Guyana Times - Saturday August 28, 2021

VP to lead Guyana’s P16 delegation to global climate conference Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4753

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

1000 house lots distributed in new community on ECD …more new housing schemes for ECD, massive infrastructural developments See story on page 3

92 schools to open for full classroom activities, 846 others on rotation …all Grade 6 classes to be held daily See story on page 7

Woman slams bandits’ car into trench following robbery

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Electoral fraud cases

Prosecutor P8 requests time to organise SoPs, SoRs Former P13 prosecutor dies in Buck Hall accident …3 others injured

Duo robbed while waiting to witness autopsy P11 Gunmen storm, rob Superbet at Bladen Hall location P10 Hospital driver remanded for P14 stealing COVID-19 vaccination booklets

See story on page 16

Pritipaul Singh Investments looking to tap into Indian expertise in aquaculture

PRICE

3 more P9 COVID-19 deaths, 103 new cases recorded Page 15

…US$50M state-of-the-art facility on track for August 2022 completion

Anti-COVID-19 vaccine protests P14

7 protestors on $105,000 bail for illegal procession

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Aug 28 – 23:00h – 03:00h and Sunday, Aug 29 – 10:00h – 11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Aug 28 – 07:45h – 09:15h and Sunday, Aug 29 – 08:25h – 09:55h.

1000 house lots distributed in new community on ECD …more new housing schemes for ECD, massive infrastructural developments Backlog reduced

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day.

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

Winds: South-Westerly to West South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 08:01h and 20:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres and 2.42 metres.

Housing Minister Collin Croal

According to Housing Minister Collin Croal, the massive backlog of applications for house lots in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) will be significantly reduced with Friday’s exercise.

“This allocation exercise will help bring relief to families who have been on the wait list for many years…

We are focused on significantly reducing the demand for affordable housing and delivering well developed communities too. The cost of the lots that [were] handed Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, assisting applicant Jaikaran Sugrim to select his house lot

Low Tide: 13:51h reaching a minimum height of 0.83 metre.

Persons being assisted during the house lots' distribution on Friday

A WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

03 04 06 19 23 28

FREE TICKET

25 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

01 11 14 17 22 LUCKY 3

6

0

3

8

Afternoon Draw

7

1

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 03 04 07 08 10 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 2021

02 04 10 13 16 13

03 11 12 14 18

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

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Change %

Crude Oil

$72.70/barrel

+2.24

Rough Rice

$238.23 /ton $477.20/ton

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USD Per Ounce

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$1816.80

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$1785.00 0.00

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s the Guyana Government continues to roll out its housing drive across the country, some 1000 new house lots were distributed on Friday under the “Dream Realised” initiative for a new community to developed on the East Coast of Demerara.

The new housing scheme, La Reconnaissance, is located on the southern side of the Railway Embankment next to Annandale, East Coast Demerara.

During the distribution exercise held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre Friday morning, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) Sherwyn Greaves posited that with the developments pegged for the East Coast corridor this new community will become a prime location.

“This area will become a most sought-after area. So those of you who will be allocated [there]… can count yourselves very lucky because you’re getting a location that will be prime very, very shortly,” he posited.

The CH&PA Head went on to outline some of the public amenities that La Reconnaissance will feature.

These include a play school, two nursery schools, a primary school, a health centre, a post office, a police outpost, a market and a bus park. Additionally, five locations have been set aside for places of worship and another five spots for recreational fields. Lands were also identified for a cemetery in the new housing scheme.

The 1000 pieces of land distributed on Friday were for applications that were received prior to 2015.

out [Friday] are heavily subsidised by the Government and at a minimum of $200,000 per lot, allotees will pay far below market prices for prime spots of land. And the cost for its infrastructural works is $2.75 billion,” he noted.

Citing these significant investments by Government into developing communities to meet the housing demands, Minister Croal encouraged the recipients at Friday’s housing drive to engage the various commercial banks on location for financial guidance. This way, he noted, there will be no delays in starting construction of their homes.

Representatives of seven banks – New Building Society (NBS), Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Republic Bank, Demerara Bank, Citizens Bank, Hand in Hand Trust Corporation and Bank of Baroda along with representatives from six insurance companies – NALICO/NAFICO, Assuria,

Insurance Brokers Guyana, GTM, Diamond Insurance and Demerara Mutual had booths at the event.

Additionally, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) was also there to share information on local building materials as well as other companies offering household services.

Croal disclosed that since taking office in August 2020, Government has so far distributed some 6500 house lots and 2000 titles. He added that another 7000 house lots will be distributed before the end of this year, putting Government on track to fulfil its commitment of distributing 50,000 house lots during its five-year tenure.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 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

Reopening of schools

T

he news of schools finally reopening has been much welcomed by many parents as they seek to now get their children vaccinated in preparation for September 6.

Already, over 200 students have been vaccinated in 24 hours after the Pfizer vaccine became available for children. This is a good sign, as it demonstrates the readiness by parents to have their children vaccinated. This will now make it easier for the Education Ministry when it opens the doors of educational institutions. On Friday, it was announced that 92 schools across the three levels will be completely opened, while 846 others will be operating on a rotational basis until the vaccination rollout and other mechanisms are completed.

The Education Ministry, and by extension the Government, has done a remarkable job in terms of preparing for the reopening of schools and for learning to continue for students across the country, and now for the full reopening of schools come September. It was only last month that President Dr Irfaan Ali had said the global situation with children being out of school is indeed “frightening”.

To quote President Ali: “Many countries are already giving frightening reports in terms of the impact. I’ve been travelling around this country, and I know I’ve seen children who ought to be in school, they are out of the system. So, we have to get back to school…to create the conditions to ensure that we get back to school, and that is what we are aiming for.”

No one should underestimate the level of planning and the kind of resources that are needed to ensure that academic learning continues and students and teachers are safe in these challenging times.

As a matter of fact, the UNICEF Representative Nicolas Pron on Thursday said that the organisation welcomes the physical reopening of schools in Guyana.

To quote him: “I must commend the Government of Guyana for its efforts in making COVID-19 vaccines available to all eligible residents, and now eligible students. This is an achievement attained by only a few countries.”

The Education Ministry had managed to open schools for Grades of 10, 11 and 12 (fourth fifth and sixth forms) to allow those students who are older back into school, so that they can prepare for their exams. This was after these students missed out on months of academic work, and this will certainly prove to be a challenge in terms of completing the syllabus.

There are a few who have hastily criticised the Ministry for moving ahead with the partial reopening of schools, without offering any proper alternative. However, we believe that Education Minister Priya Manickchand was correct in pointing out that school doors cannot remain closed forever. Learning needs to continue, but certainly with taking all the necessary health precautions very seriously.

We have noted that the Ministry has been very thorough in terms of putting systems in place to prevent persons from contracting the virus. However, like many other countries, no one can guarantee that persons would be free from getting infected.

It could be recalled that prior to the reopening of schools, the Ministry held a number of consultations with the Health Ministry, medical professionals, CXC, head teachers, teachers, the Guyana Teachers’ Union, parents, students and other stakeholders to discuss and consider the relevant issues relating to the pandemic.

The Ministry of Education must be commended for the work it has done to ensure learning continues. It should be noted that Guyana is one of the few developing countries in the world to have given safety kits to students and teachers, in spite of the scarcity of resources.

That said, in light of the changes that are being made due to COVID-19, educators will have to adapt very quickly and ensure that students are not left behind. The failure of students must not be an option, hence the important role of the head teachers, regional education officials, and even parents.

Through effective leadership, coupled with sound management, head teachers and their senior staff must be able to cope with the changes that are being forced upon us in order to effectively transform the performance of students.

Good managers know that planning and organisation are critical to success, and it is important that every school adopts this approach. The best performing schools often have better organised and prepared teachers. Also, parents must not leave their children’s education to teachers and the Education Ministry alone.

President Irfaan Ali shares a light moment with Guyana Defence Force (GDF) pilot and photographer/videographer Captain Michael Charles MS along with his wife and son after being presented with a 10 x 7 ft framed photograph of the Harpy Eagle at State House on Friday (Office of the President photo)

Crisis in Georgetown Dear Editor, I would be grateful if my concerns and disappointment with the crisis after crisis Georgetown has been experiencing for the past decades under continuous PNC management - can be afforded space in your publication.

I spent the first 11 years of my life in Regent Street, between Bourda and Alexander Streets, in the yard of the store of my uncle, S B Nawbatt, the first to be burnt in the disturbances of the 60s. The next thirty-plus years were spent in Wortmanville, so I am a product of Georgetown.

I remember the days when Georgetown was proudly and legitimately described as the Garden City. Sadly, that description was savagely damaged by the continuous political MISMANAGEMENT of the City. It is inconceivable, and baffles one’s imagination as to how such incompetence could be rewarded by being voted into office election after election. I’m convinced that therein lies the basis for the deplorable situation and condition of Georgetown, and it is exactly the reason for me, a few weeks ago, advocating for the installation

of an Interim Management Committee for the City, as a previous Government had to successfully do some years ago.

I was prompted to write again, following a recent letter in which a “Senior Citizen” raised, among other items, the condition of the Le Repentir Cemetery. My brother and grandfather are buried there, and many attempts to locate their graves have been impossible, due to inaccessibility to get anywhere near to where their final resting places are.

I often wonder if such a situation exists anywhere else in the world.

For those who like to take to the streets protesting (as recently as the unimaginable anti-vaccine protests), I suggest their efforts can be very well appreciated by protesting against the condition of this cemetery. I am sure THEIR loved ones are similarly inaccessible.

However, I have a suggestion which I know is going to raise a firestorm.

The Bourda Cemetery, which has not been a burial site for decades (maybe for plus or minus a hundred years), is also in a deplorable condition, resembling a jungle in the heart

of Georgetown. I remember a suggestion to convert this area into usable space was raised before, and since consensus could not be reached, was abandoned. I am throwing out a suggestion for this cemetery, with all the necessary precautions taken to preserve the sanctity of the deceased, to be converted into a parking lot.

The City Council, with efficient management, can garner much needed revenue.

Another suggestion, also made previously, is for the canals along South Road/Croal Street /Avenue of the Republic and other such spaces be covered (to permit removal of covers to allow for cleaning) and for vehicles to park thereon for a fee.

I am impressed by the owner of SleepIn Hotel for his initiative in converting a part of Merriman’s Mall for parking. The voice “in the wilderness” in this case being that of the now irrelevant former Mayor Hamilton Greene.

It is obvious that his motives for opposing this arrangement was motivated by reasons only such a relic can contemplate.

Many more businesses need to follow this exam-

ple, if only to ease the problem of finding safe parking spaces in Georgetown, and for financial gains both for the Council and the businesses.

I am well aware that both these suggestions would rightfully generate much discussion, but am convinced that there is much room for improvement of the City, and therefore any suggestion for ending the CRISIS being engendered by the clique headed for a few years now by the “travelling pandit” must be open for public discussion.

I have refrained, at this time at least, from mention other matters which I’m sure the majority of citizens of Georgetown are fed up with, including the now ongoing attempts by those at City Hall to oppose the acting appointment of a Town Clerk.

My hope is that sensible judgement would prevail; and should this not be forthcoming, an NCM may need to be considered for this Council as well.

Tek warning wid the NCM now engaging the Region Four administration.

Sincerely, H N Nawbatt

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 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

Impressive win in CPL 2021 opening match Dear Editor, The confident Guyana Amazon Warriors skipper Nicholas Pooran humiliated the defending Caribbean Premier League Champions with an impressive win in the 2021 opening Hero Caribbean League title chase. Guyana champion

batsman Shimron Hetmyer scored a solid, masterful half century to demonstrate his maturity and readiness for a successful CPL 2021 tournament.

However, it was the wise move by the skipper to promote Odean Smith as the ‘pinch ‘hitter at #3 that put

Kieron Pollard’s bowlers to the sword. Smith blasted 24 runs off a mere 15 deliveries. The middle order batting was a little slow, and the two Pakistan veterans, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez, would have to bat differently in the batting order.

The skipper is a power-

ful hitter of the ball, and is a competent batsman, hence it is imperative that he bats higher in the order. The Warriors should not be bothered about losing early wickets. They must look at getting close to 200 runs when batting first.

Brandon King looks like

When will AFC, PNC hold their leadership races Dear Editor, The two Opposition political parties are guilty of deliberately seeking to stall the voting which will take place once the bodies hold their conference and congress respectively.

To say, firstly, that the Alliance For Change is moving along with its planning at a slow pace is an understatement. It should have held its national conference already. The General Secretary, David Patterson, is not being honest about

what is really taking place behind the scenes.

Where is Party Leader Raphael Trotman? I’m sure he knows why they are not holding it now? The delegates, as I understand it, are ready to go. Even the venue picked out for the conference is on standby, but the leadership is not aware of anything that members will say and do. They are not too certain about the performance of the Parliamentarians.

Party members are wary for Region 10, 4, 6 and 7, as

there are a lot of issues to be discussed.

Secondly, the PNC has adopted a vow of silence on the congress. I hear they are going to stall it and hold it for next year in January. The leadership is yet to meet on the plan, which will mark many exits and entrances, of familiar and new faces. The party is hoping to wait till talk and interest in challenging David Granger as the PNC leader dies down. Confusion and uncertainty lie ahead.

Finally, it would be a

1000 house lots distributed...

An attendee being assisted during the house lots’ distribution on Friday

On this note, he encouraged persons to apply for lands and those with applications already in the system to update their details.

“I want to reassure you that once you have an application in the system, we will get to you,” the Housing Minister stressed.

In fact, Croal teased about another new community that will be developed on the East Coast corridor in the near future to meet the housing demands of citizens.

He went on to outline that these new housing schemes will be complemented by massive infrastructural projects that will be undertaken by the Housing and Water Ministry.

“Here on the East Coast, infrastructural works to the tune of $3.7 million are ongoing in Cummings Lodge 1768 and 1767, La Bonne Intention (LBI), Mon Repos, Annandale, Vigilance, Bladen Hall and Strathspey,” the Housing Minister stated.

Further infrastructural works on the East Coast corridor which are ongoing include the upgrading

of existing access roads and bridges, unsurfaced roads, pipe networks and drains and culverts.

Govt’s commitment

Meanwhile, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, speaking at Friday’s “Dream Realised” drive, noted that the distribution of the house lots is part of Government’s commitment towards enhancing the lives of low-income families.

