Guyana Times - Monday May 24, 2021

Guyanese ministerial delegation travels to Suriname to advance P7 areas of cooperation

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

Issue No. 4657

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

BoG projects 20.9% oileconomy growth Page 3

− 6.1% overall growth in other sectors 2 friends die, another critical after crashing into utility poles − relatives of dead men believe that in Timehri they were being chased

Page 11

Over 2000 food hampers distributed to flood-affected residents Page 10

– as PM leads ministerial outreach to Region 9

4 more die from COVID, death toll climbs to 359 Page 13

CJIA expansion on Page 9 course for completion by year end – Min Edghill

− 116 new cases recorded − says contractor operating in 24h; 2026 active cases according to addendum for new works

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

UG launches suite of oil & gas, renewable energy courses P15

Plaisance man shot during row over money P17 Over 3500 P16 persons take 2nd dose of COVID vaccine in Region 2 Teen stabs P12 Mon Repos resident during argument

Over 70 UG law degree graduates signal intention to become P8 Prosecutors 2 injured after motorcycle P2 collides with car

Berbice taxi driver robbed of motor car P2

2 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 injured after motorcycle collides with car A

motorcyclist and his pillion rider were on Saturday evening injured after the motorcycle which they were riding collided with a car that was in the process of overtaking another vehicle along the Lewis Manor Public Road, East Coast Berbice.

The injured men are 28-year-old Fazil Hussain of Cumberland Village, East Canje, and 21-year-old Shakeer Batson of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice.

Based on reports received, at about 21:30h on the day in question, the two men were driving their motorcycle along the public road when they col-

lided with the motor car bearing registration number PVV 281 driven by a 27-year-old man.

As a result of the collision, Hussain and his pillion rider reportedly sustained injuries about their bodies. They were taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where they were treated. Batson was, however, treated and sent away while Hussain was admitted to the medical facility.

Meanwhile, the driver of the motor car was reportedly above the legal limit of alcohol consumption following a breathalyser test.

He was arrested and is assisting with investigations.

The motorcycle which the two injured men were riding at the time of the accident

The car that was involved in the accident

Berbice taxi driver robbed of motor car

A

41-year-old taxi driver was over the weekend robbed of his motor car at Mount Sinai Village, West Canje, Berbice, Region Six (Berbice-Corentyne).

Based on reports received, at about 21:00h on Saturday evening, the victim parked his motor car on the parapet along the Mount Sinai Village Public Road and when he went to get the vehicle at about 06:30h on Sunday morning, it was nowhere to be found.

The motor car is a White Toyota Carina 212 with registration plates HB 8987 and estimated at $1.4 million. A Police report was made and an investigation has been launched.

Only on Wednesday, the Police had seized several motor cars in Berbice which are suspected to have been stolen including a white

Fielder Wagon bearing registration number PVV 6272 and a silver-grey Premio bearing registration number PRR 3989.

They were reportedly found in a yard in New Market Street, Rose Hall.

In addition, a silver-grey Premio (registration number PTT 9316) and a Fielder Wagon (registration number PTT 7651) were discovered at another location in Rose Hall.

It was also reported that Police conducted a search at the home of a female nurse of Rose Hall, Corentyne, where they found several “car-related documents”.

During the search, Police said, a named suspect was detained. He is presently in hospital under guard. For the year, there have been several reports of stolen cars.

Better Hope businesswoman, family robbed at gunpoint

A

Better Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) family was on Saturday evening robbed by a lone gunman who invaded their property.

Preliminary investigations by the Police revealed that at about 22:15h on the day in question, a businesswoman and three of her family members were in their yard when they observed a male walking through their gate.

As he entered the premises, he reportedly whipped out a handgun, pointed it at them and ordered them to “freeze”. As such, they complied and the perpetrator relieved them of three mobile phones, one 10 penny-weight gold chain, three gold rings, one diamond ring, one gold band and

$80,000 in cash.

However, during the ordeal, one of the victims reportedly got up from his chair and was dealt one lash to the left side face with the handgun by the perpetrator.

In addition, the bandit pointed the handgun to the businesswoman’s head and demanded money. That was when she allegedly handed over the cash to the perpetrator.

After committing the act, the perpetrator, the Police stated, ran out of the yard with the articles and cash and made good his escape in a heavily tinted white Axio motor car. The registration number was not seen.

An investigation was launched into the robbery.

NEWS

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MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Monday, May 24 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h and Tuesday, May 25 – 03:00h – 04:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, May 24 – 14:45h – 16:15h and Tuesday, May 25 – 15:35h – 17:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Expect thundery showers and light rain showers during the day. There will be light rain showers and partly cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 15:08h reaching a maximum height of 2.69 metres.

Low Tide: 08:39h and 20:57h reaching minimum heights of 0.45 metre and 0.52 metre.

SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

02 04 09

10 20 23

FREE TICKET

05 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

05 15 17 18 21 LUCKY 3

3

3

7

1

Afternoon Draw

2

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01

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16 19 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

02 03 08 12 14 13

02 03 13 18 21

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$65.11/barrel

-2.38

Rough Rice

$237.51/ton

+0.09

London Sugar

$447.40/ton

0

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1885.60

$1886.60

Low/High Change

$1879.70 +4.90

$1888.10 +0.26%

BoG projects 20.9% oil-economy growth – 6.1% overall growth in other sectors

D

espite concerns of new strains of the novel coronavirus and the possibility of another lockdown in the country, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) has projected that the local economy will record a real oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of some 20.9 per cent while the non-oil economy is estimated to grow by 6.1 per cent.

“This performance is expected to stem from expansions in all the major sectors due to the reopening of the economy as the ongoing vaccination programme continues and the COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted. However, the new variants of the coronavirus pose a threat to this outlook, as there is the possibility of another lockdown.

Notwithstanding, the end of year inflation rate is expected to be 1.6 per cent due to increased economic activities as the economy picks up,” the BoG said in its First Quarter Report for 2021.

This projection comes in line with the World Economic Outlook estimating the global economy to grow by 6.0 per cent in 2021 as a result of optimism surrounding vaccine rollouts as well as renewed fiscal and monetary countermeasures in several major economies.

However, the spread of new COVID-19 strains, new infection waves and unequal access to vaccines by emerging and developing economies have cast uncertainty on the robustness of the recovery.

Nevertheless, Guyana’s Central Bank in its report stated that while the local economy continued to benefit from oil production, a mixed output performance was recorded in the major sectors as the non-oil economy is still recovering from the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

It was noted that the agriculture sector recorded increased production of rice, fish & shrimp, sugar, eggs and poultry meat while the forestry subsector contracted. In the mining and quarrying sector, production of sand, bauxite, stone and gold were lower while crude oil and diamond production increased.

The manufacturing sector also recorded mixed performances with liquid pharmaceuticals, nitrogen gas, oxygen, paints and alcoholic beverages performing favourably while there was a decline in production of acetylene, ointments, tablets and detergents. The construction sector recorded positive performance on account of increased public and private construction while there were increased activities in the services sector as the authorities commenced lifting COVID-19 restrictive measures.

The inflation rate was 0.6 per cent at end March

BoG Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

2021. This reflected higher prices in the subcategories of transport and communication, food, education and housing. However, there were lower prices in the categories of clothing, footwear and repairs and miscellaneous goods and services.

Balance of payments

Further, the BoG reported that the overall balance of payments recorded a lower deficit of US$53.8 million compared to US$76.7 million for the same period last year.

“This outturn reflected a reduced current account deficit despite a decline in the capital account surplus.

The improvement in the current account resulted primarily from increased export receipts from crude oil notwithstanding higher import costs. The contraction in the capital account was due to lower net foreign direct investments attributable to oil cost recovery by the oil and gas sector,” the First Quarter Report de-

tailed.

Meanwhile, it was noted that Guyana’s net international investment position (NIIP) was US$7203.6 million at the end of March 2021, a deterioration of US$322.1 million or 4.7 per cent from the end-December 2020 position.

The total value of transactions on the foreign exchange market increased by 7.2 per cent or US$185.9 million to US$2768.6 million. The overall financial position of the public sector – which includes the Central Government and the NonFinancial Public Enterprises (NFPEs) – recorded a surplus of G$14,251 million, at end-March 2021, reflective of improved performances of both the NFPEs and Central Government.

The total stock of public debt, which comprises both external and domestic debt, increased by 3.9 per cent to US$2692 million at endMarch 2021, compared to the end December 2020 position. Domestic debt stock

increased to G$280,650 million or US$1,346.0 million at the end of the first quarter of 2021. Domestic debt service payments expanded to G$29,439 million as a result of principal repayments for treasury bills redeemed for fiscal support.

The stock of external debt expanded to US$1345.9 million, almost the same level as that of domestic debt.

This outturn was on account of a rise in multilateral debt, reflecting increased loan disbursements by these creditors during the review period. External debt service payments, which accounted for 2.6 per cent of export earnings, increased by 5.2 per cent, mainly due to higher principal payments to multilateral and bilateral creditors.

At the end of the first quarter of 2021, the financial system remained relatively stable with the Licensed Depository Financial Institutions (LDFIs) being adequately capitalised, highly liquid and profitable.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

New political paradigm T

here is no question that all is not right in the State of Guyana, and Guyanese are rightfully concerned that something be done about it. One justification bandied around on that concern is attributed to Albert Einstein, the world-renowned scientist: “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”.

But this raises the question of what “thing” to change.

The most recent manifestation of what is “wrong” in Guyana goes back to the No Confidence Motion (NCM) that was passed on December 21, 2018. The background was that in 2011, the PNC-as-APNU garnered 26 seats, the AFC 7 and the PPP 32. Because constitutionally, parties cannot coalesce their seats after the elections to form the Government, the party with the plurality of the seats can do so. As such, the PPP won the Presidency and the Executive. However, with their combined majority in the National Assembly, the coordinated Opposition parties forced the PPP into becoming a lame-duck administration. They were manoeuvred into calling an early election in 2015 after the AFC threatened to move an NCM against them. This was all within the tradition and conventions, which the PPP accepted.

Before the 2015 elections, the APNU formally coalesced with the AFC and they repeated their 2011 feat to gain 33 seats to the PPP’s 32. And since they were in a formal coalition, they were allowed to form the Presidency and Executive and also have control of the Legislature. Even though the PPP fielded an election petition, this was never heard by the Courts and they went along with the new dispensation. Finally, they were successful with their 2018 NCM after one AFC MP from the coalition voted against his party in a conscience vote, occasioned by the coalition’s callous treatment of his sugar-workers constituency.

And we arrive at the fly in our political ointment. The PNC-dominated coalition did not only refuse to obey the clear dictates of the Constitution to resign the Presidency and Cabinet, but proceeded to repeatedly make a mockery of mathematics and the electoral laws – to the extent of flagrantly attempting to rig the 2020 elections until they were brought to heel by the international community and our apex Appellate Court – the CCJ. They have filed election petitions against the election verdict that were promptly thrown out by the High Court and have now appealed. But through PNC Leader David Granger, the PNC have again shown that they are adamantly opposed to the rule of law unless it favours them: he asserted that the CCJ should not be our final Appellate Court on electoral matters.

The “thing” that ails Guyana is, therefore, not necessarily the system, but the refusal of the PNC to follow the laws of the land. What their behaviour demonstrates from their first long durée of 1964 to 1992 and then from 2015 to 2020, is that if we expect to get different results in our politics, then we have to quit trying to change our institutions and begin to insist that the PNC change their behaviour and practise democratic norms. Albert Einstein also had something to say about this perspectival shift: “We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Our political problems originated from us assuming that the parties competing for political power will act rationally within the rules of the political game to achieve power.

Why did the PNC/APNU alienate crossover votes in a nation of minorities? The PNC’s present insistence that the PPP rigged their way into office at the 2020 elections is absurd even without the evidence accepted by every observer group that vetted the elections. Since 2011, the PPP knew the combined PNC/AFC could defeat them. Why did they not rig the 2015 elections? Why wait until they were out of office?

The Guyanese people must not turn cartwheels just because the PNC refuse to follow democratic rules.

This Latchman Singh photo captures the sunset from the Blankenburg seashore on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) on Sunday

PPP/C Govt has sound management of Guyana’s natural resources

Dear Editor, Recently, Guyanese citizens filed the first constitutional climate case in the Caribbean to challenge fossil fuel production on the grounds that it exacerbates global warming and threatens human rights.

