Bandit posing robs Chinese P as customer restaurant

SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM 3 estates produce over 700 tonnes of sugar in 1 day

…highest daily performance for 2020, 2021

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has announced that combined, Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt, the only three estates left standing after the downsizing of the sugar industry under the former Government, produced over 700 metric tonnes of sugar in one day.

According to GuySuCo, the three estates produced 710 metric tonnes of sugar on Thursday. It was explained that this is the highest performance so far for 2021 and also for 2020.

When it comes to the Uitvlugt estate, some 1.0006 metric tonnes of sugar was produced for the week. This, according to GuySuCo, surpassed the week’s production target for the second week of complete grinding since the start of the first crop.

“During the initial days of the 1st crop, 2021, GuySuCo’s engineering corps along with all factory team members worked diligently to rectify major defects observed during the pre-crop factory trials also known as steam trials. This week, the Uitvlugt factory recorded a total of 125 grinding hours, a significant improvement compared to 116 the previous week. At Uitvlugt, the fac-

Bandit posing as customer robs Chinese restaurant

AChinese restaurant at Goed Fortune, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was on Friday robbed by a bandit posing as a customer.

According to reports, at around 22:30h a silver-grey primo motor car stopped in front of the restaurant and a man exited the back passenger seat of the car, went to the gate of the restaurant and ordered a chicken fried rice. As the staff went in to prepare the order, the bandit whipped out the gun, jumped over the fence, ran into the restaurant, and held the owner at gunpoint.

At that time, the owner of the business began resisting and the lone gunman hit him to his head with the firearm which caused him to receive injuries.

Guyana Times understands that during the scuffle, the magazine of the gun fell to the ground and six live 9mm ammunition fell out.

After seeing this, the suspect reportedly left the man, went under the counter of the restaurant, grabbed the cash then jumped the fence and made good his escape in the waiting car. It is still unclear how much money the suspect took from the restaurant. A report was made to the Police and an investigation has been launched.

Pirates attack Guyanese fishermen

Agroup of Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) fisherman were attacked in the Waini River, Region One (Barima-Waini) by pirates.

The incident occurred at Kamwatta, Waini River, in the North West District and according to Police, the men were robbed of food, fuel, cellular phones and about $100,000 in fish, late Wednesday night.

Among the fishermen were two juveniles.

The fishermen told Police that they were attacked by six armed men who spoke both English and Spanish.

After the ordeal, the victims said that they made their way to Morawhanna Police Station where they made a report.

Police said that arrangements are being made for them to be interviewed and have statements taken.

A few months ago, a fishing expedition by a four-man crew along the Waini River turned into a horror story after the men were attacked by pirates.

Reports are the boat, which was captained by a 30-year-old man of Kumaka Water Front, departed Morawhanna village, and while on their journey the crew was awakened by the sound of men on board the vessel.

At the time there were five men, two of whom were armed with “long guns”; the suspects were clad in “what appeared to be military uniforms” and they were speaking a foreign language. Police stated that the pirates then took control of the vessel and forced the crew to the bow, where they remained for some 24 hours. The suspects then brought onboard their belongings, from a wooden boat they tied onto the captured vessel. The Police had stated that the suspects then spotted other boats in the area and left in pursuit of them. Before departing, they relieved the crew of their valuables, including a Plum cell phone valued at $16,000.

Shortly after the suspects disembarked the vessel, the captain hurriedly started the boat and proceeded to the open ocean to avoid being followed by the pirates. (G9) tory is expected to grind for 130-135 hours per week,” the company said on Saturday.

“So far, the Uitvlugt Estate has harvested a total of 416 hectares (42 per cent of which was provided by private farmers). Both the private and the estate uses semi-mechanical and manual harvesting techniques to harvest more than 28,000 metric tonnes of cane to produce 2068 metric tonnes sugar over a period of just over two weeks.”

The company went on to explain that engineers were able to fix a number of defects observed during trial runs at Uitvlugt. The improvements were made to the powerhouse, the crystallisers and a new boiler chimney.

“Notable improvements pertaining to the factory’s operations this crop include: increase power generation due to repairs in the powerhouse, a better mix of bagasse/fossil fuel usage contributing to reduction in cost, better quality of sugar cane harvested because of the strategy in the industry to go back to the basics in the agronomical practices and getting the nutrients for the plant on time,” the statement from the company said.

