Guyana Times - Sunday August 8, 2021

Jenell WilliamsPinder and P13 Latoya Farinha are on a mission to make local companies “oil and gas-ready” Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4733 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

Govt distributes over $1.7B in “Because We Care” grants to date − initiative kicks off in Reg 4 with over $1.1B to be distributed Page 3

PRICE

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

From P15 homelessness to school dropout, to National Collection photographer

− eligibility deadline extended

Essequibo P21 brothers missing after travelling to interior − Linden man disappears without trace

Duo busted with ganja in toilet bowl remanded P11 to prison Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond handing over the "Because We Care" cash grant to teachers of several East Coast Demerara schools on Friday

3 companies bid for $600M City Hall restoration …$300M Restoration Fund still unaccounted for Page 7

2 more die from COVID-19, − fabrication of Liza Prosperity FPSO ongoing 89 new cases recorded − GPHC will allow entry to unvaccinated Lisa Unity FPSO on course to sail for Guyana by September Page 9

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persons only in emergencies

Police issue P12 wanted bulletin for suspect in murder of USbased Guyanese Army Chief urges support for female P25 diversification in all disciplines No spoilage of Sputnik V vaccines – P21 Health Minister − says report of spoilage is “fake news”

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Aug 8 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Monday, Aug 9 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Aug 8 – 16:50h – 18:20h and Monday, Aug 9 – 17:10h – 18:40h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Govt distributes over $1.7B in “Because We Care” grants to date – initiative kicks off in Reg 4 with over $1.1B to be distributed – eligibility deadline extended

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to South-Westerly between 1.34 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 16:46h reaching a maximum height of 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 10:19h and 22:33h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.7 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

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FREE TICKET

21 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

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Afternoon Draw

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DRAW DE LINE

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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

$70.70/barrel

-0.83

Rough Rice

$239.81 /ton

+0.29

London Sugar

$459.60/ton

-0.48

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1763.10

$1764.10

Low/High Change

$1758.50 0.00

$1803.10 0.00%

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Distribution of the cash grants for students will continue

he Education Ministry has distributed over $1.7 billion in the “Because We Care” initiative since its commencement that is geared at cushioning the expenses attached to education for students in the public school system.

For Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), over $218 million has been handed out to parents and guardians; followed by $401 million in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), another $195 million in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), $400 million in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), $173 million in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and $211 million for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

For Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), some $517 million is set aside for Georgetown and another $639 million for the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara. Friday was the first day of distribution for the region, which saw over $146 million being delivered to parents.

This exercise will continue throughout the regions until the entire country is covered. This initiative will see $3.2 billion being expended to assist students within the public school system.

Along with the grant which is valued at $15,000, students will also receive the school uniform and supplies grant valued at $4000. This gives a total of $19,000 for each child.

Approximately 172,000 students are expected to benefit from this programme, and unlike last year, the school uniform grant will not be given in the form of a voucher but rather as cash.

Government has committed to increasing the “Because We Care” cash grant incrementally each year until it reaches $50,000. The school uniform and supplies grant was increased last year from $2000 to $4000, representing a 100 per cent increase.

The “Because We Care” project was launched back in 2014 by then Education Minister Priya

Manickchand and was issued to parents for each

child in the public school system. It was implemented with the aim of providing support to parents with school age children and increasing their disposable income, with a view to raising enrolment and attendance rates.

However, after taking office in 2015, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government scrapped the project and displaced thousands of students and parents. The Irfaan Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

(PPP/C) Government reintroduced the initiative after taking office last year.

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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

Vaccine hesitancy

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hen the COVID-19 pandemic burst upon an unsuspecting world at the end of 2019, the race was on to create vaccines that would stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to counter the virus. Hundreds of thousands were dying in the most developed countries.

Vaccines had been around for over 200 years, and their efficacy has been proven through the elimination of several diseases, such as smallpox and polio. Because of new techniques, a number of vaccines were produced in record time - the first one by PfizerBioTech in just under a year.

Before that, the record was four years. The world breathed a sigh of relief, since with their previous experience, the science predicted that after approximately 60-70% of a population was vaccinated, “herd immunity” - in which transmissions are reduced to very low levels - would be achieved. The concern now shifted to how quickly the the vaccines would be produced and distributed, especially to the poorer countries.

But as the year went by and the number of deaths from the pandemic plummeted with the use of the vaccines - in conjunction with a regime of physical protocols to stop the transmission of the virus to others through wearing masks, etc - a new phenomenon reared its head: vaccine hesitancy.

Citizens to whom vaccines were available refused to take them, and in doing so, made the push for herd immunity almost impossible. This vaccine hesitancy has erupted in Guyana with a vengeance, even after the Government moved mountains to secure vaccines to inoculate the country. This hesitancy is now being used by the PNC-affiliated Opposition as an anti-Government mobilisation mechanism, by insisting that the measures recently introduced to encourage citizens to accept vaccination are “authoritarian” and a violation of their constitutional human rights.

A study done in Germany in March of this year, “Overcoming COVID-19 vaccination resistance when alternative policies affect the dynamics of conformism, social norms, and crowding out”, sheds some light on the phenomenon, and offers some suggestions to policy makers who want their countries to achieve herd immunity through vaccination.

“The implementation of any policy as a legally enforced requirement or a morally framed recommendation signals to citizens the nature of the relationship in which they are engaged: hierarchical if enforced or, alternatively, as members of a community, perhaps subject to a social contract if voluntary.

“First, mandating vaccination by law may have a substantial negative impact on voluntary compliance, and may be unnecessary even if vaccine hesitancy is initially high. Given limited state capacities and citizen opposition, reaching the target in a timely manner by enforcement could be impossible and, in any case, might bear costs, including heightened social conflict and further citizen alienation from Government or professional elites. The result could be a negative cascade of public distrust fuelling vaccine resistance, requiring more extensive enforcement and, in turn, further eroding public trust. However, we also show that if vaccine willingness is insufficient to induce cumulative increases in compliance, enforcement is unavoidable.

“Second, an important anti–COVID-19 policy is to enhance public trust, possibly through greater transparency and accountability of political and professional elites. Active measures to enhance public trust could reduce the fraction of the population that would have to be required to be vaccinated unwillingly in order to surpass the target.

“Third, convincing citizens that the vaccine is effective appears to be important. A person viscerally opposed to enforced vaccination may be more comfortable believing that vaccines are ineffective, so the causation could run in both directions. But as increasing numbers are vaccinated and infection incidence falls, it may be easier to disrupt a belief that the vaccine is ineffective, which in turn could undermine antivaccine sentiments.

“Finally, our model suggests that even if the willing fraction is initially modest, reporting the prevalence of those already or willing to be vaccinated may be sufficient to induce a cascade of others to abandon their vaccination hesitancy. Conversely, media attention to those refusing the vaccine could also generate a conformist cascade of vaccine resistance.”

Digicel Guyana on Saturday evening hosted its first drawing of the “Summa Rush” Promotion at MovieTowne, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. It saw Mahendra Somar of Colidgen, East Coast Demerara driving away with one of the three Toyota Rush vehicles.

In photo, a jubilant Somar and his family pose after winning the motor vehicle

All eyes are on immediate dismissal of GECOM trio

Dear Editor, As the notorious trio: Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, and Region #4 Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, are struggling for their mere survival, again the PNC are using the Judiciary, the Courts to delay the inevitable. All eyes are on the immediate dismissal of the trio.

The PPP/C Government, under the astute leadership of President Irfaan Ali, brought back life, with a vision and genuine unity as progress continues nationwide. The first anniversary did not bring pomp and celebration. However, it cannot be denied that the PPP/C Ministers and Members of Parliament, along with grass roots supporters on the ground, that is: the regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councillors, are very visible in the communities.

The PPP/C, under the dynamic leadership of General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, are certainly strengthening themselves among the masses, as they are delivering and providing for our people of all walks of life. The PPP/C leaders are on the ground, and even the

COVID-19 effects and the flood cannot prevent our leaders from walking the walk with our people.

The PNC legacy of not accounting to this nation is their track record. Ten years and no Auditor General Report and two years without any budget, their spending spree must come to light.

The PPP/C’s success over the first year in office is commendable. The Health Ministry’s thorough approach to the coronavirus pandemic has been most comprehensive.

The Infectious Diseases Hospital is now fully operational, while the regional hospitals and the health centres are offering quality services to our people. The PPP/C caring Government is in the process of providing the necessary Vaccines to all our people. While the Government is in the worldwide immunisation process, the Ministry of Health is also planning carefully to provide a better health care for our people.

The PPP/C ability to put out two budgets within twelve months in Government is indeed awesome and most admirable. The emergency budget in 2020 and the carefully planned budget for 2021 are

each a revelation. The removal of all those taxes that were imposed by the APNU/ AFC on basic items brought immediate relief to our people. The agriculture sector saw immediate improvement, as rice production is on the rise.

The removal of VAT on fertilisers, agro-chemicals, pesticides, along with the removal of the fourteen percent on agricultural machinery quickly stimulated tremendous interest among the farmers. The poultry sector, mining, forestry, fishing and other non-traditional sectors are all now productive.

The economic sector is now attractive and more competitive, as we are seeing more employment for our people.

Guyanese are proud to know that the PPP/C kept its Manifesto promise to reopen the sugar estates. Investors’ interest is now more positive. We can see people in the communities at Skeldon, Rose Hall and Wales in high spirit, and a bright and prosperous future is a must.

This caring and responsible PPP/C put life in the economy when they did not hesitate to put $5 billion COVID-19 Relief grant to our people. The Government went on to provide G$150M as risk allowances to our

frontline Health workers. This caring PPP/C Government also, in recognition of our children as our country’s greatest assets, reintroduced the subsistence to our students.

The “Because We Care” cash grant, which was taken away by the notorious APNU/AFC, returned with an increase from ten thousand dollars to fifteen thousand dollars to each student.

This Government investment in the health and education sectors is a guarantee to our country’s future.

The heavy rain and the floods are being carefully taken care of by the Government. However, the citizens of Region 4 will forever be thankful to Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo for the vision and construction of the New Hope Canal, which is the reason that the flooding in Region 4 was very little.

As for the development in the Housing Industry and the all-round development to improve the life of our people, it is indeed most commendable. The PPP/C must ensure that we get Local Government Elections this year. We must strengthen Local Democracy.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

The PPP/C Government has done wonders in year one (PART 2)

Dear Editor, President Ali, in a spirit of peace and reconciliation, pledged that he would be a President for every Guyanese, a commitment to which he remains firm and unwavering. He has assured all Guyanese of his desire to build a country for all Guyanese. Clearing letting every Guyanese know that “there is no need to fear; there is no need for distinction based on political persuasion; no need for distinction based on ethnicity.” The PPP/C is a Government for all Guyana.

With this being said, our PPP/C Government want to ensure affordable housing for every Guyanese, acknowledging that housing is a basic need which they intend to satisfy. Our Housing Minister has begun to prepare the groundwork to deliver on the PPP/C’s promise of 50,000 house lots over the next five years. This is a housing programme that will create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction and home improvement sectors.

Over 1,000 persons have received their house lots as the Ministry of Housing and Water presses forward with its ‘Dream Realised’ initiative. Already, Low-income housing for citizens is a pillar of development that is representative of the commitment of our Government to bettering the lives of all Guyanese.

So, every Guyanese who have received a house since August 02, 2020

must be extremely proud of the PPP/C’s commitment.

One must also remember that the APNU+AFC Administration’s largest housing project failed to accomplish the objective of facilitating home ownership because the former Government failed to amend the relevant laws. That is why the PPP/C have always prioritised affordable housing, but the APNU+AFC derailed the sector with weak ideas and poor implementation.

Our Minister of Public Works is working around the clock in planning, designing, constructing and maintaining a wide range of sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions and development. They are establishing ways to make infrastructure more effective, and help improve the outcomes on investments in infrastructure for the benefit of every Guyanese and national development.

Minister Edghill and his team of qualified advisors, architects, engineers, project managers and specialists bring industry best practices to Guyana’s infrastructure projects. As we move around this country, we are witnessing an evidence-based approach to infrastructure development, relying on data and factbased planning to inform decision-making and meet the needs of the present generation and those to come.

Guyana’s physical infrastructure is being revolutionised, and a number of

transformative infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges and ports, will be undertaken, which presents a humongous opportunity for local and international investors.

The PPP/C Government’s transformational agenda in terms of infrastructure will require huge investment, and the Government is enthusiastic in attracting investment through public-private partnerships and through the partnerships between foreign and local companies.

In the area of education, the Education Minister has combined with COURSERA and the Commonwealth of Learning platform to offer 4,000 free online courses.

The responses received have been enthusiastic.

Investment in the education sector can never be a waste of time, educating the nation is of paramount priority to the PPP/C, as the administration views education as a vehicle to transport Guyanese out of the cycle of poverty. It is evident across every corner of Guyana that the PPP/C is investing in education of our nation’s children.

There is a series of other measures the PPP/C Administration has implemented and plans to undertake, all of which are intended to alleviate the suffering of the Guyanese people Our challenges were many: the COVID-19 pandemic, the natural disasters, and by no means least, the refusal of the

Interim Management Committee for Georgetown Dear Editor, The situation concerning the management of the City of Georgetown continues to get from bad to worse, and NOW WORST (similar to when it was totally GREEN and up to when GREEN was CHAS(ED) from the seat of Mayor).

Now the Pandit who occupies the chair is obviously lost in a messedup world of his own and his bosses’ making. His statements, in addition to doing irreparable damage to the Queen’s English, make absolutely no sense and are often an insult to the intelligence of the citizens of Georgetown.

While garbage is piling up everywhere in the city, this Mayor is being advised by his handlers to pick fights with every attempt to straighten out the inefficiencies at City Hall, the latest being the temporary appointment of a Town Clerk. Maybe he is angling for the KING to return to the throne.

Alleyways are overgrown and resemble jungles; drains are not cleaned; roads are impassable, with deep trenches daily damaging vehicles; markets are dirty and atrocious to shop in; and the list goes on and on, ending with the majestic CITY HALL only waiting to fall down like Humpty Dumpty.

I read recently that Government has decided to fund its rehabilitation, hopefully NOT under the present administration of the City.

Much more can be said that is critical of the administration of the

city, but in the interest of brevity, I think I have made the point.

I remember years ago, soon after the PPP/C assumed office in 1992, the conditions in the capital were so atrocious that urgent action had to be initiated, and an Interim Management Committee (IMC)had to be installed to bring some order to the operations at City Hall.

I remember (and my apologies beforehand for making mistakes in mentioning names of persons who were not there and omitting others who were there and made valuable contributions) names like Dr. James Rose, Tony Xavier, Lawrence Mann, Suresh Naraine, Bish Panday and other reputable citizens of Georgetown taking over the responsibilities of managing the City of Georgetown.

To the relevant authorities, I humbly suggest that it is long overdue for another attempt at an Interim Management Committee to replace this bunch who currently occupy the seats of managing the City.

I am certain that the installation of reputable persons - interested in Georgetown once again being referred to as the Garden City and retaining its pristine condition - to manage the Capital City would achieve so much more than this clueless clique.

Please, timeliness is of paramount importance here.

