Guyana Times - Monday August 16, 2021

P10

47 youths graduate from Natural Resources Apprenticeship programme Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4741

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

PRICE

APNU/AFC housing legacy riddled with failure – CH&PA – says $13B needed to develop unfinished areas

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Region has to rise up, face challenges together – outgoing P9 Caricom SG

Page 7

– as previous Govt converted assigned burial ground into house lots

Afghan President flees country as Taliban move into Kabul – US evacuates Embassy

$80 VAT INCLUDED

– says judging success of regional integration

by CSME is fallacy

M&CC moves to court to remove acting Town P5 Clerk

Page 17

Home Improvement Subsidy & Core Homes Initiative

Over 100 La Parfaite Harmonie residents sign house contracts Page 11

Men wanted for $58M Kitty gold heist previously charged for P8 spate of robberies Guyana may earn an average of US$72M each for next two oil lifts

– as US federal energy analysts project current oil prices to hold P3

Man, 38, is latest COVID victim; P16 106 new cases recorded in 24h Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, handing over a signed contract to one of the beneficiaries of the Home Improvement Subsidy & Core Homes Initiative at La Parfaite Harmonie West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Sunday

Haiti earthquake: Rescuers search for survivors as death toll climbs to 1,297

Page 18

Man shot dead in alleged triangular love affair Page 2

3-year-old allegedly drowns in trench behind P11 home Family seeks P2 public's assistance to locate missing Essequibo miner

2 NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 2 residents decry Family seeks public deplorable state of roads assistance to locate

R

esidents along the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), are calling on the regional administration to address their concerns about the deplorable state of several community roads.

The situation has worsened following the prolonged rainfall. Some of the roads identified are along the main access road to Mainstay, Lima Sands access road, Tapakuma access road, Capoey access road, and Onderneeming Sandpit access road.

“The residents of Mainstay, Essequibo Coast talking to the authorities, but just promises even for just a quick fix... vehicles do not want to go down our streets to take us home... you have to wait hours after work with all kind of styles from taxi drivers….

The holes are so deep it is hard to navigate through

The shoulders of the Capoey Lake access road

them. We need help, for years we are begging,” a resident of Mainstay told Guyana Times.

A resident at Capoey Compound, Preamodeep Jaisingh explained that it has been years since the

road has been in a deplorable state while noting that more damage is being done on the road due to the heavy-duty trucks that regularly traverse the area.

When contacted, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit noted that $160 million was released by the Government of Guyana for the construction of the Lima Sands Access Road. He added that the contract is currently being advertised.

“We know we can’t finish all the roads at once, so an appeal was made to Minister Edghill to support us in getting these roads done,” the Vice Chairman noted.

Oodit added the Government is trying its best to make the lives of residents along the Essequibo Coast more comfortable especially by providing the basic infrastructure.

missing Essequibo miner

A

28-year-old miner from Aurora Estate, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), has reportedly been missing for the past nine months after leaving for the interior.

Doodnauth Mohanlall reportedly left home in the company of another miner for a location but has not been heard from or seen since.

His sister, Seeromanie Narace, told Guyana Times that they were informed about two weeks ago that her brother stayed in the interior to work in a mining pit with another colleague.

“The boss man tell us that he gone with another man to move his drudge and don’t want to tell us where and who he gone with... We are worried cause we don’t know if anything is wrong with him in there and for nine months, he didn’t call us saying if he is okay self,” the sister ex-

Missing miner: Mohanlall

Doodnauth

Macklyn John went missing in May after they never returned to their mining camp in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The two brothers of Onderneeming Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), had indicted to relatives that they were heading out of the interior to spend time with their mother on Mother’s Day but they were not heard from since.

Their mother, Claire

Missing: Javon John

Missing: Macklyn John

plained.

According to the woman, the family is hoping and praying that he is alive and will come home soon since they do not believe the story that was told to them. The family, she stated, looked for information about her brother’s whereabouts but were unsuccessful.

The family is pleading with anyone with information about Mohanlall’s whereabouts to contact them on telephone numbers 670-2762 or 676-3273 or the nearest Police station.

About two weeks ago, it was reported that 23-year-old Javon John and 39-year-old

John, believes something is amiss and has been looking for answers for the past three months.

She explained that when she spoke with them, they were heading back to their mining camp and they told her that due to the signal being weak, they would not be able to speak with her frequently but promised to see her on Mother’s Day. However, the family is pleading with anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two men to contact them. The family can be contacted on telephone numbers 682-6599 or 632-9257.

Man shot dead in alleged triangular love affair

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man who was involved in an alleged triangular love affair was shot and killed at C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, in the wee hours of Sunday. The dead man has been identified as 24-year-old Keon McPherson of Lot 687 D Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Based on reports received, the now dead man was in a triangular love affair with a female of C Field Sophia who was also intimate with another male of Broad and Lombard Streets, Georgetown.

The now dead man’s brother, Keron McPherson, reportedly told investigators that his brother left home at about 23:50h on Saturday evening to

go to his lover’s house.

However, at about 04:00h the next morning, a female reportedly contacted the Command Centre of the Guyana Police Force and reported that the victim was seen lying motionlessly with what appears to be blood on his body.

As a result, several ranks went to the scene where upon inspection they realised that the man was shot to his left side chest and once to his right hand.

He was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other two lovers were arrested and are assisting with investigations.

NEWS

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MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Monday, Aug 16 – 11:00h – 12:30h and Tuesday, Aug 17 – 12:00h – 13:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Aug 16 – 09:55h – 11:25h and Tuesday, Aug 17 – 11:25h – 12:55h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day.

Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to West South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 10:36h and 23:00h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.35 metres.

Low Tide: 16:28h reaching a minimum height of 0.98 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

12 13 15 22 25 28

FREE TICKET

20 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

12 19 21 22 25 LUCKY 3

9

5

1

2

Afternoon Draw

9

1

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 03 07 08 13 16 18 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY Friday, August 13, 2021

01 02 06 12 13 13

03 06 10 11 20

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$70.59/barrel

Rough Rice

$243.77 /ton

+0.07

London Sugar

$491.10/ton

+3.15

Live Spot Gold

-1.02

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1780.00

$1781.00

Low/High Change

$1777.80 +0.30

$1783.60 +0.02%

Guyana may earn an average of US$72M each for next two oil lifts – as US federal energy analysts project current oil prices to hold

W

ith the US Energy I n f o r m a t i o n Administration (EIA) estimating that crude prices will continue to average US$72 per barrel throughout the remainder of the year, Guyana is likely to earn a windfall $72 million per lift for the remainder of the year.

According to the US EIA’s short term energy outlook, Brent crude is likely to average US$72 per barrel throughout the second half of 2021, although this price is expected to drop to US$67 per barrel in 2022. But Guyana, which has been lifting one million barrels of oil at each lift, could take advantage of these oil prices at market value.

“Brent crude oil spot prices averaged $75 per barrel (b) in July, up $2/b from June and up $25/b from the end of 2020.

Brent prices have been rising this year as result of steady draws on global oil inventories, which averaged 1.8 million barrels per day (b/d) during the first half of 2021 (1H21) and remained at almost 1.4 million b/d in July. We expect Brent prices will remain near current levels for the remainder of 2021, averaging $72/b from August through November.”

In the same breath, EIA said that the continuing growth in production from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is likely to be one of the factors in the continued growth in production into next year.

OPEC had previously cut its oil output by 10 million barrels of oil a day during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time this was a record cut that amounted to 10 per cent of world demand.

They have since eased the cuts to around 5.8 million barrels per day as of last month.

“However, in 2022, we expect that continuing growth in production from OPEC+ and accelerating growth in US tight oil production—along with other supply growth—will outpace decelerating growth in global oil consumption and contribute to Brent prices declining to an average of $66/b in 2022,” EIA said in its report.

It was announced last month that Guyana was on the hunt for a new crude marketer, with a new Invitation for Bids (IFBs) being issued for companies who will vie for the chance to market the oil currently being produced offshore Guyana by oil giant ExxonMobil and stored in the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

According to the IFBs issued by the Natural Resources Ministry, interested firms were invited to submit their bids by August 3, 2021, to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

“The objective of the assignment is to competently maximise the value of the Government’s crude oil entitlement from Liza Destiny FPSO in the Stabroek Block and create a competitive market for the Liza blend,” the IFBs said.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block.

Guyana’s oil revenues are being banked in the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

In March 2021, the Natural Resources Ministry had disclosed that to date, a total of 5,009,797 barrels of oil worth US$246.5 million have been

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

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

occurred on August 9, 2020, was worth US$46 million.

The fourth lift of oil offshore Guyana occurred on December 9, 2020, and came in at US$49.4 million in value. And on February 5, 2021, some 997,420 barrels of oil were lifted from Liza Destiny. A sum of US$61 million was paid for that lift.

Already, ExxonMobil has established an ambitious oil exploration plan for 2021 offshore Guyana. Over the past few months, Exxon has been drill-

ing simultaneous deep-water wells in both the Stabroek and Canje Blocks.

In March 2021, ExxonMobil secured a sixth drillship, the Noble Sam Croft, for exploration and evaluation drilling activities offshore Guyana.

A fourth project, Yellowtail, has been identified within the block with an anticipated start-up in late 2025 pending Government approvals and project sanctioning.

This project will develop the Yellowtail and Redtail fields, which are located about 19 miles (30 kilometres) southeast of the Liza developments.

With the Liza Phase 2 and Payara developments on track for their scheduled completion and the Liza Phase 1 development averaging 120,000 bpd, Guyana’s oil production is likely to exceed 500,000 bpd by 2024.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 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

Climate Change Report and Guyana’s response

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ast week, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2021 Report, prepared by 234 scientists from 66 countries, was released after being approved by 195-member governments of the IPCC. Valerie MassonDelmotte, co-chair of IPCC’s Working Group-I, said, “We have the clearest picture of how the Earth’s climate functions, and how human activities affect it. We know, better than ever, how the climate has changed in the past, how it is changing now, and how it will change in the future.”

The reports in the newspapers of widespread forest fires burning millions of acres in the United States, Siberia in Russia, Turkey, Greece and Algeria; devastating and deadly flooding in Germany, Belgium, Japan and China - and our own Guyana - plus extreme temperatures from the US/Canada to Finland should be a “lived experience” tip-off of the Report’s findings.

The latter insists that these are all a consequence of the rise in global temperatures caused by our human activities.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the IPCC report “is a code red for humanity. The alarm bells sounded by the scientists are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable”.

According to the IPCC, there is an imminent risk of reaching or crossing the 2015 Paris Agreement’s internationally-agreed temperature rise threshold of 1.5 degrees between 2021 and 2040, and most probably in the early 2030s. The world will probably reach or exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within just the next two decades, unless drastic actions are taken right now.

The average global temperature has already risen by 1.2° Celsius compared to the baseline pre-industrial (1850-1900) levels. If high emissions of greenhouse gases are unmitigated, the Report predicts, the world may warm by up to 5.7 degrees Celsius by 2100, with catastrophic consequences for humanity and planet Earth. Even if emissions are stabilised, unfortunately, the climate changes we have witnessed are already with us, and we will now have to live with their consequences henceforth.

But all is not lost as far as the situation of getting worse, and the IPCC scientists have once again, as in 2015, outlined what has to be done. The major action that has to be taken is to reduce the emissions of Carbon Dioxide (XO2) and other greenhouse gases like methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and water vapour. The focus has been on CO2, especially as it is released from the burning of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum products and natural gas. The later process has been the driver to the Industrial Revolution, and remains the major source of energy to drive the factories that produce the goods that presently sustain life on our planet. Unless we want to revert to pre-industrial living conditions - which has been universally rejected - the only answer is to create new sources of energy that do not release CO2.

There will have to be a simultaneous reduction of fossil fuels as a source of energy, especially by the “developed countries” responsible for past and present emissions.

The replacement for the fossil fuels has been dubbed “renewables”: solar, hydro, geo, wind and hydrogen as energy sources. Carbon capture and storage will now have to become part of our arsenal of climate change mitigating strategies, and this is where, as VP Jagdeo has been pointing out for over a decade, Guyana is uniquely poised to benefit from this shift.

