Guyana Times - Saturday August 21, 2021

GuyanaSuriname health pact to enhance healthcare delivery

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4746

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ponzi scheme accused charged for forging P11 COVID-19 test

Presidents strive for end to vaccine hesitancy in Guyana, Suriname

All roads in need of upgrade will be addressed – Edghill Man busted with unlicensed gun in hotel room remanded P15

See story on page 3

Water levels high in Regions 7, 10 – CDC Page 2

DDL, Israeli company explore major dairy farming in Guyana Page 9

Affiance residents disappointed at lack of response from EPA P15 …after months of complaining about fumes from spray-painting shop

Guyana, Suriname to host strategic summit on energy security 3 more COVID-19 fatalities, 111 new cases recorded

Intervention being made to tackle P14 cardiovascular diseases

See story on page 7

Page 10

P17 Rosignol fisherman stabbed to heart – autopsy ...as suspect surfaces fully armed

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Water levels high in Regions 7, 10 – CDC

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adernsville, Hururu, Lamp Island and Kwakwani Waterfront in Region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice, are still experiencing fairly high water levels in some residences and business establishments.

This was observed by Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, during his visit to the flood-affected Region on August 13-14.

Several sections of access roads are reportedly inundated, while there are structural damages of varying degrees throughout the communities.

Craig engaged in “fruitful and insightful” consultations with representative of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Hururu, Renita Ignatius, as well as residents to receive first-hand feedback of the devastating effects of

the floods and the shelter experiences currently.

Moreover, the shelters in the Region that are managed and supported by the Commission were visited by Craig.

CDC supervisory and support staff within the area that are responsible for shelter management, impact monitoring and hamper distribu-

tion were also engaged and inquires made about the consistency and distribution of supplies; and the monitoring of areas from Kwakwani to Sand Hills (along the Berbice River) proved to be on the right track.

Meanwhile, shelters at Aroaima, Hururu, Forestry and Kwakwani which are managed and supported by

the Commission were inspected, with recommendations being made in regards to management operations.

The region, especially Kwakwani, was devastated by the May-June rainfalls which saw several homes being submerged as well as mining operations severely affected. According to reports, over 30,000 persons were affected by flooding throughout the country.

Flood relief hampers

A collaborative effort between the CDC and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on

Thursday saw to the delivery of a quantity of food hampers to residents of villages along the Cuyuni River, CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven).

The areas, which consist of dwelling, farming and mining communities, have been hard hit by the current floods and persons have been forced to, at times, relocate to higher ground.

The hampers were distributed to communities such as Two Point, Aurora, Devil’s Hole, Cumang, Kurushie, Kurutuku and Quartz Stone, and residents there were elated to receive the aid.

It has been noted that the

rainfall experienced in May alone was recorded as the second highest level of rainfall across the country in the last 40 years. All 10 administrative regions in Guyana experienced varied levels of flooding, prompting Government to roll out immediate responses such as evacuation of those most at risk and flood assistance.

Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced a comprehensive relief package for flood-affected Guyanese will be distributed, with the commencement of distributions running up until every affected person receives assistance.

The CDC continues to monitor all flood-prone and impacted areas across Guyana, while working symbiotically with national and regional authorities to gather accurate updates.

The Commission’s National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) is a 24-hour hotline that steadily receives data from the entire country and residents are encouraged to contact them on 600-7500 to report any impacts.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Aug 21 – 02:30h – 04:00h and Sunday, Aug 22 – 03:00h – 04:30h.

Presidents strive for end to vaccine hesitancy in Guyana, Suriname

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Aug 21 – 15:50h – 17:20h and Sunday, Aug 22 – 16:30h – 18:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies and thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 16:03h reaching a maximum height of 2.49 metres.

Low Tide: 09:35h and 21:51h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 and 0.72 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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President Chandrikapersad Santokhi

President Dr Irfaan Ali

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n wrapping up a successful State visit this week, the Presidents of Guyana and Suriname, Dr Irfaan Ali and Chandrikapersad Santokhi, have implored with citizens from both countries to end their hesitancy and get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus.

President Santokhi and a high-level delegation from Suriname ended a four-day visit to Guyana on Friday.

During a joint press conference on Thursday, the two leaders disclosed that among the decisions taken during discussions is collaboration to address vaccine hesitancy in both Guyana and Suriname.

“We both agree that the issue of vaccination and addressing the hesitancy in relation to vaccination is critical for us and we’re going to work on a shared strategy in promoting the full vaccination of our population,” President Ali said during his remarks.

Similar sentiments were expressed by his Surinamese counterpart.

President Santokhi reiterated the importance of vaccination against the deadly virus to the health of the neighbouring countries. As such, he urged citizens to follow the respective vaccination programmes in Guyana and Suriname.

“As regard the COVID pandemic… we should urge our both nation, our both people to take the vaccine and follow the vaccination strategy of both nations. That’s the only way to keep our nation to keep our community safe,” the Surinamese leader stressed.

Guyana rolled out its vaccination campaign back in February using AstraZeneca, Russianmanufactured Sputnik V and the Chinesemade Sinopharm jabs.

Government is currently in the process of acquiring the single dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine from the United States as well as Pfizer, which will be used to inoculate children from 12 years up in order to prepare them for the possible reopening of schools.

According to recent figures, some 58.1 per cent of the adult population has received their first dose of the vaccine, which is approximately 298,248 persons.

Meanwhile, fully immunised persons in the country stand at some 152,997, representing 29.8 per cent of the pop-

ulation who are 18 years and older.

However, despite Government aggressively rolling out the vaccination exercise in the various regions across the country in order to achieve heard immunity, there are some regions that are significantly lagging.

In fact, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony expressed concern over the low vaccination rate in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) during Friday’s COVID-19 update.

“Region 10 has the lowest numbers for first dose vaccines,” he stated.

According to Dr Anthony, only about 5693 first doses have been administered in the Upper DemeraraBerbice region, which accounts for about 20.7 per cent of its adult population.

However, he added that the second dose vaccination is much lower.

“We just have about 2588 persons who would have been fully vaccinated in Linden. This is just about 9.4 per cent of those who

were vaccinated, got their first dose… [and] came back and got their second dose.

So, as you can see this is really low,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister went on to note that Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) is also lagging with its vaccination rate.

Only 38 per cent of the region’s population has taken the first dose of the vaccine, while 23 per cent took both doses, Dr Anthony reported.

Nevertheless, in order to encourage a higher vaccination rate across the nation, the Guyana Government updated the gazetted COVID-19 measures for the month of August to include vaccination requirements to access certain services. This includes social locations such as restaurants, bars and cinemas as well as most Government offices and public transportation operators.

In light of these new measures, several private establishments and State buildings have instituted a proof of vaccination requirement or a negative PCR test for employees and for per-

sons accessing services.

However, there has been widespread resistance from certain quarters about these new guidelines including the APNU/AFC Opposition which had staged a series of anti-vaccination protests.

Moreover, last week residents in Linden staged a protest after several unvaccinated health workers were prevented from entering the Linden Hospital Complex.

Government subsequently issued a two-week grace period to allow for healthcare and transportation operators to get immunised against the virus.

Suriname is currently experiencing a similar resistance from its population toward the COVID-19 vaccine.

Only Friday evening, Suriname received 140,000 doses of the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine from the United States.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that as of August 13, 2021, a total of 267,959 vaccine doses have been administered in Suriname. (G8)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 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

Congestion in Georgetown

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arking areas in downtown Georgetown that were specially prepared by the Police Traffic Department and designated for parking by minibuses plying various routes have been overrun by vendors plying their trade and by private cars working as taxis. As a consequence, chaos and congestion have been created in central areas in the city, as well as piles of garbage have been accumulated over time.

The garbage accumulation continues unabated, growing from little hillocks into mountainous piles of refuse, with no solution in sight. This appears to have started in 2014 as a deliberate attempt to derail the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s “Clean Up My Country” initiative.

Now with insufficient space because of constrained parking allotments to park the buses for which the various areas were designated, bus drivers are forced to occupy areas not allotted for parking purposes, thereby creating traffic hazards and danger to pedestrians, as well as incurring the wrath of the Traffic Police.

Former Mayors Hamilton Green and Patricia Chase Green and City Councillors have, over decades, encouraged the lawlessness prevailing all over the city and its environs.

Visitors come to this country to, among other things, enjoy our heritage sites, and a heap of garbage has accumulated just outside one of Guyana’s primary sight-seeing locations specially promoted by the Tourism Ministry and tour operators – Stabroek Market.

This development is not only a public nuisance, but also constitutes a serious public health threat, with the attendant hazard of escalation of vector-borne and other serious diseases.

While the City Council condemns the business houses that are lax in paying their taxes, it simultaneously inhibits their businesses by allowing illegal vending outside the stores. This creates unfair competition, especially during special holidays, and is wreaking havoc on the viability of legitimately-established businesses, because most vendors do not pay taxes, they have no overheads, are not subject to the various by-laws governing established trade; and, worst of all, many create humongous garbage piles and litter that jam the waterways, with the consequence being an exacerbation of drainage problems in the city and its environs.

Georgetown has always fallen under the jurisdiction of the People’s National Congress (PNC), and from being the pride of Guyana as “The Garden City,” it has increasingly deteriorated, losing its pristine and idyllic environment because it has become a microcosm of the decay of Guyana under the PNC’s watch.

Political leaders have a duty and responsibility to encourage citizens to respect the laws of the land, in the interest of their constituency in particular, and the nation as a whole; and illegal vending breaches the city’s by-laws in a multiplicity of ways.

However, every time there is a governmental effort to find alternative accommodation for vendors, there is a hue and cry by political protagonists, who organise protests.

Successive PPP/C Governments intermittently pump millions of dollars into clean-up campaigns in the city, but as long as illegal vending prevails, Georgetown would always remain a “garbage city”.

Oftentimes Government executes essential capital works that are the direct responsibility of the M&CC, and that body in turn castigates the Government for not giving it the money allocated for that purpose. However, the corruption at City Hall seems to have become endemic, as was revealed by the Burrowes Commission of Inquiry.

Georgetown was once a pristine and extremely scenic city, legendary for its idyllic beauty. However, under successive PNC-run City Councils, the deterioration continues to escalate, to the point where it would be a Herculean task and necessitate the injection of massive amounts of funding, with extremely wise, creative and honest management to restore Guyana’s capital city to its former glory.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips ushered in Raksha Bandhan with Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr KJ Srinivasa and representatives of the Brahma Kumaris Yoga Centre.

In photo, a staff of the Indian High Commission ties a Rakhi on the hand of Phillips as High Commissioner to Guyana Dr KJ Srinivasa looks on (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

GOAL scholarships represent training equity that would foster a knowledge society Dear Editor, Permit me space to comment on EB John’s ‘Congratulations to the Government/GOAL Awardees – plan needed’.

I believe he was well intended but its execution was marred by misplaced notions of education, cynicism, and inaccuracies.

This response takes a proactive approach with the view of reminding/enlightening readers of the broad role of education/scholarships from the perspective of GOAL/Government of Guyana and the knowledge society.

To begin, finding jobs is not the only/primary function of education/training.

Training is, in every sense, a fundamental factor in development. No country can achieve sustainable economic development without substantial investment in human capital. Education enriches people’s understanding of themselves and the world and improves the quality of their lives which ultimately leads to broad social benefits to individuals, communities and the society. Education raises people’s productivity and creativity and promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances towards the goal of economic and

social progress. Further, it equips people to understand the need for paradigm shift, as a consequence of social, economic, scientific, cultural and political changes occurring around them.

Today’s world is increasingly knowledge-based. A knowledge-based economy comprises well educated citizens and relies on the knowledge of the citizens to drive its innovation, entrepreneurship and dynamism. Knowledge rests on using, applying and transferring information.

A knowledge-based society thus, provides the platform to compete and succeed in the changing economic and political dynamics of the modern world.

GOAL 2021 scholarships commenced the fulfillment of the PPP-C Manifesto promises and the Budget 2021 allocations. These scholarships support targeted training and skills development for students and working professionals where local higher education capacity is weak or non-existent. The PPP-C and President Dr Ali’s vision of equitable education and training opportunities involves bringing education into the villages and homes of Guyanese. It would be difficult to deny this laud-

able initiative with courses and programs aimed at preparing tomorrow’s generation of innovative leaders to face daily life challenges, take advantage of economic and lifelong learning opportunities and contribute to their communities. These scholarships, therefore, are seen as key drivers for reducing poverty, achieving gender equality, and fostering socioeconomic growth and development.

