Guyana Times - Saturday, August 14, 2021

P7

Standards are important – GNBS on standards for local oil sector Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4739

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

“It has never been a one-way street” – President Ali tells Caribbean Airlines …says relationship must be reciprocal

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Sod turned for official residence of Caricom SG …a fulfilment of promise

by President Ali - P19 outgoing Ambassador

Black Bush P8 Polder man slapped with murder charge

See story on page 3

Private Sector lauds changes at GECOM Page 7

…calls for technically competent, impartial replacements

US$35M agroprocessing facility for Enmore

Taxi driver P16 stabbed over love affair with suspect’s wife

Page 2

Cop remanded on bribery charges P16

…600 persons to be employed

Region 10 woman is latest COVID-19 fatality, new cases 100 Page 15

…over 3,800 children infected since March 2020 Page 11

Pedestrians, motorcyclists top list of P11 road fatalities

Gas cylinder explodes on fishing vessel …fishermen injured

Standoff over Town Clerk

Georgetown Mayor deliberately P18 peddling falsehoods – LGC Canecutter jailed 10 years for P19 killing stepfather

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US$35M agroprocessing facility for Enmore …600 persons to be employed

GO-Invest CEO Peter Ramsaroop and Caribbean International Distributors Inc CEO Maurice Gajadhar displaying the MoU in the presence of Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked on Friday by the Goverment through the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and Caribbean International Distributors Inc, a member of the Rudisa Group of Companies.

This was for the development of an agro-processing facility to the tune of US$35 million.

There will be a plethora of jobs available to Guyanese since the facility will see some 600 persons being employed, another indication of the President, Dr Irfaan Ali fulfilling his campaign mandate of job creation in Guyana.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha expressed his strong support of this investment.

“These are the kinds of investments we want to see in Guyana. The Government and Private Sector are working closely to ensure that we bring agriculture to the forefront of our economy. Although Guyana is now an oil-producing nation, we must use this as an enabler for the agriculture sector which is now taking off,” he is quoted as saying.

The agro-processing facility is said to be a major step forward in the President’s vision of a sustainable economy that prioritises food security in Guyana.

The facility will see the production and packaging of various products such as milk, natural fruit juices and water, along with a variety of bread products such as hamburger rolls, biscuits, cookies, croissants, bagels and donuts to supply Guyana’s local and export market.

Additionally, the establishment of this facility is said to be a great contributor to the President’s desire of having major investments in the agriculture sector through value-added agriculture products in an attempt to boost Guyana’s capacity within the regional market and create opportunities for export.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop noted that “Rudisa Group of Companies has a long standing in Guyana and is embarking on a new and critical venture which will considerably contribute to the President’s vision for an agriculture-focused Guyana and which will be focal in the Government’s mission to transform Guyana into a large-scale exporter for the Caribbean and beyond.”

Additionally, CEO of Caribbean International Distributors Inc, Maurice R Gajadhar expressed his excitement to be a part of this new investment and commitment in ensuring the Guyanese population benefits through employment.

“We are excited to expand our operations and to be instrumental in Guyana’s agricultural and industrial development through the employment of 600 persons once fully operational. We want to make sure that our people benefit from this investment and are eager to add value to the agriculture industry in keeping with our President’s vision for Guyana.”

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Aug 14 – 09:30h – 11:00h and Sunday, Aug 15 – 10:00h – 11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Aug 14 – 07:55h – 09:25h and Sunday, Aug 15 – 08:50h – 10:20h.

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.

Expect thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to West SouthWesterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:35h and 20:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.54 metres and 2.53 metres.

Low Tide: 14:29h reaching a minimum height of 0.73 metre.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021

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Friday, August 6, 2021

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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

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Change %

Crude Oil

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Rough Rice

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USD Per Ounce

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$1754.90 0.00

$1781.10 0.00%

“It has never been a one-way street” – President Ali tells Caribbean Airlines …says relationship must be reciprocal

“W

e are aware that Caribbean Airline Limited (CAL) has been an extremely good partner of Guyana, but you must also accept that Guyana has been an extremely good market for CAL. It has never been a one-way street, it has always been a two-way street, and all your previous Boards and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) would have appreciated this.”

Those were the sentiments expressed by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a virtual meeting on Friday with executive members of CAL to discuss the existing challenges and ways of strengthening the company’s partnership with Guyana.

The President highlighted the fact that although CAL is currently cutting costs, more local content can be engaged on the company’s part.

“I know that you are cutting costs and you are cutting staff, but we would like to see more involvement of Guyanese in the operations, and by that, I mean we are willing to work with you on increasing your footprint and your presence here in Guyana as part of your development plans,” Guyana’s Head of State said, adding that he was sure to make note of the fact that during the pandemic, the relationship between Guyana and CAL continued, since Guyana was kept relatively open and CAL’s operations were sustained.

It is under these circumstances, he noted, that he wanted to engage the airline and to have a clear understanding as to where CAL is heading “… we believe that CAL is a long and strong partner with us, and we need to find a way in which that partnership is demonstrated in a stronger way,” Ali said.

Legacy carrier

Meanwhile, in his remarks, CAL’s Chairman of the Board, Ronnie Mohammed, stated that the airline has been a “legacy carrier” into Guyana and that the mutual friendship and relationship between Guyana and Trinidad have been maintained and sustained.

“We are eager and willing to partner deeper with our footprint in Guyana,” he added.

Additionally, CEO Garvin Medera assured the President that CAL is “very willing” to continue with the push to support local content in Guyana.

He revealed that prior to the pandemic, the airline had been in the process of hiring Guyanese but was forced to cut back on staffing.

Also at the meeting on Friday were Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, along with Tourism Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond, Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar, National Security Advisor Gerry Gouveia and Cheddi Jagan International Airport CEO Ramesh Ghir along with representatives of CAL, General Manager Carl Stuart, Chairman of the Board Ronnie Mohammed, CEO Garvin Medera and Chief Commercial Officer Yannis Gounaris.

The Ministers present at

President Irfaan Ali and the Guyana’s delegation - Public Works Minister Juan Edghill; Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond; and CJIA CEO Ramesh Ghir - at the meeting on Friday

the meeting are expected to engage at the technical level in creating a cohesive plan that sees to the strengthening of the partnership, while examining the opportunities ahead.

This, the President noted, will help build trust and improve services in the eyes of consumers.

“We have to grow together. We need to have a technical

discussion on the way forward to improve efficiency and to come up with a master plan together to share with the people in demonstration of the partnership,” he said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 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

Climbing global developmental graphs

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uyana becoming a developed country is not merely an optimistic hope, but a doable and achievable reality because Government’s facilitation of private sector investments can propel this nation into First World status.

Before the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration assumed the primary executive office in the land in October of 1992, Guyana was rated on international developmental indices as being on par with Haiti. Graphed during the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration as the least developed nation in the world, with a crippling debt burden, Guyana’s development under the astute leadership provided by successive PPP/C Presidents was rapid.

After a relatively short time span of approximately two decades, Guyana was being recognised by the world as a middleincome developing country, and described by Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines as “The only shining star in the Caribbean”.

The popular prognosis heralded great things for this nation, because the focus of the PPP/C Administrations – then and now – is to make Guyana a modern and developed country; and Guyana had indeed been inexorably moving from a middle-income developing country to becoming, in the not-too-distant future, a developed country.

However, for the country to achieve such a status, it has to be a joint effort by all stakeholders working in conjunction and cooperation with Government. There have been, in the past, multiple successful partnerships between the Government, Private Sector and other stakeholders to work together to create of Guyana a modern society.

The transformation of the national socio-economic landscape has not been easy, because there are elements of negativity who are intent on stymieing every developmental initiative.

Regrettably, this progressive developmental paradigm took a relentless and rapid retrogression – in every sector – with the advent of another PNC-led Government in 2015.

Post-2015 elections, a relentless reversal of Guyana’s developmental trajectory under the coalition Government administration, brought this country to an almost bankrupt state, with a debt burden of billions of dollars.

One of the worst disincentives to private investment in Guyana is the high energy costs, which send overheads skyrocketing, especially in the manufacturing sector; and the PPP/C Government had attempted to address this problem through hydropower, but had reached the usual developmental roadblocks from the PNCled A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Opposition, which used every armament in its arsenal to shoot down the project.

It is a proven fact that not having cheap energy is one of the most prohibitive factors that have impeded Guyana’s manufacturing sector from surging.

However, despite the setback with the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, recently-elected President Irfaan Ali is adamant that the pursuit of alternative energy would be prioritized, so that Government can provide cheap energy for the development of a strong industrial manufacturing sector and a strong processing sector.

With a progressing agricultural sector that can easily develop an agro-industrial complex, Guyana is once again climbing global developmental graphs.

During the 2020 Budget debates, various Government Members of Parliament (MPs) outlined future transformative plans geared at making a reality of the dream of taking Guyana from a middle-income developing country to a developed country, and one could only hope that the joint Opposition would allow good sense and patriotism to prevail over self-centred agendas to work along on these visionary plans and projects that would benefit all Guyanese and create of this country, not only “the only shining star of the Caribbean”, but the shining star of the world.

Successive PPP/C Governments have always held out an outstretched hand to the Opposition and all stakeholders in the nation, with scant success of cooperation from the joint Opposition; and history will record their negative contributions to the development of this nation. The ball is in the Opposition’s court.

President Dr Irfaan Ali presenting outgoing United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator to Guyana Mikiko Tanaka with a token of appreciation as a parting gift at State House on Friday. President Ali thanked Tanaka for her years of service and contributions to Guyana (Office of the President photo)

Our sense of patriotism should take precedence Dear Editor, Any right-thinking Guyanese must see this recent reaction of the Coalition at Linden as just another attempt to fulfil their political agenda, which they had also done on the West Coast of Berbice when they instigated massive and violent protests.

They simply do not care about the people, and this was evident during their tenure in office.

Certain misconceptions which are being peddled need to be addressed, and reliable and authoritative information is readily available on the internet to debunk those misconceptions. Our teachers, health care workers and the Opposition are aware of these. Some of these are outlined below.

To begin with, it is impossible to get the virus from the vaccine, since none of the vaccines contains an iota of the real virus. Further, any adverse effect will show up within the first two weeks, and certainly by the first two months, according to Dr Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown University of Public Health. This is reason why participants in the trial of the various vaccines were asked to wait two months to ascertain the results and to authorise the use.

Furthermore, Dr Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, has assured that the most serious side effects of the vaccine have all been caught within six weeks.

So, this fear of side effects appearing long after taking the vaccination is unfounded.

There are normal side effects which will follow the vaccine, but will go away within three days, although some persons would not experience any.

After a person has been vaccinated, that person will remain for fifteen minutes, to see if there is any immediate reaction.

Then, even if persons have had the virus, those persons should still get vaccinated, since the immunity from the vaccine is much stronger and longer than from the virus itself.

Some people feel the vaccine may affect fertility.

According to Dr Offit, this is utter nonsense. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said there’s no link between any vaccine and fertility.

Have persons who refuse to take the vaccine actually assessed the negative impact on a lot of people, which include yourself, your loved

ones and the country as a whole? Some people say, “If you’re vaccinated, then you should not be worried if I choose not to be vaccinated, since you’re safe”. This is not so, since even if a person is fully vaccinated, they can still be infected, since vaccines are not 100% effective.

So, there is a probability that an unvaccinated person can still infect those who are vaccinated. Hence the choice not to be vaccinated can hurt others. The freedom to put whatever you want in your body cannot be extended to what you can put into the bodies of others.

