Guyana Times - Thursday July 15, 2021

Govt to establish "onestop shop" facility for abuse victims P12

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4709

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

PRICE

$3.2B “Because We Care” cash grant initiative

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“This is a start for parents who face difficulties”

Annette Ferguson to be charged for cybercrime P16 offence

See story on page 3

– Manickchand at launching in Region 2

…“we will serve you and we will serve you equitably”

$19M CCTV $25.9M cameras purchased advance

by APNU/AFC in made by APNU/AFC 2015 undelivered …money taken from Contingency still to be recovered Fund as “emergency” …SOCU probing matter since 2017 Amerindian Fund

Page 7

Page 9

Sod turned for construction of new $585M Abram Zuil Secondary School See story on page 14

…168 new cases recorded

Woman who stabbed P12 neighbour with pitchfork remanded

Life sentences for ex-cons who killed mason during robbery P8

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall and Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat turning the sod for the construction of the new Abram Zuil Secondary School

"Dream Realised"

See story on page 15

Cop critical after being P15 struck down, run over by drunken driver COVID-19 P10 death toll now over 500 with 4 more deaths

Response from Lindeners “overwhelming” – Rodrigues

…says 1000 homes' construction to commence in weeks

Ganja farm, P7 ammo unearthed in Berbice

2

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, July 15 – 09:00h-10:30h and Friday, July 16 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, July 15 – 07:30h-09:00h and Friday, July 16 – 08:15h-09:45h.

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and light rain showers during the day and into the night, followed by partly cloudy skies. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 08:09h and 20:39h reaching maximum heights of 2.55 metres and 2.47 metres.

Low Tide: 14:10h reaching a minimum height of 0.69 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS K

04 05 10 11 12 28

16

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

01 02 07 17 22 LUCKY 3

0

4

6

5

Afternoon Draw

4

2

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 03 10 13 14 18 20 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2021

04 07 09 12 14 13

04 11 16 18 21

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$74.76/barrel

-2.31

Rough Rice

$236.75/ton

+0.40

London Sugar

$425.30/ton

+0.33

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1824.50

$1825.50

Low/High Change

$1810.20 -2.80

$1831.70 -0.15%

$3.2B “Because We Care” cash grant initiative

“This is a start for parents who face difficulties” – Manickchand at launching in Region 2 …“we will serve you and we will serve you equitably”

T

he Government on Wednesday rolled out the “Because We Care” cash grant initiative in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), where Education Minister Priya Manickchand said that the $19,000 in cash which will be provided per child will be helpful to parents who have been facing difficulties in providing for their children owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking with parents during the launch at the Cotton Field Secondary School, Essequibo Coast, Minister Manickchand explained that in addition to the $15,000 cash grant, each child in the public education system would receive a $4000 School Uniform and Supplies grant, which was formerly done as a voucher, thus, the total of $19,000.

The Education Minister went on to say that they would not specify how parents should spend the monies. She emphasised that the grants belonged to the students and it was the decision of parents as to how they should spend to provide for their children’s needs.

“It is the Ministry’s promise to ensure that students are taken care of during the pandemic and for us to ensure that students received quality education at this point of time...

It is understood that some parents do not afford to get their children to attend extra classes... So, this is a start for parents who face difficulties in providing essential materials for their children’s schooling,” said Manickchand.

Meanwhile, over at the Anna Regina Secondary School, the Minister stated that this past year has been difficult for Guyana and its education sector. She spoke of the various interventions the Ministry has had to undertake to deliver education to children in ways that were never done before.

However, Manickchand posited that while these initiatives were helpful, they were not as effective as having children in the classroom in front of a teacher. She said that this has been proven by the worrying results recorded in the two recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) mock examinations.

She noted that the Ministry also learnt that there were weaknesses in some homes that contributed to the results of the mock examinations. It was explained by the Minister that the best performing children in the education sector were those who have the necessary support at home.

To this end, the Education Minister outlined that children needed to get back into schools, but this could only be done if it was safe. As such, she encouraged parents and teachers to

Parents collecting their cash grant

take the COVID-19 vaccines that are available for adults.

Further, she said that the Government was looking to procure the Pfizer vaccine that has been approved in the United States of America to be used by students from ages 12 to 17.

Moreover, Manickchand told parents that with Wednesday’s launch, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government was delivering on another manifesto promise of reintroducing the cash grant initiative that was made to students and parents by the PPP/C. She also reassured that this initiative would be equitably rolled out.

“I will never serve you in a partisan way. Your children will get the same type of service that the next child will get. You must remember that about us. We will serve you and we will serve you equitably,” she stated.

The Education Ministry also reminded parents that the “Because We Care” cash

grant will increase from $15,000 incrementally each year until it reaches $50,000 by the end of Government’s five-year term in office.

Meanwhile, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall was also in Region Two and facilitated the disbursement of the cash grant to parents within Zorg and Adventure nursery, primary and secondary schools on the Essequibo Coast.

Dharamlall stated that the Government of Guyana has invested billions of dollars to ensure that thousands of students in Region Two have quality education.

“We need to see a major transformation in Essequibo as part of the educational development, because education is the means of getting us out of poverty... So, with this investment being made, it will assist teachers as well as students to feel more comfortable in the learning environment,” the Minister noted.

Additionally, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat was also in the region to assist with the distribution of the “Because We Care” cash grants.

One of the parents who were a recipient of the cash grant, Reshma Singh, related that she was satisfied with the grant received from the Government. Singh noted that she was especially thankful for the cash grant at this time, since she would be able to purchase the main necessities for her children.

Over $224 million is scheduled to be distributed in Region Two this week to over 11,000 students.

The launch commenced at the Cotton Field Secondary School, where 492 students are registered.

Other schools served on Wednesday included the Fisher Primary School, where grants were distributed to parents of children attending that school, along with those from the Fisher Nursery, Abram Zuil Nursery and Abram Zuil Secondary Schools, representing 814 grants with a collective value of over $15 million.

Students from Taymouth Manor Primary, Suddie Primary, Riverstown Primary, Aurora Primary, Lima Sands Primary, Mainstay Lake Primary, Tapakuma Lake Primary, Onderneeming Nursery, and St Monica Primary School also received their grants.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 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

World Youth Skills Day T

oday, July 15, has been designated World Youth Skills Day. We celebrate Guyana’s young people today; more specifically, the youths who, although not academically inclined, are gifted in innumerable ways with skills that enrich societies and the family of mankind.

It is an ineluctable fact that education and economic growth are interlinked within the societal psyche. However, it is a popular but erroneous perception that education is merely a matter of academic pursuits. Before the existence of schools and colleges, ancient civilisations built magnificent monuments that – literally and figuratively - celebrate the stupendous contributions of persons, especially youthful persons who built cities with prodigious strength, primitive implements, and material not bonded with cement; who documented histories and texts without computers or typewriters, or even pens or paper; who created exquisite music with basic instruments; whose phenomenal artistic work still adorn caves and historical landmark sites; who created cooking methodologies that still enrich modern-day cuisines; whose winemaking skills have contributed to beverages of various palatable diversities of taste; whose story-telling songs still resonate in the souls of global mankind; whose rich story-telling weaves still hang in palaces and castles; and farmers without formal education have, over centuries, fed mankind from the beginning of humankind’s sojourn on earth.

Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is predicated on a well sustained economy, so critical to enhancement of social developmental paradigms. Skills development in a youthful population is crucial, and the Government of Guyana has become a primary enabler of youthful endeavour and achievements.

Guyana is blessed with innumerable natural resources, but the sciences and knowledge that initially developed the various manufacturing, extractive, trading, business, and productive sectors did not all come from schools and colleges, but from trial and error of pioneering adventurers who are/were among Guyana’s entrepreneurial giants – some who never owned shoes until their adult years.

So, while scholars are significantly important, it is the imperative necessity of enhancing and increasing skill sets in young minds not inclined to academia that is being addressed by Government.

A skills bank is needed to implement ideas that synchronise with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure viability in national economies.

The budgetary estimates of $60.7 billion for 2021 create fiscal space for additional and improved initiatives to access educational and skills training opportunities – up to tertiary levels, for young people with varying interests – all ultimately possessing potential for contributing immensely to personal and national development and economic growth.

The Education Ministry has been innovative in dealing with the multiplicity of challenges emerging from the pandemic with its online study programmes and scholarships, especially through smart classrooms. Technological advancements have equipped the Guyana Learning Channel, which has been upgraded to facilitate improvement in the quality of education, along with other educational and skills training opportunities it proffers through other online applications targeting rural areas and hinterland regions.

The National Youth Empowerment Programme which targets early school-leavers, which was initiated under the purview of the Labour Ministry and is being executed by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), has helped thousands of Guyanese people in several skill areas, such as carpentry, electrical installation, Information Technology, masonry, among a plethora of others. These programmes are affording the youthful population opportunities to enhance and acquire competencies in a variety of technical and vocational fields, with a stipend to offset related expenses.

The new oil and gas economy offers tremendous opportunities for employment as various sub-sectors emerge, necessitating a multiplicity of requisite skills to power the economy to optimum potential of development. This is also true for the service sector, as the hospitality industry is expanding rapidly. It is therefore commendable that institutions such as the Government Technical Institute, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Guyana Industrial Training Centre and other technical training institutions are facilitating a drive to enhance and upgrade the delivery of technical and vocational education in the country.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday presented the President’s Award of Excellence to Geveshwar Rajkishore, the top graduating student of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) school who achieved 18 Grade Ones and one Grade Two at CSEC examinations. He was accepted at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, where he will be studying Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computational Mathematics (Office of the President photo)

Why are APNU/AFC against an initiative that would benefit our children?

Dear Editor, I have observed several rants on social media made by members of the Opposition about the PPP/C’s reintroduction of the Because We Care initiative, as well as the School Uniform Cash Grant. It is ridiculous, to say the least, and I ask that you kindly permit me a few minutes to articulate my thoughts.

In 2015, when the APNU+AFC Government took office, they immediately stopped the Because We Care initiative. This meant that all the nation’s children in the public school system were placed at a disadvantage, since many of their parents had to find additional finances on their own to provide them

with their school supplies etc.

One would say that it was as if the Coalition did not care about the children of Guyana, and the burden which the removal of the cash grant would place on parents. We saw that, instead of providing for our children, they chose to increase their own expenditure on dietary by $1.8 billion approximately. Now these very people have the audacity to criticise the PPP/C for reintroducing the grant, which would benefit each child in the public school system. Something is clearly wrong with them.

I am sure hundreds of thousands of Guyanese persons, even those who do not support the PPP/C, would join me when I say that the rein-

troduction of the Because We Care initiative would definitely help in bringing relief by providing our children with the necessary resources for their schooling. At this time, there is no doubt that parents are finding it hard to provide for their children, as many of them are without jobs due to the pandemic. As such, the fact that the Government have seen the need to fulfill their manifesto promise of reintroducing the cash grant, which the cowards of the Coalition halted, is worthy of all the applause at this time.

Parents will now receive $15,000 for each child in the public school system as part of the Because We Care initiative. In addition to this, each

child would be provided with an additional $4,000 as part of the School Uniform Cash Grant initiative. This totals to $19,000 per child.

I ask the Coalition: why are you criticising such provisions, which would benefit our children, when you did not give them anything of value during your tenure? I call on all Guyanese to reject the efforts of the Coalition to paint these initiatives of the PPP/C Government as bad. In my view, the coalition is only upset because they know that these initiatives are great, hence their being so worked up about them.

Yours respectfully, Erin Northe

Workers’ rights must be respected

Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is now left with no option other than to seek public pressure for the GPL/ NICILowned Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI) to respect the rights of its workforce to enjoy union representation.

The GAWU had, in 2019, applied to represent the workers of the state-owned SEI. Following our application to the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB), the company refused to provide certain information which it is lawfully required to make available. The Union learnt that certain well-known personalities had sought to stanch the workers’ desire to be represented by GAWU. Nonetheless, the Union persevered and impressed upon the TURCB, and eventually the SEI supplied the rel-

evant information, paving the way for the Union to be accorded a Certification of Recognition, dated February 14, 2019.

At that time, we had felt we had left the worst behind, and the Union had provided for the SEI’s consideration a draft Recognition and Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement for discussion. The agreement was intended to define the parameters of the relationship between the GAWU and the SEI. On several occasions, our attempts to engage the SEI were resisted. Our attempts to seek the intervention of the TURCB were stalemated after the Board ceased to function following the then Chairperson’s illness.

Subsequently, the Board’s life expired. Following the new Government’s ascension to office and the appointment

of a new TURCB headed by former Labour Minister Dr NK Gopaul, the GAWU pursued the issue.

To its credit, the TURCB intervened and unambiguously told the SEI that it must engage GAWU. After some back and forth between SEI and the TURCB, discussions between the GAWU and SEI commenced in January of this year. Through our discussions, the Union and the Company have been able to iron out most of the clauses in the agreement.

