Guyana Times - Monday May 23, 2022

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5017

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

Guyana, T&T sign MoU for removal of trade barriers, enhanced cooperation

…commission to be established to oversee its implementation …PSC, GCCI, GOGEC laud initiative; pledge support

– “No need to get at each other’s throats” – Rowley on Guyana’s local content laws …says T&T Govt has taken no “aggressive” position

See stories on pages 2, 3 and 9

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Suddie Market inundated due to continuous downpour P12

Guyana will persevere P8 with “greater tenacity” to establish own law school – AG Nandlall

...believes role of CLE should be changed from regulatory to accreditation body

P17 CANU warns about marijuana cookies, candies

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd and Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne on Sunday signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of President Dr Irfaan Ali and T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

Guyana to lobby Guyana, Trinidad discuss Caricom on including availability of Petrotrin Brazilian state in food to refine Guyana’s oil – PM Rowley security task force Page 11

See story on page 7

Guyana records 48 new COVID cases P15 200 acres rice under threat as P13 water rises in Canje River

2 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GOGEC pleased with high-level political commitment between Guyana, T&T

T

he Guyana Oil & Gas Energy C h a m b e r (GOGEC) has welcomed the move by the Governments of Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago to committing to renewed bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

On Sunday morning, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of President Dr Irfaan Ali and his T&T counterpart, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

It provides for renewed and enhanced cooperation in

the areas of trade and investment. It is also expected to address non-tariff barriers and other impediments to the flow of goods and services, while pursuing enhanced cooperation in agriculture and food security, security, energy, infrastructure, tourism, education, sport and culture.

The agreement will also look to enhance the sustainable and resilient development of the two countries and advance the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

In a statement following the signing on Sunday,

GOGEC President Manniram Prashad

GOGEC’s President Manniram Prashad congratulated the two leaders for taking a step to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.

“GOGEC is pleased to see the high-level political commitment in achieving the goals set out in the MoU between the two countries and by extension the wider regional integration agenda.

In particular, GOGEC looks forward to continue working with the Government of Guyana in terms of shaping the energy landscape

of Guyana and with its Trinidadian counterpart in this regard,” the missive detailed.

According to Prashad, there are many areas for cooperation, collaboration and partnerships in the energy sector, including energy infrastructure, capacity building and training and promoting joint venture partnerships between Guyanese and Trinidadian companies in the energy sector and across the oil and gas value chain.

The GOGEC President further highlighted that

prior to the signing of this MoU between the two countries and prior to Guyana’s enactment of the local content legislation, a number of Trinidadian and Guyanese firms had already formed strategic partnerships to operate and exploit the opportunities in the oil and gas sector.

In 2018, GOGEC had similarly welcomed and supported the signing of a previous MoU between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana at that time under the previous Government.

Meanwhile, Prashad also applauded President Ali for positioning Guyana to take the lead at the regional level on these fronts, thereby solidifying the country’s regional and geopolitical importance.

The GOGEC President further pointed out that the recently concluded Agriculture Investment Forum and Expo was a resounding success and a clear and explicit demonstration of the regional leaders’ support for the goals set out therein and notably, the renewed call for the resuscitation of the “Jagdeo Initiative” by regional leaders.

Building on a plan presented by then President Bharrat Jagdeo to Caricom aimed on enhancing the Region’s food security, President Ali crafted “Vision 25 by 2025” – an initiative that seeks to reduce the Caribbean’s high food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025 thus promoting food security in the Region.

To push this agenda, the Guyana Government in collaboration with Caricom (Caribbean Community) last week hosted the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo under the theme: “Investing in Vision 25 by 2025” in Georgetown.

The three-day event, from May 19 to 21, saw the participation of several regional heads including the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago as well as scores of exhibitors – both local and international.

“Against the backdrop of Guyana being the fastest growing economy in the world driven by the oil and gas sector, Guyana is well-positioned to take the lead on the regional integration agenda aimed at strengthening cooperation within the Caribbean region through the auspices of Caricom within the framework of leveraging the country’s aggressive and transformative development agenda.”

“To achieve these ambitious and common regional goals, indeed, it requires strong political leadership.

Guyana does not only have oil as its attractiveness to foreign investors and underpinning its regional importance but it is also endowed with an abundance of natural resources including arable agricultural land and potable water,” the GOGEC statement detailed.

NEWS

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MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Monday, May 23 – No closure and Tuesday, May 24 – 00:30h – 02:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, May 23 – 10:55h – 12:25h and Tuesday, May 24 – 12:05h – 13:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers and light cloud during the day. Expect thundery showers and partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:54h and 23:55h reaching maximum heights of 2.21 metres and 2.19 metres.

Guyana, T&T sign MoU for removal of trade barriers, enhanced cooperation …commission to be established to oversee its implementation …PSC, GCCI laud initiative; pledge support

A

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was on Sunday signed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), with the two countries agreeing to work with each other in eradicating trade non-tariff barriers, as well as in the areas of infrastructure development and transportation.

The signed copies of the MoU were exchanged at State House between Foreign Ministers Hugh Todd and Dr Amery Browne

Low Tide: 17:05h reaching a minimum height of 0.97 metre.

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd (left) and T&T Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne as they exchange the signed copies of MoU

PSC Chairman Paul Cheong

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goal.

According to Rowley, it is important that they change their supply and business model, in order to prevent a reoccurrence of the predicament they find themselves in now.

“What we have done here… is to go and look at what Caricom can and must do within Caricom to disentangle ourselves from the tenuous world food supply that will get more troublesome and put our shoulders to the wheel within

of T&T, while President Dr Irfaan Ali and Trinidadian Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley bore witness to the occasion.

Among the resolutions contained in the MoU, is for the two parties to work assiduously on the removal of barriers to the trade of agricultural products throughout the Region. This includes phytosanitary standards.

According to the MoU, “the Parties agree to work with each other in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture and food security, security, energy, and infrastructure, and other areas as may be determined, with the aim of developing a strategic cooperation partner for the mutual benefit of their respective countries and the wider Caribbean Community.”

It goes on to state that non-tariff barriers and “other impediments to the flow of goods and services between them”, as well as promoting cooperation in the areas of sports, culture, tourism and education, will be pursued under the MoU.

Commission

A high-level bilateral commission will also be established to overlook the implementation of the agreement. The commission will include high-level members of the Government and private sector.

In his remarks, President Ali explained that the group has agreed on an aggressive strategy moving forward that includes developing a model and framework for how the agri-food system will develop. He further

pointed out that Trinidad has already committed to the cause, with a summit of their own scheduled to be held in July.

According to the President, they are well aware of the impediments and the barriers to regional integration. But they are committed to working together to address these issues and there is the political will to achieve what they set out to do.

“We are not naïve; we are not unaware of the impediments or blocks or constraints or challenges. And in our discussions, we took all of that into consideration. But what we have chartered is a joint commitment on how we’re going to secure the futures of the people of these two countries,” President Ali said.

The President also called on the private sector, investors, and the people of both

countries to be completely on board. He also revealed that they are exploring the option of having a cargo ferry between Guyana and Trinidad, which will aid in regional integration and the movement of goods and people.

“Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have a long and glorious history of working together. And what we have done today is to set the agenda and narrative that we don’t want it any other way but the way in which we will work together to realise the aspirations of the people of our countries,” President Ali said.

Rowley

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rowley expressed support for Ali’s utterances and noted that once the Region commits itself to do what needs to be done, then it will be able to achieve its

GCCI President Timothy Tucker

Caricom, to our own production system.”

According to Rowley, price control doesn’t work and they cannot tell importers what to sell their food at. Additionally, transportation is out of their control.

Rowley made it clear that the private sector must also step up and invest in local agricultural production potential.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 23, 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

City vendors I

t is for the best that the Agri Investment Forum & Expo was held at the Conference Centre and at the Cultural Centre: they were spared the anarchy into which the city is plunged daily with the vendors on the sidewalks. The latest clearance of vendors from the Stabroek Market area once again brings to the fore the need for a National Policy on Urban Street Vending. As in the past, the evicted vendors will soon be returning to the locale, ignoring the rules that have been crafted following previous evictions but which are quickly jettisoned. Based on our history, therefore, we are convinced that the situation will quickly revert to the status quo ante unless it is treated in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

Vending, dubbed “huckstering”, ballooned in Georgetown directly after the abolition of slavery as the ex-slaves flocked to the capital and soon overran its employment capabilities.

The colonial authorities saw them as illegal interlopers that disrupted the flow of traffic and encroached on established tax-paying businesses. Relations were always tendentious.

The vendors, however, were providing a very valuable service to their poor compatriots who were more than happy to secure necessities at a more affordable price. The dynamics have not altered appreciably in the present.

Street vending is a worldwide urban phenomenon. In the developed countries, they are seen as a welcome addition to the landscape while in the Third World, they are considered a bane. The difference lies in the recognition of the activity as a legitimate economic endeavour and the concomitant need to regulate and protect it through comprehensive regulations. Women form the overwhelming majority of vendors, and it is a significant source of employment for this often-neglected group. As mentioned above, vendors provide affordable services and goods to urban dwellers and visitors. A National Policy on Urban Street Vending has to address these positives against the just-as-legitimate need to provide security to citizens, absence of congestion, maintenance of public hygiene, and unfair competition to tax-paying fixed businesses.

Our challenge is that we have taken an ad-hoc approach to urban vending and whenever the problem gets out of hand – due mainly to collusion of those appointed to enforce the rules – draconian measures, which trample on the rights of the vendors, are resorted to. One particularly flagrant recurring instance is the rescinding of the rules during the busy Christmas period with the unrealistic expectation that the vendors will later depart voluntarily. Another was when the Government, after great effort and expense to secure a vending site on a prime Water Street location, saw its initiative torpedoed by City authorities allowing new vendors to reoccupy the cleared locations.

Representatives of vendors should be involved in the drafting of and enforcement of the National Policy on Urban Street Vending. Its broad elements would have to include the demarcation of vending zones – which should be city/town specific. ·It should take into account the natural propensity of the street vendors to locate in certain places at certain times in response to patterns of demand for their goods/ services. Mobile urban vending could be permitted in all areas even outside the designated vendors’ markets unless designated as ‘no-vending zones’ through a participatory process. The ‘no-vending zones’ should be notified both in terms of location and time.

While recognising the economic importance of street vendors, they will have to acknowledge the need for the crafted policy to be enforced. This is another area where the policymakers will have to be au fait of the reality that the “enforcers” often carry out their tasks quite literally: they become shakedown artists who hustle the hucksters.

Representatives of the latter group on the oversight body should temper the excesses.

Street vendors cannot have it both ways. Areas become commercially attractive through the confluence of a host of factors and established fixed businesses pay exorbitant rates to secure such locations. They will have to accept the parameters of the new Policy or face the consequences.

A view of the North Pakarima Mountain range from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) (Rudranauth Roopdeo photo)

No evidence was provided to substantiate claim

Dear Editor, For months now sections of the media and others parading as “environmentalists” have been hammering on that because of Guyana’s fledgeling oil and gas industry, the commercial fishing industry is suffering. It would be remiss of me not to mention from the onset that Kaieteur News is known for its radical, unsubstantiated and outright sensational reporting, just to sell copies. Additionally, these “environmentalists” are preying on the hard-working people of this country by presenting nonsense as facts.

Over the weekend, the newspaper boldly pronounced that ExxonMobil themselves has admitted that because of offshore activities, the fishing industry could be impacted. In fact, one of the stories states as follows, “Guyana has been producing oil since December 2019, and during that course of time there has been a significant decline in the domestic fishing industry...” the news outlet has even claimed that the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) state as much. However, when one reads carefully what is contained with those EIAs that Kaieteur News is relying on to peddle this nonsense, it clearly states that in the case of an oil spill the consequence could be detrimental to the fishing

industry.

There is nothing contained within to substantiate the claim by Kaieteur News and the others that the regular day-to-day activities offshore Guyana is impacting the fishing industry.

Editor, the claim that oil and gas activities contribute to the reduction of fish catch, is one that has been around since the 1940s. As a result of that age-old claim by fishermen, numerous countries have conducted a myriad of studies to ascertain whether the claim holds any merit. All the studies I have read, concluded that the claim is without merit.

A study conducted and published by Ingebert Gausland in 2003, titled: “Seismic Surveys Impact on Fish and Fisheries”, clearly debunks this ludicrous argument. The report addresses studies done in: Norway, three (3) Norwegian studies to be precise, Scotland, Faroe Islands and Australia. In all the above studies there was no evidence to support the claim that oil activities resulted in the decline of fish catch. In fact, the study conducted in Scotland in 2001 by Wardle et al, found that “Bangs did not chase fish away, but they did cause an involuntary sudden bending of the body, or C-starts.” Editor, I can go on for pages quoting studies done by world-re-

nowned, award-winning scientists to prove my point. However, I believe the point is well made.

Nevertheless, armed with all this information and more, the Government of Guyana did not take the news of lower catches and sit down idly. The Minister of Agriculture conducted numerous consultations and even had an independent study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to ascertain the cause of the decline of fish catch. It was found that climate change was responsible for the same. Further, studies conducted by other countries have come to the same conclusion. “Climate change

and the rise in sea surface temperature is changing the nature of oceans, which in turn affects the phytoplankton production, a primary food for several fish in the ocean and this is causing a decline of fish catch.”

I hope we can put this matter to bed once and for all. The constant barrage by Kaieteur News and these “environmentalists” that oil activities is the determining factor for the decline of fish catch is just preposterous. They have produced no evidence whatsoever to substantiate that claim.

