Guyana Times - Sunday October 3, 2021

“This is not the end; I will fight this” – breast cancer fighter Alicia Sugrim Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4789 guyanatimesgy.com

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THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021

Brickdam Police Station crumbles after tragic …weapons secured, 911 fire strikes remains in operation Page 10

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Amendments to be made to tender for Corentyne P7 bridge − Edghill

…contractor will design, build, finance, operate & maintain bridge

Senior cop P34 arrested with ganja, ammo in car

Mahatma Gandhi’s 152nd birth anniversary

Pres Ali urges citizens to be conscious of their civic duty …as calls made to rename Middle St in Gandhi’s honour Page 3

Electrician’s murder

122nd anniversary of Arbitral Award

2 suspected Guyana will continue to bandits stand behind killed 1899 Arbitral by Award − Todd Police …as book released on border controversy Teacher dies minutes after giving birth at NA Hospital Page 35

Page 36

Dead: David Smith

Dead: Quacy Jupiter

…Health Ministry launches probe

See story on page 32

HIV-infected P33 persons should get COVID-19 vaccines – Health Minister …HIV positive person among unvaccinated deaths

150 persons to be hired at GYSBI career fair P34 Breast cancer is top cancer killer of women in Guyana – P27 Dr Ravi Motilall 3 unvaccinated persons among 4 COVID-19 P9 deaths …242 new cases recorded

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, October 3 – 02:00h-03:30h and 13:30h-15:00h and Monday, October 4 – 02:30h-04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, October 3 – 14:35h-16:05h and Monday, October 4 – 15:15h-16:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to thundery showers are expected during the day. Partly cloudy skies are expected at night.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Southerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 14:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.42 metres.

Low Tide: 08:10h and 20:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.79 metre and 0.78 metre.

Mahatma Gandhi’s 152nd birth anniversary

Pres Ali urges citizens to be conscious of their civic duty …as calls made to rename Middle St in Gandhi’s honour P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday joined in celebrating the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, during which he also urged persons to become more conscious of their civic duties and also had a few words to say on those who use their positions of influence to fuel vaccine hesitancy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a cultural programme at the Promenade Gardens, where a statue of the great Mahatma Gandhi stands, words of inspiration, songs and dances unfolded all in celebration of the birth anniversary of one of the world’s greatest leaders.

The event was organ-

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the commemoration ceremony

sy. That need not to be there if we all embrace the common

A cultural presentation during the observance at the Promenade Gardens on Saturday

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ised by the Indian High Commission in Guyana, and High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa used the opportunity to speak glowingly about the life of Gandhi. President Ali, who was a special guest at the event, gave remarks noting the relevance of the work of Gandhi to this day.

Particularly, President Ali noted the importance of citizens remembering their civic duty, pointing out that this was a major plank of Gandhi’s advocacy. He noted that Gandhi believed in having inner strength and the ability to differentiate right from wrong.

“Take for example the vaccination programme. A global pandemic that requires a global response. What are we seeing academic papers on now? Vaccine injustice.

Vaccine nationalism. And now, the conversation is moving even further, to type of vaccine you take.

“So, are we really moving forward? And this is why the life and lessons of these great souls remain relevant.

Because there has been no structural change in the thinking and mindset of mankind, when it comes to the fundamental aspects of life,” President Ali said.

According to Dr Ali, the issue of the vaccine should not generate as much controversy it does. He took the opportunity to also speak out against those who misuse their platforms to fuel, instead of dissipate, vaccine hesitancy.

“The policy of vaccination itself evokes such controver-

message that vaccination brings, that is to save life and to take us back to some sort of normalcy. But instead, what do we see? We see the generation of controversy, that leads to an environment that does not allow peace to foster.

Those persons who have the ability to influence positively but decide to use that ability to generate negative energy…

“Gandhi’s philosophy was meant to create change bottom up. It was meant to create active minds and thinking people from the bottom up. To awaken a sense of consciousness. And that is important

in the message. How do we awake a sense of consciousness in society? This is why people must take the responsibility of their own participation.”

Gandhi’s non-violent resistance helped end British rule in India and has influenced modern civil disobedience movements across the globe.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner called for the renaming of the Promenade Gardens and Middle Street in honour of Gandhi.

“I would like to take this opportunity to request humbly the Government of Guyana to consider our request to rename the Middle Street Mahatma Gandhi Street and to rename the Promenade Gardens the Mahatma Gandhi Gardens as a tribute to this great icon of peace, non-violence and anti-colonialism,” Srinivasa said.

Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who became a global symbol for seeking societal change through non-violent means. A proposal to rename the street is understood to have been formally made earlier this year. (G3)

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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

Agriculture future

T

he discipline of economics and economic development started in the 18th century with the insight that would later be labelled the “comparative advantage” of countries in the production of commodities. It has, therefore, been long known that one of Guyana’s comparative advantages was – and remains – in agriculture.

We are blessed with land, water, sunshine and, most of all, a populace that includes large swathes of individuals who are inclined towards agricultural pursuits. In fact, the reasons for no large-scale starvation during the Burnhamite destruction of the economy in the 1970s and 1980s was because we still had comparatively cheap local foodstuffs available.

But the question raised is why we have never used that comparative advantage to become a food-producing powerhouse. And the answer was given almost two decades ago when President Bharrat Jagdeo was responsible for agriculture among Caricom Heads of Government. He picked up on Caricom’s Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which had been a work in progress since the organisation’s formation in 1973 and transmuted it into the “Jagdeo Initiative” as a concrete proposal.

This Initiative identified 10 constraints that had to be overcome if the Region were to be successful in feeding itself and even become an exporter of food to a hungry world.

The constraints were limited financing and inadequate new investment in agriculture; outdated and insufficient agricultural health and food safety systems; inadequate research and development; a fragmented and disorganised Private Sector; inefficient land and water-distribution management systems; deficient and uncoordinated risk management measures; inadequate transportation systems; weak and non-integrated information and intelligence systems; weak linkages and participation of producers in growth market segments; and lack of skilled and quality human resources. The Initiative was, however, stillborn, because as usual, Caricom became mired in its parochialism since Guyana would benefit most because of its comparative advantage.

Now that we are in October, President Irfaan Ali just launched “Agriculture Month” under the theme “Transforming our Food Systems: Achieving Food and Nutrition Security”. Noting the perennial complaints about Caricom’s food import bill – now US$5 billion and counting, President Ali implicitly picked up on the Jagdeo Initiative – but with Guyana going on its own – and promised to reduce that bill by 25 per cent with the transformative plans he outlined. “The envisaged transformation of the local agriculture sector will involve an inclusive approach, which will include the active participation of the Government and the Private Sector, and continued engagements with farmers, agriculturalists, agronomists, veterinarians, food exporters, importers, academia, the scientific community and other stakeholders.”

His Minister of Agriculture reiterated some elements of the Jagdeo Initiative that will be addressed in the new dispensation now that Guyana has revenues from oil coming into play but is simultaneously seeking to avoid the dreaded “Dutch Disease”. “Transforming the agri-food system will require significantly greater public financing as well as private capital from national, regional and international partners.

International support, institutions, and bilateral partners will be critical to ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector through financing, technology and creating an enabling environment,” asserted the Minister.

To emphasise the seriousness of the Government, directly after returning from his gruelling overseas trip to CELAC in Mexico and UNGA in NYC, President Ali took an onthe-ground tour of the 115-acre soya bean and five-acre corn pilot projects in Ebini, Upper Berbice River, where he was able to closely inspect the crops and evaluate their growth.

The Private Sector joint project, which is aimed at providing all raw materials for the production of livestock and poultry feed for the local sector, is a critical component of the agricultural drive, since it opens up the vast Intermediate Savannahs.

But he did not stop there and pointedly noted the diversification of the troubled GuySuCo. This newspaper has long called for some of GuySuCo’s lands to be leased to sugar workers using the Rural Agricultural Infrastructural Development (RAID) model. This in combination with infrastructure, identification of markets for crops for which seedlings are supplied, and agro-processing of crops would supercharge the agriculture sector.

President Dr Irfaan Ali at the celebration of the 152nd Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Promenade Gardens. Also in photo is Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K J Srinivasa (Office of the President photo)

Gandhi Jayanti 2021

Dear Editor, On October 2, 152 years ago, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, India. This event is celebrated globally, but 2021 may have special relevance because recent events brought to light some of the issues that he confronted and exposed as he confronted the greatest Empire on earth armed only with truth, knowledge, courage, and a walking stick.

Gandhi is much revered globally, but many of the countries of the former Empire, including India, are still feeling the after-effects of the wounds inflicted from the idea of cultural and religious superiority that the European explorers took with their flags to foreign lands.

One of these is the practice of religious conversion.

The Canadian society is still trying to find ways to heal, and has recognised September 30 as a new holiday to pursue TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION. (See letters in Guyana Times of September 30) The political saint was among many icons that questioned the unnecessary practice of religious conversion, and highlighted the methods used and the harmful results to the Hindu family and society. His views were expressed in his publications YOUNG INDIA and HARIJAN as early as 1925. He made it abundantly clear that he was not against the message of Christ. Some of his quotes on the subject are summarised from page 128 to 131 of the book MOHANDAS K. GANDHI, THOUGHTS, WORDS, and DEEDS. Swami Vivekananda also addressed religious bigotry at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago as early as 1893. The late Swami Dayanand Saraswati wrote to the Pope in 2015, reminding him that conversion was an act of violence and an impediment

to world peace.

This subject was discussed at the First World Hindus Congress in 2014 in Delhi. This concern was echoed at The Second CONGRESS in Chicago in 2018, to mark the 125th year of Swami Vivekananda’s first speech in the West on 9/11 1893. This global nefarious practice is not only unethical, but the methods used can violate generally accepted legal principles from simple trespassing to terrorism, generating fear and intimidation, depending on the definition and context.

Hopefully, S 18 of the UN CHARTER OF RIGHTS, which limits itself to freedom to convert, needs to be amended to denounce illegal or unethical methods of religious conversion in all member states, as it remains a barrier to universal brotherhood. Even in the smallest nations, it is a source of disunity and disrespect.

GANDHI and JESUS

Despite his bold opposition to conversion, Gandhi was a great admirer of Christ, and took Bible studies when he was in England long before he read the Gita. In fact, to his embarrassment, the message of Krishna was introduced to him by two Englishmen. He was particularly smitten with the message of the Sermon on the Mount, and felt that it was a complete guide to one who wanted to live a Christian life.

A similar message was reflected in the Gita, which in graphic language reduced it to a scientific formula.

In all his struggles, commencing in South Africa and up to his death, consistent financial and public support flowed from Christians, Jews and Muslims.

GUYANA: A QUIET CRISIS

Guyana, the first country in the Western world to which the children of Bharat were sent as indentured labourers on May

5, 1838, is still reeling from the effects of religious hegemony. According to census figures, the percentage of Hindus continues to drop significantly.

Some speculate that if this current trend continues, the culture would disappear, as in other Caribbean countries where Indians still live but do not practise the way of life of their ancestors. They echo the same sentiments as Gandhi, that the missionaries start as vendors of scarce goods and services, followed by disparaging remarks about religion, culture, food, and clothing, resulting in family division. While the statistics prove there is a crisis by conversion, it is compounded by the fact that friends, family or neighbours do not lend adequate support to the victims of unethical conversion in situations where they ought not to be quiet. The few evangelists who actively continue to reap souls are persistent, effective, and most likely financed from abroad.

The first step is to let those who proselyte know that their words and deeds are offensive. Generally, religious leaders respect other faiths, at least when speaking in public.

The situation in Guyana was confirmed by a report of Fred Stella, who, as a member of Hindu American Foundation National Leadership Council, visited on a lecture and listening tour in 2019. (info@ HinduAmerican.org)

KNOWLEDGE MUST REPLACE IGNORANCE

The current situation, where knowledge of the life and message of Gandhi is known by only a few students, even at the university level, has to be improved, and we must all take some responsibility for this. Initiatives like essay competitions and scholarships to encourage students must be applauded. Knowledge will always trump ignorance to stem the tide of conversion. The

Vedic Saraswati Civilization has left a body of universal knowledge for us to learn, share and practise, not for a limited group, but for the spiritual advancement of all mankind. Yoga and meditation are only a few that are now being used in many countries.

Religious respect for all faiths is hopefully our next goal, if our numerous temples and educational institutions can find ways to share this knowledge with others. In this regard, the Gita as a book of Universal ethics remains the centerpiece.

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

Even though Gandhi was never awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a posthumous recognition is still a possibility when mankind realises how much this Apostle of Peace has done to reduce conflict in the world. There is precedent.

In 1891, he qualified as a barrister at London’s Inner Temple. However, when he was convicted on sedition charges, he was disbarred in 1922. The Bar of England and Wales restored his membership 40 years after his death and 66 years after his disbarment. Perhaps evidence of their belief in reincarnation.

Speaking up against injustice, especially when it is a continuation of the ideas of those from whom all religious groups united to gain political independence, does not necessarily divide people who have a mutual respect for each other, and where truth is the goal. The only kind of conversion Gandhi supported was for a Hindu to become a better Hindu, a Christian a better one, and so on. Those who continue to demean the religion of others cannot reasonably claim that they are interested in peace and unity. Time to live, and let others live their way of life.

Sincerely, Ramnarine Sahadeo

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High Court ruling was fit and proper

Dear Editor, The recent handing down of judgment to convicted felon Jamaican National Sandra Russell

by Chief Justice Roxane George is most welcome.

I say her judgment was most welcome because it has brought to the fore the fact that the law is the law, and must be applied in all matters. The law, while it prosecutes and punishes the criminal, also protects them from the excesses of those who administer it, rightly spelt out under the Human Rights Charter. Both must be kept on an even keel; the excesses of either party must be curbed.

In this case, the GPF is the one culpable of not applying the law appropriately. they, whether by misinterpretation or gross neglect, thereof have fallen short of their legal obligation under the law. The

awardee was granted the sum of $3.1M for her aggravation and illegal detention.

The facts of this case are that, the offender being found guilty of the crime of drug trafficking, was incarcerated. She served her time of three and a half months’ jail and thereafter was to be promptly deported. However, for some unknown reason, she was unlawfully detained and deprived of her freedom for 5 additional months without charge.

