19

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he Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM) has announced plans for a meeting with Caribbean companies on Thursday as the regional Private Sector seeks to deal with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

CARICHAM, chaired

by Dr Thackway Driver, the Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, is a network of 21 Caribbean Chambers of Commerce

with the aim to advocate and create enhanced value for members of the respective chambers.

It said the April 29 event will be held virtually and will involve companies from all sectors.

It said the event will also provide for the officials of these companies to be able to meet new partners and secure strategic alliances with suppliers, distributors, agents, investors, and clients from 21 Caribbean countries and territories.

“This Business to

Business (B2B) session is a special event powered by the CARICHAM Network as part of the Rendez-vous de l’International 2021, an International Business Forum organised from April 6 to April 29, 2021,” it added.

CARICHAM said international trade has been deeply affected by the pandemic mainly as a result of the restrictive measures applied on ports and harbours aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19.

(Excerpt from CMC)

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY APRIL 26, 2021

Regional

Mottley makes case for Peru’s former President Vizcarra concessional funding tests positive for COVID-19 F

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley

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rime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has told an international meeting that many middle-income countries “will be pauperised” if they do not have access to concessional funding.

Mottley was speaking during a virtual interactive Fireside Chat on the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on Friday.

The special event on SIDS; LDCs (Least

Developed Countries) and LLDCs (Landlocked Developing Countries), was hosted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne also participated in the session as Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States.

Mottley, who currently co-chairs the World Bank and IMF’s Development Committee, expressed

the view that there must be a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) for all countries.

“If we don’t have it for all countries, then we can’t have an understanding of the relativity and the needs of individual countries. You have to be able to have that comparison. . . .

“Many of our countries, effectively, will be pauperised if we don’t have access to concessional financing, particularly in the middle of a pandemic, in the middle of a climate crisis; for us, in the middle of ash fall coming from the eruption of the La Soufrière Volcano in St Vincent. All of these . . . are causing us to be inherently vulnerable, but our vulnerability is not only to climate or environment, it is also socially and it is also economically,” she said.

Mottley said she was hopeful the global community would initially use such criteria and ultimately develop the Index. (Excerpt from Nation News)

ormer Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra, who this month was barred from holding public office for allegedly jumping the queue to receive a coronavirus vaccine last year, has said he and his wife have tested positive for COVID-19.

Vizcarra tweeted on Sunday that the pair tested positive “despite the necessary care to avoid bringing the virus home” and are symptomatic.

“My family is taking the necessary isolation measures. Let’s not let our guard down,” he said.

Earlier this year, he was embroiled in a “VIP Vaccines” scandal in which several Government Ministers and public officials receive Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 jabs before they were publicly available.

On April 17, Peru’s Congress barred the former President from holding public office for 10 years over the scandal, finding him guilty of influence peddling, collusion and making false declarations.

Congress also barred former Health Minister Pilar Mazzetti and ex-Foreign Minister Elizabeth Astete

from holding public office for eight years and one year, respectively. Mazzetti and Astete both resigned over the vaccine scandal.

Peru has reported at least 1.75 million cases of COVID-19 and more than 59,400 deaths since the pandemic started, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.

The country, like several others in Latin America, has seen a surge in COVID-19 infections and deaths in recent weeks, prompting officials to put stricter public health measures in place.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

T&T Police probe jailbreak plot linked to arms cache

Search on for bodies of Venezuelans after boat capsizes

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boatload of Venezuelan migrants is feared dead after a vessel capsized on Thursday, plunging more than 25 people into the high seas. A news report from Delta Amacuro said the boat was bound for T&T. Cedros Councillor Shankar Teelucksingh said migrants who live in a small village at Bilwah Trace, Cedros, were mourning the deaths of the missing Venezuelans.

Up to Friday, Venezuela’s Guardia Nacional had recovered three bodies—a man, a woman and a child. Five people had been rescued by a commercial Venezuelan vessel that provided services in the Boca de Serpiente sector,

in Delta waters.

Venezuela’s Tane Tanae Asi Paso report said some people managed to swim a long distance and had survived the tragedy. They were later rescued by Venezuelan ships that came to provide support in search-and-rescue tasks.

Based on statements from survivors, the report said occupants had left Venezuela in search of a better life in T&T. They were expected to settle in La Horquetta, in the East, after meeting with Trinidadian contacts. It is uncertain where the illegal boat and migrants would have docked had they made it to Trinidad.

A Venezuelan nation-

al Jose Cardinez, who lives in San Juan, said the Venezuelans had risked everything in search of a better life.

While the T&T Coast Guard remained mum about the mishap, Facebook was abuzz with reports of the incident.

