Guyana Times - Saturday, June 25, 2022

Culture, people-topeople exchange important parts of Guyana-China P17 relation – Ambassador Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5050

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

US$106M contract signed for highly-anticipated, overdue Ogle-to-Eccles Bypass Road

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P9 Teacher charged for attempting to obstruct justice …as brother, friend charged for ganja possession

See story on page 3

P12 Realtor Association of Guyana wants legislation for sector

…contractor cautioned to deliver quality project on time

Breaking chain of drug abuse among youths must start now – CMO

P12 Lethem man dies in motorcycle crash

See story on page 14

Govt to clamp GPHC helps down on couple incumbrances conceive via artificial …calls made for on roadside from insemination reproductive unit Monday GNBS seizes, destroys over 5000 substandard electrical fittings See story on page 15

See story on page 7

…lawless behaviour cannot be condoned – Minister

Page 11

112 new COVID-19 cases recorded

P13

US Supreme Court ends constitutional right to P19 abortion

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SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, June 25 – 01:30h – 03:00h and Sunday, June 26 – 02:00 – 03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, June 25 – 14:25h – 15:55h and Sunday, June 26 – 15:15h – 16:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and light rain showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Westerly to West North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 14:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.29 metres.

Low Tide: 07:39h and 19:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.92 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

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14 26 27

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FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2022

DAILY MILLIONS

06 11 14 16 18 LUCKY 3

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Rough Rice

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US$106M contract signed for highly-anticipated, overdue Ogle-to-Eccles bypass road …contractor cautioned to deliver quality project on time

I

n a matter of weeks, works on the highly-anticipated four-lane bypass road that will link the East Coast of Demerara corridor at Ogle directly to the East Bank Demerara corridor at Eccles will commence.

This was revealed on Friday at the contract signing between the Public Works Ministry and Indiabased Ashoka Buildcon Limited. The US$106 million contract will see the construction of some 7.8 kilometres of road with each of the four lanes being 3.6 metre wide. The highway will also feature a median in the middle and sidewalks as well as several connector roads especially at the East Bank end to allow for further diversion of traffic.

Works are slated to commence August month-end after the rainy season and according to Director of Ashoka, Ashish Kataria, he is fully confident of his company delivering the project within the 24-month timeline stipulated in the contract.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill posited that Guyana’s development cannot be delayed any further.

“We have to get things moving,” he declared at the event on Friday, recalling the fact that the project was left languishing for nearly five years under the previous Administration despite the funding being available.

To this end, Edghill outlined the importance of this project not only in addressing the traffic woes on the country’s roadways but also connecting two of Guyana’s main thoroughfares and ports of entry.

“This artery that will be constructed here, the intent is that this must be able to get all the way; linking the Ogle International Airport with the Timehri [Cheddi Jagan] International Airport,” he posited.

The ECD-EBD road link project is being undertaken in several phases with the first being from Ogle to Haags Bosch, Eccles; then onto Diamond and finally, to Timehri, connecting to the CJIA. According to the Public Works Minister, this project will open up vast new lands that will bring a host of business opportunities including in the agriculture and oil and gas industries as well as space for more housing development.

“You cannot transform and modernise a country without putting in, road infrastructure. And once road infrastructure is put in, it opens up the way for so many other things to happen,” he noted.

Nevertheless, Minister Edghill went on to charge the Indian contractor to “make its mark” in Guyana by adhering to the 24-month time-

Permanent Secretary at the Public Works Ministry, Vladim Persaud, and Ashoka Buildcon Limited Director Ashish Kataria signing the US$106M contract for the bypass road project as officials watch on

line.

Highest standards expected

Similar sentiments were also echoed by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh.

“I believe this is your first project in Guyana; welcome…We expect that you will execute this project in line with the highest of standards and in line with the specifications defined in the contract and we expect you will do so in a timely manner,” Dr Singh posited.

The Finance Minister further highlighted the opportunities available here that the company can tap into if it succeeds in delivering the bypass road project with high quality and on time.

“There is a lot of business

to be done in Guyana… and I expect that this will not be the last project that we will do in partnership with the Government of India and its EXIM Bank. To make yourself eligible for the pipeline of work that is yet to come, the best recommendation would be successful and timely execution of this project,” Dr Singh stressed.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa, relayed his Government’s continued commitment to assisting Guyana on its development trajectory. This, he outlined, is evident in the multifaceted developmental cooperation between India and Guyana in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, oil and gas and capacity building.

“For India, the most fundamental principle in cooperation is respecting our developmental partners and be guided by their priorities,” the diplomat asserted.

Following Friday’s contract signing, a sod-turning ceremony was held at the Ogle end of the four-lane alignment, and among those witnessing it were Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar and Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry Susan Rodrigues as well as former President Donald Ramotar, under whose leadership a US$50 million concessional Line of Credit was obtained from the Indian EXIM Bank for the bypass road project since 2015.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

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

Solutions can be found T

he blinding need for oblivion from harsh realities of overwhelming problems is the driver behind many persons seeking to quit life as the ultimate solution to difficult situations.

A person suffering from deep depression needs assurances that solutions can be found. Problems are not insurmountable, but coping with extant and future challenges necessitates one staying alive, not take what seems the easy way out, leaving much devastation in the wake of one’s action, especially the grief and guilt that surviving family members have to cope with.

Suicide is indeed a mental health problem, often precipitated by one catalysing factor at a moment’s impulse.

This global phenomenon is a scourge affecting every nation of the world.

However, suicide is preventable, and education through generally interactive counselling sessions — especially in schools, churches and at various youth fora; as well as easilyaccessible helplines that could provide timely interventions by way of a conduit, a compassionate listening ear, and provision of advice based on rational reasoning for revealing bad experiences and expressing negative emotions, especially impersonal ones — can serve to reduce the crippling pain to bearable levels, and enable rational thought that diffuses intentions of self-destruction.

In a national context, there needs to be an holistic approach involving multi-sectoral agencies, especially in the health, education, and social services sectors.

In a report by the World Health Organization, Guyana was cited as the country with the highest suicide rate in the world — 44.2 suicides per 100,000 deaths, four times the global average.

The WHO report was an attempt to bring global attention to the issue of suicide. The goal was to encourage individual countries to take steps to prevent suicide, considering their specific culture and addressing local risk factors. In early 2015, Guyana became one of only 28 countries to develop a suicide prevention plan in response to the report. The plan identifies factors that could contribute to the country’s high rate of suicide.

Records reveal that approximately 70 percent of the country’s suicides occur in rural regions, where many people assuage their feelings of hopelessness with overindulgence of alcohol to cope with their poverty and economic despair.

Instead, the alcohol exacerbates depression in minds deprived of reasoning powers by alcohol-induced neurosis, precipitating suicidal thoughts.

Prioritising formulating a strategy for suicide prevention has become an imperative, because the consequence is not only the tragic, preventable loss of a life; but this one irreversible and tragic act has many victims, especially loved ones on whom are inflicted a lifetime of unendurable pain and emotional and psychological scars.

Guyana Government Psychologist and Addiction Specialist Caitlin Vieira avers that there is a lack of clinics and social support networks in some of these villages, but that there are plenty of rum shops. She says “Sporting”, Guyanese slang for drinking, is a popular pastime.

Additionally, a study by the Pan American Health Organization reported that nearly 80 per cent of Guyanese adolescents had their first drink before the age of 14, and some children try alcohol for the first time in elementary school.

Dysfunction in family constructs and bullying in schools and workplaces also contribute to Guyana’s high suicide rates.

Illicit drug usage has also become a major contributory factor to violent, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse, oftentimes leading to murder and suicide.

Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is also important for countries like Guyana to make progress in preventing suicide.

A Joint Services rank manoeuvring on a rope between two trees as part of the 2nd Quarterly Fitness Competition which concluded on Friday at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri. The two-day competition saw participation from a total of 20 teams, including three from the Guyana Police Force (GDF photo)

Attempts to attack integrity of Guyana’s Vice President Dear Editor, I, Roshan Khan Snr, representing the RK’s Business Group, wish to come out in principle and honour to applaud and support Excellency Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, our former President and Champion of the Earth.

An important question to ask is: why has Vice News blocked its Youtube channel from being accessed? It seems something extremely sinister and deceitful is in play. Vice News is known to target some countries, exposing leaders who are indeed corrupt; and at times they try to destroy the decent and elegant leaders, those who also operate their country with an open system for trade and commerce.

Our Government, our President, and this Vice President Dr. Jagdeo have made it clear that Guyana cannot be one that will be involved in China-bashing or nation-bashing of the powerful or the not-so-powerful.

Vice News has used a very deceptive method in an effort to entrap our former President and Vice President, and to tarnish the name of our country in the world. It would appear

that the country it originates from usually does not tender for contracts, must be given major contracts out of a magician’s bag without following our national and international protocols. If any corporation in any country wants to be awarded contracts, they have to go through the tendering procedure, unless it is a BOOT or BOT system.

All contracts, as far as I know, have to be tendered for. Dr. Jagdeo or no one in this country can just be handing contracts out. We also have the World Bank/ IDB, who have certain protocols that must be fulfilled in order to acquire the monies for various projects.

It would appear to me that Vice News was up to something totally deceitful, manipulative and dishonest, and wanted to stain our former President and Vice President. To enter into a man’s house with such sinister objectives so as to tie him up shows that Vice News is an act of a style that is totally despicable and dishonourable.

The utilisation of hidden cameras in a man’s home without his permission is criminal as well; it borders on criminality, in my opinion. It is interest-

ing to observe how, when the topic was being raised, the gentleman Su instantly switched to Mandarin, displaying the fact that he is involved in a serious sinister transaction and using our former President’s presence to pull wool over the eyes of the Chinese conspirators and the Vice News.

It is obvious that the outfit called Vice News came with a predetermined plan: to create disharmony with Guyana and the Chinese Government, as well as the Chinese corporations.

Vice News is very critical of Chinese investors around the world, and goes hunting to affect nations and individuals in leadership. They seem also to have pre-arranged agendas to disaffect the power of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Vice News has some short clips on Facebook flying over the Amaila Falls project, with a constant repetition to make an impression in the minds of people, claiming that corruption was involved in that contract. However, it is known that that contract was not awarded as yet, and Vice News stands to shame. It is known that the US $200,000,000 Schoonord-to-Parika road is

still in the design stage, it has not even been tendered yet. The Linden-to-Mabura road project was awarded, via public tender, to a Brazilian-contracted firm, and not a Chinese firm, involving any claims of bribes in which it is alleged that tons of money in bribes were paid and proven to be and is proven to be absolutely false. If anyone were to gain from this illicit business, it was the man Su. That fella GHK Lall writes that there is a man who can move mountains.

