Guyana Times - Sunday APRIL 17, 2022

Easter Sunday: Jesus's Ascension into Heaven P16

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4981 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022

Govt will ensure work is found for sugar workers – Pres Ali ...equipment procured to get Uitvlugt Estate up and running

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Berbician P15 Marian Yancin turns 100

See story on page 3

Tremendous opportunities for Guyana to export natural gas – CDB expert

Improvised weapons, other contraband found during prison raids P10

Page 7

...says Guyana should have enough gas for 20-to-30-year project

Rupununi Rodeo can 2 Police outposts be global player in to be constructed tourism – Pres Ali along Mandela-toPage 9

– as major tourism investments being undertaken in Region 9

Page 25

Venezuelan national caught drinking with teen’s wife P27 stabbed to death

Eccles thoroughfare

36-year-old P27 woman raped, chopped to death

Cousins shot during argument in Sophia P10

Grabbing Speaker’s Mace

Page 5

Privileges Committee must submit report on APNU/AFC MPs by June 1

EPA ensures public’s safety amid increased use of radioactive substances P31

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, April 17 – 03:30h-05:00h and Monday, April 18 – 03:30h-05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, April 17 – 16:55h-18:25h and Monday, April 18 – 05:10h-06:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day with cloudy to clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to North-Westerly between 2.23 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 17:15h reaching a maximum height of 2.84 metres.

Low Tide: 10:48h and 23:03h reaching minimum heights of 0.28 metre and 0.42 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS 06 11 17 20 26 28

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FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

02 06 11 15 25 LUCKY 3

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1

3

Afternoon Draw

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7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 06 15 16 18 19 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022

01 02 03 09 17 13

01 06 09 20 21

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7 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

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0 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$111.70/barrel

+2.68

Rough Rice

$291.294/ton

+2.68

London Sugar

$568.80/ton

- 1.28

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1974.20

$1975.20

Low/High Change

$1960.50 0.00

$1981.50 0.00%

…equipment procured to get Uitvlugt Estate up and running

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ut-of-work sugar workers who were attached to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate have been assured by the Government that work would be found for them and that every effort was being made to get the estate operational.

This assurance was given by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a meeting with hundreds of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers at the Uitvlugt Community Centre on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD) on Friday.

Not only has the estate’s grinding operations been affected for a number of weeks, but its factory has also been grappling with issues affecting its equipment. The President was

harvesters of the Uitvlugt Estate.

During the meeting, the President announced that the estate would find alternative work for six days per week on a short-term basis for the sugar workers. According to him, the Government wants to see the sugar workers, like all other Guyanese, succeed.

“Having listened to management, I am convinced that there’s enough work for planting, weeding, chemical spraying, cleaning of the side-line to get you at least six days per week now, and I’ve instructed that this be implemented immediately.

“You have a government who understands your pain; you have a government who is committed to

A section of the cane harvesters

SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2022

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Govt will ensure work is found for sugar workers – Pres Ali

nevertheless able to organise temporary employment for out-of-work cane

working with you and helping you. As we said when we came back, we are here

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the meeting

to ensure that the sugar sector succeeds and ensure that we keep employment and not displace employment,” President Ali said.

The President further explained that while the estate was trying its utmost to resume grinding on a normal level, it continued to be plagued by issues with its gear. To remedy this, he said the Government has procured another piece of equipment that would be delivered in July. In the meantime, he explained that they were working on finding a factory in Miami, Florida, that has similar facilities.

At the meeting, President Ali also spoke of overall support for the workers. He said that plans were being formulated to register the workers to

be part of a livelihood improvement programme to supplement their estate jobs. One of the options is the establishment of chicken farming facilities, where he said workers could take part in poultry farming with approximately 150200 birds.

“We are going to try to get the resources so that you don’t stay without work, you get the six days per week, and at the same time, we are going to work with you to support you with the livelihood option,” President Ali said, adding that he would consult with the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh to see what further help could be provided.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 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

Wheat experimentation

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he news that our Ministry of Agriculture will be launching trials for the production of wheat might have surprised many. We have been taught that this is a temperate-zone crop for so long that we have not appreciated the advances in creating cultivars that are suitable for tropical climates and conditions. A cultivar is a plant variety that has been produced by selective breeding. In Guyana, we are familiar with this technique in rice and sugar, and wheat should be no exception.

Sub-Saharan African has millions of acres of tropical land, and shares many characteristics with Guyana, in addition to climate- similarity. It also has a host of poorer countries that are net importers of wheat. Over the last two decades, there have been several initiatives employed to increase the production of wheat in countries other than South African and Ethiopia, which each produce half of their own wheat demand from elevated regions. Most recently, with the supply chain challenges arising from the Ukraine War, the African Development Bank floated a US$1B fund to accomplish this goal. We can learn much from the African experience.

One report, “The Potential for Wheat Production in Africa: Analysis of Biophysical Suitability and Economic Profitability”, offers some pointers for our policymakers. Firstly, the countries have worked very closely with the non-profit “International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), headquartered in Mexico.

The study aimed “to better understand the dynamics of wheat economies in the Sub-Saharan region, to assess the biophysical feasibility and economic profitability of wheat production with varying input intensification, and to determine the competitiveness of domestic wheat production with imported wheat.”

The Ministry would first have to decide whether it would focus on smallholder production as against largescale commercial production. In the study, the focus was on the former, and it is possible that the farmers were not able to deal with the “paradigm shift” that is needed in existing farming techniques in the tropics. We note that in the decade since the report, SSA’s production of wheat has not increased significantly.

The report suggested: “While the initial strategy should be utilization of existing varieties, sustainable and profitable production of wheat in Africa in the long term will require investment in wheat research and development. This will increase capacity development at national and regional levels to develop and adapt varieties suitable for different agroecological zones.”

In terms of Government policy, for the farmers to be successful, a welter of initiatives by the Government is needed.

These “require significant improvements in the provision of extension, credit services, production and supply of seed using existing varieties, in strengthening input supply systems, in support for mechanization of production, investment in marketing efficiency and reduction of transaction costs. This will also require rationalizing imports, the removal of import subsides, and shifting from ‘food aid’ to ‘cash aid’ that will allow purchasing locally.”

We note that our local wheat milling facility sometimes receives PL 480 wheat, and wonder whether the new wheat millers that will have to establish operations would be able to compete with foreign wheat, once the Ukraine War is over.

The Government will have to also determine the composition of wheat imports, quality preferences, and requirements. We have seen this factor operating in our rice sector when world market operations sent prices on a downward slope and our farmers could not make a living from the prices offered by the millers. “The foremost challenge of free trade in wheat is competing with lower-priced, higherquality imports of grain and wheat-based products. The success of local wheat production will depend on the capacity of local producers and processors to ensure a consistent supply of the right quality and quantity of wheat for end markets and end-users at competitive prices.

“Further research is needed to identify the tastes and preferences of consumers of wheat and wheat-based products, and to assess the capacity of local wheat processing and food manufacturing in order to identify constraints and areas where upgrading is needed.”

There is much work to be done.

President Dr Irfaan Ali is being garlanded by a lad upon his arrival in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) for a series of events, including the opening of the Rupununi Rodeo

GECOM must win the trust of the nation

Dear Editor, GECOM’s recent appointment of the controversial Melanie Marshall as Voter Registration Manager is mind-boggling, sanctimoniously suspicious, highly questionable, and devoid of a demonstrated pursuit of winning the trust and confidence of our people.

The decision is seemingly hinged on a lack of documented evidence against the myriad complaints and objections reported against the tainted performance of this staffer. This may be linked to the justifiably discard of former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, under whose responsibility the necessary deterring actions should have been taken. The sinister sweep of sensitive and confidential data from GECOM’s computers does not automatically remove the many emboldened wrongdoings of many of the staff members, and therefore these should not be merely swept aside in providing a clean slate.

Critically, it does not require any major research competence in order for one to link the reasons for this seemingly abstract position in the case of Melanie Marshall.

Members of Lowenfield’s cabal in GECOM were first emboldened by the biased antics of the unilaterally-appointed CEO James Patterson.

Following his ejection by the Caribbean Court of Justice, the key role-players served to fulfill strategic roles in Lowenfield’s sinister plans.

Against this backdrop, the antecedents to her retention present a damning picture.

Therefore, re-employment considerations should not be merely academic qual-

ifications, but rather a much closer look through an absolute interrogation of her previously crooked performance in the various roles. GECOM must so do for all and sundry if the institution is to win the trust of this nation.

Melanie Marshall was officially the Region #4 Returning Officer during the 2015 National and Regional Elections. During the verification process for these elections, she was the person used to introduce the ‘rigging” broadsheet. Notably, the PPPC and other minority parties complained bitterly about the fact that she was not using the statements of poll. To these complaints, she deliberately adjourned the process and committed to a continuation the following day. The rest is history!

In 2015, the introduction of a scandalous ‘broad sheet’ was one of the main reasons for an election petition in the courts, given the role of some GECOM staffers in the rigging that took place.

If this petition were heard in a timely manner, the likes of Melanie Marshall would have long become a relic of history.

It must also be noted that, in 2016, the relevant PPPC personnel connected to GECOM vehemently opposed her as the touted Returning Officer in Region #4 for the Local Government Elections.

She was subsequently sidelined. In 2018, again the PPPC presented major objections to her selection to function as Returning Officer in Region #4 during the Local Government Elections. She was not appointed to any substantial position in the 2020 National and Regional Elections. It is worth noting that after she was opposed,

the controversial Keith Lowenfield, who is before the courts for election fraud, catapulted the ‘Returning Officer’ from Region #5 to the position of Returning Officer in Region #4.

As recent history would confirm, the substitute, Clairmont Mingo, is the one who continued with the ‘rigging broad sheet.’ He was dismissed, and is now also before the court for fraud.

It must be noted that the Presiding Officers in East Coast Demerara, during Election Day on March 02, 2020, committed some unpardonable sins.

The Presiding Officers claimed that they were wrongly instructed by GECOM officials. Consequently, the PNC tugs began making all sorts of false allegations of what were and were not in the ballot boxes. The Guyana Election Commission must have a thorough discussion

on what took place before and after the 2020 National and Regional Elections.

Most seriously, GECOM must let the nation know what was Melanie Marshall’s role during and after the 2020 Elections. What was her salary? We should know about all the benefits that she was sporting! Reliable sources have confirmed that, with the removal of Lowenfield, all of the perks and some of the other benefits were removed.

As they are saying she was confirmed as the Voter Registration Manager, we need to know when and who appointed her to act as the Voter Registration Manager, and when that position was advertised?

All Guyanese must have a job, but not in GECOM, where questionable characters are no longer permitted.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

He is risen! Happy Easter!

Dear Editor, Kindly permit me to share a few thoughts this Easter time, as we celebrate the death, burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Who is this Person who had such a profound effect on mankind that history is recorded “before Christ (BC) and “after Christ” (AD - anno domino - in the year of the Lord)?

Here are some famous statements made by this Prophet of God, who is recognised as such by other religious groups: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6. "…He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how

can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?"

John 14:9 "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” John 8:24.

“I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live." John 11:25.

Even as we fly our kites, let us remember His Resurrection, and join in the shout: “CHRIST IS RISEN INDEED!” Have a blessed and safe Easter weekend!

Sincerely, Claudia Heywood

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Grabbing Speaker’s Mace

Privileges Committee must submit report on APNU/AFC MPs by June 1

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he Privileges Committee of the National A s s e m b l y has been given the date of June 1, to submit its report on what sanctions, if any, should be taken against eight A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Members of Parliament who participated in the infamous mace grab of December 29, 2021.

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira, who had moved the original motion to have the MPs taken to the Privileges Committee, on Wednesday last moved a new motion to have the deadline for the Committee to submit its report extended from February 24 to June 1, 2022.

It was explained in the motion that the committee’s work was unfinished due to the intense discussions between the committee members, who met three times since it started its work on February 18, 2022. The motion was subsequently passed on Wednesday by the National Assembly.

“And whereas the Committee of Privileges was mandated to enquire whether the named Members committed to the Committee of Privileges have violated any of the Standing Orders, Customs, Practices and/or Conventions of the National Assembly and to determine the sanctions available

A scene from the infamous mace grab of December 29

and can be applied by the National Assembly,” the motion reads.

“And whereas owing to intense discussions on the procedure to be followed with respect to the matters before the Committee, the Committee was unable to submit its report to the National Assembly within the required one month… the committee needs additional time to continue and conclude its work,” the motion further explained.

According to the Parliament of Guyana website, “Any matter which appears to affect the powers and privileges of the Assembly is referred to (the Privileges) Committee, whose duty is to consider any such matter and to report thereon to the Assembly.”

Back in January, Teixeira had moved a motion to have the eight Opposition parliamentar-

ians – APNU/AFC’s Chief Whip Christopher Jones and MPs Annette Ferguson, Ganesh Mahipaul, Sherod Duncan, Natasha SinghLewis, Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Maureen Philadelphia – sent to the Committee, which is akin to a court.

A few days later, Teixeira and Opposition MP Khemraj Ramjattan were added to the membership of the Privileges Committee which would be determining the sanctions, if necessary, that would be applied to the eight Opposition parliamentarians accused of misbehaving in the National Assembly.

The Privileges Committee at the time had comprised Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips; Attorney General Anil Nandlall; Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr; MP Sanjeev Datadin; for-

Govt will ensure work is...

FROM PAGE 3

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar was also at Friday’s meeting.

During a tour of the Uitvlugt Estate in January, Shift Manager Lochan Deokaran had said that over at the “punt dumper” area, there were plans to install a new cane washing system. With the current setup, he had said that extraneous matter was entering the factory – an issue they’re trying to remedy. The new washer would improve steam and power production while reducing unplanned operation stoppages.

“The canes would enter with a lot of extraneous matter, including mud, sand and other obstacles.

We really needed a new cane washing system here to avoid some of this extraneous matter from enter-

ing our factory, to aid in proper milling and steam generation to supply power…When this extraneous matter enters into the system, it creates problems both in the mechanical and processing side,” the Shift Manager had highlighted.