The Chief Justice, in her ruling, maintained that Miss Russell’s rights were infringed, and as such, she should be compensated for it. Further, the judge’s ruling directed that Ms Russell be deported.

Now, while some may question why a convicted felon should be compensated, the answer comes back again that the Police have

also broken the law, and, as such, must be held accountable. Rightly put, it is indeed irritating and embarrassing to know that a criminal can be treated so handsomely when they are indeed a criminal.

However, the fact remains that the custodians of the law (being the Police) have indeed broken the law, and under such circumstances, the judge was within her rights to rule in the felon’s favour. The fact is the criminal is also covered under the wide ambit of the law.

This case exposes the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the Guyana Police Force when dealing with such matters, something I have been clamouring for years now. In the circumstances outlined above, the Police, if they are ignorant of the law, should have sought legal advice at their disposal, and not to rely on their own interpre-

tation of the law. In so doing, they would have saved themselves the embarrassment that they are now exposed to.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. All the parties involved must realise they must operate within the confines of the law.

Why this woman was not deported to her home country is the sore point for any viewing of the case. She now, in her clever criminal capacity, has turned again and sued the state, and was duly compensated.

Unbelievable, yet right and proper, as seen in the eyes of the law.

Now I turn your attention to two cases of a similar nature but with different outcomes, one in Barbados and the other here in St Lucia. It involves Illegal aliens both handsomely winning at the local betting games of chance. In both instances, when they

Solar outdoor lighting can play a critical role in building sustainable communities

Dear Editor, Investing in an energy-efficient street lighting system can be a game-changer for Kwakwani and outlying communities.

On one hand, switching to modern street lighting schemes based on light-emitting diode (LED) technology presents an opportunity for Kwakwani Utilities Inc and PPP/C Governments to lower energy consumption, operation and maintenance costs, while reducing the overall carbon footprint.

Solar street lighting technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and is fully aligned with the goals of our Government’s clean energy and economic stimulus initiatives. Just 15 streetlights can save enough electricity to power a home for a year, these street lights’ digital technology can be connected to sensors and be controlled remotely, enabling forward-thinking municipalities and communities to leapfrog to solar and reap the benefits of the digital age.

At the same time, reliable, bright street lighting can have a range of socio-economic benefits: well-lit streets make people feel safe and reduce accidents, while economic and social activities are boosted after sunset.

Given these benefits, switching from outdated systems to modern technology is a win-win solution for many communities.

Solar outdoor lighting can play a critical role in building sustainable communities.

Sustainability isn’t just about being

“green,” it involves economic, social, and environmental considerations.

The advantages of solar street lights are that they improve community sustainability because they can create social change, they’re financially smart, and they’re good for people and the planet.

As the cost of electricity continues to climb, Kwakwani Utilities Inc and the KNDC must collaborate and seek new ways to enhance green energy in sub-region #2. Using solar commercial lighting not only reduces the monthly utility fuel cost, but also avoids compounding future expenses for aging infrastructure repairs. And with an installation cost that’s comparable to on-grid AC lighting, solar lighting improves community infrastructure while also offering long-term economic savings.

Solar lighting uses renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, which can be appealing to our communities with a desire or initiative to be more sustainable.

Since running of electrical wiring isn’t required, solar outdoor lighting also avoids environmental disruption during installation and maintenance, also making lighting possible in environmentally sensitive areas. Street-lighting is important. It allows informal vendors and traders to operate for longer hours, and improves road and public safety. It also makes streets feel safer and more secure, especially for women.

But street-lighting is sorely lacking in many areas. Faced with multiple pressing challenges and very limited budgets, street

lighting is rarely a priority.

Even when there’s political will, there are major barriers to implementing conventional street-lighting. Many areas have large areas of informal settlements which aren’t connected to the national grid. The upfront costs of grid connectivity and street light infrastructure – like poles, lamps and pavements – are huge. However, the solution may lie instead with solar lighting.

KUI Inc, with Government’s intervention, is committed to correcting these challenges with the installation of street lights in those areas.

This is another step Kwakwani Utilities Inc has taken in advancing our Government’s Low Carbon Development pathway in the shift towards clean and renewable energy.

Energy generation of Kwakwani Utilities Inc is largely fossil fuel-based, coming from a generator plant utilising diesel fuel oil. The cost of electricity is approximately US$0.32 per KWH. This high cost of electricity continues to affect operating performance.

Renewable energy is a suitable solution which can address these challenges, especially micro-grids for

outlying communities, communities’ playground and Government outdoor compound.

The PPP/C administration promises to reduce the cost of power and provide reliable electricity. The intention to reduce energy costs joined with renewable energy presents significant opportunities for all communities as the PPP/C Government complements this strategy with the development of renewable energy sources to sustain its growing energy demand.

Historically, Guyana has been reliant on diesel and heavy fuel oil to power its economy, which not only emit more carbon emissions, but are also more expensive. By developing its wind resources along the Atlantic shoreline, installing solar panels in the hinterland, and developing a large-scale hydro project, Guyana will “green” its grid. Our Government will also capitalise on the large offshore gas discoveries by developing a gas-to-shore plant that produces cheaper and cleaner power that can be dispatched quickly to back up renewable energy.

Sincerely, David Adams

turned up for their winnings, they were denied it and promptly ordered deported.

One might say this is indeed heartrending and inhumane treatment, but we must not forget that, in the circumstances, they were illegals and as such were outside of the privileges of normal citizenry. The law, though inhumane as it seems, clearly stipulates that such persons are prohibited

from employment, or as in the two cases mentioned are outside of the largesse of the state. Pretty tough to digest, the law is the law, and must be upheld.

Sandra Russell got away with it this time due to clumsy policing; however, she would not be so lucky in the future.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Moray House should seek persons with competence Dear Editor, David Patterson, who failed to deliver a single new megawatt, nay watt, to the Guyana power grid during the five years of the David Granger administration, is scheduled to speak at the Moray House forum, entitled “Shifting Power: Guyana’s energy mix”. Someone in Moray House is attempting to redefine the word ‘expert’.

Patterson was part of the promise by APNU/AFC to move Guyana to a 100% renewable energy supply by 2025! Wind, hydro and solar were the touted solutions. No need to inform that none of this materialised. Patterson had a chance to move the gas-to-shore power plant forward, feasibility studies were done by the IDB and the Japanese Government (Mitsubishi). Despite the favourable opinions delivered, Patterson failed to identify a route for the pipeline, despite being asked repeatedly by Cabinet. A suspicion that friends and cronies were being given the lands

where the pipeline would come ashore was rife, and was given credence by the strange allocation of half of the Demerara River to an APNU supporter.

After the Granger administration fell to a motion of no-confidence in December 2018, Patterson accessed monies illegally to build a long-overdue 46-megawatt power plant in a desperate bid to appease the electorate. Patterson was among the APNU/AFC candidates rejected by the electorate, and now sits on the Opposition benches in Parliament.

The attempt by Moray House to rebrand a failed Minister as an ‘expert’ is to fall prey to the flash and bling persons like Patterson display.

Moray House should seek instead persons with competence, knowledge, and proven ability to deliver megawatts to better inform the public.

Sincerely Robin Singh

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Feature

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o, now mom has delivered her litter of energetic, squirming, squealing (when they are awake) puppies/ kittens. She just can’t be left on her own to fend against the possible dangers associated with child-birth; sorry, puppy/kitten birth. You, the caretaker, must intervene in an auxiliary sense. But do not go overboard with your affection and sympathy. No fondling/handling of the new arrivals. Do not love her and her offspring to death, especially not with cats. Cats would often just pick up their kittens and disappear.

As usual, my advice is, first of all, to observe if the mother is in any discomfort.

Care of the mother dog/cat immediately after whelping/cat birthing

Not only is the colostrum of a special consistency needed by the newborn, but it also contains a range of immunoglobulins, antibodies and growth factors which would protect the newborn against possible diseases and support overall wellness. A new-

ple (with clean fingers, of course). Do not be perturbed if the milk is not white.

Colostrum has higher concentration of proteins and is thicker than normal milk, and is slightly yellow in colour. For me, the best test as to whether the milk is flowing is to place the puppy on to the nipple. If the puppy is exhibiting a swallowing reflex and seems contented, then you can be reasonably sure that the milk is flowing.

If it is not, then your veterinarian must administer an injection to stimulate the milk flow. Obviously, this should be done within hours ‘post-partum’ (after birth).

2. Fever develops

Let us look at a few problems that could arise:

1. No milk let-down

Occasionally, the milk does not flow as it should immediately after the birth of pups/kittens. This means that the newborn puppies/ kittens would be deprived of food. This ‘first milk’, the colostrum, produced within 48 hours after parturition, is of maximum importance to the puppy/kitten immediately and for its future health.

born’s growth commences within an hour of its birth.

As the puppy/kitten grows older (by the hour) there is a decrease in the content of these specific nutrients and immunity-containing substances in the mother’s milk.

This means that if the newborn does not get that ‘first milk’ quickly, it would be more vulnerable to ailments later on in life.

You can ascertain whether the milk is flowing by gently pulling at the nip-

Every home that has a companion animal must have a thermometer. (This is my old swan song). During that week after giving birth, it is always advisable to monitor the temperature of the mother. Place the bulb of the mercury thermometer into the rectum - and not under her tongue or in her armpit. If one is using a digital thermometer, place the tip in the ear. For me, anything 39.5°C and above is an indication that all is not well. Call your vet. Fever soon after birth is an emergency!

Do not panic if you see

Disaster Risk Reduction Day

a greenish slime emanating from the vagina during the first 24 hours. Even if the discharge is tinged with blood (reddish colour), there is no cause for alarm. Sometimes this 'bleeding' could go on for a fortnight. I usually prescribe calcium tablets and low doses of Vitamin C on such occasions. Of course, any foul-smelling discharge (yellowish brown) must be taken seriously, and corrected by your vet. We shall deal with this problem in more detail next week.

3. Mom rejects pup/kitten

This phenomenon occurs more often with firsttime mothers, or when surgery (Caesarian section) was necessary for delivery, thus precluding the actual birth process via the vagina. On occasion, I have noticed that dogs who think they are humans (strong owner-pet relationship) neglect their brood. These bitches have become 'anthropomorphised' - I love that word! (I swear social scientists and not veterinarians invented it). If there is no milk flow right after birth (see 1. above), or if there are disease or physiological problems (eg, Mastitis, Milk Fever, etc.), then the mother might not wish to nurse her litter.

Correcting the problem requires that you ascertain the reasons for rejecting the puppies/kittens. Seek your vet’s guidance and action accordingly. Sometimes, it may become necessary for you to hand-rear the newborn puppies/kittens, since mom will have nothing to do with them - in spite of all of your efforts. We will advise on the hand-rearing and caring of the newborn litter later on in the series.

What is disaster risk reduction (DRR)?

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) is reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters. It involves reducing exposure to hazards, lessening vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improving preparedness for adverse events. DRR aims to reduce socioeconomic vulnerabilities to disasters as well as deal with the environmental and other hazards that trigger them.

Disasters often follow natural hazards, and their severity depends on how much impact a hazard has on society and the environment. The scale of the impact, in turn, depends on the choices we make for our lives and for our environment.

These choices relate to how we grow our food, where and how we build our homes, what kind of government we have, how our financial systems work, and even what we teach in schools. Each decision and action makes us more vulnerable to disasters, or more resilient to them.

Disaster risk reduction is everyone's business.

"The more governments, UN agencies, organisations, businesses and civil society understand risk and vulnerability, the better equipped they will be to mitigate disasters when they strike, and save more lives." Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General.

Disaster risk reduction is also part of sustainable development. In order for developmental activities to be sustainable, they must also reduce disaster risk. On the other hand, unsound development policies would increase disaster risk and losses from disasters. DRR therefore involves every part of society, every part of Government, and every part of the professional and Private Sector.

It is often said that there is no such thing as a 'natural' disaster, only natural hazards. When a community is affected by flood, for example, we think of it as a disaster, and something we cannot control. We may not be able to stop a flood from happening through heavy rainfall, but could we have prevented the waters from getting into our homes?

Could our buildings have been built in a way that water would not get in easily? Could our drains have been litter-free, so that the water could drain off easily? Is the area particularly low and easily flooded? If so, should we have built there in the first place?

Disaster risk reduction is about understanding our personal and environmental risks, and finding ways to reduce those risks, so that we are not affected by them; or be able to bounce back quickly if they do affect us.

Disasters do not have to happen - we can all do something to reduce our risk!

Many people around the world have lost their lives, homes, or access to essential facilities, such as hospitals, due to natural disasters which include earthquakes, droughts, tsunamis, heavy flooding, hurricanes, or cyclones. Some of these disasters have caused economic damage to some countries, in addition to loss of life. The UN acknowledges that education, training, and information exchanges are effective ways to help people become better equipped to withstand natural disasters.

Effective risk management must involve those most at risk, and often, children are overlooked. Children are often portrayed as victims of disaster and climate change. However, children can and should be encouraged to participate in disaster risk reduction and decision-making.

On Thursday, October 13, Guyana will join the rest of the world to observe the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. Join us next week to learn more about International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, and how you can do your part in ensuring effective risk management.

For additional information on Disaster Risk Reduction, contact can be made with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) at Thomas Road, Thomas Lands, Georgetown on telephone numbers: 226-1114, 226-8815, 225-5847, or 2261027; or visit the website at www.cdc.gy 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.

7 Amendments to be made to tender for Corentyne bridge – Edghill NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…contractor will design, build, finance, operate & maintain bridge

T

he Request For Proposals (RFP) tenders that the Government had sent out for the construction of the Corentyne bridge will have to be amended following recent bilateral talks between Guyana and Suriname.

During a recent sit-down with the media, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill spoke of the changes that would be made to the model for constructing the bridge. According to Edghill, the changes were born out of discussions when Surinamese President Chan Santokhi visited Guyana in August and met President Dr Irfaan Ali. “It was high on the agenda when the two Presidents met when President Santokhi visited Guyana. There were eight firms shortlisted to carry out feasibility studies and designs. Following the recent bilateral summits between the two Presidents, a decision was taken to procure the Corentyne bridge as a Design Build Finance Operate Maintain [DBFOM ] option,” Edghill explained.

