Guyana Times - Saturday July 31, 2021

CIOG collaborates with Govt to provide assistance to flood-affected communities

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4725

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021

Contract for new Demerara River bridge to be signed by year end – President Ali Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

86 new COVID-19 P cases detected15 from 1342 tests – no deaths recorded; death toll remains at 535

Duo intercepted with 12.8kg ganja at P17 Paradise

− financial proposals due in October

PAC probes cancellation of CDB loan for sugar industry in 2016 Ramnaresh Sarwan’s Amazonia Mall officially opens at Providence Page 7

Page 2

CAL to operate 1 flight weekly between POS and Ogle P16 Labour atrocities being committed against oil sector workers P12 – GAWU $248.9M in roads, bridges commissioned along ECD corridor P13

President Irfaan Ali and Ramnaresh Sarwan being assisted to cut the ceremonial ribbon by little Sarwan on Friday to officially open the Amazonia Mall at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD)

Minibus and taxi drivers, boat operators must be fully immunised Page 9 to transport passengers

…casinos, cinemas can open for fully-immunised patrons only

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

COVID-19 dampens law enforcement efforts to combat human Page 10 trafficking – Police

Candace Nelson replaces Jerrick as Town Clerk P16

2 NEWS Ramnaresh Sarwan’s Amazonia Mall officially opens at Providence O SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

n Friday, a vision that was birthed some ten years ago became reality with the official opening of Ramnaresh Sarwan’s Amazonia Mall at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

Floods of congratulations were showered on the former West Indies cricketer who vowed to ensure the establishment upkeeps a high standard.

venture would not have been possible without the support of his family, friends, various Private Sector organisations, and the Guyana Government.

With convenient parking and access to a wide variety of services, the Amazonia Mall is perfectly positioned to become the go-to location for all of one’s needs and desires.

The mall itself boasts over 20 franchises, both international and local brands

ing Sarwan’s very own RS53 Resto Bar. It will also include a doctor’s office as well as a Caribbean Cinemas which will feature six different screens. The establishment has created employment for over 300 persons.

In his feature address, President Dr Irfaan Ali lauded the former cricketer on his successful business venture, assuring that his

President Irfaan Ali being given a tour of the facility by Ramnaresh Sarwan

President Ali in the company of the former cricketer and his family along with other dignitaries

In his remarks during the official opening ceremony, Sarwan noted that this

ranging from fast food outlets, hardware stores, salons, and restaurants includ-

Government is moving in a direction that will add value to Amazonia Mall and oth-

er businesses along the East Bank corridor.

The Head of State highlighted the wide range of projects which will drastically transform the East Bank corridor, including new road networks, internationally-branded hotels, modern housing schemes, and of course, the new Demerara River bridge crossing.

President Ali pointed out that these investments will significantly contribute to the development of the East Bank of Demerara and will open up numerous opportunities for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs.

He also noted that be-

cause of these planned investments, inclusive of the new Demerara Bridge, the cost of an acre of land on the “West Side” of the Demerara River has already “increased tremendously”.

The Head of State made it clear that the Government has grand developmental plans for all regions of the country, and he called out naysayers for their unsubstantiated criticisms of such visions.

He made reference to the slew of criticisms from the Opposition camp under the former PPP/C Administration when it was embarking on a number

of developmental projects on the East Bank including the Providence National Stadium, the then Princess Hotel, the Texila University, as well as several housing initiatives.

According to Ali, his Government welcomes constructive criticisms and as such, he urged the naysayers to be constructive when they seek to criticise.

Moreover, he encouraged persons who may have an idea or a solution to existing problems, to communicate those to Government Ministers who are constantly conducting outreaches and meeting with the people.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, July 31 – 10:00h – 11:30h and Sunday, Aug 1 – 11:00h – 12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, July 31 – 09:20h – 10:50h and Sunday, Aug 1 – 10:30h – 12:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Contract for new Demerara River bridge to be signed by year end – President Ali − financial proposals due in October

T

he contract for the much-anticipated new Demerara River crossing is expected to be awarded and signed by the end of this year, according to President

This new bridge across the Demerara River will be high-fixed span with a 50-metre flyover at minimum or “as high as, or higher than, the Marriott Hotel” to allow for

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to South-Westerly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 09:34h and 21:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.28 metres and 2.26 metres.

Low Tide: 15:28h reaching a minimum height of 0.97 metre.

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Dr Irfaan Ali. “Before the end of the year, the contract for the new four-lane Demerara Harbour Bridge will be signed,” the Head of State said during remarks at the opening of the Amazonia Mall in Providence, East Bank Demerara, on Friday.

Contacted for an update on the project, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill told Guyana Times on Friday that the financial proposals from the nine pre-qualified companies are due in early October and thereafter, Government will move to select the “preferred contractor”.

The Public Works Ministry in April launched the bid documents for the “long-awaited and extremely necessary” new Demerara River bridge.

Some of prequalified contractors have formed joint ventures in order to bid for the project. They are: China State Construction Eng Corp (China); Ballast Needam Infra Suriname BV (headquartered in The Netherlands); China Geizhouba Group Co Ltd (China); JV – China Railway International Group Co Ltd, China Railway Major Bridge Eng Group Co Ltd, Reconnaissance & Design Inst Co Ltd (China); JV – China Road & Bridge Corp Peutes y Calzadas Infrastructuras SLU (China and Spain); JV – OECI SA and Odebrecht Engenharia E Coonstrucao SA OEC (Brazil); JV – China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Ltd, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co Ltd, and China Railway Construction Bridge Engineering Bureau Group Co Ltd (China & Trinidad and Tobago); JV – Rizzani de Eccher S p A & Preconco Ltd (Italy and Barbados), and Boskalis Guyana Inc Eiffage Genie Civil (Guyana & The Netherlands).

Initially, 21 Expressions of Interest (EoIs) were received for the project but only nine bidders were shortlisted.

The Ministry had said that each of the prequalified contractors were sent a copy of the bid documents in April. The bidders are now required to submit their proposals for either a Design, Build and Finance (DBF) option, or a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Maintain (DBFOM) option.

marine vessels to pass without any interruption to vehicular traffic.

As such, the bridge would land aback Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, from where an alternative highway would be constructed all the way to Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Already, an application for the project was filed at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), followed by an advertisement for a firm to complete the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The new bridge is expected to be completed in two years from the date of the commencement order.

The construction of the new bridge will be a timely one, as the East Bank is notorious for its heavy traffic congestions due to the current retractable bridge.

In addition to reduced travel time, the Ministry said this project will also see greater economic activity, greater accessibility for new housing opportunities, expansion of the manufacturing sectors – which will be able to operate freely on the West Side and not be limited to the Georgetown and East Bank Demerara areas, unhindered marine traffic, and swifter movement of cargo and the expansion of the Demerara Waterfront, since marine traffic will no longer be encumbered in any way whatsoever.

Floating at 1.25 miles, the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo.

The structure was built in the 1970s, but was opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years.

However, some 43 years later, it is still floating.

The former APNU/AFC Administration was originally going to build another retractable, three-lane bridge, but after immense criticism, had switched to a fixed, fourlane proposal.

However, the awarding of the $146 million contract to have a feasibility study done for the project was marred in controversy, with Auditor General Deodat Sharma pointing to major breaches of Guyana’s financial laws.

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) had subse-

President Irfaan Ali

quently flagged former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson for requesting from the then Cabinet that the feasibility contract be sole-sourced instead of being processed through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

The PPC had found that after the bidding process was annulled because of non-responsive bidders, NPTAB had approved that the project to be re-tendered. But, instead, Dutch company LievenseCSO was handpicked by Patterson to conduct the study.

Additionally, it was revealed that funds from the Asphalt Plant which is managed by the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) were used to pay for the feasibility study.

As such, former Minister Patterson and former Head of the DHBC, Rawlston Adams, were charged in January this year for defrauding the Asphalt Plant of $162.6 million. They are currently out on bail as the matter engages the court.

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 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

Road network T

he ongoing works for the new alternative road connecting Diamond to Eccles, East Bank Demerara then Eccles to Mandela Avenue, Georgetown in order to ease traffic congestion are most welcomed as anticipation grows for fewer hours spent in traffic jams.

For years, there have been calls for an alternative road to ease the build-up of traffic at peak hours during both mornings and evenings. The traffic congestion during rush hours in the mornings and evenings is also very stressful for citizens to cope with, especially those commuting to and from the city. It is normal to spend more than a half-hour in the traffic when going or coming from work, especially in areas along the East Bank and East Coast corridors, where there is a huge build-up of traffic daily.

The situation at the Demerara Harbour Bridge is even worse. In addition to the bridge no longer being adequate to accommodate the large volume of traffic on a daily basis, many have complained that the traffic is badly managed by ranks. During rush hours, there is bumper-to-bumper traffic, with some drivers bullying their way through and the Police stationed there seeming helpless to do anything about it.

Certainly, over the years, traffic congestion in the city and other main thoroughfares has gotten worse, and there could be a number of factors responsible for this. What we have noticed is that, although there has been some improvement to the road network over the years, it has not been to the required level to match the demands of road users. Within the last 15 years or so, several new housing schemes were established and several existing ones were expanded across the country, resulting in many more persons commuting to and from the capital city, where they go to school or work. Traffic congestion in the populated areas along the Coast has proven to be a major bugbear over the years.

Also, within the last 10 years or so, there has been a five-fold increase in the number of vehicles being driven on the roads, and the road network expansion programme, even though improving, still cannot accommodate this massive increase.

That said, traffic congestion is not a problem that is unique to Guyana, and certainly cannot be totally eliminated. However, there are ways in which the authorities here could work together to manage the situation more effectively, which would result in less hassle for road users.

For example, the authorities could seek to ensure that there is a greater Police presence in certain areas, so that there can be a smooth flow of traffic, as drivers are known to break the rules and bully their way when there is no Police presence. The authorities could also designate more routes for traffic diversion, especially during rush hours and in areas where there is a heavy traffic build-up.

However, the long-term solution with the expansion of the country’s road network would take some time and that timeline has already been cut with the current works ongoing. The East Bank/East Coast road expansion project, once completed, would bring much relief to the travelling public. The new roadway would serve as a corridor for communities on the East Bank of Demerara, including Perseverance, Mocha, Providence, Eccles, Peters Hall and Aubrey Barker Road. Instead of going through the hectic Georgetown traffic, the new road link would allow drivers the option of diverting from the East Coast and onto the bypass road to access the East Bank of Demerara.

We urge the authorities to continue to look at ways in which the road network in Guyana could be further expanded, improved, rehabilitated and maintained.

President Dr Irfaan Ali is flanked by Guyanese former cricketer/entrepreneur Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ministers of Government; Chairman of GO-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop and cricketers at the official opening of the Amazonia Mall at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Friday

All Guyanese must get vaccinated now!

Dear Editor, I am quite disturbed and worried that there are some Guyanese writing to say that refusing to vaccinate against COVID is a human right. Is that really a “human right” or a “human wrong?” More disturbing and disappointing is that Minister Manickchand disclosed on Globespan that only 23 per cent of our teachers were vaccinated! So, I ask, how is it that the supposedly smartest, more educated people among us – the teachers – have such a low rate of vaccination? What is the Guyana Teachers’ Union doing about this?

How do we explain this?

Should it not be the teachers who are the ones to spread the word and be advocates for vaccination, especially if we want to open school in September? What went wrong? Why isn’t GTU mobilising members to get vaccinated?

With all the devastation that the COVID virus has inflicted on the whole world, can you believe we have such people? The virus has affected everything – the production and supply chain, employment, the education process, travel, recreation, millions of loved ones have died including over 500 Guyanese, and some people have learned nothing from all of this! The Government has done its job finding vaccines when there is a limited supply.

If they did not do that, people would have criticised

the Government for not doing its job. Now we have stockpiles of vaccines that run the risk of spoiling and our poor country would lose millions of dollars if people don’t step up to be vaccinated. On top of that, the unvaccinated pose a risk to the health and safety of the rest of us, with the emergence of new variants of the virus.

Someone said, “Man, all these highly educated doctors, scientists, epidemiologists, immunologists, microbiologists, anatomists, and researchers worldwide have worked hard and advised that COVID is dangerous, but all these people who barely passed science in high school keep saying it’s not.” We have to be immunised against COVID the same way we are immunised after birth with the MMR vaccines (measles, mumps, and rubella), the flu vaccine, hepatitis, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, etc. Why are some people listening to wackos and school and college dropouts pretending to have superior knowledge than the educated experts? You would have no human rights when you are dead!

We are in an expensive fight to save our lives and our economies. Now is not the time to listen to vaccine myths, rumours, and simply silly things people say about the vaccine. We cannot open up the economy and return to normal unless everyone plays their role in this worldwide emergency.

This week in the USA, Stephen Harmon, a member of the popular Hillsong megachurch in California, died after a month-long battle with the virus. In his last tweet, he said, “Don’t know when I’ll wake up, please pray.” He had been a vocal opponent who mocked the COVID vaccines, making a series of jokes about not having the vaccine. I fear there might be a special hell for those preachers in Guyana who discourage members from getting the vaccine. This is wicked and obstructionist. Is the Assembly of God, Full Gospel Fellowship and others encouraging vaccination?

People who opposed and politicised vaccines now realise the folly of their ways.

