Guyana Times - Saturday, June 12, 2021

GMSA, Housing Ministry to P16 collaborate on local content, housing drive Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4676

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

PRICE

MoH requests $1.9B supplementary funding to purchase COVID-19 vaccines

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Prison clerk P12 gets bail on ganja trafficking charge

See story on page 3

Murder retrial for “Two P16 Colour” ends in hung jury for 2nd time

– 460,000 jabs already received

Govt must be commended for rectifying PNC’s historical maligning of Rodney’s record – Fmr President Ramotar

See story on page 7

...ex-APNU coalition member WPA belatedly joins bandwagon

PUC must ensure Guyanese receive efficient, reliable services – PM Phillips See story on page 9

...says webinar series will help Guyana raise the bar on service quality

3 more die from COVID, 108 cases recorded within 24h

Page 11

…serious actions against persons forging vaccine cards – Health Minister warns

Guyana likely to receive flood support under EU Civil Protection Mechanism See story on page 18

$80 VAT INCLUDED

CCJ suspends Appeal Court ruling for P17 Bisram to face murder trial …orders DPP, Police not to arrest him until appeal is determined

Prime suspect in mother’s P10 murder collapses, dies while in Police custody

Pregnant teen, partner attacked, P15 robbed by cutlass-wielding bandits Alleged alcoholic found dead P15 in home with wound to head

2

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, June 12 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Sunday, June 13 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

MoH requests $1.9B supplementary funding to purchase COVID-19 vaccines – 460,000 jabs already received

said, is a “glimmer of hope on the horizon”.

“It is pleasing to note that for those that have been fully vaccinated, meaning that they would have gotten both doses of the vaccines, that we have not had a single case of hospitalisation from those persons nor have we seen a single death,” he told the National Assembly.

Supplementary funds were also requested for the upgrade of health facilities and for the procurement of medical supplies. He said some degree of progress has been made to improve the sector from what was inher-

Saturday, June 12 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Sunday, June 13 – 05:30h – 07:00h.

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

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

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

High Tide: 17:50h reaching a maximum height of 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 11:23h and 31:34h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.8 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

08 14 16 17 19 27

25

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

02 06 14 18 24 LUCKY 3

2

1

3

3

Afternoon Draw

5

4

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

05 15 17 18 19 20 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

03 05 07 14 15 13

02 06 07 15 21

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$72.69/barrel

+0.23

Rough Rice

$231.17 /ton

-0.67

London Sugar

$454.70/ton

-1.86

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1877.80

$1878.80

Low/High Change

$1874.20 0.00

$1904.00 0.00%

T

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

he Health Ministry has asked the National Assembly for a supplementary provision to the tune of $1.9 billion, to be directed for the purchasing of COVID-19 vaccines.

The sum of 1.2 billion was requested to facilitate payment for vaccines, supplies and the immunisation campaign; as part of efforts from the Ministry’s end to mitigate a further spread.

Another $619 million is for additional resources to purchase vaccines.

In his presentation to the House, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony explained that Government has already explored several avenues to acquire vaccines, in which over 465,000 doses were sent to Guyana.

“We have utilised several options to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines.

This includes bilateral donations from countries such as Barbados, India and China and also includes multilateral arrangement such as COVAX. We have also successfully concluded several purchase agreements with suppliers such as the European Union, United Arab Emirates and Sinopharm. We have already received 465,890 doses through these varied arrangements.”

Government recently brokered a purchase agreement for 200,000 Sinopharm doses, expected to arrive in the country in the coming months. Sputnik V doses are also arriving in batches from a State purchase and will continue until 800,000 doses arrive. With enough vaccines in the system, he expressed that vaccine hesitancy is the biggest challenge to overcome.

“Our main challenge is vaccine hesitancy, which is often driven by careless and irresponsible thought.

I urge every one of us to be a little more mindful and cautious about the potential harm we can unintentionally inflict when we unwittingly share misinformation about vaccines. Let’s change vaccine hesitancy to vaccine enthusiasm,” the Minister noted.

Over 210,000 persons

we inherited. Virtually every medicine and every medical supply item was in short supply. Many of the more than 1000 medicines in the infirmary were almost zero supplied. This was compounded by the use stock of expired items that cost the taxpayers billions of dollars.”

Just Monday, 100,000 first doses of the Sputnik V vaccine arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport – the fifth batch that has so far accumulated to 305,537 jabs from a State purchase. Dr Anthony had explained that the delay

Sputnik V vaccines at the CJIA earlier this month

in Guyana have taken their first dose of the vaccine, with more than 16 per cent being completely immunised. This, Dr Anthony

ited.

“We have made much progress since the PPP/C came to office. I recall what

for second doses will end by next week, as another consignment is on track for arrival.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Art of sophistry

T

ruth becomes collateral damage to expediency when political leaders, members of civil society, and others in any society blatantly practise the art of sophistry.

Lies will always precipitate preconditions to eventual catastrophe. It behooves every citizen of the land who expects veracity in the leaders they have chosen, if they are in possession of facts, to expose any duplicitous statements or actions; hence one should feel constrained to expose persons who reconstruct facts to suit agendas inimical to the national welfare.

Incorrect information was fed to the public, and is still circulating in the public domain, which indicated that, in 1999, then President Bharrat Jagdeo had amended the Petroleum Act so as to ensure that the ExxonMobil contract could not be released to the public. This pronouncement is a complete fabrication. Neither President Jagdeo nor any other PPP President has ever amended the Act to prevent disclosure of contractual terms.

At a press conference, then Minister Patterson, supported by Khemraj Ramjattan and other AFC officials, also told the Guyanese public that there were no remaining un-assigned oil blocks because Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had already distributed all to favoured awardees. Again, this was palpably untrue, as can be deduced by the following facts.

A release of the list of concessions exposed the malicious fabrications and revealed that, of the existing concessions, none had been given out by the Jagdeo administration.

Further compounding the erroneous claims, in a section of the media, that minister in the former PNC Cabinet, in another act of deception, further duplicitously claimed that all the offshore blocks were gone, and that was what he was referring to. This was another falsehood, which was debunked by the publication of the map by the GGMC, which indicated the offshore blocks that were yet available.

ExxonMobil was given blocks by the late President Janet Jagan in 1999. Eight were given by former President Donald Ramotar, to wit: Mid Atlantic-2015; CGX 2012-2013; Repsol-2013; Retio-2015; Anadarko-2012; Energy-2013; Nabi–2012.

The tenth one was given under the Granger Presidency by then Minister Trotman to Tullow Eco. Based on documents released by GGMC, there still remained several unallocated blocks.

All of the blocks allocated by PPP Presidents were properly issued; as a result of which ExxonMobil invested millions of dollars, which led to the discovery of oil.

Constant misrepresentation of the facts only propagates falsehoods about the oil and gas industry. One glaring instance is the lie that has been exposed – time and again, that is yet repeated by Coalition leaders and reprinted in one particular print media - is Trotman’s allegation in Parliament that Dr Jagdeo and the PPP gave out all of the productive land in the forestry sector, which was refuted

by Jagdeo, who elucidated, “The fact is that about fifty-five per cent of the state forest has been given out so far in our history. It’s about seven million hectares out of 12.5 million hectares; and out of that 55 per cent, just about 40 percent is under extraction. Of the (millions of) hectares that were given out, almost half was given out in the pre-1992 era.

Barama alone had 1.7 million hectares.”

Guyanese have been subjected to allegations that proved completely false in most instances, which were fabricated for political and self-serving agendas, but which were believed because they are so often repeated to gullible loyalists of political constructs, who are always on the ready to rampage and create mayhem in the country.

The discovery of oil has catapulted this country to a height that is on the cusp of inexorable progress, with great potential for individual and national social development and economic growth, but the destructive, counter-productive forces are intent on stymieing Guyana’s growth paradigm.

The PPP/C’s decision to grant oil and gas concessions has fructified in discovery of oil. And, despite claims to the contrary, its transactions have been through good processes.

Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess and a four-member team were guests at the United States Southern Command (US SOUTHCOM) Headquarters in Miami, Florida. The visit was geared at conducting critical leader engagements with the US SOUTHCOM Commander Admiral Craig Faller and other SOUTHCOM members. It also served as a follow up to the bilateral meeting between the two military leaders at the Caribbean Security Conference (CANSEC) 2021 (US Embassy Photo)

PPP/C Government is “for the people” Dear Editor, It is really pitiful to see the plight of flood-affected families across Guyana. We all must come forward to help our fellow Guyanese in the hour of need.

The PPP/C Government and their agencies are doing their best to assist the affected families, but there are those elements in our relief system that continue to hamper relief efforts and donations from reaching the right persons; and even if those donations do reach the right persons, they are not the full allotments, due to some corrupt so-called community leaders.

Recently, it was alleged that donated flood relief items were being sold by a local shop owner in Region #10: biscuits and bottled water donated by Banks DIH to assist with the flood relief programme.

Eyewitnesses disclosed the vehicle and registration number that transported the items to the alleged shopkeeper. What is shocking is that these items were part of a large donation collected by the prominent APNU-AFC leaders of Region 10 from Banks DIH to be distributed to the flood-affected areas in Region #10.

While at Pomeroy, residents were disappointed, as the APNU-AFC Opposition leaders shared food hampers only to persons whom they believe were APNU-AFC supports. One must note that the flood waters and the rainfall are not discriminating against citizens based on citizens’ political affiliation.

President Irfaan Ali himself has been leading the flood assessment outreaches across the country, rather than sending officials from the various Ministries. Our President has

been on the ground, engaging the people and delivering relief to those affected. He must be commended for his efforts.

Our Prime Minister, Ministers of Cabinet, and other PPP/C MPs have been visiting flood-affected areas across the country, engaging citizens and offering assistance regardless of race or perceived political affiliation.

It must be said the APNU/ AFC Opposition have demonstrated that they are incapable of delivering to the citizens of this country. Flood relief is eaten up by alleged APNU/AFC corrupt officials, and the needy only get the residual amount, if any. In such scenario, the role of the higher officials becomes all the more important. They should ensure that the relief reaches the right person. These so-called leaders should rise above their selfish motives and help the flood victims wholeheartedly. Even NGOs can come forward and play a significant role in bringing the people’s lives back on track. It is our collective problem, and we all must join hands to support all the flood-affected families.

Flood is an unforeseeable natural calamity which not only ruins the lives of several people, but is also disastrous for the economy. Depending on the weather forecast, Our PPP/C Government has taken preventive steps and warned the public in advance.

People from vulnerable areas should be shifted to some safer places, which should have all basic necessities.

From the beginning of the flood calamity, the Government took curative measures well in time, so that loss can be minimised. The Government, the CDC and many NGOs came forward

with timely help with hampers that have basic necessities which include eatables, drinking water, ready-tocook and ready-to-eat meals and flashlight, which was and still is priority, instead of cash. The Government provides help with transportation facilities to several NGOs and educational institutions so that they can reach at the flood-affected areas on time and provide help. Rescue operation was top of their list with a strong military force appointed. Old-age persons, children and patients are at the top of list in rescue operations.

As responsible citizens, we should contribute as much as our pocket allows in relief fund donations maintained by our Government agencies.

It must be clear to all that after attaining the stage of stability, Our PPP/C Government should calculate the losses of individuals and make timely compensation to them, so that they can restart their lives in a new way.

Flood is a natural disaster, and due to climate change and rainfall, it is occurring not only in Guyana, but in other nations too.

There may be loss to life and other living creatures due to flood, and people also have to bear loss in the form of property and crops. The PPP/C Government always have a good track recorder of giving relief to flood victims in a timely manner; however, the local level of Government must adopt some of the measures to give timely relief to the flood victims by forming relief distributing cells which may carry relief through boats or other water transport means to the flood victims.

All agencies should work

under the single controlling agency for the smooth functioning, and to avoid overcrowding at one place. For each year, Government should reserve some money and material to meet such types of natural disasters.

There should be warning signal for flood, so that people may move on safe places for their survival. CDC teams and military should be kept ready in advance to meet such types of exigencies.

We all must come forward to help the flood victims as it is not the problem of sufferers, but a natural problem.

The gravity and the time of its occurrence are not known to anyone. Special duty be assigned to para-medical and doctors to assist the flood victims.

In order to provide relief to flood-affected citizens well in time, the Government should launch a mission led by a coordinator along with a team of social workers, regional resource centres, local volunteers and leaders from beneficiaries. An active IT cell of professional volunteers needs to be set up in Region #10 through the Office of the President, and not the Region themselves, to ensure that all essential information is acquired from those stuck, and forwarded to Government agencies dealing in providing help to those affected.