Well, Mr. Lall, sir, you must know Jagdeo is a man who can move mountains.

Excellency former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is a man of the people, so we, the people, Mr. GHK Lall, are stuck to him like fleas.

I wish to agree with you, and we have maximum respect for the gentleman. I will applaud him and I will stand and bow to him in respect for all the things that he has done for this country, and the things that he can do in the future as the man with the powers of the universe imbued in his intellect, in his charisma, and in his personality.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

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

benefit from oil The real sycophants Guyanese and gas should transcend

Dear Editor, I felt appalled and dismayed when I read a letter captioned “The sycophants are out: singing shamelessly for their supper”. In his letter, GHK Lall sought to attack those who wrote in the press analyzing the interview by Vice News and drawing conclusions which any reasonable man would: that no corrupt practice can be attributed to Vice President Jagdeo.

Many things claimed by the interviewer cannot stand scrutiny, and these letter writers presented those.

Does this make them ‘opportunists and sycophants’?

This is such a damaging classification that it should never be used against people whose Constitutional right it is to give their opinion in a democratic country.

I thought GHK Lall was more dignified than this.

For five years after 2015, Mr Lall ignored the real opportunists and sycophants.

Upon closer analysis, and by use of his own yardstick, should he not be qualified thus?

On 27th January, 2020, Mr GHK Lall, who was the General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, appointed by Trotman, wrote that the ‘Coalition Government has my X’, since the PPP/C ‘has zero credibility… and are being led by a craven opportunist pretending at being a bornagain reformist’. He claimed that David Granger is the best leader, and that he will vote for the Coalition simply because of this, despite him also saying, “I am of the view that the sitting government — warts and all, weaknesses and all, and woes and all — does have in its leader

what is required.”

This clearly indicated who the opportunist and sycophant really is. Imagine all the ignominy perpetrated by the Coalition: the documented corruption, the squandering, the destruction of the economy, the cronyism, the lopsided Exxon Contract, the many unconstitutional acts and omissions committed by Granger himself, yet the Coalition has his ‘X’, since he had to sing for his supper to retain his position at the Guyana Gold Board.

Granger led the most corrupt version of the PNC, and Lall touted him as the leader who has ‘what is required to keep Guyana on the right track’. It defies any moral standard and logic that Lall would support a leader who was on the verge of becoming the worst version of Burnham, plunging Guyana once again into the abyss of dictatorial rule, on the verge of bankrupting the country, and ushering in a new wave of suffering and deprivation.

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo saved this country from that impending dictatorship, and once again Guyanese can breathe the fresh air of democracy and live the good life which was elusive under the Coalition. Now Lall wants to reinforce his poisonous view using the Vice News interview, which is aptly summarised by the Chinese Ambassador as having “a predetermined agenda” with “a malicious purpose”, intending to smear the Guyana-China relationship, and which “failed to pin him (Jagdeo) on any type of corruption”.

We cannot ask for more, the Ambassador has said it all. But Lall has his agen-

da and malicious purpose, which dates back prior to 2015, and his writings since then ensure that he is looked upon favourably by the Coalition.

In September 2013, a letter writer wrote in the local media that, ‘Rodney was a menace to Burnham, and Lall is causing trouble for this current Government’.

This was in reference to the then PPP/C Government.

Since before 2015, Lall had this agenda, and he found a readily available ally in the Coalition. Lall supported the corrupt Coalition for 5 years, and then emerged once again “causing trouble for this current Government”, but not once did he “feel the pain, hurt and despair” of the thousands who lost their jobs under the Coalition, including over 7,000 sugar workers and the Guyanese masses who saw their standard of living being eroded on a daily basis.

He was blinded to the large-scale thievery which existed then. He conveniently heard no evil and saw no evil.

Lall is the ‘damaged goods’ he wrote about, and should take a deep reflection of himself. Has he said or written against the 5-monthlong attempt by the Coalition to rig the 2020 Elections?

Has he written against any of the corrupt acts of the Coalition, as exposed by the Auditor General’s Reports and the Public Accounts Committee? Why would he write 3 letters to support the Vice News’ interview, which has yet to prove acts of corruption against Vice President Jagdeo, and never write a word against the Coalition’s lawlessness and corruption? Is he so blinded

by the ‘soup’ he drank under the Coalition? It is conclusive that Lall has an axe to grind with the PPP/C, and this has been magnified in greater proportion since he was removed as the General Manager.

Whilst in January Lall wrote openly that he supported the Coalition, in August 2020, he wrote, “As many know, I am a returnee, a virtual stranger here.

I have never been affiliated with a political party, never attended a political meeting or rally, or any such thing; did not know any of the political principals from any side of the divide”. Was this a true statement? This is hypocrisy to the core. Where is the moral fortitude he loves to preach about?

Vice President Jagdeo has shown his great statesmanship and intellectual capacity throughout the Vice News’ interview, and conducted himself as a true gentleman should, despite harsh and provocative allegations levelled against him repeatedly by Isobel Yeung.

At the end, he clearly stated his Government’s vision for Guyana. He is a true leader, and has displayed those qualities again and again.

In conclusion, Lall feels that only he has the right to his opinion, warped and biased as it is. Only he has the moral and intellectual capacity to pronounce on all issues, and be judgmental; only he can discern who is a good leader and who should be; and only he can decide what is wrong and what is right; and only he can decide what is good or bad for Guyana and its people.

political boundaries

Dear Editor, I've seen news reports that Trinidadian-owned oil sector company RAMPS Logistics attempted to circumvent our Local Content laws using nefarious means.

One news entity reported, "Many persons have rejected the move to use a Trinidadian with decades-old Guyanese heritage to satisfy the requirement in the law as “fronting” or a “rent a citizen” arrangement."

As a supporter of the opposition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), I find it appalling that it would support the actions of a foreign company that are inimical to the interests of Guyanese and

on the same lamp posts.

The Ministry responsible for this, and those who head it, should hang their heads in shame.

Your sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Sincerely, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region 10

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Act more responsibly with our National Flag Dear Editor, On every occasion that we have a national event, our National Flag is hung on lamp posts throughout the country. On every occasion after the event, our National Flag is left to hang in tatters

Guyanese-owned businesses. It is simply unpatriotic!

Though sad, the reality is that, as a Guyanese who is prepared to put the country first, I stand firm with the PPP/C Government, the Private Sector Commission, and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry on this one.

Trinidad has its own Local Content laws, which are strictly enforced and adhered to. Ensuring that Guyanese benefit from our oil and gas resources should transcend political boundaries.

I am deeply disappointed in the leadership of the APNU+AFC.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:30 13:30 (2021) 15:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 22:00 00:00

(Sign on) Inspirational Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering Movie - Monster High Freaky Fusion (2014) Indian Movie - '83 (2021) Movie - Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone Movie - Teen Beach (2013) Payless Power Hour Evangelistic Hour Hepzibah The Evening News Islam for Guyana Movie - Northern Lights (2008) Movie - The Contractor (2022) Sign off

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SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

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Foundation

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY

CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY

National Grade 6 Assessment 2019 Mathematics Paper 1

National Grade 6 Assessment 2019 English Language Paper 1

WORD SEARCH

7 Govt to clamp down on incumbrances on roadside from Monday NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…lawless behaviour cannot be condoned – Minister

A

fter urging persons to remove all hindrances and derelict objects along the public road network last week, the Public Works Ministry will be rolling out an exercise from Monday to remove all incumbrances across the country.

This was revealed by sub-

ject Minister, Juan Edghill, who noted that the notice served as voluntary compliance by citizens but this will no longer apply come next week.

“That period of asking to move is over. As of Monday, the Ministry of Public Works will begin to move derelicts, sand, stone, de-

bris – everything that is in the path and is encumbering the road shoulders throughout the length and breadth of Guyana,” he posited.

In fact, he revealed that persons over the past week, have been contacting the Ministry to look into specific areas where such incumbrances are posing dangers.

US$106M contract signed...

Design consultancy

While contract for the construction of the 7.8 km road was signed on Friday, the Public Works Ministry is expected to sign another US$3.2 million contract for supervisory services to be provided by Rites Limited out of India next week.

RITES Limited, an engineering consultancy company, had conducted a 10-month design consultancy, which produced a Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining the draft final design of the bypass road and recommended a four-lane highway as most feasible.

Back in 2015, the Indian

Government had provided the US$50 million credit line for the road link that was initially slated for Ogle to Diamond, EBD. However, the project cost was driven up to over $208 million by the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government and the project languished under them.

However, when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government took office in 2020, it redesigned the project into two phases to fit the LOC – first from Ogle to Haags Bosch road in Eccles, which is about 48-50 per cent of the project, and then from

FROM PAGE 3

Eccles to Diamond – in order to fit the US$50 million LOC. The Guyana Government will be undertaking the extension from Diamond all the way to Timehri.

It was announced in January of this year that Ashoka Buildcon Limited won the contract to construct the road, ahead of two other Indian companies. Ashoka has built a number of bridges and roads. According to the company’s website, it even built a bridge in 38 days, namely the Mandve Bridge near Pandharpur, India. The company said the bridge was supposed to be built in 12 months. (G8)

The Ministry, in its notice, had reminded that the road reserve is the property of the Government and persons who have been occupying and encroaching these reserves have made it unsafe for all road users.

As such, the Public Works Ministry sought to have persons remove all encroachment on road reserves. These include derelict vehicles or equipment, immovable vehicles, hardware stores, barber shops, rum shops, builder’s waste, roadside shop, car parks, sawmills, cargo containers, scrap iron dealers, sand or stone heap, mobile vending cart, tyre servicing, mud dumping, workshop, non-derelict object, concrete mixing, non-approved sign board, paddy drying, raised driveway and mechanic shop.

The Ministry said it will use appropriate measures against those who fail to comply and have those encumbrances removed and charges will be administered in accordance with Chapter 51:01 of the Road Act of the Laws of Guyana.

But with a few days remaining until Monday’s clamp down exercise, Minister Edghill is urging persons to comply.

“We still got some time… we gotto do some cleaning up, we gotto do some movements. We gotta do some changes. If not, the Ministry of Public Works will remove [the incumbrances] and if you come to claim it, the only way you will get it is if you pay us what it cost us to

move it,” he asserted.

The Public Works Minister went on to assure that they are not going to interfere with persons who are currently engaging in construction work and have materials such as sand and stones on the roadside. But those who have such items and others for a lengthy time will face the heat.