Added to that, there are persons who, for medical reasons, such as those who are on cancer chemotherapy, are at high risks of being infected from the unvaccinated. These people depend on the vaccinated people to protect them.

Even animals offer protection to their wounded and sick.

Our children under 12 years old cannot be vaccinated at this time, they depend on us to protect them. Even animals protect their young ones. Our vulnerable Guyanese are now completely dependent on us to provide protection to them.

Where is our sense of patriotism? What is the Opposition doing to serve our country?

In addition, when persons refuse to be vaccinated, the virus is allowed to replicate and create mutations, as has happened already with the Delta variant, which is far more contagious and which may cause a complete resistance to the immunity induced by the current vaccines. We need to avert this highly dangerous risk now. That would mean that all our efforts and financial costs to be vaccinated and protected against this deadly virus would come to naught.

Is this what the Coalition wants? This is certainly a new method of attempting to destabilise the Government.

Now that they no longer have the majority in Parliament, they are devising news strategies to destabilise and wreak havoc and chaos, but have they considered the huge number of lives which will be lost?

Some of our young people feel that they are young and healthy and do not need to be vaccinated. These young people can get long-term COVID-19 complications, such as chronic fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, and brain fog for months after their infection.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 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

Promoting race hatred will not help anyone’s cause Dear Editor, A PNCR-aligned political activist in New York has threatened the IndoGuyanese community in New York with his incendiary rhetoric that was spewed out on a Sherod Duncan video show. The person has arranged a protest over the weekend to target, disrupt, and close IndoGuyanese businesses.

Community leaders, including the International Center for Democracy (ICD), have reacted swiftly to the caustic remarks: “the Indian and Black communities enjoy a respectful relationship…and we cannot allow this poison into our communities.”

ICD has also called upon the authorities to investigate this person for inciting race hatred against IndoGuyanese, and to protect Indo-Guyanese businesses and families.

The protest is linked to the man’s claim that the PNCR coalition was cheated out of power in the 2020 national and regional elections. He had recently targeted an Indo-Guyanese business in Queens when a gala event was held recent-

ly in honour of Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

The regular protests by PNCR operatives have been rejected by the Guyanese people, and also have no traction with the diplomatic missions and foreign governments. To get attention to their (PNCR) cause, they have decided to weaponise race and utilise it as a major political tool to explain electoral and governance issues.

Guyanese know that the 2020 general and regional election results were certified by a CARICOM high level team, which was invited by the PNCR coalition to oversee the election recount, and in the presence of neutral and accredited election observation teams, which filed separate reports on the free and fair conduct of the 2020 elections. Based on those reports and firsthand information, foreign diplomatic missions (US, Canada, European Union, OAS, UK, and Commonwealth) as well as 100 governments and all local political parties (except the PNCR coalition), immediately recognised that the PPPC had won the 2020 elections convincingly.

Guyanese and diplomatic missions are also aware of the attempts by top GECOM executives, in collaboration with PNCR+AFC elements, to perpetrate an electoral coup d’ etat in the plain view of the world. The head of the OAS team stated, “It was the most transparent attempt to steal an election.”

The PNCR coalition operatives have been continually feeding their supporters with lies that they had won the elections. They (PNCR coalition) took their election cases to Guyana’s Apex court, Caribbean Court of Justice, and lost all of them, yet they have refused to accept the legitimacy of the PPPC Government, and often refer to it as an “installed regime.” What is also astonishing is that despite their incredulous claim of being cheated out of office, they have refused to make their SoPs (Statement of Poll) public. Had they done that, the truth would have burst forth before their supporters. And the truth is, they (PNCR coalition) lost the elections.

The PNCR’s rationale for utilising race as a political tool is also based

on their claim that the PPPC Government fired 2,000 of their supporters upon taking office. Every new Government tends to fire political and contracted employees. This is normal practice in any democracy. The PNCR have failed to tell their supporters that when they took power in 2015, they fired over 7,000 sugar workers (over 6,000 of them were Indians) and left them to languish on the breadline. Likewise, they fired 1,972 Amerindian CSO workers, who served in the most impoverished hinterland regions of the country.

APNU/AFC have lost power due to their own blunders. Had they not closed the 4 sugar estates, for example, they would have had a good chance of winning the 2020 elections. It seems that they are blaming others for their political miscalculations.

They desperately want to hold on to power, to govern over an emerging oil economy. It is not that they (PNCR party and supporters) do not have political power. They have power at all layers of Government except at the ministerial level.

Their supporters dominate

GECOM CEO should be nonnational for an interim period Dear Editor, The 2020 general elections’ manipulations and attempts at rigging, when condensed and filtered down, could have been stopped in their track if two specific officials of GECOM, namely the Chairperson and the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), had acted as officers befitting their office. What actually occurred was largely a case of inaction by the Chairperson, and too much nefarious actions by the CEO. Hypothetically, had the CEO acted as per the guidelines of GECOM, Clairmont Mingo would not have been calling out bingo and bogus numbers. The entire electoral secretariat reports direct-

ly to the CEO, and he has the commensurate authority to direct their conduct as per the standard operating procedures. His decision to actively condone the falsification of the statements of poll for Region Four was the major turning point in an otherwise fair and free elections up to that point. This only amplifies the importance of the CEO. Furthermore, had the Chairperson acted with her vested authority and suspended both Mingo and Lowenfield the moment they disregarded the Chief Justice and her orders, we would never have had to endure this rigging nightmare.

The way forward should be to retain the Chairperson,

given the fact that although she was very dilatory at times and lacked the experience of overseeing an election, she went through a crucible of fire and must have emerged tempered and wiser.

With regard to the CEO of GECOM, which is the most crucial position, we should look at the possibility of hiring a competent officer from either the Caricom or Commonwealth countries to replace Lowenfield for a

minimum of two elections.

This would give everyone they proper breathing space to regain trust and impartiality in the elections process, since a non-national would have no partial preference for any political party. Over time, we would come to have trust in the system, regardless of the individuals manning the electoral system.

Yours sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin

the public service (70%), the army (90%), the Police (80%), nursing (75%), teaching (60%), and the top echelons (Permanent Secretary) of the public service (50%), although their group constitutes only 29% of the population. They also control 4 administrative regions.

What is the driving force behind the man’s race-based protest? Is the purpose to blackmail the PPPC into sharing ministerial portfolio with the PNCR? Or is the purpose to make the country ungovernable? Or to topple the legally elected Government?

While peaceful protest is a fundamental right, no reasonable person or group should support a planned

effort to create race hatred and conflict that would drive a wedge between Indo- and Afro-Guyanese. Why does this man want to target Indian businesses and families both here in New York and in Guyana? Does he want to crush the base of the PPPC support as his PNCR Government attempted in the sugar industry? This man’s party has another 4 years to prepare itself for general and regional elections. Here is where their focus should be. Stirring race hatred would further weaken the party. Race hatred must be rejected by all peace loving and decent people.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

Our sense of...

Moreover, young people are easy transmitters of the virus, putting at risk everyone with whom they come in contact. Unfortunately, the new Delta variant is now infecting more children than before, so that they are now only carriers.

As it is now, no one is safe, the virus is mutating, and the next mutation could be far worse than its predecessor.

Some people mistakenly believe that their faith would protect them. There is a universal saying, “Trust in God, but tie your camel”. God has given us the knowledge and the ability to reason and find solutions to our problems, and we need to use that ability.

We have been vaccinated as kids, so what is the huge difference now?

This virus is a lot deadlier and contagious. Should not the COVID-19 vaccines be seen as an answer to the fervent prayers from our different faiths?

FROM PAGE 4

This Government has ensured that no one is burdened with the cost of the vaccines, and they are readily available and accessible to all. What would have been the position of those who are against the vaccines if the Coalition was successful in rigging the 2020 Elections?

The key to ending this pandemic is not only to get vaccinated, but to do that now. The virus must not be allowed to mutate into strains which we cannot control with our current vaccines. We are our brothers’ keepers and we must see it as our civic and spiritual duty to get our loved ones and friends vaccinated NOW. Do not be misled by the Coalition leaders, who have already been vaccinated as well as their loved ones. Do not be used for their own selfish political gains.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

Page

Foundation Animal movement

By Linda Sue Park

Rare cranes have flourished in the world’s unlikeliest sanctuary, the heavily-mined demilitarised zone between North and South Korea.

—Smithsonian Magazine curve and swoosh of wondrous white brushstroked black the throat and wings modest cap of scarlet

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et active at home by pretending to be different animals with this animal movement activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Staying inside or close to home doesn't mean you can't get your body moving in new and exciting ways! Regular physical activity will increase muscle tone, strengthen bones, and support mental health. As you take turns leading others in different animal movements,

consider adding your own additions to the game, or moving throughout different rooms or into the yard!

Designed for children from preschool through first grade, this fun and engaging activity is a great way to get moving, be silly, and practise gross motor skills.

What you need:

Animal Movement Cards worksheet Animal Dice worksheet (optional)

What you do:

Cut out the animal cards and place them in a stack face down.

Alternatively, you may use the animal dice in place of the animal cards!

Ask your child if they want to imitate the movement and sound of each animal or just the movement.

Decide who will go first, then have that person choose a card from the stack of cards (or roll the die). The player choosing

the card will model how to act out the movement of the animal, then all players will copy the movement.

Continue to play until all the cards have been used up.

Extend the game by creating your own cards to add to the stack. Challenge your child to write (or have younger children dictate) details about the movement of animals (eg, a snake slithers). (education.com)

stretch and flap a regal span dance romance on chopstick legs elegant and awkward nest and stalk between the mines screech and whoop past endless loops of ?shining razor wire Source: Poetry (March 2021)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Private Sector lauds changes at GECOM …calls for technically competent, impartial replacements

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takeholders have commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its decision to fire Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, his Deputy Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer for Region Four Clairmont Mingo – and have since demanded that a transparent process be embarked upon to find their replacements.

Two major Private Sectors bodies – the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) – were accredited observers at the March 2020 elections and witnessed the events that unfolded during the fivemonths impasse first-hand.

The embattled trio had attempted to sway the results of the 2020 elections and are now facing electoral fraud charges in the court. They were, however, dismissed on Thursday, following which the two entities lauded the decision.

On Friday, the PSC said the removal of the GECOM trio who attempted to derail the election process and the will of the Guyanese people, is a step in the right direction, and commended the Elections Commission for bringing this matter to closure.

“The Private Sector

Commission from the beginning has publicly advocated that GECOM’s decisions be transparent and in compliance with the law and consistent with international standards and best practices. The PSC believes that this decision is a step in the right direction in restoring public confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission, especially as we approach the holding of Local Government Elections,” the missive detailed.

Nevertheless, the PSC recommitted to honour its role as a key stakeholder by promoting and advocating for a non-partisan, fair and democratic process in conducting elections in accordance with the law.

On the other hand, the GCCI recalled witnessing several acts of obfuscation, open defiance to the instructions of the Elections Commission and the courts, as well as partial actions during the electoral process. “…as an organisation, the Chamber was pleased at the steps taken… to hold recalcitrant officers of the GECOM accountable… The GCCI would like to state that this is a step in the right direction for Guyana.

This is based on our firsthand observation of the partisan and unprofession-

al actions of those officers during [the General and Region Elections] which placed Guyana at risk of entering into the league of pariah states,” the statement on Friday outlined.