Further, apart from the funds mobilised from various sources, meetings should be arranged for direct linkages of sponsors with the flood-affected people, so that they could provide assistance personally. Besides, a system needs to be set up to provide sustainable solutions to the needy people through a systematic and professional manner.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Protect and educate our children – end child labour

Dear Editor, June 12 annually is designated World Day against Child Labour to focus the world’s attention on the continuing need to combat the scourge of growing child labour.

The UN International Labour Organization (ILO) has defined child labour as children’s work which is of such a nature or intensity that it is detrimental to their schooling or harmful to their health and development. The concern is with children: • who are deprived of quality education, • who are denied their childhood and a future, • who work at too young an age, • who work for long hours for low wages, • who work under conditions harmful to their health and to their physical and mental development, or • who are separated from their families,

Such child labour can create irreversible damage to the child, and is in violation of international law and national legislation.

International Standards

The following two International Labour Conventions of the UNILO, which are ratified by Guyana, place a binding obligation on Government of Guyana and its agencies, and the social partners represented by the Employers and Trade Unions, to bring the laws and practice of Guyana in line with these Conventions:

1.

Convention No. 138 – Minimum Age, 1973: This Convention calls:

• for the abolition of child labour, and emphasizes that school is for children, not work; (any child under 15 years of age); • for the minimum age for employment to be not less than the age of completion of compulsory education (not under 15 years); • on states to pursue a national policy designed to abolish child labour; • on states to progressively raise the minimum age for employment consistent with the full physical and mental development of

young persons; and • on states to ensure that the minimum age shall not be less than 18 years for any type of work which is likely to jeopardise the health, safety, or morals of young persons or 16 years under certain conditions of protection of health safety or morals, with adequate and specific safety instructions in vocational training.

2.

Convention No. 182 – The Worst Forms of Child Labour, 1999:

This Convention is applicable to all persons under 18 years of age, and requires ratifying states (Guyana is a ratifying State) to take effective and immediate measures to prohibit and eliminate as a matter of urgency the worst forms of child labour, defined as: • all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as the sale and trafficking of children, debt bondage and serfdom; • forced or compulsory labour, including forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed

Tint is a mere grain of sand on the beach of issues in Division 3 Dear Editor, Recently, the Commander of Division 3, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, was on the airwaves, outlining his division’s stance on tinted vehicles. He also stated that he does not have a tinted vehicle (personal car), neither is his command/staff car tinted.

Whether or not these were true statements, especially since there were some attempts to address that, is not my concern. My concern is that tinting your vehicle may be a traffic violation, but it never was nor ever was the means through which crimes are/were being committed.

In fact, in recent times, most of the videos of robberies being paraded on social media are being committed by motor and pedal cyclists.

With that being said, tint is a mere grain of sand on the beach of issues in Division 3.

The Commander has more important issues which require his attention, while

leaving traffic violations to the Traffic Chief.

Personal crime has been on the constant increase along the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara. As recent as 2021-05-31, in the wee hours of Sunday morning, while some were taking their second turn in bed, a businessman and his family were being beaten and otherwise traumatised in their own home in La Parfaite Harmonie.

In April 2021, a speedboat operator was relieved of his jewellery while dining at a popular restaurant in Pouderoyen.

Also, in February 2021, a Minimart in La Parfaite Harmonie was robbed by 2 unidentifiable bandits.

Mr. Editor, these are just a few of those cases which were reported. There are many other cases, both reported and unreported, which were not recorded for the social media platform or featured by any of the news agencies.

As if crime is not enough to be worried about, in Goed Fortuin, there is a major business establishment which is located at a junction where a minor road meets the main West Bank public road. This business allows its customers to park, obstructing the view of motorists trying to emerge from the minor street onto the public road. Many accidents and near misses have occurred there over the life of this business. What’s worse… members of the Police Force go there to do business as well, leaving their vehicles in the same dangerous positions.

Further, the ranks investigating the accidents at that corner completely ignore the root cause of those accidents, although the causes are looking them squarely in their faces.

So, Editor, tint is a mere grain of sand on the beach of issues in Division 3.

Sincerely, disgusted resident of Region 3

PPP/C Government is...

There is the great need for rehabilitation of flood victims in various parts of the country. Farmers who are suffering huge losses as their crops got damaged in the floods need a great supply of seeds. The shortterm loans of flood-affected farmers should be converted to medium-term loans.

The power department should restore power supply in flood-ravaged areas.

The outbreak of diseases such as malaria, jaundice, dengue and other water-borne diseases should be checked. Proper vaccina-

tion and medical aid should be provided to the affected people. The food and other necessities should be taken into care till the conditions improve.

The PPP/C Government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

We must all accept that the people affected by the flood waters during 2021 will get timely help by our PPP/C Government.

One must know also that our Opposition in this country is hopeless. They don’t perform their duties unless they are told

to do so. We need to pressure them to act, and monitor their daily progress.

It is sad that, during this time in our community and country, when we are all impacted by COVID-19 and many of our citizens are experiencing a natural disaster, several leaders of the Opposition continue to play on the emotions of citizens.

An attempt to peddle misinformation to cause division, these persons with political influences must stop using this unfortunate flood occurrence to promote political divisions and try

conflicts; • The use, in procuring or offering of a child for prostitution, for the production of pornography or for pornographic performances; • The use, procuring or offering of a child for illicit activities, in particular for the production and trafficking of drugs; • Work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children” (Article 3).

Convention 182 further calls for:

i. international cooperation among states in eliminating the worst forms of child labour; ii. effective national measures to implement and enforce the provisions of the Convention; iii. the recognition of the importance of education

in eliminating child labour; and iv. special measures to identify and reach out to children at risk, and to take account of the special situation of girls.

Need for Collective Action:

Child labour is a scourge on society, denying childhood which should be dedicated to education and development, jeopardizing the children’s potential of becoming productive adults for community life, and put at risk a country’s long-term productivity by denying education to the future workforce. This presents a challenge to all countries to progressively reduce child labour wherever it exists and in whatever form.

This can be achieved with national determination and political will, and with the support of labour and school inspectorates, social services,

and the cooperation of employers and law enforcement agencies.

There is therefore the need for Guyana’s national system to provide for strong, well trained and adequately staffed labour and school inspectorates with the financial and material means to enable them to discharge their advisory, technical, and promotional work effectively. Indeed, it is the individual and joint responsibility of the governments, and the social partners - employers’ and workers’ organizations, Churches/religious organizations and civil society to address the problems of child labour, and actively combat Child Labour to improve the situation to enable children to achieve their full potential in the national community.

Sincerely, Samuel J Goolsarran

Hamilton Green knows all about the Wismar Massacre of 1964 Dear Editor, I read Hamilton Green’s letter, “Tulsa is a stark example from which Guyana must learn”, published in “Kaieteur News” on June 9, 2021, and am left to wonder why Mr Green feels the need to travel all the way to the United States to learn lessons about an “environment of envy”; guarding and overcoming prejudices; the reality of polarisation; racial tension; “real or perceived racial incidents”; and about the care needed to “prevent any sparks from flying that lead to trouble”.

He writes, supposedly with a straight face, about Tulsa, Serbia, World War I, and about Police needing to “avoid being misguided by a political directorate as happened in Tulsa” as if he was not present here in Guyana when the race riots of the 1960s rocked the very foundation of this country.

Mr Green knows all about the Wismar Massacre of 1964. He does not have to read about it in the news. It is not someone else’s history.

It’s his very own history. Yet he has never written to exhort us to learn lessons from that massacre, which involved arson, looting, assault, rape and

FROM PAGE 4

to gain political mileage.

In conclusion I would like to encourage NGOs working in the flood areas to sync with our Government, and work with a concrete plan to help the needy. Steps should be taken to have a transparent and fast system which can disseminate information about where help is required and what has been done to cater to the requirements of the flood-affected citizens.

Sincerely, David Adams

murder; a massacre as violent and despicable as any that has happened anywhere in the world.

Was that massacre in Wismar perpetrated by the violators because of an environment of envy, prejudice, racial tension and polarisation that existed right here, Mr Green?

And where was the political directive to the Police coming from that directed them to look the other way as Indian-Guyanese homes and businesses were razed to the ground, Indian-Guyanese women brutally raped; and Indian-Guyanese murdered?

Given the size of Guyana’s population in the 1960s compared to that of the US in the 1920s, the Wismar Massacre is in comparative terms worse than the Tulsa Race Massacre.

No massacre of any people is any good for any country. Mr Green has been part of the PNC Government, and still belongs to the party; and the list of atrocities perpetrated by the PNC on this nation – racial, economic, social and political – that brought this country to its knees is very, very long, the latest being the barefaced attempt at election rigging and the violent attacks on Indian Guyanese in West Coast Berbice just last year.

No one expects anything better from Mr Green and his colleagues, but to use the real pain of African-Americans to try and whitewash their own history and bamboozle the public is nothing short of shamelessness.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

6

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

Page

Foundation

By Raymond Antrobus After seeing a childhood friend outside a chicken eatery “Chicken wings / and that Boss man / salt in them / and that Don’t assault man / give man a napKin / Big man / no steroid / and that Dark times / new street lights / and that How’s man? / I’m getting by / and that Still / boy dem / harass Not beefin’ / not tagged / man / still trapped Cycle man / I peddle / and that On road / new pavements / leveled / and that Crackney changed / still / stay dwelling / and that Paradise moves / but I got to land grab

T

urn your name into a work of art with some treasures from nature.

What you need cardboard or poster board pencil craft glue tape string twigs, leaves, bark, acorn caps, seedpods, small pebbles, or other natural objects

What you do 1. Head outside for a nature walk and gather some items you find on the ground.

(See list above.)

2. Write your name lightly on a piece of cardboard or poster board. Arrange the objects you collected on the letters, then glue in place.

3. Once the glue has dried, tape a loop of string to the back of the cardboard.

4. Hang your sign in a place where you can admire it!

We E8 / East man / ain’t got to adapt Our Kingdom / got no land to hand back Man / chat breeze / chat Trade winds / and that You out ends / got good job / legit / and that?

Locked off man dem / stay plotting / and that Rah, Ray / flower shorts? / You hipster / in that Man gone / Vegan? / no chicken wings / and that”

WORD SEARCH

7 Govt must be commended for rectifying PNC’s historical maligning of Rodney’s record – Fmr President Ramotar NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

...ex-APNU coalition member WPA belatedly joins bandwagon

Dr Walter Rodney

F

ormer President Donald Ramotar, who had launched a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the circumstances of Dr Walter Rodney’s death in 2014, has lauded the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government for taking steps to honour the legacy of the late politician and historian, and finally bringing justice to his family and his supporters.

On Thursday, Government vowed in the National Assembly to make every effort to “remove and expunge all public records” of wrongdoing committed by Dr Rodney. The announcement, which was made by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, comes ahead of Dr Rodney’s 41st death anniversary on June 13.

The Irfaan Ali-led Administration will be cor-

recting Dr Rodney’s death certificate to state the cause as “assassination” instead of the word “misadventure”. It will also replace the historian’s occupation on the document which is listed as “unemployed” to now “Professor”.

Other steps to be taken include declaring the Rodney Gravesite and Memorial as national monuments and also place his children’s books in the national syllabus of the Ministry of Education to be distributed to primary and secondary schools across the country.

In a statement on Friday, Ramotar commended these efforts.

“It is vital that the truth and the whole truth be made available to our people, both those who lived through those traumatic days and our young people who must have all the facts to build on what previous generations have achieved and to avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that were made and encountered,” he posited.

The former Head of State recalled interactions with Rodney’s family, which he said prompted the 2014 CoI to ascertain the

circumstances of the historian’s assassination.

“I am sure that [his wife, Dr Patricia Rodney] would see these latest actions by the Government as major advances in the pursuit of justice and for the truth be known to all. The consistency of her and her children’s struggles for this day is a true example of love and determination. Today too, I wish to recall and recognise all those who played important roles in getting the CoI going,” the former President contended.

Further, Ramotar went on to acknowledge the efforts of AG Nandlall, who previously held this position, and former Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, for tirelessly working with him to move this process forward, starting with the inquiry which paved the way for these developments.

According to the former President, “As we move to another anniversary of Dr Rodney’s assassination, let us once more recognise that he was killed because he opposed the Burnham led-PNC dictatorship and because he was convinced that democracy was indis-

pensable for a society to achieve real national and social liberation.”

In their report on the CoI, the three-member regional panel said, “We have no hesitation in holding that Gregory Smith was responsible for Dr Walter Rodney’s death on 13 June, 1980, and that in so doing, he was acting as an agent of the State having been aided and abetted so to do, by individuals holding positions of leadership in State agencies and committed to carrying out the wishes of the PNC Administration…

He could only have been killed in what we find to be a State organised assassination with the knowledge of Prime Minister [Forbes] Burnham in the Guyana of that period.”