“It means that some amendments will have to be made to the RFP that went out to the various firms. And we are looking at having the DBF1 contract advertised soon and we want this to be ready in terms of proposals coming in by the third quarter of 2022,” he said.

Minister Edghill ex-

File photo: Public Works Minister of Suriname, Dr Riad Nurmohamed, and Public Works Minister of Guyana, Juan Edghill, planting the flags of the two countries at Long Island in the Corentyne River last year

plained that the bridge would be 1.17 kilometres from Guyana to Long Island, Suriname while a 2.5-kilometre bridge will stretch from Long Island to South Drain in Suriname.

“So, it’s an extensive project. There are some adjustments. We’re coming out of the last summit.

We’re going for a DBFOM model. And that adjustment is being made. Active discussions are taking place and we’re going to

have a final meeting to ratify our approach,” Edghill also said.

In October 2020, Edghill and his Surinamese counterpart, Dr Riad Nurmohamed had visited the site of the proposed Guyana-Suriname river bridge across the Corentyne River. There were three points of demarcation identified – Moleson Creek, Long Island in the Corentyne River and South Drain in Suriname. Both

Ministers planted flags on the Guyana side of the river and then the Suriname side of the river – where the bridge is to be constructed.

After planting national flags of the two countries, Nurmohamed, Edghill and the team of engineers and technical personnel stopped at Long Island in the Corentyne River and also planted flags of the two countries there.

Then in November 2020, Guyana and Suriname

signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of the bridge. The MoU was signed by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, and his Surinamese counterpart, Albert Ramdin, at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo.

In February 2021, the Governments of Guyana and Suriname had invited companies to submit Expressions of Interest

(EoIs) to provide consultancy services for the conduct of a feasibility study and the preparation of detailed designs for the construction of the bridge.

The Corentyne River bridge will not only link the two neighbouring countries, but also open up access to greater economic opportunities beyond them into French Guiana, and through the road network being developed into Brazil, and eventually further into South America.

Reports indicate that the Corentyne River bridge is expected to be a flat bridge from Guyana to Long Island in the Corentyne River and then a high-span bridge from there to the Surinamese mainland to allow for heavy marine traffic. This bridge is expected to promote the safe movement of people and products.

Moreover, it is anticipated that Long Island will become an economic hub and free zone that will also see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets.

With the commitment to bridge Guyana and Suriname over the Corentyne River within five years, this project is expected to open up the pathway for other major developmental projects including the much-anticipated deep-water harbour project in Guyana. (G3)

8

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dealing with…

C

…the dragon in the room hina’s celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Communist Party of China (CPC) - which hasn’t just survived, but is positively flourishing, as it’s about to guide the country into numero uno in the world economically!! It’s also celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the Chinese Republic, after Mao and his troops chased the “nationalist” government under Chiang Kai Shek over to Taiwan. No mean accomplishment for a party in a country dismissed only a few decades ago as a breadbasket case. Since then, they’ve lifted over 700 million people out of poverty - unique in the history of the world.

Back in 1949, when Mao launched the Chinese Republic, he was considered a junior partner to the USSR, whose Communist Party, founded in 1917, had inspired the CPC. But the Chinese always rejected the Russian attempt to define what communism meant, and maintained their historical belief in the unique position of China as “the Middle Kingdom”. Not just a geographical expression, but one that defined China as the fulcrum on which the earth revolved! China took on the US the very next year, in the Korean War which ended up dividing the Korean Peninsula.

But it was not easy sailing for China to where it is now today. Under Mao, his “Great Leap Forward” economic plan was one of the greatest disasters on planet earth. This was “a five-year plan of forced agricultural collectivisation and rural industrialisation” that was instituted by the Chinese Communist Party in 1958, which resulted in a sharp contraction in the Chinese economy and between 30 and 45 million deaths by starvation, execution, torture, forced labour and suicide out of desperation. It was the largest single, non-wartime campaign of mass killing in human history.”

Like Mao, Burnham was a dogmatist about his grandiose “vision” to “mould” the nation, and as your Eyewitness pointed out recently, was willing to have everyone die rather than modify it. They were destroyers.

The second leader, Deng Xiaoping, was a reformer and a pragmatist. His philosophy was “it doesn’t matter whether the cat is black or white - once it catches the mice”!! Meaning, he wasn’t hung up as to what method was used to take care of the immediate task - to develop China economically ASAP!! And that’s how we had the corporations from the “Great Satan” America being invited to set up shop in China and use the infinite supply of cheap Chinese labour. But they kept the Chinese Party in control, and from the “destroyer” (Mao) and “Reformer” (Deng), we now have the “Innovator” - Xi Jinping.

Let’s see how innovative he’ll be to become #1 in a multilateral world with America still militarily dominant.

And India economically ascendant!

…local content blues The GCCI isn’t happy with the state of play in “local content” as it relates to the burgeoning oil industry that was supposed to lift our local business (ships).

In fact, it’s downright unhappy, as expressed in an uncharacteristically sharply-worded release. “GCCI notes the overwhelming number of infrastructure work that’s being handled by foreign-owned companies.

“Additionally, the GCCI cited the high volume of trucking, logistical and other support services being operated by foreign-owned companies - particularly as it relates to the oil and gas sector.”

They also identified a loophole in the Corporations Law - where foreign companies can just register a company locally and they are “baptized” as a “local company”!!

Imagine that!! Your Eyewitness had always maintained there should be a required quantum of local ownership in such companies - with a caveat that a programme of further Guyanisation continue.

So, the GCCI is DEMANDING that the Local Bill be tabled in Parliament before year end.

The subject Minister agrees. Let’s see.

…telecommunications liberalisation Well, it’s been one year since the Government liberalised the telecommunications sector after 30 years of GTT’s strangulating monopoly. So we’re ever so slowly seeing some improvements in the brave new world of wireless communications.

Competition is always good!!

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3…242unvaccinated persons among 4 COVID-19 deaths new cases recorded GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD OCTOBER 2, 2021 UPDATE

T

he Health Ministry on Saturday announced the deaths of four more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This takes the total number of deaths from the virus to 796.

The patients were admitted with COVID-19-like symptoms, and died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples taken at the time of admission subsequently returned positive results.

Fatalities include one partially-vaccinated and three unvaccinated persons.

On October 2, a 49-yearold male from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) died.

Previously, two females – an 84-year-old from Region Four and a 78-year-old from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) died on October 1. On September 29, an 89-year-old from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) also succumbed.

This marks 168 deaths for September and three for the month of October thus far.

New cases The country has recorded 242 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total positives recorded to date to 32,297.

There are 32 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 137 in institutional isolation, 3872 in home isolation, and seven in institutional quarantine, for a total of 4041 active cases.

Recoveries stand at 27,460.

Regionally, there was one new case in Region One (Barima-Waini); 17 in Region Two; 55 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 118 in Region Four; sev-

en in Region Five; 13 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); 18 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); 11 in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and two in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

There were no new cases in Region Eight (PomeroonSupenaam).

Adult first-dose vaccination stands at over 359,000 persons while the number of persons who have taken their second dose has surpassed 200,000. More than 11,000 adolescents were also completely immunised against the virus.

For this month, national emergency COVID-19 measures have allowed for the Lethem crossing (Takutu Bridge ) to be opened on Fridays to facilitate the movement of people between Guyana and Brazil.

The other measures have been renewed and will take effect from October 1, 2021 and will end on October 31, 2021 – unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

The Lethem crossing will also be opened on Thursdays only to facilitate the transport of essential goods and services. Apart from these two days, the Takutu Bridge will not be opened. No flights are permitted to and from Brazil.

Other travel restrictions mandate that the Moleson Creek crossing between Guyana and Suriname shall be opened three days per week, and the Public Works Ministry shall determine the days and times when the crossing shall be opened.

Before any person is al-

lowed to enter Guyana, whether by land or sea, that person shall present to the relevant authorities a negative molecular PCR test taken within 72 hours of their arrival along with proof of vaccination.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 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: correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; maintaining six feet of physical distance from others; and good hand hygiene. (G12)

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

242

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

137

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

3872

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

32

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

7

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

16,967

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

15,330

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

32,297

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

27,460

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

359,222

FULLY IMMUNISED

200,000

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

796

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1483

REGION 2

1191

REGION 3

4308

REGION 4

15,510

REGION 5

1136

REGION 6

2306

REGION 7

1636

REGION 8

500

REGION 9

2375

REGION 10

1852

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 Brickdam Police Station crumbles after tragic fire strikes SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…weapons secured, 911 remains in operation

By Rupa Seenaraine

T

ragedy unfolded on Saturday morning after a voracious fire assailed the Brickdam Police Station and plunged the entire block into a state of mayhem as it destroyed almost the entire complex.

Reports are that smoke was seen emanating from the eastern end of the Brickdam Police Station, which houses the Region Four ‘A’ Division Headquarters, just before 11:00h, and minutes later, first responders arrived on the scene; but by then the flames had already spiralled out of control, consuming a significant chunk of the

three-storey structure. And as firefighters mobilised efforts to contain the blaze, it audaciously engulfed adjoining sections.

Dozens of firefighters fought the raging inferno utilising eight tenders from the Central, Alberttown, West Ruimveldt, Diamond, Campbellville and Melanie Fire stations, while simultaneously Police officers controlled hundreds of bystanders, diverting traffic and evacuating important articles from within the station’s compound. But the languid strength from the fire tenders was no match for the growing inferno.

It was just a short time

An aerial shot of the Brickdam Police Station being devastated by fire

Firefighters battling the inferno

before the front section of the wooden building crumbled, and the flames leapt higher, threatening a series of buildings that lined Hadfield Street along with an abandoned service station belonging to the Guyana Oil Company. Due to aggressive winds, which sent smoke and embers flying, Khan’s Auto Sales was not spared.

Other buildings, including the National Toshaos Council and law offices belonging to Attorneys-atLaw Sase Gunraj and Nigel Hughes, were also facing imminent threat as the strong gusts of winds encouraged

Also on the sidelines were Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy. The AG, engaging media operatives, noted, “The Fire Service did not respond as one would have expected… they tried, but the tenders took so long to come. They are here, and we hope the fire can be kept under con-

cated on the western end and lining Manget Place, remained intact, along with the Impact building and the lockups.

Weapons, prisoners secured

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn called a press conference in which he labelled the situation as a “great loss” for the Joint Services. He was joined

by Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken, Divisional Commander Simon Mc Bean, and Cabinet Members.

According to Benn, the Police were able to account

Several vehicles completely charred

the raging fire.

Some owners proceeded to soak their buildings with buckets of water as a safety precaution.

When this publication approached Gunraj for a comment on the situation, he was seemingly displeased with the level of support provided by the Fire Service.

One incredulous onlooker could not come to grips with the fact that his vehicle which was in the station’s compound had gone up in flames. In addition, a few Police vehicles were slightly damaged, while a number of privately owned vehicles that were detained in relation to matters under investigation have been destroyed or damaged.

trol. We are trying to protect the buildings on Hadfield Street now, because the fire is blowing. Look at the tree that is burning in [Saint Stanislaus College’s] compound. That school is a wooden school, so we have to now protect the buildings that are close by.”

Three hours later, 80 per cent of the Brickdam Police Station was ravaged, painting a picture of charred vehicles and tonnes of debris within the compound. Fire Chief Kalamadeen Edoo was on site, but did not engage the media at that time.

Among the destroyed facilities are the Property Room, Inquires Office, Traffic Department and Officers’ Mess. Just the barracks, lo-

for all 16 prisoners within the facility, salvage records, and secure the arsenal before the situation descended into greater chaos.

“The Police made valid efforts to retrieve much of the files. In the first instance, of course, to take the prisoners who are held in lockups to safety, to prevent any loss of life or injury, and to secure the firearms which are part of the operating equipment,” he disclosed.

In the meantime, contingency plans materialised to ensure operations continue through a temporary relocation, as well as resources to answer calls at the Control Centre.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

NEWS

11

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brickdam Police Station crumbles...

FROM PAGE 10

PNC’s CONTEMPT for Indians

I

note the glee of the PNC and its followers pouncing on the mispronunciation of a few words by President Ali and VP Jagdeo at the UNGA. It did not surprise me, because Forbes Burnham exploited long held negative cultural stereotypes of Indian Guyanese by African Guyanese - and moreso by their Mulatto elite - when he founded the PNC. He coalesced his PPP(Burnham) with the League of Coloured People’s political vehicle, the United Democratic Party (UDP), along with Sydney King (later Eusi Kwayana), who was to dub the subsequent PPP Ravi Dev government as a “Coolie-rice government”.

Burnham had been chastised by the coloured elite when he was in the PPP with Jagan as “betraying his own” for “coolies”, as per Ashton Chase in his book, “Guyana, A Nation in Transit: Burnham’s Role”. Their view of Indian Guyanese melded with that of Burnham’s, expressed as a law student in England when writing to his sister: “I feel strongly about the Indian attitude, but the time has not come yet for me to broadcast those feelings and muddy my waters.”

The scorn for Indian Guyanese originated during indentureship, when the Indians were dubbed “uncivilised” for not being westernised and speaking “properly”. And “docile” for accepting the terms of the indentureship agreement, even though they protested violations throughout indentureship, even in the face of the “leaden argument”, which killed dozens and wounded hundreds. They were also “stingy” for saving from their miserable wages to become independent, and “dirty/ naked” for wearing their native “langotis”. They were also derided as “heathen”, as if Christianity had not been used to justify African slavery for hundreds of years. There were - and remain - reactive stereotypes by Indian Guyanese, with both set of stereotypes, according to Rodney, mediated by the White planter class.

