should range between 23 degrees Celsius and

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM Development is key towards a productive workforce – Brutus tells Essequibo youths

Atotal of 801 adults, youths and children on Friday received their certificates after completing several courses at the Zara Computer Centre at Suddie, Essequibo Coast, on Friday.

Speaking about the Zara Computer Centre’s advancement, Deputy Commissioner Administration (ag), Calvin Brutus said that while the programmes at the facility focus on the entry levels, foundation, and some advanced programmes, they are currently looking at the curriculum for other subject areas to offer.

He pointed out that the Guyana Police Force is looking at providing assistance for those students who are undertaking the National Grade Six Examinations at the Zara Computer Centres while adding that in September, the Force will be looking at offering assistance in terms of lessons and assistance to complete SBAs in five subject areas: Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Information Technology, and EDPM.

Brutus announced that the Force is resuming train-

Acting Deputy Commissioner, Administration, Calvin Brutus

ing and that the goal is to expand across the country.

“Essequibo is no different, and we have already set our sights on a building at the Charity compound to open another centre to assist in taking off the number of persons who wish to access our facilities to do IT training.”

“We are about a week away,” he remarked, “from commencing our work to refurbish that building. And hopefully, by December, that centre should be up and operational.”

Further, according to Brutus, the intention of the new centre is to provide access to those persons who live in close proximity so that they can access training in computer studies and other technical programmes in the IT sector. The establishment will cut transportation costs for those who wish to access these programmes, while reaching a wider cross-section of society that is adjacent to the facility. He noted that the community of Aurora is also being looked at to augment the two centres to give proper coverage

A young graduate receiving her certificate from a member of the Zara Computer Centre

to the Division.

With respect to the Force’s strategic plan, Brutus noted that much emphasis is placed on partnership and the development of our people. He explained that the facilities under these two pillars in the Strategic Plan caters not only to members of the public but also to the ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

“Development is key to having a productive workforce in our society.” This, he said, is the Force’s primary objective. In addition, he noted that the Force intends to offer more advanced programmes other than PC Repairs, and this, he said, will commence in the first quarter of 2023. “All of this is geared toward developing youths, young adults and members of the Guyana Police Force in three critical areas: to make sure that we have youths who are skilled to take up the jobs that foreign companies and foreign investors are opening in our society; to access and be more productive in our general institutions in Guyana locally; and also when we look at training our personnel, we want to have a more technologically educated Police Force,” the acting Deputy Commissioner Administration added.

Parking lots, not parking meters, needed to alleviate city’s traffic woes – Georgetown Mayor

Contending that parking meters will not the solve city’s woes in relation to adequate space, Mayor Ubraj Narine has suggested the creation of parking lots instead.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the Georgetown Mayor stated that the current traffic situation in the capital city

requires parking facilities rather than just parking meters.

“In this kind of development, you need parking lots. If you bring parking meters in the city, the parking meter cannot take off all this traffic that you have in the city. While you have parking lots, some people can choose to park their vehicle or if they have parking meters, they can choose to park on the pavement,” he told the media.

On the other hand, Narine added that he is not against parking meters but opined that it should be done through consultation and input from the private sector and civil society.

“Parking meter is necessary. I’m not saying no to parking meters. It is necessary but I believe, it should be done in conjunction with the private sector and other stakeholders within the city. You just can bring parking meters and wake up the next morning and see a meter at your door. That happened before. I believe a proper study, engaging the citizens and civil society, and have something comprehensive.”

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) had entered into a contract with Smart City Solutions (SCS) under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government in 2016 for the installation of parking meters in the capital city.

The parking meters were active in January 2017, but this was met with strong resistance from the then PPP/C Opposition, private sector bodies, and citizens, who formed an organisation called Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM). They went on to hold some of the largest non-political protests ever seen in the city.

Amid public pressure, the then APNU/AFC Government finally intervened and suspended the by-laws which paved the way for the implementation of metered parking, thus effectively halting the parking meter project. The project has since remained stalled.

With the M&CC under the then mayorship of Patricia Chase-Green and then Town Clerk Royston King failing to implement the parking meter project, SCS is now suing the Guyana Government through the Washington, DC-based International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)—an arbitration institution established by the World Bank Group to address legal dispute resolution and conciliation between international investors and States.

City Hall is at risk of being levied on if Guyana loses the US$100 million lawsuit brought by international company, Smart City Solutions (SCS) over the terminated parking meter project. To this end, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, last week said he is standing by his request for US$3 million to pay an international law firm to represent the country’s interest.

During last week’s sitting of the National Assembly, the Attorney General requested $100 million in supplementary funds for the Legal Affairs Ministry. Of the entire sum approved by the House, US$3 million will be made as a deposit towards those legal fees. The legal fees have attracted many public criticisms, with persons accusing the Government of wasting taxpayers’ money. But this is far from the truth, Nandlall has clarified, noting that while the APNU/AFC which made the reckless decision is out of office, his Government must defend Guyana.

During a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), he disclosed that the law firm representing Guyana in the US$100 million lawsuit, Foley Hoag and Associates, “is of very high international standing”. According to him, the Washington law firm is also leading Guyana’s legal team in the border dispute case with Venezuela at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

A parking meter from the scrapped project Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM 15 new COVID infections recorded, 2 in ICU

Total infections of COVID-19 in Guyana have reached 70,803, after 15 new cases were reported on Saturday.

There are still 1278 confirmed deaths, with two persons under treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). From the latest dashboard, 13 persons are in institutional isolation, 371 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine.

Additionally, a total of 69,152 persons have recovered. However, almost 400 active infections are still being monitored across health facilities. Meanwhile, 684,887 tests have been processed to date.

