Guyana Times - Saturday, September 18, 2021

P17

Prospect housing units on target for January 2022 completion Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4774

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

High Court denies unions’ bid to block Govt’s COVID-19 policy

Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Queenstown Masjid Imam passes on P10

…State has a duty to take measures to curtail spread of disease – Justice Corbin-Lincoln

President Ali to attend CELAC summit in Mexico – will then travel to NY for UN General Assembly next week

See story on page 2

PNCR’s longP7 overdue Congress set for mid-Dec latest

...will be opened for delegates only – Chairwoman

Albion sugar workers down tools to protest poor field P18 conditions BV man wanted for killing P12 friend during argument

President Irfaan Ali and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd in discussion with Foreign Minister of Mexico Marcelo Ebrard upon their arrival in that country on Friday

Dartmouth fatal shooting

Protestors block road again hours after Police cleared it …authorities continue to monitor situation

Couple die after husband jumps into septic tank to rescue wife

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5-month-old baby among 3 dead from COVID, death toll now stands at 706 Page 16

…241 new positives detected in last 24 hours

Berbice man who set wife on fire remanded to prison P16

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Ali to attend CELAC summit in Mexico – will then travel to NY for UN General Assembly next week

Prime Minister Mark Phillips will perform duties as President of Guyana President Irfaan Ali upon arriving in Mexico on Friday

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali is presently in Mexico where he will attend the Sixth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) which is scheduled for today.

The Guyanese Head of State is accompanied

by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd. The Guyanese delegation arrived in Mexico on Friday and were welcomed by Foreign Minister of Mexico Marcelo Ebrard.

CELAC is a regional bloc of 33 Latin American and Caribbean states. The or-

ganisation aims to unite all of the Latin American and Caribbean states in order to strengthen the political, social and cultural integration of the region.

It also hopes to improve the region’s quality of life, stimulate its economic growth, and advance the well-being of all of its people.

CELAC is a successor of the Rio Group and CALC. However, after attending the summit, President Ali will travel to New York to attend the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly next week.

The 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 76) opened on

President Irfaan Ali and Foreign Minister of Mexico Marcelo Ebrard

Tuesday, September 14, 2021. On that day, Abdulla Shahid of the Maldives was sworn in as the General Assembly President and he opened the 76th session.

The first day of the high-level General Debate will be Tuesday, September 21, 2021. The General Debate will take place from Tuesday, September 21, to Monday, September 27, 2021, including Saturday, September 25.

Due to the global pandemic, the size of delegations allowed into the General Assembly Hall will be limited, and UN Member States were encouraged to provide pre-recorded statements in lieu of travel-

ling to UN Headquarters.

Over 100 Heads of State or Government are expected to attend in person.

The UN General Assembly is the main policy-making organ of the United Nations.

Meanwhile, in his absence, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips was on Friday sworn in to perform the functions of the President of Guyana by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

The ceremony took place at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), moments after President Ali departed the country on official duties.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, Sept 18 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h and Sunday, Sept 19 – 02:30h – 04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Sept 18 – 14:50h – 16:20h and Sunday, Sept 19 – 15:30h – 17:00h.

High Court denies unions’ bid to block Govt’s COVID-19 policy …State has a duty to take measures to curtail spread of disease – Justice Corbin-Lincoln

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: West South-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 15:06h reaching a maximum height of 2.4 metres.

Low Tide: 08:35h and 20:56h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.81 metre.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$75.34/barrel

-0.44

Rough Rice

$248.04 /ton $512.90/ton

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London Sugar

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USD Per Ounce

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$1753.80

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$1768.40 0.00%

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade

Attorney-at-Law Dane Victor Elliot-Hamilton

Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis

GPSU Vice President Dawn Gardener

H

igh Court Judge Fidela CorbinLincoln on Friday denied a request by three of Guyana’s major public service unions to bar the COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy instituted by the Government in response to the pandemic.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) – which represents thousands of public servants – were seeking several injunctive reliefs against the State of Guyana.

The Unions had asked the court to grant an interim injunction preventing the State from implementing the requirement that public sector workers show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or produce a negative PCR test result at their own expense.

The Unions also sought an interim injunction requiring the State to bear the cost for regular testing for employees of the State until the determination of the substantive matter - an application challenging the constitutionality of COVID-19 Measures published on March 16, 2020.

The Unions contended that former President David Granger exceeded his authority when he issued those COVID-19 measures purportedly in accordance with Section 21 of the Public Health Ordinance.

They contended that the President’s act amounts to an unconstitutional delegation of his powers and an infringement of Article 111 of the Constitution of Guyana.

Ultimately, the Unions sought an order of certiorari quashing the COVID-19 Emergency Measures dated March 16, 2020, as it relies on an unconstitutional grant of authority to Granger which, they argued, renders it invalid and void of effect.

While she held that the court has the power to grant interlocutory injunctions against the State, the Judge said that in the case at bar, the Unions failed to provide

strong prima facie evidence which is required from a party seeking an injunction to restrain the enforcement of a law.

Serious issues

According to her, the substantive matter raises serious issues to be tried.

Among them is whether Granger acted outside of the

powers conferred on him under Section 21 of the Public Health Ordinance under which he purportedly acted when he issued the measures.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 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

COVID-19: learning loss, school dropouts

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here is much need for concern, as COVID-19 has significantly affected the level of learning for children, and, more so, the high dropout rate.

The worrying rate was revealed by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who said only a few days ago that, at the primary level, at least 1000 children have dropped out of school due to the pandemic.

At the same time, at the secondary school level, many students who had already signed up to write the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) were a no show for the exams.

“In this last year, we tried very hard and in difficult circumstances to continue engaging our children. Yet, we have seen significant learning loss. Yet, we have seen dropouts at the primary level….

We are beginning to see and feel tangibly the effects of this school closure that have been predicted by UNESCO,” Manickchand said in response to the continuous rise in school dropouts.

“We can’t afford to lose our children. We simply can’t. It would be us dooming them to a life of poverty and hardship. Because we all know that the one sure way to be comfortable and have plenty and be able to hear, understand and interpret things for oneself; the only sure way, is through a solid education.”

The rate of dropouts brought on by the pandemic has to be curtailed, and quick measures must be devised and executed to bring this under control, even as some schools which were recently opened to face-to-face learning had to be closed due to some teachers testing positive for COVID-19.

Significantly, the Minister did say that the Ministry is finding ways to curtail the learning loss by working along with the relevant stakeholders to find ways to safely engage children, as the pandemic is going nowhere.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the operation of the education systems of most countries in the world, including Guyana, since, generally, their curricula is delivered in face-to-face classrooms, where the probability of transmitting the virus increases exponentially. There is no doubt that the Education Ministry, and by extension the Government, has done a remarkable job in terms of preparing for the reopening of schools and for learning to continue for students across the country, and now the full reopening of schools. It was only last month that President Dr Irfaan Ali had said the global situation with children being out of school is indeed “frightening”.

To quote President Ali: “Many countries are already giving frightening reports in terms of the impact. I’ve been travelling around this country, and I know I’ve seen children who ought to be in school, they are out of the system. So, we have to get back to school…to create the conditions to ensure that we get back to school, and that is what we are aiming for.”

No one should underestimate the level of planning and the kind of resources that are needed to ensure that academic learning continues and students and teachers are safe in these challenging times. The Ministry of Education must be commended for the work it has done to ensure learning continues. It should be noted that Guyana is one of the few developing countries in the world to have given safety kits to students and teachers, in spite of the scarcity of resources.

That said, in light of the changes that are being made due to COVID-19, educators would have to adapt and find innovative ways very quickly, and ensure that students are not left behind, and reach out to those who have dropped out. The failure of students must not be an option, hence the important role of the head teachers, regional education officials, and even parents.

Through effective leadership, coupled with sound management, head teachers and their senior staff must be able to cope with the changes that are being forced upon us, in order to effectively transform the performance of students.

Good managers know that planning and organisation are critical to success, and it is important that every school adopts this approach. The best performing schools often have better organised and prepared teachers. Also, parents must not leave their children’s education to teachers and the Education Ministry alone.

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is performing duties as President, met with representatives of China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC) Fadid Hallaq and Mr Kuang Yu on Friday. CMEC specialises in the construction of power projects in generation, transmission, and distribution. It has its headquarters in Beijing, China, and is a part of the China National Machinery Industry Group of Companies

FAO ready to follow up on the UN Food System Summit and transform agri-food systems together

By QU Dongyu Director-General Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

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he Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has entered a new era with a new structure and new dynamics. The 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are approaching; we have to change our agri-food systems urgently and holistically.

This transformation requires a systemic approach and our collective action - Hand in Hand by producers, distributors and consumers, together with governments, private sector, academia and civil society. That is what the upcoming United Nations Food Systems Summit is about, and what FAO wants to achieve, together with all our partners, through the new FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031. The action of each and every one of us has an impact on the future of our planet through our agrifood systems.

The Summit is timely.

After decades of decline, the number of hungry people has been growing for the past five years, now amounting to as many as 811 million people.

At the same time, obesity and other non-communicable diseases are ever-growing global problems associated with insufficiently diversified healthy diets and consumption patterns. Many of the current agri-food practices are also exacting a heavy toll on our planet. Our agri-food systems are not functioning properly. What do we need to do to transform them? How does every individual impact on the process?

As the leading interna-

tional organization in this field, FAO has been advocating for and supporting agrifood systems transformation.

The “agri-food system” covers the journey of food from tillage to table – from when it is planted, grown, harvested, processed, packaged, transported, distributed, traded, bought, prepared, eaten and disposed of. It encompasses non-food products such as forestry, animal rearing, use of feedstock, biomass to produce biofuels and fibers, and it constitutes all of the activities, investments and choices made, and it impacts on the livelihoods of all the people that play a part in getting us these agri-food products.

With expertise ranging from policy and feasibility, science innovation, land and water, livestock and fisheries, to biodiversity and climate, food safety and normative work, geospatial data and digital technology, FAO has been at the forefront supporting the preparation for this important global Summit, and more importantly, in line with its mandate FAO will be taking the lead to implement follow-up actions after the Summit.

In July, the United Nations Food Systems Pre-Summit was held extraordinarily successfully at FAO headquarters in Rome. Together with FAO’s Chief Economist and Chief Scientist, I have been sitting on the Summit advisory bodies, scientific groups and action tracks. We have been working closely with expert colleagues both inside and outside the UN system.

With presence in over 130 countries, our teams on the ground have been supporting “national dialogues” that contribute to the Summit

outcomes and national priorities ensuring they are targeted and solution-oriented.

Transforming our global agri-food systems rests ultimately with actions at the country and local levels.

Culture is an important aspect. One needs only to look at cuisines to see how diverse agri-food systems are across and within countries. More than half of us - around 4.5 billion people - earn our livelihoods directly through the agri-food production chain, supply chain and value chain.

And we are all consumers of foods, and game-changers.

What does it take to transform? We at FAO have identified four cross-cutting/ cross-sectional accelerators - technology, innovation, data and “complements” (governance, human capital, and institutions). FAO has been organising and better preparing itself for the past two years to lead the process. Our new Strategic Framework endorsed by Members is focused on supporting the achievement of the SDGs through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for the “Four Betters”: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life.

We have reformed our organizational structure and made it more modular and agile in order to make ourselves fit for purpose. For example, the newly created position of Chief Scientist, along with an Office of Innovation, and the Office of SDGs are concrete steps to strengthen the role of science and innovation to complement the socio-economic work led by the Chief Economist to underpin the transformation, as well as to track the achievement

of the SDGs. Innovation is not just about technology. It is also about approaches and policies. It is about mindset.

Countries, communities and industries will determine their transformational pathways. Our goal is pragmatic: build up ownership of Members and support Members by walking the talk and achieving concrete results on the ground.

FAO has the expertise and networks, and a vast array of tools to assist. Our Hand-in-Hand Initiative has established the open-access geospatial platforms which can calculate forest cover, carbon sequestration potential and water evaporation rates. Our early-warning network systems can alert of coming droughts or crop pests. Our applications calculate fodder supply and demand conditions in droughtor conflict-prone areas.

Furthermore, our analytical work, including our new modeling work, recently assessed impacts and tradeoffs of proposed actions and systems which often have detrimental social, economic and environmental effects, as well as determining how to better harness fiscal supports for agri-food systems.

FAO is well placed and ready to take full responsibility after the Summit outcomes are decided, and move forward to catalyze impacts together with all stakeholders and friends.

Agri-food systems are complex and diverse. We all agree that they are not realizing their full potential if we run business as usual.

We need to craft solutions to achieve the Four Betters and leave no one behind. FAO has the capacity to lead this process with partners for a better world.

