Guyana Times - Saturday April 24, 2021

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Over 100 households to receive potable water from rehabilitated well at Moblissa Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4627

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

President Ali challenges Private Sector to tap into new industries — says goal is to make Guyana economic powerhouse in region guyanatimesgy.com

Page 3

Govt approves $200M one-off payment for sugar workers

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

CC&PA to P12 launch special awareness campaigns to tackle child sex abuse in Region 1 — calls for increased collaboration with Police

See story on page 9

Queen’s College students top CSEC, CAPE 2020

Page 11

22 arrested in “Operation Safe Road” in P15 Berbice Traffic situation at DHB a major challenge – P15 Police 14 ExxonMobil staff test P16 positive for COVID-19

Bhedesh Persaud, 22 Grade Ones, 1 Grade Two (Queen’s College)

Duvina Seurattan, 19 Grade Ones, 2 Grade Twos (Anna Regina Secondary School)

Swasti Saytoo, 18 Grade Ones, 3 Grade Twos (Anna Regina Secondary School)

Granger now wants JFAP, WPA to rejoin APNU See story on page 7

— says smaller parties were only concerned about positions

Top CAPE performer, Zane Ramotar (Queen’s College)

Third CAPE performer, Christian Pile (Queen’s College)

Guyana records alarming 214 new COVID-19 cases in 1 day Page 15

— company says operations unaffected

Alleged serial rapist to face Judge, jury — released on P10 $250,000 bail pending outcome of trial

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Charlestown murder

Family wants perpetrator to face full force of the law

Dead: Anthony Yearwood

T

he family of 25-yearold Anthony Yearwood called “Odinga”, a labourer of Lot 2 Drysdale Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, who was gunned down during a row over a robbery on Wednesday is now calling for justice to be served.

Police said Yearwood was shot to death at around 20:30h on the day in question while he was making his way home.

It was reported that the

incident emanated from a dispute between the now dead man and the suspect over an alleged robbery which was reportedly committed by the suspect on a victim who was known to Yearwood.

The statement from Police read: “Preliminary information reveals that the incident emanated from a dispute between the two men over an alleged robbery committed by “Biggie” on a victim who was known to the deceased”.

Hours after the shooting incident the Police issued a wanted bulletin for the dead man’s murderer.

The Force stated that Lenroy Michael Forde, also called “Biggie”, is the suspect that is being sought for the heinous crime.

Meanwhile, on Friday, an aunt of the now dead man related that whatever was reported in the media about her nephew’s death, was exactly what she and her family were told.

She said since the incident, they have not heard

Duo gets $300,000 bail each for allegedly tossing cocaine out of moving vehicle

Joel Fung-A-Fat

T

Wanted: Lenroy Michael Forde, also called “Biggie”

from the Police, and are awaiting information with respect to their investigations. They are also unaware if the suspect has been recaptured.

The family said they want to see justice prevail in the man’s death, and they are calling on authorities to ensure that it happens swiftly.

Meanwhile, the suspect remains on the run while Police intensify their search for him.

hirty-nine-year-old Joel Fung-A-Fat of 342 Forshaw Street, Georgetown, and 25-yearold Daquan Wills of 141 Meadow Brook Drive were on Friday granted $300,000 bail each on trafficking in narcotics charges.

They appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the charges were read to them.

Both Fung-A-Fat and Wills denied the charge which alleged that on April 20, at Church Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, they had 1.054 kilograms of cocaine in their possession.

Fung-A-Fat was represented by Attorney-at-Law Mark Walrond while Wills was represented by Sion Dhurjon. Both attorneys

Daquan Wills

made successful bail applications. As such, the defendants were released on bail.

As conditions for bail, both defendants were ordered to lodge their passports and to report to the CANU headquarters every week until the conclusion of the matter.

The matter has been adjourned to May 14.

It was reported that on the day in question, CANU ranks were conducting an operation and several targets including a maroon Nissan Juke, PVV 6706, were under surveillance.

However, as CANU ranks attempted to intercept the vehicle, the driver sped away. As such, agents gave chase and the vehicle was eventually intercepted at Lance Gibbs

Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown.

During the chase, the ranks observed a cocaine brick being tossed from the vehicle which was subsequently retrieved and when weighed amounted to 1.054 kilograms.

Upon their arrest, the two suspects reportedly led CANU ranks to an abandoned range house at Stone Avenue Campbellville, Georgetown, where another brick of cocaine and a bag containing a quantity of cannabis were discovered.

The cocaine which was retrieved at Stone Avenue had amounted to 1.048 kilograms while the cannabis weighed 17.956 kilograms.

The duo and their drugs were escorted to the CANU headquarters.

3 President Ali challenges Private Sector to tap into new industries NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 24 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h and Sunday, April 25 – 03:00h – 04:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 24 – 14:15h – 15:45h and Sunday, April 25 – 15:05h – 16:35h.

– says goal is to make Guyana economic powerhouse in region stated that there will be a host of tax incentives and other benefits that will give local companies a competitive edge to enter these new areas. This, he added, along with the plethora of infrastructural projects, will support business development in Guyana.

On the other hand, President Ali outlined that his Administration supports positive development,

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 14:50h reaching a maximum height of 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 08:24h and 20:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 0.55 metre.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

03 07 12

13 14 26

FREE TICKET

05 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 05 09 12 26 LUCKY 3

1

9

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Afternoon Draw

0

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

03 04 05 13 15 13

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$66.11/barrel

+1.07

Rough Rice

$241.52/ton

+0.43

London Sugar

$462.40/ton

-0.19

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1776.90

$1777.90

Low/High Change

$1769.50 0.00

$1797.10 0.00%

President Irfaan Ali

By Vahnu Manikchand

W

ith Guyana on the path to massive economic transformation, President Dr Irfaan Ali has challenged the local Private Sector to tap into the many opportunities that have and will come on board from investments Government is undertaking in various industries.

President Ali made this charge while delivering the feature address at the Private Sector Commission (PSC) 29th Annual General Meeting which was held virtually on Friday. He touched on a range of topics including human resource development, financial capacity, local content, security, democracy, the importance of partnership and the need for diversification.

The Head of State posited that the role of the Private Sector in advancing Guyana’s national agenda and driving structural change cannot be overemphasised.

“Over the next five years, my Administration intends to put in place the requisite macro-economic and legislative framework that will allow our Private Sector to grow and to be the integral part that it should be in the expansion of the economy. It is also very important that we create an environment in which our local Private Sector can develop their competitiveness and can be the primary beneficiaries of the economic transformations that will take place,” he noted.

Ali also called for diversification, noting that the country would not fall prey to over-reliance on oil wealth.

“While our focus and objective over the medium-term period is to bolster economic growth. We will remain vigilant of avoiding any supply-side constraints and indeed, the Dutch disease. To do this, we have to ensure that our economy and the strength of our economy, rests on varied plans,” he asserted.

The President also men-

tioned the road links and highways that will open up new investments, new agricultural land, new housing schemes and several new developmental projects.

Take the lead

According to the Head of State, Government is looking for the local Private Sector to spearhead these transformational projects.

“Stop thinking from a compartmentalised way that everything evolves only around a sector and understand the opportunities that these types of investments will bring for the Private Sector. We are ready to work with you…

Aquaculture is a huge area of opportunity. Reach out, talk to the embassies [and] let them link you up with investors from the other countries. Take the lead and the Government will support you in putting in the infrastructure,” Ali posited.

The President further

this includes creating a more talented and skilled labour force. On this note, he related that the 20,000 Scholarship Programme has been launched and would not only enhance the education of Guyanese but also ensure that they are trained in positions which will promote growth and development.

TURN TO PAGE 11

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

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

Curb lawless behaviour towards Police

O

ver the past months, there have been several reports in the press and viral social media videos/posts about confrontations between citizens and ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

However, over the past month, the situation has escalated to an unprecedented level of disrespect and disregard for law enforcement officers.

The most recent of such obnoxious attacks on Police ranks was made by a minibus driver of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who was pulled over by Police Constable Edwin Connelly.

The driver became annoyed with the rank, and launched an attack on him with a cutlass. Reports in the press have stated that the cop, who was on motorcycle patrol on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, asked the driver to produce his licence, but the driver drove off and was pursued by the cop, who again intercepted him on Sheriff Street. It was at this point that the driver exited the bus, proceeded to the left passenger side of the vehicle, retrieved a cutlass, and chased after the Constable, who ran away.

That driver, Collis Whyte, has since been sentenced to one year’s imprisonment by Magistrate Leron Daly for his actions.

He now has one year in prison to think about his actions.

This incident comes on the heels of 32-year-old businessman Terrence Lynch being charged with four offences on Monday, including assaulting a traffic Police officer and resisting arrest in relation to an incident which occurred on April 13. Hopefully, Whyte’s jail time would send a strong message to other minibus drivers, and to all persons in general who act and behave in such a manner towards the Police.

On the matter of lawlessness towards the Police, we support Attorney General Senior Counsel Anil Nandlall, who acknowledged that while there is a lot of work to be done to repair its image as well as improve the professionalism and discipline of its ranks, the Guyana Police Force is the premier law enforcement agency in Guyana, and such actions against it cannot be condoned.

On Wednesday, the Attorney General said in reference to the cutlass-touting driver’s attack on the Police: “They may be bad, but it is what we have, and we cannot encourage citizens taking up arms against the law enforcement agencies. This type of conduct must be deprecated, condemned in the strongest possible fashion.

When this happens, you’re striking at the very heart of Guyana as a civilised society. When the population is resisting and assaulting the law enforcement agencies, that is a serious thing.”

This newspaper has repeatedly taken a position regarding the minibus code of conduct and the expectations for a much-desired improvement in the service provided. From all appearances, this well-intended initiative has made little or no positive impact on the overall operations of minibus service providers.

On Friday, to restore order at the minibus park around Stabroek Market area, ranks were seen examining minibuses and taxis that are in violation and breach of their road service licences. This action is welcome and commendable. It has been long overdue, prompting the obvious question: Why was it not done earlier, and sustained?

It is imperative that the Police sustain their crackdown to curb the blatant breach of traffic laws, road service licence, overloading, loud music, and disorderly behaviour by public transportation operators.

This sporadic intervention by Police must not, and should not, be just to appease for a particular moment.

While the Police can cite challenges in its human resource for lack of presence to curb traffic law violators, there can be no excuse for turning a blind eye when a violation occurs in their presence, which often times occurs. Of particular note, traffic officers would practically ignore motorcyclists who are without the proper gear.

The Police must be commended for the campaign they have started, but continuous enforcement of traffic laws is what is needed on our roadways, and more so at minibus parks.

Her Excellency Anyin Choo, Guyana’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China, on Friday presented her Letter of Credence to Director General of the Department of Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Lei in Beijing.

Her Excellency Choo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new portfolio, and is committed to strengthening bilateral relations between Guyana and China

Scotia Bank Master Card owes their customers more protection!!!

Dear Editor, I write to share a terrible experience I had while shopping online using my Scotia Bank Master Card.

I made a purchase of US$284.00 from the famous online merchant Fashion Nova in the latter part of 2020. In tracking my package, I noticed it indicated that my package was delivered by Fashion Nova courier, and someone by the name of D. Milton had signed for it.

I immediately contacted my shipper to confirm receipt; however, the shipper said they did not receive my package, and no one by the name of ‘D. Milton’ works at the shipping facility. They then searched the entire facility, and still did not locate my package.

It was then that I decided to contact Fashion Nova to submit claims of not receiving my package. My shipper also reached out to them, informing them that no package had been received, that no one by the name of ‘D. Milton’ works at their facility, and that the package was likely delivered to the wrong address.

Fashion Nova responded and made it clear that they are not responsible for the delivery process, and went on to say their records indicated that the package was delivered.

They then denied my claim

based on their delivery records.

My only recourse at that time was to turn to my bank, with whom I have a long and excellent relationship and with whom I entrust my hard-earned money, to remedy the situation. As I have not received, and am not in possession of, the items I purchased, this is clearly a case where the charges on my Master Card ought to be reversed, as services have not been rendered.

I reported this matter to the Scotiabank with all the details as it relates to the transaction and the evidence of emails exchanged between my shipper, me, and Fashion Nova. In my email to the Scotiabank, I made it clear that I submitted a claim for the missing package with Fashion Nova, and this was denied on the grounds of the delivery signature.

After two months of submitting my claim to Scotia Bank and following up on the status of the claim, I was told that Fashion Nova informed them that the package was delivered with a signatory, and Scotiabank further advised me to take this matter up with the merchant directly.

This response is completely unacceptable, and is beyond my comprehension, as I had already made

it clear that I had already filed a claim with Fashion Nova, to no avail.

What protection is Scotia Bank Master Card providing to the citizens of this country? Is this bank only good for making money from Guyanese? In other countries, such as the USA and Canada, their citizens receive far greater protection from these types of fraud.

I send this correspondence as an appeal for action on this matter, and

plead for better sense to prevail.

As Guyana develops into a booming oil producing economy, we will only grow to demand more from Scotia Bank Master Card and all other banks. more protection using our cards online…more insurance coverage for online transactions…better interest rates, and certainly better customer service.

Yours sincerely, Prudence Hinds

The way forward for the GPSCCU

Dear Editor, The long-awaited Annual General Meeting of the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union was held on April 11th, 2021. Election of office bearers to the Committee of Management was also held.

