Guyana Times - Sunday October 17, 2021

NGSA results

Single mother used Google to help son who topped Region 6

P10

...as Skeldon Primary cops 2 in top 10 Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4803 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

ExxonMobil's 4th development, Yellowtail, to use up to 67 wells …company submits impact assessment on project to EPA Page 3

Sinopharm among plethora of investors lined up for local health sector See story on page 7

…UK, Austrian Govts also submit investment proposals

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Trapped 81-yearold perishes in Bartica fire P20

Cattle farmer P shot at while 23 attempting to retrieve cows Be patient – AG to No. 46 residents on land titles P11 “Dis ting happen so fast”Strathspey murder suspect confesses

2 nabbed during drug exchange

P22

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is in Ghana on a three-day working visit, on Saturday spent the 1st day participating in a number of diplomatic endeavours. These included a visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, where he took part in wreath laying and planted a tree next to the edifice. The decision for the Vice President to visit Ghana, which has a thriving oil industry, came out of discussions between President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Ghanaian counterpart, Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last month

"Irresponsible" behaviour 4 more die from in non-return of Grade 6 COVID-19, 122 text books – Education Minister new cases Page 9 See story on page 12

…says it could affect upcoming NGSA students …3,777 active cases, 28 in ICU

My passion for farming developed “pretty early” – José Smith Page 13

Essequibo Coast businessman P21 beaten, robbed by armed bandits PM sworn in as acting President

…as President Ali heads to Dubai 2020 Expo P25

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Oct 17 – 02:00h – 03:30h and 13:30h – 15:00h and Monday, Oct 18 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Oct 17 – 14:35h – 16:05h and Monday, Oct 18 – 15:05h – 16:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 14:43h reaching a maximum height of 2.43 metres.

Low Tide: 08:14h and 20:35h reaching minimum heights of 0.79 metre and 0.77 metre.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

02 13 16 23 25 28

FREE TICKET

05 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

07 08 12 22 23 LUCKY 3

2

2

3

5

Afternoon Draw

3

7

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 03 04 11 12 18 19 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

04 05 06 09 16 13

01 05 15 17 21

2

4 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

8

3 Evening Draw

2X Evening Draw

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$84.86/barrel

Rough Rice

$249.84 /ton

+0.07

London Sugar

$520.90/ton

+1.38

Live Spot Gold

+1.01

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1767.40

$1768.40

Low/High Change

$1764.50 -0.00

$1796.10 0.00%

ExxonMobil's 4th development, Yellowtail, to use up to 67 wells …company submits impact assessment on project to EPA

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il giant ExxonMobil has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Yellowtail development project, which states that as many as 67 development wells are planned for the 20-year project.

According to the EIA which was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Exxon plans to drill between 41 and 67 development wells, which include production, water injection and gas re-injection wells.

While the locations of the wells are still to be determined, what is known is that they will be drilled from six drill centres. According to the EIA, Exxon subsidiary Esso Exploration Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has already decided that some of the natural gas will fuel the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

“EEPGL will use some of the recovered gas as fuel on the FPSO, and proposes to re-inject the remaining gas back into the reservoir, which will assist in optimizing management of the reservoir. Alternative uses of gas for future phases are being studied and any such uses would be addressed in a separate environmental authorization,” the EIA states.

The EIA also states that the project will employ approximately 540 persons at the peak of the development well drilling and approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage of the project.

Additionally, there will be approximately 15 shore base and logistical support staff onshore during installation and drilling.

It was further explained that there will be approximately 100 to 140 persons at peak of production operations, and approximately 60 persons at the peak of decommissioning.

“It could take several years to drill the approximately 41 to 67 wells, with drilling currently scheduled from mid-2023 through 2032.

Installation of the SURF (Subsea Umbilicals, Risers Flowlines) and FPSO is planned to be initiated in 2025 to be ready for initial production by early 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years,” EEPGL explained in the EIA. When it comes to the potential impact on the environment, Exxon noted that the project was calculated to have a negligible residual impact on onshore

The Prosperity FPSO is earmarked for Yellowtail

air quality. According to EEPGL, the project will emit Green House Gases (GHGs) throughout its lifespan.

“EEPGL proposes to re-inject recovered natural gas that is not used as

fuel on the FPSO back into the targeted Project reservoirs for reservoir pressure management, which contributes to a significant reduction in potential GHG emissions versus that which would result from continuous gas flaring,” they stated.

ExxonMobil has said

it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027, with developmental drilling recently starting on the second one, the Liza Phase 2 project. Back in May 2019, EEPGL was granted approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to go ahead with its Liza Phase 2 Development offshore Guyana.

The oil company had said that the project will have the capacity to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day. Exxon had also revealed that the Liza Phase 2 development was funded at the cost of some US$6 billion, including a lease capitalisation cost of approximately $1.6 billion, for the Liza Utility floating FPSO vessel. For the

Phase 2 Development, six drill centres were planned, along with approximately 30 wells – 15 productions, nine water injection and six gas injection wells.

The US$9 billion Payara development, the third development, will meanwhile target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

The Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day (bpd) of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted. (G3)

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 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

Whither BRICS?

W

hen Brazil, Russia, India and China were identified by a Goldman Sachs analyst in 2001 as the “emerging markets” to watch because they also had clout going beyond their economic capabilities on the world stage, he certainly did not expect that it would actually lead them to come together as as a group - BRIC. But they did, had their first summit in 2009, and have been meeting annually since. South Africa was added in 2010 to form BRICS. There was great anticipation in the world, because here were five countries out of the UN’s 193 that alone had had a combined GDP of almost $20 trillion, and had produced almost one-quarter of the entire world’s production, and have almost half of the world’s population. This was real clout, and since they were all not from the western countries that had dominated the world for the last three centuries, the expectation was that maybe we were witnessing the beginning of a new world order, in which the overweening economic, political and military power of the US might be counterbalanced.

For instance, the BRICS countries do not have a proportionate share of voting rights to their present capabilities in critical multilateral institutions such as the International Multilateral Fund (IMF). They therefore have a common vested interest in taking a common position on these issues. Another and related area was in control of financial flows through the reality of the US dollar being the most common denominated currency in world trade.

This gives the US a powerful advantage, since they can merely print greenbacks to finance their deficits with other countries. However, this can be a double-edged sword, since the countries holding US dollar reserves can acquire assets in critical areas in the US, as China, with its over US$3 trillion, has been doing. Be that as it may, the BRICS have initiated a process in which they have been swapping currencies directly, as well as denominating sales in local currencies, which protect the latter from swings in US dollar value.

BRICS have also launched a New Development Bank (NDB) with starting assets of $50 billion, consisting of equal contributions of $10 billion from the members, and which is planned to be increased to US$100 billion.

This will be providing loans especially for infrastructure as an alternative to the World Bank. They have also initiated steps to provide an alternative to the SWIFT financial clearing facility that is based in Europe. The group has cooperated intensely in several areas, such as crime. Another instance has been against a background of suspicions as to the origin of the COVID-19 virus that swept the world in the most virulent pandemic in a century. In the last virtual Summit last September, India’s PM Modi asked for a transparent investigation to be conducted.

President Xi Deng Ping merely noted that the inquiry not be “politicised”.

But, in retrospect, the initial American skepticism that the grouping would never amount to a coherent entity to counterbalance its influence appears to have some merit.

The reasons preferred at the time was that the members were at such divergent points on the development scale that they would be challenged to remain on the same page on any number of issues. South Africa and Brazil are not nuclear powers, for instance, and might have different positions on non-proliferation, since they may want to join the Nuclear Club.

But the biggest possible destabilising element by the US calculus was the rivalry between China and India, which they felt could not be papered over, especially with the disputed territory in the Himalayas coming out of their 1962 clash. And so it was that the US appeared to be on the ball when, on May 5th 2020, troops of the two behemoths once again clashed violently in the same mountains.

But this year’s summit, which was hosted virtually by India, did come off as indicated above, and this is positive for the developing world, which includes Guyana. When the elephants don’t fight, the grass can grow.

Dancers performing during the celebration of Dussehra on the lawns of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) on Friday evening. Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, Ravana. While Dussehra signals the end of the nine-day-long festival of Navratri, it also means beginning preparations for Diwali, which is celebrated 20 days after Vijayadashami, the day when Lord Rama reached Ayodhya with Sita (Indian High Commission photo)

Suspend GPSU & GTU membership payments’ checkoff Dear Editor, In Guyana, we have many trade unions, but let us look at two major ones: the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), which represents the public sector, and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), which represents teachers. These two unions ought to represent the best interest of their members at all forums, whether at negotiations or matters of national interest, but the question is whether they’ve been doing so.

It must be pointed out that workers’ unions are bound and mandated to be politically, racially, and religiously neutral in order to represent the best interest of their members, but are these unions politically neutral or acting politically neutral? It must also be pointed out that these unions only speak and put out public statements when it benefits a certain political party. This was evident from past public statements on behalf of these unions by the union presidents or executives; for example, Corretta McDonald, an APNU+AFC MP. In the past, we have seen the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), a union that is supposed to be a politically neutral organisation, having publicly aligned itself with APNU+AFC. For example, the recent court proceedings that involved a bud-

get dispute which sought to eliminate the Finance Minister from altering and making changes to the independent budgets submissions/proposals for the independent commissions.

This is initially submitted by these independent commissions, and a court proceeding was publicly taken to court by APNU+AFC members, which immediately makes this matter a political case.

However, the GPSU still joined in this case.

This act immediately strips the union of its political neutrality.

Additionally, this union, GPSU, has failed in the past year to negotiate for anything “proper”, whether it be better working conditions, better uniform allowances, salary increase etc, which would initially benefit its workers, given the COVID-19 pandemic.

Editor, let us broaden the scale to the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU). It must not be forgotten that a trade union is obligated to represent its members to the best of its ability.

Since the pandemic began back in March 2020, this union has done nothing that would have directly benefited teachers. Did the union negotiate for any form of salary increase or bonus for teachers, who had to come out during the pandemic and prepare students to sit the national and international exams?

Did the union ignite any

collaborative efforts to distribute relief hampers to teachers, like many other independent organisations did? NO! But let’s move away to what the union is obligated to do and have, because if we continue to ask what the union has done for teachers over the past years, the list would go on and on and on. The union is also obligated and mandated, like other unions, to be politically, racially, and religiously neutral. But this union is one of the unions that have an APNU+AFC Member of Parliament sitting as its executive member. You may recall, earlier in this letter, it was mentioned that unions are to be politically neutral. Yet there is a politically affiliated member sitting as GTU’s executive member. This is a position that enables one to speak on behalf of the union. This is done so blatantly and publicly, a blatant “knockout punch to teachers”, who are supposed to be represented fairly.

Editor, many members of both of these unions have been heckling, enquiring and considering to leave these unions, due to their lack of political neutrality, as evidenced by information provided in this letter and also other evidence available publicly.

These members are afraid of being victimised by prounion colleagues, and they

also do not want to be singled out for leaving the union.

To prevent the victimisation, a suggestion that is endorsed by many top neutral activists is for the Ministry of Public Service and Ministry of Education to suspend these two unions’ “checkoff”, which would lead to these two unions going to court for the reinstatement of the “checkoff”.

Let us look back at a precedent that was created when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Dr N.K Gopaul, suspended the union “checkoff” of GPSU. GPSU then had to go to court. Upon judgment of the case, it was ruled that the GPSU had to get new deduction orders for deductions to be made in favour of the GPSU from workers.

Now, if this were to happen, then these politically affiliated unions would have to do a general recruitment of members back to the union. As such, previous members of these unions would be free to join, but those who wish not to join can decline to join.

This will certainly bring a calm solution to this ongoing conflict of members wanting to leave the union.

Yours truly, Randy Mangru

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PAHO is about “saving lives and improving health and well-being” Dear Editor, On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Wellness received a donation of 108,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the Government of Germany through the COVAX facility.

Guyana and Jamaica are among four Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) member countries slated to benefit from 1.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines recently donated by the United States, Canada, Germany and Spain.

These undertakings form part of PAHO’s efforts to

assist regional countries to meet the WHO’s 40 percent global vaccination target for countries by year-end. the Americas have, to date, immunised 40 percent or more of their population against COVID-19.

Additionally, 39 percent of populations within Latin America and the Caribbean are fully vaccinated. Despite this, coverage is much lower “in far too many [other] places.” countries like Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Haiti in the Caribbean, and Guatemala and Nicaragua in Central America have yet to vaccinate 20 percent

of their populations.

Factors contributing to this include vaccine shortage due to unequal distribution, supply delays, shortage of syringes, and logistical challenges; not forgetting “vaccine hesitancy remains a problem”.

As was said before, vaccines will help end this pandemic, and PAHO is committed to supporting every country in our region to reach and exceed WHO targets. PAHO is working to accelerate vaccine deliveries in our region – including COVAX-procured and donated doses – especially for countries where cover-

age remains low. It is a very good gesture by several regional countries, sharing doses “so they can make the most of the available supplies”.

As more vaccine doses are making their way to our region, countries must be urged to make the necessary preparations so these doses can be used as quickly as possible, and have their citizens vaccinated.

Since well before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, PAHO technical cooperation was building its member countries’ capacities to prepare for, and respond to, disease out-

breaks and epidemics.

Since the pandemic arrived in Guyana, PAHO has continued that effort while providing regional leadership and coordination of the COVID-19 response, and helping member countries protect gains in other vital areas, including immunisation, prevention of noncommunicable diseases, and expanded access to quality health care.

PAHO is about “saving lives and improving health and well-being.” COVID-19 has affected health, the economy, and the way of life in almost every country in North America,

South America and Latin American. The pandemic exposed severe inequities in and among countries, and highlighted the particular vulnerabilities of every population group. It also “laid bare profound structural weaknesses within health and social protection mechanisms in our country and the region, highlighting the need for substantial reform and actions to ensure that countries continue toward the achievement of the ambitious goal of universal health by 2030.

Sincerely, David Adams

Let there be STEAM rather than just STEM Let us level the playing field

Dear Editor, After viewing the telecast and listening to the various presentations and the announcement of the CAPE, CSEC and other CXC examination results, I am motivated to make the following observations.

I am in full agreement with the Registrar of CXC, who opined that the retention of the content of the various subject areas should not be seen as the only desirable and/or optimum outcome for the learners. The optimum outcome should include their acquisition of the skill of learning, so that, in the rapidly growing expanse of knowledge, they can continue to be relevant by being able to access and acquire new knowledge, without which, even though qualified, they could become dated, and not quite up to the challenge/ task.