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

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News

UG to host 2nd Biennial Conference – to deliberate impact of COVID-19 on delivery of tertiary education

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he University of Guyana’s Centre of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) will be hosting its Second Biennial Conference from Monday, September 20, to Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

This is an event that aims to provide a space for academics, researchers, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on issues and find solutions to the challenges confronting the delivery of tertiary education due to the impact of COVID-19.

This year, the forum will be hosted virtually as professionals in the educational system grapple with and learn to navigate amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference is being held under the theme “Emergency Remote Teaching, Leading

and Learning” and will also be free to the public.

However, registration is required in advance for the event using the following link https://coetal.uog.edu. gy/biennial-conference-2021/ registration.

The opening session is on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 09:00h and will feature presentations from the University of Guyana’s Chancellor, Prof Edward Greene; UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Paloma Mohamed Martin; Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Principal of the Cyril Potter College of Education, Dr Viola Rowe; Guyana’s Chief Education Officer, Dr Marcel Hutson and Director of UG’s Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CoETaL), Dr Charmaine Bissessar.

The opening ceremony will also include an edutainment session by Michael Khan of UG’s Faculty of Education and Humanities, Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

The conference brings together a cadre of distinguished researchers, educators, and key stakeholders as a community involved in tertiary education to share their expertise, knowledge,

PNC’s Aubrey Norton, 15 others charged over illegal anti-vaccination protest

PNCR Executive Member Aubrey Norton

APNU/AFC MP Annette Ferguson

APNU/AFC MP Christopher Jones

n Friday, People’s National Congress Reform (PNC R) Executive Member, Aubrey Norton was released on selfbail for taking part in an illegal protest. Norton along with 15 other persons were charged with the offence.

Charged are: Aubrey Norton of Lot 27 Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara; Timothy Mc Vaugh of 15 La Penitence, Georgetown; Lennox Bacchus of 7 Ketley Street, Charlestown, Georgetown; Aubrey Crandon of 101 Leopold Street, Georgetown; Andre Doliviers of 12 Princes Street, Georgetown; Kyle Solomon of Lot 185 D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown; Godfrey McDonald of Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown; Compton Hope of 175 Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown; Khepera Mc Khufu of Section C Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Orel Brummel

of 86 Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara; Keon James of 25 Good Intent, West Bank Demerara and Fitzroy Miller.

They all appeared in court to answer the charges.

The first charge alleged that on September 13, at Square of the Revolution, Georgetown, they took part in a procession without the permission of the Police.

It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same place, they were in public without a face mask in breach of the gazetted COVID-19 measures. They pleaded not guilty and were released on self-bail on each of the charges.

They appeared before Magistrate Rondel Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Some of them were represented

by Attorney-at-Law Darren Wade. The matter has been adjourned to October 15.

Also charged with the offences are Ryan Fraser,

Quincy Nicholls, Leon Roberts, and Andrew Wattson. They did not appear in court, prompting the Magistrate to issue arrest warrants for them.

According to reports, Norton and several persons were arrested on Monday and taken to the Brickdam Police Station for taking part in an illegal protest against the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination policy. Reports are that no permission was granted by the Police for the protest action.

O

Other party members charged

Back in May, two APNU/ AFC Members of Parliament along with a group of supporters were charged for participating in an illegal protest. The parliamentarians, Christopher Jones and Annette Ferguson, were arraigned along with Mark Griffith, Travis Ellis, Gordon Lucas, and George Halley for the offence.

It is alleged that on April

26, following the dismissal of the party’s election petition by the High Court, they had participated in the illegal procession. They were each granted $20,000 bail.

However, Ferguson was also charged for allegedly obstructing a peace officer on April 26.

She also denied the latter charge and was granted $10,000 bail; taking her total bail sum to $30,000.

On April 26, scores of APNU/AFC supporters gathered outside the court and marched through city streets following the dismissal of the party’s election petition by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George.

The Chief Justice had ruled that nothing in the petition had supported the claims of the petitioners as it related to irregularities during the elections.

Further, she ruled that there were no breaches or violations by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), that would make the election a sham or travesty.

Following her ruling, the party’s supporters and MPs took to the streets, where they protested in front of the High Court. As a result, several businesses along the commercial districts had closed their doors.

After their procession, the MPs along with several of the participants were served summonses to appear in court on Friday, as it is alleged that permission was not granted for the march.

and skills with each other.

Several high-profile speakers will be featured including a world-renowned expert in distance education and instructional technology, Dr Dimitrios Vlachopoulos.

Other well-known educators in their fields will be conducting six plenary sessions on the various sub-themes; these include: Dr Katija Khan who will be addressing the issue of care and well-being during the pandemic; Dr Ramesh Sharma who will be discussing techniques to enhance student engagement online; Dr Gordon Harewood who will be providing some online assessment techniques; Dr Wayne Wesley who will discuss the challenges and opportunities inherent in the digital divide; Dr Carole Basile who will discuss the issues of leading, teaching and learning post-COVID-19; Dr Lidon Lashley will be discussing inclusivity during the pandemic; Dr Mairette Newman and Dr Leory Hill will be part of a panel discussion on

emergency remote learning, teaching, and leading and Zaida Khan-Ventour will facilitate an e-quality workshop.

A special panel comprising of five lecturers from the University of Guyana – Kara Lord, Lisa Edwards, Shanomae Rose, Angelina Autar, and Monique Sarius – who are all pursuing their Doctor of Education degrees under a special UG-Arizona State University (ASU) programme will complete the conference presentations.

All of the presenters will deliver an enriching and eclectic array of empirical, anecdotal, and literature reviews on the conference’s sub-themes. The conference’s presentations, plenary sessions, panels, and workshops are expected to be inspiring and innovative at the individual and community levels. They will provide compelling fodder for future research and, more importantly, empower and motivate academics to delve deeper into various areas of research.

The University of Guyana acknowledges the support of its main partners; the Ministry of Education and the Cyril Potter College of Education for collaborating to host this event. UG also thanks Elton B Stephens Company (EBSCO) for its sponsorship.

UG CoETaL’s “Emergency Remote Teaching, Leading and Learning” conference is the 6th international conference hosted by the University of Guyana this year. There are two more such conferences to be hosted by UG by the end of the year.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PNCR’s long-overdue Congress set for year-end – will be opened for delegates only – Chairwoman

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fter a protracted delay, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has set its Biennial Congress for the latter part of this year which will see the election of new leadership.

At a press conference on Friday, PNCR Chairperson Volda Lawrence informed that the Central Executive Committee (CEC) would have taken a decision on Thursday to hold the Congress by the end of November but no later than December 13, 2021.

“The Congress will be for delegates only, decentralised and hybrid. It will be conducted over one day at party Congress houses in the respective regions… At

our next meeting, we propose to deal with setting up the Congress committee, which should be in another week’s time and will carry out the mandate that is reposed in it by the leadership of the party,” said Lawrence.

This time around, she said the nominations will determine if she will run for the party’s leadership.

Asked what mechanisms will be in placed to ensure that ballots are cast fairly at the various locations, Lawrence said, “The party has various leadership structures in all of the 10 administrative regions, including the diaspora. Those leadership structures will kick in on that day and prior to that, and it will be their

PNC Chairperson Volda Lawrence

responsibility to ensure that the process is carried out in a smooth and transparent manner.”

High Court denies unions’...

FROM PAGE 3

She said there is also the question of whether COVID-19 is a disease specified under Section 21 of the Public Health Ordinance of which the Board of Health and by extension Granger, using delegated powers, could exercise the powers conferred by that section.

The Judge also said that there is also the issue of whether Granger, using that power, could further delegate it. The former Head of State, in issuing the measures, declared that COVID-19 is an infection, and directed the then Health Minister, Volda Lawrence to take all the necessary measures to control the spread of the disease.

Bring confusion

Pursuant to the presidential directive, the Health Minister has issued numerous COVID-19 Measures, the most recent being COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 22) which require persons entering a public building to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative PCR test result.

The Emergency Measures specify that a public building refers to a building to which the public has lawful access and includes both privately and publicly-owned buildings. The Emergency Measures that were issued on September 4, remain in effect until September 30.

Justice Corbin-Lincoln reasoned that in considering the grant of the injunctions, the court must consider all the circumstances, including the interest of the public.

“To make an interim order directing the State to pay for PCR test pending the hearing and determination of this matter will do no more than bring confusion to what the [Unions] already contend is already a confusing situation,” the Justice

noted.

Stop spread of virus

The High Court Judge pointed out that the world has been severely impacted by the effects of the pandemic. This, she added, has led governments throughout the world to employ various measures to contain and reduce the spread of the virus. These measures include mandatory lockdowns, quarantine, curfews, and mask-wearing, she further added.

She said, “The introduction of vaccines is the most recent effort to address the pandemic. The court is not deaf to the debate raging around the world [concerning] the efficacy or effectiveness of the vaccines, the legality of mandatory vaccination requirements, and whether the implementation of mandatory vaccination is a reasonable infringement on constitutional rights.”

But these matters, she said, are still to be tested in the court. Justice CorbinLincoln further related those reports suggest that vaccine hesitancy is a live issue in Guyana for various reasons.

Reminding that the Government has already implemented a vaccine and PCR test requirement for entry into public buildings, Justice Corbin held, “the State has a duty to take measures to [stop] the spread of the disease.”

While the Unions have given evidence of the challenges suffered as a result of the implementation of the policy, the Judge found that there was no evidence of irreparable harm being suffered to warrant the grant of the interim injunctions.

“It would not be in the stability of the public to grant an interim injunction restraining the Government from implementing any future or even the existing

vaccination measures when it is yet to determine whether or not [Granger] acted ultra vires,” Justice CorbinLincoln underscored.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, is listed as the lone respondent in the case.

The Unions are being represented by lawyers Dane Victor Elliot-Hamilton and Darren Wade

Restricts freedom

General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald; General Secretary of the GTUC, Lincoln Lewis; and Vice President of the GPSU, Dawn Gardener are the other applicants.

Along with Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine, they have filed affidavits in support of the substantive matter which is expected to be heard sometime soon.

Lewis, in an affidavit, deposed that the Government’s COVID-19 measures impede his access to Government service that he may require from time to time.

According to him, the vaccination and testing mandate, “directly restricts the freedom of movement throughout the country.”

Meanwhile, Gardener deposed that there has been significant confusion in the implementation of the measures, and unless the State is restrained, thousands of workers will be affected.

The Unions instituted legal action against the State after unvaccinated workers were denied access to their place of employment.

The Public Service Ministry has also reminded that all public servants who do not report for duty because of the COVID-19 measures will not be paid.

The Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, on the other hand, has defended the updated vaccination requirements as necessary to ensure public safety.

PNC’s last Biennial Congress was in 2018, where former President David Granger was returned unopposed as leader of the party.

This time around, Granger had cited the COVID-19 pandemic for the delay in holding the Congress.

Granger, who left office in August 2020, after a fivemonth battle in Guyana for democracy to prevail, has been facing pressure from within the party and has suffered a sharp drop in popularity, over the loss of the 2020 General and Regional Elections after just one term in office.

These divisions were exacerbated by the list of parliamentarians he picked to send to the 12th Parliament, after party stalwarts like Chairperson Volda Lawrence were excluded and the WPA was not consulted to name their candidate.

WPA subsequently withdrew from the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, following on the heels of the Justice For All Party (JFAP).

Granger has been denounced by individual members of the party, like onetime PNC parliamentarian James Bond. Bond has in fact labelled Granger’s leadership as “ineffective” and “mediocre”.

Granger has also been criticised by the PNCR diaspora group, who added their voices last month to calls for the former President to step down from leading the party. In a letter signed by

PNCR Leader David Granger

Connie McGuire, Michael Bramford, George E, Lewis and the PNCR New York Diaspora group, they had appealed to all PNC Executives, members and supporters to demand the resignations of Granger and other party leaders.

They noted that after working tirelessly to get Granger elected in 2015, the party made a series of missteps, failed to connect to supporters and side-lined young and dynamic leadership like that offered by former Region 10 Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon.

According to the group, the PNC’s elitist attitude adopted after they entered Government is responsible for losing the March 2 General and Regional Elections last year. It also wasn’t lost on the group that Granger and his fellow PNC leaders have been ducking responsibility for their par-

ty’s loss at the polls. The party has in fact gone to court claiming that the elections were rigged against them. Both of their election petitions have been tossed out.

Meanwhile, Dr Richard Van West-Charles and party stalwart Aubrey Norton are two executive members of the party who have indicated their interest in the top job. Norton, who challenged for leadership of the party and lost to Granger in 2014, has said that there is a need for a new political culture.

He was of the view that he could usher in this new political culture, as leader of the PNC.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pensioner jailed for 2 years over theft of kitchen utensils from mandir …another imprisoned for damage to property

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65-year-old man was on Wednesday sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after admitting to breaking into a mandir and stealing over $320,000 in items.

