Guyana Times - Sunday November 14, 2021

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Land of the Rising Moon — Capoey Mission, a village of scenery and folklore Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4831 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

Guyana pushes for OAS to increase role in climate change mitigation …says restructuring needed to better fulfill purpose Page 7

MoneyGram blocks foreign funding for Norton’s PNC leadership bid

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Region 5 P26 roadways deemed deadliest in past 2 weeks Attack on Prosecutor’s house

“This is my P29 career…I'm not going to run away” – Police Prosecutor 1st time mother complains of filthy conditions at New Amsterdam P31 Hospital …“cleaning has to be continuous” – Regional Chairman

Page 30

Discovering the smallest village in Region 6 P13 …Number Naught, a village created by surveyor’s error

…cries foul, despite status as “Politically Exposed Person” created by APNU/AFC in AML law

Students of St John’s College teamed up with employees of the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry to participate in a tree-planting exercise.

Fourteen trees were planted along Waterloo Street in the vicinity of St John’s College. The tree-planting exercise was one of the activities to mark Tourism Awareness Month (Tourism Ministry photo)

Govt will continue to pursue measures to reduce cost of living—President Chinese Options traders are businessman betting on wins judgement US$300 against GRA …after GRA blocked importer Page 3

Page 10

from filing tax returns

oil

See story on page 36

Mohamed’s P16 Enterprises supports academic pursuits of Essequibo's Parmesh Ramgobin …after teen sold chips to pay lesson fees

2 men new P9 COVID-19 deaths, 89 new cases

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Nov 14 – 13:00h – 14:30h and Monday, Nov 15 – 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Nov 14 – 13:25h – 14:55h and Monday, Nov 15 – 14:00h – 15:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: West North-Westerly to North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 13:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.28 metres.

Low Tide: 06:51h and 19:19h reaching minimum heights of 0.94 metre and 0.93 metre.

Govt will continue to pursue measures to reduce cost of living – President

H

ead of State Dr Irfaan Ali has reminded Guyanese about the menu of measures his Government has already put in place to offset the impact of the global supply chain issues while promising to do more to reduce the cost of living.

The Head of State, who recently returned from the UN Climate Summit which was held in Glasgow, Scotland, said that efforts have also been ongoing in the form of bilateral meetings to offset additional expenses for local producers.

In a live address to the nation, President Ali spoke of the difficulties at the global level and explained that the issue would continue to be a problem “at least in the short term”.

He said that the increase in the cost of production and logistics has driven prices up across the world.

Additionally, it has resulted in shortages and price increases from building materials to food.

Food replacement

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$82.17/barrel

-0.85

Rough Rice

$253.71/ton

+0.25

London Sugar

$522.80/ton

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“That is why at Caricom, we are pushing on an agenda to do what we call food replacement; that is to have a reduction on our food import bill by 25 per cent and having the local production fill that void.”

At home, the President noted that it is necessary to have more “local consumption”.

He said that his Government will continue to give incentives to those investing in agriculture, given the nature of the global situation and the fact that Guyanese are also feeling the effects of the price increases.

Along with supporting farmers and cushioning the net effect of the increased cost of freights, the President said that the range of tax benefits that his Government has instituted since returning to office, has helped offset the full brunt of the problem.

He reminded of the removal of VAT on electricity and water, the 5 per cent reduction – across the board – on water tariff, the zero-rated status on essential items and household items, the removal of VAT on data, the reduction of the excise tax rate on fuel (first in February and then in October) and the reduction of licence fee.

Additionally, he made mention of the many nontax measures that directly impacted Guyanese, including the one-off $25,000 relief grant, the re-introduction of educational grants (which benefited both public and private school students), a one-off 25,000 cash grant for pensioners and a range of other incentives.

“All of these measures were to remove more tax burden from the population and give them an opportu-

President Irfaan Ali

nity to have those resources as disposable income. And the measures that we have implemented are praised by many international agencies and organisations.

They are actually used as good practices in combatting the challenges we are facing globally.”

The President noted that his Government would continue to help alleviate the pressure of the cost of living on the general population and committed to transparency.

“We recognised that this is a continuous problem and that the Government has to be proactive in addressing these issues. I want you to know, just as we have done over the year plus; we will continue to pursue measures that minimise the effect on the people of our

country, that minimise the effect on your pockets – you can rest assured.”

The President said that at the international level, his Government does not intend to sit down and wait for the situation to correct itself. He used the rising cost of fertilisers as an example and said that over the last four weeks, discussions were held with many bilateral partners to remedy this.

“We are doing this so that the farmers, the sugar industry, the rice producers – they can all benefit.

Because if we don’t bring down the cost, we know too that the cost of rice will increase.”

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 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

I

21st Century University

n our Editorial of Nov 8th, “21st Century Education”, following the release of our CSEC and CAPE results of our schools, we noted, “addition to the “subjects” being taught changing, the 21st Century methods stress “learning by doing” is replacing the old “passive” method of absorbing information. The changes at the tertiary level have been no less revolutionary. The Robbins Commission of 1963 - the same year the PPP Government launched the University of Guyana - moved English universities away from the old Newman model that focused on the humanities/classics as, for instance, our Queen’s College and Bishops’ had done. England adopted the Humboldian model as an engine of economic growth, a creator of knowledge, and one committed to research and innovation.

Today, we have taken this even further. We are fortunate to be moving out of the Industrial Age of Humboldt into an Information Age that is now segueing into one to be dominated by Artificial Intelligence. We can possibly leapfrog our Guyana’s development by preparing our youths for this new world, which must be at the forefront of change and be drivers of scientific and technological change in Guyana. There are numerous proposals out there, and we offer the excerpts from one - “Tuning into the challenges of the 21st century” - to stimulate discussion.

“We argue that the higher education system needs to embrace a more fluid, more contingent world, to create more permeable relationships within universities’ communities and beyond to wider society. The permeable university removes barriers to interaction, both within the institution and beyond it. Permeability should be the new lens which reframe the historic, core activities of universities; across organisational and national boundaries, between different groups and communities, technologies, and disciplines.

“Embrace students as central to the renewed community of scholars. The process of reflective learning needs to apply to the whole community of scholars, staff and students together.

Sharing together and challenging each other creates a more robust university environment.

“Nurture lifelong connections between universities and graduates with continuous learning at the heart of the relationship. As they move on in their careers, graduates will need to repeatedly re-engage and contribute from their experiences beyond university to continually reinvigorate institutions, creating a continuous learning loop. Create space for new adult learners as society changes, where adults can re-find learning appropriate to their changed circumstances.

“Develop near-to-teaching research. There is value in the experience of discovery through research across the disciplines that has direct application in a world where graduates will have to gather knowledge, investigate, learn, and adapt throughout their careers.

“Further the interdisciplinary/ transdisciplinary project.

The growing complexity and interrelatedness of the challenges that surround us means that inter/ transdisciplinarity needs to go further to enable research teams to come together with an ecosystem approach that can embrace the dynamic (almost living) aspect of research investigation. Bridge the Arts/Science divide, and reconceptualise disciplines to meet 21st-century needs.

“Respond to an age of rapid, widespread opinion formation and amplified participation by connecting with wider society.

A core contribution of the research process is to slow things down to answer the big, deep, long-term questions – this can seem particularly at odds with a rapidly changing 21st century.

Navigating this divide is tricky but essential, and the approach has to include greater participation and connection to move beyond distrust in expertise to a world where different contributions are recognised, acknowledged, challenged and reformulated.

“Move beyond a single governance structure. Governance in the 21st century is complex and multifaceted. Expecting a single body to complete all aspects of oversight is no longer fit for purpose. Rather, a family of inclusive governance structures relevant to specific needs. Use the full breadth of governance bodies to broaden representation. Boards in themselves cannot be representative of all communities, but there needs to be appropriate debate and diversity threaded throughout the governance structures.”

As proposed, change must begin at the top, which must be imbued that there needs to be a root-and-branch approach to bring UG into the 21st century.”

President Joe Biden stood with Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough and Army Maj Gen Allan M Pepin during a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate Veterans Day and mark the centennial anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia (Reuters photo)

CXC syllabus on indentureship history Dear Editor, Once it was brought to the attention of stakeholders in the education system that the contributions of East Indians to the development of the Caribbean have been omitted, or in some cases minimised, by the Caribbean Examinations Council, its offices were contacted.

CXC invited submissions, since the History syllabuses at the CSEC and CAPE levels were due for review. Indentureship experience was discussed on several Zoom and internet programmes involving participants from as far away as Fiji and South Africa. They included IndoCaribbean Cultural Centre (Trinidad), the Ameena Gafoor Institute (UK), Indian Diaspora Council International (New York), Mala Harripersad Show (Toronto), Caribbean Hindus Group and others.

The Guyana print media also helped to engage the public.

As a result, submissions flowed in from these well-established organisations, and from individuals and groups like Democracy Watch2020 (Toronto area).

Universal Philosophy and Religion (Florida) sent a letter with 52 names attached, expressing their concern.

These suggestions were acknowledged by CXC. Others who can neither read nor write expressed disappointment on chat groups that they were never taught their history, and learnt only portions of it by oral exchanges.

CXC has been quite open with respect to this matter, but the final product will be a challenge based on the volume of books and re-

search papers now available on Indentureship history.

Several educators made offers to assist further, if required. One of them is Dr. Baytoram Ramharack, who teaches History and authored a book on Jung Bahadur Singh and the BGEIA. It may seem paradoxical, but Indentureship history is being taught at universities overseas in much more detail than in the region where the actual events took place.

Basdeo Mangru wrote the INDIANS IN GUYANA in 1999 with the hope that CXC and New York high schools would use it to fill a void. These omissions only perpetuate ignorance, leading to intolerance and even race hatred. Contributors were unanimous in their intent to improve understanding of a marginalised group.

Synopsis of submissions

The submissions shared with us suggested inclusion of the names of those on the Whitby and Hesperus when they landed in the first country in the West, British Guiana, on May 5 1838; the number of indentured who arrived at the various countries in the Caribbean up to 1917; details of the many struggles on the sugar plantations, including killings

by Police who, in some cases, did not first read the Riot Act before firing; Enmore and its influence on Jagan; Kowsilla and Alice Street at Leonora, training ground for another President; The Wismar Massacre as the first ethnic cleansing in the region; the 1884 Hosay/Muharram massacre (not riots) of Indians in Trinidad; role of Gandhi and Rev. Andrews in ending of the system; 1857 Sepoys

(not mutineers) battle for Independence in India, and the increase in numbers who left since, as some were deported or escaped after changing their identities.

Experienced teachers agree there are sensitive ways to introduce these facts in the classroom, as it may be shocking to some students, but the truth must be taught.

Special recognition must go out to Dr. Kumar Mahabir, who appeared in person before CXC with submissions in 2017; and Dr. Vishnu Bisram, who in 2021 followed up with an analysis of the discriminatory History curriculum.

One of the most pervasive areas of discontent was the unethical and even illegal practice of religious conversion, forced upon the victims. It denied many educational and employment opportunities; some lost their language and their culture, and now practice most of the values of their colonisers.

Until the 1902 Swettenham circular was withdrawn in 1933, Indians in rural areas did not send their daughters to school.

Girls are now among the top achievers in exams at all levels, and one can only speculate what contributions they could have made to society had they not been denied an education.

Positive developments like the establishment of the First Ashram and Hindu College at Cove and John

by Swami Purnanandaji Maharaj from India in the 1950s were also mentioned.

He initiated a branch of the Sangha, and was instrumental in the unification of the now powerful Maha Sabha organisation

in Trinidad, which now manages numerous private Hindu schools. In both countries, he trained Hindu students and lifted the status of the Hindus. One of those he inspired and influenced, Swami Aksharananda, now heads Saraswati Vidya Niketan, one of the most successful private Hindu secondary schools in Guyana.

Greater details would make education alive, as it allows students to learn about, and develop mutual respect for, all cultures.

Some individuals may have difficulty tracing their family backgrounds, but fortunately, the entire history of Indo-Caribbean peoples is not obliterated. Many are now making concerted efforts to find their ancestral villages and relatives in India. This would, of course, necessitate the cooperation of all governments by responding to the call for digitising indentureship records, as Fiji, Mauritius, and Suriname have been doing.

Imagine it’s 2023 and Nirvana Wimal, top 2021 NGSA performer, and countless other students across the Caribbean rushing home excitedly after completing a class assignment, “Tracing your ancestry”, to tell their parents that they discovered the villages from which their great grandparents came.

Many look forward to the day when Sanskrit can be taught in schools or online, so students can reconnect with the knowledge-based civilisation from which they were alienated. Others suggest that parents should persuade their children to enroll in greater numbers in Hinduism course.

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

Pay for COVID-19 treatment if you refuse vaccines

Dear Editor, COVID-19 is a travesty to Guyana and the world!

I would think that every human being on the earth has had some relative, friend or associate who has suffered prolonged pains, injuries and death from this disease.

COVID-19 has been one of the worst harbingers of death and destruction in families, nations and national economies. It has even caused the pauperisation of families by deaths of breadwinners. Even if recovered, those would never be normal again. The psychological trauma that is left on families: the pains, the depression and other psychological and mental illnesses that result due to sufferings and death, cannot be measured.

In Guyana and the world, we owe a special salute, appreciation and prayers for the medical doctors, nurses and staff that keep looking out for

the infected. I have seen several cases of my own relatives who contracted the disease and died.

When I visit simple places in Guyana, like the Mon Repos market, I speak to people about wearing their masks.

Usually the vendors, especially the fish vendors. They make all kinds of ludicrous excuses, including saying it is a manmade thing. Then I would tell them if it is a manmade thing or not, it still kills! Therefore, you need to protect yourself!

Many are proudly proclaiming that they will not take the vaccine, nor wear a mask.

I know of cases where many contracted COVID-19 and wished that they had taken the vaccine or worn a mask. They wished that they had been more proactive in protecting themselves by following the COVID-19 precautionary protocols. Being too late, many suffered. Many

have died. Many prayed for a chance to live, and even started to encourage others to protect themselves while they were dying.

I call upon the Guyanese people to get vaccinated! I call upon the Government to create small infomercials showing the pains and sufferings of those infected, and of families who lost loved ones, particularly the breadwinner; small infomercials with heavy drama. I appeal to fellow citizens to use free Facebook posts and expressions in Instagram and others to highlight the pain and sufferings of people.

It is my opinion that if you refuse to take the vaccine, the tax payers’ dollars should not be used to finance your treatment if you become infected with COVID-19. I know that budgeted medical allocations set by Parliament have been increased to accommodate this disastrous disease that is

creating havoc in our country.

We are nearing the one thousand mark. A thousand people with our population gives us one of the highest in deaths and infections when compared internationally. Thank God for a good Government that is truly conscientious, and is working with all stakeholders to bring relief financially and makes every means possible to the people of this country.

