Guyana Times - Saturday July 17, 2021

Massy Group reopens Massy Motors in Essequibo

P14 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4711

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021

Guyana, Brazil wells are best oil recovery performers in industry – UK consultancy group

Ballot Box Martyrs remembered for sacrifice towards Guyana’s democracy Page 17

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7-week-old baby dies due to medical negligence at Mahaicony Hospital – P15 mother

Haslington man killed in suspected hitP14 and-run

3 Toyota Rush SUVs up for grabs in Digicel “Summa” promotion

Police destroy 20,000 ganja plants along Canje River P16

29 strip club P8 patrons charged for breaching COVID-19 curfew

Page 14 Digicel Guyana on Thursday evening launched its ‘Summa’ promotion at MovieTowne which will see three lucky customers each driving away with one Toyota Rush SUV

16-year-old, 1 other Annette Ferguson die from COVID-19; charged death toll now 507 over “killing – “We’re assuming all the different strains squad” FB post are circulating here” – Dr Anthony Page 9

P12

Tuschen barber appeals death penalty for P11 murders of businesswoman, 2 sons MACORP to P16 open worldclass training centre by 2023

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SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 nabbed with Businesswoman, shopkeeper busted with gun, ammo ganja in Berbice A

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hree males and a female were on Thursday taken into Police custody after they were found with a quantity of marijuana in their possession.

Police said the suspects were found with 73 grams of cannabis in the Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) area.

It was reported that ranks were on foot patrol in the Lancaster and Manchester villages, Corentyne, Berbice, during

which they observed a group of men liming.

The ranks subsequently conducted a search on the men which led to the discovery of the cannabis on two of them. They were cautioned and arrested.

Meanwhile, in Manchester village, Berbice, another male and female were found at a shop with a quantity of cannabis in their possession. They were all arrested and are assisting with investigations.

Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown businesswoman and a shopkeeper were arrested on Friday following the discovery of a firearm and several live rounds of ammunition on their premises.

Based on reports received, on the day in question between 06:30h and 08:25h, a party of Police ranks went to the location where they conducted a search on the business premises and living quarters of a 44-year-old businesswoman and a 40-yearold male shopkeeper.

Police ranks were at the

The firearm that was found on the property

time raiding for narcotics, guns, ammunition and stolen items.

However, a female rank conducted a search on the person of the businesswoman, who at the time was wrapped in a towel. It was during the search; the firearm was found in the woman’s possession.

The Taurus .32 revolver bearing serial # QL42412 had two live .32 rounds of ammunition. The duo was told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested and escorted to Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, pending investigation and charges.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, July 17 – 10:30h – 12:00h and Sunday, July 18 – 11:00h – 12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, July 17 – 09:15h – 10:45h and Sunday, July 18 – 10:20h – 11:50h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect light rain showers at night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:03h and 22:32h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.43 metres.

Low Tide: 16:00h reaching a minimum height of 0.82 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021

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DAILY MILLIONS

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$73.59/barrel

+0.16

Rough Rice

$238.04 /ton

+0.06

London Sugar

$436.00/ton

+2.52

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1812.20

$1813.20

Low/High Change

$1808.90 0.00

$1828.90 0.08%

Guyana, Brazil wells are best oil recovery performers in industry – UK consultancy group T

he oil reservoirs offshore Guyana and its Portuguese-speaking neighbour Brazil are said to be the best estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) performers in the industry, as deepwater oil fields are pegged to enjoy twice the average recovery of those already onstream.

This is according to a United Kingdom-based research and consultancy group, Wood Mackenzie (WoodMac) - a global energy, chemicals, renewables, metals and mining research and consultancy group supplying data, written analyses and consultancy advice.

In a recent report that focused on ‘Exploring the deepwater advantage’, WoodMac noted that while times are currently challenging for up-

stream oil and gas as the industry navigates unprecedented uncertainty, the advantage of deepwater production over non-deepwater is spectacular.

“Growth from deepwater is much faster than from upstream overall…with each well producing substantially more reserves than development wells in shallow water or onshore. EUR in deepwater averages 12 mmboe (million barrels of oil equivalent) for oil wells and 43 mmboe for gas wells. That compares with the global industry average EUR of less than 1 mmboe per well,” the report has stated.

According to the consultancy group, this advantage is about to get even better.

“Future deepwater oil fields will enjoy twice the average EUR of fields already onstream. And this is not a symptom of over-optimistic project plans overdue for a dose of reality. Instead, it largely reflects the industry’s recent exploration success, which has led to opening reservoirs in new basins such as Guyana and Brazil’s Santos which are the best EUR performers in the industry,” WoodMac noted, adding that technology gains and portfolio highgrading are also contributing factors.

WoodMac explained that higher EUR means fewer wells are needed, and this is especially critical since deepwater wells and associated subsea equipment are expensive and typically amount to more than half of project capital expenditure.

It added that fields with fewer wells enjoy lower costs, faster cycle times, and better breakeven prices.

“This economic advantage also correlates with carbon advantage. Most flagship, high-EUR deepwater developments now contribute strongly to corporate emissions intensity targets,” the reported detailed.

It further outlines that with deepwater growing faster than upstream, production is set to rise from 10 mmboe

per day in 2021 - that is, six per cent of global supply - to over 17 mmboe per day by 2030, which is a 10 per cent growth.

WoodMac anticipates that almost half of the oil and gas reserves being sanctioned for

development over the next five years will be in deepwater. It further added that exploration will, no doubt, also add more.

“The sector’s outperformance stems from its reservoir fundamentals. Deepwater is no place to tackle marginal rock properties or difficult fluids. With few exceptions, the industry has chosen to develop only its best reservoirs.

These allow high flow rates and exceptional estimated

ultimate recovery (EUR) per well,” the report from the UK consultancy group has statd.

Currently, United States oil major ExxonMobil has operating stakes in the three oil blocks offshore Guyana, where exploration activities, and in one case production, are ongoing.

Exxon’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator of the 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres) Stabroek Block, and holds a 45% interest. It’s operating partner Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30% interest, and the other operating partner, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chinese state-owned CNOOC Limited, holds 25% interest.

There have been 20 discoveries in the Stabroek Block, which is estimated to have over 9 billion oil-equivalent barrels of oil. Production of the “light sweet crude” started in December 2019 at the Liza-1 project, after being discovered there in 2015.

With the Liza Phase 1 development currently averag-

ing 120,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd), it is expected that Guyana’s oil production is likely to exceed 500,000 bpd by 2024, when the Liza Phase 2 and Payara developments on track to come on stream.

This was based on the figures and development schedules quoted by Hess Chief Operating Officer Greg Hill during the company’s 2021 first-quarter earnings call.

He explained that at the Liza Phase 2, the project is progressing according to plan, with approximately 90 per cent of the overall installation work having been completed. This means that first oil for Liza Phase 2 remains on track for early 2022.

“The Liza Unity FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel), with a production capacity of 220 thousand gross barrels of oil per day, is preparing to sail from the Keppel yard in Singapore to Guyana midyear,” Hill also explained during the call back in May. The Payara development, meanwhile, is also progressing. According to Hill, 38 per cent of the overall work on this project, which will utilise the Liza Prosperity FPSO vessel, has been completed.

“The project will utilise the Liza Prosperity FPSO, which will have the capacity to produce up to 220 thousand gross barrels of oil per day.

The FPSO hull is complete and topsides construction activities have commenced in Singapore. First oil remains on track for 2024,” Hill stated.

Meanwhile, exploration activities are ongoing in the Kaieteur Block, Orinduik Block and Canje Block.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 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

Women’s economic priority

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he issue of women and their role in development has always been a topic of interest, not only in Guyana, but in countries around the world. The debates have centred around the challenges women face in getting access to the same opportunities as men, and, in a general sense, programmes and policies that could be implemented to ensure their economic and social advancement.

Women, over the years, have made tremendous progress, not only in terms of their own advancement, but by playing key roles in the development of their own communities, and, by extension, allowing other women opportunities to develop themselves. However, many challenges remain, and these must be tackled to ensure that women have access to the opportunities and resources needed to allow them to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

We believe that when women are allowed to develop their full potential, it is not only women who gain, but the entire society. Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home.

According to the United Nations, investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.

Here, in Guyana, women have made tremendous progress at every level of the society, and women enjoy rights equal to what their male counterparts enjoy. This country deserves commendation for the advances it has made in ensuring that, in addition to women being protected under the law, they are also given relevant opportunities for their personal and professional advancement.

However, there is still a far way to go before we can safely say that women have access to the resources and opportunities they need to fully develop themselves. For example, our single-parent mothers have, over the years, found it very difficult to make ends meet. Many of them have found themselves in a position where they work from month to month and there seems to be no end to the financial hardships they experience.

In some cases, they lack the necessary skills and qualifications required to get suitable well-paid jobs, so that they can earn enough to provide for themselves and their children.

For some, who would like to venture out into establishing their own small businesses etc, the strict criteria set by banks and other lending institutions make it difficult to access the necessary loans. There are a few institutions which give grants and other forms of support, but that is on a limited scale, and most of them are Georgetown-based, making it a bit difficult for rural women to access easily.

There is also the issue of the high level of domestic violence affecting countless families, with women being at the receiving end of the violence most times. There were numerous dialogues, with the involvement of the relevant stakeholders, to tackle the issue, but the number of cases of women being abused or killed is increasing.

Policy-makers should revisit the issue and come up with practical solutions to address this scourge in a holistic manner, with greater focus being placed on the root causes of the problem.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the situation, as it continues to have serious socio-economic repercussions on the lives of women. Worldwide, as a consequence of the partial lockdown, significant sections of the female working population are now unemployed, or are receiving reduced pay, and those include single-parents.

The economic and social advancement of all women, including those in hinterland and rural communities, should remain a priority.

In this Latchman Singh photo stands that majestic Kaieteur Falls, the world’s largest single-drop waterfall, located on the Potaro River in the Kaieteur National Park and sitting in a section of the Amazon rainforest included in the Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana. It is 226 metres (741 ft) high when measured from its plunge over a sandstone and conglomerate cliff to the first break

The Education Cash Grant is a start in dealing with the challenges

Dear Editor, I refer to a ‘letter’ written by Aubrey Norton and the statements made by Parliamentarians Coretta Mc Donald and Annette Ferguson.

Their utterances are rubbish, and cannot withstand the simple test of scrutiny.

They are myopic and biased, and belong in the garbage bin of the minds of right-thinking Guyanese parents, who know that something does not sound right when these Opposition politicians are up in arms against a grant to the children in the school system.

Their political stance on education is shameful, and I must say that I am disappointed but not surprised by their adopting a selfish and politically-foolish position.

Also, their postures on the Because We Care initiative go against everything we know as facts, truth, academics, and ethics.

Firstly, Mr Norton said the PPP Cash Grant Initiative is inadequate and ill-conceived.

He rumbles on in an uninspiring and unintelligent manner, listing a whole bunch of ludicrous assumptions. These cash grants are not the complete solution to the problems faced in education. Also, it is not a “one remedy that solves” every problem in the country that parents, teachers, and children face in the education system. It is, however, a good policy that gives the parents and children the means to access the education services offered to the public by enabling children to have transportation and school clothes.

The other problems are dealt with by other good pol-

icies in the education system. These policies deal with welfare, access to education through information and communication technologies, and the quality of education that these children receive.

The cash grant policy must never be seen as adequate when handling the general problem of getting children in schools to learn. It is a start, and the delivery on a promise made to the parents.

Research shows that Guyana is one of the highest-ranked developing countries in the Education Index of the United Nations Human Development Report. With a score of 0.943 on the Education Index, its overall rank is 37. It ranks third in the Caribbean after Cuba and Barbados, and second in South America after Argentina. So, why must we not give out this cash Grant Initiative to the poor people, to enable them to lead better lives through accessing the education services the Government is providing?

Secondly, I wouldn’t pay too much attention to the rambling political schizophrenia and general lack of knowledge shown by Ms Mc Donald and Ms Ferguson. These two must read the mood of the Guyanese people during this pandemic first, and then get to a dictionary that would be their guiding light to understand how they could be an effective Opposition to counter the Government’s excellent job in education. Their political banter and useless attacks will not see a reduction in those who want to access the education grants to start the process of change and reformation in their lives. And that

change is not based upon race, political affiliation, sex, conditionality, or religion, because it’s for every child.

Thirdly, an approximate number of 172,000 children will benefit from a total of more than $3.2B. The fact remains that the return of the Because We Care initiative by the PPPC Government is a fulfillment of its 2020 Election promise after that initiative was stopped by the APNUAFC when they took office in 2015. This move took away billions of dollars from our struggling families and children.

APNU-AFC took away this money, and spent it on themselves, as they increased

expenditure on dietary supplements by $1.8 billion, not to mention spending on multi-million-dollar lifestyles that the sons and daughters pursued.

Finally, one wonders what would be the APNU-AFC’s alternative to the cash grants policy in this COVID-19 world? And why didn’t they implement the same policy if they knew it was the way to go? The answer is simple for all to see: because the APNU+AFC didn’t care, and were visionless politicians just like Mr Norton, Ms Mc Donald, and Ms Ferguson.

Yours truly, Michael Younge

Whatever happened to the Garden City?

Dear Editor, As someone who remembers, not that very long ago, when Georgetown was celebrated as the ‘Garden City’ and the envy of the Caribbean; when the city’s drains and alleyways were routinely cleaned, with the Guyana Fire Service being co-opted by the City Council to regularly power wash the pavements and flush the wide canals; when the roads, streets and avenues were well maintained, the streets and pavements particularly in the commercial areas were kept free of itinerant and stationary vendors, allowing persons to walk the

streets freely without being harassed; when the parapets were well manicured and the trees along the streets were pruned and trimmed, flowering and providing shade; when the Le Repentir Cemetery was like a huge park, with palms and other trees lining the roadways, and beautiful flowers on the parapets; when the various municipal markets were kept clean and safe from petty thieves, and when it was a pleasure to shop in them, I sit and shake my head, and wonder how we got into this absolutely disgusting, chaotic, and abominable state.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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SATURDAY, JULY 17, 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

Chaos at Mayor and City Council Dear Editor, It is extraordinary that the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown can find money to hire a lawyer to represent acting Town Clerk Ms Sherry Jerrick at the Local Government Commission, but do not have money to do basic sanitation work in the city, and to pay workers’ deductions at the National Insurance Scheme and the Guyana Revenue Authority.