Going forward, the GCCI said it looks forward to an open and transparent hiring process to fill the now vacant positions at the Elections Secretariat with “technically competent and impartial officers” to execute their statutory responsibilities.

Moreover, the Chamber went on to reiterate that these developments now represent an opportune time for Guyana to undertake the necessary electoral reforms, while also underscoring the urgency with which the process ought to be executed.

“Thus, the GCCI calls on the leadership of Guyana to ensure that the electoral reforms process is undertaken as a matter of highest priority so as to ensure that there is no risk of the recurrences of [General and Regional Elections] 2020.

The GCCI anticipates the

electoral reforms process to be one which has the input and involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, so as to solicit ideas on the strongest sets of reforms possible,” the GCCI stated.

According to the Chamber, it stands ready, as a partner in national development, to support the electoral reforms process and anticipates that this important undertaking will be similarly supported by all citizens of Guyana.

Last month, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who is spearheading the reform process, disclosed that the first instalment of the draft electoral reforms have already been drawn up.

Nandlall said the draft document is currently with the party’s leaders for review.

“We have the electoral reforms. I’ve churned out one set of drafts already and that is with our political leaders. They are consulting on that and soon that will be made public,” the Legal Affairs Minister

said during his programme.

Guyana Times understands that once all the draft documents are in place, it will be sent to stakeholders for review.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had previously explained that once completed, the draft amendments would be sent to the various political parties including the APNU/ AFC Opposition, civil society bodies, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the international community for review. It will also be available for the public to give their input before it is finalised and presented in the National Assembly, where again it will be debated upon by both the Government and parliamentary Oppositions.

The need for both electoral and constitutional reforms was underscored fol-

lowing last year’s March 2 General and Regional Elections, which led to a five-month tumultuous impasse before the Irfaan Aliled PPP/C government finally took office on August 2, 2020.

It was previously reported that the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), which contains laws specific to the conduct of elections and election-related issues in Guyana, is being ironed out to remove ambiguous provisions and include penalties for persons attempting to carry out electoral fraud.

The ongoing reforms is intended to tighten the legal process and rectify the deficiencies that led to the post-election events in 2020. Another important component of the reforms would be the hiring process at the Election Commission. (G8)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Black Bush Polder man slapped with murder charge

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hirty-eight-yearold Harrynarine Harilall also called “Screech” of Johanna South Black Bush Polder, Berbice, was on Friday arraigned for the murder of Vishnu Dalchand when he appeared at the No 51 Magistrate’s Court.

Harilall was not required to plead to the indictment when it was read to him by Magistrate Renita Singh via skype. As such he was remanded to prison until September 2, 2021.

Dalchand, 53, reportedly died days after he was allegedly chopped by the suspect during an argument at Follow Up, Albion Backlands, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). It was reported that Dalchand, Rudolph Ramdeen and the suspect are employed as labourers at Vicky’s Rice Lands at Follow Up, Albion Backlands.

However, back in April, Ramdeen claimed that he received a call from one Kumar who told him that the suspect had wounded

Murder accused Harrynarine Harilall, also called “Screech”

Dalchand during a misunderstanding.

Dalchand was in an unconscious state when he was discovered by Ramdeen and another person.

He bore wounds to his left ears, chest and left shoulder. He was taken to New Amsterdam Public Hospital and subsequently transferred to GPHC for further treatment where he died while receiving medical attention.

After his demise, the Police arrested and charged the suspect. (G10)

Cleaning…

Y

…the GECOM Stables our Eyewitness isn’t sure Greek Mythology is taught in our schools any longer, but thanks to Hollywood in general - and Disney in particular! - he’s pretty sure most know the story of Hercules and the 12 labours he had to perform. Each has become a metaphor for being given an impossible task. Especially cleaning the Augean Stables, where the filth of thousands of animals has accumulated for 30 years - and the cleaning had to be done in a single day!!

But Hercules got it done…by cleverly making holes in two opposing walls of the stable, and diverting the waters of two rivers through them, to wash out the filth!! Now, in a post-1992 reprise, after the PNC was finally pried out of office a year ago, the PPP has had to perform one Herculean feat after another. The latest was the mess accumulated in the GECOM Secretariat since 1992 - just a tad under 30 years!! Well, on Thursday, they made a start and, hopefully by next month, should complete the task. The PNC’s excretions are that much more difficult to remove, since they’re unfortunately institutionalised!!

So Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo are finally gone.

But boy, did it take some doing!! As we know, they’re before the courts for doing the (electoral) dirty, and maybe some hoped their conviction would’ve made us see their backs from GECOM. But that’s been dragged out; and - hey! - we have a democratic country to run.

Which means holding elections that are mandated by our laws, like the Local Government Elections, due this year. And did anyone - outside of the PNC - really think we should trust another election to that trio?

Now, your Eyewitness knows, and respects, the principle of being held innocent until proven guilty, and all that. But Jeez - isn’t our seeing with our own eyes the shenanigans of the trio via social media live and direct during our record-breaking 5-month electionresult wait enough of a smoking gun for us to form our conclusions? The PPP certainly thought so, but the 3 PNC Commissioners were there to stymie the firings by using every trick in the book - and then some. But every rope has an end, and on Thursday the end was reached when Justice Claudette Singh, the GECOM Chair, voted with the 3 PPP Commissioners to boot the trio out.

But the stables still aren’t clean, since there are so many of the same ilk remaining, who were hired by Lowenfield. But, right, now this task will be complete when we see who their replacements are. If Caesar’s wife had to be pure, then these replacements need another pass through the mill!

Let the vetting begin!!

…the (vaccine) resistance eye It’s clear that the hesitance and refusal to accept COVID- 19 vaccination come from deep fears, since it’s literally a matter of life and death for refuseniks. You’d think death would wonderfully concentrate their minds!!

Now, there’s a lot of talk about “knowing the science” and following the science. But your Eyewitness thinks there are just a handful of people who really can follow the science behind how vaccines work in general, much less the use of the techniques to snip, cut and attach portions of protein molecules (antigens) using mRNA to the various (harmless) viruses to trick and stimulate our immune system to produce antibodies to fight the COVID-19 virus.

What we can stress is that vaccines WORK!! Not many folks understand the physics behind Bernoulli’s Principle that makes planes fly. But apart from a tiny minority, we blithely board metal planes, which are heavier than air, and which common sense would advise “can’t fly”!!

The proof is seeing planes fly. Just illustrate the vaccines’ success.

…City Hall You’ll understand human orneriness when you consider that the folks who run City Hall are elected year after year by the same folks they force to live in filth by not doing the jobs they’re paid to do!

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

9 Guyana gets more AstraZeneca, Sputnik V 2nd doses NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

understand is with the new Delta variant, it is causing a lot of infections in the United States. Those infections are occurring more in the unvaccinated population and if children remain unvaccinated, unfortunately they can get infected. When they get infect-

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony; UK Ambassador Jane Miller, US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch and other representatives at the arrival of the vaccines

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nother tranche of 57,600 AstraZeneca vaccines on Friday arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) – dispatched under the COVAX mechanism to reinforce Guyana’s vaccination drive.

These shots are part of the third consignment sent to Guyana, totalling 120,000 vaccines that have been sent under this arrangement thus far.

COVAX is a partnership between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi - the Vaccine Alliance, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Guyana is included in ten countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that are receiving vaccines at no cost through the Advance Market Commitment (AMC) to cover 20 per cent of its population. The mechanism aims to secure 1.3 billion doses for 92 low and middle-income countries by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, 5000 Sputnik V second doses also arrived in the country on Friday – a

delivery under the State purchase that will also add to the campaign and be used to vaccinate those persons in waiting.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony insisted during the COVID-19 update that the country’s immunisation campaign will be sustained through these additional resources. Authorities are expecting the Johnson and Johnson jabs, which was purchased though a CaricomAfrican Union agreement, to be delivered next week.

In the meantime, preparations have already started for the rollout of the Pfizer vaccines for children – expected to arrive by September. He said the country has adequate freezer capacity to sustain an ultracold storage for the jabs but the Ministry is now focused on training of healthcare workers.

“You have to get special freezers to be able to maintain those temperatures. We have procured those freezers. We did so in January of this year and we have a freezer bank that has been set up to store these vaccines…We have since started training our staff on how to store the vaccines and have procured

additional equipment to make sure that we can store these vaccines properly. The vaccines would come with special syringes. We have received those syringes yesterday and we will commence training for staff to use these types of syringes and once we complete that, we will be ready to start the rollout of this vaccination programme,” said Dr Anthony.

In the meantime, parents will be given consent forms to indicate whether their children will be taking the vaccine or not.

“We will need permission from the parents. We have started sending out letters to parents and they have to sign those letters and send them back with the child so that we know whether or not we can vaccinate the child. That’s a very important component under this component.”

The health official had warned earlier this week that with the circulation of the deadly Delta variant, children are developing severe forms of the virus – a matter of concern and should be considered when making that decision.

He was quoted as saying on Thursday, “The other thing that one would have to

ed, what we’re seeing now is not a mild form of the disease in children but we’re also seeing a more severe form.”

Thus far, Guyana’s vaccination programme has been led by donations of 80,000 AstraZeneca vaccines from India, 20,000 Sinopharm dos-

es from China, 3000 through the Barbadian Government; and another 84,800 from the UK Government. There was also a purchase of 100,000 Sinopharm vaccines, 400,000 Sputnik jabs and 150,000 Johnson and Johnson single doses. (G12)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

40-year jail time severe, says man who raped woman at knifepoint

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ulius Branker, who was jailed for 40 years in 2018 after he was found guilty of breaking into a woman’s house and raping her at knifepoint, is saying his sentence is too severe. In another bid for freedom, he has moved to the Guyana Court of Appeal to have the conviction and sentence quashed.

After a trial that spanned several days at the Demerara High Court, Branker, who resided at Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), prior to his incarceration, was found unanimously guilty of raping the woman on February 15, 2014. The prison sentence was handed down by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall.

The evidence detailed that armed with a knife, Branker broke into the victim’s house while she was lying in bed with her

18-month-old toddler and committed the act in the child’s presence. But despite the jury’s verdict, Branker maintained his innocence, stating, “I am not guilty of this case.”

The court had heard that the victim was struggling to deal with the trauma which flowed from the horrific ordeal. “Honestly, I forgive him but you can’t be hurting women so. I get nightmares, I am always shaking. I remember what happened to me and it is a shame. I don’t know how to have relationships. I feel nasty and I cannot get over it. He needs help and he should turn his life over to Christ,” she expressed.

In handing down the sentence, Justice MorrisRamlall considered the serious nature of the offence.

She pointed to the fact that Branker broke into the woman’s house in the wee

Convicted rapist Julius Branker

hours and committed the act in full view of her young son while threatening the kill her with a knife.

In the end, the Judge encouraged him to change his life and sentenced him to 40 years’ imprisonment.

The convicted rapist only becomes eligible for parole after serving 35 years of his sentence. (G1)

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pedestrians, motorcyclists top list of road fatalities

Dead: Joshua Butts

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday stated that as of July 10, 2021, there was a 30 per cent decline in road fatalities when compared to the same period last year. A total of 52 persons were killed as of July 10 with 74 recorded for the corresponding period in 2020.

In addition, there has been a 32 per cent decrease in fatal accidents with 48 recorded as of July 10 and 71 for the same period last year. The Police also stated that 17 pedestrians and 12 motorcyclists are the major categories of road users who have lost their lives on the roadway so far for 2021.