Sadiq Mohamed of Grant 1802 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice was arraigned before Magistrate Renita Singh on a charge

which stated that between September 5 and September 10, he broke into the Springlands Sanatan Mandir and stole several kitchen utensils and other items to the value of $320,000.

The Magistrate sentenced the unemployed man to two years in prison. His matter was called at the

news@guyanatimesgy.com

The great divide...

P Jailed: Sadiq Mohamed

Totoram Ramttran

Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

In a separate matter, Totoram Ramttran, 30, of Bee-Hive North Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD) appeared in the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to answer two charges of malicious

damage to property committed on Pooram Sugrim and Lochan Baksh respectively.

He was sentenced to three months and six months respectively on the first and second charges. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

…over Venezuelan recalcitrance resident Irfaan Ali has flown up to participate in this year’s 76 meeting of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Yep…it’s been 76 years ago, at the end of WWII, that the UN was launched with the goal of ensuring that we do not repeat the carnage that had just ended.

It’s estimated that about 75 MILLION persons perished!!

When you’re talking about such numbers what does it matter if you’re off a million here or there? Meaning, the entire population of Guyana would be lost in the shuffle.

Anyhow, since then, even with the UN in action with its mediations and peacekeeping forces and other conflictreducing mechanisms (UN Gen Secretary Good Officer process, anyone?), some 55 MILLION soldiers and civilians - as counted in WWII - have been killed. So, you decide whether the UN has been successful in its major mission.

Anyhow at the General Assembly, world leaders would be able to get together and speak directly to each other on the pressing problems of the day that may lead to war.

For us, of course - and your Eyewitness is sure this is why President Ali has gone up there personally - the pressing issue is the barefaced attempt of some members of the UN, like Russia, Norway and Netherlands, to have the fractious Venezuelan Government and Opposition settle their differences by agreeing that they must retake our Essequibo!! That’s right! Here it is that the very UN process (see above!) that the Venezuelans agreed to back in 1966, when they signed on to the GENEVA Agreement on their border controversy, they’re now rejecting!!

The UN must be told in no uncertain terms that this outlaw behaviour will not be tolerated. Either they agree on the terms of reference of the UN, or they don’t! They can’t come there to complain about how the Americans are ganging up on them when they’re doing the same thing to tint Guyana!! Does the rule of equity, that they must come with “clean hands”, apply? This year, with the COVID pandemic, only 83 of the 193 leaders will be speaking personally - President Ali included.

Some will submit recorded messages. But President Biden will be there, and he must be reminded that his administration will not condone side deals that would place at risk peace and stability in the hemisphere - not to mention the last big oil play for Exxon. If Venezuela wants to get back on track with dealing with its domestic disaster, it cannot be allowed to bully us.

Pres Ali must also mention our close shave we had with an illegal regime here in Guyana…

Like Afghanistan and Myanmar, the PNC’s credentials would’ve been questionable. …over COVID-19 Looming like a pall over this year’s UNGA - like it did last year - will be the COVID-19 pandemic. That was the first time the meeting was held totally virtually, and the change this year might imply that the pandemic is under control.

NOT SO! What it does indicate is that, while in the beginning COVID looked like a rich country’s disease - with Americans and Europeans dying like flies - the tide has been turned for them - including China, where the pandemic started.

And it’s all because, being rich, they were able to get off the blocks the quickest by developing vaccines. China did it by using their authoritarian methods to enforce lockdowns that would’ve seen revolutions elsewhere. Maybe China is the new governmental model?! Imagine here, vaccine hesitancy is being used by the Opposition as a mobilisation tool against the Government.

The largest present danger zone from COVID-19 is Latin America and the Caribbean - right where we are.

The post-COVID world may see all gains achieved over the last few decades removed. …on education On another note, while the rest of the world’s integrating new pedagogical techniques, like the Finnish “lesson studies” that include “rounds” for teachers, just like the medical profession, the GTU’s teaching children to be “cuss birds”!!

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Several stakeholders on board Guyana’s inaugural oil and gas conference

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Timothy Tucker signing a Memorandum of Understanding with co-founder of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana, Kerensa Gravesande-Bart

I

n a show of overwhelming support, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Thursday signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with several organisations signalling their support for the inaugural Guyana Energy Conference and Exhibition (GEC-X), slated for February 14-15, 2022.

These include the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC); Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG); Region Three Chamber of Commerce; Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG).

GOGEC has signed on as the co-host for the event alongside the GCCI. Pegasus Hotel Guyana is an organising partner while the other groups have come on as partnering stakeholders.

It will be the first such conference fully organised and managed by Guyanese and aims to promote local content and create a platform for strategic partnerships.

President of GCCI, Timothy Tucker welcomed the support as he noted that the signing ceremony is one of the biggest demonstrations of collaboration at the local level.

“Next year February is an important moment in the history of Guyana, especially with the united Private Sector that we are seeing today. You can see almost every business organisation signing MoUs with us; they want to be a part of it. This is what local content is and this is what local content is expected to be. This is how the GCCI envisions an event that is supported by locals for locals. We are showcasing our capabilities, what we are able to do as Guyanese, as a business community, and the hospitality that Guyanese have,” he noted.

Tucker said that the support has been overwhelming thus far and the GCCI looks forward to pulling off an exciting and successful event.

President of GOGEC, Manniram Prashad stated that the Chamber had its own plans to host a conference but decided to partner with the GCCI since the end goal is the same: promotion and achieving local content and opportunities for local businesses.

“I am very happy to cohost this conference with GCCI. We want to ensure that the patrimony comes

Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) President Manniram Prashad displaying the signed Memorandum of Understanding alongside GCCI President Timothy Tucker

GCCI President Timothy Tucker (centre) with stakeholders and partners of the Guyana Energy Conference 2022

down to the small and vulnerable and that is what we aim to do with this conference. There is broad-based support but more importantly, it is local content. We want to educate, we want to promote this industry, we want to ensure that there is benefit to the operator, the sub-contractor, the service providers, the business community, the poor people,” Prashad said.

Board Director of the WCCIG, Latoya Jack said that the organisation is happy to throw its support behind the conference since it

represents a significant avenue to market Guyanese businesses, including those led by women.

“This is an excellent op-

portunity for the Guyanese business community to be able to express and showcase what we are capable of.

So, any opportunity where not just women but business owners and entrepreneurs in Guyana have the ability to showcase our skills, is an opportunity that the WCCIG will be a part of and support wholeheartedly. Not just do we want women to be involved in the conferences, we want women to have the opportunity to see that not only are Guyanese capable of these things but other women in business, whether oil and gas or otherwise, can be able to support these ventures and do so in a manner that showcases our skills and local content.”

In addition, President of the GMSA, Rafeek Khan posited that the entity is happy to be on board the event since it believes that it can create opportunities for players in other sectors apart from the oil and gas industry.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our country. I look forward to this conference. I look at this conference not just as an energy conference. It is a business conference. The energy sector is going to draw potential investors, it is going to bring an energy there that we want to collaborate.

TURN TO PAGE 10

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Queenstown Masjid Imam passes on

T

he Muslim community, especially members of the Queenstown Mosque, have plunged into a state of mourning following the death of Imam Shaheed Mohamed.

Imam Haji Mohamed reportedly passed away on Friday morning.

Immediately after his passing, President Ali in a post stated that he was an example of simplicity, humility, dignity, strength of

Imam Shaheed Mohamed

character and so much more.

“I can say he touched my life in a profound and incredible way. I am so happy too that Zayd had the opportunity to meet him…I pray that his family, friends and members of the Queenstown Masjid be granted patience and understanding during these difficult moments.

In addition, a very close friend of the 79-year-old Imam for the past 40 years, Nazar Mohamed expressed

sadness on his passing. “He was a man of great calibre, he was kind and always thinks about helping the poor… he was a man of unblemished character,” Mohamed stated.

In addition, he noted that it was Imam Shadeed who organised and solicited donations to construct the Queenstown Masjid.

“He was instrumental in building the masjid… he took from his pocket and asked the Muslim community to donate so that the masjid could have been completed… the Muslim community, matter in fact, the community at large is poorer without him.”

He is one of the trustees on the board - one who

has served as Imam for the past two decades. “He will be missed, especially I would miss him dearly as a close friend of my family,” the businessman stated.

Meanwhile, other members of the masjid have since expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the late Imam. May Allah grant him Jannah.

Gang member among 4 arrested following rapid gunfire in Linden

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our persons are now in Police custody for allegedly discharging a loaded firearm in the wee hours of Friday at Speightland, Kara Kara, Mackenzie Linden, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Based on reports received, Police were on mobile patrol in the vicinity of Five Corner, Mackenzie Linden when loud rapid explosions which sounded like gunshots were heard.

As a result, the ranks went to Speightland, Kara Kara, Mackenzie Linden, where they observed a black motorcar travelling towards

the Police vehicle at a fast rate.

The ranks managed to intercept the car, during which an identifiable male exited the vehicle from the front passenger side, discharged a round in the direction of the ranks, and drove off.

In response, the ranks pursued the motorcar, which subsequently crashed into the fence of the Mackenzie Sports Club.

The male then exited the car, climbed onto the fence, and began running, while an identifiable female was seen crawling out of the car.

Upon seeing this, the ranks

went behind the duo, thus resulting in the arrest of the male who was found hiding in a clump of bushes.

The Police have said that another identifiable male, who was also an occupant of the said motorcar, made good his escape.

Meanwhile, the Police went to the scene where the loud rapid explosions were heard and conducted a search. Four 9mm spent shells were found in a yard at Speightland, Kara Kara.

In addition to the male who was caught while trying to evade Police, three others were arrested as investigations continue.

Several stakeholders onboard...

Many of the energy conferences are overseas and international. What we are seeing here is that this is going to be at home, it is local.

The investors are going to come here. The players are going to be here. So, I want to encourage our members to engage, participate, don’t limit yourself to just your industry.”

Further, Region Three Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Premendra Parsons said that the Chamber was pleased to partner with the GCCI since the conference represents an opportunity for inclusion and participation for Guyanese businesses.

“We want to be able to

have a community where we are all inclusive as Guyanese and able to support each other. There are other companies coming into our region. We want to be able to build that capacity within ourselves to be able to serve that small man. As a Chamber, we also want to be able to participate and participate in the events and all that is coming to our region and to take advantage of those opportunities,” Parsons said.

Finally, THAG President, Harrinand Persaud said that the Association decided to participate in the conference since it is a great initiative to drive and promote local content. He expects lo-

FROM PAGE 9

cal restaurants, resorts, tour companies and hotels to significantly benefit through THAG’s participation.

“We thought it was a very good initiative and the grouping of all the local Guyanese components is very key to the decision as to why we wanted to be part of it. THAG represents all the hotels, restaurants, resorts, tours - so while persons are here to have the all-important oil and gas conversations, they also need to take some time off to explore Guyana and that is where THAG comes in. They can come through THAG, and we can organise and ensure everything goes smoothly,” Persaud said.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Couple die after husband jumps into septic tank to rescue wife

Ramlall Madhoo and his wife Camille Dwarka in happier times

T

he lifeless bodies of a Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD) couple were on Thursday evening pulled from a septic tank aback their home after the husband jumped into the tank to rescue his wife, who had fallen in.

Dead are 51-yearold Ramlall Madhoo and Camille Dwarka, 42, both of Hyde Park Timehri, EBD. Preliminary investigations revealed that, at about 21:00h, the now dead woman had gone to collect her ‘tenny’, but due to the darkness, she allegedly walked on the septic tank, causing the cover to split in two. As a result, she reportedly fell into the tank and her head was submerged, but not before screaming for help.

Upon hearing the

cated.

The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service were contacted, but before they arrived at the scene, the man’s body was retrieved from the tank.

The fire fighters had to cut a section of the septic tank in order to get the woman’s body out. Her body was eventually pulled free some five hours later. The bodies were taken to the Memorial Gardens Mortuary to await a post mortem.

However, when Guyana Times visited the scene on Friday morning, Anita Joseph, the now dead woman’s niece, related that the couple had begun to live with her only about two months ago. She explained that Dwarka had initially lived with her mother a

The septic tank in which the couple met their demise

screams, her husband went to her rescue, and instead of waiting on assistance, he also jumped into the tank with the intention of getting her out.

It is believed that, due to her weight, he was unable to do so, and he also suffo-

short distance away, but due to a misunderstanding, he was asked to leave the house.

As such, she had taken them in, and they had been stayed at her until their demise.

The house where the couple stayed up to their demise

The niece said that on the night in question, her aunt was seemingly going to take a shower, and had decided to collect her “tenny”.

“It was late, so we would normally take off the lights and only leave one at the back of the house. Where the toilet is, the light can’t reach, and she went to collect the “tenny”, which was near the septic tank, and like end up and walking on the tank and the cover break and she fall in… Up to now

we can’t say how she reach in, because of her size.”

The niece added that she was sitting under the house when she heard the woman scream, and upon checking, she saw her in the tank.

