Guyana Times - Sunday May 23, 2021

P15

Essequibo Coast elders reflect on May 26, 1966 Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4656 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

Use your energy, influence for good of Guyana – President Ali tells diaspora …says Govt’s strategy will make Guyana more conducive for foreign investments Page 3

Page 37

Natural Resources Fund to be reformed for greater transparency - Jagdeo

…fund not actively invested until reformed - Finance Minister Illegal concrete factory

ExxonMobil to pay Guyana over US$1.3M for excess flaring

Page 9

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

4 more COVID-19 deaths, 111 new cases recorded P29 2 months later

Sophia man P37 tells Police accomplice killed 10-year-old boy …confesses to planning robbery

Father of 1 P33 killed in hit-andrun accident Page 5

Govt working with company to regularise project – GO-Invest CEO

…says directors’ instructions to …applied to EPA to flare for 36 days leave Guyana a separate issue

Over 1000 vaccinated at COVID-19 vaccine ‘drive thru’ at National Stadium

PRICE

Page 30

…gave Police his mom’s number before dying

Toddler dies after drinking gasoline at mining camp P37 Driver crushed to death after losing control of truck P8

High tide warning starts today P36

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, May 23 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:00h – 14:30h and Monday, May 24 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 23 – 13:45h – 15:15h and Monday, May 24 – 14:45h – 16:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect light cloud and light rain showers during the day. There will be light rain showers at night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 14:18h reaching a maximum height of 2.59 metres.

Low Tide: 07:50h and 20:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.6 metre.

Use your energy, influence for good of Guyana – President Ali tells diaspora …says Govt’s strategy will make Guyana more conducive for foreign investments

S

tressing the importance of the diaspora to Guyana, President Dr Irfaan Ali opened the virtual Diaspora Conference on Saturday by, among other things, exhorting Guyanese living overseas to use their energies and influence for the good of Guyana, rather than the bad.

The virtual Diaspora Conference got started at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), with President Ali making it pellucid that Government has a strategy to make Guyana even more conducive for foreign investment and for all to live in a developed society.

“We spoke about social equality. About ensuring the development of our country does not create disparity, but that enough social safety nets are allowed in the strategy, so that all our people,

ity of Guyana,” the President also said.

Role of State

The President further assured participants that his PPP/C Government will pursue the creation of 50,000 jobs, as it committed to in its manifesto, the provision of 50,000 house lots, the facilitation of foreign direct investment, the provision of 20,000 scholarPresident Irfaan Ali during his address ships and having at the Diaspora Conference a competitive oil and gas support port us on this, on these projinfrastructure in Guyana capable of providing ects and this vision, and we have a responsibility to exeemployment. cute,” he said.

The President further pointed to the importance of the diaspora in also taking advantage of the opportunities ahead and encouraged them to participate in the process as the future of Guyana depends on their skills, experience and their investment.

“Importantly, these attributes must be driven by a vision and ideas, and today gives us an opportunity to engage in that vision and “We are in pursuit of those ideas that will fuel the these goals. And they’re not future of Guyana,” President fly-by-night objectives of Ali said.

When asked about the the Government. We camsystems that will be put paigned on these. We asked in place to address the unthe Guyanese people to sup-

“The diaspora is engaged in a different environment globally and we expect you to be part of the solution. And not part of the problem. And I normally like to address issues frankly. The diaspora can be and is, a very influential body. And that influence can be positive or negative. And if we do an analysis of social media, we see sometimes the energy of the diaspora utilised in a negative way…”

– President Dr Irfaan Ali SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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all sections of our society, can move forward.”

“We’re talking about a world class education and health system. And included in that too are plans and strategies that would see healthcare services for members of the diaspora too.

Specialised healthcare.”

According to President Ali, the Government understands that concerns over healthcare, education, social welfare and security would be determining factors in the diaspora coming home to invest and it is working on fixing that.

But he also urged the diaspora to use their influence in a constructive way, for the good of Guyana. The President indicated that this is not always the case, likely a reference to members of the diaspora who use social media to ferment divisions in Guyana while they themselves reside overseas.

“The diaspora is engaged in a different environment globally and we expect you to be part of the solution.

And not part of the problem.

And I normally like to address issues frankly. The diaspora can be and is, a very influential body. And that influence can be positive or negative.”

“And if we do an analysis of social media, we see sometimes the energy of the diaspora utilised in a negative way. So, while we celebrate the positivity, I would like to throw the challenge out there. The unification of the Guyanese people is paramount to the prosper-

employment of youth and school drop-outs, President Ali explained that the Government is developing a system to harness the best potential of each individual. This system, he said, will focus on the expansion of technical and vocational education that will be integrated into the secondary school system.

Meanwhile, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was present beside Ali, pointed out that as it relates to the diaspora getting involved in the education sector, the Government has already incentivised investments into the private education system by removing corporate tax on education at every level.

After the keynote address, President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo fielded questions from the participants in several areas, including access to education, agriculture, the natural resources sector and women empowerment. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

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

Gaining Independence

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e will be commemorating the 55th anniversary of our Independence from Britain next Wednesday.

Whenever we examine events that occurred in the past, we must acknowledge that we inevitably do so from the present in which we are enmeshed. This implies that, no matter how hard we try, we cannot totally escape being influenced by the challenges and opportunities that confront us contemporaneously. It behooves us to consider that context in looking backwards.

Politically, we have just narrowly escaped another attempted election rigging by the PNC. They, of course, had rigged elections in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985. The 1978 rigging of the referendum to decide whether we should have a referendum to ratify the PNC’s proposed 1980 Constitution to give Burnham supreme powers was thrown in for good measure. The PNC had been installed into office in 1964 after the British (with prodding from the US) conducted what has been described as a “constitutional coup” to remove the PPP from office. Independence had been promised for 1962 to the party that won the 1961 elections. If that promise had been kept, we would have attained independence contemporaneously with Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

But even though the PPP won the 1961 elections, the US, convinced that Cheddi Jagan was a “fellow traveler” of Moscow, opposed independence for Guyana under him.

Their CIA precipitated riots in Georgetown on Feb 16, 1962, halting independence and offering them the pretext for changing the electoral system from the constituency-based First Past the Post (FPTP) to Proportional Representation. This almost unique electoral system in the British Commonwealth was introduced, along with forging a coalition between the PNC and United Force (UF), to oust the PPP. Independence for Guyana, then, was granted under contrived grounds, and, as was pointed out by Immanuel Kant, since ends are nothing more than consummated means, “Independence” under the PNC evolved into a farce as far as democracy was concerned. Since the British and Americans had connived with the PNC to remove the PPP, there was precious little moral suasion they could summon to deter the PNC from rigging elections and creating the dictatorship they did.

“Independence” for Guyana became the movement that segued us from living under an authoritarian colonial state to subsisting under a totalitarian regime. Because elections were rigged, the political parties that were allowed to function simply served to legitimise the PNC’s illegal rule. The outside world could note that elections were held regularly and gloss over the fine print that “opposition claimed the elections were rigged”. Independence for Guyanese also meant that the PNC expanded its “Disciplined Forces” Police, Army, National Service and People’s Militia - into one of the highest armed forces-civilian ratios in the world.

Beatings and assassinations of the political opposition entered Guyana’s political practice.

Economically, Guyana plunged from being one of the top economies in the British Caribbean to its worst - hovering precariously above perpetually poor Haiti. This was after the PNC promised to “feed, house and clothe” the nation and nationalised 80% of the economy. They were so inept that they even wrecked the bauxite industry that provided the world with our unique high-grade bauxite that were used for making kilns to literally fire the world’s factories. They destroyed the independence of the Trade Union Movement by seizing control through a welter of underhand stratagems.

Socially, the country was rent apart because of the racist policies of the PNC, which doled out jobs in the nationalised economy to its base, specifically to those who had “party cards”. Crime stalked the land as the “choke and rob” phenomenon of Georgetown segued into “kick down the door” banditry that terrorised rural residents.

Today, unfortunately, many of the debased features of PNC rule have remained entrenched systemically in our politics, economy and society. The last five years of PNC rule between 2015 and 2020 revived many of those practices after 23 years of the PPP attempts to reverse them after 1992.

The struggle continues to return democratic praxis to Guyana.

A Civil Defence Commission (CDC) flood assessment worker driving through flooded terrain in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to take supplies to residents who are battling floodwaters (CDC photo)

Appropriate changes must be operationalised at GECOM Dear Editor, The constitutional mandate of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) engenders that the institution must, at all times, be fully prepared to hold free and fair elections.

Local Government Elections (LGEs) is due this year. The lack of a definitive position from GECOM on the LGEs certainly threatens our national development thrust, and further undermines the revered democratic principles on which we stand for national, regional and global recognition.

The evolved circumstance, whereby our citizens are required to petition this call, informs troubling concerns regarding GECOM’s commitment and delivery of its constitutional role. This is given the negative impact that GECOM’s failure to uphold this essential democratic pillar obtains. Indeed, the LGEs serve to sustain a key countercheck mechanism on community development at the municipal, community, and village levels. Similar to those elected to determine national policies in leading our country for defined periods, it is paramount that leaders at these levels also be brought to a decisive review point, held accountable by the citizens they serve for delivery of essential services, and in ensuring parallel development in partnership with the national plans.

It is of significant note that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic team has regained the confidence of the Guyanese people, with the astute leadership of His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali, General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Brigadier (retd) Mark Phillips at the helm. Their ex-

ceptionally hard-working cadre of cabinet members has quickly demonstrated collective policy approaches that have poised Guyana for swift development at the national level. No agency or political system must be allowed to suppress these positive developments for biased individual, sentimental, secular, or otherwise power-driven aggrandisement.

We must therefore ensure a harmonised approach for the optimised delivery to citizens at the various levels, in which no community must be left behind in receiving the optimised resultant benefits as our economy thrives. Essential to this ideal is the key purpose of the LGEs, and one that GECOM is expected to recognise, support, and demonstrate in its expected timely assertion over the execution of this central role.

Editor, our nation’s greatest asset is our children, and they are now setting the pace in this part of the world. Amid the threatening COVID-19 pandemic, their development prioritisation to become our future leaders at every level is recognized, and now strongly supported by our new PPPC Government. In this respect, the revolutionised approach of the Government’s education delivery support is much admired, given the roll-out of the non-discriminatory scholarship programmes available to every child from every community or background. As for the PPP/C Government scholarship programme, mere words cannot adequately describe the success. So let us pause to congratulate our children/ students who are a revelation in education, what this Government maintains is not a privilege, but a must.

Notwithstanding the positive success stories of the Government at the national level, it is imperative for the Local Government mechanism in the urban/rural communities via the municipalities, Neighbourhood Democratic, and Village Councils to become bigger success stories as they work in partnership to advance essential community agenda.

Stronger communities would naturally lead to better leadership at the grass roots levels, and this movement must not be suppressed by moves to deter the mechanism for its necessary review and advancement.

Hence, we must have regular LGEs so that we will have more disciplined and trained persons at the local levels. In this framework, Electoral Reform is a necessity for development at all levels.

Given the lethargy now evident in GECOM, the PPP/C and civil society must work towards the swift advancement of all the necessary electoral reforms. Resistance to the necessary interventions in this regard is heavily justified at the national and international levels. In particular, the revamping of GECOM. GECOM cannot continue with the overwhelming evidence of thievery related to election fraud by key staff in the Secretariat.

All those that are before the Courts for fraud must be sent home immediately.

Of note is the resistance being put up by oppositionist PNC elements and their surrogates, who have sought to ethnicise their rejections to improvements in transparency and fair practices targeted in these reforms. In context, the recent launch of the “Labour for Electoral Reform” com-

mittee, led by GLU General Secretary Carvil Duncan and its Secretary, the GAWU General Secretary Aslim Singh, is indeed admirable, given their representation of a wide conglomeration of workers’ support for these necessary reforms. The stifling of our democracy must never be supported. Cudos to Labour for Electoral Reform!

Critically, the Commission at GECOM must be cognisant of its leading role and functions within the limitations of its granted autonomy to be prepared to hold LGEs this year.

Our Nation must not be held to ransom by fraudsters. We understand that there must be consultations and thorough discussions on the way forward. In addition, the rational parameters point to a need for international oversight and guidance of optional considerations in the process.

GECOM’s immediate agenda must be the purging of all the thieves and the preparation of the Register of all registrants. Adequate and appropriate changes must be operationalised to ensure that a smooth process takes place in the elections. None of the naysayers must be allowed to dictate the rigging process.

Guyana is on the rise, and our people must understand the world is looking at us, and we must transparently do things. Come on, Madam Chairwoman, do not permit the suppression of our children and emerging young leaders.