Another issue which had posed some threat at the time was the dire state of the boiler chimney, which was leaning towards the factory. This had limited steam production and posed an overall health and safety hazard for workers.

The downsizing of the sugar industry by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration saw only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Estates being in operation. The assets of the closed estates were put

under the control of the Special Purpose Unit of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) for divestment. Uitvlugt is the only functional factory in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government last year laid a supplemental paper in the National Assembly, which among other things, sought $4 billion for urgent works on the sugar estates that would return GuySuCo to profitability.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha had said that the PPP/C Government inherited dilapidated and neglected estates from the former Government, a far cry from the estates the APNU/AFC inherited in 2015.

mer Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, and former Education Minister Nicolette Henry.

Henry has since resigned from Parliament, with her seat taken by People’s National Congress

Reform’s Volda Lawrence.

On December 29, APNU/ AFC members protested the hearing of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Bill, which they wanted to be sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee for review. Coalition MPs stood banging on their desks when the Bill was called up for debate and subsequently gathered in the pit of the dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), where National Assembly sittings are being held owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bill was eventually passed late in the evening, but not before the Opposition protest escalated into a physical confrontation with Parliament staff, after one of the MPs snatched the Parliament Mace from in front of the

Speaker, Manzoor Nadir.

In the process, the symbolic Mace was damaged. A new, smaller mace had to be produced by the Speaker.

Some Opposition MPs also went into the Control Room of the ACCC, where they ripped out connections for Internet and microphones, causing the live feed and virtual connections to be disrupted.

Moreover, Opposition parliamentarians have been accused of assaulting – both physically and verbally, including the use of racial epithets – the Personal Assistant to the Speaker, who was trying to protect the Mace. The Mace is the most integral part of the National Assembly’s setup, and if it is not in the House, no business can be conducted.

Rebuilding GECOM sees the dismantling of the PNC’s stomping ground Dear Editor, The GECOM is in the final stages of getting itself together as we go into the future for the holding of any elections here. This democratic institution is at its acme of preparedness, which is a sure sign that our lesson of 2015-2020 would have been learnt.

We have learned our lesson well, leaving behind all the dross and embarrassment of that period, while meticulously building on those hard-fought gains. This is The Guyana Elections Commission that we have built, and one that has met international standards.

Now, while we stand proud in the establishment of an electoral institution of transparency and trust, other folks - notably the PNC - are grumbling and crying fraud. There is no fraud at GECOM, but we know the reason for their grumblings and all of this lies in the telltale fact that their rigging empire has come crashing down.

Rigging is dead, it cannot lift its ugly head again.

It hurts to see a place where you could have easily perpetuated fraud and govern illegally being broken down. Yes, the PNC are distraught with the fact that they cannot carry out their fraudulent actions.

So, I sarcastically say it hurts; the truth really hurts! No more would there

be the hiding of SOPs, or the barefaced declaration of fictitious results. No more can we countenance an Information Technician hiding in the washroom trying desperately to falsify figures. It also means that there would be no signatures of a Government Minister on the final declaration of results of an election.

Rebuilding GECOM brick by brick sees the dismantling of the PNC’s stomping ground. We have removed the bugbear that has besmirched us for decades. Our country must move into the future with an institution we can trust.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Toilet training for kittens, puppies and small “house” dogs (Cont)

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ast week, we ended this topic by mentioning that spanking your newly acquired pet for defecating/urinating in the wrong place is not a recommended methodology. In fact, such action by a caregiver is synonymous with animal abuse, and would therefore be illegal. There are more humane and successful options in potty-training a new kitten/new puppy/small house dog.

I had also mentioned that I do not advise caregivers to use newspapers as litter. I received several calls explaining that: (i) caregivers have used newspapers, cut up into several pieces, as litter without deleterious effects to the animal, and (ii) commercial litter and urine pads can be costly and not always available.

Given the dilemma of unavailability on the market, one can per force use other materials. It is advisable that you discuss with your veterinarian and get clearance on your choice of alternative litter and urine pads.

Let us now return to the issue of the toilet training process – and a patient process it is! The caregiver must appreciate that puppies and kittens (like babies) have no direct control over the holding/release of urine and stool.

When they have to go, they go. As they get older, (around 12-16 weeks), such control develops.

Actually, in some breeds, the control mechanism does not fully kick in until the animal has reached the age of puberty (circa 7-8 months), or even later.

Your initial efforts at potty training should be scheduled after the animal has eaten, or just after it has woken up. Young animals prefer to use a litter box with a porous surface, e.g., grass or sand (preferably not sawdust). Of course, carpets and rugs offer an inviting surface upon which they could defecate/ urinate.

Clearly, it is your job as a caregiver to direct them to the litterbox at the recommended times and via the enthusing methods described in last week’s Pet Care column.

Scientific research has proven that which I thought would be pretty obvious; namely, that there is a correlation between defecation and how often the animal eats. In other words, the animal is likely to void poop 3-4 times daily if it is fed 3-4 times daily. Puppies and kittens tend to urinate shortly (10-15 minutes) after the meal intake.

Please do not panic if these guideline times are not precise. Biology is not mathematics; the latter is pretty much an exact science, while the former has great differentiations and inexactitudes.

I can assure you, from personal experience and observations, that the suggested protocols do bring success in toilet training.

One can, of course, and if time is available,

take the pet (on a leash) outside soon after it has finished consuming a meal.

Please note that cats (kittens) do not particularly care for being leashed.

But, believe me, with patience, they, too, will accept a leash. Lead puppies to a predetermined predilection spot, where they will defecate.

Dr. Krystal-Marie Ramnauth, a writer for the Trinidad Guardian, who has allowed me to extract portions from her published columns on the issue of potty training, had the following to say: The reason you should be taking your puppy to the same “spot” for toileting is to establish a spatial as well as a scent association with the area, so the puppy knows where to go. Scent marks convey information to dogs, and the smell of an old scent mark will induce the perpetrator to top up the messages. This is why the puppy keeps messing in the same place.

This toilet behaviour is different from marking behaviour, although the scent concept is the same.

It is therefore important that all incorrect areas that have been soiled be thoroughly cleaned, or the puppy will continue to be attracted to toilet in those areas.

Household cleaners containing ammonia and chlorine, strongly perfumed disinfectants, and air fresheners should not be used. The most successful method involves first scrubbing the area with warm ten percent solution of a biological washing powder, followed by rinsing with cold water and allowing the area to dry. This should be followed by spraying with an alcohol such as surgical spirits (rubbing alcohol, methylated spirits) to deal with fat deposits. After cleaning, the area must be allowed to dry thoroughly before the pet is given access to it again.

The most important aspect of toilet training is to establish a routine. So, ensure you put in the time; it will be worth it. Also remember to scoop the poop and discard same to keep your family and your dog healthy.

For those of you who choose to walk you pets on a leash, please respect your community and remove the poop and place it in a bag for disposal. Poop may be biodegradable, but it is also unsightly, smelly, and attracts flies.

H A P P Y EASTER!

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ndia's ancient discussion traditions have yielded major theistic worldviews, with a few being atheistic. They are all respected for their spirit and freedom of inquiry.

The dharma ecosystem allows for freedom of movement based on mutual respect. There is no homogeneity, but diversity in the way Hindu philosophers experienced and codified varying worldviews in their search for that Highest Truth, called by many names.

The Feminine Principle in the Highest Divinity is called Devi, or Shakti, and She occupies a superior position in these traditions that are popular in the Caribbean and, of course, across India and its diaspora.

Here we look at a most beautiful and famous poem in praise of Femininity in Divinity – Saundarya Lahiri (Waves of Beauty). Written by Adi Shankaracharya, this famous devotional and sublime Sanskrit stotra (a musical composition of praise) consists of 100 verses on the subject of the feminine principle. The poem's first part (verses 1 to 41) is called Anandalahari, or Wave of Bliss. It addresses Shakti as the dynamic aspect of the Highest Divinity (called by many names), manifestations for worship, and modes of internal meditation. The second part (verses 42 to 100) is termed the Wave of Beauty, or Saundarya Lahari, and it extols the beauty and form of the Divine Mother.

Verse 1 from the first part says, shivah shakthya yukto yadi bhavati shaktah prabhavitum Na chedevam devo na khalu kusalah spanditumapi; Atas tvam aradhyam Hari-Hara-Virinchadibhir api Pranantum stotum vaa katham akrta-punyah prabhavati Only if conjoint with the Sakti (Thyself) would Shiva earn the privilege to become over-lord; otherwise, he cannot stir. While so, how dare one, who has acquired no merit for saluting or praising Thee, O Goddess, who art worthy of being adored even by Hari, Hara, Virinca and others?

Saundarya Lahari is most popular in South India, where devotees recite this poem daily, with great devotion, some even without knowing Sanskrit.

Verse 97 addresses the atman.

Giram aahur devim Druhina-gruhinim agaamavidho Hareh pathnim padhmam Hara-sahacharim adhrithanayam; Thuriya kapi thvam dhuradhigama-niseemamahima Maha-maya visvam bhramayasi parabhrahma mahishi.

O Parashakti, You are One with Parabrahma, Though those who have learned Vedas, Call you as Brahma's consort Sarawati, Or call you as Vishnu's consort Lakshmi, Or call you as Shiva's consort Parvati, You are the fourth called Maha Maya, Who gives life to the world, And have attained all that is to attain.

The Feminine Principle is adored through many names, like Devi Tripuraa Sundari (the One who dominates the three worlds of body, mind and consciousness), Parvati, Devi, Sati, Durga, Kali, Annapurna, Akhilandeswari, Lalitha Tripurasundari and Adi Parashakthi.

Saundarya Lahari is taught to the deserving student by a competent teacher who belongs to that spiritual lineage. The student must qualify as a competent student or seeker of knowledge, and is required to practise certain disciplines in the search for knowledge.

These praises have both esoteric and worldly meanings. There are many prayer petitions for various worldly desires, while some address the higher goals of the atman.

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tremendous opportunities for Guyana to export natural gas – CDB expert …says Guyana should have enough gas for 20-to-30-year project

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Artist’s impression of the gas-to-shore project

uyana, which has been producing oil and gas since 2019 and which has plans to pipe in natural gas from offshore reservoirs, has a tremendous opportunity to earn money from natural gas exports. This is according to Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) Director of Economics, Dr Justin Ram. Dr Ram was at the time fielding questions from Guyana Times during an OilNow-organised webinar panel. According to Dr Ram, who has been a proponent of the gas-to-shore project given its potential benefits for Guyana, exporting natural gas could provide Guyana with a lucrative market.

“I think looking at the geopolitical context as it were, there are significant opportunities to export natural gas now. Many Western Governments are looking towards stable parts of the world, where they can source their natural gas from. So, I

think natural gas is going to be in significantly higher demand, certainly from frontier producers like Guyana,” he noted.

Dr Ram’s reference to geopolitics is especially relevant since in the wake of economic sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, the United States and countries in Europe have been looking for energy alternatives to Russia. In 2021, Russia was responsible for more than 380 million cubic metres of natural gas imports to Europe… per day.

“Guyana is well-placed to get into the liquefied natural gas [LNG] business.

However, there’s significant investment that is required for that. If we were to build an energy plant in Guyana now, we’re talking about US$5 billion.

“I think Guyana has enough natural gas to support that for let’s say a 20-to30-year project. However, there are still a lot of invest-

ments that have to go in for that to work. So, Guyana can still export its gas, maybe through other alternatives like floating LNG,” he said.

Another alternative, Dr Ram floated, was getting the natural gas to a neighbouring country with an energy facility, such as Brazil. The feasibility of all these proposals, according to the CDB Director, would have to be examined.

“One of the things with LNG, however, is that it uses up a lot of your gas. And so, from an economist perspective, there’s a significant cost associated with that. What we call an opportunity cost.

Because you’re now depleting your resource relatively quickly.

“And so, pricing of that energy has to be done in a really fine-tuned way to ensure that if you are depleting your resource very quickly, then the revenue you receive from that should compensate you for losing your resource,” Dr

Ram explained.

In February. it was revealed that some 21 companies had submitted Expressions of Interest (EoIs) to be pre-qualified for the construction of the natural gas-fired power plant and the natural gas liquids (NGL) plant components of the gas-to-shore project. This was revealed by Head of the Gas-to-Shore Taskforce, Winston Brassington, while giving an update on the project at the oil and gas conference.

The scope of the US$900 million gas-to-shore project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipelines from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil. The pipelines would be 12 inches wide which guarantees a capacity of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd), with a maximum capacity of 120 mmscfd.

The pipelines route onshore will follow the same path as the fibreoptic cables and will terminate at Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), which will house the gas-toshore project.

The Guyana Government has invited interested parties to make investments in the WDZ, which will be heavily industrialised and for which approximately 150 acres of lands have been allo-

CDB Economist, Dr Justin Ram

cated. Those lands were previously used by the Wales Sugar Estate.

The other component of the project is the construction of a combined cycle power plant that will generate

up to 300 megawatts (MW) of power with net 250 MW delivered into the Guyana Power and Light grid at a sub-station located on the East Bank of the Demerara River.

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Outsourcing…

…refugees We’ve all heard about globalisation, but few realise that, since the 1970s, “outsourcing” has become one of its largest components!! Outsourcing? That occurs when an organisation contracts some of its functions to another organisation. For example, a company may decide that it’d be more efficient to use IT developers from a specialist firm than bring them in as employees.

The work may be outsourced to a company in the same country (sometimes called “onshoring”), or to a company in another country (sometimes called “offshoring”).

As usual, in matters economic, the rationale is to cut costs. Rather than a company spending money on an entire IT department, it makes sense to outsource its IT needs. But, as with everything, Governments soon got into the act, to farm out some of their functions, including some very fundamental ones! In the beginning, big countries would pay smaller ones to fight what were called “proxy wars”. This was very big business during the Cold War. Burnham and the PNC were paid to keep out the “pinko” PPP for decades!! The ultimate, up to now however, was when the US used paid mercenaries from the Blackwater and Blackstone companies.