When I expressed to people that they need to pay for their own medical treatment if they refuse to take the vaccine, I got some good ‘cuss-down’. With that in mind, I was quite elated to learn that the Singapore Government, which has one of the highest rates of vaccination in the world - their vaccination exceeds 80% - foreign workers have to contribute in Singapore to a special savings account which will look out to help the migrant workers in

CCJ moving in other areas Dear Editor, Although only four countries accepted the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final court in its appellate jurisdiction, the Port of Spainbased court is nevertheless busy, because it determines a large number of issues in its original jurisdiction, and now it seems as if the regional court is moving into other areas in its quest to ensure that justice is served.

The Court on Thursday decided to seek a modification of section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act of Guyana, which allows the DPP to ask a High Court Judge to review the depositions from a Preliminary Inquiry and exercise his/her independent discretion on whether to direct a committal or not.

The CCJ was at the time

dealing with an appeal by Marcus Bisram, a U.S-based Guyanese who is charged with murder allegedly committed on the Corentyne a few years ago. The DPP had committed Bisram to trial before a Judge and jury although a Magistrate found that there was not sufficient evidence to warrant a trial, and had freed the accused.

The DPP then directed the Magistrate to commit Bisram to a trial. An appeal followed, and a first instant judge overruled both the Magistrate and the DPP, but the Guyana Court of Appeal set aside the Judge’s decision. Bisram’s lawyer moved to the CCJ, the final court of the land, which was puzzled at the wording of section 72 (1) and (2), since it is inconsistent with Articles 122 A and 144 of the Constitution.

The DPP and Bisram’s

lawyer, Darshan Ramdhani, QC, are to file written submissions before a ruling by the CCJ. The CCJ, through its former President, Sir Denis Byron, and the current Head, Justice Adrian Saunders, also tried to urge the President and Opposition Leader in Guyana to arrive at a compromise and confirm the Chancellor of the Judiciary for 15 years. Both Carl Singh and Ian Chang acted in their positions for more than 12 years.

They both retired without being confirmed. As a matter of fact, Chang has since passed.

Now both the Chancellor, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, and Chief Justice Roxanne George are acting, and they have been “actresses” for more than three years.

Guyanese are very pleased with the CCJ, because it played a very important role in the election process cas-

es: the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission, determining that 33 is the majority of 65, and the insertion of the word “valid” into the Constitution and the recounting of the votes.

The CCJ ruling was lauded in the freedom of movement case in which Jamaican Shanique Myrie was harassed as she sought entry into Barbados. So far, only four countries have abolished appeals to the Privy Council: Guyana, Barbados, Belize and Dominica; it is disappointing that Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the two countries which were in the forefront in advocating the establishment of the regional court, have not yet abolished appeals to the Privy Council.

Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

the event of their contracting COVID-19 or serious illnesses, and also for COVID-19 treatment and deaths.

However, the Singapore Government has now also established laws by which citizens who refuse to take the vaccine will have to finance their own medical attention.

This is something I, as a citizen of Guyana, believe in. It is unfair for the tax dollars to be used to treat the recalcitrant.

The Government is doing the right thing by providing the best of service and vaccines to its citizens, so it is wrong for tax payers’ dollars to pay for those who blatantly refuse to take the vaccines, except for those who might be medically ill otherwise and should not take the vaccine.

Coming back to the point that I am raising here, I wish to call on the Government of Guyana to send out releases and warnings by giving a one-month moratorium to all those who have not taken the vaccines: the Government of Guyana cannot afford to finance them any longer, even

though they might be admitted to the Government or COVID-19 hospital. They, along with their families, will be billed, and action can be taken to recover the payments if they do not pay. As a matter of fact, private hospitals function in such a manner that if one is released and cannot pay the bill, he/she cannot leave the hospital. This is the system that will be needed by Government. Further, relatives should sign guarantees for those who are affected after having been warned that infected patients will have to pay for any and all COVID-19 treatment.

All I want is safety for those who are refusing the vaccine, and for our country and the Government to be in a good financial state. It is unfair for those who do not have their personal medical insurance, even wealth, to refuse to take the vaccine, then put the country in economic situation that could break us.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan (Snr)

CXC syllabus on...

FROM PAGE 4

The Board that was set up since 1972 ought to have made some changes, but clearly they need public input and oversight. Some have expressed the view that CXC knows its mandate, have access to all materials and experts, and must be aware of the recommendation by UNESCO that minorities should not be excluded from the curriculum. Others felt they can only teach what is on CXC website, and that an NGO should be established as a watchdog.

One continuing concern is that it would take a long time to make changes to the

curriculum, so stakeholders have to remain involved. The next review on Literature may not take place for years, but hopefully, by that time, local stakeholders would participate more actively.

The importance of education in the development of any nation cannot be overemphasised. The most effective way to destroy any group is to deny them knowledge of their past. Government and citizens should pay consistent attention to what is being taught to the future leaders of the nation.

Sincerely, Ramnarine Sahadeo

6 FEATURE

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

O

ver the past few months, we have been discussing the care of the mother dog/cat during the different phases of pregnancy right up until the point of delivery of the pups/kittens. We also deliberated on matters pertaining to the immediate post-partum (after delivery) period, when certain ailments could occur, not lastly during the nursing of the newborns.

We further dealt with the care of the newborn puppies/ kittens. Well, one colleague pointed out that I did not zero in on the “prevention of pregnancy” topic. Mea Culpa. I will now commence with this important matter of “Birth Control.”

Spaying

The technical term for spaying is Ovariohysterectomy.

If that long word were to be broken up and translated, it would mean "surgically removing the ovaries and the womb". Obviously, it is the most effective method of ensuring that the female dog does not get pregnant, simply because the uterus (womb) has been surgically removed.

In fact, the female pet will not even come into heat since the ovaries would also have been taken out during the surgery. The Fallopian Tubes (oviducts) are also excised during the spay.

Some persons relate that female pet becomes fat after being spayed. Many caregivers forget or are not aware of the fact that a grown dog (by proportion to weight) needs less food than a puppy. The dog/cat often is spayed when she has reached the age of puberty/maturity (6)-7-(8) months). If she gets too much to eat and puts on weight, the tendency is to make an association between the surgery and the weight gain. The adult spayed animal should be provided with a maintenance diet which would be

PREVENTING PREGNANCIES

of a lower carbohydrate (rice and starchy foods) to protein (meat and fish) ratio and with adequate levels of fibre (vegetables). Remember, also, that daily exercise, via walks or running around in the year, is an essential element of your animal’s wellbeing.

Another misconception is that a bitch needs to have a litter to be “fulfilled.” Dogs and cats are people oriented.

They seek human companionship and look to their owners for personal fulfillment. On the whole, we pet owners should desist from giving our pets human attributes – like the need to be “fulfilled,” the way humans need to have and aspire towards some sort of defined emotional duty. Of course, this is not to say that dogs/ cats do not harbour feelings of jealousy, fear, anger, remorse, guilt, etc., - all human traits. But “Fulfillment” – NO. There are certain health benefits to ovariohysterectomy. One does not have to worry about, for example, pyometra, the pus in the womb ailment. Also, a spayed bitch is less likely to get breast cancer. Finally, there is no messy heat (with all the concomitant headaches, not lastly those associated with male suitors) to go through twice a year.

The best time to spay most females is after they are seven months of age, and just before they go into their first heat. This recommendation is, at best, a guideline.

We have seen females in heat at 5 ½ - 6 months of age; or they might come into their first heat when they are 1011 months old. At this time, the operation is easy to perform and there is less chance of complication. The surgery should never be conducted if the bitch is in heat or if the puppy/kitten is less than 6 months of age.

After you have made the arrangements with your veterinarian to have your female spayed, be sure to withhold food and water from her on the evening prior to surgery. This operation is done under general anesthesia.

A full stomach could result in vomiting and aspiration of food particles into the lungs during the induction of anesthesia. Your veterinarian will provide other special instructions or precautions to be

taken before and after the operation.

Male castration

Well, since we are discussing prevention of pregnancy, one cannot help but introduce the other obvious option and that is removing the testicles of the males, especially those with whom the females can come into contact (e.g., kennel mate) Castration is an operation in which both testicles are surgically removed. When the male is castrated after sexual maturity, his sex drive may continue for a while after the surgery, even though he is unable to get a bitch pregnant. When a dog is castrated before puberty, his sexual urges do not develop. However, castration before puberty is not recommended. It is likely to have an adverse effect on the development of bone and body structure, and secondary sex traits of the male dog. I shall deal with these eventualities during another discussion.

Castration sometimes is advised to tone down an overly boisterous or aggressive male, or one who continuously urinates in the house or is otherwise obtrusive and unmanageable. Unfortunately, overindulgent owners (not the male hormones) are often at fault. The dog must be shown his place in the household hierarchy. It is a good idea to discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of obedience training or other steps which could be taken to modify unruly behaviour before deciding upon castration.

Castration may be also indicated for medical reasons.

Male sterilisation is recommended in some cases of testicular ailments, such as chronic prostatitis, and perianal adenomas.

Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-Heartworm medication, etc.) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA's Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals. Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA's Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA's free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana pushes for OAS to increase role in climate change mitigation …says restructuring needed to better fulfill purpose

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ith the world facing challenges on several fronts including COVID-19 and climate change, the Guyana Government has challenged the Organisation of American States (OAS) as an organisation to restructure and play a more prominent role in its advocacy on the global stage.

During the 51st Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd called for a restructuring of the organisation. As he put it, it is important for the OAS to be fit for purpose and able to better respond to global dynamics. Todd also made it clear that Guyana values the ideal of multilateralism and the important role the OAS has to play.

“Guyana values multilateralism and the role of the OAS in the hemisphere, as the premier regional organisation for constructive dialogue and cooperation.

We reaffirm our commitment to the four pillars of the OAS. Democracy, human rights, integral development and multidimensional security.”

“In the same vein, Guyana recognises the need for this organisation to be fit for purpose and for necessary restructuring of the organisation to better respond to the challenges of the present and the future,” Todd explained.

Todd also urged more fo-

Guyana’s delegation at the virtual OAS meeting. Foreign Minister Hugh Todd is seated in the centre

cus on increasing vaccinations and access to vaccines across the hemisphere.

Citing the havoc COVID-19 has wreaked around the world and the percentage of vaccine coverage cited by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO), the Minister said that no country should be left behind when it comes to vaccines.

“Addressing the challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and fostering a sustainable, equitable and resilient recovery is critical for the future of the Americas. Our immediate task is to arrest the ravages of the pandemic,” the

Minister said.

“Vaccine equity and solidarity are imperative in this undertaking. PAHO/ WHO has indicated that the region is broadly on track to achieve 40 per cent vaccine coverage in every country, with some exceptions by the end of this year. However, we must intensify efforts to increase the rate of vaccine coverage in our hemisphere and ensure that no country is left behind.”

Todd meanwhile recalled the sentiments President Dr Irfaan Ali, who during the 26th session of the Conference of Parties (COP26) called on world leaders to ensure

that the coming decade will be one of the decisive actions that will tackle the current climate crisis to change the world’s present trajectory.

To achieve such goals, the Foreign Minister informed the General Assembly of the OAS that Guyana will be guided by the Low Carbon

Development Strategy (LCDS) as the country’s vehicle for mitigating and adapting to climate change and contributing to global climate action.

In light of the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, Minister Todd reaffirmed Guyana’s abiding commit-

ment to democracy and the rule of law, to safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms, to respecting the will of the people.

He also placed on record once again, sincere appreciation to the OAS for the support provided to Guyana during last year’s electoral stalemate resulting in the will of the Guyanese people being respected and democracy and the rule of law triumphing.

Guyana’s delegation was led by Todd and included Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper; Ambassador Samuel Hinds; Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the OAS, Ambassador George Talbot; Director of the Department of Americas and Guyana’s Ambassador to Caricom and other Foreign Service Officers from the Ministry.

The OAS is a US-based, 35-member multilateral body that deals primarily with issues in this hemisphere.

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 to face Judge and jury, other remanded on separate rape charges

A

man who was charged for raping a minor has been remanded to prison while another, who was charged contrary to Section 3 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03, will have to face a Judge and jury.

In the first case, Kumar Sukhram called “Akash” of Kingston, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Springland’s Magistrate’s Court.

A Police report said that 25-year-old Sukhram was charged for rape contrary to Section 3 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03. He was arrested on November 18, 2019.

The charge was laid against

Remanded: Mark Fontanelle

To stand trial: Kumar Sukhram

him on March 5, 2020, after Police conducted investigations.

He was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge.

Following a Preliminary Inquiry, Magistrate Moore

ruled that a prima facie case was made out against Sukhram to put him on trial for the offence by a jury before a High Court Judge.

The accused professed his

innocence to the court by saying, “I’m innocent sir”. He was released on $100,000 bail pending the hearing and determination of his trial.

Meanwhile, in a similar matter, 20-year-old Mark Fontanelle of Lot 67 First Phase, Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, was remanded to prison.

He appeared via Zoom before Magistrate Wanda Fortune charged with rape of a child under 16 contrary to Section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03.

The accused, who was arrested on November 7, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. His case continues on November 19. (G9)

“Dem a watch meh”…

I

…will be the cry? n his (state of the nation?) broadcast, President Ali passed on the info that the Police had obviously told him - that crime had once again dropped, a whopping 19% this time! Now, right away, your Eyewitness’s BS antenna flickered. If, according to the Police, crime drops every year from the previous year’s levels, wouldn’t it have DISAPPEARED by now?? And Guyanese should all be walking around with halos hovering over their heads?

But the President confirmed what you and he know too well - that crime continues to be a humongous problem, and something’s gotta be done about it!

The gist of his remarks implicitly undercut the Police’s statistics: his administration will be installing CCTV cameras ALL OVER THE COUNTRY!! From Point Playa to Crabwood Creek; From Georgetown to Lethem, and the Pakaraimas in between, we’ll have cameras catching the bad guys in the act of committing their dastardly deeds!!

And not only will there be cameras, these will all be integrated into one vast network through fiberoptics, and monitored by trained personnel. Wow!!

Now, your Eyewitness knows this can be done. China’s dine it - and it’s their Huawei that set up what we can now see was a pilot project in Georgetown by the PNC. Clearly, this worked so well we’ll now have the National rollout! And again, all of us know that Georgetown in general and certain areas like the Stabroek Market and its environs in particular are hotbeds of crime. So, if the CCTVs have been so effective, imagine what the crime rates would’ve been without them!! The mind boggles!!

Your Eyewitness saw a video of that Agricola 16-yearold snatching the chain from that lady’s neck, and her off-duty Policeman husband shooting him dead. Guess that video was courtesy of one of the CCTVs doing its job??

So, before we start covering the rest of the country with these smart cameras, your Eyewitness recommends that every section of Georgetown be covered. Most of these foreign businessmen coming in to help us develop our country - the oil is incidental!! - don’t go to Kato or Tumatumari. So, we can leave them out for the moment.

Once we bring down crime in Georgetown to zero, you bet our reputation will be restored to its pristine glory.

And the US will remove that travel advisory they issued to their citizens to avoid our dear capital city!

Now, your Eyewitness bets that some civil rights group or another will start screaming “surveillance state!” and suchlike. They’re the same bunch who feel we shouldn’t be building any jails.

