Guyana Times - Saturday, October 30, 2021

Precious Angels Charity donates $1.5M to special needs schools P14

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4816

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

Draft electoral reforms legislation to be circulated next week …as Govt seeks to expeditiously move forward with reforms Page 3

…stakeholders given 6 weeks to review document

Salary increases for public servants by year end – President reassures Govt to create gold market hub in Barbados

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Dentist files $25M lawsuit against ERC

P2

Chief Labour Officer P8 admitted to local Bar …“defend your integrity with your life” – High Court Judge advises him

Page 9

See story on page 7

Double-murder suspect who P9 escaped from prison recaptured

Campbellville cocaine bust

One pleads guilty, jailed for 3 years, P13 fined $3.1M

…as Guyana-Barbados agree to “twin” tourism product

6 more COVID-19 deaths recorded Page 7

…younger population not returning for 2nd dose vaccine – Health Minister

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday accepted the letters of credence from new Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan. Guyana and China established diplomatic ties on June 27, 1972. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of relations between the two countries (Office of the President photo)

High transportation, energy cost stymieing services sector – GMSA President See story on page 12

Prison Officer who was shot to eye during 2002 jailbreak P10 dies

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dentist files $25M lawsuit against ERC A

dentist attached to the Fort Wellington Hospital has sued the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), which had filed legal proceedings against him for allegedly failing to perform a tooth extraction on a child based on her ethnicity.

The writ, which was filed in the Berbice High Court on Friday by Attorney-at-Law Horatio Edmonson, seeks an order of the High Court declaring the charge instituted by the ERC against the dentist is irrational, unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious, unlawful, and ill-conceived.

The ERC had filed

Dr Surendrapaul Rampersaud

charges in the Magistrate’s Court alleging that Dr Surendrapaul Rampersaud refused to perform a tooth extraction on a child, on the ground of her race.

Even with this legal proceeding still ongoing, the dentist has since slapped the ERC with a $25 million lawsuit.

The Ethnic Relations Commission, Magistrate Peter Hugh, the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions have all been named as respondents.

On January 13, 2021, Dr Rampersaud appeared at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court to answer a charge

brought by the ERC which alleges that on September 18, 2020, while being employed as a Dental Surgeon attached to the Dental

Department at the Fort Wellington Hospital, he refused to perform a tooth extraction on a child, on the ground of her race which results or can result in racial or ethnic violence or hatred among the people.

That matter is still before Magistrate Peter Hugh and was last called on Friday.

In the writ filed at the court, Dr Rampersaud is seeking to have the High Court declare that the charge instituted by the ERC is exceptional and is subject to judicial review.

He is also seeking an order quashing the charge and permanently halting the prosecution by the ERC. The order also seeks to have the High Court direct the ERC to pay an amount in excess of $25 million to Dr Rampersaud for aggravated damages and diminished reputation.

The application to the High Court is being made on the grounds that Dr Rampersaud is a Dental Surgeon duly admitted to practice dentistry by the Dental Council of Guyana since the year 2010; he has worked as a Dental Surgeon at the Mahaicony and at Fort Wellington Hospitals over the past 11 years and he has an impeccable record as a dentist.

In 2019, the then REO of Region Five, Ovid Morrison, accused Dr Rampersaud of using certain dental instruments while at work to at-

tend to Indo Guyanese, and not using the said instruments when attending to Afro Guyanese. the writ noted that on August 7, 2019, Morrison sent Dr Rampersaud on administrative leave, and referred the matter to the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry.

Morrison also informed Dr Rampersaud that he was on administrative leave without pay effective from October 1, 2019, pending the outcome of an investigation.

In October 2020, Morrison invited Dr Rampersaud to attend a disciplinary hearing and he attended the hearing with legal representation but was unlawfully told by the REO that his legal representative was prohibited from participating in the hearing which is contrary to Section 139 D (1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03.

The writ also says that after being charged and placed before the Magistrate’s Court, he made eleven appearances. During that period the ERC reported to Magistrate Peter Hugh that it no longer had a commission and a prosecutor.

A motion was then moved for the dismissal of the charge for want of prosecution but the Magistrate disallowed the motion.

In fact, the writ noted that there were four such motions made to the court and all were disallowed by the Magistrate.

Rampersaud is also contending that the ERC made a post on social media which has caused him to suffer diminished reputation in his community.

Meanwhile, when the matter was called on Friday at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, it was further deferred until November 11.

The hearing of the lawsuit is set for November 5.

(G4)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Oct 30 – 00:30h – 02:00h and 12:30h – 14:00h and Sunday, Oct 31 – 01:00h – 02:30h and 13:00h – 14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Oct 30 – 12:35h – 14:05h and Sunday, Oct 31 – 14:05h – 15:35h.

Draft electoral reforms legislation to be circulated next week …as Govt seeks to expeditiously move forward with reforms …stakeholders given 6 weeks to review document

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers and light cloud during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 12:12h reaching a maximum height of 2.12 metres.

Low Tide: 18:06h reaching a minimum height of 1.12 metre.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

01 03 10

13 21 22

FREE TICKET

23 Bonus Ball

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

04 19 21 23 26 LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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DRAW DE LINE

01 04 06 08 11 13 14 SUPER

PAY DAY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021

03 08 09 15 17 13

01 02 13 20 21

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0 Afternoon Draw

FP Afternoon Draw

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7 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Crude Oil

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Rough Rice

$244.31/ton

+0.02

London Sugar

$505.60/ton

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Live Spot Gold

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is moving apace with the much-anticipated electoral reforms, with President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosing on Friday that the draft legislation is being prepared for circulation as early as next week.

He made this announcement during a press conference when he was asked about the status of the reforms.

“What we are working on is to have the draft legislation circulated sometime next week among all the stakeholders,” President Ali stated.

According to the Head of State, he has already indicated to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, to make arrangements for input from stakeholders once the document is released.

“We have to have an efficient timeframe on this. I also asked [AG Nandlall] that the circulation be done sometime next week and that six weeks be given for the review and the comments on the draft legislation so that we can expeditiously move forward with this,” the President told reporters.

OAS support

Evening Draw

PAY DAY

President Dr Irfaan Ali

+0.07

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1784.30

$1785.30

Low/High Change

$1770.90 0.00

$1800.00 0.00%

Moreover, he also revealed at Friday’s press conference that during a bilateral engagement back in September, the Organisation of American States (OAS) Secretary General, Luis Almagro, had recommitted to supporting Guyana in the electoral reform process and in the strengthening of its democracy. “[That] was a fundamental theme of discussions with the Secretary General of the OAS, and he reiterated their support and willingness to help Guyana in ensuring that we strengthen our democracy and that whatever help is needed for electoral reform, they are willing to assist,” the Head of State said.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had previously explained that once completed, the draft amendments would be sent to the vari-

ous political parties including the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition, civil society bodies, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the international community for review. They will also be available for the public to give their input before being finalised and presented in the National Assembly, where they will again be debated by the Government and parliamentary Oppositions.

The need for both electoral and constitutional reforms was underscored following last year’s March 2 General and Regional Elections, which led to a five-month tumultuous impasse before the Irfaan Aliled PPP/C Government finally took office on August 2, 2020.

There were concerted efforts by the former governing APNU/AFC and some GECOM officials to undermine democracy after elections were held.

It was previously reported that the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), which contains laws specific to the conduct of elections and election-related issues in Guyana, was being ironed out to remove ambiguous provisions and include penalties for persons attempting to carry out electoral fraud.

Rectify deficiencies

In fact, during a Juneedition of his weekly programme – Issues In The News – Nandlall had said that the ongoing reform of the electoral laws in Guyana is intended to tighten the legal process and rectify the deficiencies that led to the post-election events in 2020.

He had pointed out that these reforms were not intended to create any electoral advantage in favour of any political party.

Instead, the Attorney General had said: “They are all intended to tighten our legal process, to tighten the laws as well as to rectify all the deficiencies we have seen exploited by the likes of [former embattled Returning Officer Clairmont] Mingo and [former Chief Elections Officer Keith] Lowenfield at the last elections. So that in future elections, we ought not to have such reoccurrence. So, all the lacunas, all the gaps, all the ambigu-

ities, all the areas that were cause for concerns and cast doubts in people’s minds, we are going to clarify all of that in the law. So, the law should be very clear.”

Another important component of the reforms would be the hiring process at the Elections Commission, Nandlall had said.

Former CEO Lowenfield, his then Deputy Roxanne Myers and now former RO Mingo, along with other GECOM staff, are currently before the courts facing electoral fraud charges over last year’s polls.

Mingo had heavily inflated the figures from Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting district – to give the APNU/AFC coalition a lead over the PPP/C. Meanwhile, Lowenfield, with the support of Myers, presented false figures to the GECOM Commission for declaration as official results of the elections.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

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

Realistic targets

G

uyana’s participation at COP26 will see the country seeking to re-establish itself as an example for net carbon sink.

We agree with President Dr Irfaan Ali when he said on Friday that realistic and achievable targets must be presented for Guyana.

To quote the Head of State: “We intend to signal our commitment, as every other nation, that we all have a responsibility to climate change, but it must be differentiated. We will outline a realistic and achievable emission-reduction ambition for Guyana.”

One must also take into consideration the recent UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on Climate Change, which has been released, has laid a damming reality for vulnerable countries, with some even being warned of being on the edge of extinction if no action is taken soon.

Many leaders have since referred to the content of the report as a wake-up call for the world, as it lays the blame with “unequivocal” evidence of increasing temperatures at the feet of humans. According to the report, in two decades, temperatures are likely to rise 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

For years, there has been much talk about climate change and the devastating impact it is having and is likely to have on communities and the world as a whole. However, while Governments and policy-makers are busy debating the issues at the national and international levels, many believe that enough is not being done in terms of designing and implementing critical projects at the community level to encourage and sensitise individuals about the need to play their part in mitigating the effects of climate change.

In fact, it could be argued that, on the global level, not many persons are educated about the issue, especially as it relates to the kind of impact climate change has on the environment and on individuals themselves. Citizens still do take the issue for granted, and do not pay much heed to the various messages about the need to change lifestyle patterns, and so on.

Scientists have argued that the planet is indeed threatened by lifestyle patterns of individuals, and if persons continue to use resources the way we currently do, the planet’s reserves would be exhausted at an increasingly rapid pace. For many countries, there is still the challenge of getting everyone to not only understand and appreciate the idea of the need to work towards sustainable consumption, but also to take practical steps to move in this direction.

Certainly, Governments can set the framework with their policies; set targets, define standards, give incentives to make companies go green. Businesses and industries, together with researchers, can provide the solutions, but, in the end, the consumers have the power of the purse, whether they buy green products or not. The highly-touted green model reduces our ecological footprint, emits less greenhouse gases, uses less energy and raw materials, and can create new sources of growth and employment.

In essence, achieving economic growth and sustainable development require that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. As stated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the efficient management of our shared natural resources and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants are important targets to achieve this goal.

Based on statistics, the world’s population is growing rapidly, as more than a billion new people will enter the middle class by 2050. Experts have predicted that if citizens do not change their consumption patterns, the global use of resources would be multiplied by 15, which is considered dangerous for our planet, as it would not be able to satisfy the needs of everyone.

At the individual level, every individual does play a crucial role in defining his/her own consumption pattern, and can, in a way, also contribute to the fight against climate change. For example, we can reduce the level of energy utilised, and the money that is saved on energy could instead be used to develop climate-friendly technologies and appliances.

Official records show that, on a global level, more than 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are related to household consumption. While it is accepted that it is not an easy task to get persons to change lifestyles and to work towards a climate-friendly environment, the task would be much easier if they are educated about the role they can play and the benefits of their own action.

Here, in Guyana, at an individual level, we still continue to be reckless in our care of the environment.

For sure, there is need for more effective public education campaigns on climate change, and to highlight the effects of poor environmental practices. There is also need for more green projects to be implemented at the local level, to encourage communities to work towards achieving a cleaner and healthier environment.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips made the first donation, on behalf of the Government, to the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Kettle Appeal, which was launched on Friday at the Umana Yana (DPI photo)

Guyana should be part of a global oil supply chain Dear Editor, The brilliant minds of Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, HE Dr Irfaan Ali and Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, Prime Minister, I must say that I am so very proud to know that we have such exceptional leaders in this our Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

We have men and of course women of vision, class, elegance, education, morality, decency, humility and discipline.

Speaking in a release recently, it was highlighted that there have been calls by some Guyanese and institutions such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that a country like Guyana should not spend any more money on the exploration and development of fossil fuel.

I was so proud to listen to Dr. Jagdeo actually explode, saying there would be no slowing down of our oil production, as he was speaking on behalf of Guyana.

He made it pellucid that, technically, they are calling for a monopoly for the existing producers, a four-trillion-dollar industry, Jagdeo said, that would protect the already rich oil producing nations.

Realistically, the IEA and IPCC are saying Guyana should put a halt on oil production. It would not go well for us, as we have our own poverty and our ambition. Guyana is a country where our people have suffered since colonisation, we have not had a chance to truly enjoy our resources bequeathed by God to the inhabitants of this land.

So, I compliment and humbly bow to the mind of Dr. Jagdeo, speaking on behalf of the Government of Guyana.

If that were to happen, Saudi Arabia, The United States, Russia, Norway and Venezuela would continue to dominate global demand for fossil fuels. In the near future, this demand for fossil fuels will grow, as the world is not decarbonising the key resources of emissions as rapidly as it should, Dr. Jagdeo added.

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo so eloquently said, and I quote: “Not enough is being done to get renewable energy to meet current demand, not enough on transportation and deforestation. The world will continue to need fossil fuel, and the

only people who can benefit from these are the existing producers.”

Therefore, I must applaud him for his vision, wisdom, and power to speak the truth as only Dr. Jagdeo can! It is ludicrous, in my opinion, for us to sit still and languish in poverty, lack of development and opportunities for our students and our youths, our older citizens and our entrepreneurs. We need to provide welfare support, better and greater hospitals, new industries. We also need to develop new techniques in science and industry. And especially new techniques in agriculture, like creating smart farms.

Where do they except us to get the money from? Should we go with a cap in hand and begging my neighbour policy?

No! We have the resources! We have our oil, tremendous oil that will make some major producers look like pigmies!

I, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan, sometimes wonder if these major international organisations are tools of the super powers.