Moreover, the Public Works Minister was also quick to clarify that by clearing the road reserves of not just derelicts but other incumbrances as well, it is not Government’s intention to rid persons who operate on the roadside of their means of livelihoods.

Balancing development or hindrance to development

“We want you to make a living. President Irfaan Ali is clear in his directions to us about not interrupting life and livelihoods of people but that doesn’t mean that you have to block and interfere with the development that is taking [place].

We gotta marry the two things together in a balanced way.” “[But] then we have a set of people who believe they own the Government reserves that they now putting in wooden pickets to prevent parking and anybody going close to them; and they’re putting big bricks and boulders. It might be a good thing in your head but it is a very difficult and dangerous thing for security, safety and for the saving of life,” he contended.

Edghill made these re-

marks on Friday at the contract signing for the Ogle-toEccles bypass road project.

At the Ogle, East Coast Demerara end of the fourlane alignment, local engineers were forced to call in the Police after persons occupying the Government reserves refused to move in order to make way for preparatory works for Friday’s sod-turning on the road alignment.

The Public Works Minister contended that such lawless behaviour cannot be condoned.

“I want to send a clear message, lawlessness and recklessness and those who have ulterior motives – whether they are being fuelled by political agenda or not – will not stop President Irfaan Ali and his Administration from executing what we have committed and promised the people of Guyana, that is, to transform and modernise Guyana. It will not stop us,” he asserted.

According to Edghill, persons have to adjust their thinking, especially when it comes to such big projects that transform the landscape of the country and benefits thousands of residents.

“If somebody comes out with a dog food stand or a cart selling food, or somebody decides to go on the reserves and wash a car – calling it a car wash, should we allow as a country that to stop Guyana’s development?... We can’t allow that,” the Minister stressed.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The worm has turned... …in being Guyanese!

W

ho woulda ever thought??! A Trini trying to prove he’s actually a Guyanese!! The heavens gotta be falling…Oh mores!!…Oh tempora!!

Your Eyewitness was once hanging out at Curepe Junction, having doubles and coconut water with some Trini friends in the mid-nineties. One of them did something real ignaar, and one friend screamed at him, “Boi!! Yuh behavin’ like a REAL Guyanese!!” That’s right - being Guyanese then was the epitome of being beyond the (civilised) pale!!

Your Eyewitness, of course, is talking about that Trini company operating in Guyana and trying to satisfy our Local Content requirements for his logistics portfolio. Seems that while he has the requisite number of Guyanese hired as workers, and in management positions etc, the ownership structure needs to be 51% red-blooded Guyanese!! Man, your Eyewitness is so proud when he reads that!! Big up the Government for putting it in place!! And this is where the Trini company seems to be playing fast and loose with the law!!

They claim to have a Guyanese who plunked in US$1 million, or Gy$210 million, to pick up 51% of the common shares - and thus become majority owner. The “Guyanese”, however, just happens to be the grandson and son of Guyanese who were born in Guyana but left eons ago for jolly old England. They then picked up some skills over there, and moved down to Trinidad to set up a machining and mechanical repair facility in the 1980s.

Pretty much like what that fella did who set up Guysons – but he'd returned directly from England to our dear old mudland!!

THIS Guyanese never ever probably even set foot on Guyanese soil before he came in to apply and pick up his Guyanese passport a year ago!! Still doesn’t live here!!

The Trini company is using the LETTER of the law – that the child of a Guyanese born anywhere in the world is a “Guyanese”, and can get a Guyanese passport – as his sole criterion for satisfying the Local Content law!! Now, that’s a bit disingenuous, isn’t it??

Right off the bat, we gotta ask, “What’s the INTENT of the LC Legislation?” Isn’t it that the Guyanese ownership would ensure that the profits earned remain in Guyana to develop Guyana?? Now, all that we’ll get from this “Guyanese owner” is the money he paid for the Guyanese passport!! This can’t be right, can it?? We hear that the Trini company will take the Guyana Govt (by implication) to court. Well, let them bring it on!!

Trinidad passed their Local Content law in 2004 as “Local content & Local participation Policy and Framework” that put ours to shame!!

If it’s war they want, then it’s war they’ll get!! …in the USA The dramatic shift of American opinion continues to move rightwards. The most dramatic confirmation just came with their Supreme Court’s reversal of their women’s right to abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy!! This has been a landmark case for 49 years - since 1973 – that signalled a liberal ascendancy in social, cultural, and political matters. If we needed any proof that the wave didn’t end with the ouster of Trump, then this is it!!

We can now expect that Biden will face renewed attacks from a reinvigorated Republican base and party on all their favourite issues – gun control – or lack thereof (which the Supremes expanded a few days before); antiimmigrant legislation; more policing of minorities, etc…etc.

And since the dictum that “all politics is local”, he’ll have to shift rightwards overseas – not that he was any liberal, to begin with!!

For us in Guyana, that means he’ll have to quit cosying up to the dictator next door – Maduro – and insist he joins the democratic club – or else!! …in the Commonwealth Baroness Scotland of Dominica was returned to the post of Commonwealth Secretary General – just as the group was meeting in Rwanda. It was a stinging rebuff of Britain, who wanted her out.

And lobbied for it!!

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

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teacher charged for attempting to obstruct justice

…as brother, friend charged for ganja possession

Charged: Seeranie Rameshwar

Charged: Nicolas Osborne

38-year-old teacher of Schoonord, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was on Friday charged for Attempting to Obstruct the Course of Justice - Contrary to Section 330 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Seeranie Rameshwar appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Wales Magistrate’s Court, where charge was read to her.

bag, then he drove off.

Osborne, after taking possession of the plastic bag, rode off on his bicycle in the direction of the Police ranks.

He was pursued by the officers and apprehended.

Police said they opened the bag in his presence and found leaves, seeds, and stems of cannabis. He was also found with a black toy gun in the waist of his pants.

After the discovery, he

A

The money that was used to bribe the officers

Rameshwar pleaded not guilty to the charge and was subsequently placed on $200,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to July 7.

M e a n w h i l e , Rameshwar’s brother, Davanand Rambarran, 40, of Vriesland, WBD, and Nicolas Osborne, 25, a labourer of Sister’s Village, WCD, were also charged on Friday for the possession of narcotics.

The duo appeared at the Wales Magistrate’s Court to answer the joint charge.

They also appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Both men denied the charge.

Police said at around 13:00h on Tuesday a team of their ranks headed by a cadet officer went to Wales Public Road, WBD, where the ranks observed Osborne sitting on a bicycle in the vicinity of the Wales Police Station.

As the ranks continued to observe, they said they saw motor car PAB 228, which was at the time driven by Rambarran, drive up alongside Osborne and hand him a black bulky plastic

was escorted along with the cannabis and the toy gun to the Wales Police Station where he was kept in Police custody.

The ranks then went to the home of Rambarran, where he was contacted and told of the offence.

At the Police station, the cannabis was weighed by the Police in their presence, and it amounted to 481 grams.

The two suspects were then escorted to the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, where they were placed into custody. They both pleaded not guilty to the charge and were placed on $300,000 bail each.

The matter was adjourned to July 24.

On the same day at about 14:35h, Police said Rameshwar’s sister, Seeranie, allegedly went to the La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, where she contacted a Police rank in the presence of another rank, and allegedly told him that she would offer him $300,000 to have the charge against her brother dropped.

The rank then informed

Charged: Davanand Rambarran

his superior of Rameshwar’s intention and when she allegedly handed over the sum of money, which amounted to $280,000 to the rank, she was arrested.

10

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GNBS seizes, destroys over 5000 substandard electrical fittings

I

nspectors of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Product Compliance Department on Friday destroyed more than 5000 pieces of substandard electrical fittings seized from businesses.

A statement from the GNBS stated that these fittings were seized during the months of May and June, 2022.

The poor quality and improperly labelled items were discovered and confiscated during the ongoing coun-

trywide surveillance activities to rid the marketplace of products monitored by the GNBS, that do not meet the requirements of the respective National Standards.

Many of the seized items were held for the stipulated 21-day period as the GNBS

Some of the electrical items that were destroyed after failing compliance

awaited the submission of test certificates by importers and dealers attesting to their quality. These stakeholders failed to submit valid test certificates which prompted the destruction and disposal of the products.

The destroyed items include 5000 pieces of extension cords, lamp holders, receptacles, power strips, cables, electrical breakers, and plugs.

“The monitoring of products by the GNBS through inspections at the ports of entry, and sale outlets remains crucial to ensure user safety and value for money,” the entity stated.

Nevertheless, the Bureau said it will continue to aggressively monitor the 17 categories of products falling under its purview to ensure adherence to quality and labelling

requirements.

Importers and dealers are urged to understand and adhere to the requirements for products imported and offered for sale to ensure compliance and consumer safety.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards National Standards Act of 1984 and its amendment of 1997 ensures that products offered for sale conform to the requirements of Compulsory National Standards.

“National Standards are available for a wide cross section of commodities imported into Guyana or manufactured locally. Upon importation, products monitored by the GNBS are automatically flagged by the ASYCUDA World System based on their HS Codes. Inspections are conducted at the ports of entry, points of sale, or at importer’s warehouses and bonds,” the Bureau has outlined.

Products manufactured locally or imported that are found to be in compliance with their relevant National Standards are released to suppliers. However, in instances where products fail to conform to the requirements, the appropriate enforcement actions are taken by the GNBS. These include seizure, request for relabelling submission of the requisite test certificates. In some cases, non-conforming products are destroyed, or importers are asked to reship to their country of origin. (G12)

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lethem man dies Realtor Association of Guyana in motorcycle crash wants legislation for sector

A

42-year-old man is now dead after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into a median on Monday on the Barrack Retreat Public Road Lethem, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Dead is Benito Barrington Lochinvar of Lethem, Central Rupununi.

The incident occurred at about 23:40h as Lochinvar was riding motorcycle CL 5649.

Police said that prior to the accident, Lochinvar was allegedly imbibing alcohol at a shop in Lethem and left proceeding west along Barrack Retreat Public Road on his motorcycle. He was allegedly riding at a fast rate of speed and was not wearing a safety helmet “…he was swerving side to side on the roadway when he lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into a nearby median, receiving several injuries about his head and body as a result,” the report stated Police said Lochinvar managed to get back up and attempted to ride further but fell to the ground again where he sustained addi-

T

Dead: Benito Barrington Lochinvar

tional injuries. He was subsequently picked up in an unconscious state by medical personnel and escorted to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Lochinvar’s body on Tuesday

by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh revealed that the man died as a result of multiple injuries due to the motorcycle incident.