“These shots need to get in everybody’s arms as rapidly as possible,” US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. A number of Republican Governors implored their citizens to get vaccinated — including some who have been vocal in denouncing strict COVID mitigation strategies, such as mask mandates and business closures. “I believe in the science of vaccination,” Fox News commentator Sean Hannity said during his primetime show while imploring his viewers to “take COVID seriously.”

These desperate times call for desperate measures.

I applaud the business community for saying employees should be vaccinated if

they want to keep their jobs.

I support Giftland Mall requiring staff to be vaccinated or to get tested weekly, at their own expense, as a job requirement.

Employers have “human rights” too. Right?

This week, the US Justice Department lawyers determined that federal law doesn’t prohibit public agencies and private businesses from requiring COVID vaccines -- even if the vaccines have only emergency use authorisation.

Some public and private colleges are requiring their students to get vaccinated before returning to classes.

City and local governments are requiring vaccines too.

Most teachers are vaccinated. President Biden announced on Thursday that all federal employees and contractors be vaccinated against COVID or be required to submit to regular testing and mitigation requirements. I welcome and support Minister Anthony announcing similar measures.

So, in Guyana, the Government and key sectors of the economy need to do what they need to do, and who vex, vex. It’s the road we must take, because “a hole in the boat, is a hole in the whole Guyana boat.”

We prefer you to live so you may enjoy more “human rights.” Don’t hesitate, go vaccinate!

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 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

Riverfront development is critical to the development of Linden Dear Editor, We are certainly pleased with the allocation of $30 million for the Linden Riverfront Development by the Ministry of Public Works, as recently reported.

It should be noted that while the investment is in response representations made to the Ministry over the last several years, and recently, as the 2021 budget was being prepared, it was not designated to any specific project.

Linden Riverfront Development is critical to the development of Linden and has engaged the interest and attention of the commu-

nity for the past 15 years. It is felt that the development of the Linden Riverfront will be a primary driver of overall development of Linden; it will address, among other issues, waste management, enhancement of port facilities, promotion of tourism, improvement of drainage and reduction of flooding, and recreation.

The Linden Riverfront Festival mentioned by Minister Edghill was created to brand and promote the development of the Linden Riverfront.

The Linden Riverfront Development Forum, an essential feature

of the festival, promotes the awareness of the importance of riverfronts in Guyana and specifically Linden. This forum has been attended by the Mayors of Riverfront towns and communities, including Georgetown, Bartica, New Amsterdam, and Corriverton. The Linden Riverfront Development Task Force is a product of deliberations at the Forum.

There is no national strategy or policy on riverfront development.

The representations made to the Ministry and other Government agencies, including the Ministry of

Is ethnic diversity in Private Sector possible?

Dear Editor, Former Prime Minister of Guyana and one-time PNC strongman Mr Hamilton Green stated that ethnic diversity of workforce should apply to all sectors of the economy. Mr Green refers to a statement made by a senior public security officer on the need to redress the imbalance in the security forces (Police, Army, Prison, People’s Militia). PPP/C supporters have been advocating for decades now the need to ethnically balance the security forces. And they have history on their side.

In 1965 the ICJ (International Commission of Jurists) recommended that the imbalance in the security forces should be gradually redressed. Since then, however, no notable change in ethnic composition of the security forces has been made for a variety of reasons. If ethnic diversity of the security forces is pursued, Mr Green posited: “I among others argued …...that if the State apparatus believes in the utility and necessity for ethnic balance then such a philosophy must permeate and saturate all aspects of our society.” This is a classic “quid pro quo” situation.

This position of Mr Green, though sounding tantalising at the theoretical level, is flawed in several respects, especially when viewed at the practical level. While Government has the capability to ensure that public sector employment could reflect the ethnic diversity of the society, a similar argument could not be made for Private Sector employment or business enterprises. But to what extent public sector ethnic diversity in workforce will compromise professionalism and qualification is another major factor for consideration.

Mr Green provides a list where Afro-Guyanese are grossly under-represented.

For them, he advocates the use and allocation of State lands for forestry and mining; the grant of licences for the importation and sale

of pharmaceuticals, allied goods, and equipment; importation and sale of groceries and foodstuff; importation of motor vehicles and heavy equipment, and the award of major contracts.

What’s startling is that Mr Green’s party, PNCR was in power again between 2015 to 2020 and they did not move to implement any of these projects, apart from allocating to friends and cronies, huge tracts of lands, which critics claim would not necessarily be for economic development but rather for speculative purposes.

Notwithstanding, besides the grant of licences for different purposes, what a Government could further do in respect of private businesses (whether individual, partnership or corporate) is to encourage (not to mandate) these entities to (1) consider recruiting a diverse workforce; (2) give incentives to companies for ethnic diversity hiring; (3) make loans and grants available to ethnic groups that want to engage in private enterprise, etc); and (4) set up private-public partnerships for implementation of neighbourhood revitalisation programmes.

The PNC had always believed that Afro-Guyanese have been marginalised.

Since the 1970s, the PNC Government had begun a process to empower economically their supporters through the establishment of Cooperatives and the attendant Co-op Bank, the Agriculture Development Bank, KSI (Knowledge Sharing Institute), Nationalisation, etc. The PNC Government’s intention was to make Co-ops the dominant sector of the economy.

By the end of the 1980s all the empowerment initiatives had failed. To arrest the rapid downturn of the economy, President Desmond Hoyte was forced to negotiate an ERP (Economic Recovery Programme) with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and the World Bank.

More recently, (2016) to

revive interests and to play a leadership role in the Private Sector, Afro-Guyanese leaders launched the “African Business Roundtable” (ABR).

This was supposed to be a major vehicle for the promotion and implementation of Afro-Guyanese businesses.

Much was therefore anticipated but it is not clear what they have accomplished so far. At the launch, ABR leaders did not find it necessary to join the existing and well-established PSC (Public Sector Commission) but preferred to work separately.

If Mr Green is concerned about equity and inequality, as do a substantial number of Guyanese, he should also know that currently there is ethnic diversity in the award of house lot and housing allocations; in scholarship awards; and neighbourhood infrastructure works. These are vital empowerment programmes.

While ethnic diversity in workforce could happen in the public sector, such diversity in the Private Sector, though a laudable goal, would not be easy to realise since major decisions are made there not by Government or political leaders, but by business leaders, whose bottom line is maximisation of profits. The philosophy of the Private Sector is different from that of the public sector. The Private Sector is profit driven, takes risks, commits to deferred gratification, is innovative, and is highly competitive.

The public sector is essentially service oriented, risk free, inclined towards immediate gratification, and ritualistic towards work.

However, despite the formidable challenges, one should not abandon the dream of equality of access to opportunity as well as the need for ethnic diversity in the workforce (both in the public and Private Sector).

These goals are worth pursuing.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

Finance, Ministry of Local Government/Communities and the Ministry of Trade/ Tourism was guided by the draft goals and objectives for the Linden Riverfront Development. These include; access along the riverfront, enhancement and use of historical monuments, economic access and opportunity at all levels, a working riverfront and improved port facilities, environmental stewardship, and private/public sector alliance.

It is projected that an initial investment of a least $500 million over 5 years is required to kick-start and sustain the Linden Riverfront Development and build on the historical $100 million invested through the LEAP Programme. A Linden Riverfront Development Master Plan (LRDMP) is needed to effectively guide and focus the development of the Linden Riverfront. This is the part of the recent representations/requests made to both the Ministries of

Public Works and Finance.

The $30 million investment was initially reported to Linden Stakeholders in a consultation led by the Design Engineers in June 2021. Two projects/locations were subsequently identified: the Coop Crescent and the Wismar market Area/ Warf on the Eastern and Western Shores, respectively. The Ministry’s Design Engineers did the requisite investigations and were scheduled to provide their findings and draft designs.

The $30 million is grossly inadequate and will require additional investments in 2022 to complete either of the locations. Ideally the initial investment should have been about $150 million.

That amount would facilitate the completion of the 2021 programme and initiate the preparation of the LRDMP. Minister Edghill asserted that the funds should be spent where it would have the greatest immediate impact. However, the Minister

brings an uninformed perspective on Linden and a lack of awareness of the tenets of riverfront development, as indicated by the areas he proposed for investment of the $30 million, and his lack of commitment to a multi-year programme.

Minister Edghilll asserted in last Friday’s meeting that capacity building was not his focus. This is unfortunate because the LM&TC’s inability to address waste management, traffic, and manage the current activities along the Riverfront deters use of the Riverfront and reduces the potential impact on community wellbeing and health.

The preparation of the proposed LRDMP is critical; it would enhance community cohesion, allow the consideration various ideas for riverfront development, and provide the basis for long term funding and engagement.

Sincerely, Samuel Wright

Daily exposure of APNU/AFC profligacy, nepotism, and outright corruption Dear Editor, The profligacy, nepotism, and outright corruption that hallmarked the APNU/AFC Government’s 5-year tenure in office is being revealed, almost on a daily basis, by the Auditor General’s office.

The revelations include but are not limited to: The Ministry of Public Security’s purchase of, in 2019, $600 million worth of office furniture and other equipment; but the report indicated that millions are unaccounted for due to no findings of record or documentation of assets being received. Instead, a verification process showed that old and rusty furniture was presented as the newly-bought items, together with other used items unmarked as the Ministry’s property. $2.17 billion was used to fund the land transfers between the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), still outstanding.

No supporting documents authenticated that cheques totalling $865.2 million had been paid out without any supporting documents to trace the transactions made by the former Ministry of Public Infrastructure, which also, in December 2019, kept 611 cheques, totalling $2 billion. These cheques should have been refunded to the Consolidated Fund. That same year the Ministry also awarded a $450 million contract to a company for the design, supply, and installation of a 150-kilowatt hydropower plant at the Chiung River at Kato Village, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). This project was signed in September

2019 but the project has not yet been fructified.

Emergency works on the sea defences along the East Coast of Demerara, at a cost of $1.7 billion, proved inadequate because flooding did not abate when the PPP/C Government took office.

Included was $179.3 million to conduct emergency works to reduce flooding in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice); and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), which proved no inhibitor to flooding in those areas.

In 2015, the coalition Government appropriated $19 million from the Contingency Fund, ostensibly to purchase CCTV cameras, which were never delivered.

In addition, on December 28, 2020, Financial Paper Two, a sum of $4.1 billion was

passed in Parliament, which was an advance the coalition Government withdrew from the Consolidated Fund, in the last half of 2019.

The above are just a few examples, to which can be added illegal land transfers, the Larry Singh bond, Ocean View hotel, the Demerara bridge feasibility study, and a multitude of other corrupt deals made at the expense of taxpayers, even as the Auditor General’s office continues to investigate the thefts from various Ministries under coalition the Government’s tenure.

One wonders when and if the corrupt coalition cabal will ever be made to account for this outright misappropriation of State funds and resources.

Yours very truly, Baldeo Mathura

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PAC probes cancellation of CDB loan for sugar industry in 2016

Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha

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he parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Friday scrutinised a multibillion-dollar shortfall in State expenditures that was flagged in the 2016 Auditor General report and for which, the cancellation of a loan for the Sugar Industry Mechanisation Project and the delays for several other infrastructural projects were cited.

During Friday morning’s examination of the Auditor General’s 2016 report on the Ministry of Finance, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul sought clarity on the shortfalls recorded on both the current and capital expenditures.

In response, Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha reported to the PAC that the current expenditure savings of some $2.8 billion

were as a result of shortfalls from employment costs, the school uniform voucher programme, dietary due to reduced Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) dormitory students and old age pensioners not cashing their vouchers.

Pasha added that on the capital side, foreign-funded projects contributed largely to the $5.5 billion shortfall.

“The projects which contributed mainly to the shortfall included the Sugar Industry Modernisation Project, we had a savings of $400 million; sea defences,

PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira

savings of $576 million; the electrification programme $1.2 billion; road network and expansion projects had a savings of $1.1 billion and the water supply and infrastructure programme had a saving $935 million,” the Finance Secretary indicated.

Pasha further told the Committee that negative variance reflected in the capital expenditure was attributed to the delay in award of contracts in the electrification programme; the non-award of three water treatment plants in the water supply and infrastructure programme; delays due

to award and retendering of Sheriff-Mandela road contract in the road network and expansion project; and lengthy design review process, delayed tendering and award of civil works in the sea defences project.

With regards to the Sugar Industry Mechanisation Project, Pasha explained that based on the notes provided to him by his predecessor, former Finance Secretary Hector Butts, the loan for that project that was funded by the Caribbean

Development Bank (CDB) was cancelled, hence the savings.

In light of this revelation, PAC Member and Opposition MP, David Patterson, who joined the proceedings virtually, questioned the reason behind the cancellation of the loan that resulted in the shortfall in the sugar industry expenditure. He also enquired when the decision was made to end the loan.

However, the Finance Secretary informed the

Committee that he was not in possession of the details to respond to the questions raised by Patterson.

Instead, he requested time to gather the details and lay it over to the PAC. PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira had even called on former FS Butts, who was present during Friday’s Committee meeting, but he too could not provide an explanation at the time and advised that the records be checked.

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Emancipation eve… …on the plantations Your Eyewitness is thinking about what was going on in the minds of the 82,000 Africans on July 31, 1838, who were to be finally freed the following day. The day had been too long in coming. While most would’ve known nothing about the 1763 uprising to become free, the 1823 effort on the East Coast would’ve been better known. After all, the British ostentatiously stuck the heads of dozens of executed slaves on stakes in what is today, “Parade Ground”. Just to let the slaves know about the wages of rebellion.