Currently, one clause remains unresolved. That concerns the deduction of union dues from workers’ wages/ salaries.

The SEI is inexplicably maintaining that the Union must re-enroll the workers annually. This is a departure from a longstanding practice, wherein once a worker authorises deductions from

his/her wages/salary, such deductions continue perpetually once that worker remains in the employ of the company or within the bargaining unit. The Union believes the SEI’s demand defies commonsense, and is an effort to dissuade workers from joining the GAWU. The Union has approached the TURCB once again for its assistance. Attempts by the TURCB Secretary to resolve the matter have been unsuccessful, as the management continues to insist on its strange position.

More recently, the TURCB wrote the Chairman of the SEI Board of Directors.

We are unaware whether any response has been forthcoming. On its own, the GAWU wrote Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who has responsibility for the electricity sector.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

5

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

Remembering the Ballot Box Martyrs, let us be united and inspired

Dear Editor, On July 16, we will be commemorating the brutal murder of our two exemplary comrades, Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar. These two young men were ruthlessly and brutally gunned down as they were among their villagers who were struggling for free and fair elections in Guyana.

On that fatal day of July 16, 1973, forty-eight years ago, Bholanauth Permanand and Jagan Ramessar were shot and killed by a Guyana Defence Force Officer.

Guyanese were fully aware of the People’s National Congress’s wicked approach to National Elections; specifically, their heinous intentions to rig the elections. Investigations by the Justice Dhanessar Jhappan Commission of Inquiry revealed the high likelihood of a PPP victory if the elections were run in a free and fair manner. The Commission cited the massive public meetings held by the People’s Progressive Party, and the overwhelming public display of support for Dr Cheddi Jagan as evidence of this.

The PNC, in order to ensure their victory by any means necessary, deployed the security forces, both army and Police, to all parts of the country. In addition to the regular strength at the Police Stations in Berbice, a battalion was deployed from the Guyana Defence Force under Captain Johnson.

Captain Johnson had his headquarters in the compound of the Central Police Station at New Amsterdam. Captain Johnson’s men were further broken up into smaller groups, and a platoon under the command of Lieutenant Henry was sent to the Upper Corentyne on June 7th, 1973. The section consisted of two sergeants, three corporals, five lance corporals and nine privates; that is, twenty men in all, including Lieutenant Henry.

The platoon pitched camp at No. 51 Backdam, and remained there until the 19th June, 1973. From there they went to Plantation Skeldon, remaining there until 27th June, 1973, when they moved on to No. 63 and bivouacked on the beach. On the 14th June, 1973, they left No. 63 Beach and set up camp in the compound of the No. 51 Police Station. They had with them self-loading rifles, submachine guns, tear smoke grenades and steel helmets.

Bholanauth Parmanand

and 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar were shot by armed agents of the PNC dictatorship at No. 63 Village, Corentyne during the 1973 Elections, while peacefully protesting the illegal removal of the ballot boxes from the place of poll at the end of voting.

Yours truly worked on that polling day in Pouderoyen, and as we were coming out at 5:30 a.m, I recalled seeing GDF soldiers crawling on the roadside with their guns.

A physical manifestation of the PNC’s heinous intention to terrorise the population was unleashed in the form of thugs, Police and the Army.

It is not by chance that Private London of the Guyana Defence Force was later known to Guyanese as “Blackie”! He was one of the masterminds among the criminal gangs that terrorised the Guyanese people. “Blackie” was killed in a shootout with the Police, and the PNC draped his coffin with the National Flag and gave him a PNC farewell funeral.

On July 16th 1973, with Corporal Collins and Privates McKenzie, Layne and London (Blackie) of the Guyana Defence Force, Sergeant Ross and Police Constable Seecharran of the Police Force, Lieutenant Henry took along with him tear smoke grenades, respirators, steel helmets, two submachine guns, rifles and bayonets. He himself was armed with one of the submachine guns, Corporal Collins had the other.

The PNC thugs, with all their armed might, descended on the Corentyne with the clear intention to take full control of the ballot boxes and remove the representatives of other three political parties from around the ballot boxes.

Bholanauth Parmanand was killed and his dear wife and four children had to endure the death of the breadwinner of their home as their loving husband and father was ripped from them in the most brutal manner possible.

Young Jagan Ramessar was shot and killed, and the Army threw him in their vehicle and drove him around as he was kicked and stamped upon.

He was paraded to send a message to the people in Berbice.

Approximately five hours later, after his corpse was unspeakably desecrated, he was taken to New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Jagan Ramessar, only eighteen-years-old, was brutally murdered, and his parents and

other relatives are today still crying.

Parmanand’s immediate family and his comrades, forty-eight years later, still vividly recall the unbelievably brutal and monstrous debacle that was the 1973 elections.

My Dear Comrade Rishi Ram Motie and his friends tearfully recounted for me what they witnessed on that fatal day. Motie suffered a broken nose. His body was black and blue as he was cuffed and kicked. Scores of persons were badly beaten and threatened.

Families were humiliated and separated. Rishi Ram Mote was a genuine activist of the PPP. During the campaign before July 16th, it was clear that the People’s Progressive Party meetings attracted massive support, while the PNC had a sprinkling of people. Motie, as he sobbed, told me that when the election results were announced and the PNC was the winning party, nobody accepted the results. The PNC terrorists continued to terrorise the Berbicians, as hundreds of people fled their homes and went across to Suriname, while others went into hiding for weeks and months. As a result, thousands of Berbicians and other Guyanese were forced to leave Guyana.

point in time, the SEI, by its action or inaction, continues to deny the workers their right to join the Union of their choice.

It is disheartening to recognise such anti-worker and anti-Union behaviour, and it appears that the Management, apart from ignoring the laws and long-standing precedents, has also seemingly chosen to

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Dear Editor, I was extremely appalled to see the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown inviting bids recently for the leasing of the City Constabulary Training Complex on Water Street, Georgetown. This is a facility which once housed the ‘House Service Department’, but which was completely retrofitted a few years ago, at substantial cost, to accommodate a full City Police Training School.

The first question to be asked is whether the City Council would be disbanding its City Police Department.

Because, surely, they could not be planning to maintain this force without having adequate training and refresher training for its ranks. If there is a City Police Department in the world that is in dire need of training, it is the Georgetown City Constabulary. For some unexplained reason - I don’t know whether it is the working conditions, the salaries and other emoluments offered, or just the stigma of working for the City Council - the City Constabulary does not attract the best of recruits. They seem to have to scrape the bottom of the proverbial barrel after the army, the Police Force, the Fire Service and the Prison Service have selected their recruits. So, from the get go, the Constabulary has to put in extra training to get its re-

cruits up to scratch, and yet they would like to scrap the school and lease out the facility. Such an absurdity!

Over the years, the performance of the City Constabulary has been so dismal that they have been involved in many unprofessional acts, and have been unable to maintain law and order in the City, all of which can be attributed to a dearth in training. So why the rush to lease this facility out, which has within its confines all the facilities needed for a Police training centre, such as a drill square, well designed and laid out live-in barracks for recruits, training and lecture rooms, a library, kitchens for meal preparation and dining areas etc?

Then would they not have to create from scratch a new facility elsewhere? It just makes no sense. Indeed, it is rather questionable that, as soon as the market for riverside and waterfront properties became pronounced as a result of the new oil and gas industry, a few persons at the Council immediately began discussing selling this prime municipal property, and only after a hue and cry by some concerned citizens was the plan changed to leasing it.

I think I smell a rat somewhere!

Sincerely, Mark Roopan

Why the coalition continues to oppose progress Dear Editor, It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you to express my gratitude and satisfaction with the Government of Guyana regarding the Because We Care and School Uniform Cash Grant initiatives. Speaking from personal experience, such initiatives are geared at helping parents provide for their children, so that they can excel academically; and they usually help a great deal.

One of the things I must stress on is the fact that the Because We Care initiative is tailor-made for parents at this time. The $15,000 would go a long way in helping kids have access to the resources which they need to keep up-to-date with their schooling. In addition, parents are able to get another form of relief with regard to school uniforms, as the School Uniform Cash Grant of $4,000 would help offset such expense.

The PPP/C Government should be applauded for reintroducing these grants, since they are critical, especially at this time.

Workers’ rights must...

The Prime Minister has informed GAWU that he referred the Union’s correspondence to the Chairman of GPL, which is the majority shareholder. It is understood that the GPL Board has decided that the SEI must respect the workers’ rights and long-standing practices.

Despite this decision, at this

Guyanese must never forget that many eminent persons, such as Dr. Walter Rodney, were assassinated and murdered during the dark days of the PNC rule. Today, we must draw strength, unite, and work together for the maintenance and further development of the democracy we now enjoy.

We must ensure that the memories of Bholanauth Parmanand and Jagan Ramessar live on in us, and let their sacrifice inspire us to rally with Comrade Cheddi Jagan’s People’s Progressive Party.

We must never forget that the Guyana Elections Commission was fully under Burnham PNC control. It was the then Chairman of GECOM who allowed the staff to rig the Elections. However, in 2020, it is the astute leadership of Bharrat Jagdeo and his powerful leadership that was able to unite this country, and with the help of the international observers, democracy triumphed in 2020. Guyanese must never allow any more ‘Rigging of Elections’ in Guyana.

Let us struggle for electoral reforms.

So why the rush to lease this facility?

Further, Guyanese should condemn all the negative narratives which are being created by the APNU+AFC regarding these two grants. It is important for everyone to realise that, with the reintroduction of the Because We Care and School Uniform Cash Grant initiatives, about 172,000 children across Guyana would benefit from a total in excess of $3.2 billion, which was allocated.

This is in keeping with the PPP/C’s 2020 election promise.

The Coalition should, in no way, shape or form, criticise the reintroduction of these cash grants, because they would benefit each and every child in the public school system. Everyone would gain.

There should not be anything negative about that.

One must ask the critical questions regarding why the Coalition continues to oppose progress and development for the people of Guyana. In fact it was the APNU+AFC Coalition who stopped the Because We Care cash grant initiative when they took office in 2015. It was as a re-

FROM PAGE 4

ignore decisions of those who offer guidance and exert control.

The GAWU, nonetheless, remains hopeful that better sense would prevail and the SEI would drop its seemingly cynical demand, paving the way for the agreement to be signed. Notwithstanding the absence of an agreement, the

Union remains the legally certified bargaining agent, and it appears that our attempts to have good relations with the SEI is not being met with similar sincerity by the company.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

sult of their actions that our kids were robbed of billions, just so that they could have more money at their disposal to spend on refreshments and

meals, totalling approximately $1.8 billion.

Respectfully, Alvin Hamilton

6

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

Wednesday’s answers

by dh lawrence

Softly, in the dusk, a woman is singing to me; Taking me back down the vista of years, till I see A child sitting under the piano, in the boom of the tingling strings And pressing the small, poised feet of a mother who smiles as she sings.

R

emember Batman? Pow! Bam! Wham! Those are all onomatopoeia, or words that sound like what they are. Onomatopoeia include the words: buzz, click, ding-dong, drip, fizz, hiccup, kerplunk, ow, poof, pop, sizzle, tap, tick-tock, zip, meow, woof, snort, hiss, and squeak.

Write a poem about popcorn that focuses on onomatopoeia.

Use your five senses. What did you smell, taste, feel, hear, see? Listen to popcorn being popped online or in your kitchen. Laugh and giggle . . . as you write your own poem, it’s fun to repeat POP! throughout.

Play around with the words and lines to create your poem.

Look for fun word combinations that could be repeated throughout the poem.

(Adapted from imaginationsoup.net)

In spite of myself, the insidious mastery of song Betrays me back, till the heart of me weeps to belong To the old Sunday evenings at home, with winter outside And hymns in the cosy parlour, the tinkling piano our guide.

So now it is vain for the singer to burst into clamour With the great black piano appassionato. The glamour Of childish days is upon me, my manhood is cast Down in the flood of remembrance, I weep like a child for the past.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Amerindian Fund

$25.9M advance made by APNU/AFC still to be recovered …SOCU probing matter since 2017

PS of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sharon Hicks

W

hat was formerly known as the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry was put under the microscope by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which examined several matters, including over $25 million in advances not being recovered after five years.

During Wednesday’s PAC meeting, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sharon

Hicks, was grilled on the missing money.

Advances totalling $39.6 million and $64.7 million were paid out in 2015 and 2016 from the Amerindian Purpose Fund. But, as of the 2016 Auditor General’s Report, $25.9 million had still not been recovered, and the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) had become involved. In fact, Hicks said, SOCU’s involvement led to them being un-

able to reconcile the missing amount, since they carried off the relevant documents.

“There was an issue with the reconciliation and, in 2017, all the documents were taken by SOCU. So, we were unable to reconcile….

The documents have not been returned, and we have engaged them and they had indicated that they had not completed their investigation,” she said.

