Guyana Times - Monday, June 6, 2022

Parents of children P with disabilities excited about cash grant, other initiatives to support PWDs 10

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

Issue No. 5031

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

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World Environment Day

"Stop skirting around issues" – Pres Ali urges developed world to deliver on environmental pledges Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Man gunned down at East Ruimveldt P2

13-year-old P15 allegedly bullied by classmates, teacher

…family urges investigation

Duo arrested with gun, P16 ammo

President Dr Irfaan Ali planting a ‘Bajan’ mahogany tree in the National Park at the conclusion of the World Environment Day Green Walk ceremony on Sunday as Head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Kemraj Parsram and others look on (Office of the President photo)

More people able to meet loan payments with improving economy – IMF Govt to set up Centre of LCDS 2030 Excellence for cancer will be treatment – President finalised in a matter of weeks – Jagdeo See story on page 9

Page 7

Page 11

…responses from countrywide consultations still being analysed – already in talks with US-based Mount Sinai

Govt will ensure economic success of Guyana is guaranteed – AG tells Diaspora Page 15

Canje River P2 to be cleared as fisherfolk complain of damage from thick vegetation

29 new COVID infections; 1 P12 in ICU Police Commander wants end to P16 “cordon and search” exercises …prefers more intelligence-led operations

2 NEWS

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Canje River to be cleared as fisherfolk Man gunned down complain of damage from thick vegetation at East Ruimveldt

Portions of cut grass in the Canje River

Damage being done to fishing equipment as a result of the thick vegetation in the Berbice River

O

n the heels of complaints filed by fisherfolk, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) will be moving to clean out the Canje River, which is burdened in some parts with thick vegetation.

Regional Chairman David Armogan made the revelation during a recent address to the RDC, noting that an “aquatic weed harvester” will be contracted to undertake the job of removing weed from the river.

Fishermen who operate in the waterway along with other boat owners have complained of the damages they sustain as a result of the overgrown vegetation.

The fishers who operate from Rosignol recently com-

plained about the improper disposal of grass which flows out of the Canje River and into the Berbice River, thus affecting their trade.

Several fishermen have vented their frustration, claiming that the grass, when cut, is left to flow into the river. As a result, the weed becomes entangled with their fishing gear, resulting in severe damage.

Contractors are employed by the Region Six administration to cut the grass from the shores of the Canje River twice per year in order to keep it clear.

If left unattended, the grass will cover the river, making it impossible to use it.

On many occasions, the river becomes blocked

at some points. However, fishers who operate in the Berbice River say that the grass floating out has been costing them financially to replace damaged equipment.

The fisherfolk in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have for years been appealing to authorities to have the contractors cut the grass into smaller pieces and have it float out of the Canje River which flows into the Berbice River.

Armogan said they have appealed to the contractors on several occasions but sometimes it is very difficult for these companies and individuals to do what is required.

Addressing the Region Six RDC on the issue, he explained that Chief Fisheries Officer Denzel Roberts has written to him, asking for the regional administration to meet with the grasscutters.

“He said that they are cutting it too big and they are pulling seines and the

pens of the fisherfolks.

When the grass is coming sometimes looking like an island, it breaks the pens,” Armogan said.

He noted too that the administration will be having a dialogue with the contractors cutting grass in the Canje River.

Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman announced that very shortly a “grass eater” will be arriving in Guyana.

The Agriculture Ministry has already made the purchase, he noted.

According to Armogan, the machine chips the grass before putting it back into the water. The machinery is also expected to be used in the Canje River.

In November 2020, Guyana Times had reported that access to the village of Baracara, situated 52 miles up the Canje River, Berbice, was a nightmare due to heavy vegetation that blocked some sections of the waterway, thus making it almost impossible for boats to traverse.

The man that was shot dead at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown

P

olice are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was found during the wee hours of Sunday found on the roadway at Self Help Square, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The man, whose body had bullet wounds, is yet to be identified. Police Headquarters revealed that the victim is of African descent and was sporting dreadlocks.

At around 03:05h on the day in question, cops received a report from an unknown caller about the body on the roadway.

Upon arrival at the scene several minutes lat-

er, officers observed the victim lying face down. He was clad in a pair of black pants, a multi-coloured shirt along with a blue hooded sweater and a toque on his head.

What appeared to be a gunshot injury was seen on the left side of his abdomen. The scene was processed by the officers and one .40 spent shell was recovered about 6ft south of the body. Also found next to the body was a haversack containing two bottles of alcoholic beverages, two bottles of cologne, two body sprays, two knives, and $18,860 in cash.

Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Monday, June 6 – 22:30h – 00:00h and Tuesday, June 7 – 23:00h – 00:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, June 6 – 08:15h – 09:45h and Tuesday, June 7 – 09:10h – 10:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and light rain showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Southerly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:57h and 21:01h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 15:06h reaching a minimum height of 0.94 metre.

World Environment Day

"Stop skirting around issues" – Pres Ali urges developed world to deliver on environmental pledges

W

hile highlighting the dangers of climate change and the risk to the natural environment, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday renewed his call for developed nations to make good on their pledges toward environmental preservation.

The President made the call while delivering remarks following the World Environment Day walk organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Ali told the gathering at National Park that the issue of climate change, mitigation and adaptation is one that affects the entire world and for the “One Planet” dream to be realised, every nation, particularly the developed nations, should step up and play

hand washing facility that was so essential in the fight against COVID. Three billion people lack basic access to this fundamental public health imperative,” the President highlighted.

He added that some 4.2 billion people do not have access to safe sanitisation which is required to battle the COVID pandemic. He pointed out that about 20 per cent of the global population cannot access adequate housing and more than one billion live in slums. Ali further stated that more than half of the world’s population survives on less than US$5 per day.

President Ali outlined the economic plight of the world to drive home his point that the climate change conversation cannot happen in isolation, but

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the gathering

resources necessary for adaptation and mitigation are readily available.

“We cannot live in a false reality. We have to live in the reality of the global environment in which each of us is operating. Whether you are an environmentalist, a scientist,

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Persons gathered at National Park following Sunday morning’s Environment Day walk

their part. He added that the climate change conversation cannot happen in isolation when more than half of the world lives below the poverty line or does not have access to basic necessities such as clean drinking water. “…the fact is we cannot address climate issues unless we address the fundamental needs and wants of human beings. We cannot even speak about climate change if we have people who are hungry, people who don't have access to water, people who don’t have access to wages and earnings. Then they have no other alternative but to seek out every possible way to survive.

“According to UNICEF, one in three persons globally does not have access to safe drinking water. And why don't they have access?

It is because we don't have the revenues and the resources in the developing world to give access to safe drinking water. One in every three persons; three billion people lack basic hand washing facilities, the same

rather it must take into account every factor critical to the conditions of living. “…this is the reality of the world we live in today.

That is why we have been consistently calling on the developed world to stay true to the pledges they made.

We are far away from the minimal $100 billion pledge that the developed world would have made to fight climate change, adaptation and mitigation measures.

If you look at adaptation alone, just for adaptation measures in the developing economies, it will cost between $140 billion to $300 billion annually if we are to successfully meet adaptation costs alone by 2030,” Ali added.

Balanced approach

The Head of State said that while they are aware of the rapidly rising sea levels and changes in climatic conditions, smaller nations like Guyana must take a balanced approach.

He explained that the country must explore every possible revenue-generating activity to ensure that the

an economist, or a social activist, you cannot live in silos. We have to live within the construct of the global reality and that is why we are pursuing a growth and a development path that is carved on a Low Carbon Development Strategy, where we are seeking to strike the balance; where we are seeking to ensure that sustainability is built on economic viability; sustainability is built on environmental sustainability; sustainability is built on reducing inequality and disparity and bringing balanced growth and equitable growth to the people of One Guyana,” the President told the gathering.

Ali, throughout his address, referenced the “One World” initiative crafted by global leaders but used the same messaging to highlight the discriminatory treatment meted out to smaller developing states. He said that the “One World” dream cannot be achieved if there are divisions in the way issues are handled and addressed.

He pointed out that “One

World” is not a world in which the poor and developing countries must stand at the back of the line for vaccines in a pandemic.

“We have to stop skirting around issues globally, and we have to deal with things in a realistic way, in a fair way… And it all comes back to climate, climate change, adaptation, and mitigation. Because if you look at some countries that have high deforestation rates, it has high deforestation rates because people were going after economic opportunities, livelihood opportunities, they were going after opportunities to keep food on the table for their children and their community. Whilst it is unsustainable, we cannot escape this reality,” he reminded.

The President said that continuous calls can be made to move to sustainable forms of energy generation but the capital costs are high and the monopoly is held by the very nations that exploited oil and gas to develop themselves.

Adaptation and mitigation

President Ali went on to outline that by the end of the 21st century, the sea level is expected to rise between 10 to 21 1/2 inches and questioned who is going to foot the bill of protecting Guyana’s 425 kilometres of coastline.

“Who is going to pay for it? Where is the money going to come from to protect this more than 425 kilometres of coastline that we have to protect to save lives, to save crops, to ensure we are food secure, to save livelihoods? It is us; it is Guyana; we will have to find more than $1 billion in adaptation just to meet this one singular need. Where will the revenue come from?” he further questioned.

He said that the money would have to come from the responsible exploitation of resources in the productive sector.

TURN TO PAGE 12

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

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

IMF economic health check

A

ll member countries of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have to agree to subject their economic and financial policies to the review of the institution. This “surveillance” is conducted annually by a team of experts who interview Government, Opposition, Private Sector, banking, and a wide array of individuals to produce a report that is presented to the IMF management and board, who discuss and then transmit its findings and recommendations to the country’s Government.

Guyana just underwent this process and in light of trenchant criticisms from several quarters on aspects of the Government’s economic and financial policies and performance, it might be useful to present the views of the IMF, as an impartial body. The following are excerpts: “The Guyanese economy was negatively impacted by the pandemic, and 2021 floods, but has recovered well supported by the oil boom and policy actions. Following the pandemic-induced recession and delayed political transition in 2020, economic growth recovered in 2021, with non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth reaching 4.6 percent. The war in Ukraine exacerbated inflationary pressures in 2022 – due primarily to higher fuel and food prices – but the Government implemented measures to mitigate the impact on vulnerable households and the economy. Even though the current account deficit widened significantly in 2021 in part reflecting increased capital imports, the foreign exchange (FX) reserve position improved, due to the new Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocation.

“Guyana’s medium-term prospects are more favourable than ever before, with increasing oil production having the potential to transform Guyana’s economy. Oil production is expected to increase significantly with the coming on stream of two large oilfields in the Stabroek Block during 2022-26. Guyana’s commercially recoverable petroleum reserves are estimated to be well over 11 billion barrels, the third-largest in Latin America and the Caribbean, and one of the highest levels of oil reserves per capita in the world. This could help Guyana build up substantial fiscal and external buffers to absorb shocks while addressing infrastructure gaps and human development needs.

However, increased dependence on oil revenues will expose the economy to volatility in global oil prices. A slowing global economy and the repercussions from the war in Ukraine could also adversely affect non-oil exports. On the other hand, higher global oil prices and additional gas and oil discoveries could significantly improve Guyana’s long-term economic prospects.

“Staff strongly support the authorities’ goals to transform the economy, address development needs in an inclusive way, and protect the long-term economic well-being of the country. Staff strongly support the authorities’ efforts to reduce electricity costs, improve transport infrastructure, diversify the economy, improve access to and quality of social services, and advance more broadly towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Staff commend the authorities’ efforts outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 to maintain the country’s forest coverage and address climate change challenges by shifting towards renewable energy sources while entering the international carbon credits market.

“Staff welcome the recent amendments to the National Resources Fund Act. The recent amendments to the 2019 Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act set clear ceilings on withdrawals from the Fund for budgetary spending and promote transparency in the management and use of oil resources. Staff praise the authorities’ thorough review of the 2019 NRF Act before making amendments, and the restraint in using any oil revenues before the passage of the amendments.

“Staff recommend a feasible and moderate increase in public investment while further strengthening the mediumterm framework for fiscal policy. Staff welcome the emphasis on public investment and policies to sustain growth into the longer term. Staff urge caution in determining the pace of ramping up public investment. While pressing development challenges still face the country, a large surge in public investment could add inflationary pressure, affect competitiveness of the non-oil economy, lead to an eventual loss in FX reserves, and might not be sustainable over the medium term…Staff recommend setting annual budgets within a fiscal framework that, over the medium term, constrains the annual non-oil overall fiscal deficit (after grants) to not exceed the expected transfer from the NRF, to anchor fiscal policy in a sustainable way.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday morning took some time out to indulge in a game of cricket with students of Smith Memorial Primary School on the tarmac at the National Park following the World Environment Day Green Walk ceremony (Photo: President Irfaan Ali's Facebook page)

George Lamming put Barbados on the global literary map Dear Editor, George Lamming, who died in Barbados yesterday was a shy, non-egotistical, private, pensive, and introspective man, and of utter sincerity. With Kamau Brathwaite, George Lamming put Barbados on the global literary map. He read his work at Warwick University Caribbean Studies Centre, and at the UK Society for Caribbean Studies in the 1980s and 1990s.

As a fledgeling academic and writer, I was honoured to have met this great man and I chaired some of his meetings. He was a great supporter of Walter Rodney and the Rodney family and wrote a brilliant Preface to Walter's magisterial book on the History of the Guyanese Working People.

It was my utmost honour to have spent time with him at Warwick, in Barbados Atlantis hotel where he lived for many years, and at the major London South Bank Conference on him in 2003 which I chaired, (to celebrate his seminal novel, on its 50th anniversary, 19532003, In The Castle Of My Skin), and at a Conference in Florida University on Caribbean Literature in the 1990s, at which he talked about journalism being a literary art. I disagreed politely with him, out of a narrow view of what 'literary art' meant, and he readily

forgave my youthful lack of knowledge, when he could have chided me in public.

George Lamming was not interested in scoring points against other writers, especially those who were novices to the art of literature. He was exceptionally kind, supportive, and forgiving of younger writers. I can definitely say the same of Wilson Harris and Samuel Selvon, who, with established and lauded reputations, always gave kindly advice and support, and encouragement to younger Caribbean writers.

