Guyana Times - Saturday, June 11, 2022

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Issue No. 5036

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

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Summit of the Americas

Region has potential to be fully energy secure – Pres Ali tells colleagues See story on page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Fmr Policewoman Bollers now files private assault charges against Nirvan Singh P17

– boosts equality, democracy for a sustainable region Golden Grove youth killed during alleged shootout with P14 Police

Heads of States at the conclusion of the IX Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California on Friday. Earlier in the day, President Ali, during his address, spoke about the importance of food security in the Americas, how its scarcity is inextricably linked to climate change, and the dire consequences of inaction

Wales to undergo massive development with gas-to-shore project – VP Jagdeo

Page 7

…to cut cooking gas imports, slash electricity costs by 50%

Mexican company to build Ann’s Grove man low-income houses in Guyana slapped with Page 11 using recycled materials 6 charges over Page 9

– model homes, other housing technologies to be displayed at Int’l Building Expo

“Artistes like Skeng” to be P banned from 14 public events in Guyana – Home Affairs Minister Drunken rice farmer dies after crashing pick-up into trench P10

Reonol Williams’s death

AFC holds “consequential” National– Party Conference today to elect leaders

See story on page 5

Guyana records 85 new COVID P cases in 24h 13 – vaccination for children aged 5-11 starts today

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, June 11 – 01:00h – 02:30h and Sunday, June 12 – 01:30h – 03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, June 11 – 13:40h – 15:10h and Sunday, June 12 – 14:40h – 16:10h.

Summit of the Americas

Region has potential to be fully energy secure – Pres Ali tells colleagues – boosts equality, democracy for a sustainable region

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Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

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High Tide: 14:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 07:42h and 20:00h reaching minimum heights of 0.64 metre and 0.7 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the Summit of the Americas on Friday

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday underscored the importance of equality, democracy, and energy security to the sustainability of countries in the Americas and the Caribbean, noting that the region has the potential to address these pressing issues.

He was at the time addressing regional leaders at the Second Plenary of Summit of the Americas being held in California, United States, under the theme: “Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future”.

The Guyanese Head of State told his colleagues from the western hemisphere that issues plaguing countries such as inequalities, threats to democracy, and energy insecurity among others cannot be divorced from the sustainability and prosperity of the region.

“We’re living among these challenges in a region that has the potential to be fully energy secure; bring prosperity to every home; have the greatest access to natural resources – abundant land and access to water resources to ensure food security; enough rainforests and technology to make a meaningful contribution to climate change;

enough access to finances to bridge the inequality and support sustainable development for all. The question is why have we not achieved this?” he posited.

Zeroing on energy security, President Ali contended that this cannot be achieved without exploration of the region’s natural resources.

While there are heightened efforts to shift from fossil exploration activities to combat climate change, especially by big economies in the Americas, the Guyanese leader highlighted that those very top income-earners in the region are responsible for 21.1 per cent of the region’s total carbon and energy footprint. In some cases, these translate to more than 12 and seven times above the carbon output by the lowest earners in the region.

According to President Ali, on the other hand, Guyana’s bountiful forest stores 19.5 gigatons of carbon and he noted that the country would not be reckless and irresponsible in managing these resources in the interest of the region and the world.

“We understand that we are not alone in this world and this region, and the prosperity that we seek

to achieve cannot be done alone. We belong to the family of humanity and we are ready to make our contribution to that family of humanity,” he stated.

However, even as the hemisphere confronts this challenge of its carbon footprint, President Ali contended that there are opportunities within the region to offset this with alternative renewable energy sources including natural gas. In fact, he pointed to Guyana’s reserves of 11 billion and counting barrels of crude and its natural gas capacity, of which an assessment is being done to ascertain the quantity.

“This coupled with the potential of Suriname, Trinidad, and Tobago, and possibilities through investment and exploration with gas in Barbados can make this region energy secure. Let us get together and have a conversation that defines a pathway to energy security for this region. We have the potential and we must use every available tool, all the asset that is available to us to reach that potential. And we can do it if we commit ourselves to doing that,” the Head of State noted.

He further outlined that Trinidad and Tobago alone has an opportunity to contribute with proven reserves of about 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and an estimated potential of 23 trillion cubic feet.

“They must be part of the equation in finding a solution to this problem,” he asserted.

Currently, the Ali-led Guyana Government is working on piping natural gas to shore from the Stabroek Block offshore, where United States oil giant ExxonMobil and its

coventurers are conducting oil production and exploration activities.

The highly-touted gasto-shore project, which is pegged at approximately US$900 million, will be feeding some 200-250 megawatts of energy into the national grid by 2024 thus significantly reducing electricity costs and enhancing power reliability in the country.

Nevertheless, President Ali told regional leaders at the Summit of the Americas on Friday that there needs to be a frank fact-based conversation and a collective approach towards resolving the systemic problems facing the region.

According to the Guyanese Head of State, steps taken over this past week during the summit have demonstrated that leaders are ready to move forward along this path.

“We are encouraged by the immediate action to set up joint committees to look at important issues of food security, climate change, energy security, and financing. This should be expanded to the Americans in finding a solution based on a time frame. Let us say to the people of this region, that as political leaders, we are ready to tie ourselves to time-bound initiatives in delivering the prosperity we all speak of. We need as a region to have these tough conversations that are necessary to make the best possible decisions for the people of this region,” he stressed.

Moreover, President Ali also emphasised the need for leaders in the Americas and the Caribbean to define a pathway for the integration of infrastructure, people, and economy within this hemisphere.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

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

Consumerism in Guyana

T

o “consume” means to eat. From that simple act of taking care of one of our most basic needs – to take in nutrients to literally keep body and soul together – the word was broadened to include our utilisation any resource. We talk about consuming the forests and fossil fuels, for instance. But, with the expansion of the term, there was an interesting disjuncture from its original utilisation: “consuming” is no longer linked with needs. And herein lies a predicament for modern man: consumerism. With oil wealth in the offing, it may be the time to look ahead.

For most of our existence, man used those resources from his environment that took care of his basic needs: food, shelter and clothing. As he developed the facility and technology to increase the production of the necessary resources, he obviously began to consume more.

But this is not the problem that we want to identify; this is not consumerism. While eating too much food, building 100-storey skyscrapers, or manufacturing polyesters might engender problems of their own, needs are still being satisfied. This is just overconsumption, and while it has some overlap with consumerism, it is important to distinguish the two. The first is a problem, but the second is a disease. And we are fast becoming afflicted by the latter in Guyana.

Consumerism is more of an attitude or a lifestyle, rather than the simple act of consuming this or that. Today, it has assumed the dimension of a religion or a creed. After all, it's not called an 'ism' for nothing. In the ideological framework of consumerism, consumption becomes an end in itself, and people are hungry to consume more and more, regardless of their needs or their means. The essence of consumerism is that the level of consumption becomes the yardstick of an individual's worth.

We can do worse that observe that consumerism is so deeply imbedded in our modern discourse that our quest for development is invariably measured in terms of consumption – measured always in monetary terms, of course. We are “underdeveloped” if we don’t have so many phones per household, or consume so many units of electricity.

The developed world is our standard, never mind that the level of their consumption is such that it would be impossible for the entire world to achieve that with the resources ultimately available to us on Planet Earth. But more insidious is that, even when the availability of the new resources that may make our lives a bit easier is secured, we demand more of the same. We should not miss the irony that all we desire are now dubbed “goods”.

Since money is the medium for securing the “goods”, its possession and the quantum of that possession is now the measure of worth of man. Money makes the world go around, we are assured. The problem is not with bigger cars, more clothes, and costlier cell phones. As pointed out earlier, it is human to consume and to improve our quality of life.

But strip human beings of their other qualities and attributes and reduce them to this single dimension of being consumers of this or that, - all based on how much money you have - and you have a problem. When what we consume is no longer tied to what we need or what we can afford, it becomes a dangerous thing In Guyana, the PPP-Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) implicitly acknowledged and began to address the disease of consumerism. By factoring the depletion of our world’s resources and our responsibility to ensure that our utilisation is sustainable, we are impelled to question our consumption patterns. Some might say that we are short-circuiting our efforts to live as those in the ‘developed” countries. But do we really want to experience the angst, anomie, alienation – call it what you may – that accompanies their consumerism gone wild?

All religions caution against the evil of consumerism.

Greed is a sin, and simplicity a virtue.

Guyana's First Lady Arya Ali on Thursday joined First Lady of the United States, Dr Jill Biden and other First Ladies from other countries for a brunch First Lady Dr Jill Biden hosted for the spouses of the Heads-of-State currently attending the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, USA

The substantive non-appointment of justices to their posts is the PNC's fault Dear Editor, As carried in the local media, there is a claim by Mr Aubrey Norton that he was bullied into a handshake by the President. Now, I am not sure if the media is correct, but I think they meant to say that he was startled by the fact that the President of this country could have thrown out the olive branch and shaken his hand, and not the bullying nonsense that the Opposition Leader is suggesting.

In either scenario, Norton comes across as the most ludicrous Opposition Leader ever. Let's face it, here we have a grown man in his sixties making such a foolish and nonsensical remark; it is way beyond me. I am therefore inclined to ask the question: Why couldn't the Opposition have chosen a better leader? Did they carry out a proper search? Are they aware of the sure qualities of a person vying for leadership of the Opposition? I am talking about someone who has the soundness of character, and one who can set forth visionary leadership.

Aren't there, in the Opposition, other available personalities who are worthy, who could have been considered? These are searching questions one might be tempted to ask when one considers the crazy antics exhibited by Norton. He is very base, to say the least, where leadership material is concerned.

To choose someone like Aubrey Norton tells us that the Opposition is bereft of leadership material for that position. The guy embar-

rasses himself at every turn, and the entire Opposition goes down with him. Even when he speaks anything of substance, one finds it difficult to decipher the logic of his missive. For starters, his latest spur-of-the-moment, enthusiastic affirmation of the statutory appointments of the Chief Justice and Chancellor leaves one to wonder. Weren't the substantive appointments of these two ladies denied due to the direct diabolical work of the PNC? And the answer is yes, the obstruction of these ladies being confirmed to their posts was as a direct result of the PNC's shenanigans. The PNC were more interested in feeling out the justice’s political leanings, rather than making them substantive in their positions, something that is illegal when considering constitutional appointments.

They were too busy sorting out us and the theory. This is an age-old PNC strategy when considering persons for constitutional positions. They are of the opinion that those positions should be made available to yes men and women, or persons who may make decisions based on "political correctness", rather than decisions based on law.

According to the PNC, constitutional appointments must be based on the PNC's party control of the judiciary, and whatever the decisions emanating therefrom must be according to party dictates, and not on law.

This is a pretty embarrassing and demeaning position to place the judiciary, where

the integrity of judges would be put on the line all because a political party colours their decisions.

There was no independence of the judiciary during those days. And this comes as nothing new, because the founder leader of that party, Burnham, did the very same thing when the party's flag was flown above the courts, showing clearly who controlled decisions there.

Since 2016, those appointments should have been made substantive. Why this wasn't done is anybody's guess; it was all due to the

PNC's backward views when it comes to these appointments. But those days are long gone, as we look forward to the new dispensation of fairness and transparency in the judiciary.

So, for this Opposition Leader to come out saying that he is in full support of the two judges is almost hypocritical, to say the least.

Norton has to do better than this, educated and enlightened individuals are watching.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Commitment made and commitment kept

Dear Editor, I recall quite vividly that President Irfaan Ali, in his maiden address to the National Assembly, did make a commitment to publish the particulars of all revenue and expenditure of Guyana’s oil sector in the Official Gazette. And, true to this commitment, this was done.

In perusing the news, I noted that the Government published all the data on earnings from oil & gas sector, and this must be commended, as too many have already become accusers and judges of the current administration, and this with nothing to go on.

In terms of a breakdown of all oil revenues deposited into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to date, the

Government made public its first notification of receipts from proceeds, as per the Natural Resource Fund Act which came into effect last December. So, “Pursuant to Section 33(2) of the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021, notification (was) given of the receipts of all petroleum revenues paid into the Natural Resource Fund during the period from 01-Jan-2022 to 31-Mar-2022…”

This means that the public can now read the notice from the 25th April, 2022 Official Gazette that was laid in the National Assembly. As I see it, it is that “As at the end of March 2022, the Bank of Guyana had the total amount in the NRF pegged at US$719,525,975.50.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

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News

AFC holds “consequential” National Conference today – party to elect leaders

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC), the minority party in the coalition Opposition, could potentially see a change in its leadership later today as its holds a “consequential” National Conference.

In a statement on Friday, the party said it is ready for the one-day conference, which will see its General Secretary David Patterson challenging incumbent AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan for the position.

Both Ramjattan and Patterson were nominated by eight groups each.

Ramjattan, who is a founding member of the party, had previously served stints as AFC Leader and Chairman. He was re-elected as AFC Leader at the party’s last conference in 2019.

Other positions being contested include the party’s Chairman post, for which Ramjattan along with Catherine Hughes, Sherod Duncan and Juretha Fernandes were nominated.

Hughes, Fernandes and Duncan along with Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Ricky Ramsaroop and Devin Sears are vying for the Vice Chair spot.

The party will have a new General Secretary and the nominations for that position include Ramjattan, Hughes, Fernandes, Duncan and Ramsaroop as well as Neilson McKenzie and Michael Carrington.

