Guyana Times - Sunday APRIL 10, 2022

Marvin Cole: kite-maker since 1989 P13

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4975 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022

Govt engaging Morocco to bring down fertiliser costs – President Ali – says major developments expected by July See story on page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Woman sets Roxanne P34 Burnham Gardens home on fire

– family of 5 homeless

Lethem man dies after crashing motorcycle P27 New Arbitration Bill being crafted to better handle oil-related P32 cases – AG

President Dr Irfaan Ali and several members of his Cabinet visited the Leonora Market on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), where they interacted with vendors and members of the public

World Bank forecasts Guyana’s 2023 economic growth rate at 34.3% Page 7

Suspect arrested after stealing from Moruca businessman P34

– to be only country in LAC with growth rate in double figures

No plans to remove electricity subsidy from Region 10 – VP Jagdeo assures Page 38

Page 35

“Small businesses are the backbone of any economy” – GCCI President

– 768 small businesses received financial support from Govt in 2021

GTT launches new service to enhance small businesses P37

Indian Private Sector investors in Guyana today …Kapil Dev part of delegation See story on page 40

Dr Ajeenkya D Y Patil

Kapil Dev

Chinta Sasidhar

Rajesh Puri

Ashish Katariya

Shivdutt Das

President Ali still awaiting Parliament’s nominee for NRF Board P39

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Apr 10 – 23:30h – 01:00h and Monday, Apr 11 – No closure.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Apr 10 – 10:45h – 12:15h and Monday, Apr 11 – 12:05h – 13:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine and light rain showers during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to North North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 11:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.01 metres.

Low Tide: 17:34h reaching a minimum height of 1.16 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2022

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$102.78/barrel

+2.14

Rough Rice

$283.91/ton

-0.27

London Sugar

$560.40/ton

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$1950.20 0.00%

Govt engaging Morocco to bring down fertiliser costs – President Ali – says major developments expected by July

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s the cost of living continues to skyrocket on the global market, a soaring issue for Guyanese is the high cost of fertilisers, which is contributing to major increases in local food production. Guyana imports the majority, if not all, of its fertilisers for the agriculture sector.

However, the Government is not turning a blind eye to this issue and has been actively pursuing ways and means of addressing this matter, including at the bilateral level.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is engaging with the North African state of Morocco in an effort to bring down fertiliser costs and, consequentially, the price of agricultural produce.

This revelation was made

by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday, while on a visit to the Leonora market. The President was accompanied by several Cabinet Ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd.

Urea and ammonia compounds are said to be the most used fertiliser products in Guyana which imports about 45,000 tonnes annually.

President Ali explained that Todd has been working along with the Moroccans, in an effort to bring down fertiliser costs.

“Minister Todd is working on an initiative right now; we’ve been talking to Morocco for a while now to see if we can directly engage them on the issue of fertiliser. We’re having some headways now and by

President Ali during his visit to the Leonora Market

July we should have some positive news,” Ali said.

The Kingdom of Morocco, with its booming phosphorus fertiliser industry, has been described as the world’s gatekeeper of food supply chains. Morocco in fact possesses over 70 per cent of the world’s phosphate rock reserves. Phosphorus, which helps plants to convert nutrients in order to grow, is a major ingredient in commercial fertilisers.

According to the President, helping the small and medium-sized enterprises is a major focus of his Government.

President Ali also hailed the producers in the market themselves, as he noted that they themselves have been trying to keep their prices down.

“When you speak to the farmers directly, you hear how they’re trying to maintain the price, they’re not trying to in-

crease the price. And they have difficulties with the price of fertilisers,” the President also said.

Leonora is located in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and it was reported in sections of the media in February that GAICO construction would be building a new, US$6 million fertiliser blending plant.

Guyana meanwhile continues to receive the support of countries within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) as it leads efforts to reduce the region’s high food import bill through the “25 by 2025” initiative.

To this end, the country will be hosting the inaugural Agri-Investment Forum and Expo at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) from May 19 to 21 to bring together producers, importers and exporters, investors

and other players to promote and improve the region’s productivity and resilience of its agri food systems. The event will be held under the theme: “Investing in Vision 25 by 2025”.

The two principal objectives of the event are matching bankable agricultural projects with available private and public financing, and making potential investors and other stakeholders aware of new and emerging opportunities in Caricom agriculture, including technological and logistical solutions.

It will focus on specific areas in the food value chain including: primary production (farm and field); agro processing (including post-harvesting and marketing); logistics (distribution, shipping, air cargo), and infrastructural development, including in the areas of finance and technology.

Another major stakeholder supporting the efforts towards achieving the 25 by 2025 target is the private sector – both locally and regionally. The Guyana Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, which is plugging funds into this regional initiative, have lauded the upcoming event.

In fact, the AgriInvestment Forum and Expo will also see participation by other Caricom nations including Belize, St Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) and Barbados – all of whom have expressed their support for the Guyana-led 25 by 2025 target.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Moral foundations for the nation

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resident Irfaan Ali has executed another master stroke as he continues to flesh out his vision of “One Guyana” with his “Day of fasting and prayer” last Friday. Rather than engaging in ponderous textual and semantic exegeses, as others were wont to do, we are witnessing in action - performatively - the unfolding of the various aspects of “One Guyana”.

Fundamentally, Guyana is not merely this land that stretches from Point Playa to Crabwood Creek, and from Georgetown to the Takutu Bridge. That is merely landscape on which we, the Guyanese people, will weave the warp and woof that would bind us as a nation.

For too long, we have been tangled up in knots, arguing about the meaning of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” on the assumption that “one” meant that all of us must be “identical”. This was a pernicious notion that went against what we know empirically from our everyday experiences. Each of us is different in so many ways: physically, mentally, ethnically, and along so many other criteria, especially in our social practices. With our diverse places of origin, because of our colonial past that dragged us from across the globe in a linear chronological sequence to labour and cultivate this land for their benefit, our cultures have been differentially hegemonised to antagonistically stress our differences.

For too long, it was assumed that we had to jettison our personal qualities to conform to some imposed “norm”.

That norm, of course, was promulgated by those who possessed power, and invariably “the” norm imposed on all was “their norm”.

The point of it all is that “One Guyana” ultimately is all about “we, the people” of this state we call Guyana, “land of many waters”, and where the various aspects of our identities can coexist as a mosaic rather than being blended into some melange.

The Day of Fasting and Prayers demonstrated concretely that each of the several ways in which mankind relates with the Divinity behind this and all creation is equally valid, and there is no need to wage war to decide which is “better”. Even if some of us may hold such views, we are exhorted to live out the true meaning of our various creeds, and let others decide according to their individual inclinations without pressure or coercion.

This year’s observances incorporated one of the traditions of the three largest religions in the world, which we are fortunate to have significant sectors of our populace as adherents, in descending order in terms of numbers, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. We are sure that in future years, other religions, such as our Caribbean-origin Rastafarianism and others, will be incorporated. It was a serendipitous confluence of the religious calendar that made Lent, Chaitra Nauratri and Ramadan be observed simultaneously. The President’s perspicacity to recognise this as an opportunity speaks well of his ability to look beyond the walls that have so long kept us secluded from each other. Fasting and prayers are ultimately tests of our individual resolve to adhere to the values that have been promulgated by our religions, so that we may live more harmoniously with each other. The Divine is perfect and self-sufficient, and there is nothing that our prayers and fasting can do to augment His perfection.

In terms of our “One Destiny” in our One Guyana, all that the state can do is to utilise the funds and laws it acquires and promulgates on our behalf to ensure there is equal opportunity to improve our living conditions, so that we can live in dignity based on our individual efforts. While the dominant economic model since the 1980s has been market-dominant neo-liberal principles, the PPP Government has guaranteed a mixed economy that uses regulation to ensure equity in distributing our national patrimony, especially with welfare features such as free medical care.

This perspective flows from the ethic of moral reciprocity in our religions, that insist we must live in accordance with The Golden Rule.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo sharing a light moment with two members of the Christian Community on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) during the National Day of Fasting and Prayers

GECOM must fill all vacancies, but there should be no place for riggers

Dear Editor, A recent Stabroek News article, captioned “GECOM to re-advertise for DCEO, ACEO posts”, posits that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is expected to re-advertise for applications to fill the vacant posts of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) and Assistant Chief Elections Officer (ACEO). While the official source of this position was not released by GECOM’s Public Relations Department, the article quotes its basis as APNU/AFC Commissioner Vincent Alexander, who said that that position was taken at the statutory meeting of the Commission.

There has been no official correction from GECOM, implying some accuracy of the statement. One would rationalise from this backdrop that the Commission may not have been satisfied with the preliminary shortlisted options considered from the pool of applicants to fill these vacancies. However, it is conflicting and confusing that those who were included in the preliminary shortlist were further shortlisted for the post.

Notably, the process commenced in October 2021, and the filling of these critical positions must be addressed with an objective, decisive candour for the smooth holding of free and fair elections.

Notably, there are other categories of positions to be re-advertised, including the post of Chief Accountant, for which other applicants, including Jaiwattie Singh, Abeossa Simon, Orlando Small, Victor Arjune, and Ronald Charles, were previously shortlisted.

It does not auger well, for the indication presented is that controversies are

surrounding the hiring process. To this, the Chair and Commissioners MUST be assertive. Based on GECOM's previous publication of shortlisted applicants, one anticipates in the least that it was partially intended to serve the public transparency notification criterion, and invite public feedback regarding the applicants.

There were many factsbased negative concerns in the instances of Melanie Marshall and Duarte Hetsberger to confirm that no consideration must be given to the likes of these questionable characters.

The contextual mixed signals presented, therefore, suggest that these persons are being presented with a backdoor key for re-entry into the organisation.

The DCEO and ACEO must be persons of unquestionable integrity if GECOM is to fully regain the confidence of our nation. Every citizen has a right to condemn all those GECOM employees who played a part in holding our democracy to ransom for five long months following the March 2020 polls. While the decision to re-advertise for DCEO, ACEO, and Chief Accountant is most welcome, the suggestion of reservations touted by Alexander in favour of a tarnished few is tantamount to planting weeds in a garden that is being cleaned.

Contextually, the allegations against Keith Lowenfield and other former GECOM Secretariat staff members must be treated seriously. It is therefore necessary and appropriate to ensure the degutting of the many ‘phantom’ workers from association with the system, and the ridiculous contracts in ensuring that

the obnoxious purchases that were made at GECOM are things of the past.

GECOM Chair, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, must be allowed the latitude to credibly do her work.

Some of the former employees were dismissed due to demonstrated incompetence, bad behaviour, rum drinking on the job, and fighting. Some of them are before the courts for wrongdoing, because they were promised that the PNC would not give up even if they lost the elections, in influencing those persons to do the dirty jobs. While key evidence against many of these staffers may have been deliberately destroyed, the grey areas must be addressed with caution and adequate counter-checks. As such, Justice Claudette Singh must make sure there are mechanisms to affirm, at minimum, background checks to identify acceptable levels of integrity in the men and women that are employed at GECOM. As we follow this Continuous Registration process, the results to date confirm significant measures of success in achieving the intended purpose and results.

Notwithstanding, we need to get all possible eligible persons to register now, as there will not be another period of Continuous Registration during this calendar year.

Hence, for our citizens who are now qualified based on the 14 years’ age criterion, it is necessary to make sure that they make use of the process to secure their Identification Cards. For others, who now or will qualify as first-time voters based on their birth dates, it is critical and essential to make sure they get on the Voters'

List, and be able to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Editor, please permit me the space to applaud the positive “Day of Fasting and Prayers” initiative advanced and led by His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The overwhelming attendance and success of the programme highlight the recognition and need for sincere divine intervention and guidance in utilising every vehicle in the moulding of the thematic ‘one Guyana for all citizens' platform.’ We must continue to work together, and we shall achieve together! It was therefore enterprising to witness members of the Parliamentary Opposition present and supporting the endeavour.

It will be remiss of me not to observe the PNCR’s ‘hopscotch’ process. We are seeing the return to Parliament of Aubrey Norton and Volda Lawrence, the self-proclaimed ‘Racist’ who publicly said she is only employing PNC people.

While Mr. Granger’s hands may have been tied, for many, it is indeed sad to see the return to Parliament of the two rejects. The situation lends justified conclusions about the thin spread of capacity in the party. The civilised world must give way to the younger generation, and racist and self-opinionated persons must step aside and allow people with better judgment to prevail.

In the same vein, permit me to remind all stakeholders that there is no room for RIGGERS at GECOM! Sincerely, Neil Kumar

guyanatimesgy.com

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Poll: President’s popularity rises addressing insurmountable challenges Dear Editor, The latest opinion poll from the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) shows growing popularity for President Irfaan Ali’s administration (Government) and himself.

The Dr. Ali administration has had to grapple with several major issues, including COVID, tested economy, occasional flooding, Ukraine, soaring inflation, the uncooperative official Opposition, disruptions in Parliament, attempts at provoking instability, stoking of race relations, and other insurmountable challenges; but since becoming President in August 2020, the Ali administration has received a highly favourable response for turning around the economy, ensuring political stability, implementing “a one united Guyana” policy, combating COVID as well as high unemployment and inflation, mitigating incessant flooding, doling out stimulus and other financial grants, handing out farming subsidies, and tackling so many other challenges.

And in so doing, the administration has been receiving widespread approval from the public for its performance.

According to the poll, the majority of respondents said the country has been on the

move over the last 20 months, and they are supportive of the President and his venture to build a better nation.

They also expressed fondness for the President, saying he comes across as a likable person and a family man.

Even non-supporters and critics are impressed with how the President carries about himself and the Government’s performance, and the President’s handling of his responsibilities: a stark contrast to his predecessor.

Even many Public Servants, members of security forces, and other traditional supporters of the Opposition gave a positive review of President Ali and his administration.

The latest poll finds the President’s approval rating and those of his Government and most Ministers are up from similar polls conducted late last year. His administration also scored high on the public rating of the budget, although challenges remain, with the public complaining about skyrocketing inflation.