The case, before Guyana’s constitutional court, claims that Guyana’s approval of a massive, ExxonMobil-led oil and gas buildout off the country’s coast violates the Government’s legal duty to protect the rights to a healthy environment, sustainable development, and the rights of future generations, claiming the case reflects a growing concern within Guyana regarding the risks oil extraction poses on a national, regional, and international level.

However, it is ironic that some Guyanese citizens will go this far to prevent development in their own country.

What bothers me is Guyana passed an Environmental Protection Act in June 1996.

The Government of Guyana now uses this as the regulatory instrument to implement environmental policy and to promote environmental management which is integral to sustainable development. This Act establishes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the institution with the mandate for coordinating environmental management and provides for the management, conservation, protection and improvement of the environment, the prevention or control of pollution and the assessment of the impacts of economic development activities on the environment.

Aiming to advance sustainable economic growth in Guyana while preserving the country’s vast natural capital, UN Environment, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, had presented the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040 to Guyana in May 2019.

The objective of this comprehensive policy was to reorient and diversify the Caribbean nation’s economy, reducing its reliance on resource-intensive sectors.

It was also aiming to open new sustainable income and investment opportunities in green sectors with higher added value, while promoting equitable distribution of benefits and opportunities to all Guyanese citizens.

The Strategy was the platform from which Guyana can start its transition to a diversified and inclusive economy, transforming itself into a ‘green state’ and serve as an inspiration to other countries in the region and worldwide.

The world has come to realise that climate change is a grim, relentless reality. There is no avoidance.

Hardly a day passes that we do not see the adverse impact of climate change.

It was great for us to be ahead of the game, we have challenges with our coastal zone management, El Nino, droughts and floods.

And we have industries which are now starting to have an impact on air quality and water quality. The Development Strategy sets out multiple strategic actions to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy; sustainably manage land resources; increase economic competitiveness and resil-

ience; build resilient infrastructure; move towards renewable energy; improve trade, investment and international cooperation; and foster a healthy, educated and socially cohesive population.

The national development policy reflected then, outlined guiding vision and principles of the ‘green agenda’ – an inclusive and prosperous Guyana that provides a good quality life for all its citizens based on sound education and social protection, low-carbon and resilient development, providing new economic opportunities, justice and political empowerment. It is evident now that PPP/C Government has a sound management of Guyana’s natural resources, which is essential to the country’s global leadership in relation to climate change and sustainable development. The country has significant potential in the conservation of forests, which cover 87 per cent of its territory.

The Government of Guyana uses the knowledge the UN Environment as the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UN Environment has worked with governments, the private sector, civil society and with other UN entities and international organisations across the world. With that being said, with reference to decision making, strategies, policies and plans.

The EPA created vari-

ous mechanisms for action with respect to environmental management. The environmental monitoring capability of the EPA has been enhanced through the establishment of a laboratory facility to undertake monitoring of various chemical parameters and to determine their environmental effects.

This was established through a private sector donation. Guyana has recognised that environmental management is a multi-disciplinary task. In this regard, the EPA carries out its task through linkages with sectoral natural resource agencies and the involvement of stakeholders and other interest groups, with several projects aiming to strengthen the technical and organisational capability of the agency that had also assisted in the legal and regulatory framework in environment and natural resources management. Under these projects, the PPP/C Government had strengthened the environmental management capacity of selected sectoral agencies, Ministries and Local Governments with significant environmental management responsibilities.

In this regard, initial work had begun with the mining and forestry sectors with a Memoranda of Understanding already being signed.

It is widely established that sustainable development cannot be achieved without an integrated approach which involves the public and private sectors and other groups.

Sincerely, David Adams

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

Natural Resource Fund

Kazakhstan among oil fund models being examined – President Ali − says Guyana has development deficit that has to be addressed

President Irfaan Ali

W

hile revealing that the Government is examining the Kazakhstan model for its prospective Natural Resource Fund (NRF), which will be reformed to bring about greater transparency, President Dr Irfaan Ali also noted that Guyana has a development deficit that has to be bridged with the oil funds.

According to the President during a recent engagement with the dias-

pora, it is important to remember that countries who set up a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) did so after their own countries had achieved a certain level of independence.

“This is key and I think sometimes we need to premise our arguments on the different models on this.

What was the state of the country when they adopted a particular model? You would agree that Guyana is in dire need of infrastruc-

BoG projects 20.9% oil-economy...

FROM PAGE 3

Further, at the end of the review period, a total of 1608 facilities amounting to $28,759 million benefited from the COVID-19 relief measures that were put in place by Government for the banking sector. The services sub-sector continues to account for the largest portion of the relief, as the sector was particularly affected by the public health measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus.

2021 Outlook

Nevertheless, the Central Bank noted that interest rates are expected to remain relatively stable in 2021 reflective of the adequate level of liquidity within the banking system.

It added that the financial system is expected to remain sound due to measures taken by the Bank to mitigate any threat as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

In its outlook for 2021, the BoG also projects the external current account will improve largely due to oil exports coupled with higher export prices for gold and rice. The total receipts of foreign currency by Central Bank are estimated to increase to US$902.3 million while total payments are targeted at US$838.9 million.

Additionally, Central Government’s overall balance is anticipated to mar-

ginally improve to G$90,285 million as economic activities pick up, leading to increased revenue earnings from taxation despite the anticipated growth in expenditure.

The NFPEs overall deficit is expected to widen as the public enterprises slowly recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

“In particular, GuySuCo is anticipated to record an increase in both capital and current expenses as efforts continue towards increasing the capacity of the existing estates and reopening those that were closed.

Total public debt is expected to expand to US$3137.9 million, due to increases in both domestic and external debt stock while debt service payments are anticipated to rise. The growth in domestic debt stock will reflect higher issuance of treasury bills for fiscal support while the increase in external debt will stem from greater obligations to multilateral creditors,” the report stated.

It went on to detail that monetary aggregates of reserve money and broad money are estimated to expand in 2021, with the former due primarily to increased net foreign assets of the Bank of Guyana while the latter is expected to stem from higher net foreign assets and Private Sector credit.

ture, transformation in the health and energy sector, in the transportation sector.”

“And we have to create the framework for expansion in other sectors that would bring jobs and create the platform through which our country would evolve into the future. And that is the stage we are in in Guyana,” he said.

President Ali noted that this is particularly so with Norway, which he acknowledged was a very good model. But he further explained that the Government is looking at other models, including the Kazakhstan model.

Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, is located in Central Asia and is a producer of oil and gas. Its fund is called the National Fund of the Republic of Kazakhstan (NRFK) and was established in 2001. Kazakhstan only began producing over 1000 barrels of oil per day in 2003, but had discovered oil well before that.

“What the academic debate doesn’t tell you is that for example in the Norwegian model, which is a very good model that we’re looking. And we’re looking at many models.

Right now, we’re looking at the Kazakhstan model. What we have to understand is that Norway adopted that model after the country had a certain level of infrastructure, service and development.”

The New York Federal Reserve Bank, which houses Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund

“And that is the stage we are in in Guyana, giving Guyana a chance to become competitive and the people of Guyana an opportunity to get world class services.

And world class infrastructure. That will be done transparently and the model we finally settle on will be a model that is adopted nationally,” President Ali said.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had explained that money from the oil and gas sector that is banked in the fund cannot be actively invested with the fund in its current state. For now, the fund will passively accrue interest from the New York Federal Reserve Bank where it is currently banked.

“We came into Government with a Natural Resources Fund that was already in existence. And in fact, it was set up by a law

that was passed after the No-Confidence Motion had been approved. It was approved in December of 2018.

The Natural Resource Fund Act was passed in 2019, with no Opposition involvement or input. The fund in its current configuration is not actively invested.”

“As you know, it’s our intention to reform the fund and its management. In due course we’ll be going to Parliament to address some of the deficiencies in the current arrangement.

And at that point of time, we will consider an active investment strategy for the fund, a prudent but active investment strategy. But at this point the fund is not actively invested,” Singh had stated.

It was previously disclosed in February of this year that over US$200 million earned in oil revenues

is currently in Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund, with the latest payment made in January this year.

It is expected that once the Natural Resource Fund Act, which stipulates that various committees must be established to provide oversight for the fund, is reviewed, it will be brought to the National Assembly by the current Government.

In keeping with its manifesto commitments, the Government has pledged to implement a number of measures to ensure accountable and transparent management of the country’s natural resources including establishing an arm’s length sovereign wealth fund insulated from political interference and upholding the Santiago Principles of transparency and accountability, and the EITI.

6

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Part V Oh sleep! it is a gentle thing, Beloved from pole to pole!

To Mary Queen the praise be given!

She sent the gentle sleep from Heaven, That slid into my soul.

The silly buckets on the deck, That had so long remained, I dreamt that they were filled with dew; And when I awoke, it rained.

My lips were wet, my throat was cold, My garments all were dank; Sure I had drunken in my dreams, And still my body drank.

I moved, and could not feel my limbs: I was so light—almost I thought that I had died in sleep, And was a blessed ghost.

And soon I heard a roaring wind: It did not come anear; But with its sound it shook the sails, That were so thin and sere.

The upper air burst into life!

And a hundred fire-flags sheen, To and fro they were hurried about!

And to and fro, and in and out, The wan stars danced between.

And the coming wind did roar more loud, And the sails did sigh like sedge, And the rain poured down from one black cloud; The Moon was at its edge.

The thick black cloud was cleft, and still The Moon was at its side: Like waters shot from some high crag, The lightning fell with never a jag, A river steep and wide.

The loud wind never reached the ship, Yet now the ship moved on!

Beneath the lightning and the Moon The dead men gave a groan.

They groaned, they stirred, they all uprose, Nor spake, nor moved their eyes; It had been strange, even in a dream, To have seen those dead men rise.

Friday’s answers

The helmsman steered, the ship moved on; Yet never a breeze up-blew; The mariners all 'gan work the ropes, Where they were wont to do; They raised their limbs like lifeless tools— We were a ghastly crew.

The body of my brother's son Stood by me, knee to knee: The body and I pulled at one rope, But he said nought to me.

'I fear thee, ancient Mariner!'

Be calm, thou Wedding-Guest!

'Twas not those souls that fled in pain, Which to their corses came again, But a troop of spirits blest: TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

7 State-owned airline for Guyana not being considered – Dr Ashni Singh NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

− says Govt open to facilitating private investments

W

hile it acknowledges the importance of increased international connectivity in Guyana’s economic development, the Government said that a State-owned airline is currently not on the agenda.

This is according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. He pointed to the available examples of failed State airline carriers, including LIAT which almost went out of business last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic and under a mountain of debt.

“On the specific question of establishing a national airline, you’ve seen how countries in the Caribbean and the world, have struggled with various attempts to establish or maintain a State-owned airline. You’ve seen the challenges with LIAT. And the situation with air travellers has been further compounded by COVID, which has dramatically reduced the volume of traffic and has put some airlines literally out of business.”

“So, I would say that the current position of the Government is that we want improved international connectivity. But we don’t currently intend, it’s not currently on the agenda to

establish a State-owned airline. But we are pushing aggressively to attract more international airlines to come to Guyana. And we’re actually seeing the results of that already,” Minister Singh said.

FlyAllways.

“You have American Airlines, notwithstanding the international challenges with travel as a result of COVID-19, American Airlines has resumed their Miami to Georgetown route.

Government is still in talks with Virgin Atlantic

The Minister noted that at a time when international airlines are closing operations and cancelling routes, there are airlines actively interested in coming to Guyana. He also referenced the recent approval granted to InterCaribbean Airways, which is based in Turks and Caicos. Additionally, Dr Singh noted that there are increased connections to Suriname coming out of the Ogle Airport - a reference to

They were actively considering a New York to Georgetown route.”

“As you know, JetBlue has introduced its New York to Georgetown service.

They’re currently providing that service. Virgin Atlantic has expressed an interest in coming to Guyana and we are actively talking with them right now, on them perhaps introducing a London to Georgetown service. We recently approved

an airline with a Turks and Caicos to Georgetown service.”

Other investors

The Finance Minister went on to note, however, that the Government is open to facilitating private investors who want to establish such an airline operating out of Guyana. And this also applies to other ventures, such as shipping companies.

“If there are private investors who see that it is viable to introduce an airline, whether it is by way of leasing an aircraft, and setting up services from Guyana to any destination, we would welcome such a service.

We actively encourage it,” Minister Singh said.

“The same applies to shipping. We’re currently not considering the introduction of a State-owned shipping line, but we would welcome private investors who believe there is the volume of traffic and they want to introduce, want to buy or lease a boat and introduce the service… they would be more than welcome in Guyana.”

