Guyana Times - Sunday September 12, 2021

UG launches P33 book in honour of Dr Yesu Persaud Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4768 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

New fund developed to target entrepreneurs with innovative ideas …as President Ali urges creation of female-owned tourism facilities in Region 2 Page 3

Local banks to enforce strict vaccination rule from Monday …unvaccinated persons must make appointment Page 7

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$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Speeding GDF rank crashes into Russian Embassy P32 …as Region 2 driver crashes into parked lorry

Shopkeeper P33 cuffs 9-year-old who returns ‘hard’ tennis rolls Additional $50M injected into developing P34 Supenaam Stelling … to be completed by year end

Toshao Sonia Latchman – P25 Bethany village’s dynamic leader

…ATM withdrawal limit increases

5 more COVID-19 deaths, 263 new cases recorded

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GTU has no power to revoke teachers’ scholarships – Education Ministry Page 34

…active cases near 3000; 49 deaths in 11 days …condemns threats to teachers

Multi-million-dollar works begin in new Charity housing areas …as residents complain of poor drainage, deplorable roads, boundary disputes

Calvin’s P15 Indigenous Cuisine: Calvin Roberts’ way of sharing his culture 1460 Pomeroon P35 farmers, households get $110M flood relief grants THE LATEST NEWS ON YOUR MOBILE

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Sept 12 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Monday, Sept 13 – 10:00h – 11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Sept 12 – 07:40h – 09:10h and Monday, Sept 13 – 08:35h – 10:05h.

New fund developed to target entrepreneurs with innovative ideas …as President Ali urges creation of female-owned tourism facilities in Region 2

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:09h and 20:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.54 metres and 2.55 metres.

Low Tide: 13:58h reaching a minimum height of 0.76 metre.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$69.72/barrel

+2.27

Rough Rice

$242.37 /ton

+1.16

London Sugar

$464.50/ton

-2.23

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USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

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$1786.80 0.00

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President Irfaan Ali

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s a way of encouraging more innovation and opening doors and access to funding for entrepreneurs, the Government is developing a new fund that will target entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.

This is in addition to other existing funds that have been set up for entrepreneurs, thus increasing the resource pool they can access. During her address at the Government’s Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) outreach, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond spoke of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund.

“We’ve already started to implement policies to help and support you with your business venture and your dreams. And we have increased the small business grant from $200,000 to $500,000. We are developing the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, which is to target new ideas and ways of thinking and there are so many other policies.”

“We need our young people, the ones who have the brains and the capacity, because they’re young and agile and they’re able to catch up with technology and changing patterns. And that is why you are here, to inform our policy, to continue to be engaged, we want to understand the things that matter to you,” she further explained.

Walrond noted that the Small Business Bureau (SBB) falls under her purview and that small businesses are an important driver of economic growth. She emphasised the Government’s eagerness to help those who own a small business or have a business idea.

Among the funds that exist to help entrepreneurs is the Green Business Fund, an annual local competition that pits entrepreneurs against each other for the chance to receive millions in grants to fund their businesses. The latest edition of this competition was held a few months ago.

And in January of this year, in keeping with its mandate of promoting entrepreneurship and small business development, the SBB handed over $20 million in grants to entrepreneurs under its Green Tech Fund. This programme is for existing and start-up businesses that are technology and environment-oriented.

It was revealed back in July of this year by the SBB that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, the number of youths who have started small businesses has been on the increase.

Opportunities

Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali encouraged the crowd of Region Two residents to be on the lookout for entrepreneurial opportunities, especially in fields such as agriculture.

He assured them that the Government will be investing heavily in their region.

“Entrepreneurship.

We’re starting a programme, first to let you understand that agriculture is a dignified career. Agriculture has great potential and agriculture can be a transformative investment for your families and for yourself.”

“So we’re going to be investing in this region, in making lands available to

young people and working with you to have more packaging and processing, more bagging, thus creating more entrepreneurial opportunities,” he said.

The President went on to urge Walrond to work with the residents of Region Two to create a tourism facility that will empower and be fully owned by women. This is also something that can be marketed to the world.

“I want to challenge Minister Oneidge to come up with one tourism facility that is owned by 100 per cent women in Region Two. So, we can market one facility in all of South America, that is owned by 100 per

Tourism, Industry & Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

cent women. That is an additional marketing advantage that we can make use of,” the President said. (G3)

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

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

The Venezuelan gambit

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he Venezuelan crisis needs no rehearsal, since Guyana as well as Caricom have, on several occasions, expressed hope that their Government and Opposition would arrive at a modus vivendi. There has been a complete meltdown of the Venezuelan economy, with 5 million of its citizens fleeing to neighbouring countries, including Guyana.

Several international efforts to broker a rapprochement, the last being led by Norway in 2019, have failed.

Norway persisted, and, in August, a preliminary agreement was struck by the representatives of the two sides at new talks hosted by Mexico, and again mediated

by Norway, with the Netherlands, Russia, Bolivia and Turkey observing. The memorandum of understanding declared that the negotiators’ aim was to “establish clear rules for political and social coexistence”, and they would proceed with “partial agreements” towards a comprehensive final one. The Venezuelan Government’s focus was to have the US sanctions removed, or at least eased, while the Opposition’s concern was “free and fair” upcoming regional elections, which would signal a Government acceptable to all Venezuelans.

Against that background, it was with great consternation that Guyanese learnt a week ago that the bitterly divided Venezuelans had agreed one thing at least: “the historic and inalienable rights of…Venezuela over the territory of Essequibo”, and their “disagreement with the decision of the International Court of Justice to grant itself jurisdiction to determine the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899, based on the unilateral request of Guyana.”

As to how this would “establish clear rules for political and social coexistence” needs to be clarified by the mediator Norway and the several observer countries, such as the Netherlands. While the US and the EU do not have an official presence, the Biden Administration has signalled that it would be amenable to phased reduction of sanctions, pending substantive agreement that addresses its objective of democratic elections in Venezuela. The EU had withdrawn its recognition of the Guaido “government” as an inducement for Maduro to come to the table.

Do they then expect that the revanchist stance of the Venezuelan Government and Opposition would inspire the Venezuelan people to overlook the squalid existence to which they have been brought because an imminent takeover of the waters off the Essequibo and, more pertinently, the 9 billion barrels of oil that ExxonMobil is lifting from the present 120,000 bpd to million bpd will save them?

The Guyana Govt responded with alacrity, along with the Opposition, even though they are locked in the fallout from the March 2, 2020 elections contretemps. The former “firmly rejects the agreement…(which)…is an overt threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana…Guyana cannot be used as an altar of sacrifice for settlement of Venezuela’s internal political differences. While the Government of Guyana welcomes domestic accord within Venezuela, an agreement defying international law and process is not a basis for mediating harmony.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further reminded that Guyana and Venezuela’s border controversy is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and will remain there until there is a peaceful and final resolution.

The Opposition declared, “The APNU+AFC Coalition takes this opportunity to reaffirm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana, and to remind that the Guyana/ Venezuela controversy remains before the International Court of Justice for resolution. We reiterate our faith in the rule of international law in pursuit of a peaceful settlement in this regard, and our continued support of a national approach to safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty.”

What this incident reminds us is that the Venezuelans have made their concocted border controversy an article of faith for their citizens, and have incorporated their claim over Essequibo into their constitution: they have been inculcating this in their school system from nursery to university. We must be prepared for the Venezuelan revanchist claims to continue even after the World Court’s decision, which they know will confirm the 1899 Arbitral Award.

In the meantime, we must engage the mediators of the Venezuelan Talks, which will resume on Sept 24, that they cannot allow this wilful rejection of the UN system of peaceful resolution to this Venezuelan controversy.

Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force on Friday during their 3rd quarter fitness competition which took place over a two-day period of intense competition at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, East Bank Demerara (GDF photo)

Guyana needlessly suffering Dear Editor, Despite overwhelming evidence showing the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine, some Guyanese are still hesitant to get it.

The campaign is emblematic of messaging around vaccination for COVID-19, both for and against. Often the disease itself is a bit player in a conversation built around other issues such as patriotism, freedom, winning or standing athwart government overreach. Vaccination, or lack thereof, even one’s position on the vaccine has become, to some people, an indication of loyalty to one’s political party.

The problem here is, almost from the get-go, we have not made this a health conversation. We have made this a political debate.

With the recent increase in COVID-19 infections, the vaccination drumbeat is getting louder, as is criticism of those seen as vaccine skeptics.

The PPP/C administration must do more to address vaccine hesitancy, which is more prevalent in the APNUAFC support base, our leaders must educate these skeptics about the benefits of the vaccine, not hector or preach.

This information must come from respected and trusted figures in the various hesitant communities, regardless of how vaccine messaging is presented, there is a growing sense among many health officials that it’s time for a new strategy if Guyana want to improve vaccination rates.

I think we’ve hit a point where we’re almost beyond

messaging and need to start to move to mandates. The political gridlock has made the nation vulnerable and we need to look to private businesses, to the private sector, to get us through this pandemic.

In addition to the Government, some large employer’s such as Exxon should require their employees to be vaccinated.

The problem will persist as long as people are still seeing the pandemic as a political issue to debate.

Guyana’s health system isn’t one side of the aisle or the other. It’s the dirt on which those very aisles are built, and if we don’t realize this, if we don’t come together and realize that health is a nonpartisan issue, then our nation remains vulnerable to death and disease.

After all, the campaign against the Ministry of Health’s measures by conservative politician’s media figures like our GTU leaders is having a direct negative impact on Guyana Teacher’s Union. Why would political figures choose to threaten the health and even the lives of their own supporters?

In parts of Region 10 and Linden, where vaccination rates are significantly lower than the national average, the fact is the opposition political leaders are not encouraging people to get vaccinated.

In many small communities in Region 10, people rely on local leaders to help them with certain decisions and make them aware of their options, and we have not done a good job, our leaders must get into these small-

er neighbourhoods and give small communities the confidence to make a decision.

That’s why it’s critical to find individuals like personal health care providers, local nurses, doctors, pastors and educated community leaders to relay that message.

Instead, what we have seen are the anti-vaxxers been busy demonstrating around Region 10.

One person was observed carrying a placard that read: “My body, my choice, includes vaccines too.” That person should be thankful their parents, without giving them a choice, had them vaccinated against various diseases.

Another placard stated, “COVID-19 is a scam.” With that line of reasoning, smallpox, polio, measles, rubella, chicken pox and other diseases are also scams.

I have only one reaction to those who say they have

the “right” not to vaccinate or wear masks.

What gives you the “right” potentially to kill your children or grandchildren, or those of other people, by spreading the virus?

“Enough is enough”.

People who refuse vaccination are a risk to all of us.

It’s time to criminalize refusal. If you’re not masked despite a requirement to do so, you should be arrested. A vaccine refuser who infects others should be charged with assault.

We should take the same approach as Texas in the USA with its new abortion law and allow any citizen to sue an anti-vaxxer for $10,000 plus legal fees.

The country is needlessly suffering, and it’s got to stop now. No one has the freedom to harm or kill someone else.

Sincerely, David Adams

We live by the consequences of the decisions we make

Dear Editor, Seeking cheap political mileage off a death is also horrible. It has to be noted the vaccination status was not revealed. What was revealed was the status of the question: irrelevant. So, we can draw our conclusion.

It can be discerned if vaccinated and still death occurred, there would have been much noise, protests and non-vaccers would feel

vindicated.

We live by the consequences of the decisions we make. When the consequences turn out bad, we have to accept, not find scapegoats. Of course, this does not negate that a review towards improvements and enhancements are warranted and needed.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

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

World moving towards mandatory vaccination Dear Editor, Considering US President Biden’s orders that all federal workers must be vaccinated, and encouraging private employers to require the same, the PNC unions GTU, GPSU, and TUC must be feeling very foolish right now.

History will record that, at a time when the world faces an international health crisis, and the number of infections in Guyana is at an all-time high, with more younger children becoming infected by new strains of the deadly virus, some Guyanese teachers and nurses have refused to be vaccinated, and their unions have sued the new Government for regulations introduced by the former PNC Government.

Why did these unions not sue the PNC, and why are they now suing the PPP Government?

Never mind that over five and a half billion people in 186 countries around the world have taken the vaccine, Guyana has some teachers and nurses who are “smarter” than people all over the world, and are refusing to take the vaccine and want the Government to pay for their weekly tests. This is delusional thinking.

They want to hold illegal strikes and expect the Government to still pay them for not working. I say, ‘Good luck with that’!

No work, no pay. You chose that.

Mr. Bhagwandin makes the point that there is nothing else we

can say to the unvaccinated to change their minds.

The words of Dr. Dimitri Christakis, Director of the Center for Child Health, Behaviour and Development at Seattle Children’s Hospital, apply to Guyana: “People in this country have no appreciation of how fortunate we are, and how easily we could return to some level of normalcy if everybody would just do their part, and I think it is unfortunately going to take sticks, because we’re all out of carrots,” Christakis said.

US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said, in order for the COVID-19 pandemic to end, “pre-emptive vaccination remains the key.” In West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice said hospitals in the state are still

overwhelmingly inundated with cases of people that are not vaccinated. “We just need to use good sense and get ourselves vaccinated, and then we’ll stop this,” he said.

Guyana’s Catholic Bishop Alleyne said, “The severe threat of the pandemic and the increasing numbers of infections and deaths warrant strong measures, and this asks of us not only that we comply with reliable scientific guidance, but out of our Christian conviction, to go beyond the call and act in favour of the common good to the extent that it is necessary and involves sacrifice. ‘If anyone requires you to go one mile, go two miles with him’ (Matt.

5:41).”

