Guyana Times - Monday, June 22, 2021

CDC gets more support from local businesses

P15 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4686

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

Govt made right decision in Sputnik V vaccine purchase – Harmon …makes U-turn on vaccine claims admits …now says authenticity not in question

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Timehri-to- P15 Bartica Road link in design phase – Edghill

Page 7

D&I contractors to face penalties for negligence over flooding …as AG Chambers execute presidential orders

See story on page 3

Woman hacked 1 dead, 4 to death by partner injured in during row over money horrific WCD Page 2

Fire aftermath

Page 12

Page 16

accident

2 more COVID-19 deaths, 48 new cases P14 …as spikes recorded in Regions 9, 10

Car thief caught after crashing into trench P11 Woman chopped during family brawl P11

Teen abducted by boyfriend after refusing to delete FB account P11 2 arrested P13 for stealing, slaughtering cow

North Ruimveldt Multilateral students propose …car splits after sitting CSEC in auditorium slamming into utility pole

PNCR leadership not serving national interests, supporters or youths Page 9

…says longstanding member in resignation

Health Ministry monitoring flooded areas for mosquito-borne illnesses P13 …dengue surfaces in Region 6

2 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman hacked to death by partner during row over money

The house where the murder took place

A

52-year-old woman was on Sunday evening hacked to death by her reputed husband at their Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home during a row over money.

The body of Saskia Perriera of Lot 50 West Road, Goedverwagting, ECD, was discovered hours after the suspect, Samuel Daniels, had inflicted injuries to her body.

At the time of the discovery, Perriera was reportedly wearing a pair of black tights and underwear. There were chop wounds to the forehead, hip, foot, above her eyes and thighs. Marks of violence were also found on her upper back.

Police have since retrieved a blood-stained knife suspected to be the murder weapon at the scene.

Daniels only celebrat-

ed his 59th birthday on Sunday and would have invited friends over for a drink. Upon his arrest, he too had several marks about his body including his chest, lip and head. He reportedly told ranks that the now dead woman had inflicted the injuries on him.

He reportedly admitted that he and his now dead reputed wife were involved in an altercation during which he beat her with a cutlass and a piece of wood.

At the scene on Monday, a sister of the suspect explained that it was she who took the woman to live with her brother while noting that the couple would normally have misunderstandings which would lead to them assaulting each other.

“She used to live in town and I ask she to come and live up here… them use to fight bad when they drink…

The murder suspect’s sister, Gail Miller speaking with Guyana Times

it was a normal thing,” the sister stated.

Another sister, Gail Miller, related that her brother celebrated his birthday on Sunday and she was invited but did not show up since she had to look after her granddaughter.

However, at about 02:00h on Monday morning, she heard him calling outside her house and went to check.

“I asked him what happened… he come and hug me up and tell me that he going at another sister and he not coming back… again, I asked what happened and then he tell me go see what happen to Saskia but I couldn’t leave a the same time…,” Miller stated.

Nevertheless, later in the morning, she went to the house and called out to the

woman but there was no answer. As such, she left the house and went to his nephew, who lives a short distance away from where the couple lived.

“I tell he that I went and call and nobody ain’t answer so he tell me let we go to the station… the Police come and they recognise the body.”

Daniels and the now dead woman had been living together for the past 10 years. Miller confirmed that her brother and the now dead woman would normally have arguments which would lead to fights especially when they are intoxicated.

“I never expected for it to be like this,” the woman added.

The woman leaves to mourn her 17-year-old son.

The woman’s body was taken to Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

3 D&I contractors to face penalties for negligence over flooding NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Tuesday, June 22 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h and Wednesday, June 23 – 03:00h – 04:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, June 22 – 14:20h – 15:50h and Wednesday, June 23 – 15:25h – 16:55h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North North-Easterly to Northerly to West North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 14:42h reaching a maximum height of 2.55 metres.

Low Tide: 08:13h and 20:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.67 metre.

SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

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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

$74.90/barrel

+1.86

Rough Rice

$229.23 /ton

+0.21

London Sugar

$423.40/ton

-0.38

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1785.40

$1786.70

Low/High Change

$1766.20 +2.00

$1788.60 +0.11%

…as AG Chambers execute presidential orders

D

rainage and Irrigation contractors, whose negligence leads to flooding, will now face numerous penalties as a new model contract is to be drawn to hold them accountable.

This is as the Attorney General Chambers has started the process to carry out the instructions given by Head of State Dr Irfaan Ali last week.

President Ali had instructed the Attorney General to immediately review all service and maintenance contracts within the sphere of the Government and the entire State structure, in relation to drainage pumps, sluices, kokers and drainage and irrigation, generally, and to enforce any penalty clause against contractors who are in breach of their obligations under these contracts.

“I have also instructed the Attorney General that where such penalty clauses are absent, that these contracts be renegotiated for the purpose of inserting penalty clauses, which can be activated when contractors fail to discharge their duties under such contracts,” the President disclosed last week.

On Monday, the Attorney General along with a team of State Counsel met with Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NIDA) Lionel Wordsworth and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA Dave Hicks.

During the meeting it was decided that a new model contract will be drawn up to hold contractors accountable for negligence that leads to flooding.

The Attorney General on Monday explained that during the meeting, the relevant contractual documents were examined and the officials from the NDIA were instructed to provide to the AG Chambers a brief of the facts and circumstances surrounding non-working drainage pumps that are subject to be maintained and kept functional under those contracts.

“It was also decided that a new model contract is to be drawn up by the Attorney General which would provide specific terms and conditions relating to contractors defaulting in relation to the maintenance and upkeep of drainage pumps that result in flooding,” the AG said in a statement on Monday evening.

This model contract, he noted, will also provide for liquidated damages and for compensation to be paid when there is breach and negligence on the part of contractors which causes or

Attorney General Anil Nandlall and a team of State Counsel meeting with NDIA officials

contributes to flooding.

President Ali’s instructions to the AG came on the heels of him three weeks ago embarking on spontaneous visits to several kokers and sluices in and outside Georgetown during which he found one pump attendant sleeping, the koker doors closed and the pumps off.

This discovery was made during a late-night inspection on May 30, almost 24 hours after heavy rainfall had left many parts of the city flooded. The Head of State discovered that the pumps at Riverview were off, the koker doors were closed, and the worker was asleep. At Lombard Street, the pump there was also not on.

Guyana is currently ex-

periencing torrential rainfall resulting in all 10 administrative regions in the country facing varying levels of unprecedented floods.

According to the local Civil Defence Commission (CDC), some 36,083 households are currently being impacted by flooding in more than 300 communities across the country where water is entering homes, affecting live-

stock and domestic animals as well as leaving farmlands inundated.

In fact, while hinterland and farming regions are the most heavily impacted, persistent rain periodically over the past few weeks has also resulted in sections of the capital city being repeatedly under water. The Hydromet Office has indicated that the inclement weather saw nearly 4 inches of rain in Georgetown on Tuesday last, which was compounded by another 2.5 inches of rainfall Wednesday morning.

As such, the Agriculture Ministry had informed that all sluices were opened at noon on Wednesday to facilitate the drainage of flooded areas. The Ministry noted that the drainage pumps would be in operation during the closure of the sluices during high tides. Further, residents in Georgetown are urged to take the necessary precautions as water levels are currently high in low-lying parts of the city.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 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

Laws are flouted with impunity

I

n accordance with Part V, Section 19 (1) (a) of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, Laws of Guyana – “a person shall not undertake an activity that causes or is likely to cause pollution of the environment unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting adverse effect”.

The preceding law covers noise nuisance and all its variables and implications. The law states: “No person shall, in any road, street, public place or land or in building or premises, by operating or causing or suffering to be operated any stereo set, juke box, radio, wireless loudspeaker, amplifier, automatic piano or similar instrument of music, or by any other means whatsoever, make or cause or suffer to be made any noise which shall be so loud and so continuous or repetitive as to cause a nuisance to occupants of any premises in the neighbourhood.”

Another aspect of noise nuisance the Health Ministry should look at is loud music emanating from privately-owned vehicles.

Despite several changes in Government the scourge of noise nuisance seems to continue unabated, even though the adverse health effects of noise are trumpeted at various forums and complaints by those affected are plentiful.

Authorities seem to be oblivious to the injurious effects to general health and well-being of victims when perpetrators uncaringly engage in activities which create noise nuisance.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), noise causes a wide range of negative health effects, including: sleep disturbance; cardiovascular effects; damage to work and school performance; and hearing impairment, including tinnitus.

Additionally, WHO avers that noise has negative impacts on cognitive performance: For recall and reading, a reduction of the day and night noise level by five dB(A) within the range of 65–80 dB(A) was shown to improve performance by almost 10 per cent: For attention and memory, a five dB (A) reduction in average noise level results in approximately two to three per cent improvement of performance. The organisation surmises that adverse impacts of noise on cognitive performance can lead to a reduction in productivity at work and learning performance at school.

The lack of a sustained campaign against noise nuisance has created a dynamic where the noise emanating from various sources has grown to unbearable proportions countrywide.

Indisputably playing music loudly has become part of our national culture. The situation has become worse because of advances in electronic technology, which has helped musical sets to become much more powerful than they were a couple of decades ago. Laws are no deterrent, because there is no sustained enforcement. Announcements by several Home Affairs Ministers over the years that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will adopt a ‘no-nonsense’ approach and the full force of the law will deal condignly with offenders have all come to naught.

The authorities have, over the years, admitted that various relevant bodies continue to receive numerous complaints, from senior citizens; the sick, for whom noise exacerbates their health issues; working parents; students and several other law-abiding people, to the effect that they are being seriously affected by loud, repetitive and continuous noise emanating from a range of places in the different Police divisions, there is no evidence pointing to any long-term relief for victims.

Little or no relief is provided by law enforcement agencies, even though, sporadically, relevant divisional commanders of the GPF have been provided with the details pertaining to the complaints and directed to take appropriate action to ensure that Subsection (1) of Section 174 A of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, as amended by Act No 1 of 1989, is not breached.

Police have, on specified days and times, re-enforced the validity and justification of the complaints, yet, somehow or the other, it would appear that the operators believe they have the right to play music as loudly as they feel. The campaign against noise nuisance must be relentless and sustained or else this scourge will not be stopped, because it seems that some people get a sense of pleasure when they play loud music and disturb others, and some of the worse perpetrators are law enforcement officers.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips met with United States of America Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch at the Prime Minister’s Office where they discussed issues of mutual interest, including oil and gas and telecommunications (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

The pandemic has revived hope that a more sustainable world is possible

…economic growth is inextricably linked to the climate crisis, but the past year has taught us that such growth isn’t essential

By Jeremy Caradonna

S

ome of the most striking images from the early days of the pandemic, when public health orders and lockdowns ground economies to a halt, were the arresting photos of the Himalayas, suddenly visible from across northern India, as decades of unrelenting smog finally abated. Unbelievably, some locals glimpsed the immense mountain range for the first time in their lives.

It’s never too late to clear things up. And the pandemic has revived a movement that has its roots in the 18th century, when the word “sustainability” was first coined (in German) to describe a new approach to forestry enabling a continual harvest of wood. It’s a movement widely believed to have entered the mainstream with the 1987 Our Common Future report – a United Nations-backed initiative, overseen by Norway’s then Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland, which laid out an ambitious pathway towards a “sustainable economy”. This left us with the enduringly relevant definition of sustainability as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Historians of the future will see the last year as a major turning point in world history, and perhaps even the dawn of a new era. The enforced economic slowdown of the pandemic, which inadvertently drove down emissions and induced simple living (gardening, sour dough, local hiking!), provides new momentum for recalibrating cultural values and changing the very trajectory of our globalised industrial society.

In many ways, sustainability has been a success story. It has driven an unprecedented increase in renewable energy, revived local and organic food markets, led to the start of the phasing out of sin-

gle-use plastics, catalysed circular economy systems and sparked an unprecedented normalisation and institutionalisation of sustainability within Governments; NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs); corporations and universities, making many organisations less wasteful, more energy-efficient and more committed to the “triple bottom line”, which means weighing equally social, environmental and financial well-being. The rise of theories such as Kate Raworth’s “doughnut economics”, adopted by the city of Amsterdam, offer exciting new ways for such ideas to be further adapted.

Moreover, sustainability has had an enormous impact on consumer behaviour, driving sales in everything from shade-grown coffee, environmentally-friendly bath products and Fair Trade chocolate, to investor decisions. So-called ESG investments (ones that support environment, social well-being and good governance) captured US$51.1 billion of net new money from investors in 2020. Increasingly, consumers want to see their values reflected in their spending and investing habits.

On balance, however, the sustainability movement has failed to solve the most pressing social, economic and environmental challenge of the day – climate change, and the fossil-fuelled economic growth that sits as its principal driver. Hence the increasing urgency from activists and climate scientists alike.

The Paris climate agreement of 2016 was certainly a win for sustainability, but it took far too long to get all of the world’s countries on the same page. Sustainability wasn’t mainstream, or widely seen as a priority, until around 2000. Before that the pressure to act on sustainability came largely from specialised interest groups, including climate scientists, energy specialists, some pol-

icymakers, ecological economists, and simple living advocates who had been inspired by environmentalism.

As a result, the major milestones in the history of sustainability are largely institutional, methodological and top-down in nature – the 1987 Montreal protocol that banned ozone-depleting substances, the creation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 1988, the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, among others. These milestones have had beneficial impacts, but they did not result in the systemic transformations that was their original intent. As 2030 climate targets bear down upon us, our inability to solve the major crisis of our age serves as a potent reminder of why much of the pandemic-era slowdown must, in some form, remain.

The smartest jurisdictions figured out how to advance sustainability during the pandemic and make the most of the precipitous decline in traffic congestion. Cities from Milan to Mexico City and Mumbai took tangible steps to advance active transportation, build new bike lanes and create “the 15-minute city”. A realistic goal will be for communities to come together and decide cooperatively on a new, sustainable, low-impact vision for the future that would undoubtedly include more robust healthcare, emergency and basic support systems. In a survey, around two thirds of Europeans said they did not want to return to pre-pandemic levels of air pollution. That dream will become a reality only with a concerted effort.