A few nights ago, Mayor Ubraj Narine appeared on HGTV Nightly News and represented the position taken by the Council against the Local Government Commission’s request that the Acting Town Clerk show cause why she should not be disciplined for professional negligence, for not preparing and submitting the Council’s Assets Register.

In that newscast, the Mayor said words to the effect that the Commission has no authority to deal with such matters as the Council’s Assets Register, and that it is the Council’s Assets Register and, as such, the Commission could not blame the Town Clerk for not producing it.

However, two things are glaringly wrong with the Mayor’s comments.

First, this request for the Council’s Assets Register was made by the Local

Government Commission chaired by Mr. Mortimer Mingo in 2019. At that time, Mrs Sharon Harry- Munroe was the Acting Town Clerk of the Council. She was unable to produce that document in the requested time, and as a result of that and other alleged shortcomings, that Commission, after having her on a long and embarrassing period of administrative leave, terminated her service.

The records of the Council will show that this very Mayor Narine, who is now publicly challenging the Commission and threatening to go to court, did not say to that Commission chaired by Mr Mingo in 2019 that it had no authority to request the Assets Register. And Mrs. Munroe was never even asked about, let alone afforded, legal representation by the Council.

Why? Because they wanted her off the job.

Not too long after the termination of her service, the Council attempted to recruit, through an inadequate and shambolic process, hand-picked individuals to fill certain vacancies, including the position of the Town Clerk. They failed.

In the instant case involving Ms Jerrick, not only is the Council attempting to say to the Commission that it does not have the author-

ity, but it has instructed the acting Town Clerk to take a lawyer of her choice. They did that at the last statutory meeting, held on Monday July 12, 2021, without any regard to the cost. It is an unfortunate and unfair action of the Council. While citizens have to wade through storm water in certain parts of the city whenever it rains, and contend with garbage almost everywhere in Georgetown, the Mayor found the money to hire a lawyer to deal with this matter. While roofs on markets are like sieves during rainfall, the only abattoir in this city is a public health hazard; and while the Mayoral Complex is in a state of disrepair, the Mayor can proudly hire a lawyer to fight the Commission. It is unbelievable.

Worse, in this period of COVID-19, the Council has taken a decision to make hundreds of workers (all women, some single parents) from its Day Care Service, and General Works Department (able-bodied men and women) redundant because it claimed that it can’t find the money to keep them on staff. But the Council can find hundreds of thousands of dollars to hire a lawyer to represent one officer in what is basically a purely administrative matter.

It is disgusting, to say the least, and scandalous at worst. How is it that the Council does not have money to assist staff, but has enough to hire lawyers to defend matters that do not add value to the service they are providing to the public (they hired lawyers to get the current City Engineer dismissed, they lost the case. They hired lawyers to get hand-picked individuals to fill top posts, that matter is before the courts).

This register was requested since 2019. Up until now, in 2021, nothing has been sent to the Commission. One must wonder why the fuss and spare-no-expense attitude by the Mayor to protect a particular officer, while he and a small clique of Councillors attempted to have others dismissed, including the current City Engineer.

One must also wonder what effect this is having on the morale of other officers and workers at the Georgetown City Council.

Stunningly, the Mayor of Guyana’s capital city appears not to know basic things about how the Georgetown municipality operates. Two examples: The Mayor seems to be unaware that a substantial part of the responsibility

Visionary leadership Dear Editor, President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Government of Guyana and the Minister of Public Works must come in for high praise for the transformational road projects that they are undertaking.

The new roadways along the East Bank of Demerara; the one from Parika to the planned new Harbour Bridge across the Demerara River, which will connect the West Bank to the East Bank; and the East Coast Road that would connect with the East Bank are all so necessary.

It is visionary leadership.

Their vision to build new roads will open up vast areas of the country for housing development away from the main public road and the coast. It will also allow for farming and other aspects of development.

However, there is a serious problem developing in all of this development, one that has to be addressed now, or else it will get further out of hand. That problem is that a number of unscrupulous individuals have decided to indiscriminately occupy the verges of these new highways, creating a nightmare for pedestrians,

cyclists and motorists.

These persons, many of whom own trucks, park them on the shoulders of the roads, entirely blocking the paths of pedestrians and cyclists; and some have even decided to erect tents along with their trucks and vend all day, from fruits to vegetables, whilst others operate as butcheries, selling every type of meat, even slaughtering chickens right there.

Others sell dog food.

Not only are they encumbering the roadways and creating traffic hazards, but their bases of operation are also very unsightly. Some even set up roadside mechanic shops, with large trucks being repaired right there at the sides of the highways.

At Providence, East Bank Demerara there is a nice little tourism hub being developed in the area known as ‘Red Road’, with a hotel, casino and movie theatre now being joined by a spanking new mall, gym and supermarket. Alas! There is now a most hideous row of more than 20 shacks that have appeared along the roadway, giving the entire area a slum appearance.

This is most unfortu-

nate, and needs to be corrected immediately, not just for aesthetics, but for safety of persons visiting the area, particularly at night.

We have to decide if we are

serious about developing Guyana as a tourism destination Sincerely, Anu Bihari

Whatever happened...

Could it just be as a result of sheer incompetence, laziness, inexperience and a lack of vision? Is it just criminal negligence, or is it as a result of intentional sabotage, malevolence and corruption?

The drainage system has all but collapsed, causing flooding each and every day that it rains. The roads which are not maintained by central Government are all broken up. Garbage collection, which has been contracted out at an exorbitant cost, is becoming sporadic. No longer are the parapets weeded, even though the Council has many fancy brush cutters. The markets have become slums, mosquitoes have pervaded the city and rats have taken over the markets; and the Le Repentir Cemetery has become part of the Amazon jungle.

A visit to the Stabroek Market area at night is a most confusing, frighten-

FROM PAGE 4

ing, and devasting experience. There is loud, obscene music coming from every direction; there are vendors everywhere, harassing persons at every turn; thieves casually relieve individuals of their personal belongings, and three-card and chic-chic board men are leaving many persons with empty pockets through sleight of hand.

The question is: When and how will this all end?

Guyana is being transformed; it is time that the Local Government Commission understands that the present cadre of senior officers of the Council are either unwilling or incapable of saving Georgetown.

They have to hire a new breed and batch of persons with the competence, integrity and commitment to making Georgetown earn the accolade of being the Garden City once again.

Sincerely, Modi Sankar

of the Town Clerk, who is the Chief Administrator of the Council and secretary to all the committees of the Council, is concerned with archives, records and documents.

In Chap 28:01, it says that the Clerk “…shall have the charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all charts, deeds, records and other documents belonging to the Council, which shall be kept as the Council may direct”.

The question is: If it is not the responsibility of the Town Clerk to have an Assets Register for the Council, as the Mayor is claiming, then he must say whose responsibility it is. Who should the Commission look to for such an important document?

The Act is very clear.

The next example is the utterance by the Mayor about the lack of authority of the Commission to request certain documents. It is true that the Commission does not have authority over elected Councillors; the Mayor is a councillor who has been elected chairman of the Council. But the Commission, in a real way, has powers over all human resources and related matters.

However, according to Act 2013, Under functions of the Commission, “Section 13 (I) The Commission shall have power to deal with all matters relating to the regulation and staffing of local government organs, including employment and dismissal of staff, and with dispute resolution within and between local government organs, and in particular shall - (a) monitor, and review the performance and implementation of policies

of all local government organs, including policies of taxation and protection of the environment: (b) monitor, evaluate and make recommendations on policies, procedures and practices of all local government organs in order to promote effective local governance…”

Also, Under Miscellaneous, at 28: “The Commission may require a local government organ to furnish to it at intervals as may be specified and at other times as the Commission may require a detailed report of finances and activities in the form and containing the particulars as the Commission may specify.” And at 27: “It shall be the duty of every local government organ to co-operate with the Commission, its officers and employees in the discharge of their functions. and for that purpose, to comply with all requests made or directions given by the Commission or its officers and employees.”

In the face of a deteriorating city and poor municipal services, the Mayor is constantly involved in public verbal battles with the Government, other bodies, and even some officers of the Council. Councillors seem unable to do anything about all that is happening at City Hall. It is as if the Council has gone rogue, with no clear sense of direction and purpose.

In this 21st century, citizens continue not only to be embarrassed by the state of the city, but the public health of their communities is being put at risk by a Council that appears leaderless and visionless.

Yours truly, Anthony Subner

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SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1100 doses of Moderna vaccine donated by US group – Health Minister − already used to immunise over 500 healthcare workers, members of public

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This shipment of Moderna vaccines arrived in Guyana two weeks ago

ealth Minister Dr Frank Anthony has disclosed that the shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that arrived in Guyana earlier this month were donations from a United States-based non-profit organisation.

The batch of the USmade jabs arrived in Guyana on July 3 and there were no explanations as to whom they were for.

However, during Friday’s COVID-19 update, the Health Minister was asked about the Moderna vaccines and revealed that it was a “small donation” from a US group.

According to Dr Anthony, the 1100 doses were used to inoculate approximately 550 persons.

He said that first doses of US-based vaccine have already been administered to healthcare workers as well as members of the public.

“When we received them, we first of all offered them to the healthcare workers in the system – those who have not been vaccinated as yet. Some of them accepted and got vac-

cinated, and then whatever remained we give it out to the general public… we’ve been able to use it all out.

Basically, we’ve split the doses in two... So, within a day, I think, we were able to give out all the first dose.

So now, those persons who received their first dose, they will get their second dose shortly,” the Health Minister noted.

The Moderna jab is a mRNA vaccine, a new type of vaccine that does not use live virus to trigger an immune response, and is manufactured by US pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, Moderna Inc. The vaccine is said to have a 94.1 per cent efficacy, and is a two-dose series to be taken 28 days apart.

Recent reports state that the Moderna jab is highly effective against alpha and beta variants.

Currently, the Guyana Government is rolling out its COVID-19 vaccination campaign across the country to persons 18 years and older using the AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sputnik V and Sinopharm

jabs. To date, some 241,680 persons (49.6 per cent) have received their first dose vaccine, while approximately 126,620 adult persons (26 per cent) are fully vaccinated against the deadly virus.

President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously disclosed that his Administration had approached the US Government directly as well as the various manufacturers in the US to access the COVID-19 vaccines being used there. But Guyana was told that the vaccines will not be available until another year or so.

But back in February, Minister Anthony told the National Assembly that Guyana is likely to get Moderna and Pfizer vaccines through arrangements with the African Union.

However, the Union has so far facilitated the purchase of some 150,000 single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccines, another US-made jab. In fact, Guyana has already paid US$36,000 as a down payment to the Union for the jabs under an agree-

ment between the African Union and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Meanwhile, the US Government has since committed some 7 million doses from its existing federal stockpiles of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines to the Latin America and the Caribbean region as part of its global pledge. This is as Caricom is currently in talks with the US over the availability of the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to the region.

President Ali, nevertheless, has promised that once Guyana receives its share of the Pfizer jab then they will be used specifically to immunise its children population.

“I can’t say what is coming. I know that we are in discussion at Caricom with the US. The US has committed to giving vaccines to the region… What I can say is that once it is Pfizer, I can tell you this policy now, it will go to the children, starting from 18 and below,” the Head of State told reporters on the side lines

of an event two weeks ago.

According to the Head of State, while he is unsure about the amount of jabs the country will receive under this arrangement, he is hopeful that it will “be substantial for Guyana”.

“Let us say that we get Pfizer through the US opportunity and we roll out Pfizer for those 18 and be-

low and we can capture the whole cohort, population for secondary schools that will be exceedingly good for us,” the President stated.

Earlier that day on July 2, Minister Anthony had revealed that since March 2020, some 1567 children under the age of 14 have been diagnosed with COVID-19. This figure has increased.

A research from a 2000plus sample size in 2020 had shown that the PfizerBioNTech vaccine is 100 per cent effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus in children ages 12 through 15.

In late 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed emergency use of the vaccine from age 16. This year the vaccine was given to children in the US from ages 12 to 15.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS 29 strip club patrons charged for breaching COVID-19 curfew T wenty-nine persons who were arrested at a well-known city strip club last week Saturday for breaching the nationwide COVID-19 curfew have been summoned to appear in court.

Those charged are Nicola Green, Hebron Edwards, Ramnarace Suenarine, Destiny Edwards, Donnel Hopkinson, Mark Greene, Shamar Hescott, Chidera Muoneke, Selena Jacobs, Whitney Wright, Mikhail Adams, Shannella Small, Lawrence Browne, Sonika Brummell, Folona Perry, Sarah Mc Pherson, Henderson Jordan, Eric Sam, Nikisha D’Angoy, Jon-

Bon-Jovi Albadar, Jermain Tobin, Dwayne Hopkinson, Andy Williams, Melinda Singh, Denzil Charles, Keenan Charles, Ryan Griffith, Travis Lewis, and Kimesia Walcott.

It is alleged that on July 10, 2021, at Baroombar, North Road, Georgetown, they breached the COVID-19 regulations.

Guyana Times understands that the alleged curfew violators were summoned to attend the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday. But none of them turned up.

As a result, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly issued summons for each of

War Break...

R

Some of the curfew violators after they were escorted out of Baroombar

them.

They have now been ordered to attend court on August 26, to answer to the charge. Failure to do so will result in warrants being issued for their arrest. Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), on the

day in question, were on patrol duties around the capital city enforcing the curfew.

It was reported that when the ranks arrived at the nightclub, they observed their colleagues from the Guyana Fire Service cutting a steel door to gain entry into the nightclub. The law enforcement officers then escorted all the club-goers out of the venue and into a GDF bus. They were taken to the Police station.

The Guyana Police Force is urging all citizens to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations and to report all breaches to the COVID-19 Task Force hotlines on 6266674, 624-3067, 624-2819, and toll-free (GTT) 0180.

…in PNC! emember “War Break?” If you didn’t from your childhood days, you certainly should’ve remembered Winston Jordan of the PNC - with Moses Nagamootoo in olive army-like gear at his side on the campaign stage in Bartica - yelled out “War Break!” against the PPP! You’d guess that the cry signals the beginning of a war on all fronts! That particular war, of course, didn’t end too well for the PNC - they were expelled from office even after their ridiculous rigging attempt!

But this new “War Break” has broken out INSIDE the PNC – and directly related to that prior, suggests that maybe when it comes to the PNC, they’re always in a state of war!