Forests are the largest carbon sinks apart from the oceans, and as we discovered with our agreement with Norway a decade ago, the countries that still have to emit greenhouse gases for whatever reason can participate in a carbon market.

Countries like Guyana that sequester carbon by not cutting down their forests can be compensated by emitters as offsets.

Our abundant rivers and waterfalls can provide hydro-power, as with AFHEP, which the govt is reviving, while our abundant sunshine and winds will also produce our energy from these renewables.

Our oil funds can be used to mitigate the effects of climate change like rising seas and floods.

Mount Sinabung is seen from Karo, North Sumatra at dawn in Indonesia

Opening of schools depends on successful vaccination of adults and students over 12

Dear Editor, I totally agree with the Ministry of Education when it said, “The reopening of schools to face-toface engagement hinges heavily on the national vaccination programme.

More of the adult population needs to be vaccinated to protect themselves and children; especially those who are below the age of 12, for whom no vaccine has been approved as yet.

We urge all Guyanese to see the importance of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and to consider the consequences that will come from not being vaccinated.”

The virus has had a devastating impact on the world, affecting national economies; the production and supply chain; travel, and employment. A huge negative impact has been its devastation of our education process. As the Ministry rightly said, “The Education sector has been hit hard due to the pandemic, and having to close schools as a response.

However, the longer the school doors are closed, the more our students will suf-

fer from learning loss, and greater is the likelihood of an increase in school dropouts.”

We must learn from the mistakes and best practices of other countries.

In the USA, for instance, in some areas, as soon as they opened schools, they had to close again because of teachers and students found to be infected.

Here is a recent headline, “COVID-19 cases surge as students return to schools.” Here is another, “Just a few days into the academic year, over 1,000 students in Palm Beach County, Florida, have been told to go into quarantine because of COVID-19 cases at their schools. The number of kids sent home grew from 440 on Wednesday to 1,020 on Friday, the district reported.”

The amount of work it takes to do contact tracing, testing, deep cleaning, and enforce quarantining is enormous. In Guyana, where most people use public transportation to and from school, the risk of infection is extremely high. So, if only 25% of teachers are vaccinated,

you can bet that if schools are open in September, as the Ministry has decided, it will be a series of openclose, open-close activities.

This will be a very draining, disruptive process on everyone, especially parents.

Our parents need to understand that online learning is a big challenge, and in Guyana, where online access is unavailable or unreliable, poor rural and hinterland children will continue to be disadvantaged most. The Ministry is doing its best to distribute worksheets, but that is not a substitute for regular face-to-face instruction and the interactive classroom processes.

Parents are not teachers or home-schoolers.

In the USA, a teacher who relies on worksheets as a strategy would get the lowest possible evaluation from an administrator.

Administrators want to see more engaging, handson, differentiated, customised methods.

In the best interest of the whole nation, the teachers and nurses must be role models in being vac-

cinated, and in encouraging vaccinations. Teachers and nurses are “key influencers” and nurturers.

When resistant and hesitant patients don’t want to take medicines, tests or therapy, nurses are the ones to coax and persuade them. “It won’t hurt, it’s good for you if you want to get better.”

It is the same with teachers, who influence, motivate, and mould young minds. We call on all teachers and nurses to step up at such a time as this. This is not about politics, it’s about our people and our national health and safety. The Government is eager to get things back to normal, and has to think about the interests of the whole country. Parents, please speak up now and support our teachers, nurses, and older students to get vaccinated.

“All are involved, all are consumed.” The virus kills our loved ones, but vaccination saves lives!

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

NEWS

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MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

M&CC moves to court to remove acting Town Clerk

T

he Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC) of the municipality of Georgetown are challenging the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) appointment of Candace Nelson as acting Town Clerk, and in the meantime are seeking an order suspending her appointment until the court pronounces on its lawfulness.

In legal proceedings instituted by the Town Clerk against the LGC, it is being contended that Nelson “is acting without proper authority,” and will continue to disrupt the smooth and efficient functioning of the Council.

The application which is seeking to have Nelson re-

Mayor Ubraj Narine

moved from the post cites her for taking disruptive actions which pose serious ongoing and continuing breaches that compromise the sanctity of the Council’s operations.

It further accuses her of influencing the records of the M&CC’s statutory meetings by deleting matters from

Acting Town Clerk Candace Nelson

minutes of meetings and seeking to dictate the contents of the agenda of later meetings.

According to the court document seen by this publication, Nelson suspended a tendering process that began months before her ap-

pointment and has potentially compromised the ability of the M&CC to honour its contractual and other financial obligations.

She is being accused of failing to facilitate a proper handover of the M&CC assets. The Town Clerk stated that unless Nelson is removed, she will further disrupt the Council’s business. The matter has been fixed for hearing before Chief Justice Roxane George, SC. Nelson was appointed after the LGC wrote to then acting Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick and instructed her to return to her substantive position of Assistant Town Clerk effective from July 28.

Chairman of the LGC, Julius Faerber had recently said

that the decision to remove Jerrick was a unanimous one.

“That decision was unanimously voted in favour of, and when I said unanimously, there were seven Commissioners who were present at that time, and all seven of them voted in favour of having Ms Jerrick return to her substantive position.

That was the situation that occurred,” he had told a news conference.

According to him, the decision to appoint Nelson is in keeping with the authority vested in the Local Government Commission under Sections 12 and 13 of the Local Government Commission Act. Specifically, he pointed to

Section 13 (2) which states: “The Commission shall have the power to deal with all matters relating to the staffing of Local Government organs, and in particular shall be responsible for employment, transfer, discipline, and dismissal of staff.”

At the Council’s most recent statutory meeting held at the Kitty Market in Georgetown, Mayor Ubraj Narine and Councillors protested the appointment of Nelson and also demanded that she leave the meeting. However, Nelson, who was served with a copy of the court documents challenging her appointment, did not budge. As a result, the meeting was adjourned to next Monday.

Response to Annette Ferguson on housing sector Unprofessional

Dear Editor, I have taken note of a letter authored by Annette Ferguson titled “APNU+AFC created a sound housing sector strategy”, and wish to respond to her missive.

The first thing I want to point out is that Ferguson claims the APNU+AFC Coalition left behind a foundation for the housing sector. I have no clue what that foundation is, because as far as I am aware, all the coalition had in regard to the sector was a hodge-podge plan which they failed to execute.

No clear strategy was outlined, and the facts in the subsequent paragraphs will contradict Ferguson’s contention.

To begin with, the former Minister contended that a simple comparison of the two governments’ policies for the housing sector would show that the APNU+AFC had a better plan. I completely disagree. If the Coalition had a better plan, wouldn’t we have seen more devel-

opment under their tenure?

The reality is that the PPP/C Government has done more for the housing sector in just one year of being in office than what the APNU+AFC Coalition did for their entire term in office. They had five years to deliver what they promised to the people, but even that they couldn’t do.

In her letter, Ferguson outlined several housing areas to show how many houses lots were issued by the Coalition. While they did allocate a few house lots, it is important for people to know that the vast majority of those allocations were hurriedly given after the passage of the no-confidence motion, and those allocations were used to trick persons into voting for them.

It turned out to be another fraud perpetrated on the people by the APNU+AFC, as those persons were merely issued letters saying that they were allocated house lots and that they should check with the Central

Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) to pay.

However, these very lots were not even in existence.

It was pure vote-buying and trickery.

The real beneficiaries of the APNU+AFC land allocation and housing policy were the Ministers, their relatives, friends, cronies, and the rich businessmen who bankrolled them. This group accumulated land which totalled the size of Barbados.

One leading official gifted himself shore-based land in the Demerara River through a front company registered in the name of employees of his close business associate.

Forty-five plots of waterfront land in Linden were hurriedly transferred

by NICIL to officials of the APNU+AFC, their friends and relatives a few days before elections were held.

There is a long list of this sort of massive land-grabbing by a handful of coalition officials and their cronies; that list is out in the public.

Any comparison of housing development between the PPP/C and APNU+AFC is like comparing chalk to cheese. In just one year, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led administration has allocated more than 5000 house lots. Hundreds of turn-key homes have been constructed during this period, and significant sums are being spent on infrastructure in new and existing housing schemes. And this housing drive is not limited to Region Four. In a recent two-day exercise in Linden, Region Ten, 400 house lots were allocated. This is way more than the APNU+AFC allocated in their entire 5-year tenure.

This is an example of how big a failure the APNU+AFC was. With that in mind, I trust that no one will be fooled by the false narratives being peddled by the Opposition members.

Respectfully, Alvin Hamilton

Be your brothers’ keepers, take the COVID vaccine

Dear Editor, In more than 99% of the cases of illness and death, the unvaccinated are affected. The current version of the virus is highly contagious, and causes much more severe illness in a shorter period of time, with a greater probability of death.

If you contract the Delta variant of COVID-19, you will infect others, some of whom will suffer a severe illness and possibly die. The same could happen to you.

Should those who choose not to be vaccinated become ill and die, is in reality is committing suicide. There

will be a special place for them after they die.

Once infected with the Delta variant, you would infect others, and would be the cause of their illness or death. Should anyone you infect die, you would be the cause of their death. And it may be your own loved one, parent, sibling or child. Even if it’s a stranger, your guilt will be the same.

I don’t think anyone needs to live with that, so please take the vaccine, do not be afraid. I took the vaccine AstraZeneca. The day of the first dose, I had a slight swelling near the injection

area, no other effect. The second day I felt kind of heavy and sluggish, so I went back to bed. And that was it. After the second dose, it had no effect whatsoever. I took it, came home, and went back to work.

Most persons I talked to have had similar experiences, so worrying about its effects is not a valid reason/excuse.

I am over 65 years old and have underlying health issues. In public health terms, I have comorbidities, which means two or more medical conditions at the same time.

When you add comorbidities

to age, your risk of serious illness from COVID is extremely high. Therefore, it was in my interest to protect myself.

Whether or not you are older or have comorbidities, you should take the vaccine, because it will keep you safe.

Remember, you are your brothers’ keepers. Be a good Samaritan, it’s the neighbourly thing to do.

This is the only time when you take care of yourself you are also taking care of others. Everybody wins.

Regards, Sase Shewnarain

public servants

Dear Editor, In this changing world, as humans, we should be respectful to each other, regardless of our position, especially when we are public servants.

I am an overseas-based NIS pensioner who get my overseas life certificate notarised at the Guyana Consulate Office in Miami Florida, after which I send it to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) office in Guyana.

My last certificate was done on July 23, 2021, and it should have already been received by the NIS office in Georgetown. To be certain it was received, I contacted the NIS Office in G/town via the chat session, and was directed to contact Ms. Cranmore, NIS Public relations Officer.

I did contact her via her e-mail public_relations@nis. org on 4 occasions during last week, but she did not respond to my queries.

However, recently, in eagerness to find out whether the Guyana Consulate Officer had sent the document to Guyana, as was done regularly, I contacted the Consulate Officer, and upon enquiring, the person responded, “How the hell you get this number?”

After the outburst, she hung up the phone.

My question is: Who do these people think they are? God forbid, if I were in Guyana, I would have called a press conference, then go public for them.

Respectfully, Albert Persaud

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MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

Page

Foundation

Problem:

To understand where major land masses and bodies of water are located on Earth by building a model.

Materials:

Painter’s smock Newspaper sheets Tape Globe Large Styrofoam ball Blue tempera paint Green tempera paint Black tempera paint (or black marker) Paintbrush

Procedure:

Cover your table with several sheets of newspaper to protect it from the tempura paint. Tape the sides of the newspaper down so it doesn’t slide around.

Slip a painter’s smock over your clothes, so you don’t end up with a new painted outfit!

Put your Styrofoam ball in the center of the newspaper.

Place your globe somewhere nearby so that you can look at it for guidance whenever you need to.

Look at the globe and find the seven continents: Asia, North America, South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, and Europe.