While the “Slave Abolition Act” was passed in the British Parliament and approved by Queen Victoria on August 28, 1833, it didn’t take effect until August 1, 1838.

So, all the slaves would’ve heard that they were “free”.

What else could “Slave abolition” mean? So you really can’t blame Damon over in Essequibo for organising a protest when told that the freed slaves were now “apprentices” and would have to work another six years at a rate of pay decided by the old “massas”!! He was hung in front of Parliament Buildings for his efforts.

The “apprenticeship” scheme was later reduced to four years and so on the evening of July 31, the apprentices would’ve been waiting with bated breath and high anticipation for “dayclean” to arrive. Many of them had already been making plans: they’d be wiping the dust of the plantations – the scene of their degradation – off their feet to “do what they want to do”.

Some had saved their wages during apprenticeship and added it to their savings from their sales of provisions and vegetables grown in the Provisions Ground on Market Days. They were planning to purchase plantations that some of the planters were abandoning after collecting their compensation from the British Government in 1834 for loss of their “chattel property” – slaves. So, yes, there was great anticipation in the air about living in their own villages.

On July 31, 1838, planters and the colonial authorities were also anxious about what August 1 would bring. Even since the Abolition Act was passed, they were convinced – with good reason as we would see – that many of the slaves wouldn’t want to work in the fields. Or work in the regimented manner that sugar demanded. They knew that unlike some of the islands in the Caribbean, there was ample land in British Guiana for the freed slaves to occupy even if they didn’t purchase plantations.

They’d tried an experiment in 1835 to bring in a new form of controlled labourers –- indentured servants from the impoverished island of Madeira where Portuguese had long cultivated sugar cane.

Yes, July 31, was pregnant with anticipation in British Guiana! …in the wider British Guiana Some folks have forgotten that in Guyana there were over 20,000 freed Africans and Mixed persons in addition to the Whites. Most of them lived in the two major towns – Georgetown in Demerara and New Amsterdam over in Berbice. We had no Maroons in our interior like Suriname – here the planters used Amerindians to hunt down “runaways” and bring them back. The town folks comprised the bulk of the people who had an input – limited as it was – into the Legislature and other institutions which the planter class dominated. What were their thoughts on July 31, 1838?

The society at that time was very stratified, with the Whites on the top of the heap and in descending order the Mixed and then the freed Africans. These folks were very protective of their status positions and would’ve been quite in trepidation as to how the freed slaves would deal with them. Would it be “retribution time” they’d be wondering?

They were behind the efforts that launched the Police Force in 1839. …in today’s Guyana The COVID-19 pandemic has tanked your Eyewitness’s plans for tomorrow. He had his Kente-cloth Dashiki all ready to don and amble over to the National Park for his fill of metemgee.

Alas!

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

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Minibus and taxi drivers, boat operators must be fully immunised to transport passengers …casinos, cinemas can open for fully-immunised patrons only

T

he National COVID-19 measures have now stipulated that operators of public transportation must be completely immunised against the novel coronavirus, as a requirement to transport passengers in the country.

The measures will take effect from August 1, 2021, and will end on August 31, 2021 – unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions. This section covers conductors, drivers, and operators of minibuses, taxis and speedboats.

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

authorised by the Minister of Health”.

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

“The operator of the casino, betting shop or cinema shall ensure that only vaccinated patrons are at their place of business and those patrons have in their possession an official identification document and their vaccination card, which they shall produce when requested to do so by the operator or any person authorised by the Minister of Health.”

There shall be no concession stand at a cinema. The document states that any operator of a casino, betting shop or cinema who contravenes this provision commits and offence and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under Section 152 of the Public

Health Ordinance.

Outdoor dining is permitted at restaurants at 60 per cent capacity and tables placed six feet apart.

Patrons at these businesses, except for children, must be vaccinated and have in their possession, an official identification document in addition to their vaccination card.

These emergency measures are made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, cap 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement – B, March 16, 2020.

After a rapid assessment of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted by the Government, it has found the measures are needed to keep the population safe.

The Order notes that the current measures are extended to allow for further assessments and consultations to develop updated protocols to aid in the combatting of the COVID-19

spread.

Meanwhile, the curfew will continue from 22:30h to 04:00h throughout the month of August. There are still restrictions on social activities, where no one shall host or attend a private party, banquet, ball, reception, hotel swimming pool or waterpark, wage, vigil, club, discotheque, social club, civil organisation or association, fraternal society; or any other social activity.

“No recreational activities shall be allowed on any river, creek, beach, swimming pool or internal waters. Physical exercise is permitted only in parks, on roads, seawalls, beaches and by rivers and creeks and where group exercise is conducted, persons shall remain a physical distancing of six feet from each other.”

The measures have remained unchanged for es-

sential services to operate 24 hours a day, and these include: hospitals, pharmacies, the Judiciary, Parliament, diplomatic

corps, Disciplined Services, solid waste management, airports, hotels or other accommodations, energy services, mining operations, security services, telecommunication providers, fisherfolks, limited port operations, construction, post service and freight, funeral homes, among others.

In addition, from 04:00h to 21:30h, stakeholders will still be able to access services at banks, markets, supermarkets, grocery shops, gas stations, postal or shipping services, beauty salons, barbershops, hardware stores, clothing stores; or other maintenance services.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

World Day Against Trafficking In Persons

COVID-19 dampens law enforcement efforts to combat human trafficking – Police – Guyana maintaining Tier 1 status evidence of successful prosecutions – Chief Magistrate The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the efforts of law enforcement officers to combat human trafficking in Guyana. This is according to Police Sergeant Ranatha McBean, who on Friday made a presentation at a webinar to mark World Day Against Trafficking In Persons (TIP) which is observed on July 30 annually.

This year it is being observed under the theme “Victims’ Voices

lead the Way”. The webinar was held in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Women Judges and the Supreme Court of Judicature - Justice Education Institute. Guyana has maintained its Tier One status for the fifth consecutive year - this was highlighted in the United States State Department 2021 TIP Report.

The Report also noted that despite the impacts of

the pandemic, Guyana has demonstrated serious and sustained efforts to fight the scourge during the reporting period. Like countries across the world, the Government of Guyana has put strict measures in place to minimise the spread of the deadly virus.

Luring victims during pandemic There are restrictions on indoor and public social

Police Sergeant McBean

Ranatha

gatherings. In light of this, Sergeant McBean, who is attached to the Police Force’s TIP Unit, revealed that bar owners are adopting “other methods” of perpetrating human trafficking during the pandemic. She pointed out that this is making it harder for law enforcement officers to detect instances of the crime.

This, she said, has re-

Counter-Trafficking in Persons at ILO (Guyana) National Project Manager Oliver Profitt

sulted in fewer inspections being done by the Police Force TIP unit, and more operations being done by other members of the Police Force throughout the 10 administrative regions. She disclosed that traffickers are now utilising other means to lure their victims.

According to her, these include parties being held at

Chief Magistrate McLennan

Ann

private locations, advertisements of half-naked women on social media, escort services, and victims being delivered to the homes of clients. Despite all the measures being implemented by the TIP Ministerial Taskforce to counter human trafficking, Sergeant McBean admitted that this inhuman act is still present in our society.TURN ON PAGE 16

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Judge to rule on Lowenfield’s bid to block Gunraj, Shadick from voting on his dismissal

H

igh Court Judge Jo-Ann Barlow will on Monday, August 9, rule on an application by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield who is seeking to bar PPP/C GECOM Commissioners Bibi Shadick and Sase Gunraj from voting on a motion tabled by them, to dismiss him.

Nigel Hughes, the law-

Sase Gunraj

yer for the CEO, filed the case earlier this month

PAC probes cancellation...

FROM PAGE 7

As such, Figueira eventually gave the Finance Secretary one week to provide the details of the loan cancellation to the Committee after no one else from the Finance Ministry’s team could have shed light on the issue.

In December 2014, the Caribbean Development Bank approved a US$7.5 million loan for Guyana to enhance the capacity of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to produce and harvest sugar cane on selected estates.

The goal of the project is to: reduce operational costs, improve mechanisation, improve maintenance of the extensive drainage system; secure irrigation and flood protection; and to provide for the development of critically needed non-sugar agricultural production such as rice. The loan was the CDB’s third intervention in Guyana’s sugar industry and it was expected that the project would have addressed several considerations that should result in improved productivity of sugar cane cultivation and sugar production.

However, the $400 million that was saved from the cancellation of the loan was initially allotted for: the purchase of machinery and equipment for semi-mechanical harvesting and land preparation; factory energy-efficient improvements at Albion, Rose Hall and Uitvlugt; and provision

for institutional strengthening for the year under review.

But it was revealed in the 2016 Auditor General Report that the Appropriation Account showed there was no expenditure as at December 31, 2016. In fact, no budgetary allocation was made for the Sugar Industry Mechanisation Project in the 2017 National Estimates.

The CDB-funded Sugar Industry Mechanisation Project was eventually cancelled in full on August 1, 2017.

This was after the former APNU/AFC Government had moved to downsize the local sugar industry by closing the Wales, Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates – a move which had sent over seven thousand sugar workers on the breadline.

The current PPP/C administration is currently working on rehiring some of those workers as well as reopening the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates.

This is in keeping with promises the party made in its 2020 election manifesto.

While several hundreds of dismissed sugar workers have already been hired, the Rose Hall Estate recently held a recruitment drive to restaff in time for its October 2022 reopening.

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

at the High Court in Demerara. In June, PPP/C GECOM Commissioners Sase Gunraj and Bibi Shadick tabled a motion containing 20 grounds on which they called for the immediate firing of Lowenfield.

Gunraj and Shadick - both lawyers - submitted that Lowenfield has breached his functions, duties, responsibilities, and obligations regarding the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Following the tabling of the motion, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Retired Judge Claudette Singh wrote to Lowenfield, asking him to show cause why he should not be fired.

He was subsequently instructed by the Chairperson to proceed on annual leave. At the High

GECOM Chairperson, Retired Judge Claudette Singh

Court, Lowenfield argued that the participation of Gunraj and Shadick in the deliberations of their own complaint against him is in breach of the rules of natural justice.

He argued too that their participation in the deliberations on their own complaint against him infected the deliberation of GECOM with bias.

He deposed that after he submitted his show cause response to Justice Singh, Gunraj and Shadick met to deliberate on the process upon which the Commission should proceed.

“The participation of Gunraj and Shadick in the deliberations of their own complaint was in breach of the rules of natural justice,” Lowenfield added.

As such, the CEO contended that the participation of the Commissioners

Bibi Shadick

in the hearing of the motion they filed against him is a breach of the implied terms of his employment because he is entitled to a fair hearing of his response to any complaint of gross misconduct made against him.

Against this backdrop, he is asking the High Court to grant an order restraining Gunraj and Shadick from voting on the motion to dismiss him.

Meanwhile, a team of special prosecutors has been hired to prosecute the electoral fraud charges against Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxane Myers, Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, GECOM clerks Denise Bob-Cummings and Michelle Miller, GECOM Elections Officer Shefern February and Information

Technology Officer Enrique Livan, APNU/ AFC activist Carol Joseph, and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairperson and former Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence.

The more than 25 matters are currently before three Magistrates – Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and Magistrates Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and Leron Daly. Lowenfield’s election report claimed that the APNU/AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes while the PPP/C gained 166,343 votes at the March 2, 2020 National and Regional Elections.

How he arrived at those figures is still unknown as the certified results from the recount exercise supervised by GECOM and a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes while the coalition garnered 217,920.

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

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Annette Ferguson’s trial over “killing squad” FB post set for Sept 13

O

Magistrate Leron Daily

n September 13, 2021, A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Chance (APNU/ AFC) Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson will go on trial on a cybercrime charge over a Facebook post in which she stated that Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Omar Khan is part of a killing squad.

Ferguson, who served as Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure under the previous APNU/AFC Government, was charged with the offence earlier this month and released on self

bail.

She denied the charge which stated that on June 15, 2021, she used a computer system to humiliate the senior GDF rank. At her last court hearing on July 26, Ferguson, who is being represented by Attorney-at-law Lyndon Amsterdam, was served with statements. Her trial will begin in September before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly 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 Public Prosecutions.

After Ferguson’s arrest, members of the Opposition had come out attacking the Police Force and the PPP/C Government.

But Home

APNU/AFC Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson

Affairs Minister Robeson Benn condemned this, especially remarks made by Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon.

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…”, “…weaponising 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.

Labour atrocities being committed against oil sector workers – GAWU

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union’s (GAWU) oil and gas branch through its public statements, outreaches, and social media activities has continued to engage workers who are employed by several enterprises in the sector on a regular basis.

As such, through interaction, it was pointed out that though these workers are employed by different companies, they face almost identical challenges and confront harsh measures and draconian policies.

“It jarred our minds back to era of the sugar plantocracy where workers were seen as expendable commodities.

For the GAWU, this is a worrisome development and portends that possibly even more unfair conditions could be advanced in the future. It reminds us of the age-old adage that not all that glitters is really gold,” GAWU said in a statement on Friday.

According to GAWU, it recently engaged workers who were terminated by a wellknown enterprise in the sector. “Our review of the documents shared revealed to us even when they were unceremoniously shown the door seemingly attempts were made to cheat them out of their due entitlements.”

