Guyana Times - Sunday July 25, 2021

“Beating de books” led me to writing music under disguise – Kareem “cKush” Lewis Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4719 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

Govt opens tender for construction of Amaila Falls Hydro Project − aiming to start in 2022 and complete by 2025 Page 3

Rose Hall Estate scheduled for October 2022 reopening – Estate Manager Page 11

− says it will restore life to surrounding communities

5 Reg 4 residents succumb to COVID, 240 new cases recorded See story on page 9

…non-Guyanese must be fully vaccinated to enter Guyana

P24

Eccles-to-Mandela road project 30% complete – Min Croal

− says road will be completed on schedule; to be opened by December

Page 7

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Residents of Kabakaburi P10 Mission now have access to mobile service

− Digicel pumps $4B into LTE services across Guyana

Driver found P9 murdered in parked truck, robbery suspected ECD man arrested with plastic gun during P10 Police patrol Mother pleads for safe return of 2 sons P33 allegedly taken by father − matter brought to attention of Police, CC&PA

Over $13M in “Because We Care” grants distributed in Wismar Hill P8

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SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, July 25 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Monday, July 26 – 04:00h – 05:30h

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, July 25 – 04:55h – 06:25h and Monday, July 26 – 05:40h – 07:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers during the day.

Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to West North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 17:42h reaching a maximum height of 2.55 metres.

Low Tide: 11:15h and 23:29h reaching a minimum height of 0.53 metre and 0.66 metre.

SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Govt opens tender for construction of Amaila Falls Hydro Project − aiming to start in 2022 with 2025 deadline

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he Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which was shuttered by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, is now back on the table as tenders have been released for the potentially transformative project.

This goes toward a promise the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) made while they were in Opposition and on the 2020 General and Regional Elections campaign trail. According to a Request For Proposal (RFP), the PPP Government is aiming to start construction on the project by the second half of 2022.

Additionally, the RFP which was issued by the Office of the Prime Minister indicates that the Government is eyeing completion of the project by the end of 2025. The responses to the RFP, including all documents requested in the tender, must be submitted by September 26, 2021.

According to the tender, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) in its Development and Expansion (D&E) plan for 2021 to 2025, estimates that by 2025 some 465 Megawatts (MW) and 2900 Gigawatt hours (GWH) of power will be needed.

It was further noted that the Government wants an energy mix that uses both natural gas (a reference to the gas-to-shore project) and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), as well as renewable energy like hydro power, wind and solar.

“By 2026, the Government of Guyana expects demand to be met by dispatching from its lowest cost of supply, which is expected to be derived from gas (up to 300 MW), Amaila (165 MW) and other renewables and non-renewable capacity to make up any balance or serve as a backup,” the RFP explains.

When it comes to the scope of work, the project entails the construction of a 165 MW installed hydro dam, plant and related works, as well as transmission lines and structures from Amaila Falls in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) to Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

They must also create 230 kV substations in Linden and Sophia, as well as a 23 square km storage reservoir. Additionally, the contractor will be expected to upgrade and complete roads and bridges to the site and assume all geotechnical risks associated with the project.

Two options are on the table for bidders in the RFP - Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) and Design Build Finance (DBF). According to the RFP, bidders must respond to both options, with

the best one being chosen by the Government.

BOOT

In the case of the BOOT option, developers were asked to “state the cost (per Kilowatt) and equivalent annual payment for power delivered to Sophia, Georgetown on the basis of a 20-year BOOT (period starting from commercial operations date), with all of the costs of the project to commissioning date, being borne by the developer and the project reverting to the Government at the end of the BOOT period, at no cost.

All appropriate assumptions including cost of capital, equity, debt and operating costs should be stated.”

Meanwhile, the DBF option stipulates those developers must provide information on the cost per kilowatt for power delivered to Sophia. They must also finance the project on the sole condition that the Government of Guyana takes possession of the project and the debt once the project is completed and commissioned.

“Financing repayment will only start on successful takeover of the project in accordance with contract terms. The developer should state the project cost, financing details and all other assumptions including operating costs and debt service. Terms such as interest rate, loan tenure, loan conditions, capitalisa-

An artist’s impression of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project

tion of interest during construction and a draft financing term sheet should be provided,” the RFP said.

Meanwhile, prospective bidders were urged to include in their submissions, a detailed record of similar projects they have completed, evidence of financial ability and three years of financial statements.

Bidders will also be expected to review all existing project documents and technical studies that were available at the end of 2015 on AFHP. Additionally, they will be expected to submit details on their proposed plans for achieving local content including sub-contractors and what percentage of the project costs will be sourced locally.

The revival of the 165-megawatt Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was one of the promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic in its mani-

festo. The project was initiated under the previous PPP/C Administration but was scrapped by the coalition Administration which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat Opposition majority.

Further, when it got into office following the 2015 elections, the APNU/AFC had gotten clearance from Norway to divert the monies that were initially set aside for Amaila Falls to fund a 100-megawatt solar energy project. The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was the flagship of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

Amaila was expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy that would have been affordable and reliable, and was envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs while removing dependency on fossil fuels.

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SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

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

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The PNC leadership contretemps

t is understandable that the PNC, which was originally installed in office back in 1964 as one of the early instances of manipulated “regime change”, and remained there for twenty-eight years during its first iteration, is now complaining of being the victim of the same procedure in 2020. Knowing so intimately the games that can be played in the international arena, it cannot concede that it is possible for governments to be seated and unseated via democratic means, without fingers being placed on the scale.

Declassified US files from that era conclusively show that the PNC was assisted before and after the 1964 and 1968 elections, and afterwards. While he was the PPP Chairman between 1950 and 1955, Burnham could not be bothered with the minutiae of the party’s organisational work. He was consumed with his urge to oust Dr Jagan and become leader. His Machiavellian manoeuvrings, feints and backroom dealings, leading to the split in 1955, have been well recorded, and need no elaboration. The external help he received went a far way towards the success of the PNCUF coalition that won the 1964 elections, but paradoxically stymied the development of a democratic party structure, since all efforts were focused on stoking Burnham’s ego and building his brand.

Even afterwards, in 1969 and then 1970, Burnham was recorded as having requested, and then receiving, US$5000 monthly from the US “303 Committee” to organise the PNC so as to attract supporters of the PPP. The Committee complained that, even with all that money (US$5000 was substantial funds back then), Burnham was siphoning off US$27,000 monthly from the US-funded and supplied flour mill.

But the PNC failed in weaning away PPP supporters, and was allowed to rig elections. Democracy then was never a feature of the PNC’s political praxis, both within and without, and it should have surprised no one that after the party lost the “free and fair” 1992 elections, leadership struggles rather than party building and expansion have characterised its trajectory. PNC Congresses were always more about acclaiming the Maximum Leader.

Desmond Hoyte, the uncharismatic “accidental President” after Burnham’s demise, then rigged the 1985 elections. He felt it necessary to remove the dominant “Burnhamite” faction, not by intra-party democratic means, but through a series of Machiavellian moves that would have done Burnham proud. After ousting his arch-rival Hamilton Green, he did attempt to democratically widen the PNC’s appeal, but it was too little too late, and he lost the 1992 elections. His successor, Robert Corbin, was accepted, not for his “democratic credentials”, but because he was reputationally capable of being able to “manners” the PPP during a period of direct, violent attacks against the state.

It was not to be, and, in the meantime, the PNC’s Biennial Congresses were all manipulated - primarily by procedural rules that front-loaded delegates’ selection based on the leader’s preferences. While Corbin has been acclaimed for stepping aside after a decade in the saddle, it should be noted that his successor, David Granger, was handpicked by him. And he was not installed democratically, but though the old, manipulated practices of delegates’ selection and delegate-vote tabulation, which were widely condemned as undemocratic. Yet, those who lost out eventually fell into line, and thus denied the party an opportunity to instill a democratic ethos and praxis in its membership and leadership.

And we arrive at the present contretemps, where several challengers to the continued leadership of David Granger are questioning his “democratic” credentials or lack thereof, and demanding that he step down. The contradiction they are caught in is that, as Leader of the party, Granger is in control of the “official” apparatus, which was always used to stymie internal party democracy. We can see what is going to play out in Granger’s first comment to the challengers: he dubbed them as “phantoms” who have yet to lay a motion for his removal directly in the 35-member CEC.

Naomi Osaka lighting the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Olympic Stadium on Friday (ROB SCHUMACHER, USA TODAY SPORTS)

GECOM must get rid of all unwanted elements

Dear Editor, It is most opportune for the Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission, along with Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh, to assert themselves and fully discuss the ‘notorious’ three fraudsters’ serious charges, who are before the courts, and dismiss them.

This nation must not accept any further delays, and GECOM must get rid of all the suspects and unwanted elements who are employed at the Commission. The Commission took a decision to send the ‘Trio’ on leave.

Further, it was agreed that the motion moved against them by Commissioner Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Manoj Narine at a statutory meeting of the Commissioners would be fully discussed with a view to bringing the matter to conclusion. The actions by several GECOM staff members, particularly the ‘Trio’, are a matter of serious concern, because the nation has lost faith and trust in GECOM as an organisation.

It is indeed totally disrespectful and very bad for the Opposition members of the Commission to walk out of a statutory meeting, as they continue to frustrate the work of the Commission

in an effort to delay natural justice. The issue of a quorum must be dealt with by the Chairperson, as the laws provide for such issues.

Article 226 (5) of the Guyana Constitution makes provision for the absence of that quorum.

While, the PNC commissioners can continue to attempt to delay the process, Article (5) (b) provides that if, at any stage of a duly summoned meeting, a quorum is not present due to the absence of members without just cause, such just cause being determined by the Chairman, the meeting shall stand adjourned to a day not later than two calendar days; the meeting shall stand adjourned to the following day at the same time and place, and notice of such adjournment shall be given to the absent members; and if, at the adjourned meeting, a quorum is not present, the members then present being not less than four, including the Chairman, shall be deemed to constitute a quorum, and any decision made at that or any such meeting shall be valid in law and binding.

Local Government Elections must take place this year. GECOM has been allocated a substantial amount of money to run

off the elections. GECOM must cleanse itself of the “riggers”, and proceed with preparation for the LGEs this year.

While Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo are on administrative leave pending the outcome of the decision by GECOM on the motions seeking the dismissal of the ‘Trio’, it is imperative that the Chairperson do what is expected, and make sure we get free and fair LGEs. Lowenfield’s open defiance of court orders in his deliberate attempts to fraudulently declare the APNU/AFC Coalition as winners of the March 2nd 2020 General and Regional Elections must not be condoned.

The several deliberate attempts and disrespect showed by Lowenfield to the Commission, and the Chairperson in particular, are enough for his immediate dismissal. As for Deputy CEO Myers, she was disre-

spectful to Commissioner Sase Gunraj, and she brought this nation into disrepute when she embarrassed the international observers, particularly the head of the Commonwealth Mission, Owen Arthur. As for Mingo, mere words cannot adequately describe his atrocious behaviour.

However, we must not forget that he resides in Region 5, and he is a permanent staff of GECOM, who was catapulted to Region 4 as the Regional Officer.

The public is complaining about his activities in West Berbice.

All eyes are on GECOM, and expectations are high that the Madam Chairperson would assert her authority and bring an early end to the impasse at GECOM’s next statutory meeting. Dismiss the ‘trio’ now!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Cases dismissed due to no-case submission

Dear Editor, There seems to be a serious problem within the Office of The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). From 6th October, 2020 to now, there

have been no less than thirteen (13) cases of serious offences which have been dismissed by various courts because of nocase submissions.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

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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

PPP/C’s 1 year in Government Dear Editor, The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will soon celebrate one year of being in office. One cannot help but reflect on the journey that culminated in this victory. It all started when the PPP/C party lost the March 2015 general and regional elections.

Losing an election is never something easy, and we are well aware how devastating that was, not only for the party comrades, but for the

committed supporters.

The leadership quickly garnered their equilibrium and formulated a strategy to regain power. The master politician Dr Bharrat Jagdeo stepped forward. He was successfully voted as Leader and General Secretary of the PPP/C at the congress held in Essequibo. He immediately reformed the party and started on the campaign trail with successful weekly press conferences.

He did that with great

tenacity and heroism. He became even more popular within the party and the public at large.

Dr Jagdeo had the courage to face problems squarely, and to remove viruses that erode the party’s health.

He kept strengthening the party’s ability to lead politically, to guide through theory, to organise the people, and to inspire and promote a fresh group of leaders - thus ensuring relevance, vitality and strong ability are forever

Cases dismissed due...

Among those cases are ten murder cases involving fourteen accused, one case of armed robbery involving three persons accused of attempting to rob the Republic Bank on Water St., one case of threatening to bomb the University of Guyana, and one case of causing death by dangerous driving.

Each of these cases was dismissed or discharged because the defence submitted that they had no case to defend, as the prosecutors had failed to produce enough evidence against the defendants.

This means that the DPP’s Office had failed to produce enough evidence against the defendant(s) in each case to warrant the continuation of the trial, with the judges or magistrates accepting the no- case submissions presented.

Why is the DPP’s Office wasting valuable resourc-

es by taking to trial cases which are lacking sufficient evidence? Prosecutors working in that Office are highly trained lawyers who represent the state in seeking justice. However, it is unjust for persons to be: arrested, charged, and in many cases remanded to prison (for many years), only to be freed because of a no-case submission.

The website of the DPP’s Office states that while it does not conduct investigations into criminal offences, it provides legal advice to the various law enforcement agencies.

The website continues: “We give personal and individualised attention to each Police file, sifting through thousands of statements annually, because each case is important to us as it is to you. We are committed to: hard work, service, justice, transparency and integrity. We work to

FROM PAGE 4

ensure that justice is done in each case.” (https:// www.dpp.gy/) Therefore, the DPP’s Office should be advising the law enforcement agencies that, where necessary, they need to have stronger evidence provided before the accused can be brought to court. It makes no sense going to court to prosecute an accused with a weak case.

Thirteen cases of serious criminal offences within a year being thrown out of court for lack of evidence is a serious indictment of the DPP’s Office.

It would appear that the DPP’s Office has not been providing excellent legal advice to the law enforcement agencies, and in so doing, has been damaging Guyana’s legal system.

Regards, Jonathan Yearwood

maintained.

Subsequently, the Central Executive of the PPP/C voted, and Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali was elected leader with an 80 percent majority.

Issues which arose were settled amicably. Then came the no- confidence motion and elections were delayed because of various mathematical interpretations by disgraced judges. However, the final court ensured that justice prevailed.

A new Chairman was appointed to GECOM, and a date was set for Guyana’s long-awaited national and regional elections.

Another hurdle had to be settled, and that is where we see the mastery of Dr. Jagdeo.

Party loyalists, those with an opinion, and Opposition politicians were brutal and vile in their attacks on Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Some even predicted that the Government of that time would emerge victorious at the March 2, 2020 elections.

The General Secretary told Dr. Ali, “You must travel around the entire country and reach all of the people, and I will go on the political platform and sell your candidacy”, and how wittily, skilfully and successfully he did this.

Within a month of campaigning, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had everything under control, the victory was in the bag, another five months of delays elapsed, but the rule of law prevailed.

