Guyana Times - Sunday September 5, 2021

“Art is my 15P gift” – Indigenous artist Owen Scipio Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4761 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Amerindians will enter new era of economic empowerment - Pres Ali Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

EBD house destroyed by fire, arson suspected P11

Abram Zuil Secondary students to be relocated at Johanna P12 Cecelia …as construction of new $585M school continues

…says Govt will continue to support land rights, development

Crude marketer Aramco made lowest responsive bid — Natural Resources Ministry Page 7

4 more COVID-19 deaths, 183 new cases recorded …$1.7B Amerindian Development Fund could be expanded …35 persons in ICU

Impact of COVID-19 on hinterland communities a concern for Govt – President

Page 9

Page 28

Secondary schools will reopen after students are fully vaccinated – Education Ministry

See story on page 29

Essequibians injured in motorcycle collision P26 Thieves cart off over $1.4M in jewellery, cash from Stabroek P27 Market stall Pensioner P26 struck down by GLDA pick-up Couple busted with over 1kg ganja P26

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 Amerindians will enter new era of economic empowerment – Ali NEWS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Sept 5 – 13:00h – 14:00h and Monday, Sept 6 – 03:30h – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Sept 5 – 15:50h – 17:20h and Monday, Sept 6 – 16:20h – 17:50h.

…says Govt will continue to support land rights, development

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be light rain showers during the day.

Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Westerly to South SouthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 15:47h reaching a maximum height of 2.5 metres.

Low Tide: 09:20h and 21:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.7 metre.

President Ali speaking with a Toshao

President Irfaan Ali interacting with community leaders

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali and a team of officials including members of his Cabinet on Saturday attended the Regional Toshaos Meeting which was attended by leaders from over 50 communities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), who were told of the Government’s plans to empower the Indigenous community.

In his address to the Amerindian leaders who gathered in Lethem for the meeting, the Head of State said that his Government will not only ensure that Amerindians are economically empowered, but that they are also integrally involved in the national decision-making process.

“I assure you that you will not be side-lined from the process of national development but rather, be integral to that process. One of the purposes of the National Toshaos Conference is to allow you to have an insight into national development plans and to contribute to the fashioning of these plans, particularly as they relate to the well-being of Amerindians,” Ali told the leaders.

The Government, he said, is committed to strengthening “your inclusion in national decision-making. We will engage with you continuously and do so in a genuine spirit of inclusion.”

The Head of State also emphasised that Government is devoted to the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) when it comes to policies that affect the well-being and rights of Indigenous Guyanese. He also spoke to the importance of land for Indigenous development, which is why provisions were made in the budget to make Amerindian Land Titling a priority.

“We will foster Amerindian economic empowerment across all ten of the country’s administrative regions. We will continue to support your rights, including your just entitlement to Amerindian lands.”

“My Administration has

already commenced a project to restore and establish a mechanism through which will resolve all outstanding land disputes and expedite the land titling process,” President Ali said.

Development

Meanwhile, President Ali assured that Government, as represented by the various Cabinet Ministers and other Government officials, will continue to engage with the village leaders and will dedicate themselves to enhancing their development.

The Head of State also pointed out that over the past year, the Government has been proactively promoting Indigenous development. He reminded the Toshaos that the national budget has allocated in excess of $5.4 billion for the

development of Amerindian and hinterland communities.

Ali assured of improvements to social services, health facilities and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services that will go towards bridging the standards of living gap between Amerindian communities and those on the coast.

He said that these improvements will not only enhance their overall development, but will empower hundreds of their youths that are currently enrolled in the GOAL 20,000 online scholarship programme.

“We are responding to your appeals for the establishment of a permanent well-staffed, well-equipped and fully-supported

Secretariat building,” the President said, adding that the Government is also examining the prospect of having farmers licensed to own firearms.

The President also highlighted that infrastructural development will be a central focus in order to reduce the time and cost for the movement of goods and services. According to him, infrastructure will be linked to economic empowerment.

Equitable development, according to the President, is also important.

“There is no green Guyana, my brothers and sisters. There is no red Guyana, there is no yellow Guyana, there is no orange Guyana—there is one Guyana, one people, one nation with one destiny,” he said.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 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

School opening

T

he goal of our Education System is to deliver a highquality education in the curricula to our young people, so they have a foundation for lifelong learning to utilise the opportunities presented to them for attaining happiness in their everyday lives. It is accepted by all, notwithstanding disagreements over what is contained in the curricula, that the education system satisfies a most critical function of a modern state.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the operations of the education systems of most countries in the world, since, generally, their curricula is delivered in face-to-face classrooms where the probability of transmitting the virus increases exponentially. While there are the protocols of social distancing, no-contact, masking, hand washing, and coughing into elbows, it would be unrealistic to expect normally high-energy youngsters to follow them rigorously. In the first year of the pandemic, the schools here and abroad were either sporadically closed or remained open on a rotating basis, with adjustments for distancing and other protocol demands.

Here, as in New York City, the Government has announced a fixed date for school opening, here Sept 6 and there Sept 13, but has made allowances for the specific demands of particular schools. On August 28, it was announced that they would completely reopen 92 schools across the three levels, with the remainder– 846 – operating on a rotation basis until the vaccination rollout and other mechanisms are completed. Of the 92 schools to be reopened, 41 of 348 will be at the nursery level, 44 of 413 at the primary level, and 7 of 126 at the secondary level. Guyana’s student population is approximately 26,000 at the nursery level, 80,000 at the primary level, and 64,000 at the secondary level, for a total of approximately 170,000.

But yesterday it was announced that, upon advice of the Ministry of Health, all secondary schools will not be reopened for face-to-face classes until students have been fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine -meaning they must receive two doses 3-4 weeks apart, with an additional 1-2 weeks after the second dose. Since this programme began at some Georgetown schools on Sept 1, at the very best, face-to-face classes will not begin until sometime in October. It will be later on a rolling schedule for other secondary schools. The status quo remains for nursery and primary schools with rotation, take-home work materials, and virtual classes.

Obviously, these arrangements are logistically very complex to execute with any level of success, and, as such, need the cooperation of all the actors in the system.

As such, it is very unfortunate that the Guyana Teachers Union pulled out at the planning stage, and have now openly announced they will call upon their members not to participate in any face-to-face class sessions, but to go on a strike. It is therefore unlikely they will conduct any online classes. What this means is that our students will be denied the opportunity to complete even the “consolidated, tightened” curricula that was prepared by the Ministry for such emergencies, to keep the students on line for the CXC exams that are taken at Grade 10 and Grade 12.

This is not to say that some of the concerns might not be valid. For instance, it is now known that the COVID-19 Delta variant can be transmitted by unvaccinated and even vaccinated students who may be asymptomatic. The challenge would be to ensure they do not transmit the virus to persons - especially the elderly - when they return home. But this and other concerns should be raised within institutional structures, with the aim of crafting measures to address them. In the case of the “home transmission”, teachers can drill students in the precautions they should take when they enter their homes.

For those teachers who refuse to be vaccinated, they will have to appreciate they should not be allowed to endanger the lives of their charges.

Indigenous dancers performing a cultural piece at the opening of the Regional Toshaos Meeting in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu—Upper Essequibo). President Irfaan Ali, along with Ministers and other Government Officials, attended the meeting (Office of the President photo)

Why play to people’s fears?

Dear Editor, It is clear from the recent surge in cases that the Delta Variant is here in Guyana.

The unvaccinated are holding this country to ransom. I repeat: The unvaccinated are holding this country to ransom. We are hearing cries of, “I have an immune system”, but, alas, the more unvaccinated persons there are, the more would the virus mutate and become deadlier.

The WHO is now monitoring a new variant called Mu, which is vaccine-resistant.

Imagine what would happen if that were to hit here. The science says that, once you are fully vaccinated, you are well protected against symptomatic COVID-19 as well as death.

The unvaccinated stand a greater chance of becoming seriously ill and dying. The current vaccines do offer protection against the Delta, but there is a miniscule fraction of breakthrough cases. The virus is spreading among the unvaccinated, allowing it to mutate into new variants!

How much longer can we go on with this? Vaccination is the only way out of this pandemic. However, me criticising the anti-vaxxers will get me nowhere. I have viewed many of their remarks justifying their stance. While I understand that there are some people who are genuinely fearful and have not had access to information, a lot of people choose to opt in the direction of bizarre conspiracy theories and misinformation, especially when they are being pushed by those with high influence.

Human beings are imperfect, we believe what WE WANT to believe. When those in influential positions spread misinformation and engage in vaccine-related fearmongering, guess what will be the result? The positions of the anti-vaxxers would only become emboldened!

Up to two days ago (September 1st, 2021), an Opposition politician wrote on his Facebook that expired COVID-19 vaccines were be-

ing distributed in Region 7.

This was later debunked.

However, the damage was done. Can you imagine the comments under such a post?

If you are in a position of influence, and you have a large following, you should use this influence for the good of mankind. You should be using it to encourage your followers to get vaccinated. Why, instead, play to people’s fears? This is sick, this is degeneracy.

While some Opposition politicians are among the more prominent persons circulating this nonsense, the blame cannot solely be rested at their feet. There are pastors spreading vaccine hesitancy.

One person who emerged as a prominent figure in the anti-vax crusade went as far as to hold a protest by the Square of the Revolution. He wore what looked like a piece of cardboard dangling from his neck that read “Your Body, Your Choice”. I trust this means he has changed his stance on certain rights. I also trust he supports women’s reproductive rights.

Yielding influence over a congregation is a power by itself. Why not use that power to positively influence the masses to get vaxxed and trust the medical professionals, rather than spread wild madness about “mark of the beast”?

Further, everyone has a choice, but choices come with consequences, especially given the fact that we are in a pandemic and the current situation has to be treated as such.

Nothing is wrong with the current regulations. The scientific facts and info are out there, and the Government is circulating them. While it would not hurt for more circulation of info, what will have a greater effect is politicians, church leaders and others of influence ceasing to spread fake news and vaccine-related fearmongering. They need to use their influence to promote vaccination, rather than embolden the posture of the anti-vaxxers. These miscreants need to stop playing petty games with

the lives of our people. These individuals are worse than the virus itself.

Stop endangering people’s lives! Use your influence for

the greater good of everyone.

Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar

Unforgettable end of the life of Pandit Rishi Bharrat

Dear Editor, The unforgettable end of the life of Pandit Rishi Bharrat by ruthless murderers has left the entire Guyana shaken, disdained and perturbed for many valid reasons.

His grieving wife and family were paid a visit by the Minister of Justice, the Police, and other Government officials. The Honourable Attorney General expressed sympathies on behalf of the Government, the PPP/C Party, the Police and the Region.

Mr Nandlall, sir, while this is commendable, the public is anxiously awaiting the Police’s response for what may have been an avoidable incident had the Police made a prompt response. This matter is engaging the public’s attention, and needs an urgent reply.

The public is also aggrieved with the leniency of the courts in dealing with crime and punishment. It is so sad that Guyana and Guyanese have to bear witness to this monstrous incident. Could this incident have been avoided if the Police had acted promptly and diligently?

How efficient and reliable are the Police to render help and assistance to the public when it is really needed?

How organised and equipped are the Police in responding to emergency situations? Are the Police really prepared to handle the social issues affecting the communities? Are the Police serious in combating the noise nuisance?

Will there be an early enquiry concerning the allegations against the Police, and their failure to fulfill their duties when it was warranted and merited?

What is lacking in this Police Outpost? Why did the senior officials ignore this ongoing issue with so many complaints lodged? Is this the new trend of the Police that Guyanese have to live with?

A human being was killed! A life was lost! A religious man was attacked and murdered!

A man of God had to defend his family because the Police failed to protect the citizens of this country. A bereaved family is left to mourn the loss of a loved one because he had to do what the Police carelessly dismissed as not important.

The Police, it was claimed, used the most absurd, ancient excuse not applicable to modern day standard - they do not have transportation. Does the Commissioner of Police endorse this echo? A family was in danger and the Police ignored this plea, and the end result is a Pandit, a man who served society, a man whom the public had usage of, was brutalised in cold blood while defending the honour of his family!

What a shame and disgrace! When will the Police do the least decent thing of answering all these accusations, enquiries and questions? These statements need to be denied by the Police as unfounded and not true, so that they can again hold their heads high as knights in shining armour. It is a sad day for the late Pandit’s family and a dark day for the Police.

The public awaits the Police’s response. Will it be forthcoming shortly, or are they waiting for a reliable internet service to read this article? What excuse can we expect?

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

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Let’s continue progress with increased vaccinations

Dear Editor, I am quite pleased that the Government is reporting an increase in vaccinations among teachers, students and the general populace. Our former resisters are to be complimented for a change of heart. “Fixed mindsets” about not taking the vaccinations are the enemy of progress in safety and security in our poor country. We need more “growth mindsets”, which would allow people to be reasonable and willing to respond to Government’s call for people to step up and be vaccinated.