Jhoncarlos Vasquez Gonzalez wrote on his Facebook page, “Today once again Deltanos brothers are victims of the cruelty of a group that ignores the suffering of the Venezuelan people, only they are responsible for the serious situation in our country and that was precisely what forced our nationals to flee this tragedy. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

A screenshot of Police video showcasing some of the weapons seized at a Piarco bond

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enior Police Officers believe the gun and police paraphernalia seized last Friday was part of a plot to break criminals out of jail, as well as to commit other serious organised crime.

Sources told Sunday Newsday was told that judging from the items seized, intelligence officers believe that there was something more sinister going on than a drug dealer protecting his turf.

On Friday, Police and Customs officials seized 30 guns and 762 rounds of as-

sorted ammunition. The items were all being smuggled into T&T via a legitimate port of entry and were stopped at Piarco Airport.

The authorities seized 15 high-powered rifles, 13 pistols, a revolver and a shotgun as well as an assortment of ammunition.

Included in the hail were four Police sirens, four sets of Police blue lights, a bulletproof vest, six black balaclavas, similar to those used by elite units of the protective services and a packet of pills believed to be ecstasy.

Police believe the Police lights, balaclavas and bulletproof vests were to be used by criminals to evade roadblocks if their escape plans went awry.

Contacted on the possible plot, Police Commissioner Gary Griffith said: “I can’t comment on national security issues.”

Sunday Newsday also contacted Prisons Commissioner Dennis Pulchan, who said he was unaware of any plot by inmates to escape his prisons.

(Excerpt from Newsday)

Gonsalves: Communities will be rebuilt

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eismic activity at the La Soufrière volcano in St Vincent has remained low since the tremor associated with the explosion and ash venting three days ago.

Additionally, scientists monitoring the volcano have indicated that over the last 24 hours only a few long-period, hybrid and volcano-tectonic earthquakes were recorded, with no further tremor.

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) said in its latest update that since the initial depressurisation – a decrease in pressure within a volcano caused by the

release of magma, gases or fluids during an explosive event – noted immediately following the April 9 explosive phase, the continuous GPS network has recorded a decrease in the overall rates of horizontal and vertical movement.

“The volcano continues to erupt. Its pattern of seismic activity over the last few days is typical of the growth and destruction of lava domes. Explosions with accompanying ashfall, of similar or larger magnitude, can occur with little or no warning,” the SRC said, adding that the volcano is at alert level Red Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Ralph

A view of the ash-covered community of Chateaubelair in the Red Zone (Picture by Sandy Pitt)

Gonsalves has said that residents of northern St Vincent, including communities north of the Rabacca Dry River, would be allowed to return to their homes, when the eruption of La Soufriere ends and the allclear is given.

Gonsalves, speaking on the state-owned NBC Radio, said that there were persons who say that the communities in the Volcano Red Zone in the northeast, as well as Orange Zone communities in the northwest, should be abandoned and reserved for agriculture.

“As far as I am concerned, as far as the ULP (Unity Labour Party) is concerned, north of the [Rabacca] Dry

River, that’s the soul of this nation — Garifuna and Calinago and all what they represent. Similarly places like Rose Bank and Petit Bordel and Fitz Hughes and Chateaubelair with Garifuna people,” Gonsalves said.

As of last Wednesday, the volcano had displaced at least 13,154 people — the number of people who have registered with the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO). Of that total, 6208 people or 156 families were staying at 85 public shelters in the safe zone and 6790 people representing 1618 families were at private residences.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS California Governor seeks end to oil drilling in state by 2045

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alifornia Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday directed his administration to take steps to phase out oil and gas drilling in one of the nation’s top oil-producing states by 2045 and to ban new fracking permits within three years.

Newsom has been under pressure from environmental activists and progressive politicians who say extraction of oil and gas is at odds with California's goals of moving away from fossil fuels and fighting climate change.

"I’ve made it clear I don’t see a role for fracking in that future and, similarly, believe that California needs to move beyond oil," Newsom said in a statement.

Oil production in California has declined steadily since the 1980s, partly because of tough environmental standards.

But Government data shows the state remains the seventhbiggest US crude oil producer, second-biggest oil consumer, and home to a tenth of US refining capacity.

California's climate change policies also are among the most aggressive of any US state, including a goal to ban gasoline-powered cars by 2035.

Several green groups and Democratic lawmakers said the state needed to move more quickly to phase out drilling, while the oil and gas industry criticised the Governor's announcement, as did some politicians who said the action would hurt drilling-dependent jobs and communities.

The Western States Petroleum Association, in a statement, pledged "to fight this harmful and unlawful mandate."

Newsom directed the California state oil and gas regulator, the Geologic Energy Management Division, to initiate a process that will halt the issuance of hydraulic fracturing permits by 2024. Fracking accounts for just 2 per cent of oil extraction in California, according to the state's Department of Conservation.

In addition, the Governor said the California Air Resources Board, which writes the state's climate change policies, will evaluate how to phase out oil and gas extraction by 2045.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

India's COVID crisis: US, UK, EU, France and Germany lend support

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s India fights against the unprecedented health crisis of COVID-19, global support in the form of oxygen supplies, ventilators, raw material for vaccines, PPT kits and oxygen concentrators have started pouring in.

