Guyana Times - Saturday, September 25, 2021

P5

250 jobs for Linden as Govt re-establishes call centre …inks MoU with Midas BPO

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4781

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

President Ali underscores importance of local content …as scores of int’l investors “hungry” to explore opportunities in Guyana Page 3

President of Kenya expected to visit Guyana …as VP prepares for visit to Ghana Page 2

North West Secondary school gutted by fire A fire of unknown origin on Friday evening gutted the North West Secondary School and dormitory in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini).

Reports are the fire started just after 22:00h.

This publication was told that the fire quickly engulfed the buildings. (More details in Sunday's edition)

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

$867M road, infrastructural works for P2 Parfaite Harmonie

Cop robbed by knife-wielding P15 bandit Rape convict files appeal at CCJ …claims 23 year's jailtime too severe

President expects impartial probe of Dartmouth killing Page 7

…as businessman laid to rest

5 more unvaccinated persons die …252 new cases, active cases surpass 4000 from COVID-19 …Sputnik 2nd doses to arrive within 7 days Pages 9 & 10

PRICE

P8

Food vendor robbed in P15 home invasion Fisherman P8 remanded for murder at Vreeden-Hoop stelling

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$867M road, President of Kenya expected to visit Guyana infrastructural works for Parfaite Harmonie

…as VP prepares for visit to Ghana

K

enyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to lead a delegation to Guyana to foster bilateral ties with this South American nation.

The announcement was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during a press conference on Friday as he wrapped up his visit to New York to attend the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

On the sidelines of that event, the Guyanese Head of State and his contingent which included Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, held discussions with a number of global leaders and potential investors.

This has resulted in huge interest from countries across the globe which have committed to sending delegations to Guyana.

“We have the President of Kenya and a delegation who will be coming to Guyana in a few weeks’ time,” President Ali revealed, noting that other delegations will be coming.

In November 2019, the first High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana was accredit-

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

ed by then President David Granger.

In his remarks at the time, the Kenyan High Commissioner Anthony Muchiri said he would work to foster a closer relationship with Guyana, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.

Guyana and Kenya have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in December 1970. The relationship is founded on the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and internation-

al law, and the maintenance of international peace and security.

Upon his assumption to office in August 2020, President Ali had received a congratulatory letter from the Kenyan President, who expressed a desire for closer relations between the two countries.

“I look forward to collaborating with you to develop closer relations between our countries and revitalising our mutual relations at [the] bilateral and multilateral levels,” President Kenyatta had stated.

Ghana

Meanwhile, as Guyana seeks to strengthen ties with African nations, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is expected to lead a delegation to Ghana in the first week of October.

“That’s an important engagement in Ghana to deal with the oil and gas sector and to see how we can have technology transfer and integration between the two countries,” President Ali explained during his press conference.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, President Ali and the Guyanese delegation had met with Ghanaian

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Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and both sides renewed their commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Presidents spoke about several matters of mutual interest, including oil and gas, climate change and the environment, capacity building, and training.

The Ghanaian President had visited Guyana in 2019 and on that visit, Ghana entered into two agreements with the Guyana Government.

The two nations signed an agreement that will see Ghana lending technical support to Guyana’s oil and gas industry and the other agreement was to abolish visa requirements for citizens of the two States.

Guyana and Ghana established diplomatic relations on May 14, 1979. (G11)

he Housing and Water Ministry on Friday signed six contracts to the tune of $867 million, which will see the construction of roads at Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

This project falls under the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUHAP), and will see six areas – Schoonord, Parfaite Harmonie, Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-DoorZee and Lust-en-Rust – being developed.

In addition to road works, the programme will include reinforced concrete drains, sidewalks and culverts within the specified areas. After a national competitive bidding process, six contractors were selected and signed their contracts in the presence of Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal.

In his remarks, Croal said these works were in response to complaints by residents in these areas calling for better infrastructure.

“A lot of persons from the Parfaite Harmonie cluster has been writing a lot of letters in the media; they have been calling and inquiring about when could they have their road rehabilitated and so the funding for this rehabilitation works is coming through the Urban Accessibility Programme.

There are other contributions that are coming from various ministries,” he explained.

Croal urged the awarded contractors to employ persons within these communities in executing these works, improving the socioeconomic conditions for families.

“I expect all of you to work within your timelines and complete the works to the best of your ability.

Whenever possible is it you can utilise the labour from within the communities, please do so. This will go a long way in improving the lives of our citizens who are often, in this case, the bracket poor and vulnerable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally reminded that officials from the Ministry would be monitoring the project to ensure it is moving apace and completed within the set timeline.

“We will have our projects team on the ground, monitoring all works and activities as they progress. I know our Director of Projects, and his team, has been very busy throughout the year – monitoring works and they have been performing very well,” Ally said.

This week, $59 million in Home Improvement Subsidies was disbursed to 118 low-income families in Sophia by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). These subsidies are being distributed under the AHUHAP, which is funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

TURN TO PAGE 10

NEWS

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Saturday, September 25 – 04:00h-05:30h and Sunday, September 26 – 09:00h-10:30h.

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Saturday, September 25 – 06:35h-08:05h and Sunday, September 26 – 07:10h-08:40h.

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President Ali underscores importance of local content …as scores of int’l investors “hungry” to explore opportunities in Guyana

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cores of investors from all parts of the globe will soon be visiting Guyana to explore the various business opportunities available in both the country’s budding oil and gas industry and traditional sectors.

This was disclosed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday as he wrapped up his visit to New York, where he attended the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

On the sidelines of the main event, the Guyanese Head of State and his contingent, which included Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd, and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, held discussions with a number of global leaders regarding investment opportunities in Guyana.

“You would see a flow of different delegations coming from different parts of the world to Guyana, to do … an on-ground inspection. So, they are coming to do a physical evaluation of what the opportunities are, not only in oil and gas,” the Guyanese leader explained.

He noted that these potential investors were interested in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, the services industry, and the energy sector.

“We have six or seven delegations out of this week of engagement. We had very good meetings from Prime Ministers to Princes and they too are working on delegations to come to Guyana, and for us to have further engagements with them in the wide cross-section of the economy,” the Head of State added.

According to President Ali, from all of the meetings, it is clear that Guyana is of high focus on the international scene.

“We also had very good meetings with various representatives from the Middle East,” he said.

“Our country is playing on a different stage. Our country is getting a different level of attention. Our country is being focused on and as leaders, we have to ensure that we give clear clarity on where the country is going. Strong leadership is required,” the President explained.

Finance everything

President Ali noted that in his discussions with these potential investors, many of them were eager to finance everything, but he had to temper their expectations, advising that local content must take priority.

“If you give them a chance, from what I heard, to be honest with you, they will finance everything… they want to finance all the public sector projects, they want to finance all the Private Sector projects. We had to tame that expectation

From left: Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

and to make a point to them that there are certain carveouts for locals,” the Head of State explained.

“And the type of investment we want to see must include locals, it must have a local content component.

We encouraged them to partner with local businesses…because what we have seen from the interest in Guyana, if they get the opportunity, they would suck up the entire market overnight! There is huge interest…they are seeing the opportunities from financing projects, housing and construction…,” he added.

President Ali noted too that the investors were very interested in his concept of Silica City – a new city along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

“They are hungry to invest in a new city, some

of them even brought conceptual designs of the new city and what the new city should entail. That is the excitement that is coming to Guyana, and that is the energy that is coming to us that we have to transform in our thinking, and the way we operate locally,” the Head of State posited.

Vice President Jagdeo, in fielding questions from the media on another topic, also drew focus to the fact that significant resources are being invested in ensuring opportunities are available for Guyanese to benefit from the oil boom.

“We’re having special carveouts for Guyanese.

Transportation, logistics, rentals, all of these the oil companies can only source these services from Guyanese; that represents billions of US dollars of op-

portunities for our people,” Jagdeo noted.

Democratic concerns

Meanwhile, President Ali admitted that some investors had concerns about the democratic standing of the country – in light of last year’s five-month-long tumultuous elections whereby attempts were made to deny the will of the people.

“It is clear that persons were following the five months… We had to repair a lot of damage also. We have had to answer a lot of questions in relation to that, but we are very happy that we had the opportunity to do (so) and we were able to present Guyana as a strong emerging market not only for oil and gas but the various opportunities that are coming ahead,” the Guyanese leader stated. (G11)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 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

Ambassadors of tourism

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he unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Guyana’s tourism sector. The Government has acknowledged these challenges, and has begun to put a number of measures in place to revive the sector. The Government have expressed optimism that the sector would bounce back from these challenges, and already, with the reopening of the sector, this can be seen.

In many countries across the world, the impact on tourism has been the same, or even worse. The United Nations’ World Tourism Organization estimates that world tourism declined by 65 per cent in the first half of 2020, resulting in the loss of more than 850 million jobs and as much as US$1.2 trillion in earnings.

As pointed out by President Ali late last year, in Guyana’s case, the tourism sector is believed to have suffered an estimated decline of 46 per cent of its revenues for the first half of this year, with 30 per cent of the sector’s employees losing their jobs and an additional 36 per cent being placed on unpaid leave.

The Government has shown that it is very concerned about what is taking place, and has become actively engaged in employing measures to stimulate the revival of the sector.

We have noted that efforts are being made to encourage locals to take advantage of the opportunities to experience what is on offer here. This is a good way to start reviving the sector, considering that due to the pandemic, it may be some time before foreign tourists come to these shores. In any case, for Guyana to be successfully marketed abroad, there is need for the country to be promoted locally in a more aggressive manner.

It is no secret that quite a lot of Guyanese choose to go abroad for vacation, as against enjoying what obtains locally, and this may be so for varying reasons, including cost, standard of services locally etc. For this reason, much more needs to be done by local stakeholders so that citizens would begin to understand and appreciate more of what Guyana has to offer, so that they, in turn, can become “ambassadors of tourism”.

Our tourism potential is huge, the challenge is for stakeholders - including Government and Private Sector to pool their talents and resources to create a package that would be affordable and attractive to both Guyanese and foreigners.

Guyana’s tourism industry is considered to be one of the most attractive and unique destinations in the world.

Unlike our Caribbean counterparts’ typical sun, sand and sea tourism, Guyana has a different type of tourism product with our irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty; pristine Amazonian rainforests, immense waterfalls, amazing wildlife, vibrant Indigenous culture, and a rich cultural heritage.