George Lamming also wrote powerfully on the contribution of IndoGuyanese rice farmers in feeding Guyana. George Lamming like Rodney and other thinkers and activists was committed to a "harmonious" multicultural and multi-ethnic future for Guyana and the region. An amazing and inspiring man, and I was awed by him and so thankful for advice he gave me, as a novice scribbler on Caribbean Studies/ Caribbean fiction and poetry.

His death is a blow/setback to further visionary understanding of the cultural, literary, political and intellectual history of the Caribbean. But we will get there, George Lamming was convinced that younger, new thinkers, writers, artists and activists will continue

the quest for the making of decent, compassionate and civilised Caribbean societies. May his novels and his journalism, laced with wisdom, remain in print. May the Barbados Government or Caricom create a lasting archive of his work over

60-plus years and make it available to the world.

Sincerely, David Dabydeen Emeritus Professor, University of Warwick and Hon Fellow at Cambridge University

President Ali's cash grant to fisherfolk is commendable Dear Editor, President Dr Irfaan on Tuesday last announced a $150,000 cash grant to the fisherfolk across the country. This news is commendable.

The PPP/C Government has done good for the Guyanese people. We are thankful.

Accompanying President Ali on Tuesday last, was the Minister of Agriculture Mr Zulfikar Mustapha who assured the fishers that our Government is continuously exploring areas to assist all sections of the population. This was welcome news because as a Guyanese, I also stand to benefit from other timely Government initiatives that seek to cushion the effects of the still present COVID-19 pandemic and RussiaUkraine war.

This announcement is also a fulfilment of a promise made by President Ali last year during a meeting with

the fisherfolk in Berbice.

Whilst at that meeting, the Minister of Agriculture stated that the “PPPC Administration will never allow the sector to perish” and assured all those systems will be put in place to ensure fishers can be able to maintain their families.

The PPPC Government has kept its promises to the people. They have already removed the taxes that burdened many sectors. The Value-Added Tax that was placed on fishing materials and agricultural machinery is no more, much to the benefit of Guyanese.

I would like to thank President Dr Ali and the Minister of Agriculture the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha for their thoughtful and timely intervention and for keeping their promises.

Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

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Employment of youths can cut The huffing and puffing Norton will not succeed in wresting power poverty and social ills through “kith and kin” politics Dear Editor, Aubrey Norton’s thinly-veiled threat “If not treated with respect, I’ll deal with Irfaan Ali… and that’s the bottom line”.

This is the recurrent theme underpinning every PNC leadership, beginning from Burnham’s collaboration with the UK and USA to bring down the Jagan Government, using the PNC-crafted X-13 Plan that forced Dr Jagan to accede to restructured electoral systems that he was aware were inimical to his Government and the nation, in a bid to save the nation from rampaging mobs that literally destroyed the city in February 12, 1962, that was precipitated by Burnham’s speech, in part: “Comrades, the fight starts now. Tomorrow at 2 o’clock in the afternoon there is a demonstration organised by the Trade Union Congress… No doubt the Riot Squad will be there.

Do you still want to go?

Comrades, remember that tomorrow Jagan’s army is coming down from Cane Grove and Windsor Forest.

Do you still want to go?”

(Wynn Parry Commission).

This speech eventuated in the burning and looting of several businesses in Georgetown on Black Friday, February 16, 1962.

The Wynn Parry

Commission described Burnham thus, “The real motivating force behind Mr Burnham’s assault was a desire to assert him in public life and establish a more important and more rewarding position for him by bringing about Dr Jagan’s downfall.”

Ralph Seeram wrote: “The incitement of the mobs by the opposition leaders, trade union, as well as the business class, culminated on Black Friday, February 16, 1962.

The riotous mobs attacked the Electricity Plant, the Water Works, Parliament as well as Premier Jagan’s residence as well as the business that supported the budget. At the end of Black Friday 56 business were destroyed, 87 damaged by fire and 66 were looted.”

Almost every PNC leader, down the corridors of Guyana’s history, instead of seeking to be part of the developmental paradigm of a PPP/PPPC Administration, has instigated their supporters into violence and destructive programmes to gain power, converse to PPP’s actions when that party is in opposition – mainly through rigged elections. PPP leaders in Government on the other hand, in attempts to save the country from PNC

violence and destruction, have several times acceded to conditions inimical to their own interests: A case in point is the truncation of Mrs Janet Jagan’s presidency.

Every PPP/PPPC President has reached out to PNC leaders to join in collective endeavours in nation-building and had either been rebuffed, or good-faith agreements were honoured in the breach.

This latest grandstanding by Norton is a PNC norm. However, even PNC supporters are becoming aware that their traditional leaders are failing them and are embracing educational/empowerment/ wealth and job-creational programmes by the Irfaan Ali-led Administration that are intended to truly provide them with tools to attain for themselves “the good life”.

The huffing and puffing Norton will not succeed in wresting power through “kith and kin” politics anymore because, in Guyanese parlance “This time nah lang time” and their supporters have emancipated themselves from mental slavery.

Yours truly, Erin Northe

Dear Editor, I applaud Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and the entire PPP-led Government for ensuring that the PPP promise of job creation is made a realisation for Guyana’s youth population.

I believe that there are thousands of strong, and vibrant young people that are looking actively for jobs, and want to be a part of the development of our country.

They are eager to put their creative juices to work. They want to earn a solid and meaningful salary to be economically inclined and start their futures on the right track.

So, this job drive is what Guyana needs and certainly in part what was promised to the electorate.

I read of hundreds of young people already gainfully employed in jobs in regions around the country, thanks to the Government’s job initiative. For example, the successful applicants are attached to Government Ministries and agencies within the region and will work for 10 days per month, earning about $40,000. The move, I believe, will also see the Government investing approximately $120 million into one of the region’s economies monthly.

This move also can cut poverty and social ills if the initiative continues to attract the masses. Young

people will contribute to putting food constantly on their families' table and the communities will see a decline in the numbers of outof-school youths involved in crime and criminality.

If this initiative is placed hand-in-hand with the Government’s educational drive, Guyana will further develop and grow from strength to strength.

I believe that young people are thankful for the opportunity to work.

For Jagdeo to say that the Government will do whatever it takes to ensure improvement in the livelihood of every citizen means a lot to the poorer classes of

people.

I urge all to take advantage of these opportunities regardless of political affiliation, sex, gender, or social standing.

As the Vice President was quoted as saying “This is not free money; you are working for the Government now I hope that you deployed well so that you can make the maximum effort in the ten days that you work. The income too although it is not too high, it will help to offset some of the cost of living rise”.

With regards, Thomas Cole

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

Page

Foundation

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Problems are your friend Working and re-working problems is important for technical courses (eg, Maths). Be able to explain the steps of the problems and why they work.

In technical courses, it is usually more important to work problems than read the textbooks (Newport, 2007). In class, write down in detail the practice problems demonstrated by the teacher. Annotate each step and ask questions if you are confused. At the very least, record the question and the answer (even if you miss the steps).

When preparing for tests, put together a large list of problems from the course materials and lectures. Work the problems and explain the steps and why they work (Carrier, 2003).

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

LCDS 2030 will be finalised in a matter of weeks – Jagdeo …responses from countrywide consultations still being analysed

T

he expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 will be finalised in a matter of weeks, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo recently announced.

He assured that once completed, the Government will approach the National Assembly to have the document debated.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference, the Vice President said the Administration is receptive to every suggestion being made by citizens regarding the LCDS 2030.

Government has been hosting several outreaches to solicit views from the public regarding the expanded LCDS. According to the Vice President, the Government is currently analysing the data it has received and will sort through the suggestions to determine which can add value to the strategy.

“We’re hoping to finalise, maybe in a matter of weeks, because we have rolled out a consultation strategy across the country, in the Indigenous communities, in the region, etc. We have quite a few comments that we’re processing now, to see how we can improve what we have for the better. And so, we are taking each sug-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

gestion seriously,” Jagdeo said.

“We anticipate that as soon as we complete this, the Parliament would have a look at it and debate it. But we’re very worried about the mindset of the Opposition.

They are very negative on everything. Simultaneously, you know we are working to get our forest carbon on the market and to try to maximise the benefits we receive from our forest carbon credits,” he added.

The LCDS 2030 seeks to create a new low-carbon economy in Guyana by establishing incentives which value the world’s ecosystem

services, and promote these as an essential component of a new model of global development with sustainability at its core. In Guyana’s case, it is about harnessing the value of the country’s ecosystem services to build a longterm, low-carbon diversification opportunity.

Meanwhile, the Vice President at his recent press conference, spoke about the money remaining from the Guyana REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) Investment Fund (GRIF). A total of US$250 million was to be paid to Guyana over a five-

year period by Norway and it is understood that as of January US$54 million remained in the fund.

“I had a meeting with the Norwegian Ambassador and the officials who came here.

We spoke about the model building and the future ways of intermediating these resources in a less bureaucratic manner without harming the transparency in the use of the resources for future.”

“And we’ve also indicated our intention to utilise the remaining programme sum for adaptation measures. And that is why we’ve launched these consultations across Regions Two, Three, Five and Six, where we’re looking at structures similar to what we did at the Hope Canal,” Jagdeo explained.

Jagdeo also spoke about the developed world and their attitude when it comes to creating a market for the sale of carbon credits.

According to him, the developed world has a responsibility to create the incentives for such products from the developing world, as the fate of the world and carbon emission targets hang in the balance.

“This is only right and just, given that the world pays nearly $90 per ton for carbon in another part of the world. And they’re unwilling now, to even guarantee a price of $10 for forest carbon.

And a ton of carbon from whatever its source, or wherever in the world its emitted, has the same impact on global warming.”

“So, our argument is that the developed world has to start creating incentives and markets for products supplied by the developing world. They can’t want to treat developing world mitigation solutions as though it could be solved through philanthropy or good will,

as they did in COP26 when there was just a declaration without allocation of resources, to say deforestation must end by 2030,” he explained.

Jagdeo noted that deforestation and land use change contribute 16 per cent of total greenhouse gases. As such, he noted that the world would never achieve net zero if these primary sources of emissions aren’t addressed.

A carbon credit is a tradable permit or certificate that allows the holder of the credit the right to emit a stated tonnage of carbon dioxide or an equivalent of another greenhouse gas. Countries and companies that exceed their permitted limits can purchase carbon credits from other nations that have low emissions such as Guyana.

Guyana’s 18.4 million hectares of largely pristine forest stores approximately 5.31 gigatons of carbon.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jury selected in trial of man charged with 2017 murder

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12-member jury has been selected for the trial of 40-year-old Naresh Baldeo, called “Blackboy”, who is currently on remand for an August 2017 murder.

His trial will commence next Wednesday before Essequibo High Court Judge Brassington Reynolds.

Upon his arraignment, Baldeo, formerly of Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, denied the charge which alleged that he murdered Mohabeer Gangadeen, a miner, on August 12, 2017, in the Potaro Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Murder accused: Naresh Baldeo

Senior State Counsel Tiffini Lyken is appearing for the

prosecution while Attorney-atLaw Latchmie Dindayal is representing the murder accused.

Police Headquarters had said that the men were at a dredge in Potaro Backdam consuming High Wine and vodka when an argument ensued.

Gangadeen had reportedly accused Baldeo and another employee of stealing gold from the dredge. As a result, the men got into a heated argument during which Gangadeen picked up a spade and dealt Baldeo several lashes to his face and hand.

According to reports, Baldeo overpowered Gangadeen and took away the spade, with which he then dealt the now

What’s in a name… …when it’s a “slave name”

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Dead: Mohabeer Gangadeen

dead man several lashes about his body.

Police recover almost $5M worth of braids and weaves stolen from businessman

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nvestigators on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are now probing an alleged break and enter and larceny that was committed on a bond owned by Junior Hope, a 38-year-old businessman of Non-Pariel, ECD. Police said during the robbery, a quantity of hair (braiding hair and weaves) valued at $5.4 million was stolen.

The robbery occurred sometime between Friday and Saturday at Annandale Public Road, ECD. Reports revealed that the bond was secured on Friday evening at about 17:30h, and at about 11:00h on Sunday, the businessman discovered the front door to the building was open. Upon enter-

The stolen items that were recovered

ing, the place was ransacked several items were missing.

The Police were called in and acting on information they received, an operation was conducted at Fourth Street Annandale, ECD, between 13:50h and 16:30h, where some of the stolen items were recovered.

Police later carried out another raid at Strathspey Squatting Area, ECD, at the home of a businesswoman where the other items were recovered. At the time, the items were in a building at the back of her yard.

A total of $4,840,000 worth of items were recovered.

Two persons were arrested and are presently in custody.

6 ECD men slapped with DUI charges

Leon Fredrick Joe

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ix men have been arrested and charged for driving under the influence by Police traffic ranks on the East Coast of Demerara. They will be arraigned shortly before a Magistrate.

Charged are Leon Fredrick Joe, 45, of 37 North Haslington, ECD; 45-year-old Troy De Souza of 13 Golden Grove, ECD; Errol Thornhill, 39, of 185 Enmore, ECD; Fazal Hussain, a 32-year-old resident of 122 Lusignan, ECD; Ryan Khan, 32, of Coldingen Squatting Area, ECD and 23-year-old Hermainie Chintamanie of 73 Block 5 Plantation Hope, ECD. Driving while above the prescribed alcohol limit attracts a charge for the of-

Troy De Souza

Ryan Khan

fence of driving under the influence (DUI) which carries a fine. Persons can be charged for this traffic violation if, when tested, their blood alcohol content is found to exceed the prescribed limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol in 100 mil-

Errol Thornhill

Heramainie Chintamanie

lilitres of breath, and their blood alcohol concentration exceeds 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched countrywide campaigns aimed at encouraging drivers to practice safe road use. At these

Fazal Hussain

campaigns, drivers are lectured on the road safety theme “Arrive Alive, Stop Speeding, Don’t Drink & Drive”; obeying traffic officials, signs and functions of the traffic light; adherence to the speed limits and maintenance of motor vehicles.