Inattentiveness and speeding were the main cause of fatal accidents with 21 and 18 deaths, respectively. In light of this, a team from the Traffic Department spearheaded an exercise for irregularities of motorcycles.

Police stated that the Traffic Department carried out a motor and pedal cycles campaign around Georgetown during which several motor and pedal cy-

Dead: Zameer Ali and Ramesh Dass

cles were stopped and found to be in breach of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations Chapter 51:02.

The errant persons are expected to be charged shortly.

Additionally, motorcyclists and pedal cyclists are

the main causes of road accidents and road fatalities for the year thus far.

It was found that motorcyclists have a habit of using the outside of roadways in attempts to get ahead of the traffic, which is a major

contributor to the disruption of flow in traffic and oftentimes leads to the occurrence of an accident.

Earlier in the month, 21-year-old Joshua Butts of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, was killed after he reportedly lost control of the car he was driving at Warren Public Road, East Coast Berbice Butts was driving motor car bearing registration number PTT 7891 along the public road when he reportedly lost control and ended up in a nearby trench.

He was pulled from the wreckage by public-spirited citizens and taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was admitted but later succumbed to his injuries.

Also, Ramesh Dass, who

was attached to the Court Superintendent’s Office in Police Regional Division Two, and 23-year-old Zameer Ali were killed along the Airy Hall Public Road, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

At the time of the accident, Dass was riding a motorcycle with Ali as his pillion rider. However, as they were heading along the Airy Hall Public Road, the motorcycle collided with a motor car, PYY 7890.

As a result of the collision, both men sustained injuries about their bodies.

They were subsequently picked up and taken to the Suddie Hospital where Dass was pronounced dead on arrival while Ali was admitted a patient. He succumbed a few hours later. (G10)

Gas cylinder explodes on fishing vessel …fishermen injured

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wo men are nursing burns about their bodies after a gas cylinder exploded on board their fishing vessel at Helena in the Mahaica River, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Thursday.

The injured men are 42-year-old Phillip Edmonds and 29-year-old Derrick Balmickery, both of Helena Village, Mahaica.

Based on information received, at about 16:45h, the duo and others had just returned from a fishing expedition at sea when one of the crew members lit a stove to prepare a meal and the gas cylinder exploded, thereby causing the cabin to catch afire.

Police have said that Edmonds and Balmickery

sustained minor burns to their lower and upper bodies from the explosion.

They were both rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where they were treated. Edmonds was sent away, while Balmickery was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he has been admitted.

His condition is regarded as stable.

The Guyana Fire Service, in a release to the media, pointed out that they received the report of a fire at 18:10h on Thursday evening at New Bridge, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. In response, a fire tender from the Mahaica Fire Station rushed to the scene, where firefighters observed a

The two outboard engines that were destroyed by the fire

The two victims who were burnt after the explosion

wooden fishing boat on fire.

Firefighters, the release added, sprang into action, and were able to extinguish the blaze by using an open

water source.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was as a result of a lighted stove left unattended, which

ignited nearby combustible materials and spread to the entire boat,” the Guyana Fire Service added.

TURN TO PAGE 14

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14 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gas cylinder explodes on...

FROM PAGE 11

The fishing vessel after the fire

Only recently, 60-year-old Seepersaud Persaud of River’s Town, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Mark Mangal and 29-year-old Damon Dias, a sailor of Sarah Johanna, EBD, were killed after a fuel vessel exploded at a wharf at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

It was reported that a loud explosion was heard from the vessel, and this was followed by the emanation of black smoke, and

shortly after, flames were seen on the bow of the vessel. The fire was extinguished, and it was then that the bodies of the three men were found lying motionless.

Investigations proved that the explosion came from the engine room. A partially burnt-out hose that was connected to the fuel pump, along with the remains of a yellow plastic bottle nearby, was found in the engine room. (G10)

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 10 woman is latest COVID-19 fatality, new cases 100 …over 3800 children infected since March 2020

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he coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to persist, and has now claimed an alarming 570 lives since the detection of patient zero back in March last year.

A 75-year-old woman from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) is the latest to succumb after she was seeking medical attention at one of the designated facilities. For the month of August, a total of 21 persons have died after testing positive for the novel disease.

With the new death toll were 100 new cases, raising total confirmed cases to 23,344.

Among the 861 active cases are 14 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 86 in institutional isolation and 781 in home isolation. Another five are in institutional quarantine.

A breakdown of positives showed two new cases in Region One (BarimaWaini), three in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 13 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 65 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), two in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), seven in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), three in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and three in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases did not increase in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-

Mazaruni) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

On Friday, it was announced by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony that some 3815 of the positive cases reported in Guyana were persons under 18. This data was collected since March 11, 2020.

“For persons under the age of 18 who would have been infected with COVID, we’ve had 3815 persons. This is both male and female and I think it’s quite a number. However, most of these cases would have been mild and many of them did not require hospitalisation.

That, however, can change because we have a new variant that is circulating. That variant is in more than 142 countries according to the WHO. That’s the Delta variant,” informed the Health Minister.

In Guyana, 282,586 persons have taken a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This represents 58 per cent of the adult population. Meanwhile, some 146,500 or 30.1 per cent are completely immunised.

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

All Guyanese are reminded

to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

As of this month, dining is only permitted for vaccinated persons, with the exception of children. Patrons must have in their possession, an official identification document in addition to their vaccination card.

In order to transport members of the public, the gazetted document stipulates that every operator and conductor of any public transportation service shall be vaccinated and have in their possession, an official identification document and their vaccination card.

Meanwhile, casinos, betting shops and cinemas have been given the greenlight to operate but only at forty per cent capacity of the building or seating area. Patrons will only be allowed entry upon possession of a vaccination card to show their immunisation status.

Travel requirements have also been modified, where travellers must provide a negative PCR test and a vaccine card.

(G12)

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 13 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

100 86

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

761

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

14

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

11,981

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

11,361

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

23,344

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

21,913

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

275,451

FULLY IMMUNISED

145,556

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

570

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1328

REGION 2

653

REGION 3

2691

REGION 4

10,544

REGION 5

778

REGION 6

1952

REGION 7

1300

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

2152

REGION 10

1566

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cop remanded on Taxi driver stabbed Motorcyclist arrested bribery charges over love affair with after abandoning bike

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Police Corporal was on Friday charged with accepting a bribe of $400,000 from a woman to forgo the prosecution of a man who was arrested for an illegal firearm.

Corporal Omale Damon is facing three counts of corrupt transactions. He has pleaded not guilty. He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan who remanded him to prison until August 21.

The court heard that on March 22, last, Corporal Damon collected $200,000 from a woman for the release of the man who was arrested by his colleagues for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Shortly after receiving the money, Corporal Damon received another $200,000 from the woman after telling her that the other Police ranks involved in the investigations wanted more money.

The woman then asked Corporal Damon to hand over the vehicle that was seized from the person following his arrest. However, the Police rank again re-

Police Corporal Omale Damon

quested $200,000 from her.

After informing the Corporal that she had no more money, the woman reached out to the spouse of the individual who was arrested. She in turn reported the matter to the Police Station.

As a result, a sting operation was carried out during which Corporal Damon was caught red-handed accepting $80,000 from the man’s girlfriend. The said money was recovered in his possession. (G1)

suspect’s wife

at Vreed-en-Hoop

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36-year-old taxi driver is now nursing stab wounds to his left arm, abdomen and chest after he was attacked by a man who accused him of having an affair with his wife. The incident occurred on Thursday at about 23:30h at Train Line Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

Based on information received, the now injured man and another man were at a popular shop in the area gambling and imbibing.

However, after some time, the suspect approached the victim as they were about to leave and ac-

cused him of having an affair with his wife.

The suspect then pulled a weapon from his waist and stabbed the victim after which he fled the scene.

The victim reportedly collapsed to the ground.

He was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was treated and transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. He was further treated and admitted a patient in a stable condition.

The incident was reported to the Police but checks for him proved futile.

Investigations are continuing. (G10)

motorcyclist was arrested on Thursday evening after he reportedly dropped the motorcycle he was riding upon seeing the Police at New Road Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Police stated that on the day in question at about 22:35h, a Police Corporal was on patrol duty along New Road Vreed-en-Hoop when he saw the motorcyclist riding along the said road.

However, the rank reportedly attempted to stop the motorcycle but the driver rode away. As such, the Corporal gave chase

when he observed the driver dropping the motorcycle and running into a yard.

The chase continued and eventually the driver was caught hiding in a clump of bushes in the area.

He was taken into custody as Police continue their investigations. The motorcycle which was left abandoned by the suspect was taken to the Vreed-enHoop Police Station and it was discovered that it had no documents.

The suspect was, however, asked to submit the documents for the motorcycle. (G10)

NEWS

17

SATUDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Driver seriously hurt after slamming 5 arrested after body of missing man found vehicle into wooden fence, tree vehicle and it collided with a wooden fence before barreling into a tree.

Having sustained injuries about his body, Williams was pulled from the wreckage in an unconscious state by public-spirited persons and taken to the Fort Wellington Public

The mangled car after the accident

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driver is now in serious condition after he reportedly lost control of the vehicle he was driving and it crashed into a wooden fence along the No. 7 Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB) in the wee hours of Friday.

The injured man is 22-year-old Kenneth Williams of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and of Essex Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Police have said that on the day in question, at about 1:30h, motorcar PZZ 2887 was proceeding along the No. 7 Public Road at a fast rate of speed when the driver lost control of the

Decomposed body of pensioner found in Berbice home

P

The broken fence and the tree the car crashed into

Hospital, West Coast Berbice, where he was treated and referred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

There, he was further treated and admitted a patient. Investigations into the accident are ongoing.

(G10)

olice have launched an investigation into the death of 75-yearold Barah Matthews, called “Patsy”, whose decomposed body was discovered in her home at James Street, Rampoor village Springlands, Corriverton Berbice between Tuesday and Thursday.

Based on Police reports, the now dead woman had lived alone at the above address, and had last been seen at her home by her son on Tuesday at about 13:00h. He reportedly had visited her, and they had spoken for a while before he left.

However, on Thursday, he reportedly made sev-

eral telephone calls to her phone, but all went unanswered. Thinking something was amiss, the son went to the woman’s house at about 21:50h, where he found the entire house secured from the inside.

He called several times for the woman, but got no response. He reportedly forced his way into the house, and then he found her motionless body lying in her bedroom.

The matter was reported to the Police, who observed that that body was in a highly decomposed state. It has been taken to the Anthony’s Funeral Home to await a post mortem. (G10)

floating in river

F

ive persons, including two female Venezuelan nations, have been arrested following the discovery in the Aruka River of the body of a man who had gone missing. The body was found at the Kumaka Waterfront in the North West District (NWD) of Region One, (Barima-Waini) on Thursday.

The body has been identified as that of 34-year-old Shaheed Mohamed, a fisherman of Sheet Anchor, East Canje Berbice, Region Six. Police investigations have revealed that the man’s body was found at about 8:00h on the day in question floating in the river. It was positively identified by the boat captain and other crew members as that of Mohamed Mai, also known as Shaheed Mohamed.

The Police were summoned to the area, and during

inspection, marks of violence were seen on the right side of his neck and on his right eye. The body has been taken to the Mabaruma Public Hospital mortuary to await a post mortem.

The now dead man was reported missing on Tuesday last by the boat captain of Lady URANIA, of which he had been a crew member.