“Perpetual War”! Seems that all the “shade”, sniping, and “throw talk” against Granger that your humble Eyewitness has been reporting on for months has now escalated into open hostilities. From being the saviour of the PNC after their decades in the wilderness after 1992, he’s suddenly become persona non grata. How quickly the (political) world can turn!!

After a host of wannabe leaders raised their hands to replace him, Granger broke his seclusion to ask a simple question: Who was it that turned around the PNC’s fortunes in 2011 and 2015?? Not able to rebut the import of that assertion, the challengers changed their tack: Granger’s leadership style now became their target. His Greta Garbolike reclusiveness suddenly became a sign of his disjunct with “the people”! But since when was Granger ever a “hail-fella-well-met” kinda guy?

Ditto to the charges by anonymous members of the PNC’s Central Executive that he acted “unilaterally” when he accepted the two new single-person parties that appeared full blown from his machinations! Where were these paragons of democratic virtue when Granger unilaterally appointed James Patterson as GECOM Chair? And that wasn’t breaching a PARTY constitution, but Guyana’s!

The challengers are also bitching that he’s dragging out the party’s leadership elections and trying to rig the outcome! Hello!!! Wasn’t this what Granger did after the NCM following the PNC’s Congress, in which gunshots and walkouts reigned?

The point is: these PNC leadership aspirants want to eat their cake and have it too when it comes to practising democracy. All the prior breaches by Granger were okay when the “image” of the party needed rehabilitating, but now that he’s lost power, they place all the blame on Granger. The PNC lost power because these same complainers ALLOWED Granger to destroy the multiracial facade of the coalition, and they shouldn’t be surprised that the entire edifice fell down.

Like Humpty Dumpty, all the PNC men and all the PNC (work) horses won’t be able to put the PNC together again!! …on serious crimes?

As you, dear readers, would know, your Eyewitness has a serious problem with Police statistics. As a meticulous peruser of the newspapers, he gets a feel of the crime situation in Guyana almost first hand - and certainly contemporaneously. But whenever the Police issue their biannual crime reports, he invariably gets the feeling that it was massaged so diligently that the numbers have lost whatever tensions they originally intrinsically possessed!

Take the latest one just released. The Police say that “Serious crimes are down 18.7%”, but in the same breath admit “rape still a challenge” with a 70% increase!! So, isn’t rape a “serious crime”? In your Eyewitness’s book, rape is about as serious as murder, since, with the latter, while the person’s life is snuffed out, rape victims have to live with that most violent and invasive violation of their bodies for the rest of their lives.

And then there was the claim that “Robbery-underarms” was down 36% So how about robbery-on-motor-cycles? …in South Africa Sadly, the looting and arson continue unabated in South Africa - more specifically in KwaZuluNatal. Soon food will be running out, and one wonders what benefit was gained, since over 1.5 million jobs have been lost - mostly in the Zulu community.

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Annette Ferguson charged over “killing squad” FB post

A

PNU/AFC Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson was granted self-bail on a cyberbullying charge after the Police alleged that she used her Facebook page to share posts about Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Omar Khan being part of a killing squad.

Ferguson, who served as Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure under the previous APNU/AFC Government, was brought before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. She denied the charge which stated that on June 15, 2021, she used a computer system to humiliate the senior GDF rank.

The Opposition parlia-

mentarian was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Lyndon Amsterdam.

Her next court date is July 26 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The senior Guyana Defence Force rank is reported to have made a complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit after Ferguson, in a Facebook post, said he will be in charge of a killing squad.

As such, the former Government Minister was called in for questioning at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters. Police subsequently instituted the charge against her after receiving advice from the chambers of the Director of

APNU/AFC MP Annette Ferguson

Public Prosecutions.

After Ferguson’s arrest, members of the Opposition

had come out attacking the Police Force and the PPP/C Government. But Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn condemned this, especially remarks made by Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon in a press statement.

Harmon had claimed that Ferguson was arrested on spurious grounds and that it was a clear case of political persecution against the Opposition member.

The Opposition Leader also called for the withdrawal of what he said are “spurious, baseless and politically motivated charges.”

However, Benn in a subsequent missive dismissed Harmon’s remarks.

“Mr Harmon, of all persons, should need no reminding that all persons – inclusive of Members of Parliament and also members of the APNU/AFC – are subject to the Laws of Guyana, adherence to which the Guyana Police Force is duty-bound to enforce without fear or favour,” Benn posited.

The Home Affairs Minister further went on to address what he described as Harmon’s now natural reflexive instincts of making unwarranted attacks about partisan “…political persecution…”, “…weaponizing of the Guyana Police Force…” along with dire warnings of civil unrest.

Benn has said that the Opposition Leader’s statements were not only grossly untrue but are of malicious intent. In fact, he said that Harmon’s statement seems intent on continuing the effort to shield and protect from judicial review, lawbreaking by persons who are intent on precipitating a breakdown of law and order and the undermining of democracy by initiating civil unrest.

Meanwhile, over at the Demerara High Court, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against Ferguson, whom he alleged made certain slanderous statements against him.

Sacked Forestry Commission workers to receive full benefits – GAWU

T

he three Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) employees who were sacked last month reportedly over playing a game of dominoes during their lunch break will receive their full benefits. This is according to a statement from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

The three persons will uplift from the Commission, payments representing their terminal benefits, notice pay, annual leave entitlements, leave passage allowance, and travelling allowance, GAWU said, adding that the Union intervened

after learning of the issue.

According to GAWU, the former GFC staffers met with its officials. Following an extensive engagement where the workers related what transpired, GAWU said that it offered advice and suggestions to the workers who indicated that they wished to receive their outstanding benefits.

As a result, the GAWU wrote the Commission by letter on July 7 demanding the workers’ rights be respected and that they receive all benefits due to them. The Union noted that the GFC agreed with its representation and thereafter

shared the computations.

“Following receipt of the calculations, the GAWU engaged the workers to examine collectively their respective computations. An omission was recognised, and this was drawn to the Commission’s attention which it undertook to correct the calculation,” the missive added.

Having cleared the obstacles, the GFC has prepared the workers’ payments for them to uplift.

GAWU noted, too, that the workers have expressed

their sincere appreciation as they have recognised the

importance of the Union in protecting their rights at the

workplace.

“They [sacked workers] believed was it not for the involvement of the GAWU they may have faced greater difficulty considering they were not sure of their rights.

Our Union, for its part, is heartened that the workers’ rights were upheld and the matter was resolved amicably and within a short period.”

GAWU said it remains convinced that only through well-organised Unions will workers have their rights respected.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Edghill orders probe into Father of 1 appeals severity Reg 7 aircraft accidents of sentence for raping girl, 13

P

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

ublic Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill has ordered that the two recent hinterland aircraft accidents be investigated by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), with support from other agencies.

The Minister in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday said he has also ordered that the operators be served with notices of suspension with immediate effect, as two accidents in two days is far too many. He expressed elation that no one was seriously injured or has died.

“Aviation safety is the number one priority when it comes to op-

erating in the airline industry,” Minister Edghill emphasised.

The first accident occurred on Wednesday, when a Cessna Caravan belonging to Jags Aviation of BK Group of Companies ran off the Eteringbang runway, Region Seven.

Then, on Thursday, a similar incident occurred at the Kamarang airstrip due to the disintegration of a Cessna plane’s propeller upon take off, media reports stated. The plane’s private operator is Orlando Charles.

“I’ve asked that it must be complied with that whoever is recommended to be the incident/accident investigator must have had no dealings whatsoever with the inspections of these companies’ aircraft. I want to ensure that there is no conflict of interest, and I expect by this afternoon to name the incident/accident investigator in keeping with the Civil Aviation Act.” Referring to the incident at Eteringbang, Minister Edghill said the investigation will have to take a multi-sectoral approach, including assistance from the Guyana Police Force. The aircraft was discovered to have been carrying mercury, a restricted substance, for which the aviation service was not authorised to transport. The

Minister said the mercury was removed from the aircraft before the inspection was conducted.

“We must be able to confirm how did mercury get on board an aircraft to be transferred to a location, where it was coming from, who are the recipients, why it was removed from the aircraft even before investigations began,” the Minister said.

In relation to the Kamarang accident, the Minister said news of a disintegrated propellor is shocking, and begs the question of maintenance.

“So, the officers of the GCAA who were responsible for inspecting and authorising these aircraft to be operated based upon their maintenance and servicing compliance responsibilities would also come up for scrutiny because these are very serious issues.

Our passengers and Guyanese and foreigners must always feel safe every time they board an aircraft for a destination. And it is the responsibility of the regulatory body, the GCAA to ensure that every air service provider is operating in keeping with the law and is in full compliance.” Minister Edghill has also instructed aerodrome operators to ensure all hinterland aerodromes are safe for landing and take-off.

D

amon Assanah, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison for child rape, in June, has moved to the Guyana Court of Appeal to appeal the “severity” of his sentence. The 32-year-old man was imprisoned by Justice Brassington Reynolds after a jury unanimously found him guilty.

Assanah, who fathers a fouryear-old daughter, was convicted for raping a 13-year-old girl between November 1 and 30, 2015. The crime took place in Demerara. His lawyer, Tiffany Jeffery-Durant in documents filed at the Court of Appeal, has taken issue with the sentence imposed by the Judge.

Jeffery-Durant contended that the sentence is unreasonable, manifestly excessive, and severe in all the circumstances of the case. Against this background, the lawyer is asking the appellate court to set aside her client’s conviction and sentence.

The lawyer has also sought leave to add additional grounds when the Judge’s summation is disclosed.

It was reported that Assanah is known to the teenager, who is now 19. Between January 1 and 31, 2015, he called the girl’s mother’s phone and asked her to meet him downstairs. They met at the back of her yard next to a turtle pen. He then instructed her to undress. He took off his pants, after which he told the child to bend over. When she complied, he raped her.

Convicted rapist Damon Assanah

In October 2015, the teenager’s mother sent her to the shop to purchase an item.

On her way there, she met Assanah, who held on to her hand and placed her in his car. The man then drove off to his home, where he raped the girl again.

He also raped the girl between November 1 and 30, 2015. In early December 2015, the girl was attending school when she started to vomit. Her mother was called in. The girl was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was made to undergo a blood test.

The test confirmed that she was seven weeks pregnant; the pregnancy was later aborted.

The girl later confided in her mother about what had transpired between her and Assanah. He was subsequently arrested and prosecuted.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tuschen barber appeals death penalty for murders of businesswoman, 2 sons

T

he Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), barber who is on death row for the murders of West Coast Demerara (WCD) businesswoman Jennifer Persaud and her two juvenile sons has made an application at the Court of Appeal to overturn his convictions and death sentence.

Following a trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon in June 2021, a 12-member jury found that between September 21 and 22, 2012, at Anna Catherina, WCD, Abishai Caesar murdered the 41-year-old woman and her sons: Afridi Bacchus, six; and 18-month-old Jadon Ernest.

The convicted killer was subsequently sentenced to death on the three counts of murder. A Notice of Appeal listing four grounds has been filed at the Court of Appeal by him. In the documents, the killer not only claimed that his sentences are severe, but

Convicted killer Abishai Caesar

that he had an unfair trial.

Seeking to set aside his conviction and sentence, Caesar argued that he was given “poor representation” during his trial. His attorney-at-law at that time was Racheal Bakker. Also, without outlining any details, he complains that a conflict of

interest arose in his case.

State Prosecutor Lisa Cave had told the jury that during September 2012, Caesar resided with his reputed wife Zoey Phillips at Anna Catherina, and were Persaud’s neighbours.

According to the prosecutor, between September 21 and 22, 2012, Caesar told his reputed wife that he was going over to the woman’s house because he wanted money and that he would return after getting it.

When he returned home, the prosecutor said, Caesar told his reputed wife what he had done to Persaud and her two children. The next day, the lifeless bodies of Persaud and her two sons were discovered by her father in their home, the prosecutor added.

According to Cave, the Police conducted investigations, and on April 22, 2016, Phillips went to the Police station and reported that her

Father of 1 appeals severity...

Meanwhile, during a sentencing hearing, Justice Reynolds described the raping of the young girl as a “heinous and barbaric crime”.

The Judge told the rapist that “real men” bow their heads in shame at such conduct while questioning why he would succumb to carnal cravings.

From the findings of the probation report, it was noted that he showed no remorse for his actions.

Moreover, Justice Reynolds reminded him that under the laws, a girl under

16 cannot consent to sexual intercourse. “And so adult males, big men, must leave them alone. We must cut our eyes on them…. they were referred to as jail baits, as they are,” the Judge said as he reprimanded him.

Further, the Judge said to Assanah it is ironic that he would father a little girl soon after committing the offence.

The Judge, therefore, told him, “Removing you from society, at least for a while, is the least that a court can do in its attempt at joining forces with the rest of civil soci-

FROM PAGE 10

ety to combat, if not overturn, the scourge of rape, incest, and other deplorable forms of sexual violence being meted out to women and children in our beloved country.”

“What I went through after being raped has really impacted my life. After being raped by someone whom I have known all those years…

Sometimes I felt as if I cannot trust anyone close to me anymore. This has had a negative impact on my life. It left me feeling really depressed,” said the rape survivor in a statement to the court.

spouse had confided in her about killing the family. He was subsequently arrested and charged with the murders.

It was reported that Phillips told detectives a short while after Caesar had gone over to the woman’s house, she had heard screams.

Phillips informed the Police that Caesar had gone to steal the woman’s money, but whilst doing so, she woke up and saw him. Because Persaud would be able to identify him, Phillips said, Caesar told her that he was forced to kill Persaud and her sons. They were found with their throats slit.

Phillips was the prosecution’s main witness in Caesar’s trial. He was initially tried for the murders in 2019, that trial, however, ended in a hung jury. As

such, a retrial was ordered for him.

“This crime that was committed by Abishai Caesar is a despicable, unparalleled act of cold-blooded ruthless savagery, where an entire family…was meticulously and methodically brutally executed while [they] were in the security of their home,” Justice Kissoon had said in his sentencing remarks.

The Judge told Caesar that he treated life and death meaninglessly. Considering this, the Judge said to Caesar, “It is only right, it is only proper, and it is only just, in view of your horrific crimes, having regard to the exceptional and specific circumstances, that… you be sentenced to death.”

The Judge, in imposing the capital punishment, considered that it was a crime of extreme violence, as the vic-

tims’ major organs sustained knife-inflicted injuries.