An analysis shows new cases dispersed among five administrative regions, with one in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), three in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), five in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), four in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and two in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The latest vaccination numbers show that so far, 445,650 or 86.9 per cent of adults have taken a first dose, while 345,342 or 67.3 per cent are fully vaccinated.

For adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17, 35,523 or 48.7 per cent have received a first dose. Second doses stand at 26,028 or 35.7 per cent. Vaccines are also available for children within five to 11 years, whereby 7581 persons or 7.4 per cent have taken a first dose. Additionally, 2730 or 2.7 per cent have received a second jab.

Meanwhile, in excess of 72,000 persons have returned for their first booster dose.

In the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 173 million while the death toll in the Region has gone up to 2.9 million.

Globally, there were 590 million confirmed positives with 6.4 million deaths.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 2267480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health. gov.gy.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM $800M road rehabilitation works commence in Reg 10

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill meeting with contractors

Contractors have commended the rehabilitation of roads in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), with an estimated cost of $800 million.

On Friday, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill met with contractors who would be undertaking those projects, before making several site visits to meet with residents and speak with them about the upcoming works.

The Minister’s first stop was at Block 22 Wismar, Linden.

“Now we have a $25 million contract that will begin on Monday, it would take about two weeks. Where the region would have ended their work, the region’s piece will connect to the Ministry of Public Works’s piece, and this long overdue fixing would have been done.”

Road rehabilitation in this area would benefit both residents from Block 22 and from Wisroc as well.

“I noticed that a certain MP had put on his Facebook page that it (road rehabilitation) is not being done because of the arrogance of the Minister, but I don’t know why anyone would say anything that is easily verifiable. This road deteriorated under the APNU/AFC, of which that MP is a member, and here it is President Irfaan Ali, who came from the PPP/C is coming to Block 22 just like we developed it because Block 22 was developed under President Jagdeo, as a development scheme, we put in all the roads, but the roads deteriorated, they were not maintained properly and now we are getting those fixed,” Edghill added.

Contractor Morris Jeffery Enterprise will be undertaking the Block 22 project.

The Minister and team, including Public Works Engineer Dwayne Roland and Regional Executive Officer Dwight John, visited a number of communities where rehabilitation works are slated to begin.

During his visit to Canvas City Back Road, Edghill said he is well aware that rehabilitating these 25 roads would not alleviate all those communities’ issues, however, he noted it’s a start and that much more development is planned for the future.

“The Government is not running and going anywhere, President Irfaan Ali will be here for a long time, and our commitment is to bring development to all the people, we did not look to see how people vote, we look to see where people living, and the fact the people living at Amelia’s Ward and Amelia’s Ward is a scheme that was developed under the PPP/C, one of the biggest schemes, it was clear that no maintenance was being done and so we are making some interventions now. We would have to come back with some new wave of interventions later because they have other sections that need to be done.”

“So, what we require of you is two things, make sure we tell everybody in the neighbourhood the road start, they have to give full cooperation because the machine to clarify and to dig up will be in the way and it means that while the men are working, we can’t have taxi driving in because every time they have to stop for a taxi to pass, the work will not get done.”

He urged residents to endure the temporary inconvenience, for the ultimate development of their own communities. He also urged the contractors to work quickly, to put out quality work, and to also employ persons from those communities on the various road projects.

The Minister related that the unpriced bill of quantities will be made available to the communities so that residents can keep track of their road projects.

Construction and rehabilitation of the Canvas City Back Road will be undertaken by JK Enterprise Inc at a cost of $13.9 million, and rehabilitation of Bonus Street, Amelia's Ward, will be undertaken by Legalize Trucking & Contracting Service at a cost of $42.9 million, while another Amelia's Ward street, City Gates, will cost $48 million and will be undertaken by Deodat Sewkumar Charran Construction.

One of the largest projects covered on this schedule is the construction and rehabilitation of the Moblissa Main Road at $119.9 million, to be undertaken by O&O General Contracting Services.

Among the areas covered on the List of 25 in this first road rehabilitation schedule are: Christiansburg, Wismar, Wisroc, Kara Kara, Lower Kara Kara, and Mackenzie

Rehabilitation of internal roads in Kwakwani to the tune of $157 million is also slated to start soon by D&R Construction & Machinery Rental.

Minister Edghill having a discussion with residents of Linden on Friday

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022 Regional

Mexico missing students: Former top official arrested over probe Jamaican lottery scam ringleader gets 13 years in US jail

Mexico’s former Attorney General has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of 43 students in 2014.

Jesús Murillo Karam, who led an inquiry into the atrocity, has been charged with forced disappearance, torture and the obstruction of justice.

The students vanished while travelling by bus through the city of Iguala on their way to a protest in Mexico City.

Other than bone fragments recovered from three of them, nothing is known of their fate.

Municipal Police opened fire on buses carrying the students on the evening of 26 September 2014 - but what happened next is disputed.

Their mysterious disappearance sent shockwaves around the world and triggered widespread protests in Mexico against impunity and state complicity in organised crime.

Jesus Murillo Karam, who was arrested on Friday, led a controversial 2015 investigation into what happened to the students that blamed members of a cartel who were accused of killing them and burning their remains.

His findings, which were endorsed by then President Enrique Peña Nieto, were criticised by independent experts and relatives of the missing students for errors and for not apportioning any blame to the armed forces.

In a tweet, Karam’s

Jesus Murillo Karam led a controversial investigation into the disappearance of the 43 students as Mexico’s Attorney General

(pictured in 2015)

Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which is no longer in power, accused those behind Friday’s arrest of being politically motivated.

He is the highest-profile Government official to be arrested in connection with the disappearance of the students so far.

Investigators believe the students were detained by corrupt Police officials and then handed over to a drug cartel who mistook them for members of a rival gang before killing them. (Excerpt from BBC News) A Jamaican man is to serve more than 13 years in a United States prison for being one of the leaders of an international fraud scam which swindled cash from thousands of elderly Americans.

