Guyana Times - Saturday, May 7, 2022

“One Guyana” concept connected to success of P15 development plans – Pres Ali Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5001

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022

Presidents Ali, Bolsonaro discuss road-rail link to boost trade …as Bolsonaro promises to encourage Brazilian businesses to invest here Page 7

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Unacceptable” – Top Cop to P10 guards posing with guns on social media …warns security firms about unprofessional conduct

…Guyana looks to tap into Brazil’s O&G expertise

Soldier robbed at gunpoint in Linden P8

Guyana, Brazil agree to allow seizure, exchange of assets in crime probes

Car set on fire as driver sleeps

P10

Page 3

…to share intelligence, boost capacity to enhance border security

Brazil’s President talks up advancement in wheat production Page 9

“We will encourage airlines to increase Page 11 flights” as demand grows – Chinese Ambassador

…market expansion, removal of trade barriers discussed with President Ali …urges airlines to facilitate convenient travelling

Corentyne businessman killed after crashing into motorcar ...drunk female driver arrested – Police Page 2

PAHO donates computers to GPHC P16 Father brutally beats 5-year- P old over food 5 Nabaclis man charged with murder of P8 Essequibo miner

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Corentyne businessman killed after crashing into motor car ...drunk female driver arrested - Police

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Corentyne businessman is now dead after he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and slammed into a motor car along Nigg Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, on Friday. Dead is 41-yearold Rajendra Khadaroo called “Andy” of Albion Front, Corentyne.

He operated a restaurant at Albion and a mobile food unit at Rose Hall

Town but on the day of the accident, he was reportedly heading home from Masjid.

Based on reports received, the now dead businessman was riding his motorcycle, CG 4684, along the roadway when the motor car, HB 9593, driven by a 35-year-old woman, ended up in his path thus causing a collision.

The car, at the time, was reportedly negotiating

The car that was driven by the allegedly drunken woman

The motorcycle the now dead man was riding when he met his demise

Dead: Rajendra Khadaroo, called “Andy”

a turn. Khadaroo was not wearing a safety helmet and was reportedly speeding.

Even though the Police stated that the woman was negotiating a turn, there are no turns in that section of the Corentyne highway.

Nevertheless, as a result of the impact, Khadaroo was flung off of his motorcycle and ended up on the front windscreen of the said car. He then fell onto the road’s surface where he became unconscious.

He was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Reports are that the driver of the car was seen leaving an entertainment spot and was trying to cross the road when the accident took place.

At the scene, an eyewitness stated that after the accident, the driver of the car exited and enquired from Khadaroo if he was okay. The eyewitness, who arrived on the scene shortly after, related that the woman was heavily intoxicated.

A breathalyser test administered on her confirmed that she was way above the legal alcohol consumption limit.

The dead man’s cousin, Sadika Hamid-Khan, related that they received the news of the tragic accident at about 05:20h.

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NEWS

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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, May 7 – 22:00h – 23:30h and Sunday, May 8 – 22:30h – 00:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, May 7 – 07:30h – 09:00h and Sunday, May 8 – 08:35h – 10:05h.

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 the day. Expect light rain showers and thundery showers at night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:11h and 20:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.09 metres.

Low Tide: 14:23h reaching a minimum height of 0.97 metre.

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…to share intelligence, boost capacity to enhance border security

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uyana and its Portuguese neighbour, Brazil, have signed bilateral treaties that will see the two countries collaborating on a number of security and legal areas including the seizure and disposal or exchange of assets during criminal investigations and prosecutions.

These important pacts were entered into on Friday during the high-level State visit of Brazil’s President, Jair Bolsonaro, to Guyana where he met with President Dr Irfaan Ali and they further agreed to strengthen capacity as well as intelligence-sharing in order to enhance border security.

It was noted that the two Presidents and their respective delegations held wide ranging discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues including challenges being faced at the present juncture especially those related to international peace and security.

According to President Ali, the security talks focused on hardware and software technology as well as building and strengthening human resource capacity.

“So, we will be working out [and] coordinating efforts in these three areas in terms of security and defence. Hardware-software technology, which includes intelligence sharing; a security master plan that support the security architecture of both countries and our shared responsibility and shared challenges, and looking at ways in which we can deploy technology and a joint approach in securing our borders,” the Guyanese leader said in brief remarks.

This was following the signing of two bilateral agreements between Guyana and Brazil for international legal cooperation in civil matters as well as for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

Mutual legal assistance

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The Treaty between Guyana and Brazil on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters provides for “mutual assistance in connection with investigation or prosecution of criminal offences including the restraint, seizure or confiscation as well as disposal and return of assets.”

Meanwhile, the second Treaty on International Legal Cooperation in Civil Matters sees the parties “mutually agree to provide full legal cooperation in civil matters which involves civil, corporate, labour and administrative law as well as criminal sentences which seek compensation for damages in the civil courts.”

These bilateral agreements were signed by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd, and his Brazilian counterpart,

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Brazil’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Alberto França signing the two treaties on Friday

Foreign Minister Carlos Alberto França, in the presence of the two Heads of State at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The Attorney General and Legal Affairs Ministry in Guyana and Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security will be responsible for executing the provisions of the two treaties.

The expansive border between Guyana and Brazil is largely porous and has been a security concern for Guyanese authorities, especially as it relates to various trafficking crimes.

In a joint statement on Friday’s State visit by President Bolsonaro in Georgetown, it was noted that the two leaders rec-

ognised the need for continued enhanced collaboration and dialogue in security issues, especially given the evolving threats posed by transnational organised crime, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption and illegal mining.

“The Presidents welcomed the expanded collaboration between relevant security agencies of the two countries and reaffirmed the importance of promoting the exchange of Police intelligence between the competent agencies of both countries. They agreed also to explore the possibility of negotiating specific projects related to the use of remote sensing images, as an effective cooperation tool to pre-

vent and combat transnational organised crime in their territories,” the missive detailed.

It was further detailed that President Ali welcomed an invitation by his Brazilian counterpart for the participation of Guyanese Police Officers in training activities and in joint operation promoted by the International Police Cooperation Centre, maintained by the Federal Police of Brazil, in Rio de Janeiro.

Guyana has been enjoying longstanding support by Brazil in the training of local military personnel, for which Dr Ali extended his appreciation to President Bolsonaro.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 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

Drug sale/use in schools

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few days ago, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) swooped down on several schools in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo) after receiving reports of students selling narcotics in institutions of learning. Fortunately, CANU officers were able to apprehend three adults who facilitated the supply of the illegal substance to the students.

This issue might have come as a surprise to many, and is extremely worrying. What is clear is that some young people have been, and are being, exposed to a drug that also affects the brain, and one that also has reportedly been used as a date rape trap.

Sadly, drug use in some schools is not new.

Unfortunately, young minds are involved in cigarette smoking, consumption of alcohol, and other activities that are far more harmful. Some are bold enough to capture the effects through unsavoury activities they engage in afterwards, as is evident from videos that circulate. Some time ago, the CANU Deputy Head had said that looking at the videos, especially those involving young girls, is really worrying for society.

Clearly, this most recent bust in Region Nine schools will now attract attention, and the expectation would be for the implementation of measures to eliminate this illegal practice, especially within the school system. This will not be easy. Law enforcement will have to up the ante in all aspects, including intelligence, to holistically deal with this situation, which has a frightening potential to become a wider problem.

While CANU must be commended for making the discovery, it raises concerns over how long this activity might have been ongoing; whether the schools were aware, or whether they have the capacity to aid in identifying drug sale and use within. The drug trade tends to operate within a network, and at this point it may be difficult to know how extensive it may be in the Region Nine schools.

Another reality is that young people would experiment, unfortunately, with harmful things. This is where the Education Ministry would have to be more innovative in deriving mechanisms to build capacity among teachers, so that they can be able to spot any possible sign. Once again, this will not be easy, given the innovativeness of those involved.

That aside, there must be some signs, including changes in students’ behavioral patterns and performances, depending upon the extent of usage. The teachers would need to be supported in this fight, and it may very well demand a relooking of policies at a higher level for the implementation of effective combating mechanisms. This would need some urgency, given that some young people, who represent the future, are involved. It would take the involvement of all: parents, teachers, the Ministry and law enforcement.

Crucial is sustained education on the harmful effects of drug use, for which the media should be encouraged to be a part. The effort has to be national, given what’s at stake.

Maybe this could be the opportunity for the establishment of a structured school-monitoring mechanism with specific responsibilities. This has been touted before, for other reasons, where trained personnel could either be stationed or make visits to schools to gauge any related effects.

This would have to be thoroughly thought out, for there is the possibility that teachers could feel that part of their responsibilities is being usurped. They generally look for signs that could indicate a shift in behaviour, and try to find a way of having it resolved. With what is now in the news, it begs the question of whether the situation has in some way moved beyond the remit of teachers; be it a lack of capacity or awareness, or frankly being afraid to intervene.

We must also commend the Police and Regional Division Nine Commander Superintendent Raphael Rose, for their initiative of doing outreaches to schools and playgrounds to sensitise students about the effects of drugs.

Dr Irfaan Ali gifted Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro a painting of Guyana’s Jaguar following a high-level meeting at State House on Friday morning (OP photo)

Despite Putin, Ukraine’s traditions live on – as does the threat from Chernobyl

By Andrey Kurkov

O

desa is being shelled from the sea and from the territory of Russia, but people do not panic. They live almost normal lives. Like all Ukrainians, they have just celebrated grobki, or “little graves”. These are what we call the special days in spring when we honour the memory of deceased relatives and friends. At this time, all Ukraine dedicates itself to the care of graves in the cemeteries. Some people from Odesa will have removed the old foliage from the graves and also repaired monuments and fences destroyed or damaged by Russian missiles.

Many cemeteries in Ukraine have been destroyed or damaged by Russian troops, including Kyiv’s Berkovtsy Cemetery, near Tupoleva Street, where I grew up. Some cemeteries have been bombed; others have been run over

by Russian tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APCs). Russian sappers have also left booby-traps in many of them. The authorities tried to persuade Ukrainians this year not to visit those cemeteries that were, or are still, being occupied by the Russian army.

However, Ukrainians are used to doing not what they are told but what they con-

sider necessary.

They still went to tidy the graves of their relatives.

The church has often asked Ukrainians not to bring plastic flowers to the graves and to bring live ones instead, but still many Ukrainians bring plastic ones. Because they don’t fade. Some Ukrainians will surely have tried to visit cemeteries in the closed Chernobyl zone.

There are dozens of cemeteries near the villages and towns that were evacuated after the disaster of 1986.

Previously, former residents of these places and their relatives visited from all over Ukraine to mark the anniversary of the disaster, and on “little graves” days.

But this year, visiting the Chernobyl zone was strictly prohibited.

The Russian army captured the Chernobyl station and the area around it for more than a month. During that time, they paved a road to Kyiv through the radioactive territory, and about 10,000 tanks, APCs and other military equipment travelled along it, carrying thousands of soldiers towards what they hoped would be their triumphant entry into the capital.

Now the Russians are gone and only the radiation is left. Russians returned through Belarus, and from there they shipped home to towns and villages all

over Russia the things they had stolen from Ukrainian homes – washing machines, computers, scooters, even children’s toys.

Perhaps this would have been forgotten by now, had it not been for Chernobyl.

Shortly after the Russian military left the Chernobyl zone for Belarus, there were reports that some soldiers began to feel ill. Several people went to doctors. An investigation showed that they were all suffering from exposure to radiation. After that, the Belarusian KGB launched its own investigation – which will, no doubt, lead nowhere. After all, Belarus is already a territory that is de facto controlled

by Russia. The International Atomic Energy Agency says it is aware of the reports that Russian troops may have been exposed to radiation, but so far it has been unable to verify them.

For Russia now, it’s not important how much radiation its soldiers brought to Belarus, or how much they sent in parcels to their relatives. It’s also not important that military equipment that has twice passed through the Chernobyl zone could have become a source of radiation affecting Russian soldiers in action. For Russia, the lives of these soldiers are not important either. In all likelihood they will die on the bat-

tlefield, not in hospital from radiation sickness.

If this equipment remains on Ukrainian territory, it will become a dangerous source of radiation for people living there, who will be its next victims.

And again the number of fresh graves will increase in Ukrainian cemeteries. And even more people will come to the cemeteries between late April and the beginning of May to remember their dead on “little graves” days.

Ukrainians will come to the cemeteries with picnic baskets and bags, sitting on the ground near the graves or at special tables dug into the ground next to the fences around the graves. They will make commemorative toasts and drink. These traditions are stronger than shelling and occupation. War or no war, they must go on. The war may even strengthen such traditions.

Putin would like to kill Ukrainian traditions. Then it would be easier for him to say that Ukrainians do not exist – that they are just Russians who were deceived, who were told they were not Russians but Ukrainians.

But war kills only people.

Traditions remain, and they cement national identity.

(The Guardian) (Andrey Kurkov is a Ukrainian novelist and author of Death and the Penguin)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022

5

News

Father brutally beats 5-year-old over food The Indentured Ships by

Guyana Indian Ancestry Association (GIAA)

B

etween 1838 and 1917, 238,909 Indian indentured immigrants were transported in 245 ships which made 534 voyages across the 10,000 miles of Ocean to British Guiana.

There were 234 sailing ships which made 492 of the earlier voyages while towards the end 11 steamships made 42 trips..

Whitby and Hesperus Sailing Ships

The first shipment were by the Whitby and Hesperus that arrived on May 5 1838 even though they had left Calcutta two weeks apart. They were wooden sailing ships. The Whitby sailed from Calcutta on the 13 January 1838 with 249 immigrants, and after a voyage of 112 days, arrived in Guyana on the 5 May. Five Indians died on the voyage. The Hesperus left Calcutta on the 29 January 1838 with 165 passengers and arrived in Guyana late on the night of the 5 May, by which time 13 had already died.