In the run-up to the AGM and elections, there was much hype among the membership of the Credit Union, especially as it related to the competing slates. From the onset, many members indicated to me they were not going to vote for the slate headed

by Patrick Yarde, since he and his team were not fit to manage the Credit Union.

Many indicated they were pleased with the re-

cent developments under the Interim Management Committee (IMe) in just under three years. In addition to this, many members hailed Ms. Karen Vansluytman, to whom they referred as their firebrand, and Mr. Jermaine Hermanstyne, who led the charge through daily protest action highlighting the mismanagement of the Credit Union and calling for the removal of Yarde and team.

I wish to personally commend those two, and hope they will be playing pivotal roles in the management of the Credit Union (Yarde surely must be hating them more).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

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

Guyana’s foreign policy format can lead to broader opportunities Dear Editor, Guyana’s oil resources have brought us new political and economic capital. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs is strengthening existing relations with old allies, and building new partnerships with other oil-producing nations as a way of drawing foreign direct investment to both Guyana’s oil and nonoil sectors.

The latest example was Guyana’s announcement that it will open embassies in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), joining the extant mission in Kuwait. The announcement of these embassies occurred after high-level visits and discussions were had with officials from the Middle East about Guyana’s oil sector, which also resulted in interest in agriculture and aid to help Guyana fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shortly after President Ali was inaugurated, a team from the UAE arrived in Guyana, and discussions were held about oil and gas, as well as the agricultural sector, including Guyana’s sugar industry, which has been the focus of the PPP/C administration.

To get sugar workers back to work, our President’s conversation with the Emir of Qatar mirrored that of the UAE, and it resulted in discussions about Qatari investment opportunities in Guyana’s halaal industry.

The latter discussion also in-

cluded Qatar sending a field hospital to Guyana to aid in the country’s fight against the pandemic.

Guyana, is primed to use its new economic clout to rapidly further its economic development. For perspective, an energy economist at the Inter-American Development Bank recently stated that if Guyana produces around 750,000 barrels of oil per day, by 2025, our country can surpass Venezuela, which holds one of the world’s largest oil reserves.

Even at its current capacity, Guyana is producing enough oil that it is the only Caribbean nation not to suffer an economic contraction as a result of the devasting COVID-19 pandemic.

Our PPP/C Government is capitalising upon this economic wealth by shifting Guyana’s foreign policy focus and objectives to a more business-friendly approach. While Guyana continues to focus on external matters, such as its longstanding border controversy with Venezuela and its relations with the US, China, and India, there is added attention toward new corners of the world, namely with states that offer Guyana new avenues to increase investments for the country.

For instance, in February 2021, Guyana announced that it would establish two new embassies in the Middle East. Guyana’s Mission in

Kuwait and Consulates in Jordan, Israel, and Lebanon will be joined by one in the UAE, which is home to Dubai, and the other in Qatar.

Guyana can view opening new embassies as a method of entering new markets for its non-oil sectors in its efforts to diversify its economy by becoming less reliant on natural resources.

The visits and conversations have shown the utility of having them as potential investors in oil and gas, because, often, the results will include investments in the non-oil sector.

The petroleum sector will only serve to increase partnerships in areas of agriculture and the financial sector.

If this is possible with old allies, the same can be seen for potentially new ones. As a result, to do this, Guyana would need to continue expanding its diplomatic relations. If an embassy is opened, it would move beyond one-off discussions between Government officials, and instead establish a direct, open line between each country’s representatives.

And with the establishment of an embassy, there would consistently be an open line for potential investors.

Further, having an embassy means that Guyanese officials learn and understand the culture of the country that hosts the embassy, so they could market Guyana’s potential within

the context of the host country.

Further, opening embassies can also open new markets for Guyana’s sugar industry, rice, the Private Sector, and for the country’s small businesses that might struggle to compete in traditional markets in the Western Hemisphere.

It is for this reason that President Ali recently commented that “the business community must not only think local, but also regional and international”; which means that with the establishment of the Middle East embassies, the Government has opened the pathway for new markets in the international arena In addition, Guyana’s foreign policy format can lead to broader opportunities, including strengthening the country’s human capital through educational and people-to-people exchanges.

For example, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar have proven themselves adept in economic development as it pertains to oil and tourism.

These embassies can help facilitate educational exchanges in which Guyanese people can travel to the Middle East and learn the technical skills that can help fill gaps in Guyana’s oil sector.

Further, it can incentivise people in the Middle East to travel to Guyana, thus adding a new source of

tourism for the country.

Therefore, if Guyana continues to use its potential oil and gas wealth to leverage new diplomatic relationships in order to promote its development, Guyanese citizens would reap the benefits. However, the Government must not stop at the new UAE and Qatari embassies, but must instead expand quickly over the next decade. More embassies mean greater chances of investment opportunities for Guyana’s non-oil sector and, by extension, its people.

Guyana should contin-

ue to open embassies in the Middle East, such as with Saudi Arabia, but at the same time look toward European countries as it looks to increase markets for rice and sugar, as well as Africa and East Asia.

If the Government of Guyana manages to do this during the next 4 years, while the world watches its unprecedented economic growth, the country would quickly amplify its development, as promised by the PPP/C Administration.

Sincerely, David Adams

The way forward...

FROM PAGE 4

However, it must not be forgotten that while all of this evolved through the militancy of the aforementioned two persons, the political will of former Minister Keith Scott, ably supported by Mr. Francis Carryl and the Chief Cooperatives Development Officer, must also be recognised and given honourable mention. They heard the voices of the members, took the appropriate action for the removal of Yarde and his team, and installed the IMe. As a member of the Credit Union and the Guyana Public Service Union, I would like to let the good lady Ms. Vansluytman be aware that many members are now calling upon her to

save the GPSU from further destruction; a feat we are hoping she’ll undertake.

As for our Credit Union, best wishes to the new Management Committee on your success. We admonish you to manage always in the best interest of us. We are looking forward to the fulfilment of the promises for further development.

Please do not allow the Credit Union to again descend into the abyss of mismanagement, dictatorship, and corruption.

‘Thank you’ to the staff who give much-needed support during this troubling period.

Sincerely, Member

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SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

Page

Foundation

By Thomas Campion

Rose-cheek'd Laura, come, Sing thou smoothly with thy beauty's Silent music, either other Sweetly gracing.

Lovely forms do flow From concent divinely framed; Heav'n is music, and thy beauty's Birth is heavenly.

These dull notes we sing Discords need for helps to grace them; Only beauty purely loving Knows no discord, But still moves delight, Like clear springs renew'd by flowing, Ever perfect, ever in themSelves eternal.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger now wants JFAP, WPA to rejoin APNU – says smaller parties were only concerned about positions

W

ith news of serious divisions and leadership challenges, leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger has called on the Justice for All Party (JFAP) and the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) to return to the coalition.

In August 2020, the WPA resigned from the APNU, citing the dictatorial nature of the PNC – the largest faction in the coalition. Then in September 2020, the Savitri Sharmaled JFAP submitted its resignation.

In a letter to Granger, the WPA had stated that since the formation of APNU, there has been an active sidelining of the smaller parties.

Similarly, Sharma had accused Granger and the PNC of “using and discarding” the smaller parties within the coalition.

In fact, when the APNU selected its parliamentary list for the 12th Parliament, the JFAP was not given a seat. Similarly, the WPA was only afforded one representative and that person, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, was handpicked by Granger without consultation with the WPA. The PNC faction of the APNU has taken 22 of the 31 seats for itself and side-

lined the other parties in the APNU. In a PNC-organised interview on Friday, Granger admitted that he was responsible for selecting the current batch of parliamentarians.

“The extractions were in accordance with the lists which were presented to me and in my judgement, I made [the] decisions to ensure we had the type of cohort in the National Assembly which could fulfil the mission of the APNU/ AFC,” Granger said.

“I believe I acted correctly,” the former President added.

Granger further insinuated that the JFAP and WPA were only concerned about positions, pointing out that the resignations came after the 2020 elections when the APNU/AFC was ousted from office.

“It was about the seats… but the APNU is not driven by occupancy of seats, it is driven by service to the people of this country,” he stated.

Nevertheless, Granger expressed hopes that the JFAP and WPA would return to the APNU. “I would like them to come back to the partnership at some stage or the other,” he noted.

The APNU was formed

APNU Leader and former President of Guyana, David Granger

to contest the 2011 General and Regional Elections consisting of the PNC and several other parties. With WPA and JFAP gone, only the Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Guyana Association of Local Authorities (GALA), the Guyana National Congress (GNC), the Guyana People’s Partnership (GPP), the Guyana Youth Congress (GYC), the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the National Front Alliance (NFA) are left.

In spite of the fallout, Granger is confident that the APNU is not going to “expire”.

But the APNU/AFC is

embroiled in disunity and internal power struggles that have been played out publicly in recent months with some members accusing the party leadership of not consulting with its membership.

The main uproar was over Granger’s dictatorial approach to selecting the new batch of parliamentarians.

Former coalition MP James Bond, who himself was left out of the parliamentary list, had publicly criticised Granger on several occasions on social media for the exclusion of PNC Chairperson Volda Lawrence.

In addition to the JFAP and WPA walking away from the partnership, several individual members have resigned.

In March 2021, it was revealed that Chairman of the AFC Georgetown Chapter and Councillor at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council Michael Leonard resigned from the party.

In February, Joel Edmond, the husband of Opposition coalition Member of Parliament Geeta Chandan-Edmond, also resigned from the AFC. Former AFC parliamentarian Reynard Ward had also resigned, accusing the party of being in an abusive relationship with the PNCled APNU. Abel Seetaram, a former AFC Regional Councillor for Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), resigned in 2020, citing a number of issues, including the party’s inability to make its own decisions. AFC’s Gobin Harbhajan also walked away from the party in 2020.

Prominent AFC party member Vladimir Glasgow also quit the party, contending that the AFC lost its way and became consumed by the PNC. AFC’s Audwin Rutherford also submitted

a resignation letter to the party in 2020. He had also said that the AFC has lost its independent voice and with it, its principles.

AFC’s General Secretary David Patterson had even resigned from the post, in the wake of a dispute over the election of a Vice Chairman for the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

APNU, which has a history of infringements against the smaller party, locked the AFC out from the Vice Chair position despite a previous agreement.

The previous agreement that Patterson helped craft had stipulated that the AFC would get the Vice Chair positions in Regions Seven and Four. But following the election of APNU candidate, former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain Daniel Seeram, it was not to be.

However, Patterson has since somersaulted on his decision and withdrawn his resignation.

Meanwhile, PNC Member Lennox Gasper had also resigned this year, citing issues such as control freakism, bullyism and deception – which he said was reflected in the party’s attempt to “barefacedly” rig the March 2, 2020 elections.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Primary…

N

…education stresses ews that the Grades 2, 4 and 9 Assessments have been cancelled precipitated in your Eyewitness a wave of nostalgia for the days when he was just a knobby-kneed lad in short pants. He, of course, knew nothing about “assessments”, but “tests” - starting from “Lil and Big ABC” all the way through “First to Six Standard”.

He was in the batch completing Fourth Standard when the Government decided to convert Fifth Std and up to “Forms 1, 2 and 3”. It’s left to you, dear readers, to find out what year that happened and figure out how old your (coy) Eyewitness is!

It was in 4th Std that one took the “Common Entrance” - introduced in 1960 - to try to get into the elite schools of Queen’s College and Bishops’ in Georgetown. In England - our model - these exams were known as “Eleven Plus”, indicating the age when most kids sat them.

They’d been introduced there since 1944! But, in reality, here in Guyana, only those kids who could pay a fee to the headmaster, who would typically prepare those students - placed into a “Scholarship Class” - were allowed to take the exam. So, it wasn’t really a “Common Entrance” for all the poorer kids, who were left to face the caning that propelled one through school then.

The “Common Entrance” was supposedly eliminated in 2003, when the Assessments at Grades 2, 4, and 6 were introduced. By then, all the students of Grade 6 - the old Std 4 - were eligible…but the ubiquity of the private lessons syndrome again made that illusory. The explanation for the change in name was that the exams were going to be used to “assess” the students with a view towards a more focused, individualised intervention in the next class. It was also claimed that it would be less stressful. Ha! Your Eyewitness could never understand this latter rationale, since the Grade 6 Assessment was still used to determine entrance into the elite and other ranked secondary schools. In fact, the stress factor was expanded, since the Grades 2 and 4 “Assessments” scores were added to the Grade 6’s!! Can you imagine the anxiety of kids at the age of 7, 9, and 11, knowing their performances at such an early age would determine their chances of success in life?? And we do know that there’s such a correlation, don’t we?

So, your Eyewitness asks again: why can’t we have all our high schools brought up to the same level of the socalled elite schools in Georgetown, with similarly trained teachers and other facilities?? After all, those “elite schools” are only “elite” because they get the cream of the 14,000+ Grade 6 cohort.

Let’s get with the times! …priming on corruption There’s a lot of wisdom in the folk saying “It takes a thief to catch a thief”. Guess that’s what the PNC had in mind when they selected former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, to Chair the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Why else would they insist he remain there against the PPP demanded he be replaced by another PNC member? They point to several undenied dealings (runnings?) during his tenure - absolutely proving his morals are calloused, to say the least - such as soliciting a diamond-studded bracelet and various and sundry bedroom furniture. Your Eyewitness won’t mention the new $143M DHB design bid scandal, since that’s sub judice.

