Guyana Times - Sunday, May 1, 2022

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4995 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022

PRICE

Labour Day 2022

Workers will reap benefits from Guyana’s development – Pres Ali – describes workers as “backbone of our economy” Page 3

– Norton says workers played their role in transforming Guyana

$140 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Arson suspected in Good P30 Hope fire

Teacher robbed P36 by knifewielding bandit in broad daylight GPF to resuscitate P dormant CPGs in 34 WBD communities Saving the turtles at Yupukari P13 …annual Rupununi festival targets conservation of reptiles

The First Family – President Irfaan Ali; First Lady Arya Ali and son Zayd Ali, along with Director of Public Prosecution Bibi Ali-Hack and Sheikh Moen-ul-Hack at State House on Saturday, where an Iftar was held in honour of Zayd’s birthday

No onshore block will be up for auction this round – VP Jagdeo

Uncapped Marketplace propels small businesses Page after COVID-19 spell 27

Page 9

– says discussions will centre around how to deal with offshore blocks

2 feared dead after vessel sinks in Canje creek Page 12

Multiple warnings will lead to bars being shut down for noise nuisance – Min Benn P34 P5 Guyana, UN-Habitat talk up future housing collaborations

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, May 1 – 03:30h – 05:00h and Monday, May 2 – 03:30h – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 1 – 17:05h – 18:35h and Monday, May 2 – 17:30h – 19:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 16:58h reaching a maximum height of 2.65 metres.

Low Tide: 10:34h and 22:44h reaching minimum heights of 0.45 metre and 0.6 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

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FREE TICKET

28 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

06 10 16 18 21 LUCKY 3

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PAY DAY

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$109.34/barrel

+1.60

Rough Rice

$314.64/ton

+4.20

London Sugar

$529.40/ton

+0.36

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1896.70

$1897.70

Low/High Change

$1894.30 0.00

$1921.40 0.00%

Labour Day 2022

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Workers will reap benefits from Guyana’s development – Pres Ali – describes workers as “backbone of our economy” – Norton says workers played their role in transforming Guyana

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n the occasion of Labour Day, President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured workers that they, along with the country, will reap benefits from Guyana’s transformational development and that they will not be left behind.

In his Labour Day message to the nation, President Ali described workers as “the backbone of our economy”.

According to him, Guyana owes an “eternal debt” to workers and their Unions, which have as a whole played a major role in the improvement of the condition of the working class and he made it clear that they will benefit from the transformation.

“Our vision for workers’ development is holistic and broad-based. We are firmly rooted to the working class.

We want the national workforce to enjoy increased and better opportunities. We are courting increased investment so as to create more jobs,” the President explained.

“The new economy will provide the resources for improving social services and human development. Every working class family will be afforded the opportunity to own their own home and have access to potable water, electricity, and sanitation services. We will work assiduously to ensure the best possible healthcare.”

According to the President, Guyana is being refashioned in every way… from its economy to its provision of services such as education. President Ali noted that his Government is

President Dr Irfaan Ali

not unmindful of the hardships the workers face, exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

“This is why we have been adopting measures to increase workers’ take-home income, cushion the effects of price increases, provide relief to households, make housing loans and construction more affordable for low-income earners and remove the onerous taxation burdens previously imposed on citizens,” the President said.

According to him, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is playing its part in protecting workers’ rights, including providing wage and non-wage benefits and its reinstatement of the Ministry of Labour. At the same time, he warned about workers’ unity being undermined from within.

“Workers’ unity, unfortunately, is being imperilled by the ongoing divisions in our trade union movement.

Discord within and between unions will only add to the disunity. The fissures within the trade union movement can

only be mended by addressing their root causes,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the trade union movement, in a spirit of respect rather than rancour, hope rather than hostility and cooperation instead of confrontation. This is necessary if there is to be greater success in navigating global recovery.”

Nor are the elderly forgotten. According to the President, his Government is also committed to providing for Guyana’s retirees and elderly so that, after their working days are over, they can enjoy a dignified existence.

PNCR Meanwhile, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton commemorated the occasion and paid tribute to the workers, who he noted have played their role in transforming Guyana, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today, as was specially identified, is the day to celebrate you our workers as the creators and turners of the wheels of this economy and to recognise the efforts of your labour. From factory to factory, from field to field, from office to office, the labour of your hands has indeed transformed our country especially during the height of the pandemic and without a doubt kept us safe.”

“It is a fact that without labour, there can be no prosperity or growth. As a philosopher once said, "Labour is what

Opposition Leader and PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

brings the difference in everything, so it's evident that labour is the game changer of all progress."

Norton also paid tribute to the Father of Trade Unionism in Guyana, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. According to the Opposition Leader, Critchlow fought relentlessly to secure the benefits that so many workers enjoy today.

“You would indeed recall the uncertainties and disruptions to our lives over the last eighteen or more months.

Nonetheless, we are here a strong, dynamic and resilient group of people who have continued to turn the wheels of production with the hope of being able to secure a better way of life for all peoples of this great land of ours.”

“Finally, I wish to thank every worker for their unwavering dedication, love and commitment to this country and to say that as a result of your being steadfast and resolute we can achieve much,” Norton said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Labour at the crossroad: again

T

oday is Labour Day, and, if nothing else, after the customary traipsing in the streets of Guyana is resumed after the COVID-19 lockdown, it should be a day of introspection as to the state of their movement, the reasons for that state, and the crafting of a plan to address identified challenges. Unfortunately, the divisions that resulted in a split of the umbrella Trade Union Movement (TUC) to form the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) evidently remain firmly in place, and are a major factor in the moribund state of workers’ affairs.

This is very unfortunate. Starting in 1980 with the election of President Reagan in the US on the heels of PM Margaret Thatcher in Britain, the neo-liberal economic philosophy that gives short shrift to trade unions became mainstreamed. Ironically, the imposition of the Washington Consensus policies based on that philosophy in 1989, after the PNC regime accepted an IMF loan and “conditionalities”, witnessed a continuation of one of the most vibrant periods in our trade union history. The major unions representing workers in sugar and bauxite took a common position in terms of safeguarding the interests of their membership.

Four decades later, however, as mentioned above, that unity is gone, even as neo-liberal economic principles have demonstrated, in the very countries that promulgated and practised them, that they are doomed to fail. In 2008, the developed economies crashed because of inherent contradictions in the model, and a recovery is still problematic. The other trend that has been confirmed is a widening inequality gap in those same countries - along with others in the developing countries that followed their model. French economist Thomas Picketty introduced the term “1%”, which summarises the seeming inevitable concentration of wealth in the owners of capital to such an extent that the top 1% can own more than the bottom 80%. He showed that, historically, the rate of return on capital (which goes to owners) exceeds the rate of growth - from which workers can benefit economically.

And this is where trade unions come in - or should return. Trade unions were formed towards the end of the 19th century, as the early wave of industrialisation had demonstrated the consequences of Picketty’s equation on workers. Through the agitation of these unions, conditions improved and workers in the developed countries secured very high remuneration, which offered them a comfortable life. In the colonies, the development lagged, and it is interesting that the first trade union in the Commonwealth was formed right here in Guyana - the British Guiana Labour Union of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow - in 1919. It took two decades for one to be established in the sugar belt - the Man Power Citizen’s Association (MPCA).

Sadly, they were working to distribute a very small pie, and this was made smaller by the misguided economic policies of the PNC that governed for twenty-eight years.

Today, because of the fortuitous discovery of massive oil strikes off our Atlantic shore, the pie is about to become very, very large. The IMF and World Bank have confirmed our GDP would be growing at an astronomic pace. And this is where trade unions must work to ensure that workers get a fair share of that GDP. By now we are all aware of the distinction between “growth and development”: the former is necessary but not sufficient for the realisation of the latter, which includes workers’ welfare.

What is needed is not the neo-liberal “night watchman” state - but one that regulates the economy so that the nation’s wealth is distributed in a matter that benefits the widest possible spectrum of the nation. The trade union does not only have to agitate for wages, but for retention or expansion of the segments of the economy that benefit all: health and education facilities, infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and facilitating job creation by the business community.

The trade unions must get their act together to ensure there is equity for their membership, which constitutes the largest bloc of Guyanese.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Berbice grape farmer Devon Gilead on Saturday at his vineyard located at Glasgow on the East Bank of Berbice. Gilead was recently presented with a plot of land from the Government to expand grape cultivation.

The land will be used to grow grapes, kiwi, apples, and other exotic crops, in keeping with the Government’s vision to diversify and introduce new crops to make the agriculture sector more resilient to ensure food security

GECOM in full preparation mode for LGE amid Opposition shift of focus Dear Editor, The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is rolling out several concurrent activities that indicate the hastening of preparations for LGEs, expected to be held later this year.

The GECOM website and widely circulated newspapers and media provide evidence of efforts to fill lower levels of vacancies alongside the ongoing nationwide Continuous Registration exercise, scheduled to end on May 29, 2022.

These activities, along with reactions from the leading political forces, are worthy of observation and interrogation in the evolving framework.

Elements of the Opposition have recently subscribed to much banal bruhaha, seeking to influence or delay GECOM’s decisions regarding the conduct of the current Continuous Registration exercise. GECOM did not succumb! The Opposition representatives in the legally supported and necessary undertakings are now seemingly exercising a reposed focus of participation, targeted at ensuring the accuracy of the process, which is certainly progressing very well. This fact is evidenced by reports of approximately fifty thousand completed transactions conducted as at April 29, 2022.

Our youths must be commended for their genuine interest in the process. The related available statistics are indeed most encouraging, since they reveal that more than twenty thousand new, eligible voters were registered.

Further, over sixteen thousand new registrants between the ages of 14 and 17 years

were recorded by the registration offices of GECOM. Currently, the records, based on the tally received from participating party scrutineers, are showing about three thousand transfers, and this number is likely to increase.

This position is reflective of, and recognises, the massive housing drive by the PPP/C. The process is also showing that our people are doing the relevant name changes, and that National Identification Cards are in demand.

As the mobile registration process gains momentum, we are witnessing a total togetherness between the functioning party scrutineers and the GECOM officials.

With the completion of this continuous registration process, the Guyana Elections Commission’s registration officials should be undertaking verification visits to the homes of applicants, and it is anticipated that GECOM would follow up the cross-referencing process by considering fingerprints, to remove possible duplications.

Consequently, the target result is the realisation of an updated Register of Registrants for the nation to peruse during a Claims and Objections period, so that the nation could have an updated Voters’ List.

The united action with the scrutineers and the public is highly appreciated, since it is an acceptable mechanism that leads GECOM to produce an acceptable Voters’ List, that is reflective of accountable areas of residential accuracy needed for the LGEs. In this regard, GECOM must be commended for providing that all

efforts are taken to ensure the acceptable credentials of those persons employed.

Editor, as a backdrop to the emerging environment characterised by Aubrey Norton as Opposition Leader, the nation notes President Ali’s full-cycle ‘energizer-type’ work ethic, which keeps on going and going and going in a distinctly admirable way. Along with the PPPC leadership team, his flexible multi-tasking undertakings and endeavours signal the strongest determination to exceed and deliver Manifesto promises, together with widespread resulting benefits for all Guyanese via the implementation of a strategic charter through the welloiled PPPC machinery.

President Ali’s excellent leadership of a cadre of astute professionals exemplifies the Government’s purposeful forward push! This team is not expected to await the indeterminate results of the PNCR internal problem-solving in a setting and environment imbued with conflict, now led by Norton as Opposition Leader.

Importantly, the selection of Opposition Leader was delayed for months; despite becoming the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) last December, Norton was sworn in as a Parliamentarian only within the past two weeks.

Notably, the President had, since February, indicated his intention to meet with the selected leader when appointed, to address the constitutional perfunctory obligations.

Meanwhile, Aubrey Norton has signalled a demand for a broader agenda of discussions, including issues

that are of concern to both the Government and parliamentary Opposition. Along the way, however, his constant bruhaha has been tinged with the implied indication of threats if he does not have his way. Given the incessant holdups and delays resulting from PNCR internal party ramblings, to now make up time for inefficacies, he has no authority to dictate the expected meeting with President Ali. Therefore, Norton must get his house in order!

To move Guyana forward with fluency, there is a need for objectivity in the relevant and immediate discussion between the Leader of the Opposition and President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and these must take place in an acceptable and peaceful environment.

The infighting in the PNC/R, exemplified by the recent Van West-Charles fiasco and the like, must not manifest itself in public. Moreso, we must have mature discussions at the national level.

The outcome of this initial engagement may set the tone for future consistent meetings and meaningful fluency towards joint decisions and the realisation of broad-based Guyanese interests with alacrity.

Let us all continue to encourage all eligible citizens to embrace the GECOM process towards the enhancement of new and dynamic leadership in the various Local Authority Areas without further undue delay in the anticipated upcoming Local Government Elections.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Guyana, UN-Habitat talk up future housing collaborations

H

By Guyanese

M

of

Indian Ancestry Association (GIAA)

ay is known as “Indian Heritage month”.

In this month most Indian organization take the opportunity to highlight the contributions of our Indian ancestors by organizing cultural shows, etc. the Guyanese of Indian Ancestry Association (GIAA) will highlight some of these contributions which have shaped our dear country Guyana economically, politically and culturally.

An indentured contract of an Irish Immigrant to the US on 19th Aug, 1766

What is “Indenture”?

While most Guyanese know that the Indian Guyanese were brought here as “indentured labour” to replace “slave labour” that had been abolished in 1938, few know why it was so labeled and exactly what it means.