David Odean McIntosh, 29, was on Tuesday sentenced by United States District Judge, Raner C Collins, to 160 months in prison.

McIntosh was previously found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

As part of his sentence, the court ordered McIntosh to pay approximately US$1.8 million in restitution.

According to a release from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona on Friday, between 2013 and 2018, McIntosh was “one of the leaders of an international fraud ring that targeted thousands of elderly victims across the United States”.

Investigations revealed that Jamaican-based scammers, and others, called elderly victims, claiming the victims had won a lottery or other prize.

To receive their winnings, the victims were told that they must first pay money for taxes and fees.

The fraudsters also provided some victims with phoney letters claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that threatened to seize their assets if they failed to pay the monies requested.

The US Attorney’s Office informed that McIntosh’s role in this scam was to “distribute lead lists”, which contained the names and personal information of thousands of primarily elderly individuals for the scammers to contact and lure into the scheme.

Following a probe by several agencies, including the IRS and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, McIntosh was arrested and later charged. (Jamaica Observer)

Nicaraguan anti-Ortega bishop under house arrest after pre-dawn raid

“The paycheck has died”: Argentine workers hold funeral for wages

Some women wore black funeral attire and sported flower crowns. Other people in the procession in Buenos Aires carried a gigantic coffin. But this funeral procession in the Argentine capital was not honouring a person.

Instead it was to mourn the “death” of the wages of Argentine workers in a country where inflation is expected to hit 90 per cent by the end of this year, eating up workers’ purchasing power despite years of Government attempts to curb price increases.

“The situation for the workers is devastating. Before the middle of the month we don’t have any more salary, it’s not enough,” Melisa Gargarello, a representative of the Front of Organisations in Struggle (FOL), the protest’s organiser, told Reuters.

One protester carried a “clinical history” for Argentine wages, a chart showing how inflation has eaten up the value of paychecks.

While much of the world is battling high single-digit inflation this year, Argentina’s struggles are in a different category.

“The paycheck has died” read a banner in the symbolic procession, which toured the main streets of Argentina’s capital and ended in front of the Presidential Palace. The flower crowns worn by women carried the message “RIP the minimum wage.”

The country’s official monthly minimum wage Chilean legislators will begin random drug testing in the next few days after a proposal making it compulsory was approved last month, despite criticism from some lawmakers.

The first 78 Chilean deputies to be tested were randomly drawn this week, and will now have their first series of drug tests, in an effort to raise the standards of transparency in parliamentary work.

The new proposal states that all legislators will need to be tested twice in every four-year term, and any positive results will be made public.

“There is nothing more important than giving people transparency, that their parliamentarians are not [drug] consumers,” right-wing Deputy Juan Antonio Coloma told the country’s public TV channel on Thursday.

It comes as the Finish Prime Minister said she would do a voluntary drug test after being filmed on a night out.

The Chilean proposal, however, has divided lawmakers along party lines in a country that is in the process of voting on a new Constitution, looking to overhaul national politics.

“I do not agree with the procedure,” independent legislator Marcela Riquelme told TV Nacional de Chile, with others calling the measure an “unacceptable show”.

Legislators who refuse to take tests could be referred to the house ethics committee. (Reuters)

Demonstrators carrying a coffin during a symbolic funeral for their wages, as they march towards the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace, in Buenos Aires, Argentina August 19, 2022

stands at 45,540 Argentine pesos (US$334) while a basic food basket for a family of two adults and two children costs more than twice that amount at 111,298 pesos (US$817), according to the national statistics institute INDEC.

Years of political efforts to curb inflation have done little to abate price increases, and in July the country registered its highest inflation rate in 20 years. (Excerpt from Reuters) Nicaragua’s Rolando Alvarez, Bishop of Matagalpa and one of the most influential leaders of the country’s Catholic Church, is under house arrest in the capital Managua after he was removed from the northern diocese in a pre-dawn raid, Police said on Friday.

Alvarez, a critic of President Daniel Ortega’s Government, had been confined for two weeks in a Church house in Matagalpa alongside five priests, one seminarian and a cameraman for a religious television channel.

Police said the cameraman and clerics had been transferred to a prison in Managua.

Nicaraguan authorities have detained at least three priests in recent months while others have gone into exile.

The raid drew international condemnation from public figures and religious groups, while a spokesperson for the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was very worried. Pope Francis has not commented on the crackdown.

The relationship between the Catholic Church and Ortega’s Government has been severely strained after a harsh crackdown on anti-Ortega protests in 2018, when the Church acted as a mediator between the Government and protesters.

The Church has called for justice for more than 360 people who died during the unrest.

Earlier this month, Police shut down seven radio stations linked to Alvarez and said they were investigating him for alleged conspiracy.

The head of the Organisation of American States, Luis Almagro, also condemned the detentions in a statement and demanded “their immediate freedom and those of all political prisoners.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

Chilean legislators to be drug tested as new initiative begins Barbados and Mexico exploring deeper ties

As Barbados gears up to observe 50 years of diplomatic ties with Mexico, Acting Prime Minister, Santia Bradshaw, is expressing renewed optimism in new areas of cooperation that can be pursued to the benefit of both countries.

Ambassador of Mexico to Barbados, Victor Hugo Morales Meléndez, paid a courtesy call on the Acting Prime Minister at Ilaro Court recently, where the two counterparts held wide-ranging talks on a number of areas.

Bradshaw told the Ambassador that Government was eager to work with him given the significant work that had been done by his predecessor, and especially during this year which marks five decades of friendship.

She added: “I want to wish you well in terms of the next few years and to give the commitment from Barbados that we look forward to being able to continue building on our bilateral relationship with Mexico.”