With regards, Roodi Balgobin, MBA

Another Police station is badly needed on the Corentyne Dear Editor, I write on behalf of a poor, unlettered widow of No 54 Village who spoke to me in tears about her state of helplessness pertaining to the Police at the No 51 Police Station.

She informed me that she made a report at the No 51 Police Station in January 2022 that one of her sons who was living at her home hit her, was abusive, and was bullying

her.

The Police did nothing. She again went to the No 51 Police Station on Monday April 11, 2022, to make a report after her son hit her on the head and was verbally abusive to her on the night of April 10, 2022. That night she became very fearful and went to stay at her sister’s house nearby.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

5

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

Public officers are chosen based on merit, not on party affiliation

Repatriation to India

By Guyanese of Indian Ancestry Association

T

he earliest ordinances provided for a return passage for immigrants, but after 1854, only when an immigrant had lived for 10 years in the colony did he become entitled to a free return passage. After 1895, he had to pay

Dear Editor, Christopher Jones has filed a lawsuit challenging the suitability of Mr Hicken for the post of Police Commissioner. Now, at first glance, one might have thought that there had to have been some genuine concern from Jones that would work against the Top Cop position.

I am talking about flaws such as Mr Hicken's lack of ethics or morals or some other job-related deficiency? But a careful look at the allegations levelled

against him shows that Mr Hicken is not one of the PNC's "good boys" so he would not fit into the script of a Police Commissioner.

Maybe one the likes of a Winston Felix would have more fitted into their mould, that is, the more political you are the more likable would be your resume for the position. In the PNC’s Book of appointments, the more pro party the more suitable a candidate you would become.

Once you do not measure up to those rules you are

automatically an unsuitable individual.

Well, I have news for them, Mr Hicken is none of the above but a civil servant who does his work without fear or favour, affection or ill will and for this cause, he is most suitable for the post.

It follows a pattern of behaviour by the PNC, once you are not prepared to tow the party line then you are an outcast. Then it behoves us to conclude why frivolous accusations were brought against

Another Police Station is...

FROM PAGE 4

MS Resurgent leaving in 1955 (Guyanese newspaper)

part of the cost, a quarter until 1898, and after that, a half.

Later on, only the invalids and the destitute were entitled to the free passage.

Of the first 396 arrivals on the Whitby and Hesperus, 236 returned to India after their five-year contract expired in 1843. 98 had died, 2 absconded and 60 chose to remain.

Over the course of the 79 years of Indentureship of the 328,979 Girmitiyas who arrived, only 75,792 (23 per cent) returned to India. One study showed that more of the higher castes returned on average than others. In the 20th century while larger steamships replaced the old wooden sailing ships and the trips typically took 50 days rather than the three months, the overcrowding was still very severe. In 1928, of the 745 passengers on the Sutlej, 37 died and in 1929, with 965 (from BG, T&T and Jamaica) passengers, 44 died.

The Police have not yet arrived. This should create outrage among groups fighting violence against women and children. The least the State should do is to give security to people, especially widows and the poor.

It is poor women, like this widow, whom the Police, Government officials, women’s organisations and human rights organisations should help.

On the Corentyne Coast, if one is to go beyond the houses (the big houses) that line the public road, and dare go into the “back streets” one will be shocked to see that there are some poor people who live in

shacks and squalid conditions.

The poor people, especially poor Indian women like this widow, suffer from domestic violence and are often exploited by “officials” in society.

I call upon the relevant Police authorities to act with urgency, especially when poor, unlettered widows appear at Police stations begging for protection.

The No 51 Village Police Station has been a hostile environment. Imagine this unlettered widow reporting her ordeal to the Police officer who probably feels that she is not important because she is poor and has no clout in society.

The No 51 Village Police Station is located in a predominantly African Guyanese village, but it serves a predominantly Indian population on the Corentyne Coast. After the No 51 Police Station, the other Police station is all the way at Skeldon.

Another Police station is badly needed somewhere in between. Policing needs to reflect the race and ethnic make-up of the communities they serve if people, especially poor widows are to be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

DID YOU KNOW? •

•

After the Resurgent, the equivalent of US$300,000 was in the Repatriation Fund by 1968. Even before, Indian organisations lobbied for it to be used to establish three Indian Cultural Centres in the three counties. The PPP joined in this call.

However, in 1970 the PNC Government unilaterally decided to establish the present Cultural Centre in Georgetown. This has remained a bone of contention ever since.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Yours faithfully, Somdat Mahabir

Monday, May 23, 2022

Repatriates in Calcutta Maritzburg slum

After the end of Indentureship in 1920, the number of repatriates dropped dramatically and the last ship, MV Resurgent departed on September 4,1955 with 245 passengers. Forty had changed their minds at the last moment, one jumped off the ship and on landing in Calcutta, another forty pleaded with the Guyanese Repatriation Officer Ramcharran to return to Guyana. Ramcharran also recounted seeing dozens of Guyanese previous repatriates living in a slum near the docks who also wanted to return, but were destitute. A number from the Resurgent wrote relatives in Guyana and were able to return.

In general, according to eyewitness accounts, most of the repatriates could not adjust to the living conditions in India.

For Hindus, the rituals to be accepted by their caste and villages were very expensive, but their views on caste and lifestyle had also irrevocably changed. Most of them had an idyllic idea of what India was and the reality shocked them.

Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Ramnarine.

Mr Blanhum comes in for dishonourable mention here also. In fact, all-important public figures taking up appointments in the PPP/C tenure of office are considered outcasts by the PNC. In a related matter, the news is out that the position of Mayor of Georgetown is soon to come under the chopping block of that party, the reason being, that he does not look like one of us, therefore he is against us. That asinine statement was echoed by a former member of the Government when she said "I am looking for people who look like me to fill vacancies in the Government service." What a statement coming from the mouth of Government personnel!

It shows the depravity of those in that party and the blatant backwardness they hold on to.

So, in closing, let me inform the PNC, that political appointees are a thing of the past, gone are the days of rank political appointments. We are now looking forward to having people chosen purely on the basis of their merits.

06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 Stress 19:00 20:00

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21:00 The 100 S2 E15 22:00 The Resident S1 E13

23:00 The Ranch S4 E2 23:30 Whose Line Is It Anyway? S12 E15 00:00 Sign off

6

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

I

n this fun and challenging electricity and magnetism science experiment, we’re going to perform a compass challenge by attempting to balance a horseshoe magnet on a pencil tip.

How it works:

Materials:

Ball of modelling clay Horseshoe magnet Very sharp pencil with an eraser

Instructions:

Form the modelling clay into a ball.

Push the eraser end of the pencil into the modelling clay.

Make sure the pencil is securely

“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.” – Vern Law

CONTINUED FROM SATURDAY Act 4. I. Before PROSPERO'S cell.

A devil, a born devil, on whose nature Nurture can never stick; on whom my pains, Humanely taken, all, all lost, quite lost; And as with age his body uglier grows, So his mind cankers. I will plague them all, Even to roaring.

Re-enter ARIEL, loaden with glistering apparel, & c Come, hang them on this line.

PROSPERO and ARIEL remain invisible. Enter CALIBAN, STEPHANO, and TRINCULO, all wet CALIBAN Pray you, tread softly, that the blind mole may not Hear a foot fall: we now are near his cell.

STEPHANO Monster, your fairy, which you say is a harmless fairy, has done little better than played the Jack with us.

TRINCULO Monster, I do smell all horsepiss; at which my nose is in great indignation.

STEPHANO So is mine. Do you hear, monster? If I should take a displeasure against you, look you,-TRINCULO

in the clay and pointed straight up and down.

Balance the horseshoe magnet onto the sharp end of the pencil.

The magnet will slowly orient itself into a north-south direction.

Thou wert but a lost monster.

CALIBAN Good my lord, give me thy favour still.

Be patient, for the prize I'll bring thee to Shall hoodwink this mischance: therefore speak softly.

All's hush'd as midnight yet.

TRINCULO Ay, but to lose our bottles in the pool,-STEPHANO There is not only disgrace and dishonour in that, monster, but an infinite loss.

TRINCULO That's more to me than my wetting: yet this is your harmless fairy, monster.

STEPHANO I will fetch off my bottle, though I be o'er ears for my labour.

CALIBAN Prithee, my king, be quiet. Seest thou here, This is the mouth o' the cell: no noise, and enter.

Do that good mischief which may make this island Thine own for ever, and I, thy Caliban, For aye thy foot-licker.

STEPHANO Give me thy hand. I do begin to have bloody thoughts.

TRINCULO O king Stephano! O peer! O worthy Stephano! look what a wardrobe here is for thee!

CALIBAN Let it alone, thou fool; it is but

The north pole of the horseshoe magnetic will be attracted to Earth’s geographic North. The reason for this is that the Earth’s south magnetic pole is located near the Earth’s geographic north, and the opposite magnet poles attract. In this challenge, if you are able to balance the horseshoe magnet, you will be able to watch the magnet orient itself and essentially act as a compass.

Make this a science project:

Try the compass challenge in a metal pan. Try a bar magnet. (sciencefun.org)

trash.

TRINCULO O, ho, monster! we know what belongs to a frippery.

O king Stephano!

STEPHANO Put off that gown, Trinculo; by this hand, I'll have that gown.

TRINCULO Thy grace shall have it.

CALIBAN The dropsy drown this fool I what do you mean To dote thus on such luggage?

Let's alone And do the murder first: if he awake, From toe to crown he'll fill our skins with pinches, Make us strange stuff.

STEPHANO Be you quiet, monster. Mistress line, is not this my jerkin? Now is the jerkin under the line: now, jerkin, you are like to lose your hair and prove a bald jerkin.

TRINCULO Do, do: we steal by line and level, an't like your grace.

STEPHANO I thank thee for that jest; here's a garment for't: wit shall not go unrewarded while I am king of this country. 'Steal by line and level' is an excellent pass of pate; there's another garment for't.

TRINCULO Monster, come, put some lime upon your fingers, and away with the rest.

CALIBAN I will have none on't: we shall lose

our time, And all be turn'd to barnacles, or to apes With foreheads villainous low.

STEPHANO Monster, lay-to your fingers: help to bear this away where my hogshead of wine is, or I'll turn you out of my kingdom: go to, carry this.

TRINCULO And this.

STEPHANO Ay, and this.

A noise of hunters heard. Enter divers Spirits, in shape of dogs and hounds, and hunt them about, PROSPERO and ARIEL setting them on PROSPERO Hey, Mountain, hey!

ARIEL Silver I there it goes, Silver!

PROSPERO Fury, Fury! there, Tyrant, there! hark! hark!

CALIBAN, STEPHANO, and TRINCULO, are driven out Go charge my goblins that they grind their joints With dry convulsions, shorten up their sinews With aged cramps, and more pinch-spotted make them Than pard or cat o' mountain.

ARIEL Hark, they roar!

PROSPERO Let them be hunted soundly. At this hour Lie at my mercy all mine enemies: Shortly shall all my labours end, and thou Shalt have the air at freedom: for a little Follow, and do me service.

Exeunt

WORD SEARCH

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7

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana, Trinidad discuss availability of Petrotrin to refine Guyana’s oil – PM Rowley W

ith Guyana receiving growing interest for small refineries here, Trinidad and Tobago has touted the availability of Petrotrin – it’s State-owned refinery that is currently under negotiations for sale or lease – to refine Guyana’s oil.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley during a press conference in Port of Spain shortly after returning from a weeklong engagement in Guyana for the Agri Investment Forum and Expo that was held from May 19 to 21.

According to Rowley, discussions were held on the possible use of its refinery during his engagements in Georgetown.

“If Guyana has oil and

Guyana is interested, with someone who we have selected here or are selecting, then those conversations should take place.”

“It all has to do with a supply of oil to the refinery which exist and can, with some not insignificant effort, be brought back into operation if only there is an entity with a supply of oil. That entity is not the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, it’s not Petrotrin,” the T&T Prime Minister posited.

Petrotrin (Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago) was closed back in 2018 citing the unavailability of sufficient supply of oil locally to keep operations going.

At Sunday’s press briefing, PM Rowley explained

that due to the lack of an adequate supply of oil locally, the country had to import as such as 120,000 barrels per day to be refined but in that process would incur losses.

This situation led to the closure of the facility.

“We always said… if there is anyone who has a supply of oil or who can access a supply of oil, and such person or entity would like to use the refinery, we can make an arrangement. That is what we are involved in now,” Rowley stated.

Only last week, Prime Minister Rowley told the country’s Parliament that Trinidad Petroleum Holdings Ltd (TPHL) has identified a preferred bidder re-operationalise the refinery.

It was reported that

Guyana, T&T sign MoU...

Like President Ali, Rowley was also confident that they can implement the changes. According to him, people can expect to see, in the medium and long term, increased cooperation between the people of both Guyana and Trinidad.

Private Sector

Meanwhile, both the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) sent out statements in which they lauded the agreement between Guyana and Trinidad, to address trade barriers within a timeframe.

According to the PSC, the commitments to address not only trade barriers but also issues surrounding women and youth, regional transportation and food security, are commendable. In the same breath, they also committed to playing their part in making the MoU work.

“Through its Council which represents the interest of 23 Business Services Organisations (BSOs), the PSC will be taking steps to engage the Private Sector in Trinidad and Tobago as well as the Governments of both countries to establish a road-

map to move these commitments forward,” PSC said.

“We, therefore, call on the Trinidad and Tobago Private Sector to work towards enhanced trade and economic relations and fully collaborate with Guyana’s Private Sector and the Government in a manner that will allow for a higher level of efficiency in areas of interest to both sides,” they added.