Today, His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed

Irfaan Ali is championing the worries and concerns of all Guyanese locally and abroad. Everyone within the Central Executive of the PPP/C and the populace now realise that the choice for the party’s leadership is absolutely correct. The bureaucracy in the Government has dissolved, the lives and livelihoods of our people are improving, and everyone can see a bright future.

Duties and taxes on numerous items were removed, and not a cent from the revenue from the sale of our oil was used, but the Government under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has distributed cash and vouchers to every household within the past year. In addition, thousands of young Guyanese profes-

sionals, brothers and sisters, have secured a house lot or a complete home from this administration, as the national infrastructure is being revolutionised.

As I reflect on the maestro, I wish to advise my longstanding friend Joe Harmon to be a responsible Opposition Leader, know that elections in Guyana are very close. Twenty-eight seats are guaranteed between the two majority political parties. The nine seats are what either has to work assiduously for.

Do as your predecessor did, and you will be better off.

Remember, losing an election is not at all easy, and five years will elapse quickly.

Respectfully, Nazar Mohamed

6 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

7 Evidence-Based Ways to Stop Sibling Fighting BY: Cara Goodwin, PhD

A

nyone who grew up with siblings or has raised siblings knows that the sibling relationship is very important and very complicated. It is often characterised by both a special kind of love and a special kind of conflict. A recent national study found that 82 per cent of children in the United States live with at least one sibling. This percentage is higher than the percentage of children who live with a father or father figure in the US (78 per cent).

Children also spend more free time with their siblings than anyone else in their lives. Although the amount of sibling contact diminishes as children grow up and move out of their childhood homes, sibling relationships continue to influence adult well-being.

Even in old age, research finds that the quality of sibling relationships is one of the most important factors in mental health and wellbeing.

So, what does research tell us about siblings and how we can improve this very important relationship?

Why does it matter if siblings get along?

Children develop many essential skills through playing and interacting with their siblings, including perspective-taking, understanding emotions, problem-solving, and negotiating.

They then generalise these skills to other social relationships, including friendships.

Research finds that when siblings have a supportive relationship, they can have many positive influences on each other, including improved empathy (the ability to understand and feel the emotions of others), more advanced social skills,

and greater interest and engagement in school.

However, when siblings have a more negative relationship, they can negatively impact each other’s development. For example, sibling conflict in childhood is associated with school problems, substance use, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

What about age spacing between siblings? Does this impact the sibling relationship?

Yes! Research suggests that wider age gaps seem

to be related to less conflict among siblings, while smaller age gaps are related to a closer sibling relationship.

In particular, research finds that siblings aged four or more years apart show greater affection, prosocial behaviour, and admiration towards one another, while siblings aged less than 4 years apart are more likely to be close. Research also finds that this pattern of increased conflict among siblings closer in age persists into adulthood.

What can parents do to address sibling conflict?

Many parents identify sibling conflict as the most common problem in their families, yet most parents are unclear about how to best address this problem.

Research has found that siblings fight up to eight times per hour. Furthermore, 70 per cent of families report physical violence among siblings, making sibling violence the most common form of violence in a family.

So what can we do as parents?

The following evidence-based strategies may help to reduce sibling conflict, and ultimately improving your children’s relationship: 1. Stay as calm and as neutral as possible.

Research indicates

that, when mothers favour the younger child (as parents tend to do when refereeing sibling conflict), their children are likely to interact with each other less frequently. Approach the conflict assuming the best of both children involved (for example, saying, “What happened here?” rather than, “Did you hurt your sister again?”).

2. Help children learn to regulate their negative emotions during a conflict with siblings.

Teach your children how to identify their own emotions and the emotions of their siblings and then develop coping strategies for regulating their emotions (deep breathing, going to a “calm down” space, asking a parent for help, etc). Teach

and practice these skills when your children are calm rather than during a conflict!

3. Teach important social skills to help siblings play together effectively.

Specifically, teach children how to ask their sibling to play, how to accept or decline a sibling’s offer to play, and how to see the situation from their sibling’s perspective.

4. Mediate sibling conflict.

Help each child listen to the other’s perspective and learn how to resolve conflict on their own (that is, without parental assistance). Teach children how to explain their own perspective, problemsolve, and compromise.

Research shows that children are more likely to resolve conflict when parents intervene to some extent.

When left to their own devices, the older sibling tends to “win” without either child learning how to compromise.

5. Avoid simply solving the problem in your children’s conflicts and involve children in the process of resolving it.

Research shows that when both parents and children are involved in solving the problem, children gain important skills that will enable them to resolve their own conflicts in the future.

6. Praise your children when they are playing nicely rather than punishing them for fighting or becoming aggressive with each other.

Research shows that praise for opposite behaviour (that is, playing nicely with each other) is very effective in reducing sibling conflict.

7. Model healthy ways of resolving conflict in your own disagreements with your partner and children.

Research shows that marital conflict and hostility of a parent towards a child have a negative impact on sibling relationships. (Excerpt from Psychologytoday.com)

E

International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem/ Mangrove Day

very year, on July 26, the world at large celebrates World Mangrove Day. Unlike other international days, there is no annual theme for this observance. The aims of World Mangrove Day are: * To raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem; and * To promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and use.

One might ask: why should we celebrate mangroves?

Mangrove forests are unique, in that one acre of mangroves can absorb up to five times more carbon than an acre of terrestrial forest! This is because tropical mangroves store most of their carbon in the soil through their extensive root systems. The destruction of mangrove forests therefore emits comparatively large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

If that is not enough to pique your interest, let's read on some more. Mangroves are rare, spectacular and prolific ecosystems situated on the boundary between land and sea.

These extraordinary ecosystems contribute to the wellbeing, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. They support a rich biodiversity, and provide a valuable nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans. Mangroves also act as a form of natural coastal defense against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels, and erosion. Nothing is scarier than having waves crashing into our shores with no mechanism in place to break their force. Yet mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts.

Let us zero in on Guyana There are three main species of mangroves in Guyana, Avicennia germinans (black mangrove), Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove), and Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove). * Mangroves contribute substantially to sea defense in Guyana by dampening wave action and reducing wave energy; * Mangroves also help prevent erosion by stabilising sediments with their tangled root systems; * Mangroves play an important role in the fight against climate change by trapping and storing carbon; * Moreover, mangroves provide a habitat for many fish and bird species, their roots often serving as a safe zone which allows juvenile fishes and other marine animals to grow; * Mangroves protect other ecosystems – seagrass beds and coral reefs - by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments from inland. In the same way, they protect water quality; * The leaves of the mangroves have been used in tea, medicine, and livestock feed; During the period January 14-15, 2020, EPA conducted a workshop titled "Berbice Restoration of Wellington Park Mangrove Reserve Sub- Regional Project", under the North Brazil Shelf, Large Marine Ecosystem Project, at its Whim office. This project was focused on the restoration of a coastal wetland area (mangrove area) by means of an EcosystemBased Management (EBM) approach. The EBM approach places significant emphasis on a community's involvement in the maintenance and management of its community. Ten members of the Wellington Park community were trained to collect water, soil, vegetation, invertebrate and vertebrate samples. The aim was to have a cadre of trained residents who can be re-engaged in the future and assist with the restoration project. The EPA believes that this is one step in promoting community involvement in the management of their environment.

You can learn more about Guyana’s unique mangrove ecosystems by watching Reel Guyana’s documentary on the Barima/Mora passage.

References https://www.careourearth.com/world-mangrove-day/ https://www.mangrovealliance.org/why-care-aboutmangroves-on-earth-day/ https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/gy/gy-nr-05-en.pdf h t t p s : / / w w w. e p a g u y a n a . o r g / e p a / n e w s / 2 0 2 enforcement-action-environmental-authorisation h tt p s : / / w w w. m a n g ro v e a l l i a n c e . o r g /s av e - o u rmangroves-now/ 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.

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7 Eccles-to-Mandela road project 30% complete – Min Croal NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

− says road will be completed on schedule; to be opened by December

T

he Eccles to Mandela road project, which has seen six contractors work on completing the important road link under the auspices of the Ministry of Housing and Water, is on course for completion and opening by this year end.

This was explained by Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, in an interview with this publication. He explained that the project is so far 30 per cent completed and work is currently ongoing on sand tilling.

“The Eccles to Mandela project is six lots. Basically, six contractors who are working. And that’s in progress, we’re aiming for a November month end completion so that we can have that open in December,” he said.

“It’s in progress they’re actually doing sand tilling and moving to the other stages. I would average that’s at least 30 per cent completed,” the Minister had further explained to this publication.

Among the flurry of infrastructural development underway, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced in January that the Government is looking at building the four-lane road between Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and Mandela Avenue that will significantly ease the traffic congestion.

The President had con-

An artist’s impression of the Eccles-to-Mandela Avenue four-lane road

ducted a site visit with technical and other officials on Saturday, where he had spoken about the Eccles to Mandela road link. The link is expected to be the second phase of the overall OgleDiamond bypass road, after the Diamond to Eccles link.

The bypass project will see a total of 26 kilometres of road constructed, linking two of the country’s main thoroughfares. This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara. These include Diamond, Mocha and Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown. These connections will prove crucial in diverting traffic.

Works on the new alternative road connecting Diamond and Eccles on the EBD corridor, which is

intended to ease the traffic congestion, are meanwhile almost complete. The new alternative road will run from Sixth Avenue, Diamond, to the Windsor Estate Road that leads on to the Eccles Landfill Site Road. This will form a connection through the new Herstelling Housing Scheme and other schemes that are being developed along the EBD corridor.

During an interview with another section of the media, Minister within the Ministry of Housing Susan Rodrigues had said that the Diamond to Eccles road would be commissioned soon. According to the Minister, this road project is awaiting the completion of construction of a connecting bridge but the road itself is completed.

The Minister had said previously that this particular road will make it sig-

nificantly easier for persons to access house lots on the outskirts of the city, adding that, with such infrastructural transformation, persons can easily access Georgetown despite living outside the city. Rodrigues noted that before taking this step, Government must be able to prove to persons

that their daily activities will not be challenged with traffic woes.

“Infrastructural projects are what enhances a nation and without that major infrastructure, we won’t be able to move forward. While we search for lands to develop housing communities, we have to make sure that there is the necessary infrastructure within the housing schemes and we are running out of space in Region Four…I do believe that we can cut that travel time and start to ease the burden on our commuters. This is why the infrastructural development is so important that people must feel confident to work in one city and live in another. And it must not be too burdensome on them or take away from their daily lives,” the Minister had said.

These projects are all

part of the India-funded Bypass Road Project which would link the East Bank Demerara corridor to the East Coast of Demerara, creating a new highway in the backlands. The Indian Government had provided a US$50 million Line of Credit (LOC) for the road link that was initially slated for Ogle, ECD, to Diamond. Under the previous Government, the project was at a standstill for several years.

The Ali-led People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has since redesigned the project into three phases to fit the LOC. It will now run from Ogle to Haags Bosch at Eccles in the first phase, then from Eccles to Diamond, and finally from Diamond to Timehri to connect to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over $13M in “Because We Care” grants distributed in Wismar Hill

P

arents and guardians of students attending the Wismar Hill Primary and Nursery Schools turned out in their numbers on Friday to receive the Government’s “Because We Care” and school uniform and supplies cash grants in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Over $13 million was distributed to approximate-

ly 684 students.

According a DPI report, a father, Collis Jarvis, and a few other parents expressed their appreciation to the Government for the timely initiative.

“First of all, I must say I’m out of a job right now because my foot ain’t too good you understand, $19,000 ain’t bad you know and as a taxpayer I appreciate this grant, you know, it save

All talk…

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton addressing the parents

Parent Collis Jarvis

me a lot so that ah could go now and do something fuh de kids and I must say thanks,” Jarvis said.

Another parent, Wonda Samuels said, “It benefit me a great lot because I’m a single parent and I’m not working at the moment and I’m very thankful for this.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by Carleena Edwards, who noted that, “This will benefit me textbook wise cause the last voucher was shared I purchased school clothes. Book wise and tablet, so I’m grateful for it.”

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, who overlooked the distribution of the grants at the Wismar Hill Primary, assured the parents and guardians that the Government is people-oriented.

“Never feel that the Government is doing some special favour [for] you, we have a responsibility to you.

Importantly in large measure the money you will collect today belongs to you anyhow. Because as a worker you pay taxes.”

Minister Hamilton also urged the parents to ensure they use the monies for the development of their chil-

dren.

“We will hope that you will see the wider picture how it contributes to your community, how it contributes to your region, you ensure it contributes to [your] children’s welfare.”

Meanwhile, the Minister highlighted the importance of persons getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

Distribution of the “Because We Care” cash grant continues in Region 10 on Monday, July 26.

Collectively, parents of some 11,600 students in the public education system in Region 10 are scheduled to receive more than $200 million in grants.

Since the rollout of the “Because We Care” programme last week, hundreds of millions of dollars have already been distributed in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The reintroduction of the “Because We Care” cash grant to children in public schools is another manifesto promise fulfilled by the PPP/C Government. The programme, which was initially started at $10,000 by the previous PPP/C Administration, was discontinued under the APNU/ AFC regime.

The current PPP/C Government has increased the cash grant to $15,000, as well as the school uniform and supplies voucher from $2000 to $4000. Hence, each child registered in the public school system will receive $19,000.

Approximately 172,000 students will benefit from the $3.2 billion programme countrywide.

S

…by G-20 on Climate Change ome folks in Guyana really are delusional about their importance in the world. They eat up the platitudes emanating from up north on their issues du jour, and jump into action like Tasmanian Devils!! But they studiously refuse to acknowledge that they’re simply being “cranked up” - as we say in Guyana - because the big countries that made the sanctimonious calls have moved on to whatever serves their interests!! And it’s ALWAYS the BIG countries -epitomised by their exclusive G-20 Club, that makes the moralistic calls!!

For decades, the small countries - which are the VAST majority of the world - have been trying to get a forum to air their perspectives on some of the same issues raised by G-20. But they all went for naught…like in “for nought” meaning zero!! Remember “Group of 77 and China”? Yes… the same one at the UN that the PNC three years ago paid US$1 million for Guyana to chair. Has it ever said anything that was worth more than a bucket of warm spit to the rest of the world??

Anyhow, G20 just met in Italy, and were supposed to agree on what they’ll be doing on their self-defined key issue of the age - “climate change”. In 2015, they’d sent their representatives to the granddaddy of all meetings on the subject - COP 25 at Paris - and set targets and timelines for action. For example, they were supposed - along with the rest of the world - to phase out the use of fossil fuels - especially coal - and transition to renewables. They were also supposed to contribute hundreds of US$ billions to countries threatened by rising seas and such like.

It’s this agenda that’s been picked up by the “woke” chatterati in Guyana, who’d have us leave our oil under the Atlantic - for the “good of the planet”! But they should real the reports coming out from Italy on the G-20 meeting - if they have been asleep since COP 25. These countries are responsible for 85% of the world’s present pollution and almost ALL of it since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution 200 years ago. They’d committed to contribute US$100 BILLION EVERY YEAR since 2009, and guess what??

That’s right…they haven’t even given peanuts!!