“I can only assume (that) because the documents were large in number, they handed the documents over to them. I’m assuming…I was not there,” PS Hicks further informed the committee, after PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira questioned why copies were not made and handed over, instead of the originals.

And while Accountant General within the Ministry of Finance, Jennifer Chapman, explained that original documents are usually handed over during an investigation, she did agree that copies should have been made.

“The normal modus operandi for investigations,

they always ask for original documents. So that’s why they gave them the original documents. However, they should have copied those documents,” Chapman said.

The Amerindian Purpose Fund was established back in 2000 on the basis of the then Amerindian Act. These days, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government has been using another fund for developmental activities that would directly benefit the indigenous population.

The fund in question, the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), was established back in 2014 to provide funding to support the socio-economic development of Amerindian communities and villages through the implementation of their Community Development Plans (CDPs).

CDPs were identified and developed by the Amerindian villages themselves, which proposed their priority projects to be financed under the GRIF ADF. President Ali had announced $800 million being allocated in the 2020 emer-

The Special Organised Crime Unit

gency budget for the fund.

At the time, APNU/ AFC’s decision to vote against the Amerindian capital budget in parliament had provoked much criticism against them.

Their vote against the budget included a vote against more than $200 million in grants to Amerindian communities.

It was only recently that over 30 tractors and trailers totalling some $446 million

were handed over to toshaos of Amerindian villages across the country during a ceremony at the Hinterland Student Dormitory at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

It is understood that an additional 83 tractors, hydraulic carriage, and implements are earmarked to be handed over to more hinterland communities to support agriculture in these villages. (G3)

Ganja farm, ammo unearthed in Berbice

The ammunition

The farm that was found

A

53-year-old man and a 24-year-old man, both of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) were arrested on Wednesday after Police found 6,000 marijuana plants, 150 grams of cannabis, eight live 16-gauge cartridges and three 20-gauge empty shells at Bartica Village in Berbice.

It was reported that a party of Policemen from the Central Police Station carried out an intelligence-led

operation at the areas where the farm and the other items were discovered.

Police have since said that a plot of land measuring about an acre was planted with the 6000 marijuana plants, ranging in height from six inches to 12 inches.

A search was also conducted on a camp on the land, and two males were arrested.

Further searches were conducted, and several rounds of ammunition were

found.

The cannabis plants and camp were destroyed by fire, while the suspects and other articles were escorted to the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam.

The cannabis, three 20-gauge shotgun empty shells and the eight live 16-gauge cartridges were lodged as investigations continue.

Only a few days

ago, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) divisional Commander, Superintendent Hugh Winter, during the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF’s) weekly programme “Police and You”, stated it is a crime to cultivate marijuana in Guyana, and once caught, persons will face the brunt of the law.

“Chapter 35:11 part two 8 (1) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

The camp that was found on the ganja farm

(Control) Act states: any person who cultivates any prohibited plants, or being the owner, occupier or concerned in the management of any land or other premises to be used for purpose of the cultivation, gathering or production of any prohibited plant, shall be liable,

on summary conviction…no less than $15,000 nor more than $30,000, with imprisonment …on conviction…a fine of no less than $30,000 or three times market value, along with imprisonment for not less than five years nor more than ten years”, the Commander said. (G9)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Life sentences for ex-cons who killed mason during robbery

New directions...

Y Dead: Rawle Rodrigues Confessed killer: Akeem Haymer

T

wo men convicted of fatally stabbing a man during a robbery on January 20, 2017 were on Wednesday sentenced to life imprisonment by High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon.

Sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after 15 years are Akeem Haymer, called ‘Curry’, and Affiba Yenkana, called ‘Dugla’. Their trial for the murder of Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust Georgetown mason 43-year-old Rawle Rodrigues had commenced at the Demerara High Court.

However, on Wednesday, the two murder accused opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

As a result, Justice Kissoon directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict for both of them on the murder charge, and a guilty verdict on the lesser count.

Reports are that on January 20, 2017, Rodrigues was stabbed multiple times to his chest by three men at the route 32 minibus park in Georgetown. It was previously reported that the men had trailed Rodrigues from a nearby bar, where he was seen consuming alcohol.

Following their guilty pleas, there was a sentencing hearing. In a plea of mitigation on behalf of Yenkana, Attorney-at-law Rachael Bakker told the court that her client has “expressed profound remorse” for his actions.

“He was still young and impressionable when he committed the offence,” Bakker said, as she urged the court to temper justice with mercy, while add-

Confessed killer: Affiba Yenkana

ing that her client has good prospects of being rehabilitated for reintegration into society.

Meanwhile, Haymer’s lawyer Lawrence Harris, in his address, said his client “made a mistake” for which he is very remorseful. “I would hope that the prison system would put something in place so that he could be properly rehabilitated,” the lawyer noted.

Both Yenkana and Haymer appeared in court via Zoom.

Sorry

Asked by Justice Kissoon if he had anything to say before sentence was passed, Yenkana expressed, “I am really sorry how this thing happen. Like I don’t know what more to say right now.

I am really sorry about what the deceased’s family has to go through right now.

“I am sorry how things happen. This is the first time this happened, and it won’t happen again. I am begging the family for mercy. I am begging them to be lenient with me. I am begging the whole court to see with me. I didn’t waste the court’s time,” Haymer said.

Life of crime

The High Court Judge, in his sentencing remarks, highlighted that even though Yenkana and Haymer were previously convicted and sentenced to imprisonment on armed robbery and larceny charges, they have still elected to resort to a life of crime.

Importantly, he pointed out that the young men

have demonstrated a reluctance and unwillingness to reform.

“Neither of the two accused has learned from that experience. Neither of the two accused has made any meaningful attempt to rehabilitate, to reintegrate into society, to take their rightful places. To bring pride and honour and dignity to their parents for the sacrifices that would have been made to bring them to this stage in their life…Instead, they have, on their own free will, elected to resort to a life of crime, and demonstrated a reluctance and unwillingness to reform…” said the Judge.

“Both of you are young persons. You are in your early 20s, you appear to be in excellent health. You appear to be sound in limb…

You both have elected to dwell within the city of Georgetown, and looking at you, there is no appearance of infirmity or defect,” Justice Kissoon pointed out.

Notwithstanding this, the High Court Judge further pointed out that they have turned to a practice of crime, of preying upon citizens and committing robbery with violence. “This you have established as your chosen occupation,” Justice Kissoon said to the duo.

According to him, they committed the offence at a time when citizens were returning to their homes from a hard day of work.

“You two came out to do your line of work, your chosen occupation and profession of crime in what was a planned criminal course of

action to rob by violence…

You set about to extract from citizens in the area of their earnings, their wages, their property, or any monies they had in their possession.”

While noting that Yenkana and Haymer had an accomplice, Wayne Gilbert, who was also committed to stand trial for Rodrigues’ murder, Justice Kissoon highlighted that they could have easily subdued the now-dead man without violence. But because of their premeditated design to obtain money criminally from unsuspecting citizens, they deliberately armed themselves with a deadly weapon.

Deterrent

The Judge added that it is regrettable the frequency and prevalence with which members of society are subjected to violent robberies within the city daily. He noted that murder committed during the course/furtherance of a robbery is among the offences that continue to attract the death penalty.

Given the prevalence of murders and robberies in society, he stressed, the sentence imposed by the court must be one of sufficient deterrent effect to contain those who may have like or similar intentions.

In the end, the two confessed killers were both sentenced to life.

Justice Kissoon had initially set their eligibility for parole at 20 years. However, after crediting them for time they spent in pre-trial custody it was reduced to 15 years. (G1)

…in agriculture? our Eyewitness’s antenna perked up when he saw a report that Cabinet approved the long-sought-after permission for industrial hemp to be cultivated in Guyana. If you’ve been following the news, you would’ve heard about all the hype on the benefits hemp could bring to our country. The plant, we’re assured, can be used to create over 25,000 different products from each of its parts - leaves, bark, flowers, pith, etc!! Some of these products are textiles, rope, pharmaceuticals, food, concrete, car panels, and so on and so forth.

It’s also one of the fastest growing plants in the world, and can be reaped in just under three months…or give it another month if you want to harvest the seeds also. In this way, it acts as a much more efficient carbon sink than our forests, and can earn us carbon credits plus some “good name” to offset some of that natural gas that’s being flared! The plants are cultivated so close together that their shade prevents grass from growing, and so doesn’t needs weedicide. There aren’t any pests, and so no pesticides also. It does need water, but at least 25 inches of rainfall being a minimum, that shouldn’t be a challenge for us!!

So, if industrial hemp is such a miracle plant, why was its cultivation banned? To understand this, we’ll have disentangled the hemp story from the other one that’s also making the news - the approval for the possession of small quantities of marijuana not to bring on jail time! You see, hemp and ganja look identical, even though they aren’t the same. They’re just from the same family…cousins, so to speak.

But, way back in the last century, when the US had gotten into a fit of morality and launched its war against liquor (“Prohibition”) it had broadened its ban to include “grass” and hemp in that first “war on drugs”. It was then that ganja got its “bad name”, even though it’s had been used for thousands of years in places like India. For hemp, which India had used to produce millions of tons of rope for export, it’s ban was “guilt by association”, since the active ingredient in ganja - THC - at .003% is insignificant, and the CDB of hemp has many positive pharmaceutical effects.

After WWII, the US broadened and enforced its call for hemp to be banned, and countries across the world - including Guyana - went along. China has continued cultivating industrial hemp, and is the biggest supplier nowadays.

Ironically, but predictably, now that the US has given permission for most of its farmers to grow hemp, the rest of the world’s going along.

Here’s to hemp and it’s hype!!

…in PNC politics?

It would seem that David Granger just doesn’t have an answer to all his critics in the PNC, who’re bent on knocking him off of his leadership perch. His only response to their incessant bombardment from all sides and all media platforms has been some anodyne comments on a taped programme, “Public Interest”. But he’s just reinforcing those same critics’ accusations that he’s “aloof” and “removed” from the PNC’s base.

But what else is new? After two decades in the wilderness, the PNC under Robert Corbin had decided that just adding appendages like “Reform” or “Reform 1 Guyana” to its name just wasn’t enough to throw off its thug image - which it desperately needed to widen its appeal if it was to be voted back into office. So, Corbin plucked Granger from obscurity for the same anodyne personality to launch a new “kinder and gentler” PNC under the APNU brand.

And it worked, didn’t it? As to why it didn’t last is another story.

Which Granger isn’t about to tell!!

…for the greater good?

Your Eyewitness thinks Guyana has arrived at a fortuitous spot from where - if the PNC seizes the opportunity presented - a workable democratic system can develop.

Just return to what worked for it in 2011 and 2015.

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

NEWS

9

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$19M CCTV cameras purchased

by APNU/AFC in 2015 undelivered …money taken from Contingency Fund as “emergency”

Former President David Granger

Former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

t has been over five years since the then Ministry of the Presidency paid $19.1 million for Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) camera systems, but the camera systems have never been delivered, and the money has not been recovered.

The matter came up before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday, where it was explained by Permanent Secretary of the now renamed Office of the President, Abena Moore, that attempts to address the matter with former Attorney

General Basil Williams went nowhere.

However, she said that current Attorney General Anil Nandlall will be engaged.

“I wrote to the Attorney General’s Office at that time and I subsequently followed up and kept following up. I have not followed up as of last year. But this is a matter that was entered into, and the CCTV systems have never arrived. According to the research we did, the company filed for bankruptcy,” she said.

“The last thing I heard

I

from the Attorney General Chambers, they were trying to see if there was a sister company in the US, if they could have tracked it down.

But the last information I received, they were not successful at that time. I’m going to raise it with the current Attorney General to see if we can have some movement on this matter.”

These very CCTV cameras were purchased in December 2015 from a company called Moonblink Communication Incorporated with money taken from the Contingency Fund for an “emergency”.

The matter has been before the PAC since 2017. Under questioning, Moore provided the name of the company and its principals. “(The contract was awarded on) the 14th of December, 2015.

Moonblink Communication Incorporated. The names of the persons (principals of company) are Shaun Birkett and Sean Nolan,” the PS said.

PAC Chairman Jermaine Figueira, as well as fellow Members Gail Teixeira and Ganesh Mahipaul, meanwhile urged the PS to ensure

Office of the President

that all steps are exhausted before a write off of the money is even considered.

There are strict rules governing the Contingency Fund. But in the 2015 Auditor General’s Report, it was found that Government made withdrawals that totalled over $900 million from the Fund. Besides the money for the CCTV cameras, monies were also used for expenses related to the Army, the Durban Park Project, and the infamous Sussex Street bond.

According to Section 220 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana, “Parliament may make provision for the establishment of a Contingencies Fund and for authorising

the Minister responsible for finance to make advances from that Fund if he is satisfied that there is an urgent need for expenditure for which no other provision exists.”