GAWU added that it has

since written the entity in question to ensure workers’ rights are respected and that their entitlements are properly settled. The Union said, “It was disheartening enough for workers to receive the axe apparently for expressing concerns regarding their conditions of work. But it is rubbing salt in the wound to apparently shortchange them on their benefits.”

GAWU noted that it is disturbed and astonished to recognise an enterprise telling workers on confirmation they received an increase in salary. It also said the truth is that the workers’ basic pay declined though the company may argue a non-taxable allowance was added to their salaries.

“Be that as it may, the workers basic pay went down and that is undeniable. Our Union holds that the altering of employment terms cannot be done at someone’s whims and fancies. Though workers may sign on receipt of their confirmation letters, we believe it is unholy for such sneaky measures to be pursued to reduce an employee’s salary. Moreover, in the absence of proper review, we do not believe that attempt to reduce an employee’s basic pay could stand,” the missive added.

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$248.9M in roads, bridges commissioned along ECD corridor

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill being assisted by Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall on Thursday to commission the $120.9 million Good Hope Phase 2 Road Network which includes a 58 feet long timber bridge

R

esidents of Enterprise, Bladen Hall, Good Hope and Lusignan can now easily traverse their communities after several roads were upgraded to the value of $248.9 million.

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill and Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, commissioned the roads at a simple ceremony on Thursday.

The modernisation of the Good Hope and Lusignan road network, including works to a 58-foot bridge, cost $120.9 million, while the upgrading of Enterprise and Bladen Hall Road network cost $128 million.

At the commissioning, Edghill told residents the PPP/C Government believes in development that provides equal access and opportunity. He said the roads were upgraded through the miscellaneous roads programme.

While the construction of major roads is important, the Minister said, the development of miscellaneous roads is where citizens get the best satisfaction in service from Government.

“The real crux in the delivery of services to the people and bring them satisfaction and comfort is in our miscellaneous roads programme.

“When you hear me talk about all these major projects and the New Demerara

Harbour Bridge and linking Guyana and Suriname with the new bridge for you, the individual who live in the village, that is just news. But when you get your road in your village, for you, the Government did something. So, we understand the importance of the miscellaneous roads programme.”

Edghill also reminded the contractors that while they have to make a profit, they must be partners in development. “When a contractor is given a job, it is not just about making money, but we must also see the big picture of development that is coming to communities.”

Additionally, he pointed out that during the

PM inducted as patron of Guyana Marine Conservation Society

Prime Minster Mark Phillips and other officials of the GMCS

P

rime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips was on Friday inducted as a patron of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS).

The GMCS which was founded in 2000, focuses on advocacy, conservation and management of Guyana’s marine resources. During his remarks to the GMCS Board of Directors, Prime Minister Phillips said that he is looking forward to working with and assisting the organisation in achieving its strategic objectives.

“Conservation is import-

ant for Guyana and the reality is that we have to protect and care about our environment. I am happy to be updated on your mandate and I look forward to working with you.”

Among the topics discussed during the meeting were the threat to marine security, the need for empirical data and research, and oil spill preparedness.

Additionally, President of GMCS, Annette ArjoonMartins presented the senior Government official with the organisation’s 2021-2025 strategic plan.

TURN TO PAGE 14

Government’s first year in office, over $698 million was invested in the Mon Repos/La Reconnaissance and the Buxton/Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Councils. Some $375 million and $323 million were spent in the respective NDCs. In the Mon Repos/ La Reconnaissance NDC, Minister Edghill said several roads were rehabilitated. They are Cemetery Road in Good Hope at a cost of $18 million; First Cross Street, Lusignan, at a cost of $28 million; Second Cross Street, Lusignan, at $11.2 million and Factory Road in Mon Repos at $11 million.

In the same NDC, contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of Fifth Cross Street in Good Hope at $16 million, and Third Cross Street, Section C in Mon Repos at $20 million. A contract valued $150 million was also awarded to upgrade the main access road in Good Hope and for the construction of a concrete bridge.

Over at the Buxton/ Foulis NDC, several streets in Enterprise were upgraded: Pay Office Street at a cost of $13.8 million, Market Street, $13.8 million, Charlotte Street, $24 million and Park Street, $7.6 million. Davi Street in Bladen Hall was also rehabilitated at a cost of $8 mil-

lion.

Several contracts were also awarded for the rehabilitation of Fourth Cross Street in Non Pareil at $21.1 million, Mandir Street in South Non Pareil at $31 million and Sideline Dam in Buxton at $76.5 million.

Meanwhile, the Local Government Minister said the upgrading of the road networks is part of Government’s strategy to enhance livelihood.

“When the infrastructure in our villages is improves, then we are going to have better standard of living. We are going to have

easier means of ingress and egress.

“We are going to have property development in our villages and I believe that with what plans we have moving forward, today is a seminal day where we are showing the rest of Guyana that this Government is committed to all the villages of our country,” Dharamlall related.

The Minister noted that last year, over 200 roads were done under the miscellaneous roads programme. He also said in 2021, over 500 roads will be upgraded.

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CIOG collaborates with Govt to provide assistance to flood-affected communities

T

Distribution of chicks and feed at Black Bush Polder

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has collaborated with the Government of Guyana and other organisations to provide a boost to residents who were severely affected by the recent flooding due to the intense rainfalls.

The boost is in the form of baby chicks and feed, which were distributed to 50 small farmers in Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks, Black Bush Polder, Bell West, Canal Number 2 and Versailles.

The donations were made possible through International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) based in Canada, CIOG Canadian Support Group and Royal Chicken.

The recipients received 200 baby chicks along with 10 bags of feed each to restart their livelihood.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, Member of Parliament, Faizal

Jaffarally related that several communities Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) including Mahaica Creek, Branch Road Mahaicony, Mahaicony Creek, Burma Housing Scheme, Rosignol and Moraikobai were some of the worst hit areas.

He explained that while the efforts of the Government are much appreciated, several Non-Governmental Organisations across Guyana including CIOG must also be applauded for their efforts by providing the necessary support and supplies to affected residents.

The CIOG has been contributing in the flood relief in the form of providing thousands of hampers, medical kits, bottles of drinking water, and mattresses.

“Today, I'm very pleased that they're making a further contribution in a very tangible way to allow some of our farmers who are affected in these communi-

ties will be given a boost to restart their life. We know how difficult it is and that is why we are very appreciative,” Jaffarally added.

He said he is hoping that the assistance of the baby chicks and feed will make a difference in the lives of the residents as they rebuild their livelihood. He urged the residents to make good use of the assistance that is provided to them.

Senior executive of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana Sheikh Moen ul-Hack disclosed that the distribution of the baby chicks and feed forms part of CIOG’s efforts to bring relief to poultry farmers across the flood-affected regions.

The idea of providing baby chicks and feed to small poultry farmers came from His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali and CIOG in consultation with the donors.

Moen ul-Hack explained that CIOG intends to con-

Faizal Jafarally MP, Sheikh Moen ul-Hack and MMA Vice Chair Zaid during the distribution on Thursday

tinue working closely with the Government and the regional representatives to assist the people. “This is the teaching of Islam, Hinduism and Christianity, as long as

we can render kindness, we must do so and if we are kind to the creation, the creator will be kind to us, if we bring relief and ease to the people, then the creator will

grant us ease and relief.”

Meanwhile, an assessment was completed and will be submitted to the Government on the effects of the flooding.

PM inducted as patron...

She said that as Chief of Staff of the GDF, the Prime Minister provided his unwavering support to the GMCS and she is confident of his similar commitment as patron.

“We expect that he will continue to advocate for us, he is also the head of the CDC and that is a very

critical body. He could also have conversations about us with many of the international companies that may come to meet with him that have an interest in marine research, he can match them with our young scientists and our volunteers at GMCS.” Also present at the event

were Research Manager and GMCS Board Member, Maria Fraser and her fellow Board Members, Ivana Thompson, Dr Marie Correia, John Flores; Lieutenant Commander, GDF Coast Guard David Shamsudeen; and Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar and Mikhail Amsterdam.

Labour atrocities being...

“Many workers have expressed feelings of being cheated. They shared on their recruitment they were regaled with stories of significant earnings, high-quality jobs, and good job prospects. They were told that big opportunities awaited them in the sector, and they could have meaningfully improved their well-being and lives.

With such succulent talk, the workers said they were wooed and without hesitation took up training opportunities with the hope of making a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.”

“Their high enthusiasm caused them to sign their contract without so much as a second glance. Alas, the talk grand promises of flowing milk and honey gave way to reality. This they said was a cold and rude awakening. It is reminiscent of the days of the indentured servants being told to come and fan sugar canes in British Guiana.”

GAWU further added that the workers pointed out while their salaries appear appropriate, it is hardly compensatory for the long hours of work they must endure. They were very disturbed that foreign-

ers appeared to be getting significantly enhanced conditions compared to them though they undertake similar jobs, GAWU said, adding that the workers pointed out that they can execute certain tasks as well as foreigners, yet they are denied equal pay.

“The sector’s employees we have engaged said they are puzzled as to why is it they cannot be treated more fairly. The workers could not help but wonder whether it is that the owners were out to make super profits off their efforts and sweat. The GAWU has heard unofficially that many enterprises are handsomely paid for the service they provide. Yet rather than sharing some of the bounties with their employees they apparently choose to enjoy the niceties of life while throwing a few crumbs to the workers,” GAWU noted.

FROM PAGE 13

FROM PAGE 12

The Union highlighted that the situation the oil sector workers in our country face is not new and that it has happened before in the sugar industry when the owner class together with local collaborators denied workers a fair and just reward for their labour.

“It was a harsh period for the workers and profound change was only realised when the workers stood together to demand and win real and lasting change.

Certainly, in the oil sector, the workers’ collectivism is important if they are to win out in their just demands.”

The GAWU believes its considerable experience in championing workers’ rights is very much needed and it remains committed to advancing the rights and conditions of the Guyanese working-class. It is therefore encouraging workers to reach out to the Union.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Overseas-based Guyanese to launch website to promote entrepreneurship W ith Guyana on the cusp of major developments which will create tremendous opportunities for hundreds of locals, an overseas-based Guyanese plans to launch a website that will promote and market local entrepreneurs.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made this announcement during an event on Friday at the opening of the Amazonia Mall, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The developer of the website, whose name was not mentioned, is said to

have a wealth of knowledge in logistics, and will be funding the website on his own. President Ali said this website will play an important role in helping local entrepreneurs.

“There is a lot to be done, in creating this new modern, culturally rich Guyana.

We are also working on a project to launch what will be like our own Amazon; where are going to give every single small operator, small entrepreneur, the opportunity to market their products to the rest of the world,” the President said.

“By September we are

hoping to launch that. Once that is launched, our honey, our beauty product, stores, all the facilities we offer as a country, our Indigenous people, women entrepreneurs, they will have an opportunity to join a market that give them access to the rest of the world,” he said.

The Head of State said that it is the Government’s intention to give back more to the Guyanese diaspora, especially low-income families.

He said that the objective is to ensure every Guyanese can have an equal opportunity in the future.

President Irfaan Ali

President Ali further added that the launching and development of businesses will help to transform Guyana, and will bring the type of development that is necessary to take the country forward.

“This will ensure development is done in a way that it does not expand inequality but bridge the gap.”

He encouraged local businesses to work together to take advantage of the many opportunities that will become available as a result of the country’s rapid development.

86 new COVID-19 cases detected from 1342 tests – no deaths recorded; death toll remains at 535

T

he Ministry of Health has reported that from 1342 swabs that were taken for testing, 84 returned positive for COVID-19 on Friday, thus brining the confirmed cases to 22,458 – 10,961 males and 11,497 females.

There were no reported cases of death and as such,

are being monitored in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has since tested 224,529 persons thus far, of which 21,166 have recovered.

New cases were detected across eight administrative regions, with two in Region One (BarimaWaini); two in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam);

three in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Friday reiterated that the relaxation of national measures can only be considered once

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 30 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

86

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

77

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

665 15

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

11,497

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

10,961

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

22,458

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

21,166

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

249,908

FULLY IMMUNISED

136,919

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

535

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1299

REGION 2

628

REGION 3

2548

REGION 4

10,066

REGION 5

758

REGION 6

1857

REGION 7

1279

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

2083

REGION 10

1540

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.

the death toll remains at 535.

New statistics provided on Friday showed that 757 cases are still active with 15 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 77 in institutional isolation and 665 in home isolation. Another four persons

10 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 47 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); eight in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); 11 in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and

Guyana has cross the herd immunity benchmark, that is, 85 per cent of the adult population being completely immunised. If not, the circulation of variants and other factors could contribute to a surge in infections.

“When we get to herd immunity, then we can

talk about relaxation of measures. Until we get there, it’s going to be difficult to do so. Primarily, we have seen the evolution of variants that are more infectious, that would cause more severe diseases and which can result in deaths. We have seen what has happened with the Delta variant, where countries infected with the Delta variant are seeing more cases, more deaths, more hospitalisations and can easily overwhelm the health systems,” the Minister explained.

In Guyana, 50 per cent of persons have taken their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; with 28 per cent yet to secure their second dose.

“Unless people get vac-

cinated and not just with one dose, with both doses, then it becomes protective. We want to encourage people to make sure that they get vaccinated because this is the only way you can protect yourself.