Strangely enough, the word “indentured” comes from the word “indent” which means to “dent” something. Was labour “dented”? Actually the “dents” were created on the piece of paper on which a Labour agreement between an individual and an employer that was written twice and then cut into two in a serrated fashion. One part was given to the labourer and the other retained by the employer.

Typically, the length of “indenture” agreement was three to five years and the terms of labour were spelled out in terms of payment, hours and conditions of work etc. At the end of indenture period, the “indentured servant” would bring his part of the indenture agreement which would be matched with that of his employer and would be exchanged for a piece of land on which he would become an independent farmer. In the British Settlement of the USA and the West Indies, most of their labour needs initially was satisfied by white Irish, Scottish and English indentured labourers until they were replaced by enslaved Africans.

While the paper on which the agreement between the Indentured Labourers and the various government of the colonies to which they were bound were written were not serrated, the name of this form of labour in which the former were “bound” for a number of years was retained.

DID YOU KNOW? The last ship to bring Indians to British Guiana was the SS.Ganges.

It arrived in Georgetown on 18th April, 1917.

It left India four days before the Abolition Act was signed in the Indian parliament on 12th March, 1917.

“European Indentured servants (500,000) provided labour the US and West Indies starting before African slavery. “ “Indian, Portuguese, Chinese Javanese Indentured (500,000) succeeded the Africans after abolition.”

ousing and Water Minister Collin Croal met with Director of UN-Habitat for Latin America and the Caribbean, Elkin Velasquez to discuss the ongoing areas of partnership and future areas of collaboration.

The meeting was facilitated on the sidelines of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda in New York, USA. The Minister was accompanied by Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and Second Secretary Royston Alkins.

Discussions were held on the ongoing partnership between UN-Habitat and the Ministry for the Guyana Strategy for Informal Settlement Upgrade and Prevention (GSISUP).

The strategy seeks to craft and streamline a sustainable national and regional action plan on informal settlements and the facilitation of settlement regularisation, relocation from zero-tolerance areas, and reducing the likelihood of informal settlement develop-

Minister Collin Croal and Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett in conversation with Regional Director of UN-Habitat, Elkin Velasquez

ment.

Minister Croal has signalled the Government’s commitment to the successful implementation of the project, which is in keeping with the first target of Sustainable Development Goal 11: To ensure access to safe and adequate housing for all.

Statistics from a 2015 study showed that 15 per cent of Guyanese were living in informal settlements. This translates to 27,570 households and over 100,000 people. GSISUP was launched in 2021 as an intervention mech-

anism to prevent this number froma growing. The plan is to “leave no one behind” by introducing accessible housing, regularising lands, and upgrading dwelling areas.

The scope of cooperation included a database on the informal settlements in Guyana, a strategy to upgrade informal settlements, and partnerships for financing and capacity building.

In Guyana, some of the challenges regarding informal settlements are based on the paucity of data on the current extent of squatting in the

country, the need for improved monitoring of Government reserves, greater coordination among agencies, and the slow transfer rate of regularised areas.

With designs for the first phase of Silica City expected to commence this year, it is envisioned that over the next two decades this new city along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway will grow to hold more than 12,500 households.

The new city is intended to be one of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s climate change mitigation strategies.

While the city will eventually grow to house more than 12,500 households, it will initially cater to just over 3000 households in the first five years. Additionally, a whopping 3800 acres of land has been earmarked for the new city, and designs for the first phase of the project will begin this year. This is also in keeping with SDG 11.

On Government’s end, the aim is to distribute 50,000 house lots within its first term in office.

Self-love is forgotten in Guyana

Dear Editor, Whatever happened to self-improvement in this country? I’m tired of hearing of domestic violence, murder, and illicit love affairs having gone wrong. The power of now

should be used wisely; people need to look at themselves twice in today’s society.

While I was coming home from work, the radio announcer said, “We should focus on ourselves ninety-five percent

My mother is a lady too!

Dear Editor, There is a news item that seems stuck in time and not going anywhere. It is the statement made by a Minister of Government to another Parliamentarian regarding the use of, or lack thereof, of a dildo.

This remark has had a profound effect on certain news sources and other politically-aligned female groups. They are of the opinion that the said Minister is base, is very disrespectful to women on the whole, and should be removed from office forthwith!

Pretty strong words for a Minister, who himself has a mother, but this aspect of the Minister is not taken into account when that feline mob is on the attack. So, I did my own background checks on the matter, and was pleasantly surprise to know that a remark was made earlier regarding the said Minister’s mother, which brought the dildo response.

Not one of the groups who are up in arms made mention of this, only sticking to their planned agenda of bringing him in for the dildo response he made. Well, my take on this is that there should not be any reference to someone’s mother, victim or accused; it is quite de-

meaning to do so.

And speaking on that subject, I must say that to make the reference to one’s mother is a despicable act, something we all should desist from doing. Yours truly is a bass drum when it comes to such actions, my social media platform is replete with people calling my mother names in the most degrading adjectives you can think about. These vile remarks pop up whenever some political vagrant is cornered with the truth, and it always comes from the known suspects in society.

So, I am well aware of this.

Like the Minister, I am tempted to respond in kind, but shy away from it, and leave them to their own degrading fate.

I am sure that if the person so aggrieved had made a point of order to the Speaker, there would have been some redress by way of a retraction of the statement, or an apology to that effect. But none of that has been done; there has only been sticking to the backward method of a trial media, or what I would categorise as standpipe justice. How much success that would bring is left to be seen.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

of the time, since our life matters the most. Get up and start giving yourself self-love.”

I have read many self-improvement books, and each one has a significant lesson.

Digging a bit deeper into things can answer a lot of life’s questions; practice makes perfect; and no matter the obstacle, one should not give up.

These positive affirmations are good for the mind. You should keep having positive affirmations for yourself.

The self-improvement

books encourage people to not just be good, but be great.

Using atomic habits is a great way of improving one’s lifestyle.

Atomic habits mean making a positive small change in your life by subtracting a negative activity/influence in your daily routine. I really hope people learn to love themselves more in Guyana.

Yours sincerely, Aarti Ramgobin

Sunday, May 01, 2022

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Puppy Nutrition (Continued)

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oday I shall pay special attention to responding to those frequently-asked questions (FAQs) which have been posed to me over the decades of practice relative to puppy nutrition.

Q#1: What is the best food to offer to young puppies?

My response would be in relation to providing a balanced diet of highly digestible proteins, fats and carbohydrates, containing essential minerals and trace elements.

Answer:

(i) I have always steered away from endorsing any commercial brand.

The scientists in the respective laboratories of the mega dog food companies conduct a lot of studies to deliver what they consider as tested and proven "Chow"/

Kibble"/ "Bits".

For your puppy, you would introduce that food which your pet enjoys the most; and which promotes weight gain, glossy hair coats, and frisky and playful and alert be-

haviour. (ii) Food offerings that are not willingly consumed cannot be forced upon the young, recently-weaned pet.

In such cases, I always suggest mixing the puppy's food with some (a

teaspoon) canned cat food.

For whatever reason, the method unfailingly seems to work. (iii) It is imperative that, whatever food you offer your growing puppy, the food must contain proteins, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and trace elements. (See above).

Having said that, the caregiver must understand that one size does not fit all,

and at all times. For example, the protein content of the meal of a puppy needs to be higher than that of an adult animal, as the puppy is growing (from weaning up to at least 8 months of age) and has a relatively small stomach. After the puppy has visibly stopped growing, you may wish to lower the protein content, as adequacy will be met by the size of the meal. This is a matter for you to discuss with your veterinarian, if you think it is necessary. (iv) Be wary of the "dog food" sold by roadside vendors. It is most likely not nutritionally balanced for puppies. It probably is not too good for adult dogs either. We shall discuss this later.

Q#2: How often should I feed my puppy per day?

Answer:

Three to four times daily, ½ cup of "Puppy Chow" every 6-8 hours.

You may continue this feeding regime until the pup has reached 6 months of age. Between 6 and 10 months of age, reduce to 2 to 3 meals daily. After 10 months, 1-2 meals daily would suffice.

Please bear in mind that any suggestion I make has to be contextualised. Clearly, the mass of Chow/kibble/Bits given to a growing Chihuahua would not be the same as that which is given to a growing Great Dane.

Q#3: Can I make my own puppy/dog food, not lastly because of the relatively high costs associated with commercial puppy chow?

Answer:

Clients coming into my Clinic over the many years

all know of my "formula" food for growing young animals.

I suggest the following mix of local fresh foods: * Brown rice. * Meats (chicken, beef, fish) - never raw (not because raw meat is bad; but, here in the Guyana, for all sorts of reasons, it is just not advisable) * Eggs - never raw. * Carrots. * Green peas. * Spinach/bhagee/callaloo (not eddo leaf).

The relative quantities and specific ingredients would be adjusted as the dog becomes older and heavier.

As stated earlier, younger puppies need rich proteins that are easily digestible (chicken and fish would be my preferred choices). Try, therefore, to ensure that your young, growing animal gets enough protein (in the meat and other sources). Too little protein in the diet could result in underdevelopment of muscle mass and bones, and lead later to joint problems.

NB: When you were deciding to get yourself a dog as a companion animal, you must have factored into the equation a discussion with your vet about your dog's nutrition, especially if you are a vegetarian or one who does not eat beef.

In the coming weeks, we’ll continue answering (more of the many) FAQs pertaining to puppy nutrition (e.g., Does one need to offer vitamins and mineral supplements to the growing puppy? What can be done if the pups' mother dies or abandons them early in life? Etc.).

HAPPY LABOUR DAY!

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Caricom must have seat at table during talks on future of fossil fuel industry – Pres Ali – during discussions on climate change, fossil fuels with VP Kamala Harris

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The virtual meeting in which US Vice President Kamala Harris participated, with President Dr Irfaan Ali and other Caricom leaders

he Caribbean C o m m u n i t y (Caricom) must have a seat at the table when talks of the future of the fossil fuel industry and the shift to renewable energy which President Dr Irfaan Ali said must be the subject of deep conversations - arises.

He made these comments during a virtual discussion with the Vice President of the United States of America (USA), Kamala Harris, and other Caricom leaders. The President was at the time in Barbados, after stopping in while returning to Guyana from a fourday visit to the United Kingdom.

During his visit, he joined the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley in Bridgetown for the virtual meeting. President Ali spoke extensively on climate change and fossil fuels. According to him, this is an issue that requires an “in-depth conversation”.

President Ali made it clear that the region “must be part of that conversation in defining this policy going forward”.

He said that while the world is heading in the direction of reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, locking out new suppliers can create a monopoly for those who are currently involved in the oil industry.

“The question is, if you’re locking out new suppliers, it is to whose advantage? We can be very well creating a monopoly for those who are already in the business, who have already extracted this natural resource and developed their own jurisdiction,” President Ali said.

During the discussions, President Ali also called for a better working relationship between the USA and the Caribbean Community, especially in understanding and respecting the policies of the Region.

The Guyanese Head of State spoke about the

“strong and strengthened relationship” between the US and Guyana, but he also called for more trust and better coordination at both the country-to-country level and between the US and Caricom.

“There is an absolute need for the building of trust—trust in our policy formulation, and trust and predictability in what we do; trust in the partnership that we seek to endeavour and this trust, I think, must lead to an institutional arrangement, outside of the annual meeting that will allow us to address some very key issues—energy and climate change being two of them.”

The President also called for the need to address international taxation policies, the future direction of those policies and the possibility of their severe impact on the Region’s economies.

According to him, “many of our countries are facing a disproportionate applica-

tion of international regulation and laws.”

Guyana’s standing forest, which stores 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon and is worth US$500 billion, also came up during the discussions. According to the President, the annual revenue the country should receive from carbon credits stands at US$200 million.

On the matter of climate change, adaptation and mitigation, the President explained that forested countries, such as Guyana, are not prioritised. He said that Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson assured him this week that “he is spearheading an effort” to ensure that standing forests become a priority.

The issue of climate change, according to President Ali, requires stronger conversations, especially when it comes to financial pledges from developed nations. According to President Ali, “I think this need also to be on the [US] agenda.”

The President also spoke about energy sustainability, food security and regional security and about the bolstered relationship between Guyana and the US. “The US is playing a major role in the development of our energy sector from the private sector’s perspective and I must say, at the diplomatic level, the representation locally has also helped us,” he said.

Route 72 minibus intercepted with over 5lbs ganja

P

olice ranks in Regional Division 8 (PotaroSiparuni) intercepted a Route 72 minibus that was carrying over five pounds of marijuana on Thursday evening.

The discovery was made sometime around 19:00h at the Mango Landing Crossing, Region Eight.

Reports are that acting on information received, the ranks conducted a stop and search exercise at Mango Landing Crossing during which four scotch-taped parcels were opened and found to be containing leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The four parcels were found among a quantity of groceries in the vehicle.

The minibus and all nine occupants were escorted to Mahdia Police Station, where

The cannabis found in the minibus

the narcotic was weighed in the presence of the driver, conductor and occupants and same amounted to 2.420kg or 5.3 pounds.

All of the occupants were questioned and denied knowledge of the narcotic. They were all placed in custody including

the 38-year-old minibus driver and 42-year-old conductor, as well as another person who had been implicated.

However, all seven passengers were subsequently released. Investigations are ongoing.

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Labour’s love lost…

S

…in the trade union movement hakespeare’s “Love’s Labour Lost” is a comedy about three fellas who gave their oaths to follow the straight and narrow (to avoid women) and do whatever it takes to achieve their goal of becoming lawyers. It all goes to naught when they become besotted by a comely princess!!