Section 220 (2) goes on to say that “Where any advance is made from the Contingencies Fund, a supplementary estimate shall, as soon as practicable, be laid before the National Assembly by Prime Minister or any other Minister designated by the President for the purpose of authorising the replacement of the amount so advanced”.

In addition, Section 41 (3) of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA)

PS of the Office of the President, Abena Moore

Act states, “The Minister, when satisfied that an urgent, unavoidable and unforeseen need for expenditure has arisen – (a) for which no monies have been appropriated or for which the sum appropriated is insufficient; (b) for which monies cannot be reallocated as provided for under this Act; or (c) which cannot be deferred without injury to the public interest, may approve a Contingencies Fund advance as an expenditure out of the Consolidated Fund by the issuance of a drawing right.” (G3)

10 NEWS COVID-19 death toll now over 500 with 4 more deaths THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…168 new cases recorded

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 14 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

168

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

T

he COVID-19 death toll in Guyana has surpassed 500 after four more males who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) died.

These latest fatalities are a 43-year-old from Region One (BarimaWaini); a 55-year-old from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and an 83-year-old from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) – all of whom died on Monday. The other fatality is a 75-year-old male of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) who died on Tuesday.

According to the Health Ministry, the four were ad-

mitted with COVID-19-like symptoms and died while receiving care at medical institutions. Samples taken at the time of their admission returned positive tests.

The total number of deaths from COVID-19 locally is now 503.

Since the beginning of July, 27 persons have succumbed to the life-threatening disease. The total number of deaths from the virus in the month of June was 78. May was the deadliest month with 99 COVID-19 fatalities after surpassing April’s 66 deaths.

Meanwhile, 168 persons

have tested positive for COVID-19 from 1407 tests conducted over the previous 24 hours.

The total number of confirmed cases in Guyana is now 21,223, according to the Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard.

However, only 1285 of these cases are currently active, with 11 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 1274 persons in isolation – 84 in institutional isolation and the other 1190 in home isolation. There are currently another five persons in institutional quarantine.

Some 19,435 persons have recovered from the

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

84

REGION 1 592

1190 11

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

5

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

10,860

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

10,363

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

21,223

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

19,435

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2022

240,392

1272 585

REGION 3

2424

REGION 4

9635

REGION 5

697

REGION 6

1706

REGION 7

1271

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

1762

REGION 10

1484

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the

FULLY IMMUNISED

123,050

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

COVID-19 Hotline.

503

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

life-threatening disease including 175 on Wednesday.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Guyana last

year, 204,999 persons have been tested so far for the novel coronavirus of which 10, 860 females and 10,363

males returned positive results.

TURN TO PAGE 14

NEWS

11

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bogus businessman remanded Commander admits not on more fraud charges enough cops on patrol

M

icah Sonaram, a man who is accused of defrauding his customers of millions of dollars, was slapped with more fraud charges when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

Sonaram, 24, of Flying Fish Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The defendant was remanded after pleading not guilty.

The first charge stated that in November 2020, at North Road Georgetown, while being solely entrusted

by Yohance Smith with $1 million to purchase a Bobcat equipment, Sonaram fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit.

It has been further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, while being solely entrusted by Smith with $35,000 to buy an electric control joystick, Sonaram fraudulently converted the cash to his own use and benefit.

The last charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, while being solely entrusted by Smith with $1M to purchase a 210-model excavator, Sonaram converted the sum to his own use and benefit.

The accused fraudster will return to court on July 28.

Sonaram had, in April, appeared in court on a similar charge. That charge stated that on November 4, 2020, at North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, being solely entrusted by Steve De Costa with $7 million to purchase an excavator, he fraudulently converted the cash to his own use and benefit.

After denying that charge, Sonaram was released on $50,000.

Remanded: Micah Sonaram

On March 24, Sonaram was slapped with three counts of fraudulent conversion when he appeared before the Chief Magistrate.

The first charge had alleged that between November 19, 2020 and December 29, 2020, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted by Mohamed Ahmad with $3.5 million to purchase a motor vehicle, Sonaram converted the cash to his own use and benefit.

It was also alleged that between November 29, 2020 and January 2, 2021, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted by Ahmad with $3 million to purchase an excavator, he converted the money to his own use and benefit.

It has further been alleged that between December 2, 2020 and December 11, 2020, at Georgetown, being solely entrusted by Ahmad with $2 million to purchase an excavator, Sonaram converted the sum to his own use and benefit. He was granted $20,000 bail on each of the three charges.

Earlier this year, Sonaram was placed on $300,000 bail on two similar

allegations.

The first charge stated that between October 24, 2020 and January 21, 2021, at Georgetown, he received $3,744,000 from Clive Jordan to purchase and deliver an excavator, a Honda ATV, and excavator parts, but failed to do so, and instead converted the money to his own use and benefit.

It has also been alleged that between November 3rd, 2020 and January 12, 2021, at Georgetown, Sonaram received $7,700,000 from June Ann Daniels to purchase and deliver an excavator, but failed to do so, and instead converted the money to his own use and benefit.

Concerning all the charges, the Police Prosecutor told the court that Sonaram is the registered owner of a fly-bynight business called Parts Zone GY Inc., situated at North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown. It was revealed that the company has a Facebook page on which it advertises for sale imported new and refurbished heavy-duty machinery and parts.

The court heard from the prosecutor that persons, after making a downpayment, would then enter into agreement with Sonaram for his company to purchase the items for them. Weeks would go by without the items being delivered, the prosecutor said, adding that customers would request refunding, but to no avail. As such, Police reports were lodged against Sonaram.

Further, in 2017, Sonaram was brought before the Chief Magistrate on three fraud charges which involved minors. Bail for him, at that time, was set at $150,000. (G1)

…urges persons to take precautions against robbery

C

ommander of Region Four A Division, Assistant Commissioner Simon Mc Bean, is pleading with persons to make the opportunity for crime difficult, but also admitting that indeed there are not enough Police ranks manning the streets of the city.

He made the call while being a guest on the Guyana Police Force’s weekly radio programme “Police and You”, and was responding to a question posed by Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force Stan Gouveia.

Gouveia had asked the Commander if he would agree to the fact that enough Police presence was not on the roads in Georgetown, and he agreed.

“For Georgetown, being our main city, yes, I will agree with you that there are not enough Police on the road. That is a plan in progress… from January to now, we have increased our presence on the road, and there are plans afoot to further increase our presence in Georgetown, because we realise that for us to tackle the fear of crime, we have to have more presence”, the Commander said.

Mc Bean said it is his division’s aim to give persons assurance that the Police are there, but it is the responsibility of every individual,

most persons would have their cellphone out in their hands. That is a target. As we move around, we need to be sensitive to our surroundings”, the Commander explained.

Bank transactions/ jewellery

Commander of Region Four A, Assistant Police Commissioner Simon Mc Bean

even with Police presence, to adopt several methods to protect their lives and properties while in the city.

“You have to make that opportunity as difficult as possible for the criminals… that is what persons need to ensure, that this does not happen,” he said.

Based on a recent analysis that was conducted by the division, it was found that the major item that is being stolen during robberies in Georgetown are cellphones.

The Commander said this is made possible by persons who use their phones in public.

“A phone might not seem as something serious, but an average cellphone is $50 to about $200,000… it is an easy opportunity because

The commander also advised that persons be careful when doing bank transactions and carrying around jewellery, since that can greatly increase their opportunity of being robbed.

Following several reports from individuals about the Police being implicated in some of these robberies and criminal activities, the Commander said there are some truths to this, and it is being dealt with.

“Yes, there are cases where it is so, but we take the necessary actions…but sometimes there is a case where it is a mere allegation,” he said.

In terms of dealing with future crime-related activities in the city, the Commander said plans are afoot to sectorise Georgetown.

“We plan to sectorise it in 17 sectors, and based on our analysis, those sectors will be monitored… it is a work in progress. It will be managed by motorcycle, vehicle, and foot patrol as required. If we can be able to achieve that goal, we will be able to deal with crime in Georgetown”, he said.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to establish “one-stop shop” facilities for abuse victims

W

ith the aim of helping victims of violence in Guyana, the Government is working on the establishment of ‘one stop shop’ facilities that would see all the various services needed by abused persons being provided at one location.

This was revealed by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, during the recent episode of his weekly programme Issues In The News.

According to Nandlall, the Legal Affairs Ministry, along with the Ministries of Health, Home Affairs, and Human Services and Social Security, is working on establishing the ‘one stop shop’ facilities for victims of sexual violence, domestic violence and child abuse.

These facilities will have medical personnel, so-

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

cial service officers such as Counsellors, Police Officers and legal personnel to assist victims of various forms of violence.

According to the Legal Affairs Minister, this de-

velopment would reduce the burden on victims across the country.

“This one stop shop, when a victim goes there, the victim doesn’t have to run to a Police station then go to the hospital to get medical; all the services can be provided at this one stop shop,” he explained.

Nandlall added that this facility would be established in every region across the country, with the most populous regions having two such facilities.

“We will have to do it in one region first and try to get it right, and then replicate it across the country to ensure that every person has access to this facility who needs the type of services that this facility offers. We are doing all these things in our efforts to address the serious issue of violence in the country – the serious issue of domestic vio-

lence and child abuse. These are serious social issues that are affecting our country,” he noted.

This announcement of the ‘one stop shop’ facility comes on the heels of the Judiciary being in the process of establishing separate courtrooms at the various Magistrates’ Courts across the country to hear domestic violence cases.

Only on Monday, domestic violence interview and virtual hearing rooms were opened at the Leonora and Wales Magistrates’ Courts

in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

At that opening, it was revealed that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created an ideal environment for an increase in domestic violence.

Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie disclosed that as at June 2021, the Police received 896 reports of domestic violence. These resulted in 439 cases and 104 convictions. This is in comparison to 732 reports, 370 cases, and 85 convictions for the same period last year.

In 2020, a total of 1672 reports were lodged, which resulted in 893 cases and 112 convictions; while in 2019, there were 1499 reports of domestic violence, which resulted in 918 cases and 261 convictions.

Between 2019 and 2020, a total of 5758 domestic violence matters were filed across all magisterial districts.

For 2021 so far, 1841 domestic violence matters have been filed at the various Magistrates Courts around Guyana. (G8)

Woman who stabbed neighbour with pitchfork remanded

D

enise Hilliman, a 53-year-old resident of Lamaha Park Squatting Area in Georgetown, who is accused of stabbing her neighbour with a pitchfork, has been remanded to prison on an attempted murder charge.

The woman appeared on Wednesday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on July 11, 2021, at Lamaha Park Squatting Area, with intent to commit murder, she caused grievous bodily harm to Otoley Whyte, who remains hospitalised in a serious condition.

The court heard from

Remanded: Denise Hilliman

the Police Prosecutor that Hilliman and Whyte are neighbours; and

on the day in question, at around 17:30h, Whyte’s brother and Hilliman’s sons were gambling. Soon after, a fight ensued between them, and upon seeing this, Whyte hurriedly rushed towards the men in an effort to make peace.

Her neighbour Hilliman, however, stabbed her to the chest with a pitchfork.

The woman was picked up in an unconscious state and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she remains a patient.

Hilliman will make another appearance later this month at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. (G1)

NEWS

13

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Local farmers urged to tap into contracts to supply hotel chains

…as Agriculture, Tourism Ministries sign MoU

would be in many cases different from those ordinarily available on a farm as an exclusive agricultural enterprise.

“Agri-tourism in its formal sense presents opportunities for farmers to diversify their revenue streams by offering appropriate farmbased tourism products… as we expand the tourism sector, we’re also creating opportunities for our farmers and local manufacturers,” the Tourism Minister reiterated.

Continuous support

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond display the MoU in the presence of Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Country Representative Wilmot Garnett and senior Ministry officials

A

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the collaboration of the two sectors in implementing the development of the Agri-Tourism Policy in Guyana.

During the simple ceremony to sign the document, Mustapha spoke of his satisfaction that the idea was becoming a reality in the space of just one year.

The MoU, he said, stemmed from a recommendation that was made during last year’s AgriTourism Week. “It establishes a shared ambition between our two ministries to collaborate, coordinate and implement the development of the Agri-Tourism Policy and roadmap, thereby creating an enabling environment for our agri-tourism operators,” Mustapha said, adding that agri-tourism would act as a diversification mechanism that would generate income for farmers. This is expected to be achieved through on-farm activities that will help to maintain the viability of farms and rural communities.

“Guyana has long had one of the largest agricultural economies and a very high potential of becoming the breadbasket of the Caribbean. In 2020, the agriculture sector accounted for 27.1% of Guyana’s nonoil GDP {Gross Domestic Product] despite the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of farmers, fishers, vendors of agriculture inputs, and food traders.

Agri-tourism, therefore, offers farmers the possibility of diversifying and generating additional income from on-farm tourism activities in order to help supplement their agricultural income and maintain the viability of farms and rural communities,” the Minister stated.