“I start holler, and she husband come out fuh see she, and he jumped in to save her, to raise up she face, because she de already fall on she face, and he end up left… He start froth up, and by the time they tek he out, he already dead.”

The young lady further stated that her aunt’s body was pulled out of the tank at about 2:00h. She described her aunt as jovial.

The couple had been married for more than 23 years, and their union had produced one daughter.

The daughter lived with her grandmother. The now dead couple, relatives stated, would get into small arguments, but nothing too serious.

12 NEWS Dartmouth businessman died from haemorrhage and shock due to gunshot injuries – autopsy T SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he autopsy conducted on the body of 29-year-old businessman Orin Boston of Hoppy Street, Dartmouth, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), showed that he died from haemorrhage and shock caused

by gunshot injuries.

Boston was shot and killed by the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit in the wee hours of Wednesday during an “anti-crime” operation.

The autopsy was con-

ducted on Thursday by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Suddie Mortuary who also stated that a single warhead was extracted from the body of the deceased and handed over to the Police.

BV man wanted for killing friend during argument

Murdered: Aylwyn Eastman

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he Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for 29-year-old Llamont Orin Beveney. He is wanted for questioning in relation to the

murder of Aylwyn Eastman.

Beveney’s last known address is Lot 149 Beterverwagting Access Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

It was reported that on August 29, 2021, Eastman and his cousin were walking along the Beterverwagting Access Road when they were approached by the suspect.

Police have said a heated exchange erupted between Eastman and the 29-yearold suspect, which resulted in a scuffle.

According to Police, during the scuffle, the suspect fell into a trench, but eventually crawled out, and ran behind Eastman, whipped out a knife and stabbed the man twice to the chest and abdomen.

Dead: Orin Boston

Boston owned and operated the “Ease Meh Stress” bar, located at Hoppy Street, Dartmouth. It was reported that ranks were conducting an anti-crime operation in Division Two (Essequibo Coast), and entered Boston’s house to search for “prohibited items”. However, during the search, the Police stated, there was a confrontation between Boston and the Police, which resulted in him being shot to his upper left arm. He was transported to the Suddie Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of the businessman, and the SWAT member who fired the fatal bullet has been placed under close arrest.

Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Ministry has said it is concerned about the shooting.

It said in a statement it said, “The Ministry wishes to advise that the circumstances leading to, and resulting in, the loss of life would be thoroughly and independently investigated.”

Motorcyclist injured in 2-vehicle collision Wanted: Llamont Orin Beveney

Eastman was picked up in a conscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The two men, Police have said, were friends, and had been known to each other for quite some time.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Llamont Orin Beveney is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 2272603, 226-6978, 911, or at the nearest Police station.

The vehicles that were involved in the accident

A

motorcyclist is now suffering from a fractured right

foot, sustained following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Brickdam

and Manget Place, Georgetown on Thursday.

The injured man is 65-year-old Conrad Parks of Michelle Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Based on reports received, motorcar PRR 4625, driven by a 65-yearold man, was proceeding along Manget Place when the driver failed to adhere to the stop sign and traffic light at Brickdam.

The car continued across the intersection, and in so doing, its left-side front portion collided with the rightside front portion of Parks’s motorcycle, CH 7866.

As a result, both the motorcyclist and pillion rider - Ingrid Waterman, 54, of Sophia – fell and received injuries about their bodies.

Waterman was picked up by the driver of the motorcar in a conscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, while Parks was also picked up in a conscious state and placed by public-spirited citizens into an ambulance that took him to the said medical facility.

Waterman was treated and sent away, while Parks has been admitted a patient at the GPHC. A breathalyzer test conducted on the driver of the motorcar detected no trace of alcohol in his system.

Investigations are ongoing.

13

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021|| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dartmouth fatal shooting

Protesters block road again hours after Police cleared it …authorities continue to monitor situation

Residents when they were starting to block the bridge later in the afternoon

By Lakhram Bhagirat

F

or the third straight day, the main thoroughfare through Dartmouth on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), remains blocked off as protesters continue to call for justice following the shooting to death of businessman Orin Boston.

Boston was shot and killed in his Hoppy Street, Dartmouth home early Wednesday morning by the Guyana Police Force’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit during an “anti-crime” operation.

This immediately led to fiery protests in the region

protesters in the direction of the Police and Public Works Ministry employees.

During the early afternoon hours on Friday, Regional Police Commander Denise Griffith met with the relative of Boston and residents where an agreement of peace was made. The Police were then assisted by the Public Works Ministry which mobilised a grader and a tractor to the location to clear the debris.

The entire roadway was cleared and traffic began to flow. However, as the sun set, the residents once again turned out in full force to block the road. They reportedly hauled fallen trees, pieces of wood and other de-

of Dartmouth have used for the burning. So as soon as they have done that, we had the residents putting posts across the road again to stop vehicle from both ends. The situation again need protection from all stakeholders,” he said.

When this publication visited the Dartmouth community late in the afternoon there were in excess of 50 persons already on the road.

The men were seen fetching wooden posts and tree bark to create a blockage. Some were also hauling cement blocks in wheelbarrows.

Additionally, some of men were playing football in the middle of the roadway as the numbers continued to

The blocked road

Protesters

ing that the man was shot during a confrontation when the rank entered his home at about 04:40h. However, his relatives are disputing the Police’s version of the events.

His wife, Feona Boston, told media operatives that her husband was in his bed when he was shot and killed.

After the shooting, the naked body of the 29-year-old father of two was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

However, a search of the premises did not reveal any prohibited or illegal items.

As word of Boston’s death spread in the community, angry friends, relatives and villagers took to the streets.

They hauled fallen trees, old tyres and cars to the middle of the main access road and began their fiery protest.

They are demanding justice and answers from the Police as to what intelligence they possessed that caused them to enter the dead man’s home.

Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum visited the family on Wednesday and promised to leave no stone unturned

The semi-cleared roadway early Friday morning

on Wednesday morning and continued up to late Friday evening as the Police are unable to get a grasp on the situation.

On Friday morning, the situation was somewhat quelled as irate residents began retreating allowing the Police and regional authorities to clear the roadway.

However, the protesters retuned during the midmorning and prevented the authorities from clearing the roadway.

While they lit no fires as they had done during the last two days, the protesters became even more hostile towards the authorities in their pursuit of “justice.”

Bottles and other projectiles were being hurled by the

bris and completely blocked off the road again, preventing access through the community.

This caused the Police to once again take up position to monitor the situation.

Calls to the Commander’s cell phone went unanswered up until late in the evening.

Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit told Guyana Times that they are monitoring the situation while at the same time pleading with the residents to clear the roadway and allow for the completion of the Police’s investigation.

“The region would have sent the front end (grader) to help remove the debris from the road that the residents

climb.

The standoff between the Police and the residents continued until late in the night.

A post-mortem examination conducted on the body of 29-year-old Boston found that he died as a result of haemorrhage and shock due to gunshot injuries to the chest.

Boston, who operated the “Ease Meh Stress” bar located at Hoppy Street, Dartmouth, was shot and killed by members of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit on Wednesday during an anti-crime operation.

The Police are contend-

The front-end loader that cleared the road

as they ordered an independent probe by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

The SWAT officer who fired the fatal shot has since been placed under close arrest as the investigation continues.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie indicated that Boston was killed as a result of intelligence gathered for an anti-crime operation. He could not say what the Police were searching for when they entered the home of the bar owner.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told reporters that Boston had never been prosecuted by the Police.

When questioned about the operation, Commander Griffith explained that she could not go into the details of the intelligence, but she did say it came from Georgetown.

“Well, the intelligence came from Georgetown, and based on the information that was received, ranks were given specific instructions and the team was given specific information in terms of what they had to do. “Unfortunately, what is the result allegedly was not part of the instructions. In terms of where the unfortunate incident that led to the death, that is to say, the moment that led to the shot being fired (No such instructions were given),” she said on Thursday during an interview with this publication.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mayor concerned about buildings being erected without approval – says, “I don’t know what the City Engineering Dept does be doing”

G

eorgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine has vented his concerns over the functioning of the City’s Engineering Department after several Councillors raised concerns over the construction of “illegal buildings” in the city.

The matter was raised during this week’s statutory meeting wherein two Councillors explained that buildings are seemingly being constructed without the requisite approval from the Council. In some cases, they contended, the structures are being erected on the city’s reserves.

“All throughout the constituencies, my constituen-

Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

cy, there are illegal buildings going up,” one of the Councillors raised during the meeting.

Another Councillor, Dawn Stewart, confirmed her knowledge of these “illegal” buildings”.

“We have persons constructing buildings without permission and enclosing other neighbours, and people are complaining,” she said.

The Councillors questioned whether inspectors are being dispatched to look into these developments, and, in response, Mayor Narine vented his frustration with the functioning of the City’s Engineering

Department.

“I don’t know what the City Engineering Department does be doing. The City Engineering Department has been one of the departments that is not functioning at the level of the City Council. There are problems that are there for decades, letters have been written to myself, forwarded to the head, Mr. [Colvern] Venture, who (does) not respond, and these issues keep mounting up every day,” the Mayor contended.

The Mayor went on to highlight previous instances

wherein the City Engineer’s Department had not performed optimally. He highlighted a particular instance wherein works which needed to be done at the Solid Waste Building were never done.

“The issue with the Solid Waste Building is way before we got this problem, and on to date, we can’t get a way forward with the electrical works at the Solid Waste Building, that lies in your hands months now.

You had promised in a committee meeting with myself (and) the treasurer that the

Duo arrested for murder of pastry driver/salesman

Third person charged for murder of 10-year-old Sophia lad A

Remanded: Rondell Sobers

Remanded: Kendrick Cozier

Dead: Anthony Cort

Lot 999 Section B Sophia, Greater Georgetown man is now the third person charged with the murder of 10-yearold Anthony Cort, who was shot earlier this year during a robbery. Rondell Sobers called “Larry” appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on March 11, 2021, at Sophia, he murdered Cort during the course or furtherance of a robbery. He was remanded to prison until October 8.

Back in March, a 16-yearold boy was also charged with Cort’s murder. Then in May, Kendrick Cozier, 29, called “Bullaboy”, of A Field Sophia, was also arraigned for the lad’s murder.

It was reported that two gunmen wearing face masks had invaded a property in C Field Sophia belonging to a 44-year-old businesswoman, who is Cort’s aunt. At the time of that invasion, Cort was in the upper flat of the home in the company of others.

The bandits entered the lower flat of the home and held the occupants at gunpoint. They relieved the victims of two cell phones, each valued at $80,000; two gold bands valued at $100,000, two gold rings valued at

$100,000, one gold chain valued at $100,000, and $80,000 in cash.

The bandits then ordered the victims into the upper flat of the house via a northern door. As they went into the upper flat, Anthony Cort was about to exit a north-eastern bedroom when one of the bandits discharged a round that hit him in his left upper shoulder. Cort later succumbed to his injuries.

teen went to the shop, and the teen pointed the gun at three females who were inside the said shop.

Police said the murder accused claimed that he was not armed. In addition, he allegedly confessed that he relieved the victims of their valuables, but claimed that the 16-year-old then went into the house.

According to the confession statement, Cozier said that after the teen went to the upper flat of the house, he heard a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot.

He claimed that after hearing that sound, he immediately ran into the upper flat and saw a young boy lying motionlessly on the ground, with the teen standing over him.

He reportedly told the Police that he ran out of the house, picked up his bicycle which he had stashed before the robbery, and rode away.

According to the Police, Cozier said the teen later met him and the other accomplices and admitted to killing the child. He said they then parted the money and jewellery and the 16-year-old returned the firearm to “Gully” before leaving.

Police say Cozier claimed that after the incident, he never saw the teen again and that he travelled to the West Coast Demerara where he stayed.

A

Alleged confession

In a caution statement, Cozier reportedly told detectives that the 16-year-old boy had told him that one of his relatives was in a relationship with the businesswoman, and that she had millions of dollars in cash and jewellery at her home.

According to the Police, Cozier implicated three of the 16-year-old’s friends, namely “Gully”, “Rodell” and “Mario” in the crime. He claimed that “Gully” provided the gun.

He reportedly admitted that the 16-year-old planned that “Gully” would go into the shop to purchase something as a decoy, while “Mario” and “Rodell” would be the lookouts.

Cozier reportedly told detectives that he and the 16-year-old planned that they would go into the house and demand the valuables.

He added that he and the

matter would be resolved in a week, it’s months now and you never submit nothing,” the Mayor told City Engineer Venture.

For his part, Venture contended that he cannot take any action against these ‘illegal structures’ unless he gets direction from the Council.

In response, the Mayor encouraged the Councillors to write letters of complaint to the City Engineer, and that, in consultation with the Deputy Mayor, the issues would be examined and addressed.

s investigations intensify into the murder of 39-year-old Shawn Albert, also known as “Dexter Prince,” who was gunned down while fleeing from bandits, the Police have arrested two persons.

