Guyana Times - Thursday April 29, 2021

Whiptail well next drilling target for ExxonMobil Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4632

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Govt to toughen penalties for COVID-19 breaches – President Ali …to focus on holding business owners accountable, stiffer fines …mulls implementing vaccine passport See story on page 3

Sharon’s 4-storey building gutted by fire Page 2

Berbice man stabs lover to neck, commits suicide Page 15

2 more COVID-19 deaths, 137 new cases recorded

GuyOil officials removed amid alleged fuel racket Page 16

P14

Page 14

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Support for victims of West Berbice unrest being P11 examined – Ali

P11 Soldier dies after crashing into pedestrian, car

Construction worker dies P10 after falling from 6-storey building

Protest action called by Union unnecessary P8 – GPL …says it’s committed to negotiation

$92M living P9 quarters for judicial officers commissioned in Berbice Tremendous P7 investment opportunities in oil & gas supply chain – Ashni Singh APNU/AFC P16 driving fear, has no interest in country’s development – President

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sharon’s 4-storey building gutted by fire

By Feona Morrison

W

ith over 20 firefighters and about seven fire tenders at the scene, what had appeared to be a small fire spiralled out of control on Wednesday evening and completely destroyed Sharon’s Mall at Lot 154 King and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown. The massive blaze destroyed several businesses located inside the four-storey building.

The fire was reported to the Central Fire Station just after 17:00h. That station is a stone’s throw from the Mall.

Firefighters responded immediately, but when they arrived, the third and fourth

A small amount of smoke billowing when the Fire Service responded about 17:00h

floors of the building were engulfed in thick smoke, and

persons were ordered to evacuate the building. Some busiThe entire building engulfed in flames

ness owners were, however, reluctant to do so, as they insisted on going back inside to save their belongings.

At around 18:00h, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn arrived at the scene. In an interview with the media,

rived and disconnected electricity from the building. As persons who owned businesses in the mall got word about the fire, they arrived at the scene.

Many of them were overheard criticising the Fire

Business owners emptying their stores at Sharon’s Mall

he said that at around 11:00h on Wednesday, staffers on one of the floors smelled smoke.

“They didn’t react to it, and maybe they presumed that it was just a passing thing. But somewhere around four-thirty, five, the fire broke out.”

Minister Benn explained that the building is a steel and concrete structure with drop ceilings, and the fire was moving slowly along the reticulation.

“And that is what is making it difficult. It is difficult but they [the firefighters] are working at it.”

Billows of thick smoke consumed the third and fourth floors of the building, and at around 19:00h, those floors burst into flames.

The ravaging fire quickly spread through various parts of the structure, the stubborn blaze sending nearby power lines sparking. Glass windows on the building shattered within seconds, falling to the ground, while burnt materials from the building blew into the air, sending persons, even the firefighters, running for cover.

The intensity of the blaze made it very difficult for firefighters to enter the building, and they had to continue their battle with the raging fire outdoors. The third and fourth floors burnt for over one and a half hours even as firefighters poured water on the building.

Shortly after several utility poles began sparking in the area, a crew from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) ar-

Service for its handling of the blaze.

“The fire was very small, was bare smoke, and after they [the firefighters] took so long, that is why the smoke and fire decided to start spreading. I think this could have been avoided if they had worked faster.”

“The firefighters came prompt, but they didn’t have any water,” one of them expressed.

hydrants and canals in the area were utilised. At around 21:00h, firefighters were still trying to contain the blaze, which lit up the night sky. With the aid of long steel ladders, the firefighters climbed onto nearby buildings to douse the structure with water.

By then the only thing left standing was the building’s steel frame. There were no reports of anyone being injured in the fire.

Firefighters were able to stop the inferno from spreading to nearby businesses, some of which were scorched on the outside. Several iconic buildings, such as the Supreme Court and City Hall, are located in close proximity to Sharon’s Mall.

Although the cause of the fire was not immediately known, it is suspected to be electrical in origin. Losses are estimated in the millions of dollars.

Minister Benn disclosed that there are several issues to be examined with the construction of the building, including the use of fire alarms, the provision of a sprinkler system, and other fire safety measures. He underscored the need for such safety measures once build-

Onlookers gathering at the barricade along King Street, Georgetown on Wednesday evening

At around 20:00h, it seemed like the firefighters had contained the blaze. But there was more to come. A mighty fire began consuming the second floor of the mall, and within seconds, the entire building was engulfed.

From the outside, it was unclear to determine whether the first floor was also burning.

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force were also on the scene ensuring the smooth flow of traffic. Several fire

ings “get over a couple of floors high.”

From all indications, it appears as though none of these fire prevention measures was in place. Several parts of Charlotte, King, and Regent Streets and Avenue of the Republic were closed for the firefight.

Sharon’s Mall housed several boutiques, makeup studios, snackettes, and law offices. Scores of persons lined the streets of Georgetown to witness the fire.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, April 29 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, April 30 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, April 29 – 05:40h-07:10h and Friday, April 30 – 06:25h-07:55h.

Govt to toughen penalties for COVID-19 breaches – President Ali …to focus on holding business owners accountable, stiffer fines …mulls implementing vaccine passport

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers are expected during the day and into the night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to North NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 18:23h reaching a maximum height of 2.71 metres.

Low Tide: 11:55h reaching a minimum height of 0.30 metre.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

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President Dr Irfaan Ali

s Government looks to ramp up enforcement of the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols in light of spiking cases and deaths, efforts are underway to review the laws with the aim of toughening the penalties for those who are caught breaching the measures.

“The fines are inadequate, and I’ve asked the Attorney General Anil Nandlall, indeed, to relook at the laws to see how we can have amendments that can speak to the seriousness of what we’re dealing with. So that is ongoing,” President Irfaan Ali told a news conference on Wednesday.

Currently, the fines for COVID-19 breaches range between $5,000 and $16,000.

In recent weeks, the Guyana Police Force has charged scores of persons for these breaches.

During Wednesday’s press briefing, however, President Ali pointed out that the Government would be shifting its focus from prosecuting citizens who partake in social gatherings that breach the COVID-19 guidelines to now prosecuting the owners of those social venues.

“I’ve asked the Prime Minister [Mark Phillips, who is heading the National COVID-19 Taskforce] to discuss with the Taskforce how we now shift the focus on the owners of these facilities and the managers of these facilities. So, if the owners and managers allow these breaches at their facilities, then they’ll be charged to the full extent of the law,” the Head of State stressed.

This is in keeping with a previous commitment by Government for businesses to face the “full brunt of the law” for breaching the guidelines.

In fact, a series of enforcement exercises has already saw several managers and owners of popular bars and night spots in Georgetown being charged and fined.

As at Wednesday, Guyana has some 12,963 confirmed cases, with 1,600 of them currently active, while the country’s death toll from the pandemic is now at 293. April has been the worst month of the pandemic outbreak in the country, recording the highest number of cases and deaths thus far.

In light of this, there have been calls for the national curfew, which is now from 22:30h (10:30pm) to 04:00h (4 am) to be extended.

However, President Ali has said there is no need for this.

“Based on all of the advice I’ve received, and the Taskforce would’ve debated and deliberated, there is no need for the adjustment of the curfew. We’ve made it very clear: You can lock this country down forever, every day and every night, but if people don’t adhere to the guidelines and protocols, you’re not doing anything,” he posited.

Reckless and irresponsible behaviour

On this note, the Head of State expressed his disappointment over the recklessness and irresponsibility of persons who continue to flout the COVID-19 guidelines. As such, he posited that there is greater need now for the enforcement of the measures and adherence.

“We thought good sense would prevail, but it hasn’t from the population in the way they treat the pandemic – their behaviour and actions… Guyanese [need] to understand that their lives matter, and the lives of their family members matter, and the lives of people in their communities matter; and they cannot be this reckless,” he contended.

“So yes, you will see

stronger enforcement [and] enhancement of that enforcement. We’re now going to add more boots on the ground from the army and the Police to support the enforcement, and we’re going to put more resources into this. But the irresponsibility of some is costing us, because we now have to put more resources on this aspect of the pandemic when we could’ve used those resources either on the

public education and information aspect or in mainstream healthcare.”

Only in February, Government rolled out its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, and the programme has aggressively picked up since. To date, over 128,000 persons have received their first dose, while 2,900 persons are now fully vaccinated.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 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

Autism: Understanding and support

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pril is Autism Awareness Month. As the world continues to be roiled by the COVID-19 pandemic, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres was keen to note on World Autism Awareness Day 2021: “We must ensure that a prolonged disruption caused by COVID-19 does not result in rollbacks of the rights of people with autism.”

According to the UN, “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and heightened glaring inequalities around the world, especially when it comes to income and wealth distribution, access to health care, protection under the law, and political inclusion. Persons with autism have long faced many of these inequalities, which have only been further exacerbated by the pandemic. It’s a problem made worse by long recognised discriminatory hiring practices and workplace environments that present major obstacles for persons with autism; all of which contribute to the unemployment or severe underemployment of a large majority of adults on the autism spectrum”.

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is characterised by challenges with social skills and communication, and by repetitive behaviour, so many living with ASD have difficulty finding employment, and keeping employment if they do find a job.

The 2021 World Autism Awareness Day theme, “Inclusion in the Workplace: Challenges and Opportunities in a PostPandemic World”, highlights this issue.

This year, the main global event is the virtual forum on Thursday, April 8 “that will include moderated panel discussions with individuals on the autism spectrum who have themselves experienced the challenges and seen…new opportunities in the employment market”, organisers say.

Around the world, every year on World Autism Awareness Day, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes, and communities are lit up with light blue lights in recognition of people living with autism. This symbolic gesture was intended to unite the world to shine a light on autism and increase greater understanding and acceptance for children, individuals, and families across the globe. What’s more, World Autism Awareness Day goes one step further to celebrate the unique talents of those with autism, while putting a huge focus on the warm embrace and welcome that these skills deserve through community events around the globe. World Autism Awareness Day can trace its roots back to November 1, 2007, when the UN first requested that a day be established as World Autism Day. A resolution to this effect was passed on December 18, 2007, and Autism Awareness Month grew out of World Autism Awareness Day. So there has been much progress on raising awareness and improving lives in the 14 years since. As more people become aware of the autism, more parents reach out for answers. More awareness leads to more knowledge and greater visibility. More people who are not living with autism learn to accept and respect people who are.

But World Autism Awareness Day also puts a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism – and others living with autism – face every day, and these have not gotten any less challenging. While, as a growing global health issue, autism is an issue that is only gaining more understanding owing to its increasing exposure in the press, more challenges, like COVID-19, are cropping up.

As reflected in the name, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder vary greatly in terms of the level and type of impairment. Current statistics suggest that approximately 1 in 88 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high, and the lack of understanding has a tremendous impact on the individuals, their families, and communities. Further, stigmatisation and discrimination associated with neurological differences remain substantial obstacles to diagnosis and therapy, an issue that must be addressed by both public policymakers in developing nations as well as donor countries.

While there are several local companies which already make autism causes a part of their corporate responsibility, there are many who have not yet jumped on board. They should consider doing so, and doing more. Autism is real; it affects us all. Those affected by autism need not only our understanding, but our support. More importantly, those on the spectrum deserve our understanding and support.

Granger’s state of mind – amnesia, denial or rebellion?

Dear Editor, I am revisiting a very detailed letter, “It is time for former President, David Granger, to come out of hiding,” (Kit Nascimento published on Feb 13, 2021) as I want to establish the kind of character this David Granger has become, or maybe this was how he has always been.

Let us remember that Kit Nascimento was right in the centre of the People’s National Congress (PNC) since time immemorial, so he is speaking from a very intimate position. I mean, he knows what he is saying.

In the letter, it was pointed out that former President David Granger was still refusing to acknowledge the results of the March 02 Elections, even though, during the post March 02 saga, he made the claim repeatedly that, “as President of Guyana and Leader of the Government, it is my policy that any declaration which comes from the Chairman of GECOM would be recognised by the Coalition Government.”

So, what is happening even now? I ask this question in the light of the April 26 court ruling, in which the Opposition APNU+AFC (A Partnership For National Unity+Alliance For Change) emphatically lost its bid to invalidate the national recount of ballots, which was undertaken by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) following last year’s contentious General and Regional Elections.

I add that the actual GECOM work, which was disrupted by Granger and his lackeys, would have culminated in a declaration, and there would have been no reason for a recount.

The acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire, SC, dismissed the petition filed on behalf of the coalition, ruling that both Section 22 of the Election Laws Amendment Act (ELAA) and Order 60 which facilitated the recount are well within the ambit of the Constitution, and therefore lawful.

She made it clear that GECOM is empowered to conduct the recount. By the way, the said recount was to aid and abet APNU+AFC’s delay of the inevitable; that is, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) victory.

So, what now and next?

I guess it’s the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Why do I say this? Well, Editor, Granger’s anthem has never changed. He has always been with the tune of “submit to the rule of law”, and yet he keeps flouting the constitution - Opposing the No Confidence Motion, and then, when that was passed by the CCJ, acting as though the Government was still in normal mode; Appointing (rtd.) Justice James Patterson as GECOM Chairman (CCJ overturned this as well); departing from due legal processes with respect to the tabulation of Statements of Poll (SOPs) which led to the recount; desperately seeking

to thwart the declaration generated by the recount; and now, finally, challenging the recount (which I assume will be dealt a final blow if he goes to the CCJ).

From this kind of record, what must I make of David Granger? My answer is that he needs professional help.

He is far removed from reality, to the point he seems to be medically deemed ‘sick.’

In modern psychology, ‘denialism’ refers to a person's (deliberate and willful) choice to deny reality.