All of this reminiscing was brought on by Patterson’s utterances on the gas-to-shore project following the PNC’s meeting with ExxonMobil. Adding to his leader’s anodyne statement on the flaring, Patterson insisted that the US$800M - “notional” according to Jagdeo - is “money for the boys”. Which part of “notional” doesn’t he understand?

Or does he congenitally see graft opportunities everywhere? …crimes No matter what the Police say, your Eyewitness is persuaded that primary person-to-person crimes are spiralling out of control - just like COVID 19.

Both have to be controlled through condign actions and not through lies, damned lies and statistics.

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

9 Govt approves $200M one-off payment for sugar workers NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Representatives of GAWU and GuySuCo at Friday’s meeting hosted by VP Bharrat Jagdeo over wage increases for sugar workers

F

ollowing protest action across the country in recent weeks over wage and salary increases, Government has approved a six-month pay hike for sugar workers for the year 2019, amounting to some $200 million.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) have been embroiled in a public spat over the longstanding issue of wage and salary increases for the period 2019 to 2021.

As such, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday engaged the General Council of GAWU, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of GuySuCo, Pravinchandra Dave, and the sugar company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sasenarine Singh.

The meeting, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), addressed the way forward for the sector to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders are served. According to a missive from the Office of the Vice President, GAWU’s concerns about increases to workers for 2019 were settled during the engagement.

“A six-month increase for workers, totalling $200 million, was approved for 2019 and is expected to be paid soon. With increases having been paid to workers for 2020, negotiations for 2021 will be addressed at a later date,” the statement detailed.

Meanwhile, it was disclosed during Friday’s meeting that GuySuCo’s management has been working with its new Board of Directors on a turnaround plan for the industry.

As such, the Vice President assured of the Government’s support for the sugar industry, given its role in the local economy and other social considerations.

“We are working daily to change the trajectory of the sugar sector,” he indicated.

According to Jagdeo, work is also continuing on returning assets to

GuySuCo that were disposed of in a less than transparent manner by the former Administration.

It was further noted that all parties have committed to continued engagement on the issue.

Back in March, GAWU had accused GuySuCo of dragging its foot on the issue of wage increases and again registered its disappointment with the sugar corporation last week. Since then, along with a series of picketing exercises staged by workers at the three operating estates - Albion, Corentyne, and Blairmont, West Coast Berbice, and Uitvulgt, West Coast Demerara - the two entities have been engaged in a public spat despite them having agreed to meet on May 4, 2021, to resolve the issue.

In fact, GuySuCo’s public comments regarding the state of its finances have attracted a stinging rebuke from the trade union which condemned the sugar company for turning to the media ahead of the upcoming meeting.

Following an outburst by GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sasenarine Singh on Wednesday that the Corporation would not negotiate salary increases with GAWU through the media, GAWU has lashed back at the sugar company saying that GuySuCo’s comments to the media were unhelpful to good relations with workers.

GAWU condemned GuySuCo for committing to not negotiating the matter in the media while making public utterances on the issue.

Singh on Wednesday called out GAWU for what he described as irresponsible utterances in the media.

“Whoever wants to negotiate in the media, I say to them go ahead; go ahead and expose your foolishness,” the CEO said in a strongly-worded speech.

His comments came in the wake of a one-day strike and protest by workers attached to the Blairmount and Albion Estates on

Monday and similar actions taken by Uitvlugt workers last week over the unsettled

wage increases.

GAWU also took a swipe at Singh, who explained that the company has been experiencing financial hardship. He said that in 2020, GuySuCo spent 102 per cent of its earned revenue to pay wages and salaries.

Meaning that without financial support from the shareholders, the Corporation could not have met its wages bill.

GAWU said that GuySuCo’s claim that it spent 102 per cent of its earnings on wages and salaries was perplexing.

“If what the Corporation is saying is indeed true, we are befuddled as to how it met its other current expenses,” the Union said in a release to the media on Thursday.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

GAWU also pointed to an April 14, 2021 article in the State-owned Guyana Chronicle newspaper which stated that sugar was getting sweet again and that soon the company would be able to stand on its own. The Union questioned GuySuCo’s gloomy

description of the affairs of the company.

Notwithstanding, GAWU said it remains willing to engage GuySuCo in frank discussions and sought to address in a respectful manner the outstanding issues at the upcoming May 4 meeting.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

driver gets 12-month Alleged serial rapist Bus sentence for chasing cop to face Judge, jury with cutlass – released on $250,000 bail pending outcome of trial

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37-year-old taxi driver who reportedly preys on sex workers was on Friday committed to stand trial at the High Court in Demerara for allegedly raping a woman. The man, Thurston Semple of Tucville, Georgetown, has since been released on $250,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of the trial.

Back in March, Semple was hurled before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the offence.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that between February 24 and 25, 2021, at Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration with a woman without her consent. At that time, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan remanded him to prison.

His matter was subsequently transferred before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, who conducted the Paper Committal. On Friday, Magistrate McGusty ruled that at the close of the prosecution’s case, sufficient evidence [prima facie case] was established against Semple for him to stand trial.

Accordingly, she committed the rape accused to stand trial before a Judge and jury at the next practicable session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes. Until then, he remains out on bail.

According to facts presented by the Police prosecutor, on February 24, 2021, at around 22:30h, Semple drove up to the woman who was standing at a location in Georgetown. He requested to talk to her during which they arranged to have sex.

Semple agreed to pay the woman $10,000 for her ser-

Alleged rapist Thurston Semple

vice. He took her to his home and they were engaged in sexual activities. Sometime after, the woman complained that she was experiencing pain. As such, Semple instructed her to perform oral sex on him, but she refused.

It was then the man allegedly got angry and placed a knife to her neck while demanding that she please him. The naked woman complied, and when Semple turned his back, she escaped through a window. The woman alerted persons in the neighbourhood who came to

her rescue.

She was given a sheet to cover herself. She was later taken to the hospital. For his part, Semple has labelled the allegations against him as “lies”. He had previously told the Chief Magistrate that the incident between him and the woman is a case of domestic violence and not rape.

Semple is presently listed for trial at the Demerara High Court on rape charges.

He allegedly raped two female sex workers. The charges against him state that he raped one of the women between November 30, 2017, and December 1, 2017, and the other between January 3, 2018, and January 4, 2018. He was granted bail pending the hearing and determination of the trial.

According to reports, he picked up the women at a location in Georgetown and promised to pay them $10,000 each to have sex with them. After the women performed various sex acts on him, Semple reportedly threatened them. He then dropped them off at the location where he picked them up without giving them a cent.

C

ollis Whyte, the bus driver who was caught on camera chasing a traffic rank with a cutlass, was on Friday sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by Magistrate Leron Daly when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Whyte pleaded guilty to carrying an offensive weapon, resisting arrest and the use of threatening behaviour for which he was sentenced to 12 months, six months and six months’ imprisonment, respectively.

He further pleaded guilty to the use of indecent language and was fined $10,000.

Meanwhile, Whyte pleaded not guilty to a disorderly behaviour charge and is expected to return to court on May 17, 2021.

Whyte also appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse where he was slapped with a plethora of other charges.

He was charged with four counts of dangerous driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, breach of prescribed fitness, failure to wear a mask, poor conduct of driver and failure to give right of way.

Whyte denied all of the charges and was released on $240,000 bail. In addition, the defendant was also required to pay a fine of $7500

Collis Whyte

for the failure to wear a seatbelt charge.

The matters before Magistrate Nurse have been adjourned to May 28.

It was previously reported that on April 20, 2021, Police Constable Edwin Connelly was on a motorcycle patrol on Homestretch Avenue when he pulled over the minibus, which had overtaken a line of traffic.

Whyte allegedly exited the bus and proceeded to the left passenger side where he retrieved a cutlass and chased after the cop. In attempts to save his life, the cop had to run away. The incident was, however, caught on camera and took social media by storm.

Whyte was later arrested at his residence in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Queen’s College students top CSEC, CAPE 2020

Bhedesh Persaud, 22 Grade Ones, 1 Grade Two (Queen’s College)

By Rupa Seenaraine

T

wo Queen’s College students, Bhedesh Persaud and Zayn Ramotar, on Friday emerged as the country’s top performers at the 2020 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), respectively.

Much anticipation surrounded the delayed results, which were virtually announced by Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson on Friday.

Bhedesh Persaud, who scored a whopping 22 Grade Ones and One Grade Two, has already moved on to CAPE studies and told Guyana Times when contacted that he was pleased with the results.

“I’m very happy but at the same time, I wasn’t thinking about it too much because I was focused on CAPE, which is what I’m doing now. But I’m grateful. That is the reason I worked hard so that the results could be in favour,” the top student related.

His mother, Kamani Harlal on the other hand, was ecstatic, as she had placed high confidence in his capabilities.

Duvina Seurattan, 19 Grade Ones, 2 Grade Twos (Anna Regina Secondary School)

Swasti Saytoo, 18 Grade Ones, 3 Grade Twos (Anna Regina Secondary School)

Top CAPE performer, Zane Ramotar (Queen’s College)

Third CAPE performer, Christian Pile (Queen’s College)

“I’m very happy. His hard work paid off. What I can say is that Bhedesh is a very hard worker and as a family, we celebrate his success. He is a dedicated worker.

Before COVID, he was almost finished preparing for that exam and he was passionate about excelling.

I had expected great things,” his mom expressed.

Securing the second spot was Duvina Seurattan of the Anna Regina Secondary School who secured 19 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos. When contacted, the 17-year-old science student noted that the level of excitement was surreal, especially since it was written during the pandemic.

“I felt very elated and I was very much satisfied because my prime objective was to make my parents proud and I attained that…It was challenging prepping for one of the most important exams during the pandemic,” Seurattan said, as she contemplates a career in chemical engineering.

The Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) school also copped the third place, taken by Swasti Saytoo with 18 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos. She told this publication that the delayed results somewhat dampened her ea-

gerness but nevertheless, she was thankful.

“It’s been an entire year since we waited for it to be released so the level of excitement isn’t there but I am happy…I was in the science stream. I have a passion for anything with math and physics.

Right now, I am applying for a college in Canada to do engineering.

That’s my passion,” the Zorg resident highlighted.

Speaking on her experience in the examination room, Saytoo detailed, “Even though people would say it is multiple choice and it’s not challenging, it really was because even though your teachers would have taught you one thing, sometimes CXC might not mark for that answer. It’s like either you get it wrong or you get it right, no paper two to fill you up for those marks.”

Geveshwar Rajkishore of Saraswati Vidya Niketan came in fourth with 18 Grade Ones and one Grade Two; followed by Reyan Khemraj from JC Chandisingh Secondary School with 17 Grade Ones and three Grade Twos.

Other students in the top 10 included Shivnarine Chaitraim, Shivshankar Chaitram, Atishta Seenarine and Chaitra Singh from

the Saraswati Vidya Niketan; and Tabitha Alves from Abram Zuil Secondary School.

from the exam because for a while, we had just been wondering what’s happening with the results and stuff like that. So, I’m happy with my performance.”

He is also planning to pursue studies overseas later this year.

The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) initiated a review of the 2020 results after students across several countries made a formal request for their grades to be rechecked, owing to inconsistencies. The Council had committed to complete the process by January 2021, but this failed owing to the coronavirus lockdown, which affected its Barbados headquarters.

Minister Manickchand noted on Thursday that comprehensive statistics on the exams are yet to be provided by the regional examinations body.

“Ordinarily, we would announce all the students who got 12 Grade Ones and more. But because there are still some outstanding reviews from CXC that we have not yet received, we are reluctant at this point to announce those names. I wish to say to those students…that as soon as we have that information, we will announce it publicly and celebrate you,” the Minister underscored.

CAPE

Queen’s College also managed to take the top spot at CAPE and the student behind this achievement is Zane Ramotar. The 19-year-old who is planning to study abroad has big plans for his future. However, placing first in the country did not come as a surprise to him.

“It was something that I really wanted to achieve. Added to the excitement was the fact that this announcement came out of the blue.

We didn’t know the results would be coming out. I’m really happy about the outcome of the results…

When they announced last year, it was basically put that I was at the top of our year one sitting so my foot was already halfway through the door. I expected the outcome,” Ramotar told Guyana Times.

In second place was Naomi Cambridge of St Rose’s High, followed by Christian Pile of Queen’s College in third place.

Pile, a former CSEC top student, posited “I’m proud of myself and what I would have done at the exam. Now at least we can move on

President Ali challenges Private...

“We are also working to ensure that our promise of free university education is accomplished before the end of our five years. The objective of this is to ensure that not only do we have the most vibrant economy, but also the most vibrant pool of human resources, the most talented, skilled and qualified human resources to take our country forward,” the Head of State contended.

According to Ali, this will require Government exercising shrewd management of Government expenditures so that funds can be injected into building human capacity.

Economic powerhouse of the region

Moreover,

President

Ali outlined that his Government’s developmental plans hinge upon not just a stable and sustainable approach but are also beyond Guyana’s national needs. He highlighted that Government’s long-term objective is to make Guyana the economic powerhouse of the region while creating prosperity for its citizens.

“This is the focus of our Government.

