Guyana Times - Monday November 8, 2021

UK Diaspora P2 wants Guyanese to reconnect with world’s rarest stamp Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4825

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Harvesting begins on trial 115-acre soya bean ranch Page 3

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

15 Essequibo Coast families get homes from FFTP P16

No evidence to arrest cop who shot teen bandit – Commander …says accomplices still at large

P11

…very promising yields – President, VP …initiative will cut Guyana’s feed import bill by millions – Agri Minister

Solar, mini-hydropower projects to complement AFHP, gasto-shore – Finance Minister

Page 7

Domestic Guyana must violence increase its hotline skilled labour plagued force – US analyst …says creation of training with prank calls institute step in right direction Oil & gas sector

Page 10

Labourer jailed for robbing P11 ECB resident

Motorcyclist fractures skull in Kwakwani accident P15

Page 11

…over 1500 hoax calls made in 3 months

58-year-old woman latest COVID-19 fatality …101 new cases recorded Page 9

Shallow grave murder

“Long Hair” asks court to overturn life sentence P10

2 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UK Diaspora wants Guyanese to reconnect with world’s rarest stamp

T

he Guyanese diaspora in the United Kingdom (UK) was reconnected with the rarest stamp in the world – The Guiana One Cent Magenta.

The event saw an eclectic mix of the UK diaspora and friends of Guyana gathered at the Stanley Gibbons Centre in London for the exhibition. It was a private reception hosted by Sally Gibson, a Guyanese born UK-based lawyer, to display The Guiana One Cent Magenta.

The stamp was pur-

chased by British stamp dealer, Stanley Gibbons, for G$1.7 billion a few months ago and is the rarest Stamp in the world hence it is dubbed the “Mona Lisa of Stamp World”.

Attending the exhibition were notable persons from public life, business, artists, authors, sports and community leaders.

A former High Commissioner to Guyana and a representative of the former High Commissioner to the UK were also in attendance.

The Guiana One Cent Magenta on display in London

President Irfaan Ali with the rarest stamp in the world at a private viewing last week

The indomitable John Agard, world renowned Guyanese poet, also invoked the spirit of Guyana and the love for the homeland in a reading he gave of a poem dedicated to his mother.

President Dr Irfaan Ali last week was hosted for a private viewing of the stamp.

The Guyanese Head of State is currently in Glasgow, Scotland, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26).

Special arrangements were made for the One Cent Magenta to be re-

moved from its display cabinet and President Ali was able to handle it at close quarters. He was also able to share the history of the stamp’s printing press which remains intact and on display at a Museum in Georgetown.

Speaking of her inspiration to organise these events, Gibson expressed her desire to reconnect Guyana and the diaspora with the stamp, given that it is so deeply engrained in the collective Guyanese psyche.

She was pleased that so

many connections, old and new, had been made because of the stamp.

The great-great-greatgranddaughter and greatgreat-great-grandson of Edmond D Wight, the Postmaster’s Clerk whose famous initials “EDW” appears on the One Cent Magenta, were also invited.

Though they had never before met, they were uniquely brought together by the evening’s viewing.

Gibson was also delighted that the President’s visit made a modern Guyanese connection with the stamp’s new home. In passing, it was also noted that Ali and Gibson were connected through a common family

ancestry.

The Guiana One Cent Magenta stamp, which is said to be the most valuable manmade item in the world, is the only survivor of a small batch printed in the then British Guiana back in the mid-1850s. It went into circulation in 1856, when a shipment of stamps was delayed from London and the colony’s Postmaster asked printers to make three types of temporary stamp until the shipment arrived.

Following Gibbons’ purchase of the stamp at an auction in June 2021, it returned to Britain for the first time in some 143 years after having over a dozen owners. (G8)

3 Harvesting begins on trial 115-acre soya bean ranch NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Monday, Nov 8 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Tuesday, Nov 9 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Nov 8 – 06:35h – 08:05h and Tuesday, Nov 9 – 07:25h – 08:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North NorthWesterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:42h and 18:52h reaching maximum heights of 2.59 metres and 2.68 metres.

…very promising yields – President, VP …initiative will cut Guyana’s feed import bill by millions – Agri Minister

W

ith reaping commencing at the Dubulay Ranch soya bean trial, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha is optimistic that the initiative is off to a great start and that such initiatives will ultimately cut Guyana’s approximately US$30 million feed import bill.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo both announced the commencement of reaping at the 115-acre cultivation located in Ebini, approximately 70 miles south of Georgetown

Ministerial task force has been looking at barriers to trade and he was optimistic that they could tap into the market once there is a surplus of production.

“We have been spending a lot of money in terms of importing, for example US$30 million annually. And also, there is a very open market in the Caribbean... only Belize in the Caribbean is producing that (corn and soya). And the Caribbean are in a demand for this, because they are importing a lot of this stuff from the United States.”

Low Tide: 12:26h reaching a minimum height of 0.7 metre.

Produce being bagged at the Dubulay Ranch

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

01 05 11

14 20 26

FREE TICKET

09 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

02 03 11 16 26 LUCKY 3

9

8

4

9

Afternoon Draw

4

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 05 10 13 14 16 19 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2021

02 07 11 14 16 13

03 06 11 13 16

4

4 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

6

3 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

$82.74/barrel

+2.66

Rough Rice

$243.77/ton

+0.73

London Sugar

$507.70/ton

+0.18

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1819.80

$1820.80

Low/High Change

$1712.60 +1.80

$1821.80 +0.10%

along the Berbice River on Sunday. According to them, the cultivation is very promising with yields of up to two tons per hectare.

In an interview with this publication, Mustapha was optimistic of the development and noted that significant investments have been made in the industry, through public private partnership, with the aim that one day Guyana will be self-sufficient in its production of feed.

“This here is the trial run that we’ve started. Because what we have been doing, we want in another few years from now to be self-sufficient in producing our own protein for the feed industry. So, I’m hoping that with the investment that we’ve made here, with public private partnership, with the consortium group and us.”

“This year we’ll be expending $500 million. The road has already been awarded.

And we’re looking to purchase a silo, so that next crop hopefully, they will have their own silos with the drying facility.

They will increase the acreage next crop. Hopefully we have more trials, in terms of more yields per acre. I think the present reaping that they are doing is very satisfactory. And next crop, we will have better yields and will move the process forward,” he said.

Mustapha pointed out that Guyana’s feed import bill is approximately US$30 million annually (GY$6.2 billion). It therefore means that a self-sustained feed industry would save Guyana billions of dollars that would have otherwise left the country.

He also noted that there is a market for Guyana to export feed right in the Caribbean.

According to Mustapha, the

“So, this will be a very lucrative crop and investment.

And I’m hoping in the next few years we can see more of these investments, not only with this consortium but other groups will come forward. So, I think this is the beginning of good things for Guyana,” the Minister said, adding that

there has also been significant investor interest in the industry already.

The ranch is being developed by a consortium of investors that includes the owners of Guyana Stock Feed Ltd, Royal Chicken, Edun Farms, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, and Bounty Farm Ltd, along with the Brazilian-owned NF Agriculture.

Back in April, Assistant Managing Director of Bounty Farm Limited, David Fernandes had explained the group’s vision for the project. During his presentation, Fernandes said that Guyana has long been touted as having the potential of being the bread basket of the Caribbean and that in recent years there has been a greater appreciation of the high dependence on imports for livestock feeds.

With Guyana spending close to US$25 million annually on proteins just for the poultry sector, Government, since taking office, has taken steps to promote domestic cul-

tivation of grains like corn and soya bean. Government, in its 2020 Emergency Budget, removed Value-Added Tax (VAT) on agricultural machinery, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and pesticides, making it more feasible for such investments.

Additionally, the Government has reversed land lease fees across all sectors and water charges back to 2014 rates. Presently, Guyana’s national feed consumption for the poultry industry is 113,000 metric tonnes annually, with broiler birds consuming approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of feed and layers consuming approximately 13,000 metric tonnes of feed annually.

This feed comprises 60 per cent grain (corn and rice), which is equivalent to approximately 68,000 tonnes, and 30 per cent soya bean meal, which is equivalent to approximately 34,000 tonnes per year. (G3)

4

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 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

T

21st Century Education

he recently-announced CSEC and CAPE examination results for our secondary school students, which closely followed those of the NGSA for primary schools, elicited the usual frisson of excitement in the country. The seemingly inexorable push to possibly sit for all the 35 subjects that CXC offers at CSEC continued: this year the number reached 23.

With the coming of oil and the promise of greater economic opportunities, there is the beginning of a conversation on the relevance of our curriculum to the demands of that economy.

The educational establishment has responded by offering additional subjects in the technical/vocational fields as well as in business management. While there is much more to be done, this is a good, if belated, start.

All of these changes are very positive and must be encouraged since we are situated in an increasingly globalised world that was created as the Industrial Revolution of the 19th Century evolved to fundamentally new levels with the Information Revolution in this 21st Century. The Industrial Revolution was facilitated by the educational system and curriculum that is only now being revamped in our country.

Queen’s College, founded in 1847 for instance, still maintains much of the orientation and ethos from that time while broadening its curriculum beyond the old Classics orientation.

But as we try to catch up with the rest of the world developmentally, we must take cognisance that the methods of delivering education have also changed in response to the new realities of the new communication age in which we now live. Take, for instance, the old “behaviourist” paradigm we still use to transmit “education” – passive learning – in which a teacher passes on information to a classroom of students who are expected to memorise it. This is the model that we extoll when we laud students who can regurgitate that information packaged as “subjects” in examinations such as CSEC. However, in addition to the “subjects” taught changing, the 21st Century methods stress “learning by doing”.

There are many approaches to education that fit within this 21st Century paradigm and we quote from a summary of some of them: “Cognitive Constructivism proposes that we learn by constructing ideas in our heads (rather than having them inserted into our minds). We construct information when we place ideas in our working memory, compare it to our existing prior knowledge, and make decisions about how useful, truthful or valuable this new knowledge is to us before saving it, using it to change our minds, or discarding it. We don’t just take bits of information for granted: we ‘mull them over’ and ‘consider them’ before deciding how to use them.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching strategy based on cognitive constructivism and involves learning through solving problems. This is clearly very different to learning by being told facts. That’s because students aren’t given answers to problems: they have to solve the problems themselves to discover the truth. That’s why sometimes we also call PBL discovery learning Problem-Posing Education (PPE) is very similar to problem-based learning. In a problem-posing environment, the teacher or student will come up with a problem and present the problem to the class. The class and the teacher need to learn the answer to this problem together. So, not even the teacher enters the classroom with the answers in this approach. It, therefore, creates a very democratic colearning atmosphere in the classroom.

Project-Based Learning is where students in a classroom will work on one big problem for many lessons (maybe even weeks or months) at a time. Students will often work together and use resources around them like community members or the Internet to create something new (their project!).

Finally, there is Phenomenon-Based Learning that is popular in Finland. Rather than learning through subjects (mathematics, languages, science, history), students focus on a ‘phenomenon’ (or ‘topic’) that requires them to use multiple different forms of knowledge from different subject areas to learn about the phenomenon in a holistic way.”

We hope our educators take note. In education, as in biology, form determines function.

TCU Horned Frogs twirler performs during halftime at the NCAA football game against the Baylor Bears at Amon G Carter Stadium (Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

US Embassy’s Guyana poverty post Dear Editor, In a recent US Embassy post on Guyana, I find it very humiliating that one of the few old-style country houses was posted to display Guyana as a country steeped in poverty.

Personally, I have great respect for, and interest in, the United States of America. They have been kind to me and my family. I am not writing to project any negative viewpoint of the great Land of the Free, the United States of America. It is just that I disagree with this post, and I wish to make that clear.

The United States of America, per capita, have more and worse poverty than we do in Guyana.

The United States are replete with thousands, and maybe tens of thousands, of soup kitchens to cater to the millions of homeless in America. Furthermore, there are numerous areas in the United States of America which are steeped in poverty; for example, Mississippi has the highest poverty rate in the country, 19.6%; West Virginia has the second-highest poverty rate, 17.54%; and Louisiana is among the poorest states of the US. Louisiana holds the third position with a poverty rate of 19%, and this is just to name a few.

In many places, when restaurants close, they are encouraged to give

their food to the poor, the hungry, and the homeless. There are churches which offer beds at nights in the harsh wintertime, and sometimes they are so overburdened and filled to capacity that they are unable to provide shelter to all those seeking it. Some of the less fortunate often seek food and shelter. I am ashamed to say that many of those persons are army veterans. I find it shameful that these people have to live in the streets in abject poverty.

I wish to reiterate that I am not saying these things as one who does not love America; I am saying things as one who truly loves America. I believe that vast poverty and homelessness could end in America if a third of the money budgeted for war and equipment for war, such as armour, nuclear weapons, military aircraft, war tanks and military satellites, weapons, bombs etc. are directed towards the poor. Vast poverty and homelessness in American can be ended by using half of the money used and still being used in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The invasions did nothing to help the people. The Americans and Europeans left Iraq and Afghanistan, inclusive of Libya, in total madness and chaos. Some of that glory and saved wealth could be extended to poorer countries around

the world in order to help alleviate poverty, instead of conspiracies and internal warfare, pain and suffering.

In the United States of America, I know, many people have to live in their cars and on the streets; in parks and on benches; in abandoned buildings and under bridges; places not fit for human habitation.

In Arizona and New York, there are many slums that are referred to as the inner cities of the United States of America, where poverty preponderates.

Yes, Guyana has its poverty; every nation of the world has its poverty.

I have also seen poverty in the United Kingdom, where war vets – again, those who fought for the free world live in the streets and in abandoned cars and vans.

It is nice to know that the United States Embassy is helping us to realise that we have poverty. However, we have a magnificent Government in Guyana, recognised by the entire international community, and the Government is truly working in all the regions of Guyana. From the hinterland to the cities and the Coastal Belt, Government is working to improve lives and lifestyles, encouraging people to come out of poverty, many of whom in my opinion chose poverty!

I was told by one person in the city of Georgetown:

“We love poverty, and poverty loves us!” I became speechless, as I was trying to motivate him and others, to show them they could develop. The answer I got shocked me.

Dear Embassy of the United States, many Guyanese people were given lands for the first time ever in their lives by the Government of Guyana. Prior to the APNU Government of 2015-2020, the Government gave tens of thousands of house lots and built magnificent housing schemes, which I call cities, in places such as Diamond, Tuschen and Mon Repos, to name a few.

The Government of Guyana is now developing a major area of the Amelia’s Ward Scheme in Linden for young professionals, the poor and the needy.