This is a reaction to seek to counter or avoid a psychologically uncomfortable truth. Denialism is medically described as “…an essentially irrational action that withholds the validation of a historical experience or event when a person refuses to accept an empirically verifiable reality.”

March 02, 2020 Elections qualify for this “validation of a historical experience or event” that was an “empirically verifiable reality.”

My forementioned list of Granger’s denial and outright refusal of reality proves my case.

What has happened in all likelihood is that, so entrenched is Granger in his failure to accept and reconcile himself to actualities, he has now led to his decline to the point where he is a victim of his self-created denial.

David Granger has now indeed chalked up a most vitiated history and besmirched profile: ‘over and over and over ad infinitum’ he keeps saying that

he’s innocent of his party’s brazen many attempts to rig the 2020 Guyana Elections, starting from the Statements of Poll for District Four by Clairmont Mingo, which was aided and abetted by Keith Lowenfield and Roxanne Myers.

Even now, he is using his chief mouthpiece, Joseph Harmon, to lead the charge to keep Guyana in a state of unrest.

In a recent APNU/ AFC live programme, Public Interest on April 23, Granger noted that his absence from the public eye was because he was busy doing groundwork, and had to review what happened in 2020 in order to move ahead.

The world knows what happened, and final pronouncements have been made. So, what is it with him?

Granger is in the clouds. He was saying on the programme that he believes other parties will join the coalition and the APNU+AFC is going to expand. He even posited that the coalition is the only party in Parliament that offers equality in terms of representation. The semblance of a protest following the CJ’s ruling hopefully will send a ‘wake up’ message that ANU+AFC will soon become inconsequential. What Granger, Harmon and the APNU+AFC overall should do is to officially recognise and accept the PPP/C as the legitimate Government and seek a refacing.

Dear Editor, The statement of the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, to supporters following the ruling of the Chief Justice on Elections Petition No. 88 is replete with double-speak, sinister in its implications, and is a subtle call for violent reprisals in its intent.

Assailed by the economic downturn that made thousands jobless and caused great business loss, citizens of every community are in survival mode, not receptive to inflammatory rhetoric that would negatively impact all the support systems the current Government is rolling out to improve extant living conditions of the masses and to enhance their

potential to achieve upward mobility for themselves and offspring.

However, there would always be misguided persons who are content to wallow in their impoverished state in order to empower and enrich their corrupt leaders.

The rabble that strove to create mayhem in the streets of Georgetown after the court handed down its decision was obviously amassed in preparation and expectation of the judgement that was delivered; which, in the eyes of any intelligent person, was in accordance with constitutional imperatives.

But the rambunctious elements that rampaged in the city after the Judge’s ruling were influenced and manip-

ulated by their uncaring, destructive, lawless leaders in efforts to create a breach of the peace and provoke the Police into retaliatory action to precipitate a tsunami of violence in the nation, without caring about their health in this deadly pandemic. Their intent and objective are the PNC brand of politics: of violent aggression that is meant to bring the PPP/C President and Government to their knees and jeopardise the development/empowerment /enrichment programmes President Irfaan Ali and his Government are rolling out countrywide. And race-baiting’s always their preferred strategy.

Harmon's message, with

its covert innuendoes and threats, is not so subtle, as can be deduced from his obvious call to arms.

What form will the PNC's X-13 Plan take this time around? And when, not if, will the rabble-rousers who are misleading their credulous supporters with baseless allegations, misrepresentation of facts and outright lies prevail?

It only takes one person to light a match, or to fire a bullet. Burnham said to the effect that only those who own the dogs can call off the dogs.

So, will the PNC, for once, put the nation first, and call off their "dogs of war?"

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

Irresponsible statements, actions of the Opposition

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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

Positioning Guyana to combat climate change Dear Editor, Optimism is quickly arising across Guyana. And why is that so? It is because of the caption: “Guyana looking to unlock US$135M climate funds by year-end.

“The word from His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali is that, “While our focus is on advancing our economy, it is important and critical to understand that this must be done in a sustainable way.”

What the Guyana Head of State has emphasised here is really a global formula in today’s world of rapid climate

change.

No doubt, we all want to see “Guyana…undergo massive economic transformation,” as President Dr Irfaan Ali has been iterating. In this regard, he noted that the “Government is looking to unlock some US$135 million in climate-related funds that are stalled overseas by the end of this year, to finance Guyana’s sustainable development.”

According to the President, “Guyana will be using the funds it earned for sustaining its rainforests in

Patrick Yarde is confused, or is engaged in deliberate mischief-making Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has noted comments attributed to GPSU President Mr Patrick Yarde regarding the recent agreement between the GAWU and GuySuCo regarding payments owing to workers since 2019.

Mr Yarde is quoted as saying that the “…Government recently responded to protests from workers in the sugar sector by making available $200 million, yet refuses to make a similar consideration for public sector workers.” If the comments are accurately captured, it appears that either Mr Yarde is confused or is engaged in deliberate mischief-making.

For the sake of clarity, the payments approved relate to retroactive payments owing to the workers since 2019. Our Union has long been championing that workers were entitled to the payments, although the former Government and former GuySuCo officials clearly turned a blind eye to the situation. It is one of the many ‘messes’ the new Government has inherited, and had to address. We hope this clears the air on the matter.

GPSU’s Vice President Ms Dawn Gardener is quoted as saying “…there is a well-orchestrated plan to suffocate workers in the Public Sector, and by extension their families. Such acts are inhumane and cruel”. This, of course, is yet another bout of misinformation. It appears Ms Gardener forgot that all State workers were equally treated when they received a bonus at the end of 2020. We fail to see where this well-orchestrated plan, as Ms Gardener puts it, was being advanced.

Clearly it may be a figment of one’s imagination.

We also recognised her talk of ‘inhumane and cruel’.

If Ms Gardener wants to talk about ‘inhumane and cruel’, she should talk about when sugar workers received absolutely no pay improvement during the Coalition’s term in office. Wasn’t that suffocation? Or was it not ‘cruel and inhumane’ when sugar workers had their benefits suspended without rhyme or reason. Certainly, it was

‘inhumane and cruel’ when thousands of sugar workers were pushed onto the breadline when estates were closed without any consideration of the consequences, and the then Government withheld their severance payments.

At no time did Ms Gardener and her Union choose to lend their voices. Maybe their voices were stilled, or they had no concern about the plight of the sugar workers. Whatever was the case, the sugar workers were not daunted, though disappointed that many today who choose to criticise them had not even the scantest of concerns when they faced wanton and naked discrimination.

The GAWU recognises a seeming swipe to convey that sugar workers and the industry do not contribute to the nation’s well-being. We wish to remind that sugar workers contribute positively to the nation, even though the industry faces challenges.

The fact that homes of many Guyanese - public servants included - are not inundated when it rains heavily is because of the efforts of sugar workers, whose sweat ensures that a large section of Guyana is drained.

Similarly, it is the sugar industry which still earns valuable foreign exchange for the nation, and it is the sugar industry that sustains entire stretches of communities in rural Guyana.

While some can choose to ignore those realities, it is a reality that is very much real.

Our Union will continue to stand in defence of sugar workers and all workers. We recognise the efforts of public servants, but do not subscribe to those who seek to magnify issues seemingly for their own narrow intentions. Like the public servants, we believe that all workers deserve an increase. We do not think this is lost on the Government, which itself has said it would address this matter at an appropriate time. Certainly, it appears like a lot of hullabaloo is being unnecessarily created.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

order to absorb global carbon emissions to finance its development.” To date, the reading is good, as “Guyana has earned more than US$250 million via the ground-breaking forest partnership agreement with Norway under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) initiative, which was the brainchild of former President and now Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.”

However, as we all know, the country was not able to access the outstanding funds because of the destructive political instability under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

But according to Ali, things are turning around, and “By the end of this year, we’ll put measures in place to unlock almost US$135 million that we’re yet to receive; and, going forward, we are already targeting new initiatives with higher value

markets to be a major player in the carbon markets.”

The man leading this drive is Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is aiming to implement Phase Two of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). In fact, Guyana has already re-engaged the Kingdom of Norway, which was the source of the funding, and, last Thursday, Guyana did sign a pact that places the country ahead of everyone else in this necessary venture.

Recent history shows us that Guyana almost missed out completely on something so promising. Back in 2009, Guyana had signed with Norway a historic forest protection accord which was aimed at Guyana receiving payments for sustaining its rainforests to absorb global carbon emissions. A total of US$250 million was to be paid to Guyana over a fiveyear period.

However, Norway

did not release funds to Guyana. Why? The former APNU+AFC Government mismanaged the country way too much, and then there was the extra-long political crisis stemming from the time period when the Coalition fell to a No-Confidence Motion in 2018 all the way to August 2020, when the Declaration of the March 2020 Elections was finally made.

Let me remind readers that most of the increase in global temperatures going back to the 1950s has been caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy, and intense farming and agriculture to produce meat and crops.

Now Guyana once again has a major hallmark project in the making under the LCDS initiative. This is the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which used US$80 million in funding from the LCDS. However, the project was aborted by the APNU/AFC while they were

in the combined Opposition, and was eventually scrapped after the Coalition took office in 2015.

Now the PPP/C Government is most resolute in reviving the AFHP, which is expected to add some 165 megawatts of power to the national grid, thus providing clean and reliable energy.

Already time is against us, as, right here in Guyana, the evidence of climate change is being experienced: higher temperatures, more dry spells, and wilder weather patterns. Globally, we are seeing a number of things too: changing rain and snow patterns; less snowpack; melting glaciers; shrinking sea ice; and thawing permafrost. Editor, unless we face reality and act wisely, we will suffer immensely. So, get on with what is necessary, I say to the country’s leaders.

Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura

Trying to legitimise a fraud is not going to happen Dear Editor, On Monday, Chief Justice Roxane George threw out Election Petition 88/20P brought by the Opposition APNU/AFC, which challenged the legality of the March 2020 elections. The erudite Judge then gave a detailed review - as she always does - of the grounds under which she made her ruling.

The APNU leaders viewed that ruling unfavourably, and took to the streets to voice their concerns to persons of like mentality: that the Chief Justice's ruling was wrong. However, that move of taking to the streets was quickly quelled because there were no grounds for grouses, it was a petition that was frivolous and vexa-

tious at best, and was bound to meet the fate that it did.

Now, a careful examination of The PNC's case is that this country was bound

by Mingo and Lowenfield's fraudulent results, and, as such, there should have been no recount. This was the sum total of their argument, one that they wanted a civilised Guyana, and by extension the world, to accept. This was the asinine concoction the PNC wanted us to believe.

When a political party can try to use our court system to legitimise a fraud, it is the most barefaced and brazen attempt ever. This is bullyism at its worst. And to think of it, they are really adamant about it, as they go about spewing their vile

nonsense to a delusional and brainwashed following.

Well, I am happy to disappoint the PNC: that this is not going to work, not now, not ever. And I would further advise them to save their energies for the court cases involving the fraud crew of Mingo and others when

these come up for trial. I can also assure them that, in the abovementioned cases, there will be conviction as well as incarceration of all those who think they can carry out a fraud and get away with it.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

By Stephen Spender

Question 1

For this activity, you will create an original full-colour map based on a fairy tale you’ve read.

Supplies • Pencils and art supplies: coloured pencils, markers, crayons, paint. Coloured construction paper (optional) • Drawing paper or construction paper: 8-1/2 x 11 or larger. Or a roll of white paper or kraft paper • Scotch tape, scissors • School glue; masking tape or painters tape (optional) Get kids thinking Think about the settings in the fairy tales you have read. Imagine what that world looks like.

Let’s get started Tape together two or more 8-1/2 x 11 sheets of paper to create a large space for the map. If you have a roll of white paper or kraft paper, cut two feet or more for the map.

Although this fairy tale map is imaginary, you can include these elements if you like: • Title tells the viewer what this a map of.

• Compass Rose indicates

Tuesday's answers

North, South, East and West.

• Legend or key explains what the symbols on that map represent. For example, on the adventure map on the next page, you can see symbols for town, village, and dungeon.

• Scale: shows the relationship between a certain distance on the map and the actual distance. For example, one inch might represent one mile.

Sketch out your map in pencil first, and then finish it in coloured pencil, crayon, marker, or paint. You can also use cut paper to create some of the elements on the map. Remember to think about descriptive words as you create the elements in the map. (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

My parents kept me from children who were rough Who threw words like stones and wore torn clothes Their thighs showed through rags they ran in the street And climbed cliffs and stripped by the country streams.

I feared more than tigers their muscles like iron Their jerking hands and their knees tight on my arms I feared the salt coarse pointing of those boys Who copied my lisp behind me on the road.

They were lithe they sprang out behind hedges Like dogs to bark at my world. They threw mud While I looked the other way, pretending to smile.

I longed to forgive them but they never smiled.

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tremendous investment opportunities in oil & gas supply chain – Ashni Singh W

ith Tuesday’s launch of Sustainable Environmental Solutions (SES) Incorporated, a US$10 million joint venture between several local investors, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has reminded Guyanese about the numerous investment opportunities in the oil and gas supply chain.

Dr Singh was at the time speaking at the launch of the joint venture between Gaico Construction and General Services Incorporated, Corena Group and Guyana Shore Based Incorporated (GYSBI).

“We’ve seen the incredible transformation in the Houston waterfront by GYSBI. We’ve now seen value-added services like those that will be provided by SES. We, the Government, have been speaking about the incredible transformation that is already underway,” he said.

“I could literally spend hours speaking about the various very exciting aspects of the transformation that is already underway in Guyana. And if we were very simply to contemplate areas like physical and public infrastructure. Consider for a moment, the agenda of infrastructure we’ve announced in transport alone, including roads throughout Guyana.”