Locate the four major oceans on your globe: Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Indian Ocean.

Using the north pole as a starting point, paint the seven continents onto the Styrofoam ball with green tempera paint. Try to keep it to scale (make it proportional) as best you can.

Paint the rest of the Styrofoam ball with the blue tempera paint. Other than the seven continents, the earth is filled with water.

Set your Styrofoam ball aside to dry. This may take a few hours, so you might want to plan on finishing the project the next day.

Paint the names of the four oceans and seven continents on the Styrofoam ball with black tempera paint, using the non-brush end of the paintbrush to write with. If using

BY: Jane Hirshfield

Stay, I said to the cut flowers.

They bowed their heads lower. paint is too tricky, write the names of the oceans and continents with a black marker.

Set your earth model aside to dry one last time.

Why?

Many children learn best by participating in hands-on activities. Making a model of the earth is a great project for helping your kid begin to understand and develop an appreciation of geography. Don’t stop at using a Styrofoam ball to create a model earth. Try creating a clay earth, paper mâché earth, or even an old volleyball earth! Recycled materials make for excellent science fair materials.

Once your child learns all of the major oceans and continents, delve deeper into geography by having him paint the names of the countries on the model earth, as well as the names of some of the larger bodies of water. Or, keep the science going by building out the rest of the solar system; it’s never too early to start space exploration! (education.com)

Stay, I said to the spider, who fled.

Stay, leaf.

It reddened, embarrassed for me and itself.

Stay, I said to my body.

It sat as a dog does, obedient for a moment, soon starting to tremble.

Stay, to the earth of riverine valley meadows, of fossiled escarpments, of limestone and sandstone.

It looked back with a changing expression, in silence.

Stay, I said to my loves.

Each answered, Always.

WORD SEARCH

7 APNU/AFC housing legacy riddled with failure – CH&PA NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– says $13B needed to develop unfinished areas – as previous Govt converted burial ground into house lots

ments in the Perseverance Housing Scheme.

“She must be reminded that it was the PPP/C Administration who established that scheme with the 1000 Homes Project. That scheme was conceptualised and successfully delivered by the then Minister and current President, HE Dr

Former Junior Housing Minister Annette Ferguson

T

he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has come out swinging against recent attempts by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) to claim credit for 21 areas it said it developed during its term in Government, as well as other land it said it secured.

According to CH&PA in a statement, those 21 areas are in fact in such a deplorable state that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government found no designs or surveys were even done in some of these areas.

CH&PA revealed that these areas were all virgin lands, which the Ministry had no jurisdiction over.

“When the PPP/C Government took office, the Ministry of Housing was saddled with a number of land ownership issues since, thousands of Guyanese had letters stating they have been issued lands but years had passed and they were unable to get ownership documents or even locate the lots. In the absence of ownership document,” CH&PA said.

“All of these schemes lacked the basic infrastructure; in fact, they were all large open lands with heavy vegetation but are now being developed under the Ministry’s 2021 budget and work programme.”

Former Junior Minister for Housing under APNU/ AFC, Annette Ferguson had recently contended that her Government secured 409 acres of land for house lot allocation, while it developed 21 areas for allocation. CH&PA described this as nothing more than a political gimmick. CH&PA said in one case Ferguson’s Ministry converted a site earmarked for a burial ground, into a housing development.

“The allocations which Ferguson referred to in her letter were a political gimmick in the lead up to 2020 election as these allocations were done in January and February 2020. In most of these areas, no designs nor surveys were done, they

were all virgin lands for which the Ministry had no jurisdiction over.”

“The Guyanese people know that Recht-DoorZee and Onderneeming schemes on the West Bank of Demerara were developed under the then Housing Minister, now President HE Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Ms Ferguson should be ashamed to speak to allocation in Recht-DoorZee, since she converted a site which was set aside for a burial ground, to house lots and allocated them,” CH&PA said.

The housing authority reminded that Housing Minister Colin Croal was forced to approach the National Assembly for a $13 billion allocation to develop these very 21 areas that Ferguson claimed credit for in her letter.

“These infrastructure works will be done for house lot allocations in the following areas: Anna Catherina, Cornelia’s Ida, Edinburg, Meten-Meer-Zorg and Stewartville (Region Three); Mon Repos, Vigilance, Bladen Hall, Strathspey, La Bonne Intention, Cummings Lodge, Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Prospect, Providence (Region Four); and Experiment, Williamsburg, Hampshire, No 79 Village, No 75 Village and Ordinance/Fortlands (Region Five and Six).”

Three housing areas Setting the record straight on what APNU/ AFC actually did during their term in office, CH&PA said that the former Government developed three housing schemes Peters Hall, Prospect Track E and Providence 125. They noted that every other allocation done during the five years in governance, was to existing housing schemes.

“According to information produced by the Opposition MP, she claimed that her party secured a combined total of 409 acres of land for house lot allocation in Lethem, Kwakwani, Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc.

This is far from the truth,” CH&PA said.

CH&PA CEO Sherwyn Greaves

“In Kwakwani this Government found that the land which was only identified, was unfit for housing and has since commenced the process to secure new and suitable lands to fulfil the housing need for persons in that area. Wisroc was never vested to the Ministry and the same can be said for Lethem and Amelia’s Ward as the ownership for these lands were still questionable up until late 2020.”

Reference was also made to lands allocated at Onderneeming, Region Two. According to CH&PA, these were also open lands that were already developed since the commencement of the scheme. The housing authority also debunked Ferguson’s attempts to take praise for the develop-

Mohamed Irfaan Ali.” “The other areas, including Annandale, Mon Repos, La Bonne Intention, Non Pariel, Ordinance Fortlands the issue of ownership is now being addressed by this new Government. It is almost impossible for an allottee to approach a bank for a mortgage,” CH&PA said.

CH&PA noted that the demand for lands remains at an all-time high. They assured that the Ministry of Housing is working with a strategic plan to meet this demand, while also executing infrastructure development works in new and existing housing schemes throughout the country.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Men wanted for $58M Kitty gold heist previously charged for spate of robberies

A

ntonio Maraj and Jamal Hazel - two of the three men who Police say were caught on CCTV footage snatching $58 million in cash and gold from Wallison Enterprise, Kitty, Georgetown, two weeks ago and for whom wanted bulletins have been issued - were previously charged with a spate of armed robberies dating back to 2017.

Reports show that at just age 19, Maraj appeared before the courts and was remanded to prison for allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint. The charge had alleged that on November 2, 2017, at D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, while armed with a gun, he robbed Wes

Talking…

cash.

At that time, the prosecutor had opposed him being released on bail on the

From L-R: Robbery accused Peon Lee, GDF Sergeant Keyon King, and Delroy Jackson

Matthews of an iPhone valued at $65,500 and $5000 in

basis that he was positively identified by the virtu-

al complainant. Two years later in 2019, Maraj also called “Pluckin” or “Thuggy” was slapped with a similar charge. This time around, he was however, released on $100,000 bail.

It was alleged that on August 17, 2017, at D’Urban Street, Georgetown, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Kester Peters of a phone valued at $48,000, a gold ring valued at $127,000, and $50,000 in cash.

In February 2020, he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with three counts of robbery

under arms. However, two of the three charges were dismissed against him that same day after the victims indicated that they did not wish to proceed with the matters.

He also faced another charge which stated that on February 8, 2020, at Leopold and Breda Streets, Georgetown, he assaulted Police Sergeant John Mohamed to prevent the lawful apprehension of Kennedy Fraser.

And earlier this year, Maraj and another man, 35-year-old Ryan Chung of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were charged over allegedly robbing a housewife at gunpoint.

It was reported that at the time of the robbery, one of them was clad in Police uniform.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 25, 2021, at Land of Canaan, EBD, while in the company of each other and armed with a gun, they robbed 53-year-old Desiree DeFreitas of one Samsung Galaxy S9 cell phone valued at $160,000. Both of them were released on bail by the presiding Magistrate.

According to reports, the housewife was sitting in her verandah on her cell phone when a man dressed in Police uniform entered her yard.

Another man then approached the woman, held her at gunpoint, and demanded that she hand over her valuables. He attempted to force the woman into the house and when she resisted, he hit her on the head with the gun and snatched her cell phone.

The men then made their escape in a waiting motor car.

Meanwhile, in January 2019, Hazel, 24, was charged and remanded to prison over a $5 million armed robbery committed on Andrea Purdessy at Pere Street, Kitty, Georgetown. But the charge was dismissed after the complainant refused to offer evidence against him.

The previous year, he was arrested and charged for a string of robberies carried out around Georgetown. The first charge alleged that on January 10, 2018, at North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, while being in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Boodram Hemraj of one weeding machine, valued at $100,000.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

…with the PNC? If you’re a fan of Oprah (when you reach that level of fame, no second names are necessary, thank you!) you’d know she advises us always to talk. It certainly worked for her, having catapulted her into billionaire status. And we’re talking American greenbacks, not our Monopoly money! But the question is here moved from the general to the specific…should the PPP be talking with the PNC??

The question is posed in answer to a suggestion from an old-time political commentator who used to be with that ROAR outfit. He suggests that, presently, there needs to be some initiative to get our moribund politics going: "A good place for the PPP/C to start a national dialogue on our ethnic dilemma is with the Opposition. Waiting until the PNC reconciles its internal contradictions will only pose a greater challenge to the Government, with the possibility of erasing all that has been achieved during the PPP/C’s first year in office.”

Now, while your Eyewitness is a faithful follower of the Oprah Doctrine on “talking”, he’s a mite confused.

Why is it self-evident that, “Waiting until the PNC reconciles its internal contradictions will only pose a greater challenge to the Government”? One guesses “the PNC” the writer is talking about is the faction headed by Granger and his place-mark, Lil Joe Harmon.

At least they occupy the formal positions right now.

But the “internal contradictions” alluded to aren’t some generalised angst…but specific direct challenges to that leadership from insiders who’ve demonstrated they have widespread support within the base.

So what would be the point of the PPP negotiating with what could very well be a lame-duck PNC leadership? Wouldn’t they simply not only be tipping their hand, but actually making their concessions?

So, when Granger and company are ousted - which looks almost certain - wouldn’t their replacements be demanding more concessions be granted, since they would’ve denounced the former as “sellouts”? After all, the challengers’ major criticism of Granger is that he was “too soft” against the PPP! Nah…your Eyewitness thinks the PPP ought to stay put and continue demanding that Granger and Harmon can’t have their cake and eat it too! As our American exemplars of democracy would say, “Either they sh*t or get off the pot”! The struggle for leadership will reveal the tendencies in the various factions - ranging from the Fanonesque, nihilist bellicosities of the dwindling handful of WPAites to the claimed acceptance of sedate parliamentary electoral politics espoused by the local .00000007.

The WPA ideologues have never been able to muster mass support, so it may boil down to Aubrey Norton -Desmond Hoyte’s discarded “creature” resurrected! …about unity with Suriname Suriname’s President Santoki’s State visit, starting tomorrow, is fantastic news. On his first visit - after the protracted elections drama - and President Ali’s reciprocation, they’d really hit it off personally and professionally. The former relationship is not to be sneezed at towards the success of the latter especially when other leaders have stressed the few disagreements (New River Triangle?) rather than the massive number of commonalities we share.

With Suriname poised to join us as part of Big Oil’s last hurrah, there will be synergies to be exploited in the years ahead. Suriname’s experience as an oil producer (on land) has given them the institutional memory to play a more confident and involved role in the development of their offshore fields. They’re also proceeding full speed ahead on the Corentyne Bridge, and this will widen our Caricom-approved free trade and our prospective markets.

But, most of all, in the area of governance, Suriname’s much more benign ethnic relations in their similar plural society can offer some tips for our more fractious ones. …fat After all the racist trash talk from some NY political wannabes and their local compradors, were the two damp-squib “rallies” in Brooklyn and Buxton the best they can do?

So, what’ll be their excuse? COVID-19?