A caring Government must think about the general good, and impending doom if people choose to be reckless about their health and safety. As schools are about to be open, I predict a season of “open, close; open, close” as the virus spreads among teachers and students, and is transmitted to others outside of schools.

When this happens, it would not be because the Government has done anything wrong; the blame would go squarely on the shoulders of the 50% unvaccinated teachers, nurses, and the surrogate unions of the mori-

bund Opposition, acting irresponsibly. Unvaccinated teachers would most likely infect students and cause school closures. Students may also infect unvaccinated teachers. So, it seems a lot depends on what the 50% of unvaccinated teachers do.

This percentage is unacceptable, and the ball is now in the teachers’ court. It’s just a matter of time before parents would be upset with the teachers if mindsets don’t change.

Government must do what it needs to do as it protects the entire nation, and who vex vex.

I wish the “suing” unions well, as the courts themselves have had to impose safety measures and would support the Government’s actions.

For those hesitants, “My Body, My Choice” is a slogan of pro-abortionists, sexual deviants, and substance abuse addicts, who confuse license with liberty.

To those who say you can still get the virus even though vaccinated, the best answer is from blogger “Oh Man”, who said, “As with the flu, you can still get sick, but your chances

of being terminally ill are significantly reduced. You may be treated at a dispensary, instead of an ICU.” Regardless of all the concerns people have, we are better off being vaccinated than unvaccinated. The risks are reduced. There would always be a tiny percentage of resisters.

With this group, even if God appeared to them in a burning bush and told them to take the vaccine, they would not take the vaccine. For the rest of us, let’s understand that vaccines don’t kill, vaccines save lives.

So, people, let’s put aside our quirks and reservations and think about the “herd immunity” of our nation. We want to normalise and open up our country fully, so everyone can get back to work and earn their livelihoods. Don’t let us be a divided nation of “the vaccinated” versus “the unvaccinated.”

A hole in the boat is a hole in the whole boat, and it does not matter which side has the hole.

Together we survive, or together we perish. Let Guyana live!

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall

Attitude of mind of anti-vaccination is nothing else but self-serving Dear Editor, It is extremely disappointing to observe that some people who put themselves out to want to be executives in this nation have taken the opportunity to abuse our collective liberties with their reckless statements.

Their attempt to conduct a march against the vaccination drive for COVID on Monday, September 6, 2021 is nothing else but foolhardy and irresponsible. If they were living in isolation away from the rest of us (the law-abiding citizens of Guyana), then we can appreciate their willingness to take unnecessary risks that can result in their accelerated personal mortality. But when they choose to take risks that expose the collective as a whole, then I have a problem with such selfishness.

“My body; my rights” in this case is nothing else but a slogan steeped in an attitude of mind that is steeped in vaingloriousness, which seeks to

compromise the society to advance one’s self-interest. This is shameful behaviour. We need to be more patriotic and committed to our nation as a whole, rather than using every opportunity to score cheap political points, which is nothing else but counter-productive, and is causing us to lose access to vital human resources.

We are all at risk, so please, Guyanese, ignore these reckless people and mask up, and get vaccinated.

I have observed a Regional Chairman, a Parliamentarian and a so-called Teachers Union Leader trying to steer our children away from vaccination.

Are these people for real? How much lower can we get with such toxic partisanship? If these people so love this nation, why did they take both of the vaccines but continue to misguide a declining minority on it?

This attitude of mind of anti-vaccination, anti-masking up, anti-people, and anti-science is

Unforgettable end of the...

FROM PAGE 4

This is too serious a matter for mere Police shuffling, as may be recommended. A life was lost due to a contributory Police element of negligence and failing to respond to an emergency, lacking responsibility and not doing their legal obligation, their civil duty.

Charging them for gross negligence should be on the table for consideration, and firing the guilty officers is more in line. Forget disciplinary action, which is too lenient. A family cried for the Police to help, appealed for intervention, complied with the law by reporting the bad behaviour of uncivil company, stood their ground with patience, waited in hope and desperation, only to be denied the respect, the regard and the courtesy of a Police re-

sponse, not once, but on numerous occasions!

In the end, they had to be comforted with a murder scene, and consoled with the death of a loving one who was trying to protect their dignity and honour. They were rewarded with the loss of a life for obeying the law and acting in self-defence. This is how the Police repaid law- abiding citizens who choose to keep the peace and relied on the Police to defend the helpless. This matter must not be laid to rest until the public is provided with answers from the Police and remedial action is taken. Let no stone be left unturned. We owe Pandit Rishi Bharrat that much.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

nothing else but self-serving.

As one of the scientists stated, if you are anti-vaccination, it translates to you being pro-virus, which is a dangerous position to adopt. Such thoughtlessness will directly affect the children of Guyana, especially those in school.

Is this what they want for our children? Come on chaps, grow up!

So, my message today is targeted at those who are ready to join the growing majority, who are helping in the process to protect the whole society by stepping forward to take the vaccine. What is critical is for us all to recognise that each of our freedoms does depend on all of us doing certain things together. In the case of this deadly pathogen, it means masking up and vaccinating together. This is the only way!

What the empirical evidence is also showing is that this pathogen is causing the gaps between the “haves and the have-nots” to widen. Think of it, a business owner can stay away from work for two weeks to recover from COVID, but can the restaurant service attendant with minimum wages afford to do the same, because he or she does not have the vaccine and has a higher chance of not recovering from the virus?

The enemy is not you and me, it is the COVID-19 virus.

Thus we must know this enemy, and the better we are prepared to fight it, the better we can fight it collectively as a nation. The medical experts have stated publicly that the “Delta variant” is extremely deadly and the future variants (and yes, they are coming) are even deadlier. Can we take that risk?

The best time to have fixed this was yesterday, but the second-best time to do so is today.

Now is the time!

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

Out of control

Dear Editor, It is my humble opinion that the crime situation, more especially in Georgetown, is spiralling out of control, and the Guyana Police Force needs to go back to the drawing board in order to restore law and order.

The daily reports of robberies and crimes of violence bring home the reality of the grave situation, and the robbery that was committed whilst a post mortem was in progress indicates the depravity and disrespect of the robbers, even to the deceased.

The bicycle gangs of young men cycling around in search of prey; the motor cycle gangs also in search of victims, and perhaps with better information as to their victims; the beating to death of Pandit Rishi Bharrat by a group of men drinking and hurling insults at the female members of the late Pandit’s family; persons being awakened and robbed in their homes; the resumption of executions that had haunted us some time ago, all of these factors and more are indicative of my assertion that the Police are lacking in their responsibility and duty to the citizens of Guyana.

I do not buy the statistics given out by the Police that there has been a decrease in crime. No, not at all; and so many crimes go unreported, as the victims feel it would be a waste of time to make a report when they see and know that nothing would come out of it.

The one spark recently in the fight against this breed of criminals is the lady who, after being robbed, followed the bandits in her car and rammed the car that they were in. One robber was caught, charged, and remanded to prison.

Hats off to this heroic lady, who is deserving of a medal! However, one should be careful when reacting to being robbed, as it can result in serious injury, or death.

The question to be asked is: Why are the Police ineffective? Their duty is to serve and protect! Is that being done? I do not expect that every crime would be solved and that the Police would be on the scene whilst crimes are being committed, but they must solve the crimes. They must be able to infiltrate the gangs, or pay informers for information. They must, by their investigation, charge and secure convictions in a large number of cases. They must not only rely on confession statements, as I am, and have always been, suspicious of those.

Too many confession statements are obtained with the use of coercion and violence by members of the Force; I can tell you that from my experience. Once a criminal has been caught fairly, either by direct or indirect evidence, and not beaten for a confession, he will respect that Police offi-

cer who secured the conviction against him.

President Ali and his Government must be aware that, with the boom in Guyana’s economy, there will be many foreigners and tourists coming to Guyana.

If they are robbed, that would tarnish the image of the country and make persons not wanting to come here. This would affect our economy, and more particularly the travel sector, taxis, restaurants, entertainment sector, the sectors that supply the restaurants and hotels, persons who work in all the aforementioned sectors. Not all of us can live by working in the oil and gas sector.

I note that millions have been spent by the Government to make the Police more mobile, and we need to see the statistics how that has helped in this battle.

I make this appeal to the Minister of Public Security and the Guyana Police Force to begin to be constructive and do what is necessary to let our citizens and all who may come here be safe.

My recommendations for immediate action by the Government and the Guyana Police Force is listed below: (a) Ensure that the resources to fight crime are utilised constructively. Do an audit of what is required and what is available. (b) Cultivate informers, so that information can be obtained. Pay these informers well, and give a bonus as per results. (c) See how best undercover persons can be used to infiltrate areas and gangs.

This may prove difficult, considering the small population of Guyana. Approved wire-tapping of phones can be done to obtain plans and information of the criminals. (d) Start or improve a Hot Line System whereby persons can make reports anonymously, if they so wish. The reason why this may not be currently working is that persons have to believe that whatever information is being given is confidential, and cannot be traced back to them.

As a result, the Police would have to utilise individuals who will give confidence to the public at large, and be assured that whatever information is given would be confidential. (e) The image of the Guyana Police Force needs to reflect integrity, care, and competence. Persons need to believe in the integrity and ability of the Police to receive information and perform their duties. The recent and current dissension within the top echelons of the Police Force regarding promotions does not augur well for the future. This must be fixed as quickly as possible. (f) Education and continuing education for members of the Police Force should be encouraged. I am

not sure how much time off is given, or if tuition and examination fees are paid by the Administration. If not, then this should be looked into, and once a member passes appropriate examinations, he/she should be compensated in some form.

Promotion, increase in salary; or if none of the two, be given extra points when the time for promotion comes up. (g) Forensics. I know that there has been a push in this direction, and I hope that, if possible, more can be done so that science can help in the fight against crime. However, in order to get and keep professionals in this field, proper and competitive salaries and benefits must be paid. (h) Minister Benn seems to be a hard-working and no-nonsense person. He has to be guided by the Commissioner and other senior officers. Let them lay out the plans, ensure that they have resources to do the job, and if it fails, then there should be repercussions. (i) Crime affects us all, no matter where you live, ethnicity or job. I would like to see the Government and Opposition join in this fight, and not let it be the case that the Opposition will say at the end of the day that the Government has been hopeless. If recommendations have been given and disregarded by the Minister or Government, then they should be condemned. Do not wait in the slips and pray for failure! (j) Finally. We have to pay the members of the Guyana Police Force a decent salary.

I understand the dilemma of the Government that if the salary of one sector is raised then the other sectors would also clamour for the same raise. Which sector is more valuable? All are, if one falters, there will be repercussions in other sections of our society. Money is important, but if there are incentives and benefits to be gained in the long run, then that can be a motivation for integrity and professionalism.

Provide housing, education, with assistance in travel, school materials, and other benefits for the children of the Force, duty free concessions for cars after at least ten years of service, and look for other innovations so that members of the Force can add these benefits to their salaries. (k) I would urge President Ali and his Cabinet to consider this suggestion. It is that all employees in the Public Sector and those corporations that serve the public be given annually a credit of at least $250,000, which they can use when they purchase goods on which VAT has to be paid.

This indirectly would immediately increase their purchasing power.

Sincerely, KA Juman-Yassin, SC, AA

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Feature

W

ELL, now that we have cared for and adequately fed our prospective mother, the time has arrived for her to deliver her puppies/ kittens.

For me, the guiding principle has always been: Let the mothers take care of themselves. The least interference from the owners may turn out to be the best procedure. Having said that, the caregiver must keep a watchful eye, and act if necessary, and with veterinary advice – directly or via columns such as “Pet Care”.

The following would represent some “dos and don’ts” relative to the owner’s involvement in the whelping/kittening of their wards: 1. Firstly, we must be able to recognise when she is about to give birth to the offspring.

Preparations for birthing

a) She gets restless; she gives the impression that she is searching for something – which in fact she is.

She is looking for an appropriate place to deliver her babies. b) In the attempt to make her "nest", she might dig a hole in the earth somewhere secluded under the house. She might hide in a cupboard. (Cats are especially prone to seclusion and human avoidance. The cats of my youth had a predilection for our wardrobe). c) She might go off food. d) Her breasts become swollen. If you pull at the nipples, you will observe droplets of milk. e) The abdomen is very distended. f) Her body temperature may drop below 100°F/38°C. 2. Organise a whelping/ kittening box if you can.

If not, just put together

some old clothes, towels, or newspapers in a secluded corner. Do this about a week before she is scheduled to give birth, so that she grows accustomed to her "delivery bed". The size of the whelping/kittening box is dependent on the size of the mother. She must have space to manoeuvre without crushing the newborn puppies/kittens.