What I would wish to add is that critical thinking, problem-solving, the application of knowledge in the determination of actions to be taken, and being creative trump the importance of the expansive retention of knowledge.

This poses the question as

to whether the learning outcomes, as a whole, of our current students, meet the standards outlined above, notwithstanding their quantitative achievements.

What also struck me was the reported low percentage performance in Literature and Social Studies, when compared with most of the other subjects. Literature, as a subject, is the reflective crucible of human existence, albeit abstract. A society that pays little or no attention to Literature, formally or informally, is one that has embarked upon a journey without the use of a compass that can lend to the determination of the best path to be traversed, rather than being the victim of trial and error. Education, ultimately, is about the adaptation of knowledge in the course of navigating through one’s environment, and the determination of the uses of the resources that that environment provides for the purpose of enabling and enhancing the quality of life.

The knowledge and skills to be derived from an exposure to the study of Literature is a compass in life’s quag-

mire, without which the voyager may be clueless. Being clueless is antithetical to being educated (knowledgeable and cognitive).

Equally important is Social Studies. Life’s journey is relational as much as it is self-discovery. There is no life unrelated to interactions with others. Those interactions are best managed if one understands oneself.

Social Studies provides an opportunity to study relatedness, and the positioning of the individual in that relatedness. Without an exposure to Social Studies, the individual is deprived of anthropological and historical information that helps the individual to determine his or her identity and that of others, and, in so doing, be in a better position to relate to others, which relating is an unavoidable reality of human existence. This relating would be at various levels: familial, community, national, or international.

Given the aforementioned, my abiding concern is that the results of the CXC examinations reflect the candidates’ lack of interest, or below-average performance,

in subjects that are critical to making knowledge useful to human existence and endeavours. This presents a challenge, if we are to agree that education is not about certification. Education is about the preparedness to face the challenges of life and human development at all levels. The matrix of preparedness would be incomplete if Literature and Social Studies (History) are omitted, since they provide the basis for, and the framework within which, knowledge has to be applied if it is to serve the purpose of human sustainability and development.

A parting word: the emphasis on STEM to the exclusion of the Arts may, in some way, be a fault line of the formal education system. It reflects an appreciation deficit of what education really means, and how it should be pursued. Let there be STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), rather than just STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander

We must work with GPF, not politicise them

Dear Editor, Guyana is in the midst of a criminal pandemic, and the Government is at its wits’ end to determine the possible methods they can be used to solve it.

This criminal onslaught is both worrisome and mind-boggling, and much has to be done to curb it.

In recent weeks, the Police have been making major inroads into this destructive attack; however, many are of the view that the Police are not doing enough, because the criminals are getting more and more vicious and deadlier with each attack.

While I must agree that I also share those sentiments,

as I witness the daily heartrending muggings and killings, there is one serious loophole with that reasoning, in that the criminals keep changing their strategies momentarily. From motorcycle bandits to those who might pass you by as seemingly harmless shoppers going about their business when suddenly they pounce, brandishing a handgun or a long, pointed knife or some other dangerous weapon. In such circumstances, you are helpless before the robber/ attacker.

Then there are the political parasites of the day. I am talking about those who lie in wait to spin their spineless political yarn. These

are the individuals who are of the view that the Police must be circumspect and churchlike when confronting criminals.

In worst-case scenarios, where there is a violent exchange, it is always the Police’s responsibility not to shoot; or if they do, they must take into consideration the race, gender and political affiliation of the offender. These are the so-called experts at giving the Police directives and other such asinine advice. Their politics knows no boundaries as they emotionalise the criminals’ plight while denigrating the Police.

These and other political tactics undermine crime

fighting, while at the same time embolden the criminal.

This is the bugbear; this is the real problem that keeps hampering the work of the Police in our country.

I will be relentless on this subject as I say politics must be kept out of crime fighting. Politicians, stay in your league. Please stay clear of the law enforcement zone!

For us to make any headway in crime fighting, we must cooperate with the Police, we must strive for the safety and wellbeing of society.

I will tell you it is a work in progress, and all hands are needed on deck.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Dear Editor, “Comply and then Complain” was the mantra/policy advocated by Paul Slowe when he was an Assistant Commissioner in the Guyana Police Force (GPF), but when faced with arrest, Mr. Slowe chose to resist and invent reasons why he could not be arrested.

This is the very behaviour Slowe (and others) have spoken and acted against. To their grave discredit, the GPF failed to execute a simple arrest order, and have helped Mr Slowe to set a terrible example for others in the country.

There have been countless injuries and deaths as a result of failure to comply with Police orders (in Guyana and the world over), and in my opinion,

much of the work of protest movements such as Black Lives Matter, etc should be focused on educating people on how to interact with law enforcement for best outcomes. Suspected criminals MUST comply, and then (if they feel unfairly treated) complain.

There is an established process for complaints with which Slowe is well acquainted. Paul Slowe did himself and his country a grave disservice, and Commissioner Hoppie should/must arrest citizen Paul Slowe and charge him for resisting arrest.

Law and Order cannot come with privilege for some and brutality for others; let us level the playing field.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Feature Five ways to make brighter choices

BY: Andrea F Polard, PsyD

I

f we define intelligence as a capacity, force, sense, and resultant, we are destined to be baffled by people's failures and repeated mistakes. We may find ourselves wondering, "How could she or he have done this? S/he is so bright…." To explain ongoing lapses of judgement, we might pull the insanity card ("He must have gone mad") or consider a lack of morality ("She knows better but seeks power above all else").

While some of us are seriously troubled by cognitive dissonance that an intelligent person can act unintelligently, most of us go straight to dismissal or – thanks to social media – hatred. Either way, understanding intelligence as a monolithic quality is a mistake that might increase unnecessary suffering. As we misunderstand, judge, and distance ourselves from others who behave seemingly inconsistent, we get further away from happiness, as in "feeling engaged and interrelated".

When it comes to physical beauty, we do not seem to have this problem, at least not to the same degree. We do not expect someone who has striking eyes to have beautiful hair. A physically attractive person can still have a blemish, a bad hair day, a morning-after-a-party face.

Once we have declared a person intelligent, it seems shocking that s/ he can do or say dumb things, such as believing in weird conspiracy theories or a superior race or sex.

When people learn that Albert Einstein was quite bad at learning languages, walked around without socks, or ate eggs that still had chicken poop on their shells, they are usually in disbelief. Maybe he was bored with learning languages?

Too busy concocting theories to get the dirt off his eggs? Maybe very intelligent people do not bother with socks? Hmm. Excuses, I say. Reasons we do not make for more ordinary folk.

It is more likely that there are different forms of what is considered intelligent, as suggested

by Howard Gardner. He proposed at least eight specific kinds of intelligence instead of just a single

ability: musical, spatial, linguistic, logical/mathematical, kinaesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist (added later), and maybe existential intelligence. Gardner's categories allow actual people– as opposed to people we put on a pedestal or push off from one–to begin to make more sense.

When we allow for more complexity, we become more appreciative of diverse contributions and possibly abstain from harsh judgement, including selfjudgement. It becomes more acceptable that a person can be very intelligent here and not so intelligent there. We make peace with reality when we realise that nobody knows it all. More grounded, we might just learn to relate, forgive, and let go. All of this makes stumbling into happiness more likely.

Furthermore, Jeff Hawkins, with the neuroscience research company Numenta, has recently shared a new theory of intelligence called A Thousand Brains. He believes that intelligence has three broad components: 1) reference frames (neurological mechanisms with which we build models/maps of the world), 2) neurological capacity (amount of neurons, synapsis, cortical columns), and 3) training.

We would be more or less intelligent depending on all three components.

For example, if we had great capacity but lacked practice, our reference frames would not help us make accurate future predictions.

Hawkins explains further what reference frames (models of the world) are and how intelligence is tied to the quality of our reference frames. In a nutshell, we build reference frames that help us navigate our physical environment and objects and abstract objects in humans. We then have 150,000 cortical columns – like little pieces of thin spaghetti – stacked side by side in our neocortex, which create reference frames.

The scientist explains that "the brain arranges all knowledge using reference frames, and that thinking is a form of moving. Thinking occurs when we activate successive locations in reference frames.

Each cortical column would have thousands of reference frames

(maps of the world) and overlap with thousands of other columns. All relevant reference frames would be activated and vote together to reach a consensus to determine if a cup is really a cup.

What might this mean for us thinking about intelligence and how to relate to intelligence? An intelligent move in life, be it concrete or abstract, depends on many factors. As said, we need some raw material (neurological capacity) and an opportunity to practice (training).

Still, we also need to build millions of maps of the world with the help of our 150,000 cortical columns.

There is much room for error.

We can be misguided by emotions and drives, but such intrusions are by far not the only reason for making seemingly ridiculous mistakes. If we have created wrong models of the world, we can get lost in bad ideas.

An otherwise trusted expert could suggest dumb things, not only in an area outside her expertise – where an Einstein becomes a cook – but even in her area. She could have acquired a few bad models, or omitted to test her models (think social media where people only surround themselves with people who concur), or failed to integrate models of critical importance.

For example, suppose a man holds several doctoral degrees and usually knows best per many people's experience. In that case, he is likely to learn that he is usually right when others struggle to understand. He might become overly confident and not be alarmed by others pointing out his errors. In fact, in his past, controversy usually followed when he shared the uncomfortable truths that resulted from his superior, critical thinking.

(The models we make of the world include where we place ourselves in the social hierarchy.)

Furthermore, some doctors' models of the world might follow rigid heuristics (the government can never be trusted; women cannot think abstractly; rich people have only their interests in mind). Then add a bit urgency to the equation – think pandemic – and suddenly, the man who usually knows best might give the worst advice ever. He still has models of the world that accurately

predict very complex things with the help of his 150,000 cortical columns, but on some matters, he takes a wrong turn, just as you and me.

Here are five ways to reduce mistakes and relate positively to intelligence: 1) Keep Cool Your emotions, ambitions, obsessions, and sex drive can lead you astray from intelligent moves at any time. We cannot and should not even try to shut off our more primitive side because it provides all-important first impressions in split seconds and blesses us with zest and motivation. Instead, we should know our primitive side well.

Learn from it. Be curious about it.

Decipher its messages. Be still with it. If our passions run the show, we might benefit from a form of contemplation or psychotherapy.

2) Keep Learning Others are constantly generating new and better ideas you do not yet know. Stay curious and improve your models of the world.

3) Avoid Black and White Thinking Do not judge people as if they were either "intelligent" or "not intelligent." Consider different kinds of intelligence and individual contributions. Become nuanced about your intelligence. Give yourself and others credit for your strengths and be kind to your weaknesses.

Remember: we are all limited and belong to the glorious mess of existence.

4) Abstain From Idealisation Learn from experts and respect knowledge, but do not put a person on a pedestal. Even the best of us can have mistaken models of the world.

5) Stay Flexible, Stay Humble Be open to changing your models of the world. There are many false beliefs out there and in us.

Consider that you might be mistaken, or someone you idealise could be wrong. If you think you are the wisest person you know, you might be quite unwise. Surround yourself with people who contradict you and allow yourself to be challenged.

Resist dismissing others. Take other's perspectives as if they are your own to test the quality of your models of the world. (Excerpt from Psychologytoday.com)

WORLD FOOD DAY 2021 “Our actions are our future; better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.”

W

COMPOST!!! COMPOST!!!

PLANT!!! PLANT!!!

orld Food Day is celebrated across the globe on October 16, to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, which was created in 1945. This day aims at tackling global hunger and striving to eradicate hunger across the world.

The day is in keeping with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 - a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries, developed and developing, in a global partnership.

The SDGs 2, “Zero Hunger” - End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. On this day, governments and organisations promote worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to achieve Zero Hunger, ensuring food security and nutritious diets for all. World Food Day is a chance to call for greater commitment to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.

The theme for World Food Day 2021 is "Our actions are our future - Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life".

The food we choose, and the way we consume it, affects our health and that of our planet. It has an impact on the way agri-food systems work. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the foremost need of a human being is food. Yet, we find that a staggering nine million people around the world die each year because of hunger. Combined with the current COVID-19 pandemic, political instability and climate change, things can take a turn for the worst.

If we, as a civilisation, really give it a thought and employ more natural and holistic ways to solve some of the seemingly unsolvable issues in terms of producing more organic and nourishing foods, thereby ensuring global food security, we would be able to save the world in its darkest hour.

The grim reality is that we have contributed to these negative externalities by our own horrendous actions, such as massive deforestation and rapid industrialisation, which have produced lots of bolts and nuts, but not a single grain of rice. Inorganic agricultural methods, such as ‘Genetically Modified Organisms’ (GMOs), and artificial fertilizers and pesticides negatively impact the quality of soil, and in turn the nutritional value of food.

Indeed, the saying “we are what we eat” has more varieties than we would like to accept. Food is our medicine, and if it is not nutritional, then it would only cause diseases and deficiencies.

Therefore, inorganic processed synthetic foods simply won’t do.

Interestingly, the quality of our lives greatly depends on the food we consume, the water we drink, and the air we breathe; all of which depends on the quality of the soil. We have seen civilisations fail because of insufficient agriculture; lamentably, we headed in this direction. However, if we make a turn in the right direction, we can see the day when all would be well-fed and happy.

Understanding that we need to cooperate with nature rather than compete is the first step. When Mahatma Gandhi was asked, “What is the greatest culture?”, he replied, “agriculture”. However, better than agriculture is “permaculture”. A compound word of ‘permanent’ and 'culture’, it simply means to develop natural agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient.

By creating such a food forest, there would be an abundance of fruits, vegetables, grains, milk and honey. Even though these systems take some time to develop, the results would be prodigious.

Another solution is ‘Holistic Land Management’, a system originally developed by the Zimbabwean scientist Allan Savory. It involves systematic grazing of cattle and other livestock to improve the fertility of the soil, and consequently its agricultural productivity.

In the same way, on a smaller scale, we can also compost our organic refuse by using a composting worm, technically called vermicompost.

Heat-producing bacteria can also break down organic material in heaps. These methods would produce full organic fertilisers which can be used to grow a home kitchen garden.

Healthy food can be produced anywhere, by anyone, once we have fertile soil. Therefore, everyone can produce what they need, and use what they produce. Consequently, the physical activity of gardening can be a better, healthy hobby for both mind and body.

In conclusion, by living a more simply natural way of life, as stated previously, producing more nutritious and organic food along with clean drinking water, fresh air, and good sleep, accompanied with lots of physical activities, our quality of life would dramatically improve. Then, as we satisfy the basic needs, we can actually find time for the more important things in life that really matter, like our family, friends, and relationships. We therefore emphatically petition everyone to compost! Compost! Plant! Plant! And ensure a food secure future.