Well, the state of labour’s representatives in Guyana today is unfortunately also quite a comedy - and for very similar reasons!! And it’s no laughing matter, since the folks the trade unions swore to represent are caught in the midst of seismic changes in labour relations domestically and internationally.

And the besotted unionists have left them high and dry!!

So, who’re the objects of the trade unionists’ bedazzlement?? The politicians, of course!! They’ve refused to stick to their mission - which should be to insist that “What’s good for labour is good for Guyana”!! They have nothing to apologise for, with that position. In our democratic world, it all boils down to interest representation. It’s all transactional - you (politicians) scratch our (workers) backs and we (trade unions) will scratch yours!! Businesses have been scratching!!

We’ve seen those courtroom dramas with the lawyers representing the two sides clashing vigorously and justice coming out in the end? That’s the model trade unions gotta use - legally! It’s them against the employers, who want to make as much profit as they can - which means paying workers as little as they can. And the unionists are supposed to get as much as THEY can for the workers. And we hit a happy medium!! But what happened is unionists have been on a frolic and detour for decades following politicians’ agendas!! And they’ve tried to sweep under the rug the fact that the latter’s agenda isn’t necessarily what’s good for labour!!

Let’s face it folks…even though all the political parties came out of trade unions, the (political) tail soon started wagging the (labour) dog - and hasn’t stopped since then!!

Think about it - there are two political union umbrellas in Guyana today. And you don’t have to be any political scientist to know how many political groupings we have - and that the two sets match up exactimo!! So, what we have are unions collecting dues from their worker members, but sitting on their haunches as the poor slobs are cut off at the knees.

Remember what happened in 2015 after the PNC got into power and reneged on their promise to give Government workers “substantial” raises??!! The only substantial raise was the Ministers 50% bump!! And what did the unions do??

What else…whine about being neglected by politicians from the other side!! So, for the last four decades, inequality’s been increasing worldwide.

What’re the unions gonna do ‘bout it? …with Kamala We in the Caribbean were pretty excited when Kamala Harris was elected VP of the USA in 2020. And this was across the (divided) board, even though some might’ve preferred Trump and Pence to come out ahead. They’d ensured our democracy survived the PNC’s assault, no?!! And this feeling of goodwill was ironical because of the same phenomenon the pundits insist is the cause of our political logjam identifying with Harris because of her ethnic antecedents!!

Let’s face it…if her mother wasn’t Indian and her father a Black Jamaican, would we have resonated as we did? Nah!!

Just like with Obama, race matters in our political choices.

Well, our political leaders of Caricom had a -tête-à-tête with Kamala (how else could we possibly address her?) yesterday - before this was written. Now, it doesn’t matter what topic is in the agenda, our leaders have to accept that she’ll be representing US interests.

And they should represent ours!! With prudence, of course!! Let’s denounce those Ruskies!! …on import substitution Jamaica’s Opposition MP Hanna Lisa showed our hapless lot how political opposing’s done. She pointed out that the much-hyped Irish potato being grown in Jamaica costs 7 times the world market price.

What’s the point?

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

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

9 No onshore block will be up for auction this round – VP Jagdeo – says discussions will centre around how to deal with offshore blocks NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has clarified that when a decision is made by the Government on whether to auction Guyana’s blocks or not by September, onshore blocks will not be on the table for auctioning.

During his recent press conference, the Vice President was asked what his Administration’s approach will be with onshore oil blocks.

According to Jagdeo, the only decisions that will be made will be concerning the offshore blocks, both untapped and under exploration.

“I think for September, we’re aiming to make a decision for the offshore blocks.

Not the onshore blocks, at that time. And it would include what we have now. I don’t know exactly how we’re going to repackage the relinquished blocks. The areas. Or

al oil and gas industry is considered.

The relinquishment clause is typically included in contracts so that companies can relinquish a portion of the block when the renewable period is up, thereby allowing other companies to buy into the respective blocks.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

expected to go out and auction oil blocks, both untapped and relinquished. However, there has also been talk about whether Guyana would partner with a company, to devel-

The Stabroek Block offshore Guyana

whether we repackage them.

But it would include what we have and the relinquished areas,” he explained.

Jagdeo went on to explain that a concern of the Government, is the proximity of residential properties to these onshore blocks. He, therefore, noted that they do not want the decision-making on the offshore blocks to be delayed by sorting through the onshore blocks.

“We have a lot of places where people have properties and stuff like that. So, it becomes a bit more complicated. Because although the Government owns some surface rights, if you give a block near, a man could have a coconut estate or something else there. Like different plots of land. And different activities, the surface rights people have.”

“So, we have to find a way to determine, because people believe everything on their land belongs to them. But the laws of the country since colonial times said sub-surface rights belong to the State. So, it’s a minefield,” Jagdeo said.

Guyana has long been

op its untapped oil blocks.

It was only in February that it was revealed that proposals had been received from various oil operators in Guyana’s waters for them to aid in Guyana setting up a national oil company. However, the Government was at that time still mulling whether it will go this route.

Countries getting into the business side of oil and gas is nothing new. In neighbouring Brazil, Petrobras is a wellknown example of a Stateowned oil company. Venezuela also has its own State-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). There is also the Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (PETROTRIN).

However, the latter two companies have not fared well, with PETROTRIN closing its refinery and laying off thousands and PDVSA closing and then reopening its own, amid Venezuela’s economic meltdown.

Guyana has long been expected to go out and auction oil blocks, both untapped and relinquished. Considering the more than 25 oil finds that

have been made by oil giant ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block, the country is likely to be in a good position to leverage the value of those blocks when the context of the glob-

For the Stabroek and Canje Blocks, operators are required to relinquish 20 per cent of their blocks after the first renewal period; while those of the Demerara and Corentyne Blocks are expected to relinquish 15 per cent within this period.

The Kaieteur Block’s re-

linquishment provision is said to be 25 per cent, then 20 per cent by the first renewal; with the Mahaicony and Roraima Blocks at 25 per cent. By the time of the first renewal for the Orinduik Block, the operators are not expected to relinquish any portion.

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Indian Indentureship and British-induced famines

W

ith Indian Arrival Day less than three weeks away, we are reminded that between 1838 and 1917, 239,000 Indians were brought as “indentured labourers” for the sugar plantations of Guyana, and a similar number was brought to the West Indies.

Ravi Dev

The question arises as to why these persons left their country when their custom forbade “crossing the “Black Waters” (Kala Pani)”. The short answer is that structurally, for most, it was ultimately and literally a matter of life and death.

While indentured labour might be seen as a transitory passage of human labour from chattel slavery to the so-called “free labour” of today, the conditions that herded Indians into that option were man-made. The sugar planters had no faith that the free Africans would sell their labour at a rate to make sugar profitable. They therefore actively sought a new supply of labourers that would guarantee such cheap labour on demand. But where would such rates – that could not even attract freed slaves – be a “pull factor” for indentureship? The answer was British India.

The story begins in 1757, when the troops of the British East India Company captured Bengal from the Moguls, and completed their inexorable conquest of the legendarily rich India within 50 years. Less than a decade later, between 1768 and 1771, from Bengal and Eastern Bihar (from where most Guyanese immigrants originated), more than 10 million persons – one third of the population – died from a “famine”. Why? Two reasons. Firstly, the farmers who supplied the bulk of the population with foodstuffs were forced by the British into producing cash crops for export – even while they were forced to pay onerous taxes at the threat of death and violence.

We quote the words of then British Governor Warren Hastings, who boasted to the Home Office: “Notwithstanding the loss of at least one-third of the inhabitants of the province, and the consequent decrease of the cultivation, the nett collections of the year 1771 exceeded even those of I768… It was naturally to be expected that the diminution of the revenue should have kept an equal pace with the other consequences of so great a calamity.

That it did not was owing to its being violently kept up to its former standard.”

The cash crops the farmers were forced to grow included cotton, poppy (for opium), and indigo; and, as described above, staples like rice and wheat. This was simply to keep paying off the extortionate demands of the British, who exported rice and wheat even during the famines. Millions were also thrown out of work when the British forbade Indian weavers from producing cotton yarn and the cotton fabrics that had enthralled Europe.

Henceforth, only cotton woven by British looms could be sold in India! Where were the weavers to get the money to buy food, much less clothes?

Incidentally, Britain became the largest drug dealers up to the present, with the opium – up to 800 tons annually – being shipped to China so that the British could buy Chinese tea.

Between the Bengal famine of 1768 and the end of Indentureship in 1917, conservatively, over 54 million Indians perished from famine.

In the book Late Victorian Holocausts (2001), Mike Davis describes how Viceroy Lord Lytton insisted that wheat be exported to England. In 1877 and 1878, at the height of the famine, when 10.3 million persons perished, grain merchants exported a record 800,000 tons of wheat and 1.9 million tons of rice. As the peasants began to starve, officials were ordered “to discourage relief works in every possible way”.

And this is why the upsurge of indentured Indians correlated with the British-induced famines.

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

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 feared dead after vessel sinks in Canje creek T

wo persons are feared dead after the vessel they were travelling in capsized and sank in the Canje River on Friday evening.

Missing are Shellon Williamson, 27, a mother of three, and 29-year-old Richard John, both of Mimi Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam. At the time of the mishap, the vessel was reportedly tied to a punt.

Based on information received, the missing duo and two others were in the boat when they were intercepted by members of the Coast Guard.

The law enforcement of-

Missing: Shellon Williamson

Missing: Richard John

ficers reportedly tied the boat to a pontoon which eventually started to sink and ultimately pulled the vessel thus causing it to capsize and eventually submerge.

The captain and his two brothers were able to get out of the boat and swim to safety. Realising that Williamson was still in the boat, John returned to the boat and was not seen

The Canje River in which the mishap occurred

again.

“When I reach the man that was driving, he said that was sleeping at the bottom and all he hear in he sleep was the girl saying, ‘water, water, water’. He say when he jump up, he see water till by his knee and he was trying to bail it but the boat cant and knock on the pontoon,” one of Williamson’s sisters, Onicia Ceres, told this publication.

The boat was subsequently salvaged but the missing duo was nowhere to be seen.

At the scene, Donna Ceres, the missing woman’s mother, related that her daughter left home a few days ago to be with John.

She explained that the mother of 2, 7 and 9 year olds left on April 22, and was scheduled to return on April 30.

However, she received a telephone call in the wee hours of Saturday stating that her daughter had drowned.

The woman said her daughter left her a distress message suggesting that she was in some sort of trouble. The message stated, “Hi Donna, I ain’t coming home; Saturday and Sunday, I already tell

the lady; I coming home Monday. If you want to put me out, put me out. I ain’t able with this here right now.”

Meanwhile, Bernard Joseph, the father of Williamson’s three children, stated that the young lady was being held against her will.

He said one morning Williamson called him relating that she was locked in a house. Upon enquiring about the location of the house, the only information he received was that the house had two rooms.

“When I called her phone like the people take away her phone and four days passed and she did not come home,” Joseph who also lives in the same street said.

There were reports that Williamson returned home a few days ago, collected some of her clothing and left without anyone knowing.

According to her sister, when Williamson came, she told her that she needed to take care of her children.

Authorities have not issued any release on the reason for the Coast Guards’ actions in the Canje River which led to them tying the boat to a sinking vessel.

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The yellow-spotted turtles at Yupukari, after they were released into the environment

O

n May 14, 2022, residents of the Central Rupununi village of Yupukari will witness the annual release of baby turtles in the waterway there. It is a spectacle and a months-long process that culminates in one day; the event is called the Annual Turtle Festival.

The activities attract tourists, visitors from other communities, conservationists, and officials of the Government, given its deep resonance with saving a mammal population that takes decades to replenish.

In many Indigenous communities, eggs and meat from turtles are considered a delicacy given its high nutritious content. But over the years the number of turtles caught may outweigh those still roaming the landscape and as such, the annual festival highlights the need for the remaining number of animals to be conserved. The Sustainable and Wildlife Management

programme is in collaboration with Caiman House, the non-profit entity which is based at the heart of Yupukari village.

Samantha James, an environmentalist in community conservation and resource management for over 20 years in the North Rupununi, told Guyana Times recently that the idea for the festival came from the wildlife festival.

James, whose focus has been on wildlife clubs and environmental education, and conservation leadership, noted that it is based on the concept of having young people involved in conservation activities.

On the day of the festival, the organisers present their reports of the conservation activities and on the day of the event, visitors can visit the various booths set up to educate people on the turtle population, conservation issues, and history of the festival among other vital pieces of information.

James said that turtles are a traditional source of food for the Indigenous populations of Guyana and according to her, turtle harvesting in the Rupununi is usually done during the dry season. “Turtle meat has an incredible amount of fat,” she explained, noting that the giant river turtle, one of the species found in the area, can weigh as much as 100 pounds. She said it lays as much as 200 eggs.

The smaller yellow-spotted turtle, another species found in the area, is also rich in food content and can lay between 30 to 40 eggs. “So, the problem now is that turtles have a slow growth rate and if we over harvest, what will one be left with?” she said.

Releasing the baby turtles

So what exactly happens at the festival? The first-time visitor will witness a parade in the morning hours of the festival and this will be followed

Students of the Bina Hill Institute preparing to release turtles into the river during the festival in 2019

by the opening ceremony at 9:00h.

After the opening ceremony, the festivities kick off and visitors can visit booths that will be set up and which will give an interactive learning experience about the turtle project, caimans, tourism, wildlife clubs; there will even be a library booth and partners of Caiman House.

Those entities, which include the North Rupununi District Development Board and the South Rupununi Conservation Society, will have their own booths at the festival.