Albert was shot and killed on August 29, 2021 at Onderneeming Sandpit, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Information received indicated that ranks of the Anna Regina Police Station were contacted and given the location of two suspects.

As such, acting on the information, the Police swooped down on the area and apprehended the two men.

Regional Commander Denise Griffith confirmed receipt of the information, and, as such, instructions were given to launch an operation to arrest the men.

Upon their arrest, one of the men was discovered to be a person known to the

Dead: Shawn Albert, also known as “Dexter Prince”

Police; he had previously been charged with armed robbery.

The men were questioned, but denied being involved in the murder of the pastry vendor.

They also provided alibis on the night the man was killed.

It was reported that Shawn Albert, a father of one, and his colleague Decklon Lees, who were both employed by Lins Bakery of South Road, Georgetown, were selling pasties at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, when two masked men held them at gun point and demanded that they hand over the money.

At the time, Albert was in the driver’s seat of minibus GWW 1783. Police have said that a scuffle ensued between Lees and one of the suspects, during which the gunman discharged three rounds in Lees’s direction.

He was not injured.

Albert attempted to escape from the bandits, but the bus crashed into a nearby fence. At that time, the bandit reportedly shot and killed him before escaping with at least $70,000.

The police are currently trying to verify the alibis given by the two men.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5-month-old baby among 3 dead from COVID, death toll now stands at 706 …241 new positives detected in last 24 hours

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he Health Ministry on Friday announced that a 5-month-old baby girl was among the three persons who died from COVID-19 in Guyana.

The child, who hailed from Region One, died on September 16. This publication understands that she was suffering from other health complications.

Later, on September 17, two males from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), aged 69 and 79, also succumbed. This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to a whopping 706.

The patients, the Ministry stated, were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive tests.

Back in July, a 16-yearold died after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He was suffering from an underlying illness.

Additionally, in May 2021, a 17-year-old boy also succumbed after he was infected. Previously in November 2020, an 11-yearold cancer patient also died

at the Georgetown Public Hospital and was later classified as a COVID-19 death.

That same month, a 6-dayold baby also died from the virus.

Meanwhile, the daily dashboard showed an increase of 241 cases, resulting in a total 29,072 cases.

Some 13,906 males contracted the virus along with 15,166 females.

There are 35 persons in the specialised Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 164 in institutional isolation, 3347 in home isolation and 18 in institutional quarantine.

The number of recoveries now stands at 24,820, while 295,931 persons have been tested to date.

Regionally, there were 10 new cases in Region One (Barima-Waini); three in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 48 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 96 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); 14 in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); six in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); 21 in Region Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni); 23 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); five in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

This week, statistics showed that from the 3000 active coronavirus cases currently being treated in Guyana, almost 2000 of them are from Region Four while Region Three accounted for the second highest cases, at more than 800.

When asked about his Government’s take on more stringent measures, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said this week, “We’re constantly evaluating but again, it’s not about we as the Government can do. It’s what people should be doing because this is a behavioural thing and it is more about attitude. The Government can’t go police somebody if they’re not wearing their mask.

We’ll try but really this is an individual’s behaviour.

We wouldn’t be there at all times with somebody seeing how they wear their mask.”

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

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

241

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

164

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

3347

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

35

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

18

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

15,166

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

13,906

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

29,072

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

24,820

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

341,600

FULLY IMMUNISED

176,695

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

706

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1419

REGION 2

1005

REGION 3

3666

REGION 4

13,836

REGION 5

993

REGION 6

2188

REGION 7

1489

REGION 8

476

REGION 9

2288

REGION 10

1712

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.

Berbice man who set wife mmg+ enables GPS Credit Union on fire remanded to prison to receive payments electronically

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Finance Manager of the GPSCCU, Judah Louisy, and General Manager of mmg+, Bobita Ram, at the signing of the partnership, as other officials look on

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he Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) has partnered with Mobile Money Guyana (mmg+) in an effort to make doing business easier and faster for its members/ shareholders.

The Credit Union is now set up as a biller within the mmg+ service, for its members to enjoy hassle-free transactions from the comfort of their homes, offices, or other convenient locations.

Finance Manager of the GPSCCU, Judah Louisy, indicated that the move to join mmg+ as a biller within its app was solely to provide more convenient ways for its

members to pay their loans and conduct other transactions offered by the credit union.

Further, he noted that the members/shareholders would welcome this initiative, “as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At the Credit Union, we take service to our members/ shareholders very seriously, and we continue to look for ways to improve our service delivery.”

General Manager of mmg+, Bobita Ram, welcomed the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union on board, and expressed delight at having another Credit Union join

as a biller within the mmg+ app.

“Our goal is to make life easy for all customers using the mmg+ app, and enable businesses to provide a smooth and efficient experience for their customers.

We are happy that Credit Unions are seeing the advantages of the mmg+ app, and are encouraging their members to utilise this digital method, especially as we address the challenges of this pandemic,” Ram said.

She noted that the mmg+ team would continue its efforts to enable small and large businesses to make transactions easier for their customers.

ive days after allegedly setting his wife on fire, 30-year-old Ganeshwar Sheocharran has been remanded to prison on an attempted murder charge.

The accused, of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), appeared before Georgetown Magistrate Clive Nurse and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that he attempted to murder his wife Sandra “Roma” Raju on September 13.

The matter has been adjourned to October 06, 2021.

Reports are that Sheocharran and Raju had an argument last Sunday evening, and it continued into the wee hours of Monday. Guyana Times was told that the couple and their four-year-old daughter were alone at home when the incident occurred.

Sheocharran reportedly used a lighter to set his wife on fire, but she managed to put out the flames by rolling on the floor. The woman, who suffered second-degree burns to 98 per cent of her body, is said to be in critical condition in hospital.

This newspaper was further told by relatives of the

Remanded: Ganeshwar Sheocharran

Still critical: Sandra “Roma” Raju

couple that Raju, a medical laboratory technician attached to the Port Mourant Hospital, was living in an abusive relationship, but was reluctant to report incidents of violence to the Police.

Reports are that after committing the act, Sheocharran made arrangements to flee the country, but family members of Raju were alerted, and they contacted the Police.

By that time, however, he was already on his way to the US, having boarded an American Airlines flight on Tuesday.

The United States Embassy in Georgetown has said that through co-

operation among the regional security offices of both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, the Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department, US Custom and Border Protection, the US Marshal Service and Caribbean Airlines, Sheocharran was denied entry upon arrival in New York, and was sent back to Guyana.

US Ambassador SarahAnn Lynch has praised the operation, saying, “It is this kind of collaboration that will make our region safe for all Guyanese.

Congratulations to all who were involved, as the rule of law is our collective responsibility.”

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Prospect housing units on target for January 2022 completion

Houses under construction at Prospect

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onstruction of the low-income and young professional housing units at Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD), is currently progressing as planned, with expectation that the project will be completed for the January 2022 deadline.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal visit-

ed the site on Thursday, where the first 50 low-income two-bedroom housing units, and 200 three-bedroom young professional homes are currently under construction.

With eleven contractors involved in the project, the Minister said he was pleased with the level of progress made thus far.

“Some of them have committed that they will push to have them done quicker. On average, some have 20 houses, some have 10 but they’ve commenced and I’m happy about that… For young professionals who are working and don’t have the time to do the running around with buying materials, having the hassle with contractors,

Trial of murder of British teen set for Oct 4

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Murder accused Aaron Hing and Staymon George

he trial of five persons who are implicated in the 2015 murder of British teenager Dominic Bernard is set to commence on October 4 at the Berbice High Court.

The defendants are Aaron Hing, also known as “Neutral”, 29; and his friend Staymon George, called “Sherwin”, 27; who will be tried for the capital offence; Krystal Thomas, called “Kathy,” 25; Jahmeil Sinclair, called “Fross” or “Bacchus,” 24; and Sinfine Henry, called “Coreen”, 39.

The latter three defendants will be tried for accessory to murder. These three were each released on $300,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of their trial.

The killing reportedly occurred at Kildonan, Corentyne, Berbice on October 14, 2015.

Hing is Bernard’s god-

Dead: Dominic Bernard

brother. It was reported that the two men allegedly bludgeoned the 18-year-old before burying him in a shallow grave at Nurney, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to reports, Bernard had arrived in

Guyana for a three-week vacation with his godbrother.

He was scheduled to fly back to England on November 5, 2015, and after he did not return home, his father contacted his godson (Hing) to enquire about his son’s whereabouts.

However, Hing reportedly told his godfather that he was unaware that the teen was coming to Guyana. This raised suspicions, and after the father flew to Guyana, British and local law enforcement personnel were called in to investigate the teen’s disappearance.

This led to the teenager’s decomposed body being found in a shallow grave at Nurney.

His body was mutilated. A post-mortem examination had revealed that the young filmmaker had been struck at the back of the head. He sustained a fractured skull, as well as a broken neck.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal being briefed on the construction of the houses

they can go through our system and qualify for one of these houses,” Croal noted.

The low-income units carry a total cost of $5.5 million inclusive of the land $300,000. Meanwhile, the young professional homes are valued at $13.9 million (single flat) and $19.9 million (two-storey), inclusive of the $1 million land.

Speaking on the application process to secure a unit, the Minister outlined, “When you apply, there are a number of information that is there. The information we ask you helps us sometime in our decision making.

We go into our system sometimes to examine for persons who have indicated an interest in the house because you also have that option to indicate your preference. Once that is done, we pull you from the system and examine if you prequalify based on your ability, income etc.

We send that to the bank; the bank does its due diligence and the person is in-

formed.”

The national housing development plan for 2021 includes the construction of 1000 homes for low-income earners in areas such as Cummings Lodge, Prospect, Providence, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Onderneeming, Wales, Ordinance, Fortlands, Hampshire, Williamsburg and Amelia’s Ward. Another 100 is set aside for the hinterland communities.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is mobilising to distribute a total of 10,000 house lots to Guyanese in 2021, in keeping with their manifesto promise to deliver 50,000 lots within their first term in office.

Back in November 2020, President Ali had announced that land clearing works started for new housing schemes at Mon Repos and Cummings Lodge. He had said that the Government’s housing programme will create tens of thousands of

jobs in the construction and home improvement sectors.

Moreover, the construction sector will be key to driving growth in Guyana’s non-oil sectors.

In April, the Government had announced that it is in the process of constructing 190 elevated two-bedroom houses in the Cummings Lodge community for the working class – a project that was slated for completion within five months.

“You will find in those allocations that we have done this year for new areas; we have catered for the construction of a few houses in those areas. This is inherent as part of our policy in how we move forward with our housing programme,” said Minister Croal.

The housing project for young professionals will soon take shape on the East Coast of Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

ways been good corporate citizens. Today is no different in the sense that they have remembered our children especially and more over with the COVID-19 pandemic that is wreaking havoc not only in Guyana, but throughout the world. I think it is an excellent gesture and I want to thank him on behalf of Minister Priya Manickchand and the children of this country. I know they will benefit from this because you know the schools have been reopened not fully but those children will be more protected at this point in time.”

In an invited comment, co-owner of the food market, Bharati Mattai reiterated the importance of safety measures as well as ensur-

ing the population is inoculated against the deadly disease.

“We are contributing, we are donating all these masks again for the safety of the public because we need to have herd immunity and it’s not going as fast as we would like it to go so, we are doing our part to ensure that we can all be safe in Guyana and as such worldwide, so this is one of the little things we are doing at the moment.”

The Ministry of Education has collaborated with the Ministry of Health to immunise adolescents against COVID-19. A number of initiatives have also been rolled out to ensure the safety of children returning to school at this time.

MoE receives donation of 60,000 masks for school children

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he Ministry of Education on Thursday received some 60,000 face masks from N & S Mattai’s Food Market which will be distributed to school children across the country.

The masks, valued at $500,000, were presented to Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Anand Persaud, who accepted the items on behalf of the Education Ministry.

Minister Persaud extended his gratitude to Mattai’s for the donation, which he said will protect thousands of students against COVID-19.

“For the number of years that I have known the Mattai’s they have al-

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

News

Albion sugar workers down tools to protest poor field conditions

S

cores of cane harvesters attached to the Albion Sugar Estate downed tools on Friday morning to stage a protest over what they claimed is poor working conditions in the fields.

Moreover, the workers have raised concerns over the recorded weight of the cane on the scales, contending that the figures are considerably lower than what they know they had harvested.

The workers staged their protest at Adelphi, East Canje.

These workers are from the Rose Hall Sugar Estate but were not sent home when that Estate was closed and as such, they were transferred to the Albion Estate.

They form harvesting gang 17 B which has in excess of 300 harvesters, making it the largest harvesting gang at the Estate.

However, they are crying

The workers on Friday

discrimination, contending that none of the other gangs have to work under the conditions which they are forced to endure.