According to the statement, the repairs will also result in “less extraneous matter as a result of repairs to cane dumper area conducted prior to crop, better quality sugar crystals due to repairs completed at the crystallisers and a new boiler chimney which is allowing better combustion and better performance in the boilers and more consistent steam generation on the estate.”

Uitvlugt Manager Yudhisthira Mana said that $50 million went towards factory repairs while attributing the improvement in the estate’s productivity in 2021 “to the workers’ resilience, injection of the money towards factory repairs conducted prior to commencement of the 1st Crop 2021.”

He noted that importantly, the continued confidence of the private farmers in the ability of the estate’s management to produce sugar of the highest quality must also be lauded.

The former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government had closed the Wales Estate in 2016, and subsequently shut down the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates. The downsizing of the sugar industry resulted in only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Estates currently operating.

After taking office last year, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government announced in the 2020 Emergency Budget presented in September 2020, that some $5 billion would be injected into the sugar industry for the phased reopening of the closed estates.

GuySuCo was allocated a further $2 billion in Budget 2021 by the PPP/C Government for capital works to be undertaken at the various estates to help in the turnaround of the sugar industry.

Uitvlugt Manager Yudhisthira Mana

GUYANATIMESGY.COM Regal Cricket teams donate $1.25M to GHDS school project

“The best is yet to come,” says businessman Mahendra Hardyal

“Our primary purpose in life is to help others.” Those sage words of wisdom were spoken by The Dalai Lama, and they resonate well with local businessman Mahendra Hardyal, who recently presented monetary donations to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) for their continued efforts in humanitarian work.

Hardyal, Managing Director of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre (RSCC), located at 13 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, is always lending a helping hand to others. He recently donated $1.25M to the non-profit organisation Bal Nivas Shelter for Abused Children and for the completion of the Dharmic Rama Krishna Secondary School.

Moreover, the philanthropic Businessman Mahendra Hardyal presented $250,000 to the Bal Nivas Shelter at Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice, and that money represented the entire winning purse from the inaugural Guyana Cricket Board’s Over-40 tournament, which Regal Masters won earlier in December.

The Bal Nivas Shelter caters for up to 60 children who are suffering from various forms of abuse, and this places the centre’s financial need at approximately $500,000 monthly. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Shelter is facing tough financial times, especially in regard to fund-raising events. This is according to Director of the GHDS, Rajnarine Singh, who welcomed the timely donation.

At the presentation, which took place at the headquarters of the GHDS, it was stated that this was the first time that a Regal team had participated in a hardball tournament, which made the moment much more pleasing.

In softball cricket, their more favoured format, the Regal Legends retained their title at the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup in November, while their Masters and All Stars teams suffered mixed fortunes. Hardyal praised the players for their consistency, and expressed gratitude to their supporters, while promising more successes on and off the field.

A presentation of $1M was also made on behalf of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and the extended Hardyal family to aid in the construction of the Dharmic Rama

The Regal Masters with their championship trophy after the tournament at Everest Cricket Club last December

Krishna Secondary School.

The presentation was made by Office Manager Telesha Ousman, who detailed the history of the donation by stating that support from the Hardyals dates back several decades, when Mahendra’s father, Bhisham, served an executive member of the GHDS; and he also was fully supported by his wife Shirley. The devoted couple then got their children: Mahendra, Krishna, Ravi and Ishri, deeply involved. Ousman said there is nothing more pleasing to the Hardyals than supporting children’s education and helping them to recover from difficult situations. In accepting the donation, Singh thanked the Hardyals, the Regal Business Group, and the cricket teams for their consideration, and wished them continued success in their future endeavours. The director also said the money would go towards the three-phase project which is expected to be completed for the new academic year. It is expected to commence in September this year. So far, approximately $200M has been spent to see one building at 90 percent completion, while the second building is 70 percent completed. The third building is yet to start. The remainder of the project requires a further $150M, and upon completion will cater for more than 500 primary school students and a similar number of secondary level students. Over the years, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sport have assisted several persons and organisations in various ways, while the Regal cricket teams have remained the most decorated outfit on the field. Nevertheless, this may just be the beginning, as the compassionate and optimistic Mahendra Hardyal reiterated that, “with spiritual beliefs and talent in sport, the best is yet to come, both on and off the field”.

Sanasie issues manifesto for transforming WI cricket

Anand Sanasie, who is vying for the presidency of the Cricket West Indies, has issued his manifesto for the transformation of cricket. In the 20-page document, Sanasie and his vice

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39 AAG not jumping the gun with requests for funding

When it comes to international participation, funding is a key aspect in getting athletes to their destination. While the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered this process for the AAG, the association will be looking to two entities for support.