The man’s body has since been handed over to his relatives for funeral arrangements. (G9)

he newly launched Realtor Association of Guyana is driving efforts to have the sector regulated through the introduction of a legislative framework, in protecting all stakeholders involved in the realty process.

President of the Realtor Association of Guyana, Chief Samsair outlined that while the real estate industry is one of the largest sectors, there is minimal regulatory structure in place.

“Our network of industry professionals aims to protect the integrity of this industry by enabling a stronger sense of accountability and professionalism within the real estate landscape.

Immediately, we strive to bring realtors together to build this Association into a driving force behind legislative advancement. Our long-term strategy is to establish ourselves as the official body that liaise with all public ministries in matters pertaining to real estate in Guyana,” Samsair explained.

A legislation committee has been established, in pursuing their advocacy for real

estate legislation to enhance protection for buyers, sellers and real estate agents.

“Model legislation was already submitted to the Attorney General’s office for review and consultation, with the aim of formulising a Real Estate Act of Guyana.

The Membership Committee is committed to developing programmes to benefit its members across the country. We provide a platform for listing, advertising and networking with like-minded individuals within the industry.”

Samsair said the Association is also working on a course for individuals interested in pursuing a career in real estate.

Chairman of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Timothy Tucker underscored that too long has the private sector and public faced corruption or been swindled by real estate agents.

“It’s important when you have this coming together of reputable persons, reputable businesses, businesses with international names forming an association so that they can protect the industry that they work in and represent. From the GCCI’s standpoint, we know this very well,” Tucker stressed.

Attorney General, Senior

Realtor Association of Guyana President, Chief Samsair

Counsel Anil Nandlall stated that with Guyana is one of the most sought-after countries in this part of the hemisphere, but as first-generation Guyanese to witness the transformation into an oil producing nation brings responsibilities.

“It means that the task that we have on our hands does not make us only special, but it creates upon or shoulders, a responsibility and a lot of hard work. We have to actually build this country. Every facet of this country has to be rebuilt and be modernised. We have, fortunately, the resources and developmental partnerships available to us to

achieve this seminal objective,” Nandlall told stakeholders.

The AG underscored that Government is working to have a vibrant and extensive legislative agenda, and some of the current laws have already been revamped since the administration took office in 2020.

“We’re doing that in every single sector. In terms of modernising our structure of doing business in Government, we have an E-transaction Bill that we’re currently finishing off so that we can move more freely and readily to paperless transactions and systems of payment.” (G12)

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

112 new COVID-19 cases recorded GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JUNE 24, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

112 20 862

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

1

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

36,248

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

30,699

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

66,947

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

64,814

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2556

REGION 2

2867

REGION 3

8384

REGION 4

33,238

REGION 5

2465

REGION 6

6440

REGION 7

2472

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4076

REGION 10

3563

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

443,177 342,918 1249

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.

T

otal infections of COVID-19 in Guyana have reached 66,947, after another 112 new cases were reported on Friday.

There are still 1249 confirmed deaths, with two persons in the Intensive Care Unit. From the latest dashboard, 20 persons are in institutional isolation, 862 in home isolation and one in institutional quarantine.

Additionally, a total of 64,814 persons have recovered – of which 76 were new. However, almost 900 active infections are still being monitored across health facilities.

Meanwhile, 656,135 tests have been processed to date.

An analysis shows new cases dispersed across seven administrative regions, with four in Region One (Barima-Waini), 12 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 14 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 73 in

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), six in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), two in region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and three in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new reported cases in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Latest vaccination figures show that so far, more than 443,177 or 86.4 per cent of adults have taken a first dose, while some 342,918 or 66.8 per cent of persons 18 years and over are fully vaccinated.

For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, just over 25,500 or 35 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Vaccination is also available for children within the ages of five and 11 years, hundreds of whom have already received a first dose.

In addition, in excess of 67,500 persons have returned for their third-dose booster shots thus far.

This month, Government lifted the COVID-19 testing requirement for international travel. Travellers 12 years and older are still required to be fully vaccinated for entry into Guyana.

This is currently the only requirement needed to pass through the ports of entry.

According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recent figures, about 537 million confirmed cases were reported globally along with 6.3 million deaths.

In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases are pegged at over 160 million with a death toll of 2.7 million.

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

(G12)

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 25,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Breaking chain of drug abuse among youths must start now – CMO I

ncreased use of drugs in schools and the possibility of students developing lifelong drug abuse habits can only cease if authorities implement stringent measures to prevent this scourge from spiralling out of control.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Narine Singh shared this assessment of the situation on the observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday.

According to him, the issues that have caught the attention of authorities in recent times have been the use of drugs in schools and increased alcohol abuse and smoking among the younger population.

Commenting on the situation, Dr Singh vocalised, “We recognise the problem of drug abuse in the schools is increasing, and we need to tackle it. It is an increasing problem, every day, we hear different students are getting involved in drug use. It is an opportunity for us to work with the school clubs. A lot of things start in the schools, and later in the adult life; we see the full picture, we can break that chain.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Narine Singh

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other bodies have been working with the Ministry in addressing this subject. The Education Ministry has also been engaged in reaching into the school population and targeting adolescents involved in such practices; and also, to spread awareness.

The Chief Medical Officer pointed out that, very often, alcohol is dismissed as a matter of drug. However, there is a strong connection between drug abuse of any

nature and mental health.

“Sometimes we dismiss it (alcohol) as something social and acceptable, but alcohol abuse is happening, and not only the health effects but also the social and economic impacts it has on its abuse…

“There is a strong relationship between mental health and drug abuse.

That’s why substance abuse disorder is one of the diseases you will see under psychiatric illnesses. It is a mental illness, and it is recognised as a mental illness. That’s where we come in, because

drug use disorders, we have to deal with it,” he stressed.

Resources have been injected into the Drug Demand Reduction Unit and Mental Health Unit amid the scourge of drug abuse in society, which is on the rise.

Psychologists have been deployed to all administrative regions, but having realised there isn’t enough psychiatrists in the system, the Ministry has been working to fill this gap.

Recognising that rehabilitation is of paramount importance after persons are prosecuted, the senior health official said, efforts are also directed at the prison system, to engage inmates.

Singh detailed that while the Health Ministry can address addiction and other health matters in relation to drug abuse, the issue of supply is outside of its ambit.

“This problem is not a Ministry of Health problem alone. It’s a problem that needs a lot of collaboration…

The Ministry of Health recognises that it is a major challenge, and it is becoming more challenging recently,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Mission at the

US Embassy, Mark Cullinane, pointed out that in many nations, drug addiction and trafficking have a plethora of negative effects.

The US Government has announced continued support in handling some of these issues in Guyana.

“We know, from experience, the effects of drug addiction and drug trafficking are almost too numerous to list. We know of the health implications, the cost to the economy, impact to security in our neighbourhoods.

These are all topics that demand deeper attention and discussion. And the United States is right here with you and with the Government of Guyana in tackling some of

these issues,” Cullinane revealed.

In the drug trade, Guyana has been dubbed a trans-shipment port to supply larger markets. But according to the Chief of Mission, products ‘fall off the wagon’ and have an enormous impact on institutions.

“On this issue of trafficking, the United States Department of State: Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, our Office of Diplomatic Security and our Drug Enforcement Agency, all have a presence here in Guyana, with some focus on assistance to build Guyana’s capacity to fight drug trafficking.” (G12)

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPHC helps couple conceive via artificial insemination …calls made for reproductive unit

fertility treatment.

Bibi and Zaheer Hidar both expressed their happiness and thanks to the team of doctors and nurses who assisted them throughout the process.

“He did a great job,” Zaheer said, addressing Dr Rozan.

Meanwhile, Dr Lucio Pedro, the Consultant Obstetrician and Head of Gynaecology at the Maternity Unit at the GPHC said there will be a need for Government support if a reproductive unit is to be established at the hospital.

Along with Dr Rozan and Dr Pedro; Dr Natasha France; Dr Latchmi Nandalall, and Dr Nirvani Singh were a part of the medical team. (G2)

Mother and father, Bibi and Zaheer Hidar, along with their newborn and the GPHC medical team

A

reproductive unit is needed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after the healthcare institution has successfully completed its first artificial insemination (AI) procedure.

This call was made by Dr Rafi Rozan on Thursday who was at the time announcing the historic procedure at GPHC where a couple after

16 years of trying to conceive were able to welcome a baby via AI at GPHC. Dr Rozan, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, expressed that if the hospital is to see more of such cases, there would be a need for a reproductive unit to facilitate the kind of specialised care such cases require. He said that the unit will also have to be equipped with expert equip-

16 UG students to complete practical assessment at GPS

The interns who will be undergoing their practical assessments at the GPS

F

ollowing a mutually agreed partnership between the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and the University of Guyana’s (UG’s) Department of Sociology, 16 final-year Social Work Masters’ students will complete their practical assessment at various prison locations countrywide.

The students are required to complete 280 hours of assessment in ten weeks.

At the Social Work Practicum Orientation Ceremony held on Thursday at the University of Guyana, Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot said the assessment would enable interns to acquire knowledge and a greater understanding of the roles and functions of the Guyana Prison Service.

“It will also enhance your research, analytical, observational and evaluative skills, and enhance your ability to acquire practical knowledge and develop a professional orien-

tation towards the Prison System”, Elliot related.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Coordinator of the Post Graduate Studies at the University of Guyana, Debbie Hopkinson, said the final-year assessment is a valuable research experience for undergraduates, and can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the Masters’ course.

The Officer in Charge of Prisoners’ Welfare and Corrections, Marielle Bristol-Grant, urged the interns to not approach the venture with fear, but to be courageous, confident, and assertive, while reminding them that helping professions are never easy, and require dedication.

Meanwhile, during the ceremony, the students were given insights on the legal framework of the Prison Service, roles and functions of a Welfare Officer, Emergency Response Procedure, and Operation Prison Protocol.

(G9)

ment suitable for the procedure.

In a historic procedure at the GPHC, new mom Bibi Hidar gave birth to a bouncing baby girl. The 39-yearold woman, who has type two diabetes and her husband, Zaheer Hidar, were able to conceived after several sessions of intrauterine insemination (IUI).

A team of doctors and

nurses led by Dr Rozan successfully delivered 2650-gram baby Niomi on Thursday morning.

Artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves inserting the male partner's (or donor's) prepared semen through the neck of the womb (cervix) and into the uterus, close to the time of ovulation. It is a simpler, less invasive form of

16 NEWS Swollen rivers pose serious concern amid current flooding – Edghill SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…Speightland gets $8M drainage intervention

I

ntervention to mitigate flooding across several regions in the country will be activated while simultaneously delivering relief supplies, to alleviate the suffering of affected residents.