For decades, Dr Rodney’s family have been advocating for the truthful account of the politician’s death to be documented and these calls were reiterated following the 2014 CoI. In fact, only in 2019, Dr Rodney’s wife had called on the then APNU/AFC Government to make the CoI report public and implement the recommendations made.

“Where is the report?

Why are they hiding it from people?” Pat Rodney had contended during an October 2019 event hosted in London. Clearly referring to Rodney’s erstwhile comrades in the WPA

Former President Donald Ramotar

who had coalesced with the PNC, the grieving widow had contended that there must be strong resistance to those who would attach themselves to Rodney’s legacy in order to reap narrow political dividends in the present that have nothing to do with healing, reconciliation and social and economic transformation.

While the Walter Rodney CoI report was submitted to the National Assembly in May 2016, it was not laid in the House. The then PPP/C Opposition had tabled a motion shortly after for the National Assembly to adopt the report and its findings and have the APNU/AFC Government implement the recommendations.

However, that motion was voted down by the then Administration which was comprised of Dr Rodney’s own political party – the

Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

The WPA was one of the five small political parties that coalesced with the People’s National Congress to form the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) but it has since resigned, citing the dictatorial nature of the David Grangerled party both in and out of office.

In a statement on Friday, welcoming the PPP Government’s initiative to amend Dr Rodney’s records, the WPA complained of being silenced for years under the leadership of the PNC-led coalition.

“It was one of the worst betrayals of political trust that exposed the WPA to unjustified but, in the circumstances, understandable ridicule and condemnation from those opposed to national reconciliation.

It was also an act for which the top leadership of the PNC will be forever condemned,” the WPA stated.

Further, they claimed that while it showed good faith in the interest of national healing by joining the party that assassinated its leader, it was rewarded with gross disrespect by the narrowminded leadership of the APNU/AFC. On the other hand, the WPA said that the PPP Government must be recognised for doing the right and honourable thing.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Boat captain acquitted of manslaughter in fatal mishap T

yrone Da Silva, the boat captain who was charged with manslaughter over the death of a man who was killed in a boat accident, was on Wednesday acquitted after Justice Navindra Singh upheld a no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

Following his arraignment at the High Court in Essequibo, Da Silva pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on August 31, 2016, in the county of Essequibo, he unlawfully killed Ryan De Freitas, 28, a father of one, of Lower Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Dead: Ryan De Freitas

Freed: Tyrone Da Silva

Da Silva was represented by Attorney-at-Law

Lachmi Dindayal, while State Counsel Tiffini Lyken

appeared on behalf of the prosecution which called 11 witnesses.

It was reported that the now dead man was a passenger in a wooden boat powered by a 200-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine that was heading to Port Kaituma. That boat reportedly collided with another boat that was heading to Charity, Essequibo Coast.

It was reported that Da Silva was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. De Freitas was tossed out of the boat following the collision. His body was later fished out of the river. His cause of death was given as multiple injuries.

The consequences...

W

...of PNC’s hate politics e really didn’t need this International Labour Organisation (ILO) report on the consequences of the APNU closing down those four sugar estates, did we? What’s the economic and social reality in even the best of times? Is it coincidental that rum drinking, suicide, interpersonal - especially domestic violence and poverty are endemic there? Sugar labour is one of unremitting brutality on the body and the mind.

And for what? Slave wages during the less-than-half the year the factories are “grinding” - and then languishing for “casual labour” in the “off crop”?

We’ve all come from the cane fields - save the Indigenous Peoples, who escaped into the interior forests, where they’d coexisted for millennia. But most distance themselves from that site of degradation. Out of sight… out of mind! Nobody even deigns to write novels on “sugar life” for others to experience the misery vicariously.

Maybe DH Lawrence’s accounts of Welsh coal miners’ lives a century ago may offer a glimpse of what a life of unremitting and degrading labour can do to the soul.

And then - barely a year after they got into office - the PNC went and fired 7000 sugar workers and not expect that all of the above-mentioned pathologies in the sugar belt won’t go through the roof? Ha! Anyhow, while the ILO study isn’t a work of literary realism, it does give a barebones, terse, laconic summary of the tragedy that unfolded in those lives of perpetual and quiet desperation.

“The sugar closings severely compromised the livelihoods of the laid-off workers, leading to increased instances of suicide, alcohol consumption and crime.”

What else was going to happen when those sugar estates were the sole source of employment for the villages surrounding them - especially at Rose Hall in the Canje Creek of Berbice? The wages from the workers - pitiable as they were - drove whatever ancillary village economic activities there were, like retailing groceries or tailoring etc. But the PNC knew all this - so we can only conclude that this is just what they wanted to happen. In Guyana, it’s trite to remark that “everything is politics”. And the shuttering of those four sugar estates was certainly not economics! The PNC’s own COI had told them what to do about the challenges in the industry. And it certainly wasn’t closure!

But the ILO Report isn’t just descriptive of the privations of the fired sugar workers: they pointed out the need for the employer - ultimately the Government - to provide a “sustainable livelihood” for them. Your Eyewitness had suggested to the then PNC Government to implement the same $2.6B Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development” (READ) Project they unfurled in six African-Guyanese villages while they were shuttering sugar factories.

What says the PPP? …of Burnham’s “sharper steel” Earlier in the week, your Eyewitness had suggested that the Government officially release the Report of the COI into Walter Rodney’s assassination by the PNC. The COI had been summarily terminated by the PNC Government when they slid into office in 2015, and was quickly deepsized! Could it be that Granger didn’t like the Report’s conclusion: that Burnham, at the barest minimum, knew about the assassination plan? Well, he actually rejected the Report as being “flawed” and based on “hearsay”!

Well, as the Head of the GDF at the time, maybe he has contra evidence about Gregory Smith?

Anyhow, upon a request by the family of the great historian and martyr, the PPP have gone a step further.

They’ll expunge from the public records all the lies and distortions the PNC had introduced after fake investigations and inquests into the assassination. Like that Rodney’s death was by “misadventure”! That’s tantamount to claiming that the Titanic was sunk by an ice cube!!

May Rodney now RIP. …of COVID-19 ignorance Maybe you can’t blame folks for being ignorant, ‘cause they don’t know the facts on COVID-19. But what about those who actively distort the facts - like claiming that vaccines will cause infertility?

Jail them!

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PUC must ensure Guyanese receive efficient, reliable services – PM Phillips ...says webinar series will help Guyana raise the bar on service quality

P

rime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday applauded the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) monthly webinar series and noted that it will be used to raise the bar of service quality in Guyana.

In delivering the keynote address at the virtual launch of the event, Phillips stated that the series would stimulate and generate conversations on a wide range of issues affecting both operators and consumers alike.

“Today’s premier discussion is centred around telecommunication liberalisation and consumer expectations, and it comes at an opportune

time for the telecoms sector as telecoms encompasses all spheres of life and the use of Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Technologies especially in the areas of health, education and agriculture will only serve to enhance Guyana’s standing in this digital world.”

According to the Prime Minister, who has oversight for the Commission, each topic will focus on essential aspects of national development, and stakeholders should use the opportunity to make valuable contributions to the national discourse.

“My charge to all stakeholders is to use this opportunity to add to the national conversation on

Prime Minister Mark Phillips

development and growth for all Guyanese… these issues include the sustain-

ability and the future of the energy sector; the role of ICTs; hinterland electri-

fication and water quality.”

Phillips further reminded that the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector last year puts Guyana on the cusp of welcoming a telecommunications market with new investors, paving the way for improved quality of services and standards.

He added that this intensifies the work of the PUC in ensuring that these high standards are maintained.

“The advent of liberalisation has now intensified the work of the Commission ten-fold, and the onus is now on the Commission to ensure that the citizens of

this country receive an efficient and reliable service from the operators.”

Friday’s panellists included the Chief Executive Office of GT&T, Damian Blackburn; Head of Business Sales at Digicel Guyana, Nalini Vieira; Managing Director of E-Networks, Vishok Persaud; Director of the Telecommunications Agency, Andre Griffith and Advisor to the Guyana Consumers Association, Yog Mahadeo.

The PUC, which commenced its operations in October 1990, is one of the oldest utility regulators in the region.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Prime suspect in mother’s murder Charity morgue blamed for mix-up collapses, dies while in Police custody as wrong COVID-19 victim buried

R

eynold James and Bibi Jalleal both died from COVID-19 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and their bodies were transported from the Suddie Public Hospital to the Charity Mortuary.

On Sunday last, an undertaker attached to the parlour buried the body of the man in place of the woman.

The mix-up was discovered on Friday when the family of James realised that the body they were given by the mortuary for burial was that of Bibi Jalleal.

James’s family is now demanding that the buried body be exhumed so that they can have a proper funeral service.

Regional Commander Crystal Robinson told this

publication, however, that no exhumation will be done.

Instead, she said the James family will be allowed to go to the location where the man is buried to conduct a prayer service while the woman’s body will be buried today.

The Commander explained that COVID-19 victims are not supposed to be returned to families for burial, so it is unclear why the body of James was being returned to the family.

“Nobody could really say,” she said.

The Commander explained that it was for this reason that the Jalleal family was never given a body for burial, but instead, the burial was undertaken by the funeral home.

T

The Mackenzie Police Station

he main suspect in the murder of his mother, 56-year-old Wanda Patricia Wilson, whose body was discovered in her Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden home, died while in custody at the Mackenzie Police Station on Friday.

Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter confirmed that the now dead woman’s 26-year-

old son, Hosia Ajadai, collapsed while sitting on a bench outside the enquiries section of the police station at approximately 08:15h.

Ajadai, who is said to be of unsound mind, was not officially charged in connection with his mother’s murder since Police had to seek legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward with the case.

Police were expecting an official word on the way forward sometime on Friday.

However, while sitting on a bench, Ajadai reportedly told ranks that he saw someone under it. At the time, he appeared to be

dazed and soon after collapsed.

He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) where he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem will be performed in the new week.

His mother’s body was discovered on Tuesday last. An eyewitness reported to the Police that he was called to make checks on the woman’s house. Upon arrival, he reportedly met with the woman’s son and observed the dining area ransacked.

Suspecting something was amiss, the resident went to the Mackenzie Police Station where he

Murdered: Wanda Patricia Wilson

made a report.

Ranks immediately went to the house and found the place in an uproar while the woman’s body was seen lying on a bed in one of the bedrooms with a door on top of her. Her head and face were smashed-in.

Following the discovery on Tuesday, Ajadai was taken to the LHC to be examined and according to Police, no marks of violence were seen on the most exposed parts of his body.

11 3 more die from COVID, 108 cases recorded within 24h NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…serious actions against persons forging vaccine cards – Health Minister warns

T

he Health Ministry on Friday reported that three more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus have died, thus taking the country’s death toll to 422.

For June, 24 persons have died thus far. May was reportedly the deadliest month, with 99 deaths.

However, the latest fatalities are a 97-year-old woman from Region Four, a 72-year-old man from Region Six, and a 65-yearold woman from Region Five. They all died while receiving care at a medical facility.

In addition, the Ministry stated that 108 new cases were detected and the new statistics showed that the total confirmed positives moved up to 18,196.

There are 21 patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 102 in institutional isolation, 1541 in home isolation and three in institutional quarantine. Since the pandemic started, a total of 167,085 individuals were tested – of which 8944 males and 9252 females were pos-

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JUNE 11 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

108

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

102

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1541

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

21

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

9252

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

8944

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

18,196

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

16,110

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

216,862 83,729 422

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2022 REGION 1

1157

REGION 2

494

REGION 3

2108

REGION 4

8529

REGION 5

625

REGION 6

1313

REGION 7

1230

REGION 8

370

REGION 9

1105

REGION 10

1265

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

itive.

From the new cases, one was detected in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); three from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 24 from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); six from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 41 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); 27 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and eight in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

There were no new positives in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and cases remain at 1157, 1230 and 370, respectively.

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has warned that stringent measures will be taken against anyone found culpable of forging the COVID-19 vaccine certificate – a document issued by health officials after a person is immunised.

It was outlined that the forging of vaccination certificates is a serious crime and anyone guilty of such an

act will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This position comes on the heels of reports that a Region Six woman was arrested and charged for allegedly forging a vaccination card.

“I guess the Police would have to do their investigation to see whether this is so or not. We are going to take very stringent, serious actions against persons who try to forge these certificates because it’s a really serious matter. If you’re not vaccinated and you then tender some document to pretend that you have been vaccinated, then you should face the full brunt of the law. You’re putting yourself at risk and you’re putting others at risk.

Therefore, we have to take serious action against this,” Dr Anthony shared.

Dr Anthony expressed that the Guyana Police Force is investigating the matter, but officials will be on the lookout for future instances similar in nature.