The GCCI in its statement called the intended establishment of a commission, as well as a timeline, for the removal of trade barriers as a “step in the right direction” and offered its support in any work that has to be done towards making regional trade easier.

“The Chamber would like to encourage its private sector colleagues in Trinidad & Tobago to support its government in the work to remove trade barriers. Such support would engender a relationship based on mutual respect and usher in a spirit of cooperation between the territories for advancement of the regional agenda and private sector development.”

“The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to reiterate its role as a partner in the development of Guyana

FROM PAGE 3

and its continued commitment to supporting private sector growth. The Chamber also reaffirms its willingness to serve Guyana and the wider Caribbean, remaining disposed to offer support in the work to remove trade barriers in the region,” GCCI said.

Months after assuming office, President Ali had charged the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry to assess and address the hurdles related to exporting food and agricultural products to markets within the Region. As such, concerns about barriers to trade in some Caricom markets were raised with the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) earlier this year.

The Ministry subsequently formed a National Working Group on Barriers to Trade against Exports from Guyana. According to the assessment on market access by the Working Group, most of the challenges found were related to technical measures including sanitary and phytosanitary measures. It also found several technical and administrative regulations that were all hampering the export of Guyanese products.

Petrotrin Refinery in Trinidad (Photo: T&T Guardian)

TPHL had shortlisted four bidders, who were given up to April to submit revised proposals. These were received and evaluated, and according to the Prime Minister last week, TPHL identified a preferred bidder.

While no information about that entity was disclosed, negotiations are currently ongoing.

“We would always be happy if the refinery is operating. It doesn’t have to be a Government refinery to be a contributor to our economy but it all turns on availability of oil which will not cost the people of Trinidad and Tobago significant losses,” Rowley told reporters on Sunday.

Prior to this return to Trinidad, PM Rowley had a joint press conference with President Dr Irfaan Ali in Georgetown where he was asked about the extent of cooperation between the two countries in the area of energy and the possibility of using Petrotrin refinery.

In response, the T&T Head of State would only confirm that discussions were indeed held on this but opted

to keep those talks “behind closed doors” for the time being given that the deal is not yet sealed for the new operator of the refinery.

Nevertheless, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday morning signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which provides for renewed and enhanced cooperation in the area of energy, among a host of other sectors.

Speaking on this, PM Rowley told reporters in Trinidad that there are a host of Trinidadian companies and people already involved in Guyana’s rapidly growing oil and gas sector.

“Our long involvement in oil and gas production is finding notice by the Government and the technical people and those who are in the field in Guyana who needs services that we can provide…

The energy sector is a world industry even the price is fixed as a world price… our Trinidad resources are being handled, and exploited in the field by the Australian business, British business, and American business. So why do you see Guyana oil

business excluding Trinidad and Tobago when we are next door business and partner in Caricom (Caribbean Community),” the T&T leader argued.

However, while Trinidad is touting the availability of its refinery for use by Guyana, only recently it was revealed that several investors are eyeing setting up refineries on local shores.

During a public meeting in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) last month, President Ali disclosed that Government has over six proposals from investors interested in building small oil refineries in the region.

“We have more than six proposals for refineries, small refineries, here in Region Six. And we have exploration going on that can catalyse the growth here,” the President informed the residents.

Successive Governments have been cautious on the matter of building a refinery in Guyana that is Stateowned, resulting in the only takers for this initiative coming from the Private Sector.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana will persevere with “greater tenacity” to establish own law school – AG Nandlall ...believes role of CLE should be changed from regulatory to accreditation body

The day after…

L

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

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here have been mounting calls for Guyana to establish its own law school not only to cater to the increasing demands for the legal profession in the Caribbean but also to ease the financial burden Guyanese students are faced with in order to study at one of the regional law schools.

With the country’s booming oil and gas sector, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall believes that the time has come for Guyana to move in this direction. For decades, Guyana and other Caribbean countries have been lobbying for alternatives to the three regional law schools – the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Eugene Dupuch Law School in The Bahamas.

These three law schools are operated by the Council of Legal Education (CLE) which was established to provide training in the region rather than in Britain to persons wishing to practice as lawyers in the region. The CLE does this through the issuance of the Legal Education Certificate (LEC) – a prerequisite to practise as an Attorney-atLaw in the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Greater tenacity

Nandlall expressed this view in a short article titled: “After 50 Golden Years: What Next”. The piece was published recently in the CLE’s 50th Anniversary Magazine.

“Guyana, now an oil-producing nation and with the increase in economic and commercial activities that are anticipated to flow therefrom, will continue to persevere with even greater tenacity for the establishment of a law school in its jurisdiction”, he asserted. While there is no doubt that the current system for training lawyers has worked, Nandlall reasoned that any system, after five

decades, is due for review to ensure that it meets the exigent needs of a dynamic world.

He said that in the last 50 years, there have been transformative changes in the world, especially in the Caribbean, noting that there has been a revolution in terms of information and technology.

Formidable challenges

According to him, this

The crest of the Council of Legal Education (CLE)

the CLE attempts to cope with an ever-changing increasing number of potential entrants.

Review role of CLE

These new realities, coupled with a growing demand for legal education in the region, the Attorney General said, concatenate to make a compelling case for a review

model which the region can resort to for guidance and that same can be tailored to suit regional peculiarities.

Wholly inadequate

Moreover, Guyana has also been calling on the CLE to grant permission for it to establish its own law school by emphasising that the number of spaces

An artist’s impression of the proposed Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence Haynes Law School to be built in Guyana (file photo)

has impacted every sphere of human life, including the education system with the three law schools disseminating tuition online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But this, he noted, is just a mere example of the rapid changes that have been taking place which would have been impossible to visualise 50 years ago.

He highlighted that over the last five decades, the CLE has not been without formidable challenges, prominent among them being the attempt to meet the increasing demands for legal education in the Caribbean. He noted that physical space to accommodate an increased number of students continues to be a fundamental hurdle, as

of the system which administers legal education, with a view to addressing the challenge of adequately providing legal education in the Caribbean. To make his point, Nandlall explained that this must necessarily entail a review of the role of the CLE itself as an administrator of law schools in the Region.

In so doing, he further explained that one is compelled to interrogate whether this model is still feasible or, should the CLE assume the role of a regulator/accreditor of autonomous law schools established by Governments or private capital or a combination of the two.

He said the United Kingdom (UK) has a similar

offered to Guyanese at the Hugh Wooding Law School is inadequate. Each year, graduates of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programmes and the top 25 graduates from the University of Guyana (UG) Law Department gain automatic acceptance to the law schools to read for their LEC. Due to zoning, Guyanese students are accommodated at the law school in Trinidad and Tobago.

Those who are not on the list of top 25 graduates and those with non-UWI law degrees can be admitted to the law schools if they are successful in the CLE’s annual entrance examination.

TURN TO PAGE 16

…the Garden Party! ooking at the just-concluded “Agri Investment Forum and Expo”, your Eyewitness couldn’t help thinking that VP Jagdeo must’ve been humming that old Rickey Nelson hit, “Garden Party” as he tried to keep a smirk off his face!! You remember? “I went to a garden party/ To reminisce with my old friends/ A chance to share old memories/ Play our songs again”.

After all, wasn’t this “déjà vu all over again on Agri – without the bells and whistles, of course – from the decade when as President he’d tried to get Agri on their agenda? Which proposal that the Caribbean Leaders were now extolling hadn’t been in the “Jagdeo Initiative”??

Justification to reduce food bill? Transportation? Financing?

Trade barriers? Land in Guyana for cultivation? He must’ve thought “Been there….done that!!” So the tune continued…

“When I got to the garden party/ They all knew my name/ No one recognised me/ I didn't look the same/ But it's all right now/ I learned my lesson well/ You see, you can't please everyone/ So you got to please yourself / People came from miles around/ Everyone was there”.

Everyone knew the name “Jagdeo”. After all, they had to’ve been briefed on the Agri Summit – and the Jagdeo Initiative” had to be in the top of THAT agenda!!

At that first go-around everyone had given lip service to his proposals. But even with the land he was offering in Guyana, there wasn’t a single taker!! What was it?

Just laziness? Or they figured that Guyana would benefit inordinately and just did not want that to happen? Didn’t one of them call Jagdeo a “panhandler” for seeking aid for Guyana?? Didn’t Trinidad’s Manning take the ideas and launched 8 “Mega Farms” in Trinidad…only to see them all collapse in a few years? So yes!! From what unfolded at the Expo…Jagdeo did “learn his lesson well”!!

The difference, of course, is that if push comes to shove…we can now go it all alone!! With our oil…we got the money! And with the land – and most importantly, folks who don’t mind getting their toes into mud! – it can all come together here!! So, the enthusiasm we saw from the Caribbean leaders comes from getting in on the ground floor of a fast-rising skyscraper of Agricultural opportunities!! After all, “food security” is now Global!!

One positive development from this Expo is the incorporation of timelines for accomplishing intermediate goals. Guyana has to monitor these and now has the clout to give some not-too-gentle-reminders to foot draggers!

All in all, it certainly was a very successful Garden Party!! Everyone left with a smile on their face and a spring in their steps!! …the meeting with LoO As your Eyewitness had pointed out…the first meeting between the President and the LoO hadn’t gone too well.

That was to be expected, but was still disappointing. How’d you go from dubbing the President’s Administration an “illegally-installed cabal” to “skin teeth” bonhomie? Your Eyewitness had expected that first meeting to be an icebreaker.

But it seemed to’ve been a jaw breaker!! Whatever goodwill might’ve been generated very quickly dissipated after the LoO’s second started cavilling about what was discussed!! Hey…it’s the responsibility of the President to set the agenda on appointments!! And from what we’re seeing (and hearing!) he was spot on not to bring up Judicial appointments. With Chris Jones taking the appointment of the acting CoP to the Courts…without waiting for the “meaningful consultations” to be scheduled – the President’s being strong armed.

And we can only expect a pushback. Which doesn’t bode well for the parliamentary democracy that’s in sight at long last!! …the fishes went As a “Gillbacka” connoisseur, your Eyewitness has a personal stake in this fishy business between lower catches and drilling for oil in the Atlantic. The FAO says there’s no connection. So, what is it? Folks wanna know!!

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

NEWS

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MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“No need to get at each other’s throats” – Rowley on Guyana’s local content laws

…says T&T Govt has taken no “aggressive” position

By Jarryl Bryan

T

rinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has assured that his Government has not taken any “aggressive” position on Guyana’s local content laws, which were the subject of much wrangling between the private sectors of the two countries earlier this year.

Rowley made this pronouncement while participating in a joint press conference with President Dr Irfaan Ali at State House on Sunday following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two Caricom neighbours.

While Rowley noted that they have no intent at present in challenging the local content laws, he did not rule out the possibility of the matter being brought before the court for legal interpretations of whether the laws infringe on the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

He noted that even in the United States, laws made by the Government are

President Dr Irfaan Ali and T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

challenged in court and interpretations sought.

“There has been a lot of interest in this matter. The interpretations of what the Government of Trinidad and Tobago are trying to do is not to view it through negative lens, but to understand what Guyana is trying to do,” Rowley said.

“And from that stand-

point, we have not aggressively taken any position to put the Guyanese objective under any litmus test. We do rely very heavily on the cooperation that is written and embodied in that MoU, and also understand that whatever our intentions are, those intentions are codified in a treaty called the Treaty of

Chaguaramas.”

According to Rowley, there was no need for Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana to “get at each other’s throats” on the issue of local content and misrepresenting intentions. He noted that they must approach the matter from a positive perspective.

“You have to go in thinking positively, that you

have what it takes to pass.

And we believe that the Treaty of Chaguaramas is sufficiently robust to deal with any of these matters,” Rowley further explained.

Rowley urged the attendees at the press conference to judge for themselves the motivations of the naysayers against their efforts in removing the trade barriers.

“What we hope not to happen is individuals going off on a frolic of their own and seeking to control the narrative into nothingness for us. This is why I’m asking you, try and (see) who is talking, what they’re saying and focus only on the value of what it is being said. And then identify agendas,” Rowley said.

Trinidad and Tobago itself has had local content laws for decades, which it has used to build a framework around its oil and gas industry to protect locals.

Guyana only signed its Local Content Bill into law in December 2021.

Earlier this year, there was widespread public outrage among Guyanese

Private Sector stakeholders over comments made by the Head of the Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), who in a leaked email claimed that Guyana’s local content law, which makes provisions for Guyanese persons and Guyanese businesses to benefit from the oil and gas sector at specified percentages, violates certain provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The issue had also sparked calls for Guyana to consider exiting the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), with GCCI President Timothy Tucker pointing out that Guyana has always been short-changed within the regional bloc when it comes to trade.

The Guyana Government’s position has been that while the country is open to foreign investors, especially those within Caricom, including Trinidad and Tobago, they must partner with Guyanese businesses and individuals.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gender mainstreaming critical to reaching agricultural goals, must be included in policy-making – Minister Walrond

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ourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond said gender equality in agriculture is critical to reducing the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Minister Walrond was at the time delivering remarks at a panel discussion on Gender and Agribusiness in the Caribbean during the final day of the AgriInvestment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Saturday.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), if women had the same access to productive resources as men, their farm production could increase by 20 to 30 per cent, leading to a 12 per cent decrease in hunger.

“Our regional target is 25 per cent by 2025. The aim is to reduce our food import bill within the Region by 25 per cent. We have little time and the study would confirm that our countries cannot achieve our objective without the full gender

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond addressing the gathering on Saturday at the ACCC

parity,” Minister Walrond stated.