Positioning Guyana as a mainstay for regional growth and development. Our ambitions and targets are beyond our national needs because we understand that we operate in a much larger market. And we have great potential in reaching that market,” he said.

The President added that in the coming years,

Guyana will be “a place where national prosperity would be a reality, and individual prosperity and wealth creation can and will be achieved for those who are willing and prepared to invest the required effort.”

Meanwhile, outgoing Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Nicholas Boyer echoed similar sentiments, urging members that they need to make themselves ready to be able to capitalise on these opportunities that will be available.

“Guyana is about to be transformed in ways we have never before imagined and we, at the Private Sector, cannot sit back and wait to reap the benefits of this massive transformation. We have to act now,”

he urged.

Political and economic stability

Boyer, in presenting the Chairman’s Report, recalled that just over a year ago, Guyana was faced with a threat to its political and economic stability following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections when the previous regime attempted to derail democracy. He said that threat could have wiped out all the progress the country has made over the years including its thriving business climate.

“We have already started the process of repairing the damage done during those tumultuous five months and putting the country back on the path to prosperity,” he said, adding that the PSC

FROM PAGE 3

has been working to engage stakeholders - both local and foreign.

According to the outgoing Chairman, the Commission has managed to get the new Government to incorporate a sleuth of recommendations which included tax reduction and removal to relieve the burden of businesses particularly those decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the PSC, during his tenure, has managed to transform the Private Sector umbrella body to facilitate the anticipated economic growth. In this regard, the Commission has inserted itself into key conversations and decision-making processes especially in areas such as local content, taxation, modern

investment laws, infrastructural gaps, and electoral and constitutional reforms, among others.

However, Boyer pointed out that going forward, the Private Sector needs stability.

“The Private Sector cannot move forward without stable political climate and clear policy direction from the Government. And it goes hand-in-hand, the country cannot develop without the support and investments from the Private Sector. In the simplest of terms, the Private Sector is going to make significant investments in the country and we need to be guaranteed that the future holds political and economic stability,” Boyer asserted.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CC&PA to launch special awareness campaigns to tackle child sex abuse in Region 1 – calls for increased collaboration with Police

By Feona Morrison

I

n light of increasing child rape reports recorded in Region One (BarimaWaini), Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA), Ann Greene said that a special team will soon be heading into the area to conduct awareness sessions.

Greene made this disclosure on Friday in an interview with Guyana Times during which she acknowledged that reports of child abuse in that region have increased.

“It has increased in terms of reports. When you do more activities in an area you can get more reports. It does not say that child abuse has increased now more than how it was. That is the thing with reports that you have to understand,” Greene explained.

She said that the CC&PA has opened a child advocacy centre in the Barima-Waini region, and is on the verge of opening another.

“We are soon leading a special team; we will be going in to do a special aware-

ness in the areas where the increase is showing. [We want to get the] community on board. Child protection is everyone’s business. But the people in the community have to be much more vigilant to get these paedophiles and these child molesters.

We have to change the attitude towards child sexual abuse.”

The CC&PA Director noted that it is the community members who have to stop child abuse and “stand up and watch out for children.”

Against this backdrop, she related that trained professionals will address certain social norms and teach communities in the region about sexual regulation.

“A child should know early that sex is not supposed to be between daughter and father, brother and sister, uncle and aunt and all of that…,” Green said as she explained the concept of sexual regulation. She further acknowledged that there is a high level of sexual activity in Guyana’s hinterland regions which calls for in-

Child rape reports

CC&PA Director, Ann Greene

creased collaborations with the Guyana Police Force.

While Greene admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic has to some extent affected the functioning of the CC&PA, she noted that given the mass vaccination campaigns, the agency will be ramping up its efforts to rid every community of child sex abuse.

Child rape reports from Region One continue to increase based on information released by the Guyana Police Force. Thus far for 2021, there have been several reports of rape allegedly committed on underage girls by grown men, including close relatives.

In some instances, it was reported that the rape resulted in pregnancy. In late February, a close relative of a 10-year-old girl was arrested by the Police after he allegedly raped her while she was left in his care.

The child was reportedly left unconscious after the incident.

Based on a Police report, after the man committed the act, he reportedly threatened to kill the child if she reported the matter to anyone. Nevertheless, the violated child confided in her grandmother, who immediately lodged a report at the nearest Police station.

Also in February, it was reported that a 12-yearold girl from North West

District (NWD) was pregnant after she was allegedly raped by a man over a period of time. It was reported that the incident took place in 2020. The Police, at the time, confirmed that the girl was five months pregnant.

In March, a security guard from Region One was taken into Police custody for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl. Reports are that the incident occurred at Matthews Ridge, NWD, between January 1 and January 31. Police said that the teen and suspect are known to each other.

According to the Police, the suspect reportedly took the 14-year-old to his home and engaged in sexual intercourse with her. Ranks of the Matthews Ridge Police Station went to the suspect’s home and found the suspect and the teen together.

Meanwhile, in early April, the Police Force announced that an investigation into the rape of two underage girls in Region One was ongoing. Police said that the two girls under the age of

16 had been raped by adult males on different occasions.

One of the girls was allegedly raped several times by a close family member.

According to Police, the suspect began engaging in sexual activity with the minor during December 2020 and committed the offence several times after. The girl eventually confided in a female relative, who immediately reported the matter to the Police In the second incident, the Police said the child alleged that on April 6, she was sexually assaulted.

The victim immediately informed a parent who subsequently reported the matter to Police. At the time of the report, checks were made for the suspect, but he was not found.

And on Friday, the GPF said that its ranks in Region One are currently investigating another sexual activity with a child by a family member. The matter was reported to the Police on Thursday.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 100 households to receive potable water from rehabilitated well at Moblissa

A young girl turns on a tap of the well in the presence of the Minister and other officials

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inister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues on Friday commissioned a $1.5 million rehabilitated well which will benefit more than 100 households in Moblissa,

on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

The community will now have access to potable water after more than three years without this basic commodity.

Earlier in the year, Minister Rodrigues visit-

ed the community during a presidential outreach to Region 10 where the issue of the non-functional well was brought to her attention.

On the heels of the Minister’s visit, the Chief Executive Officer of the

Guyana Water Inc, Shaik Baksh, and a technical team visited the location to assess the situation.

During the commissioning ceremony, Minister Rodrigues noted her pleasure at being able to deliver on a promise made to residents.

“This is my third visit to this community what we are doing as a Government across this country and under the leadership of the President is, we are leaving no stone unturned.”

The Minister added that while this project may be seen as small, citizens must recognise that the Government is committed to meeting the needs of every single community across the country.

“Your Government is working for you no matter how small it is...we will continue to engage and consult with you in your best interest.”

With this new system, residents in close proximity to the well will be able to ac-

Minister Rodrigues addressing residents of Moblissa on Friday

cess water on a 24-hour basis.

Meanwhile, further intervention in the community will be the drilling of a new well this year and the installation of a distribution network to provide water access for the health centre, primary school, and residents nearby.

Residents also appealed to the Minister for assistance with some rehabilitation works to a main access bridge in the community.

They were assured that the

matter has been raised with regional officials and will be remedied.

The water system in Moblissa was first started in 2009 under the LEAP programme but some additional works were needed. In 2017 another attempt was made to revive the system but those efforts failed.

Works undertaken on the system includes the sourcing and installation of a pump and motor, photovoltaic system, storage tanks and rehabilitation of the trestle.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Inter-agency approach needed to address squatting in Linden – Minister Rodrigues noted that in her findings, many persons were found to be occupying lands which are under the purview of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

As such, an inter-agency approach will be needed to address this issue. She also made an appeal to Lindeners

to desist from the act of squatting.

The Minister reiterated that there is no need for squatting as the Government's housing drive will adequately satisfy the housing needs of Guyanese in every region.

"We are trying our best to

have a soft approach but at the safe time we don't want to put a stamp of approval on an illegality."

Further, the Ministry of Housing and Water is working towards the development of approximately 600 acres of land which would give some 2000 house lots.

Donors can give blood 24 hours after taking COVID-19 vaccine – Health Minister

T

M

Minister Rodrigues in discussion with residents

inister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues on Friday met with squatters of Phase 4 Amelia's Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Earlier in the year, persons with structures in the area approached the Minister after they were excluded from an inventory which was conducted by the Community Development Department of the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

The Minister assured that the team would return to the area to ensure that all structures are accounted for in the inventory. This inventory was done with the aim of regularisation.

In a brief comment following her tour of the area on Friday, Minister Rodrigues

Minister Rodrigues in Linden on Friday

here is no indication that persons who have taken the COVID-19 vaccine cannot donate blood, according to Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, who stated that donors can wait 24 hours after taking the vaccine to do so.

“There’s no indication that you cannot give blood.

Our advisory is that after you’ve been vaccinated, if you want to give blood after 24 hours, it’s okay. There’s no contrary indication,” he noted.

The World Health Organisation has backed this position, noting that approved vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 disease do not suggest any concerns for blood donation.

This is since the liposome-encapsulated mRNA vaccines do not contain any live virus, and any risk for use of blood components from recipients of these vaccines is theoretical and likely insignificant.

“Although consistent with current general global practice, recipients of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that do not contain live virus may donate blood if they feel well, as SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been developed only recently, and in settings where deferrals would not compromise blood supply availability, a pre-

cautionary deferral period of up to seven days may be considered to minimise the impact of call-backs from donors who develop symptoms subsequent to donating soon after vaccination,” the Organisation added.

Recipients of live virus vaccines, that is virus vector-based or live-attenuated virus, are the persons who should be deferred for four weeks, consistent with current practices. However, this is not the case for any Guyanese.

Reduction of donor numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO said, has been a major risk and should be considered early to enable preparedness and response. As these reductions vary throughout the course of the pandemic, it explained that blood donation numbers should be closely monitored so that measures can be taken quickly to pre-empt any decline.

“This is particularly critical for components with short shelf life, such as platelets, where a constant supply is needed for patients dependent on platelet transfusions. Cooperation among hospitals and blood collection centres to monitor inventories and to redistribute blood components to prevent wastage may help to balance local supply and

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

demand. A significant decline in donations occurs when individuals are unwilling to donate because of their fear of being infected during blood donation.”

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony clarified that the vaccines cause the immune system to build a defence from the virus, without contracting the disease.

“The vaccines are designed to stimulate your immune system without giving you any disease. The vaccines have been developed globally and are designed in such a way to stimulate your immune system so that you can produce antibodies to fight off COVID-19. But they don’t give you any disease,” he emphasised.

15 Guyana records alarming 214 new COVID-19 cases in 1 day T NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he record of COVID-19 cases detected locally for any given day was broken on Friday when a whopping 214 new cases were detected.

New statistics released by the Health Ministry showed that to date, a total of 12,448 cases were recorded along with 277 deaths.

The information stated that 16 patients remain in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 70 are in institutional isolation, 1466 are in home isolation and 21 in institutional quarantine. The country has seen 10,619 recoveries.

Some 114,286 individuals were tested thus far – of which the positives showed a gender breakdown of 6284 males and 6164 females.

Of the new positive cases, an alarming 95 were detected in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 41 from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 19 from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); 18 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); 12 in Regions Two (Pomeroon-

Traffic situation at DHB a major challenge – Police and the use of handheld devices when driving.

Earlier this year authorities announced that a fourlane road linking Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara to Mandela Avenue in Georgetown will be built with the aim of easing traffic congestion on the East Bank of Demerara, that is as a result of the Harbour Bridge.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

had said the new road link connecting communities on the East Bank of Demerara is expected to significantly cut commute time for residents and modernise the surrounding areas.

The Government will also be upgrading a number of roadways in Diamond, which should further enhance travel time within that community and on the East Bank of Demerara.

22 arrested in “Operation Safe Road” in Berbice

P

A

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

olice in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) in a statement on Thursday said the traffic situation around the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) is one of the sore issues that have been plaguing the region.

The release stated that some 11,000 vehicles traverse between Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and despite the challenges, measures are in place to maintain order and a free flow of traffic between 06:30h to 08:30h.

Barriers and traffic ranks are placed along the route of Schoonord to the West Bank corridor, to ensure that motorists reduce their speed limit especially since these areas are prone to accidents mostly resulting in fatalities.

For the period of January to April 2020 compared to the same period in 2021, the report stated that fatal ac-

cidents currently stand at -100 per cent.

“This success is due to traffic booths being placed in strategic locations along Schoonord, New Road, Wallers Delight, Zeelugt Public Road, Tuschen and Orenstein areas,” the Police related in a statement.

Recommendations have also been made to erect medians instead of barriers so that motorists can maintain order when crossing the bridge.

In addition, the Police stated that sensitisation on COVID-19 is also ongoing in the area while enforcements are routinely carried out for the wearing of face masks in public transportation.

Thus far, twenty drivers, conductors and passengers have been arrested and charged for not wearing masks in public transportation.

Enforcement also focused on persons who are working private/hire cars while flouting the COVID guidelines

total of 22 persons who were in breach of traffic and road laws were arrested during “Operation Safe Road”, which was conducted on Wednesday by ranks in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Reports are that officers conducted the operation within the Albion and Rose Hall areas.

Those arrested were for obstruction of traffic, driving unlicensed, obscured ID mark, using a handheld mobile device while driving, prohibition of tint, and failure to wear a seat belt.