“While our country is on the cusp of transformation – and we speak a lot of transformational projects and how Guyana will change, and develop, and transform in the coming years – activities like these and sectors of our Government that focus low-income families and focus on ensuring that our most vulnerable protected and are helped, and that they receive service from Government so that they can elevate themselves, and improve their lives. That is our main focus,” she asserted.

Rodrigues explained

that striking that balance between development and improving the lives of Guyanese is critical to the PPP Government. She said every Guyanese must equally be part of the unprecedented changes that the country will undergo.

“We have to help all Guyanese move forward. We have to do it equitably and we have to do it at the same speed of development so that nobody is left out of the growth and progress that Guyana will see… We want everyone to benefit equally from every opportunity that is given to Guyanese. So while land is important for oil and gas and all of these other transformational sectors, making land available to Guyanese is most important to us,” Rodrigues stressed.

great disappointment to their supporters and members if the congress and conference are pushed back any longer. These people want to elect new leaders of the AFC and APNU/PNC. They are not pleased with certain individuals being at the helm of the party any longer. They want change.

Can some leader answer me? When will the conference and congress be held?

Yours truly, Suraj Singh

FROM PAGE 3

Many of the recipients, who had been waiting for years, at Friday’s housing drive were grateful to finally receive their house lots.

One man, 52-year-old Jaikaran Sugrim told reporters that he is “glad and happy” to have received his house lot after having applied since 1992. “At least everybody want they own [land]… I’m thankful to this PPP Government for giving me this house lot. Today, I’m a owner of a house lot,” he stated.

Meanwhile, another recipient, Shelly Gray, related that “I’m paying rent and now I will not have to pay rent [for much longer] because I’m concentrating on building my own home…

Since 2008 [I applied for land so] it’s a great relief.”

(G8)

the favourite opener, and he will have to go after the bowling from the first over.

While the upper and middle orders look solid and dependable, the lower order is certainly aggressive, and even with Ashmead Nedd at #10, the Warriors would war to the end.

The bowling attack is certainly capable, and will live up to a winning expectation; however, the three quick bowlers must be utilised cleverly. Against really attacking openers, it would be better to bowl the two bowlers that can bowl an immaculate line and length.

Hence, Naveen-ul-Haq could open, and then bowl in the middle, while Odean Smith and Romario Shepherd seem capable of bowling to a planned field placing. The spinners would certainly be looking to the veteran Imran Tahir, who will continue to be a trump card.

The GAW must be more serious with their fielding.

The fielding must send a message to the opposing batmen that the risk is greater, and batsmen must be vulnerable to the fielding.

The second match in the first day double-header was interesting. However, it was Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford who hit a solid half-century, and clever batting by St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots’ Captain Dwayne Bravo pulled them out of danger with a solid century partnership. Barbados Royals’ powerful batsmen were unable to get runs in the opening match, but they would likely do better later in the tournament.

The coaches and team leaders must look at the high amount of ‘dot’ balls.

There are far too many ‘dot’ balls, the more experienced batsmen are expected to rotate the batting and take quick singles.

This ninth edition of the CPL must produce, very early in the tournament, quality batsmen and bowlers.

Shimron Hetmyer is certainly leading the way, and expectations are high that he would continue to score runs consistently and heavily.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

Page

Foundation

By Robert Browning part 2

Author: Meena Srinivasan

C

ommunities all over the world are more interconnected than ever before, relying on each other in multiple ways. In this social emotional learning activity, fourth and fifth graders will watch videos, conduct research, and reflect on the question: "What does it mean to live in a global community?" Then they will create a collage that illustrates the many ways communities are connected and depend on each other. This activity will help children gain an understanding of global citizenship, building both social and self-awareness.

What you need

"If the World Were a Village of 100 People: A Story About the World's People" video (YouTube) "Learning to Live Together in Peace Through Global Citizenship Education" video (YouTube) "Teaching Global Citizenship at Home" (kidworldcitizen.org) Paper or posterboard Magazines or printed images Scissors Glue

What you do:

1. Ask your child, "What do you think it means to live in a global community?"

2. Ask, "How do communities rely on each other?"

3. Together, watch the videos "If the World Were a Village of 100 People: A Story About the World's People" and "Learning to Live Together in Peace Through Global Citizenship Education."

4. Ask, "What stood out for you? What does it mean to be a global citizen?"

5. Explain that together you will explore the websitekidworldcitizen.org to gain a deeper understanding of how many humans and communities are connected.

6. Then, using the internet or a book from your local library, have your child research and record the definitions for “global community” and “interconnections.”

7. Have your child design a collage with words and pictures that represent how communities depend on and need each other for support, resources, and resilience.

8. Share what you both learned and the collage with family and friends!

Come in! — the Mayor cried, looking bigger: And in did come the strangest figure!

His queer long coat from heel to head Was half of yellow and half of red; And he himself was tall and thin, With sharp blue eyes, each like a pin, And light loose hair, yet swarthy skin, No tuft on cheek nor beard on chin, But lips where smiles went out and in — There was no guessing his kith and kin!

And nobody could enough admire The tall man and his quaint attire: Quoth one: It's as my great-grandsire, Starting up at the Trump of Doom's tone, Had walked this way from his painted tombstone!

He advanced to the council-table: And, Please your honours, said he, I'm able, By means of a secret charm, to draw All creatures living beneath the sun, That creep, or swim, or fly, or run, After me so as you never saw!

And I chiefly use my charm On creatures that do people harm, The mole, and toad, and newt, and viper; And people call me the Pied Piper.

(And here they noticed round his neck A scarf of red and yellow stripe, To match with his coat of the self-same cheque; And at the scarf's end hung a pipe; And his fingers, they noticed, were ever straying As if impatient to be playing Upon this pipe, as low it dangled Over his vesture so old-fangled.)

Yet, said he, poor piper as I am, In Tartary I freed the Cham, Last June, from his huge swarms of gnats; I eased in Asia the Nizam Of a monstrous brood of vampyre-bats: And, as for what your brain bewilders, If I can rid your town of rats Will you give me a thousand guilders?

One? fifty thousand! — was the exclamation Of the astonished Mayor and Corporation.

Into the street the Piper stept, Smiling first a little smile, As if he knew what magic slept In his quiet pipe the while; Then, like a musical adept, To blow the pipe his lips he wrinkled, And green and blue his sharp eyes twinkled, Like a candle-flame where salt is sprinkled; And ere three shrill notes the pipe uttered, You heard as if an army muttered; And the muttering grew to a grumbling; And the grumbling grew to a mighty rumbling; And out of the houses the rats came tumbling.

Great rats, small rats, lean rats, brawny rats, Brown rats, black rats, grey rats, tawny rats, Grave old plodders, gay young friskers, Fathers, mothers, uncles, cousins, Cocking tails and pricking whiskers, Families by tens and dozens, Brothers, sisters, husbands, wives — Followed the Piper for their lives.

From street to street he piped advancing, And step for step they followed dancing, Until they came to the river Weser Wherein all plunged and perished — Save one who, stout as Julius Caesar, Swam across and lived to carry (As he the manuscript he cherished) To Rat-land home his commentary, Which was, At the first shrill notes of the pipe, I heard a sound as of scraping tripe, And putting apples, wondrous ripe, Into a cider-press's gripe: And a moving away of pickle-tub-boards, And a leaving ajar of conserve-cupboards, And a drawing the corks of train-oil-flasks, And a breaking the hoops of butter-casks; And it seemed as if a voice (Sweeter than by harp or by psaltery Is breathed) called out, Oh rats, rejoice!

The world is grown to one vast drysaltery!

'So munch on, crunch on, take your nuncheon, 'Breakfast, supper, dinner, luncheon!

And just as one bulky sugar-puncheon, Ready staved, like a great sun shone Glorious scarce an inch before me, Just as methought it said, Come, bore me!

— I found the Weser rolling o'er me.

You should have heard the Hamelin people Ringing the bells till they rocked the steeple; Go, cried the Mayor, and get long poles!

Poke out the nests and block up the holes!

Consult with carpenters and builders, And leave in our town not even a trace Of the rats! — when suddenly up the face Of the Piper perked in the market-place, With a, First, if you please, my thousand guilders!

A thousand guilders! The Mayor looked blue; So did the Corporation too.

For council dinners made rare havock With Claret, Moselle, Vinde-Grave, Hock; And half the money would replenish Their cellar's biggest butt with Rhenish.

To pay this sum to a wandering fellow With a gipsy coat of red and yellow!

Beside, quoth the Mayor with a knowing wink, Our business was done at the river's brink; We saw with our eyes the vermin sink, And what's dead can't come to life, I think.

So, friend, we're not the folks to shrink From the duty of giving you something for drink, And a matter of money to put in your poke; But, as for the guilders, what we spoke Of them, as you very well know, was in joke.

Beside, our losses have made us thrifty; A thousand guilders!

Come, take fifty!

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

92 schools to open for full classroom activities, 846 others on rotation …all Grade 6 classes to be held daily …private schools’ proposals to be examined

T

he Education Ministry has made a move to completely reopen 92 schools across the three levels, with the remainder – 846 –operating on a rotation basis until the vaccination rollout and other mechanisms are completed.

Schools will reopen in Guyana on September 6. On Friday, education officials highlighted a slew of plans

With a minimum contact time of four hours established, authorities have also mandated a teacher-student ratio of one to five. Nursery students will receive a home-based learning package and other materials as the sector adjusts to this new norm.

For primary schools, 44 of the 413 were given the greenlight for full opening at all grade levels; while Grade

“The secondary schools will reopen to face-to-face learning as the vaccination is rolled out. All schools will reopen on the 6th September. The school term begins on 6th September but secondary schools will reopen as the vaccine rolls out,” she indicated.

Private schools

Versatile situation

The Minister reminded that the pandemic is still Education Minister Priya Manickchand

that will be activated to ensure that the classroom environment is safe.

This is the first reopening across all three levels, since the COVID-19 pandemic struck back in March 2020 and caused widespread disruption in the education sector. Now, at the nursery level, 41 of the 348 schools will open for complete faceto-face learning, while the others will operate on a rotation schedule.

Six classes would be facilitated every day of the week, in keeping with preparations for the National Grade Six Assessment.

Meanwhile at the secondary level, seven of the 126 institutions across the country will reopen.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand has informed that the remaining schools will utilise the rotation technique until students are vaccinated.

a pressing issue, and it is mandated that stakeholders adhere to the various measures as outlined by the Health Ministry to ensure a safe reopening.

“We still have COVID in our midst. It can’t be a throwing open of the school doors and saying all will return to normal as we were in January 2020 or February 2020. We are still mandated by the Ministry of Health to observe all the COVID pro-

tocols: mask wearing, distancing, sanitising frequently. We will be doing that.”

The Education Ministry will release the schedules undertaken by each school on their social media and other platforms. A blended learning approach will continue, and those students who choose to remain at home will also be engaged.

When asked about the timeline in which the Ministry plans on continuing these arrangements, Manickchand stressed, “This is a very fluid, versatile situation we’re in.

We’re not in a place where we could say for certain that next week, we will all be in school or even next week, we could be in the same place we’re at right now. If people don’t get vaccinated, we can predict what will happen. We are very certain at this point that we missed a year and a term academically and that’s not easy catch up in one year.”

It was pointed out that a number of private schools have also submitted their plans to the Ministry, ahead of the reopening. However, the Minister was keen to note that private institutions cannot just open haphazardly without adequate systems in place.

“If a private school has 700 children and they have no space, the Ministry of Health wants to see the same plans for those children even if their parents consent…

The private schools have to follow the plan to social distance, mask up, sanitise.

When they submit that plan - many of them have already – we’ll then have a look at it to see if that complies with what the Ministry of Health demands,” she said.

Director of National Centre for Education Resource Development, Quenita Walrond-Lewis has indicated that the Ministry will be utilising the Guyana Diagnostics Assessment and consolidated curriculum to ensure that students are abreast in the given modalities and subject areas, given the impact brought on by the coronavirus disruptions. It will include content, teaching strategies and assessments for students.

“We’re looking at where our students left off and trying to work our way back up to standard. So, we’re trying to in a very cohesive way, reach back and think about where students ended their academic journey and then try to work our way forward

NCERD Director Quenita Walrond-Lewis

towards where they need to be by grade level. This is a response to support continued learning by providing clear guidance to teachers,” she detailed.

Walrond-Lewis clarified that the consolidated curriculum is not a new tool, but the same in which teachers are exposed to. However, it is “tightening” the existing curriculum, bearing no compromises but simply seeks to effectively utilise time to meet grade level objectives.

“The consolidated curriculum was done across the four core content areas and it was done for Grades One through Nine. For Grades 10 and 11, this is where we pick up on the CSEC curriculum in preparation for those exams. The subject’s specific topics and objectives were reviewed and opportunities for logical connections were assessed and if appropriate, integration occurred,” the Director outlined. (G12)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Electoral fraud cases

Prosecutor requests time to organise SoPs, SoRs …cases adjourned

Spreading...

T

Former GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield

D

ue to several copies of thousands of Statements of Polls (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) being unreadable, Special Prosecutor Dharshan Ramdhani, QC, on Friday, requested that the trial into the electoral fraud charges against three former high-ranking GECOM officials, and four others be deferred.

Those charged are former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers; former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; People’s National Congress

Former Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers

APNU/AFC Activist Carol Smith-Joseph

Reform (PNCR) Chairman, Volda Lawrence; and APNU/

Former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo

PNCR Chairman Volda Lawrence

AFC member Carol SmithJoseph.

Also charged are GECOM Clerks Denise BobCummings and Michelle Miller; GECOM Elections Officer Shefern February, and Information Technology Officer Enrique Livan.

When the matters came up on Friday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, the prosecution which is being led by Ramdhani told the court that upon reviewing the SoPs and SoRs, it was discovered that some of the photocopied pages were indecipherable.

He said that there are nine bundles of SoPs and

SoRs, each of which contains thousands of documents. As such, he informed the court that he and other lawyers reviewed the documents and were only able to complete reviewing three of the bundles which he was prepared to disclose to the defence.

In relation to the other six bundles, Ramdhani requested more time to put them in order. Speaking to the high volume of documents, the Queen’s Counsel said, “an entire room at the Police department has been dedicated to [the revision] exercise.”

TURN TO PAGE 10

…Linden (PNC) hysteria he minnows struggling to “cast out” Granger and his cohorts from the PNC - so that they can “do their thing” in the Treasury! - continue to get increasingly desperate. And we know that desperate people can do desperate things that are by definition extreme, and so can have unintended consequences. In the meantime, with his legs quite weak at this stage of his life - you think it’s easy dropping to your knees at the drop of a hat?! - Granger seems to be using Ali’s old rope-a-dope strategy to wear them down before he strikes back!

