Guyana Times - Monday July 5, 2021

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4699

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Caricom is an important bulwark in preserving, maintaining Guyana’s territorial integrity – Pres Ali

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Several injured after minibus, car collide at Vryheid’s Lust P13

Page 7

...recommits to transformation of Community

Hess mulls US$1B investment in Stabroek Block in 2022

Page 9

Agro-processing plant, packaging facility for P17 Berbice

No COVID-19 P11 deaths recorded, 73 more persons contract virus

− current investment stands at US$780M

Guyana ships US$75M worth of crude oil in largest payday yet

Page 3

Motorcycle bandits rob Lyken Funeral Home of $1.5M payroll Page 12

Haresh Singh murder

Police reject GHRA’s allegations on arrests of alibi witnesses Page 16

− note alibi lawyer “flip-flopped” on video source

4 busted with P13 cocaine, ganja during Police raid Man gets 15 years for fatally beating teen miner P8

GTT donates SIM cards with data to NGSA pupils P8

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MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Monday, July 5 – 01:30h – 03:00h and 13:00h – 14:30h and Tuesday, July 6 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, July 5 – 13:40h – 15:10h and Tuesday, July 6 – 14:25h – 15:55h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers during the day.

Expect light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to West South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:21h reaching a maximum height of 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 06:52h and 19:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.94 metre and 0.98 metre.

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

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Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

02 04 16 17 20 LUCKY 3

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Guyana ships US$75M worth of crude oil in largest payday yet

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ndian Oil Corp (IOC), which had concluded a deal with Guyana to purchase one million barrels of crude oil from the Liza-1 Field, has officially lifted the oil from the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

This was confirmed by the Indian High Commission in Guyana, which also shared images of the crude being loaded from the Liza Destiny to the Greek tanker bound for India. According to the High Commission, the transaction represents an important step in diversifying India’s crude sourcing and enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

It was reported recently that India had purchased one million barrels of crude oil from Guyana and that the oil would set sail on a Greek tanker for India’s Paradip port. It was also reported that it would arrive around August 8.

IOC is a State-owned oil and gas company headquartered in Mumbai, India, and administered under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. This shipment of oil is said to be a trial cargo. While this publication was unable to confirm exactly what price per unit this crude lift was sold at, the current price per barrel of oil using the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) benchmark is US$75 per barrel.

This would therefore mean the lift is worth US$75 million.

While IOC is the first Indian State entity to buy oil from Guyana, it was preceded by HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited, a joint venture between State-run Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Indian steel tycoon LN Mittal.

Back in March, this joint venture bought one million barrels of oil from Guyana.

In an interview with this publication, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa had described India as an energy hungry nation.

“You know, we are an energy-hungry nation. We import about 86 per cent of crude… And obviously, your Liza oil – “light sweet crude” are the words used – seems to be well suited for our re-

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PAY DAY

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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

$76.17/barrel

+0.43

Rough Rice

$236.93 /ton

-2.24

London Sugar

$450.30/ton

-0.09

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1785.70

$1786.70

Low/High Change

$1784.30 -1.60

$1788.50 -0.09%

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

The oil being transferred from the Liza Destiny FPSO to the India-bound ship. Photo courtesy of the Indian High Commission

finery. We are working on various options now,” he noted.

Dr Srinivasa further reminded that India had expressed interest to buy Guyana’s share of oil through a Government-toGovernment arrangement, which he pointed out would cut out any handling or commission fee.

India used to import a significant portion of its oil from Iran and Venezuela.

However, the sanctions imposed by the United States on these two nations has resulted in a massive reduction of those imports.

“We stopped receiving crude imports from Venezuela for last three, four months now. Every day, we used to get close to about 375,000 bpd from Venezuela,” the Indian High

Commissioner had noted.

According to a Reuters article, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) share in India’s oil imports fell to historic lows between April 2020 and January 2021 after the body took a decision to extend production cuts through April.

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.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JULY 5, 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

Revitalising Caricom

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oday is “Caricom Day” and we are only one of two members that have honoured it with a public holiday.

To us, it signals that Caricom matters for so many reasons – social, economic, cultural, strategic and, as we discovered last year, political. It was its intervention then, of course, under the chairpersonship of Barbados’ inimitable PM Mia Mottley that literally saved our fledgling and still frail democracy from the machinations of the People’s National Congress (PNC) under David Granger. Without Caricom, the PNC’s concocted narrative of “Western” interference would have received much more traction than it actually did.

Approaching fifty years of its launch in 1973, it warrants a closer look at the institution to ensure that the rationales for its formation are still relevant and if so, what can be done to achieve those goals that remain unfulfilled. There has to be an acceptance of a willingness to be bold. There can be no complacency in an endeavour that has such high stakes for the people in the Caribbean. There were other colonies in far worse shape than we were at independence, but through a willingness to make hard decisions, they have forged far ahead. Notable in this regard is Singapore, a city-state with almost no natural resources, but it is now a "developed country". In his book "From Third World to First", Singapore's first Prime Minister, Lee Kwan Yew explicitly cited the instance of Jamaica, which was ahead of his country by so many criteria, but has now lagged. What Singapore did was craft a plan for its development and stick to it with dogged determination.

Caricom's leaders did have such a vision and plan back in 1973 when they signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas, but they have not stuck to it. For instance, the diversification of our economies to become more export-oriented has been one of the foundational goals of Caricom from the onset. What else could economies that had been founded to produce a single crop – sugar – do? The term "mono-crop" agriculture was invented in the Caribbean. The second prong should have been redundant, since historically, all our production was for export.

But for the Caribbean to diversify when they each had such small internal markets, they not only had to expand their markets, they also had to rationalise their production. It was accepted from the beginning that it did not make sense, economic or otherwise, for each country to produce the same range of goods: the relative comparative advantages were identified quite early on. The only constraint was the lack of political will from the politicians to overcome their aversion to cooperation.

Caricom must return to this basic lesson. The Jagdeo Initiative on Agriculture is as good a place to start as any.

Ten constraints had been identified since 2004 as necessary to be removed if we were not only to become self-sufficient in food production, but become large exporters. The reason why none of these have been resolved is the conclusion by the other leaders that since Guyana and Belize have the greatest amount of available agricultural land, they would benefit inordinately.

There has been very little discussion that agriculture is not only about land and that each territory would have also benefited since each could have provided different inputs.

Trinidad and Barbados, for instance, would have earned greater returns on the capital they would have invested.

In addition to "diversification" of products, markets also have to be diversified. For too long we have reflexively continued shipping our goods to our "traditional" markets in the US and Europe. The 1973 plan for Caricom was drafted at a time when South-South linkages were being pushed so as to overcome the past dependent relationships.

Ten years ago, conceding that there had been slippage in the achievement of its goals, then President Bharrat Jagdeo convened a retreat of all the Heads of Government at Tepuru Resort in Essequibo to “revitalise Caricom”. Four did not show up.

Maybe President Irfaan Ali should invite them back.

People carry an American flag during the Coronado Fourth of July Parade, in Coronado, California (Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

PNC is currently ramping up its diatribe against PPP/C Dear Editor, The PNC (now APNU/ AFC) goes on a rampage during its intermittent forays to make the country ungovernable under successive PPP/C governmental constructs. During those destructive orgies, innocent people get hurt, even murdered.

People who sacrificed much and worked hard all their lives to build and sustain businesses and private properties lose everything in minutes.

If anyone is to follow the trends of Guyana’s political past, they would discover that an escalating crime wave and lobbying to derail developmental funding always correlate with this country’s election season, and post-elections.

And, true to tradition, the PNC is currently ramping up its diatribe against the PPP/C Government, which they are determined to remove – not necessarily by fair means – even taking their anti-nationalist, practically treasonous propaganda to international fora. As always, murderous criminal activities are rising in direct proportion.

Former President, current Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had said, “Opposition should criticise the Government when they make mistakes, and we are not perfect. We do make mistakes sometimes and that (criticisms) is fair; but to have an assault on the Guyanese people through distortions is another matter. To openly lie and peddle falsehoods is not a right of anyone, and that is not fair.

“If you listen to them carefully, their plans for Guyana

– and for all of our people, is about what the PPP should or should not do – and it is all criticisms and negativity.

They have never, ever presented a positive plan for fixing the problems of Guyana and for creating a better life for our people… They criticised us in Parliament that we were spending too much money on housing. When we allocated $4 billion to buy some land from GuySuco to produce some (additional) 10,000 house lots for Guyanese, they made a big issue of it in Parliament, criticising then Housing Minister Irfaan Ali for this (initiative). They know only about criticisms, but not about positive things… We still have a long way to go, but we are getting there... more and more people are benefiting.”

But the coalition has no intention to allow Government’s developmental thrust to continue because this does not suit their agenda. Instead, they are trying desperately to halt and/or reverse gains made through various stratagems, of which ramping up the inflammatory rhetoric – and the imbroglio over COVID vaccines being targeted as the latest cannon fodder.

That the Government’s developmental and people-empowerment initiatives have been re-generating confidence in the Administration, to the extent where communities in the Opposition enclaves are reaching out with trust and hope to the Administration for improved living conditions and enhanced lifestyles, is inimical to their self-interested and self-centred agen-

das for self-aggrandisement/ enrichment/empowerment, and they are attempting to destabilise this budding unity in the Guyanese nation, and the people’s trust in the Administration by whatever way possible, even to blaming the Government for things which they (the Opposition) are culpable - in and out of Government.

Too much is at stake, and

care needs to be taken by the people in the country that the Opposition forces do not succeed in their evil intentions by sowing seeds of strife in the land once more, because it is the Guyanese people, whom they pretend to care about, who are hurting.

All for your consideration.

Sincerely, Erin Northe

Commendations for Guyana in fighting TIP Dear Editor, Congratulations are in order for our Government, as it has fully met “…the minimum standards for the elimination of Trafficking in Persons (TIP).” This is according to a report released by the US State Department a few days ago. The details show that the Guyana Government has continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts.

And this was certainly exemplified recently.

In fact, I saw that the news reported on a 33-yearold Haitian, identified as Michelet Murat, who appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to illegally entering the country.

Murat was arrested on June 28, 2021, for having arrived in Guyana by sea and disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer.

Thus, he was charged and fined $15,000, or three weeks’ imprisonment.

Lest we forget, I remind Guyanese that ten persons without passports or any form of identification, claiming to be Haitians, were found at the Swiss Hotel, Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six, in mid-June.

Adding to this, before the said month was over, fifty Haitian nationals, including two children, were found by law enforcement officials along the Lethem trail. All of them are under the radar, as investigations are revving up.

Indeed, Guyana has been doing its part on the ground.