They should walk through those sections of “town” that your Eyewitness and other sensible citizens avoid like the plague!! …moving up the ladder Okay, dear readers, by now you’d know your Eyewitness is one of those souls who look at the cup as half full. He figures if he only focuses on the “half empty” side, he’ll only be walking around with that dark rain cloud hanging over his head like Joe Btfsplk the character in the comic strip Li'l Abner. The fella’s well-meaning, but is "the world's worst jinx", bringing disastrous misfortune to everyone around him!

So, rather than count how much money the oil companies are raking in, he looks at our (albeit meagre) share NEGOTIATED by Raphael Trotman and wonders when we’ll start spending it. Not so incidentally, whatever happened to Raphael?? Didn’t he lust to be PNC Leader after Hoyte passed on? Didn’t he make peace with Granger at Nassau? Shouldn’t he be in the horse race?

Anyhow, your Eyewitness is pleased the Trinis, Jamaicans and Bajans are now courting us. Notice that top lawyer being admitted to OUR bar??

Gotta raise that bar!! …and Congress delegates With the nominations for the PNC leadership positions in, we gotta watch the delegate selection process that will actually decide who will be the leaders.

It’s like a three-card monte: now you see it; now you don’t!!

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 men new COVID-19 deaths, 89 new cases GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD NOVEMBER 13, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

89

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

55

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

2232

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

15

If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

17

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

19,418

(East Berbice-Corentyne), four in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), one in Region Eight (Potaro-

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

17,323

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

36,741

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

33,482

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

390,110

FULLY IMMUNISED

258,864

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

957

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

T

wo more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus have succumbed after seeking treatment, moving the death toll to 957.

According to the Health Ministry, the deaths are both men who were unvaccinated against the virus. They are a 39-yearold from Region Three who died on November 13 and a 49-year-old from Region Six, who died on November 9.

In one day, a total of 89 new positives emerged, taking the confirmed cases in Guyana to 36,741.

There are 15 persons seeking treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, 55 in institutional isolation, 2232 in home isolation and 17 in institutional quarantine. In total, 33,482 persons recovered completely. During the pandemic, 371,431 individuals were tested.

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1645

REGION 2

1497

REGION 3

4977

REGION 4

17,331

REGION 5

1355

REGION 6

2927

REGION 7

1770

REGION 8

611

REGION 9

2456

REGION 10

2172

From a breakdown, six positives were reported in Region One (BarimaWaini), 14 from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), five in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 35 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), three in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), 19 in Region Six

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer

Siparuni) and two in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

There were no new increases in in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony assured in his latest COVID-19 briefing that the vaccines currently available to the population are all safe for pregnant or lactating women. While the Pfizer is also available, it is ultimately up to their preference.

“All the vaccines that we have available can be given to pregnant and lactating women. Earlier, we have had a number of per-

sons who can get the Pfizer vaccine and that is why initially when we opened up the Pfizer, the next group we offered it to was pregnant women. If they have a choice or a preference of getting another vaccine, they can ask when they go the vaccination site,” said the Minister.

The recently updated statistics show an overall adult vaccination coverage at 390,110 or 76 per cent.

There has been a 258,864 reach or 50.5 per cent for second doses. For children, 26.5 per cent are completely vaccinated, measuring 19,314 persons.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs any additional information, they are asked to contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit www.health.gov.gy All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene. (G12)

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chinese businessman wins judgement against GRA …after GRA blocked importer from filing tax returns The High Court has ruled in favour of Chinese importer Shanglin Lin, who had taken the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to court to challenge the tax authority’s reassessment of its duties and determination that it owed $5.7 million extra on imported diapers.

According to the court documents seen by this publication, Shanglin is an importer of adult and children’s diapers of the “Prime Diapers” brand from China.

He is in fact the sole importer of Prime Diapers.

The court head that Shanglin was blocked by the GRA from making electronic filings. This came after GRA sent the importer a letter in January 2020, demanding that Lin pay $5.7 million in duties on several containers of diapers that were imported the previous year but which, because of mistakes, had to be reassessed.

According to the letter, which was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Excise and Trade Patrick Hyman, Lin had up to two weeks to make the

additional payment. When Lin, who had already sold the products wholesale and retail, did not make the requested payment, he was blocked from electronically filing his tax declarations to GRA. “Prior to receiving the letter dated 3rd January 2020 he was not required by the Respondent to submit any additional invoices or other documents regarding the imported items, informed by the Respondent that there was any error, mistake or other query re-

garding the declared value of the imported items or the duty or taxes payable thereon, informed of the reason or basis for the imposition of the additional duties and taxes or afforded any opportunity to be heard or given a hearing prior to the decision to demand additional duties and taxes,” the court documents explained.

“The letter of demand indicated that the demand was premised on “anomalies” and listed transactions going back to January 2019 for which duty was al-

The Prime Diapers in the middle of the court battle

ready fully assessed by the Respondent and paid. The letter failed to identify any of the anomalies and also failed to state how the additional duties and taxes were calculated or what legal principles were used to compute same but indicated that the Post Clearance Unit could be contacted.”

It was explained that Shanglin sought a review of GRA’s decision through its

any statutory basis for reassessing the importer’s duties. The Judge decided that there was no statutory basis for the methodology used, which involved value comparisons between Prime Diapers and diapers imported by another company.

“It is therefore ordered as follows: (1) The decision contained in the Respondent’s letter dated 3rd January 2020 assessing and demand-

The Guyana Revenue Authority

channels, but his requests were denied. However, GRA in its submissions argued that Shanglin was informed that his consignments were being reviewed prior to the January 3 letter.

Additionally, GRA explained that a post clearance audit was done that showed that the declared values for the diapers and soap powders Shanglin imported was below the standard value.

According to GRA, its actions were at all times within the scope of the Customs Act Chapter 82.01.

In her ruling, High Court Judge Fidela CorbinLewis ruled in Shanglin’s favour and ordered GRA to pay costs to the importer. According to the Judge, GRA has failed to establish

ing that the Applicant pay $5,763,755 is quashed on the grounds that the said decision is unlawful, unfair, ultra vires and in breach of the Customs Act Cap 82:01 and subsidiary legislation,” the Judge said in her ruling.

“The decision made by the Respondent on or about 1st September 2020 blocking the Applicant from uploading documents to its electronic processing system, ASYCUDA, is quashed on the grounds that the said decision is unlawful, unfair, ultra vires and in breach of the of the Customs Act Cap 82:01,” the Judge also informed, adding that GRA must pay costs and that the matter is adjourned to February 1, 2022 for an assessment of these costs. (G3)

11 75% of Region 5 cops vaccinated – Commander NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

More talk on suicide?

(A

nother international team has arrived to examine our “suicide problem”. What do you say?

The following is adapted from a 2012 piece.)

Over the years, I’ve thought a lot about the phenomenon of suicide. It’s not I’m morbid.

As an Indian Guyanese, I’m not sure how one can avoid such thoughts. With almost 200 Ravi Dev suicides annually and more than three-quarters of them being Indians, there’s hardly a week you don’t get a call from some friend or acquaintance about someone they or you know who took their life. Who hasn’t been touched?

It’s been so ever since I can remember. Friends from other communities would joke: “What’s the name of an Indian cocktail?

Malathion!” But interesting enough, investigating the scourge back in 1997 when Swami Aksharananda and I organised the first “Conference on Suicide in Guyana”, we found in the villages of the Bhojpuri Belt from where most of us had migrated, suicide had been a rare occurrence. The figures of the 19th century showed that Uttar Pradesh and Bihar had a rate of .6 per 100,000 while in the countries to which we had been exported to labour on the sugar plantations the numbers had skyrocketed to at least ten times that number. From Fiji to South Africa to the Caribbean, the authorities compiled meticulous records, even as they ignored the problem.

Something had happened “out of India”: was it “anomie”? Was it their reaction to the brutality of the plantation regimen?

We’ve been highlighting this ethnic specificity of Guyanese suicide since 1997 to emphasise that whenever the authorities design a suicide intervention program, the statistics demanded they consider the cultural responses of Indians in general, and Hindus in particular, to the triggering mechanisms for suicide be taken into account. There has unfortunately been a studied refusal to heed the pleas. In 1997 after interviewing over a number of relatives of Indian Guyanese who had committed suicide, I noted that one factor seemed to be that culturally, the victims had been socialised not to express their frustrations to parents who they knew loved them but refused to give them autonomy in certain decisions. Their anger was retroflexed to hurt the parent. Was it a parenting issue?

In 2011, noting that “Multicultural societies require cultural sensitivity in all suicide prevention efforts,” the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) designated the theme for World Suicide Day as: “Preventing Suicide in Multicultural Societies.” They emphasised: “Risk factors for suicide vary across cultural groups. Knowledge about common risk factors in a society often stems from research in majority populations. However, in a multicultural context we need to be aware that some risk factors may play different roles in the suicidal process as well as in suicide prevention for some minority groups compared to the majority population…

“In addition, other factors that might have a different impact on minorities compared to the majority population are attitudes towards suicidal behaviour and suicidal people (e.g. taboo, stigma), religion and spirituality, and family dynamics (gender roles and responsibilities).” It is therefore not surprising that as a result they warned, as is the case in Guyana, “The strategy/program is often aimed at the majority population and a specific cultural perspective or focus is missing.”

Another problem arising with the traditional approach in dealing with suicide has been its strong linkage with mental health services. It’s not that the latter are failing people, but that they are perceived as the appropriate service in the first place. In Guyana mental health is stigmatised as dealing with “mad people”.

The PPP government declared suicide a Public Health issue in 2001 and attempted from 2007 to train individuals within communities in a more nuanced ‘gatekeepers’ program to be available to counsel individuals contemplating suicide. But the initiative appears to have been mothballed for reasons that are not clearly apparent. The then Minister of Health Ramsammy had confessed that funding had always been a constraint but one hoped that faced with the enormity of the problem, this would have been rectified.

Since 2001 there have been a slew of “experts” every five years or so into Guyana, especially after we became the “suicide capital of the world” around 2014. Sadly, they came, they saw and then left reports that never went beyond noting, at best, that most suicide victims are Indian Guyanese. While there has been a slight lowering of the suicide rate, the correlation with Indian/Hindu Guyanese remail an unexplained constant.

Region Five Commander, Superintendent Kurleigh Simon

S

ome 75 per cent of the Police officers stationed in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and according to the Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, they are also working on clamping down on breaches of COVID-19 measures in the region.

During an appearance

on the “Police and You” radio programme, Commander Simon said that ranks are making themselves available to be vaccinated.

However, for those ranks who have not yet been vaccinated, the Commander noted that the administration of the Force has been encouraging them to get fully immunised.

“Some ranks were at the headquarters to see opera-

tions in relations to vaccinations; but in addition to our efforts to sensitise the ranks in terms of vaccination, it is a must that they are dressed with their face masks when performing duties,” he said.

As it relates to persons who will be visiting the various Police stations within the district, the Commander said they will not be turned away if they are unvaccinated, but rather, will be given safety gears.

“We have masks available for even persons who come to stations without mask to give them. We do not turn away anyone from the station.”

The Commander stated also that persons who visit any of the Police stations without a mask, based on the emergency and urgency of the matter, will not be charged for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines.

Speaking on the issue of Police officers breaching the COVID-19 guidelines by

hosting unauthorised parties, the Commander said he had to shut down several of those events.

“I have heard about such situations and I think there was an event called swag Sunday, and my information was Police ranks were involved. Immediately on my resumption from leave and I heard about swag Sunday, I actually shut down swag Sunday.”

“There is the Good Faith beach at Mahaicony, that is another area I shut down. I heard Police ranks were involved…I didn’t wait for the event to happen, I sent out a warning that there should be no such event; on this Sunday, or any Sunday onwards. So, that was totally shut down,” he explained.

Simon further posited that persons are now finding unorthodox ways to congregate and host parties during the pandemic, and he is currently working to have that put to an end. (G9)

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FEATURE

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Discovering the smallest village in Region 6 …Number Naught, a village created by surveyor’s error to say that on many occasions it is very difficult to get people to work.

“If you ask them to work, the first question they ask is, How much you paying?’, and they don’t want to come and work with you for a week or month, they want to do job work and if you are not paying that like that they don’t want to work,” Bassant Lalapersaud a rice farmer said.

TURN TO PAGE 15

Kamile Babsie, one of the oldest residents of the village, stripping sijan at her roadside stall

By Andrew Carmichael

R

egion Six is the easternmost Region of Guyana and borders Suriname. The region has vast tourism potential from the country’s largest beaches to bird watching, fishing and numerous tourist sites.

Guyana’s national bird; the Canje Pheasant, is found in the Black Bush Polder and Upper Canje River.

Most of the region’s economic activity takes place on the Corentyne and that is where we find the small-

est village- just 13 house lots in length.

Situated to the western end of the 52-74 Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is Number Naught Village.

As strange as the name may seem, even stranger is the fact that it falls right between Numbers 54 and 55 Villages.

In that NDC, all of the villages are 750 meters or half a mile in length but it was an error on the part of a surveyor’s error that created Number Naught Village.

In 1958, D. M. Edghill was tasked with marking the villages along the

Corentyne; each village being 150 rods or as it is converted today, 754 meters which is half a mile.

What Edghill did while in the area which will eventually form the 52-74 NDC, was to start surveying from both ends and he was left with 130 meters.

Edghill used a 1789 survey done by W. M. A. Roberts and a 1938 survey by E. C. H. Vlatky to come up with his January 17, 1959 survey of the 5274 NDC and despite using two existing plans, he had 130 meters which he could

not account for. That space did not fall in any of the villages.

Between Number 54 and 55 Villages the space was left and so, Edghill made a new Village with the little space and it was called Number Naught Village panning just 13 house lots on either side of the Corentyne Highway.

Activity

Most of the males work as labourers in the rice industry or as fishermen while others are into cash crop farming. Even with a scarcity of jobs, large rice farmers cry that there is a shortage of labour. That is

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FEATURE

Discovering the smallest village in...

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Village thief

Black Shadow waiting to go to the horseracing track

However, while such jobs are available in the small village of Number Naught, those seeking other jobs have no place within the village to find them.

With fifteen subjects one twenty-year-old has been looking for the past two years and even though she has been looking outside of the village there has been no success.

One of the known characters in the village is ‘Kaka Now C’ who is referred to as the ‘Village thief’.

“We always losing something, from you fowl to you fruits in the tree,” one resident told this publication.

“If you leave you bicycle, he would pick it up and ride away and whenever he stop that is where he would leave it.”

The use of illegal drugs by many youngsters is a cause for concern to many of the older folks there.

However, despite not currently having any teacher, police officers or other public servants living in the village, Number Naught still has its pride.

A cricket club which was feared by many

FROM PAGE 13

other teams on the Corentyne and with the likes of Ramdeen Mohobir the village was proud of its sportsmen. But, some also some very fast horses came from the village. Many recall the lightning speed at which Confucius, Shadow and Golden Arrow went around the track collecting trophies at every outing.