On Sunday, the United States agreed to send essential raw material to India required for manufacturing vaccines.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan dialled up his India's counterpart Ajit Doval and offered to send resources and supplies to the Serum Institute of India (SII) to increase production of the vaccine against COVID-19.

The United States earlier was dilly-dallying on the issue of supplying raw material to the SIl. Former President Donald Trump had invoked the defence

protection act, which in a way prohibits the US to export essential material for vaccines.

His successor President Joe Biden has continued with it and has been following the policy to vaccinate Americans first.

In fact, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took up the issue during his talks with his US counterpart Antony Blinken during their recent conversation.

India has been reeling under the deadly second wave of COVID-19. The country recorded 3,49,691 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the Union Health Ministry, the country has recorded 2,767 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday that “vi-

tal medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this terrible virus.”

Shipment is expected to reach India by Tuesday, Johnson recently cancelled his India visit due to a surge in the cases of coronavirus.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also lends support to India amid the health crisis. Merkel said Sunday that her government was preparing emergency aid for India as the country grapples with a devastating surge in coronavirus infections "To the people of India, | want to express my sympathy on the terrible suffering that COVID-19 has again brought over your communities,” Merkel said in a

message shared on Twitter by her spokesman Steffen Seibert. European Union (EU) has also stepped in to support India.

The European Commission has activated its EU Civil Protection Mechanism and is seeking to send oxygen and medicine to India after receiving a request from Delhi. "Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on Twitter on Sunday.

"The EU executive is already coordinating with EU countries that are ready to provide urgently needed oxygen and medicine rapidly,’ European Commission for humanitarian aid Janez Lenarcic wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed solidarity with India. (ANI)

with migrants found 10 bodies floating near a capsized rubber boat in international waters near Libya believed to have had 130 people on board, French humanitarian organisation SOS Mediterranee said on Friday.

"I confess to you that I am very pained over yet another tragedy in the Mediterranean," Francis said to hundreds of people in St Peter's Square for his weekly blessing.

"They are people. They

are human lives who for two entire days begged in vain for help, a help that never arrived. Brothers and sisters, let us all question ourselves over this, yet another tragedy. Now is the time for shame," he said.

The civilian hotline Alarm Phone had reported three boats were in distress on Wednesday, prompting SOS Mediterranee to launch a search.

Safa Msehli, a spokesperson for the UN International Organisation

for Migration (IOM), said on Friday that "states stood defiant and refused to act to save the lives of more than 100 people".

The pope asked for prayers for all migrants who die at sea as well as for "those who can help but prefer to look the other way. Let us pray in silence for them."

Libya, divided by civil conflict for years, is a major route for migrants seeking to reach Europe. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Latest Mediterranean migrants tragedy a time for shame, pope says

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ope Francis said on Sunday that "now is the time for shame" after 130 migrants were feared dead in the Mediterranean and a UN organisation accused states of not responding to distress calls.

Merchant vessels and a charity ship searching the Mediterranean for boats

Iraq COVID hospital fire: 82 dead after “oxygen tank explodes” Indonesian navy submarine

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t least 82 people have been killed in a fire at a hospital treating coronavirus patients in the capital of Iraq, Baghdad.

More than 100 others were injured in the blaze, which erupted at the Ibn Khatib hospital on Saturday night.

Reports say an accident had caused an oxygen tank to explode, sparking the blaze.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Sunday suspended the Health Minister and ordered an investigation into the tragedy.

The Head of Iraq's Civil Defence, Gen Kadhim Bohan, said the fire had broken out in the hospital's intensive-care unit, on a floor "designated for pulmonary resuscitation".

About "30 patients were in the intensive care unit", which was reserved for the most severe cases of COVID-19 in Baghdad, a hospital source told the AFP news agency.

The fire was under control by the early hours of Sunday morning, Iraq's Civil Defence said.

found split into 3 on sea bed

A Mourners pray next to the coffins of people who were killed in a fire at a hospital in southeastern Baghdad that had been equipped to house COVID-19 patients, in Najaf, Iraq, April 25, 2021. REUTERS/ Alaa Al-Marjani

In a statement, the Government's Human Rights Commission said the incident was "a crime against patients exhausted

by COVID-19".

Emergency service officials said many patients died when they were taken off oxygen machines to be evacuated, while others were suffocated by smoke.

"Once the fire started somebody needed to put the auto central pipes off, which means basically cutting the oxygen from those who

need it most," Halla Sarraf, the director of Iraqi Health Access, a non-governmental organisation, told the BBC. Iraq's hospitals have been pushed to the limit during the coronavirus pandemic, adding to the strains wrought by years of war, neglect and corruption.