A number of commercial carriers have already reintroduced flights to and from Guyana since the Government moved to reopen the ports. One such airline was American Airlines,

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

which restarted late last year.

Eastern Airlines also introduced four flights weekly from Miami and New York, while COPA Airlines started three flights weekly from Panama. And Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) also started flying between CJIA and the Lester B Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada.

CAL said flights would be operated each Monday and Friday, with connections available from Trinidad and Barbados. CAL also reintroduced its commercial service between Guyana and New York, which took effect on October 19 following the reopening of the country’s international ports in September.

JetBlue also launched its commercial flight between

New York and Guyana in December of 2020. The airline announced that flights would initially be operated up to four times weekly, with seats available for purchase starting on October 27.

JetBlue had originally announced the new route between New York City and Georgetown in September 2019, but temporarily paused the sale of seats and adjusted the launch schedule in response to changes in global travel demand.

Local authorities had closed the country’s borders – including the two main international airports – since March 2020, after the first imported case of COVID-19 was detected. From then to August, the CJIA recorded losses of over one billion dollars due to the pandemic.

Guyanese ministerial delegation travels to Suriname to advance areas of cooperation

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at the meeting

F

oreign Affairs and International C o o p e r a t i o n Minister, Hugh Todd on Sunday led an official delegation to Suriname to further discuss advancing areas of cooperation through the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP).

The delegation included Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

The Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform was signed by the two Heads of State last November during an Official State Visit to

Suriname.

Sunday’s visit served to further streamline plans between the Government of Guyana and Suriname.

The Ministers discussed several areas within the framework of the SDCP, among those were infrastructure and transport, agriculture and secu-

Ministers of Government from Guyana and Suriname at the meeting on Sunday

rity.

Since the signing of the SDCP both countries have been actively engaging to advance the programme through the establishment of several working groups including infrastructure, agriculture, security, health and trade.

The meeting paves the

way for an Official State Visit of the President of Suriname HE Chan Santoki to Guyana.

Back in October 2020, a visiting ministerial delegation from Suriname met with local Ministers to further iron out the agenda for a Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform.

The meeting primarily focused on creating a framework for collaboration of culture, sports and tourism; the Corentyne River Bridge; improving inter-country agricultural sector; security, and diversification of the economies; and external trade of Guyana and Suriname.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 70 UG law degree graduates signal intention to become Prosecutors

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

S

hortly after the PPP/C assumed office in August 2020, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has stated that the new Administration was exploring ways to strengthen the prosecutorial arm of the State. As such, he had announced the Government’s intention to have University of Guyana (UG) law degree graduates trained as prosecutors.

Providing an update on this initiative, Nandlall in a recent interview told Guyana Times that over 70 law degree graduates have indicated their interests of being trained as prosecutors. The one-year accredit-

ed programme will be implemented by UG with support from the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme which is funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

Asked specifically about how plans for the implementation of the programme are coming along, Nandlall said, “That is coming along well.

It is a process. The process requires the construction of a syllabus and that is currently being done by a consultant. And once that syllabus is completed then the second stage - the lecture [will commence]. Hopefully, the syllabus will be completed shortly so that we can go to the second component of the programme.”

Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduates will be hired as prosecutors for Magistrates’ Courts throughout Guyana. They will be working along with the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the various Guyana Police Force Court Superintendent offices.

According to Nandlall, given the qualifications, these prosecutors will be superior to Police prosecutors who

undergo limited prosecutorial training.

“These are a different quality of prosecutors. These are persons in possession of a Bachelor of Laws degree and who will be trained specifically to prosecute. Having a Bachelors of Laws degree and along with a prosecutorial training programme you ought to be qualitatively superior to a Police prosecutor all things being equal…”, Nandlall explained.

State in the prosecutorial arm. So, it is all an initiative that is intended to increase the State’s capacity to prosecute in particular serious criminal offences in our country.”

During the commissioning of the Court Superintendent Officer in September 2020, Nandlall had said that the majority of criminal matters are prosecuted by Police ranks in the Magistrates’ Courts.

The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

“We would like each Magistrate’s Court to have at least one of such people.

The ultimate objective is to offer these very persons an opportunity to complete their legal training at one of the law schools so that they can become full-fledged lawyers and return to serve the

He said that with their limited training, these ranks come up against the most formidable defence lawyers. According to the Attorney General, this situation sometimes results in grievous injustice.

Against this backdrop, he pointed out that this must have a positive impact and must result in great improvements in the standard of our prosecutorial service.

“So, that victims of crime can feel confident when they enter the courtroom and be a little satisfied when they leave in the end that justice has been served.” While he conceded that this is not the ultimate solution, he noted that it is a step in the right direction.

The Government has already announced plans to improve the human resource and infrastructural capacity of the DPP’s chambers which is expected to get expanded officer space to house more prosecutors to address the larger caseload over a shorter period.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Looking ahead...

W

...at our Oil Money e’ve been hearing so much about us becoming a modern-day El Dorado – this time from the “Black Gold” of oil off our Atlantic shore – that Guyanese may be forgiven for asking “where’s the money?!” Attention up to now has been on the rotten deal the PNC’s Trotman (yes...PNC!) brought back from Texas – giving us a measly 14.5 per cent of the revenues. But even though an inquiry should’ve been conducted on what went down in Texas between Trotty and the Majors, the fella has been allowed to get away scot free.

So, evidently going by the principle of letting sleeping dogs lie – or accepting that discretion is the better part of valour - the PPP Government has clearly decided to take the bird in the hand rather than pursuing the two in the bush! (Need any more old chestnuts? Thought not!) At this time two years after the first oil strike, our “bird” amounts to US$345 million or a cool GY$74 billion. For comparison, we exported rice during the same period amounting to US$470 million or GY$95 billion!

But before we dismiss the oil revenue stash as small potatoes, let’s not forget that we’ve actually been producing oil for a year now and the volume is gonna be ramped up six times the present 120,000 bpd. That’ll be real money! In a way, this is good news, since it gives us some time to sort out exactly how we’re going to spend the money. After all, other countries before us have faced this situation of having sudden injections of revenues – so we can be guided by their experience.

We’ve all been educated about the dreaded “Dutch Disease” that can strike when we allow the massive revenues to enter the economy directly. This disincentive struggling with the traditional low-profit-but-steady industries leading to their demise. And when the oil runs out, the country is left high and dry! The other example from those countries – starting with the Mid East oil producers – was establishing “Sovereign Wealth Funds”.

The country acts like wealthy individuals and places its revenues into funds established in the developed countries to be invested and generate interest and returns.

The money from the SWFs can then be brought into the local economy in a controlled fashion by investing into industries to diversify the economic base through budgetary support. The funds can also be held for future (inter-generational) needs. Because we’re blessed with so many natural resources like gold, etc, aside from oil, the PNC had dubbed our SWF a “Natural Resource Fund” (NRF) and placed the funds into an account with the NY Fed. The World Bank’s now asking why the Govt isn’t using the NRF funds. ...at spending oil money That question shows that the PPP just can’t please some people all the time. Normally Governments are criticised for spending beyond their means, and the World Bank has to be called in to bail them out. But now the World Bank thinks the PPP is too tardy in spending? Man bites dog!!

The PPP has pointed out, however, that the NRF was established in their absence when they’d boycotted Parliament after the PNC had refused to demit office following the NCM. They now want to do the right thing by rescinding the PNC-unilaterally created NRF and passing a new one that will be debated in the National Assembly with the PNC. Commendably, they’re looking to ensure there will be transparency in spending from the NRF. But they’ve already signalled that they’ll be focusing on improving our StoneAge infrastructure, which is critical to attracting businesses to really take advantage of getting to our resources.

So, let’s be patient...the money ain’t going nowhere! ...on fighting COVID-19 Your Eyewitness has been pushing the Govt to be more proactive in fighting the war against the COVID-19 pandemic. While he’s sometimes been critical, he must commend the latest “Drive through” Vaccination initiative.

Way to go!

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CJIA expansion on course for completion by year end – Min Edghill − says contractor operating according to addendum for new works

T

he completion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion along the lines of the original contract remains on course for completion by this year end. This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Edghill confirmed that from all indications he has had, Chinese contractor China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) is adhering to the construction schedules for the ongoing work.

“Works are continuing and based upon agreements so far, we should be

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport

on schedule… that includes the new works that need to be done, based upon the addendum,” Minister Edghill informed this publication.

Back in March of this year, Minister Edghill and team had toured the airport, where he had assessed the ongoing works before holding a meeting with airport

and Ministry officials and the contractor. CHEC has a record of missing deadlines.

However, Edghill had made it clear at the time that slippages would not be tolerated.

The Public Works Ministry had entered into an agreement with CHEC back in December, that

Pedal cyclist in ICU after being struck by motor car

A

n East Coast Demerara (ECD) man is nursing broken ribs and a punctured lung after he was struck down by a motor car on Friday evening along the Foulis Railway Embankment, ECD. The injured man has been identified as 53-yearold Sooroj Persaud of Logwood, Enmore, ECD. Police stated that motor car bearing registration number PWW 480 was proceeding along the Railway Embankment at a fast rate

of speed when Persaud attempted to cross the road on his bicycle but instead he rode into the path of the car.

This caused the driver of the car to swerve to avoid a collision but despite his efforts, the right front of the car connected with the front wheel of the pedal cycle.

As a result, Persaud fell onto the road’s surface and sustained injuries about his body.

The injured pedal cyclist was picked up and taken

to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was examined and admitted a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The driver of the car, a 28-year-old resident of Section C Golden Grove, ECD, was also taken to Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and later sent away.

A breathalyser test conducted revealed that there were no traces of alcohol in his system. Investigations into the accident are ongoing.

would see the contractor doing US$9 million in additional works to further extend the airport, at no cost to the State.

The new works involve an extension of the airport’s boarding corridor in order to accommodate two more passenger boarding bridges, providing the airport with a total of six boarding bridges capable of servicing aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Dreamliner, the AirBus and similar trans-Atlantic aircraft.

It would also see the terminal building being extended to provide accommodation for additional commercial space such as food courts and duty-free shops. The extended building will feature a modern airport façade covering the full length of the departure terminal.

In the agreement, CHEC further agreed to rectify and complete all outstanding remedial works within prescribed timelines.

It was also agreed that all works will be completed by December 31, 2021.

The project was supposed to have been completed since December 31,

2018 under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, but has now been taken over by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in an incomplete and downgraded state. In fact, the Granger-led APNU/AFC Administration had settled for a denigrated design while paying more than the allocated US$150 million.

When the coalition Government came into power in 2015, the project was put on hold, but after discussions between former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and CHEC, it was later announced that the project would be continued, but a number of downgrades were done to the design.

Some US$138 million of the allocated costs was funded by the EXIM (Export-Import) Bank of China, while US$12 million was spent by the Guyana Government. It was not expected to surpass that sum, but Guyana had to stand additional expenses.

The CJIA, in its downgraded design expansion, has four less air passen-

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

ger boarding bridges for arrivals and departures than the initial eight; a 450-seat departure area; escalators and elevators in addition to an incomplete extended runway, which was supposed to measure 400 and 690 metres at the respective ends.

An old terminal building that was marked for cargo was revamped, and only one of the new sections was built. Meanwhile, a new apron that was supposed to support the additional four air bridges is non-existent. There is also no space for enough duty-free shops, restaurants, car rentals, and other facilities.

10 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 2000 food hampers distributed to flood-affected residents – as PM leads ministerial outreach to Region 9

Prime Minister Mark Phillips examining hampers prepared for Region Nine flood victims

the Prime Minister noted.

He further posited that there are enough supplies in the CDC bond in Lethem to continue distribution.

However, he hopes that the water recedes soon but at the same time, related that Region Nine is likely to experience more flooding if the waters in the Rio Branco and Rio Negro Rivers in Brazil continue to rise.

“They have passed the worst in the sense that the water has receded. However, we can see a lot of homes were affected by this flood.

We have a couple of families in the [Tabatinga Sports Complex] shelter,” he said.

rime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Saturday visited Gunns Strip and Sand Creek, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), to assess the flooding situation in the region.

During the outreach, Phillips distributed about 2000 hampers comprising food items to the residents.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Prime Minister related that both Gunns and Sand Creek were severely affected by the flood-

CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig examining a cot prepared for flood victims

P

ing while adding that water remains on the lands, resulting in damages to crops.

“And, as you know, the Director [General] of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig was deployed into the Rupununi area prior to our visit, and the CDC would have done their impact assessment and they would have already started to distribute relief supplies to those affected communities.