The point your Eyewitness wants to make is this: before we try to save the planet, let’s develop a sense of proportion. And the countries that caused the pollution, and are still causing it, can’t be let off the hook. For ourselves, we’re already a net carbon sink, even if our carbon footprint from the gas-to-shore project were to be increased by HUNDREDS of times!!

Drill baby, drill!! …and hot air, says Granger So who says there’s a movement within the PNC’s CEC to remove Granger as leader of the PNC?? It’s all a bunch of “phantoms”, says the Sanctimonious One. He came down from on high via his in-house production, “Public Interest”, to address various reports in the press on the subject. He insisted there were no motions moved against him when the CEC met last Thursday.

The man - who’d insisted he knew more about the Constitution of Guyana than the High Court and the CCJ is now invoking the legal philosophy of natural law and the common law against those phantoms who want to depose him. He invoked the principle of the “right to be heard” by his detractors, who should directly confront him face to face. If he’d listened to his mentor Burnham a bit closer, he might’ve used the Latin phrase “auditor alterem partem!”

This from a man who’d deny the Guyanese people their right to be heard via their ballots!! …but the red suits stay!!

Some people really have no shame. Imagine, complaining about the track suits of our Olympic athletes because they’re the same colour as the PPP’s flag, when they kept silent when GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS were painted in the PNC’s colours!!

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 Reg 4 residents succumb to COVID, 240 new cases recorded …non-Guyanese must be fully vaccinated to enter Guyana GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD T

he Health Ministry has reported that five more persons from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) have succumbed to the deadly virus, thus taking the death toll to 523.

The Ministry on Saturday reported that these patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned as positive.

Those who succumbed are a 73-year-old woman who died on June 29 while an 86-yearold male died on July 23; a 60-year-old man died on July 22; a 45-year-old male succumbed on July 21 and a 73-year-old female died on June 2.

However, new statistics provided by the Ministry on Saturday showed a whopping 240 new cases of which 173 are from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Total confirmed positives in the country moved to 22,090.

There are 11 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 75 in institutional isolation, 978 in

home isolation and two in institutional quarantine.

In total, health officials are monitoring 1064 active cases.

Some 20,503 individuals have since recovered. The country has swabbed 217,421 individuals since the start of the pandemic, of which 10,779 males and 11,311 females returned with positive results.

An analysis of the other new cases showed two in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 18 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 29 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); two in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); 12 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and four in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Cases in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) did not increase.

Fully vaccinated

Meanwhile, in a new gazetted document, published as of July 23, 2021; Government has taken a decision that non-Guyanese passengers travelling from Trinidad and

Driver found murdered in parked truck, robbery suspected

T

he lifeless body of a driver was in the wee hours of Saturday discovered in a parked truck at Tuschen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). The body has been identified as that of 31-year-old Laurel Samaroo of Tuschen New Scheme, EBE. Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 21:00h, Samaroo uplifted a fuel tanker from Parika, EBE, and proceeded to his home at Tuschen.

However, sometime around 02:00h on Saturday, the truck was observed parked on the Tuschen Public Road by the owner, a businessman of Parika.

The owner reportedly stopped to check and upon opening the driver’s side door,

he observed the victim lying in the vehicle’s front seat. He appeared to be sleeping.

The owner attempted to wake the man but that proved futile. The man immediately contacted the Leonora Police Station and the Police were summoned to the scene.

On arrival, detectives observed a wound to the rightside of the victim’s head.

Further checks were made around the area and a black haversack, wallet and keys belonging to the victim were found behind a stall in the market area.

The body was subsequently escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, and later to the Ezekiel Funeral Home where it is currently awaiting a post-mortem. Investigations are ongoing.

Tobago to Guyana, with the exception of children, should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be allowed entry into the country.

The twin-island republic has been recording alarming numbers of deaths and cases from the virus. As of Saturday, there were 300 new cases.

Since the pandemic started, some 1032 persons have died in Trinidad and Tobago after they would have contracted the virus while the country grapples with over 5800 active cases currently.

In the meanwhile, over 181,299 people have been completely vaccinated using the Sinopharm or AstraZeneca jabs.

For travel into Guyana, the requirements include a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. This past week, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said given that there has been an increase in COVID-19 vaccines globally, vaccination requirements are being considered for entry into the country.

Currently, over 26 per cent of the adult population have been vaccinated with both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, while over 50 per cent have received a first dose.

Authorities are urging the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly mask-

JULY 24 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

240

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

75 978 11

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

2

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

11311

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

10779

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

22090

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

20503

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

245,092

FULLY IMMUNISED

129,749

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

523

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020

REGION 1

1293

REGION 2

619

REGION 3

2504

REGION 4

9891

REGION 5

737

REGION 6

1839

REGION 7

1277

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

2023

REGION 10

1527

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.

ing in public, social distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitising. The measures also include a 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) nation-

al curfew that is in effect until July 31, 2021.

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 6246674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy.

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Residents of Kabakaburi Mission ECD man arrested now have access to mobile service with plastic gun − Digicel pumps $4B into LTE services across Guyana

during Police patrol

The tower that was erected by Digicel

Pupils of Kabakaburi Primary School with their electronic tablets

D

igicel Guyana has switched on its stateof-the-art mobile service in the Kabakaburi Mission, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), after completing major service expansion in the Upper Pomeroon River area.

Residents in the village’s sub divisions of St Monica, Siriki, Abrams Creek and Jacklow will now have access to first world connectivity.

Digicel Guyana’s Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Dean, underscored the tele-

phone giant’s significant contribution to taking connectivity to unserved areas. “We are thrilled to have given thousands of residents in remote communities access to world class communication services, during our 14 years of operations in Guyana.”

In addition to the new site launch, the telecommunications provider donated over 30 tablets to students of the Kabakaburi Primary School.

Additionally, over $4 billion has been invested in

rolling out LTE services with the aim of delivering greater speeds and an overall enhanced user experience to customers on the coast and inland areas such as Linden, Bartica, Mahdia, Kwakwani, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Aroaima and Matthews Ridge.

Puruni’s upgrade, which has been delayed due to poor road accessibility, is scheduled to be completed in August with expected weather improvements.

This would see Digicel’s

LTE services being available to an estimated 83 per cent of the population allowing more customers to now enjoy the full digital lifestyle.

Commenting on Digicel’s connectivity plans, CEO Gregory Dean said, “The Government has been transformational in delivering liberalisation.

Now, to be able to bring further benefits to the people of Guyana, we need confirmation from the Government that the spectrum we use to deliver these and future services, will be made available. Our requests have been pending since November and this has led to new services and upgrades being delayed.

We are keen to immediately invest in Guyana and ensure our customers access world class services.”

The plastic gun that was found in the man’s possession

A

23-year-old Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was on Friday evening arrested following the discovery of a plastic gun in his possession.

The man was reportedly intercepted by Police ranks during a patrol exercise in the area.

Based on reports received, the ranks initially observed two males on bicycles who attempted to escape after they saw the Police patrol.

The Police gave chase and caught up with one of them while the second managed to escape. Upon his arrest, the gun was found in his possession.

He was questioned by de-

tectives but remained silent.

As such, he was taken into custody and is assisting with investigations.

Only a few days ago a 44-year-old miner and his 53-year-old reputed wife were arrested after a pump-action shotgun was found hidden under their bed at Turasi Backdam in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Police were at the time conducting searches on several dredge camps in the Middle Mazaruni area, and upon searching the couple’s camp, the firearm was found hidden under a mattress on a bed.

They were subsequently taken into Police custody and later charged.

NEWS

11

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rose Hall Estate scheduled for October 2022 reopening – Estate Manager − says it will restore life to surrounding communities

Integrating Guyana through Federalism

P

olitically, Guyana as a country can be compared to a bear caught in a trap, which can only eat away its trapped foot in a desperate attempt to free itself. One reason is because leaders refuse to consider other forms of governance, such as federalism, that are more suited to our history and sociology. When they hear the word “federalism”, most Guyanese think of Guyana being “divided”; but federalism is simply another way of integrating a country with “factions” - first explored by the US. All forms of human organisation are undergirded by some sort of ideology or Ravi Dev philosophy about how human societies can, and ought to be, organised. Federalism is not just any form of government: “In its most general and commonly conceived form, federalism can be considered as an ideology which holds that the ideal organisation of human affairs is best reflected in the celebration of diversity through unity.”

Federalism, then, has its particular perspective on governance: to achieve stability with justice in pursuit of the good life in societies with diverse populations. Federalists are sensitive to the Kantian caution that “ought” implies “can”, so that an understanding of the empirical conditions of the society under consideration is an absolute prerequisite.

The procrustean, unitary state foisted on us by the British places unnecessary burdens on the more equitable sharing of the space we all believe we ought to enjoy. Our politics is “zero-sum”, rather than “win-win”.

Substantively, Federalism is centred on the values of liberty and freedom, and seeks to give life to those democratic values by integrating diverse groups within societies through accommodation of their differences, and not obliteration of their differences. In the post-modern post-colonial world, there is not only an acceptance, but a celebration of diversities, and we in the “land of six peoples” should welcome this. As far back as the middle of the last century, even the staid British constitutional expert KC Wheare pronounced: “One of the most urgent problems in the world today is to preserve diversities…and at the same time, to introduce such a measure of uniformity as will prevent clashes and facilitate cooperation. Federalism is one way of reconciling these two ends.”

Federalism thus seeks to achieve and maintain unity and diversity. It addresses the innate need of people (and politics) to unite for common goals, and yet to remain separate and preserve their respective integrities.

Federalism means organising our society around the principle of freedom and autonomy, rather than through the calculus of bureaucratic efficiency. To those who may complain that federalism may introduce unnecessary levels of bureaucracy and personnel, let us not forget our present bloated but ineffective “Regional System”. With Federal states having exclusive competencies in stipulated areas, the various levels would finally have both responsibility and authority in those areas.

From this perspective, federalism foregrounds the concern about means and ends, and insists that we cannot intend to have people live in “democracy and freedom” while utilising institutions that stifle and restrict their potential.

Our governance institutions were honed during colonialism and PNC dictatorship, which viewed citizens as objects rather than autonomous subjects. In Guyana, federalist principles would infuse a new political culture, to give life to the values of democracy while institutional changes would nurture and inculcate these new values at the personal, social and ideological levels. Federalism deals directly with the fact of pluralism in the post-modern world.

While there will be many expressions of diversity, from a political perspective, we have seen that, in the postmodern world, ethnicity has become the most widespread one, leading to severe strains and this seemingly inevitable and intractable conflict between nationalism/ethnicity and democracy in the “politics of identity”. Federalism, however, combines kinship (the basis of ethnicity) and consent (the basis of democratic government) into politically viable entities through constitutionally protected arrangements involving territorial and non-territorial politics.

This is the central need of politics in Guyana. In the modern world, where groups, especially ethnic groups, have not disappeared into some sort of mélange, and there are far more groups in the world than countries, federalism performs a sociological function by simultaneously facilitating the integrity of various groups and their input into the political system.

Thus, federalism combines the seemingly contradictory impulses present in all societies but is accentuated in plural societies such as Guyana, the need to be united (the principle of solidarity – and shared rule), and the need for groups to live authentically – (the principle of autonomy – self-rule).

T

he reopening of the Rose Hall Estate in East BerbiceCorentyne, for which a recruitment drive was started on Thursday last, is scheduled for October 2022 as the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is currently undertaking inspections and remedial work to get the estate ready.

In an interview with the media, Rose Hall Estate Manager Balraj Dhanraj spoke of the efforts to reopen the estate. According to him, the estate is on course for its rescheduled reopening in October of 2022, set within the second crop.

“We agreed that the reopening could be possible at October or the second crop, 2022. So we put all those programmes onto a bar chart, so we’re able to track the progress as we go along and we’re able to meet that scheduled opening date,” he said.

Dhanraj explained that a great deal of work will have to go into making sure the factory is ready for reopening. This includes complet-

Rose Hall Estate Manager Balraj Dhanraj

ing inspection of the factory, repairs and maintenance, replacing parts and of course tilling the fields, which has been put on hold due to inclement weather.

“So the plan for the factory is to open and inspect all the units in the factory.

There are numerous units and the plan is to open and inspect them. This is to ensure they are mechanically and electrically sound. And apart from that, (we have to check that) they are safe to operate.”

“In these rehabilitation projects we have the opportunity to replace all the de-

fective equipment. Some of the work that we are presently undertaking as per section, like in the pre-milling department we are servicing gantry, the cane carriers, the turbines. That is important.”

Meanwhile, Dhanraj noted the importance the reopening of the estate has on the surrounding communities. He posited that these communities will flourish once persons can gain employment and money can start circulating again.

“If they are not skilful, we will embark on training.

So regardless who comes for employment, we will take it upon ourselves to train them. The opening of the es-

tate, I must say, is going full steam ahead,” the Manager said.

“Right now, the people that are working here, they’re giving hope to this community. And when that hope is realised, you will see a rejuvenated community. You will see flourishing businesses in this community. You will see people will have more spending power.

The standard of life will improve.”

Some 7000-plus sugar workers were placed on the breadline after the APNU/ AFC Administration downsized the industry and shut down four estates across the country.

TURN TO PAGE 12

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1000 to benefit from house-lot allocation during 2-day exercise − 334 titles to be distributed to EBD residents

T

he Ministry of Housing and Water through its Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be allocating low-income house lots to some 1000 selected applicants during an upcoming two-day housing exercise.

The event will be held on July 26 and 27 at the Guyana National Stadium Tarmac in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Housing Minister Collin Croal when contacted told Guyana Times that only persons who were pre-selected from the housing application backlog will benefit from the limited allocations.

“The persons to benefit from the allocation have been contacted and only those persons will be dealt with at the exercise,” Minister Croal stated during a phone interview with this publication.

In addition to the dis-

A scene from last October’s “Dream Realised” housing drive at the National Stadium

tribution of the 1000 house lots, the Housing Ministry will also be handing over some 334 land titles and transports to persons along the East Bank of Demerara.

A list with the names of these persons is being published in the newspapers, including Guyana Times (see Pages 16 & 17) leading up to tomorrow’s commencement of the exercise in order to no-

tify these beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal also disclosed that his Ministry will be working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to set up a COVID-19 vaccination team on site so that persons could get immunised, if they have not done so as yet, while at the exercise.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)

Government is pursuing an ambitious housing plan with the aim of distributing some 50,000 house lots by the end of its five-year tenure – a promise that was made in its 2020 election manifesto.

After taking office last August, the Irfaan Aliled Administration kicked off the housing drive in October 2020 with the CH&PA’s “Dream Realised” initiative, which was aimed at distributing titles and transports for house lots that were awarded to qualified persons.

During the two-day event held at the Stadium Tarmac in Providence, the Ministry saw 2500 persons and also distributed

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

some 350 land titles and transports. At the time the Ministry also received 600 new applications for house lots.

Since then, the Housing Ministry has hosted similar

events in various regions across the country where thousands of citizens benefitted. In fact, at its most recent housing drive in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), some 400 house lots along with another 144 land titles and transports were allocated to residents in Amelia’s Ward.

According to a brief statement from the Ministry, the exercise marked the largest allocation in the region over the past five years.