This is especially since it can jeopardise the country’s immunisation programme.

TURN TO PAGE 14

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3-vehicle smash-up at Long Creek

“My children cry every day for their father” – wife of accident victim – Linden man charged for causing death, failing to render assistance

By LaWanda McAllister

D

ays after a horrific accident along the Long Creek Public Road, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, that claimed the life of 48-year-old Mark Anthony Ault of Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), his family is still in a state of shock and disbelief.

The man’s wife, Amanda Ault, told Guyana Times that her husband’s sudden demise has left her family traumatised.

The aggrieved woman explained that her husband, who was a newspaper vendor, was heading home from Linden when the accident occurred.

It was reported that the accident involved the minibus Ault was driving and two motor cars – a Toyota Corolla and a Carina 212.

The two motor cars were reportedly heading to the mining town of Linden while the minibus was heading in the opposite direction.

However, in the vicinity of Long Creek, the white Corolla motor car was reportedly driving in the middle of the road when it collided with the minibus.

As a result, the mini-

Dead: Mark Anthony Ault, also known as “Paperman”

bus toppled several times and, in the process, collided with the other car. Ault was reportedly flung out of the vehicle and landed on the roadway where he died almost instantly.

The occupants of both motor cars received several injuries about their bodies.

While the Police said that Ault was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Mackenzie Public Hospital, his wife noted that he was not rendered any medical assistance.

The woman said after learning of the accident via a social media post, she left her home to go to the accident scene. On her way, she stopped at a hospital and

then a police station. She has, however, alleged that the news was broken to her in the must crude way.

“When we stop at the police station there were three guys attending to a vehicle and I asked about an accident on the Linden Highway and if he know anything about it, he said no but he just bring in cars from an accident. I said what about the persons who got injured, did the ambulance come and collect them already? He said he think an ambulance was there, it was a hearse.

I ask him who died, and he said paperman,” the woman cried.

In shock, she began to cry. The woman added that her husband would usually operate in the wee hours of the morning, but the recent flooding may have caused him not to make it back home before dark.

She said his death is a hard blow for her family and she cannot come to believe that her husband’s life was snuffed away so suddenly.

“He has four children… this is very traumatic, it is hurting, it is unbelievable… my children cry every day for their father. They keep asking me why. When their father stuff came over the news they were scream-

ing on the road and saying please come home, daddy please come home. I have to deal with that and see my children crying every day,” the woman said.

Ault, who has been married to her husband for 27 years, said her husband had so much life left in him and all his plans for his family were shattered the night he

lost his life. She is calling for the person responsible for the accident to be held responsible.

Meanwhile, London Lamaizon appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where he was charged for the fatal accident.

The accused was slapped with causing death by dan-

gerous driving and failing to render assistance charges.

He appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman and pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was granted bail in the sum of $600,000 on the causing death charge and $20,000 on the other.

He is expected to make his next court appearance on June 30, 2021.

Prison clerk gets bail on ganja trafficking charge

The bottle containing the ganja Joshua Sookdeo

A

22-year-old data entry clerk attached to the Lusignan Prison, who was allegedly caught smuggling marijuana into the penitentiary, was released on $50,000 bail on a narcotics trafficking charge.

Joshua Sookdeo of

Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on June 8, 2021, at Lusignan Prison, he had 80 grams of marijuana in his possession for the purpose

of trafficking. He returns to court on July 8, 2021.

Police has stated that on the day in question, upon his arrival at work, Sookdeo was subjected to a mandatory search during which 80 grams of ganja was found concealed in an Ensure bottle inside of his haversack.

As such, he was arrested and later charged.

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CGCC makes donation to CDC to assist flood victims

CGCC Chief Executive Officer Natalia Seepersaud handing over the donation to the Civil Defence Commission PRO Patrice Wishart on Friday in the presence of other members

I

n light of the nationwide flooding across Guyana, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CanadaGuyana Chamber of

Commerce (CGCC) Natalia Seepersaud on Friday handed over a quantity of food and sanitation items as well as monetary donations to Public Relations

Officer (PRO) at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Patrice Wishart.

Wishart expressed his gratitude to the Chamber while noting that the

Civil Defence Commission (CDC) would like to thank the CGCC and the myriad of businesses for their timely contributions towards the national flood relief effort.

“The supplies and funds will aid affected residents across Guyana tremendously," Wishart stated In addition, Chairman of the CGCC Anand Beharry stated: “As members of Guyana’s business community, we are deeply committed to helping our colleagues and communities in Guyana during this tremendously challenging time and we are honoured to support the disaster relief efforts of the Government of Guyana through the CDC.” The CGCC wishes to ex-

tend its thanks to Cataleya Energy Limited, Caribbean Container Inc, Comfort Sleep Inc, Dean Hassan, Edward Beharry & Co, ETK Inc, Guyana Bank

for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Wine Cellar, North American Fire Insurance Co Ltd, North American Life Insurance Co Ltd, and Sterling Products Limited.

14 NEWS Digicel gives $25M in credit to keep flood-affected customers connected D SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

igicel Guyana on Monday last provided over $25 million in credit to its customers who

are affected by the recent floods throughout Guyana.

Customers in communities such as Aishalton,

Aroraima, Black Bush Polder, El Paso, Itaballi, Kamarang, Kwakwani, Lethem, Mahaicony Creek,

Patentia, Pomeroon, Puruni, Salem, and Tumatumari would have benefitted.

The company continues to support the effort of the Government and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) during this difficult time.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Digicel, Gregory Dean noted that keeping connected to loved ones is essential.

As such, he assured that the company is doing everything in its power to ensure that connectivity in the flood-affected communities is maintained.

He further apologised to customers in Puruni and Kamarang for the delays in resolving recent network outages. This was a result of difficulties experienced in travelling to these communities.

The communications provider has also donated handsets equipped with data and minutes to the Civil Defence Commission for their officers to use as they go out into the fields to assist flood-affected residents.

Digicel met with Sherlock Langevine to fulfil its promise of a new MacBook Pro to help him pursue his studies at Stanford University. The 19-year-old scholarship awardee expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received so far, and assured that he will make Guyana proud

3 more die from...

“It would also put our entire vaccination programme in disrepute if people are going to try to forge these certificates. So, we are on the lookout and we are going to take serious actions if we find anyone violating or trying to forge documents and things like

FROM PAGE 11

that. In this particular instance, the Police would do their investigation and I’m sure they will do the necessaries.”

Regional statistics show a 52.3 per cent immunisation in Region One; 41.7 per cent in Region Two; 44.5 per cent in Region

Three; 45.8 per cent in Region Four; 48.2 per cent in Region Five; 52.4 per cent in Region Six; 43.9 per cent in Region Seven; 28.4 per cent in Region Eight; 42.1 per cent in Region Nine and 13.2 per cent in Region 10.

Representatives of MP Insurance Brokers, Readymix, Palm Court, GOGEC, 2M ONSHORE Inc handed over $2 million worth of goods to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in an effort to assist those affected by the countrywide flood.

The donation was made through the auspices of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber and include pampers, rice, hand sanitizers and masks.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Regional officials charged to improve flood response, reporting L ocal Government and Regional Development Minister, Nigel Dharamlall on Friday urged authorities within the various local organs to be zealous in their flood response, as the country continues to experience inundation.

During his address to regional authorities at a virtual Regional Disaster Risk Management Systems Flood Response Meeting organised by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), he said daily status reports on the impact of flooding in the respective regions should be released.

The Minister said that while some regions have been reporting to the CDC, many have been recalcitrant, pointing out that such information is critical as it relates to planning support for households and farming communities affected by the floods.

Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig emphasised that effective reporting will allow the CDC to better plan to meet the needs of the affected.

Preparedness and Response Manager,

The participants at the virtual event organised by the CDC

Major Salim October also stressed the need for better coordination at the level of the RDC to ensure that hampers dispatched by the CDC reach those residents who are severely impacted.

Specialist Meteorologist at the National Weather Watch Centre, Komalchand indicated that the forecast predicts above normal rainfall for June to July with August likely to experience wetter than usu-

al transition into dry conditions.

Among the questions asked by regional authorities were whether farmers should commence replanting of crops during this unpredictable weather condition given the financial cost and whether satellite images of flooded areas can be provided. Officers from the Hydromet Department have agreed to work with the respective regions

Partly decomposed body of pensioner found in home

T

he partially decomposed body of an 83-year-old female pensioner was on Thursday discovered in her Smythfield, New Amsterdam, Berbice home.

The body of Maud Agatha Forde of Lot 136 Smythfield was found by Police after neighbours reported a foul smell emanating from her home.

Police stated that on

the day in question, ranks received calls from residents of a foul smell emanating from the deceased’s residence, and as such they went to the scene. Upon their arrival, the body was found lying face down on the floor.

It was then checked for marks of violence but due to the advanced stage of decomposition, none was seen. Guyana Times understands that Forde was last seen alive on Friday last.

The body was taken to Bailey’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Alleged alcoholic found dead in home with wound to head

A

probe has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of 45-yearold Kissoon Latchman, who was found dead in his home at 16th Street Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Thursday.

The man, who lived alone and is a known alcoholic, was found with a wound to his head at around 06:00h on the day in question.

Reports are the man was last seen alive in his hammock at around 20:30h on

Wednesday evening when he left his daughter’s home under the influence of alcohol.

The man’s friend, who usually checks up on him, reportedly visited him the following morning and noticed that the door was left open.

The Police stated that the friend entered the house and discovered the man’s motionless body on a chair.

In addition, the friend observed blood on the man’s bed and on several areas

in the house including the hammock and on the ground just below the hammock.

He immediately raised an alarm and the dead man’s son rushed downstairs.

Police were summoned to the scene and the body was examined. Police have since confirmed that a wound was found to his left side head.

His body was taken to a mortuary awaiting a post-mortem.

No arrests were made in connection with the suspected murder.

through their extension officers to give further guidance on the weather.

Following weeks of heavy rainfall throughout Guyana, some 29,300 households have been inundated with more than 200 persons having to be relocated into Government-

established shelters after their homes had been affected by the floods. This was revealed by Prime Minister, Ret'd Brigadier Mark Phillips on Thursday as he updated the National Assembly on the ongoing flood situation across the country.

Currently, all 10 administrative regions in Guyana are experiencing varied levels of floods.

The rainfall experienced in May alone was recorded as the second-highest level of rainfall across the country in the last 40 years. He noted that these torrential rains have impacted not just thousands of households but also large swaths of farmlands as well as livestock.

Shelters have also been established in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Only Wednesday, President Ali announced that the CDC has advised that the flood situation in Guyana has reached a Level 2 Disaster. According to CDEMA’s Regional Response Mechanism, a Level 2 Event is one in which the national capacity to respond is not overwhelmed, but some external assistance is required.

Pregnant teen, partner attacked, robbed by cutlass-wielding bandits

A

pregnant 18-yearold teacher and her 26-year-old partner were on Wednesday evening attacked and robbed by three cutlass-wielding bandits who reportedly kicked down their door to gain entry into their home.

The incident occurred at around 20:30h at St Ignatius Village, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Based on reports received, the pregnant woman was in bed with her partner when the three suspects - each armed with a cutlass - entered their home and started to beat and chop her partner, who eventually escaped.

The perpetrators then started to ransack the house.

During the horrifying ordeal, the perpetrators destroyed a bicycle, hammock, and a black Honda XR motorcycle bearing registration number CG 4118.

After the suspects left the scene, the teacher discovered her cell phone and music box

missing. Also missing was a quantity of silver and gold

jewellery.

Following the robbery, a report was made to the Police and acting on information, a raid was conducted on three houses in Tabatinga, St Ignatius Village and Lethem where four males were arrested including the three suspects.

They are presently in custody at the Lethem Police Station. A Brazilian-made motorcycle was found during the Police operation and same was lodged at the police station pending investigations.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AG's report on fuel import racket sent to Police – Finance Minister

T

he probe conducted by the Auditor General’s Office into the alleged fuel import racket at the Guyana Oil Company has confirmed that there were indeed “inappropriate” actions by now former GuyOil officials, but the AG has left it up to the Guyana Police Force to determine whether these acts were illegal.

This is according to Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who told reporters on Thursday that he has advised GuyOil Chairman Paul Cheong to hand the Auditor General’s report over to the Police.

“On whether there was any illegality, that’s a question that the Auditor General deferred to the Police and said that the appropriate authority to inquire into that matter is the Police. And so I’ve said to the Chairman of the Board that the report should be sent to the Police for them to examine and determine whether they believe there is any basis for any action on their part,” Dr Singh explained.

Further, the Finance Minister pointed out that the AG report also cited “inappropriate” actions by several former senior GuyOil officials – something that Government had already concluded. He added, too, that the report made recommendations for certain disciplinary actions; which, again, Government had already taken.