With best regard, H N Nawbatt

APNU+AFC Opposition coalition to recognise our PPP/C Administration; however, the PPP/C is determined to work for the people of Guyana, as progress continues in this country at an accelerated pace.

After one year in office, the progress made in the country by the President and his cabinet is nothing short of monumental. The development has touched every region of Guyana and, more importantly, the lives of all Guyanese, regardless of race or political affiliation.

The wheels of progress continue to turn at an accelerated pace.

After one year in office, the progress made in the country by the President and his PPP/C administration is nothing short of monumental. The development train has touched every part of Guyana, and more importantly the lives of all Guyanese, regardless of race or political affiliation.

Guyana’s rapid development has presented an abundance of investment opportunities for Guyanese.

There are major developmental and transformational projects that we have outlined in our 2020 and 2021 budgets respectively that have started the work, and the PPP/C Government are inviting people like yourself to get into consortiums and partner with the Government to participate and take advantage of these projects that are made available, especially

to Guyanese.

In addition to the operationalisation of the largescale Gas-to-Energy and Amaila Falls Hydropower projects for the main grid, the Government intends to expand the Hinterland Electrification Programme by implementing several small, renewable energy projects for urban and offgrid communities.

Our Government has applied to the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for financial support for the Hinterland Electrification Programme, and intends to use some of the proceeds to fund the construction and rehabilitation of two small, hydropower plants at Lethem, Region Nine. These are a 1.5-megawatt (MW) plant at Kumu and a 0.7 MW plant at Moco Moco.

The current and future investments in agriculture are aimed at ensuring that food security is maintained in Guyana and the Caribbean. This will also ensure that the health and wellbeing of citizens is sustained across this country.

The PPP/C Government and their agencies are doing their best to assist the affected flood families, but there are those elements in our relief system that continue to hamper relief efforts and donations from reaching the right persons; and even if those donations do reach the right persons, they are not the full allotments, due to some corrupt so-called community leaders.

Our President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Ministers of Cabinet, and other PPP/C MPs have been visiting flood-affected areas across this country, engaging citizens and offering assistance regardless of race or perceived political affiliation.

A flood is an unforeseeable natural calamity which not only ruins the lives of several people, but is also disastrous for the economy, so it is not by coincidence that the President has announced that his administration will commence the payment of financial assistance to the tune of $7.8B to the thousands of Guyanese who have been affected by the recent floods, the largest relief allocation in the country’s history.

We must all be proud of our PPP/C Government’s achievements and the Government’s maturity.

This Government has come a long way, although there are still some political and social challenges that confront us!

Let us all reflect on the major lesson we have learnt.

We now have a Government that care about us, and have demonstrated this over the last year. While we have achieved much, we could have achieved much more, had it not been for the unfortunate five-month periods in our political history after the March 02, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Sincerely, David Adams

If you care about protecting our children, you’ll get vaccinated Dear Editor, Now is the time for ‘lovers of children’ to prove that concerns for the young ones are not just a talking matter, it is about acting on their behalf. So, this insensitive and immature move from the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) must be condemned for stating that the body “… will neither advise against nor enforce the inoculation of teachers…”

This is not about whether or not the Guyana President has the right to call on teachers to get vaccinated versus free choice in the taking of the vaccine; it is about moral rectitude and ethics. The overriding issue at hand is the well-being of the nation’s children. Their lives have already been set back, and teachers of all people must lead the way in their ‘going back to school.’

No one would dispute that children need to recover their lives, and the COVID-19 vaccine is a key step towards that recovery. I recall that UNICEF was behind the Royal Thai Government’s decision to vaccinate 600,000 teachers nationwide before schools reopen. The reason is simple, as “…it is a critical and timely step, allowing them to teach in person, keep schools open and ensure learning continuity.”

I mean, it is simple logic at work here. If health workers and high-risk groups were prioritised for vaccination worldwide, so that more safety was extended to all, including teachers and social workers, then we are to continue in this mode and ensure the safety and well-being of children and their families.

At the medical level, it makes even more sense that teachers be vaccinated. According to President Irfaan Ali, and he is right on track, “…vaccines inoculate everyone against this dreaded deadly virus, all of us should be troubled by those who refuse to be vaccinated.

The unvaccinated are now as deadly as the virus itself, for they are not only susceptible to infection, they will carry it…the Government has a responsibility to defend the health of all.

“It would be almost fatal and quite a shame if students were to have live, face-to-face sessions with their teachers. Indeed, “We cannot expose children to unvaccinated teachers,” the President intoned. True, vaccination for teachers might remain open to debate, but teachers, by nature and training, know better than to place personal issues, political agenda and selfishness

above children’s welfare.

Maybe in Guyana here we made a mistake in not prioritising teachers as frontline workers, as indeed they are. Chile pre-empted confusion and hesitancy, as in its programmes of vaccination, teachers, in order to prepare for the return to classes, were inoculated. We cannot keep postponing school resumption. I call on our teachers to lead the way.

Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura

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Foundation

Regulating the Oil and Gas Sector

Cognitive Biases Make Reasoning About Vaccines Difficult BY: John M H enderson, Ph D

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hen it comes to thinking about the likelihood of events in the world, humans are woefully lacking.

Indeed, when we reason about likelihoods and probabilities, we’re susceptible to all manner of mistakes.

Psychologists call these susceptibilities cognitive biases. Cognitive biases can lead to faulty thinking and bad decision-making, sometimes with life-anddeath consequences.

One type of cognitive bias at play these days on social media, and even in traditional media, has to do with the likelihood of becoming ill from Covid-19 following vaccination. Psychologists call the source of this bias the base rate fallacy.

To make the base rate fallacy concrete, consider the following situation: Let's suppose you hear that following a party attended by ten people, one vaccinated person and one unvaccinated person became ill from COVID-19.

You might think, "Wow, one out of two people (50 per cent) who got COVID were vaccinated! So why bother to get vaccinated?"

This is basically the argument you see every day all over social media. But what’s wrong with this way of thinking?

To see the problem,

imagine I tell you that at this same party with the two COVID-19 illnesses, both people who became ill were right-handed.

Would you then conclude that if you’re left-handed, you’re safe? Probably not. But why not? The answer, of course, is that because there are far more right-handed people in general (90 per cent of us

are right-handed), there will also be far more right-handed illnesses. In other words, the chances that a person who becomes ill is right-handed is already much higher simply because right-handedness is much more common.

The important point here is the idea that the overall prevalence of something in the population, like right-handedness versus left-handedness, matters when thinking about how likely something is in those two groups. This overall prevalence is the base rate, and our tendency to ignore the overall

prevalence is the base rate fallacy. The base rate of being right-handed is very high, so there will be more of just about anything in right- than left-handers, including illness from COVID-19, simply because of this difference in base rate. More right-handers than left-handers eat hamburgers every day. But that doesn’t mean right-

handers like hamburgers more than left-handers. It just means there are more right-handers.

Now if we replace “right-handed” with “vaccinated” we can start to see why the base rate fallacy matters in any vaccination discussion. Just like with right-handedness, as vaccination rate increases and there are more vaccinated and fewer unvaccinated people in the population, the absolute numbers of vaccinated people who become ill will increase.

Suppose you now learn that at this party with two

COVID-19 illnesses, out of ten people, eight people were vaccinated and two were not. You might still be tempted to say that 1 out of 2 ill people were vaccinated, but that clearly misses the important point about base rates. The right way to think about this is that the one vaccinated person who became ill was one out of eight vaccinated people (12.5 per cent), but the one unvaccinated person who became ill was one out of two unvaccinated people (50 per cent). Very different, right? The conclusion you’d reach from this example when the base rate is considered is that you would have been about four times more likely to become ill at this party if you’d been unvaccinated. In fact, the real numbers are even more strongly tilted in favour of vaccination. And we're all at this party.

It’s not surprising that most of us have a tough time thinking about these situations. Our brain is just wired this way, with cognitive biases built in.

Luckily, becoming aware of these biases can help us to spot them when they arise, and ultimately to avoid them. Remember, when thinking about how likely something is in different groups, base rate matters. (Excerpt from Psychologytoday.com)

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he Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the sole environmental regulatory agency, and, as such, is mandated to protect Guyana’s environment via the provisions outlined in the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05 Laws of Guyana. The EPA, in executing its mandate “to promote, facilitate and coordinate effective environmental management and protection; and the sustainable use of Guyana’s natural resources”, is responsible for the environmental regulation and monitoring of oil and gas projects. Every project is assessed to ensure that the proposed project can be implemented in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner.

The regulation of oil and gas projects is an important step in the project’s life cycle, and has several key objectives, some of which are: (1) Protecting the biotic and abiotic elements (flora, fauna, air quality, water quality, ecosystem services); (2) Protecting cultural resources; (3) Ensuring public health and safety; (4) Ensuring proper waste management; and (5) Ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

Requirements for Environmental Authorisation: * Application for each proposed well; * Identification of the Permit Applicant (National ID Card, Passport); * Application fee; * Detailed Project Description (Summary); * Proof of Land Ownership (Petroleum Prospecting Licence); * Business Registration/ Certificate of Incorporation; * Parent Company Guarantee; * No-objection from the Bank of Guyana; * No-objection from the Ministry of Natural Resources; * Proposed Layout of Operations; and * Any other information which the Agency may require under the Environmental Protection Act, 1996 or the Environmental Protection (Authorisation) Regulations, 2000.

Environmental Concerns/Considerations * Impacts on human health; * Cumulative impact of multiple operations; * Noise and Air Quality Management; * Climate conditions; * Water Quality Management; * Waste Management; * Hazardous Waste/s Materials Management; * Material assets, the culture heritage and landscape; * Radioactive Sources Management; * Compliance monitoring and reporting institutional authority; and * Biological Resource Management? Risks to sensitive ecosystems.

EPA’s responsibilities * Authorisation, * Compliance Monitoring, * Enforcement, * Development of regulations, standards, guidelines etc. * Review, evaluate and make a determination on the adequacy/acceptability of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Management Plans to support the authorisation of projects.

Oil and Gas Production projects require an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before any decision can be made on whether or not to grant an Environment Permit.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3…$300M companies bid for $600M City Hall restoration Restoration Fund still unaccounted for C

ity Hall, which has for some time been recognised as structurally unsafe, will be the subject of a project to restore it to its former glory with tenders for a contract that will cost over $600 million recently being opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

According to the particulars of the contract, which the tender documents state is being executed under the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, it is estimated that restoring City Hall will cost $630.4 million.

Three companies bid for the contract when the bids were opened a few days ago.

Fides Guyana Incorporated, Bulk & Timber Works Incorporated and OM Custom Wood Working & Restoration.

Of the three companies, only Bulk and Timber Works submitted a bid under the engineer’s estimate - $465.9 mil-

lion. Fides Guyana - $754.7 million - and OM Custom Wood Working - $686.4 million, both exceeded the estimate.

In May of this year, Central Government had given City Hall a $30 million injection into the coffers of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown. This money was intended to support the construction of an

administrative building for that entity.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall had handed over the cheque to Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke.

The building will house employees of the Council so that the City Hall building can be restored.

Speaking with the me-

dia, Dharamlall noted that Government is looking closely at the proceedings in order to ensure there is accountability for the money as it is expended from the Council’s end.

“In 2019, an initial sum was provided to City Hall of $65 million. That work has gone to the extent where a superstructure has been completed. This is part of Government’s commitment to support the construction of the admin building…City Hall has committed to put an additional $50 million during the course of this year. We expect that the resources are going to be used very wisely.

“We’re hopeful that, by now, the city would have already publicly tendered for this work,” he expressed. It has been announced that another $100 million is promised from the State’s coffers for the restoration of the City Hall building – a historical structure in the heart of

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall

Georgetown.

“That is one of the legacy buildings in Georgetown. It is a historic landmark in our country, and it is on the front burner of our Government.

The President has been adamant for us to get the City Hall Building restored, and so he has agreed to put $100 million for it as well.”

The Minister added that the Council is still lagging be-

hind in having its financial statements audited, and this is a serious concern for the current Administration. He reported that in the Auditor General’s Report, it is indicated that the local organ body has not been forthcoming with these documents.

After taking office last year, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government had launched an audit into City Hall, which had targeted both the financial and operational makeup of the municipality.

Calls for transparency come on the heels of reports last year that there was no accountability for the $300 million Restoration Fund which was contributed to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for the restoration of the dilapidated City Hall Building. The structure seems to be falling apart, and some sections have already been labelled unsafe.

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‘Electile’ Dysfunction…

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…and the PNC t a certain level, you gotta sympathise with the PNC. After all, they’ve chosen to become involved in politics in a democratic system - where, more than in any other area of human endeavour, size matters.

But they’ve never been able to get their numbers up and over that 50% mark necessary to say “you good”! Burnham tried to get it up as the PPP-B and failed to Cheddi’s PPP-J. He then tried with the PNC he formed with some League of Coloured People types and still couldn’t get it up. Your Eyewitness thinks this failure ought to be given a name… since it continues to haunt them into the present - and in frustration, they take out their embarrassment on the Guyanese body politic by inflicting mayhem and destruction.

Your Eyewitness calls it “ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION”!!

That’s right…while we all aren’t involved in politics to experience the persistent “agony of defeat” that’s been inflicted to make them fake it for twenty-eight years!! But we know persons around us who couldn’t “get it up” don’t we? So maybe we can empathise and offer the PNC some advice? The first thing we gotta let them know is that no one was fooled during those 28 years - even their supporters knew it was fake. They just had to lie (there?) and gushingly tell the PNC “You de man!!” After all, if you told them what a disappointment and failure they were, you could literally be blown up to smithereens!!

And in the present, they should remind Granger that he was able to perform successfully in 2015 because - like Burnham in 1964 - he got help. It was D’Aguiar in ‘64 and Nagamootoo and Ramjattan in 2015. Granger was even less proficient than Burnham, and needed twice the help! He and whoever succeeds him as leader of the PNC should be told about the endemic conditions that led to their systemic electile dysfunction are no more. They don’t have to fake it to impose themselves on the Guyanese body politic any longer!

The makeup of the said body politic is now such that if the PNC would just take some time to quit being “big and bad” and woo them with good programmes and hard work, they could finally overcome their 60-year-old electile dysfunction and do it on their own! But as with these dysfunctions, the problem is mostly in their heads - it’s more psychological than anything. They just don’t believe they can do it, and, of course, end up failing.

It’s in Guyana’s interest that the PNC becomes functional in our political system. The PPP’s gonna be kept on their toes as they compete in wooing body politic! …and its consequences You know what they say about these psychological pathologies - they’re passed on to future generations.

Abused children becoming abusive parents and all that.

Well, rigging elections has evidently been so inculcated in the PNC base over the 28 years between 1964 and 1992 that it’s now “normalised”. They didn’t see it as a contradiction to EVERYTHING democracy stood for. I mean if democracy is “Government BY the people”, how’d you square that with ignoring the real votes of the populace to justify erectile dysfunction??!

But here we are in 2021 and the children and grandchildren of the Burnhamite generate are actually upset with Granger for going along with an INTERNATIONALLY CERTIFIED RECOUNT of the votes that were tampered with

by Mingo!! Seems he should’ve pulled a Burnham and accepted the rigging on the latter’s mantra: “Back to Back; Belly to Belly: Ah doan give a damn, Ah done dead a’ready!!”