The Finance Minister noted that the infrastructure include roads that

From left: SES Inc Chairman/partner Komal Singh; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; GYSBI partner Robin Muneshwer; GYSBI General Manager Sean Hill; Corena partner Paul Roach and Gaico Business Development Director Khishan Singh

would connect Guyana to its neighbours like Suriname and Brazil, as well as roads that would serve as internal corridors.

Speaking to the fact that the oil and gas sector is the dominant driver of economic development, Dr Singh urged locals to get themselves familiar with the opportunities in both the production and supply chain. According to him, Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors.

“There’s a remarkable opportunity in both the production and supply chain in relation to the oil and gas sector, as you’ve demonstrated today, but also in the non-oil economy. Whether it’s in agriculture, hospitality or construction or finan-

Govt to toughen...

“My Government has launched an exceptionally aggressive vaccination programme to achieve herd immunity in the shortest possible time frame. It has not been easy. As you are aware, sourcing the vaccines is a global challenge, and we have met it headon. We have made every resource available to get us all vaccinated. To date, our comprehensive response to COVID has cost us as a nation billions of dollars,” the Head of State asserted.

Guyana has bought 200,000 doses of the Russian manufactured Sputnik V vaccine at the cost of US$4 million, of which it has received 138,000 doses. This is in addition to the 83,000 doses of the AstraZeneca jab donated by the Governments of India and Barbados, another 24,000 from COVAX facility, and a donation of 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine from the Chinese Government.

But according to President Ali on Wednesday, while the Government is taking every step to have everyone vaccinated, which is not mandatory, it is the responsibility of every citizen to understand the importance of vaccination.

In order to encourage immunisation, Government

cial services. And it behoves us in Government and we take this responsibility seriously. We commit to you that we will continue to do as we’ve always done.

“We will continue to ensure the environment for doing business is a favourable and conducive one. But it is extremely important for the Private Sector to be proactive in identifying opportunities and preparing yourself to seize those opportunities into real and practical investments,” the Minister said.

One place that businesses can go to learn about these investment opportunities is the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD), an entity established to bridge the gap between local businesses and local content opportunities

FROM PAGE 3

has been partnering with civil society, political parties, private sector. The president emphasized the need for a national coalition approach to encourage and motivate persons to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine passport

Moving forward, he pointed out that there are many steps being contemplated by countries around the world as they seek to get back to normalcy, including the introduction of a mass vaccination passport. In fact, some countries have already lowered entry requirements for vaccinated persons.

According to President Ali, his Government will soon have to consider these options. He reminded that Guyana operates in a global and regional community that is fast mandating vaccination.

“The vaccination passport is becoming an essential document to conduct business now. It’s a requirement if you’re travelling to some countries. Some countries are now moving towards removing the masks policy if you have both vaccinations and some countries are even contemplating a two-tier system – those who are vaccinated

fully and go for public service, (they) go through the line, and those who are not vaccinated (they) have to go through some testing before (they) get to that service…

We will have to contemplate all of these options at some point, because we cannot put our collective health at risk by a few who do not understand the importance of all of us getting vaccinated to get out of this together,” he posited.

Nevertheless, going forward, the Head of State noted that there will be improvements in the dissemination of information, both for educational purposes and for public consumption, on what is being done to tackle COVID-19 as well as to raise awareness on the importance of getting vaccinated.

“Regardless of whether you have been vaccinated or not, we must all follow the COVID-19 guidelines… We have to even contemplate, because we don’t know how long is the efficacy of the vaccine – that is still being tested globally and we still don’t know if this is an annual shot that you will need.

So our response in terms of the guidelines and protocols is what we know for sure has some long term bearings,” Ali said. (G8)

in the oil and gas sector. As of February 2021, it report-

edly had more than 2700 Guyanese businesses registered in its database.

The CLBD was set up in 2017 by ExxonMobil, in collaboration with DAI Global, LLC, to assist small and medium-sized local businesses to build their capacity and their ability to compete to offer services in the oil and gas sector and other industries.

When it was set up, the Centre was expected to focus on developing local vendors that serve key segments of the oil and gas industry, including areas such as safety equipment, marine operations, offshore supply and civil construction. It was also supposed to provide mentoring, coaching, and access to financial support.

In November of last year, oil giant ExxonMobil had claimed to have spent over $60 billion to purchase goods and services from local suppliers since 2015.

Additionally, the company had claimed that for the first half of 2020 alone, over 600 Guyanese vendors were used for goods and services, accounting for more than $14 billion.

The SES initiative, which was officially launched at Duke Lodge on Tuesday evening, is one that will see the joint venture partners managing ExxonMobil’s hazardous and non-hazardous waste, as well as drill cuttings. The consortium has a 10-year contract with Exxon to do this.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Protest action called by Union unnecessary – GPL

…says it’s committed to negotiation

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he Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has branded Tuesday’s protest action, which had the support of the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), as entirely unnecessary.

In a statement on Wednesday, GPL explained that it made proposals to NACCIE in 2020 for a three-year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) that would cover from 2020 to 2022. The proposal had included a restricted Performance Based Incentive that would have positively impacted the annual salary increases.

“NAACIE submitted its counter proposal to GPL in September 2020, and ne-

gotiations commenced in September 2020 and continued into October 2020.

These sessions resulted in the mutual agreement of a number of clauses that did not include the Across-theBoard and Performance Incentive Award Clauses.

“In March 2021, NAACIE submitted a revised proposal, which would result in a significant increase in salaries of fifteen, seventeen and nineteen percent respectively over the three-year period,” GPL explained.

According to GPL, negotiations resumed in March 2021, and there was mutual agreement on 66 clauses and disagreement on only two clauses: Acrossthe-Board increases and

Girding up loins…

The Guyana Power and Light’s Main Street, Georgetown office

the Performance Based Incentive. GPL explained that these two clauses, if included, would have negatively impacted the state company’s finances.

“In December 2020, the Company paid all staff $25,000, despite its financial

position that has been negatively impacted by the unprecedented and protracted COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic contributed to a significant and unbudgeted expenditure that was necessary to ensure the company’s continued operation,” GPL explained.

“During the first quarter of 2021, the world market fuel prices per barrel exceeded GPL’s 2021 budgeted prices by approximately 50 percent. Should prices remain at this level, the Company will incur additional and unbudgeted expenditure of approximately $6 billion.”

GPL noted that despite this financial challenge, the company still remains committed to amicably resolving the differences between itself and NAACIE. It therefore urged the union to embrace a responsible position on the issue.

Additionally, GPL denied that a 12 per cent increase in basic salaries was given to the company’s Executive Directors, as well as some of the other claims that have been made against the state-owned entity.

“On the matter of the acquisition of two vehicles for GPL’s Divisional Directors, GPL wishes to categorically state that these vehicles were acquired through a National Competitive Bidding Process. Five bids were received and were comprehensively evaluated in accordance with the Company’s Procurement Manual.

“The tender was awarded to the lowest evaluated bidder. For clarity, these vehicles, which are the property of the Company, are utilised by the Executive Directors in the execution of their duties. GPL deems the ‘protest action’ by the Union as unnecessary, and remains committed to amicably resolving the existing differences through negotiations.”

The protest took place on Main Street, Georgetown, with several workers who claimed that while they had not received any increase since 2020, the company was engaged in buying vehicles.

NAACIE General Secretary Dawchan Nagasar had claimed that the protest was sparked by GPL’s delayed response to a salary increase request put forward by the Union. (G3)

P

…for showdown with PPP? atrick Yarde, - the evident president-for-life of the GPSU - has come out swinging against the PPP Government.

Why? He says they’re mean and dastardly for not sitting down with his Union to bargain “collectively” for Public Service workers’ wage increases, which has been overdue since 2019! Imagine that! The inequity, the inequity! But your Eyewitness wonders why Patrick (after so many years in the public eye, your Eyewitness can call him by his first name, can’t he? He’s so familiar - and predictable!) didn’t bring up this matter with the PNC since they were in power then!

And to make matters worse (for Patrick and the Govt workers), the said PNC had received rock-solid support from them and had actually made WRITTEN PROMISES to give them SUBSTANTIAL WAGE INCREASES!! But it would appear that Patrick believes the psychic satisfaction derived among his membership of the PNC’s 50% salary increase for Ministers was sufficient for him not to raise his voice, much less make a ruckus – or, (God forbid!) - call a strike!

But in making his demand, Yarde shows where he’s coming from (confrontation!) by bringing up the recent agreement between sugar workers, and the Government paying them $200M for settling 2019 wage increases’ demands. Fact of the matter is that the payment represented only half of what was due, and was not an increase on their wages, but a one-off payment. Bringing up sugar workers’ issues in this context, of course, pits a PPP Indian-Guyanese base against a PNC African-Guyanese base. Confrontation!!

Patrick’s patently pellucid ploy, of course, isn’t just coincidentally being deployed right now…it deliberately comes on the heels of the High Court decision to dismiss absolutely the PNC’s Hail Mary of a petition - that the March 2 elections were massively flawed. They want to piggyback on the anger the PNC is stoking in their wider constituency against the PPP Government. The amassing of the latter in front of the Courts on the Day of Judgement didn’t quite work out as they expected - read riots and mayhem, because of the presence of mind of the Police. But what we saw also was that the PNC masses didn’t really all have their heart in riotous behaviour.

So, now we have Plan B being instigated to bring out the urban-based Public Servants, as was done in their 1999 strike with great effect. With Minister Henry Jeffrey in charge, he established a COI headed by his pal Armstrong, who gave out a massive 36% salary increase!! Well, your Eyewitness also believes that Public Servants are weary (and wary) of confrontation.

So, let’s see whether Patrick has as much seeds as awara or bigan.

…Amalia Falls Hydro-Electric Project Your Eyewitness is also pleased that, simultaneously with dealing with objections from the naysayers on the Gas-toShore-Power-Project, (GSPP) VP Jagdeo confirmed that the Amalia Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP) is still on the books. As we know, the PPP brought it to take-off point with financing, engineering, and access etc already in place when the PNC - and some of the present naysayers - scuttled it. The contractor, Sithe Global, felt the political risks were too high after the PNC vowed to revoke the project if they became the Government.

The VP pointed out that because of interest rates plunging so precipitously since 2013, the project should be noticeably less costly - which should address one of the major objections of the naysayers. It should also address objections to the GSPP adding to our carbon footprint - even though we’re still a net carbon sink.

The Govt should now look into installing “pumped storage” capacity to address concerns about periods of low water flow. …to fight COVID While India’s travails with the latest COVID tsunami (no longer a “wave”) should make the world sit up, few realise that their 201,000 deaths pale in comparison to the US’ 573,000.

American lives matter also.

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$92M living quarters for judicial officers commissioned in Berbice

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ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has commissioned a $92 million fully-furnished and modern living quarters for judicial officers in Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Located in the compound of the Berbice High Court, the facility was commissioned on Wednesday.

Addressing members of the gathering was Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who said that commissioning of the building signifies growth and success, as it showcases the Judiciary’s commitment to the well-being of its staff.

Justice CummingsEdwards said

The $92M living quarters for judicial officers which have been commissioned in Berbice

room, dining room, and toilet and bath facilities.

The apartments will be occupied by four judicial officers - three Magistrates and a Land Court Judge.

According to the Chancellor, except for one Magistrate, all other Magistrates and Judges in

The judicial officers’ living quarters feature spacious living and dining areas and other amenities

Commissioners of Titles, often referred to as Land Court Judges, as well as Magistrates and all other judicial officers who are tasked with carrying out essential duties, will occupy the premises.

The building is comprised of four apartments, each of which has two bedrooms, one of which is self-contained. Each apartment has a spacious living

Berbice reside elsewhere, which means that when they are assigned to preside in that county, accommodation must be provided for them.

She said that while the State has been covering the costs of accommodation and travel for these judicial officers since the opening of courts there, the cost for rent has been high. “…we have been rent-

ing premises throughout the length and breadth of Berbice for Magistrates.

Our recent bill for the rental of premises is $375,000 per month. If we do the math, this works out to $4.5 million per year,” Justice Cummings-Edwards noted.

Considering this, she added, the Judiciary has seen it necessary to utilise its existing real estate to build living quarters for its staff “so that they can be comfortable even as they dispense justice.

“It will save us so much in rent…we are endeavouring to make this accommodation a home away from home,” she said while disclosing that a gym and other facilities will be added for staff to relax and exercise after a hard day’s work.

The Chancellor has emphasised that the comfort of judicial officers is of paramount importance, more so in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Committed

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has said that commissioning of the living quarters shows the commitment of the Executive to working with the Judiciary as it continues to execute its mandate of delivering qual-

ity justice to the people of Guyana.

Noting that the State is obligated to ensure that the Judiciary is properly resourced, he assured that the State would do all that is lawfully necessary to ensure the Judiciary receives timely funding.

“We will continue to work with the Judiciary for the ultimate objective of delivering a high quality of justice. We will continue working together to create a justice system that we are all proud of, and a justice system, most importantly, that can enjoy the confidence of our people.”

He reminded that the Executive had just recently collaborated with the Judiciary for an “unprecedented initiative” which has seen the establishment of container- converted courtrooms that are equipped with the necessary technological apparatus to connect these courtrooms to Magistrates and defendants.

Several of these container courts are at the New Amsterdam, Camp Street, and Timehri Prisons.

According to Nandlall, the last phase will see similar courtrooms being established at the Mazaruni Prison.

Nandlall pointed out that the container courts initiative has significantly done well, and has resulted in the State saving millions of dollars in transporting inmates from the prisons to various courthouses. With the container courtrooms, the Magistrate/Judge joins vir-

From left: Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, and Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC, at the opening ceremony

tually and the case is heard.