At the legislative forum, it is even more intense where Guyana is concerned. All and sundry are now aware that President Ali has imposed a “visa” requirement for Haitians entering Guyana.

This stemmed from the fact that most of the 38,000 Haitians, who arrived here in Guyana since 2015, cannot be accounted for.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

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

Greenidge responds to article on PISLM Dear Editor, I refer to a recent article Guyana news carried which mentioned my name, with a request that you publish the attached letter of response.

The report in question was entitled APNU/AFC granted immunity to diplomatic agency from law enforcement, July 1, 2021.

On June 29, 2021, News Room published a very similar piece which is largely erroneous. I am the former VP responsible for the actions to which he made reference and I wish to point out that the inference of the article regarding wrongdoing could have been easily checked and appear to be malicious.

The agency in question, the Partnership for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM), was set up by the former David Granger-led Government The abovementioned report suggests that, [‘top officials within the PPP Government were shocked to discover that] a land agency “created” by the former Government and apparently linked to Mr Trevor Benn has been secretly, and presumably irregularly or even illegally, given “sweeping” or unusual privileges and a “range of freedoms” in Guyana. This situation, we are told, was only discovered yesterday although the Government has been in office since August 2020”. [The inference being

that their predecessors in office failed to let them know.

Somehow, the paper gave the impression that outgoing governments pass on a list of all the decisions taken during their tenure. If this is an accurate summary of the report, I would only add sadly that, it is not so much erroneous as politically mischievous.]

Most readers would be aware that I was twice appointed to office as a Minister.

On neither occasion did I ever receive such a list from an outgoing Minister of Government. It is universally recognised that it is the responsibility of incoming Ministers and their close associates to discuss policy changes or implementation challenges with senior staff they inherit and to call for and to study, and cause to be studied, key files from the preceding era.

The opening paragraphs of the agreement which the reporter cited so liberally clearly state that the PISLM Support Office was set up in 2014 on the basis of decisions taken in 2008

by Caricom Governments in pursuit of, “improving the general economic well-being of Caribbean SIDS” (Small Island Developing States, including Guyana & Belize).

The PISLM is a grouping of states and agencies, all the administrative arrangements for which – Board, Permanent

Members, Secretariat, functions etc – were concluded prior to 2015 with the involvement of the last PPP Administration.

In 2018, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ legal officers examined a request from PISLM to be treated as a specialised UN agency and recommended, given the agency’s functions, that the Government accede to the request. As the reporter himself noted, the agency had already been established as an autonomous, intergovernmental organisation (IGO). The paper has failed to draw the link between these facts. One could be generous and assume that the reporter and editors are not aware of the fact that the foreign missions/diplomatic corps in Guyana, or indeed in any jurisdiction, is not restricted to representatives of countries (bilaterals) and the UN. Many specialised agencies, or intergovernmental bodies at the international, regional and national level, similar to the PISLM and including MFIs and Iwokrama, located in Guyana enjoy the rights cited. The idea therefore that the agency has been improperly granted “a range of freedoms” which “raised eyebrows at the MoFA on Tuesday June 29th” because they are “akin to that of a diplomat” (sic) is nothing but biased drama intended to influence a similarly uninformed readership.

The reporter’s reference to the MoFA is intended to suggest that the decision was taken by the then Foreign Minister without advice and in a non-transparent manner. That is unbridled mischief. The agency authorised to grant such privileges is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the conduct of my work as the policy-maker I routinely consulted all the relevant senior officers of the Ministry, meaning the legal advisers, protocol and diplomatic staff and administrators, where relevant, on important decisions. Prior to being a Minister I was retained by international, regional and national bodies to advise on and to undertake lectures/workshops within and outside of the region, including Asia, on such matters as the interface between public servants and Ministers.

As a matter of routine and, more importantly in the case at hand, the relevant MoFA staff were not only involved in the decision process but concurred with the final decision. I am proud of this.

Furthermore, the specific posts attracting the privileges have to be agreed beforehand between the Government representatives and the agency in question. Contrary to the impression given in the report, these privileges are not available to all PISLM staff members and could not be enjoyed by Mr Benn, the former

Chairman of the Task Force Board, who with Mr Calvin James, seem to be the main intended target of the report.

There is absolutely nothing improper or illegal about the grant of the privileges to the agency and no regulations, protocols, conventions or laws have been broken or breached. The decision on this matter was shared with the relevant officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies such as the GRA, as per normal.

Such correspondence should have been read by the incoming Ministers and officials. If they did not, they would have to be asked to explain why.

Judging from the report, the other specific issue which caused the supposed shock was the importation of a twoyear-old Mercedes G550 and an apparently new Cadillac.

As far as I am aware, our laws governing duty-free importation do not discriminate among nationalities and do not make reference to high or low end but to cubic capacity or propulsion systems.

There is no defensible basis on which the Government can properly determine that one set of missions, say the US Embassy, would be eligible, but another, say a multilateral agency, cannot import “high-end vehicles”.

Obviously, two Governments can adopt different approaches to the same issue over time. This is

one such case. In that regard, the current Government is at liberty to act as it sees fit.

As the vehicles are apparently now in the process of being imported, the current Government may deny permission if it believes that the law permits. If they want to do so, the Government or their supporters do not have to disavow their earlier decisions or to insinuate that another Government behaved corruptly or stupidly.

It is unfortunate that this approach is so characteristic of Guyana’s polity for it turns many Guyanese off of our politics.

I can certainly stand by the advice of the MoFA officers and by the decision taken on the basis of the best information available to the Ministry.

I told those readers who have taken the trouble to write or call me after reading the News Room report that I adhere to my grandmother’s favourite refrain. When faced with unprincipled behaviour, she would ask rhetorically, “how do they sleep when night come?” I Mr Narayana Murthy have the answer, “a clear conscience is the softest pillow in the world”.

Sincerely, Carl B Greenidge Fmr VP and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Language shapes how we see the world Dear Editor, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the

With respect to mental health, the use of language is critical to ensuring a recovery-oriented and person-centred approach. It is important

are not cases or illnesses to be managed. In effect, language that emphasises the person, not the condition or disability is a way to demonstrate

this may be a problem for them, it does not necessarily mean they are ill. We talk about the health condition only when necessary. It is important to use respectful language, which literally means putting reference to the person first in a phrase.

For example, instead of calling someone “mentally ill,” a more respectful, people-first way of phrasing it is to say “a

person living with a mental health condition.” And, the term “mental health problem” should be changed to brain disorders or neuro behaviour disorder, especially since the term mental has distasteful, negative, demeaning associations. As well: The chart provides some examples of the language that is appropriate and inappropriate.

The bottom line is that in the context of mental illness, mental health, and wellbeing, negative, labelling language can be experienced as condescending, isolating, and stigmatising, whereas positive words, people-first language convey dignity, empathy, and hope.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

Commendations for Guyana in...

FROM PAGE 4

lightning bug.” – Mark Twain The words we choose and the meanings we attach to them influence our feelings, attitudes and beliefs.

that people are seen first as people and not seen as their mental health condition.

People are not schizophrenic, bipolar, or borderline. People

respect for a person’s dignity and worth. This is sometimes called person-first language.

Many people experience mental distress and while

The suspicion is that Guyana is being used as a conduit, since the rumour has it that “…most of these persons have in fact left illegally, using the “backtrack” to either Suriname or Brazil…”

What we need to all do is to pay careful attention to words enshrined in the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), saying that “migrant smuggling”: “Smuggling of Migrants is a crime involving the procurement for financial or other material benefit of illegal entry of a person into a State of which that person is not a national or resident. It undermines the integrity of countries and communities, and costs thousands of people their lives every year.”

I recall all too well that in February, the Brazilian

Federal Police arrested 27 immigrants who entered Bom Fim illegally via Guyana’s borders. The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) had noted that of those arrested, there were 26 Haitian nationals and one Cuban.

Recently, Brazil’s Federal Police and CANU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to share information and conduct joint operations, involving narcotics and other criminal activities.

So, the response from Guyana is good, that is, the increase in cooperation and more measures that are very stringent, as it seems a fact that in Guyana “…there is a huge Trafficking In Persons and human smuggling ring, including children, taking place in the region and

Guyana is being used as a transit point in this racket, which includes Cubans, Nigerians and Haitians, among others.”

On the humanitarian side, the US report also points to the assistance that the Government of Guyana has given to victims of violence and trafficking. To this end, it was noted that “Victims could receive shelter, food, training, and psychological therapy”.

The report also points to the efforts of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, which has funded transportation costs and police escorts for victims staying outside a shelter, as well as the granting of deportation relief to 135 foreign victims.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

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MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

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Foundation ◄

Question 1

Friday’s answers

By William Shakespeare

R

esearch a favourite superhero and discuss which of their powers are real and not real.

Start off your discussion on superheroes by discussing the difference between fiction and nonfiction, what is real and what is not real. Then, name a few superheroes and talk about their powers. Your research should focus on the superhero's powers that can be applied to real life, in that they are possible for real people to do.

Now use your research as a reference to create your own superhero that has real powers, powers that are possible for people to have and can be used in real life. You can draw your superhero on a piece of paper if you would like to.

Once you have created your own superhero, create a journal by using two pieces of construction paper or cardstock (one page for the cover and one for the back). Insert lined paper and staple on the left side.

In the journal, you should write about the life of your superhero. You can also write this from the perspective of the superhero; maybe it’s the superhero’s long-lost diary! (Adapted from education.com)

When I do count the clock that tells the time, And see the brave day sunk in hideous night; When I behold the violet past prime, And sable curls all silver’d o’er with white; When lofty trees I see barren of leaves Which erst from heat did canopy the herd, And summer’s green all girded up in sheaves Borne on the bier with white and bristly beard, Then of thy beauty do I question make, That thou among the wastes of time must go, Since sweets and beauties do themselves forsake And die as fast as they see others grow; And nothing ‘gainst Time’s scythe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Caricom is an important bulwark in preserving, maintaining Guyana’s territorial integrity – Pres Ali ...recommits to transformation of Community

A

s the Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) celebrates its 48th anniversary today, President Dr Irfaan Ali has lauded the 15-member body for its critical and unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in relation to the ongoing border controversy case with Venezuela.

“The Community is an important bulwark in the preservation and maintenance of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We are indebted to Caricom for its unstinting support in this regard,” the Guyanese Head of State said in his message to commemorate Caricom Day. Venezuela has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which more than nine billion barrels of oil have been discovered.

Guyana has since approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2018 seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela. That matter is engaging the World Court.

However, the Nicolás Maduro regime in

President Irfaan Ali

the Spanish-speaking country renewed these claims when it issued a decree in January 2021 claiming sovereignty and exclusive sovereign rights to the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River – a move which has been staunchly rejected by local and overseas stakeholders including Caricom.