3. Dogs/cats generally do not like too many strange faces peeping at them when they are about to give birth. So, please keep your well-meaning neighbours and friends away from the dog/cat when she is about to give birth. (It would be remiss of me not to mention that some dogs actually seem to feel reassured when they know that the caregiver, with whom they have bonded, is close by. A gen-

tle petting of the bitch’s head accompanied by some soothing and endearing words could be calming, and will do no harm – just don’t overdo it).

4. The general environment must be familiar as well as conducive to an easy birth (no draft, relatively isolated, no human traffic, no noise, clean).

5. The bedding for the new pup/kitten must not be sawdust or straw, which could get into the mother’s and her newborns’ respiratory passages and create difficulties. The newspapers/soiled cloths and towels should be changed regularly.

6. If the cat/dog is of the long-haired breeds, then you should carefully clip the hair from around the breasts and vulva, or let your vet do it for you.

Next week, we shall discuss if, when, and how the caregiver could assist in the delivery of puppies/kittens should birthing problems arise.

It has been reported that our colleague Dr. Nardeo Bassoodeo has carried out 107 surgical interventions which have the potential of being entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. The spays and neuterings were implemented in association with “Paws for a Cause Inc. over an 11-hour non-stop period. Congratulations should be in order!

T

Environmental Education

h e e nv i ro n m e n t sustains all life on Earth. It provides us with nourishment and inspiration.

Our economy thrives on a healthy environment.

A growing body of research tells us that time spent in nature provides physical and psychological benefits.

Our personal and cultural identities are often tied to the environment around us. At the same time, it’s impossible not to be deeply concerned about the unprecedented environmental, social, and economic challenges we face as a global society —from climate change and loss of species and habitats to declines in civic engagement, decreasing access to nature, a growing gap between the haves and have-nots; and other threats to our health, security, and future survival.

We are in the month of September, and that means Education Month in Guyana. The EPA takes this opportunity to shed some light on the topic of environmental education and the role of the EPA in promoting awareness and education among the Guyanese populace.

Environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem-solving, and take action to improve the environment. As a result, individuals develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues, and have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions.

The components of environmental education are: • Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental challenges • Knowledge and understanding • of the environment and environmental challenges • Attitudes of concern for the environment, and motivation to improve or maintain environmental quality • Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges • Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges Environmental education does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of action. Rather, environmental education teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of an issue through critical thinking, and it enhances their own problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Environmental Education is more than information about the environment Environmental Education Environmental Information • Increases public awareness and knowledge of environmental issues • Provides facts or opinions about environmental issues • Does teach individuals critical-thinking • D o e s not necessarily teach individuals critical-thinking • Does enhance individuals' problem-solving and decisionmaking skills • Does not necessarily enhance individuals' problem-solving and decision-making skills • Does not advocate a particular viewpoint • May advocate a particular viewpoint

EPA and Environmental Education

The Environmental Protection Act mandates the EPA to play a pivotal role in environmental awareness and education; promotes public participation in relation to scoping of environmental impact assessments, and encourages a better understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and its role in economic development.

The work of the Communications Department of the EPA lends to the Agency realising this important mandate.

Environmental Communication - Conducts meetings/ consultations with communities/members of the public to addresses environmental concerns/ conflicts, and ensures the communication platforms and tools are upgraded.

Environmental Education - Conducts outreaches to various stakeholders, including organisations, businesses, developers, groups and schools on environmental issues and EPA's processes and procedures; and Environmental Awareness - Develops materials on environmental issues in formats, including publications, games, models, annual magazine and calendar; development of ads, videos, documentaries etc and utilisation of diverse media platforms.

Sources

https://www.epa.gov/education/what-environmentaleducation https://naaee.org/about-us/about-ee-and-why-it-matters You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Crude marketer Saudi Aramco made lowest responsive bid – Natural Resources Ministry

W

ith Saudi Aramco coming out ahead of 14 other companies that had bid for the contract to market Guyana’s fourth oil lift for the year, the Natural Resources Ministry has said that the State-owned Saudi Arabian company was the lowest responsive bidder.

On Saturday the Ministry confirmed that Saudi Aramco, also known as Aramco Trading Limited (ATL), was awarded the contract and assured that a transparent public procurement process was followed.

According to the Ministry, ATL was evaluated and approved to market Guyana’s fourth lift for 2021, which is scheduled for September 21-22, 2021.

The Ministry also included a statement from Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who it said pledged to ensure the highest lev-

“The evaluation process included administrative, technical, and financial assessments, which saw submissions from 15 firms. ATL was identified as the lowest compliant evaluated bidder at the price of $0.025 USD per barrel” – Natural Resources Ministry els of transparency in the Ministry.

“The evaluation process included administrative, technical, and financial assessments, which saw submissions from 15 firms. ATL was identified as the lowest compliant evaluated bidder at the price of $0.025 USD per barrel,” the Ministry said.

Government’s commitment to securing the best agreements for the country was noted, and it further pledged to the maintenance of the highest level of compliance and transparency to ensure that the benefits

from this sector improve the lives of all Guyanese.

In July it was announced that Guyana was on the hunt for a new crude marketer, with a new Invitation for Bids (IFBs) being issued for companies who will vie for the chance to market the oil currently being produced offshore Guyana by oil giant ExxonMobil and stored in the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

According to the IFBs issued by the Natural Resources Ministry, interested firms were invited to submit their bids by August

Amerindians will enter new...

Regional strategy Meanwhile, regional community leaders were also reminded that their communities benefitted from Government’s interventions through the Presidential Grants and the Economic Investment Fund.

This resulted in the allocation of $68.3 million to support community development in 2020. He also noted that the region has benefited from $456 million to finance projects and proposals under the Economic Investment Fund.

Additionally, community development projects aimed at improving connectivity and sustainable livelihoods have also been supported.

Another bold initiative that President Ali spoke about is the Hinterland Housing Project, which he

said they’re looking to launch.

Additionally, he assured that local content would be kept in mind for the project, ensuring that materials and labour are sourced locally to add to the development of the region and its communities. He also spoke of climate change.

“We have seen the floods— bigger and more forceful than ever…therefore, our infrastructure and our approach to development has to take climate change and the spinoff of climate change into consideration.”

The President said that the Regional Conference has to address, in a substantive way, the economic, social and environmental concerns of the people of the region and should focus on food security, economic diversification, empowerment

FROM PAGE 3

and social transformation as it relates to health, housing, education and social welfare.

He said this should be done in order to provide Amerindians with enhanced livelihoods, greater justice, more opportunities, higher levels of education, agricultural expansion, more jobs, greater integration with the coast, improved health, water, sanitation, housing and infrastructure.

After the formal part of the meeting, President Ali engaged the community leaders in a question and answer segment where he addressed all of their inquiries and gave them additional information on the Government’s projects and developments that will go towards improving their lives.

(G3)

3, 2021, to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

“The objective of the assignment is to competently maximise the value of the Government’s crude oil entitlement from Liza Destiny FPSO in the Stabroek Block and create a competitive market for the Liza blend,” the IFBs said.

Guyana’s crude lift share was initially marketed by Shell Western, after which Hess International marketed Guyana’s crude. Of the 15 companies that bid during this latest procurement round, Chinese company Sinochem submitted the lowest bid price at US$0.02 per barrel, while the highest price came from the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, at US$0.26.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block.

Guyana’s oil revenues are being banked in the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

In March 2021, the Natural Resources Ministry had disclosed that to date, a total of 5,009,797 barrels of

The Liza Destiny FPSO

oil worth US$246.5 million have been lifted. This sum, added to the royalties the country receives, took the total in the NRF account to US$267.6 million. And if one considers earnings from the sixth lift in April and royalty payments, this amount is expected to have climbed to over US$300 million.

Guyana received its first payment of US$54.9 million for an oil lift dated February 19, 2020. The second lift on May 21, 2020, was valued at US$35 million; while the third lift, which occurred on August 9, 2020, was worth US$46 million.

The fourth lift of oil offshore Guyana occurred on December 9, 2020, and came in at US$49.4 million in value. And on February 5, 2021, some 997,420 barrels of oil were lifted from Liza Destiny. A sum of US$61 million was paid for that lift.

Already, ExxonMobil has established an ambitious oil

exploration plan for 2021 offshore Guyana. Over the past few months, Exxon has been drilling simultaneous deep-water wells in both the Stabroek and Canje Blocks.

In March 2021, ExxonMobil secured a sixth drillship, the Noble Sam Croft, for exploration and evaluation drilling activities offshore Guyana. A fourth project, Yellowtail, has been identified within the block with an anticipated startup in late 2025 pending Government approvals and project sanctioning.

This project will develop the Yellowtail and Redtail fields, which are located about 19 miles (30 kilometres) southeast of the Liza developments. With the Liza Phase 2 and Payara developments on track for their scheduled completion and the Liza Phase 1 development averaging 120,000 bpd, Guyana’s oil production is likely to exceed 500,000 bpd by 2024. (G3)

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What’s ahead…

Y

…with COVID-19? our Eyewitness isn’t gonna get into the technicalities of the COVID-19 pandemic. He gave a stab a couple of days ago, and the reaction wasn’t exactly scintillating!! Even his regulars gave up on him, as their eyes probably rolled out of their sockets!! Nah! Less folks want to know about the science of COVID that those who want to know what goes into sausages!!

With COVID, the downsides are at best serious illnesses, probably with lifetime lingering effects if you’re not vaccinated, and at worst, death. And if you’re fully vaccinated? Then you MIGHT have some symptoms, but minuscule chance of dying. The latter is such a rare event that it’s called a “breakthrough” effect. To your Eyewitness, this presented him with a choice that was a no-brainer…take the goddamn vaccine!! And he did, pretty early on - AstraZeneca.

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, and he’d read about possible “blood clots” with this particular vaccine. But the odds were so infinitesimal that, once again, it was a no-brainer - for him. By now you would’ve figured out that, in making decisions, your Eyewitness plays the odds! Not that he’s a gambling man…but when you weigh the choices presented to you about any action you might have to take, it’s a gamble, isn’t it? It’s called “rational choice”, but, really, it’s a “gut feeling”.

Cause no one can predict the future with 100% certainty, can they? In school, your Eyewitness had been taught the “Principle of Ergodicity”. If you know the properties of every element in a collection and the conditions under which they exist, you might be able to make such predictions. But, even here, the predictions let’s say of gases in a fixed space at a given temperature are only statistical! You can’t tell how a particular molecule will behave. And humans certainly aren’t even molecules!!

We exhibit “reflexivity” - that is, we think about what’s presented to us, make decisions on what to do - individually.

And that’s why neither I nor the Government can predict with any certainty what our good fellow citizens will do when they make a decision on vaccination. We can’t call them “stupid” or “illiterate” and even stubborn - they’re just being humans!! What goes into each one of us in making a decision - the “gut feeling” - is a variable.

Take this “Mark of the beast” that’s given as a reason for refusing the vaccine. Upon investigating, your Eyewitness discovered it’s a biblical reference of a “mark on the right hand or forehead” of a person signifying an allegiance to Satan.

Now, your Eyewitness would’ve just requested the vaccine on his left hand.

But each gut is different! And COVID be with us till the end of never!!

…with Haiti Poor Haiti…when it comes to disasters - natural or manmade - whenever it rains elsewhere, it just cascades there!

If your Eyewitness was superstitious, he’d swear that Haiti was jinxed. But seriously, folks, what can be done for a Haiti? For one, we should learn from the recent American pullout from Afghanistan after they’d spent US$2 trillion, that it ain’t gonna come through force.

Even though they’d gone in to hunt Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaida after 9/11, the Americans said they stayed behind to “democratise” the society. After 20 years, they were forced to concede that it couldn’t be imposed by force. And that corruption becomes rampant and endemic when funds are poured in to “build institutions”.

Haiti has experienced such interventions since the beginning of the 20th Century (1915) by the same Americans, and all that was left were dictators and poverty.

And with “aid” since!

…for Granger Granger has now said that his “leave of absence” has been blown out of proportion - and he’s just taking a rest after his hectic schedule!! Hectic schedule? What was he doing at Pearl after hiding out for the last year?

Running on the spot?

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

NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4…35more COVID-19 deaths, 183 new cases recorded persons in ICU G uyana’s COVID-19 deaths continue to rise, and the Health

Ministry on Saturday announced four more fatalities.

Just four days into

September, 15 persons have died from the virus. Now, the death toll has risen to 640.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 4 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

183 118

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1988

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

35

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

118

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

13,609

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

12,686

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

26,295

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

23,514

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

318,000

FULLY IMMUNISED

166,000

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

640

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1373

REGION 2

845

REGION 3

3150

REGION 4

12,284

REGION 5

860

REGION 6

2089

REGION 7

403

REGION 8

2252

REGION 9

2252

REGION 10

1639

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.

Those who succumbed were all females; an 85-yearold from Region Three and 62-year-old from Region Six who succumbed on September 3. Previously on September 2, a 51-year-old from Region Four and a 79-year-old from Region Five also died.