While the initiative was birthed out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Attorney General noted, its utility is so obvious that it will be expanded beyond that. Apart from saving the State transportation costs, he added, the container courtrooms also protect judicial officers, prisoners, and court staff from exposure to the deadly COVID-19.

Moreover, Nandlall revealed that the State has been “eyeing spots” along the East Bank of Demerara for the construction of new magistrates’ courts.

Added to that, he said the Executive, through the Legal Affairs Ministry, is currently working on revising the laws of Guyana.

“I am also working on a project that will see the resumption of the publication of the Guyana Law Reports from 2007 to 2020,” he added.

The Attorney General stressed, “A competent, efficient, and impartial judiciary is therefore sine qua non

of an orderly and democratic society governed by the rule of law. Studies have shown that wherever there is a competent and impartial judiciary, there is both social and economic prosperity.

“The Judiciary is the guardian of our Constitution. It is the judiciary that interprets the laws enacted by Parliament.

It is the Judiciary to which we must turn for settlement of our disputes and for the punishment of those who are found guilty of violating the laws…”

Besides the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Attorney General, those who were in attendance at Wednesday’s commissioning ceremony were Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Magistrates Peter Hugh and Alex Moore, other judicial officers, and ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

Next month, living quarters for judicial officers will be commissioned in Bartica.

(G1)

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 29,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Construction worker dies after falling from 6-storey building

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25-year-old construction worker died on Wednesday after he fell from a six-storey building under construction on Regent Street, Georgetown.

Dead is Lloyd Feroze.

Reports are that the incident occurred at about 13:35h at Lot 106 Regent Street, Georgetown.

This newspaper was told that the building under construction is owned by businessman Glenn Lall and his wife Bhena Lall.

Police have since said that Feroze was employed by foreman Peter Ramdoo of Skull City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WCD) for

Dead: Lloyd Feroze

the past four months as a labourer.

According to the Police, the foreman reported that the labourer, of Sisters Village, WBD, was mixing cement on the ground floor, and on completion at about 13:25h, he walked up to the fourth floor of the building - which is presently under construction, and has an open space with a stairway in the centre. About two minutes later, he heard a crashing sound, and on checking, saw that Feroze had fallen to the ground from the fourth floor.

Feroze was picked up by an ambulance and taken

The six-storey building on Regent Street, Georgetown from which Lloyd Feroze fell and died on Wednesday

to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

At the time, the labourer

was not wearing any safety gear, persons in the area have said.

Police say Feroze’s body

was examined, and a puncture wound was observed at the back of his head. A post mortem examination will be conducted shortly.

Meanwhile, when Guyana Times arrived at the scene, Police ranks had already locked the gate to the unfinished building as they interviewed one of its proprietors and other workers.

Vendors close to the building claimed that the construction workers there are in the habit of working without safety gear.

“I sit down and I hear “boop!” so I say is something fall. So, I run in and I peep, and I realised that the child (man) fall from at the top of the building…Plus these men climbing these heights suppose to have straps… No safety,” one vendor said.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton confirmed that the worksite has been closed to facilitate investigations by occupational health, and safety officers. (G1)

5 workers test positive for COVID-19 at New Amsterdam’s NIS office …services suspended

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he operations of the New Amsterdam branch of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) have been temporarily suspended for the remainder of the week.

According to NIS, five employees at the regional office tested positive for COVID-19 while others are still being screened.

In light of this situation, the management of the NIS made a decision to temporarily suspend all services with the exception of the distribution of pension books, which will continue throughout the week.

The NIS New Amsterdam building

Man remanded for killing cousin’s boyfriend

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39-year-old man was on Wednesday remanded to prison for the murder of his cousin’s boyfriend.

Neale Benjamin of Non-Pareil East Coast Demerara was arraigned before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which detailed that on April 24, 2021, at ‘A’ Field Sophia Greater Georgetown, he murdered 20-year-old Devon Xavier.

The murder accused has been remanded to prison until May 21, 2021.

According to reports, Devon Xavier of La Penitence Street, Albouystown, Georgetown was stabbed to death by Benjamin, who,

Dead: Devon Xavier

along with other family members, did not approve of his relationship with their relative.

On April 24, Xavier had visited his girlfriend’s home when he was approached by her father and Benjamin. As a result, his girlfriend immediately told him to leave, since her family was not in favour of them being together.

The young woman’s father then ordered her to go inside the house. While she doing so, it is alleged, Benjamin grabbed Xavier, whipped out a knife from his pocket, and dealt him several stabs about his body.

The injured Xavier fell to the ground, and was thereafter rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The now-dead mechanic had reportedly shared a year-long relationship with the young lady. His cause of death has been given as lacerations to the lungs and heart.

Following the stabbing, Police said, Benajmin made good his escape, but was later apprehended at Cummings Park, ‘E’ Field Sophia. (G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Support for victims of West Berbice Soldier dies after crashing into pedestrian, car unrest being examined – Ali

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overnment is contemplating “support” for victims who were affected during the weeks of protests along the West Coast Berbice (WCB) corridor following the murder of Joel and Isaiah Henry last year.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who told reporters on the sidelines of a press briefing on Wednesday at State House

leaving many stranded as residents called for justice for the slain teens.

However, those protests escalated into riotous actions as commuters attempting to traverse the WCB public road were beaten and robbed by mobs, while vehicles were stoned, and several of them, including a truck carrying paddy, were set ablaze.

Additionally, at least

A

File photo: The paddy truck that was set on fire last September

File photo: A scene from the West Berbice unrest last September

that “There is something that we’ve been looking at, and we’re continuing to look at.”

However, while there may not be full compensation for losses and damages to properties, the Head of State assured that there will be some sort of support extended to those victims of the West Berbice unrests. “…compensation is a very loaded word, because some people lost two, three vehicles, but we are definitely going to support them, and that process has started,” Ali indicated.

The deaths of the teenage cousins back in September 2020 had sparked widespread public outrage, resulting in residents from several villages along the West Coast Berbice corridor taking to the streets.

The main WCB Public Road and lone access road to upper Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was blocked with debris, and tyres were set on fire,

three buildings – a house at Bel Air, WCB and a house at New Amsterdam in Region 6, (East Berbice-Corentyne), together with a barber shop at Bush Lot, WCB - were destroyed by fire during the violent protests.

The unrests, which lasted for more than a week in September and were reignited for several days in October, had turned deadly when 34-year-old Prettipaul Hargobin, called “Roy”, was beaten to death by a group of protesters at Bath Settlement, WCB. Six persons, including a teenager, were charged for Hargobin’s September killing.

The mutilated bodies of 16-year-old Isaiah Henry and 19-year-old Joel Henry were found in the backdam at Cotton Tree, WCB on September 6, 2020 almost two days after they had left their Number Three Village, WCB home to pick coconuts but never returned.

A few days later, on September 9, 17-year-old Haresh Singh was murdered

in the backdam at Number Three Village in what was believed to be a retaliatory killing, since he was related to one of the suspects initially held for the murder of the Henry boys.

There is yet to be a breakthrough in Singh’s murder. However, in January, Police arrested and charged 19-year-old Akash Singh, called “Monkey,” of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE); his stepbrother, 33-yearold Anil Sancharra, called “Dan pole” and “Rasta,” of D’ Edward Village, WCB; and 34-year-old Vinod Gopaul, called “Magga,” of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice for the gruesome murder of the two cousins.

Singh has since confessed to the crime, and was charged separately for the murders, while the other al-

leged perpetrators have remained silent and are facing a joint murder charge. Singh has claimed that the teenagers were killed under suspicion that they had destroyed a marijuana farm that the three accused had planted weeks before.

The preliminary inquiry into the murders is set to commence on May 3 at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court. Presiding Magistrate Peter Hugh had previously indicated that the Court would hear the matter two days per week, hence he has set aside May 3, 4, 10 and 11 for the first set of hearings.

Meanwhile, Mark Henry, brother of Joel and cousin of Isaiah, was earlier this month charged for murdering 68-year-old Sooroojdeo Deochand, called “Sarjee,” on March 30, 2021. The pensioner’s bloodied body was discovered in his Number Three Village home by relatives.

Deochand had been among a group of men initially arrested in September last year for the Henry boys’ murder.

Hencosey Henry, brother of the accused Mark Henry, had told detectives during interrogation that his brother had admitted to chopping Deochand to death in retaliation for Joel’s murder.

Mark reportedly declared, “I just chop up that one Sarjee…I chop out he neck and face…he kill me brother, and now I feel pleased I kill he now.” (G8)

26-year-old Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank’s life was cut short on Tuesday after the motorcycle he was driving crashed into a pedestrian, then into a motorcar along the Liliendaal Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Lancelot Giddings, originally from Prince William Street, Plaisance ECD but at the time of his death resident at Tucville, Georgetown, died at about 09:35h on Tuesday following that accident.

Based on reports, Giddings was on his motorcycle proceeding west along the roadway embankment when, in the vicinity of Pump Road, Liliendaal, a pedestrian attempted to cross the road and walked into the path of his motorcycle.

In the resulting collision, the pedestrian Sheldon Booker, 45, fell onto the roadway and received injuries about his body while Giddings lost control of his motorcycle and it crashed into motorcar PMM 309, which was proceeding in the opposite direction.

Giddings sustained injuries about his body when he fell onto the roadway, and both He and the pedestrian Booker were picked up in an unconscious state by Emergency Medical Technicians and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Police said on Wednesday that the pedestrian Booker is still receiving treatment for head injuries he sustained in the collision.

He is in the critical bay of the Accident and Emergency Ward at the GPHC. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver of motorcar PMM 309, but no trace of alcohol was found.

Police are reviewing CCTV footage of the accident, and investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Guyana

Dead: Lancelot Giddings

Defence Force said in a statement that Giddings was stationed at Base Camp Seweyo on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Just two weeks ago, Brian Mitchell a 36-yearold GDF sergeant of Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, died following a horrific two-vehicle collision along Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. A seven-yearold child who was in his vehicle also sustained injuries.

It was reported that Mitchell was driving motor car PNN 5516 when he reportedly swerved and collided with motor car PVV 3684, which was being driven by Taishan Shanks and had a female passenger.

Reporting on that accident, Guyana Times said motor car PVV 3684 was proceeding east along Homestretch Avenue while motor car PNN 5516 was proceeding west. As Shanks was in the vicinity of Help and Shelter, he saw the other vehicle swerve from the southern side of the road, from behind another vehicle, and it ended up in his path.

As a result, his vehicle and motor car PNN 5516 collided.

Mitchell and the sevenyear-old were picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Mitchell was pronounced dead. The child was treated for a broken leg and later admitted to the medical facility. (G9)

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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14 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 29,, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Whiptail well next drilling 2 more COVID-19 deaths, 137 new cases recorded target for ExxonMobil

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ow that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has found oil in the Uaru-2 well offshore Guyana, it will be setting its sights on drilling the Whiptail exploration well.

The revelation was recently made by Hess Corporation’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Greg Hill. According to him, Exxon will be drilling the Whiptail well in May of this year, which will serve as a guinea pig for the next exploration wells.

“So far, we had four penetrations in the Santonian, and all have been good quality oil and reservoirs. Now we need actual rock data and physical data to be able to fine-tune the seismic further and better tease out where the oil is,” Hill said.

Already, ExxonMobil has established an ambitious oil exploration plan for 2021 offshore Guyana. Over the past few months, Exxon, the only company to have found and started producing oil in local waters, has been drilling simultaneous deepwater wells in both the Stabroek and Canje blocks.

EEPGL, Exxon’s subsidiary and Hess’ partner in the Stabroek Block, spudded the Koebi-1 well using drillship Stena Carron. This particular well was spudded on March 3. Another well that was drilled in the Stabroek Block is the Longtail-2 well.

According to a notice from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), this well would have been drilled in the Stabroek Block by the

Hess COO Greg Hill

Stena DrillMax from March 10 to March 27.

Meanwhile, Exxon had started drilling the Jabillo-1 well within the Canje Block, using the Stena Carron drillship. It was understood that the Stena Carron, after drilling the Jabillo-1 well and maintenance activities, would resume drilling on the Koebi-1 well.

The Jabillo-1 well happened to be the second of three exploration wells Exxon has scheduled for drilling in the Canje Block in 2021. The other two were the Bulletwood-1 well and the Sapote-1 well. However, the Bulletwood well turned out to not have commercial quantities of oil.

Only a few days ago, Exxon announced its 19th oil discovery offshore Guyana at the Uaru-2 well in the Stabroek Block. It is a find that added to the approximately nine billion barrels of oil estimate.

Oil was found in the first Uaru well in January 2020, making it Exxon’s 16th discovery in Guyana’s waters.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027.

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 anticipated start-up in late 2025 pending Government approvals and project sanctioning.

This project will develop the Yellowtail and Redtail fields, which are located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) southeast of the Liza developments.

The start-up of Liza Phase 2 remains on target for 2022, as the Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) prepares to sail from Singapore to Guyana later this year. The Unity FPSO has a production capacity of 220,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates. The hull for the Prosperity FPSO vessel, the third project at the Payara Field, is complete, and topsides construction activities have commenced in Singapore with a startup target of 2024.

These new projects continue to drive investment in the Guyanese economy. More than 2300 Guyanese are now supporting project activities on and offshore, which reflects a more than 20 per cent increase since the end of 2019. ExxonMobil and its key contractors have spent approximately US$388 million with more than 800 local companies since 2015. (G3).

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uyana has recorded two more COVID-19 related deaths on Wednesday, taking the country’s death toll to 293.

The latest fatalities were two men, aged 73 and 64 from Regions Four ( Demerara-Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice) respectively.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony

On Wednesday also, the country recorded 137 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total positives recorded to date to 12,963. Of this number, 11,070 persons have recovered. To date, 6543 males and 6440 females have contracted the virus.