And the relief supplies we are talking about, food hampers, sanitation hampers,”

Nevertheless, residents in Sand Creek and Gunns Strip were thankful for the assistance they received from the CDC. “I think that is what people expect in a time of disaster, that the Government, whether it is Central Government or Regional Government, can quickly offer whatever relief efforts to help them to deal with the difficult situation that they are in right now,” Phillips added.

In addition, the CDC Director General explained that the floodwaters were high due to the rise in the water levels in the Ireng, Takutu

and Rupununi Rivers.

The CDC has already established a shelter to house at least 36 people in Lethem.

The regional authorities have also established shelters at the Tabatinga Sports Complex, Arapaima Primary School and Culvert City Nursery School.

Craig related that agriculture was mostly affected.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips taking a first-hand look at the flooded areas in Region Nine

“The main impacts are the farmlands. What we have observed too because of heavy rainfall, some of the homes, the walls because of the type of structure, became saturated and a few of them collapsed.

But the waters are receding in most of the communities, but what you find because of the saturation of the soil from the long period, it has an impact on cassava and other crops. So, what the farmers are doing, they are now harvesting very early and they are trying to make farine and cassava bread et cetera for their families.”

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai also engaged residents of Tabatinga who are affected by the flood and assured them that the Government will continue to support them during the difficult times.

In total, 12 villages have already benefited from relief hampers. These include Shea, Aishalton, Baitoon and Katoonarib.

Some 2600 food hampers have been prepared. Of that sum, 2300 have been handed over to the region.

Some 300 of the hampers were purchased by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). The CDC has also procured 2000 sanitation hampers to be distributed in Region Nine.

The water purification tablets and locally-made cloth masks that were also promised by the CDC have also been provided to the region.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to encourage residents to get inoculated against COVID-19.

“I ask all the people from all the communities to come forward and take the vaccine.

We expect them to continue to observe the COVID-19 measures but more particularly, to come forward and take the vaccine because we have enough vaccines.

We have adequate vaccines in the region for all the communities and we want all the people to come forward and take the vaccine.”

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister Deodat Indar, Minister Pauline Sukhai and other Government officials.

NEWS

11

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 friends die, another critical after crashing into utility poles in Timehri – relatives of dead men believe they were being chased

By LaWanda McAllister

T

wo friends are now dead and another is seriously injured after the car in which they were travelling crashed into two utility poles along the Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Saturday evening.

Dead are 24-year-old Pastal Dainty of Unity Place, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and 32-year-old Delon Whitehead of William Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Twenty-five-year-old Michael Kendall of Block X Great Diamond, EBD, is listed to be in a serious condition.

It was reported that the three friends were in motor car PXX 5192, driven by Dainty, and was proceeding along the Timehri Public Road at a fast rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

The motor car reportedly ran off the road and collided with two utility poles. The vehicle reportedly toppled several times before coming to a halt on a concrete fence.

As a result of the collision, the driver and occupants received injuries about their bodies. They were pulled from the wreckage in an unconscious state by the Police and citizens who escorted them to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

However, Whitehead and Dainty were pronounced dead on arrival while Kendall was admitted a patient in the Intensive Care Unit at the said institution and his condition is regarded as serious.

At the home of Whitehead on Sunday, his mother, Michelle Williams, said she had just finished work on Saturday evening when she received the news of her son’s death.

“He girlfriend call and said he reach in some accident and everybody gone to the hospital, and he look like he dead. Not knowing, that she was the key to the problem. I went to received

my son’s body, and his hand was broken, gash to his like he was chopped… he was seated at the back,” she said.

Williams said her son had shared a relationship with the woman who was also in a relationship with another man. She said on the night of her son’s demise, the woman took him to a barbeque in Timehri where her lover resides.

“They [Whitehead and the woman’s partner] had some scuffle and his friend (Dainty) was bringing him away, and next thing, the boy that he had the fight with went and get a crew and come back and give them a chase. With that, I don’t know if they jam the back of the car, and it went skating. My son pitched out the car…”, she explained.

The woman said her son and his friends were not speeding intentionally; they were trying to escape from the men who were following them. She said the persons who were chasing them did not even stop to render assistance after the accident.

“After the story done happen, they drive around and play like they coming to the hospital, that was very suspicious. Even with the girl I warned him to stay away from her. She put him out and he still went back, she put him through a lot.

My son is quiet, he is not a murderer I took care of him without a father and he just die like that,” the tearful mother said.

At the home of 24-yearold Dainty, his mother, Shirley Dainty, spoke with <<<Guyana Times>>>.

According to the young man’s family, he had only celebrated his 24th birthday two days ago.

His sister related that her family received a telephone call on Saturday evening informing them that her brother was involved in a serious accident. Upon their arrival to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, they were informed that the man succumbed to his injuries.

“Two days ago, I hugged

Dead: Delon Whitehead and Pastal Dainty

up my brother and wished his happy birthday…he left and come back and I hugged him up again…I didn’t want to believe that he died. when I get a chance to identify the body, I see to my devasta-

tion I see its Pastal…”, the sister noted.

The dead man’s mother said her son was trying to save Whitehead from his attackers, by putting him in his car and leaving the par-

ty. She said they were also told by eyewitnesses that a group of men began chasing her son and his two friends who were occupants of the car.

Fearful for their lives, the now dead Dainty was reportedly driving at a fast rate of speed.

“My son is not a fighter; he is a willing boy… he was apparently scared of them that is why he picked up a speed. Bystanders told us that the car that was chasing them knock into the back of the car and ran them off the road,” his mother said.

Williams said this is a hard hit for her family because only a day ago her son’s first cousin, 37-yearold Sheldon Dainty of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was crushed to death after losing control of a truck at 26 Miles Public Road, Port Kaituma, North West District, Region

One (Barima-Waini).

The man was in motor lorry GSS 4472 and was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road, ascending a hill, when he encountered mechanical problems, causing the motor lorry to start descending the hill at a fast rate of speed.

As a result, he was crushed to death.

“I also still trying to get over the loss of a family member that passed just a few day ago and my daughter who died last year, now this. I have a ticket to show, my son was supposed to travel to the US at 10:15 on Friday morning. He had so much plans and goals.”

“I am not judging, but if that was the problem and they [the men who were chasing the dead men] snapped two innocent lives out just because of a fight, I will leave them in the hands of God,” Dainty’s mother said.

12 NEWS Pedestrian in Duncan Street Teen stabs Mon Repos remains resident during argument accident unconscious, unidentified A M MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

24-year-old man of Mon Repos on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) is now hospitalised after he was stabbed about his body by a teenage boy during an argument at Beterverwagting, ECD. Police stated that on Friday at about 21:50h at the Beterverwagting Main Road, ECD, the victim was taking a drink alone when the teenager stopped in and an argument broke out.

As a result, the teen reportedly whipped out a knife and dealt the victim several stabs about his body. He later escaped on a bicycle.

Following the incident, the injured man was picked up in an unconscious state, and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted a patient in the Emergency Unit.

Police said checks were

made for the teenager at his residence but he was not found. Further checks are presently being made for the suspects as investigations continue.

Only a week ago two men were admitted patients at the New Amsterdam Hospital after they reportedly injured each other during an altercation at Heathburn Village, East Bank Berbice (EBB).

Martin Chesney, 46, a cane harvester of Heathburn Village, EBB, was identified as one of the injured men while the identity of the oth-

er was not released by the Police.

It was reported that the suspect and Chesney were involved in a heated argument and sometime after, Chesney was found lying on the ground with a wound to his lower left arm but the alleged suspect was nowhere in sight.

Chesney was then taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was treated and admitted a patient.

Soon after, the alleged suspect was also located in the medical facility nursing a wound to his left side chest.

ore than one week after a pedestrian was allegedly struck down by a white Toyota Axio motor car along Duncan Street, Georgetown, he remains unconscious and unidentified.

This was confirmed by Regional Commander Simon McBean during a telephone interview with Guyana Times.

It was reported that two Saturdays ago, the yet to be identified pedestrian who is of East Indian descent, was reportedly standing on the centre portion of Duncan Street, Georgetown, when he was struck down by the motor car.

As a result of the collision, the pedestrian was flung into the air and landed on the road’s surface. The motor car fled the scene.

The unidentified pedestrian

Nevertheless, the injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit in an unconscious state. He suffered

injuries to his head, chest and genital area.

Since the accident, the driver of the motor car that was involved is yet to surrender to the Police.

NEWS

13

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 more die from COVID, death toll climbs to 359 – 116 new cases recorded in 24h; 2026 active cases

A

s Guyana continues to grapple with the new wave of the novel COVID-19, the Health Ministry on Sunday reported that four more persons who tested positive have died.

This now takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic in the country to 359.

These latest fatalities include a 73-year-old male from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and a 77-yearold female from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who died on May 17 and 19, respectively. The other deaths were two more females, a 78-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and a 42-year-old from Region Five, both of whom died on May 21.

According to the Ministry, these patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at medical institutions across the country. Samples were taken at the time of admission, which subsequently returned positive.

Only Saturday, four other COVID-19 deaths were reported. However, with these four more fatalities reported on Sunday, the COVID-19 death toll for May has gone up to 60 – putting this month on the verge of becoming the country’s deadliest since the outbreak of the virus here last year.

Last April was said to be deadliest month, with 66 deaths.

Meanwhile, new statistics provided by the Ministry showed that another 116 persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours in Guyana.

According to the Health Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard on Sunday, the total number of confirmed cases in the country has now increased to 16,130.

However, a whopping 2026 of these are currently active cases including 19 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 2007 persons in isolation, that is, 96 in institutional isolation and the other 1911 in home isolation.

There are also four more persons in institutional quarantine.

Some 13,745 persons have since recovered from the life-threatening virus in Guyana to date – 35 more recoveries than the figure recorded the previous day.

Additionally, a total of 145,654 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus in Guyana over the past year, of which 8029 males and 8101 females were found to be positive.

Of the 116 new COVID-19 cases detected on Sunday, one was from Region One (BarimaWaini); three cases from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 15 from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 62 cases from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); five from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); 13 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); one case each from Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni), nine from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and the other six cases from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

In order to protect citizens and move towards achieving herd immunity,

the Guyana Government has been aggressively rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and pleading with persons to get immunised against the deadly virus.

Only Saturday, the Ministry hosted its drive-thru vaccination drive at the National Stadium in Providence, which attracted over 1000 persons, who turned up to get either their first or second dose.

To date, almost 180,000 persons have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Guyana, of which over 47,000 persons are now fully immunised. These numbers are expected to rise as the vaccination exercise continues to be rolled out across the country.

In the meantime, Health authorities are urging Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 17), which are in effect un-

til May 31, 2021. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance

of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The order also imposes a 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) national curfew, which the National COVID-19 Taskforce has been working to enforce by prosecuting persons who are in breach of the measures.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 166,346,635 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 3,449,117 deaths.

The WHO also reported on Sunday that in the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 65,979,469 while the death toll in the region has gone up to 1,615,101.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy.

14 NEWS Artist Kevin Thomas continues to distil his passion for life on canvas MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

K

evin Thomas’ interest in art was sparked while he was in nursery school. His teacher would give them a few minutes in class to shape things using play dough. “I've been an artist for as long as I can remember. I started in nursery school while playing with play dough. I would create things that no child my age was able to do, then I started drawing with pencils,” he told Guyana Times.

Thomas is a 26-year-old registered nurse by profession who hails from the mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). He is also a barber and entrepreneur. During an interview with this publication, he explained that art has always been something he loves.

“In primary school, a classmate offered me $20 to draw a map and I was then known as the artist for my class. Over the years I would do drawings and paintings from time to time for myself.” But it was not until 2020 that Thomas started drawing again, and things took off from there. Every one of his pieces has a story to tell, and he is inspired to paint based on random thoughts.

“When it comes to my drawings or paintings, I usually am inspired by people all over since I mostly do portraits, and I'm also in-

A few of Kevin Thomas’ creations

spired by the beauty of nature. Whenever I see anything artistic, I would try to see how I can get as good as that.

My family and friends would also help motivate me to continue doing art because they love my work.”

The young man confessed that he is especially driven by the beauty of his pieces.

While he is more drawn to portrait drawings and paintings, Thomas also loves doing nature paintings as well as any painting that contains trees, sunsets, rivers, and mountains.

According to him, his best piece is a painting he had recently done called King and Queen.

“It is a very beautiful piece that would capture the eyes of everyone where ever it goes, it also has a wonderful meaning behind it.