Moreover, last week’s allocation of house lots in Linden is higher than the mere 300-plus lots that were distributed during the entire tenure of the APNU/ AFC coalition Government.

Rose Hall Estate scheduled...

Many of those workers have not been able to secure permanent jobs and remain on the breadline years later. However, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), during the 2020 election campaign trail, had promised to reopen those estates and rehire those sacked workers.

Back in 2016, the former APNU/AFC closed the Wales Estate, and the following year, shut down

the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates, putting over 7000 sugar workers on the breadline. The downsizing of the sugar industry resulted in only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Estates in operation. Since the PPP/C Administration assumed office in August 2020, they have been putting systems in place to reopen the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates.

Due to the deteriorat-

FROM PAGE 11

ing state of the Wales factory, that estate will be converted into the Wales Development Authority – an industrial facility that will see the development of not only agriculture but agro-industries, processing facilities, manufacturing and other sectors to drive economic activities.

Additionally, Government, through GuySuCo, has already rehired over 700 sugar workers.

FEATURE

13

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

W

ith 83,000 square miles to explore, Guyana is indeed a country that has a lot to offer. The people here are the friendliest you will ever come across and the food is exceptional.

Living in Guyana comes with challenges like anywhere else in the world but there are some communities where everyone just lives harmoniously. You would find that mostly in rural and Indigenous communities where everybody knows everybody.

Recently, I ventured into one of those communities and was quite pleased with the level of neighbourliness exhibited.

Mahaicony is considered to be “de country side” because of its location from the capital city of Georgetown. In order for one to get to Mahaicony from the city, they would

Cashews galore

hot day. Fruits are bountiful and we enjoyed every moment we get to raid the fruit trees,” he said.

Before electricity was installed in the Creek, the residents there would use

Sunset on the creek

Mahaicony Creek’s preferred mode of transport

have to either board a bus or some vehicle and drive approximately 54 kilometres before they reach the first village in Mahaicony.

Mahaicony is bordered

the river and accessible by boats are bunched together as the “creek”.

In the Creek, the residents there, despite living considerable distances from each other, know every sin-

Being greeted by the dogs

by De Hoop to the west and Calcutta to the east with its main economic activities being farming and cattle rearing.

The Mahaicony River runs through several of the communities. The communities on the banks of

gle person. The picturesque blackwater flowing through the Mahaicony River sets the scene for a calm life and that is exactly what the residents there experience.

Tamashwar Budhoo told the Sunday Times that

growing up in Mahaicony River is very humbling. He said that the life is simple and one that brings ease.

“The day starts for most at 04:30 in the morning and end about 07:30 pm.

In the early days there was no electricity hence everyone makes maximum use of the daylight. Farming is the main economic activity here in Mahaicony River. We grow all our food, fresh greens and would get fresh fish from the river or ponds or backdam trenches. Children spend their Monday to Friday attending school and, in the evening, and weekends help on the farm. We enjoyed swimming in the blackwater river in the afternoon. It’s a cool refreshing dip after a

kerosene lamps, which were the only source of light in their homes. Many of the younger children there (now the older adults) have memories of studying using those lamps.

Camaraderie is the order of the day in the creek and quite often residents would leave their homes in their boats to render assistance or celebrate with each other.

The community is tightly knit and according to Seerattie “Sani” Sohanlall, life there for her is quiet. She moved there as a child with her mother who taught at a school in the River. She remembered life as being very calming with little to no worries.

Mahaicony Creek is also the home to Guyana’s national bird – the Canje Pheasant or as the locals would call it “stinky nana”.

A visit to Mahaicony Creek should be on everybody’s bucket list.

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After investing everything she earned in Canada, remigrant Somie Persaud has lost it all to flooding

By Lakhram Bhagirat

S

omie Persaud and her family is low left scratching their heads to decide how they are going to begin picking up the pieces of their lives.

Somie and her family remigrated from Canada 15 years ago in an effort to invest in a business in Guyana and build their lives a “home”. They worked in Canada for a number of years and it was her husband that decided they should return to Guyana and invest.

She said that her husband wanted to return home to rear cattle, so they packed up their belongings and decided to relocate.

When they returned from Canada, the couple took up residence in Mahaicony Creek, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), and began to work to realise their dreams.

They bought cattle and ventured into the business of planting rice as well. Everything was going well until about three months ago when several regions across Guyana experienced record-setting floods.

“Everything that I earned in Canada, I come here and invested and I actually lose everything with this water. We lost 70 acres of rice, all my plants, my ducks, my fowl, I lost everything. I had 70 ducks right now I don't know how much I have left because they all over the place deh swimming.

I don’t know if people catching (and taking them) and well only three fowls out of like 40 remaining. I had like 17 goats and I have like 12 left,” the visibly distraught woman told the Sunday Times recently.

In all the years that she has been living in the Mahaicony Creek, Somie never experienced such devastating flood. In ad-

dition, her husband is now forced to stay at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), with their cattle after the area in which they were being reared is completely underwater.

“We had like 450 head of cattle but we only managed to save 300 and something.

We had to take them to Lusignan Road behind the prison because they were dying in the water. So right now, my husband is in Lusignan taking care of them and actually somebody thief one so he got them locked up,” she said.

Water rose as high as four feet in some areas of Somie’s yard and as a result the woman said she picked up an infection that required medical intervention. She, like many of the residents in Mahaicony Creek, is being forced to carry out her daily duties in the floodwaters because she has no other option.

They need to clean, cook, wash, visit their damaged farms and take care of their animals in the floodwaters. The contaminants from dead animals and other debris have caused them to pick up bacterial infections.

In addition to the humans, the animals are also picking up infections and dying off.

Somie explained that the veterinarians visited her home to take care of some of her goats but the medication they were sharing out were expired drugs.

“I didn’t give my animals any (of the drugs) because when I read it then I see they were expired…it get the health team that does come in to and when they come they does give you a pack a Panadol, some tablets to help with like if you have diarrhoea and a bottle of Cholorphan,” Somie related.

She said that the coming days will be re-

Somie Persaud’s home

ally tough since the family, like many others, needs all forms of assistance to restart their lives. When asked whether she would consider moving back to Canada, Somie said that it is not an option at this time.

“We buy everything here and we started from scratch. Right now, I'm frustrated and confused because life gets tough in Canada and you got to get a lot of money to start again or you have to go back into labour (working with other people) …well right now I'm like I really can't think. I don't know what to say because life was going good without this water. When we get it you lose everything.

“We lost like about over $5 million in losses. While the Government said they

Somie Persaud

gonna help people but I don't know that is and when. He (President Dr Irfaan Ali) said when the water go down (they will come back) but by the time water go down and he come take a look, people life might go,” she explained.

She said that they need the assistance now. They need cash and equipment to clear their lands out and “build it back up.” Somie is indebted to the bank, millers and agricultural suppliers and she is worried about being able to pay those debts.

When her rice field became flooded, the combine was already there preparing to harvest but they could not do anything on the land. She is also unsure whether they would be able to make the next crop.

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in 2004 when he finished school but was never shortlisted. Moving on from his dream of becoming a doctor, Surujpaul applied again for a scholarship, this time to study computer science.

The Scholarship Committee accepted his application but awarded him a place in the batch to

Dr Surujpaul Singh at his graduation

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he dream for Surujpaul Singh has always been to become

a doctor and he saw himself doing nothing else. He worked very hard in secondary school to acquire the knowledge that would position him on the path towards achieving that dream.

Surujpaul worked so hard that he graduated as valedictorian of the Patentia Secondary School. However, with all that success his dream was never guaranteed by his parents for the sole fact that they were financially constrained.

Both his parents were in the retail businesses but their income was stretched thin by ensuring Surujpaul and his sister got the necessities in life.

“I always wanted to study medicine since I was a child.

I really like science and was very curious about stuff. I remember when I was in secondary school, I was real-

ly interested in looking at stuff under the microscope and stuff. So, I always had a dream of becoming a doctor. I kind of got discouraged from that dream because mom and dad were like ‘oh it’d be too expensive to study medicine’ and so I gave up on my dream at that time,” he said.

After realising that his dream may be unreachable, Surujpaul entered into the workforce and started his stint as a teacher. He taught at a private institution for six months and then went on to work for Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) for another six months. He would then venture back into teaching, this time at the Meten-MeerZorg Islamic Academy where he was employed for a year.

He also applied for a Government scholarship, to study medicine in Cuba,

study agronomy. However, he would initially refuse the scholarship because he did not envision a career in agronomy.

“After I rejected the scholarship, the principal at the school I was teaching encouraged me to accept it. So I went back in and asked the Scholarship Director if it is

still available and he said yes but when he reviewed my grades, he asked if I ever considered medicine. I told him that I did but I was not sure I would be accepted and he reviewed my grades and I was accepted in the medicine programme,” he related.

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FROM PAGE 15

Learning ultrasound technology during residency

An ecstatic Surujpaul departed Guyana for Cuba in 2006, one step closer to achieving his dreams. There he spent seven years studying – one year learning Spanish, five years of med school and one year internship.

“Life in Cuba was hard. It wasn’t always easy in terms of getting food, transportation and other things. We used to get a stipend and my parents would also help out every now and again but it was still really difficult to get things, especially food. I remember this one time I barely had money to buy food. All I could buy was one pound of rice alone and it was really tough but I pushed through because I was one step closer to my dream job.”

He returned home in 2013 and spent a year at West Demerara Regional Hospital, three years at Wakenaam Cottage Hospital and a hinterland stint in Region One (Barima-Waini).

Now that he had accomplished one aspect of his dream,

Surujpaul knew he had to take steps to realise his full potential. He wanted to specialise in an area that he believed was his best fit. So he applied for another scholarship to specialise in China, but this was rejected.

“When I did my surgery rotation in Cuba, I fell in love with obstetrics. The physiology of obstetrics, the physiology of pregnancy and everything is awesome. I found that it came to me very easy and that obstetrics and gynaecology is a specialty where you have an opportunity to save two lives - a mother and a child.

When I was doing my internship, I thought I wanted to become a general surgeon because I found surgery really cool, but the first time I saw delivery as an intern I knew that is where I belonged.

The first person the baby looked at was me and I think that was my defining moment that made me decide that, you know obstetrics and gynaecology is for me,” he explained.

Surujpaul, in 2016, applied to do his Master’s Degree in obstetrics and gynaecology through a programme with the University of Guyana and Case Western University in Ohio. There he was challenged when he began his residency at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) because he had very little knowledge of the field he was intending to specialise in.

That only made him work harder so whenever he came from 16-18 hours shifts, he would hit his books. He wanted to be the best and the best he was. Surujpaul graduated from the programme in September 2020 at the top of his class.

“Starting off my journey as a resident in Georgetown it was hard because some of my colleagues are a little bit further than I was. They had some surgical experience going into the programme, whereas I didn't. I didn’t even know to read an ultrasound properly so I had to learn all of this stuff along the way.”

Now he is excelling in the OBGYN field. Surujpaul was recently appointed as the Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at the New Amsterdam Hospital in Berbice. In addition to that, he also holds several teaching roles and would lecture preventative medicine at the Green Heart Medical University and Rajiv Gandhi Medical School.

At the New Amsterdam Hospital, he mentors medical interns, medical students who studied in China and rotating doctors who studied in both China and Cuba. He is extremely passionate about teaching and hopes to one day become a professor of Obstetrics

Dr Singh presenting his final-year thesis

and Gynaecology.

Volunteering is also a big part of his life as he makes time to go on outreaches with various NGOs. “I believe to be able to be able to practice medicine is a blessing and I think that any person that decides to practice medicine should honour that blessing. They have the ability to have a life in their hands and make a difference. People come to us with so much trouble and it really makes you happy when you're able to resolve their problems.

“Medicine is not an easy journey it's a really, really long journey.

I have had to sacrifice a lot of time but OBGYN and medicine is my life. Anybody who wants to study medicine they must be willing to know that they have to sacrifice a lot if they want to be a really good doctor. They need to study really hard and make the sacrifices to get to the seat of privilege.”

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By Lakhram Bhagirat

K

areem “cKush” Lewis is perhaps one of the most well-known names on the local hip hop scene with his inimitable ability to build bars of devastation.

If you are a fan of hip hop music then you know that only lyrical geniuses can deliver exceptional bars, consistently, and cKush has been doing that over and over in his songs. With bangers like No Eggball, Dunce Thugs, Doh Seh 40 and many more, cKush has proven time and again that he is made for the music industry.

While he has always been passionate about music, his mother never approved and would encourage him to “beat de books” since she saw no career in the field for him.

However, the young man has built a name for himself now and was recently signed as the local brand ambassador for Kabisa – a Polish drink.

Reflecting on the journey to get where

he is today, the 24-year-old told the Sunday Times that he grew up in D’Urban Street, Lodge, with his single mother and siblings.

He remembered the environment being a mix of both hostile and fun. He shadowed his brother and didn’t have many friends in the community.

Later on, he would become very engrossed in football, much to the disapproval of his mother. He was a member of the Georgetown Football Club and whenever he had training and games, his mother would hide his gears in an effort to get him to quit.

“My mother was not too fond of it because there is a lot of stigma attached to football in Guyana because it is considered as a ghetto sport. She wasn’t too much fond of me playing football. When I get training or I got to go play a match she would hide my gears and tell me beat de books,” he remembered.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

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cKush with Drew Thoven and Gully Ras

cKush’s mother was the sole breadwinner for the family and wanted her children to excel in life so she always placed the emphasis on education and coined the phrase “beat de books”. So, whenever he was told to beat de books, he would have a notepad hidden in the school book and be writing lyrics.

Throughout his school life he was never one that placed great emphasis on studying so when he achieved a place at Central High School, his entire family was shocked.

When he started secondary school, cKush became more engrossed in honing his craft as a musician. He also discovered acting and drama in secondary school and developed a love for reading.

At school, realising that the young man was talented, one of his teachers b e g a n encouraging him to perform at various concerts. His first performance ever was during a Mashramani concert at his school. That unleashed him and cemented a place as one of his school’s hottest talent.

Though he was excelling in extracurriculars at school, many of his teachers still had issues with his academic pursuits. He was termed “botheration” and when it came to recommending him to sit their subjects at CSEC, they refused to endorse his candidacy.

He sat five subjects and secured passes. He was even named as the top performer in one of the subjects. cKush never stopped writing music.

“I always loved music and I saw my brother writing and recording and was like ‘yo, I want to do that’. A great amount of the inspiration came from my brother and he was like ‘nah you can’t do this,

do something else.’ He didn’t tell me don’t do it but it was like focus on a next part. I went behind his back and writing and I one day came up to him and said hear this, he was ight you get a voice so let we do this thing, let we do it.

“From since then I was always coming heavy. My brother is my biggest critic and he gave me some of the best pointers. The artiste I am today is because of his criticism. He don’t settle for nothing too stupid, nothing not mind-blowing,” he noted.

After he graduated Central High School in 2013, cKush entered the world of work because he had not yet figured how to monetise his talent. There, he was encouraged to further his studies in the field of accounting but he did not believe it was for him. He would quit his job and then begin releasing his music.