He noted that “in

Guyana, we are looking for our farmers to get those contracts to supply the hotel chains in our country”.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Walrond, in her remarks, highlighted that Guyana would be able to rely on the two sectors once they were managed properly, even after the country’s ‘oil streak’ has ended.

“The agriculture and tourism sectors are of strategic importance to Guyana’s development.

Managed sustainably, both our agriculture and tourism products can be with us long after the last barrel of oil has been extracted,” she noted.

She went on to say that “globally, both of these industries are multibillion-dollar industries and our objective as Government is to sustainably grow our local enterprises along with our partners in both sectors to be nationally, regionally, and globally competitive.”

Walrond further explained that agri-tourism was aimed principally at increasing farm incomes since it leveraged the attractions of the primary enterprise that was the farm or agri-business to develop a complementary income stream for the agri-business owner.

She declared that it was our duty to work with agri-business owners to help them develop the additional and very different skills and capabilities that would allow them to offer tourism products alongside their primary activities.

“The skillset that is necessary to successfully run the core business of producing agricultural goods is vastly different from the skillset that is necessary to operate successfully in the service industry, where delivery of that service requires a very high degree of interpersonal interaction,” Minister Walrond stated.

Additionally, she pointed out that the quality of facilities appropriate for offering services to the public

Inter-

American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Country Representative Wilmot Garnett spoke of the continuous support Guyana could expect from the organisation in strengthening the agri-tourism sector.

“IICA has been continuously supportive of any initiative that serves to strengthen the relationship between agricultural sector and the tourism sector, thus advancing a common agenda, that enables progress towards achieving the multiple agri-tourism objectives of our country,”

Garnett said.

Also, Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Executive Director Trina Butts, in her remarks, pointed out the opportunities this initiative brought to re-evaluate the importance of the two sectors in regard to the environment and local communities.

She said, “This moment, this MoU herein, presents an opportunity to rethink, reinvent, and recover plans to make these sectors more sustainable and resilient for both the environment and local communities.”

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sod turned for construction of new $585M Abram Zuil Secondary School

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall and Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat turning the sod for the construction of the new Abram Zuil Secondary School

T

he sod has been turned for the construction of a new $585 million Abram Zuil Secondary School in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

On Wednesday, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall and Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat turned the sod, sig-

nifying the beginning of construction of the new school.

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

She said the new school was scheduled to be completed next year.

The Education Minister

said that she was looking forward to the new building, and explained that the Ministry was exploring several options to have the current students accommodated at other locations.

A release from the Education Ministry stated that Manickchand also said that it would soon be something of the past that no school in the region offered the Caribbean Advanced

Man who beat cousin with pressure pot cover remanded

A

man who is accused of beating his cousin into an unconscious state with a pressure pot cover was on Wednesday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of attempted murder.

Twenty-one-yearold Adolph Serattan, a labourer of East La Penitence Squatting Area in Georgetown, has been

remanded to prison until August 5, 2021. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which stated that on July 10, 2021, at East Ruimveldt in Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Kerford Paul.

According to the facts presented by the court prosecutor, Paul and the accused are cousins, but they are not on speaking terms.

On the day in question, Serattan went home and asked for food, but Paul told him that the “pot was empty”.

Serattan became annoyed and dealt his cousin several lashes to the head with the pressure pot cover.

Paul, who fell unconscious, was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he remains a patient in the intensive care unit. (G1)

A section of the demolished building

Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

She said that there were a few regions where secondary schools did not offer CAPE and the Ministry was working to sensibly and effectively offer the programme in those regions.

However, she noted that the

exam must be introduced sensibly by ensuring the regions have all the facilities and teachers necessary to offer CAPE to students.

Meanwhile, Minister Dharamlall said that the new building would be a modern school and was a significant investment in

the economy of Region Two, adding that the contract for the construction of the school was signed a few weeks ago and he intended to strictly hold the contracting firm to the contractual timelines.

The contract was awarded to Builders Hardware and General Supplies.

COVID-19 death toll...

Of the 168 new cases detected on Wednesday, two were from Region One, three from Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 17 from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 43 from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), one from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), eight from East BerbiceCorentyne, one from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), a whopping 91 from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and the remaining two from Upper Demerara-Berbice.

There were no new cases recorded in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) in the previous 24 hours, according to Wednesday’s COVID-19 dashboard.

In order to curb the rising number of cases in the country, the Guyana Government launched its COVID-19 vaccination exercise back in February

and is aggressively rolling it out in the various regions across the country in order to achieve herd immunity.

Vaccinated

As of Tuesday, some 240, 392 persons have received their first dose of the vaccine, representing some 49.4 per cent of the adult population. Meanwhile, fully-immunised persons in the country as of Tuesday are some 122,050, that is, approximately 25.3 per cent of persons 18 years and older.

Persons are encouraged to get immunised since the COVID-19 vaccine gives full protection against death. In fact, health authorities have disclosed that no one who is fully vaccinated with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been hospitalised or died from the virus.

Nevertheless, as more

FROM PAGE 10

people continue to get vaccinated, authorities are urging the public to continue observing all COVID-19 preventative measures, particularly wearing a mask in public, practising social distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitising.

The measures also include a 22:30h (10:30 pm) to 04:00h (4 am) national curfew that is in effect until July 31, 2021.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of Wednesday, some 187,519,798 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 4,049,372 deaths.

Who also reported that in the Region of the Americas, that is, Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has increased to 74,091,960 while the death toll has gone up to 1,945,985. (G8)

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Dream Realised”

Response from Lindeners “overwhelming” – Rodrigues …says construction of 1000 homes' to commence in weeks ready awarded, and the land clearing is complete. So, the next step is for the construction of the houses to start.

We did receive some bids for that process, and we’re at the evaluation stage; and pretty soon, in a matter of a couple of weeks, we’ll be commencing construction”, the Minister said.

She noted that this is only the beginning for Linden,

T

he Housing Ministry on Wednesday wrapped up its “Dream Realised” housing drive in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) with the allocation of some 400 house lots and 144 land titles and transports to persons.

Speaking with this publication at the event on Wednesday, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, said the response from Lindeners over the two-day period has been “overwhelming”.

“The response from Linden has been overwhelming…We know that we’re operating in a COVID-19 pandemic, and what we did was: the 400 offers that we made, we split it up over two days, so that we could have crowd control, so that we can still operate within the guidelines”, the Minister stated.

She noted that owing to the increased demand for land within the region, persons made good use of the opportunity of having both

Ministers as well as staff from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

“There is a huge demand for house lots in Linden, and therefore people are just coming to us. They finally have the opportunity to meet with both Ministers.

We’re here all day, we don’t want to stop anybody from coming. We’re trying as best as we could to control the crowd, but the response… has been overwhelming,” the Minister said.

1000 homes initiative

Rodrigues reminded that in addition to the exercise, land has already been cleared to facilitate construction of some 40 homes aimed at young professionals. These will be constructed along a main access road at Amelia’s Ward, Linden under the 1000 Homes Initiative previously announced by President Irfaan Ali. “So we had already (gone) to tender, and the contract for the land clearing was al-

A

on his motorcycle, proceeding north along the western drive lane of the Peters Hall Public Road, and as he approached the intersection of the Peters Hall Public Road and the Demerara Harbour Bridge Access Road, motorcar PSS 3227, being driven at a fast rate of speed, collided with him.

This caused the sergeant to be flung into the air, and he landed on the windscreen of the car before falling onto the road surface, where he sustained injuries.

Instead of rendering assistance, the driver of the motorcar drove over the cop and continued driving onto the Bagotstown Public Road, EBD. He then collided with motor jeep PHH 9496, which was proceeding on the western drive lane, causing the said vehicle to turn turtle and later ending up in a nearby trench.

Vaccination booth

She pointed out that all of the services offered by the Ministry were taken to

housing and water sector, region by region…Region 10 is no exception. Region 10 will not be left behind…

Ministers are accessible, Ministers are visible, and we are here to execute our mandate”, the Minister stated.

Potable water

as she reassured that even those who were not called to attend the event over the two-day period, their applications would be honoured.

The Minister highlighted that residents also brought a number of issues to the fore, which the Ministry continues to work to address.

“Outside of the queries, people who have applications beyond the period that we’re trying to clear - that’s beyond the 2010 period - people who have queries, who have their applications, are following up on their applications… We have people who are raising issues about squatting and whether they would be regularised; so we’re addressing those. Apart from that, there are some discrepancies with

Cop critical after being struck down, run over by drunken driver

Police officer is now battling for his life after he was struck down by a speeding car while on duty. That car was being driven by a drunken driver, who fled the scene and later collided with another vehicle.

Injured is Sergeant Rajendra Major, 41, of Cummings Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

The accident occurred at about 23:20h on the western carriageway of the Peters Hall Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Reports are that the accident involved motorcycle CL 477, driven by Major and owned by the Guyana Police Force; motorcar PSS 3327, driven by a 36-yearold man of Eccles, EBD; and motor jeep PHH 9496, driven by a 39-year-old of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Police have since said that Sergeant Major was

titles; people have titles for land that they’re not occupying, and persons who have structures on lands that somebody else have a title to. So, we’re trying to work out all of these…”, Rodrigues said.

Again, instead of rendering assistance, this driver continued further onto the Eccles Public Road, where he ended up in a nearby trench in the vicinity of Kenrick Auto Sales.

Sergeant Major was picked up by public spirited citizens in an unconscious state, and taken to the Georgetown Public, where he was admitted a patient in critical condition.

At the time of the accident, motor jeep PHH 9496 had three occupants, and they were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where they were all treated for minor injuries and sent away.

The driver of motorcar PSS 3227 was arrested and placed into custody.

A breathalyzer test conducted on him found 79 and 146 micrograms of alcohol in his breath. (G9)

the location over the course of the two days, and persons were able to make and update applications, conduct land interviews, and also interact with the Legal Department.

Unvaccinated persons also benefited from a vaccination booth which was set up in the compound.

On Tuesday, Rodrigues pointed out that the Government has allocated more house lots within the region over the two-day period than what the previous administration had allocated over the period of five years in office.

“Linden, as you heard, is important just like every other region. As we continue to execute our plans in the

She noted that Government has addressed the issue of potable water at Moblissa, where there was an abandoned water project dating back to 2017.

“We’ve rehabilitated and made functional the well in Moblissa. We’ve completed that project. A few weeks ago, when we went back to the Parliament for the supplementary, we included the drilling of a brand new well for Moblissa, to be completed in 2021”, the Minister said.

She added that after previously meeting with squatters at Amelia’s Ward, who had pleaded for intervention, housing structures were included in inventory to be regularised, noting that Government officials are always on the ground and governing through consultations.

Rodrigues also disclosed

that there will be the upgrading of a water supply system at Coomacka, which will benefit over 1000 residents.

“We want to see, and we want to ensure the development of Region 10, and we want to demonstrate to you that we mean that, and that we will execute all of the commitments we made in our manifesto.

And so the people of Linden have a choice to make: work with your Government or resist development…

Government is here for you. We are a Government for all Guyanese. We’ve not only been saying that, but we have been demonstrating that through the work that we’re doing; and so we are here extending a hand to you. Let’s do this together,” she urged.

Further, she made a promise to address all of the house lots’ allocation backlog within the region.

“Everyone who has an outstanding application in Region 10 will receive their house lot allocation before our first term in office, in keeping with our mandate”, the Minister reiterated. (G13)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Annette Ferguson 7 airlines signal interest in Guyana route to be charged for cybercrime offence D irector General (ag) of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Chaitrani Heeralall, has said that seven airlines have signalled their interest in operating here.

The air service providers are FlyAllWays, InterCaribbean Airways, One Caribbean Limited, Jetair Caribbean, Skybus Airlines, Sky High Aviation Services and Guyana

T

he Director of Public Prosecutions has advised the Guyana Police Force to charge former minister and current Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson for cyberbullying a senior member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Ferguson was arrested on June 30 by ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters at Eve Leary after a report in relation to a cybercrime allegation was filed against her, and was later released on her own recognizance.

This newspaper was told on Wednesday that the DPP has advised the Police to charge Ferguson under section 195(5) (a) of the Cybercrime Act No. 16 of 2018, which deals with using a computer system to humiliate a person.

Following her arrest on June 30, the GPF, in a statement, had said: “The [complainant] is a senior member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) who made the allegation against Ms Ferguson in relation to a Facebook social media post which falsely alleged that the said senior GDF rank will be in charge of a killing squad.”

Without fear or favour

After her arrest, however, members of the APNU/AFC Opposition had come out attacking the Police Force and the PPP/C Government. But Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn condemned this, especially remarks made by Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon in a statement.

Harmon had claimed that Ferguson was arrested on spurious grounds, and that it was a clear case of political persecution against the Opposition Member.

The Opposition Leader also called for the withdrawal of what he said are “spurious, baseless and politically motivated charges.”

However, Benn in a subsequent missive responding to Harmon, rejected the assertions made by the Opposition Leader.