Well, we just got the world that the concept has now been ratcheted a notch higher. A BIG notch!! Britain, under Boris Johnson’s Tories, has just outsourced the refugees that arrive via its waters around it to Rwanda, 3700 miles away out in Africa!! We should know that one of the main reasons for Brexit was the huge numbers of immigrants arriving from the EU, because they had a right to do so under their treaty. But Nativism - putting “real” citizens (here, read British whites!) - still runs rampant!! Means British whites must remain first, second and every other tier you wanna think about!!

Well, now that the legal gate’s been closed, what we call the “backtrack” route has become a tsunami!! After all, what Rodney pointed out as the “underdevelopment” of Africa by Europe isn’t going away, and the inexorable population growth continues unabated. Just the other day, there were those 27 refugees who drowned in the English Channel when their inflatable dingy capsized!

That’s the tip of the iceberg. Well, by now declaring they’ll be sent to Rwanda, Britain is hoping this will become the modern version of being “shipped to Siberia”!! And play a chilling deterrence to the tired and hungry of the world. After all, just a few decades ago, ethnic riots saw 800,000 persons hacked to death!!

Rwanda was paid US $158 million for the first tranche of refugees!! So, they coke out smelling roses since they’re pretty sure VERY FEW refugees will remain to be “rehabilitated”!!

Some may see this as a very cynical move by Boris.

But since when was Britain principled? …sugar workers’ relief?

Pres Ali’s visit to Uitvlugt Sugar Factory highlighted what’d been kept out of the public’s gaze. We heard in the first week of March that the #1 mill’s gear (which grinds the cane) was damaged and 600 punts of cane were in limbo. A week later, we’re told matters were resolved and sugar was being produced. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. But then the factory ground to a halt again!

And for the past month hasn’t been grinding. Cane cutters - who traditionally save their earnings to tide them over the out-of-crop month - were out in the cold once again. Private individuals had to donate some rice to them a few weeks ago, and this week, Pres Ali distributed hampers. More importantly, he instructed management to provide 6 days of routine “out-of-crop” work. This is helpful, but they will still be “on bearings”.

They need a cash injection to keep body and soul together! …wheat Rather than sit and wring their hands on their burgeoning wheat import bill, more than a dozen SubSaharan countries have been producing - and expanding - wheat in tropical climes.

Shouldn’t we outsource their experience?

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

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

NEWS

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Rupununi Rodeo can be global player in tourism – Pres Ali …as major tourism investments being undertaken in Region 9

One of the activities at the Rupununi Rodeo on Saturday (Photo: News Room)

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fter a two-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rupununi Rodeo has returned to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, it has the potential to be a major player in not only the regional but international tourism sector.

The Head of State made this declaration at the opening of the event on Saturday, which saw in attendance scores of visitors from all walks of life throughout Guyana as well as from Brazil and Trinidad.

“This event has the power to be a global player in the tourism business. This event has an enormous opportunity to be one of the marquee events in the Caribbean. In my opinion, this event has its own appeal and can stand tall, side-by-side with the best of cricket, the best of racing and we intend to build this event to be the best,” President Ali posited.

However, in order to build such a product to attract tourists to Guyana, the Guyanese leader stressed that investment was needed.

“Making Rupununi and Region Nine a staple in the tourism menu in our country requires investment,” he

sible through the enhancement of the road network leading into the region. In fact, a contract has already been awarded for the rebuilding of all bridges along the Linden-to-Lethem Road to meet international concrete standards.

Additionally, a project is also underway for the paving of the highway from Linden to Mabura Hill, and according to President Ali, Government is exploring the different formulas to have the bridges completed and the road paved all the way

Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond commissioning the Visit Rupununi Tourism Info Centre in Lethem as President Ali and others look on (Photo: Office of the President)

said.

Against this backdrop, President Ali handed over a cheque of $1 million to the Rodeo Committee and further pledged his Government’s continuous support to the event, physically, financially and in its marketing as well.

Moreover, Dr Ali commended the participants in the various rodeo activities, who he said were not merely entertaining but were doing so for the development of the region.

He noted that his administration was also doing its part by making the Rupununi area easily acces-

into Lethem.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond said it was heartening to see the support for the return of rodeo in the Rupununi, noting that many other traditional events across the country were being revived after two years.

She said that the Tourism Ministry has been pursuing a more robust domestic tourism product to have

Guyanese exploring the country more.

“The Rupununi Rodeo is one of the core events that bring people together and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce will

continue to offer its support to this and other major initiatives that demonstrate the capacity to attract a large number of visitors to this region,” she stated.

Minister Walrond not-

ed that events such as the Rupununi Rodeo have the potential to not only attract people to Guyana but also to fan out in the various regions across the country.

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Improvised weapons, other contraband found during prison raids for the Prison Directorate, and that several security measures have been put in place to prevent and reduce contraband in prison. These measures are subject to periodic review.

Meanwhile, he took the opportunity to warn Prison Officers, civilians, and prisoners who seek to organize the entry of contraband into the prison that they will

ed a search in the Mazaruni Prison, during which a quantity of cannabis and other contraband items were found.

That search, which lasted for several hours, unearthed 16 cigarette lighters, 10 cellular phones, 3 phone batteries, 17 improvised weapons, 25 grams of cannabis and a quantity of cigarettes. No incidents were reported during the search.

Cousins shot during argument in Sophia

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The contraband items that were unearthed during the raids

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embers of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), and Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday conducted a search at all Prison locations, during which a number of contraband items were found.

These searches lasted some five hours. According to the GPS, the aim of this exercise was to sanitise the prisons of all contraband, ensuring that there is no breach of the physical infrastructure, while simultaneously sensitising prisoners about the negative impact of contraband in prison.

“Operation Sanitise is

be charged criminally and placed before the court.

During the search,17 cell phones and 56 improvised weapons, which include sharpened toothbrushes, sharpened wooden and metal objects, four packs of cigarettes, a number of fermented wines and a number of lighters, were found.

Two weeks ago, joint services’ ranks conduct-

(done) with the aim of enhancing the national effort to provide public safety”, the Guyana Police Force has stated in a release to the press.

Acting Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has said that

there has been a significant decrease in the number of contraband and prohibited items being found within the Prisons. Further, he noted that the issue of contraband in prison remains a concern

labourer and his cousin of North Sophia, Greater Georgetown are patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital after they were shot on Friday evening during an argument.

Injured are 27-year-old Yardan Jacobs and 29-yearold Steve Bacchus, a businessman.

Jacobs was reportedly shot to his abdomen while his cousin sustained a gunshot wound to his lower back.

Based on reports received, Jacobs was at the Tanary area hanging out with some friends when he got into an argument with another man. However, Bacchus intervened, caus-

ing the suspect to get angry.

In retaliating, the suspect whipped out a firearm and discharged several rounds in the direction of the two men.

The suspect then fled the scene.

Police ranks on patrol duty responded and took Jacobs to the Georgetown

Public Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient.

His condition is listed as stable. Bacchus was taken to the hospital by public-spirited citizens and also admitted, and his condition was listed as stable too.

The Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who remains on the run.

Rupununi Rodeo can be... “[The Rupununi Rodeo] may be the event with the strongest such appeal. We believe that there is a market in the Caribbean region for this event and it is very likely that people would come to Guyana just to experience the Rupununi Rodeo,” Walrond asserted.

To this end, she challenged the Region to improve its capacity to cater to the impending growth of the event. This, she explained, is especially critical since it was difficult to secure rooms and most airlines were fully booked for this weekend’s rodeo.

“The predicted growth should inspire confidence for more people to invest in quality accommodation and service to meet the rapid increase in demand.”

“Lethem and Region Nine possess tremendous potential. We have some genuine products here in their raw form and our Amerindian communities offer an authentic insight into the way of life of the Indigenous communities.

However, potential without action and intuition remains just potential. To translate potential to tangible benefits requires deliberate and insightful action,” she stated.

It is for this reason Walrond further pointed out that Government has invested heavily in the de-

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President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the opening of the Rupununi Rodeo

velopment of tourism in Region Nine.

“We have been working to enhance the tourism products in the North, Central and South Rupununi. The Government understands the trickling benefits of tourism to families in these communities and we continue to provide all possible support to move the product forward,” she posited.

The return of rodeo to Region Nine was made possible by Lethem’s Mayor, John Macedo, who led its coordination shortly after the Government lifted most of the COVID-19 restrictions one month ago on March 14.

President Ali was joined

by First Lady Arya Ali and several Cabinet Ministers as well as regional and Government officials in Rupununi on Saturday for the opening of the rodeo.

Among the activities he witnessed was the com-

missioning of the Visit Rupununi Guyana Tourism Information Centre in Lethem.

During his remarks there, the Head of State highlighted the importance of human resources in community-based tourism.

“For tourism to work, the people must understand what tourism means.

We must live tourism and be the best we can to each other, the environment and, more importantly, the country,” he said.

President Ali also noted that part of the region’s tourism package must be a partnership with neighbouring Brazil.

“We must build a common profit with our neighbours. Once we are able to merge these two products and cooperate, we will have one of the most powerful tourism products anywhere in the world,” he added.

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Dangerous ethnic comparisons

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ver the past two weeks, Nigel Westmaas and I have been discussing an event from the mid-19th century (The Angel Gabriel Riots) and its possible lessons for us in our present. We both agree that, in “looking back”, we are seeking to answer questions generated in our present. Especially when, as Faulkner said, sometimes “the past is not dead; it’s not even past.” From his last response, it appears that Nigel was focusing on addressing a contention that AfricanGuyanese are more prone Ravi Dev to riotous behaviour, while I was worried about the possibility of ethnic riots being precipitated in that same present.

While I use the term “present”, I see it as a “problem space” which comprises two states - the initial one we are in (the present), and the goal state that we want to get to. To move from the first to the second, we use heuristics that are based on a theory or theories. Living in Guyana for the past 30 years, I consider our present state to be still dominated by the possibility of ethnic conflict between African- and Indian-Guyanese. The goal state I aspire to is one in which that conflict is managed, so that the various groups in Guyana can live more harmoniously.

Nigel sounds a bit dismissive about the heuristic/theory I have been testing over the past thirty years to explain, and therefore the initiatives proposed to address the problems in the present in order to achieve a more peaceful future. He remarks, “Dev’s concentration appears to lie solely with Indian-African ethnic conflict and his well-developed pet thesis…” On the other hand, Nigel’s concern about which groups are more or less prone to riotous behaviours is an empirical one that will have to be explained by whatever heuristic/theory we use.

It is regrettable that SN excised my concluding sentence, “Substituting “Indian” for “Portuguese”, the parallels with our present ethnic dilemma hopefully needs no belaboring”, when they published my reply to Nigel. The sentence followed Prof Brian Moore’s quotation of statements expressed by the rioting Creoles during the Angel Gabriel Riots against 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”.

The “parallels” I alluded to in Guyana today are the exact sentiments expressed by my erstwhile friends from the WPA, on a daily basis on their now ubiquitous social media platforms, for African- Guyanese against Indian- Guyanese and the PPP Government. This comparison is straight from Donald Howoritz’s theory of ethnic conflict (my “pet theory”) that proposes “group comparisons” are inevitable in our plural societies, and are based on perceived or real “relative deprivation”.

This process also operated among Indian-Guyanese when the APNU/AFC coalition was in power. When the group that feels relatively deprived also believes they have greater legitimacy to the national patrimony, they are more easily mobilised by the “politics of entitlement”.

From this heuristic, we had proposed “Ethnic Impact Statements” to address whether the disparities (inequality of results) were generated by inequality of opportunity or by other mediating factors. For mediating factors, such as past discrimination by the state, as occurred against African-Guyanese after Emancipation, we proposed “Affirmative Action Programs”.

We also proposed the same for Indian-Guyanese because of the same discriminatory behaviour against them for the Police Force and Civil Service by the Colonial State, and later by Burnham and the PNC. I have known Nigel since I returned to Guyana in the late 1980s, and frequented the WPA Headquarters on Croal St. He would know I had used my “pet theory” as the basis for a paper calling for “A New Political Culture”, which introduced the African and Indian Ethnic Security Dilemmas. I suggested a conference in 1990 to discuss the “race question” based on the paper. The PPP and PNC agreed, but it was scuttled by the WPA, which held their “multicultural base” had resolved the race question. I used, in 1995, my “pet theory” to predict violence by African-Guyanese, which erupted on Jan 12, 1998 and continued for a decade.

I hope that by stressing possible incidents of cooperation between African- and Indian-Guyanese, as Walter Rodney did in the past, and Nigel now, we do not ignore the possible consequences of the present group comparison based on perceived relative deprivation, stoked by the WPA. The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

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FEATURE

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should expect during your stay.

Thereafter, you will be transferred to Bimichi, to check into the lodge, followed by a quick transfer to the village landing. At this point, you are still being treated to introductions and historical interpretations of the village. Each experience has been carefully planned to ensure that travellers have the most educational, participatory, and inherently experiential experience.

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xper i ential travel is a form of tourism designed and organised by local hosts, wherein travellers experience a destination by actively and meaningfully engaging with its history, people, culture, food and environment. These activities provide visitors with access to one-of-a-kind, insider experiences that engage all of the senses.

St. Cuthbert’s Mission, located deep within the Mahaica River, would certainly provide this experience. Through the guidance of the Authority, this village, which recently celebrated its 133rd anniversary, has implemented a number of hygiene and

History, cassava processing & sculpting at Yamorah Landing

Have you ever wanted to experience the beauty of kingfishers during a boat ride? What about having the gleeful howls of the sakiwinki monkeys accompany you on your journey? You can have these experiences on a 30-minute boat ride to Yamorah Landing, where you will learn of the historical significance of the area, as well as be treated to a cassava-processing activity.