Important to note, too, is that due to the social distancing guidelines to fight the spread of COVID-19, Guyana is considered to be uniquely positioned as one of the safest destinations with vast pristine open spaces.

Certainly, there is still much more work to be done, as there are some impediments to the development of a thriving tourism sector. Issues such as expensive air travel, lack of trained personnel in the tourism and other related sectors etcetera, continue to pose challenges.

These are issues that must remain on the front burner to be addressed, as they have a direct impact on the quality and affordability of the tourism package we offer.

With Guyana now being an oil- producing nation, more persons, both Guyanese in the diaspora and foreign citizens, will be coming here either to work, visit, or for academic purposes; the focus should be on putting in place systems aimed at projecting a positive image of our country.

A thriving tourism sector would benefit all Guyanese, as more persons would be able to secure employment, our country’s revenues would be boosted, and many other related industries would prosper, among other benefits.

President Dr Irfaan Ali met with the 78th Lieutenant Governor of New York State, Brian Benjamin on Friday evening at Hilton JFK Hotel in Queens, New York. Lt Governor Benjamin, who was appointed earlier in this month, previously served as the New York State Senator for District 30, which encompasses Harlem, East Harlem, and the Upper West Side. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, along with Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, also attended the meeting (Office of the President photo)

WI selectors continue to bungle with our best potentials and talents Dear Editor, Sport is a business, and the participation therein of our young sportsmen and women demands full time training and total dedication for them to master the skills and develop as genuine professionals. Genuine professionals must be nurtured and cajoled from very young to achieve greatness; hence, it is imperative that the clubs, national associations and the people and Government support them as our pride.

It is indeed heartening to see that two Heads of State - Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali and Barbados’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley - are openly calling, with other eminent personalities around the world, on the West Indies selectors to justify their selection of the West Indies team to defend the upcoming Cricket World Cup title. The Caribbean people must demand that the criteria for selection of the fifteen (15) players and four (4) travelling reserves be made public.

The inclusion of Chris Gayle is highly questionable. This player ran away from West Indies cricket to play franchise cricket for money. He had ‘dirty runnings’ with the West Indies Cricket Administration,

and was involved in negative public disputes with a former West Indies Test captain. Gayle ran into serious indiscipline issues when he was hauled before the courts in Australia.

Further, he was involved in other issues that tarnished his reputation.

Gayle is undoubtedly a ‘pride’ player, a cricketer who has achieved greatness, but should make way for our younger players.

There are many former players, such as Sir Vivian Richards, Michael Holding and Joel Garner, who gave way for younger players when they were at their peak of the game.

Ravi Rampaul also is over the ‘hill’, and should not be in the team before some younger players.

The selectors must justify the selection of Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell ahead of world number one all-rounder Jason Holder, who is not included in the original fifteen. It is also interesting to note that the wild Oshane Thomas and Obed McCoy will be partnering Rampaul as the quick bowlers on the dry United Arab Emirates’ wickets.

The West Indies’ only player on tour, but as a reserve, who is recognised

as a world class player is Holder. None of our batsmen or bowlers is among the top players in the world.

The West Indies team is in Group One, along with England, Australia and South Africa, and in the play-off, only two teams in the respective Groupings will move forward. This will be a highly competitive World Cup. Remember the name Carlos Braithwaite, a young all-rounder who, out of the blues, hit four consecutive sixes to enable the West Indies to win the last World

Cup? Today, the young Turks such as the tried and proven Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, and the world rated all-rounder Jason Holder can make a difference and defend the T/20 World Cup Title.

It would be a total disaster for West Indies cricket and much stress and strain for the over five million people in the Caribbean and the millions of supporters in the diaspora if the West Indies fail to reach the semi-finals.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Thank you, President Ali Dear Editor, On September 23 last, eligible students of SVN received the Government cash grants which President Irfaan Ali had previously announced would be extended to private schools as well.

On behalf of students and their parents, SVN wishes to thank President Ali and the Government of Guyana for this kind gesture.

At the same time, we take the opportunity to express our appreciation to the Honourable Minister

of Education, Ms Priya Manikchand, for the energy and enthusiasm with which she has revitalised the education department. We are grateful for the support we have received over the years from other officials of the department, particularly Ms. Saudia Kadir of the Exam Division and Ms Doodmattie Singh, Private Schools Coordinator.

Yours faithfully, Swami Aksharananda Saraswati Vidya Niketan

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

5

News

250 jobs for Linden as Govt re-establishes call centre …inks MoU with Midas BPO

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ome 250 jobs will be created in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) with the inking of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the re-establishment of a call centre in the mining town.

On Friday, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh participated in a ceremony in Linden, which saw the MoU being signed between the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and Midas Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Inc for the expansion of the BPO to the mining town.

With the expansion of the business to Region 10, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Malcolm Sobers explained that 50 to 75 persons would be recruited by October 1 while by year-end that number would increase to 150, then further move to 250 by June 2022. He noted that the company would commence the recruitment process for employees from within the town immediately after the signing ceremony. In fact,

it was observed that a large number of young persons had already gathered outside the building enthusiastically waiting with applications in hand.

The Guyanese businessman said he was also ecstatic that he was able to expand to Linden to assist in creating jobs and expressed his intention to have his business expand to other regions. He further expressed his appreciation to especially the Senior Finance Minister and GO-Invest’s CEO, Dr Peter Ramsaroop as he explained that the officials were quick to respond to his business expansion needs and showed serious commitment to the BPO industry. Sobers recalled that 17 years ago he attempted to commence his own operations in Guyana, but was unsuccessful. Then four years ago, when he made another attempt, no one responded to his expressed interest. He said that it was a dream realised for him to see his business grow in the manner it has.

During his remarks prior to the signing, Minister Singh said that Sobers’ success story is one which could be emulated by each new employee who came to work at Midas. He emphasised that Sobers’ journey from a young call centre agent who moved up to higher positions in the BPO industry within 20 years to now being a proprietor is a success story for many young persons who may be considering the industry as a serious one for career advancement.

Dr Singh then alluded to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s commitment to Information Communications Technology (ICT) and recalled that the focus on this started under then President Bharrat Jagdeo.

“Today the fruits of those efforts are now being harvested under President Irfaan Ali’s tenure,” he added.

Minister Singh then highlighted several other steps being taken by the Government to promote the

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh speaking at the signing of the MoU on Friday

development of the ICT sector in Guyana, including the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and investment in ICT education.

Also speaking at the event was Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who said that Government was serious about its commitment to the region and would continue to prove this through its efforts to catapult development in not only ICT and job creation, but also in infrastructure, hous-

ing and social services, as he alluded to the works currently being done on the LindenMabura Road and housing for young professionals.

“This is not a stand-alone activity that we are celebrating. This is part of a suite of measures that are being made to bring real development to Linden and Region 10,” Minister Edghill reiterated.

Only last month the Senior Finance Minister visited Midas’ headquarters lo-

cated in New Market Street, Georgetown, where he lauded the efforts of Sobers in pursuing his vision, which had materialised into the successful BPO facility that only commenced operations in August 2020, but has since allowed for the employment of 330 Guyanese.

The businessman had noted then that his business was heading towards expansion in Guyana. The event was proof that he meant business.

Time for us to take the reasoned medical high road available Dear Editor, As the pandemic rages on, it is cause for us to sit and reflect as we pilot our way forward. Pandemics,

plagues, or what you might want to call them are not new phenomena under the sun; these are age-old issues that have gripped

Applauding the kindness of HSS

Dear Editor, I write to applaud the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) International for its kindness in donating two 40foot containers of anti-COVID supplies to the Ministry of Health, to share with the public.

The organisation’s work, along with that of its local partner, Sew Guyana, is inspiring, and is a model to emulate in helping the poor of all faiths and backgrounds globally.

Both have responded generously with a huge quantity of materials to help Guyana during this ongoing COVID crisis, which began in March 2020 and has claimed some 700 lives in Guyana and several millions globally.

An oxygen-generating plant is expected to arrive soon; it will be outfitted to produce medical oxygen – an act of generosity from Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh.

The HSS has been in the forefront of helping people in several countries during these difficult times. This charitable, non-profit organisation provides medical materials to help affected people and struggling countries nav-

igate the virus to reduce victims.

Sewa (Hindu term that means ‘to serve’) Guyana, the local body that works closely with HSS International, would help the Ministry of Health in the distribution process of the PPE and other hygiene items.

Guyanese need these materials, as demand has risen, especially during this dangerous period, when the Delta variant is wreaking havoc on the population. This generosity of HSS and volunteerism of Sewa Guyana would provide much-needed relief to Guyanese on the frontlines of combating COVID-19 and helping people in communities across this country as they confront the pandemic.

Many people have lost their jobs over the last 18 months, and they are unable to purchase basic materials for protection against the pandemic.

I would like to thank HSS and Sewa Guyana for the outstanding work they have been doing to help communities to battle COVID. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

mankind at various times in the course of history.

How we respond to these occurrences is another matter, however; as pandemics are issues in life that confront us at various intervals in our human existence.

As a believer myself, I reflect on the story of the Children of Israel on their way to the promised Canaan. At one stage of their journey, they encountered fiery serpents which at one bite caused instant death. The venomous snakes were lurking all around, and in their sprawling camps, the Bedouin Israelites were sitting ducks, as anyone could easily get bitten and die.

Hundreds of people were turning up either sick or dead, and the health officials of the day were overwhelmed by the numbers.

Something had to be done,

and done fast to save the lives of the people.

In that scenario something had to be done, and through divine intervention, a plan was made to construct a statue of the same serpent that was killing them and mount it on a pole. All those who became affected by the venomous bite, as they cast their eyes on the light coming from that bronze statue, they were healed.

Incidentally, that bronze statue to this day remains the symbol of health and healing.

Like now, I am sure there were the naysayers who questioned why they should look upon a statue of a serpent when that same serpent was the cause of sin, as the Genesis story tells us. They might have vehemently argued that it was a ploy designed by Moses to kill them off faster

Who must step up?

Dear Editor, ‘Step up or step aside’ came the call from the other side of the divide in the COVID-19 fight. The measures were stepped up, then came court filings, protests, and the court not granting reliefs sought.