Usually, many of the working class choose to spend their money on alcohol, sports, gambling, prostitution etc. I grew up in the sugar belt of Skeldon, and would see this happening on Friday afternoons when workers collected their wages. They could simply have purchased some shares in a corporation, or open a savings account at a bank, in order to create wealth; or open an account with the New Building Society and create a pathway to qualify for a loan to build a home.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

5

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

Welcome change in GuySuCo’s tender process Dear Editor, Over the years, prior to Sasenarine Singh assuming position of CEO of GuySuCo, I know that there was an opaque system of tendering in place with tenders having to be submitted at GuySuCo’s Ogle Office. Many times,

after tenders were issued and bid for, interested tenderers never heard anything on who a specific tender was awarded to even after making specific inquiries. In those years, GuySuCo’s Tender Board and its Governing Board seemingly made de-

cision on awarding tenders even though there was a National Procurement and Tender Board in place.

Since the new management has taken over, tenders are now submitted through the Ministry of Finance and are now evaluated through NPTAB - a

much more transparent process. I am not sure if this important change was initiated by the new CEO, however, this is a welcome improvement in the way GuySuCo does business.

Yours sincerely, Chris Persaud

Metal lift death brings into focus objects mounted at heights Dear Editor, The crushing to death of a young man while walking under a metal lift (GT November 7, 2021) brings into sharp focus objects mounted at heights, such as transformers, which are left to the elements.

It has to be wondered how often these objects are checked to ensure their installation is secured.

US Embassy’s Guyana poverty...

I have spoken about the Government’s housing schemes. Many received lots for which they paid less than one hundred thousand dollars, and they resold those lots for a million dollars. And some acquired lands for one million dollars and resold same for 7 million dollars.

People are selling out, not investing in themselves!

They are just eating their money out. Many would consume alcohol as though that was their life-force.

These kinds of people are usually extremely brutal to their wives and children.

My point is: when you see some people living in poverty, it is because they chose that in many cases, then blame the Government for poverty. We are fortunate in the populace of Guyana to have a Government for the people and by the people! The Guyanese people are given so many opportunities.

It is just those haters of the Government, who have prejudice in their hearts, who will not comment positively and speak the truth.

Our Government is building roads, byways and highways in all areas to enhance the quality of life.

Water is being accessed in all areas, and in some areas, hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent.

In the hinterland and other areas, the Government is striving to provide electricity to persons who have never had electricity, be it solar or generated.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is giving so many opportunities to people in order to develop their life-

styles in historic proportions, in my opinion. I recall that from 1992 to 2015, the PPP/C Government was giving so many housing opportunities that the Government of Trinidad was being mocked by their Opposition for not following suit. Many of whom had never dreamed of owning a piece of land were able to hold transports and land titles, and even dance with gratefulness. Yet others would sell and want more.

His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his tenure as Minister of Housing, Water and Tourism, created history in Guyana when he launched the ‘One Stop Shop’. People acquiring lands were able to approach one desk for loans to purchase lands, another desk for loans to build, another desk for electricity, another desk for water, and another for telephone services, and yet another desk for home and fire insurance. What more can a people want in order to develop and grow in a country; unless of course they love poverty, and through their negative thinking they gravitate towards poverty.

I am sometimes dumbfounded by the fact that even though the Government is inviting persons to apply for lands, they are not doing so. They just expect the Government to visit their homes and hand them a title, it would appear. The thing about it is this reality: If you are to give the land or the transport entirely free, the people will not value it. Generally,

things they do not have to pay for themselves they do not value. This is human nature. The Government is charging them a small portion of money to cover the cost of construction of infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity, which are the necessities for proper life. As I said prior, many of them sell their lands!

The same Government from 1992-2015 built numerous core homes for those people who had nothing. Many of them sold their core homes and bought new homes, while others eventually turned their core homes into magnificent structures but some sold, ate and drank their money out, and want more now.

I must admit to another reality: before the elections of 2015, the APNU and AFC were talking about how many houses they would build. They stated that they would not only give lands, but hous-

es as well. When some of my officers and colleagues were conversing, I heard them saying the Government will give people all these houses. Then I told my officers to watch them do nothing. The next thing we heard was that, instead of houses, they were going to build flats, in Linden, Charlestown and Ruimveldt, to name a few.

The reality is that they built nothing. The APNU/ AFC Government built nothing at all.

Some of my officers were in conversation, and I told them as I joined them that that Government would build nothing for anybody, and give nothing to anybody poor. Then I added that, coming to the end of their five-year term, they would build a few houses, maybe two hundred, in order to pull the wool over the eyes of their supporters, LOL. Ladies and gentlemen, friends and families, brothers and sisters you know what?

The dead man’s mother alleges the lift was a hazard but it seems nothing was done about concerns. It is hoped justice is served.

My condolences to the grieving family, relatives and friends.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

FROM PAGE 4

They built a couple of homes, not even two hundred, in Charlestown, as they started the campaign for the 2020 elections.

They were taking credit for homes and communities built by the former PPP/C Administration of 19922015 to show that they had built those homes.

This is the stink of politics and the reality of a failed, despotic Government.

With all of the above, local and international, I wish to state that we are not in a terrible state of poverty, as the U.S Embassy reports. If that is the case, it is not the Government’s fault, but the choice of the people. Yours truly personally even giving some credit to the PNC Government of the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, former President, who always encouraged people to grow their own food. Plant, grow your fish, rear poultry, cattle, barter with your neighbour, instead of

just depending solely on an eight-hour salary in your occupation.

Teachers, sugar workers, or factory workers, supplement your income by planting your own food, even if it’s in pots, barrels, cans and bins. Learn to be self-sufficient. I have done that myself when I did not own a home. I am accustomed to planting my own vegetables in cans and tins, old freezers, wooden boxes, plastic containers etc. One has to be versatile to improve one’s lifestyle, don’t depend on an eight-hour job, as you cannot make it.

With all that being said, I ask this amazing Government of the United States of America to please spend a third of their budget to help poverty in their own country, and even help some of us in the Third World countries.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

6

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Feature The zoo in the stars & a lesson... — Cont'd The Bull

Taurus is one of the oldest signs of the zodiac, and is represented by the bull, which is apt - the word Taurus means ‘bull’ in Latin. His story is associated with Zeus, who is said to have turned himself into a bull to successfully woo the beautiful daughter of a king. Over the years, he has been seen as somewhat of a warrior, facing Orion the Hunter. Taurus has also been seen as a protector, as he stands in the way of Orion and the nearby famous star cluster called the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, the seven beautiful daughters of the God Atlas.

The constellation remains a symbol of masculinity, power and protection in the cosmos.

Taurus is another of the constellations that have been identified as the same figure through multiple cultures - and in multiple eras.

For centuries, it was a guide for Incans in their crop planting, was associated with Egyptian Gods & Goddesses, and Babylonian astronomers called Taurus the 'heavenly bull.'

Apart from constellations, galaxies and nebulae also have been named after animals. A nebula is a cloud of gas and dust that is connected to the birth or the death of stars. Many of them form very recognisable shapes, and have been named for such.

For example, you can find the Horsehead nebula, Crab nebula, Cat eye nebula, Eagle nebula, and the Manatee nebula.

Search online for these and you'll be enchanted at the swirls of dust and gas that come together to form a beautiful shape.

What does it have to do with you?

If you feel that this is ancient nonsense, constellations and stars and their associated stories have consistently found new life in popular culture. Harry Potter fans will recognise the names Draco, Sirius, Regulus, Merope and Bellatrix. If you are familiar with the myths behind these constellations, you might as well yell, “Spoiler alert!” for the character progression of their wizarding counterparts. The animal connection is evident with many as well - Draco is Latin for Dragon, Sirius is the Dog star. Perhaps our

favourite is that Regulus, the brightest star in the Lion constellation (a Griffin is a combination of a Lion and Eagle). Regulus is situated right where the Lion's heart is, which indicates being 'lionhearted' or brave, and mirrors his character in the books.

Marvel fans will recognise the name Hydra (which is depicted as a water serpent in the sky), and, of course, the 12 signs of the Zodiac can be found in constellation form above us.

Some animals have been placed in the sky for protection, or as a reward, or to honour their role in legends and stories. Not every animal constellation has a fantastic story or myth for being placed in the sky, but they do serve an important purpose, just like their earthly counterparts.

Some of the constellations, like the lizard or the fly, are there to fill a gap where there is no recognised constellation, which helps us to grasp and

define the infinite universe.

In 1627, there was an attempt to re-map the stars and "Christianise the constel-

lations." Part of this included replacing all 12 of the zodiac constellations with the 12 Apostles of Jesus. The astronomer also went further by trying to incorporate further biblical iconography in the stars, such as replacing the ship that was meant to represent the voyage of Jason

& Argonauts for the golden fleece, to represent Noah's ark. This re-mapping didn't gain much popularity, and has become a historical footnote. However, this contributed to the important discussion that stories linked to the stars were at the time a social and political commentary thrown up into the sky for all to see.

The point of this history lesson is to emphasise the enduring nature of animals.

Of wildlife, of pets, of creatures that have roamed the earth since time immemorial. For literal centuries, animals have been part of the global narrative. They have helped to guide us; they have been revered, placed among the Gods in the Heavens,

and hold key places in history and mythology. Stories like that of Ursa Major and Canis Major have their roots in protection, companionship, rewards of bravery and commemoration of glorious feats.

Coming back to earth: Improving animal welfare in Guyana is not just about feeding a stray dog or spay-

ing a cat; it is about changing an entire society and its norms. It is about encouraging those who love animals to speak up and help others understand why animals are important. It is about educating and weaving animal welfare into the very fabric of our daily lives. It is about making kindness and empathy as common as breathing. We all look for meaning and purpose in our lives, and the sky is as good a place as any to do so.

Animal reverence has found its way into so many cultures and so many religions. So why do we have to continue to prove their relevance and importance?

Perhaps the real question is: Why do some of us actively harm what history, religion, culture and mythology have all identified to be saviours; holy, and in many cases superior?

Doctor's Note: Paws for a Cause - Guyana ("Paws") is a local animal welfare group operating and registered in Guyana as a non-profit inc.

The group works to prevent animal cruelty; to promote humane, ethical, and responsible pet ownership; to advocate for controlling the animal population via spay and neuter campaigns; to educate the public; and to assist in cases of reported animal neglect and abuse. The group's work extends beyond dogs and cats, and includes all wildlife in Guyana. Occasionally, the group would contribute a "Paws Perspective" to the Sunday Times’ “Pet Care” column, detailing its experiences in animal welfare.

WORD SEARCH

7 Solar, mini-hydropower projects to complement AFHP, gas-to-shore – Finance Minister W NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

hile the Government has at least two alternative energy projects in the pipelines that, combined, will supply at least 360 megawatts of power to the grid, it is not neglecting other forms of renewable energy, including solar.

During a recent interview, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh spoke of the solar energy projects that they are working on, as well as various mini hydropower projects that will capitalise on water sources in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“We currently are doing work on developing mini hydros in a number of other locations. So, we’re looking at locations like Kumu, Moco Moco, with a view of developing hydropower capabilities there. We’re also looking at solar energy. As you know we’re actively working on delivering significant solar energy capability to the national grid.”

“Both from the point of view of electricity generation for sale of power at a large scale, but also even at the household level. As you know, we recently announced a project to deliver 30,000 household level solar energy units,” the Finance Minister said.

Singh therefore noted

The Moco Moco facility

that beyond the $900 million gas-to-shore project and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) that was recently awarded by tender to China Railway Group, Government is working on other renewable energy sources.

“Beyond these two larger scale projects, we also have the solar farms we’re working on. We also have the mini hydro we’re working on. We also have the household level solar interventions we’re working on. All part of the much broader effort on the electricity generation side and in particular, the transition to cleaner and more renewable sources.”

Last month, it was announced that funding had been secured from the Islamic Development Bank

(IsDB) for renewable energy projects.

According to the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the funding was for the cost of the “Small Hydropower Project”, and some of that money will go towards consultancy services.

In fact, GEA started tendering for consultants, issuing a notice inviting bids from firms for “Design Review and Construction Supervision of two hydropower plants”. One project entails the construction of a new 0.5-megawatt (MW) hydropower plant at Kumu in the Rupununi and the other, the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Moco Moco hydropower facility, to 0.7 MW. When it comes to the bigger projects, it was announced only recently that

Cabinet had granted its no objection for China Railway Group Limited to construct the AFHP project. China Railway is no stranger to Guyana, having been granted the contract for the East Coast Road Expansion project.

The project will be built under the BOOT model (Build Own Operate Transfer), which will see the Guyana Power and Light buying power from the company at no more than US7.7 cents per kilowatt.

According to the Finance Ministry in a statement, the award of the contract follows the publication of a request for proposals by Government in various national newspapers during the period July 25 to August 15, 2021.

Four companies, the

Ministry said, submitted proposals, and China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most “capable partner” by the Evaluation Committee after a rigorous evaluation process, following which the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) submitted the relevant recommendation to Cabinet for “no objection”.

The AFHP was first identified in 1976 by the Canadian company “Monenco” during an extensive survey of hydroelectric power potential in Guyana.

Various studies have since justified and strongly supported the construction of the AFHP. The revival of the 165-megawatt Amaila Falls

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Hydropower Project was one of the promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in its manifesto. The project was initiated under the previous PPP/C Administration but was scrapped by the coalition Administration which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat Opposition majority.

The project entails the construction of a 165 MW installed hydro dam, plant and related works, as well as transmission lines and structures from Amaila Falls in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) to Sophia, Greater Georgetown. (G3)

8 NEWS “It was my love for investigation” – new lawyer on admission to Bar MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

longer stay calm and was flooded with tears.”

“I contacted the school but was duly informed that a failure to submit was a failure to write the examination. For the first time, it felt like nothing made sense. I questioned everything. I felt like giving up, as I could not make sense of the situation,” she added.

However, as time went by, she prayed about it as she had no intentions of quitting. “I told myself that if I quit now, I will only have a degree and I did not become unemployed to just have a degree, but if I continue, regardless of what happens now, when I’m finished, I will be an attorney-at-law.”

Attorney-at-Law Marisa Edwards (second from right) is flanked by her uncle Stephen Edwards (extreme right); her mother Janel McGarrel-Jones (second from left); her grandmother Mignon McGarell (extreme left) and her five-year-old daughter Janae Lashley

By Feona Morrison

A

legal career can be a wonderful calling as it offers numerous job opportunities and satisfaction. For 29-yearold Marisa Alana Edwards, a mother of one, it was her love for investigations, her desire to make a difference, and the need to be successful which inspired her to become an attorney-at-law.

Her petition to practice law in, and before the courts of Guyana was presented

by Senior Counsel Andrew Pollard before Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, last Wednesday. She is among several Guyanese who graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School this year with a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) - a prerequisite to practice law in Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Edwards explained that she decided that she wanted to become a lawyer while she was attending St Stanislaus College.