This was the position taken by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill as he engaged residents of Speightland, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

This is part of Cabinet’s response to the ongoing flooding conditions that have affected communities.

Based on reports, Speightland, Rock Stone, Kwakwani and Landers Ville have experienced unusually higher volumes of water within Region 10.

However, water from the Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo Rivers are rising above normal, adding to the devastation.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engaging residents of Speightland during the outreach

“What we see happening now is that there is flooding in the highland and hinterland regions, especially with the rivers swelling to heights that we did not see before. The report in the

Berbice River is that it is swollen two feet higher than normal levels. Here in the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers, the waters have also swollen,” Edghill told residents.

Emergency procurement for contractors have been undertaken, and works to the tune of $8 million will be carried out in Speightland to combat the flooding situation. This project will commence by next weekend.

“I’m happy that there is an intervention, there is an organised programme for drainage for Speightland,” the Public Works Minister

related.

Additionally, there are plans to upgrade the roads throughout Speightland in excess of $40 million in the coming weeks. Throughout the engagement, residents were given the opportunity to share areas where additional assistance is required.

Meanwhile, flood relief supplies have been sent to several regions countrywide.

Government, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), has disseminated over 700 food and cleaning hampers, along with several other relief items within the past two weeks.

At Mahaicony Creek, 200 food hampers, 100 cleaning hampers and 100 water purification tablets were distributed.

Mahaica Creek received 150 food hampers, 150 cleaning hampers and 75 water purification tablets.

Residents of Little Baiboo benefitted from 35 food hampers and cleaning hampers, respectively. At Moraikobai, 200 food hampers and 200 cleaning hampers were distributed.

Affected persons in

Linden received 120 hampers while those in Mahdia received 60.

At Kokerite in Region One (Barima-Waini), 100 food hampers, 100 cleaning hampers, 15 mattresses, 10 bales of toilet paper, 75 pairs of long boots, 5 mops, 10 buckets, 20,000 water purification tablets were delivered.

New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) benefitted from 200 cleaning hampers while El Paso, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) received 30 food hampers and 30 cleaning hampers Currently, relief items procured in Lethem are being packed for distribution in that area. Also, supplies are being prepared to be sent to Regions Five, Seven, Eight and 10.

The CDC has implored that all residents remain vigilant and cautious during this rainy season and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Culture, people-to-people exchange important parts of Guyana-China relations – Ambassador

China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan

C

hinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan at the opening of the Chinese Film Festival said that culture and people-to-people exchanges between China and Guyana are an important part of the Guyana-China diplomatic relationship.

The Chinese Embassy in Guyana’s Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday with an exclusive screening at MovieTowne.

Ambassador Haiyan said that people are the beneficiaries and contributors to the Guyana-China relationship.

“Culture and people-to-people exchanges are important part of our relations of our China-Guyana friendship. People are the beneficiaries and contributors to our relations. So, we planned a series of events in culture and sports in celebration of this historical mo-

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson speaking at the Chinese Film Festival at MovieTowne, Guyana

P

rince Charles has told Commonwealth leaders he cannot describe "the depths of his personal sorrow" at the suffering caused by the slave trade.

Speaking in Rwanda, he said the potential of the family of nations could only be realised by acknowledging the wrongs that had "shaped our past".

Charles added it was up to states to decide if they remained monarchies or became republics in the future.

He met Boris Johnson, amid reports he was critical of his Rwanda asylum plan.

But the prime minister refused to divulge what the pair discussed during their 15-minute meeting on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) - saying only they had a "good old chinwag".

In private remarks, the future king had reportedly described the UK government plan - which will see some asylum seekers sent to

Rwanda to claim asylum - as "appalling". Johnson also refused to say whether the UK had already given Rwanda £120m for its participation in the scheme, but said: "I'm confident that it will produce value for money." The two were representing the UK at the meeting of the 54 countries of the Commonwealth, of which the Queen is the head.

The summit of leaders was postponed in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid pandemic and has not been held for four years.

In his speech, Prince Charles - who is representing the Queen at the meeting - described how he was on a personal journey of discovery and was continuing to "deepen my own understanding of slavery's enduring impact".

He said he was aware the roots of the Commonwealth organisation "run deep into the most painful period of our history" and said acknowledging the wrongs of

the two countries over the half-century in commemoration of the upcoming 50th anniversary.

Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Charles Ramson also shared his excitement about the upcoming anniversary.

“The period of the relationship we have had for 50 years in the next few days is an opportunity for us to recognise that we control the world. We control the world so that there is a space for everyone and advance our current objectives

ment,” she said.

Haiyan had also noted that the Guyana-China relationship has a bright future ahead as the two nations share common development, philosophy, green development, and sustainable development strategy.

She stated that over the 50 long years, the two countries have achieved political and economic relations which Haiyan described as

Prince Charles apologises for slavery as Commonwealth leaders meet

Prince Charles speaking in Rwanda

of bilateral ties on June 27.

According to the Ambassador, a film festival was ideal for the continued celebrations as it showcases the Chinese culture and national spirit that she believes enhances mutual understanding for people of different cultures.

“Film is a window to show our country’s culture and national spirit and it’s also a breach to enhance mutual understanding for people from different cultures,” she explained.

On Monday, the embassy

the past was a "conversation whose time has come".

"I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many." This was a significant speech by Prince Charles for two particular reasons.

He acknowledged a past wrong and a future aspiration. The fact that he spoke about the slave trade in an African setting and to an audience which included many leaders from Africa and the Caribbean added to the resonance of his remarks.

It was, as he said, a "conversation whose time had come".

There was no apology as such for Britain's participation in the slave trade but there was an expression of personal sorrow.

Then on the constitutional debate within some of those Commonwealth countries which still have the British monarch as head of state he acknowledged that this was a decision - to remain as monarchies or become republics - which was entirely for them.

Even if they decided to transition to a new constitution (as Barbados did last November) this could be achieved with the Commonwealth framework without rancour.

All in all the impression was of a future British king and head of the Commonwealth keen to make his mark on two sensitive issues. (BBC)

Persons at the Chinese Embassy’s Film Festival in Guyana

mutually beneficial to both nations and their people.

Guyana and China will officially celebrate 50 years

launched an online photo exhibition displaying numerous interactions between

without destroying each other's objectives,” the Sports Minister said. (G2)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

Regional

Commonwealth’s royal succession stirs Latin America’s kids slid into education black unease among Caribbean members hole during pandemic C

I

n Bolivia’s highland city La Paz, Maribel Sanchez’s children spent much of the last two years huddling over a small smartphone screen to attend online classes amid a lengthy lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The two boys, aged 11 and eight, frequently missed lessons when their timetables collided as the family had no computer. Bolivian school children only finally returned to in-person classes in March this year, many still not full-time.

The story is echoed around the region from Mexico to Brazil.

Latin American has one of the worst records of school closures globally, according to a World Bank report, which shows children here faced almost 60 weeks of fully or partially closed schools between March 2020 and March this year.

That’s behind only South Asia and twice the level of Europe, Central and East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa or the Pacific. In North America there were long partial closures, but just seven weeks of full closures versus 29 in Latin America

Students wearing protective masks attend a class in person as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues, in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, June 22, 2022

and the Caribbean.

That threatens to take a generation of children in the region back a decade, some experts say, in terms of education levels, weighing on incomes and job prospects for years to come.

“With virtual classes, the little ones didn’t learn anything. They were distracted. My son, who’s in first grade, hasn’t learnt anything. Nothing!” Sanchez said while waiting to pick her children up outside a school in La Paz. Emanuela di Gropello, a researcher for the World Bank, said Latin America’s

school kids would see a 12 per cent decline in their lifetime earnings due to gaps in education during the pandemic.

“Those young people arriving in the labour market will basically see a long-term decline in their salaries,” she said.

In Argentina, Mercedes Porto at Fundacion Cimientos, which works with youths, said the school system has “lost” a cohort of students with some 1 million young people not returning to school after the period of virtual schooling.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

ommonwealth leaders settled in 2018 that Britain’s Prince Charles should succeed his mother Queen Elizabeth as head of the organisation, but as they gathered again in Rwanda some Caribbean member states were not at ease with the decision. The 54-nation club made up mostly of former British colonies presents itself as a partnership of equals and says the British monarch is not automatically its figurehead, yet so far the baton has passed from the queen’s father to herself to her son.

“It’s a matter that I think should be under review,” said Eamon Courtenay, Foreign Minister of Belize, one of 12 Commonwealth member states in the Caribbean, a region where post-colonial ties

Britain’s Prince Charles

with Britain are being questioned.

In November last year, Barbados ditched the queen as Head of State, with Charles standing sombrely in attendance as the royal standard was lowered in Bridgetown.

Since then, Jamaica has signalled it may soon follow suit.

Both nations remain members of the Commonwealth.

Caribbean Ministers who spoke to Reuters on the fringes of the Kigali summit said they had no problem with Charles as a person, but were uncomfortable with the symbolism of a royal succession.

Courtenay said that with former French colonies Gabon and Togo poised to join the Commonwealth, it made even less sense for the leadership to pass from one British monarch to the next. Charles has not addressed the succession issue in public. His son Prince William has said that what mattered to him was not who the Commonwealth chose to lead it but rather its potential to create a better future for its people. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Grenada’s outgoing PM congratulates new PM

L

eader of Grenada’s New National Party and Opposition Leader-elect Dr Keith Mitchell has congratulated Prime Ministerelect Dickon Mitchell on his victory at the polls following the general elections of June 23, 2022.

The two leaders spoke via telephone on Friday morning, during which he offered his best wishes.

Dr Mitchell said the elections are a testimony to the strength of Grenadian democracy. He said the people have spoken, and now he is willing

to give the new Government his support in promoting policies and programmes that will be for the benefit of the nation.

Former Prime Minister Mitchell said he fully understands the pressures and expectations that come with the job.

He promised to play a constructive role as Opposition Leader - stating that any opposition will be on philosophical issues that he thinks might be in the better interest of the country.

Dr Mitchell told the Prime Minister-elect that he can rest

assured that it will be nothing personal.

He said while he understands every new Government will come with different ideas and approaches, he will like the new Administration to positively consider not dismantling programmes that especially benefit ordinary people the most.

Dr Mitchell ended the call by wishing Mitchell (D) and the new Government well, saying that any success will be for the benefit of the entire nation. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazil’s Government mulls increase in welfare programme, senator says

B

razil’s Government is mulling a measure to increase its Auxilio Brasil welfare programme, in addition to raising the amount paid in gas vouchers and creating a fuel aid for truckers, the Government’s leader in the Senate said on Thursday.