COVID infections have been rising steeply since February in Iraq, and the total passed the one-million mark this week. (Excerpt from BBC News)

n Indonesian navy submarine that sank off the coast of Bali on Wednesday has been found split into three pieces on the sea bed, officials say.

All the vessel's 53 crew have been confirmed dead.

Navy officials said they had received signals from the sub's location more than 800m (2600ft) deep early on Sunday.

An underwater rescue vehicle loaned by Singapore was sent down to get visual confirmation of the wreckage.

The KRI Nanggala disappeared after requesting permission to dive during a torpedo drill. The reason for its sinking is not yet clear.

Sunday's statement came a day after the Indonesian military confirmed that debris from the sub, including prayer mats, had been found in the area where it went missing.

Navy Chief of Staff Yudo Margono said more items from the submarine had been recovered including

The families of missing crew members had held out hope that they could have survived

an anchor and crew safety suits.

"The KRI Nanggala is divided into three parts, the hull of the ship, the stern of the ship, and the main parts are all separated, with the main part found cracked," he told reporters on Sunday.

The head of Indonesia's military, Hadi Tjahjanto, confirmed that there was no chance of finding any of the crew alive.

"With deep sadness I can

say that all 53 personnel on board have died," he told reporters.

Experts had said earlier that the depth at which the submarine was found was well beyond its survivable limit and it was only carrying enough oxygen for three days.

The German-built vessel was more than 40 years old but underwent a refit in 2012. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

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ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

Opportunities for safe socializing will bring you closer to your personal goals. A receptive response to someone you want to collaborate with will result in a positive lifestyle change.

Someone will take advantage of you if you are too ac(April 20commodating. Channel your May 20) energy into something you want to achieve, and you will find a unique way to reach your goal. Protect yourself.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Be open to suggestions and GEMINI learn from experiences. Discuss (May 21- your objectives; promote what June 20) you enjoy doing most. Don’t let an opportunity pass by. Take care of details, and make your dreams come true.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Broaden your outlook, and you’ll discover something that will help you update your skills. Taking a stroll down a path that interests you will encourage you to make a personal or professional move.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Don’t limit what you can do because of what’s happening around you. Size up your situation, consider the possibilities and do what’s best for you. Invest time and money in you and your future.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Embrace change; turn it into something that will make your life better. An opportunity to make more money or get involved in something you feel passionate about will lead to personal happiness.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t wait for things to come to you; embrace the future with a positive attitude and an adventurous mind.

Refuse to let anything limit you; where there’s a will, there’s a way.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Emotions will fuel the fire. Look at your choices and make up your mind based on what’s best for you. Take the road less traveled and find out where it leads. It’s time to embark on an adventure.

SAGITTARIUS Be realistic. Use only what’s of value to you. Express (Nov. 23your concerns, weigh the pros Dec. 21) and cons, and make decisions that you know you can handle all by yourself if necessary.

A friend, colleague or relCAPRICORN ative will offer an exciting (Dec. 22account of what’s trending.

Jan. 19) Changes at home will help you prepare for an unexpected opportunity. Romance will improve your personal life.

SATURDAY'S WORD - PARAPET

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Take better care of your health, and don’t leave anything that might affect your financial well-being to chance or in someone else’s hands.

Handle responsibility quickly before it spins out of control.

Take a personal interest in improving the value of your as(Feb. 20sets. Consider making a proMarch 20) fessional change that will help raise your income. Reach out to someone unique, and you’ll encounter an extraordinary suggestion.

PISCES

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

21

Pant takes Delhi Capitals to victory in super over Khan, reverse swatting him for a boundary to bring his team and his pandemic-hobbled city a tiny bit of joy deep into extra time.

Kane Williamson played a calm innings

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ane Williamson once again masked the Sunrisers' lack of middleorder firepower and took them as far as the super over. But that final hurdle just proved too much.

The Delhi Capitals' Axar Patel, only recently recovered from COVID-19, was chosen ahead of Kagiso Rabada, the Super Over expert, to bowl in the most intense conditions, and through artful changes of pace and vicious use of angles to cramp the batters, he restricted Sunrisers to seven.

People will debate the choice not to send Jonny Bairstow, who struck at 211 on the night, for the super over. But that will end up in the footnote of this engrossing game as Rishabh Pant persevered against Rashid

Shaw goes berserk The pitches in Chennai are best to bat on right at the start of the game. Then it starts to wear, with every single ball. Eventually, run-scoring becomes a serious hassle.

So Prithvi Shaw decided to take advantage of his position as opener. He took strike and promptly hit the first three balls to the boundary. His best shot though was an imperious cover drive for six off Siddarth Kaul in the third over.

The camera panned to Pant just then. He was sitting in the dugout, his chin resting on his hand, very quiet, almost contemplative. He was the next batter in, so perhaps he was focused on getting into his zone. Even so, that shot was so good it broke through the Captain's zen and made him nod in appreciation.