In a statement on the issue in January, the Caricom Secretariat firmly repudiated any acts of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana.

This position was reiterated by regional Leaders during the 32nd Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom held in February this year. Heads of Government remained very concerned about the threatening posture of Venezuela and reaffirmed their consistent support for the maintenance and pres-

ervation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

At this week’s 42nd Regular Meeting of the Caricom Heads of Government this position of the regional body is expected to renewed.

The meeting is being held on the heels of the 48th anniversary of the entry into force of the Treaty establishing the Caribbean Community.

This year also marks 20 years since the adoption of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, establishing the Caribbean Community including the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

However, according to the Guyanese Head of State, in the decades that ensued since 1973, the Community has grown in several ways, noting that the membership has multiplied from the original four – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago – to now 15 Member States and five Associate Members. Consequently, the combined population of the Community has increased several folds, from less than five million in 1973 to almost 20 million today, albeit still relatively small by most measures.

“As small as we are, we harbour a rich diversity: ethnocultural, demographic, linguistic, socio-economic, political and legal. Not sur-

prisingly, therefore, the expansion of Caricom has posed additional challenges to the integration process even as it has presented new opportunities. The integration process is, of necessity, a work-in-progress, marked by imperfections but always aspiring to a stronger community of sovereign States. The Community remains buoyed by the political commitment of Member States to make it work, and indeed, by significant achievements, much of which are often unacknowledged,” the Guyanese Head of State contended.

President Ali went on to outline that one of those achievements is being witnessed amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He said that despite being the region worst affected economically by the pandemic, Caricom has fared better in managing its impacts than many nations more amply endowed in terms of economic and human resources. For instance, the incidence of cases and deaths in the Community, he added, is well below hemispheric averages but warned in the same breath that this is no reason for complacency.

Further, the Head of State asserted that they are a Community committed to the rule of law, democrat-

Caricom Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana

ic values, and the promotion and protection of human rights. He added that nationals of the Community have rights that can be legally protected and enforced through the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Recognising that Guyana is a founding member of Caricom and currently hosts the seat of the Community’s headquarters in Georgetown, President Ali recommitted to the progress of the regional bloc.

“Guyana currently holds lead responsibility for agriculture within the Community. We have embarked on a process to transform the regional agri-food sector in order to enhance food and nutrition security… Caricom is Guyana’s third largest trading partner and possesses the potential to become an even larger market for our exports…

Guyana’s commitment to Caricom remains strong and unwavering. Guyana is prepared to play its part in the transformation of our Community for the benefit

of its peoples. May Caricom grow ever stronger! I Am Caricom,” he posited.

Meanwhile, President Ali pointed out Guyana joins with the rest of the Community in observing Caricom Day today, at a time when the Secretariat of the Community is undergoing a process of transition.

He once again extended welcome to Dr Carla Barnett of Belize as the first woman and the first person from a continental Caricom country to be Secretary General of the Caribbean Community and pledged Guyana’s strong support for the success of her tenure.

Further, the Guyanese Leader also used the opportunity to salute the incumbent Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, whom he said has led the Organisation with a wise head and a steady hand. President Ali applaud Ambassador LaRocque’s sterling contributions to regional integration and wished him success in the future.

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Man gets 15 years for fatally beating teen miner

Challenging…

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Delroy Williams died in prison while awaiting trial for Azaad Potter’s killing

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eroy Williams has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for the October 21, 2014 unlawful killing of 17-yearold miner Azaad Potter, who was beaten to death at Konawaruk Backdam, Potaro, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The sentence was imposed by Justice Navindra Singh while presiding at the High Court in Essequibo.

Though initially indicted for the capital offence of murder by State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken, Williams opted to plead guilty to the lesser counts of manslaughter at his arraignment. Justice Singh

Jailed: Deonarine Khan

ordered that Williams becomes eligible for parole after serving three years behind bars.

The prison authorities were ordered to give him credit for the time he spent in pre-trial custody. Delroy Williams, the brother of Leroy Williams was also charged with Potter’s murder.

However, Delroy was among the 17 inmates who perished when a fire gutted the Camp Street prison in March 2016. At the time of his demise, he was awaiting trial for the offence.

Two other men - Quincy King and Deonarine Khan were also charged with the

Jailed: Quincy King

Dead: Azaad Potter

teenager’s murder.

Like Leroy, they too pleaded guilty to the lesser count some time back.

Jailed: Leroy Williams

They were sentenced to 17 years and 20 years’ imprisonment, respectively. It was reported that the two brothers as well as King and Khan were known to the teenager. On the day in question, they attacked Potter and relieved him of a cell phone and other valuables.

According to reports, the men dealt Potter several blows about his body.

Police had said the men had accused Potter of stealing articles from their mining camp. Potter, of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Cyclist serious after being struck by car at Soesdyke

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pedal cyclist is in a critical condition after he was reportedly struck down by a motor car along the Soesdyke Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Sunday. The injured man has been identified as 50-year-old Calvin Gilkes of Soesdyke Back Road, EBD.

Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 09:00h, Gilkes was riding along the Soesdyke Public Road when it is alleged that the motor car bearing registration number PGG 856 was in the process of overtaking the pedal cyclist but instead collided with him.

As a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries to his head, neck and other parts of his body.

He was picked up in a conscious condition and escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was examined and trans-

ferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

He was subsequently arrested and his condition is listed as stable A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. He was placed in custody as investigations continue.

GTT donates SIM cards with data to NGSA pupils

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s pupils from the Karamat Primary School and the Pine Ground Primary School prepare to sit the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) in August, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) donated SIM cards with 10GB of data to them.

Pupils of the two schools will now be able to access classes and other educational websites to assist with their online learning given the current COVID-19 pandemic.

GTT’s Marketing Communications Manager, Nicola Balram reminded, this is not the company’s first SIM and data donation to schools during the pandemic.

“With the company’s promise to strengthen our community and reliably connect our customers, we are adamant in ensuring that our younger generation has access to education. Since last year we donated SIMs and data to over 200 students across the country to strengthen access to online learning. We hope that this additional donation provides the aid to these students as

Parents, students, and teachers receiving the SIM cards with data

they prepare for their exams in August,” Balram said.

Distributing the SIMs to the students was Business Support Supervisor Deoraj Husain, who thanked GTT for its support to the students of the community that he is close to.

“I know this gesture by the company is greatly appreciated by the students, parents, and teachers of these schools. The smiles on the parents’ faces when receiving the SIMs were priceless.”

In October 2020, GTT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Education Ministry to zero-rate several educational websites in support of online learning in Guyana.

In a press statement announcing the move, GTT said that by zero-rating the websites, persons will be able to browse and learn without a data plan. Profuturo. education, essentialschools. org, code.org, wikipedia.org, educationgy.org, guyanalearningchannel.com, and hy-

dromet.gov.gy are among the zero-rated websites.

“We are happy to partner with the Ministry in supporting online learning during this pandemic. We acknowledge the effort of the Ministry, those in the teaching profession, parents, and guardians to ensure that learning continues apace – it is, therefore, our hope that our contribution will go a long way in moulding the minds of our future generation,” former GTT CEO Justin Nedd had said.

…US democracy esterday was July 4th and it’s a sign of America’s political profile – and soft power reach – that almost everyone on Planet Earth knows it’s US “Independence Day”. Yet it’s hard to remember America was once a colony of Britain – just like us!!

The fundamental difference, of course, is they were a “settler colony” – colonised by its own citizens and other Europeans – and never treated by the Crown like our “plantation colonies”. The latter were just for exploiting their resources and transferring them to the “Mother Country”! The “mother” grew fat as the “children/ natives” starved and died like flies.

The 13 British colonies on the American East Coast could then be indignant about the impositions – like taxes – of the 18th century British King, while we lustily sang “God Save the King” far into the 20th century. And so it was, that the American settlers rose up and threw out their British rulers in their War of Independence of 1776. (It actually wasn’t ended till 1783!). But when the settler colony of Haiti – which was by far ”richer” in terms of its economic output – threw out its French rulers just a decade later, the newly “democratic” Americans sided with France to impose “reparations” from Haiti to France!! After all, it was worried that its own slaves might get ideas!!

So when the US, in the next century and a half, held itself out as a beacon of democracy for the remaining colonial world to follow – there was quite a gap between the rhetoric and the reality. Even for itself, the rhetoric was self-serving. Its own slavery wasn’t ended till 1865 – after a brutal Civil War between the northern and southern states. But be that as it may, the democratic innovations of the American “Founding Fathers” did inspire freedom lovers across the world.

But what the latter didn’t pay enough attention to was the fact that those same “democratic innovations” coexisted with even institutions like slavery – and later “Jim Crowism”!! The lesson, of course, is those who aspire to democratic governance mustn’t just look at our formal institutions – but examine their impact on ALL the citizens, not just the ones with real power! In other words, we must PROBLEMATIZE democracy and freedom!

If we do, we’d appreciate the turmoil that’s presently roiling the US over “democracy”. At long last some of the content of the rhetoric of “American Democracy” is being questioned by what one analyst called the “remainders” of the society. That is, those who are “remainders” when the democratic pie is divvied up! These are interesting times and not just for America.

Just as with their Revolution, we can learn from their implosion. …the PNC’s opportunism And one of those American political learning moments is we shouldn’t ever allow political players to play fast and loose with the rules of the democratic game. In other words, “political institutions”. While the Americans are still reeling from the effrontery of Trump in running roughshod over so many aspects of American political institutionalism, we in Guyana had already gone through much worse under Burnham, decades ago. So we weren’t surprised by the shenanigans of Granger, the Sanctimonious Gangster, that were all directed at destroying our fledgling democracy.

Most fundamental is the rule of “one man, one vote” ensuring Governments derive their legitimacy from “we, the people”. When Burnham denied this principle by rigging elections for 28 years, he was in effect taking us back to the days of slavery and Jim Crowism in America when they boasted about “democracy”, but denied the franchise to African Americans. And that’s what Granger attempted to do after the March 2 elections.

Medals must be struck in honour of those who defied him!! …alibis Your Eyewitness is confused. The sworn alibi provided for one of the Haresh Singh murder accused was that he was looking at Isaiah’s father’s Facebook feed of the autopsy. This was shown not to be true.

And this isn’t perverting the course of justice?

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

NEWS

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Hess mulls US$1B investment in Stabroek Block in 2022 – current investment stands at US$780M

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ess Corporation, which is a co-venturer alongside oil giant ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block, is considering increasing its investment in Guyana’s waters to a staggering US$1 billion in 2022.

This was revealed by Hess’ Chief Financial Officer (CFO) John Reilly, who was participating in a virtual forum hosted by JP Morgan during its recent 2021 Energy, Power and Renewables Conference. While the company is considering increasing next year’s budget to US$1 billion, Reilly cautioned that the ink is not dry.