“The most challenging part was finding resources to record. I had a friend who was passionate about music and he invested his cash in purchasing equipment and put together a lil studio and there I used to go record but before I used to record on an iPhone and speaker.” cKush embarked on his musical career as a teenager under the stage name Lil’ Kush, performing for school concerts and within his community. He began to gain a regional recognition after dropping his single “KARMA”, where he worked along with local producers Kincomarco & Jonathan Tailor in 2017. He went on to work with Canadian artiste Salez and later on Bermudan producer Noise Cans on the remix of “Jus Zess” featuring Drew Thoven and Jay Anderson.

Drew is one of the leading music producers in Guyana and

began his collaboration with cKush for Guyana Carnival.

After dropping his single in 2017 and rising to fame regionally, cKush began to work with artistes such as Drew Thoven, Franale, KeMO, Chris OvE, Salez and JDawg during the 2017-2019 period.

It was until 2020, when Lewis decided that he was ready to work on his personal projects and reunited with Drew Thoven to take the country by storm with his unique sound.

After releasing their first single, “No Eggball” alongside local DJ and artiste Gully Ras, the music gained not only regional but international recognition.

Since the release of “No Eggball”, the trio has appeared on numerous tracks together, including “Darkness”, “Go Back Inside”, “Dunce Thugs” and “John Wick”.

“He (Drew) started sending me tracks and telling me come through the studio I get this and sending me beats and so. Quarantine was the best opportunity and at that time I was employed at Guyana Shore Base and any free time

I had I would go to the studio.

That is where we prepared hits like No Eggball, Dunce Thugs, Doh Seh 40 and everything after that.”

Brand deal cKush now owns a Bar and explained that he was there when he was introduced to a man who explained the opportunity for him to jump on the advertising train for Kabisa. However, he said that he had to research the product before endorsing it and was surprised by the reviews and the fact that it is dubbed as the number one drink in Europe.

He would later meet with the distributor of the product and they came up with a brand deal. The deal, making cKush the brand ambassador, was signed on Saturday.

When asked about what advice he has for someone thinking about entering the world of music, cKush said “Always stay true to yourself.

Know what you like and don’t be anybody else. Originality always stands out. You need originality and you can’t come

out here sounding like everybody else because you going to be like everybody else. You have to decide what your signature is going to be and that signature is what is going to make people come to you and you must not be going to people.

Define yourself in this space and create this space for yourself.”

The young man remains cooking up hard tracks for his audience and is only now getting started.

So look out for more from him.

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PREGNANCY

O

ur last column dealt with the final episode of mating – the ‘tie.’ We will take for granted that, as a result of the copulation, fertilization of the female’s eggs by the stud’s sperm has been effected.

The bitch is now pregnant.

Q.: How long does the pregnancy last?

A.: An easy to remember figure is two months which, is for our purpose, sixty days (not eight weeks which would equal 56 days). But even as I write “60 days”, let me hasten to add, as I have had before, that in biological maters, unlike mathematics, nothing is exact. Therefore, no hard and fast rule (so much for the infallibility or creation). In mathematics two and two is always equal to four (except when its 22). In pregnancy terms, the length of gestation (the period between conception and birth) could be anywhere between 58 and 66 days.

Usually, most dogs would give birth around the 63rd day after conception.

If birthing takes a bit longer, don’t panic – especially if she is not showing any obvious sign of wanting

PET feelings’. But sometimes ‘morning sickness’ occurs with such intensity that we cannot help but notice the bitch’s discomfort. She will go off her food for three to four days: she shows lethargy-not wanting to frolic or come when called.

On rarer occasions, the pregnant bitch will actually vomit. These reactions to the pregnancy result from hormonal changes that are taking place in the animal.

to go into labour. (We shall discuss signs of labour later). On the other hand, any puppy born before the 57th day of pregnancy must be considered ‘premature’, and they will almost surely die, unless intense efforts are made to keep them alive. I have a handout entitled “Care for weak and abandoned puppies”. It is available on

request.

Q.: Do pregnant bitches have morning sickness?

A.: The answer to that question is ‘yes’. And it happens more often that you would think, for a few days around the third to fourth week of pregnancy. Usually, we don’t see any overt expression of these ‘bad

Q.: Should the caregiver anything about the “morning sickness” malady?

A.: Be supportive (loving and understanding). Your ‘support’ may take the form of petting her – using soothing and encouraging words.

That will calm you, not so much the dog. In practical terms, however, I always suggest offering meals three or four times a day, instead of one huge meal which will distend the stomach and increase the abdominal pressure.

Also, some textbooks advise on administering some Vitamins B and C.

The Vitamin C, I can easily understand.

After all, being an acid, it ‘thins’ the blood and allows for easier passage of the blood through the capillaries.

Vitamin C, as double Noble Laurate Linus Pauling advocates, is the world’s best cure-all.

The B-Vitamins are metabolic stimulants which could tend to stimulate the pregnant bitch and eliminate listlessness. They also tend to improve the new mother’s appetite. Well, I just don’t know if we should be trying to energize her. Perhaps her apathy is a defence and compensatory mechanism – a response to the particular period of pregnancy. My advice, therefore, is to just leave her alone during those few off days. Of course, if the retching is too much and she is looking really ill, then your veterinarian could administer medication to relax her and reduce the vomiting attacks and improve her appetite.

Next week we’ll have a look at the specific care needed during your dog’s pregnancy.

Enjoy your week!

NEWS

HEALTH TIPS

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HEPATITIS - WORLD HEPATITIS DAY “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”

Hepatitis A is always an acute, short-term disease, while hepatitis B, C, and D are most likely to become ongoing and chronic. Hepatitis E is usually acute, but can be particularly dangerous in pregnant women.

mild to severe, often hindering liver function. It’s three times more common in women than in men.

TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS

* Hepatitis A

W

orld Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July, to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer. This year’s theme is “Hepatitis Can’t Wait”.

With a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis- related illness, even in the current COVID-19 crisis, we can’t wait to act on viral hepatitis. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus: A, B, C, D and E. Together, hepatitis B and C are the most common, resulting in 1.1 million deaths and 3 million new infections per year.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.

Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected. It can damage the liver, affecting how well the liver functions.

Hepatitis can be an acute (short-term) infection or a chronic (longterm) infection.

Some types of hepatitis cause only acute infections; other types can cause both acute and chronic infections.

CAUSES OF HEPATITIS

There are different types of hepatitis, with different causes: * Viral hepatitis is the most common type. It is caused by one of several viruses - hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E. In most countries, A, B, and C are the most common. * Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by heavy alcohol use * Toxic hepatitis can be caused by certain poisons, chemicals, medicines, or supplements * Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic type in which the body's immune system attacks the liver. The cause is not known, but genetics and the environment may play a role.

THE 5 TYPES OF VIRAL HEPATITIS

Viral infections of the liver that are classified as hepatitis include hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. A different virus is responsible for each type of virally-transmitted hepatitis.

Hepatitis A is caused by an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by faeces from a person infected with hepatitis A.

* Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infectious body fluids such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen containing the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Injection drug use, having sex with an infected partner, or sharing razors with an infected person increase the risk of getting hepatitis B. It’s estimated by the CDC that 1.2 million people in the United States and 350 million people worldwide live with this chronic disease.

* Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C is transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids, typically through injection drug use and sexual contact.

HCV is among the most common bloodborne viral infections in many parts of the world; however, it is undiagnosed.

* Hepatitis D

Also called delta hepatitis, hepatitis D is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV).

HDV is contracted through direct contact with infected blood.

Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis; it occurs only in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus can’t multiply without the presence of hepatitis B.

* Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV).

Hepatitis E is mainly found in areas with poor sanitation, and typically results from ingesting faecal matter that has contaminated the water supply. Cases of hepatitis E have been reported in the Middle East, Asia, Central America, and Africa, according to the CDC.

CAUSES OF NON-INFECTIOUS HEPATITIS ins

* Alcohol and other tox-

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage and inflammation.

This is sometimes referred to as alcoholic hepatitis.

The alcohol directly injures

the cells of the liver. Over time, it can cause permanent damage and lead to liver failure and cirrhosis, a thickening and scarring of the liver.

Other toxic causes of hepatitis include overuse or overdose of medications,

and exposure to poisons.

AUTOIMMUNE SYSTEM RESPONSE

In some cases, the immune system mistakes the liver for a harmful object, and begins to attack it. It causes ongoing inflammation, which can range from

Hepatitis A and hepatitis E usually spread through contact with food, or water that was contaminated with an infected person's stool. Persons can also get hepatitis E by eating undercooked pork, deer, or shellfish.

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D spread through contact with the blood of someone who has the disease. Hepatitis B and D may also spread through contact with other body fluids. This can happen in many ways, such as sharing drug needles, or having unprotected sex.

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HEALTH TIPS

HEPATITIS - WORLD HEPATITIS DAY ‘Hepatitis can’t wait’

RISKS OF HEPATITIS

The risks are different for the different types of hepatitis. For example, with most of the viral types, the risk is higher if you have unprotected sex.

People who drink a lot over long periods of time are at risk of contracting alcoholic hepatitis.

SYMPTOMS OF HEPATITIS

Some people with hepatitis do not have symptoms, and do not know they are infected. Symptoms may include * Fever * Fatigue * Loss of appetite * Nausea and/or vomiting * Abdominal pain * Dark urine * Clay-coloured bowel movements * Joint pain * Jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes In an acute infection, the symptoms can start at any time between 2 weeks and 6 months after exposure to

the infection. In the case of chronic infection, persons may not have symptoms until many years later.

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose hepatitis, the health care provider * Will ask about the symptoms and medical history * Will do a physical exam * Will likely do blood tests, including tests for viral hepatitis * Might do imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI * May need to do a liver biopsy, to get a clear diagnosis and check for liver damage

TREATMENT

Treatment for hepatitis depends on which type a person has, and whether it is acute or chronic.

Acute viral hepatitis often goes away on its own. To feel better, people may just need to rest and get enough fluids. But, in some cases,

FROM PAGE 27

it may be more serious, and even need treatment in a hospital.

There are different medicines to treat the different chronic types of hepatitis.

Possible other treatments may include surgery and other medical procedures.

People who have alcoholic hepatitis need to stop drinking. If the chronic hepatitis leads to liver failure or liver cancer, a liver transplant is needed.

COMPLICATIONS OF HEPATITIS

Chronic hepatitis can lead to complications such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, and liver cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis may prevent these complications.

PREVENTION

There are different ways to prevent or lower the risk of hepatitis, depending on the type of hepatitis. For example, not drinking too much alcohol can

prevent alcoholic hepatitis. There are vaccines to prevent hepatitis A and B. Autoimmune hepatitis cannot be prevented.

World Hepatitis Day is a day for the world’s hepatitis community to unite and

make our voices heard. It’s a day to celebrate the progress we have made, and to meet the current challenges. It’s also an opportunity for us to increase awareness and encourage a real political change to jointly

facilitate prevention, diagnosis and treatment. WHD is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of the importance of knowing the hepatitis status, and to spread the word about treatment.

NEWS

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IDB to strengthen women-led SMEs in Guyana, other countries

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is set to implement a regional project for capacity building and development of women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs) in Guyana and other countries within this hemisphere.

The financial institution informed that the initiative materialised through its innovation laboratory with funding support of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WeFi).

Apart from Guyana, women in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Ecuador will also benefit.

The recently-approved Technical Cooperation for “We3A – Improving access to value chains for women entrepreneurs” is valued US$8,039,317 and includes

a contribution of more than US$7 million from WeFi. “We3A seeks to strengthen WSMEs by combining value chain integration for women with high quality business training using a range of innovative, digital means. Primary beneficiaries will be women in early entrepreneurship faced with multiple inequalities and those who do own businesses but are inspired to

start one or study entrepreneurship,” said the IDB. We3A is projecting to train a total of 6400 women-led SMEs, enrol 160 in the accelerator, and graduate 128 WSMEs in recipient countries over the next three years starting in 2021. It will also involve men in project activities to encourage support and create an enabling environment for women's empow-

erment.

Secondary beneficiaries in this regard will include others in the associated ecosystem such as family members, friends, male influencers, and business-owners.

Aligned to key pillars of the IDB Group’s Vision 2025 for SMEs, gender diversity and digitalisation, We3A’s activities will promote women’s economic empowerment in the region.

In Guyana, the IDB Group will collaborate with the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry Guyana (WCCIG) to coordinate and implement We3A activities, working

closely with the other executing partners especially Thunderbird School of Global Management of the Arizona State University.

Thunderbird is the main executing agency for the regional We3A project.

The WCCIG will play a key role as the local platform to realise We3A’s three main components: Aspire, Activate and Accelerate.

Aspire will use storytelling to highlight positives of women’s entrepreneurship.

Activate will employ digital means to engage WSMEs while increasing capacity of local partners who will have long-term access to the dig-

ital resources. Accelerate will provide accelerator experience and buyer match-making opportunities for WSMEs ready to integrate into value chains.

“Thunderbird will, among other activities, develop high-impact, high-engagement online learning courses that include a “business plan wizard” and personalised “action plans” that create unique, personal documents for each learner.

The global WEConnect network will also be involved given its relationship with local organizations and businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

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SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Misinformation causing vaccine hesitancy in Reg 10 – Chairman − 5% of region’s population took both doses

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Region 10 Chairman Deron Adams

he lowest COVID-19 vaccination uptake in Guyana has been reported in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), with misinformation playing a leading role in augmenting the current vaccine hesitancy.

Appearing on a recent programme hosted by the Opposition APNU/AFC, Regional Chairman Deron Adams noted that the region is still lagging behind, with just over five per cent of people in the region taking both doses. He said this is painting a worrying picture for health officials, as they reinvent newer ways

of sensitising the public.

Adams pointed out that in many cases, the hesitancy is driven by false data on social media as he called for persons to seek their clarity from credible entities, such as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

“We had about 12 or just above of persons who would have taken their first shot. I know the RHO and his team have been coming up with innovative measures and the RDC by extension to encourage persons to get vacci-

nated. We believe that the driving force for the public panic is as a result of the misinformation that is being peddled on Facebook and persons turning to all of the doctors that would have popped up overnight and not looking to credible agencies like PAHO/WHO for information. That misunderstanding has worsened the situation here in our region and the exaggerating of that very information.”

The Regional Chairman also called for persons to take the vaccines, since a large population of unvaccinated individuals can surge infections. Leaders were also asked to continue their endorsement efforts in reaching all targeted groups.

“We are genuinely concerned about the people of Region 10 and that is why we are putting these steps in place to have access to credible information so that you can be responsible in your action…We have seen prominent people in society stepped up to the plate. I would have taken my vaccine…I plead with you to let us only rely on those credible agencies, PAHO-WHO and leaders who would have stepped

A health worker taking the jab a few weeks ago

up. As leaders, we all took a decision to save lives.

For me, it was a personal one. My dad died from COVID-19 and I don’t want other people here in Region 10 to suffer like many other families would have suffered,” said Adams.

Back in May, after recognising that the vaccination uptake in Linden was lagging behind, a ministerial team visited the township and successfully raised the daily threshold through sensitisation.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony had indicated that Linden had recorded lower statistics during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. At that time, only eight per cent of adults had received their first doses.