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sanitation protocols to ensure the absolute safety of guests. Additional areas of training in First Aid & CPR, Delivering Quality Service, as well as tour-guiding and culinary arts, were provided so that residents would be able to host the best experiences possible.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with that warm, hospitable disposition found throughout the village. It is an energy that is unmistakably Guyanese. The village’s

tourism committee, as well as the lead tour guide, would pres-

ent a succinct introduction to the village and what you

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Experience the beauty...

If you’ve ever wondered how cassava bread is made, then this will be the perfect learning opportunity for you. What’s even better is that you will be able to try making it on your own! Exciting, isn’t it?

For the more artistic travellers, a wood-sculpting experience with the village artist, affectionately known as Uncle

FROM PAGE 13

Ozzy, is bound to entertain you. If you wish, you will be able to carve your own masterpiece to take with you as a fond reminder.

The villagers often rely on their bows and arrows for hunting. So why not tap into their way of life and learn to make one of your own? As a plus, you will also be treated to

an expert archery demonstration. Of course, you are free to indulge in this activity.

Winding down with the day

As the day winds down, there is the opportunity to explore the nature trails in Yamorah for wildlife spotting. Or take a short canoe ride in which you can learn traditional fishing techniques, or test your canoe-steering skills. The choices are endless!

To bring the day to a close, you will travel back to Bimichi for dinner and an evening bonfire activity. As the fire illuminates the darkness of the night, take some time to enjoy the cultural presentations as well as stories and folklore told by the villagers. This is the perfect time to sample some ‘Bimichi Wines’, a traditional Indigenous alcoholic beverage. It’s a Guyanese staple.

These experiences, of course, only make up the first day of your stay. On the next day, you will be invited to take an early morning nature walk, and head to Mahadeo’s farm for an interesting agricultural experience.

While having breakfast on the farm, you are free to explore, and even indulge in, the fresh fruits that are readily available.

Back at Bimichi, the village craft-makers will be waiting to take you through the steps of tibisiri (a dried straw-like material) craft-making, as well as a top-spinning activity and, of course, a mini-lesson in Arawak, the village’s native language. You will then be invited to sample the locally-branded Bimichi wines after a hearty lunch.

What’s even better is that, for the Easter Season, Bimichi Eco Lodge has a special Easter package for travellers to the community. There aren’t any specific dates for the experience, so you can book on a weekday or a weekend. A minimum of 4 persons are required for the day trip, and it is $12,000 per person. For more information, you can contact the authorities at 592-675-6074, 592-627-2949, or visit their Facebook page - @Bimichi Eco Lodge.

As tourism evolves, one thing is absolutely certain: we must ensure that our culture is preserved and allowed to be passed down from generation to generation. This is possible through a multi-collaborative effort of both the Government of Guyana and the Private Sector. And it is evident through the experiences provided by St Cuthbert’s Mission.

St. Cuthbert’s Mission is a different experience, one that is certainly worth your time.

For more information on how you can schedule your experiential travel experience, do reach out to the Guyana Tourism Authority at 592-219-0093-6, or send an email to info@guyanatourism.com. You can also engage with us via WhatsApp at 592-688-4155, or follow us on social media - @ Discover Guyana on Facebook and Instagram, as well as the @Guyana Tourism Authority on Facebook.

FEATURE

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Berbician Marian Yancin turns 100 ceived another child. In her youth, however, she looked and cared for her niece like she was her daughter. This niece is currently residing overseas.

Yancin, who resides at Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown, originally grew up in Skeldon, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). She eventually moved to Georgetown during her youth. She was married twice in her lifetime, but also outlived both of her husbands.

The woman, in an inter-

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New centenarian Marian Yancin

s life marches onwards this meaningful Easter holiday, family members and friends of Marian Yancin celebrated her 100th year of life on Saturday.

Marian Yancin, commonly known as Carmen Matthews by her friends and family members, took her first breath in this life on this day in 1922. On Saturday, a day before

Easter, Marian celebrated her 100th birthday, becoming the first in her family to do so.

The woman has outlived all three of her children, who all passed on before even turning two. She explained that her firstborns were twins, both boys, who died; and her next child, also a boy, passed away while he was one year old.

The woman never con-

view with Guyana Times, recalled the names of the friends with whom she had grown up, still remembering most of their names at the age of 100. Her hearing is slightly defective, but otherwise she is still healthy and strong.

During the interview, Yancin’s niece, Gwendolyn Huston, was the one who relayed the questions asked by the reporter to her.

Yancin, being witty, cracked a few jokes, sparking laughter in the room, providing that she is capable of enjoy-

ing life at her age.

The centenarian was a rice planter and a farmer.

She is described as being kind, and one who would advocate for what she believes in. Hutson, her niece, explained that the woman was caring and loving to the people she met, but she was also stern, not sticking “nonsense from man or woman.”

The woman, in her young days, planted and reaped her own crops as a way to make a living for her family.

Diagnosed with only arthritis, the new centenarian is in a healthy state, with frequent medical checkups to detect any underlying illness that might threaten her life.

The woman’s niece explained that Yancin is the first in their family to live to see 100 years on earth, while adding that she has outlived four of her seven siblings. Marian’s father and mother, Thomas and Sarah France, died at the ages of 96 and 94 respectively.

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Easter Sunday: Jesus’s Ascension into Heaven

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aster Sunday is known as the day Jesus Christ was Resurrected after being crucified by the Romans on Calvary. The day is specifically celebrated by Christians across the world as a way of

gratefulness to Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of humanity.

Easter Sunday, according to the New Testament, is the day that follows Good Friday, after Jesus was crucified by the Romans. Jewish

religious leaders had condemned Jesus of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. They were so hysterical by Jesus’s acts that they brought Him to the Romans, where Pontius Pilate, a Roman leader, sentenced Jesus to crucifixion.

According to the Holy Bible, God raised Jesus on

the third day, after His death on Good Friday as a result of crucifixion, which was the ultimate form of criminal punishment at the time.

The corporeal Resurrection, according to Christian belief, is the return to life of a changed body, propelled by spirit, and it ensures that all Christians who

have died will be raised at Christ’s Parousia, or Second Coming. The death and Resurrection of Jesus, as honoured by Easter, are the most fundamental events in Christian theology, and are the cornerstone of the Christian religion.

The day is believed to have occurred on the third day (after his burial) following His crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary. It is the

culmination of the religious season of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.

Easter marks the completion of the Passion of Christ, beginning from Lent and ending with Holy Week, which includes Holy Thursday (also Maundy Thursday, which celebrates Jesus’s Last Supper with his 12 disciples), Good Friday (when Jesus’s crucifixion is observed) and finally ending with Easter Sunday.

The day marks the return of Christ, who sacrificed Himself for the sins of humanity. The Resurrection proves Him as the true Son of God, who defeated evil and death before ascending to Heaven.

It is a day of feasting and celebration, during which people attend prayer services, and decorate and distribute kites. The raising of kites into the skies on Easter Sunday is done in Guyana to symbolize Jesus’s Ascension into Heaven.

FEATURE

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Quarrie Village of Central Rupununi explores its tourism potential Thomas pointed out that most of the members who are part of the initiative are youths, but the project is not without its challenges. “One of the challenges we are facing is financial support, since we (are) now trying to get back on our feet from the lockdowns we had due to the coronavirus,” Thomas said.

She added that the village has multiple accommodation choices for visitors, but also noted that there is need for additional furnishing of the venues. She added that there is need for a multipurpose building “where we can get youths to be trained in skills to benefit (themselves); for instance, culinary training.”

Villagers and officials of the Guyana Tourism Authority during an exploration visit at the village

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A traditional mode of transportation at Quarrie

s the world reopens to the post-pandemic period, the 280plus residents of one of the smaller villages within the Central Rupununi have banded together to offer tourists a welcoming and memorable stay through the tourism programme of the village of Quarrie.

Quarrie, a satellite of the village of St Ignatius, sits on the outskirts of the border town of Lethem, near the border with Brazil. This village, situated some 15-20 minutes’ travel away from Lethem, the administrative hub of the Rupununi, has recently been promoting its tourism initiatives. In fact, things have gotten off to such a promising start in this respect that officials of the Guyana Tourism

Authority (GTA) have recognised Quarrie’s efforts to market its tourism potential to the visiting public.

Last February (2022), the GTA undertook training sessions with villagers, a first-time undertaking in the village.

“The tourism initiative was born from a youth initiative here in Quarrie, where entrepreneur training was conducted,” Joan Thomas, a spokesperson for the village project, told <<Guyana Times.>> She said villagers examined various “possibilities of how we can help the entire community,” and the tourism business idea was explored, and with the help of the elders of the village, the project was registered with the authorities.

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HEALTH TIPS

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS STI WEEK 2022 - STIs HAPPEN, BE PROUD TO TEST an infection may result in zero symptoms, a disease always comes with clear signs.

Think of it this way: An STD will always start as an STI, but not all STIs turn into STDs.

STD SYMPTOMS

D r. T ariq Jagnarine F amily M edicine, Endocrinology

T

and

D iabetes

he terms “sexually transmitted infections” (STIs) and “sexually transmitted diseases” (STDs) are often confused, but they aren’t the same thing. An infection — which is when bacteria, viruses, or parasites attack the body —comes before a disease; and while

If an STD starts with a symptomatic STI, a patient might first experience: * Pain or discomfort during sexual activity or urination * Sores, bumps or rashes on or around the vagina, penis, testicles, anus, buttocks, thighs or mouth * Unusual discharge or bleeding from the penis or vagina * Painful or swollen testicles

* Itchiness in or around the vagina * Unexpected periods or bleeding after sexual activity But remember that not all STIs have symptoms.

If an STI progresses to an STD, symptoms can vary. Some of them may be similar to the above, such as pain during sexual activity, pain during urination, and irregular or painful periods. But other symptoms can be quite different, and, depending on the STD, they can include: * Fever * Recurring pain * Fatigue * Memory loss * Changes in vision or hearing * Nausea

* Weight loss * Lumps or swellings

STD CAUSES

These infections are usually transmitted through sexual contact, including through body fluids or skin contact via vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Some of them never become a disease, especially if they’re treated, and they can even go away on their own. But if the pathogens that caused the infection end up damaging cells in the body and disrupting its functions, an STI will progress to an STD.

TYPES OF STDS

While the list of STIs is pretty lengthy, there are fewer STDs. They range from pelvic inflammato-

ry disease (PID), caused

by STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, to some forms of cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE

Gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are common STIs that can lead to PID if left untreated. But not all cases of PID are caused by an STI, as other bacterial infections can play a role.

Although this infection of the female reproductive organs is classified as a disease, some people have no symptoms. Those who do have symptoms may experience: * Pelvic or lower abdominal pain * Pain during penetrative vaginal sex, or when urinating * Irregular, heavy, or painful vaginal bleeding * Unusual vaginal discharge * Nausea * High temperature Antibiotics can successfully treat PID if it’s diagnosed early enough.

However, they won’t treat any scarring on the fallopian tubes that may have occurred.

TERTIARY SYPHILIS

The early stages of syphilis —a relatively uncommon infection — are considered an STI. The infection first appears as one or more small round sores on the genitals, anus, or mouth. If left untreated, syphilis will move to the latent phase, which has no symptoms.

However, around a quarter of people will go on to develop tertiary syphilis from here — a process that can take between 10 and 30 years after the initial infection.

This disease can have serious consequences for

several organ systems in the body, leading to: * Loss of vision * Loss of hearing * Memory loss * Mental health conditions * Infections of the brain or spinal cord * Heart disease The earlier syphilis is diagnosed and treated, the less damage it does. While penicillin injections are typically used to treat tertiary syphilis and remove the bacteria from the body, they can’t reverse any damage that’s already occurred.

CANCER

Although some strains of HPV tend to cause no disease, other strains can cause abnormal cell changes. This can lead to cancer, including: * Oral cancer * Cervical cancer * Vulvar cancer * Penile cancer * Anal cancer

GENITAL WARTS

Some lower-risk strains of HPV can cause a disease called genital warts.

These skin-coloured or white bumps show up on the genitals or anus, with over 350,000 people developing them every year.

They are treatable, but not curable, as the virus that causes them may remain.

(In some cases, HPV disappears on its own.)

AIDS

HIV can damage the immune system, and increase the risk of contracting other viruses or bacteria and developing certain cancers. Many people with HIV live long, healthy lives with today's treatments. But if left untreated, the virus can lead to AIDS, where the body becomes vulnerable to serious infections and illnesses.

TURN TO PAGE 26

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 Police outposts to be constructed along Mandela-to-Eccles thoroughfare F ollowing a visit to the recently commissioned Mandela Avenue-toEccles four-lane thoroughfare and its surrounding environment, the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has confirmed that a Police outpost would be constructed at either end of the highway.

This was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner, 'Operations', (ag) Ravindradat Budhram, along with Commander of Region 4'A', Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, during a visit to the area on Friday. While there, they identified potential areas for the outposts.

Budhram explained that the Police outposts, once in place, are expected to aid and further enhance traffic control and crime detection in both Divisions (4A and 4B).

It is expected that one of the Police outposts will

The GPF officially visiting the recently commissioned Mandela-to-Eccles four-lane thoroughfare

be placed about 400 metres away from the Mandela Avenue Roundabout (eastern lane heading to Eccles), while the other will be placed the same distance away from the turn that leads to the highway from Eccles (western lane heading to Georgetown).

The new road link, which was commissioned

by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday evening, is expected to relieve the traffic congestion that affects commuters from the eastern and western banks of the Demerara river.

This confirmation by the GPF comes just after the much-anticipated Mandelato-Eccles four-lane Highway was commissioned on Thursday evening.

The Mandela-to-Eccles highway was conceptualised

by Dr Ali during his stint as Housing and Water Minister under the previous People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government. The $2.6 billion four-lane road runs from Mandela Avenue all the way to Eccles, EBD, and works are currently ongoing on a second phase to further extend the road to Great Diamond, EBD. The road features an asphaltic-and-concrete roundabout, with reinforced concrete sidewalks. The fourlane roadway runs for 2.8 kilometres and includes parking lanes, 12 bridges, stones on the median, and 214 solar-powered lamps, among other amenities.