Special thanks to the Organic Guyana Environment Club for their contribution to the article.

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.

NEWS

7

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sinopharm among plethora of investors lined up for local health sector …UK, Austrian Govts also submit investment proposals

Sinopharm

President Ali and British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller cutting the ribbon for the recommissioned Lethem SMART Hospital

W

ith a number of foreign investors, ranging from the State to the Private Sector to the manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines, who have expressed interest in investing in local health facilities, the future of healthcare service in Guyana looks promising.

President Dr Irfaan Ali recommissioned the Lethem Regional hospital into a US$4.1 million SMART facility. While there on Friday, the President spoke of other developments in healthcare, specifically, the investors

who have been submitting proposals for health facilities.

“We have two local health providers that are already speaking with partners globally, to be part of their system to develop this type of healthcare. And its tertiary healthcare. Oncology, every single segment within the healthcare system. From the highest level come down, will be provided.”

“So, we have Mount Sinai as part of the discussion going on. We have a group out of Houston that have brought in a US$250

million project for tertiary healthcare at the highest possible level. Those two have already come in,” the President explained.

Additionally, Ali said that the British Government through a private financing arm has already submitted a proposal for a facility that features children and maternal health. He also spoke of the Austrian Government, whose Head of State Alexander Van Der Bellen he had met on the side lines of the United Nations conference last month.

According to President Ali, the Austrian Government has also submitted a proposal for a children and maternity hospital. Another potential investor he mentioned was Sinopharm, the Chinese State-owned manufacturer of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine.

“We have the Austrian Government, submitting a proposal for a children and maternity hospital. Then we have Sinopharm, who would have also submitted a proposal. Outside of that, we have at least six other proposals from the Private Sector, dealing with private healthcare. All aimed at making Guyana a hub for the provision of world class healthcare at the private level,” he said.

The President noted that the PPP Government ultimately wants to build world class health system good enough to attract medical tourism. This is reminiscent of the specialty hospital the Donald Ramotar Administration had initiated the construction of, with the hopes of it becoming a catalyst in creating the much needed “health tourism” in Guyana by pulling foreigners and overseas-based Guyanese to the country.

With a US$18 million line of credit (LOC) from the India Export/Import (EXIM) Bank, the contract for construction of the hospital was awarded to India-based company, Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited back in 2012.

However, citing instances of alleged fraud and delays, the Ramotar Government in 2014 announced that it had terminated the contract with the India-based company and subsequently filed a lawsuit against it for failing to honour its obligations.

The India-funded project went nowhere from 2015 to 2020. However, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa has previously said that a specialty hospital could still be on the cards.

At least one local company, Cardiology Services Incorporated, headed by renowned Guyanese Cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen, has also publicly indicated its interest in building a specialty hospital in Guyana.

SMART hospitals

When it comes to the Lethem hospital, President Ali said that further upgrades will be done on the hospital. This is in keeping with his Government’s na-

tionwide vision for Guyana’s health sector. And it will be done within the next five years.

“This Lethem hospital would have a further conversion. This phase will be what we are going to build a modern facility here in Lethem, with the best surgical wings you can find with good accommodation for patients. All this will happen in next five years,” President Ali said.

This is the second hospital to be recommissioned under the SMART Hospital initiative. It was only in April of this year that the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital in Region Four was recommissioned.

The “SMART Hospital” concept comes under an $835 million fund by the former United Kingdom Department for International Development and implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation’s Department of Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief with the Health Ministry.

Four other hospitals at Leonora, Mabaruma, Paramakatoi and Lethem are to be upgraded under this project. It addresses the negative footprints that contribute to climate change by simply modifying operations. (G3)

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cattle farmer shot at while attempting to retrieve cows

A

Berbice cattle farmer came under gunfire while attempting to retrieve his cows.

The incident occurred sometime around 16:30h at Duck Creek, Corentyne River, on Friday.

Reports are that the 52-year-old farmer, Ram Nermal, was rounding up his cattle when he observed six of them were missing – one brown bull, two brown heifers and three dark brown heifers - all of which are

branded 37/EGR. As a result, he proceeded to make checks around the area, during which he observed that the animals were locked inside the yard of a man who is known to him.

Police said that he called out to the man and asked him why he locked his animals inside his yard.

However, the man began to verbally abuse Nermal and told him not to enter his yard. But the farmer

ignored the order and entered the yard to retrieve his animals and as he passed through the gate, the man came to the door armed with a black shotgun and discharged one round.

Nermal did not receive any injury but he became fearful for his life and ran away. The matter was reported to the Police who are yet to find the suspect. An investigation has been launched. (G9)

Aspirations…

D

…to be a teacher uring colonial days, most of the upper rungs of the economic strata were occupied by white Britishers. The rest of the society had to fight their way up the ladder tooth and nail. The starting point for most was to become teachers in the school system - mostly right out of the same primary school as “pupil-teachers”. But they became very respected in their communities, and a headmaster was a veritable god!

All of this adulation had a feedback effect, and teachers conducted themselves with dignity and gravitas as they fulfilled their duties, which to them was a vocation, not a “wuk”. Teachers were stabilisers of society, and many would further their education to move up further. Both Burnham and Hoyte were teachers before they took to legal education. Burnham’s father was a teacher, and then a headmaster in Kitty.

But sadly, after Burnham was given independence and then took to rigging elections, which led to the destruction of every institution in our country, the teaching profession wasn’t spared. In his drive for absolute power, he subverted the profession in two ways. Individually, things became so “brown” - as inflation ate away their fixed salaries - many of them had to turn to selling “sweeties” to their students to supplement their income. That didn’t exactly augment the regard of their wards for them. The second way was institutionally, as he formed his own “Masters and Mistresses Union” to break the GTU. Anyhow, by the time he passed on, the teaching profession’s reputation had become mud - which also described the conditions of most of the schools! And that was the situation the PPP had to fix (along with everything else) when they returned to office in 1992.

And slowly, that’s exactly what they did. Today, the entire infrastructural innards of the school system have been rebuilt, with some of the newer schools reaching First World standards. Teachers were also brought back from the margins, as the Teachers College churned out trained teachers who could go on to earn their degree at UG - and higher salaries.

This is as it should be, since teachers literally mould the future in the form of the new generation. So, even though the PNC haven’t changed their stripes and recently attempted to use the Teachers Union once again to further their political ambitions - by having them wallow in the mud using gutter language - there is still hope.

The top student at this year’s NGSA said she wants to become a teacher!! For our nation to fulfill the destiny promised by our oil revenues in the years ahead, it is teachers who’ll have to get us ready.

They need our best and brightest! Hats off to Nirvana Wimal!! …on schooling equity Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, has just warmed the cockles of your (jaded) Eyewitness’s heart!

No…she didn’t belt that smarmy and obnoxious Duncan one on his chops!! She resuscitated her old plan to bring all the secondary schools to the same level, so the elite schools won’t all be in Georgetown. This legacy of the centralised British rule, to accommodate their scions in the capital, has stubbornly remained in place - cutting off many kids from outlying areas who just don’t want to (or can’t) be relocated.

She announced that she’s immediately introducing CAPE in three of those latter schools - Chandisingh in Berbice, Anna Regina in Essequibo, and West Demerara Secondary in Reg 3. This is a concrete beginning of what had just been an aspiration, and she must be backed to the hilt. We cannot have our entire crop of 14,000 students annually scramble for less than a thousand places in Georgetown.

As with CSEC, your Eyewitness predicts that these new CAPE schools will outperform the old “elite”!! …and social media Social media is going to have a profound effect on the ability of our youths to absorb what they’ll be exposed to in the schools.

The MoE will have to incorporate its use! If you can’t beat it…!

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 more die from COVID-19, 122 new cases …3777 active cases, 28 in ICU

T

he Health Ministry on Saturday announced the death of four more persons who were being monitored for COVID-19.

This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 866.

The patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at our medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive tests.

Fatalities were two females – a 68-year-old from Region Six and a 45-yearold from Region Three – who died on October 15. Later, on October 16, a 65-yearold from Region Four and a 59-year-old from Region Five also succumbed.

The vaccination status of these persons was one unvaccinated, one partially vaccinated, one fully vaccinated and the fourth unknown.

Statistics from the latest dashboard showed an increase of 122 new cases in one day. The total confirmed cases in the country have now climbed to 34,362.

There are 28 patients being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit, 125 in institutional isolation, 3624 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine.

In one week, there were 26 deaths and 666 new cas-

es.

Some 29,719 of the 16,261 males and 18,101 females that tested positive have since recovered.

However, there are still 3777 active cases in the country. Guyana has tested 337,459 persons since the virus was detected here.

An analysis of new cases showed 10 for Region One (Barima-Waini), five in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 23 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 45 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), seven in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 27 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), five in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), four for Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and seven in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no increases in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

Latest figures show vaccination surpassing 371,000 second doses or 72.3 per cent. Over 228,000 or 44.5 per cent of the adult population received both doses. For children, more than 26,100 first doses have been administered.

This past week, Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Carissa F Etienne said that while Latin America and the Caribbean

is on track to reach the WHO COVID-19 vaccination target of 40 per cent before the end of the year, six countries have yet to vaccinate 20 per cent of their populations.

In the Caribbean, cases have increased in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Barbados also reported a five-fold increase in infections over the last month.

The PAHO Director called on countries to hire and train health workers to ensure vaccines can be administered quickly, and to tackle hesitancy by equipping the health workforce at all levels to answer patients’ questions and help them understand the benefits of vaccines.

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 emphasise: 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)

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD OCTOBER 16, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

122

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

125

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

3624 28

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

4

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

18,101

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

16,261

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

34,362

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

29,719

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

371,007

FULLY IMMUNISED

228,262

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

866

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1560

REGION 2

1353

REGION 3

4681

REGION 4

16,442

REGION 5

1212

REGION 6

2437

REGION 7

1717

REGION 8

539

REGION 9

2434

REGION 10

1987

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

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

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NGSA results

Single mother used Google to help son who topped Region 6 ...as Skeldon Primary cops 2 in Top 10

Jada Dhanpat - Skeldon Primary 512

Top student Raphael Omarao - Skeldon Primary 518

Sarah Mannu - Cumberland Primary 517

Skeldon Primary’s top two students, Raphael Omarao and Jada Dhanpat, with their teacher Dacia Mitchel

Miya Hari of - New Market Primary 516

Vishun Basdeo - Rose Hall Estate Primary 513

Rihanna Lewis - Port Mourant Primary 512

By Andrew Carmichael

has a second student in the Region’s Top Ten. Top student Raphael Omarao, who secured 518 marks, said that initially he did not take the preparation for the exams as seriously as other students and only spent a little time studying on his own.

In addition, the challenges brought about by the pandemic were no incentive to studying and face-to-face

classroom interaction was lacking.

Raphael Omarao, with 518, and Jada Dhanpat, with 512, both had the same teacher who expected both to do well at the exams.

“I would read for about 15 minutes and then take a ten-minute break, which is not very productive,” he said with a smile of accomplishment on his face.

Noting that the pandem-

T

he top National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) student of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), an aspiring mechanical engineer, was assisted by his single parent mother who had to consult with Google for assistance.

This is as Skeldon Primary, apart from having the region’s top student, also

ic made learning difficult for him, the aspiring mechanical engineer said he had some challenges in asking questions when he was in virtual classes.

“We had classes on zoom but then sometimes the internet was not that good and because of that sometimes you could not understand what the teacher was saying and sometimes the teacher would disconnect and sometimes we had blackouts so you can’t really learn the lesson,” he explained.

He said that is when his mother, who is a single parent, stepped in. Not being a

teacher by profession, Ruth Omarao related that on many occasions she had to consult with Google in order to ensure that she was imparting the correct knowledge.

She said even though notes were being sent to her son, on many occasions the teacher could not get to explain the notes, and this was challenging for her son.

“I believe a child needs a little face-to-face, so I had to be the mom and the teacher.

Raphael and I would be sitting together working and whenever we have challenges, we Google it sometimes

and then I ask for help from different teachers.”

She noted that Raphael is very good at mathematics.

Very proud

Also from Skeldon Primary in the Region’s Top 10 was Jada Dhanpat, who obtained 512 marks.

Danpat said she is very proud of herself for attaining the marks she did and that it is due to late-night studying, the help of her parents and teachers who helped her along the way on her path to success.

TURN TO PAGE 25

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Dis ting happen so fast” – Strathspey murder suspect confesses

Memory war of “undermining” PPP Govt

M

ost Guyanese are waiting for the PNC to sort out its leadership contretemps, hoping for a return to more “normal” Guyanese politics.

But most are also wondering uneasily whether we would be plunged directly into the Hoytean “slow fyaah; mo’ fyaah” variety, or the uneasy period of the interregnums.

Ravi Dev Meanwhile, there has been a concerted, coordinated effort by a motley crew of radicals, who are working overtime on social media platforms, to ensure that the new PNC leader would have to choose the violent, confrontational Hoytean strategy.

The radicals are engaging in a “politics of memory and commemoration” designed to not only widen the extant ethnic fault lines of our society, but to ensure that politics is seen as a zerosum proposition in which the PNC’s African Guyanese constituency has no alternative but to remove the PPP Government.

David Hinds of the WPA, a partner in the APNU coalition, illustrates this politics of memory. As a “memory warrior”, his opening gambit was to label the PPP as an “illegal, imposed cabal” that rigged elections just like Burnham’s PNC. He and his cohorts insist that the PPP has “robbed” them of political office; is subjecting them to “economic genocide”; extra-judicially executing their youths, and is persecuting their leaders.

But while all groups will inevitably recount their histories which reverberate in the various communities as narratives that often clash on particulars - memory warriors are insistent that only their narrative is the TRUTH, to the exclusion of other narratives.

And even though the PPP has offered its specific rebuttals, these are summarily dismissed.

Back in early August, Hinds urged at a protest rally: “…in whatever way you can, undermine this (PPP) Government…I can’t tell you how to do it. But ‘a hint to Beneba mek Kwasie tek notice’.

Undermine this Government because it has no good intention towards you all.” Not to “oppose”, but to “undermine”. Professor Hinds always chooses his words carefully: some synonyms of “undermining”, my dictionary informs me, are to “sabotage, cripple or damage”.

Now when such exhortatory calls - dubbed “speech acts” - are made in the wake of the inaugural “African Emancipation Day” and symbolically in the historic village of Victoria, the first village founded by freed formerly enslaved Africans, we have to appreciate how they would be decoded by the listeners. There is the plain meaning of the words spoken - the “locutionary” effect - which David has been emphasising in his response to those like VP Bharat Jagdeo, who claim he is calling for violence. “Not so”, he asserts, “show me where I have called for violence.”