Describing Barbados as a “beautiful and very important country”, Ambassador Meléndez said despite the long-standing ties, there were areas of cooperation to be pursued not only in academia, but also in the global agenda in areas of climate change or sustainable development.

The Ambassador also encouraged Barbados to sign on to the Latin American and Caribbean Space Agreement to strengthen the comprehensive and sustainable development of a regional space programme that will benefit the Latin American and Caribbean peoples.

Acting Prime Minister Bradshaw commended Ambassador Meléndez for his country’s efforts in this regard.

Barbados and Mexico established diplomatic ties in 1972. (Excerpt from Nation News)

OILNEWS

Russia is China's top oil supplier for 3rd mth in July – customs data

Russia held its spot as China's top oil supplier for a third month in July, data showed on Saturday, as independent refiners stepped up purchases of discounted supplies while cutting shipments from rival suppliers such as Angola and Brazil.

Imports of Russian oil, including supplies pumped via the East Siberia Pacific Ocean pipeline and seaborne shipments from Russia's European and Far Eastern ports, totalled 7.15 million tonnes, up 7.6 per cent from a year ago, data from the Chinese General Administration of Customs showed.

Still, Russian supplies in July, equivalent to about 1.68 million barrels per day (bpd), were below May's record of close to 2 million bpd. China is Russia's largest oil buyer.

Imports from second-ranking Saudi Arabia rebounded last month from June, which was the lowest in more than three years, to 6.56 million tonnes, or 1.54 million bpd, but still slightly below year-ago level.

Year-to-date imports from Russia totalled 48.45 million tonnes, up 4.4 per cent on the year, still trailing behind Saudi Arabia, which supplied 49.84 million tonnes, or 1 per cent below the year-ago level.

China's crude oil imports in July fell 9.5 per cent from a year earlier, with daily volumes at the second lowest in four years, as refiners drew down inventories and domestic fuel demand recovered more slowly than expected.

The strong Russian purchases squeezed out competing supplies from Angola and Brazil, which fell 27 per cent yearon-year and 58 per cent, respectively.

Customs reported no imports from Venezuela or Iran last month. State oil firms have shunned purchases since late 2019 for fear of falling foul of secondary US sanctions.

Imports from Malaysia, often used as a transfer point in the past two years for oil originating from Iran and Venezuela, soared 183 per cent on the year, to 3.34 million tonnes, and up from June's 2.65 million tonnes. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Al-Shabab Islamists kill 12 in Somali hotel attack

Fighting continues at a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu, 24 hours after it was stormed by an Islamist militant group.

At least 12 people have been killed in the attack by al-Shabab, though some local media reported that the death toll could be higher.

Attackers detonated at least two explosives outside the hotel before entering it on Friday evening.

An unknown number of gunmen are still inside holding hostages.

Dozens of guests and staff members have been rescued. "So far we have confirmed 12 people, mostly civilians, died," Mohammed, an intelligence officer who only gave one name, told Reuters news agency earlier. ing out random shootings" after having "forcibly entered" the hotel - described as a popular location for employees of the Federal Government to meet.

The director of Mogadishu's main trauma hospital, Dr Mohamed Abdirahman Jama, told news agency AFP on Saturday that the facility was treating at least 40 people wounded in the hotel attack and a separate mortar strike on another area of the capital.

Meanwhile, loved ones of people still trapped or unaccounted for gathered outside the hotel, local journalist Abdalle Mumin told the BBC.

In a statement a police officer told Reuters the initial attack on the hotel had been two car bombs. "One hit a barrier near the hotel, and then the other hit the gate of the hotel," he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022

35 Around the World

Russia accuses Ukraine of “chemical terrorism” using toxin

Russia’s Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of poisoning some of its soldiers in the Russian-controlled part of Ukraine’s southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia in late July.

An adviser to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry said on Saturday in response the alleged poisoning could have been caused by Russian forces eating expired canned meat.

A number of Russian troops were taken to a military hospital with signs of “severe poisoning” on July 31. Tests showed a toxic substance, botulinum toxin type B, in their bodies, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

“On the fact of chemical terrorism sanctioned by the [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy regime, Russia is preparing supporting evidence with the results of all the analyses,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It did not say how many soldiers suffered poisoning or what their condition was now, or elaborate on what the “supporting evidence” involved.

Botulinum toxin type B is a neurotoxin that can cause botulism when ingested in previously contaminated food products, but it can also have medical uses.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its findings will be given to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

“Evidence of chemical terrorism by the Kyiv regime will soon be formally forwarded to the OPCW through the permanent mission of Russia,” it said.

Ukraine’s Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to the accusations, but Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko addressed the allegation on the Telegram messaging app.

“The department [Russian Defence Ministry] does not clarify whether the poisoning could have been caused by expired canned meat, in which botulinum toxin is often found. Overdue rations have been massively complained about by the occupying forces since the first days of the invasion of Ukraine,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A Russian investigation is being conducted on the possible poisoning of the head of the provisional administration of the

Kherson region with alleged chemical warfare agents [Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters]

Europe’s drought exposes WWII ships, bombs and prehistoric stones

Ivica Skodric, a local fisherman, inspecting the wreckage of a German warship in the Danube in Prahovo, Serbia on August 18,

2022 [Fedja Grulovic/Reuters]

Weeks of baking heat and drought across Europe have seen water levels in rivers and lakes fall to levels few can remember, exposing long-submerged treasures – and some deadly hazards.

In Spain, archaeologists have been delighted by the emergence of a prehistoric stone circle dubbed the “Spanish Stonehenge” that is usually covered by waters of a dam that have fallen in the worst drought in decades.