Back in 1997, I wrote a letter intended to suggest reasons for the PNC’s denial of Indian Guyanese’s political legitimacy and highlighted the African/Coloured elite’s disdain for Indians, on account of their lack of “culture”. This was contested by Mr Eusi Kwayana. As I wrote in the SN, “Incredibly, it was in response to my claim of Burnham’s contempt for Jagan’s education and origin that Mr. Kawyana declared “emphatically that those were never Burnham’s thoughts”. While I cannot pretend to have divined Burnham’s thoughts, as Mr. Kawyana has, I have the testimony of several individuals who shared social drinks with Burnham, that he consistently disparaged Dr. Jagan’s social graces (or lack thereof) as early as on the return from their trip to India in 1954.

“In terms of education, Burnham referred ad nauseum in his speeches, editorials and articles in the early “New Nation” to Dr. Jagan’s opinions or positions as ‘not befitting a schoolboy’, “having the ‘naiveite’ unworthy of the kindergarten beginner” etc… He constantly harped on Dr Jagan’s schooling. Burnham was the editor of the “New Nation”, and thus we can have a clue to his thinking (without divination) by looking at what he either wrote or permitted to be written. In one “New Nation” of ‘those days’ (31st May 1958) in an imaginary meeting of the PPP ministers, the following words are put into the mouth of Dr. Jagan, as he “speaks” to Edward Beharry.

Cheddi: (in a spasm of passion) Ast to you Edward, you gat to confess to a lat a tings. Ya tink you is de only bady gat sense in dis party. Ya gwine-on like dis because you know dat I can’t dismiss ya as a minister - but de Guvenor can’t always save ya. Wait, ya gwine see sumting.”

Everyone else, including the African ex-shovelman Fred Bowman, is given dialogue in better standard English. Now can Mr. Kwayana, who was Vice President of the PNC at the time, explain Burnham’s thoughts when he allowed this kind of ethnic slur on Dr Jagan’s origins, not only here, but in other issues of the “New Nation”??

But my assertion that the PNC’s mockery of Messrs. Ali and Jagdeo – as with Dr Jagan - arises from their contempt for Indian Guyanese - embedded in the African Guyanese narrative that the latter are not “fit” to lead Guyana, (notwithstanding democratic rules) - will be dismissed, just as Mr Kwayana did in 1997. As Ashton Chase wrote, African Guyanese were – and evidently still are - mesmerized by Burnham’s “gift of the gab…He toyed with a people who fell suckers to his words.” Never mind his despotic excesses versus PPP’s democracy.

Words trump actions.

“We have been making efforts to restore operations as soon as possible, to facilitate and support the Guyana Police Force to get its operations and the Force’s Central Police Station building into action as quickly as possible…Assessments have to be made in respect to the losses of equipment. There is loss of vehicles, some exhibits, and some items. Work will have to be done to reconstruct some files which were lost,” Benn noted.

Temporary outposts, 911 operation

Meanwhile,

the

GPF

said that while investigations into the fire are being conducted, Police operational activities in the Division are continuing unabated, with efforts being made to relocate the affected officers and ranks. Temporary Police offices/outposts have since been set up at the St. Stanislaus College to deal with reports and other Police-related matters.

The public has also been advised that the 911 number

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn engaging the media

(line) continues to be in operation.

Rebuilding

Action will soon be taken to re-establish a building to house officers which were stationed at the Brickdam Headquarters. By the end of Saturday, those ranks were already relocated to remain on duty. This publication understands that 398 officers were working from the compound – which was over 100 years old.

“Issues relating to a fu-

ture building are already being considered by our engineers. We already told them to think now about what we need for a temporary loca-

place to ensure that we keep our mandate of service and protection to citizens of the city…We just want to share with the citizens, those par-

tion and in terms of a new Police Headquarters building for 4A at Brickdam,” Benn added.

Additionally, the Top Cop has since assured citizens that immediate mechanisms would be activated to maintain order and address any crime-related matter.

“That will not deter us.

We have already started immediately to put systems in

ticularly in Georgetown, that there should be no fear.

The Police have already put systems in place to ensure that we continue to patrol and to ensure that peace and order prevail,” Hoppie shared.

An inventory of records will soon be undertaken, and the Guyana Fire Service is continuing its investigation.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Alicia Sugrim

By Lakhram Bhagirat

C

ancer is one of the diagnoses every person dreads, because it is akin to receiving a death sentence. So, when Alicia Sugrim was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, she went through a flurry of emotions. Alicia was angry, heartbroken and sad, but she also knew that she had the choice to either fight or give up. She chose the former, and began her battle with breast cancer just over a month ago.

“We had to just make decisions on the spot, because I have three children and I didn't want to make a wrong decision

where they would have to suffer, because they need me at this point,” the 35-year-old mother of three said during an interview with Sunday Times.

Starting from the beginning, Alicia told Sunday Times that she was born and raised in the West Bank Demerara (WBD) village of Patentia, where she still resides with her husband and three children – aged 14, 7 and 4.

Her childhood was filled with great memories of her parents and other family members. She spent much of her childhood playing with her cousins and learning life skills from her parents, and it is those skills that she credits for helping her through this period of her life.

“I use that (those life lessons) to get by daily now, because…the teachings of my father (are) on basically what to expect from life, and how to deal,” she said.

With no family history of cancer, Alicia discovered a lump in her right breast, and decided to go get it checked out. Her doctor did a breast examination and a subsequent ultrasound, and advised her on his findings.

After being told that the lump is potentially cancerous, she visited another doctor, and he recommended a biopsy of the lump, to determine whether it was cancerous or not.

“When we were called back for the results, he told me that it's malignant cancer, and it's very aggressive because it's already spread into the lymph nodes. So, the option that he gave me there is to have a mastectomy done, because they don't want to risk it to spread further. He said it was stage three.

“Yeah, the thing with all of this is not like I had time to process what was going on. Everything just happened like one after

Alicia with her family

the next; very fast. We had no time to think, we had no time to do research, we had no time, no time at all; and I was scared, I was so scared,” she said.

Alicia received her diagnosis on August 14, 2021, and underwent a mastectomy on September 09, wherein her right breast was removed. It has been a painful recovery for her ever since, but she is pushing through with the support of her family and friends.

She was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) to have her surgery

done, but because of the pandemic and vaccination measures, she was having a hard time in securing a date for the procedure.

Because of the aggressive nature of her cancer, Alicia needed to have her surgery done as early as possible, so, with the financial assistance of her parents, she was able to accumulate enough funds to have surgical intervention at a private medical institution.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

FEATURE

15

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FROM PAGE 14

Alicia with her three children

“What I was looking at also is that I was scared of not only the overcrowding at the Georgetown Hospital, but I was scared of the COVID situation; so, I wanted to be safe at all costs,” she disclosed.

Alicia has been recovering, and she visited her doctor yesterday to have the staples removed. Her doctors are to decide on the next course of action in relation to her treatment.

“I have to go back to the Cancer Institute sometime soon, and I think it would be probably next week or so. I have to get a referral to go back to the Cancer Institute, to do some bloodwork and other tests in order for them to know how if to start chemotherapy. I am hoping that will happen sometime by mid-October,” Alicia related.

Despite the tremendous support system Alicia has, there are times when she completely breaks down. Fighting cancer is not an easy fight, because we can never truly understand how exactly someone battling cancer feels.

“My family is there for me 100 per cent, and more so my husband. The support I get from him, oh my God, I don't know what I will do, because I have moments where I break down. I have moments where I would melt down, and he's always there to encourage me that we will get through it and it's not the end of it.

After doing this mastectomy, honestly, when I go in front of the mirror and I look at myself, it's like it crushes me to know how did I become like this. It's a touchy issue to deal with, but I get the words of encouragement from everyone around me, and I think that's what motivates me to keep pushing and going,” she explained.

The society’s stigma with cancer has also not helped Alicia, because after her surgery, she was faced with persons looking at her breast and not at her.

“But I embrace it, because if I had to do that to save my life…, I would do it. If I had to get rid of both, I don't mind, I would have done it, because all I want is to live. I think people need to get a better view of what cancer really is, because it's not a death sentence. Early detection is important, and that's why we need to…make our health a priority.

“Most Guyanese, as a whole, we only wait until we have an ache or pain to go to the doctor to get a checkup. Check on your body. See what's going on with your body, because you don't know what's going on with you, and you have something in there that's harming your body. So, people need to prioritise their health, do their checkup, and that way you could have early detection,” she declared.

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FEATURE

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month…

Breast cancer is top cancer killer of women in Guyana – Dr Ravi Motilall

By Lakhram Bhagirat

G

uyana’s healthcare system lacks the infrastructure for data collection and research.

However, that does not stop physicians from accumulating data; and according to General Surgeon Dr Ravi Motilall, breast cancer remains the top cancer killer of women in Guyana.

Dr Motilall, an oncologist, arrived at this conclusion based on the cases he has encountered along with those his colleagues have encountered in the field.

However, he warns that the data is subject to change if comprehensive research is done in the area of cancer.

“In Guyana, I would say breast cancer is still the number one killer. Because if you look at literature, they will tell you that it's lung cancer in the developed world, but we don't really have the data (in Guyana)… the numbers as it relates to breast cancer, like the age and stage. But my opinion is that it still is the number one cancer killer in women in Guyana,” he said.

The surgeon recently sat down with Sunday Times and undertook to explain breast cancer in the Guyanese context, in an effort to bring awareness to the strides made locally to detect and treat the disease.

Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally, dividing more rapidly and increasing accumulation.

They, in turn, form a mass or lump, which can metastasize through the breast to lymph nodes and spread throughout the body.

In Guyana, early detection of breast cancer or cancer in any form is generally rare, according to doctors, since the culture is to address a problem when it arises. Dr Motilall explained that most of the cancer patients are usually diagnosed in the late stages – either stage three or four – which is not a good thing, since it increases their chances of dying from the disease.

It is for those reasons that he and other physicians encourage early screening and regular breast health checkups.

Screening and checkups

According to Dr Motilall, breast cancer screening is not a hard procedure, but Guyana lacks a formal screening programme, and, as a result, there is late detection. He called for the introduction of a formal breast cancer screening pro-

gramme that would streamline the age at which women in Guyana commence checking their breast health.

He recommends that the programme, if and when implemented, should start screening women at the age of 40, despite the international recommendation being 50.

“Based on what we see, anecdotally, in our population, we should probably start screening at 40. The reason being…a very high population of breast cancer in people younger than 50, which is not really supposed to happen. What that is saying is that we probably have risk factors, high number of risk factors here in Guyana, and those risk factors are probably genetic; but we haven't done any genetic study, and that's an area of interest. It would be interesting to know what is our genetic profile,” the doctor explained.

Genetic screening for breast cancer involves the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are important to fighting cancer. They are tumour-suppressing genes, and help keep breast, ovarian and other types of cells from growing and dividing too rapidly, or in an uncontrolled way.

Dr Motilall has said the BRCA genes predispose patients to early breast cancer, but once detected, it can mean early intervention, whether surgical or medical.

With Guyana’s small population, the genetic risk factors are increasing, according to the doctor, and that may possibly explain the reason why younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer. He added that physicians have been seeing persons in their late 20s and 30s having advanced stages of breast cancer, and that is a major cause for concern.

Screening for breast cancer commences with a breast examination by a physician, after which either an ultrasound or mammogram is recommended. If a suspicious lump is discovered, then a biopsy is done.

With the absence of a formal screening programme, most physicians have their independent screening programmes which they utilize to treat patients.

Intervention

Once the screening process is completed by a general practitioner or a qualified physician, and suspicious lumps or masses are discovered, then Dr Motilall or

other oncological surgeons become involved. They are responsible for confirming the diagnosis and putting forward possible treatment

plans.

“Breast cancer these days, it has changed. Like in the past most people think that breast cancer is

just surgery, it's not really just surgery anymore; there's certain steps, like if the doctor finds a lump in the breast,” he explained.

Once the suspicious lump is discovered, there are a series of steps the surgeon would activate.

Initially, the surgeon would do a fine needle biopsy, but that has been disregarded, since Dr Motiall said that literature indicates it does not provide enough information for a complete diagnosis. Instead, surgeons now do what is called a core needle biopsy, where a much bigger needle is inserted into the breast to remove tissue samples for testing. The test would determine whether the lump

is cancerous or not.

There are two other steps that can be activated as well, where doctors could remove the lump completely for testing, or the most dreaded one is removing part of the lump – which indicates that it is really big and cannot be completely removed.

Once you have those three done, physicians can start considering treatment.

“That's where the big deal comes, because, at this point, most women are thinking of the choice of cutting their breast off. So I think that (is) another thing that women are fearful of,” he said.

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28 FEATURE

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Breast cancer is top cancer killer...

FROM PAGE 27

However, Dr Motiall detailed that the treatment plan has changed, so much so that physicians are now looking at the biology of the disease, rather than at just cutting off the breast.

“What that means is that we know (that) once a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, it is considered a systemic disease, meaning it’s involving her entire body.

Now, that might sound scary, but what that tells us is that we need to look for something called receptors. Receptors are certain markers that, when we do the biopsy, we test for, and those things actually would help us, guide us,” Dr Motilall related.

When tested, if the receptors are negative, then that indicates bad news, and would ultimately result in the patient being advised to do a complete mastectomy (breast removal). But if there are positive receptors, then there is the option of lump removal or mastectomy. The lump removal – referred to as breast sparing surgery – is as effective as mastectomy, according to Dr

Motilall.

“Your chances of survival are the same.

The biggest difference is the person who just have the lump out needs to get radiation therapy, and the person who has the breast out may not need radiation therapy. There are some instances where they might, but if you just have the lump removed, you have to get radiation. Then it comes down back to those receptors, and based on those, we can decide if you need chemotherapy or you need hormonal therapy,” the doctor said.

Survival

He added that there is a lot of work in the field of breast cancer that needs to be done in Guyana, and noted that the common misconception is that only women can develop breast cancer. Males also have breast tissues, and quite often their cancer is discovered way too late, after it has invaded the chest walls, essentially making it difficult to manage.

Dr Motilall stressed the importance of early detection and its link to higher survival rates.

“All those self-breast exams are no longer sort of recommended. It’s still encouraged in our population, mainly because we have some catching up to do. What they find is, in the First World countries, a lot of women come in with lump that doesn’t really need anything. So, they have discouraged it, but in our country, I would say if you find a lump in your breast, you come see me or someone and get it sorted.”