Objectivity demands that you ensure the holding of LGEs this year is on the agenda.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Helena farmers happy with Govt’s intervention Dear Editor, My name is Roopnarin Persaud. I am a farmer from Helena. For years, farmers in this village have been suffering from flooding due to a number of blocked canals and internal

drains. I and a few farmers met with Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, during a farmer’s meeting at his office and asked him to do some work in the area. He agreed, and said that he would make a machine

available to do the works soon.

I am happy to report that the machine came, and the works have been completed.

On behalf of the farmers from Helena, I would like to thank the Honourable Minister

for his timely response and intervention. I would also like to thank the engineer who worked to have everything completed.

Yours sincerely, Roopnarin Persaud

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

5

News Illegal concrete factory

Govt working with company to regularise project – GO-Invest CEO …says directors’ instructions to leave Guyana a separate issue Guyana, seek guidance from agencies such as GO-Invest and spend time familiarising themselves with the approvals they would need.

“I encourage all investors to ensure that they spend time on the regulatory permits that are nec-

Ian Jones was the other Director of Superior Concrete Inc who was instructed by the Immigration Department to depart Guyana by May 19. In Jones’s case, it was discovered that his service was terminated by his previous

GO-Invest CEO, Dr Peter Ramsaroop

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overnment is currently working along with Superior Concrete Incorporated, the company whose Directors were ordered to leave Guyana for flouting immigration policy, with Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop saying the investment is still a viable one.

During Guyana’s first virtual diaspora conference on Saturday, Ramsaroop was questioned by a member of the diaspora about the signal being sent due to Directors of a company being booted out of the country. But Ramsaroop urged that the issues of the Directors and the investment not be conflated.

According to Ramsaroop, the main issue was an immigration one that saw two of the company’s Directors being instructed to leave Guyana. Ramsaroop noted that this was done based on Guyana’s immigration laws.

“From an investment perspective I did meet with the true investor of that

Minister Collin Croal and other officials meeting with representatives of the factory

essary. Our office is there to help facilitate that. The response to the immigration issue should not be tied with the direct investment,” Ramsaroop said.

Illegal

It had previously been reported that foreign company Superior Concrete Inc had set up an illegal concrete plant at Houston Estates on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). According to the reports, the company had set up operations at Houston without the requisite governmental approvals.

Richard Austin Shamlin, one of the Directors, was given 24 hours to leave

Government is settling with Cevons Waste Management which used land acquired under the former Govt to set up new offices

company. They did not break any rules basically.

They had just opened the container and were setting up the operation… it’s still a very good investment,” Ramsaroop said.

“We’re working with the true investor. His Directors who represented him, I think did him a disfavour.

But I think our investment climate is non-board. We’re working through the requirements.”

In that vein, the CEO urged investors to not be discouraged but to come to

Guyana earlier this month.

Shamlin had overstayed his time on his visitor’s visa. He was the second Director ordered to leave Guyana.

Shamlin was hostile to Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal when he, along with officials from the CHPA, went to the location to serve a third contravention order. Further, Shamlin demanded that the Minister, CH&PA officials and the media leave the premises. However, the Minister ignored him and engaged the media.

employer in the oil sector, but he remained in Guyana on the work permit.

He, too, got into an altercation with housing officials, and according to Croal in his interview with the media, it was Jones who took the first order to desist that was served by housing officials and threw it to the ground in front of them.

Cevons, Car Care settlements

Superior Concrete is not the only investor the Government has decided to work along with in order to regularise their investments. When the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) entered office in September of last year, it was to find that a number of companies had improperly acquired land from the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government following its loss of the NoConfidence Motion in the National Assembly.

These companies had included Cevons Waste Management, which used its land to build a new office on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, as well as Car Care Enterprise, which acquired several acres of lands at Plantation Ruimveldt, Greater Georgetown, below the market price.

Another company, Courtney Benn Contracting Services, was slapped with two multimillion-dollar lawsuits by the PPP Government, due to its breach of contract on two projects - the construction of dormitories at the Linden Technical Institute and the reconstruction of the St Roses High School.

During a press conference on Friday, however, Vice President Bharrat

Jagdeo had revealed that Government is settling with all these companies… though the Government still fully intends to prosecute public officials who broke the law.

“We have reached an agreement with Cevons with that project and we will move forward on that, and similarly with Car Care, we have reached an agreement with that entity so that they don’t have to face court matters…we also reached agreement with Courtney

Ian Jones, another Director of Superior Concrete

Benn,” Jagdeo had said.

In January 2021, the Government had instituted another lawsuit against Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited and

Richard Austin Shamlin, a Director of Superior Concrete Incorporated

Caricom General Insurance company, seeking in excess of $413 million in damages in relation to the St Roses High contract.

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

Page

Foundation

Should Parents Apologise?

BY: Meri Wallace LCSW

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any parents tell me that they feel overwhelming guilt after yelling at their children. They remember how badly they felt as children when their parents screamed at them and had even sworn to themselves that they would never do this as a parent. I commiserate with these parents by acknowledging that parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. When your child keeps leaving his dirty clothes on the bathroom floor after you have told him for the umpteenth time to put them into the hamper after his showers, it’s hard to stay cool. But yelling frightens children and causes them to feel bad about themselves, so making amends is important.

I always assure parents that there are ways to repair an upsetting interaction with children, even days later. I call it "cleaning up the situation." In a way, the guilt parents feel at these moments is actually positive. It is an internal signal that they need to do something to fix things. It motivates them to take action.

The first step I suggest is apologising to the child.

Historically, parents have been afraid that saying, “I'm sorry,” makes them look weak or takes away their authority. On the contrary, it actually makes parents look strong. It shows that they care enough to take responsibility for their negative actions and make amends. Furthermore, children get the crucial message that their parents do not want

to hurt their feelings—they are loved.

It also gives children other important information. They learn that when they are in a relationship, it's very important to take responsibility for their own negative behaviours and find better ways to handle situations in the future. This is key to building a successful relationship.

Once you apologise, talk over the situation with your child and explore alternative

ways you both could have interacted. You can invite your child to problem-solve with you by asking, “What could we have done differently?” and offer some suggestions. For instance, you might propose, “Maybe Mommy could have said, ‘I asked you to pick up your clothing after washing up, and you ignored me. Can you please go back and put your things in the hamper?’”

Keep in mind that it takes children endless repetitions to internalise the rules, and they will still make errors from time to time. Calm reminders tend to speed the process.

The minute you start getting worked up, things tend to go downhill.

Next, ask your child what she could have done differently and make a suggestion: “Maybe you could have said, “I’m sorry I left my clothing on the floor. I was rushing to see my show. I’ll try to re-

member next time.” You never know. Children often come up with their own innovative solutions, such as, “I’ll make a sign and put it on the bathroom door to remind me!”

Every time you and your children repair a situation in this way, your close bond is restored. Your child internalises this way of problem-solving, and it becomes a positive model for the future. (Excerpt from Psychologytoday.com)

WORLD TURTLE DAY 2021 World Turtle Day, or International Turtle Day, is celebrated on May 23 each year.

The initiation of this day in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue Organization brings attention to turtle conservation issues and highlights ways each of us can help protect these gentle, peaceful, but often jeopardised animals.

Of the few remaining endangered species of marine turtles worldwide, four of them have chosen to nest on Guyana’s shores: the Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles. The latest report points to the turtles experiencing population growth due to the strong representation with extensive and essential work by Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and other collaborative organisations, such as the World Wildlife Fund Guyana (WWF).

During the period 2018 to 2019, a study was conducted, resulting in data from the tracking and recording (telemetry programmes) of the inter-nesting and atsea behaviours of sea turtles at the Shell Beach Protected Area (SBPA), Region One. The health and population growth of these beautiful animals should not only be the responsibility of the mentioned organisations, but of every Guyanese.

Among the threats to marine turtles is the indiscriminate disposal of plastic wastes in our waterways. These pieces of plastic eventually make their way to the sea, where sea turtles ingest them mistakenly for food. Although it does not happen as often as in previous years, discarding of fishing nets in the sea may result in turtles being trapped, robbing them of life-giving oxygen. Other threats to marine turtles include climate change, over- harvesting and removal of eggs, natural predators (crabs, sharks, birds), especially for hatchlings, habitat destruction, and other types of pollution.

Turtles are important too!

Sea turtles have many recognised roles in the evolution and maintenance of the structure and dynamics of marine ecosystems. They are an integral part of the interspecific interactions in marine ecosystems as prey, consumer, competitor, and host. They also serve as significant conduits of nutrients and energy transfer within and among ecosystems, and can also substantially modify the physical structure of marine ecosystems.

Sea turtles are an important part of the planet’s food web, and play a vital role in maintaining the health of the world’s oceans. They regulate a variety of other organisms simply through eating them. For example, green turtles mainly feed on seagrass. By grazing on seagrass meadows, they prevent the grass from growing too long and suffocating on itself. Nice and healthy seagrass beds again perform a multitude of ecosystem functions: they are a nursery ground for many marine species, and are an important carbon sink and oxygen provider in the ocean.

Another example are Hawksbill turtles, which are mostly focused on eating sponges. Their sponge consumption is very important for a healthy coral reef, by keeping the fast-growing sponges at bay and giving slower growing corals the chance to grow. Coral reefs are thought to be the most diverse ecosystem on the planet, providing habitats and shelter for thousands of marine organisms. Many fish spawn on the coral reefs and juvenile fish spend time there before heading out to deeper waters when they mature. Coral reefs also protect coastlines from wave action and storms, and are an important revenue generator for many nations through tourism.

Leatherbacks eat jellyfish. Keeping the jellyfish population in check is important.

Jellyfish prey on fish eggs and larvae, and too many jellyfish means fewer fish.

Loggerheads feed on hard-shelled prey, such as crustaceans. By breaking up these shells, they increase the rate at which the shells disintegrate, and as a result, increase the rate of nutrient recycling in the ocean bottom ecosystems.

Sea turtles also provide habitat for many marine organisms! Barnacles, algae and small creatures called epibionts attach themselves to the turtle, and by carrying these around, the sea turtles provide a food source for fish and shrimp. In fact, some fish species obtain their diet strictly from epibionts found on sea turtles.

Did you know?

In some species, weather determines if turtle eggs become male or female.

In some species, lower temperatures lead to male hatchlings, while higher temperatures lead to female hatchlings.

What can you do to save sea turtles? * Become a conscious and responsible seafood consumer by asking where and how your seafood was caught. Choose seafood caught in ways that do not harm or kill turtles. * Contact your local sea turtle stranding network if you see a sick or injured sea turtle. * Support turtle conservation groups like the GMCS (https://www.facebook. com/Guyana-Marine-Conservation-Society-317183365285264) and the South Rupununi Conservation Society (https://www.facebook.com/ southrupununiconservationsociety). * Support actions that help sea turtles.

What can you do to protect sea turtle habitat? * Reduce marine debris that may entangle or be accidentally eaten by sea turtles. * Participate in coastal clean-ups, and reduce plastic use to keep our beaches and oceans clean. Trash in the ocean can harm sea turtles and other creatures that live there. * Carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Refrain from releasing balloons, they'll likely end up in the ocean, where sea turtles can mistake them for prey and consume them. * Keep nesting beaches dark and safe for sea turtles. Turn off, shield, or redirect lights visible from the beach. Lights disorient hatchling sea turtles and discourage nesting females from coming onto the beach to lay their eggs. * Do not disturb nesting turtles, nests, or hatchlings. Attend organised sea turtle watches that know how to safely observe nesting sea turtles. * Remove recreational beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, boats at night, so sea turtles are not turned away. * Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before you leave the beach. They can become obstacles for nesting turtles or emerging hatchlings.

LET’S PROTECT OUR TURTLES AND ALL OTHER FORMS OF BIODIVERSITY. Sources https://oliveridleyproject.org/ufaqs/why-are-sea-turtles-importantto-the-environment You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit. epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Driver crushed to death after losing control of truck

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Dead: Sheldon Dainty

amily and friends of 37-year-old Sheldon Dainty of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, are in a state of shock at the news of his sudden death. Dainty died in an early morning accident at 26 Miles Public Road, Port Kaituma, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini). The porter

The truck which toppled in Port Kaituma, Region One

on the truck, Bryan Singh, 40, of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, is hospitalised after he too received injuries.