Having pulled out the race card early in the game, the hotheads figure it’s their “trump” (!) to peg the PPP on their back foot. And boy, are they playing it!! Trouble is, they haven’t managed to get rid of the Jokers in the pack, and, on Thursday, played them as their “race” trump!!

Out in Linden, the PNC MP who was “jooking” Charrandas in the ribs when the latter brought down their House of Cards in Parliament - seemed to be their point man for their “rally against racism”. (Your Eyewitness was going to say “spear carrier”, but from the anti-PPP rhetoric that flowed that day, he bet they’ll denounce that designation as “racist”!!)

After trying to pin the racism charge on every initiative the PPP’s come out with to deal with the floods and COVID crisis - that deepened the economic downturn left by the APNU - it appears the PNC have settled down on the Government’s COVID vaccination program to rile up their constituents. They’re stoking the latter’s fears of vaccination further, while unctuously and disingenuously insisting they’re not “against vaccination” - but only against it being made “mandatory”! But in reality, their stance doesn’t fool anyone. Their distinction between “choice” and “option” doesn’t even resonate with their followers!! It’s a distinction looking for a difference!!

There was one telling moment at the beginning when the MP Joker - who’d insisted the rally represented “all Guyana” - called for a Christian prayer, and got one.

Called for a Muslim prayer…but didn’t get one. Didn’t even bother to call for a Hindu prayer!

Your Eyewitness knows there are some Black Muslims in Linden - the late PNC MP Kadir was one - and he guesses the invitation to prayer was directed at them.

But with all the sensitivity on “race and racism”, wasn’t the PNC official “Parliamentary Jooker” worried that his blanking of Hindus was racist? Or was he possessed of knowledge that there were no Hindus in Linden?

All of them had been expelled in the ethnic cleansing of 1964, in the “Wismar Massacre”?

And they’ve never returned?

…(PNC) GT Hysteria In the Georgetown protest at “Square of the Revolution”, one Joker, who normally rants over social media and gets away with all sorts of incendiary utterances, forgot that things don’t play out the same way in the non-virtual world!! Here, it’s the Police who’re responsible for transgressions - not the Rip Van Winkle ERC! He’s been the mobiliser of most of the protests on his East Coast stomping grounds, but supports the “Square” effort. He took it upon himself to leave the latter and mosey across to the Ministry of Education to “call out” Minister of Education Priya Manickchand for her efforts to use Pfizer to vaccinate schoolchildren, and for teachers to vaccinate and not put the kids at risk.

Like the Pied Piper he aspired to be, an entourage from the Square followed him. And the Police had to act!! While Art 147(1) guarantees Freedom of Assembly, this is circumscribed by the 1955 Public Order Act that demands 48-hour notice!!

He was duly arrested. Which is what he was looking for!!

Now he can cry “Martyr”!! …lies Your Eyewitness heard one doctor from GPHC declare that she knows of one person who died from a COVID-19 vaccine. The Minister of Health denies this.

The doctor, as a professional, must disclose her info!!

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 more COVID-19 deaths, 103 new cases recorded GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD T he coronavirus death toll moved to 609 on Friday with the announcement of three more deaths – among which is a 28-year-old man.

Other fatalities were a 67-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man. The Health Ministry informed that these persons died on August 25 while seeking care at a medical facility.

For August, 63 persons have

died.

There were 103 new cases in one day, according to the Ministry’s dashboard, with the total confirmed cases in the country moving 24,967 – 12,081 males and 12,886 females.

Active cases are at 1682 and include 22 patients in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 1555 in home isolation and 105 in institutional isolation. Three persons are also in institutional quarantine. The data shows that 22,676 patients have recovered from the life-threatening virus while 262,087 have been tested.

New cases

There were three new cases in Region One (BarimaWaini); four in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 20 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 56 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); three in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); seven in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); two in Region

Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); one in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and five in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Unvaccinated persons

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said on Friday that unvaccinated persons who fail to produce negative PCR tests and stay away from work will be marked absent. Their salaries will also be deducted for this absenteeism.

“The only way that you can protect yourself is really to get vaccinated. I do hope that good sense prevails and that they would

go and get vaccinated and if they don’t get vaccinated then the option would be that you can present your PCR results and come to work…If you don’t do any of these things, you would be marked absent and you would not be paid,” the Minister added.

The Minister said it is important for the healthcare workers to understand that they are putting them-

selves and patients at risk by refusing the vaccines.

He added that while healthcare workers have the right to protest, their refusal to take the vaccines and their absence from work could see some of the services at the various health institutions being affected.

“Because if they have a mild form of the infection, then unknowingly they can transmit that to patients.

So, this is something that we have to consider. In many other countries it is the policy of those countries to make sure that healthcare workers are protected by being vaccinated.”

AUGUST 27 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

103

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

105

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1555

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

22

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

9

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

12,886

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

12,081

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

24,967

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

22,676

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

308,758

FULLY IMMUNISED

159,460

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

609

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1354

REGION 2

752

REGION 3

2933

REGION 4

11,487

REGION 5

818

REGION 6

2041

REGION 7

1341

REGION 8

384

REGION 9

2245

REGION 10

1612

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.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480

or 624-6674 immediately or visit us at www.health.gov. gy Persons with comorbidities have been asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to

control their condition. The preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to since this category of person is at a greater risk if they contract COVID-19. (G12)

10 NEWS Gunmen storm, rob Superbet location at Bladen Hall SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…escape in taxi

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wo armed men, one of whom was dressed in military attire, stormed the Superbet location at Bladen Hall, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Thursday evening, and robbed several persons, including the cashier.

Reportedly armed with guns, the two men relieved the cashier of $200,000; an upholster of his mobile phone; and a customer of his cellular phone, $46,000 in cash, one gold chain, and the keys to his car.

Police investigations revealed that on the day in question, at about 21:10h, the cashier went to close up the shop’s shutters where one of the two perpetrators of this robbery held her at

gunpoint, and the other victims were placed to lie on the floor and were ordered to empty their pockets.

At that point, the suspect who was dressed in military attire walked up to the cashier, held her at gunpoint, and instructed her to open the door leading to the cashier’s booth. He then pulled open the drawer and removed $200,000 in cash, while the other victims were relieved of their personal items.

Soon after the robbery, the suspects ran out of the establishment and jumped into a white Fielder Wagon bearing registration number HC 7599, in which they made good their escape.

The matter was reported and an investigation has been launched.

Over the past few months, several Superbet locations have been robbed

Prosecutor requests time to...

He added, “We do not wish to give anyone any documents that are decipherable.” Apart from this, Ramdhani was also prepared to disclose statements from Police ranks who uplifted the SoPs and SoRs from the High Court and kept them in safekeeping as well as video evidence.

Organise

For her part, the Chief Magistrate who give the prosecution guidance on how to organise the election

documents adjourned the matter until October 11. On that day, she said, the prosecution will make full disclosure to the defence and the court will decide whether the trial will be conducted virtually or in-person.

Attorneys-at-Law Nigel Hughes, Ronald Daniels, and Konyo Sandiford are representing Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo, and Lawrence, while Senior Counsel John Jeremie, and Attorneysat-Law Eusi Anderson and Latoya Roberts are appear-

ing for the other four defendants.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, has hired a team of special prosecutors consisting of about six lawyers to prosecute the electoral fraud charges on behalf of the State.

Lowenfield is facing three counts of misconduct in public office and three counts of forgery concerning the National Elections.

Mingo and Myers are facing three and two simi-

by gunmen. One of the most recent was at Rose Hall, Berbice, when two masked and armed men held up the 32-year-old female cashier.

At the time, one of the men

was armed with a crowbar while the other was armed with an unknown object.

They ordered a male customer to lie face down on the ground inside the shop.

Fearful for his life, the customer complied, and it was then that the perpetrator who was armed with the crowbar ordered the cashier to open the inner door. Also fearful for her life, the cashier complied.

The man then instructed the woman to hand over all the cash. She, however, pointed them to a box where the cash was kept.

As such, the bandit reportedly collected the cash, which amounted to $35,500, after which he

and his accomplice made good their escape on foot.

After the men had left, the Police were contacted, and an investigation was launched.

Prior to the above incident, another Superbet location, this time at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was robbed just a week ago.

It was reported that a 17-year-old male allegedly went to the location, where he snatched the cashier’s phone and $10,000 in cash and tried to escape.

During his bid to escape, the teenager was cornered by public-spirted citizens, who tied him up and subsequently handed him over to the Police.

How he arrived at those figures is still unknown.

The certified results from the recount exercise supervised by GECOM and a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes while the coalition garnered 217,920.

The recount exercise also proved that Mingo heavily inflated the figures in Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting District – in favour of the then caretaker

APNU/AFC regime.

Earlier this month, GECOM terminated the employment contracts of Lowenfield, Myers, and Mingo after Governmentnominated election Commissioners moved motions in that regard.

This move has been met with satisfaction among stakeholders who hailed it as a step in the right direction to restoring public confidence in GECOM as it is gearing up to hold Local Government Elections. (G1)

FROM PAGE 8

lar charges, respectively.

They, along with the other accused persons have all pleaded not guilty to the charges and are out on cash bail.

The more than 25 matters are currently before three Magistrates – the Chief Magistrate and Magistrates Sherdel IsaacsMarcus and Leron Daly.

Lowenfield’s election report claimed that the APNU/ AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes while the PPP/C gained 166,343 votes.

11 Duo robbed while waiting Berbice man busted with to witness autopsy ecstasy remanded to prison A NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

vendor and a male taxi driver were on Friday morning robbed by three armed men at the Memorial Gardens & Crematorium at Le Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown, while waiting to witness the post mortem of a relative.

The vendor was relieved of one iPhone 6, one Samsung Galaxy, one gold chain, one gold bangle and $50,000 in cash, while the

taxi driver was relieved of one Samsung Galaxy phone and $130,000 in cash.

Police have said that on the day in question, at about 8:30h, the duo were at the Memorial Gardens & Crematorium when they were confronted by the three men.

One of the suspects reportedly brandished a handgun at the vendor and relieved her of her phones, jewellery and cash, before

turning his attention to the taxi driver, whom he also relieved of his phone and the abovementioned cash.

After committing the robbery, the armed suspect discharged two rounds in the air before the suspects escaped.

The Police were summoned to the area, and an investigation was launched, but up to press time, no arrest was made.

“I did want buy something for meh son” – fisherman nabbed with cocaine tells Police

A

26-year-old fisherman is now in hot water after he was busted with a quantity of cocaine in his possession at Parika Fisheries Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Thursday.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on the day in question, at about 15:00h, Police, acting on information, went to the said location, where the suspect was contacted and told of the suspicion. As a result, a search was conducted on his person, during which a white plastic tube with a red cover was found in his pants waist.

Upon inspection of the tube, a quantity of suspected cocaine was found.

During questioning, the fisherman reportedly told the Police, “Sir, is just a day work I did want catch before I go back sea. I did want buy something for my son.”

As such, he was arrested and taken to the Parika Police Station, where the suspected cocaine was weighed in his presence

The suspected cocaine that was found in possession of the fisherman

and amounted to 0.6 grams.

He remains in custody pending investigations.

During that interception, a search was carried out on the said car, and a black plastic bag was unearthed in its trunk. Upon enquiry, the 33-year-old man claimed ownership of the bag.

A search was conducted on the bag, during which another black plastic bag was found hidden in a rightside shoe uncovered therein.

Further inspection revealed a quantity of blue, green and yellow tablets suspected to be ecstasy.

The suspect was told of

Charged: Ghanesh Sammy

T

hirty-three-year-old Ghanesh Sammy of Line Path Skeldon, Corriverton Berbice, who was busted with a quantity of ecstasy at Mahaica, ECD, was on Thursday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Melissa Mittelholzer at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the trafficking in narcotics charge when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge Sammy faces stated that on August 23, 2021, at Helena #2 Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he had 38 grams of methamphetamine (ecstasy) in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

As such, he was refused

The ecstasy tablets found in possession of the accused

bail, and will make his next court appearance on September 24, 2021 at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court.

It was reported that on Monday last, during a roadblock exercise in Helena, Police intercepted a motor car bearing registration number HC 8851 with the driver and four passengers.

the offence committed, arrested, and taken to the Mahaica Police Station, where he was cautioned.

During interrogation, he reportedly told Police that his son was diagnosed with cancer and he was doing “a lil hustle” to offset his son’s medical expenses.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Suspected stolen Cellphones, razor blades unearthed in NA Prison raid motorcycle found in abandoned house

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total of 15 cellphones and a large quantity of razor blades were unearthed on Thursday morning during a raid conducted at the New Amsterdam Prisons. The raid was facilitated by members of the Joint Services, and was done in the quarters of the male and female prisons.

Apart from the cellphones and blades, 12 lighters, 11 pieces of broken mirror, nine improvised weapons, one cellular phone battery, 10 cellular phone chargers, two pairs of scissors, four metal spoons and $580 in cash were also

The items that were discovered at the New Amsterdam Prison

unearthed during the search, which lasted for two hours.

Back in March, a number of contraband items were dis-

The motorcycle that was found at the house

covered, including seven improvised weapons, a quantity of razor blades and two grams of cannabis.

Additionally, ranks had discovered one cellular phone, twenty lighters, pepper sauce, and two cell phone chargers.

A

motorcycle suspected to have been stolen was on Friday discovered at an abandoned house at No. 2 Village, East Canje Berbice during a Police operation.

The Police have said that between 10:00h and 11:10h, ranks of the Central Police

Station conducted a raid on the premises, and the black motorcycle bearing registration number CB 1 was found.

It was taken to the Central Police Station, where it was lodged. An investigation is underway. No arrest has as yet been made.

Corentyne man slapped with robbery charges

T

wenty-two -yea r- old Akesh Pechia, aka Loogoo, of No. 55 Village Corentyne, Berbice, was on Friday remanded to prison by Magistrate Alex Moore on armed robbery and break-and-enter charges.

Appearing before the Magistrate at the No. 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, Pechia was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which accused him of breaking into the house of David Mallaya of No. 50 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and stealing several items therefrom.

Charged: Akesh Pechia

In addition, he is accused of robbing Keshwar Singh, 57, of No. 48 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Pechia is expected to make his next court appearance on October 13, 2021.

He was apprehended on Thursday, and rearrested after he reportedly escaped while in custody at the No. 51 Police Station.

The Police had launched a manhunt for him, and he was eventually arrested late on Thursday evening at Hazel Street, Springlands, Corriverton, Berbice.