The increase in the programme - to 600 reais (US$114.96) - would be part of a strategy by President Jair Bolsonaro’s Government to boost social spending ahead of

elections in October. The latest opinion poll showed Bolsonaro with 28 per cent of voters’ support compared with 47 per cent for former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

“There is a discussion about the possibility of increasing the welfare programme by 200 reais temporarily until the end of the year,” said Senator Carlos Portinho in an interview after a meeting with party leaders.

According to Portinho, the

intention is to allow those expenditures to bypass a constitutional spending cap due to the war in Ukraine and rising fuel prices, which are pressuring double-digit inflation in Latin America’s largest economy.

The Government is willing to put 30 billion reais on the table - a figure that would initially be used to compensate states for state fuel taxes they decided to cut, the senator said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Clashes in Ecuador as protests continue despite small concession

P

olice in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, have used tear gas to disperse Indigenous protesters who tried to storm the National Assembly on the 11th day of crippling demonstrations over rising fuel prices and living costs.

The confrontations on Thursday came after protesters won a concession from the Ecuadoran Government when President Guillermo Lasso, currently in isolation because of a COVID-19 infection, granted them access to a cultural centre emblematic of the Indigenous struggle but commandeered by police over the weekend.

However, later in the day, a group of Indigenous protesters, led by women, headed towards the National Assembly only to be pushed back by Police as violent clashes broke out.

Police fired tear gas shells while protesters threw rocks and fireworks.

Leonidas Iza, a protest leader who heads the Indigenous group CONAIE and who had earlier hailed the Government concession over the cultural centre as a “triumph for the struggle”, expressed concern over the clashes.

“This is a very bad sign, given we asked our base to march peacefully,” he said.

The protests, which start-

ed on June 13 amid anger over prices for fuel, food and other basics, have claimed the lives of three people and have seen the Government impose a state of emergency on six of the country’s 24 provinces.

An estimated 14,000 protesters are taking part in the mass show of discontent, and some 10,000 of them are in Quito, which is under a night curfew.

The protesters’ demands include a cut in already subsidised fuel prices which have risen sharply in recent months, as well as jobs, food price controls, and more public spending on healthcare and education. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Ukraine will need at least 10 years to demine its territory, official says

Oil settles up, but posts weekly decline on recession fears

O

il prices settled up by more than US$3 a barrel on Friday, supported by tight supply, but they notched their second weekly decline on concern that rising interest rates could push the world economy into recession.

Brent crude settled up US$3.07, or 2.8 per cent, at US$113.12 a barrel by 12:10 pm EDT (1610 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up US$3.35, or 3.2 per cent, at US$107.62.

The US Federal Reserve "was talking very hawkish which was undermining the oil rally, but sentiment is changing a little especially on strong economic data," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

On Thursday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank's focus on curbing inflation was "unconditional", adding to fears about more interest rate hikes.

A survey on Friday showed US consumer sentiment hit a record low in June even as the outlook for inflation improved slightly.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine exacerbated tight supplies this year just as demand has been recovering from the COVID pandemic, and oil came close to an all-time high of US$147 reached in 2008.

Crude has gained support from the almost total shutdown of output in OPEC member Libya due to unrest. On Thursday, the Libyan Oil Minister said the National Oil Corporation chairman was withholding production data from him, raising doubts over figures issued last week.

Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM said recession fears dominated sentiment, yet "the consensus remains that the oil market will see high demand and tight supply over the summer months, thereby limiting the downside."

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, meet on June 30 and are expected to stick to a plan to only slightly accelerate hikes in oil production in July and August.

US energy firms this week added oil and natural gas rigs for a second week in a row in a record 23-month streak of increases, as high crude prices and prodding by the Government prompted drillers to return to the wellpad, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

The latest weekly US oil inventory figures, which will give a snapshot of supply tightness in the top consumer, have been delayed to next week due to technical issues. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Military sappers inspect an area for mines and unexploded shells left after Russia's invasion in Kyiv Region, Ukraine, April 21, 2022

U

kraine will need at least a decade to clear all the mines and explosives from its land

and territorial waters once its war with Russia is over, an emergency services official said on Friday.

A

possible offences under modern slavery legislation. The child involved has been taken to safety and work was under way to provide additional support.

The couple appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court in London where the court was told the child involved was a 15-year-old boy, the BBC reported.

The prosecution told the court that the Attorney General's consent was required for the case to proceed because of jurisdictional issues, the BBC added, and the couple were remanded in custody until the next court appearance on July 7.

Neither Ekweremadu nor his wife could be reached for comment. (Excerpt from Reuters)

said.

"Just imagine the number of bombs that have been dropped on us by the enemy," the official told a news conference.

The first priority is to demine infrastructure, residential areas and roads, but it will take longer to clear woods, rivers and the coastline, he said.

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24 in what Moscow calls a "special military operation" to demilitarise Ukraine and rid it of dangerous nationalists.

Ukraine and its allies dismiss this as a baseless pretext to launch an unprovoked war of aggression.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Afghan earthquake survivors lack food, shelter as aid trickles in

S

urvivors of Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquake in more than two decades have been left without food, water, or shelter as they wait in devastated remote villages for aid.

Wednesday’s magnitude 5.9 earthquake in the rugged eastern provinces – which killed at least 1000 people and destroyed or damaged about 10,000 houses – has downed mobile phone towers and power lines while triggering rock and mudslides which blocked mountain roads.

State media reported that at least five people were killed and at least 11 injured when another, smaller earthquake struck the same area on Friday, just as aid was beginning to trickle in after initial difficulties reaching the affected provinces.

Al Jazeera’s Ali Latifi, reporting from Gardez in the eastern Paktia province, said, “While helicopters have been

instrumental in transferring the injured and providing assistance, there aren’t enough to go around.”

Mawlawi Khalid, commander of the Taliban’s 203 Mansoori Army Corps, told Al Jazeera that all helicopters had been brought from Kandahar and Kabul. “Of course we still need much more, there is still a shortage,” he said.

Authorities say the earthquake left about 2000 people wounded.

Ali Khan, a resident of the Gayan district of Paktika, told Al Jazeera the ground began shaking at approximately 1:30am local time. “My family – 10 people, including children – were killed,” he said.

Khan said finding medical help for his surviving relatives was impossible. “There is a private clinic but it’s 30 minutes away. There is no government hospital,” he said.

Nigerian couple charged with plotting to get child Boris Johnson under pressure to UK to harvest organs after UK election defeats Nigerian senator and his wife were remanded in custody in London on Thursday charged with plotting to have a 15-year-old boy brought into the United Kingdom to harvest his organs, the BBC and Police said.

Ike Ekweremadu, 60, and Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, 55, were both charged with conspiracy to arrange travel of another person with a view to exploitation, namely organ harvesting, Police said.

Ekweremadu is an opposition senator in the southern state of Enugu, and also a former Deputy Senate President.

Police said they had been alerted to the alleged plan following reports made of

Ukraine has managed to clear 620 square kilometres of land that were littered with thousands of explosive devices, including 2000 bombs dropped from the air, but nearly 300,000 square kilometres are still seen as "contaminated", the official said.

That is an area roughly half the size of Ukraine's territory, and about as large as Italy.

"Up to 10 years, that's the optimistic figure. Because we don't know what's happening on the territories where active combat is ongoing right now," Oleksandr Khorunzhiy, spokesperson for Ukraine's State Emergency Service,

B

oris Johnson's Conservatives lost two parliamentary seats on Friday, a new blow to Britain's Prime Minister who then lost a close ally with the surprise resignation of his party's chairman and faced renewed calls to quit.

In Rwanda for a meeting of Commonwealth nations, Johnson was defiant, pledging to listen to voters' concerns and do more to tackle a costof-living crisis after what he described as "tough" results in the two so-called by-elections.

The losses - one in the Conservatives' traditional southern heartlands and in a northern English industrial seat won from Labour in the last election - suggest the broad appeal Johnson presented to win the 2019 election may be fracturing.

Fears that Johnson could have become an electoral liability may prompt lawmak-

ers to move against him again after months of scandal over COVID-19 lockdown parties at a time when millions are struggling with rising food and fuel prices.

Johnson has so far resisted pressure to resign after he was fined for breaking lockdown rules at his Downing Street office.

This month, he survived a vote of confidence by Conservative lawmakers, though 41 per cent of his parliamentary colleagues voted to oust him, and he is under investigation by a committee over whether he intentionally misled Parliament.

A Conservative party source said Johnson was not concerned about further resignations from his Cabinet team of top Ministers and took a swipe at the media for what they called "misreporting" of lockdown parties. (Excerpt from Reuters)

In some of the worst affected districts, survivors said they were even struggling to find equipment to bury their

dead and lacked the most basic provisions. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Roe v Wade: US Supreme Court ends constitutional right to abortion

The abortion debate has divided America - and is unlikely to be settled by this Supreme Court decision

M

illions of women in the US will lose the constitutional right to abortion, after the Supreme Court overturned its 50-yearold Roe v Wade decision.

The judgement paves the way for individual states to ban the procedure.

Half are expected to introduce new restrictions or bans.

Thirteen have already passed so-called trigger laws to automatically outlaw abortion.

President Joe Biden described it as "a tragic error" and urged states to enact laws to allow the procedure.

After the Supreme Court ruling, abortion access is expected to be cut off for about 36 million women of reproductive age, according to research from Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organisation that provides abortions.

Demonstrators from both sides had gathered outside the court, with Police keeping them apart.

One anti-abortion activist told the BBC she was "elated" as her side cheered the decision. "It's not enough just to make this the law of the land. To be pro-life is to make

[abortion] unthinkable," she said.

Across the divide, prochoice supporters decried the decision as "illegitimate" and even a form of "fascism".

The BBC's Samantha Granville, reporting from an abortion clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas, said that as the ruling was posted, doors to the patient area were shut and the sound of distant sobbing could be heard before she was asked to leave. The state is one of those subject to a trigger law.

The landmark 1973 Roe v Wade case saw the Supreme Court rule by a vote of seven to two that a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy was protected by the US constitution.

The ruling gave American women an absolute right to an abortion in the first three months (trimester) of pregnancy, but allowed for restrictions in the second trimester and for prohibitions in the third.

But in the decades since, anti-abortion rulings have gradually pared back access in more than a dozen states.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Consider what makes you feel comfortable. Carry out lifestyle changes that put your mind at ease and give you a sound footing for what you want to pursue. Refuse to let anyone burden you.

Assess what's happening around you.