Officially known as the Dolmen of Guadalperal, the stone circle currently sits fully exposed in one corner of the Valdecanas reservoir, in the central province of Caceres, where authorities say the water level has dropped to 28 percent of capacity.

The stone circle was discovered by German archaeologist Hugo Obermaier in 1926, but the area was flooded in 1963 in a rural development project under Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. Since then it has only become fully visible four times.

Another of Europe’s mighty rivers, the Danube, has fallen to one of its lowest levels in almost a century as a result of the drought, exposing the hulks of more than 20 German warships sunk during World War II near Serbia’s river port town of Prahovo.

The vessels were among hundreds scuttled along the Danube by Nazi Germany’s Black Sea fleet in 1944 as they retreated from advancing Soviet forces. The sunken ships still hamper river traffic during low water levels.

Italy has declared a state of emergency for areas around the River Po, and in late July a previously submerged 450kg (1000-pound) World War II bomb was discovered in the low-running waters of the country’s longest river. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera) A t least 32 people have been killed in two separate events in Turkey when vehicles crashed into first responders following earlier accidents.

A bus hit the scene of a road crash near Gaziantep on Saturday morning, killing 16 people and injuring 21.

Hours later a truck hit a crowd of people 250km (150 miles) away in Mardin, also killing 16 people and reportedly hitting emergency workers.

There have been no reports of a connection between the incidents.

Twenty-nine people were injured in the second crash, eight of them seriously, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said.

The incident in the town of Derik in Mardin province "occurred after the brakes gave out on a lorry, which hit a crowd", he wrote on Twitter.

The emergency workers had been sent to the scene following a crash involving three vehicles, Anadolu news agency reported.

The first incident on Saturday occurred near the southern town of Nizip in Gaziantep province.

A bus ploughed into rescue crews and reporters who had come to the scene of a crash involving a car that had come off the road.

Three firefighters, two emergency workers and two journalists were among those killed, the governor of Gaziantep said on twitter.

Photos on Turkey's DHA news agency showed the back of an ambulance ripped out and metal debris strewn around it.

Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag has announced an investigation into the crash. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Separate bus crashes leave 32 dead and 51 injured in Turkey

The wreck of the ambulance after the earlier crash near Gaziantep

Dilbert

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Don’t lose sight of your goals or lose touch with those who can help you advance. Time spent with someone you love will lead to shared plans. An outgoing attitude will win you enthusiasm and support.

Note the changes in your community or professional circle, and you’ll discover how to incorporate adjustments that keep you ahead of the competition. Being informed will position you for success.

GEMINI

(MAY 28June 20)

Emotions will infiltrate your discussions if you aren’t careful. Paying attention to detail, being truthful and playing by the rules will be necessary when it comes to your living arrangements.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Wait to see what others do before making a move. Play it safe by paying attention to what matters most to you. You’ll gain insight into how you can satisfy your needs and make someone you love happy.

Spend time with people who make you think and offer stellar advice. Give yourself an image update. A new look will give you a sparkle that will make others gravitate toward you. Choose peace and love.

Check your emotions at the door and refuse to let anyone force you into an argument. Your intelligence will falter if you let your feelings take the reins. A change of scenery will give you a new outlook.

By keeping a positive attitude, you’ll win hands-on help and the monetary support needed to reach your target. Stay focused and take physical action, and do your best to outmaneuver anyone who gets in your way.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Emotional spending will set you back. Occupy your mind with challenges, and use your knowledge and skills to make a difference. Spend less time dwelling on emotional issues and more time helping those in need.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Serious investigation of your feelings will open possibilities. Take control and lead the way, and you’ll ward off interference from someone trying to outmaneuver you. Figure out how you can help.

Keep life simple by doing your best to get along with everyone. By being observant, you’ll gain insight into what others want and what they’re willing to do. A positive change may cost you, but it will be worthwhile.

Engage in something that excites you. Personal and home improvements will positively affect you and your loved ones. A special event will bring you closer to someone you love. Romance is featured.

Simplify your life instead of taking on too much or overdoing it. Focus on your home and surroundings and what you can do that’s affordable yet entertaining. Use your imagination.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20Mar. 20)

New Zealand and England Tours kick off West Indies Women’s ICC Future Tours Programme 2022-2025

The West Indies Women will start the first ever International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the period 20222025 with an eight-match home series against New Zealand Women in Antigua next month, followed by a series against England Women in December 2022.

The West Indies Women would play 66 international matches home and away across the three-year period, and there would be a major ICC Women’s World Cup tournament each year.

West Indies start the year 2023 with a tri-series in South Africa featuring India, as the teams build up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, to be played in South Africa in 2023. The other major ICC tournaments to follow during the FTP are the Women’s T20 World Cup, to be played in Bangladesh from September to October 2024; and the Women’s Cricket World Cup, to be played in India from September to October 2025.

All of the One Day International Series to be played from 2022 to 2025 would form part of the ICC Women’s Championship (IWC), which will feature 10 teams with the inclusion of Bangladesh and Ireland, as the profile of Women’s cricket grows around the world. Each team will play eight Series, four at home and four away, with the top five teams in the IWC table qualifying automatically for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup.

In addition to the aforementioned England and New Zealand tours, West Indies will play Bangladesh and Ireland in home ODI series for the first time ever. West Indies’ four away series will be against India, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

CWI Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, has said that the first-ever FTP put out by the ICC reflects the increased prominence of Women’s Cricket, and will be an incentive for continued investment by Cricket West Indies (CWI) in the Women’s game. CWI has greatly increased its investment in the Women’s game in the last few years, and the aim across this upcoming FTP cycle is to increase the levels of consistency from our Women across formats, both in bilateral series and world events.