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Former prosecutor dies in Buck Hall accident …3 others injured

The vehicle after the accident on Thursday

F

ormer Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Gordon Mansfield died on Thursday after the vehicle in which he was travelling turned turtle along the Buck Hall Road in Region One (Barima-Waini). Three others were injured in the

accident.

Based on information received, at about 10:00h on the day in question, a pickup belonging to Aurora Gold Mines was transporting personnel from the Aurora Mine site to the Buck Hall facility along the Essequibo River, and four

persons, inclusive of the driver, were in the vehicle.

Guyana Times understands that the vehicle encountered mechanical problems and consequently suffered a “blowout”, resulting in it toppling several times before coming to a halt at “Kilometre 33” on the Buck Hall Road. A release from the company said the four passengers received injuries, with one being rendered critical.

They were transported to the Buck Hall facility, where they were treated by the onsite medical personnel before being medivacked to Georgetown by the Guyana Defence Force helicopter. Mansfield reportedly succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at a private facility.

The Police are yet to release any information about the accident.

Nevertheless, tributes continue to pour in as the news spread about the death of Mansfield. In fact, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, in a release, has said it is saddened at the tragic death

Dead: Former ASP Gordon Mansfield

of retired Police Assistant Superintendent (ASP) Gordon Mansfield.

“We express our deepest sorrow and condolences to his grieving wife, children, and other family members

and friends of the Guyana Police Force.”

The release further stated that ASP Mansfield was seconded to the DPP’s Chambers in 2014 and 2016 as a Police Prosecutor under the Early Case Assessment Programme (ECAP), and he had been responsible for prosecuting Police matters in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts One and Three.

In addition, former ECAP Police Prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent Vishnu Hunt, who worked with Mansfield at those Chambers, expressed his sadness by describing Mansfield as a very friendly and well-mannered individual, who got along well with his peers, superiors and subordinates.

“We did the one-year

prosecutors’ course 20082009 together. He was an outstanding prosecutor up until his retirement,” Hunt added.

Further, ECAP Police Prosecutor Dominic Bess expressed shock at the passing of the former Police Officer, and said Mansfield was definitely one of the most genuine persons he had ever met.

After leaving the DPP Chambers, Mansfield returned to the Brickdam Police Station to serve in the Court Superintendent’s Office, and later in the Region Three Court Superintendent’s Office.

ASP Mansfield proceeded on pre-retirement leave on September 15, 2020. He then joined the AGM Inc/ Zijin Mining Inc. as a security advisor.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Anti-COVID-19 vaccine protests

7 protesters on $105,000 bail for illegal procession S even anti-vaccination protesters - four men and three women were each released $15,000 bail on Friday after Police filed charges against them for partaking in an illegal procession. They were taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they pleaded not guilty to partaking in an illegal procession.

Police arrested the persons on Wednesday for illegally marching along Brickdam in Georgetown.

According to a statement from Police Headquarters, about 150 persons held an anti-vaccination protest at Square of the Revolution, Georgetown.

The missive added that although Police ranks informed several persons that

Two of the protesters in front of the Education Ministry

permission was not given for the protest, as is required by law, the protesters continued to partake in the illegal activity. Police ranks took action to prevent the continuance of the ille-

gal procession during which eight persons were arrested.

It was reported that the protesters were nabbed before they arrived at the Education Ministry’s Lot 21

Brickdam, Georgetown office where several unvaccinated workers, who failed to present a negative PCR test, were asked to leave.

“The Guyana Police Force is reiterating its re-

spect for the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful protest. When such protests degenerate into unlawful activities, the Police will, as a consequence, have to take the requisite lawful action to ensure the maintenance of law and order,” the statement added.

On Wednesday, a protest started outside of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after the institution barred unvaccinated staff, including doctors and nurses, from entering its compound.

The Government has already said that healthcare workers and teachers who do not comply with the COVID-19 protocol and are barred from entering their workplace will be marked absent and not paid.

Moreover, the Government has been urging citizens to get vaccinated against the deadly virus.

This has been met with opposition by some persons who are refusing to take the vaccines for various reasons.

A gazetted order stipulates that no one will be allowed access to Government agencies’ services unless they are vaccinated.

Unvaccinated persons can only access services by appointment.

The new guidelines mandate that conductors and operators of public transportation be vaccinated. To gain access to businesses such as bars and casinos, patrons will be required to have a COVID vaccination card in their possession, accompanied by official identification. (G1)

Hospital driver remanded for stealing COVID-19 vaccination booklets

Remanded: Avinash Ramaherwar

T

wo days after he was arrested by Police ranks for allegedly stealing a dozen blank and unstamped COVID-19 books, 27-year-olf Avinash Ramaherwar, a driver attached to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, was on Friday remanded to prison for the offence.

The Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara resident was arraigned before Magistrate Zamilla AllySeepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

He was charged for simple larceny as well as forging an official document. He was not required to plead, and he has been remanded to prison until September 20.

Ramaherwar was among the three men arrested by Police on Wednesday after they were allegedly caught with 12 blank and unstamped COVID-19 vaccine books; 17 stamped sick leave forms; and several pieces of medical equipment, including a stethoscope, sugar testing kit, and pressure testing kit.

Initially, the suspects were caught with four blank and unstamped COVID-19 vaccine books, but based on investigations, Police on Wednesday went to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and made a request

The blank unstamped vaccination booklets that were allegedly found in Avinash Ramaherwar’s possession

to conduct a search on minibus PWW 3747, which is reportedly usually driven by Ramaherwar.

During the search, ranks found seven blue-coloured blank COVID-19 books in a compartment between the driver’s and passenger’s seats. This was brought to the suspects’ attention, but they bowed their heads and remained silent.

The trio was arrested after two of them visited the Vreed-en-Hoop Health Centre, West Coast Demerara, and requested a female nurse to stamp the booklets.

The nurse checked the booklets and observed that they were all blank, and knowing that the men were not supposed to be in possession of same, she immediately brought the issue to the attention of her supervisor, who subsequently reported the matter to the Vreed-enHoop Police Station.

As a result, the suspects were contacted and arrested at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, and were escorted to the Vreed-enHoop Police Station.

During questioning, Police searched the motorcar of one of the men and found a black-and-gold stethoscope, 17 blank sick leave forms which were all stamped with the West Demerara Regional Hospital stamp, and one COVID-19 booklet which was not stamped.

Police then went to the suspect’s home, where further searches conducted unearthed one machine for testing pressure and a machine for testing sugar in his bedroom. He was questioned about the items, and he stated that he had purchased them in Georgetown.

However, he could not produce any receipt for them.

Police said these items were immediately seized.

Police, in a subsequent statement on Wednesday, said Ramaherwar admitted that he would sometimes uplift the COVID-19 vaccination cards from the Health Ministry in Georgetown and take them to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, during which he took out 12 of the booklets.

TURN TO PAGE 16

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Syllabus for prosecutor course to be ready soon – Nandlall …to begin in UG’s new academic year

A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, has revealed that the syllabus for the prosecution course targeting law degree holders and Police prosecutors will be ready soon and they are hoping to have it rolled out in the University of Guyana’s (UG) new academic year.

“That [syllabus] is being designed by a consultant…

In fact, I am to receive that syllabus by the end of this month; this weekend, I’m hoping. I’ve already made contact with the University of Guyana and we are trying to see whether we can start that programme in this coming [academic] year,” Nandlall stated.

He explained that this initiative to strengthen the State’s prosecutorial capacity is one of the components of the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme funded by the Inter-American

Development Bank (IADB), which aims at addressing overcrowding in the prison system.

Speaking at the MidYear review of the SCJS programme on Wednesday, the Legal Affairs Minister noted that thus far, more than 80 law degree holders have signalled their interest in becoming State prosecutors during a recent survey.

“They are in Guyana and they are prepared to join this prosecutorial programme…

We have made contact already with over 80 such persons in Guyana. When I did a quick mathematical count, it means that we will have at least one of these persons in almost every magistrate’s court across this country.

And if we can do that within two to three years from now, that will be a phenomenal achievement,” the Attorney General posited.

Shortly after the PPP/C assumed office in August 2020, Nandlall announced

Legal Affairs Minister and AG Anil Nandlall, SC

this initiative as part of efforts to strengthen the prosecutorial arm of the State.

The course will be a one-year accredited programme implemented by UG with support from SCJS programme.

While Government is targeting these LLB graduates to participate in the

prosecutorial training, the Legal Affairs Minister reassured that the current cohort of Police prosecutors will also be included in this training.

“We believe that together, they will make an appreciable difference in the quality of representation the

State will receive and the Criminal Bar throughout the country,” he stressed.

For years Police Officers have been prosecuting cases at the level of the magistrates’ courts.

AG Nandlall pointed out that those ranks have done an extraordinarily impressive job given the fact that they went up against some of the most seasoned lawyers in the country without any formal legal training, in most instances.

But the Legal Affairs Minister, nonetheless, contended that this pattern cannot continue.

“We need the State’s interests, if we’re to seriously tackle crime, to be properly and better represented.

Justice is not a one-way street. Yes, the accused has rights but the State’s interest, the public interest must be taken into account and that scale of justice must be balanced…,” he stated.

On this note, the

Attorney General posited that while efforts continue to improve fair trials for accused persons and enhance fundamental rights and natural justice, similarly, there is need to build the State’s capacity to protect the public’s interest.

Nandlall had previously explained to Guyana Times that upon successful completion of the prosecutorial course, the graduates will be hired as prosecutors and will be working along with the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the various Guyana Police Force Court Superintendent offices.

Meanwhile, the Government has already announced plans to improve the human resource and infrastructural capacity of the DPP’s chambers which is expected to get expanded officer space to house more prosecutors to address the larger caseload over a shorter period. (G8)

Pritipaul Singh Investments looking to tap into Indian expertise in aquaculture …US$50M state-of-the-art facility on track for August 2022 completion

PSI CEO Pritipaul Singh with Indian High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa and others during Friday’s tour

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s Pritipaul Singh Investment (PSI) is consolidating its operations to a US$50 million state-of-the-art and modern facility currently under construction at Providence, East Bank Demerara, the local fishery giant is looking to tap into the expertise of India to further enhance its efficiency in the aquaculture industry.

The company engaged Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa, on Friday to discuss the possibility of having Indian experts come to Guyana to assist in streamlining aquaculture in Guyana to meet international standards. Following an hour-long meeting, Chief Executive Officer of PSI, Pritipaul Singh, and his team led the Indian diplomat on a tour of ongoing construction works at the Providence facility.

Speaking with reporters after the tour, Singh explained that the aqua-

culture sector in Guyana can produce massive benefits not only for industry stakeholders but also the country as a whole. Hence, he underscored the importance of having experts here to inform of how they can further enhance operations to maximise benefits.

“In Guyana, there is a great opportunity for Guyanese… all we need is knowledge and that is what I have spoken to [High Commissioner] about. We need to have a team from India – scientists who can come down here and set up a laboratory to educate aquaculture farmers on what is here so they can understand what is the mechanism to do aquaculture. Also, provide the expertise in producing fingerling, feed and also what are the basic requirements for an individual, when they start up and take an opportunity… [so that] they won’t fail. They’d be successful by having an in-

stitute where people are knowledgeable and people are being educated,” the businessman stated.

The PSI CEO went on to note that his company is already doing business with India and knows of the wealth of knowledge and expertise available there.

Now, he is turning to the Indian diplomat to assist in getting these experts here.

“We have also asked him for assistance with food technologists and also experts to support our new ventures. This would be the direction we are working towards. We have already initiated it… and I think before the end of the year, we will have a positive direction forward whereby we would get the best advice and eventually when we start this project, we would invite people to come here to educate us, train us and be with us to ensure that we stay on top of what we are doing,” Singh said.

Construction works ongoing on the US$50 million facility at Providence

Foster relations

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Srinivasa said Friday’s engagement was part of his office’s efforts to foster relations with not just the Guyana Government but also the local private sector. He noted that the Agriculture Ministry has already requested assistance from India in this sector and now a private company has directly reached out for same.

According to the Indian diplomat, PSI has the potential to further cement its place in the aquaculture industry.

“They want to do business with India and we would be very glad to help them, putting them in touch with the right people in India and see how best we can facilitate getting the right set of people to come to Guyana and give them the technical expertise to proceed,” Srinivasa said.

However, the High Commissioner explained that due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, getting things done such as the movement of personnel has been taking time. He cited travel restrictions resulting in longer routes having to be taken, transportation from India being delayed due to the non-availability of containers and the high costs of shipping as some of the challenges being faced.

Nevertheless, the Indian envoy said he is impressed with the investment being undertaken by PSI. “I think in this great disruptive time, the investments that is being made

by PSI are really great for this country,” he posited.

Updating reporters on the progress of the US$50 million facility, Singh indicated that the project is almost 50 per cent completed and is on schedule for its August 2022 completion.

According to the businessman, he has been integral-

ly involved in the process to ensure that they remain on track.

Upon completion, the multimillion-dollar modern facility is slated to be commissioned in November next year.

PSI embarked on consolidating its McDoom, Greater Georgetown, and Providence operations last year in order to increase its efficiency.

“We are looking to enhance our business, where we can quadruple our output and in the process of doing that, increase our efficiency… [to] keep up with the global demands and the markets in the international arena. We have embarked on areas where we can also be cost effective by bringing all two locations into one. At the end of the day, with the challenges in the world like the pandemic… as a business owner, [we have to be] creative to stay on top in the industry,” Singh stressed. (G8)

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

VP to lead Guyana’s delegation to global climate conference

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uyana will be among hundreds of countries attending the landmark 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26) set to open in November.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, a DPI report stated, will be leading a high-level delegation to Glasgow, Scotland, the host country of COP26.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said Guyana has been doing

its part to counter climate change and will be making its representation at the conference.

“We can definitely see the effects of climate change taking place today from the effects of emissions. We know that we are a small country but we have been contributing towards keeping down emissions. A high-level delegation that will be headed by the Vice President will be attending COP26,” Bharrat is quoted as saying.

COP (Conference of the Parties) are the 197 Parties (196 countries and the EU) that are signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – a treaty agreed to in 1994.

UN climate change conferences are among the largest international meetings in the world. The negotiations between governments are complex and involve officials from every country in the world, as well as repre-

Lockdowns give rise to economic hardships – Health Minister

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complete lockdown to mitigate against COVID-19 infections would give rise to grave economic hardships for the common man, bringing on consequential issues for the country.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony shared this position on Thursday during an engagement with the media, when asked about Government’s take on a lockdown for the country. This is in light of other countries utilising this model as they navigate the pandemic.