“The Auditor General’s report has confirmed a number of things which we’ve

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

pretty much ascertained.

First, that there was no contract with this company [Aaron’s Realty]. The Auditor General also looked at [another] range of matters and concluded that a number of officials were involved in inappropriate communications with the company, in violation of the [GuyOil’s] standard procedures for procuring fuel. In this case, the Auditor General recommended disciplinary actions against these officials… and as you’d know, we’ve already taken actions against one or two of these officials,” he outlined.

Back in April, President Irfaan Ali had disclosed that GuyOil’s Board Member Akanni Blair and Chief Financial Officer Shawn Persaud were removed from their respective posts after they were found to have gone beyond their mandates and engaged in unauthorised communications with Aaron’s Realty (ARI), which claimed that it was

contracted to import fuel for the state-run oil company, but GuyOil went back on the deal.

Amidst this scandal, GuyOil’s General Manager at the time, Trevor Bassoo, had tendered his resignation, but contended that it had nothing to do with the fuel controversy, but was as a result of “the recent work environment”.

Further, Minister Singh told reporters on Thursday that the AG report also fingered other individuals at the oil company for having “inappropriate” communication with the company in question, and consequently, he has instructed the Board to look into this.

He further outlined that there were other observations made by the Auditor General during the probe, that Government is currently considering including in the strengthening of internal systems.

“I’ve asked the Board to examine all aspects of the report very closely…and to ensure that they take all appropriate corrective actions to address the issues identified by the Auditor General… I’ve also said to the company that they need to strengthen their systems; they need to follow transparent processes. There have to be very clear processes for procuring items or supplies that must be based on a transparent and competitive process, and that came out in the Auditor General’s report as well,” Dr Singh posited.

According to the Finance

Minister, “We have no room in this Government for corrupt behaviour, and at a minimum, the officials concerned in this matter exercised very poor judgement in this matter… When you hold important positions in such companies, we expect you to exercise better judgement.”

This fuel import controversy came to light in April when businessman Jason Aaron of Aaron’s Realty (ARI) alleged that officials at GuyOil had contracted him to bring in fuel, but subsequently cancelled the arrangement after GuyOil got a “sweeter” deal.

However, GuyOil Chairman Paul Cheong had denied these claims, saying that while the state-owned oil company did have discussions with ARI, the company was never contracted to bring in fuel.

ARI had even sent a legal letter to GuyOil, seeking a number of clarifications on the issue and pointing out that it had already imported fuel based on the verbal arrangement.

But Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, subse-

quently told Guyana Times that ARI does not have, and never applied for, a fuel import licence. At the time, Sharma said investigations were underway to ascertain how exactly the company imported the fuel it claimed to have brought in.

Meanwhile, Government has also disclosed that there are several other probes ongoing at GuyOil into “massive corruption” including a racket between the state-run oil company and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Last month, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had revealed that a forensic

audit had found that nearly $1 billion was stolen. It was reported that this happened between 2015 and 2020.

“An audit was just done that had GuyOil and the army implicated in a scandal…bulk carriers would pick up the fuel, take it to Camp Ayanganna, where it would be signed as delivered, but then it would be taken, diverted to another location…at times somewhere across the [Demerara River, Region Three]… in just one vehicle alone, $995 million was stolen in fuel from one vehicle. The charges will be laid soon,” Jagdeo had stated.

Murder retrial for “Two Colour” ends in hung jury for 2nd time

GMSA, Housing Ministry to collaborate on local content, housing drive

T

he Housing and Water Ministry and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) will collaborate to have local goods and materials become more available to cater for the upcoming housing drives. This was stated at a recent meeting held between the two parties.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal updated the meeting of the extensive housing initiative being undertaken by the Ministry and discussed the importance of collaborating with all stakeholders in the continued development of sustainable housing.

With the concurrence of the GMSA delegation, a joint working group was established between the Ministry and the Association.

One of the main matters raised at the meeting was local content requirement for housing and construction.

It was mentioned that it is critical for Government to protect and expand domestic industries by purchasing materials from local companies and encouraging manu-

GMSA President Rafeek Khan

facturing of such products.

Croal noted that the initial requirements for housing contracts were intended to promote the affordable housing drive and satisfy the major demand for housing. He stated that, eventually, there is expected to be a roll-out of a segment of housing that will require more utilisation of timber components.

However, President of the Association, Rafeek Khan fervently spoke about pricing, quality and procure-

ment of construction materials and services related to the sector.

He stated that price should not be the only determining factor in the award of contracts for housing as low pricing could lead to the compromise of quality and import of substandard products.

Khan further noted that timber manufacturing companies which place high emphasis on quality, are unable to compete in the local industry, which automatically prevents them from the benefits of local content.

“Several of our companies within the GMSA are prepared to deliver homes and construction materials at the highest quality and standards manufactured right here in Guyana,” Khan added.

The Housing Ministry delegation was led by Minister Croal, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally and Chief Executive Officer Sherwyn Greaves while the GMSA was represented by President of the Association, Rafeek Khan and Executive Member Shyam Nokta.

Murder accused Lennox Wayne

S

hortly after 18:00h on Friday, a 12-member jury emerged from deliberations and informed Trial Judge Sandil Kissoon that they were unable to arrive at a verdict in the trial of Lennox Wayne, who was indicted for the capital offence of murder.

Questioned by Justice Kissoon whether further directions would assist them in arriving at a verdict, the jury foreman replied in the negative.

As a result, the Trial Judge declared a hung jury.

Accordingly, Wayne, called “Two Colour,” was further remanded to prison to await another trial at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

Wayne was indicted for the offence in May 2021.

Then, he pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on July 10, 2014, in the county of Demerara, he mur-

Confessed killer Melroy Doris

Dead: Ashmini Harriram

dered 19-year-old Lusignan, East Coast Demerara cosmetologist, Ashmini Harriram.

Friday marked the completion of Wayne’s second trial for the offence. He was first indicted for the offence in 2017 before Justice Jo Ann Barlow, who later declared a hung jury after the jury was able to arrive at a unanimous verdict.

Like in his first trial, Wayne was represented in his second trial by Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes and associates. Attorneys-at-Law Lisa Cave and Mohamed Ali appeared for the prosecution.

The prosecution called a total of 18 witnesses including civilians, a pathologist, and serving and former Police ranks. Wayne’s co-accused, Melroy Doris, 34, a taxi driver, who struck a plea deal, also testified on behalf of the prosecution.

Doris pleaded guilty to

the lesser count of manslaughter. Following his guilty plea, Doris, who admitted to being the driver of the getaway car in the teen’s murder, was sentenced to five years in prison by Justice Brassington Reynolds in April 2021.

Harriram, of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was shot and killed in full view of her cousin just after they disembarked a minibus in her community. It was reported that a man emerged from a burgundy motor car and shot her at close range to the head.

The gunman then re-entered the motor car which later sped off. Media reports are that Wayne gave Police oral statements detailing his role in the woman’s execution.

On September 8, 2014, Wayne was charged with the teen’s murder and remanded.

17 CCJ suspends Appeal Court ruling for Bisram to face murder trial NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…orders DPP, Police not to arrest him until appeal is determined

By Feona Morrison

A

ruling rendered by the Guyana Court of Appeal on May 31, for US-based Guyanese businessman Marcus Bisram to face trial for the 2016 murder of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt, was on Friday suspended by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Guyana’s final court of appeal has also ordered the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, not to take steps to arrest Bisram pending the hearing and determination of an appeal filed by him against the ruling of the lower court.

Bisram therefore remains a free man until the CCJ pronounces on his application to set aside the Appeal Court’s ruling. However, he has been ordered by the CCJ to remain in Guyana and present himself to the

Divisional Commander or Deputy Commander of Police ‘B’ Division on Monday of every week until the matter is determined.

He has also been ordered to lodge his passport with the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Judicature by noon of June 14, 2021.

Following the granting of special leave to appeal, Bisram was instructed by CCJ Judges Jacob Wit, Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, and Peter Jamadar to file a Notice of Appeal by June 18, 2021.

On May 31, 2021, the Guyana Court of Appeal overturned an order of certiorari quashing the DPP’s directive, which was granted

by High Court Judge Simone Morris-Ramall in June 2020.

The court’s decision was unanimous.

Certiorari

In June 2020, Justice Morris-Ramlall issued an order of certiorari quashing the directive by Ali-Hack to Magistrate Renita Singh for Bisram to be committed to stand trial for the capital offence in the High Court.

Marcus Bisram

Justice Morris-Ramlall had also granted an order prohibiting the DPP from bringing an indictment for murder against Bisram in the High Court.

Bisram was released from prison, where he had been on remand. Following a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on March 30, 2020, Magistrate

Singh had discharged the charge against Bisram and informed him that he was free to go, after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

However, on the day of the discharge, the DPP exercised her powers under section 72 (1) and (2) (ii) (b) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act to request that the depositions be sent to her, and directed the magistrate to reopen the PI with a view to committing Bisram. The magistrate complied, and thereafter called on Bisram, who had been rearrested, to lead a defence.

At the close of the case for the defence, the Magistrate found that there was insufficient evidence to support the charge, and adjourned the matter to April 6, 2020 for further directions from the DPP. On April 6, 2020, the DPP directed that Bisram be committed to stand trial in the High Court. This direction was duly complied with on the said date by the Magistrate.

Bisram then moved to the High Court, seeking ju-

dicial review of the DPP’s directive.

In ruling that the DPP’s directive for committal was unlawful and unreasonable, Justice Morris-Ramlall, among other things, held that the evidence disclosed against Bisram by the prosecution did not meet the required evidentiary threshold to support calling on him to lead a defence.

In fact, the Judge ruled that no prima facie case had been made out against him to put him on trial by a jury before a Judge. “…The evidence is insufficient, or, in other words, it is not of the quality that a reasonable jury properly directed could safely convict on it.”

Ali-Hack then filed an appeal against Justice MorrisRamlall’s decision with the Appeal Court.

Jury trial

In overturning the decision of the High Court, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, had underscored that the issues raised in the State’s case against Bisram would be better ventilated at the trial court by a jury.

“The issues raised, we think, would have been better ventilated at the trial court, where the trial judge would have weighed all the issues in relation to the evidence and decided whether or not it would have been left for a jury,” she had said.

According to the Chancellor, “The decision to commit by the magistrate would have had to be based on the evidence which the DPP ought to have reviewed… We are of the view that the committal proceedings by the magistrate and the directive by the Director of Public Prosecutions would not have been invalid.”

Meanwhile, in her ruling, Justice Morris-Ramlall had outlined that the evidence of Chaman Chunilall was the body and soul of the prosecution’s case against Bisram, and that there was no other evidence, either direct or circumstantial, linking him to the crime.

“At the close of the case for the prosecution, the evidence of Chunilall was totally discredited and rendered manifestly unreliable. The evidence remained substantially the same at the close of the case for the defence,” the High Court Judge had noted.

However, citing a plethora of case laws, the Guyana Court of Appeal, in adopting the pronouncements therein, held that “It is not the judge’s job to weigh the evidence and to decide who is telling the truth, and to stop

Dead: Faiyaz Narinedatt

the case merely because he thinks the witness is lying.

To do that is to usurp the functions of the jury…”

Evidence sufficient

The DPP had always maintained that her directive for committal was lawful, as there is sufficient evidence against Bisram to warrant a trial by a jury before a judge. In fact, during the appeal hearing, Ali-Hack submitted that the evidence against Bisram is sufficient, and any reasonable jury, if properly directed, can safely convict.

The DPP said the evidence given by Chunilall was admissible, and the issue that arises is the issue of credibility, which is for a jury to decide. “This is a proper case for a committal, for it to go to trial in the High Court,” Ali-Hack said as she urged the court to quash the High Court’s ruling.

During the Appeal Court hearing, Bisram’s lawyers contended that the DPP’s directive to the magistrate was unlawful, as it infringed their client’s constitutional rights provided for in Articles 122 A and 144 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana and the separation of powers doctrine.

However, this contention was rejected by the Court of Appeal, which held that the DPP, in making the directive, acted within the ambit of powers invested in her under the Constitution and statute.

Extradition

Bisram was extradited from the United States to Guyana in 2019 to face the murder charge. There was an extended fight in US courts to block his extradition. He was then charged and remanded to prison for the murder of Narinedatt, a father of two, of Number 72 Village Corentyne, Berbice.

It is alleged that on the day of the killing, Bisram had a party at his home, which Narinedatt and others attended. Media reports are that Narinedatt went to

the yard and was followed

by Bisram, who reportedly came up behind him and started “feeling him up.”