John’s cynical comment, ‘what a hungry public!’ about the food and nutrition program thus, flies in the face of education/training broad functions and needs of an evolving knowledge society. Similarly, the ‘needed plan’ to consider jobs, especially in or related to the public service, misses the point about the underlying role and purpose of education, more so, within the GOAL scholarship perspective. In fact, it appears that John’s subtle theme/concern is whether these scholarship recipients would in time replace/displace the current cadre of public servants.

It is true that facilitating many of these scholarships requires investments in broadband/high-speed internet services which may not be available/feasible in

some locations, for reasons such as distance/remoteness, topography of the terrain and sparse population.

At the same time, sustainable economic development may be hindered without substantial investment in the mechanisms which facilitate development of human capital. Therefore, in this evolving oil and gas economy with knowledge-based aspirations, EB John’s understanding of “costly distribution of the technology to facilitate this [what he calls] expansive ‘virtual’ process” may be misplaced.

Finally, it would have been more beneficial to analyze GOAL scholarships through the lens of benefit-cost tradeoffs, gender representation and regional spread. Such analyses would lead to greater appreciation of the role of widespread education in economic development and the effect of education/training on labour productivity, poverty, trade, technology, health, income distribution and Guyana’s competitiveness.

Sincerely, Ronald Singh, LLM, MS, Barrister Deputy Director (Student Affairs), GOAL

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 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

GECOM must now prepare for LGEs Renaming Dear Editor, Guyanese are now fully supportive of the actions taken by the Guyana Elections Commission to terminate the services of the notorious ‘TRIO’. Gone are Keith Lowenfield, Chief Elections Officer; Roxanne Myers, Deputy Chief Elections Officer; and Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

Guyanese are fully cognizant of the clever and brutal manoeuvres that the PNC did to survive in office. Ever since the passing of the No Confidence Motion on that memorable night of 22nd December 2018, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was supposed to be ready to hold National and Regional Elections.

However, the Judiciary was brutally used to keep the defeated ANPNU/AFC in office.

What was most disgusting and frustrating was all the skullduggery that was used to perpetuate the Granger-led government in office. While the court was laughed at as some of the ‘learned’ men and women were unable to do simple

addition and subtraction, Guyana was looked at as a nation of “low” people.

Granger’s unilateral decision to appoint the unfit and improper Patterson as Chairman of GECOM was not accepted, as the Caribbean Court of Justice ruled against his appointment. However, the PNC was able to remove Deputy (CEO) Vishnu Persaud and replace him with their own Roxanne Myers.

Several bad decisions were taken in the employment of staff at GECOM. We must never forget that brilliant persons who did the training for Polling Day Officials and training officers were never given the opportunity to work at GECOM. The PNC took full control of the recruiting of staff at GECOM, as Lowenfield took complete control of the hiring of staff.

It is imperative for the Commission to employ men and women of integrity and people who can win the confidence and trust of the nation. Lowenfield is presently before the court facing three counts of misconduct in public office and three

counts of forgery, while Mingo is charged with four counts of misconduct in public office and Myers with two counts of misconduct in public office.

Further, GECOM must deal with the others who are continuing to be at GECOM and contributed significantly to the attempted fraud.

Persons such as (CEO) clerks Michelle Miller and Denise Bob-Cummings; Elections Officer Shefern February, and Information Technology Officer Enrique Livan, all of whom are also before the courts.

GECOM Secretariat was allowed to operate as if untouchable. Corruption was the order of the day.

Phantom workers and contracts must be fully exposed.

Our experience since 2015 is indeed a revelation. In 2015, Melaine Marshall pulled out the broad sheet and we objected vehemently. However, that election petition is still sleeping in the courts.

My further experience reminds me of 2018 Local Government Elections, when the presiding officer who was working at Peters’ Hall Primary School switched the

PPP/C Constituency votes and give them to the PNC. However, that very night we discovered the wicked act, and the comrades went back and the presiding officer made the correction and gave the votes to the PPP/C candidate.

GECOM must immediately put proper systems in place, and fill all the vacancies with men and women who would restore trust and confidence in the organisation. The immediate task must be to put LGEs on the front burner. Hence, this nation is looking forward for a short period of continuous registration, followed by a Claims and Objection period and the preparation of a Register of Registrants.

The PNC used the Task Force, and after frustrating the LGEs for several years, there were no LGEs after the 1994 Elections. The PPP/C wallop the PNC at the last two LGEs, and expectations are high that the PPP/C will do better in this upcoming LGEs. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Effort to get someone pliable to biddings of Congress Place to disrupt Govt Dear Editor, It is inevitable that the US House Representative Mr Hakeem Jeffries continues to carry the divisive narratives of friends at Congress Place. Though not a US Senator, he is still well-placed to undermine the work of Guyana’s elected Government.

His reluctance to accept a duly elected PPP/C Government is a signal to a majority of the electorate that their voting rights are unsafe. It ought to remind voters that Congress Place has long invoked the Middle Passage to profit lucratively among friend in Washington, whose draw must not be dismissed nor aim underestimated.

Mr Jeffries is not alone.

Make no mistake — the “aim” is to help undermine the electors’ Government by way of influencing Washington’s opinion on Guyana, especially from the corner of Young and Duke Streets in Georgetown.

Congress Place, by their public relations firm in Washington, tried to get the Congressional Black Caucus to interfere with GECOM’s 2020 elections’ declaration. Allegedly, they claimed in a required filing (as per the Foreign Agents Registration Act) that an attempt to remove President David Granger or the “only Black President” from South America was underway.

It is not a new sto-

ry. Upon the death of Mr. Forbes Burnham in August 1985, Mr. Desmond Hoyte said: “We shall draw strength in each other, and ponder our common destiny as authoritatively defined for us by our great leader” (see “Guyana’s President Burnham dies at 62,” Los Angeles Times, August 7, 1985).

The first thing he did to achieve his “common destiny” was to rig that year’s elections. Old enough to remember then, young enough to resist now, I was in high school when my parents’ ballots were cast aside by Mr. Hoyte, and the Leader of the Opposition and a British journalist assaulted on Elections Day in December 1985.

It was worse for my nana, or maternal grandfather, a World War II veteran of the UK Royal Air Force, who was shot during action but survived the war.

Imagine, a man who fought the Nazis returned home but was unable to have his votes counted in Guyana - a Congress Place country.

The second thing Mr. Hoyte did was to seek the blessings of AfricanAmerican lawmakers in the US, primarily the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who were aware of the rigged elections but still feted Mr. Hoyte at a reception in 1988 in Washington, where Mr. Hoyte presented himself as Guyana’s elected representative.

This is the history of my generation — people who grew up in the eighties’ Age of Farce. In Washington, Mr Hoyte, an officer of the court, without actual or apparent authority from the electorate, nevertheless carried on his farce in the same Washington neighbourhood where, 25 years earlier, in August of 1963, a Civil Rights leader delivered his “I have a Dream” speech, calling for freedoms, including voting rights for all.

The lesson is that Congress Place needs no elections or Parliament with friends in Washington or/and at the corner of Young and Duke Streets.

A review of events between 2003 and 2006 is likely to reveal back-channel work

by Congress Place to influence the shape of the 2006 elections, and how Washington should interpret the violence in that period.

This was especially so after a certain ambassador from Washington (sworn in 2001), who refused to entertain overtures from Congress Place, left Guyana after his chief security officer was kidnapped on April 13, 2003 during the crime blitz.

This diplomat saw the gamesmanship of Mr. Hoyte and Congress Place in Parliament, and stated so in an interview after he retired. Congress Place is re-enacting the same gamesmanship now in

Parliament, while hoping to curry favour in Washington.

His departure was welcomed by Congress Place because his replacement entertained their overtures for a very obvious reason: the Middle Passage. The evidence is visible in affidavits submitted by certain embassy employees in the Roger Khan case in Federal Court, from which one can see various Congress Place narratives implanted.

It is instructive that, only recently, Congress Place received a significant favour (likely requested) when Mr. Roger Khan’s initial return home in September 2019 was stalled, despite plans made by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency for his removal, and which may have occurred without the input of the very diplomat being criticized now by Mr Jeffries.

In sum, this desire of Congress Place and its Washington proxies seeking a recall of this career diplomat is both about her past opposition to rigged elections and having someone on the ground pliable enough to help disrupt Government in the future.

History has to be read as forward as it has been read backwards; or, as T.S. Eliot would say citing the Bhagavad Gita, time past is time future.

Sincerely, Rakesh Rampertab

street in honour of a great lady

Dear Editor, Heads of Diplomatic Missions have rarely served their country and Guyana, the country to which they are assigned, as well as Her Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch, Ambassador of the United States of America. In the 19th century, America evolved the policy of the Munroe Doctrine, and in the 21st century, she evolved the Policy of “A World of Democracy, and particularly Democracy for every country in the American Continent.”

Ambassador Lynch executed her country’s policy with courage, expertise, and without fear of her limb or life while walking and standing without bodyguards among bands of fierce, un-democratic goons who were hurling threats to her. In her person, she asserted The Stars and Stripes Forever!

America and Ambassador Lynch defeated the evil forces of un-democracy, and Guyana’s interest and American Policy were synthesised in an everlasting bond. Her courage and devotion to duty also won the respect and support of all other members of the Diplomatic Corps, who stood together with her against un-democracy.

In honour of America and its great Ambassador, we would suggest that Young Street, where the US Embassy is situated, be renamed Sarah-Ann Lynch Street, and the Government of Guyana, formally or informally, petition the Government of the USA to award her an appropriate national honour.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

Page

Foundation

If you could choose one of the animals above to be a pet, which would you choose? Why? Paleontologists name plants and animals based on characteristics such as: what they look like, what they eat, and where they were found.

What would you name your new pet? What could you buy at the grocery store to feed your new pet?

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana, Suriname to host strategic summit on energy security

President Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese c o u n t e r p a r t , President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, will be hosting a summit on energy security that will feature their other partners on the Arco Norte corridor – Brazil and French Guiana (an overseas territorial collectivity of France).

This announcement was made by the Guyanese leader during a joint press conference on Thursday.

President Santokhi led a high-level delegation from Suriname for a four-day visit to Guyana which ended on Friday.

One of the outcomes of extensive discussions over the past four days is in the area of energy security and exploring the potential between the two countries. The Guyanese and Surinamese leaders said they are looking to engage neighbouring partners on the matter.

“Before the end of this year, President Santokhi and I will be spearheading efforts to bring together the President of Brazil, bring together France, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana into a strategic summit to discuss issues of energy security, and also to discuss the integration of our plans with their longterm development thrust,” President Ali revealed.

Guyana is a party to a Memorandum of Understanding on the Northern Arc (Arco Norte) Interconnection Project which seeks to evaluate the

feasibility of a possible collaboration on the energy transmission system for the electric interconnection of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the northern cities of Brazil.

The project had been in talks for several years. In fact, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had conducted baseline and pre-feasibility studies in 2016 and 2017 on the “Arco Norte Electrical Interconnection” project.

The Bank stated that the main benefits of such a project would be lower-cost generation for all countries involved; potentially lowered electricity prices for consumers in Guyana and Suriname; more secure supply; reduced carbon dioxide emissions and export earnings, especially for Guyana.

New oil frontier

Already, Guyana plans to pipe gas from the Stabroek Block offshore, where oil production and exploration activities are ongoing.

Similarly, Suriname is also a new oil frontier. With the growing hydrocarbon discoveries offshore these two neighbouring countries, expectation is that the gas in the Guyana-Suriname basin would be used to power this Arco Norte corridor.

During Thursday’s press conference, President Ali noted that having recognised the potential of gas between the two countries, a decision was taken to establish a working group to de-

velop a “Joint Gas Strategy”.

This, he added, is being developed within the context of the Arco Norte plan.

“So yes, the joint energy plan is definitely linked and that is why we are working towards that bigger summit with Brazil, France, French Guiana and Guyana. I don’t want to go into the details of this, because very soon we will have the technical team meeting, and we have agreed that they will be briefing the Private Sector and the media when we come up with that overarching strategy from the joint team,” the Head of State said.

Ali went on to say that both himself and President Santokhi have opened up the conversation of energy security for the corridor, and especially, to supply northern Brazil.

Against this backdrop, Ali underscored the importance of engaging the players on the corridor as Guyana and Suriname seek to develop a long-term gas strategy.