Accompanying Budhram and McBean on the visit were Officer-in-Charge of the Construction Department, Assistant Superintendent Singh; Assistant Superintendent Nedd; W/ Chief Inspector Debbie Handy; Inspector Boyce and Inspector Henry, along with other ranks.

26 FEATURE

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS FROM PAGE 24

People with AIDS may experience: * Rapid weight loss * Extreme fatigue * Sores * Infections * Neurologic disorders * Cancers

STD DIAGNOSIS

It’s hard for healthcare professionals to diagnose an STD based on symptoms alone, so they’ll need to do some tests and examinations. Depending on the suspected STD, this may involve: * Physical examinations * Swabs of bodily fluids * Blood tests * Specialist procedures, such as keyhole surgery or a colposcopy

STD TREATMENT OPTIONS STDs can have varied effects on the body. Depending on the condition, there are several treatment options, including: * Antibiotics * Other oral or topical medications * Surgery * Laser Lifestyle alterations, such as abstaining from sex until treatment is completed, may be needed.

With most STDs, it’s not possible to undo any damage that the disease has already caused. And some STDs, such as genital warts and AIDS, aren’t curable.

STD PREVENTION

The best way to avoid an STD is to prevent STIs. And the only foolproof way to do that is to avoid sexual contact.

But there are ways to make sex safer and reduce the risk of contracting an STI. Here are some ways: * Have an open discussion about sexual history with a new partner before engaging in any sexual activity, and decide what you’re each comfortable with. * Get tested regularly for STIs, especially if having a new partner or multiple partners. Ask any partners to do the same. * Use a condom properly during vaginal, anal, and

oral sex, to help prevent STIs that spread through fluids. Dental dams can also protect oral sex. * Consider getting vaccinated for HPV and Hepatitis B. * If one is at a higher risk of contracting HIV, think about taking PrEP medication every day.

Many STDs are treatable, but not all of them are curable. Some can be life-threatening, while others have less serious effects. They are, however, all caused by an STI. So, the best way to prevent them is to get regular screening and to practise safer sex. If tested positive for any STI, seek treatment as soon as possible.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuelan national 36-year-old woman caught drinking with teen’s raped, chopped to death wife stabbed to death

A

Venezuelan national was on Friday stabbed to death at Oronoque, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD), after he was caught consuming alcohol with the suspect’s wife.

Police have said that the incident, which occurred at about 23:30h, was not re-

ported to the lawmen until more than one hour later.

The dead man has been identified as Felipe Galaviz.

Region One Police Commander, Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, has said that after receiving the report, ranks from the Mabaruma Police Station were deployed to

the scene.

Upon arriving there, it was revealed that the 19-year-old suspect came home and met his wife and the victim consuming alcohol. As such, an argument broke out among them, and it led to a confrontation, during which the suspect stabbed the victim in his neck and shoulder.

Galaviz was rushed to the Port Kaituma Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries, but later succumbed. Five persons, including the wife of the suspect, have been arrested and are in custody, assisting with the ongoing investigations.

Police are currently looking for the suspect, who fled the scene after the incident.

P

olice in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are now investigating the circumstances that led to the murder of a woman in that region.

Dead is Vanessa Rodrigues, also called ‘Chinee girl’, a 36-yearold female of Amerindian descent who hailed from Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

According to the Police Commander of the Region, Superintendent Dion Moore, the incident occurred at some time between Tuesday and Wednesday at Papi Landing, Middle Mazaruni River.

After hearing about the incident, the scene was visited by Police on Wednesday.

Investigations have

thus far revealed that the victim was last seen alive at some time on the evening of Tuesday, in the company of a male, who is now a suspect. At around 10:00h on Wednesday, her body was found lying face down on a track, with a chop wound to her head and several other marks of violence evident.

Police suspect that she might have been raped and

then killed.

At the time of her demise, the woman was clad in a blue blouse and redand-black pants. The suspect is presently in custody, assisting with the investigations.

Following the discovery, both the woman's body and the suspect were escorted to Bartica, as further investigations continue.

28 NEWS

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPF rolls out theoretical drivers’ exams Quarrie village:

Candidates sitting the first theoretical learners drivers’ examinations

O

wing to a backlog of candidates, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Thursday rolled out its online theoretical driving examinations at the Felix Austin Police College, Eve Leary.

The examinations were done in two batches of 30 each.

This new method of conducting the theoretical driving examination vir-

tually at Police Computer Centres across the country is expected to enhance the system by making the entire process transparent.

Consequently, it is also expected to eliminate lengthy delays in accessing examination results and complaints of corruption, while simplifying the process for candidates and examiners.

After the candidates submit the completed ex-

amination script, the preliminary results are available within five seconds.

The online examination is currently focused on dealing with the backlog of candidates who would have purchased their driving packages for the year 2022.

The online examination will be expanded to candidates who purchased packages at Brickdam Police Station and are sched-

uled to write the examination at the St Stanislaus Secondary School and at Central Police Station in Regional Division #6 on April 21.

Moreover, the online examination is slated to commence in Police Regional Division #10 and Police Regional Division #4C on April 28.

The new method of administering the driving examination will also be available at Police Regional Division 4B headquarters at Diamond, East Bank Demerara and in Police Regional Division #2 sometime in July of this year.

The candidates who wrote the virtual examination on Thursday expressed their satisfaction with the new methodology, indicating that it was simple and something that they were accustomed to because of the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Central...

FROM PAGE 17

A section of the guest house at the village

So, what exactly does Quarrie have to offer? Apart from scenic flatlands and a wide landscape of mountains in the distance, the village possesses a welcoming attraction in the form of its waterfalls. In fact, there are three waterfalls within the village, which tourists can explore under the village’s offer, themed “Escape the Ordinary”.

Tourists can also be tak-

the guidance of the Guyana Rice Development Board, and harvested its first crop that year. Tourists can obtain a glimpse of the farming plots and observe how the staple, which is traditionally growing on the Coastland, is cultivated.

There is also the Quarrie reservoir, which was built to supplement water supplies in the village, and while it has an agricultur-

A view of the waterfalls at Quarrie

en to the mountain tops on guided tours; and after a visit, they can cool off in the ice-cold waters beneath the waterfalls.

The village also has transportation options for tourists, from vehicle rides to a ride aboard a cart pulled by huge cows. In terms of accommodation, a village guest house is a viable option, in addition to smaller venues.

The initiative also has an agricultural aspect, and tourists can explore this option.

The Quarrie Village Council started a rice-growing project in 2019 under

al benefit, the water-holding area also produces an idyllic blue reflection of the skies.

The Rupununi is known globally for its cattle-ranching potential, and Quarrie’s cattle ranch is there for exploration, with horseback riding being offered to tourists who are so interested.

The village is keen of enhancing its evolving potential, and those persons who wish to visit this Central Rupununi village can peruse its Facebook page, “Quarrie Eco-Tourism and Agriculture Coop Society Ltd”, for more information on the budding initiative.

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30 NEWS

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police yet to apprehend Foulis murder suspect F

ive days after brutally murdering his wife, Vijaimal Raj remains on the run despite efforts by Police to apprehend him.

This was confirmed

by Regional Commander Khali Pareshram, who stated that Police were actively pursuing the suspect

with the hope of arresting and charging him for the heinous crime. He said the most recent search was carried out on Friday.

“The Police and the Community Policing group conducted a search in the backlands in Enmore… they conducted a search based on investigations,

Dead: Savitrie Raj

but we did not locate him …,” the Commander said.

Raj has been on the run since Tuesday after stabbing his 57-year-old wife, Savitrie Raj to death at their Foulis, East Coast

Demerara (ECD) home.

The woman had reportedly sought help many times to escape from the abuse she faced at the hands of the man.

In fact, three weeks ago, the suspect had attacked her, forcing her to report the matter to the Enmore Police Station. The couple were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday last.

Around 01:00h on Tuesday, however, the couple’s only son said he was downstairs when he heard his mother screaming. It is suspected that the suspect stabbed his wife while she was asleep.

As the son went to check, he saw his mother

Wanted: Vijaimal Raj

lying on her bed in a pool of blood. Three wounds were seen on her face and neck.

Raj, a fisherman, was seen jumping through the window. The couple had

been married for some 32 years.

An emergency medical technician attached to Melanie Fire Station was summoned and responded to the report.

Shortly after the murder, Police issued a wanted bulletin for the suspect, but he continues to evade the cops.

Guyana Times was also informed that Police are going with the theory that the man might have consumed a poisonous substance before making his escape, because investigators found an opened bottle that contained a poisonous substance at the home.

The hunt is still on as investigations continue.

31 EPA ensures public’s safety amid increased use of radioactive substances NEWS

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tashana Redmond of the EPA Technical Services Department

W

ith several companies, mainly in the Oil & Gas sector, applying for the use of radioactive substances in their respective fields of work, many concerns have been raised surrounding the public’s safety.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has, however, asserted that its officers are ensuring that the public is not exposed or harmed by any radioactive substance.

During a recent episode of the EPA’s broadcast programme, titled “Environment

Matters”, Tashana Redmond, a member of the EPA’s Technical Services Department, explained that companies applying for the use of radioactive substances must follow requirements before being given authorisation to use such materials.

“We ensure that adequate systems are put in place, that the sources are handled properly: proper storage, proper training for those who handle them, proper security, so they are not stolen and end up in the wrong hands,” she said.

“We do require a submission of an application,

and that application can be found on the agency’s website. It’s titled ‘An Application for Radioactive Sources’, and within it, it deals with nuclear safety as well as radiation protection,” she explained.

“A critical (requirement) is that they have to share with us their inventory of sources, so we did the initial inventory in 2017, and we continue to build on that inventory. The inventory allows (us) to know where the sources are, who are the responsible persons for the sources, the activity level of the sources; and as result of that, we can categorize them,” she further explained.

Redmond has said that Guyana has several sources of radiation from different sectors: such as the medical, construction, oil & gas, mining, and beverage manufacturing sectors; and each source is categorised according to the level of radiation.

“There are five categories of sources, ranging from category 1 to category 5; and in this case, category 1 is the strongest source. In the country now, we do not have any category 1 sources; a nuclear power plant tends to be a category 1,” she explained.

“There are category 2 to 5 sources in the country.

Category 2, which is the second one, is in limited quantities, and this source, while it is staged as category 2, it does not pose a risk to persons outside of 100 metres from where the source is,” she further explained.

She said that most of Guyana’s sources of radiation fall in the brackets from category 3 to category 5, which are not known to have a significant impact on the health of persons who are less than 100 metres away.

Further, Redmond noted that the EPA does have the necessary equipment, such as the radiation backpack among other things, to routinely monitor radiation levels, to ensure companies that are authorised do not exceed the required limit.

Apart from monitoring, companies that are authorised to use radioactive substances are also required to notify the EPA when they are transporting such substances.

“The agency is notified of any movement in sources from one location to the other.

Our recent detection exercises have confirmed that the radiation…is not above the allowable limit,” Redmond related.

32 NEWS

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UG law students educated on pathways in legal profession

Law students listened attentively as they were enlightened on the numerous pathways they can pursue in the legal profession

S

tudents pursuing their Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at the University of Guyana (UG) were educated on the various pathways in the legal profession during the Guyana Bar Association’s inaugural Law Week, which was observed from April 3-9.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall,

SC, were among the legal minds who provided the students with guidance at a symposium titled ‘Paths In The Legal Profession’, which was held at the university’s Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown campus.

Nandlall delivered the feature presentation on ‘Pursuing New Pathways in light of Guyana’s Oil & Gas and Satellite Sectors’.

The students were also given guidance on summa-

CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, and UG Vice-Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed were among those who made presentations at the Law Week symposium

ry court prosecution, criminal defence, civil litigation, State civil litigation, State legal drafting, judicial research, legal aid representation, law reform, and corporate/company law.

Lectures in these areas were delivered by Justice (retired) B.S Roy; Queen’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani; Assistant Director of

Public Prosecutions (DPP), Teshana James-Lake; Solicitor General Nigel Hawke; Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel Joann Bond; Director of the Legal Aid Clinic, Attorneyat-Law Shellon Boyce; and Attorneys-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat, Dexter Todd, Joshua Abdool, Tiffany Hohenkirk, Delonté D. De

Clou, Mandisa Breedy and Patricia Bacchus.

UG Vice Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed; Head of UG Law Department, Dr. Kim Kyte-Thomas; President of the Bar Association, Pauline Chase; and Bar Association Secretary Keoma Griffith also delivered remarks at the symposium.

Law Week was held under the theme ‘Advancing The Rule Of Law In The New Normal’. The Bar Association is, among other things, mandated to uphold the rule of law; and sponsor lectures and discussions, and print and publish periodicals and other documents on any aspect of the law.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

34 NEWS

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to build solar farm at Batavia P

rime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips recently disclosed that the Indigenous community of Batavia, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) would soon have its own solar

farm. The Prime Minister made the disclosure during a recent meeting in Dagg Point during a one-day visit to Bartica.

“Recently, we have agreed upon a solar project for Batavia, so you will

have your own solar project too. That project is designed to have a solar farm that will provide electricity for all the households in Batavia. All you are required to do is to wire your homes so that you can re-

ceive the energy; that is all you are required to do,” the Prime Minister disclosed.

The establishment of the solar farm will make it the second of its kind in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region, adding to the 1.5-megawatt

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips addressing residents

solar farm soon to be completed in Bartica. The $600 million project, which is on track to be handed over to Government on June 1, will aid in the overall de-

In Budget 2022, the sum of $1.4 billion had been allotted for 33 MW solar farms for Berbice, Essequibo, and Linden. The establishment of solar farms around the

The solar farm in Bartica

velopment of the town, the Prime Minister said.

The solar farm would reduce fuel costs while also aiding in the transformation from fossil fuel to greater use of renewable energy, thus reducing Guyana’s carbon footprint, which is in keeping with Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.