It is no longer heretical to observe that economic growth will not, and cannot, solve our climate crisis.

From spring 2020 until the early months of 2021, absolute emissions worldwide decreased for the first time in decades, by an average of 26 per cent. Sadly, the early signs from 2021 suggest that

emissions are already bouncing back. The economic downturn of 2008 slowed emissions growth, but we haven’t witnessed an absolute dip since the USSR broke apart, creating a temporary slowdown in the world economy. It is now time to face this elephant in the room – that more growth means more emissions. We, of the wealthy global north, must find ways to create prosperity without aggregate economic growth.

Promise comes, too, from the energy sector, where peak oil seems finally to have occurred, thanks in part to the pandemic. Demand for oil fell by nine per cent in 2020, and although it’s already rebounding, it is clear that we’re witnessing the global plateauing of fossil fuel demand. What a post-fossil fuel economy will looks like is anyone’s guess, but one clear takeaway from the pandemic is that we cannot return to self-centred and worry-free air travel. People need to stop flying, or at the very least, to fly far less often, and only out of absolute necessity – as in the case of a death in the family.

Happily, we finally have the fossil fuel companies against the wall. Shell was recently ordered to limit emissions in a historic court case, and both ExxonMobil and Chevron recently had shareholder revolts over climate concerns. The divestment movement grows daily. With sustained pressure, we will see a near-complete receding of fossil fuel consumption over the next two decades, even if China stubbornly drags its feet.

As we look ahead to the After Times of the pandemic, we can mitigate our collective trauma by making meaning from the suffering we’ve endured and by reviving a flagging sustainability movement. Let us learn to normalise and enjoy the low-carbon, low-cost, simple pleasures that truly sustain us. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 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

Welcoming support to sugar industry Dear Editor, The GAWU expresses its pleasure regarding the recent decision of the Government to further support the sugar industry. The latest support amounting to $1.5 billion, aggregates to $10.5 billion channelled to the industry since the new Government took office some ten (10) months ago.

Indeed, it is welcome news for an industry which had been starved of capital investment during the term of the coalition and who, it appears, was intent on suffocating the industry to death.

The need to retool and revitalise the sugar factories and cane fields is important if the industry is to reduce its cost-of-produc-

tion and enhance and diversify its revenue base.

We recognise some funding will be directed to the shuttered Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon estates as efforts are being made towards their re-opening.

Expectedly, Rose Hall will commence operations in the second crop of 2022. And, according to a recent report

M&CC supports business sector, welcomes partnerships Dear Editor, Solid waste management and tax collection represent two major challenges for the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). I am pleased that responsible business owners who utilise the service provided by the Council and produce excess garbage during their stock-taking periods use supplemental services to ensure it is removed. I am also heartened by businesses and residents who ensure they are up to date with their payments.

They must be commended for honouring their duty and responsibility.

We must admit that the culture of littering and dumping has stuck despite our many efforts to dissuade. This must be addressed frontally at all levels to raise awareness, especially in the context of an oil and gas economy where the population of visitors is expected to increase significantly.

We must also state, as I have said recently, that there is too much politicisation in the affairs of the city.

We cannot make the citizens of Georgetown scapegoats to historical fights and one-upmanship. The city of Georgetown belongs to all Guyanese. All arms of Government rest in the city. It is the confluence of Guyana; our culture, food and people.

Our Solid Waste Department works tirelessly, removing garbage from streets and cleaning numerous illegal dumpsites. It was only recently that a quantity of drugs and medical waste were simply dumped on the road side. The hazard and threat to the livelihood of our citizens, especially the younger ones, makes this shameful act utterly inexcusable. It is alarming that some in our city are comfortable putting others at risk. The massive dumpsites being made of empty lots are numerous. To make matters worse the city is unable to charge the owners of these properties for the cost of removal and disposal because the bylaws do not provide for this.

As Mayor I have publicly called for both Government and Opposition to work together to address the bylaws which will enable the Council to increase the fines for illegal dumping and to

take delinquent taxpayers to a municipal court to ensure everyone pays their due and fair tax. These changes will also enable the municipality to fine persons for littering and delinquent property owners who fail to enclose their properties allowing them to become dumpsites. These fines will then be remitted to the municipality to relieve the burden on diligent taxpayers for a cleaner city with improved service.

I have stated at numerous times that there is need for a National Solid Waste Management Plan. As a country, we have moved beyond dumpsites and landfills and must consider at minimum a Recycling Plant that will need support from Government and Private Sector to effectively manage solid waste. It is important to note that the InterAmerican Development Bank conducted a study in The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago and produced a report in April 2016 which highlighted: “Public-private partnerships are another important component of a solid waste management system, as the Government cannot successfully implement and operate such a system on its own.

The involvement of the private sector must be facilitated by way of the policy, legal and institutional frameworks. It is paramount to review or establish frameworks for public private sector partnerships to stimulate investments in the sector.” - InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), 2016. Solid Waste Management in the Caribbean: Proceedings from the Caribbean Solid Waste Conference.

Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados implemented many of the recommendations contained in the report, it is my hope that this can be done soonest.

I applaud responsible business owners, as I have read recently, who pay their taxes and employ supplemental garbage collection services as well as maintain their drains and parapet. I wish to encourage you to advocate your fellow business colleagues to follow your ex-

ample as we work together in our city’s development.

Re-evaluation is inevitable if we are serious about the growth and expansion of our city. This is not a political issue. I am sure many would be shocked at the rates currently collected, especially in the context of the development that has occurred since implementation. Hard decisions are made daily to avert potential disasters with our limited financial resources. I am confident that all of Guyana will agree that our march to modernity, similar to other cities around the Caribbean and world, will entail changes and greater collaboration for us all.

I wish to be clear that the Mayor and City Council supports the business sector and welcomes partnership.

We are all custodians of our capital and must all take responsibility for it. We must work together to bring real solutions to improve the lives of all Guyanese.

Respectfully, Ubraj Narine Mayor of the city of Georgetown

in Guyana Times, Skeldon will resume operations thereafter whereas Enmore is being geared to become a hub of employment along the East Coast of Demerara.

Presumably, sugar will feature in the new hub given the historical ties, availability of skilled labour, and the sunk costs incurred in converting several fields for mechanisation.

We recognise too that several of the usual suspects have lined up to denounce the support to the

industry. In as much as we understand that they may not want the industry to succeed as it exposes their imprudent decisions, we cannot fathom the terms, slangs, and other language they use in their denunciations. The GAWU notices that some commentary had taken on an ethnic slant which confounds us given Guyanese of all backgrounds are employed in the sugar industry. Their actions and utterances demonstrate clearly to the

sugar workers, and indeed all workers, who stand with them and those who stand against them.

At this time, our Union urges that all monies made available by the State be properly utilised in a prudent manner. Indeed, it can go a long way to alleviating and resolving several of the maladies the industry faces.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Data driven instructions boost performance

Dear Editor, I don’t know if it’s been done before but kudos to Education Minister Priya Manickchand for using data analysis of the NGSA mock exams to drive instruction.

Data analyses works; I know as I was part of the data analysis team at my school, and we were able to see significant improvements via use of this instrument.

And, given that curricula are standards driven, data analysis enables teachers to know exactly what standards need reinforcement to plan instructions accordingly. In fact, data analysis enables students to reflect on their progress, visualise possibilities, set individual goals and create plans to achieve those goals.

Data analysis can also be used to create small groups in classrooms so that sets of students can focus on their specific areas of needed reinforcement while teachers can plan individualised, small group and differenti-

ated instructions. Naturally, as part of the professional development, teachers must be provided with the requisite pedagogical training in a context where whole classroom, one size fits all instructional approach is a thing of the past.

Now with the internet playing an increasingly greater role in the delivery of education, the Ministry may want to consider setting up a portal that would enable schools to move the entire evaluative process online so parents can track real time progress of their children and become more involved in their children’s education while students can be able to stay on top of their progress and adapt accordingly. In fact, via such a portal, resources can be provided to parents to empower them to better help their children and additional scope can be provided to students to help them meet, if not surpass goals.

When students become

intrinsically involved in their education, they take greater ownership; when they realise the possibilities within their grasp, they are more driven to achieve. This then positively impacts their emotional IQ and overall mental health, both of which are critical for whole child development and fostering an attitude of success. Emotional and mental health can also be tremendously boosted if the Ministry implements a mechanism to address the psychosocial needs of both teachers and students as a regular fare within the education system.

The bottom line is in the contemporary education context, the teacher should be a guide, mentor and coach in a student-centred approach helping students towards self-exploration, aspirational development and fulfilment of potential.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice

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TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

By E E Cummings

Monday’s answers

hist whist little ghostthings tip-toe twinkle-toe little twitchy witches and tingling goblins hob-a-nob hob-a-nob little hoppy happy toad in tweeds tweeds little itchy mousies eyes

Bird spotting

L

ocate a bird in your yard or your neighbour’s yard.

After you watch the bird for a while, record some of the things you see it doing. Check off the behaviours you see. Then describe what you observed in your own words.

In many places, birds are a welcome sign of nature. Look for birds in your neighbourhood and keep a record of what you observe.

Sitting in a tree Hopping on the ground Digging Pulling up a worm Building a nest Singing Hanging out with other robins (Adapted from rangerrick.org)

with scuttling rustle and run hidehidehide whisk

and

whisk look out for the old woman with the wart on her nose what she’ll do to yer nobody knows for she knows the devil the devil ouch the devil ach the great

ooch

green dancing devil devil devil devil wheeEEE

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt made right decision in Sputnik V vaccine purchase – Harmon admits …makes U-turn on vaccine claims …now says authenticity not in question

O

pposition Leader Joseph Harmon has now admitted that the authenticity of the Sputnik V vaccines that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government procured for emergency use, is not in question.

Harmon on Monday made a complete U-turn from his posture last week and said it can be “reasonably presumed” that the Sputnik V vaccines that were procured are authentic.

He also acknowledged that vaccine scarcity was a problem and that the PPP Government, like any Government would, found itself in a difficult position when it came to procuring vaccines. According to him, if the coalition Government was in the PPP’s shoes it would have been “equally desperate” to secure the vaccines.

“It is common public knowledge that there is vaccine scarcity globally and it is exceedingly difficult for small states, such as ours, to access vaccines.

He [the Health Minister] offered this, at least in

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

part, as the reason why his Administration opted to purchase billions of dollars of Sputnik V vaccines from Sheik Dalmook Al Maktoum.”

“It is entirely understandable that the PPP Administration found itself in a difficult situation, as any Government would have been, in attempting to secure vaccines for Guyanese,” Harmon said in his statement.

According to the

Opposition Leader, his concern only lies with whether the vaccines were handled with proper care and attention, prior to the Government uplifting them from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“The greater concern for me, is whether the Sputnik V vaccines sold by the Sheik to Guyana were stored, at all material times, and transported from wherever they were stored to Guyana under the strict and demanding standards for their storage and transportation,” he said.

“COVID vaccine storage has been a key issue from the time the first vaccines were developed. Most COVID vaccines, including Sputnik V, must be stored at an extremely cold temperature well below zero degree.”

Even as Harmon speculates, the Medical Council of Guyana on Saturday endorsed all vaccines currently being used locally to protect against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) including Sputnik, underlining that there have been no overwhelming adverse effects

worldwide from these jabs.

On Saturday, the Council stressed that this specific vaccine was the first to be registered and while it is awaiting official approval of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the data surrounding its use is reassuring. In fact, with the use of Sputnik V in a whopping 74 nations around the world, the organisation declared that there is no doubt it will be given approval from the WHO. “There is no reason to expect denial of approval for this vaccine from the WHO and other authorities in the

coming weeks. This is the same process that has occurred with all of the other available vaccines prior to WHO approval where countries have adopted a policy of “USE” pending approval after careful evaluation by their own technical team,” a section of the statement highlights.

The Medical Council noted that Guyana and its neighbours have the requisite technical expertise to analyse scientific data and make appropriate recommendations to policymakers. This was the basis for using the various vaccines

in Guyana – independent technical analysis of risk versus benefits.

The statement further clarified, “All of the vaccines available in Guyana, including the Sputnik V, have a 100 per cent record in preventing severe COVID-19 infection defined as admission to ICU, needing ventilatory support or death. In fact, none of the 442 deaths recorded in Guyana were seen in fully (2 doses) vaccinated persons. There have been no overwhelming adverse events reported worldwide for any of the vaccines used in Guyana to date.”

Every adult is eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Guyana, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. Persons with a history of severe allergic reactions should seek medical advice before considering the vaccines and are the only group who may not be medically suitable. (G3)

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice carpenter’s murder

Guyana’s CoA erred – Bisram lawyers tell CCJ in appeal that this section must have been strictly complied with since their client’s liberty was at stake, the lawyers further contended that the appellate court erred, adding that failure to strictly comply rendered the DPP’s directive to commit their client unlawful, null, void and of no legal effect.

Court erred

Marcus Bisram

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awyers for Marcus Bisram have filed a Notice of Appeal detailing the grounds on which they intend to rely to set aside a ruling by the Guyana Court of Appeal for their client to stand trial for the murder of Berbice carpenter and father of two Faiyaz Narinedatt.

His legal team is led by Attorney-at-Law Dharshan Ramdhanie, QC, in association with Arudranauth Gossai, Sanjeev Datadin, and Dexter Todd.

Seeking to set aside the ruling of the Appeal Court, the lawyers argued that it failed to recognise that as a court in judicial review proceedings, it was duty-bound to assess and determine whether the Magistrate’s decision and equally the decision of the High Court Judge was respectively reasonable and rational when they both ruled that the evidence against Bisram was insufficient to commit him to stand trial.