SS Ganges 1917 (steam and iron)

The last ship was the SS Ganges which brought the final Indian indentured labourers to British Guiana (and Trinidad).

It left Calcutta on March 8, and arrived in Georgetown on April 18, 1917 - a mere 42 days - with 437 men, women and children destined for various Guyanese plantations.

The ship had left India just 12 days before the Abolition Act was signed in the Indian Parliament on March 20, 1917. After sailing from Calcutta with 124 persons, or just over a third of the labour contingent, it then docked in Madras to pick up the remaining 313 of the indentured workers before setting sail for the Caribbean.

Among the last arrivals there were 39 children, 22 of whom were boys; and of the adults, there were 268 men and 130 women. There were no deaths on the journey.

DID YOU KNOW? 245 ships made 534 voyages between 1838 and 1917 with the 239,000 Girmitiya Indians.

234 were sailing ships that made 492 voyages while 11 steamships made 42.

Deaths on the ships averaged 1% overall (approximately 2390) or 4 per trip) from diseases like dysentery, cholera and measles and were thrown overboard.

tended and hungry.

The child has been placed under the protection of a welfare officer, according to Police.

The assailant was ar-

rested but he was subsequently released on station bail after it was reported that he was suffering from tuberculosis. He will be charged soon.

Saturday, May 7, 2022

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five-year-old of Amelia's Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex after he was brutally beaten by his father after he and his other two siblings ate a Chinese food that the man bought for himself.

It is alleged that sometime between 16:00h and 17:00h on Tuesday, the child was escorted to the hospital by a welfare officer and a Police Sergeant after a report was made to the Amelia's Ward Police Outpost in Linden.

It has also been alleged that the victim’s parents are known alcoholics in the

village, and would often beat their children after they became intoxicated.

Guyana Times understands that on Tuesday, the parents were allegedly intoxicated and had bought a Chinese chicken fried rice which the children ate. This reportedly angered the father, who then repeatedly hit the five-year-old with a broken umbrella before hoisting him and throwing him into a wall.

Reports are that the child was rescued and taken to a hospital and was discharged on Thursday.

Guyana Times understands that the children were frequently left unat-

Corentyne businessman...

“We found out where they were at the time and we were told that they were at the hospital so he went to the Port Mourant Hospital and when we got there that is when we found out, that’s when we learned that he was involved in an accident,” she said.

According to HamidKhan, there is evidence to suggest that Khadaroo suffered injuries to his head, neck and other parts of his body.

“He was a Muslim and as Ramadan would have recently concluded; there is a custom to fast for six more days and my cousin was observing that. Every day, not only this month, not only Ramadan he would frequent the Masjid for Fajr prayers which is usually around a quarter to five (4:45h.).”

Khadaroo does biking as a hobby and owned several bikes, but according to his cousin, the man was always careful.

“I think he was in one of those bikers’ clubs but he is one of the most sober-headed calm riders there is. He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t party.

Usually, when they have a ride on the road, he is always the one riding at the back and he would laugh and say that he is the father of the group so he has to see all of them.”

He leaves to mourn his wife and one child among other relatives. The female driver remains in custody

FROM PAGE 2

assisting with the investigation.

06:00 (Sign on) Inspirational Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 09:00 Movie - Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) 10:30 Indian Movie - Romeo Akbar Walter (2019) 13:00 Movie - Switched (2020) 15:00 Movie - Timecrafters: The Treasure of Pirate's Cove (2020) 17:00 Payless Power Hour 18:00 Evangelistic Hour 18:30 Hepzibah 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Islam for Guyana 20:30 Movie - Carolina Moon (2007) 22:00 Movie - The Vault (2021) 00:00 Sign off

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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022

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Foundation

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n this fun and easy weather science experiment for kids, we’re going to explore and investigate a cold front.

Materials: Plastic cup Blue food colouring Glass Water Instructions: Fill the plastic cup about halfway with water.

CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY

ALONSO What, all so soon asleep! I wish mine eyes Would, with themselves, shut up my thoughts: I find They are inclined to do so.

SEBASTIAN Please you, sir, Do not omit the heavy offer of it: It seldom visits sorrow; when it doth, It is a comforter.

ANTONIO We two, my lord, Will guard your person while you take your rest, And watch your safety.

ALONSO Thank you.

Wondrous heavy.

ALONSO sleeps.

Exit ARIEL SEBASTIAN What a strange drowsiness possesses them!

ANTONIO It is the quality o' the climate.

SEBASTIAN Why Doth it not then our eyelids sink? I find not Myself disposed to sleep.

ANTONIO Nor I; my spirits are nimble.

They fell together all, as by consent; They dropp'd, as by a thunder-stroke. What might, Worthy Sebastian? O, what might?--No more:-And yet me thinks I see it in thy face, What thou shouldst be: the occasion speaks thee, and My strong imagination sees a crown Dropping upon thy head.

Add a drop of blue food colouring.

Put the plastic cup in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Fill a glass about halfway with room temperature water.

After an hour, pour the chilled water into the glass of room temperature water.

How it works: The cold water should push to the bottom of the glass. A cold front will behave in a similar fashion and push warm air up and out of

SEBASTIAN What, art thou waking?

ANTONIO Do you not hear me speak?

SEBASTIAN I do; and surely It is a sleepy language and thou speak'st Out of thy sleep.

What is it thou didst say?

This is a strange repose, to be asleep With eyes wide open; standing, speaking, moving, And yet so fast asleep.

ANTONIO Noble Sebastian, Thou let'st thy fortune sleep--die, rather; wink'st Whiles thou art waking.

SEBASTIAN Thou dost snore distinctly; There's meaning in thy snores.

ANTONIO I am more serious than my custom: you Must be so too, if heed me; which to do Trebles thee o'er.

SEBASTIAN Well, I am standing water.

ANTONIO I'll teach you how to flow.

SEBASTIAN Do so: to ebb Hereditary sloth instructs me.

ANTONIO O, If you but knew how you the purpose cherish Whiles thus you mock it! how, in stripping it, You more invest it!

Ebbing men, indeed, Most often do so near the bottom run By their own fear or sloth.

SEBASTIAN Prithee, say on: The setting of thine

its way as it moves and squeezes under the warm air. A cold front is where a cold air mass replaces a warm air mass. Cold fronts typically move northwest to southeast and often bring gusty winds, heavy rain, temperature drops, and even thunder and lightning. Cold fronts are represented by a blue line with triangles pointing toward the direction warm air is being replaced on coloured weather maps.

Make this a science project: Observe the local weather

eye and cheek proclaim A matter from thee, and a birth indeed Which throes thee much to yield.

ANTONIO Thus, sir: Although this lord of weak remembrance, this, Who shall be of as little memory When he is earth'd, hath here almost persuade,-For he's a spirit of persuasion, only Professes to persuade,-the king his son's alive, 'Tis as impossible that he's undrown'd And he that sleeps here swims.

SEBASTIAN I have no hope That he's undrown'd.

ANTONIO O, out of that 'no hope' What great hope have you! no hope that way is Another way so high a hope that even Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond, But doubt discovery there. Will you grant with me That Ferdinand is drown'd?

SEBASTIAN He's gone.

ANTONIO Then, tell me, Who's the next heir of Naples?

SEBASTIAN Claribel.

ANTONIO She that is queen of Tunis; she that dwells Ten leagues beyond man's life; she that from Naples Can have no note, unless the sun were post-The man i' the moon's too slow--till new-born chins Be rough and razorable; she that--from whom?

We all were sea-

forecast and determine when a cold front is heading your way. Go outside and observe the weather. (sciencefun.org)

“No one rises to low expectations” – Les Brown

swallow'd, though some cast again, And by that destiny to perform an act Whereof what's past is prologue, what to come In yours and my discharge.

SEBASTIAN What stuff is this! how say you?

'Tis true, my brother's daughter's queen of Tunis; So is she heir of Naples; 'twixt which regions There is some space.

ANTONIO A space whose every cubit Seems to cry out, 'How shall that Claribel Measure us back to Naples? Keep in Tunis, And let Sebastian wake.' Say, this were death That now hath seized them; why, they were no worse Than now they are.

There be that can rule Naples As well as he that sleeps; lords that can prate As amply and unnecessarily As this Gonzalo; I myself could make A chough of as deep chat. O, that you bore The mind that I do! what a sleep were this For your advancement!

Do you understand me?

SEBASTIAN Methinks I do.

ANTONIO And how does your content Tender your own good fortune?

SEBASTIAN I remember You did supplant your brother Prospero.

ANTONIO True: And look how well my garments sit upon me;

Much feater than before: my brother's servants Were then my fellows; now they are my men.

SEBASTIAN But, for your conscience?

ANTONIO Ay, sir; where lies that? if 'twere a kibe, 'Twould put me to my slipper: but I feel not This deity in my bosom: twenty consciences, That stand 'twixt me and Milan, candied be they And melt ere they molest! Here lies your brother, No better than the earth he lies upon, If he were that which now he's like, that's dead; Whom I, with this obedient steel, three inches of it, Can lay to bed for ever; whiles you, doing thus, To the perpetual wink for aye might put This ancient morsel, this Sir Prudence, who Should not upbraid our course. For all the rest, They'll take suggestion as a cat laps milk; They'll tell the clock to any business that We say befits the hour.

SEBASTIAN Thy case, dear friend, Shall be my precedent; as thou got'st Milan, I'll come by Naples.

Draw thy sword: one stroke Shall free thee from the tribute which thou payest; And I the king shall love thee.

ANTONIO Draw together; And when I rear my hand, do you the like, To fall it on Gonzalo.

SEBASTIAN O, but one word.

They talk apart

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Presidents Ali, Bolsonaro discuss road-rail link to boost trade …as Bolsonaro promises to encourage Brazilian businesses to invest here …Guyana looks to tap into Brazil’s O&G expertise

President Ali and his Cabinet members meeting with President Jair Bolsonaro and other Brazilian officials at State House on Friday

T

he land transport link between Guyana and Brazil could be significantly enhanced as President Dr Irfaan Ali and

President Jair Bolsonaro mull the possibility of roadrail link to further enhance trade relations.

This was among the ex-

tensive discussions held on Friday as President Ali welcomed his Brazilian counterpart in Georgetown for a one-day visit during which

Guyana, Brazil agree..

Additionally, both sides agreed to finalise the negotiation of the amendment to the bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement in order to further dynamise their cooperation.

Meanwhile, having acknowledged the important role which the border communities of Guyana and Brazil play in the development of the relations between the two South American nations, Presidents Ali and Bolsonaro agreed to ensure that the understandings aimed at addressing issues specific to those communities particularly on consular cooperation would be fully and effectively implemented.

“The Presidents agreed to strengthen the bilateral dialogue and collaboration on consular and migration issues. In this context, they decided to convene the seventh meeting of the bilateral Consular Cooperation Group in 2022,” the missive outlined.

Moreover, the Guyana and Brazil Heads of State on Friday also celebrated the conclusion of on several other agreements that are expected to be signed soon by relevant authorities from the two nations. These include a Treaty on Transfer of Sentenced Persons between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and

FROM PAGE 3

the Federative Republic of Brazil; Interinstitutional Cooperation Agreement between the Guyana Police Force of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Federal Police of the Federative Republic of Brazil; and a Interinstitutional Cooperation Agreement Between the Guyana Police Force of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Federal Highway Police of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on Cooperation for the Exchange of Information on Public Security, Prevention and Fight Against Organised Crime.

(G8)

several high-level meetings and discussions were had.

High on the agenda were talks on the integration of infrastructure, energy security and expanding trade arrangements and opportunities.

On the issue of infrastructure development, President Ali explained during brief remarks at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where a high-level caucus was held between the two delegations, that the focus is on integrated critical projects such as the deep-water port, the road-rail link, fibre optic connectivity, development of an energy in corridor, the creation of a free zone, and the linkage of natural resource development.

“So, we are not only talking about the deep-water port in isolation of these things. It is now one integrated project that we are looking at. And we’re agreeing to establish a team that will comprise of investors, the Federal Government of Brazil, the Government of Guyana and the State of Roraima, and [we have] defined a time path through which we will move this project forward in an accelerated way,” he said.

Moreover, a joint statement on the high-level visit revealed that during Friday’s engagement President Ali stressed that the establishment of a deep-water port in Guyana, linked with a future road corridor, could have a beneficial impact on the development of trade between the

two South American nations and beyond. It was in this context that the possibility of a complementary rail link between the two countries was raised.

According to the missive, both Presidents Ali and Bolsonaro acknowledged the pivotal importance of infrastructure integration to further unlock the potential of the two neighbouring countries and the wider region.

To this end, a bilateral working group was established and tasked with assessing the potential gains of a Boa Vista-Georgetown road corridor in terms of trade and investment flows, as well as identifying possible needs of technical assistance and potential private partners and international financial institutions that could contribute to the initiative.

The teams from both sides were instructed to settle, no later than the third quarter of 2022, the measures necessary to enable the full implementation of the GuyanaBrazil International Road Transportation Agreement.

They also agreed to advance the process of implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2020 for the Technical Feasibility Studies for the installation of a fibre optic link between Guyana and Brazil.

Energy

Friday’s discussions between Guyana and Brazil’s Heads of State were a continuation of ongoing talks.

Apart from teleconferences, the two leaders had met back in January in Suriname where trilateral talks were held on a number of areas including establishing an energy corridor between the three South American neighbours together with French Guiana.

The joint statement also detailed that Presidents Ali and Bolsonaro on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation that have subsisted between their two countries and to cement an enhanced partnership for the future aimed at increasing integration, promoting sustainable development, and advancing the wellbeing of their peoples.

President Ali disclosed that he further discussed with his Brazilian counterpart, collaborating in the oil and gas industry with a focus on renewable energy.