I am taught as a Muslim by our Creator, The Lord God of the Worlds, that if we do not use the blessings and resources given by Him unto us as a people, He will take it away and give it to another who will bring forth fruit thereof.

Therefore, if we are given resources, we must use our resources to the maximum.

I know of an Arabian story in which a wealthy man brought a large amount of money, gave it to three persons, and told them to save it for him. He said he would return one day to collect when he was ready.

After decades had passed, the man returned to the men whom he had left his money with. The first man declared that he had saved the wealthy man’s money by burying it in his backyard. He hurriedly dug up the money and handed it over. The wealthy man said to him, “Did you think the money would have grown in the earth?” He went to the second man, he had no money to return to the wealthy man, he had spent it all, and he simply had nothing left. When the wealthy man got to the third man, the third man told him that he invested his money in one business, when that business bore profits, he invested and made

even more profits. “So now, all because of your money, I have become a millionaire.

The third man then proceeded to return the money that the wealthy man had given him to save, along with some of the profits that it had accumulated through the investments.

The wealthy man smiled, patted him on his shoulder and told him that he did not want the money he had given to the man nor the profits. The wealthy man thought it was admirable of him to use his wits to invest the money, therefore multiplying it. The wealthy man was so impressed that he told him he was just testing the three persons that he advanced monies to.

Now that he was retiring of business and life, he wanted the third man who invested the money to have everything that he owned, as he was going off to worship his Lord and spend his last days. The moral of the story is, do not leave money idling, doing nothing. So, if we have our resources, we must use them for the development of our people and our country.

Dr. Jagdeo, President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, please let us use our resources to develop our country. I have a personal viewpoint, Excellencies: If the IEA and the IPCC don’t want us to explore and invest in our oils and natural resources, would they give us what we would have made, so that our people could have the good life? In that regard, we could afford to leave the earth intact with all the resources intact. In that way, they would actually be financing our growth and our development.

Once again, congratulations to the Government of Guyana, and particularly former Excellency Dr Bharrat Jagdeo for so powerfully educating those who want to monopolise oil in the world, or the world’s top producers should invest and give us a large portion of wealth that they have acquired. Then this way we could safely agree with the IEA and the IPCC, as our people and our country could develop.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

5

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

Kudos to President, VC ANPU/AFC’s Green State Development Strategy was all sloganeering for their foresight on expanded LCDS initiative

Dear Editor, I write to you with much enthusiasm regarding the recent launch of the fourmonth consultation on Guyana’s new Low Carbon Development Strategy by the PPP/C Government.

Without a doubt, it is important for each country to place more emphasis on reducing its carbon footprint and becoming carbon neutral. Given the fact that we are facing climate challenges which threaten our livelihoods, I must commend the PPP/C Government for launching this new LCDS initiative, which will propel Guyana towards carbon neutrality and added prosperity.

After reading through the LCDS 2030 Plan, which was released to the public so that consultations can commence, I must say that the strategy is a well-thoughtout one. It is very important for Guyanese to recognise that the aim of this initiative is to protect and maintain Guyana’s forests in an effort to reduce global

carbon emissions, while at the same time attract payments from developed countries for the climate services which will be provided through the said forests.

Provided that Guyana continues down this path in regard to the LCDS 2030 strategy, it is guaranteed that the country would benefit significantly in a number of different ways. I wish to point out that not only would we be able to benefit from low carbon emissions, but also from investments.

Building on the latter, Guyana would be able to receive from countries funds that would in turn be used to build infrastructure, develop communities, promote businesses and more.

Ultimately, this would lead to improvements in the standard of living, which would benefit every single Guyanese. This, when coupled with the booming oil and gas sector, would propel Guyana to higher heights, as far as I can see.

President Irfaan Ali, in his address when launching

the LCDS 2030 consultations, said that the interest in Guyana during his recent visit to Dubai is unprecedented. With this in mind, I can only imagine the prospects that are going to meet our country in the very near future. As much as we focus on building our country in terms of infrastructure, it is equally important for us to focus on the environment; as, without it, we would not be able to reap the benefits of our hard work.

On this note, I want to commend the PPP/C Government for seeing the need to launch this consultation for the LCDS 2030 initiative. It not only shows that they are committed to serving in the best interest of the people and achieving One-Guyana, but also to improve and preserve our beloved country for the benefit of our future generations.

Kudos to the President and Vice President for their foresight in this regard.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

Vaccine must not be allowed to go to waste by irresponsible citizens Dear Editor, It is reported in the media that thousands of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines are dated to expire by the end of November, and the reports have indicated that these constitute the second dose yet to be taken by citizens who have already gotten their first dose.

This was revealed by the Minister of Health during his daily COVID-19 update on October 28th.

Vaccines against the COVID-19 virus are sacred and scarce in the world.

Many developing and poorer countries are yet to access same. Some are literally begging for vaccines in their bid to protect their

people. Here, in Guyana, we have been fortunate to access and secure numerous vaccines, including the AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Sinopharm, Pfizer, et al.

To now learn that so many second-jab doses are going to be expired by November month end unless taken by those scheduled for it is indeed most unfortunate and disgusting at best.

The Ministry of Health should employ every effort to reach out to those persons who are scheduled for the second jab, and ensure they take it before expiry. If they refuse to take the jab without offering a plausible written medical reason, advised and signed

Feat is testimony to what can be achieved

Dear Editor, The juvenile offender who secured passes in six (possibly seven) CSEC subjects (INews, Oct 28) must be congratulated and encouraged to further excel.

His feat is testimony to what can be achieved if only we believe…what can be achieved if we seek and

grasp the opportunities presented.

I wish him well in his future endeavours, and urge others in similar situations to emulate this young man’s success to enrich their lives. The young man did it, you can too.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

by a medical professional, then such persons should be made to pay the cost for the vaccine.

Such a lifesaving vaccine cannot, and must not, be allowed to go to waste by irresponsible behaviours of citizens, especially when they would have already taken the first jab without any detrimental effect.

Yours sincerely, Charranlall Nandalall

Dear Editor, Just yesterday (Thursday), President Dr Irfaan Ali launched the consultations for the LCDS 2030 Plan, which his Government intends to pursue. The plan will see Guyana benefiting in several critical areas, which need no explanation. However, I wish to point out that Guyana has been focused on its carbon emission for years now. In fact, the PPP/C Government had a vision to create a new global ecosystem economy around 2009. This led to the Government seeking out international partners with similar visions. It is as a result of such that Guyana and Norway partnered to create a model for economic incentives for making forests worth more alive than dead.

Editor, it is important for people to know that, for the period 2009 to 2015, Guyana received approximately US$212 million in payments to be invested in the LCDS. I am not sure how many of

your readers can remember that, during this period under the PPP/C Government, benefits reached every single corner of the country. As far as I can recall, jobs were created, villages received titles, businesses were supported, and other initiatives took shape.

However, a lot of the measures outlined in the LCDS were stymied by the APNU+AFC Coalition when they took office in 2015. Take, for instance, the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP).

I heard the President talk about this during the launch of the LCDS 2030 consultations, saying that the AFHP was the flagship of the LCDS, and would have seen Guyanese and businesses enjoying affordable, non-polluting electricity by now.

I do agree that if that project had moved along as intended, Guyana would be in a much better place.

Unfortunately, what we saw happen when the APNU/ AFC coalition took office in

2015 was that they introduced the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS). However, if one were to examine that strategy in detail, it would be very clear that it was basically all sloganeering. I say this because there was no realistic path towards achieving low carbon emission outlined in the strategy for Guyana.

As far as I am concerned, it was all rhetoric accompanied by the painting of buildings in the colour green. For all those who may disagree with me, I ask this question: If the GSDS was truly a solid plan for Guyana, why didn’t Guyana earn a cent from it? The LCDS vision of the PPP/C Government has always been the one that would lead Guyana down the right path.

I applaud the Government for their efforts with this new LCDS 2030 initiative, as I believe that it will benefit Guyana tremendously.

Yours truly, Erin Northe

No added sugars in Topco’s unsweetened orange juice Dear Editor, In response to a letter published on October 22, 2021 by Mr Conrad Barrow, titled “Kudos to Topco orange juice but specific nutritional details need to be stated”, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) would like to thank Mr Barrow for his comments and concerns about the labelling of our popular Topco Unsweetened Orange Juice.

DDL would like to take the opportunity to provide some information regarding the subject at hand relating to our Topco Unsweetened Orange Juice.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), total sugars include naturally occurring sugars present in

many nutritious foods and beverages, such as fruit and milk; as well as any added sugars (such as sucrose or dextrose) that may be present in the product.

There is currently no recommendation for the total amount of naturally occurring sugars to consume in a day.

The Topco Unsweetened Orange Juice has only natural occurring sugars, and no added sugars. Since Topco’s Unsweetened Orange Juice has no added sugar and only the naturally present sugars in the fruit, there is no requirement to state the Percentage Daily Value.

This is in keeping with recent US FDA obligations,

which require labels to disclose the grams and percentage of added sugars.

The labels for all Topco juices are reviewed and approved by the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department, as the regulatory agency responsible for enforcing compliance with nutrition label requirements in Guyana.

DDL wishes to express to its valued customers that it aims to provide quality products that meet all international best practices and requirements for consumption.

Regards, Alex Graham

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

Page

Foundation

By Walt Whitman Materials:

Flour Water Food colouring a large speaker

Instructions:

Mix the water, flour, and some food colouring together Pour mixture on to a thin plate Place plate on top of a large speaker Turn on some music and watch your liquid dance to the beat!

How it works:

The sound of music is actually made of vibrations. These vibrations shake the speaker, which in turn, vibrates the liquid in tune with the music!

Extra experiments:

Try different kinds of music and see how the dancing changes! (scienceisfun.org)

When I heard the learn’d astronomer, When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me, When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them, When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick, Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself, In the mystical moist nightair, and from time to time, Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to create gold market hub in Barbados …as Guyana, Barbados agree to “twin” tourism product

President Dr Irfaan Ali in discussion with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley during his visit to the island earlier this month

A

s the Governments of Guyana and Barbados work to enhance collaboration and trade, the two Caricom (Caribbean Community) nations have agreed, among other things, on jointly marketing their tourism destinations.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali. During a press conference on Friday, the Head of State gave a briefing of his recent bilateral engagements including with Prime Minister Mia Mottley on the sidelines of the 15th United Nations Conference on Trade and

Development (UNCTAD) Meeting held in Barbados earlier this month.

According to President Ali, he and the Barbadian PM agreed on pursuing collaborations to boost each other’s tourism sector. This includes exchanging 45 minutes of air time to promote both countries’ tourism sector.

“So, we agreed, both Prime Minister Mottley and I, that we will exchange 45 minutes of air time for the promotion of Barbados in Guyana and for the promotion of Guyana in Barbados.

In addition to this, we

agreed on working out the mechanism for the twinning of our tourism product, for the joint marketing of our tourism product and to promote Guyana and Barbados as a common destination,” he outlined.

In addition to developing a joint marketing strategy, and having recognised the demands that will emerge for personnel in the hospitality sector in Guyana, Barbados will facilitate the training of thousands of Guyanese to enhance the local capacity.

“You know Barbados has an established world-class

Draft electoral reforms...

However, a 33-day recount showed that the PPP/C won the elections, but it took the firmness of local and regional courts, the resilience of GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh and threats of sanctions from the international community led by the United States before former President David Granger finally stepped aside and allowed President Ali to be sworn in.

While the cases against the trio are pending in the court, Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo have been removed from their posts

at GECOM. This was after the three Governmentnominated Commissioners filed two motions at the level of the seven-member Elections Commission to have embattled officials dismissed from the Elections Secretariat in light of their actions following the March 2020 polls.

Currently, GECOM is in the process of recruiting a new Chief Elections Officer and already, over 20 candidates including several foreign nationals from as far as Texas, United States, have applied.

According to a list seen

FROM PAGE 3

by this publication, Dr Kurt Clarke from Texas, Leslie Oliver Harrow from Jamaica, and Eugene Godfrey Petty from St Kitts are the foreign applicants.

Meanwhile, the local applicants include former GECOM CEO, Gocool Boodoo and Vishnu Persaud, a former Deputy CEO, who had applied for another stint in the position in 2018 after his contract had expired but was overlooked in favour of Myers – something which triggered controversy over GECOM’s hiring practices.

(G8)

hospitality programme, and they’re going to support us in the training of 6000 Guyanese who will function in the hospitality sector,” he noted.

While he noted that this will be an ongoing initiative between the two countries, President Ali explained that the training of these 6000 persons is especially critical at this point given the number of international-branded hotels that are currently being constructed and others that are in the pipeline.

“We have a lot of investment in the hospitality sector that is coming and we need to have the technical capacity and the human resources to manage and to work in those hotels… So, the need for training is immediate,” he stressed.

The Head of State noted that these training sessions will be conducted through distanced learning through online training as well as exchange programmes.

Gold market hub

Meanwhile, another major outcome of those discussions is the possibility of adding value to Guyana’s gold by creating a gold market hub concept in Barbados that will focus on tapping into the island’s tourist population.

“Some cruise liners go to some [Caribbean] islands specifically because of the creation of a gold market hub. So, that is what we are trying to create. Barbados is a major cruise destination and we’re working on the possibility of adding value to Guyana’s gold and creating a gold market hub concept in Barbados,” Ali indicated.

On the other hand,

Barbados has committed to exploring Guyana’s wood forestry products with the intension of incorporating them into their market.

According to the Head of State, he and his Barbadian counterpart also hammered out a concrete time-bound framework for enhanced collaboration and trade between Guyana and Barbados in the areas of food production and export.

This includes: increased production, removal of barriers to trade and the possibility of a Guyana-Barbados food terminal; transport logistics and efficiency; agro-processing facilities; a Guyana-Barbados food sustainability plan; finding the sanitary gaps and commitment to bridging those gaps; and exchange of technicians between the Ministries of Agriculture to facilitate smooth and efficient transaction flow.

“So, what we have agreed on is that we will have a Guyanese in the Ministry of Agriculture in Barbados and a Bajan in the Ministry of Agriculture in Guyana.

So that Guyanese can deal directly with their counterpart in Barbados and that Barbados can deal directly with their counterpart here. Thus, removing the

hassle, the barriers, the bureaucracy—that is what we are trying to remove here,” President Ali stated.