It was reported the Mohamed was last seen in the company of two female Venezuelan nationals two nights prior to a missing report being made.

Investigations have led to the two females being detained, along with three crew members of the boat Mohamed had worked on.

The five persons are being questioned as Police continue their investigations.

18 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Standoff over Town Clerk…

Georgetown Mayor deliberately peddling falsehoods – LGC

T

he Local Government Commission (LGC) has defended its decision to remove Sherry Jerrick as acting Town Clerk of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) by saying there were concerns over her performance.

However, the Mayor and Councillors have locked horns with the Local Government Commission after the Commission appointed Candace Nelson as the new acting Town Clerk, and reverted Jerrick to her substantive position of Assistant Town Clerk.

Mayor Ubraj Narine and the City Councillors having

Local Government Commission

since rejected the LGC’s appointment, there has been

a public spat between the two entities. Last week, the

Standards are important – GNBS on standards for local oil sector

Stakeholders at the MoU signing between the GNBS and API

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fter two years in the making, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Petroleum Institute, strengthening knowledge on safety and best practices for the thriving oil sector.

At the signing ceremony on Friday at the Bureau’s Sophia Exhibition Centre location, it was underlined that the growing oil industry paints the need for superlative standards to support the projected developmental trajectory and output.

Appearing virtually, Vice President at API, Alexa Burr explained that the two entities will merge their resources to enhance the current knowledge base, working with local stakeholders to implement these policies.

“We have a significant opportunity to share knowledge across the industry. We cannot be more excited that our two influential organisations are allying towards safety, sustainability and environmental protection in the oil and gas industry in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, acting GNBS Executive Director, Ramrattie Karan pointed out that the Bureau will now benefit from a series of resources through this partnership to be used in both onshore and

offshore operations.

“The GNBS will be adopting a list of API standards, will be accessing training and capacity building as well as other opportunities based on the needs of the Bureau and the local industry. We will be sharing information regarding to updates to applicable regulations in the industry and enhance the understanding and implementation of the API manual of petroleum measurement standards that is used onboard the FPSO.” Karan added that as the GNBS assumes its regulatory role in ensuring standards are met, it is seeking to forge other partnerships with API – the largest US trade association for the oil and gas industry.

“Standards are important as Guyanese businesses venture into the relatively new industry. The Bureau sees our role in the oil and gas industry as critical in ensuring the success and we also look forward to partnering with the American Petroleum Institute to standardise the practices and procedures,” the Executive Director outlined.

According to Coordinator at the Natural Resources Ministry Bobby Gossai, standards are being introduced to ensure that the country adheres to international best practices for the evolving sec-

tor.

“Working with the Guyana National Bureau of Standards is very critical for oil and gas development, especially when it comes to good oilfield practices, petroleum management standards and for the overall development of the petroleum programme in Guyana. The Ministry of Natural Resources has engaged the GNBS very frequently in ensuring that we look at standards that will cater for the development of not only the upstream sector in the oil and gas industry but also the midstream,” Gossai told officials.

He went on to detail that there is a steep learning curve for Guyana, with 22 discoveries already under its belt; and such collaborations with international stakeholders will help to fast track the country’s readiness.

“We want to see the industry grow in a manner that adheres to all of the commitments of the best practices.

That is why we use the term ‘good oil field practices’. For Guyana, it is significant that we focus on developing our industry in a manner that encourages investments in a manner that sees Guyana as one that is accountable, not only in the information that is out there but the ways in which we are doing business.”

(G8)

Mayor and some Councillors attempted to remove Nelson from a statutory meeting, but their attempt was unsuccessful.

In response to this development, the Commission, in a statement on Thursday, said it has taken note of a series of false representations being peddled publicly regarding its role in overseeing the work of the local government organs in the country; and, more specifically, in regulating the administrative affairs of the Georgetown M&CC. To this end, the LGC clarified that Jerrick was appointed by the LGC in July 2019 to act as Town Clerk, with no indication of her being confirmed in that position.

“This acting appointment was a nonpermanent one, and for an unspecified period. No expressed or implied representations were made on behalf of the LGC to Ms. Jerrick that this acting appointment should be interpreted as a prelude to permanently occupying such a position,” the LCG missive detailed.

It went on to outline that the seven-member Commission had unanimously supported the decision to have Jerrick reverted to her substantive position during a Statutory Meeting last month.

“Due to concerns related to the performance of her duties as Town Clerk (acting), a decision was taken at the level of the LGC that the work of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown would be best served by Ms Jerrick reverting to her substantive position of Assistant Town Clerk… This unanimous decision was binding upon the Commission. As such, it was empowered to take all necessary action to give effect to

Mayor Ubraj Narine

the Commissioners’ decision, including appointing a successor to Ms. Jerrick, since the critical position of Town Clerk could not remain vacant.”

The LGC further contended that its unanimous decision is consistent with the powers ascribed to it

by Section 13 of the Local Government Commission Act, No. 18 of 2013, which clearly vests the LGC as the sole entity in Guyana with the power to deal with all matters relating to the regulation and staffing of local government organs, which includes the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown.

Consequentially, the Commission said, the decision to appoint Nelson to act as Town Clerk constitutes a valid exercise of its statutory functions through the same process employed by the LGC in the past to appoint successive acting Town Clerks, including Jerrick herself.

“The LGC wishes to emphasise that all of its decisions regarding the regulation and management of the local government organs in Guyana are made at the level of its Commission, which comprises eight individuals appointed by the President based on nominations tendered by both sides

of the political sphere. These Commissioners are dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and integrity to the Commission, as they perform their duties in a transparent and fully independent manner, as is required by Section 3 (2) of the Local Government Commission Act, which prohibits the Commission from receiving directions on the exercise of its functions from any external body.”

The Commission went on to call out Mayor Narine, who it says has been deliberately peddling false and misleading statements in the public domain. This, it posited, must be viewed as an attempt to discredit the work of the eight Commissioners of the LGC and to bring the Commission into disrepute.

“The LGC wishes to reiterate that it has always executed and continues to exercise its mandate within the confines of the relevant legislative framework. It continues to do so even as this matter is currently engaging the courts. As such, the Commission has taken the decision to respect the jurisdiction of the courts and not litigate these issues in the public domain.”

Last November, the Mayor & Councillors of the City of Georgetown filed legal proceedings to challenge several appointments made by the previous Local Government Commission to fill vacancies at the City Council. That matter is still engaging the High Court, and, as such, the current LGC said on Thursday that until a court of competent jurisdiction has issued a formal pronouncement on these issues, it will continue to perform its legal mandate and work with those persons who are desirous of improving the local government system in Guyana. (G8)

3 arraigned on separate charges

Regan Binning

Ramjid Persaud

Devon Higgins

hree accused were separately arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday to answer respective charges of drug trafficking, unlawful wounding, and break and enter and larceny.

Regan Binning, called ‘Igon’, a 45-year-old labourer of Lot 801 Determa Street Mackenzie, Linden, Region

10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) pleaded not guilty to the charge of drug trafficking and was placed on $75,000 bail. His next court date is September 10.

49-year-old Ramjid Persaud of Bamia on the Linden-Soesdyke highway pleaded not guilty to the unlawful wounding charge, the virtual complainant

of which is Roger Savory.

Persaud has been remanded to prison until August 30.

And Devon Higgins, a 37-year-old labourer of Lot 75 Canvas City Wismar, Linden, has been remanded to prison on the break and enter and larceny charge, which he has denied. His next court date is August 26. (G1)

T

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

19

News

Sod turned for official residence of Caricom SG – Outgoing Ambassador says this is fulfilment of promise by President Ali

T

he Government of Guyana will be constructing an official residence for the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) – a move which outgoing SG, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, said is reflective of the country’s commitment to the regional bloc.

Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips and Ambassador LaRocque participated in the simple sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the official residence of Caricom SG at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.

Speaking briefly with reports after turning the sod on Friday, PM Phillips said that Government will be undertaking the project. He noted that while the details of the project are still being ironed out, the land was identified and Government thought it fit to have the sod-turning ceremony immediately.

“It is our intension to have the building to house the Secretary General constructed as early as possible. So what will hap-

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and outgoing Caricom SG Ambassador Irwin LaRocque turning the sod for the construction of an official residence for the Caricom Secretary-General on Friday

pen now is the clearing of lands …we’re still in the design stage, where the architects will do their work and costing will be done, in consultation with the Caricom Secretariat and the Secretary General,” the Prime Minister explained.

This project was a commitment made by President Dr Irfaan Ali to Ambassador LaRocque shortly after taking office in August 2020.

The outgoing Caricom SG told Guyana Times that the Guyanese leader committed to have this done and now the sod has been turned for construction to commence.

“He and I have been in discussions on various issues, and he has made a commitment to ensure that the Community and the Secretariat are appropriately supported to ensure its continuity of the integration arrangements

and the appreciation for what Caricom is doing and has done for Guyana,” the Caricom Head stated.

H

Jailed: Collis Whyte

weeks’ imprisonment.

Earlier this week, Collis Whyte of 743 D Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the bus driver who is serving 12 months in jail for chasing a traffic cop with a cutlass, was fined a total of $185,000 for varying traffic violations.

He was also given the alternative to serve jail time.

He, too, was on trial before Magistrate Clive Nurse. He was convicted of two counts of dangerous driving, failing to give the right of way, conduct of driver, failing to wear a face mask, and breach of conduct of prescribed fitness.

Whyte was further charged with resisting Police arrest, disorderly behaviour, having an offensive weapon, use of indecent language, and threatening behaviour. To these charges, he pleaded guilty and was

sentenced to imprisonment

by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

On April 20, Police Constable Edwin Connelly was on a motorcycle patrol proceeding west on Homestretch Avenue while minibus BZZ 3029 was proceeding east on the said road overtaking a traffic line of 15 vehicles. Whyte, who was the driver of the minibus, was stopped and told of the offence of dangerous driving and was asked by the Police officer to produce his driver’s licence.

The bus driver, however, drove away. Constable Connelly went after the driver and caught up with him on Sheriff Street where he managed to stop the vehicle once again in a bid to prevent the continuation of the offence. At this point, the driver exited the bus, proceeded to the left passenger side of the vehicle, retrieved a cutlass, and chased after Constable Connelly.

The Constable then ran away in a bid to prevent himself from being hurt. The driver then got back into the minibus and drove to his Sophia residence where he was later arrested. After he was found guilty of the offence, Whyte apologised to the Police Constable and begged the Magistrate for leniency.

This matter was prosecuted by Police Corporal Sanj Jaisingh. (G1)

that the United Nations building has a meaning, it’s not just a building – the [Caricom] Secretariat has a meaning and here will have a meaning as the official residence of the Secretary General and it gives me great, great honour to turn the sod at least,” the outgoing SG posited.

Guyana has been home to the Caricom Secretariat since February 2005. The road towards the construction of the permanent Headquarters for the regional bloc was paved in February 1998 when five Heads of Government of the Community and the then Caricom Secretary General turned the sod.

Construction started in 2002.

Cane cutter jailed 10 years for killing stepfather

Motorists fined $600,000 for traffic offences aving been charged with various traffic offences, three motorists have been ordered to pay fines totalling $600,000 or serve time in prison. Rupert Castello of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, and Jamal Byass of Dukestown Corentyne, Berbice, were arraigned at the Georgetown and Springland Magistrates’ Courts respectively.

Castello, who was charged with five offences back in May, was found guilty of them following a trial before Magistrate Clive Nurse on Thursday.