“We’ve discussed working together on natural gas strategy and how that can be integrated in the development of Brazil and how we can coordinate and cooperate in this area. The potential of hydro renewable energy and to look at this in a holistic frame in terms of energy production. We also discuss areas that we can see cooperation in oil and gas. The experience of Brazil in the management of the oil and gas industry itself is immense,” the Guyanese Head of State noted.

TURN TO PAGE 14

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Soldier robbed at gunpoint in Linden The matter was reported to the Police, and the scene was processed, photographed, and canvassed for CCTV cameras.

A .32 spent shell was recovered in the verandah,

A

serving member of the Guyana Defence Force has been pounced on and robbed of an iPhone 13 PRO at his home in Linden, Region 10.

Reports are that the 24-year-old soldier was sitting on his verandah in South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden at about 22:20h when two men attacked and robbed him.

According to the Police, the soldier went home with his motorcycle, and parked it in his yard before going into his home and securing his jewellery. He then went outside to relax in his verandah; and while sitting there, he was confronted by the two perpetrators, who jumped over his verandah

and hit him in the head with their firearms, causing him to receive injuries.

According to the Police, the GDF rank reported that one of the gunmen was clad in a blue shirt and three-quarter pants, and was armed with a silver handgun, while the other was dressed in pink- coloured clothing, had his face covered, and was armed with a black handgun.

The soldier has said that the men took his cell phone, valued at $300,000, and his motorcycle key out of his hand, and the gunman in the blue shirt discharged a shot in the air before both men made good their escape on foot in an easterly direction.

where it was lodged.

The soldier later sought medical treatment for the injuries he sustained. A Police investigation is underway.

Nabaclis man charged with murder of Essequibo miner

Dead: Noel Anthony Fredericks

T

wenty-nine-year-old Quacy Shepherd, a mechanic of Nabaclis,

Murder accused Quacy Shepherd

East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Friday appeared before Bartica Magistrate Crystal Lambert, charged for the murder of 27-year-old Noel Anthony Fredericks, a miner of Mainstay Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Shepherd was not required to plead to the indictment.

Police have reported that Fredericks went missing while working at a mining camp at Toroparu Backdam, Lower Puruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Reports are that Fredericks left his camp on April 14, 2022 at about 17:30h, and was last seen at about 3:00h the following morning in the company of a 29-year-old man.

The men were reportedly under the influence of alcohol, and were seen leaving a shop in the area on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV).

Fredericks was since not seen, and efforts to contact his friend proved futile.

Sometime after, Shepherd was arrested, and during interrogation, he confessed that he had sodomised Fredericks, after which he had beaten and strangled him to death. He had then buried Fredericks’s body in a hole that was dug by an excavator.

After confessing to the crime, Shepherd had taken detectives to the area where he had buried Fredericks, whose decomposed body was found in a shallow grave. Fredericks’s body was later properly buried.

Shepherd has been remanded to prison, and will make his next court appearance on May 20.

Crime..

E

…enigma very year for the past two decades, the Police have been issuing statistics to “show” that the crime rate is falling!! Now, with all that “proof” from our fearless lawmen, is your Eyewitness soft in the head for figuring that crime should’ve disappeared completely from our fair land by now!!? Or is crime like one of those “asymptotes” he was forced (on pain of the “wild cane!!) to learn about in his dissolute youth?? You know…those graphs that approach the axis closer and closer, but never touch to show an end state!!

Anyhow, he also learnt about “lies, dames lies and statistics”! And knowing the Guyana Police Force as he does (he’s stopped counting the number of times he’s been “shaken down” as he drives sedately on the road), he’s long concluded that they’ve taken “disinformation” to a whole new level. Your Eyewitness figures that if the Venezuelans ever invaded, all we need to throw them off scent is having the Police give them directions to our strategic centres!!

As best as he can figure, the GPF gotta have a whole department of creative writers - who’re shaky on arithmetic - dedicated specifically to producing the “crime reports”.

Now, take this statement from a global report from this year and contrast with what follows: “Guyana has the eighthhighest crime rate worldwide of 68.74, and a murder rate of about four times higher than that of the United States”!!

Now, let’s not forget that there are almost 200 countries in the world, and for us to be number 8 on the crime hit parade, it means our Police are in a league of their own!

Let’s take the last report on crime from the GPF - as recounted by the official Govt newspaper - that crossed your Eyewitness’s feed: “In addition to the reduction of serious crimes, the force also saw a significant 31.5 per cent reduction in the number of robberies under arms, with 608 being recorded in 2021 against the 888 in 2020.

A 16.6 per cent reduction was also recorded in murders, which are reflected in the 131 in 2021 against the 157 in 2020.”

But in the year 2019, praising the sterling of the Police, they reported: “There was a 349 difference in the number of serious crimes recorded in 2021 and 2020, as 1742 serious crimes were recorded from January 1, 2020 to September 6, 2020, while 1,393 were recorded in the same time period for 2021 across the 12 police divisions across Guyana.” Then, the same year, they said, “35% spike in murders recorded but serious crime down”!! See?? How can you get their story straight when they keep on changing the categories? Three-card monte?

Murders aren’t serious crimes? …against “intimate partners” The polls are coming fast and furious. Is it a sign of our oil wealth? Be that as it may, your Eyewitness hopes we aren’t getting “poled” - as in being “shafted”!! Anyhow, this one was on “intimate partner violence” (IPV), and they found that 62% of Guyanese believe this is a “man and wife” business! That’s the highest in the entire region! Meaning that the Police, or neighbours, or outsiders, on the whole, shouldn’t get involved!! Your Eyewitness is gobsmacked!

But when you think of it…or recall our headlines for the longest while, he shouldn’t be!

And moreso since he’s been railing against this scourge forever. LAPOP suggested a rationale that we should all ponder over. To wit, that it all has to do with how we males are socialised in our country. They showed that folks who’re richer or well educated don’t beat up on their wives As much. But they still do, don’t they?

So, what do WE do?? Intensify educating our people and making them rich …in alcoholism?

Your Eyewitness just read that DDL’s after-tax 2021 profit was $4.7 BILLION. Now, he knows that DDL has other products. But no matter how you distill it, that’s a whole lotta liquor!!

How much was consumed locally?

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

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

NEWS

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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brazil’s President talks up advancement in wheat production …market expansion, removal of trade barriers discussed with President Ali

W

ith Guyana moving aggressively with trials for wheat cultivation here, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has highlighted the advancement his country has made with regards to this grain.

He made this disclosure during a one-day State visit to Guyana on Friday.

Following a high-level caucus between his delegation and Guyanese officials led by President Dr Irfaan Ali at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), the Brazilian Head of State disclosed, via a translator, that “Brazil, in a few years, will become more than self-sufficient and will be in a position to export wheat to the world.”

This, President Bolsonaro pointed out, was indicated to his Guyanese counterpart during their engagement. He explained that cropping fields for wheat are currently in the Brazilian State of Roraima, which borders Guyana at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

He further noted that technology developed by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Organisation has helped to make wheat cultivation a “totally doable reality” in the neighbouring state of northern Brazil.

The invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine back in February has led to a global shortage of wheat. Both States account for about 30 per cent of the world’s traded wheat.

This prompted the Guyana Government to explore the cultivation of wheat here in response to the shortage and soaring prices on the world market. In fact, Guyana has plans to test as much as 20 wheat varieties. In fact, the first trial was conducted last month and has given local authorities encouraging signs.

A small-scale trial was executed by local scientist Dr Mahendra Persaud at the Burma Rice Research Station in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had told reporters in April that, “This is a new crop for our country and we are looking at certain areas, so what the scientist told me, Dr Mahendra just told me he started some at the rice research station and the prospect look very good in the very small amount...

So what he will do, he will come out in open field to start that trial there.”

Previously, Minister Mustapha had explained that the rice research station would be used as the testing location since it has

its national responsibility, but plays an important role in its global responsibility.

The surge in wheat and other commodity prices is a result of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Markets and trade barriers

adequate land space. The climatic condition has to also be taken into account.

“We are in contact with our counterpart in Mexico.

We are looking at a different variety of wheat. I am hoping by the end of this month or by next month latest, we can have the first trial with about 15 to 20 varieties to see the best one that can be grown in Guyana,” he had stated.

The Agriculture Ministry is also examining the possibility of establishing nurseries at strategic locations across the country to test for better growing results. The plan is to have the technical officers assess which of the varieties are better grown here.

According to Minister Mustapha, the approach to introduce the new food commodity to Guyana’s soil, shows Government’s determination to en-

sure the nation becomes self-sufficient.

“We are very determined that as long as it is successful; we will be going to produce our own wheat because we can’t depend too much on imports. As a country, we have to ensure we produce our own food and be self-sufficient…we can have all the money in the world and we have seen during the pandemic how many countries are suffering to get food. We in Guyana are very fortunate that we produce most of the food,” he had reasoned.

It was only recently that President Dr Irfaan Ali announced Government’s plan to explore the possibility of sourcing a variety of wheat for local production. The Head of State said the Government is unwavering in its quest to build a Guyana that is resilient, and meets not only

Meanwhile, during Friday’s discussions with President Bolsonaro, President Ali said talks centred on, among other things, advancing cooperation in the broader agriculture area.

“The team is expected to work out an aggressive plan on the expansion of markets; the removal of barriers; how is it we can deploy new technology; the process flow of institutional arrangements; creating a hub for processing and transhipment of agri-produce and products to the rest of Caricom (Caribbean Community), with Guyana becoming a hub; and how is it we package this to bring investors in to support what we want to achieve here in agriculture.”

“As you know, agriculture is a major area that Guyana is pursuing. All of this is linked intricately to our trade arrangement and agreements. So, we have been able to frankly discuss these issues and work out the mechanism through which all of these

areas will advance,” the Guyanese leader stated.

Moreover, the Guyanese leader said the discussions on food security was not only from a Guyana-Brazil perspective but a Caricom perspective.

“President Ali invited Brazil to partner in the advance of the Caricom AgriFood Systems Agenda with the aim of contributing to enhanced food and nutrition security in the region,” a joint statement on Friday’s high-level visit detailed.

It was further outlined that the two Presidents committed to broadening the scope and expanding the provisions of the Partial Scope Agreement between Guyana and Brazil. They agreed on the importance of expanding and diversifying agricultural trade between the two countries and also agreed to work towards the full operationalisation of the Agreement on Cooperation and Facilitation of Investment.

Presidents Ali and Bolsonaro, according to the missive, agreed to pursue greater collaboration in the area of agriculture and food security, through the sharing of information and best practices, enhanced collaboration between their respective research institutions, and the promotion of investment. (G8)

10 NEWS “Unacceptable” – Top Cop to guards Car set on fire posing with guns on social media as driver sleeps SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…warns security firms about unprofessional conduct

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cting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, has issued a stern warning to private security firms whose guards are seen posing on social media, especially on “Tik Tok”, with high-powered rifles.

“This is unacceptable and unprofessional, and this trend needs to stop immediately,” the Top Cop chided during a recent meeting with heads and representatives of private security firms at the Police Officers’ Training Centre in Georgetown.

Hicken said there are instances where security firms would have their officers exposing large weapons while on duty, and this has the potential to create a hostile situation with civil society. He said it can also have negative implications for Guyana’s tourism sector, as well as for the general safety of citizens.

To this end, the Top Cop has said there must be professionalism, especially when it concerns the handling of firearms.

He also commended the private firms for their reduction of the ‘accidental discharge’ of firearms. As

Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken

such, he urged the firms to take caution and to pay heed to the practical and theoretical aspects of secu-

rity training.

“The Guyana Police Force and private security firms will continue to work in partnership,” Hicken has assured, while mentioning that there is need for more collaborative effort as it relates to information-sharing.

Hicken added that there must be a positive change in behaviour, posture, and professionalism in all private security services in Guyana.

Hicken also called on the private security firms to have a standardised employment procedure.

“Security firms must do complete background checks when hiring personnel, as this will help to ensure you protect and maintain the image of your organization, and by extension your clients and our country,” Hicken asserted.

Stressing on the need to be neat and maintain uniformity and decorum, the Police Commissioner reminded the representatives that their mode of dress is of great importance, and must at all times be adhered to. (G9)

The car that was destroyed in Wismar, Linden

P

olice in Regional Division 10 (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice) are investigating the circumstances which have led to motorcar HB 4084 being set on fire.

Owed by a 39-year-old resident of Wismar, Linden, the vehicle was set on fire between 19:00h and 21:15h on Thursday.

According to the owner, at about 21:15h on Thursday, he and his wife were awakened by a loud explosion, and upon investigating, he saw the car, which was parked in his yard, completely engulfed in flames.

Assisted by his wife, the man said, he managed to put out the fire, but the car was completely destroyed.

Police were called, and investigations are ongoing.

Just a few months ago 52-year-old Edward Taylor

of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) awoke to find his motorcar, PSS 407, engulfed in flames.

Police have said the fire was spotted at about 02:30h, and the Fire Service was immediately alerted. A fire tender from the Campbellville Fire Station responded to the scene, and firemen put out the blaze.

Based on reports received, Taylor had secured his motor car and had retired to bed at about 21:00h. He had reportedly parked the vehicle, worth $2.2 million, on the eastern side of Prince William Street, facing north, about 40 feet from his home. However, he awoke to find his car in flames, and he contacted the Police.

No one has been arrested, but Police are continuing their investigations. (G9)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Taking decision-making “We will encourage airlines to increase flights” as demand to the people fundamental grows – Chinese Ambassador in great governance – Ali …urges airlines to facilitate convenient travelling A W llowing Guyanese to be part of the decision-making aspect in communities and for the country’s future development is a fundamental pillar in Government’s thrust towards achieving great governance.

President Irfaan Ali shared this position during a recent engagement, wherein he outlined that senior Government officials and Cabinet Members are engaging everyone during consultations and decision-making processes that would affect citizens.