It’s a simple message. Go out and get vaccinated…

We still have a far way to go to get to herd immunity.

We’re pegging herd immunity around 85 per cent of our population and we’re a very far way from that.”

Over the past few days, Dr Anthony outlined that the uptake has been good.

On average, about 3000 persons are taking the jabs daily.

“Our capacity to do vaccination is great so with 100 sites operating with about 200 vaccines at each

one of these sites per day, we can do so much more.

But the sites are being underutilised because people are not coming out.”

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 6246674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

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

Taxi driver busted with 5kg imported ganja

A

taxi driver was on Thursday arrested after he was intercepted with 5.248 kilograms of imported ganja at Parika Ferry Stelling, Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

The suspect of Unity Village, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, is expected to make his court appearance in the new week.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) stated that the drug was found in a haversack belonging to the man after he arrived at Parika Stelling via speedboat.

Based on reports received, a search was conducted on his person during which five “brick like” objects containing the ganja were unearthed.

The suspect, who said he is a carpenter, was escorted to CANU Headquarters where the cannabis was an-

The ganja that was found in the suspect’s possessions

alysed and proved to be an imported drug known as “poppy”.

The street value is estimated at over $1 million.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Newly launched company aims to “revolutionise” real estate in Guyana tical in dealing with agents and perhaps that comes from the level of discomfort or the bad taste that is left in persons’ mouth by the un-

fortunate or unsavoury incidents that they might have experienced with real estate agents. It is our intention to change all of that,” the attor-

ney-at-law noted.

Handling the marketing area of the company is former West Indies cricketer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Candace Nelson replaces Jerrick as Town Clerk

G

The team behind the newly launched Guyana Properties

uyana Properties (GP) Real Estate Company was on Friday launched with the aim of revolutionising the services here in Guyana and overseas.

Operating in Guyana and the United States, the company has been specifically designed to target the real estate market here and was birthed out of the need for a quality real estate experience.

Their services are not limited to property management, title services, appraisals and general marketing of properties.

It promises a “North American-style” approach to the industry, while identifying current demands across the local scope and the flurry of development which is anticipated in the future.

Chief Executive Officer, Chris Thakoorpersad stated that the objective is to initially employ and fully train at least 100 persons who can

provide a first-class service to clients.

In addition, President Myrna Nieves stated, “We’re looking to train them in everything from the principles of real estate to the contract process to the closing process. They will be prepared to facilitate the process and partner with everyone involved. When we say partner, we are speaking of the law makers, the dignitaries, the attorneys, our colleagues, other real estate agents. We want to come together as a team and offer Guyana a real estate service that is effective and efficient for all”.

Apart from offering Guyanese a profession in the industry, she noted that stakeholders can expect a “phenomenal” marketing strategy, with plans in the pipeline to target expats.

GP will be partnering with Gunraj and Company as it pertains to legal compliance. Sase Gunraj, a part-

ner at the firm, outlined that this new venture will see the utilisation of technology to revolutionise the market.

“There’s actually a module that is being developed that includes drone footage, specific pictures, elaborate description of amenities etc…You don’t have to go hounding an agent to get details. As long as a property is listed, all of the requisite details and perhaps more will be readily available in that listing. A person going to the GP listing or the GP social media pages will garner at one glance, all of the information that is necessary.”

Gunraj added that the company is not focused on competing or stymieing other players in the industry, but rather is seeking to collaborate and benefit mutually.

“It’s about getting everyone on board to ensure that the real estate industry is revolutionised…We see lots of people are scep-

CAL to operate 1 flight weekly between POS and Ogle

A

lmost two weeks since Trinidad and Tobago opened its airports, Caribbean Airlines on Friday on its website announced that the regional carrier will operate out of the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, once weekly.

According to the announcement, the flights will be operated on Fridays.

However, since the reopening of the airports in the twin-island republic, the Trinidadian Government has put in place strict requirements for arriving

passengers.

One such measure is for passengers to be fully vaccinated with a vaccine that is approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Arriving passengers are also required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result.

Trinidad and Tobago opened its airport to citizens and nationals of Trinidad and Tobago on July 17, last.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, who outlined the conditions under

which people would be allowed into the country.

He said that T&T citizens and residents who are fully vaccinated (defined as a person who has received the required number of doses of a WHO approved vaccine two weeks prior to travel) and having shown proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before would be allowed to enter.

Meanwhile, Guyana has also listed its requirements for arriving non-Guyanese nationals from Trinidad and Tobago.

Acting Town Jerrick

T

Clerk

Sherry

he Local Government Commission has taken a decision to appoint an interim Town Clerk to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

In a correspondence sent

by Chairman of the LGC, Julius Faerber, it was pointed out that Candace Nelson will take up the Town Clerk post. The appointment took effect from July 28, and saw Sherry Jerrick returning to her substantive position as acting Town Clerk.

According to the letter seen by this publication, Faerber pointed out that this decision is in keeping with the authority vested to the Local Government Commission under Sections 12 and 13

Ubraj

Interim Town Clerk Candace Nelson

of the Local Government Commission Act. Section 13 (2) states that, “The Commission shall have power to deal with all matters relating to staffing of Local Government organs and in particular shall – be responsible for employment, transfer, discipline and dismissal of staff.”

However, Mayor Ubraj Narine on Friday indicated that he was “not pleased” with this new development. In fact, at an earlier Extraordinary Statutory Meeting on Wednesday, the Council met and agreed to seek an injunction to prevent the decision of the Local Government Commission to

appoint Nelson as interim Town Clerk.

“We’re not pleased at the level of the city with this appointment of the Local Government Commission…

We will not accept her as Town Clerk. It will be a battle like the past,” he told the media on Friday.

Nelson, who previously acted in the capacity of Town Clerk, was removed by the Council back in 2020 over her refusal to take instructions. Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall had then given no objection for her to be reappointed, since he had “full confidence” in her abilities.

Georgetown Narine

Mayor

COVID-19 dampens law...

“We will not condone any form of exploitation. We are free humans being who should not be coerced into sexual arrangements and exploited for the material gain of others,” the Police rank said.

For her part, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan gave an overview of the Combatting Trafficking of Persons Act, including the various offences and the punishment prescribed for those found guilty of offences under the Act. She also outlined best practices for investigating and prosecuting such matters.

At the top

Asked whether judicial officers are sufficiently trained to effectively prosecute TIP cases, she said, “We are trained and there is always room for improvement. What we try to do is a lot of train the trainers. Once we are exposed, whether the senior judicial officer or any judicial officer is exposed to any form of training we come back and we share. Of course, collaborations like this [webinar] is a sharing process and it

allows for all the organisations to ask questions and indicate areas where they think there is a need for improvement…That is the only way we can go forward…”

In closing her presentation, the Chief Magistrate noted, “the fact that Guyana has maintained its Tier 1 status over the years and continues to have successful prosecutions even during a pandemic is testimony to the work being done and the progress made by the judiciary and all stakeholders in relation to trafficking in person prosecutions in Guyana. We are up at the top and we are proud of it.”

Meanwhile, National Project Manager, CounterTrafficking in Persons at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) (Guyana) Oliver Profitt, said that the organisation has been working with several local stakeholders, including Government ministries to combat human trafficking.

He disclosed that the ILO is currently executing a US$850,000 project aimed at strengthening Guyana’s

FROM PAGE 10

capacity to effectively fight TIP. Areas targeted are Regions One, Two, Four, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

Some of the objectives of the project are strengthening anti-TIP policy and frameworks, TIP prosecution Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and improve services for victims.

The project ends this year, and the ILO Guyana is currently engaging its donors and partners with the hope of starting a similar project soon.

The purpose of the webinar was to provide information on human trafficking, investigation and prosecution of trafficking in persons cases and Guyana’s efforts at being on top of the issue.

It also informed how stakeholders can work together to combat this modern form of slavery.

Over 100 persons participated in Friday’s webinar.

They include Chief Justice Roxane George, judges of the High Court and Court of Appeal, Magistrates, lawyers, Police ranks, court staff, probation officers/social workers, a psychiatrist, and journalists.

17 Duo intercepted with 12.8kg ganja at Paradise NEWS

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

wo men of Rose Hall, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), were on Thursday intercepted with 12.8 kilograms of ganja at Factory Road, Paradise, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The interception was made by agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) who received information that the duo was travelling in a motor vehicle at Paradise, ECD. As such, the vehicle was stopped and a search was conducted on the two men and their bags. During the operation, several wrapped parcels containing the cannabis were unearthed.

As a result, Vickey Doodnauth, 23, and Richey Sewadhan, 19, of Market

weighed and amounted to 12.8kg.

Meanwhile, the two men were subsequently charged and appeared before Magistrate Liverpool at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

They were remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to September 17, 2021.

Floodwater receding in Eteringbang – Region 7 Chairman Richey Sewadhan and Vickey Doodnauth

Road, Rose Hall, Berbice, were arrested and escort-

ed to CANU Headquarters where the cannabis was

Govt supports groups for Emancipation celebration

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr along with representatives of various organisations at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Friday

A

s Guyana prepares to celebrate Emancipation 2021, the Government of Guyana on Friday handed over financial support to at least 34 groups and organisations to assist them in participating in the festivities.

At a simple ceremony held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson along with Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond and Minister Kwame McCoy handed over the monetary donation.

In his remarks, Ramson commended the groups for organising themselves and taking up the leadership roles in keeping the African culture alive throughout their various communities. Leadership, he stated, is multifaceted and multidimensional.

The ganja that was found in possession of the two young men

He further highlighted that the issuance of funds was not a decision made by his Ministry, but rather one by President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Cabinet.

“This is the decision of the President and the entire Cabinet… and we are – in this effect, in this capacity – the Government of Guyana, this is a decision that we made after the requests would have come in to the Ministry.”

He pointed out that “we believe that groups of all Guyanese deserve support.”

The Minister reminded the small gathering that Emancipation is the day that one thing is celebrated. That one thing being freedom.

He noted that Emancipation is a celebration that will be observed by all Guyanese for years to come, with future generations inheriting a strong united country, where

Guyanese are able to celebrate each other.

“It is an internal struggle, and out of it you get a beautiful strong tapestry of a fabric that is similar to the ones you are wearing… all that beautiful colours that are just strings and threads that have been combined to create that beautiful colours and the strength of that material… that fabric is our society.”

Minister Ramson stated that it is his Ministry’s intention to have regional celebrations all across the country and that the Government will continue to support and be a part of the Emancipation celebrations.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Emancipation celebrations that are usually held at the National Park will now see a broadcast version of the celebrations being aired on Sunday.

R

egion Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) Chairman Kenneth Williams on Friday said that the high-water levels in the El Dorado River, which has overtopped and flooded the community of Eteringbang, is receding.

Several businesses and houses in the mining community were inundated as a result of the rising water levels on Thursday.

The floods were attributed to the unusually high water levels in a nearby river that has overtopped.

However, when contacted for an update on the sit-

Region 7 Chairman Kenneth Williams

possibility that the water levels may increase overnight.

However, he posited that the residents in Eteringbang are adamant that the situation will improve and not worsen.

“So, [residents] say

Floodwaters receded from some sections of Eteringbang on Friday

uation in Eteringbang, the Regional Chairman said the water is receding but not significantly.

“The water is receding.

It is receding very slowly and they anticipate that it would recede even further… It has receded at least by one foot,” Williams told <<<Guyana Times>>> on Friday afternoon.

According to the Chairman, residents from in the border community are reporting that the El Dorado River in neighbouring Venezuela has overtopped and flowed into the Cuyuni River, along which Eteringbang is located, hence the flooding there.

“Eteringbang is near the bottom of El Dorado River [on the Cuyuni River] and that is the reason for the water rising exponentially… that’s the local knowledge we’re receiving,” he noted.

Nevertheless, Williams indicated that there is a

that they anticipate that it will get better rather than worse. But some people have moved, especially the business people, simply because the water was threatening to set into the businesses,” the Regional Chairman stated.

On Thursday, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) reported that floodwaters had risen significantly in Eteringbang, affecting some 10 commercial establishments and at least three households. But Chairman Williams subsequently related to this newspaper that by late Thursday afternoon, at least 10 households were impacted by the rising water.

It was reported that the water level rose some three to four feet above normal levels on Thursday.

The CDC had said that Region Seven is expected to endure rainfall Thursday night and towards the end

of the week, measuring as much as two inches during a 12-hour period.

But according to the Regional Chairman, the “normal light showers” experienced Thursday night did not contribute to or worsen the flood situation in Eteringbang.

Williams further related to this publication that the mining community had experienced similar occurrences in recent weeks but the water levels were not as high as they were on Thursday.

Meanwhile, during the May-June heavy downpour that saw high-levels of flooding across the country and even in some communities in the CuyuniMazaruni region, it was noted that Eteringbang was also inundated.

On this note, the Chairman noted that the water levels there were not as severe as other communities in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region that were flooded such as Waramadong and Jawalla.

Nevertheless, the CDC on Thursday said it is working with the regional authorities in Region Seven to monitor the developing situation. The Commission further noted that it is prepared to dispatch relief supplies and an assessment team to Eteringbang if the need arises.

The last time the mining community of Eteringbang experienced severe flooding was in August 2019 following persistent rainfall over a few days.