In addition to opportunities for quarry, feedstock, livestock, and limestone, the two regional leaders also discussed the sharing of port space to facilitate trade and reduce costs for the movement of goods between the two countries. They are looking to identify specific port space for Barbados in Guyana and for Guyana in Barbados to reduce the costs of transportation, to improve efficiency, to enhance trade and to deliver products at a far cheaper cost to the markets.

President Ali said he and Prime Minister Mottley have committed to a timeframe that the results from this enhanced partnership will be felt by the population of both countries.

Only recently, a high-level delegation from Barbados visited Guyana to commence technical work on the opportunities discussed between the two Heads of State. The team looked at infrastructure projects and housing sites, meeting with several Ministers and Government officials including President Ali to discuss investment opportunities. (G8)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chief Labour Officer admitted to local Bar

…“defend your integrity with your life” – High Court Judge advises him

J

udges always lend advice to new Attorneysat-Law. Friday was no different as High Court Judge Navindra Singh advised recent law school graduate Dhaneshwar Deonarine to be a beacon of integrity. Deonarine, who currently serves as Guyana’s Chief Labour Officer, was admitted to practice law on Friday.

His petition was presented by Attorney-atLaw Devindra Kissoon, the founder of London House Chambers. Given Deonarine’s impressive curriculum vitae, Justice Singh accepted his Bar admission petition with much delight. Deonarine comes from humble beginnings hailing from the Cinderella County of Essequibo, Kissoon said, adding that the father of two “worked hard to progress to where he sits today.”

The Chief Labour Officer recently graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) with his Legal Education Certificate (LEC) - a prerequisite to practise law in Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Given his exceptional performance, he earned a place for himself on the Principal’s Honour Roll.

From 2016-2019, he attended the University of Guyana where he read for and obtained his Bachelor of Laws (Distinction). He is also the holder of a Bachelor of Economics (Credit) from the University of Guyana and a Master’s in Human Resource Planning and Development (First Class Honours) which he obtained from the Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India.

He also has a Diploma in Project Management (Distinction) from the Institute of Commercial Management, United Kingdom, which was done through IPED, Guyana.

From 2012-2015, Deonarine served as Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Ministry. He also served as the director of many State Boards and was a part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana from 2012-2016.

Chief Labour Officer, Attorney-at-Law Dhaneshwar Deonarine (centre), along with Justice Navindra Singh (right), and Attorneyat-Law Devindra Kissoon following his admission to the Bar

The new lawyer also served as Development Officer, Development Assistance Section at High Commission of Canada and as National Consultant/ Project Coordinator, Smart Hospitals Initiative and Disaster Preparedness and Response with PAHO Guyana.

He is currently the Chairman of the Competition Commission.

Given Deonarine’s academic background, Kissoon said, “I have no doubts he will make us proud at the Bar. During the few months he spent with us at our firm, we grew to be endeared by his responsible nature and his work ethic.”

Lots of sacrifices

Deonarine, in brief remarks to the court, reflected on the many sacrifices his parents made to ensure that he pursued his education.

He thanked Kissoon for accepting him to do in-service training at his law firm. “I must say that I was pleasantly taken back with his [Kissoon] humility; he is certainly a role model.”

He went on to say, “But your honour none of this would have been possible without my family. But I must single out my wife for her support and dedication to my studies. The most important was her support, her pu-

rity of thought, and her ability to put her family first.”

“The journey was a lot of sacrifices but it was my family that sacrificed the most.

I remember the days when my son and daughter would count down the days to my final exams... It would be naïve of me to think that this journey started five years ago. Coming from Essequibo, you would understand the economic situation there … my parents, 18 years ago, they sacrificed a lot…”

The new lawyer vowed to uphold the dignity of the profession and said that he will be guided by the oath. He, however, said that at this point, he will delay practicing in the courts because of various reasons. “At some point, I see myself going into the profession. However, I am not sure as to when.”

Integrity is important

In brief remarks, Justice Singh told Deonarine that his résumé is nothing short of exceptional. “It seems that you have excelled everywhere that you have ventured and that is amazing.”

In outlining the qualities needed to be a good lawyer, the Justice recited a quote from Chief Justice Bartlett Andrews (1834-1902).

It reads as follows: “It is not enough for an attorney that he be honest. He

must be that, and more. He must be believed to be honest. It is absolutely essential to the usefulness of an attorney that he be entitled to the confidence of the community where he practices...a lawyer needs, indeed, to be learned...and he must have prudence, and tact to use his learning, and foresight, and industry, and courage. But all these may exist in a moderate degree and yet he may be a creditable and useful member of the profession, so long as the practice is to him a clean and honest function.

But, if once the practice becomes to him a mere brawl for hire, or a system of legalised plunder where craft and not conscience is the rule, and where falsehood and not truth is the means by which to gain his end, then he has forfeited all right to be an officer in any court of justice or to be numbered among the member of this honourable profession.”

Justice Singh advised Deonarine to defend his integrity with his life.

Against this backdrop, he told him, “Your integrity is important. Defend it with your life. When you walk the roads, you must be able to hold your head high. The court feels confident when it can trust [lawyers] and that was what Chief Justice Andrews was saying. Your conscience must guide you.”

The Justice told Deonarine that he has an excellent mentor in the person of Kissoon. As such, he urged him to make use of every opportunity he gets to have discourses with Kissoon about the law. According to Justice Singh, many lawyers, both young and old are coming to court and “bluff their way”.

He said, “I see it happening a lot these days where young and old attorneys go to court and wing it. That is a new thing, they come and they try to bluff their way through the legal part… and what they do with the facts is a whole different thing. Don’t go to court and think you can wing it and go with the flow and get through.” In the end, Justice Singh wished Deonarine continued success in his endeavours. (Feona Morrison)

So what do we do about…

A

…prayers in state institutions? very healthy debate was conducted in the letters’ column of the dailies on the question of prayers in schools and other Government activities and institutions. This (sore) topic has erupted time and again over the years, without any action being taken by the Government to take a definitive stand. But maybe the inaction IS their stand - to keep the status quo. The problem is that we inherited a state from Britain that’s explicitly Christian: the Queen’s the Head of the Church of England - the Anglican Church.

The British make no bones about their orientation, and for the hundred and fifty years they lorded it over us, they made sure we toed the line and dropped to our knees! For most folks, it started in the schools, where the “Lord’s Prayer” had to be recited at the beginning of every school day. This bequeathed the tradition that prayers must be offered at the start of any Government function. After all that time, no one questioned things, even though there were at least three religions in Guyana - Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. The spiritual practices of the Africans who’d been enslaved had been dubbed as “heathen”, and literally beaten out of them.

So, here in was in (the year of our Lord!) 2021 that, at the beginning of a Ministry of Education programme, a prayer was recited that drew objections from Swami Aksharananda. This was a Christian prayer, yet the Constitution that’s our supreme law says we’re a “secular” state!! How come it was that, once again, Christianity trumped all the other religions? “Not so!” replied the Ministry…the prayer was a “Universal Prayer”, and in fact was the one recited by the elected Members of Parliament before each sitting!! The theory was - your Eyewitness suspects - that if those paragons of religious virtue and rectitude didn’t object, why should the Swami!?!

Turned out that the MoE’s claim was erroneous - and this was pointed out by the Swami soon enough. The socalled “Universal Prayer” retained Christian elements tacked onto a mishmash that included elements of a famous poem by Tagore - Gitanjali. The Ministry hasn’t responded. But in the back-and-forth responses, the lingering effects of the foundational Christian hegemony were very apparent. In the end, however, former President Donald Ramotar made the most pertinent recommendation - just do away with any kind of prayer at Government functions!!

No matter how we contort our formulations to call them “universal”, some religion or other will be slighted even if they’re included. For instance, references to “Our Lord” will certainly offend those who worship the Divinity as “Our Mother”!

So, will the Govt now just stop with the prayers?

…our climate?

Once again, the nations of the world are meeting - this time in Scotland at COP 26 - to make some decisions as to what they’ll be doing about Climate Change - brought on by the warming atmosphere because of us burning fossil fuels. There’s been resistance to that conclusion - but they’re now seen as part of a lunatic fringe. Now, back at the Paris COP 25 in 2015, scads of decisions had been made towards the same goals. But not a single one was kept - especially by the big ones who do most of the climate damage - the US and China.

And yet there are some in Guyana who want us, like Atlas, to put the world on our shoulders and stop producing any oil to save that world. Have those folks heard the phrase “Atlas shrugged”? That’s what your Eyewitness suggests our reps to COP 26 do - shrug and let the world fall from our shoulders.

Those developed nations have much broader shoulders built over the centuries using fossil fuels!

…the GECOM CEO There are squeals of outrage that Goocool Boodhoo applied for the vacant position of CEO at GECOM. Well, the man’s the most qualified for the position, isn’t he?

And isn’t before the Courts, is he?

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Salary increases for public servants by year end – President reassures

P

ublic servants have been reassured that they will benefit from salary increases from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government before the end of this year.

This commitment was reiterated by President Irfaan Ali on Friday during a virtual press conference. He was asked about talks with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on the salary increases.

In response, however, the Head of State reassured that his Administration is committed to fulfilling the promise he made several months ago.

“We are committed to increases for the public servants and that commitment will be fulfilled before the end of the year,” the President stressed.

Back in August, the Head of State had announced retroactive salary increases for

President Dr Irfaan Ali

public servants by year end But at the time, President Ali had pointed out that his Government has a holistic vision for public servants that is not just about pay hikes.

He had said they want to empower public servants and ensure that they become homeowners, among other things.

“We’re looking at the

mechanism that will allow every public servant to own their own home… We want to empower public servants so that their children too can benefit from the scholarship programme. The public servants themselves are benefiting. And we are happy about this. So let us not limit the discourse only to the tax waivers and [salary increas-

Double-murder suspect who escaped from prison recaptured

J

ust over 24 hours after double murder accused Kapildeo Gangadin escaped from the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he was recaptured.

The inmate was recaptured sometime around 09:30h on Friday, in the vicinity of Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

In a statement, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) said the escapee was in a minibus proceeding to Parika, East Bank Essequibo. However, acting on information, Police on the West Coast of Demerara immediately held a road-block operation at Onderneeming Public Road, resulting in the recapture of Gangadin.

He was taken into custody and is currently being interviewed by members of the Guyana Police Force.

Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot assured that the GPS “stands resolute in maintaining security within the country’s prisons”.

He also noted that officers who fail to adhere to the established security rules in order to maintain a secure and efficient environment in the prison system will be sanctioned.

Gangadin is accused of robbing and killing 21-yearold Ganesh Persaud of Strathspey, ECD. Following the incident, the suspect also allegedly confessed to the heinous crime.

On October 20, Persaud, who operated an electronics store in the area called

Kapildeo Gangadin after he was recaptured

“Deals on Electronics”, was in the store when Gangadin allegedly invaded, held him at knifepoint and collected his valuables, Police said.

The young businessman was relieved of a gold chain he was wearing at the time. As Gangadin was about to leave the premises, he stabbed the young man to his neck.

Persaud managed to exit the building and raise an alarm. He then collapsed and was picked up and placed into a vehicle and taken to a private medical facility but he succumbed to his injuries.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Shortly after the man’s murder, the 24-year-old murder accused was arrested and

Kapildeo Gangadin

found with Persaud’s chain in his possession.

About a week ago, Gangadin was remanded to prison for the murder. He was also charged with the 2020 murder of fisherman Mukesh Mangra.

Gangadin, of Annandale, ECD, was not required to plead to the two counts of murder which were read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on January 18, 2020, at Coldingen, ECD, Gangadin murdered Mukesh Mangra, known as “Paul”, during the furtherance of a robbery.

The matters involving Gangadin were adjourned until January 17, 2022. (G9)

es],” he had stated.

In the meantime, the President had urged public servants not to fall for the political gimmicks of certain unions and their leaders.

“We have to be careful. And my appeal to public servants, to teachers, is a very simple appeal. Trust the Government. By the end of these five years, you will all be better off. Do not be played politically… I will engage with you in a discussion so you understand where our country is heading. You’ll understand the opportunities of the future. And of course, you will be integrated in this new Guyana,” President Ali said.

At the beginning of the year, public servants had benefitted from a one-off $25,000 cash grant from the PPP/C Government.

Approximately $2 billion was budgeted for that initiative which was said to have benefitted over 60,000 work-

ers.

The beneficiaries of this grant included workers within the Central Government, statutory bodies, subvention agencies, public corporations, teachers, medical workers, members of the Joint Services, Government pensioners and staff of the University of Guyana, to assist them with the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Then in the 2021 Budget, some $10 billion was budgeted in the estimates under the heading, “Revision of Wages and Salaries” – a huge part of which the Government had said was for salary increases for public sector workers.

Despite this, the GPSU had announced back in April that it had written to President Ali on the issue of negotiations on wages, salaries, and allowances for public servants, which they had said was overdue.

Further, another $7.8 bil-

lion in assistance was earmarked for households and farmers affected by the unprecedented May-June floods. This was coupled by a subsequent announcement in August of $2.6 billion of financial support for vulnerable groups as well as one month of free electricity for over 40,000 households consuming 75 kilowatts per month.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Budget in 2020 provided for $7 billion in COVID-19 relief cash grants to households across Guyana and $1.1 billion in year-end bonuses to some 19,000 frontline workers in the health sector and the Disciplined Services.

Those measures were complimented by the reversal of taxes on a slew of utilities and items, as well as the removal of value-added tax on electricity, water, healthcare, education and even construction material. (G8)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Prison Officer who was shot to eye during 2002 jailbreak dies F ifty-eight-year-old Roxanne Winfield, the former Prison Officer who became bedridden after she was shot to the eye during the 2002 Camp Street jailbreak, has died.

According to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Winfield died on Thursday at the Infectious Disease Hospital (Ocean View Facility) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The Prison Service said that Winfield suffered from severe lung and kidney complications.

Winfield had 29 years of service before she was shot in her right eye when five notorious high-profile crim-

Roxanne Winfield

inals made a bloody escape from Camp Street jail on

February 23, 2002.

At the time of the inci-

dent, Winfield was performing gate duty at the Camp Street Prison.

Thereafter, Winfield was declared medically unfit to function as a Prison Officer and was being cared for at home.

Winfield has been praised for her “heroic” actions by Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot, who said it was clearly heroic – what she did on that day.