The offences are five counts of dangerous driving, untidy driver, breach of condition of road service licence, motor vehicle causing obstruction; failing to exhibit revenue licence and fitness certificate, failing to produce driver’s licence, conduct of driver, resisting arrest, and failing to stop when directed by a Police rank. He was fined a total of $360,000 and given until Monday to pay the sum.

In the meantime, he has been remanded to prison.

Meanwhile, Byass pleaded guilty to five counts of failing to stop when directed by a Police Constable, five counts of driving a motorcycle without wearing a helmet, and two counts of carrying a pillion rider without a safety helmet. The Magistrate fined him a total of $55,000 or in default two

He went on to note that there had always been a need for an official residence for the Secretary -General and having recognised this, it was brought to the attention of President Ali. According to Ambassador LaRocque, who is wrapping up his decade-long two-term tenure before handing over the reins to his successor, Dr Carla Natalie Barnett, in the new week, Friday’s sod-turning ceremony was very significant for the Secretariat.

“I think it demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Guyana to Caricom. You have to remember that this is the seat of the Headquarters of the Community and in very much the same way

B

Dead: Narine Sewnauth

isram Ramsamuj was handed a 10year jail sentence on a manslaughter charge over killing his stepfather during a drinking spree on Mother’s Day of 2016.

The custodial sentence was imposed by Justice Brassington Reynolds, who is presiding at the High Court in Berbice, on Friday.

Initially indicted by State Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs for the murder of Narine Sewnauth, called “Ham”, of Lot 308 Bloomfield, Corentyne, Berbice, Ramsamuj opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence.

It was reported that Ramsamuj and his stepfather lived at the same residence and were at the time imbibing with other fathers in Mother’s Day celebrations. An argument broke out between some family members which caused Sewnauth to intervene. A fight later broke out.

It was reported that Ramsamuj left the scene and returned with a cutlass which he used to chop his stepfather to the head. The injured man was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Ramsamuj,

a cane cutter, was then arrested and prosecuted.

During a sentencing hearing on Friday, Prosecutor Gibbs said that contrary to submissions

by Ramsamuj’s counsel that his client used force that was necessary to defend himself, the evidence shows that he used “excessive force” since he was the only person armed.

“Meh collect the cutlass and chop he pun he head,” quoted Gibbs from Ramsamuj’s caution statement.

The prosecutor urged the Judge when handing down his sentence to consider the fact that Ramsamuj and the now dead man were related “and moments before the incident they were all having a merry time.”

Gibbs added, “The State is also asking the court to consider the fact that a life has been lost, and a message has to be sent to society that violence is never the way.”

For his part, Justice Reynolds said, “This whole melee was very unfortunate”. The Judge told the confessed killer, “It is a sad pity that you did not master your environment on that day and that you let your emotions and the situations which confronted you get the better of you.”

Based on the evidence, the Judge described Ramsamuj’s stepfather as a “proverbial jail bait”, adding “It is what people call that type of person in that type of scenario and you [Ramsamuj] got sucked into a situation.

And I imagine but for the fact that you were all imbibing beyond your capacity to control your emotions that you found yourself in this situation which now confronts you.”

Jailed: Bisram Ramsamuj

According to the Judge, it is unfortunate that this family is now dealing with a “double whammy” in that Ramsamuj must be punished for what he did, while his family has already been deprived of the company of Sewnauth. The Justice, nevertheless, explained that several lessons can be learnt from that fatal day.

“It speaks to over-imbibing, it speaks to self-control, it speaks to being able to step away from situations…,” the High Court Judge noted.

In sentencing him, the Judge considered the fact that he has no previous brushes with the law, his good conduct while on remand, favourable probation report, and his expression of genuine remorse.

Justice Reynolds also considered his early guilty plea and him showing great prospects of rehabilitation.

Before Ramsamuj was taken to begin serving his sentence, the Judge said to him, “I hope that you will live out the rest of your life as a shining example to other men in similar circumstances and in a manner that will bring honour and glory to whichever God you serve.” (G1)

20

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

Around the world

In rare British mass shooting, gunman kills 5, including 3-year-old girl

A

man shot dead five people, including a 3-year-old girl, in violence that Police in the southern English city of Plymouth believe began with a domestic dispute and the killing of his mother.

Mass shootings are rare in the United Kingdom, where gun ownership is relatively low, and Thursday's six-minute rampage was the worst such incident in more than decade.

Police on Friday named

the shooter as Jake Davison, a 22-year-old crane operator. He turned his gun on himself after killing the five victims on Thursday evening, the Police said.

Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said Police had found no motive but they were not considering terrorism or any far-right associations, although they were trawling through Davison's computer.

The shooting started at about 6 pm on Thursday, with the offender first killing his 51-year-old mother Maxine Davison.

He then ran outside and immediately shot dead the young girl, named by Police as Sophie Martyn, in the street along with her father Lee Martyn, 43.

Davison shot at two other passers-by who were badly injured, then entered a park and shot dead another man, Stephen

Washington, 59. He also shot Kate Shepherd, 66, who died later in hospital.

Davison then turned the gun on himself before firearms officers could tackle him. The deadly shooting spree was over in just a few minutes.

Sawyer said witnesses described the weapon as a pump-action shotgun.

He could not say whether or not Davison had mental health issues. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Canada announces COVID jab mandate for travellers, Govt workers

T

he Canadian Government has announced it will soon require all federal public servants to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and will also extend its vaccine requirement to travellers on commercial flights, interprovincial passenger trains and cruise ships.

Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc said on Friday the vaccine requirement for public servants will be in place later this year and that he expects corporations owned by the federal Government and other federally regulated employers to follow suit.

He added that testing and screening measures will be put in place for those who

Beginning later this year, Canadian travellers as well as federal employees will be required to be vaccinated

cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

LeBlanc noted the Federal Government is the largest employer in the country and said it is the Government’s duty to guar-

antee the safety of their employees and those who they serve.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said that employees in the federally-regulated air, rail, and

marine transport sectors will also be required to be vaccinated, along with certain travellers.

The government’s vaccine requirements could prove to be a wedge issue when voters go to the polls in an election expected to be held in late September.

While the vast majority of those who support the ruling Liberals favour vaccine passports, a third of Conservative voters oppose their use, according to a July EKOS Research poll.

A number of countries have made vaccines mandatory for healthcare workers. Some require proof of vaccination to access certain public spaces like bars and gyms. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Four Florida educators die of COVID within day of each other, says union

9 August period, according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Neighbouring Miami-Dade County is third in the ranking. (Excerpt from BBC News)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil slips but set for weekly gain despite forecast for weaker demand

O

il fell on Friday, but was on track to post a slight

weekly gain, broadly shrugging off a warning from the International Energy Agency that the spread of coronavirus variants is slowing oil demand.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude was down 58 cents, or 0.8 per cent, at US$70.73 a barrel by 1:28 pm EDT (1728 GMT).

US West Intermediate crude lost 53 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to trade at US$68.56.

Over the week, the benchmarks were still set for a slight gain, compared with sharp losses last week - a 6 per cent drop in Brent marked its largest week of losses in four months, and WTI slumped nearly 7 per cent in its biggest weekly decline in nine months.

The IEA said on Thursday that demand for crude oil ground to a halt in July and was set to rise at a slower pace over the rest of the year because of surging infections from the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Still, oil has remained supported by improved demand in the world's top consumer the United States and other nations where the COVID-19 vaccination rate is higher.

"While the IEA's report was pretty dour on demand, in the near term, it's pretty clear that there's a supply deficit and that's likely to continue as we're seeing airline travel restrictions get lifted in the U.S.," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

Major banks Goldman Sachs and JPM Commodities Research are less bullish on oil due to the rising infection rate.

Goldman cut its estimate for the global oil deficit to 1 million barrels per day from 2.3 million bpd in the short term, citing an expected decline in demand in August and September.

However, Goldman expects the demand recovery to continue alongside rising vaccination rates.

JPM, meanwhile, said it now sees the "global demand recovery stalling this month" with demand remaining roughly in line with the 98 million bpd average for global consumption in July.

By contrast, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Thursday stuck to its forecast for a rebound in global oil demand this year and further growth in 2022, notwithstanding the rising concern over surges in COVID-19.

US energy firms added the most oil rigs in a week since April as the total rig count more than doubled from a record low a year ago, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said.

US oil rigs rose 10 to 397 this week, their highest since April 2020, and up from 172 a year ago, which was their lowest since 2005 before the shale boom boosted activity.

The combined oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose by nine to 500 in the week to Aug. 13, which puts it up 105 per cent from a record low of 244 this time last year, according to Baker Hughes data going back to 1940. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexican President asks Indigenous for forgiveness over Spanish conquest

F

Students in neighbouring Orlando, Florida, having their temperatures checked

our educators in Florida's second largest school district have died from COVID-19 within a day of each other, teachers union officials say.

The deaths in Broward County come as a fierce debate rages across the US over what virus protocols should exist in schools when the academic year begins.

Florida's Republican Governor has threatened to withhold pay from school leaders who require masks for pupils.

The highly contagious Delta variant is spreading

across a majority of the US. Three teachers and a teaching assistant died between Tuesday and Wednesday in Broward County - which is just north of the Miami-Dade area. Their names were not released.

"Within a 24-hour span, we had an assistant teacher pass away, a teacher at her school pass away, an elementary teacher pass away and another teacher at a high school," said Broward Teachers Union President Anna Fusco.

"It's extremely frightening. I hear this every day.

Whether in Broward or elsewhere."

Three of the educators were unvaccinated, said Fusco. It was unclear whether the fourth had received a COVID vaccine. She added that none of the teachers had been inside a school building recently.

The news comes as Broward County students prepare to return to classrooms next week. The district is the sixth biggest in the country, with over 272,000 pupils.

The county is leading the nation in new COVID hospital admissions during the 3 to

M

exico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Friday asked the country's Indigenous Mexica peoples for forgiveness for the abuses inflicted on them during the bloody 1521 Spanish conquest of the Aztec empire.

Lopez Obrador spoke in front of a large replica temple built to commemorate 500 years since the fall of the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan to Hernan Cortes, the leader of the invading Spanish force and the armies of his indigenous allies.

Cortes and his allies defeated the Aztec leaders and the Mexican people who lived in Tenochtitlan, which

later became Mexico City.

They then looted and razed the city, ushering in three centuries of Spanish domination.

"Today we remember the fall of the great Tenochtitlan and we apologise to the victims of the catastrophe caused by the Spanish military occupation of Mesoamerica and the territory of the current Mexican Republic," Lopez Obrador said.

Lopez Obrador has said the Spanish monarchy and Roman Catholic Church should formally apologise for the atrocities committed during the conquest.

The leftist President on Friday repeated previous criticisms that colonialists

narrated history at their convenience.

"The conquest and colonization are signs of backwardness, not of civilization, less of justice," he said.

Lopez Obrador has repeatedly blamed colonial-era abuses when setting out the origins of inequality and corruption in Mexico. Surveys show many Mexicans consider themselves to be of mestizo heritage, a mixture of European and Indigenous roots.

Areas with high concentrations of Indigenous people tend to be more impoverished, and thus closer to the electoral base of Lopez Obrador, who has vowed to put Mexico's poor first. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

21

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

You may want to get the approval of a loved one before you say yes to something or someone. A last-minute change will allow you the opportunity to pursue something meaningful. Share your feelings.