Almost every respondent is worried about crime, with a large majority also saying inflation has been a major problem affecting their standard of living over the last several months.

The poll was conducted in late February and March

Frustrated and angry

By H indus F or S elfless S ervice

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haitra Navratri is a nine-day festival to Goddess Durga’s nine incarnations and is observed every year after Holi. It is also known as Vasant/Spring Navratri, that starts on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar which falls in March or April. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and each of her nine incarnations is worshipped on successive nights.

Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar and that’s why this Navratri is called Chaitra Navratri. It is also known as Rama Navratri, as Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama usually falls on the ninth day during Navratri festivity.

This year Goddess Durga festival commenced on April 1, 2022, and will conclude on April 10, 2022. The festival celebrates the nine forms of Hindu Goddess Durga and each day is associated with a different colour.

Ram Naumi: The birth of Sri Ram, Sunday 10th April : 12 Noon The seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of all creation, the story of Sri Rama is told in the Ramayana of Valmiki. For most Hindus in Guyana they follow the retelling by Tulsidas known as Ramcharitmanas. It is one of the two great epics of India whose influence stretches across centuries. Lord Ram, the central figure of this epic tale, is one of the most widely worshipped Hindu deities.

His birth is celebrated across the country during March or April every year with a festival of Ram Navami.

This year, Ram Navami will be celebrated on Sunday.

April 10. According to the Hindu calendar, the day is observed on Navami tithi (ninth day) during shukla paksha (bright phase) of the Hindu month of Chaitra.

Lord Ram was the eldest son of King Dasharath of Ayodhya and was born during ‘madhyahna’ period or the middle of the day. Lord Vishnu took incarnation to destroy the evil to morality and law represented by Ravan of Lanka.

Dear Editor, I’m not one to seek favours here in Guyana. Favours here are generally a “lil sumting” to grease the palm. It is grafting or bribery to help speed up business through the labyrinthine processes that I firmly believe are created to frustrate, wear down, and tire out those accessing essential services.

This frustration, I also believe, is what lends to the corruption that is endemic to the system and Guyana as whole. Many of the instruments that manage, staff, and access the public agencies are complicit in making it what it is.

No one wants to wait an inordinate length of time to conduct the simplest business transaction. Businesses that should be a 15-minute turnaround get tied up and bogged down in archaic processes, and while strides are made to alleviate issues of access and improved efficiency, those who are entrenched in the system seem to work counter-intuitively and/or for their own gain.

What system works like this?

I went to the Licensing Office at Camp and Lamaha on Monday, April 4th, for a simple vehicle licence. It is now Saturday and I still don’t have it. On Monday last, I was given a lodgment

receipt and assurances that it would be ready the next day. On the subsequent days, I was told to return the next day and the next day and the next day.

On Thursday I called GRA, and a young man told me that it would be ready by 1:00pm on Friday, April 8. At just after 1:30pm access was restricted, the gates were closing, and I was made to understand that the office closes early on Fridays.

What country functions like this? It frets me - rather, it angers me - that it takes forever and more to do simple business in Guyana.

How in heaven’s name do these public agencies expect someone to travel from the Corentyne or Essequibo or any far-flung area of the country to Georgetown, only to be told to come back tomorrow and the next day and the next day?

There has to be change.

There has to be a cultural shift in the various public agencies, with emphasis on professionalism, business etiquette, quality of service, and the integrity of the system. Guyana can never be the country we dream of unless these diseases that plague the system are eradicated.

Frustrated and angry, Jay Mobeen

by this writer, who has been conducting political surveys in Guyana and the Caribbean region since 1990. The sample of 750 adults was stratified to reflect the demographics of the population.

Based on the findings of the March poll, President Ali’s approval rating stood at 72%, up by 8% from late last year, with a disapproval of 21%; 7% offered no opinion. The Government’s overall performance rating was 62%, with a disapproval of 32%. Prime Minister Mark Phillips’s performance approval rating was 63%, with a disapproval of 29%. Vice President Jagdeo’s approval rating was 70%, with a disapproval of 20%; 10% offered no opinion.

The administration’s approval rating has seen an uptick because of its handling of the many challenges facing the country, and its grounding with the people. The President, Prime Minister, Vice President and Ministers have been on outreaches, engaging the public to find out their problems, and addressing same. Many said the President, VP, the PM and the Ministers have been working very hard. The Vice President, in association with Dr. Ashni Singh, has been credited for his management of the economy.

Respondents gave the

President a thumbs-up for going out meeting people routinely, for having a common touch with ordinary folks, and for hosting celebrations of festivals like Phagwah at the lawns of State House. Asked about the recent budget, some 76% of the respondents gave a thumbs-up with only 19% expressing dissatisfaction.

Almost every respondent said they are pleased with Government’s efforts to cushion the blow from sudden inflation attributed to COVID, global fuel price hikes, rising shipping costs, and other factors, but they feel more needs to be done to lower the costs of basic goods. They say prices keep rising every time they go to the market or grocery stores.

The poll asked respondents who they would describe as the leading Ministers, based on performance and who have reached out to the public. All the Ministers received majority positive rating. Respondents say several Ministers touched their hearts, including Zulfikar Mustapha, Vindhya Persaud, Collin Croal, Anil Nandlall, Deodat Indar, Bishop Edghill, Kwame McCoy, Susan Rodrigues, among others.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (PhD)

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Toilet training for the arrival of the new companion animal

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fter, or even before, the new acquisition has settled in (within a few days), the caregiver contacts his/her veterinarian, and usually asks these first two questions: 1. How do I “potty”-train the new arrival? Actually, this word “training” may be sending a wrong message. Cats usually gravitate instinctively to the litter box (see also below).

2. What do we feed the new member of the family?

Today we shall deal with potty/toilet training.

Toilet training of kittens/ cats/puppies/small house dogs

Usually, kittens/cats are “house” animals. They will decide where in the house they prefer to hang out. These predilection spots may be somewhere close to the ceiling, in the kitchen, on the sofa, or on the computer desk. Well, my first piece of advice is to not allow the kitten/cat to decide which area of the house it wants to occupy most. For example, the kitchen is a no-no.

Too much can go wrong – mostly tripping you, God forbid – when you are moving a boiling pot of food or water from the stove to a table.

Similarly, to my Caribbean mind, the bed is no place for the cat, especially if you

have even a low-grade allergy to cat hair.

This makes one wonder why you chose a cat as your companion animal in the first place, and I really do not know what a lowgrade allergy is. Once you start sneezing and develop red, watery eyes, you will feel quite miserable.

Also, it may look cute, and you can tell a good story about your cat’s accompaniment as you work on your computer – until you leave your workstation and cute kitty’s curiosity wipes out your unsaved data.

placed as you deem necessary (at least weekly). Do not spray the box’s contents with Lysol or an air freshener.

What i s

The rules of thumb are:

1. Keep those areas where you do not want the cat to be defecating and urinating closed off from cat meanderings, and 2. Choose an area for the litterbox where you can see the animal’s preference/ usage.

You will also need to purchase/construct a litterbox or a litter tray. Litterboxes are commercially available, but you can have one made. Also, you can use a flat cardboard box for the kitten/pup. A shallow plastic container would be best.

Please bear in mind that the size must be of such width and length that would allow the animal to turn around when it is fully grown. Cats seem to instinctively turn around their bodies before defecating and urinating.

Also, the depth must be low enough for the animal to easily jump out, but high enough to keep the content (stool, sand, litter) inside the container when the pet scratches after excretion.

D o n o t k e e p the litter box covered. The contents of the litterbox must be re-

pleasant to you may be disgusting for a kitten/cat/ puppy/small dog.

Enthusing the kitten/cat/ puppy/ small dog to use the litter box

Notwithstanding the investigative instincts of young pets to investigate and then use the litter box, it would help if the caregiver would assist the process by stimulating the kitten/puppy soon after its arrival to use the little box. One practical and successful method to help the pet to use the litterbox is to lift the animal into the box and move the front legs backwards and

forwards in a scratching motion – preferably as soon as it is observed that the pet begins to defecate or urinate.

Please note that the kitten or pup should already have been weaned (no longer nursing) and introduced to solid food before it arrives at your home. We will deal with this matter when the discussion of feeding regimes commences.

At 3-4 weeks of age, the kitten/pup should be dewormed and exposed to the litterbox. The caregiver must ensure that the litter is not toxic or in any way dangerous to the young animal. Speak to your vet about the choice of litter. I usually advise against newspaper being used as litter for kittens and puppies. Certain litter products which are used for adult animals are anathema for kittens/pups if ingested or inhaled.

Keep the box that you intend to use (for pups/kittens) in an area which is clean and clear from clutter, and is accessible to them and easy to locate.

Finally, please be patient. Kittens/puppies can be slow learners. No punishment – like rubbing their noses in faeces and/or spanking them.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

World Bank forecasts Guyana’s 2023 economic growth rate at 34.3% – to be only country in LAC with growth rate in double figures

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ust months after it released one of its publications that contained the economic projections of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, the World Bank has estimated Guyana’s 2023 projected economic growth rate at over 34 per cent.

According to their semi-annual report for the LAC called “Consolidating the Recovery; Seizing Green Growth Opportunities”, which was released this month, the World Bank projects that Guyana will register a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 34.3 per cent in 2023.

This rate of growth is actually the most in the LAC region and the only one in double figures. The second highest growth rate projected for next year is St Vincent and the Grenadines, at 7.3 per cent.

When it comes to the

jected that Guyana will register growth of some 25 per cent for 2023. This was an improvement on the previously predicted 23 per cent.

forecast for 2022, the World Bank in its report projects a growth rate of 47.9 per cent for Guyana. In this case, only Barbados, with a projected growth rate of 11.2

per cent for 2022, crosses over into double figures.

In the World Bank’s “Global Economic Prospects” report from January 2022, it was pro-

The World Bank also projected economic growth of 49.7 per cent in 2022.

This economic growth projection is the only one within the LAC to cross into

double figures, once again highlighting the importance of oil exploration to the economy.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Making the future real…

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…for food self-sufficiency our Eyewitness really can’t see the PNC stopping the developmental juggernaut that Irfaan Ali has become since assuming the Presidency. Since the day before was Emancipation Day, it seems he’s taken it as his singleminded goal to emancipate our nation from all that ails it.

We’ve seen initiatives in infrastructure - with Bridges across the Demerara and Corentyne Rivers; highways to Lethem and La Grange-Parika, and around and through the city; the gas-to-shore project; a new Silica City; thousands of houses, just to mention a few.

And this week, the juggernaut continued inexorably! At the ACCC, the President launched his “25 by 25” Initiative - which translates into reducing our Regional US$5 billion food bill by 25% by 2025. In time for the next elections!!

And he assured the Caricom audience that it’s not a matter of “if or but - it WILL BE DONE, he assured. Pres Ali didn’t pull any punches. With the Caricom “Jagdeo Initiative” in mind from a decade ago - which was stillborn - he said: “Whether our ancestors came as slaves or indentured labourers, they all toiled in fields. That is a foundational principle of what makes us Caribbean people. Over the years, we have divested ourselves from this. And then we have simply been lackadaisical in some instances. We did not provide the political leadership and will that is required.

“Why would a politician stand here and say this? It is because if we will not take shared responsibility for the failure and successes for where we are, we’ll never be able to make it successfully forward. We have to embrace the failures. We have to embrace the successes. We have to woman up and man up to it, otherwise we would live in an illusion, and we couldn’t get nothing done if we live in an illusion.”

Can’t be blunter than that, can he?

The effort has already begun, of course, with that experimental cultivation of soya and corn in our Intermediate Savannahs by a consortium of private local, Caricom and Brazilian companies. There have been initiatives in the logistical challenges that’ve always proven problematic. The funding - which always depended on Trinidad, which never stepped up to the plate - will now be handled by Guyana. The President promised, “You not only have our commitment from Guyana; as far as our resources would allow us, we are going to provide the financing that is required to help to support the implementation of this strategy, because it is key for all of us.” On May 19-21, there’s gonna be a “CARICOM Agriculture Investment Forum and Expo” here to tie up loose ends!

To finally realise our destiny: “Breadbasket of the Caribbean”!! …with “Day of Fasting and Prayers” One of the problems with our leadership, President Ali pointed out when he gave the charge to leaders from the three major religions in Guyana on the “Day of Fasting and Prayers”, is a lack of values. And without boring anyone with the philosophical underpinnings, he asserted that no matter how you bend it or twist it, for the majority of mankind, morality is based on religious practices and beliefs.

There’ve been all sorts of secular systems invented over the years, such as Marxism that dismissed religion as “opium of the masses”. But over the last hundred years, these systems have foundered on the shoals of human nature, that seems to need a rock in time of challenges. This rock has proven to be religiously-founded.

Sure, it’s been said that religions can spur conflict. But the President’s initiative was intended to show that, if properly guided, each religion should accept that we must respect each other’s beliefs as valid for them.

And not wage wars to “show who’s right”!! …for the PNC Having outlined Ali’s PPP’s blitzkrieg for the hearts and minds of the Guyanese masses through their wallets, pocketbooks, houses, food and transportation, what does the future hold for Norton’s PNC? Que sera, sera!

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

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

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1856 Angel Gabriel Riots set template for ethnic riots

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n his essay, “Summarising the 1856 ‘Angel Gabriel’ Guyana Riots”, Dr Nigel Westmaas began his description of “The Riots”: “The outline of the riots is stark and involved all three counties.

The anti-Portuguese violence, directed mostly at shops, was widespread and destructive.

One report stated that “Creoles, sometimes accompanied

by East Indians and African immigrants, broke the windows and door of shops, consumed or dumped barrels of liquor…”

I questioned the source of his assertion, since his phrasing suggested East Ravi Dev Indians were involved in the “widespread and destructive anti-Portuguese violence” in “all three counties”. Nigel kindly supplied his source. It boiled down to a single incident in West Demerara, reported separately by two London Society Missionaries and cited in Monica Schuler’s, “Liberated Africans in 19th Century Guyana”. Nigel’s concession that it was a single incident changes the picture completely.