Bishop Alleyne said,

Focus on issue, and not the individual

Dear Editor, The current situation that involves the Teachers’ Union and the Ministry of Education is spiralling out of control. It is irresponsible for any one individual to place at risk the lives of thousands due to a personal choice that clearly increases the level of risk in our schools. This is on par with an individual who has unprotected sex during the height of an AIDS epidemic. Yes, it is personal choice, but the risks are significant.

Our Minister of Education and her Ministry do what is best for the entire educational system. Not everyone has to agree with the approach, but adherence is necessary in the absence of the proposal of a better solution. The focus of any protest or discussion should always be the issue, and not the individual, unless the individual is the issue. In this case, the vaccine and the protection of the children and staff is the issue being debated.

Personal attacks on those that serve our country are uncalled for, and should be frowned upon.

If some individuals are opposed to taking the vaccine, then testing becomes necessary for ensuring no breach of the containment and prevention of the virus entering the school system.

The other option is for all those parents and teachers who are opposed to this process to put forward a solution that works for both perspectives, such

as a dedicated school for the unvaccinated and those refusing to be vaccinated, or 100% remote and online education. We must remember that everyone is trying to stay safe and do what is best for their families and those under their responsibility.

Be safe and stay well.

Sincerely, Jamil Changlee

“The term ‘Herd Immunity’ has been presented to us.

It means that when a high percentage of the population (80%) has been vaccinated, it becomes extremely difficult for the virus to spread. The science is sound on this, and worthy of our trust. The official teaching of the Church is that we would all access a vaccine and remain vigilant.

“I therefore give the strongest encouragement to our brothers and sisters who have still not been vaccinated to please reconsider your decision.

I am calling on you to act

in the interest of the common good, and to do your part in safeguarding the well-being of all.”

No similar call came from the Guyana Evangelical Fellowship, the Georgetown Ministers Fellowship, the East Berbice Corentyne Ministers Association, the Guyana Council of Churches, nor the Zadok Ministries. Maybe COVID wiped them out, or they are deep in their slumber, like Jonah was while the boat was sinking.

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

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guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

Feature

Birth

“MONTREAL PROTOCOL – KEEPING US, OUR FOOD AND VACCINES COOL”

Preparation – cont’d

Last week, we began our discussion on the preparation for birthing and highlighted the signs you must look for to determine that the mother is close to giving birth, the physical environment that should be prepared for delivery and the calming role you must play during the period of discomfort that precedes the actual birth.

Today, we shall get into more details of the circumstances surrounding the actual birth, and your involvement (or not) when the mother goes into labour.

Labour We won't get into the technical details pertaining to labour in terms of anatomical and physiological changes that take place in the uterus, cervix, and vagina.

The signs of early labour are: (i) Restlessness. (ii) Increased respiration (breathing). (iii) A look of anxiety (even panic) in the eyes of the bitch and female cat - especially a first timer.

N.B. I am certain that some may

challenge the use of the term 'anxiety' as it relates to dogs and cats. I can prepare a treatise on animals' emotions - fear, happiness, anger, guilt, jealousy, etc. Of course, we pet owners see these psychological expressions everyday - and this column is primarily for companion animal owners. (iv) Sometimes vomiting. (v) Periodic straining/contraction of the abdominal muscles. (vi) Eventually, the first water bag peeps out of the vagina and then ruptures. The first puppy/kitten slides out shortly (within a few minutes but can be longer) thereafter. The new mom licks the puppy and ingests the skin and liquid that had enclosed the puppy/kitten. While all this licking is going on, the navel string (umbilical cord) is severed. The next puppy/kitten in line will follow and undergo the same process, and so forth, until all the puppies/kittens have been born.

A watchful but unobtrusive oversight of the mother in labour: (i) You may (very quietly) have

brief looks at the mother while she is giving birth. Really, she doesn't want you around, although, as I mentioned last week, some dogs feel more secure knowing that their caregiver is in close proximity. (ii) Do not panic when the mother eats the afterbirth (placenta). There has been some debate as to whether it is good for her or not. But, very seldom can man improve upon nature.

Dogs have been eating the placenta since they were domesticated and long before that. Their cousins in the wild also eat the afterbirth. Most species, in fact, do that. Perhaps, it helps with the milk let-down and labour contractions. (iii) Do not get too emotionally involved in the whole birth process. Do not think that she is hurting. Do not think that she is causing pain to her newborn babies when she licks them vigorously; this is a form of massage - stimulating breathing and heart action. (iv) Do not make panic calls to the Vet if the next puppy does not emerge in a few minutes. It could take hours for a litter of four puppies to be delivered. In fact, the more puppies in the womb, the longer it might take for the puppies to be born. We are dealing with biology here - ergo no hard and fast rules. In my 52 years as a Vet, I have seen puppies being born within minutes of each other, as well as three to four hours apart.

Cats seem to have less complications at birthing. However, if the mother cat is clearly exhibiting difficulties during delivery (e.g., a kitten is stuck in a breach position), then do get in touch with your Vet immediately.

Next week we shall deal with interventions which you may have to undertake should there be occasions when assistance is needed during the delivery of puppies and kittens.

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n 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date in 1987 on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed. This year’s theme is ‘MONTREAL PROTOCOL - KEEPING US, OUR FOOD AND VACCINES COOL.’ The theme is very fitting, since the Montreal Protocol started life as a global agreement to protect the ozone layer, a job it has done well, making it one of the most successful environmental agreements to date. A united global effort to phase out ozone-depleting substances means that, today, the hole in the ozone layer is healing, in turn protecting human health, economies, and ecosystems. As this year’s World Ozone Day seeks to highlight, the Montreal Protocol does so much more – slowing climate change and helping to boost energy efficiency in the cooling sector, which contributes to food security.

Many ozone-depleting substances warm the climate, so the agreement has already slowed climate change. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is set to deliver even stronger climate benefits. Under the Amendment, nations have committed to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs don’t damage the ozone layer, these coolants are powerful greenhouse gases. Reducing their use, as agreed, is expected to avoid up to 0.4°C of global temperature rise by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone layer.

The Kigali Amendment also provides an opportunity for improved energy efficiency in the cooling sector. New innovation replacing HFCs offers an opportunity to redesign air conditioning and refrigeration to use less power, allowing expansion of comfort cooling and cold chain efficiencies without increasing climate impacts. The combination of reducing HFC consumption and improved cold chain efficiencies, particularly in developing economies, would also combat food loss.

Around one third of all food produced globally for human consumption is either lost or wasted each year, largely due to a lack of access to cold chains. Food loss and waste amounts to billions of US dollars annually; not only wasting precious resources such as land, water and energy, but also generating an estimated 8% of total greenhouse gases per year globally.

By developing cold chain solutions that are more efficient, more climate friendly, and cheaper to buy and operate, cold chains would become more effective and widely available. This would provide producers such as farmers and pharmaceutical providers with access to precooling, refrigerated storage and refrigerated transport – ensuring products such as food and vaccines reach people in safe and good condition.

On this Ozone Day, we celebrate and acknowledge the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment in its wider efforts to keep us, our food, and vaccines cool!

For more information, visit https://www.unep. org /ozonaction/who-we-are/about-montrealprotocol?_ga=2.204682768.1851264753.1631126239930946714.1627583544 You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail. com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Local banks to enforce strict vaccination rule from Monday …unvaccinated persons must make appointment …ATM withdrawal limit increases

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n compliance with the Government of Guyana’s new vaccination measures, several local commercial banks are informing their customers that they will now have to comply with these requirements.

Last weekend, Government gazetted new measures for entry into public building, which included commercial banks. It stated that only vaccinated persons can enter any public building without an appointment. Persons who are unvaccinated are required to make an appointment to enter a public building, and must present a negative molecular biological PCR test taken within seven days of the appointment. These tests have to be done at laboratories approved by the Ministry of Health.

Days after the new COVID-19 measures were gazetted, the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc had indicated that the various financial institutions will soon be complying with the new measures.

In a notice published in today’s Guyana Times, Republic Bank said it “… will conform to these measures, effective Monday, September 13, 2021.”

As such, the bank is urging vaccinated customers to

walk with their COVID-19 vaccination card (or a legible copy) and a form of ID (ID card, passport or driver’s licence) when visiting any of its 12 branches across the country.

With regards to unvaccinated/medically exempt persons, they will have to schedule an appointment.

“Your branch will let you know if we can fulfil your request without a visit and provide any information necessary to ensure we meet your needs conveniently and efficiently,” the notice stated.

However, those who have scheduled an appointment, are asked to pay attention to date and time, and also remember to bring a negative PCR test result/exemption certificate and ID at the time of their visit.

Republic Bank, nonetheless, urged its customers to use the following electronic banking services – Republic

Online/Republic Mobile or ATMs or point of sale – wherever possible, instead of going into the bank.

Meanwhile, a similar position has been taken by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), which on Friday reminded customers that effective Monday, the new vaccination measures will also be enforced at all of its branches countrywide.

Apart from outlining the requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons, GBTI also noted, however, that customers visiting its ATMs are not required to present proof of vaccination.

Demerara Bank Limited has also indicated that it will be complying with the new measures. In order to efficiently process their transactions, the bank is urging customers to utilise its various services including the ATMs, point of sale services, night depository for cash and cheque deposits, electronic banking, electronic payroll and drop box

for letters, etc.

However, it noted that customers can contact any of their branches should an appointment be required.

Similarly, Citizens Bank Guyana Inc has informed its customers that it will be complying with the new COVID-19 measures being enforced by Government.

Places of worship

Meanwhile, as other public buildings including other privately-owned businesses also enforce these new vaccination requirements, some places of worship are also putting systems in place to adhere to the measures.

On Saturday, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) informed the various masjids across the country that they too will have to comply.

“The severe threat of the pandemic and the increasing number of infections and deaths warrant strong measures based on reliable scientific guidance and Islamic rulings by the majority of the Muslim scholars which supports the taking of the COVID-19

vaccine. As believers in God Almighty, we must act responsibly and protect our lives and the lives of others,” the religious body stated.

It added, “We must think good, and act righteously, promote the truth and cooperate with one another in doing good and preventing harm.”

To this end, CIOG stipulated that persons entering the masjid should provide evidence of vaccination or a negative PCR test results; that persons entering the masjid must sanitise at the entrance, and observe social distancing of six feet apart; that there should be no shaking of hands, embracing nor congregating while at the masjid except for prayers, and that persons attending the masjid to pray should walk with a prayer mat.

“Please follow all Government protocols as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the CIOG further pleaded.

Meanwhile, in a statement from Guyana’s Catholic Church Bishop, Francis Alleyne, it was noted that given the fact that many of its worship-

ers will not be allowed entry into churches due to the new COVID measures, it will be moving to virtual ceremonies.

“We ought not to leave part of the body detached from the whole. Therefore, in solidarity with these brothers and sisters, and beginning on Friday 10th September, we will conduct all our worship virtually and refrain from gathering in any number. Our churches will be closed for public worship until further notice.”

On the other hand, the executives of the presbytery of the Assemblies of God Churches in Guyana have declared that all congregants must be vaccinated to attend in-person services in a recent communique to all AOG Church leaders. Additionally, all technical personnel and participants of virtual ceremonies are also required to be immunised.

The AOG contended that it will not coerce anyone into taking the vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Diocese of Guyana has urged its membership to get vaccinated. (G8)

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Survival…

T

…in the Big Apple hat Hurricane Ida posed a threat to life and limb in NYC had to’ve surprised most of us. It certainly surprised your Eyewitness! Weren’t hurricanes a tropical phenomenon that only hit poor countries in the Caribbean, like Haiti - then exhaust themselves as they reach sub-tropical Florida?? Well, not this time! This is the time of CLIMATE CHANGE - which America played the biggest role in creating, and it has now returned to bite America in the ass! Well, that is how most Americans see the Big Apple!!

But news that 13 persons died in NYC as a result of Hurricane Ida was even more shocking. But with millions of tons of water dumped on the “concrete jungle” within minutes, where was it to go?? So, subways and streets became raging rivers of water, following the logic of topology and gravity to flow from high to low. Part of the novelty of Guyanese moving to NYC was the discovery of houses built on what would’ve been the sides of hills and even in filled-in beds of streams.

Everywhere was concreted over, and this is what led to the most shocking news: 11 of the persons who died due to Ida were IN their homes - which, unfortunately, were in “basements”. These were open spaces under the houses where the boilers to generate heat were located.

Some owners would use the rest of the space for storage or recreation. Enter Guyanese who’d moved to ‘up north’ to escape the Burnhamite destruction of Guyana, starting from the 1960s - and creating a momentum that continues into the present. Most of them barely got out with the clothes on their backs - only US$15 foreign currency was allowed! So, the only housing most of them could afford was in the “basements”. Technically, more than half of the basement was supposed to be above ground, permitting windows through which folks could escape in emergencies.

They had to be specifically modified to the satisfaction of the City Authorities, to be used as apartments.

But for the new immigrants - from Guyana and the entire Third World, who moved in from the seventies - they were more than willing to live in even the illegal ones, because they were CHEAP. Many of these basement dwellers eventually bought the houses from the Whites, who moved up to the suburbs - and kept renting basements to their compatriots.

Today, it’s estimated there are between 50,000 and 100,000 basement apartments in NYC. And when all that water came pouring down, there was nowhere for it to go but into basements, with a force that just broke through ground-level windows, and even walls.

There were several Guyanese and Trinis in those 11 dead in basements. RIP.

…of the Rum Industry We’re witnessing the continuing domino effect of the travails of sugar. Even in the best of times, bringing around the sugar industry was gonna be a Herculean Task.

And with the rains coming down continuously since last December - and showing no sign of stopping - things are certainly looking gloomy. Like the weather, as this is being written!