It took me two days to complete,” he said, adding that the painting is currently being offered for sale.

Although he does not have a favourite artist, Thomas is amazed by the sight of beautiful artwork, and most times he is unaware of who created it.

“However, I have had the opportunity recently to meet with Mr Campton Babb, a Guyanese artist, and I have grown fond of his work,” he stated. Thomas sees art as

Kevin Thomas

a major part of his future and hopes to one day open a gallery where he can display his artwork for people to enjoy.

His advice to young artists is to “keep striving for better. Never neglect your current talent. Do not ever regret a customer or client because they play a major part in keeping you on the path of artistry and building your brand. Use the internet and research ways in which you can develop your work.”

Persons desirous of viewing more of Thomas’ work can do so here: https://m. facebook.com/PortraitDrawings-Art-by-KT101052981777787/?ref= bookmarks. He can be contacted on 592-665-1626.

NEWS

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MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The case for a Development Fund to propel Guyana’s economic development

G

iven the nature of the financial market, which is underdeveloped and dominated by the commercial banks, commercial banks are naturally risk-averse, because they are deposit-taking institutions and hence they have a responsibility to protect depositors’ funds; which means they have to engage in prudent lending. Compounding the situation in which access to financing is apparently difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises especially is not necessarily the inherent nature of the commercial banks per se, but, rather, a series of limitations with respect to the businesses themselves, and by extension the management and owners of the said enterprises; hence it is twofold.

In the conduct of credit assessment, a borrower needs to fulfill certain qualifying criteria before the decision to approve a loan is made. One primary requirement in this process is collateral, and, in many instances, this is one of the main limitations – lack of adequate and tangible collateral. Instantly this may be a deterrent, much to the disadvantage of the prospective borrower.

It must be noted also that having healthy collateral is not always a decisive factor in the loan approval process. The more important decisive factors in this regard are premised upon the borrower’s ability to repay - debt servicing ability - and this other element, which might sound surprising, but in reality is the most crucial of them all: the borrower’s willingness to repay.

In respect to the technical limitations of businesses, most small and medium-sized firms lack crucial expertise in the industry within which they operate, sound financial management practices, and particularly cash flow management. These, therefore, inevitably disqualify such entities from accessing financing through the commercial banks.

The problem of access to financing is not so much an interest-rate problem or cost of capital. The broader problem about access to capital is not because of commercial banks; it is because of Guyana’s underdeveloped financial system.

It is important to understand and acknowledge that commercial banks are inherently different structurally, and they are not designed for microfinancing.

Commercial banks do, in fact, help and contribute to some extent, but microfinancing is usually risky for the banks.

With regard to microfinancing, the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), for example, was founded specifically for the purpose of microfinancing, and it is doing extremely well today. In this regard, it is worthwhile to examine the structure of IPED. Ironically, a few proponents are of the view that the commercial banks’ interest rates are “notoriously” high.

However, IPED’s interest rates on microfinancing range from 20% to 30% in some cases. Of course, IPED’s interest rates are reflective of the high-risk nature of such businesses, and poor collateral.

Commercial banks’ interest rates are way below that, ranging from 10% to 18%. Now, in terms of IPED’s structure, the way this institution operates is to take a hands-on approach to help clients manage their businesses prudently in order to succeed, by doing extensive field work, and they even have training programmes for clients (small businesses). Commercial banks don’t do this, neither do they have the incentive to so do.

Another important factor with IPED’s structure is that they hold anything, from household effects to cars, or any asset as security, which the banks cannot do because of the regulations stipulated within the Financial Institutions Act. Therefore, in order to deal with the issue of microfinancing, that’s not for the commercial banks; what is needed is more microfinancing institutions like IPED, and this in effect speaks to capital market development. Moreover, IPED’s financing structure - that is, the source of its financing - is different from the commercial banks’. It is not a deposit-taking institution, its capital is actually shareholders’ funds, donor funds, and it reinvests its profits. This is unlike the commercial banks, which take savings from householders and lend to firms.

So, the source of financing and the way microfinancing institutions versus commercial banks are designed are fundamentally different.

Within these pragmatic circumstances, how would the establishment of a Development Fund solve these problems? Development financing institutions are typically Government-sponsored financial institutions with the primary mandate to provide long-term capital to industry.

Given the inherent nature of development funds, they are largely not profitdriven, unlike the commercial banks. As such, the success of a development bank is not measured against the traditional set of performance indicators, but, instead, their contribution to economy-wide growth through the acquisition and dissemination of financial expertise in new industrial sectors.

In addition, the structure and manner in which development funds are designed to operate are different from those of the commercial banks, to the extent that they are required to have highly skilled and well qualified experts in various appropriate fields. The reason for this is because development funds or development banks provide long-term capital for repayment over longer periods, as long as 20 years, for example, while commercial banks generally could extend long term capital only for up to five years at maximum. Thus it is this distinguishing factor that sets them apart. However, development funds are not to be viewed as institutions competing with commercial banks; they are more complementary financial institutions wherein – one extends longterm capital in the creation of new industries, and the other sustains old or established industries.

Proposed Structure The Fund can be institutionalised by way of legislation, and must be composed of a technically competent Board and a variety of professional expertise to manage and administer the Fund to execute its mandate.

With respect to the financing structure, this can come from a combination of sources, such as international financial institutions like the World Bank, InterAmerican Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank. These institutions can also serve on a technical committee to support the management of the Fund, to identify relevant development projects, and to assist in the conduct of feasibility studies as well for these projects.

Financing can also come from the Sovereign Wealth Fund. A percentage of that fund can go towards the development fund, as well as the local banking sector can invest into the fund. This, I am anticipating, would be helpful to provide project financing to the Private Sector as well for large investment projects at concessionary interest rates, and to support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, in addition to large scale development projects.

About the Author: JC. Bhagwandin is a financial and economic analyst; and an Adjunct Professor at Texila American University, Business College. The views expressed are exclusively his own and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper and the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@gmail.com.

UG launches suite of oil & gas, renewable energy courses T

he University of Guyana’s (UG) Institute for Energy Diplomacy (IED) has announced a suite of Executive Level Professional Courses to begin in June 2021.

Courses are being taught by leading international academics and experts from universities around the world with long track records in training for the energy sector.

The institute will deliver a minimum of two professional courses per month for the rest of 2021 and expects to accelerate its offerings in 2022. IED aims to certify several hundred persons across various disciplines in its first year of offerings as UG rolls out programmes to help fill the performance gaps and expressed interests of professionals in Guyana and the region.

The professional courses currently being offered are Energy Markets, Oil and Gas Value Chain, Energy Transport and Shipping, and Crude Oil Trading.

The courses cover not only a range of upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas activities but will equip participants with wider energy training.

Prospective participants are expected to possess an undergraduate degree or at least five years of experience in a related field.

Each professional course is assessed by a 100 per cent final online exam and is taught over one or two weeks. Persons may opt for an exam or no exam mode.

However, it should be noted that the certification and costs of the two options will differ.

The main difference is that those taking the exams for course credits will have the option of adding these to other offerings with UG for a postgraduate diploma in the future based on the modular framework of courses offered through the IED. IED Founding Director Alex Armogan, stated that IED’s professional courses are optimised for online delivery and a busy work life.

UG has pioneered domestic tertiary level education for 58 years. Via IED, UG is leading the push for professional energy training to meet the evolving skills gap. The Institute’s courses are guided by past and ongoing work done by UG and international organisations to map knowledge gaps.

UG’s professional training facilitates the need for Guyana to become a fast energy learner.

Armogan emphasised that while IED’s primary focus is on the GuyanaSuriname basin, the international quality of the course content and online delivery, added to the prestigious UG certification, makes the Institute’s cours-

es internationally attractive.

UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed said that the courses underscore UG’s continued drive to ensure that Guyanese can take full advantage of the local content requirements as well as those spin-off opportunities that are emerging rapidly in the local market.

This specific suite is a low-cost and rapid results model for scores of those working on energy matters in the public sector. She noted that this joins the new offerings in the Faculty of Technology (Degree and Master’s in Petroleum Engineering and Master’s in Renewable Energy), Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (Master’s in Environmental Management for the Oil and Gas Industry), and SEBI (Master’s in Management of Supply Chains and Procurement) all being offered from September 2021.

The brief description of the first suite of Executive Courses being offered by UG’s IED are as follows:

Energy Markets

This course provides fundamental knowledge of energy market economics. The aim is to provide persons with an energy-specific toolkit, which will allow them to understand the broader economic concepts and issues in this sector. Areas covered include energy demand, oil and refined products, natural gas, electricity, and renewables. Other energy-specific courses will cover more detailed operational and financial issues.

Oil and Gas Value Chain

This course provides participants with an overview of the key business aspects of the oil and gas business, with an emphasis on the upstream petroleum business.

It explores the oil and gas value chain, key contracting and portfolio management, risks and challenges in the 21st century, and discusses the important functional management issues, including technical, financial, environmental, and social.

Energy Transport and Shipping

This course provides fundamental knowledge of energy transportation and the tanker shipping market. The main aim is to provide participants with the skills and tools required to understand broader terms, concepts, and issues in the oil and gas shipping sector in Guyana. The module consists of six topics with an introduction to energy transportation, the world tanker market and operations, shipping contracts and freight market economics, and international regu-

lations in shipping.

Crude Oil Trading

This course provides fundamental knowledge of energy trading economics.

The aim is to provide participants with an in-depth study of the energy industry structure and strategies, study the fundamentals of oil and energy trading economics, and relate those to current market trends.

Participants will be introduced to the key issues involved in physical and financial energy trading as well as advanced issues related to the production and trading of oil before dealing with more detailed operational issues, which are covered in other energy-specific courses. Areas covered include oil pricing mechanisms, trading strategies, contracts, and contract exposures, and risk management.

Interested persons can visit www.ugied.com or contact the Institute directly at team@ugied.com or +592 613-5776 for more information.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

East Ruimveldt to benefit from several Over 3500 persons take 2nd dose of COVID Govt initiatives in coming weeks

The Ministers visiting the community of East Ruimveldt

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esidents of East R u i m v e l d t , Georgetown, are set to benefit from several interventions from Central Government aimed at improving their quality of life.

During a recent outreach to the community, Ministers of Local Government Nigel Dharamlall; Public

Works, Juan Edghill, and Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, visited East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and spoke about the plans that are in the pipeline for the community.

The visit comes on the heels of an initial meeting the residents had with Minister Dharamlall where

several concerns were raised. At the follow-up visit, Minister Dharamlall revealed that several residents will be employed as community enhancement workers.

“From my standpoint, we will be investing close to a million dollars per month to those Community Enhancement Workers, and I will have appointed some team leaders as well, who will help to coordinate within East Ruimveldt.

But it will not just be limited to the ward, but the entire East Ruimveldt because the entire ward needs to be cleaned,” he said.

On the other hand, Minister Mustapha also assured residents that his Ministry will also employ several persons to clear drains in the community.

“I heard the Ministry of Local Government said that they would employ some people to do some enhance-

ment work in the community and so we will also, from our level at the Ministry, employ some people to do the drainage works in the community.”

He said a technical team from the Ministry will return to the community to identify the number of drains to be cleaned, and the number of persons needed for the project.

Minister Mustapha also pledged to assist residents with kitchen gardens, citing the importance of the country’s agriculture sector.

For his part, Minister Edghill said his Ministry will partner with the Agriculture Ministry to execute the drainage project, as there are 18,350 metres of drains that need to be cleaned. Edghill also urged residents to take responsibility for their community.

“Development is a partnership; it is not just what the Government is doing.

Development is a partnership. Government has responsibilities and people also have responsibilities,” he said.

As the Government continues to develop communities across the country, some $1.1 billion had been set aside in the 2021 National Budget for the CEW programme, for the preservation and enhancement of communities.

CEWs fall under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) which started in 2014, and was modified in 2015, to decentralise resources to the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs).

vaccine in Region 2

Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh

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egion Two Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Ranjeev Singh related that a total of 3500 persons in that region have taken the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr Singh told Guyana Times that the region has 428 confirmed cases and he believes once persons take the second shot of the vaccine, the rate will eventually go down.

“The programme has intensified in the region and still targets persons 18 years and older and also persons living with chronic illness. So, with us immunising these persons, it is going to be a major achievement within the region and as such will be COVID free,” Dr Singh said.

As such, he is urging residents to take the vaccines to protect themselves from the severe effects of the virus if they are to contract

same.