They also claim that they are being sent to the worst fields to harvest sugar cane.

According to the workers, because of the poor weight of the cane recorded, many of them take home measly wages.

But the workers are contending that the weight recorded does not reflect the actual amount they had harvested.

Payslips seen by Guyana Times showed that many of the workers are working for below the minimum wage.

This, they say, is unfair since they are in the fields before 05:00h.

One harvester, Rajpaul Persaud, explained that last week he worked five days and earned $5000.

“When I carry home the money, my wife asked me

what she can buy with this money. This week I cut cane from 5 o’clock in the morning till 12 o’clock and I only get 2.2 tons one day, 2.3 tons the next day,” he said as he showed this publication all of his slips indicating the weight of cane he and his two other team members would have cut for the day.

The workers are paid $1100 to cut and load a ton of cane and $800 per ton if the bell loader is going to load the cane in the punt.

They claimed that they would normally get in excess of three tons from each bed cut and a group of three is given two or three beds per day.

With a weight of 2.2 tons, Persaud and his two teammates would have collectively earned $2420, or $807 each for the day.

Meanwhile, the fields, harvesters say, have thick overgrowth. In the past, arrangements were in place

The thick vegetation in one of the fields

for harvesters to be paid at a premium price when there were obstacles in the cane field. These would include vines and other forms of vegetation.

According to another harvester, George Southwell, there is thick vegetation in the fields at East Canje.

“We don’t have anybody who we can carry our problem to… If you come to the backdam and see, if a bird fly through it would hook

up. Al I am seeing is that GuySuCo getting from bad to worst. I am asking if they can pay me off and I can come out from this system.

The Union that represents us is not doing its job. They came and asked us to go to Albion and promised to look into our affairs but they never came to see what is going on,” Southwell stated.

Meanwhile, Mahindra Kuldeep said during the out of crop period he was forced

to perform construction to make money to take care of his family.

“You have years of service and don’t want to lose, so, that is why I come back.

They reduce the crop from twenty to twelve weeks. The crop would finish long before Christmas. What will we do,” he asked.

The workers had staged two days of strike action last week and returned to work on Monday, hoping that the scale at the factory would have recorded weights which would have made them pleased.

Guyana Times understands that bell loader operators also went on strike on Friday, complaining of the weight being recorded when the cane is taken to the factory.

Efforts to get a comment from the workers’ representative proved futile. No comment was forthcoming from GuySuCo either.

Over 10,000 mostly Haitian migrants Prime Minister Minnis concedes defeat in Bahamas’ general election sleeping under Texas bridge, more expected

Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Dr Hubert Minnis

P

rime Minister of Bahamas, Dr Hubert Minnis, has conceded defeat in Thursday’s general election saying that he had already telephoned his challenger, Phillip Davis of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), to congratulate him on his party’s electoral

victory.

Minnis, the leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) had gone into the election controlling 35 of the 39 seats in Parliament.

Unofficial preliminary results indicated that his party had been trounced 32-7 by the PLP. “I would like to thank the tens of thousands of Bahamians from across the Bahamas who voted for the Free National Movement candidates. I also congratulate the FNM candidates who won seats in the House of Assembly,” Minnis said.

Minnis, who was seeking a second consecutive term as head of Government, had earlier in the day defended his decision to call an early general election even as the country continues to battle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We did not win this time. But I say to the next generation of FNMs that you should stand firm to this party’s founding ideals.

Always put the people first and be honest in government,” he said in his concession.

Some 119 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed on Wednesday, taking the active number to 1679 in the nation of just 400,000 people.

Critics, including some of the country’s foremost physicians, had expressed grave concerns that the public healthcare system will continue to teeter on the verge of collapse as they predict increased virus cases.

But in his concession statement, Minnis said his Administration had provided millions of dollars a month in food and unemployment benefits to citizens, as well as tax credits to businesses during the pandemic.

“We fought hard to secure more than half a million doses of three of the best vaccines in the world,” he said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

H

aitians made up most of the over 10,000 migrants sleeping on the ground and desperate for food in a squalid camp under a bridge in southern Texas on Friday, in a growing humanitarian and political challenge for US President Joe Biden.

The Haitians were joined

by Cubans, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans under the Del Rio International Bridge connecting Mexico to south Texas. They slept under light blankets, while a few pitched small tents, with temperatures forecast to go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in coming days.

Officials on both sides of the US-Mexico border said most of the migrants were Haitians and more are expected to arrive. Most of the migrants Reuters spoke to had not come direct from Haiti but had made long and harrowing journeys through Mexico and Central and South America.

Several of them told Reuters they followed routes shared amongst each

Migrants seeking asylum in the US walk in the Rio Grande river near the International Bridge between Mexico and the US, as they wait to be processed, in Ciudad Acuna, Mexico, September 16, 2021. According to officials, some migrants cross back and forth into Mexico to buy food and supplies

other on WhatsApp. Del Rio Mayor Bruno Lozano said the number of migrants under the bridge that crosses into Mexico had jumped from 8200 Thursday morning to 10,503 by Thursday evening. He said Friday he was ordering the bridge closed, but it was unclear if he had the authority to do so and traffic across the bridge continued.

In Ciudad Acuña in Mexico, across from Del Rio, two workers at the main bus terminal said at least two doz-

en buses full of Haitians had arrived Friday, with one putting the estimate of individual arrivals at around 1100.

Reuters saw dozens of mostly Haitian migrants arriving at the terminal, carrying jugs of water, tightly-packed backpacks and folders where they had carefully stored travel documents, with many saying they soon planned to head across the shallow Rio Grande, which divides the United States and Mexico. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil falls as stormhit US supply trickles back into market

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il prices fell on Friday as energy companies in the US Gulf of Mexico restarted production after back-to-back hurricanes in the region shut output.

Brent crude futures fell 33 cents to settle at US$75.34 a barrel.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 64 cents to settle at US$71.97 a barrel. For the week, Brent was up 3.3 per cent and US crude was up 3.2 per cent, supported by tight supplies due to the hurricane outages.

Friday's slump followed five straight sessions of rises for Brent.

On Wednesday, Brent hit its highest since late July, and US crude hit its highest since early August.

"The reason oil prices reached such highs in the last few days was clearly supply disruptions and drawdowns in inventories, so now that US oil production is returning, oil as expected trades lower," said Nishant Bhushan, Rystad Energy's oil markets analyst.

Gulf Coast crude oil exports are flowing again after hurricanes Nicholas and Ida took out 26 million barrels of offshore production.

Restarts continued with about 28 per cent of US Gulf of Mexico crude output offline, Reuters reported on Thursday.

US energy firms this week added oil and natural gas rigs for a second week in a row although the number of offshore units in the Gulf of Mexico remained unchanged after Hurricane Ida slammed into the coast over two weeks ago.

Fourteen offshore Gulf of Mexico rigs shut two weeks ago due to Ida remained shut, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said.

Last week, four offshore rigs returned to service.

The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose nine to 512 in the week to Sept 17, its highest since April 2020, Baker Hughes said.

The dollar climbed to a multi-week high on Friday, making dollar-denominated crude more expensive for those using other currencies. The dollar got a boost from better-than-expected US retail sales data on Thursday.

US consumer sentiment steadied in early September after plunging the month before to its lowest level in nearly a decade, but consumers remain worried about inflation, a survey showed on Friday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

World on “catastrophic” path to 2.7C warming, UN chief warns

U

nited Nations chief Antonio Guterres has warned that a failure to cut global emissions is setting the world on a “catastrophic” path to 2.7 degrees Celsius heating.

A UN report on 191 countries’ emissions promises found that they would not meet the ambition of the 2015 Paris climate agreement to limit human-caused global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial temperatures.

Instead, it showed “the world is on a catastrophic pathway to 2.7-degrees of heating”, Guterres said in a statement on Friday, just weeks before crunch talks at the COP26 summit in November aimed at securing more ambitious climate action.

The new UN analysis said that under countries’ current pledges, global emissions would be 16 per cent higher in 2030 than they were in 2010 – far off the 45 per cent reduction by 2030 that scientists say is need-

ed to stave off disastrous climate change.

Without more ambitious commitments, global temperatures could hit 2.7C above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century, the UN said.

That would unleash far more devastating effects than those already battering countries around the world, from fatal floods to wildfires and storms.

“Overall greenhouse gas emission numbers are moving in the wrong direction,” UN climate chief Patricia Espinosa said. “It’s not enough, what we have on the table.”

The United States and the 27-country European Union – the world’s second and third-biggest emitters after China – were among those to set tougher emissions-cutting targets this year.

Nations responsible for about half the world’s emissions have yet to do so.

China, India and Saudi Arabia are among them.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

N Korea accuses US of double standards on missiles, hampering talks

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orth Korea's state media accused the United States on Friday of double standards over military activities and pursuing a hostile policy towards Pyongyang that was hampering the restart of talks on the country's nuclear weapons and missile programmes.

The commentary comes after North Korea and South Korea both test fired ballistic missiles on Wednesday, the latest move in an arms race in which both nations have been developing increasingly sophisticated weapons.

Washington condemned the North Korean test - and its separate test days earlier of what experts said could be

A missile is seen launched during a drill of the Railway Mobile Missile Regiment in North Korea, in this image supplied by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on September 16, 2021

its first cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead - as a threat to its neighbours, but did not mention Seoul's test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

In an article published by

Cuba struggles to keep the lights on, given decrepit grid

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uban state media said on Friday that the intermittent blackouts that have plagued the island since June are caused by an aging power infrastructure and lack of proper maintenance and cautioned that residents should be prepared for more in the coming months.

The power outages reflect a deepening economic crisis that began with harsh new US sanctions in 2019 and worsened with the pandemic, exposing such vulnerabilities as a decaying infrastructure and dependence on foreign currency from tourism and remittances to purchase food, medicine, raw materials and spare parts.

“No one should think the problem will be solved quickly,” Energy and Mining Minister Livan Arronte Cruz was quoted as stating during a discussion of the power grid with other officials broadcast by state-run television on Thursday evening.

The participants said Cuban power plants averaged 35 years of age, with a backup system of hundreds of smaller generators at least 15 years old and that just 5 per cent of power came from alternative energy sources. The Minister and other energy officials have appeared frequently to explain the power situation since a day of protests over living conditions swept the country on July 11, sparked in part by blackouts. The Government explanations offered on Thursday included how and why power outages were carried out, details on specific neighbourhoods and how citizens can help by doing little things like turning off a single light or opening their refrigerators less often.

Cuba's economy declined 10.9 per cent last year and 2 per cent through June this year compared with the same period in 2020, after years of stagnation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Thailand COVID: Idle taxis used to grow food for out-of-work drivers

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n a car park in the Thai capital Bangkok, green shoots sprout from the roofs of colourful taxis.

Thailand's tough COVID-19 restrictions have left the city's hectic streets quiet, putting taxi drivers out of work.

As fares dried up, many drivers left the city for their home villages, leaving socalled taxi graveyards behind.

Now, one company has decided to use the roofs of the idle vehicles as small vegetable plots, which they hope can help to feed out-of-work drivers and other employees.

Workers at the Ratchaphruek Taxi Cooperative built the miniature gardens by stretching black bin liners across bamboo frames and covering them with soil.

They then planted a variety of crops, including chillies, cucumbers and courgettes.

The taxi trade in Bangkok normally relies heavily on tourism but tight restrictions on entering the country means it has almost come to a standstill.

"This is our last option," Thapakorn Assawalertkun, one of the company owners, told AFP news agency, adding that many of the vehicles still had large loans outstanding on them.

"Growing vegetables on top of the roofs won't damage the taxis since most of them have already been damaged beyond repair. The engines are broken, tyres are flat. There's nothing that could be done," he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

the official KCNA news agency, Kim Myong Chol, whom it described as an "international affairs analyst", said the United States had "stirred up a terrific furore" by presenting North Korea's actions as "threats to international peace and security".

"Terming them armed provocations timed to a certain occasion and aiming at

a specific target, it faulted those measures which belong to our right to self-defence.

This arrogant and self-righteous response is a vivid revelation of the American-style double-dealing attitude," Kim said. "Today its high-handed practices have gone beyond the limit."

Little is known about Kim, though KCNA has often carried commentaries under his name and some South Korean media reports have described him as a Japanbased "unofficial spokesman" for the North, officially call the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

He said Washington was to blame for the stand-off preventing the restart of talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile arsenals in return for sanctions relief. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Salvadoran President rules out allowing abortion, same-sex marriage

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele speaking during a news conference in San Salvador, El Salvador, June 6, 2021

S

alvadoran President Nayib Bukele said on Friday a raft of constitutional reforms the Government will send soon to Congress will not contain decriminalisation of abortion, legalisation of samesex marriage or steps to permit euthanasia.