Additionally, more than

AFC's incumbent Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

50 members have also been nominated and are contesting to sit on the 12-person AFC governing council – the National Executive Committee.

The party said in its Friday missive that “We once again take great pride in our party’s commitment to a transparent, free and fair election process. The fact that a long and strong list of candidates has been nominated and are vying for leadership positions in the party is a very positive sign.”

“As we are all aware, it is not uncommon that political elections of this nature may sometimes engender bitter divisiveness and rancour. The AFC is most fortunate and proud to boast that even though our campaigns are being waged with fierce competitiveness, these have been conducted in a dignified, respectful and professional manner consistent with the party’s grounding princi-

ples and standards as a liberal democracy. To this end, each of the competitors for the leadership positions has pledged their unequivocal commitment to support the eventual winners and the party.”

The Conference starts at 10:00h and the formal agenda includes, the Leader’s report, the General Secretary’s report, a discussion on the way forward document, motions and election of office bearers 2022-2024. Voting commences at 14:00h.

It was noted that the process and agenda in place were fully endorsed by all of the 285 delegates and 50 observers slated to be in attendance in six locations across Guyana and two overseas.

These delegates represent groups across the 10 regions of Guyana, the Youth For Change (YFC), the Women For Change (WFC) and AFC groups in the Diaspora including the

Commitment made and...

At the time of that maiden address, the President did expound that “The revenues from the sector, like all other sectors, are the people’s money; they are entitled to know how much money is earned, how much is spent, and on what it is spent,” and this official declaration, accessible to all, proves that there is nothing untoward happening within this sector.

Yet, many are preaching without evidence that ‘all is not fair and transparent.’

Let’s recall that this kind of act is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its management of the country’s oil and gas resources. How different all of this is when contrasted with what the APNU+AFC did at the very onset of happenings within this all-important oil and gas sector. I speak here in terms of the US$18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil for close to two years.

We all remember the

acts of subterfuge of former Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who, after a few years of pressure, had to ‘save face’ and so he “…doubled down on his previously (initial) expressed public position that the US$18M had from ExxonMobil Guyana in 2016, when his administration inked a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), was a gift, and not a signing bonus, and that the administration was in fact misled by the negotiator.” Yet he could not name this negotiator.

He further embarrassed himself by his attempt at extenuation when he detailed that “…US$15M of that money was earmarked for the border case between Guyana and Venezuela…”. Jordan was so flummoxed that he actually stated that he thought the signing bonus was a gift…

What we must bear in mind is that the Head of State, then and now, is sold out on his Government, at all times, being in a state of

“transparency and accountability”, as these are the utmost fundamental principles on which a Government must operate. “We are the custodians of the people’s assets,” the President said in that first address, “and we will account to

AFC's incumbent General Secretary David Patterson

USA, Canada, UK and the Caribbean.

“We are ready to go!

The enthusiasm and excitement are at fever pitch in the Alliance For Change as we approach what may arguably be our great party’s most consequential National Conference…,” the party said.

Patterson, who has been a member of the AFC since its formation in 2005, had expressed his honour at being nominated for the leadership post, telling Guyana Times last weekend that he has several plans to implement if elected.

Among these plans, he explained, are how to improve the AFC’s representation and strengthen its party structures.

In fact, Patterson said one of the main issues the party needs to address is its physical outreaches across the country, noting that these were affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked if there is any particular weakness within the party he would like to address as leader, Patterson said the AFC has “acknowledged” that it is in the Opposition and therefore, would work on not only improving its role as an opposition force but also on regaining power.

There have been rumours that at its upcoming NEC, the AFC will discuss the possibility of parting ways with its coalition partner, the PNC-led APNU, which it had joined forces with in 2015 to win that year’s national election.

Asked to comment on this, Patterson had indicated that at the NEC, all members will give their input on the party’s way forward and “…how best they see the AFC in the next two years”.

He added that this is not limited to the party’s relationship within the coalition but other issues such as more youth memberships

and policy areas.

“I’m sure that discussions will come up, how to lend our support in strengthening coalition politics because we are in a coalition…[but] it’s not a question of simply concentrating on coalition,” Patterson explained.

Moreover, this publication also spoke to two of the younger members of the party who are up for executive positions. Fernandes, who also serves as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said “I’m very thankful for the confidence that persons have put forward in me by the nominations, very humbling to say the least. A lot of work to be done, as we move into the National Conference.

But more importantly, a lot of work to be done moving forward. So, we’re going to put our best foot forward to make sure the AFC comes out of it altogether strong.”

Sears, another young member, noted that while he is honoured by his nomination as Vice Chair of the party, his eyes are also set on being elected to the executive committee. This, he noted, is something he and his team are working towards.

“As it is right now, I’m interested in being a National Executive member. That’s what I’m interested in at this time… I have a team that is working, reaching out to all the delegates and chapters,” Sears explained.

FROM PAGE 4

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

them for all that we do.”

So far so good, and this kind of behaviour really augurs well for the nation.

Yours truly, H Singh

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:32 13:00 15:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 22:03 00:00

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Page

Foundation

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Your NGSA 1-month study plan: 4 preliminary steps Step 1: Set a target score First and foremost, you'll need to set a NGSA score goal. A score goal is the score most likely to get you into all of the schools you want – consult the NGSA cut-off guide for school cut-off scores.

National Grade 6 Assessment 2021 Mathematics Paper 2

Step 2: Find your baseline score The next step is to get your baseline score. This score is essentially your starting point; it’s the score you’d get on the NGSA at this very moment, without any prep.

To find your baseline score, take an NGSA practice test or past papers.

As you take your test, try to recreate real testing conditions as closely as possible: take it in a quiet room, use a NGSA-approved calculator, and follow the official section time limits.

Once you finish, use your test’s scoring guide to calculate your scores for each section as well as overall.

Step 3: Calculate how many hours you’ll need to study Next, use the info you got in steps 1 and 2 to calculate the approximate number of hours you’ll need to study to raise your current score to your target score.

0-30 point improvement: 10 hours 30-70 point improvement: 20 hours 70-130 point improvement: 40 hours 130-200 point improvement: 80 hours 200-330 point improvement: 150 hours+ As you can see, the bigger the point increase you want, the more hours you’ll need to study.

Step 4: Gather study materials It's important to gather all of your study materials before you begin prepping. This way you won’t waste any study time trying to find resources you can use – textbooks, notebooks, past papers, practice questions and if you can curriculum guides.

National Grade 6 Assessment 2021 English Language Paper 2

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Wales to undergo massive development with gas-to-shore project – VP Jagdeo …to cut cooking gas imports, slash electricity costs by 50%

U

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the residents

nprecedented transformation will lead to a booming hub in the once sugar-driven community of Wales on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), thus creating ripples of employment and benefits for the entire country when the gas-to-shore project comes on stream.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo made this announcement during a Cabinet outreach to Canal Number One Polder on Friday, where he was accompanied by several Ministers of Government.

The gas-to-shore project includes the construction and operation of the pipeline from the Exxon-operated Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to the onshore NGL plant. A second component of the project will be a power plant that will be constructed by the Guyana Government and will use the gas produced to generate electricity to feed into the national grid.

The Vice President stated that the supplementary industries will come on stream, thus allowing for thousands of employment opportunities for locals. Moreover, the Government will be in a position to slash electricity costs by 50 per cent and cut its importation of cooking gas.

“The PPP works for Guyana. Every time it has been in office, it works for all of our people. We have a plan for every region…It will create thousands of jobs because once this comes in, a whole range of industries is going to move to the Wales Industrial Estate. We’re bringing in 50 million cubic feet of gas to generate 250 to 300 megawatts of power.”

He added, “That should come in 2024. When it comes in, it would allow us to drop the price of electricity by 50 per cent, which will make a big difference to industries and people’s lives.”

Jagdeo opined that government is keen on keeping its promises and working beyond what was promised in the manifesto. He has assured that the electricity woes will end, as this power generation through this plant will transform the stability of power in the country.

“This side of the river shall be like the other side.

This project will make a big difference. We have already started building the infrastructure to take the equipment, dredge the river com-

ing in so that the vessels can come in.”

With a timetable to deliver rich gas by the end of 2024 and the NGL plant to be online by 2025, works are pro-

shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline will continue approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The pipeline would be 12 inches wide and is expected to transport some 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but has the capacity to push as much as 120 mscfpd.

The pipeline’s route onshore will follow the same path as the fibreoptic cables and will terminate at Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ) which will house the gas-toshore project. The Guyana Government has invited interested parties to make in-

A section of the gathering during the outreach on Friday

up to 300 megawatts (MW) of power with a net 250 MW delivered into the Guyana Power and Light grid at a sub-station located on the East Bank of the Demerara River.

ExxonMobil Guyana, which is funding the pipeline aspect of the project

Several Ministers of Government were at the outreach on Friday

gressing on getting the project off the ground. As such, during the first half of this year, Exxon was expected to source the materials and pipelines, so that they are available for when construction starts later this year.

The scope of the US$900 million gas-to-shore project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipelines from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.

It features approximately 220 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from the Liza Destiny and Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the

vestments in the WDZ, which will be heavily industrialised and for which approximately 150 acres of land have been allocated. Those lands were

previously used by the Wales Sugar Estate.

The other component of the project is the construction of a combined cycle power plant that will generate

out of cost oil, has found that there would be substantial savings from combining these two facilities.

Hence, it was agreed that the power plant and the NGL plant be done as a combined Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) process.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bartendress, 20, charged with murder of security guard A Practising… bartendress was remanded to prison for the capital offence of murder over the killing of a 23-year-old mother of two and security guard, Carol Davidson.

Shemika Gibson, 20, of North East La Penitence, Georgetown, appeared on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

She was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on June 6, at East Ruimveldt Squatting Area, Georgetown, she murdered Davidson.

The murder accused was remanded to prison until June 21 by Senior

Dead: Carol Davidson

Remanded: Shemika Gibson

Magistrate Leron Daly.

It was reported that on the day in question Davidson was reportedly heading

home from work when she was confronted by four persons over an old grievance with one of the women.

During the confrontation, a heated argument broke out among them but the now dead woman reportedly attempted to escape by running to the back of the yard but again she was surrounded and beaten.

Further, it was reported that one of the attackers who was armed with a knife dealt the woman one blow to her chest.

After committing the act, the four attackers ran away from the scene, leaving the woman in a pool of blood on the ground. Davidson was subsequently picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

…AFC necromancy

“N

ecromancy”, the dictionary tells us, “is the practice of magic or black magic involving communication with the dead – either by summoning their spirits as apparitions, visions, or by raising them.” Anyone desirous of witnessing this ancient rite, which has been forbidden in many countries, should show up today at the AFC Headquarters at Station St, Kitty!!

You remember the place, don’t you, dear readers??

The one that was paid for by an AFC businessman-financier who, according to Trotman at the opening, saw it as a “good investment”!! It wasn’t too long after that the “political investment” produced a big dividend for the investor when his moribund Wind Farm was touted as the epitome of “going green” on power generation - rather than hydro in general, and AFHEP in particular!! Sadly, however, like the AFC, it seems like he, too, became “dead meat”! Your Eyewitness wonders if he’ll show up today at his bequeathal for the raising-of-the-dead ritual.

From what we heard, such as remains of the AFC membership will be gathering at the HQ, and the ceremony will consist of throwing pieces of paper with names written on them into a box. Your Eyewitness isn’t sure whether any incantations will be read over the box, but we’re told that those names that were written the most times for various “positions” will cause the AFC to be resurrected from the dead through some mysterious process!!

It gotta be mysterious, because these same individuals have been around since 2015, when the APNU/AFC coalition won office and Granger then drove stakes repeatedly through their hearts!! The first stake was the “stiffing of Moses as PM” - even though he’d parted the waters of the Red PPP and taken some of their supporters to the Land of the PNC!! But the biggest was the stake of 7000 sugar workers thrown on the breadlines and left to die!! Could squiggles of pencil on paper return these longdead creatures to (political) life??

Maybe? Two of the big ones vying to be the leaders of what would be the historic “AFC Walking Dead” know more than a thing or two about “pencils and paper”. During the 2020 elections, they’d apprehended two “Russian spies” with the power to rig our “paper and pencil” balloting!!

They were supposedly immediately expelled from our fair land. But who knows if their dark- arts experience extended to necromancy, and they’d been kept in some basement for today’s ceremony??!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness advises that if you want to see the first raising of the dead in 2000 years, you walk with some Limacol. Even though there are normally “spirits” served at these functions as “libations” to get participants into the other world…after five years, dead meat does become “renk”!! …riding two horses The Summit of the Americas ended yesterday, and all your Eyewitness can say is, “Poor Biden”! With mid-term elections coming up and “all politics is local”, how does he balance wooing a Latin American/Caribbean audience that’s part of his biggest domestic problem – migrants from Latin America pouring across the Rio Grande – but where the US’ biggest threat is an encroaching China?!

Well, because he’s old enough, Biden should’ve taken the advice offered by Ricky Nelson back in 1972 – “if you can’t please everyone, you gotta please yourself”!! That year, he’d won an improbable victory to the Senate against a three-term veteran by being bold!! And the same year, the anti-communist Richard Nixon was even bolder and had flown off to Communist China to recognise and bring them in from the cold!!

He shoulda offered a contribution along the lines of the US$59billion that he found for the Ukraine War for development in the region!