Reports are that the accident occurred at about 06:15h on Saturday. Police said that Singh was sitting in the middle of the truck’s cabin next to the driver with another man, a 34-year-old resident

of One Mile Port Kaituma, seated to the extreme left, while motor lorry GSS 4472 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road, ascending a hill. According to Police, Dainty encountered mechanical problems, causing the motor lorry to start descending the hill at a fast rate of speed. Police said that

the 34-year-old passenger related that he jumped out of the truck, which subsequently collided with the eastern barricade, lost control and turned turtle once. As a result, Dainty and Singh were thrown out of the vehicle and landed onto the western side of the road. The truck then rolled over the driver’s body, resulting in him receiving multiple injuries to his head and body, whilst the porter received injuries about his body. They were both picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Port Kaituma District Hospital.

Dainty was pronounced dead on arrival whilst Singh was admitted a patient. He has since been air dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention.

An investigation has been launched.

A woke...

T

…populace? he word “woke” was officially added into the Oxford English Dictionary as an adjective in June 2017.

Just two years before, the hip Urban Dictionary had defined it thusly: “being woke means being aware… knowing what’s going on in the community (related to racism and social injustice)”. But decades before, it was part of the argot of Black America (like “hip”!) in Harlem.

It reached the attention of the wider America when the NY Times mentioned it in 1962. So, the word and its connotations come out of the Civil Rights struggle in the USA. In 1972, this connection was made explicit when a character in the play “Garvey Lives!” said: “I been sleeping all my life. And now that Mr Garvey done woke me up, I’m gon stay woke. And I’m gon’ help him wake up other black folk”. Since then, the word has expanded its reach into the wider world: oppression knows no boundaries - along race, colour, sex, gender, age, ethnicity, origins, etc.

So, being “woke” is to be aware of who’s stepping on who - and accepting we gotta stand on the side of the oppressed. However, of recent, the word’s been given an ironic twist to suggest that some folks place themselves on pedestals from where they can sneer down on others who aren’t as “woke” as they. So, how’s this playing out in Guyana? We would’ve noticed that the words “racial” and “racist” are being thrown around with abandon nowadays - especially before and after our elections.

Is it that the folks bandying the terms are more “woke” than others - who insist that there’s more in the social mortar than the pestle of race? Or is it they’re just exploiting the terms wrenched from their American roots? Sorta like England’s PM Boris Johnson being asked if the newly inaugurated Joe Biden was “woke” following the latter’s swearing in! The usually loquacious Johnson volunteered noncommittally and laconically that “there is nothing wrong with being woke”! Joe, woke? What a question!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness’s take on the local usage is there’s nothing “woke” about anyone suggesting we have a “racial” problem in Guyana. At least not like the one in the US - after the White Brits departed in 1966. Since then, an African Guyanese-dominated government took over the country, was given independence on a platter, and ruled with no interference from any other Guyanese ethnic group for 28 years!! Who was oppressing who? The Indian Guyanese complained that THEY were being oppressed.

Then, for the next 23 years, it was African Guyanese complaining that Indian Guyanese were oppressing them.

So, what’s next? We need some woke folks to point out that, being all minorities, we just have to court the “other”!

…or an educated populace?

OK, OK, even though we may not be “woke”, the Government is guaranteeing that at least we’ll be educated. Ever since slavery, we were told that education was the path to true freedom. “Emancipation” was just a word…but EDUCATION would make us qualified to seize the opportunities long denied to us. Emancipation would only be real when we became economically independent.

But even though Jagan started UG in 1963 and Burnham gave it a home in 1972, getting educated still remains a dream for the majority of Guyanese. Not only because of money for fees and such like; there’s the challenge of distance to our far-flung villages. But now that’s all behind us with the launch of GOAL - the “Guyana Online Academy of Learning” initiative. 20,000 scholarships from UWI, Indira Gandhi National Open University, India, JAIN University (India) and University of Applied Sciences (IUBH), Germany!!

And this is only a start! A degree in every Guyanese’s portfolio!

…on COVID-19 Your Eyewitness hopes we all get woke on COVID-19.

And realise that, with its inherent continuous mutations, we’ll never really be free of it. So, expect every year we’re gonna need booster shots.

More billions for Big Pharma!

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

NEWS

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ExxonMobil to pay Guyana over US$1.3M for excess flaring …applies to EPA to flare for 36 days

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nited States oil giant, ExxonMobil Guyana will have to pay the Guyana Government in excess of US$1.3 million for excess flaring of gas at its Liza-1 operations in the Stabroek Block offshore.

Just over a week ago, Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) modified the Environmental Permit for the Liza-1 Development Project to include, among other things, a fee of US$30 per tonne of excess carbon emissions that is flared.

During a press conference on Friday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed that the oil major has since applied to continue flaring for a 36-day period. He explained that this application takes effect from May 26, hence Exxon will have to pay for the excess flaring from that day, for the next 36 days.

Based on calculations, the Vice President disclosed that this 36-day flaring will rack up a fee of some US$1.3 million.

“They say they’re flaring about 15 million cubic feet per day now. That would be equivalent to about 1152 tonnes of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide equivalent) …It should take us to 1.3 million US dollars,” he noted.

It was explained that the oil company has to make an application to flare beyond 48 hours, and in this case, Exxon was given 14 days after signing the modified permit for the 36-day application to take effect.

“So, they’re saying we will need [36 days to flare] …By that time, they expect probably the parts will come back and fix the problem and stop the flar-

ing. So, they would have to flare, they’re saying, for 36 days,” Jagdeo further told reporters on the side lines of Friday’s press conference.

Meanwhile, the Vice President had previously reiterated that this payment that the US oil major will be making to the Government will not affect the Stability Clause under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) or be recoverable against cost oil.

While there is no mutual agreement on this, Jagdeo contended that “…we have a method of disallowing this when it comes up. They haven’t claim it.”

He added too that, “The interest rate might be crucial but so far, there has been no demand from Exxon to recover interest rate on the project from cost recovery.”

Exxon has come under fire over its increased flaring activities in recent years with environmentalists up in arms over its harmful effects on the environment.

Earlier this year, the company had sent its gas compressor for repairs in Germany after it developed technical issues resulting in increased flaring. But after reinstalled in April, technical issues were still encountered, forcing the company to significantly drop production.

It was reported that ExxonMobil’s oil production had plummeted to 30,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in mid-April, as the gas compressor that had been in Germany for much of February being repaired after developing technical issues, and which only recently returned to Guyana, once again failed.

The oil giant had ex-

plained that other problems in the discharge silencer were detected during the final testing phase of the reinstalled flash gas compressor on board the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel.

It was explained that a team from SBM Offshore, MAN Energy Solutions and ExxonMobil are on site to assess repairs, supported by engineering experts in Europe and the United States of America (USA).

Nevertheless, in a subsequent update on April 21, Exxon had said production was back up to 100,000 to 110,000 bpd accompanied by a flare level of below 15 million cubic square feet of gas per day.

In an update last week, Exxon’s Advisor Janelle Persaud had said the company plans to have its faulty equipment repaired and reassembled for a “safe startup” of operations on the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel in June.

“ExxonMobil Guyana remains fully committed to resolving these technical challenges as quickly as possible, and remains engaged with relevant Government agencies to ensure operations are executed safely taking environmental, technical and economic factors into consideration,” Persaud said.

It was against this backdrop that the EPA and Exxon’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), signed the modified Environmental Permit for the Liza 1 Project.

The permit was recalled and modified to include specific regulatory requirements for flaring of associated gas offshore Guyana,

in accordance with the EPA’s legislation. These were missing from the original permit that was issued under the previous APNU/ AFC Administration.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat earlier this month said EEPGL will switch the manufacturer of the compressor equipment it uses, to ensure there is no flaring during future projects.

“This now has forced us to enter into engage-

ments with Exxon to ensure that the Unity FPSO that is coming later in this year, and then Prosperity in early 2024, that we don’t have this issue with those FPSOs… So, we have gotten that assurance that General Electric will be used as the manufacturer to ensure that the compressor, there is not a recurring problem on those FPSOs with the gas compressor,” Bharrat told reporters.

General Electric is a US

multinational company.

The Minister said the adjustment needed to be made since both the Liza Unity and Prosperity are designed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day – almost twice the amount of the Liza Destiny.

In the meantime, Bharrat said the Government has been in contact with Exxon daily to ensure that a swift resolution is reached for the challenges on the Liza Destiny. (G8)

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11 Scissors bandit steals motorcycle, cellphone A NEWS

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Independence and the National Questions

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have always had mixed emotions when I think about our “independence”. I am old enough to have experienced firsthand the violent wrenching apart of our peoples that preceded this supposedly blessed state and left it in “scare quotes” for me ever since. I was in short-pants as the Police fired tear gas to clear “peaceful protesters” squatting on my primary school steps at Uitvlugt during the 80-day strike of 1962. It was an open secret, known even by schoolchildren, that the British and the US wanted the PPP out, and that the independence that was to come to Trinidad and Jamaica that year should Ravi Dev have then been ours also.

By 1963, we had three schools in the three sections of my village as the madness expanded from Georgetown.

Then, of course, there was the denouement of 1964, as Cheddi (as even schoolboys called him) made one last-ditch but futile attempt to reverse a history written (and funded) by “the best and brightest” of the West. 1964 saw ethnic cleansing in our country - and not only in Wismar - even before the term was invented. We became (and remain) more segregated than South Africa ever was. That’s “independence”.

Even then, I had my doubts that “independence” could deliver us to the promised land of economic development and political equality, which the politicians had assured would be ours once the “white man” was gone. It didn’t strike me as likely, given the deepening divisions that I experienced all around me every day in every activity – whether in school or in the wider world. Everything was now brewed through the prisms of “us” and “them”. The announced “national” motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” was rather ironic – even aspirationally, given the continued opportunistic ethniccentred politics. The rigging of the 1968 elections when I was in high school deepened my skepticism.

We were attempting to achieve an end-state in Guyana that our models – Britain, Europe and the US - had achieved only after undergoing sequentially, over several centuries, three massive macro-societal revolutions centred on national identity, political participation and economic distribution.

Yet we had inherited a state, and not a nation, which was supposed to be resolved by a “motto”? Or inculcate the practice of democratic politics when the Government of the day rigged elections? Or achieve economic equity when members of other political parties were discriminated against in employment? How would we ever be independent?

More generally, how were we expected to pull together directly after independence, after the ethnically directed violence and ethnic cleansing of the early sixties? How could we chart a common course when “kick down the door bandits” were allowed to engage in ethnically directed depredations in the 1970s and 1980s? Or when the enormously enlarged Disciplined Forces looked the other way to deepen the Indian Ethnic Security Dilemma - that even if they achieved political office, their hold on political power would always be precarious? Or, in the last decade, after ethnically directed violence by criminals and reactive state-backed private contractors created ethnic killing fields on the East Coast of Demerara?

The present crop of PNC politicians has hardly progressed on these issues. For instance, Granger and his deputy, Harmon, had no compunction in raising the ethnic/racial bogeyman in W. Berbice after Henry cousins’ gruesome murders, knowing fully well this might precipitate African Guyanese violence against Indian Guyanese. Similarly, Granger felt comfortable to reject his own COI to shutter four sugar estates and throw 7000 mostly Indian Guyanese workers into the streets.

Politically, there was never any “struggle” for independence – just the struggle for accession to office. Burnham exploited the Ethnic Security Dilemma of African Guyanese - that they would be permanently excluded from office as the Indian Guyanese majority voted for the PPP in the majoritarian system - to have them support his elections rigging. Now that Guyana is a nation of minorities because of an emigration, the African Guyanese Ethnic Security Dilemma has been removed.

This was demonstrated in 2015 when the PNC returned to office in coalition with the AFC. However, the PNC refused to be inclusive and allowed the PPP to agglomerate enough disappointed voters across the ethnic divide to return to office.

The PNC, in refusing to accept the democratic decision, is trying to ensure that our “independence” remains a chimera.

Some “independence”.

bandit armed with a pair of scissors robbed a man of his motorcycle and cellphone while on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

Police said the 40-yearold victim was on Sheriff Street on Friday at a fastfood caravan when the “identifiable” suspect approached him from an unknown direction, pulled out a scissors, and demanded that the victim hand over his valuables.

Fearful for his life, the man complied and the suspect escaped with his blue Lifan Motorcycle, CG 8128, valued at $180,000 and his cellular phone, valued at $10,000. He headed

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

south along Sheriff Street.

An investigation has been launched.

Just a few days ago two pastors were robbed as they were about to enter a supermarket on Sheriff Street.

It was reported that the pastors, a 33-year-old male and a 36-year-old female,

were heading to the supermarket when they were approached by two men on a black motorcycle.

The pillion rider reportedly dismounted the bike and pointed a gun at the pastors while demanding that they hand over all their belongings. Both pastors ini-

tially refused, but the gunman fired a round in their direction, which did not hit them, but caused them to let go of their valuables.