Former Minister and current Opposition MP, Annette Ferguson

“Mr Harmon, of all persons, should need no reminding that all persons – inclusive of Members of Parliament and also members of the APNU/AFC – are subject to the Laws of Guyana, adherence to which the Guyana Police Force is duty bound to enforce without fear or favour,” Benn posited.

Further, the Home Affairs Minister went on to address what he described as Harmon’s now natural reflexive instincts of making unwarranted attacks about partisan “…political persecution…”, “…weaponizing of the Guyana Police Force…” along with dire warnings of civil unrest.

According to Benn, these are not only grossly untrue, but are of malicious intent.

In fact, the Minister outlined that the Opposition Leader’s statement seems intent on continuing the effort to shield and protect from judicial review lawbreaking by persons who are intent on precipitating a breakdown of law and order and the undermining of democracy by initiating civil unrest.

Rotorcraft Services Inc. During a recent interview with the DPI, Heeralall said that following the reopening of the airports last October, JetBlue Airways commenced operations, while American Airlines added New York along with its Miami route.

In the past two weeks, the GCAA met with three prospective airlines to support the oil and gas economy and other related services.

“It is going to provide greater airlift capacity for Guyana, and despite our population is small, the interest in Guyana now is very high. So, there is going to be high expectations that non-nationals are going to have interest to have investments in Guyana. So that is going to project in the transportation of their personnel back and forth, and the airport expansion is going to be supportive of this increased demand,” she stated.

The acting director said

the interest by the airlines would also boost socio-economic and cultural activities in Guyana.

“What that translates to

is that it is going to boost our economy and encourage our social structures to improve; meaning, there is

Guyana, they must complete an economic, safety and security assessment.

“In terms of the timeline for the process, a complete submission for the economic requirement, we can do that in a matter of two weeks, maximum three weeks. For the safety assessment, the regulations require that applicants give us at least a minimum of 90 days’ notice for that; if they submit a complete package, it could be shorter. And for the security programme, in a matter of a month, I think, the guys could turn that around,” Sulaman said.

going to be job creation not only in the aviation sector, but it feeds into other sectors. As we talk about tourism, for example, the hospitality sector. The extractive sector is also going to attract more people.”

Director of Air Transport Management, Saheed Sulaman, said before the airlines start operations in

Additionally, he said, the timeline is dependent on the applicant submitting adequate information.

Sulaman said that once the internal review and processes are completed, a recommendation would be made to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who would then take it to Cabinet for approval.

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Afghan Taliban seize border 150 food hampers, mattresses gifted to WBD crossing with Pakistan in major advance flood-affected persons

Recipients with their food hampers at Versailles and its environs, WBD

T

he Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has distributed 150 food hampers and mattresses to the flood-affected residents of Versailles and its environs, Belle West, Canal Number Two Polder and Patentia, Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The families affected by the recent flood received groceries, which catered for their daily needs, along with house-

hold detergents and mattresses, the CIOG said in a press release, adding that among those who benefited were the Venezuelan refugees residing at Belle West and Canal Number Two Polder; children, and the elderly.

CIOG Director of Education, Shaykh Moeenul Hack; Vice President Gulzar Namdar and staff of the CIOG were present at the outreaches.

The initiative by the

CIOG was undertaken in collaboration with the International Development and Relief Foundation based in Toronto, Canada and the CIOG’s Canadian Support Group in Canada; Raf’s Variety Store; Caribbean Islamic Cultural Society (CICS) London, UK and Islamic Elementary School of Queens, New York; the Guyanese Diaspora in the US and Canada, and Jamaat Al Ansar of Toronto, Canada.

Local company launches Double ‘A’ Protection condoms …looking to set up local plant by 2022

A

+A Marketing C o m p a n y Incorporated – a Guyanese-owned company – have launched their Double “A” Protection condoms.

The product is packaged in a combination box comprising of three lubricated latex condoms, one wipe, one lubricant, and one disposable pack, created by the A+A Marketing Company.

The product is being manufactured by Shandong Ming Yuan Latex Co. Limited in China for A+A Marketing Company of Liliendaal, Georgetown.

“Designed to explore healthier sexual behaviour and recognise nondiscrimination of sexual orientation in the expression and demonstration of love in modern-day Guyana,” the company noted in a press statement. “The product will also enhance sexual practice between consenting adults. But moreover, serve to endorse Millennium Development Goal Six in combating HIV/AIDS and Millennium Development Goal Three to promote gender equality and empower women,” the company added.

The official launch of the

People stand in front of a vehicle as an Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and a Pakistan's flag flutter in front of the friendship gate of Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Wesh-Chaman border crossing, Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, July 14, 2021, in this screen grab obtained from a video

T

aliban fighters in Afghanistan said on Wednesday they had taken control of one of the main border crossings with Pakistan, perhaps the most strategic objective they have captured so far in a rapid advance across the country as US forces pull out.

A Pakistani official said fighters had taken down the Afghan Government flag from atop the Friendship Gate at the border crossing between the Pakistani town of Chaman and the Afghan town of Wesh.

The crossing, south of Afghanistan's main south-

ern city Kandahar, is the landlocked country's second busiest entry point and the main link between its vast southwest and Pakistani ports. Afghan Government data show it is used by 900 trucks a day.

The takeover forced Pakistan to seal parts of its border with Afghanistan after heavy fighting between Taliban and Afghan forces around Wesh.

Afghan officials said Government forces had pushed back the Taliban fighters and were in control of the Spin Boldak border district in Kandahar province. But civilians and

Pakistani officials said the Taliban controlled the Wesh border posts.

"Wesh, which has great importance in Afghan trade with Pakistan and other countries, has been captured by the Taliban," said a Pakistani security official deployed at the border area.

Officials in Chaman said the Taliban had suspended all travel through the gate.

"The mujahideen have captured an important border town called Wesh," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a statement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Western US wildfires force hundreds from their homes

A

product was held yesterday during a simple ceremony at the Sleepin Hotel on Church Street, Georgetown.

Promotions Director Miguel (only name) explained that the idea for the product was birthed by their team of think tanks, and the company decided to go forward with the production of the product, which has been in development for eight months.

“Sex happens every day and, of course, because sex happens every day, it’s like a necessity now. Of course, you know, food, clothing, shelter becomes a necessity, and I believe that because

sex happens every day, it’s a necessity,” he stated.

Miguel said the company has already been approached by two international markets that are not only interested in the product, but also its franchise.

“It’s our vision for 2022 to set up a local condom plant here in Guyana, because of course it’s a way of creating jobs, and also based on what the Government is doing for introduction of manufacturing locally, we are looking at doing that,” he said.

In the near future, he said, the company intends to distribute female condoms as well as hand sanitisers.

growing wildfire in a bone-dry forest in the Western United States has forced hundreds of people from their homes as it charred more than 854 square kilometres (330sq miles) and showed no signs of slowing on Wednesday amid a blistering heatwave and drought.

The so-called “Bootleg” fire, which has spread through the FremontWinema National Forest about 400km (250 miles) south of Portland, Oregon, destroyed 21 homes and threatened 1926 more, according to an Oregon and Washington state interagency coordination centre in Portland.

After burning for eight days, the fire left a thick haze over nearby Klamath Falls, a scenic city about 40km (25 miles) north of the California border, where the local fairgrounds were turned into a Red Cross

Smoke from the Bootleg fire in Oregon billowed over a single tree. Flames are chewing through wilderness and burning homes across drought-stricken western US [Nathan Howard/AP Photo]

evacuation centre.

Tim McCarley, one of the evacuees, told the Reuters news agency earlier this week that sheriff’s deputies and state troopers showed up at his home just as “sparks and embers were coming down” and told his family “if you don’t leave, you’re dead”.

“This is my first wildfire and I’m going to tell you, it is scary,” another evacuated resident, Sarah Kose, said.

“You don’t know if you’re going to be the one that loses your house, or you sit there and you watch your neighbour lose their house, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

The Bootleg fire is the biggest of several wildfires scorching parts of the western US, where a drought and record-setting heatwave have left brush and timber highly flammable.(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

Regional

Haitians protest, pay tribute White House may ease ban on remittances as part of Cuba review – sources in a country still reeling from President’s killing P

S

cattered protests broke out in Haiti’s capital on Wednesday as gasoline shortages added to concerns over insecurity and access to basic goods a week after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse pitched the Caribbean nation into uncertainty.

Nearly all the gas stations in Port-au-Prince were closed and long lines formed outside the few that were still operating, with residents blaming both the criminal gangs that control key supply routes as well as opportunistic black market fuel sellers paralysing distribution into Haiti’s biggest city.

Some protesters set tyres ablaze in the middle of gritty city streets, which remain quieter than usual in the aftermath of Moïse’s killing early last Wednesday.

Moïse was shot dead at his home by what Haitian authorities describe as a unit of assassins, including 26 Colombians and two Haitian Americans. A third Haitian American, Dr Christian Emmanuel

People walk on a street after tyres were set on fire by protesters upset with growing violence in the Lalue neighbourhood, a week after the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse

Sanon, was arrested on Sunday by Haitian authorities, who accused him of being a mastermind of the attack.

Prosecutors have been preparing to question the head of Moïse’s security team, Dimitri Herard. It is not clear if the questioning has yet taken place.

The killing came amid a surge in gang violence in recent months that has displaced thousands and hampered economic activity in what is already the poorest country in the Americas. At the Justice Ministry where

Herard is to be questioned, graffiti spray-painted on the wall declared, “We reject the power of the gangs”.

In New York, Haiti’s United Nations Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue on Wednesday appealed for international help.

“At this uncertain time, Haiti needs the support of the international community more than ever,” he told the 193-member UN General Assembly, where Ambassadors stood to mark a moment’s silence to honour Moïse. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil’s Bolsonaro, who was stabbed in 2018, may need surgery

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been taken to São Paulo where doctors will determine if he needs emergency surgery, his office said on Wednesday, after the far-right leader was hospitalised after a 10-day bout of chronic hiccups.

Bolsonaro, 66, had been complaining publicly since last week about suffering from hiccups following surgery on a dental implant on July 3.

His office said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon that Bolsonaro, who has required several sur-

geries since being stabbed in the abdomen at a political rally in 2018, was suffering from an intestinal blockage.

Earlier in the day, the office said he had been taken to a military hospital in the capital Brasilia “to undergo tests and to investigate the cause of the hiccups”.

Speaking to a local radio station last week, Bolsonaro had said, “This happened to me before, maybe due to the medicine I’m taking, I have hiccups 24 hours a day.”

Bolsonaro’s health has been an issue during his

presidency.

He nearly died after being stabbed in the intestines on the campaign trail in 2018, resulting in multiple follow-up surgeries.

Pro-Bolsonaro federal legislator Bia Kicis wrote on Twitter on Wednesday that Bolsonaro’s hospitalisation was “a consequence of the 2018 knifing”.

Al Jazeera’s Monica Yanakiew, reporting from Rio de Janeiro, said Bolsonaro has inferred that his condition was related to that 2018 stabbing, as well.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Grenada revises protocols for visitors

G

renada on Tuesday announced new measures regarding the entry of children into the country as it moves to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Effectively immediately, persons 13 years and under travelling with a fully-vaccinated party will be treated as that party, fully vaccinated with respect to quarantine,” Health Minister Nickolas Steele told reporters at the weekly post-Cabinet news conference.

“So, if you are travelling with children 13 and under and you and everyone else in that party is ful-

ly vaccinated, then the entire party will only have to do 48 hours in quarantine.

Individuals over the age of five are swabbed like all other adults at the airport,” Steele added.

The Government recently announced that only fully-vaccinated people would be allowed into the island and Steele told reporters “residents and citizens can return to Grenada whether vaccinated or unvaccinated”.

Steele who said also that “outside of citizens and residents of Grenada”, no unvaccinated person would be allowed to enter Grenada. used the opportunity to ex-

tend an apology to persons who may be affected by the announcement in a negative way.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may bring to persons, we have had consultation with the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association and other stakeholders to give them as much warning as possible,” said the Health Minister.

Steele said that Grenada’s low rate of infection was linked directly to the island’s strict measures at ports of entry, even as he lamented the slow pace at which citizens are becoming inoculated. (Excerpt from CMC)

resident Joe Biden’s review of Trump-era Cuba policy could lead to big changes in the US posture toward the communist Government in Havana as US officials take stock of large protests in that country.

The White House says Biden’s primary goal is helping the people of Cuba as they reel from pandemic-driven economic woes. Two sources familiar with the review said on Wednesday it could lead to the easing of restrictions on payments Americans can make to their families in Cuba.

Remittances to Cuba are

believed to be around US$2 billion to US$3 billion annually, representing its third biggest source of dollars after the services industry and tourism.

The sources also said whether to ease a travel ban between the United States and Cuba was also under consideration, as well as whether to lift the designation of Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism,” a label then President Donald Trump gave to Cuba just days prior to leaving office in January.