He explained that to date, over 11,000 persons have taken the first jab and made an appeal for those who have to take the second shot to do so as early as possible.

Vaccination sites are available at Charity, Windsor Castle, Dartmouth, Anna Regina, Queenstown, Abram Zuil, Huis’t Diren, and Good Hope Health Centres from 08:00h to 16:00h daily.

There are also mobile sites where frontline workers are stationed to give vaccines.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has advised that persons should adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines and as such those who would have taken the vaccine must continue to wear their masks, practice social distancing, sanitise, and also avoid huge crowds.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Prime Minister says Govt committed Suddie Hospital to get to regional radio stations state-of-the-art TB building

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rime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips said that his Government is committed to maintaining and establishing regional radio stations.

The senior Government official, who was a special guest on Radio Lethem on Saturday, said that regional radio stations are important since they help to disseminate information to Guyanese living in remote areas.

“We are happy to inherit this programme, and as we promised, we are committed to spreading this programme of having regional stations in all the regions in Guyana.”

The Prime Minister’s visit coincided with the fifth

Prime Minister Mark Phillips in the studio on Saturday

anniversary of the radio station in Lethem.

In a special broadcast with announcer Allison Camacho, Prime Minister Phillips pointed to the importance of the medium.

“This is a programme we will continue to support, be-

cause we want to reach all the people in Guyana so we can continue to get our messages out, especially messages pertaining to development activities that are planned by Central Government, Regional Government and even the municipalities.”

The Prime Minister’s radio address was a prime example of this, since he was able to inform residents of Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo (Region Nine), about the special Government team that visited the area over the weekend and the relief measures that have been put in place by the Government to mitigate the effects of flooding in the region.

Mechanic attacked, robbed by cutlass-wielding bandits

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he Police are on the hunt for two men who attacked and robbed a mechanic on Turkeyen Highway, Greater Georgetown, on Saturday evening.

At about 20:30h, the 27-year-old mechanic of Lodge, Georgetown, was relieved of one 10 pennyweight gold chain by the two men who were on a bicycle

and carrying a cutlass.

Based on reports received, the victim was sitting on his motorcycle which was parked on the Turkeyen Highway in the vicinity of MovieTowne when he was approached by the two suspects.

One of the men began to deal the mechanic several lashes with the cutlass about his body, causing him

to receive injuries.

The accomplice then snatched the victim’s chain after which they jumped on their bicycle and left the scene. The matter was reported to the Police but no arrests were made.

The victim sought medical attention at a private medical facility.

Investigations are ongoing.

Manboadram Sukhai signing the contract in the presence of the REO Devanand Ramdatt, Regional Chair Vilma De Silva and RHO, Dr Ranjeev Singh

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uberculosis and Family Voluntary Counselling and Testing (FVC) services at the Suddie Public Hospital will receive a significant boost in the not-too-distant future, with the award of a multimillion-dollar contract for the construction of conducive areas to treat TB patients.

During the symbolic signing of the contract, Regional Executive Officer Devanand Ramdatt related that the project was awarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

(NPTAB) which will be overlooked by the regional administration. Approval of the project was granted by Cabinet.

However, the contract was awarded to Manboadram Sukhai to the tune of $27,941,850. The construction is expected to commence within seven days.

Speaking with key stakeholders, the Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, called on the contractor to ensure that he delivers quality works while adding that she is grateful for proper healthcare services

in the region that will provide efficient services to the people in the region.

Meanwhile, the Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh, explained that the construction of the TB building will significantly boost health services in Region Two and as such will provide a conducive environment for TB patients because the virus spreads faster through coughing and sneezing.

He stated that the building will assist in reducing the risks of staff members and also make the working environment more conducive.

32-year-old resident of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Saturday shot during an argument with another man over money.

Based on reports received, at about 16:45h on the day in question, the victim was on Victoria and Britton Road, Plaisance, ECD, when

the argument broke out.

The suspect, who is a known individual, reportedly left the scene on a motorcycle and returned shortly after armed with a handgun.

As such, he discharged two rounds in the victim’s direction, hitting him in his left side and right leg, after which he made good his es-

cape.

The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and admitted a patient. His condition is regarded as stable.

The matter was reported to the Police, who initiated a probe into the shooting incident.

Plaisance man shot during Teenager attacked, lashed row over money to head with wood A

A

14-year-old boy of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital after he was attacked on Saturday evening.

Police stated that at

about 18:30h on Saturday, the teenager was standing on High Dam when the suspect suddenly walked up to him and dealt him several blows to the head with a piece of wood.

Soon after the inci-

dent, the teenager was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was treated and admitted a patient.

Meanwhile, the suspect has since been arrested and is assisting with the investigations.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

Regional

Temporary deportation PM salutes Jamaican workers protection for Haitians P extended by US rime Minister Andrew Holness has saluted Jamaican workers for their role in the socio-economic development of the country.

“I thank all workers who continue to make strides in their fields of work for the betterment of our families and for Jamaica,” Holness said, in his message read by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce and Member of Parliament for North East Manchester, Audley Shaw during the National Workers’ Week and Labour Day Church Service, held Sunday at the Mandeville Church of God in Jamaica.

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he United States will expand temporary protection against deportation to Haitian citizens already in the country, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Saturday, in a move that was welcomed by immigration advocates as “long overdue”.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) shields migrants from designated nations from deportation and grants them work permits in the US on the basis that it would be unsafe to return them to their home countries owing to a crisis, such as armed conflict or a natural disaster.

The new 18-month designation will apply to Haitians who have been living in the US as of May 21, and who also meet other eligibility criteria, Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Majorkas said in a statement.

“Haiti is currently experiencing serious security concerns, social unrest, an increase in human rights

For years, people have demanded continued Temporary Protected Status for Haitian citizens in the US, which shields them from deportation [File: Joe Raedle/Getty Images via AFP]

abuses, crippling poverty, and lack of basic resources, which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mayorkas said.

“After careful consideration, we determined that we must do what we can to support Haitian nationals in the United States until conditions in Haiti improve so they may safely return home.”

Former US President Donald Trump had sought

to cancel TPS for Haiti in 2018, but his efforts were blocked by the courts.

Lawmakers and immigration advocates have urged President Joe Biden, who took office in January on a promise to reverse some of Trump’s most hardline, anti-immigration policies, to expand the programme. TPS was first offered to Haitians after a 2010 earthquake devastated the country.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A

buried in unmarked pits or dumped in mass graves.

Over the years, the Forensic Anthropology Foundation of Guatemala (FAFG) has tried to locate and identify the remains of the victims of forced disappearances.

They collect DNA samples from family members, carry out exhumations and return the identified remains of victims to their relatives for a dignified burial.

But as the COVID-19

pandemic struck, the FAFG was forced to suspend its field visits for almost a year.

In February, the FAFG resumed its work in the Ixil Mayan communities of Nebaj, Cotzal and Chajul.

In 1982, some of the most brutal massacres of the armed conflict were carried out in this area under the orders of then-military ruler General Efrain Rios Montt.

Rios Montt was convicted of genocide and crimes

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bel Murrieta was handing out campaign flyers on the street this month when a gunman shot him in broad daylight at pointblank range, making him the latest candidate murdered in one of the bloodiest election campaigns in Mexico’s recent history.

Running for Mayor in mid-term elections on June 6, Murrieta died in Ciudad Obregon, a city in the north-

against humanity in 2013, but his conviction was later overturned. He died in 2018 while a retrial was under way.

Even though Guatemala’s Supreme Court of Justice ruled in 2018 that acts of genocide were carried out against the Ixil people, only a small number of low-ranking soldiers have been convicted of war crimes and Rios Montt has not been convicted of genocide posthumously.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Bolsonaro leads motorcade of thousands of supporters after COVID fine

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razilian President Jair Bolsonaro joined thousands of his supporters in a motorcycle rally in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, as the farright leader remains defiant in the face of ongoing pressure over his Government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The motorcyclists travelled about 40 kilometres (25 miles) along the city’s famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, before reaching Flamengo beach where Bolsonaro stepped down from his motorcycle and greeted the crowd.

“My army will never go into the streets to force you to stay home,” the former Army Captain said.

The President has been widely criticised for eschewing

coronavirus-related measures, such as lockdowns, that public health experts say could help stem the spread of the virus in Brazil, which has been hardhit by the pandemic.

He was on Friday fined for failing to adhere to health safety regulations at a public event in Maranhao state.

State Governor Flavio Dino said late on Friday that health authorities filed the case against Bolsonaro “for the promotion in Maranhao of gatherings with no sanitary safeguards”.

“The law applies to everyone,” Dino tweeted, reminding the public that gatherings of more than 100 people are banned and that face masks are mandatory.

The President’s office has 15 days to appeal, after which

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro heads a motorcade rally with his supporters in Rio de Janeiro on May 23 [AFP]

the amount of the fine will be set. The office did not answer requests for comment from the AFP news agency.

More than 448,000 people have died as a result of the coronavirus – the sec-

from home, working virtually and working under more flexible and more accommodating arrangements.

“In that regard, as we evolve the way in which we operate, let us also work as efficiently and as innovatively as we can to return to full productive capacity, so our economy may rebound faster and more robustly,” he added. Holness said the annual observation of Workers’ Week signifies the importance of highlighting the historic contributions of the labour movement and workers’ rights to national development.(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Bloody Mexican election campaign exposes chronic security woes

Guatemala disappeared: Reuniting families with the remains of loved ones lmost 25 years on from the signing of a peace agreement which put an end to Guatemala’s bloody armed conflict, thousands of families have yet to find the remains of their missing relatives.

More than 200,000 people were killed during the 36-year civil war between the military and left-wing rebels which ended in 1996.

Of these, an estimated 45,000 people were forcibly disappeared, their bodies

“They (workers) have played a significant role in the socio-economic development of our great country and especially now when our essential workers have shown great commitment and resilience, we thank them,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that undoubtedly, the impact of the global pandemic has been devastating and has impacted the country’s productivity.

Holness said that both the Public and Private Sectors have had to adjust operations to observe COVID-19 protocols and measures under the Disaster Risk Management Act, which include: working

ond-highest death toll in the world after the United States – and over 16 million cases have been confirmed to date, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ern state of Sonora named for former Mexican President Alvaro Obregon, who was himself shot dead in 1928 before he could begin a second term.

An ex-Attorney General of Sonora, Murrieta was the 83rd politician killed in Mexico since September, according to Etellekt, a security consultancy. Two more have since followed.

The bloodshed has underlined President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s difficulty in containing gang-fuelled violence, and is helping to erode the once-commanding lead of his leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) in the contest.

“We’re attending to candidates every day, to leaders being threatened, and in some cases killed, unfortunately, as happened in the case of the

candidate in Cajeme,” Lopez Obrador said in reference to Murrieta this week.

The election will determine who controls the Lower House of Congress, 15 governorships, and hundreds of city halls.

MORENA and its allies are still tipped to keep hold of the Lower House, but its hopes are fading to capture a two-thirds majority that could allow Lopez Obrador to pursue constitutional changes to strengthen State control of energy.

According to Etellekt, political assassinations are up by more than a third from the last mid-term vote in 2015, when 61 were logged over nine months. The death toll comprises party members and those who sought, or who have held, public office. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T Opposition Leader: COVID crisis needs more than lockdown, prayers

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pposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar is pleading with the Government to work with all stakeholders “to formulate a better plan than lockdowns and prayers”.

She made the statement in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement that the current restrictions which prohibit outdoor activities and shut down the majority of businesses would remain in force for the next six weeks.

“How are people expected to survive not only COVID but the virus of pain, suffering and hardship imposed by the Government’s only plan of shutting down our country? People are holding signs at the roadside begging for help,” the Opposition leader said.

“What is going to happen to the hundreds of thousands of employees working in businesses deemed non-essential? The Government must make it clear to those whose livelihoods are now

on the brink as to what the plan is for reopening their business. The economy is already in a precarious state, and with no concrete plans from the Government, we are facing a bleak future.

“Businesspeople, employers, and employees all need to know how they will be able to sustain themselves and their families. Will they even be able to recover from the Government’s mismanagement of this situation?” she asked.

Persad-Bissessar reiterated that the only way to beat this pandemic was through vaccination.

“It is alarming that this Government is projecting to have a mere 10 per cent of the population vaccinated

by August 31 – over three months from now. At this rate, Trinidad and Tobago may never see “normalcy” until an election bell is rung again and the Rowley Government can boast they spent five years fighting COVID.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS UAE: Oil demand has already increased to 95 million bpd

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il demand has already increased to 95 million barrels per day (bpd), and the market is rebalancing, according to the chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.