The businesswoman’s father, Kumar Persaud, who had earlier testified to finding the lifeless bodies of his daughter and grandsons, expressed satisfaction with the verdict of the jury. “I’m happy with the verdict…Justice has been served. My daughter and grandsons can finally rest in peace”.

A probation report revealed that Caesar, who was once a teacher, was also enlisted in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). It was noted therein that he served three months’ imprisonment for assaulting his reputed wife.

Besides that, he received favourable reports from prison officials.

Caesar remains on death row pending the hearing and determination of his appeal

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

16-year-old, 1 other die from COVID-19; death toll now 507 − “We’re assuming all the different strains are circulating here” – Dr Anthony

A

16-year-old patient who was tested positive for the novel coronavirus died on Thursday while receiving treatment at the Oceanview Hospital, prompting Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony to reiterate calls for parents to ensure that extra precautions are taken to protect children, especially those with underlying health conditions.

Dr Anthony on Friday disclosed that the teenager had a comorbidity and was hospitalised in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Oceanview Hospital.

“That patient had comorbidity. That patient had a form of cancer and unfortunately died over the past 24 hours. So here is a patient, relatively young, with a comorbidity and dying from COVID,” the Minister noted.

This 16-year-old is the third child to have died from COVID-19 in Guyana since the outbreak of the virus in March 2020.

In November 2020, an 11-year-old cancer patient died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital and was later found be positive for COVID-19. More recently, a 17-year-old boy of Covent Garden, East Bank

Demerara (EBD), succumbed back in May after he test positive for virus.

Nevertheless, there are currently seven other children diagnosed with COVID-19 in the hospital but not in the ICU. According to Dr Anthony, this figure is an increase from the previous day.

“We’re seeing now that children are being affected in a more adverse way.

So over the last month or so, we’ve seen more hospitalisation with children…

For now, the parents of these children would have to make sure that there are extra precautions taken.

For example, if you know this child is at a high risk for a particular disease because of their comorbidity then they should be wearing medical masks. That’s one way of protecting yourself. There are others that one can look at,” the Health Minister explained, adding that parents should consult with their doctors to ensure they have all the right protective measures in place.

Death toll, new cases

However, while Dr Anthony disclosed the death of the teenager from the novel coronavirus, this was not reflected in Friday’s COVID-19 statistics provided by the Health

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 16 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

77

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

103

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1068

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

8

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

10,927

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

10,424

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

21,351

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

19,665

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

241,680

FULLY IMMUNISED

126,620

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

507

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1289

REGION 2

592

REGION 3

2436

REGION 4

9683

REGION 5

705

REGION 6

1735

REGION 7

1272

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

1765

REGION 10

1494

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.

Ministry. The stats provided showed that a 73-yearold female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) died on Thursday.

According to the

Ministry, the total number of deaths from the pandemic in Guyana is now 507.

With this, the death toll for the month of July has gone up to 37. May is the deadliest month with 99 COVID-19 fatalities, followed by 78 deaths recorded in June.

Meanwhile, some 77 persons have tested positive in the last 24 hours.

The total number of confirmed cases in Guyana is now 21,351.

Of that total, only 1179 are currently active cases.

This includes eight patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 1171 persons in isolation, that is, 103 in institutional isolation and the other 1068 in home isolation. Additionally, another five persons are in institutional quarantine.

Some 19,665 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease – 120 more recoveries than the figure reported the day before.

Since the outbreak of

the pandemic in Guyana last year, 207,468 persons have been tested for the novel coronavirus so far, of which 10,927 females and 10,424 males were positive cases.

A breakdown of 77 new cases detected on Friday showed that three were from Region One (BarimaWaini); seven from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); a whopping 38 cases from the Demerara-Mahaica region; two from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 18 cases from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); two more from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and the remaining seven cases from Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There were no new cases recorded in Regions Two ( Pomer o on- Supenaa m), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni) in the last 24 hours, according to Friday’s COVID-19 dashboard.

In order to curb the ris-

news@guyanatimesgy.com

ing number of cases in the country, the Guyana Government launched its COVID-19 vaccination exercise back in February and is aggressively rolling it out in the various regions in order to achieve heard immunity.

Recent figures show that some 241,680 persons have received their first dose of the vaccine, representing some 49.6 per cent of the adult population. Meanwhile, fully immunised persons in the country as of Friday are some 126,620, that is, approximately 26 per cent of persons 18 years and older.

Variants

According to Dr Anthony, the older age groups continue to account for the highest number of vaccinations. He explained that while in the past, the younger age groups were infected with a milder form of the disease, this is no longer the case as more hospitalisations and deaths are being recorded amongst these groups.

Dr Anthony attributed this to the presence of more deadly variants of the virus that have been discovered around the world and have possibly spread to local shores.

“From a clinical perspective, we suspect that this is what is happening,” he stated.

The Health Minister went on to note that while gene sequencing would have to be conducted to definitively confirm this, air travel between Guyana and other parts of the world has exposed the country to these newer and deadlier variants.

“While Delta (variant) was first discovered in India, it is now the dominant variant in the US and we have travel back and forth from the US on a daily basis. So, one can assume that we have different types of variants circulating in Guyana and would’ve contributed to the clinical picture that we’re seeing here. So not only do we have more deaths, we’re seeing more people being hospitalised during this period,” he posited.

To this end, the Minister reminded that none of the persons who died from COVID-19 so far were fully vaccinated against the virus. As such, he reiterated calls for persons to get immunised.

Further, Dr Anthony stated that conducting more gene sequencing, which is being done overseas, is not a priority at this time since the results would not change the response to or the treatment of the virus in Guyana, adding that citizens will still also have to take the same precautionary measures.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cummings Lodge Housing Project

Pre-qualified persons to occupy homes in 2 months – Min Croal construction of 290 homes; 190 elevated, two-bedroom homes at Cummings Lodge, while another 100 flat, two-bedroom homes will be constructed at Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Land preparation is also complete for the construction of the first 40 houses at Amelia’s Ward, Region 10. Plans are also in train to construct houses at Hampshire and Ordinance/ Fortlands, Region Six and at Anna Catherina, Cornelia Ida, Edinburg and Meten-Meer-Zorg, Region Three.

Several houses are being constructed in Cummings Lodge

T

he 139 houses under construction by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD), are expected to be completed in a few months. The two-bedroom elevated units measure approximately 20×30 square feet.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal said a number of persons have already been pre-qualified for the houses and will be able to move into their homes within two months.

In a recent interview, the

Minister explained that 190 houses will be constructed as part of the Cummings Lodge housing development project, of which 139 will be completed this year.

“The houses are at different stages of completion since several contractors are involved in their construction… If you go there now you will see a number of houses close to completion.

The timeline of one of those houses is four months… the additional houses will continue to be constructed and so that project is going well,” Croal stated.

The Cummings Lodge

Housing Project does not only involve the construction of houses, but major infrastructural works to clear lands and construct roads and drainage to facilitate persons who were allocated lands in that area.

“So, we also allocation exercises that was done and so the further land clearance is ongoing. We have reached to an area because although it is lands that are under CH&PA purview, there are some farmers that we encountered and NAREI is involved.”

In March, 51 contracts were signed to start the

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal speaking with the media

Some 100 core homes are set to be constructed in La Parfaite Harmonie,

West Bank Demerara, and Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 Toyota Rush SUVs up for grabs in Digicel “Summa” promotion Rush SUVs. The campaign runs for seven weeks, starting on July 16, 2021, and concluding on September 2, 2021.

To qualify, customers must top up with $1000 or more (scratch cards or electronically) to collect the letters to spell the word R-US-H to enter into a draw.

Once the top-up is success-

ful, the customer will receive a text message with their electronic letter.

Customers can keep track of their letters collected by texting “SUMMA” to short code 1441.

There will be three qualifying periods as outlined below. Customers spelling the word R-U-S-H within the qualifying periods will

participate in the draw for a chance to win 1 of the 3 Toyota Rush SUVs. All persons spelling the word R-US-H will receive $100,000 once letters are verified and deemed legitimate.

Qualifying Periods are July 16 – August 5; August 6 – August 19 and August 20 – September 2.

Massy Group reopens Massy Motors in Essequibo

S its

ummer in Guyana just got better as Digicel launched Summer Campaign,

"Digicel's SUMMA Rush" on Thursday evening at MovieTowne, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Digicel's prepaid customers will have the chance of "RUSHing" off with one of three brand new Toyota

Massy Motors building at Sparta, Essequibo Coast

M

assy Group, one of the largest business conglomerates in the Caribbean, on Friday re-opened Massy Motors at Sparta, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

The reopening was done with the aim of connecting customers with easier access to the wide range of services offered by the company but more importantly, it will create employment for many.

During the opening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Rohit Coonjah stated that the reopening is in keeping with the Group’s commitment to providing Guyanese with unique dealership-friendly options with comfort and access in mind.

He explained that the store will serve as an accessible and affordable medium of marketing for all Guyanese, especially those on the Essequibo Coast.

“The new Massy Motors is specifically equipped to provide dealership solutions for our partners on the Coast...it will ensure that we have suitable capacity to adequately represent all our line...from long-standing relations,” Coonjah re-

CEO of Massy Group, Rohit Coonjah, being assisted by other officials in the ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday

lated.

Massy is the sole distributor for Massy Ferguson products, Nissan, Iveco, power master tractors-Farmtrac (Escorts), MLA Forklifts, Mack Trucks, vehicles-Chrysler group (Jeeps). Batteries such as Moura, Zeeta, and Shell lubricants will also be marketed.

Coonjah also said that despite the pandemic, the Group marked yet another significant milestone in Massy Motors’ journey while noting that the company has evolved from a single Massy Group to a stateof-the-art facility at Three

Friends, Essequibo Coast.

“This pandemic has impacted our wellbeing, our leadership should continue to facilitate fulfilment activities in all dimensions of personal wellness in areas where focus is our physical, mental, social, emotional, environmental and occupational wellness... We shall get through these challenges as better human beings with greater purpose,” Coonjah explained Meanwhile, Sparta Office Manager, Dhanraj Singh encouraged the staff to work diligently to make the business a success in the future.

Haslington man killed in suspected hit-and-run

A

Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was injured in a suspected hit-and-run.

Dead is 48-year-old Amrow Liverpool.

Based on reports received, Police at the Cove and John Police Station re-

ceived an anonymous report that a man was seen lying on the southern side of the Haslington Public Road, ECD. As such, the Police went to the scene and upon arriving, they observed the injured man lying on the parapet with injuries to his head.

He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public

Hospital where he was treated and admitted.

He later succumbed to his injuries. A post-mortem was performed on his body by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh who gave the cause of the death as multiple injuries consistent with a vehicular accident.

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

7-week-old baby dies due to medical negligence at Mahaicony Hospital – mother

Baby Varshanie Elizabeth Persaud

der three months now and the woman related that she braved the high water in her yard and took her daughter back to the hospital after she developed a fever.

“Now she start to get a fever and everybody say a growing fever but me nah tek chance because the baby been small. So me carry she back and when me carry she back them admit she and from then, them start fuh give she injection all part ah she body. Dem a bore she all in the she head and so,” Persaud related.

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he Persaud family of Gordon Table, Mahaicony Creek, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) welcomed its youngest child on April 25, 2021, but their happiness was short-lived when, less than two months later, they were burying her miles away from their home.

Seven-week-old Varshanie Elizabeth Persaud took her last breath at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on June 13, 2021.

On her death registration documents, prepared the day after her death, the cause of death is recorded as septic shock as a result of sepsis.

Lilawattie Persaud, however, has many questions as to how her healthy baby deteriorated to the point where she died. The grieving woman explained that Varshanie was her fourth child and second daughter.

She was born at 19:19h on April 25 at the Mahaicony Hospital and the birth itself was traumatic. With both of us standing in Persaud’s flooded yard, she related that after giving birth to her daughter, the placenta was not descending and the doctors at the medical facility left her to bleed for hours.

“She born healthy.

She born ah Mahaicony Hospital and them (had to) rush me down to Public (GPHC). The afterbirth (placenta) nah been a come and them had to rush me down and when them rush me down (to GPHC) till one ah clock in the night the doctor them look after me.

This Mahaicony Hospital hay careless because when you go there them nah got time with you. That baby born 07:19 pm them leff me till 11(pm) on the bed to bleed out. Me husband had to behave bad before them move meh. Them really careless,” the visibly

The woman said her daughter took her last breath between 02:30h and 03:00h on Sunday, June 13. She is also unaware as to whether a post-mortem was conducted to determine the cause of death and the doctors there did not provide a definitive answer as to what may have led to the death of 7-weekold Varshanie.

Because of the flooded condition of Mahaicony Creek, the family had to bury baby Varshanie at the Good Hope cemetery on the East Coast of Demerara.

Discrepancies with record of death

Varshanie was born on April 25, 2021, and died on June 13, 2021. However, while the record of death has the correct date of birth, the date of death is incorrectly written.

The document was prepared by the doctor (name provided) in charge of Varshanie’s case but in three places on the record, she has the incorrect date.

On the document, the doctor claims that she last examined the child on April 13, 2021, prepared the re-

The Death Record with incorrect dates

distraught woman related.

She said that apart from being slightly underweight, her daughter was born healthy. The doctors, at the time, found no complications and they subsequently discharged the mother and child. When Persaud took her new daughter home, a few days after, she realised that the child’s skin was peeling.

Being an experienced mother, she knew that the level of peeling was not normal and as such, she took the child back to the Mahaicony Hospital to seek medical treatment.

“Well all the time the baby skin been a peel and me carry she to the Mahaicony Hospital and the doctor them say nothing wrong,” the 38-year-old mother related.

Persaud further explained that the doctors also told her that the baby had a rash but reiterated that it was normal.

Mahaicony Creek has been flooded for just un-

The baby was subsequently transferred to the GPHC where she was being treated. There, her mother also related that the nurses were not allowing her to feed the child on a regular basis. She believed that the feedings were not adequate but did not argue with the authorities.

The baby’s skin was still peeling and the treatments appeared not to be working. It was then the doctors realised that the child needed to be anaesthetised in order for them to “find a vein.”

“Up to the Saturday (June 12) afternoon the baby been okay up to 3 pm and when them anaesthetic she, she never recover back till she passed away…

After that them never tell me them go anaesthetic the baby till the morning when me a clean she skin, one a the nurse tell me that them had to lost she way to find some vein,” the mother said.