The solar farm in Bartica is being constructed by Farfan & Mendes Limited and SOVENTIX Caribbean SRL. It comes under the renewable energy solutions for the hinterland, which is one of the major components under the Energy Matrix Diversification and Strengthening of the Department of Energy programme funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

A 1.0-megawatt solar farm is also being constructed in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

country forms part of the Government’s plan to reduce the cost of energy by 50 per cent.

A whopping $29.4 billion was allotted to Guyana’s energy sector in the 2022 Budget, with $20.8 billion earmarked for the gas-to-energy project. The gas-to-shore project encompasses the establishment of a power plant to generate 300 MW of power as well as a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant that will cover domestic demand.

The construction of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, which is slated to produce an estimated 165 MW, is also expected to commence this year.

Additionally, a total of $170 million has been budgeted for the completion of the 150kW hydropower scheme at Kato and for 30,000 photovoltaic home systems for hinterland and riverine areas.

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022

ARIES (March 21April 19)

35

A situation will intensify.

Be a good listener and consider your options. Don't feel obligated to enforce change if you aren't ready. Take responsibility for your happiness.

Put a plan in place, but TAURUS don't be afraid to alter your (April 20course to ensure that you May 20) reach your goal. Your energy, wisdom and ability to figure things out as you go will encourage positive results.

Don't give your all to GEMINI (MAY 28- someone who doesn't reciprocate. Back away from overJune 20) the-top people and situations.

Protect your health and heart.

Dedicate your time to something that has meaning for you.

Be original and try some-

CANCER thing unique. Venture into (June 21- territory that gives you someJuly 22) thing to think about and opens your mind to new and exciting options. Don't fear change or new beginnings.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Dilbert LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

Take the route that promises the best return for your time and money. Be wise regarding your position and how you handle situations that can influence your status. Live up to your promises.

Go after your dream. Stop second-guessing yourself or letting someone interfere with your plans. Stand tall, believe in yourself and let your intentions be known. Put your best foot forward.

Be discreet regarding money, health and legal matters.

Sort through papers and figure out how to use what you have to your advantage. Rely on triedand-true methods to reach your objective.

Share your space with a loved one. Make plans for two or pamper yourself. A personal change will lift your spirits and encourage you to head in a hopeful direction.

Don't take someone's word.

SAGITTARIUS Do your due diligence and leave (Nov. 23nothing to chance. Someone Dec. 21) close to you will entice or pressure you to participate in something questionable.

You'll gain insight into CAPRICORN what's possible if you ob(Dec. 22serve and ask questions. A Jan. 19) positive change will occur if you are receptive to suggestions made by someone close to you.

Calvin and Hobbes

Consider what's essential

AQUARIUS and map out a route that will (Jan. 20help you achieve your goal.

Feb. 19) Hard work, dedication and finishing what you start will contribute to your success.

You can wheel and deal PISCES (Feb. 20- with ease. Dedicate your time Mar. 20) to something important to you. Invest time and money in your ideas and do your best to get ahead. Personal improvement and love are encouraged.

36

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022

IPL 2022…

Rahul’s 103*, Avesh’s three-for headline dominant Super Giants’ fourth win

K

L Rahul’s 103* from 60 balls, his second century against Mumbai Indians and the second century overall in IPL 2022, as well as two early wickets from Avesh Khan and sloppy fielding from Mumbai in the first half combined to extend the five-time champions’ streak of losses to six -- the latest defeat all but signalling the end of Mumbai’s chances for the season, with eight wins in eight now the requirement if they want to have a chance of making the playoffs.

The Lucknow Super Giants

have meanwhile jumped to second place on the table with their fourth win.

Hardly anything went right for Mumbai after they won the toss.

Their bowling was wayward, the fielding was forgettable, and the batting lacked big partnerships or big individual innings; all they got were cameos from Dewald Brevis and Kieron Pollard, after Suryakumar Yadav kept them steady in the middle overs.

Regular losses of wickets in their chase of 200 meant Mumbai were always playing catch-up, but

SCOREBOARD LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) KL Rahul (c) not out 103 Quinton de Kock † lbw b Allen 24 Manish Pandey b Ashwin 38 Marcus Stoinis c Sharma b Unadkat 10 Deepak Hooda c †Ishan Kishan b Unadkat 15 Krunal Pandya not out 1 Extras (lb 3, w 5) 8 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.95) 199/4 Did not bat: Ayush Badoni, Jason Holder, Dushmantha Chameera, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi Fall of wickets: 1-52 (Quinton de Kock, 5.3 ov), 2-124 (Manish Pandey, 13.2 ov), 3-155 (Marcus Stoinis, 16.1 ov), 4-198 (Deepak Hooda, 19.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Tilak Varma 1-0-7-0 Jaydev Unadkat 4-0-32-2 Murugan Ashwin 4-0-33-1 Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-24-0 Tymal Mills 3-0-54-0 Fabian Allen 4-0-46-1 MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (Target: 200 runs from 20 overs) Ishan Kishan † b Stoinis 13 Rohit Sharma (c)c †de Kock b Avesh Khan 6

Dewald Brevis c Hooda b Avesh Khan 31 Suryakumar Yadav c sub (K Gowtham) b Ravi Bishnoi 37 Tilak Varma b Holder 26 Kieron Pollard c Stoinis b Chameera 25 Fabian Allen c Chameera b Avesh Khan 8 Jaydev Unadkat run out (Stoinis/ †de Kock) 14 Murugan Ashwin run out (†de Kock/ Chameera) 6 Jasprit Bumrah not out 0 Tymal Mills not out 0 Extras (lb 6, w 9) 15 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.05) 181/9 Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Rohit Sharma, 2.4 ov), 2-57 (Dewald Brevis, 5.5 ov), 3-57 (Ishan Kishan, 6.2 ov), 4-121 (Tilak Varma, 14.2 ov), 5-127 (Suryakumar Yadav, 15.3 ov), 6-153 (Fabian Allen, 17.4 ov), 7-175 (Jaydev Unadkat, 19.1 ov), 8-181 (Murugan Ashwin, 19.3 ov), 9-181 (Kieron Pollard, 19.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jason Holder 4-0-34-1 Dushmantha Chameera 4-0-48-1 Avesh Khan 4-0-30-3 Ravi Bishnoi 4-0-34-1 Marcus Stoinis 2-0-13-1 Krunal Pandya 2-0-16-0

they took things somewhat close in the end. And it was mainly down to Pollard and Jaydev Unadkat.

Mumbai needed 73 off 27 when Pollard walked out to bat, and they took it down to 26 off the last over, but it was always a bridge too far.

The powerplay mixed bag Mumbai opened the bowling with Tilak Varma’s offbreaks, and then went on to use six different bowlers in the powerplay. Barring one swinging delivery from Unadkat early on, which nearly hit the top of Quinton de Kock’s stumps, the Super Giants’ openers were unbothered by the bowling changes, and were off the blocks quickly. de Kock crunched Unadkat for two fours in that same over, and followed it up with two more in the next against M Ashwin with his trademark slog-sweeps.

Rahul, meanwhile, got himself in, trudging to 12 off 15 after a quiet Jasprit Bumrah over, before he took on Tymal Mills’s full and short deliveries for two fours and a six in a 16-run over.

Fabian Allen, getting his first game this IPL, removed de Kock on his third ball, but not before leaking a six to him, and then a first-ball four to Manish Pandey, which gave Super Giants a strong powerplay of 57 for 1.

Where is Mumbai’s A game?

That Mumbai’s bowlers erred with their lengths on a ground with shortish boundaries, and didn’t field like a champion side, cost them dearly. Pandey and Rahul were already hitting a boundary nearly every over, and Mumbai

made their task easier.

One fumble at deep square-leg at the end of the eighth over made it two fours in a row off Allen. More of them followed, especially at the deep; and soon after Rahul had struck three sixes for a 33-ball halfcentury, Brevis stopped a Pandey pull in the deep, but he tumbled as he looked like he was slapping it back for another player, and ended up lobbing it over the fence for four.

The very next ball, Rahul steered a low and wide fulltoss towards third man, where a misfield gave him four more.

Rahul’s A game is all there By now Bumrah was screaming into his towel, Rohit was down on his haunches, and Rahul was looking better and better. After Mills went for another 18 runs in the 13th over, with two fours from each batter, Pandey was bowled

by Ashwin for 38, only for Marcus Stoinis to launch a wrong’un over long-on for six off his first ball.

Rahul showcased his touch against Allen with another 18-run over that saw two powerful sixes.

It was only Bumrah who stemmed the flow of runs briefly, and Super Giants seemed happy to see him off with ones and twos.

For the others, Rahul continued to unleash his drives and scythes, one of which brought up his third IPL century in what was his 100th game in the league.

Stoinis fell at the start of the 17th over, and Unadkat and Bumrah conceded 22 in three of the last four overs, to keep Super Giants just under 200 when 210 or thereabouts looked likely.

But Mills bowled the penultimate over, and was taken apart for three fours and a six by Deepak Hooda and Rahul, to end on none for 54 from four.

Avesh rattles Mumbai, Brevis shines again Avesh already had a stellar record against Mumbai before this game: of five wickets in six overs for just 30 runs. On Saturday, he got Rohit to edge behind in his first over, and then got Brevis to hand a catch to cover, but only after a stunning show from the South African teenager.

Brevis middled his first ball for four past cover point, before unleashing some meaty blows for his 13-ball 31. In the fifth over, he smoked Dushmantha Chameera over long-on for a big six, before slapping him for two fours. Next over, he smacked Avesh for backto-back fours as well, one of which nearly took the umpire’s head; but he fell drilling a full-toss straight to cover at the end of the powerplay.

Three balls later, Kishan chopped one off Stoinis, and

KL Rahul scored a blistering 103*

Mumbai’s chances started dwindling quickly. Suryakumar and Varma had to consolidate in the middle overs by not taking much risk, and even though they collected four fours in the space of eight balls off Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi, the asking rate had shot up to 12, with 84 needed off 42.

Jason Holder’s pinpoint yorker ended Varma’s stay and the stand at 64 in the 14th over, and Suryakumar holed out to deep midwicket off a top edge next over to leave all hopes on Pollard, as they needed a steep 68 off 24.

Pollard’s consecutive sixes off Chameera, and Unadkat’s 14 off six balls reduced the equation, but Mumbai were always falling short.

(Cricinfo)

Derek Kallicharran and friends sponsor cricket shoes for ten under-15 cricketers

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Sohan Beer (left) handing over the group’s contribution to Anil Beharry

n a fine gesture, former Guyana and West Indies ‘A’ team legspinning all-rounder Derek Kallicharran, along with several friends; namely: Sohan Beer, Ramjit Singh, Shazam Hussein, Raj Rai, Tony Kallicharran, Krishna Kallicharran, Kumar Dindyal, Shanon Raghunath, Sean Bahadur and John Harihar - all former members of the Richmond Hill Vikings Cricket Club of New York - have provided US$600 to purchase ten cricket shoes for under-15 players who are expected to participate in the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board’s Inter-County Under-15 cricket competition.

Players from all three counties will benefit from this gesture.

Players participating in the InterCounty U15 cricket competition will be vying for places in the national team that would represent Guyana at the regional tournament to be held later in the year.

So far, eight players have already been identified to benefit from the receipt of these shoes, namely: Romario Ramdihol, Vishal Williams, Gavin Kristen, Henrique Mickle, Nicholas Lovell, Elisha Ramdat, Christopher Williams and Earo Benjamin. One of these listed players is an orphan.

At a simple ceremony held last weekend, Sohan Beer, currently on vacation and representing the group, presented the cash to former Berbice Cricket Board long serving

Executive and current Guyana Cricket Board Executive, Anil Beharry.

Beharry has been high in praise for the timely assistance given to these young and talented players, who have each been carefully selected. He added that he is happy to facilitate this initiative, and is certain that the cricket shoes would go a long way in helping each of these aspiring players to achieve their dream.

Beharry thanked Kallicharran and team on behalf of the players, and expressed confidence that a new breed of cricketers would emerge to help Guyana and West Indies cricket return to its rightful place.

Special mention was made of the role Derek Kallicharran played in mobilising the funds.

Beer, in response, said he is happy to be part of such a noble idea, which has been conceptualised

by Kallicharran, in collaboration with Beharry.

He also mentioned that this is the first of many things to come, and that he is especially pleased that an orphan child is recipient of one of these cricket shoes.

Further, he encouraged the players to be focused and disciplined at all times.

The cricket shoes will be distributed shortly.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022

IPL 2022…

Blitzes from Dinesh Karthik, Glenn Maxwell fashion RCB's come-from-behind win

Dinesh Karthik bludgeoned 66 off 34 balls

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lenn Maxwell's 34-ball 55 helped Royal Challengers overcome a poor start.

Then, continuing his superlative form, Dinesh Karthik struck an unbeaten 34-ball 66*, laced with five fours and as many sixes, to propel his side to 189. That, in the end, proved 16 more than what Delhi Capitals could manage, despite another quick start from David Warner and Prithvi Shaw.

The win meant Royal Challengers moved up to third on the points table, with eight points from six games. Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants also have eight points each, but at a better net run rate.

Royal Challengers' wobbly start After Rishabh Pant opted to bowl, Mustafizur Rahman troubled Faf du Plessis in the first over. From the other end, Shardul Thakur made the first incision by trapping Anuj Rawat lbw with an overpitched delivery.

In the next over, du Plessis skipped down the track to Khaleel Ahmed, looking to go over covers. Instead, he ended

up slicing it towards deep point, where Axar Patel took a couple of steps to his right and pouched it.

Maxwell hit two fours off Mustafizur in the sixth over, but Virat Kohli was struggling at the other end. Kohli was on 12 off 13 when he dropped one towards point and set off. Maxwell realised there was no run there, and sent him back, but by then it was too late. Lalit Yadav charged towards the ball and, throwing off-balance, nailed the direct hit with just one stump visible.