“I don’t know how more democratic we can be. The leaders of this Government - Ministers, Vice-President, Prime Minister - we’re not hiding in a room and having a meeting with 10 people.

We are going to the communities in the open, inviting everyone. Those meetings are then televised, streamed live on Facebook. We’re not hiding comments from anyone,” the Guyanese Leader contended.

“Any issue they have can be brought up in this big tent approach, where every single person is involved.

Decisions are made on the ground, with consultation with the people. Their ideas, views are all brought in the open on one table, not behind some closed door. That is not how we operate,” said the Head of State.

Ali outlined that it is part of the bigger picture, where citizens develop a sense of ownership for issues ongoing in the communities and the solutions that follow.

“It is not taking gover-

President Irfaan Ali

nance to the people; it is taking decision-making to the people. Governance is one aspect, but decision-making in consultation with the people is what makes a difference, because it creates ownership. People feel part of the decision-making process.”

He added, “We understand how good governance is important for the developmental trajectory of our country, how it is important for investors’ confidence in our country, and I cannot allow the misgivings of those who consider themselves the virtues of good governance to continue.”

Moreover, the President established that, in ensuring a democratic country, there is the freedom at all levels to represent and participate in governance.

“Every political party or individual can contest in any local government elections, whether it is an NDC, RDC, and the will of the peo-

ple would be adhered to. So, there’s nothing debarring anyone from being part of the democratic process of being representative of the people at the local level,” he asserted.

This year, over $750 million has been set aside in Budget 2022 for the preparations to be undertaken by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE).

This money was part of an overall $4.1 billion allocation to GECOM in Budget 2022, and was examined and approved by the National Assembly during its consideration of the 2022 Budget Estimates. Included in the $783 million for LGE is an increase of over $300 million in “other goods and services purchased”, which jumped from $250.8 million in 2021 to $575.9 million in the 2022 budget.

In December 2021, GECOM Chair Claudette Singh had written Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall to confirm that the electoral body would be unable to hold Local Government Elections in 2021.

She had explained that since the Commission was currently without a Chief Elections Officer, who by law is required to manage the conduct of elections in Guyana, GECOM was “unable” to have the elections at that point in time. However, after a rigorous process, GECOM has since hired Vishnu Persaud as the new CEO. (G12)

Guyana, from Georgetown, so we follow the market rule.”

“But when the situation is better, we will encourage airlines to bring more convenience to the travellers.”

By Amar Persaud

ith deepening relations between Guyana and China at various levels, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Guo Haiyan believes airlines should seek to make travelling between the two countries more convenient.

China and Guyana established diplomatic relations on June 27, 1972.

Guyana is the first Englishspeaking Caribbean country to forge diplomatic ties with China and to set up its embassy in China.

Despite the great distance between China and Guyana, the two peoples have had friendly ties throughout the centuries with significant travel for purposes of work, leisure, and educational pursuits.

“Indeed COVID-19 has brought a great inconvenience to people-to-people exchanges and actual faceto-face exchanges between our two countries, at all level, [travel] decreased significantly. Although we still have frequent contact by virtual link, we are ready to resume people-to-people exchanges at all levels with Guyana when the situations turn better, we will resume gradually,” Ambassador Haiyan explained during an exclusive interview with this publication on Friday.

The Chinese Ambassador hopes that as demand grows,

50 years of diplomatic relations

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan

there will be an increase and easier access to flights between the two countries.

“We will encourage airlines to increase flights when the situation is better because the travel demand is going up…”

“Because of COVID-19, some airlines cut down the number of flights, so I think the first step when the COVID-19 situation turns better, the first step is to resume the flights, then to make it more convenient,” she noted. Regarding the possibility of direct flights between the two countries, the Chinese Ambassador expressed, “because the direct flight depends on the market, how many passengers will take on, the start from

Guyana and China are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations – a milestone which Ambassador Haiyan is excited to be commemorating.

“This year marks the 50th anniversary…Guyana took the lead in the Caribbean to establish diplomatic relations with China, so we regard Guyana as a very important partner in this region and we are happy to see Guyana is playing a more and more important role in regional development.”

“So, we are ready to work together with Guyana for better cooperation between China and the Caribbean countries,” the ambassador noted.

As early as 1853, the first group of Chinese travelled thousands of miles across the ocean and arrived in Guyana. The Chinese community has constituted an integral part of the diversified culture and society in Guyana. In fact, Guyana enjoys significant Chinese investment in major industries including the forestry and mining sectors, construction, restaurants, hardware, and clothing.

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SATURDAY, MAY 7,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scenes from Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro's one-day official visit to Guyana

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, MAY 7,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GOAL to offer Master’s programme to journalists

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GOAL Director, Dr Jacob Opadeyi

ocal journalists with 10 years and more experience could soon read for a Master’s degree through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship programme.

GOAL’s Director, Dr Jacob Opadeyi made the announcement on Wednesday, during the final day of the National Media Conference and Symposium, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

“Actually, we are looking to have a rolling admission system that can start now and we wait until the university grants the person the admission,” the professor is quoted as saying in a DPI report.

The GOAL secretariat has been in talks with an international university in Germany and the Texila University in Guyana to offer the courses.

And while the studies will be made available in a number of communication fields, the admission for the programmes will be done at the university’s discretion.

“I am sure other universities are looking at the same thing, because UWI (University of the West Indies) does the same thing,” Dr Opadeyi added.

He said the professionals will have to submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) that shows the years of service. The information will be forwarded to the re-

spective learning institutions.

The GOAL Scholarship was conceptualised under the PPP/C Administration in 2021, with the aim of providing 20,000 online scholarships within a fiveyear period.

The dynamic move is a commitment made by the Government to provide opportunities for educational development nationwide.

Over 8000 citizens applied for the free online programme within the first year of the scholarship launch.

Already, approximately 5000 persons are qualified for the GOAL scholarships this year, out of the 6000 who applied. A sum of $1.3

billion was approved for GOAL in Budget 2022.

The Government, through GOAL, partnered with eight new institutions to meet the challenges and demands of various sectors in Guyana. This includes the oil and gas sector, engineering and construction.

Presidents Ali, Bolsonaro...

FROM PAGE 7

Guyana’s Cabinet Members and other officials at Friday’s high-level caucus with the visiting Brazilian delegation at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Moreover, it was noted that the neighbouring leaders recognised that the unfolding developments in the energy sector in their respective countries provide scope for an expanded bilateral agenda in energy cooperation, including environmental aspects. They acknowledged the valuable cooperation that was ongoing through the exchange of experience and knowledge.

As a result, they both expressed interest in intensifying the exchange of information between Guyana and Brazil on the respective national energy plans, the exchange of experience in regulatory matters in the oil and gas sector, as well as collaboration in the prevention of oil spill accidents.

The two Presidents ratified the importance of collaboration in the field of electrical interconnection between Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname, and encouraged the InterAmerican Development Bank to proceed with the new phase of the technical, economic and environmental feasibility studies, under the Memorandum of

Understanding signed in 2019 by that institution and the energy companies of the interested countries.

Investors

Further, during the meetings on Friday, President Ali reiterated Guyana’s invitation for Brazilian investment in the energy sector.

In response, President Bolsonaro reassured that he will be encouraging businesses in the Portuguesespeaking nation to explore and take advantage of the many investment opportunities available in Guyana.

Via a translator, the Brazilian Head of State remarked, “We encouraged all of those who are interested in investing in Guyana.

Of course, after this visit, we will further encourage and incentivise members of the Brazilian business community to further invest in Guyana.”

The Brazilian leader went on to note that Friday’s visit in Georgetown was “very promising” to both countries and their people.

“Guyana has a bright and promising future ahead, especially given its major

oil and gas potentialities, but also because of the way your Government has fostered closer and closer relations with Brazil. We are, and stand as, partners. And I'm quite certain that, Mr President, fruits will be reaped as a result of this visit [and] meeting of ours today. Dear President Ali, thank you so much for the opportunity. I feel very honoured to deal with the fact that you called me a friend and the feeling is mutual,” Brazil’s President said via translator.

Friday’s visit by the Brazilian President comes just over three months after he was forced to cancel his trip to Georgetown following the death of his mother on January 21.

Upon his arrival on Friday morning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) President Bolsonaro and his delegation were welcomed

by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd before being escorted to State House to meet with President Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

(G8)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“One Guyana” concept connected to success of development plans – Pres Ali T

he trademarked “One Guyana” concept, coined by the Ali-led Government to inculcate oneness among Guyanese, has been seen as a worthy instrument to ensure success in Guyana’s upcoming development agenda.

President Dr Irfaan Ali appeared on the virtual talk show on Thursday, the One Guyana Journal, where he outlined that the concept will be incorporated in the overarching development plans for the country, and how Government pursues such efforts.

“It is us understanding our individual and collective role in pursuing an agenda, a development path that builds a country

that is defined by oneness in everything that we do…

The oneness stems from recognising that we are a very diverse, multi-ethnic country with various religious practices and beliefs.

That is what makes us up individually,” Ali underscored.

He expressed that for the One Guyana policy to be successful, it requires individual and collective efforts. According to him, there is no other option.

“We are going to put every ounce of energy into

this because it is the only pathway for our country, for us as a people to build prosperity. We have no other option. There is no other path than this. We can have the best development and greatest investment, but if we can’t understand our singular purpose, the glue that binds us together, what makes us Guyanese and inculcate that in our daily way of life, then we will not be able to enjoy the fruits of our labour.”

During the engagement, the President spoke on the

that is alive, something that affects people’s lives every single day.”

The concept will push for Guyanese to embrace values of democracy, the rule of law, respect, religious tolerance among others. It is being crafted into a document consisting of three components.

Apart from the foundational component, he said there are aspirational aims that shape the characteristic of the people, nature of the economy, effectiveness of the Judiciary, youth and women involvement, and balanced development.

“The aspirational goal has to do with creating that balance so that all of us are arriving at a destination together as One Guyana…

importance of good governance, democracy, inclusivity and other tenets that are at the core of his “One Guyana” policy and about the ways the policy would transform the country and its citizens.

He has identified, “It is a policy that is being pursued by this Government to bring our people together but it is not only a policy that looks at the unification of people. It is a policy that has many intricate parts. We have to look at this policy as something

The creation of the concept is not only narrowed to Government or to politics. It is wide-ranging, all encompassing, taking the whole together in one vehicle and importantly, addressing the question of identity.”

Important questions that will be addressed, President Ali shared, revolves around, “What is the identity that makes us One Guyana? Who and what constitute a Guyanese?

How do we fuse the richness of the multicultural society into this singular concept of being One Guyana? These are all individual issues that we are addressing in the construct of this One Guyana.” (G12)

No danger for J&J COVID vaccine recipients – Health Minister

…after FDA-issued limitation

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ecipients of the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine should not panic amid the decision of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that use of the jab should be limited.

The US Food and Drug Administration announced on Thursday that it is limiting the emergency use authorisation of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to adults or those for which other vaccines are not appropriate. The decision is due to the risk of a rare clotting condition called thrombosis, with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), after receiving the vaccine.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Friday reassured Guyanese who have taken the jab that they should not panic, since complications do not manifest after two weeks of taking the shot.

“Persons who have received Johnson and Johnson vaccines, they don’t have to panic. If you have received the vaccine and you had no complications, then you won’t have any complications now. Generally, after vaccination, you would see thrombocytopenia developing about a week or two weeks after the vaccination.

If you’ve had the vaccines and nothing happened, then

you’re not in danger,” Dr Anthony underscored in his COVID update.

He added that limiting the use of the vaccine is just a precautionary measure, but statistics have shown that the possibility of such complications are very rare – about 3.25 in every one million.

“This is just a precautionary recommendation that is being made in the United States. The FDA, in its recommendation, has also said that it has limited the use of the vaccines, it hasn’t stopped it. It has limited the use of the vaccine to adults and to persons who might need to use the vaccine because of special medical conditions where they cannot use the other vaccines,” he said.

Guyana has been using the J&J vaccine in its campaign for over one year. To date, there has been no report of anyone developing any of the mentioned conditions or suffering from any health complication.

Vaccination uptake against COVID has remained relatively low this month, with adult coverage standing at 440,628 first doses, or 85.9 per cent of the adult population; and 339,960 second doses, or 66.3 per cent of that population.

For the adolescent category, some 25,301 persons, or 34.7 per cent of that demographic, have been fully immunised. Almost 62,900 booster shots have been administered.

Positives

Six new positives were recorded on Friday. Now, 63,539 confirmed cases have been detected in the country, and there have been 1,228 deaths.

Active cases account for one in Region Two, 17 in Region Three, 53 in Region Four, two in Region Five, 25 in Region Six, one in Region Seven, five in Region Nine and three in Region 10.

Of the 29,261 males and 34,278 females that tested positive, 62,210 have recovered. There are 99 persons in home isolation and one person in institutional isolation.

Only one COVID-19 patient is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit of the Infectious Diseases Hospital, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

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

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD MAY 6, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

6

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

99

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

1

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

0

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,278

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,261

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,539

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,210

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

REGION 1

2519

REGION 2

2498

REGION 3

8076

REGION 4

31,433

REGION 5

2383

REGION 6

5809

REGION 7

2424

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4038

REGION 10

3473

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

440,628 339,960

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

1228

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.

health.gov.gy.

Global figures show that almost 511.9 million people

have tested positive for the virus, and 6.2 million have died. In the Americas, more

than 153.2 confirmed cases have been reported, with over 2.7 million deaths. (G12)

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$3M poultry farm to advance Partnership signed for Karau’s economic development legislative mandate to cofinance protected areas system

G (From left): Guyana Protected Areas Trust’s Board of Trustees Chair Curtis Bernard and Caribbean Biodiversity Fund Chief Executive Officer Karen McDonald Gayle sign the partnership agreement while Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission and Trustee of the Protected Areas Trust look on

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partnership agreement was signed between the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and Guyana Protected Areas Trust (PAT) on Tuesday, which will provide the PAT with additional resources to fulfil its legislative mandate of co-financing Guyana’s National Protected Areas System (NPAS), as articulated in the Protected Areas Act of 2011.