The Minister explained that, like many other sectors, there is a gender gap in terms of deriving the benefits in agriculture. In fact, research has shown that around the world, women face major obstacles that exacerbate gender inequality in agriculture including; access to land rights, productive resources, labour and participation in decision making.

The extent of these constraints, Minister Walrond stated, should be examined

by Caricom nations, and appropriate strategies to address them must be crafted in keeping with international standards.

In the case of Guyana, the Minister said that while the country has the necessary framework in place including strong land management systems and legal framework for occupational safety and health, it has much to build on in order to achieve gender parity within the agriculture sector.

“With appropriate attention paid to gender impact and gender mainstreaming in our policymaking, we can build on our institutional framework to attack at least three of the constraints that were identified in women in agriculture, namely, land rights, employment issues, and decision making,” she told the participants.

Minister Walrond made reference to a number of projects including the black belly sheep initiative being pushed by the Government which allows farmers to access support for sustainable agriculture production.

This, she said, addresses the issue of financing, which has been identified as a critical contributor to the gender gap in agriculture.

“Here again, while we pay attention to financing as a whole, we must incorporate gender mainstreaming into policymaking in order to achieve the gender equity outcomes…it goes without saying that country by country we must go through this process of examining our environment, identifying the obstacles to gender equality and setting up systems to ensure that we eliminate the gap,” the Minister emphasised.

She reiterated that gender equality will not be achieved by accident, it requires deliberate intervention to make it happen, therefore, Caricom nations must consider gender impact in each of their policies and put in place initiatives to address them in order for the achievements to reflect fair outcomes for women.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NEWS

11

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana to lobby Caricom on including Brazilian state in food security task force …as agreement reached for exchange of technology, investments

Some of the produce from the State of Roraima

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the meeting in the presence of Caricom leaders and Brazilian investors

T

he Guyana Government, which presently chairs the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Ministerial Task Force on Food Security, will be lobbying Caricom on bringing the Brazilian State of Roraima on board during the discussions.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday as one of the outcomes of the just-concluded Agri-Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), which brought together industry players from all across the region.

According to the

President, who met with investors from the State of Roraima and other parts of Brazil on Saturday in Lethem, there is much that the Brazilian state can contribute towards the region’s push to reach its food import bill targets.

“We’re talking here about a state that is producing onion, soya oil, wheat. All the grains that we can utilise in Caricom for our food import needs. All the fruits that can go into our productive sector. But more importantly, everything they do on their side can be done on our side first. They have offered their technology, their

investments, their partnership and their commitment.”

“In exchange, we have committed to the Heads, a proposal that the State of Roraima be part of the Ministerial Task Force on agriculture from Caricom.

We have invited them to be part of the forum in Trinidad and Tobago in August and they are going to be a part of that forum,” President Ali also said.

According to President Ali, he had in-depth discussions with the Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Roraima, Marlon Buss and the consensus among the group is that they want to

be integrated more into the vision of Caricom, when it comes to the agricultural sector.

President Ali was of the view that there are numerous areas for opportunities when it comes to collaboration with the State of Roraima, including in the area of cattle rearing. He noted that in one year, production of angus beef could be doubled throughout the region.

“They want to be integrated not only from a supply perspective, but from a productive perspective.

They want to be integrated into this vision of Caricom.

They want to be part of this and I think it is an excellent opportunity for a win-win,” President Ali said.

On Saturday, President

Ali along with several Caricom Heads of Government and other regional officials participated in a Caribbean-Roraima Investors Luncheon at the Santa Fé farm in North Rupununi.

The Brazilian investors, who represent half of the production capacity of the State of Roraima, made presentations on their capacity and capabilities, and spoke of their intentions to collaborate with Guyana and the wider Caricom Region in agriculture.

Presentations were also made by a high-level team from the State of Roraima including its Secretary of Agriculture, Buss. After the meeting, the Government of Guyana, through the

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Roraima to enhance agriculture through research and development.

President Ali meanwhile had told the investors that Caricom knows that it has to take action and has committed to taking action to ensuring food security in the region. During the visit, President Ali and Prime Minister Rowley were also joined by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne; Premier of Montserrat, Joseph Farrell and other Regional officials.

Roraima is one of 26 states in Brazil and covers an area of approximately 86,300 square miles.

12 NEWS Suddie Market inundated due to continuous downpour MONDAY, MAY 23,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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everal stall owners at the Suddie Market on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) went to ply their trade on Sunday but were greeted by several inches of water due to the continuous downpour on Saturday evening into Sunday morning.

This, however, did not

Sections of the market under water on Sunday

deter the vendors from selling their produce, however, they had to do so within a short period of time since the water started to rise.

When Guyana Times visited the area, many vendors had their goods elevated several inches so that it could stay clear of the water. In addition, due to flooding, consumers were

But we will wait a bit and see if the water will drain out,” the vendor related.

The woman made a plea to the relevant authorities to clear the clogged drains and implement strategies to prevent flooding in the market. Attempts to get a comment from one of the Councillors who oversees the operations of the market proved futile.

forced to discontinue shopping which ultimately resulted in stalls being closed prematurely.

One vendor, Savitree Lall, stated that the water started rising as early as 06:30h and within seconds, the water was about two inches above her ankles.

She added that business was terrible because her

regular customers turned away due to the water level.

“We will stay in here for a while to see how the business will roll but so far, I didn’t get sales for the morning because of water in the building. Most of us will leave... It all depends because we know people will not want to come in the water to buy greens and so.

NEWS

13

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

200 acres rice under threat as water rises in Canje River ter for now because the June month’s raining is coming and I don’t see a way getting this water out because the Canje Creek level raises and to get this water out right now it is very impossible.”

One of the farmers who has been able to reap all of his rice is Roy Kanai. He has already gone back into the crop but his entire 15 acres is now inundated.

Rice needs water in its early stages but as the young plants emerge, they need sunlight and less water.

“I can’t get drainage for this rice to grow out. The high tide is flooding me out all the time. I invest money and don’t know if I will get it back,” Kanai, who has been a rice farmer for the past ten years, said.

Another farmer, Aaron Beharry, who has 150 acres under rice cultivation at the New Forest-Speculation area related that the floodwater is affecting his crop.

According to him, a sluice at Bachelors Adventure

Water overflowing a dam at New Forest

C

lose to 200 acres of rice in East Canje, Berbice, is under threat as water continues to rise in the Canje River due to the consistent rainfall over the past few days.

Rice farmers who operate along the eight villages spanning from Speculation to DeVester are the ones affected. The area which is commonly referred to as New Forest has an estimated 2200 acres under rice cultivation.

Rice ready to be harvested in several inches of water

Some farmers have gone into the next crop, but are uncertain that the paddy planted will be able to survive the floodwaters

Ganesh Ramsaroop, who has harvested one set of rice still has 16 acres to reap but it is all underwater. His grain carts are still in the field and a combine got stuck in the mud on Saturday as he desperately tried to harvest rice in several inches of water.

“When the combine trying to cut it, the waves pushing down the rice, so all this under threat,” he told this publication.

According to Ramsaroop, the water started to rise a few days ago and he was only able to harvest a portion before the situation became impossible to continue harvesting.

“This looks hard, I doubt

whether we can get this rice anymore,” Ramsaroop added.

One of the largest farmers in that community is Gavaskar Sherriff who cultivates 500 acres of rice at New Forest. About 80 acres of mature paddy still remain in the field to be harvested but the floodwaters have taken over the field.

Water was on Saturday riding over a closed sluice leading from the Canje River and pouring into his rice field. Residential areas are also being affected.

Livestock farmers have released their animals to find higher grounds and to find food.

Sherriff said there is

nothing he can do as cows and sheep feast on rice which he might not be able to harvest.

“The farmers have nowhere else to put their cows to graze, I ain’t tell them nothing if they grazing in my rice. Sheriff explained that the sluices from several villages are also letting in water.

“The water coming in and overtopping the dam and flooding the place. For the past five years, the koka door was just like that, nobody fixing them and this is flooding always. Last year we get this kind of flooding.”

According to him, despite his loss at the last crop, he did not receive any relief that was offered by the Government since he was told that his name was not on the list.

“I have pictures with me and the Minister at my place when it was flooded last year,” he said.

As it relates to the 80 acres still to be harvested, Sherriff told <<<Guyana Times>>> that he might not be able to harvest it.

“At this stage, it is at the ending stage. I don’t think we can do anything to this right now because the water is right up and there is no way we can get out this wa-

A combine stuck in the mud

which should assist with drainage remains non-functional.

“We ask for this koka to be fixed for a very long time and they not fixing it. We bring them and show them the koka. The purpose of this koka is to get the heavy rainfall out of the cultivation. All we asking for is for them to make back the koka door and let farmers survive.”

When asked whether the field would’ve been able to drain through the sluice had it been operable given the

current water level in the Canje River, he noted that there will be some drainage but the process would be very slow.

“When the water is on the last falling before the tide comes up back, we could catch an hour or two drainages, but at least it is something you getting rather than getting nothing. Right now, it is the spring tide so the Creek can’t go down that low but on the neap tide we could get reasonable drainage,” he explained. (Andrew Carmichael)

14 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 23,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTT partners with Genesis Utopia to offer ConneX experience G

TT Business Solutions has partnered with Hits & Jams Entertainment for Genesis and Utopia’s Carnival band launch.

The company announced that the GTT Business Solutions VIP experience will include free internet through GTT’s newly launched product, ConneX. This free service will be offered at the Cooler “Touchdown” party featuring Patrice Roberts, at Stingingnettles, featuring Kes and the Band, and Baderation featuring Skeng, Shaneil Muir and Yung Bredda.

The announcement was made by GTT’s Marketing Director, Kerchelle Jn Charles, during the Genesis and Utopia media launch on Wednesday last at the Herdmanston Lodge in

Georgetown.

ConneX is GTT’s first shared bandwidth and voice bundled solution that delivers an end-to-end fibre-optic cable. The company recently launched this product as a broadband and landline solution for businesses across Guyana Jn Charles said that GTT is delighted to be associated with the Genesis Utopia event which will enhance entertainment and bring people together. She noted that GTT is a company made of Guyanese, for Guyanese.

“These celebrations will be a significant undertone of Guyana’s 56th Independence Anniversary, a milestone and occasion that we all will agree, deserves celebration... the Genesis and Utopia cricket carnival band launch and

events will represent a positive atmosphere and display of Guyanese culture.”

She further said that the company is committed to improving life experiences for every home and business by 2025 and consumers can count on GTT to keep its promises.

“As the largest and most comprehensive telecommunications service provider, undoubtedly, our GTT team is a strong community of Guyanese. This is an accomplishment we are immensely proud of. This is why we promise to strengthen our community, reliably connect our customers, and innovate for all in our country, because together we rise.”

VIP experience tickets are available exclusively at GTT flagship stores located at 55 Brickdam, Fogarty’s

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr (centre) along with representatives of GTT Business Solutions and Hits and Jams Entertainment

building, Regent Street, and the Giftland Mall.

In addition to experiencing the ultimate GTT VIP experience, patrons will

also be able to top-up their mobile devices with $1000 with mmg+ or using promotion agents at the event and get 1GB of data free.

Additionally, persons can sign up for Fibre + Voice or purchase specially-priced handsets in GTT stores for a chance to win tickets.

NEWS

15

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 48 new COVID cases T

he Health Ministry on Sunday reported that 48 new COVID-19 cases have been reported, taking the total cases in the country up to 64,276.

According to new statistics released by the Ministry, 29,576 males and 34,700 females are now infected with the virus. The death toll has remained at 1231 – the latest increase

reported on Friday after two women succumbed.

There are two persons in the Intensive Care Unit, 21 in institutional isolation, 566 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. To date, 62,456 persons have recovered.

Meanwhile, 620,143 coronavirus tests have been processed since the virus was detected here back in

March 2020.

An analysis shows new cases dispersed among six administrative regions, with four in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); two in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 32 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); seven in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

25 to receive prestigious Influential Women Leaders Awards for 2022

Co-creator Michelle A Nicholas

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wenty-five women have been selected to receive the prestigious Influential Women Leaders Award (IWLA) for 2022.

The award is given to remarkable women who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the development of their organisations, agencies, and communities.

It was created by The NICO Consulting, Inc and Cerulean Incorporated to recognise the success of national and regional women leaders. These 25 women have been selected to join the growing network of changemakers. The awards gala will be held on June 18 at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

A press statement from the creators said that the award is hailed as Guyana’s most prestigious accolade to recognise the contributions of female leaders in any sector of the country.

The statement noted that “the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award captures the essence of excellence, extraordinary achievement, and dynamic leadership, distilled in the women who bear the distinction of receiving this honour”. Since 2019, 50 women have received this award and have benefitted from various tailored programmes geared to further their empowerment, intellectual advancement, social growth, and leadership, as well as advance their commitment to community service.

Nominations were opened to the public for a month and nominees were invited to submit details about their journey to an eminent panel of judges in Guyana and in the diaspora.

These include Head

Teacher at L’Aventure Secondary School Althea Daniels-Stuart; Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Ann Greene; Dr Bibbi AlladinKaran; Superintendent of Police Cristal Robinson; Dr Ertenisa Hamilton; Founder of the Betterment Brigade Foundation, Francine Wintz; Attorney-at-Law and politician Geeta ChandanEdmond; Dermatologist Dr Heather Wilson; Miss World Guyana 2019 Joylyn Anita Conway; President of Guyana Pharmacists’ Association Kalawattie Datt-Singh and Dr Latoya Gooding.

Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) Specialist Lavonia Springer, entrepreneur Marissa Foster, Mischka White-Griffith, Narda Alia Eletra Mohammed, Dr Natasha France, Special Education teacher Nikoya Alleyne, Reshma Persaud, Sarah Daniels, Shabakie Fernandes, Sharon Allison Alexander, 2020 Chevening scholar Shinelle Bayrd, Dr Susannah Isaacs, Scientist and inventor Tandika Harry, and Wemyss de Florimonte are also part of the Class of 2022.

Through the nominations, the statement noted, over 200 women were thrust into the spotlight of their own achievements for consideration to receive the award this year, and the selection of 2022’s recipients honours the laudable accomplishments of each woman in her field of endeavour.

Co-Creator of the award and founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting Inc Michelle A Nicholas said: “It’s such a pleasure to shine a light on the accomplishments of my fellow women and celebrate their contributions to the success of businesses, economies, families, and communities.”

“This year’s 25 awardees, all from diverse backgrounds and professions, are frontliners fighting for equality in some way. They have and continue to leverage their exceptional talents and leadership capabilities to create change and improve lives for the better. It’s a privilege to celebrate these change-makers, who are intentionally advancing Guyana’s people and communities.”

Meanwhile, Managing Director of Cerulean Inc,

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD MAY 22, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

48

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

21

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

2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,700

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,576

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

64,276

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,456

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

Lyndell Danzie-Black, co-creator of the award, shared similar sentiments while extending congratulations to the awardees. She said that the commitment of these women to change our world because they decided they were going to act, to do, to change their businesses, communities, organisations, villages, and their country for the better, is evident in their stories. “I cannot wait to meet each awardee individually to exchange our experiences and to work together to make this world a better place for our girls and boys.”

A highlight of Guyana’s social calendar and a premium networking opportunity for businesses, non-profit organisations, and public officials, the annual award has seen the engagement of several sponsors including SBM Offshore, GT&T, TechnipFMC, interCaribbean Airways, and Marriott.

Beyond the recognition of the day, the 25IWLA honourees will receive the exclusive opportunity to apply for the highly competitive Women’s Leadership Programme (WLP). This programme explores critical areas that include access to networks, leadership and social equity, executive presence, and more, all aimed at building new and strengthened relationships internally and externally.

The organisers have expressed gratitude to the nominators and all nominees, and look forward to continued support and participation in 2023. They are also looking forward to Guyanese demonstrating their support for the hard work and dedication of these women by attending the award gala.

REGION 1

2520

REGION 2

2528

REGION 3

8146

REGION 4

31,882

REGION 5

2400

REGION 6

5956

REGION 7

2427

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4043

REGION 10

3488

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

441,071 340,572

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS Co-creator Lyndell Danzie-Black

566

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1231

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.

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

The other regions did not report any increases in positives.

In Guyana, most recent vaccination figures indicate that over 441,000 first doses and 340,500 second doses were distributed to adults. This is approximately 86 per cent and 66.4 per cent, respectively. For children aged 12 to 17, more than 25,000 or 34.7 per cent are completely vaccinated.

Booster coverage have surpassed 63,000. These num-

bers have been stagnant within the past weeks, as authorities urge Guyanese to get boosted.

The World Health Organisation has published its latest comprehensive set of World Health Statistics to 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic – which led to an estimated 4.5 million excess deaths in that year. These disruptions are likely to set back global progress on both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy made in the first 20 years of the century.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

Global figures show that almost 521.6 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more than 155.4 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Be alert for acute rash cases – Health Ministry tells health, surveillance officers

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hief Medical Officer, Dr Narine Singh has issued a public health advisory to regional health officials, medical officers and surveillance units to be alert for cases of acute skin rash syndrome.

This alert is based on the evolving epidemiological situation globally and in the Americas, regarding non-endemic cases of the rash.

“Please be advised that all healthcare professionals at all healthcare facilities are to be vigilant for any cas-

es of the same which may appear, considering the same to be infectious and to apply the necessary contact and droplet measures,” the CMO stated.

The acute skin rash may be present with maculopapular (flat based lesions) to vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), pustules, and subsequent crusting affecting the dace, palms of the hand, soles of the feet and the rest of the body.

According to the notice, the same may be accompa-

nied by headache, acute onset of fever, myalgia, back pain, asthenia, and lymphadenopathy. All identified cases with these or similar characteristics should be reported immediately to the Central Surveillance Unit of the Health Ministry.

Just a few days ago, the World Health Organisation said it is working with its partners to better understand the extent and cause of an outbreak of monkeypox. The virus is endemic in some animal populations in

a number of countries, leading to occasional outbreaks among local people and travellers. The recent outbreaks reported across 11 countries so far are atypical, as they are occurring in non-endemic countries.

There are about 80 confirmed cases so far, and 50 pending investigations. More cases are likely to be reported as surveillance expands.

“WHO is working with the affected countries and others to expand disease surveillance to find and support

people who may be affected, and to provide guidance on how to manage the disease. We continue to convene meetings of experts and technical advisory groups (such as the meeting today of the Strategic & Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAGIH) to share information on the disease and response strategies,” said the WHO. Monkeypox spreads differently from COVID-19.

WHO encourages people

to stay informed from reliable sources, such as national health authorities, on the extent of the outbreak in their community (if any), symptoms and prevention. As it spreads through close contact, the response should focus on the people affected and their close contacts. People who closely interact with someone who is infectious are at greater risk for infection: this includes health workers, household members and sexual partners.

Region 2 Traffic Dept clamping down on unpermitted use of tint on vehicles

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olice in Regional Division Two ( P o m e r o o n Supenaam) are cautioning motorists against installing unpermitted tints on their vehicles.

The warning comes at a time when the Guyana Police Force (GPF) pushes to promote public order, safety, and traffic management.

This will see stricter enforcement of all aspects of the Road Traffic Act, among other things.

As such, motorists who have modified their vehicles with tints are being urged to remove them immediately.

Those who ignore the warning will not only face inconvenience, but also the full brunt of the law.

cles being stopped and inspected by the Licensing and Certifying Officer.

During these inspections, persons with tinted vehicles had to remove the tint from the windows and windscreens.

“The Traffic Department in Region [Two] is advising persons driving vehicles with tinted windows and windscreens to have their tint removed,” a statement read.

Meanwhile, it also said that the tint campaign will not be temporary, but will now be an ongoing exercise

Some of the cars that were stopped and inspected by ranks

On Friday, ranks of the region’s Traffic Department conducted a tint campaign

at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Anna Regina, which led to several vehi-

throughout the region.

Recently, Police from Traffic Headquarters, Eve Leary, conducted a two-hour targeted traffic campaign on Route 42 minibuses, during which several minibus operators were stopped and arrested after they were found to be in breach of Section 19 (1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations, Chapter 51:02, which speaks to alterations of motor vehicles, occasioning higher license duty.

Some of the infractions were: the addition of amplifiers, speaker boxes, stick-

ers, visors on the back windscreen, and tint.

Not long ago the Traffic Department of the GPF also announced its intention to conduct countrywide exercises aimed at clamping down on untidy and reckless minibus drivers and conductors.

Deputy Superintendent Timothy Williams, Divisional Traffic Officer of Division 4A – (Georgetown), had said the minibus culture in Guyana poses many challenges for the Police Force, and it is time that this matter is dealt with aggressively.

Guyana will persevere...

“Speaking for Guyana, the 25 automatic seats at the Hugh Wooding Law School after 50 years, is woefully inadequate,” Nandlall said.

As a result of this system, he said that on average 20 UG LLB graduands are unable to gain entry into that law school. To this end, he said that officials from UG, UWI, and CLE are in ongoing discussions in relation to an increase in this quota.

The Attorney General added, “I am unsure as to what extent would normalcy return after the COVID-19 pandemic but currently as I indicated above, classes are being done online by law schools in the Region. If this trend continues to post the pandemic, then physical space to accommodate students will not be the grave dilemma that has plagued the Council for decades.”

Offshore education

Offshore education is now a very profitable and sought-after economic venture in the Caribbean, and compounds the matter further for the CLE’s system to be reviewed, he said in making a case for Guyanese students to be given an alternative, a school right here.

For example, he said that the University of London (UoL) runs an external LLB programme that is available in almost every territory in the Caribbean. This programme, over the years, he said, has produced thousands of LLB graduates in Trinidad and Tobago, and other territories. In Guyana, the UoL’s external LLB programme is offered by

Nations University.

The Attorney General, nevertheless, said he has no doubt that other territories within the region will continue to prosecute their case for the establishment of law schools in their geographic place of choice. On the premises, he said the quicker CLE undertakes this introspection and review, the better, adding that no one expects the CLE to remain stagnant for the next 50 years.

To no avail

For close to a decade, Guyana has been moving to establish its own law school – the Joseph Oscar Fitzclarence Haynes Law School – with UG agreeing to host it at its Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown campus. But it has been denied permission by the CLE which noted that it was agreed that the Council should defer establishing new law schools. This was in late 2017.

As it is, if Guyana goes ahead and establishes its own law school with permission from the CLE, certification from that school would not be recognised in the rest of the Region as it will violate the treaty governing legal education. Every year, Guyanese are faced with enormous financial burdens, including $6,616,548 in tuition/compulsory fees for the two-year programme offered at the law school.

This, coupled with the cost of living in Trinidad and Tobago has deterred many persons from pursuing a legal career. In response to

FROM PAGE 8

this, the Government of Guyana now offers limited fully-funded scholarships to Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS). These scholarships are open to new and continuing students. To be eligible, applicants must be the holder of a LLB with a minimum GPA of 3.3. The applicant must be under the age of 35 and must have obtained the degree within the last five years. The applicant must also have an acceptance letter from the law school. Present students at the HWLS who wish to apply for the scholarship must have passed year one studies with at least three courses passed with Grade A.

2018 survey report

A recent survey report on legal education in the Caribbean found that three more law schools, including one in Guyana, should be established with the CLE managing such institutions instead of regulating them.

The report which was delivered in 2018 called for new law schools to be set up “as soon as possible” as part of the University of Technology in Jamaica, UG, and Antigua and Barbuda.

The Canada-funded survey was executed by UWI and the Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean (IMPACT Justice).

According to the report, the reason for recommending the establishment of new law schools is mainly for the non-UWI LLB graduates whose degrees are equivalent to the UWI law degree in the eyes of the CLE.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Commuters call for urgent upgrade to WBD Public Road

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arge craters coupled with unlit carriageways have been the state of the West Bank Demerara (WBD) Public Road, causing residents and commuters to call for immediate intervention.

The public road, stretching from La Grange to Patentia, is one of the main access roads on the WBD. Currently, the road is broken with holes along the

throughfare and as such, drivers are left to navigate through deep indentations, measuring some 10 inches, resulting in damages to their vehicles.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, a commuter, Moses Flair, relayed that the road situation has become unbearable. The narrow road presents an unsafe experience, and his car has suffered severe damage

on numerous occasions.

“This is the main road and there are cuts, like the road is broken up so it is bumpy, bumpy when you’re driving. Your car is shaking and rattling up. This thing really needs to be addressed because it is getting worse by the day. Imagine the road already narrow and you got to go over into the incoming lane to avoid.”

He complained, “We’re

not taking about one part of the road. The entire thing.

The entire thing is like this.

Only maybe a section in La Retraite is a little better but overall, something needs to be done.”

Meanwhile, smaller speed bumps placed on the main road is another concern for many.

Flair cried out, “Imagine this is the main road and you have speed bumps ev-

CANU warns about marijuana cookies, candies Holes are scattered along the entire WBD Public Road

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he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) is warning the public, particularly parents and teachers, to be on the lookout for popular kids’ snacks such as cookies and candies that are laced with marijuana.

Head of CANU, James Singh on Sunday disclosed that they have discovered and seized packets of mar-

Marijuana-laced snacks that were seized by CANU

ijuana-infused cookies disguised as “Trips Ahoy” – a knock-off of Chips Ahoy.

As such, he is urging the public to be cautious of the deceptive marketing of these products. “…We have seized some of the various packets but there are others out there so we wish to alert members of the public including parents, teachers etc on what to

look for and to report this to CANU or the Police,” Singh said.

The CANU has been clamping down on edibles being traded illegally on the local market. On Tuesday last, the CANU Head had revealed the packages of other edibles that are being circulated in Guyana.

In fact, only earlier this month, CANU officers con-

ducted an operation in Region Nine, where narcotics were reportedly being sold to students in schools there.

CANU explained that subsequent to the report of students selling narcotics in schools in the said district, the officers were able to apprehend several individuals suspected to be facilitators of these illegal activities.

ery minute. And they’re inconsistent because only half of the road has them.

Something needs to be done.

People cannot be operating like this.”

The aggrieved commuter has called for intervention from the Ministry of Public Works to provide some relief.

“If it can’t be done now, at least mend the holes so that the ride is smooth for now. This is really a sad situation for residents of West Bank, especially those coming from till at Patentia and Wales. Officials need to come and take a drive along this road. Only then they will understand the plight of

people here,” he relayed.

Another concern for many has been the lack of streetlights along sections of the road. For this, calls have been made for adequate lighting to be installed.

A taxi driver, Sohan Etwar, shared, “Since long now they said they would put streetlight and so for us but nothing happen.

Since the last Government, we waiting and everybody just forget about it. This is a very dangerous thing because you can’t really see to drive in the night. So that’s why after the place get dark, I don’t go out to work. Cause it not safe at all.”