Between May and June this year, heavy rains resulted in widespread flooding across the country, affecting some 30,000 households. The devastation included submerged buildings and vehicles with adverse effects on crops, livestock and health.

It has been noted that the rainfall experienced in May alone was recorded as the second highest level of rainfall across the country in the last 40 years. The situation had led President Dr Irfaan Ali to formally declare the flooding a national disaster.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021

Regional

US issues more Cuba sanctions Dominican Republic restricts pig shipments, enlists military to fight African swine fever as Biden prepares to meet T Cuban American leaders

US President Joe Biden meets with Governors virtually to discuss efforts to strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness and response efforts, at the South Court Auditorium at the White House complex in Washington, US, July 30, 2021

T

he United States imposed sanctions on the Cuban Police Force and two of its leaders on Friday in response to the Havana Government’s crackdown on protest-

ers as President Joe Biden prepared to meet Cuban American leaders at the White House.

The US Treasury Department said the sanctions were a reaction to “actions to suppress peaceful, pro-democratic protests in Cuba that began on July 11.”

Treasury said that targets of the sanctions were two Cuban Police Force leaders as well as the Cuban Interior Ministry’s National Police Force.

Biden’s late afternoon meeting comes as the politically important community calls for more support for protests in Cuba that represent the biggest populist outpouring against the Havana Government in decades. Biden had promised additional sanctions against Cuban leaders, a move backed by many Cuban Americans.

Biden was expected to

provide an update on US efforts to provide wireless communications to the Cuban people as well as attempts to allow remittance payments from Americans to Cubans without the Cuban Government benefiting from the money, a senior Administration official said.

In addition, Biden will discuss plans to augment US Embassy staff in Cuba to provide more assistance to the Cuban people, the official told reporters on a conference call.

The protests erupted this month amid Cuba’s worst economic crisis since the fall of its old Soviet Union ally and a record surge in coronavirus infections. Thousands have taken to the streets, angry over shortages of basic goods, curbs on civil liberties and the authorities’ handling of the pandemic. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Rio’s homeless brave unprecedented cold

A

s an unusual cold snap stuns residents of Rio de Janeiro, a Brazilian city famous for its sun, sand and sea, the city’s homeless have been struggling to sleep through the chill.

“It’s very cold. Even with two blankets and a quilt, I still felt horrible last night,” Flávio, who is homeless, said.

A polar air mass has been travelling toward the country’s centre-south regions this week, bringing fast winds and rare snowfall to communities unfamil-

iar with low temperatures — and to street residents illequipped to handle them.

In Rio, Jeniffer Faria da Silva and Marlon Lemos Mollulo have been distributing warm food, blankets, clothes, shoes and bread to the city’s street residents as part of a project they began a year and a half ago.

Travelling through the city at night, they’ve been placing thermal liners on concrete, where dozens of the city’s homeless sleep side by side to stay warm.

“There’s a lot of suffering, especially in Rio where

we aren’t used to having these kinds of temperatures.

We don’t have the right infrastructure to cope with the cold, and some of these people also have pets,” Silva said.

The polar air mass is slated to bring freezing temperatures to São Paulo and Minas Gerais, major producers of key commodities like sugar, citrus and coffee.

Temperatures in Rio are expected to drop to an unusual low of 9°C on Friday before gradually starting to warm up in August. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he Dominican Republic is restricting pig shipments and mobilising the military to contain the spread of African swine fever, the Agriculture Ministry said Thursday, as the United States and Mexico tightened border checks to avoid infections.

US testing of 389 samples from Dominican hogs raised on farms and in backyards indicate the contagious disease is in “a small population of backyard pigs from Sánchez Ramírez and Montecristi provinces,” according to a statement.

The US Department of Agriculture confirmed African swine fever (ASF)

C

A person holds a photo of late Haitian President Jovenel Moise, who was shot dead earlier this month, during his funeral at his family home in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, July 23, 2021

President has said some knew of the plot.

Colombia’s Vice-President and Foreign Minister Marta Lucia Ramirez asked for legal representation and medical care for the detained Colombians in a letter to

Haiti’s ambassador, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Through a letter, sent to the ambassador in Colombia, Jean Mary Exil, the VicePresident expressed her worry after the visit carried out

tered pig movement in Sánchez Ramírez and Montecristi, according to the Ministry’s statement. There will be “total military control in all strategic points of both provinces,” and the Ministry will help disinfect affected areas, it said.

The Dominican Republic, with help from the United States and others, killed all its 1.4 million pigs to end its last African swine fever outbreak in 1978, according to a report presented to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The disease destroyed half of China’s hog herd, the world’s largest, within a year of being detected there in 2018.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Peru’s new Marxist PM says “don’t worry” as chances of radical policy shift rise

P

eru’s newly appointed hard-left Prime Minister sought to soothe worried markets on Friday after President Pedro Castillo named members of his Marxist Free Peru party to key Cabinet posts, sending both bond markets and the country’s currency tumbling.

Guido Bellido, a hardliner from the Andean city of Cuzco who is little known in Lima circles, was named Prime Minister on Thursday, scuttling investor hopes that Castillo would choose moderate advisers and sending an immediate chill through markets.

Castillo also tapped Ivan Merino, a little-known mining specialist close to Free Peru, to oversee the sprawling metals industry in the world’s No 2 copper producer. Castillo, a self-described Marxist-Leninist, campaigned on promises to hike taxes on miners to underwrite health and education reforms.

Markets remained on edge throughout the day Friday

Colombia seeks legal, medical attention for citizens detained in Haiti

olombia called on Haiti on Friday to guarantee the legal and medical rights of 18 Colombians detained on the Caribbean Island for alleged participation in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Many questions remain over who was behind the assassination this month and how the killers gained access to the President’s home.

Haitian officials blamed a squad of mostly Colombian mercenaries, three of whom were killed by Police.

A top Moise security official was arrested on suspicion of involvement on Tuesday.

Families and colleagues of the detained men have told journalists they were hired to act as bodyguards, not assassins, while Colombia’s

in the Caribbean nation on Wednesday, raising concerns about the risk for transmission to the United States.

The United States and Mexico are separately increasing airport inspections to stop travellers from bringing in Dominican pork products that could carry the virus. Both countries previously blocked Dominican pork.

The disease is harmless to humans but often fatal to pigs.

It originated in Africa before spreading to Europe and Asia and has killed hundreds of millions of pigs, while reshaping global meat and feed markets.

The Dominican Republic will prohibit live and slaugh-

by the Colombian consular mission, which found irregularities in the detention and assistance to the citizens supposedly involved with the assassination,” the Ministry said.

The Colombians had not been assigned legal defenders to guarantee due process in violation of the Vienna Convention, it said, adding that some had sustained injuries when they were arrested and had received no medical attention.

Colombia’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, would visit the detained men at least twice a week if his diplomatic credentials were accepted by Haiti, it added.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

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

as investors anxiously awaited Castillo’s choice for the key Finance Minister position. Most of the rest of the Cabinet had been sworn in on Thursday.

Castillo, inaugurated on Wednesday, took to Twitter in the early hours of Friday to defend his new Government.

“Our cabinet belongs to the people. It answers to the people,” Castillo wrote.

“Our commitment is to Peru and to no other interest than to dedicate each and every one of our efforts to build

a more just, free and dignified country. We will not disappoint your trust.”

Investors are growing wary about Peru’s prospects under Castillo, who won last month’s election against conservative Keiko Fujimori by a razor-thin margin. After a campaign in which his pledges to distribute wealth more evenly had spooked investors but won him votes from Peru’s rural poor, he had in recent weeks appeared to take a more moderate tack. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Paraguay Indigenous community evicted in land dispute

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arta Díaz sits among a settlement of improvised tents made from plastic sheeting in a central square of Paraguay’s capital Asunción, just meters from the National Congress building. A brightly-coloured painted scene hangs nearby depicting rural, wooden houses set on fire as a group of unbelieving people look on, reflecting what happened to her community.

“We aren’t happy here.

We came because of the pressure from bad people that threw us off our land, that burned it. We aren’t free,” she told Al Jazeera.

Díaz is the leader of Ka’a Poty 1, a community of the Ava Guaraní people – one of 19 Indigenous nations in Paraguay – who were forcibly evicted from their land in the Itakyry district in the east of the country on June 15 by a combination of armed riot police and private

guards.

Since June 16, the 60 adults and 44 children have been camping in the harsh winter conditions of the city square, demanding justice and restitution of their land.

Ka’a Poty 1 are one of at least seven Indigenous communities to suffer violent evictions by state forces and armed civilians due to land ownership disputes in the past three months – prompting a large public outcry and condemnation from human rights organisations such as Survival International.

Díaz said that the eviction saw all the community’s houses, their temple, and school burned to the ground.

Practically all their possessions were stolen, their crops were destroyed, and their pets were killed before their eyes. A pregnant woman miscarried, and a 15-dayold baby was hospitalised.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil climbs, notches 4th monthly gain on growing demand

O

il prices edged higher on Friday, with global benchmark Brent posting a fourth monthly gain, with demand growing faster than supply and vaccinations expected to alleviate the impact of a resurgence in COVID-19 infections across the world.

Brent crude futures for September, which expired on Friday, rose 28 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to settle at US$76.33 a barrel.

The more active contract for October ended the session up 31 cents at US$75.41 per barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 33 cents, or 0.5 per cent, to end the session at US$73.95 a barrel.

Both benchmarks notched gains of more than 2 per cent for the week, while Brent rose 1.6 per cent in July, its fourth straight monthly increase. WTI was unchanged for the month.

Even with coronavirus cases rising in the United States, all around Asia and parts of Europe, analysts said higher vaccination rates would limit the need for the harsh lockdowns that gutted demand during the peak of the pandemic last year.

"The oil complex has apparently taken a second look at the coronavirus factor in determining that demand will see only a modest reduction, at least one that will prove miniscule in relation to last year’s plunge in consumption," said Jim Ritterbusch, President of Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Illinois.

Analysts pointed to a rapid rebound in India's gasoline consumption and industrial production following its COVID-19 surge as a sign that economies are more resilient.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said oil consumption was increasing across the globe.

"Demand is on the rise, consumption is on the rise. Of course, the coronavirus is still there but ... there are no such lockdowns as there were before," he told reporters.

US oil giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron reported earnings, and their guidance indicated the market should remain tight, analysts said.

Chevron said it expects to add at least one or two rigs in the Permian basin in the third or fourth quarter and said it was seeing demand for most products, other than international jet fuel, starting to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The number of US oil rigs has risen for 11 straight months, but fell two to 385 this week, data from energy services firm Baker Hughes showed.

"Big oil is not ramping up spending in new wells and focusing on debt reduction, which should keep OPEC+ happy with their steady plan of increasing output," Edward Moya, senior market analyst for the Americas at OANDA said.

"OPEC+ is not losing market share to the US, which should mean the oil market is still poised to go much higher."

A Reuters survey found OPEC oil output rose in July to its highest since April 2020, as the group further eased production curbs.

US crude production rose just 80,000 barrels per day in May to 11.23 million bpd, according to a monthly government report.

Still, oil prices will trade near US$70 per barrel for the rest of the year supported by the global economic recovery and a slower-than-expected return of Iranian supplies, with further gains limited by new coronavirus variants, a Reuters poll showed.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia is expected to raise crude prices for sales to Asia in September for a second straight month, tracking strength in Middle East benchmarks, trade sources said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Australia to return 14 artworks of disputed provenance to India

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he National Gallery of Australia is to return 14 works of art to India that are suspected of having been stolen, looted or exported illegally.

The religious and cultural artefacts include sculptures, photos and a scroll and are worth around US$2.2 million (£1.57 million).

Gallery director Nick Mitzevich said their return would close "a very difficult chapter of our history".

All but one of the works are connected to Subhash

Kapoor, a former New York art dealer and alleged trafficker.

Kapoor, who is awaiting trial in India, denies all charges.

Some of the disputed pieces date back to the 12th Century, when the Chola dynasty presided over a flourishing of Hindu art in Tamil Nadu.

The Canberra gallery has already returned several other works it acquired via Kapoor, including a bronze statue of the Hindu god

HK man sentenced to 9 years in 1st national security law case

Supporters of Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under the new national security law, greet a prison van outside West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts in Hong Kong [Tyrone Siu/Reuters]

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he first person convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law was sentenced on Friday to nine years in prison, judges said, in a watershed ruling with long-term implications for the city’s judicial landscape.

Former waiter Tong Yingkit was sentenced to six and a half years in jail for the incitement to secession charge, and another eight years for allegedly committing acts of terror.

Considering the totality principle of the court, Tong is to serve two and half years of his “terrorism” sentence consecutively with the six and a half years incitement to secession charge, bringing his total time in prison to nine years. Other parts of the sentence will be served concurrently.

He was also barred from obtaining a driver’s licence for 10 years.

The court did not consider as mitigating circumstances

Tong’s good behaviour and his personal situation as the breadwinner of his family.

In a statement, Amnesty International said the sentencing “confirms fears that the national security law is not merely a tool to instill terror into government critics in Hong Kong; it is a weapon that will be used to incarcerate them.”

Tong’s lawyer, Clive Grossman, was quoted as saying that his client “will appeal” the sentence.

Tong, 24, was found guilty on Tuesday of terrorism for driving a motorbike into three Police Officers, and secession for flying a protest flag during a rally on July 1 last year, the day after Beijing imposed the sweeping national security law following months of anti-government protests.