Lilawattie Persaud

cord of death certificate on April 14, 2021, and that the child died on April 13, 2021.

On April 13, 2021, Varshanie’s mother was still in Mahaicony Creek dealing with floodwaters and taking care of her family while awaiting the arrival of the child.

No investigation

When asked about whether the family reported the incident to the GPHC’s Complaints Department or any authority, Persaud said “Right now in the condition we deh in here there is nothing we can do right now…

Me nah go reach nobody

so far because of my condition.”

When contacted on Friday, GPHC’s Communications Manager Chelauna Providence explained that she is not aware of the medical facts of the case, however, she undertook to find out the details. Additionally, the GPHC Communications Manager said she is willing to provide any assistance the family may need, including answers surrounding the death of young Varshanie.

Calls to the Regional Health Officer of Region Five, Dr Desmond Nicholson went unanswered.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

440 CSOs to receive skills training through BIT A

merindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and Labour Minster Joseph Hamilton on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see some 440

Board of Industrial Training (BIT). Minister Hamilton urged CSOs to assist in developing the country while noting that the training will be beneficial for agriculture development and food security in the hinterland.

the hinterland…because we believe that Guyanese people must be trained and they have access equally,” Hamilton stated.

He emphasised the need for gender equality in the hinterland communities,

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai signing the MoU

Some of the CSOs at the signing ceremony

Community Support Officers (CSOs) from hinterland communities receiving skills training.

The CSOs will receive the training through the

“The Board of Industrial Training mandates, an instruction from me, was that whatever opportunities and whatever facilities exists on the coast, it must also reach

and encouraged young women to “take the leap and recognise and make use of the opportunities that are available,” to them.

“We have no gender spe-

cific programme…and I say to young women as I travel through this country, don’t let the society restrict you to what you can learn.”

Meanwhile, Minister Sukhai said the re-establishment of the CSO programme is yet another commitment being fulfilled by the PPP/C Government.

“We have to make special effort to ensure that we have both genders accessing the level and types of training that our Ministry is offering and by extension, the PPP/ Civic Government to young people across this country and to the Amerindian and hinterland youth,” Sukhai said.

The Minister said the training is important not only to the CSOs, but for the development and improvement of people’s lives.

The simple signing ceremony was held at the hinterland student dormitory on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

MACORP to open world-class training centre by 2023

W

ith the aim of reaching and qualifying more Guyanese who are desirous of having a career in machinery,

The graduation

Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) said it intends to open a state-ofthe-art training centre by 2023.

Chief Executive Officer of MACORP, Guillermo Escarraga made these remarks during a recent graduation ceremony that was

held to honour 17 graduands who completed a one-year free training programme in Caterpillar machine systems.

The graduation was held at MACORP’S Providence, East Bank Demerara location.

“We are making significant investments including a brand-new state-of-theart training centre that will be equipped with engines, machines, components, training grounds, proving grounds for machines, labs among other things,” he stated.

The CEO explained that the state-of-the-art training centre aligns with the development of the company and will contribute to the growth of the various industries such as construction, agriculture, mining, energy, and the oil and gas sector.

“This will definitely impact positively, the efforts that our company to be prepared for the bright future ahead of us,” he stated.

Escarraga further highlighted the company will soon be certified by the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET)

council which will enable them to offer training to more Guyanese who are desirous of having a career in the technical field.

Meanwhile, 17 students recently graduated from the technical training course offered by MACORP. These students are now certified by MACORP to work with the said company or other companies in the technical field.

Seven of those students were also given awards and trophies for their distinguished, committed and hardworking performance.

Police destroy 20,000 ganja plants along Canje River Sisters busted with ganja

remanded to prison

T

wo sisters, Shantell Evans, 24, and Timhara Evans, 19, were on Friday remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly after they were charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The two sisters were arrested by members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on July 14 during an operation at James Street Albouystown.

Based on reports received, CANU ranks swooped down on the two-storey apartment building where two black plastic bags containing 518.07 grams of ganja along with a small scale were discovered. At the time of the operation, the two sisters

T

Sisters Shantell and Timhara Evans

were cautioned, told of the offence and arrested.

They were charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday where they pleaded not guilty to the charge.

They are expected to make

their next court appearance on August 20, 2021.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) continues to put a dent in the drug trade which saw several persons being prosecuted.

One of the camps that were destroyed

The ganja field

he Police are on the hunt for two males following the discovery of a marijuana field at Cow Savannah, Canje River, Region Six. Based on information received, a party of policemen conducted an eradication exercise at Cow Savannah, Canje River, Berbice, between 06:00h and 14:00h on Friday.

On arrival at the location, the policemen observed two armed men fleeing the

search, two live rounds of 12-gauge cartridges, one Stihl chainsaw, one Stihl weeding machine, one Evinrude outboard engine, one water pump and a quantity of dried cannabis and seeds were found.

The camps as well as the marijuana plants along with the dried cannabis and seeds were all destroyed.

The other items were taken to Central Police Station, New Amsterdam, where they were lodged.

scene. As such, Police gave chase but the two men discharged several rounds at the officers who returned fire.

The men eventually made good their escape.

However, the Police ranks returned to the field measuring about three and a half acres with approximately 20,000 marijuana plants ranging from four to eight inches in height.

In addition, two camps were located and during a

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ballot Box Martyrs remembered for sacrifice towards Guyana’s democracy

Brother of slain Ramessar, 68-year-old Tyrat Ramessar

J

uly 16, 2021, marks the 48th death anniversary of 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar and 42-year-old Bholanauth Parmanand the “Ballot Box Martyrs”.

On Election Day, July 16, 1973, Bholanauth and Ramessar were part of a crowd that had gathered outside a polling station at Number 63 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), in the form of a protest. They were at the time protesting the removal of the ballot boxes from the place of poll at the end of voting.

The protesters wanted

the ballots to be counted at the place of poll before the ballots were taken away.

As such, during the protest, Bholanauth and Ramessar were shot and killed by a member of the Guyana Defence Force. This was during an era of the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime.

The 1973 incident was one of the many struggles to restore democracy to Guyana.

The two were remembered at a simple wreath-laying ceremony held at their graves at the Number 66 Cemetery on Friday where Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Zulfikar Mustapha referred to them as heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for Guyana’s democracy.

“What they gave up their lives for, today we are enjoying it because we have freedom and democracy being restored to our country.”

According to Mustapha, during that era, many other Guyanese fought to ensure freedom and democracy were restored to Guyana.

“We in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, during that time we were led

Members of the PPP/C and others who turned up for the wreath-laying ceremony on Friday

by the father of the nation Dr Cheddi Jagan. During those dark days when many persons were forced to migrate overseas, some of us stood the test of time and remained in the country; we fought and today we are enjoying freedom,” the Party’s senior official said.

However, he warned against forgetting the experiences of Guyana.

Historically, Mustapha said, the PNC has rigged elections and flouted the Constitution

GAWU condemns working conditions at Guyana Manganese Inc

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has condemned the treatment meted out to workers at Guyana Manganese Inc (GMI), who are reportedly forced to work under harsh conditions.

The Union in a release stated that the commitments to the workers and the community prior to the company’s establishment have been ignored.

“Our Union reiterates that all firms must respect workers’ rights and treat them with dignity. It is simply unbelievable that firms are seeking to benefit from our natural wealth yet fail to uphold even the basic rights of our workers, and people,” GAWU stated in a missive.

The Union was informed that it appears as though the GMI was actively side-lining the workers in favour of foreigners, stating that the tasks being carried out by foreigners can be done by locals but for some reason, they are denied

such opportunities.

The workers are of the belief that the company is indirectly forcing them to resign.

Also, the workers made comparison to the housing conditions and provision of meals for those who reside outside of the community.

They pointed out that the foreigners enjoy adequate housing and appropriate meals, whereas in their case, the situation leaves a lot to be desired.

In addition, the workers are upset by the attitude and demeanour of particular supervisors who treat them disdainfully.

Moreover, they related that skilled employees are being asked to undertake tasks that are well below their skillset.

They said they found this demeaning especially considering extensive training they would have undergone. Workers indicated too that they have learnt that their statutory deductions were not being paid over to the relevant agencies The Union stated that

they stand with the workers and is prepared to continue to advocate their call for their rights to be upheld and for them to enjoy decent work. They also encouraged GMI workers to continue to engage them in order for them to better understand their plight and be able to highlight the difficulties they are facing.

Only last Friday, the Union made a statement quite identical, regarding workers in the oil and gas branch, where they revealed that their rates-of-pay when compared to foreign nationals are essentially “chalk to cheese”, even though they undertake similar duties.

Apart from this, they stated that they were required to work extended periods consistently, they were made to do work that did not align with their official duties, and even the recruitment process favoured foreigners, amongst other unfair treatments they were facing.

The Union has stated that it is a serious concern, and that they hold that no Guyanese should be made to feel as a second-class citizen in their own country, especially since history is replete with examples of the struggles of Guyanese to overcome such tendencies and we cannot countenance any return of such periods in now independent Guyana.

The GAWU Oil and Gas branch had committed to standing beside these workers and offering representation on their behalf.

of Guyana. After 1992 he said democracy was restored to Guyana and it was lost again in 2015.

“Then after the General and Regional Elections of 2020, we have seen how they ride their utmost to remain in power and violate the Constitution.”

He took the opportunity to thank those who supported Guyana and fought for a democratic process.

As such, he noted that the PPP will continue to fight for electoral reform.

“We must ensure that never in our history again, in our country that we must have those events that took

place last year where our freedom and democracy were threatened and many persons would have given up hope.”

Further, he stated that the Party remembers Ramessar and Parmanand and will continue to remember all the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Special mention was made of Michael Ford who was killed by a bomb on July 17, 1964. “Because of Michael Ford, our Party is surviving.” He explained that when the bomb exploded, Ford was trying to remove it from the bookstore.

At the time there were

many senior Party officials in the upper flat of the building.

“If that bomb had exploded many of our leaders at that time would have died.

So, that is another hero that we have and tomorrow we will be remembering him.”

Meanwhile, 68-year-old Tyrat Ramessar, the brother of Ramessar reminisced that on the dreaded night, they were standing in protest to make sure that the ballot boxes were not removed from the polling station until each ballot was counted.

“While we were there standing up for democracy then came the GDF (Guyana Defence Force) the Police and they start shooting up.”

He recalled seeing his brother being shot and killed.

Many of them, he said, were beaten and some arrested. Some, he noted, had to hide in nearby bushes including himself. They had to remain in hiding for two months.

However, he returned home for his brother’s funeral.

“They were looking for us, for what reason I don’t know, so we had to move away. They were looking for us but they didn’t catch us,” the brother revealed.

At the time of the shooting, he was merely a teenager who was fighting for democracy.

Starr Computer supports vaccination drive by way of raffle

The raffle is one of four which will be held on the 15th day of every month. Winners must be Guyanese and present their Authorised Vaccination Card within three days of being confirmed a winner.

Additionally, non-winners will automatically be rolled over to the next raffle, and persons who entered through the website will receive a special coupon which can be redeemed at Starr Computer.

S

Company Head Mike Mohan

tarr Computer on Thursday held one of a series of raffle draws that are intended to encourage Guyanese to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The virtual drawing was done at the company’s head office, Brickdam, Georgetown, which saw one person winning the grand prize of a laptop, printer and other accessories and ten others winning consolation prizes.

At the drawing, head of the company, Mike Mohan reiterated that “COVID-19 kills, and with the raise of the new Delta variant, spreading its deadly venom at an accelerated rate, it’s

The raffle drawing held on Thursday

like another wave all over again, and the only way forward is with vaccination.”

In support of the vaccine drive, the company will be running a monthly “Laptop Giveaway Raffle” for a complete computer package to one lucky vaccinated citizen.

Since the company opened its doors to the public back in 2002, Starr Computer has been providing Guyanese with quality sale services for all things technology. The brand is now a household name with a variety of products.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021

Regional

Brazil’s Bolsonaro recovering, Colombia Police say former Haiti official suspected of ordering Moise hit says will be “back in action soon”

F

ormer Haitian Justice Ministry official Joseph Felix Badio may have ordered the assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moise, a Colombian Police Chief said on Friday, citing a preliminary investigation into the murder.

Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead when assassins armed with assault rifles stormed his private residence in the hills above Port-au-Prince on July 7.

An investigation by Haitian and Colombian authorities, alongside Interpol, into Moise’s killing has revealed that Badio appeared to have given an order for the assassination three days before the attack, General Jorge Vargas said in an au-

dio message sent to news outlets by the Police.

According to Vargas, the investigation found that Badio had ordered former Colombian soldiers Duberney Capador and German Rivera - who had initially been contacted to carry out security services to kill Moise.

“Several days before, apparently three, Joseph Felix Badio, who was a former official of (Haiti’s) Ministry of Justice, who worked in the anti-corruption unit with the general intelligence service, told Capador and Rivera that they had to assassinate the President of Haiti,” Vargas said.

Vargas did not provide proof or give more details about where the information

came from.

Capador was killed and Rivera captured by Haiti Police in the aftermath of Moise’s murder, authorities have said.

On Sunday, Haitian authorities detained 63-yearold Christian Emmanuel Sanon, widely described as a Florida-based doctor, and accused him of being one of masterminds behind the killing.

Former Haitian Senator John Joel Joseph is being sought by Police after Haiti’s National Police Chief Leon Charles identified him as a key player in the plot, while Dimitri Herard, the Head of Palace Security for Moise, has also been arrested. (Excerpt from Reuters)

PM: Govt can make vaccinations mandatory to protect lives

P

rime Minister Dr Keith Rowley broached the idea of making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory and the reaction on social media was swift.

Rowley raised the matter as he spoke with former United National Congress Senator, Dr Bhoe Tewarie during the latter’s morning show. During the interview, Rowley said if a variant of COVID-19 became more virulent, then Government would do what was necessary to protect the population.

“And we know through scientific information that there is a vaccine that could prevent that from happening, then the Government

would have to take a decision on behalf of those persons who have the right to protect themselves from this virus,” he said.

Rowley added, “If the voluntary situation gives us the results we could live with, then we live with it being voluntary but some countries have already gone beyond that.

“As long as the circumstances can be managed with a voluntary programme, then I see the Government allowing a voluntary programme to proceed, but if the situation changes and another kind of decision is required, then that is what governments are for.”