Questioned about the quantum of gas in the Guyana-Suriname basin to

facilitate this initiative, the Guyanese leader indicated that this will be determined in a strategic analysis that will be undertaken by the working group.

“There are some stats that were presented to us for internal consumption from Staatsolie (Suriname’s State-owned oil company) …

But as I said, let the technical team work, and then that presentation will be made in relation to the specific question on quantum, and that will determine the size of the initiative. And it will link to the question in terms of value-added and what is the best possible return on the gas, and where the greatest possibility lies for a sustainable return,” he noted.

To

Not limited

this end, however, Guyana’s President said that this collaboration between the two South American neighbours will not be limited to the oil and gas sector.

“That strategy would be linked to the frontier development of both Guyana and Suriname. That includes infrastructure, industries – manufacturing, natural resources, the bauxite industry on both sides will be part of that strategic outlook in developing opportunities and exploiting the great potential on both sides of the Corentyne River,” Ali stated.

This sentiment was shared by his Surinamese counterpart, who posited that a proposal for the Joint Gas Strategy is expected “within a short peri-

The Arco Norte Region (Photo: IDB)

od of time”. He too emphasised the potential benefits this will bring to the two nations.

“We are in support of an integral approach for the development on the west side of Suriname and the east side of Guyana, and the developments are in the area of oil and gas exploitation but more the gas side, to use it as cheap energy for the development of the industry on both sides… And the export of gas energy to Brazil,” President Santokhi said during Thursday’s joint press briefing.

Against this backdrop, the Guyanese Head of State pointed out that the two countries will be working closely and combine efforts to have the most efficient implementation and exploration of their natural resources’ potential on both sides of the Corentyne River.

“That is exactly what the

working group will be doing in developing the strategic direction because we recognise, and that is why I said natural resources, that with gas comes the opportunity for cheap electricity which brings the opportunity for upstream and downstream benefits not only for bauxite but for many other things,” President Ali stated.

Moreover, new in the oil and gas sector, Guyana and Suriname will also support the development of their human resources to meet the industry requirement.

In fact, the Dutch nation has already offered opportunities for Guyanese youths to be trained at Staatsolie, which President Ali said is advanced in the certification of key areas in the oil and gas sector such as welding. He said this will boost Guyana’s human resource base to become certified to participate in the sector. (G8)

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Getting closer...

Y

…to Suriname our Eyewitness has railed several times in the past about the terrible burden and distortion done to our psyches by the colonial powers, when they ensured their policies violated the first law of Geography. The said law quite logically declares that “everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things." Makes sense, doesn’t it? Common sense!

After all, let’s say you and I are sitting next to each other in a bus, wouldn’t sharing a sandwich be easier between us, rather than with the fellas at the back!?!

But the colonials insisted that direct relations with them take priority over everyone else - they were the Mother Countries!! - even though they were thousands of miles away in Europe!! For instance, we in Guyana knew the most picayune details about places in Britain; like, say, the highlands of Scotland, or how they behaved in their pubs!! But right next door to us was Suriname - across a River narrower than our Essequibo - but most of us hadn’t a clue about their country or their people! Things closer to us were LESS related than things further away!

But, at long last, that’s changing, and this came out clearly with the most recent visit of Suriname’s President Santoki earlier this week. He‘d been here just after Pres Ali’s inauguration, and that was soon reciprocated. One could tell the leaders had hit it off at the personal level - and that’s very important going forward. The artificial colonial separation had actually been broken down at the people’s level totally inadvertently during the Burnham dictatorship - when Guyanese fled there and took up residence just to survive. There was also the “backtrack” in trade, which proved a lifesaver for thousands in Berbice. President Santoki’s wife, in fact, has Guyanese parents who’d fled to Suriname!! As such, the binds of understanding between the two countries have become very deep at the top!

But these ties are now moving from the personal to the institutional! Take the Corentyne Bridge across the Corentyne River - one of the few riverine borders that aren’t located in the middle of the waterway. Suriname owns the river, all the way to our bank at low tide, but the agreement just signed gives full involvement to us in selecting the bids, and also in the construction!! And likewise with cooperation in health, security, business, petroleum, and power from gas. So, finally, we’re going to live out the true meaning of the law of geography, and become more related with our next-door neighbours!

Quite pertinently, they’re taking the “good neighbour” policy a quantum jump upwards by seeking a conclave with the behemoth to our south - Brazil.

Maybe Lula will be back then?

…to fightin’ words The panhandler hustler up in Brooklyn - Canarsie?

- who organised the anti-PPP rally that headlined his “friend” Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, has just insulted two other senior members of the US Congressional Black Caucus from Houston - Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee. Now, sure, the latter veterans understand that Jeffries would be pandering to his constituents, but they sure as heck wouldn’t appreciate the grifter announcing that they recognised VP Jagdeo in Houston because they were “paid”!!

Green and Lee have paid their dues in the US Black struggle, with the former, a lawyer who had his own Houston firm, an active member of the NAACP. He took his fight for Fair Housing from that organisation into the halls of Congress. Sheila Lee’s also a lawyer out of Yale, of Jamaican parents, who grew up in Queens, NY. She could teach Jeffries about the nature of racism!

In fact, your Eyewitness thinks they’re going to have a word or two with Jeffries about his gauche “friend”!!

…to the (PNC) split Back in the day - as old- timer Granger would know - the “King of Soul”, James Brown, was famous for doing “the split”.

Well, from all the goings on inside the party, looks like his PNC might just “do a Burnham” and follow suit!!

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

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

DDL, Israeli company explore major dairy farming in Guyana

A

feasibility study for the establishment of a commercially viable dairy farming operation is currently being undertaken by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and LR Group of Israel.

On Friday the companies said that the operation’s design will see to the supply of fresh cows’ milk to DDL’s Tropical Orchard Products Company Limited (TOPCO) milk plant for pasteurisation and packaging.

Currently, TOPCO is testing the production and packaging of reconstituted

pletion in early 2022.

Moreover, the study forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between the two companies in June 2020, which provides for collaboration in the development of a dairy farming operation that will include the participation of local dairy farmers.

Additionally, the MoU provides for the implementation of strategies to increase the supply of fruits and vegetables from local farmers through the provision of support services that

From left, DDL Managing Director Ramesh Persaud, Harryram Parmesar, Egbert Carter, LR Group Director Joseph Harrosh, DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo, Sharon Sue-Hang, Lancelot Tyrell, Rudolph Collins and Wesley Kirton

sentation on the concept of the proposed project by Harrosh and a team of experts from Israel.

Meanwhile, a technical team from Israel is expected to visit Guyana early next year to assess and make recommendations on land selection for the dairy farm and a structure for the participation of private farmers

A tour of the DDL facilities

milk, which is scheduled to be commercially launched later this month. The study, however, is being undertaken to determine the feasibility of transitioning to the pasteurisation of fresh cows’ milk.

The feasibility study and definition of the scope of the project is scheduled for com-

promote best practices in crop selection, cultivation, disease control, harvesting, packaging and transportation to DDL’s TOPCO plant at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Furthermore, the MoU provides for joint pursuance of other commercially viable projects in Guyana,

the Caribbean Community (Caricom) at large that fit into the development priorities of member states, and the region’s efforts to reduce its food import bill and ensure food security.

Board of Directors and DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo on Thursday met with Director of the LR Group, Joseph Harrosh.

The meeting saw a pre-

in the process. Thereafter, the feasibility study will be finalised.

Harrosh and the DDL team also toured the operations of TOPCO for an onthe-spot look at the new state-of-the-art equipment recently installed.

Israel is considered a global leader in the agriculture sector, including dairy

farming and the project is being designed to utilise best practices and the latest state-of-the-art technology.

Both Chairman Samaroo and Harrosh expressed satisfaction at the progress being made with the feasibility study and optimism that the project would be mutually beneficial to the investors and the Guyanese economy.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 more COVID-19 fatalities, 111 new cases recorded GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 20 UPDATE

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uyana has recorded a whopping 591 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started – three of which were reported as of Friday by the Health Ministry.

The latest fatalities are two males; a 74-year-old and an 80-year-old; along with an 89-year-old female.

An updated dashboard showed cases increasing by 111, hiking the total confirmed to 24,047. There are 16 patients being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit, 100 in institutional isolation, 1088 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine.

Some 22,252 of the 11,674 males and 12,373 females that tested positive have since recovered.

Guyana has tested 251,230 persons since the virus was detected here.

An analysis of new cases showed three from Region One (Barima-Waini), five

in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 21 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 48 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), three in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice), four in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), 23 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and four in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There were no increases in Regions Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Low vaccination rate

Even with increased sensitisation on the risks unvaccinated people face in the wake of new variants, there is still a slow vaccine uptake in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) – a serious concern for authorities.

In Friday’s COVID-19 update, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony informed that the national average for

first dose vaccines is 58.1 per cent. However, for Region 10, this number stands at just 20.7 per cent, an indication that the region continues to lag behind in the immunisation campaign.

“There is a big difference between what the national average is and what is happening in Linden. For second dose vaccines, the national average is 29.8 per cent. In Region 10, its 9.4 per cent. There’s a big gap here,” said Dr Anthony.

Testing figures in this zone has also been low, and this is reflected in the data gathered since March 2020, which shows that only 8265 people being tested.

“There’s another anomaly in Region 10. Perhaps, there are lots of people there who might have signs and symptoms of COVID. These are flu-like symptoms but they don’t come for a test…

That is really low. Just to give a comparison, for the

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

111

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

100

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1088

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

16

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

12,373

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

11,674

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

24,047

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

22,252

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

296,059

FULLY IMMUNISED

152,433

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

591

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1345

REGION 2

705

REGION 3

2801

REGION 4

10,959

REGION 5

791

REGION 6

1982

REGION 7

1309

REGION 8

381

REGION 9

2189

REGION 10

1585

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.

rest of the country overall, from the same period we would have completed 251,230 tests across this country. it’s relatively low

in Region 10 and because many people are not coming forward to get tested, it means our rate of detection in Region 10 has been much

lower. It’s not that the disease is not there, it’s just that people don’t want to be tested.”

TURN TO PAGE 13

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ponzi scheme accused charged Suspected bandit shot after attacking for forging COVID-19 test Police with knife A A teeka Ishmael, who along with her husband Yuri Garcia Domingues is accused of operating a major Ponzi scheme, was on Friday released on $200,000 bail for forging a positive COVID-19 test. The woman was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The particulars of the charge stated that on July 27, at Georgetown, she conspired with her husband and others to forge a COVID-19 test to show that she had tested positive. Ishmael pleaded not guilty to the charge. The matter has been adjourned to September 10.

Last month, the Guyana Police Force moved to institute 60 new fraud charges against the couple who are the principals of Accelerated Capital Firm Incorporated (ACFI). It is alleged that through the company, they swindled hundreds of Guyanese of $4 billion in a Ponzi scheme.

But the couple failed to appear at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court to answer the charges. Instead, their lawyer, Dexter Todd, produced two medical certificates, on their behalf, to the Police investigators which purported to show that they had both tested positive for the COVID-19.

However, the Police Force in a statement said

Yuri Garcia Domingues and his wife Ateeka Ishmael

that a perusal of the medical certificates by investigators had raised the suspicion that they may be bogus documents. As such, an investigation was launched.

Together, Garcia Dominguez and his wife are facing 100-plus charges for obtaining monies by false pretence from some 17,000 people. They have been released on bail amounting to just over $30 million.

Sometime last year, the company ceased all operations in Guyana after authorities discovered that it was operating without a licence from the Guyana Securities

Council.

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act Cap 10:11 prohibits businesses from operating as financial institutions without the necessary registration for regulation and supervision by the regulatory authorities.

On October 12, 2020, the couple began reimbursing persons who had invested in their company. However, the refunds came to an unexpected halt a few days later after ranks from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) raided their

home at Coldingen, East Coast Demerara, and seized several pieces of equipment the couple claimed were vital in processing the refund transactions.

The couple had disclosed that their company’s mode of business is trading on the international stock exchange. According to them, the company trades with international brokers such as IQ Options and FX Choice.

They explained that the mode and operation of the company are that investing parties, having entered into a legally binding contract with ACFI, are permitted to invest a certain amount of capital.

They had said that either the investing party or ACFI can then deposit same with brokers such as IQ Options and FX Choice which would then be traded on the international market. They had also said that the investing party subsequently receives 40 per cent to 50 per cent on their investment based on the invested amount and the terms of the contract. (G1)

suspected bandit who reportedly attempted to relieve a woman of her mobile phone was on Thursday shot and injured after he attacked two Police ranks with a knife along South Road, Georgetown.