In addition, drivers were also arrested for breach of insurance, breach of prescribed fitness, crossing the solid yellow line.

Arrests were also made for untidy drivers, misconduct of drivers and overloading of motor vehicle.

Previously, a total of 29 drivers were arrested during three separate enforcement exercises.

The operations were conducted at Vigilance, Beterverwagting and

Berbice.

Police at Beterverwagting had arrested eight drivers for breach of condition of road service while one driver was arrested for the prohibition of a tinted motor vehicle.

Further, at Vigilance, seven drivers had been arrested for the prohibition of tinted motor vehicle, while two were arrested for failure to produce their driver’s licence.

One person had also been arrested for poor maintenance of motor vehicle, another for untidy conductor, along with two for overloading and one for amendment of entry.

Two persons were also arrested for breach of prescribed fitness. Additionally, at Berbice, two drivers had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol while two were arrested for obscured ID mark front.

Moreover, one driver had been arrested for unlighted motor vehicle front while another was arrested for failure to produce driver’s licence.

Supenaam) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 11 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); and two in Regions One (BarimaWaini), Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

This week, the rising number of COVID-19 cases and death toll comes as local authorities continue to battle with a new wave of the virus that is seeing a higher number of young people contracting the virus, and infected persons becoming sicker with some requiring hospitalisation.

For April, a total of 44 persons have succumbed thus far - the highest figure ever recorded since the first case was reported in March 2020.

In fact, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had reminded persons that in order to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus, practising social distancing by maintaining six feet; avoiding crowded environments, and masking up are necessary.

“If people are not abiding by these simple requirements, then, unfortunately, because of the virus that is

circulating within the population… you would get infected. So, people need to abide by the prevention rules that we have established and I think once they do that, they are going to remain safe,” he had posited.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No16), which are in effect until April 30, 2021.

This order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, tiredness, diarrhoea, pains, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. The more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain and loss of speech or movement.

If persons are experiencing symptoms or have been in contact with a positive person, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Actions will be taken against parties involved in 14 ExxonMobil staff test positive for COVID-19 corrupt practices at GuyOil – Min Ashni Singh

Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh

M

inister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh on Friday said that based on the findings of the probe, actions will be taken against all parties involved in malpractices on behalf of the Guyana Oil company (GuyOil).

“I don’t want to preempt the results of the audit, but in the event that any inappropriate practices are identified action will be taken,” he explained.

He made this statement after he confirmed that the Office of the Auditor General has commenced its probe into the allegations of a fuel racket at the oil company.

Singh explained that after the allegations were brought to his attention, he requested a meeting with the Board of Directors but the Board maintained that no contract was signed with Aaron Holdings and that the company was not involved in any unethical transactions.

Nevertheless, he said in keeping with the PPP/C Administration’s agenda of transparent transactions, he has ordered a probe into

the matter.

“The Board repeatedly emphasised that there has been no contract with the company in question… The Board made that very clear to me. Notwithstanding that assurance, I wanted the Auditor General to still do an audit,” Minister Singh explained.

Moreover, the Minister lamented that the Government has zero tolerance for corrupt practices.

Reports had emerged earlier this week that businessman Jason Aaron of Aaron’s Royalty alleged officials at GuyOil contracted him to import fuel.

However, Aaron claimed that after the company got a “sweeter” deal, the transaction was quashed.

However, GuyOil Chairman Paul Cheong subsequently denied the allegations made by Aaron.

The Chairman noted that while GuyOil did have discussions with the company, the company was never contracted to bring in fuel.

Further, on April 21, Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, who is representing Aaron Royalty, related that he had dispatched a letter to GuyOil seeking clarification on a number of issues.

The lawyer told Guyana Times that his client needed clarification on who would take responsibility for the fuel that had already been procured.

“So, we have to determine, at the end of the day, who will be responsible for the fuel that is here… this oral agreement seems to have been performed by one party which is our client and there is some form of reneging because of whatever is their wrangle, I’m not too sure what exactly is the internal wran-

gling.”

This is likely a reference to former GuyOil General Manager Trevor Bassoo, who resigned from the company after he reportedly distributed printouts of a

WhatsApp conversation between Aaron Royalty and a manager at the company.

In those messages, Bassoo was implicated in an alleged illegal transaction.

— company says operations unaffected

2 Sophia Detention Centre escapees still at large

E The Juvenile Holding Centre at Sophia, Greater Georgetown

T

wo of seven teenagers who had escaped from the Sophia detention facility on Thursday last remain at large.

The teens had escaped from the facility between 02:30h and 02:40h on the day in question.

It was reported that an alarm was raised and quick response by law enforcement led to the recapturing of three of the escapees.

Nevertheless, at about 07:00h on Thursday, a fourth juvenile was taken back to the facility in the company of his mother. Additionally, around 18:00h, the fifth juvenile was recaptured with the aid of relatives.

When contacted on Friday, Regional Commander Simon McBean confirmed that the two remaining juveniles have not been recaptured while noting that the Force is currently making every effort to apprehend them.

Thirteen teenagers had

escaped from the Juvenile Holding Centre last year, after attacking the two Police Officers who were on guard duty at the time.

The teens, who were housed in cell two and who had matters ranging from armed robbery to rape and murder, broke out of their cells and attacked the security personnel who were guarding the entrance of the building.

They reportedly relieved the unarmed Police Officers of the keys to some of the other cells after which the juveniles sprinted from the facility.

An alarm was raised and a search was conducted in nearby communities where they were later recaptured and taken back into custody.

xxonMobil’s Public and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud, has confirmed that 14 rotational workers supporting the company’s operations offshore Guyana have tested positive for COVID-19.

“All are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms at this time,” she said.

Persaud in a release to the press explained that these individuals have been appropriately isolated to limit the spread of the virus. She further noted that 11 remain in isolation on the Noble Tom Madden, and three have been transferred to appropriate isolation facilities onshore under the care and custody of their employer.

If necessary, Persaud explained that plans are in place to safely transport the remaining positive workers onshore.

“Safe and healthy workplaces remain a top priority for ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors,” she af-

firmed.

“We have well-established processes in place to manage impacts related to infectious disease outbreaks, which have allowed us to identify these cases early.”

In April 2020, ExxonMobil Guyana established COVID-19 prevention screening facilities in the country and abroad to safely manage rotational workers coming in and departing the country.

Since this arrangement began, the company successfully transferred more than 10,000 persons without a positive case offshore.

It was highlighted that there are medical personnel onboard Exxon’s offshore facilities and they are taking necessary precautions to monitor the health of the workers and provide appropriate treatment and care.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil said operations at six drillships and the Liza Destiny FPSO remain unaffected at this time.

1 arrested, charged for Princes & Laing Streets robbery

P

olice have arrested and charged one man in connection with the daring robbery which occurred on Monday last in the vicinity of Princes and Laing Streets, Charlestown.

The accused made a court appearance on Friday and was remanded to prison. He is expected to return to court on Monday, April 26, 2021.

It was reported that the accused along with three other men robbed Derick Doodnauth, of Eccles East Bank Demerara (EBD), of more than $1.5 million and a quantity of cheques that belong to a local company.

Based on reports received, the armed robbery was committed by the suspect and three others on Monday at about 10:05h.

It is being alleged that Doodnauth, who is employed as a driver with the compa-

Gunmen pulling Derick Doodnauth from his car

ny, had left the office with the cash to deposit same at a local bank.

However, while on Liang Street, Charlestown, the driver was caught up in traffic and while he was in the line, the suspects, who were on two separate motorcycles, circled the car.

The two pillion riders came off their motorcycles, went to the victim’s motor car, pointed their guns at the man and ordered him to

open the door, to which he complied.

One of the suspects was seen dragging the victim out of the motor car and the other took out the cash and other items that were in the vehicle. They then made good their escape along Princes Street.

Police are now on the hunt for the other three suspects. Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Appeal Court to rule on Monday in case of Deeds Registrar seeking to overturn alleged fraud conviction O

n Monday, the Guyana Court of Appeal (CoA) will deliver its ruling in an appeal filed by Registrar of Deeds, Azeena Baksh, who is seeking to have her conviction for alleged fraud overturned.

On March 11, 2020, Baksh was found guilty of fraudulently procuring over $4.5 million while being employed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) between 2014 and 2017.

The charge against her stated that while being employed by the JSC between May 1, 2014, and January 31, 2017, in Georgetown, she caused or procured valuable securities of $4,534,486 to

Deeds Registrar Azeena Baksh

be delivered to her Bank of Nova Scotia account for her own use, pretending she was a contracted employee at the

Deeds Registry.

Charges were instituted against her in 2017. Then, the Legal Affairs Ministry had disclosed that the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority had requested that an investigation be launched into financial irregularities in Baksh’s payroll documentation.

Upon her appointment as the Deeds Registrar in 2012, Baksh received a salary of $326,171 monthly, as well as duty, entertainment, and housing allowances among many other benefits that were approved by the JSC. But the Legal Affairs Ministry said that she increased her salary to

Court staffers test positive for COVID-19 …Judiciary assures safety of workers, court users of paramount importance

I

n light of a few of its staffers testing positive for COVID-19, the Supreme Court of Judicature in a statement noted that it wishes to assure that the health and safety of all court staffers, their family members, and court users is of paramount concern to the Judiciary.

The Supreme Court said that its statement is in response to an “extremely” misleading article that accused its management of callous disregard of the safety of its staff, their families, attorneys, judicial officers, and other court users consequent on a few members of staff testing positive for the deadly virus.

According to the Supreme Court, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has collaborated with the Health Ministry and the COVID-19 Task Force in the implementation of all established guidelines and protocols to ensure the safe operation of the judicial system.

“From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana to present, the management of the Supreme Court has done everything in its power and taken every precaution including but not limited to regular sanitisation and fumigation, and the provision of personal protec-

tion equipment to staff.”

Moreover, the Supreme Court disclosed that it has been providing free transportation to and from work for staff to minimise the risk associated with the use of public transportation, the stationing of community health workers at court entrances, use of technology in the conduct of trials to reduce the number of persons who have to come court, paying for COVID-19 testing for staff at Eureka Labs, and arranging for the COVID-19 vaccines to be made available to staff members of the Judiciary.

Also, the Supreme Court said it has arranged webinars for all staff throughout the country on the effects of COVID-19, responding to the pandemic and vaccination. Another webinar is scheduled for May 2021.

However, despite these and other measures, the Supreme Court noted that over the past week, it has received reports of members of staff testing positive for the virus.

“In every instance, we arranged for testing for those who were identified as having been at greatest risk of exposure. We also did contact tracing and sanitised the offices where those persons worked. Staff members have been required to

quarantine for the requisite period as required by the Ministry of Health.”

According to the Supreme Court, every case of COVID-19 was treated with the utmost seriousness and all protocols were followed. In the meantime, it said that management is actively considering all options as they seek to take the best course of action for all concerned because the Judiciary is designated as an essential service to the populace.

The Supreme Court emphasised that it has always maintained contact with the Health Ministry and the COVID-19 Task Force to ensure that all health requirements are implemented.

“We have active COVID-19 management committees which meet regularly. An emergency meeting was held on April 22, 2021, with heads of department and supervisory staff to discuss the current situation.”

“Management wishes to also reiterate that we do not take lightly our obligation to provide a safe work environment for our staff and all our court customers and will continue to take every precaution necessary to promote and maintain the health and well-being of us all,” a release to the media added.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

$400,000 in 2014 when the Deeds Registry was merged with the Commercial Registry, without the approval of the JSC. It was further reported that Baksh – being the sole person with authority to sign off on such documents – approved gratuity to herself and several staff members from the period May 2014 to November 2016.

Following a trial before Magistrate Leron Daly, she was found guilty of the offence. Magistrate Daly ordered that she repay the full sum she allegedly procured. She was also ordered to lodge $1 million and was given three months to repay the balance.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the lower court, Baksh, through her lawyer Nigel Hughes, has asked that the decision of the Magistrate “be wholly revered, set aside and/or discharged.”

Despite being found guilty, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, has confirmed with Guyana Times that Baksh is still the Registrar of Deeds since her appointment was never rescinded or revoked by the JSC. The tenure of the last JSC expired on September 12, 2017.

The last JSC was appointed by former President Donald Ramotar on September 11, 2014. The tenure of each appointed member is for three years, therefore, the tenure of the last Commission expired on September 12, 2017.

Among other things, the functions of the JSC are to advise the President on the appointment of Judges, except for the Chancellor and the Chief Justice.

It also has the power to make appointments to remove and to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in the following offices – Commissioner of Title, Magistrate, Director of Public Prosecutions, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Registrar of the High Court, Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Registrar of Deeds and Deputy Registrar of Deeds and to such offices connected with the courts or for appointment to which legal qualifications are required as may be prescribed by Parliament.

Nandlall had previously stated that the Legal Affairs Ministry has no powers to appoint, discipline, or dismiss anyone in relation to the office of the Registrar of Deeds.

He explained that if Baksh’s conviction is quashed or set aside by the Court of Appeal, then the Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registry will address the issue of her resumption.

The Attorney General has on numerous occasions roasted his predecessor Basil Williams for playing a major role in instituting the politically trumped-up charges against Baksh.