Clinical nurse manager, Patricia Cummings – who vaccinated US Vice President Kamala Harris – was also present during the event as she outlined, “In my years of nursing, the COVID pandem-

ic has been single-handedly the most devastating public health issue that I have dealt with…A lot of the hesitancy, a lot of the confusion, we understand it because we dealt with it ourselves and that is why we’re speaking from a place of personal experience to say to you as health professionals, we’ve seen the detriment of the virus and it is proving to be more detrimental because of all of the variants that are coming about.”

32 NEWS Rosignol fishermen decry improper disposal of grass SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

− fishing gear being damaged after becoming entangled

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The grass stuck to one of the pens in the Berbice River

ishermen from Rosignol, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), are complaining about the improper disposal of grass which flows out of the Canje River and into the Berbice River, thus affecting their trade.

Several fishermen have vented their frustration, claiming that the grass

when cut is left to flow in the river. As a result, the weed becomes entangled with their fishing gear, resulting in severe damages.

One of the fishermen, Sherriff Ali Omar, related that he has been a fisherman for 30 years and would use the Chinese seines to catch fish. The grass, he said, has been obstructing

and causing some heavy damages to the seines. “…dis grass ah cut, right, this grass ah affect abe every year… abe ah mek report all to the fishery officer dem, all who ah come and keep meeting and suh and dem nah do nothing,” the man related.

Abdu Kadir, another local fisherman who has been in the business for over 42 years, stated that the grass has damaged all of his chase pens, some of which he recently bought.

He further stated that most times, instead of working, they have to remove the grass trapped in their seines. As such, he questioned systems that are in place for fishermen

The damaged seines

when compared to the other agriculture sectors.

Anand Kumar Samwaroo related that he would have spoken with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, along with other officials at the “fisherman day” event on

the issue but nothing has been done to address the situation.

“Me is a Rosignol fisherman for over 30 years and me doing fishing wuk me whole lifetime. Fishing work is what me depend on and my whole family.

This grass, year go, year come this grass a run. Me report to all dem Minister because when me go fisherman day me report to all the Minister them who in charge of the fishing department.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 33

NEWS

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SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mother pleads for safe return of 2 sons allegedly taken by father − matter brought to attention of Police, CC&PA

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26-year-old mother, originally from Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is pleading with the public to help her locate her two sons, aged two and six, who went missing since May this year. It is suspected that the children might have been taken by their father without her consent.

Nadia Simmons told Guyana Times that she travelled to Georgetown with her two sons in March to further her education at the Government Technical Institute (GTI).

She said it was her intention to pursue her studies so that she can give her children a better life, but instead it took a different turn.

Simmons said on May 31, she left her two sons in the care of their aunt, [their father’s sister] to attend class-

es but after classes ran late that evening, she informed the woman that she would not be able to pick the children up until the following day.

When she turned up at her sister-in-law’s home the following day, she did not see her kids and immediately started to ask questions. It was then, she was told that they were no longer at her home.

Prior to that, she explained that she had attempted to contact the children’s aunt but she did not take the calls. It was until after she used a friend’s phone to contact the woman that she answered.

“I left them between 6 and 7 in the evening… that is the only sister for him that I would communicate with…

I don’t send them anywhere, but that is not the first time

Simmons and her son Safari Andrews Simmons and her son Sameer Andrews

3 arrested for $2M South Ruimveldt robbery

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ne day after six armed bandits beat and robbed a 39-year-old female pay clerk of $2 million at Caneview Avenue, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, the Police have arrested three men and confiscated an XR motorcycle that was used in the crime.

It was reported that on Friday, the clerk uplifted the cash from the head office of her place of employment at about 14:38h to pay workers at Caneview Avenue.

Upon arriving at the location, the woman parked her motor car and was waiting to pay the workers, as she usually does.

However, while waiting in the car, she noticed the suspects on three XR motorcycles approaching the car and suddenly coming to a

stop. Two of the pillion riders dismounted the motorbikes and approached her with firearms in their hands.

They demanded that she hand over the money but she refused to do so. As such, the suspects forced open the driver’s side door of the car, pulled her out and began to cuff her about her stomach and face.

One of suspects then

picked up the cash, which was secured in an envelope.

Another perpetrator then discharged three rounds, one in the air and two in the direction of the car after which they all made good their escape.

Meanwhile, the Police confirmed that three of the suspects were arrested and are assisting with investigations.

Rosignol fishermen decry...

One of the fishermen venting his frustration

Me talk to the Minister this fisherman day he tell me he gone look in this matter again and all Minister wuh me talk to a tell me about look into this matter and nobody never look into the matter,” Samwaroo stated.

Additionally, he said that the grass has been destroying not only his but several other fishermen’s pens, one of which costs

about $60,000.

He further stated that Government is assisting everyone and he hopes that he and his colleagues are given the same treatment.

Only last month, while observing Fisherfolk Day under the theme “Promoting Social Responsibility to Safeguard Fisheries Resources and Livelihoods” at the Georgetown Cricket

FROM PAGE 32

Club grounds, President of the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors, Reuben Charles had related that these are serious times and changes have been and have to be made in order to keep the industry alive.

He had stated that the Association, unlike the sugar and rice industries, receive little to no aid from the Government.

However, in responding to Charles, Minister Mustapha had stated that there are processes and procedures that need to be followed in order to access Governmental aid, and moving forward letters for aid should be addressed to the Ministers directly so that there can be swift actions in providing the necessary assistance.

I ask her because I use to take care of her children too.

When I go to her, she told me that the father took them,” she explained.

Simmons said after learning that her children were with her reputed husband, she attempted to contact him, to no avail.

She continued to search for her children but could not locate them. As such, she reported the matter to the La Grange Police Station and in the presence of the Police, the children’s aunt promised to return them to her but this never materialised.

“I went to the station and they made contact with her and she said she was going to collect them and bring them.

After 12 that day, I am still there and can’t reach with the children… when you call

her back, she said she is not getting onto her brother or his new girl,” the woman cried.

The young mother further alleged that after feeling that all hopes were lost, she took to social media where she expressed her frustration of not being able to find her children. She said instead of getting assistance, she was arrested and charged with cyberbullying.

“I made a Facebook post in June where I was charged the following Monday… I got a call from the senior officer and he said Miss Simmons your children are here at the Vigilance Police Station and you can come and collect them. When I reach up there, I was charged,” she said.

The woman is pleading with the higher authorities to assist her in locating her

children.

After receiving the report, Guyana Times contacted Commander of Region Three Errol Watts for a comment on the matter but he noted that the children are not missing but in their father’s custody.

The Commander said just like the mother, the father has 50 per cent right of the children’s custody.

“The father of these kids has a right equally as the mother with the custody of his kids; and Child Care and Protection Agency has intervened in the matter and we are jointly working together with them to get to the father and for them to sit down and work out an amicable solution outside of the court.

If it can’t work outside of the court, then they will have to go to the civil court for custody,” the Commander related.

34

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

Around the World

Typhoon In-Fa sweeps towards Thousands join Budapest Pride China after flooding chaos March against anti-LGBTQ law

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hina is bracing for a major typhoon just days after deadly floods devastated parts of the country.

Typhoon In-Fa is expected to make landfall along the east coast near Shanghai today, forecasters say.

Flights and train services have been suspended, while people have been ordered to stay indoors.

Disruptive winds, rough seas and flooding are expected. Meanwhile, dozens of ships have been evacuated from a busy port south of Shanghai.

The typhoon follows a period of historic flooding that caused widespread damage and killed at least 58 people in central China.

Emergency crew are still working around the clock to

rescue survivors and provide aid to the tens of millions of people affected by the floods.

Typhoon In-Fa could bring more torrential downpours to the stricken region in the coming days, and officials fear it could hamper rescue and recovery efforts.

The storm is currently moving away from Taiwan with maximum gusts of about 92 mph (148 km/h), according

gusts of up to 120 mph are possible along the east coast, forecasters have warned.

And from Sunday, the typhoon will bring “long periods of extremely heavy rainfall”, China’s National Meteorological Center said.

Many factors contribute to extreme weather, but experts say climate change caused by a warming atmosphere makes these events more likely.

The approach of Typhoon In-Fa follows deadly floods that wrought havoc in central China

to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

In its latest update, the forecaster said the typhoon was not expected to strengthen significantly before it collides with eastern China.

After it makes landfall, flash flooding, mudslides and

As China braces for Typhoon In-Fa, another tropical storm in the region is threatening to bring heavy downpours and strong winds to the Tokyo Olympics in Japan next week. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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housands of Hungarians joined the annual Budapest Pride march on Saturday to support LGBTQ people and protest against a law that limits teaching about homosexuality and transgender issues in schools.

Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in power since 2010, has introduced social policies that he says aim to safeguard traditional Christian values from Western liberalism, stoking tensions with the European Union.

The European Commission has launched legal action against Orban’s Government over the new law, which came into force

this month, saying it is discriminatory and contravenes European values of tolerance and individual freedom.

Demonstrators at the march through the streets of central Budapest said the legislation was dividing the former Soviet-bloc nation and now a member of the European Union.

Orban’s Fidesz-Christian Democrat Government, which faces a tough election next year, says LGBTQ rights and other such social issues are matters for national governments to decide. It says the law aims to protect children not target homosexuals.

Organisers said in a

statement the rally would show opposition to “power-hungry politicians” and reject intimidation of LGBTQ people.

Orban owes some of his electoral success to a tough line on immigration. As that issue has receded from the political agenda, his focus has shifted to gender and sexuality issues.

A survey last month by the Ipsos polling organisation found that 46 per cent of Hungarians supported same-sex marriage.

More than 40 embassies and foreign cultural institutions in Hungary issued a statement backing the Budapest Pride Festival.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazilians take to streets again to Great Barrier Reef: Australia demand Bolsonaro’s impeachment avoids UNESCO downgrade

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A

ustralia on Friday avoided having the Great Barrier Reef listed as an endangered world heritage site by UNESCO, despite extensive climate change-spurred damage to the ecosystem’s corals.

The move by the UN body has faced criticism by environmental activists.

After a concerted lobbying effort by Canberra, members of the World Heritage Committee – including leading fossil fuel producers Russia and Saudi Arabia – voted in Fuzhou, China to give Australian conservation efforts more time.

The group brushed aside UNESCO experts’ recommendation that the reef’s World Heritage status be downgraded because of dramatic coral decline, instead of telling Australia to report on the reef’s status by 2022.

The 2300-km-long (1400-mile-long) ecosystem has suffered three mass coral bleaching events since 2016, caused by rising ocean temperatures due to global warm-

Reef fish swim above recovering coral colonies on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Cairns, Australia [File: Lucas Jackson/ Reuters]

ing.

Areas once teeming with vibrant corals have become lifeless washed-out wastelands, and two-thirds of the reef is believed to have been damaged in some way.

Despite the damage, the reef remains a vital tourist draw for Australia, which had feared an “in danger” label could deter post-pandemic visitors.

Australia’s Environment Minister Sussan Ley had flown to Paris earlier this month to personally lobby member states on the committee, while key ambassadors

were invited on a reef snorkelling trip.

On Friday, Ley welcomed the decision, thanking “esteemed delegates for recognising Australia’s commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef”.

Selina Ward, a Coral reef scientist from the University of Queens, said the government needs to take “dramatic action” in order to stop the damage.

“There is absolutely no doubt that the Great Barrier is under severe threat,” Ward told Al Jazeera. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

rotesters took to the streets in several Brazilian cities on Saturday to demand the impeachment of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, whose popularity has fallen in recent weeks amid corruption scandals against the backdrop of the pandemic.

This week, news broke that Brazil’s Defence Ministry told congressional leadership that next year’s elections would not take place without amending the country’s electronic voting system to include a paper trail of each vote.

Bolsonaro has suggested several times without evidence that the current system is prone to fraud, allegations that Brazil’s Government has denied.

Bolsonaro is facing re-election next year, in a race in which he is likely to face his political nemesis, former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Polls currently show Bolsonaro losing against Lula.

Saturday’s protests were at least the second time

A protester holding a banner reading “Vaccine” and “Impeachment” during a demonstration against Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and demanding his impeachment, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 24, 2021

this month that Brazilians have taken to the streets in several cities to oppose Bolsonaro.

Over 500,000 Brazilians have died of COVID-19 under Bolsonaro’s leadership, who has been widely criticised for dismissing the severity of the disease and opposing masks and social distancing measures.

Bolsonaro is now being investigated in the Senate, which is probing the possi-

bility of corruption tied to the purchase of an Indian coronavirus vaccine.

In Sao Paulo’s Paulista Avenue, the traditional location for political protests, over a thousand people were gathering as of 4 pm Saturday.

Bolsonaro was in Brasilia, the capital, on Saturday and went out for a motorcycle ride while greeting supporters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

- including food and personal protective equipment, including over 1 million medical masks, departed from an airfield near Moscow on Saturday, the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

“On the instructions of the Supreme Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, military transport aircraft are delivering humanitarian aid to the Republic of Cuba,” the Ministry said.

The Cuban Government has blamed the protests mostly on what it calls USfinanced “counter-revolutionaries” exploiting eco-

nomic hardship caused by decades-old US embargo.

Government critics say the island’s economic woes are caused largely by the inefficiencies of the state-run system.

Mexico said on Thursday it would send to Cuba two navy ships loaded with medical and food supplies, including syringes, oxygen tanks and masks, along with powdered milk, cans of tuna, beans, flour, cooking oil and gasoline.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has blamed the US embargo for fomenting the unrest in Cuba. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Guatemalan anti-corruption prosecutor Russia sends COVID-19 aid flees country after sacking to Cuba – Defence Ministry

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uatemalan anti-corruption prosecutor Juan Francisco Sandoval fled the country early on Saturday, only hours after being sacked in a move that sparked international outrage.

Sandoval, who had led the Guatemalan Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Impunity (FECI) until Friday, fled to the Salvadoran border in the wee hours of Saturday, said Jordan Rodas, the Guatemalan human rights ombudsman.

“The decision was made to safeguard his life,” Rodas told the Reuters news agency.

Sandoval arrived in La Chinamas, a border town in El Salvador, about 120km (75

miles) southeast of Guatemala City. He was accompanied on his trip out of Guatemala by human rights activists, Swedish Ambassador Hans Magnusson, and journalists from The Associated Press.

“Sadly, this has become a situation that many public servants in Guatemala have had to go through simply because we are not useful for the regime,” Sandoval said, as reported by AP. “Wherever I am, I’m going to continue working for the good of the people of Guatemala, but for my own safety, I am not going to be used by people who have made exploiting government funds a way of life,” he said.

Guatemala’s Attorney

General Maria Porras removed the internationally known corruption prosecutor from his post on Friday.

A government statement earlier that day said Porras had removed Sandoval due to “constant abuses and frequent abuses to the institutionality” of the ministry. “Given the imminent lack of trust in the relationship, today his employment is terminated,” Porras said.

But the move prompted international criticism, including from the administration of United States President Joe Biden, which has been urging the Guatemalan Government as well as others in Central America to root out corruption. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

R

ussia has sent a shipment of coronavirus-related humanitarian assistance to Cuba, including 1 million medical masks, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday, adding President Vladimir Putin had given instructions for the aid.