“She did her job and she did exactly what we would expect from a Prison Officer.

Winfield, who was on gate duty at the time, attempted to lock the gates as the escapees approached her, but unfortunately she was shot,” Elliot said.

Elliot expressed sincere and deepest condolences on behalf of the Prison Service, to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Winfield.

He also sent prayers that all those grieving Winfield’s death will be granted comfort during this difficult and trying period.

The 2002 jailbreak saw the escape of Troy Dick, Shawn Brown, Andrew Douglas, Mark Fraser and Dale Moore. All of them have died.

Decomposed body of pensioner found in home

P

olice have found the body of 73-yearold Wilma Patricia Wilkie, a female pensioner, in a state of decomposition at her home on Friday, reports have revealed.

Guyana Times understands that neighbours of the woman, who resided at Lot 351 Cummings Street Georgetown, awoke on Friday morning to a strong stench emanating from her home, and they immediately informed the Police. Upon arrival, the Police found the woman’s body in an advanced state of decomposition in her home.

Regional Commander Simon McBean has said an investigation into the discovery has been launched.

Only three days ago, the decomposed body of a pensioner was found in his home at Linden, Region 10 (Upper

Demerara-Berbice).

That man has been identified as 73-year-old Edwin Tudor of Burjack, Wismar, Linden.

Tudor, who had lived alone, had visited his sister a day before his body was found. He had complained of feeling unwell, and had subsequently left his sister’s residence and had returned home.

The man’s neighbour had said that, upon passing his home, she was greeted by a foul stench, and upon looking inside his house, she had observed the man lying on his bed in a motionless and decomposed state. She had immediately contacted his family members.

The body was examined, but due to the state of decomposition, no marks of violence could have been detected. (G9)

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

6 more COVID-19 deaths recorded …younger population not returning for 2nd dose vaccine – Health Minister

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 UPDATE

A

nother six COVID-19 deaths were reported on Friday – five of which were unvaccinated cases. Guyana’s death toll is now 910.

The Health Ministry informed that the sixth person was partially vaccinated. All new deaths were recorded on October 28.

They included a 63-yearold female from Region Four; a 48-year-old male from Region Six, a 60-yearold male from Region Four; a 61-year-old male from Region 10; a 46-year-old female from Region Four; and a 66-year-old male from Region Three.

The latest dashboard showed an increase of 94 new cases in one day. The total confirmed cases in the country have now climbed to 35,444. There are 17 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 68 in institutional isolation, 2816 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine.

Some 31,633 of the 16,760 males and 18,684 females that tested positive have since recovered.

Guyana has tested 352,609 persons since the virus was detected here.

An analysis of new cases showed one for Region One (Barima-Waini), six in Region Two (Pomeroon-

Supenaam), 15 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 28 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), four in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 16 for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), two in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), 17 for Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and five in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no increases in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Vaccine coverage

Vaccination numbers show a 381,013 or 74.3 per cent first dose uptake for the adult population. From this, second doses are at 242,327 or 47.2 per cent.

Children have been administered with 27,276 first doses and 18,058 second doses.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony identified a trend, whereby increased immunisation is needed among the older age group. This, he pointed out, is the key to recording less deaths among the vaccinated population.

“An interesting thing that we should note is that if we break down the vaccination by age categories, we would see that per-

sons 60 years and over, the coverage there for first dose is 77.5 per cent and for second dose, it’s 63.5 per cent…We need to move that first dose up to close to 85 per cent and of course, we want to get correspondingly the second dose to be closer to that 80 per cent. Once we’re able to do that, we’ll start seeing less deaths.”

For the 40 to 59 age group, there is a 74.7 per cent first dose uptake with second doses at 52.8. In persons 18 to 39, there is a 69.9 per cent first dose coverage and 38.1 per cent second doses.

“Older people generally have taken both doses but with the younger population, they just did a first dose but they didn’t take their second dose. If you don’t get both doses, then you won’t get the benefits of the vaccine,” he cautioned.

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

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

94

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

68

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

2816

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

17

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

18,684

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

16,760

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

35,444

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

31,663

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

380,257

FULLY IMMUNISED

241,211

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

910

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1606

REGION 2

1430

REGION 3

4810

REGION 4

16,869

REGION 5

1275

REGION 6

2613

REGION 7

1736

REGION 8

581

REGION 9

2445

REGION 10

2079

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

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

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

emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of

a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet

physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene. (G12)

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

High transportation, energy cost stymieing services sector – GMSA President T he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Friday branded the extortionate transportation costs in the services sector as a focal concern for local operators, coupled with the existing clamour on high energy expenses.

GMSA President, Rafeek Khan disclosed during their annual luncheon that in some instances, local operators are spending over 50 per cent of the raw material value for transport. Along with other factors, he noted that production cost is then skyrocketed.

“Competitiveness is ultimately the key factor that affects growth of industries, from farm to market, forest to mill, the cost of transportation for goods are as much or even more than 50 per cent of the value of the raw material coming to the processing facility.”

Khan added, “While energy costs often take precedence, the burdensome logistics cost for transportation to transport our primary production, especially in agro, forestry and mining must also be addressed.

We’re extremely blessed as a nation with an abundance of natural resources but ac-

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar

cessibility to these resources are sometimes limited. On the other hand, where hinterland and road exist, the prohibitive costs of maintenance contribute to higher production costs.”

The GMSA President divulged that due to high transport fees, vehicles are burdened to carry more than the intended load, thereby damaging infrastructure.

“The small operators quite often lose their competitiveness because of the limited volume of raw materials and produce which they are able to transport.

This sometimes lead to overladen trucks, which not only causes the necessary breakages to equipment but de-

stroy roads.”

Moving forward, Khan said as the country aims towards sustainable development in the wake of climate change, it is imperative that Government “builds to last” and prioritises in areas that positively affect competitiveness.

He highlighted, “Built to last is a compliment to sustainable development. We are facing changing weather patterns that destroy bridges and roads. Repairs to damaged infrastructure can be avoided if properly built from the start. We can naturally neglect to prioritise what we do not see often.”

Speaking on production, the Private Sector official

said manufacturers cannot rely on solely local consumption. With the current Administration creating waves in ensuring that sectors are thriving, the local agencies must aim to capitalise.

“Export is essential for each and every one of your businesses. We’re going to be, as Private Sector, engaging the regional and international private sector bodies on how we can get part of their business. But at the end of the day, if we’re not competitive in manufacturing the products, you’re not going to get sales for export.

We see more imports coming in and less exports going out,” Khan observed.

Last year, Government removed VAT from ATVs for mining, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing in the emergency budget. For 2021, in order to reduce the cost of transportation for hinterland communities, it also removed the duty on ATVs for use in the hinterland.

In response, he added, “The Government’s enthusiasm and commitment to infrastructure development across the length and breadth of Guyana is duly recognised [by] Guyana Marketing and Services

GMSA President, Rafeek Khan

Association. Removal of VAT for hinterland travel provided great relief, especially for small businesses and commuters alike.”

No reduction despite Govt help

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar in his feature address contended that they have commenced engagements with carriers to determine why prices have not dropped for hinterland travel.

The Minister assured, “I met with the Aircraft Owners’ Association a month ago and they have to provide to me and Minister Oneidge [Walrond] why the prices haven’t gone down.

They have to provide to us

the data that we remove VAT on travel but yet persons are complaining that the price have not went down. They have submitted something to us. We have to sit down and go through all of the numbers. If you reduce and remove VAT from a previous regime, then you’re supposed to get reduction.”

On the issue of reliable power and cheaper energy, Indar mentioned that several projects are on stream to contribute to the energy mix, including the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project and the gas-to-shore project, which will also compliment to Government’s transition to renewable power sources.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Campbellville cocaine bust

One pleads guilty, jailed for 3 years, fined $3.1M …alleged accomplice remanded

Shamain Johnson Andre Gomes

Eon Joseph

ne of the two men who were arrested following a $2 million cocaine bust at a house at Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking charge when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday.

Eon Joseph, 33, was sentenced to three years in prison and fined $3.1 million

for the offence when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Joseph was jointly charged along with 60-yearold Andre Gomes called “Zipper”. Gomes, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on October 26, he had two kilogrammes of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

O

As such, he was remanded to prison until November 2.

The men were arrested after Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) ranks swooped down on the house owned by Gomes and found the illicit drug.

Gomes had previously been charged with drug trafficking, but was never convicted.

Three years ago, Gomes was freed of a cocaine traf-

High transportation, energy...

“What we have now is fossil fuel generated power. Most of the energy is heavy fuel oil. Heavy fuel oil is expensive and a lot of greenhouse gases is emitted from that. We’re transitioning away from those things. Between 2022 to 2027 and thereafter, we have to transition away from these to more renewable power and more renewable energy sources.”

“We’re going to put in solar grid ties in Linden, Essequibo and Berbice.

Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica, Mahdia, Lethem, Mabaruma and some other areas will have grid ties solutions where you generate and just tie it into the grid. It carries down the amount of fossil that you’re using. That will generate electricity at the same time cut your costs

FROM PAGE 12

significantly,” the Minister told the Private Sector officials.

In August, with the aim of cushioning the high shipping costs due to the global pandemic, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced several reductions to shipping-related charges to the tune of $4.8 billion in order to bring relief to citizens and businesses. (G12)

ficking charge after it was found that insufficient evidence surrounded the case. Based on previous reports, back in 2018, Gomes was arrested in the same Campbellville area after CANU ranks had found just over two pounds of cocaine at a house.

He was arrested after a wanted bulletin was issued for him. Three years before that case, Gomes was arrested and charged for the shooting of a taxi driver outside Palm Court on Main Street, Georgetown. He was also freed of that charge because of insufficient evidence.

Community service

Meanwhile, 25-yearold Shamain Johnson of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court charged with possession of narcotics. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a month of community service along with a fine of $15,000.

The cocaine found by CANU at the house

The woman was also charged with the offence of placing prohibited articles for prisoners. To this charge,

she also pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a fine of $26,000 or in default serve two months in prison. (G1)

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Precious Angels Charity donates $1.5M to special needs schools

COVID-19 patients at Ocean View Hospital decreasing

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The Infectious Diseases Hospital

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Some of the beneficiaries of the donations stand with representatives of Precious Angels Charity

number of Special Needs schools on Friday benefitted from donations valued at $1.5 million through the Precious Angels Charity, a non-profit organisation raising awareness about the rare neurological disability, Rett syndrome.

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder which affects the brain’s development, thus causing mental

and physical disability.

The Special Needs schools that received gifts and donations were the Gifted Hands Learning Academy, St Barnabas School, MET Pride academy, and the Autism School.

The simple handing over ceremony, which was hosted at Mohamed’s Enterprise, Lombard Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, saw a number of students from

the schools receiving monetary donations along with small gift items.

Representative of the charity organisation, Isha Khan said that the organisation’s aim is to bring awareness and possibly create a cure for Rett syndrome in children in Guyana.

“We’re hoping to establish a cure for Rett syndrome in Guyana or start a Rett syndrome clinic to help

kids be diagnosed with Rett syndrome at an early stage in their life,” Khan stated.

She indicated that the charity usually hosts walk events to bring awareness to the rare disease, however, due to the pandemic, this was put on hold.

“Every year we have an annual fundraising event… but this year we’ve been affected by the COVID-19 virus, we were not allowed to have our public annual walk or public event, so we decided to invite the schools and the representatives of some of the schools to give them gifts and some money,” she further shared.

It is estimated that Rett syndrome affects about 1 in 12,000 girls born each year and is only rarely seen in boys.

he third wave of COVID-19 had resulted in spikes of infected cases and hospitalisation, which are now decreasing at the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said during Friday’s briefing that there are 41 patients at the East Coast Demerara facility, inclusive of 17 in the Intensive Care Unit. At present, there is enough bed capacity.

“We can comfortably accommodate about 50 ICUtype patients, and the other wards are there for people who would have the less severe form of COVID, nevertheless they require hospitalisation. We do have excess capacity because our cases at the hospital have come down quite a bit,” the minister divulged.

Previously, over 35 intensive patients would be monitored on average during the height of the recent wave, along with 120 in the wards.

The Ministry has been improving its capacity at the specialised hospital with the installation of oxygen connections to each bed. The second floor is completed, and contractors are working on the third.

“What we’ve been doing is installing the pipelines to get oxygen to each bed. We have completed that process, so we have piped oxygen going to every bed in the second floor.

We have started about a week and a half ago on the third floor, so that’s about completed as well. The entire hospital now, close to 195 beds, we

now have piped oxygen.”

Exterior works have included the construction of a base to install the oxygen plant once it arrives in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony shared that an operating theatre to cater for pregnant women and other cases has been completed.

“We have completed operating theatre at the Ocean View Hospital, but, on occasion, we do have women who are coming in pregnant, and we’ll need to do emergency cesarean sections, and that’s why we have installed a theatre at the Ocean View Hospital.

In instances, the mothers are too sick to be moved to the Georgetown Hospital,” he detailed.

The oxygen plant is part of a donation to the facility, and upon arrival, an engineer from India will commission the plant. This new addition will occupy 512 square feet and be capable of supplying 800 litres of oxygen per minute. The calculations show that some 50 patients can be attached simultaneously.

From the time the facility was operationalised to this present day, expansions have been made to cater for a higher patient load. This was complimented with additional doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff. Last month, the Health Minister had sounded a warning to Guyanese about the seriousness of the coronavirus disease locally, since many persons were being presented with a more severe form of the virus.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Accused on trial for murder of British teen to know fate on Tuesday A

aron Hing who is on trial for the murder of his godbrother Dominic Bernard, the British teenager who was found buried in a shallow grave in the backlands of Nurney, Corentyne, Berbice in 2016, will know his fate on Tuesday, when the jury is expected to retire to deliberate on a verdict.

Hing and his friend Staymon George were jointly charged with the teen’s murder. On October 4, George pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder, and was sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 35 years.

Confessed killer Staymon George

Murder accused Aaron Hing

Hing, on the other hand, had also pleaded guilty to the crime, but did not ac-

cept the facts presented by Special Prosecutor Attorney-at-law Latchmie

Rahamat. After he gave his version of the facts, Justice Kissoon entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, and empanelled a jury to hear his trial.

Prosecutor Rahamat called more than 20 witnesses to testify on behalf of the State. A caution statement given to the Police by Hing was admitted into evidence.