Sunrisers vs Pant The Capitals marched to 51 for 0 in the first six overs. Now with the field spreading and

the spinners coming on, hitting through the line became almost impossible. Even the halfcenturion Shaw, who cruised to 39 off 23 in the powerplay, could make only 14 off his next 16 balls before getting run-out.

The Sunrisers placed all their faith in taking pace off the ball. But as well as they did that, they were not making too many inroads. Chances came in the 16th and 17th overs when Pant and Steven Smith offered catches to short fine leg (Khaleel Ahmed) and short third man (Siddarth Kaul), but neither were accepted.

David Warner was hunched over by this point. His bowlers were doing everything right.

His fielders were doing everything wrong.

And because of that a power-hitting genius was still at the crease.

Pant made 37 off 27 balls. He hit slower deliveries for six. He reverse-scooped fast bowlers for four. He toyed with Rashid, whacking the legspinner for 15 off eight balls. His 58run partnership with Smith helped take Capitals to a very reasonable 159 for 4.

Bairstow and Williamson step up Put the ball in a spinner's hand – spinners of the quality of R Ashwin and Amit Mishra – and it was spitting and bouncing and ripping and dipping.

Bairstow somehow put all

that to the back of his mind – and better yet, he made the spinners put them in the back of theirs too. Worried by his power against tossedup deliveries, they all went fast and flat at him and he still punished them. The Sunrisers opener made 38 off 18 balls.

He could have been gone for 1 had Shimron Hetmyer not misjudged a tough catch on the midwicket boundary.

Williamson has a subtler approach. He knows he cannot blast an opposition out but he can bring them to submission, slowly and methodically. And he did that here. Williamson swept and reverse-swept the Capitals spinners, always mindful that his wrists came down on top of the ball to prevent the top edge. He made the most of the little flaws in the field; when Kagiso Rabada ran in with mid-off up, Williamson charged out and lofted the ball over that fielder.

He knew the value of taking this chase deep and so he used the crease, worked the angles, and ran like a demon between the wickets.

The surprise cameo Despite all of this, Sunrisers still needed 50 off the last 30 balls. How does a T20 team with no recognised finisher manage ten an over for that long?

Well, with some help from a very unlikely source. J Suchith came into the side because

Bhuvneshwar Kumar pulled up sore. With the game going the other way, he struck Avesh Khan for two cracking fours in

the 19th over and Rabada for one towering six in the 20th to force a super-over showdown.

(ESPN cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD DC INNINGS Prithvi Shaw run out (Ahmed/Suchith) Shikhar Dhawan b Rashid Khan Rishabh Pant (c)† c Suchith b Kaul Steven Smith not out Shimron Hetmyer c Williamson b Kaul Marcus Stoinis not out

53 28 37 34 1 2

Extras (b 1, nb 1, w 2) 4 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.95) 159/4 Did not bat: Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan, Amit Mishra Fall of wickets: 1-81 (Shikhar Dhawan, 10.2 ov), 2-84 (Prithvi Shaw, 11.3 ov), 3-142 (Rishabh Pant, 18.2 ov), 4-145 (Shimron Hetmyer, 18.6 ov) BOWLING Khaleel Ahmed Abhishek Sharma Siddarth Kaul Jagadeesha Suchith Vijay Shankar Rashid Khan

4-0-42-0 1-0-14-0 4-0-31-2 4-0-21-0 3-0-19-0 4-0-31-1

Lusignan Golf Club/ANSA McAL Open Tournament...

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD INNINGS (TARGET: 160 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) David Warner (c) run out (Rabada/†Pant) 6 Jonny Bairstow † c Dhawan b Avesh Khan 38 Kane Williamson not out 66 Virat Singh c Stoinis b Avesh Khan 4 Kedar Jadhav st †Pant b Mishra 9 Abhishek Sharma lbw b Patel 5 Rashid Khan lbw b Patel 0 Vijay Shankar b Avesh Khan 8 Jagadeesha Suchith not out 14 Extras (b 2, lb 2, w 5) 9 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.95) 159/7 Did not bat: Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed Fall of wickets: 1-28 (David Warner, 3.2 ov), 2-56 (Jonny Bairstow, 5.4 ov), 3-84 (Virat Singh, 11.2 ov), 4-104 (Kedar Jadhav, 14.2 ov), 5-117 (Abhishek Sharma, 16.1 ov), 6-117 (Rashid Khan, 16.2 ov), 7-136 (Vijay Shankar, 18.3 ov) BOWLING Kagiso Rabada Ravichandran Ashwin Marcus Stoinis Axar Patel Avesh Khan Amit Mishra

Persaud, Todd record good showing in Caribe Tropical Hard Cider golf

A

vinash Persaud won the ANSA McAL/Caribe Tropical Hard Cider golf tournament at the Lusignan Golf Course. A total of 37 persons participated. Persaud was the overall winner while Gavin Todd secured the nearest to the pin award.