After lunch, a few activities, which include public speaking exercises, quizzes, and educational outdoor games will lead to

the highlight of the day – the releasing of the baby turtles. This will occur at around 16:00h and according to the organisers, this late evening release will allow the turtles the best op-

portunity to avoid predators. An exciting campfire with accompanying social items will bring the curtains down on the festival.

TURN TO PAGE 21

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

John Anderson

C

ryptocurrency is the new trend these days. Everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - is hopping on the bandwagon to bag themselves with cryptocurrency that could most ideally last them for a lifestyle. It’s not an easy thing to attain; trust me, I have tried. It’s a tough, sometimes frustrating venture to fully invest your time and effort into; but, as the old saying goes, nothing good comes easily.

However, once you’ve committed yourself to the brutal process, you’re mostly well on your way to becoming a cryptocurrency genius.

Don’t believe me? Guyanese John Anderson did so with his cryptocurrency project, and it skyrocketed to a whopping US$300,000 market cap just within a few days of launching. Now, if that’s not motivation enough for you to start investing in cryptocurrency, then I don’t know what else is. Maybe Anderson’s cryptocurrency project, AndoToken, will convince you.

AndoToken is a cryptocurrency project which is getting the attention of many international investors. It was conceptualised by John Anderson, a Ph.D. candidate and crypto enthusiast, and a native of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara. It is the first project of its kind from a national of the Caribbean, and it is positioning itself as the Caribbean’s first cryptocurrency agency.

AndoToken’s vision is to bridge the gap between ordinary people and the crypto space.

Anderson, the cryptocurrency enthusiast, has said the world is rapidly developing on the basis of technological advancements, and because of this, he thinks cryptocurrency has a vital role to play.

“We live in a fast-developing world, with rapid changes in the way we do things, powered by Internet and its universe. Cryptocurrency and its unique decentralised finance (DeFi) mechanism have an integral role in these changes.

This has led it to be adopted in various countries, and, for example, becoming widely traded on Wall Street and integrated within the legal structure of major world economies via regulations,” he explained.

“Cryptocurrencies also offer lower associated fees and more cost-efficient transitions. It is used for implementing the shift to a global and open new digital economy. As a result, our goal is to make sure the technical capacities and economies of Guyana and the Caribbean aren’t left behind during this technological advancement,” Anderson has said.

The team at AndoToken are not just creating a crypto, for example Bitcoin, but a whole ecosystem of utilities that would create demand for $Ando - the native token of the project. These utilities include several blockchain video games which would be launched on iOS and Android; a social media platform, a non-fungible token (NFT) market place, their own Metaverse, and several DeFi projects for cryptocurrency transactions. Their aim is to build “a one-stop-shop” for all the crypto needs of potential crypto enthusiasts. This means a person can carry out all their transactions without leaving the AndoToken site.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

FEATURE

AndoToken, a cryptocurrency...

FROM PAGE 14

The cryptocurrency startup has many interesting features; for example, their non-fungible token (NFT) market place. With this utility, artists and creators can sell their art via the AndoNFT Marketplace.

Okay, I’ll explain. An NFT is a digitalised token in the form of pictures, videos and music that are uploaded on a cryptocurrency network known as a blockchain, and can be sold or traded at a premium price.

With the AndoNFT Marketplace, Anderson believes that Guyanese artists and content creators can largely benefit from this.

“We believe local artists, musicians, and content creators in Guyana can take advantage of this unique feature of our ecosystem. The process will be extremely simple and similar to uploading content to a social media platform. The NFT Market is a billion-dollar industry, and it

is our vision to put Guyanese talent out there,” he said.

AndoToken will also be developing several video games or blockchain Play-to-Earn (P2E) Gaming. This is a new feature of the Decentralized Finance Universe, wherein persons can play video games and earn tokens, in this case $Ando. For example, imagine playing Super Mario and all those coins collected had a monetary value attached; that is what Ando P2E and blockchain gaming are all about - incentivising the usage of cryptocurrency within video games.

Now, being the avid gamer that I am, this sounds like a dream come true, so I am sold already.

Another interesting feature of the Ando Ecosystem is its Business United States Dollars (BUSD) Dividends.

BUSD is a pegged 1:1 stable coin to the US Dollar.

This is what Anderson had to say about BUSD Dividends.

“It is a fact that cryptocurrencies are high-risk assets because of their price volatility. However, we at Ando have devised a mechanism to mitigate this ‘disadvantage’; that is: by simply holding $Ando Tokens in your cryptocurrency wallets, you can earn BUSD rewards, which are pegged against the USD Dollar at 1BUSD=1USD. With every buy/transfer/sell transaction of $Ando tokens, our smart contract redistributes 4% of the transaction to $Ando holders directly to their wallets. This redistribution process is fully automatic, and each holder gets their share in proportion to the amount of $Ando they hold. This is an excellent way of earning passive income on your investment.”

When AndoToken was

launched, it was so done on the basis that it would be led by a solid business plan, and utilities designed to bring fundamental value to the project and ultimately its investors. This is what the team at AndoToken believe is lacking in many cryptocurrency projects and start-ups.

The AndoToken team is business-focused, and comprises nationals of several countries.

Their investors are from over 35 countries, with the largest coming from North America and Scandinavia.

Ando Token is expecting expansive growth within the next months, as talks are currently being held with an international marketing agency, and the process of establishing headquarters and registering, if possible, in Guyana is being explored.

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“It is my hope for the possibility of establishing our base in Guyana and creating meaningful employment opportunities for my fellow citizens. As a country, we are currently undergoing expansive development and growth, propelling our oil and gas industry; however, I believe this transformational growth can further be aided by Guyana becoming the ICT and DeFi hub of the

Caribbean. I am extremely optimistic about our future and vision, and will continue to strive to bring recognition and prestige to my cuntry,” Anderson has said.

“I am now even more excited about Guyana’s future now, knowing of the many opportunities I have to gain cryptocurrency, ideally through AndoToken. I’ll definitely be seeing you guys on the AndoToken website”.

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FEATURE

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Saving the turtles...

Saving the turtles

Residents and visitors releasing baby turtles into the waterway at Yupukari during a previous event

FROM PAGE 13

James said Caiman House and the village of Yupukari collaborate on the conservation programme in which persons would retrieve the eggs from the mother turtles which are laid on the sand banks of the nearby river. She said they are taken safely to the village where they are placed in a hatchery – a structure similar to a swimming pool filled with sand. When the eggs are hatched, the baby turtles are then placed in sacks of water for a year. On the day of the festival, the small reptiles are then released into the water.

She said each turtle is tagged and when released. The reptiles acclimatise with the natural environment. James explained that since the turtles are a source of food for residents, Caiman House does not stop persons from catching the mammals in the area but persons are asked to report when a tagged turtle is seen.

A similar project is being undertaken at Sand Creek by the village in collaboration with the South Rupununi Conservation Society. At Sand Creek, residents do not collect the eggs from the turtles which are found at 6 protected ‘beaches’ found along the nearby Rupununi River.

James said the Sustainable Wildlife Management body is providing support to a turtle conservation project at Rewa which is home to much bigger species of turtles. As a long-term move, the conservation bodies are working with the agencies to share various methods to save not only turtles but other animal populations in the area.

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24 FEATURE

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS EMOTIONAL TRAUMA

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

P

sychological trauma is a response to an event that a person finds highly stressful.

Examples include being in a war zone, a natural disaster, illness, or an accident.

Trauma can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.

Not everyone who experiences a stressful event would develop trauma.

There are also various types of trauma. Some people would develop symptoms that resolve after a few weeks, while others would have more long-term effects. With treatment, people can address the root cause of the trauma, and find constructive ways to manage their symptoms.

What is trauma?

Addressing the root cause of trauma can be an effective way to manage both physical and emotional symptoms. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is “an emotional response to a terrible event, like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.”

However, a person may experience trauma as a re-

sponse to any event they find physically or emotionally threatening or harmful.

A traumatised person may feel overwhelmed, helpless, shocked, or have difficulty processing their experiences. Trauma can also cause physical symptoms. Trauma can have long-term effects on a person’s well-being. If symptoms persist and do not decrease in severity, it can be an indication that the

trauma has developed into a mental health disorder called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

There are several types of trauma, including: • Acute trauma: This results from a single stressful or dangerous event.

• Chronic trauma: This results from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events.

Examples include cases of child abuse, bullying, or do-

mestic violence.

• Complex trauma: This results from exposure to multiple traumatic events.

Secondary trauma, or vicarious trauma, is another form of trauma. With this form of trauma, a person develops trauma symptoms from being in close contact with someone who has experienced a traumatic event.

Family members, mental health professionals, and others who care for those who have experienced a traumatic event are at risk of vicarious trauma.

The symptoms often mirror those of PTSD. Symptoms The symptoms of trauma range from mild to severe.

Emotional and psychological responses A person who has expe-

rienced trauma may feel: • • • • • • • • • • • • • trating

Denial Anger Fear Sadness Shame Confusion Anxiety Depression Numbness Guilt Hopelessness Irritability Difficulty concen-

They may have emotional outbursts, find it difficult to cope with how they feel, or withdraw from others. Flashbacks, wherein a person relives the traumatic event in their mind, are common; as are nightmares.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

FEATURE

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HEALTH TIPS

EMOTIONAL TRAUMA Physical responses

Along with an emotional reaction, trauma can cause physical symptoms such as: • Headaches • Digestive symptoms • Fatigue • Racing heart • Sweating • Feeling jumpy Sometimes a person would also experience hyperarousal, or when someone feels as though they are in a constant state of alertness. This may make it difficult to sleep.

Individuals may also go on to develop other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse problems.

Traumatic experiences

Some research estimates that 60 to 75% of people experience a traumatic event at some point. The charity Mind in the United Kingdom lists the following as potential causes of trauma: • Bullying • Harassment • Physical, psychological, sexual abuse • Sexual assault • Traffic collisions • Childbirth • Life-threatening illnesses • Sudden loss of a loved one • Being attacked • Being kidnapped • Acts of terrorism • Natural disasters • War Traumatic events can be isolated, or repeated ongoing events. A person can also experience trauma after witnessing something traumatic happening to someone else.

People have different reactions to traumatic events.

For example, those who live through the same natural disaster can respond very differently, despite experiencing the same event.

Treatment

Several treatments can help people with trauma cope with their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

• Therapy Therapy is a first-line treatment for trauma.

Ideally, an individual would work with a trauma-informed or trauma-focused therapist. o C o g n i t i v e behavioural therapy o Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing o Somatic therapies • Somatic experiencing: This approach involves a therapist helping a person to relive traumatic memories in a safe space.

• Sensorimotor psy-

chotherapy: This type of therapy combines psychotherapy with body-based techniques to turn traumatic memories into sources of strength.

• Acupoint stimulation: This involves a practitioner applying pressure to specific points on the body, which induces a state of relaxation.

• Touch therapies: Other touch therapies include Reiki, healing touch, and therapeutic touch therapy.

Medications

Medication alone cannot cure trauma or PTSD, but it can help a person manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. A person should talk to their doctor about their options. o Self-care Practising self-care can help individuals to cope with the emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms of trauma. Examples of self-care for trauma include: o Exercise Trauma can activate the body’s fight-or-flight response. Exercise may help mitigate some of these effects. o Mindfulness Mindful breathing and other mindfulness-based exercises can ground people in the present, which can stop them from reliving the traumatic event. o Connection with others Withdrawal from others is a common symptom of trauma. However, connecting with friends and family is important. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, staying in contact with people can help to prevent trauma from becoming PTSD. o A balanced lifestyle A person with trauma may find it difficult to relax or sleep well. However, sleep, relaxation, and diet all play a role in mental health. If possible, a person should try to: • Sleep for 7–9 hours a night • Eat a balanced diet • Avoid alcohol and drugs • Relieve stress with mindful or enjoyable activities o Support If necessary, people can ask for support from others. This includes talking to trusted loved ones, or joining a support group for trauma survivors.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

People who experience persistent or severe symptoms of trauma should seek help from a mental health

professional. It is especially important to seek help if the trauma symptoms interfere with daily functioning, or relationships with others. Even those with mild symptoms

FROM PAGE 24

can feel better once they talk to someone.

Most people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives.

Some may experience symp-

toms of shock and distress, and most would recover within a short period.

A minority would experience more long-term traumatic effects, such as the de-

velopment of PTSD. Therapy and self-care can help those with persistent trauma symptoms to manage these symptoms and improve their quality of life.

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ENDEMIC SPECIES IN GUYANA

uyana is one of the world’s most important countries for biodiversity conservation, with the second highest percentage of forest cover on Earth, high levels of biological diversity, and species that are found nowhere else. If you are a frequent reader of our column, you would know by now that the EPA in Guyana has a coordinating role in the protection and conservation of Guyana’s biodiversity – the variety of plants and animals found here. Numerous studies have revealed that Guyana’s ecosystems are rich not only in variety, but abundance of species, and contain a high number of those that can only be found here – endemic species.

Endemic species are plants and animals that exist only in one geographic region. Species can be endemic to large or small areas of the earth: some are endemic to a particular continent, some to part of a continent, and others to a single island. Usually, an area that contains endemic species is isolated in some way, so that species have difficulty spreading to other areas, or has unusual environmental characteristics to which endemic species are uniquely adapted. Endemism, or the occurrence of endemic animals and plants, is more common in some regions than in others. In isolated environments such as the Hawaiian Islands, Australia, and the southern tip of Africa, as many of 90% of naturally occurring species are endemic. In less isolated regions, including Europe and much of North America, the percentage of endemic species can be very small.