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region has to rise up, face challenges together – outgoing Caricom SG – says judging success of regional integration by CSME is fallacy my which goes into shock, and in some instances crises of governance and democracy, and our region has to rise up to those occasions and address them, as we have demonstrated time and time again that we can,” he asserted.

According to

Outgoing Caricom SG Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

A

s was displayed over the past year with the onslaught of natural disasters and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that have devastated countries in the region, outgoing Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, says that Member States need to continue with, and strengthen the level of, cooperation shown in order to face future challenges.

The SecretaryGeneral’s seat will be handed over today to Belizean Dr Carla Barnett during a virtual installation ceremony. After serving two five-year terms as Secretary-General, Ambassador LaRocque wrapped up tenure with a sod-turning ceremony for the construction of an official residence for the Caricom SG at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.

During a brief interview on the sidelines of his last official task before handing over the reins to his successor, the outgoing Caricom SG reflected on his decade-long service, saying that he is satisfied

with his accomplishments and is now leaving behind a strong Community.

“With our arrangements in integration, things take a while…so you keep working on things. There are things that I meet, for instance, that I continued to work on… It really is a race onwards, and I pass on the baton to Dr Barnett and I’m confident that she will advance the race to another step. I can’t say the finish line, because Caricom is going to exist for a long time and I’m confident I’m leaving a strong Caricom,” he told Guyana Times.

Ambassador LaRocque posited that, despite challenges, the Community has fought, and continues to fight, through the COVID-19 pandemic in a unified way. He pointed to the recent delivery of Pfizer vaccines to the region as a major win for cooperation in Caricom.

Moreover, he pointed to the series of disasters, most of which are as a result of the impact of climate, that have affected the region.

“The disasters are there, Guyana and Suriname experienced it very recently

Incoming SG Dr Carla Barnett

with the flooding. The other countries experienced hurricanes, and our region has risen to the occasion in every instance, not only in coming to the assistance of their brothers and sisters in Caricom, but through CDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergence Management Agency) and through coordination policy-arrangements to assist Member States to put in place the various aspects of being more resilient,” the Caricom SG contended.

Further, he outlined the importance of building resilience, which he says is the cornerstone of the Regional Strategic Plan – an initiative he piloted. He stressed that resilience in the economy, socially, and in every other sphere is necessary, especially now in the face of worsening climate change effects.

“These disasters are not going to go away.

These pandemics are going to come. COVID might go, another one is going to come…We have to be prepared for these crises. And in my tenure there have been quite a few – crises of health, crises of econo-

Ambassador LaRocque, “The tendencies of always judging the success of integration by the CSME [Caricom Single Market and Economy] is a fallacy… There is so much else that we do that doesn’t get recognition for what it is.”

Only last week, during

a farewell meeting, President Dr Irfaan Ali said the Caribbean region is “stronger and better” because of the Dominican economist’s service over the past decade at the helm of Caricom.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

10 NEWS

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

47 youths graduate from Natural Resources Apprenticeship programme successfully. “Be steadfast in all that you do despite the difficulties and delays in achieving your success. “It doesn’t matter what your goal is or how long it takes you to reach or achieve that goal, the chances of your success depend solely on you.”

Kenesia Roberts, one of the graduates, expressed that she valued the opportunity to acquire knowledge about Natural Resources youth graduate Michael McCloud

Kenesia Roberts

ome 47 youths from across the country have graduated from the Youth in Natural Resources Apprenticeship programme aimed at providing opportunities for young people to experience and learn about this criti-

YNR, Lorianne Pluck spoke of the significance of the event.

“What we seek to do is to involve young people, young adults, preferably teens that are preparing for CXC or would have finished CXC, and introduce them into the natural re-

S

cal sector and capitalise on job opportunities.

At the graduation ceremony held Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Coordinator of

sources lifestyle,” she posited.

Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Natural Resources Ministry, Vishal Ambedkar urged the apprentices to persevere to live

McCloud, said this year’s programme was “very fulfilling.”

According to him, “The biggest highlight for me was the trip to Iwokrama, the river lodge and research centre where we were exposed to road monitoring and the various monitoring through the rainforests, and what it takes to sustain it throughout the day and protect it.”

Roberts and McCloud are

aspiring to secure careers in Guyana’s natural resources sector. This programme is set to kick off again next year when youths are set to work with agencies like the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Forestry Commission, ExxonMobil, MACORP, and other big companies that operate in Guyana’s natural resources sector.

Men wanted for $58M Kitty gold...

FROM PAGE 8

It was alleged that on January 13, 2018, at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, Hazel had in his possession nine rounds of .38 ammunition and at the same time he had in his possession a .38 pistol when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

The unlicenced firearm charge was later dismissed after the prosecution failed to prove the elements of the offence.

Kitty heist

Graduates of this year’s Natural Resources Apprenticeship programme

Guyana’s natural resources sector, and to interact and engage with other youths who share her passion. The young woman shared, “Personally, the highlight for me would have been the sandpits. We visited the sandpits and what was amazing to me was how big the pits are and how many trucks there were collecting sand 24/7.

Another graduate, Michael

Last Tuesday, 32-year-old Keyon King, a GDF Sergeant, Delroy “Bug” Jackson, 36, and Peon Lee also known as “Nino Brown”, both security officers attached to the Willison Enterprise, were charged for the multimillion-dollar robbery.

They were charged with four counts of robbery under arms committed on Francis Santos Lumes, Fernanda Carmicheal, and William Da Silva.

The court heard that they robbed Lumes of 60 ounces of

raw gold valued at $20 million and $38 million in cash, a gold chain worth $140,000, and a gold ring valued at $60,000.

Carmichael was relieved of his cell phone valued at $350,000.

Da Silva, on the other hand, was robbed of a $60,000 cellular phone.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, the trio was remanded to prison.

It was reported that on the day in question at about 10:00h, three armed men went to the Lot 23 Gordon Street, Kitty business and indicated that they had gold to sell.

However, within minutes of entering the establishment, they held several staff members at gunpoint and demanded that they open three safes where the money and gold were secured.

After committing the robbery, the armed men bound and gagged the cashier and two other staff after which they locked them in a room. Moments after escaping in a white motor car,

the cashier managed to free herself and raise an alarm.

The Police were called in and immediately one of the two security guards was arrested.

Based on intelligence and information received, the detectives went to a house in B Field Sophia where they conducted a search and found some personal items belonging to the owner of the business.

There, another security guard was taken into custody.

The security guards were, however, interrogated during which one of them confessed to being part of the plot to rob the establishment.

Following leads, the detectives turned up at the home of the GDF Sergeant at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), where a search was conducted in the house but nothing substantial was found.

During a search in the yard, the detectives noticed a disturbed piece of land and decid-

ed to dig. It was then a bucket was found buried, which, when checked, contained $15 million in $5000 notes and an additional $3 million in $1000 notes.

Also last Wednesday, Police found the car that was used in the robbery parked in front of the home of Dequan King who Police have named as the getaway driver.

It was reported that King called “Titus” and “Quanie” of Lot 435 Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, has left for the interior. His neighbours told Police that prior to leaving, he took home a truckload full of household items, which were purchased the day after the robbery.

Like Maraj and Hazel, King is also wanted by the Police. Maraj’s last known addresses are Leopold Street, Georgetown; Agricola, Greater Georgetown, and Buxton, East Coast Demerara. Hazel is last known to be residing at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown.

NEWS

Home Improvement Subsidy & Core Homes Initiative

11

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 100 La Parfaite Harmonie residents sign house contracts

O

ver 100 low-income residents of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), on Sunday signed contracts that will see them benefitting from the construction of core homes and home improvement subsidies.

The signing was held by the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) at the La Parfaite Harmonie Primary School.

At the event, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal stated that the home improvement subsidies and core homes, which fall under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), are designed to elevate the living standards of vulnerable groups.

“Our mission at the Ministry of Housing and

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal addressing the gathering

Water is to increase homeownership across the country and with low-income housing being the highest demand in our system, such programmes are important to our mandate,” Croal stated.

The Minister also spoke to some of the Ministry’s ongoing development pro-

grammes in the region including the drilling of new wells, water service connections and some $900 million in expected road upgrades.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues in her remarks elaborated that the initiative will not only help to

3-year-old allegedly drowns in trench behind home

T

he lifeless body of 3-year-old Trayshawn Archer was on Sunday pulled from a trench in close proximity to his North Ruimveldt Squatting Area home in Georgetown.

The toddler had gone missing at about 5:00h, but his body was discovered several hours later in a trench that runs to the front and back of his home. He had last been seen alive by his 19-year-old mother Aaliyah Archer asleep

at about 5:00h.

The devastated mother told Police that at 6:18h she discovered the toddler was not in the house, and she immediately started to search for him.

She reportedly found his pair of brown rubber slippers on the bridge of the neighbour’s yard.

The neighbour, however, has said he did not see the toddler for the morning, and as such he raised an alarm, and the Police at North Ruimveldt

Outpost were contacted.

Assisted by persons in the area, the Police conducted searches but the child was not seen. At about 15:15h, his body was discovered in the trench. He was subsequently pronounced dead by a doctor. No marks of violence were seen on the body, but a whitish liquid was seen in his nostrils.

The toddler’s body was taken to the Memorial Funeral Home to await a post mortem.

Region has to rise up...

FROM PAGE 9

The Secretary-General pointed out that much of his first term was about laying the foundation for initiatives that really took shape during his second tenure. He noted that while it may not appear that way, there has been tremendous progress with CSME. He also spearheaded the establishment of the Regional Strategic Plan that seeks to identify all the major priorities that need to be worked on, put in place mechanisms to ensure that the Community is not working on cross purposes and in duplication. Further, he also brought the various institutions in Caricom in the limelight, and have

them play a more active role while also bringing accountability to the work of the Secretariat.

“I’m satisfied with my tenure, and I know there will be critics. Nothing is perfect, and I wish I could’ve done more… I wish we were further along on the CSME, to be honest. We did quite a few things, but I thought there were other things that we could have been further along on. But when you do work that involves 15 Member States - and in the case of the CSME, there are 12 Member States who are the decision makers, because three countries are not integrally involved - you have to get all 12 on board, and sometimes it

doesn’t move as fast as you wish,” he stated.

Nevertheless, the outgoing Caricom SG says the foundation is there to take all these accomplishments forward.

“I started the process of reforming the Secretariat, and I believe that it needs to continue. I mention accountability and greater planning in the way we do things, and I hope that trajectory can continue, not necessarily the way I may have planned it, but continue nonetheless, because you always have to look for improvement; you always need to increase the efficiency in how you do business,” Ambassador LaRocque.

improve housing conditions but also provide employment opportunities.

“Job creation and stimulation of the local economy is integrally part of this programme, these are the soft issues that affect people’s lives and that we’re working on addressing through our housing drive,” Rodrigues added.

Before the signing of the contracts, Head of CH&PA’s Legal Secretariat, Hannifah Jordan explained the contract terms to beneficiaries.

A session for concerns to be addressed was then facilitated by Director of Community Development Gladwin Charles, Deputy Director Donell Bess-Bascom and team.

Sunday’s event follows the inking of $163 million in contracts between CH&PA and the contractors executing the projects. As such, 25 core homes will be built through this phase of the programme and one hundred

One of the beneficiaries signing her contract on Sunday

and eighteen (118) home improvement subsidies granted.

The core homes will be no less than 330 square feet single family homes with concrete blocks for the outer walls and floors, basic doors, windows, electrical wiring and water connections.

The homes are designed

to meet basic standards that a family can move into and affordably expand over time.

On the other hand, the home improvement subsidies will be $500,000 granted in the form of building materials for repairs to walls, floors, electrical works and sanitation improvements, among others.

12

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

13

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS $365M to train Labour Officers in 2021 – Labour Minister …36 new officers recruited S MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ome $365 million is being spent by the Government of Guyana to train officers within the Labour Ministry in 2021.

This was revealed by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton during a graduation ceremony at the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) Labour College, for the 36 newly recruited officers who would have completed a twoweek training programme.

The ceremony saw in attendance key officials such as the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bishram Kuppen, Ministerial Advisor and coordinator of the training programme, Gillian BurtonPersaud, and the various heads of departments.