Two international events, namely the South American Seniors and the Tokyo Olympics, are on the cards for the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and Guyanese athletes later this year.

However, as usual, funding will play a huge role in the preparation and execution of this goal.

AAG President Aubrey Hutson shared that following their last meet, which was hosted at the Leonora Track and Field Facility exactly one week ago, the AAG is now in a position to assess athletes’ performances and present a corresponding budget to get its Olympics plans underway.

“With COVID in mind, we could not have put a budget together per se, because we don’t know how many athletes we’re going to look at. We didn’t want to go too early and say we have three athletes, and then next thing you know ten of them start showing progress,” Hutson explained.

The AAG President went on to shed some more light on the selection method by stating, “After this developmental meet, I will sit down with the executives and their coaches’ body and take a realistic view of our athletes and where they are; and hence we can put a budget through to the GOA and also the Government of Guyana, in order to move the sport in that direction in terms of getting the athletes to the Olympics.”

Probed about any specialised training the AAG may want to offer to promising athletes ahead of the international stage, Hutson shared that those considerations will be made and included in whatever budget the AAG drafts. When it comes to the biggest points’ earner for the Olympics, the South American Seniors, Hutson shared that although there is limited funding, the AAG is focused on sending athletes who are poised to qualify, or have already qualified, for the Olympics.

“I know almost every athlete would like to make it to South American (Seniors), but with limited funding, we’re going to ensure (we give consideration to) those athletes who are on ‘borderline qualifying’ for the Olympics, or those who would have made it already but need the South American as another stepping stone to gain good lane assignments going into the Olympic Games.

“The few names that are called are the few that would’ve shown us that they are ready, willing and prepared, and we hope that others would come on board.

Currently, the likes of Emmanuel Archibald, Akeem Stewart and Devaun Barrington are the locals under the microscope for Olympics’ participation.

While Leslain Baird is also a hopeful, it is unclear whether his torn knee ligament would hinder his Olympic qualification.

AAG President Aubrey Hutson

GFF pays its respects at funeral of Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey

The GFF delegation at Neil Humphrey’s funeral

AGuyana Football Federation (GFF) delegation led by completion in June. As part of compliance requirements for the projects, President Wayne Forde paid its last respects to former national player and Berbice football legend Neil “Grizzly” Humphrey at his funeral in New Amsterdam on Thursday, March 11.

Humphrey, who sadly passed away two weeks ago at age 65, represented Guyana during the 1970s; played for several clubs, such as Cougars and Caribs; and ran the Teach Them Young football camp for more than two decades.

“It was a great privilege to attend Grizzly’s funeral this week, to honour his memory with his friends, family and community, and to pay our respects on behalf of the football fraternity,” GFF President Forde said.

“It was a deeply moving experience as we celebrated the life of a loving father, son and brother; a great servant to football, and a hugely popular man. We came away from the ceremony motivated and inspired by Grizzly’s life to continue to develop the game that he loved so dearly. RIP, Grizzly,” he said.

During its visit, the delegation took opportunity to inspect infrastructure works ongoing at football facilities in New Amsterdam and at Ann’s Grove, ECD, where the GFF is investing heavily to improve the quality and standard of grounds, in order to spur the development of football and enhance access for all.

The GFF kickstarted major football facilities’ upgrades last month under the FIFA Forward and One Concacaf programmes, and those upgrades include construction of changing rooms suitable for both male and female players and officials at Ann’s Grove Community Ground and the Vryman’s Erven Ground in New Amsterdam. These upgrades are scheduled for the GFF must monitor contractor activities onsite, and strive to ensure the timely, cost-effective and quality delivery of any works. President Forde also held constructive meetings with Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh, and Town Council officials, as well as Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud, who pledged to support ground development in New Amsterdam. “We are very satisfied with the works at both facilities so far,” Forde has said. “They are going to make a big difference for football in both areas and, importantly, open up access to more female players and officials. “The GFF is committed to ensuring that FIFA and Concacaf funds are put to the best use possible for the development of football in Guyana in a clear and transparent way. “A significant strategic focus for us, the Executive Committee, is to upgrade football facilities around the country so that they are fit for purpose and so that more people can participate in the sport. “Our meetings with New Amsterdam and regional representatives were extremely positive, and we look forward to working closely with officials in Berbice to improve conditions for football and develop young talent in the region.” The GFF has a 30-year lease for the Vryman’s Erven ground, which will become a “home of football” for the Berbice region. The GFF’s ongoing infrastructure blitz also includes works to complete the GFF National Training Centre at Providence, EBD; upgrades to GFF headquarters in Georgetown, and the installation of a perimeter fence at a playfield in the BB Eccles Housing Scheme.

guyanatimesgy.com Shimron Hetmyer gets a wake-up call

– fans have their say on Shimron Hetmyer's non-selection to any WI team

Shimron Hetmyer

By Brandon Corlette

The non-selection of Shimron Hetmyer to any of the West Indies teams opposing the visiting Sri Lankans in these home series has impacted the Guyanese people like the eruption of a volcano.