“A decision had to be made for streaming and I decided that I wanted to become an attorney-at-law. This decision stemmed from the fact that I knew that I could not

venture into the sciences due to my fear of dissecting anything.”

Moreover, she added, “It was my love for investigation, my interests in the law, my desire to make a difference, and the need to be successful.” She deviated from studying law for a few years and went into banking but found her way back after some introspection. Apart from a LEC, Edwards is the holder of a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Guyana.

She attained 10 and eight passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), respectively. Her in-service training for law school was done at the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU).

She worked as a research/ administrative assistant for Professor Justice Duke Pollard whom she referred to as her mentor.

Prior to pursuing legal studies, Edwards worked at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry.

Sacrifices, perseverance

Like many others, Edwards shared that her

journey to the Bar was one of sleepless nights, sacrifices, anxiety, faith, hope, and perseverance. For her, it was more so a leap of faith as she was a new mother who was resigning from her job to pursue legal studies “without a manual on how to do anything.”

She said that throughout this journey, she viewed her various adversities as minuscule elements to the bigger picture, and would usually face them head-on.

The new lawyer described her first year at law school as the “test of all tests”.

She recounted that she was filled with immense joy that she would be completing her first year at law school upon completion of a final examination.

That happiness was, however, short-lived when her computer went blank and refused to start when it was time for her to submit her examination. “After having spent almost 20 hours to complete a 17 plus pages examination with the remaining edits to be done for submission, my computer went blank and refused to start. After numerous attempts to have the computer up and running which were to no avail, I could no

Advice

Asked what advice she would give to someone who wants to become a lawyer, Edwards said, “You are embarking on a noble profession, and one should always remember that whatever you do, do so with integrity. When it is said that the law is a jealous mistress, it really is. It simply means that above all, it requires your dedication, commitment, time, you must put in the work and keep persevering”.

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t walk then crawl but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward,” she said as she quoted Martin Luther King Jr. While she endeavours to have exposure to both civil and criminal law, Edwards said that her interest is in the latter as she finds it “interesting and exciting.” She, however, does not intend to limit herself and plans to pursue her Master’s degree in international law and oil and gas management.

The young woman expressed gratitude to her family for their unwavering support, telling them that “I am a product of your many sacrifices and for this, I dedicate this milestone to you.”

Preparing…

T

…fuh Chris’muss his being Guyana and with the first week of November behind us, most Guyanese will now be getting ready for Chris’muss. This, of course, is very different from observing “Christmas” – the supposed birthday of Jesus. But we know it’s actually a Pagan Holiday that was chewed up, digested and spat out by the Romans as they conquered Europe in the name of the fella they nailed to a cross in the desert of Palestine! Christ Mass. In Guyana, that event has become a footnote as Guyanese prepare the way they celebrate everything else – throw a bash, sport, soirée, mash-up, call it what you want. Once it involves wine, women (men), and song!!

So, you say there’s the COVID pandemic? Not to worry – since most Guyanese aren’t worrying as they carry on briskly (if not “smartly!) with their lives like there’s no tomorrow. And clearly, they know what this pandemic is all about!! Here today…gone tomorrow!

However, for 47% of the population (55% if you believe the line that the PPP was “installed!), the PNC has thrown a spanner into the works. By scheduling their Congress to elect (select? foist? impose?) a leader and HIS (Volda hasn’t put up her hand!) team, the folks that support them are busy arguing and lobbying for their choice. And ignoring the more important question of what colour “blinds” are best for that living room window. Or whether the Black Cake needs more rum to “spice” it up so on Chris’muss day, they could have their rum and EAT it too!! And still look virtuous!

So, no…your Eyewitness won’t be distracted like those loyalists and discuss how the race is coming along. Save to note that the “front runner” shouldn’t become too complacent with all those endorsements coming in from in and out of Guyana. For 28 years Jagan used to boast about all the support he had from his loyal supporters across the country. Wasn’t worth a bucket of warm spit when it came to the real nittygritty of getting into office, did it?? And that’s what your Eyewitness fears is gonna happen come Dec 11.

So, it looks like our business community will only be getting half of the EARLY sales that Chris’muss usually brings. But, Dear Reader, did you think that since the voting will be done with by December 11, there’s still plenty time to then move on to the Chris’muss shopping? Did you forget that this is Guyana: while the VOTE might be over…but the question is “would the COUNTING be over?”!! Remember what happened after March 2nd?

That was brought to you courtesy of the same folks who’ll be running the Congress!!

…for the end of COVID? The Government must’ve known about the 26% drop in COVID deaths in October compared to September when they decided to ease up on the “curfew”. Bars and such places can now be open till the witching hour of midnight. But there’s the danger that with this move, Guyanese – who were never disciplined about observing COVID protocols to begin with – might just let go of even the little inhibition they had.

After all, that 26% drop was from an extremely high figure and still left us with 134 deaths in October!

That’s nothing to sneeze at! And by now with the example of so many other locales, there’s always the danger of some new strain pummelling us with a deadlier “third wave”! But all in all, we haven’t done too badly compared with our eastern neighbour Suriname. Over there, even though they have only 3/4 of our population, they have suffered 170 deaths and 13,425 cases more than us.

Let’s be thankful for small mercies.

…for electoral reform To deflect from the GECOM personnel subversion, the PNC will be pushing for a new voters’ list. So, let’s hear it from them right now: are they prepared to deny overseas Guyanese citizens their franchise?

C’mon…let’s hear it!!

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

58-year-old woman latest COVID-19 fatality …101 new cases recorded

A

nother woman who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has died, the Health Ministry reported on Sunday.

This latest fatality is a 58-year-old woman from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) who died on Saturday. She was fully vaccinated.

According to the Ministry, the patient was admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at a medical institution.

Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned a positive test.

Nevertheless, the COVID-19 death toll in Guyana has gone up to 942.

So far in November, some 16 persons have died from the pandemic.

Meanwhile, 101 more persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 36,180.

But only 2646 of these are currently active cases including 11 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 2635 persons in isolation, that is, 73 in institutional isolation and the other 2562 in home isolation.

There are also another six persons in institutional quarantine.

To date, some 32,592

persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease.

Moreover, 363,732 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus thus far and of this, 17,098 males and 19,082 females were found to be positive.

Of the 101 new cases detected on Sunday, eight were from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 19 from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), a whopping 55 cases from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), five from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), 11 cases from the East Berbice-Corentyne region, two more from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and the remaining one case from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on Sunday.

The Guyana Government launched its COVID-19 vaccination exercise back in February and continues to roll it out across the various regions in order to achieve herd immunity and reduce the number of COVID-19 infections.

So far, over 380,000 persons of the adult population have received their first dose of the vaccine and more than 242,000 persons who are 18 years and older

are fully immunised.

As it relates to adolescents, over 27,000 children between the ages of 12 to 17 have been administered first doses, of which more than 18,000 are fully vaccinated.

Persons are encouraged to get immunised since the COVID-19 vaccine provides a layer of protection against severe symptoms of COVID-19.

Nevertheless, as more people continue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly masking in public, social distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitising.

The measures also include vaccination requirements to access any public building such as restaurants, places of worship, schools as well as Government buildings.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Sunday, some 248,467,363 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 5,027,183 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 94,077,975 while the death toll in the region has gone up to 2,301,996. (G8)

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD NOVEMBER 7, 2021 UPDATE

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

101 73 2562 11

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

6

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

19,082

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,098

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

36,180

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

32,592

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

384,934

FULLY IMMUNISED

249,557

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

942

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1627

REGION 2

1467

REGION 3

4920

REGION 4

17,149

REGION 5

1330

REGION 6

2734

REGION 7

1760

REGION 8

604

REGION 9

2453

REGION 10

2136

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

10 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Oil & gas sector

Guyana must increase its skilled labour force – US analyst …says creation of training institute step in right direction

I

f Guyana is to take full advantage of the growing oil and gas sector, it will have to increase the size of its skilled labour force to be able to take up positions in the sector as more and more Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels enter local waters.

This view was expressed

by Co-Director at Americas Market Intelligence (AMI) Arthur Deakin, who in a recent missive offered recommendations to Guyana as it seeks to construct a local content framework that will include as many Guyanese as possible into the benefits of the oil sector.

He pointed to Ghana, which is providing technical assistance to Guyana in the area of local content, noting that while the country produces 100,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), the development of its energy sector suffered because of the low capacity of its local firms to

US analyst Arthur Deakin

take up the available jobs.

“The West African country, (which) is producing a fraction of the 1.4 million bpd expected in Guyana by 2040, is an example of a country that does not have enough local skilled employees to fulfil the energy sector,” the US analyst said.

“Guyana is faced with

a similar scenario. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo recently admitted that the country could soon hit full employment although there is only one FPSO currently in operation—six more are expected by 2027,” Deakin said.

According to Deakin, Guyana would do well to among other things train more local employees to meet the exponential growth ahead. Referring to the draft Local Content Policy, Deakin noted that there are some positives.

These include requirements for unskilled local content, which he noted is high and ensures the participation of the local community. But he noted that there is a need for more skilled workers to be trained.

To handle the country’s newfound resources, the Guyanese Government estimates that it needs US$40 billion in onshore logistics and real estate investments. That is seven times the size of Guyana’s 2020 GDP. As the Government finalises the draft of its local content piece, it must consider the reasonable capacity of the country’s current local labour force.

“First, the Government can prepare by building an Oil and Gas Technical Institute, in addition to investing in primary and secondary education, to train skilled laborers. But it must also create a local content law that reduces highly technical thresholds and strikes the right balance

between local participation and a friendly foreign investor framework,” Deakin said.

Another positive the analyst pointed out in the policy is that it sets out to create an oversight body composed of both public and private sector players, who would oversee the operationalising of the local content bill. He urged that to avoid weak regulatory practices, this body should be as depoliticised as possible.

Training school next year

During a recent press conference, Vice President Jagdeo had said that construction would start on a National Training Institute

next year and that it is expected to churn out as many as 1000 Guyanese graduates per year for Guyana’s growing oil and gas sector.

Jagdeo spoke of local content and the efforts the authorities are making to come up with a robust policy and framework. One aspect of these efforts involves the Government taking advice from those with oil and gas experience, including from Ghana, which will be sending a team of experts to Guyana.

Another aspect is ensuring Guyana’s labour market is equipped to benefit directly from the growing oil and gas sector through training.

This includes setting up a

National Training Institute.

Earlier this year, it was announced that a new oil and gas training centre had been opened by the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC). The centre, located in Middle Street, Georgetown, was commissioned in the presence of Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar.

ExxonMobil, which started oil production in the Liza Phase 1 Development of the Stabroek block back in 2019, has said it anticipates that at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027. (G3)

Shallow grave murder

“Long Hair” asks court to overturn life sentence

Convicted killer: Munilall Sarjoo

A

51-year-old livestock farmer of Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment is appealing his case to the Court of Appeal. In a Notice of Appeal, the convict, among other things, argued that the trial Judge erred in rejecting a no-case submission made by his attorney-at-law.

In March, Munilall Sarjoo called “Long Hair” was found guilty by a jury of the August 2016 murder of Levan Chandrapaul, whose body was found in a shallow grave in No 68 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Following the verdict, Justice Simone MorrisRamlall sentenced the convicted killer to life imprisonment with the possibility of being eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 25 years behind bars.

But even after the jury delivered its verdict, Sarjoo maintained his innocence.

“I give my life, I never expect this, I don’t know

about this…God is here.

This made me lose my family. Is best I take my life now, your Honour. I came back from America and I tried to improve my life. I never involved in no thieving or problem…everything is money, that guy went to Eve Leary and give a statement, I didn’t give a statement at Eve Leary, they set me up,” Sarjoo told the Judge.

He is now asking the Appeal Court to set aside his conviction and sentence.

In court documents seen by this publication, his lawyer is contending that the trial Judge erred in law when she rejected the no-case submissions made at the close of the prosecution’s case and also at the end of the case for the defence.

The lawyer further contended that “the learned trial Judge erred in law when she failed to put to the jury and instruct the jury on the Turnbull guidelines on identification”.

According to defence counsel, Justice MorrisRamlall again erred in law in saying to the jury that his client said nothing when he was cautioned by the Police, leaving the jury with the impression that his client was bound to deny the allegation put to him and that his failure to do so could be used against him.

Additionally, Sarjoo argued that the trial Judge failed to adequately put his defence to the jury for consideration. During the trial, the court heard that the now-dead man was last seen in the company of Sarjoo.

Chandrapaul was murdered between August 22 and 26, 2016, and his body was found in a dried-up pond covered with sand. His cause of

Murdered: Levan Chandrapaul

death was given as internal bleeding of the skull.

A Government pathologist had explained to the court that there were two fractures to the man’s skull with one being fragmented.

Those injuries, the doctor noted, were consistent with someone being hit with a blunt instrument, thus suggesting that a piece of wood could have been used.

Among those who testified during the trial were the parents of the deceased; ranks of Police’s Major Crimes Investigations Unit; and a witness who saw the now dead man entering Sarjoo’s motor car on August 22, 2016. The prosecutor’s key witness was a fisherman of Number 67 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who told the court that he had a conversation with Chandrapaul in front of his yard.

A few days later, the witness said that Chandrapaul’s body was found in a shallow grave in the backlands of Number 68 Village. At the time of the discovery, he was clad in the same clothes he was last seen wearing when he entered Sarjoo’s car. (G1)

NEWS

11

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Domestic violence hotline 4 suspects in Parika murder arrested, charged plagued with prank calls …over 1500 hoax calls made in 3 months

T

he 914 domestic violence hotline aimed at helping persons in distress has been plagued with over 1500 prank calls.

During a recent interview with this publication, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud stated that most of the prank calls made to the 914 hotline are by children.

The Minister urged that parents teach their children about the usages of hotlines and the serious nature of misusing these lines.

She stated in instances where persons call and hang up, this can force the entire operation into action.

In report from the Ministry, it was stated that, from the establishment of the hotline to July 2021, some 1501 prank calls were received.

“I want to appeal to parents to teach your children about 914 but also teach them about the seriousness of the hotline and that if children are calling, we want to hear from those children but we want to utilise the hotline for the purpose it was intended,” the Minister said, adding that sometimes persons “call us and they hang up. We would advise not to, because then our operator would have to call that person back if they called an error, or if it was a prank call, if was a call-in

Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

error just say it was a mistake and we called, because our whole operation will go into effect if we can’t get somebody…supposed it’s an active case of violence happening so, it’s a very serious operation,” she explained.

The Minister also related that the hotline has received 511 genuine calls since its establishment in July 2021, which were domestic violence and child abuse related.

“To date, 914 has been the main entry point for domestic violence, and since then from December 2020 to July 2021 we would’ve had 511 calls with the highest number coming from Region 4 with 202 calls.”