It’s a shame all these folks are selling themselves short… very short.

Because of the PNC’s inadequacies. …and payback Even though some have forgotten, at the end of the Vietnam war in 1979, there were negotiations to settle some Hmongs from Thailand, who’d fought alongside the Americans and were seen as “traitors”.

Did any arrive?

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lisa Unity FPSO on course to sail for Guyana by September − fabrication of Liza Prosperity FPSO ongoing

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he Liza Unity Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which is earmarked for the Liza Field 2, will soon set course for Guyana with the crew currently mobilising in Singapore where it was being built for the past two years.

This is according to SBM Offshore, which has been contracted to build the FPSO on oil giant ExxonMobil’s behalf and which recently released its half-year 2021 earnings report. In that report, SBM detailed the progress they’ve made on the ship.

Particularly, SBM explained that the topside integration phase of the ship, which is the part that is above water, has been com-

pleted. Additionally, SBM revealed that the onshore commissioning exercise for the ship to officially leave the docks, is making significant progress.

“The crew is currently mobilising for the vessel departure from Singapore planned in the third quarter of this year. The project continues to target first oil in 2022 in line with client schedule,” SBM explained.

Meanwhile, it was explained that the hull for the Prosperity FPSO, which is being constructed for the Payara offshore development has arrived in Singapore.

According to SBM, the topsides fabrication phase for this ship is ongoing, while the overall project is pro-

gressing in line with the scheduled completion date in 2024.

“The FPSO Liza Unity and Prosperity contracts cover a maximum period of two years of lease and operate within which period the units will be purchased by the client,” the Italian company further explained in their report.

ExxonMobil envisions at least six projects online by 2027 and sees potential for up to 10 projects to develop its current recoverable resource base. The Liza Destiny floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel is currently producing about 120,000 barrels of oil per day.

The start-up of Liza Phase

Govt distributes over $1.7B...

Deadline extended

Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand has announced that the eligibility deadline for qualifying new entrants into the public education system for the Government of Guyana’s “Because We Care” cash grant has been extended to July 31, 2021.

At the beginning of the distribution of the cash grant, parents or guardians of students who are now entering the public school system would have had to apply for entry on or before June 30, 2021. But Minister Manickchand said that the date has been extended and this will result in an additional 3300 students being able to benefit from the grant.

Over the last two days, Minister Manickchand has been spearheading the distribution of the grant in Region Four on the East Coast of Demerara. The scheduled

distribution in the region will end on Monday, August 9, 2021, with over $600 million being transferred from the State to families in the region.

While at the Swami Purnananda Primary, the Enmore Hope Primary and the Paradise Primary Schools, she told parents that though the grant cannot cater to all the needs of their children, it is still solid assistance to parents as they invest in the education of their children. Minister Manickchand also explained that the grant is not only for educational items but that it can be used to purchase items that serve children and support them as they continue along their academic journey.

As it relates to the reopening of schools, Minister Manickchand said that the Ministry is certain that the best way to deliver education at this time is to have children return to the classroom

FROM PAGE 3

for face-to-face teaching and learning but noted that this is highly dependent on the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

She told teachers and parents that if they are among those persons who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine then they are in the way of schools reopening for face-toface learning. She said that the percentage of vaccinated persons in Guyana needs to increase before children are allowed back into the classroom.

Minister Manickchand encouraged teachers to go and get vaccinated while it is free and available, as she said, “Because we need to make sure that we can get back into the classroom because the other types of education, I am warning, I am cautioning, I am inviting you to look at it, are not working.

And it is not the teachers that will suffer, it is these children you want to see shine.”

The Liza Unity FPSO during its integration phase

2 remains on target for early 2022, and it has been previously reported that the Liza Unity FPSO expects to sail from Singapore to Guyana in late August 2021. The Unity has a production capacity of approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

The hull for the Prosperity FPSO vessel is complete, and topsides construction activities are ongoing in Singapore with a start-up target of 2024. The first Payara development well was spudded in June 2021, and the offshore SURF installation will begin in 3Q 2021.

Yellowtail has been identified as the fourth development project in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana with anticipated start-up in 2025. Following necessary Government approvals and a final investment decision, this project will develop the Yellowtail and Redtail fields, which are located about 19

miles (30 kilometres) southeast of the Liza developments, and potentially adjacent resources.

These new projects continue to contribute to the advancement of the Guyanese economy. More than 2600 Guyanese are now supporting project activities on and offshore, which reflects an increase of more than 20 per cent since the end of 2019.

ExxonMobil and its key contractors have spent approximately US$388 million with

more than 800 local companies since 2015.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Duo busted with ganja in toilet bowl remanded to prison Politics of identity in Guyana

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ne of the most poignant cries heard in Guyana, especially around elections, is “Why do we have to call ourselves “Indian” or “African” or “Amerindian” Guyanese? Why can’t we be just Guyanese?” Following the March 2, 2020 elections, the cries have once again proven to be a challenge to the Government of the PPP, which has historically been dismissive of ethnicity.

The premise of the question, of course, is that our ethnic identifications are the source of our longstanding electoralrelated miseries, and shedding our ethnic differences would resolve them.

There are several problems with that view.

Ravi Dev Firstly, our history has conspired to deliver us to where we are – a society with people of very diverse origins and cultural heritages. And it really, in the main, it does not matter how deep those differences really are in the present.

What matters are the perceptions of those differences. We can’t undo that by mouthing off fine sounding platitudes from political platforms. It is the politicians who claim to be “beyond race or ethnicity” who have created the most problems for us - especially with what are considered token “multiracial” representatives.

Our ethnic identifications in Guyana are a consequence of the universal human need to have a sense of self – an identity.

This is an essential part of every individual becoming a mature person, where our self-worth is inextricably linked to our group worth. Identities are constituted on the basis of various traits and experiences. For instance, we are all born into a family that itself is part of a particular group. The group’s world view and way of life are consciously and unconsciously transmitted to the child, who, as he grows up, discovers that he/she (not surprisingly) has more in common with some individuals than others from different cultural backgrounds.

Unfortunately, physical characteristics that comprise what we are told are “races” are given social significance and influence a person’s identity because of hundreds of years of coloniality’s creation of hierarchies of race, power and knowledge as “modernity”. Nowadays, some insist they are “post racial”.

That is wishful thinking at best, and pathological self-delusion at worst. We are locked in western modernity’s “great chain of being”, with God on top, followed by his angels, man (from White through Black), the animals, and finally “nature”. Even naysayers have to respond to Thomas’s Theorem: “If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences.”

Especially if those defining the situation have power – political, or disruptive.

But “identity” is not a unitary construct: each person’s selfconception is a unique combination of many identifications, identifications as broad as woman or man, Hindu, Catholic or Muslim, or as narrow as being a member of one particular family. Although self-identity may seem to coincide with a particular human being, identities are actually much wider than that. They are also collective: identities extend to countries and ethnic communities, so that people feel injured when other persons sharing their identity are injured or killed. The apprehension of “linked fates” facilitates political mobilisation.

This exposes the second problem with the Guyanese lament: there should not necessarily be any contradiction between a person’s cultural heritage (ethnicity) and his citizenship in a particular country. In our instance, we are all Guyanese, in addition to being of African, Amerindian, Indian, etc. heritage.

The identities are usually compatibly nested within each other, as is the case of geographic identities within a country. For example, I can identify both with Guyana (my country) and Uitvlugt (my village).

The task for us essentially is twofold. None of our several identities should justify superior claims to the national patrimony, because of “greater legitimacy”: we are all citizens of Guyana. The moment that happens – or is thought to happen during the inevitable group comparison process based on relative deprivation - it will precipitate counterreactions for or against the politics of entitlement which is confronting the PPP. If the power relations among the different groups, as they define themselves, are equal, there will be less reasons for jealously guarding their boundaries. In fact, the reverse will occur as identities become more expansive.

Secondly, therefore, the Government must pursue policies that support equal treatment with “Ethnic Impact Statements” made mandatory. This will neutralise claims of discrimination and enlarge a more meaningful shared overarching identity of being “Guyanese” for all citizens.

Sean Peter Blue

Melicia Mitchell-David

man and a woman were last week arraigned on narcotics charges after a quantity of cannabis and cannabis plants were found at their house in Georgetown.

The discovery was made by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday last at their Blygezight Gardens, Georgetown residence.

CANU said that its officers conducted searches at the home of Sean Peter Blue which led to the discovery of a quantity of cannabis as well as cannabis plants.

At the time of the search, Blue was in the company of a female, Melicia MitchellDavid.

The search, which was done in the presence of both individuals, revealed a quantity of cannabis

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amounting to 72 grams in a toilet bowl which the suspect was trying to flush.

Further searches around the house revealed eight cannabis plants between four and five inches in height.

The two were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the cannabis and cannabis plants. The duo was placed in custody and later charged.

They appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan the following day at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Mitchell-David pleaded not guilty to both offenses.

She was placed on $10,000 bail for the cultivation of prohibited plants, and $50,000 for possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Meanwhile, Blue pleaded guilty to cultivation of a prohibited plant, and was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment along with a

fine of $30,000. He further entered a not guilty plea to the possession for the purpose of trafficking charge and was placed on $50,000 bail.

The matter was adjourned to August 26, 2021.

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$54M spent to rehabilitate community roads in Industry, Vryheid’s Lust

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everal roads in the communities of Industry and Vryheids Lust on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) were recently rehabilitated as the Public Works Ministry continues to execute its 2021 work programme.

Four roads in the Industry area - First, Sixth, Ninth and Market Streets - and Middle Street in Vryheid’s Lust were on Friday commissioned by Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar.

The Minister at the opening stated that the budgetary allocations have provid-

not even dried on the surface and you find massive trucks parking on the corner… and they start breaking the shoulders of the road, and once the shoulder starts to break the entire road starts to collapse.”

Police issue wanted bulletin for suspect in murder of US-based Guyanese Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, looking on as former Public Works Minister Harrypersaud Nokta cuts the ribbon to open Market Street, Industry

Minister Indar and others taking a walk on one of the newly rehabilitated roads

ed for works of this nature to be done in keeping with the Government’s mandate to transform and rehabilitate Guyana.

“We have been providing in our annual budget, significant sums of money to in-

Meanwhile, residents in both communities expressed gratitude to the Government, particularly the Public Works Ministry for rehabilitating the roads which were in a deplorable state over the past years.

frastructure in the country.

The President’s plan that we campaigned on when we were in Opposition was that we’re going to transform Guyana – at the same time we have to rehabilitate the existing structures that we have,” the Minister ex-

pressed.

He further stated that for 2021, the Public Works Ministry has received $35.5 billion in the capital budget – the largest allocation the Ministry has ever had to manage.

However, the rehabilita-

tion of the road at Vryheids Lust was done at a tune of $13.7 million while the roads at Industry were done at a cost of $41.6 million. The contracts were awarded to R&B Investments Incorporated.

The Public Works Minister urged residents to take care of the roads and more so to be watchdogs for those who want to destroy them. “…it is new now, and I hope that the residents of the area, when people pass with their big trucks and they park it in the corner and leave it for days…that you all put it to a stop. That is the problem we’ve been having throughout the country.

Just finish building a brandnew road, the asphalt has

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s investigations into the murder of USbased Guyanese Hemraj Pardessi intensify, the Police late Friday evening stated that another person is being sought for the heinous crime and as such, a wanted bulletin was issued for his arrest.

The wanted man is 32-year-old Jason Isaacs of Lot 18 Bristol Street, East Canje, Berbice.

The Police are asking anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of Isaacs to contact them on telephone numbers 2267065, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest Police station.

Pardessi, 60, was killed shortly before midnight on Tuesday at his Reliance Settlement, East Canje home.

One of the five persons currently in custody for the murder has since confessed to robbing the elderly man.

Police had initially arrested four suspects – three men aged 22, 28, and 31, and a 36-year-old female. This publication was told that the suspects include two of the dead man’s relatives.

However, based on an intelligence-led investigation, detectives apprehended a fifth suspect in the Canje Creek and backlands. That suspect, who is known to the Police and had been found guilty in 2019 of the rob-

Wanted: Jason Isaacs

bery of a Chinese supermarket, was released from prison about seven months ago.

It was reported that the suspect was interrogated, during which he told investigators that he had held down Pardessi, but did not injure him. However, he implicated another person, whom he told investigators had hit Pardessi to the head and strangled him.

As such, Police are continuing the hunt for the sixth suspect.

The cops were also on the hunt for the wife of the convicted robber, whom it is believed had lured the victim out of his yard, allowing the perpetrators to gain entry into the man’s home. This female suspect reportedly lives opposite Pardessi’s home.

On Friday, days after the murder, she reportedly turned herself in to ranks of the Central Police Station in Berbice

FEATURE

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Jenell Williams-Pinder and Latoya Farinha are on a mission to make local companies “oil and gas-ready”

By Lakhram Bhagirat

G

uyana’s oil and gas industry is relatively young since production started just a few years ago. That means that many local companies are now learning what they need to

do to position themselves to take full advantage of the opportunities coming from the industry.

Jenell Williams-Pinder and Latoya Farinha have been working in the industry for a number of years and though relatively young, they

have garnered the knowledge to assist businesses to take advantage of the opportunities.

Both women are Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) specialists and together they created BrinsJen Systems

Development Specialists.

The company is a Guyaneseowned and women-led QHSE Management Systems development company and was birthed with the intent to introduce more local companies to QHSE Management Systems for their daily oper-

ations.

Jenell is a QSE specialist with over 10 years of professional experience in various industries including construction, oil and gas, manufacturing and technology.

She is the holder of a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Delhi. She is also certified in various areas of QHSE Management and received training on ISO, API O1 and API Q2. The accomplished entrepreneur is also pursuing studies in Quality Assurance at the University of the West Indies.

Latoya also boasts the

same degree of work experience and is the holder of a Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Guyana. Like her co-founder, Latoya was also trained in various aspects of QHSE Management. She is pursuing her NEBOSH certification in Health and Safety Management.

Jenell recently sat down with the Sunday Times where she shared the journey of birthing BrinsJen. “We were both safety and HSE specialists in the oil companies that we worked in and many times when our local companies are trying to

get into the oil and gas industry there is usually a gap in their application process.

So, we have many equipped local companies with products and services that the oil and gas industry require and they’re willing to collaborate but it does not work out. The oil and gas industry strict on safety. It is number one priority. So many times, these companies would present excellent portfolios, excellent products, excellent services but then they don’t have a safety culture, they don’t have a culture of quality.

“So, we found an opportunity in during the COVID

pandemic when we were at home working remotely.

Just thinking about what we wanted next for our career and we birthed at BrinsJen SDS, where we thought all our skills would be more beneficial to the Guyanese local business sector. We want to aid them in building quality and safety into their management system to complement whatever services they already have. We launched in June of 2021, of course we were still both employed in the oil and gas industry up to recently,” she informed.

TURN TO PAGE 17

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

By Lakhram Bhagirat

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t a young age Joanna McKenzie determined that she would work hard in school and then go on to university to become a gynaecologist.

That was the dream but life had other plans in store for her.