Rowley said this mat-

ter went to court in France.

He said that even voluntary travel could pressure people to get vaccinated.

According to the Prime Minister, vaccinations are nothing new.

He said vaccinations were also not an invasion of rights.

“It is to protect human life and if the decision at the level of the Government that is responsible for the wider population, where the majority would like to preserve their life, where there is something available, then the Government would have to take that decision,” Rowley said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro, undergoing hospital treatment for an obstructed intestine after a near-fatal 2018 stabbing, said on Friday he hoped to be “back in action soon,” while doctors gave no date yet for him to be discharged.

Bolsonaro, 66, has been in hospital since Wednesday, when he travelled from Brasilia to Sao Paulo for treatment relating to complications from the 2018 knife. After initial concerns he might need emergency surgery, doctors now say he is improving, with an operation less likely.

His doctors said in a statement on Friday afternoon the President was recovering in a satisfactory manner, but gave no date for his release from hospital.

Earlier on Friday, Bolsonaro tweeted a photo of himself, walking along a hospital corridor with a drip attached to his neck and looking stern-faced.

Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro speaking during a ceremony to sign a law for the privatisation of state-controlled electricity utility Eletrobras, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, July 13, 2021

“Back in action soon, God willing!,” he wrote. “We’ve done a lot, but we still have a lot to do for our Brazil!”

Bolsonaro has faced several health issues during his presidency, mainly stemming from long-term complications after he suffered a perforated intestine when he was stabbed on the campaign trail in 2018. He was also ill with COVID-19 last

year.

Bolsonaro is in a weak political position as senators probe a corruption scandal over the purchase of coronavirus vaccines and he faces criticism over his handling of the pandemic. COVID-19 has killed nearly 540,000 people in Brazil - the world’s second highest death toll behind the United States.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US will ship 3.5 million COVID-19 vaccines to Argentina

T

he United States will begin shipping 3.5 million doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines to Argentina on Friday, part of a bilateral deal between the countries, a White House official said.

The official, who did not wish to be named, said the US government will also purchase 500 million PfizerBioNTech vaccines to distribute through the year to the African Union and 92 low and lower middle-income countries.

This will be in addition to the US$2 billion donated to COVAX, the World Health Organisation’s scheme for distributing doses to poorer countries, the official said.

The United States has in recent weeks shared vaccines with Taiwan, Brazil, El Salvador, Bangaldesh, Peru and Pakistan among other countries.

The US will also share more vaccines with Haiti, the White House said on Thursday, a day after the country received 500,000

US-donated doses.

President Biden also said he is prepared to send vaccines to Cuba if he is assured an international organisation would administer them.

In June, the World Bank pledged to boost available funding for COVID-19 vaccine purchases and deployment to US$20 billion from a previous target of $12 billion, citing a sharp increase in overall financing demand from developing countries.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuban President rejects US “failed state” accusations Peru’s Castillo strengthens ties with

C

uban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Friday the United States, not Cuba, was a failed state, reacting to comments made the previous day by US President Joe Biden in the wake of unprecedented protests on the island.

Biden called the Communist-run country a “failed state” that is “repressing their citizens”, dashing hopes he could lift crippling sanctions any time soon that have contributed to Cuba’s worst economic crisis in decades.

Biden, a Democrat, had vowed during his presidential campaign to ease some of the sanctions on Cuba tightened by his predecessor Donald Trump, a Republican.

But analysts say the protests have complicated his political leeway to do so.

“A failed state is that which, to please a reactionary and blackmailing minority, is capable of doing damage to 11 million humans,” Diaz-Canel wrote on Twitter.

China, asks for faster vaccine supply

S

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel (C) talking to the media, in San Antonio de los Banos, Cuba July 11, 2021

Cuban officials and many analysts charge that US policy on Cuba is driven by the anti-Communist CubanAmerican community that has a strong influence on the swing state of Florida, not the interests of the Cuban people.

Cuba’s government has accused the United States of being behind the protests that erupted nationwide on Sunday - an rare occurrence where public dissent is re-

stricted - by financing counterrevolutionaries to foment unrest.

“The United States has failed in its attempts to destroy Cuba despite spending billions of dollars in its attempts to do so,” Diaz-Canel said in his Twitter thread, also lambasting Washington over its high COVID-19 death toll, POLICE violence, racism and “shameful record of wars”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ocialist Pedro Castillo, who hopes to be confirmed as the next President of Peru, strengthened ties with China and called for accelerating the pace of supply of vaccines against COVID-19, his economic adviser Pedro Francke told Reuters.

Castillo and Francke went on Thursday to the Chinese embassy in Lima, the first diplomatic headquarters to get a visit from the leftist politician after his strong showing in the June 6 election.

Peru announced in January a deal with the Chinese laboratory Sinopharm for the purchase of some 38 million doses of vaccines. The supply to the country has been taking shape little by little. This week three million doses were added to the pact.

Peru's Presidential Candidate Pedro Castillo addressing supporters from the headquarters of the "Free Peru" party, in Lima, Peru June 10, 2021

“The issue of vaccines was discuss ed, we want to ensure the rapid supply of vaccines because it is important for the health system and also for the country’s economy,” Francke told Reuters by telephone. He is expected to serve as Economy Minister if Castillo is con-

firmed as President elect.

A bid by conservative Keiko Fujimori to flip the result of Peru’s June 6 presidential election looks to have run out of road, setting the stage Castillo to be confirmed as President.

China is the main buyer of Peruvian copper and other metals and minerals mines on the South American country.

Castillo’s meeting with Chinese Ambassador Liang Yu was depicted in a photo posted on the politician’s Twitter account. The meeting was “to prioritize the ties of brotherhood and cooperation between both countries,” the tweet said.

Interim President Francisco Sagasti has said that there are agreements with different laboratories to acquire 71.2 million doses in 2021. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices anticipate increase in production – Kemp

O

il prices are sending mixed signals about the production-consumption balance in the second half of 2021 and early 2022, implying the market is currently tight but likely to see significantly more output in the near future.

In the physical market, Brent’s five-week calendar spread is trading around US$1.50 per barrel, which puts it in the 93rd percentile for all trading days since 2010, confirming the market is currently short of crude.

In futures, Brent’s six-month spread is around US$3.70 per barrel, also in the 93rd percentile for all trading days since 1990, signalling traders expect inventories to remain below average.

But front-month futures prices have risen less than 10 per cent over the last two months, implying traders anticipate substantially more crude could be made available to the market without much further increase.

The current mix of flat prices and spreads is consistent with the view OPEC+ will increase production significantly in the remainder of 2021 and early 2022 to satisfy increasing demand while keeping stocks relatively low.

Earlier this month, OPEC+ members agreed in principle to raise output by 2 million barrels per day between August and December, though a final decision was blocked by disputes over production levels after April 2022.

The current constellation of prices and spreads implies most traders think agreement along these lines will be reached soon to ensure the shortage of petroleum does not worsen further.

After adjusting for inflation, Brent prices are already above their long-run average, and cash flows are high enough to cover both investment in production and adequate returns to shareholders and governments.

While most producers in OPEC+ and elsewhere would like prices to be even higher as they recover from the trauma of last year’s price slump, consumer and political scrutiny will intensify if prices climb above US$80.

If producers are withholding significant volumes of output while prices move above US$80, consumers and consuming-country governments are unlikely to be sympathetic and understanding.

Political sensitivity about rising oil prices is already evident in US government pressure on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to settle their dispute over production baselines.

In theory, the US and European governments should welcome higher prices, since they sharpen the incentive to reduce consumption and accelerate the transition to alternative forms of energy.

Higher prices would be the fastest way to encourage widespread adoption of electric vehicles, but most consumer-country governments remain anxious about the impact on headline inflation and the short-term political costs.

Prices rising above US$80 would be progressively unstable as producers boost output, while consumers switch to alternatives, and consumer-country governments ramp up antitrust enforcement and energy transition planning.

In the short term, a range of US$70 +/- US$5 is the one likely to minimise friction between producers and consumers, keeping petroleum competitive as a source of energy while ensuring sufficient revenues for investment.

This is slightly higher than the US$65 +/- US$5 that seemed likely in the first quarter because of the earlier and stronger recovery in petroleum consumption as a result of a rapid global economic expansion.

But the basic outlook is unchanged: moderate prices minimise friction between producers and consumers, while a further surge in prices will increase pressure for a faster energy transition. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Biden and Merkel “united against Russia aggression” T

he US and Germany will stand together against Russian aggression, President Joe Biden said as he welcomed outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel to Washington.

Biden said he had voiced concern to Merkel over a Russia-to-Germany gas pipeline, but they agreed Moscow cannot be allowed to use energy as a weapon.

The US President said the two allies also opposed anti-democratic actions by China.

Merkel, who has worked with four US Presidents, is leaving office.

"We stand together and will continue to stand together to defend our eastern flank allies at NATO against Russian aggression," Biden told Thursday's joint news

Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel

conference with Merkel.

He acknowledged the two did not see eye to eye on the nearly complete US$11 billion (£8 billion) Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline. The White House has said it will be used by Russia as lever-

age over Ukraine and other neighbours.

"Good friends can disagree," said Biden, who recently waived sanctions against Nord Stream 2.

The US President also said: "We will stand up for

democratic principles and human rights when we see China or any other country working to undermine free and open societies."

Despite being strong trade partners, Berlin has at times been critical of Beijing on the issue of human rights.

The German leader had a frosty relationship with Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, and occasional tension, too, with George W Bush and Barack Obama, the other two Presidents her tenure has spanned.

Merkel, who became chancellor in 2005, is not running again in September's elections.

Her Christian Democratic Union leads opinion polls.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

World leaders pledge to redouble pandemic fight at special APEC meeting

L

eaders of the AsiaPacific trade group APEC, including US President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic.

The leaders, struggling to tame outbreaks exacerbated by the Delta variant of coronavirus, said they would encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies "on mutually agreed

terms" as the region prepared for future health shocks.

"The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our region’s people and economies," the leaders said in a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting chaired by New Zealand.

"We will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines," they said.

The APEC leaders met virtually to discuss collec-

tive actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts.

New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, said this week it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held.

"Our discussions moved us beyond vaccine nationalism. Now we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort

— making vaccines, sharing vaccines and using vaccines," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after the meeting. She said the leaders agreed this will not be the world's last pandemic and that preparedness was critical.

The meeting highlights growing concerns around COVID-19, which is raging in the region as countries including Indonesia, Thailand and Australia face new waves of infections. (Excerpt from Reuters)

South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa says riots over Zuma jailing pre-planned

S

outh Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the violence that has rocked the country was pre-planned. He has described it as an assault on democracy.

Riots were sparked by the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma.

The death toll has risen to 212, up by almost 100 since Thursday, the Government has said.

Police officers have been protecting deliveries of food to supermarkets after days of widespread looting had led to shortages.

An estimated $1bn (£720m) worth of stock has been stolen in KwaZulu-Natal, with at least 800 retail shops looted, a mayor in the province has said.

"It is quite clear that all these incidents of unrest and looting were instigated; there were people who planned it and co-ordinated it," Mr Ramaphosa said in a visit to KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Zuma's home province and the epicentre of the violence.

The President has said the

riots were an attempt to hijack South Africa's democracy. He told supporters that instigators had been identified, but he didn't elaborate. "We are going after them," he added.

In KwaZulu-Natal, many have been queuing for food, sometimes from the early hours of the morning, just to get a few items. People waiting told the BBC that they were concerned about feeding their families, getting formula and nappies for their babies, and even food for their pets.

The week of violence in

the province has left roads damaged or blocked by rioters, and the Government wants to make sure the food supply is not disrupted, said Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, an acting minister. Soldiers have been deployed to potential flashpoints, and Police are providing escort for the transportation of oxygen, medicines and other key goods, she said.

In a 30-minute televised address later on Friday, Mr Ramaphosa said there was no shortage of food or supplies, and urged people against

panic buying. He said more than 2,500 people had been arrested in connection with the unrest, and urged South Africans to come together.

"If we stand together, no insurrection or violence in this country will succeed," he said.

"We are engaged in a struggle to defend our democracy, our Constitution, our livelihoods and our safety. This is not a battle that we can afford to lose." Protests began last week after Zuma handed himself over to the Police to serve a 15-month sentence for contempt of court. Zuma's supporters reacted furiously to his imprisonment, blockading major roads and calling for a shutdown to demand his release.

The protests have descended into riots on a scale rarely seen in South Africa.

Businesses in every sector were looted, burnt and petrol-bombed in cities and towns across KwaZulu-Natal, as well as Gauteng, which surrounds the country's biggest city, Johannesburg. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 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)

Avoid an unnecessary emotional scene. Flexing your muscles will not make for a better relationship or help you get ahead. Physical activity will help you dissipate anxiety.

Be smart, think matters through and make a change when all the pieces fall into place. Take good care of your health, strive to be fit and maintain a well-balanced diet.

You’ve got what it takes to accomplish what you set out to do. Test your endurance and take on something that requires physical exertion. Doing so will provide you with perspective on a nettlesome matter.

Don’t lose sight of your goal because of an emotional issue. Concentrate on what you can do to make life better, and forgo wasting time on something that you have no control over.

Show some enthusiasm.

Take care of odds and ends that you’ve left undone.

Clearing up clutter will help you feel productive. Plan an eventful evening with a loved one.

Mull over all your options and consider how to best utilize your time. Base any change you make on sound judgment and facts. Refuse to let your emotions push you in a questionable direction.

Charm will get you closer to your objective. If someone uses emotional tactics to control you or a situation, be diplomatic and factual, and present alternative solutions.

Work to improve your environment. If you make it easier to work on a project, you will accomplish what you set out to do. The lessons of the past will help you avoid disappointment.

Get involved in something SAGITTARIUS that sparks your enthusiasm (Nov. 23and makes you want to get Dec. 21) active. A physical effort will not go unnoticed, and the reaction you receive will boost your confidence.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Spend less time worrying and more time getting things done. An opportunity will surface if you check out online ads. A unique way to use your skills will enhance a partnership.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Don’t get all worked up over something you can’t change. Put more time and effort into self-improvement.

Handle a problem with a friend, relative or loved one graciously.

PISCES

You’ll gain insight into money, health or legal matters that will help you come out on top. An unexpected opportunity will push you to make a change to where or how you live. A smart move will pay off.