“The average rate per month varies between 40 to over 80 calls, in those calls

they are not only concentrated on domestic violence as we know but also child abuse, so the hotlines cater to child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse.”

She also added that during the same period, the Ministry has seen an increase in reports made by men and boys.

“One thing that has remained constant is that the numbers of person affected by violence and abuse still remain solidly women and girls. What we would’ve seen is more reporting from men and boys compared to the years before.”

“914 would’ve open up that channel because people I suppose like the anonymous way of reporting on 914 when comes identity revelation,” she added.

No evidence to arrest cop who shot teen bandit – Commander …says accomplices still at large

Commander Simon McBean

Dead: Sydel Bourne

here is no evidence at the moment to arrest the plain clothes cop who shot and killed teen bandit Sydel Bourne.

This is according to Commander of Region Four Division A, Simon Mc Bean, who in giving this publication an update on the investigation said that the probe is ongoing, while Police are on the hunt for the teen’s two accomplices.

“The evidence that is out there, is that the Policemen

responded to a robbery so that is being investigated thus far. The Policeman is not on close arrest because there is no evidence to place him on arrest him. We are still seeking the other persons who are said to be a part of the robbery,” the Commander said.

Sixteen-year-old Bourne of Agricola, Greater Georgetown, was shot and killed on November 3 while attempting to snatch a chain off the neck of the rank’s re-

T

puted wife at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Police officer was in plain clothes and armed with his service pistol at the time.

He was with his reputed wife, who was wearing a gold chain, and they were shopping in the Stabroek Market area.

Police said that it was reported that the couple was attacked by Bourne, who was armed with a knife and accompanied by two other male suspects.

Although the woman put up a fight, the perpetrators were able to burst the chain off her neck.

It was reported that one of the suspects then told Bourne to stab the woman and it was at this stage that the Policeman whipped out his service weapon and discharged a round in the suspects’ direction, hitting the teenager to his body.

The other two suspects managed to escape, the Police said. (G9)

J

ust days after one of the suspects in the murder of Trevor Allen of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), reportedly died by suicide, his four alleged accomplices were arrested and charged.

The men charged are 26-year-old Eashwar Sookdeo; Chaitram Persaud, 23; Navindra Sugrim, 18, and a 16-year-old, all of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Reports are that the men were arrested on November 1 at about 06:00h and charged for Allen’s murder. They appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Zameena AliSeepaul where the indictable charge of murder was read to them.

It is alleged that on October 31, Allen was beaten, stabbed, and chopped to death by four men. Reports are that Allen was consuming alcohol in the company

of his two brothers at a shop in the area at around 20:50h when he got into a heated argument with a known male, who is one of the suspects.

As a result, the suspect held on to Allen and dealt him a cuff to his face, which resulted in a scuffle between them.

During the ordeal, the other three suspects arrived, armed with a cutlass and knives. They began to stab and chop Allen about his body.

One of the victim’s brothers, Harvey Allen, made an attempt to rescue him, but received a chop to his back, which caused him to seek refuge in a nearby canal, where he watched the suspects continue to assault his brother.

The Police have said the suspects then armed themselves with bricks and began to pelt at Harvey, who was raising an alarm.

Cops were summoned to the area and upon their ar-

rival, the suspects had already made good their escape on foot.

The body of Allen was seen lying motionlessly.

There were five stab wounds on the abdomen area and a chop wound to the forehead.

Following that incident, Davin Persaud, called “Chrissy”, 28, also of Parika Facade, EBE; one of the suspects in the murder, committed suicide.

The man died on Wednesday last at the Skeldon Public Hospital, after he reportedly consumed a poisonous substance.

It was noted that the suspect committed the act while in the company of a male relative at Number 74 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. He was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was admitted in a critical condition under Police guard.

However, he subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

(G9)

Labourer jailed for robbing ECB resident

J

ust over two weeks after law enforcement officers arrested a labourer for breaking into an East Canje Berbice (ECB) man’s home, he was charged for the act.

Reports are that 25-yearold Mahendra Persaud, a labourer of Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice, was arrested on October 21 for the offence of breaking and entering and larceny committed on Latchman Persaud

Charged: Mahendra Persaud

which occurred between October 17 and 18, 2021, at Reliance Abundant, ECB. The charges were laid under Section 229 (a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

He appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh where the charge was read to him. He admitted to the offence and was jailed for two years. (G9)

12

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 202

21 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

13

14 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Appeal Court reserves ruling in manslaughter case

T

he Court of Appeal has reserved its ruling on an application seeking to overturn the manslaughter conviction against Travis McDougall who is serving a 25-year jail term for the 2014 fatal shooting of 43-year-old dredge owner Ashok Raghu.

McDougall was found guilty of unlawfully killing Raghu – who was shot dead during a robbery on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown – by a unanimous jury verdict following a trial at the Demerara High Court in 2017. He was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment by trial Judge Navindra Singh.

McDougall, formerly of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, along with pork-knocker Jermaine Otto called “Fungus”, who was one of the prisoners that perished in the deadly Camp Street Prison fire, following

riots in March 2016, were both charged with Raghu’s murder.

Raghu of 77 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital shortly after the shooting incident. His wife, Shyrazadi Raghu, was shot to her left thigh. The couple was going to transact business with some $4 million when bandits on a motorcycle pounced on them at the traffic light while they were in a motor car.

Ashok Raghu tried to resist the bandits and was fatally shot.

When the matter continued last Friday before Chancellor of Judiciary Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory,

SC, and Rishi Persaud, McDougall’s lawyer Narissa Leander, again, placed the spotlight on the trial Judge’s summing up.

The defence counsel argued that the trial Judge erred when he placed the burden on her client to prove his defence. The lawyer contended that Justice Singh, in his summing up “actually placed the burden of proving the defence on [McDougall] by the words used in the summation”.

Leander said that even though Justice Singh told the jury that McDougall had nothing to prove, he went on to tell the jury, “The things that [McDougall] says to you, he does not have to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt like the prosecution”.

By those words, she added, the jury may have been led to believe that it was the burden of her client to prove his defence.

Weaknesses of ID parade

At an earlier hearing, Leander submitted that Justice Singh failed to interrogate the weaknesses in the identification evidence before putting the case to the jury for deliberation on a verdict. Her focus was on the evidence of Shyrazadi Raghu, the dead man’s widow.

Shyrazadi Raghu had pointed out McDougall on an identification parade.

According to Leander, this witness testified that on the ID parade McDougall had a beard, and so did other persons. However, she pointed out that the woman could not say how many persons were bearded.

Counsel said that there were weaknesses in the ID

motorcycle under her observation for the entire duration of the robbery.

This, Leander submitted, is contrary to the evidence as the eyewitness only testified to how long the incident lasted, and not to how long she had the rider under her observation.

Not fatal to the credibility

Manslaughter convict: Travis McDougall

evidence which the trial Judge should have interrogated during summing up and placed before the jurors for their consideration for them to decide whether the woman’s evidence could be

relied on in determining the guilt of her client.

Another specific weakness in the ID evidence, she said, was that the trial Judge failed to put to the jury the fact that there was no evidence from the eyewitness as to how long she would have had the rider under her observation.

Leander recalled that in her evidence-in-chief, Shyrazadi Raghu indicated that the incident lasted for about 55 seconds.

However, under cross-examination, defence counsel said “the incident was broken down to a maximum time of 14 seconds.”

Moreover, Leander contended that the trial Judge appeared to have suggested to the jury that Shyrazadi Raghu had the rider of the

For her part, Senior State Counsel Natasha Backer argued that the issues raised

by Leander were not fatal to the credibility of the identification evidence.

She said that Shyrazadi Raghu testified that the incident took place in bright sunlight in the middle of the day and that she was seated in the front passenger seat of the car when it came under attack by a gunman on foot, while another man waited next to the car on a motorcycle.

“The witness spoke to being able to see the faces of these persons from a short distance away with nothing blocking her view at any time,” Backer added while pointing out that in relation to McDougall, the witness spoke about him looking into the car and looking at her.

Added to that, the prosecutor said that the eyewitness also stated that she kept her eyes on the men for the duration of the incident.

Regarding defence counsel’s submission that the eyewitness did not state how long she had the rider under observation, Backer argued that she was unaware of any specific time prescribed by case laws or legislation that is required to elapse before a witness is deemed to have made a proper observation.

Instead, the prosecutor said that it is the duty of the trial Judge to bring this and other factors to the jurors and give them the directions as required by the case laws. “The directions which the trial Judge gave, in this case, were more than adequate in the circumstances,” Backer submitted.

While there were discrepancies in the description given by the eyewitness compared to what a Police rank testified, she pointed out that the directions given to the jury by the trial Judge were more than adequate to render McDougall’s conviction safe.

“From the verdict, the jury was obviously convinced of [Shyrazadi Raghu’s] evidence. They obviously believed her in relation to not only what she saw on the day but the positive identification of McDougall,” Prosecutor Backer said.

McDougall is seeking to overturn his sentence and conviction and has proffered several grounds. Apart from contesting the identification evidence, he contended that the sentence imposed on him is excessive and not in keeping with established sentencing guidelines.

G

FROM DEPENDENCE TO RESILIENCE – CARICOM ENERGY MONTH

uyana, as a member of Caricom, observes Energy Month during November. Energy remains a strategic priority for all Caricom countries, as the region confronts unprecedented challenges in a worsening climate, the ongoing public health crisis, and declining economies. These and other issues are captured in this year’s theme, ‘From Dependence to Resilience: Fueling our Recovery with Sustainable Energy’, as the region that is seized in particular with the increasingly volatile global oil prices, which are at a record seven-year high, seeks to decouple its economy from imported fossil fuels, which provide more than 80% of its energy needs.

Critically, as world leaders assemble at COP26 to make decisions on issues - including energy - that are linked to global climate change, the activities of Caricom Energy Month (CEM) are focused on the engagement of decision makers from the public sector (policy and regulations) and industry (business and investments), who will join academics and other civil society actors at the Seventh Edition of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Forum (CSEFVII), from the 22nd to 25th November. Held biennially, this year’s forum will be hosted in collaboration with the Government of Barbados, and would feature a diverse mix of speakers, including Heads of Governments and Ministers, business and thought leaders, and sector experts.

A closer look at renewable energy Renewable energy is energy that has been derived from the earth’s natural resources that are not finite or exhaustible, such as wind and sunlight. Renewable energy is an alternative to the traditional energy that relies on fossil fuels, and it tends to be much less harmful to the environment.

Types of renewable energy * Solar - Solar energy is derived by capturing radiant energy from sunlight and converting it into heat, electricity, or hot water. Photovoltaic (PV) systems can convert direct sunlight into electricity through the use of solar cells. * Wind - Wind farms capture the energy of wind flow by using turbines, and they convert that energy into electricity. * Geothermal - Geothermal heat is heat that is trapped beneath the earth’s crust from the formation of the Earth 4.5 billion years ago, and from radioactive decay. Sometimes large amounts of this heat escape naturally, but all at once, resulting in familiar occurrences such as volcanic eruptions and geysers. This heat can be captured and used to produce geothermal energy by using steam that comes from the heated water pumped below the surface, which then rises to the top and can be used to operate a turbine. * Hydroelectric - Dams are what people most associate when it comes to hydroelectric power. Water flows through the dam’s turbines to produce electricity, known as pumped-storage hydropower.

Run-of-river hydropower uses a channel to funnel water through, rather than powering it through a dam. * Ocean - The ocean can produce two types of energy: thermal and mechanical. Ocean thermal energy relies on warm water surface temperatures to generate energy through a variety of different systems.

Ocean mechanical energy uses the ebbs and flows of the tides to generate energy, which is created by the earth’s rotation and gravity from the moon. * Hydrogen - needs to be combined with other elements, such as oxygen, to make water, as it does not occur naturally as a gas on its own.

When hydrogen is separated from another element, it can be used for both fuel and electricity. * Biomass - Biomass is organic matter that comes from recentlyliving plants and organisms. Using wood in your fireplace is an example of biomass that most people are familiar with.

Renewable Energy in Guyana Guyana, as a member of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has a target of 20%, 28% and 47% renewable electricity generation to be reached by 2017, 2022 and 2027 respectively. The 1994 National Energy Policy created the Guyana Energy Agency. It aimed at the development of indigenous resources, including biomass, as well as medium/small/ mini/micro hydropower, solar and wind power for remote and isolated communities in the short term to medium term, and large hydropower in the longer term.

The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) was launched in 2009 with the aim of transforming Guyana’s electricity sector from nearly 100% fossil fuel-based to nearly 100% renewable energy-based. The achievement of this objective is based on the development of the 165MW Amaila Falls hydropower project, as well as the operationalising of a high pressure 30MW biomass (sugarcane bagasse) cogeneration plant.

Fiscal incentives include, since 2012, VAT and import duty exemptions for renewable electricity equipment, energy efficient lighting, solar appliances, solar water heaters and solar cooking stoves.

Guyana is currently dependent on imported petroleum-based fuels as its main source of energy. However, the energy sector is poised for significant transformation due to Guyana re-committing itself to the development of its indigenous renewable energy resources, and to pursue 100% renewable energy in electricity generation.

According to the Environmental Protection Act Cap 28:01, installation for hydro-electric energy production requires Environmental Authorisation, which is issued only by the EPA.

Sources

‘IRENA (2015), Renewable Energy Policy Brief: Guyana; IRENA, Abu Dhabi’ https://caricom.org/caricom-energy-month-begins/ https://justenergy.com/blog/7-types-renewable-energy-future-ofenergy/ You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN; or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

NEWS

15

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Motorcyclist fractures skull Probe launched into death of young man killed by metal lift in Kwakwani accident

Dead: Sudesh Charran

A

The motorcycle and minibus that were involved in the accident

motorcyclist is hospitalised with a fractured skull following an accident on the Kwakwani Trail, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Police said the accident occurred on Sunday morning between a motorbike and a minibus.

Injured is Glenton Lyte of Hururu Mission, Berbice River. A passenger of the minibus also received minor injuries, Police said.

Reports are that the accident occurred sometime about 04:30h as minibus BXX 4445 was proceeding north at a moderate speed on the Kwakwani Trail.

As the driver approached

Bamboo Road, he put on his indicator to turn right into the said road, however, as he was negotiating the turn, he claimed he felt an impact at the rear of his minibus.

He then stopped and exited his vehicle, and went to the rear and saw extensive damages to his vehicle. A few feet away, an unregistered motorcycle was on the road with extensive damages to the front and the rider was lying on the road’s surface with a red substance that appeared to be blood coming out from his mouth and nose, the driver said in his statement to Police.

Meanwhile, the pas-

senger seated in the rear seat of the said minibus received injuries about his body also.