“I always wanted to be a gynaecologist because I really liked the field. But when I finished school,

I wanted to start working immediately and making my own money and then I realised that I could not do that and study medicine so I had to take a different path. I would always say that I wanted to be a gynaecologist but hair dressing was my calling

so I followed it and I can say I am happy today,” the 35-year-old single mother said.

Joanna was born in Georgetown and spent the first seven years of her life growing up in South Ruimveldt and then moved to Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) where she completed her primary education at St John the Baptist Primary School. After sitting common entrance examinations, she moved back to Georgetown to attend the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School.

“After I wrote CXC and so on, I moved back to Bartica where I decided that I wanted to start working. I then picked the hairdressing field because I was good at doing hair and anything in the beauty field while I was growing up,” she said.

The then young Joanna embarked on qualifying herself to become a cosmetologist. She registered at Kevin’s Reflection School of Cosmetology and Barbering where she learned barbering and introduction to the various aspects of cosmetology.

After completing her courses there, she went on to Modern Cosmetology School where she delved deeper into the world of cosmetology.

“When I finished training, I was specialised in everything relating to beauty. I can do nails, hair, facial, makeup, and everything in that line. So when I was done I came back to Bartica and started looking

for a place to rent so I could open my own salon. I went to Hi Low Hotel in First Avenue and they had a spot for rent and when the person in charge there told me that a Brazilian woman looking for a place too and she know fuh start that the rent will be expensive. So she ask if I think the two of us coming together and do this business and she talked to the lady. The lady asked to see me and we met and talk and that is how we agree to work together,” Joanna said.

In 2006, Joanna and her business partner, Toinha, opened Fabulous Look Cabeleira and since then they have been working together. Over the years both women have continued to upgrade their skills by participating in various development workshops.

“I recently did an upgrade class with a Brazil Cosmetology School. When I first started out in this business, I lacked the confidence and was nervous because I used to worry about not reaching the customers’ expectations. But then I started working and doing my thing and getting accustomed to what I was doing so I lost the nervousness. I am still working on perfecting what I do so that my clients can have the best experience when they come here and have the exact result they were looking for.”

Together, Joanna and her business partner have been servicing the people of Bartica for almost 15 years now and they have established a name for themselves.

When asked what advice she has for persons thinking about entering the cosmetology field, Joanna said “This field is a choice that a person have to like. They have to like it because if they don’t like it then it wouldn’t make sense because you will not be focused and won’t do their work in a good flow.”

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

By Lakhram Bhagirat

I

f conquering the odds and working them in your favour was a person, then Michael Jackson would be among its top examples. Without a doubt, Michael had a tough start but he made sure that those struggles did not pull him down rather he meticulously contorted them to pave the path he felt he needed to be on.

From being rendered homeless, to squatting on the Government reserves, to dropping out of school and doing all sorts of odd jobs, Michael has done it.

Born on the western bank of the Demerara, Michael’s parents lived below the poverty line. When he came along, they already had an elder son and just about Michael’s first birthday, their family was kicked out from the home they were liv-

ing in. They did not own it and as such could not have put up a fight to stay there.

With their clothes in bags, they boarded a bus and travelled to Georgetown to the home of his father’s sister. There they stayed for a few weeks but it soon became apparent that they were overstaying their welcome. This led to his mother looking for a place for the family and then came across a squatting settlement in Tucville and decided the family would be calling there home.

She asked around for pieces of scrap wood and they constructed a house where they began living. Life was never easy growing up and they struggled to make ends meet. He began attending school in Tucville and while in Grade Two (what was referred to back then as Prep B) at Tucville Primary School, his grandmother

died.

His grandmother lived at Wales, WBD, and after she died, they moved back to Wales and began living with his grandfather. Life then began becoming a bit better for them. His father became a cane cutter and they now had a proper house to live in.

His father was also adamant that they attend school in Georgetown since he felt that the schools in Wales had very little to offer his children, so every morning Michael, his elder brother

and younger sister would get up and take the bus to Georgetown to attend St Andrews Primary School at Stabroek. It was hectic for them to be travelling every day but they persevered.

“I remember one time the bridge was down and it was closed for a couple days or weeks and we had to use the ferry from Vreeden-Hoop to Stabroek. That was hectic because I was like eight, my brother bigger and then my small sis-

there until he was in Form Two. His parents then realised that the school was not pushing him as much as they hoped so he was transferred to Patentia Secondary where he continued his education.

Being from a family with limited financial resources meant that it was always a hassle to get the resources to support their education. So when Michael was in Form Five, he opted to leave school and not sit the CXC examinations. He explained the reason behind him leaving was because he was not confident he would be able to succeed and that “the money could be spent doing something else.”

He started working odd jobs all over the place and in 2001 he met a man by the

ter and we had to be pushing to get to the ferry between all the adults and vehicles,” he remembered.

Michael sat the Common Entrance Exams and secured a place at East Ruimveldt Secondary School and stayed

name of Omesh Satyanand.

Omesh was opening an internet café and gaming arcade at the time and offered Michael the opportunity to run the business.

Even with his lack of experience and education,

Michael jumped at the opportunity and that was when he got introduced to computers and the world of technology.

People would visit the café and ask Michael to create invitations and event tickets for them but he had very little knowledge to do so. He began researching and came across various graphic designing platforms and started to experiment.

“Because of that exposure and opportunity, it sparked my creativity in terms of me wanting to learn more graphics. I wasn’t able to do courses but Omesh paid for my classes – Introduction to Computer and MS Word at Computer World. I got more involved in computer and I aced everything while there.”

The café business would close and that led Michael to Gafoors where he started working as an inventory clerk. Bored with the routine job and feeling the need for something more challenging, Michael took up employment at a big electronic store.

There he observed the team working on graphics to promote sales and at the same time they bought a computer at home.

So he went home and began experimenting. He would observe at work and go home and recreate. In 2009, he saw Gafoors had an opening for a graphic artist and decided to give it a shot.

He was successful and began working on the company’s marketing pieces.

TURN TO PAGE 16

16 FEATURE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

From homelessness to school dropout...

FROM PAGE 15

“My entire career started to shift in a more positive direction.

All the years of me worrying that lack of education and experience might not put me anywhere was put to rest when Mr Gafoors himself, who handles all ads, basically groomed [me] in the way he wanted me to do his stuff,” he said.

Introduction to photography While his career in graphic designing began taking off, Michael was introduced to photography after the company procured a digital camera to take photos of the products to advertise. It was just a regular camera that took basic photos but nevertheless, Michael began researching product photography.

He would later become overwhelmed by the information

he consumed and frustrated that the camera was not doing what he wanted. Nevertheless, he continued using it until a few years later when the upgraded to the Sony HX300 superzoom camera. This fascinated him.

“It was a superzoom camera. I could have shot a detailed photo of the moon and so and it blew me away. I was lost for words when I saw that I could get a very detailed photo of the moon,” he remembered.

He was now beginning to further experiment with photography and image composition. In 2012, he became more interested and began using the camera to take photos other than products. He was shooting basically everything in sight.

That same year, he was approached to take photos of

a wedding and at first, he was confused but then agreed. With no equipment and knowledge of how the photography industry works, he still agreed. At that time, his co-worker Maurice Watson had a DSLR camera and accompanying equipment which he borrowed.

“I did the wedding. I charged her $20,000 for her wedding and now an hour photoshoot now is that cost,” he said.

It was an eye-opening experience for Michael and he wanted to get more into it, not as a job but as his hobby. The following year, he approached his boss and asked for a loan of $200,000 to finance his hobby since he was procuring a camera and equipment. There was some back and forth but he ultimately got the loan and began his

journey.

“I joined this group Guyana Photographers and they helped me. I met with local photographers and from then I started to do professional work. Being a part of Guyana Photographers I met up with Michael Lam, Fidal Bassier, Nikhil Ramkarran and a few others but those guys basically groomed me to become the photographer that I am today. I asked questions a lot and now that I have the knowledge that I have, I no longer need to [keep] bothering them but I still ask them about things I am unsure of.”

He said that the trio would explain their processes to him and he was able to better himself over the years.

“With them by my side my

photography kicked off because I am always opened to constructive criticisms and I would always tell them to nail me to the cross and tell me where I need to improve.

So the next shot will be better and would ask constantly what they think and with those criticisms it made me the photographer I am today.”

National Collection of Guyana Michael constantly works on bettering his craft and now his images speak for themselves.

Up until last year, he was only doing photography part time and working as a graphic designer but that changed after COVID-19. He now does photography full time.

Going back, he said that after the Guyana Visual Arts Competition introduced the

photography category in its competition he has been participating. However, he never won the competition but he scored one of the biggest wins of his career.

“A few of us from Guyana Photographers held a small exhibition called Vision and there I submitted a few pieces and a few members of Castellani House came to visit the exhibition and they were immediately taken up by one of my photos. A photo by the name ‘Dedication’ and they bought that photo with the rights and everything to be in the National Collection of Guyana. So it is basically down in Guyana’s photography history.

“So coming from basically nothing through all that struggles and working all over the place trying to make ends meet. I am proud of where I am and I think if you are really determined to become somebody and make it in life you will. It wasn’t easy for me,” Michael said.

Michael’s wife Radika also plays a part of his photography and comes from a photography background. Her father was a photographer since the film era and she would usually tag along with him.

Now, Michael is steadily improving his craft to put him among the best in Guyana. He knows the journey is one that will be long but so far, he has overcome and accomplished a lot for someone who has had so much thrown at him.

You can find Michael on Facebook – Michael J Photography or book him by calling 687-0401.

FEATURE

17

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jenell Williams-Pinder and Latoya Farinha are on a mission...

FROM PAGE 13

Jenell said that thus far, the local companies have been responding well to BrinsJen and are eager to improve their QHSE systems.

“If you have a project that you just need assistance with quality and safety, we can do that section of the project for you while your engineers or whoever do the organisation. Our springboard to form the company came as a result of being in the oil and gas industry and seeing the difficulties that some local companies were facing. I know from, from our knowledge of oil the oil and gas industry that they’re extremely flexible in a sense and really just don’t dismiss companies that want to work with them. They say hey, go back to the drawing board, you can improve on the safety aspect, this quality aspect and so the opportunities are always be there.

So we want to fill the gap by providing that service to companies and say hey you already have a product or a service that these companies want you just need to implement a QHSE Management System and it’s not only for oil and gas industries,” Jenell explained.

She noted that while the focus of everyone is to better position themselves for the oil and gas industry, QHSE Management Systems extend far beyond that. It is required

in almost every industry.

“It’s not only about you trying to work with an oil and gas company, it’s about you being able to merge with an international company who wants to also, you know, collaborate with what you have to offer. It brings you up to a level of customer service and employee management and culture where you’re not only operating from a place of just producing a product and service.”

Having a QHSE system can help to improve the quality of processes and products, ensure the health and safety of workers, along with con-

trolling the environmental impact of operations. The team of BrinsJen SDS aims to develop such systems from the ground up to ensure that they are unique to each company and that it leads to continuous improvement in overall operations.

The duo differentiates themselves by intimately getting to know the operations and services of each client, then collaborating with the management team and other key operation leads to create a QHSE Management System that is truly reflective of the organisation. The also conduct training to ensure that

those systems are effectively rolled out to all staff.

“We want to kick off a culture change where everyone is talking about safety and quality. Everyone is engaging their staff on how they should work. Where not only a big company can afford an extravagant QHSE system but it can also be a small company. The industry

is open to all types of companies, it’s just that they’re big on safety and quality. We know the system; we know what they need for quality and safety and we can help. We want to be catalysts or rather be part of that change, because it has started. We want to make it more accessible to small and medium sized businesses.”

18 FEATURE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

DIFFICULTY SLEEPING - INSOMNIA - PART 1

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

I

nsomnia is a type of sleep disorder, and is a common symptom of many underlying illnesses. Individuals with insom-

nia find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both.

People with insomnia often don’t feel refreshed when they wake up from sleeping, either. This can lead to fatigue and other symptoms.

Insomnia is the most common of all sleep disorders, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). In fact, the APA states that about one-third of all adults report experiencing insomnia symptoms. Between 6 and 10 percent of all adults have symptoms that are severe enough for them to be diagnosed with insomnia disorder. The APA defines insomnia as a disorder in which

people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Doctors make a clinical diagnosis of insomnia if both of these criteria apply: * Sleep difficulties occurring at least three nights a

week for a minimum of 3 months. * Sleep difficulties creating major distress or functional difficulties in a person’s life.

RISK FACTORS FOR INSOMNIA

Insomnia can occur at any age, and is more likely to affect women than men.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), people with certain risk factors are more likely to have insomnia. These risk factors include:

* High levels of stress * Emotional disorders, such as depression or distress related to a life event * Lower income * Travelling to different time zones * Sedentary lifestyle * Changes in work hours, or working night shifts * Having certain medical conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, can also lead to insomnia. * Menopause can lead to insomnia as well.

INSOMNIA CAUSES

The causes of your insomnia would depend on the type of sleeplessness you are experiencing. Shortterm insomnia, or acute insomnia, may be caused by a number of things, including: * Stress * An upsetting or traumatic event * Changes to sleeping habits, like sleeping in a hotel or new home * Physical pain

* Jetlag * Certain medications Chronic insomnia lasts for at least 3 months, and can be primary or secondary. Primary insomnia has no known cause. Secondary insomnia occurs with another condition that can include: * Medical conditions that make it harder to sleep, such as arthritis or back pain * Psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression * Substance use * Sleep apnea * Diabetes

INSOMNIA SYMPTOMS

People who experience insomnia usually report at least one of these symptoms: * Waking too early in the morning * Unrefreshing sleep * Trouble falling or staying asleep TURN TO PAGE 20

19

FEATURE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Paws for a Cause - Guyana

“Hide your wallets, she’s coming over!” – Donations, animal welfare, and how it helps YOU "Paws" Perspective

I

f you know any of the Paws Board Members, you may be familiar with the first part of this headline. Maybe you’ve actually uttered it before. Maybe when you see a message from one of us, you take a while to open it, or you try not to make eye contact when you see us in public. We’ve turned ourselves into very repetitive company. We talk about (and to!) our animals like they’re real people.

It’s okay. We often have a laugh about it, because people who feel this way aren’t wrong! We are hustlers. We sometimes feel shame, but open any of our phones and scroll through our photos you’ll see endless photos of dogs, cats, bills, reminder screenshots and ideas. This author can tell you that if you looked through her photo gallery right now, there is a good chance you’ll end up feeling uncomfortable with the amount of photos of dog & cat poop that you discover.

Shame isn’t a major factor for us, because we know what we’re about and what we’re working for.

We’re working for the animals who are abused, who are neglected, who are strayed. For the dog that is beaten with a cutlass, for the horse that was knocked down and left to die, for the dog with severe mange due to neglect, whose photo went viral on Facebook because its “owner” said the dog had COVID-19. We work for the cats whose eyes have to be removed because their environment led them to develop an eye infection and their owners ignored it. For the dogs who were left tied in their yard as their owners migrated, for the pups that don’t actually know what to do when given a treat, or how to play with a toy.

We want to work even more and help more animals and build a shelter. We want to help the monkeys in horrendous cages and the limping horses and the bound iguanas, but we have seen the saying “out of sight, out of mind” in action so many times that we literally can’t afford to stay quiet.