But this is rather disingenuous, since there is the action signalled when he uttered the words as to what he wanted to be done, the “illocutionary” effect. And this we can appreciate from the context in which - and to whom - he was speaking, his tone, his body language, etc. The use of the idiomatic African folk saying, “A hint to Beneba, mek Quashie tek notice”, explicitly means that he doesn’t want to say openly what he wants them to do, but his listeners would understand based on their lived experiences.

Specifically, in the case of Guyana, whenever the PPP is to be confronted, the principle as articulated by Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte and every other PNC leader is that “the only language the PPP understands is force”.

This plays out against a narrative in which African Guyanese argue for their greater legitimacy to the national patrimony including and especially political power - because of asserted prior arrival, suffering, greater acculturation to European values and practices, especially religion, etc. And this is where the memory war is fought through a “politics of entitlement” by memory warriors, so that the group “winning the war” becomes “entitled” to have all its interests satisfied, especially at the expense of the other groups.

I have recommended that we encourage “memory perspectives” accepting that there are multiple narratives and working towards the crafting of a common narrative that includes all - but to no avail.

And, finally, there is the effect elicited from the audience to David’s call - the “perlocutionary effect”. And we can gauge this from the reaction of his viewers on the many programmes on social media in which he repeated his call for “undermining” the PPP Government.

And it was clear that they understood that it was a call to remove the Government by any means necessary.

S

Dead: Ganesh Persaud

hortly after Police apprehended a 24-year-old man from Annadale on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) for the murder and robbery committed on 21-year-old Ganesh Persaud of Strathspey, ECD, the suspect confessed to the heinous crime.

In a video footage seen by this publication, the suspect confessed to Police officers that he was the only person who committed the robbery but killed Persaud during a scuffle over his gold chain.

“Me nah know, this thing happen so fast, me get in meh mind me know meh ah guh some way, meh ah guh, and when meh guh, meh guh and walk in and talk to de boy.

Meh seh how much fuh this speaker box, when meh ask how much fuh this speaker box, meh guh and scramble he gold chain,” he confessed.

The man said as soon as he grabbed the chain Persaud retaliated and a scuffle ensued between them. He admitted that it was during the fight, he stabbed Persaud to his neck.

“…but me start jook… like me nah even know how de knife come…is one lil knife… me nah know way me jook he… couple well place and we fight,” the suspect said.

He claimed that he did not take any money from the store, only Persaud’s chain.

“Me nah get no money. Me nah tek no money or nothing from nobody. Me and he fight and me hold on pon de chain,” he admitted in the video.

The 24-year-old suspect was then asked by Police who took him to the business place, and he said he was dropped there by someone he does not know.

The business place where Persaud was killed

The self-confessed killer in Police custody

He posited that at the time, the person was riding a bicycle and he asked them to drop him to the business

place. Shortly after, the cyclist left.

On Friday last, Persaud, who operated an electron-

ics store in the area called “Deals on Electronics”, was in the store when the bandit invaded, held him at knifepoint and collected his valuables, Police said.

The young businessman was relieved of a gold chain he was wearing at the time along with an undisclosed sum of cash, according to Police.

As the bandit was about to leave the premises, he stabbed the young man to his neck.

Persaud managed to exit the building and raise an alarm. He then collapsed and was picked up and placed into a vehicle and taken to a private medical facility but he succumbed to his injuries.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police stated that shortly after the man’s murder, the 24-year-old man was arrested and found with Persaud’s chain in his possession.

He remains in Police custody assisting with investigations. (G12)

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Irresponsible” behaviour in non-return of Grade 6 text books – Education Minister …says it could affect upcoming NGSA students

E

ducation Minister Priya Manickchand has continued calls for textbooks to be returned from the current Grade Six cohort, in order to provide these opportunities for the upcoming batch.

The Education Ministry has implemented a policy whereby students will be unable to access their National Grade Six Assessment results until the books are returned.

Each child would have acquired 17 textbooks or ma-

terials to aid in their preparation for the examination.

Speaking with media operatives on Friday, the Education Minister said there was a high degree of irresponsible behaviour this year, where a majority of the books were not returned. However, officials would have retrieved a large quantity during a collection exercise.

“I expect every year you’ll get some loss...but what I saw here was lawlessness. It was absolute-

ly irresponsible behaviour because when we walked house to house, we collected them back. Some places moved from 1600 outstanding children. That will be 1600 multiplied by 17 cause each child got 17 books, to under 100. That’s the effort,” said Manickchand.

She underscored that the students in the public sector would have seen tremendous benefits from these resources, and those opportunities must be extended to the other stu-

dents. She recalled taking office last year at a time when there was a deficit of textbooks. If this trend continues, Guyana will be in that position again.

“For the public school children, it made all the difference in the world. I came into the Ministry and found zero textbooks. I had none to give out and textbooks hadn’t been bought for four years so there was a serious deficit. If I don’t collect this back, by next year we’re back in that status where

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

I can’t give everybody because I don’t have enough to give everybody…It’s not me being mean. I just really, really want to give the other children

the opportunity.”

According to the Minister, exceptions will be made where there were genuine setbacks or issues that would have caused students to lose their books.

“If you come and you can’t get the book back and we find out that is a genuine case of somebody spiting somebody and took away the textbooks, we’ll deal with that. But this that we saw, this number, you got entire schools with 60-something children who did not return the books. You want to tell me 60-something children got the same kinds of problems?” she questioned.

Guyana’s mid-year report would have shown that $980.5 million was spent by the Education Ministry to acquire worksheets and

textbooks for children in the public school system.

Some 165,958 textbooks were procured and distributed to over 13,000 Grade Six students.

The NGSA was written at a time when the country is still facing COVID-19 crises and other effects.

However, Manickchand pointed out that it has provided officials with the opportunity to explore ways in which education can be delivered differently.

“Some of this worked for some students. Grade Six classrooms have a tendency to grind children, eight o’clock to six o’clock and then lessons. Is that really what’s necessary? Now that we’ve been home and we could look at this again, is that necessary?...

There are things that we learnt here and we have to find ways to engage the children, especially for mathematics.”

She added, “What we did this year is we wrote all the notes that children could need in social studies, science and we printed them and gave them to every single child.

So, we cut out that writing from the blackboard and we had more discussion time.

I think that’s an effective thing that we can do going forward. We gave worksheets, past papers.”

Speaking on the admission of Grade Six students into the secondary system, the Minister said they are mulling a January reopening.

“What we have done for Grade Seven is the consolidated curriculum so we have already cut the curriculum from 40 weeks to 20 weeks. What we have to do is make sure we cover that as well as work they would have missed in Grade Six.” (G12)

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

My passion for farming developed “pretty early” – José Smith

osé Smith, a 19-year-old from the Indigenous village of Wakapao in the PomeroonSupenaam Region 2, is very passionate about farming.

The young man developed his love for farming from an early age, since his family has been farming for his entire life.

Wakapao originates from the Lokono word ‘Wakokwãn’, which translates to ‘pigeon’. Based on Na Eseru, a social media page dedicated to highlighting everything Indigenous, the village of Wakapao was established around 1850, and is made up of a vast mainland and a number of

joyed growing up in the village here,” he said.

He grew up in a large family with eight siblings, so that means he always was with them enjoying what the village had to offer. Education also played an important role in his upbringing, and he attended the Mabel Sandy Primary School in Wakapao, and after completing his National Grade Six Assessment, José was awarded a place at the Anna Regina Multilateral School on the Essequibo Coast.

When he moved to the Coast, José was living with a family that was also heavily invested in growing their own food. “While attending Anna Regina Multilateral School, I had to live with a family, and they had a backyard garden and they were growing greens and vegetables like baigan, bora, ochro, carilla and so. I used to help them out, and from there I learn how to do more vegetable farming, because my par-

scattered islands.

It has just over 3,000 residents, mainly from the Lokono nation. The village is also home to the largest group of fluent Lokono speakers. The village is located about 35 miles by river from the small township of Charity on the Essequibo Coast.

José says that growing up in Wakapao is responsible for him being the well-rounded individual he is. He remembers going to his parents’ farm, and fishing and swimming in the creeks.

“As a child, it was so much fun. We used to swim all the time in the creeks all the time, and be jumping from the trees. We used to be eating awara, coyoro and a lot of whitey during my childhood. I really en-

ents them does plant cassava.

“I learn a lot when I was with the family there, and I know it was something I wanted to do on my own at some point,” the young man said during an interview with <<Sunday Times>>.

José was about to enter his final year of schooling at the Anna Regina Multilateral School when he was transferred back to his village to complete his education at Wakapao Secondary. There he sat the Caribbean Examination Council’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and gained passes in eight subjects.

Immediately after finishing his examinations, the young José started preparations for setting up

By Lakhram Bhagirat

J

his own farm.

“When I finish exam, I decided that I want to start out farming. So, I cut my own (farm) and started planting right in Wakapao.

I went right where my parents does plant cassava and I started to chop the bush and prepare the land to start planting. My parents they helped me too, and I get the land ready and started to plant.

“I does plant all organic greens and vegetables, like bora, ochro, red beans, tomatoes, sweet cassava, carilla, eddo, banana and pakchoy. I would sell it right in the village here when I harvest, and that has been

how I have been getting money. I really does enjoy the farming too,” he said.

José has been thinking about expanding his farm.

The young man is currently employed at a coconut farm, where he is learning to grow and process coconuts. It is his intention to venture into that aspect of farming as well.

The young farmer has said that he would soon be pursuing a career in teaching, but would not give up his farming venture. He believes that organic food is essential to the health of everyone, and he is doing his part to ensure everyone benefits.

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chef Naiya Kartick-Bulkan collaborates with Blue Flame Women’s Group to create Quai Craft Chocolate

By Lakhram Bhagirat

L

ove of quality chocolates has led Chef Naiya Kartick-Bulkan to partner with the Blue Flame Women's Group of the Barima-Waini Region One to create her own brand of chocolate.

Naiya has been in the food business for a number of years, and is the owner of Scrumptious Sweets and Treats, which is a homebased dessert catering business. Through Scrumptious Sweets and Treats, Chef Naiya combines European desserts such as macarons and entremets (mirror-glazed cakes with different layers and textures) with local flavours.

She grew up in Guyana, and after completing high school, moved to Canada to further her studies. There, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry Specialist from the University of Toronto, and it was while she was in Canada that she started hobby baking.

After she completed her studies in Canada, Naiya returned to Guyana, where she continued baking for family and friends. They really enjoyed her creations, and suggested that she make a career out of it.

“I was inspired to com-

Naiya Kartick-Bulkan with her daughter Quinn, who is eating one of Quai’s chocolate bars

bine my knowledge of chemistry with food, desserts in particular, which led me to apply to culinary school in France. In 2015, I moved to France to learn the art of patisserie. I attended culinary school, and then completed an internship at a top restaurant in St Remy de Provence. This experience allowed me to gain the knowledge, learn the techniques, and develop the discipline required to start Scrumptious Sweets and Treats when I came back to Guyana in 2016,” she said.

Naiya takes the classic and adds her style to create an experience in the mouths

of her clients. Her time back in Guyana, besides creating unique desserts, has led to Naiya travelling throughout the country as well as exploring different ingredients. She looked at ways of incorporating them in her recipes to provide the truly unique Guyanese experience.

When she discovered Guyana’s superior quality cocoa beans, her love for chocolate led her to venture into new territory.

Around the time, her daughter Quinn was born, and she had to take time off from Scrumptious, which gave her time to think about what

she really wanted to do.

“I have always loved chocolate, so why not make my own? I started doing my research on the process of chocolate making, and then jumped right into it. I wanted to be sure the cocoa beans I used were locally grown and ethically sourced, which is how I got into contact with the Blue Flame Women’s Group from Region One. In my opinion, they are one of the most progressive groups to emerge from Guyana’s hinterland, producing quality organic cocoa among other products,” she said.

That birthed Quai Craft

Chocolate – a name that was inspired by her daughter and is a combination of Quinn and Nai (Naiya’s nickname).

The Blue Flame Women’s Group was formed just over ten years ago, and is regarded as one of the most progressive economic ventures from Guyana’s hinterland.

The group is known for its quality cocoa sticks, cassava bread, cassareep, coffee, and coconut oil among other products. The group also exports and sells cocoa beans.

“The biggest hurdle I’ve had so far was initially getting the cocoa beans. The

beans are being sourced from Region One, and they rely on a ferry to transport their products. At the time that I ordered the first batch, the boat was having issues and it took me 6 weeks to receive the beans, when I was advised it usually takes 2 weeks,” Naiya said.

Quai chocolate is stoneground, then handcrafted and moulded in small batches to maintain the quality, taste and integrity of the product. Currently, Quai chocolate bars are 50 per cent cocoa, and four specialty flavours will be available upon launching - dark milk, orange cardamom, sorrel cinnamon, and peanut praline.

“I want to provide a quality local chocolate that can rival the Craft chocolate bars being sold internationally.

We have some of the best cocoa in the world being grown right here in Guyana,” she said.

For now, Naiya is currently building up her stock before an official launch.

However, persons can contact her via WhatsApp 6732946 or on Quai’s Instagram page @quaicraftchocolate to access the bars.

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Abary River farmers display resilience after floods

By Andrew Carmichael

T

his year, Agriculture Month is being observed under the theme “Transforming our Food System: Achieving Food & Nutrition Security”; and in line with that theme, a young cash-crop farming couple are ensuring that they play a part in keeping Guyana’s food security intact.

The young couple, Ramchand Ramnarine and his wife Gomattie Arjune, of Abary River, Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), are ensuring that Guyana’s food security is maintained as they defy the odds to continue producing vegetables for both the foreign and local markets.

Between May and early August, the couple’s entire 7-acre cash crop farm was under floodwaters, but that did not faze them, as they have already begun preparations for replanting. Although losing millions of dollars, the couple did not engage in despondency; rather, as soon as the floodwaters began to recede, they went back into their farm and tried to salvage what they could, and moved on to replanting.

“My experience during the flood was scary. I couldn’t go into the farm. I couldn’t come out of the house or go anywhere, because the water was so ‘big’. Everything I had

in the farm died…it was like a drama,” Gomattie said.

When the floods hit, the couple had tomatoes, eggplant and sweet peppers that were bearing, while okra and a few other vegetables had not reached the bearing stage as yet. These were all destroyed.