According to counsel, the Court of Appeal erred when it concluded there was sufficient evidence against Bisram and that the credibility of a single witness was still a matter for the jury, where the evidence of that witness was the only evidence against him and where that witness had recanted his testimony and admitted that his evidence was not true.

They argued also that the Court of Appeal equally erred in failing to recognise that as a court in judicial review proceedings, it was duty-bound to assess and determine whether the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack’s decision for committal was reasonable and rational when she used the same evidence against their client to form a belief that the evidence was sufficient to commit him.

The Court of Appeal erred in law when having found that the procedure set out in Section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act was not followed by the DPP and confirming it must be strictly followed still held that the discretion exercised in violation was valid and lawful, they contended.

Having failed to consider

called on Bisram, who had been rearrested, to lead a defence.

At the close of the case for the defence, the Magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to support the charge, and adjourned the matter to April 6, 2020, for further directions from the DPP. On April 6, 2020, the DPP directed that Bisram be committed to stand trial in the High Court. This direction was duly complied with on the said date by the Magistrate.

Bisram then moved to the High Court, seeking judicial review of the DPP’s decision.

They contended, too, that the lower court erred when it held that Section 72(2) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act was not unconstitutional, as being saved by Article 152 of the Guyana Constitution as a pre-existing law.

Ahead of its hearing and later ruling in the matter, the CCJ has ordered the DPP not to take steps to arrest Bisram. In the mean-

In ruling that the DPP’s directive for committal was unlawful and unreasonable, Justice Morris-Ramlall,

time, he has been ordered by the regional court to remain in Guyana. He had to surrender his passport to the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature last week.

He also has to report to the Police on Monday of every week until the matter is decided.

On May 31, 2021, the Guyana Court of Appeal overturned an order of certiorari quashing the DPP’s directive, which was granted by High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall. In June 2020, Justice MorrisRamlall issued the order which voided the DPP’s directive and an order prohibiting her from bringing an indictment for murder against Bisram.

Following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on March 30, 2020, Magistrate Renita Singh had discharged the charge against Bisram and informed him that he was free to go, after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him at the end of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

However, on the day of the discharge, the DPP exercised her powers under section 72 (1) and (2) (ii) (b) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act to request that the depositions be sent to her and directed the Magistrate to reopen the PI with a view to committing Bisram. The Magistrate complied, and thereafter

among other things, held that the evidence disclosed against Bisram by the prosecution did not meet the required evidentiary threshold to support calling on him to lead a defence.

In fact, the Judge ruled that no prima facie case had been made out against him to put him on trial by a jury before a Judge. “…The evidence is insufficient, or, in other words, it is not of the quality that a reasonable jury properly directed could safely convict on it.”

Ali-Hack then filed an appeal against Justice MorrisRamlall’s ruling with the Appeal Court.

In overturning the decision of the High Court, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, had underscored that the issues raised in the State’s case against Bisram would be better ventilated at the trial court by a jury.

“The issues raised, we think, would have been better ventilated at the trial court, where the trial Judge would have weighed all the issues in relation to the evidence and decided whether or not it would have been left for a jury,” she had said.

According to the Chancellor, “The decision to commit by the Magistrate would have had to be based on the evidence which the DPP ought to have reviewed… We are of the view that the committal proceedings by the Magistrate and

Evidentiary threshold

Changes…

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Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

the directive by the Director of Public Prosecutions would not have been invalid.”

In her ruling, Justice Morris-Ramlall had outlined that the evidence of Chaman Chunilall was the body and soul of the prosecution’s case against Bisram, and that there was no other evidence, either direct or circumstantial, linking him to the crime.

“At the close of the case for the prosecution, the evidence of Chunilall was totally discredited and rendered manifestly unreliable. The evidence remained substantially the same at the close of the case for the defence,” the High Court Judge had noted.

But relying on a plethora of case laws, the Court of Appeal, held that “It is not the Judge’s job to weigh the evidence and to decide who is telling the truth, and to stop the case merely because he thinks the witness is lying. To do that is to usurp the functions of the jury…”

Bisram was extradited from the United States to Guyana in 2019 to face the murder charge. This was after an extended fight in US courts to block his extradition.

It is alleged that on the day of the killing, Bisram had a party at his home, which Narinedatt and others attended. Media reports are that Narinedatt went to the yard and was followed

by Bisram, who reportedly came up behind him and started “feeling him up”.

It was reported that Narinedatt slapped and chucked Bisram, who allegedly directed his friends to kill him. According to reports, several men had beaten the carpenter and dumped his body on the Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice road.

Media reports are that they then drove over his body on the roadway at Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice, to make it appear like a vehicular accident. Five other men: Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob, are currently awaiting trial for Narinedatt’s murder. (G1)

…wrought by PNC s to whether the PNC has done anything FOR Guyana is questionable! But for sure they've done a helluva lot TO Guyana, first during their long 28-year-long dictatorship and then when they were resurrected for a return engagement in 2015. Which, it appears, was just to remind us that the more the WORLD changes, the more the PNC remain the same!

Incorrigible is what they are!

In the estimation of your Eyewitness, among their worst inflictions on our body politic has been the destruction of hope that we can ever enjoy life in a democratic country. The recent upsurge in the discourse on the assassination of Walter Rodney should’ve reminded us of what could’ve been. His generation that went off to higher studies in 1960 should’ve returned to build their independent country with their new skills and indigenous perspectives. Let’s not forget that his 4th Form at Queen’s were the first to be exposed to the history of slavery from a local perspective.

When Rodney had completed his PhD at the age of 24 in the same year Guyana became independent, he chose not to return. Why? Because – he explicitly declared – of the deep racial chasms that had expanded in the country because of Burnham’s decision to go along with the machinations of the US and Britain. The riots of the sixties had turned Guyanese upon Guyanese and Rodney concluded that they were not going to be put together anytime soon.

And after Burnham rigged the 1968 elections and it became clear that Guyana was well on its way to becoming a dictatorship, many joined Rodney in the exodus to Britain and the US. This still hasn’t been staunched even by the COVID-19 epidemic. Rodney, of course, courageously and patriotically girded his loins and returned to Guyana in 1974 from Tanzania – by which time the country was morphing into a fullblown dictatorship when the army rigged the 1973 elections. After then, the exodus had exploded with Guyanese going front-track, back-track and side-track to Venezuela, Suriname and every other English-speaking island in the Caribbean.

Rodney rekindled some hope with his groundings in the slums of Georgetown, the mining town of Linden and to a lesser extent the villages. He appeared to’ve worked out a modus vivendi with the PPP to not mobilise in their base but yet impacted there. The WPA cell that was arrested and tortured by the Police in 1979 for training with weapons was in a traditional PPP sugar-village. And then came the assassination of Rodney in 1980 after Burnham warned him to “make his will”.

Hope became just a name of a village on the East Coast of Demerara.

…wrought by COVID-19 Your Eyewitness doesn’t know about you, Dear Reader, but his life has certainly changed drastically during this pandemic. For one, he’s been inviting far fewer guests than previously since he finds it too much of a chore to have folks keep on their masks in his house. There’s no way he can take their word about being vaccinated.

And who can assure him that the pesky virus won’t get past his 82 per cent full vaccination protection??!! Not to mention whether that Delta variant mightn’t knock down even the 82 per cent walls!!

Your Eyewitness has also stopped eating out…but has discovered that the females of his family can whip up all sorts of fancy dishes right at home -- using recipes and YouTube. Guyana now imports every spice and ingredient you can imagine!! He’s also been able to read some of those books he never got around to.

The downside, however, is he’s now stuck with quite a lot of fixing around the house and yard. …in the climate It won’t be until August that your cabin-fevered Eyewitness will be able to burst out into that old Johnny Mathis classic: “I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.”

But will he then “see all (political) obstacles in his way”!?

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

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TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PNCR leadership not serving national interests, supporters or youths …says longstanding member in resignation

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ongstanding People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Thandi McAllister, who has been with the party for decades and was a candidate at the last General and Regional Elections, has resigned from the party effective immediately.

According to McAllister’s letter of resignation, which is dated June 15, she is resigning from the Central Executive Committee of the PNCR and the Office of Regional Chairman.

The letter was addressed to PNCR General Secretary Amna Ally. When contacted by this publication, Ally noted that she does not discuss the party’s business in public. According to her, no reason was provided by McAllister for the resignation.

But McAllister released a statement outlining exactly why she is walking away from the party after 25 years.

According to her, the PNCR leadership has departed from their responsibility to serve the interests of the nation, party supporters and the youths.

Former PNCR Executive Thandi McAllister

“After very careful and agonizing consideration, I concluded that the present direction of the leadership is ill-suited to the fulfilment of the aspirations of young people in Guyana, the enhancement of the party’s supporters, and the advancement of the nation,” she said in her statement.

She added that “in this connection, I can no longer accompany a process that, in my view, has departed from serving the interests of the many who reposed faith in the PNC/R to champion their causes, and to offer constructive pathways for the development of our beloved Guyana.”

McAllister was elected to the PNCR Central Executive Committee (CEC) in 2018, at the last biennial congress. At present, the

delay of the currently due biennial congress has been a contentious issue within the party. It even led to Congress Place being picketed by members of PNCR Leader David Granger’s own party earlier this year.

The protesters demanded that he hold the congress so that the party could choose a leader. One placard, aimed at Granger and Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon had read “David and Joe, stop denying democracy in the PNC. Time for congress”.

Granger was returned unopposed as leader of the party at the last biennial congress in 2018. This time around, he is facing competition from a number of party stalwarts including Aubrey Norton and Richard Van West-Charles. However, the former President has cited the COVID-19 pandemic for the delay in holding the congress.

He had said that the party is trying to work out the logistics of holding the congress, while at the same time ensuring social distancing. However, many other organisations have held virtual meetings using Zoom, which allows hundreds of participants.

Granger, who left office in August of last year after a five-month long election process, has been facing pressure from within the party and has suffered a sharp drop in popularity, over the loss of the 2020 General and Regional Elections after just one term in office.

These divisions were exacerbated by the list of parliamentarians he picked to send to the 12th Parliament, after party stalwarts

PNCR Leader David Granger

like Chairperson Volda Lawrence were excluded and the WPA was not consulted to name their candidate.

WPA subsequently withdrew from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance

For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, following on the heels of the Justice For All Party (JFAP). Granger has also been denounced by individual members of the party, like one-time PNC parliamentarian James Bond.

Bond has in fact labelled Granger’s leadership as “ineffective” and “mediocre”.

He has also been criticised by the PNCR diaspora group, who added their voices to calls for the former President to step down from leading the party. In a letter signed by Connie McGuire, Michael Bramford, George E, Lewis and the PNCR New York Diaspora group, they appealed to all PNC Executives, members and supporters to demand the resignations of Granger and other party leaders.

They noted that after working tirelessly to get Granger elected in 2015, the

PNCR General Secretary Amna Ally

party made a series of missteps, failed to connect to supporters and side-lined young and dynamic leadership.

10 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pork-knocker critical after being Gunmen rob minibus driver attacked, chopped of “Pit Bull” A

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he Police have launched an investigation after two gunmen reportedly relieved a 25-year-old man of a “Pit Bull” minibus at Swan Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, on Sunday evening.

Preliminary investigations

by Police revealed that on the day in question at about 21:00h, the minibus bearing registration number PWW 1914 was reportedly overheating and as such, the driver pulled over to the left side of the Highway in the vicinity of Swan Village so that it could cool off.

At the time, the area was dark. However, about five minutes later, the driver told Police that a dark-coloured car pulled up behind the bus and two males exited and ran toward the driv-

er’s side door of the minibus.

One of them, he stated, pulled out a handgun from the waist of his pants and pointed it at him. The victim was then pulled out of his orange and black minibus during which he was searched and relieved of $20,000 cash that he was carrying at the time.

The gunmen then drove off with the minibus, leaving him on the roadway.

He nevertheless made his way to the Kuru Kururu Police Outpost where he lodged a report. The Police have since alerted their colleagues along the Highway and East Bank of Demerara (EBD) of the incident.

Up to press time, the minibus was not located. Investigations are underway.

pork-knocker is battling for his life at the Bartica Regional Hospital after he was severely beaten by two men at Balamani Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), on Saturday evening.

The injured man is 38-year-old Derwin Grant of Balamani Backdam.

Police preliminary investigations revealed that the now injured man went to shop in the area earlier in the month and drank several alcoholic beverages after which he paid with one pennyweight of raw gold, which is equivalent to $15,000. He left and did not collect his change.

However, on Saturday last, Grant returned to the shop and took some items and when payment was

requested, he reportedly indicated that the shop had owed him some money and as such, asked them to deduct same.

This resulted in a heated argument and an exchange of words after which the now injured man left the shop. Police stated that as he was making his way to his mining camp, he was attacked from behind by two males who dealt him several

chops about his body with a cutlass.

Grant sustained a deep laceration to his right shoulder, a laceration to his right hand which severed four fingers, two deep lacerations to his left hand and a laceration to the right knee.

After inflicting the injuries, the two suspects left him lying on the roadside but later returned with a mattress, picked up the injured man and took him to Sand Hill Landing where they left him at a shop.

He was later found by a passer-by and transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was admitted in a serious condition. The matter was reported to the Police and an investigation is underway.

The two suspects are currently on the run.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman chopped during family brawl

Brothers’ drinking spree ends in death A A

drinking spree between two brothers ended tragically on Father’s Day when one of them took his own life after believing that he had killed the other.

Based on reports received, the now dead teenager and his brother were having a drink at their Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) home on Sunday when an argument

ensued between them.

The argument reportedly escalated into a fight during which the 18-year-old brother picked up a piece of wood and lashed his brother to the head.

The brother reportedly fell to the ground in an unconscious state. The teenager, who thought that his brother was dead, became afraid and ran into the back yard. Nevertheless,

efforts were made to revive the brother, who subsequently regained consciousness.