We need to be as vocal as we can to even make a dent in the daily and immediate needs that we are confronted with. Fundraising is one of the most exhausting parts of animal welfare, and we don’t have a designated committee for this purpose. We all ask all the time.

What keeps us going is the visible miracle that a little money, food or equipment can create. Look at what happens when something as simple as an injection can change the course of an animal’s life - both for the better and, tragically, for the worse. Look at the photos we share on our social media accounts. Look at the before and the after videos, the photos from our rescues,

Doctor’s Note: Paws for a Cause - Guyana (“Paws”) is a local Animal Welfare Group operating and registered in Guyana as a Non-Profit Inc. The Group works to prevent animal cruelty; to promote humane, ethical, and responsible pet ownership; to advocate for controlling the animal population via spay and neuter campaigns; to educate the public; and to assist in cases of reported animal neglect and abuse. The Group’s work extends beyond dogs and cats, and includes all wildlife in Guyana. Occasionally, the group would contribute a “Paws Perspective” to the Sunday Times ‘Pet Care’ Column, detailing its experiences in animal welfare. and the gruesome images of the animals that we couldn’t save.

The trembling, terrified animals, their ribs poking through their dry, brittle skins. The fear in their eyes.

The uncertainty and trepidation as they approach the food you put out for them because, although they are starving, they’ve been tricked and abused too many times to blindly run and eat. Their abuse and neglect has been so traumatic that when they see a meal that can save them, they think twice.

Can you imagine an existence like that?

We pour our creativity into activities and fundraising and trying to keep the public engaged, because we have taken on the responsibility of rescuing, nursing, fostering, finding homes, and working to educate the public and overall improving animal welfare in Guyana. The list is long and exhausting, but we share a joint belief – it is worth it. We try not to burden the same people, nor do we try to ask for too much without providing something in return. A member’s monthly contribution costs roughly a quarter of the total cost for a pup’s required basic 3 vaccines, deworming, and its spay/neuter surgery. This doesn’t consider any costs for additional care or ongoing medication the animal may need. It’s workable, but can quickly spiral out - we might think we’re in a good position until we get a call about a pregnant mother, or a mama with 8 puppies. That cost is immediately multiplied.

When Vets provide us with low cost or free work, it is immensely significant, because the money saved never sits in the bank for very long - it is usually already spent on another animal before the ink is dry on the receipt. Sometimes, we commit to large expenses, such as spay & neuter campaigns or the building of a shelter, with the faith that the funds will find their way to us; and after two years, thousands of surgeries, rescues and adoptions, we have never had a reason to doubt this faith.

There is always a way to support our work. Monthly contributions go a far way, and there are multiple ways that you can make this contribution. You can also sponsor

an animal in our care, make a one-time donation, purchase promotional items, buy tickets and support our fundraising events.

If you’re interested in promoting your business, we have multiple sponsorship opportunities. If you have a birthday wish or want to honour a loved one, we are willing to work with you.

Apart from funds, we gratefully accept all kinds of donations. We always need items such as food, formula, nursing bottles, toys, bowls, blankets, medicine, towels, leashes, collars, and pet shampoo.

We use all sorts of items, such as disinfectants, buckets and hoses for washing out kennels, cooking gas to help with making food for our fosters, construction materials for shelters, and even old newspapers for lining areas when our fosters have wounds. We even accept

donations of your time - safe foster homes are critical for an animal’s recovery; we always need help to transport animals to and from the Vet; we need people who are willing to follow up with animals who have been adopted, to ensure that they are living their best lives.

We always welcome those who genuinely want to help.

How does donating to animal welfare help YOU?

Apart from the gratification of saving a life and knowing that you’re doing good and putting kindness out in the world, improving the lives of animals improves yours. Consider the things that you want in life. We’d assume that you want a good home, friends, positive physical and mental health, safe roadways,

a good community. A good home has love in it, and a pet’s love is deep, endless, and unconditional.

As for making friends, we can tell you from personal experience that it is very easy to forge a bond with someone new over a discussion about our pets!

Studies have long proven the benefits that caring for a pet can produce – lowered blood pressure, better heart health, better mental health, better emotional health, encouragement to exercise, all leading to an improved quality of life, both mentally and physically.

If you have children, consider all of the positive impacts to them as well. Bringing a pet into your family can cultivate empathy, kindness and compassion in your children. Cultivating the ability to empathise and process emotions is a significant factor in the reduction of violent and disturbing crimes.

The amount of horrific crimes in Guyana is staggering, and all of these are a result of poor emotional and mental health.

Keeping animals off the streets reduces the probability of accidents, and improves road safety. How many lives have been lost because a driver swerved or didn’t swerve to avoid an animal?

How many times has an animal lost its life because it was in unfamiliar surroundings, was looking for food,

was dazzled by lights, or simply just panicked with the noise and activity?

Having animals off the street keeps the environment & community in a better state as well.

How many times have you driven past the decomposing, rotting corpse of a poor animal who met its fate because it was wandering where it wasn’t meant to be?

We understand that COVID-19 has changed a lot of priorities, and because of that, we are even more aware of our gratitude when we receive donations. So, when we ask you for a donation, yes, our priority is to make the animal’s life better, but it also makes YOUR lives better. We want to improve animal welfare in Guyana, and make our country a better place to live; so, don’t hide your wallet, we’re coming over.

If you’d like to offer comments, support or follow our work, find us on Facebook.com/Pawsforacause. gy, on Instagram @pawsforacause. guyana, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, drop us a line at pawsforacause.20@gmail.com, or visit our website at https://www. pawsforacausegy.com.

Animal welfare is everyone’s business. You don’t have to be an animal person - you just have to be a kind person.

20 FEATURE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

DIFFICULTY SLEEPING - INSOMNIA - PART 1 These symptoms of insomnia can lead to other symptoms, including: * Fatigue * Mood changes * Irritability * Difficulty concentrating on tasks during the day.

time, but its long-term safety has yet to be confirmed. It’s always best to work with a doctor when considering taking melatonin.

Studies are inconclusive regarding whether melatonin can actually help treat insomnia in adults.

There’s some evidence that supplements may slightly decrease the time it takes to fall asleep, but more research is needed.

TREATING INSOMNIA

There are both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical treatments for insomnia. A number of different treatment options may need to be used before finding the one that’s most effective.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a first-line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults.

Sleep hygiene training may also be recommended. Sometimes behaviours that interfere with sleep cause insomnia. Sleep hygiene training can help to change some of these disruptive behaviours.

Suggested changes may include: * Avoiding caffeinated beverages near bedtime * Avoiding exercise near bedtime * Minimising time spent on the bed when persons are not specifically intending to sleep, such as watching TV or surfing the Web via the phone.

If there’s an underlying psychological or medical disorder contributing to insomnia, getting appropriate treatment for it can alleviate sleep difficulties.

INSOMNIA MEDICATIONS

Sometimes medications are used to treat insomnia.

An example of an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that can be used for sleep is an antihistamine such as diphen-

Essential oils

hydramine (Benadryl) or piraton.

Medications like these can have side effects, especially long-term, so it’s important to talk to a doctor before starting on an OTC medication for insomnia.

Prescription medications that may be used to treat insomnia include: * zolpidem (Ambien) Talk with a doctor before using any medications or supplements to treat insomnia.

There might be dangerous side effects, or drug interactions. Not every “sleep aid” is appropriate for everyone.

Making lifestyle changes, or trying home remedies can help effectively manage many cases of insomnia.

Warm milk, herbal tea, and valerian are just a few of the natural sleep aids to try.

MEDITATION

Meditation is a natural, easy, drug-free

method of treating insomnia. According to a 2015 study, meditation can help improve the quality of our sleep, as well as make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

As per the Mayo Clinic, meditation can also help with symptoms of conditions that may contribute to insomnia. These include: * Stress * Anxiety * Depression * Digestive problems * Pain Many apps and videos are available to help you practise meditation. – Smiling Minds, Samsung Health, etc.

Melatonin

We naturally produce the hormone melatonin during the sleep cycle. People often take melatonin supplements in hope of improving their sleep. Melatonin is generally thought to be safe for a short period of

Essential oils are strong aromatic liquids made from a variety of: * Plants * Flowers * Trees People treat a variety of conditions by inhaling oils or massaging them into the skin. This practice is called aromatherapy.

Essential oils that are thought to help with sleep include: * Roman chamomile * Cedarwood * Lavender * Sandalwood * Neroli, or bitter orange A review of 12 studies published in 2015 found aromatherapy to be beneficial in promoting sleep. Another study found lavender to be especially useful in promoting and sustaining sleep. The study reported that a mixture of essential oils reduced sleep disturbance and increased wellbeing in older adults. Essential oils don’t generally cause side effects when used as directed. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified most essential oils as ‘GRAS’ (generally recognised as safe).

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book Bottom of Form.

NEWS

21

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No spoilage of Sputnik V vaccines – Health Minister − says report of spoilage is “fake news”

H

ealth Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has debunked reports and claims made in sections of the public domain, particularly the Opposition, that there was a spoilage of the Russian-manufactured Sputnik V jabs in Guyana.

Commenting on the issue on Friday, he pointed

out that Sputnik doses are currently available for the first shot but the country is awaiting more second doses. The Minister added that given the demand for second jabs, the vaccines are expended within days of arrival.

Consequently, he expressed that such reports

are seen as “fake news” in efforts to derail the vaccination campaign locally.

“It’s fake news. We know that we do have Sputnik V first dose that are available and people are getting it.

But for the second dose, we don’t have second dose and that’s why we have quite a number of persons that

Essequibo brothers missing after travelling to interior − Linden man disappears without trace

T

wenty-three-yearold Javon John and 39-year-old Macklyn John went missing in May after they never returned to their mining camp in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The two brothers of Onderneeming Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), had indicted to relatives that they were heading out of the interior to spend time with their mother on Mother’s Day but they were not heard from since.

Their mother, Claire John, believes something is amiss and has been looking for answers for the past three months.

“My son told me that he and his brother will come out to visit me on Mother’s Day since they don’t get time to spend with me... Up to now, I ain’t see them,” the mother told <<<Guyana Times>>>.

She explained that when she spoke with them, they were heading back to their mining camp and they told her that due to the signal be-

Missing: Javon John

Missing: Macklyn John

Missing: Justin Toby Bayley

ing weak, they would not be able to speak with her frequently but promised to see her on Mother’s Day. However, the family is pleading with anyone with information about the whereabouts of the two men to contact them.

“I am fearful that something wrong has happened to them…We are calling for the relevant authorities to look into the matter… do a search or something… we just want to find them,” the mother cried.

The family can be contacted on telephone numbers 682 6599 or 632 9257.

Meanwhile, the family members of 47-year-old Justin Toby Bayley, also known as “Coor” or “Jussie” formerly of Linden, Region 10, are seeking the public’s assistance to locate him.

According to the man’s sister, the missing man moved from Linden to Georgetown back in 2019 but was not forthcoming about certain details.

She noted that he was

last contacted in February of this year via cell phone, however, since March, calls to his cell phone went unanswered.

The woman said it is uncommon for her brother to not make contact with family members or friends. She noted, however, that a missing person’s report has not been filed.

The family is asking anyone with information on Bayley’s whereabouts to contact them on telephone number 660-8713.

are waiting on it. As soon as those vaccines come in, within a day or two, they are all gone because people are really waiting on the second dose. So, we don’t really have spoilage with Sputnik. That’s obviously fake news and someone who is trying to undermine the vaccination efforts here,” Dr Anthony outlined.

While many persons are awaiting the final shot of the Sputnik vaccine, the Minister advised that the country will receive a consignment soon but stated that Sinopharm and AstraZeneca vaccines are also available for both doses.

“Vaccines is not an issue. If you want to get your first dose, come to any one of the vaccination sites and get your first dose,” he outlined.

Government has procured 400,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines from Dubai. Guyana had experienced a delay in receiving the shipment of the second component after there was a global shortage due to the spike in the Delta variant.

In addition to these three vaccines, the country is expected to get a shipment of Johnson and Johnson vac-

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

cines after the Government had made a down payment for the acquisition of 150,000 single-dose vaccines under a partnership agreement between the African Union and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Thus far, Guyana has been able to secure 62,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from COVAX with more to arrive until 20 per cent of the population is covered.

Another 50,000 jabs are expected to arrive next week. Guyana would have received a donation of 3000 doses of AstraZeneca from Barbados; 84,800 from the United Kingdom and another 80,000 doses from India.

China has already sent over 20,000 Sinopharm shots.

Government would have also purchased 100,000 more doses.

These vaccines have all been used to vaccinate the Guyanese population.

Thus far over 254,000 persons would have received their first shots and just over 100,000 are fully immunised.

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 more die from COVID-19, 89 new cases recorded − GPHC will allow entry to unvaccinated persons only in emergencies

T

he Health Ministry on Saturday reported that Guyana’s coronavirus death toll has risen 556, after two more persons died from the virus on Friday.

The latest fatalities are two females: a 79-year-old female from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and a 55-year-old from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

So far for August, 10 persons are victims of the deadly disease.

However, new statistics released by the Ministry showed that 89 new cases were detected on Saturday, thus raising the total confirmed cases to 22,932.

There are 18 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 90 in institutional isolation, 698 in home isolation and five in institutional quarantine. Some 21,570 positive cases have since recovered.

An analysis of new cas-

es showed 11 were recorded in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 55 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); three in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); nine in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 10 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) remain the same.

In the latest COVID-19 update, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony cautioned the public that variants are circulating rapidly and persons of any age can be affected, especially those who have not been vaccinated.

“Variants affect everybody, regardless of your age.

The Delta variant, however, we have seen more chil-

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD AUGUST 7 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

89

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

90

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

698 18

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

11,772

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

11,160

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

22,932

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

21,570

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

260,403

FULLY IMMUNISED

143,302

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

556

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1312

REGION 2

642

REGION 3

2620

REGION 4

10,317

REGION 5

769

REGION 6

1923

REGION 7

1282

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

2131

REGION 10

1556

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN BE SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Wear a face mask.

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

GET MEDICAL ADVICE ON COVID-19 FROM MOH 24/7 HOTLINE NUMBERS: 2311166; 226 7480; 624 6674; 624 2819; 624 3067 OR 180/181.

dren having a severe form of the illness and we have also seen people with comorbidities having a tougher time

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, August 31, 2021

with this particular variant.

There’s no special age group that COVID would affect in terms of the Delta variant. it affects every age group and in the unvaccinated, we have seen that they’re getting a more severe form of the disease.”

With the new vaccination measures for entry into Government agencies, Georgetown Public Hospital has notified that person entering the facility and its satellite clinics must present their national identification and vaccination cards. This

includes visitors, patients and contractors.

“Unvaccinated persons seeking to enter the compound will not be permitted to visit any patients or any clinical areas. If the visitor has an appointment, they must present a negative PCR test result that was produced within 72 hours from a testing site that is approved by the Ministry of Health,” the advisory added.

Meanwhile, only persons seeking emergency medical attention will be allowed entry into the premises but anyone accompanying the patient will have to present their immunisation card before entering the Emergency Department.