Now it seems that, irrespective of the court’s ruling, some employees are taking matters into their own hands, as in the case

of ‘Security personnel harassed by N/A Hospital nurse, others cheer’, abandonment of post to get involved in activities inimical to the organisation is an offence.

So, who must step up in order for employees and unvaccinated persons to get in line?

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

than the bite of the snakes, and, as such, many did not look, and they died.

My point is, it only took one look and a life was saved. In a similar way, it only takes two jabs of the vaccine and you are potentially safeguarded against this deadly disease called coronavirus.

Come on, people; we

are in the midst of a deadly pandemic, now is not the time for high flown rhetoric and arguments that lead to nowhere, now is not the time for that. I say now is the time for us to take that reasoned medical high road available to us and live.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

Page

Foundation

By Anonymous

A peanut sat on a railroad track, His heart was all a-flutter.

The five-fifteen came rushing by-Toot toot! Peanut butter!

Source: Knock at a Star (1999)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President expects impartial probe of Dartmouth killing

…to visit grieving family upon return to Guyana …businessman laid to rest

President Irfaan Ali

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday committed that, upon his return to Guyana, he would visit family and community members of 29-year-old Orin Boston, who was killed during a Police operation at his Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast home on September 15.

The Guyanese Head of State is currently in New York, where he attended the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). He made the commitment to visit the family and community during a press conference from New York, wherein he noted that this matter would be top on his agenda when he returns.

“On my return…I would like to have that opportunity to engage the family and the community. As you know, we have not shied away from any of these issues. Our philosophy is engagement, and I will be engaging the family and the community also,” President Ali said.

Boston, a businessman

Dead: Orin Boston

and father of two, was shot at around 04:00hrs by the SWAT officers who went to his home during an anti-crime operation in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Impartial probe

In an official statement, the Police said there was a confrontation between the officers and the businessman, during which he was shot. The Police’s Office of Professional Responsibility (PRO) has conducted an investigation into the matter, and the file has been sent to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) for review.

However, family members were demanding an independence probe into the matter. In fact, the man’s wife is alleging that her husband was shot while he was in bed.

Noting that he expects a thorough and impartial probe was conducted, President Ali has said the matter would be prioritised upon his return to Guyana.

“On my return, this is one of the matters that will be priority on the agenda…

On my return, I will have a full update on where this matter is,” the Head of State explained.

“I have already made it very clear that this would be an impartial investigation, that the Police will have to act professionally…we’re gonna support a thorough investigation, and let us see, let us await the outcome of the Police investigation…

Sometimes we move quickly to cast judgment or condemn the operations of the Police, but let us see what comes out of the investigation,” President Ali added.

Reject

In response to a question from the media, the Guyanese Head of State rejected the accusations being made by some players in the Opposition camp that the killing of Boston translates to the “return of extrajudicial killings” in Guyana.

“The narrative that was created about extrajudicial killing was a disgusting narrative aimed at discrediting the PPP/Civic Government…it has no basis, it was not factual, and we have dismantled it,” President Ali contended, highlighting, too, that the allegations were debunked in a Stabroek News publication.

“Our vision in Government is to bring this country together. Our vision in Government is to develop Guyana in a peaceful environment, in an environment in which every

A section of the gathering at the funeral service of the late Orin Boston

Guyanese enjoys prosperity.

So, you can’t return to something that never existed,” the President added.

Keep the peace

Following the killing of Boston, residents of Dartmouth erupted in violent protests, which lasted for a few days. The protests saw the blocking of the main thoroughfare through the burning of debris, resulting in commuters having to exit their vehicles to traverse the ruckus. In fact, even persons who were fetching the dead had to leave their vehicles behind and physically carry bodies through the protest line.

Hours after Police in that region had succeeded in clearing the road of debris, residents returned to block the road and burn debris as they demanded justice.

However, for the past week, the road remained clear as residents have reportedly promised to keep the peace until the investigation into Boston’s killing is concluded.

This commitment was made following a visit by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn to the community, where he met with

residents and family members of the late Orin Boston.

The family members asked for a speedy investigation, so that they could ascertain the motive behind the incident, and also to have closure. In addition, the family urged for the Guyana Police Force to provide more training sessions for ranks, so as to avoid any such recurrence.

Additionally, a statement from the Guyana Police Force noted that Boston's father, during his emotional interaction with the Minister, promised that he would hold the peace until justice is served.

At a press conference hours after the shooting, Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie indicated that Boston was killed during an anti-crime operation put into force based on intelligence gathered. He could not say what the Police were searching for when they entered the home of the businessman. However, he admitted that nothing illegal was found during the raid.

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

Laid to rest

Boston’s body was on Friday laid to rest even as family members have many questions over the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.

In attendance at the funeral service were the Prime Ministerial representative for Region Two, Arnold Adams, Regional Vice Chairman Humance Oodit, and other regional officials.

“Orin Boston was a very kind-hearted person, a person with integrity of character, a man of no discrimination… I can see all this as a fact when I look at the video, how he danced the Chutney song look how poowah wine and swing she waist,” a loved one expressed during the farewell service.

One of Boston’s former teachers also attended the funeral service, where she recalled fond memories of a younger Boston always getting into trouble at school.

"Boston will cover for all his friends and take all the blame for their mischievous behaviours. He will stand in the office and tell HM he did this and did that, and that his friends didn't…That's the type of person he was…” the teacher noted. (G11)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fisherman remanded for murder at Vreed-en-Hoop stelling

Dead: Sigmond Gouveia

Injured: Neville Gouveia

25-year-old fisherman of De Willem, West Coast Demerara was on Friday remanded to prison on a murder charge when he appeared before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Vreeden-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.

Alistair Persaud, a father of two, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on September 18, at the Vreeden-Hoop Stelling, West Coast Demerara (WCD), he murdered Sigmond Gouveia, 26.

The murder accused was represented by Attorney-atlaw Bernard Da Silva who, during his address to the court, contended that his client was beaten by Police ranks while in custody. Further, the lawyer told the court that his client’s wife is pregnant.

Persaud was, however, remanded to prison, and the matter has been set to continue on October 12.

The Police have said that Sigmond, a father of two and of Vreed-en-Hoop Jetty, WCD,

A

was fatally stabbed, while his brother, 37-year-old Neville Gouveia, was injured during a brawl at the stelling.

Police, in a statement on September 19, said Neville Gouveia is employed as a security guard at the dockyard, Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, and Sigmond was there with him on Saturday night.

At about 23:10h, a boat docked at the koker, and a man exited before it departed. Upon seeing the man, Sigmond told him that he could not use the area for passage. There was a verbal confrontation, and Sigmond advised the man to call the boat back, so it could take him away, which he did.

Another argument ensued between them, and the suspect dealt Sigmond a stab to his abdomen, causing him to fall to the ground in an unconscious state. Sigmond’s brother Neville, who was present, approached the suspect, but he also was stabbed to his right upper arm and chest.

Where is justice…

W

Remanded: Alistair Persaud

The boat returned shortly after with over 10 persons on board, all of whom were armed with pieces of wood and cutlasses. They collected the suspect and headed across the river.

Both victims were picked up by the Police and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where Sigmond was pronounced dead on arrival while his 37-year-old brother was admitted as a patient. (G1)

Rape convict files appeal at CCJ …claims 23 year's jailtime too severe

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he Guyana Court of Appeal having in January affirmed his conviction and sentence for rape, 29-year-old Calvin Ramcharran is now seeking to have both conviction and sentence quashed at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The regional court Guyana's final court of appeal - will hear arguments in the matter on October 12.

In 2015, Ramcharran was tried by a jury for rape and assault causing actual bodily harm committed on a 20-year-old woman on July 23, 2012. He was sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment

on the rape charge, and five years’ imprisonment on the assault charge. The sentences were to be served concurrently.

The convict subsequently moved to the Court of Appeal, contending that his conviction cannot stand, and, as such, asking that same, along with the prison sentences, be set aside. That court, however, dismissed his appeal after finding that the directions given to the jury by trial judge Jo-Ann Barlow were adequate.

The convict also complained that the sentence imposed on him was too se-

vere. This ground of appeal also failed. The Court of Appeal held that the 23-year prison term was not severe, especially when the statute stipulates that the maximum penalty for rape is life imprisonment.

Taking into consider-

Accused narco-traffickers on $300,000 bail

Charged: Rohinee Gosai

Charged: Samuel Mc Leod

man and a woman were earlier this week remanded to prison for allegedly trafficking 26 grammes of cocaine.

Rohinee Gosai, 59, of Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and 45-year-old Samuel McLeod, called ‘Ginger’, of Golden Grove, ECD appeared before Vigilance Magistrate Fabayo Azore to answer an allegation that they had the

illicit drug in their possession on September 20, at Bee Hive, ECD. They both denied the charge, and were each released on $150,000 bail.

The matter continues on November 3.

A statement from the Police detailed that, at around 10:45h on the day in question, a party of Police ranks went to a home at Bee Hive, ECD to arrest a man

A

who was wanted for threatening language.

A man and a woman were seen on the property, and upon the Police ranks approaching them, the man was seen throwing something into the yard. As a result, a search was conducted in the yard, where ranks found a green plastic bag containing two pieces of creamish, hard, rock-like substances suspected to be cocaine.

The narcotic was shown to the duo, but they denied ownership. The woman was arrested and taken to the Cove and John Police Station along with the illicit drugs.

The man, however, escaped, leaving his vehicle behind. He later surrendered at the station and was placed into custody.

Police also weighed the drug in presence of the accused, and it amounted to 26 grammes. (G1)

ation the aggravating factors, particularly the fact that the woman was beaten during the commission of the offence of rape, the Appellate Court ruled that the sentence was duly served.

The convict has now appealed to the CCJ. According to the evidence in the case, on the night in question - July 23, 2012 - the woman had gone to a party at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara with some friends, and was making her way to the washroom when Ramcharran followed her and asked her if she was “doing business.”

When she replied, “No”, he grabbed her hands. A fight ensued between them, during which Ramcharran hit her several times with a bottle to her head, and then dragged her to the back of the building. Whilst there, he choked and punched the victim, after which he had sex with her against her will.

After committing the heinous act, he offered the woman $65,000 and instructed her to meet him at a car on the road. However, the victim, who was stripped of her clothes by the convict, alerted her friends, who immediately carried her to the hospital.