Now, we just heard that there isn’t enough molasses - a BY-PRODUCT OF SUGAR PRODUCTION - to supply our Rum Industry - specifically DDL, our biggest producer.

And they’ve been forced to purchase molasses from other sources - probably from Belize or Nicaragua. This is tragic, because they just got the Geographical Indication approval, which allows them to have sole ownership of the coveted “Demerara Rum” brand!! But what happens when their molasses is sourced from elsewhere??! They can’t very well say their product is unique to Demerara, can they??

“For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost. And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.”

…in America Belying its vaunted exceptionalism, America has suffered 656,000 COVID-19 deaths - the largest in the world. So, Biden is ramping up vaccination for even the largest private companies.

What say the PNC re their “dictatorship” charges?

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

9 Multi-million-dollar works begin in new Charity housing areas NEWS

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…as residents complain of poor drainage, deplorable roads, boundary disputes Schemes for the upgrading of several roads, pipe networks and the construction of drains and culverts.

When it comes to the water sector, residents can expect increased access to potable water through the drilling of five wells by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in Pomeroon, Region Two. “We are aware of the issues with high iron content in your water and our plan is to improve the coverage of treated water on the Essequibo Coast,” the Minister also told the residents at the outreach.

Issues

I

A section of the gathering during the Charity meeting

nfrastructure works to the tune of $40 million has begun in the new housing areas in Charity, Region Two, as over 300 house lots were distributed in the area this year.

This is according to Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal who was part of a Government outreach in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and who told residents of Charity that over $1 billion in additional funds is earmarked for the 2022 bud-

get.

During the outreach, the Housing Minister engaged with residents at Charity Housing Scheme, Amazon and Sommerset.

While there, Croal announced that some $40 million will be expended to commence infrastructure works at Buxton and St Joseph, Charity. In June of this year, the Government had distributed 350 house lots in the Charity area, adding to another 350 distributed in April.

According to the Minister, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be conducting works on access bridges and roads to the new housing developments.

Other infrastructure works in the new and existing housing areas will be catered for under the CH&PA’s 2022 work programme. Another $872 million will be expended in Buxton and St Joseph and $628 million in the Old and New Charity Housing

During the outreach, several longstanding housing matters were also raised and speedy resolutions were provided.

Residents were also given assurance that other registered issues will be resolved in a timely manner.

Meanwhile, residents used the opportunity presented by the engagements as a platform to raise issues in various sectors affecting them in the region. Several complaints were raised including complaints about poor drainage systems, deplorable roads, boundary disputes, service levels re-

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

ceived from GWI and the need for street lights.

Additionally, a number of Somerset farmers sought the Minister’s intervention for a farm to market road in the area. In this regard, the Minister was able to underline a number of Government’s development plans for the region such as the road upgrades, the installation of street lights by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and plans for a Specialty Hospital.

In June of this year, the Government of Guyana through CH&PA had allocated 350 house lots to residents of Charity at the Anna Regina Town Council. The house lots were allocated under the

“Dream Realised” housing drive which the PPP/C initiated after taking office in August 2020.

In addition to the 350 house lots, another 200 titles and transports were handed out during a planned two-day activity in the region. Since taking office in August 2020, Government has so far distributed some 6500 house lots and 2000 titles as of August.

Minister Croal had previously promised that another 7000 house lots will be distributed before the end of this year, putting Government on track to fulfil its commitment of distributing 50,000 house lots during its five-year tenure.

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5 more COVID-19 deaths, 263 new cases recorded …active cases near 3000; 49 deaths in 11 days

T

he Health Ministry reported five more deaths from COVID-19 on Saturday – accumulating to 49 fatalities for the month of September.

This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 674. Patients were admitted with COVID-19 like symptoms but died while receiving care at the medical institutions. Samples were taken at the time of admission which subsequently returned positive tests.

All five persons died on September 10. They were two females from Region Four: a 35-year-old and a 57-yearold; a 60-year-old male from Region Two; a 78-year-old female from Region Five and a 37-year-old female from Region Two. Within one week, 1487 new positives were unearthed, confirming speculations that deadlier variants, including the Delta strain, are circulating in Guyana.

On Saturday, a whopping 263 cases were recorded after 1890 persons were swabbed for the virus.

An updated dashboard showed 32 persons in the Intensive Care Unit, 148 in institutional isolation, 2772 in home isolation and 17 in institutional quarantine.

Guyana’s active cases has spiked to a startling 2952.

Some 286,458 persons have been tested since the start of the pandemic with

13,343 males and 14,439 females being infected. Only 24,156 have recovered.

New cases

All administrative regions reported new cases, with five in Region One (BarimaWaini), 18 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 40 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 129 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), seven in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), 28 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), 17 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), seven in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), three in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) and five in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Hotspots

This week, the hotspots were Tuschen, Region Three; Diamond, Grove, Kitty, Sophia and Mon Repos in Region Four; and Bartica in Region Seven. Positives have also been on the rise in Santa Mission.

Figures as of Friday showed that 329,909 persons have taken their first dose of a COVID vaccine, while second doses are pegged at 172,155. The adolescent age group is also progressing, with over 23 per cent of children already immunised with a first dose.

In the Region of the

Americas, over 85 million infections have been reported with 2.1 million deaths.

Globally, cases have surpassed 223 million with an excess of 4.6 million deaths.

Persons with comorbidities have been continuously asked to continue taking their respective medications or treatment to control their condition. The preventative measures and guidelines to protect against the virus must be adhered to since this category of person is at a greater risk if they contract COVID-19.

Protocols

All Guyanese are reminded to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand hygiene.

In the new guidelines, measure No 17 stipulates that any persons who wishes to enter a public building shall be vaccinated.

Where an unvaccinated person wishes to enter a public building, they can do so by appointment, and by presenting a negative PCR test taken within seven days.

If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 or needs

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

263

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

148

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

2772 32

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

17

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

14,439

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

13,343

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

27,782

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

24,156

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

329,909

FULLY IMMUNISED

172,155

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

674

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1389

REGION 2

954

REGION 3

3441

REGION 4

13,135

REGION 5

920

REGION 6

2153

REGION 7

1437

REGION 8

418

REGION 9

2268

REGION 10

1667

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.

any additional information, they are asked to contact the

COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 imme-

diately or visit www.health. gov.gy (G12)

NEWS

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Enhanced Union for TT, Guyana and Suriname

I

t has been almost two years since the “Caricom Commission on the Economy” presented its Report, “Caribbean 9.58 - Speeding up the Caribbean”, but to deadening silence locally.

Perhaps it was the PNC’s stonewalling on the No Confidence Motion (NCM) and their attempted rigging of the March 2, 2020 elections, with results not declared until Aug 2, 2020. Last week, the syndicated Caribbean columnist David Jessop reminded us of the Report in his column, “The Caribbean’s Ravi Dev ‘big fish little fish”.

The Commission - with 10 eminent Caribbean and global experts, including one past and the incumbent Head of the WTO, acknowledged numerous previous W.I. Commission Reports, such as the 1992 Ramphal-led “Time for Action”. They offered candid reasons for them being shelved: “Despite having received over decades common-sense proposals that could enable the Anglophone Caribbean as a group to adapt to the external forces shaping economic globalisation and regional and international relationships, CARICOM governments do not appear to have the will or strategic patience required. Instead, fear of being left behind by neighbours, petty nationalism, and the domestic political consequences of voters seeing more economically viable neighbours achieving greater economic influence suggest that the region as an entity is unlikely to match the pace of global economic change.”

Against that background, the Commission analysed the specific failure of Caricom to implement the 1989 CSME, even though all 15 member states signed on the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas in 2002. The Commission offered a way out: “We have adopted an approach that attempts to cut the obstacles of funding and readiness and rests purely on political will…(and)…we have pointedly limited ourselves to a small number of recommendations that will require no new external financing but will move the needle of development and growth for all.”

Attempting to cut the Gordian Knot of Caricom’s unanimous decision-making rule, the Commission proposed, “We believe that a broader solution is one that recognises ‘subsidiarity’ and the role of advanced parties cooperating more closely.”

The “principle of subsidiarity”, of course, was famously incorporated into the EU’s Maastricht Treaty to facilitate their decision making. It holds that “social and political issues should be dealt with at the most immediate (or local) level”. Meaning, that to accomplish the aims of CSME, a subset of members - designated “advanced parties” - might act in concert on particular issues once they so decide.

The Commission offered, “We believe that in the area of greater economic integration, an “Enhanced Co-operation Mechanism” will overcome paralysis, where progress may be blocked by just one country or a small group of countries that may not be ready for an initiative.” While the Commission suggests a minimum of 1/3 of Caricom members utilise the “increased integration mechanism”, we believe that this arbitrarily violates its own principle of “subsidiarity” as well as the “first law of geography”. The latter commonsensically declares: “Everything is related to everything else. But near things are more related than distant things”. It offers an intuitive rationale for enhanced cooperation by some members through fortuitous “propinquity” - closeness to each other.

Moving from the theoretical to the reality of Caribbean geography, history, sociology and political challenges, in addition to economics, I propose that Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname are most ideally suited to proceed on the Commission’s “Enhanced Co-operation Mechanism” proposal. The discovery and ongoing development of what is probably the largest and last great oil play, 9 billion barrels and counting only in the Guyana waters as of now, creates an economic opportunity for the three Southern Caribbean neighbours to become the “Flying Geese” for the region.

With Trinidad’s 100+ years of experience in oil (now depleted), manufacturing and deeper financialisation, it complements the “new kids on the oil block” to simultaneously engage our southern giant neighbour Brazil.

Following Suriname President Santokhi’s visit to Guyana last month, the agreements reached between the two countries already surpass the initial areas of cooperation identified by the Commission - transport, deepened financial integration, private sector involvement, especially for climate change resilience. All that is needed is for Trinidad to be invited to the table. A bonus of enhanced relations with Suriname will osmotically present Guyana and Trinidad with new perspectives on governance of plural societies.

Citizens of these three countries should lobby their governments for this eventuality.

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FEATURE

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and Sport to represent Guyana as a Youth Ambassador to the National Youth Assembly in New York and he used the platform not only to represent Guyana but also to represent his Indigenous heritage.

His heritage and culture were well received by the thousands of young people that participated at the Youth Assembly. In fact, he won the top prize for his traditional/cultural attire that year.

Upon his return to Guyana, Calvin began exploring more ways in which he could promote his Indigenous identity.

“The thought of launching an Indigenous restaurant came to mind. I had it all planned out in my head but sadly, I did not have the finance to begin. This was a setback. I was even further motivated to open my own business after my many visits at the different Indigenous Heritage celebrations especially at the Sophia Exhibition Site. I literally used to spend all my money on tuma pot, cassava bread and the fly.”

TURN TO PAGE 23

Cavin Roberts (centre) with Eion Beaton (left) and Denzil St Hill (right)

By Lakhram Bhagirat

U

nless one ventures into Indigenous communities across Guyana, they can rarely access authentic Indigenous food.

Many establishments on the coast would offer cassava bread and pepperpot but it is not the same as what we encounter when visiting Indigenous communities.

Understanding the lack of exposure to a wide array of Indigenous cuisine led 26-year-old Calvin Roberts to team up with two friends - Eion Beaton and Denzil St Hill - to start “Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine.”

About Calvin Roberts Calvin, a Laboratory Technician attached to West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), was born in neighbouring Venezuela but migrated to Guyana when he was about two years old.

He was raised in the East Bank Essequibo (EBE) community of Zeelugt and as the eldest child, he had the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings while his parents worked.

As a young child, Calvin would have to fetch water for miles and do household chores because both his parents worked to make ends meet. He was a stellar student throughout his school life as well but also endured years and years of bullying in secondary school.

“On many days I didn’t want to go to school but seeing the condition I grew up in, was something I wanted to change. I wanted to be the person to take my family out of poverty. I wanted to repay my parents for all their kindness and sacrifices they've made so I endured those years with the little my parents could have afforded,” he said.

Though secondary school was challenging, Calvin made lifelong friends as well as excelled. His love for the sciences saw him graduating as the best science student. He would later go on to pursue studies as a laboratory technician.

“Those two years were the most difficult since I had to travel from Zeelugt to Georgetown for classes. My father fell ill during that period so my mom had to work as a domestic cleaner to see me through my tertiary schooling. I attended classes with just transportation money again and on many days, I walked to classes. I studied extremely hard and burned the midnight oil because the only way I could have repay my mom for her sacrifices was to top the class. This I did with much sacrifices and sleepless nights and in 2012 I graduated as the valedictorian.”

Calvin continued working harder to ensure that he could provide the best for his family. His time at the hospital has caused him to interact with people from all backgrounds and he realised that everyone has their own struggles. He began appreciating thing more and became invested in volunteering.

The young man spent all his free time volunteering with various organisations and communities across the country.

“I realised that serving humanity is the best gift one can give to anyone. This doesn’t have to be money, it can easily be helping a granny to cross the road or lending a listening ear to someone.

I became a volunteer with many organisations and on weekends, when I’m off duty I would spend my time volunteering wherever possible. I've travelled almost to every Region in Guyana serving humanity.”

Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine In 2018, Calvin was selected by the Ministry of Culture, Youth

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FEATURE

Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine...

He began to aggressively save to open his own businesses and earlier this year, he met up with Eion and Denzil and they formed the “Young Men in Business Group”. During their discussions, he pitched his idea of venturing into the business of Indigenous cuisine and they both bought in.

“I launched my business via Facebook in July of this year. The feedbacks were overwhelming by both friends and social media users. I use my kitchen at home to do all my cooking. As a health advocate and in keeping with the COVID-19 guidelines, we operate by taking orders from our customers. They can either pick up their meals or it can be delivered to them.

“I like to be innovative, creative and unique.