“We have a rig in the block. So that’s going to add approximately US$200 million to the budget, when you add that rig for next year, that third rig. And then in Guyana, the development budget was US$780 million this year. We think that budget will be around $1 billion next year.

Again, nothing exactly fixed, but somewhere in that $1 billion level,” Reilly said.

The CFO also explained that Hess remains focused on servicing its US$1 billion three-year term loan arranged with JP Morgan Chase Bank. In fact, Reilly explained that once the Liza Unity Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) vessel comes on-

Hess Chief Financial Officer (CFO) John Reilly

stream, this money will be used to complete servicing of this loan.

“The Liza Unity is a 220,000-barrel (of oil per day) ship and you (Hess) get approximately 60,000 barrels of oil per day when it is up and running at peak. And when this is on an annual basis, you are getting 21.9 million barrels per day,” Reilly said during the forum.

“You can put in different price points with that but if it is a US$60 Brent markup…you are looking at over US$1 billion coming into the portfolio under that scenario. And what we would do is be able to finish paying off the term loan in that year.

Following this, excess cash flow would go towards increasing dividend.”

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

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with developmental drilling recently starting on the second one, the Liza Phase 2 project. Back in May 2019, EEPGL was granted approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to go ahead with its Liza Phase 2 Development offshore Guyana.

The oil company had said that the project will have the capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

Exxon had also revealed that the Liza Phase 2 development was funded at the cost of some US$6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of approximately $1.6 billion, for the Liza Utility floating FPSO vessel. For the Phase 2 Development, six drill centres were planned, along with approximately 30 wells – 15 production, nine water injection and six gas injection

Hess holdings in the Stabroek Block

wells.

The US$9 billion Payara development, the third development, will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels and is considered to be the largest single investment in the history of Guyana.

A fourth project, Yellowtail, has been identified within the block with 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.

The Prosperity FPSO will be de-

signed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, will have associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. They further explained that the FPSO will be moored in water depth of about 1900 metres and will be able to store around two million barrels of crude oil.

The construction of Prosperity’s hull started in January 2019.

Prosperity will be Guyana’s third FPSO. The Prosperity FPSO is expected to be deployed at ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, as part of the Payara oil field development.

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No COVID-19 deaths recorded, 73 more persons contract virus

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he number of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) cases continues to rise in Guyana as 73 more persons tested positive for the life-threatening disease in the last 24 hours but no deaths were recorded.

According to the Ministry of Health’s updated COVID-19 dashboard on Sunday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has now gone up to 20,378.

Of these, however, only 1596 are currently active cases. This includes 16 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 1580 persons in isolation, that is, 88 in institutional isolation and the remaining 1492 in home isolation.

There are also nine other persons in institutional quarantine.

Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll remains at 478 after no fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours. The last fatality was a 50-year-old female from Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) who died on Friday while receiving care at a medical facility.

Since the beginning of July, two

(Cuyuni-Mazaruni). persons have succumbed to the life-threatening There were no new casJULY 4 UPDATE es recorded in Regions Two disease. The total number of deaths from the NUMBER OF NEW CASES (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Eight DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL 73 CONFIRMED CASES (Potaro-Siparuni), Nine (Upper pandemic in the month SINCE MARCH 2022 OF PERSONS IN 88 of June was 78. May NUMBER Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and REGION 1 1236 INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was the deadliest month REGION 2 567 OF PERSONS IN 1492 with 99 COVID-19 fa- NUMBER in the last 24 hours, according REGION 3 2337 HOME ISOLATION to Sunday’s COVID-19 dashtalities after surpassing REGION 4 9375 NUMBER OF PERSONS IN 16 April’s 66 death toll. board.

REGION 5 677 COVID-19 ICU Additionally, some In order to curb the rising REGION 6 1596 NUMBER OF PERSONS IN 9 18,304 persons have INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE number of cases in the counREGION 7 1267 recovered from the TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY try, the Guyana Government REGION 8 380 10,434 life-threatening virus to GENDER (FEMALES) launched its COVID-19 vacREGION 9 1521 date. cination exercise back in REGION 10 1422 TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY 9944 February and is aggressively Meanwhile, since GENDER (MALES) rolling it out in the various rethe outbreak of the pan- TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE 20,378 SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 gions in order to achieve heard demic in Guyana last IN GUYANA SINCE 2020 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask. year, 193,306 persons NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES immunity.

18,304 Keep a physical distance of at least Recent data show that, have been tested for the 6 feet.

234,255 novel coronavirus so far TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED more than 235,000 persons Wash your hands or use handsanitizer have received their first dose of of which 10,434 females FULLY IMMUNISED 112,371 If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline. and 9944 males were TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS the vaccine, representing over 478 positive cases.

47 per cent of the adult popuA breakdown of GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181. lation. Meanwhile, fully immunised persons in the counthe 73 new cases on in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Sunday showed that 10 were detect- three in Region Five (Mahaica- try are now more than 112,000, that ed in Region One (Barima-Waini); 11 Berbice); another 10 cases in Region is, approximately 21 per cent of perin Region Three (Essequibo Islands- Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and the sons 18 years and older.

Persons are encouraged to get imWest Demerara); a whopping 38 cases remaining one case in Region Seven

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD

munised 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 a 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) national curfew that is in effect until July 31, 2021.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 182,319,261 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 3,954,324 deaths.

The WHO also reported on Sunday that in the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 72,480,288 while the death toll in the region has gone up to 1,905,627.

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Motorcycle bandits rob Lyken Funeral Home of $1.5M payroll

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wo armed men who pretended to be customers reportedly held the staff of Lyken’s Funeral Home at gunpoint and relieved them of their payroll valued at $1.5 million.

Based on surveillance recording, the men were clad in dark jeans and white T-shirts and were wearing surgical masks. After stopping in front of the funeral home, the pillion rider hopped off the motorcycle and entered the office.

Upon entry, he reportedly began asking questions about packages. However, he suddenly whipped out a gun from his pants waist and demanded that the employees hand over the money.

Fearful for their lives, the staff handed over the company’s payroll. Shortly after committing the act, the gunman exited the building, joined his accomplice on the motorcycle and

The men that robbed the funeral home

they rode off the scene.

An alarm was raised and the Police were contacted. The CCTV footage

was handed over to the Police who have launched a manhunt for the two suspects.

4 injured in separate accidents on ECD highway

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The driver of the motor lorry lying under the car

our persons were on Saturday evening injured following two separate vehicular accidents along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) highway.

The first accident occurred at around 21:15h on the Railway Embankment in the vicinity of the Caricom Secretariat, Liliendaal, and involved motorcycle CJ 8261, ridden by Quancy Dennis, 43, of Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Based on reports received, the motorcyclist was proceeding along the Railway Embankment when he reportedly rode over a median, causing him to lose control. As a result, he reportedly fell onto the road-

told Guyana Times that he was proceeding along the Triumph Public Road when his vehicle encountered mechanical issues. As such, he pulled over to the corner of the road to have it fixed.

The man said he made sure he put on his hazard light before attempting to fix his car.

“I had on my hazard, they were traffic behind me who had on diverted… within a split second, while I was in front of the vehicle fixing it, I got a sudden impact. All I know I hit my head and passed out, when I catch myself, I was on the bridge and people came.”

Eyewitnesses said the motor lorry hit the motor car

The accident that occurred at Triumph

way and sustained injuries about his body.

The motorcyclist was picked up by an ambulance and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted a patient.

Meanwhile, at Triumph Public Road, ECD, motor lorry GNN 3336, and a motor car belonging to Lawrence Jacob, 58, of Cummings Lodge, ECD, were involved in a smash-up.

Jacobs, when contacted,

from behind, causing the car to slam into the bridge. The driver received injuries to his head and leg, while the passenger of the car also received injuries to his head.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the driver of the motor lorry was seen on the road lying under the damaged car, groaning in pain. He was picked by public-spirited citizens and taken to the GPHC. The police are investigating both accidents.

NEWS

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Muslims welcome Hajj as new Stewartville Sunnatul Jamaat opens

Minister Deodat Indar at the event on Sunday

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he rededication of the Stewartville Sunnatul Jamaat, Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was held on Sunday with the recital of the Holy Qur'an done by Qari Ali ShamsUddin of Egypt. The place of worship was only recently renovated.

However, former lmam Zameer Sattaur of Masjid Al Abidin-USA delivered the feature address. The programme also included Qaseedahs, chants and messages.

In addition, the Muslim community also welcomed the season of Hajj - virtues of the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth

The new Stewartville Sunnatul Jamaat

and final month in the Islamic calendar. It is a very sacred month in the Islamic calendar - one in which the Hajj takes place as well as the Festival of the Sacrifice.

The event was graced by several Government officials including Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar; members of

4 busted with cocaine, ganja during Police raid

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our persons have been taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of cocaine and marijuana during a Police operation at Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Based on reports received, a search was conducted on two homes during which one red plastic bag with ten transparent Ziplock bags containing ganja was discovered. Following the discovery, two men were told of the offence, cautioned and arrested but both men denied knowledge of the drugs.

In addition, the Police went to another home and during the search, one white

plate with a black plastic bag containing a whitish rock-like substance, suspected to be cocaine, was found in the backyard. Two men were at the premises at the time and as such they were questioned.

One of the suspects reportedly told Police that the drug was a “side hustle”.

The four men were taken to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters where the cocaine was weighed in their presence and amounted to 4 grams. The cannabis was also weighed and amounted to 17 grams.

Charges are expected to be instituted shortly.

2 injured following EBD 2-vehicle collision

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olice have launched an investigation into an accident that occurred on Saturday evening on the Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The accident involved motor car bearing registration number PRR 2878, driven by 29-year-old Robert Singh of Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and motorcycle CK 2347, ridden by Noel Drayton, 65, and pillion rider Mitzie Farley, 49, both of Great Diamond, EBD. Based on reports received, the motorcycle was travelling in the direction of Georgetown while the motor car was heading in the oppo-

site direction.

It is alleged that the motor car overtook several vehicles and, in the process, the driver lost control and collided with the front of the said motorcycle.

The rider of the motorcycle and the pillion rider fell onto the road’s surface where they sustained injuries to their bodies.

They were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where they were treated and later referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

They were subsequently admitted as patients. The driver of the car was arrested as Police continue their investigations.

the diplomatic community and representatives of Islamic organisations both in and out of Guyana.