The minibus driver picked up the motorcyclist in an unconscious state, and along with the injured passenger, took them to the Kwakwani Hospital Complex where they were both seen and examined by a doctor. They were both transferred to Linden Hospital Complex for further medical attention but because of the injures the motorcyclist received, he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The investigation is still ongoing. (G9)

Suspect in DJ’s murder remains in custody

T

he suspect in the murder of 38-yearold Disc Jockey (DJ) Andre Collison called “DJ Chappy” of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), remains in custody.

This was confirmed

by Commander of Region Seven, Superintendent Dion Moore, on Sunday. He said the suspect was arrested on the very day the murder was committed, and is currently assisting with the Police’s investigation.

While, it was reported that the man will be charged for the offence soon, the Commander did not say if the suspect has confessed to the heinous crime.

The suspect is being accused of stabbing the DJ to

death during the wee hours of Friday during a row over money.

The incident occurred at around 01:30h at Puruni Landing, Middle Mazaruni.

Reports are that Collison left his room in search of food and went to the “Two Blessed Sisters Restaurant” and made an order.

While waiting to collect his food, the suspect went into the establishment and an argument ensued between the duo about monies owed.

“The argument became heated and the suspect drew a knife from his pants waist and stabbed the victim to his abdomen and thereafter made good his escape,” Police said in a statement.

Dead: Andre Collison

He was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Puruni Health Post where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Investigators of the Labour Ministry at the site

T

he Ministry of Labour has launched an investigation to the death of a young man who was crushed by a metal lift while working at a supermarket at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Thursday last.

In statement from the Ministry on Sunday, it was noted that the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department commenced its probe of the accident that led to the death of 22-year-old labourer, Sudesh Charran, of Lot 3964 West Minister, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Charran had been employed at the F&R Supermarket for over four years.

Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer at the Ministry, Maxean Bess visited and investigated the accident site at the F&R Supermarket, Stelling Road, Vreed-enHoop, WCD, on Friday.

Investigations revealed that the company’s driver reported that at about 16:00h on Thursday, he transported a variety of goods via minibus GZZ 3362 to the supermarket, and Charran was told to offload them. He further stated that he told Charran not to walk under the lift and then ventured inside the supermarket.

While inside the supermarket, he heard a loud noise and when he looked, the metal lift was on the deceased. He shouted for help and employees and members of the public ran to his assistance in an attempt to remove the lift from Charran’s lifeless body.

The Ministry said an investigation is expected to continue into the man’s death.

Over the years the Labour Ministry remained concerned about accidents within the workplace, in particular fatal accidents.

In previous reports, the Minister of the Ministry, Joseph Hamilton repeatedly underscored the need for increased OSH awareness programmes in workplaces.

Only Saturday, Charran’s mother, Natasha, called for justice, stating during an interview with this newspaper that the metal lift had been there for years.

The woman used to work at the same place as well and was always fearful of the lift.

“I use to say I don’t like how this lift look because it looked very dangerous.

I didn’t even know that today that same lift will kill my son. Is best God deh tek me and lef me only son. I need justice for my son. I

really need justice for my son,” she declared.

The woman related that the lift has been a hazard at the business place for years, and no effort was made to get it fixed. “[When] my daughter call me and tell me something happen to “Boy” [Sudesh] and me ask she what happened, and she said something happen at the work place. Meh shout and me tell she meh know something wrong with meh son, meh know is that lift.

Me seh the only thing that will kill meh son is that lift; and so said so is that lift killed my son,” the woman said.

The inconsolable mother could not come to grips with the death of her son, whom she described as “a very loving person”. She related that it has only been two months since her husband died, adding that her son died on the second day he returned to work after grieving his father’s death.

“This is nothing easy, instead of marrying out my son I have to go and bury my son. I was working there in 2017 and right there we have to pass to carry the garbage out.

There is nowhere else you can pass to carry the garbage out. Every time I go to carry out the garbage, we would have to run because we frighten the lift.”

The grieving woman said she worked very hard to give her children, especially her son, a better life after she battled an abusive relationship for years without any financial assistance. Now, as the family was about to reunite and build life together, she has lost her son.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 cases 15 Essequibo Coast families Global near 250 million as get homes from FFTP Delta surge eases …as 400 flood-affected residents benefit from support packages

E

ight communities in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) that were severely affected by the AprilAugust heavy rainfall benefitted from flood support packages and healthcare packages, from Food For The Poor Guyana Inc (FFTP).

The flood support packages were distributed on Friday to the village Toshaos at Queenstown Community Centre where residents of Akawini, Siriki Sands, Lower Akawini, Friendship Backlands, St John's, St Monica/Karawab, Mashabo and Bethany benefitted.

Each package comprised of one collapsible five-gallon jar, two mosquito nets, five reusable cloth masks and also 50 water treatment tablets.

Senior Project Manager of FFTP Guyana Inc Andrea Benjamin in an invited comment said that the organisation continues to assist families, adding that the main aim is to provide families with a safety net to assist in the socio-economic impact of the pandemic and also the recent flooding during AprilAugust.

One of the houses handed over to a Capoey, Region Two family

The village Toshaos, upon collecting the packages on behalf of the residents, expressed gratitude to FFTP and team for their donation.

New houses Meanwhile, 15 families residing in the Indigenous community of Capoey, Region Two, are now the proud owners of their own homes.

The houses, which were partially furnished, have

two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, dining and living room areas.

During the simple handing over ceremony, Benjamin stated that the aim of the organisation is to make families happier and more comfortable in a better home that is well furnished. The houses that were handed over are well equipped with household items and solar panels to generate electricity. She noted that beneficia-

ries were living in other people’s homes.

Benjamin explained that FFTP built several houses for families along the Essequibo Coast including Amerindian villages and other communities throughout the region to make families more comfortable.

A couple who benefitted, Rodney Hendricks and Ulita Thomas, who have two children said that they were living in a small house with relatives, which became congested.

They expressed gratitude to FFTP and said that the gift of a new home would enable them to stay together and build a decent life for themselves.

Stating her words of gratitude to Food For The Poor Guyana and sponsors, Nadia Convers expressed her joy at finally having her own home.

Living in Capoey Mission for 10 years, Convers had been residing with her parents until her home was completed.

The other families who received homes also expressed gratitude to FFTP for their timely intervention. (G14)

W

orldwide cases due to COVID-19 were approaching 250 million on Sunday as the surge from the Delta variant eases and more normal trade and tourism resume, although some countries in eastern Europe are experiencing record outbreaks.

Over the last three months, the daily average number of cases has fallen by 36 per cent, according to a Reuters analysis.

Even though the spread has slowed, the virus is still infecting 50 million people every 90 days due to the highly transmissible Delta variant, the analysis showed. It took nearly a year to record the first 50 million COVID cases.

Health experts are optimistic that many nations have put the worst of the pandemic behind them thanks to vaccines and natural exposure, although they caution that colder weather and upcoming holiday gatherings could increase cases.

"We think between now

and the end of 2022, this is the point where we get control over this virus ... where we can significantly reduce severe disease and death," Maria Van Kerkhove, an epidemiologist leading the World Health Organisation, told Reuters.

In addition to vaccines, doctors now have better treatments. Britain on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve a potentially game-changing COVID-19 antiviral pill jointly developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics called molnupiravir. Studies showed it could halve the chances of dying or being hospitalised for those most at risk of developing severe COVID-19 when given early in the illness.

Infections are still rising in 55 out of 240 countries, with Russia, Ukraine and Greece at or near record levels of reported cases since the pandemic started two years ago, according to a Reuters analysis. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Full Circle with Idi Amin by

Vasanti Makwana

I

t started with a telephone call around 2:30am in the night.

I was on call for hemodialysis and the coordinator at the other end sounding very frazzled, told me that she is sending a car to my compound and be ready to come to the hospital as one of our VIP patients needed an emergency dialysis. I got my bearings and got ready to be driven to the hospital by a male chauffeur.

I had gone to work at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was a one-year contract. Females at the time were not allowed to drive a car. Plus, when out of our compound we had to don on a long black covering over our clothes called “Abaya.”

Women to this day have to be covered when out. It is the law there.

I reached my department and got busy to ready my machine and equipment needed to dialyze a patient. I called the ER (emergency unit), to find out the history of the patient.

The doctor at the other end was almost in a panic and was screaming, “the patient is on his way to the dialysis unit and needed to be dialyzed immediately and you have to remove at least 4 litres of fluid from his body.

The patient is Idi Amin Dada!”

I thought it cannot be the man of my childhood nightmares! It just cannot be him. Suddenly a very big man was wheeled in the unit by a doctor and an attendant from the emergency unit. His large feet were dangling over the gurney. He had oxygen mask on over his nose and mouth with the tubing attached to the oxygen cylinder placed under the gurney.

It was the man who had forced over 60,000 Ugandan Asians to leave the country in 1972—accusing them of “milking Uganda’s money.” At that time, we, the Ugandan Asians, owned 90% of the country’s businesses and accounted for 90% of Ugandan tax revenues. The peo-

ple from the Indian subcontinent and their descendants are very industrious, hard-working people. Our ancestors had made Uganda our home. It was the only home we knew and it was a paradise on earth. The country is situated on Equator so the climate is very pleasant all year round. The lush greenery, the lakes and rivers, the fauna and the beautiful birds are just a part of that piece of earth once called “The Pearl of Africa.”

Leave the country within 90 days or face the dire consequences!, he had broadcasted over the radio and television.

I was about 14 years old when my parents decided that we had to leave.

It was not safe at all anymore in our beloved country. Our lives were in danger. My father had directly witnessed the atrocities committed by the military personnel—the so called goons of Idi Amin, the then dictator of Uganda. By October 1972, both my parents and the four of us children were in the UK. My elder brother was already in England; he had moved there 2 years before, for higher studies. We are five siblings in total.

We were given refugee status and taken to a camp in a remote part of England. The British welcomed us with open arms. We were treated so well and with such dignity that even my father was impressed with the hospitality we were shown by the English people.

It was difficult for my parents to adjust to a new environment, different language, an alien culture and customs but, for us kids, it was an adventure! Children are more resilient and adaptable to a new environment. We buried our turmoil, fears and anxieties somewhere deep within our beings and just got on with it.

While taking report from the attending doctor, I was also examining my patient. My heart had started to pound faster and I thought people around me could hear it! The doctor

was very nervous and telling me to put the patient on the dialysis machine ASAP. I was very near the patient and could see that he was not doing well at all. His breathing was very laboured, his heart rate was very fast, and despite having oxygen, the oxygen saturation in his body was quite low.

Suddenly his hand snaked over the gurney and he got hold of my arm. I was terrified and stood almost motionless. All the fears of what could have become of us flashed before my eyes. All the childhood memories and nightmares of what could have been. All my mind was saying to me was: Vasanti compose yourself!

He is an old man who cannot harm you and needs your help now.

In his feeble voice he said to me while holding my arm “Please help me … I’m very sick”.

In the ER, he was told that once the extra fluid was removed from him via hemodialysis, he would start feeling better. So, seeing me at his side, he must have thought I was the one who was going to cure him miraculously. At that moment I got the courage to put my other hand over his and was able to reassure him. I told him: “Sir, you are in good hands, and we will do our best to help you get better.”

I had attached him to our monitors and could see that he needed to be stabilized before I started his treatment, so I called an ICU consultant. He was from Canada too. It took him no more then a couple of minutes to arrive at my unit. He examined the patient and said: “let’s take the patient to ICU and you can treat him there after we have stabilized him.”

He was glad that I had reached out to him for help as he knew that I could not possibly treat this patient by myself in my unit—Idi Amin was very unstable physically and anything could have happened to him during dialysis. The Consultant informed the ER doctor that the patient would

be dialyzed once he was stabilized in ICU. We proceeded to wheel him to ICU. The doctor from ER was visibly relieved and happily walked away from us—it was our responsibility now.

As we wheeled him in one of the large ICU rooms, I was left alone in the room with him for a few minutes before the ICU staff came in to stabilize him. He kept on looking at me, as if pleading for his life. He was holding on to the words he had heard in ER that we will dialyze him and remove the extra fluids pressing on his lungs and that will help him breathe easier.

I only had a few minutes to tell him what I needed him to know and understand before he was intubated and attached to machines to help him breathe and perhaps put him in an induced coma until he was stabilized. I was virtually shaking, but I picked up enough courage to speak to him. This was the only chance I had to be able to speak to him one on one.

I looked straight at him, into those frightened eyes, and told him very clearly: “Look at me. I am one of those Ugandan Asians you had thrown out of the country all those years ago.”

His eyes widened. I could see his facial demeanour change as the fog of yesteryear started to clear in his head. The fear I saw in those eyes, I will never ever forget.

That look he had is etched in my mind forever. It only took a split second but, at that moment, all my childhood nightmares about this man just evaporated and I had the power back.

He was a pathetic sick old man fighting for his life and now he was trying to process that the person who was supposed to help make him better is someone he had wronged all those years ago in Uganda.

I held his gaze, sighed, and very clearly told him: “Don’t be afraid.

I won’t harm you. I’ll help you get better. But I want you to know that my father lived in the UK for many years. It was never his home and he never forgave you. Despite having wronged so many of us by evicting us and stealing everything from us, most of us Ugandan Asians are doing very well.”

Soon after, his care was taken over by ICU staff, he was stabilized and I was able to give him dialysis. His hemodynamics improved remarkably but in the following days he developed what is known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Most of the skin from his body was peeling away, exposing the underlying tissues, veins and parts of muscle. I saw the peeling of his skin from his legs; it came of his legs the same way socks come off our feet. It was obviously excruciatingly painful.

Even in his comatose state, despite being given intravenous pain medications, we could see his body twitching and writhing in pain.

Idi Amin died a very painful death on August 16, 2003. I can only imagine the pain and suffering he endured during those two arduous months. I would not want to wish such a painful death on even my worst enemy.

From what I had witnessed, Idi Amin had paid his dues in full in this life. In his last coherent thoughts, he likely had the face of this Ugandan Asian etched on his mind!

I believe that karma always catches up to you. Whatever goes around, comes around. (New English Review) Vasanti Makwana was born Uganda, East Africa to an Indian family. Blessed with an early education in British schools in Uganda, she relocated to the UK during her teens, and again to Canada in her twenties, where she now resides with her family in Montreal

FEATURE

17

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS Preventing hair loss

out hairs during brushing, for example.

termined that Vitamins A, B, C and D; iron, selenium and zinc are all important to the hair growth and retention processes, specifically with cell turnover.

Other methods

19. Essential oils

5. Vitamin D

One 2018 study noted that Vitamin D is associated with non-scarring hair loss. Treating deficiencies may help with regrowth.

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

6. Biotin

T

here are many things that can be done to slow or stop hair loss. This, however, is dependent on the actual cause of the hair loss. Some situations, like hair loss after pregnancy, may resolve on their own, but when hair loss is persistent, it can be challenging and even require medical intervention. Some common hair loss causes that require treatment include thyroid issues, stress, scalp infections, androgenic alopecia, or simply aging.