This is the 10th agreement of its kind for the CBF. The partnership agreement formalises the relationship between the PAT and CBF and further bolsters the PAT’s ability to support the financing and management of Guyana’s protected areas.

Under the agreement, the CBF will manage and invest Endowment Funds for Guyana and make annual payments to the PAT to

support its mandate.

During a simple signing ceremony in the Boardroom of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Chair of PAT’s Board of Trustees, Curtis Bernard noted that the work towards the partnership agreement started in February 2020.

He further remarked that the agreement was timely and would provide well-needed resources for effective management of protected areas in Guyana.

In congratulating the PAT, Chief Executive Officer of the CBF Karen McDonald Gayle expressed immense pleasure that the discussions with the PAT have now culminated with the signing of this first 5-year agreement between the two entities.

The PAT is a body corporate established under the Protected Areas Act of

2011 and provides co-financing for the management of Guyana’s National Protected Areas System, principally through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC).

The National Protected Areas System currently covers 8.5 per cent of Guyana’s terrestrial space in five protected areas – Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA) in the Rupununi; Shell Beach Protected Area (SBPA) in the coastal northwest region; Kanashen Amerindian Protected Area (KAPA) in southern Guyana, a community-owned protected area and Guyana’s largest protected areas; Kaieteur National Park; Iwokrama Rain Forests; and four urban parks. PAT started operation in 2014 and has, since 2017, provided resources to support the management of the KMPA, SBPA, and KAPA.

overnment’s vision for development of Amerindian communities is advancing, with the community of Karau, Region Seven, beginning its poultry farm.

A Department of Public Information report stated that the economic project is being undertaken by the villagers. Some $3 million of their $7 million COVID-19 relief grant will be used to fund the project. Toshao of Karau, Shane Cornelius told DPI that the community is primarily known for its logging and mining activities and as such, the villagers decided to try something different. They believe the poultry venture will be successful due to its close proximity to Bartica and the influx of persons travelling in and out of the community.

“We designed it in such a way that persons within the village would actually benefit directly from the project.

So, it is not a traditional village poultry project, but it is intended to operate much like a co-operative society, whereby each resident

Karau Toshao Shane Cornelius

would be allocated a certain number of chickens,” he explained.

The Village Council will oversee the procurement of the feed, medicine, and chicks for the venture.

Currently, a pen that will accommodate 500 meat birds is under construction, and a similar pen will be built at a later date.

According to Cornelius, the decision to construct the

pens separately, would allow them to gauge the community’s market response.

This is to ensure that there is no lapse in judgement regarding the project’s profit.

Once the construction process is finished, Toshao Cornelius said the Village Council “would sign contracts with the residents who would have to pay back storage fee and use of the chicken project and so basically, we are targeting two areas - where we would be providing a source of income to residents, and also providing poultry meat to markets close by.”

The remainder of the community’s COVID fund allowed the Council to procure a $2 million AllTerrain Vehicle (ATV), while $1 million was used to improve the ICT hub.

In 2021, Government earmarked a one-off $1.73 billion COVID-19 relief fund aimed at creating opportunities for livelihood, youth development, and the enhancement of village infrastructure.

PAHO donates computers to GPHC

Donations of computers from PAHO to GPHC

T

he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) on Friday handed over the second phase of computer gifts to GPHC, making a total of 46 desktops and their corresponding UPS, one laptop, and 15 tablets.

At a simple presentation ceremony at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), PAHO/WHO’s representative, Dr Janice Woolford, a specialist in children, adolescents, and women’s health, said that PAHO is pleased to partner with the GPHC and the Maternity Ward, especially

with the improvement of the health information system in terms of perinatal data system.

She was accompanied by Dr Padmini Singh who is the main collaborator to ensure the networking of good, quality data is captured.

Receiving on behalf of GPHC were the hospital’s CEO (ag) Robbie Rambarran, and Head of Dept (OB-GYN) Dr Lucio Pedro.

Rambarran in his response remarked that it’s a good thing when GPHC receives gifts, supplies, and equipment from donors

through their generosity and kind service to society and humanity.

He explained also that this package will contribute towards improving the efficiency of service, capturing, networking, and utilising effective data and to help further GPHC’s care at the hospital, in particular in the areas of oncology, cardiology, and nephrology.

Rambarran expressed his happiness, thanks, and appreciation to PAHO, who has been a long partner of GPHC, for their generous and meaningful donation.

(G2)

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Discipline, punishment not the same – psychologist Italy orders seizure of

C

ounselling psychologist Sonji HarrisGuppy has said Caribbean parents need to understand the distinction between discipling and punishment.

Harris-Guppy was speaking during a panel discussion on Thursday hosted by the Faculty of Law, UWI, on Child Abuse or Discipline: An Interdisciplinary Examination of Corporal Punishment.

“We need to understand there is a clear difference between discipline and punishment.

"Punishment is based on control, compliance and aggressive behaviours.

Discipline focuses on cause and effect.

"How do I allow my child to understand right and wrong, understand the morals and values of the family and recognise they have a choice in their behaviours?”

She said research has shown the long-term effects on children who are beaten and its impact on their future relationships. She said such children often grow up to view violence as a way of solving problems.

“In talking to parents, many will say, ‘I got licks and I am ok.’

"You’re lucky that you are, but what about the unlucky ones who can’t manage their emotions, or grow up with little to no emotional intelligence?

“If you’re ok, that's wonderful – but what about those

who are unable to function and, in some cases, some who have not survived?”

She said a child who is beaten does not always internalise that behaviour as love.

“They will think the parent does not love them. Those of us who got licks learned how to hide and have behaviours that are maladaptive to functioning in society.”

Harris-Guppy also said, “How do we define a slap, hit, or punch? If we can’t clearly define what a slap is, then we should not be engaging in this type of behaviour.”

She added that physical punishment is not about the child: a parent who is overwhelmed and unable to manage their own emotions may feel embarrassed by the child’s behaviour in a public setting and release anger, frustration and fear onto the child.

Harris-Guppy said in doing so, the child would learn to stop the wrong behaviour but would not have learned a replacement behaviour.

Senior counsel and senior lecturer at UWI John Jeremie said there is need for reform of the Children Act. He cited the act, section 22, subsection one, which says, “Nothing in this path shall be construed to take away or affect the right of any parent, teacher, or other person having the lawful control or charge of a child or young person to administer reasonable punishment.”

He said while the section

allows the use of reasonable force as a means of punishment, it does not trump the general law, which does not permit corporal punishment.

“There is no direct authority at this point," he argued, "but, in my view, general provisions can be used creatively by judges to trump the very modest protection offered by the Children Act." He said Trinidad and Tobago is also bound by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which has a firm stance against corporal punishment.

“The law has not settled.

We have our international obligations, on the one hand, which says do not use (force), and then the Children Act, which says you can, and the general law, which, in my view, says, 'Don’t.' There is a need for reform in which direction we need to go.

“I am in favour of the view that we ought to set high standards on human integrity and protecting the dignity of human life. That means respecting the integrity of the child. The act needs some reform and the reform ought to go in that direction."

Family law practitioner Nadiya Gower de Chabert also addressed the use of corporal punishment during the pandemic, citing the death of eight-year-old Mukeisha Maynard in February 2020.

Maynard was murdered by her father before he ended his own life. Police said

Maynard was beaten to death with a cutlass because she had urinated on a mattress.

Gower de Chabert noted that a month after that murder, covid19 made its appearance in TT and the country was sent into lockdown, forcing parents to balance working from home and managing their children.

“I have observed (in the pandemic) this situation of parents being stressed and not knowing how to discipline their children has been severely exacerbated. If you don’t know how else to safely discipline your children then you resort to corporal punishment.”

She also cited the amendment of the Children Act in 2018 that corporal punishment should not be used in children’s homes and foster homes. She said the act says a child placed in a children’s home shall not be subjected to corporal punishment, restraint or force, reduction or change of diet, restriction or denial of contact with family as forms of punishment.

Gower de Chabert said there has been an increase in reports in the last few years on children’s homes and recommendations in a recent report highlighting the issue have said it is essential to align the functions of children’s homes with the statutory mandate. The report also recommends clear and reliable means for children to register complaints.

(T&T Newsday)

yacht linked to Putin

I

taly has ordered the seizure of a $700m yacht linked to Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

The Scheherazade has been undergoing repairs at a port in Tuscany since September last year.

Italy's finance ministry said that the boat's owner had ties to "prominent elements of the Russian government".

It is being seized under EU sanctions brought over Russia's invasion of Ukraine that have seen other vessels confiscated.

The exact owner of the Scheherazade has not been established but US officials told the New York Times it could belong to Russia's president.

Supporters of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny have also linked the 140m vessel to President Putin. Other reports suggest that the yacht, which has two helicopter landing pads and a swimming pool inside, is owned

by Eduard Khudainatov, the former chief of Russian energy giant Rosneft who is not currently a target of EU sanctions.

Many superyachts are linked to Russian billionaires but ownership is shrouded in secrecy - they are often registered through a series of offshore companies.

Several have already been seized by Western countries. (BBC)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022

Regional

Gas leak blamed for blast at IDB and Oracle formalise partnership to Havana hotel that killed nine drive sustainable development in region

Saratoga appeared to have been caused by a gas leak.

“In no case was it a bomb or an attack,” he later told Reuters as he left the capital’s Calixto Garcia hospital, where many of the injured were treated. “It’s just a very unfortunate accident.”

The blast nonetheless sent a brief wave of panic through the historic old Havana neighbourhood, which has gradual-

ly begun reopening to tourists after the pandemic battered the island’s crucial tourism sector.

Hundreds of Cubans and tourists alike gathered to spectate under a hot Caribbean sun as Police cordoned off the area around the hotel. Many speculated about the cause of the blast as ambulances and rescue workers carried victims from the wreckage.

State TV reported search and rescue efforts were ongoing and said it was unclear whether additional victims remained trapped in the rubble.

The Government has not yet made public the nationalities of the victims, state TV said.

The hotel, housed in a more than century-old building, had been closed and only workers were inside at time of the explosion, the state-run channel added, citing Roberto Enrique Calzadilla, a representative of the military-run company that operates many of the country’s hotels. (Excerpt from Reuters)

votes against and six votes in favour.

Opponents of the proposal argued that the existing Constitution has given Peru stability that underpinned strong economic growth in the last two decades.

Castillo, a leftist former school teacher and union leader, has presided over unprecedented political instability since taking office last July, cycling through four separate cabinets and sur-

viving two impeachment attempts.

An Ipsos Peru survey showed at the end of April that only 7 per cent of Peruvians thought that setting up a constituent assembly should be the Government’s priority.

Instead, 43 per cent of those polled said the Government’s priority should be fighting crime and 42 per cent believe it should be battling corruption. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Debris is scattered after an explosion destroyed the Hotel Saratoga in Havana, Cuba, May 6, 2022

A

deadly explosion hit a well-known hotel in downtown Havana on Friday, tearing a gash several floors high in the side of the building, killing at least nine people and sending another 30 to hospital, witnesses and state media said.

Speaking from the scene on Cuban television, President Miguel Diaz-Canel said the blast at the historic Hotel

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) said it has signed an agreement with the US-based technology company, Oracle, formalising and deepening collaboration between them with a focus on harnessing digitalisation as a tool for sustainable development.

It said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will also formalise their intent to collaborate and jointly promote initiatives and projects through which technology can help drive sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

As a result, both institutions declared their intention to join forces to collaborate to boost social progress, economic recovery, infrastructure, and health, with a focus on related areas includ-

ing justice, education, tax collection, technological infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Ultimately, the partners will tap into Oracle’s technological expertise and innovative capabilities, as well as the IDB’s deep knowledge of development and LAC countries, to harness technology as a force for good across the region, the IDB said.

It said the MoU also outlines intentions to collaborate through conferences, workshops, and training courses and materials aimed at institutional strengthening and capacity building. These efforts seek to focus on developing the knowledge and technical skills of LAC policymakers, corporate leaders, and public and private officials in the sectors outlined above.

“At the IDB, we recognize that the world’s most

disruptive, innovative firms are essential partners in our journey to drive growth, transparency, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“That is why we are thrilled to announce this new partnership with Oracle, a technological giant that shares our vision for a private sector-led recovery in our countries.

Together, we will work to harness technology and digitalization as tools for improving lives,” said IDB President, Mauricio-Claver Carone.

Oracle Latin America Executive Vice President, Luiz Meisler, said the signing of the agreement with the IDB reaffirms the commitment it has as a company with the social and economic development of the Region. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Peruvian Congress rejects President’s As El Salvador’s arrest wave continues, families live in worry Bill to change Constitution

P

eru’s Congress on Friday rejected a Bill presented by President Pedro Castillo to call a referendum to change the Constitution, a campaign promise he had made with the aim of boosting the State’s role in the economy.

The Bill, which would have called for a constitutional assembly to redraft Peru’s Constitution of 1993, was rejected by a congressional commission with 11

Brazil’s Amazon deforestation hits April record, nearly double previous peak

D

eforestation in Brazil’s Amazon surged to record levels for the month of April, nearly doubling the area of forest removed in that month last year -- the previous April record -preliminary Government data showed on Friday, alarming environmental campaigners.

In the first 29 days of April, deforestation in the region totalled 1012.5 sq km (390 sq miles), according to data from national space research agency Inpe. The agency, which has compiled the monthly DETER-B data series since 2015/2016, will report data for the final day of April next week.

April is the third monthly record this year, after new highs were also observed in January and February.