Several injured after minibus, car collide at Vryheid’s Lust

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everal persons were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Saturday evening following a two-vehicle collision along the Vryheid’s Lust Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Police preliminary reports stated that the accident involved a minibus bearing registration number BTT 8484 driven by Corwin Abrams, 48, of Helena No 1 Mahaica, ECD, and motor car PLL 2388 driven by Hemraj Persaud of Enmore, ECD. Reports are the motor car which was proceeding south out of the Better Hope Access Road, drove onto the Vryheid's Lust Public Road and into the path of the minibus, thus resulting in a collision.

The minibus then collided with a traffic light pole.

Several passengers who were in the minibus along with the driver received injuries about their bodies, and

The minibus that was involved in the accident

were assisted by public-spirited citizens and conveyed to the GPHC where they were seen and examined by a doctor who treated them and sent them away.

However, 20-year-old Xavier Jaramillo, of Helena, Mahaica, who was a passenger in the said minibus, was

admitted a patient for a fractured left thigh.

The driver of the motor car along with a 21-year-old occupant were also taken to the hospital where they were treated by a doctor and sent away.

Further enquiries are ongoing.

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Handmade Indigenous craft on sale at Babe Cave will grow and eventually extend to Indigenous com-

A young lady showcases one of the handmade Indigenous crafts on sale at Babe Cave

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project has been launched to support the women and children of South Rupununi through a partnership between Babe Cave Guyana, South Rupununi Conservation Society, and ARMCORE VPI.

ference in as many lives as possible while working together to elevate and grow businesses.

This project aims to promote entrepreneurship among Indigenous people while conserving Indigenous culture and arts

Representatives of Babe Cave Guyana

As of July 3, crafts and other handmade items from Indigenous women and children became available at Babe Cave. All of the proceeds will go to the crafters.

Babe Cave is Guyana’s first collaborative space for women in business. Its aim is to always be a community of women making a dif-

and adding value to their work.

“We are truly excited to welcome the women and children of the South Rupununi to our Babe Cave community. This is a project of pure love and soul. Each piece made has a story waiting to be told. Ultimately, we hope that this initiative

munities across Guyana,” the Babe Cave said in a

press statement.

All items will be avail-

able at Babe Cave at 129A Duncan Street, Georgetown.

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Haresh Singh murder

Police reject GHRA’s allegations on arrests of alibi witnesses – note alibi lawyer “flip-flopped” on video source

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has dismissed a statement by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) which it said posited that the arrest and detention of six of the nine women who claim to be alibi witnesses for murder accused Gladston Henry is shocking and smacks of malicious abuse of Police powers.

The statement by GHRA was published as a news article in another section of the media. Henry is one of the four men charged with the murder of 17-year-old Haresh Singh which occurred on September 9, 2020, at Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice.

“This is far from the truth,” the Police Force said in a statement in response to the GHRA missive. In fact, the Police Force said it is the premier law enforcement agency in Guyana with one of its statutory ob-

Charged: Gladston Henry is among four persons charged with Haresh Singh’s murder

jectives being the detection and prevention of crime.

“It follows therefore that

if in the conduct of an investigation into a specific crime, another crime is sus-

pected to have been committed by a person or persons then the necessary action has to be lawfully taken,” the statement reads.

The GPF reiterated that the alibis provided by the alleged witnesses were investigated and found to be unverified.

This is evident, the Police noted, by the fact that the details of the purported alibi, which were given by their Attorney Nigel Hughes and attested to by the witnesses indicated that on the day of Singh’s murder, Gladston George was at home with his parents watching the video and live stream of a post-mortem examination being conduct on his brother Isaiah Henry.

The Police said that the alibi witnesses claimed that the post-mortem examination was being livestreamed by the murder accused’s father Gladston Henry Snr at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and that he [murder accused] remained home for the entire day.

However, footage of a video recording of the PME done by Police investigators revealed that Gladston Henry Snr had only entered the room to identify the body of his son, Isaiah Henry, and did not video record any aspect of the post-mortem examination, the Police statement added.

“In the article being responded to, in a recent statement attributed to Attorney Nigel Hughes, he is now

GHRA Head Mike McCormack

Dead: Haresh Singh

flip-flopping and saying that the video recording and live streaming of the PME of Isaiah Henry was done by Attorney Patrice Henry on the instructions of Gladston Henry Snr.” According to the Police, the alibi witnesses also

the post-mortem examination, Inspector Sarrabo was seen present at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in the background of a news media video interview with Hughes.

Consequently, the statement added that six of the

claimed that one of the Police investigators into the murder, Inspector Rodwell Sarrabo, was at the home of the family of Isaiah Henry at the time that the post-mortem examination was being conducted and had seen the murder accused there.

However, the GPF pointed out that this was “proven to be blatantly untrue” as in the video recording of

nine witnesses who were subsequently brought in to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters by Hughes, and who had not been threatened with arrest prior to being interviewed as alleged by the GHRA, were arrested for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

17 Agro-processing plant, packaging facility for Berbice NEWS

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griculture is the main economic activity for both Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and as such, the Agriculture Ministry is considering to construct an agro-processing plant and packaging facility.

This, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, will capture a large part of the US$5 billion in food being imported by Caricom countries annually.

The revelation was made on Saturday by both Mustapha and Finance

Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during a visit to Black Bush Polder (BBP), Region Six. Minister Singh noted that Government is committed to agriculture in the strongest possible way, adding that agriculture has always been the main sector in Guyana’s economy.

However, he said it is disgraceful that Guyana was removed as the leading spokes nation on Agriculture during the APNU/AFC’s term in Government.

Nevertheless, he noted that this has already been reversed and Guyana is once again setting the pace for

CARICOM

food in the Caribbean.

On this note he said an agro-processing facility will be set up in the farming community of BBP. “We are already working with the Private Sector to encourage agro-processing and very shortly we will be entering a partnership that will see an agro-processing plant set up right here in Mibicuri,” the Minister told farmers.

In addition, Mustapha told the farmers that an agreement has been met with a private investor and within a few days a Memorandum of Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh at Black Bush Polder on Saturday

Understanding (MoU) will be inked.

Traditionally, many of

We must work together to make Caricom a success – Minister Todd

G

uyana is a proud and committed member of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

As a founding member of Caricom and the seat of its Headquarters, Guyana recognises the strategic importance of Caricom to the achievement of our nation’s foreign policy goals, as it is for other Member States of the Community.

Caricom has among its objectives the achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States and entities of any description with enhanced coordination of Member States foreign policies and economic policies. The Community, with one voice, has been impactful in international fora.

Caricom's voice has been especially clear on the most existential threats to the future of our people, such as climate change and the current COVID-19 pan-

demic. The Community’s mantra, “1.5 to stay alive”, much resisted during the Paris climate negotiations in 2015, is now the point of reference for global climate action. The strong advocacy of Caricom leaders for equitable access to vaccines in the current COVID crisis has no doubt contributed to a more responsive posture by our development partners.

Despite a myriad of challenges, the Community continues to work assiduously to deliver on its promise and potential for the people of the region.

The past year has severely tested the resolve of the Caribbean people, but we know that the Caribbean destiny can only be forged in unity, with clear heart, purpose, strong action and advocacy.

Guyana remains committed to the integration process and looks forward to contributing to building a stronger, more resilient

future for the people of our Region. It will take time; it will take effort and it will take support.

Throughout its existence; friendship, cooperation, solidarity, and support have been the Caricom hallmark. Those elements are especially manifest and meaningful in times of challenge and stress for our brothers and sisters across the Community.

This is certainly the case now as Hurricane Elsa clears a path through the Caribbean. Guyana stands firmly with our Caricom partners who have been affected and will respond to any call for assistance.

That is the essence of Community. We must work together to make Caricom a success. It belongs to us. We make it stronger or weaker.

On this Caricom Day, let us take the opportunity to celebrate the gains we have made and plan our course forward with confidence. Happy Caricom Day!

Caricom has duty to realise founding leaders’ vision of greater regional cooperation

T

he People’s National Congress greets the Governments and citizens of the Caribbean Community on the 48th celebration of Caricom Day. We recall that the four visionary Prime Ministers – Errol Barrow of Barbados, Forbes Burnham of Guyana, Michael Manley of Jamaica and Eric Williams of Trinidad and Tobago – signed the Treaty establishing the Caribbean Community on 4th July 1973 in Chaguaramas.

The four founders recognised the need to work

together to advance the principles of economic integration, foreign policy coordination and functional cooperation for the benefit of their citizens. They envisaged greater inter-State cooperation for the Region’s development. The Caribbean Community, forty-eight years later, has a duty to work towards the full realisation of that vision and the fortification of that foundation.

The People’s National Congress extends sympathy to persons affected by the damage caused

by the recent hurricane in Barbados and the disastrous flood in Guyana and deaths caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The plight of citizens of our sister state – Haiti – is a continuing concern.

Caribbean Governments are urged to resist reactionary and revisionist measures and policies aimed at hindering the free movement of Caribbean citizens within the Community by any member State. The freedom, equality and dignity of all citizens matter.

the farmers in the Black Push Polder area sell their produce to retailers and do

not have the benefit of an open market. The Finance Minister further explained that the project is likely to transform the lives of farmers and boost the agriculture sector overall.

He explained that one of the main reasons Guyana has not been able to tap into the agro-processing market and compete with other Caricom countries, is because of the high cost of production, specifically energy/electricity cost.

In this regard, Dr Singh underscored the importance of the gas-to-shore project that is being spearheaded by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. This project, he stated, will significantly reduce energy costs for residents and the cost of manufacturing.

Police Force reject GHRA...

Police disclosed that the alibi witnesses were subjected to a video interview after which they were released on bail. The matter is still under investigation.

The Police Force reminded that during investigations into the murder of Singh, Gladston Henry, while in Police custody, exercised his right to remain silent. “At no time did he inform any of the investiga-

tors that he was elsewhere during the time of the murder and that he had an alibi. It was subsequent to the interviews that his Attorney Nigel Hughes informed investigators that Henry had an alibi and that there were witnesses.”

“Contrary to allegations attributed to Nigel Hughes in the article, inferring that the GPF is either not disposed to or capable of con-

FROM PAGE 16

ducting a fair or reliable investigation based on forensic evidence into either the murder of Haresh Singh or the murders of Isaiah and Joel Henry, the GPF pellucidly states that the investigations into these crimes were meticulously and assiduously conducted with efficiency and professionalism and charges were preferred after the requisite legal advice was sought and obtained.”

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Feature HEALTH TIPS GONORRHOEA - (LEAK)

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes

G

onorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), and it can pass on during any kind of sexual contact. Once diagnosed early, it can be treated effectively. However, if a person does not receive treatment, gonorrhoea can result in long-term complications.

For example, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs in females when gonorrhoea affects the uterus or fallopian tubes. It can lead to infertility.

Possible complications in males with gonorrhoea include epididymitis, which is inflammation of the tube that carries sperm.

This, too, can result in infertility.