However, he pointed out that such lockdowns would impact the financial position of Guyanese, given they cannot venture out to earn.

“When you go under lockdown, it interferes with the country’s economy, people would lose jobs so it’s a lot of complication. What we need to do is try to get that balance between how to manage the pandemic and how also to be able to manage the economy.

If you lock down people and they don’t have money and food to eat, then you have a different problem.”

At the initial stage of the pandemic when Guyana had imposed a mandatory 18:00h to 06:00h curfew, United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) had found that

people were economically strapped. As such, the Minister added that the onus is upon authorities to find the right balance.

“There were surveys what were done across the Caribbean by ECLAC that shows that when Guyana was under the six-to-six curfew, how that would have damaged people’s pockets and the impact that would have had on people economically. It is a balance. I don’t think any country have the right answer. There are some countries that have a zero tolerance to COVID-19, like New Zealand. But those policies are hard to maintain because you have to be isolated from the rest of the world,” he indicated.

Moreover, Dr Anthony shared that infections are prone to rise once the lockdown is over. This is evident in several countries.

“When you come out of lockdown, you still have cases. Quickly, those cases go up back. We have seen that with many countries that went under lockdown.”

Presently, Government has several measures in place in its National COVID-19 Emergency Measures to protect against COVID-19.

The measures will end on August 31, 2021 – unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of

the Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

Before accessing services at Government agencies, unvaccinated persons are now tasked with calling the entity and making an appointment.

In order to transport members of the public, the gazetted document stipulates that, “Every operator and conductor of any public transportation service shall be vaccinated and have in their possession, an official identification document and their vaccination card, and shall produce these documents when requested to do so by a policy officer or any authorised by the Minister of Health”.

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

Dining is permitted at restaurants at 60 per cent capacity and tables placed six feet apart. Patrons at these businesses, except for children, must be vaccinated and have in their possession, an official identification document in addition to their vaccination card. (G12)

Vice President Bharrat Jadgeo

sentatives from civil society and the global news media.

Activity at a COP takes place in two different zones

– the Blue Zone and the Green Zone.

The Blue Zone is for people registered with the UN body tasked with coordinat-

ing the global response to the threat of climate change.

In the Blue Zone, delegates from countries meet for both formal negotiations and informal consultations.

Participants will also take part in meetings with other delegations to clarify their positions and interests with the aim of reaching agreement or overcoming a negotiating deadlock. The UNFCCC will also host a range of events, including technical briefings, to support the negotiations. The Green Zone is for the general public. There will be a wide range of events, including workshops, art exhibitions and installations, as well as presentations, demonstrations of technology and musical performances for participants to attend.

Woman slams bandits’ car into trench following robbery

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uick action by a robbery victim led to the arrest of three bandits and the recovery of the items stolen.

Police on Friday reported that at about 14:45h, a 44-year-old woman who had just left a bank at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was confronted by bandits in front of her Golden Grove, EBD home.

According to Police, enquiries disclosed that as the woman turned onto the bridge to enter her yard, she observed a silver 212 motor car with registration number PNN 6481 stopping at the back of her vehicle and two males, one armed with a black handgun, exited while the driver remained in the car.

The man approached the woman and demanded that she hand over the cash but the woman put up a resistance. This caused one of the bandits to discharge a round in her direction and they then snatched a brown envelope containing the US$1500; GY$290,000, a red iPhone XR and a multi-coloured bag containing a quantity of documents.

The bandits then rejoined the car and drove off.

However, the brave woman did not retreat but rather followed the bandits and as she got closer to them, she managed to brace the car with her vehicle into

The car which was slammed into the trench by the robbery victim

a nearby drain. Two of the men jumped out of the car and escaped on foot.

Police were called and recovered several documents, a red iPhone XR and $12,990. During a search of the car, several other items were found, including a gold iPhone S, and a Samsung Galaxy cell phone.

In a statement on Friday evening, Police said that after examining the vehicle with registration number PNN 6481, it was observed

that registration number PTT 7930 was engraved on the front, back and four glass doors while HC 7472 was seen under the number plate.

The suspect, who was apprehended with the help of public-spirited citizens and handed over to the Police, was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital to seek medical attention. Police are searching for the other two suspects.

Hospital driver remanded...

FROM PAGE 14

Police said further investigations led to a nurse being interviewed, but she denied that the signature in one of the books found in the suspects’ possession belonged to her.

Full brunt of the law

Meanwhile, in light of reports of persons selling and forging COVID-19 vaccination cards, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has is-

sued a stern warning that such persons, if caught, would face the full brunt of the law. In doing so, he reminded that under Section 240 of the Criminal Offences Act, Chapter 8:01, forgery is an offence. “…you can be prosecuted for forgery, and the fine, if you’re found guilty of forgery, would be up to three years’ imprisonment. And if you forge a vaccination card,

you will be liable to this type of punishment if caught. So, I want to encourage people: desist from such practices, because when we catch you, you are going to feel the full brunt of the law,” the Health Minister has forewarned.

He went on to say that the punishment, “…goes to the people who have access to the vaccination card, and the people who are buying the vaccination card”. (G1)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Communities in Region 8 engaged on BIT programmes

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Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton interacting with residents

abour Minister Joseph Hamilton over a three-day period held discussions in various areas within Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) in regards to rolling out the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programmes and cooperative and friendly societies

and other matters in the region.

The Minister and a team visited Kurukubaru, as well as Kato village, North Pakaraimas and Paramakatoi.

He engaged the Toshaos, Village Councillors, and various groups on the impor-

tance of BIT and informed them that the programmes are all free and are not limited to a specific age or gender.

Additionally, he disclosed the functions of BIT and the importance of the technical and vocational education training (TVET) it

provides, especially in hinterland regions.

During the meeting, residents also suggested programmes they would like to see in their community and which would be the most beneficial.

Moreover, it was noted that no educational requirements were necessary to be part of the programmes since they aim to provide persons with a skill, regardless of educational background.

Some programmes are expected to feature remedial courses that offer basic Mathematics and English sessions in assisting persons that are not too academically inclined.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed BIT Technical Officer for Region Eight, Jermain Guinness, will follow up with the residents about these programmes, which is the first step to ensuring training programmes

Persons at the meeting hosted in Region Eight

are efficiently rolled out in the area.

Further, Hamilton stressed on the importance of Community Service Officers (CSOs) and the need for them to be adequately trained.

He noted, however, that while CSO programmes enable young persons to earn

a living and ultimately contribute to cash flow within their villages, it is just a stepping stone in their personal development.

He charged the CSOs to diversify their skillsets so that they can become their own employers, attain higher positions and make room for new CSOs.

UG convenes retreat to discuss enactment of social work legislation

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he University of Guyana’s (UG) Department of Sociology, Social Work Unit, along with key national and international stakeholders, met on Tuesday and began strategic discussions to review and enhance the institution’s Masters’ of Social Work programme. This is in keeping with UG’s 2040 Blueprint which essentially aligns it as a key national development partner.

During the virtual retreat, discussions also ensued to establish the role of UG through the Department of Sociology, Social Work Unit will play in ensuring the enactment of social work legislation, licensure, and establishment of an accreditation council.

The event, which ended today, was declared open under the theme “Professional Social Work in Guyana: Reimagining education and practice to achieve planned change and promote social, economic and environmental justice, and human rights”.

And it is also being held in celebration of 50 years of social work education in Guyana.

Students, social workers, educators, and various key stakeholders locally, regionally, and internationally engaged in ways to further enhance the Master’s programme.

Delivering the feature address, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, expressed: “Fifty years ago, the University of Guyana responded to a need that existed and launched the Diploma in Social Work. This programme has produced generations of social workers who currently form the body of our social workforce. With great wisdom from the University of Guyana, the programme morphed into a Bachelor’s Degree, and in 2017 the Master of Social Work was launched under a servicing arrangement with York University and support from the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).”

The Minister noted that the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and many oth-

er institutions in both the private and public sectors have benefited from the hundreds of students who graduated from this programme.

She highlighted that the profession of social work is multidimensional, and requires an intersectoral approach to reimagine the education and practise of social work in Guyana, and urged the participants to seriously explore ways in which the programme at UG could be improved.

UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, in her remarks, recognised the contributions of the many stakeholders, locally and internationally, that have contributed and continue to contribute to the Social Work Programme at the University.

In particular UNICEF and early pioneers like Sybil Patterson, Patrice LaFleur, Jospehine Whitehead, Dr. Janice Jackson, Barbara Thomas Holder, and Christine King, to name a few, along with those being specially honoured this week.

She also noted, in particular, the unwavering support from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, Prof. Barbara Heron and her team from York University, Canada; UNICEF, and the team from the Department of Sociology at UG. The Vice-Chancellor explained: “Our second aspirational goal in the 2040 Blueprint is UG being a centre for excellence for some very specific areas. One of the exciting emerging areas that we are developing is human resiliency systems. It has become very important for us as human beings to not only be physically resilient, but to be mentally and emotionally resilient in every way. This is why the University of Guyana has framed its resiliency programme as human resiliency systems, because we want to look at all of the systems.”

She also said this review is programmed at a time when the University had launched its Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Research (CeBRES), which

will teach and research psychology, criminology, social work, and psychiatry; and whose dedicated counselling center will roll out UG’s new inclusion policy which emphasizes strongly students with mental health and physical vulnerabilities.

Head of UG’s Sociology Department, Andrew Hicks, in his remarks, said: “We are deeply appreciative of the work of our local partners and other members of our local academic community, who have remained steadfast in their support for our academic activities as a department. I am particularly delighted at the enthusiasm and interest of our partners in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security under the leadership of the distinguished Minister, who is also a former member of the faculty of the University of Guyana, Minister Vindhya Persaud.”

He also acknowledged the support of Prof. Barbara Heron and her team from York University, whom he said demonstrated consistent passion and commitment to the efforts of the University of Guyana in providing graduate social work education to local practitioners.

In her brief remarks, Prof.

Heron pointed out that despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, which affected her team’s ability to travel to Guyana to teach the new cohort of students in face-to-face mode, there is an opportunity now to “really give some thought to how the programme continues, and I really look forward to participating with everyone.”

The Master of Social Work programme was implemented in August 2017. The University’s Department of Sociology currently collaborates with York University as a strategic partner to deliver the teaching aspect of the programme.

The programme was developed in response to the prevailing demands from the Government, the international community, and non-government agencies.

Stakeholders saw the need for higher levels of skills among practitioners to effectively respond to the needs of persons. Key partners include: the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, the Child Care & Protection Agency, ChildLinK, and UNICEF. According to the Coordinator of the programme, Debbie Hopkinson, the virtual retreat is twofold: Firstly, it seeks to re-eval-

uate the Department of Sociology, Social Work Unit’s programme relevance in the changing landscape of the employment industry, to introduce additional modules that are fit for purpose; and secondly, it is a critical juncture to undertake a review of the Social Work Standards and commence preliminary discussions on Social Work Legislation, licensure, and accreditation in Guyana.

Hopkinson noted: “Having trained an estimated 70 students, it is now an opportune time to review this programme to ascertain how it is meeting the needs of our stakeholders. It is also critical at this juncture to determine how the curricula in its present construct are relevant to the new and emerging needs of Guyana.”

Dr. Paulette Henry, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, thanked all the stakeholders for their support, and their commitment to ensuring that the Master of Social Work Programme continues to improve.

Director of Children Services, Ann Greene, and retired educator Sylvia Conway were honoured for their years of selfless service in the area of social work.

Greene, a driving force and advocate for the protection of children’s welfare in Guyana, has been in the Social Work field for over fifty years.

“For me, it is a privilege to have served as a social worker. People ask me, I say I never see what I did as a job; it was never a job, I have never worked one day in my life.

What I have done all the years, it was a mission I was on. To me, it is a mission, and I’m still on it today,” Greene related.

Sylvia Conway has served as a teacher, lecturer, and strong advocate for human rights for several years. She currently sits on Guyana’s Adoption Board, the Parole Board, DDL Foundation, and the St Anne’s Orphanage Board. Conway was unable to join the ceremony, but recognition was given to her for her contributions in the area of social work in Guyana.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

Regional

Peru Congress green- T&T: PM concerned of possible impact lights leftist Cabinet of Delta variant among unvaccinated in boost for Castillo P

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eru’s Congress on Friday confirmed a new leftist Cabinet nominated by President Pedro Castillo, allowing the fledging Administration to continue an agenda focused on higher social spending coupled with higher taxes for the mining industry.

“I thank (Congress) for granting us the vote of confidence,” Castillo tweeted immediately after the vote.

“Consensus-building will allow us to govern together with the people for the development of public policies with a social face.”

Overall, 73 lawmakers voted in favour and 50 voted against confirming the Cabinet. Castillo’s party, the Marxist-Leninist Peru Libre, holds only a minority of congressional seats.

The vote will give the Castillo Administration some breathing room after a contentious first month, mired by allegations that some Cabinet members are aligned with a Maoist rebel group and a low 38 per cent approval rating.

Peru’s President Pedro Castillo walking out the Congress after his swearing-in ceremony, in Lima, Peru July 28, 2021

“This afternoon, what is perhaps the most mediocre Cabinet in republican history has been recognised,” said Hernando Guerra Garcia, an opposition lawmaker who represents the Popular Force party.

Castillo’s supporters say instead that the Cabinet represents historically marginalised Peruvians who do not hail from capital Lima.

Castillo took office a month ago after winning the presidency by a mar-

gin of just 0.25 percentage point against Popular Force candidate Keiko Fujimori.

His far-left platform has spooked markets, sending Peru’s sol currency tumbling to historic lows.

While Castillo wants to extract higher taxes from miners - Peru is the world’s second copper producer - he has yet to propose a framework to achieve it. Any tax reform would require congressional approval.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Paraguay grains ships cut loads, face delays as river levels drop

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rains ships and vessels transporting other products on the Paraguay River are loading at around half capacity due to a historic drought that has hit river levels in the South American region, hurting trade of key agricultural commodities.

Industry insiders said that many cargo holds on ships were being left empty, travel times were being delayed and farmers in the world’s fourth-largest exporter of soybeans were having to hold on longer to grains that they couldn’t ship.

“The situation is critical and delicate,” César

Jure, President of the Paraguayan Chamber of Cereal and Oilseed Exporters, told Reuters.

“A large proportion of cargo holds are going unused, which translates into a direct cost when it comes to taking the products to the River Plate (estuary in Argentina).”