Diet

1. Mediterranean diet

A 2018 study revealed that a diet containing raw vegetables and fresh herbs, like the Mediterranean diet, may reduce the risk of female pattern baldness or male pattern baldness, or slow the onset of either. Best results were observed when participants consumed high amounts of foods such as parsley, basil and salad greens more than three days a week.

2. Protein

Hair follicles are made mostly of protein, called keratin. One 2017 study of 100 people with hair loss noted several nutritional deficiencies in participants, including amino acids that serve as the building blocks of protein. While researchers note that more studies are needed, eating a diet rich in protein may help prevent hair loss. Healthy choices include foods like eggs, nuts, beans and peas, fish, low-fat dairy products, chicken, and turkey.

3. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is composed in part of retinoid, which has been shown to increase the rate of hair growth.

This vitamin may also help with sebum production, keeping the scalp healthier and able to retain more hairs. Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, sweet peppers and spinach, just to name a few.

Supplements

4. Multivitamins

Researchers have

de-

Biotin — Vitamin H or B7 — is involved in fatty acid synthesis in the body.

This process is essential to the hair life cycle, and you may experience hair loss if you have a deficiency.

7. Saw palmetto

Derived from the fruit of American dwarf pine trees, this herb may help men maintain levels of testosterone. One 2004 journal article revealed that some 60 percent of participants taking saw palmetto experienced improved hair growth. The dosage in the study was 200 milligrams daily.

8. Ginseng

Ginseng contains certain phytochemicals that may promote hair growth on the scalp. Further study is needed to recommend specific dosages.

Hair care

9. Regular washing

Washing hair daily may protect against hair loss by keeping the scalp healthy and clean. The key is to use a mild shampoo. Harsher formulas may dry hair and cause it to break, leading to hair loss.

10. Coconut oil

According to a 2018 review of studies, researchers believe that coconut oil may help prevent hair damage from grooming and

ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Lauric acid found in coconut oil helps bind protein in hair, protecting it from breakage at the root and strand. Massaging coconut oil into the scalp may promote better blood flow and help with regrowth.

11. Olive oil

Olive oil can be used to deep condition hair, protecting it from dryness and associated breakage. Olive oil is also a central ingredient to the Mediterranean diet, which may help slow genetic hair loss. Consider applying a couple tablespoons of olive oil directly to the hair, and letting it sit for 30 minutes before washing it out.

12. Gentle styling

Skip tight braids or ponytails that may pull on hair at the root and potentially lead to excessive shedding. Let the hair air dry to avoid irritating the scalp. Heat stylers, like curling or straightening irons, may also damage or break the hair shaft.

13. Hair processing

Chemical treatments like perms or hair colour may also damage hair and scalp. Ask the stylist about alternatives, like organic hair dyes and others that

don’t contain ammonia, peroxide, or para-phenylenediamine (PPD).

Medical treatments 14. Laser therapy

Low-level lasers may help improve hair density for people with genetic hair loss and loss due to chemotherapy. This option is also called red light therapy, and it may work by stimulating epidermal stem cells.

15. Platelet-rich plasma

Injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp helps stimulate growth in areas already impacted by hair loss. Blood is run through a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and then injected into the scalp.

In one 2017 study, 11 participants saw 30 percent more growth in thinning areas after four sessions.

Medications

16. Minoxidil

Otherwise known as Rogaine, this over-the-counter (OTC) drug is known to work for around twothirds of women who try it.

Apply the liquid or foam to the scalp each day. Side effects include scalp irritation and acne at the site of application.

Rarer side effects include irregular heartbeat and blurred vision.

17. Finasteride

Otherwise known as Propecia, this prescription pill may help slow hair loss, and even promote new growth. It is approved for men, and works better for men under the age of 60.

18. Phenylephrine

Topical phenylephrine may help with hair loss due to styling by stimulating the follicle muscles to contract.

This makes it harder to pull

Essential oils may help reduce hair loss. A 1998 study divided 86 people with alopecia areata into two groups, one of which mixed cedar wood oil with lavender and rosemary oil and applied same into their scalps.

After seven months, 43 percent of that group showed improvement in their condition. Other essential oils to consider include lemongrass and peppermint. Try mixing a couple drops of any or all of these oils with a couple tablespoons of carrier oil like jojoba or grape seed, and apply to the scalp for 10 minutes before washing.

20. Onion juice

People with alopecia areata may see regrowth after applying crude onion juice to their scalps twice a day.

While research on this treatment is limited, the juice did appear to promote growth in nearly 87 percent of participants in a small 2014 study.

21. Massage

One small 2016 study showed participants seeing results with as little as four minutes of massage a day over the course of 24 weeks.

22. Yoga

Hair loss caused by stress may respond well to yoga.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Regional

Nicaragua: Daniel Ortega seeks Safe zones start 4th term in controversial polls today in Barbados

V

oting was under way in Nicaragua on Sunday as President Daniel Ortega sought a fourth consecutive term in elections that have been widely condemned by rights groups and international observers.

Ortega, whose Sandinista Front party and allies control the Congress and Government institutions, faced a field of little-known candidates in the presidential race on Sunday, while Opposition figures who represented the most significant challenge to the former revolutionary leader’s rule remain in prison.

The election would determine who holds the presidency for the next five years, as well as 90 of the 92 seats in the country’s congress and Nicaragua’s representation in the Central American Parliament.

The Opposition had called on Nicaraguans to stay home in protest of what they say is a tainted electoral process. Ortega, meanwhile, has seized on international criticism to further foment nationalist sentiment.

As a young revolutionary, Ortega helped to overthrow the anti-communist strongman Anastasio Somoza in 1979. He first served as President from 1985 to 1990,

T

Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega ran for a fourth consecutive term on Sunday, in elections that follow crackdowns on Opposition candidates [File: Alfredo Zuniga/AP Photo]

before returning to power in 2007.

But critics say Ortega’s rule has come to resemble the Government he resisted.

That was particularly on display amid anti-Government protests in 2018, which saw a violent crackdown by security forces and pro-Government armed groups. More than 300 people were killed during the unrest, with Ortega decrying the demonstrators as “terrorists”.

Ortega recently declared his wife, First Lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo, “co-president”.

In June, Police arrested seven potential presidential challengers on what rights

groups call trumped-up charges including undermining “national integrity”, working with foreign Governments and money laundering. They remained in detention on election day. Some two dozen other Opposition leaders were also detained ahead of the elections.

With little doubt as to the presidential election result, the focus is already turning to what the international response will be as Ortega seeks to tighten his grip on power.

The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions against those in Ortega’s inner circle, but Ortega responded only by arresting more of his opponents.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

PM Rowley: Trinidad and Tobago holding on to hydrocarbon market

T

rinidad and Tobago intends to hold on to producing natural gas for as long as it takes and will join with other oil-producing countries to fight against the demonisation of hydrocarbon products, according to the Prime Minister.

Dr Rowley was speaking at the Piarco International Airport on Saturday after his return from the United Kingdom and Scotland where he led this country’s delegation to the COP26 summit and top-level meeting with major energy multinationals.

He said it was in this country’s interest to “carry

the conversation that gas is, in fact, clean energy”.

The world’s requirement for energy remains and it will take quite some time for energy to come from wind, water and solar energy, he said.

Dr Rowley said he was anxious to hear the decisions coming out of the climate change meeting as often the smaller countries have the bigger burden to bear.

He said the country, which had been dealing with COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years now, has to move faster in dealing with climate issues.

The Prime Minister said

the “future of the country is at stake” and it was incumbent in forging partnerships to survive.

“We are in the business of hydrocarbons and will remain there as long as there is a market in the world,” he said, noting that bigger countries such as the United States, Australia and China have not the position to get out of producing hydrocarbons.

He said the spotlight will be on T&T, which has been deemed to be one the largest polluters on a per capita basis and therefore “we have our work cut out for us.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Jamaica surpasses 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines – Health Ministry

J

amaica on Sunday, November 7, surpassed the one-million mark in doses of the COVID-19 vaccines administered.

According to the Health and Wellness Ministry, the country has distributed a total of 1,000,455 doses of the COVID 19 vaccines. Of this number 553,341 were first doses; 391,782 second doses, and 55,333 of the single-dose vaccine.

The Ministry said that this achievement, which was previously announced as a November timeline, comes

as the country continues its vaccination programme with blitz operations at several sites across the island on Saturday and Sunday.

“I would like to salute our public health team for their dedication and continued efforts in taking vaccination to the population through fixed sites, blitz and community outreach. I also want to thank our partners in the Private Sector who have contributed to this effort,” said Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton.

Jamaica is currently ad-

ministering three vaccines to the population – AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, all of which have been approved by the World Health Organisation.

“Although we still have some way to go to vaccinate our population, I hope this milestone will encourage Jamaicans not yet vaccinated to come on board. Vaccination saves lives and is the most effective response to COVID to restore normality to our lives,” Tufton added. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

he Government of Barbados has given the green light to the creation of safe zones.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley hinted they could be on the cards for frontline and healthcare workers back in October during a national address, and they were announced in the Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Safe Zones) Directive), 2021, issued on November 6.

Safe zones will go into effect on November 8 and will apply to “any area, business or establishment” “to which only persons who

comply with the provisions of the Directive may go or may transact business.”

Any employee who makes a false declaration – either about the COVID-19 test result or vaccination status – on summary conviction, could face as much as one year imprisonment in addition to fines as high as Bds$50,000.

The areas in the Directive include: health service institutions; nursing homes, private hospitals and senior citizens homes; dental offices (registered); doctors’ offices (registered); paramedical

professionals (registered); all COVID-19 testing sites; quarantine and isolation facilities designated by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO); and all other Non-Governmental Organisations that provide health services.

The owner or operator of the establishments listed above “shall ensure that there is prominently displayed at the entrance to the institution, a notice issued by the Chief Medical Officer indicating that the institution is a safe zone,” the directive said. (Excerpt from Nation News)

Spurred by reopening, more migrants head for US-Mexico border

E

mboldened by news that the United States and Mexico will reopen shared land-border crossings, hundreds of migrants have arrived at Mexican border cities like Tijuana, hoping the reset will make it easier to cross and seek US asylum.

Starting today, the nearly 3200-kilometre (2000mile) border will be open again to non-essential travel after a 20-month closure aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. Both countries have succeeded in lowering new infections and vaccinating border communities.

Another drive to enter the United States could increase pressure on Washington to tighten the border after a jump in migrants this year from troubled areas of Central America and the Caribbean tested President Joe Biden.

“I’m going to try. We want to get across the border. I can’t be in Mexico anymore. There’s a lot of vio-

Migrants travel in a caravan heading to Mexico City, in Arriaga near the border with Oaxaca state, Mexico, November 7, 2021

lence here,” said Andrea Morales, a Guatemalan who has been living in a makeshift camp for a month next to Tijuana’s El Chaparral border crossing.

“Four days ago, the Government took away our lights and fenced us in like animals. I put my faith in God so I can cross and give my kids a better life,” Morales said as she stood nursing her baby amid doz-

ens of tents.

Local authorities angered migrants last week when they threw away tents and other belongings that had been left in the camp they have occupied since February.

Migrant advocates say many people have been misled about what the border restart means for their asylum prospects. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Experts say high prevalence of NCDs in the Caribbean exacerbating pandemic’s impact

A

uthorities and experts attending a virtual seminar on NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and sustainable development in the Caribbean have warned that the high prevalence of the diseases – such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer – is exacerbating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and hindering the Region’s progress towards achieving sustainable development due to their multiple health, economic and social consequences.

The United Nations’ Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) said the warning comes from authorities, representatives of international organisa-

tions and specialists participating in the seminar organised by ECLAC, ahead of the 20th meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC) that was held on Friday.

The seminar on NCDs and their impact on sustainable development in the Caribbean was inaugurated by ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, Alicia Bárcena and St Vincent and the Grenadines Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology, Camillo Gonsalves.

The moderator was Diane Quarless, director of ECLAC’s subregional headquarters for the Caribbean in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

and Tobago.

“Not only does the COVID-19 pandemic continue to rage in the Caribbean, it is one of the subregions of the world with the highest prevalence of NonCommunicable Diseases,” Bárcena said.

She referred to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that shows that NCDs are the main cause of death in the subregion’s countries, ranging from 57 per cent in Haiti to 83 per cent in Barbados.

In each Caribbean country, Bárcena said more than half of all deaths annually can be attributed to NCDs, “which also contribute significantly to disability”.

(Excerpt from CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

19

Around the World

PM decries “cowardly” attack on OILNEWS OIL NEWS Iraqi his home by drones carrying explosives China's crude oil imports in Oct fall to lowest in 3 years

C

hina's crude oil imports plunged in October to the lowest since September 2018, as large state-owned refiners withheld purchases because of rising prices while independent refiners were restrained by limited quotas to import.

The world's biggest crude oil importer brought in 37.8 million tonnes last month, data from the General Administration of Customs showed on Sunday, equivalent to 8.9 million barrels per day (bpd).

That is down from 9.99 million bpd in September and 10.02 million bpd in the same period last year.

Over the January-October period, crude arrivals totalled 425.06 million tonnes, or 10.21 million bpd, down 7.2 per cent year-on-year, the customs data showed.

Crude imports were down on a monthly basis for a second month and the decline has occurred amid a 62 per cent jump in crude oil prices this year as economies open globally from COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, spurring fuel demand.

Beijing's crackdown on illicit trading in crude oil quotas and import allowances for independent oil refiners also weighed on purchases.

Customs data on Sunday also showed China's refined oil product exports for October fell 31.8 per cent on-year to 3.95 million tonnes.

Natural gas imports, including piped and liquefied natural gas (LNG), were 9.38 million tonnes in October, up 24.6 per cent from a year earlier.

Oil imports may be set to rise in November as refiners have vowed to address a shortfall in diesel and gasoline supplies that has pushed fuel prices higher.

Additionally, Beijing has issued 14.89 million tonnes of crude oil import quotas for independent refiners for the remaining period of 2021, and China's Zhejiang Petrochemical Corp (ZPC), operator of China's single largest refinery, has separately received a quota of 12 million tonnes. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Italian Mafia: 'Ndrangheta members convicted as Italy begins huge trial

A

n Italian court has sentenced 70 members of the powerful mafia group, the 'Ndrangheta, in the first stage of the biggest mafia trial in decades.

Defendants faced charges including attempted murder and extortion.

Over the next two years, 355 alleged mobsters and corrupt officials will face court for their involvement with Italy's richest and most powerful organised crime group.

Hundreds of lawyers and nearly a thousand witnesses are involved.

Those accused had opted for a speedy trial which allowed them to have their sentences reduced by a third if found guilty. Judges handed six of those convicted the maximum 20-year sentence that prosecutors had asked for.