In his defence, Hing, who was represented by lawyer Sanjeev Datadin, opted to give an unsworn testimony.

Justice Kissoon will sum up the evidence in the matter on Tuesday morning, before putting the case to the jury for deliberation on a verdict.

The prosecution’s case

Traffic management to be more in real time – GPF Head, Strategic Planning Unit

Woman Assistant Superintendent Nikola Kendall

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lans are said to be on stream for traffic management in the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to be more in real time.

This is according to Woman Assistant Superintendent Nikola Kendall, head of the GPF’s Strategic Planning Unit. “…to come across as real time; real time information, real time examination of vehicles. We want to have an automated system that can tap into vehicle examination,” Kendall revealed during the force’s weekly “Police & You” radio programme.

Plans are on stream to have the road safety education drive. That continues, and it will be heightened, given the issue or several issues that have occurred, or several instances of those similar issues,” she stated.

“When we look into that area, or that field of traffic, what we look for is traffic posture. Traffic posture speaks to visibility, traffic enforcement activities, traffic education activities.

What equipment they [traffic ranks] utilise to assist them in their enforcement activities,” she explained.

Kendall also noted some of the aspects of traffic management that her unit would look into when conducting their analysis to determine the gaps as against the standard, in keeping with the three types of accidents: fatal, damage, and serious accidents, they would look at how many accidents – the types of accidents that would have occurred within a given month or over a period of time.

Moreover, in efforts to enhance traffic awareness, and by extension improve traffic management and road safety, she stated, “In addition

to the traffic education programme, whether via social media or at the schools, or there is just a session where a traffic rank may be designated to conduct a session with the drivers to influence their behaviour - because the goal is to influence the behaviour of drivers, so that we can promote road safety.

“The way we treat cases.

How is it that we look at cases? How is it that we examine vehicles? How is it that we deal with learner-drivers? The seminars, the sessions. Everything will be reviewed, and it will be in keeping with best practices… plans are on stream to treat with issues in a more modern way and in keeping with best practices and international standards,” Kendall indicated.

Back in March, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, while responding to questions during debates on the 2021 Budget in the National Assembly, had said that new legislation is needed and a revision of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02, should be done immediately.

He said this will aid in curbing the traffic lawless-

US Embassy opens YLAI applications for entrepreneurs

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pplications for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Professional Fellows Program is now open to young entrepreneurs in Guyana.

This was announced on Friday by the US Embassy in Guyana.

“Sponsored by the US Department of State, YLAI will bring 280 promising leaders from Latin America, Canada, and the Caribbean this year to the United States to expand their leadership and entrepreneurial skills and network through skills-building workshops and opportunities to learn from and

exchange with US counterparts,” the Embassy stated in a release.

The programme is said to be open to young entrepreneurs aged 25-35 years those who have a demonstrated track record of successfully growing their own business or social venture for at least two years.

Applicants, however, must also be a current resident and citizen of Guyana.

“The YLAI Fellowship Program is part of the US continued commitment to the prosperity of Guyana and the region.

The YLAI Fellowship

Program supports and connects young entrepreneurs across the Western Hemisphere to take on leadership roles that benefit their communities and strengthen their economies.”

The programme will take place from January to February 2023 in the United States.

YLAI applications are now being accepted at https://ylai. state.gov. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2021.

To date, fourteen young Guyanese entrepreneurs have participated in the YLAI Professional Fellows Program.

ness in Guyana, and assist drivers to adjust to the changing society.

He had indicated that statistics have shown an increase in accidents due to inattentiveness, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

“This is caused because fines and penalties are small and ineffective. Hence, fines on all categories of offences should be increased by 100 per cent, being tickets and charge offences,” he stated at the time.

The Minister had stated that his Ministry is also working with the National Road Safety Council and other stakeholders to erect traffic signs, conduct road marking, and place speed humps where necessary.

Dead: Dominic Bernard

is that Dominic Bernard, called “Dom”, 18, had travelled to Guyana from England on October 14, 2015 for a three-week vacation, and was reportedly picked up from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) by Hing and George in a rented car. From there, the trio had gone to a restaurant to have some food.

They later left for the backdam in Berbice. Once they arrived there, they walked to the shallow grave that was dug days before Bernard had arrived in Guyana.

The Prosecutor said that Hing confessed to detectives that he wanted to “get back at” his godbrother, whom he claimed caused him to be arrested in London. Hing then hatched a plan with his friend to rob the teenager, who was expected to arrive with money and other valuables.

Bernard was scheduled to fly back home on November 5, 2015; but after he did not return home, his father Andrew Bernard contacted Hing to enquire about his son’s whereabouts.

The prosecutor said that Hing denied picking up the young man from the CJIA. In light of this, the elder Bernard travelled to Guyana on January 2, 2016, and contacted the Guyana Police Force for assistance with finding his son. According to the Special Prosecutor, Hing was arrested six days later.

But before arresting him, Police had found a shallow grave with a decomposed body, which was later identified as the remains of Dominic Bernard following DNA testing. An autopsy revealed that Dominic Bernard, a young aspiring filmmaker, had been struck to the back of the head. He sustained a fractured skull as well as a broken neck.

The prosecutor said that Hing hid the teen’s camera and other items at the back of his house, and later asked his ‘child mother’ to remove them.

The prosecutor said that the murder accused also asked a friend to retrieve the items from his ‘child mother’ and throw them away. The persons who allegedly assisted Hing have been charged with accessory after the fact.

They are: Krystal Thomas, called “Kathy”; Jahmeil Sinclair, called “Fross” or “Bacchus”; and Sinfine Henry, called “Coreen”. It is alleged that between January 4 and 6, 2016, knowing that Hing had committed the offence of murder, they received, comforted, relieved, maintained, harboured, and assisted him.

They have each been placed on $300,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of their trial.

(G1)

16 NEWS New Canada-Guyana Chamber CEO seeks to maximise opportunities for foreign investment SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New CEO of the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), Treina F Butts

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he Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) has announced Treina F. Butts as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

“On behalf of the Chamber Board, I welcome Treina to the Chamber and community. We have high expectations that she will lead the Chamber to continued success and growth,” stated Anand Beharry, Chair, CGCC. “Ms. Butts’s extensive knowledge and leadership

experience with non-profit organisations, fundraising, strategic planning and business management skills will serve to develop strategic alliances, expand CGCC market presence, and bring value to our business partners here in Guyana, Canada and other locations,” he said.

Butts offers extensive experience and knowledge on sustainable development, gender empowerment, small business and people development through the sustainable utilisation of resources,

tourism, and the hospitality industries. She is a driven, passionate professional, recognised for establishing and implementing creative strategic development plans.

“I am honoured to be joining the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce,” said Butts. “I look forward to advancing its mandate, supporting the economic prosperity of Canada and Guyana. I look forward to driving partnerships, maximising opportunities for foreign investment, helping to access key markets, and support people development in key sectors.”

Butts holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Studies from the University of Guyana, and certifications in Sustainable Tourism, Cluster Development, and Results-based Management.

She is passionate about advocating for the economic vibrancy of the communities in which she serves.

In her role as Executive Director of the Tourism Hospitality Association Guyana (THAG), she led the organisation to increased focus on tackling the barriers to business and community growth.

Under her leadership, THAG secured several funding partnership opportunities and expanded its representation.

Butts will replace Natalia Seepersaud, the

Chamber’s inaugural CEO, who established a strong foundation and presence in Canada and Guyana.

The Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce is a non-partisan institution

promoting and facilitating investment and trade between Guyana and Canada, and Guyana and other countries. The CGCC was launched on December 4, 2020.

that this drone training initiative will create other career opportunities for young women in these far-flung hinterland villages.

“The National Agriculture Institute that is responsible for managing the mangrove programme, they have never had a presence in Region One and that is where the most intact ecosystem of mangroves in Guyana are found. So, what I see is, these girls armed with the drone technology and with the ability to use it safely, doing flyovers of that resource and providing it to NAREI and it should be monetised,” Arjoon-Martins explained.

According to the GMCS Head, five female marine

scientists are currently being trained on how to properly pilot drones and upon completion, some of them will be dispatched to the selected communities to work with the chosen girls.

“We started the drone training in Georgetown with the marine scientists and the plan is to have two of them going to Region One and work with these six young women.”

Arjoon-Martins, who is part Indigenous Guyanese, recalled being afforded a similar opportunity as a young girl, which developed her career and moulded her into the person she is today.

“If I wasn’t given the opportunity to go to Trinidad and learn to fly an airplane and subsequently become an aviation manager, that was natural steps in my progression.”

“So, starting with a drone and learning to use a drone could be a start of a career beyond these drone monitoring for these young girls,” she explained.

The GMCS President also explained that she pitched the idea to the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and it is her hope that the initiative can be expanded to other regions.

The six girls who are to be trained will be selected from communities across Region One and it is envisioned that the exercise will begin within the next three months.

Indigenous girls to be trained to operate drones

By Amar Persaud

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he Guyana Marine Conservation Society, which has commenced a training exercise for its marine scientists to learn to properly pilot drones, is now planning to extend this initiative to six Indigenous girls who recently graduated secondary school in Region One (Barima-Waini).

GMCS President Annette Arjoon-Martins has said that during her visits to the North-West region of the country, she observed that a lot of the local women are employed in “back-breaking” work.

Arjoon-Martins said seeing this sparked an idea to create more opportunities for Indigenous women.

“I thought with the young Indigenous girls in these communities that would’ve finished secondary school… for example, let’s zone into Imbatero, they don’t have a hope in hell of getting employed soon and their parents would’ve struggled to send them to school…”

“So I thought, let’s focus on six girls and let’s train them how to use drones,” the GMCS President explained.

She further explained

17 Higher freight could see further rise in food prices in T&T S NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ky-rocketing freight rates will now add to the already high prices of goods initially triggered by global supply chain disruptions.

Freight costs went from US$4,000 for a 40-foot container to US$20,000 per container and without Government intervention, it is the consumer that will have to bear that cost.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago will be impacted by the global supply chain disruptions and clogs and yesterday, members of the food distribution and business sector weighed in on the adverse impact of the bottlenecks, saying there could be higher prices and even difficulty for consumers to access goods.

The diverse group agreed that left unchecked, spiralling freight costs will only add to the already heavy financial burden being placed on the consumer.

Head of the Food Distribution Association, Gerard Conyers, said the Guyanese government waives the increased cost of freight and only collects revenue on the normal and uninflated cost to help ease trickle-down costs to the consumer.

That is not being done here.

Both the head of the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce Gabriel Faria and Downtown Owners and Merchants Association head Gregory Aboud, said that freight costs have gone up some 400 per cent in the last year and neither of them could say why.

Aboud added that although

Containers at the Port of Port-of-Spain (T&T Guardian photo)

empty containers were being returned, the shipping cost was still high.

“The freight rate continued to escalate, there is no logical explanation and also there is no need for any shipping line to charge US$20,000 to bring a container from the Far East to Trinidad. That is an exorbitant rate which is irrational.

It doesn’t make any sense,” Aboud said.

Aboud said it was cheaper to fly first-class to Japan than it was costing to bring a container on a boat.

“It just does not compute,” he said.

Aboud said one of the reasons for the high cost could be the slow rate of return because of the clogs at various ports around the world.

“There also seems to be congestion in trans-shipment points at Kingston and Panama, which is going to affect T&T in a more significant way than the congestion in Los Angeles,” he said.

“Another issue developing now that is worrisome for those of us that depend on Asia, which all of us do for supply line components.What use

is there in having fabric to sell and no thread to sew it?”

He said there is also a new issue with the fuel supply in China. According to international reports, China has begun rationing diesel because of shortages.

“So first, there was no space on the boat to put your container unless you have US$20,000 in freight, now today what they are saying is there is also no truck to bring it from the factory to the boat because the trucks have no diesel,” he said.

“All of these issues affect the overall cost of operations and also disrupt the supply.”

But despite the overarching issues, Aboud is confident that T&T will be okay.

“By and large, the T&T business community is reasonably well-stocked, that is my opinion,” he said.

As a result of this, Aboud said there was no need for panic.

“I believe there is enough residual merchandise in the country, yes there may be some shortages and maybe there would be some items in scarce supply, but by and large

I believe that T&T is reasonably well-stocked,” he said, adding the country should be okay for the next quarter.

Faria said supply chain disruptions are not new and affects everyone. He described the current situation as a “double whammy.”

“We are seeing the commodity themselves go up and we are seeing the freight go up. Freight has gone up, in some instances some 400 per cent,” Faria said.

“I have a hard time rationalising the justification for the increases.

“All the inputs that are moved have an increased cost.”

Faria said while there have been increases in the cost of goods locally, it was nowhere near a 400 per cent mark-up.

Conyers warned that while consumers will be able to access the usual Christmas goods, they must understand that the variety would not be available and the prices would be higher.

He said that COVID-19 had caused shutdowns in the customary supply countries and supply chains have dried up.

“A lot of our foodstuffs comes out of the US, our packaged foods and they themselves are suffering,” he said.

Conyers said that it is not just the Christmas goods affected but good across the board.

“You will get it but you will not get it in the quantities and it would definitely be more expensive and you would not get the range,” he added.

“For the next year, consumers should expect that things they usually buy every week in the supermarket, you might come one week and it

wouldn’t be there but it would be there the next week.”

Conyers advised consumers to have patience and called on the Government to expand the list of essential items.

Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Nirad Tewarie, meanwhile said the country is already seeing the impact of those higher prices.

“While companies are taking individual measures to mitigate the impact, we all are already seeing the impact of the increase in prices, as cost for landed finished goods and inputs increase.

“If ever there were a time to pivot and take advantage of initiatives led by organisations such as the IDB and the stated strategy of the US government to encourage nearshoring, it’s now,” Tewarie said.

He added, “Our Government should work with the private sector to aggressively eliminate the barriers to attracting investment as companies bring production and jobs back to this hemisphere.

“Finally, the importance of continuing the reforms at Customs to reduce the time taken to clear goods cannot be underscored. We appreciate the work already being done by Customs and look forward to expanding the trusted trader or voluntary compliance programme underpinned by a fully electronic clearance system, as promised by the Minister of Finance in his budget presentation.”

TTMA: exporters can’t source shipping containers Head of the T&T Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Tricia Coosal said

while exports have not been significantly affected, some companies have experienced difficulty getting containers for exports.