Below are the other individual winners: Longest drive – Avinash Persaud Best net front nine – Patanjilee Persaud Best net back nine – Eureka Giddings

Overall winners

1st – Avinash Persaud – hc 1 gross 68 net 67 2nd – Patanjilee Persaud – hc 14 gross 81 net 67 3rd – Richard Haniff – hc 9 gross 77 net 68 Representatives from ANSA McAL – Managing Director Troy Cadogan, Business Unit Head Errol Nelson and Brand Manager Kwesi Richmond – were present and assisted with the distribution of prizes..

Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) President Patanjilee Persaud thanked ANSA McAL for its continued support. Persaud also thanked the club's membership for their excellent backing as they turn up to play. He congratulated the winners.

Business Unit Head Nelson said it was pleasing for his company to see a sporting event being played during the COVID-19 pandemic and since the members of the LGC were compliant with the regulations to stay safe, his company was pleased to be associated with the event. He noted that a physically healthy lifestyle helps to fight the virus. The event was deemed a success, and Nelson said ANSA McAL was committed to continuing its sponsorship for years to come.

Sponsors and participants at the presentation

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

Jadeja's all-round brilliance lifts CSK to top of table C

hennai Super Kings (CSK) went to the top of the points table after a victory over the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Match 19 of the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

Ravindra Jadeja smashed an unbeaten 62 off 28 deliveries including 37 runs off the final over and then picked 3-13 with the ball, along with a direct hit as CSK, after scoring 191-4, restricted RCB to 122-9 to seal a 69-run win.

In the chase, RCB openers – skipper Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal – responded confidently with a solid start and were 28-0 after the first two overs. While the RCB skipper started the innings with a four, Padikkal smacked two sixes and a four, continuing his fine form from the last game.

T h e left-hander then creamed three fours in an over off

Deepak Chahar, but RCB lost Kohli after he edged one to MS Dhoni off Sam Curran.

Shardul Thakur then got rid of the dangerous Padikkal, who was caught inside the circle.

Glenn Maxwell then joined Washington Sundar at the other end, starting his innings with a couple of fours.

Jadeja struck twice in his first two overs, scalping the wickets of Sundar and then Maxwell. While Sundar holed out into the deep, Maxwell was castled by Jadeja after the right-hander tried to play across the line.

There was no stopping the CSK all-rounder as a bullet throw by him wrapped things for Dan Christian, who got out for a single-digit score.

In the very next over, Jadeja bamboozled AB de Villiers with a beauty, deceiving the right-hander with flight that went on to hit the stumps.

Imran Tahir joined the wicket-taking party after he dismissed Harshal Patel and Navdeep Saini, and RCB were reduced to 94-8 at the end

of 14 overs. While the leg-spinner disturbed the timber to dismiss Patel, Saini edged a ball to Suresh Raina at slip.

K y l e Jamieson smacked a six off Bravo in the 16th over, but was soon on his way, courtesy of a successful direct hit from Imran

Tahir. Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal continued taking the singles and remained unbeaten at the end, carrying RCB to 122-9 at the end of 20 overs.

Earlier, CSK opted to bat first, with both sides making two changes each – Dwayne Bravo and Imran Tahir replaced Moeen Ali and Lungi Ngidi – while Christian and Saini replaced Kane Richardson and Shahbaz Ahmed in their respective sides.

Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis found it difficult to attack initially and RCB seamers started well with the new ball. But, it didn’t take too long for du Plessis to hit the first maximum after he came down the track to Siraj, followed by a four from Gaikwad, who hit the ball in similar fashion.

Du Plessis then creamed two fours off Jamieson in the fourth over and CSK

were off to a fine start.

Gaikwad added two more fours on the other end as CSK finished the powerplay, scoring 51 without losing a wicket.

Gaikwad then attacked Chahal and smacked his first six, straight down the ground. The CSK openers continued playing the aggressive shots in the middle overs, but RCB finally found the breakthrough after Gaikwad tried to slog Chahal, but was caught in the deep.

Raina came in at number three and was straightaway on the move after he smacked a maximum each against Chahal and Sundar

along with a four off Christian as CSK brought their 100 up in the 13th over that was bowled by Saini, who conceded 13 runs, including a six from Raina.

While du Plessis reached his half-century, Patel struck twice in the same over, scalp-

17 runs.

Siraj conceded only six runs in the next over and bowled excellently.

Patel took advantage of that pressure and dismissed Rayudu, who tried to clear the boundary.