“Patients who need to transact registration of birth/death or other business, patients who visit our clinics, and those who have scheduled elective procedures are urged to prioritise getting vaccinated in order to facilitate continuation of services and care.”

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AG, NDC file court proceedings against Corentyne resident for grabbing State land – contend that land was fraudulently obtained, converted

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court case has been filed by the Government of Guyana and Gibraltar/ Fyrish Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), who are seeking an injunction against a Corentyne man over State land he is alleged to have fraudulently obtained.

According to court documents, Attorney General Anil Nandlall is joined by the Gibraltar/Fyrish NDC as the applicants. They are seeking injunctions, as well as costs, against Troy Thom, who they alleged fraudulently obtained titles for State land.

“The Respondent unlawfully and fraudulently obtained the Declaration of Title and Certificate of Title in respect of the Lands in breach of the Prescription Act and the Land Registry Act. The actions of the Respondent are fraudulent and in clear violation of the Prescription Act, Land Registry Act and

the Rules of Court.”

“The Respondent has fraudulently converted State Lands into his personal property and unless restrained he will continue to do so to the detriment of the State,” the applicants contend in their Notice of Application.

It was pointed out that Section 3(2) of the Prescription Act bars proceedings for adverse possession of State lands.

This has been in place since amendment 6 of 2011 of the Prescription Act. Section 3(2) states that “State land, Government land, land wholly owned

by State entities including companies and corporations or in which the controlling interest is vested in the State and any land identified by law or on a plan drawn and approved in accordance with any law for reserves for the public interest and benefit or to any undivided or other interest in any land in this

AG Anil Nandlall, SC

subsection is expressly excluded and shall not be acquired by prescription through adverse possession.”

According to the application, Thom sought and was granted titles for the land in 2019, despite

knowing fully that the land was State land. The AG and NDC contend that the lands are in a designated area with no titular ownership, thus making them State land.

“Despite the clear legislative provision, barring

the acquisition of State lands by adverse possession, the Respondent proffered fraudulent evidence to the court and obtained a Declaration of Title in respect of the said lands.”

“Pursuant to the Respondent’s fraudulent misrepresentations, a Declaration of Title was granted to him pursuant to an Order of Court dated the 19th day of March, 2019 and entered on the 20th day of March, 2019 by the Honourable Commissioner of Title, Madam Melissa Robertson,” the application also states.

Moreover, they pointed out that Thom has since converted these lands to his own personal property.

The applicants are seeking injunctions barring Thom or anyone acting on his behalf from “entering upon, or remaining or occupying in any manner whatsoever.” They are also seeking an injunction stopping Thom from attempting to

transfer or dispose of the land in any way.

The two plots of land in question are in parcel 2, Gibraltar, East Coast Berbice. This latest case comes in the wake of a slew of cases last year after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government entered office, where it sought to reclaim State lands that were illegally vested to individuals.

There have been cases where it had to take parties to court to recover said land, including in the case of Cevons Waste Management, which had been allocated through the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC).

The Government eventually relented and settled out of court, a settlement that included the company giving up one of its plots of land at Peters Hall on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), which had been in contention.

24 NEWS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UG to host 22nd biennial Caribbean Academy of Sciences Conference The IMF World Economic Outlook Report projects that commodity prices are expected to rise significantly:

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR GUYANA?

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I

Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

he University of Guyana will virtually host the Biennial Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) conference from August 9 to 14, 2021.

In all its 22 years, it is being held for the first time virtually, allowing participants to join in the discussions from many parts of the world. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat will deliver the keynote address at the opening of the conference In addition, ViceChancellor of the University, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin,

Chapter President Elena Trim will also deliver remarks.

The conference is open to all academics, researchers, educators, industry personnel, graduate, and undergraduate students who possess work that they can contribute to the Conference’s theme – “Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development in a Greener Caribbean.”

Members of the public may utilise the following link to view the opening ceremony: https://zoom. us/webinar/register/WN_

members of the public via Zoom. These include; the Women in STEM forum titled “Career Trajectories: Overcoming Barriers and Advancing to Leadership”.

This session will be held on August 9, 2021, at 13:30h and persons wishing to join are kindly asked to use the following link: https://zoom. us/j/96736538409.

The Youth in Science Forum titled “Career Trajectories on the Shoulders of Giants” is scheduled for August 10, 2021, at 14:10h. and interested persons are kind-

CAS Regional Chapter President Prof Raymond Jagessar, and CAS Guyana

dtaVYhGqTNifnLbt-2IyaQ There are other sessions which are open to

ly asked to use the following link to join: https://zoom.us/webi-

nar/register/WN_6rxf2hQQLeqx0nMaGei4Q. Several high-profile speakers are expected to make presentations during the week-long conference.

These include Percy C Hintzen, Professor Emeritus, University of California; Berkeley, Guyana-born Dr Maya Trotz, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida, Astronomer at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad; Dr Shirin Haque, Guyana-born and Cuban trained Veterinary Doctor and Zootechnician, Dr Devon Dublin as well as food and agriculture and nature conservation specialist, Dr Patrick Chesney, among other regional and international experts.

Persons interested in registering for the conference are kindly asked to do so urgently by clicking on the following link: https:// cas-gychapter.org/.

Abstracts were submitted under any of the sub-themes; Pure & Applied Sciences, Medical/Pharmaceutical Sciences, Renewable Energy, Environment & Ecosystems and Education, Humanities & Social Sciences.

The closing ceremony is set for Friday, August 13, and is also open free to the public and could be accessed using the following link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jW5_ vtzhR_CqpDbMwCnfqg.

Executives of the CAS Guyana Chapter invite interested members of the public to join the local chapter of CAS. Benefits of becoming a CAS member include networking with local and regional scientists of all fields of study, access to all CAS conference proceedings, and reduced registration fees for CAS conferences.

To become a CAS member, complete and submit the electronic application form at https://forms.gle/ f41gqQ8JR5vv1tdy6. Upon approval of your application, you will be required to pay the annual membership fee of GY$5500.

n its World Economic Outlook Update published in July 2021, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that the global economy would grow 6.0 percent in 2021 and 4.9 percent in 2022. The report noted that “although the 2021 forecast is unchanged from April, there are offsetting revisions across advanced economies and emerging market and developing economies, reflecting differences in pandemic developments and policy shifts. The 0.5 percentage point upward revision for 2022 largely reflects anticipated additional fiscal support in the United States, with associated spillovers to the global economy.

“Global trade volumes are projected to expand 9.7 percent in 2021, moderating to 7.0 percent in 2022. The merchandise trade recovery is set to broaden, after being initially concentrated in pandemic-related purchases, consumer durables, and medical equipment. Services trade is expected to recover more slowly, consistent with subdued cross-border travel, until virus transmission declines to low levels everywhere (IMF, 2021).

“In most cases, inflation is expected to subside to its prepandemic ranges in 2022 once the transitory disturbances work their way through prices. This is underpinned by three pillars: even with diminished participation rates, labour market slack remains substantial (albeit with reported shortages and hiring difficulties in sectors such as hospitality and travel); inflation expectations are well anchored; and structural factors that have lowered the sensitivity of prices to changes in slack are still expected to operate as before (some have possibly intensified — for example, automation). However, inflation is expected to remain elevated into 2022 in some emerging market and developing economies, related in part to continued food price pressures and lagged passthrough from higher oil prices for importers (IMF, 2021).”

Once the health crisis is under control and economies are secure on their recovery paths, policy must increasingly focus on incentivising shifts in employment, credit, and other inputs consistent with emerging growth opportunities (for example, digitalisation or the transition to lower carbon dependence).

Policies should also ensure the gains are widely and equitably shared by strengthening social safety nets, protecting vital health and education spending, and funding worker-training, as well as investing in child and elder care to facilitate broader participation in the post-pandemic labour market.

“Financing these initiatives with more progressive taxation, closing loopholes, and reducing tax expenditures would help mitigate inequality while helping rebuild fiscal buffers for the next downturn. The recovery is not assured until the pandemic is beaten back globally. Concerted, well directed policy actions at the multilateral and national levels can make the difference between a future where all economies experience durable recoveries and one where fault lines widen further — as many struggle with the health crisis for an extended period, while a handful see conditions normalise, albeit with the constant threat of renewed flare-ups” (IMF, 2021).

The IMF reported that it is expecting commodity prices to rise significantly. The report stated that “commodity prices are expected to increase at a significantly faster pace than assumed in the April 2021 WEO. Amid the strengthened global recovery, oil prices are expected to rise close to 60% above their low base in 2020. Non-oil commodity prices are expected to rise close to 30% above 2020 levels, reflecting particularly strong increases in the price of metals and food.”

The Brent crude price, which is currently US$75.77, a 60% projected increase will result in oil prices surpassing the US$100 bbl. mark for the first time since 1979, or more than four decades ago. This, in turn, would result in Guyana’s earnings from oil production at the current production levels to increase by over US$200 million /GY$43 billion. However, the downside would be increased prices for the downstream/ consumption products – that is, fuel prices for example, which would affect the consumers.

With the increased earnings, though, policymakers can consider utilising some of the earnings from the oil revenues as a buffer to cushion the effects on consumers in the short term, and/or a mixture of other policy instruments to bring some degree of relief on the part of the consumers.

More notably, the report highlighted that “global government debt reached an unprecedented level of close to 100% of global GDP in 2020, and is projected to remain around that level in 2021 and 2022.

“In the case of Guyana, with unprecedented growth in GDP which was 43.3% in 2020 and projected 20.9% growth in 2021, Guyana’s debt to GDP ratio is well below 50%, which is fiscally sustainable. Hence, these are relatively good macroeconomic indicators for the country when compared to the rest of the world, and which bodes well for sustainable growth and encouraging for heightened investments both from the public and private sectors.”

About the Author: JC. Bhagwandin is a financial and economic analyst; and an Adjunct Instructor at Texila American University, Business College. The views expressed are exclusively his own and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper and the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@gmail.com.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Army Chief urges support for female diversification in all disciplines …initiative strengthens partnership by focusing on significance of women’s progression – US Ambassador

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he Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recently hosted its first Women's Peace and Security Workshop (WPS) at the Officers’ Mess Hall, Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, during which the Army Chief urged support for female diversification in all disciplines.

The workshop was sponsored by the United States Southern Command (US SOUTHCOM) and facilitated by Colonel Elizabeth Evans and her team from the Florida National Guard.

The two-day female-oriented workshop saw participation from the Florida National Guard (Facilitators), GDF, Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

The workshop was designed to assist in identifying challenges and barriers and present ways in which women could obtain support and make meaningful changes in their respective disciplines.

In attendance were United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch and GDF Chief-ofStaff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess.

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch (4th from left) and Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess (5th from left) with participants and facilitators of the Women's Peace and Security Workshop

In her remarks, the US Ambassador stated that “the SOUTHCOM’s WPS Programme recognises the diverse roles women play as agents of change in preventing and resolving conflict, countering terrorism and violent extremism as well as building post-conflict peace and stability in our hemisphere.”

She further stated that inclusiveness increases mission effectiveness and drives positive outcomes, with women making up over 50 per cent of the population.

“Women bring unique and

necessary skills to security forces. Statistics show that when we invest in a woman, she changes not only her life but also that of her family and her community. Add that change in a key institution such as the military and she will change that institution and her country. While structural adjustments to recruitment, training and promotion systems are critical, we must also acknowledge the contributions of talented women across the security sector.”

In his address, Chief-ofStaff, Brigadier Bess posited,

“the last two days were filled with initiatives and proposals that will build the capacity of females in the State’s security sector. In this contemporary environment where daily, the roles are be-

ing changed as it regards to what is considered a female task or male only mission, I am excited at the prospects of interactions such as these and is confident that it will reap great rewards. Guyana

and the GDF will stand committed with the USA and SOUTHCOM in promoting meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention, management and resolution.”

He further pledged to embrace initiatives that seek to propose the platform from which our sisters in arms are assessed, tasked or deployed and trained. “It is behind this backdrop that the Guyana Defence Force is preparing to deploy its first contingent of females to perform task in support of their male counterparts at the borders.”

He added that the GDF welcomes any capacity building initiatives by the Woman Army Corps while recommending that the other Services adapt to the changed concept of promoting and supporting female diversification.

26 NEWS Investments in agriculture will advance valueadded production, development – Min Mustapha SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– as GMC commissions incubator

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griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday commissioned a new agri-development incubator and handed over three AllTerrain Vehicles (ATVs) and 2 refrigerated trucks to the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC).

This was done with the back drop that the agriculture sector was neglected over the past years under the APNU/AFC Administration.

“Over the years what

major effort and importance to these sectors and that is why we are still primary producer of products and country although we want our country to move and advance rapidly, we don’t [have] the necessary facilities to advance our country’s development,” he stated The Minister explained that the $26 million investment and similar investments in the future will play a major role in not only in the develop-

The three ATVs and refrigerated trucks

we have recognised that sectors like these were neglected, haven’t put any

ment but also in the country’s international recognition.

“Investment like these will enhance not only the development within the country but enhance our country’s position to take its right position in the region,” he stated.

The Minister added that the Government will be investing $263 million in the sector while noting that more equipment will be handed out later in the year.

“We will invest in almost nine agro-processing facility and we’re not only making the investment in urban areas, we are making these investments across the country Region 9, Region 1, Region 10, Region 6, Region 5, so all these areas at the end of this year well have modern state-of-the-art agro-processing facilities. We are also working with the Private Sector to form that partnership and work with them in Private Public Partnership and only recently we’ve signed an MoU with a private company to build a processing facility in Black Bush Polder,” the Minister mentioned.

The Minister added

Ceremonial opening of the agri-business development incubator

that efforts and investments are being made so Guyana does not only engage in subsistence farming (from the farm to the market) but change the culture and the way things are being done.

However, General Manager of the Guyana Marketing Corporation, Teshawna Lall elaborated on the benefits of the new vehicles.

“The ATVs will be used

by GMC’s agriculture extension officers mainly in the hinterland regions of Maburuma, Kamarang,

and Linden - all areas with primarily earthen roads and scattered agriculture holdings. These ATVs will be used to visit the outlying areas to determine their scale of production, inform them of GMC’s services, link farmers to buyers and address marketing concerns. This further the improvement of GMC’s farmers and agro-processors database and to have readily accessible information for our stakeholders,” Lall noted.

She further stated that maintaining cold chain

of perishable agriculture commodities during transport is imperative to its shelf life and marketability.

“As such these two refrigerator trucks will aid in the same and assist with the increased request by our local stakeholders especially farmers, exporters, supermarket operators and perishable commodities who are required to maintain cold temperatures while transporting their produce and products.”

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

27

Around the World

Police fire tear gas, rubber US expands citizenship for children bullets at Bangkok protesters born abroad in win for same-sex couples

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T

hailand Police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators in Bangkok protesting against the Government’s failure to handle coronavirus outbreaks and its effect on the economy.

More than 1000 protesters defied restrictions on public gatherings on Saturday and marched towards Government House, the office of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, demanding his resignation.

Police sealed off a road near Victory Monument using containers and shot tear gas and rubber bullets to push protesters back.

About 100 officers were seen in riot gear and shields metres away from where demonstrators had gathered.