So most definitely, I wanted to do something that was could not be found in my region.

Hence, Calvin's Indigenous Cuisine being the only place in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) that serves Indigenous meals. I make my own food. I want to be authentic, genuine and original. When you eat my tuma, you must taste Calvin. It must be unmatched,” he said.

Since September is Indigenous Heritage Month, the Sunday Times asked Calvin what the month signifies for him and this is what he had to say: “Indigenous Heritage Month means to me an opportunity to reinforce the importance of Guyana's first peoples. The significant contributions they have made towards nation building, their strength, togetherness, humility and kindness like no other. I believe this month helps to recognise, celebrate and promote our culture, heritage and identity. However, we should not only be celebrated and appreciated only in the month of September but all year through. We are the first people of this land and we have made many sacrifices and paved

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the way for our fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters.

“As an Indigenous youth and advocate my advice to my fellow Indigenous youths is firstly be proud of your heritage, be proud of your culture and most importantly be proud of your identity. Never let anyone despise your youth or make you feel inferior. You were born with a purpose and that you owe to the world. So, as we celebrate heritage 2021 let us continue to maintain our traditional integrity as we celebrate our cultural identity. Happy Indigenous Heritage Month to all Guyana especially my fellow Indigenous people.”

Persons interested in Calvin’s products can contact Calvin – 6025026, Eion – 6921250 or Denzil – 6480415 or visit Calvin's Indigenous Cuisine Facebook page.

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FEATURE

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– Bethany village’s dynamic leader

By Raywattie Deonarine

S

eptember is considered a very special month for Indigenous people across Guyana and they are celebrated under the Indigenous Heritage Month banner. This year, the celebrations are being

Latchman – a teacher and Toshao of Bethany village in the PomeroonSupenaam region.

She is an outspoken leader. Ever since she was a little girl, she wanted to become a teacher and she rose to the top position in her

“Being a teacher and a community leader is a great satisfaction for me. Being able to touch the lives of so many children and residents at such a young age in a positive way is one of God's richest blessings. I always say that being a young vibrant leader and educator creates a role model for many.”

Being able to touch the lives of so many at such a young age in a positive way is one of God's richest blessings

held under the theme “Maintaining Our Traditional Integrity, Celebrating Our Cultural Identity”.

The associated commemorative activities are understandably numerous and continue all month long.

While for some the focus is on education-related activities, there are others who indulge in the more “fun” side of the festivities.

But there are others who give equal focus to both the educational activities and the celebration of our first people, and with good reason too.

One such person is Sonia

community just over three years ago.

A few months ago, she has re-elected as the Toshao of Bethany village, where she promotes good governance. She is also in charge of preparing strategies and plans for the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of her community.

Toshao Sonia is among the youngest leaders and has a passion for the development of her people.

The 28-year-old vibrant, courageous and ambitious leader is descended from the Arawak Indigenous tribe and

grew up in Bethany, Upper Supenaam Creek. She is the youngest of two children.

"Back then we had farm...

My sister and I had to go with

daddy to the farm to assist in planting and reaping his crops. It was fun for us back then. In the boat we used to feel like superheroes, always anxious to get in.” Sonia told the Sunday Times.

She added that those days were the best out of all since she enjoyed fishing, swimming, and being on the farm all day planting, reaping, and showering the plants with water.

After completing her education, Sonia applied for a teaching job and in 2013, she started her career at Aurora Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast.

She would paddle for about half of an hour along the Supenaam Creek to get to school and never saw it as a hassle since she was getting to work in her dream job.

Still, she’d say, “It was not far

Bethany Toshao Sonia Latchman

from home.”

Little did she know that as she paddled each day, she was really leading herself towards a path that would result in a rather successful

career in education and also an additional career in leadership that would allow her to help her fellow Indigenous people.

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Voices GY’s Warao Intercultural and Bilingual Education Project aimed at valuing Guyana’s linguistic and cultural diversity

Some of the beneficiaries of the Warao project in Region One

By Lakhram Bhagirat

I

t goes without saying that throughout Guyana and the wider world, the rich cultural diversity and unique heritage is being traded in exchange for popular culture. We are witnessing the loss of traditional languages, customs and beliefs because they are deemed “unacceptable” when it comes to the global platform.

Right in Guyana, many of the younger generation are less inclined to speak creolese because it has been ingrained in them that the local dialect is “not acceptable”. Our dialect is part of what makes us unique as Guyanese and should be spoken.

It is the same issue with our Indigenous languages. It is being lost because we as a society do not offer a free space for Indigenous

peoples to express themselves. They are forced to learn English when their first language is totally different. The foisting of English as a first language to the Indigenous population has devastating effects and results in the loss of part of their identity – their unique language.

In an effort to place value on Guyana’s linguistic and cultural diversity, Voices GY – a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) working in the area of migration – has piloted the Warrau Intercultural and Bilingual Education Project (WIBEP) in Region One (Barima-Waini) where most of the country’s Warrau population reside.

In neighbouring Venezuela, the Warrau tribe lives close to the border with Guyana and as a result would cross over to Guyana to access services. The economic situation in Venezuela has resulted in a number of Warrau people

Charlie Tokeley

settling in Guyana and during a 2019 needs assessment on education in Region One, Voices GY interviewed about 300 persons from various areas as well as organisations to identify some of the barriers to education for Venezuelan children.

One of the things they found was that among those settling in Region One were the Warrau people and they could speak neither English or Spanish. That made communicating with them harder and with Warrau being their first language, them accessing education was even more difficult.

Using the Intercultural Bilingual Education (IBE) model, the Voices GY team created the WIBEP.

The Sunday Times recently spoke with Voices GY Co-Founder Charlie Tokeley who explained that intercultural bilingual education has been a way to involve migrant children, mainly if they speak a different language, in formal education and giving them an education, which is not only accessible in their own language but also which appreciates and respects rather than assimilating them in whichever country they are in.

Since the 1970s, Latin America and the Caribbean have used IBE to support Indigenous languages in education with the idea of including Indigenous languages in education, instead of just teaching Indigenous children in Spanish or Portuguese.

In Guyana, IBE has been explored in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with the Wapichan people.

“Basically, we have the challenge of migration from Venezuela of Warrau persons who only speak Warrau. We have the challenge of education again and it not really being tailored or all kind of accepting of the different realities in the hinterland,” Charlie related.

Voices GY’s project is supported by the Pan American Development Foundation, with funding from the United States Government.

It started in February 2021 and actual Warrau classes commenced at the end of May and will conclude with graduation ceremonies on Thursday and Friday. The project is being implemented in two communities in Region One – namely Smith Creek and Yarakita. There are working groups in both communities comprising of Guyanese and Venezuelan Warraus who actually execute the mandate of the project.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

FEATURE

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Voices GY’s Warao Intercultural and Bilingual...

In Smith Creek most people would speak Warrau but in Yarakita it is not so prevalent so the aim of the project is to teach both adults and children how to read and write in the Warrau language.

“The idea with this is if adults can read and write in Warrau, then they can help their children to read and write in Warrau as well and that means that it’s easier to maintain the written language even though Warrau isn’t a written language, but it will maintain the language through writing. That means it’s easy to integrate into public signs, public places, communications, school, law, and all these kinds of things in a way which people will understand,” Charlie said.

He explained that both projects have been successful and persons would travel for hours to access the classes.

“The region from Venezuela where the Venezuelan Warrau all coming from, they speak Warrau every day, it’s very a common language and it’s really in a lot of use. In Guyana, in some communities is disappearing a little bit, not in all the communities, but in some communities, English is becoming the primary language. So, this migration context has presented like an amazing opportunity to revitalise language and to keep it in use, to keep it relevant in the future, that’s at least how we see it,” he added.

Classes in session in Voices GY’s Warao Intercultural and Bilingual Education Project

FROM PAGE 26

The other aspect of the project is the translation of level one nursery literacy and numeracy books from English to Warrau for better understanding by children. The working groups in the communities would sit and go through the work books looking at ways to not only translate but also make the content relevant to the Warrau children.

“We’re currently at this stage where we’re currently working with two designers who are producing these books and then we will present these to the Ministry of Education, we hope in the next few weeks once they are ready.

We also plan to distribute these books to the communities so that they have these books and we hope, from our side obviously and this isn’t something that we can guarantee, but we hope the Ministry of Education would like them and will be able to incorporate them into the classrooms in Region One where there are Warrau children.”

“Children and adults in Guyana need English so this isn’t to replace English teaching. But what we do think is that if English is taught to children and adults doing so in a way, which also strengthens their own language and the use of their own language, then it will be contributing to something we’ve seen across the world with Indigenous languages,” Charlie explained.

He said that as this pilot project wraps up, they are seeking funding for the implementation of similar projects in Region One with the hopes of extending it to other regions.

“We are hoping to start translating the second year of nursery books next year and then obviously moving out through the grades so that we have like kind of a library of texts in Warrau and English for formal education. We hope this will be accepted by the Department of Education and included in schools in Region One. “We would also love to be able to take these experiences to other regions of Guyana so that other Indigenous communities can benefit from a similar approach so that Guyana is really kind of able to value the linguistic diversity and cultural diversity which it has and include that in education.”

Charlie and his team are expected to make a presentation on intercultural and bilingual education in the context of migration before a UNESCO forum in Mexico in the coming days. The team will also host two graduation ceremonies for the beneficiaries of the pilot project on Thursday and Friday in Region One.

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FROM PAGE 25

Having held several important posts in education, Sonia decided to further her studies and achieved an Associate’s degree from the Cyril Potter College of Education and later read for a degree in Education at the University of Guyana.

Today, with 8 years in education under her belt, her advice is simple: “Qualify yourselves and grab as many opportunities as you can.”

Sonia, after several years in the teaching profession at Aurora Secondary School, now serves as the school’s Head of Department for the English Language.

Sonia told the Sunday Times that "Education takes you out of poverty and if I hadn’t such, I would not have been where I am today. The position that I have, I didn’t get it easy. So, to me, once you have an education, you can achieve your goals. I would always encourage children to remain focused and grasp as many educational opportunities as they can."

Poverty was surely one of the many challenges along the line for Latchman, who noted that she came from a very poor family where her father used to do peasant farming

and her mother was a shopkeeper. She added that in her young days she had to assist her parents in going to the farm planting fast crops just for a daily bread.

Leadership In 2018, Sonia was elected Toshao of Bethany and life changed for the little Indigenous village after then.

She is actively working to not only to develop the village but also herself. Sonia is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Education Leadership studies through the Liverpool John Moores University in London.

Bethany is an Indigenous settlement about 17 square kilometres in size and located approximately five miles up the Supenaam Creek from the Supenaam Stelling. A peaceful forested community, Bethany is home to approximately 500 residents, some 30 per cent of whom are below age 18.

Toshao Sonia noted that as a leader she loves to see things operate smoothly so as

a result, she proposed some community development projects which got aid from the Government of Guyana. She noted that some time in February, the community was awarded a $1.9 million cheque by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs to assist in the community’s agricultural development.

She said that due to the pandemic, many persons in her community were unemployed and as such, they are turning to agriculture.

The grant, she said, has assisted residents to start agricultural projects within the community.

The young leader added that her passion lies in educating youths and her Indigenous women. She is hopeful that more of the women and girls in her community will push for academic excellence so they too can become future leaders in their community.

Toshao Sonia is on a path to further develop her small community and she is hopeful that the changes will make life in Bethany village much more comfortable.

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I

Dr Gaitri Satram

nternationally, September is designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to shed light on the various forms of cancer children are diagnosed with as well as highlight the strides made in treating those cancers.

Guyanese Paediatrician Dr Gaitri Satram believes that the month brings much needed attention to the various cancers that children battle.

Dr Satram was born in Trinidad but raised in Georgetown. She attended St Agnes Primary then The Bishops’ High School before pursuing medical studies at the University of Guyana’s School of Medicine.

After completing her studies at UG, she

moved to Jamaica where she worked for a number of years. There, she specialised in the field of paediatrics. Satram recently completed her Doctorate in Paediatric Medicine at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica before moving back to Guyana.

Here, she plans to develop her passion for child and adolescent advocacy and increase awareness among the Guyanese population on different aspects of child care.

Dr Satram recently shared her thoughts with the Sunday Magazine on the issue of childhood cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), each year around 400,000 children and adolescents between the ages of 0-19 years old are diagnosed with cancer. Local studies on childhood cancers in Guyana are limited but there are many children and adolescents living with cancer among us.

According to Satram, some of the common types of childhood cancers include: • Leukaemia: cancer of the blood and bone marrow • Brain tumours • Lymphomas: Cancer of the lymphatics – a group of cells throughout the body that help your body fight off infections • Solid tumours of the kidneys She said that depending on the type of

cancer a child may have, the presentation may differ. Highlighting some of the common indicators, Dr Satram said that children generally present with unexplained weight loss, anorexia, prolonged fever or chills but more specific symptoms include bone pain that can be particularly worse at nights, weakness, easy fatiguability, easy bruising to the skin and frequent infections.

Those with brain tumours may present with headaches that wake them up from their sleep, early morning vomiting, seizures or gradual changes in personality or behaviour. She explained that it is important to remember that any of these symptoms may be associated with other benign health conditions children may temporarily have.

TURN TO PAGE 31

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HEALTH TIPS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - PCOS (PART 2) PCOS Awareness Month - ‘Never Choose Indifference’

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Fam Medicine, Endocrinology/ Diabetes

PREGNANCY AND PCOS

PCOS interrupts the normal menstrual cycle, and makes it harder for a woman to get pregnant.

Between 70 and 80 percent of women with PCOS have fertility problems. This condition can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

Women with PCOS are twice as likely as women without the condition to deliver their baby prematurely. They’re also at greater risk of miscarriage, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes. However, women with PCOS can get pregnant using fertility treatments that improve ovulation.