The matter was reported, and Ramcharran, who was also 20 at the time, was arrested. (G1)

…for Haitians? ill Haitians ever know peace? In or out of Haiti?

Even as most of the world leaders were meeting at the UN General Assembly’s annual palaver presumably to make the world a better place for its almost 8 billion people - 10,000 Haitians were huddled under a huge bridge near the Texas border with Mexico. Most of them had arrived after an odyssey worthy of a retelling by a modern Homer. Some would have flown into Guyana from Panama, crossed the border into Brazil and then into Peru or Colombia, to then trek back through Panama and all the countries of Central America before wading across the Rio Grande to the Bridge.

Folks thought that Biden and the Democrats would’ve looked at these “poor huddled masses” - as their Statue of Liberty promised to receive from the world - as human beings and accepted them. But even as images went viral of Haitians being whipped like the slaves of old by white “overseers”, the Americans started flying them back to Haiti. A Haiti that the world found out in living colour after their President was assassinated - where gangs rule the country and control the politicians. And life was nasty, British and short.

Even the American Special Envoy to Haiti, Foote, couldn’t stomach this cynicism - he resigned in protest. “I will not be associated with the United States' inhumane, counterproductive decision to deport thousands of Haitian refugees and illegal immigrants," he wrote his Secretary of State. His action must’ve jolted the administration, because even though they initially tried to throw him under the bus - at "instead of participating in a solutions-oriented policy process, Special Envoy Foote has both resigned and mischaracterized the circumstances of his resignation…

He failed to take advantage of ample opportunity to raise concerns about migration during his tenure and chose to resign instead.”

What “ample opportunity”? Most of Haiti’s problems are due to US’ and French interventions, as much as natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes! But Haiti’s plight is the plight of the ex-colonised world in a microcosm. After extracting the resources of that world for centuries, to raise their standard of living beyond anything imaginable, those countries take no responsibility when the dispossessed show up at their door asking for nothing else than the opportunity to work!! If capital is fungible, shouldn’t labour also be??

The developed world has two choices - accept refugees, or assist in developing their countries, so that the push factors disappear. But notice that none of the gathered developed world leaders mentioned the refugees as a “problem”, even though they’re all forced to deal with it.

This isn’t just a moral issue, but a practical one that’ll remain at their doorsteps.

…for the WC Berbice protest victims?

It would appear that the victims of the protests that erupted on the West Berbice Public Road after David Granger and Joseph Harmon exploited emotions raised by the brutal murders of the Henry cousins have been forgotten. There were charges brought by the Police against individuals they conclude committed the murders - as with the subsequent one of Harish Singh supposedly in revenge.

So at least something’s been done to bring closure for those heinous acts.

But what about the brutality meted out to so many in rage for nothing they’d done? Just because they were Indian Guyanese and assumed PPP supporters, they were brutalised and traumatised. There was a promise of an Inquiry, and we cannot put this off any longer. The brutalised victims need what the late Bishop Tutu of South Africa called “restorative justice”. That is, an acknowledgement that they aren’t crazy for suffering the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder they’re presently experiencing.

At a minimum, their humanity must be acknowledged.

…for choice on one’s Cries of “my body, my choice” reverberate around the country - especially in the PNC camp. So, what about that fella just charged for indecent exposure, because he exposed his schlong to someone?

Wasn’t it his body and his choice?

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

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 more unvaccinated persons die from COVID-19 …252 new cases, active cases surpass 4000

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eaths among the unvaccinated have risen yet again, with five more persons succumbing to the virus and thereby increasing September’s death toll to 124.

The Health Ministry announced that as of September 23, the total number of deaths from the pandemic was 749.

Among the latest fatalities were a 55-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) who died on September 24. Previously on September 23, a 51-yearold female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); a 70-year-old male from Region Four; a 44-year-old

from Region Three; and a 59-year-old from Region Four died. The patients were admitted with COVID19-like symptoms and died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples taken at the time of admission subsequently returned positive results.

On Friday, 252 new infections surfaced according to the Ministry’s dashboard, with the total confirmed cases in the country moving to 30,696 – 14,633 males and 16,063 females.

A total of 33 are in the designated Intensive Care

Unit (ICU), 3592 in home isolation, 183 in institutional isolation and four in institutional quarantine.

According to the Ministry’s dashboard, 26,139 patients have recovered from the life-threatening virus.

A breakdown shows one new case in Region One (Barima-Waini), 40 in Region Three, 139 in Region Four, eight in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica), four in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), four in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), three in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), six in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and 47 in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) did not report any new positives.

Active cases

Recent statistics show that there are 4095 active cases in Guyana. This is a sharp jump from last week’s number and represents cases from all administrative regions. There are 166 active cases in Region Two, 1083 in Region Three, 2214 in Region Four, 122 in Region Five, and 149 in Region Seven.

In the hospitals, 167 patients are being monitored.

At the Infectious Diseases Hospital, 102 persons are receiving treatment, inclusive of 33 in the ICU. Hotspots in the country are Tuschen, La Grange, Vreed-en-Hoop, Parfaite Harmonie, Pouderoyen, Crane, Santa Mission, Zeelugt and Cornelia Ida in Region Three; Diamond, Grove, Eccles, Soesdyke, Providence, Herstelling, Mon Repos, Haslington, Lusignan, Good Hope, and Plaisance in Region Four outside of Georgetown.

In the capital city, there are spikes in Kitty, Sophia, South Ruimveldt, Lodge, Campbellville, West Turkeyen and Cummings Lodge. The other hotspots

are Bartica and Tusseneng in Region Seven and Wismar in Region 10.

In Guyana, 352,932 persons have received their first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine while 182,644 have taken their second dose.

This means 35.6 per cent of the adult population is completely vaccinated. For adolescents, 21,815 first doses have been administered.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said in Guyana’s vaccination programme thus far, no jabs have been discarded due to expiration.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

252

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

183

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

3592 33

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

16,063

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

14,633

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

30,696

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

26,139

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

350,182

FULLY IMMUNISED

180,922

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

749

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1451

REGION 2

1076

REGION 3

4009

REGION 4

14,672

REGION 5

1070

REGION 6

2253

REGION 7

1582

REGION 8

490

REGION 9

2311

REGION 10

1782

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.

“We haven’t had to dump any expired vaccines, because we have been constantly monitoring expiry dates and making sure that we can get those vaccines out,’ he informed during Friday’s COVID-19 update.

If anyone is displaying

any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy All Guyanese are remind-

ed to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise: correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, maintaining six feet of physical distance from others, and good hand hygiene. (G12)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sputnik 2nd doses to arrive within 7 days – President …says Govt will not hesitate to purchase booster shots

The Sputnik second doses will arrive in seven days

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housands of Guyanese currently awaiting their second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine have been assured that another shipment containing this component will arrive in Guyana within seven days.

Global shortages of the Russia-manufactured jab would have disrupted the supply chain, posing challenges for authorities to access more vaccines. At a press conference on Friday, President Dr Irfaan Ali informed that the jabs would arrive soon.

“From the inception, dealing with vaccination and the pandemic, we have tried to get any vaccines. You name the vaccine, we tried.

We have been engaging the suppliers. We have been engaging Russia to ensure that we have a steady supply.

As of now, by what was told to us, in the next five to six days we’re expecting a shipment from the suppliers,” he told media operatives.

The Head of State noted that since the unavailability of these jabs became apparent, Government has been actively engaging various Russian counterparts to have a timely delivery of more second doses. However, it has been challenging.

“Every night, we are on the phone directly dealing with this, talking to the Ambassador of Russia, talking to Russia directly, talking to every stakeholder who can assist in this. That is an important part of our agenda. Within the next seven days, we expect to have a shipment of the component two of Sputnik vaccines,” Dr Ali said.

Last week, it was reported that 80,000 persons were waiting to be inoculated with the second dose of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine. This data was released by Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony during the coronavirus briefing.

Government had first or-

dered 400,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine – 200,000 first doses and 200,000 second doses. From that, Guyana has already received the 200,000 first doses as well as 61,000 of the second doses.

The country then placed a second order for 86,000 doses, comprising 43,000 first doses and 43,000 second doses. However, while all of the first doses from this second order were received, none of the second doses were delivered. Thereafter, smaller batches of the second component have been arriving.

Within recent weeks, limited supplies of the second component arriving in the country have been immediately exhausted at vaccination sites. The Sputnik V shots are taken within a four-to-12-week interval but those persons closer to the 90-day deadline are being prioritised. The Health Minister has consistently indicated that every person would receive their last vaccine before this timeline expires.

Third doses With talk circulating about booster shots in reinforcing protection against deadlier variants, the President has declared that the Government would not hesitate to invest in a third dose if it was backed by evidence and became necessary.

Dr Ali said, “The issue of the third dose, that is something we would have to ex-

amine. There is no clarity on it. There is no clarity on how effective the third dose is, but if a third dose is necessary, especially dealing with the variations of the virus, then we will make no hesitation in investing in the third dose too, because the life of our people matter.”

Generally, Government has held bilateral discussions with countries, namely India, China, Russia, the United States, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates as well as the European Union. In addition, Guyana has had bilateral talks with manufacturers AstraZeneca,

Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, Sinopharm, Covaxin, and Russian Direct Investment Fund. There were discussions with several multilateral organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic States, the African Union/ Caricom initiative and COVAX. So far, Guyana has been able to secure v 120,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from COVAX with more to arrive until 20 per cent of the population is covered.

There were donations of 3000 doses of AstraZeneca from Barbados, 20,000

Sinopharm doses from China and another 80,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from India; and another 84,800 AstraZeneca vaccines from the United Kingdom.

Through an African Union/Caricom Agreement, 34,000 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine have also been delivered, along with another purchase of 100,000 Sinopharm jabs. Meanwhile, the US Government’s contribution of 146,250 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech jabs have been used to immunise children. (G12)

$867M road, infrastructural...

FROM PAGE 2

Minister Collin Croal and Ministry officials share a photo with the approved contractors

Through the programme, a total of $1.5 billion has also been spent on the upgrade of 12 kilometres of asphalt concrete roads, concrete bridges, concrete walkways, drainage culverts, and other infra-

structural works in Sophia.