Street protests against the Government have been held in recent weeks by several groups, including Prayuth’s former political allies, as frustrations mount over its management of coronavirus outbreaks and the damage pandemic measures have

A Police Officer firing a weapon during clashes with demonstrators protesting against what they call the Government’s failure in handling the coronavirus pandemic [Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters]

inflicted on the economy.

Franc Han Shih, a journalist based in Bangkok, told Al Jazeera that Saturday’s protest was partly triggered by the Thai Government’s sluggish rollout of its COVID vaccination programme On Saturday, Thailand reported a record of nearly 22,000 new reported COVID-19 cases and the highest number of daily deaths – 212.

Overall, it has reported 736,522 cases of the coronavirus, including 6066

deaths, since the pandemic began last year.

A youth-led street protest movement for democracy rose up last year and at its peak drew tens of thousands to rallies in Bangkok.

The demonstrators called for the resignation of Prayuth, the former army chief who came to power in a 2014 coup, as well as changes to the military-scripted constitution and calls for changes to the monarchy. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

US now averaging 100,000 daily COVID infections as Delta surges

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he United States is now averaging 100,000 new COVID-19 infections per day, returning to a milestone last seen during the winter surge as health officials urge people to get vaccinated to stem a surging spread of the Delta variant.

Across the country, 70.6 per cent of adults have received at least one dose of vaccines, while 60.9 per cent are considered fully inoculated, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

But millions remain unvaccinated and a surge in infections has been record-

ed in states with low vaccination rates, such as Florida and Texas.

“Our models show that if we don’t [vaccinate people], we could be up to several hundred thousand cases a day, similar to our surge in early January,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on CNN this week.

It took the US about nine months to cross the 100,000 average case number in November before peaking at about 250,000 in early January. Cases bottomed out in June, averaging about 11,000 per day, but six weeks later the number is 107,143.

Hospitalisations and deaths are also increasing rapidly, though all are still below peaks seen early this year before vaccines became widely available across the country.

“The correlation between vaccination and hospitalisation is very stark. Health officials have weighted out that those who are vaccinated may still contract the virus, but the consequences are far less severe than they are for those who are not vaccinated,” Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna reported from Washington, DC. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Cuba allows small and mediumsized private businesses

C

uba's communist Government has legalised small and medium-sized private businesses in the wake of mass anti-Government protests last month.

Under the new rules, enterprises with up to 100 employees will be allowed.

President Miguel DíazCanel said Cuba was taking firm steps to update its economic model.

Critics say the Government's plans have been accelerated because of July's protests, when thousands turned out to complain of economic ruin.

Demonstrators condemned the handling of the coronavirus pandem-

ic and demanded political change.

Dozens were arrested nationwide and that least one man died in the unrest.

Friday's decision is seen as a major shift in Government policy on the island, where State-run companies are the norm.

The protests came amid a severe economic crisis.

In July, the authorities said they would allow travellers arriving in the country to bring in food, medicine and other essentials without paying import duties.

Scrapping the import duties had been suggested by some Cubans as a way to ease the shortages of

medicines and food.

Tourism, one of the most important sectors, has been devastated by global restrictions on travel during the pandemic.

Sugar, which is mostly exported, is another key earner for Cuba. But this year's harvest has been much worse than expected.

As a result, the Government's reserves of foreign currency are depleted, meaning it cannot buy imported goods to supplement shortages, as it would normally do.

Cuba has blamed the US and its economic sanctions for the protests and Cuba's wider problems.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

he US says children born abroad using assisted reproductive technology can now qualify for citizenship, in a move seen as a win for same-sex couples.

To be eligible before, babies born overseas needed to be genetically related to the American parent.

The change follows lawsuits from couples whose children were born using surrogates and other methods.

Experts estimate the new policy will affect hundreds of families living outside of the US. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy, announced

Thursday, means children of married couples where at least one parent is an American and one is related to the child, are eligible for citizenship and family benefits.

The agency's director, Ur Jaddou, said this new interpretation of the law is meant to ensure "fair access and support for all families and their loved ones".

There are likely hundreds of couples this decision will affect, though the exact figure is unclear, according to Aaron Morris, executive director of the LGBT advocacy group Immigration Equality.

"In denying that their

children were citizens, they were also disrespecting the marriage of the parents," Morris added. "It was like a double injury to all these families."

James Derek Mize and Jonathan Gregg were one of those families. Their daughter, Simone, was born in the UK using a surrogate in 2018.

While Mize and Gregg are both US citizens, Simone was denied citizenship because she was genetically related to only Gregg - who the Government ruled had not physically been in the US long enough to pass on citizenship. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Rival South Sudanese factions clash, 2 sides report dozens of soldiers killed

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orces loyal to Vice President Riek Machar and a splinter group have clashed in South Sudan, but the two sides gave conflicting reports on Saturday - with each claiming to have killed dozens of soldiers from the other side.

The latest clashes, threatening the country's fragile peace process, occurred in Magenis in the Upper Nile region, between forces loyal to Machar and those backing First Lieutenant General Simon Gatwech Dual.

A spokesman for Machar's SPLM/A-IO party, Lam Paul Gabriel, said the party's forces responded "in self-defence" and killed two major generals and over 27 soldiers. He said those fighting on SPLM/A-IO side lost three soldiers during the attack.

South Sudan's Vice President Riek Machar addressing a news conference

The other side denied having suffered heavy losses and having launched an offensive.

A spokesperson for Dual said that during the clashes 28 soldiers were killed on the enemy side and four on their side.

The clashes erupted after rival military leaders of

the SPLM/A-IO announced on Wednesday that Machar had been ousted as head of his party and its armed forces. The military leaders said the party's chief of staff, Dual, had been nominated interim party leader from the military wing.

On Thursday Machar accused the rival military leaders of trying to block the country's peace process.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but descended into fighting two years later when forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and to Machar clashed in the capital.

That sparked the massacre of hundreds of civilians in Juba from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group and a spiral of ethnic violence and revenge killings. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentines stream through city streets to press for more jobs, food

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ens of thousands of Argentines took to the streets of Buenos Aires on Saturday to protest over poverty and a lack of jobs amid a lengthy economic crisis that has only deepened with the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisations working with the unemployed and leftist groups led the protest that started at a church to the west of the Argentine capital where thousands of pilgrims travel each year to pray at the shrine of San Cayetano, the patron saint of work, whose feast day is Saturday. It ended in the Plaza de Mayo, a massive square in front of the seat of Government where protests habitually take place.

Protests also took place in other parts of the country, including in Argentina's second city of Cordoba and the western city of Mendoza.

Lawmaker Juan Carlos Alderete, leader of the leftwing party Corriente Clasista y Combativa, said the needs

An Argentine Catholic holds an image of San Cayetano (Saint Cajetan), Patron Saint of Labour and Bread, during his feast day, at San Cayetano church in Buenos Aires, Argentina August 7, 2021

of people in some neighbourhoods were "tremendous."

A total of 19 million people, 42 per cent of Argentina's population, was classified as living below the poverty line in the second half of 2020 and unemployment at present stands at 10.2 per cent.

Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez said on Friday that he saw brighter days ahead, and the first rebound in the economy in

three years this year with 7 per cent growth.

"Argentina is growing, recuperating jobs and will recover income," Fernandez pledged.

Ahead of the legislative elections in November, the Government also announced on Friday a relaxation of COVID restrictions in the hope of speeding economic recovery. (Excerpt from Reuters)

28

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Organize an event that brings you closer to the people you love most. A little celebration will lead to valuable suggestions that will help you navigate your way to a better position.

TAURUS Don’t feel the need to make (April 20- changes because someone else May 20) does. Choose to do your own thing. Take the path that leads to stability and peace of mind.

Ask questions, and listen to GEMINI the people who always have your (MAY 28back.

Dismiss anyone using maJune 20)

nipulative tactics and empty promises to lure you astray. Don’t take risks.

CANCER Clear a space, start a project, (June 21- make your place more comfortable July 22) and inviting, or plan a romantic

getaway. Trying something new and exciting with someone you love will bring you closer together.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

Dilbert

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

A commitment will help stabilize your life and open doors.

A joint venture based on love, trust and equality will lead to better days ahead. Learn from sharing experiences with people you encounter Leave nothing to chance or unfinished. Taking care of details to ensure nothing gets lost in translation will help you avoid setbacks. Honesty is the best policy.

An unexpected opportunity will unfold because you take the initiative to use what you do best to help yourself get ahead. Trust in your ability, and do your own thing.

If you want to compete, you have to keep up and play the game strategically. Don’t expect others to stick to the rules. Expect the unexpected, and do what’s necessary.

Don’t give anyone insight SAGITTARIUS into the way you feel. Be in(Nov. 23telligent, ask questions and be Dec. 21)

a good listener. You will outsmart anyone who wants to meddle in your affairs. Don’t take risks.

Movement will ensure that CAPRICORN you get things done. Take a (Dec. 22physical approach to life, love Jan. 19) and happiness, and you will bring about positive changes.

Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t feel you have to acAQUARIUS commodate everyone else (Jan. 20when you are responsible only Feb. 19)

for your happiness. Follow the path that makes the most sense to you, and you won’t be disappointed.

PISCES A clear picture of what’s (Feb. 20- expected of you and how best Mar. 20) to achieve your goal will be

necessary if you want to succeed. Don’t let anyone sidetrack you. Assess situations and proceed with caution.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

29

Root's century, Bumrah's five-for set up big final day J

oe Root has stroked a century of the highest class to give England hope of beating India in a see-saw first Test at Trent Bridge.

On a compelling, thrilling and competitive fourth day, captain Joe Root was magnificent in making 109.

With Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, Dom Sibley and Dan Lawrence wchipping in, England - who at one stage looked in danger of being beaten with a day to spare - reached 303 in their second innings, setting India 209 to win.

Pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah ran through the lower order with the second new ball, to take 5-64 and finish with match figures of 9-110.

India were given an hour to bat, and looked set to come through unscathed before Stuart Broad had KL Rahul caught behind for 26. There was still time for Rohit Sharma to survive a tense England review as India closed on 52-1, needing another 157 for victory.

There have been times in this match when England looked floored - when they were bowled out for 183 in the first innings, when India reached 2055 in response, and when England found themselves on 46-2 on the fourth morning. However, thanks to the sheer brilliance of Root, they are still in the contest going

into what could be a grandstand final day.

On top of Root's knock, a packed Trent Bridge was treated to the skill of Bumrah and the shots of Curran and Bairstow.

Even Sibley's vigil was strangely satisfying. There were moments of pure theatre. as India burned their final review in a desperate bid to remove Root, Virat Kohli was taunted by the home fans.

Curran duelled with Mohammed Siraj, while Kohli went face-to-face with Ollie Robinson.

As India began their chase, the growing gloom added to the drama, play seemingly always on

the verge of being suspended until the sun appeared for Broad to remove Rahul.

Rain is forecast for today (Sunday), but it was also due to spoil what turned out to be a memorable Saturday. The hope is that this absorbing contest can be played to a conclusion.

Remarkable Root does it again For much of 2021, Root has almost single-handedly carried England's flimsy batting. This was more of the same, a captain's knock that altered their course from defeat to an outside chance of victory. When Root arrived, England were still 49 behind, yet

he instantly changed the tempo with flowing cover drives and urgent running.

He added 89 with Sibley, who twice could have been run out, and overturned an lbw in his 28 from 133 balls. Bairstow, with 30, Lawrence's 25, and a punchy 32 from Curran provided further support.

When Root drove down the ground to reach his 21st Test century, it sparked prolonged and emotional celebrations, with the Yorkshireman signalling to wife Carrie and beating his chest in the direction of the vocal England fans.

Root fell in Bumrah's first over with the second new ball, sparking a final England slide of four wickets for 29 runs. He left to a rapturous ovation, with everyone inside Trent Bridge knowing they had witnessed one of those great Test innings.

India stay on course India have only once won the first Test in a series in England - in 1986 - and they remain favourites for a repeat, despite Root. They were helped by some loose shots. Sibley drove at a wide one to give an inside edge, Bairstow sloppily pulled straight to deep square leg, and Jos Buttler was bowled offering no stroke.

And just as Root and Curran were building momentum and

India were feeling the heat from the crowd, Bumrah intervened.

Extra bounce induced an edge from Root, Curran shovelled to mid-on, and Stuart Broad was bowled first ball off his pads by a searing inswinging yorker.

Robinson's slice to third man was the signal for the chase to

begin, Rohit and Rahul facing a potentially perilous period against a revved-up England. The openers managed to silence the crowd, only for Broad to change ends and remove Rahul, before Rohit and Cheteshwar Pujara added some late runs on what remains a true pitch. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 2ND INNINGS Rory Burns c †Pant b Mohammed Siraj 18 Dom Sibley c †Pant b Bumrah 28 Zak Crawley c †Pant b Bumrah 6 Joe Root (c) c †Pant b Bumrah 109 Jonny Bairstow c Jadeja b Mohammed Siraj 30 Dan Lawrence lbw b Thakur 25 Jos Buttler † b Thakur 17 Sam Curran c Mohammed Siraj b Bumrah 32 Ollie Robinson c Rahane b Mohammed Shami 15 Stuart Broad b Bumrah 0 James Anderson not out 0 Extras (b 5, lb 2, nb 10, w 6) 23 TOTAL (85.5 Ov, RR: 3.53) 303 Fall of wickets: 1-37 (Rory Burns, 15.1 ov), 2-46 (Zak Crawley, 16.6 ov), 3-135 (Dom Sibley, 45.5 ov), 4-177 (Jonny Bairstow, 57.3 ov), 5-211 (Dan Lawrence, 64.5 ov), 6-237 (Jos Buttler, 70.2 ov), 7-274 (Joe Root, 80.6 ov), 8-295 (Sam Curran, 84.4 ov), 9-295 (Stuart Broad, 84.5 ov), 10-303 (Ollie Robinson, 85.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 19-2-64-5 Mohammed Siraj 25-3-84-2 Mohammed Shami 15.5-1-72-1 Shardul Thakur 13-1-37-2 Ravindra Jadeja 13-3-39-0 INDIA 2ND INNINGS (TARGET: 209 RUNS) KL Rahul c †Buttler b Broad 26 Rohit Sharma not out 12 Cheteshwar Pujara not out 12 Extras (lb 1, nb 1) 2 TOTAL (14 Ov, RR: 3.71) 52/1 Yet to bat: Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant †, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-34 (KL Rahul, 10.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W James Anderson 5-1-12-0 Stuart Broad 5-1-18-1 Ollie Robinson 4-0-21-0

GBA launches air badminton for children “It's been a rollercoaster,”says Kirani James – 'grateful' for bronze after battle with Graves disease, death of mother

G Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes instructing a session

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he Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has recently teamed up with the Nexgen Golf Academy to launch air badminton – a new outdoor game to cater for the boys and girls attached to that golfing institution.

The initiative was introduced and conducted by national players Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes with assistance of Matthew Klautky.

Ramdhani and Haynes are also qualified to participate in the first Pan American Youth Games in Colombia when those are staged in the latter part of the year.

The GBA has expressed gratitude to the executives of

Students at the NexGen Gold Academy paying keen attention to the air badminton lesson

the Golf Academy for being allowed to promote this new and exciting sport, which will see about 60 young athletes participating. The hope is to ignite the interest of other young people in the sport.