Destruction of the Brazilian Amazon in the first four months of the year also hit a record for the period of 1954 sq km (754 sq miles), an increase of 69 per cent compared to the same period of 2021 – clearing an area more

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lexander Eduvay Guzman Molina’s daughters want to know when he will be coming home.

They have not seen their father, a 45-year-old teacher, since he was arrested by Salvadoran police on March 27 during the country’s continuing state of exception, which authorities say aims to crack down on gangs and gang-related violence.

Guzman Molina has been accused of “illicit association”, but a relative told Al Jazeera the charges are unfounded. Now, the family fears for his safety, as Guzman Molina has missed his physical thera-

py appointments for a bone fracture in his hand and never made it to a doctor’s appointment after being told he was vulnerable to suffering a stroke.

Thousands of Salvadoran families are experiencing the same anxiety after the Government arrested more than 24,000 people since the state of exception began on March 27. The Government says it is arresting “terrorists” and gang members to take control of the streets after a spike in homicides from March 25 to 27 left more than 80 people dead.

But family members say some of the people arrested have no gang ties and have

been caught up in a policy that is targeting innocent Salvadorans.

The trauma currently experienced by the families of detainees echoes past periods of state violence in El Salvador.

During a civil war between left-wing rebels and the US-backed Salvadoran government from 1980 to 1992, more than 70,000 people were killed and 5,000 disappeared. Student leaders and activists were taken off the streets and never seen again, and babies were stolen from their families and put up for illegal adoption. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Long-term drought could affect Eastern Caribbean

T An aerial view shows logs that were illegally cut from the Amazon rainforest in Anapu, Para state, Brazil, September 2, 2019. Picture taken with a drone September 2, 2019

than double the size of New York City.

Deforestation in the Amazon has soared since right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro took office in 2019 and weakened environmental protection. Bolsonaro argues that more farming and mining in the Amazon will reduce poverty in the region.

Even with deforestation already on the rise, Climate

Observatory said its analysts were astounded by such a high reading in April, which is part of the rainy season when the muddy forest is harder for loggers to access.

Preservation of the Amazon is vital to stopping catastrophic climate change because of the vast amount of climate-warming carbon dioxide it absorbs. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) on Friday warned of long-term drought that could “negatively” impact islands in the eastern Caribbean.

“Many parts of the region experienced above normal rainfall in March, bringing some relief from dry conditions since late 2021. Despite this, there are concerns over long term drought that can negatively impact large rivers and reservoirs, and groundwater, by the end of May,” CIMH said in its latest issue of the Caribbean

Drought Bulletin.

It said that the islands of the eastern Caribbean as well as Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (ABC Islands) western Cuba and parts of Belize could be affected as a result and that the southern half of the eastern Caribbean and western Cuba should also monitor its streams, small rivers and ponds at least until end of July.

CIMH said that a shorter-term drought situation, by the end of May, might possibly develop or continue until the end of July in Barbados, western Cuba, Dominica, Grenada,

Martinique, St Lucia and St Vincent.

It said longer term drought is evolving in the ABC Islands, Barbados, most of Belize, Dominica, Guadeloupe, St Kitts, and the United States Virgin Islands.

“Areas ending up in long term drought by the end of May may experience significantly reduced water levels in large reservoirs, large rivers and groundwater,” CIMH said, adding “we advise all stakeholders to keep monitoring their environment for signs of drought”. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil gains 1.5%, posts another weekly rise on supply concerns

O

il prices rose nearly 1.5 per cent on Friday, posting a second straight weekly increase as impending European Union sanctions on Russian oil raised the prospect of tighter supply and had traders shrugging off worries about global economic growth.

Brent futures rose US$1.49, or 1.3 per cent, to settle at US$112.39 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed US$1.51, or 1.4 per cent, to end at US$109.77 a barrel.

"In the near term, the fundamentals for oil are bullish and it is only fears of an economic slowdown in the future that is holding us back," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group.

For the week, WTI gained about 5 per cent, while Brent nearly 4 per cent after the EU set out an embargo on Russian oil as part of its toughest-yet package of sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine.

The EU is tweaking its sanctions plan, hoping to win over reluctant states and secure the needed unanimous backing from the 27 member countries, three EU sources told Reuters. The initial proposal called for an end to EU imports of Russian crude and oil products by the end of this year.

"The looming EU embargo on Russian oil has the makings of an acute supply squeeze. In any case, OPEC+ is in no mood to help out, even as rallying energy prices spur harmful levels of inflation," PVM analyst Stephen Brennock said.

Ignoring calls from Western nations to hike output more, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and allied producers (OPEC+), stuck with its plan to raise its June output target by 432,000 barrels per day.

However, analysts expect the group's actual production rise to be much smaller due to capacity constraints.

"There is zero chance of certain members filling that quota as production challenges impact Nigeria and other African members," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst Asia Pacific at OANDA. On Thursday, a US Senate panel advanced a bill that could expose OPEC+ to lawsuits for collusion on boosting oil prices.

On the supply side, US oil rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose five to 557 this week, the highest since April 2020.

Money managers cut their net long US crude futures and options positions in the week to May 3, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said.

Investors expect higher demand from the United States this autumn as Washington unveiled plans to buy 60 million barrels of crude to replenish emergency stockpiles.

Yet signs of a weakening global economy fed demand concerns, limiting oil price gains.

On Thursday, the Bank of England warned Britain risks a double-whammy of a recession and inflation above 10 per cent. It raised interest rates a quarter of a percentage point to 1 per cent, their highest since 2009.

Strict COVID-19 curbs in China are creating headwinds for the world's second-largest economy and leading oil importer.

Beijing authorities said all non-essential services would shut in its biggest district Chaoyang, home to embassies and large offices. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UN Security Council, including Russia, expresses concern about Ukraine

T

he UN Security Council, including Russia, on Friday expressed "deep concern regarding the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine" and backed efforts by the UN chief to find a peaceful solution in the body's first statement since Moscow's invasion.

Security Council statements are agreed by consensus. The brief text adopted on Friday was drafted by Norway and Mexico.

"The Security Council expresses deep concern regarding the maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine," it reads. "The Security Council recalls that all Member States have undertaken, under the Charter of the United Nations, the obligation to settle their international disputes by

Members of the United Nations Security Council sit during a meeting on the situation amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, New York City, New York, US, May 5, 2022

peaceful means."

"The Security Council expresses strong support for the efforts of the SecretaryGeneral in the search for a peaceful solution," reads the statement, which also

requests UN chief Antonio Guterres brief the council again "in due course."

Guterres welcomed the council support on Friday, saying he would "spare no effort to save lives, reduce

suffering and find the path of peace."

Guterres met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv last week.

His visits paved the way for joint United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross operations that have evacuated some 500 civilians from Ukraine's port city of Mariupol and the besieged Azovstal steel plant in the past week.

The Security Council statement was agreed despite a diplomatic tit-fortat that has been escalating since Russia launched on Feb 24 what it calls a "special military operation" and what Guterres blasted as Russia's "absurd war."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Boris Johnson faces election test as scandals overshadow vote

V

oters in Britain went to the polls in local government elections on Thursday where they are expected to punish Prime Minister Boris Johnson over a cost-of-living crisis and fines for breaking his own COVID-19 lockdown rules.

The elections are seen as a test of support for Johnson, who became the first British leader in living memory to have broken the law while in office when he was fined last month for attending a birthday gathering in his office in 2020.

Shooting on Dutch care farm leaves 2 dead

A sharp rise in global energy prices that has pushed up consumers' gas and electricity bills is now also feeding through to the cost of goods in shops, putting more pressure on household budgets.

A poor set of results will increase pressure on Johnson, who has been under pressure for months and faces three investigations and the possibility of more police fines over his attendance at other lockdown-breaking gatherings.

But some lawmakers among Johnson's governing Conservatives say that while the party may perform badly in some of its tradi-

tional supportive regions in southeast England, critics may not have the numbers to trigger a coup against the Prime Minister.

Votes will decide almost 7000 council seats across the United Kingdom, determining the makeup of 140 local government authorities, which are responsible for the day-to-day provision of public services.

An analysis by pollster Find Out Now and political consultancy Electoral Calculus suggested the Conservatives could lose some 800 council seats and Labour could gain control of about 20 councils. (Excerpt from Reuters)

State of emergency declared in Sri Lanka as strike halts country

A Police investigation is under way

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wo people have been shot dead and two others wounded on a Dutch care farm that provides therapy for people with disabilities or mental health issues.

A 16-year-old girl and a woman aged 34 were killed in the shooting at the Tro Tardi farm in Alblasserdam, to the east of Rotterdam.

Dutch Police later arrested an armed suspect in a nearby park.

A 13-year-old boy and a 20-year-old woman were seriously wounded, while a fifth person was slightly hurt.

Two air ambulances landed at the scene and numerous emergency vehicles were stationed outside the farm, Dutch radio said.

"The suspect has been arrested and the firearm has been seized. The witnesses are being looked after and help is being arranged for

them." Rotterdam Police said on Twitter. They later revealed that the man in custody had been on the run since Thursday evening and he was wanted over the death of a 60-year-old man in a shop in Vlissingen, south-west of Rotterdam.

Police said there was no clear motive for Friday's attack. They identified the suspect as a 38-year-old man from Oud-Alblas, a village a few kilometres away from the shooting. Dutch media said he was known to Police as "confused and a nuisance".

Care farms encourage people with physical disabilities or mental health issues to carry out light farming duties. On its website, the Tro Tardi farm says it offers a variety of care activities that can help children and adults on a "physical, cognitive as well as social/emotional level".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

S

ri Lanka’s President has declared a state of emergency for the second time in five weeks, giving security forces sweeping powers as a nationwide strike by angry demonstrators crippled the country. A spokesman for Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he invoked emergency laws on Friday to “ensure public order” after shops closed and public transport was halted by the strike action, bringing the nation of 22 million people to a standstill after weeks of unrest. The state of emergency gives powers to security forces to arrest and imprison suspects for long periods without judicial supervision. The emergency powers also allow the deployment of troops to maintain law and order in addition to Police.

The presidential spokesman said the laws will go into effect from midnight.

Beleaguered Rajapaksa had declared an earlier state of emergency on April 1, a day after thousands of protesters attempted to storm his

private home in the capital.

That emergency was allowed to lapse on April 14.

But protests have since escalated, spurring Sri Lanka’s worst crisis since independence in 1948.

Rajapaksa has insisted he will not step down despite the escalating demonstrations.

The new emergency declaration came as thousands of demonstrators remained outside Rajapaksa’s seafront office, where they have been protesting since April 9, and smaller groups have tried to storm the homes of other key government politicians.

The demonstrators blame Rajapaksa and his ruling family for mismanaging the economy as months of blackouts and acute shortages of food, fuel, and pharmaceuticals have caused widespread suffering across the island.

Shortages of hard currency have also hindered imports of raw materials for manufacturing and worsened inflation, which surged to 18.7 per cent in March. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Narrow vision will hold you back. Be receptive, not gullible. Listen, ask questions and come up with a plan. Don't reveal your plans until everything is in place. Personal gain is within reach.

(March 21-April 19) Go over details and documents to ensure you don't miss something important. Put everything in order and prepare to make moves that will free you from situations standing in the way of progress.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Look at what's happening around you, and you'll see that you have important decisions to make. Choose what you like to do most, and you'll find the success and satisfaction you desire.

(May 21-June 20) Don't drift from one thing to another.

Consistency and sustainability will help you get things done on time. Keep an open mind, but don't put your health or money at risk.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Share information and develop a closer relationship with someone you can relate to. You'll feel a sense of security and belonging. Someone special will pitch in and help you work toward a goal.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Tweak an idea you have, and it will flourish. Connections you make will help expand your vision and offer insight into the possibilities. Don't underestimate someone eager to outdo you.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Don't hold back. The pressure you put on others will help you get what you want. A healthy attitude, friendly demeanor and generous nature will lead to success beyond your greatest expectations.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Choose to sparkle and enlighten others. Look on the bright side and do what pleases you. Don't feel the need to make a move or change because of someone's actions.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

You can make some money if you sell some of the stuff you no longer use. Get your house in order, and you'll feel better about your capabilities and prospects.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) You'll have sound ideas when it comes to money, domestic changes, responsibilities and how best to use your energy. A proposal or suggestion someone makes will intrigue you.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Learn from the past, but don't get stuck there. Use what you discover to help you move forward. Selfimprovement and common sense are necessary when it comes to domestic improvements.

Get involved in creative projects or use curiosity and imagination to develop a plan that motivates you and those who cross your path. A healthy dialogue at a gathering will drum up enthusiasm.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY MAY 7, 2022

21

IPL 2022: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans

Mumbai’s Sams defends eight in last over after knocks from Titans’ Rohit, David spread. He took a six and a four off M Ashwin, followed by a hattrick of fours off Daniel Sams, and then a six and a four off left-arm wristspinner Kumar Kartikeya.

Now, Gill must have fancied Ashwin after his earlier success off him, but it was perhaps time for Saha to go after the bowling and for Gill to set up to bat

Mumbai Indians celebrating after Daniel Sams successfully defended eight in the last over

tension, conceding four off four.

Miller, though,

just

Rohit shows form

Rohit began the match with an average of 17 and a strike rate of 123 this IPL, but he looked in great touch. He took on Alzarri Joseph to begin with, but went after every bowler in the first six overs as he scored 42, more than he has ever done inside an IPL powerplay. The smooth hitting was back on display.

Ishan Kishan was not so smooth, benefiting from an edge or three, but he, too, kept scoring quickly. The 63 without loss of a wicket after six overs was easily their best powerplay in a disappointing season.

Rashid strikes back

Teams have decided to not give wickets to Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine, even if it means playing them out at a sub-optimal run rate. Rashid came into this match with just nine wickets, but at under seven an over. Rohit, though, was looking to attack everyone, because this was a good pitch and they needed a big total.