Accused on trial for Local real estate agents murder of Hill Foot converge to form new association remigrant to know fate on Tuesday

Some of the agents that have signalled interest in forming the new association

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ozens of local real estate agents and companies recently met at the Pegasus to coordinate the formation of an association that would regulate the standards of acceptable practice for the industry.

This was in response to the recent calls by the Attorney General Anil Nandlall and President Irfaan Ali to ensure that local Guyanese benefit from the Local Content Act and improve real estate practices to conform with the AML. At a recent meeting with agents, AG Anil Nandlall stated, “We have a duty to regulate and protect buyers and sellers in the real estate industry and we will move quickly to ensure that this happens.”

He went on to add that input from all stakeholders

was welcomed and would be considered whilst adding that the formation of an association would be greatly beneficial for all parties.

For many years the formation of an association was discussed but prior to the discovery of oil by ExxonMobil, the financial incentive to regulate was not present. However, as the market evolves, it is vital that the establishment of the association be treated with urgency to validate the trust and confidence of investors and ensure that the newcomers conform to the standard of practice in Guyana.

The large group - representative of a wide cross-section of the industry, agreed to reconvene today at the Pegasus to adopt an interim management committee;

set preliminary benchmarks for membership; code of conduct; disciplinary and advisory subcommittees for legislation and education.

According to a statement emanating from the group, “We ask that all stakeholders in the real estate industry - finance, agents, companies, owners, lawyers, accountants, and homeowners join us as this historic step is undertaken to set the standards that will provide confidence in the industry”.

The association’s principal objectives are to ensure that education of the stakeholders, property owners, and buyers and compliance with the soon-to-be enacted Real Estate Bill are first and foremost on the agenda.

A major benefit emanating from the association will be an electronic listing sys-

tem designed to elevate the protection of listing agents and the speed of locating available properties by agents nationwide. This will enable buyers’ and sellers’ agents to provide accurate and up-to-date information in a timely manner.

The Local Content Bill lays out 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese companies by the end of 2022. For instance, these companies must procure from Guyanese companies, 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent janitorial services, laundry, and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

These are just a few of the services highlighted in the first schedule of the Local Content Act. The Local Content Act mandates penalties for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act. These fines range from as low as $5 million to as high as $50 million.

Dead: Anthony Breedy

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onell Trapp, who is accused of murdering remigrant agriculturist, 60-year-old Anthony Breedy, is likely to know his fate on Tuesday afternoon after a jury deliberates on the evidence in the case.

Demerara High Court Judge Jo Ann Barlow, who is presiding over the 26-yearold man’s trial, will sum up the evidence on Tuesday morning before putting the case to the jury for deliberation on a verdict.

Trapp is accused of murdering Breedy between March 12 and 14, 2016, in the course/furtherance of a

Murder accused: Donell Trapp

robbery. Upon his arraignment, he denied the charge.

State Counsel Latifah Elliott is appearing on behalf of the prosecution while Trapp is being represented

by Attorneys-at-Law Dexter Smartt and Jevon Cox. Police said that the body of Breedy was found in the lower flat of his Hill Foot, Soesdyke-Linden Highway home. His body bore multiple injuries to the head.

Breedy, who had lived alone, was found with his hands and feet tied. The upper flat of the elderly man’s home was also ransacked.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

Regional

UNC to file Motion of Privileges Drought concerns in St Vincent against PM in Parliament R esidents of St Vincent and the Grenadines have been asked to conserve water as low rainfall has negatively affected the island’s water supply.

The Central Water and Sewerage Authority (CWSA) in St Vincent says the continued dry period characterised by low to nil rainfall experienced over the past three weeks at all of its major water catchments has resulted in less than 50 per cent of its normal river flow volumes.

As a result, storage reservoirs have now been depleted to levels that now warrant periodic interruptions in the supply to key areas aimed at ensuring that every area is supplied

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rinidad and Tobago Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Rudranath Indarsingh will file a Motion of Privileges against Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley in the House of Representatives, the Opposition said in a statement Sunday.

The motion, it said, will be “for his blatantly false statements alleging that Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar ‘buried’ and ‘covered up’ the Sabga Report whilst a member of the Basdeo Panday Cabinet”.

The United National Congress (UNC) said, “This allegation is not just a blatant lie, it is a disgusting attempt by Rowley to defect from the recent scandal where evidence shows children in State facilities are subjected to physical and sexual abuse.

These state facilities are under the purview of the Children’s Authority for which Rowley himself is the line Minister responsible.”

It added, “This sickening attempt to distort the 25-year-old Sabga report by falsely suggesting it was “ buried” will not deter the public from making Dr Rowley and for-

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley arrives at the Red House to attend a sitting of the Parliament last week

mer Children’s Authority Director and People’s National Movement (PNM) Candidate Nichola Harvey-Mitchell answer for the horrendous crimes committed against vulnerable children under their watch”.

The Opposition said its motion will be premised and based on substantial parliamentary evidence “which demonstrates that Keith Rowley ought to

have known that his statements were inaccurate against the Leader of the Opposition”.

“It is the view of the Opposition, supported by the parliamentary evidence, that the Member of Parliament for Diego Martin West grossly abused his privilege of freedom of speech as a Member of the House of Representatives,” the UNC said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

T&T backs Johnson Smith for Commonwealth Secretary General

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rinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has indicated his country’s support for Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Kamina JohnsonSmith in her challenge for Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

He was addressing a news conference at Piarco International Airport on Sunday, following a sixday visit to Guyana where he attended an agri-investment conference.

Announcing his backing, Dr Rowley said it was never his country’s position that incumbent Patricia Scotland could adequately represent the Caribbean given her background.

“Caricom (Caribbean Community) claims to have the position – I may tell you now that it was never Trinidad and Tobago’s position that Caricom did have that position, personal, but we had the option, it was our turn to be afforded the chairmanship, but when that came about in the Malta meeting, Caricom supported an individual who while Caribbean by birth, having spent two years here

Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Senator Johnson-Smith

Affairs Kamina

(in the Caribbean), in fact, had lived all her useful life in the United Kingdom, had risen to the level of Attorney General in the United Kingdom and had, in fact, become a baroness in the British Parliament,” Prime Minister Rowley explained.

He continued: “It was always the position of Trinidad and Tobago that such a person was not really a representative of Caricom to represent us when it was our turn to lead. That position was not shared by our other colleagues; however, the election did have Caricom support and that election went into favour of the incumbent.”

He said now that the election was due again, Trinidad and Tobago’s position remained consistent. However, in the wider Caricom, the situation has changed.

“There are now two Caricom candidates and unfortunately, Trinidad and Tobago only has one vote, so we are required now to support either or of these two candidates. It is Trinidad and Tobago’s position that remains consistent and, therefore, our support for one of the Caricom candidates will be support for Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith, the Foreign Minister of Jamaica,” he said.

Commonwealth leaders will gather for the June 2025 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Rwanda this year. A consensus vote will be taken then.

Dr Rowley will not be in attendance.

Johnson-Smith formally launched Jamaica’s candidature for Secretary General of the Commonwealth in London, United Kingdom in April of this year. (Jamaica Observer)

with water for the majority of the daytime hours.

During this period and until the rain returns, the CWSA says it will inform the public of its valve closing schedules and planned periods of outages for the respective areas.

The Authority has urged Vincentians to observe strict water conser-

vation measures and assist the CWSA by reporting leaks and limiting water use to only essential activities during this period.

The CWSA has already begun to publish a list of areas which will experience water disruptions due to the lack of rainfall. (Excerpt from Loop Caribbean News)

Bajans told to save and invest more

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nless Barbadians invest more, they may always be one pay cheque from poverty says Minister of State in the Foreign Trade and Business Development Ministry, Sandra Husbands.

She is, therefore, urging people to consume less, but save and invest more.

“Our families tend to be families that consume. If you have $50 and you consume whatever it is that you bought with that $50 then that money is now dead, but had you taken that $50 and put aside some money and put it in some small business enterprise, and turned that $50 into $200, you would now be producing, so the life of that $50 becomes more.

“So until we are able to

Minister of State in the Barbados Foreign Trade and Business Development Ministry, Sandra Husbands

make that concept basic and natural in the heart of every Barbadian, then families will always find themselves one pay cheque from poverty. It doesn’t matter how big the pay cheque is, if it is being consumed and not being used to produce more, you will

always be one pay cheque from poverty,” Husbands said.

She made those comments Saturday during the launch of St Mary’s Anglican Church’s inaugural Business Festival at St Mary’s Row in the City.

(Nation News)

Jamaica: HEART/NSTA Trust refutes claims it is facilitating employment in Cayman Islands

T

he HEART/NSTA Trust says it is aware of promotional material being circulated in social media that the organisation is working with the Jamaican Consulate of the Cayman Islands to facilitate employment in the Caymans.

However, the training agency says this is not so and has moved to distance itself from the promotions.

In advertisements in the Sunday newspapers, the HEART/NSTA Trust said it was “not associated in any way with this advertisement or the publishers and does not accept any liability for any associated loss, however caused”.

“The public is warned that this claim is fraudulent and invalid and we strongly advise individuals to exercise extreme caution if they receive this flyer for overseas employment in the Cayman islands,” the advertisement

added.

The Trust said it was not mandated to facilitate/guarantee overseas employment and as such, would never conduct promotional activity of any kind, making any such claims. (Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil market fears recession more than tight fuel inventories

T

he oil market wrapped up another volatile week of hectic trading, swinging up and down in a US$5 a barrel range as it was pulled between bullish and bearish catalysts in both directions every day. Both benchmarks hit an eight-week high early on Tuesday, only to pull back later in the day and join on Wednesday the sell-off on Wall Street triggered by renewed investor concerns about a possible recession as top retailers flagged soaring costs and supply chain bottlenecks in their quarterly earnings reports.

In the week to May 20, oil market participants paid more attention to “recession fear” headlines than to the weekly US petroleum status report, which showed another draw in gasoline inventories and higher implied domestic demand, which—despite record-high gasoline prices in America—is only set to rise further as we enter the summer driving season.

“The market is reacting to all sorts of different headlines hour to hour, and the movement in oil markets on a dayby-day basis getting even more exaggerated,” Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston, told Reuters on Thursday, when oil settled higher after the US dollar weakened, following a plunge in crude prices in earlier trading on the same day.

Overall, the market appeared more concerned about the rising odds of a recession rather than falling US fuel inventories to multi-year low levels for this time of the year. Investors and speculators pulled back from oil, with crude being a riskier asset, as concerns about a more pronounced global economic slowdown—and even a recession—intensified and dampened risk appetite.

The EU is still struggling to persuade Hungary to accept an EU embargo on Russian oil imports. Adding to bearish factors were fresh COVID outbreaks in China, where Shanghai is tentatively reopening, but infections are rising in the Beijing area.

However, while the market is focused on gloomier economic outlooks, it has ignored—at least this past week—the critically low US fuel inventories.

Not that oil demand has soared so much. It’s the capacity for supply, globally and in the US, that is now a few million barrels per day lower than it was before the pandemic. Rising demand since economies reopened and people returned to travel, combined with lower refining capacity and very tight distillate markets have drawn down US product inventories to below seasonal averages and at multi-year lows, with record-low inventories reported on the East Coast. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Nigeria: 4 die in Lagos Island building collapse

F

our people have died after a three-storey building collapsed in an upmarket part of Nigeria's commercial hub Lagos.

Five people have been rescued and emergency workers have been digging through rubble to find survivors.

The site being built in Lagos Island is thought to have caved in during heavy rainfall.

An official said the building had been sealed off earlier because work violated safety regulations.

Oluwafemi OkeOsanyintolu, head of the

Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, said that despite the site being sealed off the developer continued to carry out work at nights and on weekends.

The developer has not yet commented.

Building collapses are common in Nigeria and construction experts blame this on a widespread disregard of regulations.

Last November more than 40 people died when a partially-built block of luxury apartments crumbled in Lagos. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ukraine peace deal: Kyiv rules out ceding land to Russia

T

he Ukrainian Government said it will not agree a ceasefire deal with Russia that involves giving up territory.

The apparent hardening of Ukraine's position comes a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky said the war could only be resolved through diplomacy.

Presidential adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak said concessions would lead to an even larger and bloodier Russian offensive.

His comments come as Russia continues attempts to encircle Ukrainian forces defending Severodonetsk in the east.

In another development, Polish President Andrzej Duda has become the first

Duda met Zelensky in Kyiv

foreign leader to address the Parliament in Kyiv in person.

He received a standing ovation as he declared that only Ukrainians themselves could decide their future.

He added that Poland would do everything it

could to help Ukraine join the EU. However, France's Europe Minister, Clément Beaune, said in a radio interview on Sunday that it would probably take "15 or 20 years" for Ukraine to be accepted as an EU member.

As fighting continued, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in its daily update that Russian forces were trying to break through Ukrainian defences to reach the administrative borders of the country's easternmost Luhansk region.

Luhansk regional governor, Serhiy Haidai, said Russia had attempted to break into Severodonetsk from four separate directions.

Writing on the Telegram messaging app, he said the attempts had been unsuccessful, but shelling of residential areas was continuing. (Excerpt from BBC News)

“Urgency”: WHO expects more monkeypox cases globally

T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) said it expects to identify more cases of monkeypox as it expands surveillance in countries where the disease is not typically found.

As of Saturday, 92 confirmed cases and 28 suspected cases of monkeypox were reported from 12 member states that are not endemic for the virus, the UN agency said, adding it will provide fur-

ther guidance and recommendations in the coming days for countries on how to mitigate the spread of monkeypox.