That left Royal Challengers reeling at 40 for 3 in the seventh over.

on.

In his next over, Kuldeep could have had Karthik too. He induced an under-edge off a wrong'un, but Pant dropped the chance.

Karthik was on 5 off ten balls at that stage, and according to ESPNcricinfo's Luck Index, that drop cost Capitals 26 runs.

Maxwell revives the innings Coming into this game, Maxwell had taken Kuldeep Yadav for 56 runs off 37 balls, with two dismissals across all T20s. On Saturday night, taking advantage of the shorter legside boundary, Maxwell smashed Kuldeep for two fours and two sixes in a 23-run over. Two overs later, Maxwell brought up his half-century off 30 balls with a four off Thakur.

Pant then changed Kuldeep's end, giving him the cushion of the bigger leg-side boundary.

That forced Maxwell to hit straighter, but the ball dipped at him, and he ended up offering a straightforward chance to long-

David Warner scored 66 off 38 balls

CAC hockey qualifiers…

Guyana women suffer narrow 0-1 loss to Puerto Rico

Ricans earned what would be a crucial penalty corner.

The Guyanese suffered some degree of bad luck, as the Puerto Ricans were awarded four penalty corners in a row, and finally made good on the fourth award. Puerto Rican Captain Josefina Freaney was then able to tarnish an otherwise flawless performance

by Guyana’s goalkeeper Alysa Xavier by beating her on her right side with a direct strike at goal.

Striker Princessa Wilkie made several dangerous raids on the Puerto Rican goal

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laying against pretournament favourites Puerto Rico, the Guyana hockey ladies have suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat in their opening fixture of the CAC qualifiers in Hamilton, Bermuda.

The Guyanese women started the match a bit tentatively, giving away a penalty corner to Puerto Rico in the opening minute, and it took the youthful and relatively inexperienced Guyanese side more than a few minutes to settle, but they began stringing together effective passes and making raids on the Puerto Rican goal before the 15-minute first quarter came to an end.

Evenly-matched, the sides traded punches for the rest of the first half, with Puerto Rico making short runs through the

A battle of two captains: Josefina Freaney of Puerto Rico (red) and Gabriella Xavier of Guyana (black)

midfield while the Guyanese strikers were able to use their superior speed to create opportunities of their own. The match remained scoreless going into the final quarter of play, and just three minutes in, the Puerto

The lone goal was all the match would produce, and secured the full three points for Puerto Rico, leaving Guyana needing to come away with wins in their next two fixtures, against Bermuda and Jamaica.

Karthik makes Capitals pay Given the form Karthik is in, it was inevitable that he made Capitals pay for the reprieve.

He hit Khaleel for two sixes in the seamer's next two overs, but it was Mustafizur who bore the real brunt. In the 18th over, Karthik smashed him for 28 runs.

The sequence read: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 4. That meant Karthik brought up his half-century in just 26 balls, after being on a run-a-ball 17 at one stage.

Shahbaz Ahmed, who was mostly quiet until then, also got into the act, and the two picked up another 29 in the last two overs.

Warner, Shaw give Capitals flying start Capitals started in an aggressive manner, with Warner and Shaw hitting at least one six between them in each of the first four overs.

The two brought up the team's 50 in just 4.3 overs - their third consecutive fifty stand. Siraj provided some relief with Shaw's wicket, but Capitals finished the powerplay on 57 for 1.

Mitchell Marsh, playing his first game of the season, struggled for timing, but Warner kept going. He slog-swept Wanindu Hasaranga for a six, brought up his fifty off 29 balls, and then took Harshal Patel for another six and four.

Hasaranga eventually trapped Warner lbw when the batter failed to connect a switch hit. In all, they added 97 in 8.4 overs in an unbroken sixthwicket stand.

The mini-collapse Pant hit a couple of lapped fours off Hasaranga, before

drilling one back towards the bowler. Hasaranga tried to stop it, but the ball brushed his fingers and went on to hit the stumps at the non-striker's end. Marsh was out of his crease, and that brought an end to his agony. He walked back for 14 off 24 balls.

In the next over - the 15th of the innings - Rovman Powell nicked Josh Hazlewood behind for a first-ball duck. On the last ball of the over, Lalit holed out to deep square leg as Capitals slipped from 112 for 2 to 115 for 5 in the space of seven balls.

Kohli's brilliancy sees the end of Pant Pant still threatened to snatch the game from Royal Challengers.

After Thakur slogged Hasaranga for a six over long-on, Pant hit him for a four and six off back-to-back balls.

In the next over, he muscled

Glenn Maxwell scored 55

Mohammed Siraj over deep midwicket to bring the equation down to 48 needed from 22 deliveries.

Siraj then bowled a high full toss, and Pant tried to smash that, but lost his balance. It was still going over extra cover, but Kohli moved to his right, timed his jump well, and plucked it out with one hand.

Two overs later, Hazlewood bounced out Thakur, to ensure there was no miracle. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Faf du Plessis (c) c Patel b Ahmed 8 Anuj Rawat lbw b Thakur 0 Virat Kohli run out (Lalit Yadav) 12 Glenn Maxwell c Lalit Yadav b Kuldeep Yadav 55 Suyash Prabhudessai c Kuldeep Yadav b Patel 6 Shahbaz Ahmed not out 32 Dinesh Karthik †not out 66 Extras (lb 3, w 7) 10 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.45) 189/5 Did not bat: Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Anuj Rawat, 1.1 ov), 2-13 (Faf du Plessis, 2.3 ov), 3-40 (Virat Kohli, 6.2 ov), 4-75 (Suyash Prabhudessai, 9.3 ov), 5-92 (Glenn Maxwell, 11.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-48-0 Shardul Thakur 4-0-27-1 Khaleel Ahmed 4-0-36-1 Axar Patel 4-0-29-1 Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-46-1

DELHI CAPITALS INNINGS (Target: 190 runs from 20 overs) Prithvi Shaw c Anuj Rawat b Mohammed Siraj 16 David Warner lbw b de Silva 66 Mitchell Marsh run out (de Silva) 14 Rishabh Pant (c)†c Kohli b Mohammed Siraj 34 Rovman Powell c †Karthik b Hazlewood 0 Shardul Thakur c †Karthik b Hazlewood 17 Axar Patel not out 10 Kuldeep Yadav not out 10 Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.65) 173/7 Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman, Khaleel Ahmed Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Prithvi Shaw, 4.4 ov), 2-94 (David Warner, 11.3 ov), 3-112 (Mitchell Marsh, 13.6 ov), 4-112 (Rovman Powell, 14.1 ov), 5-115 (Lalit Yadav, 14.6 ov), 6-142 (Rishabh Pant, 16.3 ov), 7-156 (Shardul Thakur, 18.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Glenn Maxwell 2-0-14-0 Mohammed Siraj 4-0-31-2 Josh Hazlewood 4-0-28-3 Shahbaz Ahmed 2-0-19-0 Harshal Patel 4-0-40-0 WH de Silva 4-0-40-1

38 Chess to be introduced to special needs schools across Guyana GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022

sport at the Schoonord Centre for Children with Diverse Needs. Classes began there on March 10th and continue weekly.

At the David Rose Special School, 26 students will be exposed to chess next term.

There are plans to form a small chess club there for students showing strong promise and interest in the sport. Oxana

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Cox, a deaf teacher’s assistant who previously had some chess training, will conduct introductory sessions until the students are ready for more advanced training. Cox will next term also conduct sessions at the Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs, where two students have shown interest.

Moreover, training will begin soon at the New Amsterdam

Sabine McIntosh (left) with Marcia Smith, founder of the Gifted Hands Learning Centre

he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has been working in collaboration with Sabine McIntosh, Managing Director of the Deaf Association of Guyana Inc., to make chess more accessible to children with special needs.

This is part of the GCF’s mandate to make chess more accessible to all children across Guyana.

To date, Sabine McIntosh

has reached out to six schools: David Rose Special School, New Amsterdam Special Needs School, Schoonord Centre for Children with Diverse Needs, Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs, Annai Learning Centre, and the Harold B. Davis Special School at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre.

Two students have shown interest and aptitude in the

First chess session in progress at the Schoonord Learning Centre for Diverse Needs

Special Needs School. Due to the pandemic and irregular attendance, a core group has not been identified. In the meantime, Teneisha Isaacs, a deaf teacher’s assistant who had some previous chess training, will do preliminary instructions.

At the Annai Learning Centre, Senior Councillor Zalita Moses is facilitating the teaching of two students.

Dr. Mellisa Corlette, Head of the Harold B. Davis Special School at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, has agreed to conduct weekly sessions, beginning next term.

Six students have been listed as potential participants. Two male chess players, former students of the David Rose School, have volunteered to assist with the initiative.

Prior to the pandemic, there were numerous training and workshop opportunities at various institutions for students who are hearing impaired. Unfortunately, those programmes and initiatives suffered as a result of COVID-19, due to difficulties in connecting with these players virtually, and the lack of amenities to do so

effectively.

Schools such as David Rose Special Needs School, New Amsterdam Special Needs School, Special Needs School East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Tuschen Deaf Academy had previously had annual chess workshops for the hearingimpaired. Those were facilitated by the Deaf Association of Guyana, with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, through the National Sports Commission.

Despite challenges in engaging chess players with special needs during the pandemic, 12-year-old Anaya Lall, a student of Tuschen Deaf Academy, defied the odds and excelled in the game both locally and internationally.

Throughout the pandemic, she participated in a number of local online tournaments, and also represented Guyana at the Online Youth and Cadet World Rapid Championships. She went on to become the first deaf chess player to represent Guyana internationally, at the 4th FIDE World Chess Championship for People with Disabilities.

April 23rd WBC Championship Softball enthusiast Lakhram “Mike” Singh laid to rest boxing event recognises GDF “He was always a pleasant personality”, says GSCL Inc President Ian John

decades.

Singh has left to mourn two children and a widow, along with one sister and three brothers.

CLASSIFIED ADS

From left are: Staff Officer Two, General Three, with responsibility for Sports, Major Keith Watts; Brigadier Godfrey Bess, GBB President Peter Abdool, and GDF Boxing Coach Terrence Poole

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s the greatest boxing event in Guyana’s history draws closer, Peter Abdool, President of the Guyana Boxing Board, and promoters of the legendary “Road to Redemption” event paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, to thank that august institution for its service to the country and to donate a large quantity of complimentary tickets.

The WBC double International Championship match, starring Elton Dharry and Dexter Marques, will be held on April 23rd inside the National Stadium at Providence, EBD. Brigadier Bess has expressed gratitude for the gesture, and has committed to working with ranks to ensure continuity in good performance of the GDF Boxing Gym. He said members of the gym would work with youths who are interested in the sport as a way to ensure that they occupy themselves meaningfully.

“We will always support the endeavours of our ranks who venture into the field of boxing,” Brigadier Bess has promised.

Abdool has been high in praise of the Guyana Defence Force Boxing Gym and its performance over the years.

He has praised the critical contribution of the GDF Gym to local amateur boxing.

“GDF is pivotal to amateur boxing in Guyana. The discipline among GDF boxers always shows, and this is commendable.

Look at what is happening in amateur boxing, and so this is the opportune time for there to be a return of the InterServices Boxing Competition,” he declared.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has ensured that the greatest event is played out on the biggest stage by allowing the action to take place inside the Providence National Stadium, thereby underlining the significance and importance of this return of world championship boxing to Guyana.

National Sports Commission Director Steve Ninvalle has said, “The Ministry will be distributing 1,000 tickets to young persons, and I believe that this is a key step towards rejuvenating the amateur ranks in boxing, as it gives youngsters a chance to see boxing in the grandest setting.”

Sponsors of the event include: Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; Demerara Mutual Fire Insurane; Guyana Tourism Authority; Samtronix; Giftland Mall; Morgan’s

Investment; Unique Electrical & General Store; Caribbean Motor Spares; HRTM; Banks DIH; DDL; Comfort Sleep; Darthan Investments; Hand in Hand Insurance; Shareef General Hospital; Puran Brothers; Dave West Indian Imports; Bradley Mechanical Corporation; MBBF Foundation; Skyport Homes; Pinegrove Inn Restaurant; NY Security & Communication; Georgetown Abstract; Gemini’s Lounge & Restaurant; New Apple Funding; Law Office of Jaleel Adam; Steve’s Jewelry; Excalibur Capital; AGT Energy; SA Seafoods; D Ross Express, and Amerigroup Properties.

Despite the magnitude of the event, which is expected to include a halftime music and cultural show put on by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, ticket prices are just $1,000 for the Mound, $2,000 for Stands, and $4,000 for Ringside. A limited number of all-inclusive tables for 8, which will receive service from Hard Rock Café, are available by calling 645-0944.

Tickets are on sale at all Assuria General Insurance offices nationwide, Giftland Mall, Amazonia Mall, MovieTowne, The Locals Restaurant in Vreeden-Hoop, and Fagoo’s General Store in Parika.

ACCOMMODATIONS

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Singh was given a Guard of Honour

rominent softball player Lakhram “Mike” Singh was laid to rest on Thursday in his native country Guyana.

Singh died in Florida, USA two Thursday ago at the age of 62, after suffering a massive heartattack while playing the game in the annual Florida Cup threeday softball extravaganza.

Singh began playing competitive softball cricket in the early 90s, representing Mike’s Pharmacy Team at a time when play was organised under the auspices of the Guyana Softball Cricket Association.

His passing has seen a deluge of tributes expressing shock at his sudden demise. In a statement, President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc), Ian John, has said, “The late Mike Singh, or Mikey, as he was known, was a small man that made a great impact in the lives of many people. He always had a pleasant personality on and off the field. Even though his loss came as a shock to all, he was doing what he loved, and that was playing softball.

“Mikey was always with

his team, whether they lost or won. Regardless of the situation, he was always with his team. When you listen to the comments about Mikey, it was always positive and friendly.

I have never met anyone that said anything bad about him. To his family and staff of Mike’s Pharmacy, I would like to extend my condolences on behalf of the GSCL Inc, and may his soul rest in peace.”