Rashid went for 13 in his first, bowled inside the powerplay. In

slow and off-target throw from deep midwicket. Rashid took a single off the fourth ball to give it to Miller with six required off two.

Sams managed to go past the bat on both occasions with full and wide slower balls. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

A

lmost out of contention, and needing a lot of permutations and combinations in the rest of the tournament to stay alive, Mumbai Indians still gave their raucous home crowd something to cheer about in defending eight runs in the last over, with Gujarat Titans still having six wickets in hand.

Titans, who with some incredible six-hitting have snatched wins from the jaws of defeat on a few occasions earlier in the tournament, took defeat out of victory's grasp, thanks to quick ones and twos that resulted in run-outs.

For about 33 overs, between the Mumbai powerplay and the last over of the match, Titans looked on track for a win that would all but seal their qualifications to the playoffs.

They restricted Mumbai to 177 despite a flying start from Rohit Sharma, his best in all IPL matches. Then both Titans’ openers got fifties, followed by quick innings from Hardik Pandya and David Miller.

However, thanks to the runouts, Titans contrived to lose on a night that Jasprit Bumrah went for 48 runs.

seemed to have sealed the chase when he hit the fifth, a short ball, for a flat six to make it 10 required off seven balls.

At eight off five, Rahul Tewatia missed a slower ball from Sams. Off the next ball, he tried a second, but couldn't make it, despite a

Ishan Kishan (45) and Rohit Sharma (43) set the tone for Mumbai Indians

Rashid's second, all it took was two dots to bring out the reversesweep. Rashid, though, was too accurate for that, and Rohit was trapped lbw.

Middle-overs muddle

Three Mumbai batters scored more than 40 runs at a strike rate higher than 150, but their eventual score was the lowest among 134 such T20 innings.

Kieron Pollard, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav scored 38 off 41 between them to offset 132 off 78 between Rohit, Ishan Kishan and Tim David.

Pollard, especially, was a slightly strange choice to walk in during the 13th over, when he was going to play out Lockie Ferguson and Rashid. He was looking to play Rashid out, but Rashid was good enough to turn a legbreak past his forwarddefensive and hit the top of off.

To their credit, Titans responded well to the powerplay by mixing the pace in the rest of the innings to restrict Mumbai.

David, who took them to 177

through. However, Gill was the first one to attack, and holed out at the start of the 13th over. Saha followed in the same over, top-edging a sweep.

Titans run themselves out

H a r d i k Tim David blasted 44 off 21 Pandya, though, continued in the flow he has managed through the season. Despite the hit-wicket dismissal of Sai Sudharsan - trying to hit the pants off a slower bouncer from Pollard and losing the bottom hand on the bat - Titans were on track, needing 22 off 15.

That was when Pandya called David Miller through for a quick single when the ball was rolling through to the keeper. A dive or a full stretch would have got Pandya in, but the replays surprised him, catching him on the line when the wicket lit up.

In the 19th over, despite an off night, Bumrah created some

GUJARAT TITANS INNINGS (Target: 178 runs from 20 overs) Wriddhiman Saha †c Sams b Ashwin 55 Shubman Gill c Pollard b Ashwin 52 Hardik Pandya (c) run out (†Ishan Kishan) 24 Sai Sudharsan hit wicket b Pollard 14 David Miller not out 19 Rahul Tewatia run out (Tilak Varma/ †Ishan Kishan) 3 Rashid Khan not out 1 Extras (lb 3, w 1) 4 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.60) 172/5 Did not bat: Pradeep Sangwan, Lockie Ferguson, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Shami Fall of wickets: 1-106 (Shubman Gill, 12.1 ov), 2-111 (Wriddhiman Saha, 12.6 ov), 3-138 (Sai Sudharsan, 15.6 ov), 4-156 (Hardik Pandya, 17.4 ov), 5-171 (Rahul Tewatia, 19.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Daniel Sams 3-0-18-0 Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-48-0 Murugan Ashwin 4-0-29-2 Riley Meredith 4-0-32-0 Kumar Kartikeya 3-0-29-0 Kieron Pollard 2-0-13-1

World Athletics Continental Tour in Nairobi, Kenya…

Seven other competitors in the race, says Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

J

with two sixes in the final over, was despondent at the halfway mark, saying they were well short.

The Saha-Gill show

At the start of the chase, Saha continued his excellent intent, and took the pressure off Gill, who has been short of a gallop.

He went after Bumrah, using his pace, taking 25 off nine balls in his first two overs -- more than anyone has taken off Bumrah in a T20 powerplay.

Around the end of the powerplay, it was Gill who took the load off Saha, who tends to slow down once the field is

MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Ishan Kishan †c Rashid Khan b Joseph 45 Rohit Sharma (c) lbw b Rashid Khan 43 Suryakumar Yadav c Rashid Khan b Sangwan 13 Tilak Varma run out (Pandya) 21 Kieron Pollard b Rashid Khan 4 Tim David not out 44 Daniel Sams c Rashid Khan b Ferguson 0 Murugan Ashwin not out 0 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 4) 7 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.85) 177/6 Did not bat: Kumar Kartikeya, Jasprit Bumrah, Riley Meredith Fall of wickets: 1-74 (Rohit Sharma, 7.3 ov), 2-99 (Suryakumar Yadav, 10.3 ov), 3-111 (Ishan Kishan, 11.6 ov), 4-119 (Kieron Pollard, 14.5 ov), 5-157 (Tilak Varma, 18.2 ov), 6-164 (Daniel Sams, 18.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Shami 4-0-42-0 Alzarri Joseph 4-0-41-1 Rashid Khan 4-0-24-2 Lockie Ferguson 4-0-34-1 Pradeep Sangwan 3-0-23-1 Rahul Tewatia 1-0-11-0

Wriddhiman Saha got to fifty off 34 balls

amaica track and field superstar Shelly-Ann FraserPryce insists she will not focus on the absence of American Sha’Carri Richardson ahead of the World Athletics Continental Tour at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya today (Saturday).

Instead, the nine-time World Champion is more intent on keeping her attention on the rest of the field that she is set to face, which will include 200m Olympic silver medallist Christine Mboma of Namibia.

Ahead of the meet, a lot of attention had been placed on the possibility of another 100m match-up between

Olympics, after being suspended for a month for marijuana usage.

Despite the American’s presence, however, the Jamaicans finished in the same order as the Tokyo Games, where Thompson-Herah finished ahead of Fraser-Pryce, and Jackson finished third.

Richardson finished in last place.

Fraser-Pryce and Richardson, no doubt a spillover from last season, which featured a highly-anticipated showdown at the Eugene Diamond League meet. Just two days ahead of the Continental Tour, however, and for the third time this season, it was discovered that Richardson had withdrawn from the meet without a public explanation being provided.

Last year, the Eugene matchup between Richardson and Fraser-Pryce had been billed as a great redemption story of sorts for the American. The athlete had missed out on facing the Jamaica medal-winning trio of FraserPryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shericka Jackson at the

“As far as I’m concerned, there are seven other competitors in the race, (whom) I think deserve the same amount of attention and respect as me, because when we each line up to compete, I don’t think we are fearful of who is beside us or in the next lane. We are just here to compete and give our best,” Fraser-Pryce told members of the media.

“So, if someone is missing from the competition, it doesn’t stop me from focusing on what I’m here to do, and getting the job done,” she explained.

In addition to Mboma, the 100m field will consist of the USA’s Shannon Ray, Maximilla Imali (Ken), Bassant Hemida (Egy), Rani Rosius (BEL), Patrizia Vanderweken (Lux), and Javianne Oliver (USA). (Sportsmax)

22

SATURDAY MAY 7, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Odyssey Sightseeing Tours’ 50 Overs West Demerara Cricket Competition…

Savory, Sukhdeo, Gomes highlight second round of play A

ction continued in the Odyssey Sightseeing Tours’ 50 Overs West Demerara Cricket Competition with a brilliant knock of 184 from Kemol Savory, along with Anil Sukhdeo’s outstanding performance of 5-13 and Jamal Gomes’s remarkable haul of 5-21, highlighting the second round of play at various grounds in West Demerara.

Action at various grounds went as follows:

West Meter-Meer-Zorg Ground

West Demerara Police beat favourites Cornelia Ida by 67 runs. Batting first, Police made 285 for 7 from their 50 overs.

Kemol Savory reignited the glory days of West Demerara cricket with a classy 184 not out, which included 14

fours and 9 sixes, while Cornelia Ida were untidy with the ball, leaking 51 extras.

Bowling for Cornelia Ida, Akshay Persaud took 2 for 66 from his 10 overs, while Ushardeva Balgobin took 2 for 52.

In reply, Cornelia Ida were sent packing for 218 in 38.3 overs, Vaickesh Dhaniram top scoring with 71, which included six sixes and two fours. Azmudeen Dhaniram made 33, and Akshay Persaud made 20.

Bowling for the Police, Emmanuel Chrisnuth took 3 for 40, and Kemol Savory took 2 for 51 as they saw their team to Victory.

Kemol Savory blasted 184*

Zeeburg Ground

The hosts trashed Windsor Forest centre team by nine wickets. Batting first, Windsor Forest were all out

India tour of West Indies and US likely to start from July 22

Anil Sukhdeo bagged 5-13

Jamal Gomes bagged 5-21

Ricardo Poloram scored 96

for 154, made in 32.4 overs, with Rajiv Kadanauth scoring an attractive 84, which included 5 sixes and 8 fours.

Bowling for Zeeburg, pacer Jamal Gomes was impressive with 5 for 21, and valuable support came from Mark Jeffers with 3 for 21.

The hosts, in reply, raced to 157 for 1 in 13.4 overs, with aggressive left-hand Opener Ricardo Poloram scoring 96, which included 11 sixes and 3 fours. Ronald Ranee supported with 34 not out.

scoring 30. Bowling for Windsor Forest, Raylex Payne took 4 for 14; Deendyal Guyadeen took 3 for 23, and Abdallah Wazidali supported with 2 for 18.

Windsor Forest, in reply, scored 91 for 5 in 26.3 overs. Kenzo Baksh scored 34 not out, and Avinash Ganesh scored 30 to see their team to victory.

Vishal Jaigobin’s 2 for 11 and Vinod Rajkumar’s 2 for 15.

In reply, the ‘B’ team were at 4 wickets for 5 runs before Ellian White saw the team to victory with 17.

Ryan Persaud also supported with 12 not out.

Bowling for Meten-MeerZorg A, Reyaz Khan and Levroy Miggings each took 3 wickets, for 11 and 21 runs respectively.

Sheldon Alexander took 2 for 21 in a losing cause.

Uitvlugt Ground

Windsor Forest beat Shamrock by 5 wickets. Batting first, Shamrock struggled to 90 all out, with Alim Khali eventually

Meten-Meer-Zorg Ground

Meten-Meer-Zorg B beat Meten-Meer-Zorg A by one wicket in a low-scoring match. Batting first, MetenMeer-Zorg A struggled to 73 all out, with Adrian Johnson, the only man to post double-figures, scoring 19. B Team captain Anil Sookdeo was very economical with 5 for 14 from six overs.

He was well supported by

Dassie & Friends Promotion softball cricket in Canada…

Bhagwandin banking on his team to do well in tourney

B T

he Indian team's Caribbean tour this summer will start on July 22, and the five-match white-ball series comprising three One-Day Internationals and five Twenty20Is will be played in Trinidad and St Kitts before the visitors wind up the 20-day series, as previously reported by Cricbuzz, in the USA. According to information obtained from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket West Indies (CWI), the three ODIs will be played at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on July 22, 24 and 27, with the newly-built Brian Charles Lara Stadium there hosting the first of the five Twenty20Is on July 29.

The next two T20Is will be played at the Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis on August 1 and 2, after which the cavalcade will move to Fort Lauderdale in Florida, where the last two games will be held on August 6 and 7.

"Those are the dates, and the schedule will be announced once the clearance from the USA comes. We are waiting for the sanctioning from the

US," a top CWI official, in direct knowledge of the developments, told this website on Friday (May 6).

The Indian team will travel to

Trinidad from UK on July 18, after completing its engagements, consisting of a Test, three T20Is, and as many ODIs, in that order, from July 1 to 17. India will reach UK via Ireland, where it is slated to play two ODIs, on June 26 and 28, in Dublin.

Two batches of Indian teams (one comprising the Test

specialists) a r e expected to leave for Ireland and England on June 20, after the fivematch home T20I series against South Africa from June 9 to 19.

Given that the Coronavirus conditions are improving worldwide, it is unlikely there will be too many days of quarantine and strict bio-bubbles rules in place in any of the tours.

"The India series is still about three months away, but medical protocols will have to be adhered to as needed," the CWI official has said.

(Cricbuzz)

rampton Gladiators are intensifying their preparations ahead of the 2022 Dassie and Friends Promotion’s one-day softball cricket extravaganza on Saturday, May 21st at Keele Top, North York Toronto.

Canada-based Guyanese Naresh Bhagwandin, captain of the Brampton Gladiators, in an invited comment declared that his boys are anxious to compete, and are equally confident of winning the first prize of Cdn $2,000 and a trophy.

According to Bhagwandin, the team has several plans to make a big impression, and will not be complacent, since other teams are coming out to fire in all cylinders.

“I think [is] just about smart cricket. Is a knockout tournament and a one-day event. There is pressure, but I have a bunch of guys who can be match-winners,” Bhagwandin, who hails from Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, declared.

The day’s event will be played in memory of long-time servant to cricket Canada, Johnny Bujan.

Bujan performed the duties of manager of the Canadian national cricket teams for several years, while he was a co-owner of Brampton Masters, a club that featured in the Toronto and District Cricket Association’s various tournaments. Bujan passed away in 2016 following a vehicle accident in Trinidad and Tobago.