The trained officers will be placed in the Labour Department,

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and one of the newly trained officers

Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA), Occupational Safety & Health Department (OSH), and Cooperative Department (CO-OP).

They were presented with a certificate of completion and are expected to be deployed to

several areas across the country. A rotation stint is expected to be done amongst officers so as to familiarise themselves with the various regions.

Officers were also informed that they will have to learn foreign languages to

The recently trained officers attached to the Labour Ministry

communicate with foreign nationals that have a permanent presence in Guyana.

This is to decrease language barriers that may affect efficient communication with foreign employers and workers.

The Minister stated that, “The goal is to build the most robust Ministry of Labour in

the history of this country Guyana”.

The Minister noted that when he took office, there was a mere 87 persons when there should have been a 127 staffing complement. To date, the Ministry has nearly 200 employees to effectively carry out the functions of the Ministry.

“Everything that you will do is bounded and grounded in statute and law…you are guided by statute and law. You have the power to make fundamental decisions to determine people’s lives whether they live or they die,” Hamilton told the officers.

TURN TO PAGE 15

NEWS

15

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EU assists UG to boost support for students with challenges, disabilities received the donation on behalf of the University from the European Union Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Dr Fernando Ponz Canto during a simple ceremony last week at the Turkeyen Campus.

The items were part of a reserve library of electronics of the EU’s Electoral Observation Mission

(EUEOM) to Guyana for the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Ambassador Ponz Canto noted that the gift coincides with the ongoing activities that are part of the EU Delegation’s 30th year in Guyana.

“I am happy to deliver these materials that should help students and faculty

to take forward one of the most important objectives for Guyana: the education and progress of all its citizens,” the Ambassador stated.

Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin expressed gratitude for the timely donations while relating that it will be put into good use.

$365M to train Labour...

FROM PAGE 14

From left: Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, Dr Fernando Ponz Canto; University of Guyana Vice-Chancellor XI, Paloma Mohamed; UG Berbice Campus Director Subramaniam Gomathinayagam, and the University of Guyana Institute of Distance and Continuing Education Director, Dr Jacqueline Murray at the handing over ceremony

T

he University of Guyana’s capacity to provide additional support to its students, especially those with challenges and disabilities,

has been boosted with the donation of several pieces of equipment from the European Union (EU).

The equipment includes seven laptops, one copy ma-

chine with toner supplies, one smart television, and multiple flash drives.

University of Guyana’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin

“Any place you go to do your work and anyone is introducing any conversation that is not of a technical nature, you just say ‘y’all call the Minister’ – I will deal with the rest.”

The Minister further pointed out that Government agencies have no exemptions where the works of the officers and the Labour Ministry are concerned.

In addition, he stat-

ed that the Permanent Secretary was instructed to inform all the Ministries that “we will be coming”.

“We are reviewing legislations – if you have any ideas based on what you have experienced, bring it to the PS and the lawyers and your department head… I want the law to empower Labour Officers and OSH Officers to go to the court and file contempt proceedings.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary informed the newly trained officers that the training is an introduction to the journey and work they will be embarking on.

He noted that there will be continued training as they go along, as well as consultations with the heads of department as they provide the services which they were mandated to provide on behalf of the Labour Ministry.

16 NEWS Man, 38, is latest COVID victim; 106 new cases recorded in 24h MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

he Health Ministry on Sunday reported that another person who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has died thus bringing the death toll to 574.

This latest fatality is a 38-year-old male from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), who died on Saturday while being treated at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Ocean View Hospital, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The COVID-19 death toll so far for the month of August stands at 28. It was also reported that another 106 persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

According to Sunday’s updated COVID-19 dashboard, the total number of confirmed cases in the country has now increased to 23,561.

This includes 16 patients in the COVID-19 ICU and the remaining 1022 persons in isolation, that is, 81 in institutional isolation and the other 941 in home isolation.

There are also four other persons in institutional quarantine.

So far, some 21,946 per-

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 15 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

106 81 941 16

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

12,095

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

11,466

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

23,561

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

21,946

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

282,000

FULLY IMMUNISED

146,000

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

574

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1335

REGION 2

680

REGION 3

2706

REGION 4

10,690

REGION 5

779

REGION 6

1959

REGION 7

1303

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

2154

REGION 10

1575

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, August 31, 2021

sons have recovered from the life-threatening disease

– 19 more recoveries than the figure reported the previous day.

Additionally, a total of 244,493 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus since the outbreak of the pandemic here last year. Of this, 11,466 males and 12,095 females were found to be positive.

Of the 106 new COVID cases recorded on Sunday, four were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini), two cases in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 11 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a whopping 77 cases in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), five in the East BerbiceCorentyne region, one case each in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and the remaining five cases in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Regions Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni) recorded no COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, according to Sunday’s COVID-19 dashboard.

In order to curb the rising number of cases in the country, the Guyana Government launched its COVID-19 vaccination exercise back in February and is

aggressively rolling it out in the various regions in order to achieve heard immunity.

So far, over 50 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose of the vaccine and recent data puts this figure at more than 282,000 persons. Meanwhile, fully immunised persons in the country stand in excess of 146,000 of the population who are 18 years and older Persons are encouraged to get immunised since the COVID-19 vaccine gives full protection against death.

In fact, Health authorities have disclosed that no one who is fully vaccinated with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been hospitalised or died from the virus.

Nevertheless, as more people continue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly masking in public, social distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitising. The measures also include vaccination requirements to access certain social locations such as restaurants and cinemas as well as some Government services.

NEWS

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MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Afghan President flees country as Taliban move into Kabul

– US evacuates Embassy

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ne of the Taliban’s top officials has said the real test of governing is set to begin, after the group entered the Afghan capital, Kabul, and took control of the presidential palace.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who heads the Taliban’s political bureau, said in a brief video statement on Sunday that the test would begin with meeting the expectations of Afghans and resolving their problems.

Al Jazeera obtained exclusive footage of Taliban leaders, surrounded by dozens of armed fighters, addressing the media from the country’s seat of power earlier on Sunday.

They entered the palace after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country amid the Taliban’s rapid advance,

Afghanistan’s embattled President, Ashraf Ghani

“Tomorrow and over the coming days, we will be transferring out of the country thousands of American citizens who have been resident in Afghanistan, as well as locally employed staff of the US mission in Kabul and their families and other particularly vulnerable Afghan

Taliban leaders inside the Presidential Palace [Screen grab/ Al Jazeera]

which saw the group capture 26 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals in less than two weeks.

Ghani later said in a statement posted on Facebook that he fled to prevent further bloodshed.

“The Taliban have won with the judgement of their swords and guns, and are now responsible for the honour, property and self-preservation of their countrymen,” he said.

The Pentagon and the US Department of State said they are taking steps to secure Kabul’s international airport to enable the safe departure of thousands of US and allied personnel from Afghanistan via civilian and military flights.

nationals,” the statement said.

“And we will accelerate the evacuation of thousands of Afghans eligible for US Special Immigrant Visas, nearly 2000 of whom have already arrived in the United States over the past two weeks.”

Shafiq Hamdam, a former adviser to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, slammed Ghani’s decision to flee Afghanistan on Sunday amid the Taliban’s rapid advance on Kabul.

“It’s shameful. It’s embarrassing. People feel abandoned, people feel betrayed,” Hamdam told Al Jazeera from Washington, DC. Ghani justified his departure in a statement on

Taliban forces patrol a street in Herat [Reuters]

In a joint statement Sunday night, the agencies said the US security presence will have expanded to nearly 6000 troops over the next two days, with a “mission focused solely on facilitating” the departures. They will also take over air traffic control.

Facebook, saying it aimed to prevent further bloodshed. “The Taliban have won with the judgement of their swords and guns,” he wrote.

Former US President Donald Trump called for his successor Joe Biden to resign on Sunday over the swift

takeover of Afghanistan

by Taliban fighters, as US troops withdrew from the country after nearly 20 years on the ground.

“It is time for Joe Biden to resign in disgrace for what he has allowed to happen to Afghanistan,” Trump said in a statement.

The Taliban have reconquered Afghanistan in a lightning surge 20 years after they were toppled by the US invasion.

They entered Kabul on Sunday, more than two weeks before the August 31 deadline set by Biden to complete the withdrawal of American troops from the country.

It was under Trump that the US brokered a deal with the Taliban in Doha in 2020 that would have seen the US withdraw all its troops by May 2021, in exchange for various security guarantees from the group.

Iran has reduced its diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday, leaving a skeleton staff at the embassy in Kabul.

“There has been a reduction in staff at Iran’s embassy in Kabul,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a statement, adding that some personnel remained to ensure the “embassy’s necessary activities” continue.

Khatibzadeh said staff had evacuated three of the Islamic republic’s five Afghan diplomatic missions – in Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad and Kandahar – but would continue their activities from the capital.

“Currently at these three offices only some guards and some local workers are present,” he added.

Local television station 1TV reported that gunfire could be heard as night fell near the Kabul airport, where foreign diplomats, officials and other Afghans fled, seeking to leave the country amid the Taliban’s advance.

Massouma Tajik, a 22-year-old data analyst, was among hundreds of Afghans waiting anxiously to board an evacuation flight.

“I see people crying, they are not sure whether their flight will happen or not.

Neither am I,” she told The Associated Press by phone, with panic in her voice.

Hundreds or more Afghans crowded in a part of the airport away from many of the evacuating Westerners.

Some of them, including

a man with a broken leg sitting on the ground, lined up for what was expected to be a last flight out by the country’s Ariana Airlines.

The international forces sent to Afghanistan to evacuate foreign nationals should remain in the country until the Taliban keep their promises, a former advisor to President Ashraf Ghani told Al Jazeera.

“Other than for evacuating diplomats and some Afghans, the international troops have to be there in Kabul for a certain time to make sure the Taliban are keeping up with their promises,” Shafiq Hamdam said.

“The Taliban have to allow the people to decide their future. They must not lead Afghanistan to become a country in chaos without any rule of law or Government.

They must not repeat the emirate that was there before 2001,” he added.

People in Kabul are afraid of seeing Taliban fighters on the streets of Kabul, Sharif Safi, founder of Kabul Peace Forum, told Al Jazeera.

“Today was different.

The whole city was silent.

Everyone was panicking. It was around noon that we heard rumours that they [Taliban] entered Kabul city,” Safi said.

“From noon on, where I live, there were some gunfire. People feel devastated.

Very strange feeling. The Government that most of the people in Kabul support is no more in power. We just hope there is no more bloodshed and destruction,” he added.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres urged the

A US Chinook helicopter flies near the US Embassy in Kabul on Sunday during an operation to evacuate embassy staff (CNN PHOTO)

“Taliban and all other parties to exercise utmost restraint in order to protect lives” and ensure humanitarian needs can be addressed, his spokesman said in a statement.

“He calls on the Taliban and all other parties to ensure that international humanitarian law and the rights and freedoms of all people are respected and protected,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

As the United States

In a series of US media interviews on Sunday, Blinken again defended President Joe Biden’s decision to pull US troops out of Afghanistan by the end of August, despite mounting criticism that the swift US withdrawal contributed to the country’s deteriorating security situation.

“Remember, this is not Saigon,” Blinken told CNN, referring to the fall of Saigon in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War. “We went to

Thousands have been displaced by the latest conflict between Government forces and Taliban fighters [Haroon Sabawoon/ Anadolu]

withdraws personnel from its embassy in Kabul and Taliban fighters enter the Afghan capital, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has rejected comparisons to Washington’s exit from Vietnam decades ago.

Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission, and that mission was to deal with the folks who attacked us on 9/11 – and we have succeeded in that mission.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

Regional

Haiti earthquake: Rescuers search for Nicaragua arrests manager of survivors as death toll climbs to 1297 critical newspaper, UK slams Ortega

O

fficials in Haiti have confirmed at least 1,297 people are dead after a powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean nation on Saturday. Rescuers are picking through rubble in a desperate search for any survivors.