The ICC FTP is a result of a collective effort of Full Members, with ICC’s coordination and support. The FTP ensures a level of certainty of bilateral cricket fixtures across the three cricket formats. The exact dates and venues for each Series will be announced in due course by Cricket West Indies (CWI), following consultation with each ICC Member nation. (Windies cricket)

'World-class' Kane would swap Premier League records for trophies, claims Conte

Antonio Conte has suggested that Harry Kane would gladly swap his goalscoring accolades for a major trophy, after he broke the Premier League's one-club goals record in a hard-fought win over Wolves.

Kane nodded home from close range to earn Tottenham a 1-0 victory over Bruno Lage's men on Saturday, with his 185th Premier League goal for Spurs moving him clear of Sergio Aguero's tally of 184 strikes in the competition for Manchester City.

The 29-year-old's secondhalf winner also represented his 250th goal for the club in all competitions, as well as Tottenham's 1,000th Premier League goal on home soil.

But for all his goalscoring prowess, Kane is yet to lift a major trophy, finishing as an EFL Cup and Champions League runner-up with his club, and failing to lead England to glory in the Euro 2020 final last year.

While Conte was full of praise for Kane when speaking to BT Sport after the win, he emphasised the striker's desire to play his part in a collective triumph. "It is a great achievement! A great personal achievement, but I know that Harry would like to exchange this achievement with a trophy," Conte said. "I know this! He is working for this, and we are working for this, to try to improve the team and bring the club on another level, not only to have big personal achievements,” he said. "At the same time, you know very well my consideration about Harry. We are talking about a world-class striker, but what makes me happy is not only with the ball – that we have in our team a top scorer, a top player – but we have a player totally involved with the other team-mates, and [who] works a lot for the team. For this reason, I am really pleased to have him, and to be his coach."

Tottenham's win means they have remained unbeaten through their first three matches of the Premier League season, just as they did under Nuno Espirito

Santo last term.

This is the first time Spurs have done so in consecutive campaigns since 2004-05 and 2005-06, and Conte believes Tottenham's run of positive results – all against teams who won the corresponding fixtures last season – is a reflection of their development in recent months.

"The performance at the end was good, because I had to consider everything. First of all, the importance of the opponent," he said. "Wolverhampton, I think, in the last week signed important players like [Goncalo] Guedes, like [Matheus] Nunes. I think when you see their starting XI today, you have to be a bit scared. "I think it's a really good team. In the first half we struggled a bit, but in the second half I think we deserved to win, we created many chances to score. The first half was good to stay calm, to stay focused, to suffer together. "Don't forget: last season, with these three teams

we played this season, we lost - against

Southampton, against Chelsea and against

Wolverhampton - with me [as coach]. Now we've got seven points. I think that is a good sign the team is continuing to improve," he said. (Sportsmax)

Trawlerman and Frankie Dettori take victory in Ebor Handicap at York

The leading two fought out a tremendous finish to the line at York

Trawlerman has given Frankie Dettori yet another big-race success with a dramatic victory in the prestigious Ebor Handicap at York.

The 9-1 shot edged out

Alfred Boucher (8-1), who was aiming for a double after a win on

Wednesday’s opening day.

Dettori had his mount running solo on the far side of the track in the early stages.

And after bringing him back to the pack, he stayed in contention, but needed another late effort to win.

It is Dettori’s first victory in the race since Winning Foe’s success in 2012, and it evoked memories of Trawlerman’s sire, Golden Horn, who stayed wide when landing the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 2015.

“My colleagues gave me a little bit of rope,” admitted the 51-year-old Italian. “I managed to get him to relax, and in the straight I thought I was beaten, but the grey horse came and kind of helped me. I thought I was just running out of runway and I might not get there, but on the line, in fairness, he dug deep, put his head down, and I thought ‘Ah! Close!’”

John Gosden, who trains Trawlerman along with son Thady, paid tribute to Dettori, with whom he had had a public falling out earlier in the season, which had resulted in a week’s sabbatical for the rider.

“I could not get his attention - I could not get him to concentrate, that’s all,” Gosden said. “In the end, we gave him a bit of a public warning - that’s the way it is. He was left on the bench like he would be by a football manager.

“He has just ridden two fantastic races today, and when our man is in the zone, he is absolutely top-class. When he is not in the zone, he is a menace!” (BBC)

GCB presents $1M+ worth of cricket gear to WDCA

important. The GCB has given the West Demerara a subvention for 2022, and will also do so for 2023, along with another provision of gear. Given your commitment shown, the GCB is confident that the West Demerara Cricket Association will be able to solely fund your programmes in the near future. However, we, the GCB executives, are very pleased with the cooperative approach being employed by the West Demerara Cricket Association.

The GCB wishes that you continue to produce competitive players for our domestic and national tournaments.”

President of the West Demerara Cricket Association, Troy Khan, accepted the donation on behalf of the members present, who reacted with great applause. He posited that “the entire executives of the West Demerara Association, as well as the players who are here today, are happy to receive this substantial donation. We believe that it will go a long way in assisting us to effectively carry out our coaching education programme.

Players’ gears are needed, and a number of players will now have the liberty to use the gears and explore the level of skills they possess in the game.”

President Khan has assured the GCB President and Executives that the gear would be accounted for and be well utilised.

GCB President Bissoondyal Singh handing over the donation of gear to President of the West Demerara Cricket Association, Troy Khan

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has continued its distribution Bissoondyal Singh was elated at the donation being given to this Association. He resociations and committees, West Demerara has a wealth of talent, and the Guyana of gear with a valuable donation of more than one million dollars’ worth of cricket equipment to the West Demerara Cricket Association (WADA) for the use of players on the West Demerara coast.

The donation included a number of gear bags, bats, batting pads, wicketkeeping pads, balls and stumps. The distribution is an integral aspect of the GCB’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, which aims to transform Guyana’s cricket structure to one of a highly professionalised culture.