It tends to target warm, moist areas of the body, including the: * urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) * eyes

* throat * vagina * anus * female reproductive tract (the fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus) Gonorrhoea passes from person to person through oral, anal, or vaginal sex without a condom or other barrier method. The best protections against transmission are abstinence and proper condom or barrier method usage.

CAUSES

N. gonorrhoeae bacteria are responsible for gonorrhoea. These bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, and the infection can develop in any of the body’s mucous membranes, including those in the genitals, mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum. Gonorrhoea can pass from person to person through sexual contact that involves the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth. Males do not need to ejaculate to transmit or contract gonorrhoea.

It can also pass to a baby during delivery.

All sexually active people can develop gonorrhoea.

SYMPTOMS

Many people with gonorrhoea have no symptoms.

Those who do, often experience a burning sensation during urination.

Males may also notice: * white, green, or yellow

discharge from the penis * pain or swelling in the testicles * inflammation or swelling of the foreskin Females may also experience increased vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods.

Rectal symptoms may also occur if a person has anal sex. These may include: * discharge * itching around the anus * soreness * bleeding * pain during bowel movements If gonorrhoea results from oral sex, the person may have a throat infection, but they might not notice any symptoms.

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection, and if semen or vaginal fluid that contains these bacteria enters the eye, the person may develop conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye.

DIAGNOSIS

A person might receive a diagnosis of gonorrhoea if they see a healthcare provider because they have had symptoms or because they suspect that they have been exposed to the infection. A physical exam and lab test may be needed.

If one person has a diagnosis of gonorrhoea, their sexual partner or partners should also receive testing.

TREATMENT

Anyone with gonorrhoea needs treatment to stop the infection from progressing.

The treatment typically involves antibiotics.

It cannot repair any problems that the infection has already caused, so it is important to receive treatment as soon as possible.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a single dose of 250 milligrams of intramuscular ceftriaxone (Rocephin) and 1 gram of oral azithromycin (Zithromax). These are different types of antibiotics.

The CDC urge people to take all the medication that is prescribed and to avoid sharing it with anyone else.

However, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that cause gonorrhoea, have developed resistance to nearly all the antibiotics that doctors have traditionally used to treat it.

This resistance is making gonorrhoea increasingly difficult to treat. If a person does not notice any improvement in their symptoms after several days, they should return to their healthcare provider. They may need further testing to determine whether the treatment is working.

A person should also attend any follow-up appointments and avoid having sex until a healthcare provider

says that it is safe to do so.

If gonorrhoea occurs during pregnancy, it is essential to let the healthcare team know. The infection can pass on to the baby during delivery, so the newborn will usually need antibiotics right away.

Some newborns develop conjunctivitis, and gonorrhoea is one possible cause. The symptoms usually appear 2-4 days after birth and include red eyes, thick pus in the eyes, and swollen eyelids.

If any of these symptoms arise, seek medical attention immediately. They can also result from a more serious condition, such as meningitis or bacteraemia.

COMPLICATIONS

There are a number of severe complications of gonorrhoea. For this reason, it is important to receive treatment as soon as possible.

In females, gonorrhoea can lead to: * PID * chronic pelvic pain * infertility * ectopic pregnancy, which can be a medical emergency Further complications of the infection can occur during pregnancy and delivery. Without treatment, it causes an increased risk of preterm labour or stillbirth.

Gonorrhoea can also pass to the newborn, who can de-

velop a joint infection, loss of vision, or bacteraemia — a life threatening blood infection — as a result.

In males, gonorrhoea can lead to epididymitis, which can cause problems with fertility.

In everyone, untreated gonorrhoea can lead to a disseminated gonococcal infection. This can be life-threatening. Some signs and symptoms include: * dermatitis, which usually involves a rash or itchy, dry skin * fever * arthritis * inflammation and swelling around the tendons People with gonorrhoea also have a higher risk of contracting or transmitting HIV. One reason is that either infection can cause open sores, which make it easier for viruses and bacteria to enter the body.

PREVENTION

Ways of avoiding gonorrhoea include: * Avoiding sexual activity if there is the possibility of infection. * Using a barrier method of protection, such as condoms, during vaginal or anal intercourse. * Using condoms or dental dams during oral intercourse. * Only having sexual activity with a mutually monogamous partner who does not have the infection.

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Saudi Energy Minister pushes back on UAE opposition to OPEC+ deal

S

audi Arabia's Energy Minister pushed back on Sunday against opposition by fellow Gulf producer the United Arab Emirates to a proposed OPEC+ deal and called for "compromise and rationality" to secure agreement when the group reconvenes on Monday.

OPEC+, which groups the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, voted on Friday to raise output by some 2 million barrels per day from August to December 2021 and to extend remaining cuts to the end of 2022, but UAE objections prevented agreement, sources had said.

"The extension is the basis and not a secondary issue," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television channel.

"We are looking for a way to balance the interests of producer and consumer countries and for market stability in general, especially when shortages are expected due to the decrease in stockpiles," he added.

The UAE said earlier on Sunday it backs an output increase from August but suggested deferring to another meeting the decision on extending the oil supply pact. It said baseline production references - the level from which any cuts are calculated - should be reviewed for any extension.

The standoff could delay plans to pump more oil through to the end of the year to cool oil prices that have soared to 2-1/2year highs.

"Big efforts were made over the past 14 months that provided fantastic results and it would be a shame not to maintain those achievements. ... Some compromise and some rationality is what will save us," the Saudi Energy Minister said.

Responding to oil demand destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, OPEC+ agreed last year to cut output by almost 10 million bpd from May 2020, with plans to phase out the curbs by the end of April 2022. Cuts now stand at about 5.8 million bpd.

OPEC+ sources said the UAE contended its baseline was originally set too low, an issue it raised before but was ready to tolerate if the deal ended in April 2022 but not if it went on longer.

Prince Abdulaziz, who made similar remarks to Saudi-owned Asharq television, said no country should use a single month as a baseline reference, adding there was a mechanism for states to file objections and that "selectivity is difficult". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mapuche woman picked to lead architects of Chile's new Constitution

D

elegates chose a woman on Sunday from Chile's majority Indigenous Mapuche people to lead them in drafting the country's new Constitution - a dramatic turnaround for a group that is unacknowledged in the country's present rule book.

Elisa Loncon, 58, a political independent, is a Santiago university professor and activist for Mapuche educational and linguistic rights. She was picked by 96 of the 155 men and women, including 17 Indigenous people, who make up the constitutional body that will draft a new text to replace Chile's previous magna carta produced during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Loncon accepted the position with fist clenched above her head, telling her colleagues to noisy celebrations: "I salute the people of Chile from the north to Patagonia, from the sea to the mountains, to the is-

lands, all those who are watching us today," she said.

"I am grateful for the support of the different coalitions that placed their trust and their dreams in the hands of the Mapuche nation, who voted for a Mapuche person, a woman, to change the history of this country."

Her election represents a high point in a day of high drama which included the suspension of the delegates' swearing in after protests outside and inside the venue, and clashes with Police forced a delay to the event.

Problems arose after marches organised by independent, left-wing and Indigenous groups fielding delegates for the constitutional body, as well as other interest groups, met heavily armed Police manning barricades outside Santiago's former congress building where the ceremony was being held. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Some Philippine troops jump before military plane crashes in flames, killing at least 45

A

Philippines Air Force troop plane crashed and broke up in flames on a southern island on Sunday, killing at least 45 people after some jumped free, officials said, in the country's worst military air disaster in nearly 30 years.

The Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft, carrying troops bound for counter-insurgency operations, crashed with 96 people on board.

The plane had attempted to land at Jolo airport, but overshot the runway without touching down. It failed to regain enough power and height and crashed at nearby Patikul.

It was not immediately clear how many jumped or whether they had survived.

Military chief Cirilito Sobejana said the plane had

View of the site after a Philippines Air Force Lockheed C-130 plane carrying troops crashed on landing in Patikul, Sulu province, Philippines, July 4, 2021

"missed the runway trying to regain power".

The Department of National Defence said 45 people had been killed, in-

cluding three civilians on the ground, while 53 were injured, including four civilians. Five military personnel were still missing.

A military spokesman, Colonel Edgard Arevalo, said there was no sign of any attack on the plane, but an investigation had yet to begin as efforts were focused on rescue and treatment.

The military command said the soldiers aboard had the rank of private and were being deployed to their battalions. They were flying to the provincial airport of Jolo from Laguindingan, about 460 km (290 miles) to the northeast.

The army in the sprawling Philippine archipelago has been fighting a long war against Islamist militants from Abu Sayyaf and other factions.

The country's worst plane crash was that of an Air Philippines Boeing 737 in 2000, which killed 131 people. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Myanmar forces kill 25 in raid on town, residents and media say

M

yanmar security forces killed at least 25 people on Friday in a confrontation with opponents of the military junta at a town in the centre of the Southeast Asian nation, two residents and Myanmar media said

on Sunday.

The State-run Global New Light of Myanmar said "armed terrorists" had ambushed security forces patrolling there, killing one of them and wounding six. It said the attackers retreated after retaliation by the se-

Cyprus: Nations send help to tackle worst wildfire in decades

S

The wildfire started on Saturday, and is quickly spreading

everal nations have answered Cyprus's appeal to help tackle a huge wildfire, described by officials as the worst in the country's history.

The UK, Greece, Italy and Israel are among those helping, including with firefighting aircraft.

Cyprus said missions to drop water had helped to reduce fire outbreaks, but warned that blazes could resurge.

On Sunday, four people were confirmed to have died in the fires, which have been fanned by strong winds.

The blaze has spread through the southern Limassol district and forced the evacuation of several villages.

More than 20 sq m (50 sq km) of forest and farmland have been destroyed, along with power lines.

Firefighters are racing to prevent the wildfire from spreading to the Machairas National Forest Park.

"It is the worst forest fire in the history of Cyprus," Director of the Department of Forests Charalambos Alexandrou told local television.

The European Commission's Head of Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, said on Saturday that a co-ordinated response was under way. The EU's emergency Copernicus satellite is tracking the blaze, the commission said.

Several aircraft are already tackling the flames, assisted by British troops stationed on the island.

The British Royal Air Force, which has a base at Akrotiri near Limassol, tweeted images of two helicopters taking part in the operations.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Republic of Cyprus as we work together to overcome this tragedy," said the commander of British Forces Cyprus, Maj Gen Rob Thomson. (Excerpt from BBC News)

curity forces.

Myanmar has been plunged into chaos by the Feb 1 coup against elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with violence flaring in many parts of the country of more than 53 million people.

One resident of Depayin, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals, said four military trucks dropped soldiers at the village early on Friday.