“Available information suggests that human-to-human transmission is occurring among people in close physical contact with cases who are symptomatic,” the agency said.

Monkeypox is an infectious disease that is usually mild and is endemic in

parts of West and Central Africa. Although it belongs to the same virus family as smallpox, its symptoms are milder.

People usually recover within two to four weeks without needing to be hospitalised, but the disease is occasionally deadly.

It is spread by close contact so it can be relatively easily contained through such measures as self-isolation and hygiene.

“What seems to be happening now is that it has got into the population as a sexual form, as a genital form, and is being spread

as are sexually transmitted infections, which has amplified its transmission around the world,” said WHO official David Heymann, an infectious disease specialist.

Heymann said an international committee of experts met via video conference to look at what needed to be studied about the outbreak and communicated to the public, including whether there is any asymptomatic spread, the people who are at most risk, and the various routes of transmission.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Afghanistan's female TV presenters Four killed during cover their faces powerful storms W in eastern Canada omen presenters and reporters on TV channels in Afghanistan went on air with their faces covered on Sunday, in line with a Taliban order.

The day before, some of them had defied the edict and kept their faces visible.

One presenter said women working in TV had resisted but their employers had come under pressure.

After seizing power last year, the Taliban have increasingly imposed restrictions on women's lives in recent weeks.

Wearing hijabs and face-covering veils, women presented and reported on news bulletins and other programmes across popular channels such as TOLOnews, Ariana Television, Shamshad TV and 1TV. TOLOnews presenter Farida Sial told the BBC: "It's OK that we are Muslims, we are wearing hijab, we hide our hair, but it's very difficult for a presenter to cover their face for two or three hours consecutively and talk

like that."

She said she wanted the international community to put pressure on the Taliban to reverse the edict.

"They want to erase women from social and political life," she said.

Earlier the Taliban's Ministry for the Prevention of Vice and the Promotion of Virtue ordered that all women must wear a face veil in public, or risk punishment - which was extended to TV presenters from Saturday.

Most Muslims around the world do not consider women covering their faces in public to be a mandatory part of the religion, and the Taliban initially appeared to be adopting a more flexible approach after seizing control of the country in August last year.

But in recent weeks, they have imposed a series of restrictions on women's lives, including assigning separate days for them to visit public parks and barring them from making longer journeys without a male guardian. (Excerpt from BBC News)

F

our people are dead and nearly 900,000 homes are without power after severe storms pummelled the eastern Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

Ontario Police said three people died and several more were injured because of the strong thunderstorm. Images posted on social media from across the province showed debris-strewn streets and toppled trees that damaged homes and cars.

One man was killed when a tree fell on the trailer he was staying in on Saturday. Meanwhile, according to Peel Regional Police, a woman in her 70s was killed after being struck by a tree in the city of Brampton.

“Woman was transport-

ed to local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries,” the organisation posted on Twitter.

The storm was severe enough for Environment Canada to issue broadcast-intrusive emergency alerts that went out to television and radio stations and mobile phones.

In the federal capital Ottawa, another person was killed by the storm, but local Police declined to give further details.

The fourth victim was a woman in her 50s. She drowned when her boat capsized in the Ottawa River, which separates Ottawa and Quebec, during the storm, national broadcaster CBC reported citing local Police.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Broaden your outlook by listening to others. Pulling together information that complements your ideas and plans will help you get ahead. Pay attention to detail and help those who help you.

(March 21-April 19) It's up to you to implement change.

Don't wait for someone to step in and take charge. Be direct regarding your thoughts and feelings, and you will discover on whom you can count.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Keep moving forward. If you stop, you will slip into an emotional funk that could be quite damaging to your prospects. Share your feelings and what you have to offer with a loved one.

(May 21-June 20) You know what others expect of you, so don't dawdle. Put your heart into giving your unique touch to everything you do. Don't let anyone take advantage of you. Protect your assets.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

A change someone makes will surprise you. Don't get flustered or react in haste. Monitor the situation, and you'll develop a plan that will get you back on track and in a winning position.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Don't agree to something without knowing the details and your responsibilities. Ask questions and be forthright regarding what's possible. A change someone makes will have an emotional impact.

Push for what you want. Go over the financial aspects involved and adjust your budget to fit what you want to achieve. Don't let personal comments upset you. Learn from suggestions.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Stabilize your domestic situation.

Be willing to compromise and lay down some rules to help everyone get along better. Do your best to keep the peace.

Don't play favorites.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You'll meet with opposition if you aren't honest about your feelings or what you want to pursue. Do your best to put others at ease and include loved ones in your plans.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) You'll be in a good position if you pick up skills that help you pursue new interests. Let your creative imagination be your guide. You'll come up with a dynamite plan.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- BOARDER

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Stick close to home and tidy up anything you left unfinished. A clean slate will encourage freedom of thought; start something new and exciting. Believe in yourself, and you'll gain momentum.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Emotions will surface if sensitive issues come into a conversation with a friend, relative or peer. Before you make a choice, consider what's involved and any consequences you may face.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

21

Shepherd among the runs, but Punjab Kings beat SRH Kings tee off

Bairstow seemed to have come out with the intent of hitting every ball to the boundary line. In the first two overs, he hit five fours, albeit two of them came via edges. But he soon ran out of luck. He tried to hit Fazalhaq Farooqi across the line, but missed the length ball and lost his off stump.

Shahrukh Khan was promoted to number three. On the second ball he faced, he pulled Bhuvneshwar over deep midwicket before clipping Farooqi for four in the

Jitesh Sharma played a good hand for Kings

P

unjab Kings ended their season on a high note, registering a thumping five-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the dead rubber at the Wankhede Stadium.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, captaining Sunrisers in the absence of Kane Williamson, decided to bat first after winning the toss, but Harpreet Brar dented them by picking up the wickets of Rahul Tripathi, Abhishek Sharma, and Aiden Markram. At 99 for 6 after 16 overs, it looked like Sunrisers might even struggle to reach 150, but Romario Shepherd and Washington Sundar ransacked 58 off the last four overs to lift them to a respectable total.

Kings batted in the fifth gear throughout their innings. A flying start from Jonny Bairstow meant they raced away to 62 for 1 by the end of the powerplay.

In the last 10 overs, they needed only 61. Liam Livingstone's unbeaten 49 off 22 balls, studded with two fours and five sixes, ensured

Washington straight to deep midwicket.

That brought Livingstone to the crease. He started by

Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up vital wickets

they needed no more than 31 balls to knock off those runs.

Sunrisers' sedate start

On a used pitch, Sunrisers openers Priyam Garg and Abhishek struggled to force the pace even against the new ball. After only nine runs came off the first two overs, Garg tried to flick Kagiso Rabada through midwicket, but ended up closing the bat face early, and Mayank Agarwal gobbled up the leading edge at mid-off.

By the end of four overs, Sunrisers were 24 for 1.

The sixth over, bowled by Nathan Ellis,

though produced 11 runs, with Tripathi picking up a six and Abhishek a four.

Brar's three-four dents Sunrisers

Abhishek welcomed Brar into the attack by pulling his second ball over deep midwicket for a six. But Brar struck back in his next over when Tripathi swept one straight to short fine leg.

Soon after, Brar snared Abhishek too.

The batter tried to

SCOREBOARD

SRH Innings Priyam Garg c Agarwal b Rabada 4 Abhishek Sharma c Livingstone b Harpreet Brar 43 Rahul Tripathi c Dhawan b Harpreet Brar 20 Aiden Markram st †Sharma b Harpreet Brar 21 Nicholas Pooran † c † Sharma b Ellis 5 Washington Sundar c Dhawan b Ellis 25 Romario Shepherd not out 26 Jagadeesha Suchith c Mankad b Ellis 0 Bhuvneshwar Kumar (c) run out (†Sharma) 1 Umran Malik not out 0 Extras(b 2, lb 1, nb 1, w 8) 12 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.85) 157/8 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Priyam Garg, 2.4 ov), 2-61 (Rahul Tripathi, 8.3 ov), 3-76 (Abhishek Sharma, 10.3 ov), 4-87 (Nicholas Pooran, 12.6 ov), 5-96 (Aiden Markram, 14.4 ov), 6-154 (Washington Sundar, 19.3 ov), 7-154 (Jagadeesha Suchith, 19.4 ov), 8-156 (Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 19.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Liam Livingstone 4-0-25-0 Arshdeep Singh 4-0-25-0

Liam Livingstone was aggressive against the high pace of Umran Malik

Kagiso Rabada Nathan Ellis Harpreet Brar

4-0-38-1 4-0-40-3 4-0-26-3

PUNJAB KINGS INNINGS (Target: 158 runs from 20 overs) Jonny Bairstow b Fazalhaq Farooqi 23 Shikhar Dhawan b Fazalhaq Farooqi 39 M Shahrukh Khan c Washington Sundar b Umran Malik 19 Mayank Agarwal c Suchith b Washington Sundar 1 Liam Livingstone not out 49 Jitesh Sharma † c Garg b Suchith 19 Prerak Mankad not out 4 Extras(lb 2, w 4) 6 TOTAL 15.1 Ov (RR: 10.54) 160/5 Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Jonny Bairstow, 2.6 ov), 2-66 (M Shahrukh Khan, 6.3 ov), 3-71 (Mayank Agarwal, 7.5 ov), 4-112 (Shikhar Dhawan, 12.3 ov), 5-133 (Jitesh Sharma, 13.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-0-22-0 Washington Sundar 2-0-19-1 Fazalhaq Farooqi 4-0-32-2 Jagadeesha Suchith 4-0-38-1 Umran Malik 2.1-0-24-1 Romario Shepherd 1-0-23-0

Abhishek Sharma started well for SRH

launch a fuller delivery over long-on, but failed to clear a leaping Livingstone.

If those two wickets were the result of the batter trying to take him on, the third was a left-arm spinner's delight.

Brar pitched one on a good length to Markram and beat the outside edge with turn and bounce. Jitesh Sharma whipped the bails off to find the off-balanced batter out of his crease.

Shepherd, Washington lift Sunrisers

Both Shepherd and Washington had started slowly – at one stage, Shepherd was on one off five balls and Washington three off seven. But the floodgates opened in the 17th over, with the duo taking 17 off Ellis with the help of two fours and a six. In the next over, Washington hit Rabada for a six and a four before the bowler gifted five wides. In all, 19 came off that over.

The final over, bowled

by Ellis, was the most eventful. Shepherd hit the first ball for a six over longon before Ellis dismissed Washington and J Suchith off back-to-back deliveries. On the last ball, Bhuvneshwar tried to sneak in a bye, but was run out at the keeper's end. Ellis, however, had overstepped, which meant there was still one ball left.

Umran Malik lost his off stump on the free hit, but collected a bye, just making his ground at the bowler's end.

Harpreet Brar was Player of the Match for his three wickets

next over.

Shikhar Dhawan had crawled to 12 off 11 balls, but now he too joined in, jumping out of his crease against Suchith and hitting him over deep midwicket for back-toback sixes.

Livingstone finishes it off in a hurry

Shahrukh tried to take on Malik as well. He drilled his first ball down the ground for four, but holed out to a back-pedalling mid-on two balls later. Agarwal came in at number four and straightaway copped a blow to his rib cage, courtesy of a 144kph lifter from Malik. His painful stay came to an end in the next over when he pulled

pulling Washington into the deep-midwicket stands before thumping Malik for successive sixes. At the other end, Dhawan was struggling for timing and eventually fell to Farooqi for a 32-ball 39.

The incoming Jitesh started in a similar manner to Livingstone. Off his first five balls, he hit three fours and a six. However, he didn't last long and Suchith had him caught at long-on.

At the end of 14 overs, Kings needed 25 off 36 balls.

But Livingstone was in a hurry, and was helped in equal measure by Sunrisers' sloppy fielding. He hit Shepherd for two sixes and two fours in a 23-run 15th over to all but seal the game. (ESPNcricinfo)

22

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

R

ose Hall Town's Digital Edge Studios recently supported one of Guyana's top cyclists, Andre “Padlock” Green.

The Berbician cyclist, who was in the top 10 at the recent 165-mile Independence three-stage race and won races earlier this year, expressed gratitude for the support from Digital Edge.

Digital Edge proprietor Shurwin Sinclair, an overseas-based Guyanese, has known Green as a youth in the area, but he never knew Green was among the top local riders. Green then provided evidence to Sinclair, and then he won races in earlier months to back up his talk.

According to the businessman, he knew Green's

family members and he would have seen Green from time to time. Sinclair said that he would Green finished in the top 10 at the Independence three-stage continue to support cycling and hours, 32 minutes, and 15 he would support seconds. He also won the Green.

Green, the man who battle of the Berbicians in hails from Ulverton, March.

His cycling journey beemerged as victor in the lucrative Hell in the Cell gan in 2010-11 when his Kaieteur Attack 55-mile brother returned from St cycle race back in April. Kitts and Nevis. In a preThat race was along vious interview, he noted the Linden-Soesdyke that his brother has been Highway, and Green his biggest inspiration.

Andre "Padlock" Green and Digital Edge proprietor Shurwin Sinclair

stopped the clock in two

Bangladesh announce squad to tour West Indies from June Najmul Hossain Shanto; Shakib Al Hasan; Yasir Ali; Mahmudullah; Afif Hossain; Mosaddek Hossain; Nurul Hasan (wk); Mehidy Hasan Miraz; Taskin Ahmed; Shoriful Islam; Mustafizur Rahman; Ebadot Hossain; Nasum Ahmed; Mohammad Saifuddin and Anamul Haque.