GCB President marked that though the West Demerara executives have been in office for less than one year, they have been able to identify a number of talented players who can easily progress to higher levels, given the required supportive cricket programmes. Singh has commended the executives for their enthusiasm and proactive approach in effectively addressing the administrative and developmental needs of the West Demerara Cricket Association, and has pointed out that, like the many asCricket Board is committed to purposefully assisting the WDCA and other committees in the country in order that they might meet their obligations to administer, develop, and promote cricket in their jurisdictions. Singh further commented, “Team work is the key to effectively implement and sustain cricket development programmes across the country. These programmes must have the appropriate structures which all affiliate members are part. Therefore, how well we work together will be

Highly anticipated PM T20 Cup 6 set for launch today at MYO

Regal Masters are one of the more successful softball teams in Guyana

The 6th edition of the highly anticipated Prime Minister’s T20 Cup will officially be launched today at 11:00hrs at the Muslim Youth Organization Ground on Woolford Avenue.

This competition, being held by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, is expected to officially kick off on November 11 and conclude on November 13, 2022, and over one million dollars in prizes will be up for grabs.

The competition will feature the following categories: Male Legends (O50), Male Masters (O40), Allstars and the Female Allstars. Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Anthony Phillips and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, are expected to address attendees of the launch.

The Prime Minister has lived up to his word as, in

PM Mark Phillips took to batting as he officially declared the 2021 edition of the tournament open

2021, he touted that as long as he is the Prime Minister, the tournament will continue and he will ensure that he supports the tournament and lead from the front.

Some of Guyana’s top softball teams and teams from abroad are expected to compete in their respective categories. Those who will be keen on retaining their titles are Regal, in the Legends category; Fisherman masters in O45 category, and Ariel Allstars in the Open category.

The sponsors on board this event are Banks DIH Limited (Rainforest Water), Danny Persaud (youtuber) At our Life ARD, Trophy Stall, P&P Insurance, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, PRO Signs, I&S Trading, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Atlantic Marine Supplies Inc, Tourism Guyana, Reliance Services, Crown Mining Supplies, Rudisa Motor (Guy) Inc, Free Lancer Advertiser Inc, Krsna & Balram Printery, Parsram Discount Store, and Rajiv Ghandi University.

GBBFF host cocktail reception for CAC athletes

…Sookram proud of accomplishments

Members of Team Guyana posing with their spoils last evening at Olympic House following the 49th edition of the CAC Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships held earlier this month in Barbados

Good things come to those who wait, and for the members of the Guyana Bodybuilding team who had participated in the CAC Championship recently held in Barbados, such was the case.

The contingent was able to bag a total of 12 medals at the recently concluded 49th CAC, thus the Guyana Bodybuilding Fitness Federation hosted a cocktail reception in the contingent’s honour on Friday evening at Olympic House in Liliendaal.

According to GBBFF Organising Secretary Videsh Sookram, being able to witness such an accomplishment was an extremely happy moment for him. Team Guyana was represented by athletes Rosanna Fung, Emmerson Campbell, Roger Callender, Nicholas Albert, Rawle Green, Julio Sinclair, Jonathan Jeffrey, Christina Ramsammy, Asanti Conway and Hannah Rampersaud. The officials were Keavon Bess (President of the body) and Videsh Sookram (Organising Secretary).

Together, the team secured five gold medals, six silver medals and one bronze medal, the most ever harvested at a single CAC Championship by a national team. Remarkably, Fung used her sharp physique to slice through the competition in the wellness categories and secured the much coveted ‘Pro card’. In doing so, the 22-year-old became the second female from Guyana and the first since 1979 to become a professional bodybuilding athlete.

When asked for his view on team Guyana bagging twelve medals, Organizing Secretary of the GBBFF Videsh Sookram said, “It was a really happy feeling,

GBBFF Organising Secretary Videsh Sookram

something I never felt before since I have been in the sport of bodybuilding. I’ve been around bodybuilding since I was 18 years old, and I’ve been on the board for 15 years. Many times, we send athletes to competitions to CAC, but to have this accomplishment to happen and with me being present to witness it, it was most definitely something of a different feeling.”

Sookram also explained how proud he was of the moment he was able to witness the first Bikini Wellness PRO (Rosanna Fung), five gold, six silver and a bronze medal, as it was a first for him, and he is optimistic that it will go down in history until the end of time. Sookram showered much praise on GBBFF President Keavon Bess, whom he touted as inspirational, as, since he has taken office in 2012, with a group of members, the federation has continued to move forward.

“Congratulations to Mr Bess and the members of the Bodybuilding Federation, and all the athletes who worked so hard and put their all into this competition. And most of all, congratulations to our now PRO Bikini Wellness athlete, Rosanna Fung.” President of the GBBFF, Keavon Bess, noted that the team’s performance was nothing short of exceptional; and he said that for every gold medal won, the National Anthem was loudly and proudly played, and the beloved Golden Arrowhead was displayed as all stood in respect of Guyana and in honour of the athletes.

CLASSIFIED ADS

SERVICE

Astrology and Spiritual Healer Pt. Mohan: +592-692-1009 If there is any problem in your life, he will get the solution. Please contact spiritual healer, regarding health, love, business, husband and wife problems, etc. Address: Georgetown, Guyana.

Topic of support arises again

– as Commonwealth athletes speak of experiences

Coach Julian Edmonds

By Jemima Holmes

“I just want to take this opportunity to also lobby for more support for all our sport disciplines. I mean, we have the talent, it’s there, everyone can see it, but the difference between us and other participating countries is the preparation and support.”