The injured man is 25-year-old Akeem Martin of Half Mile Wismar, Linden, who reportedly was shot to his right foot and is under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Police have said that on the day in question, at about 16:30h, two armed ranks were on motorcycle patrol along Croal Street, Georgetown when they heard a woman screaming “Thief!” As they went to in-

spect, the ranks observed a man trying to confiscate the woman’s mobile phone.

As the two ranks advanced towards the suspect, he started to run in an attempt to escape, but the ranks pursued and caught up with him along South Road. Martin, the Police stated, then whipped out a knife and attacked one of the ranks, who retaliated by discharging at him a round which reportedly caught him to his right foot.

The ranks summoned assistance, and the injured man was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and admitted a patient.

Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice man charged for raping 64-year-old woman

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rrested after he reportedly raped and robbed a 64-yearold woman, 47-year-old Brian Luke of Sand Reef, Albion Corentyne Berbice was on Friday arraigned for the heinous crime before Magistrate Renita Singh in the Reliance Magistrate’s Court.

He was not required to plead to the charge of Rape, under Section 3(3) of the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03, and was remanded to prison until September 14, 2021.

The matter has been transferred to the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

It was reported that, on Monday last, the 64-year-old woman was at home when the suspect entered her home, raped her, and carted off $200,000 in cash. After the perpetrator had left the premises, the elderly woman reportedly raised an alarm, and neighbours went to her assistance.

The matter was reported to the Police, and, based on

Brian Luke is accused of raping and robbing a 64-yearold woman

information gathered, the suspect was arrested at his home, where a portion of the cash was recovered.

In February last, two men were remanded to prison for the brutal rape of a 98-year-old woman at her home in Rose Hall Town,

Corentyne. The woman, who lived alone, was also severely beaten, and was reportedly found in a traumatised state by a neighbour who had gone to check on her.

The woman reportedly had told the neighbour, “Them boys come in and beat me up”. She had several injuries about her body, including a swollen face and bruises in several places.

The woman’s caretaker was summoned to the house, and she observed blood on the victim’s clothing and bedspread. The caregiver immediately reported the matter to the Police, after which the elderly woman was taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where a medical certificate was issued confirming that she had been raped.

Acting on information received, several persons were arrested, but after further investigations, charges were instituted against two of them. Their trial is expected to commence shortly.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-Suriname health pact to enhance healthcare delivery A

n agreement has been signed by the Governments of Guyana and Suriname to strengthen cooperation in the area of health and will result in citizens benefitting from an ease of access to services offered by both countries in the sector.

The pact was signed between acting Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and the Surinamese Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin on Thursday.

Speaking with reporters following the signing, Anthony explained that this framework allows for a series of partnerships between the two countries, aimed at improving healthcare delivery.

“It’s a framework document that we have been working on since last year and what it allows is for cooperation between both countries for training, and

their common concerns at the border. For example, vector control and looking at different types of infectious diseases. We also looked at the possibility where each country can benefit from the other, in terms of the provision of medical services,” the substantive Health Minister detailed.

According to him, Guyana and Suriname would also seek to acquire specialised services offered in the respective countries, in order to complement each other.

“There are some medical services that are offered

by Suriname that we don’t have here and there are things that we can do here that they’re not offering.

We’re doing kidney transplants. That’s not done in Suriname. Suriname offers various types of radiotherapy that we don’t have. In a way, we can complement each other. Those are the kinds of things we have cov-

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

ered.”

Apart from services, he said there will also be joint partnerships in human resource development, that is, training for various healthcare workers.

“We have also looked at the possibility of training, where they have some training programme that we can benefit from and they’re looking at our programmes as well. I think over the next

3 more COVID-19 fatalities...

He added that if a person has been in contact with an infected person, it is important to get tested and prevent the virus from further spreading if the results return positive. In Region 10, 1585 have since tested positive but the Minister cautioned that this might not be a true reflection of the cases owing to the low test rates.

“If they don’t want to get

tested, I think that’s a foolish approach but what we should ideally have is people coming forward and getting tested. If they’re positive, we can take certain actions. If they’re negative, that’s fine. But people ought to know what is the status for COVID, especially if you have been exposed to someone who is carrying COVID,” Dr Anthony said in

FROM PAGE 10

the briefing.

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. (G12)

two years or so, we’ll see different things unfold between the two countries,” Dr Anthony noted.

Speaking on the

COVID-19 pandemic, both governments are also looking to work together to address issues of vaccination, vaccine hesitancy and disease control.

“On both sides, we recognise that there might be some amount of hesitancy in both countries and what we want to do is synchronise our efforts to ensure that our population to ensure that our population can get vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

Since March last year, the pandemic has significantly reduced travel between the two countries via the ferry service between Moleson Creek and South Drain. But for now, officials

are working to synchronise their requirements and ensure that there is proper monitoring in place before this can return to normalcy.

He told media operatives, “Suriname’s position is that you have to get a negative PCR, which is our position as well. So, once you have a negative PCR and most countries are introducing vaccination which we have also done. Countries are moving in that direction and our protocols are in sync with each other. As we try to facilitate the reopening of the ferry and have more frequent trips, we have to make sure that the protocols are adhered to.” (G12)

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Intervention being made to tackle cardiovascular diseases

…"Hearts" initiative to be introduced at primary healthcare level

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uyana has now moved to introduce Hearts Technical Package, aimed at strengthening the Health Ministry’s approach to improving cardiovascular well-being at the primary healthcare level.

Hearts in the Americas is an initiative of the countries, led by the Ministries of Health with the participation of local stakeholders and the technical cooperation of Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO). The Technical Package provides a set of effective, practical interventions for strengthening the management of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in primary healthcare and also aims to prevent cardiovascular diseases by ensuring reasonable access to continuous, standardised, high-quality care for people at high risk.

It is aligned with and builds on the WHO’s package of essential non-communicable disease interventions and responds to the agreement that sustainable, effective action is urgently required to prevent cardio-

vascular diseases, through which millions of lives could be saved.

The Hearts Technical Package comprises of six elements which cover areas of: Healthy lifestyle, Evidencebased treatment protocol, Access to essential medicine and technology, Riskbased management, Team care and-Task Sharing and System for monitoring (HEARTS).

In 2018, 50 healthcare professionals from private and public health across all ten administrative regions were trained to take on this new approach in health facilities across Guyana. Since this implementation, doctors from the MOH Chronic Disease Unit have participated in webinars and began the process of raising awareness on the initiative along with involving key stakeholders.

Focal point of high blood pressure and the HEARTS Technical Package Initiative, Dr Michael Pereira explained that the Chronic Disease Unit has since established a system of collecting data to facili-

tate an easy transfer of data into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) as this programme is rolled out.

“We have utilised the patients (chronic disease) medical records along with their clinical passport and continuation sheet to keep track of how they have been coping with the disease over the years… This package is at a primary healthcare level which involves physicians and non-physicians and training of these personnel at the selected implementation sites will commence very soon,” he explained.

He further highlighted that there are already more than 30 health centres and various regional hospitals across the country that are

currently utilising these chronic disease medical records, continuation sheets and passports.

The MOH is embracing the HEARTS approach with the implementation of same which will be kick-started at seven health facilities: Lethem Hospital, Port Mourant Health Centre, Anna Regina Health Centre, Campbellville Health Centre, Industry Health Centre, Lusignan Health Centre, Eccles Health Centre and Grove Health Centre.

He further added that plans are in place to collaborate with PAHO/WHO to conduct stakeholder meetings with various focal points and training of

healthcare providers in delivering effective, high-quality behaviour modification interventions, such as smoking cessation and nutrition counselling, using motivational interviewing techniques which will improve people’s knowledge about CVDs risk factors and complications, as well as to promote the importance of selfcare and adherence.

Dr Pereira said that all health facilities will be required to adopt strict measures to ensure that the HEARTS approach is carried out in all aspects. This involves Evidence-Based Treatment Protocols, where treatment algorithms have already been created and will soon be standardised.

These protocols will be strategically placed in areas where they can be easily identified and followed by physicians and other healthcare workers across various communities.

Reports from WHO have shown an estimated 17.5 million people in 2012 died from CVDs, and if current trends should continue, the annual number will rise

to 22.2 million by 2030. Of these deaths, 80 per cent are due to heart attacks and strokes, and over three quarters occur in low- and middle-income countries where the economic and social burden is highest amongst poor and disadvantaged groups.

The risk factors for CVDs are behavioural factors, physiological factors and social determinants and drivers. The behavioural factors include tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol and inadequate physical activity. Social determinants and drivers focus on areas of income, housing, globalisation, ageing and urbanisation.

Meanwhile, physiological factors are high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood cholesterol and high blood sugar or glucose which is linked to underlying social determinants and drivers.

Hypertension is a major risk factor and key driver of CVDs globally. It is estimated to have caused 9.4 million deaths in 2010 but remains widely undetected, undertreated and poorly controlled. (G12)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Affiance residents disappointed at lack of response from EPA …after months of complaining about fumes from spray-painting shop

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esidents of Affiance, Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have been complaining to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since last year about the fumes emanating from an auto bodywork shop in the village but to date, nothing has been done to address their concerns.

According to the residents, the fumes emanate from the spray-painting activities at the workshop and they pose a danger to the residential community.

One resident, Devika Singh, believes the workshop needs to be better sealed to prevent the chemicals from circulating in the area.

“Only one side got zinc and it got a big space at the top and at the bottom of the zinc,” the woman, who spoke on behalf of other affected residents, explained.

“I have children home here from school because it ain’t have school and them not getting to breathe and so

properly when them [workshop workers] spraying,” the woman added.

For Singh, the situation is intense since the workshop is located about 5ft from her home.

The woman said she raised the matter with the EPA since last year and she even spoke to the workers, but nothing has been done to correct the situation.

In fact, the woman said she followed up with the EPA last week but is not satisfied with the progress made. The woman said from the information provided by the EPA, the organisation is in the process of sending a warning letter to the operators of the bodywork shop.

“They said the letter deh in process. They told me that the letter is out of their hands and the letter is in somebody hands who got to sign it…,” the woman explained.

Singh indicated that she is not interested in shutting down anyone’s business

but she just wants the operations to be done in a more environmentally-friendly manner.

“At least they could like do up the shop more because the whole front side doesn’t have nothing and the other side doesn’t have nothing,” the woman explained.

Singh said she has been living in the area for some three years but it was only last year, when the autobody shop began to offer spray-painting services, that residents began to complain of the operation.

When contacted on Friday, an EPA officer said information on the incident is confidential. However, it was explained that when problems of this nature are brought to the EPA’s attention, an investigation would have to be conducted - inclusive of a site inspection - before any other actions are taken.

Efforts by this publication for a comment from the owner of the auto bodywork shop proved futile.

Man busted with unlicensed gun in hotel room remanded

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49-year-old construction worker who Police said was busted at a city hotel with an unlicenced firearm has been remanded to prison for the offence. He was brought before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer the charges on Friday.

Julian Dow, 49, a construction worker of Perth Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, denied the charges. They alleged that on August 18, at Hinck Street, Georgetown, he had a Bryco .38 pistol and five matching rounds of ammunition in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence enforced at the time.

The Police prosecutor told the court that on the day in question at around 23:50h, Police ranks acting on information went to CJ Hotel at Lot 21-22 Hinck Street, Lacytown, Georgetown.

While there, they went to a room where they contacted Dow and requested permission to search the room.

During the search, a black one-strap bag was found around his shoulder,

Remanded: Julian Dow

which when searched, contained one Bryco .38 pistol and five matching rounds.

Asked by the ranks if he was licenced to carry the firearm, the prosecutor said that the defendant replied “no”.

The prosecutor added that the ranks informed Dow of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and es-

corted him to the Brickdam Police Station, where the suspected firearm and ammunition were lodged. The prosecutor, nevertheless, objected to him being released on bail citing that no special reasons were put forward, as well as the serious nature and penalty attached to the offence. (G1)

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$72M in motion scales

AG sues David Patterson, Jamaican company for non-delivery

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

A

ttorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC, has filed a lawsuit against former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, a Jamaican company Nevpro Realisation Limited, and two others over three weight-inmotion scales that were paid for under the APNU/AFC Government, but never delivered.

In a Statement of Claim, Nandlall is asking the High Court to order Nevpro Realisation Limited of Haining Road, Kingston, Jamaica, to pay $50 million for loss and damages resulting from a breach of

a contract dated December 6, 2016, for the supply and delivery of three Mettler Toldeo weight-in-motion scales.