More than doubling the $23.4 billion Financing & Mobilization in 2021!! …being sugar daddy After all, China’s been deploying the US$3.25 TRILLION in foreign reserves they’ve accumulated like money’s going out of style!!

So what if they take over everything when you choke on the debt??!!! So do sugar daddies, no!!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

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

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mexican company to build low-income houses in Guyana using recycled materials – model homes, other housing technologies to be displayed at Int’l Building Expo

Housing Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues with officials from the Ministry at the expo site on Friday

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Mexican company is looking to establish a facility here in Guyana that will use recycled waste to make building materials to construct houses for local consumption.

This was revealed by Housing Minister Collin Croal on Friday. He was at the time updating the media on preparations for the upcoming International Building Expo 2022 which will be held at the National Stadium Tarmac, Providence, next month.

According to Minister Croal, the event will feature several innovative technologies in the housing construction sector such as 3D printing as well as the model home built entirely from recycled materials. He noted that in to-

tal, there will be eight types of model houses on display at the exposition.

“We will also have another display of a low-income house that will have design that caters for the environmental impact. So, this will be a house that will be made of 100 per cent recycled materials. It’s a special factory that is intended to be established here and so on display, this house will have a combination of trash basically from the dumpsite – the landfill site – using a unique process, melted down but will be waterproofed,” he stated.

The recycled model house will be about 600 square feet and can be put together in just five days.

Further elaborating on this initiative, Minister Croal

told reporters that the Guyana Government has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mexican company that paves the way for the company to build a facility here.

“It’s something we’re looking forward to because you can have a win-win situation here in terms of utilisation of our waste, especially with the plastics.”

“They composed [the waste] and go through a process to compact it. So, it can help as an alternative home-building material and a part of making options available to persons.”

The Minister further noted that the company has already conducted preliminary studies on establishing a factory here and is also currently in talks with the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry regarding its use of waste from the landfill sites here.

However, Croal pointed out that this project would require a great deal of advanced waste management and recycling – something which he said Guyana does not practice.

“In dealing with waste, it starts actually from source and so you have separation from source. And that’s one of the benefits but we have not reached to that stage.

Obviously, Guyana would have to evolve into that style of dealing with our garbage but we’d hope over time that the culture

Model houses offered by the Housing Ministry being constructed at the National Stadium tarmac for the International Building Expo in July

would change,” Croal added.

That recycled model house is slated to arrive in Guyana this month-end, well ahead of time for the International Building Expo, which is slated for July 22 to 24 under the theme: “A New Frontier for Building a One Guyana.”

Already, 60 per cent of the 350 booths at the National Stadium have been booked by local, regional, and international exhibitors. These include over 200 local and 12 international companies already confirmed ranging from construction, engineering and consultants, financial institutions, suppliers, manufacturing, real estate and architectural firms among others.

“We are on track with preparations for International

Building Expo 2022.” Croal noted that the event will bring together stakeholders including investors and give them a platform to network.

On the other hand, Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues stated that the event will be bigger and better than any previous expos held. She also mentioned another innovation that will be on display at the expo – the 3D printing of a house.

“We have a company that is currently shipping a 3D printer so that for the first time in Guyana, Guyanese will be able to see a house printed for them… We want to give Guyanese as many options as possible, quality and affordable options,” the Minister stated.

This 3D printed mod-

el house will be set up so that people can do a walk-through and learn about the technology.

“The aim of this expo is to go beyond the phenomenal work that we have been doing at the Ministry of Housing.

This expo will put on display, and give you a blueprint – a map out – of Guyana’s architectural future.”

“So, prepare yourself to be fascinated and to be amazed by what you will see when you walk into Building Expo 2022.

It will reach you from the gate.

It promises to be exciting; it will be very informational for you and the people of our country will be wowed by what they will see when they come,” Rodrigues said.

Meanwhile, in addition to the exhibition, the Housing Ministry will also be distributing land titles and issuing house lots under its “Dream Realised” initiative.

The Ministry is also working closely with the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department for traffic management during the three-day exhibition.

Among the major corporate sponsors for the event are Continental Group of Companies, E-Networks, Courts, Republic Bank Limited (RBL), and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), which will be giving away a new Toyota SUV at the end of the expo.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Drunken rice farmer dies after crashing pick-up into trench

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25-year-old rice farmer is now dead after he lost control of the vehicle he was driving and it ended up in a trench along the Good Hope Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) access road on Thursday evening.

The dead man has been identified as Jeuwel Ramlall. Based on reports received, Ramlall was consuming alcohol at a shop in Mahaica prior to the accident.

Reports are that Ramlall, after imbibing alcohol, went into his vehicle and drove off at a fast rate of speed. Whilst driving the pick-up, he lost control and crashed into a nearby trench.

He was taken out of the vehicle in an unconscious condi-

Dead: Jeuwel Ramlall

tion, placed into another vehicle and taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His body is at Jerrick’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Investigations are ongoing.

This is the second fatal accident that occurred in the Mahaica, ECD area in just a few months. In February a 21-yearold and his teen girlfriend died in a horrific four-vehicle collision along the Mahaica Public Road.

The fatal crash occurred following a high-speed chase involving the Police.

Christopher Bhagwandat of Mon Repos, ECD, and his 16-year-old girlfriend, Shereeda Persaud of Bath, West Coast

Berbice (WCB), were in motor car PNN 8852 that Police were chasing after they reportedly fled from traffic ranks, who were stationed at Perseverance Public Road, Mahaicony, ECD. It was reported that the motor car driven by Bhagwandat had stopped at a roadblock but when ranks asked to see the driver’s identification card, he pulled the vehicle into the corner but then drove away as the traffic officer approached.

As such, ranks from the Mahaicony Police Station were alerted and officers joined the Force-issued van and gave chase.

The accident then occurred near the Mahaica Bridge claiming the lives of the two.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ann’s Grove man slapped with 6 charges over Reonol Williams’s death

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Dead: Reonol Williams

n Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) father of three was on Friday, slapped with six charges, including one for causing the death of 50-yearold accident victim, Reonol Williams, whose decomposed body was pulled from a trench at Coldingen, ECD, on Tuesday.

Daniel Melbourne, 53, a musician, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry, was arraigned before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

He was charged with the following offences: causing death by dangerous driving; failure to report an accident; failure to render assistance; failure to produce his vehicle for examination, giving false information to the

Remanded: Daniel Melbourne

Police, and attempting to obstruct the course of justice. Melbourne, who was not required to plead to the charges, was remanded to prison until July 22.

During his address to the court, Melbourne’s lawyer asked for him to be released on reasonable bail on the grounds that his client has an unblemished criminal record and that he had cooperated with the Police.

However, Police Prosecutor David Goodridge raised serious objections to the accused being granted his pre-trial liberty. In so doing, he highlighted the serious nature of the offence, that Melbourne is a flight risk and that a life was lost.

Williams, a father of two and labourer of Enmore, ECD, went missing on May 23 after he was struck

down by Melbourne who was driving a red Toyota Fielder wagon, PAB 2552.

The accident occurred on the Enmore Public Road, ECD. Following the accident, Melbourne picked up the injured man to take him to the hospital but this was never done.

Instead, Williams disappeared without a trace.

His family had reported the man’s disappearance to the Police and an investigation was launched.

The owner of the car was arrested but after interrogation, he claimed that he was in the interior and that one of his nephews had taken the car without his knowledge. As such, he was released on station bail. However, after almost two weeks and no signs of Williams, the family requested an audience with Police Commissioner

Melbourne’s car that was involved in the accident

(ag) Clifton Hicken. After the meeting, the Major Crimes Investigation Unit of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was instructed to take up the case.

As result, Melbourne was rearrested and on Tuesday, during interrogation, he took detectives to the location along the

Coldingen Access Road, ECD, where the body was discovered during a search.

Williams’ sister identified the body to be that of her brother based on the clothes on the remains found.

She told detectives that her brother was wearing the same clothes when he

went missing on May 23.

According to the Crime Chief, Melbourne confessed that he was the driver of the motor car at the time of the accident.

He reportedly admitted that after he struck down Williams, he placed him in his vehicle and as he was driving, he observed that Williams was motionless. Out of fear, he further admitted that he stopped the car at a bridge in Coldingen, ECD, and disposed of the body in the trench.

After doing this, he told detectives that he went home and informed his mother that his vehicle was missing and that he had made a report to the Police. Further, he also admitted that the initial information he provided to the Police about him being in the interior was false.

After Williams was struck down, a friend of his who witnessed the accident had gone to the now dead man’s family’s home to inform them that he was taken to the hospital.

But after checking several hospitals – both public and private – Williams was not found.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana records 85 new COVID cases in 24h – vaccination for children aged 5-11 starts today

T

he Health Ministry on Friday announced that another 85 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 thus taking the total number of positives to 65,799 since the virus was first detected in March 2020.

New statistics showed that the death toll remains at 1239 while two persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 33 persons are in institutional isolation, 977 in home isolation and one in institutional quarantine.

Additionally, 63,548 persons have recovered while 643,326 tests have been processed to date.

An analysis of the new cases show that one was detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); 11 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); five in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 52 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); five in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); one in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); five in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Region

Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) did not report any increases in positives.

However, vaccination for the five to 11 age group will commence today at the National Cultural Centre tarmac. Due to limited supplies, parents are asked to take their children at the earliest to benefit from the vaccine.

“We don’t have a lot. We have limited supplies. We have 52,800 doses, which means we will be able to do 26,400 children. So, those who are interested, we urge them to come out,” Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony related on Friday.

COVID-19 vaccines for this age cohort have been difficult to obtain but Guyana has managed to source some of the vaccines through a donation from the Government of Spain.

“We have worked very hard to be able to procure these vaccines and to bring them into Guyana. They’re not easily available so many countries still don’t have access to them. However, the vaccines have been widely used in North America and Europe and they have been found to be quite effective.”

Coronavirus vaccines

have been proven to prevent children from developing a more severe form of the disease should they contract it.

In Guyana, children have died from the virus.

Minister Anthony contended, “This is preventable once we can vaccinate.

Therefore, we really urge parents to ensure that they get their children vaccinated”.

Vaccination statistics remain relatively the same this week. Statistics as of Thursday point to 442,814 adult first doses or 86.3 per cent; with 342,486 second doses or 66.8 per cent. In the 12 to 17 group, only 34,768 first doses or 47.7 per cent coverage has been achieved.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

Global figures show that 533 million people have tested positive for the virus and 632 million have died.

In the Americas, more than 158 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

Project launched to enhance security at UG campus

UG Vice-Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed

F

ollowing years of unreliable security, the University of Guyana on Thursday launched an initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of lecturers, students, and visitors at its Turkeyen Campus.

Under the Greater Guyana Initiative (GCI), three security facilities were commissioned on the campus grounds. The new buildings, which are situated at the front and back of the campus, will serve as checkpoints on the campus ground, monitoring vehicular traffic in and out of the compound, and maintaining the safety of students, staff, and the property.

According to ViceChancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed, the project, which is being executed by the GGI – led by the Stabroek Block co-venturers ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd., and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited – has

been in the making since December 2019.

During her remarks at the commissioning ceremony, Dr Mohamed stated that UG had been experiencing a security crisis for quite some time. She explained that she and students felt scared of being on campus because of the many reports of robberies that were made. She further noted that the university was almost, if not altogether, defenseless.

“This was a campus that had no fences. We were wide open to animals and to all kinds of people with nefarious pursuits and with injurious intent. They could access this campus at will at any time. Our high-valued labs and other holdings were not specially secured; they were secured only with doors, padlocks, and sometimes grills. And many times we would have arrived in the mornings to find entire doors removed from their hinges, and buildings severely breached,” Mohamed explained.

This lack of security, she further explained, created opportunities for outsiders to attack students and staff.

“Further, there was a worrisome occurrence of attacks on students inside the campus, but mostly outside of the campus, as they waited in the open for private or public transport. There was no safe, purpose-built, dedicated space for students and staff to wait in safety and in comfort. And many times, right on this very campus,

people attacked them with knives, with guns; breaking into their vehicles, removing their laptops, their books; taking away their phones,” the Vice-Chancellor noted.

With the new security facilities, some 12,000 lives, inclusive of students and staff of the university, are to be secured once on campus.

The project is only in its first stage. The second stage will see the completion of a “Main Security Lounge”, which will house the University’s Occupational Health and Safety Unit.

Speaking on behalf of the GGI leaders, the Socioeconomic Manager of ExxonMobil, Susan Scott, said enhancing safety at UG is crucial in creating a learning environment wherein students can thrive.

“Enhancing the safety here…is overall crucial to creating that learning environment where students can thrive, and physician investments in the university are secured,” Scott said.

She further noted that oil giant ExxonMobil looks forward to maintaining a healthy, long-lasting partnership with UG. “This partnership was flourishing even before the launch of GGI, which happened in 2021 with successful initiatives such as the raise-for-pay student support fund, the refurbishment of the Physics Lab, and the university’s radio station. So, it’s a long-standing partnership, and one we look forward to continuing.”

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JUNE 10, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

85

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

33

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

977 2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

1

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

35,555

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

30,244

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

65,799

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

63,548

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2531

REGION 2

2693

REGION 3

8284

REGION 4

32,724

REGION 5

2459

REGION 6

6162

REGION 7

2454

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4070

REGION 10

3536

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

438,399 337,197 1239

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.