It was reported that Narinedatt slapped and chucked Bisram, who allegedly directed his friends to kill him. According to reports, several men had beaten the carpenter and dumped his body on the Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice road.

It was reported that they then drove over his body on the roadway at Number 70 village Corentyne, Berbice to make it appear like a vehicular accident.

Five other men: Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

Parsram, and Niran Yacoob, are currently awaiting trial at the High Court in Berbice for Narinedatt’s murder.

Suspicious car found abandoned after evading Police

The suspicious car that was abandoned

A

woman is now in Police custody after a car belonging to her was intercepted by Police following a report of a suspicious activity. The incident occurred at around 18:23h in Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE).

Police received information of a planned robbery, and they dispatched two patrols into the said area.

On arrival, ranks observed a red motor car fitting the description given to the Police and as such, they attempted to stop it but the

driver sped away. A chase ensued but the driver managed to elude the Police.

The car was subsequently found abandoned at the back of Tuschen Housing Scheme with the key in its ignition and the doors open.

It was taken to the Leonora Police Station where it was impounded.

The owner, however, who operates a car rental, was contacted and after being interviewed, she was placed in custody pending further investigations.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

News

Guyana likely to receive flood support under EU Civil Protection Mechanism

W

ith Guyana now at a Level Two Disaster, the country could receive emergency support from the European Union (EU) under its Civil Protection Mechanism.

The EU CPM aims to improve prevention, preparedness and response to disasters when an emergency overwhelms local response capabilities of the affected country.

Earlier this week, it was declared that the current flood situation in Guyana has reached a Level Two Disaster; that is, the national capacity to respond is not overwhelmed, but some external assistance is required.

Against this backdrop, Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig on Friday updated the Chargé d’ Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union in Guyana, Evelina Melbarzde, on the flood crisis in the country.

During the meeting, the EU Chargé d’ Affaires invited Guyana to make a request to activate the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

“Once the Mechanism is activated the assistance is coordinated amongst 34 countries who partic-

ipate in the EU CPM… I would invite you to formulate your request and tell us what exactly would be needed,” the Chargé d’ Affaires said.

Melbarzde informed the CDC that if this mechanism would be launched, it would not be linked to any other EU projects that are currently being implemented in Guyana.

By pooling together civil protection capacities and capabilities, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism allows for a stronger and more coherent collective response to the current flood situation, the CDC said in a statement on Friday.

In addition to the EU Member States, there are currently six participating States to the Civil Protection Mechanism (Iceland, Norway, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Turkey).

Friday’s meeting was also attended by CDC’s Senior Preparedness Officer, Captain Lakshman Persaud and Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Olive Gopaul.

Already, the EU Delegation in Georgetown has collaborated with the Rotary Club of Demerara to donate much needed aid and

relief supplies to flood-affected communities and individuals across Guyana.

Meanwhile, one day after declaring a Level Two Disaster, Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) has donated 10,000 surgical masks, 30 handheld, non-contact thermometers and 6600 water purification tablets to the CDC to support local relief efforts. These items arrived in Guyana on Thursday and were handed over to the Commission Following weeks of persistent and heavy rainfall, all 10 regions in Guyana are experiencing varied levels of flooding. With several communities across Guyana inundated, some families have even been forced to relocate to shelters established by Government due to the high water levels in their homes.

Other productive activities such as mining have also ceased due to the floods in hinterland communities.

Only Thursday, the Guyana Government tabled a two Financial Papers in the National Assembly, seeking supplementary funds in excess of $23 billion, of which $10 billion is for flood response efforts.

The $10 billion is for the “provision of flood relief interventions, including repairs to infrastructure and supporting recovery in the productive and household sectors.” The National Assembly will be reconvening on Monday, June 14, 2021, to consider these two Financial Papers, given their urgency, especially as it relates to flood interventions.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told reporters that “There has been an im-

mediate response to the crisis. There is floodwater on the land, and we’ve had to deploy additional equipment. We’ve had to deploy additional pumps [to remove the water from the land], and that effort is still ongoing… The physical effort of addressing the flood and removing the water from the land involves, of course, additional costs [for the] relocation of pumps, purchase of fuel, deployment of heavy equipment, etcetera.”

The Finance Minister went on to say that addressing the immediacy of the flood crisis also entails continuous supply of relief items to affected residents.

People wait on a street outside the Regional Government Health Corporation turned into a mass vaccination centre to receive their first dose of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Maracay, Venezuela, June 8, 2021

A

fter hours of waiting outside a coronavirus vaccination centre in the Venezuelan city of Maracay, hundreds of senior citizens who had lined up to receive their jab broke into a

chant: “We want answers.”

Some had arrived after being notified via a state-backed identification system known as the Fatherland Card, which has been criticised as a tool of political discrimi-

“In many communities, people don’t have access to foods, they don’t have access

Peru’s Castillo tells backers to “stay alert” as vote count tensions rise

P

eru’s election front-runner Pedro Castillo called on his supporters to “stay alert” on Friday as legal wrangles over the ultra-close vote count ignited tensions in the Andean nation with his socialist party seemingly poised for victory.

Castillo, an elementary school teacher who has fired up support from poorer, rural Peruvians, raised concerns about plans by the opposition to nullify votes and sought clarity from the electoral body over the process.

“We call on the Peruvian people to stay alert,” he said.

The comments underscored rising tensions in the copper-rich nation that has been on tenterhooks since the Sunday vote. Castillo has 50.2 per cent of the ballots, narrowly ahead of right-wing Keiko Fujimori, who has made unsubstantiated allegations of fraud.

Venezuela seniors complain of disorder, confusion in vaccination campaign nation, while others learned through word of mouth.

Many said they didn’t understand why the line wasn’t moving and how health authorities were deciding who would enter. A dozen people with medical conditions such as hypertension or asthma simply walked away, fed up with the confusion.

“I’ve been here since five in the morning, waiting and waiting,” said Jesus Estanga, 75, outside the health centre on Tuesday, as a group of seniors fruitlessly sought information from two Police Officers and six officials at the entrance.

The Government of President Nicolas Maduro last month kicked off one of the region’s most delayed vaccination campaigns, which remains the subject of complaints by citizens and criti-

Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

to markets, they don’t have access to cleaning supplies.

We’ve had to scramble to mobilise emergency supplies to these communities, and that effort is still on the way.

That is a tremendous cost as well,” he posited, adding that relief would also have to be given to farmers and other players in the productive sectors who have been affected by the flood crisis across the country.

Moreover, Dr Singh explained that funds would also be needed to restore and rebuild infrastructure that was destroyed by the flood waters. These include dams, bridges and roads that have been washed away.

cism by medical experts who say it lacks transparency.

The Health Ministry published a list of clinics that provide the vaccine, mostly in city centres, but has offered no documentation on daily vaccinations and no detailed explanations of how the rest of the country will be inoculated.

The government says it hopes to vaccinate 70 per cent of Venezuela’s 28 million people by the end of the year and has said that 11 per cent of the population has been vaccinated.

Medical professionals have cast doubt on the figures and have sharply criticised the use of the Fatherland Card, which many citizens have avoided signing up for out of fear that it is used to track their activities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Vladimir Cerron, the Marxist-Leninist head of Castillo’s Free Peru party, was even more strident, saying on Twitter that “the people must rise up” in defence of the vote. He had earlier claimed victory for Castillo in the knife-edge election.

With close to 99.6 per cent of votes tallied and only a handful of contested ballots to be added, Castillo was some 60,000 votes ahead of Fujimori.

The country’s electoral

authority has yet to confirm the win, but most observers and some regional leftist leaders including from Argentina and Bolivia have proclaimed Castillo as the victor, prompting protests from Peru’s Government.

“Several Presidents in the world are congratulating the victory of Pedro Castillo, in other words, he has solid international legitimacy,” Cerron wrote.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US providing J$130M more for COVID-19 relief efforts in Jamaica

T

he US Government on Thursday announced that it is providing approximately J$130 million to support Jamaica’s response to COVID-19.

The funding, provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), is aimed at mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the country’s HIV-control efforts and will be provided to civil society and other implementing partners, the US Embassy in Kingston said.

“It will facilitate the procurement of instruments for genomic sequencing to identify COVID-19 variants, care and treatment in HIV clinical services, psychosocial support for vulnerable populations, and more,” the embassy said.

In March 2021, US President Joe Biden signed the ARPA into law, the embassy explained, adding that it will change the course of the pandemic and deliver immediate and direct relief to countries im-

pacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

“This law is one of the most progressive pieces of legislation in history and will build a bridge to an equitable economic recovery,” the embassy said.

It said that as part of the legislation, a significant amount of funding was made available to the Department of State to support programmes for the prevention, treatment, and control of HIV/AIDS in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the novel coronavirus, including to mitigate the impact on such programmes from COVID-19 and support recovery from the impacts of the virus.

The funding is being managed via the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

To date, the United States Government has provided nearly J$750 million (US$5 million) in COVID-19 assistance to Jamaica. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil hits multi-year highs in 3rd weekly gain on demand recovery

O

il prices reached fresh multi-year highs on Friday, closing out a third straight week of gains on an improved outlook for worldwide demand as rising COVID-19 vaccination rates help lift pandemic curbs.

Brent crude futures settled at US$72.69 a barrel, rising 17 cents after reaching their highest since May 2019. For the week, Brent was up 1 per cent.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled at US$70.91 a barrel, up 62 cents, settling at their highest since October 2018. WTI was up 1.9 per cent on the week.

"Demand is coming back faster than supply and we're going to need more supply to meet that demand," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its monthly report that the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, would need to boost output to meet demand set to recover to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022.

"OPEC+ needs to open the taps to keep the world oil markets adequately supplied," the Paris-based energy watchdog said.

It said that rising demand and countries' short-term policies were at odds with the IEA's call to end new oil, gas and coal funding.

"In 2022 there is scope for the 24-member OPEC+ group, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, to ramp up crude supply by 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) above its July 2021-March 2022 target," the IEA said.

US investment bank Goldman Sachs said it expects Brent crude prices to reach US$80 per barrel this summer as vaccine rollouts boost global economic activity.

"The rollout of the vaccine in North America as well as Europe is helping to restore demand at the same time that OPEC+ has reigned in production," helping propel oil prices, said Andy Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston.

Data showing road traffic returning to pre-COVID-19 levels in North America and most of Europe was encouraging, ANZ Research analysts said in a note.

"Even the jet fuel market is showing signs of improvement, with flights in Europe rising 17 per cent over the past two weeks, according to Eurocontrol," ANZ analysts said.

In an indication of future supply, US oil rigs rose by six to 365 this week to their highest since April 2020, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its weekly report. It was the biggest weekly increase of oil rigs in a month. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Israel’s Netanyahu lashes out as end of his era draws near I n what appear to be the final days of his historic 12-year rule, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not leaving the political stage quietly.

The long-time leader is accusing his opponents of betraying their voters, and some have needed special security protection.

Netanyahu said he is the victim of a “deep state” conspiracy. He speaks in apocalyptic terms when talking about the country without his leadership.

“They are uprooting the good and replacing it with the bad and dangerous,” Netanyahu told the conservative Channel 20 TV station this week. “I fear for the

destiny of the nation.”

Such language has made for tense days as Netanyahu and his loyalists make a final desperate push to try to prevent a new Government from taking office on Sunday.

With his options running out, it has also provided a preview of Netanyahu as opposition leader.

He frequently describes threats both large and small in stark terms. He has belittled his rivals and thrived by using divide-and-conquer tactics. He paints his Jewish opponents as weak, self-hating “leftists,” and Arab politicians as a potential fifth column of terrorist sympathisers.

He routinely presents

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

himself in grandiose terms as the only person capable of

leading the country through its never-ending security challenges.

He fended off pressure by President Barack Obama to make concessions to the Palestinians and publicly defied him in 2015 by delivering a speech in Congress against the United Statesled nuclear agreement with Iran.

Although Netanyahu was unable to block the deal, he was richly rewarded by President Donald Trump, who recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, pulled out of the nuclear agreement and helped broker diplomatic pacts between Israel and four Arab nations. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

G7: Boris Johnson kicks off summit with plea to tackle inequality

B

oris Johnson has urged fellow world leaders to "build back better" after the COVID pandemic at this week's G7 summit in Cornwall.

The UK Prime Minister said it was vital to learn from the "mistakes" of the 2008 financial crisis and tackle the "scar" of inequality.

After a day of talks at the seaside resort of Carbis Bay, leaders have joined the Queen for a dinner nearby.

The distribution of COVID vaccines is also high on the summit agenda.

US President Joe Biden is among those being hosted by Johnson for the threeday meeting, as well the

The Queen was greeted by the PM and his wife Carrie as she arrived for Friday evening's dinner

leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada.