He is also asking the court to order the company to return $72,450,000 that had been paid for the items as well as liquidated damages of $7,245,000.

In relation to Patterson, Balram, and Lawrence Mentis, a then Engineer/ Manager of the Special Projects Units of the then Public Infrastructure Ministry, they are each being sued for $50 million for loss and damage due to negligence, malfeasance in public office, misuse, misapplication and improper disposal of monies in violation of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. Nandlall is seeking another $50 million from the four respondents for exemplary and aggravated damages, as well as interest, costs, and any further order the court finds just.

Nandlall said that a Director of the Jamaican company was the campaign manager for the APNU/AFC for the 2015 General and Regional Elections and was closely associated with Patterson, who is a founding member of the AFC.

Former APNU/AFC Government Minister David Patterson

According to the Attorney General, El Dorado Trading, a Guyanese company had been the sole bidder to procure the weight-in-motion scales but was disqualified for submitting a fraudulent manufacturer’s authorisation for the supply and delivery of another lot within the same tender for the items.

That company had made a bid of $10,200,000.

Instead of inviting suppliers to bid for the project again, he said that Balram, on December 6, 2016, entered into a contract with Nevpro Realisation Limited which was never invited to

bid for the supply and delivery of the weight-in-motion scales.

Nandlall said that after the contract was inked, the Permanent Secretary wrote to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) requesting a waiver of NPTAB’s procedure and for the items to be sole-sourced from the Jamaican company.

He further said that a Cabinet memorandum falsely stated that no bid had been received for the motion scales and that they had been needed urgently although there was no evidence to support that a catastrophic event had occurred.

He pointed out that it was submitted to the Cabinet that the company had been in operation for 15 years, when in fact records indicated that it had only been in existence for four years.

The Attorney General further submitted that on December 29, 2016, Cabinet approved the granting of the contract to Nevpro Realisation Limited, and the company was paid 50 per cent or US$172,500 which is equivalent to GY$36,225,000.

He added that Mentis and Balram later wrote

Former Permanent Secretary Balram Balraj

to the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, requesting that the duties and taxes on the motion scales be waived by falsely stating the request was in accordance with a contract dated December 29, 2016, between the Ministry and Massy Industries for the supply and delivery of the items.

The remaining sum of US$172,500 was paid to the company on January 4, 2017, even though the motion scales were not delivered.

According to Nandlall, on March 15, 2018, six packages pur-

Former Engineer/Manager of the Special Projects Units at the then Public Infrastructure Ministry, Lawrence Mentis

porting to be motion scales were shipped to Guyana by Nevpro Realisation Limited.

However, he noted that only three of the six packages were found at the Laparkan storage bond in Georgetown.

Nandlall added, “None of the packages were open to verify that the contents of the packages actually were the motion scales or components of the motion scales.”

Having regard to the foregoing, the Attorney General is asking the High Court to grant the reliefs prayed for in the lawsuit. (G1)

Multi-million-dollar gold heist

Police yet to arrest wanted trio – all leads are being pursued, says Crime Chief

Peon Lee

Keyon King

Delroy “Bug” Jackson

ore than one week after wanted bulletins were issued for Antonio Maraj, also called “Pluckin” or “Thuggy”; Jamal Hazel, and Dequan King, also called “Titus” or “Quanie”, in connection with the multi-million-dollar gold heist committed on Wallison Enterprise of Gordon Street, Kitty, the Police are yet to make an arrest.

Thus far, 36-year-old Delroy “Bug” Jackson; Peon Lee, also known as “Nino Brown”, both security officers attached to the gold establishment; and 32-yearold Keyon King, a serving GDF Sergeant, have been arraigned for the robbery.

Contacted on Thursday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum related that the

Police have not been successful in apprehending any of the wanted men. He noted that the detectives who are working on the case are working with every possible lead at their disposal, with the aim of bringing the three men to justice.

In fact, all the ports and Police stations have been placed on high alert for these three suspects.

Blanhum is, however, optimistic that the Police would apprehend the men sooner, rather than later.

The trio who were arraigned for the crime have been slapped with four charges. The Police have said that on Thursday, August 5, 2021, while being armed with guns, and in the company of each other, they robbed Francis Santos

Lumes of 60 ounces of raw gold, valued at $20 million, and $38 million in cash.

In addition, the Police have said the defendants robbed Fernanda Carmichael of a cellphone valued at $350,000, and Francis Santos Lumes has been robbed of a gold chain valued at $140,000, a gold ring valued at $60,000, and $14,000 in cash.

Moreover, the defendants have been accused of robbing William Da Silva of a cellphone valued at $60,000.

The three defendants have each pleaded not guilty to the charges, and have been remanded to prison. The case will continue on August 24.

It was reported that on the day in question, at about

M

10:00h, three armed men went to the Lot 23 Gordon Street business place and indicated that they had gold to sell. However, within minutes of entering the establishment, they held several staff members at gunpoint, and demanded that they open three safes wherein the money and gold were secured.

After committing the robbery, the armed men bound and gagged the cashier and two other staff members before locking them in a room.

However, moments after the men had escaped in a white motor car, the cashier managed to free herself and raise an alarm.

The Police were called in, and immediately one of the two security guards was arrested. Based on intelligence and information

received, the detectives went to a house at B Field Sophia, where they conducted a search and found some personal items belonging to the owner of the robbed business. There, another security guard was taken into custody.

Interrogated by the Police, one of the security guards confessed to being part of the plot to rob the establishment.

Following leads, the detectives turned up at the home of the GDF Sergeant at Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), and a search was conducted in the house, but nothing substantial was found.

However, during a search in the yard, the detectives noticed a disturbed piece of land and decided to dig. They unearthed a bucket which, when checked,

contained $15 million in $5000 notes, and an additional $3 million in $1000 notes.

Meanwhile, two Wednesdays ago, Police found the car that was used in the robbery, parked in front of the driver’s home at Lot 435 Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. It was later revealed that the driver had left for the interior.

Neighbours have since told Police that, prior to leaving, the driver had taken home a canter loaded with household items, which were purchased the day after the robbery.

The three men wanted by the Police in connection with this robbery were previously charged with a spate of armed robberies dating back to 2017.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

More youths benefit Rosignol fisherman stabbed from ICT training to heart – autopsy ...as suspect surfaces fully armed

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, delivering the feature address to the graduating class

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ouths of MetenMeer-Zorg and surrounding communities are the latest to benefit from Basic Information and Communications Technology Training, through a programme being conducted under the Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovation Unit and the Department of Public Affairs.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy delivered the feature address to students at the Nirvana Humanitarian Society on Friday afternoon, as the five-day training concluded.

He told the youths that they are being prepared for a great and exciting future.

“The skills that we have been teaching you, are making available to you are skills that are a part of the future of Guyana, and what exactly is the future of Guyana? Not only do we have plans, programmes and initiatives that will see us moving in particular directions and certain directions over the next year and the next year and the next year, but it is who will be moving with those plans, with the direction with the programmes, with the initiatives, it’s you,” McCoy is quoted by DPI as saying.

The programme is be-

ing conducted countrywide and hundreds of youths from various regions have already benefitted. McCoy said the programme is preparing the youths for the technological transformation of Guyana.

He noted that it was always the vision of the PPP/C Government to educate Guyanese in basic ICT, and the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme, introduced in the party’s previous term in office, was part of this plan.

The students were given basic training in web development, programming and coding and robotics, aimed at building the capacity of youths.

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Dead: Feroze Khan

n autopsy performed on the body of 48-year-old Feroze Khan also called “Eggy” of Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, gave the cause of death as perforation of the heart due to a stab wound, compounded by blunt trauma to the head. The autopsy was conducted on Friday

by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh. Khan was pronounced dead on arrival at the Fort Wellington Hospital on Thursday.

Police in a statement had stated that the suspect was at a grocery shop located at

Bennet Dam, where he purchased a bottle of water. He left the shop, picked up a piece of wood, and ran towards Khan, who was walking on the said street and dealt him several lashes about his body. Police have since said that the victim fell to the ground when the suspect pulled out a knife from his pants waist and dealt the victim a stab and subsequently fled the scene.

According to Khan’s wife, 41-year-old Sally Ishaak, there was a religious function next door to their Stelling Road home which she attended on Thursday.

During that period, she said her husband was disturbing the proceedings and she advised him to go to his mother’s home. She said Khan left and was seen entering a minibus and was again seen exiting the bus in the busy shopping area.

The mother of three related that it was only moments after speaking to her husband that she received reports of his demise and discarded it as a rumour until three men went to her a short while after, confirming that her husband was stabbed. She said when she arrived on the scene, Khan appeared to

have been dead already.

She said eyewitnesses told her that the suspect, after stabbing the victim, took the money he had in his pockets and fled. According to Ishaak, her husband had left home with $70,000.

He was expected to go back to sea on Friday.

The unemployed Ishaak, now widow, explained that Khan had been taking care of all of the financial needs of the family.

Khan was the eldest of four siblings. His mother, Drupattie Persaud, told this publication that she wants justice. She referred to her son as someone who never got into fights but frequently would use obscene language, especially when he was under the influence of alcohol.

Khan is said to have been consuming alcohol earlier on Thursday.

Meanwhile, residents of Bennet Dam said the suspect was seen on the street on Thursday evening but was armed with a cutlass and knife. Contact was made with the Police but by the time they arrived, he had disappeared. Police continue their manhunt for him. (G4)

All roads in need of upgrade will be addressed – Edghill

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he Government is committed to ensuring that road improvement needs in all communities are addressed.

This was the sentiment expressed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill during the commissioning of three roads in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

“If we have not gotten to you as yet, yours will be the next or the next after the next… one thing you know is that the PPP has a track record of keeping its promises and I am saying to you that we will be upgrading all of the roads in Angoy’s Avenue within the next four years,” Edghill told residents of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open three roads in that community. Among the streets which were rehabilitated were Short Man Street; John Lewis Street and Post Office Street.

The projects were executed by AJM Enterprise and KP Jagdeo General Contractors. The three contracts were valued in excess of $65 million and covered a total of 1434 metres, or one mile.

Meanwhile, some residents expressed disappointment that their streets are still to be rehabilitated despite years of complaints.

Light Town areas covering 2444 metres to the tune of $142.7 million.

The work was carried out by KP Jagdeo General Contractors.

In Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), Health Centre Street at Bath was rehabilitated to the tune of $110 million. That project was carried out by Associated Construction while Pump Station Street at Blairmont and Bacchus Street at Zorg-

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill along with residents commissioning the rehabilitated John Lewis Street in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam

This prompted Regional Chairman David Armogan to explain that if all of the roads in Angoy’s Avenue were to be fixed at this time there will not be funds to fix other roads in other parts of the country.

“People have to bear up with us, if you come and picket us all the time is not the way to get it done… so not everybody who run to my office and start misbehaving will get a response for the next day. It can’t happen.

Some people have to wait a little bit and have a bit of patience but we will try to help as much persons as possible,” he told them.

However, Edghill pointed out that the projects were be-

ing done with funds from the 2020 National Budget which was an emergency budget put out by the Administration which had just taken office.

He disclosed that in the 2021 budget a sum of $50 million has been set aside for road rehabilitation work under the Urban Road Rehabilitation Programme.

If fact, an equal sum will be spent in all ten towns countrywide.

While admitting that more work needs to be done, the Public Works Minister said every Guyanese is deserving of development.

He pointed out that more than 600 roads around the country have been rehabilitated since the PPP/C took

office in August last year.

“Every Guyanese and every village and every street of every town of every religion of every race, they are deserving. There is none that is greater than the other one nor none that is better than the other one. We are one people, we are one nation and we have a common destiny,” Edghill told the small gathering.

Meanwhile, a ribbon was also cut to officially open the new East Bank Berbice Main Access Road.

The three stretches of rehabilitation were completed within the Enfield/New Doe Park Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) area, Khortberaadt and

en-Hoop was rehabilitated to the tune of $2 million. Both projects were executed by 4A Engineering.

A $26 million road rehabilitation project was also expected to be commissioned at Barber Man Street in Canefield Canje in Region Six for $26 million while a similar project is also expected to be commissioned at Eversham Sideline Dam in the Kilcoy NDC area to the tune of $28 million. (G4)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

Regional

Damaged roads hinder aid reaching remote areas of Haiti quake zone

Children accompany Milton Scheeder, an ISAR Germany rescue team member, as he makes an assessment in the northern part of Haiti after a strong earthquake affected this area, August 19, 2021

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amaged or impassable roads hindered efforts on Friday to deliver aid to remote parts of Haiti devastated by an earthquake last weekend that killed more than 2000 people as hopes of finding those still missing faded.