A 2017 survey report of the Kaieteur National Park and the Upper Potaro Region revealed that: • More than 30 species, including six species of fish, three of plants, 15 of aquatic beetles and five of odonates (insects), are more than likely new to science. Many species were also recorded for the first time in Guyana.

• The Kaieteur Plateau – Upper Potaro -- provides important habitat for many charismatic and threatened species, such as Tepui swifts, jaguar, Guianan cock-of-the-rock, white-lipped peccary, and the golden rocket frog, an icon of KNP. As we start the celebration of Biodiversity Month, let’s take a closer look at some of those plants and animals that call Guyana, and Guyana alone, home.

Anomaloglossus beebei (common names: Beebe’s rocket frog, golden rocket frog) A species of frog in the family Aromobatidae. It is endemic to Guyana, and is found only on the Kaieteur Plateau in the eastern edge of the Pakaraima Mountains. Recently, it has also been found on Mount Ayanganna. This frog inhabits the tank of the giant bromeliad Brocchinia micrantha.

Tadpoles live in small amounts of water trapped in the leaf axils.

This frog is an opportunistic, sit-and-wait predator, whose diet includes small arthropods, mosquitos, and midges.

Anomaloglossus beebei has been assessed as being an endangered species because its range is small (<20 km2) and its habitat is slowly being lost by expanding forests.

Allobates amissibilis (no common name)

A new species of poison dart frog discovered by scientists during a study to determine the impact of tourism on biodiversity in a tract of the Iwokrama Rainforest. The scientists named the frog Allobates amissibilis — in Latin, “that may be lost” — in recognition of its home.

The frog was discovered near Turu Falls, a waterfall at the foot of the Iwokrama Mountains in Central Guyana. Allobates amissibilis is now the third Allobates species known from Guyana. Like other poison dart frogs, it derives its toxicity from the ants, mites, and other invertebrates on which it feeds. The species is thought to be a “micro-endemic” — found in only a small area of habitat.

Spider of the Subfamily: Ischnocolinae

Not much is known or written about the mesmerising blue tarantula, except that “This tarantula was just one of the many incredible finds during the Biodiversity Assessment Team expedition to the Potaro Plateau in Guyana.” – Dr. Andrew Snyder

Carapa akuri

The new species, Carapa akuri, had long been mistaken for Carapa guianensis, a tree widely dispersed across the Amazon and commonly logged for the furniture industry.

“It is significant because it is an important source of natural oil for Makushi Amerindians and the cosmetic market”, according to PierreMichel Forget. Oil from Carapa’s large seeds is used for a variety of purposes, including treatment for dandruff and rashes, insect repellent, and as a moisturizer. When produced from Carapa guianensis, the oil is known as Crabwood oil or Andiroba. Carapa akuri is named after the red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) which is likely the main seed disperser of Carapa in Guyana. The indigenous Makushi name for the agouti is “akuri”.

There are many more hidden treasures within our rainforests, and in our oceans and mangroves and other ecosystems. With such a generous storehouse of living treasures, Guyana’s natural resources need to be protected more than ever. Policies such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy provide such a pathway. As the theme for Biodiversity Day celebrations this year implores, let us work on building a shared future for all – a future that is as rich in biodiversity as the present.

Sources

https://iwokrama.org/news-article/new-species-found-in-theiwokrama-forest/ https://inaturalist.ca/taxa/64998-Anomaloglossus-beebei https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2009/12/10/new-treespecies-discovered-in-guyana/ You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Uncapped Marketplace propels small businesses after COVID-19 spell

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Plants and packaged vegetables being sold

n c a p p e d Marketplace, a signature 2-day event of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) made its comeback on Saturday, linking Guyanese businesses with the population and new markets.

The COVID-19 pandemic, for some entrepreneurs, birthed many innovative and marketable ideas. Some were given a chance to shine during the event.

Over the weekend, the Guyana National Stadium will see over 100 local businesses from around the country showcasing their products. While small businesses are taking advantage of the opportunity to get into new households and shelves, established brands are also sparing no effort to participate.

Throughout Saturday, agro-processors and Guyanese entrepreneurs laid out their products in creative arrays to attract the attention of potential buyers.

While some were promoting their creations, other well-established names garnered attention from the masses.

From agricultural produce, fresh breads, bottled products and crafts, the selection was endless.

Speaking with Guyana Times, GMSA Vice President Ramsay Ali said the pandemic would have affected businesses but the organisation has given them a chance to reinvent and improve their products.

“The main reason for this is because COVID would have hurt significantly the small agro-processing businesses in terms of revenue.

So, we have just about 110 agro-processors. We have seen significant improvement in their businesses over the past two years. They had new lines of products and improved their current products,” Ali underscored.

Uncapped Marketplace is a stepping stone to making businesses export-ready.

Presently, some 45 establish-

ments are already in that league.

“The idea of Uncapped was always to take the businesses that are export-ready to a different level. Hopefully, this year, we can go to one Caribbean market and eventually the US…We have to support these businesses. We got to help them. We have to do a couple more of these events in Guyana. There are about 45 or so that are export-ready to take them to the Caribbean,” Ali stated.

Carol Fraser of Carol’s Kitchen established her entire baking enterprise during the pandemic, offering seasonal products such as the famous Guyanese black cake and cinnamon buns yearround.

“The black cake is a best seller. From the time I hit here, it started to sell. That is part of our culture and you find that during the year if somebody needs a black cake to buy they can’t find it. So, I just want to break that barrier,” the East Coast Demerara entrepreneur detailed.

She has also created several varieties of bread with higher nutritional value and zero sugar for persons with diabetes.

“During the pandemic, I gave birth to so many ideas. I was thinking of what I can do to benefit our people. What I realised is that health and wellness are very important.

Diabetes is on the rise and many times; we do not cater to these people. I decided to put my thoughts together and came up with the whole grain bread with no sugar, just a little honey and all the seeds that I thought were wholesome.”

Orion Hope started his lemonade business at the age of 10. Four years later, Orion’s Elemonator Stand is successful and the St Joseph High student said he has expanded to cater for events.

“We sell lemonade infused with honey and natural flavours with fruits…We cater weddings and so on.

And we’re already working on expanding the business,”

the young entrepreneur divulged.

Natasha Blake of Everything Makes Craft has been transforming used and discarded items into valuable products. This venture, she shared, aligns with the vision of sustainability and a green economy.

“These things are all handcrafted. It’s locally done.

We take the trash and turn them into treasure. When you throw away those bottles, we take them and create beautiful pieces. Some people never knew that these things do exist so they can come and get something that stands out,” Blake noted.

The Small Business Bureau is on-site to provide guidance on persons willing to start or expand their trade; as well as promote the financing available to clients.

Training facilitator at the Bureau, Raushell Underwood said, “Clients or potential clients can come register with the Small Business Bureau and they can get access to lands, training, and even our grants. Persons are interested, especially where loans are concerned.”

Uncapped will pull its curtains this evening.

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Businesses along ECD corridor urged to install CCTV cameras to mitigate crime

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Superintendent Khali Pareshram

n an attempt to reduce and mitigate criminal activities in his division, Regional Commander of Police Division 4C, Superintendent Khali Pareshram urged members of the business community to install CCTV cameras.

The Commander said though regular meetings are held with shareholders and officials of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs)

in the division, they are still pushing for CCTV cameras to be installed in order to protect their businesses and home.

“And we’ve been trying to push with our stakeholders, our business community on ways on how they can mitigate those incidents.”

“One of the things we have been pushing with the business community is for them to install more CCTVs

because that’s a form of physical security that benefits everybody.”

Apart from collecting evidence, the installation of the cameras can also deter perpetrators from committing a crime.

“It deters criminal elements from conducting such incident of theft, once they [notice] CCTV it gives them a 50/50 chance if to commit or not to commit,” he stated.

The Commander further explained that the arrests of several perpetrators led to the resolution of a number of crimes.

“It has been successful, we have seen that a number of our incidents that occurred for the year so far, that with the help of CCTVs we have been able to solve those incidents. A number of persons have been arrested because of that.”

“Not only with the help of those private CCTVs but our own, the CCTV camera

room at Turkeyen command centre.”

He noted that the use of more technology throughout his division will create a safer and more secure environment for citizens.

“That is why we’re trying to push across the corridor the use of more technology, in terms creating that atmosphere for better physical security because a number persons would complain that they want to see the

Police here or want to see the Police there but the policeman and woman cannot be in one area all the time.”

“That is why we’re trying to enter into this partnership to give them the tips on ways they can improve the security at the same time having that closer collaboration with the Police,” the Commander highlighted.

Meanwhile, Pareshram also urged citizens not to hesitate to report an incident or suspicious activities which can also help to deter crime.

“Also, we have been trying to push that if you see anything report it because once you report it and we respond to it, it may deter a lot of things.

“It may not be positive in the sense of a crime, those perpetrators or those suspected individuals might be there to commit a crime but once you report it the Police will respond to check it out, and once we check it out who knows, it can deter a lot of things.”

“We want to ask to do more reporting, the 911 is there, the station numbers are there and even as you are aware, our numbers broad base that you can call at any time,” he added.

GPHC relaunches Occupation Safety and Health Committee

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation

T

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday relaunched its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committee which will address the concerns of both employees and citizens.

During a simple ceremony at the medical facility, Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bobbie Rambaran said that the hospital is not only fulfilling an administrative responsibility with the relaunch of the OSH Committee, but also a legal one in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Dr Rambaran noted that the reestablishment of the OSH Committee would monitor safety and health in the workplace, which in turn would prevent workplace-related injuries. This is noted as very vital.

Meanwhile, in brief congratulations on the relaunching of the committee, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said that the committee is not only important for the safety of the staff of the hospital, but also for the general public as it is the country’s public hospital.

Dr Anthony explained that it is not only about

identifying the problems but also knowing the cause of the problems and coming up with a long-lasting solution to solve them. He urged the members of the re-established committee to implement measures that would not infringe on the health and safety of workers and the OSH legislation.

Furthermore, the Health Minister revealed that the Government is working on establishing radiation laws that would be introduced very soon. He said that the Bill has already been tabled in Parliament and has been handed over to a Special Select Committee in Parliament. He further urged the GPHC OSH Committee to go through the Bill and put forward their suggestions so that the Bill could be enhanced.

The GPHC OSH Committee comprises different departments at the hospital that have been divided into seven different subcommittees.

The 96-member committee will be engaged in developmental activities of the hospital’s policies and their implementation of these policies.

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30 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Arson suspected in Good Hope fire ECCI elects new executives

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late-night fire on Friday evening has completely destroyed a two-storey house in Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), thus leaving the single occupant homeless.

The fire that is suspected to be an act of arson reportedly started at about 21:28h. The wooden and concrete house was owned and occupied by 59-year-old Asif Shaffie.

According to the Guyana Fire Service, after receiving reports of the fire, water tenders from the Campbellville and Melanie Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the location.

However, when firefighters arrived at the scene, the building was fully engulfed in flames.

“The purported cause of the fire is a malicious setting by a person(s) unknown,” the Fire Service related in a release.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Fire Service said it has noted an increase in arson attacks of recent and is advising citizens to not make it easy for an arsonist to start a fire or for an outdoor fire to spread to other buildings.

As such, the Fire Service shared preventative tips to reduce malicious fires.

They said keeping gar-

The new executives of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, along with Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywack and Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus

T

The fire at Good Hope, ECD

bage, litter, leaves, firewood, overgrown brush and shrubbery, and other combustibles away from buildings can reduce such fires.

“Lock all doors and windows in garages, cars, and unoccupied buildings. Install outdoor lighting, including motion sensor lights, on all sides of your property. Board up abandoned buildings and clean the area of litter and debris. Securely store combustibles such as paint, gasoline, and oil in proper flammable storage containers in a locked location to restrict access. Minimise the quantity of combustibles in storage and

dispose of materials you don’t need,” the statement read.

It also added that reporting suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to the Guyana Fire Service or Guyana Police Force is necessary.

“Get to know your neighbours – together you can keep

a watchful eye on your community. Keep matches and lighters out of reach and out of sight of children. If you know or suspect that an arson crime has been committed, contact the Guyana Fire Service or Guyana Police Force immediately,” the statement urged.

he Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) on Saturday elected a new executive body that is headed by Susan Seewnaryan. She replaced Businessman Aadil Baksh.

At the Annual General Meeting (AGM), owner of Jaigobin Hotel and Supermarket, Ganesh Jaigobin was elected as Vice President and Verina Rasheed as the Secretary.

Hilon James was appointed Treasurer while Abigale Loncke was elected as the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer.

The committee members include Aadil Baksh, Danraj Singh, Roopan Ramotar, Rawl Pearce, Trandrika Narine, Faranhaz Hosain, Tajkumarie Dalchand, Shaneenie Sukhdeo, and Colleen Prince.

ECCI, under the leadership of the previous President Aadil Baksh, had taken a prominent

position in the fight for democracy. He, however, promised to support the new executives and will also assist with new projects as planned.

Meanwhile, the newly elected President Seewnaryne in brief remarks expressed her gratitude to be elected to serve the organisation while indicating her willingness to continue building on the foundation of her predecessors in the advocacy to better the region’s transportation services, health sector, infrastructure, security, and general business development, especially in the agriculture sector, oil and gas, and mining.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Susan Saywack congratulated the new executives.