Nandlall had argued, “In

Former Attorney General Basil Williams

my humble view, the decision to charge Baksh was a politically-driven one by my predecessor. Baksh was charged for simply receiving her salary from the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, an Authority established by the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority Act, which authorised the transfer of all staff from the Deeds Registry and converted them into employees of the Authority, inclusive of the Registrar of Deeds.”

“In my respectful view, there is nothing wrong with a person being appointed by one agency and paid by another. If that person received two sets of remuneration, it would have been a different matter. That is not the case.

The Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority Act authorises the payment of all staff of the Authority, inclusive of the Registrar of Deeds.”

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2021

Regional

Brazil’s COVID-19 vaccination Cops disgruntled about housing programme at risk due migrants at stations amid spike to 2nd dose no-shows S

B

razil’s COVID-19 vaccination programme is being put at risk by people failing to show up for their second shot, with 1.5 million people missing appointments for the follow-up dose needed to maximise protection, according to the Health Ministry.

Specialists say that is particularly concerning after a recent real-world study from Chile found that the Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine, which has accounted for some 80 per cent of Brazil’s programme, is just 16 per cent effective after one shot.

Until this week, more people were dying in Brazil of COVID-19 than anywhere in the world, with President Jair Bolsonaro widely criticised for opposing lockdown measures and pushing remedies like hydroxychloroquine that provide little or no benefit. India has now surpassed Brazil in daily deaths.

In total, COVID-19 has taken more than 380,000 lives in Brazil, the world’s second-highest death toll be-

A citizen receiving a dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine, during a vaccination day for 57-year-old and older citizens, in Duque de Caxias near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil April 21, 2021

hind the United States.

The country’s vaccination programme has also repeatedly missed targets due to a shortage of doses resulting from delivery delays of active ingredients from China and India.

Now, the failure of people to turn up for their second dose is an extra worry.

Specialists and authorities involved in the campaign said the low turnout appeared to be due to poor communication, with people

either not realising the importance of the second shot or simply forgetting when they were meant to go.

In some cases, they said, people might also have been put off by a strong reaction to the first dose, which can frequently cause shortlived fever and body aches.

There have also been long lines at some vaccine sites, which can be offputting for priority groups vulnerable to COVID-19. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Costa Rica unveils radar that tracks space objects from a farm

S

urrounded by clear blue skies and fields of sugar cane crops on the Pacific coast, a farm in the northwest of Costa Rica is now home to a giant radar capable of tracking small objects in space that threaten the safety of astronauts and satellites.

Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado and US and Costa Rican astronauts on Thursday unveiled the four large reflective panels that make up the commercial radar, which is connected to the

servers of aerospace company LeoLabs in San Francisco.

“This commercial radar is the most advanced that exists in the world,” said Alvarado.

The Costa Rica Space Radar can monitor objects that transit in low Earth orbit near the planet’s equator, an advantage offered by the geographical location.

“Even an object the size of a golf ball travelling at 30,000 kilometres per hour overhead, a tiny amount of those radio waves will bounce off it. It can

be picked up by these giant reflector dishes behind us,” said former astronaut and LeoLabs co-founder Edward Lu. The radar is located in the town of Filadelfia, in the province of Guanacaste, near the headquarters of Ad Astra Rocket, a commercial partner of LeoLabs. The local company run by former Costa Rican astronaut Franklin Chang-Díaz was another reason for choosing the radar site, LeoLabs said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ix police officers from the Penal Police Station have tested positive for COVID-19 over the past month.

Southwestern Division Police say these infections have occurred because migrants are being housed at police stations without being medically tested.

The officers have been calling since November last year, for a separate venue to be set up to house migrants.

In an interview with Guardian Media, a senior police source said for this year, over 50 officers from the division were sent on quarantine.

With the spread of cases in Penal, about 30 officers are still off work because of

quarantine measures.

Speaking at the police press briefing on Wednesday, ACP Wendell Williams, who is in charge of the Police Multi-sectoral COVID-19 Committee, confirmed that concerns had been raised about the housing of migrants in stations since late last year.

“There was an issue concerning a division that has some concerns about the continued detention of suspected prohibited migrants.

The issue was raised as to finding a location, a compound, a building for which such persons can be held,” Williams said.

He added, “Since November we discussed that and the matter was

again raised yesterday (Wednesday).”

He assured that the matter was being addressed.

He commended the officers for continuing to process and detain migrants despite their constraints.

Saying this showed a level of patriotism, Williams said he did not want any police officer to think that their issues were not being addressed.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Gary Griffith said any police officer who is seen flouting COVID-19 regulations will be ticketed. He urged members of the public to report any violations, noting that no one was above the law. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Chile settles dispute with Albemarle over lithium reserves data

C

hilean regulators have settled a high stakes dispute over reserves data with top lithium producer Albemarle Corp, according to a letter viewed by Reuters, defusing a spat that may have led to the suspension of the company’s permit to expand its operations in Chile.

Chile in 2016 gave Albemarle approval to hike production from the lithium-rich Atacama salt flat on condition the miner prove its reserves could sustain the increased output.

But Chilean nuclear agency CCHEN, which also licenses lithium exports, said in January that

Albemarle had failed to provide the necessary reserves data, a key stipulation in their permit.

In a letter dated April 22 and addressed to Albemarle, however, CCHEN said it had “thoroughly studied” new reserves data provided by Albemarle and had determined the report was “satisfactory” and complied with the terms of Albemarle’s 2016 license.

The rubber stamp brings an end to one of three feuds Albemarle has had in recent months with Chilean authorities, helping to defuse tensions between the US-based lithium giant and the Government of the min-

eral-rich South American nation.

Albemarle’s closely-watched expansion in Chile is a key link in satisfying global demand for the electric vehicle battery metal, which is poised to soar in the coming decade as more countries move to electrify transportation.

The company has also entered into international arbitration with another Chilean regulator, Corfo, over royalty payments earlier this year, and has separately filed suit to force the Government to turn over a coveted, publicly funded environmental study of the Atacama salt flat. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Caricom, United States agree Crawford suggests staggered on need to work together work hours to fight COVID-19

Opposition Senator Damion Crawford arguing for a staggering of work hours during a question-and-answer session with the Jamaica Observer

T

he Government is being urged to work with the private sector to arrange a staggering of work hours across Jamaica as one measure to reduce the spread

of COVID-19.

Opposition Senator Damion Crawford made the call recently during an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Crawford pointed to data which show that at least 20 per cent of the people who have contracted the virus in Jamaica said they were infected while using public transportation.

The Government has mandated a reduction in the number of people carried by each public passenger vehicle and the wearing of a mask throughout the entire trip.

But Crawford is adamant that more can be done.

“One proposal I would like to make to the Prime Minister, especially as it relates to the transportation sector, is that we look at asking the PSOJ (Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica) and the JMEA

(Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association)… to stagger starting times for their businesses. If they stagger starting times for their businesses, then it means that their staff would be travelling at different times,” said Crawford.

He noted that this could have implication for the start of the 8:00 pm curfew on weekdays but argued that adjustments could be made for people who might be leaving work at that hour.

The Opposition senator also renewed his call for the implementation of a system where people could use an app or a similar method to make appointments to shop in supermarkets, or visit tax offices and similar facilities to reduce crowding and the possible spreading of COVID-19.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

F

oreign Ministers of the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the US State Department on Wednesday agreed to work together on a number of issues of mutual interest.

A Caricom statement, issued following the the virtual meeting, said the two sides have noted the “inextricable link between the region and the US, and welcomed the roundtable discussion as an initial engagement between the new US Administration and Caricom”.

It said that Belize Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration Minister Eamon Courtenay, who is chair of Caricom Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

and Caricom Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque addressed the meeting.

“This meeting is significant as it marks the resumption of interaction between Caricom as a region and the US at this high level. I recall that meetings at this level were a regular feature of our relationship,” LaRocque said.

LaRocque said that Caricom attaches great value “to the strong and enduring bonds of friendship” with Washington, noting that a “spirit of cooperation has characterised our relationship, and it has been underpinned by collaboration on a range of issues, which include trade and investment, security, health, energy, disaster management and climate change.

The Caricom state-

ment said Courtney and Blinken also expressed support for St Vincent and the Grenadines as the country grapples with the ongoing eruption of the La Soufriere volcano.

Courtenay spoke to the need for access to concessional development financing based on vulnerability, especially in this challenging period for the region given the coronavirus pandemic, the La Soufriere volcano and the upcoming hurricane season.

The Caricom statement said that regional Foreign Ministers urged Washington to assist with access to much-needed vaccines which was an imperative for the region to emerge from the economic devastation caused by the pandemic. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil edges higher as recovery support countered

by Asia virus surge

O

il settled higher on Friday, supported by bullish economic data from US and Europe, though a rise in coronavirus cases in India was still pressuring prices.

Brent crude settled up 43 cents, 0.7 per cent, to US$65.83 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) US crude gained 63 cents, or 1.1 per cent, to US$66.11 a barrel.

For the week, both benchmark crudes fell about 1 per cent due to the resurgence of infections in India and Japan, the world's third and fourth-largest oil importers.

"This price consolidation follows a strong four-month price advance that was largely predicated on U.S. vaccine progress that forced some upward revisions in global demand ideas across this year," said Jim Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Illinois.

Euro zone Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data for April showed a stronger-than-expected recovery and more European states began easing coronavirus lockdowns. France said schools would reopen on Monday.

US data added to the upbeat outlook; the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell to a 13-month low last week.

"The PMIs across Europe were really off the charts, especially following the strong unemployment report in the U.S.," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

US refiner Valero said demand for gasoline and diesel were at 93 per cent and 100 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

International oil activity should ramp up through the end of this year and beyond, Schlumberger NV top boss Olivier Le Peuch said.

US energy firms cut the number of oil rigs operating for the first time since March, as rigs fell by one to 438 this week, according to energy services firm Baker Hughes Co. Before this week, drillers added rigs for five weeks in a row and has been up 80 per cent since falling to a record low of 244 in August 2020.

Oil demand concerns weighed as India's coronavirus cases surged to record highs.

Several countries, including Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates have barred or cut flights from India.

Japan declared new lockdowns in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures on Friday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

East Jerusalem clashes leave over 100 injured

S

cores of people have been injured in clashes in East Jerusalem between far-right Jewish activists, Palestinians and Israeli police.

The violence erupted as Police tried to keep Palestinians and ultra-nationalist Jewish protesters apart.

It follows nights of confrontations in the Israelioccupied sector amid rising nationalist and religious tensions.

East Jerusalem has long been a flashpoint, with an uneasy coexistence there between Jews and Arabs.

Israel has occupied East Jerusalem since the 1967 Middle East war and considers the entire city its capital, though this is not rec-

Police tried to keep the rival groups apart, detaining a number of protesters

ognised by the vast majority of the international community. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the future capital of a hoped-for independent state.

The worst fighting in days broke out on Thursday night after hundreds of

Jewish extremists from the ultra-nationalist Lehava group marched towards the Damascus Gate entrance of Jerusalem's Old City where large numbers of Palestinians had gathered chanting "Death to Arabs".

Stones and bottles were

More risks to pregnant women, their newborns from COVID-19 than known before – study

P

regnant women infected with COVID-19 and their newborn children face higher risks of complications than was previously known, a study by British scientists showed on Friday.

An infection of the new coronavirus in such newborns is associated with a three-fold risk of severe medical complications, according to a study conducted by scientists at the University of Oxford.

Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications such as premature birth,

high blood pressure with organ failure risk, need for intensive care and possible death.

"Women with COVID-19 during pregnancy were over 50% more likely to experience pregnancy complications compared to pregnant women unaffected by COVID-19," said Aris Papageorghiou, colead of the trial and a professor of fetal medicine at Oxford University.

The study was conducted in more than 2100 pregnant women across 18 countries, where each woman affected

by COVID-19 was compared to two non-infected women giving birth at the same time in the same hospital.

Findings from the study, published in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics, also showed a delivery by caesarean section may be as-

A

around while on his mobile phone outside the police station and seized his chance to go in as the woman went through the security doors.

He reportedly lunged at the officer, stabbing her in the neck. Her colleagues then opened fire on him.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors said they took over the investigation because of the way the attack had unfolded, remarks made by the attacker and the fact that he targeted a police official.

Sources close to the inquiry told media outlets that the man had shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) during the attack.

Three people were arrested following the attack, according to AFP news agency. A judicial source said they were part of the suspect's "entourage". (Excerpt from BBC News)

escue teams were battling against time on Friday to find a missing Indonesian Navy submarine lost in the Bali Sea with 53 crew, which would be running out of oxygen if not already crushed by water pressure.

Search helicopters and more ships left Bali and a naval base in Java heading to the area where contact was lost with the 44-year-old KRI Nanggala-402 on Wednesday as it prepared to conduct a torpedo drill, with the head of the Indonesian submarine fleet aboard.

If the submarine was still intact, officials said it would only have enough air to last until around dawn on Saturday.

An Indonesian air force pilot said six tonnes of equipment had been flown to a base to help with the search including underwater balloons to help lift a vessel.

Indonesia's navy said it was investigating whether the submarine lost power during a dive and could not

carry out emergency procedures as it descended to a depth of 600-700 metres, well beyond its survivable limits.

An object with "high magnetic force" had been spotted "floating" at a depth of 50-100 metres, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Yudo Margono said, and an aerial search had earlier spotted an oil spill near the submarine's last location.