Landslides and cracks in the tarmac on the main inland mountain road between the southwestern city of Les Cayes and Jeremie to its northwest, two of the hardest hit urban areas, made it harder to dispatch aid to farming communities short on food and drinkable water.

The route was littered with boulders and the occasional stranded truck, according to

a Reuters reporter.

The poorest country in the Americas, Haiti is still recovering from a 2010 quake that killed over 200,000 people.

It was pitched into deeper instability by the assassination on July 7 of President Jovenel Moise, by what authorities say was a group of largely Colombian mercenaries.

A powerful storm that hit Haiti earlier this week, triggering landslides, has also made it harder to find victims of last Saturday’s quake, which destroyed tens of thousands of homes and claimed the lives of at least 2189 people.

Some 332 people are still missing, while 12,200 people were injured, authorities said.

Many hospitals remained saturated in the worst-hit areas of Haiti. At Les Cayes’ airport, helicopters ferried the injured to the capital, Port-au-Prince.

The kidnapping by gangs of two doctors in the capital, including one of the few trained orthopaedic surgeons in Haiti, has added to the strain. Some hospitals decided to shut down temporarily in protest, demanding that the gangs release the doctors, local media reported. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexican radio journalist fatally shot in Veracruz state

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Mexican radio journalist has been fatally shot in the Mexican Gulf coast state of Veracruz.

Jacinto Romero Flores was gunned down in the community of Potrerillo, in the township of Ixtaczoquitlan, on Thursday, Hugo Gutierrez Maldonado, the head of Veracruz state security agency, said on Twitter.

Gutierrez said state police were carrying out an operation in the area following the killing.

“We reiterate that there will be no impunity nor will we allow anyone to intimidate the population,” Gutierrez said.

Romero worked for Ori Stereo 99.3 FM. The station expressed its sadness over his death.

“The media are not the cause nor the effect of vio-

lence in the country, but we do suffer the consequences for carrying out journalism and communication,” it said in a statement.

The State Commission for Attention to and Protection of Journalists condemned the killing and called on the state prosecutor’s office to open a full investigation, including into what role, if any, Romero’s journalism played in his murder.

Press freedom organisation Article 19 said Romero had received threats.

The US-based Committee to Protect Journalists said on Twitter it “learned of and strongly condemns the murder of reporter Jacinto Romero in the state of Veracruz and urges authorities to undertake a swift, transparent and exhaustive investigation into the kill-

Jamaica announces coronavirus lockdown with health system on brink

Brazil’s Munduruku tribe haunted by mercury’s deadly threat

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y the time 38-yearold Irene Munduruku was rushed to a hospital in northern Brazil last year, she could not move her arms and legs. Her husband Jairo Munduruku recalled she was unable to speak or open her eyes.

Doctors told Jairo his wife had tumours in her liver and right lung, but he doubted that cancer was the only cause for her illness.

Recent testing showed Irene’s blood with one of the highest levels of mercury in their village of Sawré Aboy, by the banks of the Tapajós river in the Amazon rainforest. He suspected illegal gold mining had something

to do with her illness.

Wildcat gold mining has expanded fast in Brazil, where the relaxing of environmental controls under far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has emboldened thousands of miners to invade constitutionally protected Indigenous lands since 2019.

Brazil’s National Mining Agency estimated that year that wildcat gold miners were extracting some 30 tonnes of gold annually from the Tapajós watershed alone, using the toxic heavy metal mercury to separate gold from sediment.

Driven by sprawling mining camps, deforestation

in the Indigenous reservation that is home to most of the Munduruku has tripled since Bolsonaro took office, according to Government satellite data.

Bolsonaro has called for more mining and commercial farming on Indigenous land, pushing a bill to lift legal restrictions and - critics say - emboldening miners breaking existing law.

Munduruku community leaders told Reuters they fear the advance of illegal mining will poison their rivers, robbing them of their traditions and saddling them with chronic illness.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Colombia to host Afghans making their way to the United States

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olombia will temporarily host Afghans fleeing their country’s takeover by the Taliban while they await approval to enter the United States, President Ivan Duque said on Friday.

Duque did not specify how many Afghans would transit through Colombia. US and Colombian media outlets have reported that the number will be about 4000.

US President Joe Biden is facing criticism of his handling of the chaotic American pull-out from

Afghanistan. Critics accuse his Administration of misjudging the speed with which the Taliban would take over and botching the planning of evacuations of Americans and Afghan allies after the 20-year US presence in Afghanistan.

“Colombia is also joining the group of allied countries which will offer support to the United States so those citizens of Afghanistan who gave help to the United States for years and who are in the process of registering and making a migrant

transfer to that country can be in Colombia temporarily,” Duque said in joint remarks with US Ambassador Philip Goldberg.

Further details will be provided in the coming days, Duque said.

The United States will pay the cost of the Afghans’ stay in the Andean country, Goldberg said, thanking Colombia for its help with the effort and also for its generosity in receiving some 2 million Venezuelan migrants.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

ing”.

Veracruz has for years been one of Mexico’s most deadly states for reporters.

Multiple organised crime groups operate within the state and have infiltrated local and state government.

Journalists marched late on Thursday in the port city of Veracruz in response to Romero’s killing.

Press groups say nine journalists were killed in Mexico in 2020, making it the most dangerous country for reporters outside of war zones. Romero is at least the fifth journalist killed in Mexico this year.

Prior to Romero’s killing, at least 141 journalists have been murdered in the country because of their work since 2000, according to a tally kept by Article 19.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness addressing the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, USA

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amaica will prohibit residents from leaving their homes for seven days spread over three weekends to contain an upsurge in coronavirus infections and shield its healthcare system, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said.

The Caribbean nation has been battling a third wave of infections, with the presence of the highly con-

tagious Delta variant confirmed on the island.

“Our case numbers are unacceptably high and rising, and the rate of hospitalisation is beyond - and I want to stress this - beyond the capacity of our health system, to cope,” Holness told a virtual news conference late on Thursday.

More than 550 people are hospitalised with COVID-19

in the island nation of almost three million people.

To date, nearly 60,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus and more than 1300 people have died.

Officials are concerned coronavirus is widespread, with a seven-day average positivity rate of 39 per cent.

The rate spiked after authorities eased containment measures last month.

Jamaica is to start its restrictions on movement on Sunday, with the first lockdown lasting three days, Holness said. There will be an identical three-day ban on movement the following weekend, and a one-day lockdown on Sunday, Sept 5.

Jamaicans will be required to remain at home unless they are essential workers, although there will be some flexibility for citizens who have international travel plans, or appointments for a vaccination.

The country’s vaccination efforts have been sluggish, with only 5 per cent of the population fully vaccinated.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuba approves 2 more locally made COVID vaccines

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uba on Friday approved two more domestic COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use, the island nation’s medication regulatory body said.

The authorisation came after a “rigorous evaluation process of the Soberana 02 and Soberana Plus vaccines,” the body, CECMED, said in a statement.

The two Soberana vaccines are complementary.

Last month, Cuba became the first Latin American country to approve a home-made vaccine when CECMED gave the goahead to the Abdala jab.

The news comes at a time when the island nation faces particularly high infection rates.

CECMED Director Olga Lidia Jacobo said the decision was made after “evaluating all the results related to the vaccines’ effectiveness and efficacy”.

Cuban health authorities say the Soberana immunisation programme is 91.2 per cent effective against symptomatic cases. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

19

Around the world

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil posts biggest week of losses in 9 months as Delta variant spreads

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il prices closed out their biggest week of losses in more than nine months with another down day on Friday, as investors sold futures in anticipation of weakened fuel demand worldwide due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The crude market has now posted seven consecutive days of losses. Numerous nations worldwide are responding to the rising infection rate due to the coronavirus Delta variant by adding travel restrictions to cut off the spread.

China has imposed stricter disinfection methods at ports, causing congestion, nations including Australia have ratcheted up travel restrictions, and global jet fuel demand is softening after improving for most of the summer.

“It’s hard for prices to find support with this kind of uncertainty,” said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLP in New York.

Brent crude fell 8 per cent on the week, settling down US$1.27, or 1.9 per cent, to US$65.18 a barrel, its lowest since April and down about 8 per cent for the week. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for September settled down US$1.37, or 2.2 per cent, to US$62.32 a barrel on Friday, to lose more than 9 per cent for the week.

China, the world’s largest crude importer, has imposed new restrictions with its “zero tolerance” coronavirus policy, which is affecting shipping and global supply chains. The United States and China have also imposed flight-capacity restrictions.

“They are acting severely for minimal outbreaks, which is a direct threat for the demand profile there,” Kilduff said.

Several US companies have delayed return-to-office plans.

Apple Inc, the largest US company by market value, is delaying the return of its workers until early 2022, Bloomberg reported.

The US dollar hit a nine-month high on signs the US Federal Reserve is considering reducing stimulus this year. Oil prices move inversely to the US currency, making oil more expensive for foreign purchasers when the dollar rallies.

While the Delta variant drags on fuel demand, supply is steadily increasing. US production rose to 11.4 million barrels per day in the most recent week, and drilling firms added rigs for the third week in a row, services company Baker Hughes said.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies are slowly boosting supply that had been shut early in the pandemic.

Futures contracts suggest that the market expects plenty of supply in coming months. The premium for the front month Brent contract over the third-month contract has nearly halved between late July and now, indicating that near-term supply will not be as tight as the market had expected.

“The oil market has quickly noticed that the Delta variant is a growing problem and a potential hurdle to a mobility/fuel demand recovery,” Francisco Blanch, Bank of America commodity & derivative strategist, said in a note. (Excerpt from Reuters)

London Police warn of 2 weeks of disruption from climate protests

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ondon’s Police warned on Friday that protests by environmental activists planned for the next two weeks will cause disruption across the capital and will distract officers from dealing with crime.

Extinction Rebellion, which caused days of traffic chaos in London two years ago, said it will target the capital’s financial district in disruptive protests which are due to start on Monday.

The group accuses financial firms of helping to fuel climate change and it brought much of central London to a standstill during 11 days of action in 2019.

Those protests brought its cause to the fore and also provoked criticism from some politicians who said Police had been too tolerant.

Ahead of next week’s protests, London’s Police Force said it would have to divert resources from other activities and some investigations

might slow as a result.

Extinction Rebellion’s planned “Impossible Rebellion” protests - which come ahead of talks on climate change involving world leaders in Scotland in November - will include site occupations and marches through London’s financial district.

The group said they would not be giving Police specific information about their plans.

“We’ve made it quite clear that we’ve notified the Police about what we’re doing, that we’ve got a rebellion made up of separate actions,” Paul Stephens, a former Police Officer and Extinction Rebellion activist, told reporters. “We’re not telling them details.”

Extinction Rebellion is demanding an emergency response to climate change from governments and a mass move away from polluting industries to avert the worst scenarios outlined by scientists.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Taliban conducting “targeted door-to-door visits” – UN document T he Taliban is going house-to-house searching for opponents and their families, according to a United Nations threat assessment report, deepening fears that Afghanistan‘s new rulers are planning revenge.

After routing Government forces and taking over Kabul on Sunday to end 20 years of war, the group had repeatedly promised a complete amnesty as part of a well-crafted PR blitz.

Women have also been assured their rights will be respected, and that the Taliban will be “positively different” from their brutal 1996-2001 rule.

But with thousands of people still trying to flee the capital on board evacuation flights, the intelligence report for the UN confirmed the fears of many.

Taliban has denied accusations of wanting to exact revenge in the past, and has issued statements saying fighters were barred from entering private homes

The Taliban has been conducting “targeted door-todoor visits” of people who worked with US and NATO forces, according to the confidential document by the UN’s threat assessment consultants seen by the AFP news agency.

The report, written by the Norwegian Center for Global Analyses, said the group’s fighters were also screening people on the way to Kabul airport.

“They are targeting the families of those who refuse to give themselves up,

and prosecuting and punishing their families ‘according to Sharia law’,” Christian Nellemann, the group’s Executive Director, told AFP. “We expect both individuals previously working with NATO and US forces and their allies, alongside with their family members to be exposed to torture and executions.”

The Taliban has denied such accusations in the past and has several times issued statements saying fighters were barred from entering private homes.