You'll be jumpy when TAURUS it comes to emotional mat(April 20- ters. Stay calm. Be ratioMay 20) nal and willing to participate in an open discussion.

Confidential issues are apparent. Don't jump the gun.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Verify all information you receive. Taking a professional or personal chance will leave you in a difficult position. Avoid mental, physical or financial risk.

Don't stop halfway.

You've got more going for you than you realize. Put on your thinking cap, and you'll come up with a plan that will help you turn a negative into a positive.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Listen carefully. Recognize when someone is exaggerating or promising the impossible.

Refuse to let your emotions take control or cause you to neglect your responsibilities.

Don't take on too much.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You'll navigate your way through life with ease. Put force behind your words, and follow through with your plans. Love is on the rise, and physical awareness will make you irresistible.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Make plans to do something that brings out the best in you. A healthy challenge will encourage you to make a positive change. Step into the limelight and show everyone what you can do.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Sharing your feelings will affect the dynamics of a relationship. Procrastinating or doing nothing to improve your life will leave you in a no-win situation. Find out where you stand.

Listen and learn before SAGITTARIUS you make a change. It's im(Nov. 23Dec. 21) portant to understand what's possible before you reveal your next move. Take the time to prepare sufficiently.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Holding back your feelings won't solve problems.

Step up and say what's on your mind, and good things will transpire. Commitment and trust will be necessary.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Keep emotions in check to avoid a scene. Indulgent behavior will stand between you and success. Look at the big picture, and mull over how to make the most of your day.

PISCES

You'll get help if you ask.

Pay attention to loved ones, and it will bring you closer together. A kind gesture, a little romance or a compliment will set the mood.

(Feb. 20March 20)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

Regional Associations react to being empowered to take charge of GFF ATC T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) having passed the ball to its Regional Associations (RA) when it comes to owning, controlling, and being accountable for the Academy Training Centres (ATCs), many of these RAs have reacted with delight at being fully empowered to shape a solid foundation for the sport.

Last week, at its Providencebased National Training Centre, the GFF handed over thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment, including full size goalposts, to its members, to ensure that when the ATCs are up and running, executing the job with ease at every level among boys and girls is done with efficiency.

The nine RAs are the Bartica, Berbice, East Bank, East Demerara, Essequibo Georgetown, Rupununi, Upper Demerara and West Demerara, Football Associations. Two of the nine RAs, in responding to a list of questions, had the following to say: Clayton A D Lambert, an East Bank FA Vice President How do you feel about the ATC programme, now that it will be owned and operated by your Association?

CL: I think it’s a step in the right direction. This will enable the Association to cover wider areas and attract more players.

Do you believe the ATC programme is a good youth development programme?

CL: Yes, it is. We were already starting to see the fruits from the ATC when COVID-19 struck.

How do you feel about owning your own Academy and being able to test your players at

GFF President Wayne Forde (centre) is flanked by RMA Presidents, from right: Orin Ferrier (West Demerara), Clayton Lambert (East Bank VP), Otis James (Georgetown) and Alden Marslowe (Bartica)

the various age groups against their peers?

CL: This is a good thing, which will contribute towards the upliftment of football on the East Bank, and Guyana at large; competition always causes standards to rise.

Do you think you have the talent and firepower to win the inaugural ATC competition at any particular age group?

CL: Without a doubt, East Bank has the talent to win it, and that talent now has to be harnessed and guided.

Are you satisfied with the support your Association is receiving from the GFF? CL: 1000% satisfied! Thanks and congrats to President Forde and his Executive Team.

Bartica FA President, Alden Marslowe How do you feel about the ATC programme now that it will be owned and operated by your

Association?

AM: Decentralising the ATC is a great idea by the GFF, because it positions the RA to be directly involved in a national football development programme.

Do you believe the ATC programme is a good youth development programme?

AM: I believe that the ATC is the ideal catalyst for the development of the sport across the country, especially among younger players; because it is geared towards crafting a singular style football, as is the vision of GFF TD Ian Greenwood.

How do you feel about owning your own Academy and being able to test your players at the various age groups against their peers?

AM: Owning and maintaining such a programme is certainly a source of great pride for the Bartica

Andrew Nestor elected new President of Rosignol United FC

Members of the new Rosignol United FC. Seated from left are Godfrey Coward, (Secretary), Andrew Nestor (President), Travis Moore (1st VP) and Dillon Morris (2nd VP). Standing from left are Committee members Saffon Anthon, Llamar Campbell, DeAndre Chesney, Kimoni Milne and Shannon Wilson

M

embers of the Rosignol United Football Club have elected a new President to serve the club; he is Andrew Nestor, who defeated the incumbent Travis Moore by two votes in elections that were declared 11 to 9.

A total of 22 members attended the club’s Annual General Meeting which took place on August 8th last.

Performing duties as the Returning Officer was Berbice Football Association President Sherwin Forde.

Moore was then elected unopposed as First Vice

President, as was Second Vice President Dillon Morris. There was no nomination for the position of Third Vice President.

The new executive will now seek to fill this position.

The club’s new Secretary is Godfrey Coward (elected unopposed), who takes over from the recently deceased Joseph Simon, who had served the club and the Berbice FA for many years with distinction.

The position of treasurer would also have to be filled by the new executive, as no nominations were put forward.

The five Committee

Members are Saffon Anthony, Kimoni Milne, Deandre Chesney, Shannon Wilson and Llamar Campbell.

There was no discussion in regard to the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports, as no information was available.

New President Andrew Nestor has congratulated his colleagues for accepting the challenge to serve and shape a new and exciting future for the club. BFA President Sherwin Forde also congratulated the new body, and pledged continued support of the BFA to the club.

Association. We can hardly wait to launch our activities and to start recognising talent at the various levels…and also to put (them) on display against players from around the country.

Do you think you have the talent and firepower to win the inaugural ATC competition at any particular age group?

AM: I think Bartica will do well at the U15 and U17 levels, because we have so many talented boys at those ages right now. We also have a good showing of young females who are asking to play the game.

Are you satisfied with the support your Association is receiving from the GFF? AM: It would be a great injustice if I were to say the GFF is not doing enough for its member associations. The M-FAP initiative will no doubt go the distance in helping the Associations in so many areas that were lacking before.

Now having our own ATC will certainly light a fire under Guyana's football…and the results will be seen in no time.

Of course I'm satisfied with all that the GFF is doing!

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India vs England: Lord’s Test…

Test in balance at Lord’s after India post 364

E

Siraj and his teammates celebrating

ngland’s spirited fightback in the second Test against India was checked by the loss of Rory Burns late on the second day. Burns went lbw to Mohammed Shami for 49 twenty minutes before the close, in the gathering gloom at Lord’s.

Captain Joe Root remained on 48 and Jonny Bairstow six as England reached 119-3, trailing by 245. Burns and Root had added 84 for the third wicket, steadying England after they had lost two wickets in two balls, including that of Haseeb Hameed for a golden duck.

Playing his first Test for five years, Hameed was bowled first ball from Mohammed Siraj, and departed to stunned silence.

James Anderson earlier returned 5-62 in leading an excellent recovery by the England bowling attack.

India lost their last seven wickets for 88 runs on Friday to be bowled out for 364.

England endured a disappointing opening day, a below-par bowling performance and a superb unbeaten century from KL Rahul helping India to 276-3, after they were asked to bat in testing conditions.

However, there was an almost instant signal that Root’s side would fare better on day two when Rahul spooned Ollie Robinson’s second ball of the day to cover. The improvement was engineered by the two class acts in the England team – Root, the premier batsman, and Anderson,

the ageless maestro of a fast bowler.

It perhaps could have been ever better for the home side.

Two catches and three run-out opportunities were missed as they tried to make their way through the India lower order.

Realistically, though, none was too expensive in terms of runs.

Given the way they were

outplayed in the drawn first Test, in addition to the sense of foreboding after Siraj’s doublestrike, England’s position at the close is more satisfactory than 24 hours earlier. They remain a long way behind, but on a slow, true pitch, there can be some cautious optimism that they can battle towards parity. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD India Rohit Sharma b Anderson 83 KL Rahul c Sibley b Robinson 129 Cheteshwar Pujara c Bairstow b Anderson 9 Virat Kohli (c) c Root b Robinson 42 Ajinkya Rahane c Root b Anderson 1 Rishabh Pant † c †Buttler b Wood 37 Ravindra Jadeja c Anderson b Wood 40 Mohammed Shami c Burns b Ali 0 Ishant Sharma lbw b Anderson 8 Jasprit Bumrah c †Buttler b Anderson 0 Mohammed Siraj not out 0Extras (b 8, lb 5, nb 2) 15 TOTAL (126.1 Ov, RR: 2.88) 364 Fall of wickets: 1-126 (Rohit Sharma, 43.4 ov), 2-150 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 49.6 ov), 3-267 (Virat Kohli, 84.4 ov), 4-278 (KL Rahul, 90.2 ov), 5-282 (Ajinkya Rahane, 91.1 ov), 6-331 (Rishabh Pant, 109.6 ov), 7-336 (Mohammed Shami, 110.5 ov), 8-362 (Ishant Sharma, 123.6 ov), 9-364

(Jasprit Bumrah, 125.6 ov), 10364 (Ravindra Jadeja, 126.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W James Anderson 29-7-62-5 Ollie Robinson 33-10-73-2 Sam Curran 22-2-72-0 Mark Wood 24.1-2-91-2 Moeen Ali 18-1-53-1 ENGLAND 1ST INNINGS Rory Burns lbw b Mohammed Shami 49 Dom Sibley c Rahul b Mohammed Siraj 11 Haseeb Hameed b Mohammed Siraj 0 Joe Root (c) not out 48 Jonny Bairstow not out 6 Extras (lb 1, nb 3) 4 TOTAL (45 Ov, RR: 2.62) 118/3 Yet to bat: Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler †, Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, James Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Dom Sibley, 14.2 ov), 2-23 (Haseeb Hameed, 14.3 ov), 3-107 (Rory Burns, 41.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Ishant Sharma 11-2-32-0 Jasprit Bumrah 9-3-23-0 Mohammed Shami 8-2-22-1 Mohammed Siraj 13-4-34-2 Ravindra Jadeja 4-1-6-0

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Next year, Guyana will be in a better position to attend Caribbean Cycling Championships –says Guyana Cycling Federation President Linden Dowridge

Christopher Griffith

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Caribbean Cycling Championships took place in the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic on August 12, but Team Guyana did not participate in the event.

According to Guyana Cycling Federation President Linden Dowridge, this was because of the shifting of host territories and the readiness of local cyclists.

The Guyana Cycling Federation had initially

shortlisted a team to participate in the event, which had been slated for Cuba. That team had included Jamaul John, Briton John and Christopher Griffith, among others. It was also understood that veteran rider Alex Mendes was on that team.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, GCF President Linden Dowridge said next year Guyana would be in a better position to attend the Championships, and the team will be looking for a clean sweep.

"The Championship were then removed for some reason,

GCF President Linden Dowridge

to (be staged in) another country.

The John boys joined teams overseas and opted to leave the team. We did not know where the Championships were being held. Later, we learnt that it was to be held in Guadeloupe, then again it was moved to the

Dominican Republic," Dowridge explained.

He added: "If you are moving an event around so close, each new location has a different demand. It would be unfair for us to prepare our cyclists for those events in such a short period of time. It is unfair to the athletes, and unfair to our sponsors. Next year, we will be in position to attend the games, and we will be going full force for a clean sweep, including the ladies’ component."