ADNOC pumps nearly all the oil in one of OPEC’s largest producers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking at the virtual Columbia Global Energy Summit, Al Jaber also noted—as carried by Reuters—that investments in oil and gas had declined in the past five years with companies sticking to capital discipline since the previous oil price crash and industry downturn in 2015-2016.

In its latest Monthly Oil Market Report, OPEC sees global oil demand at 94.79 million bpd in the second quarter this year, after revising down estimates by 300,000 bpd compared to its April estimate, due to lower-than-expected demand in North America in the first quarter and the COVID resurgence in India and Brazil.

However, the organisation raised its outlook for oil demand for both the third and fourth quarters of 2021 by 150,000 bpd and 290,000 bpd, respectively. Third-quarter demand is expected to average 97.90 million bpd, and fourthquarter demand is set to further rise to 99.74 million bpd, OPEC’s latest report said. The higher anticipated demand in the second half of this year is the result of positive fuel data from the United States, while “the acceleration in vaccination programs in many regions allows for optimism,” OPEC said.

As a whole, OPEC is optimistic that accelerating vaccination programmes and rising fuel demand will raise average global oil demand by 5.95 million bpd in 2021 compared to 2020.

Earlier this week, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said that the oil market is fairly balanced at present, with demand slightly exceeding supply.

The excess oil inventories of the past year have been all but depleted, and a strong demand rebound in the second half this year could lead to even steeper stock draws, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its report for May, keeping an upbeat forecast of global oil demand despite the weaker-than-expected first half of 2021. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Iran says IAEA access to nuclear sites images has ended, extension possible

T

he speaker of Iran's Parliament said on Sunday a threemonth monitoring deal between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog had expired and that its access to images from inside some Iranian nuclear sites would cease.

The announcement raised further questions about the future of indirect talks under way between the United States and Iran on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

The International Atomic Energy Agency and Tehran struck the three-month monitoring agreement in February to cushion the blow of Iran reducing its cooperation with the agency, and it allowed monitoring of some activities that would otherwise have been axed to continue.

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi is in talks with Iran on extending it.

European diplomats said last week that failure to

agree an extension would plunge the wider, indirect talks between Washington and Tehran on reviving the 2015 deal into crisis. Those talks are due to resume in Vienna this week.

The IAEA had planned for Grossi to hold a news conference on Sunday but it said he was still "consulting with Tehran" and that his news conference had been postponed until Monday morning.

An unnamed official was also quoted as saying that the agreement between the IAEA and Tehran could be extended "conditionally" for a month.

"If extended for a month and if during this period major powers ... accept Iran's legal demands, then the data will be handed over to the agency. Otherwise, the images will be deleted forever," according to the member of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Italian cable car crash kills 14 people, child seriously hurt

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t least 14 people, including five Israelis, died and a child was seriously injured on Sunday when a cable car linking Italy's Lake Maggiore with a nearby mountain plunged to the ground, officials and rescuers said.

The Stresa-Mottarone cable car takes tourists and locals from the town on Lake Maggiore, almost 1400 metres above sea level to the top of the Mottarone mountain in 20 minutes.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had been informed by Italian authorities that five of its nationals were among the dead and one Israeli was in a critical condition.

The cable car was travelling up the mountain when the cabin plummeted some 20 metres to the ground and rolled down the steep slope several times before it was stopped by trees, Severino said.

People hiking nearby heard a loud hiss just before the crash, she said, adding that the accident was believed to have been caused by one of the cables breaking.

Severino said that some of the victims had been found

trapped inside the car, with others thrown into the woods.

Italy's alpine rescue service said a call had first come just after midday (1000 GMT), adding that the cable car was lying "crumpled" in the woods and two children were taken by helicopter to a paediatric hospital in the nearby city of Turin.

The elder of the two, who was believed to be between 9 and 10, died after suffering two cardiac arrests, the hospital said.

The younger child, estimated to be 5 years old, was conscious on arrival and was undergoing surgery to stabilise multiple fractures, La Valle said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

these indiscriminate rocket attacks against civilians”.

“Any country would respond to that, and we’re committed to Israel’s defence,” Blinken said on Sunday. “At the same time, any arms sale is going to be done in full consultation with Congress, we’re committed to that. And we want to make sure that that process works effectively.”

Progressive US legislators, including Democratic Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar,

have slammed Biden for his unequivocal support for Israel during the country’s recent bombing campaign on the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 250 Palestinians, including dozens of children, were killed in 11 days of Israeli bombardments of the besieged Palestinian territory, while more than 1900 others were injured and scores of buildings and critical infrastructure were damaged or destroyed.

In Israel, 12 people – including two children – were also killed in rocket fire from

the Strip.

US legislators had put pressure on Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire to end the violence, while criticising statements from the White House and other top administration officials defending Israel’s “right to defend itself”.

They also questioned a planned US$735 million weapons sale to the Israeli government that was first reported on during the Israeli military offensive on Gaza. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A crashed cable car is seen after it collapsed in Stresa, near Lake Maggiore, Italy May 23, 2021

US committed to “giving Israel means to defend itself”: Blinken

F

acing an unprecedented wave of criticism and questions from United States legislators about US weapons sales to Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the Biden Administration remains committed to “giving Israel the means to defend itself”.

In an interview with ABC News programme This Week, Blinken said President Joe Biden has been clear in his commitment to Israel’s defence, “especially when it comes to

China ultramarathon: Severe weather kills 21 runners

T

wenty-one runners have died after extreme weather struck a long-distance race in north-western China.

High winds and freezing rain hit participants in the 100km (60-mile) ultramarathon in the Yellow River Stone Forest, a tourist site in Gansu province, on Saturday.

The race was halted when some of the 172 runners went missing, and a rescue operation was launched.

Many of the stranded runners reportedly suffered from hypothermia.

Liang Jing, an ultramarathon champion, and Huang Guanjun, who won the men's hearing-impaired marathon at China's 2019 National

Paralympic Games, were among the victims, state-run media reported.

Officials said 151 runners were now confirmed safe, and that eight of them were injured.

The race began at 09:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Saturday, with some of the

competitors setting off wearing just shorts and T-shirts.

Surviving participants said the forecast had shown some wind and rain was anticipated, but nothing as extreme as what they experienced.

About three hours after the start, a mountainous sec-

tion of the race was hit by hail, heavy rain and gales, which caused temperatures to plummet, according to officials from the nearby Baiyin city.

Many runners reportedly lost their way on the route as the weather affected visibility.

More than 1,200 rescuers were deployed, assisted by thermal-imaging drones and radar detectors, according to state media.

The operation continued through the night into Sunday morning, during which time a further drop in temperature made the search even more difficult, China's Xinhua news agency reported. (Excerpt from BBC News)

eerie red and sending a wall of orange lava downhill towards the lakeside city of about 2 million people.

Fifteen were killed, including nine in a traffic accident as residents fled, four who tried to escape Munzenze prison in Goma and two who were burned to death, Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said in a statement.

Haunted by memories of an eruption in 2002 that

killed 250 people and left 120,000 homeless, residents fled on foot with their belongings, some towards the nearby border with Rwanda.

The International Federation of Red Cross said that between 3000 and 5000 fled into Rwanda on Saturday, many of them peasants and farmers with livestock. Some began returning on Sunday.

As the sun rose on Sunday a smouldering black gash

about half a mile wide could be seen on the outskirts of Goma, where the lava had cooled to rubble.

At some points it was three storeys high, engulfing even large buildings and sending smoke into the grey morning sky.

In all, seventeen villages were hit, Muyaya said, and three health centres, a primary school and a water pipeline were destroyed.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Rescuers brought equipment to help in their search efforts

Congo volcano leaves death and smoking wreckage, but major city spared

A

volcanic eruption in eastern Congo left a smoking trail of destruction half a mile wide on Sunday that buried hundreds of houses and left residents searching for missing loved ones, before halting just short of the city of Goma.

Goma was thrown into panic on Saturday evening as Mount Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes, erupted, turning the night sky an

20

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

You’ll have a great idea that will push you in a new direction. Don’t be upset with others’ words or actions. Do your own thing, and take responsibility for your happiness.

TAURUS

An unusual offer will catch (April 20- you off guard. Don’t take a risk May 20) without doing your homework.

What appears to be a lifesaver will end up being a burden.

Rely on yourself.

DILBERT

Consider the pros and cons of a situation before you dive in.

(May 21- Someone’s motives may be selfJune 20) ish or misleading. Moderation is encouraged, along with reason and logic. Be careful and prudent.

GEMINI

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

An open mind and a desire to try new things will encourage brighter days ahead. Stop hesitating and start planning for the future. Be proactive, and you’ll exceed your expectations.

Refuse to let your emoLEO tions interfere with import(July 23ant decisions. A change may Aug. 22) not be welcome, but there will be benefits as well. Verify the information you receive before you move forward.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Take the initiative and get moving. Trust in yourself and your ability to get things done. A realistic approach to relationships will help you avoid trouble.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Keep your money in a safe place. Spontaneous spending will be your downfall. Update your skills, resume and personal goals. Look for a creative outlet. Charm will help you, but don’t oversell yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Settle down, take a deep breath and consider what you want. Simplify your life and focus on health, fitness and lowering your stress level. Invest in yourself. You can make a difference.

Consider what you can do SAGITTARIUS to make someone’s life bet(Nov. 23ter. Providing a little help Dec. 21) will go a long way and make you feel good about who you are and what you’ve accomplished.

A perfect plan will encourage

CAPRICORN others to look up to you. Step up (Dec. 22and do what you do best. You’ll Jan. 19) get an opportunity that will improve your life. Put your energy and creativity into getting ahead, and you will excel.

SATURDAY'S WORD - UTERINE

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Think big, but use common sense when it comes to money management. A smart move can help you save some cash. Refuse to let your emotions take charge. Don’t try to impress anyone.

Don’t believe everything you hear. A problem with a (Feb. 20March 20) friend or relative will develop.

Offer moral support, but don’t make promises you’ll regret.

A financial gain is apparent.

PISCES

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

21

Mane double help Liverpool finish in top 4 L

iverpool beat Crystal Palace at Anfield to salvage Champions League qualification from a chaotic season undermined by serious injuries and a catastrophic run of home form after the turn of the year.

Jurgen Klopp's side never threatened to retain their Premier League title and fell timidly to Real Madrid in the Champions League, but Liverpool rallied to win their final five Premier League games – including a remarkable last-gasp header by keeper Alisson at West Bromwich Albion – to claim a prize that looked unlikely since the turn of the year.

Liverpool were initially nervous, but got the result they needed against Palace – who had Roy Hodgson taking charge for the final time – thanks to two goals from Sadio Mane.

The Senegal forward poked home from a corner nine minutes before half-time to ease the early anxieties and wrapped up victory and a coveted Champions League place with a deflected shot in the 74th minute.

Andros Townsend gave Liverpool, playing in front of 10,000 returning supporters, an early scare when he raced clear only to shoot off target before the home side took control – with Leicester and Chelsea's defeats meaning they finished a creditable third given their injury problems.

“It feels really, really great”— Klopp’s delight at Champions League place

Liverpool were contemplating a season in the Europa League or Conference – or indeed no European football at all – when Joe Willock's 95th-minute equaliser gave Newcastle United a point on April 24.

Liverpool's Sadio Mane has now scored in each of his last eight appearances against Crystal Palace

Liverpool's players and Klopp looked shell-shocked after that match – five days after another dispiriting draw at Leeds United – as they sat in sixth place and not looking like a side likely to string a series of wins together.

However, they found their form and the five consecutive victories they ended the season with mean they would be back in Europe's elite tournament next term despite the struggles of this campaign.

There was nothing more dramatic than that late Alisson header at The Hawthorns, when the keeper raced forward in desperation with Liverpool being held 1-1 and their Champions League ambitions slipping away.

To finish in the top four is a success, of sorts, given it was delivered in the face of disruption and an astonishing collapse in form – especially at Anfield.

Virgil van Dijk was ruled out for the season by a knee injury in September, soon to be followed by fellow defenders Joe Gomez and Joel Matip while new signing Thiago Alcantara's Liverpool career got off to a false start, also because of injury. The likes of Captain Jordan Henderson and £45 million summer signing Diogo Jota were also ruled out for lengthy periods.