Following the robbery, the pillion rider mounted the motorcycle and both perpetrators made good their escape.

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14 FEATURE

The Road to Independence

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A

s we celebrate Guyana’s 55th Independence Anniversary, let us reflect on how the journey began.

Certainly, the seeds of seeking an end to colonialism must have been planted in the hard days of slavery and indentureship when life was unbelievably difficult and the reason for the crushing oppression and cruelty was easy to define.

Billions of words have been written about slavery, the middle passage, the unbearable cruelty of the slave masters and the many uprisings against slavery.

These were dealt with in ways which are almost beyond belief. Cheddi Jagan in his book “The West on Trial” writes about the prisoners in the Berbice uprising: “...53 of the defendants were condemned to death. Next day, 15 of them were burnt to death over a slow fire and 16 were broken on the rob rock.

The remaining 22 persons were hanged...”

After slavery was abolished, indentured labourers for the many sugar estates were brought to this country.

Their conditions were slightly better than the slaves.

Dr Jagan in his book quotes Elizabeth Caesar, a labourer of Plantation Vreed-enHoop: “...the Coolies were locked up in the sick house and next morning they were

Independence heroes Dr Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham

flogged with a cat-o’-nine tails; the manager was in the house, and they flogged the people under his house; they were tied to the post of the gallery... I cannot tell how many licks; he gave them enough. I saw blood.

When they were flogged at the manager’s house, they rubbed salt pickle on their backs.”

With these experiences and much more, the spirit of resistance against those who caused the sufferings was inlaid and would later be expressed in a desire to be free of such exploitation.

Guyana’s history shows that the very beginning of the recognition of the need to be independent of Britain began with the formation of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950. The

concept of a struggle to free British Guiana of colonialism probably had its origin in Cheddi Jagan’s studies, while a student in the USA, of the writings of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. At that time, India was on a course aimed at complete independence from British rule. The struggle inspired many in the British, Dutch, French and Belgium colonies in all parts of the world to follow suit.

As early as 1945, Cheddi Jagan, in an article, wrote: “It therefore behoves the working class people to get control of Government through their constitutional ballots in our forthcoming election, with a view towards complete independence.”

And after the PPP was founded, in its first manifes-

Queen Elizabeth meeting with Guyanese during her visit to British Guiana in 1966 just before the country gained independence

to, the party declared: “The People's Progressive Party recognising that the final abolition of exploitation and oppression, of economic crises and unemployment and wars will only be achieved by the socialist reorganisation of society, pledges itself to the task of winning a free and independent Guianese society in which security, plenty, peace and freedom shall be the heritage of all.”

Thus began the struggle in the then British Guiana for independence.

Somewhere in the psyche of the onetime slaves and indentured workers lay the elements of resistance to those who brought about the misery of their forefathers. It took time for most Guyanese to accept the idea

that Guyana could be a free and independent nation.

Many scoffed at the advocacy, by the PPP, of independence from Britain. British Guiana is too small to be independent, they said. There was talk of an amalgamation of the three Guianas British, Dutch and French into one country.

Conservatives and recipients of favoured positions from the British, the business and religious community (Christian), were against such an “outrageous” idea.

There was, indeed, a lot of opposition to the concept of independence. The PPP pursued its objective through the years. Former allies fell out and I can recall, would only support independence if Jagan were not at the head of Government. The Cold War, too, had its negative effects which led to political interference and a nation in dire conflict.

Despite the long and difficult struggle for independence, which many countries also experienced, Guyana became a free and independent nation and proudly took its place in the United Nations and other organisations, like the Non-Aligned Movement, the OAS, etc.

All Guyanese can be proud that we have overcome oppression, exploitation and attempts at a dictatorship. Guyana is a democracy that upholds all the finest principles of a democratic state. We have our problems, serious problems, but they will be overcome. Unity is the password to our future. (Excerpts from an article written by the late and former President Janet Jagan)

Independence heroes

Cheddi Berret Jagan (March 1918 March 1997) Executive President of the Republic of Guyana: Oct 9, 1992 - Mar 6, 1997 Jagan was born on March 22, 1918, on the sugar plantation of Port Mourant, Berbice. His father was a foreman of a work crew on the plantation. His grandparents had come from India as indentured labourers.

After primary school and two years of secondary school, his father sent him to Queen’s College in the city of Georgetown. He was then fifteen years old. In September 1935, Cheddi left

for the United States where he did pre-dental studies at Howard University. He was able to earn a scholarship to pay for his second year at Howard.

In 1938, he entered Northwestern University and embarked on a four-year dental programme, graduating in 1942. While studying dentistry, he was also doing courses in social studies. He graduated in 1942, with a degree in dental surgery (DDS) and a Bachelor of Sciences degree (BSc).

On August 5, 1943, he married a student nurse, Janet Rosenberg before returning home in October that year. Cheddi set up his dental practice with the help of his wife, as dental assistant, his brother, as laboratory assistant, and a cousin.

He also spent a great deal of time with the workers and was soon established as a labour leader.

In 1947, Dr Jagan formally entered the political arena with his election to the National Assembly.

In 1950, three years later, he created the People's Progressive Party (PPP).

In 1953, the PPP won the first elections held under Universal Adult Suffrage.

However, Britain suspended the Constitution, citing the PPP's pro-communist ideology. The British sent troops and warships to deal with any resistance they might encounter but there were only peaceful demonstrations. Dr Jagan was imprisoned for six months for not obeying an order limiting his movements.

In 1955, Dr Jagan was re-elected leader of the People's Progressive Party.

Between 1953 and 1957, the PPP was split in two factions. Dr Jagan continued to be leader of the PPP, while the new faction, named the People’s National Congress (PNC), was led by Forbes Burnham.

The PPP won the 1957 and 1961 elections, becoming the country’s first Premier, and formed the Government. In 1964 the PPP again won the election with a majority of the votes cast. However, the elections were held under the system of Proportional Representation, the Government was formed by a coalition comprising the PNC, led by Burnham and the United Force (UF), led by businessman, Peter D’Aguiar.

Dr Jagan was leader of the Opposition until 1992, when the PPP won the elections that year. He became President and remained so until his death on March 6, 1997. (GINA) Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham LFS Burnham - (19231985) First Executive President of the Republic of Guyana: (Oct 6, 1980 - Aug 6, 1985) TURN TO PAGE 19

FEATURE

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Speech by Dr Cheddi Jagan seconding vote of thanks to His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent

Y

our Royal Highnesses, Mr Speaker, the severing of the British colonial tie in Guyana, and the attainment of political Independence are welcome features of the struggle of this country and its people for a better life. These features in today's context, do not, however, guarantee the realisation of the better life we all seek.

They merely represent a further stage, an advancement in the continuing struggle.

I wish to thank their Royal Highnesses the Duke

and Duchess of Kent, as representatives of Her Majesty the Queen, for their presence in this House to hand over the new Constitutional Instruments.

But lest our position at this historic ceremony be misunderstood, it is necessary for me to observe that the people whom my party represents hold considerable reservations.

The form of the Constitution being handed down at this time is one which perpetuates divisions in our society, and entrenches minority rule.

Essequibo Coast elders reflect on May 26, 1966

Ramdai Dashrat

By Raywattie Deonarine

S

cores of elders living in the Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) still have vivid memories of how Essequibo used to be prior to the country gaining its Independence.

One such person is 89-year-old Ramdai Dashrat of Spring Garden along the Essequibo Coast.

The Sunday Times was fortunate to reach out with two elders who were excited to reflect on the days of British Guyana. Despite the changes, the elders remain optimistic that Guyana has transformed over the years and they welcome the changes.

TURN TO PAGE 23

The Constitution has failed to lay the foundation for national unity. The fundamental rights which the Constitution seeks to safeguard are, in a great measure non-existent, and the Government has provided evidence in great abundance of its intention to render all safeguards nugatory.

Detention without trial has plagued the country since July 1964, when, by a constitutional amendment, the United Kingdom Government gave to the Governor, acting without advice, powers to detain without trial. This power was made to appear, by the world press and radio, to have been exercised by the Government, of which I was the Head. The powers were, in fact, arbitrarily exercised by the Governor, to the detriment of the members and supporters of the People's Progressive Party. Abuses of these pow-

ers, now transferred to the Government, and the extension of the State of Emergency, beyond the date of the attainment of Independence, have generated fear in our land and have frustrated the efforts of many of our people in their struggle for peace and security.

As Leader of the Opposition, I have accepted invitations to consult with the Honourable Prime Minister, on the making of appointments to those important public offices, which form the pillars of constitutional Government, but I regret to say that on no occasion, has there been any measure of agreement. The result is that those people, whom my party represents, are denied any participation in the governmental process. Consultation has amounted, in practice, to no more than an intimation, on every occasion, of the names of

persons whom the inflexible Government wished to prefer to high office in this land.

Besides, political independence has been attained under the continuation and consolidation of foreign economic control and the maintenance of the colonial type of economy, based on primary production and extraction. This has already detracted from the living standards of the working people.

Debt burdens are already increasing with the resulting pressure on the economy.

The annually recurring budgetary deficits will inevitably mean dependence on other Governments for budgetary support.

In these circumstances, there is no prospect for real Independence in external affairs and the protestations of the Government, of pursuing a neutral policy, are illusory.

The People's Progressive Party has been the victim of repeated constitutional manipulations designed to keep it out of office.

We are nonetheless confident that, despite these manipulations, the People's Progressive Party can be triumphant at future elections, if they are fairly held.

Parliamentary democracy has an important place in this country, and a heavy onus lies on all of us, but more particularly on the Government, to see that it works.

The People's Progressive Party, the vanguard of Guyana's struggle for national liberation, is convinced that liberty is achieved only when it has been struggled for and won. It cannot be a gift of charity. For the people of Guyana, real freedom is still a prize to be won, and win it we will - as a re-united free people.

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FEATURE

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FROM PAGE 14

Burnham was born in Kitty, on February 20, 1923. He was the son of James Ethelbert and Rachel Abigail Burnham. He attended the Kitty Methodist School; Central High School, and Queen’s College. His hobbies included cricket, chess and horseback riding.

In 1954 he won the Centenary Exhibition and a Government Junior Scholarship. In 1955 he was awarded the Percival Exhibition.

In 1942, Burnham received the highest scholastic award in the country at that time, the British Guiana Scholarship.

This annual award was reserved for the scholar attaining the highest grades at the Senior Cambridge Examinations held locally.

In 1944, Burnham earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree at External Examinations

The first flag-raising ceremony on May 26, 1966 at the National Park

of the University of London.

In 1947, he received his Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree at the University of London. In 1948 he was admitted to the bar of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn, London.

An extemporary scholar, Burnham was noted for his oratory skills. In 1947 Burnham was elected President of the West Indian Students Union in London, a position which allowed him to participate

as a delegate of the Union in the International Union of Students’ Congress in Prague (1947) and Paris (1948).

In 1951 he married Sheila Bernice Lataste.

They had three daughters: Roxanne, Annabelle, and Francesca. In 1957 he married Viola Victorine Harper and together they had two daughters, Melanie and Ulele. Burnham returned to British Guiana (Guyana) and in 1949, along with Dr Cheddi Jagan they founded the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Burnham was Chairman of the party.

In 1952, Burnham was

elected to the Georgetown Town Council. In 1959 he became Mayor of Georgetown, and again in 1964. In 1959, Burnham was elected President of the Bar Association of Guyana.

In 1963 and in 1965 he was elected President of the Guyana Labour Union.

In 1953 when the PPP Government came to power, Burnham was appointed Minister of Education.

In 1957 he founded his own political Party – the People’s National Congress.

This followed the suspension of the British Guiana Constitution by the British Government, and the rift in

the PPP. In 1964 the PNC became the major party in a coalition Government with the United Force and Burnham became Premier of British Guiana.

May 26, 1966, Burnham led the country to independence and was the first Prime Minister of Guyana.

Guyana became a Republic in 1970. On October 6, 1980, Burnham became Guyana’s first Executive President, a position he held until his death.

On August 6, 1985, Burnham died at the Georgetown Hospital in Guyana after a throat operation. (GINA)

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FEATURE

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Essequibo elders reflect on May...

Dashrat reflected on Guyana’s first independence in Region Two. She reminisced that she was in high school when the new holiday was welcomed in the region and the Golden Arrowhead was seen all over the Cinderella county.

At the time, she was very sceptical about whether Guyanese would actually call their country “Guyana” and not “British Guiana” anymore. She noted that on that special day, they lowered the “Union Jack” and hoisted the “Golden Arrowhead”.