Dr Motilall

Dr Motiall is a product of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and comes from humble beginnings. His hard work and determination, coupled with the sacrifices of his parents, are primarily responsible for him being where he is. He has always wanted to enter the medical profession since he was a child.

He got his secondary schooling at St

Stanislaus College in Georgetown, and later did undergraduate studies in biology at the University of Guyana. He then moved on to the University’s School of Medicine, where he graduated as a doctor.

Dr Motilall was not satisfied with being a general practitioner and sitting behind a desk, so he started residency training in the field of orthopedic surgery, and later moved into general surgery. He completed his general surgery residency through a collaborative programme between the Canadian Association of General Surgeons and UG. Through general surgery, he was introduced to oncological surgery, and he has been performing procedures in that field ever since.

“Every time I do an oncological surgery and get my patient to recovery and then see them and their family in a few years, it’s a gratification that outweighs any renumeration. Like you can’t weigh that in gold, in the sense that you do it because you want to see them be happy with it,” he explained.

FEATURE

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I had a hysterectomy and a splenectomy, but my cancer still came back − Sharron Madramootoo-Ally

By Lakhram Bhagirat

T

he word ‘fighter’ is a fitting adjective to describe 48-year-old Sharron Madramootoo-Ally, because she is in constant battle with her cancer. So far, she is not allowing it to win their contest, and has no intention of ever allowing it succeed.

Sharron was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer sometime between April and May 2016, and she has been battling it ever since.

Her diagnosis was not as a result of a single doctor’s visit, but rather a series of visits, tests, treatments and missed signs.

At the time of her diagnosis, the mother of three was working as an accountant – a job she held for over two decades – but she has since left that occupation due to the complications caused by cancer.

In 2016, Sharron became very ill, and saw her stomach begin to swell, followed by her feet. She was dizzy at times, and found it very hard to walk and work. She visited the doctor, and was told there was a build-up of “gas” in her stomach, and was given treatment. No follow-up visits or anything, and she was still getting no relief.

“So, I was getting more sick, and like my appetite wasn't there anymore; I could barely eat. I couldn’t walk, my foot was so swollen, and then I couldn't

wear shoes anymore. I really couldn't walk, because I would have to wear slippers, and drag my feet to get to and from work. It was really hard,” she recounted.

Prior to that bout of sickness, Sharron recalls going in to work one morning and being advised by her manager to visit the doctor, because she was not looking well. She complied, and was diagnosed with h-pylori. There, she asked to do an ultrasound as well, just as a precaution, and it was discovered that there were cysts in both of her ovaries.

However, the doctor at the private medical institution told her that the cysts would “fall out”, and there was nothing to worry about.

There was no indication that she needed follow-up treatment.

A few months elapsed, and then came the swelling and inability to walk. She was subsequently advised to visit the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), and it was there that a CT scan discovered mass in both of her ovaries. Her tumors had already spread beyond the ovaries and were progressing, but her doctors needed confirmation, so she had to do a CA125 test. The test indicated high levels of the cancer antigen 125.

She was initially crushed, and then engulfed by fear of losing the battle.

“I saw the oncologist at the hospital, and we dis-

cussed surgery, but I was told that I am not first on the operating list, and I would have to wait for like a month; but, with fear, it was very hard. I was fearful because I have children and I succumbed with fear,” she said.

Sharron began looking at ways to have her surgery done, as well as surrounding herself with supportive people. Seeking the advice of her family, church and coworkers led Sharron to turning overseas for treatment.

She travelled to the United States of America (USA), and on June 13, 2016, Sharron underwent surgery to remove her cancerous ovaries. The procedure is called a hysterectomy, and it is where the entire womb (uterus) is surgically removed.

“The doctors said they did their best, and the rest is up to God. I spent like a few weeks to recover from the surgery and, you know, get stronger,” she said.

After her recovery from the surgery, Sharron started chemotherapy in the US, and underwent six rounds.

That lasted until the end of November 2016, and the process was a gruelling one. It made her incredibly weak, and it took a toll on her body, but she fought tooth and nail because she wanted to survive. She came back to Guyana at the end of November, but was still weak.

“There were times when I would try to walk and just

fall and blackout. I was very weak, but I had my mom who took care of me. I continued my checkups here in Georgetown, and then, like every three months, I would go back to the USA for a checkup,” Sharron detailed.

Sharron discovered in 2019 that her cancer was back, and she had to undergo surgery again. This time, she had to do a splenectomy – a surgical procedure to remove the spleen – and undergo chemotherapy again.

She came back to Guyana and continued her checkups locally.

“In 2020, I did a CT scan here in Guyana, and it showed a recurrence of the disease, and that was during the pandemic. When I did the scan there, they saw the disease for the third time. It was during the pandemic, and I couldn’t get a flight to leave the country, so I started treatment here, and did three cycles of chemotherapy and did another scan, and

they showed a progression of the disease; the treatment didn’t work.

“The doctors wanted to change the treatment, but it was not available here in Guyana. I started searching for a flight, and about two days later, I got a flight and went back to the US for the treatment that was not available. It was July 31 when I got there, and I started that treatment sometime in August, and I completed it in February 2021. So, another six cycles again, after the three cycles in Guyana, and the journey started again.

You know, it's just the feeling and then the trauma that your body go through mentally, physically, emotionally, but it's like a roller coaster where I try to stay positive.

“I went back in June for a checkup. This is now my life, but I am grateful because many didn’t make it, many didn’t have the opportunity, and it was bad for me, but the third time it was caught where it could have been treated by chemotherapy,” Sharron said.

Her scans are all clear this time, but Sharron is currently on medication to help prevent the reoccurrence of her cancer.

Sharron is currently back in Guyana, continuing her battle. She is advising that everyone pay attention to their bodies and get it checked out to their satisfaction.

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HEALTH TIPS HAIR LOSS- ALOPECIA

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Family Medicine, Endocrinology / Diabetes

F

or many people losing their hair, the psychological costs are acute.

When looking around, it is easy to feel like everyone else has their hair and they don’t. For some, it diminishes their confidence in who they are and how they feel.

While this reaction may be perfectly natural, the truth is that millions of men and women suffer from hair loss.

It can affect just the hair on the scalp or the entire body. Although alopecia is more prevalent in old-

er adults, excessive hair loss can occur in children and young adults as well.

It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. With about 100,000 hairs on our head, that small loss isn’t noticeable.

New hair normally replaces the loss hair, but this doesn’t always happen.

Hair loss can develop gradually over years or happen abruptly. Hair loss can be permanent or temporary.

It’s impossible to count the amount of hair loss on a given day. Persons may be losing more hair than is normal if they notice a large amount of hair in the drain after washing their hair or clumps of hair in their brush. They might also notice thinning patches of hair or baldness.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary male- or female-pattern baldness. If one’s family has a history of baldness, they may have this type of hair loss. Certain sex hormones

can trigger hereditary hair loss. It may begin as early as puberty.

In some cases, hair loss may occur with a simple halt in the cycle of hair growth.

Major illnesses, surgeries, or traumatic events can trigger hair loss. However, hair will usually start growing back without treatment.

Hormonal changes can cause temporary hair loss.

Examples include: • Pregnancy • Childbirth • Discontinuing the use of birth control pills • Menopause Medical conditions that

can cause hair loss include: • Thyroid disease • PCOS • Alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles) • Scalp infections like ringworm (fungal infection) Diseases that cause scarring, such as lichen planus and some types of lupus, can result in permanent hair loss because of the scarring.

Hair loss can also be due to medications used to treat: • Cancer • High blood pressure • Arthritis • Depression • Heart problems

A physical or emotional shock may trigger noticeable hair loss. Examples of this type of shock include: • Death in the family • Extreme weight loss • High fever People with trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) have a need to pull out their hair, usually from their head, eyebrows, or eyelashes.

Traction hair loss can be due to hairstyles that put pressure on the follicles by pulling the hair back very tightly.

A diet lacking in protein, iron, and other nutrients can also lead to thinning hair.

DIAGNOSIS

Persistent hair loss often indicates an underlying health issue. A clinician can determine the cause of the hair loss based on a physical examination and a health history. In some cases, simple dietary changes can help with changes in prescription medications.

If an autoimmune or skin disease is suspected a biopsy of the skin on the scalp is taken to confirm the cause. This will involve carefully removing a small section of skin for laboratory testing. It’s important to keep in mind that hair growth is a complex process.

It may take time to determine the exact cause of your hair loss.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

• Medication Medications will likely be the first course of treatment for hair loss. Over-thecounter (OTC) medications generally consist of topical creams and gels that is applied directly to the scalp.

The most common products contain an ingredient called minoxidil (Rogaine).

Minoxidil is recommended in conjunction with other hair loss treatments. Side effects of minoxidil include scalp irritation and hair growth in adjacent areas, such as the forehead or face.

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31 Cousins charged for narcotics, bribing cop NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

vice.

Watts, on the other hand, was hauled before the courts for attempting to bribe a Police Officer after which he was granted $20,000 bail.

Reports are Watts was arrested shortly after he attempted to bribe the officer

T

Charged: Earl Goodheart and Wilwert Watts

wo cousins were arrested and placed before the court on Thursday to answer charges for separate offences.

Charged are Wilwert Watts, 35, of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, and Earl Goodheart,44, also of Turkeyen.

Police said Goodheart was arrested at Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday last by ranks after being found in possession of

five grams of narcotics.

He was later charged for committing the offence of possession of narcotics contrary to Section 4 (1a1) of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, Chapter 10:10.

He appeared at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Judy Latchman, and pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to a fine of $20,000 cash and three weeks’ community ser-

HEALTH TIPS HAIR LOSS - ALOPECIA FROM PAGE 30

Prescription medications may also treat hair loss. The oral medication finasteride (Propecia) for male-pattern baldness. This medication is used daily to slow hair loss.

Some men experience new hair growth when taking finasteride.

Rare side effects of finasteride include diminished sex drive and impaired sexual function. There may be a link between the use of finasteride and a more serious type (high-grade) of prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Also, corticosteroids like prednisone can be used.

Individuals with alopecia areata can use this to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

Corticosteroids mimic the hormones made by the adrenal glands.

A high amount of corticosteroid in the body reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.

• Medical Procedures Sometimes, medications aren’t enough to stop hair loss. There are surgical procedures to treat baldness.

• Hair Transplant Surgery Hair transplant surgery involves moving small plugs of skin, each with a few hairs, to bald parts of the scalp. This works well for people with inherited baldness since they typically lose hair on the top of the head. Because this type of hair loss is progressive, they would need multiple surgeries over time.

• Scalp Reduction In a scalp reduction, a surgeon removes part of the scalp that lacks hair. The surgeon then closes the area with a piece of one scalp that has hair. Another option is a flap, in which a surgeon folds a scalp that has hair over a bald patch. This is a type of scalp reduction.

Tissue expansion can also cover bald spots. It requires two surgeries. In the first surgery, a surgeon places a tissue expander under a part of the scalp that has hair and is

next to the bald spot. After several weeks, the expander stretches out the part of the scalp that has hair.

In the second surgery, the surgeon removes the expander and pulls the expanded area of the scalp with hair over the bald spot.

These surgical remedies for baldness tend to be expensive, and they carry risks.

These include: • Patchy hair growth • Bleeding • Wide scars • Infection PREVENTING HAIR LOSS There are things people can do to prevent further hair loss. Don’t wear tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns that put too much pressure on one’s hair. Over time, those styles permanently damage the hair follicles.

Try not to pull, twist, or rub the hair. Eating a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of iron and protein.

Certain beauty regimens can worsen or cause hair loss.

If Someone is currently losing hair, use a gentle baby shampoo to wash the hair.

Unless they have extremely oily hair, consider washing the hair only every other day.

Always pat the hair dry and avoid rubbing the hair.

Styling products and tools are also common culprits in hair loss. Examples of products or tools that can affect hair loss include: • Blow dryers • Heated combs • Hair straighteners • Coloring products • Bleaching agents • Perms • Relaxers When choosing to style the hair with heated tools, only do so when the hair is dry. Also, use the lowest settings possible. Hair loss can be stopped or even reversed with aggressive treatment, especially if it’s due to an underlying medical condition. Hereditary hair loss may be more difficult to treat. However, certain procedures such as hair transplants can help reduce the appearance of baldness.

attached to the Grove Police Station, EBD, with $40,000 to have the matter against his cousin Goodheart dropped.

As a result, the suspect was immediately told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and placed

in custody.

Following the man’s arrest, an investigation was done which resulted in the charge of Corrupt Transaction with Agent contrary to Section 337 (2b) of the Criminal Law (Offence) Act, Chapter 8:01 being laid

against him.

He also appeared at the Diamond Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Latchman, who read the charge to him and he pleaded not guilty. His next court appearance will be October 20, 2021. (G9)

32 NEWS Teacher dies minutes after giving birth at NA Hospital SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…Health Ministry launches probe

By Andrew Carmichael

A

22-year-old teacher attached to St Lust Primary School in the Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-

Berbice) died on Thursday at the New Amsterdam Hospital minutes after giving birth to her first child.

The woman reportedly died in the operating theatre after giving birth

without seeing her baby girl.

Dead is Jacinth Muhummed Osborne, a 22-year-old teacher of Waruni, Berbice River.

Osborne was admitted to the New Amsterdam Hospital on Tuesday and gave birth Thursday morning.

Her husband, Sheldon Osborne said there was not much information forthcoming from the hospital.

In addition, he said that he has several unanswered questions, noting that his wife had no complications prior to being admitted to the maternity ward.

“The doctor called me and told me that her heart had stopped and they were able to get it to start again and that she was breathing normal and I feel lil’ good.

He told me that I could get to see the baby, but I can’t see the mother,” Osborne

related, noting that he was subsequently told that arrangements were being made to transport his wife to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He explained that after about 15 minutes when he enquired from medical personnel as to what was happening, he was told that they were trying to stabilise his wife before transferring her to the city hospital.

As such, he left the New Amsterdam facility to prepare himself for the trip.

While preparing himself, he was called and asked to return to the Hospital.

When he returned, Osborne said, he was told his wife had died.