Meanwhile, Black Shadow still remains in the dark as the horse has not been able to take the track since being imported to Guyana because horseracing has been put on hold as a part of the measures introduced to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The village also offers fresh fruits with some bearing all year round as well as fresh vegetables all year.

So, the next time you are on the Upper Corentyne, do not pass without stopping.

Everyone has a fruits tree.

16 FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mohamed’s Enterprises supports academic pursuits of Essequibo’s Parmesh Ramgobin …after teen sold chips to pay lesson fees

T

he struggles of one of the top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) students of Essequibo Coast have not gone unnoticed, as Mohamed’s Enterprises has thrown its support behind the academic pursuits of Parmesh Ramgobin.

On Sunday last, Guyana Times featured the top students of Essequibo Coast.

During the interview, Ramgobin, who secured 15 grade ones and 5 grade twos, told his story about his struggles and his mother’s indefatigable efforts to give him a proper education.

Ramgobin, a teen who attended the Anna Regina Multilateral and who hails from the community of Charity, aims to further his studies in order to achieve an associate degree.

“I must say that it was a tough journey, and the struggles were real. My journey to school was not a smooth ride. From where I live to where I needed to be in order to catch the bus, it was tough walking to get there, especially when the rain pours down and makes it almost impossible to access the road,” Ramgobin had told this publication.

He added, “During my studies, I was surrounded by many beautiful souls, who encouraged me to push a little harder; and that was exactly what I did. I began taking many extra lessons, some that were dismissed until 6 in the evening, and getting transportation to head halfway across the Essequibo Coast was not easy. I would reach at home until 7 in the evenings…it was at that moment I realised that hard work really does pay off.”

Ramgobin also said that he had seen his potential, and after being encouraged by his lesson teacher and parents, he decided to write 20 subjects at the CXC exams.

“These subjects required a lot of effort and hard work, and I was ready for that; but what I didn’t anticipate was COVID-19; no one anticipated that. COVID-19 was one of my biggest struggles.

Being a Garde 10 student, it was imperative that I attend school, as most of the curriculum is done at that level. However, the virus deterred me from that, and there was nothing I could’ve done, as we were kept at home for almost 8 months.

From then onwards, I was faced with numerous struggles,” he said.

Ramgobin told Guyana Times his private extra lessons were costly, and this forced his mother to seek another means of income in order to cover his lessons’ expenses, which included transportation fees.

“Mommy at the time said that my education is important, and because of that, she started to fry chips: plantain, cassava, sweet potato, and chicken foot, and sold them to nearby shops…even at my lessons, I would take her chips to sell, just for me to receive money to pay my lesson fees,” the young man had stated.

Help for the teen

Having read Ramgobin’s story, businessman Nazar Mohamed, who is also from the Essequibo Coast, contacted the teenager and offered to support his academic pursuits. He has already started his studies at the University of Guyana (UG) reading for a degree in Biology.

Mohamed, in an invited comment, stated that he was taken aback by the struggles of the young man,

Businessman, Nazar Mohamed pledges his support for Parmesh Ramgobin’s academic journey

and wanted to assist him in any possible way. As such, the businessman has committed to assist him throughout his academic pursuits.

“It is quite unfortunate to read stories about the struggles of young people as they pursue their academic goals, and it is with this in mind, and more so because I am from the region

(Region Two), I have decided to assist the young man,” Mohamed stated.

In a brief comment, the teenager, who is elated for the generous assistance, stated that it is indeed a blessing to have received such generosity. “Words are not enough to express how grateful I am for such an assistance…because of him, I am now a step clos-

er to achieving my goals… I will always have him in my prayers,” the teenager added.

He further stated that the businessman is generous, and the world needs more like him. Meanwhile, he promises to make full and effective use of the assistance, and will undoubtedly make the businessman proud.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over $2M in prizes up for grabs from Guyana Beverages Inc

G

uyana Beverages Inc (GBI), a subsidiary of regional beverage manufacturer SM Jaleel and Company Limited, have announced a mega campaign, giving away a whopping $2M in cash and prizes for the next nine weeks.

This campaign, dubbed “Turbo Charge My Ride”, comes at the most opportune time for consumers, as they prepare for the festive season. It kicked off on October 18 and will run until December 17, with a total of seven draws, including four grand draws. Prizes include a Honda CBR 250 Super Bike, Samsung S20 Ultra Phone, Panasonic Audio Sound System and Samsung 55” TV. The first draw was on November 5. There will also be three weekly winners of $20,000 each.

General Manager of Guyana Beverages Inc, Samuel Arjoon, said the company understands the restrictions many families are facing now, so this is a way for Turbo to brighten their Christmas. “Believe it or not, Christmas is upon us, and we are happy to extend these giveaways to our very loyal customers. With $2M and prizes to be won, we are excited, and encouraging our customers to get involved, to take full advantage,” Arjoon said.

But how does one get involved? “It’s quite simple, actually. Purchase two bottles of Turbo energy drink, look for the code printed on the bottle (starting with 786), then send us your name, cell number and the 8-digit code via whatsapp 684-8390 or via website link https://woobox.com/otuey9.

“We are going to be making a lot of people happy for the next nine weeks, we are really ecstatic about this promotion,” he explained.

Winners will be randomly selected weekly for nine weeks. The draw will be recorded and posted to Turbo’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Winners’ names will also be published weekly on Turbo’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Turbo’s Instagram page is @turboenergy and Facebook handle is @turbo energy.

Winners under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when claiming their prize.

“Join in the excitement and cash in!” Arjoon added.

18 FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

By Jemima Holmes

G

uyana’s long history of slavery is often punctuated with revolt and resistance involving African slaves.

However, a story that is not quite often told is that of an instance of Amerindian resistance which birthed one of Guyana’s most beautiful tourism destinations.

Situated on the Essequibo Coast, a trail break-off between Taymouth Manor and Alliance leads to this hidden paradise. Lined with vast, lush, green rice fields as a stark reminder of the county’s agricultural prowess, a red dirt road is arguably the focal point, as traversing vehicles bump and teeter along the rustic trail.

After several minutes of travel, the road opens up to a cluster of trees, poignant in the middle of which is a wooden landing, sturdy enough to take on the weight of all those who dare to make the trip. The land-

ing shoots out briefly into the lake, where boats are docked and ready to take their tourists on their majestic expeditions. Or, for the faint at heart, the red dirt road continues in a semi-circle, around to the other side of the lake, where the brave-hearted boat passengers also meet.

At that Lake top location, visitors can take in the marvellous beauty that Capoey is. This is also the point at which most visitors spend their time when planning a trip to Capoey, and while beige-hued beaches and rainbow coloured benabs with thatched roofs may be enough for some, there is much more that this Lake village can offer to Guyana’s tourism product.

The story of Capoey is an interesting one, and it is safe to underscore that there isn’t any one story that sums up the history of this quaint village. In

fact, according to Toshao Ralph Hendricks, the history of the area is rich, and waiting to be gobbled up by those fascinated with the combination of history and scenery.

“This place where you’re standing was once a planta-

A young villager enjoying his swim time in the Capoey Lake

tion. The Amerindians were once slaves right here, and the lake wasn’t like this.

There was a creek running straight down to the sea.

So, when-

Minister Oneidge Wa lrond inspecting some of the locally made tibisir i items in Capoey

ever it dries, you see the embankments, I think cane was once planted here,” Toshao Hendricks told visitors, whilst standing on one of the very embankments he was describing.

He continued his tale about his ancestors’ escape from slavery by explaining, “But we were very smart, we didn’t want to be slaves, so we got away. We went over this side. And the lake wasn’t like this, so when you reach over the opposite side, the moon starts to raise, so that’s how we got its name.”

Capoey, a Wapichan word meaning ‘Land of the Rising Moon’, was given as name to the village surrounding the vast lake, one of the largest in the Essequibo river, alongside Tapakuma and Mainstay.

Although the village has

Wapichan origins, there is also Arawak ancestry enshrined.

Hendricks disclosed why by stating, “At some time or the other, they said, there was a plague that wiped the entire Wapichan tribe out, and then we had an (inhabitation) of Arawaks, so it has a great history.”

The Mission, where most Capoey residents reside, and which houses its school, village office, bakery, library and sports ground, among other things, was founded by Missionaries in the 1900s.

The villagers, while clinging to the Christian teachings, also hold on to the Indigenous practices. As a result, the community is proficient in hunting, farming, timber harvesting and traditional Amerindian craft-making.

The locals navigate the area by addressing various parts as Mission, top and point, and as one would expect, their chief mode of transportation is by boat. Taking into account all these characteristics, Toshao Hendricks is firm in his belief that Capoey can grow into a much larger tourist destination.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM FROM PAGE 18

She make black tobacco with weena and cackaralli bark, that is a big cigarette. She start to chant and sing and chant and sing, and eventually the grandchildren them come with the fish, but they can’t come out back from the water anymore,” Hendricks continued.

Matilda gone. Disappear,” he said with a tone befitting the intriguing folklore.

“And they said that that pond comes straight out at Pomona, so that this is where it’s supposed to be. And if you go into the pond and you get the right track, you can come out till at Pomona. So, that’s

when they come, they are so in awe,” Walrond said.

Touching on some of the aspects of Capoey that would need her Ministry’s attention, she added, “We know that we’re starting from scratch, and that there’re things that need to be done to build out, the roads have to

Villagers served up fresh water coconuts, which are one of many fruits grown in the village

At present, visitors from across Guyana make the trip to spend a day on the beach, but Hendricks is looking to showcase or tell much more about his beloved Capoey.

Based on this desire, the Toshao is working along with the Tourism Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority in order to have a guest house built, so visitors can stay overnight.

“It has a rich history.

What you see here, you can see development here - resorts with many beaches going up right now, and the village itself is going into tourism, and we have some very famous stories, which we can’t tell within two minutes.”

As he stood on the edge of the beach, Hendricks pointed to different parts of the

sprawling Lake Capoey and said, “On the opposite side, we have a second lake, Lake Calabash, and then that way, you see a lot of palm trees.

That is more rich history, we call it Matilda Pond. That pond leads from Matilda straight into Pomona.”

However, to tell the story of Matilda, the Toshao opted to take his visitors out onto the lake, banked in a clump of ‘bizzy-bizzy’, where Guyana’s largest caiman (according to the villagers) is rumoured to reside, either for the scenery or for dramatic effect.

He began: “Matilda was an old lady, but she was not a PI man, she was a PI woman, so she know her stuff.

She grew two granddaughters, and as children, they caught a little fish. They put it in a little pond, and they

used to feed this fish every single day. The fish started to grow and grow, and they also keep on growing, but the fish keep on digging a pond all the time. Digging and digging and digging.

“Eventually, they hit puberty, and their grandmother told them, ‘Do not go to that pond at all’, cause she already know is what kind of fish.”

With his voice growing loud in excitement, the Toshao said, “When she went to the farm, the girls didn’t understand, but they went to bathe in this pond, so the fish just take them away.

When Matilda come home, no grandchildren. She search all around, shout, no grandchildren.

“She realise what happen, so she start to smoke.

Toshao Ralph Hendricks telling the story of Matilda while perched on an open boat

The Toshao paused to look around at his captivated audience, “She had a problem, she tried to bring them back, but she couldn’t get them back on the land anymore, because the fish was a ‘water mumma’. It was a ‘water mumma’ fish. So, what she did, because she love her grandchildren, she decide to go with them.

“So, what she did, she went and clean up her house and everything, make a next big tobacco, and start chanting on her bench, and the bench start jumping, going all the time to the pond. So, when it reach the pond now,

a small legend of the Matilda Pond,” The Toshao concluded his story.

Enthralled by the ancient folklore was Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond.

After taking in all that the lake and village had to offer, Walrond again made a play for Guyanese to explore the destinations within their country.

“Guyana needs to be showcased. To showcase this beauty, to show to the rest of the people that this is what they’re missing out on. To encourage us to participate and sell Guyana for what it is. A lot of people don’t know, but

be done. When we came here as cabinet a few months ago, the Toshao said the smaller roads they needed assistance with. So, it’s a process.”

While the Minister and her company were all fascinated with what Hendricks had to share, the thought that lingers is that there is so much more of Capoey left to be discovered, and of course many more stories to be told.

“I hope your experience here will tell you something.

When you go back, you will tell your friends, your family, ‘Come back to Capoey and visit’,” Toshao Hendricks said with a smile.

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FEATURE

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“…to help people like me fight for their freedom and justice” — Venezuelan NGSA student Emily Vaamode-Beria

(From right) Emily’s father, Brayan Vaamonde; UNHCR Education Officer Samantha Bipat, Emily Vaamonde, RM&MSS Coordinator Rampattie Prashad-Bisnauth, Regional Education Officer Devendre Persaud, and Education Officers attached to the Department of Education (Education Ministry photo)

School, located on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD). She has earned a place at Queen’s College, a school she had always wished to attend.

Emily said she had expected to do well, but never did she expect to turn out as the top student of the Education Minister Priya Manickchand handing over one of the prizes awarded to Emily at the region’s Awards Ceremony for its NGSA Top Performers (Education school.

“I feel very happy that I could’ve Ministry photo) done so well. It was my expectamily Vaamonde-Beria, a their freedom and justice. Some tion, but I did not expect to do so Venezuelan with Guyanese are awaiting their citizenship, well,” Emily said after learning of parentage, has an intention while some are waiting to get into her results in October. to pursue a career in law, because schools,” she noted.

“We are very proud and hapThe 12-year-old gained 515 py. We know she would have done she wants to fulfill her passion to help other migrants, like herself, marks at this year’s National good, because we always give her Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) the support and encourage her to who are relocating to Guyana.

“I would like to be a lawyer, examinations, emerging as the work very hard in her education,” to help people like me fight for top student at the Crane Primary her father Brayan Vaamonde has

E

said.

Placed at the Crane Primary School in 2018, when she emigrated from Venezuela with her sibling and Guyanese parents, Emily revealed that she had difficulty adjusting to the new environment, especially in regard to speaking English. The only English she was exposed to was that of her parents during the years she had resided in Venezuela.

Describing how she adjusted, Emily said, “It was a bit hard with the language barrier, and to understand some of the subjects.”

However, she quickly learned the English words she did not understand, and became a translator for other migrant students at her

school.

In fact, her head teacher, Ms. Vashti Paul, noted that Emily is often called upon by teachers to communicate with other Venezuelan students. “She was always happy to do so,” Ms. Paul said.

She praised the young scholar as being an example of an excellent pupil. “She excels at everything she embarks upon, intentionally or unintentionally. She is self-confident and self-motivated. She is a well-rounded pupil, involved in academic as well as co-curricular activities. Throughout her years at the Crane Primary School, she has always been the pupil that achieves the highest percentage in her class,” the teacher added.

24 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Anna Regina top CSEC performer awarded premed scholarship K

elly Sankar, one of the top ten CSEC performers for 2021, has been offered a full tuition pre-medical scholarship from the Texila American University (TAU), where she will pursue studies in the Doctor of Medicine Programme.

This comes as a result of her stellar performance where she managed to cop 16 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos at the CSEC examinations.