During the interview she said that “Independence” for her and most Indian-Guyanese in 1966 meant something different from other Guyanese. For Dashrat, there was a great deal of apprehension about what laid ahead. As a young woman, she had been weaned of the expectation that independence would bring so much joy and peace to her fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters.

“When I were a student back in the days, I was always excited to draw and colour the new flag of Guyana… the flag with five bold colours; narrow white and black strips along its sides, was set on a green and red background, with narrow white and black strips along its sides,”

Dashrat proudly reflected.

Speaking with another elder from Aurora village, 68-year-old Jannet Hussain said, “For elder Guyanese, I realised that we are special. We were living under the ‘Union Jack’, and now under the ‘Golden Arrowhead’. Now I am 66 years old, I can vividly recall all the memories of colonial British Guiana when attending school, we sang ‘patriotic’ songs, recited a whole different National Pledge comparing the pledge we stand at attention to.”

When Hussain was asked about their lives before Guyana gained independence, she said during the several decades of British colonial rule, Guyana's road to political independence was indeed turbulent. She noted that during the 1953 General Elections, the resounding victory was under adult suffrage that astounded many.

She said that the Government that was imposed consisted of many individuals who themselves suffered humiliating defeats at the hand of the toppled nationalist candidate.

Hussain further explained that later on in the years, the nationalist movement itself split. She said that the split led to a racial strife and insecurity where strikes and

FROM PAGE 15

disturbance erupted.

“During that time, there were the loss of several lives, the destruction of properties, and severe banning of food items were the sad reality of life during that extremely harsh period of our country’s history. As time passed by and many Guyanese fought for their lives during that dark period of time, new electoral systems were elected and as such they worked hard and shoved efforts in moving the country towards becoming an independent nation,” Hussain related Hussain emphasised that she is grateful for political Independence which was achieved on May 26, 1966, when her fellow Guyanese walked proudly and cheered lustily as the Union Jack was lowered and our bold, colourful and attractive national flag was hoisted high in the air to signify the birth of a new, ambitious and independent Guyana.

The elders also said that with Independence, the construction industry was transformed in that more persons chose concrete over mud houses. The construction landscape has transformed since more and more hardware stores were established, making it affordable for persons to be homeowners.

24 FEATURE

First Independence Day celebrations

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Lowering the Union Jack (left) to hoist the Golden Arrowhead at the Independence Day ceremony, May 26, 1966

M

ay 26, 1966, was Independence Day in Guyana: the day the country officially received self-rule. From May 22 to 29, it was called Independence Week, and it was a week of many celebrations, dances, dinners and sporting activities.

The first day of Independence Week was called a “Day of National Reflection and Intercession”, and there were prayer services all across the country in mosques, temples and churches.

In Georgetown, the British Guiana Volunteer

Force gave a farewell parade and “laying-up of colours”.

They would give way to the Guyana Defence Force, our national army. By mid-morning, there was the official ceremony for the unveiling of the Independence Arch on Brickdam.

While the official flag-raising service was conducted with much pomp and ceremony at the National Park in Georgetown, many villages, towns, and communities created their own independence memories during Independence Week and on Independence Day. Witnessing the historic occasion at the National Park in the city were the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Sir Richard Luyt, the first Governor General of Guyana, along with Minister of Overseas Development Anthony Greenwood and other dignitaries, and more than 60 delegates from 47 countries.

A spectacular pyrotechnic display was one of the highlights of the occasion, thanks to the services of the Brooks Brothers Ltd of London, who also provided the firework images of a map of Guyana,

the Guyana flag, Kaieteur Falls, and a portrait of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham.

Then on the morning of May 26, the Constitutional Instruments were ceremoniously handed over to Burnham by the Duke of Kent at the Parliament Buildings, to formally confer Guyana’s independence.

Former Colonial Governors Sir Charles Woolley and Sir Ralph Grey were present for the occasion.

Besides flag-raising in the capital, there was also a week of private and open parties, float parades, tramps around the city, and pageantries throughout the country.

One of the highlights included the Water Pageant on the Demerara River, and the Historical Pageant at the National Park.

At Kabakaburi in the Pomeroon, the new Guyana flag was raised at 10 am on May 26, 1966. The Guyana flag was also raised at Charity, Anna Regina, and Suddie, as well as at Hamburg, Tiger Island. Fireworks and tramping added to the jubilations.

The independence programmes in Mackenzie,

Independence Float Parade (Stabroek News file photo)

Wismar and Christianburg included a candlelight parade before the flag-raising ceremony and after religious services, and later during the day there was a regatta.

Coinciding with the Duke and Duchess of Kent’s visit to the community on May 27, there was the laying of the cornerstone of the Mackenzie Community Pavilion.

Dinner and dances, sporting events, church services and a tramp were also part of the celebrations.

Berbice celebrations included a lighted torch run in

addition to the flag-raising ceremony. Sam Shepard, New Amsterdam’s marathon champion, and the town’s schoolboy champ, Clifford La Rose, ran a 5-mile, two-leg relay around the town and back to the District Administration’s office compound.

It was at the compound too that then Minister of Trade WOR Kendall, hoisted the Golden Arrowhead for flag-raising ceremonies.

Additionally, the Royal Air Force (RAF) staged a fly-past and a brief air show over New Amsterdam.

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BREEDING COMPANION ANIMALS – CONTINUED Last week we listed the possible abnormalities which could emerge from injudicious (incorrect) breeding of animals destined to be pets in loving and caring households.

TODAY, we’ll look at a very special method of breeding animals with the hope of capitalizing on specific assets of related parents.

This is called Line Breeding. Actually, it is practised quite often here in Guyana, but not consciously and objectively. It happens more by accident or because of the laziness of the “breeder” to ascertain whether the two prospective parents are related. Perhaps it is carried out quite purposefully, because the “breeder” cannot be bothered about the damage being done when siblings are mated, or when mother and son or father and daughter are brought together to produce “cute” puppies which can be sold to kind-hearted, but inexperienced Guyanese.

LINE BREEDING AND INBREEDING

Broadly speaking, any litter which has the same dog on each side of the pedigree is

an inbred one. However, this term is usually applied only to those matings which are in the order of parent to offspring, or brother to sister. Inbreeding is something we should not do haphazardly. Interbreeding among dogs further removed is called Linebreeding.

Linebreeding is the safest and best method to preserve type and conformation, provided that the foundation dogs are well chosen and one has the judgment and experience to pick the best puppies. Conscious Inbreeding, on the other hand, requires a genetically clean stock, knowledge of the faults and virtues of all the common dogs in the pedigrees for at least three generations, and the willingness to cull ruthlessly when it becomes necessary.

I should mention in passing that a common misconception is that inbreeding causes high-strung, nervous and aggressive dogs.

Because two individuals are closely related does not mean that their offspring will necessarily be unsound. It is the genetic potential in the background of the pair which determines the outcome. A fundamentally sound

strain remains fundamentally sound. One which has some unstable dogs in its inbreeding programme is likely to have problems later on.

After having linebred for three or four generations, most breeders have found from experience that it is wise to bring in new blood. The use of a stud from a totally different bloodline may be considered. This produces an outcrossed litter and “reshuffles” the genes that have tended to become fixed, in a more or less predictable manner, through previous linebreeding. Many times, particularly with an overly refined bitch, an outcross will give surprisingly good results.

An improvement in health and vigour of the resulting puppies is apparent from the time they are born. The process is known as “nicking”. While the litter will sometimes lack uniformity, nevertheless, some really good show dogs have been produced in this manner.

When two strains have “nicked” successfully, other crosses between them may work as well. Puppies from matings usually are bred back into one of the two strains, thereby

providing a basis for a new line.

One final breeding method is to mate a dog and a bitch who are both of mixed ancestry. Neither has a linebred background.

When using this approach, it is essential that one has a definite objective in mind. One dog may carry an attribute or quality totally lacking in the other. However, the method of breeding strengths to weakness, in the hope that the strengths will win out, may sometimes be disappointing. Too often weaknesses win out, producing puppies of inferior quality. Because of the infinite possibilities when we are dealing with genes and chromosomes and with biological entities in general, the science of genetics is not as exact as one would wish it to be, which was alluded to at the very outset.

Much of what has been written was designed for and directed to those who are “breeding” dogs (hardly ever cats) for sale, We, nevertheless, recommend that those of you desirous of acquiring a pet, seek answers from breeders on the issues raised in these columns.

26 FEATURE

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS HYPERTENSION – PART 2

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam Med, Endocrinology/ Diabetes

E

ffective management and treatment of hypertension requires clinicians and patients to work together to balance pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions and prevent target organ damage. Healthy lifestyle choices can prevent or delay the onset of high BP, and can reduce cardiovas-

cular risk. Lifestyle modification is also the first line of antihypertensive treatment. Modifications in lifestyle can also enhance the effects of antihypertensive treatment. Lifestyle modifications should include the following.

• R E G U L A R PHYSICAL EXERCISE Current guidelines recommend that all people, including those with hypertension, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity, aerobic exercise every week, or 75 minutes a week of high intensity exercise.

People should exercise on at least 5 days of the week.

Examples of suitable activities are walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming.

• S T R E S S REDUCTION Avoiding or learning to manage stress can help a

person control blood pressure. Meditation, warm baths, yoga, and simply going on long walks are relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress. People should avoid consuming alcohol, recreational drugs, tobacco, and junk food to cope with stress, as these can contribute to elevated blood pressure and the complications of hypertension.

Smoking can increase blood pressure. Avoiding or quitting smoking reduces the risk of hypertension, serious heart conditions, and other health issues.

• DIET: DASH DIET People can prevent high blood pressure by following a heart-healthy diet.

The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommend the DASH diet for people with high blood pressure. DASH stands for “Dietary Approaches to

Stop Hypertension.”

DASH is a flexible and balanced eating plan with a firm grounding in research by the NHLBI, who advise that the diet: • Lowers high blood pressure • Improves levels of fats in the bloodstream • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease Research from 2014 suggests that using probiotic supplements for 8 weeks or more may benefit people with hypertension.

• REDUCING SALT INTAKE People’s average salt intake is between 9 grams and 12 grams per day in most countries around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend reducing intake to under 5 grams a day, to help decrease the risk of hypertension and related health problems. Lowering

salt intake can benefit people both with and without hypertension.

• M O D E R A T I N G A L C O H O L CONSUMPTION Moderate to excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend a maximum of two alcoholic drinks a day for men, and one for women.

The following would count as one drink: • a 12-ounce (oz) bottle of beer • 4 oz of wine • 1.5 oz of 80-proof spirits • 1 oz of 100-proof spirits A healthcare provider can help people reduce consumption if they find it difficult to moderate their alcohol intake.

• EATING MORE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

AND LESS FAT People who have high blood pressure or people at high risk of developing high blood pressure should eat as little saturated and total fat as possible. Instead, experts recommend: • Whole grain, high fibre foods • A variety of fruits and vegetables • Beans, pulses, and nuts • Fish rich in omega-3 twice a week • No tropical vegetable oils; for example, olive oil • Skinless poultry and fish • Low fat dairy products It is important to avoid trans fats, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and animal fats, as well as large portion sizes.

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28 FEATURE

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS HYPERTENSION – PART 2

FROM PAGE 26

Some fats, such as those in oily fish and olive oil, have protective effects on the heart. However, these are still fats. While they are typically healthful, people with a risk of hypertension should still consider how they include them in their total fat intake.

• MANAGING BODY WEIGHT Excess body weight can contribute to hypertension.

A fall in blood pressure usually follows weight loss, as the heart does not have to work so hard to pump blood around the body.

A balanced diet with a calorie intake that matches the individual’s size, sex, and activity level will help.

• MEDICATION People can use specific medications to treat hypertension. A low dose is recommended initially, but this may need to be increased based on how a per-

carefully read the labels of any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs they may also take, such as decongestants. These OTC drugs may interact with the medications they are taking to lower their blood pressure.

son responds to treatment.

Antihypertensive medications would usually have only minor side effects.

Eventually, people with hypertension would need to combine two or more drugs to manage their blood pressure. Medications for hypertension include: • Diuretics, including thiazides, chlorthalidone, and indapamide • Beta-blockers and alpha-blockers • C a l c i u m - c h a n n e l

blockers • Central agonists • Peripheral adrenergic inhibitors • Vasodilators • A n g i o t e n s i n converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors • Angiotensin receptor blockers The choice of medication depends on the individual and any underlying medical conditions they may experience. Anyone on antihypertensive medications should

HYPERTENSION COMPLICATIONS Long-term hypertension can cause complications through atherosclerosis, where plaque develops on the walls of blood vessels, causing them to narrow. This narrowing makes hypertension worse, as the heart must pump harder to circulate the blood. Hypertension-related atherosclerosis can lead to: • Heart failure and heart attacks • Aneurysm, or abnormal bulge in the wall of an artery, that can burst • Kidney failure • Stroke • Amputation • Hypertensive reti-

nopathies in the eye, which can lead to blindness Regular blood pressure monitoring can help people avoid these more severe complications.