Biden is also considering reviving the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Programme, which

had provided a legal way for Cuban families to be reunited in the United States, the sources said.

Trump’s withdrawal of US diplomats from Cuba in 2017 in response to mysterious, possibly sonic, attacks on Americans in Havana basically froze the reunification programme.

Cuba-born Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday warned Cubans and Haitians not to attempt to enter the United States illegally by sea, saying the trek was too dangerous and they would be repatriated.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

PAHO members encouraged to dedicate 6% of GDP to bolster health systems

P

an American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Dr Carissa Etienne, is encouraging member countries to dedicate six per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to bolster their health systems.

She has also called on them to prioritise resources for social protection programmes for the most vulnerable people in their societies, as they focus on recovering from the impact of COVID-19.

Speaking during PAHO’s COVID-19 digital briefing on July 14, the Director emphasised that this was imperative, against the background of the extent to which COVID-19 “has not just ravaged our health systems… it has fractured so-

PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne

cial protection programmes and destabilised our economies”.

Dr Etienne said a report released by the Economic Commission on Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) last week, “paints a grim picture for our Region”.

She said the findings show that more than seven million companies in Latin

America and the Caribbean have closed in the wake of the pandemic; more than one-third of citizens across the Region are living in poverty; and one in four are concerned about where they will get their next meal.

Against this background, she said bolstering social protection would be crucial, especially in aiding persons to adhere to COVID-19 public health measures “that we know will work”, and rebuild more inclusive equitable societies.

She also voiced concern that several regional countries “are paying the price [for] under-investment in health”, made more apparent since the onset of COVID-19. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Venezuelan Opposition party says security forces detain family of Caracas activist

V

e n e z u e l a n Opposition party Popular Will said on Wednesday that security forces detained family members of a Caracas activist, days after the arrest of Opposition Leader Freddy Guevara fuelled concerns about a possible wave of detentions.

The Government of President Nicolás Maduro this week accused Popular Will leaders of being linked to a recent outbreak of gang violence in the capital, and Prosecutors are expected to charge Guevara with terrorism and treason.

A new round of arrests could scuttle planned talks between the Opposition and the Government in Mexico meant to ease years of political standoff that has taken place against the backdrop of a severe economic crisis and mass migration.

“The regime’s henchmen arbitrarily detained Mrs Maria Coromoto Gonzalez, mother of Javier Gonzalez,”

Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó at a rally during celebrations of the 210th anniversary of the independence of Venezuela, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 5, 2021

the party said on Twitter.

“Given that they couldn’t find him, they also took his brother Michael Gonzalez and his cousin Michel Gonzalez.”

Venezuela’s Information Ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Parliament Chief Jorge Rodriguez on Tuesday had called on State Prosecutors to investigate members of Popular Will, including Gonzalez, after presenting

images of cell phone chats he said were evidence they had conspired with gangs.

Popular Will leaders quickly dismissed the images as fake.

Police on Monday also raided the home of Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, who in 2015 was elected as a legislator for Popular Will and in 2019 was recognised by the United States as the country’s legitimate leader.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil slides 2% on oversupply fears after OPEC wrangles agreement

O

il prices dropped more than two per cent on Wednesday after major global oil producers came to a compromise about supply and after US data showed demand slacked off a bit in the most recent week.

Crude prices have surged to highs not seen in nearly three years, but have been choppy lately on worries about a pickup in supply.

Brent crude settled down US$1.73 a barrel, or 2.26 per cent, at US$74.76 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was off by US$2.12, or 2.82 per cent, at US$73.13 a barrel.

Brent crude's premium to West Texas Intermediate futures widened to the most since July 6, according to Refinitiv Eikon data. The US benchmark fell more precipitously owing to demand concerns.

Oil initially dropped after Reuters reported Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reached a compromise that should unlock an Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) deal to boost global oil supplies as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters)

Risk of “catastrophic” coronavirus surge in Middle East – WHO

Tunisian medics attend to patients at a gym that was converted to deal with a surge in new COVID-19 infections in the city of Kairouan [Fethi Belaid/AFP]

A

surge of coronavirus cases in several Middle Eastern countries could have dire consequences, aggravated by the spread of the Delta variant and low vaccine availability, the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday.

After a decline in cases and deaths for eight weeks, the agency said there had been significant increases in cases in Libya, Iran, Iraq and Tunisia, with sharp rises expected in Lebanon and Morocco.

Next week, countries across the region will mark the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, which traditionally includes religious and social gatherings where infections could spread.

“WHO is concerned that the current COVID-19 upsurge may continue to peak in the coming weeks, with catastrophic consequences,” the agency’s regional

office said in a statement.

A lack of adherence to public health and social measures and “increasing complacency by communities”, as well as low vaccination rates and the spread of new variants, were to blame, WHO said.

The agency highlighted Tunisia as the country with the highest coronavirus mortality rate per capita in the region and in Africa, and noted daily cases had almost doubled in Iran during the four weeks into early July.

Overall, the number of reported COVID-19 cases in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia and Djibouti as well as Middle Eastern states, had surpassed 11.4 million, the statement said.

More than 223,000 deaths have been reported, it added. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

South Africa looting: “I'm struggling to find food” L

eading a comfortable life in South Africa's coastal city of Durban, John - not his real name - risks running out of food for the first time ever following the mass looting and burning of supermarkets and shops after protests over the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma spiralled out of control.

"Middle-class people like me now face shortages. On Tuesday, I could not get bread and milk until I became aware, through our neighbourhood WhatsApp group, of a community organisation giving it out.

"I went to their hall. We had to queue, and each person was given two loaves of bread and one litre of milk. I don't know where they got the stocks from but they gave out 8,000 loaves.

Today [Wednesday], they don't have any," he added.

Durban, the main city in KwaZulu-Natal, is the political heartland of Zuma.

He began a 15-month prison sentence last Thursday for contempt of court after he disobeyed an order from judges to appear before an official inquiry investigating corruption allegations against him from his nine-year tenure as president.

Zuma's supporters reacted furiously to his imprisonment, blockading major roads and calling for a shutdown to demand his release.

The protests have since descended into riots on a scale rarely seen in South Africa,

Police say they were overstretched, making it difficult for them to stop looting

coming close to, some affluent neighbourhoods, terrifying shop owners and residents like John.

He said that only two or three shops in his suburb remained open. And this was for only a few hours a day.

"We are stocking up on dry food, and things like potatoes and onions. The shop owner said farms are inaccessible, and there will be no vegetables once his stocks run out," John added.

His other worry is medication for his chronically ill wife.

"Some of the big pharmaceutical chains have been looted or are closed. I went to a small pharmacy that is still open. I queued for three hours to get medication. Baby food and nappies are in huge demand," John said.

More than 200 shopping malls have been looted in South Africa, business leaders say

with businesses in every sector looted, burnt and petrol-bombed in cities and towns across KwaZulu-Natal.

Similar unrest has swept through the economic hub of Gauteng, but KwaZulu-Natal remains the main flashpoint, with the riots reaching, or

There are also fears of fuel shortages - something most South Africans have never experienced in their lives.

"At my petrol station, only one pump is open. There are long queues. I have half a tank of petrol left," John added. He does not need much fuel at the

moment though, as it is not safe to travel outside his suburb.

Furthermore, some adjacent suburbs have been blocked off by residents who have formed neighbourhood watch groups, or what local media call "defence squads",

leave, and we've had a few instances of unregistered cars. We suspect they had come to survey our area to plan an attack," John said.

On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the deployment of soldiers to help police contain the

Warehouses, factories and shops have been torched

to prevent invasions.

"They don't allow any non-resident in, not even during the day, so even if I want to, I can't take a drive there to look for groceries," John said.

In his suburb, the neighbourhood patrol operates only at night. He has joined it, along with about 25 other men.

"Some have guns, but most of us just carry sticks, pipes and torches. I never thought I'll ever do this, but we have no choice. There are no police; no soldiers," he said.

"We block all intersections with our cars. Some of us will stand there; others will do foot patrols.

"If we get suspicious of someone we'll tell them to

riots, but for many it is too late.

Business owners - some with no insurance - have been left with no income after their shops were ransacked or went up in flames.

Communities in other parts of South Africa have now come together, trying to raise funds to help them rebuild their lives.

But it will be no easy task in a country where the economy - already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic is in deep crisis.

It has led to fears of further job losses in a nation where more than 32% of the workforce is unemployed a key factor in the scale of the looting the country has witnessed over the past few days. (BBC News)

EU unveils sweeping climate change plan

T

he European Union has announced a raft of climate change proposals aimed at pushing it towards its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

A dozen draft proposals, which still need to be approved by the bloc's 27 member states and the EU parliament, were announced on Wednesday.

They include plans to tax jet fuel and effectively ban the sale of petrol and diesel powered cars within 20 years.

The proposals, however, could face years of negotiations.

The plans triggered serious infighting at the European Commission, the bloc's administrative arm, as the final tweaks were being made, sources told the AFP news agency.

"By acting now we can do things another way... and choose a better, healthier and more prosperous way for the future," European Commission President

Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.

"It is our generational task... [to secure] the well-being of not only our generation, but of our children and grandchildren. Europe is ready to lead the way."

The measures are likely to push up household heating bills, as well as increase the cost of flights in the EU. Financial assistance will be available for people to install insulation and make other long-term changes to their

homes.

"We're going to ask a lot of our citizens," EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans said. "We're also going to ask a lot of our industries, but we do it for good cause. We do it to give humanity a fighting chance."

Opposition is also expected from some industry leaders, such as airlines and vehicle manufacturers, as well as from eastern member states that rely heavily on coal.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS

DILBERT

(April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Don’t fold under pressure. Thoroughly study a situation you face. Take responsibility and make decisions that lead to your happiness. Use your time efficiently.

Stop being so hard on yourself.

Consider the changes you want to make to achieve peace of mind and personal happiness. Get the ball rolling. It’s OK to be and to think differently.

Keep things in perspective and refuse to let emotional matters escalate. You don’t have to agree with someone to move forward.

Look for workable solutions based on truth and trust.

Build a unique space that encourages you to let your imagination take charge.

Having an outlet that reduces stress and makes you feel accomplished will help you get ahead in several ways.

Some information given to you could be misleading. When in doubt, ask questions before you agree to something that may not be to your advantage.

What appears to be better than what you have will end up being disappointing.

You’ve got more going for you than you realize. Stand your ground, make your ideas and intentions clear, and elaborate on how you plan to proceed. Taking control will help you convince others to get involved.

The tide is turning. Bide your time and wait for the right moment, and you will avoid making a mistake.

Use discipline to maintain your integrity. Focus on taking care of your health.

Think twice before you get involved in someone’s plans or business. You are better off using your skills to improve your position or achieve something that will enrich your life.

Be observant and don’t SAGITTARIUS rely on others to help you.

(Nov. 23Educational pursuits that Dec. 21) encourage strength and endurance will help you set a productive and satisfying path.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

You’ll gravitate toward like-minded people who are striving to reach goals similar to yours. Share your concerns, but don’t be too generous with your ideas and intentions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Joining forces with loved ones to reach a common goal will bring you closer together. Romance will enhance a meaningful relationship.

PISCES

A project will spark your imagination and alter the way you live. A change is overdue, and embracing something new and exciting will encourage you to explore fresh avenues.

(Feb. 20March 20)

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

21

Crandon confident of Hemraj’s performance in CPL 2021 – “I think he’s going to do well,” says Crandon

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League 2021 (CPL 2021) is scheduled to commence on August 26, and the Guyana Amazon Warriors will be hoping to book their spot in the grand finale on September 15. Guyana Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon, who has been going over the necessary drills with Warriors batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj, is optimistic that Hemraj would be a success in this year’s edition of the global T20 tournament.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, Coach Crandon

said he is confident in Hemraj’s ability, and is adamant that he would excel this year, unlike what had happened in previous years.

“I think obviously he has been putting in the work so far. He has been working on his strength and conditioning, which is very important. As you know, fitness would go hand-in-hand with cricket and skill and so on.

I think, you know, he has been putting in the work and pushing, you know, his body to an extent, and I'm happy about that.

“With regards to his technical work and its tactical, you know skill work, you know he's clear as to what he needs to do. At the

moment, he has been working, trying to develop or acquire a couple of skills that will, you know, give him more opportunity to score with freedom and obviously score, pick up big gaps and so on, put some pressure on the ball. So that's a work in progress.

“The important thing for me is that he's very experienced, and he knows what he's about. And he knows what he needs to do, you know, to dominate CPL; so, we heading in the right direction with regards to that.” Crandon explained.

Sharing his expectations of the stylish Hemraj, Crandon

Messi to sign new five-year deal with Barcelona – reports

L

ionel Messi is set to extend his stay at Barcelona by signing a new five-year deal, with the Argentine talisman set to take a wage cut, La Vanguardia newspaper and ESPN reported on Wednesday.