A new $51.3 million multi-purpose facility is also being built at the Section C Turkeyen recreational ground.

In August, the

CH&PA distributed a total of $164 million in Home Improvement Subsidies and contracts for core homes under AHUHAP in Parfaite Harmonie, Region Three.

(G12)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Breaching curfew charges dismissed Cop robbed by knifeagainst SleepIn owner, employees wielding bandit

C

lifton Bacchus, owner of the popular SleepIn Hotel and Carnival Casino, and two of his staffers were on Friday freed of a charge of breaching the nationwide COVID-19 curfew.

Back in May, Bacchus and his staff members Shintell Marshall and Ian Robinson were arraigned on a charge which stated that on March 12, at SleepIn Hotel at Lot 288 Church Street Georgetown, they breached the curfew imposed between the hours of 22:30h and 04:00h (10:30pm and 04:00am).

They had pleaded not guilty and were each released on $10,000 bail.

When they appeared on Friday before Georgetown Magistrate Annette Singh, after a trial was conducted, the charge against each of them was dismissed. They were represented by Attorney-atlaw Latchmie Rahamat.

At their initial court appearance, the lawyer had contended that the charges against Bacchus and the others were bad in law.

In so doing, she had pointed to the COVID-19 Emergency Measures guidelines for March, which had listed hotels, guests houses and interior lodges as businesses providing essential services with permission to operate 24 hours. As such, she had argued that the hotel operator and his staffers did not

tial services ensured that persons who visit Guyana are safe.

“You have flights arriving at graveyard hours when the curfew is in effect. So, do these people have to wait at

the airport for the curfew to expire? Should the hotel not have staff during the graveyard and curfew hours to service those who are staying at the hotel?” the lawyer asked.

(G1)

Food vendor robbed in home invasion Clifton Bacchus

breach the curfew, and asked that the matters be dismissed.

During an interview with this publication on Friday, Rahamat said Bacchus feels vindicated, and hopes that the relevant authorities would take note of the court’s ruling.

She added that her client also hopes the relevant authorities would understand that they, too, are bound by the guidelines, and if the guidelines list certain businesses as essential services, they must allow those services to operate beyond the curfew hours.

While noting that the public’s health and safety are of utmost importance amid the pandemic, the lawyer Stressed, “But those who are enforcing the protocols must understand them. There is nothing wrong with the COVID-19 protocols.”

According to counsel, the classifying of hotels as essen-

A

42-year-old food vendor was left in a state of shock on Thursday evening when a gunman walked into her home, after a door was left ajar, and demanded that she hand over her valuables.

The woman told Police that she came face-toface with the armed man at about 20:00h on Thursday at her home at Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara–Upper Berbice), and was immediately startled.

Reports are that the victim, who lives alone, was in her home cooking, while her front patio door was left partially open, when she observed the male, who had tied a red handkerchief around his face to cover his nose, mouth and chin, walk in to her home, brandishing a small silver handgun and demanding money and gold.

According to the Police,

the woman told the man that she did not have any money, but he threatened to shoot her.

Shortly after, the suspect used his cellular phone to call an unknown person, and was heard telling the person, “You should ensure you look out carefully out there”.

After ending his call, the perpetrator forced the victim to lie on her bedroom floor while he began to ransack her house. During that time, Police said, the man continued to demand that the woman hand over the money and gold.

After searching for some time, the gunman found the woman’s purse which contained $65,000, which he took before making good his escape through the back door of the house into a dark area.

A report was made to the Wisroc Police Outpost, and an investigation has been launched. (G9)

A

3 8 - y e a r - o l d Policeman was on Friday evening robbed of a quantity of items as he was walking in the vicinity of Muneshwer’s Ltd on Water Street, Georgetown.

The incident occurred at about 06:45h, and the perpetrator, who was armed with a knife, reportedly robbed the Policeman of a black Coral cellular phone valued at $12,000, a haversack valued at $8,000, and his uniform, valued at $18,000.

Based on Police reports, the cop was proceeding on the eastern side of Water Street, Georgetown when he was approached from behind by a male wielding a knife.

The two began to scuffle before falling to the ground, where the suspect cut away the haversack with the other items and made good his escape.

In a video footage seen

by this publication, the suspect - who was clad in a white t-shirt, black shorts and damaged jeans - could be seen running behind the victim while he was walking on the pavement. The suspect then whipped out a knife and cornered the cop under an umbrella that was at the corner of the road.

The men began scuffling as the suspect held on to the officer’s pocket while threatening to stab him with the knife.

After battling with the officer for some time, the suspect then used the knife to cut the cop’s bag off of his back before making good his escape, leaving the cop lying on the ground in shock.

Up to press time on Friday, Police said, efforts were being made to locate the suspect as the investigation continued. (G9)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$780M contract signed for restoration of dilapidated City Hall

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ity Hall is set to undergo a major makeover following the signing of a $780 million contract on Friday. Works on the building will commence in October of this year, and are expected to be completed within 18 months.

The contract signing was done at the forecourt of the City Hall compound in Georgetown, and came shortly after three companies: Fidis Guyana Incorporated, Bulk & Timber Works Incorporated, and OM Custom Wood Working & Restoration, had bid for the contract.

Fidis Guyana, with a bid of $754.7 million, has been awarded the contract.

At the signing ceremony, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall said the Government of Guyana is taking the lead role in the restoration of the 138-year-old building, and this project is part of the Government’s commitment to restore the nation’s capital city to its former glory.

“The capital city is described as the centre of business, and we believe, as Government, it is our duty, despite the challenges of the City Council and all of the attendant issues associated with the management of the City, we have decided to take the bull by the horn and ensure that the investment is made in the city”, the Minister said.

He added that the Government of Guyana will be pushing for the building to be completed within the stipulated timeline, and his Ministry will not indulge in the fashion of extending con-

Permanent Secretary Prema Roopnarine handing over the contract to contractor Fides Guyana Inc in the presence of Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall; Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Anand Persaud, and Mayor Ubraj Narine

tracts.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Anand Persaud, has said the company is competent and is specialised in the building and restoration of historic landmarks.

He further stated that the contractor would use local produce in the construction of the building, that in turn would create many job opportunities, and overall boost Guyana’s economy.

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, welcomed the signing of the contract and said he would work with any Government for the betterment of the city. He added that he would like to see the Government and the City Council work concertedly on other projects to beautify

Tuschen woman charged for larceny

Georgetown.

“I’m happy to see that the Minister has taken this venture to a different level where we can be able to work for the benefit of our people of the city. And, not only to restore City Hall, but there are other projects and other development that I would like to work with the Government so that we can be able to get on with the business of the city,” the Mayor has said.

Mayor Narine also voiced that he hopes the City Hall building, upon completion, can be used as a tourist site and a library for all to explore its history.

The project is being done in collaboration with the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, the European Union Delegation, and the City Council.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union in Guyana, Evelina Melbarzde, said the EU is proud to be a part of the restoration and preservation of the building.

“The contribution the European Union made at

that time was significant, it was around US$325,000… that was our aim at support-

tion in February this year, Minister Dharamlall had announced that a sum of $100

cluding some $20 million in 2012.

Within the last two years,

ing Guyanese authorities to preserve this fantastic, amazing pearl of heritage.

So, once again, I would like to congratulate Guyanese authorities, and wish them all the luck.”

In his budget presenta-

million had been allocated for the restoration of the City Hall building.

The crumbling, historic edifice has languished for years even though millions of dollars have been allocated to facilitate repairs, in-

an inspection done on the City Hall building by City Engineer Colvern Venture and the Guyana Fire Service concluded that the building has deteriorated further and urgent relocation of staff is necessary. (G9)

Cane harvester was crushed to death on private farm – GuySuCo

T

W

endy Callender, a 57-year-old woman of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, was on Friday arraigned before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Wales Magistrate’s Court to answer a charge of larceny.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge that was read to her.

Police reported that the offence was committed on 36-year-old Devin

John, a construction worker of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo on September 9.

The accused was arrested and charged by the Police for committing the offence of larceny by bailee, contrary to section 165 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Callender was released on $100,000 bail, and the matter has been adjourned to October 10. (G9)

he Guyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo) has refuted claims that 62-yearold Deochand Lallchand, a cane harvester of Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who lost his life on Wednesday morning, died at the Corporation’s Uitvlugt Estate backdam.

Lallchand was crushed to death by an excavator.

In a statement on Friday, GuySuCo said that the incident occurred on a private cane farm owned and managed by a private cane farmer, who has a cane farming operation at Zeeburg backdam.

“Private cane farmers cultivate more than 40 per cent of the cane supplied the Uitvlugt Estate facto-

Dead: Deochand Lallchand

ry,” GuySuCo said, adding that while the Corporation continues to share its best practices on Occupational, Health and Safety stan-

dards with the private cane farmers, the farmers were responsible for the daily management of their operations.

It was reported that around 10:30h on Wednesday, Lallchand d was in the backdam retrieving cane while the excavator was being operated a short distance away.

Suddenly, the excavator started to reverse at a slow rate of speed, and the tracks then collided with the cane harvester’s feet, causing him to fall to the ground.

The excavator then rolled over his body, crushing him in the process.

The man was picked up and escorted by the Police to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The excavator operator, a 44-year-old man, was arrested and placed in custody.

20

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Quad leaders meet at White House as China looks warily on L

eaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia presented a united front on Friday at their first summit and stressed the need for a free and open IndoPacific region amid shared concerns about China.

The two-hour meeting at the White House of the Quad, as the grouping of the four major democracies is called, was watched closely in Beijing, which criticised the group as "doomed to fail".

The summit was expected to yield progress on COVID-19 vaccines, infrastructure and technological cooperation.

While China was not mentioned in the public remarks by the four leaders, Beijing was clearly top of mind.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a 'Quad nations' meeting at the Leaders' Summit of the Quadrilateral Framework hosted by US President Joe Biden with Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in the East Room at the White House in Washington, US, September 24, 2021

"We stand here together, in the Indo-Pacific region,

World's youth take to the streets again to battle climate change

Y

oung people around the world took to the streets on Friday to demand urgent action to avert disastrous climate change, in their largest protest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The strike takes place five weeks before the UN COP26 summit, which aims to secure more ambitious climate action from world leaders to drastically cut the greenhouse gas emissions heating the planet.