• PREVENTION A comprehensive strategy for reduction of mortality and morbidity associated with hypertension must include prevention strategies, earlier detection, and adequate treatment. More intensive efforts are required to lower blood pressure in high-risk population groups, which include individuals with a family history of hypertension, African ancestry, obesity, excessive sodium consumption, physical inactivity, and/or alcohol consumption. Even a small reduction in BP confers significant health benefits. A reduction of 2 mm Hg in diastolic BP is estimated to decrease the risk of stroke by 15% and the risk of coronary heart disease by 6%.

Most individuals diagnosed with hypertension would have increasing blood pressure (BP) as they age.

Untreated hypertension is notorious for increasing the risk of mortality, and is often described as a silent killer.

Mild to moderate hypertension, if left untreated, may be associated with a risk of atherosclerotic disease in 30% of people, and organ damage in 50% of people within 8-10 years after onset. Patients with resistant hypertension are also at higher risk for poor outcomes, particularly those with certain comorbidities (eg, chronic kidney disease, ischemic heart disease). Patients with resistant hypertension who have lower BP appear to have a reduced risk for some cardiovascular events (eg, incident stroke, coronary heart disease, or heart failure).

A world without high blood pressure is always a better place!!

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 more COVID-19 deaths, 111 new cases recorded F

our deaths and 111 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Saturday contributed to an upwards trend of Guyana’s curve.

New deaths have taken the total fatalities to 355, and May’s death toll to 56. The country’s deadliest month was last April with 66 deaths.

The new deaths are two males: an 80-yearold from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and a 35-year-old from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), who died on Thursday. The others are an 83-year-old male and a 59-year-old, both from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who died later on Friday.

Previously on Friday, a 52-year-old female from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and 58-year-old male from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) were the latest people to succumb to the virus.

Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 16 in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

New cases

Within 24 hours, 111 new cases were recorded, taking the total positives recorded to date to 16,041. In one week, there was an increase of 770 cases.

There are 1949 active cases: 19 patients in the Intensive Care Unit, 117 in institutional isolation and 1813 in home isolation. Another six persons are under institutional quarantine. A total of 13,710 persons have recovered while 143,825 were tested.

A breakdown showed the detection of one new case in Region One (Barima-Waini), one in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 13 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 62 in

Myths

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), four in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), nine in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), four in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), one in Region

In the latest COVID-19 update, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said the circulation of myths in communities is causing people not to get inoculated. It was highlighted that the Ministry is constantly seeking to dispel these untruths, since people are putting their lives

at risk.

“There’s lots of myths circulating pertaining to safety and efficacy of vaccines and then some very weird myths that has nothing to do with the vaccine.

So, trying to dispel that, trying to get people to understand that these vaccines are safe, it’s an ongoing process. We have to keep educating and hopefully we’ll get people changing their attitudes,” Dr Anthony detailed.

The source of information, he identified, is the biggest challenge for officials. In most instances, people fail to validate the information and spread it to others.

“A lot of time, I don’t think people are analysing proper medical and scientific information. They’re going by hearsay, what somebody would have told them and a lot of time, the sources of authority that they’ve been using is people who really don’t have proper medical or scientific information.”

Regional statistics show a 39.2 per cent immunisation in Region One, 36.4 per cent in Region Two, 37.5 per cent in Region Three, 36.6 per cent in Region Four, 38.5 per cent in

Region Five, 43.6 per cent in Region Six, 37.1 per cent in Region Seven, 23.9 per cent in Region Eight, 34.9 per cent in Region Nine and 11 per cent in Region 10.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline 2311166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www. health.gov.gy. (G12)

30 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 1000 vaccinated at COVID-19 vaccine ‘drive thru’ at National Stadium

T

he first COVID-19 vaccination “drive thru”, organised by the Health Ministry, on Saturday attracted over 1000 persons, who turned up to receive either their first or second dose.

At the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, vehicles met a smooth process, where three different teams administered the COVID-19 vaccine.

The procedure resembled the normal vaccination protocol established at health facilities, but just in the form of a drive thru. With volunteers and other medical staff, there was little waiting time.

Recipients at the vaccination drive thru A separate mobile unit also catered for passers-by.

Improve accessibility

At

the

site,

Health

Minister, Dr Frank Anthony outlined that the idea was to improve accessibility for persons to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“We want to make it more convenient for people to get their vaccines. We thought about this idea where people

first dose of the vaccine in Guyana and over 47,000 second doses. These numbers are expected to rise with such initiatives.

“We’re hopeful that by the end of today’s exercise, those numbers would go up significantly…We have a few strategies that we’ll be working on over the coming weeks and we’re hopeful that those numbers will go up,” Dr Anthony asserted.

Regional Health Officer, Dr Gavinash Persaud told this publication that by midday, over 300 persons came forward to take the vaccine – dubbing it a successful ini-

He shared that with the success rate garnered from this drive, the Health Ministry will set the pace to incorporate such efforts in other regions and communities. The event started at 09:00h and continued for 12 hours.

“It will be successful and at the end of today, we would know how successful it was.

This is a pilot here so that we can roll it off in other regions and other regions can copy what we did here. Perhaps, we can even at some time in the near future, have it on the East Coast.”

Guyana Times spoke

Vehicles moving through the process at the Stadium

can just be in the comfort of their vehicle, drive up, someone would come to the vehicle and take their information. Then, you drive to the next station and get your vaccine. I’m happy that it’s working so effectively because I can see a steady flow of vehicles coming through, which is a really good sign,” he identified.

As of Saturday, almost 180,000 received their

tiative.

“The process is similar as if you would have gone to a centre. The difference is that you’re in your vehicle…

The response has been terrific. We have two areas set up for first dose and we’re noticing that a lot of persons are coming in for their first dose compared to the second dose. So, we’re extremely pleased with that response,” the RHO highlighted.

with Dave Singh, a recipient of the first dose, who welcomed this new initiative. With little hiccups, he encouraged others to follow suit.

Donette Anthony, who also took her shot, noted, “It was fast and easy. It didn’t take more than 10 minutes…You definitely should [take the vaccine] to be safe not only for yourself”.

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Father of 1 killed in hit-and-run accident …gave Police his mom’s number before dying

A

35-year-old resident of Kuru Kuru Public Road on the SoesdykeLinden Highway, who was also a father of one, was killed in a hit-and-run accident.

John Wickham, a fisherman and labourer was struck down at about 09:30h on Friday.

Based on reports, Wickham was observed on the western side of the Kuru Kuru Public Road with blood about his body and bloodstains also running along the western side of the road.

He was picked up by Police in a semi-conscious condition and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was examined by a doctor on duty and pronounced dead on arrival.

His younger sister, Suzette Knowles, told Guyana Times on Saturday she was told that her brother was found on the road by a driver who was passing.

“He was walking heading home in the vicinity of Kuru Kuru almost to the area of the access road, to the then National Service which I think is now Youth Corp, not far from umbrella party. A vehicle was coming and they saw something on the road.

As they got closure, they realised it was a human being.

So, they lifted him and placed him on this side of the road and they call the Police.

The woman said she was told when the Police arrived on the scene, they placed Wickham in their vehicle, and took him the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

“The Police spoke with him, he responded, he gave them my mother's number and her name upon request from the Police. When he got to the hospital he asked if they can just put on a bed, he wants to lay down. Once he laid there, the officer said he took his last breath, he fixed

himself, and he took his last breath.”

“We do not know if a car hit him, a bus, a truck, nothing we don't know, we cannot tell,” Knowles said.

According to the dead man’s sister, Wickham recently moved to the area from Bee-hive on the East Coast of Demerara, to live closer to his parents.

“A month now he moved up the Highway, where his mother and his father they are, he has property up there and he was getting ready to build a home up there,” she said.

When asked how the family is coping with the news of Wickham’s sudden death, Knowles said “We are devastated, we are disoriented, some of us feel depressed because where the accident occurred is dark, you cannot see, and people are not there like that. We would have feel better knowing that the per-

Dead: John Wickham

son went to the station, which was just about a mile away”.

“It is so difficult for us because we feel as though you hit a cow or you hit dog, or

a sheep, or a goat or something, because you have not even stopped, you have not even acknowledged that you hit someone. That has added to the gaping wound

that we currently have,” Knowles explained.

She said it is even more difficult for their family because her brother was very jovial and was the one who put smiles on all of their faces, adding that she is even more concerned about his five-year-old daughter, who will now have to grow up without a father.

“This is very hard because they both shared a bond and we don’t even know how to tell her that her father is dead. We are pleading for the person or persons responsible, if they could just turn themselves in, we need closure and I just trust that it happens,” the tearful woman said.

(G9)

34 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

6 new Toshaos elected in Region 2 Village Council elections

F

ollowing the conclusion of Village Council elections throughout Region Two (Supenaam-Pomeroon), three Toshaos have retained their positions while six new village leaders have been sworn in to represent the residents in their communities.

Lloyd Pereira was elected as Toshao of Wakapao, while Rudolph Wilson was elected as Toshao of Akawini. The elected Toshao for St Monica/Karawab is Eve Samuel whereas the Toshao of Kabakaburi is Monty Simon. Yvonne Pearson was elected as the Toshao of Mainstay while the Toshao elected at Mashabo is Areefa Shabeer.

However, after the votes were counted, Ralph Hendricks was re-elected as Toshao of Capoey village, Sonia Latchman of Bethany

Bethany Toshao Sonia Latchman signing a creek clearing contract in the presence of Regional Executive Officer Devanand Ramdatt

and Aubry Fredericks of St Denys.

Meanwhile, the election was conducted by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) along with the Local

Government bodies. The Region Two administration has since said it expects the elected Toshaos and their Councils to provide efficient

and effective management that will ensure the development of their respective communities.

Speaking with the media, Sonia Latchman said that she intends to develop Bethany. She also said that she is very excited to offer her service again and will work along with her community as a Village Council.

Meanwhile, during a meeting with the new Toshaos and Deputy Toshaos, Regional Executive Officer Devanand Ramdatt expressed hope to strengthen collaboration efforts between the region and the nine Amerindian villages.

He challenged the leaders to seek innovative and transformative ways to build their communities for improved living conditions for the villagers, further noting

that they have support from the regional administration in the areas of capacity building through training. Following the meeting, $4 million in contracts were signed for the clearing of creeks in the Amerindian villages. Additionally, the REO handed over a total of $30,000 in grants to each Council in honor of the upcoming independence celebration. Each council also benefited from ten hampers, compliments of Shawn's Mini Mart in the Township of Anna Regina.

The Amerindian leaders took the opportunity during the meeting to collectively pledge to work closely with the RDC in social cohesion, the presentation of democracy within the communities and also for the advancement of economic upliftment.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen busted with cocaine at Parika

A

17-year-old boy was arrested by Police on Thursday after 32 grams of cocaine was found in his possession.

The discovery was made at about 20:30h at the Parika Public Road, East Bank Essequibo.

It was reported that Police ranks in the region were performing foot patrol duties when they noticed the teen standing idly alongside the Parika Public Road near a gas station.

He was approached and a search was conducted on his person during which a quantity of rock-like whitish substance suspected to be cocaine was found in his right hand. This led Police to arrest him and while being cautioned, he reportedly replied “Officer is Sasha give me it fuh hold”.

On arrival at Parika Police Station, his father was summoned. The suspected

cocaine was weighed in the teen’s presence and in the full view of his father and it

amounted to 1.32 grams.

He is in custody pending his court appearance.

36 NEWS

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

High tide warning starts from today

S

tarting today, residents in low-lying communities are asked to take precaution against high tides, as flooding and storm surges be-

Parika Market Area and Salem to Sparta, East Bank Essequibo.

Other areas under close watch include Water Street, Georgetown; Helena

including those operating fishing vessels and larger vessels. The use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advised,”

essary, Vaseline or oil can be applied to form a barrier to protect from the dirty water.

Additionally, water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes which spread Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thor-

oughly with clean water to prevent contamination.

To protect against an electric shock, turn off the main electrical switch, unplug all appliances, and move them to safe areas in the home. If it is suspected that electrical wiring has been damaged in a home,

turn off the main switch and have it checked by a qualified electrician before turning on the power again.