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

An updated dashboard showed cases increasing by 183, hiking the total confirmed to 26,295. There are 35 patients being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit, 118 in institutional isolation, 1988 in home isolation and four in institutional quarantine.

Some 23,514 of the 12,686 males and 13,609 females that tested positive have since recovered. Guyana has tested 274,377 persons since the virus was detected here.

New cases

An analysis of new cases showed five from Region One (Barima-Waini); 12 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 16 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 124 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); five in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 10 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); five in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); one in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and five in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Cases in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) did not increase.

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

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EBD house destroyed by fire, arson suspected

Internalised Indian-Guyanese frustrations

T

he brutal killing of Pandit Rishi Bharrat at Crabwood Creek on a Saturday night, by a group of young men who made it a practice to imbibe in front of the Pandit’s home while taunting him and threatening to rape his daughter, has been rightfully condemned by many. Three days later, the murderers were arrested, and were from the village and were known to the pandit and his family.

Living in Guyana in an “Indian-dominated” village, Ravi Dev I was outraged, but not shocked at the incident. In my village, every Saturday night and the rest of the weekend, it is “Rum till I die”, not only on “street corners” in front of homes, but in the homes and rum shops that dot the village. Alcohol abuse is endemic in the Indian-Guyanese community, and has been so for generations. It is now joined with marijuana and cocaine use by the younger generation.

Interestingly, alcoholism was not an issue in village India: only some weak fermented brews were available. But, in Guyana, “rum shops” were established near the sugar plantations where rum was produced, and the workers were encouraged to imbibe. Rum was actually doled out on some plantations. The less money they took home, the greater motivation they had to show up for work on Mondays.

On the plantations, Girmitiyas were supposed to be “in the cane fields, hospital, or in jail”, and frustrations were endemic, with every aspect of their life regimented. There were “drivers” and “overseers” to push them to complete their “tasks”. The anger that arises out of frustration exploded in strikes a dozen times between 1869 and 1948, but these were all put down by “the leaden argument” after the “Riot Act” was read. Dozens were killed and hundreds wounded.

In addition to being willing to perform “slave” labour, the Christian missionaries following the colonial flag fuelled the scorn of the ex-African slaves for the indentureds by defining the latter as “heathens” in addition to being “uncivilised”, “primitive” and “outlandish”. As Christian and “cultured”, the African was persuaded that his status, beneath the Whites and Coloureds, was acceptable, since he could now look down on the “Coolie”. The view by the rest of Guyanese society defining the Indian-Guyanese as “backward” and deserving of nothing but contempt is still prevalent, as was witnessed in the comments on social media after the stymied election rigging attempt of 2020.

The Indian male, reared to be the “man of the house”, displaced his frustrations into a retroflexive anger pattern that was eventually unleashed upon himself. From indentureship to the present, the Indian-Guyanese community experiences self-destructive behaviours, not just with alcoholism, but also suicide, far in excess of other Guyanese groups. All studies on suicide in Guyana show that the rate of suicide among IndianGuyanese is several times that of African-Guyanese. A few years ago, it was the highest in the world. It is not that Indians are not violent, as some make them out to be: they unleash their violence on themselves and on each other – as with the recent murder of Pandit Rishi.

They demonstrate resignation towards their external sources of frustration, which after independence was systemically exacerbated by the African-dominated, racist PNC dictatorship between 1964 and 1992. More pertinently, the colonial African-dominated Police Force was tripled and augmented by a welter of armed forces to create one of the highest army-to-civilian ratios in the world. In such frustrating situations, there is either a “fight or flight” response, and since Dr Jagan explicitly rejected the “fight” option, Indians resorted to “flight”. From constituting over 50% of the population in 1980, Indian-Guyanese have dropped to 39.9% as of the last (2012) census.

The closure of four sugar plantations – overwhelmingly dominated by Indian-Guyanese – by the PNC immediately on assuming power in 2015 precipitated a tsunami of frustrations in those communities. The 7000 fired workers and their 28,000 family members had kept their economy and social life going. The pathologies of alcoholism, suicide and domestic violence skyrocketed, as well as “flight” through migration.

It is not coincidental that Crabwood Creek was supported by next-door Plantation Skeldon, where 2063 workers were fired to join another 500 who worked for private cane farmers.

As ex-canecutter Omesh Chand, 48, said, “Me deh hay like me na got blood. Wheh we gun go wuk? Wha we go eat? Me got to look fuh job, and it nah get job nowhere.”

M

Fire victim Mala Narine

The aftermath of the fire

illions of dollars have been lost after a two-storey house at Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara (EBD), went up in flames on Saturday morning, leaving officials to probe a possible arson.

The fire reportedly started just after midnight at the Lot 11-14 Sarah Johanna property – which was vacant at the time.

Owner of the property, Mala Narine had closed her business, located adjacent to the now destroyed structure, and retired to bed at 22:00h.

After flames were seen towering from the second flat of the house, passers-by imme-

diately stopped and called out for the family.

By then, neighours were also alerted as to what was transpiring. As the flames spread, public-spirited individual aided to remove a vehicle from the yard and called the Guyana Fire Service.

“I was sleeping over here.

We locked up the shop and went to bed. At about 12 o’clock, a bus stopped and hollered at the gate ‘Fire!

Fire!’. We neighbour over there and other people wake us up and said the house was on fire so now when we come out, a boy help me bring out the car because we didn’t

want the fire to spread,” Narine told Guyana Times.

According to the woman, tenders from the Timehri Fire Station arrived within 10 minutes and spent until 02:00h dousing the flames.

Due to the quick response, she noted that the fire was contained, saving her from further calamity.

“In 10 minutes, they reached here. Or else, more things would have burned.

To me, they did well from the time they got the call…

If they didn’t, then over here would have catch afire and more things would have burned down. “ The internal structure

of the concrete building suffered severe damages, destroying all valuables. While no one resided in the house, she noted that millions were invested recently.

She added “The house, we does just go over in the day and night time, we lock it up and come over here. Every single thing [was damaged] – all the furniture, clothes, all burned up. It was millions of dollars. Every year, I put in things. Up to last Christmas, I put over a million dollars in furniture in the house.”

Narine alleged that a male whom she shared a relationship with had threatened to destroy her house.

On the night of the fire, a male was seen exiting the yard shortly before the fire started, raising suspicion of a suspected arson.

“I had a [restraining order] against him and in November, he had jumped into the house and burned down my blinds…He keep telling them that he would destroy my house and this property too.”

The Guyana Fire Service is investigating. (G12)

12 NEWS Abram Zuil Secondary students to be relocated at Johanna Cecelia SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as construction of new $585M school continues

A

fter consulting with concerned parents, it was decided that the students of the Abram Zuil Secondary School in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will be relocated to a facility in Johanna Cecelia.

This initiative will see the students being able to participate in face-to-face learning at the reopening of schools come Monday.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand held a meeting on Friday with the parents of

Parents at the meeting which was held on Friday with Education Minister Priya Manickchand

the students that attend the school which is currently being reconstructed, to address their concerns about the procedure that will be taken in regards to the students returning to physical classes.

During the meeting, she explained to the parents the need to demolish the entire structure.

“It wasn’t in a place where we could repair a piece and repair another piece, the whole school had to be taken down and that was necessary

to be able to serve students who are going to that school, the children from that community,” the Minister said.

Moreover, the Minister informed the parents of her commitment in making sure that there will be little to no delay in the completion of the school.

As such, she will be meeting with the contractors to ensure that the project is on schedule, noting however that such issues are expected to surface and that such inconveniences to the students will only be for a short time and it will also be worthwhile.

The school is being reconstructed to the tune of $585 million and is expected to be completed next year.

Manickchand had said that the school had reached a state where it required heavy maintenance work, but no intervention was made, causing more than 500 children to suffer.

Meanwhile, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall during a visit to the education facility earlier this year had said that the new building would be a modern school and was a significant investment in the economy of Region Two.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

H

ailing from the small village of Rupertee in the North Rupununi, Region Nine, Owen Scipio came to Georgetown with big dreams four years ago of cementing himself as an

furthering his studies at the University of Guyana.

“Over the past four years at the ER Burrowes School of Art, I have grown as an art student because of my exposure to a wide variety of theoretical and practical content of fine art. I am looking forward to continue growth, exploration and developing my artistic skills and interest,” he shared.

Speaking on his advice for youths seeking a career in the arts, the artist revealed, “My advice to the youths after me who have dreams, love, vision and faith in art, is to don’t lose hope if you don’t start off with a satisfaction you expected, just know that with the right mindset to learn and with a good teacher to

time, his dedication paid off when he was offered a scholarship to study at the ER Burrowes School of Art, taking him one step closer to his dreams.

“I have completed nursery, primary, secondary

setback, Scipio has two major hopes for his future. He wants to start an art studio and workshop, making jew-

artist, a painter and jewellery craftsman.

Pursuing a diploma in painting and minoring in jewellery art at the ER Burrowes School of Art, the young artist has set his eyes on opening a studio where people can get a glimpse of this eye-catching pieces - most of which strive to capture the Indigenous culture, tradition and way of life.

In an interview with Guyana Times, the 21-year-old reflected on his humble beginning back in his village, where he first realised his gift. It was his father, a sculptor, who was the primary influence that sparked his passion to pursue a career in this discipline.

“I was born and raised by both parents and being taught how to be content in every little thing we can get a hold of to survive in this world the brought us into. Being the second child of one brother and four sisters had sought me to realise that art is my gift,” said Scipio.

The young man explained that throughout his early years, he was always drawn to art, exploring new techniques and trying to perfect his work. Even with limited resources, he persisted. And through

level with not flying colours but it was great experience having the opportunity to pass through that stage of life. I started sketching from my early childhood, and nature was my major inspiration.”

Even though this was the break he always wanted, the budding artist said he moved to the capital city where he took some time to adjust, but this did not stop him from sharing his masterpieces and expressing himself in the most authentic way.

“Major challenges I encountered was the lack of art supplies to continue exploring art styles and getting used to Georgetown lifestyle, because it is different from where I come from. My art styles help me to share my life’s story and make sense of the world around me. I express my thoughts in painting, drawing and jewellery to be realism, expressionism and surrealism artist,” Owen told this publication.

As he continues to study and share his art forms, the artisan has developed a theme: “Faith Through Art”. His works feature vibrant colours, realistic details and form an indelible imprint on the audience.

With the COVID-19 pandemic proving to be a

ellery, leather crafts and paintings. He also plans on teaching at the Annai Secondary School and then

Artist Owen Scipio

help you can always find your potential, you can never see alone. Last but not least, always be grateful to the almighty for giving us life to continue our purpose in this life.”

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FEATURE

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The Indigenous and Nature

An enduring organic relationship I

ndigenous culture, unlike others, is a process of accommodation with nature.

Their concern for ecology and the environment, and the balance of nature, is part of their belief system.

Ecology is woven seamlessly into the fabric of their culture.

Everything in the forest and the surrounding area has a role to play in the overall scheme of things and nothing is wasted.

They live in harmony with nature and do not adulterate the landscape or endanger plants or wildlife. One example: they once hunted fish for survival only until they were confronted with a market economy when their entire cultural landscape changed.

Their rich indigenous heritage and culture greatly impacted others. Many of the technological contributions of their societies have already been recognised by the native terminology, which has also entered our culture. In Guyana, quite a number of native products became current only after the Europeans and other immigrants settled on the coast: pepperpot, hammocks, balata,

medicinal herbs, íte palms, and troolie leaves (for thatching roofs).

In their widely differing environments, indigenous peoples adapted and produced a stream of unique inventions, each one a distinct response to a local necessity: asphyxiating fish with ground leaves and roots of specific plants in the absence of hooks and nets, for example, or bending twigs to mark a trail or preventing one from getting lost in the forest and to mark their route.

It was through these bent

twigs in Guyana and an indigenous line as a guide, that the cattle trail was cut (1916-1920) from Surama in the Rupununi to Takama in Berbice. Also, these bent twigs helped explorers find their way in the dense jungles and, enabled the discovery of many Amazonian tribes, bringing them to civilisation.

Some indigenous persons can be superb mimics of animals and bird sounds. They can mislead even the jaguar. They bring the yarrow fish to the surface, for instance, through a slow seducing whistle, and can even reproduce

the mating call of the tapir. They bring other fish to the surface by splashing the water in such a way to mimic the falling of ripened seeds. They showed settlers a range of dishes based from the forest plants and animals, e.g., food from root crops like cassava and yams, and oil from turtle eggs.

Their intimate knowledge of forest resources is extensive and remarkable. They can recognise medicinal properties in hundreds of plants – knowledge that is a priceless resource of the rainforest. From oral contraception to insect repellent, scientists are still to analyse the scientific properties of Amazonian plants. Armed with the knowledge of thousands of medicinal plants, shamans and piaimen fought goitre, headaches, malaria, constipation and other illnesses. Ipecac from Amazonian roots cured amoebic dysentery. Quinine from the cinchona bark cured malaria.