The diesel-electric powered submarine could withstand a depth of up to 500 metres (1640 ft) but anything more could be fatal, Navy spokesman Julius Widjojono said. The Bali Sea can reach depths of more than 1500 metres.

An Indonesian defence expert said the crew could still be found alive.

"But if the submarine is in a 700-metre sea trough, it will be difficult for them to survive because underwater pressure will cause cracks and ruptures of the steel hull," Connie Rahakundini Bakrie said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

sociated with an increased risk of virus infection in newborns.

However, breastfeeding does not seem to heighten the risk of babies contracting COVID-19 from their mothers, scientists said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Baltic states join NATO allies in kicking out Russians for spying

Time running out for missing Indonesian submarine French Police station stabbing: Terror inquiry into as US joins search Rambouillet knife attack R female police employee has been killed in a knife attack at a police station south-west of Paris.

Anti-terror prosecutors have taken over the inquiry, and the killing is being treated as a possible terrorist attack.

The attacker, who reportedly came to France from Tunisia several years ago, was shot dead by police.

President Emmanuel Macron led tributes to the 49-year-old victim, and said France would never give in to "Islamist terrorism".

The stabbing took place in the secure entrance to the police station in the commuter town of Rambouillet, as the unarmed administrative officer was returning from her break at 14:20 (12:20 GMT).

Witnesses said the man had been seen walking

thrown between the two sides, and Police used stun grenades, tear gas and water cannon to try to disperse the crowds.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said at least 100 Palestinians were injured, while Police said 20 officers were hurt. More than 50 people were arrested.

Tensions in East Jerusalem have escalated since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on April 13. Palestinians have clashed with Police, accusing them of erecting barriers to stop them from congregating on steps outside Damascus Gate to break the daytime fast. Police say the measures are intended to help pedestrian flow into the Old City.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis looks on during a joint news conference with his German counterpart Heiko Maas, in Berlin, Germany, March 17, 2021

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ithuania, Latvia and Estonia on Friday joined a fast-growing list of NATO and EU members demanding the removal of Russian diplomats for alleged spying, in actions that have infuriated Moscow and look certain to provoke further retaliation.

A spate of tit-for-tat expulsions has plunged ties between Russia and countries of the former Soviet bloc to their lowest point since the fall of Communism, prompting Moscow to accuse at least two of them of deliberately wrecking relations.

Lithuania said it was

sending two diplomats home and Latvia and Estonia one each. "The EU should have less undercover Russian spies," Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters.

Three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Moscow maintains imposing and generously staffed embassies across central and eastern Europe, which the host countries say provide convenient cover for espionage.

The Baltic states - together with Slovakia, which ordered out three Russians on Thursday - appeared to be responding to an appeal this week from the Czech Republic for European Union and NATO allies to show solidarity in removing Russian spies.

In addition, Bulgaria and Poland have expelled two and three Russians respectively, prompting Moscow to show the door to two Bulgarians and five Poles.

The Czechs are embroiled in the biggest row of all, which looks set to involve the departure of dozens of Czech and Russian diplomats and was prompted by Czech allegations that Russian intelligence was behind a deadly explosion at an ammunition depot in 2014. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

Consider the pros and cons of any situation you face. Listen carefully, ask questions and don’t feel pressured to make a premature decision. Time is on your side.

Go over details and make adjustments before making a (April 20- decision that affects your inMay 20) come or finances. Take better care of your physical and mental well-being. Take a break and relax.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Check out professional opGEMINI portunities and make adjust(May 21- ments to your resume. Be clear June 20) regarding your expectations and long-term goals. Challenge yourself and strive to be your very best.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Take the high road and do what you can to help others. Discuss shared responsibilities. Keeping things fair will help dismiss discord. Make positive adjustments at home.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

You don’t have to put up with being bullied or taken for granted. If you don’t like something, make adjustments.

Refuse to let anyone limit your freedom of speech or your happiness.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

A change of scenery will lift your spirits. A chance to discover something exciting will alter the way you think.

Make personal adjustments that will push you in a new direction.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t get angry; get moving. Pick up information, gather your thoughts and strategize how best to move forward. Spend time developing something that interests you.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SCORPIO

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

A creative outlet will improve your state of mind.

Do something that brings you joy, and you’ll meet someone who shares your interests. Let go of what no longer works for you.

Be open to suggestions SAGITTARIUS and ready to take on new (Nov. 23responsibilities. A partnerDec. 21) ship that is challenging and intense will pay off. Think about making some professional changes.

You’ve got your ideas reCAPRICORN garding how you want things (Dec. 22done, but if you give others Jan. 19) the freedom to do things their way, you will have more time to pay attention to what’s most important to you.

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

Listen to others, but don’t share your opinions. Keep the peace in order to avoid a family feud. Don’t take a risk with your health. Keep your distance from those who don’t abide by the rules.

Emotions will surface.

PISCES Address issues quickly to (Feb. 20turn a difficult situation March 20) into something new and exciting. Don’t let someone from your past meddle in your life.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

21

GCB/Dave’s West Indian Imports & Exports Educational Trust Fund launched

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Friday, April 23, launched the Dave Narine Educational Trust Fund at its boardroom on Regent Road, Bourda.

Previously commissioned to benefit 15 young cricketers from across Guyana, at the launch, Dave Narine, proprietor of Dave’s West Indian Imports and Exports, doubled that number to 30, in an impulsive decision which he deemed to be necessary.

This initiative will now grant 10 Under-17 cricketers from each county the opportunity to bene-

fit from $20,000 worth of school supplies, aimed at assisting in their academic pursuits.

In his address made at the launch, Narine spoke of his observation over the years; specifically, the difference with the quality of life afforded by those cricketers with an education after their cricketing career has ended. He stressed that many with just talent usually fell by the wayside after their cricketing careers were over, as the lack of education didn’t yield them many other opportunities.

The Dave Narine Educational Trust Fund

is meant to bridge the gap in prompting academic development, and Narine has said it is dream to see Guyana well-represented in the West Indies team, as had obtained in the past, fuelling his motivation to aid youth cricketers, giving them the best fighting chance, Narine stated.

Aligning with Mr. Narine’s vision to enhance the academics of players, Mr. Hilbert Foster, Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board, spoke on the importance of an education for personal development, and especially for players, who are expected to understand and abide

Senior Mercedes figure joins rivals Red Bull at Formula 1

GCB executives & Dave Narine with County Reps

by playing conditions of the game.

Foster, extended gratitude to Narine for sponsoring this instrumental undertaking by the GCB, and for renewal of his sponsorship of the U-15 competition.

Bissoondyal Singh,

President of the Guyana Cricket Board, has said he is especially humbled by Narine’s contribution. He noted that the name “Dave Narine” is synonymous with cricket because of Narine’s continuous contribution towards youth cricket.

Singh described this initiative as a key indicator of development plans to heighten cricket and transform its players using a holistic approach.

Singh, also, thanked the generous sponsor Narine for his commitment and kind sponsorship.

Tokyo to enter state of emergency 3 months before the Olympics

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ed Bull have recruited a senior figure from rivals Mercedes to lead their new Formula 1 engine programme.

Ben Hodgkinson, Head of Mechanical Engineering at Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, will become Technical Director at Red Bull’s equivalent department.

It is being set up close to the chassis factory in Milton Keynes to take over the running of Honda’s engines.

Honda will quit F1 at the end of the current season.

They have sold their engines and intellectual property to Red Bull.

Red Bull said Hodgkinson would take over his new position “once the terms of his current contract with HPP are fulfilled”.

He is currently tied to Mercedes until the end of 2022, although typically, in these situations, the two parties tend to negotiate terms for an early release.

A statement added: “[This is] a key leadership

role heading up all technical aspects with a key focus on developing Red Bull’s inaugural power unit to comply with the new Formula 1 regulations currently planned for 2025.”

Stone cold classic launches ‘Hamilton v Verstappen show’ The sport is working on defining a new engine formula that would increase the proportion of power provided by electrical energy, and also use fully sustainable carbonneutral fuels.

Hodgkinson has been working at the Mercedes engine base at Brixworth in Northamptonshire for two decades, and, before that, developed engines in both the World Rally Championship and for Le Mans.

Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner said: “Ben comes to this hugely exciting project as a proven racewinner and as an innovator capable of leading a likeminded team of highly skilled engineers.

“When Red Bull announced

the creation of Red Bull Powertrains, it was also announcing a new phase of the company’s ambition in F1 - to bring every aspect of car design in-house, and to put our destiny in our own hands.

“The ultimate expression of that is the development of a Red Bull power unit to meet the next generation of F1 engine regulations.

“Ben’s appointment signals our long-term intent, and we will support him and his team with every available resource required in order to succeed.”

Hodgkinson said: “It was not easy to make the decision to leave HPP after almost 20 years, but the opportunity to take on such a far-reaching and important project is a great honour.

“Red Bull are serious players in F1, and have been our biggest rival in the hybrid era, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together in this new phase of the company’s journey.” (BBC Sport)

T

okyo, Osaka and two other prefectures of Japan are set to enter a state of emergency just three months before Japan’s capital is due to host the rescheduled Olympic Games.

Restrictions will be imposed from April 25 through to May 11 in a bid to curb rising coronavirus infections in Japan.

Bars, restaurants and karaoke parlours serving alcohol will be asked to close, while sporting events are set to be held behind closed doors.

Additionally, department stores and cinemas will close, while people will be encouraged to work from home. Schools, however, will

remain open.

Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura has said: “We absolutely have to limit the movement of people, and we have to do it decisively.

We need powerful, short and focused measures.”

Kyoto and Hyogo are the other two areas to come under the new restrictions. It marks the third time Japan will enter a state of emergency.

The decision comes as the country’s medical system struggles to contend with a rise in COVID-19 infections caused by new variants.

The Japanese Government and the International Olympic Committee have not been swayed from their stance:

that the Games – postponed last year as a result of the pandemic – will go ahead, despite a strong swell of public support for a cancellation.

Last week, Toshihiro Nikai –Secretary General of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party – said cancellation of the Games remains a possibility, although Olympics Minister Tamayo Maruyama said that was not being considered.

International spectators have already been banned from attending the Games, which are due to begin on July 23, while a decision over domestic spectators going to events is reportedly set to be delayed. (Adapted from Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

Rahul, Gayle drag Punjab Kings to victory

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– after bowlers strangle Mumbai Indians

Chris Gayle scored an unbeaten knock of 42

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nly the Punjab Kings could make a comprehensive ninewicket victory look like an existential crisis. But on another stodgy, spin-friendly deck at Chepauk, they were made to battle for every run of a sub-par target of 132, as the champions, Mumbai Indians, turned to the spin contingent of their hugely versatile attack to take an apparent stroll deep into the death overs.

The chase was eventually sealed with 14 balls to spare, thanks to a disciplined stand of 79 from 62 balls between KL Rahul and Chris Gayle, who swallowed their pride and soaked up the dot balls in the knowledge that the asking rate was never likely to get out of hand in the circumstances.

Nevertheless, as the legspinner Rahul Chahar once again led the line in a daunting spell of 4-0-19-1, he was ably assisted by the off-breaks of Jayant Yadav (4-0-20-0), whose dispatching by Gayle for a vast six over long-on in the 15th over inadvertently reawakened Mumbai’s interest.

The drier replacement ball began to bite the dry surface with renewed venom, and both batsmen had some exceptionally dicey moments at the denouement - not least Rahul, who brought up a run-

a - b a l l fifty with a leading edge into noman’s land at square leg.

Inevitably, it was left to the Universe Boss to put the contest beyond doubt, as he swivelled into a pull for six off Trent Boult’s first ball of his comeback over. Rahul joined the pile-on with a swipe over long-on, before a fast edge through third man sealed Punjab’s first victory since their opening match of the tournament.

5th bowler 1st for Kings It was topsy-turvy from the outset from the Kings, and it turned Mumbai’s intentions inside-out.

Moises Henriques had bowled a solitary over in this tournament to date, and that may have been out of desperation after a flying start to the Sunrisers’ run-chase in last week’s nine-wicket defeat. But therein lay the beginnings of a cunning plan, as Henriques - with three cheap overs - and Deepak Hooda, equally unaccustomed to being called upon so early in an innings, were charged with cramping Mumbai’s style in the powerplay.

The pair, and latterly Mohammad Shami, were aided and abetted by a strangely unalert Rohit Sharma, whose intent appeared to have been anaesthesised on a surface with which Mumbai have become suspiciously familiar in the course of their first four matches.

Sharma might have been

run out off the second ball of the game after jogging for his first run, and his surfeit of caution was summed up when he even patted a shinhigh full-toss from Henriques to long-on for another single though he made amends one over later for Mumbai’s first boundary of the night.

Quinton de Kock never got going either, as Hooda’s darting off-breaks lured him into a wafty drive to midon; and even the habitually unfettered Ishan Kishan was unable to escape first gear, as Mumbai limped to 21 for 1 in the first six overs, their joint second-lowest powerplay total in IPL history. In the process, Punjab had burgled five overs from their leastvaunted bowlers, and as if to celebrate, Ravi Bishnoi - newly called up as a leg-spinning replacement for M Ashwin - did for a becalmed Kishan with a big-spinning googly in his opening over.