They are also advised against using handheld devices while driving and driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Drivers are also told to ensure that their driver's licence and other documents are up to date before using a motor vehicle.

Police statistics show that driving under the influence of alcohol and excessive speeding are the leading causes of accidents in Guyana.

ver in TT, a fierce fight has broken out over “namecalling”. And no…it’s not in some schoolyard scrimmage where the kids may retort “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me”!! It’s between Kamla and Camille – past Prime Minister and present Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Minister of Planning and Development Camille RobinsonRegis.

At a PNM meeting on May 26, Camille called out at least three times, “Ka-mi-la Su-shi-la Persad Beast-ass-ar”. The deliberate mispronunciation – plus revealing to a surprised nation that Kamla’s middle name was Sushila – invoked the old trope of Indian names being “unpronounceable”. And this 177 years after Indian arrival was just commemorated on May 30!! The subtext, of course, was Indians being “coolies” it wasn’t worth the while of “real” Trinidadians to learn their pronunciation!! There is the lingering scorn.

Well, Kamla fell for the “crank up” and in one of her party’s meetings, hit back: “What problem you have with my name? What’s wrong with my name? Camille, at least I have the name of my ancestors. Where you got yours from?

Your name is that of a slave master.” Well, who told her to say that?? It brought down a firestorm all over the island with PNMites insisting that Kamla was “racist”. The point is, both of them were very insensitive to the fact that they were living in a multi-racial society in which such namecalling brings up a past that’s fraught with slights and hurts and worse.

Technically, Kamla isn’t incorrect. As Malcolm X once pointed out, “The slave master who owned us put his last name on us to denote that we were his property. So, when you see a negro today who’s named Johnson, if you go back in his history you will find that his grandfather, or one of his forefathers, was owned by a white man who was named Johnson. My father didn’t know his last name.

My father got his last name from his grandfather, and his grandfather got it from his grandfather, who got it from the slave master. The real names of our people were destroyed during slavery.” But that’s not the point, is it?

Similarly, Camille should’ve been more sensitive to the sentiments of mocking an Indian name – especially just before Indian Arrival Day. That’s when Indians would’ve been reflecting on their travails during and after Indentureship when the Creole culture into which they’d been dumped scorned and derided them as “uncivilised” and worse.

Your Eyewitness hopes that in our dear Guyana, leaders and followers would be attuned to the implications of name-calling. …on a personal level But we did have our own firestorm over name-calling right here in Guyana, didn’t we? Charges were brought by now ex-Policewoman Shawnette Bollers against young Attorney Nirvan Singh for (according to her) calling her a “black monkey” and spitting on her. Retorting that he merely yelled at her for being disrespectful to his mother, he denied the allegation. But the firestorm didn’t end there.

Bollers’ lawyer filed a charge as defined by the Racial Hostility Act – which meant that Singh would’ve uttered the words in a public space to wilfully excite, or attempt to excite, hostility and ill-will against her on the ground of her race as an Afro-Guyanese, the words being directed to her and published by him. Now when the DPP said the facts as described didn’t satisfy the criteria…she was denounced as “taking sides”!

But now a new charge was filed against Nirvan for “assault”.

This should go forward. So, let’s see if anyone will apologise to the DPP. …In the Castle of my Skin George Lamming, who wrote that seminal Bildungsroman of our Caribbean people, is now gone.

We in Guyana should never forget him for also writing the preface to Rodney’s great “History of the Guyanese Working People”.

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

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

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

More people able to meet loan payments with improving economy – IMF

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he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed that non-performing loans in Guyana are on the decline, with more people being able to meet their financial obligations with local lending institutions – consequences of an “improving economy”.

This observation was made by IMF staff in their concluding statement from their 2022 Article IV mission. According to the IMF, non-performing loans declined from 10.8 per cent at the 2020 yearend to 6.75 per cent in March 2022.

This is on the basis of a financial sector being “well capitalised and stable,” the IMF described.

“Macro-financial risks are well monitored with eight indicators, including credit to GDP measures and the systemic risk matrix. The capital to risk-adjusted assets ratio – at about 29 per cent – is much higher than the regulatory minimum of 8 per cent,” the financial institution noted.

“The Bank of Guyana (BoG) has advanced in major reform areas, specifically in (i) revising the guidelines of asset quality reviews (including revised credit classification and provisioning for the loss category) and (ii) implementing some pillars of Basel II and III,” the IMF further explained.

It was also noted in the

concluding statement that the Government’s goals to transform the economy and address Guyana’s developmental needs in an inclusive way were strongly supported by the Fund.

“Staff strongly support the authorities’ efforts to reduce electricity costs, improve transport infrastructure, diversify the economy, improve access to and

quality of social services, and advance more broadly towards the Sustainable Development Goals,” the statement read.

When President Dr Irfaan Ali took office in August 2020, he had met a situation where non-performing loans in the housing sector had increased by 34 per cent in 2019 when compared to the 2018 level.

One of the President’s initial policies had been to arrange a moratorium on mortgage payments until the end of 2020. This came about after the President had initiated talks with the Bank of Guyana and the Guyana Bankers’ Association, on measures that would ensure the average Guyanese could remain solvent even if they are unable to pay their bank loans due to the pressures brought on by the

COVID-19 pandemic.

Besides the Government reaching the agreement with the local banking sector to extend the moratorium on loan payments, it had also been agreed to cut interest rates.

This meant that customers with mortgages and other loans would be spared the financial burden of servicing these loans during the pandemic. In addition, their loans would not be classified as non-performing, ensuring that they do not default.

The Bank of Guyana’s 2019 report had described the rise in non-performing loans as a major threat to the expanding housing market.

“Total housing market loans expanded by 3.8 per cent as the market rebounded towards its longterm trend.

However,

non-performing housing loans also increased by 34 per cent over the 2018 level and remains the main threat to heat up the housing market,” the report had said, though it noted that the housing market still had an overall lower level of stress compared to 2018.

The report had also noted that total credit expanded by 8.5 per cent above the December 2018 level, which it noted is the largest annual increase spanning the previous four years. Besides housing loans, other private sector loans also added to the total credit figure.

Overall, the Bank of Guyana had reported that the level of non-performing loans deteriorated by 1.3 per cent and was recorded at $30.1 billion at the end of 2019, while total loans grew by 8.2 per cent.

10 NEWS Parents of children with disabilities excited about cash grant, other initiatives to support PWDs MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Programme Coordinator at the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) Ganesh Singh

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oting that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have often been neglected over the years, parents who have to take care of these special needs children are excited about the $100,000 cash grant announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali. The Head of State made the announcement on Friday last during an interactive session with this vulnerable section of society at State House.

In addition to the cash grants, President Ali assured that the Government is committed to uplifting the lives of PWDs and will be rolling out a number of other initiatives aimed at achieving this.

One such initiative is the establishment of centres in every region that will offer a variety of services to this vulnerable group of individ-

uals. In addition, President Ali said the Government will work with the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana to create special programmes that will see teachers receiving better training on how to deal with various special needs children.

Avil Bisnaught, the mother of 13-year-old Alex Persaud – who is permanently bound to a wheelchair – said the cash grant will significantly help her in taking care of her son and she is looking forward to what else the Government has in store for this underrepresented group.

“Well, as a mother of a special needs child, I think it’s very good and very nice of him [the President] to give a $100,000. Nobody never really pay attention to if children with special needs need

President Dr Irfaan Ali interacting with children with disabilities during an event at State House

anything, so anything is better than none. So, I think it’s something very good and I hope that it becomes fruitful so that we can get more often,” Bisnaught explained.

The mother also believes the development of centres for PWDs and the training of teachers are “important” undertakings and she hopes that eventually, it will transform the lives of these persons.

“The [existing] special needs schools are so full… we need more special need schools and more so, we need more teachers on special needs that are trained,” she expressed.

President Ali had also announced that a registry will be created that will auto-

matically qualify all children with disabilities for access to public assistance which will bring an end to the tedious task of parents and guardians having to verify this through the public system, of which there was a barrage of complaints against public officers.

In fact, Bisnaught shared her experience with the process of applying for public assistance for her son. She said that she applied four times, and was denied on all entries. She said that one public officer was disrespectful to her, to the point where she had to ask to speak to a supervisor. Even then, her request for public assistance was still denied.

“The amount of hassle and talks, you got to be hearing…sometimes you feel so small with how those people talk to you,” the mother recalled.

Kenroy Joseph, the father of 10-year-old Keona Joseph faces similar struggles in taking care of his daughter, who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy – which is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

He too believes all the initiatives announced by the Head of State will be beneficial. “People need to look at it in a holistic way…,” Joseph explained, referring to all the programmes in place to support PWDs. The father explained that though his daughter is living with a disability, his goal is to help her become independent by the time she reaches 18. “At the end of the day, I’m looking at her future… when she reach 18, she must

have something…in terms of money in her bank account… or if she want start her own business or whatever, there must be something for her,” he explained.

Dharshanie Purnwasy, the mother of ten-year-old Saskia Purnwasy who is on the autism spectrum, shared similar sentiments.

According to her, raising a child with a disability is an extremely challenging task.

“She’s not eating no solid food, she’s walking but not perfectly, you gotta help her to go up the stairs…,” the mother shared, noting that Government’s assistance and support are significant.

The cash grant, the woman explained, will help to offset medical and hygienic expenses associated with raising her child.

More importantly for her, however, is the establishment of more special needs schools across the country.

The woman explained that most of such institutions are in Georgetown and for families like her, who live out of the city, it is difficult to transport children with special needs.

“So, we’d have to take taxi and that’s expensive… so I think a school would be nice for her up the East Coast [of Demerara],” the mother explained.

Meanwhile, Ganesh Singh, who is the Programme Coordinator at the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), is extremely pleased with the announcements made by the Guyanese President.

Singh, for years, has been advocating for more opportunities for PWDs and he is ex-

cited to see his efforts were not in vain. Of importance, he said, is the recognition that many of these support initiatives will be decentralised.

“This is something that we are extremely happy about because the concept of those centres or the nature of those centres would be one that provides training and employment for persons with disabilities. So, once those centres are established in all the regions, we are assured that persons with disabilities will gain meaningful employment. So, we’re very happy about that,” he expressed.

“And, it’s very pleasing to know that it’s going to be done in all the regions because for a very long time, things have been isolated just on the coastland and persons with disabilities in the outlined regions or the rural parts of Guyana are not being afforded an equal opportunity,” Singh added.

Meanwhile, when pressed by reporters on whether the $100,000 cash grant will be an annual initiative, President Ali explained that, “I can only speak for now.

We’ve assessed our revenue and this year, it’s a one-off grant.”

In addition to the President’s announcements, First Lady Arya Ali has been able to raise the sum of just over $13 million through an All-White fundraiser event that was recently hosted, and that money will now be used to commence the construction of a business centre for persons with disabilities (PWD) in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

(Shane Marks)

NEWS

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to set up Centre of Excellence for cancer treatment – President

– already in talks with US-based Mount Sinai

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the cancer fundraiser

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n an effort to enhance specialty healthcare services in the country, the Guyana Government is currently working with stakeholders to develop a Centre of Excellence for cancer treatment.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday as he delivered the keynote address at the Guyana Cancer Society’s inaugural fundraising dinner at Project Dawn in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

According to the Head of State, Government is keen on advancing specialty care in Guyana.

As such, he noted that since assuming office, his Administration has been analysing different areas of specialty care whether it’s in cardiac services or dialysis and others.

Currently, President Ali disclosed, they are working with the renowned New York-based Mount Sinai Health System to incorporate the private sector into developing a “global Centre of Excellence” for cancer treatment in Guyana.

“That is what we are working with, the private sector. And that will be part of this three-year agreement. You will have here in Guyana, the Centre of Excellence for cancer care, Centre of Excellence for maternal health and children, and then we will build up our support for all the specialised care that is needed, for example, cardiac care,” he posited.

The Guyanese leader outlined that while the Government will support the private sector in providing and developing specialty care here, they will also need to have some “balancing” as it relates to cost.

In addition to special-

ty care, the President went on to highlight his Government’s intention to launch a four-pronged aggressive healthcare plan targeting vulnerable persons. This too, he said, will be supported by a number of State investments as well as collaborations with the private sector, which includes the development of a Centre of Excellence for cancer treatment.

“I’m launching a campaign in four areas very soon…and we’re going to go hard, we are going to go wide. I intend to shake things up a bit,” he stated.

President Ali noted the target areas will be persons with disabilities, mental illnesses, women and children and specialty care.

Only Friday, the Head of State announced that every child living with a disability would receive a cash grant of $100,000 this year, while he also highlighted other measures to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.

At Saturday’s fundraising event, the President noted that there needs to be a more holistic approach to tackling health issues in Guyana.

He said that Guyana has “a serious mental health issue” that must be addressed and that it must be closely linked to primary healthcare.

For women and children, President Ali said that a state-of-the-art maternal and children’s hospital will be built with a capacity of 250 beds.

The Guyanese leader further posited that the primary healthcare system must be revamped. He noted that the Government is also working with Mount Sinai to address this.

“I’m saying that we have to fix this prima-

ry healthcare system. We have to ensure that we get the new generation of people to understand what they have to change that we did wrong. To do this, it requires the education system to get involved. It requires the curriculum in schools to change to reflect the new forms of thinking and the new approach— different approaches that are needed in confronting this challenge,” he asserted.

The President added that the Government cannot and must not believe it can be the solution for every aspect of healthcare. He said that the Administration, however, has a fundamental responsibility for primary healthcare and “ensuring that every single citizen has access to good, affordable, first-class, primary healthcare and that is the first agenda of the new health care system”.

He also noted that although the Government will do all that it can to advance the country’s healthcare systems, it has to be done through a shared and joint approach where every stakeholder assumes responsibility.

“We have to take shared responsibility, shared risk, and we have to be able to create a multi-stakeholder approach to fixing this problem. The private sector, the doctors, those who are affected, the families of those who are affected and young people.”