Soon after they realised that the teenager was nowhere around and this prompted relatives to go in search of him. About 30 minutes later, the lifeless body of the teen was found.

He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

woman, her son and reputed husband are now nursing injuries about their bodies following a brawl among themselves at their home in East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Sunday evening.

One of the woman’s hands was almost severed.

She was admitted a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital where she underwent a surgery.

However, Police stated that on the day in question at about 20:45h, the 42-year-

old woman, her 29-year-old son and 56-year-old reputed husband were in the lower flat of their home when an argument broke out between the two men.

Police stated that the argument turned into an altercation during which the reputed husband dealt one chop to the woman’s son.

Upon seeing this, the woman intervened and acted as a peacemaker but instead, she was chopped to her left hand by her reputed husband.

In retaliation, the woman’s son managed to take the cutlass from the man and dealt him several lashes and chops about his body.

The injured trio was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where they were treated.

The woman, who was later identified as Nalini, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she remains a patient. The two men were discharged into Police custody as investigations continue.

old Annand Gaj was in his house when he heard the engine of his blue Toyota Carina motor car bearing registration number PKK 543 running.

As such, he looked out to enquire and saw his car being driven away. The owner immediately raised an alarm and without hesitation, his neighbours went in pursuit of the car.

The suspect was report-

edly caught after the car got stock in a trench and could not move. From all indications, the 19-year-old suspect was given a trashing after which he was handed over to the Police with injuries to his head.

He was subsequently taken to the hospital where he was treated and admitted a patient under guard. He is expected to be charged shortly.

Car thief caught after La Grange man critical after crashing into trench beaten by girlfriend’s ex-partner

…miner’s throat slit during altercation

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La Grange man is in a critical condition after he was reportedly attacked and beaten by his girlfriend’s ex-partner at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Sunday evening.

Twenty-one-yearold Sabutaro Singh of La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD), is nursing an open skull fracture, a fracture to the right wrist, a partially severed forearm and a deep laceration to the left side of the neck.

He is presently a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 21:00h, Singh visited his girlfriend at Back Street, Herstelling, EBD. Whilst there, he was confronted by his girlfriend’s ex-partner, who threatened to kill him. This reportedly led to an argument during which the ex-boyfriend dealt him several cuffs and chops about his body.

The suspect’s two friends were also part of the beating. After receiving the inju-

ries, Singh was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was treated and referred to the GPHC. The matter was reported to the Police and a manhunt has been launched into the incident. Up to press time, the three suspects, who are known to Singh, remained on the run.

Meanwhile, 56-year-old Joseph Benjamin, a miner, is reportedly in a critical condition after his throat was slit at Mora Landing, North West District (NWD).

Police stated that acting on information received, ranks of the Mabaruma Police Station were on their way to investigate an inci-

dent at Mora Landing when they met with a Community Policing Group’s members, who were escorting Benjamin on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV).

Police reportedly took him to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital where he is presently admitted as a patient in a critical condition. His case reportedly required an emergency surgery.

The Police were unable to take statements since the victim was unable to speak due to the injury inflicted on his throat. Police and CPG members are presently in the area searching for the suspect.

Teen abducted by boyfriend after refusing to delete FB account

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17-year-old girl of West Canefield East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was allegedly abducted by her 21-year-old boyfriend after she refused to delete her Facebook account. The incident occurred between Thursday and Saturday last.

Based on reports received, the suspect visited the victim’s home on Thursday and an argument broke out between them over her social media account during which he ordered her to delete it but she refused.

However, the suspect reportedly took the teen’s phone, broke it and threw it over a fence. Police further stated that the suspect started to physically abuse her after which he took out a knife from his bag, placed it to her neck and ordered her to exit the yard.

Fearful for her life, the victim complied. She was then forced into a taxi but despite her making silent signals to the driver, he did not pay attention.

After reaching the suspect’s house, he reportedly locked her in a room in the bottom flat of the building.

She was reportedly stripped naked but despite pleas and attempts to leave, she was threatened.

Nevertheless, at about 07:10h on Saturday, the teenager heard voices in the yard which prompted her to push open the door, run out of the room and scream for help.

The suspect, upon seeing the commotion, made good his escape. The young woman was eventually rescued and the matter was reported to the Police. He was subsequently arrested and an investigation is underway.

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n alleged car thief is now under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he sustained injuries while attempting to steal a motor car at Cherry Field, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The incident reportedly occurred in the wee hours of Monday. Based on information received, 43-year-

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fire aftermath

North Ruimveldt Multilateral students propose sitting CSEC in auditorium

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ays after the teaching block of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School was gutted by fire, the Education Ministry has embarked on seeking alternatives for students to sit the upcoming Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Last Saturday, firefighters were called to the scene in response to smoke emanating from the structure.

The building, located on Mandela Avenue, was already destroyed to some extent. However, firefighters lost the battle, and the entire wing was burnt.

On Monday, Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Students of North Ruimveldt Multilateral School interacting with Education Minister Priya Manickchand

ble to use the auditorium of the school – which did not sustain any damages. If it is deemed safe and electricity is connected, this will be facilitated.

This will be decided once clearance is given by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Guyana Power & Light Inc (GPL) and the Chief Electrical Engineer that the examinations can be written safely and without disruption. The Fire Service and utility company were provided with a deadline of Wednesday to get the auditorium ready for use.

Otherwise, the exams will be moved to a neutral location, such as the Cyril

ber that they can call if they need guidance and counselling.

She added, “If there is something that drives you even further in this period it must be that the students who wrote their CSEC the week after their school burnt down performed excellently. That must be what drives you.”

Students were encouraged to let their knowledge be reflected in their behaviour and conduct as they venture into the world of work and furthering their academic studies.

“The students will also let us know if they have any other needs which we

Parents whose children attend North Ruimveldt Multilateral School at a meeting with Education Ministry officials

met with scores of parents and students to iron out plans and suggestions that could be implemented to ensure that students take the examinations comfortably.

Some 65 students are scheduled to write the regional examinations this year – which will commence in just one week.

The Ministry in a statement on Monday said that the teaching block was destroyed to a point that it cannot be used at all in the immediate future. During this engagement, students indicated that it is prefera-

Potter College of Education or University of Guyana.

Secondly, it was decided that if students have to be transported to another location, the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana will absorb the full cost and any other associated costs.

Minister Manickchand also pledged the Ministry’s support to provide any psychosocial support that might be needed by teachers and students of the school.

Students were given a num-

can meet. We left them with phone numbers on which they can get us,” the Minister further updated on her social media page.

Previously on Sunday, officials from the Ministry would have engaged the Head Teacher and teachers attached to the school in order to lend support. On the scene of the fire last weekend, the Education Minister had pledged Government’s commitment to rebuild the structure, which housed 512 students and 39 teachers.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 jailed for life over clothes vendor’s murder

Dead: Purcell Moore

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Confessed killers: Selwin Dawson and Kevin Persaud

wo men, both age 21, were on Monday sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 15 years for fatally shooting a clothes vendor back in 2017 during a robbery at Craig, East Bank Demerara.

Selwin Dawson called “Crack Skull” and Kevin Persaud called “Boyce” were initially indicted for the December 20, 2017 murder of 40-year-old Purcell Moore.

When their trial continued on Monday before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Demerara High Court, the duo opted to plead guilty to manslaughter. As such, the trial Judge directed the 12-member jury to return formal guilty verdicts for the men on the lesser count.

Moore, a father of two, was shot dead a short distance from his parents’ Old Road, Craig home by three men who relieved him of his gold chain. At the time of his demise, Moore had arrived in Guyana two weeks prior from French Guiana to celebrate the Christmas season with his family.

During a sentencing hearing, Justice Kissoon

said that Moore worked hard in Cayenne, and then came home for the Christmas season to spend time with his family as is the custom among Guyanese. The Judge said that the man was wearing his jewellery thinking that he was in a safe place.

However, referring to Dawson and Persaud, Justice Kissoon noted, “The young, strong able-bodied men conspired together and agreed to deprive [Moore] of his jewellery.” From the evidence, the Judge said that Persaud and Dawson pounced on an unarmed man who had refused to part with his possessions.

“Preying on innocent citizens”

While he underscored that the killers’ age was a significant factor that gives rise to the inference of them being good candidates for rehabilitation, Justice Kissoon pointed out that the aggravating factors also had to be considered by the court in determining an appropriate sentence.

For one, he noted that Moore was shot dead during a violent robbery. According to the Judge, injuries were

2 arrested for stealing, slaughtering cow

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wo men were arrested while another is on the run for allegedly stealing a cow from the Village Council at Achiwuib Village, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

The incident reportedly occurred between Tuesday, June 15 and Saturday, June 19, 2020.

Police stated that on June 15, the Achiwuib Village vacquero (cowboy) released the cow with brand, AVC2 in the savannah to graze.

However, after a few days, he discovered that the cow was missing and upon making checks, he observed horse tracks allegedly chasing the cow in the direction of a ranch.

As such, a search was launched by the Village Council and the cow was discovered slaughtered in the savannah, with the hide, head and hooves left behind.

Acting on information received, one of the suspects was contacted and questioned during which he claimed that it was the other two men who slaughtered the cow and transported the meat to Lethem.

The suspects are two residents of Achiwuib Village and one from Karaudarnau Village, South Rupununi.

Meanwhile, two of them were apprehended by the Village Council and handed over to the Police while the third remains at large. The Police are now investigating the matter.

inflicted to the vulnerable parts of the now dead man’s body. Moore was shot twice - once to the left side chest and also to his head. “Youths with unlicensed guns…are now preying on innocent citizens.”

“A family that was preparing to celebrate Christmas was left to confront grief, death, and the loss of a loved one,” Justice Kissoon added. According to him, citizens must feel free to carry on with their lives

without the fear of being robbed or attacked.

“This callous crime and course of conduct displayed by [Persaud and Dawson] must be addressed. Members of society ought to be free to move about …. whether in the precinct of the business community in downtown Georgetown, in their neighbourhood, or their home…”

Considering this, he noted that the sentence of the court must not only fit the dastardly acted committed by the duo, but also serve as a deterrent to like-minded offenders.

“Heartbroken”

Meanwhile, Moore’s mother Gloria described her son as a very good man.

“…He was very good to me even to the people in the village. If anybody asked him for anything he would give it to them. He used to assist me, in many many ways.

He used to go and do shopping for me. I do surely miss him.”

“There is not a day in my life that I do not take his picture and look at it. It really broke my spirit and my heart because I never expected this would be the end of his life. I hope the court would give them a life sentence because he has smaller children…I am very heartbroken,” the woman said as she cried.

“I am sorry”

Persaud, in a short statement to the court, said, “I am sorry for the wrong things we did. And forgive us for the wrong things.” Dawson, on the other hand, had this to say, “I am very sorry for my mistake and sinful act.

I am asking for forgiveness and for the court to please have mercy on us and be lenient on us.”

Their lawyers Adrian Thompson and Damien DaSilva, during a plea in mitigation, begged the Judge to temper justice with mercy. The lawyers allud-

Murder accused: Wayne Chester

ed to their clients’ youthfulness. They told the court that their clients are extremely remorseful - a factor that influenced their early guilty pleas.

For her part, Prosecutor Lisa Cave urged Justice Kissoon to impose a sentence that reflects the serious nature and prevalence of felony murder. “Over the years, there has been an increase in gun violence…,” she noted, adding that the sentence must send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated.

Another man, Wayne Anthony Chester, called “Sharky”, is currently on remand awaiting trial at the Demerara High Court for Moore’s murder. (G1)

Health Ministry monitoring flooded areas for mosquito-borne illnesses …dengue surfaces in Region 6

T

he Health Ministry has been on the lookout for possible cases of mosquito-borne illnesses as flooding continues to affect all regions in Guyana.

It has been a month since persistent floodwaters have been devastating the country, linked to torrential rainfall which had a ripple effect on drainage systems.

On Monday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony shared that some mosquito-borne diseases were reported in the Middle and Upper Mazaruni area, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), three cases of dengue were also detected.

“We have been looking at mosquito-borne diseases.

We’ve put several measures in place. Our team from the Ministry of Health has been on the ground in most of these flooded areas, spoken to residents, did outreach clinics in most of these areas and gave out medications and so forth. We continue to do that.”

Anthony added, “We have noticed in one or two areas where there have been mosquito-borne diseases. Like in the Upper and Middle Mazaruni, we have had some cases there, more than usual. We had sent in

a team there last week and we’ve also distributed insecticide-impregnated bed nets.

We have also seen a couple cases of dengue in Region Six and Black Bush Polder.

We’ve had three cases and so a medical team has been monitoring what’s going on there.”

Over in Black Bush Polder, residents were provided with 300 insecticide-infused nets. The Civil Defence Commission is also distributing medical packages in all response areas, which contains several items that persons can use to keep their health intact until the floodwaters are under control.

“We have also partnered with the CDC and we’ve done some special kits.

There is a medical package

that CDC is now giving out that would have some basic things like oral rehydration salts, bleach, ointments.

These are all over-the-counter medications that you can use. As they go out to distribute hampers to flooded areas, inclusive in that hamper is a medical package that can be used and there’s also instructions. We’ve done that across the country,” Dr Anthony shared.

Mosquito-borne illnesses usually surface where stagnant water is present, creating a breeding ground for these insects.

Dengue is a flu-like illness which affects infants, young children and adults.

The symptoms usually begin four to 10 days after infection and includes high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle

and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.

CARPHA lists dengue as a global health problem and there is no specific treatment for the disease.

Adding to that, the Aedes aegypti mosquito vector, which spreads dengue, is present in all Caribbean territories.

Since the reports of flooding started, over 36,000 persons have been displaced while over 200 were in shelters. Guyana has been classified as a Level 2 Disaster under the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) mechanism, which indicates that the national capacity to respond is not overwhelmed but external assistance is required in the form of technical assistance, specialised equipment, support personnel and information sharing in order to respond and recover from the event.