Meanwhile, the dead teacher’s mother, Natalie Agard-Lucas explained that her daughter had complained about the amount of saline she was being ad-

Dead: Jacinth Muhummed Osborne

ministered. Her mother said that after the daughter complained about this to the medical professionals, the young lady had to sign a document stating that she was refusing the saline.

She said that on Thursday, after being in labour for more than 36 hours, she was taken to the operating theatre for a Caesarean Section.

“I was there with her when they said that they

had to do an ultrasound.

After that she highlighted to me that ‘they might have to give me a little slit, because my baby is very big’. She went to the labour room and was there all day Tuesday. Tuesday night, they induced labour on her…every time I called, she was like, ‘Mummy! Mummy! Pain, Mummy. I can’t able bear this pain, Mummy’,” the grieving mother recalled.

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HIV-infected persons should get COVID-19 vaccines – Health Minister …HIV-positive person among unvaccinated deaths

tual platform. And that is one of the things: we have lost a lot from COVID, but it has made us more efficient in some ways…We must not lose opportunities in challenges, exploit them for what you can and this is one way we have been able to do so,” Dr Slater noted.

Meanwhile, one of the graduands, Dr Malika Mootoo, who is attached to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital, stated that she has already began utilising the new approach and was, consequently, seeing positive results.

“We have tried to incorporate that in our patient

care and we have certainly seen a better outcome just in these few months from April to now, we’ve been trying it and we’ve seen a really good outcome,” Dr Mootoo related.

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch was also in attendance.

Teacher dies minutes after...

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony; US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch; Assistant Caricom Secretary General, Directorate of Human and Social Development, Dr Douglas Slater, and National AIDS Programme Secretariat Programme Manager Dr Tariq Jagnarine, along with some of the graduands

“W

e have a number of HIV p a t i e n t s who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, there is some kind of myth that permeates the community of HIV-positive patients.

Somehow, they believe that they should not take the vaccine and that has continued. So, I think there has been very, very low uptake with this cohort of patients and in my mind and in all of the literature that I have seen, they are at risk,” Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony stated.

He was at the time giving remarks at the graduation ceremony for participants of the Clinical Management of HIV Programme on Friday, held at Duke Lodge in Georgetown.

A collaborative initiative between the Pan Caribbean

Partnership (PANCAP) against HIV/AIDS and USAID through the Washington University in the US, which commenced in April and concluded in June, saw several frontline workers benefiting from the Clinical Management of HIV Training Programme.

The Minister made a charge to the graduands of the programme, to work with the Government to educate HIV patients on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage them to get vaccinated.

He urged the graduates to focus on convincing persons living with HIV to take the COVID-19 vaccine while sharing its importance to staying alive during the pandemic.

To this end, he made note of an unvaccinated HIV patient dying from COVID-19.

“Among the persons who

have died at the hospital, I know that there was at least one case of a person who had HIV, and therefore, I think that vaccination can help and will help these patients,” the minister revealed.

In congratulating the graduands, he stated that they must use the knowledge acquired to improve the management of HIV in Guyana.

Additionally, Assistant Secretary General, Directorate of Human and Social Development, Caricom Secretariat, Dr Douglas Slater expressed his satisfaction with the execution of the programme amid the pandemic.

“Pandemic cannot and must not stop the progress if you take full advantage of the many opportunities to enhancing public health capacity, building on the vir-

Meanwhile, an autopsy performed on the teacher’s body gave the cause of death as anaesthetic shock from anaesthesia.

The Health Ministry has since said that Osborne, who previously received antenatal care at the Calcuni Health Centre in Berbice River, was admitted to New Amsterdam Hospital on September 28 for induction of labour due to late-term pregnancy.

According to the Ministry, during the

Caesarean Section, she went into cardiac arrest, and despite strenuous efforts, resuscitation failed.

The Ministry noted that a post-mortem was conducted and both internal and external investigations have commenced.

“The Ministry of Health and the Regional Health Authority of Region Six are deeply saddened by this event and express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. We remain avail-

FROM PAGE 32

able to answer any questions the relatives may have regarding the deceased,” the Ministry’s statement said.

However, family members are calling for a thorough investigation as despite assurances that their questions would be answered, answers have not been forthcoming from medical personnel in Region Six. Jacinth and Sheldon Osborne got married in April, and the newborn baby is the couple’s first child.

34 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

150 persons to be hired Senior cop arrested with ganja, ammo in car at GYSBI career fair

A

s the demand for labour increases within the growing oil and gas sector, the Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) has announced an upcoming career fair, with hopes of hiring some 150 persons.

The career fair will be held at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Thursday, October 7; at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Friday, October 6 and at Enmore-Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Saturday, October 16 from 10:00h to 17:00h (10:00am to 5:00pm).

The positions to be filled include: warehouse supervisors, crane operators, operations assistants, equipment mechanics/technicians, and

fuel storage and dispensing operators.

Additionally, interested applicants are asked to walk with their resumes, any academic certificates, a copy of a valid form of ID, and one passport photograph.

In keeping with the COVID-19 protocols, only persons with a vaccination card or a negative PCR test from within the last seven days will be able to gain entry, a first step in increasing their chances of being employed.

With almost 500 employees, GYSBI has already achieved 97 per cent local content.

GYSBI Government Liaison Officer Rabin Chandarpal, speaking about the upcoming career fair, said: “Our people take pride in their work and understand their impact on the local community. As one of the largest employers in oil and gas in Guyana, with a 97 per cent local workforce, we are proud to showcase Guyanese talent.”

GYSBI is supplying a range of integrated services for Guyana’s emerging oil and gas industry.

The cannabis that was found in the trunk of the officer’s car

A

senior rank within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) landed himself in hot water after the car he was driving was chased and intercepted, and a quantity of marijuana, along with two 9mm bullets, was found in the vehicle.

Based on Police reports, the officer has been identified as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

In a statement on Saturday, law enforcement officers said, acting on information received, about 21:15h on Friday, ranks stopped a motor car that was found to be driven by the Deputy Superintendent at a roadblock at Helena Number Two Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The vehicle was found minutes after eluding a Police patrol in Regional Police Division Five (Mahaica- Berbice).

“While the vehicle was at the roadblock, the Police patrol from the Regional Police Division Five drove up, resulting in DSP driving through the roadblock in an attempt to escape. He was, however, pur-

sued by the ranks and was intercepted at Lima Dam, Mahaica, ECD,” Police said.

The vehicle was searched during which 9.4 kilograms of cannabis sativa and two rounds of 9mm ammunition were found.

The officer was immediately arrested and the vehicle was taken into Police custody as the investigations continue.

Just a week ago, a 39-year-old woman of East Canje, Berbice was arrested after being intercepted with more than two kilograms of ganja during a roadblock at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

The bus in which the woman was travelling was stopped, and a search was subsequently conducted on her. Three wrapped parcels containing the cannabis were found in her bag.

She told officers upon her arrest that a female cop attached to the Central Police Station gave her the bag to take to Abary. A probe was later launched.

(G9)

NEWS

35

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

122nd anniversary of Arbitral Award

Guyana will continue to stand behind 1899 Arbitral Award – Todd …as book released on border controversy

T

oday marks the 122nd anniversary of the 1899 Arbitral Award that set the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela and according to Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, Guyana will continue to stand by the Arbitral Award.

In a video message to mark the day, Todd revealed that the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry has released a booklet entitled “IMPERIAL AMBITION: Venezuela’s Threat to Guyana”, which lays out the whole squal-

Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd

id story of Venezuela’s unworthy efforts to undo what unfolded in Paris 122 years ago.

“For the first time, in 1962, as the people of Guyana exercised their right of self-determination, the Government of Venezuela laid claim to twothirds of our country – the entire Essequibo region,” the Minister said.

“Today, the Government and people of Guyana stand by the Geneva Agreement of 1966, stand by the Secretary General of the United Nations for his actions The booklet on the border controversy that under it, stand was launched

by the International Court of Justice for its decision on jurisdiction in the matter, and stand by the whole judicial process, which upholds the rule of international law,” Todd declared.

In his video broadcast, the Foreign Affairs Minister relayed the history of the Venezuela-Guyana border controversy and the fact that Venezuela once embraced the 1899 Arbitral Award – until it no longer suited that country’s political agenda.

“October 3 is a special day to Guyana and to Venezuela. It is special to the rule of law internationally. It is special to peace and justice worldwide. One hundred and twenty-two years ago, on 3 October 1899 – on an autumn day in Paris – the Anglo-Venezuelan Arbitral Tribunal, which had met there (in the halls of the French Foreign Ministry) in the preceding three months – delivered its Award fixing the Boundary between Venezuela and British Guiana,” he said.

“It was no ordinary Tribunal. It had been established under a Treaty –the Treaty of Washington of 1897 between Britain and Venezuela – whose purpose was to settle for all time the boundary between Venezuela and Britain’s colony of British Guiana,” he said, explaining that Venezuela and Britain

had agreed in solemn terms “to consider the results of the proceedings of the Tribunal of Arbitration as a full, perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred to the Arbitrators”.

In fact, Todd noted that then Venezuelan Ambassador to Great Britain Jose Andrade (the brother of the then Venezuelan President Ignacio Andrade) hailed the Award and said “greatly, indeed, did justice shine forth. … We were given the exclusive dominion over the Orinoco, which was the principal aim we sought to achieve through arbitration”.

“The verbatim records of the work of the Tribunal fill 54 printed volumes – with arguments four hours each day, four days each week, for nearly three months. On 3 October 1899 – 122 years ago today – the Tribunal gave its decision. It was unanimous,” the Minister related.

Todd further recounted that then US President William McKinley had reported to the US Congress on December 5, 1899 that the Tribunal’s decision “appears to be equally satisfactory to both parties”.

According to Todd, this was Venezuela’s official position for 63 years.

“The boundary as determined by the Tribunal’s Award of 3 October 1899 was jointly surveyed, marked on the ground, and formally mapped and agreed to in the 1905 Boundary Agreement between Venezuela and Great Britain,” the Minister explained.

“In a special moment of regional accord in the 1930s, Venezuela, Brazil and British Guiana met and marked on the summit of Mount Roraima the point where that British GuianaVenezuela line of 1899 meets the boundary with Brazil. They called it the ‘Tri-Junction’ point – and erected a monument that defines it – a pyramid that marks where the sun sets on Guyana’s western border.”

After a failed good offices process between the two South American neighbours, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres in 2018 had referred the border controversy to be resolved

by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Shortly after, Guyana filed a case seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, and legal affirmation that the Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

The Spanish-speaking nation is laying claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in Essequibo and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which more than nine billion barrels of oil have been discovered over the past six years.

Back in March 2021, ICJ had granted Guyana until March 8, 2022, to file its written submissions for the case, after requesting 12 months. Venezuela was given until March 8, 2023, to submit its counter-memorial. (G3)

36 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Electrician’s murder

2 suspected bandits killed by Police

J

ust hours after 19-yearold Joshua Denny, an electrician of Festival City, Georgetown, was laid to rest, his killers met the same fate after they were shot dead during a shootout with Police at Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown.

Dead are Quacy Jupiter, called “Ding Docker” and David Smith, called “Burlyn”.

They were killed by ranks at the University of Guyana (UG) Access Road around 18:00h.

This was confirmed by Head of the Communications Unit at the Guyana Police Force, Mark Ramotar.

According to Ramotar, at the time ranks were acting on information received that the suspects, who had eluded Police in Albouystown, Georgetown on Friday, were in the Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown area.

As ranks closed in on the suspects, there was an exchange of fire between the two men and officers during which

the bandits were fatally shot.

Police have since confirmed that two firearms, along with eight rounds of 9mm ammunition, were recovered from the scene.

During a search in the Albouystown area, cops managed to recover several items, including a haversack, a motorcycle, a licence plate, face masks, a helmet and other motorcycle parts that were used during the robbery.

On Friday, a 16-year-old was arrested during an opQuacy Jupiter, called “Ding Docker”, and David Smith, called “Burlyn”

eration at Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown and questioned in relation to the murder, but was subsequently released from custody.

When contacted on Saturday, the Head of the Police Communications Unit told <<<Guyana Times>>> that the teen that was questioned had no involvement in the man’s murder.

It was reported that when the Police received information about the suspects’ whereabouts, they swooped down on a location in Albouystown, but went to the wrong house.

It was during that time one of the suspects’ aunts, a businesswoman in the community, hid her nephew and his accomplice in her home until the Police left.

The woman has since admitted to Police that she did hide the bandits from the officers. She was subsequently arrested and remains in Police custody.

In 2019, Jupiter was charged for robbery under arms and possession of ammunition. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison and was recently released from jail.

Smith, on the other hand, was arrested and charged in May 2021 for robbery under arms and discharging a loaded firearm.

On the day Denny was killed, eyewitnesses who de-

Murdered: Joshua Denny

scribed the incident as bizarre say the gunmen bolted with the man’s gold chain after shooting him.

Some of the residents

This publication was also informed that the now dead man had left for work before, but returned home to use the washroom. It was when he left home for the second time

around the area said they live in fear, indicating that their fears have been heightened following the young man’s death on Thursday morning.

Denny was killed moments after leaving for work at approximately 07:20h.

The man was found by his sister Felicia Denny shortly after the incident, lying on the roadway with blood oozing from his chest. She said that her brother called her minutes after he had left home, informing her that he had been shot.

Upon rushing to the scene, she found him in a critical state.

that he was attacked and shot two houses away from where he lived.

He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, and died while undergoing emergency surgery.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, hundreds, clad in red and black, flocked the now dead man’s home at Nutmeg Street, North Ruimveldt to pay their last respects.

There was not a dry eye as persons pleaded with authorities for the man’s family to get justice. Shortly after, the bandits were killed by the Police in the shootout. (G9)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021

37

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

I

Iran asks US to unfreeze US$10B; Russian September oil production jumps

ran's Foreign Minister said on Saturday that US officials tried to discuss restarting nuclear talks last month, but he insisted Washington must first release US$10 billion of Tehran's frozen funds as a sign of good will.

Iran has rejected direct talks with the United States, and indirect talks on reviving a 2015 nuclear accord aimed at keeping Iran from being able to develop a nuclear weapon stopped in June.