The package of planned measures Bukele received this week from Vice President Felix Ulloa includes the extension and possible early termination of the presidential term and the creation of a new body to replace the electoral tribunal.

"I have decided, to dispel ANY DOUBT, NOT TO PROPOSE ANY KIND OF REFORM TO ANY ITEMS RELATED TO the RIGHT TO LIFE (from the moment of conception), to marriage (keeping only the original design, A MAN AND A WOMAN) or to euthanasia," Bukele wrote on his Facebook account, capitalising certain parts.

The El Salvador President

said he will study the proposals, which were drawn up at Bukele's request by Ulloa with a team of lawyers last year to overhaul human rights legislation, the political and economic system, and the state's judicial structure.

El Salvador has some of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the Americas.

The President's announcement on same-sex marriage and abortion was swiftly flagged by his critics.

"Just in case any dupe still thought Bukele was a modern leader," Jose Miguel Vivanco, executive director of the Americas division of Human Rights Watch, said on Twitter, highlighting the 40-year-old President's words.

Bukele made no mention of the plan to extend the presidential term from five to six years, nor of other contentious measures, nor did he say when they would be sent to Congress, which his party and its allies control.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

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ARIES (March 21April 19)

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DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

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CANCER (June 21July 22)

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CALVIN AND HOBBES

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SUDOKU

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You have more options than you realize. Reach out to someone who helps you see clearly, and you'll come up with a plan that encourages personal growth, a better direction and long-lasting stability.

Make a point to take care of unfinished business before you move on to something more pleasurable. A romantic gesture will help you establish your next move. Share your intentions with loved ones.

Pay more attention to your health and well-being and less to what others do or say. Make decisions that are beneficial to you. Trying to please everyone around you will drag you down.

Think less and do more.

Your actions will determine the outcome. Learn from experience and consider the changes that will make a difference. Don't put yourself in harm's way.

Recognize the limitations involved in making a change.

An opportunity is good only if it fits into your long-term plans. Don't jeopardize what you've worked so hard to establish.

You'll be caught in the middle of a mix-up if you take sides or get involved in other people's business.

Know when to walk away, or you'll turn an opportunity to have fun into a fiasco.

Look for the positive in every situation you face.

Don't let anyone drag you down or lead you astray.

Focus on home improvements and personal adjustments that will make your life easier.

Simplify rather than complicate matters. Overreaction, indulgence and premature actions will present problems.

Take the time to reframe your objective to better suit your needs.

Set the stage for success.

SAGITTARIUS Approach whatever you take (Nov. 23on with enthusiasm, and Dec. 21) seize your moment in the spotlight. Your hard work will pay off if you give your all. Choose your accomplices wisely.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Less talk and more action are required if you want to avoid criticism. Keep an open mind, and you'll discover there are more ways than one to reach your objective.

Keep the peace.

Refuse to get upset over changes made by others.

Prepare to do your own thing. An intelligent choice will turn out to be a moneymaker. Don't risk your health or physical well-being.

Pay attention to the way you feel, how you present yourself to others and how you handle money matters. You stand to profit if you align yourself with budget-conscious people.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

21

Scarborough Cricket Assn’s 2021 tourney…

Citing security concerns, New Zealand call off Pakistan Former Guyana youth player tour minutes before first ODI Sukhlall hits belligerent 92

F

N

ew Zealand have called off their limitedovers tour of Pakistan, citing security concerns and leaving the cricket community in Pakistan unimpressed.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja was especially critical of the decision by New Zealand Cricket, saying, "Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating, especially when it is not shared!

Which world is NZ living in? NZ will hear us at ICC." The tour, comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, was supposed to start yesterday with the first ODI in Rawalpindi, but neither team left their hotel on the morning of the game, and spectators were not allowed to enter the stadium.

After a period of uncertainty, as details regarding the cause of the delay were awaited, a NZC statement was issued, saying, "Following an escalation in the New Zealand Government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisors on the ground, it has been decided the Blackcaps will not continue with the tour."

The New Zealand contingent in Pakistan is now preparing to leave the country.

"I understand this will be a blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount, and we believe this is the only responsible option," NZC chief executive David White said in the statement.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who spoke to Imran Khan, her counterpart in Pakistan, insisted that player safety had to be prioritised.

"When I spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, I conveyed our thanks for taking care of the New Zealand cricket team," she was quoted as saying by media back home in New Zealand. "I know how disappointing it will be for everyone that the game hasn't gone ahead, but we totally support the decision that's been made. Player safety has to be paramount."

The PCB responded with a statement indicating its unhappiness at what it called a "unilateral" decision.

"Earlier today, the New Zealand Cricket Board informed us that they had been alerted to some security alert, and have unilaterally decided to postpone the series," the statement said. "PCB and Govt of Pakistan made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the New Zealand Cricket Board of the same. The Prime Minister spoke personally to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and informed her that we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world, and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team.

"The security officials with the NZ team have been satisfied with security arrangements

made by the Govt of Pakistan throughout their stay here."

On the subject of "foolproof security", there was a significantly heavier security cover in the approach to the Rawalpindi stadium than has perhaps been in evidence since cricket trickled back into the country. Roadblocks had been set up miles from the stadium several hours ahead of time, and security searches were extensive.

The New Zealand squad had landed in Islamabad on September 11, and had since held three training sessions in the run-up to the first ODI. Both the teams were staying in a hotel that, with all security protocols in place, was about a 15-minute drive away from the ground.

This was New Zealand's first tour to Pakistan in 18 years, after 2003. That series of ODIs was, in fact, the resumption of the 2002 tour, which had to be cancelled after an explosion near the hotel the New Zealanders were staying at in Karachi.

The cancellation of the tour will worry the PCB ahead of what is a busy home international season. England's men’s and women's teams are scheduled to visit next month, but given that the ECB use the same security consultants as NZC, questions will be raised.

Over the course of the season, teams from the West Indies, Australia and New Zealand are all scheduled to visit Pakistan.

Heather Knight had said a few days ago that they were expecting a security update on the Pakistan tour, which is due to coincide with the England men's planned white-ball tour and feature double-headers for two T20Is in Karachi.

"Things are obviously changing very quickly at the moment, but we're still in conversation or just waiting on a few things to try and work out what's going to happen," she had said. "So, hopefully, things are deemed safe. That's out of my hands and the team's hands, and it's up to the people above to make those decisions; but we're in constant conversations, and that will progress, I'm sure, in the next few weeks."

The Pakistan team was to disperse yesterday afternoon. The New Zealand contingent has not yet commented on its departure arrangements and schedule.

International cricket in Pakistan had begun with relative frequency over the past few years.

Since the 2017 PSL final was held in Pakistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and South Africa have all visited for T20Is, ODIs and Tests, with each tour going off without a security hitch. Eight PSL games were held in Karachi in 2018, and the entire tournament took place in Pakistan in 2019.

Since Sri Lanka played a Test series in Pakistan in 2019, the PCB indicated its desire to move all of its home series back to Pakistan from the UAE permanently. (ESPNcricinfo)

ormer Guyana youth player Yoodhanlall Sukhlall has hit a belligerent 92 to fire Ajax Cricket Club to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Janbaaz Cricket Club in another preliminary round match of the 2021 Scarborough Cricket Association’s elite 50 overs competition.

Playing at Ajax ground last Sunday, the right-handed Sukhlall plundered seven sixes and eight fours during his entertaining 39ball stay at the crease, as Ajax reached 1473 in the 16th over in replying to Janbaaz’s modest 145 all out off 38.1 overs.

Sukhlall, who represented Essequibo at the inter-county level, continued his prolific run this season with scores of: 67, 53 and 44.

On this occasion, the opener got support from Shabry Haniffa, who made 21 not out.

Earlier, Janbaaz won the toss and elected to bat first. Their innings got some momentum from Shakeer Syed, who scored a steady 51, while Asad Khan contributed 34. Left-arm orthodox spinner Thuvaragan Pathmeswaran snatched three wickets for 18 runs from 8.1 overs. He was nicely supported by off-spinner Anil Kumar, who grabbed three wickets as well but conceded 49 runs off his ten-over spell. Skipper and seamer Mark Lall was also in the wickets’ column with two for 31 off ten tidy overs.

Ajax will play a semi-final match this Sunday at Ashtonbee Park, Scarborough.

Yoodhanlall Sukhlall

Young Warriors add another CPSCL trophy to their collection

F

resh from the ten-ten competition trophy, Young Warriors continue to prove their authority, having claimed the 100ball championship which culminated last Saturday at Greenbrier Public School ground in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

Under the auspices of the Canada Premier Softball Cricket League (CPSCL), Young Warriors brushed aside Shawson Sports Club by six wickets. They kept Shawson to a decent 104-6 from the 100 deliveries, and then responded with 106-4 with 40 balls remaining.

Their effort was spearheaded by Randy Roopnarine’s responsible 47, and the consistent Rofel Boodhu, who made 41. The two also participated in an

impressive and steady 52run third-wicket partnership.

Earlier, Young Warriors won the toss and decided to field. Shawson lost wickets at regular intervals, but there was a sense of dynamism from Ricky Haripersaud, who helped stabilise things by scoring 41. There was no other meaningful contribution apart from experienced player Aftab Shamsudeen, who contributed 18. Nishal Singh ended with the best figures of three wickets for 38 runs from two overs (20 balls). Rofel Boodhu, Jashua Singh and Satrohan Doodnauth also snared a wicket each.

The winning team received a trophy, compliments of Wazeer Dahar of

Royal Lepage Vision Realty, and $500 from Andy’s Building Service, while the runners-up took home a trophy as well and $250, courtesy of Artie Ruplall of AA Spotless Cleaning and Master Financial.

In addition to those prizes, Young Warriors collected gold medals while Shawson collected silver medals, also sponsored by Wazeer Dahar. Roopnarine was adjudged the MVP of the final, while Boodhu captured the MVP of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Young Warriors will be back in action this Saturday, again colliding with Toronto Knight Riders for the Grand Championship trophy. The venue for the 20-over contest is McCandless Park, also in Brampton.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

Rutherford should know what is required of him, says CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper

CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper

By Brandon Corlette

S

election of the West Indies T20 World Cup team has raised many eyebrows, from those of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, to those of the President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali. Lead Selector of Cricket West Indies (CWI), Roger Harper, has described the selection process as a very difficult task, a debatable

process that took more than three hours.

Despite being under pressure, Harper continues to face the music to facilitate the media. He appeared on Tuesday's Mason and Guest radio programme and shed some more clarity on the non-selection of Guyana's Sherfane Rutherford.

Harper has disclosed that Rutherford should have been aware of what is required of him in terms of fitness, since he was left out of a previous West Indies squad as a result of fitness issues.

"When you look at Sherfane, remember (that) Sherfane and Shimron Hetmyer were left out of the squad at the beginning of 2020 for fitness issues, not meeting the fitness standards. Two weeks after that, Hetmyer passed that test. Since doing that test, I do not know whether Sherfane made himself available for Guyana. He has not made himself available, he has not been around for any testing or anything like that; that is a totally different situation.

“Having been in the West Indies set-up, he must understand what the requirements are," Harper disclosed.

Harper, a popular Guyanese, added: "I am saying he played for West Indies.

He got omitted from the squad for not meeting the fitness standards, so that is a question for Rutherford. Sherfane should know what is required of him. I find it very difficult to understand what is required."

The Lead Selector disclosed that CWI had fitness tests for Super50 back in January, and a test was conducted in June.

Harper also made it clear that he did not

say the players are not fit, but that they failed to meet the fitness requirements.

This makes one wonder if there is a drastic difference between being unfit and failing to meet fitness requirements.

Asked if the franchise tests (T20 leagues) of CWI fitness tests can be used for testing these players’ fitness, Harper offered: "Generally, I would say it's CWI performance test, but you will have to speak with the Sports Science Department."

Rutherford had a good Caribbean Premier League (CPL), wherein he scored 262 runs in 10 innings at an average of 37.4. He scored three half-centuries, including a best score of 58. He was also snapped up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rutherford, at just 23 years old, has tasted championship wins in the Pakistan Super League, the Indian Premier League, and now the Caribbean Premier League.

Harper has noted that Chris Gayle and Ravi Rampaul are the players, according to his knowledge, who have received medical exemptions.

West Indies Squad to T20 World Cup: Kieron Pollard (captain), Nicholas Pooran, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Roston Chase, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Obed McCoy, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr. Reserves: Darren Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein

Ninth CPLT20 tournament has been a worthwhile investment, says St Kitts and Nevis Sports Minister

St Kitts and Nevis Sports Minister Jonel Powell

T

he economic contribution of the Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 (CPLT20) to St. Kitts and Nevis will be calculated and released in the coming weeks. However, Minister of Sports, the Honourable Jonel Powell, has said that successfully hosting a major international sporting event during a pandemic has been extremely valuable.