Sunday Times visited the farm, where the couple had already incurred more than half a million dollars in debt to acquire seedlings for the new crop. From a position of harvesting tomatoes for two and a half days, to ensure all of the ripe ones were picked, and then starting the process all over one day later,

Gomattie and Ramchand are now spending that time putting down new plants.

“It is hard, a lot of struggles, real struggle, because money is not there. It is really tight,” she told this publication.

Gomattie explained that the water receded about two months ago, and ploughing commenced. “We start to put down balanjay (eggplant), tomatoes, sweet peppers and other things that we normally pant. Every time the flood come, it takes everything, all the money to come back on the farm, but this trip is worst, this flood cripple us; everything…the flood

took so long that all the money finished. Now, the boys that selling us the seedlings giving us a holdover on the plants,” she said.

nutrition security. Most of the vegetables take about six weeks to start bearing, and so, as soon as the water had receded from a section

However, despite encountering losses every year as a result of floods, they remain committed to ensuring that Guyana achieves food and

of the farm, preparations for the new crop commenced.

However, that action has consequences.

“After the water pull off

of this part, my husband start to fork it, and we get tomato. Right now, you could see the tomato bearing, but it is a lot of diseases, a lot of bacteria. The trees are not bearing as much as they supposed to bear because of the bacteria and disease.”

Gomattie explained She said that because the water had remained for such a long period on the land, it left disease on the land, and it is now affecting the soft vegetable plants.

“When the bacteria hit the blossoms, they fall off, and so you can’t get the fruit,” she said as she showed this publication the spots on the leaves of the tomato plants.

The farmers have been impoldering after every flood, and according to them, they might have to make five- feet impolderment ahead of next year’s rainy season.

“Every year, the flood coming higher,” they declared.

She explained that there is a heavy additional cost to treat the diseases.

The Government, through the Agriculture Ministry, has been issuing financial relief to farmers who have been affected by the recent flood. However, the couple are still to collect theirs, but they are hopeful.

Meanwhile, they remain resilient, even though in debt.

16 FEATURE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION A breast self-exam can help screen for: * Tumours * Cysts * Other abnormalities in the breasts

NOTE:

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

B

reast lumps are very common.

Fortunately, they’re not always a cause for concern. Ordinary reasons, such as hormonal changes, can cause breast lumps that appear and disappear on their own. Many women are screened each year for breast lumps, and these tests show that up to 80 percent of lumps are benign, or noncancerous.

While it may be difficult to determine whether or not a lump is cancerous, learning how to do a breast examination and understanding some signs to look out for can determine if a lump might be concerning, and help to decide when to seek medical care.

A breast self-examination is a screening technique that can be done at home to check for breast lumps.

Breast self-examination was once thought to be a good screening process for breast cancer.

Now a self-exam is considered to be less effective than other techniques, such as regular mammograms. This has led groups such as the American Cancer Society to deem breast self-exam optional.

However, in Guyana’s setting, where services for ultrasound or mammogram may not be readily available, the breast self-exam can be a crucial tool in early diagnosis of breast cancer and other breast-related issues.

A breast self-examination helps to familiarise oneself with the shape, size, and texture of their breasts. This is important, because it can help to determine if the experience is normal or abnormal. This should also be reported to a healthcare provider.

Preparation

The best time to do a breast self-exam is a few days after the monthly menstrual cycle ends.

Hormonal changes can affect the size and feeling of the breasts, so it’s best to perform the exam when the breasts are in their normal state.

Women who don’t menstruate should choose a certain day to perform the exam, such as the first day of each month.

A journal of the self-exams should be kept, because it helps to track and record any changes that were noticed in the breasts.

PERFORMING A BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

Start by standing topless in front of a mirror with hands at the sides.

Visually inspect your breasts for the following: * Changes in size, shape, or symmetry * Dimpling(deep holelike appearance on the skin) * Inverted nipples * Puckering * Asymmetrical ridges at the bottom.

Check for these signs

with the hands at the sides. Then, with the arms over one’s head, and again when lifting one breast at a time. * Using the pads (base) of the fingers, not the tips, inspect the breasts while lying down, and again in the shower. The water and soap in the shower would allow the fingers to glide easily over the skin. * Using varying pressure, and with gentle care, massage the fingers over the breasts in a spiral pattern, starting at the nipple.

Make a way up to the top of the breast near the collarbone, to the centre by the breastbone, and to the sides near the armpits. Do this by putting one arm over the head while massaging the breast with the other hand. * Lastly, gently squeeze the nipples to check for discharge.

RISKS OF A BREAST SELF-EXAM

There’s no medical risk involved in a breast self-exam. Finding a lump in the breast can be alarming, but most breast lumps are not malignant, or cancerous; they’re typically caused by other benign conditions.

Breast self-exams have also been associated with an increase in unnecessary breast biopsies, which are

procedures that involve the surgical removal of breast tissue. Because most abnormalities in breast tissue are noncancerous, the extra surgical procedures put women at risk for rare complications, such as bleeding and infection.

AFTER A BREAST SELF-EXAM

Finding a lump or abnormality is not cause for panic. Remember that the vast majority of breast abnormalities turn out to be benign, or noncancerous.

Besides cancer, breast lumps can be caused by: * Fibro-adenoma, which is a benign tumour of the breast tissue * Fibrocystic breast disease (changes), which is painful, lumpy breasts caused by hormone changes, especially during breast enlargement. * Intraductal papilloma, which is a small, benign tumour of the milk ducts * Mammary fat necrosis, which refers to lumps formed by bruised, dead, or injured fat tissue * Abscess- treatable * Cyst- Treatable * Lipoma/Treatable * Mastitis/Inflamed breast due to infection or trauma, and is treatable with antibiotics.

However, this doesn’t mean that a lump or abnormality should be ignored.

Finding a lump should motivate persons to make an appointment with their healthcare provider to have their breasts professionally examined, or additional test ordered.

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NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rupununi teacher robbed of motorcycle time around 17:45h at St Ignatius village, Central Rupununi.

It was reported at about 17:00h on Friday, the 36-year-old male teacher was proceeding north on Parikwarunau Village Access Road heading home when he was flagged down by the suspect who asked him for a lift to St Ignatius village.

The teacher told Police that as he approached St Ignatius Access Road, the suspect asked the victim to stop for him to urinate.

However, upon stopping,

The motorcycle

A

Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) teacher was robbed of his motorcycle after offering a drop to a stranger.

Reports are that the incident occurred some-

the suspect placed a knife to the victim’s neck and ordered him to get off of the motorcycle.

After the teacher complied, the suspect rode away in an eastern direction with the motorcycle.

The area was combed for the suspect and he was found at about 21:00h in his neighbour’s yard.

He was told of the allegation and cautioned, under which he claimed, “Sir dah man pull a knife on me so I tek away he bike and hide it.”

He subsequently took

the Police to a bushy area in Kumu Village where the white and black XR150 mo-

torcycle with registration number CH 4728, valued at $250,000, was found.

The 30-year-old suspect is in custody pending further investigation. (G9)

20 NEWS Trapped 81-year-old perishes in Bartica fire SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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Firefighters battling the fire at Mongrippa Hill, Bartica (G News Bartica Newsletter photos)

A

n unattended candle caused a fire at Mongrippa Hill, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which led to the death of a pensioner who was trapped in the building.

Dead is Iris Baron of Lot 203 Mongrippa Hill, Bartica.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the blaze was caused by a lit candle that was left unattended.

Reports are the candle fell and ignited combustible ma-

Motorcyclist hospitalised after collision

terials in the home.

The GFS on Saturday morning said that the report of a house on fire at Bartica was received at 22:23h and a water tender and crew from the Bartica Fire Station responded.

Despite their efforts, however, Baron’s one storey wooden and concrete home was completely destroyed with her inside.

Additionally, a neighbouring two storey house with occupants in both the

top and bottom flats also received partial damages from the blaze.

The GFS said radiated heat from Baron’s house destroyed some 19.3 meters of PVC guttering on the northern wall and two complete glass windows were damaged on the building next door.

The top floor was occupied

by Abdul Hakh and his family of three while the ground floor was occupied by Sasraz Hakh and his family of four.

(G9)

Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) man is hospitalised and currently nursing a fractured leg after his motorcycle collided with another motorcycle on Sir David Rose Avenue, Mackenzie.

Injured is 32-year-old Kevon Griffith of Speightland Mackenzie, Linden.

Police said the accident occurred at about 20:00h on Friday.

At the time, Griffith was riding motorcycle CK 6296 while the other motorcycle, CJ 2486, was ridden by someone Police are yet to identify.

Police on Saturday said that the two motorcyclists were proceeding west along the southern side of Sir David Rose Avenue at a fast rate of speed when they lost

control and collided with each other.

As a result, they both ended up in a nearby trench on the southern side of the said road where Griffith received injuries.

He was picked up in a conscious condition by public-spirited citizens and taken to Mackenzie Public Hospital where he was seen by a doctor on duty and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital suffering from a fractured right leg.

The rider of motorcycle CJ 2486 fled the scene of the accident, and the matter was subsequently reported to the Police.

A probe has been launched into the incident as law enforcement officers are now on the lookout for the other motorcyclist. (G9)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Essequibo Coast businessman beaten, robbed by armed bandits

The scene at Supenaam Waterfront when one of the suspects was caught

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46-year-old businessman of Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was beaten and robbed by three gunmen.

Reports are that at about 01:30h on Friday morning, Charle Henry woke up to use the washroom when he was confronted by the suspects who held him at gunpoint.

According to Henry’s son, one of the bandits pointed a gun to his father’s head and started to hit him about his head and

face resulting in his jawbone being dislocated.

“When my father came out of the washroom the men pointed the guns to his head and after that they started to hit him on the head and face. My father pushed one of the man and run upstairs and yell ...Thief! Thief! Thief in the house!... After that mommy and my brother wake up and the bandit them gone,” the businessman’s son told Guyana Times.

However, after the bandits made a quick escape, the businessman’s family

discovered that over $1.5 million and a gold chain valued $380,000 were missing.

An alarm was raised and a Police rank assisted by public-spirited citizens were able to apprehend the three suspects.

The businessman was taken to the Suddie Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Meanwhile, a .38 revolver, a gold chain and a bag containing $224,890 was recovered during the arrest of the three suspects. (G14)

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 nabbed during drug exchange

T

The cannabis that was found in the suspect’s possession

wo men, a 52 and 38-year-old, are now in Police custody after they were found with a quantity of ganja in their possession on Saturday afternoon.

The two were arrested during at drug exchange at about 13:00h at E Field Sophia, Cummings Lodge, Georgetown.

Acting on information received, a party of policemen went to E Field Sophia, where they saw a white Toyota Allion motor car bearing registration PYY 8902 parked in a street in the area.

The 52-year-old suspect exited the car holding a black bulky plastic bag and went into a yard which is located on the northern side of the street.

The 38-year-old suspect then came out of the house and the 52-yearold handed over the bag to him.

Upon seeing this, the

ranks made their approach and on noticing the Police, the first suspect dropped the black plastic bag he was carrying and ran north on the said street into a neighbouring yard.

Police gave chase and he was apprehended, while the second suspect ran into his house where he was pursued and also apprehended.

The Police took possession of the bag which when opened in the presence of the two men contained two bulky brown scotch tape wrapped parcels that had a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems.

The two suspects were told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested and escorted to the Turkeyen Police Station where the cannabis was weighed in their presence and it amounted to 1031 grams.

The suspects were placed into custody pending charges. (G9)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Be patient – AG to No 46 residents on land titles R

esidents of Number 46 village in Region six (East BerbiceCorentyne) will soon receive land titles for the lands they have occupied for a number of years.

Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall recently held a meeting with residents, where he assured that they will receive their land titles. He informed that the process is moving accordingly and made a commitment that residents will receive their titles in the soonest time possible. To this end he encouraged the residents to exercise patience.

“We embarked upon a process and that process takes time,” the AG alluded.

Lands which the residents have been occupying for decades are being claimed by others.

In this regard, the AG stated that when the discovery was made a few a years ago, the Government began a process to ensure that all the residents eventually receive titles for their lands.

He indicated that they had moved to begin the process of granting ownership to the residents.

The Government had petitioned the Land Court but

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall

was not successful in this move.

“We tried several mechanisms before. We tried petitioning the Land Court by way of prescriptive title. That did not bear much fruit because the owner of the land, who owns it by certificate of title, came forward and asserted that title. And by law, once a land is owned by certificate of title, unlike a transport, and that certificate of title holder comes forward and asserts that title, no application for prescriptive title can be granted,” he pointed out.

According to the AG, some persons have started

a similar application in the High Court, and the matters are now before Justice Nicola Pierre. He stated that a total of 19 matters are currently there.

He also revealed that those persons will suffer the same faith unless a method of resolution is arrived at.

“Bringing the matters to a resolution and getting titles for all the persons who are resident on the lands, as I said requires a process to be done. We had to get a complete survey of the entire village and every occupant and what they occupy and where they occupy and the dimension of their occupation, recorded on one single plan,” Nandlall stated.

The AG pointed out that having the matter resolved first required a survey of the community to be recorded on a single plan. This survey, he stated, has been completed.

“This single plan here shows every single lot of land in this village, shows the dimension, all the streets, shows the size of the lot, who is occupying, those who are adjacent and it also shows which of these plots are owned by certificate of title and who own them,” he stated.

Moreover, he explained

that “This singular plan will be used to get descriptions for all of you for the land you occupy and eventually when titles come after the process is concluded, the description of your land that will be on your title will be derived from this plan.”

Residents whose cases are before the court were informed that they [cases] must be amended to include the new survey. He said it is the only way they would be able to acquire a title for the land.

“The clear-cut cases where nobody is asserting title and the land is clearly demarcated, you will get your title, obviously. The second set we will deal with, is those that are opposed. We will have to sit down with the people who are opposing you and work out a compensation or some form of resolution whereby they will relinquish their interest in the land. The Government will take care of that. That is our promise and commitment to you,” the AG assured residents.

Meanwhile, he pleaded with residents not to tamper with the boundaries since any movement of said boundaries would disrupt the process.

“The major part of the work is concluded which was to get a proper comprehensive accurate plan and please, none of you do not change your boundaries because it will cause problems. Any movement of any boundaries here will cause great disaster in this process because from the time you move, you are shifting to another boundary, or you are shifting to a place that is different from which is demarcated on the plan,” he appealed.

Earlier this month, the AG along with Minister

within the Ministry of Housing & Water, Susan Rodrigues distributed land titles to the 45 residents of the Non Pareil New Area, East Coast Demerara, after some 20 years.

The AG had urged the residents to secure their titles in light of its importance.