“Since manufacturers require that their goods are exported in a timely manner and there is a shortage of containers, some manufacturers have experienced increased costs to ensure that the products are exported on time for fear of losing their customers,” Coosal said.

But that is not the only challenge for manufacturers.

“The increased costs per container (20 foot or 40 foot) require additional access to USD by the local manufacturers (since shipping lines are requiring that the charges are paid in USD).

“Furthermore, it requires manufacturers to review their inventory management processes, to ensure that enough raw materials are always available and that there is enough inventory for export to their customers.”

She added, “These reviews of their logistics is especially important now, since there tends to be an increase in the volume of imports (and exports) during November and December. These disruptions, coupled with the checks and balances by the various Government agencies (including Customs and Excise Division), can inadvertently increase costs (e.g. increased port rent and demurrage) to the manufacturer.”

Head of the T&T Shipping Association Hayden Alleyne yesterday told Guardian Media he was unavailable and would speak to the issue today. (Excerpted from T&T Guardian)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

Regional

Brazil health officials receive death threats over child vaccinations B

razil’s health regulator Anvisa said on Friday that all five of its directors have received death threats over possible approval by the agency of COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged between five and 11 years old.

In a statement, Anvisa said it had reported the emailed threats to the Police and prosecutors. It said the messages, which were sent on Thursday morning, threatened the lives of the directors if the agency approved vacci-

nations for that age group.

Schools in the state of Parana were also threatened, the statement said.

The threats came after Pfizer said on Wednesday it would seek approval from Anvisa for its vaccine to be used on children between 5 and 11 years old.

An advisory committee of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended the use of the Pfizer shot for that age group, but with a lower dose.

Brazil has one of the high-

est vaccination approval rates in the world and has, after a slow start, made progress in ramping up COVID-19 vaccinations. However, a nascent group of anti-vaxxers has grown in recent years, buoyed in part by President Jair Bolsonaro, who has refused to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

COVID-19 has killed over 600,000 people in Brazil, the second highest death toll in the world behind only the United States. (Excerpt from Reuters)

As Peru opens from pandemic, nearly all schools remain closed

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or Maria Molina, a single mother struggling to take care of two granddaughters, the idea that Peru’s state schools have been providing online learning during the pandemic feels like a bad joke.

She can barely afford her 10-gigabyte monthly mobile phone plan, which costs 75 sols (US$19). It is the only phone the family has and must be shared by her 17-year-old daughter, who is studying nursing, and two granddaughters, Azumi, eight, and Chenely, 11.

Molina added that she is able to make ends meet only because one of her sons, 22, who still lives with her in their single-room shack, shares his earnings as a day labourer.

Here, in this gritty neighbourhood of Maria del Triunfo, on Lima’s steep, dusty eastern margins, largely populated by migrants from the Andes and the Amazon, this story is all too familiar.

Peru’s schools shut down completely as the corona-

Haiti’s PM condemns gangs and kidnappings in televised address

Barbecue, the leader of the G9 and Family gang, said his group are protesting against poverty and for justice in the slaying of President Jovenel Moise

I

n a prerecorded address, Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry has condemned the recent uptick in gang violence and kidnappings in the country, reassuring Haitians that the nation is not running out of fuel, despite severe shortages.

Henry’s speech, aired on Friday, was the first time the Prime Minister acknowledged these issues in public since the kidnapping of 17 members of a United

States-based missionary group on October 16. The 16 Americans, one Canadian and their Haitian driver were abducted amid a spike in gang-related kidnappings that Police are struggling to control.

“If they do not stop their wrongdoing, the law will apply to them,” Henry said in his message. “The only option for bandits and all their sponsors is imprisonment or death if they do not want to change professions.”

The speech comes at a particularly tumultuous time for the small Caribbean island. Henry became Prime Minister about three months ago, after the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise. A few weeks later, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, devastating the south of the country.

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang that kidnapped the missionaries, including five children, has said he would kill them if his demands are not met.

Haitian officials have said the gang is seeking US$1 million per person, but that it was not clear if that included the children, the youngest of whom is eight months old.

Christian Aid Ministries, which had organised a trip to Haiti for the group of missionaries, in a statement published on Thursday said they hoped the hostages would be released soon, despite the worsening political situation in the country.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Antigua opposition legislators barred from Senate after failing to show vaccination cards

A Almost all schools in Peru remain closed to in-person learning, even as other venues open with limited capacity [Alessandro Cinque/Reuters]

virus pandemic exploded globally in mid-March 2020, just two weeks after the southern school year started.

Although a small number of remote, rural schools have had in-person classes since then, and a handful of private schools and well-resourced public schools have this month begun receiving pupils for two halfdays a week, some 99 per cent of Peru’s schools have throughout the pandemic been either closed com-

pletely or offered only online classes, which many children, like Azumi and Chenely, could not access.

That is despite Peru reopening shopping malls and casinos with occupancy restrictions last year.

In a country where nearly one in five people live below the official poverty rate — defined as earning less than 338 sols (US$85) a month — the effect on millions of children has been devastating. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

product (GDP) over the JulySeptember period compared with a consensus forecast in a Reuters poll for growth of 0.1 per cent, and followed surprisingly weak data for August.

Nikhil Sanghani, an analyst at Capital Economics, said the latest figures left GDP 2.3 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, though he suggested the August data may be revised up and noted the economy was “heading in the right direction” going into October.

The economy’s sluggish performance risks creating a dilemma for Mexico’s Central Bank, which has embarked on a series of rate in-

creases as inflation surged well above its 3 per cent target. However, its Board has been split over whether to hike rates.

A breakdown of the GDP figures showed the contraction was led by weakness in the tertiary sector, which covers services, and which declined by 0.6 per cent compared with the second quarter.

The dent to growth is a setback to Mexico, which during the pandemic suffered an economic contraction last year of 8.5 per cent, its sharpest slump since the 1930s Great Depression. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ntigua’s opposition legislators on Friday accused the Speaker of the House of Representatives of acting beyond his powers after being prevented from participating in the meeting of the Senate because they did not show proof of being vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Last week, House Speaker Sir Gerald Watts called on legislators to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, saying it was important for them to show leadership in dealing with the virus that has killed 102 and infected 4040 since March last year.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that almost all

persons either in the House or the Senate are (vaccinated), but we just need to confirm,” he told the Parliament.

Sir Gerald said he had asked legislators in both Houses of the Parliament to produce their vaccination cards or the other official card, “so that the clerk can observe and record it in the Hansard”.

President of the Senate, Alincia Williams-Grant, confirmed the absence of the opposition legislators, saying that she had received correspondence from them “in relation to why I believe they are absent today”.

“I am sure we will hear in the course of the day, through the media, but it beholds me to respond directly

to the correspondence and I will do so and report at the next sitting. As of today, it seems as though they will be absent,” she added.

But speaking on a local radio station, Senator Shawn Nicholas said their absence is due to a request from the Speaker of the Parliament that they show proof of vaccination before entry.

“There is a decision which we are still trying to figure out where that decision came from and the authority of the decision that all Members of Parliament of both Houses ought to present a vaccination card to be entered into the Parliament building.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mexican economy shrinks for 1st Call made for increased awareness on breast cancer in men time since pandemic rebound

M

exico’s economy shrank 0.2 per cent in the third quarter from the previous threemonth period, the first quarterly decline since recovery from the pandemic began, preliminary data from national statistics agency INEGI showed on Friday.

Service sector activity in the country was roiled during the summer from a resurgence in the coronavirus pandemic, while global supply chain disruptions have weighed on a recovery in manufacturing, notably in key sectors like car making.

The seasonally-adjusted contraction in gross domestic

A

leading breast surgical oncologist said more must be done to educate Jamaican men about breast cancer in males.

According to Dr Jason Copeland, breast cancer education and awareness is mainly focused on women.

As a result, he said, a lack of public awareness about the impact of breast cancer on males helps to fuel a stigma associated with the diagnosis of the disease among men. ‘’There is genuine concern about the high breast cancer death rates in Jamaican women and our yearly figures continue to increase.

However, when it comes

to our male population, we have very limited information regarding incidence and death rates,’’ Copeland told Observer Online.

The surgeon who runs the Breast Health and Oncology Care Centre at Andrews Memorial Hospital said that ‘’some of the men that we see with breast cancer often express disbelief when they are told that they have cancer as they are usually under the impression that it’s a ‘female-only’ issue.” ‘’Male patients are often disbelieving of their breast cancer diagnosis due to the lower incidence rates and lack of knowledge about the condition. Very often,

none of these patients had ever met another male with breast cancer,’’ he added.

This information gap also leads to a delay which can then lead to the disease being diagnosed much later in men than in women, Copeland said. ‘’Based on research from the Kingston Public Hospital, the average age of onset is 67 years in men, but 54 years in women. There is quite a bit of delay or neglect of the symptoms in men, in addition to having the issues of stigma, diminished independence and social support in the elderly,’’ he explained.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

19

Around the World

We were clumsy over OILNEWS OIL NEWS Biden: France submarine row Big oil says up to governments at climate talks to rein in demand

L

eaders of Europe's biggest oil and gas companies said political leaders attending UN climate talks that start this week must make carbon markets more effective and that only governments can effectively curb fossil fuel demand.

Oil majors will be among the big companies conspicuous by their absence at the COP26 meeting that begins in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sunday to attempt to agree ways to limit the planet's warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

Ben van Beurden, the chief executive of the world's biggest fuel retailer Royal Dutch Shell, told reporters this week that, as oil and gas companies, "we were told that we were not welcome" at COP26.

European oil majors have set much more ambitious emissions cutting targets than their US rivals, but they also have to fend off accusations that, over decades, they hid the role that their products played in heating the planet.

They have long supported carbon pricing as a businessfriendly way to engineer a transition to a cleaner economy, but agreement on the role of carbon markets has proved a major sticking point at climate talks.

"This carbon credits market is currently unorganised, unregulated and therefore dangerous," TotalEnergies Chief Patrick Pouyanne said this week, but he reiterated his support in principle.

"Our positions are well known, we are in favour of carbon pricing," he said.

Shell's van Beurden in a LinkedIn post on Friday, echoing previous comments by BP Chief Executive Bernard Looney, said oil companies alone could not control demand for fossil fuels.

"Let’s say Shell switched the products we sell overnight.

Instead of petrol and diesel, motorists at our service stations could only get hydrogen, or recharge their electric cars. It wouldn’t make people buy a hydrogen or battery electric car.

They would simply drive down the road and fill up at one of our competitors," van Beurden said.

"So governments will have to play an essential role in helping to shape demand, using mandates where needed, creating the right climate for investment, and helping steer society towards low-carbon and renewable energy." (Excerpt from Reuters)

U

S President Joe Biden has told France's Emmanuel Macron that the US was "clumsy" over a security pact signed between the UK, US, and Australia that lost France billions.

It was the first meeting between the two leaders since the Aukus pact - which will let Australia build nuclear-powered submarines was agreed.

Aukus caused a row with France, which lost a US$37

I

The centuries-old historical hierarchies have divided communities into various social castes such as nobles, chiefs, artisans and slaves – who are at the bottom rung of society and have merely inherited their status from their enslaved forefathers.

Even at a time of relative peace, the lives of enslaved people are highly controlled in feudal communities.

They are not allowed to become the mayor or chief of a village, own land or even marry outside their class.

During celebrations such as weddings or births, they are expected to serve the nobles by slaughtering animals and preparing their meals.

According to the descendants of privileged slaveholder families, this traditional practice is entirely voluntary. But the descendants of slaves say otherwise. Experts say they are at risk of losing their homes and access to water and land should they protest against the practice. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

sy," Biden said. "I was under the impression that France had been informed long before that the deal was not going through, honest to God." The Aukus pact, which will also cover AI and other technologies, is one of Australia's biggest defence partnerships in decades, and is seen as an effort to counter China.

It scuppered a deal signed

by Australia in 2016 for France to build 12 conventional submarines.

At the time, France's Foreign Minister called the security pact "a stab in the back", and France temporarily recalled its US and Australian ambassadors.

Speaking after meeting Biden on Friday, Macron told reporters: "Trust is like love, declarations are good, but proof is better." The two leaders also spoke about climate change, counter-terrorism in West Africa and European defence. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Saudi Arabia bans all imports from Lebanon, expels ambassador

S

audi Arabia has banned all imports from Lebanon and given the Lebanese ambassador 48 hours to leave the kingdom after footage emerged earlier this week of a Minister criticising the Saudi Arabia-led coalition’s war in Yemen, state news agency SPA reported.

Saudi Arabia also banned its citizens from travelling to Lebanon and recalled its ambassador.

“The Kingdom’s government regrets the outcomes of the relations with the

Lebanese Republic due to the Lebanese authorities ignoring facts, and their continued failure to take corrective measures,” the statement carried by SPA on Friday read.

Ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia were already strained, but they soured further on Tuesday after footage began circulating online of Information Minister George Kordahi making critical remarks about the Saudi-led war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. He said the tele-

vised interview was recorded more than a month before he was appointed Minister.

Kordahi said the Iranaligned Houthis are “defending themselves … against an external aggression”.

The former celebrity TV presenter also said the long-running war was “futile” and called for it to end, which offended the Saudi Arabia-led coalition forces.

The game show host-turned-Minister said his comments were a personal opinion and were made before he joined the Government, but said he re-

fuses to be blackmailed by any entity.

In a statement on Friday evening, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said he “regretted” the Saudi moves.

Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain summoned their ambassadors to Lebanon in response to the comments, while the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – also comprising Qatar and Oman – condemned Kordahi’s remarks. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russia signals not ready US FDA authorises 1st to let Afghanistan's COVID-19 shot for young kids Taliban into UN

Slavery is alive in Mali and continues to wreak havoc on lives t was supposed to be a joyful occasion. Young men and women gathered in a circle, displaying their dance moves as they celebrated Mali’s independence day in the country’s western region of Kayes.

But things took a dark turn when a group of people carrying thick wooden sticks and machetes appeared all of sudden.

The celebrating crowd – people from the so-called “slave” class – were brutally attacked and publicly humiliated by the descendants of slaveholder families who consider themselves “nobles”.

The late September attacks in the town of Bafoulabe continued for two days, killing at least one man and wounding at least 12 others, United Nations experts said on Friday.