Despite Guyana’s situation being classified as Level 2, the impact of the flood in the regions vary, with Regions One, Three, Four, Eight and Nine being at Level 2, given national capacity to manage the impact, while Regions Two, Five, Seven and 10 are classified as Level 3, based on the magnitude of the flood.

(G12)

14 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 more COVID-19 deaths, 48 new cases …as spikes recorded in Regions 9, 10

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JUNE 22 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

48

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

106 1396 18

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

1

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

9780

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

9364

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

19,144

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

17,175

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

227,690 98,635

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

449

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1171

REGION 2

535

REGION 3

2203

REGION 4

8893

REGION 5

647

REGION 6

1434

REGION 7

1241

REGION 8

379

REGION 9

1293

REGION 10

1348

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

G

uyana’s coronavirus death toll has reached 449, after two more persons lost their battle to the disease on Monday.

There was also an increase of 48 new cases, raising the total confirmed cases to 19,144. There are 18 pa-

tients in the Intensive Care Unit, 106 in institutional isolation and 1396 in home isolation. One person is being kept under institutional quarantine. Some 17,175 positive cases have since recovered.

An analysis of new cases showed four in five in

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 26 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), nine in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), three in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) are at 1171, 535, 379 and 379 cases, respectively.

Hotspots

In the detection of COVID-19 cases through testing, the Health Ministry has confirmed spikes in Regions Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) – the newest hotspots.

This was communicated by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Monday during the coronavirus briefing. It was noted that Sand Creek, St Ignatius and Lethem in Region Nine are being monitored. This trend has been observed within the past two weeks.

Meanwhile, in Region 10, there is a consistent rise and is coupled with a surge in hospitalisation. The region has been lagging signifi-

cantly behind in the country’s vaccination campaign, and residents were warned that this could increase their chances of developing the worst form of the virus, that is, the need for intensive care.

“We have also seen over the last couple of weeks, an increase in cases in Region 10 and in specific areas in Region 10, we noticed that those cases have been going up. Of course, we have seen in addition to cases, an increase in hospitalisation in Region 10. We’ve had consistently, patients coming into the Linden Hospital,” Dr Anthony shared.

In terms of testing, the country’s capabilities are adequate to facilitate samples that are sent for analysis.

He noted that this arrangement provides patients with their results in just one day.

“So, we have capacity to do approximately 2000 tests. We don’t get as much sample. On average, we get maybe 300 to 400 samples a day and so we’re able to

run those tests quite comfortably. People more or less would get back their results within a 24-hour period.”

Antigen kits were also sent to the various regions but the Minister cautioned that the precision of these results is amplified if a person is symptomatic.

“We have found with the antigen test kits, that if people are asymptomatic, then you don’t really get a positive result. You can be negative on the antigen test kit but come back positive on the PCR. That depends on the sensitivity of the test but if you’re symptomatic… very often there’s a good correlation between positive test results and those symptoms,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, some 227,690 persons have since taken their vaccines or 46.8 per cent of the population.

For second doses, this figure stands at 98,635 or 20.3 per cent. The Minister was confident that the immunised persons will surpass 100,000 by this week. (G12)

Farmer acquitted of raping 13-year-old A 34-year-old man was on Monday found not guilty on a charge which alleged that he raped a 13-year-old girl. Following a trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Demerara High Court, a jury returned an 11-1 not guilty verdict. It was alleged that on November 27, 2016, in Demerara, Eric Scotland engaged in sexual penetration with the minor.

Upon his indictment, Eric Scotland, a farmer, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard Da Silva, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. State Counsel Sarah Martin and State Counsel Nafeeza Baig appeared for the prosecution. The prosecutors had contended that Scotland walked up behind the young girl and covered her mouth with his hands.

It was alleged that he placed the girl to lie on the

Eric Scotland

floor before removing her nightgown and underwear.

He was then accused of raping her. During her testimony, the virtual complainant had claimed that the ordeal

lasted between 10 to 15 minutes.

Scotland, in his defence, testified that the teenager was rebellious and constantly needed discipline. In lending a word of advice, Justice Reynolds told Scotland that this is the closest he would want to get to securing a conviction for the offence of rape.

“You know what happened. The complainant knows what happened. Grab this opportunity with both hands. Your wife was there for you, your family was there for you. Go and be the man you ought to be. Give thanks to God… Live the rest of your life so that it can bring honour and glory to His name,” said the Judge to the former rape accused.

NEWS

15

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Timehri-to-Bartica road link in design phase – Edghill T

he Timehri to Bartica road link, which will see the Government constructing a valuable link that would cut down on travel time to Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is currently in the design phase.

This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, in an interview with this publication. He was asked for an update on the Timehri to Bartica road link.

He explained that this project is continuing apace and is currently being designed.

“That is continuing with the design. We’ve done the initial trek. That’s at the design phase,” the Minister explained, the trek being a likely reference to preliminary works starting on the road earlier this year.

Back in April, Edghill, former President and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and a team of technical personnel had inspected the proposed route for the road.

During the inspection, the

team travelled from Bartica to Foulmouth Dock on the Essequibo River, then along a logging trail to Makouria River, then on to Sand Hills and Timehri.

Edghill had said at the time that the project would improve the commute between the coast and the hinterland, by significantly reducing travel time. This is because commuters would no longer have to travel to Parika, then journey to Bartica, and vice versa.

Likewise, citizens would not have to travel to Linden, then on to Rockstone, through to Sherima Crossing to take a barge, and then make their way to Bartica.

Both routes are lengthy, something the road link would fix.

“We will go to the drawing board with the coordinates. We will look at all of the practicalities and of course, the shortest possible route is what we will be examining. We will probably have to get a geologist to do

The team travelling along a section of the route during the inspection in April 2021

some soil testing to ensure that we have materials in the closest proximity for the building of that road.”

“I would suspect that within another five, six weeks after this trip, my engineers will be able to do some designing and the

monies that are appropriated in 2021 will start cutting an alignment,” Edghill had said.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government has undertaken several new road projects along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) cor-

ridor to ease the heavy traffic congestion normally encountered there.

There is the Ogle to Diamond bypass road, which will create a new highway in the backlands, thus allowing for an alternative route to the country’s two main

thoroughfares. This project will see a total of 26 kilometres of road constructed with links to connect key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara.

These include Diamond, Mocha and Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown.

These connections will prove crucial in diverting traffic.

A new road will run from Sixth Avenue, Diamond, to the Windsor Estate Road that leads on to the Eccles Landfill Site Road. This will form a connection through the new Herstelling Housing Scheme and other schemes that are being developed along the EBD corridor.

A second road is also being constructed between Eccles and Mandela Avenue, which will be completed later this year. Last month, the Housing Ministry signed several contracts to the tune of $2.3 billion for the commencement of work on this road. (G3)

CDC gets more support from local businesses Guyana.

Relief hampers to miners

Some of the items donated by Demerara Bank Ltd to CDC

T

he Civil Defence Commission continues to get support as it comes to the aid of flood-affected persons countrywide.

Demerara Bank and

hygiene products and baby care products.

Chairman of Demerara Bank, Dr Yesu Persaud applauded the efforts and quick response from the

Items donated to Region Five flood-affected persons

Toolsie Persaud Ltd made donations of several much-needed items to help bring relief to flood victims. Among the items donated are care packages which consist of cleaning detergents, hand sanitisers, drinking water, feminine

CDC during these troubled times and noted that the country has not experienced such a natural disaster in several years.

“We, (Demerara Bank) will remain active in its role to continue providing relief to families and communities

of flood affected areas,” Dr Persaud said.

Meanwhile, General Manager of Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Ray Sukhnandan while making the donation said that it is the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility to assist the people of Guyana in the flood-affected regions. He expressed gratitude at being able to offer assistance at this difficult time in the country.

Additionally, Western Scientific Company Limited (WSCL) distributed over 35 thousand relief packages to the residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). The packages included sanitary products such as hand sanitisers, bleach, soap and soap powder among other items which totalled over $3.5 million.

Expressing gratitude and accepting the donations, Public Information Officer, Patrice Wishart indicated that the CDC will almost immediately distribute the items to the various affected regions across

On Monday, relief supplies destined for flood-affected miners in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) left Georgetown and included 216 flood hampers, each of which includes food, cleaning and medical packages, personal hygiene kits and shelter items such as mosquito nets.

The Department of Public Information reported that the packages were loaded at the National Gymnasium, which is being used by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) as its packing facility.

From Georgetown, the packages were then transported to the Parika Stelling, to be loaded on to a vessel destined for Bartica.

From Bartica, the supplies would then be transported inland to the affected communities. Region Seven is among five administrative

Some of the items in the hampers for miners

regions in Guyana which have been most severely affected by Guyana’s ongoing flooding situation

Toolsie Persaud Ltd General Manager Ray Sukhnandan handing over flood aid to CDC PRO Patrice Wishart

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat will be leading the mission to the region, to get a firsthand look at the situation currently facing the miners.

“Reaching out to miners in this difficult period is important to us, especially with the miners in the Middle Mazaruni where the water is very high and miners have basically shut down their operations and many are trapped there, and equipment are underwater too,” the Minister said.

The deployment of the relief supplies comes just days before the commencement of the “Detailed Damage Sector Assessment” (DDSA) of Guyana’s flooding situation, where mining is one of seven key areas which will be assessed.

The DDSA, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, is being coordinated by a team from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

16 NEWS

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 dead, 4 injured in horrific WCD accident …car splits after slamming into utility pole

O

ne person is now dead and four others injured after the car in which they were travelling slammed into a utility pole at Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and split into half.

Dead is Venezuelan national Alejandra Brazon.

Those injured are the driver of the car, 33-year-old Anthony Ralph of Buxton, East Coast Demerara; 20-year-old Kataleena (only name given); Alexandra (only name given) of Stewartville, WCD, and 22-year-old Urelis Gonsalves. All three of the injured women are Venezuelans.

Reports are that Ralph was driving motor car PRR 2014, and was proceeding east along the northern side of the Stewartville, WCD road at a fast of speed when he overtook another motor car, which was proceeding in the same di-

The scene of the accident

rection along the northern side.

Police have since said that after the overtaking manoeuvre, while returning onto the northern carriageway, the driver lost control and struck a Guyana Power and Light post on the northern parapet before being flung into a nearby trench.

As a result of the collision, the car split into two.

The driver and the occupants were all picked up in an unconscious state and taken to Leonora Cottage Hospital.

Brazon was pronounced dead on arrival while the others were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for further medical attention.

Brazon’s body was escorted to Ezekiel Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem examination.

An investigation has been launched.

Persons assisting the accident victim

Mayor neglecting responsibilities – Dharamlall …says M&CC must work with Govt to manage city

Sections of upper Regent Street, Georgetown

L

ocal Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall is calling on Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine to work with the Government to foster the city’s development.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information on Monday, the Minister said the leadership at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has abandoned its responsibilities to the capital city.

“I believe that it is a concerted effort by the City Council which is controlled by the APNU/AFC, to sabotage the development of Georgetown by politicising and taking advantage of their control of City Hall.”

Despite the fact that City Hall spends $260 million per year on garbage collection, piles of garbage can be found in several sections of the city.

Dharamlall urged the Councillors to resist political direction and to work in the interest of the city.

“Local Government

Garbage pile-up at Chalmers Place, Georgetown

Elections, as soon as they are here, we would like to see some massive changes in the councillorship of Georgetown and I hope residents are taking this seriously.

Businesses are affected, homes are affected, livelihoods are affected and it looks like the Mayor and City Councillors are refusing to acknowledge the circumstances of our people.”

He said the City Council’s lack of maintenance of Georgetown is compounding flooding.

Dharamlall noted that the entire populace is being affected by acts that are counterproductive to development in the nation’s capital.

As such he called on Mayor Narine to collaborate with the Government to ensure the city is properly developed.

“The Mayor and Councillors at City Hall need to stop with their repugnant attitude towards development. I think their decision making have been reckless during most

of their decision-making times.

I also believe that they need to heed the concerns of residents of Georgetown.

They need to also focus on transparency and accountability,” he said.

Dharamlall is assuring city dwellers that the Government remains committed to ensuring all Guyanese benefit from its developmental agenda.

“We are going to work assiduously to make sure that Georgetown is upgraded. I also intend to speak directly to the Solid Waste Director and the Town Clerk, as well as the City Constabulary to address this matter very condignly.”

He said that all Guyanese must work together to develop the country.

Meanwhile, Dharamlall said City Hall is being used as a “slush fund” and that action would be taken when the audit report is completed. He said City Hall must cease spending in areas that will not foster development.

NEWS

17

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana, T&T left out Barbados’ travel bubble programme

T

rinidad and Tobago is not part of the Caribbean travel bubble expected to the instituted at the end of the month in Barbados.

Over the weekend, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced the new travel bubble coming into effect at the end of this month for fully vaccinated travellers with negative PCR tests.

Travellers from countries named in the bubble will

not be required to do PCR tests or quarantine upon arrival in Barbados.

However, citizens from T&T, Jamaica, Belize, Guyana and the Bahamas were not included in this rejuvenated travel bubble, which means vaccinated citizens from these nations will still be tested at the Grantly Adams Airport and unvaccinated travellers will be required to go into a fiveday quarantine.

In her address to the na-

tion on Saturday, Mottley listed the countries outside the bubble and what their citizens will be required to do on entry to Barbados.

“But guess what? They’re subjected to the same protocols that would have existed before, so if they are vaccinated persons, come with a negative PCR and land at our airport, they’ll have to have the second PCR test as all other vaccinated persons do now and then they’d be free to come into the coun-

try.

“If they are unvaccinated, you know the drill, it’s a longer period, five days before they have the PCR test in the quarantine,” Mottley said, adding that this gives layers of protection among the layers of risk.

This is the second such attempt at a Caricom travel bubble.

Last September, Barbados’ ambassador to Caricom David Comissiong laid out the framework for

the travel bubble and the countries in and out of the safe travel sphere.