“Your certificate of title is a document of great legal and commercial value. Legal because it certifies you, in law, as the power of that property, and nobody can take it from you,” the AG had stated.

24 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1600 students moved from Primary Tops for better opportunities – Manickchand

E

xpanded capacity at the secondary level to accommodate more students has led to 1600 children being removed from the Primary Tops institutions, where they can now acquire a higher quality education.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand underscored during the recent announcement of the National Grade Six Assessment results that the Ministry has opened capacity at secondary schools across the country.

This year, the Ministry expanded the number of children entering the secondary school system.

Originally, 120 seats would be awarded to Queen’s College; the figure has now increased to 167. Admission

to The Bishop’s High School increased from 100 to 145; along with 100 to 120 to St Stanislaus College. This pattern was adapted in other schools where there was vacant space.

The Primary Tops were created as an extension of primary schools, in events where the secondary capacity is exhausted. However, now, these students will get a “better chance”.

“A Primary Top is where there is no space. The Government doesn’t have any space to put you in a secondary school so you finish primary school, you go back to the primary school and we call it a secondary programme. That is not conducive to secondary education. This year, we’re giving 1600 children a bet-

ter chance,” the Education Minister outlined.

To bolster this capacity, additional resources and trained teachers will accompany this expansion. Manickchand emphasised that such plans move Government one step further in offering universal secondary education regardless of the school or location.

“This year, we are beginning and I commit to you personally that you will be able to have an enriching, fulfilling, solid education at any secondary school you go to because that will be our effort. We’re dedicating ourselves to that. We’re dedicating ourselves with vigour. I am not talking about 20 years down the line. I’m talking about now.

You will see changes in secondary education that will mean you’re not a failure if you didn’t get one of the top schools.”

Before the ending of 2021, the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) will be offered in several other schools. They

include West Demerara Secondary, Anna Regina Secondary School and JC Chandisingh Secondary School.

“Before next year, you are going to see CAPE introduced to about seven more schools in this country…Those are some of the

improvements. We’re looking at the physical plan.

I was shocked walking around these schools to see how shabby they had become,” she stated.

In 2019, the Ministry had taken a decision to include additional schools to the list that offers CAPE. At that time, only 15 centres had allowed students to study at this level, and only in four of the 10 administrative regions.

For 2021, the candidate and subject entries for CAPE measured 27,715 and 110,020, respectively.

It was the lowest cohort in four years. Nevertheless, 88 per cent of students received acceptable grades, higher than the Region’s 87 per cent. (G12)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PM sworn in as acting President …as President Ali heads to Dubai 2020 Expo

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rime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips was on Saturday morning sworn in as acting President of Guyana by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

The simple ceremony occurred at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), shortly after President Irfaan Ali departed for Dubai, where he will attend the Dubai 2020 Expo.

Guyana has fielded a delegation to the expo, which commenced on the first of October this year, and will conclude in March 2022.

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess and Commissioner of Police (ag), Nigel Hoppie, were also present during the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister.

Single mother used Google to help...

FROM PAGE 10

PM Brigadier (ret'd) Mark Phillips being sworn in before Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

Chartia Jagarnath Tain Primary 511

Anmarie Sukhra Cropper Primary 511

Ciel Clements - All Saints Primary 511

She referred to her class teacher as being very instrumental in her success.

“Every day she would do online Zoom with us. There were two teachers who did online Zoom with us. One did Maths and Social Studies and the other did Science and English and they were very helpful to all of us.”

Both Omarao and Dhanpat had the same teacher who expected them to do well at the examination.

Dacia Mitchel has been a teacher for 13 years.

She said she was elated at the results from the two students but said she was not surprised since they were top students at the National Grade Four exams.

“I am happy that they actually delivered,” she said.

Meanwhile, the second spot in Region Six went to Sarah Mannu Cumberland

with 517 marks.

Mannu said she studied very hard and was pushed by her parents. Her goal was to earn a place at Queen’s College which she achieved.

The aspiring lawyer said she was also following the Ministry of Education’s live feed of the results when she heard her name called.

“I just felt shocked because I wasn’t expecting that.”

The third spot was taken

by Miya Hari of New Market Primary with 516 marks, who also got the school she wanted – Queen’s College.

According to the student who wants to become a teacher like her mother, virtual learning assisted greatly during the pandemic.

“All my teachers and my parents helped me. I have to thank the Ministry of Education for sending worksheets and textbooks to us.

The textbooks have very useful information which helped me to prepare for the exams.”

“With virtual learning, it was quite difficult but it also helped because if we didn’t have that, we would be left back. Once you put the camera on you can see the teacher and she had a whiteboard which she writes on,” she explained to this publication.

Vishun Basdeo of Rose Hall Estate Primary was fourth with 513 marks while the fifth spot - 512 marks - was shared by Dhanpat, Rihanna Lewis of Port Mourant Primary and Maranda Adams of All Saints Primary.

Four students who gained 511 marks tied for the eighth spot: Anmarie Sukhra of Cropper Primary, Chartia Jagarnath of Tain Primary, Ciel Clements of All Saints Primary and Jameir Grant of St Alloysius Primary.

26

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Regional

Argentina's Guzman pushes economic Pablo Escobar: Colombia sterilises drug lord's hippos “roadmap” to investors in New York

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group of hippos - an unwanted legacy following the death of notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar - are being sterilised.

Escobar, who was shot dead by police in 1993, illegally imported exotic animals, including a male and a female hippo - dubbed the "cocaine hippos".

Since then, a growing population has been taking over the countryside near his former ranch, Hacienda Nápoles.

The Colombian government has so far sterilised 24 of more than 80 animals.

They have been treated with a chemical that will make them infertile.

Colombian environmentalists say the hippos, believed to be the biggest herd outside Africa, are an invasive species and have pushed away the native fauna.

Many have campaigned for the animals to be culled or sterilised.

Back in 1993, when au-

The hippos at Pablo Escobar's former estate are believed to be the biggest herd outside Africa

thorities seized Hacienda Nápoles - Escobar's luxury estate situated about 250km (155 miles) north-west of the capital Bogotá - most of the animals found there were distributed to zoos across the country.

But not the hippos.

"It was logistically difficult to move them around, so the authorities just left them there, probably thinking the animals would die," Colombian biologist Nataly Castelblanco told the BBC earlier this year.

However, with no natural predators in South America, the hippos multiplied.

Scientists studying the hippos' environmental impact say the animals could affect the local ecosystem in a number of ways: from displacing native species already under threat of extinction, like the manatee, to altering the chemical compositions of waterways, which could endanger fisheries - though other studies suggest they might help the environment too.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

rgentine Economy Minister Martin Guzman met with private investors in New York on Friday, and according to sources inside the meeting focused his attention on laying out a "roadmap" for the embattled country's economic outlook.

The meeting, which also touched on Argentine politics, was attended by Argentine Cabinet Chief Juan Manzur and came after a crunch meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to discuss a new deal to revamp some US$45 billion in payments.

Friday's meeting focused on Argentina's economic outlook, including the most recent negotiations with the IMF, and an update on the political landscape. The country defaulted to private creditors last year before a major debt restructuring.

Guzman gave what one attendee called a "roadmap" for making Argentina's economic growth stable and combat volatility. Investors, stung by in-

Argentina's Economy Minister Martin Guzman posing for a picture before an interview with Reuters at the Economy Ministry in Buenos Aires, Argentina December 10, 2020

flation, debt and currency crises in the country in recent years, have long complained of a lack of a clear economic plan.

The meeting came days after Guzman met with IMF head Kristalina Georgieva, and the two agreed to continue working on developing a credible loan program.

Argentina and the IMF have for months been negotiating a program to replace one struck in 2018 that failed and left the South American

country as the largest Fund borrower with a debt close to US$45 billion. Argentina pledged to have a new deal in place by the end of March at the latest.

Last year Argentina restructured some US$65 billion in debt with private international creditors, but the restructured bonds are trading at distressed levels as investors worry about the soy exporter's economic outlook.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

World Food Programme says Colombia ELN guerrillas claim responsibility climate crisis poses severe threat for attacks on oil infrastructure to food security in the Caribbean

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he United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) says that the climate crisis poses a severe threat to food security in the Caribbean, as vulnerable communities — a vast majority of whom rely on agriculture, fishing and livestock, who contribute the least to the climate crisis — bear the brunt of the impacts with limited means to cushion the blow.

“The world faces an exponential increase in hunger fuelled by the climate crisis, if urgent global action to help communities adapt to climatic shocks and stresses is ignored,” warned WFP on

Friday ahead of World Food Day on Saturday.

“The climate crisis has the potential to overwhelm humanity,” said WFP Executive Director David Beasley. “The climate crisis is fuelling a food crisis.”

“The world is not prepared for the unprecedented rise in hunger we will see if we do not invest in programmes that help vulnerable communities adapt and build resilience to our changing climate,” he added.

WFP said that, in the last 70 years, 324 disasters impacted the region.

“Climate change is expected to intensify the se-

verity of natural hazards in the Caribbean in the years to come,” it added. “The result will be a further reversing of significant development gains, paralysing national response capacities, and reducing people's access to food. Rising sea levels threaten the very existence of the Caribbean.

WFP has called on world leaders to recognise the close link between hunger and the climate crisis, and is urging them to redouble their efforts to address the changing climate as focus shifts to the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26). (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

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eft-wing guerrillas from the National Liberation Army (ELN) in Colombia have claimed responsibility for a Friday morning attack against a pipeline used to transport crude to the country's most important refinery, located in the city of Barrancabermeja.

The attack resulted in an oil spill which affected surrounding vegetation and soil, the company said in a statement. A spokesman said that a fire that had broken out was later brought under control.

In a statement posted on one of its websites, the ELN said: "Our guerrilla forces carried out an act

of sabotage on the La Cira Infantas pipeline used by Ecopetrol today, October 15, in the Paquistan region on the road between Barrancabermeja and Bucaramanga."

The group also took responsibility for attacks against the La Cira Infantas oil field in September, which resulted in production at some of the wells being halted.

The La Cira Infantas oil field produces around 30,000 barrels of crude per day.

Production was not stopped at any of the wells following the attack on Friday, an Ecopetrol spokesman said.

Ecopetrol, Colombia's largest company, owns

52 per cent of the field, while the remaining 48 per cent belongs to SierraCol Energy.

The ELN said it wanted to "open a debate" on the use of the country's resources, in particular oil. It said it would be willing to discuss halting its attacks against oil infrastructure in exchange for eliminating road tolls and adjusting fuel costs.

Attacks against oil pipelines and other infrastructure in Colombia are common, with 28 such incidents recorded in 2021 through September. In 2020, Ecopetrol recorded 51 oil infrastructure attacks.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

IDB, Mastercard to help Caribbean Iranian supertanker departing from Venezuela to transport heavy oil cities boost economic inclusion

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he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Mastercard have signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising the IDB's participation in City Possible network, pioneered by Mastercard, which helps Latin American and Caribbean countries boost economic inclusion.

The Washington-based IDB said it is the first multilateral to join the programme, “which brings cities, companies and communities together to identify common challenges and co-develop solutions that advance inclusive and sustainable urban development”.

“The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all the cities in our region, and cities remain critical hubs for post pandem-

ic recovery and engines for economic growth,” said IDB President, Mauricio ClaverCarone.

“Now more than ever, public and private partnerships are needed to promote economic inclusion and replicate innovative solutions that address urban challenges, particularly in the developing world,” he added.

With more than 220 city members and candidate cities globally, the IDB said the “City Possible” partnership framework focuses on building more inclusive and sustainable cities by increasing access to services in urban areas, expanding mobility solutions and informing an inclusive recovery through data driven insights.

“As the world starts to re-

cover from the global pandemic, actions taken by cities within the next few years will play a large part in determining future resiliency,” said Michael Froman, Vice Chairman and President of Strategic Growth for Mastercard.

“It is essential to ensure that, in addition to economic development, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability are also considered,” he added. “The IDB will bring essential expertise, insights and reach for City Possible members in Latin America and around the world.”

This IDB-Mastercard joint effort will complement the work already being done by the IDB through its Cities Network. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

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n Iran-flagged supertanker on Saturday was about to set sail from Venezuelan waters carrying 2 million barrels of heavy crude provided by state-run oil firm PDVSA, according to documents seen by Reuters and vessel tracking services.

The shipment is part of a deal agreed by PDVSA and its counterpart National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) that exchanges Iranian condensate for Venezuela's Merey crude.

The swaps aim to ease an acute shortage of diluents that has cut Venezuela's oil output and exports, Reuters reported last month.

Dino I, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) owned and operated by NIOC's

National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), finished loading the Venezuelan oil at PDVSA's Jose port late Friday, according to the documents, a source and monitoring service TankerTrackers.com.

The bilateral oil trade could be a breach of US sanctions on both nations, the US Treasury Department told Reuters last month, citing government orders that establish the punitive measures.

The vessel arrived in Venezuela in September with its transponder turned off while carrying 2.1 million barrels of Iranian condensate. The light oil fed PDVSA's Petrolera Sinovensa, Petropiar and Petrocedeno projects in the

country's Orinoco Belt.

A second condensate cargo of similar size is expected to be delivered to Venezuela in the coming weeks as part of the swap routine, which will be in effect for six months in its first phase.

PDVSA first launched the exchange last month by sending 1.9 million barrels of Merey heavy crude on the Iran-flagged supertanker Felicity.

The exchange provides the OPEC nation with a stable supply of blending material needed to convert its extra heavy oil into exportable grades. The pact also delivers heavy oil to Iran for blending, refining or marketing to Asian customers. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

27

Around the World

Australian Police make record $104M heroin seizure A ustralian Police have announced the seizure of the largest heroin shipment ever recorded in the country, worth around A$140 million (£76 million; $104 million).

Authorities said the shipment, which weighed 450kg, included 1290 packages of heroin with unique red branding.

The seizure was made at the Port of Melbourne Australia’s largest port - on September 29.

Offices said they arrested a Malaysian man after the huge haul was discovered in a container of ceramic tiles.

He was later charged with the import and attempted possession of a commercial quantity of a border-controlled

Part of the seizure made by Australian Police

drug. He could face a sentence of up to life in prison.

Testing of the substance in the packages showed it was heroin.

The shipment originated in Malaysia and was bound for a business located in Melbourne. Several loca-

tions were later raided in the Victorian state capital.

Speaking following the announcement, Acting Assistant Commissioner Krissy Barrett of the Australian Federal Police said the discovery had been made thanks to close co-operation between interna-

tional police forces.

Commissioner Barrett added that Police estimated that they had saved one life for every two kilograms of the drug removed from circulation in Australia’s communities.