At the event, the President also donated money to the organisation and proposed to “create an annual support mechanism”. He further thanked the organisation for the work it is doing and reassured that it has a partner in him and the Government.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, JUNE 6,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s LCDS 2030 needed now more than ever – UN Resident Coordinator

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uyana’s revised Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030) is more important now than ever as the world continues to battle the effects of climate change, according to United Nations Resident Coordinator to Guyana Ye?im Oruç.

In her World Environment Day message, published in Saturday’s edition of Guyana Times, the UN official said “First, on climate change itself, and the race to global net-zero, Guyana’s commitment to adopting carbon development model, described in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030), is now more important than ever.

Specifically, Guyana’s ambitions on energy are crucial. If LCDS targets are achieved, it would see the country meet a tenfold increase in demand for electricity supply by 2040 whilst retaining greenhouse gas emissions at 2018 levels.

This would be an extraordinary example of how econom-

ic growth can be decoupled from carbon emissions.”

Launched by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in November 2021, the new and expanded LCDS programme, which is still in its draft stages, seeks to create a new low-carbon economy in Guyana by establishing incentives that value the world’s ecosystem services, and promote these as an essential component of a new model of global development with sustainability at its core.

In Guyana’s case, it is about harnessing the value of the country’s ecosystem

mining, in timber, and in agriculture) continues to put pressure on the country's natural heritage,” she said.

The UN representative added that working with Indigenous communities, which are regarded as the guardians of the country’s biodiversity, is of key importance to Guyana.

Additionally, she lauded the Government’s commitment to expanding the country's

zero. So the 2020 launch of Guyana's National Oil Spill Contingency Plan is a welcome development: continued close collaboration between operators, insurers and national emergency responders is critical to ensure readiness for a worst case scenario,” the UN official stated.

She added that world leaders need to act faster now as climate change is rapidly accelerating.

29 new COVID infections; 1 in ICU United Nations Resident Coordinator to Guyana Yeşim Oruç

services to build a long-term, low-carbon diversification opportunity.

Importantly, the new LCDS programme intends to align its operations with global climate change goals.

Guyana will act strategically and responsibly as the sector develops, supporting global

there will be demand for decades to come. In parallel, Guyana will advance a “no flaring” policy, and mandate the use of best technology in the oil and gas sector to limit its environmental impact.

In her message, Oruç said that she anticipates that Guyana, along with other de-

energy security while diversifying and decarbonising Guyana’s domestic economy and investing in development priorities for all Guyanese, including health, education and low-carbon opportunities.

At the same time, the Government will advocate internationally for a strong global carbon price and the removal of subsidies on fossil fuel – to incentivise the lowest carbon, most cost-effective oil and gas in the global marketplace in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement under which

veloping states, will continue to call on the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitters to decarbonise their economies a lot faster than is the current trend. She added that the historical and contemporary emitters should also be pressed to meet their commitment of the US$100 billion financing for climate change and adaptation needs of developing countries.

“On biodiversity loss, Guyana's protection of its rainforest is an achievement of which the country is rightly proud, but we know that demand for livelihoods (in

"Stop skirting around... “…so far, what you're seeing in the world is an unwillingness to pay the true costs of the damage that was created. Thirty-five per cent of this coastline is what is considered hard dam or earthen dam; 35 per cent, we still have to address that.

I asked all the specialists who speak every day to tell us, how do we address this, if we do not address our revenue needs and don't pursue aggressively the forms of revenue that must come,” he added.

According to the Head of State, while the demands of the world increase, Guyana

officially protected areas beyond the current 8.5 per cent.

Oruç further stated that with Guyana rapidly expanding its oil and gas industry, it should have mechanisms in place to ensure that oil companies and national authorities are fully prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any kind of spill.

“The recent spill in Peru demonstrates that we can never reduce risk to

continues to play its part in environmental preservation with the retention of close to 90 per cent of its forests but questioned the economic benefits of such. He said that there needs to be full recommitment to adjust the inequalities that exist globally if the desire is to truly fight climate change.

The President pointed out that Guyana’s forest stores about 19.5 gigatons of carbon so the Government is entitled to equitable development – an indirect inference to critics of the rapid expansion of the oil and gas sector. He explained that

FROM PAGE 3

global inequity is rapidly expanding and the developing nations are being left behind but his Government would ensure that Guyana advances in a responsible manner.

He also referenced the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) call for the price of carbon to increase from US$3-6 per tonne to US$75.

Given all of the world’s statistics and Guyana’s good environmental standing, President Ali said that it does not mean that Guyanese should be irresponsible in their treatment of the environment.

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ithin the previous 24 hours, the country on Sunday recorded 29 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the total number of cases detected to date to 65,272.

Of the total active cases, there are 29 in the hospitals with one receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

A total of 884 are isolating at home while there are 10 persons in institutional quarantine.

Recoveries stand at 63,120 while the death toll remains at 1238.

Of the new cases detected, five originated in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 19 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and one in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Since the pandemic first struck the country in March 2020, Region Four has had the most positive cases with 32,480.

Region One (Barima-Waini) has had 2529 cases; Region

Two 2626 cases; Region Three 8245 cases; Region Five 2436 cases; Region Six 6043 cases; Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) 2445 cases; Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) 886 cases; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) 4059 cases and Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) 3523 cases.

The latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics for adults show there have been 442,395 first doses administered, covering 86.2 per cent of the total adult population.

Second doses are at 342,021 doses, or 66.7 per cent. For the 12 to 17 category, 34,726 first doses, covering 46.7 per cent, have been administered, along with 25,451 second doses, covering 34.9 per cent.

These vaccination numbers have been largely stagnant within the past weeks, as authorities continue to implore Guyanese to get vaccinated and boosted to strengthen their immunity against the virus.

According to recent figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), some

528,816,317 confirmed cases were reported globally with 6,294,969 deaths.

In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 157,725,452 while the death toll in the Region has gone up to 2,744,395.

After a prolonged period of declining cases, the Guyana Government, back in March, removed most restrictions as the country moves to recover from the pandemic and return to normalcy.

But while mandates such as masking in public and social distancing are no longer in place, health authorities are still encouraging persons to get vaccinated, and those who qualify to get their booster shots, in order to add a layer of protection against the virus.

In recent days, the number of new infections has been rising. Local health authorities attributed this rapid increase in COVID-19 cases to the BA.2 subvariant of the Omicron strain circulating here.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JUNE 5, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

29

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

29

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

884 1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

10

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

35,256

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

30,016

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

65,272

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

63,120

REGION 1

2529

REGION 2

2626

REGION 3

8245

REGION 4

32,480

REGION 5

2336

REGION 6

6043

REGION 7

2425

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4059

REGION 10

3523

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

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

441,071

FULLY IMMUNISED

340,572

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1238

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.

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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World Environment Day

n observance of World Environment Day, Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hosted a “Green Walk” and exhibition. The walk kicked off from the Umana Yana in Kingston and flowed through the streets of Georgetown before culminating at the National Park.

It was observed under the theme “Celebrating Only One Earth as One Guyana” and saw President Dr Irfaan Ali delivering the feature address.

During his remarks, the President made a surprise announcement that the five schools that participated in the Green Walk along with the Guyana Police Force’s Scouting Group will be given $100,000 each towards advancing their environmental

programmes.

These schools are Smith Memorial Primary School, Marian Academy, St Roses High School, Saint Stanislaus College and Ketley Primary School.

The global theme for World Environment Day is “Only One Earth” and draws attention to the importance of the role of everyone in caring for the environment. “Only One Earth” was the slogan of the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, held in Stockholm in 1972. This put sustainable development on the global agenda and led to the establishment of World Environment Day which is observed on June 5, annually.

(Photos taken from Office of the President Facebook)

14 NEWS

MONDAY, JUNE 6,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 6 residents mobilised Several emergency works to ease for infrastructural projects flooding in Cookrite Savannah

A footpath nearing completion in Region Six

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esidents of villages along the Corentyne Coast, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have been urged to become more proactive in all socio-economic developmental projects within their communities.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill made the appeal when he visited the communities earlier this week to inspect ongoing works in the region.

Residents of Crabwood Creek, Little India, Little Africa, Kingston and Rose Hall were formed into teams by the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit (SPU) to execute a number of infrastructural works in their respective communities.

The new public-private partnership for community development is said to be a best practice, as it allows residents to actively participate in infrastructural projects from conceptualisation to monitoring and evaluation. Their participation will ensure all parameters of the project are realised in keeping with the scope of work.

At Crabwood Creek, seven teams were assembled to construct six eight-feet concrete

roads. Five other teams have been assigned the rehabilitation work in Little India. The roads there will be upgraded to concrete.

SPU’s technical team will work in Little Africa.

Residents will be hired as labourers, and roads will be rehabilitated using asphaltic concrete.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to several residents who expressed satisfaction and appreciation for the project.

Natasha Ally will be able to use the road without having to pressure wash her car every day. She told DPI, “We, the residents of No 62 Village, we are very, very much grateful for what the Government has been doing for us, because for the past years, we have been living in a miserable condition.

This road has been very miserable, and we are very grateful for what is being done here, and we really appreciate it.”

Lindy Romadho said, “… the work they are constructing is very great because of the streets. The way it went it was very terrible for the schoolchildren plus the parents bringing the children. They had a lot of

difficulties and so far, they did a great job.”

Another resident, Troy Bishram said, “This is a good upgrade; everybody talks about upgrade, but this is a nice job done… no underhand job, everything well done.”

“This kind of development and this kind of pattern is really good. You can’t slip if the rain fall; you know it is really good to walk on it. I love this,” said Arnold Rampersaud.

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill inspected ongoing works at Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) 5274 access dam, which are moving apace. He said the work was being done strategically to benefit residents and farmers.

“What we are doing is separating the dam that the machines (are) using and we (are) putting a concrete walkway so that the residents, if they have children, sick people, elderly people don’t have to be battling with the mud,” he explained.

Six walkways are also being constructed in the 52-74 NDC. Thirty-two similar projects are also being done in Rose Hall, Betsy Ground, Canje and Fyrish. Some footpaths will be constructed four, six, and eight feet wide based on the geographic area.

The Ministry has partnered with the NDC to seek approval from residents in the various communities to construct footpaths on private properties.

Minister Edghill said the 21 separate infrastructural developments are being done under the miscellaneous roads project. Contracts to rehabilitate the major access roads in the region have already been signed.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha while engaging a farmer

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ollowing a meeting with several cattle farmers from Black Bush Polder on the Corentyne Coast in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that works will soon commence to minimise flooding in the Cookrite Savannah.

During a meeting on Friday with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in Number 63 Village, Corentyne, cattle farmers complained about flooding and expressed fears of losing their animals owing to flooded pastures in the savannahs.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Mustapha on Saturday called an emergency meeting with cattle farmers who have herds in the Cookrite Savannah to discuss emergency works that can be done to bring relief and minimise flooding in the area.

Farmers present were in-

vited to make suggestions on how the savannah could be drained without causing flooding in the farming and housing areas. After consulting with the farmers, engineers from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), and officials from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Minister Mustapha said that several controlled drainage structures would soon be strategically installed to drain the lands.

“The mechanism will have to be a controlled system, but we cannot allow it to operate on a 24-hour basis. We will put a control drainage structure in the GuySuCo system at Port Mourant, one in the Mibicuri system, one in the Lesbeholden system, and one in Letter Kenny. These are going to be temporary structures. If we are going to have controlled structures set up, we have to ensure systems are in place to monitor them so that we don’t put stress on

the drainage system, because if there is a heavy downpour we’ll have flooding in the housing area and we don’t want that to happen,” the Minister said.

Minister Mustapha also said following last year’s floods, the NDIA had commenced infrastructural works in the Cookrite Savannah.

“I know we have some work planned for the Cookrite Savannah. We already started some work there. A machine was in there, but the rain fell and the area is once again flooded, so those works had to be put on hold. As soon as the water drops, we will continue those works,” the Minister explained.

He also spoke about the ongoing conflict between rice and cattle farmers and cautioned the cattle farmers to ensure they put systems in place to keep their cattle out of the farming areas. He told the gathering that rice farmers were already complaining about cattle being in their fields and destroying their crops.

“Some farmers have already moved their cattle out of the Cookrite Savannahs.

Farmers have already been complaining that cattle are eating out the rice and other cash crops. We have to work together. The GLDA has been working with farmers to supply wire and posts to develop fencing for cattle to prevent them from going into people’s farms,” Minister Mustapha said.

Engineers from the NDIA, along with farmers and representatives from the Water Users’ Association, are scheduled to visit the suggested areas over the next three days to conduct an assessment after which works are expected to commence immediately to bring relief to the farmers.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt will ensure economic success of Guyana is guaranteed – AG tells diaspora

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government is working every day to ensure that the economic success of Guyana is guaranteed, according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC. He said this while addressing an event called “Guyana Day” in Florida, USA, in observance of the country’s 56th Independence Anniversary.

In order to move the country forward, he told scores of attendees that the Government needs their continued support.

With Guyana producing oil and gas, the Attorney General pointed out that the country is growing at perhaps the fastest and highest rate in the entire world.

And while Guyana is creating trade linkages with countries in the Caribbean and other parts of the world, he told the Guyanese diaspora that despite them being away, they remain an important developmental partner. The Government, he assured, is also doing its part.

“You have a Government that is working every day to ensure that the economic success of our country is guaranteed to advance the social welfare of people, to create a safe environment. The Government is not oblivious to the crime situation and every single day we are pursuing different strategies, different technologies, and different programmes to address the crime.”

“We are transforming many aspects of our country to ensure that we have top-class public health facilities. We are also working to ensure that our people feel a sense of togetherness. Every single day we are working to forge national unity because we believe that our country cannot progress if our people are divided…” Nandlall said.

He told them “We want you to be part of Guyana’s success story, while you have been away from Guyana, you have been part and parcel of our trials and tribulations and you must become also part and parcel of our success.” He,

however, pointed out that the oil and gas sector will eventually exhaust and for this reason, the Government is using the proceeds from the industry to ensure that it develops a diversified and strong economy.

Nandlall added that the other sectors will not be neglected, noting that the Government will continue to invest heavily in agro-processing where tremendous power lies.