Low rainfall has drastically reduced the level of the waterway, which originates in Brazil, crosses landlocked Paraguay and empties into the Paraná River in the north of major grains producer Argentina, a place that is also facing shipping hold-ups.

Experts estimate the

phenomenon, which began three years ago, will last until at least 2022, stymieing trade. Jure said that the situation was forcing exporters to look for alternatives such as land routes to ports in Brazil to fulfil contracts.

The Director of the Center for Fluvial and Maritime Ship-owners of Paraguay, Juan Carlos Muñoz, said that the drought was causing travel times to triple.

The soybean planting that begins next month could also be affected by the lack of fertilizers arriving, Muñoz added. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Vaccinated Chileans shout and dance for study to see if the show can go on for concerts

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accinated Chileans on Thursday night attended the first of a series of concerts that will be studied in a clinical trial to see if mass events like concerts can safely resume without spreading COVID. The trial is the result of a tie-up between Chile’s Musical Authors and Performers’ Society and the University of Chile to assess contagion risks at such events and try to get the live music industry back on its feet after the near-fatal blow dealt by the COVID pandemic and lengthy lockdowns in Chile.

A total of 200 seats will be available for each of three

concerts given by local rock band Chancho En Piedra over the next three months in a carefully ventilated venue in the capital Santiago.

Attendees must show proof of vaccination, wear masks and submit to PCR tests prior to the event and again eight days after.

Preliminary results will be issued in September.

Similar trials have been conducted with audiences of several thousand people attending rock concerts in Barcelona and Liverpool and revealed a lower rate of COVID spread than in the community, though in the case of

the Liverpool trial, less than half of attendees returned the post-concert COVID test.

The Chilean trial is unique in that it specifies that attendees must be vaccinated, taking advantage of the fact that Chile has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, with 70 per cent of its population already fully inoculated.

Dr Alejandro Afani, who is leading the trial at the University of Chile’s Clinical Hospital, said a lull in COVID cases in Chile and the high vaccination rate made it an apt moment to try restarting mass events. (Excerpt from Reuters)

rime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has said he was concerned and worried that the current policy for returning nationals could expose the country to the deadly Delta variant, and what it could mean for the unvaccinated population.

He expressed the concern while delivering the feature address at the handover ceremony for the Malabar Government Primary School.

“The policy we are following right now allows people who are vaccinated to come right in and go right home,

there is a risk there because nobody has said that if you are vaccinated you cannot be infected by the Delta variant,” he said.

Rowley said in that policy, a person with a negative PCR test could develop the symptoms of the virus three days later.

“We cannot guarantee and I am concerned, I am worried that the Delta variant could enter T&T and meet a largely unvaccinated population,” he said.

His concern extended to the unvaccinated juveniles.

“Young people who get over are showing significant

signs of damage to their bodies, their organs are damaged even though they’ve recovered from the virus. You don’t want that to be your child,” Rowley said.

Dr Rowley once again hammered out a case for the acceptance of the vaccine among those who are hesitant but warned that sometimes the law was needed to ensure people made the right choice.

He said that before wearing a mask was the law, he believed people would do it because it would keep them safer. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

UWI Mona issues vaccine mandate; all persons living on halls must be fully vaccinated

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he Mona Campus of The University of the West Indies (UWI) has advised that all students living on its halls of residence will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The UWI, in a statement Friday, said students currently living on halls have until September 3 to comply with the vaccination mandate.

The university is the first major institution in Jamaica to publicly issue a vaccine mandate.

According to the university, the requirement is to “ensure a safe living envi-

ronment for its staff and students”.

As such, all persons residing at the Papine-based campus, including those on 138 Student Living, must show that they are fully inoculated against the coronavirus.

“Evidence of vaccination, with any of the approved vaccines must be provided to the relevant student services and development manager in order to secure accommodation in the halls of residence,” the statement said.

It added that persons currently residing in halls who have not received, at a

minimum, their first vaccination shot, where applicable, are required to do so by Friday, September 3 in order to remain in the facility.

“All that is required for vaccination is a valid Government issued identification,” the statement implored.

It also advised that where a resident has received a first shot and is awaiting a second dose, those persons will be allowed to remain on hall. However, the administration is urging such persons to make the necessary arrangements to receive the second dose. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Brazil’s Indigenous burn giant coffin in protest ahead of vital land ruling

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group of about 150 Indigenous people protested in front of Brazil’s presidential palace on Friday, setting fire to a giant coffin that had been carried in a demonstration ahead of a landmark Supreme Court ruling over their ancestral lands.

The group was a small part of the roughly 6000 Indigenous people from 176 tribes that have descended on the capital to denounce a proposal setting a cut-off date of 1988 for their land claims.

Billows of black smoke rose from the flaming coffin in front of the palace, as protesters - many in traditional dress - shouted and chanted while soldiers stood guard nearby.

Originally slated for earlier this week, the Supreme Court on Thursday pushed the ruling to next week, saying it would reconvene on Wednesday to take up the case.

The ruling will affect hundreds of pending land claims, many of which offer a bulwark against deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Most have been

An Indigenous woman kneels during a protest against Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro and for land demarcation in front of the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil August 27, 2021

awaiting recognition for decades.

The case rose to the Supreme Court in an appeal by the Xokleng people - driven from their land in the southern Santa Catarina state over a century ago. The Xokleng have challenged what they call the state’s overly narrow interpretation of Indigenous rights, recognising only lands occupied by native communities when Brazil’s Constitution was ratified in 1988.

A defeat in court for the

Xokleng could set a precedent for the dramatic rollback of native rights which far-right President Jair Bolsonaro advocates. He says too few of them live on too much land, blocking agricultural expansion.

Powerful farming interests would have firmer legal ground to challenge Indigenous land claims and Congress would have the green light to write a restrictive definition of Indigenous lands into federal law. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

19

Around the world

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil posts biggest weekly gains in over a year ahead of Hurricane Ida

O

il prices rose 2 per cent on Friday, posting their biggest weekly gains in over a year, as energy firms began shutting US production in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of a major hurricane expected to hit early next week.

Brent futures rose US$1.63, or 2.3 per cent, to settle at US$72.70 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose US$1.32, or 2.0 per cent, to settle at US$68.74.

That was the highest close for Brent since Aug 2 and for WTI since Aug 12.

For the week, Brent gained over 11 per cent and WTI rose more than 10 per cent, which was the biggest weekly percentage gains for both since June 2020.

"Energy traders are pushing crude prices higher in anticipation of disruptions in output in the Gulf of Mexico and on growing expectations OPEC+ might resist raising output given the recent Delta variant impact over crude demand," Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA, said.

Oil producers on Friday have shut-in 59 per cent of Gulf of Mexico crude production as the ninth-named storm of the season barrelled towards the key US offshore oilfields, according to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE).

US oil and gas companies raced to complete evacuations from offshore Gulf of Mexico platforms before Hurricane Ida slams into Louisiana as a major storm early next week.

Gulf of Mexico offshore wells account for 17 per cent of US crude production, while over 45 per cent of total US refining capacity lies along the Gulf Coast.

"Historically speaking, crude oil rallies as hurricanes approach, despite the fact that refineries do not need crude oil when they are shut down during a storm," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York.

Offshore crude oil prices and Gulf Coast crude grades were strengthening due to the hurricane, traders said. Mars crude - considered the benchmark sour grade in the Gulf Coast - firmed to trade at about US$1.45 below benchmark futures, rising by about US$1 since Tuesday.

US oil rigs rose five to 410 this week, their highest since April 2020, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said. In August, drillers added 25 oil rigs, the most in a month since January, putting the oil rig count up for 12 months in a row for the first time since July 2017.

Oil prices were also supported by a decline in the US dollar to a one-week low versus a basket of other currencies following comments by US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

A weaker US dollar makes oil less expensive for holders of other currencies.

Powell, in a speech that affirmed an ongoing US economic recovery and explained why there is no rush to tighten monetary policy, gave a detailed account on Friday of why he regards a spike in inflation as temporary and offered no signal on when the central bank plans to cut its asset purchases beyond saying it could be "this year."

Looking ahead, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, will meet on Sept 1 to discuss its plan from July to raise output by 400,000 barrels per day every month for the next several months. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Afghanistan: US to continue Kabul evacuations “until last moment”

T

he US says it will keep evacuating Afghans from Kabul airport until "the last moment", despite continuing concerns about attacks from the Islamic State (IS) group.

Reports from Kabul now suggest as many as 170 people died in Thursday's attack on crowds at a gate to the airport.

The Pentagon says there are still credible threats against the airport.

The US is still processing Afghans desperate to leave.

Most NATO countries have now ended their emergency flights.

The deadline set by the US for its forces to leave Afghanistan expires on August 31.

The BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse

Hundreds of Afghans are still desperate to leave before the Taliban takes full control of the airport

Doucet, who is in Kabul, has been told by sources that the US and British troops are "wrapping up" at the airport, and that the Taliban will take over in "a matter of hours".

A spokesman for the Taliban said on Friday night they had now taken con-

Clot risk far lower from vaccines than virus – UK study

A dose of AstraZeneca vaccine is prepared at COVID-19 vaccination centre in the Odeon Luxe Cinema in Maidstone, Britain February 10, 2021 [Andrew Couldridge/Reuters]

The risk of rare blood clotting after receiving first doses of AstraZeneca or Pfizer COVID-19 jabs is far lower than from the virus, a largescale study by researchers from the University of Oxford found on Friday.

Fears over rare cases of clotting conditions have prompted some countries to rule out or limit rollout of the Oxford-developed AstraZeneca jab, with the United Kingdom recommending that healthy people under 40 get alternative vaccines.

The study published in the

BMJ medical journal examined data on 29 million people in England first vaccinated between December and April.

It found a very small increased risk of some clotting conditions that could lead to hospitalisation or death shortly after first doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines.

But it concluded that risks of most conditions were “substantially higher and more prolonged” after COVID-19 infection.

Reports have focused on the AstraZeneca jab’s link to

Hurricane Ida – New Orleans braces for possible direct hit

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he Mayor of New Orleans has called for residents to evacuate unprotected city neighbourhoods as Hurricane Ida bears down on the Louisiana coastline.

"Now is the time," said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a Friday news conference, calling for those living outside the city levee system to flee.

Forecasters say that the hurricane will reach category 3 strength by the time it

reaches the US on Sunday.

It is expected to bring heavy rain and winds to parts of Cuba as well.

The impact of climate change on the frequency of storms is still unclear, but we know that increased sea surface temperatures warm the air above and make more energy available to drive hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons. As a result, they are likely to be more intense with more extreme rainfall.

trol of parts of the airport.

However, the Pentagon disputed this.

According to the Pentagon, more than 5000 people remain inside the airport, waiting to be flown out. Officials also said measures had been implemented, in conjunction with the

Taliban, to improve safety.

The White House says more than 111,000 people have been evacuated since the airlift began nearly two weeks ago.

The mission, a White House official said, would prioritise the remaining American citizens who wanted to leave, with US forces "engaged in a variety of means to get them to the airport safely".

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has been warned that another terror attack in Kabul is likely in the coming days.

The next few days would be "the most dangerous period to date", a White House official said, adding that US forces were looking at possible IS targets. (Excerpt from BBC News)

In its latest bulletin, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami declared Ida to be a hurricane with current wind speeds of 75mph (125km/h).

Coincidentally, Sunday marks the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a category 3 hurricane which devastated New Orleans in 2005. Katrina flooded 80 per cent of the city and killed more than 1800 people.

Dangerous storm surg-

es are also forecast both in Cuba and the US. Experts say that if they hit at a time that coincides with high tides, sea water could flood over the New Orleans levee system and into the city.

Warm waters across the Gulf of Mexico are fuelling the storm's rapid intensification, the agency said, adding that flooding could also affect the neighbouring states of Mississippi and Alabama. (Excerpt from BBC News)

cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), or blood clots in the brain.

The study estimated that for 10 million people who received the AstraZeneca jab, there were seven additional cases, compared to 20 in people with COVID infection.

For blood clotting in a vein (venous thromboembolism), scientists estimated that there were 66 additional cases among 10 million who received the AstraZeneca jab, but 12,614 among those with

the virus.

The study found that the AstraZeneca jab was associated with excess cases of thrombocytopenia, or low levels of blood-clotting platelets, with 107 additional cases per 10 million people. But the figure for those infected with the virus was 934.

The Pfizer vaccine was linked to an estimated 143 excess cases of stroke per 10 million, while COVID was linked to 1699 excess strokes.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China will soon surpass Russia as a nuclear threat – senior US military official

C

hina, in the midst of a rapid nuclear weapons build-up, will soon surpass Russia as the United States' top nuclear threat, a senior US military official said on Friday, warning that the two countries have no mechanisms to avert miscommunication.

US Air Force Lieutenant General Thomas Bussiere, the Deputy Commander of the US Strategic Command, which oversees the country's nuclear arsenal, said China's development of nuclear capabilities "can no longer be aligned" with its public claim that it wants to maintain a minimum nuclear deterrent.

"There's going to be a point, a crossover point, where the number of threats presented by China will exceed the number of threats that currently Russia presents," Bussiere told an online forum.

He said the determination would not be based sole-

ly on the number of Beijing's stockpiled nuclear warheads, but also on how they are "operationally fielded."

"There will be a crossover point, we believe, in the next few years," Bussiere said.

Unlike with Russia, the United States did not have any treaties or dialogue mechanism with China on the issue to "alleviate any misperceptions or confusion," he added.

Bussiere's comments come as the United States is attempting to realign its foreign policy to put greater emphasis in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's growing economic and military might.

Think-tank reports based on satellite imagery say China appears to be constructing hundreds of new silos for nuclear missiles, and Washington has accused Beijing of resisting nuclear arms talks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Get your finances in order and consider what you can afford to do that will make your life easier and your surroundings more convenient. Take the initiative and ask questions.

Put your intelligence to good use. Get involved in activities or events that allow you to use your skills to make a difference. Your efforts will raise your profile and lead to a quality connection.

Be cautious when dealing with domestic situations.

Opposition is apparent if someone doesn't like the way you do things. Compromise or do things by yourself to avoid a blowout.

Concentrate on your physical and emotional well-being.

Adopt a routine geared toward good nutrition, exercise and hanging out with people who bring out the best in you.

Fix up your space.

Take precautions if someone is pushy or using emotional tactics to persuade you to tackle something that isn't in your best interest.

Back away from extreme situations. Settle down.