The United States used intermediaries at the United Nations last month to attempt to make contact, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told State television.

Iran has been unable to obtain tens of billions of dollars of its assets in foreign banks, mainly from exports of oil and gas, due to US sanctions on its banking and energy sectors.

Meanwhile, Russia’s oil production resumed growth in September, rising the most in 13 months, as companies ramped up output under the deal by Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+), while Gazprom PJSC’s condensate supply rebounded after a fire.

The nation pumped 43.86 million tons of crude oil and condensate last month, according to data from the Energy Ministry’s CDU-TEK unit. That equals 10.716 million barrels a day, based on a 7.33 barrel-per-ton conversion ratio. Production was 2.6 per cent higher than August, when Gazprom capped output at its largest condensatetreatment plant in West Siberia after the fire.

Under the agreement between OPEC+, the group can increase crude oil supply by 400,000 barrels a day each month starting in August, of which about a quarter is Russia’s share. The hikes are set to continue until all of the output curbs from the depth of the pandemic are rolled back. The next OPEC+ meeting is scheduled for Monday.

(Excerpts from Reuters and Bloomberg)

Global COVID-19 deaths hit 5 million as Delta variant sweeps the world

W

orldwide deaths related to COVID-19 surpassed five million on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, with unvaccinated people particularly exposed to the virulent Delta strain.

The variant has exposed the wide disparities in vaccination rates between rich and poor nations, and the upshot of vaccine hesitancy in some Western nations.

More than half of all global deaths reported on a seven-day average were in the United States, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, and India.

While it took just over a year for the COVID-19 death toll to hit 2.5 million, the next 2.5 million deaths were recorded in just under eight months, according to a Reuters analysis.

An average of 8000 deaths

A worker wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) rests while preparing a grave at a burial area provided by the Government for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) victims as the cases surge, in Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia, July 15, 2021

were reported daily across the world over the last week, or around five deaths every minute. However, the global death rate has been slowing in recent weeks.

There has been increasing focus in recent days on getting

At 39 aircraft, China sets new high for Taiwan defence zone incursion

A

total of 39 Chinese air force aircraft entered Taiwan's air defence zone on Saturday, the Defence Ministry in Taipei said, setting a new high for missions which have infuriated the island's Government

and further raised tensions with Beijing.

Taiwan, a democratically-governed island that is claimed by China, has complained for over a year of repeated missions near it by China's air force, often in

Libya detains 4000 people in major anti-migrant crackdown

T&T man, 17-day-old baby detained at airport over PCR test mix-up

A

17-day-old baby was detained at the Piarco International Airport along with his family shortly after arriving in the country from Orlando, Florida on September 17.

According to the baby’s father, Satyanand Dubey it was because they did not furnish a negative PCR test prior to entry on the advice of a Caribbean Airlines agent.

“When we enquired from Caribbean Airlines, they told us the newborn baby don’t have to take it.

It’s two years and above (who have to take the PCR test),” Dubey said.

Upon arrival, Dubey said they were detained and told that the baby was not exempt from the PCR test and will need to be placed into quarantine.

“I said it’s not our fault and we are willing to go home. If you want to get Police to escort us to make sure we are going to our house in Trinidad and

first thing in the morning we will get somebody to do it. My wife immediately called the girl who did the PCR for us to leave Trinidad and she said she would come to our home first thing in the morning,” he said.

“They said no that cannot happen. You cannot go home with your baby.”

He said they were even prevented from getting supplies out of their nearby checked baggage to change the baby who was now irritated and crying.

Dubey said after several back and forths with the authorities, they were placed into Statesupervised quarantine at the Regent Star Hotel. He said an official from a private hospital visited them there and took the PCR test sample from the newborn which returned negative. After this, they were allowed to return home with the baby. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

vaccines to poorer nations, where many people are yet to receive a first dose, even as their richer counterparts have begun giving booster shots.

More than half of the world has yet to receive at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine,

according to Our World in Data.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) this week said its COVAX distribution programme would, for the first time, distribute shots only to countries with the lowest levels of coverage.

Co-led by the WHO, COVAX has since January largely allocated doses proportionally among its 140plus beneficiary states according to population size.

"For the October supply we designed a different methodology, only covering participants with low sources of supply," Mariangela Simao, WHO Assistant Director General for Access to Vaccines, said in a recording of a conference presentation last week posted on the WHO's website. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Rescued migrants rest near the city of Khoms, around 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Tripoli, Libya

A

major crackdown in western Libya has resulted in the detention of 4000 migrants, including hundreds of women and children, according to officials.

The raids took place on Friday in the western town of Gargaresh as part of what authorities described as a security campaign against undocumented migration and drug trafficking. The Interior Ministry, which led the crackdown, made no mention of any traffickers or smugglers being arrested.

Officials said on Friday that 500 undocumented migrants had been detained, but on Saturday reported that number had reached 4000.

Gargaresh, a known hub for migrants and refugees, is about 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) west of the Libyan capital, Tripoli. The town has seen several waves of

raids on migrants over the years, but the latest one was described by activists as the fiercest so far.

“We are hearing that more than 500 migrants including women and children have been rounded up, arbitrarily detained and are at risk of abuse and ill-treatment,” said Dax Roque, Libya’s Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council, in a statement on Friday.

“Migrants and refugees in Libya, particularly those without legal residency in the country, are often at risk of arbitrary detention.

Torture, sexual violence, and extortion [are] rampant in Libyan detention centres,” the statement added.

Pictures posted by the Interior Ministry showed dozens of migrants sitting with hands cuffed behind them or being taken away in vehicles. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

the southwestern part of its air defence zone close to the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.

Taiwanese fighters scrambled against the 39 Chinese aircraft in two waves on Saturday, the Taiwan Defence Ministry said. It said Taiwan sent combat aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems were deployed to monitor them.

That was one more aircraft than on Friday, the day China marked its national day, which was at the time more planes than the country had ever sent before to harry Taiwan's air defence zone.

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said that on Saturday the Chinese aircraft first came during the day – 20 aircraft

– followed on Saturday night by a further 19. Most of the aircraft were J-16 and Su-30 fighters, it added.

The aircraft on both missions flew near the Pratas, the Ministry said, in separate statements late Saturday and early Sunday morning.

Taiwan Premier Su Tsengchang condemned China for its actions on Saturday, saying the country was engaging in military aggression and damaging regional peace.

China has yet to comment.

It has previously said such flights were to protect the country's sovereignty and aimed against "collusion" between Taiwan and the United States, the island's most important international backer.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazilians demonstrate against Bolsonaro

B

razilian demonstrators gathered in several state capitals on Saturday to protest against the Federal Government and call for the impeachment of President Jair Bolsonaro.

Presidential hopeful Ciro Gomes took part in the protest in Rio de Janeiro and was also expected at the demonstration in São Paulo, according to local media.

Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whom polls show ahead of Bolsonaro in a simulated 2022 matchup, did not attend the protests.

In addition to criticising right-wing Bolsonaro and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrators also protested inflation and high fuel prices.

In Rio de Janeiro, the protest brought together

hundreds of people, with the support of trade unions and left-wing parties. One group brought a huge inflatable gas canister bearing the inscription: "Is it expensive?

It's Bolsonaro's fault."

Saturday's demonstrations were a response to a rally of Bolsonaro supporters on September 7.

Protesters also gathered in the central region's capital of São Paulo and in northern state capitals such as Recife and Belém.

The protests against the President brought together centre-left parties, trade unions and social movements, marking an attempt by the Opposition to show unity.

According to the organisers, the demonstrations took place in more than 200 cities across the country.

(Reuters)

38

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021

M

umbai Indians threatened to defend 129 on a sluggish Sharjah track, but Shreyas Iyer dented their playoff chances and strengthened Delhi Capitals’ own chances of a top-two finish with a smart innings in the company of R Ashwin.

carving a catch to backward point. Then, he zipped one away from Saurabh Tiwary from around the wicket, drawing a top edge. Axar also had Suryakumar Yadav holing out later with a dipping full-toss, ending with 3 for 21 in his four overs.

Mumbai’s middle order

SCOREBOARD

Shreyas Iyer and R Ashwin put up a match-winning stand

Rohit Sharma wearing a dejected look

Iyer absorbed the pressure created by the fall of three wickets within the first five overs of the chase and ushered Capitals home with five balls to spare.

Despite the defeat on Saturday, Mumbai Indians could still sneak into the final four, but in addition to needing to win their remaining two games against Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, they must also rely on favours from other sides.

It was Capitals’ depleted attack that set up the victory.

While Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje defied the slowness of the pitch with a hair-raising display of pace and guile, leftarm finger-spinner Axar Patel thrived with his more subtle variations.

largely strolled through the

and 17th overs.

After pounding the deck with heavy lengths in the early exchanges, Nortje cut his pace down to 123kph and had Kieron Pollard chopping on in the 15th over.

Avesh yorked both Hardik Pandya and Nathan Coulter-

C Axar Patel celebrating a wicket with his team-mates

Iyer and Ashwin get the job done

Suryakumar Yadav playing a slog sweep

The Capitals left out offspin-bowling allrounder Lalit Yadav to welcome back Prithvi Shaw, which meant they had only five bowling options at their disposal. It proved enough, with the seamers dovetailing beautifully with Axar.

It was Avesh who produced the first breakthrough when Rohit Sharma - believe it or not - miscued a pull to deep third man.

Axar then ran into two left-handers, and trumped both of them. He first dangled one away from Quinton de Kock’s reach, and had him

DELHI CAPITALS INNINGS (TARGET: 130 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Prithvi Shaw lbw b KH Pandya 6 Shikhar Dhawan run out (Pollard) 8 Steven Smith b Coulter-Nile 9 Rishabh Pant (c)† c HH Pandya b J Yadav 26 Shreyas Iyer not out 33 Axar Patel lbw b Boult 9 Shimron Hetmyer c Sharma b Bumrah 15 Ravichandran Ashwin not out 20 Extras (lb 2, w 4) 6 TOTAL (19.1 Ov, RR: 6.88) 132/6 Did not bat: Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan, Anrich Nortje Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Shikhar Dhawan, 1.6 ov), 2-15 (Prithvi Shaw, 2.4 ov), 3-30 (Steven Smith, 4.1 ov), 4-57 (Rishabh Pant, 8.2 ov), 5-77 (Axar Patel, 11.4 ov), 6-93 (Shimron Hetmyer, 13.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Trent Boult 4-0-24-1 Jayant Yadav 4-0-31-1 Krunal Pandya 2.1-0-18-1 Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-29-1 Nathan Coulter-Nile 4-0-19-1 Kieron Pollard 1-0-9-0

Chelsea 3-1 Southampton

Nile, and although the last over, bowled by Ashwin, went for 13 runs, Mumbai were kept to a sub-130 total.

Not a favourable match-up? No problem for Axar

up - bested him.

There might have been jitters in Capitals’ camp when Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult also struck to reduce them to 93 for 6 at the start of the 14th over. Iyer and Ashwin, however, settled them by calmly knocking off ones and twos.

Iyer, who had arrived in the powerplay, didn’t hit a boundary until the 17th over, when he swiped CoulterNile over midwicket. He meted out similar treatment to Bumrah in the 18th, to effectively get the dirty job done.

(ESPNcricinfo)

MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Rohit Sharma (c) c Rabada b Avesh Khan 7 Quinton de Kock † c Nortje b Patel 19 Suryakumar Yadav c Rabada b Patel 33 Saurabh Tiwary c †Pant b Patel 15 Kieron Pollard b Nortje 6 Hardik Pandya b Avesh Khan 17 Krunal Pandya not out 13 Nathan Coulter-Nile b Avesh Khan 1 Jayant Yadav c Smith b Ashwin 11 Jasprit Bumrah not out 1 Extras (nb 1, w 5) 6 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.44) 129/8 Did not bat: Trent Boult Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Rohit Sharma, 1.5 ov), 2-37 (Quinton de Kock, 6.2 ov), 3-68 (Suryakumar Yadav, 10.3 ov), 4-80 (Saurabh Tiwary, 12.5 ov), 5-87 (Kieron Pollard, 14.1 ov), 6-109 (Hardik Pandya, 18.1 ov), 7-111 (Nathan Coulter-Nile, 18.4 ov), 8-122 (Jayant Yadav, 19.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Anrich Nortje 4-1-19-1 Avesh Khan 4-0-15-3 Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-41-1 Kagiso Rabada 4-0-33-0 Axar Patel 4-0-21-3

middle overs, not managing to score even a single boundary for 35 balls between the 11th

That total, however, looked a whole lot bigger once the Capitals lost their top three early. It was Pollard who had launched a familiar Mumbai comeback when he swooped in from mid-on and nailed a direct hit to run out Shikhar Dhawan for 8.

Rishabh Pant then chanced his arm and swung his way to 26 off 22 balls, before Jayant Yadav - specifically picked, ahead of legspinner Rahul Chahal to counter the left-handers in Capitals’ line-

Nathan Coulter-Nile sent Steven Smith back

helsea scored twice in the final 10 minutes to down 10man Southampton 2-1 and move to top of the Premier League on Saturday.

Trevoh Chalobah headed in the opening goal after just nine minutes at Stamford Bridge, before Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner both had first-half finishes disallowed.

James Ward-Prowse levelled things up from the penalty spot just after the hour-mark, but his day ended abruptly, as he was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Jorginho with 13 minutes left to play.

Werner proved the late hero as he sneaked in at the back post to turn home Cesar Azpilicueta’s low cross, and Ben Chilwell added a late third to move the hosts two points clear at the summit.

Werner drilled the first chance of the contest into A l e x

McCarthy’s legs, but the goalkeeper was powerless to stop the opener five minutes later.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek latched onto Chilwell’s corner to flick towards the back post, where the unmarked Chalobah produced a simple diving header to score his second goal at home with just his second shot.

Ward-Prowse almost responded immediately for the visitors, but his half-volley angled narrowly wide, before Theo Walcott inexplicably headed wide from point-blank range.

Lukaku then saw his left-footed strike ruled out for offside, before Werner’s headed goal was overturned for Cesar Azpilicueta’s foul on Kyle Walker-Peters in the build-up.