14 NEWS $144.5M machinery commissioned CIOG supports to improve drainage in Pomeroon mother of 4 after SATURDAY, JUNE 11,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

-$491M in contracts signed for other agricultural development works

fire destroyed home

CIOG assisting the single mother

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha joined officials of the agencies and contractors for a photo op after signing the contracts

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griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday commissioned a pontoon and two long-reach excavators to assist with executing a series of much-needed drainage work in the farming communities in Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The pieces of equipment were procured at a cost of $144.5 million. Minister Mustapha said that the equipment represents another fulfilled commitment made by the Government to the farmers.

He said that over the last two years, Pomeroon has suffered from prolonged flooding and the equipment will also be used

to improve the river defences. A work programme will be developed and executed by a management committee comprising farmers and other officials from the various farming communities along the Pomeroon River.

Additionally, the sector will be progressing with new developmental initiatives, after the signing of 12 contracts for agencies attached to the Agriculture Ministry on Friday.

These initiatives carry a total value of $491,567,360.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) signed nine contracts totalling in excess of $457 million for the procurement of critical machinery as the Government moves for-

ward with the planned reopening of several estates.

The New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) also signed contracts for the supply of critical machinery totalling some $18,895,000 and $14,700,000, respectively.

While offering remarks at the signing ceremony, Zulfikar Mustapha said the investments being made to develop the sector shows the Government’s commitment to developing the sector. He also urged contractors to ensure goods and services are supplied and executed within the contractual period.

Only in March, several agencies under the Agriculture Ministry had signed 32 contracts totalling over $2 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of several pump stations and drainage structures, the procurement of critical machinery, and the maintenance of several canals across the country.

Following in April, a contract was inked between the Agriculture Ministry and Gaico Construction and General Services Inc to the tune of $500 million for the dredging of the Pomeroon River. This along with 24 other contracts were signed the same time.

Agriculture is one of Guyana’s prime sectors, and received in excess of $22 billion 2022 national budget.

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Friday visited Lisa (only name given) who recently lost her home and everything she had to fire.

Lisa is currently staying at her aunt’s home at Lust-enRust, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, and is a single mother of four children aged one, four, five, and eight.

Food items, diapers, and a mattress were donated to the family.

CIOG, in a statement released, said, “We do understand how difficult it will be for her and her family and also for her four children at this time.”

Currently, 3 of the 4 children are unable to attend school.

CIOG urged others to help her in building back her home and whatever else she can be supported with at this trying time.

CIOG and its collaborating partners remain committed to building and strengthening partnerships for a stronger and brighter and Guyana expressed thanks to the donor that supported the items for Lisa and her children.

Similarly, CIOG had assisted Tracy Flur, who had lost her home and her three children in a tragic fire at Barnwell, Mocha Arcadia.

The CIOG has donated a number of food items and clothing and has pledged its support for long-term counselling for her.

“We do understand how difficult it will be for her and her family, and also for her four-year-old son, who lost his 3 other siblings. We do pray for her to find the strength in God Almighty, and to live on with the fond memories of her beloved children,” the CIOG had said in a release to the media.

Dead: Quindon Bacchus

The gun recovered at the scene

an alarm was raised. As a result, the now-deceased man ran in a southern direction and discharged a round in the rank’s direction who drew his service pistol and returned fire.

“Bacchus then ran further south and jumped into a yard, and the rank gave chase and while in close proximity, Bacchus discharged several other rounds towards the rank who took cover and returned fire, hitting the now-deceased man about his body,” the Police stated.

Bacchus reportedly fell

to the ground along with the firearm which was later identified as a .380 pistol and a magazine with one round. He was picked up in a conscious state and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was seen and examined but subsequently died.

The construction worker was arrested and taken to the Cove and John Police Station where he was interviewed under camera. A written statement was also taken as to what had transpired. He was placed in custody pending investigation.

“Artistes like Skeng” to be banned from public events in Golden Grove youth killed during Guyana – Home Affairs Minister alleged shootout with Police

Kevaun Douglas, known as “Skeng”

M

ore than two weeks after pandemonium broke out at the National Park in Georgetown when gunshots were discharged during the dancehall concert dubbed “Baderation”, and hundreds of patrons had to run for cover, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn said “artistes like Skeng” will be banned from performing at public events in Guyana.

This came on the heels of several Guyanese citizens sharing their opinion that the artiste might have influenced the partygoers’

violent behaviour at the concert.

“I have to say here and now, that no artiste like Skeng will ever come again into this country, will not come again into this country under the signature of any person from the Ministry of Home Affairs or from the Guyana Police Force, will not come on a public stage,” he said.

The Minister added that these artistes will only be able to perform in enclosed places if possible.

“If they want, they can go into a private club and behave as badly as they want. We will not sign off on any such artiste or any artiste who has a record of promoting vulgar and lawless behaviour including the firing of gunshots in public places,” Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn said.

The violent behaviour of the crowd occurred when the Jamaica dancehall artist Kevaun Douglas, known as “Skeng”, was on stage performing one of his popular tunes, “Protocol”. The

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Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

show was organised by Hits and Jams Entertainment as part of their line-up of Genesis X Utopia events.

Following this unruly episode, Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken had a meeting with the organisers of the show at the Guyana Police Force Headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown, where several issues regarding the breach of security and subsequent discharge of gunshots at the concert were discussed.

One person was also arrested in relation to the shooting.

young man who hailed from Golden Grove on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) was shot and killed by Police on Friday afternoon after he reportedly opened fire on the ranks.

Dead is 23-year-old Quindon Bacchus of Haslington, ECD. Police stated that on the day in question at about 14:30h, ranks were carrying out an intelligence-led operation in the Haslington New Scheme, ECD, after receiving some information earlier in the day.

Whilst there, the ranks contacted a 22-year-old construction worker who provided them with certain information. As a result of the information, the ranks went to Bacchus’s home where he was seen with a firearm in his possession. He reportedly intended to sell it to one of the ranks.

The plain-clothes rank, who was armed, made arrangements to purchase the firearm from Bacchus, who left and then returned with the firearm.

In the process of handing over the firearm to the rank,

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cash grants will be available after verification process – Min Mustapha

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griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Thursday met with groups of fisherfolk from along the Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) to discuss the $150,000 one-off relief grant that was recently announced

by President Dr Irfaan Ali. During the engagement, Minister Mustapha said since assuming office, the Government has been working to improve the lives of citizens.

He told those present that the Government will be making the funds available after the verification process is completed.

The Minister further re-

Fish farmers in one of the ponds along the Corentyne Coast

lated that although reports suggest that the catches have been improving, fisherfolk were still finding it difficult to afford basic house-

hold items for their families and that the grant will be able to assist with those needs.

President Ali had an-

nounced in May the rollout of one-off cash grants to the tune of $150,000, which will exclusively go to registered local fisherfolk, across the

country.

The President announced the initiative while visiting fishermen at Windsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

He explained that this measure is intended as direct assistance to the thousands of persons who depend on the fishing industry to sustain them and their families.

“We’re announcing an initiative for every single person I identified just now all across the country, that is we’re going to help you with a one-off grant of $150,000 each. This [is] an immediate step that we are taking to make the indirect transfer to you, to assist you

in addition to all that we’re doing to expand the industry.”

“We understand that at your household level you still have immediate needs and you still have some immediate help that you require.

I’m talking to fisherfolk all across the country. We’ve assessed those needs because you have a Government that is not afraid of confronting,” Ali had said.

According to the President, his Government is not afraid of facing the fishing industry, listening to their concerns. He assured them that in good times or bad, the Government stands ready to listen to them.

Police seeking to build citizens’ trust – Community Relations Dept revived

T

he relationship between communities and the Police will be further strengthened as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has officially re-established its Community Relations Department (CRD).

The CRD is responsible for ensuring preventative policing strategies, utilising proactive and reactive law enforcement, and community participation.

Through intersocial activities such as sporting tournaments and friendly competitions, as well as educating residents on Police duties and responsibilities, the department will foster

a professional collaborative partnership between the Police and the community.

Delivering the feature address during the opening of the new $10 million facility on Barrack Street, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said the CRD will play a pivotal role in bridging the visible gap between communities and Police, and will provide education to residents on how they ought to interact with officers.

“We still have misguided persons in communities who think that if the Police want to effect an arrest, it is appropriate to attack and prevent the arrest of persons

The Community Relations Department in Barrack Street, Kingston

who are doing and continue to do harm in the community. So, the Community Relations [Department]…

Over 70,000 persons participated in GECOM’s Continuous Registration exercise

A

t the end of the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) three-month Continuous Registration exercise on May 29, some 70,041 applications were processed.

Of this, amount, 28,149 were new registrants between the ages of 14 to 17; 21,130 were the 18 and older cohort, another 7667 applied for the replacement of identification cards (ID) and 6526 for corrections. Some 4629 applicants sought transfers and 1940 had their photographs retaken.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward said while the response was outstanding, there could be a fluctuation in the figures as applications were still being processed. The registration exercise began on March 7 and ended on May 29. Ward said GECOM had predetermined the positive response.

“I think we have done our (GECOM) part in terms of delivering that (registration) service with excellence. Now that this process is completed, we now have to go through administrative

GECOM Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward

processes that is currently ongoing,” she said.

While the process has been completed, the PRO said persons seeking replacement of IDs could still apply at the nearest GECOM registration office.

According to Ward, first time applicants will be informed to uplift their ID cards, once they are available. She urged them to be patient as the agency must follow protocol to ensure there is no double registration as well as other errors.

“So, for the new applicants in particular, though their ID cards could only be produced after they would

have gone through those essential administrative processes…we will shortly be able to announce when those ID cards will be produced and ultimately be sealed, but it’s an essential administrative process that we have,” Ward noted.

Once that process is completed, GECOM will then move on to its claims and objections exercise which will see the generation of a preliminary list of electors.

Some $4.1 billion has been allocated for the agency to conduct its 2022 work programme, from which, $783 million will be used to host the 2022 LGE.

will have to continue to engage at all levels…in relation to bringing about education, respect, engagement, and understanding as to what the mission… of the Guyana Police Force is in having a safe society,” Minister Benn detailed.

Minister Benn said that

the department will be critical in the reduction of crimes in various communities across the country.

“It is a difficult task, but we have to keep engaged to the Community Relations Department…so that we could deal with the criminal elements and so that we could avoid and mitigate… criminal activities,” he said.

Offering remarks, Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken revealed that more preventative measures will be embraced by members of the GPF. This, he said, will build a higher level of trust between Police officers and members of various communities.

“The training we are undergoing for the Police now will not be confrontational. Of course, we have segregated policing where we have the crime patrols that

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

deal specifically with crime, but the training that we are undergoing now with our young recruits is more preventative policing. So, you’re gonna see the Police in and out of the communities…and by doing that we can build trust, we can build bridges and we can even partner in a more cohesive way,” Hicken explained.

16 NEWS World Bank approves US$44M to strengthen Guyana’s human capital T SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he World Bank has approved financing of US$44 million for the strengthening of Guyana’s human capital through an educational project.

The project will focus on expanding access to quality education at the secondary level, as well as improving technical and vocational education training (TVET) to meet the needs of the labour market. The funding aims to prepare Guyanese citizens to excel in emerging sectors of the economy including climate-resilient agriculture, low-carbon technology, and digital development.

"Guyana is investing heavily in its citizens, with education and vocational

training playing a key role as the country is at a key juncture of its growth," said Diletta Doretti, World Bank Resident Representative for Guyana and Suriname.

"This project complements other education initiatives that the World Bank is supporting, as the Government is working to ensure that more people can acquire the needed skills to benefit from the ongoing economic transformation."

Activities under the project are expected to benefit at least 60,744 students and 2128 teachers and principals at the secondary level.

At the TVET level, a minimum of 600 students and 140 secondary and post-secondary TVET trainers will

benefit from professional development activities.

The project will support the piloting and national rollout of a new curriculum for Grades 7-9, which emphasises environmental stewardship and climate change, integrated into social studies and science for Grades 7 and 9. The project will also finance textbooks for Grades 7-11 to support the rollout of the new curriculum and the urgent need for learning recovery

following the pandemic.

Increased support for teachers and principals is also envisioned under the project. This includes training teachers on the new curriculum and how to teach students with different needs - including students with disabilities. Other interventions include the coaching and mentoring of teachers to support continuous professional development and the development and implementation of an

instructional leadership and managerial programme for principals.

In light of the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, project activities will include establishing an early warning system to help teachers and principals identify and support students at risk of dropping out. General secondary schools will also be built or rehabilitated to improve the learning environment for students, as well

as improving infrastructure, climate resilience and access to education for all students.

The project will also support technical and vocational training, which will include transferrable skills to equip students for a changing labour force, including digital competency skills. It will strengthen the enabling environment for TVET and improve the quality and relevance of training options.

The project includes encouraging apprenticeship, a digital platform providing information on training opportunities, and the preparation of a new TVET policy that will set the direction for the sector's medium- to long-term development.

NAMILCO, GNBS join forces Statistics Bureau to push food safety agenda intensifies hiring of

Census 2022 workers

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I

n observance of World Food Safety Day which was celebrated recently, the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) have joined forces to push Guyana’s food safety agenda.

NAMILCO’s simple but impactful observance of the ever-important day to the food production industry, entailed a fun interactive session with employees, in order to test their knowledge of food safety practices and reward them for such.

Quality Assurance Manager Taijawattie William shed some light on what the milling company hoped to achieve through the activity.