The GBA has said it has done a lot during the past months, but it has been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. The GBA has, since December 2020,

launched air badminton at the National Park, the University of Guyana and St. Roses High School. In addition, the Shuttle Time programme was taken to the New Amsterdam Secondary School, Berbice High School, Mackenzie High School and the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School.

Further, it had hosted its national tournament in July.

renadian 400m bronze medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kirani James, has expressed gratitude to be back on the Olympic podium, after a difficult four years which included being diagnosed with a debilitating disease and the passing of his mother.

As a 19-year-old, James had been the toast of the Caribbean after claiming 400m gold at the 2012 London Games. Four years later, he battled to silver behind South African Wayde van Niekerk who won the event in a blistering world record time. Shortly after, however, the athlete’s fortunes took a drastic turn for the worse, and, in an event as brutal and as gruelling as the 400m, the odds were stacked against Kirani James getting a third Olympic medal in Tokyo. He defied them anyway.

In 2017, James had found himself struggling with fatigue and weight loss. He dropped approximately 20 pounds before being diagnosed with the thyroid condition known as Graves’ disease. Just two years later, he faced perhaps even more difficult circumstances

after his mother Pamela James passed away following a lengthy battle with a terminal disease.

At the 2019 World Championships, James had fought his way back to competition weight, but finished fifth in the final, leaving many to wonder if he would ever be back among the elite in that event. Just a year later, James had to deal with the cancelation of the Olympic Games a n d

Kirani James

the disruption and uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After clocking a time of 43.88

in the semi-final of this event in the 2020 Games, his fastest since 2012, the athlete showed that he was doubtlessly back to his best; and despite not being the first to cross the line first in the final, the bronze medal was a sweet reward for the Grenadian after four years of tribulation.

“It’s always great. You have to give credit to all eight guys in the race, they are so so good; so, it's tough to race against them. I’m just happy to compete against those guys and get a medal,” James has said.

“I had an illness, it’s still going on (and) I have to be on medication for the rest of my life.

(In) 2019 I lost my mother, who was the matriarch of our family,” James added.

“I’ve had to deal with COVID, the quarantines and the lockdowns, and not having a place to train and trying to figure things out. So, it’s been a whirlwind, a roller coaster,” he said.

James has become the first man in Olympic history to win a medal in that event at three different Games.

(Sportsmax)

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NSC serves $1M support to Chelsea Edghill O

lympian Chelsea Edghill will see her request to the National Sports Commission for support in June being honoured today after Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, announced yesterday that the table tennis player would receive $1M to aid in her preparation for upcoming tournaments.

Accompanied by president of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), Godfrey Munroe, Edghill had on June 8 met with Ninvalle to highlight her situation and to make a formal request for assistance from the National Sports Commission (NSC).

At the time, Edghill had just received news that she would be heading to the 32nd Olympiad in Japan (Tokyo 2020).

“Chelsea Edghill would’ve presented to us, through the GTTA, a very complete proposal. With that, the proposal would’ve included her training. As a Commission, we felt it was important to…support her throughout the years, but this ($1M) is just an initial support,” Ninvalle has said.

Ninvalle explained thus, “What we would do is that we’ll look back after four months, we would see how that training is going and see whether or not we will invest more (money) into Ms Edghill.”

GTTA President Godfrey Munroe receiving the cheque on Chelsea Edghill’s behalf from Chairman of the NSC, Kashif Muhammad (first from left) and Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle (first from right)

According to the Director of Sport, “it’s not a done deal that this is just the $1M we will be given to Ms Edghill and we’ll stop there. What we will be doing is looking at her performance during the course of the training.”

Meanwhile, Munroe has said the GTTA is happy that the request has been honoured. He pointed out that “it’s welcoming and it’s commendable that the Ministry and the National Sports Commission is backing its statement with action.

“We (the GTTA) are happy about this, because it shows that we have a partner that we can call on. I know the Director of Sport, being the head of an

Association…, because he understands the challenges,” Munroe noted.

Further, he reasoned, “It’s great to see the manifestation and action from our initial meeting, that we’re here receiving the support for Chelsea. They did say that this is just an appetizer, but they will be looking to see how she goes about her training and so on. In our ‘fan out’ meeting, a lot of things were discussed.”

Edghill, a former Caribbean U21 champion, was one of 86 women in Tokyo vying for Olympic glory, and how she got there wasn’t by luck or by winning the table tennis lottery, as some would say, but really

through her brilliance over the years.

The IOC’s Tripartite Commission had two slots (one male and one female) to select from among National

Olympic Committees that didn’t have more than eight athletes at the two previous Olympic Games in London (2012) and Rio (2016).

The Tripartite Commission selected Togo’s Dodji Fanni and Guyana’s Chelsea Edghill.

The 24-year-old Edghill had a historic showing in Tokyo, where, playing in the very first match of the Women’s Singles Tournament, she brushed aside Fiji’s Sally Yee 4-1 (115, 4-11, 11-3, 11-6, 11-8).

On the surface, Edghill’s match-winning performance might seem casual, given her brilliance in the sport, but in the table tennis world, it represented ‘history’; not just for Guyana, but for the Caribbean as well.

While Edghill became Guyana’s first table tennis player, male or female, to represent the country in the sport at the Olympics, the

Linwood University graduate (Chemistry) has also been the first female player from the English-speaking Caribbean to feature at the event since it became an Olympic sport in 1988.

After her much-talkedabout and celebrated victory over Yee, Edghill’s next opponent was 17-year-old Shin Yubin from South Korea.

Shin Yubin is South Korea’s youngest-ever representative in the sport, and against Edghill, the world 85th ranked player showed why she’s one of the best players in the world, winning 4-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-1, 12-10).

After wrapping up her time at the Olympics, Edghill took what she’s calling “a much-needed break” from the sport to enjoy her vacation in New York.

She’s set to return home to Guyana this weekend.

Legendary Sir Curtly Ambrose joins West Indies Rising Stars U-19 camp

Under-10s impress GCF at international tournament Sir Curtly working in the nets with the Under-19 players

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Aniyah Couchman

Adiah Alphonso

fter ten gruelling rounds of Chess, the Guyana U10 players have presented spectators with a glimpse of the future grandmasters of chess during the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE’s) Youth and Cadet World Cup. The two youngest members of the team, Aquilani Swammadha and Julian Mohabir, each just 7 years old, have gained five and four points respectively. The almost-18 months of ongoing training with IM Atanu Lihari was well worth the investment by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), after seeing the returns of such.

Aqualani Swammadha finished 112th in a field of over 220 players from the best chess playing countries in the

Mahir Rajkumar

world. His five points have placed him behind just one Jamaican player and ahead of all others in the Englishspeaking Caribbean.

Julian Mohabir is on 158th with a commendable four points at the end of the tournament, while Nicholas Zhang and Jacob Mac Donald have gained 3 and 2 points respectively.

The tournament has been the second of its kind since the pandemic forced chess to move major championships online.

Meanwhile, aside from the Under-10s, the older counterparts commenced their campaign, starting on the 6th of August, when Omar Shariff, Alexander Zhang and Mahir Rajkumar of Mae’s Schools will be competing in the U12s open, and Adia Alphanso and Aniyah Couchman in the Under- 16 girls.

Following two rounds of play, the only win of the day came from Mahir Rajkumar with a remarkable victory over India’s ELO 1419 rated player Ashvath Mittal.

The game was, as previously mentioned, the only game won for the day, with Adia Alphonso, in her first game, preforming creditably with some brilliant play, before falling into time trouble and eventually losing to her opponent Eirini Ergazaki of Greece.

ir Curtly Ambrose has said he’s extremely delighted to share his immense knowledge and insight of the game with the aspiring players participating in the Cricket West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 High Performance Camp in Antigua.

The legend - one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, with 405 wickets in Test and another 225 in ODIs - is the specialist bowling consultant for the group as members prepare for the ICC

Sir Curtly will work closely with the young fast bowlers, as well as act as a mentor for the team. He will accompany them on the tour of England next month, where they will play six Youth One-Day Internationals at the County Ground in Beckenham and the Polo Field in Canterbury.

“I’m always available!

Always ready, willing and able to help West Indies cricket in any way I’m asked,” Sir Curtly has said. “This is a special, for I get to work with this group of young men who

Under-19 Cricket World Cup (50 overs).

The camp starts today at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, and the 56 participating players will be under the guidance of Head Coach Floyd Reifer and his team.

are the future of West Indies cricket. We have started really well, and they are very keen to learn and gain knowledge. We’ve had some fantastic conversations already, and they have been picking my brain, so that tells me

they want to learn and grow and develop,” Sir Curtly has said.

The Rising Stars U19 tour is a key component of CWI’s investment in developing the next generation of international West Indies Men’s cricketers. Following the tour, CWI will be investing in further development camps and international matches before the World Cup. This will help prepare players for the ICC U19 World Cup in 2022, and then beyond to help the Rising Stars develop and compete and perform at the elite level in regional and international cricket.

“We are looking at the overall development of each and every player, and we want to make sure that everyone benefits from their time here, and at the end they (each) leave (as) a better player and a better person. This is not just about the present, but we also have to look at the future,” Sir Curtly has said.

“I’ve watched them, and they can play. We certainly have some talented young men in this group. What we have to do is build on this foundation and look to develop their skills on and off the field, so we safeguard the future of West Indies cricket.”

(CWI)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

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est batsman Nkrumah Bonner got among the runs in the first Best v Best 4-day match, stroking an unbeaten 53 on the fourth and final day at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

West Indies are preparing for the first Test match against Pakistan, starting on August 12 at the same venue in Jamaica.

Stumps were drawn on

the fourth day when Windies team two reaching 140-4 in 36.2 overs. In addition to Bonner's fifty, Jermaine Blackwood and Kyle Mayers contributed 25 runs each in the drawn encounter. Kemar Roach, Alzaari Joseph and Roston Chase each took one wicket on the fourth day.

Earlier in the match, Windies team two, in their first innings, posted 173 all

out in 71 overs. Test skipper Kraigg Brathwaite scored an unbeaten 77, while Chase made 41. Leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul claimed 5-38, while Nicholson Gordon picked up 3-20 and Nial Smith took 2-32.

In reply, Windies team one, in their first innings, scored 261 all out in 87.5 overs. Vice-captain Jermaine

Blackwood made 62, and Rahkeem Cornwall chipped in with 39. Chase returned with the ball to claim 2-11, Kemar Roach had 2-20, Raymon Reifer bagged 2-31, and Chemar Holder had 2-46.

In Windies team two’s second innings, a score of 3339 in 99.2 overs was posted.

Axed test batsman Shamarh Brooks scored 134, while

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Chase made 63. Rahkeem Cornwall impressed with 5-67 and Permaul returned with 2-69.

The final Test squad is expected to be announced in a few days’ time, as West Indies gear up for the twomatch Tests series against Pakistan.

GFF hoping to have fraternity Athletes, Associations benefit from NSC support COVID-19-vaccinated

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has led the way in being vaccinated, and we continu e

he pros and cons of vaccination against

COVID-19 has been weighed many times over the past few weeks.

W i t h several Government Ministries mandating that only fully vaccinated persons would be able to visit off i c e s without an appointment, the topic has become the talk of the town recently.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is, however, on a mission to ensure the health and safety of the fraternity by pushing the mandate of vaccination against COVID-19.

This was disclosed by GFF President Wayne Forde during the recent handing over of equipment for the restart of the Academy Training Center (ATC) Programme at the Federation’s based National Training Center at Providence, EBD. However, President Forde has revealed that this persuasion will not be forceful.

“I must say that the GFF Executive Committee

t

o

lobby all of our members about the importance of being vaccinated,” Forde stated on Thursday last.

Expressing his hope to have the football fraternity inoculated, Forde added, “Those efforts will be intensified over the next couple of weeks and months, as we set out to ensure the entire football fraternity and all of its stakeholders are fully vaccinated.”

Forde has disclosed that coaches attending to the students of the ATC have been vaccinated in order to ensure the safety of those young players.

“We have made it a requirement that those that are working within our Academy Training Center programme…are vaccinated,” the GFF President disclosed.

However, the football boss was keen to share that the Federation is in no position to force the jab on its members.

He explained, “While we are in no position to issue any mandate in that regard, we expect that our members will b e have responsibly, and t h a t they will understand the importance of protecting the kids that will be under their care.”

In citing another reason for taking the vaccine, Forde noted that it would be integral in the restart of the game.

“So, this is a very important step in ensuring that we can get back to the pitch and we can get back to playing football,” Forde concluded.

Aside from the ‘Bounce back Tournament’ at the start of 2021, Guyana saw its last game of football back in March of 2020, just before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

At the moment, Guyana has vaccinated a total of 18.2% of its 700,000 plus population.

There are currently three different vaccines available to the general public, with Health officials implementing services such as ‘Drive through vaccination sites’ in order to encourage the population to take their jabs, in hopes of achieving herd immunity against the deadly virus.

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(Seated) Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and NSC Chairman Kashif Muhammad

everal athletes and Associations have been beneficiaries of the National Sports Commission’s generosity following a request for funding towards various upcoming competitions and programmes.

Led by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Chairman Kashif Muhammad, the NSC has made presentations to the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation ($1.6M), the Guyana Badminton Association ($900,000), Youth Basketball Guyana ($500,000) and the Guyana Table Tennis Association ($1M for Chelsea Edghill).

The GBBFF’s assistance is towards their seven athletes participating at the August 11–16 Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Championships, which will be hosted in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Badminton’s request is to assist the Ramdhani siblings, Priyanna and Narayan, in training for future tournaments in Canada.

Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), the organisation that has established itself as custodian and preserver of Schools’ basketball, had engaged the NSC for funding towards its re-

turn-to-play countrywide programme.

Ninvalle has said that since the installation of the six-member Commission by Minister Charles Ramson Jr, the NSC has been working hard behind the scenes to meet the needs of several athletes and associations. However, the recent support, Ninvalle noted, is just the beginning.

“We’ve just started, but there’s a lot more work to do, but we want to make sure that whatever little that we’ve done, we are able to justify why we have been supporting. It is not done by one person, we have a team of people working, so we pool our ideas and we’re also listening to the associations,” Ninvalle said.

According to the Director of Sport, the NSC will not be looking at how things used to be, but rather how they can ensure that sport doesn’t return to a state of despair.

Ninvalle is encouraging all sporting associations to reach out to the NSC for a frank discussion on their needs and how the Commission can play a part in helping to see them forward.

Guyana was represented by seven athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, and while

their performances didn’t yield any medals or near-podium finishes, Ninvalle has said the National Sports Commission is proud of their efforts and is happy to have supported the realisation of their Olympic dreams.

The country’s Director of Sport has said the NSC has taken notice of the various athletes' reflection of their plight and the need for support.

“This Commission is very cognisant of some of the hardships that the athletes would’ve gone through. So this Commission understands what is happening, and we would take a collective approach in order to alleviate some of the burdens that the athletes go through,” the Director of Sport has said.

Ninvalle has said the NSC will be working with all the various sports associations and advocating groups to help revamp, highlight, and advance sports in Guyana.

Prior to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the athletes representing Guyana each received $200,000 from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, as well as financial assistance towards their preparation.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

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

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