Valentino Livramento came back to haunt his old side after the interval, as he induced a foul from Chilwell to win a penalty, which WardProwse duly tucked into the bottom-left corner.

W e r n e r seemed a certainty to restore the hosts’ lead,

but McCarthy raced out to produce an excellent stop before Ward-Prowse was sent off – after the consultation of VAR – for a reckless tackle on Jorginho.

Chelsea eventually made their numerical advantage count, as Azpilicueta found space on the right to drill across for Werner to tap-in from close range.

Chilwell then added gloss to the result after Lukaku and Azpilicueta had hit the woodwork to volley home despite the best efforts of McCarthy.

(Sportsmax)

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39 Left-handers’ show puts Rajasthan Royals above Mumbai Indians, despite Ruturaj Gaikwad’s ton A GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021

breathtaking opening stand of 77 in 5.2 overs between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Evin Lewis helped keep Rajasthan Royals afloat in the playoffs’ race, and all but consigned Ruturaj Gaikwad’s maiden T20 century to a footnote.

While Super Kings piled up 89 runs off their last six overs, Royals hit back with as many in their first seven, bagging two crucial points in a comprehensive win that pushed them above Mumbai Indians on net run rate. The finishing touches were applied by Shivam Dube, who remained unbeaten on 64.

Royals romped home with seven wickets and 15 balls in hand, as Super Kings, having already qualified for the next stage of the tournament, fell to their first defeat in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, breaking a four-match winning streak.

Jaiswal, Lewis take off in the powerplay

Jaiswal had already taken four boundaries inside the first two overs, including dominating a bowler of Josh Hazlewood’s class to whack him over deep midwicket and crunch one past the cover fielders.

Lewis joined the party

Rahul Tewatia struck twice to peg back CSK Shivam Dube muscling a six

est score. Like on most occasions, he was content in taking his time initially, before teeing off in the middle overs against Royals.

Gaikwad started with two boundaries in the first over of the innings. The first ball was creamed between Faf du Plessis and the stumps, before he slashed a short delivery outside off, to beat the man at cover five deliveries later; but he slowed down later in the

the 15th over with backto-back sixes - first over long-off, and then into the sightscreen. Next over, he hit Akash Singh for 4, 4 and 6 in a row, the second four

ised on the opportunity by piling up an unbeaten 64 off 42 balls.

Like Gaikwad, Dube started off patiently - although he had the luxury of

next over by hammering six and four off Sam Curran’s first two balls. In no time, the fifty stand had come up at the end of the fourth over - Lewis’s forceful pull over deep midwicket raised that milestone - with Jaiswal having crashed five fours by then, and Lewis carting two fours and sixes each.

Jaiswal took Hazelwood for 22 in the fifth over. The first hit was a pulled six, the next one a swat over longon, then a four through the covers, and finally another six over mid-off. The last hit brought up his fifty off 19 balls, the joint second-fastest for Royals in IPL history, with the pair raking up 77 in just over five overs to set the tone for their side, before they were separated after Lewis found fine leg.

powerplay, and also once the field restrictions were lifted.

However, he took off after being on a run-a-ball 32 just into the second half of the innings, to eventually end on 101* from 60. After reaching fifty off 43 balls, Gaikwad started the carnage by tucking into Rahul Tewatia in

Gaikwad gets going again

Since landing in the UAE, Gaikwad has averaged 104 and has a strike rate of 148.57 in five innings this IPL, with 38 being his low-

Sanju Samson reversing

diving Jadeja at long-on for four, with the second one clearing the deep midwicket fence. He utilised width from Hazlewood later on, and reached his maiden IPL fifty off 30 deliveries. Dube ended with his highest score in the format. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Ruturaj Gaikwad roars on reaching a hundred

Yashasvi Jaiswal surged to a 19-ball half-century

tack in the ninth over by firing a six over the long-on boundary; and when Super Kings introduced Moeen Ali next over, he took consecutive sixes off the offspinner.

Soon after, Dube was gifted two full-tosses by Sam Curran, the first of which he swung across beyond a

merely a push through the line that still found the longoff fence.

Gaikwad got to his century off the final ball of the innings when he launched Mustafizur Rahman over deep midwicket for six, after he had deposited the same bowler for a near-replica of a shot two overs earlier.

Dube’s day with the bat

One of the five players inducted into the Royals’ side as part of a shuffle against Super Kings, Dube capital-

a commanding opening partnership before he arrived and got just four off his first seven balls. But he welcomed Ravindra Jadeja into the at-

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Ruturaj Gaikwad not out 101 Faf du Plessis st †Samson b Tewatia 25 Suresh Raina c Dube b Tewatia 3 Moeen Ali st †Samson b Tewatia 21 Ambati Rayudu c Phillips b Sakariya 2 Ravindra Jadeja not out 32 Extras (w 5) 5 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.44) 189/4 Did not bat: MS Dhoni (c)†, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Josh Hazlewood, KM Asif Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Faf du Plessis, 6.5 ov), 2-57 (Suresh Raina, 8.3 ov), 3-114 (Moeen Ali, 14.3 ov), 4-134 (Ambati Rayudu, 16.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Akash Singh 4-0-39-0 Chetan Sakariya 4-0-31-1 Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-51-0 Rahul Tewatia 4-0-39-3 Mayank Markande 3-0-26-0 Glenn Phillips 1-0-3-0

RAJASTHAN ROYALS INNINGS (TARGET: 190 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Evin Lewis c Hazlewood b Thakur 27 Yashasvi Jaiswal c † Dhoni b Asif 50 Sanju Samson (c)† c Gaikwad b Thakur 28 Shivam Dube not out 64 Glenn Phillips not out 14 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 4) 7 TOTAL (17.3 Ov, RR: 10.85) 190/3 Did not bat: David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Akash Singh, Mayank Markande, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-77 (Evin Lewis, 5.2 ov), 2-81 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 6.1 ov), 3-170 (Sanju Samson, 15.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sam Curran 4-0-55-0 Josh Hazlewood 4-0-54-0 Shardul Thakur 4-0-30-2 KM Asif 2.1-0-18-1 Moeen Ali 2.2-0-23-0 Ravindra Jadeja 1-0-9-0

The Universe Boss is ready again!

T

he “Universe Boss” is back on the biggest stage in the world, and his adoring fans all over the globe can hardly wait to see what he has in store.

Chris Gayle is undoubtedly one of the best batsmen to ever play cricket.

However, when it comes to T20s, you would be dismissed from many circles (especially in the Caribbean) if you don’t consider him the undisputed GOAT - Greatest Of All Time.

It seems as though every time he steps onto a cricket pitch, he breaks another record. Whether donning his beloved maroon, or the colours of one of his T20 franchises around the world, Chris Gayle is box office cricket at its finest. He now has his sights set on an even bigger record with the rest of #MissionMaroon.

Along with Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell and Lendl

Simmons, G a y l e will be looki n g

to win his third I C C T 2 0 World Cup title, having been a part of the winning sides in 2012 and 2016.

T h e men from t h e

Caribbean are the only team to have twice triumphed.

Playing in a new role, batting at number 3, Chris has been an obvious inspiration to the West Indies dressing room. The squad boasts a solid combination of youthful exuberance and proven experience, with Gayle and the other senior players serving as an ever-present example of T20 success.

The script could not be written better for ‘The Universe Boss’. His dedication to perform positively in this competition has become even clearer as he decided to leave the Indian Premier League (IPL) bubble in order to be fresh for the ultimate T20 showcase.

The West Indies will begin their campaign on October 23 versus England, and WI don’t want to miss it!

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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

…Sport Academy to be launched soon Story and photos by Jemima Holmes

I

t was a momentous occasion for sport in Guyana on Saturday morning, when the country's first ever sport conference was launched and hosted. While the various Associations came together to discuss all things sport, it was simultaneously announced that Guyana's Sport Academy would commence soon.

In ceremonious fashion, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret/d) Mark Phillips declared the event open at the National Cultural Centre, where panel discussions on responsibilities, nurturing talent, revenue, sponsorship, media, tournaments, elite training and international competition were on the agenda.

The Prime Minister, in his remarks, underscored the importance of the new venture, noting that it would lend to Guyana’s social development.

“This is a new initiative, as you heard from the Minister, by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission on behalf of the Government of Guyana, and we believe that it is an important one in contributing to the social development of our citizens,” Phillips shared in his remarks.

The Prime Minister added, “Today’s activities will focus on three main areas surrounding the

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret/d) Mark Phillips

design of Guyana’s first Sports Academy: how we can increase inter-association collaboration, and ways in which we can improve systems pertaining to sports administration, and governance. Discussing these critical areas are important elements of our sport sector.”

In giving a charge to the members of Guyana’s various associations and federations present at the Sport Conference, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. advised the associations on how to measure their success.

“The process of your measurement of success is not only about your transparency and accountability, which is something that is important to the Ministry. But it also is measured by how much talent you develop, how well your team does, what is the success of your

team. The more successful your team is, the more successful the number of players you’re able to produce; that’s a measure of your success as an administrator for your respective sport,” Ramson noted.

Sport Academy coming soon Meanwhile, prior to those discussions, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. disclosed the template in which the National Sports Academy would be run. He divulged that the National Sports Commission would oversee the Academy, which is expected to be launched in a matter of weeks.

In detailing the three pillars of the Academy, the Sport Minister added that the relevant stakeholder would be providing gear, facilities, coaches/teachers and implementing a programme for the Academy

McGill thrash MMZ 3-0 in the SP GCSL & ASA Express Online Shipping and Shopping 40 overs series

I

The victorious McGill Superstars

n what was a dominant end to the SP GCSL & ASA Express Online Shipping and Shopping 40 Overs Series, McGill Superstars thrashed the Meten Meer Zorg Sports Club 3-0 to close out the series at the MMZ ground.

Ronaldo Renee was adjudged man of the series with 185 runs from 3 games, and also the best batsman of the series.

Daniel Basdeo copped the best bowler with 9 wickets from his 3 matches.

The main highlight of the game was that MMZ batted first, and at the first water break were

Ronaldo Renee 124* and Abdul 98-1 in 15 overs. Tevin Imlach Razack (41 & 1-16) were top shared an opening stand of 30 performers for Mc Gill Super Stars SC with Sheldon Alexander (15) and a 2nd wicket partnership over to pacer Sheldon Alexander. of 68 with Randy Lindore (27).

Mc Gill fell into deeper trouble After the water break, only at the end of 6 overs with their Jermaine Maxwell (29) and score at 20-4 losing Troy Persaud Randy Lindore (27) offered some (4) and Peter Persaud (5). resistance, and took their team Abdul Razack and Ronaldo to 185 before they were bowled Renee put on a 141-run out in 33 overs. partnership before Razack fell for Bowling for McGill were 41, with McGill still needing 14 Daniel Basdeo, with 3-29, more runs. In the end, Ronaldo Ganesh Puran, with 3-47, and saw the game home with an Travis Persaud, with 2-12. unbeaten 124*. McGill ended on Mc Gill were 2-2 in 2 overs, 188-5 in 28.4 overs. Bowling for losing Skipper Sudesh Persaud MMZ, Sheldon Alexander took and Travis Persaud in the same 3-51.

The NSC is going to provide the sports organizers and coaches, the Ministry and the NSC is going to provide the facilities, meaning the venues, the gear, a lot of the equipment that's needed. And then finally, the National Sports Commission and the Sports Associations would design and implement a programme. “All of the core sports have to have this nursery,” he said.

About the three pillars of the Academy, Ramson revealed, “The nursery focuses on getting younger people into the programme, so that we can start to get young people active again, start to increase the pool of talent than to replenish the overall system of talent.

“The second pillar is based on tournaments. The tournament is where the National Sports Commission, with funding from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, provides at least $12 million for the 12 core sports to be able to access every single year to run tournaments.

“There are some sports that will require more funding.

More funding will become available for that sport, but any tournament for the core sports that is run with the National Sports Commission, you can know when you're planning every year that $12 million at least $1 million for each of the

core sports is available for you to tap into.

“The final stage of the Sports Academy, or the final pillar of the Sports Academy, is the elite training programme.

This is really where the magic happens.

We take the elite performers, or the above average performers whom we have identified coming out of the tournaments.

“So, this Sports Academy is built in a progressive way. We take the elite performers who are identified in the tournaments and we put them into an academy, an elite training academy.”

Sport Minister Charles Ramson As he continued to Jr making his presentation at the give in-depth insight into inaugural sport conference how the National Sports Academy would be run, may have, so that there isn't an Ramson Jr. looked specifically opportunity cost for them to go at the elite arm, which is being and participate and be part of seen as a major part of the the programme.”

Academy.

He concluded, “The elite Ramson disclosed, “The academies will also be outfitted, Elite Training academy functions and we will have available like camp, four to eight weeks. for you the equipment that is During that period of time, all of needed, so that you could focus the persons who have identified on the finessing of the talents.” and fallen into the elite training Guyana’s core sports, of academy, all of them will be paid which there are 12, are expected stipends. These stipends are to be the first to benefit from intended to offset any of their the soon-to-be- implemented work opportunities that they Academy programme.

R

tal for the #MenInMaroon a g a i n s t s u c h

egarded as one of the brightest young talents in the region, Shimron Hetmyer would definitely be looking to make his mark at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. Having displayed the skill necessary to score runs in international cricket, evidenced by his exceptional ODI record, Hetmyer is a potential match winner.

Currently engaged in the Indian Premier League in the UAE, h e is one of a few West Indies players with the benefit of experiencing the conditions prior to the World Cup. This could prove vi-

high-quality opposition.

Due to his technical ability and proficiency against spin, many expect ‘Hetty’ to anchor the batting in the mid-

dle overs. Hetmyer will be encouraged by his teammates, several West Indies T20 legends, as this World Cup signals the passing of the torch to the younger generation of players. #MissionMaroon go into the tournament as defending champions, and are keen to retain the title. In 2016, when WI last won the competition, Shimron captained the West Indies Under 19 to the U19 World Cup to form a part of a famous ‘treble’ year, with the women also winning their World T20 final.

Success in this tournament could truly serve to announce Shimron Hetmyer’s arrival in senior men’s international cricket.

(Windies Cricket)

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