Youths from a local People's Defence Force, formed to oppose the junta, took up positions to confront them. However, they only had makeshift weapons and were forced back by

the security forces' heavier firepower, the resident said.

"There were people dying at farms and by the railroad. They (soldiers) shot everything that moved," said another resident, who said his uncle was among the dead.

A total of 25 bodies had been collected after the fighting, both residents said.

The BBC Burmese service website and Than Lwin Khet News service carried similar accounts. The Myanmar Now news service put the death toll at not fewer than 31 and said about 10,000 people had fled the area. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuba evacuates 180,000 as Elsa continues its approach

C

uba has evacuated 180,000 people across the island amid concerns Tropical Storm Elsa could cause severe flooding after three people were killed across the Caribbean in the storm’s wake.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for several Cuban provinces, including Havana, as well as Jamaica, the Florida Keys and Florida’s southwest coast, the Miamibased National Hurricane Center (NHC) said on Sunday afternoon.

The Cuban Government has opened shelters and moved to protect sugarcane and cocoa crops ahead of the storm. Most of those evacuated went to relatives’ homes, while thousands sheltered at Government facilities.

Elsa was a Category 1 hurricane up until Saturday morning, causing widespread damage in several eastern Caribbean islands on Friday as the first hurricane of the Atlantic season.

The storm killed one person in Saint Lucia, according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. Meanwhile, a 15-yearold boy and a 75-year-old woman died on Saturday in separate events in the Dominican Republic after walls collapsed on them, according to a statement from the Emergency Operations Center.

Barbados was also among the hardest hit areas, with more than 1100 people reporting damaged houses, including 62 homes that completely collapsed as the Government promised to find and fund temporary housing to avoid clustering people in shelters amid the pandemic.

Downed trees also were reported in Haiti, which is especially vulnerable to floods and landslides because of widespread erosion and deforestation. The storm had affected the country’s agriculture sector, according to an initial assessment. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Put your heart on the line and show someone how much you love them. A kind gesture or romantic advance will pay off. Be honest and keep your promises. Use your skills wisely.

Reconnect with people or organizations you know you can lean on for insight and inspiration. Emotional situations will lead to uncertainty and confusion. Be reasonable.

Leave nothing to chance when dealing with people who are eager to take advantage of you. Put your time and effort into something that helps you get ahead. Refuse to let others lead you astray.

Keep an eye on the cost of things. Don’t feel obligated to pay for someone else or make a donation you cannot afford.

Offer your time or suggestions, not your cash. Gather information and work hard.

Refuse to let your emotions get in the way. Being reasonable will help you get what you want; inconsistency and anger will put a wedge between you and someone who can help you excel.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Put more thought and detail into your ideas and plans.

Having your strategy in place before you start a new adventure will help you avoid making a mistake. Get the needed approval before you make a move.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

There are endless possibilities if you are willing to stretch your imagination and make personal changes. Hunker down and pick up skills and knowledge that will help you realize your dreams.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A positive change at home will encourage you to explore something unique. Do what feels right and best for you; others may be off base. Let your intuition push you toward a brand-new start.

SAGITTARIUS Put more effort into tak(Nov. 23ing care of yourself and your Dec. 21) finances. Once you have all your ducks in a row, you’ll find it easier to combat temptation and indulgence.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) SATURDAY'S WORD - ANGRIER

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Change begins with you.

Consider how to make your life better, your home more comfortable and convenient, and your relationships with others stronger. Ditch what no longer works for you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Delve into projects and finish what you start. What you accomplish will make you feel good, impress others and lead to all sorts of opportunities. Romance is favored.

PISCES

You’ll receive an inadequate assessment of what’s going on around you.

Domestic problems will develop. Do the necessary research before you voice your opinion.

(Feb. 20March 20)

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

21

Verstappen waltzes to 2nd win in a row at Red Bull Ring, as Bottas beats Norris to P2 F

or the second time in as many weeks, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen enjoyed a serene drive to victory at the Red Bull Ring, leading every lap of the Austrian Grand Prix from pole position – much to the delight of the thousands of orange-clad fans who flocked to cheer him to a third victory in a row.

In contrast to the Styrian Grand Prix, Verstappen faced no real threat from behind, even having enough time to take an extra pit stop with 10 laps to go to ensure an extra point for fastest lap – and a first-ever ‘grand slam weekend’, with pole, fastest lap and victory, having led every lap.

Behind him, championship rival Lewis Hamilton worked his way up to second place from P4 on the grid before aerodynamic damage, picked up by running over exit kerbs, slowed his progress, allowing both Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas and McLaren’s Lando Norris to get past.

Despite heavy pressure from Norris, who was awarded Driver Of The Day honours, Bottas held on for P2, with the

Max Verstappen

All smiles at the podium

McLaren driver taking a third podium finish of the season in P3. Hamilton held on for fourth, but slipped from 18 to 32 points behind Verstappen in the championship standings.

Red Bull might have had an even better day, had Sergio Perez not had such an eventful

race from third on the grid. After an early safety car, called on Lap 1 when Esteban Ocon was forced to park his Alpine with damage sustained bumping Antonio Giovinazzi’s Alfa Romeo at Turn 3, Perez attacked Norris for P3 at Turn 3.

Going around the outside,

Perez was forced off track, with Norris given a five-second penalty as a result. However, Perez would later ease Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari off the road at exactly the same place and pick up an identical penalty, before doing the same thing to Leclerc at Turn 6 and getting one further

time penalty.

That meant that while Perez crossed the line in P5, he was classified in P6, with Ferrari's Carlos Sainz – who propelled himself up the order with a brilliant late charge after running a long opening stint – taking fifth.

McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo, Leclerc, AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly and Alpine's Fernando Alonso completed the top 10,

the latter taking the final pointspaying position from George Russell on the penultimate lap, denying the Briton a first point with Williams.

Further back there was drama on the last lap as Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen collided with Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel as they disputed P12. But for the majority of fans around the track, it was all about the man who finished in P1. (F1)

Tour de France 2021: Ben O'Connor wins stage 9 as Tadej Pogacar retains yellow jersey O'Connor broke clear of Colombia's Sergio Higuita 17 kilometres from the summit of the final climb to the line in Tignes.

The debutant briefly looked on course to take the yellow jersey, until Pogacar underlined his class with a late attack. The defending champion now leads O'Connor by two minutes and one second.

Rigoberto Uran is the next closest challenger, five minutes and 18 seconds adrift while Belgian rider Wout van Aert, who had started the day second overall, dropped out of contention after conceding more than 25 minutes to Pogacar.

Britain's Mark Cavendish retained his lead in the green jersey competition after finishing inside the cut-off time, 35 minutes and 49 seconds behind O'Connor.

Nine riders, including Olympic champion Greg van Avermaet and French sprinter Arnaud Demare, failed to finish inside the allotted cut-off time of 37 minutes and 21 seconds behind the stage winner, with several others abandoning the race on the road.

Earlier on Sunday, Primoz Roglic, the 2020 runner-up and one of the pre-race favourites, pulled out of the race, saying it made no "sense to continue", having struggled since a crash on stage three.

Mathieu van der Poel, who had led the race until Saturday after winning stage two, also withdrew. However, Britain's Geraint Thomas, who is still recovering from a heavy crash in which he dislocated his shoulder, delivered an encouraging performance to finish 19th after also suggesting that his future participation was in doubt.

A

ustralia's Ben O'Connor soloed to victory on stage nine of the Tour de France as Tadej Pogacar extended his overall race lead.

No preparation, no problem Prior to racing getting under way, O'Connor said he had not done a recce of the finish which took the peloton 2000 metres above sea level for the first time in the race.

The AG2R Citroen rider, 25, jokingly said he had only been to Tignes "for skiing", but by the time he reached the winter sport resort, there was little evidence of him being underprepared.

He spent most of the day in the company of Colombian

Stage nine results 1. Ben O'Connor (Aus/AG2R Citroen) 4hrs 26mins 43secs 2. Mattia Cattaneo (Ita/Deceuninck-Quick-Step) +5mins 07secs 3. Sonny Colbrelli (Ita/Bahrain-Victorious) +5mins 34secs 4. Guillaume Martin (Fra/Cofidis) +5mins 36secs 5. Franck Bonnamour (B&B Hotels) +6mins 02secs 6. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) Same time 7. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/Ineos Grenadiers) 6mins 34secs 8. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Jumbo Visma) Same time 9. Enric Mas (Spa/Movistar) 10. Rigoberto Uran (EF Education-Nippo) General classification after stage nine 1. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) 34hrs 11mins 10secs 2. Ben O'Connor (Aus/AG2R Citroen) +2mins 01sec 3. Rigoberto Uran (Col/EF Education Nippo) +5mins 18secs 4. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Jumbo Visma) +5mins 32secs 5. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/Ineos Grenadiers) +5mins 33secs 6. Enric Mas (Spa/Movistar) +5mins 47secs 7. Wilco Kelderman (Ned/Bora-Hansgrohe) +5mins 58secs 8. Alexey Lutsenko (Kaz/Astana) +6mins 12secs 9. Guillaume Martin (Fra/Cofidis) +7mins 02secs 10. David Gaudu (Fra/Groupama-FDJ) +7mins 22secs climbers Higuita and Nairo Quintana, accelerating away from the former brilliantly to finish more than five minutes ahead of Mattia Cattaneo in second, with Sonny Colbrelli in third.

"It was always the dream," said O'Connor, who also won a stage at the 2020 Giro d'Italia.

"Just to be here is the first dream. This is testament to everyone who's put faith in me over the years, my fiancée, my parents, my best mates back in Australia. It's been a wild ride, it's mind blowing.

"I mean, it's what you dream of. It's so much joy. I've managed to control myself now. I'm just loving every single moment."

Today is a rest day for the riders before stage 10 on Tuesday, when the race travels 190.7km from Albertville to Valence. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

West Indies Women whitewash Pakistan Women W

est Indies Women beat Pakistan Women by six wickets in the third and final T20 International to complete a 3-0 series win at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan’s defence of 102 was off to a solid start thanks to Diana Baig’s athleticism and excellent bowling. Baig took a scintillating catch in the second over off Anam Amin’s bowling as she dived to her right to send Hayley Matthews back to the pavilion. She followed up that effort with an incredible caught and bowled in the next over.

Deandra Dottin looked in promising touch having struck Baig for a six and a four earlier in the over, but the right-arm pacer had the last laugh as she cleanly caught a strong punch off the front foot to end Dottin’s stay at the crease on the penultimate ball.

On the last ball of the third over, Baig pitched the white kookaburra on the good length which induced an edge of Kyshona Knight’s bat to be safely caught by Sidra Nawaz.

overs. Her first wicket was Nida Dar, who got bowled after scoring 17 off 19, in the 11th over.