There are 13 persons in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 82 in institutional isolation, 1505 in home isolation, and 16 in institutional quarantine.

Of the new cases, three were detected in Region One (Barima-Waini); 12 in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); 25 in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); 66 in Region Four; two in Region Five; 18 in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); four in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), and seven in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

The other regions did

not have an increase in the number of cases.

Vaccines

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said there has been an increase in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the country. As of Tuesday, more than 128,000 persons received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Some 2900 persons have been fully vaccinated.

The Minister said health authorities were aiming to vaccinate approximately 500,000 adult Guyanese.

“We are making progress, because this represents quarter of our adult population, or a little bit more…

We do an average about 5000 to 6000 per day… some days are better than the others. We have noticed that on weekends we don’t get as much turnout as expected; nevertheless, we continue to work and to keep centres open…,” he said.

The Health Minister further stated that health au-

thorities were continuing to monitor communities where there was a surge in COVID-19 cases. He said there were several areas on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara that remained high on the radar.

During the update on the COVID-19 situation in the country, Dr Anthony listed several villages which are currently hotspots.

Among them are Diamond and Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara, Mon Repos and Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara, and Kitty and Lodge in Georgetown. Region Three has also seen an increase in the number of cases, particularly at Tuschen.

“For Region Four, these are the main areas or hotspots, but in every village across Region Four, we can find one or two cases… in Region Three, almost every village we have cases.

For these two Regions, we have seen these hotspots emerging and we are closely monitoring,” the Minister explained. (G9)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice man stabs lover to neck, commits suicide

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27-year-old woman is currently hospitalised after she was stabbed to her neck by a man with whom she shared a relationship.

Following the stabbing incident, 35-year-old Troy Sandy ingested a poisonous substance and died.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Reports are that the woman and her two children were en route to her home in a hire car when the vehicle was blocked by motor car PKK 2541, which was driven by Sandy.

Sandy exited the car with a cutlass in his hand and began to behave disorderly towards the woman.

The hire car driver and another man in the area tried to deescalate the situation

…as local fishers report reduced production

T when Sandy attempted to chop the victim.

He then threw the cutlass aside, whipped out a knife and stabbed the woman to the middle of her neck.

He then went to his motor car and sped away, making good his escape.

The woman was assisted by the taxi driver to the Mibicuri Public Hospital, where she was treated and

transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further treatment. She is still a patient at the medical facility.

Meanwhile, Sandy was subsequently found at the Mibicuri Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient after ingesting a poisonous substance.

Police said that at approximately 23:35h, he died. (G9)

COVID-19 vaccines

Over 8000 persons received 1st shot in Region 2 – RHO

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US Ambassador discusses illegal, unregulated fishing with Berbice fishermen

egion Two Regional Health Officer (RHO) ,Dr Ranjeev Singh is encouraging fellow Essequibians to take the COVID-19 vaccines that will protect them.

He said that to date, more than 8000 persons have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Dr Singh disclosed that the region has more than 90 active cases and once persons take the COVID-19 vaccine, it would facilitate the protection of the regional population.

Region Two Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Ranjeev Singh “The programme has intensified in the region The campaign managed tinue to adhere to all where there is an increase to immunise 614 persons, COVID-19 guidelines and in a large number of young- which is the highest num- as such, persons who took er persons stepping out to ber of vaccinations in the the vaccine must still wear take their vaccine and we region at such a site. their masks, sanitise, avoid would have increased a vast The Health Ministry is huge gatherings and also number of sensitisation advising persons to con- practise social distancing. throughout the Coast via television, radio and also a Public Announcement (PA) system that’s sharing information to persons who are not educated about the vaccines available. So with us immunising these persons, coronavirus will not affect as many people, and as such, our region will be COVID-free,” the RHO said.

The COVID-19 vaccines are available at Good Hope, Huis t’Dieren, Abram Zuil, Queenstown, Anna Regina, Dartmouth, Windsor Castle, and Charity Health Centres from 08:00h to 16:00h daily. There are also mobile sites where frontline workers are stationed to give the vaccine.

On Sunday, the region had a massive COVID-19 vaccination drive at Anna Regina Kendra Mandir.

he United States is hoping to make a positive impact on the local fishing industry by addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch discussed the issue with fisherfolk on the Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Wednesday.

During her visit, she met with the Number 66 Fishermen’s Co-op to get a first-hand view of some of the issues affecting the fishing industry, including illegal, under-reported and unregulated fishing.

Addressing the media in Region Six after the engagements, Ambassador Lynn explained that the issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing was an important one.

“We now have a new administration in the United States right now and President Biden is very concerned about climate change. So, the issue of illegal fishing not only impacts the environment but it impacts global economies as well.”

According to the Ambassador, 26 million tonnes of fishes is caught illegally annually.

“What that means is that money in the fisherfolk pockets are being taken out of their pockets and going into places where it should not go,” she said.

There are some 10,000 Guyanese fisherfolk operating locally.

The Ambassador is of the view that the fishers should be paid appropriately and profit from their work.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch speaking to the media in Region Six on Wednesday

Meanwhile, during her engagement with the fisherfolk, Ambassador Lynn said she was told that the fishers have been reporting reduced production.

However, none of the officials reported observing illegal fishing.

“Perhaps some of the larger commercial ships that are out there are fishing at such a rate that is impacting these fisherfolk who fish closer to shore.

However, I believe some of the immediate concerns are the licensing issue and the cost of receiving your licence from Suriname,” she said.

Guyana and the United States have entered into an agreement under which the two countries can do joint patrolling of Guyana’s waters when it is suspected that there is illegal fishing or transit of illegal products.

Catfish ban

Asked about the possibility of having the ban on the exporting of catfish to the US lifted, the Ambassador said that there were technical meetings with officials in Guyana to ensure all of the appropriate safety measures were in place for ex-

port.

“They are working on going through that list and as soon as that is completed, there will be some good news in the near future,” she posited.

Meanwhile, several fisherfolk have expressed concern about negative impacts of the oil and gas industry on their trade.

However, the Ambassador said there were no statistics to substantiate those claims. In fact, she said that there were currently several studies being done in this regard.

The Ambassador also met with Corriverton Mayor Winston Roberts, and concerns about COVID-19 management were discussed.

The Mayor and the Ambassador also looked at economic development along with development for the border town once COVID-19 has been managed. The two officials discussed arrangements on how jobs could be created.

Ambassador Lynn also met with the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, which expressed concern about security and governance. (G4)

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC driving fear, has no interest in country’s development – Ali P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has said the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition is interested only in driving fear and not the country’s development.

This is in light of remarks made by Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, following Monday’s High Court ruling

by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, who dismissed the Coalition’s lone election petition that challenged the legitimacy of results of last year’s tumultuous General and Region Elections.

Harmon has said, “We must continue to fight. We will continue to work to remove this installed PPP (People’s Progressive Party) regime… Today is a dark and ominous day for democracy in Guyana. The ruling of the Court must strike fear in the heart of all democracy-loving people in Guyana, in the Caribbean and around the world. We have continuously called on our people to keep the peace, to remain calm, and to uphold the law.

Today, however, we have witnessed once again the judicial system failing our people.”

Excerpt of this speech

by Harmon was played by President Ali during a news conference on Wednesday after he was asked about high-level talks with the Opposition going forward.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

“Does that give you any indication that they (the Opposition) have any interest in working for the development of this country? Now attacking the court, driving fear in people. I think that answers the question,” the President responded.

Further pressed on the issue, the Head of State went onto clearly outline his Government’s position on Harmon, who has refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Ali-led administration.

“Our position in relation to Harmon is very clear…

Instead of doing what is right, he has now gone totally outraged not only at the Executive now, but at the Judiciary also,” the President posited as he emphasised the importance of separation of powers.

In fact, during his opening remarks at Wednesday’s

press briefing, the independence of the Judiciary was highlighted.

“The decision of the court is a testimony both to the independence of our Judiciary and the enduring strength of our democracy, and especially in the manner and efficiency in which the court conducted these hearings.”

He added, “So let me take this opportunity to recommit my administration to continuing to uphold and defend the separation of powers between the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary – which is so vital to the functioning of our democracy.”

In dismissing the Coalition’s election petition to vitiate the March 2, 2020 elections, Justice George ruled that nothing in the petition supports the claims of the petitioners as those relate to irregularities during

the elections.

Further, she found that there were no breaches or violations by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that would make the election a sham or travesty.

President Ali welcomed the decision, noting that the Opposition-sponsored petition spuriously sought to challenge the constitutional and legal results of the General and Regional Elections held on the 2nd of March last year – which elected the People’s Progressive Party to Government, and which was recognised without exception internationally.

“Even more importantly, the decision arrived at by the court is further evidence of the fact that, as a people and a country, whatever our party-political differences may be, these differences are settled peacefully and within the rule of law, under which we are all constitutionally governed,” he posited.

The Head of State has said he looks forward to the courts’ continuing to recognise the efficacy of the last elections in addressing any future challenges on this matter.

Harmon has already indicated that the APNU+AFC would appeal the High Court decision. Already, the Coalition is appealing another election petition that

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

was thrown out by the Chief Justice for late service. The hearing in that matter will commence on June 14 at the Court of Appeal.

The Ali-led PPP/C was sworn into office on August 2, 2020 following five months of political and electoral deadlock. Following blatant attempts to rig the elections and amidst a slew of litigation, a national recount had found that the PPP/C emerged victorious with over 15,000 more votes than the Coalition.

The international community had largely flagged the then incumbent APNU+AFC regime for attempting to hold onto office.

In fact, the United States had gone ahead and imposed visa restrictions against several individuals “responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana.”

According to President

Ali during Wednesday’s press conference, his Government has been working over the past nine months to reverse the damage done to Guyana’s imagine, both locally and internationally.

“We took office on the verge of a threatened dictatorship, chaotic mismanagement, and near economic collapse. We have been very busy repairing the damage and restoring our country to economic sanity and progress. We have continued with the APNU+AFC Opposition that refuses to accept the results of a democratic election, refuses to recognise the elected Government, and refuses to sit down and work with that Government for the progress of our country,” the Head of State has contended. (G8)

GuyOil officials removed amid alleged fuel racket

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mid an alleged import fuel racket at the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), at least two senior officials of the state-own entity have been sent packing.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday. He told a news conference held at State House that Government had made it clear that “all those who had inappropriate contact must be removed.”

In fact, Ali disclosed that he has since ordered the removal of Board Member Akanni Blair and Chief Financial Officer Shawn Persaud.

“I’ve asked for the board member Blair to be removed, and the staff (member) Shawn Persaud… will be removed. He was on probation,” the President

Board Member Akanni Blair

indicated.

Meanwhile, GuyOil General Manager Trevor Bassoo has also tendered his resignation amid the scandal. He subsequently clarified that his April 19 resignation had nothing to do with the fuel controversy, but was as a result of “the recent work environment”.

This was confirmed by the Head of State on

Wednesday.

“There was a performance evaluation conducted, and the CEO was asked to go on leave because of [a] performance-related matter, and he subsequently resigned because of that. He stays resigned,” the President posited.

Last week, businessman Jason Aaron of Aaron’s Realty (ARI) alleged that officials at GuyOil had contracted him to bring in fuel. The businessman further claimed that GuyOil got a “sweeter” deal and subsequently cancelled the arrangement, causing him to speak out.

The Police and the Auditor General’s Office have since been called in to look into this matter.

However, GuyOil Chairman Paul Cheong has denied these claims, saying that while the State-own oil company did have discussions with ARI, it was never contracted to bring in fuel.

As such, President Ali has outlined the need for the process to be strengthened to prevent any future attempts at committing fraud within GuyOil. “No fraud was committed because no transaction was entered into [in this case]. But what is of great importance to us is to have a review of the system to

The EPA Head also noted that “pending that investigation, we’ll determine a course of action.”

Massive corruption inherited

CFO Shawn Persaud

ensure that the system is rigid and strong enough at every tier to deal with any potential – from a company or individual wanting to commit a fraud. And that is what we’re evaluating,” he said.

Meanwhile, ARI sent a legal letter to GuyOil last week, seeking a number of clarifications on the issue, especially since the company has reportedly already imported fuel based on the verbal arrangement.

However, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, last weekend told Guyana Times that ARI does not have, and had never applied for, a fuel import licence.

According to Dr Sharma, investigations are underway to ascertain how exactly the company imported the fuel it claims to have brought in.

Meanwhile, President Ali, during Wednesday’s news conference, went on to outline that there are several probes ongoing at GuyOil in relation to other matters. According to the Head of State, these matters are part of massive corruption inherited by his government from its predecessor, the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Let me make it very clear: massive corruption [was inherited] at GuyOil. And it is being investigated. It is with the Police and the Auditor General now,”

the Head of State said.

Among these is an ongoing investigation in which some $300 million in fuel is being investigated with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) following the detection of “great mismanagement”.

Further, another investigation is being conducted into private companies collecting fuel from the GuyOil terminal on behalf of other State agencies.

“Those companies had no right to be there collecting fuel in other agencies’ names and (these) are

things we inherited, and those investigations are going on. Those investigations are with the Police and the AG at the moment, so I can’t elaborate,” the Head of State noted. (G8)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CDC looking to widen partnership CANU, Suriname collaboration unearths on disaster response management 902kg cocaine

L The CDC team and Florida National Guards at the CDC’s warehouse at Timehri, East Bank Demerara

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he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is looking to widen its partnership with the Florida National Guard in the area of disaster response management, as the mandate of the agency has been extended to respond to all hazards.

Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, and heads of the various units of the agency on Wednesday met a team from the Florida National Guard at the CDC’s alternate National

Emergency Operations Centre at Timehri, East Bank Demerara The Department of Public Information has reported that after the meeting, Craig said discussions centred on areas the CDC needs to strengthen.