Homes, churches and schools were among buildings flattened in the quake.

Some hospitals were left overwhelmed and in need of supplies.

An unknown number of people are missing and about 5700 have been injured, officials say.

The disaster compounds problems facing the impoverished nation, which is already reeling from a political

N

There are reports of hospitals being overwhelmed in the city of Les Cayes (Reuters)

some 125km away, and in neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry declared a month-long state of emergency and urged the population to “show solidarity”.

“The most important thing is to recover as many survivors as possible under the rubble,” he said on Saturday. “We have learned that the local hospitals, in particular that of Les Cayes, are overwhelmed with wounded, fractured people.”

The international community has promised to help.

US President Joe Biden said he had authorised an

“immediate US response” through USAID. The UN also said it was supporting the rescue effort.

The neighbouring Dominican Republic has offered to send food and medical equipment, with Cuba also reportedly deploying more than 250 doctors.

Jerry Chandler, the head of the Haiti’s civil protection agency, said on Sunday that in the South department, where Les Cayes is situated, about 1500 houses had been completely destroyed and 3000 damaged.

“In Nippes [department], there are 899 houses destroyed and 723 houses damaged. In the Grande’Anse department, there are 469 houses destroyed and 1687 houses damaged,” he added.

He warned that Tropical Storm Grace, which is approaching the country, is “likely to make matters worse” in the coming days.

The Pope offered prayers for the victims during a Sunday address and expressed hope that aid would arrive soon.

Aftershocks were felt after the initial tremor, with the USGS initially warning the earthquake could result in thousands of fatalities and injuries.

A 2010 earthquake in Haiti killed more than 200,000 people and caused extensive damage to the country’s infrastructure and economy. (BBC News)

It was moving west at 26 mph (43 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph), down from 45 mph (75 kph) earlier in the day.

A tropical storm warning was issued for the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. A tropical storm watch was in effect for the Dominican Republic, which forecasters said Grace could reach by today.

Grace was forecast to bring three to six inches (7.5 to 15 centimetres) of rain to the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico into Monday. The cur-

rent forecast has Grace approaching South Florida as a tropical storm by midweek.

Meanwhile, Fred was downgraded to a tropical wave with top winds around 35 mph (55 kph).

Tropical waves can contain winds and heavy rain but do not circulate around a centre point or an “eye” that a tropical storm or hurricane has. Forecasters said Fred appeared “disorganised” and they projected it would pass west of the lower Florida Keys and then move into the eastern Gulf of Mexico. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

The epicentre of Saturday’s quake was about 12km (7.5 miles) from the town of Saint-Louis du Sud, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

But the tremor could be felt in the densely-populated capital of Port-au-Prince,

People walk past a house destroyed following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti August 14, 2021

crisis following the assassination of its President last month.

The south-west of Haiti appears to have suffered the worst of the damage, especially around the city of Les Cayes. Footage on social media showed residents desperately trying to pull victims from ruined buildings.

“The streets are filled with screaming,” Archdeacon Abiade Lozama, head of an Anglican church in Les Cayes, told the New York Times. “People are searching, for loved ones or resources, medical help, water.”

icaraguan Police on Saturday arrested the General Manager of newspaper La Prensa, a day after raiding its offices and accusing the publication, which is a trenchant critic of President Daniel Ortega, of customs fraud and money laundering.

In a statement, National Police said it had arrested Juan Holmann Chamorro for customs fraud, as well as laundering money, property and assets, adding to a mounting crackdown against the paper and other critics of the Ortega Administration.

The British Government on Saturday added to the

growing condemnation of Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, saying the pair were resorting to authoritarian methods to stifle opposition and free elections later this year.

A day before Friday’s raid on La Prensa, the paper said it was no longer able to put out a print edition because the Government was withholding paper from it.

On Friday night, Ortega had accused the newspaper of “lies, slander, defamation, money laundering and not paying taxes.”

His Government’s attacks against the opposition and critics have left Ortega increasingly isolated internationally.

Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla and erstwhile Cold War antagonist of the United States, is seeking to secure a fourth consecutive term in power in elections due in November.

In a statement, British Foreign Office Minister Zac Goldsmith accused the Ortega Administration of an “abuse of power” to side line opponents and prevent a fair vote.

La Prensa is controlled by the Chamorro family, some of whom are longtime adversaries of Ortega. Following the arrest of the General Manager, four members of the family are now in custody. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T: Man dies as house collapses in heavy rain

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ne man is dead following a landslide in Erin that occurred following several hours of heavy rains and flooding.

Rescue teams were also rendering aid to hundreds of people from Erin, Rancho Quemado, Arena, Sobo, Palo Seco and Cedros who are trapped by floods.

In an interview with Guardian Media, Councillor for Palo Seco Dana O’Neil-Gervais said the teams had not yet reached Rancho Quemado, where the major landslip occurred earlier this morning.

“Details are still sketchy. We are hearing that one man is dead. So far, the Fire and Police Officers are on their way to render aid but they cannot reach the body because of the amount of flooding that is rising,” O’NeilGervais said.

She noted that two other landslips occurred within the electoral district of Erin.

The house in which Christopher Samuel died

“One landslide is in Buenos Ayres and two others in Rancho Quemado.

Right now, I am mobilising to get to the site. We have reports that oil is floating in the floodwaters, so I contacted Heritage Petroleum and provided details of the areas which are underwater now,” she said.

Meanwhile, along the M2 Ring Road, farmers were bracing for crop loss.

Gardener Sean Sookraj hurriedly brought in his goats to protect them from

drowning in the swirling floodwaters which rose as high as four feet in some areas. Fields of produce were also underwater Flooding is also rising at Scott’s Road, Penal; Macaulay, Cedar Hill, Claxton Bay, several parts of Penal Rock Road, SS Erin Road, Debe, Lower Barrackpore, Harmony Hall, Guacara Tabaquite Main Road and Reform Village, Gasparillo.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Main Cuban oxygen plant Tropical Storm Grace forms; fails amid COVID-19 surge Fred now a tropical wave

T

ropical Storm Grace formed on Saturday morning in the Atlantic Ocean and grew stronger, while Fred weakened into a tropical wave as it headed into the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Both systems were expected to bring heavy rain and flooding. Fred, which was once a tropical storm, could regain such strength on Sunday, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

The Center said in its 5:00 pm EDT advisory that Grace was centred about 55 miles (85 kilometres) eastsouth-east of Guadeloupe.

C

uba’s Public Health Minister said on Sunday efforts were underway to restart the country’s main oxygen factory which had broken down even as the death toll from COVID-19 on Saturday reached 98, equal to the pandemic record.

Minister Jose Angel Portal’s appearance on the State’s mid-day news broadcast came as a Deltadriven surge in coronavirus cases and deaths swamped some provincial health services.

Daily cases are averaging between 8000 and 9000 and fatalities at nearly 1 per cent of cases, low by in-

ternational standards but high for Cuba which last year had a death rate of 0.67 per cent.

As of Saturday Cuba had reported 577,668 cases and 4023 deaths.

The health crisis, on top of an economic one that saw the economy fall 10.9 per cent last year, and an additional 2 per cent through June compared with the same period last year, has resulted in a scarcity of consumer goods and frayed nerves in the Communistrun country. Last month tens of thousands took to the streets in protest, the most serious unrest since the early days of the 1959

Revolution.

Residents and some medical staff have taken to social media complaining of treatment in a land that prides itself for the quality of its free health system.

The country of 11.2 million residents has fully vaccinated three million with homegrown vaccines, with another two million expected to get a final shot before September.

Cuba’s Health Minister said a high-level commission was doing everything possible to make up for the oxygen shortage without indicating when the main plant would come back online. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

19

Around the world

OILNEWS OIL NEWS US drillers add most oil rigs in a week since April – Baker Hughes

U

S energy firms added the most oil rigs in a week since April as the total rig count more than doubled from a record low a year ago amid a recovery in crude prices.

The combined oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, was up for the second week in a row, increasing nine to 500 in the week to Aug 13, its highest since April 2020, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

The total rig count was up 256 rigs, or 105 per cent, from a record low of 244 this time last year, according to Baker Hughes data going back to 1940.

US oil rigs rose 10 to 397 this week, also their highest since April 2020, and up from 172 a year ago, which was their lowest since 2005 before the shale boom boosted activity.

Gas rigs fell one to 102, but was still up from a record low of 68 in July 2020, according to Baker Hughes data going back to 1987.

Baker Hughes said most of the rigs’ drillers added this week were in the Eagle Ford in South Texas (four), Williston in North Dakota and Montana (four) and Permian in West Texas and eastern New Mexico (four).

Enverus, a provider of energy data with its own closely watched rig count, said the number of active rigs increased by eight to 575 in the week to Aug 11 with most of the increases in Appalachia and the Permian.

US crude futures were trading about US$68 a barrel on Friday, putting the benchmark up slightly for the week even though oil demand growth is slowing sharply due to the spread of coronavirus variants.

Even though oil prices were over 41 per cent higher so far this year, most energy firms remain focused on returning capital to investors. Some are raising spending in 2021 after cutting drilling and completion expenditures over the past two years although analysts think it will only replace natural declines in well production.

US crude oil production is expected to fall by 160,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2021 to 11.12 million bpd, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a monthly report on Tuesday, a smaller decline than its previous forecast for a drop of 210,000 bpd. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Canada’s Trudeau triggers snap election in push for majority

Canadians will be heading to the polls next month, two years earlier than scheduled, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau triggered a snap election on Sunday after weeks of speculation that a vote was coming.

Trudeau, whose Liberal Party won a majority in 2015 but was relegated to a 157-seat minority Government in the last election in 2019, is hoping to get back a majority in the face of what analysts have described as a divided and weak opposition Conservative Party of Canada.

“Canadians will … go to the polls on September 20,” Trudeau told reporters in the capital, Ottawa, after he visited the residence of Governor General Mary

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau triggered a snap federal election on Sunday, but experts say his push for a majority is “far from certain” [Patrick Doyle/Reuters]

Simon to ask her to dissolve Parliament. Trudeau said Simon had accepted his request, which triggers the election campaign.

“In this pivotal, consequential moment, who wouldn’t want a say? Who

wouldn’t want a chance to help decide where our country goes from here?

Canadians need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better,” Trudeau said, rebuffing criticism for

calling an election during the pandemic.

To attain a majority, the Liberals need 170 seats in the 338-member House of Commons.

But that is far from guaranteed, said Daniel Beland, a McGill University professor and director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, who explained that Trudeau’s party faces challenges in the provinces of Quebec and British Columbia in particular.

Nevertheless, the Conservatives, who alongside the Liberals have dominated federal politics in Canada for decades, is trailing in most recent polls as leader Erin O’Toole remains deeply unpopular, Beland said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Nigeria says killing of Muslim travellers was “prearranged”

T

he killing of 23 people returning from a Muslim festival in Nigeria was a premeditated ambush for which suspects have already been arrested, authorities said on Sunday.

Deadly violence is common around Africa's most populous nation, with roads becoming particularly dangerous as armed attackers and kidnappers target travellers.

In a statement, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned Saturday's ambush in central Plateau state of buses returning from a religious festival in nearby Bauchi state.

Though details of the attack in state capital Jos were unclear, some media suggested a Christian militia was to blame.

"It is clear this was a well-conceived and prearranged assault on a known

target, location and religious persuasion of the travellers, not an opportunist ambush," Buhari said.

"A direct, brazen and wickedly motivated attack on members of a community exercising their rights to travel freely and to follow the faith of their choosing."

Plateau state governor Simon Lalong said security agencies had arrested 20 suspects and imposed a 6 am-6 pm curfew in the area

due to fear of reprisals.

"This is purely a criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration," he said.

Nigeria has been plagued by violence in recent years: conflicts between farmers and cattle herders have killed thousands, while a 12-year war against Islamist militants has led to an estimated 350,000 deaths. (Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 28 killed Japan's Suga pledges not to wage war again in Lebanon fuel as Ministers visit controversial shrine tank explosion J

A

t least 28 people were killed and 79 injured when a fuel tank exploded in northern Lebanon early on Sunday, the Health Ministry said.