“We want to ensure that we are part of that observance of World Food Safety Day, that is why we planned this activity where the employees are going to come, they're going to answer questions, which is going to help us with our awareness session and we give them a chance to enter a raffle and win one of the

NAMILCO’s food safety activity and hampers distributed

three food baskets we have there,” William explained.

The QA Manager added, “NAMILCO [has] been implementing food safety standards because we have customers like KFC, Popeyes, [and] Pizza Hut, they are demanding we have food safety standards.

So, because we have implemented a lot of food safety standards, food safety culture is part of what we have to do as well.”

William articulated the company’s commitment to food safety practices while speaking on GNBS’ role at the event.

“Of course, we have GNBS here to give a food safety talk, and, you know, it's supposed to be a fun activity where we take pictures, we share cakes, one hour of production downtime, where everybody just takes that break and come and just understand food safety is part of what the food industry is all about,” she said.

William concluded, “We want to show that we are behind food safety, food safety is one of our goals and we want to ensure that we're always working to-

wards that.”

Meanwhile, GNBS’ Business Development Officer, Tyrone Rambacchus, shed some light on the importance of World Food Safety Day. Rambacchus shared, “At the GNBS we actually promote because everybody consumes food. Food is of course something that can pose a lot of adverse risks for people, so we need to ensure that the food that they're purchasing and consuming, they are, of course, safe for consumption.”

“So, in that case, World Food Safety Day is designed to bring awareness or to let persons know the importance of food safety so that they could implement those practices in place,” He said, “Or even if they do have things in place, put those things in place so as to ensure that at the end of it, they are giving or selling, manufacturing, whatever it is they do, products or food products that are safe for consumption. And that would benefit them in the long run as well.”

Turning his attention to his presence at NAMILCO’s factory,

Rambacchus praised the company for its proactivity and commitment to the cause.

“I think it's a really great initiative that they have going on here, because of course, NAMILCO is a company that everybody's familiar with and as a result of that, a lot of us consume their products that they put out there. So, the fact that they're bringing awareness through this initiative on the importance of world food safety and food safety in general, it shows a lot that they're prioritising food safety,” Rambacchus opined.

He went on to add, “And of course, they're using quality and standards within their operations.

So GNBS, we are happy to hear about that and we are of course happy that they have taken this initiative to be able to share with their employees about the importance of food safety.”

Employees who displayed a great knowledge of food safety practices were rewarded with hampers of NAMILCO’s products.

s Guyana’s 2022 Population and Housing Census draws nearer, the Bureau of Statistics has intensified the recruitment of temporary personnel to work during the exercise.

The census, Guyana’s largest national data collection exercise, is being planned for commencement in mid-September.

Applications for the positions of Area Coordinators, Supervisors and Enumerators are open countrywide until Thursday, June 30, 2022 as the Bureau seeks to employ approximately 3000 persons.

Area Coordinators are required to have a minimum of a Diploma from a recognised university, Teacher’s Certificate or an equivalent certification; Field Supervisors – a minimum of five (5) CSEC subjects or an equivalent recognised certification and Enumerators - a minimum of three (3) CSEC subjects or an equivalent recognised certification.

During the month of June, the Bureau’s staff will be present in Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6 to conduct recruitment exercises where persons will be able to submit their applications and relevant documents as well as have onthe-spot interviews done.

Persons can access a schedule of these activities on the organisation’s Facebook page or website at www.statisticsguyana.gov.gy Alternatively, those interested can submit their applications via email to censusrecruitment@statisticsguyana.gov.gy. They are required to fill the application form available on the Bureau’s website or prepare

an application cover letter and attach same along with scanned copies or clear photographs of their academic certificates.

Applications can also be submitted to the Deputy Census Officer, Bureau of Statistics, 34 Main & Hope Streets, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, in person or via postal mail. It should be noted that applications without contact numbers will not be considered.

The Population & Housing Census is an extremely important exercise that produces a large amount of socio-economic and demographic data that is used for planning and national development. It is conducted every ten years and Guyana’s last census was conducted in 2012.

The census plays a critical role in evaluating changes in the population and therefore should be viewed as more than just a headcount. These changes include size, composition, economic activities, quality of life, access to basic social services, maternal health, food security, agriculture and education.

All of these changes have an impact on the demand for social services, such as health, housing & education. This information is in great demand by the policymakers for planning and development, private sector, students, researchers and donor agencies.

For more information on recruitment for census 2022, persons can contact the Bureau of Statistics on 227-1155, 227-3377 or email censusrecruitment@statatisticsguyana.gov.gy

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fmr Policewoman Bollers now files private assault charges against Nirvan Singh …Singh granted $100,000 bail

Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

Attorney-at-Law Nirvan Singh

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ttorney-at-Law Nirvan Singh was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 for allegedly “unlawfully and maliciously assaulting” former Police Constable Shawnette Bollers.

The private criminal charge of assault brought against him by Bollers was read to him on Friday at the

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Bollers alleged that on May 20 at Middle and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, Singh unlawfully and maliciously assaulted her, contrary to Section 21 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act. Singh, who appeared before Senior Magistrate

Leron Daly, will return to court on July 6.

Bollers had previously filed private criminal charges pursuant to Section 2 of the Racial Hostility Act against Singh but this was annulled by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC last month as she is empowered

to do by Article 187 of the Constitution. She explained that the factual matrix did not satisfy the elements of the charge brought under the Racial Hostility Act. Bollers has since instituted civil proceedings against Singh. In her defamation lawsuit filed at the Demerara High Court, she is seeking $150M in damages. She argues that the words uttered by Singh, in their natural and ordinary meaning, were understood to mean that she was not a human being, and by extension, not worthy of recognition for her humanity or human dignity.

It is assumed that Bollers would have used the same matrix of facts in her charge of assault as she did under the Racial Histility Act. She had alleged that Singh approached her and chased her off of his father, former Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, retired Judge Carl Singh’s,

Ex Policewoman Shawnette Bollers during her recent protest activity outside the DPP’s Office

property where she was conducting security duties, forcing her to abandon her post. She had complained that in chasing her, the lawyer spoke to her in an “aggressive and loud manner” while hurling several racist remarks at her. In so doing she alleged that he spat on her. She said the tirade lasted for about 14 minutes, after which she left the scene and walked a couple of miles to another location in Georgetown in the dark of

night alone.

But Singh, in a letter to the editor, had refuted the allegations, stating, “I wish to say that the racist conduct of which I am accused in no way reflects my philosophy or personal values.

More importantly, it would be an indictment on my parents and elders, given their efforts to ensure that my upbringing would produce in me a person of the highest moral, ethical, and professional conduct”.

National flood taskforce geared for heavy rainfall this weekend

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fficials are working around the clock to ensure that none of Guyana’s administrative regions is neglected during the current rainy season, Prime Minister, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips has assured.

At a virtual National Taskforce on Flood Monitoring meeting on Thursday evening, the senior Government official gave an update on his meeting with Georgetown’s Mayor Ubraj Narine and the needs of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

He also informed Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall about the requirement, including personnel and fuel.

Headed by the Prime Minister, the meeting was based on the present weather forecast and recent significant precipitation which has caused several areas to be temporarily inundated.

On Wednesday, a mass of dry air had suppressed rainfall activities, but according to predictions, another tropical wave is expected to bring heavy rainfall over the weekend.

The National Weather Watch Centre predicted significant rain over the coastland, and Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 10 (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice) beginning today, June 10.

Persons residing in

in the clearing of drains and canals. Special focus is placed on communities along the Mahaica and Mahaicony waterways, while some housing schemes under construction are being closely monitored to ensure that activities do not affect drainage.

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) main-

Prime Minister Mark Phillips has reassured that agencies have mobilised to mitigate flooding

those communities are encouraged to exercise caution, especially those with farmlands and livestock.

The Agriculture Ministry has dispatched specialists from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) to assess and assist farmers along the coastland, particularly those in regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Some livestock and crops have been relocated by pontoons due to current impacts.

To control floodwaters, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) is working closely with the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, and the Housing and Water Ministry, to aid

tains consistent monitoring of all administrative regions, with special concern for the coastland and Region 10. Many areas have been experiencing fluctuating water levels based on rainfall, overtopping of waterways and water runoff, however, resources such as cleaning hampers, water purification tablets and wa-

ter containers have been diverted to those affected areas.

The Diamond-Grove area on the East Bank of Demerara, and the MelanieBuxton area on the East Coast of Demerara, have both experienced inundations. Relief supplies have been dispatched to the regional authorities who will

then distribute those items to the affected households.

Residents countrywide are urged to follow advisories and notices emanating from relevant agencies and to report any impacts to their regional bodies or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

Regional

US pledges more visas for Cubans, T&T: Schoolgirl accused of stabbing Haitians at Summit of the Americas schoolmate granted $50,000 bail

US President Joe Biden speaking while hosting a dinner at the Getty Villa for leaders and their spouses at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2022

T

he Biden Administration will spend US$314 million to support Venezuelan migrants across the Western Hemisphere and restart programmes allowing some Cubans and Haitians to reunite with family members in the United States, US agencies announced on Friday.

The announcement was part of a push at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles to address migration challenges, particularly in the United States, where the number of migrants arriving at the USMexico border has hit record highs.

US President Joe Biden and other leaders attending

the summit are set to issue a declaration on Friday that will pledge a more cooperative approach to migration.

The Democratic President has sought to frame migration as a challenge throughout the hemisphere and not an issue exclusive to the border with Mexico.

At the summit, the Biden Administration has called on governments in the Americas to strengthen protections for migrants but also to enforce borders and deport people who do not qualify for asylum.

Alongside the declaration, the United States announced several programmes aimed at increasing legal migration pathways and supporting

migrants abroad. The pledges included bolstering US hiring of temporary workers from Central America.

The US funding commitment to support Venezuelan migrants will include US$171 million in humanitarian relief and emergency food for Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, the US State Department said on Friday.

The Biden Administration also will restart programmes that allow certain US citizens and permanent residents to apply to bring their relatives in Cuba and Haiti to the United States via a temporary status known as humanitarian parole, the US Department of Homeland Security said.

The Biden Administration on Friday also highlighted what it calls “unprecedented” efforts launched in April to disrupt human smuggling networks and a regulation implemented in late May that aims to speed up the processing of asylum seekers at its border with Mexico.

At the same time, Biden is asking other governments to strengthen their asylum systems and remove people who do not qualify.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Dom Phillips: Blood found in search for pair missing in Brazil

Placards outside the Brazilian embassy showed Dom Phillips (L) and Bruno Pereira

P

olice in Brazil are examining blood found in the search for British journalist Dom Phillips and local Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira.

Traces of blood found on a boat belonging to a fisherman, who has been arrested, will be tested to see whether it is human or animal.

The pair went missing while travelling by boat on a reporting trip in the Amazon rainforest on Sunday.

Pereira recently received threats over his work against illegal fishing.

The authorities said they were hopeful of finding the two men alive, but did not exclude any outcome, including that of murder in a region where drug-traffick-

ing and poaching are rife, AFP news agency reports.

Both Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, who has written about threats to the Amazon for publications such as the Guardian and the Washington Post, are hugely experienced and planned their journeys thoroughly.

They reportedly had a new boat and plenty of fuel.

In London, the journalist’s sister, Sian Phillips, called on the UK authorities to put pressure on the Brazilian Government to find the two men.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who was in Los Angeles for a summit, said: “Let’s pray to God that they are still alive,” but added, “With each day that passes,

those chances fade.”

The blood traces were found on the boat of fisherman Amarildo da Costa, known locally as “Pelado”, who was questioned in the town of Atalaia do Norte. He has been charged with illegal possession of restricted ammunition.

Police say he was one of the last people to see Pereira and Phillips. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T

he Williamsville Secondary student accused of wounding her schoolmate with a knife during a fight after school has been granted $50,000 bail.

The 15-year-old Form Two student pleaded not guilty during a virtual appearance in the Fyzabad Juvenile Court before Justice Jade Rodriguez.

She was charged by WPC Blackman with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a weapon. The Judge granted her bail on the condition

that she has no direct contact with the victim or through social media. The teenager was also advised to limit her use of social media. The charges stemmed from a fight last Monday along the road not far from the school in which a 15-year-old Form Two student was stabbed and slashed with a knife.

During the incident, which was recorded on another student’s cell phone, the victim suffered wounds to her face, chest and arm and had to be hospitalised. The Ministry of

Education has since expelled the accused from school. Her father, however, told the court that he found out about his daughter’s expulsion through social media.

The teenager was represented by attorneys Petronella Basdeo, Amy Amy Harripaul and Genevieve Thompson while the prosecution was represented by attorney Nikeisha Leben. The Judge approved the teenager’s father as surety and adjourned the matter to July 21. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

New poll shows tight runoff between Colombia’s presidential candidates

I

ndependent candidate Rodolfo Hernandez and leftist Gustavo Petro were locked in a tight virtual tie for the June 19 runoff election for Colombia’s presidency, according to an Invamer poll released on Friday.

According to the poll results, Hernandez, a construction magnate, reached 48.2 per cent of the vote preference, and Petro, a former mayor and current senator, scored 47.2 per cent.

While Hernandez, of the Anti-Corruption Rulers’ League Party, gained from the 47.4 per cent he scored in Invamer’s May poll, Petro of

the Historic Pact lost 2.8 percentage points from the previous survey. The result indicates a tie as the difference between the two candidates falls within the poll’s margin of error of 2.69 per cent.