Jadeja finished off in

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SCOREBOARD CSK INNINGS Ruturaj Gaikwad c Jamieson b Chahal Faf du Plessis c Christian b Patel Suresh Raina c Padikkal b Patel Ambati Rayudu c Jamieson b Patel Ravindra Jadeja not out MS Dhoni (c)†not out

33 50 24 14 62 2

Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 3) 6 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.55) 191/4 Did not bat: Dwayne Bravo, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-74 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 9.1 ov), 2-111 (Suresh Raina, 13.4 ov), 3-111 (Faf du Plessis, 13.5 ov), 4-142 (Ambati Rayudu, 17.3 ov) BOWLING Mohammed Siraj Kyle Jamieson Yuzvendra Chahal Navdeep Saini Harshal Patel Dan Christian Washington Sundar

4-0-32-0 3-0-31-0 3-0-24-1 2-0-27-0 4-0-51-3 2-0-12-0 2-0-13-0

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (TARGET: 192 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Virat Kohli (c)c †Dhoni b Curran 8 Devdutt Padikkal c Raina b Thakur 34 Washington Sundar c Gaikwad b Jadeja 7 Glenn Maxwell b Jadeja 22 AB de Villiers † b Jadeja 4 Dan Christian run out (Jadeja) 1 Kyle Jamieson run out (Imran Tahir) 16 Harshal Patel b Imran Tahir 0 Navdeep Saini c Raina b Imran Tahir 2 Yuzvendra Chahal not out 8 Mohammed Siraj not out 12

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Call: 223-7230-1 Ext 50

Extras (lb 3, w 5) 8 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.10) 122/9 Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Virat Kohli, 3.1 ov), 2-54 (Devdutt Padikkal, 4.6 ov), 3-65 (Washington Sundar, 6.2 ov), 4-79 (Glenn Maxwell, 8.5 ov), 5-81 (Dan Christian, 9.4 ov), 6-83 (AB de Villiers, 10.1 ov), 7-89 (Harshal Patel, 11.6 ov), 8-94 (Navdeep Saini, 13.1 ov), 9-103 (Kyle Jamieson, 15.6 ov) BOWLING Deepak Chahar Sam Curran Shardul Thakur Ravindra Jadeja Imran Tahir Dwayne Bravo

ing the wickets of Raina and du Plessis, both getting caught in the deep.

The two new batsmen – Jadeja and Ambati Rayudu counter-attacked and stitched a quick partnership as RCB misfielded on a couple of occasions. Jadeja hit two fours while Rayudu hit one out of the ground in the 16th over

by Jamieson, who conceded

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grand style, that too off the bowling of Patel and completely changed the course of the game, smashing 37 runs off the final over – five sixes and one four – as CSK finished the innings with a commanding total of 191-4.

(IPL)

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(Ext 55)

NOW!

Guyana Committee of Service donates running shoes to athletes

T

Leslie Black (right) with the athletes who were presented with running shoes

he Guyana Committee of Service, in its latest fundraising venture, the “running shoes programme” is helping to outfit local athletes by selling stickers with the words “I LOVE Guyana” for $250 each. The money earned from the sales is used to buy running shoes for athletes who need them across Guyana.

The organisation was founded by former athlete and current Payless Variety Store Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Joseph Ramkumar after reading a newspaper story by Sports Journalist Sean Devers on the plight of former boxing world-title contender Clive Atwell who needed brain surgery.

Since then, the Guyana Committee of Service has embarked on numerous fundraisers to aid sportspersons in need of assistance.

In a release, Athletics Coach and Guyana Committee of Service member Leslie Black noted that the organisation has continually been assisting the sports

fraternity.

“We never stopped and went on in assisting the CARIFTA team over the years, assisting athletes with gears over the years – we gave young athletes in Berbice, Linden, Georgetown and on the West Coast," he said.

"We are about to distribute to athletes in the hinterland, Essequibo and Bartica. As an athletics coach for over 30 years and training in managing Guyana/ Caribbean top distance athletes, also as a (AA) national awardee, I know the importance of running for athletes.

"We are a non-profitable organisation and do different programmes to obtain funding for sportspersons and our team is made up of Eugene Noel (Chairman), Jumbie Jones, Rajan Tawari, Leslie Black, Bill Rogers and founder Joseph Ramkumar among others."

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Horse race organisers to discuss safe return of races with Sport Minister

Retired Justice Cecil Kennard

Horse racing has been absent in Guyana since February 2020

By Brandon Corlette

W

hile activities have resumed for most of the sporting disciplines in Guyana, the return of horse racing is yet to materialise.

The last race ran off in February 2020 at Rising Sun, West Coast Berbice. According

to racing organisers, the horse racing fraternity will be seeking guidance from Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. Their meeting is tentatively set for May 15 and the focus will surround a safe return of horse racing in Guyana, subject to approval from the

National Covid-19 taskforce. In an invited comment to Guyana Times Sport, Retired Justice Cecil Kennard explained that the horse racing organisers were trying their best to see the return of safe horse racing.

"The meeting will be to get guidance from the Minister as to when we can start planning

for race meetings. We cannot fix a date until we get an opinion from the Sport Minister. He will indicate if we wait a little longer. I don't want to run a race meeting until it's safe," Justice Kennard explained.