Military and security sources said that the army had seized a fuel storage tank hidden by black marketeers and was handing out gasoline to residents when the explosion occurred.

Lebanon is suffering from a severe fuel shortage, leading to long lines at gas stations and extended blackouts.

Accounts varied as to what caused the explosion, from gunfire that hit a tank of gasoline to reports that it was caused by a person who ignited a lighter.

Protesters, already angry at the economic crisis in the country, put the blame squarely on Lebanon's politicians as they demonstrated outside the Prime Minister's

residency and hurled rocks at the building.

Witnesses said about 200 people were nearby at the time of the explosion. Army and security forces personnel were among the casualties, sources said.

President Michel Aoun wrote on Twitter that "this tragedy that befell our dear Akkar has made the hearts of all Lebanese bleed".

He said he had asked the Judiciary to investigate the circumstances that led to the explosion.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the dozens of protesters outside the residency of Prime Minister designate Najib Mikati, witnesses said.

"Although I understand the cries of people and their right to protest, what happened... is not a peaceful protest but unacceptable vandalism," Mikati said in a statement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

apan will never wage war again, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday, as he commemorated the end of World War Two while members of his Cabinet visited a shrine seen by critics as a symbol of the country's past militarism.

Nearly eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict remains a source of tension between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in central Tokyo a focal point for the strain.

"Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction."

His comments were little changed from those of his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, at last year's ceremony.

Emperor Naruhito again expressed "deep remorse" for

People practise social distancing while visiting Yasukuni Shrine on the 76th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Tokyo, Japan August 15, 2021

Japan's wartime past, something Suga did not mention.

Earlier on Sunday, members of Suga's Cabinet, as well as Abe, visited Yasukuni, gestures likely to anger China and both Koreas. Suga did not vis-

it but sent a ritual offering through his secretary, the Sankei newspaper said.

Yasukuni honours Japan's war dead, including 14 World War Two leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, making it a flashpoint

for tension. Koreans still chafe over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, while the Chinese continue to resent Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Don’t be fooled by what you hear. Take the time to follow information back to its original source, and question its validity before revealing your opinion. Update your appearance and pursue romance.

Emotional spending will TAURUS not ease stress or make you (April 20- happy. Put your wallet away May 20) and focus on gathering facts that will help you decide how best to use your skills. Keep up with current trends.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Take a pass if someone tries to start an argument.

The less you say and the more you do, the better off you’ll be. Focus on what’s important, and keep moving forward.

Look for a unique way to get things done on time.

Switching things up a bit to suit your current situation will encourage you to be productive. Stay focused, regardless of what others do or say.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Take a pass if you don’t feel passionate about someone’s proposal. Trust in your ability to do your own thing and improve your life. Don’t stop until you are satisfied with what you achieve.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Emotional matters will escalate if you don’t keep your opinions to yourself.

Patience will be necessary, and keeping busy will help you avoid an altercation.

Think matters through.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Look for options. Don’t settle for less than what you want. An exciting opportunity will come your way when you least expect it. Focus on what makes you happy.

Romance is favored.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Avoid any drama going on around you. Concentrate on something you feel passionate about, and work alone if possible. Tidy up loose ends, and refuse to let your emotions interfere.

Say less and listen more.

SAGITTARIUS Mull over matters before (Nov. 23you share your intentions.

Dec. 21) Protect what you have, and be secretive about your plans. Beware interference by manipulative individuals.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Gather information, and you’ll discover something that interests you. Bring about changes at home that will improve relationships with loved ones. Think outside the box.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Don’t let uncertainty be your downfall. Allow your intuition to guide you when it comes to financial and health matters. A partnership will not turn out as planned. Be careful whom you trust.

PISCES

You’ll get an earful from someone who is critical or doesn’t understand what you are trying to achieve.

Have patience, but don’t give up too much. Move forward on your own.

(Feb. 20March 20)

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

21

India vs England: Lord’s Test…

Late wickets set up thrilling final day contest

T

he second Test is set for a grandstand finale after England made late inroads into the India batting on the fourth day at Lord’s. England took three wickets for 20 runs to leave India at 181-6 - 154 ahead, with all four results possible on the final day.

A see-saw Test continued to fluctuate on a compelling Sunday at Lord’s, with England reducing India to 55-3, only for the tourists to grind it out through a partnership of 100 between Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

When Pujara fell for 45 off 206 balls - a third wicket for the tireless Mark Wood - it opened the door for Moeen Ali to remove Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja. The gathering gloom added to the sense of theatre, with England able to bowl only the spin of Moeen and Joe Root, despite the second new ball being available. When the umpires finally decided it was too dark, with eight overs not bowled, the dangerous Rishabh Pant remained on 14 and Ishant Sharma on four.

This has been a wonderful Test, one in which England - without a win in six games - have responded to being second best in the drawn series opener and allowing India to reach 276-3 on the first day. It moved through distinct phases, and contained some memorable moments: England’s early potency, the resistance of Pujara and Rahane, then the drama of the late wickets.

By the end, the early finish

probably suited both sides. India mark. He took only 12 runs from would have wanted to escape to the the first 100 balls he faced. safety of the dressing room, while The wristy Rahane scored England did not want to leak cru- slightly more freely, and benefitcial runs while being forced to ed from being dropped by a diving bowl the spinners in fading light. Jonny Bairstow at point when on The continuing presence of Pant is 31 off the bowling of Moeen.

England’s biggest concern, but they England tried everything to will also know they have the oppor- split the partnership, and were tunity to run through a long India at the point of being blunted tail when the new ball is finally when Wood found extra bounce taken on Monday morning. to have Pujara held at a short Whatever they are chasing, second slip via the glove. Rahane England must contend with a pitch lazily edged Moeen behind, with that is becoming increasingly un- the off-spinner then producing a even, particularly when the bowl- ripping delivery to beat the grope ing is from the Pavilion end. of Jadeja and take the off stump.

There is also a concern over Pant, who waited to bat lyWood, who left the field with a ing down on a couch in the India shoulder injury after diving to stop dressing room, was his usual the ball on the boundary. frantic self, and was in animated Pujara had not passed 21 in conversation with England capPujara and Rahane dropped anchor in an important partnership his 10 previous Test innings, tain Root as the players left the put a third fielder on the boundary, while Rahane field.

Rohit still could not resist, allowing possessed only England were magnificent in Moeen to take a smart catch at long one half-centhe morning session; their bowl- leg.

Fall of wickets: tury in 15, yet India 2nd Innings ing was threatening, their fieldJames Anderson’s opening spell 1-18 (KL Rahul, 9.2 ov), they combined 2-27 (Rohit Sharma, 11.6 ov), ing dynamic, and their tactics stretched to nine overs, and includKL Rahul c †Buttler b Wood 5 to defy England 3-55 (Virat Kohli, 23.1 ov), were astute. ed a verbal joust with captain Virat Rohit Sharma c Ali b Wood 21 and keep India 4-155 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 72.4 ov), Cheteshwar Pujara c Root b Wood 45 India started their second inKohli, who became Curran’s first afloat.

Virat Kohli (c) c †Buttler b Curran 20 5-167 (Ajinkya Rahane, 75.6 ov), nings 27 behind, and Wood was wicket of the series. Prodding at 6-175 (Ravindra Jadeja, 79.1 ov) Ajinkya Rahane c †Buttler b Ali 61 The obdurate introduced in just the sixth over. one that was well wide of off stump, Rishabh Pant † not out 14 Pujara spent 34 BOWLING O M R W After taking KL Rahul’s edge Kohli was caught behind, sendRavindra Jadeja b Ali 3 balls on nought, Ishant Sharma not out 4 James Anderson 18 6 23 0 with a delivery clocked at almost ing Curran on an ecstatic sprint Ollie Robinson 10 6 20 0 the lively India 94mph, he prevailed in a thrilling around Lord’s.

14 3 40 3 Extras (b 2, lb 5, nb 1) 8 Mark Wood fans - on Indian duel with Rohit Sharma.

India were rocked and England Sam Curran 15 3 30 1 TOTAL (82 Ov, RR: 2.20) 181/6 Independence Moeen Ali 20 1 52 2 With Wood haring in, Rohit were buoyant, only for Pujara and Yet to bat: Jasprit Bumrah, Day - chanting Joe Root 5 0 9 0 Mohammed Shami, was determined to take him on, Rahane to mount their stoic rehis name when Mohammed Siraj and snapped into a breathtak- arguard that spanned almost 50 he got off the ing pull for six. When England overs. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD

Son strike gives Spurs win over Kane-less Man City

T

ottenham made light of the absence of unsettled Harry Kane to start the Premier League season with a win over champions Manchester City and their £100m man Jack Grealish.

Kane - heavily linked with a move to Manchester City - sat out this pulsating encounter, but Pep Guardiola wasted no time in throwing in his British record signing from Aston Villa. It was Son Heungmin who gave new manager Nuno Espirito Santo the perfect start to his reign with a low shot that snaked beyond Manchester City keeper Ederson 10 minutes after the break.

Spurs fully deserved their win, as they survived Son Heung-min has now scored in all of his four competitive a shaky opening phase to play with real purpose, al- matches against Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ready showing signs of the Nuno trademark with leaving behind. Late on, those fans sent a chant of, “Are fierce defensive discipline allied to pace on the break.

Grealish had a quiet debut, being shown a yellow card you watching, Harry Kane?” reverberating around the late on, and it was actually Spurs who had the best oppor- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And it was Son, the man who has been Kane’s parttunity after Son’s goal, only for Steven Bergwijn to shoot ner in goals for so many years, who provided the flourish wide when clean through.

City had fleeting opportunities, but rarely tested befitting this high-octane Spurs performance with a typSpurs keeper Hugo Lloris, as they looked rusty in con- ical piece of skill and ingenuity to slide the winner low past Ederson. trast to the sharpness of their opponents.

Spurs players - and manager Nuno - rightly took the Manchester City’s pursuit of England captain Kane gave this game an added edge, so how did the home fans acclaim at the final whistle. The home side had heroes evenjoy victory against the club attempting to snatch away erywhere in match-winner Son, the outstanding defender Japhet Tanganga and the tireless Lucas Moura. their main marksman?

It remains to be seen how the Kane affair plays out, And Spurs delivered exactly what their supporters finally back inside their magnificent new stadium - want- but this will be the perfect psychological lift to Spurs; it ed with this opening weekend victory: the chance to taunt will sustain them until the saga comes to a close one way Manchester City and to remind Kane what he might be or the other. (BBC Sport)

Highlander clinch 6-wicket win over Everglade Strikers – Joseph stars with all-round effort

T

he Highlander team has Kumar Joseph and Joshua Dhanai taken a six-wicket win against Everglade Strikers collective bowling effort.

Joseph returned to open the batin a low-scoring game in the Capital ting, and posted a top-score of 28, District Association league.

In the low-scoring match played which included two fours and two at Grout Park Schenectady, Strikers sixes.

Former Port Mourant Cricket posted 93 all out in their allotted 20 overs, with Sai Pathakamuri top Club player Dhanai scored an unscoring with 25, while Zareen Zadran beaten 20 as Highlander ended on 94-4 in 14.5 overs.

Kumar claimed 3-19 in four overs.

Bowling for Strikers, Ashish Former Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club player Kumar Parbatani had 2-8 in two overs, while Joseph had 2-21 in his four overs, Srikanth Pebbana and Ramesh while Joshua Dhanai had 2-25 in a Padala each had one wicket.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

Team Alanis/Attack Racing/Professional Keyshop 55-miler...

Andrew Hicks finished strong

Suzanne Hamilton continues her supremacy in the female category

Berbicians delighted as attacking "Padlock" rides solo to clinch victory A

ndre ‘Padlock’ Green has clinched the Team Alanis/ Attack Racing/ Professional Keyshop 55-mile cycling event on Sunday, continuing his good form in 2021.