“We have discussed a number of areas where we can look for and have further discussions for support in the area of search and rescue, in the area of oil spill response.

We discussed the opportunity of having subject mat-

ter experts exchange visit in Guyana, and even persons in Guyana visiting the different US military operation training activities that are done in the area of emergency response and emergency preparedness,” he said.

Craig said the purpose of the engagement was to start discussions for future support and collaborations. He said he is pleased with the response given by the team from the Florida National Guard.

Meanwhile, the team,

led by Adjunct General of the Florida National Guard, Major General James Eifert, toured the warehouse donated by the US Southern Command.

The Civil Defence Commission is tasked with emergency monitoring, assessment, response to all hazards, and coordination of local humanitarian assistance. It is currently working to establish a National Early Warning System that would reduce the extent of losses in the event of a hazard.

3 students at Amelia’s Ward hostel test positive for COVID-19

…regional officials meet to discuss way forward

Region 10 Chairman Deron Adams meeting with Regional Education Officer Nigel Richards; Regional Health Officer, Dr Gregory Harris and head of the Region 10 COVID-19 Task Force, Dwight John

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cting on reports of positive COVID-19 tests attained for three students at the Amelia’s Ward Hostel in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Regional Chairman Deron Adams on Tuesday convened a meeting with Regional Education Officer Nigel Richards, Regional Health Officer Dr Gregory Harris, and head of the Region 10 COVID-19 Task Force, Dwight John, to address the way forward.

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC), in a statement issued on Tuesday, noted that “while some logistical issues had prevented the transport of the three students into iso-

lation care, they are now isolated and resting comfortably, since all three had presented as asymptomatic”.

The RDC has said concerns had been raised by the hostel’s staff as well as the staff at the Linden Foundation Secondary School, that these students had been attending classes and, as such, may have posed a risk of transmission to other students and teachers.

However, it was noted that Dr Harris and Regional Education Officer Nigel Richards had convened a meeting with the teachers at the school, and had advised that a contact tracing effort had commenced.

“…and any person who felt that they had come into contact with these students should present themselves for a PCR test to be done, after which they would be accorded a medical certificate that would allow them to isolate at home while awaiting their results”, the statement continued.

It added that only one teacher opted to have the test done, while the others opted out of the exercise and so remain on duty at the school. According to the statement from the RDC, a similar request has been made to obtain parental permission for the conduct of PCR tests on the other students at the hostel and in the school who may have come into close contact with those students who had tested positive, but thus far no parent had provided permission for same.

According to the RDC, while some teachers were requesting to be sent home, the officials at the meeting convened by the Regional Chairman were unanimous in their determination that the only measure that would allow for the teachers to be sent home to isolate was for them to do a PCR test, which would require them to go into quarantine or isolation at home as they await their results.

A team from the Regional

Health Department has set up a testing station at the school to allow for the testing of any student or teacher who may want to access the service.

The RDC has said it would continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of the students and staff. (G13)

aw enforcement collaboration between the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit and their Surinamese counterparts has led to the discovery of 902 kilograms of cocaine at Tafelberg, Suriname.

CANU, in a statement on Wednesday evening, said this bust is a result of close and intensive cooperation at all levels between CANU, Suriname authorities, and other partner countries in the fight against organised crime, particularly trafficking in narcotics.

“Organised crime is a

transnational problem, and requires trusted cooperation among law enforcement authorities in the region and further afield,” CANU have said.

This level of cooperation is part of the Government of Guyana’s multi-faceted approach to suppress and ultimately eliminate the scourge of drug trafficking in Guyana, CANU has said, adding that the strategy will continue to be enhanced to deter traffickers from using Guyana’s territory to further their illicit activity.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Regional

Thousands of Colombians BVI announces new protocols for vaccinated visitors march to protest Government tax proposals F

Demonstrators take part in a protest against the tax reform of President Ivan Duque’s Government in Bogota, Colombia, April 28, 2021 (Reuters/Luisa Gonzalez)

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housands of protesters answered calls from Colombia’s biggest unions to fill streets across the country to demonstrate on Wednesday against a controversial Government tax reform.

Unions insisted the strike would go ahead despite a court order to postpone the protests on concerns about a third coronavirus peak that is stretching the health system to breaking point. The

Andean country has reported more than 2.8 million coronavirus cases, of which 106,482 are active. More than 72,000 people have died.

The proposed tax reform was originally meant to raise about US$6 billion, equivalent to two per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, earlier on Wednesday finance official Juan Alberto Londono said the Government could lower the targeted sum to be-

tween 18 trillion and 20 trillion pesos (US$4.8 billion to US$5.4 billion) as it looks to build consensus among lawmakers.

The Government is proposing a suite of new or expanded taxes on individuals and businesses, as well as reducing or eliminating many tax exemptions, including on product sales.

“This protest is legitimate as it represents a national rejection of the economic and social policies of this Government,” said Francisco Maltes, President of the Central Union of Workers (CUT).

He said on Facebook the reform would “plunder the pockets of (ordinary) Colombians, while not touching even a hair of the super-rich”.

The reform is crucial for Colombia to keep its investment grade debt rating, according to the Government.

The city of Cali put in place a 13:00h curfew and deployed the army after several buses were burnt. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Striking health workers lift roadblocks in Vaca Muerta area of Argentina

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rotesting health workers who erected roadblocks over the last three weeks at the sprawling Vaca Muerta shale oil deposit in Argentina said on Wednesday that they shifted the protests to other parts of Patagonia.

The roadblocks had affected Vaca Muerta oil and natural gas production and left the area without energy. Workers including doctors, nurses, orderlies and other hospital staff are seeking greater compensation for working high-risk jobs during the COVID-19

pandemic as cases spike in Argentina.

They have rejected offers of increased compensation, calling them insufficient, but agreed to move the protests to other parts of Neuquen Province, and away from the politically and economically sensitive Vaca Muerta area.

“We are going to move to different parts of the province. We will continue evaluating what other measures to take to ensure that the Government understands our concerns, considering that we are getting hit by a second wave of COVID-19

cases,” Marco Campos, a spokesman for the healthcare workers, told Reuters.

The roadblocks caused serious production slowdowns at Vaca Muerta, one of the largest shale reserves in the world.

The union’s decision to move the protests “should allow traffic to begin to normalise little by little”, said a local oil industry source, who asked not to be named.

Vaca Muerta is key to Argentina’s goal of closing its energy deficit and eventually becoming a net oil and gas exporter. (Reuters)

ully-vaccinated visitors to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) will be able to move around freely, once they return a negative COVID-19 test result on arrival.

Health and Social Development Minister Carvin Malone said the new protocols would come into effect from May 15.

He confirmed that fully-vaccinated visitors to the British overseas territory would be required to take a PCR test five days before travel, provide proof of full vaccination, and take another PCR test upon arrival.

Once they receive a neg-

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National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds (second from left) with Tunapuna Member of Parliament, Esmond Forde (left); Chief of Defence Staff, Air Commodore Darryl Daniel and ODPM CEO, Major General (Ret’d) Rodney Smart

heaped praise on the contingent of law enforcement officials who collaborated in the finds which came days apart at two separate locations.

Expressing delight

whenever such illegal discoveries are detected and in such quantities, Hinds said, “I am more than pleased because I understand that that simple fact makes T&T

with its strategy of gradual reopening based on international conditions and the local situation.

“Any progress in that direction augurs well for tourism and for the economy, and this is a very significant step.”

Under this updated protocol, a visitors is considered to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks, after they received both doses of an approved two-dose vaccine, such as AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer, or one shot of a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

PM Holness saddened at passing of Ambassador Anthony Johnson

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rime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday expressed sadness at the passing of Ambassador Anthony Johnson.

Ambassador Johnson was a former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament, Senator, diplomat, economist, lecturer, Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Finland, the Kingdoms of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and Ireland and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States.

Holness said that Johnson “led a life that can only be described as selfless having made invaluable contributions to both the Private and Public Sectors and as an educator lecturing at the University of the West Indies for many years”.

Ambassador Johnson became a member of the JLP in 1980 and went on to be appointed to the Senate after which he took on the role of Member of Parliament

National Security Minister on arms find: A deeper, darker plot to harm T&T ational Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds has described the two recent discoveries of large caches of sophisticated weapons and ammunition as part of “a more sinister, deeper and darker” plot to harm the people of this country.

Expressing confidence in Trinidad and Tobago’s law enforcement agencies to handle whatever challenges they are faced with to ensure citizens are safe and protected, the newly-appointed Minister said the discoveries meant the systems were working.

Responding to questions Tuesday evening as he stood aboard the Galleons Passage at the Port-of-Spain Port, he

ative result from the tests, they would be free to enjoy their stay in the territory and would not have to spend four days in quarantine, which is still required for arriving visitors that were not fully vaccinated.

“This is great news and timely, as more guests are arriving fully vaccinated and many in our industry have stepped forward to take the vaccine in support of economic rejuvenation,” BVI Director of Tourism, Clive McCoy said.

“The territory already has an enviable record for health and safety during the pandemic and has continued

cleaner and safer.”

He lamented that the proliferation of illegal weapons had led the people of T&T, “to shed so much tears and endure so much pain as a result of gun violence”.

Pressed to provide an update on the two finds, Hinds said, “The Police have already made it clear that from the looks of that, it didn’t look like it was anybody wanting to carry out robberies because that has happened many times before.”

Hinds said, “We look forward to finding out who did it and why, so that we can make the country cleaner and safer.” (Excerpted from Trinidad Guardian)

This image of Senator Kamina Johnson Smith and her father Ambassador Anthony Johnson was shared to social media

for North East St Catherine where he served his constituents with great distinction.

At different times during his political career, Ambassador Johnson had various portfolio responsibilities including technology, education, industry, commerce, agriculture, mining and energy. He was also the first Jamaican council member of Parliamentarians for Global Action, a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

Ambassador Johnson was awarded the Order of Jamaica for his service to the nation in 2016.

“I express heartfelt condolences to his wife and four children, including our own Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, and the rest of his family, as they mourn this tremendous loss,” said Holness. “His passing has left us heartbroken.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Maha Sabha can take seditionlaw appeal to Privy Council

A

ttorneys for the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and its media company, Central Broadcasting Services Ltd (CBSL), have received conditional leave from the Court of Appeal to take their legal challenge of Trinidad and Tobago’s sedition laws to the Privy Council.

On Wednesday, Justices of Appeal Gregory Smith, Peter Rajkumar and Malcolm Holdip granted conditional leave. The State did not oppose.

In early April, the legal team for the Maha Sabha’s Vijay Maharaj, who took over the case of his late father Satnarayan Maharaj’s estate, and CBSL filed a motion for conditional leave to appeal to the Privy Council.

On March 26, the Court of Appeal overturned a Judge’s ruling on sections 3 and 4 of

the Sedition Act. The Appeal Court held the sections did not violate the principles of legal certainty, and met the requirements of valid law.

Sat Maharaj and CBSL filed the constitutional claim after Maharaj made certain statements on his Maha Sabha Strikes Back programme on TV Jaagriti on April 15, 2019. He said citizens living in Tobago were lazy and the men were rapists.

He was not charged, but the Telecommunications Authority (TATT) considered the statements divisive and this led to a Police investigation to determine whether the statements were of a seditious nature. Police raided the CBSL’s offices twice.

Maharaj said he presumed he would be charged for sedition. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil gains more than 1% on fuel demand optimism

C

rude prices rose more than one per cent on Wednesday, after US distillate inventories posted a large drawdown and refiners ramped up activity to the highest in over a year, boosting hopes for rising fuel demand in the world’s top oil consumer.

OPEC+, comprising of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, on Tuesday decided to stick to plans for a phased easing of oil production restrictions from May to July, an indication that the group is confident that global demand will recovery.

“The market is supported by the general belief that the COVID endgame is in sight,” said Tamas Varga, analyst at PVM Oil associates.

Brent crude futures gained 85 cents, or 1.3 per cent, to settle at US$67.27 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 92 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to settle at US$63.86 a barrel.

US crude inventories rose by 90,000 barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said, much smaller than analysts’ forecasts for a 659,000-barrel build.

Distillate stockpiles, which include heating oil and diesel fuel, fell by 3.3 million barrels in the week, and refining rates rose to 85.4 per cent of capacity, their highest since March 2020.

“Between planting season and online truck deliveries, you have a nice number in the diesel,” said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho. “Planting season is doing wonders for the distillate market.”

In a report by OPEC+ experts earlier in the week, the group forecast global oil demand in 2021 would grow by six million barrels per day, after demand plunged by 9.5 million bpd last year amid the pandemic. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Climate change: World's glaciers melting at accelerating rate

First shipment of US COVID-19 relief material departs for India

T

he first shipment of the United States emergency COVID-19 relief material carrying 440 oxygen cylinders and regulators; 960,000 Rapid Diagnostic Tests and 100,000 N95 masks, departed from California to New Delhi on Wednesday (local time).

The US Agency for International Development (USAID), in a statement, said it was rapidly mobilising assistance to save lives, stop the spread of COVID-19 , and meet the urgent health needs of the Indian people.

"Today, the United States deployed the first of several emergency COVID-19 relief shipments to India. Arriving in New Delhi from Travis Air Force Base on the world's largest military aircraft, the shipment includes 440 oxygen cylinders and regula-

tors, generously donated by the State of California," the statement read.

In addition, on this first flight, the USAID will send 960,000 Rapid Diagnostic Tests to identify infections early to help prevent the community spread of COVID-19, and 100,000 N95 masks

to protect India's frontline healthcare heroes.

The United States has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of India for more than 70 years, and will continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic together, the US agency said.