A

Bangladesh will leave home on June 5 for the West Indies tour

namul Haque has earned a recall into the Bangladesh whiteball squads following his record-breaking run in the recently-concluded Dhaka Premier League (DPL) List A competition, while Mustafizur Rahman has been named in all three squads for the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

Bangladesh will play two Tests, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is) on their tour to the Caribbean that starts next month.

Anamul broke Tom Moody's 31-year-old record of scoring the most runs in a one-day competition when he amassed 1138 runs for Prime Bank Cricket Club.

He last played an ODI for Bangladesh in July 2019, while it has been more than six years since he featured in a T20I. Apart from him, wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan and medium-pacer

Mohammad Saifuddin were also brought back into both white-ball squads.

Nurul forced his way back on the back of some big runs in the DPL Super League phase, where he helped Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to their first title. Saifuddin, meanwhile, returned after a string of injuries kept him out of contention since the 2021 T20 World Cup. Mosaddek Hossain was the biggest gainer after he was recalled into all three squads, in Mushfiqur Rahim's absence. Mushfiqur had pulled out of the tour to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was named in the Test squad after he missed the ongoing Sri Lanka series owing to a hand injury.

Mustafizur Rahman, too, returned to the Test squad after a year, following a reportedly long discussion with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). While being named

in the ODI and T20I squads was a given, Mustafizur had initially shown lesser interest in a Test return because of his Indian Premier League (IPL) workload. But he later agreed to be named in the side as well. It is worth noting that Mustafizur does not have a red-ball central contract with the BCB. Bangladesh are scheduled to leave for the Caribbean on June 5. While the Tests are part of the International Cricket Council (ICC World Test Championship, the ODIs will not be part of the ICC Super League competition.

Test squad: Mominul Haque (Captain); Tamim Iqbal; Mahmudul Hasan Joy; Najmul Hossain Shanto; Litton Das (wk); Shakib Al Hasan; Mustafiqur Rahman; Taijul Islam; Khaled Ahmed; Yasir Ali; Nurul Hasan (wk); Mosaddek Hossain; Ebadot Hossain; Shohidul Islam and Rezaur Rahman Raja.

ODI squad: Tamim Iqbal (Captain); Litton Das (wk);

T20I squad: Mahmudullah (Captain); Munim Shahriar; Litton Das (wk); Anamul Haque; Shakib Al Hasan; Afif Hossain; Mosaddek Hossain; Nurul Hasan (wk); Yasir Ali; Mahedi Hasan; Mustafizur Rahman; Shoriful Islam; Shohidul Islam; Nasum Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin. (ESPNcricinfo)

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MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

P

rior to the Guyana Harpy Eagles’ final practice match at Providence, the Lead Selector for the Guyana team said Tagenarine Chanderpaul was the

pulled with great ease

backup opener and he was selected to the national team based on his experience.

"The main concern was that Tagenarine Chanderpaul was not getting runs. We selected him based on his experience. But what will happen is that Tevin

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Like father, like son: Chanderpaul’s scoop shot came out, a shot his father Shivnarine played against Sri Lanka in an ODI

Imlach will open the batting with [Chandra Paul] Hemraj, and maybe, if he does fail, then Tagenarine can come in back. But for now, although Tage is there, he will not be considered the first-choice opener."

Those were the comments

Beating Barbados meant a lot for Guyana, says Captain Johnson

Kraigg Brathwaite scored his 27th First-Class century

By Brandon Corlette in Trinidad

G

uyana Harpy Eagles Captain Leon Johnson was the rock in the small chase of 68 against Barbados Pride. He played a supportive role to Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and after the win, he and the entire team celebrated in style.

game with a bit of pressure, and we delivered. Scoring 490 runs in the first innings, I think we set it up very well," Johnson said.

Guyana’s remaining matches will be against Jamaica Scorpions and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, and Johnson and his troops will be taking it one game at a time.

Captain Leon Johnson (Brandon Corlette photos)

Motie scored contrasting centuries and that was pleasing for Johnson. "It was pleasing.

Much more pleasing that one came for Motie; that was good to see him get his first hundred.

For Tage (Chanderpaul), a lot of things were said in the media.

made by the Lead Selector, Ravindranauth Seeram, in an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

While I was present to cover the Harpy Eagles' final practice match, and to cover the FourDay tournament in Trinidad, the little Tiger never attempted to respond to the selector's comments, nor did he make out those comments bothered him.

He responded, and he responded in style, scoring a big century in the practice match, and then scoring a century in the third-round clash of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day tournament against Barbados Pride, at Queen’s Park, Trinidad.

Additionally, Chanderpaul also turned on the heat, surprising many, when he struck a match-winning unbeaten 23

High on emotions: Chande

rpaul celebrates his century

from 10 balls, after he scored 140 from 434 balls in 644 minutes in the first innings. If ever there was a shift from first gear to fifth gear, then that was it.

After scoring his first innings century, the humble Chanderpaul said it was nice for him to get some runs and bat long. After batting on low gear on the first day against Barbados, Chanderpaul shifted to second gear. He said: "The new ball was doing a bit on the first day, so I tried to get through that. The second day we came back and just up the scoring rate a bit."

Heading into this thirdround clash against Barbados, Chanderpaul was high on confidence after his big century in the final practice match. High on emotions after scooping one for four and then thumping one

U

He noted that this win means a lot for Guyana, since the team were returning to Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-Day championships under a bit of pressure.

"It means a lot for us. Wins against Barbados are always special. They came here with a very good side, and we (Guyana) have been under the pump.

Batting-wise, we came in the

“We can only control our performances,” he said. “We have a game against Jamaica, and then the last one against Trinidad. We cannot control other people's performance.

We can only control what we can, and if we are able to win the next two matches, we put ourselves in contention to win the championships again."

Chanderpaul and Gudakesh

Pride players congratulate Chanderpaul and Johnson

Paul was all smiles picking up four wickets

after

I heard one thing, that he was back-up opener. He played this game, and showed his class, his worth, and not only in the first innings. In the second innings, with the game in the balance, he took it away from Barbados," Johnson said after the game.

Heading into the next game, the skipper said Guyana could be a bit more patient in the bowling department. In terms of fielding, Guyana dropped a few catches, and Johnson noted that the team would work on this, since the Guyanese pride themselves on being one of the best fielding teams.

Anthony Bramble, who was struck on the hand while batting on 38, did not feature in the match after that. However, Johnson said Bramble was prepared to bat, and a couple of days’ rest would be good for him and he would be ready for the next game.

in style

to

long-on, the 25-year-old said he was super excited that Guyana got the win in a close match.

"When I came in, it was runa-ball. The field was spread, so I just got a cross and get the gaps on the leg-side. Most of the guys were on the off-side, and the fine leg went at square leg, so the gap was open. Hopefully, we can get two more wins and see where it can go from there," Chanderpaul said.

The left-handed opener, who batted at seven in the second innings, said he would be aiming to take each game one at a time and he would be aiming to apply himself. Guyana Harpy Eagles will play Jamaica on Wednesday, May 25 at Diego Martin Sporting Complex in Trinidad.

Back Circle pip weakened Sparta Boss for Magnum title

Back Circle receive their spoils after winning the Magnum Futsal Independence Cup

Chanderpaul showed his aggressive side to help Guyana seal win

23

nderdogs Back Circle were crowned the Magnum Independence Cup champions, defeating former winner and tournament favourite Sparta Boss 6-5 in a thrilling final on Saturday at the National Park Tarmac.

The East Ruimveldt unit survived a second-half blitz from the North East La Penitence outfit to secure the coveted title in a fixture witnessed by arguably the largest crowd to witness the format.

Firmly in control at 4-0 following the end of the first half, and further strengthening their position at 6-1 with less than 11 minutes remaining in the contest, Back Circle weathered a storm from Sparta Boss which resulted in four unanswered goals, as the deficit was reduced to 6-5 heading into the final seconds.

Further drama almost unfolded, as the clock denied Sparta Boss from sending the match into the extra-time interval, as an attempted equaliser sailed into the back of the net a second after the time expired. The expiration was confirmed by the referee and the official timekeepers as wild celebrations ignited on the playing surface and around the vicinity.

Runner Ups Sparta Boss collect their prize

Eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jermaine Beckles led the victors with a hat-trick in the 12th, 16th, and 23rd minute, while the trident of Stephon McLean, Adrian Aaron, and Stephon Reynolds scored in the third, 19th, and 29th minute respectively.

For the losers, Jermin Junior tallied a double in the 31st and 38th minute, while Nicholas MacArthur netted in the 37th and 39th minute. Adding a goal in the 28th minute was Gregory Richardson.

With the result, Back Circle collected $700,000, and the championship award, while the runners-up received $400,000, and a trophy.

Meanwhile, Gold is Money crushed Bent Street 16-7 in the third-place play-off. Randolph Wagner fashioned six goals in the 23rd, 26th, 28th, 31st, 37th, and 38th minute while Deon Alfred tallied a helmet trick in the fifth, seventh, 11th, and 22nd minute.

Adding doubles were Michael Oie in the13th and 33rd minute, Jamal Pedro in the 32nd and 35th, and Michael Pedro in the third and 39th minute.

For the losers, Dwayne Lawrence recorded a hat-trick in the 21st, 27th and 39th minute,

while Cosmos DeSantos, Nicolai Andrews, Sheldon Profitt, and Lance Browne scored in the fourth, ninth, 18th and 24th minute respectively.

Given the outcome, Gold is Money pocketed $200,000 and

MVP Jermaine Beckles of Back Circle

the third-place trophy while Bent Street received $100,000, and the fourth-place trophy. In the Plate final, North East La Penitence defeated Future Stars 7-6 to walk away with the $40,000 prize.

The other sponsors of the event were MVP Sport, Nigel Hinds Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

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

Page 23

Nicholson, Harvey champions of 10K Road Race

The experienced Cleveland Forde was the first to take charge (Jemima Holmes photos) Story and photos by Jemima Holmes

O

vercast skies on Sunday morning made for great conditions at the 2022 edition of the Ex-Athletes and Friends Inc annual Independence Road Race.

Well over 40 athletes turned up on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown for each of the respective categories, contesting the one-mile, 5K and 10K races.

When it was all done and dusted, it was Attoya Harvey who won her first-ever 10K race while Marlon Nicholson beat his experienced opponents for the win in the male division.

While the one-mile contest headed west on Carifesta Avenue towards a finish at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, the other races took the

Winston Missigher leads the pack on the Rupert Craig Highway

opposite direction. The 5K, geared at younger athletes, headed onto the Rupert Craig Highway, before turning back at Sheriff Street, then down to the Kitty Public Road, onto Carifesta Avenue, then into Camp Road, before taking a turn at Barrack Street, Kingston and into Eve Leary. The 10K took the same route, but went up to the University of Guyana (UG) Road before making a U-turn.

When the 5K action whistled off, Carifta silver medallist Javon Roberts took command of the junior race, leading the way for the entirety of the contest.

The Running Brave athlete clocked 19 minutes, 42 seconds for the first-place finish.

Jemery Perreira of Bladen Hall Secondary was a close second, clocking 20 minutes, 19 seconds while Kaidon

Javon Roberts won the 5K event with ease

Attoya Harvey enjoyed her first 10K victory

Persaud of Upper Demerara Schools took third in 20 minutes, 35 seconds.

Carifta finalist Hannah Joseph was champion of the female version of the race, crossing the finish line in 20 minutes, 59 seconds.

Running Brave’s Esther

Nicholson takes the lead in the 10K race on Carifesta Avenue

McKinnon finished in 23 minutes, 41 seconds, while DeChallengers’ Marissa Thomas completed the podium in 24 minutes, 49 seconds.

In the big leagues, a number of the usual suspects took on the initiative to lead the 10K race, as Cleveland Thomas as the first to take command of the pack.

Thomas and fierce rival Winston Missigher played cat and mouse for the lead, unaware of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) athletes in Nicholson and Odwin Tudor, who were waiting to strike.

The heavens made the event even more interesting with a ferocious downpour, minutes into the race that lasted for the remainder of the 10K. By the time they got onto the Rupert Craig Highway, the leading pack was shaved

Marlon Nicholson crosses the finish line at the Eve Leary Ground

down to six, with the inclusion of Ronell Newton and Sir Kennard Hartog.

The latter two fell away by the time they took the UG road turn on the East Coast of Demerara, with Missigher now taking the lead in front of Thomas.

Missigher persisted at the front, and by his own admission after the race, it was his plan to get ahead of the younger, stronger prospects in the leading pack. But, the plan proved futile, since at the Russian Embassy turn, Nicholson began challenging Missigher for the lead, which he was finally successful in achieving just past the National Park on Carifesta Avenue.

Tudor also made an advance for the lead, but Nicholson was having none of it, as he put on a bolstering sprint around the National Park, to finish the coveted

race in style.

Nicholson clocked 34:30.79 for first place while Missigher settled for second with 34:50.30. Tudor held on for the third position with 35:01.70 while Thomas crossed the line in 35:21.23 for fourth and Newton in 35:33.53 for fifth.

The 16-year-old Harvey then shocked the field of experienced female competitors to win the women’s race. The Carifta 2022 medallist ran 42:29.20 to not only win the Under-20 category but also take the overall female title.

Abidemi Charles (Police Progressive Youth Club – PPYC), of the 35+ category, was the next best finisher overall, with a time of 44:36.39, while Jelesa Wright, also of PPYC, was third overall, crossing the line in 47:09.40.

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