Don't feel pressured to make a life-altering decision if you aren't ready. Taking on too much will put you in a vulnerable position.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Set boundaries and a budget before entering a debate, bartering session or sensitive topic with someone who can impact your position or reputation.

Know what you are capable of before you make a commitment.

Don't skip a beat or lose sleep over something you cannot control. Make the most of your time by working with what you've got. Don't feel responsible for other people's mistakes. Do your best.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Rely on your street smarts to help you see clearly. An unexpected change will make you feel uneasy. Distance yourself from anyone trying to pressure you. Ask questions if you have them.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Keep your thoughts to yourself while listening and digesting what others say.

The information you gather will help you bring about a substantial lifestyle change. Protect your health.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Go on an adventure to test your intelligence and stamina. Include people you love in your plans, and you will enjoy a fun-filled day that brings you all closer.

Now's the time to be inspired.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Let go and move forward. Don't let uncertainty leave you in limbo. Consider your options and take a unique approach, and you'll discover how to best utilize your time. Put your energy where it counts.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Face emotions head-on and make changes to foster a happier environment. Look at all the variables before eliminating what doesn't fit into your plans. Follow your heart.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) You won't agree with everyone you encounter. Listen, but don't say or do something that leaves you in a precarious position. A change won't please everyone, but it will suit you.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Spending quality time at home will lift your spirits and encourage you to enjoy friends and family. Make decisions that put a smile on your face and wipe the pessimism and worry from your mind.

Let your emotions guide you, and you'll have the courage to adjust your life to suit your needs. Refuse to let others stand in your way.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

21

LIV Golf series…

DP World Tour fining and banning players who took part at Centurion P

layers who competed in June's Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf event have been banned from next month's Scottish Open and fined £100,000 by the DP World Tour.

The players can also find themselves not playing in the PGA Tour's Barbasol and Barracuda championships in July.

The Scottish Open is one of the DP World Tour's most lucrative events, and is used by many players as preparation for The Open, held the following week.

The PGA Tour suspended 17 members who played

in the inaugural LIV Golf event. The DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, has also warned players that "participation in a further conflicting tournament or tournaments without the required release may incur further sanctions".

Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell are the highest-profile DP World players who will be affected by these initial sanctions.

Players who have joined the LIV Golf series are allowed to play in the 150th

Open Championship at St Andrews.

The next LIV Golf tournament in the $250M (£200M) eight-event invitational series is scheduled to take place in Portland, Oregon from 30 June to 2 July.

South Africa's Charl Schwartzel claimed the first LIV Golf event at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire, winning $4.75M (£3.86M).

The Scottish Open will be co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour for the first time this year, as part of the 'strategic alliance' between the circuits.

GOA needs a special stimulus to be more pro-active Dear Editor, The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) must now wake up from its slumber and be more pro-active. While we are seeing the exit of the veteran GOA President Kalam Juman-Yassin, we must ask where is the Secretary General, Mr Hector Edwards, and the VicePresident, Mr Charles Corbin, along with several other executive members, who are undoubtedly tired and have become ineffective.

The New President of the GOA must be able to recruit a vibrant and effective Executive, which would work with the National Sports Associations and the Government to further develop sports in this country. Mr Yassin’s efforts, while admirable, were ultimately fruitless in attaining a medal at the Olympic Games during his tenure. While Mr Yassin was indeed elected as President of several National Associations and sports clubs, it must be asked: what did he achieve?

It cannot be denied that he effectively lobbied the PPP/C Government and received a plot of “prime land”, and the GOA

now can boast that they have a “Headquarters” building. However, while the lower flat is operable, the chaos that is the top floor must be completed. Hence, I would like to make a strong plea to the new executive to complete the building of the GOA’s Head Office, and ensure that it operates in the interest of the further development of sports in our country. That building must become a real national attraction and a source of inspiration to our people, especially to our sports personalities.

After serving for twenty-six years, ‘one generation’, he should not struggle to stay at the helm of the organisation; further, excuses of political interference only serve to diminish his legacy. Any successful leader must have a succession plan to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership. Whenever a leader fails to garner the unflinching support of his team, it is time for him to exist peacefully. Juman was a good friend to many persons, and he knew how to get along with his peers.

It is an understatement to say that elections are overdue in the GOA. The postponement of the IOC Games and the de-

liberate delays in holding the GOA elections are not encouraging. There have been serious discussions of change taking place since 2019. The IOC approval of age limit to 70 years is a positive step. The threeterm time limit is another step in the right direction, since it will give a President twelve years to perform and give his best to the organisation.

GOA was very consistent in its call for better sports facilities. However, with the construction of several world class facilities, the GOA failed miserably to achieve the quality of performance expected from our athletes. Instead, we are witnessing squabbles for trips abroad, and the GOA showing a desire to ingratiate itself with the sports administrators in order to win their support at GOA elections. The pervasion of such necrotic behaviour has only resulted in great hinderance to the development of sports.

While we appreciate Juman’s interest in sports, we must now stop sporting with sports, and get on with the business of truly developing sports in Guyana.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

It returns to The Renaissance Club from 7-10 July, and has attracted a high-class field, with Scottie Scheffler, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm among those signed up to compete for the £6.5M prize fund.

Keith Pelley, DP World Tour chief executive, has said: "Every action anyone takes in life comes with a consequence, and it is no different in professional sport, especially if a person chooses to break the rules. That

is what has occurred here with several of our members. Many members I have spoken to in recent weeks expressed the viewpoint that those who have chosen this route have not only disrespected them and our Tour, but also the meritocratic ecosystem of professional golf.

"Their actions are not fair to the majority of our membership, and undermine the Tour, which is why we are tak-

ing the action we have announced today."

Four-time major champion Brooks Koepka became the latest player to join LIV Golf earlier this week.

(BBC.COM)

22

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WI vs Bangladesh: Test series, Game 2 of 2…

Pacers shine as West Indies take early honours

W

est Indies came up with a good all-round show on Friday, Day 1 of the second Test against Bangladesh in Gros Islet, St Lucia, to gain early advantage.

On a pitch with variable bounce, the West Indies kept bowling the right channels and alternating between short and good length deliveries, and reaped rich rewards as they restricted Bangladesh to 234, despite Litton Das's 53.

Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales each bagged three wickets, while debutant Anderson Phillip and Kyle Mayers each picked up two.

In reply, John Campbell and Kraigg Brathwaite put on a positive opening stand to help the home team end the day at 67/2.

Brathwaite got off the mark with three runs off a straight drive, while Campbell struck two fours off Shoriful Islam in the opening over. Brathwaite punched away a delivery from Khaled Ahmed for his first four, while Campbell managed to reverse an lbw decision in the same over.

Both these openers continued to deal in boundaries as they raised the half-century stand in only 57 deliveries. Bangladesh used five bowling options to no avail, as the openers brought down the deficit to 167 runs at Stumps.

Tamim Iqbal was troubled

by Kemar Roach at the start of the day, but didn't miss out on scoring opportunities, as he flicked, drove and cut for regular boundaries, after Bangladesh were asked to bat.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who

St Lucia Prime Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire meeting the West Indies players was a bit watchful, assisted steady Bangladesh. Playing his their fourth wicket in the session Tamim in putting on a good first Test since September 2014, for the addition of only 33 runs, Anamul played some classy the onus was on the eighth-wicket partnership.

Having gone wicketless in drives while Najmul put away pair of Litton and Mehidy Hasan the first hour, the hosts managed the short balls. They added 37 to end the opening stand when runs before Anamul was out lbw debutant Anderson Phillip, to Phillip, with the umpire's call coming in place of Gudakesh being upheld upon review by the BANGLADESH 1ST INNINGS Motie, struck off his second ball, batter.

Tamim Iqbal c Blackwood b Joseph 46 While Anamul departed for as he beat Mahmudul on the Mahmudul Hasan Joy b Phillip 10 23, Najmul fell an over later for drive to shatter the stumps.

Najmul Hossain Shanto lbw b Mayers 26 Anamul Haque lbw b Phillip 23 Najmul Hossain Shanto 26, getting out leg-before to Kyle Litton Das c Brathwaite b Joseph 53 got his first boundary with an Mayers, with the umpire's call Shakib Al Hasan (c) b Seales 8 awkward pull off Phillip, while he again going in favour of West Nurul Hasan †c †Da Silva b Joseph 7 was in a lot more control when Indies.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz c sub (DC Thomas) b Mayers 9 Bangladesh continued to be he drove a full-length delivery Ebadot Hossain not out 21 past mid-on for his second four. troubled, as Shakib Al Hasan fell Shoriful Islam c Blackwood b Seales 26 Tamim was also finding the fence to Jayden Seales, dragging the Khaled Ahmed c Bonner b Seales 1 regularly, but the left-handed ball onto the stumps. Litton was Extras (lb 3, nb 1) 4 opener got out to a loose drive batting well at one end, but the TOTAL 64.2 Ov (RR: 3.63) 234 Fall of wickets: 1-41 (Mahmudul he attempted off Alzarri Joseph visitors suffered another setback, Hasan Joy, 12.2 ov), 2-68 (Tamim just before the lunch break, and as Nurul Hasan was dismissed by Iqbal, 22.3 ov), 3-105 (Anamul Haque, 33.4 ov), 4-105 (Najmul a well-directed short ball from fell short of a fifty by four runs.

Hossain Shanto, 34.2 ov), 5-125 Anamul Haque, included in Joseph.

(Shakib Al Hasan, 38.2 ov), 6-138 (Nurul Hasan, 43.4 ov), 7-165 With Bangladesh having lost the eleven in place of Mominul Haque, put on a promising partnership with Najmul to

to lead Bangladesh towards a respectable score. They added 27 runs before Mehidy fell in the second over after tea, slashing a wide one from Kyle Mayers to see substitute fielder Devon Thomas hold on to a stunning catch diving to his left at point.

With Ebadot Hossain at the other end, Litton started dealing in fours, as he registered a 66ball half-century. Even Ebadot managed a boundary off Roach, but the eighth wicket association, worth 26 runs, came to an end when Litton was early into a pull off Joseph and was caught at mid-on.