The flag bore the banned slogan, “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Israel accuses Iran over deadly oil tanker attack

I

srael has accused Iran of being behind an attack on an oil tanker in which two crew members - a British national and a Romanian citizen - were killed.

The vessel, operated by the London-based company Zodiac Maritime, was off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea when the incident occurred on Thursday.

The company, which belongs to Israeli shipping

magnate Eyal Ofer, said it was working to establish what had happened.

But Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on Friday blamed "Iranian terrorism".

"Iran is not just an Israeli problem," Lapid said in a statement, adding: "The world must not be silent."

However, details of the attack remain unclear.

Iran has not yet commented on the allegations.

The incident appears to be a serious escalation in tensions in the region, and some reports suggest that a drone was involved.

A spokesperson for the UK Government said it was also trying to "urgently establish the facts".

It added that vessels "must be allowed to navigate freely in accordance with international law".

In a statement shared on social media on Friday,

Zodiac Maritime announced the two deaths with "profound sadness". It said no other injuries had been reported.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) naval authority said it was investigating the incident, which occurred near the Omani island of Masirah, and confirmed that "coalition forces" were assisting the vessel. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The works include this 12th Century sculpture of the dancing child-saint Sambandar

Shiva it bought for US$5 million (£3.6 million) in 2008.

Mitzevich told the AFP news agency that the works would be returned to the Indian Government within months.

India's High Commissioner to Australia welcomed what he called an "extraordinary act of goodwill and gesture of friendship".

The National Gallery said it had introduced a new framework for assessing

provenance that considered "both the legal and ethical aspects of a work of art's history".

"If, on the balance of probability, it is considered likely that an item was stolen, illegally excavated, exported in contravention of the law of a foreign country, or unethically acquired, the National Gallery will take steps to [remove] and repatriate," its statement continued. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Depiction of Macron as Hitler tests France's tolerance for satire

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a joint statement with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (not seen) at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, June 23, 2021

Michel-Ange Flori, owner of a French street advertising business, decided to use some of his billboards for what he called an exercise in political satire: posting a picture showing President Emmanuel Macron dressed like Adolf Hitler.

Macron's personal lawyers and his party have now filed legal complaints alleging that the depictions were a public insult, and Flori said he has been contacted

by Police acting on the complaint.

The case has turned into a test of where France draws the line between freedom of expression and being offensive.

That resonates particularly in a country where the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine published caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad, originally in 2006, that most Muslims view as blasphemous. The

French state defended the magazine's right to publish.

"We will not give up on cartoons and drawings, even if others back down," Macron said on Oct 21 last year in a speech to honour school teacher Samuel Paty, who was killed by a Chechen teenager who wanted to avenge Paty’s use of the cartoons in a class on freedom of expression.

Flori put up the Macron billboards in response to a law adopted by Parliament this month barring people from some public venues unless they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or can show a fresh negative test.

Some of Macron's opponents say the rules trample on civil liberties and accuse the President of acting like a dictator; the Administration argues that it needs to encourage greater vaccination rates. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021

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ARCHIE

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An event that offers mental stimulation will exceed your expectations and open your eyes to an exciting idea.

Gather information and discuss your intentions with an expert.

Make up your mind beTAURUS fore someone steps in and de(April 20- cides for you. Base your deciMay 20) sion on what feels right. Rely on what’s tangible, and you will excel. Work to make your community a safer place.

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PEANUTS

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SUDOKU

A low profile will help you achieve what you set out to do with the least amount of interference. Draw on the lessons of experience.

Choose your words wisely, ask questions and pursue opportunities.

Stay in touch with people who ground you, offer concrete suggestions, and pitch in and help. Be willing to take good advice and add a unique but sensible twist that will encourage acceptance and success. Make romantic plans with a loved one.

Nurture important relationships. Discuss changes or concerns, and sort through any unfinished business you have with others.

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Listen carefully, and you’ll pick up information that will change the way you think. Get together with friends or relatives, but don’t reveal what you are planning to do.

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Don’t take anything for granted, especially dealings with money, health or contracts. Someone will exaggerate to get something from you, but there will be underlying facts to consider.

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21

Harper knocks Kensington Oval pitch

C

hief selector Roger Harper has also taken aim at the quality of the Kensington Oval pitch for the recent One-Day series against Australia, but also conceded West Indies batsmen had also failed to make the adjustments required.

The former West Indies off-spinner said the pitch had produced too much variation for a limited-overs game, and it left the home side’s batsmen with an enormous challenge with which they never really came to grips.

West Indies lost the threematch series 2-1.

“Coming to Barbados in the ODIs – different format, longer format – I think the team generally found the pitches a little challenging and didn’t adapt as well as they should’ve from a batting perspective,” Harper explained.

“They never really came to terms with the pitch and were not able to produce the sort of collective batting performance

that was required.

“One of the things you expect when you play the shorter version of the game, whether it is ODI or T20, you expect a pitch that’s consistent in bounce and pace, and I think there was a lot of variation in both bounce and pace.

“I don’t think it’s the sort of pitch that you would expect for limited-overs cricket.”

West Indies lost the opening ODI by 133 runs after failing to chase down a target of 257, but then put that performance behind them to overhaul Australia’s modest 187 in the second game and win by four wickets.

With the series in the balance, the hosts mustered only 152 in the final game last Monday and the visitors pounced, to stroll to a comfortable six-wicket win.

Harper pointed out that the best example of the approach required on the Oval pitch came when Nicholas Pooran (59 not out) and Jason Holder (52) put

WI Chief Selector Roger Harper

on 93 for the sixth wicket in the second ODI. “I must point out that the Australian batters also struggled on the surface and if you look at the stats, you wouldn’t see that much difference [to the West Indies batsmen],” Harper told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest show.

“The biggest challenge I thought was adapting to the conditions and playing the situation as well.

“When we chased the target down [in the second ODI], in particular the partnership

between Holder and Pooran, they rotated the strike, they picked up a lot of singles and then picked off the loose balls once they got in, rather than trying to create shots.”

There were also halfcenturies in the series for Evin Lewis and Captain Kieron Pollard, but no West Indies batsman managed more than 69 runs overall in the three matches, while leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr finished as the lead wicket-taker with seven scalps.

Harper said despite a few encouraging signs, the disappointment in the series had been with the Windies batting.

“We had the odd score here and there, but generally from a batting perspective, we were not able to produce the sort of totals that we were looking for, and that’s what let us down in the very end,” Harper pointed out.

“I think collectively we did a decent job with the

COVID-19 in camp: 2 Trinidad and Tobago athletes, official test positive

T

wo Trinidad and Tobago athletes and one official have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

The TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) revealed in a press release on Friday, long jumper Andwuelle Wright, 400m hurdler Sparkle McKnight and long jump coach Wendell Williams are in mandatory quarantine at an approved isolation hotel facility.

The TTOC said all three gave approval for their

T&T long jumper Andwuelle Wright

medical status to be revealed.

Wright, a Tobagonian, was

expected to make his Olympic debut. He and McKnight will play no further part at the games.

The athletes and official returned positive results after daily routine saliva antigen tests at the Olympic Village.

They also had two nasopharyngeal PCR verification tests in accordance with Tokyo 2020 COVID-19 protocols, countermeasures, and guidelines.

The TTOC said, “Wendell Williams, Wright and

McKnight are in daily contact with team TTO Tokyo 2020 COVID-19 liaison officer Rheeza Grant and chef de mission Lovie Santana.”

Team TTO's 50 members are tested daily and must comply with the stringent Tokyo 2020 countermeasures instituted by the Japanese Government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the International Olympic Committee. (TT Newsday)

Tokyo Olympics golf: Team Ireland's Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry move into contention

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reland's Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry moved into Olympic medal contention with two of the best rounds on day two of the men's golf tournament.

Lowry shot a superb sixunder 65 and McIlroy 66 to reach seven under.

Xander Schauffele leads on 11 under after an eagle on 14 and three final birdies saw him card an eight-under 63.

Great Britain's Paul Casey, whose round was halted after the 17th hole because of dangerous weather in the area, was seven under with one hole left to play.

Casey, 44, was in one of the five groups unable to complete their rounds after adverse weather at the Kasumigaseki Country Club.

Play will resume at 07:45h

local time today – the third round will follow once it is completed with threesomes playing from a two-tee start.

Mexico's Carlos Ortiz is second after finishing on 10 under, while Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, who won the Masters in April, is in a fourway tie for third on eight under.

Casey's GB team-mate Tommy Fleetwood and Open champion Collin Morikawa of the United States are back on three under.

After an opening twounder 69, four-time major champion McIlroy charged up the leaderboard with two birdies and an eagle on the front nine.

Play was also stopped earlier on Friday because of rain and when the players returned, McIlroy knocked

in two more birdies to move to eight under – a tie for second and two shots behind Mexico's Ortiz.

But a bogey on the last saw the 32-year-old Northern Irishman, competing for Ireland at the Games, drop

back to seven under in the four-day event.

Ortiz, who shot a 67, led for most of the second round, but saw 28-year-old Schauffele pull level after that blistering finish. (BBC Sport)

ball. I think Akeal Hosein bowled consistently well, Walsh bowled well. I think Alzarri Joseph also was very consistent with the ball, but generally as a batting unit, I don’t think we put it together.

“It was good to see the

way we chased the target in the second game … but generally our batting was a challenge.”

Pollard blasted the pitch as “unacceptable for international cricket” following the final ODI. (CMC)

Goule, Thompson-Herah, Fraser-Pryce impress as track and field show gets underway

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he opening session of the track and field portion of the Tokyo Olympics was highlighted by a trio of strong performances, with Jamaicans Natoya Goule, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce showing impressive form.

Overall, though, there were plenty of solid performances as the event that will see the bulk of the Caribbean’s athletes, competing over the next few days, got underway.

First up, the Jamaican trio of Fedrick Dacres, Traves Smikle and Chad Wright opened competition in the men’s discus. Wright was the only one to progress to the final as the last qualifier, finishing 12th overall with a throw of 62.93 metres.

Dacres was only two centimetres behind Wright, throwing 62.91m to finish 13th overall, while Smikle could only manage a best distance of 59.04m to finish 25th overall.

Goule was the first competitor to grace the track and started things off with a bang as she ran a very impressive 1:59.83 to win heat 2 of the women’s 800 metres.

The men’s 400m hurdles saw four Caribbean men progress to the semi-finals.

The list included Jamaicans Kemar Mowatt, Jaheel Hyde and Sean Rowe and The British Virgin Islands’ Kyron McMaster.

Mowatt finished fourth in heat 1 with a time of 49.06.

Hyde ran 48.54 to comfortably win heat 2. Both McMaster and Rowe advanced from heat 4, with McMaster winning with a time of 48.79 and the Jamaican finishing third with a season best of 49.18.

The session was capped off by the heats of one of the most highly-anticipated events at the Olympics, the women’s 100 metres.

The event featured 10 athletes from the Caribbean.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Joella Lloyd finished seventh in heat 1, in a time of 11.54.

Heat 2 was comfortably won by Jamaica’s defending double Olympic champion, Elaine Thompson-Herah, who signalled her intent at these games with a smooth 10.82.

Kelly-Ann Baptiste of Trinidad and Tobago also competed in heat 2 and finished sixth in 11.48.

Tristan Evelyn of Barbados ran 11.42 to finish sixth in heat 3.

Amya Clarke of St Kitts & Nevis finished seventh in heat 4 with a time of 11.71.

Heat 5 was the turn of multiple-time Olympic and World Champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, to announce herself in Tokyo.

She didn’t disappoint, winning in a time of 10.84 to advance to the semi-finals.

Tynia Gaither of The Bahamas was next up on the track, finishing sixth in heat 6 to advance.

Heat 7 saw the most Caribbean representation with Shericka Jackson of Jamaica, Michelle Lee-Ahye of Trinidad and Tobago and Jasmine Abrams of Guyana all taking part.

Ahye won the heat with a time of 11.06, finishing just ahead of Jackson who ran 11.07 for second while Abrams finished seventh in 11.49.

The fastest overall qualifier from the heats was Marie-Jose Talou of the Ivory Coast who ran 10.78 to win the fourth heat. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021

Aleka Persaud rewrites local The Moses Karate record in 1st Olympic swim Family from Wowetta

S

scores another 1st

wimming sensation Aleka Persaud on Friday morning shattered Guyana’s women’s 50m freestyle record in her first outing at the Olympic Games.

The 15-year-old, Guyana’s youngest Olympian, had previously shared that she

…with the achievement of black belts

Jasmine Abrams of Guyana, Diana Vaisman of Israel, Jenna Prandini of the United States and Michelle-Lee Ahye of Trinidad & Tobago in action in Heat 7 (Reuters photo)

Guyana’s Aleka Persaud

intended to better her personal best when she hits the pool in Tokyo. However, the teenager did that and more by resetting Guyana’s record to 27.76.

Prior to the end of the race, the teenager could be seen beaming up at the screens, as she took in her record-breaking time.

Swimming at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre on Friday evening (6am local time on the same day), Persaud had a reaction time of 0.60s and finished just 0.20s behind the first-place swimmer, Judith Meauri of Papua New Guinea, who clocked 27.56s.

Although Persaud finished second, she was unable to advance to the semi-final of the event. Meauri, the winner of the heat, also did not advance.