It is the first face-to-face summit of the G7 - representing most of the world's biggest economies - since before the pandemic started

early last year.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel are also attending.

In his opening remarks

at the main round-table discussions, Johnson said that, as the world recovered from the pandemic, it was important to "level up across our societies" and "build back better".

He added: "I actually think that we have a huge opportunity to that because, as G7, we are united in our vision for a cleaner, greener world, a solution to the problems of climate change."

Politicians are attending a Friday evening reception at the nearby Eden Project, attended by the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Hong Kong to censor films UN official accuses Eritrean forces of under national security law deliberately starving Tigray

T

he Hong Kong Government on Friday enacted new guidelines that allow authorities to censor films on the basis of safeguarding national security, escalating concerns over freedoms in the former British colony.

The Government said the changes that give the film censor authority to ban films perceived as promoting or glorifying acts or activities that could endanger national security take effect from Friday.

The Film Censorship Authority should stay "vigilant to the portrayal, depiction or treatment of any act or activity which may amount to an offence endangering national security", the Government said in a statement.

“Any content of a film which is objectively and reasonably capable of being perceived as endorsing, sup-

porting, promoting, such act or activity" will be censored, according to the guideline.

Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in June that punishes what authorities broadly define as secession, sedition and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in jail, following a year of sometimes violent pro-democracy demonstrations.

Western Governments and international human rights groups have expressed concern the security law will crush freedoms in Hong Kong.

A filmmaker surnamed Tang said the amendment would legitimise a crackdown on protest-related films and create a chilling effect on the movie industry.

"Movies on social issues will be banned. It will silence the filmmakers,” Tang said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A woman carrying an infant as she queues in line for food, at the Tsehaye Primary School, which was turned into a temporary shelter for people displaced by conflict, in the town of Shire, Tigray region, Ethiopia, March 15, 2021

M

ore than 350,000 of Tigray's nearly 6 million people are living in famine conditions, according to an analysis by United Nations agencies and global aid groups first reported by Reuters on Thursday. Nearly 2 million others are one step away from such dire deprivation, they said. Ethiopia has

disputed these estimates.

Fighting since November between Ethiopia's Government and the region's ousted ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), has displaced more than 2 million people.

The neighbouring country of Eritrea and the next-door Ethiopian region of Amhara

sent forces in support of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.

In some of his strongest public comments to date on the crisis, the UN's top humanitarian official, Mark Lowcock, accused Eritrean forces of "trying to deal with the Tigrayan population by starving them."

In an interview with Reuters

on Thursday, Lowcock said Eritrean soldiers and local fighters are deliberately blocking supplies to the more than 1 million people in areas outside Government control.

"Food is definitely being used as a weapon of war."

Mitiku Kassa, head of Ethiopia's National Disaster Risk Management Commission, which manages the Government's crisis response, accused the TPLF, the former ruling party, of attacking food trucks and aid personnel, but didn't respond to a request for examples. He told reporters on Wednesday that more than 90 per cent of people in Tigray had been provided aid. "We don’t have any food shortage," he said.

The UN, however, has said it has received reports from local Tigrayan officials of more than 150 people starving to death. Lowcock said he believed many more had died but could not provide a figure. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Concentrate on personal changes that make you feel and look your best. Start a routine geared toward fitness and a proper diet. Build your strength and confidence by starting a healthy new routine.

A change of plans will TAURUS turn in your favor. Broaden (April 20- your horizons. Get involved in something that will make May 20) you feel good about the contribution you make in your community.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Reconsider your work ethic and strategy. Don't hesitate to make a change to the way you look or how you do things. Groom yourself for success. You can achieve great things!

CANCER (June 21July 22)

A change of plans will restrict you if you buy into what someone is doing instead of taking the path that offers you peace of mind and personal control. Rely on your intelligence.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Focus on what you can do to improve your health and overall well-being. Look for a unique way to spend time that will bring you peace of mind and increased physical endurance.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You'll accomplish what you set out to do if you get physical and take action. Less talk will help you avoid interference. Listen to your heart and let your emotions carry you in the right direction.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Pay attention to what others are offering. Verify the information provided, then proceed in a direction that puts your mind at ease.

Protect against health risks by socializing safely.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Learn the lessons of the past to avoid making a financial mistake. Look at your assets and consider the best way to use what you have to improve your lifestyle. Focus on what's important to you.

Don't be fooled by what SAGITTARIUS others do or say when what's (Nov. 23important is to satisfy your Dec. 21) needs. Show discipline when dealing with money, health and situations that are dependent on group unity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

You'll flock to people who are fast-paced and live life to the fullest. Reconnect with old friends to discover a new way to achieve satisfaction and gratitude.

Focus on enlightenment.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Look around you, and you'll come up with ideas that will add to your home's comfort and convenience.

Put things in order and set up designated spaces for the projects you want to pursue.

PISCES

Take your mind off what troubles you. Engage in pastimes with people you enjoy.

Safe socializing will lift your spirits and encourage you to make some healthy lifestyle decisions.

(Feb. 20March 20)

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

21

BCB launches Grounds Enhancement programme in Upper Corentyne area “T

he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is very committed to making a positive difference and to take our cricket to another level.

We accepted your decision to vote us in as your executives, and it is a mandate we take very seriously.

“In the history of Berbice Cricket, no administration has ever worked (as) hard to assist clubs as the current one, and I wish to assure that, in the coming months, your different clubs would continue to benefit even more as we unveil more projects.”

Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he launched another historic programme under his leadership at the Scottsburg Cricket Ground in the Upper Corentyne sub-association area. The programme launched was the BCB Grounds Enhancement project, Foster’s brainchild, and he disclosed that during his countywide travel, the main concern of club executives was their inability to properly prepare their venues, due to the lack of grass-cutting equipment.

Foster noted that, in the past, many matches had to be postponed due to this problem, and he said the BCB is determined to correct it. Under the programme,

Members of the UCCA posing with the grass cutters after the simple presentation

the vibrant Berbice Cricket Bboard would be giving to the four sub-associations in the county at least 24 grass cutters. The sub-associations are at West Coast Berbice, Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, and New Amsterdam/ Canje.

Foster has explained the two Corentyne sub-associations would get more of the cutters because of the large number of teams playing there.

Five of the cutters were handed over to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association on Thursday to launch the programme, and Foster committed to donating another three in the

near future.

He disclosed that the BCB has received assistance from long time sponsor Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh and from businessman Jason Sripal of J Supermarket, and had also used some of its own funds to acquire the much-needed cutters.

Foster cautioned the clubs present to take care of the equipment, not to use them for personal work, and to appreciate the hard work of the BCB executives over the last three years.

Clubs in the Ancient County have benefited from donations of cricket gear, water pitchers, coaching equipment, bicycles,

stumps, scoring books, educational materials, tro-

phies, medals and cricket balls, among other items from the BCB over the last three years. Those items have been provided at the cumulative cost of more than $15M. The BCB’s 2021 cricket season would restart as soon as the weather improves and, most importantly, when most of the players are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

The BCB has successfully hosted 19 finals for this year, before the season was suspended due to the rising COVID-19 cases; and another 23 tournaments are on hold at the junior, female and senior levels.

BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu has

expressed the BCB’s gratitude to Dr Singh for his support over the years, and to Jason Sripal for support of the special project.

Upper Corentyne Cricket Assn President Dennis D’Andrade has hailed the outstanding leadership of the BCB, and has described Hilbert Foster as a remarkable leader who is always on the ground to listen to advice and to offer solutions.

D’Andrade has said that no other BCB leader has visited his sub-association as often as the current President, who has paid over 100 visits since his election in 2018.

The grass cutters would shortly be presented to the other sub associations.

NBA play-offs…

Milwaukee Bucks defeat Brooklyn Nets

Brazil Supreme Court rules Copa America tournament can go ahead

T

he Copa America, set to start on Sunday, can go ahead in Brazil, the country's Supreme Court has decided.

Judges held an emergency session on Thursday to consider requests to halt the competition because of the coronavirus pandemic. It was argued that hosting the tournament would endanger the lives of thousands of people.

The judges said the Brazilian Constitution did not give the court the power to block the Copa America.

But they said that state governors and city mayors should do more to ensure "appropriate health protocols" are respected.

They also expressed their dismay at President Jair Bolsonaro's last-minute decision to stage the tournament, which will be held with no fans in stadiums. Teams face mandatory testing every 48 hours.

Jrue Holiday's winning score brought the Milwaukee Bucks back into their Eastern Conference semi-final series

J

President Bolsonaro has said the decision to host the tournament is not up for discussion

Their movements would be restricted, and they would travel to host cities aboard chartered flights.

The tournament, postponed from 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, was originally to have been staged in Colombia and Argentina, but Colombia was removed as co-host on 20 May because of domestic civil unrest, and Argentina was then

stripped of its host status on 30 May, with organisers citing coronavirus concerns and the "present circumstances".

Earlier this week, Brazil's players criticised the decision to hold the tournament in their country. Brazil has recorded more than 475,000 deaths attributed to coronavirus. This is the second highest number in the world after the US. (BBC Sport)

rue Holiday scored 11.4 seconds from the end as the Milwaukee Bucks revived their NBA play-offs’ hopes with a tight 86-83 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

The Bucks faced going 3-0 down in their best-ofseven Eastern Conference semi-final, as they trailed by three points with 83 seconds left. But Holiday's late score topped their comeback to pull it back to 2-1.

Utah Jazz beat LA Clippers

Donovan Mitchell's 37 points helped the Utah Jazz beat the Los Angeles Clippers 117-111 to go 2-0 up. The Jazz produced a late rally in Salt Lake City, winning their sixth consecutive post-season game to take charge of their Western Conference semi-fi-

nal.

They were leading by 21 points going into the final quarter, before the Clippers battled back with Reggie Jackson, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard all scoring 20plus points. The Clippers even took the lead with six minutes to go, before a late rally from the Jazz closed out the game.

Game three is in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The Bucks' victory came after a much more aggressive performance than they had produced in their opening two Conference semi-final games.

They started as if they meant business, racing into a 30-11 lead after the first quarter.

But the Nets came back in the second quarter and reduced the deficit to four points at half-time. From then on, the

sides could barely be split, before Holiday's winning score.

Bucks’ hearts were in their mouths, though, when Kevin Durant's three-point effort on the buzzer bounced off the rim, avoiding the need for overtime.

Khris Middleton scored 35 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo 33, to delight the home crowd, but no other Bucks player reached double figures.

For the Nets, Durant (30) and Kyrie Irving (22) ensured they were always in the game, until Holiday's late heroics.

"We needed that one play from him, and he made it.

And it was big," said Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer.

Game four is on Sunday.

(BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

RHTY&SC cricket teams continue to make positive difference

T

he eleven cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) continued their community developmental programmes over the last week by reaching out to two organisations in the Ancient County.

The eleven teams - Poonai Pharmacy under 12 and under 13, Farfan and Mendes under 15, Bakewell under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi under 19 and Intermediate, Vitality Inc Under 23, Metro Females, Namilco Thunderbolt Flour under 21 and First Division, are mandated by the management of the club to successfully complete more than 300 small projects each year as part of their personal development programmes.

RHTY&SC Asst Secretary/ CEO Simon Naidu, who has direct responsibility for

– donation made to church, Humanitarian Mission

RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster handing over donation of overhead electric fans to Father Ramesh Vanan of the St Francis RC Church

the teams, has said the club strongly believes that “the more you give, the more blessings you would receive”.

Most importantly, he said, the club wants its members to understand that it is their civ-

il duty to make a positive difference in society while being positive role models and mentors to their peers.

The teams donated six overhead fans to the St Francis Xavier Roman

“LGC aiming at 30-31 October for commencement of Guyana Open Tourney”, says Bowling – Club maintaining COVID-19 protocols

The LGC have continued to upgrade their grounds as the Guyana Open draws closer

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) have continued to impress during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have hosted successful tournaments, and are currently gearing up for the Guyana Open Golf Tournament, which they anticipate holding in October.

In a sit-down with LGC Secretary Chet Bowling, this and more was discussed as the LGC prepare for yet another big year.

The first question directed at Bowling was the upcoming Guyana Open Golf Tourney. Here is where some of the top golfers in the Caribbean gather and do immense battle over two days.

“Just today, you know, we had a question from one of the members, you know, saying that a delegation from Canada, from New York, is very interested; so we were discussing the dates. The arrival dates, as you would know or might not know, we have temporarily set the dates for 30-31 October, the last two days in October.

“We wanted to make it a two-day event; make it the grand event. Like I'm saying, we are seeing the interest in what we're doing, and it's kind of a follow-up to one of your questions where you're seeing more involvement of not only the executive, but

the wider membership. So, we're setting up a Guyana Open subcommittee, where we'll have members of the club and not just executives on the subcommittee to have to plan.