"Just as India sent assis-

tance to the United States when US hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, the United States is now helping India during its time of need," the statement read.

Earlier on Wednesday, the White House announced that the United States will be delivering medical supplies worth more than US$100 million in the coming days to India to provide urgent relief as the country battles a new wave of COVID-19 cases, said the White House.

Under the immediate emergency COVID-19 Assistance, Washington is providing 1700 oxygen concentrators, an initial delivery of 1100 cylinders, multiple large-scale Oxygen Generation Units to support up to 20 patients each, to India. (ANI)

hand off our family Bible – and inherited a nation in crisis. The worst pandemic in a century. The worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War,” he told an audience of 200 members of Congress and other dignitaries in the US Capitol during a live televised speech at 20:00 local time (01:00 GMT).

“Now – after just 100

days – I can report to the nation: America is on the move again. Turning peril into possibility. Crisis into opportunity. Setback into strength.”

The President struck an optimistic tone, in clear contrast to the last four years of President Donald Trump, who approached politics as a fight and rarely struck a conciliatory tone.

“In our first 100 days to-

gether, we have acted to restore the people’s faith in our democracy to deliver,” Biden said.

“We’re vaccinating the nation. We’re creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.

We’re delivering real results people can see and feel in their own lives. Opening the doors of opportunity.

Guaranteeing fairness and justice.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The United States will be delivering medical supplies worth more than US$100 million in the coming days to India

“America is on the move again”: Biden in address to Congress

U

S President Joe Biden told a joint session of Congress Wednesday night that “America is on the move again” after inheriting “a nation in crisis” 99 days ago.

“As I stand here tonight, we are just one day shy of the 100th day of my Administration,” Biden said,.

“100 days since I took the oath of office – lifted my

Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins dies at 90

M

Klinaklini Glacier in Canada: There is now far more certainty about what is happening

T

he world's glaciers are melting at an accelerating rate, according to a comprehensive new study.

A French-led team assessed the behaviour of nearly all documented ice streams on the planet.

The researchers found them to have lost almost 270 billion tonnes of ice a year over the opening two decades of the 21st Century.

The meltwater produced now accounts for about a fifth of global sea-level rise, the scientists tell Nature journal.

The numbers involved are quite hard to imagine, so team member Robert McNabb, from the universities of Ulster and Oslo, uses an analogy.

"Over the last 20 years, we've seen that glaciers have lost about 267 gigatonnes

(Gt) per year. So, if we take that amount of water and we divide it up across the island of Ireland, that's enough to cover all of Ireland in three metres of water each year," he says on this week's edition of Science In Action on the BBC World Service.

"And the total loss is accelerating. It's growing by about 48Gt/yr, per decade."

The worldwide inventory of glaciers contains 217,175 ice streams.

Some are smaller than a football pitch; others can rival in area a mid-sized country like the UK. What nearly all have in common is that they are thinning and retreating in a changing climate, either through stronger melting in warmer air or because the patterns of snowfall that feed the glaciers have shifted. (Excerpt from BBC News)

ichael Collins – one of the three crew members of the first manned mission to the Moon, Apollo 11 in 1969 –has died aged 90, his family say.

He died on Wednesday after "a valiant battle with cancer. He spent his final days peacefully, with his family by his side", they said.

Collins had stayed in lunar orbit as his colleagues Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon.

Aldrin, 91, is now the only surviving member of the mission.

Paying tribute to Collins,

Aldrin wrote in a tweet: "Dear Mike, Wherever you have been or will be, you

will always have the Fire to Carry us deftly to new heights and to the future.

We will miss you. May you Rest In Peace."

In a statement, the Collins family said that "Mike always faced the challenges of life with grace and humility, and faced this, his final challenge, the same way".

"We will miss him terribly. Yet we also know how lucky Mike felt to have lived the life he did.

"We will honour his wish for us to celebrate, not mourn, that life."

On July 16, 2019, Collins visited Florida's Kennedy Space Center – the site where the mission had set off exactly 50 years earlier.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

der way, Xinhua news agency reports.

China has faced a spate of knife attacks on schools over the years.

Those found to have carried out the attacks have usually been people living with mental illness, or seeking revenge against officials or individuals known to them.

The motive for Wednesday's attack is not clear, but the suspect

is reported to have entered the kindergarten in the Xinfeng area of Beiliu around 14:00 local time.

Sixteen children and two teachers were injured.

Xinhua reported that two children subsequently died of their injuries.

Two of the injured were undergoing surgery and a further 14 were receiving medical treatment.

Kindergartens in China generally take children

from the ages of three to six.

Previous deadly attacks on schoolchildren in China include an incident in September 2019 in which eight children were killed in Hubei province, and the death of nine middle school students in northern China when a man attacked them as they were on their way home in April 2018. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Michael Collins stayed in lunar orbit as his colleagues Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon

2 children die in stabbing at Beiliu City kindergarten

T

wo children have died and 16 other persons have been wounded after a man entered a kindergarten with a knife in southern China, State media reported.

Two of the wounded are in serious condition after the mass stabbing in Beiliu City, in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Police have arrested a suspect and an investigation into the attack is un-

20

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

Trying to initiate what you want to do won’t be easy.

Take time to prepare, strategize and eliminate any obstacles. Do things right the first time, and it will save you time and money.

Take control, do the work yourself and take (April 20credit for your achieveMay 20) ments. Don’t limit what you can do. A disciplined, well-thought-out plan will pay off.

TAURUS

DILBERT

Realistic expectations will GEMINI ease stress and prompt you to (May 21- use your imagination to come June 20) up with unique ideas. Don’t present what you have to offer until you have everything in place.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

If you are worried, set up a virtual meeting to avoid risk. Be assertive and innovative; you will dominate a conversation that can be life-changing. Put your energy where it counts.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Start channeling your energy into something worthwhile. Size up what you are trying to achieve, and put a plan in place that will encourage success. Let go of the past and move forward.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

The experience you have will help you recognize when it’s best to make a change.

Surround yourself with people who are heading in a similar direction. Personal growth is favored.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Arguing is a waste of time.

Distancing yourself from negative people will ease stress and encourage you to gravitate toward people who bring out the best in you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Put a price tag on what you have to offer. If you devalue what you do, you will suffer a loss. Set the standard.

Control whatever situation you face, and you will excel.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

Do your research, sign SAGITTARIUS up for a seminar and expand (Nov. 23your knowledge. Don’t depend Dec. 21) on others to do things for you

or tell you the truth. Take charge and do things your way.

CAPRICORN Focus on comfort and convenience and who can help you (Dec. 22achieve your goals. Nurturing Jan. 19) a meaningful relationship will enhance your life. Make unique plans for two.

TUESDAY'S WORD - INTERIM

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Refuse something that isn’t in your best interest. A change someone makes will confuse you. When in doubt, be direct, get the facts and deal with matters swiftly.

Don’t give in to temptation.

Don’t disregard an idea because it’s unfamiliar. Take (Feb. 20the plunge, and try someMarch 20) thing new. You’ll discover something you enjoy doing.

Control your emotions, and use your intelligence to get ahead.

PISCES

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

21

BCB/Vitality Inc Educational Trust Fund disburses $260K to 13 youth cricketers – Foster pledges more in 2021 “S

ince the election of the new administration of the Berbice Cricket Board in early 2018, we have stressed the importance of education.

“The BCB strongly believes that the pursuit of an educational background is just as important as striving to become a cricketing superstar, as only about two percent of our current youth players would go on to become professional cricketers.

“You must remember at all times that what you have in your brain can never be taken away from you, and the BCB is determined to make sure that each one of our young players understands the importance of education.”

Those were the words of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster as he delivered the feature address at the launching of the Vitality Inc Education Trust Fund, held at the St Francis Community

Developers Training Centre in Port Mourant.

This event, organised by the Berbice Cricket Board, has seen 13 under-17 players drawn from the Upper Corentyne area benefiting from the disbursement of $260,000 from the BCB/Vitality Inc Educational Trust Fund. The players each received a voucher valued at $20,000, which they would exchange at the Metro Office Supplies Store in New Amsterdam for educational materials.

Among these players were Jamiel Clarke, Khemraj Sukwah, Ramesh Singh, Davindra Persaud, Orlando Campbelle, Emanuel Issacs, Salim Khan, Isaac Chandan and Tavindra Doobay.

Foster disclosed that the players were selected by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association based on personal discipline, classroom performance, membership of a cricket club, and commitment to the game.

A CWI Director, Foster used his half-hour feature address to speak on a wide range of topics, including the danger of drugs, importance of education, faith in God, respect for elders, and choosing suitable friends.

The BCB, he said, has over the last three years assisted hundreds of youths with educational materials, school bags and bicycles, while dozens have this year benefited from educational grants.

The BCB has also sponsored a one-year scholarship for a cricketer attending the University of Guyana.

Foster has disclosed that the next area to benefit from the programme would be the Berbice River Sub-Association, while more students from the Upper and Lower Corentyne, West Berbice and New Amsterdam/ Canje areas would receive grants.

Awardees of the Trust Fund pose with BCB executives and Abbas Hamid of Vitality Inc

The main objective, he said, is to assist at least 70 cricketers with grants in 2021, while school bags would also be shared out with educational materials.

Special thanks have been extended to the Management of Vitality Inc for their support of Berbice cricket. In addition to sponsoring the Educational Trust Fund, the company and its Charity Foundation recently

Sports bodies, personalities in move to tackle racial abuse by boycott of social media

R

ugby Union and Cricket will join football’s social media boycott to tackle abuse and discrimination. Premiership Rugby, clubs and the Rugby Players’ Association will be involved.

The England and Wales Cricket Board, first-class counties, women’s regional teams and Professional Cricketers’ Association have joined the protest.

Premier League and Women’s Super League sponsor Barclays, broadcasters BT Sport and Talksport, and Scottish football clubs will also take part from Friday.

“We are committed to making Premiership Rugby a diverse, welcoming and inclusive environment for our staff, players and fans,” said Wayne Morris, the chair of Premiership Rugby’s diversity and inclusion group.

PCA chief executive Rob Lynch said: “Social media companies have to do more.

Our members are often victims of horrific online abuse, with little or no punishment for the perpetrators, and this has to change.”

England bowler Jofra Archer is among a number

of athletes who have been targeted by racist abuse on social media this year.

Premier League, English Football League and Women’s Super League clubs, as well as league bodies, the Football Association and a number of other football organisations, including anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, will be involved in the four-day boycott of Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Clubs in Scotland will join the Scottish FA, Scottish Professional Football League, Scottish Women’s Football and PFA Scotland in switching off all social media activity from 15:00 BST on Friday 30 until 23:59 on Monday.

Sports company Adidas, which manufactures more than a third of Premier

League kits, including those of Manchester United, Arsenal and Leicester, is stopping all advertising across its platforms this weekend.

Budweiser, which sponsors the England team, is also signing up, with online car retailer Cazoo, shirt sponsors of Aston Villa and Everton, having become on Tuesday the first major football sponsor to announce its support.

Sheffield United’s David McGoldrick, who was racially abused last year, welcomed the move when announced on Saturday, saying: “It is about time.

What has gone off on social media, it has happened to me. It has happened to many players. Something needs to happen; it is too easy to get racially abused

on there.”

The move will come three weeks after Swansea City turned off their social media accounts for a week to take a stand against abuse following a number of their players being targeted.

Championship rivals Birmingham City and Scottish champions Rangers followed Swansea’s lead in announcing a boycott of social media.

Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry removed himself from all social media in March because of racism and bullying across platforms.

The UK Government has previously threatened social media companies with “large fines” which could amount to “billions of pounds” if they fail to tackle abuse on their platforms.

Facebook said in February that tougher measures would be taken to tackle the issue.

Last week, Instagram which is owned by Facebook - announced a tool to enable users to automatically filter out abusive messages from those they do not follow on the platform. (BBC Sport)

donated $1.4M worth of cricket gear to eight Berbice clubs, and sponsored a 20/20 cricket tournament for Upper Corentyne clubs.

The Vitality Inc Foundation would also construct a home for one less fortunate employee of the BCB. The construction of the home for the mother of five is expected to start shortly, after some minor arrangements are put into place. This would represent a first of its kind for the proactive cricket board, which is now focusing on off-the-field activities due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Director of Vitality Inc, Abbas

Hamid, has said his company is very pleased with developments taking place in Berbice cricket, and is delighted to be associated with the BCB. He joined with Foster to stress the importance of education and discipline. Vitality, he noted, is committed to playing a major role in the development of Guyana, and intends to become a major force in the country by offering service of the highest standard.

The company is a $2B investment in Guyana with special interest in the Oil and Gas sector. Among the subsidiaries of Vitality Inc are Vitality Supplies and Vitality Accounting/ Consultancy.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic to miss Madrid Open

W

orld number one Novak Djokovic will not defend his Madrid Open title after pulling out of next month’s event.

The Serb, 33, has said he was sorry he would not be able to travel to Madrid for the Masters 1000 event which starts on Sunday, four weeks before the French Open.

“It’s been two years already, quite a long time,” he added. “Hope to see you all next year.”

Last year’s Madrid event was cancelled because of the coronavirus

pandemic.

Djokovic was stunned last weekend by Russian world number 28 Aslan Karatsev in the semi-finals of the Serbia Open, and earlier this month lost to Britain’s Dan Evans in Monte Carlo.

The Serb won his 18th Grand Slam title in February with victory at the Australian Open.

He is expected to play in Rome and Belgrade next month as part of his preparations for the French Open, which starts on 30 May. (BBC Sport)

22

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Ruturaj Gaikwad top scored with 75

F

our contrasting halfcenturies told the story of the Chennai Super Kings' seven-wicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad, with the victors climbing back to the top of the IPL 2021 points table.