Whenever we look at the historical record, we are ineluctably seeking answers to questions posed by our present circumstances.

Some ask, “What are the lessons of history?” but actually they are asking, “What are the lessons drawn by historians or social scientists who looked at the historical record?” In “summarizing” the Angel Gabriel Riots, which has always been seen as a Portuguese-Creole/ African 19th century conflict, Nigel bootstrapped on a single incident to say: “In this specific case/debate, there are two broad notions of African-Indian relations. One notion, which I would term the “optimistic” version, attempts to depict Black–Indian relations with the broad-brush record of complete amity, that is, modern advocates (which I suspect stems from tactical usage of the notion for present political purposes) who insist there was little to no enmity between Africans and Indians in Guyana until the modern period of the 1960s. The other train of thought appeals to the notion of incessant – if not endemic – conflict between the two groups.”

The first tendency is exemplified by Dr Walter Rodney. Nigel says he straddles the median, but one wonders exactly how he segued from the Portuguese-Creole (with Indian support?) conflict to the present Indian-African one.

That is his choice, but I hope he accepts that whatever theoretical perspective adopted must address the historical record. If we play fast and loose with that record, our “lessons” will be flawed. Hence my objection to Nigel framing the Angel Gabriel Riots to suggest that East Indians participated widely and presumably for the same reasons as Creoles, who were resentful of the Portuguese displacing them in commerce and being favoured by the establishment.

Speaking from my present, my interest has been to unravel the dynamics of our ethnic relations in Guyana that have led to stunted political, social, economic and cultural development and periodic explosions of ethnic violence, with the aim of proposing initiatives to eliminate or at least alleviate whatever systemic contradictions have kept us in thrall. In my 1998 “Aetiology of an Ethnic Riot”, I made an explicit connection with the Angel Gabriel Riots: “If we look at our historical record, we would discover that (the ethnic riot) “Jan 12” is not unique in Guyana… As early as the nineteenth century, there were major riots between Africans and Portuguese in 1856 and 1889.”

I utilized the socio-psychological framework of Donald Horowitz to examine ethnic politics that may lead to ethnic riots to make the connection. It is summarized in the formula: group comparison + group legitimacy = a politics of entitlement. And it is here that I balked at equating the East Indians and Creoles/ Africans participating in the Angel Gabriel Riots in a systemic manner. With reference to Horowitz’s equation, Brian Moore, in his “The social impact of Portuguese immigration into British Guiana after Emancipation”, wrote: “The Creoles developed a complex of oppression with respect to the Portuguese. “The Portuguese have come to take over our country”; “the Portuguese take away all our money”; “we poor Creoles have no chance”; “the Governor favours the Portuguese” Such statements were frequently mouthed by the Creoles in expression of their dissatisfaction over the favours accorded to the Portuguese. So disgruntled had they become by the 1850s that some openly began to agitate for ‘Black Power” in the colony? “ ‘Black ministers, Black shopkeepers, Black merchants, Black planters,’ in fact everything Black.” He quoted the same source as Schuler, but did not mention the one instance of East Indian “rioting”.

Substituting “Indian” for “Portuguese”, the parallels with our present ethnic dilemma hopefully needs no belabouring.

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

12 NEWS

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World Bank forecasts Guyana’s 2023 economic...

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he oil rich Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum

Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

So far, ExxonMobil’s ongoing offshore exploration in Guyana has discovered a recoverable resource of more than 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels, after spending more US$600 million in di-

rect revenue that went to the Guyana Government from its operations offshore Guyana. The company anticipates up to 10 projects on the Stabroek Block to develop this resource.

It was only in February of this year that the Liza Unity floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel started producing oil in the

Liza Phase 2 development in February of this year.

It is anticipated that the Yellowtail production from the One Guyana FPSO vessel will develop an estimated resource of more than 900 million barrels of oil. The $10 billion project, which only recently received governmental and regulatory approvals, will include six drill centres and up to 26 production and 25 injection wells.

In addition to Yellowtail, Exxon already has approval from EPA for three other

projects; the Liza 1 and the Liza 2, which are already producing oil and the Payara development. ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027.

The oil company has said that the Liza Phase 2 project will have the capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon had also revealed that the Liza Phase 2 development was funded at the cost of some US$6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of approximate-

FROM PAGE 7

ly $1.6 billion, for the Liza Unity FPSO vessel. For the Phase 2 Development, six drill centres were planned, along with approximately 30 wells – 15 productions, nine water injection and six gas injection wells.

The US$9 billion Payara development, the third development, will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

FEATURE

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tion started back in 89 and at the time we used to be at the back of the village,” he told Guyana Times recently.

Cole said the seasonal business survived the crime wave of 2002 and according to him, it was around that time that he and his team moved the business to the front, to the public road at Buxton.

Kite-making is a skill that was passed down and according to the man, it is one which he enjoys each year.

Kite-maker Marvin Cole designing the frame of a kite along the public road at Buxton recently

I

t’s an operation in which each member has a pivotal role to play and for Marvin Cole, ensuring that the kites are of the best quality is one of his primary objectives.

At the same time, Cole’s kite-making business along the Buxton Public Road on the East Coast of Demerara ensures that the youths of the area are meaningfully occupied. He

Kite-maker Kwame adding the final touches to a kite. He and the younger kite-makers at the stand are tasked with adding the attractive colours, frills, loops and tails among other designs to the kites

described it as a team effort which every member of the team looks forward to at the beginning of the year.

Cole and his team of

20 young men work tirelessly in the weeks preceding Easter and according to him, it is a business that started way back in 1989. “This whole opera-

He reiterated that each person in the group has his/her role, explaining that he would buy the wood and he also takes care of the cutting of the wood into smaller pieces. Silverballi and Simarupa are the primary types of wood used since they are lightweight.

Cole’s brother would then gather the frames and other colleagues would then place the twine around the frame onto which the kite paper or plastic would be placed.

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THROUGH TIME AND SPACE

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he remarkable forces that shape Guyana’s Rupununi Wetlands Imagine being able to travel back in time to almost 2 billion years ago, long before dinosaurs existed, when the Earth was mostly water, with only microscopic life. Any exposed land would seem strange and otherworldly; rocky landscapes would be completely bare of plants and animals.

Though most of these ancient landscapes have long disappeared, there is a little-known area along the northern coast of South America where ancient mountains from the Earth’s deep past still stand – a unique geological time machine that remains core to Guyana’s present and future prosperity.

At 1.7 billion years old, the Guiana Shield covers six countries, with Guyana at its centre. It contains the oldest mountains in the Americas, and some of the world’s most unaltered natural landscapes. But because of the Shield’s great age, much of Guyana’s interior soils have been washed and weathered over millennia, leaving them very nutrient-poor.

In these highlands, however, most of Guyana’s rivers spring forth, carving canyons into this ancient landscape and creating the foundation for forests, savannahs, and all the wondrous habitats in between. Here rivers function like arteries, pulsing with the seasons, and circulating nutrients across many habitats.

In the geographical heart of Guyana, and the Guiana Shield, sits the Rupununi: a wetland unlike any other, with a bonanza of rainforests, savannahs, bush islands, mountains, oxbow lakes, and large inland flood plains. About 180 million years ago, the Rupununi’s distinctive rolling savannahs sat at the bottom of a giant inland lake that was fed by rivers flowing off the Guiana Highlands. Smaller remnants of this primeval lake still exist, and spread across the savannahs like an echo through time during the intense Rupununi rainy seasons.

It is on this ancient floodplain that the headwaters of two giant, South American rivers reach out across the savannahs and connect, creating a “portal” between worlds and watersheds, and setting the scene for a remarkable but little understood migration of animals through a wetland unlike any other. During periods of high rainfall, the region’s major rivers – the Rupununi, Ireng and Takutu – overflow their riverbanks, creating a slow-moving, shallow sheet of water that acts as a temporary path for fish and other aquatic animals to traverse.

The connection between the Amazon and Essequibo, which happens in the Rupununi, has allowed for the mixing of species from both eco-regions, creating a unique and extremely rich combination of animals, habitats, and ecosystems. This mix includes some of the planet’s largest and most diverse bat and freshwater fish populations, as well as a giant Arapaima species that may be new to science.

Despite the Rupununi’s extremely poor soils, the area’s intense seasonal flooding brings much-needed nutrients from its forested areas into its savannahs, driving the landscape’s ability to be productive and sustain the communities that live there.

With the area coming into focus for accelerated development – including international road links, petroleum, agricultural diversification, community development, conservation, and tourism development – integrated planning and management has never been more critical. The Rupununi is home to the Wapichan, Macusi and Wai Wai Indigenous peoples, who have long depended on the area’s natural production for their livelihoods and well-being. Now covered by a mosaic of land uses – community-owned lands, protected areas, ranches, state leases, mining concessions, expanding urban centres, and the town of Lethem – the Rupununi and its continued productivity is central to achieving national prosperity.

Protecting the richness of the Rupununi requires an integrated, landscape-level and nature-based approach. Whether designing roads to allow for water flow, or fostering sustainable economies across the region, there are still many nature-centred approaches available in pursing development in the Rupununi; approaches that can bring needed benefits to Guyanese, while still decreasing how much natural production is lost in the process.

This critical wetland also contributes to the productivity of our coastlands. As it expands and contracts in the centre of Guyana, fine sediments flow in two opposite directions: north to the Essequibo and south to the Amazon. These sediments spend years travelling down their respective rivers, eventually meeting again on the far distant shores of Guyana’s Atlantic coast. Here a powerful natural earth engine pulls new land from the ocean, creating extremely young coastal wetland ecosystems with the potential to save our coast from the most severe impacts of the climate crisis.

Look out for “The Mud That Makes Us: The extraordinary earth engine shaping and reshaping Guyana’s coast” as we take our exploration of Guyana to the one-of-a-kind coastal and mangrove forests along our shores.

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

FEATURE

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FROM PAGE 13

The box-kite is one of several unusual kites which are in demand at Marvin Cole’s kite-making stand at Buxton

Finally, the other members of the team would be tasked with cutting and pasting the paper or plastic and adding the final touches to “style” the kite. “We got box kites, round the world, and star kites,” Cole added as he spoke of the multiple designs his team has in their repertoire.

Cole said some two weeks before the Easter

season begins, he makes his preparations and heads to the roadside. In terms of orders, he said he makes kites free of cost for schools while other organisations such as churches would order large amounts, numbering more than 500 at once. They would pay for the kites while the businessman would also donate some kites free to the

One of several ‘unusual’ kites designed by Marvin Cole and his team at Buxton

church. “It is part of giving back,” he said.

In terms of the prices, he said this varies from as low as $1000 to $15,000, the latter being the bigger kites such as the 6 feet kites. He said too that there are per-

sons who would make special orders in terms of design and those, he noted, would also carry a cost agreed upon by him and the customer. “Any kite you want we make, the most unusual I ever had was around

the world kite and that had a lot of work,” he added, noting that it was the most difficult one he ever made.

Cole’s preparations would also see him making orders for materials weeks before Easter. He said he

imports some of the materials from Brazil and some from Trinidad and Tobago.

He explained that the plastic and paper as well as the string used in making the kites are brought from those countries. “We have some special kite paper which we have to bring from Brazil,” he added. The wood is sourced locally, Cole said.

Cole also spoke about his young team and he noted that many of the boys started making kites in their childhood years. “Since January they would say ‘yo Cole, when we starting?’ and then we would come out and everybody know what they got to do when we out here,” he said of the team.

As Cole and his team design their kites, multiple vehicles stop in front of the kite stand as customers make special and large orders for kites, as demand for the kites increase as the Easter weekend approaches.

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Mahalia’s Kitchen brings a Guyanese taste to Somerset, England M

ahalia Arjoon Purchase loves cooking and as such, when she realised that she may be the only, or one of a very few Guyanese living in Somerset, England, she realised that she could introduce a food business which serves up flavourful dishes to the area.

And in 2019, she did just that, opening the doors to Mahalia’s Kitchen, a cafe and takeaway service where the foods are in-

fused with Caribbean and Guyanese flavours.

Mahalia was born in Kumaka at Mabaruma, in the North West District of Guyana. She spent a few years at Yarakita near the Guyana-Venezuela border during her childhood and as time went by, she moved to the city where she attended the St Joseph High School and the University of Guyana.

“I first worked at Fogarty’s as a sales assis-

tant,” she said, noting that she worked in the manufacturing sector when she entered the field of accounting in the banking sector and later at Stabroek News in the advertising department.

Two decades ago, she moved to the United Kingdom; she lived in London for 3 years after which she moved to Somerset where she has been living for the past 17 years. Mahalia managed

to qualify herself as a certified holistic health coach after moving to the UK and according to the mother of two, her liking for healthy foods is one of the many reasons she decided to open the eatery.

As regards moving to England, she noted that it was a “very big challenge”, adding that she managed to adapt since London’s multi-cultural life includes meeting persons who are from vari-

Mahalia Arjoon Purchase standing in front of her café a few weeks after its opening three years ago

ous nationalities including those from the Caribbean and Guyana. She said moving to Somerset was a huge challenge since she was the only Guyanese in her area, and according to her, she may be the only non-white person there. “I discovered after a month of moving in here, I realised I could not get the type of foods I am accustomed to eating so it was a difficult transition,” she said.

“So that is the reason why I opened my café so that I can bring a bit of the Caribbean to this area, the flavour and spices, and that is why people like coming here to my café because it is different, different foods, atmosphere,” she explained.

The idea

Mahalia said she loves cooking and according to her, after recognising the

That was in the month prior to 2019. She said as she started to cook more foods and recognised the response was favourable, she decided to test the waters a bit and opened the café at High Street, Somerset.

She explained that initially, she was cooking mainly foods found in the United Kingdom since she was not sure how persons would respond. But as time went by, she would add the Caribbean dishes to the menu. “And people would come to the café and ask for the foods from the Caribbean,” she added.