Pakistan were provided a 21-run start – with Muneeba playing a lead role in the partnership with her 18 off 15 on the back of three boundaries. It was Shamilia Connell who accounted for both openers. The right-arm pacer dismissed Javeria in the third over and picked up the wicket of Muneeba in the fifth. West Indies bowlers Mohammed and Connell finished with three for 24 and two for 24.

SCOREBOARD West Indies Women

West Indies were now three down for 17. Baig ended up with match figures of two for 17 in four overs.

An unbeaten 48-run partnership between Stafanie

"We've let ourselves down in the batting" − Coach Simmons after series loss

Chris Gayle and most of the West Indies batsmen had a poor series

W

est Indies Coach Phil Simmons said after the T20 International series loss to South Africa on Saturday that while the bowling and fielding were "excellent", the team let themselves down badly in batting.

"I think, from a bowling point of view and fielding, it has been excellent. On that wicket to keep the team at 160 has been brilliant. But I think on the batting side, we have let ourselves down in every game so far except the first game where we chased down the runs in 15 overs," Simmons told Cricket West Indies (CWI) media.

"So, it is something we got to look at and make sure, especially overs 7 to 14, we are getting better at it. We are learning how to deal with it in order to get proper scores," said the former West Indies cricketer.

On whether the middle order required any changes, Simmons said, "I think definitely there (needs to be) tactical and technical change.

You got to assess what situation we are in and from that situation, you got to be able

to formulate a plan for scoring runs. We need to score in that section. Tactically, we have been lacking."

Simmons was all praise for South Africa's leftarm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi. Shamsi, who was adjudged Player of the Series, troubled the hosts' batting order with seven wickets in five matches at an economy rate of just four.

"He's bowled excellent.

He has been bowling on lengths we couldn't get to him. He has put us in trouble all through the series," Simmons said.

The Trinidadian noted that his team would need to play smartly in the middle overs. "We got to think a bit more. We got to be a little bit smarter in our cricket. We just got to think about how do we do things and think about a way we gonna score in those overs (7 to 14) to set up things for the back end.

We have been good at the back end. But we need to work on the middle section."

West Indies' next assignment is a five-match T20I series against Australia in St Lucia from July 9.

Taylor (43 not out, 41 balls, 4x4s) and Kycia Knight (24 not out, 27 balls, 2x4s) helped the hosts chase down the target with five balls to spare.

West Indies Captain Taylor recorded a hat-trick in the last over of the Pakistan innings as the tourists were bowled out for 102, after opting to bat first.

Taylor accounted for Aliya Riaz, who top-scored for Pakistan with 29 off 34; Baig (5 off 10) and Amin (0 off 1), and finished with four for 17 from 3.4 overs.

Pakistan lost their openers – Javeria Khan (six off eight) and Muneeba Ali (18 off 15) – in 4.4 overs and had half of their batters back in the hut by 12.5 overs with 66 runs on board.

It was a 22-run partnership between Riaz and Baig that ensured Pakistan crossed the 100-run mark after Anisa Mohammed, the most successful bowler in women’s T20Is, dismissed Nawaz and Ayesha Naseem in successive

Pakistan Women Innings Muneeba Ali c Selman b Connell 18 Javeria Khan (c)c Cooper b Connell 6 Iram Javed b Matthews 4 Nida Dar b Mohammed 17 Aliya Riaz c Kyshona A Knight b Taylor 29 Sidra Nawaz †c Nation b Mohammed 4 Ayesha Naseem c Selman b Mohammed 8 Fatima Sana lbw b Taylor 1 Diana Baig st †Kycia A Knight b Taylor 5 Nashra Sandhu not out 0 Anam Amin b Taylor 0 Extras (lb 1, w 9) TOTAL (19.4 Ov, RR: 5.18)

10 102

Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Javeria Khan, 2.3 ov), 2-31 (Muneeba Ali, 4.4 ov), 3-41 (Iram Javed, 7.2 ov), 4-60 (Nida Dar, 10.4 ov), 5-66 (Sidra Nawaz, 12.5 ov), 6-78 (Ayesha Naseem, 14.5 ov), 7-80 (Aliya Riaz, 15.3 ov), 8-102 (Fatima Sana, 19.2 ov), 9-102 (Diana Baig, 19.3 ov), 10-102 (Anam Amin, 19.4 ov) BOWLING Shamilia Connell Aaliyah Alleyne Shakera Selman Hayley Matthews Stafanie Taylor Anisa Mohammed

O-M-R-W 4-0-24-2 1-0-11-0 3-0-13-0 4-0-12-1 3.4-0-17-4 4-0-24-3

WEST INDIES WOMEN INNINGS (TARGET: 103 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) WI Women Innings Hayley Matthews c Diana Baig b Anam Amin Deandra Dottin c & b Diana Baig Stafanie Taylor (c)not out Kyshona Knight c †Sidra Nawaz b Diana Baig Chedean Nation c & b Nida Dar Kycia Knight † not out Extras (w 4) TOTAL (19.1 Ov, RR: 5.53)

1 14 43

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Call: 223-7230-1 Ext 50

0 20 24

4 106/4

Did not bat: Britney Cooper, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Anisa Mohammed, Shakera Selman Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Hayley Matthews, 1.6 ov), 2-17 (Deandra Dottin, 2.5 ov), 3-17 (Kyshona Knight, 2.6 ov), 4-58 (Chedean Nation, 11.4 ov) BOWLING Diana Baig Anam Amin Fatima Sana Nida Dar Nashra Sandhu

O-M-R-W 4-0-17-2 4-0-18-1 4-0-27-0 3.1-0-23-1 4-0-21-0

Pakistan Women A sweep T20 series 3-0

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Pakistan A clinched the T20 series 3-0

A

n impressive bowling performance followed by Ayesha Zafar’s unbeaten 53 set an eight-wicket win for Pakistan Women A in the third and final T20 against West Indies Women A at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday.

With the victory, the women’s A team of Pakistan won the three-match series 3-0.

Pakistan chased down 100 with ease and comfort with eight balls to spare as right-handed opener Zafar struck three fours and a six from 57 balls. She also become the highest run-getter of the series with 93 runs from three matches.

Pakistan bowlers, once again, bowled with discipline after Rameen Shamim elected to bowl. They bowled a total of 61 dots, with pacer Maham Tariq delivering

the most – 18.

Maham gave Pakistan their first breakthrough in the fifth over with the wicket of Rashada Williams, who was caught at cover.

Aroob Shah picked up the wickets of Qiana Joseph and Sheneta Grimmond.

The 17-year-old leg-spinner finished with two for 13 from three overs. West Indies Captain Reniece Boyce top-scored with 42 off 44 balls. She struck four fours.

The T20 series is followed by a threematch One-Day series, which kicks off on July 10. The first One-Day match will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The last two matches will be played at Coolidge Cricket Ground on July 13 and 16.

(Pakistan Cricket)

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

NOW!

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Guatemala soar past Guyana to reach next round

header that was destined for goal, but Guyana’s Captain and defence forward, Matthew Briggs made a last-gasp goal-line clearance to keep it score-

G

uatemala are a step closer to the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage after posting a 4-0 victory against Guyana in the First Round of the 2021 Gold Cup Prelims on Saturday night at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

With the win, Guatemala will now face

Guadeloupe on Tuesday, with the winner advancing to Group C along with Costa Rica, Jamaica ,and Suriname.

The match started at an incredible tempo with the two teams going back and forth at each other.

Guatemala’s Darwin Lom nearly broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a

less.

Guatemala continued with the pressure and it bore fruit in the 21st minute when a Stheven Robles shot from distance took a slight deflection off the leg of a Guyana defender, Reiss Greenidge and bounced past wrong-footed goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle for a 1-0 Guatemala lead.

Guyana’s comeback task got a lot tougher in the 40th minute when Keanu Marsh-Brown was sent off with a straight red card, leaving the Golden Jaguars with 10 men.

Guatemala looked to make their man advantage count in the second half and they got a second goal in the 54th minute when Luis Martinez swooped onto a loose ball in the area and scored to make it 2-0.

Guyana hung tough and looked to get back to

within a goal, but Emery Welshman and Omari Glasgow could not find a way past Guatemala’s goalkeeper, Nicholas Hagen in a span of two minutes.

Any hopes of a Guyana comeback were dashed, though, when Lom nod-

ded in a header from a few yards out in the 71st minute for a 3-0 advantage.

The night was then capped by another header for a goal, this time through Jose Martinez in the 80th minute, to round out the 4-0 scoreline. (Concacaf)

MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

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

Top junior rider Mario Washington

to wait f o r the ride move going up. We made the move going up and just to carry the break out,” DeNobrega said.

He added that he was confident during the break, saying he was the fittest man there. “Garbaran was riding pretty good, but I know he could not beat me coming home, so he made a move and after that, we started to work. I told him I am going for the win,” DeNobrega related.

With the Caribbean championships looming, DeNobrega said he was working hard as he set his sights on that event. The COVID-19 task force granted permission for this cycling event and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was present.

Story and Photos By Brandon Corlette

T

eam Evolution’s Paul DeNobrega stopped the clock at two hours 27 minutes and eight seconds in the Team Alanis 55-mile cycling race on Sunday. A total of 34 starters assembled at Carifesta Avenue and proceeded to the Halfway Tree, Perseverance, Mahaicony before returning to finish at the point of origin.

In hot conditions, DeNobrega was followed by We Stand United’s Deeraj Garbaran (second); veteran Alexis Mendes (third), and Berbicians Andre Green (fourth) and Ralph Seenaine (fifth). Team Alanis rider Paul Cho Wee Nam finished sixth. In the juniors battle, Mario Washington pipped David Hicks and Sherwin Sampson in that order.

Mendes, who finished third overall, emerged as the top masters rider while Cho Wee Nam came in second.

In the battle for third, the officials gave the nod to Kwame Ridley, who was involved in a close sprint with national masters champion Walter Grant-Stuart

"We've let ourselves down in the batting" − Coach Simmons after series loss Page 22

West Indies Women whitewash

Page 22

Clavicia Spencer pipped Susane Hamilton in the female category

Pakistan Women

The intense sprint involving Walter Grant-Stuart, Kwame Ridley and Ralph Williams

and Ralph Williams.

In the ladies category, which saw the riders battle across 40 miles, Clavicia Spencer finished first, stopping the clock at one hour 55 minutes while national female champion Susane Hamilton came in second. In the over-50s category, Talim Shaw took

first place while Kennard Lovell and Shameer Baksh rounded out the top three.

After the race, DeNobrega said he was supported by his team-mate Christopher Griffith. “I just had to ride smart, it was a long race and I never underestimate anyone. It was pretty good going up with the wind, so I had

Deeraj Garbaran finished second

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