"The concentration of CO2 in the sky hasn't been this high for at least three million years," Swedish activist Greta Thunberg told a crowd of thousands of protesters in the German capital.

"It is clearer than ever that no political party is doing close to enough."

Demonstrations were planned in more than 1500 locations by youth movement Fridays for Future, kick-

ing off in Asia with smallscale demonstrations in the Philippines and Bangladesh, and spreading throughout the day to European cities including Warsaw, Turin and Berlin.

"Everyone is talking about making promises, but nobody keeps their promise. We want more action," said Farzana Faruk Jhumu, 22, a youth climate activist in Dhaka, Bangladesh. "We want the work, not just the promises."

A landmark UN climate science report in August warned that human activity has already locked in climate disruptions for decades – but that rapid, large-scale action to reduce emissions could still stave off some of the most destructive impacts.

So far, Governments do not plan to cut emissions anywhere near fast enough to do that. (Excerpt from Reuters)

a region that we wish to be always free from coercion, where the sovereign rights of all nations are respected and where disputes are settled peacefully and accordance with international law," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told the start

of the meeting.

US President Joe Biden met first with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office, and then told his Quad partners that a vaccine initiative agreed at a virtual Quad summit in March was "on track to produce an additional 1 billion doses of vaccine in India to boost total supply".

Modi said the initiative would be a great help for countries in the Indo-Pacific region. The plan to supply a billion COVID-19 shots across Asia by the end of 2022 stalled after India, the world's largest vaccine producer, banned exports in April amid a massive COVID outbreak at home.

India has said it is ready to restart vaccine exports in the October quarter, prioritising the COVAX international vaccine initiative and neighbouring countries. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UN migration body asks Brazil to receive Haitians on US-Mexico border – sources

T

he International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has formally asked Brazil to receive some Haitian migrants camped along the US-Mexico border hoping to enter the United States, according to two sources with knowledge of the request.

The petition from the IOM, a United Nations agency, comes as US President Joe Biden faces mounting pressure to resolve yet another migration dilemma. Crossings at the US-Mexico border have jumped to their highest levels in 20 years in recent months, sparking political headaches and logistical obstacles for the United States and Mexico.

Around 15,000 mostly Haitians were camped just

north of the Rio Grande this month as they attempted to enter the United States, although the numbers have since fallen dramatically.

Washington has begun flying some back to Haiti, while Mexico has urged others to give up their US dreams and seek asylum in the south of the country.

The IOM asked that Brazil receive Haitians who have a Brazilian child, or who have passed through Brazil before entering Mexico on their journey north, the two sources said.

They said the first request was more likely to be approved. One of the sources said the second one would require more analysis.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Get up, stand up: Barbados leader invokes Marley to goad UN

A

n impassioned Barbados Prime Minister on Friday sought to spur meaningful action from the 193-member United Nations on crises from climate and COVID-19 vaccines to poverty and education, invoking singer Bob Marley: "Who will get up and stand up?"

"If we can find the will to send people to the moon and solve male baldness ... we can solve simple problems like letting our people eat at affordable prices," Mia Amor Mottley told the annual gathering of world leaders in New York.

Mottley – who has led the Caribbean island nation since 2018 – called out the 76-yearold world body for "nice words" instead of action, saying people question the relevance

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley speaks at the UN General Assembly 76th Session General Debate

of an organisation "that only comes and does not listen to each other that only talks and will not talk with each other".

"How many more leaders must come to this podium

and not be heard before they stop coming? How many times must we address an empty hall of officials and an institution that was intended to be made for leaders to discuss

with leaders?" she said.

Mottley summoned the late Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician by saying: "The words of Robert Nesta Marley. Who will get up and stand up for the rights of our people?"

"Who will stand up in the name of all those who have died during this awful pandemic? The millions. Who will stand up in the name of all those who have died because of the climate crisis?"

After sending video statements last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, many leaders again returned to New York this week to address the General Assembly with the focus very much on an inequitable rollout of vaccines and the climate crisis.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil hits highest level in almost 3 years as supply tightens

O

il prices rose for a third week in a row to a near threeyear high on Friday as global output disruptions have forced energy companies to pull large amounts of crude out of inventories.

The rally was slightly dampened by China's first public sale of State crude reserves.

Brent futures rose 84 cents, or 1.1 per cent, to settle at US$78.09 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 68 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to settle at US$73.98.

That was the highest close for Brent since October 2018 and for WTI since July 2021, both for a second day in a row.

It was the third week of gains for Brent and the fifth for WTI mostly due to US Gulf Coast output disruptions from Hurricane Ida in late August.

New York Harbor Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) futures also closed at their highest since October 2018.

"As oil prices are on track to close another week of gains, the market is pricing in a prolonged impact of supply disruptions, and the likely storage draws that will be needed to fulfil refinery demand," said Louise Dickson, senior oil markets analyst at Rystad Energy.

Some disruptions could last for months and have already led to sharp draws in US and global inventories.

US oil refiners were hunting to replace Gulf crude, turning to Iraqi and Canadian oil, traders said.

India's crude imports rose to a three-month peak in August, rebounding from July's near one-year low.

Some members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, known as OPEC+, have struggled to raise output due to under-investment or maintenance delays during the pandemic. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Huawei's Meng Wanzhou flies back to China after deal with US

A

Chinese technology executive held in Canada on US fraud charges has left the country after a deal with Prosecutors, following years of diplomatic tensions over her fate.

Meng Wanzhou, Chief Financial Officer of Huawei, was detained on fraud charges in December 2018 at the request of the US. On Friday, the US Department of Justice dropped an extradition request for her.

The case infuriated China and strained relations with the US and Canada.

It also prompted accusations that China had detained Canadian citizens in retaliation, which China denied.

"My life has been turned upside down. It was a disruptive time for me," Meng told reporters after being freed from Canadian detention.

"Every cloud has a silver lining," she continued, adding: "I will never forget all the good wishes I received from people around the world."

Shortly afterwards she boarded an Air China flight

Meng Wanzhou was seen smiling as she left her home in Vancouver on Friday

bound for the Chinese city of Shenzhen, AFP news agency reports.

Details of a possible deal for Meng's release have been the subject of intense negotiations between US and Chinese diplomats.

The US alleged Meng misled the bank HSBC over the true nature of Huawei's relationship with a company called Skycom, putting the bank at risk of violating US sanctions against Iran.

On Friday the US Department of Justice (DOJ) said it had reached a deferred prosecution agreement.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

21

ARCHIE

ARIES

Give your all, and you’ll get the same in return. An (March 21open dialogue will help you April 19) develop a plan that suits both you and whoever you are counting on for help.

Leave nothing to chance.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Stay focused until you get what you want. A direct approach will help you figure out who is on your side.

A personal change may not be desired or expected, but it will be beneficial.

Stick to the truth. You have plenty to gain if you are open and follow through with your plans. Participate in events that offer knowledge and a chance to get ahead. Speak from the heart.

Think before you act.

Talking too much or promising more than you can deliver will put you in a precarious position. Spend your time on physical improvements that ensure better health.

Stop before you do something that causes friction with someone you deal with daily. Concentrate on finishing what you start.

Leave no room for error or criticism. Expand your mind.

A change of attitude will help you persuade others to see things your way.

Focus more on love, peace and physical fitness. If you are at your best, you will attract positive attention.

Interact with people who have something to offer. Keep an open mind, and you’ll discover ways to use the information you receive to your advantage.

Participate in networking or social events.

Live life your way. Take the initiative to head in a direction that brings you peace of mind. Refuse to let laziness or lack of enthusiasm hold you back.

Take control of your life.

Trust your judgment inSAGITTARIUS stead of listening to others.

(Nov. 23Refuse to let a love interest Dec. 21) interfere with your plans or coerce you into something that goes against your beliefs.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Slow down; time is on your side, and acting in haste will lead to regret. Relax and enjoy what life has to offer.

Spend time rearranging your space to make room for something you want to pursue.

Look at your options, then start heading in a direction that will encourage a better position or lifestyle. How you handle your money and investments will determine what you can achieve.

Look at your options, then start heading in a di(Feb. 20- rection that will encourMarch 20) age a better position or lifestyle. How you handle your money and investments will determine what you can achieve.

PISCES

22 GBBC mourns the loss of Lalta Narine A GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

release from the Guyana Boxing Board of Control read as follows: “The Guyana Boxing Board of Control is deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of former well known illustrious boxer and title contender Lalta Narine.

“Lalta was born on 3rd April 1968, and grew up in Essequibo. He began his boxing career under Colin Morgan at the Ricola Boxing Gym, and from there joined the People’s Militia in 1984/1985 under the tutelage of the late

Caesar Barrow. He campaigned initially as a bantamweight at 118lbs.

“Lalta’s first bout as a professional boxer was on 5th October 1986. He lost by disqualification over 4 rounds against Clifford Vaughn, but proceeded to win his next three (3) fights, developing a reputation for producing exciting fights.

“His conquests included wins over Ramesh Bess, Winston Goodridge, Malcom Hawker, Wayne Coates, Malcolm Darson and Ray

Lalta Narine

Jones (TKO 6), before losing to 1988 Olympic Bronze Medalist Michael Parris for the Bantamweight Title of Guyana over 12 rounds; and he went on to challenge Joseph Murray for the vacant Featherweight Title of Guyana, losing by TKO in the fourth (4th) round.

“He then travelled to Barbados, where he defeated Anthony Williams over 10 rounds and Robin Lall over 8 rounds.

“He may be best remembered for his thrilling wars with Robin Lall in 1993 and 1994, the latter

for the Featherweight Title of Guyana, the first won and the second lost.

“Lalta officially retired in 1995 with 18 fights under his belt, spanning a period from 1986 to 1995.

“He was part of the former boxers’ support team which went to the Six Head Boxing Gym each day to encourage and support Keevin Allicock in his preparation for the Olympics.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family. May he rest in peace.”

Dwayne Bravo-led attack returns Super Kings to #1 spot

A

fter seven straight matches, there were seven straight losses in the United Arab Emirates - all while setting a target. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) find themselves in a mid-season rut, and it threatens to undo their good work in the first half of IPL 2021.