The Caribbean Championships served as qualification for the Pan

American Youth Games scheduled for Cali, Colombia from November 25 to December 5, 2021. Seven qualification spots

23

National Female Champion Suzanne Hamilton

would be allocated in the U-23 category.

Briton John and company were initially on Team Guyana for the Caribbean Championships

West Indies Over-50s embark on Poonai’s Pharmacy renews cricket first trilateral series in Canada W sponsorship for RHTY&SC Under-13 team – team makes donations to Catholic youths

Poonai Bhigroog handing over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Organising Secretary/Cricket Manager Ravindranauth Kissonlall in the presence of Tameshwar Deonand and Tyrone Pottaya

RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster and Parish Priest Ramesh Vanan posing with the five youths and their cycles

T

he fruitful relationship between Guyana’s leading youth and sports club, the RHTY&SC, and the leading pharmacy in Berbice, Poonai’s Pharmacy, was renewed on Thursday when Poonai's Pharmacy handed over a cheque for two hundred thousand dollars as its sponsorship for the next year for the Rose Hall Town Poonai’s Pharmacy under-13 cricket team.

The presentation was done

by Managing Director of the pharmacy, Poonai Bhigroog, to Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissonlall in presence of executive member Tyrone Pottaya and Vice- Captain of the team, Tameshwar Deonandan.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to Bhigroog for his continued support of the club, and stated that the under-13 team is one of eleven teams of the club.

The team serves as the nursery team for the Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team, and currently has about thirty members under the leadership of captain Sohail Mohammed.

Tameshwar Deochand is the vice-captain, while Kissoonlall and Pottaya are the cricket managers.

National junior player Jonathan Rampersaud serves as team mentor, along with club Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu.

The team was formed in 2017 with sponsorship from the company, and emerged as runners-up in the BCB Championships in 2018. In December, 2019, the team defeated Albion in the Trophy Stall Tournament to emerge as Champions in an exciting ‘finals’ at the Hampshire Ground.

The team has recommenced preparation for the restart of the BCB 2021 season, and is confident of defending its title when play starts in the BCB/ Romario Shepherd Under-13 tournament.

The team and its management would also be involved in a minimum of twenty social development programmes with the objective of making a positive difference in the lives of others. These would include distribution of cycles, school bags and food hampers

to youths, and hampers to the less fortunate.

Bhigroog, in remarks declared himself delighted to renew his sponsorship, as he is very impressed with the work of the club and is well aware of the positive difference the club is making in the lives of others. The Club and team, Bhigroog noted, has been outstanding flagbearers of his company’s brand, and he has committed himself to a long-term relationship with the club.

Meanwhile, Poonai’s Pharmacy under-13 team has already started to fulfill its commitment to its sponsor by handing over five bicycles to youths attending the St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Port Mourant. The cycles were handed over to the youths under the RHTY&SC /Basil Butcher Memorial Trust Fund. Foster, who handed over the cycles to the youths along with Parish Priest Ramesh Vanan, has said the church had played a major role in the formation of the club, and as such, the RHTY&SC was totally committed to assisting as much as possible.

est Indies Masters, administered by Cricket West Indies Masters Association (CWIMA), proceeded on their first tour outside of the Over-50s World Cup. The inaugural Over-50s World Cup took place in Sydney, Australia in 2018. unfortunately, the West Indies were not represented at that event. West Indies were represented by a strong 15-man squad captained by Zamin Amin in Cape Town, South Africa on March 2020.

The tournament had to be aborted midway due to the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19. The organizers have scheduled this aborted World Cup for replay in November 2022 at the same venue.

Now that the world has begun to reopen its borders for various sports under strict guidelines, CMCC has led the way in organising this inaugural triangular series featuring hosts Canada, West Indies, and the USA. At this time, Canada has reopened its borders to its own citizens and residents only, and those of the USA. West Indies team, which is made up of players from both North America and the Caribbean, has been seriously crippled in its selection process due to this ruling by the Canadian authorities, since it cannot select any player from the Caribbean who is not resident in the US or Canada.

CWIMA had begun organising masters’ cricket in Guyana, namely the Big Man Cricket, while Trinidad and Barbados have their own historical masters’ tournaments being now brought under the CWIMA umbrella.

The Windwards Islands have also become active under the CWIMA, but unfortunately were unable to be considered for selection in the triangular series, due to Canada cricket season coming to an end and the reopening of its borders for these players would be on September 7th.

Be that as it may, CWIMA, has selected a 15-man strong squad for this series. Once again, the team will be

The West Indies Over-50 will play in Canada

captained by the evergreen Zamin Amin. The Vice-captain will be named shortly. The Manager will be seasoned

cricket administrator Raj Singh, and Dave Narine would be his deputy.

Warriors begin preparation ahead of CPL 2021

T

he local arm of the Guyana A m a z o n W a r r i o r s (GAW) team has begun its training ahead of the 2021 season of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

This publication was able to confirm that 90% of the franchise’s Guyanese players have been building up their preparation at the National Stadium, Providence.

With just two weeks to go before the start of this year’s edition of the regional tournament, the Warriors’ outfit

is reportedly training with a local coach, since the Head and Assistant Coaches are currently on other duties.

Of the team’s 16 players, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Anthony Bramble, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ashmead Nedd, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith and Gudakesh Motie are the locals on board for the Warriors in 2021.

Guyana Times Sport will provide our readers with a more in-depth report on the GAW preparation in the ensuing days.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

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

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch congratulates Olympian Chelsea Edghill – Edghill visits Director of Sports

G

uyanese Olympian Chelsea Edghill has paid a visit to the U.S. Embassy with her coach Idi Lewis and the President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Godfrey Monroe.

She met with Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, who congratulated her on her accomplishments and noted that she is impressed with her discipline and dedication to the sport. Ambassador Lynch also had a friendly match with Chelsea.

Moreover, Edghill visited the office of the Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, on Thursday last. In addition to extending gratitude to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its support, Edghill re-engaged the Commission on her future plans in the game she loves, table tennis.

Edghill making presentation to Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, had earlier in the week made a presentation of G$1M to the GTTA in aid of Edghill’s quest for continued success in table tennis, while noting that that sum could balloon following a review four months from now.

The 24-year-old, Edghill became the first woman from the English-speaking Caribbean

and first Guyanese (male or female) to play table tennis at the Olympics. She presented Ninvalle with a portrait from her victory over Fiji’s Sally Yee (4-1) at the 32nd Olympiad.

Edghill told the Director of Sport that this image is one that’s close to her heart, since it was her first match at the Olympics and more so one in which she

Olympian Chelsea Edghill and US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

came out victorious (11-5, 4-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-8) and moved on to the Round-of-64.

Ninvalle, on behalf of the Commission, and by extension

the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Minister Charles Ramson Jr, congratulated Edghill on an exceptional performance at the Tokyo Games. The country’s

Director of Sport reassured the Linwood University Chemistry graduate that the NSC stands fully committed in supporting her development.

Brathwaite’s 97 pushes West Indies slightly past Pakistan

K

Jason Holder and Kraigg Brathwaite added 96 runs together

raigg Brathwaite could count himself unlucky to miss out on his tenth Test century, but even his disciplined 97 from a precarious overnight position of 2/2 was enough for West Indies to surge ahead of Pakistan with a first innings lead of 34 by stumps on Day 2 of the first Test in the Betway Test series being played in Jamaica.

Brathwaite forged two vital partnerships on either side of tea to bail out West Indies every time they lost wickets in a heap.

The first, with Roston Chase, was worth 50, and it revived the West Indies innings, and the second, with Jason Holder, was worth 96, and that helped them realise their aim of eking out a lead, albeit a slender one.

With swing on offer, the day began with Brathwaite and Chase navigating an hour of probing spells from Pakistan seamers, to put on exactly 50 before the latter threw it away to give the

opposition their only wicket of the morning session.

Chase went for a lofted drive off a delivery from Hasan Ali that pitched up. It moved a tad to take the outside edge to the right of Mohamad Rizwan, who completed a fine low catch behind the stumps.

Despite the wicket, the session belonged to West Indies like the remaining two - because Brathwaite seemed unmovable.

He did have a rare moment of lapse in concentration, but recovered quickly to launch a flurry of boundaries to see through the remainder of the session.

Jermaine Blackwood, though, did not look as convincing as Brathwaite in scoring all of his four boundaries off edges before he also gifted his wicket away shortly after lunch.

After struggling with his lines and lengths all morning, Shaheen Afridi made a stunning

comeback, as he got rid of Blackwood and Kyle Mayers off successive deliveries just as West Indies had entered triple digits.

Blackwood was the first to go, chipping a slot ball straight to midon, before Mayers contemplated a review for his LBW decision but eventually opted against it, rightfully.

Again losing two wickets in quick succession required a consolidation act, and this time Brathwaite had Holder for company. Holder looked just as solid himself, the former captain surviving an early scare in getting an LBW call overturned on review just after seeing off Afridi’s hattrick delivery, but he hardly had to look back thereafter, as the sixthwicket partnership saw through the remainder of the session without further loss.

He dominated the sixthwicket 96-run stand en route to his 11th Test half-century, which

came short after tea. But just as the hosts approached the big milestone - Pakistan’s 217 Holder nicked Faheem Ashraf behind to give Pakistan a crucial opening in the final session.

Joshua da Silva eventually put West Indies in the lead, but Brathwaite’s vigil came to an end soon after, as he ran himself out looking for a nonexistent second run, only to be comprehensively beaten by Hasan’s direct hit at the keeper’s end.

Pakistan, however, failed to capitalise on this double opening in the space of 25 runs, allowing da Silva and Kemar Roach to add to West Indies’ lead through their gritty partnership in the final hour. It was Mohammad Abbas who put an end to their frustration with the second new ball, trapping Roach LBW shortly before the umpires deemed light not conducive to continue play.

Faheem Ashraf removed Holder for 58

With a lead of 34, largely owing to the character and application shown by Brathwaite

and Holder, and with two wickets intact, West Indies have nudged ahead ever so slightly. (cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS Kraigg Brathwaite (c) run out (Hasan Ali) 97 Kieran Powell c Imran Butt b Mohammad Abbas 0 Nkrumah Bonner lbw b Mohammad Abbas 0 Roston Chase c †Mohammad Rizwan b Hasan Ali 21 Jermaine Blackwood c Mohammad Abbas b Shaheen Shah Afridi 22 Kyle Mayers lbw b Shaheen Shah Afridi 0 Jason Holder c †Mohammad Rizwan b Faheem Ashraf 58 Joshua Da Silva † not out 20 Kemar Roach lbw b Mohammad Abbas 13

Jomel Warrican not out 1 Extras (b 3, lb 10, nb 6) 19 TOTAL (87 Ov, RR: 2.88) 251/8 Yet to bat: Jayden Seales Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Kieran Powell, 2.2 ov), 2-1 (Nkrumah Bonner, 2.3 ov), 3-51 (Roston Chase, 20.4 ov), 4-100 (Jermaine Blackwood, 37.1 ov), 5-100 (Kyle Mayers, 37.2 ov), 6-196 (Jason Holder, 68.5 ov), 7-221 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 77.1 ov), 8-249 (Kemar Roach, 86.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammad Abbas 21-9-42-3 Shaheen Shah Afridi 20-5-59-2 Yasir Shah 13-1-46-0 Faheem Ashraf 14-6-37-1 Hasan Ali 19-4-54-1

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