For swimming, only the best 16 swimmers (based on time) are

able to advance to the semis.

Guyana’s previous 50m freestyle record of 28.10s was also held by the teenager, who reset the record in June of this year, during an Olympic qualifying meet in Nassau, Bahamas. Prior to that performance, the women’s 50m freestyle record was set by Olympian Brittany van Lange back in 2014, at 28.15s.

Persaud is no stranger to Guyanese records as she currently holds Guyana’s 100m butterfly and 200m individual medley at 01.08.52s and 02.42.42s respectively, both of which she copped at the 2019 CARIFTA Swimming Championships at just 13 years old. At that event, the Guyanese copped gold while resetting the 100m butterfly record.

Over on the track, Guyana’s Jasmine Abrams tested her speed against some of the best in the sprint

business in Heat 7 of the women’s 100m race. Starting out of lane 9, Abrams was lined up against the likes of Trinidad and Tobago’s Michelle- Lee Ahye and Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, who eventually went on to take first and second place respectively.

Abrams had a valiant run of 11.49s, but unfortunately missed the mark, barring her from moving on to the semifinal of the event, which was scheduled for 6am today.

Abrams is Guyana’s current national 100m champion, following a winning run at the Senior Track and Field Championships back in June.

She also copped bronze at the South American Senior Championships in May. Emanuel Archibald was next up to represent the Land of Many Waters in the Olympic Games, in the 100m sprint event. Archibald is set to compete in Heat 2 at 22:43h(10:43pm) local time on Friday night.

Berbice cyclists to battle in Flying Ace/Ashana's Beer Garden 30-miler

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he top riders across the Ancient County of Berbice will battle among themselves for supremacy on Sunday, August 1 from 13:00h.

This highly-anticipated race will pedal off at Number Two Village at Ashana's Beer Garden and proceed to the University of Guyana Tain Campus before returning to the point of origin for the finish.

Flying Ace Cycling Coach and organiser Randolph Roberts confirmed that this race would be open to all Berbice riders and the open and masters category will be on show in the 30-mile high-pace race. Prizes will be awarded to the first four finishers and two veterans. Six sprint prizes will be up for grabs.

Berbice has produced some top cyclists over the years, and

currently, the senior National champion, Romello Crawford is a proud cycling product of the ancient county. The inform Mario Washington, who is currently among the best junior riders in Guyana, will be on show, riding for Flying Ace Cycling Club.

We Stand United rider Andrew Hicks, David Hicks, and Andre “Padlock” Green are also expected to turn out and battle for bragging rights. Senior statesman Gary Benjamin ,who was among the top three veterans in the last cycling event on the West

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Fresh from their April 30, 2021 grading from white to brown belt, the Moses sisters from Wowetta, Rupununi have done it again.

On Friday, July 23, the Guyana Karate College’s Rose and Pauline Moses, and 13-yearold Anusha Jodhan from 3 Ryu Karate Club were promoted from the third kyu to the first dan black belt. Another fantastic and remarkable achievement.

Precedence was set in 1971 when 21-year-old Frank WoonA-Tai was graded on a Friday from white belt to the third kyu

by Master Hirokazu Kanazawa in

along with her three uncles – Silas, 37, Ernie, 29, and Courtney, 24 – arrived in Georgetown a few weeks ago to receive final pre-exam instructions by Shihan John Fernandes. Latisha moved from white to blue belt at her first grading conducted

by Shuseki Shihan Frank WoonA-Tai, MS, 9th Dan. To receive such honours from the master himself is a privilege.

Woon-A-Tai, a 1978 Pan American Kata Gold Medallist, is Guyana’s Karate Ambassador and has a membership in a record 10 years of 80 regions in 57 countries across the globe.

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Call: 223-7230-1 Ext 50 The Moses sisters

Tokyo, Japan. Three days later, on Monday, he was promoted to first dan black belt by a panel of masters headed by the late Master Takahashi. In 1974, Maureen Woon-A-Tai was promoted from the second kyu to first dan by Master Okazaki in Guyana. Maureen became the first Guyanese woman to attain the Japan Karate Association of Guyana International black belt.

Following in Maureen’s

He is Guyana’s most decorated, highly-qualified karateka and is certified internationally by his legendary Japanese teachers.

Woon-A-Tai teach at the Guyana Karate College dojo, Thomas Lands with the assistance of Dr Guy Low, 7th Dan, OB/GYN Surgeon and Assistant Professor at the University of Guyana; John Fernandes, 7th Dan, advertising CEO; Aubrey Bettencourt, 7th Dan, Businessman;

footsteps, 47 years later, the two sisters, Rose, 27 and Pauline, 22, created karate history by moving from white to brown belt at their first grading three months ago. They were training privately for two years under their instructor, Shihan John Fernandes, 7th dan.

And now, another Moses joins the duo, making it possible to field an Indigenous women’s kata team for next year’s World Cup scheduled for Guyana.

Their niece, 14-year-old Latisha Moses, who trained in Wowetta

Tejram Harichand, 7th Dan, Psychologist and Roland Fanfair, 3rd Dan. The GKC is now accepting children, adults and families to join the dojo. Classes are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Try a no-obligation free trial class before signing up to what will change lives positively.

The GKC invites you to visit its dojo at Transport Sports Club, Thomas Lands, Georgetown or call/text Sensei at 602-1301.

Side, is expected to dominate his category.

Sybourne Fernandes is also expected to battle for the top spot in the masters category.

With the Caribbean cycling championships looming, the Berbice big guns will be encouraged to continue preparations. The COVID-19 Task Force has continued to

support the safe hosting of cycling while the Guyana Police Force is expected to assist on Sunday.

2237230-1

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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West Indies' power hitting v Pakistan's bowling as teams prepare for T20 World Cup A

COVID-19 case got one T20 International between West Indies and Pakistan cancelled, while Bajan weather took care of the other.

That means what was set to be a luxuriant, slow-burn five-match series has instead turned into a snappy best of three, with little room for either side to put a foot wrong. The players spent the two days in between shuttling over from Barbados to Guyana, with Providence Stadium hosting all three matches.

The nine overs that were managed on Wednesday might have appeared pointless on the scorecard, but both sides will have learnt plenty from them.

For Pakistan, it's a shot in the arm for a bowling unit that Head Coach Misbah-ul-Haq admitted was below par in the recentlyconcluded England series. The entire innings was a test of the visitors' new-ball skills as well as

death-overs ability, and on both counts there will be little cause for complaint.

Hasan Ali's return makes the bowling unit significantly more potent, while Mohammad Wasim, making his debut in difficult circumstances, made Chris Gayle his first T20I scalp.

Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, and Usman Qadir only bowled an over each, but kept the runs down and picked up a couple of wickets among them for good measure.

Babar Azam's men might be well served not to get too smug about that performance, though, with West Indies sure to shrug it off as an occasional blip.

The panoply of potential power hitting in the home side means there will be days oppositions are blown out of the water through no fault of their own, and that means West Indies play each T20I on their own terms.

If only two or three of Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran find their range, Pakistan could see games taken out of their hands entirely.

With the bowling having wilted in the face of ferocious hitting in England, West Indies will be

cognisant of a potential frailty they could take advantage of.

There is, of course, an element of experimentation woven into the fabric of this series, with each side looking to stitch together a combination that gives them the best chance at the T20 World Cup. Some

might argue that makes the results less important than the process, but little could be more useful for Pakistan than heading into that competition with an away series win against the defending champions. Similarly, West Indies got back on track with a thumping series win over Australia, and will want to put as much psychological distance as possible between this side and a series defeat at South Africa's hands earlier this month. Besides, with Pakistan having proven their bogey side over the years, a first T20I series win over them should do West Indies confidence little harm.

Kieron Pollard – and the weather rescued West Indies in the first T20I, which was reduced to nine overs due to persistent rain. Theoretically, that should have been ideal for the home side's power-hitters, except nearly all of them found themselves on a leash against an impressive performance by Hasan and the rest of Pakistan's bowlers. Despite the nature of the game, no other batsman managed a strike rate north

of 130, and Pollard – whose nine-ball 22 took his side to a respectable 85 – will be aware of the increased responsibility on his shoulders to ensure his side don't find themselves in the same predicament. How

Pakistan try to stifle the one batsman who had the better of them should be enthralling viewing in a full-length T20I. Sharjeel Khan began the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this year like a house on fire, leading

to his call-up to the national side for Pakistan's tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe. In the matches that have followed, though, he hasn't had things his own way, and found himself pipped by Fakhar Zaman for a top-order position. Part of the reason lies in a drop-off in the left-hander's personal form; he managed just 26 at less than a run-a-ball in the two T20Is he played since, and crossed 30 just once in the second leg of the PSL. His strike rate, too, has slipped under 119 in this time against a career strike rate of 139. But with Pakistan looking for enough firepower to match the big-hitting West Indies, he was slated to open the batting in the first game. With time running out to book a T20 World Cup spot, he needs to summon up the form that got him here in the first place. (ESPNcricinfo)

Barbados franchise rebrands as The Royals

… Hero CPL to feature Kookaburra Smart Ball

T

he Barbados Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise will change its name following a deal that sees the Royals Sports Group (EM Sporting Holdings Ltd), the owners of the Rajasthan Royals Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise acquire a majority stake in the team. The twotime CPL champions will be rebranded as the Barbados Royals, a partner franchise of the Rajasthan Royals, as the Royals Sports Group seeks to expand its global presence.

The Barbados Royals were Hero CPL champions in 2014 and 2019, and are currently led by West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder. The team will get their 2021 campaign underway against the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 26 at Warner Park, Basseterre.

Manish Patel, principal of the Barbados franchise, added, “We are extremely excited about the partnership with Manoj and the Rajasthan Royals family, which will further advance cricket in Barbados and the Region.”

Royals Sports Group Chairperson, and the Lead Owner of Rajasthan Royals, Manoj Badale, commented: "We are delighted to have signed this deal with Manish Patel, to acquire a majority stake in the Barbados CPL franchise. We are extremely grateful to the Barbados Government for their continued support, and we look forward to making a positive impact on both cricket and tourism for the country.

We have ambitious plans for the Royals brand globally, and this is an important strategic step.”

Hero CPL partners with Sportcor Minister Ramson excited to have to feature Kookaburra Smart Ball

international cricket in Guyana

W

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

est Indies will face off against Pakistan in the second T20 International at the Providence Stadium today, and Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr is excited that international cricket is once again here in Guyana.

Ramson Jr is particularly optimistic about the fact that the National Stadium is back to where it was and is taking great shape.

“I was very disappointed of how much work needed to

be done to get the Stadium up to scratch as we have had to spend quite a bit of money to do it. But the good news is that we are going to be able to have international cricket here for the first time in two years and we are looking forward to it,” Ramson Jr said.

The Minister went on to relate that precautionary measures will be set in place for the matches. He noted that it has been fairly set out as meetings with the necessary stakeholders were held. He also stat-

ed that while Guyana was not unique in getting spectators involved back in viewing sports, the nation must show that it could set the trend with the right vaccination programmes and the right measures and that the citizens were inclined to participate in the uptake of the vaccines.

In closing, Ramson Jr noted that this process makes the country and the Government more willing and liberal with the intention to reopen the country more safely.

A

t this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), the tournament will use the Kookaburra Smart Ball – powered by Sportcor. This revolutionary ball will be used in a professional league for the first time when Hero CPL gets underway in St Kitts & Nevis on August 26, 2021.

The Kookaburra Smart Ball looks, feels and plays exactly the same as a regular ball, but there is a stateof-the-art core that registers many more data points than using radar or ball-tracking technology.

The ball sends back significant information on each delivery including the speed and spin of a ball at release, when it bounces and when it reaches the batsman. This information is then delivered to the commentators in real time. This will be graphically displayed for fans to enjoy during the live telecast.

Hero CPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell said: “We are really excited to be a cricketing first once again at Hero CPL and this technology is just mind-blowing.

We are really excited to see the Kookaburra Smart Ball

powered by Sportcor, at the heart of the action at this year’s tournament and we are sure it will give added value to the teams and the fans.”

Sportcor Executive Chairman and co-founder Michael Kasprowicz said: “We’re delighted to partner with Hero CPL to introduce the Kookaburra Smart Ball, powered by Sportcor, to the world. By delivering realtime data, we look forwarding to getting fans closer to the action than ever and giving players and coaches access to new insight to their performance, enhancing the way we all experience cricket!”

Kookaburra General Manager David Orchard said: “As a brand we are proud to be associated with a partner like Sportcor and

are pleased they have partnered with the Hero CPL. The ball itself performs exactly like the Kookaburra Turf Ball, with the added technology to measure its behaviour according to release, pre-bounce and post bounce during a delivery. At Kookaburra, we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the game we love, and our collaboration with Sportcor on the Kookaburra Smart Ball is an example of us leading together in this space, and providing real-time data on the performance of every delivery in the game. The future looks bright for broadcasters, leagues, high- performance coaches and cricketers at all levels to measure their own performance with the Kookaburra Smart Ball.”

(CPLT20.com)

SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021

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

West Indies’ power hitting v Pakistan’s bowling as teams prepare for T20 World Cup

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Barbados franchise Aleka Persaud rewrites local rebrands as The Royals record in 1st Olympic swim … Hero CPL to feature Kookaburra Smart Ball Pg 23

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