Also present at the election were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Vice Chairman Humace Oodit, and Regional Police Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPF inks partnership agreement with Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce

Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Mohamed Raffik displaying the MoA after its signing

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) on Saturday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) that will see the two entities partnering and working closely together in building capacity and creating an enabling environment to aid in the provision of quality service to the populace in Berbice, and Guyana in general.

The agreement was signed at the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce office, Rose Hall, Berbice,

by Deputy Commissioner “Administration” (ag), Calvin Brutus and CCCC’s President Mohamed Raffik, Adrian Anamayah and Davenand Sawh.

The five-year MoA will also see the CCCC supporting the GPF in strengthening capacity and human development.

Acting Police Commissioner, Clifton Hicken, during his brief remarks, noted that signing the agreement will reinforce the collaboration and working relationship between the two organisations.

Vice President of the CCCC, Imran Hamid, past Presidents Adrian Anamayah, Poonai Bhigroog; and other members Devanan Sawh, Satesh Ramnarine, and Chris Jagdeo were also present at the signing ceremony where they all commended Hicken and his team, and expressed some concerns and offered suggestions.

Several other Police and community-related issues of mutual concern were raised during the cordial meeting.

Raffik lauded Hicken for being the first-ever Commissioner of Police to vis-

it and meet with the CCCC executives at its location in Rose Hall. He also commended the acting Commissioner for being brave enough to talk about ethnicity and ethnic diversity in the Force.

Hicken had earlier alluded to the fact that public and private partnership is important and necessary in contemporary policing and the overall success of the Force.

He spoke of the GPF's strategic plan and vision for the Force and also touched on issues like pushing for ethnic diversity in the Force, and spatial and temporal analysis.

He also noted that noise pollution is a very serious social problem in society and people need to be cognisant of this and abide by the law.

Hicken said an important aspect of GPF's strategy going forward is ensuring that there is a balance between crime prevention and detection, with more focus being on prevention.

He further noted that cohesiveness and SMART policing is important in moving the Force forward, and away from quantitative to qualitative operations.

The acting Top Cop also assured that committed ef-

Deputy Commissioner “Administration” (ag), Calvin Brutus, signing the MoA on behalf of the GPF

forts will be made by his admin team to ensure that there is a more conducive environment for the Police to work in, and for greater collaboration between the Police and the public.

"This new vision for the Guyana Police Force will see less confrontation and more partnerships and healing," Hicken stated.

He posited that there is a culture where Police would swarm a community when there are acts of crime but he wants the Police to go into the communities with the same speed when there is peace and tranquillity.

The Top Cop said Police

need to reach out and interact with residents as this is important in building trust and strengthening the bonds of friendship and partnership between the Police and the public.

Hicken also made it clear that unprofessionalism would not be condoned in the Force.

Members of the Police Top Brass -Deputy Commissioner “Administration” (ag) Calvin Brutus; Deputy Commissioner “Operations”, Ravindradat Budhram, and Head of Special Branch Errol Watts, also made brief presentations.

32 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 new COVID cases detected, 110 active cases being monitored

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ew COVID-19 positive cases are increasing slowly, with eight more persons testing positive for the virus in a 24-hour period.

New statistics released by the Health Ministry showed that there were new fatalities, as the death toll remains at 1228.

It further revealed that one patient is seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Liliendaal facility while another 101 persons are in home isolation, zero in institutional isolation and eight in institutional quarantine. The active cases that are being monitored are 110.

Additional stats showed that there are 62,143 reported recoveries from the 29,226 males and 34,247 females who tested positive over the course of the pan-

demic. COVID-19 tests have amounted to 596,356 since the virus was first detected here.

In his latest COVID update, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said as antibodies drop after vaccination, persons can get infected. As such, it is important to get boosted. The outcome of persons getting infected at this point in the pandemic can lead to spikes.

“I think a lot of people believe that COVID is over and we don’t have a lot of cases; and therefore, we shouldn’t be too bothered. With these vaccines, after about five to six months, the antibodies that you develop starts dropping. Because it’s dropping, at that point you can get infected. If you can get infected, then you can have a chain reaction. It’s better to keep your immunity up, which would

require getting boosted. We have seen in the adolescent population and we have seen that in the adult population,” he asserted on Friday.

In the adolescent category, first doses are at 34,545 or 47.4 per cent; with 25,268 second doses or 34.6 per cent.

Adults have seen an overall coverage of 440,282 first doses and 339,532 second doses, reflecting 85.8 per cent and 66.2 per cent respectively. Before June, the aim is to achieve 70 per cent coverage for full immunisation to meet the World Health Organisation’s target.

Presently, the Ministry is working to increase vaccination among adolescents, through collaboration with the Education Ministry.

However, parental consent is still an obstacle.

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

Global figures show that almost 510.2 million people have tested positive for the virus and 6.2 million have died.

In the Americas, more than 152.9 million confirmed cases have been reported with over 2.7 million deaths.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD APRIL 30, 2022 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

8

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

101

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

0

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

8

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

34,247

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

29,226

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

63,473

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

62,143

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2519

REGION 2

2497

REGION 3

8067

REGION 4

31,397

REGION 5

2381

REGION 6

5794

REGION 7

2423

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4037

REGION 10

3472

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

440,282 339,532 1228

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.

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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

34 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Multiple warnings will lead to bars being GPF to resuscitate shut down for noise nuisance – Min Benn dormant CPGs in

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xcessive noise in discos, nightclubs, and bars across Guyana will lead to immediate closure by local authorities, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn said.

As a preventive measure, having two warnings for being above the limit, and three warnings for causing too much noise or not observing closing time will be enough to shut down nightspots with immediate effect.

“If we visit a place two times, on the third occasion with respect to noise or any other untoward activity, we’ll close them, we’ll have to close down the activity,” Benn said.

This decision comes on the heels of recent complaints made by residents in relation to noise nuisance from bars in their respective communities.

Minister Benn said it is

difficult to deal with cases of bars that continue to violate the Noise Nuisance Act because Police officers are not proactive enough. He added in some cases, Police might have made repeated visits to the same location, and they refuse to cooperate.

As such, the Minister said they will be putting a brake on repeated visits, and if violated, the bars will be shut down. They are also planning to incorporate stricter penalties to deal with those violators.

“There are a range of issues where we are looking at increasing fines and other resorts. In a month or so, we’ll have the discussion with the Attorney General’s chambers [and] we will get back on that,” he underscored.

In light of this, Benn added that bars and entertainment spots should not

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

be open beyond 02:00h. He said this poses a risk to people’s safety especially if they are under the influence of alcohol.

“There should be no real activity in bars and places of entertainment beyond 2:00am because it becomes very difficult, people become inebriated and they drive drunk... It’s too risky,” Benn said.

Only one day ago, Regional Commander of Police Division 4C, Superintendent Khali Pareshram insisted that his ranks are clamping down on noise nuisance incidents along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor.

He had stated that statistics in his district have shown there is an increase in such cases for the year.

He added that his Division has mostly been receiving reports of persons who are congregating and playing loud music in various vicinities.

He purported that this might be resulting from the recent removal of the national COVID-19 measures.

Pareshram has said the Force needs the support of residents in affected communities if it is to clamp down on noise pollution so that there can be a reduction in noise pollution cases.

WBD communities

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n an attempt to build, strengthen and preserve the relationships between villagers of La Parfaite Harmonie, Plastic City, and Belle West in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Divisional Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siwnarine is looking to resuscitate dormant Community Policing Groups in the areas.

In a recent episode of the “Police and You” programme, Superintendent Siwnarine said that, though not under his leadership, he is aware of the cries of the residents of those areas with respect to the lack of confidence in the Police. He said that he has recognised that these areas need Police attention.

“In addition to Parfait Harmonie, two other areas we would have recognized need some more attention, that is Plastic City at Vreed-en-Hoop, and the Belle West area, especially the squatting area where we have a number of Venezuelan citizens occupying there,” he said.

The Commander said that he has plans in place to visit the affected areas, specifically Parfait Harmonie, to get a firsthand understanding of what is actually happening.

“As it relates to Parfaite, we would have reached out to the members of the community previously. We have an outreach slated for later next week in Parfaite also. So far, taking over as Commander of that region, I personally would not have received any complaints. I would have done some rotations within all of the stations and while no complaints have been forthcoming, we do intend to go on the ground in Parfaite to actually get a feel of what persons are experiencing,” he explained.

Siwnarine explained that there might be persons who are frustrated over the delivery of ser-

Regional Division 3 Commander, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Siwnarine

vice being offered to them by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and promises to address this in an upcoming outreach.

“You might have persons being frustrated and don’t see it necessary to reach out to the Police anymore to air their concerns. So, I’m just putting Parfaite on alert that we’ll be in your community next week to listen to any concerns that you may have and any complaints that you have in terms of our delivery of service.”

Furthermore, he noted that he is working on re-establishing the Community Police Groups in those areas and also forming new ones in villages across Region Three.

“Even when I was Commander for C and B, we kept reaching out to those dormant groups, those persons that would’ve been disheartened over a period of time, they would have served for a number of years now. When reaching out to those people, we have been appealing to them to come on board back with us. So, one of my missions actually is to resuscitate the dormant CPG groups and also to reach out to communities that don’t have CPG groups. So, we work along with the CPG coordinators for Region Three to see how best we can have groups resuscitated and new groups formed,” he said.

35

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTUC calls on workers to reassert Contributions of workers invaluable, bedrock of struggles their relevance, importance in for betterment of all – PPP the development of Guyana

G

uyanese workers are our country’s most valuable asset, and on the occasion of Labour Day, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend best wishes to all of them throughout our dear land.

The contributions of our workers to the advancement of Guyana and our collective, progressive future are invaluable, and have been the bedrock of the struggles for betterment for all. Our Party salutes and commends them on this international day to recognise and pay homage to their sustained hard work and indomitable spirit.

The PPP-led Government takes the opportunity of this occasion to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our workers remain our foremost priority, and continues to work assiduously to ensure that their lives and conditions of work continue to be improved.

While our Party is aware that there is more to be done, it continues to take multifaceted approaches to ensure the

advancement of our workers’ welfare. Through continuous engagement, our Party ensures that their voices are heard, and the feedback provided guides policy intervention in their best interest.

The PPP, mindful of contemporary challenges facing our people and nation, commits to working in consultation with our workers to advance meaningful interventions to improve their lives, as well as the lives of their families.

To date, in keeping with the Party’s people-centred approach, since taking office in August 2020, the PPP/C Administration has already taken steps to remove burdensome taxes and fees, restore the education cash grant, provide other cash grants, create thousands of jobs, and restore opportunities that allow our workers to elevate their standard of living.

Already, our people have benefited from thousands of online scholarships, training opportunities, and the implementation of various pro-

ERC supports empowerment of all citizens

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he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends Labour Day greetings to all workers throughout the country. The ERC salutes the Guyanese working class, which represents different ethnicities, are of whom are a driving force in the economy. Their forebears faced many painful challenges, some insurmountable, in their quest for decent work and a living wage.

The Commission joins the social partners - represented by Government, employers, employees and the trade unions - in recognising those who toil for the mammoth, unending task of social and economic growth.

Increase in productivity is achieved through their collective efforts.

The past two years of the pandemic have been nothing short of challenging, as the working-class people had to adjust and adapt to ways

of staying productive while being COVID-19 safe. The Commission remains hopeful that the waning pandemic would continue to reduce its morbid effects on the working population, for the sake of improved livelihoods.

The labour movement represents an important constituency, and the hurdles it faces in the workplace are brought under focus in the ERC’s desire for a cohesive society. Rapid globalisation, and all its aspects, is also confronting the Guyanese working people in the challenge for a living wage.

The ERC therefore embraces any initiative to empower citizens of any ethnicity through education and training, to prepare them for an accelerating Guyanese economy.

Happy Labour Day to all!

grammes and policies to improve the social and physical infrastructure of our nation.

These are just part of the PPP/C Government’s thrust to better the lives of all of our workers. The immediate re-establishment of the Ministry of Labour, upon taking office in August 2020, emphasizes the value our Party and Government place on our workers.

Labour Day allows for our workers to rally in solidarity in celebration of their invaluable contributions to national development. Once again, our Party salutes them for their resoluteness and innovativeness in advancing our country. Best wishes on this day!

T

his year, the workers of Guyana will commemorate Labour Day 2022 on Sunday 1st May with a march and rally. The march, scheduled to begin at 7:30a.m., will move off from Independence Park and travel through the streets of Georgetown to conclude at Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue, with a rally which will commence at 10:00 a.m.

Speakers at the Rally will be drawn from the Labour Movement.

This year’s theme is, “COVID- 19, Politics and the Working Class”, a theme most fitting to the

environment the workers have had to labour through over the last three years, occupational safety and health challenges, inflation, low wages in an oil and gas economy, imposition of wages/salary, contempt for basic rights, exclusion from equal/ equitable participation in the nation’s economy and governance, among other civil, social, and political rights’ violations.

In an oil and gas economy, projected to have a 47% GDP growth this year, said growth will be meaningless in the absence of a national programme with the involvement of stakeholders - political and civil society

- to realise a meaningful Human Development Index (HDI). Any development that views people/workers as incidental is not development in the 21st century economy, where people are placed at the centre.

GTUC calls on the workers of Guyana to mark this Labour Day, renewed in the commitment that together we must stand and together we can achieve.

Solidarity.

Workers of Guyana are called on to reassert their relevance and importance to having a stake and a say in the development of this country, to be treated as Guyanese, and benefit from all of Guyana’s resources.