She said that the customers included persons who may have travelled to the region including Guyana. “So that is how the idea came about,” she added, noting that she simply brought the flavours to the people. She said her curries and jerk chicken, including

Mahalia Arjoon Purchase preparing some tasty pholourie at her café

vacuum of foods she is accustomed to eating, she decided that she should share her culture and skills with the community. She said she started by cooking for her friends via small “popup” kitchens. She said she would visit the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) hall in her area and open her “pop-up” kitchen once each month.

wings, turned out to be in demand.

Dealing with the pandemic

Mahalia noted that the café was attracting many customers since she opened its doors in August 2019 but months into its first year of opening, the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world’s healthcare systems.

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NEWS

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150 more fire hydrants to be installed soon

Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham

T

he Government is intensifying its efforts to build the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service

to effectively respond to fire calls.

Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham on

Lethem man dies after crashing motorcycle

A

44-year-old man of Massara village was on Friday evening killed in an accident along the Massara Access Road in North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Dead is Valdimer Bezzera, who was riding a motorcycle at the time of the accident.

Reports are that the motorcycle was proceeding in a northern direction on the roadway at a fast rate of

speed and whilst in the process of negotiating a left bend, Bezzera lost control of the vehicle and fell onto the road’s surface.

He was later discovered in a motionless state by a public-spirited citizen who was traversing the area at the time. He was subsequently picked up and taken to the Massara Health Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigations are ongoing.

Thursday disclosed that an additional 150 fire hydrants will be installed across the country, soon. This is in addition to the 151 that have already been set up around Georgetown.

“We are manufacturing another 150 hydrants which we intend to stretch out throughout the country to help us in firefighting once we get those connections going,” the Fire Chief stated.

Wickham said mapping exercises are ongoing to install the hydrants in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and 10.

Budget 2022 has allotted $100 million for the installation of fire hydrants around the country to ensure there is

A fire hydrant

adequate water supply in the event of a fire.

Additionally, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn reported a 22 per

cent reduction in fires in 2021. Minister Benn said Government will continue to invest in various avenues to further reduce the incidenc-

es of fire.

This, he said, will be done by distributing 3000 free smoke detectors and fireballs to homeowners and businesses this year.

Fireballs are a revolutionary self-activating device designed to extinguish fires, providing a much-needed additional line of defence.

Since taking office, Government has heavily invested in building the capacity of the Guyana Fire Service. Some of the investments include the acquisition of fire tenders and other firefighting equipment, along with training and establishment of fire stations in hinterland regions.

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FEATURE

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Mahalia’s Kitchen brings...

But it turned out to be a testing period for Mahalia’s Kitchen. The proprietor noted that the take-away style of buying food was introduced in England to cope with the pandemic and since there were only Italian, British and other types of food serving at restaurants, she decided she should join the market and introduce her Caribbean, Guyanese take-aways.”So I would say I introduced the Caribbean flavours to this area and it has been thriving so far,” she said.

She said persons have been asking for private bookings and according to her as time goes by, she would introduce a new blend of foods or styled beverages to the menu.

The menu

The foods posses Caribbean infused flavours Mahalia explained noting that even the English dishes would have a sample of the taste of the West Indies. She said her ingredients are sourced “very local” adding that although her flavours are from this

The garden atmosphere at the café at Mahalia’s Kitchen

side of the world, she supports the local farming markets in Somerset. She added that her spices are usually sourced from overseas including Guyana through a supplier in England. “So people do like that about my business , because I ensure all my supplies are very much local,” she said.

The dishes include salads, curries, pepper-pot,

Guyanese-styled fried rice, fingers foods such as pholourie and cheese straws and a line of smoothies as well as tasty barbeque chicken. She also gave names to some of the beverages and with a giggle she recalled growing up on a peanut farm outside Mabaruma at Wauna. She recalled her father making peanut punch many times.

As such she gave the name

Mahalia has said she utilises Caribbean seasoning and spices to bring a unique taste to the foods offered at her café

FROM PAGE 18

“Dad’s nut punch” to her peanut punch. She also gave the name of her mother to her hot bowl dishes including rice/peas combinations.

Mahalia also utilise social media to market her business ; she created a Facebook account-Mahalia’s Kitchen- and she can also be found on TikTok. In terms of challenges , Mahalia said sourcing spices and a few other ingredients can be a spot of bother but she noted that she recently discovered a supplier who imports Guyanese food items into the United Kingdom.

She added that there are day to day challenges such as increase in prices items her business utilises either directly or indirectly. She said she is still searching for other suppliers as she strive to introduce new foods to the menu at Mahalia’s Kitchen.

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FEATURE

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HEALTH TIPS BENEFITS OF FASTING

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine/ Endocrinology, and Diabetes

D

espite its recent surge in popularity, fasting is a practice that dates back centuries, and plays a central role in many cultures and religions.

It is defined as the abstinence from all or some foods or drinks for a set period of time, and there are many different ways of fasting.

In general, most types of fast are performed over a period ranging from 24 to 72 hours. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting ranging from a few hours to a few days at a time.

Fasting has been shown to have many health benefits, from increased weight loss to better brain function.

Here are some health benefits of fasting:

1. Promotes blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance Several studies have found that fasting may improve blood sugar control, which could be especially useful for those at risk of diabetes. In fact, one study in 10 people with type 2 diabetes showed that short-term intermittent fasting significantly decreased blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, another review found that both intermittent fasting and alternate-day fasting were as effective at limiting calorie intake as at reducing insulin resistance.

Decreasing insulin resistance can increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing it to transport glucose from the bloodstream to cells more efficiently.

2.

Promotes better health by fighting inflammation While acute inflammation is a normal immune process used to help fight off infections, chronic inflammation can have serious consequences for our health.

Research shows that inflammation may be involved in the development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Some studies have found that fasting can help decrease levels of inflammation and help promote better health. One study in 50 healthy adults showed that intermittent fasting for one month significantly decreased levels of inflammatory markers.

3. May enhance heart health by improving blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels Heart disease is considered the leading cause of

death around the world, accounting for an estimated 31.5% of deaths globally.

Switching up our diet and lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Some research has found that incorporating fasting into one’s routine may be especially beneficial when it comes to heart health.

One small study revealed that eight weeks of alternate-day fasting reduced levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides by 25% and 32% respectively.

In addition, one study in 4,629 people associated fasting with a lower risk of coronary artery disease, as well as a significantly lower risk of diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

4. May boost brain function and prevent neurodegenerative disorders Though this is mostly limited to animal research, several studies have found that fasting could have a powerful effect on brain health.

One study in mice showed that practising intermittent fasting for 11 months improved both brain function and brain structure.

5. Aids weight loss by limiting calorie intake and boosting metabolism Many dieters pick up fasting while looking for a quick and easy way to drop a few pounds. Theoretically, abstaining from all or certain foods and beverages should decrease the overall calorie intake, which could lead to increased weight loss over time.

Some research has also found that short-term fasting may boost metabolism by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which could enhance weight loss. In fact, one review showed that whole-day fasting could reduce body weight by up to 9%, and significantly decrease body fat over 12–24 weeks.

6. Increases growth hormone secretion, which is vital for growth, metabolism, weight loss, and muscle strength Human growth hormone (HGH) is a type of protein hormone that is central to many aspects of our health.

Research shows that this key hormone is involved in growth, metabolism, weight loss, and muscle strength.

Several studies have found that fasting could naturally increase HGH levels.

7. Delay aging and extend longevity Several animal studies have found promising results on the potential lifespan-extending effects of fasting. In one study, rats that fasted

every other day experienced a delayed rate of aging, and lived 83% longer than rats that didn’t fast.

However, current research is still limited to animal studies. Further studies are needed to understand how fasting may impact longevity and aging in humans.

8. May aid in cancer prevention and increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy Animal and test-tube studies indicate that fasting may benefit the treatment and prevention of cancer.

In fact, one rat study found that alternate-day fasting helped block tumour formation. Similarly, a testtube study showed that exposing cancer cells to several cycles of fasting was as effective as chemotherapy in delaying tumour growth, and increased the effectiveness of

chemotherapy drugs on cancer formation.

Unfortunately, most research is limited to the effects of fasting on cancer formation in animals and cells.

How to start fasting

There are many different types of fast, making it easy to find a method that fits YOUR lifestyle.

Here are a few of the most common types of fasting: * Water fasting: This involves drinking only water for a set amount of time. * Juice fasting: This entails drinking only vegetable or fruit juice for a certain period. * Intermittent fasting: Intake is partially or completely restricted for a few hours up to a few days at a time, and a normal diet is resumed on other days. * Partial fast-

ing: Certain foods or drinks, such as processed foods, animal products or caffeine, are eliminated from the diet for a set period. * Calorie restriction: Calories are restricted for a few days every week.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS

Despite the long list of possible health benefits associated with fasting, it may not be right for everyone.

For persons with diabetes or low blood sugar, fasting can lead to spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which could be dangerous.

Additionally, fasting is not generally recommended without medical supervision for older adults, adolescents, or people who are underweight.

For those who decide to try fasting, be sure to stay well hydrated and fill the diet with nutrient-dense

foods (fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free milk products, seafood, lean meats, eggs, peas, beans, and nuts) during the eating periods, to maximise the potential health benefits.

Additionally, if fasting for longer periods, try to minimise intense physical activity, and get plenty of rest.

HAPPY LENT, RAMADAN, AND NAVARATRI!

32 NEWS

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New Arbitration Bill being crafted to better handle oil-related cases – AG

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, engaging President of Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Adrian Saunders

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he Government of Guyana is working on a new Arbitration Bill to better handle cases related to the oil and

gas industry, according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC. He was at the time de-

livering the feature address to budding law students at a University of Guyana symposium titled “Paths in the Legal

Profession” which forms part of activities for Law Week 2022.

He said the Government is optimistic about creating the requisite infrastructure, training the requisite personnel, and having the system ready to handle disputes that will emanate from the sector.

“We need sophisticated and very advanced financial laws to regulate investments, the raising of monies, the stock market, and all these new and dynamic areas that were never alive in such a way in Guyana,” the Attorney General emphasised.

He noted that a functioning and updated law

reporting system is necessary. To this end, the AG has already commissioned a law revision exercise to bring the laws of Guyana up to date. When the exercise is completed, it will incorporate all the updates made from 2012 to 2021.

“That is an important aspect of civilisation and development in a society.

The laws must be accessible to every single citizen. Fortunately, we have technological platform that will make that easily possible but we have to get the work done. That exercise has started,” he explained.

Further, an exercise that will bring Guyana’s law reports dating back to

the 1800s up to date has been commissioned. He said it has since been updated to the year 2007 and will continue to the year 2020.

During the symposium, the budding lawyers were given brief presentations

by UG’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed, members of the Judiciary and several legal luminaries.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Adrian Saunders also made brief remarks.

Law Week 2022, which is spearheaded by the Guyana Bar Association is being held under the theme “Advancing the Rule of Law in the New Normal”.

Canadian Armed Forces exercise planning and execution course concludes

Seated fourth from left is the Home Affairs Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mae Thomas. To her left is Colonel Julius Skeete, along with Heads of Services and representatives of Government agencies and course participants

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he curtains were drawn on Friday on the Canadian Armed Forces’ Exercise Planning and Execution Course with a simple closing ceremony at the Officers’ Mess, Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands.

The course commenced on Monday, March 28, 2022, and concluded on April 8, 2022. Participants

were drawn from the Joint Services and Government agencies which included the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU), the Foreign Affairs and International Corporation Ministry, and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).

Colonel-General Staff, Colonel Julius Skeete in remarks said that he is pleased with the conduct of the course and urged participants to not lose focus of the training and the impact it holds for their individual agencies.

Additionally, Colonel Skeete highlighted that over the past two weeks, relationships were formed. He added that this is the level of cooperation that will be demonstrated in the leadup to and during Exercise Tradewinds 2023, which will be held in Guyana.

Lead Instructor for the Canadian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Hale in a short course review explained that the course covered the steps of exercise planning to enable students to understand the requirements and detailed work needed to put together an international exercise and how to tailor this for national and even single-service exercises.

The participants were presented with certificates of completion.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“You are an integral part of the catalyst for change group” – Top Cop tells HoD – to submit “needs analysis” by Friday

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken at the meeting

Some of the Heads of Departments at the meeting on Thursday

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cting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken on Thursday met with all Heads of Departments (HoD) and Branch Commanders, during which he outlined his strategic vision for the Force and the direction in which he wants to see this noble organisation move.

“As of today, you are part of the ‘catalyst for change group’. You are fortunate to be managing critical departments in the Guyana Police Force. Hence, you have to improve your output by paying more attention to the management of resources within your span of control,” Hicken told the senior ranks.

He said rotation builds capacity in an organization, and noted that underperformance would not be condoned. As such, a renewed vision is paramount if the Force is to achieve its mandate, he said.

“I am confident that you can do much more… and I will create an environment for us to achieve that," Hicken added.

In addition, he warned that the ‘laissez-faire’ approach that obtains is not considered a suitable leadership style, due to the nature of the organisation. As such, this approach would be changed immediately.

‘Leader’, and not a ‘boss’

“I have spoken to you one-on- one, and I have given some of you an opportunity to correct your mistakes. I am a gentleman and a leader, not a boss. It is my belief that cohesiveness and professionalism will help us to sustain existing structures that foster development in a holistic way,” he declared.

“My focus for the Force is to improve professionalism, service to members of the public, mitigate crime and disorder, increase seizure of drugs and guns, and create safe communities,” the act-

ing Top Cop declared.

Notwithstanding that, he alluded to the fact that it is important for members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to have a hands-on approach, and to provide guidance for the heads of departments.

He praised the department heads for their contributions, but encouraged them to adapt to change to satisfy the demands as mandated in an effort to improve service to the public.

Sport

Hicken explained that sport is a vehicle that can change the outlook of the GPF. “If we want to bridge the gap with alacrity, then it has to be done through sports, to support the current initiatives,” the Top Cop said.

He noted that the Force is currently in the process of employing a Sports Development Officer, and urged the heads of the respective sports departments to sit with the Strategic Planning Unit and derive a concept to have sports representatives decentralized in each region in a structured way, and they must be part of the outreach arrangements aimed at developing youths.