Losing weight and lowering blood sugar levels can improve their chances of having a healthy preg-

nancy.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE TIPS TO TREAT PCOS

Treatment for PCOS usually starts with lifestyle changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of body weight can help regulate one’s menstrual cycle and improve PCOS symptoms. Weight loss can also: * Improve cholesterol levels * Lower insulin * Reduce heart disease and diabetes risks Any diet that helps persons to lose weight can help with the condition.

However, some diets may

have advantages over others. Studies comparing diets for PCOS have found that low carbohydrate diets are effective for both weight loss and lowering insulin levels.

A low glycemic index (low GI) diet, which gets most carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, helps regulate the menstrual cycle better than a regular weight loss diet. A few studies have found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least 3 days a week can help women with PCOS lose weight.

Losing weight with exercise also improves ovulation and insulin levels.

Exercise is even more beneficial when combined with a healthy diet. Diet plus exercise help persons to lose more weight than either intervention alone, and lower their risks of diabetes and heart disease.

Women with PCOS are often found to have higher-than-normal insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that’s produced in the pancreas. It helps the cells in our body turn sugar (glucose) into energy. If persons don’t produce enough insulin, their blood sugar levels can rise. This can also happen if they are insulin-resistant, meaning they aren’t effectively able to use

the insulin produced.

If someone is insulin resistant, their body may try to pump out high levels of insulin in an effort to keep the blood sugar levels normal. Too-high levels of insulin can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens, such as testosterone.

Insulin resistance may also be caused by having a body mass index above the normal range.

Insulin resistance can make it harder to lose weight, which is why women with PCOS often experience this issue. A diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as starchy and sugary foods, can make insulin-resistance, and therefore weight loss, more difficult to control.

FOOD OPTIONS

* High-fibre vegetables, such as broccoli * Lean protein, such as fish. Lean protein sources like tofu, chicken, and fish don’t provide fibre, but are very filling and are a healthy dietary option for women with PCOS. High-fibre foods can help combat insulin-resistance by slowing down digestion and reducing the impact of sugar on the blood. This may be beneficial to women with PCOS. * Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cau-

liflower, and Brussels sprouts * Green and red peppers * Beans and lentils * Almonds * Berries * Sweet potatoes * Squash * Pumpkin Foods that help reduce inflammation may also be beneficial. They include: * Tomatoes * Kale * Spinach * Almonds and walnuts * Olive oil * Fruits such as blueberries and strawberries * Fatty fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and sardines

FOODS TO AVOID

Foods high in refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and muffins Refined carbohydrates cause inflammation, exacerbate insulin-resistance, and should be avoided, or limited significantly. These include highly-processed foods, such as: * White bread * Muffins * Breakfast pastries * Sugary dessertsdoughnut, cinnamon roll, ice cream, baked custard * Anything made with white flour CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

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Paediatrician Dr Gaitri...

“Having one or a few of these symptoms does not always necessarily point to cancer but if the concern is there, it should be addressed. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to always have their child appropriately evaluated.

In fact, at their visits to their paediatrician, a thorough physical examination should always be done and one of the reasons is to ensure there are no findings suggestive of cancer.

No one knows what causes cancer in children.

Cancer is not caused by anything a parent did or did not do. But there are certain risk factors that increases the likelihood of a particular child having cancer. Some of these include: a strong family history of cancer, certain med-

ical conditions a child may have, exposure to prolonged radiation and environmental toxins,” Dr Satram explained.

Sometimes cancer can also occur in children with no identifiable risk factor.

Treatment varies depending on the type of cancer a child may have. For instance, some may need surgery and radiation while others require chemotherapy.

Dr Satram said in Guyana, unfortunately, treatment is available for only a few types of cancers but added that with time, better resources and a greater focus on child care this can definitely improve. She explained that the journey to treatment, in any part of the world, is a challenging one for both

HEALTH TIPS

FROM PAGE 29

the patient and the caregivers. It can be painful, frustrating and almost always takes a toll on everyone involved physically, financially and emotionally.

“It is imperative that these families be surrounded by a network of support and encouragement. Most importantly, in between treatment the child’s health and wellbeing should be fully optimised. As difficult as it can be, a child having cancer is not a death sentence. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment can improve the prognosis tremendously. Children can live with cancer and enjoy life as any other child.

They can travel, engage in sports and they can excel at school. But for them to enjoy life fully and optimally it is important that red flags are raised and addressed early, a timely diagnosis is made and appropriate intervention begun swiftly.”

She urged parents to ensure their children get routine check-ups and build a healthy rapport with their healthcare provider and if the suspicion is there be sure to raise it with their doctor.

“As we continue through September let us think of those children and their families who have already begun their cancer journey.

Let us remember them in our prayers and in whatever miniscule way, offer them support and love.”

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - PCOS (PART 2) FROM PAGE 30

* Pasta noodles that list semolina, durum flour, or durum wheat flour as their first ingredient are high in carbohydrates and low in fibre. These should be removed from your diet. * Sugary snacks and drinks * Inflammatory foods, such as processed and red meats Pastas made from bean or lentil flour, instead of wheat flour, are an excellent alternative.

Sugar is a carbohydrate, and should be avoided wherever possible. When reading food labels, be sure to look for sugar’s various names. These include: * Sucrose * High fructose corn syr-

up

* Dextrose * Sugar can also lurk in the drink, such as soda and juice. * It’s a good idea to reduce or remove inflammation-causing foods such as fries, margarine, and red or processed meats from one’s diet as well.

PCOS can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle and make it harder to get pregnant. High levels of male hormones also lead to unwanted symptoms like hair growth on the face and body. Lifestyle interventions are the first treatments doctors recommend for PCOS, and they often work well.

Weight loss can treat PCOS symptoms and improve the odds of getting pregnant. Diet and aerobic exercise are two effective ways to lose weight.

Medications are an option if lifestyle changes don’t work. Birth control pills and metformin can both restore more normal menstrual cycles and relieve PCOS symptoms.

32 NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Speeding GDF rank crashes into Russian Embassy …as Region 2 driver crashes into parked lorry liding into a billboard situated on the western parapet. He then continued to proceed further in a western direction and collided into a concrete block. The motor car then flipped over the concrete fence, where it came to a halt in the Russian Embassy compound.

Members of the Guyana Fire Service were summoned and later removed the driver, who was in a semi-conscious state, and with the assistance of EMT personnel, he was taken

The GDF rank’s car inside the Russian Embassy compound

Marcus was driving motor car PRR 7207 and was proceeding north along the Anna Regina Access Road also known as GPL Street, at a fast rate of speed when the driver lost control and collided with the left side rear portion of motor lorry GSS 2297, which was parked on the eastern side of the roadway facing north.

Marcus received injuries due to the impact which damaged both vehicles.

He was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital.

Ganja, cigarettes found in NA Prison

The damaged motor car that crashed into the parked lorry

A

42-year-old Guyana Defence Force Corporal has been hospitalised after he crashed into the Russian Embassy along the Rupert Craig Highway on Saturday morning.

Injured is Dwayne Samuels of Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara.

Reports are that at about 01:12h, Samuels was proceeding west along the northern drive lane on Rupert Craig Highway at a fast rate of speed while driving motor car PYY 991, when he lost control of the said vehicle while attempting to navigate the turn.

Police have since said that this resulted in him col-

to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, where he is currently being treated by doctors on duty in a stable condition.

Meanwhile, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 20-year-old Brandon Marcus of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, was admitted as a patient at the Suddie Public Hospital after receiving injuries about his body upon colliding into a parked motor lorry.

According to Police,

S

The narcotics and cigarettes that were found in the NA Prison

The parked lorry that was damaged

taff of the New Amsterdam Prison in Berbice unearthed 197 grams of seeds, leaves and stems suspected to be narcotics and 10 packs of Pall Mall cigarettes during a search of the penitentiary.

The discovery was made

sometime around 10:45h.

During the search conducted by staff of the New Amsterdam Prison, the contraband items were found in the Prison’s kitchen area.

The Police were subsequently summoned to the prison, and the suspected

narcotics were weighed and amounted to 197 grams.

The cannabis along with the 10 packs of Pall Mall cigarettes were taken to the Central Police Station where they are lodged.

Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Shopkeeper cuffs 9-year-old who returns “hard” tennis rolls P olice in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), have arrested a shopkeeper after she hit a nineyear-old girl several times about her body when the

child returned a pack of tennis rolls.

Reports are that the incident occurred at about 12:00h on Wednesday at No 50 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

It was reported that the girl was sent to the grocery shop by her grandmother to purchase a pack of tennis rolls. The victim returned home, but her grandmother told her that

the tennis rolls were hard and she must return it.

According to the Police, the nine-year-old took the tennis rolls to the grocery store and placed it on the table and reportedly told

the shopkeeper that she must take the $200 and buy her coffin.

The shopkeeper then held onto the girl and dealt her six cuffs to her back.

The crying child re-

turned home and related what transpired to her grandmother, who then made a report to the Police.

The shopkeeper was arrested as investigations are in progress.

UG launches book in honour of Dr Yesu Persaud

T

he University of Guyana on Friday honoured a philanthropist and great business innovator of Guyana, Dr Yesu Persaud by launching a book titled “Iconic Leader in Business Innovation.”

This book is the first of the Guyanese Exemplars Series to be published by the University.

During a simple ceremony at the University’s Turkeyen Campus (Georgetown), Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin revealed that the book is a summarised version of Persaud’s autobiography, “Reaching for The Stars” with excerpts from his speech when he received his honorary doctorate in Guyana in 2018, along

with ten of his success points that he believes would be an asset to young individuals.

She also explained that due to the pandemic, the completion of the book was cut back.

“We had wanted to really get this book done before his birthday last year, but of course we all know what happened to the world and it took us some time to fig-

ure it out.”

The finished masterpiece of the book was described by the Vice Chancellor due to its nature in size as a “coffee table beautifully hard-bound book” which can be read by someone as young as five years old.

Dr Persaud had written his own biography some ten years ago, which gives much details of his jour-

ney.

However, Professor Mohamed-Martin noted that in today’s era, young people would rather get to the “meat” of the story within a short period of time, hence the decision to make the book a summarised version of Persaud’s life and work, which she hopes will entice them enough to read the actual autobiography.

She went on to highlight the importance of young individuals especially, knowing the works and contributions of Dr Yesu Persaud, and the other icons that will be featured in the other series to come.

“We want them to understand and to be introduced to these icons of industry, intellect, and every other area in the country,” Professor Mohamed-

Martin related.

“So, we thought that creating a tiny book with excerpts of his speech that he gave when he received his honorary doctorate would encapsulate in a very short summarised way, his journey, his achievements.”

In his remarks, Dr Yesu Persaud reflected on his first book, along with his works and contribution to Guyana.

“Writing came by chance, and I’ll continue…

One thing I’ve been saying, this writing now has – I don’t know how many years I have, but I have a few years I hope, and I’ll continue to write.”

He noted that he will continue to share his experience with others.

Chancellor of the University of Guyana Edward Greene gave

heart-felt remarks of what the book represents to the country, and world at large.

“This is a testimony of the love, affection and respect we at the University of Guyana, led by the Vice Chancellor and her senior management team share for this quintessential icon. Most important, the book will form part of the special collection of UGs library and will no doubt immortalise the contribution of Dr Persaud to this University, to Guyana, the Caribbean, and the world.”

Meanwhile, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Vijayakumar K congratulated the persons responsible for making the book a success and said the book will make a lasting impact in the Guyanese society.

34 NEWS

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GTU has no power to revoke teachers’ scholarships – Education Ministry …condemns threats to non-protesting teachers

T

he Education Ministry has rejected threats allegedly made by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to those teachers who had decided not to partake in the current strike actions against Government’s vaccination measures.

The GTU had called for teachers who have been out of the classrooms for 17 months owing to COVID-19, to down tools to protest the measures which stipulate that only vaccinated persons and those with negative PCR tests will be allowed to enter public buildings including schools. However, a majority of them showed up to work, boycotting the protest lines.

In a statement on Saturday, the Education Ministry said it was aware of open and subtle threats made against teachers, since it was in receipt of several complaints. Awardees of Government scholarships facilitated by the Union were reportedly told

that it would be in jeopardy of they do not participate in the strike. However, the Ministry has since debunked these threats.

It said, “The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Service wishes to make explicitly clear that scholarships are not granted based on anyone’s political affiliation nor whether they support strike action or not and would not be taken away because of the same.”

No jurisdiction

The Ministry added that the GTU does not have jurisdiction to revoke any scholarship that was granted to a teacher by the Government of Guyana even if the scholarships came from the arrangement between the Government and the Union.

It was noted that officials are equally aware that the promise of duty-free concession and the power to withhold the same is being used

in these circumstances to gain participation in the strike.

In response, teachers who do not want to participate in strike action were assured that they will not be punished and that the Ministry will guarantee their protection.

“We reject all attempts by politically motivated forces within the GTU to threaten those teachers who have chosen not to participate in the present strike action and ask that good sense prevail as we work in earnest to move the education system forward and meaningfully engage our children academically at this time of international crisis,” the statement said.

On Wednesday, led by executives of the GTU and A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) parliamentarian, Coretta McDonald, who is also the GTU General Secretary, a group of teachers from Region

Four (Demerara-Mahaica) staged a protest in front of the Education Ministry’s Brickdam, Georgetown headquarters calling on the Government to rescind its recent vaccination policy.

After being closed for more than a year, some schools in Guyana reopened last Monday for face-to-face classes. The Union said that unvaccinated teachers were locked out of school buildings. The Union, however, is also against the reopening of schools until safety protocols are agreed with the Union for the protection of teachers and students. Pointing to the rise in COVID-19 deaths and positive cases, the GTU said it believed that it was unsafe to fully reopen schools for face-toface learning.