(Feb. 20March 20)

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021

21

ICC Men's T20 World Cup groups announced − West Indies in Group 1, alongside England, Australia, South Africa T

he International Cricket Council (ICC) yesterday announced the groups for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 tournament, to be hosted by the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) in Oman and the United Arab Emirates from 17 October to 14 November.

Selected on the basis of team rankings as at 20 March 2021, the groups see defending champions West Indies pooled with former champions England and Australia and South Africa in Group 1 of the Super 12s, with two qualifiers from Round 1 joining them.

Group 2 will comprise former champions India, and Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan and the other two qualifiers from Round 1.

Eight teams will contest the first round, including automatic qualifiers Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The remaining six each booked their spot through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019. Ireland,

Netherlands and Namibia join Sri Lanka in Group A, while Oman, PNG and Scotland will face Bangladesh in Group B. The ICC acting Chief Executive Officer Geoff Allardice has said: “We are delighted to announce the groups for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. There are some great match-ups offered by the groups, and it starts to bring the event to life for our fans, as our first multi-team event since the onset of the global pandemic draws closer.

“Given the disruption caused by COVID-19, we selected the cutoff date

as close as possible to the event to ensure we were able to include the maximum amount of cricket in the rankings which determine the groups. There is no doubt we will witness some highly competitive cricket when the event gets underway in just three months.”

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has said: “With the announcement of groupings, our countdown for the ICC T20 World Cup kickstarts.

There is nothing that separates the two groups, as both are packed with sides that are highly competitive in the shortest format of the

game. Having said that, the exciting T20 format is known for its surprises, and we must be prepared for the same.

I am sure we will witness some exciting and nail-biting games.

“I am particularly delighted to be in Oman.

As a major force in world cricket, the BCCI has always endeavoured to promote and assist Associate Nations. In my capacity as Asian Cricket Council President, my vision is to take cricket far and deep into Asia. Co-hosting the World Cup will put Oman Cricket on the global stage.

They are also playing the Qualifiers, and it will be an icing on the cake if they make it to the Super 12s.”

BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has said: “It is good to get Oman in the frame of world cricket with the hosting of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. It will help a lot of young players take an interest in the game. We know it will be a world class event in this part of the world.”

Oman Cricket Chairman Pankaj Khimji has said: “Oman Cricket has come a long way, and today is a watershed moment for us to have ICC and BCCI here at Oman Cricket Academy to announce the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup groups!

Playing in, and hosting the event, gives us an opportunity to showcase not just our commitment to growing the game, but also showcasing Oman as a welcoming destination to the world!”

Vice President of the Emirates Cricket Board, Khalid Al Zarooni, has said: "Understanding the current sporting climate in such unprecedented times, Emirates Cricket congratulates the ICC, the BCCI, and the respective teams on today's ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 groupings' announcement.

“Looking at these groups, we anticipate a highly competitive, thoroughly enjoyable spectacle of international cricket. This

is truly an aspirational tournament, and one the wider UAE Cricket team is extremely excited to be involved in."

The venues for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 are Dubai International Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Stadium, and the Oman Cricket Academy Ground.

The tournament schedule will be announced in due course. (ICC Cricket)

The groupings

Round 1 Group A: Sri Lanka, Ireland, the Netherlands and Namibia.

Group B: Bangladesh, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and Oman.

Super 12s Group 1: England, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, A1 and B2.

Group 2: India, Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, A2 and B1.

Quiet rebel Naomi Osaka is changing Japanese culture

N

aomi Osaka has told a story.

It is from Florida, where the world's best young tennis players congregate and compete.

Osaka, then aged about 10, was getting ready for a match at the prestigious Orange Bowl tournament.

Preparing within earshot of her Japanese opponent, Osaka overheard her conversation.

"She was talking with another Japanese girl," Osaka told the Wall Street Journal, "and they didn't know that I was listening, or that I spoke Japanese.

"Her friend asked her who she was playing, so she said 'Osaka'. And her friend says, 'Oh, that black girl. Is she supposed to be Japanese?'

And then the girl that I was playing was like, 'I don't think so’."

Everyone knows now.

Osaka, the US-raised daughter of a Japanese mother and a Haitian father, is the face of Tokyo 2020. At every bus stop in Tokyo, the 23-year-old stares down from an advert, greeting passengers local and international. She is decked out in a neon pink jacket over black activewear.

The slogan is written half in English, half in Japanese. It is the word 'new', followed by a symbol that can be translated either as 'world' or 'generation'. It works, because Osaka, who

renounced her US citizenship in 2019 in favour of her Japanese heritage, is bringing more than titles back to her homeland; she's bringing change.

"To be honest, we feel a bit of distance from her because she is so physically different," said Nao Hibino, currently Japan's number three, as Osaka was moving into the top echelons of women's tennis in 2018.

"She grew up in a different place, and doesn't speak as much Japanese. It's not like Kei (Nishikori), who is a pure Japanese player."

She is not the first mixedrace or 'hafu' sportsperson to pose such questions.

Osaka is different.

"Some older people have set ideas about how a Japanese female athlete should speak and behave in public," explains Hiroaki Wada, a reporter for the Mainichi newspaper in Japan. "Naomi doesn't fit in that traditional mould.

She made those issues very visible through her words and actions in Japan.

"Race and identity got discussed more in the media and online because of her, including her political statements. She is a thoughtand-reaction-provoking figure."

Osaka entered the players' bubble at last year's US Open with a plan. She packed seven different face

masks, one for each round of the tournament. Each had the name of a black American who died because of alleged Police or racist violence.

She used every one, displaying the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Trayvon Martin to a global audience on her way to the title. It is a subject that Japan, one of the least ethnically diverse nations on earth, still struggles with.

Naomi Osaka Osaka was publicly thanked by some of the families of the victims she featured on her masks at last year's US Open.

"I feel like what I'm doing is nothing," said Osaka. "It's a speck of what I could be doing."

Japan's public broadcaster NHK apologised last year after an animated film explaining protests for racial justice caricatured black people and excluded some of the key reasons for the movement.

In 2019, Japanese instant noodle company Nissin made, and then pulled, an advert with a white-skinned manga illustration of Osaka.

It runs a generation deeper as well. Osaka's mother and father migrated to the United States when she was three, cut off by her disapproving maternal grandparents.

"I think what has happened is the past year

or so has been a learning process for the Japanese," says Robert Whiting, author of Tokyo Junkie, a book that details his nearly 60 years of living in the city. "There has been discussion on television variety shows, explaining why Naomi felt that way and has spoken as she has.

"In Japan, the tradition is to avoid conflict and argument. It's not like in America, where you have that public to-and-fro. Generally, the more famous you are, the more tight-lipped you are. You don't want any controversy, you don't want it to reflect on your teammates, your organisation or sponsors.

"Individualism is a very valued thing in the West, not in Japan. Here, harmony is the most important thing."

If last year was about where Osaka was from, this year has been about where she's at. In May, after initially saying she would not talk to the media during

the French Open, she pulled out of that tournament, and then Wimbledon, citing her poor mental health and long bouts of depression over the previous three years.

The Tokyo Olympics are due to mark her return to the court after two months.

She is the most high-profile, but far from only, Japanese personality to raise the issue of mental health in the public eye.

International footballer Kumi Yokoyama, 27, revealed last month that they were transgender and intended to transition fully to a man once they had retired from the sport. They explained how playing in the United States and Germany had made them aware of ignorance and prejudice in Japan.

In 2020, Hana Kimura, a professional wrestler, took her own life after appearing in Terrace House - a popular reality show.

In the general Japanese population, the number of

people reporting mental health problems has doubled from 1999 to 2014.

"Traditionally in our nation, looking back as a kid, 40 years ago, it was shameful if you or a relation had a mental health problem," said Wada.

"In general, the perception of weakness, probably more so among athletes, has kept people from talking. But things are changing. People are becoming more open to admitting people have mental health problems, and they are something we have to deal with."

And Whiting has no doubt where that change is coming from. Osaka's image plays out in an electronics shop in Tokyo during this year's Australian Open.

"I think Naomi Osaka and other mixed-race Japanese are still outsiders to a degree," he says. "But this generation of Japanese is much more sophisticated than previous generations.

They are much more global in their outlook, with the internet and countless TV channels.

"There is a broader understanding that wasn't there when I arrived in the 1960s, or in the '80s and '90s.

The world is a much smaller place now, and Japan has benefited from that."

New world?

New generation? However you translate it, Osaka is a big part of it. (Wall Street Journal)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021

Pakistan Women’s A team whitewash Windies A team

– Grimmond shines

W

est Indies Women’s 'A' Team lost the third and final 50-overs match against Pakistan Women’s 'A' team by 7 wickets at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

West Indies Women 'A' posted 204 all out (47.5 overs), with Qiana Joseph scoring 48 and Sheneta Grimmond scoring 40.

Aiman Anwar 10-4-22-3 and Saba Nazir 10-1-53-3 were the best bowlers.

In reply Pakistan Women’s 'A' reached 205/3 (42.2 overs) with Aliya Riaz hitting 63. Guyana's Sheneta

Grimmond had figures of 2-27 from seven overs.

Despite the loss, West

SCOREBOARD WI A Innings Reniece Boyce c Natalia Pervaiz b Aimen Anwar 12 Rachael Vincent c Sidra Nawaz b Natalia Pervaiz 22 Qiana Joseph b Saba Nazir 48 Zaida James c Sidra Nawaz b Saba Nazir 11 Shakibi Gajnabi st Sidra Nawaz b Aimen Anwar 22 Sheneta Grimmond b Syeda Aroob Shah 40 Cherry-Ann Fraser c Sidra Nawaz b Saba Nazir 4 Steffie Soogrim c Aliya Riaz b Aimen Anwar 1 Karishma Ramharack not out 21 Jannillea Glasgow b Natalia Pervaiz 4 Shanika Bruce b Maham Tariq 1 Total (10 wickets, 47.5) (18 extras) 204 FOW 31/1 (4.1) Reniece Boyce 45/2 (9.3) Rachael Vincent 98/3 (20.3) Zaida James 113/4 (22.1) Qiana Joseph 170/5 (34.3) Shakibi Gajnabi 172/6 (35.1) Sheneta Grimmond 173/7 (36.3) Steffie Soogrim 187/8 (41.1) Cherry-Ann Fraser 192/9 (42.5) 204/10 (47.5) Shanika Bruce

Bowling Aimen Anwar (10-4-22-3) Maham Tariq (7.5-0-41-1) Natalia Pervaiz (8-0-28-2) Saba Nazir (10-1-53-3) Syeda Aroob Shah (7-0-33-1) Aliya Riaz (5-0-27-0) PAK Innings Javeria Rauf c James b Ramharack 43 Ayesha Zafar lbw b Grimmond 36 Kaynat Hafeez c Gajnabi b Grimmond 14 Aliya Riaz not out 63 Sidra Nawaz not out 28 Total (3 wickets, 42.2) (21 extras) 205 FOW: 66/1 (12.4) Ayesha Zafar 88/2 (18.5) Kaynat Hafeez 116/3 (25.4) Javeria Rauf Bowling Jannillea Glasgow (2-0-15-0) Cherry-Ann Fraser (6-0-30-0) Qiana Joseph (5-0-18-0) Sheneta Grimmond (7-0-24-2) Shakibi Gajnabi (3-0-18-0) Karishma Ramharack (7.2-1-39-1) Steffie Soogrim (2-0-15-0) Zaida James (6-2-15-0) Shanika Bruce (4-0-27-0)

De Minaur withdraws from Olympics

− after positive COVID-19 test

A

Indies Women's Head Coach Courtney Walsh is optimistic about the future of this team, and has no doubt there will be a progression of players into the senior team in the near future.

Walsh told CWI Media, "It's the first time they've played together as a team… so I was pretty pleased (with) the way they went about it and the effort they put in.

It's a learning process, some of them have (not) played for quite a while or at all, there were a lot of debutants in both T20 and 50-overs, so this gives us a chance to analyse and improve. It was good for the experience and exposure for them."

Walsh added, "It was very pleasing having so many players in the camp.

From a coach's perspective, it is very pleasing because we can look at them, have a look at them in competitive situations, it gives us a wider scope of what to look for and how we can help to educate them through the learning process (of international cricket)."

lex de Minaur is "shattered" to be missing the Tokyo Olympics after he tested positive for COVID-19.

De Minaur was the headline name of Australia's Olympic men's tennis team, alongside Nick Kyrgios.

However, Kyrgios pulled out last week due to a concern over the decision to ban fans from attending events because of a spike in coronavirus cases in Japan.

Now world number 17 De Minaur has joined a list of absentees, which already includes Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, while the woman's tournament will be without Serena Williams and former medalists Victoria Azarenka and Angelique Kerber, who withdrew on Friday.

"We have been advised that Alex de Minaur has had a positive test. As a consequence, Alex sadly will be unable to join the Australian team,” said "Australia's chef de mission Ian Chesterman.

"We are very disappointed for Alex, and he is shattered at not

being able to come. It has been his dream to represent Australia at the Olympic Games since he was a child, but he sent his best wishes for the team."

De Minaur undertook both the mandatory 96-hour and 72-hour PCR tests before departure. However, the Australians are confident his positive result will have no impact on the rest of their team.

The 22-year-old was set to take part in his first Games, representing Australia in the singles and doubles.

"No other tennis players have had physical contact with Alex since he left Wimbledon on 5 July, where he tested negative," Chesterman added.

"All other Australian players have tested negative since. We look forward to welcoming those athletes into our team.

"We need to protect this bubble, and Alex has been caught up in that system. While we will miss Alex, he understands the reasons why he cannot be with us."

(Sportsmax)

Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc gives free COVID tests to Guyanese Olympic delegation, 109 Wiruni residents

E

ureka Medical Laboratories Inc (EML), again proven to be conscious of its civic duty, is giving back by way of free COVID PCR and rapid antigen tests to two key groups.

In fulfilment of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), EML recognises its social accountability during the COVID pandemic, and has thus collaborated with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to facilitate the PCR COVID testing for all members of the Guyana Olympic delegation who are headed to Tokyo, Japan.

The Olympics are scheduled from July 23 to August 8, as the International Olympic Committee postponed holding of the 2020 sporting event because of the onset of the COVID pandemic last year.

The Olympic delegates are: Shyka Gonsalves, Aleka Persaud, Garfield

Wiltshire, Idi Lewis, Angelica Holder, Delon Nurse, Julian Edmonds and Emanuel Archibald.