Hernandez made a surprise electoral leap in the first round of the May elections, defeating the second favourite in the polls, centre-right candidate Federico Gutierrez. That qualified him to run for President in the second round.

The survey included 2000 interviews conducted between June 3 and 7 in 83 cities and municipalities in the Andean nation.

Meanwhile, 4.7 per cent of those surveyed said they would cast a blank ballot, an option Colombian voters can choose when they decide not to vote for any candidate.

Hernandez, 77, is campaigning against corruption to boost economic growth and finance programmes focused on reducing poverty and inequality, generating employment, as well as improving education, health and housing for the poorest.

Petro, a 62-year-old former guerrilla and economist, proposes major economic and social changes. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Maduro says Venezuela, Iran to sign 20-year cooperation plan

V

enezuelan President Nicolas announced on Friday that a 20-year cooperation plan with Iran will be signed, as he arrived in Tehran for a two-day official visit.

In an interview with the Iranian television station Hispantv, Maduro announced the opening of a weekly flight route from Caracas to Tehran and said Venezuelan coffee could be sold to Iran, alongside the plan to sign an agreement today in different areas of cooperation.

Details on the cooperation

plan were not provided.

Hispantv also said Maduro will meet with Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, during the two-day visit.

Iran and Venezuela, both sanctioned by the United States, since 2020 have expanded cooperation, particularly for energy projects and oil swaps, helping the Caribbean nation ease the effect of Washington’s measures. In May, Iran’s Stateowned National Iranian Oil Engineering and Construction Co signed a contract worth about 110 million euros to

repair Venezuela’s smaller 146,000 barrel-per-day refinery. The agreement was sealed after recent negotiations attended by Iranian Oil Minister Javad Owji, who was in Venezuela early last month and met with Maduro.

Maduro arrived in Tehran on Friday as part of an official trip that earlier this week included Turkey and Algeria.

He said he was accompanied

by Ministers and officials in areas including agriculture, technology, oil, communications, tourism and transportation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Nicaragua authorises deployment of Russian military forces

T

he Government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has authorised Russian troops, planes and ships to deploy to Nicaragua for purposes of training, law enforcement or emergency response.

In a decree published this week, and confirmed by Russia on Thursday, Ortega will allow Russian troops to carry out law enforcement duties, “humanitarian aid, rescue and search missions in emergencies or natural disasters”.

The Nicaraguan Government also authorised the presence of small

contingents of Russian troops for “exchange of experiences and training”.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told the Russian news outlet Sputnik that the measure was “routine”.

“We are talking about a routine – twice a year – procedure for the adoption of a Nicaraguan law on the temporary admission of foreign military personnel to its territory in order to develop cooperation in various areas, including humanitarian and emergency responses, combatting organised

crime and drug trafficking,” Zakharova said.

Nicaragua also said it will allow the presence of “forces naval and air vessels” of Venezuela, Honduras, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico, El Salvador and the United States. The permission is valid for the second half of 2022, according to a report by the Russian state news agency Tass.

Ortega has been a staunch ally of Russia since his days in the leadership of the 1979 revolution that deposed dictator Anastasio Somoza. Ortega served

as President from 1985 to 1990, before being re-elected to power in 2007.

Dozens of political opposition leaders have been arrested, including most of the potential presidential candidates, in the months before Ortega’s re-election to a fourth consecutive term last year. His government has shut down dozens of non-governmental groups that he accuses of working on behalf of foreign interests to destabilise his Government. Tens of thousands of Nicaraguans have been chased into exile.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil falls as US inflation data surges, China imposes lockdowns

O

il prices fell on Friday, after US consumer prices rose more than expected and China imposed new COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Brent crude fell US$1.06 to settle at US$122.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude fell 84 cents to settle at US$120.67 a barrel.

Both benchmarks still posted weekly gains, 1.9 per cent for Brent and 1.5 per cent for WTI. For the day, oil prices sank along with Wall Street stocks after news that US consumer prices accelerated in May. Gasoline prices have hit a record high and the cost of food has soared, leading to the largest annual increase in about 40 years. That raises expectations that the Federal Reserve will tighten policy more aggressively.

"The concern is that could be a forward indicator of consumer habits and even though gasoline demand is strong now, it's a sign in the future that if gasoline prices don't stabilise then consumers will be cutting back," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures.

In another red flag for demand, Shanghai and Beijing went back on COVID alert on Thursday. Parts of Shanghai imposed new lockdown restrictions and the city announced a round of mass testing for millions of residents.

China's crude oil imports in May were up nearly 12 per cent from a year earlier, when they were low.

"This does not indicate that oil demand is picking up. Instead, China is likely to have acted opportunistically, buying crude oil from Russia at a significantly lower price than the global market level in order to replenish its stocks," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said.

Oil had risen more than US$1 earlier in the session from fears of a potential disruption in supplies in Europe and Africa.

Norway's oil output could be reduced if workers go on strike on Sunday, the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association (NOG) said.

Some 845 of roughly 7500 employees on offshore platforms plan to strike from June 12 if annual pay negotiations fail.

Oil output at Libya's Sarir field has been reduced after the ports of Ras Lanuf and Es Sider were closed and as a group threatened to close Hariga port, two oil engineers at the field said.

In US supply, the US oil rig count, an indication of future supply, rose six to 580 this week, their highest since March 2020.

Prospects are receding for reaching a nuclear deal with Iran and lifting US sanctions on the Iranian energy sector.

Iran on Thursday dealt a near-fatal blow to chances of reviving the nuclear deal as it began removing essentially all the International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring equipment installed under the deal, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said.

Money managers cut their net long US crude futures and options positions by 1674 contracts to 284,171 in the week to June 7, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said on Friday.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine pleads for more weapons, as cholera spreads

U

kraine sought more help from the West on Friday, pleading for faster deliveries of weapons to hold off better-armed Russian forces and for humanitarian support to combat the march of deadly diseases.

In Sievierodonetsk, the small city that has become the focus of Russia's advance in eastern Ukraine and one of the bloodiest flashpoints in a war well into its fourth month, further heavy fighting was reported.

To the south, the mayor of the port city of Mariupol - reduced to ruins by a Russian siege – said sanitation systems were broken and corpses were rotting in the streets.

"There is an outbreak of dysentery and cholera... The

Local resident Viacheslav walking on debris of a residential building damaged by a military strike, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Sievierodonetsk, Luhansk region, Ukraine, April 16, 2022

war which took over 20,000 residents ... unfortunately, with these infection outbreaks, will claim thousands more Mariupolites," he told national television.

He called on the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross

to work on setting up a humanitarian corridor to allow remaining residents to leave the city, which is now under Russian control.

In a snapshot of the war's wider impact, the UN's food agency said reduced exports of wheat and other food com-

modities from Ukraine and Russia could inflict chronic hunger on up to 19 million more people globally over the next year.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called in a videolinked speech for Ukraine to be incorporated as a part of the West, with binding guarantees for its protection.

The war in the east, where Russia is focusing its attentions, is now primarily an artillery battle in which Kyiv is severely outgunned, Ukrainian officials say.

That means the tide of events could be turned only if the West fulfils promises to send more and better weaponry including rocket systems that Washington and others have promised. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Energy and food drive US inflation to highest for 40 years

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rices in the US rose faster than expected last month, as rising energy and food costs pushed inflation to the highest rate since 1981.

The annual inflation rate rose to 8.6 per cent in May, the Labour Department said, after easing in April.

The rising cost of living has been squeezing households and putting pressure on policymakers to bring the issue under control.

The US central bank has been raising interest rates since March.

Analysts had hoped that the moves were starting to work to cool economic activity, easing the price pressures.

Average price for petrol in the US is approaching $5 a gallon

But the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which

has driven up the price of oil and commodities like wheat as it disrupts exports from the two countries, has made tackling the problem more difficult.

Food prices were up more than 10 per cent last month compared to May 2021, while energy surged more than 34 per cent.

But Friday's report showed the increases continue to spread throughout the economy, pushing the cost of everything from airline tickets and clothing to medical services higher.

"So much for the idea that inflation has peaked.

Consumer prices blew past expectations - and not in a good way with the 8.6 per cent annual increase the fastest in more than 40 years," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. com.

The US has been grappling with rising prices since last year, when an unexpectedly strong economic rebound from the shock of the pandemic - driven by large doses of US Government spending, including direct cheques to households - overwhelmed supplies, prompting companies to raise prices. (Excerpt from BBC News)

“Smash to smithereens” South Korea trucker UK court says asylum- China threatens all-out strike poses early test seeker deportation to war over Taiwan Rwanda can go ahead for new President C

A

strike by South Korean truckers poses an early test for President Yoon Suk-yeol after a month in office, with the dispute threatening to distract from his agenda while raising the risk of long-term antagonism with powerful trade unions.

Thousands of truckers went on strike for a fourth day on Friday in a protest over pay as fuel costs surge, disrupting industrial production, slowing port operations and posing new risks to a strained global supply chain.

A political novice and former prosecutor-general, the conservative Yoon criticised trade unions he sees as hardline during the campaign for his May election victory, calling them "front-line guards" for his political opponents and instigators of trouble despite the generous salaries their members earn.

Yoon's focus is on tackling surging inflation at home and working with the United

States and other allies on responding to North Korea's intensifying weapons tests, amid expectations it is about to conduct its seventh nuclear test.

Try as Yoon might to steer clear of the industrial dispute, it has a political element at its core that he will find hard to ignore the longer the strike goes on.

The truckers, largely self-employed, are demanding pay increases and an extension of a "safe rates" system, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to guarantee minimum freight rates, which is due to expire in December.

Legislation to extend the system was introduced in parliament last year, under the administration of a liberal president who enjoyed the backing of the trade unions.

Now the bill is bogged down in the legislature with no sign of a compromise. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he first flight to take asylum seekers from the United Kingdom to Rwanda can go ahead next week, the High Court in London ruled after a Judge dismissed attempts to win an injunction to stop the deportation to the East African nation.

Charities and a trade union had launched a legal challenge against the British Government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, saying it was unsafe, but the court ruled on Friday that the first flight could take place as scheduled next week.

Judge Jonathan Swift refused the request for an injunction to stop the first flight planned for Tuesday.

“There is a material public interest in the Home Secretary [Priti Patel] being able to implement immigration decisions,” Swift said.

The court also granted permission for human rights group to appeal the decision.

International human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson told Al Jazeera that the UK had an international legal obligation to determine whether the people facing deportation were genuine asylum seekers fleeing persecution.

Sending asylum seekers to Rwanda was considered “unethical and unchristian” by many, Robertson said from London, adding that the legal challenge is far from over.

Up to 130 asylum seekers have been notified they could be sent to Rwanda and lawyers for almost 100 had submitted legal challenges asking to stay in the UK. UN officials and refugee groups have criticised the plan as unworkable and inhumane, saying those facing being sent to Rwanda include people fleeing Syria and Afghanistan who arrived in the UK across the English Channel on small boats.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

hina will “not hesitate to start a war” and “smash to smithereens” any Taiwan independence efforts, its Defence Minister warned his US counterpart in the pair’s first face-to-face talks.

“If anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost,” Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said during a meeting with Lloyd Austin on Friday.

“The PLA [People’s Liberation Army] would have no choice but to fight … and crush any attempt of Taiwan independence, safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Despite the combative words, Wei said the talks with Austin “went smoothly”.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ShangriLa Dialogue security summit in Singapore for nearly an hour, double the time initially allotted.

The Chinese Minister also

pledged that Beijing would “smash to smithereens any Taiwan independence plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland”, according to the Chinese Defence Ministry.

“Taiwan is China’s Taiwan… Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail,” it said in a statement.

Taiwan – a self-ruled, democratic island – lives under the constant threat of invasion by China. Beijing views the island as its territory and has pledged to one day seize it – by force if necessary.

Austin told Wei that Beijing must “refrain from further destabilising actions toward Taiwan”, the Pentagon said.

An American official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said most of the meeting focused on Taiwan and Austin reiterated Washington’s position on Taiwan was unchanged, while criticising China’s “military aggression”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Size up situations and act fast. Touch base with a friend or relative who can offer insight into a problem you face. Keep your life simple; distance yourself from risky situations and people.

(March 21-April 19) A disciplined attitude will pay off when working alongside others. Set the standard, and you’ll end up in a leadership position. Trust in your instincts and press forward with your plans.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

You’ll feel good once you have everything in place, with nothing standing between you and the things you want to pursue. Take it upon yourself to delve into something that intrigues and excites you.

Take charge of your happiness. Spend your day engaging with people, activities and adventures that fill your heart with joy. Social events and romance will enhance your day.

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

You need to pace yourself. Don’t make unnecessary changes or take on expenditures you can’t afford. Do your research, learn from your mistakes and put your energy into self-improvement.

Be truthful.

Sign up for and participate in activities geared toward spending time with people you find uplifting and mentally stimulating. Share your feelings and prioritize physical fitness.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Too much too fast will lead to trouble.

Take your time and figure out what’s best for you. Reach out to someone who has something you want or information that will help you decide your next move.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Avoid being short-sighted. Say what’s on your mind and follow your heart.

Spontaneity will add to your enthusiasm, but it will also cause problems. Do what’s best for you.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Spend more time at home. Move things around and sort through items you no longer use. Decluttering your space will ease stress and give you room to do something that makes you feel good.

A change at home will positively impact your life and the way you do things.