Curare killed without affecting the heart. These medicinal plants were eagerly sought by the early colonists to supplement the old world’s pharmacies.

Apart from introducing the benefits of forest resources to the world, the indigenous’ greatest contribution to modern Guyana was the help they gave to colonists and subsequent coastlanders in penetrating and understanding its hinterland.

All expeditions into the heart of the country and beyond relied on indigenous skills as guides, hunters, boat hands, woodsmen or canoers knowing every treacherous rapid, jungle trail, mountain, hill, tree, cataract or waterfall. Indeed, it was these expeditions that opened Guyana to its non-indigenous settlers and showed the riches of the interior –

forest products, minerals, natural scenes and other phenomena that brought tourists.

Text provided by overseasbased Guyanese author, Lal Balkaran - MBA, FCPA, FCGA, FCMA, CGMA. Balkaran worked as a teacher in the Rupununi in the 1970s and travelled throughout the interior. He is the author of “Encyclopaedia of the Guyanese Amerindians”, “A Photojournal of the Guyanese Amerindians”, “The Rupununi - A Visual Journey” and several documentaries including “Historical and Contemporary Georgetown – Guyana’s Heartbeat”. He can be reached at lalbalkaran@rogers.com.

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FEATURE

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Understanding the earliest inhabitants

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here is a well-known saying that goes something like this: “Until lions tell their own stories, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter.” Unlike our knowledge of other nations’ history, little knowledge of the prehistoric story of our first peoples is known or understood among Guyanese, often leading to discrimination and stereotyping.

However, the indefatigable efforts of Jennifer Wishart and others, seek to ensure that Guyana’s indigenous history has its own narrators. For this 2019 Indigenous Heritage Month Sunday edition, Sunday Times Magazine presents the text of “The Prehistoric Warau of Guyana” (1994) by Jennifer E. Wishart More than 7,000 years ago, when the sea was farther inland than it is today, the Warau lived along the edge of the swamps where the waters of the ocean met with the waters of the rivers.

They ate shellfish which fed off of the roots of the mangrove trees (Rhizophora mangle).

Because their diet comprised mainly shellfish, and they lived this way for thousands of years, their

refuse heaps, of various sizes, are found along the northwest coast of Guyana.

We call these refuse heaps, shell mounds.

The Walter Roth Museum has excavated many of these shell mounds. The artefacts recovered from these excavations tell us how the Warau lived between 7,000 and 4,000 years ago.

Postholes in the refuse tell us that the prehistoric Warau lived in rectangular houses, which were probably thatched with the leaves of the ité palm.

They used beeswax torches for light. The women collected the chewed out honeycombs and boiled them to separate the wax from other unwanted materials. Before the wax cooled, it was formed into lumps, and then pressed

lief, there is a ‘light’ shaman, bahanarautu, who travels to the House of Smoke in the East, and a ‘dark’ shaman who is in contact with the spirit of the West, hoarautu. Hoarautu feeds on the blood and flesh of human beings.

Around 5,300 years ago, the Warau invented the dugout canoe on Haimarakabra creek, a tributary of the Moruka river. Stone from the Aruka river was taken to Haimarakabra where it was chipped into the desired tool shapes. These blanks were then taken to Warapoko creek where

Warau fisher family (Photo from Annette & Dave Martins)

into rolls from 30 to 90 centimetres long, and about three to five centimetres thick, like very long candles without wicks.

Strands of ité fibre were wrapped around the rolls and tied, to form external wicks. The wicks were coated with melted wax and the upper end trimmed to complete the abehe, as it is known in the language of the Warau.

The ité palm, also known as the “tree of life”, provided flour for bread.

When felled, a large trough was cut into its trunk and the inside pounded with a wedge-shaped pestle to reduce the mush or pulp. This mush was then squeezed to extract the liquid. Recovery of a basketry awl suggests that the aruhuba (matapi) may have been used for this purpose. The liquid was then strained through ite leaves into small containers, maybe calabashes, and left to settle, after which

the liquid was poured off to reveal the flour.

The larvae of the Rhyncophorus beetle, mo arani, which lays its eggs in the pith of the fallen trunk, provided fats.

From the nearby brackish-water swamps, the Warau gathered protein in the form of shellfish such as crabs, oysters and the Zebra nerite (Puperita pupa). The nerites were put into calabashes of water, and stones, heated in the fire, were dropped into the calabashes until the nerites were boiled into a soup broth, aho. Animals were hunted with spears and bows and arrows, and fish were caught using line sinkers and cadels.

Women wore bead aprons made from grass seeds, while men wore a loin cloth from the bark of the kakaralli tree (Eschweilera spp.). With a stone bark beater, they beat the bark of the tree until it opened up into thin leaves from which the loin cloth was made. Some Warau today use these leaves to roll cigarettes in times of shortage.

Necklaces made from animal teeth were also worn.

Body paint, made from annato (Bixa orellana) mixed with oil from the crabwood tree (Carapa guianensis), protected their bodies from insect pests.

When a Warau died, he was wrapped in his ité hammock and placed in his dwelling with his head towards the West - the Land of the Dead. In Warau be-

they were ground and sharpened on the boulders there, to form proper tools. These tools were then taken back to Haimarakabra where they were used to shape canoes from the numerous Mora trees (Mora excels), which once grew there.

The dugout canoe was the earliest seaworthy vessel. With its invention, it was possible for the islands of the Caribbean to be peopled. Artifacts found in Cuba date at around 5,000 years ago.

Warau means “tribesman” or “kin”. So Warau living at Waramuri, Warapoko and Warapana

may have been related.

Fish traps drawn on the rocks at Waraputa Falls on the Essequibo river also appear on the rocks at Warapoko on the Waini river.

Warauan, which is spoken only by the Warau, is the most ancient of the tribal languages of Guyana.

Unlike the Arawakan (Arawak, Wapisiana) and Cariban (Carib, Akawaio, Arekuna, Waiwai, Makusi, Patamona) languages, its source cannot be traced and the nearest language to it is Timucua, a now extinct language of Florida, in the United States.

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FEATURE

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By Lakhram Bhagirat

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bout one year ago, I was introduced to “tuma pot” and my initial reaction was why you are serving me boiled fish when I would prefer a good pepperpot to pair with my cassava bread. However, what I did not know was that I would enjoy every last bit of it and secretly ask for some more.

I distinctly remember being at St Cuthbert’s Mission’s Heritage Day in 2017 and being forced to try tuma put and I would forever be grateful to my peers who introduced me to the indigenous delicacy. Initially, my ignorance of the dish led me to believe that it could only be made with fish since that was the type I tried. However, I later learnt that tuma pot is not the actual pot rather it is a variety of meat in a pot.

It is prepared using the cassava water as opposed to cassareep. Very similar to the pepperpot, the tuma pot also includes a variety of meat that is used mainly by the Macushi, Wapishana, Patamonas and the other groups indigenous to Guyana. On the other hand, the pepperpot is used mainly by the Arawak people of the Lokono nation.

Not many people are aware of tuma pot because it is not as popular as the pepperpot and every Amerindian village you visit would have its version of the dish but the taste almost remains the same. I have had the opportunity to try tuma pot from four Indigenous villages within Guyana.

The word tuma refers to the meat or fish cooked in kada (cassava water). The kada sauce, as

it is referred to, is less viscous than that of cassareep as well as the colour is much lighter. However, it was explained to me that they both serve the same purpose of preserving the food.

Legend has it that the longer the tuma pot sits, the more intense the flavour is. However, I am yet to experience that since the limited amount of tuma pot I have had was never over a day old.

One of the things that I have learnt is not everyone is capable of preparing the dish since it utilizes the cassava water, which is as deadly as cyanide.

A few years ago, Michael Patterson opened the first Indigenous Restaurant, Tuma Sàlà, in Georgetown and the house special was tuma pot.

He would have explained the process involved in

making a tasty batch of tuma pot.

“To prepare the cassava water, one must follow and carry out the process of extraction in detail in order to have a refined product. After grating the cassava, it is then placed into the matapi to extract the poison – the same process of making the cassareep. The extracted juice, cassava, is potent at this stage and should be treated with all care as it relates to storage, as animals can pass by the kitchen area and sip/drink the liquid. They were many cases where animals – mostly cattle – were found dead after drinking the cassava water.

After the water is extracted, it is then placed into a container and allowed to ‘settle’, eventually forming starch after a while. The settled water is now cooked – refining the sauce for consumption. While cooking, a broth is formed at the top of the boiling water. That portion is scooped off and placed into

another container as the kada sauce. This process can be done to accumulate adequate sauce for the tuma pot. The remaining cassava water is further processed under heat to produce cassareep. This process takes time with fire modulation – meaning not having more or less heat than expected,” Patterson had explained.

Tuma is usually served with cassava bread or farine, depending on the preferences of various indigenous tribes. The Arawaks will use cassava bread, while the Macushi and Wapishana people will use farine. The Warrau will use the fresh cassava bread referred to as “arasuka”. Fresh cassava juice or “belltarie” will be used as the beverage. Other freshly made juices are also served with the tuma including fly, piwari, and parakari – just to name a few.

For me, I had my first tuma pot with the ever-popular fly and cassava bread. Now that it is Indigenous Heritage Month again, you would surely be seeing me getting my tuma pot. I would also encourage you all to try it and thank me later.

(Photos courtesy of Tuma Sàlà Restaurant)

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HEALTH TIPS

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME: PCOS Part 1 “Never choose indifference”

Dr Tariq Jagnarine Fam Medicine, Endocrinology / Diabetes

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ever choose indifference – choose to fight.

This September, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month promotes further research and knowledge of this terrible disease. Affecting as much as 20% of women between the ages of 18 and 44, PCOS is one of the leading causes of poor fertility, and while there currently is no known cure, treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complica-

tions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial disease.

Arm yourself with education about PCOS, and as we continue to learn more, the closer we get to understanding this disease and eliminating it.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels.

Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones.

This hormonal imbalance causes their bodies to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.

PCOS also causes hair growth on the face and body, and baldness. And it can contribute to long-term health problems, like diabetes and heart disease.

Birth control pills and diabetes drugs (which combat insulin-resistance, a PCOS symptom) can help fix the hormonal imbalance and improve symptoms.

Many women have PCOS, but don’t know they have PCOS. In one study, up to 70 percent of women with PCOS hadn’t been diagnosed.

PCOS affects a woman’s ovaries, the reproductive organs that produce estrogen and progesterone — hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. The ovaries also produce a small amount of male hormones called androgens. The ovaries release eggs to be fertilised by sperm. The release of an egg each month is called ovulation.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are produced in the pituitary gland, control ovulation. FSH stimulates the ovary to produce a follicle — a sac that contains an egg — and then LH triggers the ovary to release a mature egg.

PCOS is a “syndrome,” or group of symptoms, that affects the ovaries and ovu-

lation. Its three main features are: * Cysts in the ovaries * High levels of male hormones * Irregular or skipped periods In PCOS, many small, fluid-filled sacs grow inside the ovaries, as the word “polycystic” indicates.

These sacs are actually follicles, each one containing an immature egg. The eggs never mature enough to trigger ovulation. The lack of ovulation alters levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH. Progesterone levels are lower than usual, while androgen levels are higher than usual. Extra male hormones disrupt the menstrual cycle, so women with PCOS get fewer periods than usual.

CAUSES

The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. It is believed that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing

hormones and making eggs normally. * Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation have all been linked to excessive androgen production. * Genes: Studies show that PCOS runs in families.

It’s likely that many genes — not just one — contribute to the condition. * Insulin resistance: Up to 70 percent of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning that their cells can’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone the pancreas produces to help the body use sugar from foods for energy. When cells can’t use insulin properly, the body’s demand for insulin increases. The pancreas makes more insulin to compensate. Extra insulin triggers the ovaries to produce more male hormones. * Obesity is a major cause of insulin-resistance.

Both obesity and insulin-resistance can increase

your risk of contracting type 2 diabetes. * Inflammation: Women with PCOS often have increased levels of inflammation in their bodies. Being overweight can also contribute to inflammation.

Studies have linked excessive inflammation to higher androgen levels.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PCOS

Some women start seeing symptoms around the time of their first period.

Others discover they have PCOS only after they’ve gained a lot of weight, or they’ve had trouble getting pregnant.

The most common PCOS symptoms are: * Irregular periods. A lack of ovulation prevents the uterine lining from shedding every month.

Some women with PCOS get fewer than eight periods a year, or none at all.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

FEATURE

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HEALTH TIPS

FROM PAGE 24

* Heavy bleeding. The uterine lining builds up for a longer period of time, so the periods can be heavier than normal. * Hair growth. More than 70 percent of women with this condition grow hair on their face and body — including on their back, belly, and chest. Excessive hair growth is called hirsutism. * Acne. Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual, and cause breakouts on areas like the face, chest, and upper back. * Weight gain. Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight, or have obesity. * Male pattern baldness.