A major factor of that initial bubble was that citizens of the included nations were not required to take PCR or COVID-19 tests before or upon entry. Those citizens are also not required to undergo any quarantine.

The bubble was initiated on September 18, 2020. At that time, T&T was not included in the travel bubble

either but was given clearance to enter by the following month once COVID infection numbers remained low.

Guardian Media reached out to both the Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Amery Browne yesterday but neither responded.

On Saturday, Rowley said that T&T is still on track to reopen borders in July. (T&T Guardian)

"at least half of them do not have sufficient vaccines to be able to sustain their programmes right now", Dr Aylward said.

"If we look at what we're hearing from countries on a day-to-day basis, well over half of countries have run out of stock and are calling for additional vaccine. But in reality it's probably much higher," Dr Aylward said.

He said some countries had tried to make alternative arrangements to end shortages, with harsh con-

sequences, such as paying above market value for vaccines. As vaccine supplies come under strain, some wealthier countries with spare doses are leading efforts to step up donations through Covax and other means.

On Monday the administration of US President Joe Biden announced how it planned to donate 55 million vaccine doses to countries in need.

Of those, 41 million would be distributed through Covax, with the remaining 14 million shared with countries deemed to be priorities.

These vaccines are not included in the 500 million doses President Biden said the US would donate via Covax. President Biden made that pledge earlier this month at a summit of major economic powers, known as the G7 (Group of

Seven).

Together, those G7 members committed to donate one billion vaccines to poorer countries over this year.

But campaigners criticised the pledge, saying it lacked ambition, was far too slow and showed Western leaders were not serious about tackling the worst public health crisis in a century.

Some health experts believe it could be months - if not years - before enough people are vaccinated globally to declare an end to the pandemic.

When asked about global need for vaccines on Monday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said: "What we have found to be the biggest challenge is not actually the supply, we have plenty of doses to share with the world, but this is a Herculean logistical challenge." (BBC News)

COVID: Vaccines running out in poorer nations –WHO

A

large number of poorer countries receiving Covid-19 vaccines through a global sharing scheme do not have enough doses to continue programmes, the World Health Organization has said.

WHO senior adviser Dr Bruce Aylward said the Covax programme had delivered 90 million doses to 131 countries.

But he said this was nowhere near enough to protect populations from a virus still spreading worldwide.

The shortages come as some nations in Africa see a third wave of infections.

On Monday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called for an end to vaccine hoarding by wealthier countries as his government scrambled to curb a steep rise in cases.

On a continental level, only 40 million doses have been administered so far in

Africa - less than 2% of the population, Mr Ramaphosa said.

To address this, he said his government was working with Covax to create a regional hub to produce more vaccines in South Africa.

Covax was created last year to ensure Covid-19 doses were made available around the world, with richer countries subsidising costs for poorer nations. Led by the WHO and other international organisations, Covax initially set a target of providing two billion doses worldwide by the end of 2021.

Most of those are being donated to poorer countries, where Covax hopes to distribute enough vaccines to protect at least 20% of the populations.

However, the distribution of these vaccines has been hampered by manufacturing delays and sup-

ply disruptions, leading to shortages in countries wholly reliant on Covax.

Uganda, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Trinidad and Tobago are just some of the countries that have reported running out of vaccines in recent days.

At a WHO briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday, Dr Aylward acknowledged the extent of those shortages in stark terms.

Of the 80 low-income countries involved in Covax,

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

Regional

CAL to send home 450 New CDEMA Executive Director workers as losses mount appointed

C

aribbean Airlines is expected to send home a quarter of its employees across its regional and international network – some 450 workers in total.

The company made the disclosure in an official statement released Monday, in which it revealed losses of some TT$172.7m (US$25.7m) and a 75% decline in revenue, for the first quarter of 2021.

CAL says the retrenchment is necessary, in order to help the company survive in the short to medium term, notwithstanding current moves to reopen T&T’s borders and facilitate international travel, once more.

“After implementing several short-term measures to stabilise the airline, regrettably, the company is now left with no choice but to undertake further solutions based on its existing

B

needs,” the company’s release explains. “Even with the pending re-opening of the borders of Trinidad and Tobago, travel demand is not expected to be the same as pre-COVID and current passenger demand is not going to recover sufficiently to support the existing company structure.”

“In order to survive in the short to medium term, the company has to decrease the aircraft fleet to match reduced passenger demand among other initiatives. The

decrease in the aircraft fleet will result in surplus labour.

Surplus labour is the reason for the proposed retrenchment exercise,” the company says.

CAL will be meeting with its employees and other stakeholders to discuss the best way to carry out the downsizing exercise and says arrangements have been made to provide assistance to employees via its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

arbadian Elizabeth Riley has been appointed Executive Director of the Barbadosbased Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), effective July 1.

She had been acting in the position since May 1 last year when Jamaican Ronald Jackson resigned to take up an international post.

Chairman of the Council of the CDEMA, Vincent Byron Jr, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs of St Kitts-Nevis, announced Riley’s appointment.

Riley joined the CDEMA Coordinating Unit in 2001 and, as Executive Director, she will be responsible for the provision of overall direction and leadership to CDEMA. This will include implementing the organisation’s mandate through programme management.

This involves strategic

CDEMA’s Executive Director, Elizabeth Riley

planning, monitoring and evaluation, resource mobilisation, financial management, partnerships and stakeholder relationships, and corporate communications.

Riley has over 20 years’ experience in disaster management at the regional and international levels in various capacities.

“At CDEMA, she has inter alia provided leadership for the Agency’s technical programming and provided strategic guidance in the areas of preparedness and response, mitigation, recovery, education and training and information management. At the operational level, Riley has

played a leadership role in the coordination of regional responses to every major regional emergency event since 2004,” according to a CDEMA statement.

It said her field experience includes the leadership of CDEMA deployment teams in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma (2017) and Dorian (2019). Riley is currently playing a leadership role in coordination of the Region’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, response to the eruption of the La Soufriére Volcano in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the ongoing floods in Guyana and Suriname. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad: 10 deaths, 148 COVID-19 cases recorded Rising crime, violence brought

T

en new deaths have brought the death toll from covid19 in Trinidad and Tobago to 747.

An additional 148 new cases have been detected from samples taken between June 17-20.

The Health Ministry’s COVID-19 update on Monday said the people who died were two elderly men, four elderly women, one middle-aged man, and two middle-aged women, all with comorbidities, as well as one middle-aged woman without comorbidities.

There are 8148 active cases. Since March 2020, there have been 30,767 cases of COVID-19, of which 21,872 have recovered.

There are 465 people

in hospital, 11 more than Sunday. Of these, 139 are at the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility, with 16 in the Intensive Care Unit and 43 in the High Dependency Unit.

There are 71 at the Caura Hospital, 42 at the Augustus Long Hospital, 25 at the St Ann’s Hospital, 66 at the Arima General Hospital, 40 at the new Point Fortin Hospital, 44 at the St James Medical Complex, 33 at the Scarborough Regional Hospital, Fort King George, and five at the Scarborough Regional Hospital, Signal Hill.

There are 148 people in step-down facilities, with none at the Claxton Bay Correctional Facility, 50

at UWI Debe, 23 at UTT Valsayn, 24 at the Point Fortin Area Hospital, 28 at the Port of Spain field hospital, four at the Couva field hospital, none at the Port of Spain General Hospital, 14 at the Tacarigua Facility, and five in Tobago.

There are 225 people in state quarantine facilities, and 7387 in home self-isolation. There were 209 and 7566 on Sunday respectively. There are 234 recovered community cases and 30 people have been discharged from public health facilities.

The total number of people tested to date were 217,868, of whom 91,687 were tested at private facilities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexican President orders probe into border shootings that killed “innocent people”

M

exican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday called for a federal investigation into a spate of deadly gun violence in the border city of Reynosa over the weekend, calling the victims "innocent people".

Lopez Obrador, speaking at a regular news conference, said he would direct the Attorney General's office to investigate the string of shootings that killed more than a dozen people.

"Everything indicates that it was not a confrontation, but it was a command to shoot people who were planned to be confronted," Lopez Obrador said. "It is a cowardly attack that took the lives of innocent people."

Armed gunmen fired from cars during multiple attacks

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

in several neighbourhoods of Reynosa on Saturday, said State security forces, which includes the Police and military.

Lopez Obrador said 14 people were among the victims, though State security forces said later on Monday that 15 civilians were killed, including one who died in the hospital.

Four other people believed to be from a criminal group were

killed in clashes with Police.

The multiple shooting incidents on Saturday were committed by "individuals who were aboard several vehicles", the security forces said in a statement.

Reynosa, which borders Texas, is one of Mexico's most violent cities and is a battleground for powerful drug gangs fighting for control.

(Reuters)

on Norwood ZOSO – PM

P

rime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday said that the decision to impose a zone of special operations (ZOSO) in Norwood, St James, stemmed from the steady rise in crime and violence in the community.

Holness said since the start of 2021 there have been 15 murders and 14 shootings in the community, which has a population

of almost 12,000 people.

And, since 2019, there have been 66 murders recorded, with six gangs wreaking havoc in and around the area.

“There are six gangs known to be operating in that very small space. And those gangs, though they are based in that area, operate all over St James. So, the ZOSO will target this area and will bring some

peace to the community, but it will give an opportunity for that community to turn a new leaf in its existence,” Holness told reporters Sunday, during a virtual press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Norwood is represented in Parliament by Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Argentina, Mexico withdraw envoys over Nicaragua crackdown

M

exico and Argentina have recalled their Ambassadors to Nicaragua for consultations in response to President Daniel Ortega’s mounting crackdown on the Opposition, a joint statement said on Monday.

Both countries want to consult their ambassadors about “the worrisome political-legal actions taken by the Nicaraguan Government in recent days that have put at risk the well-being and freedom of various Opposition figures [including presidential pre-candidates], activists and Nicaraguan businessmen,” their Foreign Ministries said. They want to promote a dialogue with Ortega’s Government.

Argentina and Mexico will continue to press for “the full respect and promotion of human rights” as well as civil and political liberties, the statement said.

Mexico and Argentina had broken with others in the region last week in not voting in favour of an

Miguel Mora was arrested on Sunday night

Organisation of American States resolution condemning more than a dozen recent arrests in Nicaragua of key Opposition figures.

They offered to help foster dialogue to resolve the situation in the Central American country, which is scheduled to hold the presidential election in November.

Nicaraguan authorities have arrested 17 Opposition figures this month, including five potential presidential candidates, eliciting international condemnation and fresh US sanctions.

On Sunday night,

Journalist and presidential hopeful Miguel Mora was arrested at his home for “inciting foreign interference in internal affairs and requesting military intervention”, according to authorities.

The Nicaraguan Government says the detainees are “usurpers” funded by the United States to topple Ortega.

The 75-year-old governed Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990, returned to power in 2007 and has won two successive re-elections since then. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Bank of America projects 2022 oil prices near US$100 on growing travel demand

O

il may surge to US$100 a barrel next year as travel demand rebounds, Bank of America Corp said, the strongest call yet among major forecasters for a return to triple digits.

Global oil consumption will continue to outstrip supply in 2022 as the economic recovery from the pandemic boosts fuel consumption, while investment in new production is crimped by environmental concerns, the bank said in a report.

“There is plenty of pent-up oil demand ready to be unleashed,” said Francisco Blanch, the bank’s New York-based head of commodities research. Brent futures traded near US$74 a barrel on Monday.

While other market-watchers, from trading house Trafigura Group to Goldman Sachs Group Inc, have already said that oil could reach US$100 again in the right conditions, the prediction from Bank of America is the firmest to date.

If crude does return to triple digits, it will be the first time since 2014, before a flood of North American shale oil sent the market into a slump from which it has never fully recovered.

The increasingly bullish outlook for oil is adding to pressure on the OPEC+ coalition led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, which meets next week to consider reviving some more of the production it cut during the pandemic.

While Riyadh has signalled it prefers to move cautiously, an ever-tighter world market could compel the alliance to open the taps a little. Prices have been stoked this month as fellow OPEC member Iran fails to clinch an agreement to relieve US sanctions on its petroleum exports.

According to Bank of America, the immediate prospects for the OPEC+ alliance are bright.

Oil consumption will be bolstered next year as mass transit struggles to keep pace with extra travel demand, prompting passengers to make greater use of private cars.

Even the ongoing popularity of remote working won’t dent fuel consumption as much as expected, as home-workers use cars during the day to run personal errands, the bank said.

“Work-from-home means ‘work-from-car’ in many cases,” Blanch said.

At the same time, the bank expects that new oil supplies will remain constrained. Shareholders will pressure major companies to invest in renewable energy, or push shale drillers to return cash rather than spend on new drilling.

Still, expectations for a tight market in 2022 are far from unanimous. A report from the International Energy Agency earlier this month showed that half of the projected increase in demand can be met by recovering output outside OPEC, predominantly from the US. That would leave the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners with significant quantities of idle output -- and even more if Iran can strike a nuclear accord with the US by then. (Excerpt from World Oil)

More than 8500 children used as soldiers in 2020 – UN

M

ore than 8500 children were used as soldiers last year in various conflicts across the world and nearly 2700 others were killed, the United Nations said on Monday.

UN chief Antonio Guterres' annual report to the Security Council on children and armed conflict covers the killing, maiming and sexual abuse of children, abduction or recruitment, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals.

The report verified that violations had been committed against 19,379 children in 21 conflicts. The most violations in 2020 were committed in Somalia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen.

It verified that 8521 chil-

dren were used as soldiers last year, while another 2674 children were killed and 5748 injured in various conflicts.

The report also includes a

blacklist intended to shame parties to conflicts in the hope of pushing them to implement measures to protect children. The list has long been controversial with dip-

lomats saying Saudi Arabia and Israel both exerted pressure in recent years in a bid to stay off the list.

Israel has never been listed, while a Saudi-led military coalition was removed from the list in 2020 several years after it was first named and shamed for killing and injuring children in Yemen.