Cuba, which kept coronavirus infections low last year, earlier this week reported the highest rate of contagion per capita in Latin America.

That has strained its healthcare sector and helped stoke rare anti-Government protests earlier this month on the Communist-run island.

Two military planes carrying 88 tonnes of aid

35

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

36

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

ARIES (March 21April 19)

You’ll get a sense of what you want to do next if you engage in events that interest you. Don’t let the changes going on around you dampen your mood or stop you from doing what makes you feel alive.

Scrutinize any changes comTAURUS ing your way. Having enough (April 20- information will put your mind May 20) at ease and help you navigate

your way through any pitfalls you encounter along the way.

Make your health, love and happiness priorities.

A disciplined attitude will help GEMINI encourage productivity. Refuse to (MAY 28- let anyone interfere in your goal.

June 20) Too much of anything will be a hindrance. Flirting will turn into a messy situation. Be careful who you pay attention to and who you don’t.

Verify information offered beCANCER fore you pass it along or make a (June 21change based on what you hear.

July 22) Put a unique spin on an idea, and someone who can help you turn your plan into a reality will show interest. Romance is encouraged.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Dilbert LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

Settle down and enjoy life.

Relax with someone or by doing something that puts your mind at ease and helps you rejuvenate.

Make your purpose and commitment clear to yourself and those you love. Don’t fight change; embrace new beginnings.

It’s up to you to create an opportunity. Use your skills, intelligence and connections to create what you want. Start something new, participate in a group that shares your concerns or interests, and be the driving force that initiates positive change.

Put more thought into ways you can improve your space. Do the work yourself, and you will get things done the way you want — and save money. A social event or activity will lead to a romantic encounter.

Listen to what others have to say, and you’ll know what’s required to avoid a letdown and encourage the response you want to receive. Based on what you hear and see, you’ll wiggle your way into a prime position.

A get-together will open your

SAGITTARIUS eyes to exciting alternatives. Be (Nov. 23creative, but don’t go overboard Dec. 21) when it comes to financial matters. Joint ventures will not be as good as they appear. Do your homework before you get involved.

Look over your options and

CAPRICORN make your move. The changes (Dec. 22you put into play at home will Jan. 19) improve your life and encour-

age others to respect your space.

Feeling comfortable in your surroundings will boost your morale and help you maintain equality.

Calvin and Hobbes

Put more time and energy into

AQUARIUS essential relationships. You can get (Jan. 20- along with friends and relatives Feb. 19) without following in their footsteps. Learn from the experience others share, but build your haven.

Romance will improve your relationship with someone special.

Look for the good in everyone,

PISCES but don’t buy into someone’s pipe (Feb. 20- dream. A financial move for perMar. 20) sonal gain is apparent, but adhere to the rules, or penalties will prevail. Channel your energy into physical self-improvement and romancing someone you love.

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

37

Tokyo 2020 Olympics…

Japanese boxer Sena Irie makes instant impact

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ena Irie has dreamt of winning an Olympic gold medal for Japan since she began boxing as a child, and a triumphant start at Tokyo 2020 has supercharged her self-belief.

The 20-year-old beat El Salvador's Yamileth Solorzano on a unanimous points verdict, as all five judges scored her a comfortable winner, setting up a last-16 clash with Tunisia's Khouloud Hlimi Ep Moulahi.

Irie is a featherweight who took silver in the Asian and Oceanian Olympic qualifying event held in Jordan almost 18 months ago. She also finished fifth at the 2019 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships.

Asked what a gold would mean at the Olympics, Irie said: "Boxing is a minority sport in Japan, but it would mean so much for the sport and for me. It's hard to say in

words, but I have been training for this moment for 13 years, and winning gold is what I have been dreaming about all that time."

Fighting at the Kokugikan Arena came as a relief to the young Japanese star, who had feared the Games would be cancelled.

"I felt very sad about that possibility, as I wanted to compete in a Games in my home country," she said. "All the athletes were sending messages to each other with what was happening, until we heard the news the Games would go ahead. We were so happy then. But now I can try and win a medal for my country, after getting through my first fight."

Irie will face stiff competition with the Philippines' Nesthy Petecio also in the draw and seeking to add Olympic gold to the

World Championships title she secured two years ago. Petecio beat Irie at that event, but the Japanese fighter avenged that loss in the Olympic qualifiers.

After starting with a points’ win over DR Congo's Marcelat Sakobi Matshu in the first boxing match of Tokyo 2020,

Petecio said: "This is my first Olympics, but there are mixed emotions, really. I want to enjoy it, but I know I need to improve."

Petecio added: "This is a new medal to fight for. It's a chance for a new achievement, and I have forgotten about

what I have achieved in the past."

Petecio, who will tackle Taiwanese number one seed Lin Yu-Ting next, has said: "It's a fight I am very excited about.

I know she also will have been looking at facing me in the draw, so it will be a great

fight."

Professionals are mixing with amateurs at the Tokyo Games, and among the men's featherweights is 23-year-old American Duke Ragan, who has taken his first steps in the paid ranks.

Ragan snatched a split points win over Frenchman Samuel Kistohurry on Saturday, and accused his opponent of turning their battle into "a wrestling match".

"The guy was like wrestling me, making it hard for me. It was a great fight though," said Ragan. "He did what he came to do, to try to make it rough on me, because guys know that I like to box and be on the outside.

"I was a bit hard-headed, going to try and do what I thought was right. I've got to listen to the eyes on the outside to make adjustments."

(Sportsmax)

Tokyo 2020 Olympics…

Tokyo 2020 Olympics…

US Women rebound with 6-1 win over NZ Macron and Jill Biden look on as France lose to US in 3x3 Basketball – Britain, Sweden in quarters

F

rench President Emmanuel Macron and US First Lady Jill Biden watched their countrywomen tangle on the 3x3 basketball court at the sport's Olympic debut in Tokyo on Saturday, with the Americans pulling off an upset victory.

Macron and Biden are among the few dignitaries attending the delayed Games, with Japan and much of the world still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jill Biden jumped to her feet and clapped when the clock ran out with the U.S. team winning 17-10 against No. 1 ranked France.

Stefanie Dolson, who played for the WNBA's Chicago Sky in the 2021 season, led the Americans with seven points.

In the first game of the tournament, Japan women's

T

team lost 21-18 to the No. 2 ranked Russian women who, competing as the ROC, won both of their matches.

Serbia's men, another favourite for medals, also had a perfect record on the day.

With the US men's team's surprise elimination in the qualifiers, Serbia and Latvia seem favourites in the medal race. Serbia beat China 22-13 and then edged Netherlands 16-15.

"This is the biggest tournament in my life, so you know it will be a pleasure to win any kind of medal, but we are aiming for the gold," said Serbia's Dusan Domovic Bulut, the fledgling sport's first superstar.

Latvia beat Poland 2114 in their first match, but then were upset 21-20 by Belgium with a game-winning

two-point shot from Thibaut Vervoort in the final minute.

However, the Belgians then lost 18-16 to Japan in the last game of the day.

With an Olympics debut, 3x3 is looking to boost its global profile as a fasterpaced, more compact alternative to basketball.

The game is played on a half court, with three players on each side, and a team wins by reaching 21 points or having the most baskets by the end of the 10-minute game clock.

DJs play hip-hop music throughout competition 3x3 games, in keeping with the sport's urban roots.

The medal matches will take place on Wednesday after a round-robin tournament of eight teams each of men and women. (Reuters)

he United States women's soccer team returned to their winning ways with a clinical 6-1 victory over New Zealand at Saitama Stadium on Saturday, while Britain and Sweden maintained perfect starts to book their places in the Olympic tournament's knockout stage.

After suffering a first defeat in 30 months to Sweden in their Group G opener, the Americans, who are world champions, made a much-improved start against New Zealand, breaking the deadlock inside 10 minutes with a Rose Lavelle strike.

With US First Lady Jill Biden watching from the stands, the four-times Olympic gold medallists turned on the style with waves of attacks, and went on to double their lead just before halftime through a Lindsey Horan header.

Two second-half own goals compounded New Zealand's problems, and US substitutes Alex Morgan and Christen Press also got on the scoresheet as

the pre-tournament favourites moved back into contention for a final-eight spot.

Sweden continued their dominant run with a 4-2 comeback win over Australia.

Captain Sam Kerr scored a double to hand the Matildas a 2-1 lead, only for Sweden to score three quickfire goals, courtesy of Lina Hurtig, Stina Blackstenius and Fridolina Rolfo's second.

In Group E, Manchester City forward Ellen White nodded in her third goal of the tournament as Britain guaranteed their progress to the knockout stages with a 1-0 victory over hosts Japan, who stayed winless after two games.

"We're very happy with two wins, and that puts us in the position to rest players and recover for the knockout stages," Britain coach Hege Riise said.

"We were a different team in the second half, we had the togetherness I want to see, and we were totally committed."

A Dominique Janssen free kick in the 79th minute rescued a point for the Netherlands in a 3-3 draw with Brazil, with the Orange retaining the top spot in Group F on goal difference.

After scoring a treble for Zambia in their 10-3 drubbing by the Netherlands on Wednesday, striker Babra Banda enhanced her status as the competition's breakout player with another hat-trick in a 4-4 draw with China in Group F. China had a goal machine of their own in Wang Shuang, who scored four times, including a late penalty, to earn her side a deserved point at Rifu's Miyagi Stadium.

Wang became only the third player to score four goals in a match at the Games, and the second in the tournament after Dutchwoman Vivianne Miedema.

Earlier, forward Janine Beckie scored in each half as Canada beat Chile 2-1 at the Sapporo Dome. (Reuters)

38 Restart of cricket high on agenda of BCB meeting

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

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he Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) will host a special meeting at the BCB office in New Amsterdam on Tuesday July 27 at 16:15h. High on the agenda is the restart of local cricket in the ancient county come September.

Other important topics for discussion are: the general rules of the BCB for the season to

Report; cricket academies and coaching programmes; gear donated from England for distribution across Berbice; discussion on coaching manual; relationship with other cricket boards and the GCB; induction to different Halls of Fame; and preparation of grounds across Berbice.

The BCB is hereby informing

Cricketers are urged to be fully vaccinated for the return of cricket in Berbice

restart; production of financial statement; the President’s

all cricket leaders and clubs that they should commence

preparing their venues as soon as possible. BCB intends to restart the 2021 season in September at the under-13, under-15 under-17, under-19, under-23, second division, female, and first division levels.

The BCB has noted an improvement in the weather, and has said clubs should take advantage of that circumstance.

The BCB has approximately 20 tournaments to complete before the current executives’ term in office expires.

According to the BCB, “The time span might only allow us to host one or two first division tournaments, while second division tournaments which are in progress would be completed. No new sponsorship would be acquired for now. Please get your venues in order. The BCB, over the last two months, had distributed a total of twenty-one grass cutters to assist clubs in their preparation. You are also reminded that President Hilbert

Guyana named “among the 23 best dressed nations” at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

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espite criticism over Team Guyana’s uniform at the Tokyo Olympics, the seven-member contingent has been named one of the best dressed groups.

During the opening ceremony of the Olympics, many viewers took to social media to express their views on the design of Team Guyana’s outfit, mostly levelling criticism at the design.

Many stated that the predominantly red uniforms were of a certain political affiliation, and that a particular colour of the Golden Arrowhead was not evident in the design.

Team Guyana has, however, represented the country with pride and joy, and while many had expressed negative comments, Team Guyana has been named among the 23 best dressed nations at Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

BCB President Hilbert Foster

Foster would be meeting all clubs in the County on August 11 at the Albion Ground in

another one of his countywide discussions.”

Foster has warned that the BCB would restart cricket under very strict COVID-19 guidelines, noting that the health and safety of players and officials are the main concern of his administration.

Foster is urging all cricketers to be fully vaccinated, as those not vaccinated would not be allowed to participate in cricket tournaments organised by the BCB.

GCA to resume cricket season with U17 competition …urges all players to continue observing COVID-19 protocols

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fter a lengthy hiatus because of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) has announced its intention to resume cricketing activities from 16th August, 2021.

The action would commence with an under-17 competition, followed by an under-19 competition besides the continuation of all the other unfinished competitions. A grand launching would be held on a date following the conclusion of the Pakistan matches in Guyana.

The following competitions are to be launched: Under-15, -17, -19, -23; Second Division T/20; 1st Division 50 Overs; 1st Division 2 Days. The GCA is kindly asking all clubs to take note of the foregoing and see how quickly they could get their venues ready once the consistent rain is over.

These clubs are also being asked to kindly inform all their players.

Everyone is reminded to get vaccinated, even though the final choice is theirs. The GCA is also urging everyone to please continue observing all COVID-19 protocols in order to be safe.

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Ontario Softball Cricket League 2021…

Essequibo Coast Cricket Club in comfortable 7-wicket Classified Ads win over Bacchus Ruff Ryders – Ramnauth scores 48 not out

A release from Insider Sports has said, “The seven athletes representing Guyana wore a bold red that immediately caught the eye.”

This statement coming out of Tokyo immediately laid all the irrelevant and negative

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Call: 223-7230-1 Ext 50

comments to rest, and promoted what the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jnr, had said: celebrate the achievements of our young Guyanese who made it to the world stage to shine the spotlight on beautiful Guyana.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics…

Don’t overlook Thompson-Herah, says Obadele Thompson

– Olympic bronze medalist declares Fraser-Pryce 100m favourite, but believes teammate could score upset

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arbadian Olympic bronze medalist Obadele Thompson believes Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann FraserPryce, the fastest woman alive, must be considered favourite for the 100m gold in Tokyo, but has warned against overlooking her compatriot Elaine ThompsonHerah.

Fraser-Pryce will be on familiar ground, looking to make history this time as the first woman to claim three gold medals in the event. She would also become only the second person to win three gold medals in the 100m, behind illustrious compatriot Usain Bolt who won three in a row.

Heading into the event, Fraser-Pryce certainly seems set to accomplish the feat. First off, there’s her record: in 8 major championships (Olympics/ World Championships) finals, this athlete has only on two occasions failed to win the gold medal. Then there’s also the fact

that this athlete has two of the top five fastest times heading into the event this year. They include, of course, the fastest time run this year, 10.63, which is also the second-fastest ever run over the distance.

Despite that, however, Thompson has said he would be keeping a close eye on Elaine ThompsonHerah, the reigning O l y m p i c champion having

claimed the sprint

double in 2016 and also beaten Fraser-Pryce this month in Hungary, where she ran her best time this season (10.71) and second fastest this year.

“Shelly has run tremendously this year, with a 10.63 winning the Jamaica National trials; and when we look at her record, it’s unparalleled: two Olympic golds, Olympic bronze, four World Championships; so she definitely, to me, would start as favourite,” Thompson told SportsMax.Tv’s InCaseYou MissedIT. “Elaine, with her recent victory and near personal best a couple of weeks ago, cannot be overlooked; she is a double Olympic champion. She has not had the same success at the global level at World Championships since her victories in Rio, but she’s an Olympic champion,” he warned.