Asked about the reason behind this noble move, EML-CEO Andy Boyle has said he got his inspiration from Muhammed Ali, who once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

EML has always tried its best to be cognisant of its role in the economic, social and environmental development of the country.

During these times, when the world is beset with the “new normal” and yet tries to claw through the difficulties, a little help can mean a lot to young people who remain undaunted by the pandemic and still continued to train.

Boyle has said, “It is our way of saying thank you for their wonderful efforts in representing the country.”

Moreover, on June 30, 2021, EML, in collabo-

ration with Ansa McAl Laureate Andrew Mendes and the Ministry of Health, sent a team to administer the COVID antigen test to 109 Wiruni residents as part of another CSR activity. It can be recalled that Mr. Andrew Boyle was an Ansa McAl Laureate in 2018.

The MoH also administered vaccines to some res-

idents.

Always ahead of its game, EML remains the premier medical laboratory in Guyana, providing both PCR and antigen testing for COVID, and has been the first private medical laboratory to be certified by the MoH to conduct COVID testing. It is also the first medical laboratory to have achieved an ISO 15189 ac-

creditation in Guyana.

Whether or not this CSR ends here, the EML CEO, known for his positive attitude and high regard for others, has had this to say: “Our CSR is never ending, and we will continue to give back to our communities, as they have also supported us through the years. This is just the beginning.”

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23

CPL has had a major impact, despite challenges

D

espite facing several challenges since it was formed in 2013, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has exceeded its expectations every year, says recently appointed Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell.

“For a tournament that takes place in a region of just seven million people to be sitting as the second mostwatched T20 league in the world is remarkable, and (is) a credit to everyone involved in the tournament and the fans who have supported us over the years. We had more than half a billion views for the tournament last year, and we have continued to deliver value to our commercial partners and for governments across the region,” Russell told Barbados TODAY. Russell, who served as the chief operating officer of the CPL from its inception in 2013, before replacing Damien O’Donohoe as Chief Executive Officer on July 1, has said making the tournament financially feasible was a major hurdle for the management of the CPL. “The challenge for CPL will always be to make the tournament financially viable in a region that has a small number of people and small economies. We have to continually prove to the fans, commercial partners and governments across the region

that the CPL is something worth investing in. We have done this every year, and will continue to do so. CPL contributes hugely to the local economies that we visit, as well as to cricket across the Caribbean. We are delighted that we have been able to not only deliver the CPL year after year, but also see that contribution grow,” Russell said.

He explained that, since 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has brought unaccustomed problems into everyone’s life, including the CPL. “The pandemic has added new difficulties to everyone’s lives, and it has been no different for the CPL. A big challenge has been international travel. The CPL has been played in six or seven different countries over the years, but with the need for quarantine, it has meant that we have had to play all of our matches in one country.

Sourcing flights for people to arrive into, and from around the region has been difficult.

“Unlike a bilateral international series, a franchise tournament has people arriving from all over the globe.

Getting those people safely into the Caribbean is an extremely difficult task.

“The costs associated with the tournament have risen massively, while the opportunities to make the tournament financially viable have become more difficult.

We have worked tirelessly to square that circle, and we are very pleased that we have been able to successfully deliver CPL during these difficult times.

“We are in a really good place as a tournament despite all these challenges, and we are very confident that when we get out the other side of this pandemic, the CPL will be in an even stronger position,” the CEO has said.

According to Russell, the CPL has not encountered difficulties in attracting sponsors to the tournament each year.

“We have seen sponsors keen to be involved with CPL at a league and franchise level. These sponsors have businesses based in the Caribbean as well as global brands, who have been very keen to be associated with the tournament. We have seen sponsors come back year after year, and we are very pleased with what we have achieved in this regard. We have sold out our sponsorship inventory over the last few seasons, and this is another example of the tournament’s success,” Russell has said.

He described the fans as the most attractive feature of the tournament.

“Quite simply, the fans.

The tournament would be nothing without supporters from across the Caribbean and throughout the world. It

CPL Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell

was a very different CPL in 2020 without any fans in attendance, and this is a reason why we are so pleased to have spectators back for this year in St Kitts.”

A couple of months ago, Richard Sealy, who served as Minister of Tourism in Barbados for ten years, told another section of the press: “There are no major tourism benefits from the CPL at the ground level.” Miller has strongly rejected the former minister’s statement, saying there was sufficiently independent and historical data to show the positive economic impact the CPL has had on Barbados and the other countries that hosted the tournament.

“Respectfully, we strongly disagree with what Mr Sealy said, and think we have more

than enough independent and historical data to prove CPL’s economic value to Barbados and other CPL host countries. Even before a ball is bowled and any tourists arrive to watch the games in Barbados, CPL and the local franchise spend a minimum of US$1.1million on local logistics, staff, and taxes.

“Sitting outside this spend are 12 local players, two match officials who are employed, alongside other Barbadian residents who perform league-wide roles. So, we would frame the question another way: If there wasn’t a CPL team in Barbados, what would the country miss out on financially,” Russell asked?

“To answer that question more precisely, in 2019, Trinidad tourism specifically measured the impact of CPL

to Trinidad, doing a deep-dive into inbound numbers for CPL matches. Their report showed 4,460 arrivals were attributed to CPL, representing over 5% of all international arrivals during that period.

The value of these arrivals to the economy was measured at US$8,950,707.

“On a macro level, across the entire tournament in 2019, CPL was responsible for 12,860 fans travelling around the region to watch the games. CPL’s cohort was responsible for 36,830 hotel room nights, giving a tremendous boost to the hospitality sector.

“Independent research put the overall economic impact for the 2019 tournament at US$136 million. When COVID struck in 2020, it became impossible to deliver the same direct impact to host countries’ economies as previous years. However, CPL still provided US$260.8 million of exposure through the extensive global media coverage the tournament now has.

“So whichever metrics you want to consider, we are delighted with the economic impact CPL makes each year,” he added.

The CPL is scheduled to bowl off at Warner Park Stadium in St Kitts on August 26, and would run until September 15. (Barbados Today)

Pan-American Regional Powerlifting Championships…

MVP Sports throws support behind Peterson-Griffith

− athlete looking to break squat and deadlift records

By Timothy Jaikarran

M

VP Sports has thrown its support behind Carlos Peterson-Griffith in his journey to the 18th FESUPO/ NAPF Pan-American Regional Powerlifting Championships, set to take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Orlando, Florida, USA from August 1721, 2021.

In a post on its social media page, the MVP Sports store, which boasts top-ofthe-line accessories and gear for athletes, has said, "Best of wishes to Carlos ‘El Rey’ Peterson on his journey to the PanAm Regional Powerlifting Championships. MVP Sports is proud to support talented and hardworking athletes on their journey to excellence.

Welcome to the team of MVP

Sports’ ambassadors."

In an interview with this publication, Peterson-Griffith was asked for his view on being supported by the sporting goods giant, and he said: “I must say thank you to all my sponsors and supporters out there. It’s a very challenging situation, you know now that the pandemic is wearing off a bit. Besides that, what I’m hoping to accomplish or look

forward to at the games is placing among the top three and mostly qualifying for the World Open Powerlifting Championship, which is set for November 8-13, 2021 in Stavanger, Norway.”

The athlete has said that with his mind set on attaining his goals, a lot is expected of him, and he is looking forward to breaking two world records; namely, the squat and the

deadlift.

He has said he is working diligently towards achieving these two goals.

Peterson-Griffith is determined to remain focused on achieving his objectives.

He knows that the hard work never stops, and he is taking things one step at a time because things cannot be rushed.

Peterson-Griffith is the one

to look out for, because he is no stranger to breaking records.

In the recently concluded Novices/Juniors National Championships & Qualifiers 2021, this powerhouse of an athlete broke three records; namely, the Men’s Open Raw – Squat 307.5kg - 677.922lbs; Men’s Open Raw – Total 350kg771.618lbs, and the Men’s Open Raw – Deadlift 350kg771.618lbs.

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021

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

West Indies steamroll Australia to wrap up series 4-1 …after Lewis Pooran, Gayle, Cottrell, Russell shine

W

est Indies had already taken the five match T20I series 3-1, so they needed to wrap up the series on a high, while the Aussies were searching for a consolation win.

Evin Lewis played his part, and in the end the West Indies stormed to a comfortable 4-1 series win over their opponents, winning the 5th T20I by 16 runs, as Australia could afford only 1839 in reply to West Indies’ 199-8.

Lewis off to a flyer, Gayle contributes cameo West Indies batted first, and Evin Lewis wasted no time in getting off to a flyer, as he smashed the ball to every part of the ground.

Evin Lewis top-scored with 79 off 34

Lewis and Andre Fletcher shared an opening partnership of 40, with Lewis being the aggressor.

Fletcher was bowled for 12

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Andre Fletcher b Zampa 12 Evin Lewis c sub (NT Ellis) b Marsh 79 Chris Gayle c Behrendorff b Swepson 21 Lendl Simmons c Tye b Marsh 21 Nicholas Pooran (c)† c Carey b Tye 31 Andre Russell c Carey b Tye 1 Fabian Allen c & b Zampa 1 Darren Bravo c Finch b Tye 5 Hayden Walsh not out 12 Sheldon Cottrell not out 1 Extras (lb 1, nb 3, w 11) 15 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.95) 199/8 Did not bat: Oshane Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Andre Fletcher, 4.1 ov), 2-83 (Chris Gayle, 6.3 ov), 3-124 (Evin Lewis, 10.6 ov), 4-168 (Lendl Simmons, 14.4 ov), 5-173 (Andre Russell, 15.5 ov), 6-176 (Fabian Allen, 16.5 ov), 7-182 (Nicholas Pooran, 17.4 ov), 8-191 (Darren Bravo, 19.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jason Behrendorff 3-0-46-0 Josh Hazlewood 4-0-32-0 Adam Zampa 4-0-30-2 Mitchell Swepson 3-0-41-1 Andrew Tye 4-0-37-3 Mitchell Marsh 2-0-12-2 AUSTRALIA INNINGS (TARGET: 200 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Josh Philippe c Simmons

b Cottrell 1 Aaron Finch (c) c Allen b Walsh 34 Mitchell Marsh c & b Russell 30 Moises Henriques run out (†Pooran) 21 Alex Carey c Simmons b Russell 9 Matthew Wade † b Russell 26 Andrew Tye c †Pooran b Cottrell 15 Mitchell Swepson not out 14 Jason Behrendorff c Allen b Cottrell 5 Adam Zampa run out (Walsh/Cottrell) 0 Josh Hazlewood not out 13 Extras (lb 2, w 13) 15 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.15) 183/9 Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Josh Philippe, 0.6 ov), 2-46 (Mitchell Marsh, 4.1 ov), 3-95 (Aaron Finch, 9.2 ov), 4-100 (Moises Henriques, 9.4 ov), 5-119 (Alex Carey, 13.1 ov), 6-137 (Matthew Wade, 15.3 ov), 7-149 (Andrew Tye, 16.2 ov), 8-165 (Jason Behrendorff, 18.2 ov), 9-168 (Adam Zampa, 18.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sheldon Cottrell 4-0-29-3 Oshane Thomas 2-0-28-0 Fabian Allen 3-0-29-0 Andre Russell 4-0-43-3 Hayden Walsh 4-0-43-1 Chris Gayle 3-0-9-0

He managed to last until over 10.6, in the process contributing 79 off 34 balls which included 4 boundaries and 9 towering sixes.

Nicholas Pooran then took a liking to the bowling of Adam Zampa, as he smashed him for 2 sixes and a boundary in the same over. Between Pooran and Lendl Simmons, the pair contributed Andre Russell wickets

Andrew Tye was the pick of the Aussie bowlers with 3-37

after soaking up 16 balls, but Lewis continued to dominate the powerplay overs, making the Aussies pay.

44 runs during their partnership, before Simmons departed for 21 with the score on 168-4.

Chris Gayle blasted 21 off 7

Chris Gayle then came to the crease, and managed to last only seven deliveries, but he made them count as he targeted Mitchell Swepson. However, Swepson got him in the same over. Gayle departed for 21 off 6 deliveries, his score including 2 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 300.

Lewis rampage, Pooran blitz Even after Gayle departed with the score on 83-2, Lewis continued to trash the Aussies.

men in maroon. But as the 20th over approached, the windies started to swing for the hills, and wickets fell in succession. The score moved from 168-4 to 1998, seeing a total of 4 wickets fall for 31 runs, and giving Australia a target of 200 to attain from their allotted 20 overs.

Bowling for the Aussies, Andrew Tye took 3-37, Adam Zampa 2-30, Mitchell Marsh 2-12, and Mitchell Swepson 1-41.

Australia eye consolation win in the chase From the get go, just as the West Indies scored at a fast rate, so did the Australians.

Despite losing Josh Phillipe for 1 off the bowling of Sheldon Cottrell, Aaron Finch and the in-

Evin Lewis was adjudged man of the match

Windies fumble Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran’s contributions outlined a nice platform for the

form Mitchell Marsh made the Windies put in some hard work, as they were neck-to-neck in the chase.Finch (34) and Marsh

bagged

3

(30) departed off the bowling of Walsh and Russell respectively, but the Aussies were still in the hunt.

Moises Henriques played a cameo, but he was run out

by Nicholas Pooran for 21, and shortly after that, Alex Carey fell for 9 as Andre Russell picked up his second wicket of the night.

Even Chris Gayle was economical in his bowling (3 overs for 9 runs) as the Aussies found it hard to read his line and length. This only made matters worse, as they dug themselves deeper and deeper into a hole, as the equation now stood at 70 off 33 balls with 6 wickets in hand.

Andre Russell then returned and removed Matthew Wade for 26, to turn the tide in the West Indies’ favour, but a six and a four from Andrew Tye changed the equation to 52 off 24 deliveries with the Aussies 6 wickets down.

With Matthew Wade now gone, the Windies struck immediately, as Sheldon Cottrell removed Andrew Tye. Cottrell then continued his assault as he bagged his third wicket, and as the song says, “You know it’s just a little too late”, well that was the case for the men from Down Under as the tail proved futile. In the end West Indies wrapped up the Australian innings to take the series 4-1.

The bowlers doing the damage were Andre Russell with 3-43, Sheldon Cottrell with 3-29 and Hayden Walsh Jr with 1-43.

CPL has had a major impact, despite challenges Pg 23

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