In an effort to dampen controversy surrounding the report, the blacklist released in 2017 by Guterres was split into two categories. One lists parties that have put in place measures to protect children and the other includes parties that have not.

There were few significant changes to the lists released on Monday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

go.

The region's lucrative nut industry has been the target of heists in the past.

The purloined pistachios were grown by the Touchstone Pistachio Company, which found that tens of thousands of nuts were missing in an audit this month.

Agriculture detectives in Tulare County liaised with investigators in two other counties before tracking down a vehicle belonging to Montemayor, who works as

a trucker.

According to the Police, the nuts were being moved from their original 2000lb (907kg) sacks into smaller bags for resale. The remaining pistachios were returned to Touchstone.

Montemayor has been arrested and booked into a county jail.

The company has not responded to news of the arrest.

Central California produces most of the country's pistachios, almonds and

walnuts, creating almost 50,000 jobs and over US$5 billion (£3.6 billion) in economic value.

But robbers have disrupted nut distribution for years by posing as truck drivers to steal the product and then selling it off as their own to retailers.

Nut thieving peaked between 2014 and 2017, during which the industry lost more than US$7 million worth of nuts, according to CargoNet, which tracks truck thefts.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks to the media as UN General Assembly appointed him for a second five-year term from January 1, 2022, in New York City, New York, US, June 18, 2021

California man arrested over theft of 42,000lbs of pistachios

L

aw enforcement officials in Central California have cracked the case of 42,000 pounds of pistachio nuts that went missing earlier this month.

The Tulare County sheriff's office on Saturday announced it had tracked down the pilfered pistachios to a tractor trailer in a local parking lot.

Police said the alleged nut thief, 34-year-old Alberto Montemayor, had been planning to resell his looted car-

Pakistan’s Khan fears “civil war” if no peace deal in Afghanistan

P

akistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on the United States to find a political settlement to its war

in Afghanistan before withdrawing from the country, as he ruled out hosting any US military bases to be used against other countries.

Tasmanian devils devastate penguin population on Australian island

A

project to preserve endangered Tasmanian devils on a small island has backfired after the predators killed seabirds in large numbers, a conservation group said.

A small number of devils were shipped to Maria Island east of Tasmania, Australia, in 2012.

The move aimed to protect the mammals from a deadly facial cancer that had driven them towards extinction.

The devils have recovered since, but the island project has come at a cost.

The introduction of the devils to the island has had "a catastrophic impact on one or more bird species", according to BirdLife Tasmania, a

The Tasmanian devil is classified as endangered

local conservation organisation.

Citing a Government survey, BirdLife Tasmania said a population of little penguins that numbered 3000 breeding pairs in 2012 had disappeared from the island.

"Losing 3,000 pairs of pen-

guins from an island that is a national park that should be a refuge for this species basically is a major blow," said Dr Eric Woehler, a researcher for the group.

Dr Woehler said the outcome was no surprise given what research shows about

the introduction of mammals to oceanic islands.

In 2011, a report by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment suggested the introduction of devils would have "a negative impact on little penguin and shearwater colonies on Maria Island".

Last year, a paper published in the Biological Conservation journal said the devils had "eliminated" a colony of shearwater, a species of sea bird.

Tasmanian devils are classified as an endangered species by the IUCN Red List, which keeps a database on the conservation status of animals. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pakistan's PM Imran Khan was speaking in an interview to the US news platform, Axios, that was aired late on Sunday [Saiyna Bashir/Reuters]

Khan was speaking in an interview to US news platform Axios that was aired late on Sunday.

“The Americans, before they leave, there must be a settlement,” he said, referring to a September 11 deadline set by the US Government for its troops to withdraw from Pakistan’s north-western neighbour.

“A political settlement in Afghanistan would mean a sort of coalition Government. A Government from the Taliban side and the other side. There is no other solution.”

The US withdrawal is part of a 2020 peace agreement between the US and the Taliban, which continues to fight Afghan Government forces across the country.

As violence surges across

the war-torn country, US President Joe Biden is due to meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and peace chief Abdullah Abdullah on Friday to discuss the situation.

In the interview on Sunday, Khan said he feared that a “civil war” could follow the planned US troop withdrawal.

“In case the Taliban go for an all-out victory, there is going to be an incredible amount of bloodshed and, let me tell you, the country that is going to suffer the most after Afghanistan is going to be Pakistan,” he said.

Khan also ruled out the possibility of Pakistan allowing its territory to be used for US military bases that could support Afghan forces.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

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TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

21

Khemraj Mahadeo honoured as Walter Nero Father of the Year by RHTY&SC …Club and DTV-8 host 1st-ever David Rambarran Tribute to Fathers programme

T

he 11 cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) last weekend honoured one of their own, Khemraj Mahadeo, as the Walter Nero Father of the

ted to making sure that every member understood that the role of being a parent is a God-given opportunity that should be fulfilled and cherished.

RHTY&SC honorary

Khemraj Mahadeo receives his award from Anthony Nero as RHTY&SC Walter Nero Father of the Year

Year 2021 as part of its massive Tribute to Fathers’ programme.

Mahadeo, a former national junior cricketer, is a long-standing member of Guyana’s leading youth and sports club with more than 24 years of membership. He is the father of two children and is a loving and dedicated parent, in addition to being a very successful businessman.

RHTY&SC Assistant Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Simon Naidu, who spearheaded the 2021 edition of the Walter Nero Memorial Tribute to Fathers programme, stated that Mahadeo was chosen because he was an inspiration and mentor to every young male in the Club and also due to his determination to be the best parent to his two children. The Club, he stated, was very commit-

member Gregory Rambarran congratulated Mahadeo and urged him to continue to be a mentor to others and to share his experience with the younger generation of parents who might be struggling to fulfil their roles.

Mahadeo noted that being a member of the Club for most of his life had prepared him for the role of a parent and he felt humbled to be honoured by his peers, whom he considered family. The 11 teams also distributed close to 200 food hampers under the Walter Nero Memorial Programme. Nero was a close friend and mentor to the Club and his five overseas-based daughters – Sandra, Karen, Jackie, Theresa and Narcy – have been sponsoring the programme in his memory for the last five years. Anthony Nero, speaking on behalf of

the family, expressed gratitude to the RHTY&SC for keeping his father’s memory alive and also hailed the outstanding work of the Club, which, he stated, has transformed the lives of countless persons across the Ancient County. He congratulated Mahadeo on his well-earned award and handed over his prize, which included a framed certificate of excellence, medal of excellence, and a collection of gifts.

Meanwhile, the teams also hosted their first-ever countywide fathers’ appreciation programme in association with longthe time partner DTV-8 to honor three outstanding fathers. Three parents received the RHTY&SC/ David Rambarran Tribute to Outstanding Fathers award.

They were selected after a countywide essay competition organised by DTV-8.

Those honoured were Ezra Minty, Adria Singh and Arvendra Sukhlal.

David Rambarran was the founder of the popular television station DTV-8 and was also a close friend/mentor of the Club before his death. The Rambarran family has maintained a close working relationship with the Club over the years, and Gregory Rambarran, the eldest of David’s sons, serves as an advisor to the executives of the RHTY&SC, MS. Speaking at the simple presentation ceremony at the TV station’s head office on Saturday last, Gregory Rambarran expressed thanks to the cricket teams

Tokyo Olympics without fans a “definite possibility”, concedes Japanese Prime Minister Suga

T

he Tokyo Olympics could take place with no spectators in attendance if the Japanese capital is placed into another state of emergency, the nation’s Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga has said.

Japan is moving ahead with plans to host the Games, which were postponed by a year owing to the coronavirus pandemic, despite strong public opposition and warnings from health officials that crowds could lead to increased infection rates.

International fans are already banned from attending, with a decision on do-

mestic spectators scheduled to be taken on Monday.

On Sunday, the state of emergency that had been imposed on Tokyo and eight other prefectures was lifted, though looser restrictions remain in place until July 11.

Speaking to reporters at a vaccination centre, Suga said: “In the event a state of emergency was declared, then we can’t rule out not having spectators.

“I think that’s obvious from the standpoint of making safety and security our utmost priority.”

There were 376 new positive tests for COVID-19 re-

ported in Tokyo on Sunday, an increase on the 304 a week prior. The seven-day average in the capital also rose to 388 from 384.

Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto and Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Toshiro Muto were due to hold a news conference later on Monday after the culmination of talks surrounding domestic fans. It was then revealed that limited number of local fans will be allowed to attend the Tokyo Olympics – 50 per cent of capacity for a maximum of 10,000. (Adapted from Sportsmax)

The three awardees of the RHTY&SC/David Rambarran Fathers of the Year programme pose with officials of DTV-8 and the Club

for honouring the memory of his father and also hailed the outstanding work of the Club over the past 31 years, which, he stated, was unmatched by any other organisation in Guyana. Each of

the awardees received a special gift, a framed certificate, and a medal of excellence.

The 11 cricket teams of the RHTY&SC are Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and 13, Farfan and Mendes

Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Vitality Under-23 , and Namilco Under-21 and First Division.

NBA play-offs 2021: Hawks stun 76ers to reach Conference Finals, Booker’s Suns draw 1st blood

T

h e Philadelphia 76ers crashed out of the NBA playoffs amid a chorus of boos after the top seeds were sensationally upstaged by the Atlanta Hawks in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Back on home court for the series decider, the 76ers were tipped to close out the matchup at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, but the fifth-seeded Hawks had other ideas following a stunning 103-96 victory.

Despite Trae Young’s off night (21 points on just fivefor-23 shooting), the Hawks still managed to conquer Joel Embiid and the 76ers thanks to unheralded guard Kevin Huerter.

Huerter had a teamhigh 27 points, seven rebounds and three assists, as the Hawks returned to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2015, setting up a showdown with the Milwaukee Bucks.

It was a topsy-turvy battle in Philadelphia, where the 76ers trailed 76-71 at the start of the fourth quarter before rallying to lead by as many as four points in the final period.

However, the Hawks refused to surrender and

pounced on the sloppy 76ers, who finished with 17 turnovers en route to bowing out of the post season.

Double-doubles from MVP runner-up Embiid (31 points and 11 rebounds) and Tobias Harris (24 points and 14 rebounds) were not enough for the 76ers, with Ben Simmons (five points, 13 assists and eight rebounds) the subject of boos in his home arena after attempting just four shots throughout.

With Atlanta’s victory, it is the first time since 1994 both number one seeds in the play-offs failed to make the Conference Finals after the Utah Jazz were ousted by the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Stats Perform.

Earlier in the day, the Phoenix Suns were 120-114 winners over the Clippers in Game One of the Western Conference Finals.

Devin Booker recorded his first career triple-double, posting 40 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists for

the second-seeded Suns in the absence of Chris Paul (COVID-19 health and safety protocols).

Booker – in the midst of his maiden NBA play-offs campaign – became the first Suns player to register a triple-double in the post season since Hall of Famer Steve Nash in 2005.

The 24-year-old also became the third youngest player in NBA history to record a 40-point triple-double in the play-offs – only Luka Doncic and Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson achieved the feat at a younger age.

The Clippers – featuring in the Conference Finals for the first time in their history – were without star Kawhi Leonard for a third consecutive game due to a knee injury.

Paul George (34 points) and Reggie Jackson (24 points) tried to inspire the fourth seeds on the road in the series opener.

Clippers at Suns

After a day off, the play-offs resume with the Suns hosting the Clippers in Game of the Western Conference Finals today.

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje and Lower Corentyne receive grass cutters …Danesh Challitar honoured as BCB/Brian Ramphal Father of the Year 2021

T

Sponsor Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last week continued its historic Grounds Enhancement Programme by distributing a total of 16 grass cutters to clubs in the West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje and Lower Corentyne areas.

The BCB had earlier in June launched the special project by handing over five grass cutters to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) as the proactive Board strives to expand its off-field activities in the absence of cricket tournaments owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BCB President Hilbert Foster and Secretary Angela Haniff met with the clubs at three specially-arranged ceremonies to hand over the cutters and to urge them to take proper care of the equipment. Noting that the Board was investing heavily in the clubs’ development, Foster stated that management at the club level needed to be

more responsible and more accountable.

The Grounds Enhancement Programme,

were unable to properly prepare their venues. The BCB, he stated, hopes to restart its cricket season in August after the current rainy season is over and expressed confidence that the cutters would play a major role in assisting clubs to prepare for the start of the season. Foster advised the clubs that they have to share the cutters with other clubs and to make sure that they were being used for the intended purpose and not for any private work.

Among the clubs benefiting were Achievers CC, Bath

Representatives of New Amsterdam/Canje clubs pose with BCB President Hilbert Foster and Secretary Angela Haniff

BCB Father of the Year Dhanesh Challitar receives his award from executives of the UCCA

the BCB President noted, was in response to the regular complaint that clubs have no access to grass-cutting equipment and most times

CC, Cotton Tree CC, Bush Lot United, Edinburgh, East Bank Blazers, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Kendall Union, Whim, Port Mourant,

Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Fyrish, and Kildonan. The BCB has to date bought and distributed 21 of the cutters, and Foster committed to obtaining several more before the start of the season. Special thanks were extended to overseas-based donor Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh for his continued assistance to the BCB, Jason Sripal of J Supermarket and Kris Jagdeo for their assistance towards the project, the first of its kind in the history of the BCB. Meanwhile, the Board continued its packed list of activities by honouring Dhanesh Challitar of the Upper Corentyne area as its

Brian Ramphal Father of the Year 2021. Challitar is the father of a youth cricketer from the area and is highly respected for his outstanding work to develop the game in the Crabwood Creek area.

UCCA Vice President Sydney Jackman stated that the sub-association was very proud of the fact that both Mother and Father of the Year awardees for the BCB were residents of the area, and highlighted the emphasis that the Board was placing on the development of cricket in Upper Corentyne.