Stand tall. Trust in your beliefs, skills and knowledge. Bring about changes that make you feel good about yourself and your accomplishments. Listen and learn from others.

Be aware of your rights and what's possible. A disciplined approach to joint ventures, home improvements and over-the-top behavior will help ward off negative results.

Don't limit what you can do because you took on too many responsibilities. Delegate jobs better suited to others and take care of the most relevant details using your skills and knowledge.

Move forward cautiousSAGITTARIUS ly when discussing import(Nov. 23ant matters with a friend, Dec. 21) relative or neighbor. It's important to let others reveal their thoughts if you want to maintain control.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Stop procrastinating and start implementing changes that will add to your comfort and happiness. Your intuition will guide you to a better place. A steady pace forward would be best.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Distance yourself from anyone implementing changes that make you feel uncomfortable. Concentrate on building strength and maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle.

PISCES

You'll have a good idea that saves money and encourages you to use your skills more efficiently. Believe and trust in your ability, and invest more time in getting what you want.

(Feb. 20March 20)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

21

England vs India: The Headingley Test…

Cheteshwar Pujara leads tourists' resistance at Headingley serious danger of being on the wrong end of another famous Headingley comeback, they are being made to battle hard to level the series at 1-1.

Pujara leads India resistance

Cheteshwar Pujara remained unbeaten on 91

E

ngland's push for victory in the third Test has been met by stubborn resistance from India on day three at Headingley.

Needing 354 to make England bat again, India rebounded from being bowled out for 78 in their first innings by working to 215-2.

They were led by Cheteshwar Pujara's stoic 91 not out, while Rohit Sharma made a stylish 59.

When their second-wicket stand of 82 was ended, captain Virat Kohli looked in good order for his unbeaten 45.

England, who lost their last

two wickets for nine runs in the morning, to be dismissed for 432, largely bowled well without reward. Ollie Robinson and Craig Overton were particularly impressive on an unresponsive pitch, claiming a wicket each.

While England are not yet in

Pujara had gone 12 Test innings without a Test half-century, but made 45 on the fourth day of the second Test to lay the foundation for India's sensational win.

Here, on the ground he graced as Yorkshire's overseas player, he typified India's approach - patient, determined and watchful - for his highest Test score since January 2019.

Pujara arrived after KL Rahul was stunningly taken one-handed at second slip by Jonny Bairstow off Overton. He left with sound judgement, and scored with sweet tucks through mid-wicket.

Rohit played wonderful drives, but could have been lbw to Robinson on 39, had England not delayed the review. By the time Root called for it, the allotted 15 seconds were up.

When Rohit played across one from Robinson, the review could not save him, the ball shown to be clipping the leg stump.

Kohli himself is without a half-century in eight innings, and without a hundred in 18, but he looked ominous in an unbroken

SCOREBOARD INDIA 2ND INNINGS Rohit Sharma lbw b Robinson 59 KL Rahul c Bairstow b Overton 8 Cheteshwar Pujara not out 91 Virat Kohli (c) not out 45 Extras (b 4, lb 2, nb 4, w 2) 12 TOTAL (80 Ov, RR: 2.68) 215/2 Yet to bat: Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant †, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami,

third-wicket stand of 99.

England forced to work hard

It was unrealistic for England to expect the third day to be as one-sided as the previous two; yet, although they did not get the wickets they desired, it was not for a lack of effort. Time and again the home side went past the outside edge.

Overton was the pick of the bowlers, at one point delivering a 10-over spell either side of lunch that was rewarded by the wicket of Rahul.

Sam Curran was the only

Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-34 (KL Rahul, 18.6 ov), 2-116 (Rohit Sharma, 47.4 ov) BOWLING James Anderson Ollie Robinson Craig Overton Sam Curran Moeen Ali Joe Root

O-M-R-W 19-8-51-0 18-4-40-1 17-6-35-1 9-1-40-0 11-1-28-0 6-1-15-0

disappointment. Root used him for only one of the first 37 overs, and when he was given a prolonged spell, it was expensive.

Given the cloudy conditions, it was understandable that Moeen Ali's off-spin was often ignored, but he and Root were forced to bowl 12 overs in tandem at the end of the day. At one point, Root got one to rip through Kohli, suggesting that spin may become a factor on Saturday and Sunday.

When play does resume, England will have the boost of the second new ball being available.

(BBC.COM)

Nandu, Thorne included in West Indies 18-man U-19 squad Matthew Nandu

T

he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Selection Panel today announced an 18-member West Indies U19 squad for the upcoming tour of England. The squad will be led Ackeem Auguste, with Giovonte Depeiza as vicecaptain.

Auguste is a left-handed top-order batsman, while Depeiza is a right-handed middle-order batsman and left-arm spinner.

Robert Haynes, Lead Selector for U19 Rising Stars, said: “This trip to England is part of the preparation for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup next year, and will prove valuable experience for these young men. We have a very good combination, and it is really pleasing to see we have quality all-

round cricketers in the group, which gives us more options.

“The conditions in England will be challenging, and they know that, but they have fantastic management support in the set-up, including Sir Curtly Ambrose, whose experience and knowledge will be an asset.”

Haynes added: “We started the selection process four weeks ago with 60 very talented youngsters from all across the region. It wasn’t easy cutting the squad down, but if you look at the balance in the bowling attack we have now selected, with six fast bowlers and three specialist spinners, you can see we have selected a quality attack. “ W e also have some talented batsmen whom we expect to perform well. The work that everyone has put in to get these guys here to this level has been exceptional.”

Rohan Nurse will lead the coaching staff as the Acting Head Coach, as Floyd Reifer is unavailable due to prior contractual arrangements with the Caribbean Premier League.

The tour will feature six Youth One-Day Internationals at The County Ground, Beckenham and The Polo Farm, Canterbury from Saturday September 4 to Friday September 17.

The West Indies Rising Stars U19 squad was selected following an eight-match trial series with 60 players. From there the squad was reduced to 26 players, who were then involved in more intensive, targeted, high-performance coaching and simulation sessions.

The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup will be hosted by Cricket West Indies from January 4 to February 3, 2022. West Indies U19 ‘Rising Stars’ squad consists of CAPTAIN: Ackeem Auguste: age 17 (left-hand bat/right-arm legspin) VICE CAPTAIN: Giovonte Depeiza: age 18 (right-hand bat/left-arm spin) Onaje Amory: age 17 (right-hand bat/right-arm offspin) Isai Anderson Amurdan: age 18 (right-hand opening Thorne

bat) Justin Beckford: age 17 (right-hand bat/right-arm offspin) Teddy Bishop: age 18 (right-hand opening bat) Carlon Bowen-Tuckett: age 17 (right-hand bat/wicketkeeper) McKenny Clarke: age 18 (right-hand bat/right-arm fast) Rivaldo Clarke: age 18 (right-hand bat/wicket-keeper) Nathan Edward: age 16 (left-hand bat/left-arm fastmedium) Andel Gordon: age 18 (right-hand bat/left-arm medium-pace) Sion Hackett: age 18 (right-hand bat/right-arm medium-fast) Justin Jagessar: age 16 (right-hand bat) Johann Layne: age 17 (right-hand bat/right-arm fastmedium) Anderson Mahase: age 18 (left-hand bat/left-arm spin) Matthew Nandu: age 18 (left-hand bat/right-arm offspin)

Isai Thorne: age 16 (right-hand bat/right-arm fast) Vasant Singh: age 17 (right-hand bat/right-arm legspin)

Team Management

Rohan Nurse (Acting Head Coach) Sir Curtly Ambrose (Assistant Coach) Steve Liburd (Assistant Coach) Junie Mitcham (Team Manager) Avenesh Seetaram (Analyst) Alex Forde (Strength & Conditioning Coach) Lyndon Knights (Physiotherapist)

Match schedule

Saturday, September 4: 1st Youth ODI – Beckenham Monday, September 6: 2nd Youth – Beckenham Wednesday, September 8: 3rd Youth ODI – Beckenham Friday, September 10: 4th Youth ODI – Canterbury Tuesday, September 14: 5th Youth ODI – Canterbury Friday, September 17: 6th Youth ODI – Canterbury

Essequibo youths receive cricket gear from “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana” project

T

hree under-15 cricketers from the Pomeroon area have been recipients of cricket gear from the project “Cricket Gear for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana”.

Ronaldo Casiemero, Usane Rose and Harold DeMattos, all 14 years old, were the outstanding performers at the recently concluded under-15 tournaments run by the Pomeroon Cricket Committee.

This initiative is a joint effort of Kishan Das of the USA and Anil Beharry of Guyana. Three bats, two pairs of batting pads and four pairs of batting gloves were earlier handed over to Sherman Austin for distribution. Two of the three bats will be handed over shortly.

The aim is to provide cricket gear free of cost to young and talented cricketers in Guyana. The project is seeking new and used cricket gear which will then be distributed across the length and breadth of Guyana.

Total cricket-related items collected so far: cash for first-aid kit, two cricket boots, twelve pairs of batting pads, eleven bats, nine pairs of batting gloves and four

cricket bags.

Sixteen young players from Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon and the East Canje area have already benefited from a junior gear bag, five bats, six pairs of batting pads and four pairs of batting gloves. Two clubs in the Pomeroon will soon benefit from two used bats.

Talent spotting will be done across Guyana, along with guidance from club leaders to identify the players.

Players must be in school and be disciplined, but players above school age would also be considered.

Das and Beharry would like to thank Imran and Javed Khan of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Travis Simon, Hilbert Foster of RHTY&SC, Ariel Tilku, Aaron Beharry, Devon Ramnauth, Sherman Austin, Teddy Singh, Leana Bachan and Imran Saccoor, Romash Munna and Vishal Mahabir. More distribution will be done as soon as gear arrives from the USA. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623-6875, or Kishan Das on 1-718-664-0896.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

BCB President meets with West Berbice cricket clubs, unveils developmental programmes − Blairmont CC receives grass cutter

"T

he West Berbice Cricket Association has never supported me and my slate at BCB elections, but that has not stopped me from reaching out to them on a daily basis to seek ways of how to develop cricket in the area.

“My duty is to spearhead the development of the game in every area, whether they vote for me or not, and your sub-association has benefited from that policy, just like the rest of the county.

"I want you to work as a collective body, as there is no place for setting of scores, petty attitudes, or indifference in the administration of sports.

“I want to reassure you that West Berbice is not only a vital piece of the BCB plans, but that you would continue to benefit from our hard work in the future."

Those were the words of President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, as he addressed representatives of cricket clubs in the West Berbice Sub Association.

The President and several of his executives, including Secretary Angela Haniff and Competitions Chairman Leslie Soloman, met with the clubs at the Hopetown Community Centre in the first of more than 20 face-the-club meetings they would be hosting across the county.

BCB Vice President Robby Saywack handing over a grass cutter to the Blairmont Ground in the presence of BCB officials and representatives of West Berbice clubs

Since his election as BCB President, Foster has held numerous meetings with representatives of clubs each year, to listen to their concerns and to discuss areas of cooperation as part of the BCB policy of transparency and accountability.

The clubs were informed that the proactive BCB would be seeking to restart its 2021 cricket season in early October, and, as such, they should seek to have their venues in order.

Foster has urged the clubs to focus on their membership, as several players might have quit the game during the prolonged break, and special emphasis should be placed on their junior teams to attract new members. He informed them that tournaments would be played at the Under 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 levels while tournaments would also be played at the internal zone, female, second division and first division levels, as well as all junior tour-

naments would be played using the 2021 cutoff dated.

The BCB President also announced that, for the first time, the board would provide the West Berbice Area with a developmental grant of one hundred thousand dollars, which clubs agreed would be used to purchase balls for the eight active clubs in the area.

Among the other major announcements made were the hosting of a two-day mini cricket academy for 40 youths, the donation of pitch covers worth $324,000 to the area, and the hosting of a special cricket tournament in memory of the late cricket coach Michael Hyles. Foster also informed clubs that more than 30 youths in the sub association would shortly benefit from personal gear as part of a massive investment in promising youths across the county, while great effort would be made to obtain cricket nets as well.

The BCB has handed over a grass-cutter to the Blairmont ground under its ground improvement project which has distributed a total of 25 grass-cutters across the county. Five clubs in the sub association have now received grass-cutters in the area, and Foster has urged them to take care of the equipment.

The West Berbice Cricket Association has also been mandated to select a youth cricketer to receive a cycle under the BCB Michael

Ramdeen Memorial Trust Fund, while the BCB head informed the gathering that the board has been working hard to obtain funding to assist first division clubs.

Clubs were also urged to select one person from within their membership to be trained to become an umpire, while they were also informed that their players above the age of 18 years would have to have at least one dose of a COVID vaccine in 2021 and two doses in 2022 to play in tournaments.

Youth players in 2022 would have to get at least one dose to play at the junior level, as the board strives to protect its officials and players from the deadly COVID disease.

At the conclusion of the successful meeting, Foster congratulated WBCA President David Black on his leadership of the game in his area, and urged the clubs to uphold their high standards.

Representatives of the clubs were given the opportunity to raise matters of concern with the BCB leadership, and numerous queries were raised and answered by Foster and his team. Black, on behalf of the teams, expressed gratitude to the BCB delegation for the meeting, and noted that he is consulted on all decisions regarding West Berbice cricket

by Foster, who strongly believes in seeking advice as much as possible.

GFF launches “talent Lucrative circuit race ID” ahead of Concacaf set for tomorrow Men’s U20 Qualifiers

T

he Guyana Football Federation will assess potentially new national U20 male players at a series of “talent ID” sessions in Guyana and the United States in August and September, as the technical department prepares for the 2022 Concacaf U20 Championship Qualifiers in November.

The first talent identification sessions will take place at the GFF National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Saturday, August 28th and Sunday, August 29th. All players must provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR

test.

“We are looking forward to seeing new players emerge through these sessions, so that we can ensure our U20 squad represents the very best young talent Guyana has to offer as we work towards qualification for the 2022 Concacaf U20 Championship,” said U20 Head Coach Wayne Dover.

“We will make an announcement on the selection of the squad shortly after this talent identification process is completed in Guyana and the United States,” he said.

Players born on or after January 1st, 2003, who have been proposed by eight

of the GFF’s regional associations, will take part in the trials at the NTC as part of the first steps in the long journey towards the FIFA U20 World Cup 2023.

Boys from the Georgetown Football Association, the East Bank Demerara Football Association, the East Coast Demerara Football Association and the West Coast Demerara Football Association will participate on Saturday, between 9h and 11h. Talent from the Upper Demerara Football Association, the Bartica Football Association, the Berbice Association and the Essequibo/Pomeroon Football Association will be assessed on Sunday, between 13h and 15h.