“This generation of Guyanese is perhaps the most fortunate because, for the first time, we have a rare opportunity to deliver that potential for Guyana… that we know Guyana is possessed of. Since in the 1960s we were told that Guyana has the potential to become the food basket of the Caribbean. For the first time in our history, we are now endowed with the economic power and the financial strength to deliver on that potential and we are now in the process of making Guyana the real food basket of the Caribbean, of Florida, of New York, Toronto and wherever the Guyanese diaspora continues to flourish,” the Attorney General continued.

Moreover, he described the five-year reign from 2015 to 2020 of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) as the most unconstitutional rule

13-year-old allegedly bullied by classmates, teacher

A section of the gathering at “Guyana Day” in Florida

in the history of the modern Caribbean.

He said that was a period “Where the Government repeatedly violated the Constitution, violated the rule of law, insulted the Judiciary, and imposed policies and taxation that were crippling on the Guyanese people.” He also spoke about the well-remembered 2020 national elections.

“And when elections came and the people came out in their numbers to vote against the oppression and to vote against the incompetence and to vote against the corruption… you witnessed firsthand the battle that we had to go through for five long months as they [APNU/AFC] attempt-

ed to defraud the electoral results,” Nandlall said.

According to him, when APNU/AFC realised it had lost the election “we saw perhaps the most unprecedented series of events ever witnessed in the western hemisphere over the last half of a century by a group of people including those at GECOM attempting to steal Government.”

He nevertheless thanked the Guyanese diaspora for standing with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the people of Guyana to ensure that democracy prevailed.

“You give us great strength and inspiration on your Facebook page, and on social media. You used whatever re-

sources you had to make strategic contact with people in the USA who aided us to help fight to protect our democracy.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Guyana, to thank you tremendously for your support over the years and more importantly for your unwavering commitment, and dedication you gave to use during those 2020 elections…”

Nandlall assured those gathered that the events that transpired then, can never return because the Government is working every day to put systems in place to protect democracy, the rule of law, the Constitution, the country and to protect and advance the economy.

“Whatever their needs are, we are ready to do it” – Human Services Minister on PWDs

…family urges investigation

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amily members of a 13-year-old student of a secondary school in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged bullying of the child by classmates – actions which are allegedly being condoned by the class teacher.

Though the welfare department was called in to deal with the situation, the child’s family is not satisfied and is calling on higher authorities to intervene.

“He came home crying last Tuesday so, I was there and I asked what happened.

He does stammer a lot sometimes you understand what he does talk and he is fat, so he said the children interfering with him in the class, say they gone put he up on Facebook… and whole heap of thing they tormenting he and he said the teacher did nothing,” the child’s grandmother, Anita Elliot, explained.

Elliot, a retired social studies teacher, said after this incident occurred, the boy’s mother visited the school with the intention of meeting with the teacher, however, she was absent. This led to the mother messaging the said teacher.

“The class teacher’s word was that he must be tough, he got to be strong and stand up like a man and stop crying for everything…she doesn’t see any issue there and she don’t see the class did him anything,” Elliot related.

The following day, the grandmother claimed that the

teacher “went to the class and tell the class how [the child] complain on them and…the whole class start make mockery of him”.

The woman said as a result of this, her grandson responded “aggressively”.

“It is alleged that he pointed his hand in her face in a rage and she walked out the class and run to the Head Teacher’s office and said that she frightened for she life,” the grandmother contended.

The child’s mother was then summoned which led to a further confrontation between her and the teachers.

The family then decided to get welfare officers involved.

Elliot said the child, after seeing the Regional Education Officer, later returned to the school the same day only to find that his name was removed from the “Class Group” by his teacher.

“The list or group is called the “class group” which involves both parents and students from the class. This is where everything that goes on in the class is posted into which includes his assignments, projects, group work, and homework, so it is a very important group, especially that end of year exam is approaching, he needs to be up to date with his school work and course work,” Elliot explained.

To date, she said the teen is yet to be added back to this list.

“The class teacher was told to put him back in his class

but the teacher refused. She said that he has to apologise to the class and to her. I decided that he won't apologise to the class because he hasn't done the class anything, they were the ones who tormented him and the teacher allowed it. The welfare had promise us that they will set a date for him to apologise to his class teacher but we are still waiting on them to do so,” the grandmother explained.

The retired educator is hoping that higher authorities would be able to address this current situation and put systems in place to prevent a reoccurrence. In fact, she believes that more should be done at a national level to edify the stakeholders about bullying.

“This needs to stop! I am going to fight for those children who are being discriminated and bullied and tormented in school and nobody is doing nothing, the school system failing, the welfare system failing them, because they are always putting things under the carpet, they are not dealing with things serious,” the grandmother contended.

Contacted for a comment on the situation, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Education, Murtland Haley said an investigation will be launched.

“A team from the Department of Education, Region 10, will be visiting the school on Monday [today],” he stated.

Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud interacting with Persons with Disabilities during a recent event hosted at State House

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s Government is taking on a more focused stance on dealing with issues affecting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud declared that her office will always be open to listen to the concerns of this marginalised section of society.

The Human Services Minister also made it clear that help will be provided, wherever possible.

Dr Persaud made the comments on Friday following President Dr Irfaan Ali’s announcement of a slew of measures in support of the PWDs community in Guyana.

Among the measures announced are a one-off $100,000 cash grant for every child living with a disability, the establishment of centres for PWDs in every region, the training of more teachers to deal with special needs children, and

a streamlined registry to ensure all children with a disability get access to public assistance.

In addition to these initiatives, Minister Persaud said anyone can visit her Ministry for more support if needed.

“I want you to stay in close contact with the Ministry of Human Services.

We are here to serve with a lot of humility,” the Minister stated.

“There are many other things we’re doing and I want you to be aware of it.

We are just now training a number of women in professional care, childcare and adult patient care and we are asking them to do is to work towards home-based care. So, in other words, you will have day and night care facilities across the country.”

“In addition, we have started training people who live with disabilities, from since last year, teenagers

and adults, so that they can be equipped with things like ICT skills and other skills so that they can gain employment or just purely for self-development.”

According to the Minister, works are already underway to develop an institute for training programmes for people living with disabilities. This is expected to be completed before September 2022.

“In addition to that, we are moving across the country to provide wheelchair, canes, hearing aids and all of that, free of cost…”

The Human Services Ministry also offers support through its “Pampers Bank”.

“I know Pampers is a thing that is very, very expensive. So, we’re also working on a Pampers Bank so when you need pampers for your children, you come and we give it to you, we also have hampers that we are giving to you,” Minister Persaud revealed.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New Demerara River bridge will save Guyana billions in lost productive time – PSC – says failure to build bridge already cost country US$2.2B in last 5 years

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

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ypothesising that the failure to build the new Demerara River Bridge has already cost Guyana US$2.2 billion in productive time over the last five years, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is of the view that building the critical infrastructure will save the country billions of dollars in lost productive time.

The PSC made this analysis in a recent missive, hailing the fact that the construction of the bridge is finally moving apace. It was noted by the commission that the bridge was supposed to have been built since 2012.

In fact, the bridge was identified in 1996 for con-

struction, in the National Development Strategy, the formulation of which the PSC would have played an integral part. However, for a variety of reasons, the bridge never materialised.

The commission, nevertheless, did its calculations to show the heavy toll not having the bridge will take on the country and its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The private sector body particularly noted that the US$2.2 billion in productive time lost due to not having the bridge, was equivalent to almost 50 per cent of pre-oil production GDP. “The Government’s investment in the bridge when calculated in terms of its cost benefits to the country is enormous. For instance, taking into consideration that conservatively, a total of 12,000 vehicles traverses the bridge on a daily basis with an average number of persons per vehicle of five; with the current traffic situation, commuters lose approximately two – four hours per day in traffic alone, this would work out to about a loss of 43.8 million productive hours or the equivalent of 5 years’ loss of productive hours.”

“The traffic congestion problem started to wors-

A preliminary design of the new Demerara River bridge

en about five years ago so imagine then the loss in productive hours, collectively over five years’ period. By using per capita income of US$5000 to arrive at an average hourly rate of US$10, would amount to a loss of US$2.2 billion in productive time over this five years’ period,” PSC noted.

It also explained that there is a myriad of social benefits to the population, from having the bridge.

For one, persons can spend more quality time with their families in the evenings after work, and before school in the morn-

ings, as a result of travel time being slashed.

There would also be better productive and social use of time to engage in other activities, and efficiency in transport.

Collectively, more time would also be available to engage in productive activities to enhance individuals’ livelihoods.

Another point raised was that the new bridge would not be required to be closed to vehicular traffic for ocean-going vessels.

Instead, it would be built high enough for ships to pass under, reducing the wear and tear on vehicles.

Back in November 2021, Cabinet had granted its no-objection for the Chinese company to construct the bridge using a Design-Build-Finance (DBF) model. The bridge will land aback Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on the eastern side and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on the western side.

Late last month, a US$260 million contract for the new bridge was signed between the Government and China Railway and Construction Corporation (International) Limited, which is leading a joint

venture that outbid four other pre-qualified international companies that submitted proposals for the project.

The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre four-lane high-span cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. The bridge, which features a bicycle lane, will bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed high span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted. The river will be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.

Already, the Guyana Government has allocated some $21.1 billion in the 2022 budget towards work on the bridge. It will have a lifespan of 100 years.

This new bridge will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has outlived its lifespan by several decades.

At 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo.

Duo arrested with gun, ammo Police Commander wants end to “cordon and search” exercises

…prefers more intelligence-led operations

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anks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) have arrested a male and a female after they were found in possession of an illegal weapon and matching am-

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Regional Division 4C Commander Khali Pareshram

munition.

The discovery was made on Saturday at Square of the Revolution, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

It was reported that the

CANU Officers conducted an operation at the Square of the Revolution, and intercepted a motor vehicle with two occupants.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a Lorcin .380 semi-automatic pistol along with a magazine and ammunition The male, 37-year-old Terry Andrew Joseph and a female passenger were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters with the firearm.

Investigations are ongoing.

ognisant of cries from the public that cordon and search exercises are considered to be a breach of their privacies, a senior Police official has expressed a preference for more intelligence-led operations.

Khali Pareshram, Commander of Regional Division 4C – which deals with the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) – said this is the posture he will be adopting for his district.

He made his position known during a recent interview organised and produced by the Guyana Police

Force (GPF).

“As it relates to Police operations in the division, we are no longer doing cordon and search operations like we used to do in the past, instead, our operations are more targeted and intelligence-led,” the Police Commander noted.

Cordon and search exercises are a routine practice employed by the GPF and has proven successful in unearthing illegal activities. In fact, throughout the years, these operations resulted in the discovery and seizure of illegal drugs and weapons, among other illic-

it items.

In 2021, the Police Force reported that cordon and search operations, along with other policing activities, led to a 22.7 per cent reduction in serious crimes countrywide for the first half of the year, when compared with the same period in the previous year.

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali has already charged that the use of technology is essential to the future of the GPF. The Head of State had contended that as crimes change and become more sophisticated, so must the nature of policing.

President Ali had said the Government will be investing in technology such as facial recognition and licence plate scanners; a countrywide implementation of CCTV cameras and enhanced forensic investigative capacity.

“I have seen the results of intelligence-led Police reporting,” Ali had declared at the Annual Officers’ Conference in March 2022.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS HEPATITIS B

Chronic hepatitis B develops slowly. Symptoms may not be noticeable, unless complications develop.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

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What is hepatitis B?

epatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is one of five types of viral hepatitis.

The others are hepatitis A, C, D, and E. Each is a different type of virus, and types B and C are most likely to become chronic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 296 million people around the world are living with hepatitis B, and there were approximately 1.5 million newly-contracted, chronic hepatitis B cases in 2019.

HBV infection can be acute or chronic

Acute hepatitis B causes symptoms to appear quickly in adults. Infants who contract it at birth rarely develop only acute hepatitis B. Nearly all hepatitis B infections in infants go on to become chronic.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that’s spread through blood or other body fluids, including semen or vaginal fluids.

Among the ways that hepatitis B can be spread are: * By having unprotected sex with a person who has HBV (without using a condom or other barrier methods). * By sharing toothbrushes, razors, or nail clippers that have been exposed to blood * By receiving a tattoo, or by piercing the body with equipment that has not been sterilized. * By injecting drugs and sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment. * From a birthing parent to a newborn baby Although the virus may be found in the saliva, hepatitis B is not spread through kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing utensils.

Certain groups are at particularly high risk of HBV infection. Those include: * Healthcare workers * People who use injection drugs * Infants born to birthing parents who have HBV * Sexual partners of people with HBV * Individuals receiving dialysis for kidney disease

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of acute hepatitis B may not be apparent for months. But common symptoms include: * Fatigue * Dark urine * Joint and muscle pain * Loss of appetite * Fever * Abdominal discomfort * Weakness * Yellowing of the whites of the eyes (sclera) and skin (jaundice) Any symptoms of hepatitis B need urgent evaluation.

Symptoms of acute hepatitis B are worse in people over the age of 60.

Diagnosis

Doctors can usually diagnose hepatitis B with blood tests. Screening for hepatitis B may be recommended for individuals who: * Use injection drugs * Receive kidney dialysis * Were born in a country where hepatitis B is common * Household contact or sexual partner of someone with hepatitis B * Taking medications that suppress the immune system * Donating blood or organs * Infant born to a birthing parent with hepatitis B * Lab test results that show elevated liver enzymes * Pregnant * Men who have sex with men * HIV Test includes * Hepatitis B surface antigen test * Hepatitis B core anti-

body test * Hepatitis B surface antibody test * Liver function tests

TREATMENT

Administration of a first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine and a shot of hepatitis B immunoglobulin, which is a combination of antibodies that provide short-term protection against the virus.

Though both can be given up to a week after exposure, they’re most effective at preventing infection if administered within 48 hours.

If diagnosed with acute hepatitis B, persons may be referred to a specialist, and be advised to get regular blood tests to ensure that they don’t develop chronic hepatitis.

Though many people with acute hepatitis B don’t experience serious symptoms, getting plenty of rest, wearing loose clothing, maintaining a cool environment, or taking over-thecounter pain-killers may be beneficial if symptoms do occur.