Hair on the scalp gets thinner, and may fall out. * Darkening of the skin. Dark patches of skin can form in body creases like those on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME: PCOS Part 1 “Never choose indifference” * Headaches.

Hormone changes can trigger headaches in some women.

Having higher-than-normal androgen levels can affect a patient’s fertility and other aspects of their health. * Infertility: To get pregnant, a woman has to ovulate. Women who don’t ovulate regularly don’t release as many eggs to be fertilised. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. * Metabolic syndrome: Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight, or have obesity) Both obesity and PCOS increase your risk for: * High blood sugar * High blood pressure * Low HDL “good” cho-

lesterol * High LDL “bad” cholesterol Together, these factors are called metabolic syndrome, and they increase the risk for: * Heart disease * Diabetes * Stroke * Sleep apnea: This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during

the night, which interrupt sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in women who are overweight — especially if they also have PCOS. The risk for sleep apnea is 5 to 10 times higher in women who have both obesity and PCOS than in those without PCOS. * Endometrial cancer During ovulation, the uterine lining sheds. If

women don’t ovulate every month, the lining can build up. A thickened uterine lining can increase their risk for endometrial cancer. * Depression Both hormonal changes and symptoms like unwanted hair growth can negatively affect a person’s emotions.

Many with PCOS eventually experience depression and anxiety.

DIAGNOSIS

Doctors typically diagnose PCOS in women who have at least two of these three symptoms: * High androgen levels * Irregular menstrual cycles * Cysts in the ovaries

Also, symptoms like acne, face and body hair growth, and weight gain are explored as part of the diagnosis.

A pelvic exam can look for any problems with the ovaries or other parts of the reproductive tract.

Blood tests check for higher-than-normal levels of male hormones, cholesterol, insulin, and triglyceride levels to evaluate the risk for related conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

An ultrasound uses sound waves to look for abnormal follicles and other problems with the ovaries and uterus.

If someone is coping with PCOS or any of its symptoms, they may feel frustrated at times. Taking proactive steps regarding their health can improve their mood as well as reduce their symptoms. “Never choose indifference”.

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Essequibians injured Couple busted with Pensioner struck down by in motorcycle collision over 1kg ganja GLDA pick-up

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75-year-old pedestrian was on Saturday morning struck by a Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) pick-up on the Number 79 Public Road Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Injured is Maria Parboodial of Lot 14 Grant 1802 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne. Reports are that the accident occurred at about 09:00h.

According to Police, the pick-up, PZZ 9759, was driven by a 42-year-old Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice, resident who is employed by the GLDA. Police on Saturday said that the driver claimed that

he was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane at a normal rate of speed when Parboodial walked across the road into the path of the motor pick-up.

The suspect alleged that he swerved to the left to avoid a collision but collided with the pensioner.

As a result, the victim fell to the road’s surface which caused her to receive injuries to her head and body. The driver picked up the victim in a conscious condition and took her to the Skeldon Public Hospital to receive medical treatment.

He has since been taken into custody as investigations continue.

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wo motorcyclists are now hospitalised after their bikes collided in the wee hours of Saturday on the Sparta Public Road, Essequibo

Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The injured men are 21-year-old Japhith Moore of Lima, Essequibo Coast, and 24-year-old Glensroy Stephen of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast.

Police said that at about 03:40h, both motorcycles were proceeding north along the said road, allegedly at a fast rate of speed.

It is alleged by Stephen that Moore rode into the rear of his motorcycle, causing him to lose control, which resulted in both of them falling onto the road and receiving injuries about their bodies.

Both men were picked up in a conscious condition and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where they were admitted for lacerations and other injuries about their bodies.

Further investigations are ongoing.

The 1012 grams of cannabis that were found

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25-year-old female and a 37-year-old male of Martyrs’ Ville, East Coast Demerara, are in Police custody after they were caught with 1012 grams of cannabis.

According to Police, at about 17:30h, ranks from Beterverwagting Station District acting on information received carried out a search on the suspects, one of which was in possession of a black haversack which contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

A search was also conducted on the second sus-

pect but nothing of evidential value was found on his person.

In their presence, the ranks then searched the suspects’ yard and found two black plastic bags which contained a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

They were both told of the offence committed, cautioned and arrested.

The Police officers escorted the suspects to the Beterverwagting Police Station where the suspected cannabis was weighed. They remain in custody pending charges.

NEWS

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Over $1.4M in jewellery, cash stolen from Stabroek Market stall

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hieves carted off with over $1.4 million in cash and jewellery from a Stabroek Market stall after breaking into the market in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

Reports are that three thieves stole a quantity of silver and gold Jewellery valued at $1,400,000; $300,000 and a quantity of wallets and belts valued at $100,000.

One of three suspects was arrested.

Police on Saturday said that the stall owner, a 47-year-old businesswom-

an, secured the premises on Friday afternoon and left.

However, at about 04:30h on Saturday, ranks from the City Constabulary were on foot patrol duty around the Stabroek Market area, when they heard loud banging sounds coming from inside of the market.

Upon opening the gates and entering the market, they observed three males running away through the meat section of the market. The ranks gave chase and apprehended one of the males who dropped a blue-coloured gift bag while

the other two escaped.

A search was carried out on his person by City Police ranks and a transparent plastic bag containing cash and a quantity of gold and silver jewellery was found in his crotch.

The jewellery bag also contained a quantity of silver jewellery.

The suspect was arrested and placed in custody at Brickdam Police Station.

An investigation has since been launched and a hunt is on for the other two suspects.

In July 2018, bandits had carted off $22 million in gold, diamond and silver jewellery after they broke into the popular L Seepersaud Maraj and Sons Jewellery Store located at Stabroek Market.

In that incident, the entire store was ransacked and the vault was torched open.

Three vendors were subsequently charged for the incident.

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Impact of COVID on hinterland communities a concern for Govt – President …$1.7B Amerindian Development Fund could be expanded

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xpressing concern for the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had not only on the health but the livelihood of the Amerindian community, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that the $1.7 Billion Amerindian Development Fund could be expanded.

He was at the time addressing dozens of community leaders in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), where he and a delegation that included his cabinet went to attend the Regional Toshaos Meeting.

According to the President, his government’s interest is in implementing policies that give back, rather than take away from the pockets of the people. In this vein, he spoke of the Amerindian Development Fund which will aim to cushion to effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on them.

“My Government is seriously concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hinterland communities and the economic setbacks it has caused. As such, the government has allocated $1.73 Billion in an investment fund

for your villages, your communities. We did it for you.”

“And we know the impact it will make on your lives and your community. And that is why we give it to you. And once we start to see the returns, we are going to give more to you. Because you deserve it. And you will get it under the People’s Progressive Party government,” President Ali also said.

Guyana’s COVID-19 deaths continue to rise. Just four days into September, 15 persons have died from the virus. Now, the death toll has risen to 640. An updated dashboard showed cases increasing by 183, hiking the total confirmed to 26,295.

An analysis of new cases showed five from Region One (Barima-Waini); 12 in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); 16 in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); 124 in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); five in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); 10

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond during their meeting with the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce

in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne); five in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); one in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and five in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

In his message to Guyana’s first peoples on the occasion of Amerindian Heritage Month 2021 last week, the Head of State had explained that through the injection of resources into the Amerindian Development Fund, the government was stimulating economic projects in Amerindian villages, thereby generating jobs and providing incomes.

He had also promised that the Amerindian Act would be updated, becoming the prin-

cipal legal instrument for the protection of Indigenous peoples’ rights, including guarantees of their entitlement to their lands and rights over those lands.

The updated Act, he had said, would entrench provisions that will promote greater Amerindian inclusion in decision-making and greater integration in national development. It would also outline an enhanced role for Amerindians in the management of their communities and control over their resources, including measures aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development.

During his trip to Region Nine, the President also met with members of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) in Lethem.

During the meeting, the Head of State updated the business community on his government’s plans and programmes for the region.

He also facilitated a question-and-answer segment where he listened to the issues, concerns and suggestions from the business community and offering both short-term and long-term solutions. Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond was also present at the meeting. (G3)

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News

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

Secondary schools will reopen after students are fully vaccinated – Education Ministry

US offshore oil recovery begins with ports, refineries restarting

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S Gulf Coast energy companies on Saturday got a boost from the reopening of ports and restart of oil refineries shut by Hurricane Ida, but damage to key facilities still crimped oil production.

The ninth named storm of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season has cut more US oil and gas production than any of the eight named storms to strike the US Gulf Coast last year. After landfall in Louisiana last Sunday, Ida raced to the US northeast, causing deadly flooding.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc, the largest US Gulf Coast producer, was still evaluating damage to its West Delta-143 offshore platform, which when operating transfers about 200,000 barrels of oil and gas per day from three offshore oil fields.

Shell's work on a replacement heliport needed to ferry offshore continues, Shell said. Damage to its original facility prevented a return of offshore workers to platforms.

Several Louisiana heliports were damaged or without power and access to fuel, slowing crew returns at several major oil producers.

Shell's 230,611 barrel-per-day (bpd) Norco, Louisiana, oil processing plant also remained knocked out by the storm. The refinery sustained damage and assessments continue on its status and at a Geismar, Louisiana, chemical plant, the company said.

The White House this week agreed to provide a combined 1.8 million barrels of crude oil from the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to refiners Exxon Mobil Corp, and Placid Refining Company to produce gasoline.

Nine refineries were knocked offline by Ida's winds and utility power losses. Five, including those owned by Exxon, Placid and Marathon Petroleum Corp, could be back online by within two weeks, estimated Robert Campbell, head of oil products research at consultancy Energy Aspects.

About 21 per cent of offshore platforms remained unoccupied, and 93 per cent of oil production and 86 per cent of natural gas output were offline, Government data released on Saturday showed. Some wells in the Gulf of Mexico, which accounts for about a fifth of US output, could be shut for weeks, analysts said.

Utility Entergy Corp said on Saturday most of Baton Rouge should have power restored by Tuesday, followed by most of New Orleans

by Wednesday. However, areas between the two could be without electricity through month's end. More than 700,000 Louisiana homes and businesses remain without power, according to PowerOutage.com.

US weather forecasters were warning about a new tropical disturbance, expected to move north across the Gulf of Mexico next week that could bring more rains to Louisiana. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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he Education Ministry has reiterated that the re-opening of secondary schools for face-to-face teaching will be based on the national vaccination programme for adolescents across Guyana.

It said in a statement that the advice received from the Health Ministry it is better to allow students to be vaccinated and be fully inoculated before returning to the school’s physical environment.

For an adolescent to be deemed fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine they must receive two doses 21 -28 days apart with an additional seven to 14 days after the second dose to be fully protected. This would mean that the different secondary schools will return to face-to-face instruction on different dates. An example of this would be students of Queen’s College, St Rose’s High School and the

Saturday’s drive-through vaccination exercise at the National Stadium

Bishops’ High School were vaccinated on September 1, 2021. The students there were given September 28th as the date their second dose will be administered.

Therefore, these schools will be reopened within seven to 14 days after the second dose is administered.

According to the Education Ministry, each secondary school will be informed of their respective reopening dates. As it relates to the other levels, the plans that were previously announced stand without variation.

The school term starts on Monday, September 6, 2021. Where schools are not reopening for face-toface instruction, they will be engaged online or otherwise. Parents are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Education’s website to see the reopening plan for the respective schools.

The ministry is encour-

aging as many parents as possible to consent for their children aged 12 to 17 to receive the vaccine which will serve to protect them from the effects of COVID-19.

It is also imploring with parents themselves and teachers who have not yet been vaccinated to get immunised in order to protect each other.

Vaccine drive-thru The Health Ministry on Saturday organised another drive-thru activity at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, in which scores of persons turned up to get their shots.

This time around, the event was opened for the adolescent age group, in keeping with Government’s mandate to enable safe reopening of schools.

Meanwhile, adults also showed up to get their first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Currently, the adoles-

cent vaccination campaign, using the Pfizer jab, is being rolled out across Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Senior Nurse Coordinator at the Ministry, Carol Persaud-Douglas told this publication, “This is to round up all of the adolescents within the Region Four catchment area to be immunized before the reopening of school. We are doing adults who are interested in first and second doses…This morning, it was crowded. We had a very good response.”

These efforts will continue in order to take the country closer to herd immunity.

As it is, over 318,000 persons have been immunized in Guyana and more than 166,000 have been completely vaccinated.

l Salvador's top court has ruled that the country's President can serve two consecutive terms, opening the door for incumbent Nayib Bukele to stand for re-election in 2024.

Issued late on Friday, the ruling was handed down

by Judges appointed by lawmakers from Bukele's ruling party in May after they had removed the previous Justices, a step that drew strong criticism from the United States and other foreign powers.

The constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice ordered the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to enable a President who had not been in office "in the immediately preceding period to participate in the electoral contest for a second occasion."

The electoral tribunal said in a brief statement on Saturday that it would follow the court's instructions.

Bukele's Government has also readied a constitutional reform that aims

to extend the presidential term to six years from five, and include the possibility of revoking the President's mandate, among other steps.

That has yet to go to the Central American country's Congress, which Bukele's party and its allies control.

Bukele, a popular but divisive 40-year-old President, has not commented on the court's ruling.

In 2014, the same court ruled that Presidents would have to wait 10 years after leaving office to be re-elected.

Jose Miguel Vivanco, Executive Director of the Americas division of Human Rights Watch, slammed the court ruling, saying on Twitter that El Salvador was heading down a path taken by Nicaragua and Honduras in allowing Presidents to be re-elected.

"Democracy in El Salvador is on the edge of the abyss," said Vivanco, a critic of Bukele. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Taliban, opposition El Salvador top court fight for Afghan holdout rules Presidents can Beef giant Brazil halts China province of Panjshir serve 2 consecutive terms exports after confirming 2 cases of mad cow disease T E

B

razil, the world's largest beef exporter, has suspended beef exports to its No 1 customer China after confirming two cases of "atypical" mad cow disease in two separate domestic meat plants, the Agriculture Ministry said on Saturday.

The suspension, which is part of an animal health pact agreed between China and Brazil and is designed to allow Beijing time to take stock of the problem, begins immediately, the Ministry said in a statement. China will decide when to begin importing again, it added.

The suspension is a major blow for Brazilian farmers: China and Hong Kong buy more than half of Brazil's beef exports.

The cases were identified in meat plants in the states of Mato Grosso and Minas Gerais, the Ministry said. It said they were the fourth and fifth cases of "atypical" mad cow disease that have been detected in

Brazil in 23 years.

It said "atypical" mad cow disease develops spontaneously and is not related to eating contaminated foods. Brazil has never had a case of "classic" mad cow disease, it said.

The two cases were confirmed on Friday after samples were sent to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) lab in Alberta, Canada, the Ministry said.

The OIE had subsequently been informed of the two cases, in compliance with international norms, the Ministry said.

The Ministry said there was no risk to animal or human health.

Brazil's Government will hope the suspension is lifted quickly. The country's powerful agribusiness sector is one of the main drivers of its long-lagging economy. China is Brazil's top trade partner, and buys vast quantities of its commodities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

aliban and opposition forces battled on Saturday to control the Panjshir Valley north of Kabul, the last Afghan province holding out against the Islamist group, with both sides claiming to have the upper hand without producing conclusive evidence.

The Taliban, which took power in the rest of the country three weeks ago, were never able to control the valley when they last ruled Afghanistan, from 1996 to 2001.

Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi said the districts of Khinj and Unabah had been taken, giving Taliban forces control of four of the province's seven districts. "The Mujahideen (Taliban fighters) are advancing toward the centre (of the province)," he said on Twitter.

But the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, grouping forces loyal to local leader Ahmad Massoud, said it surrounded "thousands of terrorists" in Khawak pass and the Taliban had abandoned vehicles and equipment in

the Dashte Rewak area.

Front spokesman Fahim Dashti added "heavy clashes" were going on.

In a Facebook post, Massoud insisted Panjshir "continues to stand strongly". Praising "our honourable sisters", he said demonstrations by women in the western city of Herat calling for their rights showed Afghans had not given up demands for justice and "they fear no threats".

Earlier, a Taliban source said the group's advance was slowed by landmines placed on the road to the provincial capital, Bazarak.

Emergency, an Italian medical aid organisation, said that during Friday night, Taliban forces had pushed further into the Panjshir Valley, reaching the village of Anabah where the group has a surgical centre and a maternity centre.

It was not immediately possible to get further independent confirmation of events in Panjshir, which is walled off by mountains except for a narrow entrance.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

30

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

England U19s dominate West Indies in first Youth ODI match Jacob Bethell top-scored for England U19

SCOREBOARD

D

espite a three-wicket haul from Guyana’s Isai Thorne, West Indies Under-19 fell to England Under-19s by 166 runs in the first Youth One Day International in England.

Batting first, England posted a strong total of 2899 in 50 overs, with Barbadosborn England youth captain Jacob Bethell top-scoring with 69.

He was well-supported by James Rew, who scored 59, and Alex Horton chipped in with a solid 53.

Thorne ended with 3-51 in 10 overs, while Andel Gordon and McKenny Clarke each had 2-58.

The other Guyanese in the squad, Matthew Nandu, picked up one wicket with his off-spin.

In reply, West Indies Under-19s started well, with Nandu and Anderson Amurdan adding 41 runs.

Amurdan top-scored with 33, while the Guyanese Nandu scored 21.

West Indies lost their way in the chase, being bowled out for 123 in only 29.1 overs. Tom Prest bagged 5-18 in six overs, and Rehad Ahmed supported with 3-22 in a dominant bowling display.

The two teams will return to play on Monday, September 6, from 5:30h Eastern Caribbean time.

England U-19 Innings Tom Prest c & b Gordon 14 Jacob Bethell (c) c Mahase b Thorne 69 William Luxton c †RA Clarke b M Clarke 4 James Rew c †RA Clarke b Gordon 59 George Bell c & b M Clarke 9 Rehan Ahmed c Gordon b Thorne 11 Alex Horton † c M Clarke b Thorne 53 Thomas Aspinwall st †RA Clarke b Depeiza 9 Fateh Singh c Auguste b Nandu 27 Sonny Baker not out 12 Joshua Boyden not out 1 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 18) 21 TOTAL (50 Ov, RR: 5.78) 289/9 Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Tom Prest, 5.4 ov), 2-62 (William Luxton, 10.3 ov), 3-149 (Jacob Bethell, 25.4 ov), 4-168 (James Rew, 29.1 ov), 5-172 (George Bell, 32.2 ov), 6-188 (Rehan Ahmed, 36.1 ov), 7-204 (Thomas Aspinwall, 39.6 ov), 8-256 (Fateh Singh, 45.3 ov), 9-285 (Alex Horton, 49.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Isai Thorne 10-0-51-3 Andel Gordon 7.2-0-45-2 McKenny Clarke 10-1-58-2 Anderson Mahase 8.4-0-53-0 Matthew Nandu 8-0-45-1 Giovonte Depeiza 6-0-35-1 Isai Thorne bagged three wickets

Berbice teams, Demerara, Windies women Essequibo through to level series against Dassy Inter-County finals South Africa 1-1

T

Damodar Daesrath

wo Berbice teams and a Demerara and an Essequibo side are the four sides in the race for trophies and cash incentives in the 2021 Dassy and Friends Promotion white ball Inter-County OneDay tournament being played in Toronto, Canada.

Berbice clashed with Demerara in the Open category 15-over contest, while Essequibo and Berbice tackled each other in the Round-arm category 15over contest. Both matches were played at Keele top in Toronto on Saturday. The action bowled off at 04:30 pm and was set to finish under the lights.

Preceding the finals, there

was an exhibition 10-over match between Leguan Boyz and Apex Predators. The winner was rewarded with a trophy and Cdn$500.

Notably, the one-day extravaganza was played two Saturdays ago, but just after the commencement of the finals, there was a torrential downpour which aborted proceedings.

However, organiser Damodar Daesrath decided to run off the finals last Saturday, weather permitting. The other teams that participated were two Canadian All-Stars, another Demerara and an Essequibo team in the respective categories.

The winning team in the Flick-bowling (open) took home a trophy and Cdn$2,500, while the runners-up collected $500 and a trophy. For the roundarm contest, the victorious side received Cdn$2,000 and a trophy, while the runners-up took home a trophy and Cdn$500. Other prizes were up for grabs.

Daesrath, a former Guyana first-class captain, had said everything was in place for the showdown, and had promised fans great excitement on-field.

T

Karishma Ramharack

he action continued in the CG Insurance T20I Series as the West Indies women defeated South Africa Women by 5 wickets in their third T20I. Batting first, South Africa were able to post only 80-9 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to the bowling brilliance of Karishma Ramharack, who bagged 3-8 from her allotted 3 overs.

She was well supported

by Aaliyah Alleyne with 2-16, Hayley Matthews with 1-9, Anissa Mohammed with 1-15 and Chinelle Henry with 1-13.

The Windies women showed

vast improvement as compared to the second T20I, which they lost by 50 runs. Needing only 81 runs to win, the women in maroon enjoyed their time in the field, ending on 81-5 off 11.5 overs, and scoring at over six runs per over.

Deandra Dottin led the charge with 31, and Kyshona Knight chipped in with 26 to take their team over the line to level the series. Dane van Niekerk had the best bowling figures of 2-8 off 2.5 overs.

Karishma Ramharack was adjudged player of the match for her figures of 3-8.

WEST INDIES UNDER-19S INNINGS (TARGET: 290 RUNS FROM 50 OVERS) Anderson Amurdan b Rehan Ahmed 33 Matthew Nandu run out (Aspinwall) 21 Teddy Bishop c Aspinwall b Singh 15 Ackeem Auguste (c) c †Horton b Prest 11 Rivaldo Clarke † st † Horton b Prest 8 Giovonte Depeiza c Aspinwall b Prest 0 Justin Beckford c Singh b Rehan Ahmed 5 Anderson Mahase c Bethell b Rehan Ahmed 18 McKenny Clarke b Prest 0 Isai Thorne lbw b Prest 0 Andel Gordon not out 0 Extras (nb 1, w 11) 12 TOTAL (29.1 Ov, RR: 4.21) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-41 (Matthew Nandu, 8.1 ov), 2-71 (Teddy Bishop, 14.1 ov), 3-90 (Anderson Amurdan, 17.3 ov), 4-90 (Ackeem Auguste, 18.1 ov), 5-92 (Giovonte Depeiza, 20.2 ov), 6-99 (Rivaldo Clarke, 20.5 ov), 7-118 (Justin Beckford, 25.2 ov), 8-123 (McKenny Clarke, 28.3 ov), 9-123 (Isai Thorne, 28.5 ov), 10123 (Anderson Mahase, 29.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Joshua Boyden 4-0-21-0 Sonny Baker 6-1-34-0 Fateh Singh 5-1-28-1 Rehan Ahmed 8.1-1-22-3 Tom Prest 6-2-18-5

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Lizelle Lee c Cooper b Alleyne 9 Dane van Niekerk (c) c Matthews b Henry 0 Marizanne Kapp c †Kycia A Knight b Alleyne 0 Laura Wolvaardt run out (Anisa Mohammed/ †Kycia A Knight) 3 Tazmin Brits c Nation b Matthews 16 Sune Luus c Alleyne b Mohammed 23 Chloe Tryon c Nation b Ramharack 9 Trisha Chetty † c Kyshona A Knight b Ramharack 6 Masabata Klaas not out 12 Ayabonga Khaka b Ramharack 1 Nonkululeko Mlaba not out 1 Extras 0 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 4.00) 80/9 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Dane van Niekerk, 0.4 ov), 2-9 (Lizelle Lee, 1.4 ov), 3-9 (Marizanne Kapp, 1.6 ov), 4-12 (Laura Wolvaardt, 2.4 ov), 5-38 (Tazmin Brits, 7.5 ov), 6-60 (Sune Luus, 13.6 ov), 7-61 (Chloe Tryon, 14.3 ov), 8-69 (Trisha Chetty, 16.4 ov), 9-74 (Ayabonga Khaka, 18.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Chinelle Henry 3-0-13-1 Aaliyah Alleyne 2-0-16-2 Hayley Matthews 4-0-9-1

Qiana Joseph 4-0-19-0 Anisa Mohammed 4-0-15-1 Karishma Ramharack 3-0-8-3 WEST INDIES WOMEN INNINGS (TARGET: 81 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Deandra Dottin run out (Lee/†Chetty) 31 Hayley Matthews c Lee b Khaka 7 Kyshona Knight c †Chetty b van Niekerk 26 Chedean Nation not out 8 Kycia Knight † run out (Kapp/Luus) 0 Britney Cooper c Lee b van Niekerk 0 Chinelle Henry not out 1 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 5) 8 TOTAL (11.5 Ov, RR: 6.84) 81/5 Did not bat: Aaliyah Alleyne, Anisa Mohammed (c), Qiana Joseph, Karishma Ramharack Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Hayley Matthews, 1.1 ov), 2-62 (Deandra Dottin, 7.1 ov), 3-73 (Kyshona Knight, 9.2 ov), 4-76 (Kycia Knight, 10.4 ov), 5-78 (Britney Cooper, 11.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Marizanne Kapp 3-0-17-0 Ayabonga Khaka 2-0-19-1 Nonkululeko Mlaba 1-0-16-0 Masabata Klaas 2-0-17-0 Dane van Niekerk 2.5-0-8-2 Sune Luus 1-0-3-0

31

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2021

Faf du Plessis' blazing 120* snaps St Kitts & Nevis Patriots' winning streak Roston Chase blasted an unbeaten 64

F

af du Plessis' first franchise T20 hundred saw the St Lucia Kings end

duced a near-perfect T20 innings, losing just two wickets as they amassed 224, thanks chiefly to a 60-ball 120 from du Plessis, the third-highest score in CPL history, and a 64 off 31 from Roston Chase.