It also insists women and journalists have nothing to fear under their new rule, although several media workers have reported being thrashed with sticks or whips when trying to record some of the chaos seen in Kabul in recent days.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

WHO seeks “best minds” to probe new pathogens that jump from animals to humans

A logo is pictured outside a building of the World Health Organization (WHO) during an executive board meeting on update on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Geneva, Switzerland

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he World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday it was looking for the greatest scientific minds to advise on investigations into new highthreat pathogens that jump from animals to humans

and could spark the next pandemic.

Launching a request for applications, it said that its Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens would also review progress on the next

studies into the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that emerged in China in late 2019.

“We need to bring in the best minds here. And it needs to be multi-disciplinary,” Maria van Kerkhove, head of WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, told Reuters.

The panel, announced by WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in July, will be composed of 25 experts expected to meet first virtually in late September, a statement said.

“In the last 20 years we’ve had many of these patho-

gens emerge or re-emerge: SARS, MERS, different avian influenzas, Zika, yellow fever and of course SARSCoV-2,” van Kerkhove said.

The new group would draw up a global framework for studies into animals, humans, food, the environment, biosafety and protocols for lab audits when new pathogens emerge, she said.

“Given the geopolitics of all of this, we want to make sure that we have a very solid technical and scientific framework... for the next time, because there will be a next time,” she said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

China NPC: Three-child policy India approves world’s 1st DNA COVID vaccine formally passed into law

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hina has formally revised its laws to allow couples to have up to three children, to boost the birth rate.

The regulation was one of several passed on Friday at a meeting of the country’s top lawmakers, the National People’s Congress (NPC).

China had announced back in May that it would allow couples to have up to three children, in a major policy shift.

That decision has now been formally passed into law, along with several resolutions aimed at boosting the birth rate and “reducing the burden” of raising a child, said Xinhua news agency.

These include cancelling the “social maintenance fee” - a financial penalty couples pay for having children beyond the limit, encouraging local governments to offer parental leave, increasing women’s employment rights; and improving childcare infrastructure.

Recent census data had shown a steep decline in the birth rate.

In 2016, the country had scrapped its decades-old onechild policy to replace it with a two-child limit, but this failed to lead to a sustained upsurge in births.

The cost of raising children in cities has deterred many Chinese couples.

This past week, global banks and financial institutions had been watching the NPC meeting closely for signs on how and when the controversial anti-sanctions law would affect Hong Kong.

Reports on Friday however quoted a lawmaker as saying this was delayed.

Under the law, companies in China are not allowed to implement foreign sanctions against Chinese individuals or entities. On top of that, they are required to help Beijing carry out retaliatory measures, and may face punishment if they refuse.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

I

ndia’s drug regulator has approved the world’s first DNA vaccine against COVID-19 for emergency use.

The three-dose ZyCoV-D vaccine prevented symptomatic disease in 66 per cent of those vaccinated, according to an interim study quoted by the vaccine maker Cadila Healthcare.

The firm plans to make up to 120 million doses of India’s second home-grown vaccine every year.

Previous DNA vaccines have worked well in animals but not humans.

India has so far given more than 570 million doses of three previously approved vaccines - Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V. Cadila Healthcare said it had conducted the largest clinical trial for the vaccine in India so far, involving 28,000 volunteers in more than 50 centres.

This is also the first time, the firm claimed, a

COVID-19 vaccine had been tested in young people in India - 1000 people belonging to the 12-18 age group.

The jab was found to be “safe and very well tolerated” in this age group.

The key third phase of clinical trials was conducted at the peak of the deadly second wave of the virus.

The vaccine maker believes this reaffirmed the jab’s “efficacy against the mutant strains”, especially the highly infectious Delta variant.

Like other vaccines, a DNA vaccine, once administered, teaches the body’s immune system to fight the real virus.

ZyCoV-D uses plasmids or small rings of DNA, that contain genetic information, to deliver the jab between two layers of the skin.

The plasmids carry information to the cells to make the “spike protein”, which the virus uses to latch on and enter human cells.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Just say no. Refuse to be dragged into someone’s cause or dreams. Figure out what makes you happy, and follow through with plans that excite you. Persistence and patience will be crucial.

Trust in your ability to get things done instead of relying on others to do something for you. Stick close to home and develop a routine that can lead to new opportunities.

Dedicate time to what’s important to you. Make domestic changes, and take time to learn and explore new interests. Designate a spot for engaging in pursuits that will result in better health.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Step up and set a standard that you are proud of. Embrace opportunities, and bring about the changes that will encourage you to take better care of yourself and those you want to help.

Romance is encouraged.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Make the necessary adjustments. If you overdo it, you will fall short when time and effort are most needed.

Be smart, think outside the box and eliminate what isn’t required.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Explore what’s available to you. Socialize with people you find interesting and informative. Consider where you can get the most done and feel satisfied with what you achieve.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Sign up for something you enjoy doing. Socialize safely with people who can put a smile on your face.

Share your ideas, and strive to do something that will make you feel good about yourself.

Taking the helm and trying to make a difference is honorable, but don’t let anyone take advantage of your kindness or generosity. Look for ways to give back without putting yourself in a vulnerable position.

Arguments are a waste SAGITTARIUS of time. Focus more on what (Nov. 23you can do to satisfy your Dec. 21) needs and to be the best that you can be. Concentrate on protecting your assets and looking for new ways to improve your life.

Take better care of yourCAPRICORN self. Don’t attend an event that may be a health risk.

(Dec. 22Discipline will help you Jan. 19) overcome indulgence. Make your opinions clear, and follow the path that feels most comfortable.

Send the right message.

AQUARIUS Don’t mince words or leave (Jan. 20any stone unturned. Stay Feb. 19) focused and shoot for the stars. It’s up to you to take responsibility for your actions and happiness.

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Stick to a simple lifestyle. Choose budget-friendly entertainment, and align yourself with people who share your concerns, likes and dislikes. Take good care of your health.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

21

Warner Park ready for − says CPL Pitch and hectic schedule Field Consultant Dave Agnew C

ARIBBEAN Premier League’s (CPL’s) Pitch and Field Consultant Dave Agnew has said hosting 33 matches at one venue in three weeks during the 2021 CPL is pushing the boundaries, but the Australian is confident that the standard of cricket would be at a high level throughout the tournament.

The CPL was also faced with a challenge last year, as, for the first time, the entire tournament was played in one country because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Queen’s Park Oval and the Brian Lara Cricket Academy were tested. A total of 23 matches were played at the Brian Lara Academy, and the remaining matches were played at the Oval.

The groundsmen at Warner Park in St Kitts are finalising their preparations for the 2021 edition of CPL, which bowls off on August 26 and runs until September 15.

Agnew has been getting Warner Park ready for the CPL over the past four weeks. In an interview with Newsday, Agnew said, “I have been able to get involved in a lot of the outfield (preparation)… renovations on the outfield, renovations on the square here as well; so, we are ready for anything.”

From left: The trio of Deputy Curator Jamal Hewlett, Head Curator Allex Matthew, and Caribbean Premier League Pitch and Field Consultant Dave Agnew are responsible for maintaining the pitch at Warner Park, St Kitts, for the 2021 Hero CPL tournament, which starts on August 26

Agnew has never prepared a field for 33 matches for such a short tournament window, but he is optimistic that, with the team around him, they can deliver.

“I have only done 26 (matches

before). It is the most I have done in a small amount of time, so it is certainly the most I would have done, and it would be the most I would ever do, I think, for something like this. This is certainly pushing the

ICF hosts 31st Annual Matchup today

boundary of turf management when it comes to cricket preparation.”

Last year, fans were not allowed to attend matches because of the pandemic. This year, 25 matches are available for patrons to attend at 50 per cent capacity. Fans must be vaccinated.

Matches in the CPL are normally held across the region: in Trinidad, Guyana, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua and Jamaica. The pandemic has forced the organisers to limit the travelling among the players and officials.

Agnew has said that three wickets would be used at Warner Park during the tournament, and there will be spaces between those wickets. This will avoid damage to the wickets when batsmen are running between the wickets. Last year, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, the same strategy was implemented.

Asked if fans can expect quality cricket during the tournament, Agnew said, “Absolutely!”

Agnew praised the team in St Kitts, which includes Deputy Curator Jamal Hewlett and Head Curator Allex Matthew.

“A real good team of guys here… they are very experienced with here and CPL here over the years since

2015. Everyone is certainly positive and pumped for the tournament.”

Agnew said St Kitts and Nevis is “abuzz”, with just days remaining to the start of the tournament. He estimates that teams can score between 160 and 175 runs.

“Keeping the pitches as consistent as we can for the whole tournament is obviously going to be the biggest challenge that we face. We are in a good spot at the moment with the preparation, the weather has been good so far here,” he explained.

Agnew, 36, has over 15 years of experience as a groundsman. In 2020, he worked with the team at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which included Sports Advisor to Udecott, Manohar Ramsaran.

It was a low-scoring tournament in 2020, as only five times the team batting first scored over 170. Defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders scored over 170 on four occasions, and St Lucia Zouks crossed the figure once.

Brian Lara Academy produced the higher-scoring matches last year, as the top score by a team batting first at the Oval in 2020 was 151/7. (Taken from TT Newsday and modified)

Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs’ competition

Mandolall (96), Shivrattan (95) highlight latest round

F

T

he Indo-Caribbean Federation will today be hosting its 31st Annual Cricket Match, an event to honour past cricketers.

The tournament was first played in 1989 between Guyana and Trinidad, but, over the last 4 years, it has become a four-team event which comprises Guyana U25, Rest of the World U25, Guyana Seniors and Rest of the World Senior.

This event was made possible by President of the ICF, Ralph Tamesh, and his team through sponsorships and donations from the business community of New York.

ICF President Ralph Tamesh

ormer national youth player Rovendra Mandolall hit an entertaining 96 to spur Warriors Cricket Club to a handsome 68-run win over Pegasus on Sunday in the latest round of the 2021 Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Division 1 20-over competition.

At the same venue, Woburn Collegiate Institute ground in Scarborough, Polly Shivrattan missed out on a century, scoring 95 to see his team, Ramblers Sports Club, defeat United Cricket Club by 69 runs.

The right-handed Mandolall cracked nine sixes and a similar number of fours as Warriors rattled up an adequate 228-4 from their 20 overs, before restricting Pegasus to 160-5 when their overs expired.

Opener Mark Moosia supported Mandolall with 60, while Mahesh Kadir made 24. Anil Versammy grabbed two wickets for 24 runs from three overs. In their innings, Pegasus veteran opener Jai Singh scored an unbeaten 76 that was laced with 10 fours and three sixes, while Suresh Ragoonauth contributed 25. Shazam Baksh claimed two for 24 off three overs.

The left-handed Shivrattan

Rovendra Mandolall

hit ten sixes and three fours as Ramblers raced to 193-5 at the conclusion of their 20-overs, while United was left stranded at 1243 when the 20-overs ran out. Ron Etwaroo hit an aggressive 44 to support Shivrattan, and 22 came from Richard Rossan.

When United batted, Imran Rasool led the fight with an unbeaten 59. No other score was available up to press time, but three matches are slated for this Sunday at various venues across the Greater Toronto Area, as the action continues.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

2nd Test in the Betway Series…

Azam, Alam lead Pakistan's recovery on 1st day

T

he first four overs set Pakistan back significantly, but the day was defined by a behemoth of a partnership between Babar Azam and Fawad Alam. Under blisteringly hostile conditions for at least the first two sessions that saw no fewer than three players forced off the field, the duo put together a 158-run stand to drag Pakistan from the depths into a position of clear dominance.

They were forced together after Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales scythed through Pakistan's embattled top order to leave them Back-to-back three wickets down for fifties for Babar two runs, but the attritional rebuild means it has been Pakistan's day. Alam is still unbeaten, but cramps forced him off to bring his stand with Azam to an end, and while the Pakistan captain fell soon after, those were the only four wickets West Indies managed as Pakistan put on 212 on the day.

Winning the toss, Kraigg Brathwaite had little hesitation in putting Pakistan in to bat, and inside ten minutes, it became apparent why. Abid Ali lasted just three deliveries, pushing - without real footwork and with disappointing familiarity - at one from Roach around the fourth stump line, edging to Jermaine Blackwood in the slips.

Azhar Ali became Roach's next victim, falling for a duck in similar style, with the ball kissing the outside edge and leaving the secure Joshua Da Silva to do the rest.

Seales piled on the misery for Pakistan, inducing the hapless Imran Butt into a forward defensive prod that, on review, was shown to have tickled the outside edge.