Vaccinated

In response to the rise in COVID-19 deaths and cases, the Government has required that any person wishing to enter a public

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

building must be vaccinated. A public building refers to a building to which the public has lawful access and includes both privately- and publicly-owned buildings, including learning institutions. An unvaccinated person who wants to enter a public building must make an appointment and present a negative PCR test taken within seven days of the day they want entry.

Only tests from a Health Ministry-approved laboratory are accepted. This is just one of the measures announced in the Official Gazette on September 4, which are slated to last until September 30. But on Tuesday, the GTU issued a notice to teachers entitled “Boots on de Ground”, calling for them to protest in front of the Education Ministry’s office.

Additional $50M injected into developing Supenaam Stelling …to be completed by year end

I

n an effort to improve accessibility at the Supenaam Stelling/waterfront, the Government of Guyana has announced that it will soon be injecting another $50 million into the project to further enhance it.

This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who was at the time accompanied by the Head of State, Dr Ifaan Ali, and other Ministers of the Cabinet on Friday during a meeting with residents at Supenaam waterfront in Region Two. In his address, Edghill said that it is one of several facilities which provide a benefit for the residents of Region Two. He noted that the additional work will meet three particular needs that the residents and stelling users have had, and long complained about.

“Works within my Ministry will focus on the main areas of enhancement which include an improved parking capacity for persons leaving the Supenaam landing... Persons who drive their vehicles to catch the speedboat to go to Georgetown will no longer have to stress where to park their cars. With the new parking capacity, persons will be able to park their vehicles in a safe area,” Edghill explained.

According to Edghill, the project will soon commence and within the coming month the Government of Guyana, through the Public Works Ministry, will invest in building a parking space. He added that the project will be completed by year end.

Edghill also revealed that

The Supenaam Stelling

tenders for developmental works within the area were opened just a few days ago and that the evaluation and awards of the related contracts are currently being advertised.

“The Ministry has been receiving multiple complaints relating to the current state of the stelling ramp. Boat users and other persons utilising the stelling said the ramp is too steep ... So with the views and concerns of persons, it will also be remedied.”

The stelling ramp, he said, is anchored almost into the channel. As such, the Government will be working diligently to procure a floating ramp from an international supplier. He added that when the tide changes, boats will be able to safely drive toward the stelling, while passengers will be able to enter and exit safer.

But aside from enhancing the infrastructure at the stelling, Edghill said that the Ministry, along with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), will also work to improve the efficiency of the ferry service.

As a means of better management of the traffic, Edghill

said he and his team are eyeing the establishment of a platform to allow for electronic bookings. Once the booking system goes online, the Minister said that persons wanting to travel will be able to have hassle-free access to key ferry information such as daily occupancy rates and schedule.

The Supenaam Stelling, which is a critical point between the Essequibo Coast and Parika for the transport of goods and passengers, has been the source of contention in the past. The former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government had previously done rehabilitation works on it.

The MV Sabanto, which plies the Parika-Supenaam route, was rendered out of service for a lengthy period, after it crashed into the Supenaam Stelling in July of 2016 and sustained extensive damage.

The crash resulted in severe damage to the back of the vessel and sections of the stelling. The incident occurred as the vessel arrived from Parika with hundreds of passengers and vehicles onboard.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1460 Pomeroon farmers, households get $110M flood relief grants

G

overnment on Friday delivered $110 million in flood relief to farmers of Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), to cushion their losses and provide resources for them to reinvest into the lands.

Hundreds of farmers were affected by the prolonged rainfall season a few months ago, resulting in mass flooding. Now, Government is continuing its relief efforts in several regions. In the Pomeroon region, over 1460 farmers and households were eligible for assistance.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha spear-

headed the flood relief initiative at the Siriki Primary School, Upper Pomeroon.

Residents were assured of continued assistance to those who were affected and by the end of the exercise, $9,050,000 was distributed to farmers and households in several communities.

Over at the Kabakaburi Primary School, Upper Pomeroon, stakeholders were assured that in addition to the flood relief grant, farmers will also benefit from planting material and other forms of assistance to return to the land soon.

The team also took this

programme to the St Monica Community Centre, Upper Pomeroon, and farmers who were not included in the first phase of the exercise will be assisted when officials return to the area within the next two weeks to continue the distribution process.

While receiving their grants, farmers recounted their experiences during the flood and thanked the Government for stepping in to offer much-needed assistance. James Smith, a farmer from Siriki village said he was grateful for the assistance after losing most of what he had planted prior to the floods.

National plan for NCDs to be released in December – Health Minister

G

uyana has supported the regional call for a comprehensive approach to decrease illnesses and deaths caused by Non-Communicable Diseases (NDCs) and to reinforce its position, the Health Ministry is developing a National Strategic Plan for 2021-2030.

After consultation with various stakeholders, the final plan will be launched by December 2021.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony made the disclosure in his statement on Saturday, in celebration of Caribbean Wellness Day 2021 under the theme: “Power Through Collective Action” with the sub theme - “In it together! Building Healthy Communities.”

The plan follows the World Health Organisation’s advice to focus on five diseases: cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and neurological diseases; and five risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and air pollution.

“The Ministry of Health has also embarked on developing a National Mental Health Strategy. These two strategies will address the NCDs, the risk factors, and use evidence-based interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality,” said the Minister.

He reminded that despite Government’s commitment to tackle NCDs and improve the lives of people living with chronic diseases, the onus is on Guyanese to make the conscionable change in the way they eat, their level of physical activity and their avoidance of the habits of drinking and

smoking.

“We call on all Guyanese to unite to fight NCDs, educate each other on good lifestyle practices, heeding the advice of your physicians, using your medications correctly and in a timely fashion, and including physical activity and exercise in your daily routine.

Even more so that we are in a prolonged pandemic state, the call is even greater to take more caution and seek help to manage our chronic disease conditions properly. Even if we contract the COVID-19 virus, it will not progress to severe disease.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NCDs account for approximately 41 million deaths each year, equivalent to 71 per cent of all deaths globally. Each year, more than 15 million people between the ages of 30 and 69 years die from a NCD; 85 per cent of these "premature" deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries, and 77 per cent of all deaths are in low-and middle-income countries.

In the Caribbean and Latin America, the burden of NCDs is mainly due to illness and deaths from a wide range of diseases which include cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes and are attributable to risk factors, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol and tobacco, air pollution, stress and overweight/obesity.

Meanwhile, PAHO Director, Dr Carissa F Etienne said in a video message to mark Wellness Week, celebrated from September 11 to 17, “I want to strongly urge all governments and individuals to make more con-

certed and determined efforts to build equitable communities so that together we can dismantle those barriers that prevent all people from having the same opportunities for health, wellness, and well-being.”

"However, one lesson that this pandemic has also taught us is that it is not enough for communities to come together," Dr Etienne continued.

"Individuals facing difficulties should not have to rely on the kindness and goodwill of their neighbours just to survive.

Health and well-being for everyone can only be achieved when governments provide a safety net…"

This year's Wellness Week recognises the pandemic-induced deterioration of conditions for people in situations of vulnerability in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Poverty rose to levels not seen in 12 years in 2020, and extreme poverty reached levels not seen in 20 years, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). The decline has worsened the already severe divide between rich and poor in the region.

In her video message, Dr Etienne addressed these populations, emphasising that "implementing meaningful social support measures to protect people such as migrants, those living in poverty, workers in the informal sector, the majority of whom are women, or in precarious working conditions, or residences of crowded housing, and those living in other conditions of vulnerability is the only way to move toward greater equity in health and well-being.”

“When the rainfall come, my dam was below the water.

I had 600 pear trees planted.

After the flood, I only had 21 left. I am thankful for this relief that I am getting today. I want to thank the President and the entire Government for this and for what they are doing in the country,” Smith underscored.

Thomas Charles, a farmer who resides in Kabakaburi, said in addition to the relief, farmers would also need planting material and other inputs to quickly return to the land.

“I am happy about this grant. It will help me out a lot. In addition to this, I would like to know if the Ministry through NAREI can assist us with some seeds, fertiliser, and things like that,” the farmer said.

While responding to farmers, Minister Mustapha said the Government made a commitment and was there to fulfil that commitment. He also said that every farmer who was affected will receive assistance from the Government.

“We are here today to deliver. We made a lot of promises when we campaigned for

the 2020 General Elections and when you look back at those commitments, most of those promises or commitments have already been fulfilled.

“We are not hiding from the promises that we made.

Today we are here to distribute the flood relief grants to affected farmers and households. I want to assure you; every farming household that was affected will be given assistance to return to the land. Not so long ago when areas were underwater, I accompanied His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali to those areas and he said when the flood water receded, we’d try as much as possible to help the farmers to get back to the land as quickly as possible. That is our objective with this grant,” Minister Mustapha said.

In addition to the distribution, Minister Mustapha invited villagers to use the opportunity to make requests as the Government is currently preparing for Budget 2022.

Villagers made requests for additional block drainage, kokers, solar systems, internet service, land titles, and tanks for storing wa-

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha engaging with Pomeroon farmers during the flood relief distribution

ter during the dry period.

Minister Mustapha told residents that his Ministry will work with their regional and village officials to have more block drainage and kokers set up in the villages. He also told villagers that he will forward those requests that were made but are not the direct responsibility of his Ministry to the relevant Cabinet Ministers.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton spearheaded the distribution in the Lower Pomeroon River, through Marlborough, Liberty, Hackney, Dredge Creek and Jacklow. He was accompanied by Chairman of Region Two Vilma DaSilva.

(G12)

36

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

Around the World

US honours 9/11 dead on 20th anniversary of attacks

T

wenty years after hijacked passenger jets crashed into New York City’s World Trade Center and the Pentagon outside Washington, DC, people in the United States have come together to honour the nearly 3000 lives lost on September 11, 2001.

Saturday’s ceremony at the September 11 Memorial in New York City began with a moment of silence at 8:46am (12:46 GMT), the exact time the first of two planes flew into the World Trade Center’s twin towers.

Relatives then began to read aloud the names of 2977 victims, an annual ritual that lasts four hours.

“We love you and we miss you,” many of them said as sombre violin music played at the official ceremony, attended by dignitaries includ-

A woman placing flowers at the 9/11 Memorial on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Manhattan, New York City [Mike Segar/Reuters]

ing President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.

After nightfall, twin light beams will be projected into the New York sky.

The remembrances have become an annual tradi-

tion, but Saturday takes on special significance, coming 20 years after the morning that many view as a turning point in US history.

In a painful reminder of those changes, only weeks ago US and allied forces

completed a chaotic withdrawal from the war the US started in Afghanistan shortly after the attacks in retaliation – which became the longest war in US history.

US forces toppled the Taliban, which had ruled Afghanistan since 1996, because the group had provided sanctuary to Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, which carried out the 9/11 attacks. Bin Laden was hunted down and killed in Pakistan a decade later.

The Taliban, however, is now back in power in Afghanistan, while in Guantanamo Bay accused 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other men continue to await trial, nine years after charges were filed. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Six men arrested in £160M cocaine haul off Plymouth coast

S

ix men including a Briton have been arrested off the coast of Plymouth after authorities seized more than two tonnes (2000kg) of cocaine.

The British man, from Stockton-on-Tees, and five Nicaraguans were arrested on a luxury yacht on Thursday.

The men, aged from 24 to 49, were held on suspicion of drug trafficking and remain in custody, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

Officers estimate the street value of the drugs is about £160m.

The group were sailing in

the Jamaican-flagged Kahu when they were intercepted 80 miles off the coast, in international waters north of Guernsey.

The yacht, which had sailed from the Caribbean, was intercepted and boarded by specialist Border Force and NCA officers.

The arrests were made as part of an operation led by the NCA and supported by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Border Force.

Border Force’s cutter Searcher and coastal patrol vessel Alert had covertly identified and monitored the

yacht’s movements, the NCA said.

Deputy director Matt Horne said: “There’s no doubt these drugs would have been sold on into communities across the UK in such ways as county lines fuelling more crime and misery.

“Organised crime groups (OCG) are motivated by mon-

ey. The deprivation of these drugs will smash a hole in the OCG’s plans and ability to operate.”

Horne explained that the arrests of the men transporting the drugs means the crime group will have lost trusted offenders who would have been key to their operation.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS US Gulf Coast oil refiners recovering faster than producers

M

ost of the nine Louisiana refineries shut by Hurricane Ida have restarted or were restarting on Friday, nearly two weeks after the powerful storm came ashore, a Reuters survey showed.

Refiners are coming back faster than oil production, a reverse of past storm recoveries. Just three of the nine refineries were completely idled, accounting for about 7 per cent of Gulf Coast refining, compared to shut-ins of two-thirds of oil output.

Valero Energy Corp’s Meraux refinery on the Mississippi River east of New Orleans was restarting units on Friday, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Valero also is preparing its St Charles refinery to restart, the company has said.

Royal Dutch Shell’s Norco refinery was receiving limited power on Friday, and is planning to begin restarting in one to two weeks, according to company reports and people close to the company.

PBF Energy’s Chalmette refinery has restarted some units but has not resumed production, sources told Reuters.

The state’s two largest refineries - Marathon Petroleum’s 578,000 barrel per day (bpd) Garyville and Exxon Mobil Corp’s 520,000 bpd Baton Rouge plant - have returned to operation, the companies said on Friday.

Exxon is operating its two gasoline-producing units at maximum capacity, said people familiar with plant operations.

It has received 3 million barrels of crude from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

The hardest hit refinery, Phillips 66’s 255,600 bpd Alliance plant in Belle Chasse, faces months of repairs that could rival those needed after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, sources familiar with the situation said.