A separate talent ID process for the Rupununi Football Association will be conducted in Region 9.

Other areas of the hinterland would be catered for via player recommendations from trusted representatives across the country.

Between Friday, September 24th and Sunday, September 26th, the technical department will oversee a similar scouting process in the United States, led by Dover and his team.

C

Suzanne Hamilton

yclists across the country will battle for supremacy tomorrow, Sunday August 29, in a race sponsored by Touche Kosmetics and being run on the outer circuits of the National Park.

The race will commence from 8:00h, and be run in three different categories - Females, Juniors/Juveniles, Masters Over-50 and Under-50, and Open category.

The Open category will be a 15-lap affair, and the winner of that category would bag a cash prize of $60,000. The Masters Under-50 and Over50 will ride for 10 laps, and each winner thereof would be rewarded with $40,000.

Top female, junior and juvenile riders would each be rewarded with $40,000 in their 10-lap race. The Masters will have the option of choosing which race they prefer to participate in on the day, either the Open or Masters event.

More than 50 riders from

across the country have already registered for this event.

The city boys would be aiming to dominate the proceedings, but would first have to contend with the Linden and Berbice contingents.

Christopher Griffith, Paul DeNobrega and Curtis Dey from Team Evolution would want to steal the show, while the Berbicians, especially from the Flying Ace Cycling Club, will be aiming to invade

the outer circuit.

The likes of Andre "Padlock" Green, top junior rider Mario Washington, veteran Gary Benjamin, Syborne Fernandes, Andre Hicks, Myron Rose and Travis Cipriani, among others, would be aiming to dominate.

Linden's Sunzanne Hamilton, who is also the National Female Champion, would want to extend her dominance in the female category.

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Andre Russell unleashes mayhem as Jamaica Tallawahs win big

23

Migael Pretorious bagged 4-32 on debut

A

Andre Russell scored the fastest 50 in 14 balls

ndre Russell unleashed mayhem in hitting a 14ball half-century, the fastest in CPL history, as the Jamaica Tallawahs opened CPL 2021 with a massive 120-run win over an insipid St Lucia Kings on Friday.

The Kings bowled as many as 14 wides and seven no-balls, and took as many as two hours to finish their allotted quota of overs. For Faf du Plessis, it was the stuff nightmares are made of, as although he called correctly and elected to bowl, the Kings were staring at a monstrous 256-run chase by the time he walked off for the break.

Russell walloped four of his six sixes in the penultimate over, taking an off-colour Wahab Riaz to the cleaners in the arc between deep square leg and long-on. The over went for 32, with Riaz finishing with figures of 3-0-61-0. It came on the back of Obed McCoy, the left-arm seamer, picking up three wickets in the 18th over as batter after batter fell looking to hit out.

The Kings started with Rahkeem Cornwall taking 14 off the first three balls before top-edging a pull off young South Africa pacer Migael Pretorius, who also removed du Plessis for a golden duck two balls later.

SCOREBOARD JAMAICA TALLAWAHS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Chadwick Walton † c Paul b Chase 47 Kennar Lewis c McCoy b Chase 48 Haider Ali c Usman Qadir b McCoy 45 Rovman Powell (c) c du Plessis b McCoy 38 Andre Russell not out 50 Carlos Brathwaite c †Fletcher b McCoy 0 Migael Pretorius not out 2 Extras (lb 4, nb 7, w 14) 25 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 12.75) 255/5 Did not bat: Shamarh Brooks, Chris Green, Veerasammy Permaul, Imran Khan Fall of wickets: 1-81 (Kennar Lewis, 5.6 ov), 2-117 (Chadwick Walton, 9.3 ov), 3-199 (Rovman Powell, 17.1 ov), 4-199 (Haider Ali, 17.2 ov), 5-201 (Carlos Brathwaite, 17.4 ov) BOWLING O -M-R-W Wahab Riaz 3 -0-61-0 Keemo Paul 4-0-41-0 Obed McCoy 4-0-52-3 Usman Qadir 3-0-38-0 Roston Chase 4-0-33-2 Kesrick Williams 2-0- 26-0

ST LUCIA KINGS INNINGS (TARGET: 256 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Rahkeem Cornwall c Russell b Pretorius 14 Andre Fletcher † c Brathwaite b Russell 9 Faf du Plessis (c) c †Walton b Pretorius 0 Roston Chase c †Walton b Pretorius 11 Mark Deyal c Khan b Green 5 Tim David c Haider Ali b Pretorius 56 Keemo Paul run out (Brooks/ Permaul) 0 Wahab Riaz b Khan 26 Usman Qadir c †Walton b Khan 6 Kesrick Williams not out 2 Obed McCoy c Brooks b Khan 0 Extras (w 6) 6 TOTAL (17.3 Ov, RR: 7.71) 135 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Rahkeem Cornwall, 0.4 ov), 2-15 (Faf du Plessis, 0.6 ov), 3-33 (Roston Chase, 2.4 ov), 4-38 (Mark Deyal, 3.1 ov), 5-56 (Andre Fletcher, 4.5 ov), 6-56 (Keemo Paul, 5.1 ov), 7-109 (Tim David, 10.5 ov), 8-118 (Usman Qadir, 13.5 ov), 9-135 (Wahab Riaz, 17.1 ov), 10-135 (Obed McCoy, 17.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Migael Pretorius 4- 0-32-4 Chris Green 3-0-25-1 Andre Russell 3-0-19-1 Veerasammy Permaul 3-0-25-0 Rovman Powell 2 -0-27-0 Imran Khan 2.3-0-7-3

Kennar Lewis scored a brisk 48 at the top of the order

The Kings’ captain was beaten for pace by a short ball that he gloved to wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton. Pretorius came back to pick up a third in his next over when he had Roston Chase nicking behind.

By then the chase had already been derailed, with

the Kings reduced to 33 for 3, which soon became 56 for 6 when Keemo Paul was out to a suicidal run-out. Singapore batter Tim David, who landed an IPL deal with the Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier in the week, showed glimpses of his big-hitting abilities.

Using his big stride to muscle the ball cleanly over cover and through the leg side, David kept the runs ticking, and got to his half-century off just 22 deliveries to help his side reduce the margin of defeat. His dismissal, which gave Pretorius his fourth wicket on CPL debut, ended any semblance of hope the Kings might have had of reducing the margin of defeat to double-digits.

If Russell's knock was blockbuster, Kennar Lewis's was the perfect prelude. The burly right-hander got stuck into Riaz, peppering the short leg side boundary with some muscular hits in his 22-ball 48, which consisted of two fours and five sixes. By the time he had chipped a half-pull straight to deep midwicket, the Tallawahs had raced to 81 for 1 in six overs.

It allowed Pakistan's Haider Ali and Walton time to settle in before picking up the pace. Walton made 47, and his dismissal in the tenth over brought out Rovman Powell, who made 38. It wasn't until the 18th over that Russell walked out to bat. And just when it elicited doubts that the Tallawahs had erred by sending him that late, he managed to make an impact of the kind that has made him a T20 MVP over the years. He effectively killed the contest with his blitzkrieg as the Tallawahs went home smiling. (ESPNcricinfo)

The “Rutherford Show” arrives at Warner Park …Grateful to Bravo and Emrit

By Timothy Jaikarran

P

laying his first match with a new franchise in the form of St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, big things were already expected from Guyana’s very own Sherfane Rutherford.

Head Coach of the team, Simon Hemlot, expected Rutherford to produce the goods, as he labelled him the “X-Factor” in the team. Despite all that was said, Rutherford was never under pressure, as he delivered exactly what the doctor had ordered.

When the Patriots decimated the Barbados Tridents in match 2 of the Hero CPL, Rutherford in particular scored a handy 53 off 43 deliveries (2x4, 4x6) alongside his captain Dwayne Bravo, who scored 47 not out.

The innings was special as Rutherford came in at 394, calmed his aggressive nature and played himself in before he let loose.

Alongside Bravo, the pair rebuilt the entire Patriots’ first innings total and gave them a fighting chance, which in the end saw them winning by 21 runs.

In an interview with this publication, Rutherford was asked what he felt about his performance. He replied, “Well, the man-of-the-match performance is very special. Coming into a new franchise, you always want to start well; you always want to make sure that you are up there. So, for me, it was special and it was one for me to learn and carry forward, and look to build from it.

“The pitch was difficult to start up front, it is one of those wickets where you need to give yourself a few balls and try to catch up in the back end. Also, it is one of those wickets where you need to look for a lot of singles to keep that momentum going.”

In terms of what was going through his mind when he was batting, Rutherford noted that as the wickets were falling, he reminded himself that if he is still at the crease, he can always make up at the back end of the innings. Despite having the fire power, he relayed,

it was more important that he and Bravo build a vital partnership, which would allow Fabien Allen to finish things off at the end.

The talented left-hander has said that, coming into the new franchise, he was given the opportunity to bat a bit up the order, which was at number five. In a heartbeat, Rutherford accepted the role, as he had always wanted that responsibility when he could give himself some time at the crease to get settled, and rotate the strike and finish things off at the end.

Hence, he is grateful that the new role he has been given came off successful, and is looking forward to scoring many more runs at the said position.

In closing, Rutherford said, “I would like to thank my parents for supporting me. Also, coming into this team, Bravo and Rayad Emrit gave me a lot of confidence. Even during the training session, Emrit was there with me, and he told me to just forget about everything that happened last year and just come and enjoy and play free cricket.

“Even when Bravo saw me the first day, he was like, ‘Young man, it’s time for you to come and enjoy yourself and play free cricket’. The confidence started from the dressing room, training, and it’s always good to have that freedom, so I must say thanks to them.”

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021

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

Andre Russell unleashes mayhem as Jamaica Tallawahs win big Page 23

Kieron Pollard cuts loose to seal chase after Isuru Udana’s 5-wicket haul SCOREBOARD K

ieron Pollard turned what had looked an uncertain run chase into a canter for Trinbago Knight Riders after the defending champions had been set up for their opening victory in this year’s tournament by Isuru Udana’s career-best five-wicket haul.

It was a good game for left-arm seamers, with Mohammad Amir responding with three wickets in his opening spell, but from 38 for 4 in the eighth over, Knight Riders were taken to victory by an unbroken stand of 87 in nine overs between Pollard and Denesh Ramdin. The target was hauled into view with a barrage of sixes - the last of them taking Pollard to a 29-ball fifty.

Barbados Royals had made a reasonable start in the Powerplay, but things then started to go wrong in

the space o f consecutive overs from Udana. His first wicket was fortuitous, as Johnson Charles was given caught behind pulling, only for replays to show it came

off the shoulder. Then in four balls of his next over, Udana had Jason Holder and Glenn Phillips caught in the deep, to leave the Royals at 42 for 3.

There was

something of a recovery from Shai Hope and Azam Khan, before Hope was brilliantly caught by Darren Bravo running in from long-on against the excellent Akeal Hosein. Udana completed the first five-wicket haul of his T20 career when he returned for his last over, and had Khan slicing to short third man and his fellow Sri Lankan Thisara Perera held in the deep.

Pollard was also rewarded for aggressive captaincy when Kyle Mayers edged Sunil Narine to slip in the 16th over. In the end, Royals were unable to bat out their 20 overs, with their last six wickets falling for 19.

They hit back strongly in the Powerplay through Amir, who removed N a r i n e first ball, miscuing

to mid-off, extracted Lendl Simmons’s middle and leg stumps, then had Colin Munro taken at slip when he was cramped by a shorter delivery.

There was some awkward bounce to contend with while the ball was new, with Holder and Oshane Thomas causing a number of uneasy moments.

The pressure that was built in the first half of the chase resulted in Tim Seifert’s wicket when he top-edged to deep square.

At that stage Royals were firmly in the contest, but with such a small target and Pollard’s ability to change gear - the required rate was never a problem. Royals were also hampered by a loose first over from Hayden Walsh, with Holder then not confident to give the leg-spinner another bowl.

Ramdin, who had taken a thudding blow on the arm guard from Thomas, was content to play second fiddle once Pollard was settled.

Amir was brought back for his last over in the 13th to try and conjure a wicket, but was seen off, and from there Knight Riders did not look back.

(ESPNcricinfo)

BARBADOS ROYALS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Glenn Phillips c Seales b Udana 24 Johnson Charles c †Ramdin b Udana 13 Jason Holder (c) c Hosein b Udana 3 Shai Hope † c Bravo b Hosein 20 Azam Khan c Simmons b Udana 30 Kyle Mayers c Simmons b Narine 3 Thisara Perera c Seales b Udana 6 Ashley Nurse not out 8 Hayden Walsh c †Ramdin b Rampaul 3 Mohammad Amir run out (†Ramdin/Udana) 1 Oshane Thomas c sub (T Webster) b Rampaul 0 Extras (lb 1, w 10) TOTAL (19.2 Ov, RR: 6.31)

11 122

Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Johnson Charles, 4.5 ov), 2-39 (Jason Holder, 6.2 ov), 3-42 (Glenn Phillips, 6.6 ov), 4-74 (Shai Hope, 11.6 ov), 5-103 (Azam Khan, 14.1 ov), 6-109 (Thisara Perera, 14.6 ov), 7-110 (Kyle Mayers, 15.4 ov), 8-118 (Hayden Walsh, 16.6 ov), 9-122 (Mohammad Amir, 18.2 ov), 10122 (Oshane Thomas, 19.2 ov)

BOWLING Akeal Hosein Ravi Rampaul Jayden Seales Isuru Udana Sunil Narine

O-M-R-W 4-0-18-1 3.2-0-13-2 4-0-42-0 4-0-21-5 4-0-27-1

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (TARGET: 123 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Lendl Simmons b Mohammad Amir 5 Sunil Narine c Perera b Mohammad Amir 0 Colin Munro c Nurse b Mohammad Amir 8 Tim Seifert c Phillips b Thomas 15 Denesh Ramdin not out 29 Kieron Pollard not out 54 Extras (lb 5, nb 3, w 2) 10 TOTAL (16.5 Ov, RR: 7.42) 125/4 Did not bat: Darren Bravo, Isuru Udana, Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul, Jayden Seales BOWLING Mohammad Amir Jason Holder Oshane Thomas Hayden Walsh Thisara Perera Ashley Nurse

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O-M-R-W 4-0-21-3 4-1-30-0 4-0-14-1 1-0-9-0 1.5-0-27-0 2-0-19-0