The Patriots never really got into the chase, and were skittled for 124 despite the best efforts of Evin Lewis, who smashed 73 off 42 to keep the score line somewhat respectable.

The first innings saw

Plessis when he whacked Naseem Shah for two fours and a six in the second over, while Andre Fletcher was canny enough to allow him the lion's share of the strike.

While Fletcher holed out shortly after the powerplay, and Fawad Ahmed outfoxed a stuttering Keron Cottoy, it allowed du Plessis and Chase to come together for a blistering partnership. The last eight overs produced 116 runs, with Dwayne Bravo

Faf Du Plessis celebrating his hundred

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots' perfect start to CPL 2021 by crushing them by 100 runs.

After the St Lucia Kings were put in to bat, they pro-

the Kings refuse to let the Patriots bowlers settle, allowing just 26 dot balls across the entire innings. The tone was set at the top by du

coming in for heavy punishment.

Chase and du Plessis began the late assault with three fours in his 13th over,

before Chase hit full tilt and smashed Bravo for three more fours and a six. The most prolific wicket-taker in T20 history conceded 50 in 3.2 overs, before leaving the field with a groin injury.

Dominic Drakes completed the over, but he was expensive as well, leaking 40 runs in 2.4 overs. Naseem was then dispatched for 21 in the final over, as the Kings piled up 224.

The Patriots needed all their big guns to fire, but were hampered through the first five overs, during which just 28 were scored. By that time, Devon Thomas and Chris Gayle had both perished without making a significant dent in the target.

There was enough time for Chase to bowl a maiden over to Evin Lewis, but, in the end, the opener was the only one who kept the flame flickering for his side.

He caught fire around the sixth over, and, in no time at all, a combination of ordinary bowling and searing ball-striking saw him bring up his half-century in 25 balls - as many as it had taken du Plessis. The asking rate, though, never really came down below 12, and support from the other end was lacking.

Ravi Bopara scored just

4 off 13 balls in a 60-run partnership, while Sherfane Rutherford and Fabian Allen didn't hang around long enough.

Once Lewis fell, Keemo

Paul and Alzarri Joseph ran through the lower order, taking three wickets each as the Kings gave their spirits - and their net run-rate - a huge boost. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD ST LUCIA KINGS INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) Andre Fletcher † c Drakes b Allen 23 Faf du Plessis (c) not out 120 Keron Cottoy st †Thomas b Fawad Ahmed 10 Roston Chase not out 64 Extras (b 1, nb 1, w 5) 7 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 11.20) 224/2 Did not bat: Tim David, Samit Patel, Keemo Paul, Wahab Riaz, Jeavor Royal, Alzarri Joseph, Kesrick Williams Fall of wickets: 1-76 (Andre Fletcher, 7.2 ov), 2-100 (Keron Cottoy, 10.4 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sheldon Cottrell 3-0-39-0 Naseem Shah 4-0-45-0 Fabian Allen 3-0-26-1 Dominic Drakes 2.4-0-40-0 Dwayne Bravo 3.2-0-50-0 Fawad Ahmed 4-0-23-1 ST KITTS AND NEVIS PATRIOTS INNINGS (TARGET: 225 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Devon Thomas †c Royal b Joseph 2 Evin Lewis c Cottoy b Paul 73 Chris Gayle c †Fletcher

b Joseph 14 Ravi Bopara lbw b Chase 4 Sherfane Rutherford c Cottoy b Williams 11 Fabian Allen c †Fletcher b Wahab Riaz 5 Dominic Drakes c Cottoy b Paul 3 Sheldon Cottrell c Williams b Paul 0 Naseem Shah b Joseph 5 Fawad Ahmed not out 0 Dwayne Bravo (c) absent hurt Extras (lb 1, w 6) 7 TOTAL (16.5 Ov, RR: 7.36) 124 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Devon Thomas, 0.4 ov), 2-22 (Chris Gayle, 2.6 ov), 3-82 (Ravi Bopara, 9.1 ov), 4-97 (Sherfane Rutherford, 11.1 ov), 5-116 (Fabian Allen, 14.3 ov), 6-118 (Evin Lewis, 15.2 ov), 7-119 (Sheldon Cottrell, 15.4 ov), 8-120 (Dominic Drakes, 15.6 ov), 9-124 (Naseem Shah, 16.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Alzarri Joseph 3.5-0-27-3 Wahab Riaz 3-0-16-1 Roston Chase 3-1-25-1 Keemo Paul 3-0-23-3 Kesrick Williams 3-0-25-1 Tim David 1-0-7-0

NSC to provide physiotherapy and Rose Hall Canje CCCC psychological services for athletes/federations congratulates Thorne T on WI U19 selection

T

he executive and members of the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre Cricket Club have extended congratulations to Isai Thorne as he becomes the first cricketer from the club to represent the West Indies at the Under-19 level at the age of only 16 years.

Thorne is rated as one of the fastest bowlers of his generation. Currently in England with the West Indies U19 squad and fellow Guyanese Matthew Nandu to play six youth ODIs against England U19, the right-arm pacer had a solid start with the ball, picking up 3-51 in 10 overs.

“The members of our club send best wishes to Thorne and Nandu, as not only is our club proud of you, but the entire Berbice. Rose Hall Canje CCCC extends best wishes to the West Indies U19 team on their tour”, the club’s message read.

WEST INDIES U-19 FULL SQUAD: Ackeem Auguste (Captain), Giovonte Depeiza (Vice-Captain), Onaje Amory, Anderson Amurdan, Justin Beckford, Teddy Bishop, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, McKenny

Clarke, Rivaldo Clarke, Nathan Edward, Andel Gordon, Sion Hackett, Justin Jagessar, Johann Layne, A n d e r s o n M a h a s e , M a t t h e w Nandu, Isai T h o r n e , Vasant Singh

FULL MATCH SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 4: 1st Youth ODI – Beckenham M o n d a y , September 6: 2nd Youth –

Beckenham Wednesday, September 8: 3rd Youth ODI – Beckenham F r i d a y , September 10: 4th Youth ODI – Canterbury Tuesday, September 14: 5th Youth ODI – Canterbury F r i d a y , September 17: 6th Youth ODI – Canterbury

he National Sports Commission (NSC) will soon embark on bringing about a structured approach to providing physiotherapy and psychological services to athletes and federations.

This revelation was made by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle on Saturday, while sharing that in an effort to minimise injuries and bolster the psyche of local athletes, the expertise of Sports Psychologist Noelle Smith and Physiotherapist Eliecer Ducasse Ramiez of Cuba will be made available to athletes and federations.

The pair have been employed at the NSC for the past three years, but, according to Ninvalle, their knowledge and expertise have not been maximised to its fullest potential because of poor supervision.

“Well, the National Sports Commission is trying to maximise the uses of the professionals that we have within the Commission, and we would have had a psychologist and a physiotherapist who, in my mind, both have not been used to their full potential,” the Director of Sport said.

“Matter of fact, not many sporting organizations, Federations and Associations in the country know that they actually exist, or there is a psychologist or physio that could assist them. We would have recently had several teams leaving to represent Guyana overseas, and we just saw it fit, prudent, that if we have those

resources within the NSC, that we allow it to be used by the people of Guyana,” Ninvalle explained.

Smith was recently dispatched to work with sportsmen and women in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and according to Ninvalle, a structured approach will be taken to offer their services to Guyana’s sporting fraternity.

Ninvalle divulged, “Ms. Smith has started working with athletes in Region Ten, and we plan on having quite a structured approach, whereby we will be calling in the Associations and Federations to actually see how we can schedule.”

Explaining the process by which they hope to execute the programme, the DoS said, “Maybe one day a week we deal with badminton, powerlifting, weightlifting and maybe football.

I mean hypothetically speaking.

But we’ll be creating a schedule, so each and every association right across the 83,000 square miles of Guyana will be serviced.

“So, in bringing structure to it, we will maximise their expertise, and the athletes and the federations will benefit from that,” he added.

Smith and Ramiez will start to work with the 12 core sport disciplines: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Volleyball, Swimming, Squash, Hockey, Rugby, Tennis, Table Tennis, Cricket and Football. All other disciplines will be worked with also.

Ninvalle then added that psychology and physiotherapy

are fundamentals for athletes around the world. “So, more or less, Guyana is now playing catch-up,” he said.

“As the Honourable Minister Charles Ramson Jr. would have said, there is, and there will be, a change in how sport is administered from the view of the National Sports Commission, and this is part and parcel of us doing that,” the Director of Sport highlighted in giving another reason why this initiative will be started.

He concluded by stating: “We are making it known that we now have a structured approach open to each and every sport discipline in Guyana.”

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

guyanatimesgy.com

G

uyana Amazon Warriors sealed a comprehensive win over the Barbados Royals in their 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) encounter, thanks to a phenomenal 105* from Chandrapaul Hemraj.

Barbados Royals won the toss and captain Jason Holder chose to bat, but his side were undone firstly by spin, as Imran Tahir took three early wickets, before a series of run outs and late wickets from Romario Shepherd restricted them to 130 all out.

The Warriors started off their innings briskly, Hemraj dominating an opening Imran Tahir picked up three wickets in one over

in the Powerplay. Barbados Royals’ bowling attack had no answer for Hemraj’s quickfire innings, his maiden T20 century coming off 56 balls.

The win will no doubt be a confidence booster for the Amazon Warriors, who now have six points in the Hero CPL league standings.

Barbados Royals remain bottom of the standings after this defeat. (CPL)

All the Royals batsmen, including Phillips, struggled

ets. Gudakesh Motie supported with some economical bowling, while Shepherd used pace to get the crucial wickets of Azam Khan and Holder. There were also three run-outs in the innings.

Amazon Warriors had a comfortable chase in the end, winning with more than five overs to spare. As

A confident innings from Hemraj

partnership of 103 runs with Brandon King before King fell to Nyeem Young. Shoaib Malik then came in to consolidate, while Hemraj went in search of his century, which he reached with his fifth maximum of the day, sparking wild celebrations.

Barbados Royals had begun slowly, as Shai Hope and Johnson Charles tried to build a platform, but veteran spinner Imran Tahir sent the side into disarray with three quick wick-

A moment to savour

Motie bowled a tight spell of 1-15

Hemraj took the onus to pile on the runs, his partner King faced only six balls

SCOREBOARD Royals Innings Johnson Charles c King b Imran Tahir 23 Shai Hope c & b Moti-Kanhai 22 Smit Patel lbw b Imran Tahir 0 Glenn Phillips c & b Imran Tahir 1 Raymon Reifer run out (Sinclair/†Pooran) 22 Azam Khan † c King b Shepherd 28 Jason Holder (c) c King b Shepherd 9 Nyeem Young not out 11 Ashley Nurse c Imran Tahir b Smith 1 Jake Lintott run out (†Pooran/Shepherd) 2 Oshane Thomas run out (Shepherd) 0 Extras (b 5, lb 3, w 3) 11 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 6.50) 130 Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Johnson Charles, 4.1 ov), 2-26 (Smit Patel, 4.2 ov), 3-28 (Glenn Phillips, 4.6 ov), 4-62 (Shai Hope, 10.2 ov), 5-80 (Raymon Reifer, 13.2 ov), 6-112 (Azam Khan, 17.2 ov), 7-114 (Jason Holder, 17.6 ov), 8-116 (Ashley Nurse, 18.4 ov), 9-124 (Jake Lintott, 19.2 ov), 10-130

(Oshane Thomas, 19.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Chandrapaul Hemraj 1-0-2-0 Romario Shepherd 4-0-33-2 Imran Tahir 4-0-34-3 Gudakesh Motie 4-0-15-1 Odean Smith 4-0-22-1 Kevin Sinclair 2-0-14-0 Mohammad Hafeez 1-0-2-0 GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS INNINGS (TARGET: 131 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Brandon King lbw b Young 19 Chandrapaul Hemraj not out 105 Shoaib Malik not out 8 Extras (w 4) 4 TOTAL (14.2 Ov, RR: 9.48) 136/1 Did not bat: Mohammad Hafeez, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (c)†, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-103 (Brandon King, 10.2 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Oshane Thomas 2-0-25-0 Jason Holder 2-0-24-0 Raymon Reifer 1-0-10-0 Jake Lintott 2-0-20-0 Ashley Nurse 4-0-25-0 Nyeem Young 3.2-1-32-1

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