It was continuing to pump water out of the refinery on Friday, the sources said. Phillips 66 had repaired a broken flood wall that allowed storm waters to enter the plant, a spokesperson said.

Two other refineries: Placid Refining’s 75,000-bpd Port Allen refinery and Delek US Holdings’ 80,000-bpd plant in Krotz Springs restarted early this week. Placid has received 300,000 barrels of crude oil from the SPR. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Abimael Guzman, founder of Peruvian rebel group Shining Path, dies at 86 Haitian prosecutors seek to interview PM A Germany’s Merkel over presidential killing seeks to calm Poland’s Nord Stream 2 fears

G

erman Chancellor Angela Merkel tried to soothe fears over the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline on Saturday, on a farewell visit to Poland during which she also struck a conciliatory tone on Warsaw’s conflict with the European Union over judicial reforms.

As Merkel’s time as Chancellor draws to a close, the issue of the pipeline from Russia has soured relations with central and eastern European nations, some of them EU members, who say it will increase the bloc’s dependence on Russian gas and could be used by Moscow to exert pressure.

Russia’s Gazprom said on Friday it had finished construction of the pipeline, located in the Baltic Sea, which could allow it to bypass political foe Ukraine, cutting off a source of billions of dollars in gas transit fees for Kyiv.

Russia’s five-year gas transit deal with Ukraine

expires after 2024. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Ukraine must show goodwill if it wants to continue.

“I made clear that it is our concern that Ukraine will remain a transit land for Russian gas,” Merkel said during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Morawiecki said making sure gas still transits through Ukraine despite the introduction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline will lower the chance of “blackmail” from Russia.

Poland and Hungary are embroiled in a long-running row with the European Union over issues including judicial independence, press freedoms and LGBT rights, a dispute that has intensified with Brussels taking legal action against Warsaw and Budapest. (Excerpt from Reuters)

bimael Guzman, leader of the Shining Path rebels who nearly toppled the Peruvian state in a bloody Maoist revolution, died on Saturday while in prison and following several weeks of poor health, the Government said. He was 86.

Guzman was captured in 1992 in Lima and jailed for the rest of his life after being convicted as a terrorist. He died one day before the anniversary of his capture, when he was paraded in front of the press in a striped white and black uniform that is not normally used in Peru.

Susana Silva, head of Peru’s prison system, told RPP radio on Saturday that Guzman had been ill in recent months and had been released from a hospital in early August.

A former philosophy professor, Guzman was a lifelong communist who travelled to China in the late 1960s and was awed by Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution. He resolved to bring Mao’s brand of communism to Peru through a class war that he launched in 1980 on the day that Peru held its first democratic elections following over a decade of military dictatorship.

Guzman founded the

H

Shining Path founder Abimael Guzman attending a trial during sentence of a 1992 Shining Path car bomb case in Miraflores, at a high security naval prison in Callao, Peru September 11, 2018

Sendero Luminoso, or Shining Path, transforming it from a ragtag band of peasants and radical students into Latin America’s most stubborn guerrilla force. An estimated 69,000 people, mostly in Peru’s poor interior, were killed between 1980 and 2000 in the internal conflict launched by the Shining Path, mostly in Indigenous Andean communities.

Shining Path’s bold and immaculately planned attacks, its networks of informants and spies, and Guzman’s uncanny ability to evade arrest gave him an almost legendary reputation for seeming to be in all places at once. (Excerpt from Reuters)

aiti’s chief public prosecutor invited Prime Minister Ariel Henry on Friday to meet with him this week to explain why he spoke with one of the main suspects in the assassination of former President Jovenel Moise on the night of the crime.

A letter sent by prosecutor Bed-Ford Claude to Henry said only a President could authorise official summons to someone of his rank, but the country was without one. Instead, he was being “invited” to attend and cooperate.

The hearing at the Court of First Instance of Port-auPrince would take place at 10 am on Tuesday, it said.

“The head of the criminal prosecution would be grateful if you could present yourself ... to cooperate with Haitian justice if you so wish, taking into account the restrictions given your status as a senior state offi-

cial,” the letter said.

Henry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Moise was shot dead when assassins stormed his private residence in the hills above Port-au-Prince on July 7, plunging the impoverished Caribbean country deeper into turmoil.

Investigators say former Haitian Justice Ministry official Joseph Felix Badio may have ordered the assassination.

Subpoenaed records from cell phone operator Digicel have now also enabled them to confirm accusations that Badio and Henry spoke on July 7, twice at around 4 am, just hours after Moise’s killing, according to the letter sent on Friday.

Geolocalisation data also show Badio was speaking from the scene of the crime, the letter said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

ARIES (March 21April 19)

37

Look over your financial situation and talk to someone who can shed light on investment trends and areas of economic growth that you can effectively use your qualifications.

Listen to popular deTAURUS mands, and find a way to (April 20May 20) compromise. Be willing to do the legwork if it will help others come on board. Offering stability will help fence sitters see things your way.

Think matters through, GEMINI and you'll come up with a plan (MAY 28that will set your mind at ease June 20) and give you something to achieve. Intellectual discussion will allow you to make better decisions.

CANCER A couple of changes at home (June 21- will make your life easier and July 22) your relationship with loved ones better. A little love will go a long way. Do something nice for someone you love.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Dilbert LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

Get the facts before you challenge someone close to you.

Keep an open mind, and you'll realize you are as much to blame for something that happens as everyone else involved.

If you venture down a path that isn't in sync with the people you are close to, you'll face opposition. Get along, and you'll get things done and maintain good relationships.

Emotional spending will not help you balance your books. Expand your mind and your interests. Educational pursuits are favored, along with lowering your overhead.

Enforce discipline when it comes to your home, family and taking better care of yourself. A healthy fitness routine and diet will alleviate stress.

Set your sights on someSAGITTARIUS thing you want to achieve, and (Nov. 23Dec. 21) don't look away until you con-

quer what you set out to do. A steady pace forward will bring high returns.

CAPRICORN Take control; get your plans up and running. A moneymak(Dec. 22Jan. 19) ing idea will pay off if you stick to your draft and refuse to let outside meddling come between you and your success.

Calvin and Hobbes

Negotiate with a bud-

AQUARIUS get in mind. Be frank about (Jan. 20what you want and what you Feb. 19) are willing to offer in re-

turn. Don't be afraid to walk away from a bad deal. When one door closes, another will open.

PISCES (Feb. 20Mar. 20)

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

38

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

Wiese’s five-for, du Plessis’ 84 keep St Lucia Kings in playoff contention David Weise bagged 5-25

Faf Du Plessis scored 84

SCOREBOARD

S

t Lucia Kings sealed a comfortable win over bottom-placed Barbados Royals in a rain-affected game after Faf du Plessis crunched a 54-ball 84 in the first innings, which was followed by a David Wiese five-wicket second-innings haul. du Plessis hit five fours and four sixes from No. 3, and kept scoring at a positive tempo despite the Kings losing three wickets in the powerplay. The openers perished to Mohammad Amir, and Roston Chase went back after a seven-ball duck, but du Plessis kept finding the gaps.

Against spinners Jake Lintott and Joshua Bishop, he played the cut and sweep, and against the pacers, he looked to hit straighter over extra cover or in front of midwicket.

He fell in the 17th, 16 short of what could’ve been a second CPL 2021 century, but the base was set for the final impetus. Tim David found his levers to clatter 34 in 23 balls, while Keemo Paul added another 22 in 11.

The Kings celebrating their win

The result was Royals needing 175 to keep their slim playoff chances alive.

And it looked like the Royals could pull it off when Johnson Charles and Shai Hope excelled in the powerplay. After Kyle Mayers fell in the third over, Charles and Hope hit Wahab Riaz and Alzarri Joseph for plenty of boundaries to race away to 56 for 1 in six. But Wiese - who will represent Namibia at the T20 World Cup next month quickly changed the scenario in the space of six balls in the ninth over, by removing both set batters and taking a third too.

He first sent Charles pack-

ing with a cutter that was too wide for the batter to play at.

Sliced in the air, Wiese called for the catch. Glenn Phillips - averaging just over 20 this season - was then caught behind by a quicker ball for a golden duck, and Hope was gone last ball of the over when his cut off a rising ball took an edge to stand-in captain Andre Fletcher with du Plessis not on the field.

Jason Holder then kept the fight on for Royals by hitting left-arm spinner Royal for three sixes and a four in the 13th over, to keep the required run-rate in check.

But, from the other end, the boundaries were not com-

ing; instead, the allrounders Thisara Perera and Nyeem Young were out in single digits. Eventually Holder fell victim at 34 to a Wiese slower ball, and just as he was celebrating his fourth wicket, the covers came on.

Play resumed 45 minutes later with only one over lost and Royals needing 52 in 3.3 overs. That was, however, too much for Royals’ lower order to pull off despite some late hits from Hayden Walsh.

Wiese removed Walsh in the game’s last over, which also officially brought down the curtains on Royals’ chances of making the playoffs.

(ESPNcricinfo)

ST LUCIA KINGS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Andre Fletcher †lbw b Mohammad Amir 0 Mark Deyal c †Hope b Mohammad Amir 8 Faf du Plessis (c) c Perera b Young 84 Roston Chase b Bishop 0 David Wiese c Young b Walsh 17 Tim David c Young b Holder 34 Keemo Paul not out 22 Kadeem Alleyne not out 0 Extras (lb 1, w 9) 10 TOTAL 20 Ov, RR: 8.75) 175/6 Did not bat: Wahab Riaz, Alzarri Joseph, Jeavor Royal Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Andre Fletcher, 0.2 ov), 2-15 (Mark Deyal, 2.5 ov), 3-34 (Roston Chase, 5.5 ov), 4-85 (David Wiese, 11.5 ov), 5-131 (Faf du Plessis, 16.5 ov), 6-167 (Tim David, 19.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mohammad Amir 4-0-31-2 Jason Holder 4-0-40-1 Joshua Bishop 3-0-28-1 Jake Lintott 3-0-26-0 Hayden Walsh 4-0-25-1 Nyeem Young 2-0-24-1 BARBADOS ROYALS INNINGS (TARGET: 170 RUNS FROM 19 OVERS) Kyle Mayers c Joseph

RHTY&SC honours Moses Ramchandren with top awards of Excellence — club makes donation to RHT Council for 51st anniversary

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he success that the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS, has enjoyed over the last 30 years would not have been possible if you and the other 16 founders did not have the vision and courage to lay the foundation for the current leaders to build on.

“You served as our first Secretary for over five years, and you were a mentor and role model to all of us, and that is why we are very proud to honour you today with our highest award - the Dolphin Award of Excellence.”

Those were the words of long-standing Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, MS, Hilbert Foster, as he spoke at a simple presentation ceremony at the St Francis Community Developers Center in Rose Hall Town.

Moses Ramchandren, who served as the first Secretary of Guyana’s leading youth and sports club, from its formation in September 1990 to 1995, was honoured with the club’s two highest awards - The Dolphin Award of Excellence and the Zenith Award of Excellence.

The Dolphin Award is specially reserved for a total of one hundred outstanding Guyanese, while the Zenith Award is the highest Award that a RHTY&SC member can receive for outstanding service.

b Royal 6 Johnson Charles c & b Wiese 30 Shai Hope † c †Fletcher b Wiese 31 Glenn Phillips c †Fletcher b Wiese 0 Jason Holder (c) c Chase b Wiese 34 Thisara Perera c Paul b Joseph 3 Nyeem Young c Alleyne b Wahab Riaz 2 Hayden Walsh c Wahab Riaz b Wiese 30 Joshua Bishop not out 8 Jake Lintott not out 1 Extras (b 1, lb 1, nb 1, w 7) 10 TOTAL (19 Ov, RR: 8.15) 155/8 Did not bat: Mohammad Amir Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Kyle Mayers, 2.1 ov), 2-72 (Johnson Charles, 8.2 ov), 3-72 (Glenn Phillips, 8.3 ov), 4-73 (Shai Hope, 8.6 ov), 5-79 (Thisara Perera, 10.4 ov), 6-106 (Nyeem Young, 13.1 ov), 7-118 (Jason Holder, 15.3 ov), 8-154 (Hayden Walsh, 18.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jeavor Royal 4-0-43-1 Wahab Riaz 4-0-38-1 Alzarri Joseph 4-0-32-1 David Wiese 4-0-25-5 Roston Chase 3-0-15-0

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RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah handing over Dolphin Award of Excellence to Moses Ramchandren

Foster expressed gratitude to the former Secretary for his outstanding contribution to the early development of the organisation. Ramchandren, who migrated to the United States of America in 1997, also served as club vice-captain at the second division level, and was a successful wicket-keeper/ opening batsman.

Foster noted that Ramchandren has every right to be proud, as the club he had assisted to form has gone on to become a household name in Guyana, and is the only youth and sports club in Guyana to have ever received a national award.

The RHTY&SC has won over 100 cricket tournaments at different levels, and has produced 108 players for Berbice,

Guyana and the West Indies.

It has also won five Guyana Cricket Club of the year awards, in 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2016.

Among the players that have represented the club are Shawn Grant, Neil Williams, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Esaun Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Khemraj Mahadeo, Kevin Sinclair, Kevelon Anderson, Jonathan Rampersaud, Akshay Homraj, Dominic Rikhi, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Sheneeta Grimmond and Shabaki Gajnabi.

A humble Ramchandren expressed gratitude to the management of the club for honouring him, and said he was very impressed with the achievements of the club since

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RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster handing over bicycles to Town Clerk Natasha Griffith of the RHT Council

he migrated. He committed himself to assisting the club to fulfill its mandate of serving youths and the less fortunate.