He congratulated Challitar on his achievement and urged him to continue to be a role model parent and men-

tor to every youth he works with. An emotional Challitar stated that he was humbled to be honoured and committed himself to the continued development of the game in Berbice. The greatest achievement in life, he said, a man can achieve is to mould his children into productive members of society while being their role model and mentor. UCCA executives led by President Dennis Andrade handed over the prize package, which included a framed certificate of excellence, a medal of excellence, and two special prizes. The programme was sponsored by long-time BCB sponsor Brian Ramphal.

CS&TC, Verman Bedessee Patadin’s all-round performance Foundation to host guides Majestic to easy win …Vantull impresses with quick-fire scoring Race Walking Competition

R

… action set for June 27

ace walkers will resume the intense battle for honours when the Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club (CS&TC) in association with the Verman Bedessee Foundation USA, stage a 10k Race Walk in commemoration of the late outstanding Guyanese Journalist and Editor of the then Daily Argosy N e w s p a p e r , Clarence D Kirton MS on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

The event will commence at 07:00h around D’Urban Park; trophies, medals and lucrative prizes will be up for grabs. Interested participants are asked to be at the starting line at 06:00h to allow for a prompt start.

Race walking in Guyana has begun to attract international attention and the Cavaliers Sports and Tour Club, which is noted for the promotion of the sport in

Verman Bedessee Foundation President Verman Bedessee

the country, has teamed up with the Verman Bedessee Foundation based in USA to further promote and develop the sport across the country.

This is being done with the goal of Guyana winning an Olympic medal in race walking.

According to the Coordinator of the club, Jennifer Major, race walking is gaining popularity with all ages and in all 10 administrative regions as a competitive and leisure pursuit. The club is happy with

the attention and involvement of the Verman Bedessee Foundation and noted this programme will help to push the sport to international standards.

Given the current situation where social distancing must be practised, Major believes that it is a great time to get involved in race walking, for it is great for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Verman Bedessee Foundation President Verman Bedessee said he was committed to the development of race walking and other sports in Guyana and planned to assist in arranging international race-walking events in the country. He is also hopeful of promoting training sessions and providing financial assistance for its development.

Race walking is an event contested at all levels, from youth athletes on to the Olympic Games.

T

he action continued cellent batting conditions. in the Caribbean Fest The in-form Derick Narine 40-over tournament could only afford 13, but this on Sunday at the Baisley brought the other in-form Pond Park where the batsman, Chris Patadin to Majestic Cricket the crease. It was as if he Club duked it out woke up in beast mode, with Melbourne he began, from the NY Alliance in a get-go, to smash the one-sided affair. ball. Every section of Last weekend, the Baisley Park felt Majestic registered his brutal assault. In their first loss. None the end, he was of their batsmen able to score managed an unbeatto click in en 135 that game off 100 as they balls insuffered a cluding humiliatseven ing loss. bo u n d Coming aries back from a n d the drawn i n e ing board, towerMajestic iming maxpressed from imums. the get-go, But it Damion Vantull scored a they showed wasn't a quick-fire 40 off 18 balls why they were one-man one of the top s h o w : teams in the competition. Damion Vantull continued Chris Patadin and Damion his impressive run as well Vantull, in particular, were with his Andre Russellvery impressive in their in- like assaults, he blasted nings of 135 and 40 respec- 40 from 18 balls, includtively. ing one boundary and five Majestic CC won the toss maximums, in the back end and elected to bat under ex- of the innings. In the end,

Majestic were able to post 270-6 in their allotted 35 overs.

Melbourne needed a challenging 271 for victory; if they could exploit Majestics’ weakness like the previous challengers did, they could have taken the victory easily. But Melbourne failed and were bundled out for 216 in 33.5 overs.

Richie Balkaran’s 54; Ryan Girdhary’s 64 and Parsaram Beepat’s 28 were not enough to save them. Majestic showed composure and discipline in their bowling effort and were able to bag an easy two points. Bowling for Majestic were Patadin with 2-34, Narine 1-40, Suraj Seepaul 1-37, Pranay Das 1-31, Robin Rooplall 1-41 and Avi Dhanpaul 1-33.

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Heading in the right direction…

23

Forde confident about football’s progress F

ollowing the senior men’s national football team’s recent stint in St Kitts and Nevis, there has been much talk about the quality of Guyana football and whether a change needs to be made.

However, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde is of the firm belief that Guyana is heading in the right direction – for more reasons than one.

Firstly, the football boss is confident in the local programmes that will work together to cohesively improve all aspects of the game.

“I would like to assure our loyal fans here at home and abroad, that the GFF has been making

steady progress in laying a sturdy foundation for the long-term success of all of our national teams by investing in many key areas that were neglected by previous administrations,” the GFF President shared during a media engagement last week.

Detailing those efforts and initiatives, Forde continued, “Through the recently-launched M-FAP programme, we continue to invest heavily in coaching education, infrastructure development, more football equipment and state-of-the-art data management technologies. We are providing unprecedented financial and material support to our members, so that they too can achieve their strategic

GFF President Wayne Forde

goals.”

Forde was nothing if not honest about the perception that no results are being seen and as such, he reiterated his confidence

in their efforts.

“While it will take some time before we realise the full returns on these investments, we can all take comfort in the positive per-

Day 4 washed out without a ball bowled

alistic about our expectations. However, we expect the squad and staff to give everything they have to cause Guatemala some serious problems throughout the match, and we know the support of the fans can make all the difference.”

Once completed, Forde promised that the domestic arm of the national team will get back to training in hopes of achieving some consistency.

“After the Gold Cup, the team will not be in competitive action until next year. We will use this time to further strengthen the development of our domestic-based national team players together with a consistent level of local and international games.”

formances of our youth national teams over the past five years as a firm validation that we are heading in the right direction,” the GFF boss assured.

The Golden Jaguars’ next engagement will come in a matter of weeks in the preliminary qualification process for the 2021 Gold Cup. Once in Miami, Forde disclosed, the national men’s team will play two friendly games to ascertain “the players’ level of match fitness and other performance benchmarks”.

On the topic of opposing Guatemala he said, “There is no doubt that Guatemala will be a tough obstacle in advancing to the round of 16, and we should be re-

Keshav Maharaj...

FROM PAGE 24

Kieran Powell top-scored with 51 in a losing effort

T

The 26-year-old has now taken 44 wickets in eight Tests since making his five-day debut for New Zealand in February 2020, with those dismissals coming at an average of 14.13 and with an economy of 2.36.

“I think the team culture and the environment that has been created over a long period of time is certainly one of the strings of this team and allows guys [to perform],” Jamieson told a media conference following the third day’s play.

“I have certainly been comfortable coming into this group and just being able to go about your business and I think having worldThe end of day four at the World Test Championship (WTC) final class guys on the reserve day will be made during around you allows you to just settle in your role. today’s play.

“I’ve been able to learn off these New Zealand will resume on 101-2 in their first innings, still 116 runs be- guys and I guess ride the coattails of hind, with Captain Kane Williamson them a little bit. The pressure they build and the runs they score, I can’t and Ross Taylor at the crease.

India lost seven wickets on an in- speak highly enough of the environtriguing third day on Sunday, with ment.”

Jamieson’s theory is also backed up Kyle Jamieson completing his fifth five-wicket haul in his eight-match by the form of opener Devon Conway, Test career, dismissing Virat Kohli be- who became the first – and so far only fore bagging two in two balls to help – batter to record a half-century in this Test with his 54 on Sunday. wrap up the tail. here was no play on the fourth day of the World Test Championship Final as poor weather prevented a ball being bowled.

Monday’s washout means that the match will extend into the designated reserve day on Wednesday if required, with the weather forecast for the fifth and potential sixth days of the Test significantly improved. An announcement

Fans continued to wait for the rain to stop and the cricket to start

Conway’s fledgling Test career is even greener than Jamieson’s, with the 29-year-old playing only his third fiveday match for New Zealand. But the opener has followed up his double-hundred on debut against England at Lord’s with half-centuries at Edgbaston and now the Hampshire Bowl.

But Conway fell in what proved to be the final over of day three in Southampton, slicing a ball that straightened late from Ishant Sharma to Mohammed Shami at mid-on.

“It was a crucial wicket for us and I feel if we’d have been able to have bowled a couple more overs to Ross Taylor, the new batsmen, we might have gotten a couple more,” said India batter Shubman Gill.

“When the play restarts we will have a slight edge on them as both are relatively new on the crease.

“I think both of the teams will try to have a result out of this match. If the conditions don’t go our way, then there isn’t much that we can do.”

Play is scheduled to start at 10:30j BST today, with an additional 60 minutes of lost playing time (a minimum of 15 overs) added from the start of the scheduled last hour of play.

Additional time can be added if all overs are not completed in the scheduled time, and an extra 30 minutes can follow if requested by either captain, if the umpires believe that the additional time could bring a definite result on the day.

The reserve day is available to make up the lost time if, as expected, it is required. Official confirmation of the reserve day will be made during today’s play. (ICC Cricket)

Mayers went on to share a 64-run stand with Powell, the best in the match for West Indies, before top-edging an attempted pull off Rabada, which flew over the slips. Elgar chased it and completed the catch.

Powell resisted almost alone from there. He brought up his fifty with an edge through third man and reached his highest Test score since October 2018, nine innings ago, but with his wicket, West Indies unravelled.

Powell first swept Maharaj to Nortje at deep midwicket. Maharaj then had Holder caught by Keegan Petersen at short leg off his next ball to deepen West Indies' troubles. And then came the icing on the cake, when Wiaan Mulder grabbed a one-handed chance at leg slip off a Da Silva fend.

West Indies went to lunch on 109 for 6, with only the lower order to come.

Kemar Roach and Jermaine Blackwood stayed together for 15.4 overs after the break, with Roach, in particular, playing some aggressive strokes during his 27. Blackwood was the first to go when he pushed at an Ngidi delivery and got an edge that de Kock held on to after diving full length to his right. Three overs later, Roach holed out to longon, off Maharaj, before Jayden Seales heaved across the line and was caught at deep square leg to finish off a memorable match for Maharaj. With the final wicket, Maharaj became the first South Africa spinner to take a five-wicket haul against West Indies.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 324 RUNS) Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c Elgar b Rabada Kieran Powell c Nortje b Maharaj Shai Hope c Markram b Rabada Kyle Mayers c Elgar b Rabada Jermaine Blackwood c †de Kock b Ngidi Jason Holder c Petersen b Maharaj Joshua Da Silva † c Mulder b Maharaj Kemar Roach c Ngidi b Maharaj Jayden Seales c Nortje b Maharaj Shannon Gabriel not out

6 51 2 34 25 0 0 27 7 2

Roston Chase absent hurt Extras (b 4, lb 3, nb 2, w 2) 11 TOTAL (58.3 Ov, RR: 2.82) 165 Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 8.2 ov), 2-26 (Shai Hope, 12.2 ov), 3-90 (Kyle Mayers, 31.3 ov), 4-107 (Kieran Powell, 36.3 ov), 5-107 (Jason Holder, 36.4 ov), 6-107 (Joshua Da Silva, 36.5 ov), 7-147 (Jermaine Blackwood, 53.4 ov), 8-158 (Kemar Roach, 56.4 ov), 9-165 (Jayden Seales, 58.3 ov) BOWLING Kagiso Rabada Lungi Ngidi Keshav Maharaj Anrich Nortje Wiaan Mulder

16-3-44-3 10-2-29-1 17.3-7-36-5 11-3-35-0 4-0-14-0

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

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

Keshav Maharaj hat-trick secures South Africa's 2-0 sweep K

e s h a v Maharaj took a hattrick to help South Africa complete their first series win away from home in more than four years, since they beat New Zealand in March 2017. Maharaj is only the second South African to take a Test hattrick and put South Africa's result beyond doubt with a triple-strike in the morning session. They sealed the 2-0 result 33 minutes before tea. This is also South Africa's first series win on the road under Mark Boucher and second in four series on Boucher's time in charge, since December 2019.

After setting West Indies 324 runs to win the second Test and square the series, South Africa's attack chipped away at their lineup and rarely allowed a batter to settle. Kagiso Rabada took the first three wickets before Maharaj's magic came in the 37th over, his

South Africa only needed nine wickets to win the match, with Maharaj finishing with his seventh five-wicket haul of his Test career. As for West Indies, they have not won any of their last three

eighth of the day, when he sent back Kieran Powell, Jason Holder, and Joshua Da Silva off sucQuinton de cessive Kock was the delivPlayer of the eries.

Series with W i t h 237 runs at an Roston average of 118 Chase unable to bat because of a quad injury,

Heading in the right direction…

Page 22

home series.

Rabada and Anrich Nortje began proceedings on the fourth morning and immediately threatened.

Nortje almost bowled Kraigg Brathwaite with a delivery that the West Indian Captain inside-edged just shy of the stumps and then lured Powell into a drive and beat him. But it was at the other end that the incisions were made.

Brathwaite's defence was breached when he came half-forward to defend a length ball from Rabada, but only managed an outside edge. Dean Elgar took the catch at first slip to end a poor series for Brathwaite and a poor series for opening partnerships on the whole. Brathwaite has managed 28 runs in four Tests, with a

Keshav Maharaj celebrates

top score of 15, while the average opening stand across both teams is 8.14. Only three series in the history of Test cricket have had lower averages for the opening stand.

Rabada kept up the fuller lengths, but two overs later, held his length back against Shai Hope, who could not decide between ducking and fending and ended up lobbing the ball to Aiden Markram at second slip. South Africa appealed and then reviewed, with replays confirming Hope had gloved the ball. Rabada could have had two-in-two when he hit Kyle Mayers on the front pad with a full toss and umpire Joel Wilson gave Mayers out lbw, but Rabada had overstepped.

TURN TO PAGE 23

Chris Patadin scored 135* and bowled 2-34

Patadin’s all-round Forde confident performance guides about Majestic to easy win football’s progress …Vantull impresses with quick-fire scoring Pg 23

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