Since in the mid-90s, Singh sponsored numerous softball tournaments under Mike’s Pharmacy, his business entity, which has several locations across the capital city of Georgetown. Singh was also known for his versatility on the field, and was commonly called the softball ‘Shane Warne’, for his ability to turn the ball exceptionally.

Teams were named under his Wellman and Wellwoman brands. According to some players who had played with Singh, he was an icon when it comes to the softball game, because of his tremendous contribution and support over the past two and a half

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39

GFF selects 20 boys for historic, UEFA-sponsored U16 trip to Europe team at UEFA Assist and President Forde. It is testament to the vision of the organisation as we continue to make every effort to ensure our players get the necessary exposure and opportunities for them to fulfil

their football potential.”

The staff list for the trip is as follows: Head Coach, Vurlon Mills; Assistant Coach, Devnon Winter; Goalkeeping Coach, Eon DeViera; Fitness Coach, Wilson Toledo; Team

Manager, Randy King; Team Doctor, Nico Alstrom; Equipment Manager, Rawl Joseph; GFF Assistant Technical Director, Bryan Joseph.

Grand Easter Sunday horseracing meet set for today GFF President Wayne Forde with the Junior Jaguars and staff

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he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has selected the final roster for the nation’s first participation in a UEFA-sanctioned competition, with 20 players making the grade in the U16 boys’ national squad – The Junior Jaguars - bound for the experience of a lifetime in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Facilitated by UEFA Assist, the Junior Jaguars will play Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania and Montenegro in a unique development tournament in southeast Europe this month, following a nationwide search for talent and weeks of intensive preparation at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence, EBD. The U16 squad making history for Guyana this month comprises Shemaiah Samuels, Troy Gibson, Omar Sam, Shakem Welcome, Matrim Martin, Reegan Lewis, Herman Gill, Christopher Whitter, William Escarraga, Hemant Khedoo, Jayden Culley, Bryan Wharton, Elon Anderson, Travis Williams, Jaden Harris, Gerry-Mayer Burnette, Swade Edwards, Dexter Milo, Seon Cato, and Kvist Paul.

The squad will depart for Europe on Saturday under the guidance of Head Coach and former Golden Jaguars international player Vurlon Mills. The players and staff will be hoping to make a positive impression on European audiences, as well as impress national selectors ahead of Concacaf U17 Championship qualifiers in August.

“It means a lot for us, for Guyana’s football, and for our development,” Mills has said.

“This is part of nation-building, networking, and development in the whole for football, because it forces us, as a small nation, to work hard to implement ideas, philosophies, methodologies and best practices that UEFA might have for us to improve ourselves.

“With tournaments like these, our football can really explode and take off,” Mills continued. “I am really glad for these youngsters who will be participating in this tournament; they will never stop talking about the experience of being the first team to represent Guyana internationally in Europe.”

Guyana play Bosnia and Herzegovina on April 19, Lithuania on April 21, and Montenegro on April 24. Hosts Bosnia have been ranked as high as 13th in FIFA’s world rankings, but currently lie in 59th place, with Lithuania in 138th place and Montenegro, who have previously peaked at 16th, in 70th position.

The unprecedented opportunity for some of Guyana’s most promising young talent to perform at international level on the European stage is the direct result of the GFF’s sustained focus to foster a strong relationship with UEFA and other international football partners, as part of its efforts to strengthen Guyana’s standing and image in the football world.

“The opportunity we have been granted by UEFA is truly a watershed moment for the GFF, which punctuates the importance of international relations in football,” said GFF President Wayne Forde.

“These young boys have been given a huge responsibility to make a first impression of Guyana within the European football space, both on and off the field of play. They are now our ambassadors, and I am extremely proud of the confidence and eagerness with which they have embraced this responsibility.”

Forde said the weather, opposition and conditions in Bosnia would likely pose a challenge for the players. He observed that “a great deal of learning will undoubtedly take place, and we all have to manage our expectations.

“I would like to thank the boys’ parents for trusting the GFF and our technical staff with the care and protection of their sons as they set off on this historic journey,” he concluded.

GFF Assistant Technical Director Bryan Joseph has said he is pleased with the preparations so far under the leadership of Coach Mills, and is expecting the whole group to rise to the occasion and represent Guyana to the best of the individual abilities in a spirit of fair play and respect.

“That will bring credence to the work we are putting into youth development across the football spectrum,” Joseph has said. “I want to say special thank you to the

GCB embarks on gear distribution to drive development

Essequibo receives $4 million worth of cricket gear, Upper Demerara set to receive donation of gear

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has recently embarked on an empowerment exercise which includes the distribution of several cricket gear. This contribution is being made to support the county boards’ efforts to assist their affiliates with the equipment required for training and matches.

Recently, the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) has been the recipient of over four million dollars in equipment from the GCB. GCB President Bissoondyal Singh was very enthusiastic about the occasion. He explained that, given the relaxing of COVID-19 measures, several activities will be conducted across the country. These activities involve both training and matches, so it will be essential for counties and associations to have an adequate quantity of cricket gear to support the player development plans.

President Bissoondyal said, “Among the GCB plans for 2022 are the school cricket activities, which will be rolled out towards the end of April with training of 150 teachers from 75 primary schools.

This is to support a sponsored pilot project from a reputable

commercial business. Once the teachers receive the necessary cricket training, attention will shift to the training of pupils before the competition is played.

“This is a sponsored project from a reputable commercial business, so the GCB felt there was need for this significant donation.

We trust that those responsible will make full use of the gears, and look forward to seeing talented players coming out from the schedule programmes, and the rise in standard of cricket being played locally.”

Further, President Bissondyal Singh commended members of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) for their proactive approach to cricket development, their having just been elected the new executives and already being able to conduct major development activities within a short space of time.

He said, “This includes the ECB Under-15 training and competition activities, and the coordinating of a coaching education programme.

This is an enormous feat, and I implore you to build on this foundation you have set.”

President of the ECB, Deleep Singh, was high in praise of the

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh

GCB President and the GCB. He indicated that his executives and all affiliate committees are grateful for such an enormous contribution.

The ECB President pointed out that the worth and value of the gear goes beyond four million dollars. This quantity and way of distribution would enable many players to freely access gear in order to participate in development activities.

He indicated that several children interested in playing the game can now focus on getting themselves to the ground in appropriate attire and participate in the development activities.

President Deleep stressed that the ECB would continue to create the environment for players to grow, and looks forward to sustained energy and continued support from the members of the seven ECB committees.

T

he long-awaited Easter Sunday horse racing meet is set for today at Port Mourant Turf Club from 13:00h. This Easter Sunday meet has six races carded, and the H Class event is the feature event, covering a distance of six furlongs and paying the winning animal $300,000.

The first race of the day is expected to see the 4-year-old Guyana-bred horses covering a distance of five furlongs for a first prize of $160,000. Second prize is $80,000 while third prize is $40,000 and fourth prize is $20,000. Horse owners are required to pay an entry fee of $20,000 that would allow their animals to participate in this opening race.

The second race of the day is slated for 3-year-old Guyana-bred horses, which will battle over six furlongs for supremacy and the first-place prize of $160,000. The other top three finishers would be paid amounts similar to what would be paid in the first race. Entry fee is similar to what obtains in the first race.

In the J Class race, over a distance of six furlongs, the firstplace prize is $120,000, while the other top three finishers would receive $75,000, $37,000 and $18,000 respectively. The entry fee for this race is $18,000.

Race four will be for the J3 nonstarters and K Class horses. It will be run over a distance of five furlongs for a first-place prize of $120,000.

The animal placing second would receive $60,000, while third and

Horse racing action is set to start at 13:00h

fourth placers would be awarded $30,000 and $15,000 respectively.

The feature event, the H Class race, will be the penultimate event of the day. The top prize is $300,000, while the second prize is $150,000 and third and fourth prizes are $75,000 and $37,000 respectively.

Horse owners will pay an entry fee of $37,000.

The curtains will come down on the meet after the L Class Open race has been run over six furlongs. The top prize in this race is $120,000, while the other three finishers would be paid $60,000, $30,000 and $15,000 respectively. Entry fee for this race is $15,000.

Based on the rules, all races will be run under the updated classification. No promotion or demotion would be allowed, and races would be run under the guidance of Guyana Horse Racing Authority rules.

The PMTC reserves the right to

cancel/reframe any race, and five horses must start before the thirdplace prize becomes payable.

Additionally, seven horses must start before the fourth-place prize becomes payable.

Admission fee is set at $1000, and all COVID-19 protocols would be observed.

Because of the Easter season, children would be treated to free kites, free use of the bouncy castle, and free use of the merrygo-around. The event starts at 13:00h, and Rhythm Stars would be providing entertainment at the venue.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and Businessman Fazal Habibulla have joined Banks DIH, Kascon Engineering, A Sawh Mechanic Shop, Sandeep Poultry Farm, Sunil Poultry Supply, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, AJM, K Jagdeo Contractors, and Sunil Pet Shop as sponsors of the event.

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese athletes at CARIFTA Games…

One gold, 2 silver for Harvey, McPherson, Roberts on first CARIFTA outing

Guyana’s Attoya Harvey showcasing her gold medal after the presentation

O

ne gold and two silver.

That was Guyana’s medal count at the end of the first day of the 2022 CARIFTA Games, signalling a successful day on the track for the Land of Many Waters.

Competing alongside the region’s best youth athletes, Saturday proved to be a great day for Guyana’s first-timers, as Attoya Harvey, Narissa McPherson and Javon Roberts copped a gold and 2 silver respectively at their very CARIFTA Games.

Meanwhile, Keliza Smith came close to the podium, but missed it by a feather.

After two years of qualifying for the CARIFTA Games and not being able to compete due to COVID-19 cancellation, Attoya Harvey, on Saturday evening, finally realized her dream of being a CARIFTA medalist when she stormed to a gold medal finish in the Girls’ Under-17 1500m race.

With no preliminary race, Harvey’s first outing on the track in Kingston was the final of the event, which she won in 4:45.75 minutes, miles in front of her competition.

Coming in at 4:52.14 was Trinidad and Tobago’s Kayleigh Forde for second, and Jamaica’s

Kededra Coombs came in third in a time of 4:52.19.

And that was only the first of Guyana’s medals on Saturday.

In what was her very first race at the CARIFTA Games, Narissa McPherson held her nerve in the Under-17 400m event to qualify for Saturday night’s final.

Competing in Heat 2, McPherson clocked 56.83s for second place in the heat, just behind Jamaica’s Abigail Campbell’s 56.15s first-place run.

McPherson also registered the 3rd-best qualification time overall, with Campbell placing first and her fellow Jamaican Quana Walker (57.43s) placing second, leading the Guyanese.

Jamaica’s Campbell proved to be the obstacle in McPherson’s way once again in the final, as she raced to a gold medal finish in a time of 53.83s. However, the Guyanese McPherson stopped the clock at 55.39 for second place and the silver medal.

The podium was completed be Jamaica’s Quana Walker I’m 55.65s.

As for Javon Roberts, the youngster complimented Harvey’s gold in the Under-17 1500m with

CAC hockey qualifiers…

a silver medal in the male version of the race. Roberts, in his first race at the premier regional event, clocked 4:12.54 for second, behind Trinidad and Tobago’s Keeran Sriskandarajah (4:10.58), but finished ahead of Jamaica’s Yoshane Bowen, who clocked 4:13.15 for the bronze medal.

Competing in Heat 3 of the Girls Under-20 100m sprint, Keliza Smith outran her opponents to finish first in the heat with a time of 11.55. Notably, Smith finished ahead of Tina Clayton, one half of the Jamaican twin-sprint sensation, who settled for second in 11.65s.

In Heat 1, Karese Lloyd registered a time of 12.16s to finish third, behind Trinidad and Tobago’s Shaniqua Bascombe and Barbados’s Kishawna Niles, who clocked 11.50s and 11.57s respectively. However, Lloyd’s time was not good enough to earn her a spot in the final.

In the final, Guyana’s Keliza Smith stopped the clock at 11.58s, a time that was only good enough for fourth place.

Jamaican twins Tina and Tia Clayton took gold and silver by clocking 11.22s and 11.30s respectively. The third position was

Page 39

A glimpse of Keliza Smith’s (second from left) finish in the 100m Heat

occupied by Trinidad’s Bascombe, who narrowly edged out Smith with a time of 11.57s.

Guyana’s Hannah Reid, after cruising for the first 200M, took the lead on the back stretch and held on long enough to cross the line first in Heat 4 of the Girls Under-20 400M event.

Reid, finished in 55.02s, to register the second-best qualification time for the event on Saturday morning. Reid’s preliminary time was bested only

by Bermuda’s Caitlyn Bobb, who stopped the clock at 53.95s, in

Heat 1.

However, in the final, Reid had a less-than-impressive run, finishing 8th with a time of 55.38s.

The race was won by Jamaica’s Kaylia Kelly, who clocked 52.32s.

Meanwhile, also hitting the track for Guyana on Saturday morning were Shamar Horatio and Ezekiel Newton in the Boys Under-20 100m preliminaries.

In Heat 2, Newton clocked 11.16s, while in Heat 4, Horatio crossed the line in 10.99s.

While Horatio came the closest to qualification, he missed a

semifinal spot by two-hundredths of a second.

In the javelin arena, Gabriel Lim competed for Guyana in the Under-20 throws and registered distances of 49.47m, 50.04m, 49.51m, two fouls, and a best throw of 53.27m. However, this throw was only good enough for seventh place in an event wherein the CARIFTA record was broken

by Keyshawn Strachan of the Bahamas with a throw of 79.89m.

The CARIFTA Games in Jamaica will continue until April 18. (Jemima Holmes)

Page 39

Guyana women suffer Grand Easter Sunday horse-racing meet narrow 0-1 loss set for today to Puerto Rico Guyanese striker Abosaide Cadogan attacking the Puerto Rican circle, with Samantha Fernandes in support

Six races are carded for the day

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