Further, Hicken told heads of departments that they must inculcate moral attitudes that can take the Force forward in a positive way.

However, Deputy C o m m i s s i o n e r ‘Administration’ (ag.)

Calvin Brutus, in his remarks, spoke of the many training and scholarship opportunities that members of the Force would benefit from, with many already benefiting from a number of training programmes.

He also touched on the strategic plan, and the need for all heads of departments to submit a ‘needs analysis’ for their respective departments by next Friday.

The Deputy Commissioner also spoke on several administrative

issues and initiatives, including the possibility of the Force opening an Air Wing to meet contemporary challenges.

Also, Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag.) Ravindradat Budhram, addressed the heads of departments and shared similar sentiments as expressed

by Hicken and Brutus in terms of the strategic vision

that is in place for the Force.

As Head of Operations, Budhram said, he would be having regular interactions with the department heads as the leadership team moves the Force forward.

Meanwhile, Head of the Presidential Guard, Assistant Commissioner Edgar Thomas, has said he believes the vision and the new direction in which

the Guyana Police Force is heading is much needed.

He reminded those present to take pride in the fact that, under the direction of Hicken, they are in a position to play an integral part in transforming the image of the Force in a positive way, and to be a part of the catalyst for change and transformation that are so needed in the Force at this time.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman sets Roxanne Burnham Gardens home on fire – family of 5 homeless

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woman has been taken into custody for setting fire to a home at Roxanne Burnham Gardens in Georgetown – leaving a family of five homeless.

The fire started at around 07:16h on

This fire that occurred in Roxanne Burnham Gardens has left a family of five homeless

Saturday. Based on reports received, after the Guyana Fire Service received the report, water tenders from the West Ruimveldt and Central Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, firefighters saw a one-sto-

rey wooden-and-concrete building engulfed in flames.

The building, owned by Aaron Watson, 39, was occupied by himself and four others. As a result of the fire, the building and its contents were destroyed.

Officials have confirmed

that the purported cause of the fire is a malicious setting by a woman who has subsequently been taken into custody.

The Guyana Fire Service (GPS), in a statement, is reminding citizens that there are harsh penal-

ties attached to arson attacks; and once identified, perpetrators would face the full brunt of the law.

Only a few days ago, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reported a 22 per cent reduction in fires for 2021.

In this light, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, during his address at the GFS Senior Officers’ Conference, said Guyana is lagging in the area of fire inspection of buildings, especially commercial ones.

He promised there would be an aggressive campaign in this regard,

while announcing that Government would distribute 3,000 fireballs to citizens for their homes and businesses.

“Fireballs and smoke detectors, we must give them out free,” the Minister added.

Since Government assumed office, it has made great efforts to modernise the Fire Service. Recently, over 100 fire hydrants were serviced and replaced in Georgetown. Several fire hydrants will shortly be installed in other regions.

Suspect arrested after stealing from Moruca businessman

The items that were found in the suspect’s possession

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olice in Region One (Barima-Waini) have arrested a man in connection with a robbery committed on a 49-year-old businessman of Kumaka Water Front, Moruca, North West District (NWD).

The incident occurred in the wee hours of Thursday after the businessman, who operates a grocery shop, secured his premises and went to bed.

Reports are that at around 09:00h the next morning, the businessman went to his shop and discovered the door open and items missing. As such, a report was made to Acquero Police Station.

Police said after receiving the report, a man was seen walking along the

Moruca Access Road with a black haversack on his back.

Upon seeing the Police, he reportedly started to act in a suspicious manner and as such, he was confronted by a Police rank.

A search was conducted on his person and a computer suspected to have been stolen was found in the haversack. He was immediately told of the allegation and admitted to committing the crime.

He also provided the Police with additional information which led to the recovery of the other items that were stolen. The perpetrator confessed to stealing the laptop, four cartons of cigarettes and 18 tins of sausage.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Small businesses are the backbone of any economy” – GCCI President – 768 small businesses received financial support from Govt in 2021

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resident of the G e o r g e t o w n Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker on Friday evening stated that for any economy to remain stable in this modern age, there must be a system of small businesses to support that economy, as small businesses are the backbone of any country’s economy.

He was at the time addressing the launch of Guyana’s first-ever “National Small Business Week,” an initiative that seeks to increase the visibility of its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) members.

“The importance of small businesses, of micro-businesses, medium businesses, is the scope of any economy is important. Small, medium, and micro-businesses are the backbone, it is what grows any economy, it grows any country. Every single big business you see in this country was once a small business, it had to find its footing somewhere, it had to grow somewhere,” Tucker noted.

As such, Tucker explained that organisations like the GCCI should strive, even harder, to fight for the development and financial support of small businesses in Guyana.

“It is important that we develop and we fight for the development of the things and the support services for small businesses so that we can grow them,” he explained.

However, at the event, Research and Marketing Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Shamane

GCCI President Timothy Tucker

Headley disclosed that almost 1000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) would have received financial support from the Government in 2021.

“In 2021, for the first time since its establishment, the Small Business Bureau disbursed a total of 746 small business grants exceeding our annual target and that was quite an accomplishment. At the end of 2021, a total of 768 small businesses accessed financial support valued $377 million in the form of grants, loans, and sponsorship.”

In addition, the Bureau created some 1323 jobs by assisting a number of MSMEs across the country.

“The SBB targets both start-up and existing businesses and as such our support assisted with the creation of 1323 jobs across the country,” she added.

The launching of the “National Small Business Week” is a collaboration between the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) through its Entrepreneurship and Small Business Committee and Guyana Telephone and

Telegraph Company (GTT) Business Solutions.

The week-long observance kick-started on Friday and will run until April 16, 2022. A small business expo was held on Saturday at Parc Rayne, Rahaman’s Park which fea-

The expo at Parc Rayne on Saturday

tured some 40 exhibitors.

Other activities during the week will include a series of online webinars, community outreaches, and special discounts on

products and services from over 40 participating businesses.

GO-INVEST Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop, GTT Chief

Operations Officer Orson Ferguson and Head of the National Small Business Week, Dr Rosh Khan were also present at the launching ceremony.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTT launches new service to enhance small businesses

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond joined GTT executives and representatives from Private Sector bodies at the launch of the Connex service on Saturday

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elecommunications giant, Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GTT) on Saturday launched an innovative suite of services to champion small and medium sized businesses in Guyana by catering to their technological needs.

The new product – Connex – offers improved internet and landline services for small and medium sized businesses that ensure affordability and reliability as well as efficiency.

Connex includes fibre speeds of up to 600 megabytes per second and 6000 free minutes monthly including calls to the United States and Canada, coupled with free Caller ID and Call Waiting features.

The company’s Business Solutions division has been positioning itself to champion the promotion of small businesses in Guyana through innovative solutions.

According to Chief Operations Officer of GTT Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, this new product will make communication faster and deliver more value for small businesses so that they can grasp opportunities.

“Connex combines faster and more reliable fibre broadband plus voice calling, all on one bill. This solution, we believe, will meet the needs of small businesses. It will make them more competitive and put them in a position to take advantage of the opportunities of this new economy,” he noted.

Ferguson added that this is just the beginning since GTT will be rolling out several other add-ons to further simplify the lives of small business owners and deliver even greater value.

The COO posited that

GTT is aiming to be the first choice for small businesses.

Already, the company has dedicated officers working and meeting with hundreds of small businesses across the country to make the right technology decisions.

Meanwhile, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond speaking at the launch, lauded initiatives like this that are being undertaken by major Private Sector players to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This, she noted, will complement the Government’s efforts toward developing and enabling the climate for SMEs to grow to regional and global competitors.

“Government support is a necessary condition but is a sufficient condition. Other support is critical. Without the support of larger companies, the SMEs cannot survive… I personally would like to see more sustained and structured programmes by the Private Sector to support small businesses,” Walrond stated.

Outlining some of the interventions her Government has made to support the small business sector, the Industry and Commerce Minister reassured that this will continue going forward.

GTT’s launch of its new service coincides with the National Small Business Week 2022, which kicked off on Saturday with an exhibition featuring over 40 small businesses.

The event is sponsored

by GTT Business Solution in collaboration with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

President of GCCI, Timothy Tucker underscored the importance of supporting micro, small and medium businesses. He noted that one of the Chamber’s

responsibilities is supporting, promoting and helping small businesses to grow.

However, Tucker pointed out that small businesses need much more, including space.

“We must, as a country,

facilitate [and] as a business community, encourage, help, improve standards but we also have to be able to give them the space in which they can occupy to grow their businesses,” he stated.

According to the

Chamber President, GCCI already has a plan to build businesses.

“We’ve also been working on a number of other programmes such as this [to] really grow and help small and micro-businesses. So as much as we might not be out there every day, I can assure you that GCCI is here [and] is determined to make a better life and make it better for small and micro-businesses – all businesses [to grow],” he stated.

Meanwhile, further echoing sentiments expressed

by Minister Walrond as well as representative from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Chief Executive Officer of GTT Damian Blackburn pledged not only the telecommunication company’s continued support towards the development of small businesses in Guyana but also financial assistance.

“In terms of the financing challenge… we have ideas around that. We obviously have MMG as a starting point… I think that

some amazing things could be done around financing small business. I pledge to give my personal time and the organisation’s time and effort to see if we can work something out there because I do think it is the most fundamental thing that small businesses need,” Blackburn asserted.

The GTT boss further stated that the Connex product will be revolutionary in transforming businesses.

Saturday’s launch, which was held prior to the opening of the Small Business Expo at Parc Rayne, saw GTT announcing three months free connection of its Connex service as well as a one-month free membership to GCCI for the exhibitors.

Additionally, installation will be free over the next two months for businesses that sign up for the Connex service, which offers packages as low as $18,999 for both internet and landline services.

The Connex solution is accessible in areas where GTT has established its Fibre service.

38 NEWS No plans to remove electricity subsidy from Region 10 – VP Jagdeo assures SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 20221 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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ice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that the PPP/C Administration has no plans to remove the electricity subsidy currently being enjoyed by residents of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

He made this position known via a social media on Saturday evening in response to remarks made

by Leader of the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Aubrey Norton during an outreach to the community.

“Reeling from his rejection by the people of Linden as evidenced by the poor turnout at his meeting, Aubrey Norton has em-

barked on his familiar acts of deception and desperation. The most recent of such is his peddling of the lie that the PPP/C Government plans to remove the electricity subsidy from Region Ten. This is totally untrue as the government has no such plans,” the Vice President contended.

“Guyanese should therefore not fall prey to Norton’s attempt to mislead and cause panic,” he added.

The electricity costs for residents in that region are significantly subsidized by the government. Reports in 2014 indicate that Lindeners pay $5 per kWh while the rest of Guyana pays $64 per kWh.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

In fact, in that very year, $3.2B was budgeted to maintain the subsidy in Linden

and Kwakwani so that 10,500 electricity customers in the region can continue to

benefit from the rates that are highly subsidised.

The PPP/C administration has made it clear that there are major plans in the pipeline for the development of Region Ten. In the 2022 budget, the region has an allocation of $5.3 billion in total. The sum of $1.1 billion is for health services, $352 million for public works, $75 million for agriculture and $281 million for regional administration and finance.

One of the major initiatives that is being undertaken by the government is the construction of the Caribbean Development bank (CDB) funded Linden to Marbura Hill road project.

The road works include upgrading the existing alignment to asphaltic concrete surface; 2 lanes spanning 7.2 metre width; and 122 kilometres with the inclusion of five drainage structures.

In 2021, Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, had reported that a multi-million-dollar waterfront development project was in the bidding process.

He had reported that a total of $30 million is expected to be expended in the first phase of the project.

The projects will see a host of benefits including job creation in the township, and the expansion of the mining town’s river and eco-tourism potential.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President Ali still awaiting Parliament’s nominee for NRF Board

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali has stated that he is still awaiting Parliament to submit its nominee for the Natural Resource Fund Board after which he will be announcing the other members.

“As soon as Parliament gives me the name, you will have the Board,” the Head of State told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Friday.

Last month, the Parliamentary Committee of Appointments approved the nomination of Dunstan Barrow as a Director to sit on the NRF Board, which will have oversight of Guyana’s oil revenues.

Barrow, a former People’s National Congress (PNC) Member of Parliament, was nominated by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

However, his nomination did not attract the approval of the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition.

It was reported that there were initially 10 nominees – three from the

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Government and seven from the Opposition.

The Government’s nominees were Barrow, former Guyana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and NonResident Ambassador to France and Russia, Hamley Case, and former Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Clement Sealey.

Amongst the Opposition nominees were Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram and former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Vincent Adams.

Reports are that the coalition members were up-

set that Government used it’s one-seat majority in the National Assembly to eventually have its nominee selected.

But at a press conference last month, President Ali told reporters that the parliamentary process provides for the Committee of Appointments to select someone of public standing in society to serve as the Director of the Board.

“Let’s focus for one moment on the three names that were submitted, that tells you how much interest we want in ‘One Guyana’, not PPP names, three citizens of this country. When we talk about ‘One Guyana’ you need to have integrity,” the Head of State noted.

While stating that he has no issues with the Opposition nominees, President Ali had contended that the parliamentary process must be respected.

Moreover, he pointed out the duplicity of the APNU/ AFC coalition, which had rejected Ram’s nomination for the Chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) but is now supporting his nom-

ination.

Meanwhile, in addition to Barrow’s nomination for the NRF Board, the Committee of Appointments also went ahead and approved the Government’s nomination of Clement Sealey to sit on the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee under the NRF Act. With the nominees approved by the Committee of Appointments, the next step is for a motion and draft report to be presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which will then have to take a decision on whether to send the nominations to the floor of the National Assembly.

After the nominee is approved by the House, his name will then be sent to the President.

The three-to-five-member NRF Board is expected to be made up of mostly civil society representatives with one nominee from the Private Sector and one from Parliament. The other members are to be appointed by the President.

President Ali had previously made it clear that he

will select the individuals to sit on the Board with the utmost integrity.

“We have some very good names that is being considered and I’m just waiting now for Parliament to send their recommendations and then with immediacy, you will see the Board,” the Head of State said earlier this year.