Another 21 defendants were acquitted.

The 'Ndrangheta is a sprawling criminal network consisting of some 150 families. This trial is targeting just one of those: The Mancuso family.

The lengthy charge sheet

includes an array of drugs charges, murder, attempted murder, extortion, loan sharking, disclosure of official secrets and abuse of office.

Alleged boss Luigi Mancuso, 67, who goes by the nickname "the Uncle", and ex-senator Giancarlo Pittelli, 68, who prosecutors have alleged was his white-collar fixer, will face longer court trials at a later date.

Leading the case is Nicola Gratteri, one of Italy's most respected anti-mafia chief prosecutors. He has spent decades tackling the Italian crime gangs and as a consequence has lived under police protection for more than 30 years.

The 'Ndrangheta rose to prominence after the maxi trials of the late 1980s, which significantly weakened Sicily's Cosa Nostra mafia families.

The 'Ndrangheta is involved in a wide range of illegal activities, but it specialises in cocaine trafficking and is believed to control about 80 per cent of Europe's trade.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

I

raqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi escaped unharmed from an armed drone assassination attempt in Baghdad, officials said on Sunday, in an incident that raised tension in Iraq weeks after a general election disputed by Iran-backed militia groups.

Kadhimi appeared in a video footage published by his office on Sunday chairing a meeting with top security commanders to discuss the drone attack.

"The cowardly terrorist attack that targeted the home of the Prime Minister last night with the aim of assassinating him, is a serious targeting of the Iraqi state by criminal armed groups," his office said in a statement after the meeting.

Six of Kadhimi's guards

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi meets with Iraqi security leaders after a drone attack on the PM's residence in Baghdad, Iraq, November 7, 2021

outside his residence in the fortified Green Zone were wounded, security sources told Reuters.

Three drones were used in the attack, including two that were downed by securi-

ty forces while a third drone hit the residence, state news agency INA quoted an Interior Ministry spokesperson as saying.

A spokesperson for the armed forces commander

in chief said that after the attack the security situation was stable in the Green Zone, which houses the residence, government buildings and foreign embassies.

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

The attack came two days after clashes in Baghdad between government forces and supporters of Iranbacked political parties that lost dozens of parliamentary seats after an Oct 10 general election. Most of the parties have armed wings.

Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, whose party was the biggest winner in last month's election, called the attack a terrorist act against Iraq's stability that aimed to "return Iraq to a state of chaos to be controlled by non-state forces".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US to reopen borders Ethiopia’s Abiy urges “sacrifices” as to vaccinated travellers US orders staff out after 20 months

PM Abiy: “We have seen the tests and obstacles and it made us stronger”

P

rime Minister Abiy Ahmed has told Ethiopians they must be ready to make “sacrifices” to save the country from rebel forces, as the United States ordered non-emergency government employees to leave Ethiopia The yearlong fighting between federal government troops and Tigrayan rebels, who are threatening to march on the capital, Addis Ababa, has intensified in recent days.

“There are sacrifices to be made, but those sacrifices will salvage Ethiopia,” Abiy said on Twitter on Saturday.

“We have seen the tests and obstacles and it made us stronger,” he continued, adding: “We have more allies than the people who turned their backs on us.”

Abiy’s comments came a day after nine groups said they would join forces in an alliance built around the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with the aim of removing Abiy’s government by force or negotia-

tions.

The government has dismissed the coalition formation as a “publicity stunt” and said most of the groups involved do not have any traction.

“For us, Ethiopians, dying for our sovereignty, unity and identity, is an honour. There is no Ethiopianism without sacrifice,” the government’s communication service said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Addis Ababa ordered the departure of its non-essential diplomats on Saturday, a day after advising all US citizens to leave Ethiopia “as soon as possible” – as have several other embassies, including those of Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Norway.

It came after the US special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman, was seemingly unable to strike a breakthrough in his bid to bring an end to the fighting during a visit this week to Addis Ababa.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

An influx of inbound travellers is expected as the ban is lifted

T

he US is reopening its borders on Monday to double-jabbed foreign visitors, ending a 20-month entry ban.

The ban was imposed by former President Donald Trump due to COVID-19.

It has affected non-US citizens from over 30 countries, including the UK and EU states, separating families and stalling tourism.

Airlines are expecting a flood of visitors as the restrictions are lifted for those who are fully vaccinated, and undergo testing and contact tracing.

In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, US borders were initially closed to travellers from China in early 2020. The restrictions were then extended to other countries.

The rules barred entry to most non-US citizens who had been in the UK and a

number of other European countries, as well as China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil.

Under the new rules, foreign travellers will need to show proof of vaccination before flying, get a negative COVID-19 test result within three days of travelling, and hand over their contact information. They will not have to quarantine.

The US land borders with neighbours Canada and Mexico will also reopen for the fully vaccinated.

Businesses in cities along the border with Mexico are hoping for a boost after struggling under the restrictions.

United Airlines says it expects a 50 per cent rise in international inbound passengers, while Delta's chief executive Ed Bastian warned travellers to expect queues. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Do what's asked of you and keep moving forward.

Making a fuss will work against you. Observe what others do and say, and monitor partnerships carefully.

Learn from experience.

Don't allow someone's uncertainty to stand in your way. Size up what you want to do, then follow through.

A change you make will be beneficial if you prepare properly. Romance is on the rise.

Tend to money matters quickly. Don't procrastinate or make things more complicated. Put an end to whatever is making your life miserable.

Listen to your heart and the facts.

Push for what you want.

It's OK to do things differently, so stand tall and be proud of who you are and what you want. Your grit and knowledge will impress someone who can be beneficial.

Take a step back to think before you act. Make sure what's important to you registers with others before you make changes that can upset anyone. Be mindful of others and seek out different perspectives.

Suggestions that include the people who influence your life most will help turn your intentions and plans into wonderful reality. You can live better; just give it some thought!

Keep an open mind but control your emotions. Baby steps will help you achieve your objective in an orderly fashion.

Pay attention to what's going on around you and strive for balance.

Confront challenges with optimism, and you'll find an original solution. Share your ideas and concerns with a loved one. Choose peace and love over divisiveness. Make everyone feel welcome and included.

A strict budget is encourSAGITTARIUS aged. Don't be too generous.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21) Stick to what you need and can afford. Offer hands-on help, not cash, when assisting others. Tact will be a must.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Show how you feel and pay close attention to the reactions you receive. Shake things up by trying a different approach when it comes to emotional matters. Use information wisely.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Ask questions, think about the answers and proceed with caution. Getting involved in a joint venture will be taxing. Don't complicate matters; start fresh if needed.

PISCES

Keep an open mind and a closed wallet. Choose to work alone and to do things your way. A change you make will give you a different perspective on how best to use your skills.

(Feb. 20March 20)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

21

T20 World Cup: New Zealand beat Afghanistan to reach semi-finals

– India knocked out

N

ew Zealand clinically beat Afghanistan by eight wickets to secure a place in the semifinals of the Men's T20 World Cup and eliminate pretournament favourites India.

The Black Caps join Pakistan in progressing from Group 2 and will likely meet England in the last four. They were exceptional in the field, holding Afghanistan, who needed a win to maintain their own slim hopes, to 1248.

Najibullah Zadran hit 73 from 48 balls, but Trent Boult took 3-17 and the New Zealand fielders held onto three superb catches.

Although Daryl Mitchell fell for 17 and Martin Guptill 28, Captain Kane Williamson hit a typically calm 40 not out as his side eased to victory with 11 balls to spare.

The win puts New Zealand top of the group table, but unbeaten Pakistan would retake the position with victory over Scotland in their final group game,

which begins at 14:00 GMT in Sharjah. India, who required an Afghanistan victory to stay in contention after defeats in their opening two games, are eliminated before their final match against Namibia today.

There may have been a sparse crowd in Abu Dhabi, but there were millions – possibly more than a billion – of interested followers around the world, given this match effectively decided the fate of three nations in this tournament. India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin tweeted his support for Afghanistan before the game, but sadly for Indian and Afghan hopes, New Zealand are probably the most professional outfit in world cricket.

Their trusty seamers – Boult, Tim Southee and Adam Milne – reduced Afghanistan to 19-3 and any hopes of an upset were already fading inside six overs. New Zealand's fielding was brilliant. Wicketkeeper

SCOREBOARD

Devon Conway took a leaping catch to dismiss Mohammad Shahzad, Jimmy Neesham's tumbling grab at long-off ended Zadran's innings and Williamson clung onto a ball dropping over his shoulder after running back from extra cover to see off Rashid Khan.

There was also a spectacular diving boundary save from Mitchell which denied Rashid a six on the mid-wicket boundary. New Zealand took a measured approach to the chase, but, after playing himself in, Conway swept two fours in the 14th over to alleviate any pressure.

He ended 36 not out alongside Williamson, the pair sharing an unbeaten stand of 68, although Conway should have been caught behind early on when Afghanistan did not appeal for what replays showed to be a thin edge. Conway calmly knocked the winning runs at the start of the penultimate over for a win that sets up a repeat of the 2019 50-over World Cup final.

It will also begin an inquest in India – this the first time the nation has failed to reach the semi-finals of a men's 50 or 20-over World Cup since 2012. (BBC Sport)

Afghanistan Innings Hazratullah Zazai c Santner b Boult 2 Mohammad Shahzad †c †Conway b Milne 4 Rahmanullah Gurbaz lbw b Southee 6 Gulbadin Naib b Sodhi 15 Najibullah Zadran c Neesham b Boult 73 Mohammad Nabi (c)c & b Southee 14 Karim Janat c Sodhi b Boult 2 Rashid Khan c Williamson b Neesham 3 Mujeeb Ur Rahman not out 0 Extras(b 1, lb 1, w 3) 5 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.20) 124/8 Did not bat: Naveen-ulHaq, Hamid Hassan Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Mohammad Shahzad, 2.2 ov), 2-12 (Hazratullah Zazai, 3.1 ov), 3-19 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 5.1 ov), 4-56 (Gulbadin Naib, 9.6 ov), 5-115 (Mohammad Nabi, 17.6 ov), 6-119 (Najibullah Zadran, 18.2 ov), 7-121 (Karim Janat, 18.4 ov), 8-124 (Rashid Khan, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W

Tim Southee Trent Boult Adam Milne James Neesham Mitchell Santner Ish Sodhi

4-0-24-2 4-0-17-3 4-0-17-1 4-0-24-1 2-0-27-0 2-0-13-1

NEW ZEALAND INNINGS (TARGET: 125 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Martin Guptill b Rashid Khan 28 Daryl Mitchell c †Mohammad Shahzad b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 17 Kane Williamson (c) not out 40 Devon Conway † not out 36 Extras(lb 2, w 2) 4 TOTAL (18.1 Ov, RR: 6.88) 125/2 Did not bat: Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Daryl Mitchell, 3.1 ov), 2-57 (Martin Guptill, 8.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammad Nabi 4-0-26-0 Mujeeb Ur Rahman 4-0-31-1 Naveen-ul-Haq 2-0-16-0 Hamid Hassan 3-0-14-0 Rashid Khan 4-0-27-1 Gulbadin Naib 1.1-0-9-0

T20 World Cup: Dominant Pakistan end group stage with all-win record

L

ike he has done all through the tournament, Babar Azam set anchor and scored his fourth half-century of the competition while other batters rallied around him to lift Pakistan to their fifth win of the competition. Previously it was Mohammad Rizwan or Asif Ali who brought out the fireworks while Babar held up one end, but, on this occasion, it was their two most experienced batters who entertained the Sharjah crowd.

Shoaib Malik, who made his international debut in 1999, smacked an unbeaten 54 in 18 balls. Mohammad Hafeez, who made his international debut in 2003, shellacked 31 in 19. And after their hitting lifted Pakistan to 189, another top bowling effort saw them defeat Scotland rather comfortably by 72 runs and seal a semi-final date with Australia after becoming the only team with a 100 per cent win record in the group stage of the competition.

Babar makes it a habit It doesn't matter if the scoring is tough. Lesser mortals like Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman might struggle on a two-paced surface, but if you're Babar, you will find a way to score runs.

Although the strike-rate wasn't high, he picked his boundary balls smartly. Wide balls were smacked square through the off side, tossed-up deliveries from slower bowlers were met with a skip down the track, and half-trackers were walloped off the back foot. That ensured Pakistan kept ticking along even though Rizwan and Fakhar

Scotland an improbable 190 to win.

Babar Azam's Pakistan remained a dominant force

combined to score just 21 runs in 30 balls.

After reaching his fifty in 40 balls, Babar smacked two sixes off the spinners Hamza Tahir and Mark Watt to show the first signs of Pakistan changing gears to make up for a slow start.

Eventually, he fell in the 18th over, but by then his strike-rate had bloomed to over 140 when he fell for 66.

Age just a number for Malik, Hafeez At 60 for 2 after 10 overs, Pakistan were definitely in an uncomfortable position. But Hafeez has begun to make his cameos a habit. Against Namibia, it was his 16-ball 32 that brought life into their innings, and on Sunday, it was his 19-ball 31 that not only boosted the run rate, but also gave Babar a bit more freedom to play his shots.

Hafeez set the tone for his innings with a straight drive off Tahir before smacking parttimer Richie Berrington over extra cover. Then he tore into the pace of Safyaan Sharif, hitting him for a six and two fours in the space of four balls.

And although Sharif dismissed Hafeez at the end of the 15th over, the wickets still in the hut meant Pakistan would only operate in top gear from there.

And that was the case with Malik's innings. Watt bore the initial brunt of Malik's aggression with two sixes in one over. Sharif was then dispatched over deep midwicket and long on with ease. Before the last over, Malik's numbers were already impressive having made 32 in 14 balls. But there was still some fuel left in the tank.

For the 20th over, Scotland decided legspinner Chris Greaves – who had an economy of 5.67 after three overs – should finish the innings, and for Malik that was easy pickings. After Asif eked out three runs off the first two balls, Malik feasted on Greaves. First ball to Malik was pulled over the leg side, second ball was pulled for four through square leg, third ball was tonked over long on and the fourth ball was pulled in front of square. Malik helped Pakistan score 26 off the last over to not only reach the joint-fastest fifty (in 18 balls) of the competition, but also set

Too much for Scotland to do With those many runs to defend, Pakistan had the luxury of attacking with the new ball.

They conceded 19 off the first three overs, but there were enough oohs and aahs from the infielders as the Scotland openers struggled with their timing. Tidy overs from Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali to close out the powerplay meant that Scotland were scoring at only four per over after six overs.