Meanwhile on Wednesday last, the club also handed over a donation of items under its Basil Butcher Trust Fund to The Mayor and Town Council of Rose Hall Town to assist the council to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the township.

The donation included two cycles, educational materials, trophies, medals, certificate frames, national flags and gifts.

Foster has said the club is pleased to be associated with Guyana’s smallest township, and is committed to assisting the Town Council to make a positive difference for residents.

The teams making the presentations were Poonai Pharmacy under 12 and 13, Farfan and Mendes under 15, Bakewell under 17 and Second division, Metro females, Pepsi under 19 and intermediate, Vitality under 23 and Namilco Thunderbolt under 21 and First Division.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

39

BCB assures Upper Corentyne clubs of continued support P

resident of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, met last Thursday with clubs registered with the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association, and reassured them that there would be continued heavy investment in their development.

Held at the No 72 Cut and Load Cricket Ground, the meeting was attended by most of the 28 clubs registered with that sub- association.

Accompanying Foster to that meeting were BCB Vice President Qualis Wynter, Secretary Angela Haniff and Executive Lykden Edwards; UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade was also present.

Foster, who was making his 103rd visit to the area on cricket-related issues since his election in 2018, informed the clubs that the BCB was aiming for a restart of the 2021 season sometime in October, and announced that senior teams in the Upper Corentyne would be involved in three tournaments for the rest in the year. The tournaments would be the Vishnu Super Store 40 overs, Vitality Inc 20/20 and the NPG Packing Ltd 100 balls.

Teams with junior sections would be involved in several tournaments which had already started before the season was suspended in March due to the rainy season. Junior cricket would be

BCB Vice President Qualis Wynter handing over developmental grant to President of the UCCA, Dennis D’ Andrade in presence of fellow BCB executives and representatives of clubs in the area

played at the under 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 levels, while first division teams are expected to play in at least two knockout tournaments before the end of the year. One female tournament would also be played.

Moreover, Foster informed the clubs that only vaccinated players would be allowed to play in tournaments organised by the BCB, in keeping with policies laid down by the Government.

No spectators, liquor bars or music would be allowed at matches, while social distancing and the wearing of masks in the pavilion would be required.

The BCB President has sternly warned that clubs who break the regulations would be debarred for the rest of the year, as the BCB would

be adopting a no-nonsense attitude in an effort to keep everyone safe.

The BCB, he also announced, would expect players to play for the clubs with which they had registered earlier this year.

Among other topics discussed at the meeting were umpiring at matches, preparation of grounds, hosting of a mini cricket academy for youths in the area, youth coaching manual, assistance to clubs, unauthorized cricket matches despite COVID regulations, and the distribution of cricket gear to youth cricketers in the area.

Foster announced that he plans to seek another twoyear term when the BCB hosts its Annual General Meeting in December, and the BCB took the opportu-

nity to announce the creation of a developmental cash

grant, handing over one hundred thousand dollars to the UCCA. These funds would assist the active sub-association to manage cricket in the area on a day-to-day basis, and further, Foster announced that the West Berbice Cricket Association and the Berbice River Cricket Association would also get developmental grants, along with the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association.

UCCA President Dennis D’Andrade, in expressing appreciation to Foster for his unmatched interest in the development of the game in the sub-association, noted that Foster was the most

visible leader in the history of Berbice cricket. He said Foster is always available to talk to players and listen to suggestions. Most importantly, he noted that every single promise made by the BCB has been fulfilled.

The developmental grant also represents the first of its kind from the parent body, and the UCCA President said it would be used for its intended purpose.

Foster informed the gathering that he is committed to making Berbice cricket the role model of West Indies Cricket, and to make sure that every person feels part of the system, even if they are not supportive of his slate.

Minister Ramson distributes 7 bags of cricket gear to Dartmouth cricket team

President Ali, Members of Parliament, Regional Chairperson and cricketers at the handing over ceremony

MOCYS working on plans for stands at new synthetic tracks M

S

till with a year-end finish in mind, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, gave another update on the two synthetic tracks at Linden and Berbice, revealing that there is a stumbling block that the relevant personnel are hoping to address.

Construction work at two new synthetic tracks in Guyana is going full steam ahead, and Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle reiterated that he is still hoping to have them finished by yearend.

However, this week, Ninvalle revealed some lingering concerns, the first of which is a stumbling block met by the contractors at the New Amsterdam, Berbice track.

“Work is continuing on the track in Linden, I think it’s about 90%-85% completed at this time. I was just last Saturday at the track we have, that track is having some difficulty because of the fact that the contractor is unable - or the contractor has claimed that he is unable - to use a tract or a dam to collect the clay to put on the inner field,” Ninvalle

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

informed.

He added, “So, when I was there, that inner field is about halfway completed with the clay that is supposed to go on it. Berbice is about 75% completed.”

While the tracks will be completed soon, Ninvalle enlightened that the initial contracts do not account for spectators or pavilion construction.

“You know, after these facilities would’ve been completed, then there’s the pavilion that would have to go up. Quite sadly, those facilities were put down without anything about how spectators could be accommodat-

ed,” the Director of Sport said.

He clarified, “So, while the grounds and so forth will be completed, the stands and pavilions are something for a next time.”

As such, the Director of Sport shared that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport would be in talks with the consultants on the project, in order to have the much need addition to the venue.

Ninvalle said, “So we’re now actually looking at that.

We’re having consultations with the consultant as it relates to how do we move from here to there, but those were not included in the original.”

The two tracks - at Burnham Park in New Amsterdam, Berbice and at the Bayrock Community Centre ground at Wismar in Linden - are being constructed to the tune of $300M. The contract for the Berbice track had initially been awarded to BK International at a cost of $141 million, while the contract for the Linden track was handed to Builders Hardware and Supplies at a cost of $179 million.

inister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, along with His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and several Ministers of Parliament, yesterday visited the community of Dartmouth during a cabinet outreach in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) wherein Minister Ramson gave valuable support to the Dartmouth Patriots cricket team.

When Minister Ramson visited the Region Two sports ground last November, he was prompted by members of one of the several cricket teams in the Dartmouth area, who told stories of their needs and wants, and asked for his assistance.

However, back then Minister Ramson pledged substantial support towards the development and maintenance of the grounds, and also committed to donating sporting gear to the team.

Speaking at the meeting held with residents of Dartmouth at the 8th of May Secondary School, Minister Ramson told the gathering that the Government of Guyana

Prime Minister Mark Phillips handing over the cricket gear to a member of the Dartmouth cricket team

cares deeply for its fellow Guyanese citizens, and its aim over the next five years and counting is to build trust for its people.

“We are working to build a better Guyana. We are working to build a strong relationship with each other… We want to reunite the country among a common goal, access to adequate health, education, great prosperity and strong, active lives,” Minister Ramson said Minister Ramson added that his Ministry would invest in training and educating young people in sports areas, while noting that young people have a very sharp vision in the country.

The Minister also emphasized that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport would soon launch its first sports academy, wherein youths would take up the mantle to be trained, educated, and develop a power-

ful love for sports activities.

“Education is the passport out of poverty…and with the launching of several empowerment programmes for youths, women, men and children under my Ministry, Guyana will move forward to a better version,” the Minister told residents.

Meanwhile, Minister Ramson and his team distributed seven bags of cricket gear to the Dartmouth Patriots sports club. During the simple handing over ceremony, Minister Ramson and the Honourable Prime Minister Brigadier (retd) Marks Phillips facilitated the handing over of the cricket gear to a few cricketers on the team.

Minister Ramson also promised that in the next budget more would be on offer, and a number of grounds in the region would be upgraded.

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

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

CPL 2021...

Peerless Pooran puts Guyana Amazon Warriors in driver’s seat for semis G

uyana Amazon

Warriors have one foot in the 2021 H e r o Caribbean

Rutherford “fit” for Sunrisers call up

D

eemed unfit, hence his exclusion from the West Indies T20 World Cup squad, Sherfane Rutherford has now been roped by the Sunrisers Hyderabad to play in the second leg of the Indian Premier League.

Rutherford is set to replace Johnny Bairstow who has been named in England's T20 World Cup squad, and might expect to be named in England's Ashes tour party.

The talented left-handed Rutherford will now ply his trade as this is his third IPL franchise, as he previously represented the Delhi Capitals and the Mumbai Indians.

In an interview with this publication, Rutherford said, “First of all, I must thank God for the opportunity. And you know it is a great feeling. This morning I got the message from my agent that I would be representing the Sunrisers in the IPL and replacing a very good player. It is a good opportunity for me, and I go to do the best I can and most obviously enjoy it.”

Rutherford also went on to state that he is ecstatic that all the hard work he has put in has finally paid off. “Also, you know, there is a way that when you put in that hard work and it’s good to see that it is paying off. It wasn’t easy, but with hard work and prayers, there is always a way. I am happy that my hard working is paying off, and I will look to continue,” Rutherford said.

Currently in the CPL runs table after 7 innings, Rutherford has scored a total of 201 runs at an average of 40.20 with a strike rate of 136.73 and a high score of 58. He is currently ranked as the 6th highest on the table.

Rutherford has also smashed the fifth highest number of maximums, a total of 15.

Rutherford notes he is extremely grateful to his parents, who have always supported him and continue pushing him to keep on striving.

He also related that he is thankful to his fiancée, his fans, his friends for encouraging him and being around.

Tallawahs removed Hemraj early

Premier League (CPL) semi-finals, following a 46-run victory over the Jamaica Tallawahs.

The Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first, and captain Nicholas Pooran led the way with a brutal 75 not Gudakesh Motie and Odean Smith bowled top spells out to set the Tallawahs McKenzie overcame the as his two wickets in two 170 to win.

In reply, the Tallawahs loss of Kennar Lewis to put balls swung the pendulum back in Guyana’s fasuccumbed to a heavy de- on a 41-run partnership. vour, and he wasn’t done Odean Smith’s entry feat, as Odean Smith and there, as he also got rid of into the Gudakesh Motie coma t t a c k bined to bowl the Amazon proved Warriors to victory.

Guyana got their in- p i v o t a l , nings off to a steady GAW Innings Brandon King c Green start, amassing 46 An impassioned b Russell 12 runs in the PowerPlay, Pooran celebrating Chandrapaul Hemraj but they had to conc McKenzie b Green 16 tend with the loss Shimron Hetmyer run out of Brandon King (Haider Ali/†Lewis) 23 and Chandrapaul Shoaib Malik c Pretorius b Russell 23 Hemraj in doing Nicholas Pooran(c) not out 75 so.

Romario Shepherd c Despite Shimron Brooks b Pretorius 5 Hetmyer then runOdean Smith c Powell ning himself out, b Brathwaite 1 Nicholas Pooran Anthony Bramble † not out 3 and Shoaib Malik Extras (lb 3, w 8) 11 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.45) 169/6 put together a Did not bat: Gudakesh Motie, partnership of Naveen-ul-Haq, Imran Tahir 54 runs from Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Brandon 33 balls to place King, 2.2 ov), 2-39 (Chandrapaul Hemraj, 4.3 ov), 3-63 (Shimron Guyana in a strong posiHetmyer, 8.4 ov), 4-117 tion with six overs to go.

(Shoaib Malik, 14.1 ov), 5-133 Pooran then took on the (Romario Shepherd, 16.5 ov), 6-134 (Odean Smith, 17.1 ov) responsibility of getting BOWLING O-M-R-W his side into a good posiMigael Pretorius 3-0-31-1 tion, and his pyrotechnics Imad Wasim 3-0-25-0 at the back end of the inAndre Russell 4-0-35-2 nings ensured Guyana Chris Green 4-0-17-1 Amazon Warriors posted a Veerasammy Permaul 2-0-23-0 Carlos Brathwaite 4-0-35-1 very competitive 169/6.

The Tallawahs were JAMAICA TALLAWAHS able to keep pace with the INNINGS (TARGET: 170 required run rate in the RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) early stages of their reKennar Lewis † c Shoaib Malik b Shepherd 16 ply, as Haider Ali and Kirk

Hetmyer was run out again in this CPL

Andre Russell in a wonderful wicket maiden over.

Alongside Smith, Gudakesh Motie spun a web, as his three wickets helped ensure there was no chance of an unlikely win for the Tallawahs.

The victory for the Amazon Warriors means the Tallawahs will now have to win the return game to make the semi-finals. (CPL)

SCOREBOARD Kirk McKenzie c Hemraj b Smith 28 Haider Ali c Shoaib Malik b Smith 16 Rovman Powell (c) c Smith b Motie 10 Shamarh Brooks st †Bramble b Motie 21 Andre Russell c Shepherd b Smith 0 Carlos Brathwaite c Pooran b Motie 1 Imad Wasim b Naveen-ul-Haq 7 Chris Green run out (Naveen-ul-Haq) 7 Migael Pretorius not out 3 Veerasammy Permaul lbw b Naveen-ul-Haq 5 Extras (b 5, w 4) 9 TOTAL (19.1 Ov, RR: 6.41) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Kennar Lewis, 2.4 ov), 2-63 (Haider Ali, 8.3 ov), 3-63 (Kirk McKenzie, 8.4 ov), 4-98 (Rovman Powell, 13.6 ov), 5-98 (Andre Russell, 14.5 ov), 6-100 (Shamarh Brooks, 15.3 ov), 7-101 (Carlos Brathwaite, 15.5 ov), 8-114 (Imad Wasim, 17.1 ov), 9-114 (Chris Green, 17.2 ov), 10-123 (Veerasammy Permaul, 19.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Imran Tahir 4-0-23-0 Naveen-ul-Haq 3.1-0-8-2 Romario Shepherd 3-0-31-1 Gudakesh Motie 4-0-25-3 Shoaib Malik 1-0-10-0 Odean Smith 4-1-21-3

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