Sankar attended Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary in Region Two One of the top ten CSEC performers (Pomeroon-Supenaam). for 2021, Kelly Sankar, who has Education Minister been granted the scholarship Priya Manickchand will officially hand over Bhaskar noted, “Texila has the scholarship to Sankar always been about diversity during a ceremony sched- and inclusion and one way uled for Monday at Texila’s we can ensure that everyone Providence Campus. has access to university is by In a release, the offering financial support to University noted that schol- those who may have unique arships of this nature form personal circumstancpart of the University’s es”. Bhaskar added, “We Scholarship initiative of en- are proud to welcome Ms suring Guyanese benefit Sankar to the TAU family from programmes. and we must also commend Commenting on TAU’s the Ministry of Education for scholarship initiative, preparing students to excel Founder and President, Saju in academia”.

FEATURE

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HEALTH TIPS

‘Preventing Diabetes’ - WORLD DIABETES DAY; Theme: ‘Access to Diabetes Care – If Not Now, When?

70% of people with prediabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

Fortunately, progressing from prediabetes to diabetes isn’t inevitable.

Although there are certain factors which cannot be changed — such as genes, age, or past behaviours — there are many actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

W

orld Diabetes Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue, and what needs to be done - collectively and individually - for better prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.

New figures reveal that over 537 million adults around the world are living with diabetes. The global prevalence of diabetes has nearly doubled since 1980, rising from 4.7% to 8.5% in the adult population. This reflects an increase in associated risk factors, such as being overweight or obese.

Guyana’s diabetes prevalence was 11.6% in 2020.

Before diabetes is diagnosed, there is a period where blood sugar levels are high, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

This is known as prediabetes. It’s estimated that up to

Ways to prevent diabetes 1. Cut sugar and refined carbs from the diet

Eating sugary foods and refined carbs can put at-risk individuals on the fast track to developing diabetes. Our body rapidly breaks these foods down into small sugar molecules, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. The resulting rise in blood sugar stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, a hormone that helps sugar get out of the bloodstream and into our body’s cells.

In people with prediabetes, the body’s cells are resistant to insulin’s action, so sugar remains high in the blood. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin, attempting to bring blood sugar down to a healthy level. Over time, this can lead to progressively higher blood sugar and insulin levels, until the condition eventually turns into type 2 diabetes.

Many studies have shown a link between the

frequent consumption of sugar or refined carbs and the risk of diabetes. A detailed analysis of 37 studies found that people with the highest intakes of fast-digesting carbs were 40% more likely to develop diabetes than those with the lowest intakes.

2. Work out regularly

Performing physical activity on a regular basis may help prevent diabetes.

Exercise increases the insulin sensitivity of our cells, so, when exercising, less insulin is required to keep the blood sugar levels under control. One study in people with prediabetes found that moderate-intensity exercise increased insulin sensitivity by 51%, and high-intensity exercise increased it by 85%. However, this effect occurred only on workout days. Working out more frequently seems to lead to improvements in insulin response and function.

One study in people at risk of diabetes found that burning more than 2,000 calories weekly via exercise was required to achieve these benefits.

3. Drink water as the primary beverage

Water is by far the most natural beverage to drink.

Using water most of the time also helps us to avoid other beverages that are high in sugar, preservatives, and other questionable ingredients. Sugary beverages like soda and punch have been

linked to an increased risk of both type 2 diabetes and latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).

One large observational study looked at the diabetes risk of 2,800 people.

Those who consumed more than two servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per day had a 99% increased risk of developing LADA, and a 20% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Researchers of one study on the effects of sweet drinks on diabetes stated that neither artificially sweetened beverages nor fruit juice were good beverages for diabetes prevention. By contrast, consuming water may provide benefits. Some studies have found that increased water consumption may lead to better blood sugar control and insulin response.

4. Lose weight, especially in overweight or obese persons

Although not everyone who develops type 2 diabetes is overweight or obese, the majority are. Those with prediabetes tend to carry excess weight in their midsection and around abdominal organs like the liver. This is known as visceral fat. Excess visceral fat promotes inflammation and insulin resistance, which significantly increase the risk of diabetes. Although losing even a small amount of weight can help reduce this risk, studies show that the more weight lost, the more benefits are experienced.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking has been shown to cause or contribute to many serious health conditions, including heart disease, emphysema, and cancers of the lung, breast, prostate and digestive tract. There’s also research linking smoking and second-hand smoke exposure to type 2 diabetes. In an analysis of several studies totalling over one million people, smoking was found to increase the risk of diabetes by 44% in average smokers, and by 61% in people who smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily. Researchers stated that even though many of the men gained weight after quitting, after several smoke-free years, their risk of diabetes was lower than if they’d continued smoking.

6. Portion sizes

Whether or not a lowcarb diet is done, it’s important to avoid large portions of food, in order to reduce the risk of diabetes, especially if overweight or obese.

Eating too much food at one time has been shown to cause higher blood sugar and insulin levels in people at risk of diabetes. On the other hand, decreasing portion sizes may help prevent this type of response.

7. Avoid sedentary behaviours

It’s important to avoid being sedentary to prevent diabetes. Very little physical activity or no activity,

along with sitting all day, would lead to a sedentary lifestyle.

Observational studies have shown a consistent link between sedentary behaviour and the risk of diabetes. A large analysis of 47 studies found that people who spent the highest amount of time per day engaged in sedentary behaviour had a 91% increased risk of developing diabetes. Changing sedentary behaviour can be as simple as standing up from a desk and walking around for a few minutes every hour. Unfortunately, it can be hard to reverse firmly entrenched habits.

8. Eat a high-fibre diet

Getting plenty of fibre is beneficial for gut health and weight management.

Studies in obese, elderly and prediabetic individuals have shown that it helps keep blood sugar and insulin levels low. In the digestive tract, soluble fibre and water form a gel that slows down the rate at which food is absorbed. This leads to a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels.

Rather than viewing prediabetes as a stepping stone to diabetes, it may be helpful to see it as a motivator for making changes that can help reduce the risk. Eating the right foods and adopting other lifestyle behaviours that promote healthy blood sugar and insulin levels would give the best chance at avoiding diabetes.

26 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 5 roadways deemed deadliest in past 2 weeks

Region Five Commander, Superintendent Kurleigh Simon

C

ommander for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Superintendent Kurleigh Simon is of the belief that his district can be categorised as the deadliest in terms of road accidents, where there has been a surge in these fatalities in the past two weeks.

The Commander made this comment during an interview on the programme, “Police and You,” where he highlighted some fatal accidents that had occurred in

the region recently.

“Over the past two weeks, my region was the deadliest region in terms of road fatalities. Three of that four I would consider them freak accidents…in one instance, we had a young lady riding her motorcycle, attempted to U-turn and fell onto the roadway…”

“The other incident was at Drill Turn Mahaicony, two young men on a motorcycle, they lost control and rolled into the trench, no one hit them. The other one was

in Branch Road Mahaicony, the young men in the car that drove off the road and into the canal,” he said.

Some of the recent fatalities in the region involved the death of 44-year-old Petal Payne and 23-year-old Kevin Peters, both of whom died after losing control of the bike they were riding.

Reports are that Peters was proceeding west along the southern drive lane at a fast rate. While negotiating a right turn, the motorcyclist lost control of the bike and ended up in a nearby trench.

As a result, the driver and pillion rider received injuries about their bodies.

They were assisted out of the trench by public-spirited citizens and taken to Mahaicony Public Hospital where they were admitted patients.

Whilst being treated, the driver succumbed and the pillion rider is being kept for observation.

Meanwhile, 44-yearold Payne died along the Airy Hall Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Payne was reportedly proceeding south along the eastern side of Airy Hall Public Road when she lost control of the bike whilst negotiating a sharp right turn.

As a result, she fell onto the roadway and received injuries to her head and about her body. She was later pronounced dead.

As such, the Commander noted that there are several initiatives in place to curb road accident and fatalities in the region.

“We have started earlier in this year to do traffic management. We know the rush hour periods in the morning… we put vehicles escorting the traffic out… in the afternoon we do it on the reverse … what we find that in the absence of that escort, persons speed,” the Commander said. (G9)

F

GIS DAY

easibly the most significant concern for all of us today is shielding the environment in which we live and breathe.

Today, well-developed GIS systems are used to protect the environment. The GIS has become an integrated, well developed, and successful tool in disaster management and mitigation. GIS can help with risk management and analysis by displaying which areas are likely to be prone to natural or manmade disasters.

Let us turn our attention for a little while to the GIS system.

Before we begin, let us define this system.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system of computer software, hardware and data; personnel that make it possible to enter, manipulate, analyse, and present data, and the information that is tied to a location on the earth's surface.

(Thurgood, 1995) At the Environmental Protection Agency, the GIS Unit is responsible for mapping and identifying critical points. These can then be used to help ascertain geographic or spatial information, which in turn helps the staff understand the complex interrelationships of natural resources and human population as they relate to potential or known pollution sources of a project. This additional information is beneficial to us in accomplishing our mission of protecting human health and the environment.

GIS can also display and analyse aerial photographs. This is a critical part in analysing digital information which can be overlaid on photographs to provide environmental data analysts with more familiar views of landscapes and associated data. GIS can provide a quick comparative view of hazards (highly prone areas), risks (areas of high risk which may occur), and areas to be safeguarded; and this is very essential as it relates to the work at the EPA. With the help of GIS information, the Agriculture and Forestry Departments at the EPA can now adequately manage the forest activities, and ensure that developers are complying with their permit conditions.

With all that said, let us be taken away with the fact that the use of GIS data has a profound impact on business and industry, as well as on the general public. If the technology were eliminated, we would realise, to a great extent, the overarching importance of GIS data in our daily lives and at work.

GIS DAY 2021

GIS Day is a worldwide event that celebrates the technology of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The day was started in 1999 by Ralph Nader, and was intended for geography awareness. Here are some tips, courtesy of gisgeography.com, to celebrate GIS Day. GEOCACHING – Pull out your GPS or phone, because it’s time to go geocaching. This is a fun activity in which you track down treasures, and you can include anyone.

OPENSTREETMAP – The OpenStreetMap movement has the power to move mountains (literally). Join the OpenStreetMap team and map out your part of the world.

Who knows, you could even learn something new about it.

SATELLITE VIEWING – Silently, satellites orbit our Earth for a range of remote-sensing applications & uses. If you don’t have a telescope, then you can use your phone as a satelliteaugmented reality app. Point it to the sky and discover new satellites.

GOOGLE EARTH – Who doesn’t like to spin the globe in Google Earth? Now, the location-based application built by Google lets you tour the world without physically being there.

ESRI STORY MAP – Whatever it is that you decide to do on GIS Day, tweet it for the world to see. Of course, Esri will add it to their GIS Day story map to see where and how many are involved in the celebration.

Sources

https://nobelsystemsblog.com/gis-data-business/#8_ Disaster_Management_and_Mitigation https://www.nationalgeographic.org /encyclopedia/ geographic-information-system-gis/ https://gisgeography.com/gis-day/ You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

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

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Attack on Prosecutor’s house

“This is my career…I’m not going to run away” – Police Prosecutor A

s Police continue its probe into the riddling of bullets on the home of Police Prosecutor, Corporal Hemchand Sukhna, who is stationed at the Diamond Magistrates’ Court, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he is adamant that this will not deter him from his duties.

“This is my career and it’s not like I am going to remove from here…I am not going to run away, or show people that I am frightened but I am afraid inside… I have been living here for 15 odd years and I don’t have no issue with anybody…,” the prosecutor said.

Sukhna, who is still shaken by the incident, said the shooters have created an atmosphere of trepidation, which he is yet to recover from, adding that the gunmen have rained terror on him and his family.

In an interview with <<<Guyana Times>>>, the Corporal said he had received threats from someone whom he suspects is behind the shooting incident, and the Police are currently putting the pieces together to confirm his suspicion.

“There is a particular person that I would have given the Commanders his name because he was released from prison and during his trial, he would have threatened me…I thought those were empty threats but I

The damages to Sukhna’s fence

now see something totally different,” he said.

Sukhna added that as a Police officer, one is constantly greeted with events and situations that threaten their lives, but he fears for his life even more now that he “has to keep looking over” his shoulders.

“I don’t know if it can be the same person, if it can be somebody else, and sometimes another person can say okay somebody did it already, they can also come and shoot up by me,” the man expressed.

In addition, he said that he does not know what form of protection he will be taking or will be given to guarantee his safety. He said he

now fears for his colleagues across Guyana who are prosecutors, and hopes that they do not face the same fate.

“Until you face it or actually feel it then you know exactly what goes down.

People threaten you daily; in court, out of court but sometimes you don’t take that for anything. There are conversations between me and the Commander and the Commissioner, and I am not sure what might go down, but I know that something is in the pipeline,” he said.

The prosecutor’s home came under gunfire at around 21:00h on Sunday while they were in their yard.

The family, while social-

ising, heard loud explosions sounding like gunshots and ran for cover.

It was then two men wearing hoodies and armed with guns were seen standing in front of the home firing shots into Sukhna’s yard and in their direction.

The shooting, which was captured on CCTV cameras, lasted for about a minute before the gunmen made good their escape.

Just after the incident, Police ranks responded to the scene, where two .40 spent shells and five .22 spent shells were recovered from the scene.

According to Sukhna, Police are currently reviewing a second CCTV camera that should reveal the identity of the shooters, as investigations continue.

“They [the Police] are

The spent shells that were found after the shooting

presently pursing another footage which I think once that is acquired, it will bring more clarity as to the person, or one of the persons whose name I would have given as one of the shooters along with somebody else.”

Sukhna has been work-

ing in the Force for about 20 years, and this is the second attack on his life. The first incident occurred some eight years ago when he was beaten and robbed after exciting a bus on the Craig Public Road. (G9)

30 NEWS MoneyGram blocks foreign funding for Norton’s PNC leadership bid SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…cries foul, despite status as “Politically Exposed Person” created by APNU/AFC in AML law

P

eople’s National Congress Reform (PNC R) leadership contender Aubrey Norton is crying foul after a transaction at a MoneyGram location was delayed because he is considered a Politically Exposed Person (PEP).

A PEP, as defined by the Anti Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, includes politicians and those closely associated with them. According to the law, such persons are high risk customers for financial institutions and susceptible to corruption.

As such, the AML/CFT Act spells out the need for caution when conducting business with PEPs and for transactions to be reported.

The Act was in fact passed in June 2015, under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government. Despite this, Norton in a social media post alleged he was discriminated against by MoneyGram just because of his political affiliation.

“I have consistently heard that MoneyGram questions persons on their political affiliation when

they seek to receive money that is sent for them…

I had my own experience with political discrimination at MoneyGram this morning. I went to a MoneyGram location. I gave the cashier the reference number which she placed in the computer.”

“She immediately said you are Aubrey Norton a political figure I can’t [give] you any money since headquarters has to approve before I can pay you. She proceeded to tell me this is so because I am a political figure. I believe my right was violated and it needs to be in the public domain. No

business should discriminate against anyone based on political affiliation,” Norton said in his post.