Further, Bhagwandin stated that his side has few seasonal players, and that should also inspire them to do well. Some of

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“We are preparing hard for the event. We have some quality players who no doubt are familiar with things, they…have played last year, and as I said, (the tournament) is just about good and smart cricket from ball one,” Bhagwandin, the left-arm bowler, mentioned.

The action is set to commence at 09:30am, and according to organiser Damodar Daesrath, the stage is set for what should be a fascinating outing. Apart from some individual outstanding prizes, the second-placed team would pocket $500 and a trophy.

Dasrath, a former Guyana first-class captain, has expressed profound gratitude to the two main sponsors of the day’s activities: ALARM TECHZ and KP Employment Solutions Inc. In the first edition, Assassins were victorious. Eight teams have indicated their participation in this round-arm 10-10 showdown.

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SATURDAY MAY 7, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

BFA boss Marslowe grateful for official return of play “There is work to be done,” he says with the male senior league, which is more like a mini-league, running from May 15 to the end of July. He also noted that, along with that, the BFA would be involved in the Namilco Boys Under-17 league, the National Women's League, and the National Girls Under-15 League, all of which are developmental programmes of the GFF. Marslowe relayed that, with all the ongoing activities, the Academy Training Center would continue to function.

With all these activities set to

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced football’s official return to play.

This welcome announcement was made during the course of the week, and it was further announced that, on May 15, 2022, the GFA’s nine member associations would commence their male senior leagues across the country, among other activities.

Alden Marslowe, who heads the Bartica Football Association (BFA), has expressed how excited he is that the official word has been given regarding football’s return to play. He noted that there is work to be done. In an interview with this publication, he was asked how he feels about football officially returning to play, and he responded: “We have waited a very long time for the return to play. So, naturally, the official word to go ahead brings with it a feeling of excitement and great responsibility.

BFA President, Alden Marslowe, alongside GFF President, Wayne Forde

“The task of having to affect this new season after such a long break is one not to be taken lightly. There is work to be done. The BFA is comprised of a great team of people who are all interested and willing to put in the work. No doubt, there are many challenges, but with men and women putting (their) efforts together, we will not let our players or the public down.”

Marslowe explained that the BFA will start their new season

be run off, the BFA boss was adamant that the need for corporate sponsorships cannot be overemphasised.

He mentioned that the BFA receives much-needed support from the GFF, but there is always need for more input. He also related that, because of its wide fan base, football is the greatest vehicle to achieve visibility for businesses. Hence, businesses coming on board with football would always find themselves

Jonathan Foo to play in Anand Premier League in India

-still hopes to play for Guyana Harpy Eagles or Amazon Warriors

By Brandon Corlette

return to the Guyana set-up.

"My intention (in regard to) playing for Guyana uyanese cricketer Jonathan Foo is heading has always been there. Hopefully, I can keep scoring to India to play in the Anand Premier runs in all formats and different tournaments being League, which will be played from May played across the USA and in Guyana. I would love 8 to May 23. A host of Caribbean players will be to be a part of the white ball set-up for involved in the tournament, and Foo will turn out Guyana Harpy Eagles and also Guyana for the Samp Army franchise.

Amazon Warriors," Foo has said.

In an exclusive interview Over the years, Foo has been with Guyana Times Sport, Foo dominant in various tournaments expressed his gratitude for the in the United States of America opportunity to play in India, and (USA), and those outings have revealed how eager he is to return been great for this rightto play for the Guyana Harpy Eagles handed batsman. He has and Guyana Amazon Warriors. said: "Experience playing Speaking about what he hopes to in the USA is going good so accomplish in the upcoming APL in India, far, and it's getting better Foo said: "I am hoping to have a good first as each tournament goes outing, and hopefully be among the runs by. Players from all parts of and help my team finish the tournament the world are playing there, on a high. I don't like setting goals, but I will and there are a lot of T20 surely give my 110% and make the most out of tournaments (being played) in the opportunity. It's a great feeling going to different States."

India and playing cricket."

Foo has credited the scouts India is known for playing high-quality and owners of teams in the USA cricket, as is evident in the level of play for his selection to the APL in from the Indian Premier League to the Ranji India. "It definitely helped me Trophy. With a host of talented players get selected to play in the APL, assembling in India for this tournament, Foo because there are Indian scouts will be playing among some rising stars. He and Indian owners for various views playing in this tournament as a plus teams being involved in cricket in for him.

USA." "Watching cricket being played in The 31-year-old Foo has India - IPL and even Ranji Trophy - playing played in 13 List A matches in India will be a plus for me, seeing the and 30 T20s in both the CPL quality of players and cricket there," Foo and Caribbean T20. His List A noted. average is a healthy 36.70.

Having scored 334 runs for Guyana He scored 97* and 47 in from eight games, at an average of his last two outings for 55.66, with a high-score of 97 in his Guyana back in 2019.

Jonathan Foo is making valuable last Super50 outing, Foo is hoping to scores in tournaments in the USA

G

having a win-win outcome.

“May 15, 2022 will signal a great comeback for the sport.

Our players are tired of waiting, and many of our fans are already lauding the possibility of having league football return to the community. We now have nine clubs lined up to challenge each other,” he posited.

Marslowe reiterated that there are still challenges ahead, as there is still a great need for better facilities. However, he was confident that the BFA would find ways to overcome those challenges and have the games continue, with the help of the GFF, the town officials, and partners.

Every club that has registered for the league would receive an allocation of balls and bibs, while every member association would receive financial, administrative and capacity-building assistance from the GFF by way of its Members Financial Assistance Programme (M-FAP), he divulged.

Linden schools covet the podium in

Inter-Schools Kayaking competition…

H

armony Secondary cops Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours title Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours have hosted the first ever Inter-Schools Kayaking Competition.

As part of the Linden Town Week celebrations, this activity was held at the Watooka Guest House on May 2, 2022. Harmony Secondary School emerged victorious and pocketed $100,000 and the championship trophy.

The results of the competition were as follows: * 1st place: Harmony Secondary (champion Trophy and $100,000 cash prize) * 2nd place: Linden Foundation Secondary (Trophy and $60,000 cash prize) * 3rd place: Silvercity Secondary (Trophy and $40,000 cash prize) The intention of this

The victorious Harmony Secondary

pioneering event is to highlight the concept of sport tourism, build social cohesion, and catapult Guyana towards the achievement of transformational development and holistically building the ideals of “One Guyana.”

Never before has there been a competition of this nature (connecting sports, ecotourism and education), by

which participants compete for a grand prize and “boasting rights”, which promotes healthy competitive attitudes among athletes.

All secondary schools in Region 10, along with two guest schools from Georgetown, namely Queen’s College and St. Rose’s High, participated in the competition.

SATURDAY MAY 7, 2022

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

Magnum Futsal Independence Cup…

Extraordinary quarterfinal matches expected tonight

Sparta Boss locking horns with Mocha

P

lay in the Magnum Futsal Independence Cup is growing in intensity with each match played, and tonight’s highly anticipated quarterfinal round is expected to be an absolute humdinger. Fans are thus well advised to be there for an unforgettable experience at the National Park Tarmac in Georgetown tonight.

After the attritive Round-of- 16 action on Arrival Day, the following teams emerged as contestants in this year’s quarterfinals: Gold is Money, Future Stars, Melanie, Back Circle, North East La Penitence, Bent Street, Showstoppers, and Sparta Boss.

Gold is Money experienced a scare on Thursday night, when they were down by three goals in their encounter with Tiger Bay. James Meredith, Orin Moore, and Akeem Lewis scored in the second, eighth,

and 10th minutes respectively to turn on the heat against Gold is Money.

However, Randolph Wagner scored twice, in the 13th and 25th minutes, while Darren Benjamin and Michael Pedro netted in the respective 18th and 20th minutes to register a 4-3 victory for Gold.

An identical situation had confronted Future Stars in their match-up with Stabroek Ballers, when Stabroek’s Trevon Pluck opened the scoring in the third minute, and Mark Jhallu netted a double in the 6th and 14th minutes to have the score read 3-0 in Stabroek’s favour.

However, Future Stars kept their heads above water with a brace from Jamal Cozier, who scored in the 15th and 22nd minutes, while Raushan Ritch and Keron Solomon found

the back of the net in the 18th and 21st minutes respectively, for a 4-3 win for Future Stars.

Agricola, who looked good earlier in the tournament, had no reply for Showstoppers in their match. Showstoppers did as their name suggested, with goals from Olvis Mitchell and Delroy Fraser in the 15th and 21st minutes respectively.

Another easy victory went to North East La Penitence, who edged Beterverwagting (BV) 1-0 for a spot in the quarterfinals. Carl Tudor was the marksman with a 14th minute goal for North East.

Back Circle enjoyed a 3-0 win over Alexander Village to ensure they would live to play another day. Back Circle’s scorers were Stephon McLean, with a brace in the 6th and 19th minutes, and Jermaine Beckles, who recorded a 17th minute goal.

In their match, Melanie registered three goals as opposed to East Front Road’s 1, to emerge victorious. Malachi Granum led the charge for Melanie with goals in the 9th and 14th minutes, while Teon Stewart found the back of the net in the 17th minute. Meshach Barrat was the only man on target for East Front Road, scoring in the 16th.

As one would expect, Sparta Boss booked their ticket to the next stage on the back of a 4-1 drubbing of Mocha. At one point, the game stood 1-1, with an opening goal for Sparta Boss from Jermaine Junior in the 7th being countered by a Mocha reply from Stephon Ramsay in the 10th.

Sparta Boss then pulled ahead, thanks to Ryan Hackett finding the back of the net in the 18th.

Junior completed his brace in the 21st, while Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson netted one minute later to bring Sparta’s tally to 4.

Bent Street had the most convincing win of the night, demolishing Belfield 6-2. Sheldon Profitt was the star of Bent Street’s show, scoring a hat-trick with goals in the 13th, 14th, and 16th minutes. Pernell Schultz, Cosmos DeSantos and Daniel Wilson added their names to the scorecard in the second, 18th, and 24th minutes respectively.

On the losing side, Keyron Johnson, and Colin Richmond scored for Belfield in the 9th and 21st minutes respectively.

In tonight’s quarterfinal action, Sparta Boss would oppose Future Stars while North East La Penitence would be pitted against Back Circle in the marquee matchups.

Gold is Money would oppose Showstoppers, and the final game of tonight’s quarterfinal action would see Melanie taking on defending champions Bent Street.

The respective quarterfinal winners would advance to the semifinal round on May 14th at the same venue. The winner of

the tournament would collect $700,000 and the championship trophy, while the runners-up would receive $400,000 and the corresponding accolade. The third and fourth place finishers would walk away with $200,000 and $100,000 respectively.

Among the sponsors of this event are MVP Sport, Nigel Hinds Financial Services, Andrews Supermarket, Bold Expressions Barbershop, Fireside Grill ‘N’ Chill, Star Party Rentals, and Lucozade.

Complete Results

Round of 16 Stage

Game 1 Melanie - 3 vs East Front Road - 1 Melanie Scorers Malachi Granum - 9th and 14th Teon Stewart - 17th East Front Road Scorer Meshach Barrat - 16th Game 2 North East La Penitence - 1 vs BV - 0 Carl Tudor - 14th Game 3 Showstoppers - 2 vs Agricola - 0 Olvis Mitchell - 15th Delroy Fraser - 21st Game 4 Future Stars - 4 vs Stab Ballers - 3 Future Scorers Jamal Cozier - 15th and 22nd Raushan Ritch - 18th Keron Solomon - 21st Stab Scorers Mark Jhalu - 6th and 14th Trevon Pluck - 3rd Game 5 Bent Street - 6 vs Belfield -2 Bent Street Scorers Sheldon Profitt - 13th, 14th, and 16th Pernell Schultz - 2nd

Cosmos DeSantos - 18th Daniel Wilson - 24th Belfield Scorers Keyron Johnson - 9th Colin Richmond - 21st Game 6 Back Circle - 3 vs Alexander Village - 0 Stephon McLean - 6th and 19th Jermaine Beckles - 17th Game 7 Gold is Money - 4 vs Tiger Bay - 3 Gold is Money Scorers Randolph Wagner - 13th and 25th Darren Benjamin - 18th Michael Pedro - 20th Tiger Bay Scorers James Meredith - 2nd Orin Moore - 8th Akeem Lewis - 10th Game 8 Sparta Boss - 4 vs Mocha - 1 Sparta Scorers Jermaine Junior - 7th and 21st Ryan Hackett - 18th Gregory Richardson - 22nd Mocha Scorer Stephon Ramsay - 10th

West Indies Championship 2022…

GCB names Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for remaining 3 rounds

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has announced a 15-man squad for the remaining three rounds of the West Indies Championship 2022.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles will play Barbados Pride from May 18-21 at the Queen’s Park Oval; Jamaica Scorpions from May 25-28 at Diego Martin; and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from June 1-4 at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad.

With 21.4 points, the Guyana Harpy Eagles are currently in fourth place in the points standings, behind third-placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes who have 24.6 points. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force have 38.6 points, and Barbados Pride have 42.0 points.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles squad for the remaining rounds comprise: Leon Johnson (captain),

Keemo Paul (vice-captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Vishaul Singh, Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Nial Smith, Demeter Cameron, Antony Adams, Kevin Sinclair and Ronsford Beaton.

Team Manager is Albert Clements (Smith), Head Coach is Esuan Crandon, Assistant Coach is Ryan Hercules, Cricket Analyst is Keshava Ramphal, and Physiotherapist is Angelica Holder.

Prior to resumption of the regional tournament, the Guyana squad will be engaged in the final practice match at the Guyana National Stadium from Monday, May 9, to Thursday, May 12. Play is scheduled from 09:30h to 16:30h each day.

Guyana Harpy Eagles

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