Section 5 (2) of the NRF Act provides that the Directors shall be selected from among persons who have wide experience and ability in legal, financial, business or administrative matters but no member of the National Assembly is eligible.

The NRF Act was passed in the National Assembly in December, amid chaos caused by the APNU/AFC Opposition who disrupted the proceedings after the Bill was brought up for debate.

The Bill, which has since been assented to by President Ali, outlines that the Directors will hold the post for not more than two years with eligibility for reappointment, and all appointments, as well as

changes in appointments, are to be gazetted and published on the Ministry’s website and in two daily newspapers.

The new Bill states that the Board of Directors will be responsible for the overall management of the Fund, reviewing and approving the policies of the Fund, monitoring the performance of the Fund, ensuring compliance with the approved policies of the Fund, and ensuring that the Fund is managed in compliance with the Act and all other applicable laws.

Moreover, the Board is also expected to report to the subject Minister, who is allowed to give policy directives as deemed necessary to their functions. In addition, the legislation caters for the appointment of two committees, one of which is the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, which will provide non-Government oversight of the Fund and comprises various civil society representatives who will have to present a report to the National Assembly annually.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EPA reviewing draft Parent Company Guarantee Agreement from Exxon – optimistic of including clause allowing flexibility on US$2B guarantee

By Jarryl Bryan

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he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is presently reviewing a draft Parent Company Guarantee agreement from oil giant ExxonMobil, with the aim of not only ensuring there is a US$2 billion assurance in place but also making sure this amount can be increased in the event of an oil spill on a scale that exceeds that amount.

This was revealed by EPA Executive Director Kemraj Parsaram, who explained that while the draft agreement is with EPA, the environmental regulator is insistent on the inclusion of various clauses that will ensure maximum protection for the entire Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

“This is for the entire Stabroek Block, it’s not limited to a project or anything. They presented this draft to us, with their con-

EPA Executive Director Kemraj Parsaram

ditions. And we reviewed it and we are looking at two major clauses, to make sure we’re fully covered,” Parsaram explained.

This includes a renegotiation clause to ensure the US$2 billion assurance can be revised upwards if the cost of an oil spill exceeds that and also a clause to

ensure full indemnification to cover the cost of whatever the default is on the part of the affiliate company. Exxon’s affiliate is Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).

“Our Acts are clear about that. There is strict liability in case of pollu-

tion. There are no ifs or buts. If there is pollution, you are fully liable. In this case, it’s just a matter of the parent company of EEPGL, giving us a guarantee that they will cover in case of subsidiary default,” he explained.

He also referenced the inclusion in the per-

mits, requiring an estimate be done of the reasonable credible costs for responding to an oil spill.

According to Parsaram, that estimate will inform whether US$2 billion is adequate for activities ranging from monitoring to mitigating against the oil spill, or whether more would be required.

According to the regulator, he is focused on making sure that the terms in the agreement are ironclad and acceptable to the EPA, before any agreement is accepted. According to him, Exxon has been cooperative with the EPA team and progress is being made. He was optimistic that the terms will be accepted.

“The ball is in our court.

We’re working on it. And when we’re ready to accept and agree on it, then it’ll be finalised. But until I’m comfortable, because it is my signature that goes there, and the EPA, we must be comfortable that this is adequate. Of course, informed by this estimate of the reasonable credible cost.”

“They’ve (Exxon) been cooperative. They’ve been working with us. They’re not antagonistic. This is how we approach. When I came on, I said, we’re coming to the table as partners on a premise of trust and working together to solve issues. I’m not coming with a big stick. But, if necessary, I’ll come with a big

stick,” Parsaram also said.

EEPGL has previously said that with US$5 billion in assets and a further US$2 billion in affiliate company guarantees they were negotiating with EPA, Guyana could rest assured of its ability to cover any legitimate expenses in the event of a spill.

According to EEPGL’s Vice President and Business Services Manager, Phillip Rietema, during a previous engagement with the media, the company would act immediately in the event of an oil spill, using the primary resources of both it and its co-venturers to mitigate whatever environmental damage is caused and settle legitimate claims.

“We have insurance that is for our benefit. If we do not address all of the environmental obligations, then we have affiliate company guarantees, that’s $2 billion, that would be for the benefit of Guyana,” Rietema had said.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

Exxon, through subsidiary EEPGL, is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Indian Private Sector investors in Guyana today …Kapil Dev part of delegation

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Kapil Dev

team of six investors arrived today to explore business opportunities in Guyana’s burgeoning economy. Led by

Chairman of the DY Patil Group, Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil, the delegation includes former Indian Cricket captain Kapil Dev of the Dev Group of companies; Chairman of Vishwa Samudra Group and owner of Krishnapatnam Port India, Chinta Sasidhar; Rajesh Puri, Dev Features Ltd and Ashish Kataria, Director Ashoka Buildcon Ltd. The team will be in Guyana until Wednesday, April 10 and they are expected to meet members of the Government and the Private Sector to explore investments in Guyana. Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil is also Guyana’s Honorary Consul in India.

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42 NEWS

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Daughter accuses father of brutally beating, threatening her – family refutes accusations, calls for investigation

The family being interviewed by the Guyanese Critics

The victim being abused by her father

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he Guyanese public was on Friday evening blasted with the bizarre news supported by video recordings, of a popular businessman being accused by his daughter of abusing her for over 10 years.

In an interview with the Big Smith News, the man’s daughter claimed that she has had enough of the abuse, and has made the decision to bring it to light.

This came on the heels of a recent argument she allegedly had with her father, which led to him brutally beating her. According to the woman, it was taken from the CCTV recording at his business place without his knowledge.

She claimed that on the day she was last beaten by her father, the argument between them both stemmed after she was told via a telephone call to leave his house.

At the time, she claimed she was at his business place.

She is alleging that during the telephone conversation with her father, he promised to head down to the business place and shoot her.

“Prior to this case, the last time he did hit me, it was a conversation over the phone, he was telling me to move out. This was the first time he was actually telling me to move out. Knowing who he is, I knew he initially wanted to hear me beg and plead to stay in his house, but I didn’t, I was very upset and I was like ok I am going to move out”.

“He got so upset… he started yelling at me, calling me names, saying he was going to come down here and shoot me… he said he was going to put me in the hospital. I cut the phone off …

I called a taxi and my father got there before the taxi did”, she explained.

The woman claimed that when her father arrived, she begged her brother to stay in the building with her because she was fearful for her life. She said her father told her to sit, which she did, and began to question her.

“He asked me like, who have you been following, who have you been listening to, who do you think you are to tell me that you are moving out of my house? I said I have not been following anyone, you told me to move out of your house… she started calling me names”.

“My father is a very powerful man and seems to hold a great amount of power.

He likes to be in control of most of the things in his life, things including his kids, his wife, including whoever is around him. The abuse is ongoing. You don’t need to specifically do something terribly bad for him to react the way he reacts; it can be something very simple”, she explained.

She further alleged that after asking her questions, her father began brutally beating her. In a video released by Big Smith New Watch, the businessman was seen talking to his daughter, and shortly after she received several slaps, which caused her to fall to the ground, she was then kicked and stamped into a corner of the wall.

It was then, that a male who is reportedly her brother came to her rescue, preventing her father from further hitting her. Even with that, the businessman continues to kick and beat his daughter.

She was later held by the head and placed to sit by the man who went to collect a belt in his store. When asked by Smith why it was only now, she decided to come forward, the woman said it was because it was the first time, she was able to get evidence of the abuse.

“I wanted to leave such a long time ago, but it was very difficult for me to leave.

Knowing the connections my father has in the country, knowing the person that he is, knowing how much influence he has over so many people in high places in the country”.

“When my father would hit me, he wouldn’t do it in front of the video, he would take you to his office, some-

where that does not have a camera… you couldn’t be living in his house and go to the law for him… it would really end badly”, she said.

The woman claimed that after the abuse, she was unable to leave her father’s house because she was locked inside the house.

“On Sunday I saw an opening, my father and mother had to leave to do some stuff. I was left home with my two younger siblings and I said you know what, I unplugged the cameras immediately…I blocked my entire family and took off my location because I know they were going to be looking for me”.

She said after going into hiding she called and made several reports of her abuse, and it was then she learned that a missing person’s report was filed for her. She then went to the magistrate’s court and her father was summoned.

Visit to the Police station

The female victim further stated that she also went to the Kitty police station in Georgetown where she made a report of the abuse and got no assistance.

“At first when I got there, I thought they were going to help because they took my full report, and they asked me what I wanted to do next. I requested a restraining order which I got permission to do as well. They did that, they signed off on it and everything… we went to his business place, the cops were told that he was there, his vehicles were there…”.

She said when the cops came out, they told her that her father was not at home and they cannot leave the restraining order. She also alleged that the cops began laughing and told her to keep going back to her father’s place and keep trying. “… two of the officers knew who my father was…

I didn’t feel that safe anymore”.

After finally being able to deliver the restraining order, the woman claims that when she returned to the

Kitty Police station, she was told that her father was arrested.

Guyana Times was informed that the man was arrested and later released on $400, 000 bail, and his firearms were seized. However, his daughter claimed in the interview with Smith that she was told that he is still in possession of a firearm.

“He is still in possession of his firearm. Like why, why should he be walking freely making threats that he would hurt me”.

A statement from the Guyana Police Force on Saturday stated that the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is currently investigating the alleged unprofessional handling of the matter by ranks of the Kitty Police Station as it relates to the young woman who claims she was abused by her father for years.

The OPR investigation will ascertain when the report was made and what actions were taken against the alleged perpetrator, who is a popular businessman.

It stated that investigations were launched following the circulation of a video on social media where the businessman assaulted her and allegedly threatened to shoot her.

“The OPR has launched an investigation with a view to determine whether all the SOPs were followed by the investigating ranks from the Kitty Police Station”, the statement said.

In light of the video circulating on social media, the police said they went to the businessman’s home where he was questioned whether he was a licensed firearm holder to which he said “‘yes’ and a 9mm pistol and a shotgun, as well as matching ammo, were subsequently seized and lodged at the Kitty Police Station with the Station Sergeant”.

Reason for abuse

When asked by Smith why she believes her father has such hatred towards her, she claimed that it is because she looks and operates like her mother.

“He would bring in my biological mom… he would say you are just like your mom;

your personality is like your mom… I brought you away from there and you are still showing me that you are just like your mother… I think he has so much hatred toward my mother… he would project it onto me”, she explained.

The woman told Smith since the incident, persons from her family have been reaching out to her trying to convince her to drop the case. She also alleged that her father withheld her passport from her. “… because he said it is embarrassing him and his father… I am not here for sympathy. I just want everyone to be aware of how bad the situation is… he drained my accounts and everything in order to control me…”.

She explained that she is not the only person being abused in her home, but the others are afraid to speak out. She said she is concerned about her younger siblings that are left with her father because they have no other choice.

Family refutes claim

Meanwhile in an interview with the social media commentator the Guyanese Critic the family of the abused victim refuted the allegations made, claiming they are not entirely true.

The victim’s father his daughter compared to his other children was always ‘wayward’ and wanted to have her own way. He said on the night of the incident, his daughter had an argument with her sister over some cookies and he tried to tell her that was not the way to handle the situation.

“She was railing and railing and I intervened and I told her you will have to find your own place…she said yes, she would like that. I said OK and it finish there.

On Friday she left to take a vaccine… when I reach home, I received a call from my daughter who said daddy, I want to talk to you about something serious can you come to the store. I said no, you not coming home just now, she said no”.

The businessman said when he arrived at the store he walked in and his daughter followed him. It was then his daughter told him that

she is leaving the house and he said he told her the decision is up to her.

The man said his daughter then told him that she would need some money but he refused to give her. He said she began using indecent languages while still demanding money, and told him that he should have been dead a long time.

“I said you talking to me like that? None of my kids would talk to me like that.

She said I am going to put you away, there is a place for you. I told her you can’t talk to me like that, you can’t do that. At that time emotions come in to play and there was an argument and I lose my mind a bit… the video is not what it says”, he explained.

The man said after the altercation with his daughter they both talked it out and they all apologized to each other, and he thought it ended there.

“We all left and went home and it was fine. On Saturday she said she can’t come to work because of the vaccine…I text her and ask her if she need anything and she said she just need coconut water… Sunday morning when we wake up, she come and hug we and kiss we as normal…”

“I told her we are going and see mommy and come back… an hour after we get a call that she is gone. I go to the Kitty Police Outpost and reported the matter… she block we from Facebook, she block us on whatsapp… we were all shocked”.

The businessman said the Thursday after the incident he received a restraining order asking him to stay away from his daughter. He said within an hour of receiving the letter he was arrested.

Meanwhile, the victim’s siblings along with their stepmother told the Guyanese Critics that they were never abused by the businessman. They claimed that the photos that were produced by their sister to the police showed several self-inflicted wounds almost a year ago. The family called for a thorough investigation into the incident. (La Wanda McAllister)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Inter-American Court orders Peru not to release Fujimori from prison T

he Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) on Friday confirmed a ruling ordering Peru not to release jailed ex-President Alberto

Fujimori, who was on the verge of leaving prison last month after a presidential pardon was reinstated.

The decision overrules Peru's top local court, which

had ruled on March 17 to allow Fujimori's release. The local court had reinstated a controversial 2017 presidential pardon for Fujimori on health concerns that had al-

ready once been overturned in part due to decisions issued by the Costa Rica-based IACHR. The IACHR told Peru in late March to abstain from releasing Fujimori until the Court could review the matter. The new decision closes the door on Fujimori leaving prison for now.

Fujimori, 83, is serving a 25-year prison sentence for human rights violations and remains a highly polarising figure in Peru, which he governed between 1990 and 2000 before resigning in disgrace amid corruption scandals.

He is hailed by some for having restored economic stability and defeating the brutal Shining Path Maoist guerrilla group. But he was also condemned for his violent methods, including using death squads and sending the military to shut down Congress and the judiciary in 1992.

Peru is a member of the IACHR court and has in the past obeyed its rulings, which have the power to override any local order.