Hasan got the first Scotland wicket in the final powerplay over. Kyle Coetzer, struggling on 9, failed to pick his slower ball to hole out. The second Scottish wicket was a run of bad luck as Matthew Cross was caught napping at the nonstriker's end off a faint Wasim touch after George Munsey hit a straight smack. Two more fell in quick succession as Shadab Khan removed two batters just after the drinks break with two googlies. At 41 for 4 after 10.3 overs, the game was only going one way.

But Berrington did not want to wave the white flag just yet.

Scotland's only half-centurion in the tournament thus far added a second one to his tally by making an unbeaten 54. Hasan was struck over cover and midwicket, Shaheen's delivery found the boundary too, Haris was swept smartly through backward square and Hasan was then smoked over long on. Berrington's half-century came in 34 balls, but he was the

only Scotland batter who could dictate the bowling. Otherwise, none of the other Scotland batters had a strike-rate of more than 100, and although they were not all out, they were well and truly beaten against a side growing in stature by leaps and bounds with the World Cup trophy now in their sights.

Record-setting day for Babar, Rizwan Although Rizwan made 13, it was enough for him to

become the man with the most T20 runs in a calendar year. He went past Chris Gayle's 2015 tally of 1665 runs.

As for Babar, the records keep tumbling. His fifty took him to the summit for most fifties in a single T20 World Cup, tied first with Virat Kohli (in 2014) and Matthew Hayden, the Pakistan Batting Coach (in 2007). It was also his 19th T20 fifty in 2021, taking him past Kohli's record of 18 fifties in 2016. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN INNINGS Mohammad Rizwan †c †Cross b Hamza Tahir 15 Babar Azam (c)c Munsey b Greaves 66 Fakhar Zaman c Leask b Greaves 8 Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Sharif 31 Shoaib Malik not out 54 Asif Ali not out 5 Extras (lb 3, w 7) 10 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.44) 189/4 Did not bat: Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Mohammad Rizwan, 6.1 ov), 2-59 (Fakhar Zaman, 9.4 ov), 3-112 (Mohammad Hafeez, 14.6 ov), 4-142 (Babar Azam, 17.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Hamza Tahir 4-0-24-1 Brad Wheal 2-0-20-0 Safyaan Sharif 4-0-41-1 Mark Watt 4-0-41-0 Richie Berrington 2-0-17-0 Chris Greaves 4-0-43-2

SCOTLAND INNINGS (TARGET: 190 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) George Munsey c Haris Rauf b Shadab Khan 17 Kyle Coetzer (c)b Hasan Ali 9 Matthew Cross †run out (Imad Wasim) 5 Richie Berrington not out 54 Dylan Budge b Shadab Khan 0 Michael Leask b Shaheen Shah Afridi 14 Chris Greaves b Haris Rauf 4 Mark Watt not out 2 Extras(b 1, lb 1, nb 3, w 7) 12 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 5.85) 117/6 Did not bat: Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal, Hamza Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Kyle Coetzer, 5.3 ov), 2-36 (Matthew Cross, 7.6 ov), 3-41 (George Munsey, 10.1 ov), 4-41 (Dylan Budge, 10.3 ov), 5-87 (Michael Leask, 15.4 ov), 6-114 (Chris Greaves, 19.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-0-24-1 Imad Wasim 4-0-17-0 Haris Rauf 4-0-27-1 Hasan Ali 4-1-33-1 Shadab Khan 4-0-14-2

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he biggest of the mega golf tournaments for the entire 2021 was held at the Lusignan Golf Club in the form of the GTT Guyana Open on October 30-31, 2021.

Emerging as tournament winners were Aavinda Kishore and Shanella London.

GTT’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, has declared that investing in the tournament proved to be a big win for the telecommunications giant.

In his remarks made at the closure of the tournament, Ferguson said, “Obviously, the Open is the biggest in Guyana, and the Lusignan Golf Club is the home of golf in Guyana. So, once we decided that we are going to be investing in golf, there was only one

LGC Executive Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud

this was actually a no-brainer for us, and we really enjoy the sport of golf, and we think it has a lot of lessons for the public as well as our customers, and we think that investing in golf and putting our name to this tournament was actually

President Patanjilee LGC President Patanjilee Persaud Persaud, who noted that the results of the Ghana, Zimbabwe, Canada, tournament are welcome, and USA, Colombia, Kenya and a it was a challenge right into plethora of others, including the end. He relayed to this Guyana. publication that the tournaLGC Executive Pandit ment was very competitive, Rabindranauth Persaud confidently declared that the club had observed all COVID-19 guidelines set out by the National Task Force, because

GTT’s COO for Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson

the LGC embraces the guidelines. “Apart from the guidelines, golfing is more of an open-air sport, and people will come here as they know their risk is lower. We have had quite a lot of tournaments

from the ending of June coming down, and as the vaccinations started to get in, people started to come out more. So, while we were affected a little, we are improving a lot,” he said.

Women's ODI: Pakistan, West Indies lock horns today

option for us, which is to be with the Open and to be with the Lusignan Golf Club. So,

a big win for GTT.” Also making remarks after the tournament was LGC

and that the club was ecstatic at the diverse representation of players, such as those from

West Ham stun Liverpool to go 3rd

P

West Indies and Pakistan are set to play three ODIs

This was West Ham's first win against Liverpool since doing the league double over them in 20152016

W

est Ham stunned Liverpool as they secured a huge victory that moved them above their opponents into third in the Premier League and dented the Reds' title hopes.

Liverpool went into this game looking to set a new club record of 26 league games unbeaten, as well as get a win that would move them up to second and within a point of leaders Chelsea.

But they fell behind early on when Alisson, under pressure from Angelo Ogbonna, flapped at Pablo Fornals' corner and succeeded only in helping the ball into his own goal. Both sides were then fortunate not to be reduced to 10 men in a scrappy first half, with

Aaron Cresswell catching Jordan Henderson with a heavy challenge before Ogbonna was hit in the face by a stray Diogo Jota elbow that resulted in the West Ham defender having to be substituted.

But a moment of quality four minutes before halftime brought Liverpool level when Trent AlexanderArnold curled home a stunning strike after playing a short free-kick to Mohamed Salah. Craig Dawson hit the woodwork with a header from a corner for West Ham after the break before Lukasz Fabianski superbly kept out Sadio Mane's fierce volley from close range.

But West Ham regained the lead midway

through the second half when Fornals was slipped through on goal and Alisson was unable to keep out his low shot.

That goal led to the London Stadium exploding into deafening noise, which became even louder when Kurt Zouma headed in a corner minutes later. Divock Origi swept in a second on the turn to give Liverpool hope of rescuing something, but West Ham kept their nerve to take the three points.

The Hammers are third, level on 23 points with second-place Manchester City and three points behind leaders Chelsea. Liverpool, meanwhile, drop to fourth on 22 points. (BBC Sport)

akistan national women’s team will start the final phase of their preparations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier when they will take on the West Indies in the first of the three OneDay Internationals (ODIs) at the National Stadium, Karachi, today at 10:00h local time/13:00h (1:00am) Eastern Caribbean time.

Ahead of their departure on November 16 for Zimbabwe, where they will compete to win one of the three spots to secure qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup New Zealand 2022, these three fixtures will serve as an opportunity to both sides to get the desired match practice.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz will lead the national side in the first match after the team management decided to give Javeria Khan further time to gain match fitness.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have also announced the 12-member squad for the first ODI, which is Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sandhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, and Sidra Nawaz (Captain and wicketkeeper).

As per the guidelines issued by the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC), the seating capacity for the three matches will remain at 50 per cent. The stands will be open to the general public on Sunday, November 14, for the third ODI and entry will be granted on the display of original CNIC and NADRA-issued COVID-19 Immunisation Certificates.

For the ODIs on Monday and Thursday, colleges and schools have been extended invitations.

This series also marks the return of the national women’s team to the iconic National Stadium after 15

years. Pakistan last played there in January 2006 when Karachi hosted Women’s Asia Cup in which Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka played at Karachi Gymkhana and National Stadium.

Pakistan and West Indies have played twice at the National Stadium, in March 2004. The two women sides locked horns in a Test match. That match might have ended in a draw, but is remembered for opener Kiran Baluch’s stunning 242 and leg-spinner Shazia Khan’s match figures of 13 for 226 – which remain the highest Test score and best bowling figures in the women’s game to date. The solitary ODI that the two teams played in the same month ended in the tourists’ seven-wicket victory.

The two teams played a five-match ODI series during the national women’s team’s tour of Antigua in June-July that the hosts sealed with a 3-2 scoreline. (Daily Times)

23 Corlette's Review: A fall from grace for West Indies at T20 World Cup MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

By Brandon Corlette

getting smaller, made 25 runs and took three wickets. Pollard, who noted that he still intends to play international cricket, made 90 runs while the inform batsman Roston Chase scored only 48. Lendl Simmons, one of the senior statesmen in the team, made 19 runs in two matches he played, one innings was arguably the most painstaking T20I knock by a West Indian.

The champion Dwayne Bravo, who got his farewell after significant contributions

F

rom two-time T20 World Cup champions to shaping up to play a qualifying round for the 2022 T20 World Cup. Let that sink in for a moment. Without a doubt, the West Indies created a legacy in T20 cricket and produced some great players in the format.

Kudos to that, but now it's postmortem time.

After that performance of one win and four heavy defeats in the 2021 T20 World Cup, it is a total fall from grace.

Many would have questioned the inclusion and omission of certain players, myself included.

I posed a question to Captain Kieron Pollard, before the tournament, noting that form and performance should be the core for selecting players, (according to that selection policy that is now being

Journalist Brandon Corlette

That followed the infamous outburst, where Pollard noted that as a Journalist, I should support the team and not question selection. Who said I do not support the team?

As far as I remember, a journalist should be objective and ask the questions for the people who cannot ask. That

GOATS of the T20 game, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo

reviewed) and I was seeking clarity about Darren Bravo's selection to the reserves.

outburst followed a more significant one, when Chris Gayle

slammed Sir Curtly Ambrose, who simply said Gayle should not be an automatic pick in the starting XI. Gayle responded by saying he has no respect for the legendary Ambrose.

It would have been better if Gayle slammed a century in response to the legend, who, like other legends, has been critical of West Indies cricket, but entitled to his opinion.

How was that, in a nutshell, for the off-field performances?

On the field of play, Shimron Hetmyer scored 127 runs, the most by a West Indies player with a high score of 81. Then came Evin Lewis (105) and Nicholas Pooran with 103. The 'big boys' not only failed, but failed miserably. Gayle, who did not retire, scored 45 runs in all five matches, a performance that he described as "probably his worst".

Andre Russell, who described his World Cup campaign as a tough one and said his trust for humanity is

he ended with two wickets in four matches. Hayden Walsh, who showed poor form in the CPL, went wicket-less in the two matches he played.

How ugly did it look for the selectors when two reserves came in and made immediate impact?

Akeal Hosein, who was the find of the tournament, claimed five wickets in five matches at an economy rate of seven. Jason Holder also made an impact in the only match that West Indies won in this campaign. He

into the tournament, hence they were risky selections. All that talk about Oshane Thomas being the 'X' factor, and he did not play a game while Andre Fletcher watched all the matches from the sidelines as well.

Now that the 2021 T20 World Cup is done and dusted, the maroon men will have to examine themselves, rebuild and come strong again. The young talents are certainly capable, but they must be managed properly. A cure or a vaccine

West Indies won only one match in their title defence

to West Indies cricket, made 26 runs and took two wickets.

Senior pro Ravi Rampaul failed to replicate his CPL exploits, as

blazed 15, took a top catch, and claimed 1-22.

Obed McCoy and Fabian Allen suffered injuries heading

for the dot-ball disease must be implemented, and players must be consistent, humble, disciplined and dedicated.

Bravo picks Drakes, Shepherd CONCACAF Men's U-20 Championship Qualifiers... and Odean Smith to fill his shoes Guyana confident heading into US Virgin Islands clash today

Romario Shepherd

Odean Smith Dwayne Bravo

By Brandon Corlette

W

est Indies T20 legend Dwayne Bravo has picked Caribbean breakout stars Odean Smith, Dominic Drakes, and Romario Shepherd as potential players to fill his shoes in the West Indies T20 International team.

Bravo, who retired after West Indies' final game at the T20 World Cup against Australia on Saturday, also said Nyeem Young was one to watch.

"If you look at the recent Caribbean Premier League (CPL), there are some good talents coming through and I am excited about that. Guys like Odean Smith, Dominic Drakes, and Romario Shepherd, these

are good quality all-rounders, those are names to look out for.

These are young players, but with experience and guidance, I think they have the ability.

"It is just a matter of allowing them to be themselves and create their own legacy and own greatness, with guidance from myself, Pollard, Chris and the senior players, to make sure we keep these players hungry and learning while we passed on our information. Nyeem Young is another to look out for, so we are not lacking the talent, that's one thing for sure, especially in this format," Bravo said.

The 38-year-old player, who has won the most T20 championships around the globe, said he would continue plying his trade in franchise

Dominic Drakes

leagues, but he would take up coaching in the future.

"I will continue playing franchise cricket for a few more years as long as my body will allow me to," Bravo said after the game at Abu Dhabi.

"My aim was to retire a few years ago, but with a change of presidency (at CWI) and change of leadership comes a change of heart, and I wanted to give back to West Indies, because I was still in a good place physically and enjoy my cricket."

Bravo, who made his international debut in 2004, did not play for West Indies from October 2016 until the end of 2019, only returning in January 2020 when his good friend, Kieron Pollard, was installed as the new captain.

G

Team Guyana are confident heading into today's fixture

uyana and Cayman Islands played to a draw in their Group D contest that ended 0-0 in the 2022 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship Qualifiers on Saturday, Guyana playing the final 32 minutes with 10 men due to a red card for Yohance Douglas.

The stars on the day were the two goalkeepers in action, as Guyana’s Ronaldo Blair and his Cayman Islands counterpart Leandre Mckay each made a number of big saves to secure a point for

their side.

Sitting atop Group D at present are Nicaragua following their 7-0 triumph over US Virgin Islands.

Keylon Batiz (7’, 25’) and Jareck Caceres (27’, 80’) each had a brace, while Widman Talavera (33’), Manuel Gutierrez (36’) and Darwin Corrales (84’) chipped in with one each.

Group A and Group B return to the field of play on Sunday, with Dominica taking on Grenada and Curaçao meeting Sint Maarten in Group A, while in Group B

Belize will face Saint Lucia and host nation Dominican Republic will tangle with Saint Martin.

After the match, Guyana’s goalkeeper said: "Today was a hard-fought draw for the team. Everyone fight to the end, and we are looking to go forward with better tactics, and hopefully, we come out with victory in the next two games."

The Guyanese will be up against the US Virgin Islands next, in a game that starts at 16:00h today, Monday, November 8.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

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

Pg 23

CONCACAF Men's U-20 Championship Qualifiers...

Guyana confident heading into US Virgin Islands clash today GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

Pg 23