Those were the words of reigning National Table Tennis Champion Christopher Franklin, and they resonated the most during the Guyana Olympic Association’s (GOA) Press Conference on Saturday morning at the Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara Head Office, as officials, coaches and athletes summed up their performances at the recently concluded 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In a sombre tone, Franklin continued, “So, I’m taking this opportunity to lobby for more support from the Government (and) Private Sector. Let’s have a partnership to carry sports forward in this country.”

Case in point, much of Franklin’s utterances were true. Several Guyanese athletes got very close to the podium in Birmingham, England a few weeks ago. Franklin and Shemar Britton got to the Round of 16 of the Men’s Doubles; Nathalie Cummings led a lone campaign in the Quarterfinals of the Women’s Singles; Cummings was then joined by Chelsea Edghill in the Women’s Doubles Round of 16; Boxers Keevin Allicock and Desmond Amsterdam both reached to the Quarterfinals of their varying weight classes; and in Athletics, the male 4x100M team finished fourth in the final of the event.

However, what must be taken into consideration is the Table Tennis team’s initial cry of not having adequate preparation, and the relay team disclosing that they only had two full practice sessions. The talent was there, but the ability to fund preparation, unlike in the wider world,

GOA VP Dr Karen Pilgrim

was absent.

Franklin’s plea seemed to have touched a nerve in Athletics Coach Julian Edmonds, who, in his time on the floor, added to the call for more support.

“Going forward, our athletes, they’ve got potential, they’ve got talent, that does not do it alone. Just as Mr. Franklin said, these athletes need support,” Edmonds began.

He went on to say, “I know the GOA has been trying through the different solidarity grants, but take for example, we have Aliyah Abrams, who placed fifth in the 400M at the just concluded indoor championships earlier in the year. Her eligibility is finished, which means now she’s on her own. She has to pay her coach, and look after all expenses. It’s unfortunate that Aliyah has to go and work, because in order to sustain herself and she wants to go further in the sport”.

To give context to his plea, the Coach reminded, “I’m going to go back in time. This is the same that happened to Ms. Pompey. Whilst Ms. Pompey was successful at the Commonwealth level, I don’t think we should be making the same mistake with somebody that is as talented as Ms. Abrams. So, that’s why I’m making a plea and hope that somebody, you know, would come on board and try to support Ms. Abrams in her quest, so that she don’t have to be a semi-professional athlete; because she will only reach a certain level and no more,” he explained.

“You can’t be competing against full-time professionals and you’re taking up the sport in a parttime basis. It won’t work,” Coach Edmonds opined.

Solutions: A collective effort needed

By these admissions, it was recognized that there lies a large gap in what Guyanese athletes should be provided with and what they actually receive.

Table Tennis Player Cristopher Franklin

As such, Vice- President of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Dr. Karen Pilgrim, was quizzed on what more the GOA can offer to full-time Guyanese athletes.

Dr. Pilgrim responded, “Coach Julian mentioned Olympic solidarity funds, which was specific to the Olympic games. Also, before the Commonwealth Games, as was mentioned in the pre-games press conference by Mr. Juman Yassin, there was preparations’ funding. So, we get those specific amounts which was given to the athletes or to the associations.

“Then there is smaller amounts available to the GOA to give to the local-level athletes, and it really is not enough,” The GOA VP continued.

Responding to the second part of Guyana Times Sports’ inquiry, on whether there is a need for Government to step in and assist, Pilgrim made it clear that there needs to be a collaboration, not only between the GOA and Government, but Corporate Guyana should also be included. She elucidated, “So, most countries that I know of, certainly the ones that are doing well, get heavy investment from their Governments and a lot of investment from the Private Sector, and that really is what is needed. “Of course, it requires then working together, because there may be Private Sector entities that are giving to the athletes that GOA doesn’t know about. So, it really needs the three groups working together to see how best athletes could be assisted,” Dr. Pilgrim concluded. To be frank, the Commonwealth Games may not be the first or last global event that will open the eyes of Guyanese athletes to the disenfranchisement that they face. And, unfortunately, “We need support for success” will continue to be a trending topic.

West Indies, New Zealand to battle in series decider

The ODI series has come down to the third and decider game, where both West Indies, the hosts, and New Zealand, the visitors, look to achieve the same goal- a win. While the hosts won the first game to take an early lead in the series and break their nine-match losing streak in the format, the visitors bounced back stronger to level the series and take it to the final game.

The two teams will lock horns on Sunday, August 21, at the same venue- the Kensington Oval in Barbados, where the winning side will be crowned as the series champions. New Zealand worked on their flaws after losing the first game, and now West Indies would look to do the same. They faced a terrible collapse in the previous contest and would look to work in the batting department.

Pitch Report

The pitch at Kensington Oval has significantly aided the bowlers, as was seen in the previous two games, and a similar pitch may be anticipated for the third and final ODI match. The batters might struggle initially, but once they preserve their wicket firmly, they can go long in the game. The captain who wins the toss may choose to bowl first.

Probable Playing XIs

West Indies:

Shai Hope (wk), Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Nicholas Pooran (c), Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Yannic Cariah, Alzarri Joseph, Kevin Sinclair

New Zealand:

Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c)/Glenn Phillips, James Neesham/Ish Sodhi, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult

Probable Top Performers

Probable best batter Finn Allen:

The 23-year-old young opening batter is in fine touch, and his magnificent knock of a 117-ball 96 runs will back him to put forth yet another thrilling performance in the series decider. With his knock in the previous fixture, he moved to the top of the leaderboard and became the leading run-scorer of the ODI series.

Probable best bowler Kevin Sinclair:

Spinner Kevin Sinclair is having a dream outing against the visitors. He started off his debut game by taking the crucial wicket of Tom Latham and showcased a brilliant spell in the second ODI by taking four big wickets in the form of Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult, even though the efforts came in a losing cause. Hence, he will be the bowler to watch out for. (Crictraker)