The vanquished Sunrisers, meanwhile, remained in last place.

David Warner chose to bat in the tournament's first game in Delhi, saying he did so "because we haven't done it yet", in an effort to change the Sunrisers' fortunes.

However, a middling effort with the bat gave the team only a par total of 171 for 3. Warner himself scored a laboured halfcentury, while the returning Manish Pandey made 61 off 46, but both left the strong feeling that some runs had been left out in the middle.

That was proven true when Ruturaj Gaikwad continued his resurgence with an incandescent 75 off 44 - not hitting a six, but hitting 12 fours - while Faf du Plessis contributed a robust 56 off 38.

Both the Super Kings' openers strike rates were far superior to those of the Sunrisers' halfcenturions, and their stand set the game up for the Super Kings.

CSK canter to target of 172 to move to No. 1 on points table

Despite a Rashid Khaninduced late wobble, the threetime IPL champions motored home in 18.3 overs.

Warner struggles, Pandey dawdles Warner did score a fifty, but it was the slowest of his T20 career; he got there off his 50th ball. He also crossed 10,000 T20 runs, only the fourth man to do so, but both of these landmarks came in an innings he might not look back on too fondly.

Warner didn't lack intent, but his timing was all awry. And when he did get some meaty shots away, they found the fielders as often as the gaps.

Warner's frustration was visible through his innings, with self-recriminatory screams and angry swishes of the bat when he had failed to send the ball where he wanted to. He tried to go deep, tried to go straight, tried to go across the line, but that he ended up with 57 off 55 speaks of how little of what he tried worked.

At the other end, the returning Pandey was more fluent, but until the last tenth of his innings, Pandey didn't exhibit any sense of urgency, even with Warner noticeably struggling.

Pandey was happy to nudge and tickle the ball around, with the occasional boundary attempt.

He was a lot more stable at the crease than Warner, but given Warner's inability to force the pace, there was a case for Pandey to be more adventurous.

The duo added 106 runs for the second wicket, but took 13.5 overs to do so. Only three century partnerships in the IPL have been slower, and only one since 2017.

Williamson finishes in style It fell to Kane Williamson to show there were no demons in the pitch or the bowling.

Williamson stroked his way to 26* off 10 balls, somehow managing to score runs all around the park, even though he was there for such a brief while.

He had walked in at 128 for 2 in 17.1 overs, with ESPNcricinfo's Forecaster tool predicting a final tally of 156 at that point. It was Williamson's fireworks that pushed the total beyond 170, aided by a good finish from Kedar Jadhav against his old team. The duo put on 37 off the last 13 balls.

struggles were made starker by the Super Kings openers' ease.

While Williamson had provided a brief sparkle, Gaikwad and du Plessis had an extended feast on a placid surface. They batted 13 overs, five balls fewer than the Pandey-Warner association, but their partnership was worth 129 runs to the latter's 106.

The Sunrisers’ bowlers weren't able to get any significant movement in the air or off the deck, and both Gaikwad and du Plessis got their drives flowing freely. The two complemented each other perfectly, too: while Gaikwad took on the spin of J Suchith and Rashid Khan, du Plessis punished the pace trio

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and third overs Khan dragged the ball short, and each time Gaikwad found the boundary.

Rashid's revival Not that Khan bowled badly.

On the contrary, he had his usual array of legbreaks, sliders and googlies operating despite some dew.

And he showed just how potent he could be by first fizzing a legbreak past Gaikwad's forward-defensive push to knock back off stump, then getting Moeen Ali out on the slog with a wrong 'un, and immediately after pinning du Plessis in front with another googly. While he had ended up

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Faf Duplesis scored 56

Gaikwad, du Plessis at it once again The Sunrisers' top-order

Andre Russell, Fidel Edwards among 5 Windies players selected in PSL replacement draft

of Sandeep Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed and Siddarth Kaul.

Gaikwad taking the attack to Khan was perhaps the most crucial byplay of the chase.

Khan's four overs were always going to be the most crucial in the Sunrisers' defence, but Gaikwad neutralised that threat by taking full toll any time Khan erred.

Three times in his second

conceding 36 - Ali too followed the Gaikwad template in taking the attack to Khan - he still took three crucial wickets.

The speed and dominance of the opening partnership, however, meant that Khan's quota of overs was finished by the 15th over. His wickets meant the Super Kings' canter to victory slowed down, but it couldn't be stopped. (ESPNcricinfo)

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(Ext 55)

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SCOREBOARD

J

amaicans Andre Russell and Fabian Allen are among five West Indies players who were picked up yesterday

by Pakistan Super League Replacement Draft that is expected to resume.

However, one player is on the way out.

The PSL conducted a replacement draft for the six teams in order to complete their squads ahead of the resumption of the 2021 tournament, which had been suspended after 14 matches due to spikes in the number of COVID-19

infections in that country.

In the draft, Russell, who is currently playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, was selected by the Quetta Gladiators, who have lost Tom Banton and Dale Steyn.

Peshawar Zalmi picked up Allen, Rovman Powell and Fidel Edwards as replacements for Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Liam Livingston, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Saquib Mahmood.

Meanwhile, the Multan Sultans picked Obed McCoy along with George

Linde, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mahmudullah as replacements for Carlos Brathwaite, Adam Lyth, James Vince and Chris Lynn.

The remainder of the tournament will be played in June, with all matches being played in Karachi in a bio-security bubble being put in place by a UKbased company. The teams will assemble by May 23 to begin their mandatory seven-day quarantine, and action will resume on June 2, with the final to be played on June 20. (Sportsmax)

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) David Warner (c) c Jadeja b Ngidi 57 Jonny Bairstow † c Chahar b Curran 7 Manish Pandey c du Plessis b Ngidi 61 Kane Williamson not out 26 Kedar Jadhav not out 12 Extras (lb 2, w 6) 8 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.55) 171/3 Did not bat: Rashid Khan, Vijay Shankar, Jagadeesha Suchith, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, Sandeep Sharma Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Jonny Bairstow, 3.2 ov), 2-128 (David Warner, 17.1 ov), 3-134 (Manish Pandey, 17.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Deepak Chahar 3-0-21-0 Sam Curran 4-0-30-1 Shardul Thakur 4-0-44-0 Moeen Ali 2-0-16-0 Lungi Ngidi 4-0-35-2 Ravindra Jadeja 3-0-23-0

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS INNINGS (TARGET: 172 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Ruturaj Gaikwad b Rashid Khan 75 Faf du Plessis lbw b Rashid Khan 56 Moeen Ali c Jadhav b Rashid Khan 15 Ravindra Jadeja not out 7 Suresh Raina not out 17 Extras (w 3) 3 TOTAL (18.3 Ov, RR: 9.35) 173/3 Did not bat: Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (c)†, Sam Curran, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Lungi Ngidi Fall of wickets: 1-129 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 12.6 ov), 2-148 (Moeen Ali, 14.5 ov), 3-148 (Faf du Plessis, 14.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sandeep Sharma 3.3-0-24-0 Khaleel Ahmed 4-0-36-0 Siddarth Kaul 4-0-32-0 Jagadeesha Suchith 3-0-45-0 Rashid Khan 4-0-36-3

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Forde unfazed by Fenwick’s comments G uyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde remains unfazed by reports surrounding a comment Trinidad and Tobago’s Head Coach Terry Fenwick has made about the GFF’s recent protest to FIFA. Following reports that Trinidad and Tobago fielded an ineligible player during their World Cup 2022 Qualifying encounter with the Golden Jaguars, the Guyana Football Federation operated in what they believed to be

the team’s best interest by sending a petition to FIFA. The GFF completed their report and sent it last week, after what they described as in-depth legal advice on the issue.

GFF believes Andre Boucaud was ineligible for selection as a registered intermediary, and, as such, that any points secured by Trinidad and Tobago during any related FIFA World Cup qualification match should be forfeited.

This week, Soca Warriors’ Head Coach

Terry Fenwick expressed to a publication in the twin-island that the protest has nothing to do with them.

He said, “It's nothing to do with us. It is all English rules and regulations, nothing to do with TT, Concacaf or FIFA." When probed about Fenwick’s comment, the GFF President had this to say: “I have nothing further to add to that issue.

We would have obviously communicated out protest to FIFA, and FIFA would determine who that matter

Massy Motors Golf Tourney to tee off at 12:30 on Saturday

is concerning.”

Further, he noted, “I don’t think it’s appropriate for anyone to disassociate themselves from a matter, of even associate with a matter.”

In spite of Fenwick’s belief, Forde maintains that the GFF took the only logical move, and are anticipating FIFA’s response.

“We’ve sent it to the world governing body, and they will make the pronouncement. Either way, we think we did what any responsible organisation should do if they feel

23

that there (are) some elements of breaches with regards to the rules and regulations,” the GFF boss shared.

Boucaud, who Trinidad and Tobago’s Head was registered as Coach, Terry Fenwick an intermediary must be avoided. It is said with the English Football Association, was that intermediaries canan unused substitute for not have any contractual the Soca Warriors when relationship with a nationthey defeated Guyana al football association.

Additionally, un3-0 on April 25 in the English Football Dominican Republic. der Under FIFA rules, all con- Association rules, players flicts of interest with in- cannot be registered intertermediaries or agents mediaries.

Walter Grant-Stuart going for gold at Paralympics – seeking assistance from GCF, GOA in preparation process

By Brandon Corlette

Chief Executive Officer of Massy Motors, Rohit Coonjah

By Timothy Jaikarran

O

n Saturday May 1st, 2021, the Lusignan Golf Club will come alive as the Massy Motors G o l f Tournament is hosted.

The tourney, an 18hole medal play shot gun start, is expected to tee off at 12:30 hrs, and prizes will be awarded for best net front 9, best net back 9, best net overall, and 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions.

In a simple ceremony held at the Massy Motors headquarters in Ruimveldt, President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Patanjilee Persaud, thanked the executives of Massy for their contribution towards the sport. He noted that it is expected to be an exciting golf tournament this weekend, as many will see some of Guyana’s top golfers do fierce battle on the course.

“We would like to thank Massy for joining with Lusignan Golf Club to sponsor this tournament to show the friendly nature of corporate sponsorship in this society. We want to thank them and wish them all the best.

“We know they have some new things to advertise, as they are always coming up with some im-

pressive products. Being from the mining sector, we know that miners would also be impressed with what they have.

We would like to thank them for playi n g

their corporate role in sports, with golf being a COVIDfriendly sport. “ W e ’ d also like to thank Massy for seeing with golf and also enduring with the sport, and we want

LGC President Patanjilee Persaud

them to come out and learn the sport at the prestigious Lusignan Golf Club,” Persaud declared.

Also speaking at the launch was Chief Executive Officer of Massy Motors, Rohit Coonjah, who said Massy Guyana is very proud to be a part of the tournament.

Coonjah expressed hope that everyone remains safe during the pandemic, because everyone needs to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being off all people.

The CEO also reiterated that in keeping in touch with their motto, “A Force For Good, Creating Value and Transforming Lives” it is the company’s intent to keep in touch with national activities that aid in the development of our country.

He stated that one such sport in golf as the company has executives who participate actively in competitions, hence they are happy to be part of the action and look forward for future collaborations.

All COVID-19 protocols will be followed at the event.

All superheroes are differently-abled. All differentlyabled persons are superheroes.

That is the perception of many who witnessed the dominant cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart.

His abilities are stronger than his disability.

Grant-Stuart is one of Guyana's most gifted cyclists, and he is set to depart Guyana’s shores for Tokyo, to participate in the Paralympics scheduled to be held from August 24 to September 5, 2021.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport, Grant-Stuart spoke about the significance of representing Guyana, and how he is hungry for success. He is also seeking assistance from the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) to engage in training at altitude.

Questioned how significant are the upcoming Paralympics, Stuart said: "It's a big thing for me to put on the Guyana uniform and get the opportunity to win the gold medal and hear the National anthem."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions that were placed on sports, Grant-Stuart said, he did not have racing practice under his belt, but he usually puts in six hours’ gym work on a daily basis.

"I am working in the Fire Department, and

the timings are tight to train," Grant-Stuart said.

Cycling has returned in Guyana, and the National Cycling Championships are tipped for late May. The only differentlyabled cyclist in Guyana, Grant-

Walter Grant-Stuart

Stuart has said he is looking forward for that event.

The journey Despite being differently able Grant-Stuart has never given up.

He continues to be an inspiration to many. The naturally-gifted athlete was into long-distance running, but after he suffered a motor-cycle accident, he purchased a bicycle to ride for

fun.

"I used the talent that I had and I won the first race I rode in.

That was the Open Race at the National Park. Then I continued with cycling. I am a para-athlete,

I am a person with disability, but I never let that hamper me.

I always try to race with the normal guys, and that really boosts me. I went to the tour in Tobago in 2013 and someone from Canada spotted me and told me to go to the Paralympics, where I won gold."

In the qualification process for the Paralympics, the hard-working cyclist won in Canada, rode sixth in Italy, ninth in Belgium and fifth in the Netherlands. In the PanAmerican championships in Peru, Grant-Stuart finished in sixth position.

With all his experience and adding the right ingredients, Grant-Stuart would be going for gold in the Paralympics. He is expected to leave on August 19 and ride his first race on September 1.

The 2020 Summer Paralympics are an upcoming major international multisport event for athletes with disabilities. It is governed by the International Paralympic Committee. It is now scheduled as the 16th Summer Paralympic Games, and they are scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan. A total of 22 sports is scheduled for the event.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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

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Forde unfazed by Fenwick’s comments

going for gold at Paralympics – seeking assistance from GCF, GOA in preparation process

Massy Motors Golf Tourney to tee off at 12:30 on Saturday

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