Calls to MoneyGram by this publication was met by an automated system.

The law that APNU/ AFC passed in 2015 has long been described by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) as deficient. So much so that now in power, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has identified a legislative agenda in order to remedy the deficiencies in the AML/CFT Act and related legislation as identified by the National Risk Assessment (NRA).

Earlier this year, Attorney General Anil Nandlall had noted the importance of the assessment related to the oil and gas sector, as Guyana has become an oil-producing nation, it is critical to ensure that the AML/CFT apparatus is adequate in addressing the risks and threats that Guyana may face.

The Attorney General had further outlined that the Government of Guyana has boosted the prosecutorial capacity with a view to improving the effectiveness of investigations, prosecutions and convictions.

It was only on Friday that Norton had taken part in the party’s Nomination Day activities, alongside other leadership contenders Dr Richard Van WestCharles and incumbent Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon.

PNCR’s 21st biennial congress is set for December, where the election will be facilitated.

Nomination Day allowed for groups within the party to select the leader, chairman, two vice chairpersons, treasurer and 15 members of the Central Executive Committee who

PNCR leadership contender Aubrey Norton

they will vote for on the Election Day. The PNCR – the leading party in the APNU/AFC coalition Opposition – has been embroiled in an internal divisive power struggle since the party’s loss at the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Hence, there was mounting pressure for congress to be held to elect new leadership, including incumbent PNCR Leader, former President David Granger, who did not contest for the post.

At the party’s last biennial congress in 2018, Granger was re-elected leader after the post was uncontested.

Men slapped with theft charges

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Charged: Azad Mohamed

hree men, all of whom were charged, were hauled before separate courts for break and entry and theft.

In the first case, Orin Burnette called “Monkey Man” appeared at No 51 Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alex Moore via Skype.

It was reported that the accused was charged for simple larceny under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Police said the man was arrested on Wednesday last after he stole a quantity of clothing valued $71,200.

The accused appeared at Number 51 Magistrate’s Court and the charge was read and he was released on $200,000 bail. The case was adjourned to January 6, 2022.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old Azad Mohamed of Annandale North, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and 19-year-old

Charged: Rasheed Mohamed

Charged: Orin Burnette, called “Monkey Man”

Rasheed Mohamed of lot 47 Annandale North, ECD, appeared at Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where the charge was read to them and they both pleaded not guilty.

The 19 and 27-year-old were charged for burglary contrary to Section 233 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Bail was refused and both men have been remanded to jail. The case will continue on January, 10, 2022.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1st time mother complains of filthy conditions at New Amsterdam Hospital …“cleaning has to be continuous” – Regional Chairman

By Andrew Carmichael

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first-time mother reportedly contracted an infection after being put on a dirty delivery table at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Twenty-three-yearold Narvanie Beerbusham of Albion Front, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), said the conditions at the New Amsterdam Hospital were so filthy that she refused to brush her teeth during her period of hospitalisation at the facility.

In fact, it resulted in her getting an infection

and she is pleading with authorities to raise the standards of the health institution.

Beerbusham was admitted on November 1, and delivered a 2.8kg baby at 04:10h the same day.

The woman gave a very grim description of the labour room as she recounted her experience.

Poor condition

“My real problem was the condition of the place. I couldn’t stay in there that is why I try to come out as early as I could.”

The stench in both the labour room and the

washroom in the ward, Beerbusham said, has left an embedded impact on her life.

According to the young mother, both areas are not cleaned as often as they should be.

She told this publication when a mother is finished giving birth, the table in the labour room should be sterilised before another patient is made to lie on it.

“The place stink… stink, stink, stink. I scorn to go on the bed but just because of pain I had no option. When I ready to go up on the bed then I see the

midwife spray something under the sponge thing on the bed because she notice like the smell was heavy.

I thought it was the thing in the bin but it wasn’t that the bed was smelling like that,” Beerbusham described.

She said when she went to the ward things did not get better.

“The washroom and that place was another mess. To me like the entire hospital like it is in a mess.

The water in the bathroom is about ankle height… is share bloody water because is pregnant woman.”

Sheep roaming through New Amsterdam Hospital

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32 NEWS 1st time mother complains of filthy...

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FROM PAGE 31

First-time mom Narvanie Beerbusham and her bundle of joy resting at home

With her first child, Beerbusham on Monday morning for which she is thankful even though she was not seen by a doctor during her delivery and after.

However, she pointed out that during her stay she refused to even brush her teeth because of the condition of the washroom

area.

The woman explained that she subsequently got an infection which she believes she picked up from the labour room.

According to her, there were two persons in the labour room.

“Two persons did stitch me. The boy he training to be a midwife. He delivered

me and the lady stitch a part and he stitch a part.

The par that he stitch, that is the part that open back.

Subsequently, she went to the Port Mourant Hospital after developing some complications.

“From the time I climb up on the bed there the doctor say that I get infection and I got to go the next day

fuh she treat it.”

Beerbusham further related that she was advised by a doctor at the Port Mourant Hospital to revisit the New Amsterdam Hospital.

However, she refused to act on that advice and instead went to a private hospital where she had to pay $160,000 for a surgery that was performed and a threeday hospitalisation.

“I can’t go back there [New Amsterdam Hospital].

For nothing I would go back there,” she said.

Goats inside hospital “I myself have received some of these complaints.

In fact, I have seen some of the footage that someone has sent to me with goats invading the Hospital,” Region Six Chairman David Armogan who has oversight for the New Amsterdam Hospital said in an invited comment.

“That should never happen. The fence is not damaged. So, the only place they could have come in from is the gate and e have guards at there gates.”

According to the Chairman, in another incident this week two per-

sons went to the hospital for treatment after being involved in a fight in the town.

“What happened after that is that six others went into the hospital to continue the fight in the hospital. That matter was not reported to us neither to the Regional Health Officer.”

During the incident, several pieces of equipment and furniture at the hospital were damaged. The police have been asked to intervene and several persons have since been arrested.

Poor reporting

Armogan said many instances which occur at the region’s premier medical institution are not being reported. This, he said, prevents the appropriate action from being taken.

“This is not good for the image of the hospital,” he added.

He also pointed out that security guards are demanding that visitors to the hospital pay them to enter if they are attempting to go outside of the prescribed visiting hours.

As it relates to the celandines of the institution,

the Chairman noted that he continues to reports of negligence.

He pointed an accusing finger at the maids saying that they would only clean once per day.

“Cleaning has to be continuous because there are some patients who can’t help themselves. As a result, you can’t be cleaning only in the morning and you finish and sit down for the rest of the day. This is one of the things we have to put in place.”

He said a meeting was planned with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hospital for Thursday afternoon to discuss some of the issues.

Asked whether the regional administration was satisfied with the performance of the CEO, Armogan said once they keep getting complaints it means that things are not going right.

“If things are not going right then whoever is heading the section had to account for it,” he said.

Armogan is suggesting that the cleaning of the hospital should be put in the hands of a private firm.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Filaria survey to assess transmission after mass drug distribution

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he Health Ministry has initiated a survey as part of the Lymphatic Filariasis National Elimination Programme, to evaluate transmission and other factors following the mass administration campaign.

According to the Ministry, the survey is in collaboration with the Pan American Health

Organisation (PAHO).

Throughout the country, two consecutive rounds of Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine and Albendazole (IDA) was used as a triple-drug combination. Until December 5, the Ministry will assess the levels of acceptability, risk perception and participation in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam),

Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Persons over the age of 20 are eligible to participate.

La Parfaite Harmonie and Tuschen in Region Three will run until November 15; along with Lodge, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke Highway

and Plasiance, Region Four.

It is recommended by the World Health Organisation to roll out a mass administration of medicines in countries seeking to eliminate filariasis completely. Guyana would have completed the administration of the first round of pills and this year, the last round was administered to citizens.

For the campaign, training was done for 1400 pill distributors, 170 field officers, 20 regional coordinators, and eight national supervisors spanning 138 health facilities across the country. For those persons who have already contracted filaria, the Ministry was working on treatment to prevent them from develop-

ing a disability.

Before the end of the exercise, over 360,000 persons had taken the pills across the country. For Guyana to achieve a filaria elimination certificate, the aim was to achieve 70 per cent coverage.

The disease is caused by three species of thread-like nematode worms, known as filariae – Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. Male worms range from three to four centimetres in length, and female worms eight to 10 centimetres.

The worms target the lymphatic system, which is an essential component of the body’s immune system as they are essentially

a network of nodes and vessels that maintain the delicate fluid balance between blood and body tissues. But when someone is infected, the male and female worms form “nests” together in this vital system.

The World Health Organisation data shows that some 900 million people in 49 different countries are at risk of contracting filaria. In Guyana, 90 per cent of the population was also at risk for contracting the disease. While diethylcarbamazine (DEC)-medicated salt was the first move used

by Government to eliminate filariasis, the pills were recommended for its advantage and later implemented by the Ministry. (G12)

34 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 2 Housing Office set Investment in primary healthcare needed for COVID-19 for year-end completion

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espite a number of setbacks, the new Regional Housing Office for Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will be completed and fully functioning by the end of this year.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves made this commitment, assuring residents that while they will continue to engage residents of Essequibo on a move to address age-old issues, the Housing and Water Ministry’s plans are in place to straighten its regional services.

A sum of $10 million has been set aside for the rehabilitation and furnishing of a building at Anna Regina, which will serve as the Regional Housing Office.

With a sufficient space and requisite staff, the CEO said more long-standing housing matter will be addressed in a timelier manner.

Meanwhile the CEO concluded his visit to the region

with a meeting at Suddie’s Learning and Resource Centre where himself and team engaged residents with pending housing matters. A number of on-the-spot allocations were also done.

Since taking office, Government has moved to decentralise these services by budgeting monies for both facilities and human resources in the various regions. In June, officials turned the sod for a new Guyana Water Inc and Central Housing and Planning Authority regional office at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Under the 2021 budgetary allocation to Guyana Water Inc, the sum of $23 million was budgeted for the construction of the new office and construction commenced in September.

Already under the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Regional Housing Officers have been appointed in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Further plans are in place for a regional office for Guyana Water Inc in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) which will house the first-ever CH&PA regional office.

After spending one year in office, Government had processed close to 2000 titles and transports, while starting construction on 1000 houses and conducting massive infrastructural work – a $14 billion investment in the housing sector.

This year, the housing sector received a total allocation of $8.9 billion in the budget.

Of this sum, $6 billion will go towards infrastructure and utility works in new and existing areas. This will pave the way for the allocation of over 10,000 house lots and 7000 land titles to citizens.

The Government has also gone countrywide with its “Dream Realised” house lot distribution campaign - an exercise that has so far distributed over 4000 house lots and over 500 land transports.

recovery – PAHO Director

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s countries in the Americas report severe disruptions in essential primary healthcare services, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has cautioned that urgent investment is key to improving health systems continuously weakened by the pandemic.

Director of PAHO, Dr Carissa F Etienne expressed at a media briefing that with cases rising in some parts of the region following a twomonth decline, it is vital that countries remain vigilant and prioritise public spending in heath so that no one is left behind.

“Chronic underinvestment has made the Americas vulnerable to COVID-19. Few countries invest as much public spending in their health services as they should, leaving them prone to shortages in health personnel and essential supplies… With financial institutions making loans available and donors pledging support, there has never been a better time for countries to take advantage of these resources to maximise public investment in health,” she outlined.

With the pandemic siphoning financial and human resources, many countries have reported interruptions in vital areas, such as routine immunisation programmes, support for chronic conditions and mental and reproductive health services.

Despite these disruptions, public investment in health

PAHO Director Dr Carissa F Etienne

has risen in many countries to ramp up ICU capacity, increase hospital services, and deploy COVID-19 vaccines.

But these increases cannot be a short-term trend, the Director said.

All countries should increase public expenditures in their health systems to the recommended six per cent of national GDP or higher and should ensure that 30 per cent of this funding goes to first level care.

“Primary care, as you have heard us say over and over again, is the backbone of our health systems. It’s at the primary care level that COVID testing, contact tracking and tracing and immunisations take place…As we learned with COVID-19, health is at the core of vibrant societies. It keeps people working, kids in schools, companies productive and economies growing,” Dr Etienne shared.

Turning to the COVID-19 situation in the region, the Director said that in the past week countries report-

ed 700,000 new COVID infections and 13,000 deaths.

Several countries, including parts of Colombia and Bolivia and the Southern Cone countries, are seeing upward trends after relaxing public health measures.

In the Caribbean, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico have reported a drop in new infections while cases are rising in the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. High numbers of cases are also being seen in the Cayman Islands and Dominica.

Vaccination rates, however, continue to pick up pace, reaching an overall coverage of 48 per cent in Latin America and the Caribbean.

PAHO continues to work with manufacturers to secure additional doses. The organisation has signed supply agreements with three manufacturers of WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) vaccines and is in final negotiations with a fourth supplier of mRNA vaccines.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

35

Regional

OAS members condemn Nicaragua elections, urge action T Permanent Council, 25 nations voted in favor of the resolution and seven member states abstained, including Mexico, Honduras and Bolivia.

The resolution states the Nov 7 elections were "not free, fair or transparent and lack democratic legitimacy."

It also instructs the Permanent Council to undertake an assessment of the situation and to "take appropriate action", without specifying what that would be.

Nicaragua's Government rejected the accusations.

he Organisation of American States (OAS) on Friday adopted a resolution criticising Nicaragua's presidential elections, panning President Daniel Ortega's electoral victory over the weekend as unfair and urging future action.

Ortega clinched a fourth consecutive term in office on Sunday after jailing political rivals ahead of a vote that US President Joe Biden termed a "a pantomime election that was neither free nor fair, and most certainly not democratic."

In a vote by the OAS

"We have witnessed another attack against the free, dignified and sovereign people of Nicaragua, which will go down in history as one of the worst aggressions against democracy," said Michael Campbell, Nicaragua's representative in the OAS. Previous efforts by the OAS to pressure Nicaragua's Government to embark on a more democratic path have yielded almost no results, with Ortega consolidating his power and locking up all his presidential opponents.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuban opposition figure arrested T&T talks enhancing border security with UNODC ahead of banned protest

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uban dissident, journalist and human rights campaigner Guillermo Farinas has been arrested on Friday, his family said.

His arrest on Friday comes three days before opposition figures plan to hold a protest that has been banned by the Government.

“They arrested him today.

They took him around 2:10pm [19:10 GMT],” Farina’s mother Alicia Hernandez told the AFP news agency.

She said her son is on antibiotics because of a urinary tract infection.

“An ambulance and two Police patrols came and took him to the Arnaldo Milian Castro Hospital,” Hernandez said.

“They told me that tomorrow a prosecutor will visit him to charge him, but we don’t know what for.”

Farinas, 59, is a psychologist by training and

Guillermo Farinas won the European Parliament's 2010 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

has worked as an independent journalist and human rights activist. He won the European Parliament’s 2010 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Over the last 20 years or so, Farinas has undertaken 23 hunger strikes to protest the Cuban Government,

considerably damaging his health.