Other lifestyle changes may also be required, such as following a healthy, well-rounded diet, and avoiding substances that can harm your liver, such as alcohol, acetaminophen, and certain herbal supplements or medications.

If blood tests show that you still have an active infection after 6 months, your doctor may recommend further treatment, including medications to help control the virus and prevent dam-

age to the liver.

Medications

Some of the medications that may be used to treat chronic hepatitis B include: * Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys). * Entecavir (Baraclude). * Tenofovir (Viread, Vemlidy). * Adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera). * Lamivudine (Epivir). * Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A).

COMPLICATIONS OF HEPATITIS B

Complications of having chronic hepatitis B include: * Hepatitis D infection * Liver scarring (cirrhosis) * Liver failure * Liver cancer * Death Hepatitis D infection can occur only in people with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is uncommon in the United States, but can also lead to chronic liver disease.

HEPATITIS B AND PREGNANCY

Hepatitis B can be passed from a birthing parent to a newborn infant. This is because the newborn is exposed to blood and body fluids during delivery.

In fact, it’s estimated that 90 percent of mothers with an acute hepatitis B infection, and 10-20 percent with chronic hepatitis B, will pass the virus to their newborn.

For this reason, birth parents are routinely screened for hepatitis B during each

pregnancy.

Additionally, the hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin are both administered to infants with an HBV-positive birthing parent within 12 hours of birth, to prevent infection.

PREVENTION OF HEPATITIS B

The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent infection. Vaccination is highly recommended. It takes three vaccines to complete the series. The following groups should take the hepatitis B vaccine: * Infants, at the time of birth * Children and adolescents who weren’t vaccinated at birth * Adults being treated for a sexually transmitted infection * People living in institutional settings * People whose work brings them into contact with blood * HIV-positive individuals * Men who have sex with men * People with multiple sexual partners * Injection drug users * Family members or sexual partners of those with hepatitis B * Individuals with chronic diseases * People travelling to areas with high rates of hepatitis B In other words, just about everyone should receive the hepatitis B vaccine. It’s a relatively inexpensive and very safe vaccine.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

Regional

Caricom pays tribute Mexico state elections poised to bring to George Lamming fresh gains to President’s party

George Lamming (CMC photo)

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aricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett says the regional body joins the people of Barbados in mourning the passing of George Lamming — the poet, novelist, teacher, and editor who died on Saturday. In a statement on Sunday, the Secretary

General said that Lamming was more than a literary icon.

“He was an authentic Caribbean voice. In conferring the Community’s highest award, Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), on Lamming in 2008, his citation noted that Caricom was honouring “fifty-five years of extraordinary engagement with the responsibility of illuminating Caribbean identities, healing the wounds of erasure and fragmentation, envisioning possibilities, transcending inherited limitations”, and applauded his “intellectual energy, constancy of vision, and an unswerving dedication to the ideals of freedom and sovereignty”.

“Those words fully encapsulated his extraordinary contribution to the region he loved unreservedly and to which he dedicated his con-

siderable skill. Our community is richer for his interventions and poorer for his loss.”

According to Barnett, Lamming has left a treasure trove of works which remain relevant and reflects the Caribbean condition.

“I extend deepest condolences to the family of Mr Lamming and the Government and people of Barbados on the death of this true Caribbean icon.”

The celebrated literary icon was known for works such as “In the Castle of My Skin”, “The Emigrants”, and “Water with Berries”.

His first novel, “In the Castle of My Skin” is widely celebrated as having been the first Caribbean novel to have won worldwide acclaim.

Lamming, who was 94, would have celebrated his 95th birthday on Wednesday.

(CMC)

Mickela Panday on name-calling spat: “Rise above your egos”

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ormer United National Congress (UNC) Member of Parliament, Mickela Panday is calling on politicians to stop making divisive remarks and focus on the needs of the country.

“Politicians need to rise above their egos and address issues,” Panday said on Saturday.

She was responding to Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s comment that Government Minister Camille Robinson-Regis has the name of a “slave master”.

Persad-Bissessar was hitting back at Robinson-Regis for calling out her full name – Kamla Susheila PersadBissessar – during a PNM meeting last week, where she criticised her for accusing the People’s National Movement (PNM) of being a party of paedophiles. This was part of an ongoing debate on how allegations of abuse at children’s homes have been handled, based on two reports: the 1997 Robert Sabga report and the December 2021 Justice Judith Jones report.

Panday, the daughter of UNC founder and former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, who served as the Oropouche West MP and now leads the Patriotic Front, when asked to comment said, “So what if they say something? They say something. They say things every day, and the diversion is not what we need right now. We need to find solutions to problems people are having in this country.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Colombian court orders penalties for President, cites national park

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court in Colombia has ordered President Ivan Duque to be fined and placed under house arrest for five days, it said on Saturday, citing the Andean country’s leader’s failure to comply with a previous ruling that demanded he protect a national park.

Experts say the order by the court in Ibague, the capital city of Colombia’s Tolima province, has no chance of being carried out.

Colombia’s President can only be accused and investigated by a special legislative commission, and can only be tried by the country’s congress.

Duque was found to be in contempt of court for failing to enact measures to protect the Los Nevados national park as ordered by Colombia’s Supreme Court in 2020, the superior court of Ibague said in a statement explaining its ruling.

The court also imposed a fine on the President of roughly US$4000 and ordered that he create a spe-

M

exicans started casting votes in six state elections on Sunday that are likely to boost President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s party, in one of the last major tests of his electoral clout before the political focus shifts to the race to succeed him.

Lopez Obrador’s leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) and its allies are tipped to win most of the governorships up for grabs, tightening the party’s grip on the political landscape against a fractured opposition.

Jointly accounting

for about one-10th of Mexico’s 126 million population, Tamaulipas and Durango in Northern Mexico, Aguascalientes and Hidalgo in the centre, and Oaxaca and Quintana Roo in the south and east elect new Governors.

All are currently governed by the Opposition.

Opinion polls suggest that only Aguascalientes and Durango are likely to remain in the hands of Opposition parties, which are not running on a completely united ticket against MORENA in any state.

Javier Oliva, a political

scientist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), said if MORENA wins a majority of the states, it should help consolidate the President’s influence over the party.

“It would give Lopez Obrador a good deal of power to decide who will be the candidate in 2024,” Oliva said.

Polls have consistently shown Lopez Obrador is more popular than MORENA, the party that was a vehicle for his presidential campaign in 2018, when he won by a landslide. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Suriname prepares for the country’s first kidney transplant

The number of kidney patients in Suriname is estimated to be between 800 and 900

S

uriname’s health officials are preparing to perform the country’s first kidney transplant this week.

The operations will be carried out by a team led by Dr Mirza Idu and Professor Dr Frederike Bemelman from the Netherlands, supported by some medical specialists from the Academic Hospital Paramaribo.

Recent screenings of patients and donors resulted in six potential match-

es, all of whom will receive transplants.

Recently, Health Minister Amar Ramadhin finalised a cooperation agreement between Amsterdam UMC and Suriname that led to the implementation of the transplant programme.

Amsterdam UMC is the largest kidney transplant centre in the Netherlands with 17,000 employees.

According to the Health Ministry, the kidney trans-

plant programme is a sustainable model, in which the knowledge will be transferred by the foreign team to Suriname, to enable local doctors to perform the transplants on their own.

In recent years, the number of kidney patients in Suriname has grown rapidly and as a result there has been an increase in the number of people who are now dependent on dialysis.

“People with kidney failure have to dialysis for four hours three times a week.

They have more or less lost their freedom and besides that they are always tired,” said cardio-thoracic surgeon Krishna Khargi at the opening of a renal outpatient clinic last year.

The number of kidney patients in Suriname is estimated to be between 800 and 900. (Excerpt from CMC)

Latin America reset for summit marred by invite tension

W

Colombian President Ivan Duque arrives to cast his vote at a polling station during the first round of the presidential election in Bogota, Colombia, May 29, 2022 (Reuters/Vannessa Jimenez/file photo)

cial unit of Police or military members to help carry out conservation work at the park.

The President insisted his government has protected Colombia’s natural parks and complied with the court order to conserve the Los Nevados national park.

“We’ve seen an inexplicable initial ruling,” Duque said in a video shared on so-

cial media, calling the court decision unconstitutional and insisting that the Supreme Court’s order had already been carried out.

Evidence demonstrating Duque’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s order was sent to the court in Ibague, but was ignored, Justice Minister Wilson Ruiz said in a video statement sent to Journalists.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

hen the United States said last year it would host the 2022 Summit of the Americas, officials had high hopes the event would help repair Trump-era damage to relations and reassert US primacy over China’s growing clout in Latin America.

But on the cusp of the coming week’s gathering in Los Angeles, US President Joe Biden faces a struggle to make a success of a summit plagued by problems before it has even begun.

Ideological discord over who to invite, scepticism about US commitment to

Latin America, and low expectations for major accords on issues such as migration and economic cooperation have already tarnished the event, officials and analysts say.

“The Americans basically misread the situation in not having foreseen there would be a fuss about who was attending,” said Andres Rozental, a former Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister, arguing the summit ran the risk of becoming “lacklustre”.

One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, conceded preparations were “messier than we en-

visioned”.

Lower-level events begin today, then leaders start to arrive. Biden is due in on Wednesday to formally open the first US-hosted summit since the inaugural gathering in 1994.

Despite pressing concerns such as inflation, mass shootings, and the Ukraine conflict, Biden aims to re-engage with southern neighbours to forge a common vision after years of relative neglect under his ‘America First’ predecessor, Donald Trump, who skipped the last summit in Lima in 2018.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Ukraine war: Putin vows to hit new targets if West sends weapons to Ukraine

A week of turmoil for oil markets

T

his past week has seen quite a lot of turmoil in oil markets. With China finally coming out of its threemonth lockdown nightmare, oil prices were moved by reports that Saudi Arabia and the UAE would seek to speed up the monthly increments of OPEC+. When the oil group did in fact opt for 648,000 b/d increases in July and August, it seemed that prices might genuinely come lower, closer to the US$110 per barrel mark. Unfortunately for oil bears, news of dropping US inventories, combined with the EU's decision to ban Russian oil imports, sent oil prices climbing once again.

OPEC+ members agreed to raise their overall production targets by 648,000 b/d in both July and August, bringing the final unwinding of the oil group’s production cuts forward by one month on fears of falling Russian production.

The European Union finalised its prohibition of financing and financial assistance services for Russian oil cargoes, a measure that is set to come into effect after a winddown period of six months, effectively banning EU entities from providing insurance to Russian trade. According to media reports, the Biden Administration is poised to raise ethanol blending mandates for 2021 above the previously indicated number of 13.32 billion gallons, sending D6 renewable credits soaring by 11 per cent on Wednesday when the story broke.

Iran cut gas supplies to Iraq a little more than one month after it had restarted them, with the decision stemming from the non-payment of arrears. Supplies were supposed to rise to 50 million cubic meters per day, so now Iraq is facing widespread power shortages.

The Netherlands and Germany agreed to jointly develop a gas field in the North Sea, 12 miles off the north coast of both countries, reversing a previous rejection from German authorities, as both countries seek to wean themselves off Russian gas.

Kazakhstan is changing the name of the crude that it is exporting via Russian ports to Kazakhstan Export Blend Crude Oil (KEBCO), in a bid to dissociate itself from Russian-origin cargoes that generally go under the name of Urals.

Tullow Oil and Capricorn Energy, formerly known as Cairn, agreed to merge in an all-stock deal of US$830 million, with the new yet-unnamed entity expected to have an output of around 100,000 of boepd.

The US Environmental Protection Agency restored the right of states and tribes to block energy projects on environmental grounds by using the federal clean water permitting process, reversing a Trump-era decision that will most likely slow down new infrastructure projects.

The Government of Spain announced that it should be the EU that pays for any new natural gas interconnections between Spain and its European neighbors, with Madrid being completely independent of Russian energy supplies and taking in LNG instead.

Russia’s Trade Ministry announced that it would limit the exports of noble gases, most notably neon, a key ingredient in making chips, aggravating a supply crunch that has already seen one of the world’s largest producers – Ukraine – disappear from the markets.

With Australia taken aback by a cold snap that sent heating demand spiking along with demand for natural gas, Canberra has called on the industry to help as gas prices have quadrupled and the government mandate to keep LNG at home could only be triggered from 2023.

Norwegian energy major Equinor restarted the Hammerfest LNG facility in the country’s Arctic waters after it had been idle for almost two years after a 2020 fire incident, boosting Norway’s export capacity by 650 Bcf per day. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

The US agreed to send medium-range HIMARS rockets to Ukraine on the condition they were not used to strike over the Russian border

R

ussia will expand the list of targets it will attack in Ukraine if Western countries send long-range weapons to Kyiv, President Vladimir Putin said.

The warning came as explosions shook parts of Kyiv on Sunday in the first assault on the capital city for weeks.

Russia said it hit tanks supplied by European countries. Ukraine said it was a railway repair plant.

The capital has seen little

shelling in recent months, after Russia refocused its efforts on the Donbas region.

As Russia makes slow but steady progress on the ground there - hundreds of kilometres to the east - several countries have pledged to send advanced weapons to Kyiv.

Most recently, the US announced it was sending the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which fires precision-guided rockets that

Bangladesh: Deadly fire and explosions at container facility

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire that broke out at a container storage facility in Sitakunda, about 40km (25 miles) from the key port of Chittagong [AFP]

A

t least 49 people have been killed and more than 300 injured after a massive fire swept through a container depot in southeastern Bangladesh, according to senior officials.

The fire broke out at a container facility on Saturday night at Sitakunda, 40km (25 miles) from the port city of Chittagong, triggering multiple explosions, officials said.

“The death toll has risen to 49,” Elias Chowdhury, Chittagong’s chief doctor, told Al Jazeera. He added that more than 300 people have been injured in the blaze and subsequent explosions.

“The number of fatalities is expected to rise as some of the injured are in critical condition,” Chowdhury earlier told the AFP news agency.

Six firefighters are among those killed, Brig General MD Main Uddin, director general of Fire Service and Civil Defence, told Al Jazeera.