Throw in the worst run of home results in Liverpool’s history – six straight league defeats – and it seems remarkable that a season containing so much poor form can

Thomas, Tyrell champions in 10K race

Monaco Grand Prix: Max Verstappen takes title lead from Lewis Hamilton with win

R

The winners’ row following the Ex-Athletes and Friends 10K

T

he distance specialists got an early start on Sunday morning, competing for a slew of eye-catching prizes in the Ex-Athletes and Friends 10K event.

Beginning at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue, the competitors in the Open category were tasked with negotiating the roundabout near the Kitty Seawall, proceeding onto the Rupert Craig Highway, and continuing to Turkeyen before turning back. Once they trekked past the Russian Embassy turn, they took the Kitty Public Road and returned to Carifesta Avenue, making a U-turn at the National Park and finishing at the GNS Ground.

After the event was done and dusted, Cleveland Thomas added another 10K title to his vast col-

lection, crossing the finish line first with a time of 35 minutes, 9.21 seconds. Second place went to Marion Kucool, who crossed the line in 35.33.4, ahead of the third-place finisher, Winston Missigher.

Continuing her good form from the South American 10K last November, Sheama Tyrell bagged another win in 46 minutes, 1.88.

Delicia Tinnis was next in line, with a time of 57.8.08, while Tia Azore completed the open podium with a time of 58.24.93.

In the junior category, Shaqua Tyrell followed in her sister’s footsteps, clocking 47 minutes, 38s for first place. With a time of 53 minutes, 52s, Aliyah Headley was second, while Jelisa Wright was third with 1 hour, 3 minutes, 13s.

For the junior males, Samuel Henry was the victor, followed

Cleveland Thomas receives one of his prizes after crossing the line first

closely by Dumont LaRose in second place and Cordell Charles in third.

Over in the 13-15 category, Jennifer Bharrat was the leading lady while Tiana Springer trailed closely. Marissa Thomas completed the podium in that category. For the boys, Timothy France crossed the line first, ahead of second and third-place finishers, Joel Cort and Caden Persaud respectively.

While cash prizes were on the line, the student athletes opted for novelty prizes instead.

conclude on the relative high of third place ahead of the likes of Chelsea and Leicester City, who had been ahead of them for so long.

Liverpool have not come close to silverware, but the scenes when Mane scored his second and at the final whistle – muted celebrations at best – hinted at a mixture of delight and relief that Klopp and his players had made the best of a bad job this season.

Meanwhile, Hodgson's Premier League managerial career is likely to have ended at Anfield, where he endured a short and unsuccessful spell in charge after succeeding Rafael Benitez in summer 2010.

He did not win over Liverpool fans back then, but heard the sound of warm applause from them on Sunday when he made a prematch appearance at the side of the pitch.

Palace started as if they were in the mood to give Hodgson a victorious send-off and scupper Liverpool's Champions League plans, but once Townsend missed a good early chance and Mane had put Klopp's side in front, the traffic largely flowed in only one direction.

Hodgson, 73, has managed 16 clubs and four senior national teams in eight countries across 45 years. He has done a predictably steady job, but now the Palace hierarchy must decide on their next move, with the hunt on for a new manager and numerous players coming to the end of their contracts.

There will, no doubt, be the usual summer speculation surrounding forward Wilfried Zaha, but, no matter whether he stays or goes, it will be a time of change at Selhurst Park. (BBC Sport)

ed Bull’s Max Verstappen breezed to his maiden Monaco Grand Prix win over the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz and McLaren’s Lando Norris, with Ferrari polesitter and home hero Charles Leclerc failing to take the start after suffering a pre-race driveshaft issue – Verstappen also claiming the lead of the drivers’ championship for the first time in his career after Lewis Hamilton finished a disappointed P7.

Starting effectively from pole after Leclerc’s cruel side-lining, Verstappen out-muscled Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas off the line to take a lead that he would only briefly relinquish in the pit stops, Verstappen claiming his second win of the season, and his first-ever podium in Monaco.

In an off-day for world champions Mercedes, a disgruntled Hamilton could do no better than seventh (the same position he started) to lose his lead of the championship to Verstappen – who now heads Hamilton 105 points to 101 – while Bottas had even worse luck, after a stuck right-front tyre in his pit stop forced him into retirement.

That left former McLaren team-mates Sainz and Norris P2 and P3, Sainz now at Ferrari sal-

vaging the day for the Scuderia to take his first podium in red, while some brilliant strategy from Red Bull allowed Sergio Perez to overcut his way from P8 to P4 in the pit stops.

Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel did similar to take P5, for by far his and his team’s best finish of the year – Vettel maintaining his record of never being classified lower than P5 in a race he’s finished in Monaco – while AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was able to hold off Hamilton’s Mercedes to claim P6, Hamilton salvaging a bonus point for fastest lap after a late second stop.

Starting on hard tyres from P13 paid dividends for Lance Stroll, who made a 58-lap stint work to claim P8 and add to Aston Martin’s joy in Monte Carlo. He finished ahead of the Alpine of Esteban Ocon, while Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi took the team’s first point of the season after claiming 10th.

For Verstappen, though, Leclerc’s DNS in Monaco provided him with a golden opportunity – and the Dutchman didn’t falter, defiantly hitting back in the title fight against Hamilton, and adding a Monaco Grand Prix win to his CV for good measure. (F1)

22

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTTA President Godfrey Munroe

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has said it will continue to provide training equipment and logistical support for students preparing for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Physical Education’s School-Based Assessment (SBA) and other programmes.

This equipment will be utilised for the expanding schools’ training, and coach development and competition programmes which form part of the GTTA strategic developmental plan aimed at decentralisation

Children engaged in a game of table tennis

of the sport: creating equity and access, enhancing the performance and profile of the sport following a mass participation model.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, GTTA President Godfrey Munroe said, "It’s truly great to have the

impetus and support from the other stakeholders from the Allied Arts Unit, from our ITTF [International Table Tennis Federation] certified coaches. It truly emphasised what collaboration can bring about – resounding success.

“We were able to find some new allies in some of the physical education teachers within several of the regions who are seem keen and enthusiastic in serving and advancing our developmental programmes, which augurs well for future programmes.

We have recognised critically that for our programmes to take foothold, there is need for champions to undertake work: serve and assist us with implementation and sustainability of these types of interventions."

These programmes continue the Association’s developmental and decentralisation agenda and are geared towards providing greater equity and access to students, and form part of a mass participation approach in getting students to develop a lifelong skill in physical activity, which is an investment in their health and future, in addition to developing school teams who will compete in interhouse, interschool, interdistrict and national competitions.

Munroe noted that assisting students to proficiently complete their SBAs allows the GTTA as an association to still provide programmes and keep active, building the foundation which would help the sport to mitigate against the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic while positioning the body to advance.

He said, "The equipment was provisioned for through the project with our partnership and investments made through the Government of the People’s Republic of China, through its Embassy in Guyana."

Mindley tests positive for COVID-19 − training to start in small groups today

following negative repeat tests for squad

F

ollowing PCR tests administered on Friday, May 21for all members of the West Indies Men’s red ball training camp being held in St Lucia, Jamaican fast bowler Marquino Mindley tested positive on his second COVID-19 test.

In accordance with the medical protocols established with the St Lucian Health Ministry of, Mindley, who is currently asymptomatic, will now self-isolate in his hotel room under the supervision of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Medical Team until he returns two back-to-back negative results.

All other members of the training squad and coaching team were re-tested and isolated in their rooms, with training cancelled for the weekend. All of the training

squad and coaching team members have now tested negative following their repeat tests and the squad will train in small groups starting today, May 24 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.

The West Indies red-ball training camp is being held in a bio-secure environment ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship two-match series against South Africa, scheduled to start on June 10.

CWI continues to work with all the regional Governments and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to encourage and assist all squad members to get vaccinated. To date, 43 members of West Indies Men’s playing and coaching staff have received vaccination doses. (CWI)

G

T Motorsports has opened its gate to motorsports enthusiasts on a daily basis while adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols. While the sport has not returned on the competitive scene as yet, those who have missed go-karting can head down to GT Motorsports’ Albert Street, Georgetown location.

The timing system is also up and running, which means racers can view stats. Kid karts are available for beginners and a passenger-seated

kart is also available for the smaller ones and is great for couples.

First-time drivers would need to register either with the GT Motorsports app which can be downloaded onto their mobile phones or purchase a person race-card licence for just $1000!

The prices are $1500 for five minutes and $2000 for seven minutes. Opening hours on Mondays are: 09:00h-16:30h; TuesdaysThursdays: 09:00h-17:00h; Fridays: 09:00h-19:00h; Saturdays and Sundays:

13:00h-19:00h. For more information, contact can be made on 623-1463.

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WANTED 219-5000, 227-2100 Wanted: Contract Cars Tel: 614-6202

MONDAY, MAY, 24, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

National Cycling Championship results on hold after chaotic finish − UCI to review results

GCF officials and the riders in deep discussion Story and photos By Brandon Corlette

T

he results for the senior National Cycling Championship in Guyana were placed on hold after an irregular sprint which saw Briton John, Romello Crawford, Paul DeNobrega, Christopher Griffith, and Walter Grant Stuart crossing the line in that order.

The wheelsmen weathered the storms and conquered the heat in four hours 17 minutes in the 100-mile battle which started at Banks DIH Thirst Park, proceeded to the Linden-Soesdyke Highway (50 miles up) and returned to the point of origin for the finish.

However, DeNobrega and Crawford protested the finish.

Race reactions

According to Enzo Matthews, the Third Vice President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), the video and results will be sent out to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which is the world governing body of cycling. The UCI will review these results within 24 hours.

“Everyone seems to know the rules and when you are in position of that state, it means that we need to send it to the proper authority, which is the UCI. We have rear camera and we have front camera video of the last 200 metres of this event and we will be sending off this information to the UCI and, depending on their decision, that will be final. At this time, we do not have an official winner,” Matthews further explained, while apologising.

Meanwhile, GCF Racing Secretary Malcolm Sonaram said that the footage was reviewed and it clearly showed an infringement with John coming inward three times.

"By virtue of that, I am relegating him; this, I think, is the third time he has done this and we can't allow this pattern to continue. He should be disqualified, because it's the third infringement. The positions are Romello Crawford, Paul DeNobrega and Christopher Griffith," Sonaram explained.

John, a We Stand United rider, who won the Independence Three-Stage Road Race last weekend, told media operatives that he raced ‘clean’ in the final moments of a race which he described as

Andre “Padlock” Green finished the gruelling ride

a good one. “Two cyclists are claiming that I cheated, but that is not true. I held my lane in the race; the evidence is right there,” John expressed.

Crawford, who is fresh from a stint in the United States of America with Team Jamison – only landing in Guyana a few days ago, was disappointed with the style of riding from John. "I got caught up to the back, ride my way back up in the field. John started to ride nasty. Me, him (Briton) and Paul rode and he had the entire road and he started pulling on us and you can ask Paul, he almost write off everybody and people could have gotten injured on the field.

That is nasty riding and I don't ride nasty.

I came to win," the Berbice cyclist said after the race.

As it happened

Earlier in the 100-mile event, Deeraj Garbaran, Grant Stuart, and Adele Hodge led the way. The decorated peloton included the likes of Jamual John, Griffith, Briton John, Raynauth Jeffrey, and Crawford.

Briton John, as usual, launched several attacks upon the return.

The peloton, which included the top guns, eventually reached the three leaders after the penultimate climb. Jeffrey, who did not finish the race, fell away at Den Heuvel. His team-mate and defending national champion, Jamual, eventually crossed the line in ninth place. He was in conversation with the time-trial champion (Jeffrey).

While passing Pearl on the East Bank, the four leaders of the race were Briton, Grant Stuart, and Team Evolution's duo, DeNobrega and Griffith. Briton then attacked, but he was tailed by DeNobrega and Griffith while dropping Grant Stuart at Friendship, but that was only temporarily as the differently-able rider displayed brilliance throughout.

Crawford, who was dropped after exiting the highway, proved to be the gamechanger and returned from the back all alone to join the leaders with approximately three kilometres to go to the finish. Briton then attacked after the final turn at Thirst Park and he was tailed by DeNobrega and Crawford. The trio sprinted it out, but what was described as an irregular sprint, saw Briton coming inwards, while Crawford looked to take the win from the outside and DeNobrega was in the middle of it all.

Romello Crawford has shown fine form on his return to Guyana

GCF Racing Secretary Malcolm Sonaram We Stand United President and Sport Journalist Frankie Wilson expressing himself

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021

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

National Cycling Championship results on hold after chaotic finish

− UCI to review results

Mindley tests positive for COVID-19 − training to start in small groups today following negative repeat tests for squad

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