Peru's current Government has said it will obey any IACHR decisions.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Former President of Peru Alberto Fujimori attended a trial as a witness at the navy base in Callao, Peru March 15, 2018. Picture taken through a window

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022

Around the World

Imran Khan ousted as Pakistan’s PM after key vote P

akistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has been ousted from power after losing a no-confidence vote in his leadership.

The vote was held past midnight after Opposition parties brought a motion against him, which was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Imran Khan becomes the first Pakistani Prime Minister to be ousted by a no-confidence vote

Khan had said he would not recognise an Opposition Government, claiming without evidence - that there was a US-led conspiracy to remove him.

The Assembly will now appoint a new Prime Minister.

That person will be able to hold power until October 2023 when the next election

is due to be held.

Khan becomes the first Pakistani PRIME Minister to be ousted by a no-confidence vote.

The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that Khan, 69, had acted unconstitutionally when he blocked the no-confidence vote and dissolved Parliament.

This made several

Opposition members furious, with some accusing the Prime Minister of treason.

Minutes before the vote started, the speaker of Pakistan’s Lower House of Parliament - an ally of Khan - announced his resignation.

Members of Khan’s party left the building, insisting he was the victim of an international conspiracy.

Opposition parties were able to secure 174 votes in the 342-member house in support of the No-Confidence Motion, the House Speaker said, making it a majority vote.

The former captain of Pakistan’s national cricket team was elected Prime Minister in 2018, and promised to fight corruption and fix the economy.

But those pledges have gone unmet with the country gripped by a financial crisis.

In late March a series of defections deprived him of his majority and left him fighting for his political career. (Excerpt from BBC News)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Saudi Arabia raises oil prices to record premiums

T

he world’s largest crude oil exporter, Saudi Arabia, raised its official selling prices for its flagship crude to the Asian market in May to a fresh record against regional benchmarks, in a move widely expected by traders and refiners.

The Saudis hiked the OSP for May for Asia for Arab Light – the Kingdom’s flagship grade – to a record premium of US$9.35 per barrel above the Oman/Dubai benchmark, off which Middle Eastern crude is priced in Asia.

The price for May is raised by a massive US$4.40 a barrel over the April OSP for Arab Light of US$4.95 a barrel premium over Oman/Dubai, per Bloomberg’s estimates.

Last week, a Bloomberg survey showed that Asian refiners and traders expected Saudi Arabia to once again hike significantly the prices of its crude going to Asia in May to a record premium over the Middle Eastern benchmarks.

For May, Saudi Arabia’s oil giant Aramco hiked the prices of all its crude going to all markets.

The soaring oil prices and the “buyers’ strike” over purchasing Russian crude could be an opportunity for Russia’s key ally in the OPEC+ pact, OPEC’s de facto leader Saudi Arabia, to hike its official selling prices to another all-time high over the Oman/Dubai benchmark.

Saudi Arabia generally sets the pricing trends of the other major Middle Eastern oil producers, and it usually sets the OSPs of its crude for the following month around the fifth of each month, typically after the monthly OPEC+ meeting.

Last week, the OPEC+ meeting concluded that no change in production plans was needed, and agreed to lift the group’s production by another 432,000 barrels per day starting in May. The 32,000 bpd above the originally agreed to 400,000 bpd is due to shifting baselines of five of its members.

Saudi Arabia’s production quota has been lifted to 10.549 million bpd, and Russia’s quota was raised to the same amount.

(Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

Zelenskiy braces for “hard battle”, Boris Johnson visits with aid

U

kraine is ready for a tough battle with Russian forces amassing in the east of the country, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered fresh financial and military support during a surprise visit.

At a meeting in Kyiv, Johnson told Zelenskiy that Britain would provide armoured vehicles and anti-ship missile systems, along with additional support for World Bank loans.

Britain also will continue to ratchet up its sanctions on Russia and move away from using Russian hydrocarbons, he said.

The support aims to ensure that “Ukraine can never be bullied again, never will be blackmailed again, never will be threatened in the same way again,” Johnson said.

Johnson was the latest foreign leader to visit Kyiv after Russian forces pulled back from areas around the capital just over a week ago.

Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian leader met

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer in Kyiv, warning in a joint news conference that while the threat to the capital had receded, it was rising in the east.

“This will be a hard battle, we believe in this fight and our victory. We are ready to simultaneously fight and look for diplomatic ways to put an end to this war,” Zelenskiy said.

Air-raid sirens sounded in cities across eastern Ukraine, which has become the focus of Russian military action after the withdrawal from around Kyiv.

Russia’s invasion, which began on Feb 24, has forced around a quarter of the population of 44 million to leave their homes, turned cities into rubble and killed or injured thousands.

The civilian casualties have triggered a wave of international condemnation, in particular over deaths in the town of Bucha, a town to the northwest of Kyiv that until last week was occupied by Russian forces. (Excerpt from Reuters)

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022

45

IPL 2022…

Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi do the job -as Sunrisers get on the board

S

unrisers Hyderabad finally ‘got on the board’ by chasing down 155 without any big contribution from their international stars. In the process, they consigned Chennai Super Kings to

Ms Dhoni

their fourth defeat in four games, and left the defending champions needing roughly eight wins from 10 matches to be hopeful of qualifying for the playoffs.

This win, with 15 balls to spare, was a significant one for Sunrisers, because they hold a dodgy reputation as chasers. This was only their eighth win out of 22 matches chasing between 150 and 175, as against 157 out of 301 overall in the IPL. Abhishek Sharma, under pressure as opener, led the chase with 75 off 50, his first IPL fifty, and Rahul Tripathi supported him with 39 off 15. The international star Kane Williamson managed just 32 off 40.

Even though they don’t have Rashid Khan anymore, Sunrisers’ bowling remained reliable, with Washington Sundar and T Natarajan stifling the batters and taking two wickets each.

Marco Jansen proved to be a welcome addition, using his height and cutters to concede just 30 in his four, and take MS Dhoni’s wicket at the death.

Washington, Natarajan take out the openers

the start of the fourth over.

Introduced in the sixth over, Natarajan bowled the perfect full, late-swinging delivery first up, to go through Gaikwad, making it 36 for 2.

Rayudu, Moeen get stuck

Moeen Ali, usually full of intent, looked to give himself some time. However, the struggles of Super Kings were epitomised by Ambati Rayudu, who kept trying to hit out but struggled to get any kind of timing on the slow pitch.

Eventually, Rayudu mis-hit Washington to wide long-on for a run-a-ball 27.

Sunrisers made it difficult by using their variety of bowlers in these overs, not letting the batters get Abhishek Sharma launching the ball

used to any of them.

With three left-hand batters lined up next, Williamson used the opportunity to bowl one over of part-time offspin from Aiden Markram, giving him the cushion for Umran Malik, who had gone for 29 in three overs. While Moeen managed to hit one six off Markram, the second such attempt ended up at long-on. A ramp off a slower short ball from Natarajan did in Shivam Dube.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar created pressure with two dots to Dhoni in the 17th over, and Jansen cashed in with a short ball next over, making it 122 for 6 with 15 balls to go.

Strong finish from Super Kings

At the end, when all bets are off, Ravindra Jadeja punished Natarajan for missing his yorker by mere inches twice, and Bhuvneshwar conceded wides in the last over in an attempt to stay away from the reach of the batters.

Twenty-nine came off the last two overs to give Super Kings some hope.

Super Kings Abhishek announces himself made their usuThe match began with al start: Ruturaj a question mark over Gaikwad looking Abhishek’s position at to set himself up the top of the order, as for the long innings, and Robin Tripathi is known for his exUthappa looking to use the plosive starts, which can give powerplay.

However, Williamson just the platform he a slow pitch kept deneeds to set himself up for the long feating Uthappa’s timinnings. ing, before he finally Sunrisers, though, made it clear they ended up holing out to were backing their pre-season choice. long-on the first Abhishek ended up carrying Ruturaj Gaikwad’s reaction ball he faced from Williamson, who struggled much summed up Chennai Super Washington at like the Super Kings’ batters. It was Kings’ season so far

only in the last over of the powerplay another dimension altogether. The second that Abhishek really opened up. ball he faced he pulled for six, the fourth He lofted Maheesh Theekshana’s he whipped over midwicket for four, and full offbreak over extra cover for a the seventh was driven over cover. four, followed by slogging the carAll of a sudden, Sunrisers needed just rom ball over deep midwicket for a-run-a-ball, but Tripathi made sure there a six. was a net-run-rate bonus for them, as he Still, at 37 for 0, it looked like got stuck into Chris Jordan and Dwayne Sunrisers were setting themselves Bravo. (Cricinfo) up for a close finish, as the asking rate was nudging 8.5 on a difficult pitch.

Even as CHENNAI SUPER KINGS Marco Jansen 4-0-30-1 Williamson INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Washington Sundar 4-0-21-2

SCOREBOARD

looked to work his way into some sort of touch with ones and twos, Abhishek kept finding the boundary. When Williamson got out at the start of the 13th over, Sunrisers still needed 66 off 47.

Tripathi takes charge

If Abhishek’s strike rate of 150 and above made it look like he was batting on a different pitch to Williamson, Tripathi was in

Robin Uthappa c Markram b Washington Sundar 15 Ruturaj Gaikwad b Natarajan 16 Moeen Ali c Tripathi b Markram 48 Ambati Rayudu c Markram b Washington Sundar 27 Shivam Dube c Umran Malik b Natarajan 3 Ravindra Jadeja (c) c Williamson b Kumar 23 MS Dhoni †c Umran Malik b Jansen 3 Dwayne Bravo not out 8 Chris Jordan not out 6 Extras (w 5) 5 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.70) 154/7 Did not bat: Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Robin Uthappa, 3.1 ov), 2-36 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 5.1 ov), 3-98 (Ambati Rayudu, 13.3 ov), 4-108 (Moeen Ali, 14.5 ov), 5-110 (Shivam Dube, 15.3 ov), 6-122 (MS Dhoni, 17.3 ov), 7-147 (Ravindra Jadeja, 19.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-0-36-1

T Natarajan 4-0-30-2 Umran Malik 3-0-29-0 Aiden Markram 1-0-8-1 SUNRISERS HYDERABAD INNINGS (Target: 155 runs from 20 overs) Abhishek Sharma c Jordan b Bravo 75 Kane Williamson (c) c Ali b Mukesh Choudhary 32 Rahul Tripathi not out 39 Nicholas Pooran † not out 5 Extras (nb 1, w 3) 4 TOTAL 17.4 Ov (RR: 8.77) 155/2 Did not bat: Aiden Markram, Shashank Singh, Washington Sundar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen, Umran Malik, T Natarajan Fall of wickets: 1-89 (Kane Williamson, 12.1 ov), 2-145 (Abhishek Sharma, 17.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mukesh Choudhary 4-0-30-1 Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-31-0 Chris Jordan 3-0-34-0 Ravindra Jadeja 3-0-21-0 Moeen Ali 1-0-10-0 Dwayne Bravo 2.4-0-29-1

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022

IPL 2022…

Rawat’s 66 seals deal as RCB keep Mumbai winless B

ack in 2011, Mumbai Indians had an exception made to allow them to field five overseas players in the Champions League T20. Now a poor start to IPL 2022 has pushed them in the opposite direction, leading them to pick just two overseas players for their match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Pune.

It didn't work, and a middle overs’ meltdown left Mumbai winless after four games, leaving them bottom of the table alongside fierce rivals and fellow sufferers Chennai Super Kings, who have an identical record and a slightly worse net run rate.

Royal Challengers' bowlers, led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Harshal Patel, triggered that meltdown, and the RCB batters were left chasing only 152.

Mumbai might have struggled to set even that target, had it not been for an unbeaten, situation-defying 37-ball 68 from Suryakumar Yadav.

The target wasn't enough to challenge Royal Challengers, though, as Anuj Rawat scored his maiden IPL half-century in just his fourth game, and Virat Kohli showed immense shotmaking form in making 48 off 36.

Two reverseswatted fours Virat Kohli supported with 48 from the returning Glenn Maxwell put the seal on Royal Challengers' third win in four games, achieved with nine balls to spare.

The calm The start of this match gave no clue as to how it would proceed. There was a green tinge on the pitch, and the new ball moved around initially; but once the shine disappeared, the ball pinged nicely off the bats of Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. From 6 for no loss after two overs, Mumbai raced to 49 for no loss at the end of the powerplay.

The storm In the seventh over, Harshal gave Royal Challengers the breakthrough they craved when he had Rohit caught and bowled as the Mumbai captain was early on a flick. That was the start of a dramatic slump in which Mumbai lost six wickets for 29 runs.

The bowling was responsible for this, chiefly Harshal's dipping offcutters, Akash

Deep's hard lengths, and Hasaranga's wrong'un, which deceived Dewald Brevis and Kieron Pollard, both left leaden-footed and plumb lbw, playing all around the ball.

And Mumbai's situation seemed to induce a sense of panic too.

Tilak Varma, who has made such a bright start to his IPL career, was run out going for a needless quick single. In so doing, he took on the fleet-footed Maxwell with predictable consequences.

The parallel universe No other batter looked comfortable through the middle overs, but if there was anything two-paced about this pitch, it wasn't affecting Suryakumar, who middled his shots from the get go. A back-foot punch off Akash gave early warning of his form, and two overs later, he stepped out and away from the line to launch Shahbaz Ahmed inside-out for six.

Jaydev Unadkat, playing his first match for Mumbai, gave steadfast support and got the best seat in the house to watch Suryakumar's strokeplay. He hit six sixes, including a slog-sweep off Hasaranga and a pick-up flick off Mohammed Siraj that flew into the back rows beyond the leg-side boundary. But the best of them just cleared the ropes.

Aware that Suryakumar was standing deep in his crease with an open stance to allow him to access the leg side off anything remotely straight, Siraj went full and wide, forcing him to reach for the ball. He did this, and he somehow made sweet contact with an open bat-face to slice the ball over the third man boundary.