Those seeking additional information can contact 225-9868, 226-1070, 2264368, 654-4226, 654-4227, 623-1161, 646-3501, 6185541, 687-1999, 627-5453.

Over 1000 vaccinated...

come a possibility.

The Public Works Ministry indicated that the spring tides will last until May 29, 2021. Along with flooding, overtopping of river and sea defences may occur on the Pomeroon River banks; San Souci to Sarah, Maria’s Pleasure to Meerzorg, Good Success, Zeelandia and Moorfarm on Wakenaam Island; Amsterdam to Retrieve, Endeavour to Blenheim, Cane Garden in Leguan Island.

On the West Coast of Demerara, persons residing at Windsor Forest to De Willem and Zeelugt are asked to take precaution, as well as those in the

Number 1 and 2, Mahaica; Manila to Cottage, Mahaicony; and Crabwood Creek Area, Wellington Park to Tarlogie, Lonsdale to Glasgow, East Bank Berbice.

The highest tides are expected on Wednesday, May 26, at 3:38 am at a height of 3.23 metres and on Thursday, May 27, at 4:22 am at a height of 3.22 metres.

“In addition to the captioned locations, all persons residing along the banks of rivers and low-lying coastal areas are advised to take all the necessary precautions against possible flooding. Precaution should also be taken by all mariners

the Ministry stated.

In the event of being flooded, persons are asked to stay out of the water and keep food items safe. Waterborne diseases can be contracted through contact with these waters. Direct contact with floodwaters can expose persons to several germs that can lead to any of these diseases.

Guardians are also asked to keep children especially out of the water, as they are most at risk of contracting diseases; and everyone should avoid swimming in canals and trenches.

Protective gear should be used, and feet should be washed regularly after persons exit the waters. If nec-

This initiative materialised through collaboration with the Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sports; Home Affairs; Public Works; along with other organisations.

The Ministry had already announced that vaccination sites in Georgetown would remain open until 20:00h. There are about 100 sites, both fixed and mobile, that persons can turn up to get inoculated.

Region 5 vaccination

Meanwhile, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is continuing its village-to-village COVID-19 vaccination programme. This was confirmed

by the Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, who said the first round of the outreach initiative was successful.

As of Friday, 38.5 per cent of the adult population in Region Five had at least received their first shot of the vaccine.

Last month, the RDC had informed that the COVID-19 vaccination programme was going to be done in some villages in the region.

On Thursday, Ramphal said it was successful and arrangements are currently being made to have a second phase of the village-to-village exercise.

Ramphal, who is also

FROM PAGE 30

the head of the Regional COVID-19 Task Force, shared, “Our people in the region are responding to the vaccine in terms of going to the health centres, the hospitals, the mobile sites and also when we are having our outreaches to get their vaccines. However, we need our people to be more conscious of the benefits of taking the vaccine so as to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

While making an appeal for residents to continue to observe the guidelines, Ramphal noted that despite the reluctance by some to get vaccinated, the Task Force is still pushing ahead with its agenda. (G12)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Natural Resources Fund to be reformed for greater transparency – Jagdeo …fund not actively invested until reformed – Finance Minister

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government remains committed to reforming the Natural Resources Fund Act to ensure greater transparency in managing the fund.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

According to Jagdeo, the PPP has always been critical of the fund even in Opposition because the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) used a model to create the fund that would not ensure the political impudence of the fund.

“In Opposition, we were very critical of the current Natural Resource Fund.

Because it was passed in the Parliament after the No-Confidence Motion, without any input from any political party. The reason we were critical was we did not believe the model was arm’s length enough in

terms of management.”

“So, we have all been in favour of one principle in the fund. That the fund must be managed in a professional manner, in an arm’s length way from political interference. We’re committed to that principle and the Santiago Principles in terms of transparency when using the fund,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo further reminded that it was the former PPP Government that signed Guyana up to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Therefore, he noted that the Government remains committed to transparency in using the fund.

“We’ve also made further commitments, when the previous Government collected the signing bonus and they did not tell the country for a year and a half. We made it clear that we will criminalise the non-disclosure of receipts

from the oil companies.”

“So, if the Minister of Finance does not publish in the official gazette and notify the National Assembly, three to six months after the receipt of any funds from any oil company, then the Minister of Finance and maybe the secretary to the treasury will go to jail. So, at the end of the year, any Guyanese can get the official gazettes and add the sum collected from oil companies.”

Reformed Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh also explained that money from the oil and gas sector that is banked in the fund cannot be actively invested with the fund in its current state. For now, the fund will passively accrue interest from the United States (US) Federal Reserve where it is currently banked.

“We came into Government with a natural

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

resources fund that was already in existence. And in fact, it was set up by a law that was passed after the No-Confidence Motion had been approved. It was approved in December of 2018.

The Natural Resource Fund Act was passed in 2019, with no Opposition involvement or input. The fund in its current configuration is not actively invested.”

“As you know, it’s our intention to reform the fund and its management.

In due course we’ll be going to Parliament to address some of the deficiencies in the current arrangement.

And at that point of time, we will consider an active investment strategy for the fund, a prudent but active investment strategy. But at this point the fund is not actively invested,” Singh said.

It was previously disclosed in February of this year that over US$200 million earned in oil revenues is currently in Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund, with the latest payment made in January this year.

It is expected that once the Natural Resource Fund Act, which stipulates that various committees must be established to provide oversight for the fund, is reviewed, it will be brought to the National Assembly by the current Government.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

In keeping with its manifesto commitments, the Government has pledged to implement a number of measures to ensure accountable and transparent management of the country’s natural resources including establishing an arm’s length sovereign wealth fund insulated from political interference and upholding the Santiago Principles of transparency and accountability, and the EITI. (G3)

2 months later...

Sophia man tells Police accomplice killed 10-year-old boy …confesses to planning robbery

T

wo months after 10-year-old Anthony Cort was killed by bandits during a home invasion in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, a 29-year-old mason of A Field Sophia has confessed to Police that he was involved in the murder and robbery.

Cort was killed on March 11 when gunmen invaded his neighbour’s house, which he was visiting at the time.

It was reported that two gunmen wearing face masks invaded the property belonging to a 44-yearold businesswoman, who is Cort’s aunt. At the time of the robbery, the 10-year-old was in the upper flat of the home in C Field Sophia in the company of others.

The bandits entered the lower flat and held the occupants at gunpoint. They relieved the victims of two cell phones valued $80,000 each; two gold bands valued $100,000, two gold rings valued $100,000, one gold chain valued $100,000, and $80,000.

Dead: 10-year-old Anthony Cort

According to Police, the bandits then ordered the victims into the upper flat of the house via a northern door. As they went into the upper flat, Anthony was about to exit a north-eastern bedroom when one of the bandits discharged a round, hitting the child in his left upper shoulder.

He later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the incident,

a 16-year-old male was arrested and charged for the child’s murder. He was charged under Section 100 (1) (C) (i) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Chapter 8:01, and was later remanded to the Sophia Juvenile Holding Centre.

On Friday, ranks from the Leonora Police Station arrested another suspect called "Bullaboy”, at Tuschen, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and escorted him to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, where he was placed into custody.

As investigators interrogated the suspect, he admitted that on March 11, the 16-year-old who is presently in the Juvenile Holding Centre went to his home and they devised a plan to rob Cort’s aunt.

In his confession statement, the 29-year-old told Police that the teen told him a relative is in a relationship with the businesswoman, and that she had millions of dollars and jewellery at the house.

The suspect also told Police that the teen then took three of his friends namely “Gully”, “Rodell” and “Mario”, and a black gun was supplied by “Gully” whom he claimed insisted that they use the gun for the robbery.

The suspect also admitted that the 16-year-old then planned that “Gully” would go into the shop to make a purchase as a decoy, whilst “Mario” and “Rodell” would be the lookouts.

He said that he and the 16-year-old then planned that they would go into the house and demand the valuables. According to the suspect, they all agreed to the plan, and at about 12:00h on March 11 each of them did as was planned.

He added that he and teen then went to the shop, and the teen pointed the gun at three females who were in the shop.

He claimed that he was unarmed at the time. In addition, he confessed that he then relieved victims of their valuables, but claimed

Toddler dies after drinking gasoline at mining camp

A

two-year-old boy died on Saturday afternoon after drinking gasoline while at his mother’s mining camp at Hymaraka Backdam, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven.

Dead is Ken Jacobs of Isseneru Village, Middle Mazaruni River.

Police on Saturday evening said that at about 13:00h, Ken and his

mother were at the mining camp when she left the child unattended for a brief moment to tidy up the camp.

The woman subsequently observed her son vomiting what appeared to be blood, and upon examining him, she discovered that the boy had drunk some gasoline that was stored at the camp.

She rushed the child to the

Isseneru Health Post, where he was seen and examined by the health worker, but while there, the toddler became motionless and was pronounced dead.

A report was made to the Police in the area and the toddler’s body was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital via boat. An investigation has been launched.

that the 16-year-old then went into the house, taking the females with him.

According to his confession statement, the suspect said that when the teen went to the upper flat of the house, he heard a loud explosion which sounded like gunshot.

He claimed that after hearing this, he immediately ran into the upper flat and saw a young boy lying on the ground motionlessly and the teen suspect standing over him. He told Police that he ran out of the house, picked up his bicycle, which he stashed before the robbery, and rode away.

Additionally, he said that the teen suspect later met him and the other accomplices and admitted to killing the child. He said they then parted the money and jewellery and the 16-yearold returned the gun to “Gully” before leaving.

He claimed that since the incident, he never saw the teen again, adding that he travelled to West Coast Demerara, where he stayed.

Following the interview, the suspect was escorted to the Brickdam Police Station where he remains in custody as Police continue their investigation. (G9)

38

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

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Throw yourself into projects that help you relax and bring you joy.

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Get involved in something that excites you. Doing your best to make a difference will boost your morale and reputation. Distance yourself from people who want to take credit for your success.

Review recent events that could affect your reputation or status, and put more effort and discipline into securing your position. Resist temptation, and avoid taking on fruitless projects.

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SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

39

Soogrim takes Mohammed’s XI to 6-wicket victory over the Matthews XI

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oung Steffi Soogrim out of Trinidad and Tobago continued to impress the coaches and lead selector during the second West Indies Women’s high-performance camp in Antigua. She guided the Anisa Mohammed XI to a 6-wicket victory over the Hayley Matthews-led XI. Matthews won the toss for a second time in as many matches, and again elected to bat first, posting a defendable total of 170/3 from their allotted 40 overs. Hayley Matthews and Rashada Williams posted a 36run opening partnership before Matthews was caught off Qiana Joseph for 12.

Kycia Knight, returning to cricket after more than a year off due to injury, looked like she picked up from right she left off in 2019. She top-scored with 42 from 67 deliveries, which included five fours.

Williams added 31 off 44, and first timer Mandy Mangru from Guyana looked settled with the bat, chipping in with 31 from 53 deliveries, which included three fours.

Aaliyah Alleyne was not out on 23 with Mangru when their innings ended.

Bowling for the Mohammed XI, Soogrim, Joseph and Sheneta Grimmond finished with a wicket each.

In the Mohamed XI’s reply, Reniece Boyce and Britney Cooper looked set to take the game away quickly from the Matthews XI. The pair

registered a 49-run first wicket partnership before Boyce was caught for 22 from 39 deliveries off the bowling of left-arm orthodox Kaysia Schultz.

Vincentian Japhina Joseph joined Cooper in the middle, and the pair looked to continue the run-chase, but Cooper was soon out for 30 from 47 deliveries, which included four fours.

Joseph and new batter Chinelle Henry looked set to achieve the victory, with Henry striking a couple of beautiful straight drives to the boundary.

After the pair had contributed 23 runs, Joseph fell for 24 off the bowling of teenage left-arm medium pacer Zaida James.

Henry continued her innings but consistently lost

Mark Deyal happy to be retained by St Lucia Zouks

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&T cricketer Mark Deyal is one of just seven St Lucia Zouks players retained by the squad for the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament.

Deyal, who played instrumental roles in carrying the Zouks to last year’s final, is the only T&T-born player retained by the franchise for the new season.

He was selected alongside Kesrick Williams and Obed McCoy (both from St Vincent), Andre Fletcher (Grenada), Rahkeem Cornwall (Antigua), Roston Chase (Barbados) and Javelle Glen (Jamaica).

According to a statement

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issued by the St Lucia franchise on Wednesday, the Zouks have ten spots left to fill in their squad, and the remaining players will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the lead up to the 2021 CPL, the Zouks will be making further announcements, all of which are expected to lend to the team’s success this year.