36 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teacher robbed by knife-wielding bandit in broad daylight

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20-year-old female teacher was on Friday robbed by knife-wielding bandit while making her way home from school. The incident occurred at about 12:45h at Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Chrisann Alleyne was relieved of a laptop bag, a black HP laptop, an iPhone XR, a Samsung J5 phone, a wireless earpiece, a brown purse, a gold chain and $30,000 in cash.

Police said the total value of her losses is $339,000.

Based on reports received, on the day in question, Alleyne was heading home and in the vicinity of Greenman’s Street, a heavily-tinted black motor car with registration plates PSS 3230 pulled up alongside her, and a male exited from the front passenger seat.

The teacher was held at

knifepoint and relieved of her valuables. As the suspect made his way to the car, the woman reportedly pleaded with him to return her items but instead the car sped away.

The teacher told the Police that the front passenger door of the vehicle was open and as such, she managed to see the identity of the driver. The two men escaped in a western direction.

Following the robbery, the teacher made a report to the Police, and the scene was visited.

Checks were made for the two suspects during which a 27-yearold of Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident was intercepted driving a motor car with identical registration plates. He was arrested and taken to the Leonora Police Station where he is assisting with investigations.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022

37

IPL 2022…

Titans take eighth win in nine games N

David Miller blasted 39*

-through expert finishing job from Tewatia, Miller

ot for the first time this season have Rahul Tewatia and David Miller dragged Gujarat Titans out of trouble; they have now given the table-toppers their eighth win in nine games in the process -- the best-ever start by any team in an IPL season.

When Titans were 95 for 4, Royal Challengers Bangalore had the momentum, but an unbroken 79-run stand between Tewatia and Miller consigned Faf du Plessis's men to a third straight defeat.

Tewatia and Miller hit nine fours and three sixes in their 40-ball partnership, after getting together at the fall of B Sai Sudharsan in the 13th over.

Wanindu Hasaranga and Shahbaz Ahmed had

SCOREBOARD ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Virat Kohli b Mohammed Shami 58 Faf du Plessis (c) c †Saha b Sangwan 0 Rajat Patidar c Shubman Gill b Sangwan 52 Glenn Maxwell c Rashid Khan b Ferguson 33 Dinesh Karthik † c Mohammed Shami b Rashid Khan 2 Shahbaz Ahmed not out 2 Mahipal Lomror c Miller b Joseph 16 Extras (lb 5, w 2) 7 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.50) 170/6 Did not bat: Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Faf du Plessis, 1.5 ov), 2-110 (Rajat Patidar, 14.1 ov), 3-129 (Virat Kohli, 16.4 ov), 4-138 (Dinesh Karthik, 17.3 ov), 5-150 (Glenn Maxwell, 18.3 ov), 6-170 (Mahipal Lomror, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammed Shami 4-0-39-1 Pradeep Sangwan 4-0-19-2 Alzarri Joseph 4-0-42-1 Rashid Khan 4-0-29-1 Lockie Ferguson 4-0-36-1

GUJARAT TITANS INNINGS (Target: 171 runs from 20 overs) Wriddhiman Saha †c Patidar b de Silva 29 Shubman Gill lbw b Shahbaz Ahmed 31 Sai Sudharsan c sub (Anuj Rawat) b de Silva 20 Hardik Pandya (c) c Lomror b Shahbaz Ahmed 3 David Miller not out 39 Rahul Tewatia not out 43 Extras (lb 4, nb 1, w 4) 9 TOTAL 19.3 Ov (RR: 8.92) 174/4 Did not bat: Rashid Khan, Pradeep Sangwan, Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami Fall of wickets: 1-51 (Wriddhiman Saha, 7.3 ov), 2-68 (Shubman Gill, 8.5 ov), 3-78 (Hardik Pandya, 10.2 ov), 4-95 (Sai Sudharsan, 12.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Glenn Maxwell 1-0-10-0 Mohammed Siraj 4-0-35-0 Josh Hazlewood 3.3-0-36-0 Shahbaz Ahmed 3-0-26-2 Harshal Patel 4-0-35-0 W Hasaranga de Silva 4-0-28-2

rattled the Titans’ top-order after a half-century opening stand between Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill, and for a while it looked as though the Titans' run was coming to a close. That was not to be, as Miller and Tewatia punished Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood in the back end, and sealed the win with three balls in the bag.

That the Titans had to chase a modest target of 171 - despite fifties from Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar - was courtesy of leftarm seamer Pradeep Sangwan's 2 for 19 and Rashid Khan's 1 for 29. Sangwan, playing his first IPL game since 2018, dismissed du Plessis and the in-form Patidar, while Rashid's economy returned to his usual standards after he had conceded 45 in his last outing.

Patidar overshadows Kohli

Having opted to bat first, du Plessis could not reap the benefits of his decision when he fell in the second over to a Sangwan delivery angling across him, which he nicked to the wicketkeeper. It brought in Patidar at #3, and Kohli and he were watchful in rebuilding, before three boundaries in the fourth over opened up the run flow.

The 40-degree-Celsius temperature did not deter Kohli and Patidar from operating with ones and twos on the large ground when the boundaries were tough to find; and as both grew it confidence, it was clear that Kohli was going to anchor while Patidar had licence to go for his shots.

Patidar hammered Rashid for a six, the two then crunched Lockie Ferguson for a 15-run over, and after Patidar went after Alzarri Joseph, it became a race for which batter would reach his fifty first.

Kohli won that race, getting his first IPL half-century of the season in the 13th over, and Patidar got his maiden IPL fifty in the next.

An innings that fizzled out

At 110 for 1 after 14 overs, it was time for the set batters to start hitting from both ends.

Patidar, however, miscued a scoop to give Sangwan a second wicket at the start of the 15th over, and Kohli was out to a slower-ball yorker from Shami in the 17th, before Glenn Maxwell could rev his engine up.

But Rashid then picked up Dinesh Karthik, and the revolving door of incoming new batters in that crucial period hurt them. A few late hits from Maxwell lifted him to 33, and a cameo of 16 from Mahipal Lomror took Royal Challengers to 170 for 6.

In the end analysis, Kohli's 53ball 58 at a strike rate of under 110 could come under the scanner.

His contribution of 58 got a value of only 46.02 Smart Runs. By contrast, Patidar's 52 runs earned him 62.01 Smart Runs.

Saha, the powerplay attacker, started off in the same fashion as his last outing, allowing Gill to settle in. Gill made only 19 by the seventh over, when the Titans had reached 50 for no loss. In search of a wicket, du Plessis turned to Wanindu Hasaranga, and, almost right away, he dismissed Saha for 29 with a googly that the batter scooped down the ground.

Gill then was out

Miller-Tewatia duo extinguishes RCB's hopes

The chase of 171 was tricky, since the surface was helping spin and the IPL grounds are now beginning to wear out a bit, making Royal Challengers' gamut of spinners and changeup bowlers a challenging proposition for the Titans’ batters.

lbw against the run of play, when Shahbaz drilled a quicker ball in after the batter had hit him for a six and a four.

Rahul Tewatia scored 43*

Not long after, in the space of four overs, Titans slipped from 69 for 2 to 96 for 4, as the two spinners also picked off Sudharsan and Hardik Pandya cheaply. When on 3, Hardik hit a full ball from Shahbaz to long-on, while Sudharsan was caught behind, after getting an edge off Hasaranga.

Tewatia, the eventual playerof-the-match, was nearly out in his second ball, but survived an lbw decision off Siraj after the third umpire overturned it on review.

From the other end, Miller did not allow Hasaranga to finish his spell strongly, hitting him for a six and a four. Tewatia then eked out two fours and four leg-byes off Siraj.

With the equation down to 36 off three overs, Josh Hazlewood was brought back in search of a quiet over, but that was not to be.

Tewatia flicked him over fine-leg, before creaming him through the covers. Miller ended the 18th with a pull for four, and the 17-run over made Titans the favourites in the chase for possibly the first time.

With momentum now on Titans' side, they hammered Harshal Patel's 19th for 12 runs, and with seven needed off the final over, the two batters shared the spoils by hitting a boundary each, and finishing the game with enough in hand. (Cricinfo)

38

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022

Wilson elated at commencement of Pink Diamond Promotions’ DADDY & ME

By Timothy Jaikarran

I

n celebration of Father’s Day on June 18, 2022, the Pink Diamond Promotions will be kicking off its inaugural “Daddy & Me” competition at the Transport Sports Club Ground in Thomas Lands, Georgetown. Founder of the event, Warren Wilson, is ecstatic that the event would finally be staged, as, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had put a halt on its launching.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Wilson was asked how it feels to finally be able to stage the event, and he replied, “To be very honest, I’m elated that we are getting to run off the

Founder of the event, Warren Wilson

competition this year, because it gives our team the chance to activate our vision.

“The fans can expect fun, the opportunity to show love freely, even in a public space. Also,

we hope through this event to encourage dads, especially the older ones, to stay active. The drive behind this competition was basically the lack of anything tangible to celebrate fathers, and

10-10 Knockout round-arm softball cricket in Canada…

Captain Riaz Kadir confident Assassins would win Dassie 10-10 again

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iaz Kadir, captain of the Assassins team, has expressed confidence that his team would win this year’s Dassie and Friends Production 10-10 Knockout round-arm softball one-day extravaganza on Saturday, May 21st at Keele Top facility in North York, Toronto.

According to Kadir, the team has been preparing for the second edition of this tournament.

Assassins claimed a comprehensive victory over Challengers last year at the aforementioned venue, and Kadir has said the team is coming with that same level of motivation.

“I [am] confident of winning the competition again. I know it would be competitive, knowing other teams coming out to win too, but we are eager to make an impression again,” flamboyant right-handed batsman Kadir has declared.

Kadir explained that the guys played with great excitement last year, but remembering Bujan was very saddening. He reckoned that once his players compete to the best of their abilities, the team is bound to repeat last year’s success.

“It is about smart cricket.

We might have few changes, as some players (are) going (to) switch to other teams, but I am still optimistic that we can be the victorious side on May 21st,” the Berbician Kadir related.

Reflecting on what had transpired in 2021, Kadir said the team performed outstandingly throughout the day, and demonstrated its strength in every department. He is predicting the same commitment.

In that final, which was reduced to a six-over contest due to rain, Assassins surpassed Challengers’ moderate 58-2.

Pugnacious left-handed batsman Avish Rukhram led the way with a dashing and unbeaten 53.

Meanwhile, organizer Damodar Daesrath has also notified that the stage is set for this one-day event. He is confident of experiencing an eventful day, and thanks the teams in advance for their participation.

Eight teams are set to vie for monetary prizes in what should be some fascinating encounters. The winning finalist would collect Cdn $2,000 and a trophy, while the losing finalist would take home Cdn $500 and a trophy as well.

Damodar Daesrath

Daesrath, a former Guyana first-class captain, who also represented Canada at the highest level, has extended gratitude to the tourney’s two main sponsors: ALARM TECHZ and KP Employment Solutions INC. The action is slated to bowl off at 09:30am.

This tournament would be played in memory of Johnny Bujan, who died in a vehicle accident in Trinidad and Tobago in 2016 at the age of 48. He was a former Canada Cricket Manager and co-owner of Brampton Masters Cricket Club, which has won several championships in the annual Toronto and District Cricket Association competitions.

a bit of jealousy of the Mother/ Daughter pageant.”

Asked about the importance of fathers bonding with their sons, and what the event would help to portray, Wilson divulged that it is life changing for a son to share that experience with his father.

Reflecting on his own experience, he noted that it is important for a father to always be there for his son and to share things with him.

He explained that by taking this approach, he has personally seen the impact it has had on his son’s life, such as his personality and outward appearance.

Wilson therefore believes that it is really important for fathers and their sons to have that bond.

This inaugural competition would highlight fathers teaming with their sons in three categories: 7 to 9, 10 to 12, & 13 to 16, as they compete in several disciplines to be crowned champion. These events include tug-o-war, softball cricket, and obstacle courses.

Fathers are required to pass a physical test to ensure their eligibility in the competition.

The competition is open to all fathers. All eligible participants must attend cardio and aerobics sessions which would be provided by the committee. All participants must disclose any preceding health condition, and the organising committee reserves the right to refuse entry to any potential

participant deemed unfit.

In his closing remarks, Wilson has said, “Heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who have come on board so far: What’s Happening Guyana, Cole’s Screen Printing, Trophy Stall, Fitness 53, Roraima, Kendallz Extreme Sports, and GHSM Consumables. I would like to encourage those we have reached out to to come be a part of a great initiative. I just would like to encourage fathers to get registered, your participation is free of cost, the only investment is your time.”

There would also be other attractions at the event, such as paintball, target shooting, and archery.

32 Georgetown schools join Nexgen golf programme

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he Allied Arts Unit of the Ministry of Education, on Wednesday and Thursday last, teamed up with the Nexgen Golf Academy to add 32 additional schools from the Georgetown and Region 4 districts to the “Train the Trainer” programme, bringing the total number of secondary schools participating in PE golf to 102!

This programme commenced in January 2021 with a pilot programme for just six schools, but has rapidly expanded, and now covers all areas except Regions 1,8 and 9, which are planned to receive attention this year.

According to Lorraine BarkerKing, head of the Allied Arts Unit, “The Ministry of Education is dedicating its full support to this golf programme, especially since the reaction by all our learners and teachers has been extremely positive. I am happy to see the Georgetown schools here, and the way the teachers have quickly caught on to the training.”

“I especially want to thank the Nexgen Golf Academy team for their dedication to making this programme a success. The

teachers braved torrential rains on day 2 of the training, and were not deterred from persevering in completing the workshop.