Taking a budget-friendly and straightforward approach to your everyday routine will make your life more fulfilling.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Refuse to let anyone limit what you can do. Say no to joint ventures or shared expenses. Keep your possessions, assets and beliefs to yourself. Don’t be tempted by others’ choices.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Let your imagination take the reins.

Open your heart to those who share your passion to make a difference. A physical change will encourage you to boost your earning potential.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

21

Tertiary Basketball League…

Finale lived up to hype, says event co-founder …NSBF set for July 1, 2022

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he final game of the Tertiary Basketball League (TBL) was held on Sunday, June 5th, 2022 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and a heated battle ensued between the University of Guyana team (UG) and the Guyana Technical Institute team (GTI).

The University of Guyana team ultimately prevailed by edging out their opponents 69 to 66, and co-founder of the event, Chris Bowman, has declared that the finale “had lived up to the hype”.

Speaking with this publication, Bowman has said, “TBL finale lived up to the hype, so to speak. GTI and the University of Guyana did not disappoint. In fact, the finals exceeded that of when the two teams first met in the competition. UG clearly

made the adjustments that were necessary, while GTI failed to do so. This just goes to tell you how good these teams are. In the end, it was just a four-points’ difference.

“So, in terms of basketball and the quality of play, it was really good. That was complemented well for the in-game experience for the fans, who came out to witness. We had a number of fan interactions, a capacity crowd, local artiste Kush doing an excellent job. So that is the kind of experience you expect persons to have when they come to a basketball game. So, we are pleased.”

Bowman also explained that the entire Tertiary Basketball League competition was very successful. He said that one of the most recent trends seen is that university students and vocational students have their excellent fanbases.

He also related that what

Guyana, Bowman explained that the annual basketball festival is “just around the corner”, from July 1-10. He said he expects a high-profile tournament as the festival’s 15th anniversary is celebrated.

Before the basketball festival, Bowman relayed, there would be mini re-

was evident in the league was that past National School Basketball athletes who had come through the programme were also present in the tertiary league, and he opined that what this means is that they are building a good culture, as their players continue to progress through various stages.

In terms of sponsorship, Bowman has said, “More importantly, our sponsors: National Sports Commission, ExxonMobil, G-Boat Guyana, Edward B Beharry & Company Ltd, Fireside Grill and Suites, and Banks DIH Ltd… are just a testament of the quality of sponsorship you need to execute high-quality events such as what we have had over the last eight weeks. So, we are very happy with the turnout with the finals, so our sponsors could see where their investment is going, and how much it

-as per global media company Forbes

T

YBG co-founder Chris Bowman

means to the players and the public coming out to support such a high-quality event; and it speaks well.

So, we are happy we were able to deliver to the community and the sponsors in this regard.”

On the agenda for Youth Basketball

Bangladesh tour to the Caribbean…

Iqbal warms up for West Indies Tests with century

B

Tamim Iqbal made a century for Bangladesh

angladesh senior opener Tamim Iqbal got his Caribbean tour off with a bang when he smashed an unbeaten 140 against Cricket West Indies President’s XI on day one of a three-day warm-up match in Antigua.

Iqbal’s century took Bangladesh to 274-6 after 82.5 overs at stumps. The Bangladeshis lost the early wicket of

gional tournaments around Guyana. He said this speaks of an excellent return of the sport at a high level even during an ongoing pandemic.

“So we are very pleased with our programmes, and we look forward to the continued support from the public” Bowman has said.

Mahmudul Joy for a duck, when he was caught behind by wicket-keeper Tevin Imlach off the bowling of Jeremiah Louis. Iqbal and Hossain Shanto then added 140 runs to the score, with Shanto making 54 from 99 balls.

Mominul Haque was dismissed by off-spinner Bryan Charles for a duck, while Liton Das made four.

Iqbal’s unbeaten innings, which came off 240 balls, included 19 fours and one six.

Louis was the pick of the bowlers with 2-44 from 14 overs. Preston McSween, Bryan Charles, Jomel Warrican and Yanic Cariah each had one wicket.

The second day of this match, being played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, will commence from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time. Bangladesh and West Indies will face off in the first Test match from Thursday, June 16.

iger Woods is already in ‘rare air’ for his accomplishments on the golf course, and he has reached another impressive feat.

Forbes media company is now estimating that Woods’s net worth is at least $1 billion, which would make him one of only three athlete billionaires in the world. The other two are Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Just last week, James’s worth had been estimated to be over $1 billion. Forbes noted that James earned $121.1 million gross over the past 12 months, while still an active NBA player, and that Jordan didn’t make the list until 2014, years after he had retired.

Forbes reported that less than 10% of Woods’s net worth comes from earnings on the golf course. His sponsorship and endorsement deals through Nike, TaylorMade, Gatorade and Monster Energy, which is featured prominently on his golf bag, have all largely contributed.

Like James, Woods doesn’t consider himself as just an athlete, and has gotten into ownership as well as course design. TGR Design, TGR Live (an events company) and TGR Ventures are all part of Woods’s portfolio.

He recently invested in a new category of golf with a stake in PopStroke, a luxury minigolf organisation that has multiple locations in Florida.

Woods has seen his net worth continue to grow, despite a series of events in 2009 - including a Thanksgiving car crash - that resulted in multiple sponsors dropping him, including Buick.

Even while recovering from another car crash over the past 12 months, Woods has made $68 million in off-course income, Forbes has said.

Although he has played in only The Masters and PGA Championship over the past few months, and did not participate in any tournament during the 2021 calendar year, that

figure alone would make him the 14thhighest-paid athlete in the world. (Espn)

22

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WI vs Pakistan: ODI series, Game 2…

Mohammad Nawaz’s four-wicket haul leads Pakistan to series win both grip and turn on a surface that had offered up neither in such generous quantities two days ago.

Looking to play against the turn saw the Pakistan captain fall 23 short of a hundred that Pakistan have come to expect from him almost every game, his leading

Pakistan were quite clinical with their bowling performance

M

ohammad Nawaz has allayed any concerns Pakistan might have had about posting a below-par total by producing the best bowling performance of his career to bundle the West Indies out for 155 in game 2 of their ODI series.

Coming in with Pakistan under pressure after West Indies’ pugnacious start to the chase of 276, Nawaz struck four times to gut the visitors’ middle order and produce figures of 4 for 18 in his allotted ten, thereby sealing West Indies’ fate and giving Pakistan a 120-run win to wrap up the series 2-0.

West Indies’ innings began disastrously, with Shaheen Afridi removing their best batter, Shai Hope, in the first over, trapping him on his crease as he spooned a catch to cover. But what followed suggested West Indies were giving the chase a serious go, with the powerplay dominated by positive, fearless strokeplay from Kyle Mayers and Shamarh Brooks. Haris Rauf was the man they targeted early on, a gloriously nonchalant pulled six over square leg from Mayers was perhaps the shot of the innings.

Mayers then smashed Mohammad Wasim for a couple of fours, and Shaheen for six straight back over his head, as the visitors put on 71 in the powerplay. But off that phase’s final ball, Wasim cleaned him up to open the door for Pakistan’s spinners, and it was time for Nawaz to shine.

Nawaz’s fourth ball was a harbinger of what would follow.

He flighted it up to Brandon King, drawing him out of his crease, before getting the ball to spin away and kiss the edge. The game had swung, despite a brief fourth-

wicket stand, and Nawaz soon sent the last set batter, Brooks, on his way for 42, trapping him in front as he horribly miscued a sweep, to leave the West Indies tottering at 102 for 4.

But Nawaz was only halfway through. West Indies’ last hopes, Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran, were sent back within three balls of each other, as Nawaz exercised his full mastery over the opposition, varying the flight and exploiting the dip and turn to penetrate both players’ defences.

Shadab Khan, at the other end, also sent Romario Shepherd packing, killing all realistic attempts at a chase by then. West Indies had lost four wickets for 18 runs, and while they limped along for another 35 runs, it was only a matter of time before they were put out of their misery.

If you watched that Pakistan innings up first, you’d have seen what was coming; and if you didn’t, you’d know exactly how it panned out. Fakhar Zaman fell early, before Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam put on their customary century stand. It was followed by a stuttering of momentum and a collapse of the middle and lower orders once those two fell, leading Pakistan to stumble to 275.

You’ve seen it before, you’ll see it again; you saw it today.

Pakistan were fortunate enough to win the toss and not have to put their bowlers through another rigorous day out in the heat.

Hasan Ali was finally taken out of the side, with Mohammad Wasim Jnr brought in. But, at the top, it was a similar pattern for Pakistan, with a struggling Fakhar falling for an unconvincing 28-ball 17 as

Pakistan made a slow start in the face of accurate West Indian bowling.

It was Anderson Phillip, replacing Jayden Seales in the visitors’ XI, who got the wicket after Zaman top-edged one.

Babar and Imam took over from there, steadying the innings for the next fifty runs or so, before slowly moving through the gears and nudging the run rate up. It was nothing dramatic, just the usual platform-building; but, as so often happens when these two are on song, it looked like there was no breaking that stand.

They each brought up a halfcentury, the sixth consecutive fifty for each of them, and little appeared to stand in the way of them bringing up personal threefigure scores. The only way a wicket would come about was if it were self-inflicted, and that indeed was what happened.

In a moment that swung the momentum of the innings around, Imam set off for a run without looking up at his captain, who was busy ball-watching.

When Babar looked up, Imam was barely two metres from him, and his fate was sealed. The opener smashed his bat into the turf in frustration while he walked off, but West Indies had been gifted a creek of hope.

Babar was undone by some brilliant left-arm orthodox bowling from Akeal Hosein, who managed

Babar Azam has hit his ninth consecutive fiftyplus score across formats in international cricket

edge finding a cover fielder.

Mohammad Haris came in and sought to inject some pace in the innings, without ever looking like he had the ability to so do in the face of a couple of quality West Indian bowlers, and he was promptly nicked off for a run-aball six.

The final ten overs saw the West Indies bowling at their best, putting pressure on Pakistan with clumps of dot balls, thanks to some glorious execution, both in terms of line and length and changes of pace. Alzarri Joseph led the way in that regard, his figures of 10-1-33-2 are just rewards for what he produced.

Khushdil Shah found batting a struggle, and while Pakistan got away with the occasional boundary and big hit, the general trend by this stage all favoured West Indies. The last 15 overs saw just 89 runs being scored as six wickets fell; and while questions regarding Pakistan’s middle-order only deepened, the West Indies had sniffed an opportunity, and it had seemed like a very realistic possibility until Nawaz came in and snuffed it out emphatically.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN INNINGS (50 overs maximum) Fakhar Zaman c Shepherd b Phillip 17 Imam-ul-Haq run out (Pooran/†Hope) 72 Babar Azam (c)c & b Hosein 77 Mohammad Rizwan †b Hosein 15 Mohammad Haris c †Hope b Joseph 6 Mohammad Nawaz c Pooran b Hosein 3 Shadab Khan c †Hope b Joseph 22 Khushdil Shah b Phillip 22 Mohammad Wasim not out 17 Shaheen Shah Afridi not out 15 Extras (lb 3, w 6) 9 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 5.50) 275/8 Did not bat: Haris Rauf Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Fakhar Zaman, 6.2 ov), 2-145 (Imam-ul-Haq, 27.5 ov), 3-187 (Babar Azam, 35.3 ov), 4-194 (Mohammad Haris, 36.5 ov), 5-194 (Mohammad Rizwan, 37.1 ov), 6-207 (Mohammad Nawaz, 39.1 ov), 7-230 (Shadab Khan, 44.2 ov), 8-259 (Khushdil Shah, 48.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Alzarri Joseph 10-1-33-2 Kyle Mayers 3-0-24-0 Anderson Phillip 8-0-50-2 Romario Shepherd 5-1-27-0 Rovman Powell 4-0-24-0 Hayden Walsh 10-0-62-0 Akeal Hosein 10-0-52-3

WEST INDIES INNINGS (Target: 276 runs from 50 overs) Shai Hope †c Fakhar Zaman b Shaheen Shah Afridi 4 Kyle Mayers b Mohammad Wasim 33 Shamarh Brooks lbw b Mohammad Nawaz 42 Brandon King b Mohammad Nawaz 0 Nicholas Pooran (c) b Mohammad Nawaz 25 Rovman Powell c †Mohammad Rizwan b Mohammad Nawaz 10 Akeal Hosein not out 14 Romario Shepherd lbw b Shadab Khan 1 Alzarri Joseph lbw b Mohammad Wasim 6 Hayden Walsh lbw b Shadab Khan 1 Anderson Phillip b Mohammad Wasim 1 Extras (b 4, lb 6, w 3, pen 5) 18 TOTAL 32.2 Ov (RR: 4.79) 155 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Shai Hope, 0.6 ov), 2-71 (Kyle Mayers, 9.6 ov), 3-72 (Brandon King, 10.4 ov), 4-102 (Shamarh Brooks, 18.4 ov), 5-116 (Rovman Powell, 22.2 ov), 6-117 (Nicholas Pooran, 22.4 ov), 7-120 (Romario Shepherd, 23.4 ov), 8-145 (Alzarri Joseph, 30.3 ov), 9-148 (Hayden Walsh, 31.2 ov), 10155 (Anderson Phillip, 32.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-1-17-1 Haris Rauf 5-1-30-0 Mohammad Wasim 4.2-0-34-3 Mohammad Nawaz 10-0-19-4 Shadab Khan 9-1-40-2

44th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India…

Pinnacle Business Services & Jade’s Wok sponsor GCF Team

Managing Director of Pinnacle Business Services Inc, Samantha Lucknauth, presenting a cheque to the GCF

C

ommercial entities Pinnacle Business Services Inc and Jade’s Wok have each donated $100,000 towards

Guyana’s National Chess Team’s participation in the 2022 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India.