“It is important to note that in addition to the arrests made, the primary outcome of this operation is the preservation of an estimated 225 lives” she said.

In 2019, authorities made an even bigger bust, when they discovered an enormous haul of methamphetamine worth around A$1.2 billion (£660 million, $840 million) hidden inside stereo speakers at a Melbourne port. Around 37kg of heroin was also found in that raid.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

US offers payments, relocation to family of Afghans killed in botched drone attack

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he Pentagon has offered unspecified condolence payments to the family of 10 civilians who were killed in a botched US drone attack in Afghanistan in August during the final days before American troops withdrew from the country.

The US Defense Department said it made a commitment that included offering “ex-gratia condolence payments”, in addition to working with the US State Department in support of the family members who were interested in relocation to the United States.

Colin Kahl, the US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, held a virtual meeting on Thursday with

Steven Kwon, the founder and President of Nutrition & Education International, the aid organisation that employed Zemari Ahmadi, who was killed in the Aug 29 drone attack, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said late on Friday.

Ahmadi and others who were killed in the strike were innocent victims who bore no blame and were not affiliated with Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) or threats to US forces, Kirby said.

The drone strike in Kabul killed as many as 10 civilians, including seven children.

The Pentagon had said earlier that the Aug 29 strike targeted an Islamic State suicide bomber who posed an im-

Russia exceeds 1000 daily COVID deaths for first time

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ussia has reported more than 1000 daily COVID-related deaths for the first time since the start of the pandemic, with the country’s vaccination drive at a standstill and no restrictions in place.

An official government tally on Saturday reported 1002 deaths and 33,208 new infections, setting a pandemic high for both fatalities and cases for the third day in a row.

The surging outbreak has come with just 31 per cent of Russians fully inoculated as of Saturday, according to the Gogov website, which tallies COVID-19 data from the regions.

A lack of tough restrictions has allowed the coronavirus to spread, though a number of regions have reintroduced QR codes for access to public places.

The Kremlin has avoided reintroducing major restrictions despite calling the country’s vaccination rate “unacceptably” low, saying this

week authorities have to ensure “the economy continues working”.

It also said that Russia’s medical system is prepared to take in the rising number of patients, describing it as not “overwhelmed”.

Authorities have blamed Russians for the growing outbreak.

Earlier this week, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko pointed to their “behaviour”, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said everything had been done to give the public the chance to “save their lives by getting vaccinated”.

While several local vaccines have been available for months, authorities have struggled to inoculate a vaccine-sceptic population.

Independent polls show that more than half of Russians do not plan to get a shot.

Deaths from COVID in Russia now stand at 222,315, the highest toll in Europe.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

minent threat to U.-led troops at the airport as they completed the last stages of their withdrawal from Afghanistan.

However, reports had emerged almost immediately that the drone strike in a neighbourhood west of Kabul’s Hamid Karzai

International Airport had killed civilians including children. Video from the scene showed the wreckage of a car strewn around the courtyard of a building. The Pentagon later said the strike was a “tragic mistake”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Congo protests turn violent as lawmakers select electoral commission chief

Police rush to stop rival political supporters from fighting during a protest by followers of Opposition Leader Martin Fayulu who were demonstrating the independence of the country’s electoral commission, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, October 16, 2021

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olice in Democratic Republic of Congo used tear gas to break up clashes between supporters of the President and an opposition leader on Saturday, as lawmakers selected a new head of the electoral commission.

The National Assembly chose Denis Kadima, an election expert with decades of experience, to lead the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), a body that political analysts and diplomats criticised for its role in the disputed 2018 vote where Felix Tshisekedi emerged as President.

Tshisekedi is expected to seek a second term when Congolese voters return to the polls in 2023, with CENI likely to play a pivotal role again.

“His (Kadima’s) electoral expertise is not disputed,” said Tresor Kibangula, of the Congo Research Group at New York University. “However, the fact that his candidacy was pushed behind the scenes by people close to President

Felix Tshisekedi quickly raised suspicions about his independence.”

Opposition leader Martin Fayulu and Tshisekedi formed an electoral pact in the runup to the 2018 election, but Tshisekedi eventually split off to form another political group before the vote.

Amid widespread accusations of fraud, the CENI declared Tshisekedi the winner, while Fayulu, who said he had won a landslide victory, came second.

On Saturday, around 10,000 Fayulu supporters marched through the streets of Kinshasa in protest over several issues including the accusation the process to select the leadership of the CENI was being influenced by politicians.

Police fired tear gas to break up clashes in the Limite neighbourhood between Fayulu’s followers and those of Tshisekedi, who hurled petrol bombs at the protesters, according to Reuters witnesses. (Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Oil prices rise to 3-year high on back of supply deficit forecasts

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il prices settled at a three-year high above US$85 a barrel on Friday, boosted by forecasts of a supply deficit in the next few months as the easing of coronavirusrelated travel restrictions spurs demand.

Brent crude futures settled up 86 cents, or 1 per cent, at US$84.86 a barrel. Front-month prices, which touched their highest level since October 2018 at US$85.10, hit a weekly rise of 3 per cent, its sixth straight weekly gain.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 97 cents, or 1.2 per cent, to US$82.28 a barrel. The was up 3.5 per cent on the week in an eighth consecutive weekly rise.

Demand has picked up with the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a further boost from power generators who have been turning away from expensive gas and coal to fuel oil and diesel.

The White House said it will lift COVID-19 travel restrictions for fully vaccinated foreign nationals effective Nov 8, which should boost jet fuel demand.

Meanwhile, a sharp drop in oil stockpiles in the United States and the member countries of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development is expected to keep global supply tight.

“It will take a trifecta of events to derail this oil price rally: OPEC+ unexpectedly boosts output, warm weather hits the Northern Hemisphere, and if the Biden Administration taps the strategic petroleum reserves,” said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA. US energy firms this week added oil and natural gas rigs for a sixth week in a row as soaring crude oil prices prompted drillers to return to the wellpad.

The US oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose 10 to 543 in the week to Oct 15, its highest since April 2020, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday.

The International Energy Agency on Thursday said the energy crunch is expected to boost oil demand by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd).

That would result in a supply gap of around 700,000 bpd through the end of this year, until the Organisation of the Petroleum Countries and allies, together called OPEC+, add more supply, as planned in January. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Myanmar army general Min Aung Hlaing excluded from leaders’ summit

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he army general who seized power in Myanmar in February has been excluded from an annual summit of regional leaders later this month.

The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to invite a non-political representative from Myanmar instead of Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

It is an unprecedented move for the 10-member bloc, which traditionally avoids interfering in its members’ affairs.

Myanmar’s military junta said it was “disappointed” with the decision.

ASEAN said the military had not done enough to end the turmoil in Myanmar.

In August, Gen Min Aung Hlaing named himself Prime Minister and said the country’s state of emergency would be extended as fighting between the army

and militia forces opposed to the military coup continued.

ASEAN said in a statement that an emergency meeting of its Foreign Ministers on Friday was unable to reach a consensus on whether the military should represent Myanmar at the summit held between 26-28 October.

The group said Myanmar’s military leaders had refused to fulfil promises of dialogue and de-escalation and said its representative had been banned from meeting the deposed and imprisoned civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The statement - issued

by Brunei, which is hosting the summit - said the situation in Myanmar “was having an impact on regional security as well as the unity, credibility and centrality of ASEAN”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

28

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

ARIES (March 21April 19)

29

Nurture essential relationships. The discussions you have will open your mind to various ideas and encourage you to make a change that offers financial opportunities.

It's OK to be different, but TAURUS not OK to be disruptive or take (April 20chances with your money or May 20) your health. Do what's right and best for everyone, and you'll avoid problems that can affect your reputation.

You've got this. Whatever

GEMINI you sign up for will benefit you (MAY 28- one way or another. Don't hesiJune 20)

tate to indulge in something that offers experience and wisdom.

What you learn will give you strength and determination.

CANCER Rethink your strategy, and (June 21- don't sign up for something that July 22) doesn't suit your needs. Focus on what's important to you and explore how to use your skills in diverse and meaningful ways.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Dilbert LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

Dance the dance, feel the music, make your move and live life your way. It's up to you to take control and do whatever it takes to keep negativity at bay. Choose personal growth.

Do something that engages the mind, body and soul.

Self-improvement, personal growth and making life adjustments that give you a boost and point you in a direction that eases stress are encouraged.

Consider your options and budget. Plan your actions and select people you know you can count on to assist you. Once you put a plan in place, it will be easy to expand your ideas and reach your goals.

An unexpected change at home or to an important relationship will push you to follow your instincts and your heart. Now's the time to be decisive. Let go of the past, and don't look back.

SAGITTARIUS Listen and observe. The signs and signals are there, (Nov. 23but if you neglect to consider Dec. 21) how a friend or relative feels, you will encounter an emotional challenge. Focus on being mindful.

You'll have insight into CAPRICORN money matters, joint ventures (Dec. 22and how best to handle situJan. 19)

ations that require honesty and integrity. Express your feelings with precision and detail.

Calvin and Hobbes

Progressive

action

will

AQUARIUS bring about change. Be sure (Jan. 20it's what you want before you Feb. 19) start something you cannot reverse. Disclose your motives to avoid backlash. Romance is in the stars.

Put your creative energy PISCES (Feb. 20- to work for you. A project you Mar. 20) want to pursue will perk you

up and encourage you to contact someone who shares your interests. A reunion will help you put the past behind you.

30 Universality spots an option for athletics at Junior Pan Am GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

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ubrey Hutson, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), does not think Guyana’s chances of being represented in the Track and Field discipline at the Junior Pan American Games has been affected due to recent developments.

Prior to a team being picked for the South American Under 23 Championships, the hope of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) was for local athletes to have an opportunity to qualify for the Junior Pan American Games through that event.

However, due to visa and travel woes, Guyana was able to send only a 4-athlete contingent to Ecuador for the South American Games.

Quizzed by Guyana Times Sport about what this means

…Hutson hopes athletes would qualify in Ecuador

AAG President, Aubrey Hutson

for Guyana’s chances at the Pan American Games, Hutson shared that it is not bothersome, and Universality spots are still an option.

“Not too much, you know, because the people who are on the Pan Am qualification list or who were just bumped off are the people who are

going. Chantoba Bright is still there. I think Daniel Williams got bumped off. Joanna Archer I think is still up there.

So, they basically are trying to go and cement their places and prevent people from bumping them off the list,” Hutson disclosed.

He added, “Just today again, I mean, we would have received communication from the GOA that we need to prepare our two Universality spots, and that is just in case the athletes that are out there get knocked completely off the list. We still will be able to field one male, one female athlete for those games,” On the topic of travel, Hutson had shared that USA ports might be the best way for Guyanese athletes to get around the world.

KKR “couldn’t afford” to take the risk of playing recovering Russell

Brendon McCullum

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ndre Russell, one of the most devastating T20 players in the world, was deemed too much of a risk to play in the IPL 2021 final, due to a hamstring injury that he picked up early into the UAE leg of the tournament.

Kolkata Knight Riders coach Brendon McCullum has said that, given the occasion of a final, and the injury Russell had, the team “couldn’t afford” to take the risk of playing Russell.

Knight Riders missed Russell’s explosiveness with bat and ball, as Chennai Super Kings won by 27 runs to lift their fourth IPL trophy.

Super Kings faced little trouble from the bowlers in piling up 192 for 3, and Knight Riders then found boundaries hard to come by, especially in the second half of their chase.

“Look, Andre, he obviously had a hamstring tear earlier on in the competition. He worked unbelievably hard to try and get himself available. There was still a risk there, and it was a risk that I felt in a final we just couldn’t afford to take,” McCullum said at the post-match press conference.

“Such is the nature of hamstrings you’re just never really sure whether they’re going to be fully healed or not. It was just such a big risk.

Look, in the end, we decided to go for the guys who had

With vaccine concerns lingering for the older crop of athletes, Hutson says he is awaiting word on recent developments in order to make a pronouncement.

The AAG President explained, “Well, I’m still awaiting the final pronouncement, because, you know, now they’re saying you can take a booster from another variety of the vaccine that you would have previously taken. So, in the event that, you know, some of our athletes would have taken the Sputnik-V vaccine, I think we have to await the scientists to say, ‘Well, yes, you can take a booster from AstraZeneca or something else like that’, that will allow us to travel to the USA.” Guyana’s athletes go into action today, and Hutson

has said he is grateful for the willingness of the athletes’ coaches to ensure they were prepared.

“At this time of the year, everybody is doing strength training, preconditioning, and pre-season training; and to move from that into competition realm is quite a tough ask. But we did send letters out to every athlete and their individual schools, and they would’ve agreed to so taper their programmes that they can compete comfortably in these championships,” Hutson commented.

The South American Under 23 commenced today, and will continue tomorrow in Guayaquil, Ecuador, while the Pan Am Junior Games are set for November 25-December 5, in Cali, Colombia.

GCB donates cricket kits to aid BCB coaching programme

Andre Russell

done so well for us to get us into the final. I’m really proud of all their achievements. It’s a shame we fell short, but we were outplayed by a very good CSK side today.”

Russell had played only three of ten games for Knight Riders in the UAE leg, with his last one being on September 26, nearly three weeks before the October 15 final. In the lead-up to the playoffs, Chief Mentor David Hussey had said Russell was “pushing hard” to be fit in time, while captain Eoin Morgan had pointed to Russell’s quick recovery from injuries in the past.

In Russell’s absence, the overseas players that Knight Riders went with were Sunil Narine, Shakib Al Hasan, Lockie Ferguson and Morgan. While the others had several crucial performances, Morgan’s already bad form in the India leg of the IPL nosedived further in the UAE. Overall, he made only 133 runs in 16 innings, scoring a t less than a run a ball, with a strike rate of 95.68.

In the UAE though, he had just 41 runs in nine innings, at an average of 6.83 and a strike rate of 71.92.

Morgan’s form meant Knight Riders had to wrestle with a question several franchises have faced over the years: How to deal with an overseas player who’s completely out of sorts, but is also the captain, and thus cannot be dropped from the XI easily.

Kn i ght Riders chose to stick with Morgan, with McCullum saying that he had backed Morgan to come good in the later stages of the tournament.

“It’s a really unique situation, isn’t it?

He was captaining out of his skin.

He’s captained as well as what I’ve ever seen him captain, as well as I’ve seen anyone really captain in a T20

competition,” McCullum said of Morgan. “I thought he was driving the team forward with his captaincy.