He is further calling for horse owners to remain patient as the organisers continue to battle for the return of races. Horse racing in Guyana has attracted some of the largest crowds,

with the exception of cricket (Caribbean Premier League) or motor racing to an extent.

During this pandemic, sporting events that flouted the COVID-19 guidelines were sanctioned.

"You cannot expect the organisers to do everything.

The audience must be responsible. I am thinking about horse racing return in August, but the COVID-19 cases keep rising," Justice Kennard said.

With no races being hosted, the caretakers and all those involved in horse racing are suffering losses.

"What I am concerned is that the rich man can afford to feed the horses, but the poor man cannot since there is no activities. I think they are trying to have match races, but the crowd and the income is not generated."

In other Caribbean countries, horse racing has returned, but the organisational structure is superior to Guyana’s. "They are fortunate to have sponsors and the betting OTP to get revenue,

but we are not organised to that extent in Guyana. We are having races with no cooperation and we have asked several Ministers of Sport to help with the legislation, but nothing was done," Justice Kennard noted.

According to Justice Kennard, the Bush Lot race track is in tip-top shape and the infrastructure is in prime position to host horse racing. He further noted that the beverage companies may not come on board if horse racing returned, because the selling of alcohol would not be permitted. Justice Kennard is calling for other businesses to support the sport when the greenlight is given.

As long as there is life, there is hope. That is the motto that Justice Kennard is following and he is hoping that the safe hosting of horse racing returns in Guyana.

Ground enhancement project

Ramson Jr plugs $10M into RH Canje, Port Mourant and Line Path hoping US stint can further raise his level

G

uyana's premier cyclist Jamual John is hoping that he can continue to raise his stock. John is seeking a return to the United States of America to represent Team Foundation once more.

Fresh from his last overseas stint, he returned with a bang to Guyanese shores, winning the Team Alanis 60-mile road race on Sunday, April 18.

After he stopped the clock at 2 hours 23 minutes, John told Guyana Times Sport that if the National COVID-19 task force gives the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) the green light, he is looking forward to being successful at the races in the near future.

"Well, if the races come off, I am looking forward to race, but I am trying to go back overseas and do some hard racing, so my level can go up more," John said.

John has been shortlisted among the 10 Guyanese cyclists selected for the Elite Men's Caribbean Time Trials and Road Race championships set for June 11 and June 12 in Havana, Cuba. The

National Cycling Championship, which will be used as a measuring rod for the riders to represent Guyana in Havana, is tipped for late May, pending approval from the COVID-19 taskforce.

Reflecting on his most recent win, John said: "Well, that was my first race back here. The level dropped low because of the COVID-19, but most of the guys put up good fight coming back, from the turning back point. I jumped when it was like 32 miles into the race and was looking for someone to come, but nobody didn't, so I kept going despite the wind was heavy. Briton came and meet me like 14 miles to go and we started working hard and open up, then we started to attack each other, but I was more fast coming into the last 1000 metres."

The last race that was organised by the GCF saw John finishing first while Briton John came second. Team Evolution’s Christopher Griffith came in third while top veteran cyclist Alex Mendes came in fourth.

Berbician Andrew Hicks rode in fifth while Deeraj Gharbarran finished sixth. (Brandon Corlette)

Minister Ramson Jr and his team examining the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground (Brandon Corlette photo)

C

ulture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr has injected $10 million into the Rose Hall Canje, the Port Mourant and the Line Path Community Centre Grounds. During his visit to Berbice on Sunday, Minister Ramson Jr revealed that this money would be released in the upcoming week.

This initiative is another step taken in the ground enhancement project throughout Guyana as most of the community grounds have fallen into disrepair. "The reason for the allocation is that we want to have better facilities. People must be able to have access to great facilities," Ramson Jr said.

"This is one of the grounds we had visited in our first time when we were in Berbice. I had a fairly good assessment of this ground, so I knew what it needed. Out of my previous budget, we just completed the washroom facility where we spent $3.5 million. It was

in a sad state," the Culture, Youth and Sport Minister said during the interview at Port Mourant.

"The President, the Vice President and the Cabinet have shared the view that instead of doing thin resources across many grounds that you have very little to show what you achieved, we are now focusing on doing more concentrative resources to particular grounds based on populations, locations, density, etc."

He further revealed that the Ministry would be aiming to include a solid volleyball court, a playground, a batting cage (nets), lights and the renovation of the pavilion in the work scheduled. These are some of the things that will be in focus for most of the venues. The Minister is also hoping that the venue can be used in all weather conditions.

Minister Ramson Jr emphasised that good facilities will further enhance the rich talent in Guyana. (Brandon Corlette)

MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2021

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

Ground enhancement project

Horse race organisers to discuss Ramson Jr plugs $10M safe return of races into RH Canje, Port with Sport Minister Mourant and Line Path Page 23

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Pant takes Delhi Capitals to victory in super over Page 21

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