In an interview at Warner Park after the final match of the tournament was won by St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Minister Powell noted that the country has set international precedence, and the returns have exceeded the investment.

“It enhances a lot of the relationships we have had already,” he said, noting the many local, regional, and international elements that come into play for such an event. “Part of

Nandu’s all-round effort, Singh’s SCOREBOARD 4-51 hand Windies consolation win … Nandu, Thorne end series on high WEST INDIES UNDER-19S INNINGS (50 OVERS MAXIMUM) Anderson Amurdan c †Horton b Baker 0 Matthew Nandu c †Horton b Baker 80 Teddy Bishop b Aspinwall 12 Ackeem Auguste c Thomas b Rehan Ahmed 25 Justin Beckford c †Horton b Rehan Ahmed 1 Giovonte Depeiza (c)lbw b Rehan Ahmed 0 Carlon Bowen-Tuckett † b Baker 48 Johann Layne c Thomas b Barnwell 16 Isai Thorne c Rew b Baker 3 Vasant Singh not out 5 Andel Gordon b Barnwell 4 Extras (b 5, lb 5, nb 8, w 18) 36 TOTAL (50 Ov, RR: 4.60) 230 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Anderson Amurdan, 0.3 ov), 2-25 (Teddy Bishop, 7.1 ov), 3-103 (Ackeem Auguste, 22.1 ov), 4-107 (Justin Beckford, 24.4 ov), 5-107 (Giovonte Depeiza, 24.6 ov), 6-162 (Matthew Nandu, 38.1 ov), 7-187 (Johann Layne, 41.2 ov), 8-206 (Isai Thorne, 45.4 ov), 9-213 (Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, 47.3 ov), 10-230 (Andel Gordon, 49.6 ov) BOWLING Sonny Baker Thomas Aspinwall Nathan Barnwell Rehan Ahmed James Coles Danial Ibrahim Fateh Singh

O-M-R-W 10-0-41-4 9-0-41-1 7-0-37-2 10-1-30-3 7-0-39-0 5-1-24-0 2-0-8-0

ENGLAND UNDER-19S INNINGS (TARGET: 231 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) George Thomas st†Bowen Tuckett b Vasant Singh 38 James Rew (c) b Nandu 28 Alex Horton † lbw b Vasant Singh 10 Danial Ibrahim c Gordon b Layne 6 James Coles c Gordon b Vasant Singh 9 George Bell b Auguste 14 Rehan Ahmed not out 68 Thomas Aspinwall c †Bowen-Tuckett b Nandu 1 Fateh Singh st †BowenTuckett b Vasant Singh 13 Nathan Barnwell c †Bowen-Tuckett b Gordon 1 Sonny Baker run out (Gordon) 3 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 19) 22 TOTAL (45 Ov, RR: 4.73) 213 Fall of wickets: 1-52 (James Rew, 11.6 ov), 2-64 (Alex Horton, 15.2 ov), 3-91 (George Thomas, 19.1 ov), 4-99 (Danial Ibrahim, 22.4 ov), 5-105 (James Coles, 23.6 ov), 6-134 (George Bell, 31.4 ov), 7-135 (Thomas Aspinwall, 32.2 ov), 8-165 (Fateh Singh, 37.1 ov), 9-177 (Nathan Barnwell, 40.6 ov), 10-213 (Sonny Baker, 44.6 ov) BOWLING Andel Gordon Johann Layne Isai Thorne Matthew Nandu Vasant Singh Ackeem Auguste

O-M-R-W 9-0-51-1 8-0-22-1 7-2-38-0 7-0-35-2 10-0-51-4 4-0-15-1

the arrangement involves the donation of a lot of gears.”

Having 33 matches in 16 days at the same venue also provided many opportunities for locals to learn from experts the world over. The ground staff at Warner Park were key beneficiaries.

“CPL would have had one of the top groundsmen in the world, who would have been here for something like three months working with our guys, transferring knowledge, teaching them a bit more than they might have known before, and I think all of this adds to the total development of sports here in St. Kitts and Nevis,” the Honourable Powell stated.

Chief Executive Officer of CPL, Pete Russell, was also very complimentary of the ground staff, giving them praise for the high-quality tournament this year.

Additionally, a number of local professionals were contracted to provide services in an array of areas, including marketing, photography and entertainment. Hosting of the tournament also coincided with the establishment of the Len Harris Cricket Academy.

Further, promotional images of the Federation were beamed around the world during the tournament, inviting persons to visit.

“I am satisfied that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis have gotten a significant return on the investment," Minister Powell said.

He expressed pride that St. Kitts and Nevis continues to punch above its weight internationally, noting that this is a testament to the spirit, dedication, and resilience of the population. (SKNVibes)

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A

ction in the West Indies Under-19s tour of England has finally been concluded, with the English side taking the series 4-2, despite losing the final two ODIs. This achievement is largely due to the efforts of Matthew Nandu, who followed up his first 50 in the 5th ODI with a brilliant 80 in the 6th ODI, and bagged 2-35.

Vasant Singh also chipped in with figures of 4-51, which shifted the game the Windies’ way.

Batting first the men in maroon posted 230 all out in their allotted overs. Supporting Nandu was Carlon Bowen with 48. Bowling for England, Sonny

B a ke r took 4-41, Rehan Ahmed took 3-30 and Nathan Barnwell took 2-37.

When England took to the crease, they could score only 213 all out in 45 overs. Top scorers were Rehan Ahmed with 68 not out and George Thomas with 38. Singh and Nandu did most of the damage for the Windies. At the end of the 6th ODI, both Nandu and Isai Thorne had performed well.

Nandu scored 162 runs at an average of 40.50 while Throne bagged 8 wickets at an average of 23.00. Both players ranked third in the batting and bowling charts respectively.

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23

Jamaal Shabazz appointed new Golden Jaguars Head Coach

…GoG to provide housing and vehicle

By Jemima Holmes

U

sually, the phrase used upon return is ‘second coming’, with hardly any mention of a third or fourth coming. Jamaal Shabazz, however, may be able to tell you a thing or two about the latter, as he undertakes his fourth stint as Head Coach of the senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars.

While rumours had swirled in the past few days, confirmation came on Friday morning when the GFF engaged media operatives at their National Training Center at Providence in order to officially make the grand announcement.

“Today marks a new and exciting chapter in the history of the Guyana Golden Jaguars.

We’re pleased to announce that Mr. Jamaal Shabazz is the new Head Coach of the senior men’s national team.

Coach Shabazz and his career achievements are well known to us all, not least his exceptional endeavours in delivering the most successful campaign in FIFA World Cup qualification that our Golden Jaguars have ever known,” President of the Guyana Football Federation,

Wayne Forde, declared in the presence of Shabazz, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr., National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Kashif Muhammad, and others.

F o r d e continued, “The Guyana Football Fe d e ra t i o n ’s E x e c u t i v e Committee is extremely confident in Coach Shabazz’s track record and his ability to lead the National Team Programme and to build on the already sturdy foundation already set in place.”

Forde was clear, concise and positive in his presentation of Shabazz, who is no stranger to the Golden Jaguars and replaces Marcio Maximo following the decision to not renew his contract as Head Coach.

Another aspect that Forde was equally as clear about was the criteria used to arrive at a viable candidate for the briefly vacant position.

He related, “To give some background to the decision,

The Golden Jaguars’ New but familiar Head Coach, Jamaal Shabazz

in considering the options to this vital role, at the top of our list were five key criteria, the first being a candidate with experience in delivering results in the CONCACAF region, someone willing to reside in Guyana full time, an individual with a good track record in managing at the international level in the Caribbean, someone with a steadfast focus on continuing the work to develop home-based talent, knowledge of Guyana, it’s

football landscape, its culture and its diaspora.

“With this in mind, we quickly singled out Coach Shabazz as the prime candidate for the job.”

Shabazz, who previously served in the post from 20052008, 2011-2012 and 20152016, resigned from a similar post with the St Lucian National Team earlier this month. On Friday, he thanked the fraternity and stakeholders for once again entrusting him with the job.

“I want to thank, with sincere emotion, the Guyana Football Federation in general, and the President and his Executive, for placing that confidence in me. I want to again thank the Government of Guyana, the Minister of Sport in particular, and all those people in the country who have become my brothers over the years.”

The new Golden Jags Head Coach further stated, “You know there’s a lot of nice things people say at weddings and funerals and all that, but I am Guyanese. And I am Guyanese because of relationships formed over the last 15 years.”

Forde and Shabazz, in their time with the mics,

had previously stressed that the latter’s return was a collaborative effort.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, expounded on this, sharing the Government’s role in Shabazz’s stay.

“And that’s one of the reasons why…Wayne had discussed the idea of Jamaal Shabazz returning as the Head Coach, and discussed the opportunity for Guyana and the Government of Guyana to have this partnership with the GFF by supporting the initiative,” the Sport Minister stated.

He continued, “One of the ways that the Government of Guyana is supporting Jamaal Shabazz’s tenure here is by providing the accommodation and his vehicle while he’s here.”

Ramson Jr. went on to share why his Ministry was so eager to play a part in the return of the famous coach, noting that he appreciates the Football Federation’s commitment to developing the sport and talent.

“So, why I am here is because I get a strong sense from Jamaal, from Wayne and the members of his Executive that they are interested in advancing the sport of football,

GFF President Wayne Forde

which is something that is very important to the Ministry,” Ramson commented.

“They’re also in the process of developing the talent of young Guyanese. That is something the Ministry is on a mission to do, and anyone who shares the objectives and the values the Ministry is on a mission to achieve, we’re willing to work with anyone.”

While the local arm of the men’s team is in the habit of training regularly, their next international outings are scheduled for 2022.

Harris set for UFC action against Kasanganay in Vegas A

welterweight clash between Impa Kasanganay and Carlston Harris is on the preliminary card of the event at UFC 37.

Both fighters will be entering the contest with a win in their most recent bout, and both will be determined to keep up the momentum with yet another triumph today. The action is set for 16:00h, with the duo expected to feature in the 3rd match on the card.

Kasanganay will make his fourth UFC appearance this weekend. ‘Tshilobo’ has won 2 of his fights in the UFC so far. The former Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus was on the wrong end of a viral knockout against Joaquin Buckley not so long ago. He has since moved down to the 170lbs division.

Harris, on the other hand, is riding a 4-fight winning streak at the moment. The 34-yearold finished Christian Aguilera via submission in his UFC debut. He will be determined to further build on that with yet another win this weekend.

Kasanganay has a professional record of 9-1.

He has a total of 3 finishes in his career, all of which have come via submission. Harris’s record stands at 16-4. He has a total of 9 finishes in his resume` so far. 4 T/KO and 5 submission wins comprise that number for ‘Mocambique’.

This is an interesting fight between two welterweights at very different points in their careers. It took nearly a decade as a professional, but Harris became Guyana’s first UFC fighter when he made his debut against Christian Aguilera in May. Recent footage on Harris was scarce heading into that debut, but he answered a lot of questions in less than three minutes with an outstanding performance.

Aguilera is a long and tall fighter, but Harris showed off some crisp striking along with an effective clinch-and- grappling game, the latter of which saw him end the fight by turning an Aguilera takedown attempt

into an anaconda choke. This time around, Harris gets a much stouter test — at least p h y s i c a l l y.

Kasanganay is an impressive prospect, even before considering that his professional debut was less than three years ago.

For being so inexperienced, Kasanganay displays an impressive amount of poise. Everything he does looks good, and there are a lot of right ideas, with the main issue that he can sometimes be patient to a fault in a slow-paced performance. Add in that Kasanganay is also a powerful physical specimen, especially after a seemingly impossible cut down to welterweight, and the ceiling is as high for him as any prospect in the UFC. Any fight feels like it could be the one in which Kasanganay finally puts everything together and starts his rise on the welterweight ladder; and even if this is still a passive performance, there is the chance that he can simply overpower Harris and grind out another patient win.

Nevertheless, Harris should have the advantage, between his higher output and the fact that he can cause enough damage with those strikes to outweigh Kasanganay’s own power. The pick is Harris via decision.

Impa Kasanganay vs Carlston Harris: Analysis

Harris is an excellent fighter with a versatile skill set. However, more often than not, he relies on his grappling skills to overwhelm his opponents. That might not work as well against Kasanganay, as he is extremely sound in the technical aspect of the game. Also, he has great submission expertise too.

Kasanganay is an extremely good prospect. His only loss has come against Buckley in his career. However, on the basis of fundamentals, one might argue that he is a much better fighter than Buckley. Also, during their clash, he was starting to take control of the contest before being put to highlight-reel. (Essentiallysports)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021

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

Jamaal Shabazz appointed new Golden Jaguars Head Coach …GoG to provide housing and vehicle

Rutherford should know what is required of him, says Harper See story on page 22

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz is flanked by GFF President Wayne Forde and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr

Page 23

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