At least 21 firefighters, who had been at the scene attempting to douse the blaze, have been injured.

The explosions shook the neighbourhood and shattered windowpanes of nearby houses, local residents said.

The explosion was so loud that it shook residential buildings several kilometres from the depot, said Mohammad Ali, 60, who has a nearby grocery store.

Mohammed Manzurul Islam from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society told Al Jazeera the cause of the fire was a container full of the hydrogen peroxide chemical, which spread to other containers including one that was holding garments.

About 5,000 containers are at the BM Inland Container Depot, which handles goods for export and import, according to local media.

Chaudhury said security measures at industrial facilities have improved since the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, but that chemical plants located in close proximity to towns still posed a risk for residents as well as workers. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

can hit targets up to 70km (45 miles) away - far further than the artillery Ukraine currently possesses.

White House officials say they agreed to provide the rockets only after gaining assurances from President Volodymyr Zelensky that they would not be used to attack targets inside Russia.

The package also includes helicopters, anti-tank weapons, tactical vehicles and

spare parts.

Germany also promised to send its most modern air defence system - the Iris-T to enable Ukraine to shield an entire city from Russian air attacks.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions forced to flee their homes, despite diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Earth’s CO2 level passes a new climate milestone

C

oncentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in May were 50 per cent higher than during the pre-industrial era, reaching levels not seen on Earth for about four million years, the main US climate agency said on Friday.

The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere passed the threshold of 420 parts per million (ppm), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. PPM is a unit of measurement used to quantify pollution in the atmosphere.

Last May, the rate was 419ppm, and in 2020, 417ppm.

Global warming caused by humans, particularly through the production of electricity using fossil fuels, transport, the production of cement, or even deforestation, is responsible for the new high, the NOAA said.

CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat, gradually

causing global warming. It remains in the atmosphere and oceans for thousands of years.

Its warming effect is already causing dramatic consequences, noted NOAA, including the multiplication of heatwaves, droughts, fires or floods.

“Carbon dioxide is at levels our species has never experienced before – this is not new,” said Pieter Tans, a scientist with the Global Monitoring Laboratory at NOAA. “We have known about this for half a century, and have failed to do anything meaningful about it. What’s it going to take for us to wake up?”

Before the Industrial Revolution, levels of CO2 held steady at about 280ppm, a level maintained for approximately 6,000 years of human civilisation that preceded industrialisation, according to NOAA. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Nigeria Owo church attack: Gunmen kill Catholic worshippers in Ondo

G

unmen have killed church worshippers in Ondo state, southwest Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari said "only fiends from the nether region" could have done this "dastardly act".

The armed men entered St Francis Catholic church in the town of Owo during a Sunday service. They fired into the congregation and then kidnapped a priest as well as some other church-goers, witnesses said.

Nigeria has experienced an upsurge in violence in recent months.

Kidnappings and attacks have been reported across the vast country.

No figures for the numbers killed or abducted in Sunday's violence have been confirmed.

But a doctor at a local hospital, quoted by the Reuters news agency, said

that "several worshippers were brought in dead".

After visiting the church and hospital, state lawmaker Ogunmolasuyi Oluwole told the Associated Press news agency that children were among the dead.

In a series of tweets, Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu called it a "vile and satanic attack" on innocent people . He appealed for calm urging people not to take the law into their own hands.

"The assailants will be hunted down and they will pay for their crimes," he added in a message sent after being briefed at the scene.

No one has said that they were behind this attack, but Nigeria is facing worsening violence by armed groups, the BBC's Chris Ewokor in the capital, Abuja, says. But Ondo state has, until now, been relatively untouched.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Put muscle and enthusiasm behind whatever you decide to do next. Building momentum will make a good impression on someone keeping tabs on what you do. Professionalism will help you gain respect.

Listen to reason. Put a strategy in place before you initiate a move.

Consider alternatives and consequences, and you'll come up with a plan that works for you and your budget.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Strive to do your best, and you'll gain respect and the edge you need to get ahead. Your experience and knowledge will help you sort through any tough decisions and get things done on time.

(May 21-June 20) Initiate changes that make you feel good, look good and allow you to use your skills to your benefit. An emotional realization will lead to discussions and plans that will shape your life.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Avoid a trap. Expect someone to make last-minute changes that disrupt your plans or mislead you by withholding the information required to make a good decision. Bide your time and tread carefully.

Set your sights on what's essential and forge ahead. Take a unique path and let your imagination lead the way.

The ideas you come up with will be well-received and put to good use.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Speed up the process and put whatever is hanging over your head to rest.

Take the liberty to use your spare time to relax and enjoy taking care of your needs. Learn as much as you can.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Keep an open mind. If you are cynical, you'll waste time and accomplish little. You may not agree with everything you hear, but a positive attitude will help you come out ahead. Romance is on the rise.

Your instincts won't let you down if you follow them. Be careful whom you trust, verify everything and agree to do only what fits into your schedule. Spend some time fixing up your space.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SATURDAY'S WORD -- PARCEL

Use only what's necessary. Taking a minimalist approach to what you do and how you do it will ensure you stay on budget. Don't let anyone take advantage of your skills or time.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Keep your thoughts to yourself.

Emotional situations will escalate quickly, causing problems between you and a friend, relative or peer. Bide your time and be observant.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) By letting your mind wander, you'll come up with a plan that will help you get ahead. Rearrange your time to focus on what's important to you. Use ingenuity to entice someone to help you.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

21

Joe Root's 115* seals England march to victory –

A

former Captain passes 10,000 runs

fter three madcap days to begin England's new era of Test cricket under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, there was an air of serenity around their march to victory on the fourth morning at Lord's.

Joe Root provided the quality and the clarity to cut through the gloom, bringing up his hundred and 10,000 runs in Test cricket with the same shot, as New Zealand's challenge – which had seemed sunk the moment they were 45 for 7 on day one – finally fell away.

Root's century, remarkably his first in the fourth innings of a Test, formed the bulwark of a chase of 277 that had been in trouble at 69 for 4, but became increasingly comfortable as the former Captain took

Joe Root’s century took England to a win

control following Stokes' fortune-favoured fifty on the third evening. He was ably supported by Ben Foakes during an unbroken century stand that never gave New Zealand a sniff; Foakes finished on 32 not out, having played his most important innings since a century on debut during a Man-of-theSeries performance in Sri Lanka four years ago.

That the result remained in the balance, after England had reached 59 without loss in reply to New Zealand's first-innings 132, was testament to the fighting qualities shown by Kane Williamson's side. Having limited England to a ninerun lead, they had the look of favourites after the 195run stand between Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell

French Open: Rafael Nadal beats Casper Ruud for 14th Roland Garros title

R

Rafael Nadal has won back-to-back major titles for the first time since 2010

afael Nadal reclaimed his crown as the king of the French Open, winning a record-extending 14th title by beating Norway's Casper Ruud in straight sets.

Spain's Nadal, 36, won 6-3 6-3 6-0 against eighth seed Ruud to also extend his record number of Grand Slam men's singles titles to 22. He moves two ahead of his great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal, who lost to Djokovic in the semi-finals last year, has won 112 of his 115 matches on the Paris clay. After also winning the Australian Open in January, Nadal has claimed back-to-back major titles for the first time since 2010

– when he won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in a row.

Two days after his 36th birthday, Nadal becomes the oldest French Open men's singles champion and surpasses fellow Spaniard Andres Gimeno, who won aged 34 in 1972. The lefthander dropped his racquet to the court in amazement after taking his second match point to win in two hours and 18 minutes.

Nadal's achievements are even more impressive in the context of the physical issues that have hampered him in recent times. At the end of last year, the former world number one thought he would have to retire because of a chronic foot problem and was troubled by the

issue at the Italian Open earlier this month.

A stress fracture of the rib also caused him to miss two months of the season shortly after his 21st major win at the Australian Open. "It takes a lot of energy to keep going. I want to say 'merci, merci beaucoup'," Nadal said after lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but I will keep fighting to keep going."

Ruud, 23, was making his debut in a Grand Slam final and facing Nadal for the first time in a professional match. While fifth seed Nadal was far from his best, he had enough nous and quality to clinically see off his younger opponent.

(BBC Sport)

The England team on the balcony

– but Stuart Broad inspired another turnaround and the game continued to ebb and flow until Root's decisive contribution.

He finished the job himself with three fours in an over from Tim Southee, walking off to a standing ovation, as well as handshakes from the opposition.

This was his 26th Test hundred, his third of the year already, and his first back in the ranks. Life under the new regime hasn't changed a jot for Root.

Despite a murky morning greeting those arriving at Lord's, it was soon clear that New Zealand had their work cut out for them. The juice that contributed to 23 wickets falling across the first four sessions of the Test had long since dissipated, and they began the day with a ball that was 65 overs old. Root shuffled down to Southee's first delivery, pushing hard, but settling for one after flicking off his pads, as England looked to start positively.

The prospect of the second new ball coming around an hour into the day encouraged the venturesome approach. After Stokes' frenetic counter shifted the balance on the third afternoon, Root had ticked up almost imperceptibly through the gears – from 34 off 89 at the point when England lost their fifth wicket, he scored at exactly a run a ball to finish on 115 from 170.

There was greater intent about Foakes, too. Kyle Jamieson, who threatened to decide the contest single-handedly on Saturday, returned to the attack in the third over, having shifted back around to the Nursery End. His second ball was driven confidently back through mid-on by Foakes, only a diving stop from Southee preventing four, and the wicketkeeper further settled England nerves a couple of overs later by threading the first bound-

ary of the morning through backward point.

Jamieson was punched for straight fours by both batters, as Root moved into the 90s. A chop past his stumps off Southee moved him within sight, before a clip through midwicket two overs later brought him a comfortable two and a loud

have given New Zealand a crack at the home side's lengthy tail was not forthcoming, and the winning runs came inside 14 overs – Root's beneficence extending to a full refund for the crowd – and before the weather could close in to delay the inevitable, putting England 1-0 up in the three-match

Root jumps for joy after reaching 10,000 Test runs

rendition of "Rooooooooooot!" from around the ground. His ninth hundred since the start of 2021 continued a purple run of batting, as he became the 14th man overall to 10,000 in Tests, and the second Englishman after Alastair Cook.

By that point, any tension about England's ability to knock off the runs had eased. Williamson gamely made several attempts to get the ball changed, but the breakthrough that would

series.

Defeat for New Zealand was their first against England in Tests since the 2015 result on the same ground – a match that was significant for Stokes as a player in a way that he will hope this one is for his captaincy. It also ended a run of nine Tests without a victory for England, as the StokesMcCullum axis hit the ground running; even if it was more of a stroll for Root.

(ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD England 2nd Innings Alex Lees b Jamieson 20 Zak Crawley c Southee b Jamieson 9 Ollie Pope b Boult 10 Joe Root not out 115 Jonny Bairstow b Jamieson 16 Ben Stokes (c) c †Blundell b Jamieson 54 Ben Foakes † not out 32 Extras (b 6, lb 9, nb 2, w 6) 23 TOTAL 78.5 Ov (RR: 3.53) 279/5

Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Alex Lees, 7.6 ov), 2-32 (Zak Crawley, 11.6 ov), 3-46 (Ollie Pope, 16.2 ov), 4-69 (Jonny Bairstow, 19.6 ov), 5-159 (Ben Stokes, 49.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Tim Southee 23.5-5-87-0 Trent Boult 24-3-73-1 Kyle Jamieson 25-4-79-4 Colin de Grandhomme 3.5-1-3-0 Daryl Mitchell 0.1-0-0-0 Ajaz Patel 20-22-0

22

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Multi-million upgrade for Aquatic Centre

…automatic time system introduced

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

A little swimmer is one of the first to test out the Colorado Time System at the completion of her 50 metres race

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he launch of the National Sports Academy on Saturday came as a two-fold blessing for the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) and swimmers countrywide as the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown saw a multimillion-dollar upgrade.

The upgrade – the addition of an automatic time system at the pool should drastically transform the sport for the better.

“Whilst these initiatives may not seem as the end of the earth, I can tell you there are multiple things that come with this [time system]. One of them is the increase in the number of athletes that will be exposed to the sport, but more so the important one is the implementation of a management system that can allow us to capture data, management data, manage athletes’ performance, growth and development throughout Guyana, which is important not only for Guyana but the world,” GASA President Dwayne Scott shared.

Scott went on to disclose, “It allows Guyana now to host international events; it allows Guyana now to assess the performance of our athletes in comparison with the rest of the world.”

The brand chosen for the Liliendaal pool is the Colorado Time systems and comes with a price tag of just over GY$7 million.

“So, you will see that the equipment that we chose wasn’t inferior equipment, it is highquality equipment that we made the investment on, because we

took some shifting around of the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry’s budgetary allocations.

The Minister explained, “It came to my attention because of our regular engagement that we had with all of the Sports Associations, including GASA. They had shared with me that this critical bit of equipment was very important for two things: 2) it would help in the accuracy of recording our races.

“I was lucky last year that when we had concluded all the implementation for all of our projects, that we had had savings

Times displayed on the scoreboard after the completion of a race

knew it was very important to have the accuracy of times,” Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr told those gathered at the venue on Saturday afternoon.

Ramson Jr went on to shed light on the planning that went into acquiring the Colorado Time System, revealing that it

at the end of the year that we could’ve put towards something …. put towards a number of things.”

Ramson Jr added, “When I discovered that it wasn’t 15,000 USD, it was actually about 35,000 USD, so $7 million, it made me wobble a little bit. We went

Elaine ThompsonHerah chases maiden world gold

Elaine Thompson-Herah defended her 100m-200m Olympic double in Tokyo last summer, but has never won world individual gold

F

ive-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah says the prospect of winning her first individual world gold is a key motivation for her season.

The 29-year-old missed the podium over 100m at London 2017 and Doha 2019 after winning 200m silver at Beijing 2015.

"I don't want to only be an Olympic baby," said the Jamaican.

"I want a taste of that gold from the World Championships. It will be very important to me to add that gold to my tally."