Aside from Irfan Pathan's famous first-over hat-trick at Karachi, this would be Pakistan's joint-worst Test match start in history.

If that represented rock bottom, Azam and Alam used it as a solid enough foundation to begin the rebuild. Both looked vulnerable against an irrepressible seam bowling display from Seales and Roach early on, but the Pakistan captain looked to break out of it through aggression. A mistimed slash over point brought him his first runs, and from there, batting looked to have become easier for Pakistan's premier batsman.

It was initially less straightforward for Alam.

He looked particularly vulnerable around his off stump, Jason Holder and Roach in particular beating his outside edge a number of times, while three of his four boundaries came off thick edges to the slips. However, survival was the primary goal, and on that count it was mission accomplished.

Azam looked just as comfortable in the middle session, but much more sedate, especially once he brought up his half-century with a regal late cut behind backward point off Roach, a bowler he targeted in particular early on in the session. He was particularly strong square of the wicket, as you might expect, and the slightest infraction when it came to line was a candidate for a put-away boundary.

Alam was significantly improved throughout the session, far more assured with his shot selection, and more progressive in his approach.

Fawad Alam batting on

PAKISTAN 1ST INNINGS Abid Ali c Blackwood b Roach 1 Imran Butt c †Da Silva b Seales 1 Azhar Ali c †Da Silva b Roach 0 Babar Azam (c)c Holder b Roach 75 Fawad Alam retired hurt 76 Mohammad Rizwan †not out 22 Faheem Ashraf not out 23 Extras (b 1, lb 8, nb 5) TOTAL (74 Ov, RR: 2.86)

14 212/4

Yet to bat: Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi,

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Roach and Seales made early inroads

A struggling Alzarri Joseph, who came off on the stroke of tea, came in for particular punishment, with Alam bringing up his own half-century with a boundary off the 24-year-old.

Those fidgety outside edges that kept the slips interested were kept to a minimum, but Alam, too, would find himself suffering through the elements as the sun beat down. The weather seemed to be indiscriminate in the toll it was taking, and Da Silva was forced off the field for a spot of rehydration before the session was out.

The one-dimensional nature of West Indies attack - they don't have any left-arm pacers or full-time spinners - arguably saw their woes exacerbated as the Pakistan pair batted themselves into a nice rhythm. Brathwaite turned to Roston Chase for a short spell, only to see Pakistan targeting him, and on a sizzling day, the home side had to turn to their quicks once more.

By this point, it was hard to see who might bring West Indies a breakthrough, but Alam was beginning to cramp pretty much every delivery.

The game's momentum took a beating, too, and there was a touch of the farcical that cricket seems to produce more often than just about any other sport on the stroke of tea. Da Silva needed to be taken off with one ball to go in the session, but the regulations stipulated the over had to be completed before the players broke for tea.

It meant there was a lengthy pause while his replacement got himself ready, all to send down a delivery before another 20-minute break.

Alam's woes continued post-tea, and it soon became apparent carrying on was impossible.

The Jamaican sun had done what Brathwaite's men hadn't looked like achieving for nigh on five hours, and with life injected into the home side, Azam, the epitome of solidity, suddenly began to look susceptible.

Two balls after Roach whooshed past his outside edge with prodigious late swing, he found a juicy chunk of it which went to Holder at second slip. West Indies roared with excitement, sensing a swing in momentum, one way or another, they had removed both Azam and Alam.

By now the clouds were blocking out the sun, and with Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf new at the crease, there was opportunity to wrestle back the momentum the hosts had lost through the afternoon.

It wouldn't quite happen that way. Ashraf is a genuine Mohammad Abbas middle-order batsman; since Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Abid Ali, his return to the Test side in 0.3 ov), 2-2 (Azhar Ali, 2.3 ov), December, he averages over 40 3-2 (Imran Butt, 3.5 ov), 3-160* with the bat, while Rizwan's (Fawad Alam, retired hurt), versatility has seen him enjoy 4-168 (Babar Azam, 60.4 ov) a meteoric rise of his own.

The over rate was poor, BOWLING O-M-R-W and stoppages for one reaKemar Roach 17-6-49-3 son or another beJayden Seales 11-3-25-1 came commonplace. At Alzarri Joseph 12-1-54-0 one point, the emerJason Holder 15-7-25-0 gence of swarms of flies Kyle Mayers 11-5-17-0 at the ground resultRoston Chase 7-0-27-0 ed in a lengthy pause as Nkrumah Bonner 1-0-6-0 Rizwan tried to prise one out

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of Joseph's eyes. The intensity had begun to bleed out of the contest, and as the light began to worsen, West Indies were forced into bowling spin from both ends. Nkrumah Bonner, to whom Brathwaite turned, is no Sonny Ramadhin; in truth, he was no Roston Chase either. Sending down three no-balls in the only over he bowled, it appeared everyone had had enough, and a day that began explosively ended - after just 74 overs - with a bit of a whimper. (ESPN cricinfo)

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Andre "Padlock" Green credits last Sunday’s cycling win to T&T experience

A

ndre "Padlock" Green is fresh from a victory in the Team Alanis/Attack Racing/ Professional Keyshop 55-mile cycle race held on Sunday last from Thirst Park to?? on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway and back.

The Berbician has credited his win to the experience he has gained in Trinidad and Tobago, where he usually dominates the climbing stages of races.

"I'm always good at climbing. All the climbing stages I dominate, so I went in the race with confidence of winning.

With five miles to go in the race, we were on the break, and after I watched my time, we were dominating at 23-24 miles per hour, and I know I can ride at 26 mph by myself, so I kept on attacking," Green told Guyana Times Sport.

Green, who won that race in a time of two hours 19 minutes and 46 seconds, hails from Ulverston Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice.

He had registered fourth position in a race held two weeks ago, and had won the last race held in Berbice earlier in August.

This 55-miler was a high-profile race, and Green was involved in multiple attacks throughout the race, but his most significant attack came at Providence, where he opened a 20-second gap from the peloton.

"I made a bluff attack first, and nobody came after me, so I went through," Green said.

He rode solo to win that race.

Cycling action will return with the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club-organized 44-mile road race on West Demerara this Sunday, August 22. Open to cyclists in the various divisions, the event will take place in collaboration with David Persaud Investments Ltd. It will pedal off at 8:00hrs from Schoonord, and will

Andre "Padlock" Green credited his win to his experience in Trinidad & Tobago (Brandon Corlette photo)

see cyclists proceed to Bushy Park at Parika before returning for the finish at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The first six overall finishers and the top three in the female, veteran and junior divisions will get prizes.

(Brandon Corlette)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Shine in CPL and you book a ticket − Russell speaking on the to the UAE importance of CPL 2021 edition

Guyana Amazon Warriors will have some ‘big experience’ in the squad

By Brandon Corlette

“T

he Biggest Party in Sport”, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), will be bowled off in a matter of mere days.

On August 26, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders will lock horns from 10:00h at the Warner Park in St Kitts & Nevis, where the entire tournament is being held.

This tournament, the second to be hosted by CPL in a bio-secure environment, will be of great significance for players, as the ICC T20 World Cup looms in UAE and Oman in October. According to CPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell, if players shine in CPL, they will increase their chances to feature in the T20 World Cup. "You shine over the next

three or four weeks in St Kitts as a West Indies player (and) you will be on the plane to the UAE. Simple as that!

We have got Phil Simmons coming down, and a number of other selectors on the ground, so I think this (gives) everyone (a) chance to stake a claim. What a great opportunity this is!" Russell disclosed.

All individuals who have touched down in St Kitts have returned two negative PCR tests. Russell noted that the players are ready to play “The Biggest Party in Sport”.

CPL tickets are currently on sale in St Kitts, and can also be obtained online.

Live attendance is being allowed at 50 per cent capacity of the venue, but only fully vaccinated fans would be allowed in.

Eight matches would be

held behind closed doors, but fans would be allowed to witness the remaining 25.

"We wanted to make sure that the 10AM games are mid-week, and not going to be that easy for people to attend, so we decided to put them behind closed doors so people can enjoy that entertainment at home. It is a practical decision, there is no point in opening the Stadium for two or three people. Our main focus is the weekend games," Russell said.

St Kitts and Nevis has experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases in recent days, and the first case of the Delta variant has been confirmed. However, the CPL CEO remains confident that this tournament would be run off smoothly in St Kitts.

"We watched this very closely. It's been a concern

23

TKR will be defending their title

that the cases are rising, but anyone coming to games must be fully vaccinated, and there are strict protocols (in place). It is a watching brief, and we will make sure everyone is safe," Russell has said.

He has also disclosed that 96% of the individuals in the CPL bubble are fully vaccinated, and the players with their family must adhere to the same protocols as CPL staff. With some players and staff currently in Jamaica in

the ongoing Pakistan-West Indies Test match, Russell says CPL has organised a chartered bubble-to-bubble operation, and upon arrival, they will be available to play.

"They will go from the airport to the charter, and be picked up here in St Kitts with our charter," Russell added. If there is a COVID-19 case in the bubble, Russell said, there is an isolation process, which is a standard protocol.

In regard to anyone breaching the bubble, Russell has said that anyone who breaches the bubble, or goes out without permission from the Task force or the CPL task Force, would immediately be expelled from the tour.

There is a zero-tolerance policy on this, Russell noted.

The CPL, which will be hosted at Warner Park, will see four-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders defending the title.

Guyana Amazon Warriors

focus on fitness ahead of CPL

President Ali announces revival of Inter-Guiana Games

H

is Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced the resuscitation of the InterGuiana Games.

This announcement was made on Thursday as a Surinamese Government delegation headed by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi made a State Visit to Guyana.

Last held in Suriname in 2017, the Games will cater for student athletes a t the U20 level. Both Heads of State have noted that a d -

vantage should be taken of the Inter-Guiana Games and Inter-Guiana Cultural Festivals for increasing people-to-people contact.

Further, they acknowledged the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities.

President Ali also said, “Key to all of this is our people-to-people partnership, that is bringing our people together in a space and environment that they can share and appreciate each other. Bringing back the InterGuiana Games, the InterGuiana Cultural Forum and platform that was

started so that we can have sports, culture, education and technological exchanges as part of greater unity, trust, collaboration and understanding of our peoples.”

The Inter-Guiana Games would see Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana duke it out as they participate in sporting activities such as football, volleyball, basketball, cycling, swimming, trackand- field, chess and badminton.

His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali alongside Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi

All smiles! The local Guyana Amazon Warriors players and support staff took a photo op before their departure

T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors have been focusing on improving player fitness - both physical and mental - ahead of the 2021 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), which will be contested from August 26 to September 15 at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts.

Team Manager Omar Khan said on Monday before the squad’s departure for St Kitts, “We had a one-week camp here in Guyana with local and regional players, and it went really well. The guys went through some fitness assessment work with their fitness levels, getting them to the right level of fitness, both physically and mentally, throughout the tournament.

It was a very good camp.

“The international players will join us in St Kitts later on this week. We are pre-

paring as best as we can for the tournament, under the protocols.

Khan added, “It’s always a challenge to get the guys mentally ready to be prepared to deal with situations.

That’s one of the things that we’ll be working on.”

Persistent rainfall badly affected the triad of T20 Internationals between the West Indies and Pakistan in Guyana two weeks ago. Khan has however said that the weather was more helpful for the Amazon Warriors squad during their camp at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.

“It wasn’t a major interruption in terms of the rain.

We had a good week with them. Whenever there was rain, we used that (time) to do some inside work,” he said.

West Indies T20 vice-cap-

tain Nicholas Pooran is being touted as the Amazon Warriors skipper for the 2021 competition. Khan has said, “We haven’t officially announced Pooran as captain, but we will make that decision when the whole team gets together.”

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad:

Nicholas Pooran, Shoaib Malik, Imran Tahir, Shimron Hetmyer, Mohammad Hafeez, Brandon King, Naveen ul-Haq, Romario Shepherd, Waqar Salamkhiel, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Odean Smith, Nial Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Bramble, Kevin Sinclair, Ashmead Nedd. (TT Newsday)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

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

Page 23

President Ali announces revival of Inter-Guiana Games

Guyana Amazon Warriors focus on fitness ahead of

CPL Page 23

2nd Test in the Betway Series…

Shine in CPL and you Azam, Alam book a ticket to the UAE lead Pakistan's − Russell speaking on the Page 23

importance of CPL 2021 edition

Page 22

recovery on 1st day

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