He is a member of the Patriotic Union of Cuba, the most active political opposition group in the country.

Farinas’ arrest comes before a planned opposition-led demonstration set for Monday to demand the release of political prisoners in Cuba.

The gathering has been banned by the island’s communist Government, but organisers plan to go ahead with it anyway.

Government authorities allege the protest organisers are backed by Washington and are seeking to provoke a change in Government.

President Miguel DiazCanel said his supporters were “ready to defend the revolution” in the face of “an imperial strategy (of the United States) to try to destroy the revolution.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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here has been a renewed commitment to the strengthening of Trinidad and Tobago’s border security framework, following discussions between the Minister of National Security, and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

An official statement from the Ministry reported that on Thursday November 11, Minister Fitzgerald Hinds MP met with Bo Shakira Harris, Associate Programme Management Officer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Regional Coordinator for the Airport Communication Project

(AIRCOP).

According to the Ministry’s release, AIRCOP is a multi-agency project implemented by UNODC in partnership with INTERPOL and the World Customs Organisation (WCO). It aims at strengthening the capacities of international airports to detect and intercept drugs, other illicit goods and highrisk passengers, including foreign terrorist fighters, in origin, transit and destination countries, with the overall objective of disrupting criminal networks.

The UNODC/AIRCOP representative, Bo Shakira Harris, reported to Minister Hinds that from its inception to the pres-

ent, AIRCOP has produced tangible results, which the UNODC hopes to replicate in Trinidad and Tobago.

Minister Hinds restated T&T’s commitment to ensuring that the necessary administrative and legal provisions are in place to facilitate the project’s success, given its importance to this country’s safety and security.

Harris also stated she welcomed the opportunity to establish and build upon existing relationships with law enforcement officials in other regions of the world, through inter-regional training and the shared use of intelligence platforms. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Ecuador prison violence leaves at least 68 dead, dozens injured

Germany, ECLAC reaffirm A strategic partnership to promote recovery in the Caribbean

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he United Nations' Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and Germany have reaffirmed their strategic partnership to promote the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building forward better in the region.

ECLAC said both parties, in their virtual meeting, placed equality and environmental sustainability at the centre of the post-pandemic recovery phase during their biennial consultations.

“Both parties at the meeting agreed to maintain a continuous dialogue about strategic international processes and other themes of mutual interest, and to re-

new their cooperation programme for the next two years (until 2024) on three specific areas: sustainable and inclusive smart cities in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; “recover better” from the crisis unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic; and the regional cooperation programme for sustainable mining in the Andean countries of the region (known as MinSus).”

The meeting was led by Volker Oel, Deputy Director General for Latin America, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); and Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC. In her opening remarks, ECLAC's executive secre-

tary underscored that in the past two decades the strategic alliance between Germany and ECLAC has provided important services to the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

She also acknowledged and thanked Germany for including the Latin America and the Caribbean region in its global response plans to the emergency arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

Oel noted that Latin America and the Caribbean has been the region most affected by the pandemic.

Bárcena and Oel signed a protocol of understanding with the agreements reached in the meeting on the cooperation program between both parties. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

t least 68 prisoners were killed and more than two dozen injured in overnight violence at Ecuador's Penitenciaria del Litoral prison, the Government said on Saturday, in what officials characterise as fights among rival gangs.

The penitentiary, located in the southern city of Guayaquil, is the same prison where 119 inmates were killed in late September in the country's worst-ever incident of prison violence.

The Government has blamed disputes between drug trafficking gangs for control of prisons for the violence.

Dozens were gathered outside the prison waiting for news of loved ones, who many said they had not heard from since Friday afternoon.

Cristina Monserrat, 58, still has not heard from her younger brother who has been in prison for a year.

"What is happening inside is reprehensible, people killing each other and the sad-

Inmates of the Regional de Guayaquil prison hold banners reading "We want peace," "The law is killing us," "Peace, no to violence" after unrest was reported since the country's worst-ever riots broke out a few days ago at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayaquil, Ecuador October 2, 2021

dest thing is they have no conscience," said Monserrat.

"My brother is alive, my heart tells me so."

President Guillermo Lasso, Monserrat added, must do more to help the poor. Ecuador's prison system has come under harsh spotlight in recent years for overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions and organized crime.

Lasso in September de-

clared a 60-day state of emergency in the prison system, which freed up government funding and allowed for military assistance in control of the prisons.

On Saturday, the President called on the constitutional court to allow the military to enter prisons, instead of providing only outside security. (Excerpt from Reuters)

36

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

Around the World

Countries strike climate deal with coal compromise at COP26

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early 200 countries at the United Nations COP26 summit in Scotland have agreed a deal to contain the world’s climate crisis – but observers said it did not go far enough to tackle dangerous warming.

The final text of the Glasgow summit was finally adopted on Saturday, a day after the talks had initially been scheduled to end and following a last-minute proposed change by India that called on parties to “phase-down” rather than

COP26 President Alok Sharma making his concluding remarks during the conference in Glasgow

Biden and China’s Xi will hold virtual meeting on Monday

Chinese President Xi Jinping shaking hands with then US Vice President Joe Biden (L) inside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing December 4, 2013

U

S President Joe Biden will hold a virtual meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Monday, the White House said, talks Washington hopes will create some stability amid increased tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

It is expected to be the leaders’ most extensive meeting under the Biden Administration and will follow on from a telephone call between the two on Sept 9.

Washington and Beijing have been sparring on issues from the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic to China’s expanding nuclear arsenal. US officials believe direct engagement with Xi is the best way to prevent ties spiraling toward conflict.

“The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition ... as well as ways to work together where our interests align,” White House Press

Secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. “President Biden will make clear US intentions and priorities and be clear and candid about our concerns.”

Beijing is also keen to avoid confrontation as Xi faces a crucial year ahead with China’s hosting of the Winter Olympic Games and a key Communist Party Congress where he looks to secure an unprecedented third term.

China’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday the leaders would exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of common interests in the summit, which will take place on Tuesday morning in Asia.

A senior US official said Biden would make clear he welcomes stiff competition with China, but doesn’t want conflict, and played down the likelihood of a long list of outcomes often tied to top-level meetings. (Excerpt from Reuters)

“phase-out” coal, the single biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

The agreement is the first ever UN climate deal to explicitly plan to reduce coal, but several countries – including small, low-lying island states – said they were deeply disappointed by the watering down of the crucial language.

Others slammed the revision as odious and against the rules, but said it was something they had to accept to bring the two weeks

of talks in Glasgow to a close.

COP26 President Alok Sharma said he was “deeply sorry” for how the summit ended. “May I just say to all delegates I apologise for the way this process has unfolded and I am deeply sorry,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion after hearing from vulnerable nations which expressed their anger over the changes to the text.

“I also understand the deep disappointment but I think as you have noted, it’s also vital that we protect this package.”

Observers said the agreement fell far short of what is needed to avert dangerous warming and help countries adapt or recoup damages from the disasters already unfurling globally.

Laurence Tubiana, the architect of the Paris deal, told AFP that “COP has failed to provide immediate assistance for people suffering now”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Sudan: Medical group says 5 killed in anti-coup protests

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ive demonstrators were killed in pro-democracy protests in Sudan on Saturday, according to the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors.

The group said four protesters died of gunshot wounds, and a fifth from choking on tear gas during clashes with security forces.

Tens of thousands took to the streets for mass anti-coup protests in cities and towns across the country.

Police denied using live wounds, saying they had only used “minimum force”.

State television reported that 39 Police were “severely wounded” in the clashes.

The deadly violence comes days after a military-led ruling council was announced.

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was named as head of the council on Thursday. The coup leader had already dissolved the civilian arm of the Government’s power-shar-

ing agreement, arrested civilian leaders, and declared a state of emergency last month.

The military’s takeover on October 25 has drawn international condemnation.

Protesters have taken to the streets regularly since, demanding the military government step back and allow a peaceful transition to civilian rule.

Saturday’s protests went ahead in spite of a heavy security presence.

Demonstrations were also held in solidarity abroad, including in Paris and Berlin.

Reports of the five deaths were carried on the Facebook page of the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors, which also reported a “large number of people” had been hurt.

The medics added that security forces had stormed a hospital in the city of Omdurman and detained several injured people.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Egypt: Scorpions kill 3 and injure hundreds in Aswan

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corpions in Egypt have stung three people to death in the southern city of Aswan after heavy storms brought them into the streets and homes.

Some 450 more people were injured by scorpion stings, a Health Ministry official said.

The hail and thunder storm in the area near the

River Nile on Friday was particularly violent.

Scorpions are regularly washed into the streets by heavy rain, while snakes have also been disturbed.

Extra doses of anti-venom have been provided to medical centres in villages near mountains and deserts, a health official told AlAhram news agency.

Doctors have been pulled away from giving vaccinations to treat scorpion bites, the official added.

People have been urged to stay at home and avoid places with many trees.

Egypt is home to fattailed scorpions that are among the most deadly in the world. Venom from a black fat-tail can kill hu-

mans in under an hour.

Symptoms related to widespread venom effects can include difficulty breathing, muscle twitching and unusual head movements.

Anti-venom is used as a preventative measure before symptoms arise, but can also work once symptoms start to worsen. (Excerpt from BBC News)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Options traders are betting on US$300 oil

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dventurous options traders placed bets this week on oil prices hitting US$250 and even US$300 per barrel, betting for the first time this year that oil could exceed US$250, ICE Futures Europe data cited by Bloomberg showed.

On Thursday, options traders traded the equivalent of 5 million barrels of Brent at US$250 and US$300 call options.

Call options give traders the right—but not the obligation—to buy assets at a certain price, the so-called strike price, by a certain date.

The amounts of call options at triple-digit strikes have soared in recent weeks, suggesting that more speculative traders are attracted by potential quick profits from options trades, which are relatively low-cost ways to speculate on the direction of an asset.

While US$250 per barrel bets are the first call options traded this year, some traders have already bet on US$200 and US$215 oil in recent weeks, according to Bloomberg data.

Last month, exchange trade data showed that as oil prices hit multi-year highs, some speculative traders were betting on the options market that oil could exceed US$100 a barrel by the end of this year and even reach a record US$200 per barrel by the end of 2022.

The resurgent activity with bets on US$100 or US$200 oil shows that more traders are getting into the energy market amid the global energy crunch, and more of those speculators are bullish on oil prices.

US$100 a barrel oil is no longer an outrageous bet, as it was at the start of this year, and even some investment banks believe that crude prices could hit the triple digits as soon as in the middle of next year.

Most recently, Bank of America said that Brent Crude prices could rise to as much as US$120 per barrel in the first half of 2022 due to the global gas crisis, booming air travel with international flights returning, and a comeback of Asian demand. (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

New Delhi to shut schools, construction sites as pollution worsens

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chools in New Delhi will be closed for a week and construction sites for four days, the Indian capital’s Chief Minister said on Saturday, as the city tries to protect people in a worsening air pollution crisis.

Arvind Kejriwal said talks on a potential complete lockdown in the capital were also underway, but any decision would only be taken after consultation with the Central Government.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Justice of India asked the Central Government to come up with an emergency plan to tackle the dangerous smog, calling the situation “very serious”.

Air quality in Delhi, often ranked the world’s most polluted capital, has declined due to crop stubble burning, emissions from transport, coalfired plants outside the city and other industry, as well as open garbage burning and dust.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in and around city has worsened to 470-499 on a scale of 500, according to federal pollution control board data on Saturday. That level of pollution means the air will affect healthy people and seriously impact those with existing diseases.

“For a week from Monday onwards, schools will be physically closed but will continue virtually so that children don’t have to breathe polluted air ... construction activities not to be allowed,” Kejriwal said.

He added all Government offices would shift to work from home, while private offices would be advised to do the same for a week to reduce the number of polluting vehicles on the road.

Ramana said the government should consider a twoday lockdown to protect citizens and inform the court on Monday about emergency steps to improve air quality.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

ARIES (March 21April 19)

37

Gather information, ask for advice and touch base with important people. Don't jump to conclusions or decide things in haste. Bide your time to avoid a costly mistake.

Adverse conditions may apply.

An unexpected emotional TAURUS issue will surface if you don't (April 20May 20) get approval before making a change that affects others. Play by the rules to avoid negative feedback from someone you love and respect.

Take note of money matGEMINI ters, shared expenses and (MAY 28what you owe to others.

June 20) You'll alleviate stress if you focus on finishing what you start and knowing where you stand.

CANCER Refuse to let your profes(June 21- sional responsibilities ruin your July 22) downtime. Mellow out by doing something relaxing. A romantic encounter will ease stress and take your mind off what ails you.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Take a moment to recognize what others are going through, and it will be easier to avoid a no-win situation. Research something that interests you, and you'll find a novel way to pass your time.

VIRGO

Plan something you can enjoy with a loved one. Kick back, relax and be open regarding your intentions. Start putting plans in motion, and you will feel the excitement mount.

Update your image.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Organize and prepare for upcoming events. Keep the peace with a loved one, and you will save time, money and torment. Look for an affordable way to make personal improvements.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Dilbert

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

Leave nothing to chance.

Map out your course of action and do everything in your power to turn your thoughts and passion into a reality. Make consistent decisions that will take you where you want to go.

An outing or get-together SAGITTARIUS with friends or relatives doesn't (Nov. 23Dec. 21) have to be costly. Taking a responsible position will encourage others to respect your insight and follow suit.

CAPRICORN A change of plans will encourage you to move things (Dec. 22around at home to accommoJan. 19)

date what you want to pursue.

Update your image, and it will give you a pick-me-up that will boost your confidence.

Calvin and Hobbes

Inconsistency is a prob-

AQUARIUS lem. If you can't make up (Jan. 20your mind, walk away. It's Feb. 19) best to be safe. Look inward and revisit what makes you feel comfortable, happy and proud.

PISCES (Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Watch for inconsistency and mixed messages, and use the information you gather to your advantage. Don't buy into someone's pipe dream. Choose to use your attributes for what you want.

38 Australia’s batting versus New Zealand’s bowling key in contest of evenly-matched teams I GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

f anything, this World Cup is a reminder of the number of chances modern cricket offers. Only two years ago, James Neesham was wishing he had never been a cricketer, such was the heartbreak his side endured in the 50-over World Cup final. Not long before that, he had actually contemplated giving up cricket precisely because he was struggling to come to terms with failing, an essential part of the life of any cricketer or a cricketing team.

Only earlier this year, Justin Langer coached Australia to a four-Test home series defeat against a team that had a net bowler and a T20 specialist. Concerns around his coaching style have been the worst-kept secret in Australian cricket, which plummeted further with thrashings in the West Indies and Bangladesh as the year progressed.

And yet, one of these teams would be a world champion on Sunday. Well, actually Monday in their home countries

Usually, batting depth trumps rounded attacks in T20 contests, but this has been the slowest-scoring T20 World Cup of all, which gives bowling-heavy teams a chance.

the first XI in his team’s last World Cup. The turnaround has been remarkable, and just like

a well-coned T20 over, to close it out nal mo-

structhe needs in the fiments.