Thompson-Herah continues her preparations for the Jamaican trials later this month and July's World Championships at Sunday's

Diamond League meeting in the Moroccan city of Rabat.

Ivory Coast's Marie-Josee Ta Lou, who finished fourth in the Tokyo Olympics 100m final, is the most prominent threat in the field over the distance. The prospect of Thompson-Herah beating not only her present-day rivals, but also breaking the 10.49 second world record set by American great Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1998 is one of the running themes of the season.

Thompson-Herah clocked 10.54 secs, as close as anyone has come to Griffith-Joyner's mark, in Eugene in August. She ran 10.79 secs at the same venue last weekend, but says she is willing to be patient if the world record eludes her when the World Championships are staged there this summer.

"I would love to break the world record, but I am in no rush," she said. "If I don't get it this year, I have next year and the year after.

"I know I can do it, I have that in me – just have to get my body, mind and everything ready on that day. I don't think I am in that shape right now, but I am working on that." (BBC Sport)

back to the drawing board, we positioned and reallocated money.”

He then stressed the importance of local associations securing the hosting rights of international meets and tournaments, opining that the automatic time system would assist in that for swimming. In

GASA President Dwayne Scott

fact, Ramson Jr publicised that the hosting of the Inter-Guiana Games, of which swimming was one component, was high on his agenda for 2022.

“No longer will it be the days that politicians will come and make promises and not fulfil them,” the Minister said about his commitment to sport in

Guyana.

The Colorado Time System comes equipped with a digital board that tracks swimmers’ times in real time and immediately displays the completed time, by just the touch of a pad at the end of the swimming lanes.

Golden Jags to face Bermuda test tomorrow after Monserrat victory

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he Golden Jaguars got their CONCACAF Nations League 20222023 campaign off to the perfect start on Saturday night with a thrilling comefrom-behind victory over Monserrat at the Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

With three points under their belt, Guyana currently lead Group B of League B. Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz opted for a starting XI that comprised goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, Matthew Briggs, Jaylen Jones, Captain Samuel Cox, Quincy Adams, Nathan MoriahWelsh, Omari Glasgow, Neil Danns, Daniel Wilson, Torell Ondaan, and Trayon Bobb.

For the majority of the encounter, it was a 50-50 game, until Monserrat’s Adrian Clifton handed his team the advantage in the 21st minute. A sequence of passes from Craig Braham, Dean Mason, and Alex Dyer found Clifton square in front of the goal for an easy touch in.

The first half was littered with attempts from Guyana’s Nathan Moriah-Welsh and Monserrat’s Nathan Pond, but t h e

Quincy Adams in defence mode

score read 1-0 at the half.

The Golden Jaguars were visibly more intense at the start of the second half. When Clifton made another attempt at the goal, Guyana’s defence locked in this time around, to keep another goal at bay.

Minutes later, 18-yearold Glasgow, who debuted for Chicago Fire FC earlier this year, capitalised on a set-piece opportunity, floating the ball over the line of defence and into the upper-right corner of the goal, to level the scores in the 61st minute.

The 1-1 score brought a sense of relief to the Golden Jaguars outfit. Ten minutes after his first, Glasgow converted a

Omari Glasgow’s brace was just what the doctor ordered for the Golden Jaguars

Samuel Cox assist in front of the goal for a beautiful, game-winning strike.

Following a draw between Haiti and Bermuda in their first encounter of the League, those teams have one point and sit at second and third in the group, after Guyana, who currently lead with three points.

The Golden Jaguars will return home for two home matches at the Leonora Track and Field Facility this week. On Tuesday, June 7, the Golden Jags will battle Bermuda, while on Saturday, June 11, they will face off with Haiti. After which, the Golden Jaguars will return to the Dominican Republic for their away game against Haiti.

The Nations League will conclude in 2023, with a shot at the Gold Cup up for grabs for competing teams.

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

K

eemo Paul finished the West Indies Regional FourDay championships as the leading fast bowler. He claimed 20 wickets with best bowling figures of 6-50.

During his five matches in this condensed season, Paul was breathing fire, bowling heat rocks and troubling the batsmen with his usual movement.

The 24-year-old Paul who also picked up his 100th FirstClass wicket this season said he really wanted to return to the West Indies team, but this time, he wanted to maintain his spot in

the team. After the final match of the Four-Day season against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Queen's Park Oval, Paul said he was pleased with his bowling efforts this season, but he wanted to come good with the bat.

"I have been feeling really good. Before coming into this, I did a lot of work in the gym, so I think that has paid off. I just want to keep improving: I did well with the ball, but I am not satisfied with the bat. I think I need to put in some extra work there, and get it done.

"I always had that ability, and talent has always been there, but I was lacking a lot of work in the

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gym. After the first two rounds and before that I got a trainer, put the work in and try and get as strong as possible, and that really helped me a lot," Paul said.

With West Indies set to host Bangladesh, India, and New Zealand this summer, Paul has his eyes set on booking a spot in the Windies team.

"I would like to be back playing International cricket. That is why I am working so hard, and that is why I am trying to perform in each and every game. I really want to play international cricket for the West Indies, so I am working towards that. Hopefully, I get the opportunity soon, and

F

rom Guyana Jaguars to Guyana Harpy Eagles. A new Guyana Cricket Board came, a name change came, but the title still evades Guyana.

This season was one split in two, literally.

Guyana played Windward Islands and Leeward Islands in their opening games of the West Indies Regional Four-Day championships, and the team looked rusty. Despite a new name and new uniform (whites), an official team photo was not captured after two rounds, until the third round was played and the Guyanese media came.

At the end of the season, Guyana finished third, with 61.8 points, recording two wins, one defeat, and two draws.

The tournament paused for the West Indies versus England Test series, and restarted in May. Upon restart, the Guyana Harpy Eagles looked a more focused unit, and the batsmen have endured the pressure and scored runs…well not all of them.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul finished as the leading runscorer for the Guyanese and the second leading batsman of the season. The cub, who has shown his transformation into a Tiger, scored 439 runs at 73.16. He slammed two centuries and faced 1099 balls. He recorded a high score of 184. That innings was a follow-up to his unbeaten 140 and match-winning cameo of 23.

Keemo Paul was also a star for the Guyanese. He claimed 20 wickets while Mr Consistent, Veerasammy Permaul had 19 wickets. Gudakesh Motie came and claimed 17 wickets, and he also slammed his maiden First-Class century, signalling to the West Indies selectors his all-round ability, in scorching

Tagenarine Chanderpaul was the leading batsman for Guyana this season (Brandon Corlette photo)

fashion. In addition to Motie's 17 wickets, he scored 225 runs with the bat, with a strike-rate of 93.36.

Vishaul Singh was also impressive with the bat scoring 262 runs at an average of 52.

While many cricket enthusiasts were calling for young players to step up, not many did. With the exception of Tevin Imlach, who is young and fairly new to FirstClass cricket: the fit wicketkeeperbatsman scored 215 runs in four innings, recording three fifties.

Imlach showcased the ability to keep wicket as well as bat at number three, and he opened the batting once, when Anthony Bramble sat out owing to injury.

Imlach finished the season with an average of 53.75 and a high score of 79.

In the case of Akshaya Persaud, he had a miserable season. He scored only 24 runs in four innings, less than the bowlers and all-rounders: Nial Smith (71), Permaul (130), Kevin Sinclair (94), Paul (169) and Motie (225). The eye-catching Chandrapaul Hemraj would have wanted to achieve more, as he scored 227 runs in seven innings, at an average of 32. Known for his attacking stroke play, Hemraj is still to convert those halfcenturies into his second FirstClass century.

higher representation, he will be aiming to lend his leadership skills if asked.

"Any environment I go in, I always see myself as a leader and someone that can add input to the team. Both Kraigg [Barthwaithe] and [Nicolas] Pooran are young captains; if I am asked, I will try to offer whatever I can and contribute to the team in whatever way I can."

The man from Essequibo, who has played three Test matches, 19 One-Day Internationals

(ODIs) and 20 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for the West Indies, had impressed during the Four-Day season. Paul scored 169 attacking runs, and his bowling certainly raised a few eyebrows during the matches in Trinidad and Tobago.

Time will tell if Paul is set for a return to the international set-up.

CWI Regional 4-Day...

Guyana 4-Day review: A season of mixed fortunes for Harpy Eagles

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

stay there when I get there this time," Paul said.

Known for picking up injuries, Paul is now fit and focused on managing his body and bowling shorter, faster and more effective spells. "Managing my body and know how I feel will be really important. Normally, I bowl long spells, but I have to cut down and manage it. I don't want to get injured, that is something I am working on – not to get injured," he explained.

Paul, who is the current Guyana Harpy Eagles Vice Captain, has also shown his abilities as a natural leader, and when he gets the opportunity for

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While Leon Johnson's leadership and experience in the team remain supreme, the runs have dried up for the elegant lefthander. He scored only 123 runs in eight innings, at an average of 23.28. Despite individuals calling for Johnson to be dropped, the young players back in Guyana are not even touching the proverbial selection door. These young players such as Kevlon Anderson, Matthew Nandu, Mavindra Dindyal and Sachin Singh must hit down the selection door, and pressure the senior men in the Guyana team.

The 34-year-old Johnson, who led Guyana to five consecutive Four-Day championships, has certainly done his part. But with Vice Captain Paul eyeing a West Indies recall, and seeking further representation, who is the Guyana Harpy Eagles grooming to take over from Johnson, as full-time captain? Perhaps, it should be Imlach, a man that is disciplined and willing to learn.

The fast-bowling points have dried up for Guyana this season.

Only 6.8, and Smith who bowled well in phases this season finished with seven wickets.

Demetri Cameron finished with four wickets, and he still has a lot to learn at the First-Class level.

Perhaps, Ronsford Beaton, who was on tour and did not play a match, will solve the fast-bowling points problem this season.

Head Coach Esuan Crandon, Assistant Coach Ryan Hercules and Manager Albert Smith have done what was required of them this season, along with the physiotherapist Angelica Holder and travelling reserves Antony Adams and Beaton. While it is yet to be confirmed, the Regional Four-Day tournament will restart later this year, and 10 rounds of matches will be played.

Let us see what the Guyana Cricket Board and the team will do different for the next FourDay season.

Another rain-hit day at Queen’s Park in Guyana and Trinidad contest

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

O

nly 20.2 overs were possible at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad in the fifth and final-round clash of the West Indies FourDay championships match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. Red Force resumed the third day on 203-9, and ended on 218 all out, with Keemo Paul claiming 6-50 from 19.2 overs.

The covers never came off in the afternoon session, with Guyana Harpy Eagles on 30-0 after 16 overs, trailing by 188 runs.

After the rain fell for the entire day two, Red Force resumed on 203-9, their overnight score from day one.

Terrance Hinds attempted to play his shots while shielding Shannon Gabriel, but Paul uprooted the stumps of Gabriel.

Red Force innings ended on 218 all out in 94.2 overs. Jeremy Solozano was the top-scorer with 72 and Jason Mohammed made 68.

Guyana Harpy Eagles started their first innings reply in cautious fashion. The Red Force began with the off-spinner bowling to openers Tevin Imlach and Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

Imlach opened his account, and the team's account, with a spanking cover drive off Gabriel which went into the boundary.

Imlach looked solid in his stroke play while Chanderpaul was slow to get going. The Red Force players were saying to Chanderpaul; "if you want to play Test cricket, you have to play shots." At 11:00h, the heavens opened, and the players rushed off the field.

The covers came on with Harpy Eagles on 19-0 after 12.4 overs.

Imlach was on 16 from 41 balls

Compliments of

The Queen’s Park groundsmen had a busy day at the office

while Chanderpaul was on one from 36 balls.

The groundsmen then attempted to take the covers off at 12:45h, but the showers came again, and the covers were grounded again at 13:24h.

At 14:50h, the covers came off and the stumps were rooted despite continuing overcast conditions at Queen’s Park.

It was then official that play would resume at 15:40h, with 30.2 overs (minimum) and close of play was set for

17:30h. At 15:59h, the covers came on again, with Guyana on 30-0 from 16 overs. Imlach, who had struck Gabriel for another boundary, was looking good on 25 not out from 54 balls, and Chanderpaul was on three from 43 balls. The rain had affected the other matches as well, and with one day left in the championships, Barbados Pride are expected to retain the title while Leeward Islands are expected to finish in second place.

SCOREBOARD Trinidad 1st Innings Jeremy Solozano c & b Motie 72 Keagan Simmons b Paul 3 Isaiah Rajah lbw b Sinclair 26 Jason Mohammed c Johnson b Cameron 68 Yannic Cariah lbw b Motie 3 Joshua Da Silva lbw b Paul 2 Imran Khan c Singh b Paul 2 Terrance Hinds not out 22 Bryan Charles c Imlach b Paul 0 Uthman Muhammad lbw b Paul 0 Shannon Gabriel b Paul 5 Total (10 wickets, 94.2) (15 extras) 218 FOW: 6/1 (4.1) Keagan Simmons 60/2 (21.1) Isaiah Rajah 178/3 (72.5) Jason Mohammed 183/4 (77.1) Jeremy Solozano 186/5 (79.6) Yannic Cariah 186/6 (80.1) Joshua Da Silva 189/7 (82.4) Imran Khan 199/8 (86.4)

Bryan Charles 199/9 (86.5) Uthman Muhammad 218/10 (94.2) Shannon Gabriel Bowling Keemo Paul (19.2-4-50-6) Nial Smith (10-0-39-0) Demetri Cameron (12-1-38-1) Veerasammy Permaul (23-10-31-0) Kevin Sinclair (10-5-21-1) Gudakesh Motie (20-2-35-2) Guyana Batting Tagenarine Chanderpaul not out 3 Tevin Imlach not out 25 Total (0 wickets, 16.0) (2 extras) 30 Bowling Bryan Charles (4-3-4-0) Shannon Gabriel (5-1-12-0) Uthman Muhammad (5-2-9-0) Terrance Hinds (2-0-5-0)

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

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

CWI Regional 4-Day...

Another rain-hit day at Queen’s Park in Guyana and Trinidad contest See story on page 23

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Guyana 4-Day review: A season of mixed fortunes for Harpy Eagles

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