The left-handed batting maestro did not find a place in any of the squads announced for the Sri Lanka tour, and some of his adoring fans are bitterly disappointed at this decision taken by the Cricket West Indies selection panel. Some individuals are, however, looking at the bigger picture and calling Hetmyer’s non-selection a wake-up call.

This publication spoke with some cricket fans, and recorded their opinions about Hetmyer's non-selection.

Kevon Jawahir: "I think it's an eye-opener for Shimron. I think he needs to get himself in order, and keep his body fit."

Devon Ramnauth: "Disappointed! CWI should guide him, instead of drop him. (He’s) pure talent, but he needs to mature."

Colin Bynoe Jr: "For some players, getting dropped is a cricketing disaster. They push themselves to get back in the team, and end up trying so hard (that) their performance and confidence drops even further. But it doesn't have to be like that. When you deal with it in the right way, getting dropped can end up making you a better player.

“I think it's a wake-up call for him as a young guy. In my opinion, he needs to be more consistent and adopt a more professional approach towards his game. With him not being considered for selection, he should use this period to reflect on the successes he had thus far in his international career, and also strive to improve on those successes.

“At this point (in time), he should try and control the things he can that relate to his game. What's in his control at the moment is the hard work that he can put in, working more on his fitness and his ability to overcome this moment in his career mentally, and also to seek assistance from current and past greats in the game. I'm sure he will come back stronger."

Nicholas Beharry: "I think he supposed to play in front Bravo (chiny lara)!"

Joshua Ferrell: "It’s really disappointing to not see Hetty in the Test squad. The reason stated behind his axing is absolutely ridiculous. It was mentioned that he wasn’t fit, he went ahead and got fit. He made himself available for Regional cricket as well, playing in the Best vs Best game. So, to tell me that he wasn’t selected due to not playing 4-day cricket is somewhat ridiculous. "Darren Bravo is not in any form to be recalled to the Test team. I think (that in) his last 7-8 Test matches, there hasn’t been a score over 25, so that speaks volumes. John Campbell needs to be axed from the team as an opener also.

“If the regional games are what players are selected on, then the system needs to change, because Permaul still can’t make the Test team, being the leading wicket-taker year after year; likewise with Leon Johnson with the bat. So, there’s a lot of contradiction here. Shai Hope and Hetty have to be included in the Test team."

Joel Amsterdam: "Personally, I like Shimron Hetmyer, but when you look at the current makeup of the squad, it's difficult for him to make the team. If you look at his stats in Test cricket, it's no good. He averages about 26 in Tests, the same as Shai Hope.

“He (Hetmyer) should have been in the white ball team. I guess in the selectors’ minds it was a toss-up between him and Bravo, and they went with Bravo because he has a superior record to Hetmyer’s. Bravo averages about 36 in Tests, so he's the better option at this time."

West Indies greats extend gratitude to India for Covidshield vaccines

Sir Richie Richardson and Sir Vivian Richards

West Indies cricketing greats Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Richie Richardson, Jimmy Adams and Ramnaresh Sarwan have expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the donation of covidshield vaccines made from the Serum Institute of India to Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana, and Caricom region.

Sir Viv Richards has described the vaccines donated to Antigua and Barbuda as “a great contribution made by India” to his country. "On behalf of the Antiguan Government, we look forward to continued relationship. Thank you very much," Sir Vivian Richards has said.

Sir Richie Richardson also shared similar sentiments, and noted that all of Antigua is extremely grateful to India for the donation.

Director of Cricket West Indies, Jimmy Adams, extended gratitude to India for this great initiative as he spoke on behalf of the entire Caribbean.

And Guyana's own Ramnaresh Sarwan has said he is thankful to India for the vaccines provided to the people of Guyana.

Sarwan’s remarks were principally directed to India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, HIS Excellency Dr KJ Srinivasa.