Team news

Australia don’t have a reason to change their XI with Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis providing them a fifth bowler and Matthew Wade at No. 7 making it a reasonably deep batting line-up.

Australia (probable) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt.), 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood New Zealand will have to make at least one change after Devon Conway broke his hand when striking his bat in frustration at his dismissal. They are unlikely to change the balance of the side, though, with five full-time bowlers and Neesham at No. 6.

Tim Seifert is the likely replacement for Conway.

New Zealand (probable) 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Daryll Mitchell, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Tim Seifert (wk), 5 Glenn Phillips, 6 James Neesham, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Adam Milne, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Ish Sodhi

Pitch and conditions

We should get a fresh pitch, which should be good for batting. Even though there wasn’t much dew during the semi-final in Dubai, chasing remains the preferred option.

Stats and trivia

Then again, the final will be played on a fresh pitch; if it is anything like the semi-final in Dubai, it gives Australia a slight advantage, but if 150-160 is a par score, New Zealand might just be the favourites.

In the spotlight

(the final begins at 1am on Australia’s east coast and at 3am in New Zealand).

No matter how crushing a defeat, it is not the end of the world in today’s cricket, where World Cups of one format or the other are played practically every year. Hasan Ali, Chris Jordan, we are looking at you. You dust yourselves up, start to play good cricket again, and with some luck, you get that chance again -especially in T20 cricket, which is prone to upsets and chances because of its crunched nature.

This is New Zealand’s third straight ICC event final, and Australia’s first since they won the World Cup in 2015, but they have made it here in identical fashion. Finishing second in their groups, they got the better of the tournament favourites in the semi-finals through a dash in the final four overs, helped significantly by the toss.

This has been the friendliest of all T20 World Cups to sides winning the toss: if the final is also won by the side winning the toss, two out of every three matches will have been won by the toss-winners.

Restrict it to evenly matched teams and take out Sharjah, and only one total has been defended out of 14 in the Super 12s. They don’t come more evenly matched than these two. If Australia have the extra batting depth, New Zealand have a more rounded bowling attack, the most economical of the tournament.

Scan the teams for a player worthy of a place in an alltime T20 XI, and your eyes might land on David Warner.

Like Langer and a few other Australia players, Warner has had a pretty ordinary year though. He made a premature comeback from injury in the series loss against India, and spent large parts of the IPL coming to terms with the ignominy of not even making his IPL team’s XV leave alone an all-time XI. However, as a batter at this World Cup, while others might have scored more runs, in terms of impact-batting Warner has been second only to another all-timer, Jos Buttler, scoring 236 runs at a strike rate of 148.42. A winning hand in a World Cup final could be the final seal on his reputation, though he doesn’t really need it.

Tim Southee has taken at least one wicket in each match and has gone at just 5.75 runs an over so far. Fourteen of his 24 overs have been bowled in the powerplay, and five at the death. Here is a bowler who didn’t even get to play in

New Zealand have never beaten Australia in any knockout match. They have played each in 17 quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals, out of which Australia have won 16. The one that New Zealand won wasn’t a knockout but the first of the best-ofthree finals in 1981, a series that New Zealand eventually lost. Australia have won all the four knockout matches between them at ICC events.

Neither captain is having a great tournament.

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(ESPNcricinfo) PRODUCTS

Hamilton disqualified from Sao Paulo F1 qualifying

F

ormula One stewards have sent title contender Lewis Hamilton from first to last in the lineup for Saturday’s Sao Paulo sprint race after his Mercedes car’s rear wing failed a technical inspection.

The 100km sprint determines the starting grid for Sunday’s grand prix in

Brazil, with seven times World champion Hamilton already facing a five place drop in that race after an engine change.

Hamilton is 19 points adrift of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the standings, with four races remaining, and his hopes of a record eighth title are slipping away. (Reuters)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

39

Jonathan Van Lange for high-performance training camp ahead of Junior Pan American Games T he Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) have served support for table tennis ace Jonathan Van Lange’s intensification of final preparation for the Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia with the 1st Junior Pan American Games.

With the inaugural Junior Pan American Games two weeks from commencement, national junior champion and talented Table tennis ace Jonathan Van Lange will depart Guyana this evening for the Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy in Akron, Ohio USA to begin intensification of his final preparation for his participation at the 1st Junior Pan American Games, scheduled from 25th November to 5th December 2021.

His participation at the camp is being made possible through the support of the Guyana Olympic Association and Guyana Table Tennis Association.

The Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy is

a high-yield table tennis training facility which offers great variety of players, well qualified coaches, is widely recognised as a major hub for elite and developmental players, and has a wide variety of players.

Van Lange, who gained a wild card spot based on representation by the GTTA and Guyana Olympic Association - which gained the ITTF-America confederation members’ support, will play in doubles and singles competition at the games.

Over the last six weeks, Jonathan played and trained under the guidance of GTTA President Godfrey Munroe and Coach Idi Lewis, and had the benefit of senior players, national champion Christopher Franklin, Shemar Britton and Joel Alleyne, who worked with him in preparation for the major competition.

The training camp come on the GTTA-stated position that, with support from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA),

Jonathan Van Lange

Jonathan Van Lange can be sent to a high-performance camp ahead of the inaugural Junior Pan-American Games in Cali, Colombia.

The GOA support was sought to provide intensification of his final preparation, and the Executive Committee unanimously agreed to assist the 14-yearold in his quest for excellence.

The thought was that we needed Jonathan in a competitive environment with new players, to sharp-

en his awareness, provide high-quality match play, while training and adjusting to new players and a new environment, which would help to build his psyche, given that he wasn’t able to play any major competition over the last 18 months.

His training at the Samson Dubina Academy will commence from Monday and conclude on the 27th November, after which he would depart for Colombia for table tennis competition

as the Junior Pan American Games commence on 30th November and conclude on 5th December 2021.

Mr Dubina, who is happy to have Jonathan as he builds a partnership with table tennis Guyana, indicated that he would pay keen attention to Jonathan’s final preparation, and has mapped out a detailed training programme which would see Jonathan benefiting from approximately five 5 hours of training daily in individualised and group training sessions, along with match practice in league play covering elements of tactical play, random and indirect footwork, serve and reception.

The Junior Pan Am Games will start on November 25, but table tennis players are allowed to enter the games only from November 27, with the discipline going into competition mode from November 30th.

An exceptional talent who has great prospects for regional and international success if given the correct

support and nurturing in the ideal environments for growth, Jonathan’s qualification for participation at this event provides a great platform for him to register and commence his quest for qualification at the Junior Olympic Games, Junior South American Games 2022, and Junior Commonwealth Games, among other Junior Olympic cycle and key international events within the junior realm, a position that he has outlined he is committed to achieving.

The opportunity to participate in these games truly places him in the spotlight of the ITTF for possible selection as an ITTF “With the Future in Mind” Player, based on his talent to age abilities.

The inaugural Junior Pan American Games are a multi-sporting event conceived by Pan Am Sport as a basis for developing and offering the next generation of athletes from the Americas the opportunity for high-level performance.

GCB to commence long overdue coaching interviews ‘shortly’ — Chanderpaul not in Head Coach race

P

roceedings at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) are somewhat quiet since the star-studded Bissoondyal Singh-led administration took office. According to reliable sources, the Regional 4-Day tournament is set to commence on January 28, 2022, and Cricket West Indies (CWI) Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, also said first-class cricket is a priority heading into 2022.

“Red-ball cricket is our number one priority going

into the new year. The plans as they stand now are that we begin early February and play a minimum of five rounds of four-day cricket between February and April – May; so, it is a priority, and we are looking to kickoff Regional cricket in early February,” Adams said in a recent press briefing.

In a matter of weeks, the 4-Day tournament will commence, and considering the Christmas season, the Guyana Jaguars players must commence training to-

gether as soon as possible, since gelling together as a unit is of great importance.

What would these training be without a Guyana Jaguars Head Coach and Assistant Coach?

Back in August, the GCB, in “low-key fashion, “advertised that the positions of Head Coach and Assistant Coach are up for grabs. Applications from different individuals have since been sent in, and this publication was reliably informed that Esuan Crandon

Rayon Griffith

Jamaica Reggae Boyz forced to share points after late El Salvador goal

A

n Alex Roldan goal in the 90th minute cancelled out a Michail Antonio goal in the 82nd minute as El Salvador and Jamaica both netted a point after battling to a 1-1 draw on Friday at the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador.

The first half ended scoreless, despite a sequence in the 39th minute off a corner kick, in which El Salvador attempted two long-range shots, both of which hit the crossbar above Jamaica goalie GK Andre Blake.

Jamaica thought they may have had the winner with Antonio scoring his first-ever Jamaica goal late in the second half for a 1-0 lead. The attacker took the ball on the left-hand side of attack, and charged forward, beating a pair of

Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Esuan Crandon

Salvadoran defenders and then GK Mario Gonzalez with a clever chip over the onrushing shot-stopper.

Yet El Salvador still had something to say about the outcome of the match, and found the 1-1 equaliser.

Roldan, wearing the captain’s armband, got into the box in the 90th minute and headed in a cross from the right-hand side, with the ball tucking under the crossbar and going in.

Next on the slate for

El Salvador is a visit to Panama City to meet fellow Central American rival Panama, while Jamaica heads back to Kingston, where it welcomes the United States.

(Sportsmax)

is among those that sent in applications and will be up for interview shortly.

Additionally, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who served as Crandon’s assistant/ manager in the past, and is also involved in CWI level-three coaching programme, is not in the race.

GCB Vice President and CWI Director Hilbert Foster heads a six-member panel that would conduct this professional interview process. These interviews were

scheduled to be conducted during last week, but are now rescheduled at a later day.

It was also made evident that, for the first time, the GCB would appoint a female to coach the female cricketers. The current four-day champions are Barbados Pride, who ended the Guyana Jaguars five-year reign under the captaincy of Leon Johnson in a truncated season back in March 2019.

(Brandon Corlette)

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

6 teams book final spots in respective categories of PM T20 Cup …final to conclude at Providence

I

t all started out on a bright Friday morning, and at the end of Saturday, six teams booked a spot in their respective final as the cur-

are Regal Masters, Mike's Wellman, Ariel Masters, Fisherman Masters, Regal All Stars and Ariel All Stars.

Their semifinal fixtures

Regal awarded match after Rockaway Legends failed to take the field.

2. Mike’s Wellman beat Orlando Masters by 6 wickets.

Tom Bacchus 2/20.

Masters 1. Ariel Masters beat Regal Masters by 9 wickets at GDF. Regal Masters 85 all

Some of the semifinal action on day two

tains came down on the semifinals in the Open, O50 and O45 categories. The teams booking their spot in the finale which will be played today at the Providence Stadium

took place at different venues across Guyana, and the results are as follows: Legends 1. Regal vs Rockaway at GDF

Orlando 141 for 4 D Sankar 35 not out, S Veerasammy 34 not out, K Tribene 25; Wayne Jones 2/25. Mike’s Wellman 143 for 4 Lloyd Ruplall 58 not out, Harold Heranandan 57;

out (16.6) Mohendra Arjune 28; Lakhan 4/9; Sheldon Perch 3/18. Ariel 90 for 1 (10.3) Keith Fraser 70 not out.

2. Fisherman Masters

beat NY Cricket Doctors by 8 wickets at Liliendaal. NY Cricket Doctors 93 all out (17) Asif Ally 27; Stanley Mohabir 3/12. Fishermen 96 for 2 (14.4) Ramo Malone 32 not out, Bhim George 27; Asif Ally 1/14 All Stars 1. Regal All Stars beat Speed Boat by 27 runs at Eve Leary. Regal All Stars 194 for 7 Sachin Singh 44, Sewchand Budhu 35, Chien Gittens 26; Greg Singh 2/27, Devendra Mohan 2/34. Speed Boat 167 all out (19) Greg Singh 31, Kishore Smith 26, Safraz Karim 24, Ameer Khan 20; Sewchand Budhu 4/26, Kelvin Orford 3/33.

2. Ariel All Stars beat Name Brand by 3 wickets at DCC. Name Brand 92 all out (17) Balram Samaroo 24 not out, Sasenarine Sukhu 21, Joshua Sampson 21; Quintin Sampson 3/10, Dianand Singh 3/14. Ariel 92 for 7 (10.3) Shauz Grovesnor 25 not out, Jonathan Fernandes 24, David Lukanuth 22; Joshua Sampson 3/37, Ramnarine Jugisteer 2/13.

Earlier during the day, some of the other matches that were played leading up to the semifinal action were: Legends Regal Legends beat Floodlights by 10 wickets at Liliendaal. Floodlights 85 for 8 Clive Canterberry 25, Anand Persaud 26; Ramesh Narine 3 wickets, Unis Yusuf 2 wickets. Regal Legends 87 for no loss Eion Abel 42 not out, Unis Yusuf 38 Not out.

Masters Regal Masters vs Ariel Masters at Ogle; The match was tied. Regal beat Ariel in Super Over. Regal Masters 138 for 6 Mohendra Arjune 36, Khemchand Dindyal 34, Eyaaz Mohamed 30; Lakhan 2/23, Keith Fraser 2/33. Ariel Masters (Target 139 from 20 overs) 138 all out (20) Patrick Khan 51, Keith Fraser 23; Ramdin 2/7, Khemchand Dindyal 2/14, Tyrone Sanansie 2/51.

All Stars 1. Ariel Beat Name Brand by 132 runs. Ariel 285-9 (20) Quintin Sampson 126 3x4, 16x6, Shauz Grovesnor 60 5x4, 5x6; Joshua Sampson 2-50, Joshua Diaram 2-50. Name Brand 1539 (20) Joshua Diaram 34, Ramnarine Jugisteer 33; Jonathan Fernandes 4-20,

Senior Commentator John Ramsingh

Chandrashakar Arjune 2-32.

2. Regal beat Airport by 209 runs. Regal 279-5 (20) Chein Gittens 109 not out 13x4, 5x6, Sachin Singh 71 4x4, 9x6, Patrick Rooplall 32 1x4, 4x6, Riaz Esau 2-58.

Airport 70 all out (12.1) Ricardo Polloram 16, Anand Bharrat 14; Richard Latif 5-13.

Sharing his bit on the competition as it was being play during the course of the day was Senior Commentator and softball fanatic John Ramsingh, in a statement Ramsingh said, “What I’m seeing is the intensity among teams in terms of competition. Teams that were deemed pre-tournament favorite, they are not necessarily having a good time so far.

It goes well for the competition, the competition is stiff, it is not that you are here and you will show up or because you are favorites you will generally win. This time around we find that teams are coming really hard, they have strengthened and have been targeting the bigger teams. Because of that we can have some upsets this year.”

The tournament is being sponsored by Banks DIH, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, It’s our Life ARD Youtuber, Crown Mining, Dinar Trading, Dyna’s Embroidery, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Permaul’s Trading, Rajiv Ghandi University, P and P Insurance, Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall, Lucky Star Boutique, Price Chopper Store and Associate Packers.

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