“This is one of the few times I’ve seen such intense involvement by teachers. In spite of the conditions, they refused to quit. It says a lot about the programme, and the ease of learning,” said Kurt Braithwaite.

In less than two years, golf has reached new heights in Guyana, solely due to the efforts of the Guyana Golf Federation, Nexgen Golf Academy, and Aleem Hussain and the partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Unit.

More than 10,000 persons have been able to participate in the sport due to the efforts of the abovementioned persons, and that number is expected to grow to 35,000 by end of 2023. This will put Guyana on track to dominate regional and international competitions, and eventually produce an Olympic team.

The Nexgen Golf Academy, centrally located on the Scout Association Ground on Woolford

Albion CCCC saddened by tragic death of Permaul matriarch

Veerasammy Permaul has lost his mother, Waynmattie “Datalin” Permaul

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he president, executives and members of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Waynmattie Permaul, also known as Dataley, mother of Veerasammy Permaul, cricketer of ACCCC, Berbice,

Guyana, and the West Indies.

“The news of Waynmattie Permaul’s death is very depressing, and we at the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club would like to express our sincere condolences to her family, especially her children Veerasammy, Veerapen, Shelly and Debby”, the ACCCC has said.

Apart from Veerasammy, Veerapen had represented ACCCC at all levels, besides representing Berbice and Guyana at the youth level.

“Although death is inevitable, it is never easy to lose a love one; however, we must console ourselves that God knows the best, and readjust our minds to embrace such situation.

“We pray that God will grant comfort to the bereaved family during this very difficult period, and may the soul of the deceased RIP” the ACCCC has said.

Avenue in Georgetown, is the only place in Guyana where anyone can go to learn the sport without having to join a club or purchase equipment.

There, Hussain has developed a teaching method that guarantees anyone would be able to hit a golf ball properly in 5 minutes or less.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022

Resumption of U15 inter-county tournament…

39

Berbice looking to fine-tune grey areas, says Coach Solomon on that,” Solomon said.

He added: “The mere fact that we were able to bat 50 overs at this level is good, it is an accomplishment by itself. We had some good performances with the bat.

Adrian Hetmyer has another year at this level, along with Arif Khan; he has another year, along wth Rovin Boodwah.”

Based on recent information communicated by the GCB, the tournament dates are still unconfirmed, and administrators have deferred a decision in regard to play in

Coach Leslie Solomon (extreme left) is hoping to see improvements from the Berbice U-15 team despite this first-round win (Brandon Corlette photo)

B

erbice Under-15 Coach Leslie Solomon has said the areas in which his boys would be looking to improve their performance are running between the wickets and bowling less extras.

The Berbice team currently leads the points’ standings in the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Dave West Indian

Imports and Exports Under-15 inter-county tournament with 9.4 points, with a superior net run rate of 3.1.

Speaking exclusively with this daily publication at Bourda, where the third-round match between Essequibo and Berbice was washed out, Solomon said the Berbicians have performed well in

general, but there is room for improvement.

“We were competitive in the first round, even though some areas in our cricket need improvement. Those areas are: the amount of extras that we conceded, and the running between the wickets.

The general out-fielding and catching, we need to improve

Mayor’s Cup final on today!

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he stage is set for exciting football today, when the quarterfinal, semifinal and grand finale of the annual Mayor’s Cup 9-a-side Inter Ward/Village Knockout Football tournament is played at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground.

The quarterfinal places were fixed following play at Den Amstel last Sunday, and the eight remaining teams will hunt for spots in the final four, wherein they are guaranteed a cash prize. All questions will be answered today, and football fans have been touting their

The two favoured teams boast several known contenders in their lineup, hence the fans predicting their triumph. Sparta Boss will feature the likes of Gregory Richardson, Kelsey Benjamin, Eusi Phillips, Job Caesar, Ryan Hackett, Jeremy Garnett, Nicholas McArthur, Jermaine Junor and Devon Charles, all battle-hardened players with the ability to win for their team.

The powerful Diamond team possesses the talent of Pernell Schultz, Shameer Fraser, Jahal Greaves, Daniel Wilson, Jamal Booker, Neville

The renowned Sparta Boss

favourite team as the one to cart off the main prize, the Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas Companysponsored $600,000 and the Mayor’s Cup Trophy.

Play begins at 6:00pm today with quarterfinal action which sees the Bourda All Stars against Den Amstel match being followed by Tucville facing West Side Spartans. Thereafter, the Sparta Boss would tangle with Friendship Front, and Diamond would battle Haslington. The winners will be the four teams in the lucrative money round.

Fans are inclined to believe that the Sparta Boss and Diamond teams would not only advance to the final, but would win the tournament. However, all the teams are in with a fair chance to make it to the final four, and, more importantly, lift the crown.

Gulliver, Kevron Assaye, Jerome Harrington, Stephon Dolphin and Jermaine Castello.

While the two favourites are getting the attention of the fans and pundits, the diehard supporters and some knowledgeables are not ruling out upsets on the night. Bourda All Stars will feature Lennox Cort, Raphael Edwards, Kevin Baptiste and Daniel Ross, with their opponents Den Amstel depending on Leo Lovell, Kevin Dundas, Rondell Hutson, Gavin Graham and Andra Hector.

Tucville will look to Delon Sue, Antonio McArthur, Shevy Dover, Jaheel Hamilton and Regan Lewis to see them past West Side Spartans, who have Trayon Bobb, Delon Lanferman, Jamaal Harvey, Dwayne Wilson, Kevin Fraser, Kevin Duke and Keon Duke to carry their fight.

Friendship Front, who play Sparta Boss, will look to Kevon Barnwell, Damion Thomas, Okemi Edwards, Desford Dennis, Delon Wrights, Tiquan Taylor and Orami Edwards to find an upset, while Haslington, who tangle with Diamond, will bank on Deron Skeete, Ryan Harris, Anton Peters, Mark Luckhoo and Dexroy Sam. The 2022 edition of the Mayor’s Cup is in honour of current Mayor of Georgetown, His Worship Ubraj Narine.

Tournament Coordinator Lennox Arthur has expressed immense gratitude to the sponsors for their help, and they include: IPA, DDL, Maggie’s, Digicel, Johil, John Fernandes, General Equipment, Busta, GTT, Namilco, Macorp, New Thriving, Sattar Gafoor, B. Megan, Pritipaul Singh, Ready Mix, Eddie Bobcat, Silvie’s, Caribbean Containers, E Networks, Super Bet, Cummings Electrical, China Trading, Dave’s Lumber Yard, Schlumberger, Pure Diamond, Gold Target Exports and CIDI. The teams are battling for attractive prize money and the respective trophies, with a first prize of $600,000, second prize of $300,000, third of $200,000 and fourth prize of $100,000 on offer.

The rules governing the tournament stipulate the no offside rule, and teams are allowed five substitutions. The games are of two 20-minute halves for a 40-minute duration.

The tournament is a straight knockout one, with no extra time being played. A tie at the end of regulation would result in the teams duelling in the dreaded sudden death penalty shootout.

All other FIFA rules apply, and the referee is the sole authority of these games.

Teams showing up late beyond a reasonable time determined by the organisers would be disqualified and their game forfeited via the walkover route.

the finals, to be determined after consultations with all stakeholders.

The tournament was launched on April 21, and got underway with two matches at unfamiliar inter-county venues.

Demerara played Essequibo at the Imam Bacchus Ground on the Essequibo Coast, and Berbice battled Rising Stars Select XI at the Number 69 Ground in Berbice.

Demerara prevailed by 76 runs according to the Duckworth Lewis and Stern (DLS) method, while, in the

second round, played at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Rising Stars prevailed over Essequibo by 4 wickets.

At the conclusion of the preliminary rounds, the points’ standing saw both Berbice and Demerara on 9.4 points, with Berbice being adjudged the leading team by a higher net run rate. As mentioned, the Berbice net run rate stands at 3.1, while Demerara’s net run rate is 2.63. Rising Star Select X1 accrued 5.2 points, while Essequibo managed only 1.2 points. (Brandon Corlette)

FK Sports joins corporate entities behind Arrowhead League

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n the eve of commencement of the Arrowhead League, FK Sports has ensured that the Arrowhead League would not be short on support, with a simple presentation being made at the store’s Garnett Street location on Friday afternoon.

FK Sports is an apparel and sports equipment store which has the capacity to service several of Guyana’s core sports.

Stepping in for Proprietor Felix Walker, Store Manager Ava Bamfield handed over the sponsorship cheque to organizer of the league, Treiston Joseph, while expressing the store’s elation at being a part of the inaugural event.

“FK Sports is pleased to be part of a ground-breaking event that can help develop

Store Manager of FK Sports, Ava Bamfield, handing over sponsorship cheque to Organiser of the Arrowhead League, Treiston Joseph, at the store’s Garnett Street location

athletics in Guyana,” Bamfield shared.

Organiser Treiston Joseph, in thanking FK Sports for the support, said: “It is sponsorship like these that help to make a vision for development successful at any level.”

The Arrowhead League commenced last evening at the Leonora Track and Field facility on the West Coast of Demerara, and will continue this evening at the same venue. It puts on show some of Guyana’s best prospects in the track and field arena.

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Mohamed’s Enterprise to sponsor CARIFTA athletes for a year

M

o h a m e d ’ s Enterprise, through their ‘Team Mohamed's social media platform, on Friday announced that, for the next year, they would be supporting a slew of needs of Guyana’s 2022 CARIFTA contingent.

Azruddin Mohamed, who invested heavily in the team even before their departure for Jamaica, where the 2022 Games were hosted, met with the medalists, coaches, parents and Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President on Friday afternoon.

The contingent returned with seven medals, two of which were gold, and to ensure they hopefully continue to represent the nation proudly, Mohamed would sponsor the athletes for one year.

As he feted the athletes at his home, Mohamed made the disclosure that he would cover the cost for their footwear, supplements and transportation to attend training.

"These athletes would have done a great service to Guyana by producing some remarkable performances at these Games. I saw it important that, in order for them to continue performing at these levels, an investment is made now," Mohamed shared on Friday

afternoon.

He added, "Their only focus should be on attending school, training hard, and representing Guyana; and that is what we hope to do by offsetting these expenses."

Additionally, Attoya Harvey, who had the highest individual medal haul among the Guyanese athletes (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze), received from Mohamed a token made out of pure gold.

Prior to the athletes leaving Guyana, Teams Mohamed's also contributed towards their travel and other expenses.

AAG President Aubrey Hutson informed the athletes that the support is an investment in their future, and they should remain humble and focused.

Azruddin Mohamed on Friday met with Guyana’s CARIFTA athletes, whom he informed that they would receive 1 year’s sponsorship

He asked that they begin to work even harder to reap the desired level of success.

Fourteen athletes represented Guyana at the Games, held over the Easter weekend.

Harvey headed the medal charge for Guyana at the

three-day event when she copped gold in the U-17 1500m event, silver in the U-20 3000m event, and bronze in the U-17 800m event.

Anisha Gibbons won gold in the Under-20 Javelin event, adding to her gold at

the U-17 level two years ago; Narissa McPherson took silver in the Under-17 400m event, Javon Roberts claimed silver in the Under-17 1500m event and Adriel Austin claimed a bronze in the Under-20 800m event.

GRFU hoping to revive national women’s team

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ver a decade ago, Guyana’s National Women’s Rugby Team was among the best in the Caribbean region.

Now the team is non-existent, but according to the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) President Ryan Dey, this will not be the case for much longer.

On Friday, it was revealed that the GRFU is working assiduously to facilitate the resuscitation of the Women’s National Rugby Team, which has been dormant for some years now.

President Ryan Dey, in revealing plans to construct a national women’s

team, highlighted that the project is one that is close to his heart, and will be receiving his full attention.

“When it comes to

GRFU President Ryan Dey

Women’s National Team, this is something that is close to my heart. Because 1, we have a society where we have a lot of women playing sports and don’t get the exposure they deserve.

I’m going to say personally, if you want to pay a sport, or if you want to be recognised, Rugby is the sport for you,” Dey shared.

“We have a small pool that we pick from, so if you want to be active, try Rugby,” he advised.

While some may view the contact sport as ‘rough’, Dey has no intention to throw the female prospects into the deep end

of the pool, but rather to start with tag rugby.

The GRFU President explained, “We’re now trying to have non-contact Rugby.

This has been the aim of intriguing women enough that they say, ‘Okay, Rugby seems easy, let me try contact’. So, by next month, you guys will see a revamp of the women’s programme.

We’re not going to go fully into contact with the women, we going to have tag rugby, starting from tag rugby. From there, hopefully, we have women who say, ‘Okay, I’ve mastered this, let me move on to the next stage’,” he stated, upon elaborating.

Quizzed about how the team is likely to be con-

structed, Dey informed of the various pools from which national women ruggers could be drawn, with the assistance of overseas based players.

“From the Academy, we have about 35 women between the ages of 16 and 19, which is a good start.

Coupled with the players, I think we have, like, another 20-something from Guyana Defence Force that have shown interest, and we have some from the Police Force as well. With that, I think we have a good thing going,” Dey enlightened.

He added, “We also have some contacts, some women with Guyanese lineage from Canada, who are willing to come home and to help.”

Essentially, the GRFU President is adamant about the resuscitation of the team, as he expressed hope of the team returning to the top of the competition in the Caribbean.

“We’re trying to get to see as much games as they can with the national team, so expect a lot of Rugby from us locally,” he said about their preparation tactics.

Dey added, “We were once champions of the Caribbean with the women, so that’s something that’s close to my heart, and something that I would try to be the champion for the women. We need to help them to get back to the top.”

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