F

ormer national youth player Devon Ramnauth hit a responsible, unbeaten 48 to lead the Essequibo Coast Cricket Club to a comfortable sevenwicket win over the Bacchus Ruff Ryders last Saturday in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 20-over competition.

Playing at Dean Park in Toronto, the right-handed Ramnauth struck three sixes and two fours as Essequibo Coast chased down the Ruff Ryders’ challenging score of 120-6.

Ramnauth received useful support from former youth cricketer Dillon Heyliger, who produced a cameo 20, while Davo Ramsawak and Ravendra Madholall contributed 19 not out and 15 respectively.

When the Ruff Ryders batted, opener Azhadeen Amidon hit a top-score of 32, while Heyliger, who has also represented Canada internationally, proved his all-

round capability by claiming 2-14 off his four overs.

However, on Sunday, Essequibo Coast tasted their first defeat of the season when they suffered a sixwicket whipping at the hands of Carr Tec at Ashtonbee Park in Toronto.

Essequibo Coast managed to post an inadequate 73 all out, while Carr Tec, in reply, reached 74-4 in the 12th over.

Former Guyana under-19 player Yoodhanlall Suklall grabbed 4-15 off his four overs, and was brilliantly supported by Gavin Glasgow, who snatched 3-12 in his four overs, delivering for the victorious side.

Former youth player Rovendra Mandolall contributed 33 not out to the Carr Tech total.

Essequibo Coast has now recorded three wins from four outings. The competition will resume on August 7, after a break for two consecutive weeks.

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SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

39

Edghill, Allicock bow out of Tokyo 2020 Olympics

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sense of euphoria prevailed in Guyana and among the diaspora on Friday night as Guyanese collectively celebrated Chelsea Edghill’s victory in the opening match of her Olympic campaign. And although her campaign came to an end on Saturday morning, support for Guyana’s athletes remain undiminished.

Often referred to as Guyana’s best bet for a medal this year, Keevin Allicock bowed out of the contention early on Saturday morning following a unanimous loss on points in his Round of 32 bout.

Paired with Alexy de la Cruz of the Dominican Republic for their featherweight encounter, Allicock, boxing out of the red corner, faced an opponent who was

taller and lankier than he was, and who often used his longer reach to land punches, giving Allicock more work to do in regard to his speed.

A spirited start from both pugilists eventually saw de la Cruz landing a handful of punches which led to him winning the first round of their three-round bout.

Eventually, the five judges each awarded Allicock a nine and de la Cruz a 10 for that first round.

Allicock produced a better showing in the second round, but the judges still recorded him as follows: 9, 8,9,9,9.

And although Allicock was unstoppable in the third round, landing a series of hooks and jabs to totally dominate his opponent, the judges recorded for him scores as follows: 10, 10, 10,

10, 9.

So impressive was Allicock’s performance in the third Round that de la Cruz lost his footing and crashed briefly in the ring with just seconds remaining in the bout. Nevertheless, De la Cruz was awarded the following points: 9, 9, 9, 9, 10.

The points tallied to 2829, 27-29, 28-29, 28-29 and 27-30, all in De la Cruz’s favour, which saw de la Cruz winning the contest and

Action in the featherweight bout between Keevin Allicock and Alexy de la Cruz

Chelsea Edghill

Allicock’s campaign coming to an end.

In a disappointing turn, Edghill’s run came to an end approximately one hour after on Saturday morning, as she suffered a heart-rending loss in her Round of 32 match in the Women’s Singles event, despite fighting valiantly.

Edghill, who played to an emphatic 4-1 victory on Friday night against Fiji’s Sally Yee, was then matched up with Yubin Shin of South Korea for the next round in the women’s singles.

Their first match got off

Keevin Allicock landing a punch

to an exciting start, with the Guyanese and the South Korean often tied on points; however, the 17-year-old Shin soon pulled away from Edghill to win the first set 11-7.

The second game was quite similar to the first in that Shin came from behind to win the set 11-8.

Guyana’s Edghill could not find the formula to stop Shin in the third set, as the South Korean won 11-1.

The decorated Guyana player found her fight in the fourth set, leading the game at one point, but Shin turned things around for her fourth straight win.

With Allicock and Edghill being out of the running in their respective disciplines, Guyana will have to wait until Tuesday to see their countrymen and women in action.

Starting on Tuesday July 27 are the Heats for the Men’s 100m freestyle swim, meaning second-time Olympian Andrew Fowler will get his first taste of the Tokyo Games.

Jasmine Abrams will take to the track on Thursday, July 29 for the Women’s 100m event, while Guyana’s youngest Olympian, Aleka Persaud, will also compete at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre in the 50m freestyle on Friday.

In the Men’s 100m event, Emmanuel Archibald will be in action on Friday, July 30. Guyana’s final athlete, Aliyah Abrams, will take to the Track on Monday, August 2, for the 400m event.

All of Guyana’s athletes are wished the very best of luck as each pursues a dream to bring Guyana glory.

Sport Ministry collaborates with People’s Republic of China, GTTA to build Table Tennis facility

…Racquet Centre site identified

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

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t can be described as a groundbreaking and key meeting held on July 09, 2021 between Chen Xilai, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy and acting Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, and the Honourable Charles Ramson Jnr, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Minister Ramson’s team included Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle; Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow Richardson; Kashif Mohamed, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; executive members of the Guyana Table Tennis Association, which included GTTA President Godfrey Munroe, Vice President Andrew Daly, General Secretary Linden Johnson, and Treasurer Deirdre Edghill.

This meeting was in relation to the building of a home for the sport of Table Tennis in Guyana.

The Malteenoes Sports Club has for years been the hub for Table

Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy and acting Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana, the Honourable Chen Xilai

Tennis in Guyana, and Munroe has been elated to announce that a plot of land within the vicinity of the National Racquet Centre has been earmarked for construction of this new home for table tennis in Guyana.

In two weeks’ time, Munroe has said, the trio will reconvene to negotiate costs, site visits, and advance steps for the future of the sport. Additionally, the GTTA will receive 50 table tennis tables later this year from the People’s Republic of China.

Coming on the heels of regular engagements held with national federations, which is a key feature of Minister Ramson, he discussed the issue, plans, programmes and challenges facing the sport of table tennis, and outlined that table tennis is one of the Ministry’s core

GTTA President Godfrey Munroe

sports, and that he is happy with the pillars being developed within the sport and would like to provide support to seeing the advancement and realisation of growth of the sport.

Moreover, he outlined that he is keen on providing a home for the sport of table tennis in Guyana.

At the meeting, GTTA President Godfrey Munroe indicated to the Honourable Minister and his team that the partnership/MOU between the GTTA and through the embassy support and the Government of the People’s Republic of China embassy in Guyana for the sport of Table tennis through the stated belt initiative project which includes some of the listed support provisions: * Provision of tables and supporting equipment for schools and communities project

which has been unfolding with the distribution of tables to fifty schools across Guyana in 2020 and the fifty (50) more slated for 2021 through the Ministry of Education and GTTA * Training engagement for players at high yield centres in China, which has already commenced with players who visited China going to Hebei Zhengdeng High Yield Training Centre * Training support for coaches to visit China and learn of the methodologies of the successful Chinese systems. * Support pledged by the Government of China for exploring possibilities for the building of a home for the sport in Guyana, once the land can be acquired. * Other technical support for the sport in Guyana to lend

to improving performance, and using the sport for building of the bonds of culture and friendship between the people of China and Guyana.

Minister Ramson indicated that he was very enthused by the support being provided by the embassy through the Government of China, and was very keen on leveraging his Ministry and the Government of Guyana’s support in engaging this project, more particularly as it relates to China’s support for building of a home for the sport in Guyana.

Minister Ramson outlined his Ministry’s commitment to providing the land. He said he would appreciate China’s support to build the concrete base. He was appraised on the great partnership between the GTTA and the Embassy of the

People’s Republic of China in Guyana, and also of the Chinese people’s support in three key sporting developmental projects.

The Charge D’Affaires outlined that the embassy has been having several discussions for tables for schools and community projects; training of 8 players overseas, which is available; and provided insights to several developmental works in China.

He outlined that the embassy is keen to provide the financial input to make the sport realize its true potential.

National players are not able to practice a required amount of training hours, six (6) hours daily, due to the association being unable to host competitions or host training programmes.

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

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

West Indies overcome batting fumble to level series

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he West Indies have set up a series decider with Australia after registering a four-wicket victory in a low-scoring second ODI, after the visitors' top-order was found wanting on a turning Kensington Oval surface.

Wes Agar (41 off 36 balls) would not have been playing if the game had gone ahead two days earlier as planned, but the second-gamer led an unlikely Aussie rear-guard action that saw them reach a defendable 187 after a devastating spell from Akeal Hosein had reduced them to 6-45.

The lack of any meaningful contribution from Australia's top six – only two reached double digits – proved decisive, as Nicholas Pooran (59no off 75 balls) and Jason Holder (52 off 69) put on a match-deciding 93 for the sixth wicket.

Fresh off a five-for in the series opener, Mitchell Starc delivered another fiery newball assault under lights, finishing with 3-26 from his 10 overs, and could easily have added a couple more.

The match went ahead two days after it was postponed due to a COVID-19 scare, with stand-in skipper Alex Carey's decision to bat first on Thursday standing, although the West Indies did permit Australia to change the XI they named 48 hours ago to include Agar at Josh Hazlewood's expense, while Riley Meredith made his debut.

Australia had looked to be in the driver’s to defend

That came after Turner had marked his first bowl at international level in fourand-a-half years by ratting the woodwork of the Windies leading batter, Shai Hope, after the opener had compiled a steady 43-ball 38 to set up the run chase.

The last wicket Turner, an off-spinner whose bowling has been limited by four shoulder reconstructions,

Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran each struck half-centuries

they will wonder how things might have been different had Moises Henriques held on to a Pooran catch (on 26) off the bowling of Adam Zampa with 65 runs still required.

Pooran was put down again on 49 - in a much tougher chance at slip - by Wade off Ashton Turner, as he capped a superb knock with an inside-out six a few balls before Alzarri Joseph (five not out) sealed the win.

A bit of good news for the visitors was that Ben McDermott did not suffer a serious injury after dramatically destroying a wooden advertising hoarding while attempting a boundary-line catch. Fielders and medical staff rushed to his aid, but he was able to resume his place in the field a short time later.

Between them, Australia's numbers 7-10

ODI score by an Australian batting at No.10, while Wade (36 off 68), Zampa (36 off 62) and Starc (19 off 43) also played vital hands before the Aussies were bowled out in the 48th over.

Left-arm spinner Hosein (3-30 off 10) had stunned Australia by ripping the heart out of their middle order with a brilliant six-ball, three-wicket blitz capped by an unplayable turning deliv-

an innings in Australia's revival.

The 24-year-old carted two sixes, including a jaw-dropping flick over backward square off Jason Holder, while Zampa also played a series of confident blows in the pair's innings-high 59-run stand.

Starc looked to have added to his remarkable firstover wicket-taking knack when Evin Lewis was given Darren Bravo is bowled all ends up

scored more than 70 per cent of their total. Agar's 41 (off 36 balls) was the second highest

Akeal Hosein bagged three wickets

had taken in any form of limited-overs cricket had come for Australia way back in 2017.

Holder and Pooran, however, coolly tamed the Aussie attack, which could have

every bit the international cricketer, but his frustrating tour continued as he fell into a leg-side trap the Windies had set for him and was out for 16. The final ODI is set for Monday.

SCOREBOARD

Alzaari Joseph claimed three wickets in his impressive spell

their meagre total when skipper Kieron Pollard's exit left them at 5-72, and

benefited from the spin of Agar's brother Ashton, who remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

McDermott's two-day wait for his second ODI innings had earlier ended in perfect symmetry when he departed for a second-ball duck to Sheldon Cottrell.

Josh Philippe, after scoring a fluent 39 in his debut on Tuesday, again looked

ery that clean bowled Turner (1 off 4).

Carey (10 off 15) had also had his woodwork rattled, while Henriques (4 off 13) was caught at slip as both reached to drive and were beaten by Hosein's vicious spin.

Wade, playing his first ODI series in four years, found capable partners in Starc and Zampa, and put on 51 and 32 with them respectively. And, more importantly, saw off the threat of Hosein.

Agar had only once passed double digits in his 22 previous List A and T20 innings, but the 24-year-old fast bowler played a gem of

out caught behind, but that turned out to be one of four decisions that were overturned on review for the evening.

There was little doubt when Lewis got smashed on the ankle in the following over, while Darren Bravo then had his off-stump ripped out of the ground off the first ball he faced, to the delight of Starc.

A fired-up Zampa (2-43 off nine) bowled both Jason Mohammed and Pollard with wrong 'uns, with the leg-spinner letting loose with a fervent celebration after dismissing the Windies captain, who had gotten hold of him in the first ODI.

Australia Innings Josh Philippe c Lewis b Joseph 16 Ben McDermott c Hope b Cottrell 0 Mitchell Marsh c †Hope b Holder 8 Moises Henriques c Holder b Hosein 4 Alex Carey (c)† b Hosein 10 Ashton Turner b Hosein 1 Matthew Wade c Pooran b Joseph 36 Mitchell Starc lbw b Walsh 19 Adam Zampa b Cottrell 36 Wes Agar c Lewis b Joseph 41 Riley Meredith not out 0 Extras (lb 4, nb 1, w 11) 16 TOTAL (47.1 Ov, RR: 3.96) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Ben McDermott, 0.4 ov), 2-23 (Josh Philippe, 6.4 ov), 3-26 (Mitchell Marsh, 7.1 ov), 4-41 (Alex Carey, 10.5 ov), 5-44 (Moises Henriques, 12.2 ov), 6-45 (Ashton Turner, 12.4 ov), 7-96 (Mitchell Starc, 26.3 ov), 8-128 (Matthew Wade, 38.1 ov), 9-187 (Adam Zampa, 46.6 ov), 10-187 (Wes Agar, 47.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sheldon Cottrell 8-1-29-2 Jason Holder 7-0-41-1

Alzarri Joseph Akeal Hosein Hayden Walsh Jason Mohammed

8.1-0-39-3 10-0-30-3 10-0-32-1 4-0-12-0

WEST INDIES INNINGS (TARGET: 188 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) Evin Lewis lbw b Starc 1 Shai Hope † b Turner 38 Darren Bravo b Starc 0 Jason Mohammed b Zampa 11 Nicholas Pooran not out 59 Kieron Pollard (c) b Zampa 2 Jason Holder lbw b Starc 52 Alzarri Joseph not out 5 Extras (lb 6, nb 2, w 15) 23 TOTAL (38 Ov, RR: 5.02) 191/6 Did not bat: Hayden Walsh, Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Evin Lewis, 2.5 ov), 2-11 (Darren Bravo, 2.6 ov), 3-47 (Jason Mohammed, 8.3 ov), 4-69 (Shai Hope, 13.2 ov), 5-72 (Kieron Pollard, 14.2 ov), 6-165 (Jason Holder, 34.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 10-1-26-3 Wes Agar 5-0-24-0 Riley Meredith 5-0-36-0 Adam Zampa 9-1-43-2 Ashton Turner 6-0-37-1 Mitchell Marsh 3-0-19-0

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