Although slavery as an institution was officially abolished in Mali during colonial rule more than a century ago, the so-called “descent-based slavery” still persists today.

billion deal with Australia.

Macron said it was important to "look to the future".

The meeting between the two Presidents took place at France's Vatican embassy in Rome, Villa Bonaparte.

It was part of a series of meetings between the US President and world leaders ahead of the G20 summit of major economies this weekend and next week's UN climate summit, COP26, in Scotland.

"What we did was clum-

Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia speaks during a news conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, US, October 29, 2021

N

o one is in a hurry to recognise the Taliban as Afghanistan's government, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Friday, signalling that Moscow is not ready to allow the Islamists to represent Afghanistan at the United Nations.

He also said UN and unilateral sanctions on Taliban leaders would have to addressed but "perhaps not right away."

"The question of recognition will arise when the international community makes sure that the promises and commitments that the authorities announced will be delivered," Nebenzia told reporters.

He was referring to Taliban pledges - made since group ousted the Westernbacked government in mid-August - that included upholding human rights, particularly those of women and girls, and combating terrorism and drugs.

The United Nations is considering rival claims on who should represent Afghanistan.

"When credentials are presented, they are presented on behalf of the head of a state," Nebenzia said. "If it's presented on behalf of a (head of) state which nobody recognises then make your conclusions yourself."

A nine-member UN credentials committee, which includes Russia, China and the United States, is due to consider the rival Afghan claims next month and decision will likely be made before the end of the year.

"The primary thing today is to stabilize the country," said Nebezia. "The economy is on the verge of collapse with the lack of any resources, which are frozen and are not being released anytime soon, judging by the statements that we hear."

Afghanistan parked billions of dollars in assets overseas with the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks in Europe, but that money has been frozen since the Taliban came to power.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

A woman holds a small bottle labelled with a "Coronavirus COVID-19 Vaccine" sticker and a medical syringe in this illustration taken October 30, 2020

T

he US health regulator on Friday authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years, making it the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States.

Pfizer said that it would begin shipping pediatric vials of vaccine to pharmacies today. The decision by the regulator is expected to make the shot available to 28 million American children, many of whom are back in school for in-person learning.

It comes after a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted overwhelmingly to recommend the authorisation on Tuesday.

Only a few other countries, including China, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates, have so far cleared COVID-19 vaccines for children in this age group and younger.

The FDA authorised

a 10-microgram dose of Pfizer's vaccine in young children, lower than the 30 micrograms in the original vaccine for those age 12 and older.

Advisers on the FDA panel said a lower dose could help mitigate some of the rare side effects.

At the meeting, they paid close attention to the rate of heart inflammation, or myocarditis, that has been linked to vaccines from both Pfizer/ BioNTech and Moderna, especially in young men.

The regulator said on Friday that known and potential benefits of the Pfizer vaccine in individuals aged between 5 and 11 outweigh the risks.

Many adults who have been hesitant or opposed to the COVID-19 vaccine and even some who were vaccinated themselves, are expected to be more cautious about giving the shot to their children. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

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ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Get moving. Make life, love and happiness your priorities, and share your longterm goals with someone special. Romance is encouraged.

Do something physically challenging for best results.

Explore the possibilities and consider what you want to pour your energy into before signing up for something that will eat up your time or money. Take the steps necessary to ensure a wise decision.

Expand your mind, interests and friendships. Gravitate toward people who share your beliefs and concerns, and participate in events that make a difference but don't jeopardize your health.

You may disagree with what others do or say, but you are better off not interfering if you want free rein yourself. Confrontation is a waste of time. Concentrate on what will help you the most.

Speaking up will deter anyone from messing with you or your plans. Participate in something that puts a smile on your face and make plans with someone you love to be around.

It's up to you to initiate change. Consider what works for you, and research what's entailed. Leave no room for error or interference. Refuse to let someone emotionally manipulate you.

A step in a new direction will bring out the best in you. Explore the possibilities and connect with people who make you think and encourage you to reach for the stars.

Revisit your options, and you'll gain perspective regarding the possibilities. Don't limit what you can do because someone discourages you.

Take a step in a direction that encourages you to enjoy life.

Time spent with a friend SAGITTARIUS or relative will be rewarding.

(Nov. 23The information you receive Dec. 21) will encourage you to make a lifestyle change. Plans with a loved one will provide emotional stability.

Put your cash in a safe CAPRICORN place. Make changes at home that will lower your (Dec. 22overhead. Plan for a better Jan. 19) future by discarding things you no longer need. Less clutter will enhance your productivity.

Look at your relationships AQUARIUS with others and consider any (Jan. 20emotional snags that may be Feb. 19) holding you back. Keeping your financial and legal documents separate will save you from a dodgy situation.

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Take charge and don't let anyone get in your way.

Resolve financial, legal and medical matters by taking responsibility and making the necessary adjustments. An opportunity awaits.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

21

Stunning Asif Ali cameo powers Pakistan to the top of the table A

sif Ali's cameo of 25* from just 7 balls has taken Pakistan to victory with an over to spare against Afghanistan in the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021.

Needing 24 off the last two overs, Ali used only one of those overs, as he smacked Karim Janat for four sixes to get Pakistan across the line.

T h e v i c t o r y makes it three wins out of three for Pakistan. They sit comfortably on top of the Group 2 table in the Super 12 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. After the early wicket of Mohammad Rizwan, Bazar Azam and Fakhar Zaman then set the foundation for Pakistan's win with a steady 63-run partnership.

Afghanistan fought well in a game that ebbed and flowed. Although they had lost half their side inside the

W

est Indies' thrilling three-run win against Bangladesh means they are still in the hunt for a semi-final spot. To get there, they must win their last two games and finish on six points.

There is a possibility of five teams finishing on four points, with England topping with 10, but given West Indies' net run rate, that is not a route they'd want to take.

Assuming West Indies finish on six points, here is how they can qualify without NRR coming into play: England must win at

first 10

overs, and were in a spot of bother at 76/6,

Babar Azam scored a fine half century

Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib's unbeaten 71-run stand helped them post a fighting total.

Afghanistan top order crumbles

With both teams unchanged, Afghanistan captain Nabi won the toss and opted to bat first against Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. Teams chasing in Dubai have won four games out of four so far in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, but Afghanistan decided to play to their strengths instead.

That call came in for question as they lost four wickets inside the Powerplay.

Shaheen Afridi troubled the openers in the first over of the innings, but didn't get a wicket, despite striking the

least two of their three remaining matches.

That includes beating Australia and winning at least one of their two remaining games, against Sri Lanka or South Africa.

Australia has to lose all three remaining matches.

They already have four points, and from West Indies' point of view, they wouldn't want any addition to that tally.

Sri Lanka and South Africa are to win no more than one of their two remaining matches.

Both teams currently have two points, and play

pads thrice. To release the pressure, Hazratullah Zazai charged Imad Wasim at the other end, but only managed to top edge to Haris Rauf at third, who took a good tumbling catch.

After striking Afghanistan's first boundary, Mohammad Shahzad fell in trying to take Afridi on again. Asghar Afghan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided some respite, taking 17 runs off Imad's second over, including two sixes and a four. However, both batters fell within five balls, with Rauf and Hasan Ali getting on the wickets’ column.

Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat steadied the ship with a 25-run partnership that went at just over a run a ball. Despite a couple of quiet overs, they made up their run rate by striking two fours off Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan. Just when it looked like Afghanistan had a launching pad in the middle overs, Janat holed out in the deep, as they lost half their side inside the first ten overs. At the halfway stage, Afghanistan were at 65/5.

Nabi, Naib stand tall

Najibullah Zadran, in the company of skipper Nabi, had

each other on Saturday.

They also have games against England coming up, which means the team that wins on Saturday should lose to England.

Bangladesh must beat Australia, since Australia already have four points.

If they lose to South Africa, then South Africa must in turn lose to England, so that they don't move beyond four points.

If all of these happen, then West Indies can progress without run rates coming into play. To start with, though, they need to keep their end of the bargain and win their two remaining games - against Sri Lanka on November 4, and Australia on November 6.

Given that five more Group 1 matches would have happened by the time they take the field again, they will have a pretty good idea of where they stand before their next game.

(ESPNcricinfo)

to once again consolidate after the wicket of Janat.

Hasan Ali bowled a magnificent over in the middle, forcing Zadran to play out a maiden in the 12th over. The pressure of the maiden over led to the downfall of Zadran, as Shadab Khan did him with a wonderful googly just a ball after being hit for a six.

With wickets falling at the other end, Nabi took it upon himself to bring some stability. In the next two overs, the skipper found the boundary three times, to keep them going at around 6 runs per over.

They finally teed off in the 18th over, with Naib targeting Hasan Ali. He smashed him for a six and a four off the first two balls, before hitting another boundary, fetching Afghanistan 21 runs in the over.

The carnage continued, with Rauf leaking three fours as he gave away 15 in the penultimate over. Afridi was sensational in the last over, giving away only six singles and a no-ball to keep Afghanistan's score below 150.

Pakistan recover after Afghanistan strike early

Afghanistan started with spin at both ends, and suffocated the Pakistan openers for runs early on. The pressure almost got the wicket of Azam, who would have had to make the long walk back had the fielder at midwicket hit the stumps directly at the bowler's end. The move did pay dividends though, as Rizwan failed to clear the ropes, holing out to Naveenul-Haq at deep square.

Walking in at No.3, Fakhar released the pressure inside the Powerplay. He launched into Nabi after playing out just four balls, smashing the skipper for a four and a six against the spin. He punished Naveen for bowling on his pads, swiping it past short fine for a four, as Pakistan finished the Powerplay on 38/1.

Babar, at the other end, did not look his best by his own lofty standards, bringing up his first boundary only in the ninth over, but he did manage to hit a couple more to the ropes thereafter. The pair brought up their 50-run partnership as Pakistan went into the drinks break needing 76 from the last 10 overs.

Rashid, Nabi tighten the screws

It took Afghanistan 10 overs to bring Rashid Khan on, and he immediately had the batters in all sorts of trouble, inducing five false shots

in his opening over, including an LBW decision that was eventually overturned by DRS in Pakistan's favour.

Afghanistan finally broke the partnership between Fakhar and Babar with Nabi trapping the former in front of the stumps. The DRS did not come to Pakistan's rescue this time around, with the ball tracker showing three reds.

Rashid finally struck in his third over to remove Mohammad Hafeez, and wheeled away in celebration of his 100th T20I wicket. The wrist-spinner reached the milestone in just his 53rd game, thus becoming the fastest player to get to the mark in Men's T20Is. Rashid proved to be expensive in his final over, with Shoaib Malik sending a half-tracker over the ropes. However, it ended well for Afghanistan, despite a dropped chance, as Rashid cleaned up Babar, who had just brought up his half-century, with a wonderful googly.

Naveen-ul-Haq made up for the dropped catch by bowling a brilliant 18th over, in which he gave away just two runs and snared the wicket of the experienced Malik.

Asif Ali does it again

Needing 24 off the last two overs, it was once again

Asif Ali got a hug from Shadab Khan after finishing off the game

Ali who came to Pakistan's rescue at the end, smashing four sixes to seal the win for Pakistan. He smashed the first ball for a six to calm the nerves in the dugout. Janat nailed a yorker the next ball, but was smoked for a six over midwicket.

After yet another inch-perfect yorker, Asif finished the game off with two consecutive sixes straight down, to secure Pakistan their third win of the tournament. (ICC Cricket)

SCOREBOARD

AFGHANISTAN INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Hazratullah Zazai c Haris Rauf b Imad Wasim 0 Mohammad Shahzad † c Babar Azam b Shaheen Shah Afridi 8 Rahmanullah Gurbaz c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 10 Asghar Afghan c & b Haris Rauf 10 Karim Janat c Fakhar Zaman b Imad Wasim 15 Najibullah Zadran c †MohammadRizwan b Shadab Khan 22 Mohammad Nabi (c) not out 35 Gulbadin Naib not out 35 Extras (lb 3, nb 3, w 6) 12 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.35) 147/6 Did not bat: Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Hazratullah Zazai, 1.3 ov), 2-13 (Mohammad Shahzad, 2.4 ov), 3-33 (Asghar Afghan, 4.3 ov), 4-39 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 5.1 ov), 5-64 (Karim Janat, 9.1 ov), 6-76 (Najibullah Zadran, 12.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 4-0-22-1 Imad Wasim 4-0-25-2 Haris Rauf 4-0-37-1 Hasan Ali 4-1-38-1 Shadab Khan 4-0-22-1

PAKISTAN INNINGS (TARGET: 148 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Mohammad Rizwan † c Naveenul-Haq b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 8 Babar Azam (c) b Rashid Khan 51 Fakhar Zaman lbw b Mohammad Nabi 30 Mohammad Hafeez c Gulbadin Naib b Rashid Khan 10 Shoaib Malik c †Mohammad Shahzad b Naveen-ul-Haq 19 Asif Ali not out 25 Shadab Khan not out 0

Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 2) 5 TOTAL (19 Ov, RR: 7.78) 148/5 Did not bat: Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Mohammad Rizwan, 2.3 ov), 2-75 (Fakhar Zaman, 11.1 ov), 3-97 (Mohammad Hafeez, 14.1 ov), 4-122 (Babar Azam, 16.6 ov), 5-124 (Shoaib Malik, 17.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mujeeb Ur Rahman 4-0-14-1 Mohammad Nabi 4-0-36-1 Naveen-ul-Haq 3-0-22-1 Karim Janat 4-0-48-0 Rashid Khan 4-0-26-2

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

Pooran, Russell hand West Indies their first win – Bangladesh all but out of the race to the semis

Nicholas Pooran scored a quickfire innings of 40

A

ndre Russell's telling final over sealed West Indies' first win of the T20 World Cup 2021, as they beat Bangladesh by three runs in Sharjah.

In a battle that came down to the final over, Bangladesh needed 13 runs to win, but Russell nailing his yorkers meant Mahmudullah and Afif Hossain could manage only nine.

West Indies' batting was

up for their lack of boundaries in the first 15. Pooran started things with two slog sweeps off Shakib Al Hasan, before going straight against Mahedi Hasan.

Jason Holder then slammed a wayward Mustafizur Rahman for two big sixes through square leg, before Pollard, who had retired ill in the 13th over, came back to finish off the innings with a six over midwicket. West Indies got the

Roston Chase played a patient 39

much-needed runs by plundering 58 in the last five overs, taking the total to 142 for 7.