The Olympiad is the biggest chess event in the world, and more than 150 countries are set to participate in the July/August event. Guyana’s top male chess players who will compete in the event are CM Taffin Khan, CM Wendell Meusa, FM Anthony Drayton, Roberto Neto and Loris Nathoo for the Open Category.

18-year-old Sasha Shariff, 14-year-old Pooja Lam, 12-yearold Anaya Lall, 20-year-old Jessica Callender and 21-year-old Nellisha Johnson will compete in the Women’s category of this tournament.

The two business entities have said they are happy to be able to participate in this initiative, since it helps in the growth and

development of the skills of both Guyana’s children and adults.

Pinnacle Business Services Incorporated (PBSI) is a registered company which focuses on managing the administrative aspects of its corporate clients.

It provides exceptional services in bookkeeping, administration/ logistics, human resources, property management, and transportation.

Jade’s Wok, one of Guyana’s premier restaurants, specialises in delicious Asian cuisine which is easily available to the public at the Giftland Mall at Turkeyen and at the Amazonia Mall at Providence, on the East Bank of Demerara.

The Guyana Chess Federation would like to express its sincere

appreciation to the management of Jade’s Wok and Pinnacle Business Services, and looks forward to a continued partnership in the future. Additionally, the Guyana Chess Federation would be hosting a fundraising dinner for the team on Saturday, June 25 at 19:00hrs at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel at Providence. The event features an evening of 80s and 90s music paired and a three-course meal.

Those persons who would like to support the Guyana team’s journey to India can reach out to the Guyana Chess Federation on guyanachess@gmail.com or contact any executive member of the GCF to purchase tickets, which each costs $10,000.

CLASSIFIED ADS ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara (Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop) – AirConditioned Comfort. Amenities include TV, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Gym. Free Parking, Free WiFi. Spend 7 nights and get 1 Free. Rates from $65 US. Breakfast included. Long term rates available. Phone: 264-2946-9. www. aracariresort.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Restaurant for Rent – West Bank Demerara (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop). Turn Key Business. Covid-19 Reduced Capacity 60; furnished and equipped.

Phone 264-2946; 626-5290

ENTERTAINMENT Swimming Pool Family Fun & Picnic – Crystal Clear Pool. Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. Aracari Resort : West Bank Demerara (Versailles, Vreed-en-Hoop)- Every Weekend.

DJ Music. Groups and Excursions welcome. Phone: 264-2946-9.

FOR SALE Wholesale Chicken $420 per lb. Wholesale Liver $220 per lb. Wholesale Gizzard $220 per lb. Wholesale Foot $220 per lb.

Contact: 603-2777 or 638-3666.

Mitsubishi 3 stage Crane Canter.

Equipped with a 4m51 engine coupled to 5 speed manual gearbox.

Tray measuring 12ft length was reconstructed with greenheart.

Truck is in excellent condition and maintenance on point. $4,300,000 million negotiable. contact 638 – 4755 or 671 – 8445.

HOUSE FOR SALE Fully concrete Top and Bottom, 24 x 42 - + 8 FT Extention, 4 12x12 Rooms, $30 Million neg. Contact: 692-7305 or +1 646 972 9267.

TO RENT Office Space for rent, 3200 Sq Feet – West Bank Demerara (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbour Bridge and Vreed-enHoop). Phone 264-2946; 626-5290.

VACANCY Vacancy exists for a competent lorry driver between ages 35 – 45 years old, with minimum of 5 years’ experience. Driver should also possess experience operation crane, good communication skills and basic fundamentals of delivery cargo to various customers Interested persons are asked to make contact with us on telephone number 500 – 1415, 638 – 4577 or 671 – 8445.

WANTED Male & Female to work in Factory.

Apply to RP’s Enterprise, Area ‘K’, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

Tel: 220-2818.

Looking for an honest and reliable Babysitter/Tutor for a toddler and infant. Must be well spoken and should have at least 3 subjects CXC including English and Maths. Must be able to work without supervision and work flexible hours when needed. Call 622-6297 for more info.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

-says promising spin-bowler Gudakesh Motie

“It has been a good season for me. I always work very hard on all aspects, and I always set myself to be among the top wickettakers in any tournament, and I am happy that I achieved that.

Scoring my maiden first-class hundred was pleasing for me.

I was not thinking call-up, I

Gudakesh Motie appealing during the match against Jamaica (Brandon Corlette photo)

By Brandon Corlette

D

reams do become a reality.

For Guyanese left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, playing cricket at the highest level has always been his dream.

Test cricket is the pinnacle of cricket, and Motie’s dream is about to become a reality.

He has earned a maiden callup to play for the West Indies against Bangladesh in the first Test match, which bowls off from Thursday June 16 in Antigua.

Obviously fit and strong, the 27-year-old Motie, a product of the venerable Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) in Region 6, has said he is grateful

Women’s T20 Blaze tourney…

Guyana to meet Jamaica in must-win clash today -Jamaica and Barbados on a roll with two wins

for this opportunity.

“I am very happy and excited about this achievement,” Motie told this daily publication in an exclusive interview. “Growing up, as a kid, I always dreamed about playing at the highest level, and I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Motie completed the recently concluded West Indies Regional Four-Day Championships among the top five leading wicket-takers with 17 wickets, and has said he was not thinking about a call-up, but was focused on getting strong performances and on enjoy the game.

In the tournament mentioned above, this promising left-hander also scored 225 runs at an average of 45, and slammed his maiden century against champions Barbados Pride.

was more focused on getting the performance and enjoy the game,” the Berbician has said.

Motie has said his fitness is very important, and it plays a huge part in him staying mentally and physically strong. He also credited the work he had done during the off-season to the coaches.

Rahkeem Cornwall, Veerasamy Permaul and Jomel Warrican have been the West Indies frontline Test spinners of recent. When asked what he brings to the table in order to maintain a place in the Test team, Motie said: “I will continue putting in the hard work, and try to be consistent for long periods.”

An everimproving individual who often works on his variety and bowls attacking lines and lengths, Motie has been a consistent regional performer in recent years. He was

the leading wicket-taker in the last Regional Super50 Cup, and his 17 wickets this season came at an average

Motie has impressed in white-ball cricket as well

23

of 24.76.

Motie played in one T20 International for the West Indies in Pakistan, and his disciplined figures of 0-29 in four overs included 10 dot balls. He opened the bowling against two current white-ball giants of the game, Babar Azam and Mohamed Rizwan.

A very positive individual, Motie, who finished with a batting strike-rate of 93 at the recent West Indies Championships, has also impressed for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, and has been retained for the upcoming season.

Importantly, Motie has played for West Indies Under-19s and West Indies A teams. He credits his family, fellow teammates and coaches for his success.

“I credit my family, they are always there for me, no matter the situation. Mr Vemen Walters, he is someone that is always there to guide me in the right direction.

“Credit to my club and senior players and all the coaches that helped me thus far,” Motie has said.

Motie has played 34 firstclass matches and has taken 117 wickets in his career. He has a stellar bowling average of 21.15, with four five-wicket hauls. His best bowling figure is 6-20.

Football’s return to play in Guyana…

Barbados will be aiming to continue their winning ways

H

Petra Co-Director

Petra Organisation returns with Milo U18

aving been defeated by Barbados in the opening round, and Troy Mendonca having their second-round game against Trinidad rained out, By Jemima Holmes Guyana will be coming up against Jamaica - a team that has won both of its matches – in a must-win clash today at the National Stadium fter two years at Providence, EBD. of inactivity The Guyanese would hope the rain stays away and their batting owing to the would click, to stop the Jamaicans from winning three matches in a row. coronavirus pandemic Meanwhile, Barbados looked a dominant force in their second and the abrupt halt match, after showing some rust in their opening match against Guyana. of the then ongoing Hayley Matthews was at her all-round best with three wickets and 23 Milo Boys’ Under-18 not out in Barbados’s big win over the Leeward Islands.

Football competition, After that second-round match, Matthews has said: “We were the Petra Organization hoping to win the toss, which we did; and then go out there and bowl are back with a bang, them out quickly, which we also did. And then I think it was pretty good and will pick up from from the batters, we were able to go out there and knock off the runs right where they had left quickly. off.

“Picking up early wickets was key. With Bruce from one end and The Milo tournament, (Shamilia) Connell from the other end, we were able to keep things which has been critical tight. It was good that we were able to get the wickets before the 20 in the discovery of overs were up, and then get the runs.” numerous football stars, Jamaica have maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament in a low-scoring 25will resume on Saturday, run victory over the Windward Islands in the June 18. This is an last match of the day, under the lights on announcement that Thursday. Playing in her first CWI T20 Blaze was made on Thursday tournament, 18-year-old Jannillea Glasgow evening when the Petra was brilliant with the new ball, grabbing 4-21 Organization hosted off 3.3 overs, as Jamaica were bowled out their “return to football” for 91 within the allotted 20 overs. Jamaica’s event. collective bowling effort then restricted “About ten years Windwards to 64 all out. ago, one of our main sponsors Captain Stafanie Taylor said: “We want to reached out to myself and win, that’s the aim; but if it’s not to be, we want Marlon about continuing to put up a good fight, and I can see that we are one of the programmes we indeed hungry and giving it our all. It’s really good to would have started when see the young bowlers coming through. we were members of the “(Last match,) Gabbie (Neisha-Ann Waisome) got Georgetown Football five wickets, and tonight Morgan got three, so the Association. We set about young bowlers are chipping in, and that’s a good putting together our sign for any captain,” she said.

Match Schedule: Round 3- Saturday June 11 Shemaine Campbelle plans, we accepted the (All matches in Eastern Caribbean time) challenge and the request is key for the Guyana Barbados vs Windward Islands at 10am from the sponsor; that’s batting, and Jamaica Jamaica vs Guyana at 2:30pm when we saw the birth of would want to Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago at 7pm Petra,” Petra Co-Director remove her early

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Troy Mendonca has shared as he reflected on the entity’s rise to dominance.

“I think we all ought to be proud as a group, Petra and all these organisations that I would have mentioned,” he said.

Discussing the intentions of the group, Mendonca has stressed on the focus at the grassroots level, and has expressed satisfaction at the positive results that are now being witnessed.

“When we looked at football at the grassroots level, we thought that schools represent a wider range of persons or players who might be available for grassroots sport,” he shared.

Mendonca went on to add, “I know of a lot of players who started at the under-11 tournament, and they’re now in the national set-up. You’ve seen them participate in the under-11s, in the under-18s, KFC Goodwill, that are now representing our country. I think that it gives us some sense of satisfaction to see us here, providing the opportunity for these players to develop,” he said.

Shifting his focus to the restart of Petra’s string of tournaments, he announced the resumption of the Milo Tournament next weekend.

“Our intention is to complete that tournament. Hopefully, we want to start that on the 18th of June and finish in July. We have our Guyoil/ Tradewind Tankers

Under-18, which is a league format of the top 10 schools.

We hopefully want to start that sometime in September,” he said, as he went on to list the chronology of the ExxonMobil U14, Courts Pee Wee (Boys U11), Smalta Girls (U11), Guyoil/ Tradewind Tankers League, and KFC Goodwill (U18 Boys), all tournaments that will run from July to December 2022.

Mendonca also expressed his appreciation for the GFF’s efforts in the school arena by stating, “I want to commend the Guyana Football Federation and the Ministry of Education for the launching of the Football For Schools programme. We at Petra are very happy to have this programme, because it gives assistance in development of these young players.”

Franklyn Wilson, Members Services Officer at the GFF, who stood in in President Wayne Forde’s absence, has congratulated Petra on their milestone achievement, while reminding that all Football stakeholders are integral to development.

Wilson remarked, “You know, Troy and Marlon would have been involved in football from the club level, coming through the chute to the Association level, and they’re very experienced in what they’re doing. So, it’s no surprise that the Petra Organization has been successful in its endeavours for the past ten years.

“GFF would like to remind

GFF’s Franklyn Wilson

this gathering that football belongs to all of us, and it is in this spirit that his (Wayne Forde’s) administration continues to create an enabling environment that allows all stakeholders to participate and contribute to the development of the game and our young people,” he further stated.

Kurt Braithwaite, who represented the Education Ministry’s Allied Arts Department, has also commending Petra on their work.

“We feel that the best way to start with any project or any programe is to focus on the grassroots setting, and that is what the Petra Organization would have done. We would have seen many gaps in sports across our country, and Petra would have looked at everything and capitalised on what was most important,” Braithwaite commented.

“And that was targeting sports within the primary school and then push it on to the secondary, so as to show that continuity.”

Beepats (Nestle Milo), Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers, ExxonMobil, KFC, Courts Guyana, New GPC Inc (Limacol), Guyana Breweries Inc (Smalta), Top Brandz Distributors (Corona Extra) and Guyana Beverage Inc (Turbo) are all tournament sponsors for Petra-Organised competitions.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2022

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

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Page 23

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Petra Organisation returns with Milo U18 Page 23

Members of the Petra Organization stand with representatives of their title sponsors

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