From a ridiculous batting meltdown in the first game of the restart, when they were shot out for 92, RCB were hampered by a middle-order meltdown here. From 111 for 0 in 13 overs, they ended with a below-par score of 156 for 6, and then let the loss in momentum boil over on the field. By the time their spinners tried to make a fist of it, Chennai Super Kings were well on their way, as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis had put on 71 risk-free runs in 8.2 overs.

While these two batsmen fell in successive overs to spin, Ambati Rayudu muscled a quick-fire 32 before MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina saw them home without much stress.

The win not only took Super Kings to the top of the points table, but also put them in a great position to make the playoffs, after the disappointment of 2020

Dwayne Bravo bagged 3-24

on these very shores.

Kohli and Padikkal's mixed bag

Virat Kohli came out looking to attack from ball one, and hit two back-toback boundaries off Deepak Chahar, who couldn't find much swing with the new ball.

Josh Hazlewood, his new-ball partner, hit the hard lengths and got the ball to skid, making shot-making more challenging in comparison.

But Devdutt Padikkal found a way out early on to match Kohli's aggression, as the pair took Royal Challengers to 55 for 0 in six overs. While it wasn't the most destructive pow-

SCOREBOARD ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Virat Kohli(c) c Jadejab Bravo 53 Devdutt Padikkal c Rayudu b Thakur 70 AB de Villiers c Raina b Thakur 12 Glenn Maxwell c Jadeja b Bravo 11 Tim David c Raina b Chahar 1 Harshal Patel c Raina b Bravo 3 Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva not out 1 Extras (lb 3, w 2) 5 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 7.80) 156/6 Did not bat: Srikar Bharat †, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-111 (Virat Kohli, 13.2 ov), 2-140 (AB de Villiers, 16.5 ov), 3-140 (Devdutt Padikkal, 16.6 ov), 4-150 (Tim David, 18.2 ov), 5-154 (Glenn Maxwell, 19.2 ov), 6-156 (Harshal Patel, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Deepak Chahar 4-0-35-1 Josh Hazlewood 4-0-34-0 Shardul Thakur 4-0-29-2 Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-31-0 Dwayne Bravo 4-0-24-3

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (TARGET: 157 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Ruturaj Gaikwad c Kohli b Chahal 38 Faf du Plessis c Saini b Maxwell 31 Moeen Ali c Kohli b Patel 23 Ambati Rayudu c de Villiers b Patel 32 Suresh Raina not out 17 MS Dhoni (c)† not out 11 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 2) 5 TOTAL (18.1 Ov, RR: 8.64) 157/4 Did not bat: Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 8.2 ov), 2-71 (Faf du Plessis, 9.1 ov), 3-118 (Moeen Ali, 13.6 ov), 4-133 (Ambati Rayudu, 15.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Siraj 3-0-23-0 Navdeep Saini 2-0-25-0 W Hasaranga de Silva 4-0-40-0 Harshal Patel 3.1-0-25-2 Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-26-1 Glenn Maxwell 2-0-17-1

erplay, Kohli's willingness to attack relentlessly stood out.

However, the next six

and Padikkal off consecutive deliveries. de Villiers was foxed by the length as he sliced one into the covers, while Padikkal played the wrong shot, and was caught at short third as he attempted to ramp a slower bouncer that hardly rose.

Thakur, who was shovelled out of the ground by Kohli for a huge six in his first over, finished with more than respectable figures of 2 for 29 off his four overs.

Bravo, meanwhile, kept denying Glenn Maxwell, who struggled for timing, and eventually snuffed him out by bowling slow and away from his hitting arc.

Virat Kohli (53) and Devdutt Padikkal (70) set the tone for RCB

overs proved to be the momentum changer. Royal Challengers managed just 49 in this period, as pace off the ball made scoring difficult, especially for Padikkal, as he often lost shape in trying to hit out.

Padikkal was the first to bring up his half-century, off 35 balls in the 12th over.

Kohli followed him by raising his off 36 balls in the 13th. But there was a feeling that Royal Challengers may have miscalculated slightly.

The mastery over his slower variations was all too evident, as he finished with figures of 3 for 24.

In between, Chahar,

MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina finished things off for CSK

Padikkal looked to muscle the ball upfront, Gaikwad exuded sage-like calm, choosing to caress the ball. du Plessis, at the other end, was a tad more adventurous, but it made for an excellent combination upfront, as the Super Kings raced to 59 for 0 in six, four more than Royal Challengers managed, but without taking half the risk.

Gaikwad then took the attack to spin, welcoming legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga with a ferocious sweep for four, and finishing that over by lofting him down the ground for a straight six. Navdeep Saini, who replaced Kyle Jamieson, then got some tap from du Plessis, who muscled him for two fours

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Thakur and Bravo trigger slowdown

AB de Villers came in at No. 3 upon Kohli's dismissal in the 14th over to Dwayne Bravo, and found run-scoring difficult. Of course, there was the added pressure of somewhat covering for lost ground.

This is when Shardul Thakur came into his own, bowling his variations of cross-seam deliveries into the pitch along with his trademark knuckleballs, to take out both de Villiers

But the man who turned up on Friday night was painfree and in the mood to have some fun, quickly using his sound game against spin to negate Yuzvendra Chahal's threat. Once that was negated, victory was more or less a mere formality.

Rayudu raced to 32, finding good company in Moeen Ali, as the pair wiped out any sign of pressure there may have been on Super Kings because of the double strike. The retired pair of Dhoni and Raina, who would've benefited from time in the middle, then polished off the chase without much fuss. (Adapted from ESPNcricinfo)

Ruturaj Gaikwad top scored for CSK with 38

who was off-colour early on, delivered a four-run penultimate over, in which he removed debutant Tim David. When the final ball was bowled, the Royal Challengers were running on fumes.

The calmness of Gaikwad, du Plessis

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and a six to round off the powerplay.

And even though both of them fell off consecutive overs, Super Kings had the game well in control.

Rayudu shows he's alright

A swollen elbow from a 149kph Adam Milne thunderbolt three nights ago saw Rayudu retiring hurt.

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23

GFF issues statement on “baseless allegations in Stabroek News story” about Jalade Trim's footage

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has issued a statement in response to an article carried in the Stabroek News in regard to footage of Jalade Trim. That statement details as follows: The management of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) regrets to learn, via the media, of the sincere frustrations felt by Jalade Trim’s mother in sourcing relevant match footage of her daughter. To put the record straight, the GFF can, in no way, be charged with impeding Jalade’s opportunities with any professional club or otherwise. On the contrary, the GFF has been working, over the last few weeks, to assist Jalade and her mother in tracing any available footage.

“It goes without saying that the GFF actively promotes and invests in the careers of all of its youth national players, and in no way acts to impede them. It is malicious and wholly inaccurate to suggest otherwise.

“To clarify one of the unsubstantiated allegations in the one-sided Stabroek News story by Mr Duncan Saul, the GFF has no remit or current capacity to collect and catalogue individual player

footage, no broadcast rights for tournaments organised by Concacaf, nor any capacity or media rights to build a library of such material. After receiving an informal request from Jalade’s mother, we have continued to work with Concacaf to locate any relevant footage from its archive. The only available recordings of Jalade are during a 2018 U15 Concacaf match against the Bahamas, which is publicly and freely available on the Concacaf website here, and a promotional video filmed during her trip to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, which was facilitated by the GFF. The former video link was shared with all players involved shortly after the match in question, and the latter video has no scouting value.

“In 2020, the GFF acquired state-of-the-art match recording technology that is in the process of being tested at the GFF National Training Centre. This tool will be used to capture footage from regional youth tournaments in the future, once the appropriate rights and conditions are secured by the GFF. This will make it easier for the GFF to provide footage to players and parents, as required.

Hemraj to turn out for Biratnagar Warriors in EPL

“We look forward to continue working with the Trim family to help develop the career of one of our most promising young players, building on the many years of support the GFF has provided through regional and national opportunities.

We wish her all the best in her future interactions with any professional club, and stand ready to engage our network and resources to support this process.

“In light of this matter, we would further encourage players and their families to consider collecting and organising their own highlight reels to ensure they have footage on hand to share with interested parties when opportunities arise. The GFF will continue to do what it can to support any footage requests by liaising with rights’ owners such as Concacaf. However, it is important for players and parents to understand that such requests are carried out according to Concacaf’s capacity to do so, and at its discretion and goodwill.

“We would also urge all players and families to ensure that any expression of interest from, or on behalf

of, professional clubs or talent scouts are genuine and legitimate. The GFF stands ready to assist in any such investigation.

It is worth remembering that all professional scouts and clubs routinely have access to scouting software, such as WyScout or InStat, which provides access to a global database of match and player footage.

“Finally, as an organisation that cares deeply about the welfare of our players, it is deeply regrettable that Mr. Saul would exploit the good faith of a 16-year-old player and her mother to publish such an unsubstantiated story. It beggars belief that Stabroek News elected to run this non-urgent story without waiting for a comment from the GFF, especially given the potentially damaging nature of certain claims which required substantiation. This one-sided story has been shared widely on social media, which has unfairly blemished the reputation of the GFF and encouraged members of the public to express strong negative sentiments towards the current administration. As a result, this matter is being looked into urgently by our legal team, and an official complaint

is being lodged with the Guyana Press Association.

“We trust that the management of Stabroek News will take appropriate disciplinary action to ensure that basic reporting standards are upheld in any future articles by Mr Saul.

“We would kindly ask all our partners in the media to be patient while waiting to receive any comment on stories they are working on, as the GFF is committed to provided full and transparent details related to any media query. However, this can sometimes take longer than we would all like, given the limited capacity and busy schedule of our organisation. While we understand the nature of the news cycle, this may mean that a response is not possible on the same day the request is received. In any case, other than in very extreme or urgent circumstances, we would

argue that the basic principles of g o o d reporting demand the right to reply within the body of any initial news story. We are sure that more professionallyminded members of the media will agree that it is both lazy, bad and unethical journalism to hide behind the line, “Efforts to contact X proved futile”, merely to avoid the professional responsibility of sharing both sides of a story, conducting some basic research, and checking the veracity of any allegation.

“In the age of fake news and vested media interests, the public and football community deserve better.”

Pollard has the power to win it for the West Indies

T

he West Indies team to the ICC T20 World Cup competition will have Kieron Pollard as their leader when they defend their title in the United Arab Emirates next month.