‘Bangladesh managed to cross 200 with Shoriful striking five boundaries off Roach. But Seales ensured Bangladesh did not reach 250, picking up the wickets of Shoriful and Khaled to finish with three scalps. (cricbuzz)

SCOREBOARD

Bartica Secondary, Three Miles Secondary are latest additions to golf programme

(Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 52.4 ov), 8-191 (Litton Das, 57.4 ov), 9-227 (Shoriful Islam, 62.3 ov), 10234 (Khaled Ahmed, 64.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 15-3-57-0 Jayden Seales 14.2-4-53-3 Alzarri Joseph 15-1-50-3 Anderson Phillip 9-1-30-2 Raymon Reifer 3-1-6-0 Kyle Mayers 8-0-35-2 WEST INDIES 1ST INNINGS Kraigg Brathwaite not out 30 John Campbell not out 32 Extras (lb 5) 5 TOTAL 16 Ov (RR: 4.18) 67 BOWLING O-M-R-W Shoriful Islam 6-3-19-0 Khaled Ahmed 3-0-17-0 Shakib Al Hasan 2-0-9-0 Ebadot Hossain 4-1-8-0 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 1-0-9-0

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Interested persons are asked to make contact with us on telephone number 500 – 1415, 638 – 4577 or 671 – 8445.

N

exgen Golf Academy and the Allied Arts Unit of the Ministry of Education continue their push to bring golf to every region in Guyana by end of 2022, and on Wednesday, Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall was on hand to see the excitement on the learners’ faces as equipment was donated to the Three Miles Secondary School by the MOE Allied Arts Unit, in partnership with the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy.

This joint effort has brought about an incredible awareness for a sport once considered to be just for the elite, making it open to every Guyanese. In just over a year, the development of the sport has seen many 'firsts' in the nation: 1) expansion to over 100 schools; 2) over 100 CSEC students taking golf as Physical Education elective; 3) recognition in international magazines in Suriname and Japan; and 4) over 10,000 persons now having access

VEHICLE FOR SALE to the sport.

Ms. Barker-King and Mr. Braithwaite of the MOE Allied Arts Unit have expressed their full support for the sport's introduction into the schools’ curriculum at all levels, and are hopeful that Guyana would become a dominant force in the region in golf, up to and including a potential Olympic team.

A seemingly impossible promise made two years ago by Hussain: to make golf a top rival for established sports such as cricket and football, can no longer be ignored as wishful thinking; the results are in, golf is here to stay, just look at the smiles on the participants’ faces.

The Nexgen Golf Academy, on Woolford Avenue in Georgetown, offers a unique training programme that boasts the ability to teach ANYONE how to hit a golf ball properly in less than five minutes. Stop by anytime and take up the challenge.

One Toyota Corolla. AE100 G.Touring Wagon. Tel.: 226-4705 Cell: 648-0558.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

Chief Instructor of ISKFGuyana, Christopher Chavez

By Timothy Jaikarran

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t a simple ceremony held yesterday at the National Park Dojo, the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) in Guyana signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Guyana Beverages Inc. According to Marketing Manager of Guyana Beverage Inc, Collis Venture, the company decided to take the step because it is big on human development.

ISKF-Guyana Chief Instructor Christopher Chavez is extremely grateful for the move made by the company.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Marketing Manager of Guyana Beverage Inc, Collis Venture

when asked by this publication at the ceremony why go into the realm of karate, Venture said, “We decided to sponsor ISKF-Guyana because, as a company, we are big on development. So, whether it is with our staff or the community at large, we have been, and will continue to be, big on human development, and will continue to support sportsmen. We have been supporting sports for many years. For example, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, he is a product of Guyana Beverage Inc, and also, as of late, there is Omari Glasgow, the football player.”

Venture noted that the

The karatekas hard at work

company has been supporting sports for many years, and has promised to continue doing so in the future. He explained that when the company was approached to sponsor ISKFGuyana, it was a no-brainer, because the company is big on supporting sportsmen and human development.

Also sharing his sentiments was Chief Instructor of ISKFGuyana, Christopher Chavez, who took the opportunity to thank the company for such an initiative, as it would, he said, benefit the organisation.

“It is an organisation that is made up of almost 80 percent youth, and it will be beneficial

to them. We have an active group training regularly, and

karate of course will help them to develop good character,

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physical fitness, discipline.

It will help them to become better citizens, better students, and to be integrated to make Guyana a better place,” Chavez posited.

Chavez explained that this would make them better youths, as it is his belief that youths are the future, and the initiative from the beverage giant is an excellent move.

The company, he said, should be complimented, as he is extremely grateful for such an important venture.

The Chief Instructor also promised to work along with the beverage company and promote their products, which is vital.

CG Insurance Women's Super50…

Windward Islands thump jaded

Leeward Islands in fifth-place play-off

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Windward Islands got their first win of the Super50 Cup

he Windward Islands have ended their campaign in the CG Insurance Women's Super50 Cup on a high note, having defeated the Leeward

Islands by 151 runs in the fifthplace play-off at Providence.

The Windward Islands posted 241-8 in 50 overs. In reply, the Leeward Islands managed only 90

SCOREBOARD Leeward Islands Women Batting Melicia Clarke b Glasgow 0 Rosalie Dolabaille lbw b Glasgow 3 Saneldo Willett run out 10 Arsheena Freeman c Fletcher b Etienne 4 Shawnisha Hector c Noel b Etienne 24 Terez Parker c Homer b Joseph 3 Tiffany Thorpe c Edward b Byron 20 Rozel Liburd b Byron 0 Davanna Claxton b Byron 15 Tonya Martin b Joseph 0 Tynetta McKoy not out 1 Total (10 wickets, 21.5) (10 extras) 90 FOW: 1/1 (0.4) Melicia Clarke 15/2 (4.1) Saneldo Willett 16/3 (6.2) Rosalie Dolabaille 32/4 (9.4) Arsheena Freeman 44/5 (11.1) Shawnisha Hector 70/6 (17.4) Tiffany Thorpe 70/7 (17.6) Rozel Liburd 70/8 (18.6) Terez Parker 78/9 (20.6) Tonya Martin 90/10 (21.5) Davanna Claxton Bowling Jannillea Glasgow (6-0-25-2) Pearl Etienne (6.0-1-20-2) Carena Noel (3-0-12-0) Tracy Byron (4.5-0-32-3)

Qiana Joseph (2-2-0-2) Windward Islands Women Batting Jannillea Glasgow b Edwards 22 Kimone Homer c Claxton b Liburd 28 Afy Fletcher b Edwards 15 Malika Edward c Edwards b Liburd 0 Zaida James c Claxton b Edwards 10 Japhina Joseph c Parker b Liburd 0 Qiana Joseph b Thorpe 30 Carena Noel not out 72 Ashlene Edward b Thorpe 10 Tracy Byron not out 3 Total (8 wickets, 50.0) (51 extras) 241 FOW: 57/1 (10.6) Jannillea Glasgow 87/2 (19.6) Kimone Homer 92/3 (21.2) Malika Edward 92/4 (22.6) Afy Fletcher 98/5 (23.3) Japhina Joseph 115/6 (28.4) Zaida James 165/7 (35.3) Qiana Joseph 190/8 (41.4) Carena Noel Bowling Tonya Martin (3-0-23-0) Shawnisha Hector (7-0-35-0) Tiffany Thorpe (10-0-47-2) Davanna Claxton (2-0-15-0) Amanda Edwards (10-1-30-3)

in 21.5 overs.

Having batted first, the Windward Islands reached 2418, with Carena Noel hitting an unbeaten 72 from 61 balls in a score that included nine fours.

Windward Islands lost half of their side with the score on 98, with only Janniellea Glasgow scoring 22 runs in the top five.

Qiana Joseph, batting at seven, and Noel, batting at eight, added 50 runs for the seventh wicket, while the opening stand yielded 57 runs. Amanda Edwards was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-30 in ten overs, while Rozel Liburd had 3-34 in ten overs.

In reply, Tracy Byron led a collective bowling effort as Leewards managed only 90, with Shawnisha Hector scoring 24.

Tiffany Thorpe chipped in with 20, but it was insufficient for the Leewards to chalk up their first win of the season.

Byron ended with good figures of 3-32 from 4.5 overs, while Glasgow, Peal Etienne and Qiana Joseph each had two wickets.

The final of the tournament will be played from 9:30h at Providence, EBD, Guyana.

Barbados and Jamaica are locking horns.

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The Milo U8 football action on Thursday night

olden Grove and Dolphin Secondary are the latest schools to taste victory in the Milo Under 18 Schools football tournament, on Thursday night.

A 3-3 score at the end of regulation time, during the first game between Golden Grove and Buxton, meant that the game would have to be decided from the penalty line. There Golden Grove held their nerve to prevail 4-2 with kicks from the penalty mark.

Earlier in the contest Buxton’s Omari Edwards was the first to add his name to the scoresheet with a strike in the 23rd. Six minutes later, Golden Grove equalized through Kellon Croal’s efforts. Croal completed his brace in the 34th, ensuring that Golden Grove would go into the interval with a 2-1 lead.

Golden Grove’s Shamar Walton made it a 3- game, with a goal of his own in the 48; a goal which ignited the Buxton outfit to get going. Two minutes after Golden Grove extended their lead, Akandy Vanmalson effected a spirited play to bring the score to 3-2. In the 58th, Ovid Brown levelled the scores for a second time in the game, thus sending it to penalties.

The second game of the double header was an intense battle of the ‘Smyth street’ schools, as Dolphin and Charlestown Secondary, who are closely situated in Georgetown, got down to business.

Following an early goal from Brian Burnette in the 15th minute, Dolphin went on to school their opponents 5-1. Jaquan Cole found the back of the net just before half time to give Dolphin a 2-0 lead and when they returned to the pitch, Cole extended the lead to 3-0, with his second goal in the

40th.

Gerry Bernette got going in the 47th, adding to Dolphin’s tally and it was at that interval that Charlestown were finally able to muster a reply.

Mickelle Andrews was the lone marksman for Charlestown, scoring in the 58th. Gerry Bernette ensured that Dolphin would have the last hurrah, however, adding another goal in the 64th to bring the final score to 5-1.

The Milo Schools’ football action will continue today, Saturday, June 25th at the Ministry of Education (MOE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

Four games are lined up for today’s proceedings, with Carmel

Secondary and Christianburg Wismar Secondary going headto-head in the first game at 12:30 pm. A West Ruimveldt Secondary and Marian Academy contest will follow at 2pm, while Uitvlugt Secondary and Cummings Lodge Secondary do battle from 3:30pm. The final game today will see North Georgetown Secondary and Canje Secondary locking horns from 5pm.

Another four games are scheduled for Sunday, June 26th, 2022, with Annandale Secondary, Golden Grove Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, New Central High School, Tucville Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Lodge Secondary and President’s College billed for action.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022

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

Pg 23

Debutant Phillip (left) jumping for joy

Page 22

WI vs Bangladesh: Test series, Game 2 of 2…

Pacers shine as West Indies take early honours

Page 23

Milo U8 football action on Thursday night

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