“It’s a good feeling to be retained. The faith they showed in me last year paid off, and they have rewarded me with another year. I was happy to be one of the seven,” Deyal said.

The 28-year-old allrounder has said the pandemic and Government’s recent implementation of a state of emergency (SoE) has affected his training ahead of the annual tournament.

Prior to the tightening of public restrictions, which forbid the use of gyms and engaging in outdoor exercise, Deyal has been working out at home. He has also been using this time to view some of his past performances at the 2020 CPL in an effort to improve his overall performance at this year’s edition.

“I’m looking at ways I can improve certain situations I was in, and the mistakes I made. Cricket is something (in which), more often than not, you may be placed back in the same situation. It’s to try to right the wrongs, especially in the mental aspect. So when I’m placed in similar situations, I don’t make the wrong decision. Keep fit, doing my training, core and mental work are all my main focus,” he added.

Meanwhile, longstanding St Lucia Zouks all-rounder Daren Sammy has stepped down from his role as skipper to become the squad’s T20 cricket consultant and brand ambassador for this season.

The two-time T20 World

champion is yet to confirm his retirement from all cricket, as he has not played since the 2020 CPL final. He is also now coach of Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi.

On his switch in roles, Sammy said, via the Zouks’ press release, “It’s been an absolute pleasure to have led and been a part of the St Lucia Zouks from its inception.

Even though some may say good things must come to an end, it will not be in this instant.

“St Lucia Zouks and I will always be a team. But since venturing into coaching, I realise I have a new passion that can allow me to still contribute and play a part in taking the franchise forward on its quest to winning a CPL title and developing future stars!”

At last year’s semi-final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Zouks dismissed their opponents for 55 runs – the tournament’s second-lowest score – with Deyal bagging two wickets for two runs, scoring an unbeaten 19, and taking a spectacular diving catch to remove his cousin and opposing vice-captain, Nicholas Pooran.

Their locker room celebrations saw Sammy award Deyal with the match ball. Deyal would miss his captain dearly.

“Sammy is a natural born leader, on or off the field. Having him as captain last year was a great benefit for us because, apart from knowing the game and his experience from playing around the world, the knowledge and skillset of how to relate to players, I thought, was his biggest asset,” said Deyal.

Sammy was not in finest form, both with the bat and ball, at last year’s tourney. However, Deyal said his ability to lead the team to their first-ever CPL final proved Sammy’s impeccable leadership

skills.

As much as Deyal would miss his former captain on the field, he believes Sammy would have an even greater impact on the squad while watching on from his new position.

Deyal continued, “His performances last year never affected his decisions as skipper.

He made the right changes at the right times.

Going into this new role, it might benefit us more, because now he would have a specific role and more time on his hands to relate to the players one-on-one, more so than on the field.

“I believe the younger players would benefit more, because he would have more time to have a specific mentoring role. This year, we really want to go one-up and bring home the title.”

On the absence of domestic cricket for the 15 months, owing to the pandemic, Deyal has said professionals are now forced to adapt and improvise as they try to balance the extended uncertainty of a resumption of local cricket.

“It’s a challenge, because it’s something that I’ve grown accustomed to for the last 10 years, playing club cricket. You were sure that from January to May (you would have opportunities) to play cricket. It’s tough, because you can train as much as you want in the nets and practice, but game awareness, match practice and game preparation is a whole different ball game.

“It’s about keeping focused.

At the end of the day, the fundamentals of cricket don’t change, and your talent doesn’t either. It’s just keeping that belief that when cricket starts back, trust yourself and prepare well,” he closed. (Modified from TT Newsday)

partners.

Soogrim then joined Henry in the middle, and did just what her captain required of her – play a supporting role to Henry, but putting away the bad deliveries when they came.

Henry was eventually trapped LBW by Karishma Ramharack for 29 off 48 deliveries, then Soogrim took to entertaining her teammates and coaches with some swashbuckling shots to the mid-on boundary and showing her soft touch with slices through the inner circle fielders.

Needing 6 runs off the last over, Soogrim launched one through short mid-on to reduce the deficit to 2 off three. Victory came via a legbye off the bowling of Cherry Ann Fraser.

The West Indies Women head into their third week of the high-performance camp next week, as they continue to train and prepare for a return to international cricket in the coming months.

(Windies Cricket)

announce 2021 retentions – Veerasammy Permaul included

T

he Jamaica Tallawahs have announced their retentions for the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League which runs from 28 August to 19 September in St Kitts & Nevis.

The Tallawahs have retained West Indies allrounders Andre Russell and Carlos Brathwaite as well as Rovman Powell and Chadwick Walton.

Fidel Edwards returned to the Hero CPL in 2020 and he has been held on to for the 2021 season after impressing with his pace last year.

The Tallawahs are also

welcoming back left arm spinner Verasammy Permaul and their ICC Americas player from last season, Ryan Persaud The Tallawahs have 10 spots to fill to complete their squad and these will be announced in the coming weeks.

Jamaica Tallawahs’ retentions Andre Russell Carlos Brathwaite Rovman Powell Chadwick Walton Fidel Edwards Veerasammy Permaul Ryan Persaud

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

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

National Time Trials Champ Jeffrey reigns supreme Story and Photos by Brandon Corlette

P

remier cyclist Raynauth “Obeahman” Jeffrey has emerged as the National

Time Trials champion after conquering the 10-mile route on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Team Foundation star Jeffrey finished with the best time of 28 minutes 55 seconds in the Seniors category. Team Evolution's Curtis Dey finished second with a time of 30:07:88, while his team mate Christopher

– Fernandes, Leung, Hamilton top respective categories

Griffith came in third, clocking in at 32:16. These were the only three Seniors taking part in the event; the big guns were missing, including champion riders Briton John and Jamual

John.

Meanwhile, Stephen Fernandes won the Masters category by clocking in at 31:31.

Team Alanis's Paul Choo-WeeNam rode in second with a time of 32:17, while Jaikarran Sukhai came in third, clocking in at 32:21.

In the Juniors/Juveniles category, who rode a shorter

distance, Alex Leung came in first in a time of 17:38. Sherwin Sampson finished second in a time of 17:49, while Aaron Newton finished third in a time of 17:54.

Fresh from a good showing in the Independence Time Trials, Suzanne Hamilton emerged as the best female rider with a time of 19:59, and Trevessa Spencer came in second in a time of 22:18.

After the event, Jeffrey's mentor, Terrence Budhram, said the Team Foundation wheelsman is in decent shape, but is far from top shape after only six weeks of training in the United States of America.

"Only six weeks of training…, it's not enough, but given the cyclist he is and his ability, he does not (lie) down for anyone.

The performance was quite impressive on the Three-Stage.

We did not win overall, but we used it more for training."

When asked about the Senior Championship race, Budhram said he is very confident in Jeffrey. "He has shown great finishing speed.

With the current form with his

Multan Sultans sign Shimron Hetmyer in PSL mini replacement draft

T

he Multan Sultans have picked West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer to replace Bangladesh batter Mahmudullah in the Platinum Category for the remainder of the PSL 2021, which begins in the first week of June in Abu Dhabi.

Several players are set to miss the remaining 20 games of the season for multiple reasons, including logistical challenges. In order to allow teams to replace their absentees, the PCB carried out a mini replacement draft on Saturday.

Rashid Khan, meanwhile, will be back with the Lahore Qalandars.

T h e franchise h a d signed t h e Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan in his place

during last month's replacement draft. Shakib has now pulled out of the remainder of the season, but Lahore have announced Rashid is available once again.

Each of the six franchises have also been allowed to pick two additional players in their original squads, with at least one being an overseas player, increasing squad sizes from 18 to 20. Teams originally had to feature at least three overseas players in their XIs, but given the growing challenges around the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCB has reduced the number to two for each team.

The draft is the third overall since the start of the season, which w a s suspended after 14 matches following a spate of COVID-19 cases among players and support staffers.

The Quetta Gladiators have picked Afghanistan left-arm wrist-spinner Zahir Khan to replace Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting, while Lahore have chosen the Singaporean batter Tim David, who plays for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL and boasts

an overall T20 strike rate of 154.07, to replace the Australian batter Joe Burns.

Meanwhile, Hammad Azam, once talked of as an exciting all-round prospect for Pakistan, is back in the limelight, with Multan picking him as an additional option in the Silver Category.

UAE's Waseem Muhammad, who made his name with his blazing knocks for the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10, has found a place in the Multan roster. His career highlight so far is an unbeaten 13-ball 56 in the T10, which helped the Warriors chase down 98 in just 4.3 overs against the Pune Devils.

The Qalandars snapped up another UAE player in Sultan Ahmed, a left-arm spinner who originally hails from Pakistan.

During last month's replacement draft, Islamabad United had picked Janneman Malan in place of Alex Hales. Now, with Malan also unavailable, Islamabad did not pick a replacement, citing a lack of equivalent options.

Islamabad, Lahore and the Karachi Kings haven't yet picked a 20th player, but can do so if required.

(ESPNcricinfo)

finishing speed….”

Today's road race commences at 7:30h in front of the Banks DIH Headquarters at Thirst Park, before proceeding to Dora on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and returning to Banks DIH Thirst Park for the finish.

The event will cover a distance of 100 miles.

GOA strengthens SA C/ships team

N

GOA President K A Juman-Yassin with AAG President Aubrey Hutson and Andrea Foster

ine local and international athletes have been identified to represent Guyana at the South American Senior Championships in Ecuador.

Eight of those athletes are being funded by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

Following a series of talks with the Athletics Association of Guyana, the two Associations came up with the list of athletes who would participate in the South American Senior Championships in hopes of qualifying for the fastapproaching Tokyo Olympics.

The selectors’ focus was on the highest ranking local and international Guyanese athletes.

GOA President, K.A Juman-Yassin, announced the names of those selected on Saturday morning at the GOA’s Headquarters at Liliendaal.

“We have decided to name the persons whom we will issue tickets for, and those persons are: Arinze Chance, Andrea Foster, Jasmine Abrams, Emmanuel Archibald, Quamel Prince, Winston George, Noelex Holder, and the next person, we gave that option to the AAG to fit in that person with the relay team,” Juman-Yassin announced.

In addition to those athletes named, Jeremy Bascombe, who has been a force locally, has been identified to attend the Games to complete a budding 4x100M relay team.

This move, according to Athletic Association of Guyana President Aubrey Hutson, is geared at increasing Guyana’s representation at the Games.

“Last Olympics in Rio, we…sent 4 athletes or we… had 4 qualifiers, and it’s our objective to get at least six in Tokyo. And also, we’re looking to have at least one person in the finals. With the current crop of athletes we have, we know this is possible, so it’s not anything far-reaching,” Hutson explained.

Besides Bascombe, Mark Jhallu will have the opportunity to compete in Ecuador.

“One other member of the team too that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has decided to sponsor, I don’t necessarily know if it’s through the finances of the GDF or through private sponsorship, but Mark Jhallu, the high jumper, has been showing very, very good promise and progress,” Hutson disclosed.

The AAG boss shared further on Jhallu’s prospects, “He comfortably would do 2.10. We know in competition he would do 2.15. with him doing that without the necessary level of competition in Guyana, I think sending him to the South American Championships is going to be a good test for him, for where he stands internationally.”

Explaining that athletes like Jasmin Abrams, Emmanuel Archibald and Andrea Foster are among the top athletes in South America for their various events, Huston emphasised that the entire team has been selected on merit.

“Please note that it’s just not a case where we closed our eyes or tossed a coin and picked this team. It’s their performance that would have earned them the points.” He explained. “Please understand

that once she goes to South America and retains that first place, that will garner enough points to get (her) to Tokyo.”

The team of athletes would be assisted by coach Johnny Gravesande and Kenisha Headley, who will be the designated team manager and technical coach respectively.

Their travel expenses would also be sponsored by the GOA. GOA Vice President Dr. Karen Pilgrim has advised the soon-to-travel athletes to complete antidoping courses before their travels, and urged them to take the COVID-19 vaccines.

“All of our athletes should know that when they’re representing GOA, they’re required to do antidoping education within that year.

Of course COVID threw everything topsy-turvy last year, but the WADA online platform Adel antidoping e-learning has a multitude of courses specifically targeting the Olympics. So, I’m just alerting athletes, coaches and other personnel,” Dr. Pilgrim warned.

Andrea Foster, one of the chosen athletes, expressed gratitude to the GOA for their support. She stated, “I just want to say a heartfelt ‘Thank you again’ to the GOA for seeing it necessary in helping the athletes like myself and others to have the opportunity to compete at the South American Games. It is in our best interest to work towards our goals.”

The South American Championships, after being moved from Argentina, will be hosted in Ecuador from May 29 – 31st.

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