Standing 6-feet, 5-inches tall and being well-muscled, Pollard is an imposing figure, and that also translates to his power and might at the crease. He took over the captaincy in September 2019, ahead of the s e r i e s against

T

he upcoming season of the Everest Premier League (EPL) would be the 4th edition since establishment of the EPL in 2016. EPL Pvt Ltd is the administrator of the Everest Premier League, which is played in Nepal.

Guyana’s very own Chandrapaul Hemraj will be joining the Biratnagar Warriors in this edition of the EPL. The tournament is set to commence today and conclude on October 9, 2021.

In the recently concluded Hero CPL, Chandrapaul Hemraj, representing the Guyana Amazon Warriors, was the third highest run-scorer for the Warriors with 254 runs from his 11 matches. His strike rate was 133.68 and his batting average was 25.40, with a high score of 105*.

He smashed a total of 20 boundaries and 16 maximums, the second greatest number of sixes for the Warriors and the eighth highest in the

tournament. With the ball, he picked up two wickets at an economy rate of 7.47.

A total of six teams will participate in the EPL competition; namely, the Bhairahawa Gladiators, Biratnagar Warriors, Chitwan Tigers, Kathmandu Kings XI, Lalitpur Patriots and Pokhara Rhinos.

Besides Hemraj, this tournament would feature Kesrick Williams, who is the only other West Indian participating.

Afghanistan in Lucknow, India, and has led from the front. With his aggressive style and “team first” mantra, West Indies have seen improvements in their performances.

He was the centre of attention earlier in March when he wrote his name in history against Sri Lanka at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in the CG Insurance T20I Series. With the match on the line, Pollard hit six sixes in an over – becoming the first man to do so for West Indies at the international level.

In a recent interview, he said he was excited by this year's competition.

“There is something magical and special about putting on the West Indies jersey and stepping onto the field. This upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will give us more special moments. We know our fans will be fully engaged, watching and supporting, and we want to give them plenty to cheer about. I’m excited about the magic moments

ahead,” said Pollard.

Pollard knows what it is to be a winner, as he has demonstrated in the global franchise leagues, and he had the sweet taste of victory back in 2012 as a crucial member of the squad which beat Sri Lanka at the Premadasa in Colombo.

(Adapted from Windies Cricket)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

I

n a letter to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) dated September, 20, 2021, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has directed the local cricket authority to conduct an audit of its finances for the past ten years.

An issue regarding the use of GCB funds disbursed by Cricket Guyana Inc for use other than for the purposes of cricket was highlighted in a recent Kaieteur News article (September 19, 2021), and it is on this premise that CWI has placed the GCB and GCI under the microscope.

The article published by Kaieteur News last week alleged “that the former Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) official Anand Sanasie used monies from that entity’s accounts to pay for fuel from Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Refinery Petrotrin…”

With the online version of this story now deleted, the article

CWI CEO Johnny Grave

went on to state that during the foreign exchange shortage that Trinidad and Tobago experienced earlier this year, Sanasie, a Director at SBF Petroleum International, maintained that he was in a position to exchange monies to alleviate the woes experienced by Petrotrin.

However, the most damning of the allegations published

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

stated, “…at this point in time, Sanasie did not make any transfers to the SBF account, but rather paid Petrotrin directly from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) accounts.”

Equipped with evidence of a Scotia Bank payment transfer from Cricket Guyana Inc to Petrotrin Trinidad & Tobago, Cricket West Indies expressed its concerns in a letter to the GCB CEO Claude Raphael on the use of monies provided by CWI. In the letter, seen by Guyana Times Sport, CWI made these requests as it sought to probe the allegations further: provision of an explanation of the events surrounding the money transfer; provision of information on any other matter that may be similar to the aforementioned incident “ie, where funds disbursed by CWI were used by Cricket Guy

RHTY&SC, Regal Stationery, and other charitable entities assist Corentyne family

A

s part of their mutual responsibility, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Florida Guyana Hope Inc. and Crabwood Creek breath of Hope and Relief have thrown their support behind a Corentyne family.

In an act of benevolence, the organisations have pooled their resources to erect a dwelling house for the family at 58 Section B, Bloomfield.

Chunilall Sonaroo, his wife Yankumarie Seenarine, and their daughter Gitanjali Sonaroo, a student of J.C. Chandisingh Secondary, are the beneficiaries.

Secretary of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, has said the family reached out to him, and, without hesitation, the club decided to render assistance.

Foster said that when he sought backing from the other organisations, they immediately decided to make an input, and he has commended them for their goodwill.

He said the family has also received financial support, which has been deposited at the Republic Bank.

Foster, along with President of the Florida Guyana Hope, Mohamed Yasin, executive member Raj Bharrat, Chief Executive Officer of the Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Mahendra Hardyal, and Reshma Seepersaud of Crabwood Creek Breath of Hope and Relief, along with other members of the various organisations, visited the family on Monday to confirm their assistance.

Yasin has said they are happy

Members of the various charitable organisations with the family on Monday

to assist, and has lauded George Baijnauth, Chairman of Guyana/ Florida Hope, a sister non-profit organisation which is based in Upper Corentyne, for his efforts in coordinating such projects.

Yasin has indicated that they would ensure the project is completed. “We are here to give back while he can, so as to make life better,” he noted.

The Florida/Guyana Hope Incorporated is a nonprofit foundation made up of Guyanese living in Florida, USA. The organisation was founded in December 2013, and has expanded tremendously in that short space of time.

The body is also actively involved in sports, and takes part in softball cricket. It has made several contributions to clubs locally.

Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, as they have done over the years, continue to assist Guyanese families with their kindheartedness and, CEO Hardyal has committed to provide a laptop to assist Gitanjali Sonaroo with her education, and to furnish the home for the family.

“What are we living for, if

not to help each other?” he questioned. Hardyal has also committed to undertake a similar venture in the Corentyne area.

Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sports are the owners of the Regal Softball Cricket Franchise, and they have won a number of titles both locally and overseas.

Rashma Seepersaud of Crabwood Creek Breath of Hope and Relief has said this body was established in 2019 and has since reached out to residents with various needs. She added that members are happy to be involved in the project.

Seenarine and her daughter Sonaroo are not in the best of health currently, and Foster has said that due to the illness of the student, her education is being affected somewhat, and the club would play its part to aid in this area.

Raj Bharrat has expressed gratitude to all those involved in helping to improve the lives of families in Guyana, while Chunilall Sonaroo has thanked all those engrossed in helping to better the standard of living of his family.

Former Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie

Inc. or the Guyana Cricket Board for purposes other than cricket activities over the last ten (10)

years.”

The final request from the regional body states, “conduct an immediate, in-depth audit of the use of CWI funds by Cricket Guy Inc and the Guyana Cricket Board over the last ten (10) years, to ascertain whether any corporate improprieties or any breach of laws or regulations may have occurred, or whether any illegal financial activities or other possible criminal offence(s) may have been committed.”

Aside from requesting physical evidence from their probes (if any), CWI also disclosed that it would be ‘taking

advice’ on any future monies being given to the GCB, once the matter is not resolved.

While it has been quiet for months, the GCB was earlier this year wrapped up in another controversy as a result of numerous legal matters surrounding the legality of the body. That issue was ironed out in March, after Bissoondyal Singh was elected President and a new Board and Associates installed.

Had that not happened, there was a condition where the GCB would not have been allowed to cast a vote at the CWI AGM 2021.

Chanderpaul, Singh among 17 West Indian Coaches to participate in induction for CWI Level 3 High-Performance certification

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) has commenced its first ever locally planned and delivered High-Performance Coaching Development Programme. This initiative is part of CWI’s “Cricket First” strategic plan to invest in building coaching depth and quality across the region, considering the vital role coaches play in developing cricketers’ skills and abilities across all age groups.

The High-Performance (Level 3) programme has been designed by CWI Coach Development Manager Chris Brabazon, in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI). It provides a number of the region’s best coaches with opportunities to further learn and develop contemporary coaching philosophies and techniques that would allow them to thrive in the highperformance environment of the West Indies Cricket Pathway.

The rigorous, holistic accreditation, which started with an online induction on Sunday, September 19, will see 17 participants from across the region engaged in a 12-month programme via a blended learning approach. Among the coaches who are pursuing this highest level of accreditation are former West Indies batting great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, former West Indies international players Rayad Emrit, Nikita Miller, Ryan Austin, and Garey Mathurin, as well as Test batsman and current Guyana Jaguars player Vishaul Singh.

The course will consist of online discussions, tutorials and ongoing mentoring, as well as a face-to-face residential component to be held in Antigua in October, 2021. In addition to the technical basics of elite cricket, topics will include

Programme Management, Sports Psychology, Leadership, Communication as well as Visual Technology and Data Analysis.

Delivery of the course will be done by CWI High-Performance staff, in conjunction with UWI representatives, to provide participants with unprecedented access to best practice case studies and frameworks from the elite levels of West Indies cricket and beyond.

CWI’s Coach Development Manager Chris Brabazon has highlighted how the programme would significantly enhance highperformance cricket across the region. He said: “This programme will provide a huge boost to the upper echelons of our West Indies Cricket Pathway. By the end of our 12-month journey with these participants, we will have significantly added to our stable of local high-performance coaches. This group will understand how the role of a highperformance coach continues to evolve, and how they can best manage themselves and their resources to create the best high-performance environments possible for their players in their current role, whilst inspiring

them to strive for the next step in their own coaching journey.”

In a brief address to the participants, CWI President Ricky Skerritt expressed his delight that the plan for self-sufficiency in modern coaching development was close to being fulfilled at CWI. He said that 29 certified Level 2 coaches had applied for the 17 available spaces, which have just been filled.

“Coaches must compete for places just like cricketers do.

Competitiveness and education are two key components for achieving excellence in coaching,” Skerritt has said.

President Skerritt informed participants that, just in the past two years, 497 new coaching certificates had already been delivered across eight Caribbean countries – 81 at Level 2, 116 at Level 1, and 300 at the Foundation Level. 16 CWI Coach Developers have also been trained to deliver Level 1 Courses locally.

Skerritt added: “For our young West Indian cricketers to achieve their very best outcomes, all that we do to assist and support them must also be of the highest possible quality”.

(Windies Cricket)

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