The Berbician rode solo to stop the clock at two hours 19 minutes and 46 seconds in the race, which pedalled off from before the Banks DIH Thirst Park complex in Georgetown and proceeded to the Police Outpost at Yarrowkabra on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway before returning for the finish at the point of origin.

Padlock, who hails from Ulverston Village, Corentyne had registered fourth position last week, and won the last race held in Berbice. He was involved in multiple attacks throughout the race, but his most significant attack came at Providence, where he opened a 20-second gap from the peloton.

Another Berbician, Andrew Hicks, came in second, after he prevailed in a strong sprint that fea-

tured Alexis Mendes (third), Marcus Keiler (fourth), Paul Choo-Wee-Nam (fifth) and Deeraj Garbaran (sixth).

Padlock, Hicks and Garbaran are the riders from We Stand United club, which dominated the event in the senior category. Two special sprint prizes, each worth $10,000, were up for grabs, and Hicks and Choo-WeeNam claimed those respectively. Kwame ‘Keyman’ Ridley took two regular sprint prizes, and Hicks took one.

In the Juniors category, Team Alanis’s Sherwin Sampson rode in first, while We Stand United’s bright prospect Alexander Leung came in second. Alex Mendes was again the top veteran, followed by Team Alanis’s Paul Choo-Wee-Nam. Gary Benjamin won the Masters over-50 category, after defying the odds and a flat tyre to clinch a close sprint win from Talim Shaw and Shameer Baksh in that order. Suzanne Hamilton was once again the top female rider, followed by Clivecia Spencer. The race was approved by the National COVID-19 Task Force, and the Guyana Police Force Berbician trio of Hicks, Benjamin and provided security in an all-hands-on-deck ap- Green proach. (Brandon Corlette)

Campbell cops silver, Fung bags bronze at CAC Bodybuilding Championships

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Forrester slams aggressive century in BCL in USA

– Guyana to host event in 2024

Winston Forrester

A

mid many questionable decisions, Guyana’s six-member CAC team finished with two medals at the CAC Bodybuilding Championships, which were staged in El Salvador over the weekend.

Men’s Physique standout Emmerson Campbell finished with another silver (first one in 2016) in a puzzling decision to the eventual overall winner, while Rosanna Fung copped bronze in the Junior Bikini category.

Guyana’s other competRosanna Fung itors, Kerwin Clarke (80kg) and Yannick Grimes (Men’s Physique) finished fifth and fourth in their respective categories, while Roger Callender to Aruba after their bid was revealed to (65kg) and Rawle Greene (80kg have been presented since 2020. and Masters) failed to place in At CAC 2019, Barbados had also bid the top 6 in their respective diPresident of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness for, and secured, CAC 2022. At neither visions.

Federation, Keavon Bess. of these General Assembly meetings Congratulations are extendwas Guyana represented. After consided to all the athletes who competed at CAC 2021, especially Rosanna Fung at her first eration of Guyana’s bid document and oral presentation on CAC, and Emmerson Campbell who almost gained his pro Guyana’s behalf, the CAC General Assembly unanimously voted in favour of Guyana hosting the event in 2024. This card.

Guyana will host CAC 2024 (Central America and vote was then officially added to the minutes, and an official the Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation document to that effect was delivered to President Bess of Championship). This was announced by President of the the GABBFF. “Congratulations to the Executive members of GBBFF, Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, Keavon Bess.

Initially Guyana’s bid to host CAC 2023 was submitted its athletes and the People of Guyana on this monumental to the Executive of the CACBBFF, but CAC 2023 was given achievement,” Bess said on his Facebook page.

G

uyanese Winston Forrester has slammed a 49-ball 123, which included nine sixes and 12 fours, in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) being played in the United States of America. It has led his team, Royal Friends, to a 165-run win over the Vipers.

In this match, played at Drew Park, Royal Friends won the toss and opted to bat first, posting 250-6 in their allotted 25 overs. Vipers, in reply, ended their innings on 85-6 in 23.2 overs.

Asad Roman fell for a duck, but Forrester and Ashan Riaz (78) added 147 runs together. Jaber Ahmed claimed 3-48 in six overs.

In response, Vipers never got going, and were reduced to 19-2 in 4.4 overs. Dalim Ahmed and Rumel Ahmed top-scored with 32 runs each, but the chase never got going when the match ended, and that by the DLS method.

Sumon Islam, Ashan Riaz, Shopi Ahmed, Saifuzzaman Tanim and Forrester each took one wicket.

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

The Betway Series between West Indies and Pakistan…

Jermaine Blackwood scored a halfcentury in the chase

Seales stars as West Indies pick up nervy 1-wicket win to take series lead T

he West Indies have sealed a thriller to take a 1-0 lead in the twoTest Betway Series after chasing down 168 with one wicket in hand against Pakistan on day four at Sabina Park.

Jayden Seales bagged his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests to shoot down Pakistan for just 203. And that, in retrospect, turned the match in West Indies’ favour on the fourth morning.

Babar was able to add just one to his overHassan Ali removed Holder night score before he fell for pair, as they took the side to 83 for 3 in 26 overs. However, 55. There wasn’t much Chase fell to Faheem Ashraf in the first over after the drinks of a flourish break, giving Pakistan the edge.

Kyle Mayers was dismissed for a duck, but Jason Holder from the lower or- picked up three boundaries in an over against Mohammad der, Abbass to ease some of the pressure on Blackwood.

It was Blackwood’s dismissal - caught at second slip trybut ing to chase a wide one from Hasan - that ensured a low-scoring thriller. Hasan also removed Holder before tea to leave Hasan the hosts at 114 for 7. With just one recognised batsman left, 26- Pakistan had the perfect opportunity to turn the game in their Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales were at the Ali’s favour. ball 28 came crease at the winning moment In the final session, the hopes were then pinned on Joshua in pretty handy, even Da Silva to steer the side to a win with the tail. Da Silva played as Seales wrapped things up quickly by claiming the last three 42 deliveries for his 13, but eventually fell to Afridi to leave the side at 142 for 8. Jomel Warrican struck a crucial boundary wickets.

Seales ended with 5 for 55, in the process becoming the to bring the target below 20, but fell to Hasan as West Indies youngest West Indies bowler to pick up a Test five-wicket haul slipped to 151 for 9.

Kemar Roach guided the side home with his unbeaten 30 at 19 years and 338 days.

Shaheen Afridi was instrumental in ensuring Pakistan off 52, while Seales chipped in with 2 off 13.

Pakistan were left ruing two crucial mistakes that could went into the lunch break believing they could defend the target. Kieran Powell became Afridi’s first victim, before the have changed the outcome of the contest. They failed to appeal pacer landed two crucial blows with the wickets of Kraigg for a caught-behind chance against Blackwood in the 21st over when the batsman edged a delivery from Hasan to the keeper.

Brathwaite and Nkrumah Bonner.

At 38 for 3 during the break, West Indies players were left Surprisingly, there was no appeal from the bowler or the fieldfeeling nervy about the chase, but Jermaine Blackwood (55) ers as Blackwood escaped after making a mistake.

Hasan was the culprit once again, as he dropped Roach and Roston Chase (22) launched a counter-attacking 96-run when the pacer was batting on 16. stand to transfer the pressure back on Pakistan.

While the fielding lapses cost the side, Imran Butt was exThe opening hour in the second session belonged to the

Shaheen Afridi bagged four wickets in the second innings

ceptional with his catching, while the pacers ensured the team was able to fight and make things tricky for the hosts. (cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 2nd Innings Imran Butt lbw b Roach 0 Abid Ali c Holder b Seales 34 Azhar Ali b Roach 23 Babar Azam(c) c Holder b Mayers 55 Fawad Alam c †Da Silva b Seales 0 Mohammad Rizwan †c †Da Silva b Holder 30 Faheem Ashraf c †Da Silva b Roach 20 Yasir Shah c †Da Silva b Seales 4 Hasan Ali c Roach b Seales 28 Shaheen Shah Afridi lbw b Seales 0 Mohammad Abbas not out 1 Extras (b 4, lb 2, nb 2) 8 TOTAL (83.4 Ov, RR: 2.42) 203 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Imran Butt, 2.5 ov), 2-56 (Azhar Ali, 21.2 ov), 3-65 (Abid Ali, 25.1 ov), 4-65 (Fawad Alam, 25.4 ov), 5-121 (Mohammad Rizwan, 45.5 ov), 6-168 (Faheem Ashraf, 74.1 ov), 7-170 (Babar Azam, 76.2 ov), 8-180 (Yasir Shah, 79.6 ov), 9-192 (Shaheen Shah Afridi, 81.2 ov), 10-203 (Hasan Ali, 83.4 ov)

WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 168 RUNS) Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c †Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Shah Afridi 2 Kieran Powell lbw b Shaheen Shah Afridi 4 Nkrumah Bonner b Shaheen Shah Afridi 5 Roston Chase c Imran Butt b Faheem Ashraf 22 Jermaine Blackwood c Imran Butt b Hasan Ali 55 Kyle Mayers c Imran Butt b Faheem Ashraf 0 Jason Holder b Hasan Ali 16 Joshua Da Silva †c †Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Shah Afridi 13 Kemar Roach not out 30 Jomel Warrican c †Mohammad Rizwan b Hasan Ali 6 Jayden Seales not out 2

Extras (b 2, lb 10, nb 1) 13 TOTAL (56.5 Ov, RR: 2.95)168/9 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Kieran Powell, 1.5 ov), 2-15 (Kraigg Brathwaite,5.5 ov), 3-16 (Nkrumah Bonner, 7.3 ov), 4-84 (Roston Chase, 26.6 ov), 5-92 (Kyle Mayers, 28.4 ov), 6-111 (Jermaine Blackwood, BOWLING O M R W 34.2 ov), 7-114 (Jason Holder, 38.4 ov), 8-142 (Joshua Da Kemar Roach 19 8 30 3 Silva, 49.4 ov), 9-151 (Jomel Jayden Seales 15.4 3 55 5 Warrican, 52.4 ov) Kyle Mayers 15 5 33 1 Jason Holder 18 6 36 1 BOWLING O M R W Jomel Warrican 7 2 28 0 Mohammad Abbas 12 5 27 0 Roston Chase 6 2 12 0 Shaheen Shah Afridi 17 4 50 4 Kraigg Brathwaite 3 1 3 Hasan Ali 16.5 5 37 3 Faheem Ashraf 8 1 29 2 Yasir Shah 3 0 13 0

FIDE Youth and Cadet World Cup…

Lam, Primus are latest winners Pooja Lam

A

fter six rounds of the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE’s) Youth and Cadet World Cup, the Guyana Under-14s have found it tough to maintain mental strength to string together wins, with Pooja Lam and Emanuel Primus scoring one win each.

In the most recent slew of matches, Saint Stanislaus College’s Italy Ton-Chung gained a walkover victory, while Naila Rahaman and Mahilia Rajkumar, both students of Queen’s College, gained byes.

Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) school’s Pooja Lam, playing the black pieces in round three against Trinidad and Tobago’s Aradhana Ramnarine Singh, held her nerve to pull off a de-

termined win.

The other win for the Guyanese Under-14 team came from School of the Nations student Emanuel Primus.

The lone male in the Under-14 category to represent Guyana, Primus was down in his game when his opponent gave him a glimmer of hope, to which he latched on to win his game after a series of checks and his opponent running out of time.

This international online tournament is utilising the 10-round Swiss format, and could see the top players gaining entry to Fide’s FIDE Online Rapid Super Final 2021 and the FIDE Online Rapid Grand Prix Series 2021.

Emanuel Primus

MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

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

The Betway Series between West Indies and Pakistan…

Pg 23

Seales stars as West Indies pick up nervy 1-wicket win to take series lead A five-wicket haul for Seales

Campbell cops silver, Berbicians delighted as Fung bags bronze at CAC Bodybuilding Championships attacking "Padlock" rides solo to clinch victory Pg 22

Team Alanis/Attack Racing/ Professional Keyshop 55-miler...

Pg 22

– Guyana to host event in 2024

Andre ‘Padlock’ Green continued his recent form

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