“One of the areas is to have someone dedicated to liaison with Suriname, Trinidad, Barbados, those are the countries that usually send delegations to the tournament. So we have to make complete contact with those clubs. Mind you, this is all you know pending better travel or less travel restrictions. You know Suriname has a very strict lockdown, Trinidad is still locked down, and then there is Barbados.”

Bowling went on to note that, to tackle these issues, the LGC are presuming with vaccination drives things will be more favourable. He related that these countries have been on lockdown, so the club would have someone liaising with those countries.

Bowling insists that the purpose of the Guyana Open is to get those big sponsors as well as the foreign sponsors, and have them come together and playing their part.

The LGC Secretary has said the club are also big on following the COVID-19 protocols, as they also encourage everyone to follow these protocols.

“Regarding COVID protocols, yes. Very early on, you

know, we followed international best practice. As you know, gold was reopened, one of the sports that were reopened across the world very early in the pandemic. There’re no rakes on the sand traps, you know, as… when you ball boys in the sand trap, you're supposed to take a rake and level it. So, we've encouraging people to use their feet, and so there is no handling of the rake,” Bowling added.

He went on to state that the club is also limiting the amount of people on a tee box at the same time, relaying that if there are four players in the group, only one person would be driving off from the tee box.

The LGC are also urging their caddies to maintain social distancing, as they are instructing them to wear masks outdoors when they're on the fairways and with the players as well.

In closing his remarks, Bowling said, “We're instructing the staff to always wear their masks, and encouraging members to do the same once they're not having a drink or not eating something. It can be seen that tables and chairs are set up under the trees near to the Club House, so people can sit outside, again reinforcing social physical distancing. So, I think we've got the COVID particles covered.”

Catholic Church of Port Mourant, and a grass cutter to the Humanitarian Mission of Babu John, Port Mourant.

The teams also donated 60 food hampers to the Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall Town for distribution to residents of the township who are affected by flooding.

Naidu has said that the Catholic Community of Port Mourant holds a special place in the history of Guyana leading youth and sports club, as it was the church’s youth club that founded the RHTY&SC in 1990.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster also remains a committed Roman Catholic who is determined to return his church to its former glory in Port Mourant.

The fans were installed and handed over to Parish Priest Ramesh Vanan, who expressed gratitude to the club.

Head of the Humanitarian Mission, Suresh Sugrim, contacted the club for assistance in form of a grass cutter, and his request was granted within two hours.

On behalf of the teams, Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall handed over the grass cutters to Ms Raj, Administrator of the Mission.

Sugrim explained that, with a very large compound, the Mission is forced to use its limited funds to clean the compound on a regular basis. Donation of the grass cutter would be a major boost to the work of the Mission, and

RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster and Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall handing over grass cutter to the Administrator of the Humanitarian Mission

he wished the eleven cricket teams all the success on and off the cricket field.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board and Vice President of the GCB, has said that no other club in the history of cricket in Guyana has made a positive difference like the RHTY&SC has made, and he called on his fellow members to uphold their proud record of serving others.

The Rose Hall Town-based club has produced a combined 107 players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

Among the players currently playing for the club are Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Keith Simpson, Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, Jonathan Rampersaud, Slyus Tyndall, Delbert Hicks, Sheneeta Grimmond and Shabaki Gajnabi.

The official sponsors of the teams, who over the last 25 years have won a combined 101 tournaments, are Poonai Pharmacy, Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Pepsi, Metro, Vitality Inc and the National Milling Company of Guyana.

Shepherd inks 6-month contract with Ginseng Up

W

est Indies and national cricketer Romario Shepherd signed a six-month sponsorship contract with Ginseng Up on Thursday, June 10, 2021.

Shepherd will be the newest face of Ginseng Up as both the brand and Shepherd look to build a relationship that would last well into the future.

During the contract signing, the Guyana Amazon Warriors member noted that this was a positive move by Ginseng, “I’m really excited to be representing this great product, and I’m even more happy because it’s something I would normally buy and enjoy.

“So, I’m hoping that this would be the start of a great relationship with the brand and myself,” Shepherd mentioned.

Brand Manager for Ginseng Up, Gabriell Lopes, shared her delight at having Shepherd as the face of Ginseng UP. “We are delighted to sign Romario Shepherd as our Ambassador for Ginseng Up. Romario is a great role model for youths who aspire to excel in sport, as he exempli-

Romario Shepherd signing the contract

fies dedication and focus in cricket. We would like to wish Romario the very best in his upcoming games,” Lopes declared.

Meanwhile, Country Manager of Carib Brewery Limited (CBL), Kelvin Singh, has been excited at the partnership with the talented right-handed medium-pacer.

“The team is extremely proud and happy to welcome Mr. Romario Shepherd as a Brand Ambassador for Ginseng Up. Romario is one of

the most improved and exciting cricketers in the region… he has proven this both on the regional and international stage. On behalf of the wider team, I would like to wish him a successful regional and international season,” Singh said.

Shepherd is expected to head to St. Lucia, where he will be in training for the upcoming Australia Tour to the West Indies, before joining the Guyana Amazon Warriors for their CPL campaign.

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

S

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

de Kock’s unbeaten ton gives South Africa control – West Indies stutter again

outh Africa were six wickets away from an innings victory in the first Test in St Lucia after Quinton de Kock's career-best 141 not out gave them a lead of 225.

In his first innings since being relieved of the captaincy, de Kock batted with freedom and assurance to take South Africa to their third total over 300 in their last nine Tests.

After de Kock brought up his sixth Test century, and first since October 2019, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje each took two wickets to leave the West Indies well behind on a surface that had improved for batting. Though there was early seam movement on offer, it lessened as the ball got older, and the West Indies' attack was unable to cause the same problems they had encountered on day one.

The hosts were also less disciplined in line and length than their visitors, and only Roston Chase conceded at fewer than three runs an over. Contrastingly, across both West Indies’ innings so far, only Nortje's economy rate was above three runs an over. And West Indies had to contend with the brilliance of de Kock, who appeared unburdened from last season, when leadership weighed on him. de Kock set the tone when he cut the first ball of the day, short and wide from Kemar Roach, through point for four, and then drove the last ball of the over, full on

Chase will resume on day three

that as his cue to introduce spin, and brought Chase on at the other end. In his second over, Chase almost got rid of de Kock, who missed a sweep, was hit on the pads and given out lbw by Gregory Brathwaite before reviewing. Replays showed de Kock, on 23 at the time, gloved the ball onto his pad and the decision was overturned.

Jason Holder kept the pressure on with a tight line outside off, and was rewarded with the wicket of Rassie van der Dussen, who outside-edged to gully before Brathwaite brought back Roach and Seales for bursts before lunch.

Seales was particularly impressive, testing Wiaan Mulder with outswingers and inducing the edge, but the chance fell short of Holder at second slip.

Mulder made it to lunch, but was dismissed in the third over after the break

another partner in Keshav Maharaj five balls later when Rahkeem Cornwall reviewed for a catch at short leg but the ball ballooned up off the front pad. But the bowler didn't have to wait long to get the same dismissal: Maharaj inside-edged the next ball he faced from

They shared in a stand of 79, the joint-highest of the match so far.

Nortje was at the other end when de Kock smashed Kyle Mayers over square leg to reach his century. He celebrated the milestone in the same way he did his fifty, with a gesture for rhino conservation, in which he held his bat sideways to show a Rockwood sticker - an organisation involved in saving the rhino - and made a signal with his hand, with ring finger and thumb joined and the other three fingers spread. de Kock was the only South African in the XI not to make a gesture for anti-racism at the start of the match.

Reaching the hundred freed up de Kock even more, and he cleared the rope twice more against Cornwall.

Brathwaite on the front pad and Joel Wilson gave it not out. Hawk-Eye showed that the ball would have gone on

and was given out lbw, confirmed on review.

Nortje's spell had started by then, and he was

Rassie van der Dussen hitting through the off side

to hit middle stump.

The gloves had returned to de Kock when Powell ducked into a Rabada short ball and had to be checked for concussion. Rabada would not let up, and hit Powell on the knee roll with an inswinger - Elgar reviewed again, but without success. Rabada eventually got what he wanted when Powell missed a flick

soon in on the action. He had Hope caught at third slip, surprised by the lack of bounce on a back-ofa-length delivery, and Mayers going the same way to leave West Indies at 51 for 4.

Chase and Jermaine Blackwood took West Indies to the close, but have plenty more to do on the third day. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Holder bagged four wickets

de Kock scored his highest Test score

middle, past mid-off for four more. It took West Indies five overs to find their rhythm, and they conceded 24 runs in that period, before Jayden Seales sent down a maiden.

Kraigg Brathwaite took

when he half-heartedly attempted a backfoot punch of Holder and was caught behind. de Kock brought up fifty in the over after that, with a push through the covers, off 98 balls. He almost lost

Cornwall to concussion substitute Kieran Powell, who took a superb one-handed low catch and brought the South African tail in to bat.

West Indies took the second new ball as soon as it became available, and de Kock duly drove Roach for four.

Rabada was less convincing and managed to clear Seales over the slips for a boundary, but edged Roach to Holder at second slip four balls later.

It could easily have unravelled for South Africa from there, and de Kock shifted gears in anticipation. He slogged Seales or four and then plundered two sixes off the next three balls to suggest he wanted to get big runs quickly. But Nortje hung tough and worked well to keep de Kock on strike, with the pair refusing singles more than taking them.

Then, on 118, he top-edged Holder to fine leg, where Mayers took the catch, but Holder had overstepped. To add insult to injury, de Kock went on to his highest score in Test cricket with a pull over deep square off Holder.

Holder had some cheer when Nortje lobbed a catch to Shai Hope at gully and Lungi Ngidi nicked off. Inbetween those dismissals, de Kock bashed him over extra cover for six, his seventh of the innings, the joint-most by a South African in Tests with AB de Villiers. de Kock did not initially take the field with South Africa, and Kyle Verreynne stood in as wicket-keeper for the first six overs. Verreynne was behind the stumps when Dean Elgar called for a review after Rabada hit

WI 1st Innings 97 all out SA 1st Innings 322 all out Dean Elgar (c) c Blackwood b Roach 0 Aiden Markram c †Da Silva b Seales 60 Keegan Petersen c Holder b Seales 19 Rassie van der Dussen c Hope b Holder 46 Kyle Verreynne c † Da Silva b Seales 6 Quinton de Kock †not out 141 Wiaan Mulder c †Da Silva b Holder 25 Keshav Maharaj c sub (KOA Powell) b Cornwall 0 Kagiso Rabada c Holder b Roach 4 Anrich Nortje c Hope b Holder 7 Lungi Ngidi c †Da Silva b Holder 0 Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 6, w 3) 14 TOTAL (96.5 Ov, RR: 3.32) 322 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Dean Elgar, 0.5 ov), 2-34 (Keegan Petersen, 9.6 ov), 3-113 (Aiden Markram, 38.1 ov), 4-119 (Kyle Verreynne, 40.3 ov), 5-162 (Rassie van der Dussen, 56.5 ov), 6-215 (Wiaan Mulder, 74.5 ov), 7-222 (Keshav Maharaj, 77.2 ov), 8-233 (Kagiso Rabada, 82.4 ov), 9-312 (Anrich Nortje, 94.6 ov),

10-322 (Lungi Ngidi, 96.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 20-3-64-2 Jason Holder 20.5-4-75-4 Jayden Seales 21-6-75-3 Kyle Mayers 8-2-28-0 Rahkeem Cornwall 18-1-61-1 Roston Chase 9-5-14-0 WEST INDIES 2ND INNINGS Kraigg Brathwaite (c) lbw b Rabada 7 Kieran Powell lbw b Rabada 14 Shai Hope c Mulder b Nortje 12 Roston Chase not out 21 Kyle Mayers c Mulder b Nortje 12 Jermaine Blackwood not out 10 Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 1) 6 TOTAL (30 Ov, RR: 2.73) 82/4 Yet to bat: Joshua Da Silva †, Jason Holder, Rahkeem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 4.2 ov), 2-25 (Kieran Powell, 10.2 ov), 3-37 (Shai Hope, 15.1 ov), 4-51 (Kyle Mayers, 17.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kagiso Rabada 10-4-18-2 Lungi Ngidi 7-2-19-0 Anrich Nortje 8-3-34-2 Wiaan Mulder 4-1-6-0 Keshav Maharaj 1-1-0-0

SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2021

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

Page 23

de Kock’s unbeaten ton gives South Africa control – West Indies stutter again Page 22

“LGC aiming at 30-31 October for commencement of Guyana Open Tourney”, says Bowling

Page 22

– Club maintaining COVID-19 protocols

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.