“Unfortunately, the runs weren’t there for him, no matter how hard he tried. We tried to put him in that position where he’s been so successful in those last five overs in T20 cricket right throughout his career, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

“You know, there’s many examples over the years of guys who have struggled for form leading into big games, who have then been able to find something in that situation to be able to get a performance. That was what I was clinging on to tonight, with both the captain and also the vice-captain (Dinesh Karthik, who had 100 runs in eight innings in UAE), but it wasn’t to be. Those guys, they played their hearts out, they did their absolute best, and they just weren’t quite able to get the performances they would have liked.

“In the end, I’m still really proud of everyone who bought into the vision that we had for the group, invested in what we’re trying to achieve, and ultimately took us on this journey, which allowed us to have some great memories, but just fell short.”

(ESPNcricinfo)

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has donated a number of cricket kits to the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for use in their coaching programmes throughout the Ancient County.

On hand to receive the coaching kits on October 15, 2021 was President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, who is also Vice-President of the GCB. Mr. Foster had earlier made a request to the GCB for a donation of coaching kits in order for the Berbice coaches to be equipped to carry out their assignments.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to severely affect the tournaments and programmes of the GCB, but, as stated in an earlier press release, the GCB would comply with the National COVID-19 Task Force’s instructions.

President of the GCB, Bissoondyal Singh, has noted that coaching is a critical component of the development plans of the GCB. The donation of these kits to the BCB is the first

in what would be a series of donations being made throughout the country as an ongoing exercise of the GCB. President Singh added that all cricket activities, including coaching, would restart immediately, as the green light has been given by the National COVID-19 Task Force.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

By Timothy Jaikarran

J

onathan Van Lange of the Titans table tennis club has gained a qualification spot at the Inaugural Junior Pan American Games.

Club coach Dwain Dick, proud of this accomplishment that his student has attained, in an exclusive interview with this publication, declared, "It's a proud feeling, as both Jonathan and Miguel Wong (who

Titans Coach Dwain Dick

qualified) are from the club.

Not surprised, though, as we have their profession over time, as a result of them coming up in a system with structure and growth atmosphere.

“Our aim has always been to develop young players and help drive elite performance from right here at home.

“There are a few more exceptional players who are no strangers to those who follow table tennis; they are just waiting

Namilco Thunderbolt Flour renews sponsorship of RHTY&SC U-21 First Division teams

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— Sukhai hails performances of teams on and off cricket field

he National Milling Company of Guyana (Namilco) last Friday renewed its cricket sponsorship of the under-21 and First Division teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) during a simple but significant ceremony held at the company’s Head Office at Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

The sponsorship, which would last until October 2022, is valued at $420,000.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster has said the club is delighted at the renewal of the sponsorship despite the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. He said Namilco had come on board as the team’s official sponsor in September 2019, replacing Gizmos and Gadgets.

The sponsored teams have since participated in a total of seven tournaments, and have been unbeaten to date. They are defending champions of the 20/20, 100 balls, 40- over and 50-over tournaments, while the under-21 team are also defending Berbice champions.

The teams have also successfully completed close to one hundred activities in the name of the sponsorship. Among the activities completed are the construction of three homes for less fortunate families, awards ceremonies for outstanding Guyanese, charity programmes, donations to organisations, and playing a major role in educating Berbicians about COVID-19.

Among the activities organised were Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers, Tribute to Medical Workers, Tribute to Outstanding Teachers, Youth Information Booklet, COVID-19 educational posters and stickers, distribution of cycles, and distribution of over $6M worth of flood relief food hampers.

The teams also hosted the Basil Butcher Trust Fund, Annual Christmas Village, and assisted their peers with the donation of millions of dollars’ worth of cricket gear. Special emphasis has also been placed on assisting the Rose Hall Town Council to celebrate the 51st anniversary of Guyana’s smallest town.

Foster, who is also President of the vibrant Berbice Cricket Board and Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board, has said the teams were very proud to represent the Namilco brand, and he hailed the relationship

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster receiving sponsorship from NAMLICO Managing Director Bert Sukhai in the presence of other management officials

31

Hilbert Foster handing over that exists between the special gift to Bert Sukhai management of the two organisations. teams as outstanding flagHe noted that Kevin Sinclair, bearers of the company’s brand, Kelvon Anderson, Shemaine and said they had exceeded Campbelle, Shabaki Gajnabi expectations on and off the and Sheneta Grimmond all cricket field. Sukhai expressed represented the West Indies satisfaction at the numerous under the sponsorship, while activities of the teams, especially several more exciting talents those which had a positive are emerging under the club’s impact on the lives of those less aggressive developmental fortunate than themselves. programme, headed by Head He urged the two Namilco Coach Delbert Hicks along Thunderbolt teams to uphold with Cricket Managers Robby their high standards in the Kissonlall, Keith Hicks and Tyrone future, and reassured them of Pottaya. his company’s support in the Among the other players future. representing the teams are RHTY&SC official Simon Jason Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Naidu has said that apart from Clinton Pestano, Eon Hooper, sponsoring the two teams, the Shawn Perreira, Keon Sinclair, company co-sponsors a number Junior Sinclair, Slyus Tyndall, of activities from the club on Khemraj Mahadeo, Delbert an annual basis, including the Hicks, Jonathan Rampersaud, RHTY&SC Review Magazine, Jermey Sandia, Mahendra Awards Ceremony, Cricket Gopilall, Chanderpaul Govindan, Academy, Charity Programmes, Christopher Deroop, Matthew Christmas Programme, Say Yes Pottaya and Romesh Bharrat. /Say No Campaign and Tribute Captain of the Under-21 team to Law Enforcement Officers for 2022 would be Chanderpaul Programme.

Govindan, with Jonathan Naidu also said the company Rampersaud as his deputy, while is expected to be on board Shawn Perreira and Clinton shortly with a contribution to Pestano would serve as captain the RHTY&SC 2021 Christmas and vice-captain respectively for Charity Programme, which the first division team, would be held between The long serving RHTY&SC December 1 and 24. official has reassured the The teams, at the conclusion Namilco management that of the presentation, handed the teams would continue to over a special gift to Mr Sukhai represent their brand with pride, in appreciation of his support of commitment and discipline. He their activities over the years. said cricket in the county would Namilco is a subsidiary of restart as soon as the National Seaboard Corporation of the Task Force grants permission.

United States. It produces the NAMILCO Managing Director most popular brands of flour in Bert Sukhai has hailed the two Guyana.

Jonathan hard at work

for the right opportunity to showcase their skills and level of play, such as Colin Wong, Thuraia Thomas and Krystian Sahadeo, to name a few.

“In terms of what is expected of him (Van Lange), I expect him to be very competitive all the way, as he is smart, tactical, aggressive, and always have a positive mindset. He will impress, no doubt."

Dick also said that with the opportunity Van Lange has been given, he is optimistic that the athlete would dedicate himself to the game and be more consistent in terms of his development, despite the lack of developmental initiatives and a clear pathway nationally for him.

Dick noted that, with sustained support, Van Lange can be a top player in Latin America in the near future. He believes that such a standard is good for a realistic goal for the young talent.

Dick reiterated that Van Lange is an astute student of the game, and that he is not far behind his Latin American counterparts.

"I am just appealing to all stakeholders to throw in their lot to help in any way or form, so that we can see improved systems where programmes are provided for our young talents to develop and access the necessary resources for them to progress to elite level," Dick has said.

The Junior Pan American Games are scheduled to be

staged from 25th November to 6th December in Cali, Colombia. The Cali 2021 Junior Pan American Games are a multisport Junior Olympic event which is intended to promote and develop the next generation of athletes in the Americas.

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.

Sammy and Bishop looking forward to global showpiece

T

wo former outstanding West Indies cricketers have hailed the evolution of the Twenty20 format of cricket, and are looking forward to witnessing the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which starts today in the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

Darren Sammy, the twotime T20 World Cup-winning captain, and the formerly impressive pace bowler Ian Bishop will be part of the TV commentary team for the event, and have said the forthcoming tournament offers explosive cricket and entertainment for everyone, featuring as it does the game’s biggest names and best teams.

“Twenty20 cricket provides maximum thrills to fans, and it’s no wonder that it is considered to be the vehicle for the growth of the game worldwide,” Sammy said in a media release from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s world governing body.

“Believe me, there are no easy games in this tournament, and it has been nothing less than a dream for me to lift the trophy twice for my team. I still back the West Indies to defend their title, but I really wish all the teams the very best. It will be a great pleasure being in the commentary box this time.”

Bishop said: “It seems unfathomable that 5 1/2 years have passed since the last edition in 2016. In that time, the format has developed, and grown exponentially. The power-hitting of the modern batter, the mystique and skills

Darren Sammy

of the spinners, the pace and variations of some of the fastest and best fast bowlers, in addition to the dynamic athleticism of fielders, promise to make this the most exciting and entertaining edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup yet.”

Bishop said the teams have invested heavily in enhancing their individual resources in preparation for their attempt to be crowned “world champions”.

“I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of a diverse and dynamic commentary team covering and conveying the many narratives of this auspicious global event,” he said. “We all remain mindful of the damage wrought in the ongoing fight against the global pandemic. As such, we endeavour to communicate

Ian Bishop

to you all the joy, beauty and healing that cricket can deliver to every nation.”

The ICC has said it would produce “live” coverage of all matches in the tournament, amounting to nearly 10,000 hours of coverage. More than ever before, coverage will be transmitted across TV and digital platforms in 200 countries.

A minimum of 35 cameras will be used at all venues, and viewers will be treated to stateof-the-art coverage, which would include “live” player tracking and dynamic field plotting.

The ICC has said there would also be tracking off the bat for the first time in the game, as well as stunning multi-angle “spin around” replay sequences from 4DReplay. (CMC)

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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

Some West Indian boys had solid season in IPL 2021 C

By Brandon Corlette

hampion Dwayne Bravo, captain Kieron Pollard, Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder and Sunil Narine were the standout West Indian players in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

In his 11 matches for Chennai Super Kings, Bravo claimed 14 wickets at an average of 18.78 and an economy rate of 7.81.

During this season, Bravo also became the second highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL. He has a tally of 167 wickets, three behind Lasith Malinga.

Moreover, Bravo became the player with the most championships in T20 cricket with 16 titles, one behind Pollard.

Sunil Narine

Pollard also had a good IPL season with Mumbai Indians, scoring 245 runs (most among West Indians in IPL 2021) for Mumbai Indians in 13 innings.

During this IPL, Pollard became the first man to score 10,000 T20 runs and take 300

87* and faced 165 balls in the

runs facing only 144 balls, and recorded an average of 34.57 and a high-score of 53.

The injury-prone Andre Russell did not have the impact he would have wanted for KKR, scoring 183 runs in nine innings, striking at 152 and averaging 26.14.

Russell took 5-15, but ended with 11 wickets in eight innings.

Mystery man Sunil Narine was again outstanding with

Dwayne Bravo

role for the finalists, KKR.

Kieron Pollard

Shimron Hetmyer

Jason Holder

West Indies captain Keiron

wickets. Important as he is, the player slammed a high-score of

tournament, striking at 148.4, an averaging 30.62. He also took important wickets with the ball.

Hetmyer finished the tournament with the highest batting strike-rate, and won the Super Striker Award. In his 13 innings, he scored 242

the ball, claiming 16 wickets in 14 matches at 22.5. He had a stellar economy rate of 6.44 and a best bowling figure of 4-21, playing an important

1 0 innings 62 runs T h e Universe Boss, who left the IPL bubble to focus on the T20 World Cup, scored 193 runs at 21.44, striking at 125. In his 10 innings, he had a high-score of 46.

Gayle’s Punjab Kings team mate Nicholas Pooran had an ordinary season, scoring 85 runs in 11 innings at an average of 7.72.

F a b i a n

Allen pulled off some stunning catches, but he claimed one wicket in four matches.

The replacement player Lewis played five matches for Rajastan Royals, and scored 151 runs at 30.2, striking at 162 and a high-score of 58.

Holder was the man whose consistent performances for Sunrisers did all the talking.

He picked up 16 wickets, (joint highest among West Indians in IPL 2021), his scalps coming at a top average of 15.43 and a solid economy rate of 7.75. He also played useful knocks with the bat.

With a mega-auction set for the 2022 IPL, these West Indian players and others would fancy their chances in the 2022 edition of the IPL. Some of these players have added confidence with their IPL performances as the T20 World Cup looms.

GOA serves for Wong in Pan Am preparation T

he Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) on Saturday announced a hefty contribution to Miguel Wong’s preparation as he gears up for back-to-back Pan American tournaments.

Wong, who departed Guyana on Saturday evening, will be heading to the Topspin Tischtennis Center in Germany for a three-week high performance training camp.

Thereafter, he will head to Lima, Peru for the International Table Tennis Federation’s (ITTF’s) Pan American Senior Championships, and later to the Junior Pan American Games in Cali, Colombia.

Taking into account airfares, accommodation, PCR testing, equipment support, therapy and nutrition, the GOA has invested close to US$8000 into Wong’s venture.

“With regards to Miguel, we had received a proposal from Godfrey as it regards his training. It was to have been either in Germany or in the United States, I believe

GTTA President, Godfrey Munroe

California. The feeling from Godfrey and his executive was Germany was the better place.

We agreed to that, as a result of that, we decided that we will so fund,” GOA President K.A. Juman-Yassin said during a press briefing on Saturday morning.

He added, “I and the

members of the GOA have looked at Miguel. We have seen him developing, and I could say that he has that determination to do better. I know (that) in his first sojourn, there was a lot of sacrifice on his part, I compliment him for that, and I sincerely hope this next training session that he

would have in Germany will be able to improve his game, so that when he goes to Cali, he will be a different player.”

Giving some clarity on why Germany was chosen, Guyana Table Tennis Federation (GTTF) President Godfrey Munroe shared, “The option of Germany was because the training was more intense and it is less costly than the US. The US is a little more costly because of the accommodations and meal provisions and so on.”

While the GOA’s contribution has completely funded Wong’s training and travels, the support he has received from Corporate Guyana would cover miscellaneous expenses.

Notably, it was Speaker of the National Assembly and President of the Everest Cricket Club, Manzoor Nadir, who assisted in having Wong’s visa expedited, so that he would be able to train outside of Guyana ahead of the tournaments.

The 21-year-old, who

GOA President, KA Juman-Yassin

expressed his gratitude to all those involved, will spend approximately 3 weeks in Germany, before going to Peru for the November 13-19 competition. He will remain there and get in some match practice before going over to Colombia for the Junior Games. There, he will be

accompanied by Jonathan Van Lange, who has qualified for the Junior Games.

In other sports, Aleka Persaud has made the qualification mark for swimming, and Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes have so done for Badminton.

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