A brilliant last over from Harshal, who was getting his slower ball to dip and grip and behave unpredictably, went for just seven, despite a last-ball full-toss muscled for the last of Suryakumar's sixes. Royal Challengers needed just 152 to win.

Rawat and Faf make slow start Mumbai knew they needed early wickets to have any chance. Accordingly, they threw everything they had at Royal Challengers in the early overs, using Jasprit Bumrah for two overs out of the first six.

Royal Challengers hit just two boundaries in the powerplay, back-to-back sixes from Rawat as he danced down the track to Unadkat.

Faf du Plessis went at a slow pace, scoring just 16 off 22, before holing out to an Unadkat slower ball in the ninth over. By then he and Rawat had put on the third-slowest fifty opening stand in IPL history.

Kohli gives RCB impetus Royal Challengers still only needed eight-and-a-half runs an over at that point, and Kohli, walking in at #3, immediately began finding the boundary, even as Unadkat and Pollard got their cutters to stick in the pitch. Kohli stepped out and made room to flay Pollard through point, and Suryakumar Yadav top scored stepped out for Mumbai Indians with 68 Anuj Rawat top scored with 66 in the next

SCOREBOARD

MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Ishan Kishan † c Mohammed Siraj b Akash Deep 26 Rohit Sharma (c) c & b Patel 26 Dewald Brevis lbw b de Silva 8 Suryakumar Yadav not out 68 Tilak Varma run out (Maxwell) 0 Kieron Pollard lbw b de Silva 0 Ramandeep Singh c †Karthik b Patel 6 Jaydev Unadkat not out 13 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 1) 4 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.55) 151/6 Did not bat: Murugan Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Basil Thampi Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Rohit Sharma, 6.2 ov), 2-60 (Dewald Brevis, 8.3 ov), 3-62 (Ishan Kishan, 9.2 ov), 4-62 (Tilak Varma, 9.5 ov), 5-62 (Kieron Pollard, 10.1 ov), 6-79 (Ramandeep Singh, 13.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W David Willey 2-0-8-0 Mohammed Siraj 4-0-51-0 W Hasaranga de Silva 4-0-28-2 Akash Deep 4-1-20-1 Harshal Patel 4-0-23-2 Shahbaz Ahmed 2-0-19-0

over to whip M Ashwin against the turn, wide of long-on.

Basil Thampi sent down a 15-run 12th over, easing any residual pressure Royal Challengers may have felt. This over included the shot of the innings, an effortless flicked six that showcased Rawat's balance and timing.

Mumbai's last hopes resided in the frame of Bumrah, who came on with 60 needed off 42. Kohli shut the door on those hopes in a moment that seemed symbolic, judging the length of a Bumrah bouncer instantly, and swatting it between longon and deep midwicket.

When Brevis put down the simplest of catches at deep square leg to reprieve Kohli in the next over, the game was all but up.

Rawat hurried Royal Challengers towards their target with two more sixes, a pull off Pollard in the 16th over and a charging slog off Unadkat in the 17th. With just 23 needed off 20, though, Rawat was run out by a direct hit from the debutant Ramandeep Singh while responding to Kohli's call for a quick second.

ACCOMMODATIONS Then Brevis, brought on to bowl his legspin for the Aracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara first time in the IPL, had Kohli (Versailles – between Harbor lbw with just eight runs to Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop) – Airget. It gave the crowd at the Conditioned Comfort. Amenities inMCA Stadium - whose chants clude TV, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming suggested they were mostly Pool, Gym. Free Parking, Free WiFi. Spend 7 nights and get 1 Free. Rates Royal Challengers’ supporters - a from $45 US. Breakfast included. brief and satisfying glimpse Long term rates available. Phone: of Maxwell at the crease.

264-2946-9. www.aracariresort.

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CONCACAF Women’s qualifier matches…

Guyana, Nicaragua play to exciting stalemate at Leonora

The starting XI in Friday night’s game between Guyana and Nicaragua

Guyana’s senior women’s football team the Lady Jags will now have to pull off a victory on Tuesday against their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts in order to advance to the CONCACAF

Women’s Championships, after playing to a stalemate against Nicaragua on Friday night at the Leonora Track and Field facility on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

Goalkeeper Chante Sandiford, Rylee Traicoff, Captain Kayla DeSouza, Sidney Cummings, Ghilene Joseph, Justine Rodrigues, Shanice Alfred, Brianna DeSouza,

Calaigh Copland, Stefani Kouzas and Brianne Desa comprised Guyana’s starting XI. Both teams had their fair share of chances, but neither could finish well on any occasion, leading to the 0-0 result.

One of Guyana’s most notable chances came in the 20th, when Calaigh Copland set up a possible goal with a pristine assist, but Stefani Kouzas was late to the pass, allowing time for Nicaragua’s defense to ready themselves. The eventual shot at the goal was deflected.

The Lady Jags also had a number of opportunities coming from the corner, but it was Annalisa Vincent’s introduction to the game in the 46th, by way of substitution, that gave Guyana a spark. However, Vincent’s pursuits of a goal were often a one-woman show, as no assistance came quickly enough.

Nicaragua’s Yessenia Flores was the counterpart frontwoman for her side, but she either could not finish well, or

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (Target: 152 runs from 20 overs) Faf du Plessis (c) c Yadav b Unadkat 16 Anuj Rawat run out (Ramandeep Singh) 66 Virat Kohli lbw b Brevis 48 Dinesh Karthik † not out 7 Glenn Maxwell not out 8 Extras (lb 4, w 3) 7 TOTAL 18.3 Ov (RR: 8.21) 152/3 Did not bat: David Willey, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Faf du Plessis, 8.1 ov), 2-130 (Anuj Rawat, 16.5 ov), 3-144 (Virat Kohli, 18.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Basil Thampi 4-1-29-0 Jaydev Unadkat 4-0-30-1 Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-31-0 Murugan Ashwin 3-0-26-0 Kieron Pollard 3-0-24-0 Dewald Brevis 0.3-0-8-1

encountered the safe hands of Chante Sandiford.

Nicaraguan goalie Bethania Aburto is also deserving of recognition, as she kept the Lady Jags at bay.

With Guyana drawing the match against Nicaragua and Turks and Caicos succumbing to Trinidad and Tobago during their Saturday afternoon encounter, the Lady Jags will have all to play for when they meet Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, April 12, in a match for the top position in Group F. This game is especially important since it would decide the top finisher in the group - the only team to move on to the CONCACAF Women’s Championships in July.

Scheduled for July 4 to 18 in Monterrey, Mexico, the CONCACAF Women’s Championships would feature eight teams. Canada and the United States have already automatically qualified, and await the Group winners from the ongoing Women’s Qualifiers.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022

CPL 2022…

Trevor Penney announced as Barbados Royals’ Head Coach R OYAL Sports Groupowned Barbados Royals have announced the appointment of Trevor Penney as head coach for the 2022 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Penney will work alongside the Royals’ Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara.

A Royals media release on Thursday said, “Currently working as the assistant coach for the 2022 edition of

the Indian Premier League (IPL) with partner franchise Rajasthan Royals, Penney’s new role sees him continue his association with the Royals Sports Group.”

Speaking about Penney’s resume, the release said, “Trevor has vast experience working on the inter-

national scene with teams India, Sri Lanka, England, and more recently with the West Indies white-ball team. He’s also been involved through his coaching with associate nations such as the Netherlands and the USA. The Zimbabwean has previously been a regular

feature on the T20 franchise circuit, with past experiences in leagues such as the IPL, the CPL, Bangladesh Premier League and the GT20 Canadian League.”

Penney has said he is thrilled to join the Royals.

“It’s wonderful to continue being a part of the Royals family, across a new league,” Penney has said.

A statement from the Barbados Royals said, “Trevor Penney is one with

the values and ideology that we have here at the Royals, and (he) is also one of the most revered coaches in international cricket. (He) has a lot of experience, and understands the game very well, which will help contribute to the squad’s overall growth and performance.”

West Indies bowling coach Roddy Estwick also joins the Royals as Lead Assistant Coach

47

Newly-appointed Barbados Royals Head Coach, Trevor Penney

for the upcoming season.

The Barbados native was the assistant coach at St Lucia Kings in previous seasons. In addition, former Jamaica fast bowler Andrew Richardson continues with the Royals as assistant coach, a role he also held in 2021.

The 2022 CPL bowls off on August 30. (TT Newsday)

Guyanese athletes at CARIFTA GAMES 2022…

Naris McPherson eyes success at first CARIFTA stint F

or middle distance athlete Naris McPherson, the 2022 CARIFTA Games will see her recording her first attendance at this prestigious meet. Her intention, however, is that this won’t be her last attendance, as this 16-year-old has every intention of securing a medal at this event, being held in Kingston, Jamaica from April 16 to 18.

Naris McPherson has said she almost had the scare of her life when she crossed the line in second place in the 800m race at the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG’s) second CARIFTA trials back in February. Although there were more trials to come, McPherson had briefly felt the disappointment of not making the mark. The margin between her time and that of first-place finisher Attoya Harvey was definite-

Naris McPherson is heading to the CARIFTA Games for the first time ever

ly a close one, but for the few moments when she was unaware of the time she had

clocked, McPherson’s heart was proverbially ‘on the floor’.

However, her clubmate Harvey soon found out that she had crossed the line in 2:18.06, well below the 2:19.00s CARIFTA qualification mark, thus punching a ticket to the games; and McPherson soon realized that she, too, had come in under the mark, having stopped the clock in 2:18.24 for a ticket to the Games.

Sharing that experience with Guyana Times Sport, McPherson highlighted that her performance was possible through the support she had received.

“I kinda (thought) for a minute that I didn’t qualify, but they put her (Harvey) inside the race to pull me. So, all I had to do was follow her, and if she qualified, I knew I qualified too,” the teenager explained.

She added, “I felt very happy and very good, cause my friends were cheering

me, on and they felt happy for me too.”

Reliving the emotions she felt after qualifying, the Running Brave Athletics Club (RBAC) member divulged that going to the CARIFTA Games has been years in the making for her.

“It’s been very, very long.

I wanted to go very long, because my friends have qualified, so I wanted to qualify too, to go. So, it’s been very long in the making,” she related to this publication. “It kinda feels good going to represent your country in Jamaica. It really feels good!”

This Stewartville Secondary School student is

also preparing to sit CSEC examinations this year. She already has her sights set on winning a medal, and is juggling school and track activities in the meantime.

“It’s kind of in-between, cause I have to study, then I have to go home (and) finish off my SBAs and homework; but I’m managing,” McPherson has said.

Asked what she plans to do in Jamaica, the teenager answered, “To run, stay focused, and bring home the gold medal.”

13 athletes will represent Guyana at the CARIGFTA Games, being held in Jamaica from April 16-18.

(Jemima Holmes)

Bartica Easter Regatta to be powered by GENEQUIP

Bartica Easter Regatta…

Football tournament to commence today while the second game involves Mil Ballers battling the winner of match one.

On Wednesday, the semifinals for the ladies will kick off at 19:00h and 21:00h, and on Thursday, the males would battle at the same time. In the first match, winner #2 will take on winner #3, while in the second game, winner #4 and winner #5 will do battle.

BFA President Alden Marslowe (centre) at the draw

T

he Bartica Easter Regatta Football Tournament will kick off today at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.

The fixtures have been drawn, and nine clubs are ready to play. Competition between four female teams will also make up the Regatta Week.

Today’s matches will commence from 17:00h with Agatash United duking it out with AK Galaxy.

At 19:00h, Wolves United will take on Potaro Strikers, and at 21:00h, Lazio will encounter Beacon.

On Tuesday, two match-

Some of the action during the draw

es will be played at 19:00h and 21:00h respectively. The first game involves Rivers’ View and Rising Stars,

On Saturday April 16, 2022, there will be a total of three matches played; namely: the third-place

playoff at 17:00h, while the grand finale for the female and male matches will go down at 19:00h and 21:00h.

Sharing his sentiments on the action set to take place in the tournament, Bartica Football Association President Alden Marslowe has said, “The Bartica Easter Regatta is engrained in the fabric of our community, and so, after being down for the past two years, we are all excited to have it return this year. Of course, football is a big part of the regatta Week of activities. it is regrettable that, this year, we couldn’t invite teams from outside of our jurisdiction to participate. However, nine local clubs are ready to take to the field, along with four female teams.”

The winner of the male tournament will cart off one ounce of raw gold while second and third placers would pocket $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. For the females, the winner will pocket $50,000, while the runner-up will collect $30,000. All prizes will be inclusive of trophies and incentives.

G

eneral Equipment Guyana Limited (GENEQUIP) has made a sizable donation towards the successful hosting of the 2022 edition of the Bartica Easter Regatta, being held under the theme ‘Bounce Back’.

After a hiatus of some two years, the Bartica Community will be buzzing with action from today, as football kicks off the week of activities for the Easter Regatta. Gospel Fest, promoted by the Chosen Generation Band, is slated for the Bartica Tarmac from 19:00hrs.

At a simple ceremony held recently, Nikita Mohabir, Senior Sales Manager of GENEQUIP, handed over her company’s cheque to Magiva Gonsalves, a representative of the Bartica Regatta Committee. Mohabir has said that GENEQUIP is delighted to partner with the Easter Regatta Committee in the staging of this year’s event.

“We are more than happy to be giving back to this community, especially at a time when you are seeking to get back to normalcy following the challenges that… have been presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a company, we are also well aware of what Regatta means to the community, and we are happy to see this marquee event back again, and wish you the best for a successful event,” she said.

On behalf of the Bartica Regatta Committee, Gonsalves has extended gratitude to GENEQUIP for the support received.

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese athletes at CARIFTA GAMES 2022…

eyes success at first CARIFTA stint

CPL 2022…

Pg 47

Naris McPherson is heading to the CARIFTA Games for the first time ever

announced as Barbados Royals’ Head Coach Pg 47

GENEQUIP Senior Sales Manager Nikita Mohabir and Bartica Regatta Committee Representative Magiva Gonsalves displaying the sponsorship cheque

Bartica Easter Regatta to be powered by GENEQUIP Page 47 GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.