A sloppy day in the field

Bangladesh missed four chances in the field today.

Mahedi dropped Roston Chase twice, the first was

Andre Russell defended 12 in the last over

not up to the mark again, particularly in the first 15 overs. They struggled overall with their ground fielding and catching too. Nicholas Pooran's 22-ball 40, along with superb death bowling efforts by Russell, Dwayne Bravo and Ravi Rampaul, helped them stay in the game.

Bangladesh bowlers could have shut off West Indies much earlier, but for Pooran, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his batting display.

An enforced gamble

Pooran lights it up

West Indies' seven sixes in the last five overs made

off his own bowling in the seventh over, when Chase chipped one towards him. In the 14th over, Mahedi then dropped him at the wide long-on boundary.

But what happened next ball really cost Bangladesh.

Liton Das missed Pooran's stumping when he was on 2. And in the 19th over, Afif couldn't hold on to Holder's chance at the deep cover boundary, again costing Bangladesh some important runs.

West Indies also had a bad day in the field. They missed a few run-out chances, and dropped three catches too.

Jason Holder bowled well in his first game

Shakib pulled his hamstring as early as the fifth over of the match, but he plodded through most of the West Indies’ innings, bowling his full quota of four overs.

The best time an injured Shakib could contribute with the bat was the powerplay, so Bangladesh did a slightly out-of-the-box move by sending him out to open the innings with Mohammad Naim. That did not work out well for Bangladesh, as Shakib could manage just 9

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Chris Gayle b Mahedi Hasan 4 Evin Lewis c Mushfiqur Rahim b Mustafizur Rahman 6 Roston Chase b Shoriful Islam 39 Shimron Hetmyer c Soumya Sarkar b Mahedi Hasan 9 Kieron Pollard (c) not out 14 Andre Russell run out (Taskin Ahmed 0 Nicholas Pooran †c Mohammad Naim b Shoriful Islam 40 Dwayne Bravo c Soumya Sarkar b Mustafizur Rahman 1 Jason Holder not out 15 Extras (b 1, lb 6, w 7) 14 TOTAL(20 Ov, RR: 7.10) 142/7 Did not bat: Akeal Hosein, Ravi Rampaul Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Evin Lewis, 2.6 ov), 2-18 (Chris Gayle, 4.2 ov), 3-32 (Shimron Hetmyer, 6.4 ov), 3-62, 4-62 (Andre Russell, 12.4 ov), 5-119 (Nicholas Pooran, 18.1 ov), 6-119 (Roston Chase, 18.2 ov), 7-123 (Dwayne Bravo, 19.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mahedi Hasan 4-0-27-2 Taskin Ahmed 4-0-17-0 Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-43-2 runs off 12 balls, getting out to Russell in the fifth over.

The scoop doesn't work for Mushfiqur

The scoop shot hasn't really worked for Mushfiqur Rahim, who has now got out twice, bowled while trying the shot in critical phases in the T20 World Cup. In this game, he missed the scoop off Rampaul, who bowled straight on the stumps.

It came shortly after Mushfiqur had struck a four with a superb square cut earlier in the over, but the dismissal left Bangladesh at 90 for 4 in the 14th over.

Mushfiqur had similarly missed the scoop against Chris Greaves in Bangladesh's first match against Scotland, getting out at a critical time in their chase - again shortly after he had started to connect well with the ball.

Russell's knockout blow

West Indies didn't allow Bangladesh to get away

Hope hits century on final day of Best v Best three-day

W

est Indies’ class act Shai Hope has slammed a brilliant unbeaten 102 from 260 balls as the third and final day of the Best v Best practice match ended in a draw in Antigua.

Team Kraigg Brathwaite resumed the day on 73-2, and ended on 281-4 in 128.2 overs. In addition to Hope's 102, which was comprised of ten fours and two sixes, captain Brathwaite made 78 before he retired hurt.

Test double-centurion Kyle Mayers made 26, while Rahkeem Cornwall was unbeaten when stumps were

Shai Hope made an unbeaten ton on the final day

drawn.

Trinidadian leggie Imran Khan had 2-89 in 33 overs.

Earlier in the match, Nkrumah Bonner continued from where he left off on the first day, hitting an unbeaten 166 from 367 balls, laced with 17 fours and two sixes as Team Jermaine Blackwood scored 384-6 in 143 overs. Bonner was supported by Barbadian Raymon Reifer, who made 71.

Earlier on the opening day, Sheyne Moseley and Kaveem Hodge made 39 runs each. Rahkeem Cornwall end with 2-79 in 27

overs, while Jayden Seales and Preston McSween had 1-23 and 1-51 respectively.

Team Brathwaite lost Jeremy Solozano for two when he was trapped by veteran Kemar Roach, and Brooks was removed by leg-spinner Imran Khan.

West Indies players are using this contest as part of their preparation for a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka next month. The series is the second of six series – three at home and three away – that West Indies will play in the 2021-2023 ICC World Test Championship.

Shoriful Islam Shakib Al Hasan

4-0-20-2 4-0-28-0

BANGLADESH INNINGS (TARGET: 143 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Mohammad Naim b Holder 17 Shakib Al Hasan c Holder b Russell 9 Liton Das † c Holder b Bravo 44 Soumya Sarkar c Gayle b Hosein 17 Mushfiqur Rahim b Rampaul 8 Mahmudullah (c) not out 31 Afif Hossain not out 2 Extras (b 2, lb 1, w 8) 11 TOTAL(20 Ov, RR: 6.95)139/5 Did not bat: Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Shakib Al Hasan, 4.3 ov), 2-29 (Mohammad Naim, 5.4 ov), 3-60 (Soumya Sarkar, 10.4 ov), 4-90 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 13.3 ov), 5-130 (Liton Das, 18.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Ravi Rampaul 4-0-25-1 Jason Holder 4-0-22-1 Andre Russell 4-0-29-1 Akeal Hosein 4-0-24-1 Dwayne Bravo 4-0-36-1 with the game, even with Mahmudullah and Liton threatening to do so at times.

After Liton got out in the 19th over, Bangladesh were left with 13 needed off the last over. It was all set up well for Mahmudullah, but after getting the strike in the third delivery, he hardly got room to swing his arms.

He even got a chance, with eight needed off three balls, when Andre Fletcher dropped him at deep square leg. Mahmudullah and Afif could only deal in twos, and with four needed off the last ball, Russell zoomed in another full ball, which missed Mahmudullah's flashing blade. (ESPNcricinfo)

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he GTT Guyana Open golf tournament is scheduled to commence today at 06:00am and conclude tomorrow, and some of Guyana’s top golfers will compete in two days of hectic action.

Some 76 golfers, which include 7 females, are set to participate in the tournament. They hail from countries such as Colombia, Canada, USA, England, Barbados, Suriname, and Guyana as well.

What to expect

President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Patanjilee Persaud, in a recent interview with this publication, noted that, over the past six weeks, there has been brilliant sunshine. He relayed that if the weather remains dry, the game is likely to be played with some advantages, as the dryness would aid in driving.

However, he has said that if the rain falls, it would affect the game, as the golfers would have to recalibrate their strategies.

In the case of rain,

The LGC ground is in pristine condition for the two days of action

Persaud said, “The difficulty will be at a far greater level. Golf is an exact and finite sport; it is a very detailed sport, it leaves no room for error, so we expect persons to be at their “A” game. I personally expect the regular score to win the tournament will be a lot lower than in previous years, if the weather has its way. Golfers will now have to put a lot more shoulder into their drives, and they will have to be exact when chipping on the green.”

Further, he related that even the champions cannot afford to make a mistake, but he is of the opinion that that would put some

spice into the tournament when the golfers hit the course.

He opined that sunshine would be beneficial to many, as many have seen in the past what it is like to play at the LGC under beautiful sunshine.

The firm, dry conditions would make it easier for players to spin the golf ball with a well-struck shot from short grass.

Conversely, when putting greens are soft, they hinder almost any shot, no matter how well it was struck.

However, he thinks that whatever the outcome of the weather, the players will be up and ready for

the challenge.

Basic tournament information

Julia Stephenson from Barbados, the tournament’s reigning female champion, will be back to defend her title against Guyana’s 9-time Open champion Christine Sukhram, two-time winner Joaan Deo, and the ever-competitive Shanella London.

For the men, 10time champion Avinash Persaud will be looking to hold the fort and reclaim his title for the 11th time.

The tournament will be played over 36 holes within a two-day period; each

RHTY&SC, BCB honour Ministers Croal and Rodrigues with highest awards …Ministers hail outstanding work of both organisations

“B

oth of you are positive examples that we would be delighted to have our young cricketers in the Ancient County use as role models.

We are seeking to develop a culture of hard work, dedication, discipline, and both of you are perfect examples of these. The two organisations I am involved in would like to honour you as positive role models.”

Those were the words of Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster, who is also Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club. They were uttered at an impressive ceremony held at the St Francis Center in Rose Hall Town, East Berbice as the two organisations presented their highest awards to Ministers of Housing and Water, Colin Croal and Susan Rodrigues.

The RHTY&SC presented both ministers with their Dolphin Award of Excellence, while the Berbice Cricket Board presented them with the Tribute to Heroes Award.

Foster has said that the Dolphin Award is the highest award of twelve that the club confers on an annual basis, and it is specially reserved for outstanding friends of the club and persons whom the club would like its members to emulate.

To date, a total of 70 persons have received the award, which has a maximum of

Minister Susan Rodrigues receiving her Tribute to Heroes Award from Dr Cecil Beharry of the BCB

one hundred awardees.

Among the other awards of the club are the Zenith Award of Excellence for club members, Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers, Tribute to Medical Workers, and Tribute to Retired Teachers.

Awardees include Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Minister Charles Ramson, Minister Vickram Bharrat, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Bakewell CEO Rajendra Ganga, and Namilco CEO Bert Sukhai.

The BCB Tribute to Heroes award is given specially to outstanding past players, friends of Berbice Cricket and positive role models.

Minister Croal, who was born in the county of Berbice,

has said he has been following the outstanding work of both organisations, and is very impressed with the high standards they have set for others to emulate.

This Senior Minister has hailed Foster’s outstanding leadership, and has urged him to uphold the good work he has been doing. Noting that sports is a vital part of nation building, Minister Croal spoke on the importance of team unity, discipline, and positivity of mind.

In a special pitch to the RHTY&SC and the BCB, Minister Croal has urged them to network with a cricket club in Region One, where he serves as the Patron. Foster immediately accepted the offer, and has committed to assist the

club with cricket gear; cricket educational materials, including the historic coaching manual; and some coaching, if arrangements can be worked out.

Minister Rodrigues in an impassioned and well received speech, urged the young cricketers present to always strive to be the best they can be. She spoke at length on the importance of an educational background, on staying grounded, and on aiming for the sky despite the obstacles along the way.

Like her colleague, Minister Rodrigues congratulated both organisations on their efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of youths, and said she is willing to play a part in upcoming activities, especially the promotion of education and social skills.

The ministers have expressed appreciation to the management of the two organisations for honouring them. They both received plaques, medals of excellence, framed certificates, and two special gifts each, while the BCB also handed each a special Berbice cap along with a copy of the Mortimer George book on Berbice cricket.

Regional Vice Chairman Zamal Hussain and Regional Executive Officer Navindra Persaud were among the other special invitees present at the ceremony.

day, a total of 18 holes will be played. This will determine the best golfer who participated in the tournament, male and female (this will incorporate the gross score). The person with the lower handicap has the advantage of winning the tournament.

Some 76 players have registered for this tournament; 25% of them will fall into that category to determine the best male player. There are seven female players, four of whom would be contending for that championship. In the event there is rain and the tournament cannot be completed, the results will be determined via 18 holes.

The LCG has noted that, in order for everyone to be given a fair chance, the golfers will be placed in flights.

Individuals with handicaps ranging from 0-36 will be given a level playing field to participate and win net prizes and gross prizes for both days. The flights in the men’s category are 0-9, 10-18 and 19-28 handicap; while the flight in the ladies’ category ranges from 0-36 handicap because of the small field.

This tournament is sponsored by GTT (being the title sponsor), the Bank of Baroda, ANSA McAL, Banks DIH, Inter Caribbean, and Montra Restaurant and Lounge.

Albion Cricket Club confident Motie will continue learning at T20 World Cup

T

he president, executives and members of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) would like to extend congratulations to Gudakesh Motie on his recent selection to the West Indies T20 World Cup reserves.

In a statement, the ACCCC has said: “We are very excited as a club, and confident that young Motie will use this opportunity to learn and further develop his game, which will undoubtedly enhance his chances of representing the West Indies at the highest level in the not-too-distant future.

“Motie is a very disciplined, dedicated and determined cricketer, and, without any doubt, has what it takes to excel at the international level in any format of the game. We are extremely proud of him, as a club, and would like to wish him the very best.

“His inclusion in the WI Reserves for the T20 World Cup is another demonstration of the outstanding work the club has been doing. It will also service as a tremendous motivator, not only to our cricketers, but (to) all members, inclusive of our executives, who are known to work beyond the call of duty.

“Again, congrats, Motie, and continue to do us proud.”

Earlier in the month, Cricket West Indies Lead Selector Roger Harper noted that Motie earned selection on the list of reserves for the West Indies in the T20 World Cup on the back of strong performances in the CG Insurance Super50, and the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Motie was the leading wicket-taker in the Super50, claiming 17 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 4.56. He had a best bowling figure of 4-45 with a stellar average of 16.64.

In the CPL, Motie played six matches and impressed with eight wickets at a brilliant economy rate of 6.52. He also had a best bowling figure of 3-25 in his debut season at a top average of 15.50.

Motie has replaced fellow left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who was initially in the list of reserves, but after Fabian Allen’s injury, Hosein has been roped in to the final squad.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2021

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

Pooran, Russell hand West Indies their first win Pg 22

– Bangladesh all but out of the race to the semis

RHTY&SC, BCB honour Ministers Croal and Rodrigues with highest awards Pg 23

…Ministers hail outstanding work of both organisations

GTT Guyana Albion Cricket Club Open to confident Motie will commence continue learning at today See story on page 23

T20 World Cup

Pg 23

…LCG President Patanjilee Persaud has his take

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