But the Kings’ early stranglehold was never entirely loosened, even as Suryakumar began to crank up the style with a scoop over backward square off Bishnoi and a whippy pickup through long-on off Shami. On 33, though, he top-edged a switch-hit off Bishnoi to Gayle at short fine leg. With Kieron Pollard still on zero and focused merely on seeing off the final balls of his zippy tightlined spell, Bishnoi trimmed his bails with the googly, as Rahul also failed to pick the variation.

One over later, the Kings had the big one. Sharma rocked into a pull to deep midwicket as Shami returned to the attack, and had to go for 63 from 52 balls. It was Mumbai’s highest individual score of the campaign to date, and a clear indication that run-making on this surface is far from straightforward.

Rohit provides ballast, but no fireworks Sharma has never been afraid to take his time to build an innings. A brace of steered boundaries from Fabian Allen’s first two balls lifted his strike-rate into credit, and at 25 from 22 balls in the eighth over, he was now ready to go deep.

In Allen’s next over, Sharma pumped him over the leg side for Mumbai’s first six, and Hooda was similarly dispatched when he returned for a ten-run third over in the 12th. With Suryakumar Yadav also picking up on the change of tempo, Sharma rushed to his fifty from 40 balls with a front-foot steer through backward point off Bishnoi.

Fast start, slow finish Mumbai launched their defence with a waspish first over from Boult that conceded just a single, but Krunal Pandya’s deployment in the powerplay was less of a roaring success. A brace of fours for Rahul gave way to a glorious pulled six over extra cover from Mayank Agarwal, to provide a kick-start that would prove match-defining.

But Chahar, with analyses of 4 for 27 and 3 for 19 already in this tournament, is in fine form right now. He nearly struck with his third ball, as Rahul pushed airily but just out of the bowler’s reach, a let-off that persuaded the captain to play the long game with his spitting, bouncy legbreaks.

On 25, however, Agarwal allowed himself to be hypnotised by Chahar’s line and loop, as he flapped into a half-formed drive over longon, and was already rehearsing the sweep he should have played as Suryakumar swallowed the chance.

Ramnauth to give Pomeroon its own version of Youth League – slated to commence in August

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Rohit Sharma steered the ship for Mumbai with 63

Without missing a beat, Sharma called the off-spin of Jayant into the attack, who confirmed the rising tension with a brace of single-run overs, as Gayle stretched onto the front foot to acquaint his bat with the middle of the ball. And as he and Rahul traded in singles in Chahar’s third over, Punjab were visibly torn as to stick or twist, with the required rate stretching towards 7.5.

Gayle briefly lost patience as Chahal twirled into his final over, so nearly losing his off stump to an ill-conceived cut.

However, a shovelled pull past fine leg was a reminder that even the best bowlers would lapse occasionally.

The same trick got Gayle’s innings properly up and running in Jayant’s next over, as he risked lbw to nick another boundary behind square.

At that moment, Jayant finally strayed into Gayle’s arc for more familiar thump through wide long-on, but those were the last runs he would concede as the replacement ball spat viciously past his edge for the remainder of the over.

Krunal found similar assistance on his return to the attack, but ultimately Mumbai were left to rue a batting performance that had been fractionally too deferential to the conditions. But at least they are off to pastures new in Delhi next week. Two wins from five in Chennai is not a disaster, but it’s left the champions playing catch-up.

(ESPNcricinfo)

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Pomeroon Organiser Ernesto Demattos

F

ounder and primary sponsor of the Development Youth Cricket League, Devon Ramnauth, has committed to giving Pomeroon its own leg of the league in the upcoming second edition slated for August.

Pomeroon Organizer Ernesto Demattos had indicated that it has been 15 years (2006) since a youth cricket tournament was played in Pomeroon. The

Founder of the League, Devon Ramnauth

league's Pomeroon PRO, Boaz Roberts, will work hand in hand with Demattos and Head Organizer of the league, Trevis Simon, to make this a successful venture, after which a Pomeroon XI will be selected to play the Essequibo Coast XI. For the Pomeroon leg, at least 4 teams from Upper and Lower Pomeroon will play a Round Robin tournament, and the incentives will be the same as the Essequibo

Coast leg, which include Man of The Match, Best Bowler, Best Batsman, Most Valuable Play (MVP), Winner and 2nd Place Trophies.

Former Pomeroon youth players Delvin and Sherman Austin and Oscar Richmond, along with Charity, Essequibo Coast businessman Imtiaz Barakat, have already pledged their continued support for this initiative to help the Pomeroon youths.

MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Quinton de Kock †c Henriques b Hooda 3 Rohit Sharma (c) c Allen b Mohammed Shami 63 Ishan Kishan c †Rahul b Ravi Bishnoi 6 Suryakumar Yadav c Gayle b Ravi Bishnoi 33 Kieron Pollard not out 16 Hardik Pandya c Hooda b Arshdeep Singh 1 Krunal Pandya c Pooran b Mohammed Shami 3 Jayant Yadav not out 0 Extras (b 4, w 2) 6 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.55) 131/6 Did not bat: Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Quinton de Kock, 1.6 ov), 2-26 (Ishan Kishan, 6.6 ov), 3-105 (Suryakumar Yadav, 16.1 ov), 4-112 (Rohit Sharma, 17.3 ov), 5-122 (Hardik Pandya, 18.4 ov), 6-130 (Krunal Pandya, 19.5 ov) O-M-R-W BOWLING 3-0-12-0 Moises Henriques 3-0-15-1 Deepak Hooda

Mohammed Shami Ravi Bishnoi Fabian Allen Arshdeep Singh

4-0-21-2 4-0-21-2 3-0-30-0 3-0-28-1

PUNJAB KINGS INNINGS (TARGET: 132 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) KL Rahul (c)† not out 60 Mayank Agarwal c SA Yadav b Chahar 25 Chris Gayle not out 43 Extras (nb 1, w 3) 4 TOTAL (17.4 Ov, RR: 7.47) 132/1 Did not bat: Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Fabian Allen, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh Fall of wickets: 1-53 (Mayank Agarwal, 7.2 ov) O-M-R-W BOWLING Trent Boult 2.4-0-30-0 3-0-31-0 Krunal Pandya 3-0-21-0 Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-19-1 Rahul Chahar 4-0-20-0 Jayant Yadav 1-0-11-0 Kieron Pollard

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La Soufriere effect in SVG…

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T20 star Kesrick Williams was hospitalised CWI Vice President Dr Kishore Shallow

By Brandon Corlette

R

esponding to a natural disaster is a complex problem.

However, the response from the Region, and Guyana especially, has been prompt, and the individual support is admirable. West Indies

T20 star Kesrick Williams, like many others, was affected by La Soufriere volcano eruption in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Reliance Hustlers, Bacchus Bulls to clash in T20 final on Sunday

R

Reliance Hustlers

eliance Hustlers and Bacchus Bulls will clash on Sunday in the final of the Central/South Essequibo tournament. The match will be played at the Imam Bacchus ground at Affiance, Essequibo Coast.

Last Sunday, at the same venue, Reliance Hustlers made light work of Queenstown in the first semifinal, winning by ten wickets. And in the second semis, the action was more intense, as Bacchus Bulls c l i n c h e d a thrilling onerun victory over Rising

Bacchus Bulls

Stars Sports Club.

Queenstown took first strike, and made an inadequate 54 all out off 17.1 overs. Extras top-scored with 16. Veteran Essequibo player Ramesh Narine grabbed 3-11 from four overs to be the star bowler. Excellent support came from Narendra Madholall and skipper Travis Simon with two wickets each.

When Reliance batted, Mark Austin cracked an unbeaten 30, and victory was achieved in the 10th over.

Bacchus Bulls set up a challenging 147-6 from their allotment of 20 overs, and Rising Stars were left stranded at 146-8 when

the overs ran out. Parmesh Parsotam led the way with 45. Quinton Sampson took 3-22 from his maximum four overs, bowling for Rising Stars.

In Rising Stars’ innings, national player Kemol Savory stroked 53, while Latchman Rohit and Sampson contributed 40 and 29 respectively. Parsotam was the most successful bowler for Bacchus Bulls, claiming 4-15 off three economical overs.

Meanwhile, preceding the championship game on Sunday, Queenstown and Rising Stars will compete for the third-place playoff prize.

Williams, who resides near the red zone in St Vincent, disclosed that he was hospitalised after the ashes entered his nasal system. According to Williams, the other West Indies cricketers who lives in St Vincent are safe.

“I’m not too bad, just some ashes now. The rain started falling a couple days, but the volcano was erupting; but we are hoping for the best. I was affected very bad. I was in the hospital at some stage when the ashes entered my nasal system. I could not breathe properly, but I am better now,” Williams disclosed on the recent Mason and Guest radio programme.

The likes of Sunil Ambris, Obed Mc Coy, umpire Dayton Butler, Delron Johnson and Keron Cottoy are some of the cricketers who are safe.

Williams said he is offering help to the population, and his West Indies team mates Lendl Simmons, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, and Rayad Emrit, among others, have come on board.

“You can send the cash, but the supplies are here and a lot of people cannot

buy it. The boats are so packed, and you might not get your stuff. The lines here for Western Union and MoneyGram are ridiculous, and people need stuff right now. All water system is contaminated, so bottle water is essential,” Williams added.

In terms of adhering to the COVID-19 advisories, Williams said the SVG Government are trying their best, but many individuals in the population are still uncertain whether or not to take the vaccine.

“Cricket West Indies (CWI) stands with the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines at this very challenging time of national disaster. We have sent a note of solidarity, in care of our CWI Vice President Dr Kishore Shallow, to the several current and past West Indian cricketers who reside in SVG,” a CWI release has disclosed.

Shallow, who is Vincentian, has been the CWI Vice President since 2019, working alongside President Ricky Skerritt.

“On behalf of the cricket family of the West Indies, CWI extends our prayers

for our Vincentian brothers and sisters in the midst of this emergency,” the release added.

Many cricketers from St Vincent have represented West Indies. They include Alphonso Roberts, Nixon McLean, Cameron Cuffy, Sunil Ambris, Kesrick Williams and Obed McCoy. Meanwhile, CWI Vice President Kishore Shallow has said he is safe and he lives in the green zone.

The beautiful cricket venue Arnos Valle is safe, and hopefully, when things get better, Shallow is hoping for international cricket to return. He also thanked the region for making significant contributions to SVG. “Arnos Valle is fine.

They would have been affected by the ash, but we had some good rainfall over the weekend, which has helped the cause. The venue has not been damaged in any way,” he said.

From an agricultural and infrastructural perspective, Shallow said, a lot of churches and houses have been destroyed, and the road is covered with a great amount of ash. He said the farms are totally destroyed.

Novices/Juniors National Championships & Qualifiers 2021 set for this Sunday

Pooran powers past Santner in Esports Series

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Nicholas Pooran

he fourth match of the Hero CPL Esports series saw Nicholas Pooran of the Guyana Amazon Warriors taking on Mitchell Santner of the Barbados Tridents at a virtual Kensington Oval. The Warriors emerged victorious after a brutal display with the bat and superb bowling from their spinners.

The Tridents won the toss and elected to bowl first, with Pooran promoting himself up

the order to open the batting.

It was a move that paid immediate dividends, with 30 runs coming off the first over, 24 of them from Pooran.

The early loss of Brandon King did not slow the Warriors down, as Shimron Hetmyer joined Pooran in smashing the Tridents bowling around the Oval, although a good many of the boundaries came via the edge of the bat.

Pooran brought up his fifty from just 10 balls on his way to 63 (13), to set up a Warriors’ total of 133/4 from their five overs. Although Pooran was the star, he was well supported, first

by Hetmyer, and then by Ross Taylor.

It was a daunting target for

the Tridents, and they were under pressure to get off to a good start. They got just that, thanks to Johnson Charles who made 29 (8), but his departure precipitated a Tridents collapse, with three wickets falling with the score on 43. That became 53/5 after an over from Imran Tahir.

The Tridents never recovered from the fall of that cluster of wickets, and as they searched for boundaries to get themselves back into the game, the wickets continued to fall, with three more going to the spin of Chandrapaul Hemraj.

The Tridents went from 43/1 to 73 all out, handing the Warriors the win by a massive 60 runs. (Adapted from CPLT20.

COM)

T

The GAPLF event will be held at St. Stanislaus College

he Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation’s Novices/Juniors National Championship and Qualifiers will be held on Sunday, April 25th, 2021 at the Saint Stanislaus College in upper Brickdam, near the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

The Federation is reminding

its athletes that weigh-in time begins at 06:00 hrs and ends at 07:30 hrs (6am to 7:30am). The competition will begin at 08:00 hrs (8am).

Some of the athletes who will be guest lifting to achieve a qualifying total are: Paul Adams, Wazim Mohamed, Nadina Taharally and Franklyn Brisport.

Because of the pervasiveness of COVID-19, the GAPLF will not be allowing spectators at the venue, and each team would be allowed only one coach. Everyone present would be expected to wear a mask. The competition will be live- streamed for the virtual audience.

SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021

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GCB/Dave’s West Indian Imports & Exports Educational Trust Fund launched

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La Soufriere effect in SVG…

T20 star Kesrick Williams was hospitalised

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Novices/Juniors National Pooran powers Championships & Qualifiers past Santner in 2021 set for this Sunday Esports Series 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.