Messi, Barca's all-time top scorer and appearance maker, technically ended his 21-year association with the club last month, and is currently a free agent after his previous contract expired.

Since Joan Laporta took over as Barca president, the club have been trying to reduce their wage bill in order to keep Messi and stay within La Liga's strict financial control rules. La Liga chief Javier Tebas said last week that Barcelona, which has a total debt of more than 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion), would not be shown any le-

niency.

Messi's last contract, signed in 2017, was the most lucrative in world sport, according to a January report in newspaper El Mundo.

The club have been trying to rebuild the squad with Junior Firpo, Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena being sold to make way for free signings Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.

Messi, 34, won his first major international title with Argentina over the weekend when they beat rivals Brazil in the Copa America final.

Messi was elected the tournament's joint best player, along with Neymar,

after finishing as the tournament's joint top goal-scorer with four goals, while he also topped the assists charts with five.

(Reuters)

G

well this year; and hopefully, you know, he backs up that hard work he is doing with solid mental preparation going into CPL.” Hemraj has recently concluded his journey in the MAQ USA T10 League, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer. He had stellar performances of 60 off 19 balls

fours in his unbeaten 12.

Fitzroy Quest and Damani Sewell had three wickets each in a losing effort.

and 66 off 25 balls in convincing match-winning innings. He also ended the tournament hitting 25 sixes and scoring the most runs – 235 – at an average of 58.75 and a strike rate of 235.

In 2020, Hemraj played in the US OPEN CRICKET and walked away with 190 runs, a high score of 87, and an average of 63.33 at a strike rate of 163.79 while playing for the Somerset Cavaliers.

Also, in the recently concluded 2021 edition of the LA Open T20 tournament, Hemraj was excellent with the new ball.

From his six games, he bagged seven wickets at an average of 12.71 and an economy rate of 5.56.

Fabian Allen bursts into top ten among T20I bowlers

– as West Indies take 3-0 lead against Australia

I

Joseph’s all-round effort leads Boston Eagles to three-wicket win magical figures of 4-12.

The former Rose Hall Town player was supported by fellow Guyanese Assad Fudadin, who bagged 2-26 in eight overs, and Nikhil Reddy, who had 2-17.

In response, Eagles lost wickets in the middle, but Anil Kumar Yedugani dropped anchor to score 62 from 89 ball, including three fours.

He was supported by Harshal Patil (31) and Fudadin (16).

Joseph hit the winning runs, smacking two

Guyana Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon

Shimron Hetmyer has risen by 37 points to number 62

MSCL Division One cricket league…

uyanese Kumar Joseph picked up 4-12 and struck an unbeaten 12 from eight balls to lead Boston Eagles to a three-wicket win against Conway Cricket Club at Wrentham, Massachusetts.

Batting first, Conway Cricket Club scored 155 all out in their allotted 40 overs.

In reply, Eagles reached the target in 38 overs, ending on 156-7.

Former Jamaican firstclass player Damani Sewell scored 55 from 103 balls, while Omar Watson supported with 20 as Conway Cricket Club posted a small total of 155. Bowling for Eagles, impressive off-spinner Joseph had an economy rate of two, ending with

noted that in terms of his expectations, Hemraj is looking really good, he is hitting the ball as usual, and he looks good.

Crandon related that even though he is looking good in the nets, one cannot bring success just by looking good.

Crandon reiterated that Hemraj has got to go out and produce the goods, produce the numbers, put runs on the board. Crandon also stated that he believes Hemraj is capable of doing such, and is confident that once his fitness is up there and it improves, he is going to be able to bat longer and get a lot more runs in CPL. Crandon said in his parting remark: “I think he's going to do

t wasn't just Allen, who rose 16 positions, but there were a number of West Indians who made big strides up the tables as their team won the third T20I against Australia.

Of the bowlers, Obed McCoy, who has five wickets from two matches - including 4 for 26 in the first T20I - has jumped 15 spots to No. 38; while Sheldon Cottrell has risen by two places to 22nd, and Dwayne Bravo by seven places to 37th. Bravo and Cottrell have each taken two wickets thus far.

Meanwhile, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer and Lendl Simmons - all among the top five run-getters in the series at the moment – have had their own gains too. While Gayle and Russell were tied at No. 103 after rising 22 and 38 ranks respectively, Hetmyer has raced up to No. 62 by climbing 37 places, and Simmons has moved to No. 64 after gaining six spots.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has consolidated his position as the No. 1-ranked batter, and Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie has made a

gain of 14 spots to move to No. 36, after the latest week of ODI fixtures in England and Ireland.

Fabian Allen, meanwhile, entered the top ten among T20I bowlers after an impressive run against Australia at home, where West Indies are 3-0 ahead in the five-match series.

Azam's career-best 158 in the final ODI against England at Edgbaston on Tuesday, which earned him eight rating points, kept him 16 clear of Virat Kohli, who is at second place.

Following England's series sweep, there were two major movers low down in the tables. James Vince, who hit 102 - his first century for England across formats - rushed up 85 spots to No. 113 among batters, while Saqib Mahmood, who picked up nine wickets in the three games, gained 89 places to be 63rd among bowlers.

Ireland's historic maiden ODI win over South Africa in their second fixture, after the first game was washed out, also led to some of their players making progress.

Balbirnie's 65 and 102 in the two games gave him a

Fabian Allen has burst into the top ten

career-high 584 points as he gained 14 places to be ranked No. 36, while William Porterfield (up five spots to 74th) and Harry Tector (up 37 to 90th) among the batters, and Craig Young (up four to 78th) and Josh Little (up 22 to 86th) are among the bowlers moved up.

Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 220 runs in their one-off Test in Harare, and Mahmudullah, who announced midway into the match that it would be his last in the format, gained 19 spots to get to 44th place after his 150* in the first innings.

Liton Das, who scored 95 in that innings, rose 15 places to get to No. 55.

The bowling star for Bangladesh was Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who finished with a match haul of 9 for 148. He gained six places to get to No. 24.

And though Zimbabwe lost the game, captain Brendan Taylor's 81 and 92 pushed him seven spots up to No. 28, while Blessing Muzarabani's 4 for 94 in the first innings took him up to No. 45 among bowlers, a gain of six spots.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

All-round Marsh stars as Aussies break T20 drought

A

perfect final over from Mitchell Starc saw Australia survive a late onslaught from the West Indies and claim their first win of the Caribbean tour.

A Herculean all-round performance from Mitchell Marsh and a clutch final over from Mitchell Starc ensured Australia finally claimed their first victory of their West Indies tour in a thrilling fourth T20 International in St Lucia.

A stuttering run chase was revived by Fabian Allen and Andre Russell, who took 25 off Riley Meredith's penultimate over of the innings to leave just

FOR SALE Mix Breed Puppies for Sale. Contact: Tel- 253-3114/692-0126.

Klin Dry Barada Lumber. Size: 4” x 6” x 6’. Perfect for House Doors, Cupboard Doors, Spindles, House Jacks or General Construction. Price: $260 BM. Call: 652-5601.

Ashton Agar is cleaned all ends up

11 required off the last six balls, but Starc delivered a pinpoint

Oshane Thomas was expensive

Gani hits 84 for Spartans at ORSCA in Canada

Dillon Heyliger

F

ormer Essequibo youth player Fazil Gani struck an entertaining 84 for Spartans, who beat Smashers by 29 runs on Sunday as the 2021 Ontario RoundArm Softball Cricket Association (ORSCA) 20over competition got cracking.

The right-handed Gani hit ten sixes and a four as his team tallied up a challenging 236-7 at the expiration of the 20 overs; while Smashers, in reply, reached 207-6 when their overs ran out.

Gani received useful support from hard-hitting middle-order batsman Rawl Scott, who cleared the boundary on seven occasions in his flamboyant 57. Morrison Edwards also chipped in with a tidy 31.

Kassim Dhanraj grabbed 3-45 off his four overs, and Jake Sukhu

CLASSIFIED ADS

Fazil Gani

took 2-42 from four overs as well.

When Smashers batted, Hassan Amzad made 27 as Gani returned with the ball to take 2-28 in his four-over spell, and Raymond Sitaram supported by claiming 2-36 off two overs.

Meanwhile, in another match, ex-Guyana youth player Dillon Heyliger scored a blistering 76 in representing Masters in the same competition.

More details were not available at the time.

The competition is set to continue this Sunday with another set of matches across the Greater Toronto area.

final over to seal a four-run win.

Russell (18no off 12), who has dominated Australia in this series and hit two near yorkerlength deliveries for six to drag the hosts back into the contest, was unable to score off the first four balls of the last over in a pressure-laden performance from Starc.

Fabian Allen made 29 off 14, and hit three consecutive sixes off Meredith's horror over, while opener Lendl Simmons (72 off 48 balls) had earlier laid a solid foundation.

Marsh (75 off 44) posted his third half-century in four games, while Aaron Finch (53 off 37) found form to see the Aussies post 6-189 in what was comfortably their most assured batting performance of the series so far, despite a familiar middle-order wobble.

Marsh dismissed Chris Gayle, thanks to a leaping snare from Jason Behrendorff, before having Simmons and captain Nicholas Pooran out in successive deliveries to finish with terrific figures of 3-24 from his four overs.

Adam Zampa, who had taken 0-93 from 10 overs from the first three games of the series, was also tremendous in going for just 20 from his complement, and picking up a pair of wickets.

With the Windies having hit nearly three times as many sixes as Australia in the series coming into Thursday morning's (AEST) clash, Finch and Marsh cleared the rope nine times between them in a 114-run secondwicket partnership.

Marsh's showing at the No.3 spot he has been elevated to will provide encouragement to national selectors looking to whittle down a best XI for the World Cup, though it appears inevitable he will have to shuffle down the order when Steve Smith, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell are available.

From 1-85 after seven overs, Gayle's dismissal prompted a severe slowdown of the run chase as the Windies managed just 22 off the next six overs, with Zampa miserly in removing Evin Lewis (31 off 14) and Melbourne Stars teammate Andre Fletcher (six off 14).

From 1-124 after 11 overs, the Aussies were eyeing off at least 200, but their middle-order again stumbled, losing 5-40 over the course of 34 balls, as the Windies picked themselves up following an initially ragged bowling and fielding effort.

Dan Christian steadied the tourists from No 7 in his most meaningful innings since his international return, posting 22

off just 14 balls.

Hayden Walsh (3-27 from four overs) continued to be a thorn in Australia's side, removing Finch and Alex Carey (golden duck) in consecutive deliveries, before deceiving Ashton Turner (six off 10) to have him stumped.

The leg-spinner's numbers for this series highlight his impact: 11 wickets at 8.81, going at just 6.06 runs per over.

Matthew Wade's early exit to

ascendancy in a blazing start to his innings as he helped take 39 from two overs in the Powerplay.

It was comfortably Australia's best start with the bat in the series, taking 72 off the first six overs while the field was up.

Finch gradually found fluency as he belted Walsh for six over the leg-side and into the wind, a clear intention to put more pressure on the former USA player, after Moises Henriques admitted after the

Building 60 x 30 unfinished Concrete Structure (Water and Lighting available) 4 Apartments – to be completed at bottom flatLand size 40 x 90 (Already filled), Septic tank and trestle completed. 2-minute drive from new Highway Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. One corner away from Police Station.

Price: $24 mil. (negotiable) For more information call: 673-9231/ 6168049/ 216-4063

SERVICE Looking to start your own business but don’t know how? Cerulean has helped over 100 entrepreneurs begin a path towards financial freedom. Let Cerulean Inc guide you through the uncertainty of startup and set you on the path to financial freedom.

Register for training before 1 August 2021 and get a 15% discount. Call now at 226 4650 or 615 7185.

TAXI SERVICE Elegant Cabs. 231-1494 / 2264277, Cell #: 625-6600. 24 hrs.

WANTED 1 Security Guard wanted.

Tel# 223-6156

Hayden Walsh took three wickets

the returning Oshane Thomas aside, it was a dream start for the Aussies after Finch won a fourth consecutive toss and elected to bat first.

With Finch troubled early by Thomas and new-ball partner Sheldon Cottrell, Marsh took the

third T20I that they had not put away his bad balls well enough.

Marsh needed just 25 balls to reach his fifty, while Finch got there in 34, and although the ensuing collapse after a brief rain delay halted their momentum, it ultimately did not cost them.

SCOREBOARD Australia Matthew Wade † c †Pooran b Thomas 5 Aaron Finch (c) b Walsh 53 Mitchell Marsh c †Pooran b Allen 75 Alex Carey c & b Walsh 0 Moises Henriques c Allen b Russell 65 Ashton Turner st †Pooran b Walsh 6 Dan Christian not out 22 Mitchell Starc not out 8 Extras (lb 4, nb 2, w 8) 14 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.45) 189/6 Did not bat: Adam Zampa, Riley Meredith, Jason Behrendorff Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Matthew Wade, 1.5 ov), 2-126 (Aaron Finch, 11.3 ov), 3-126 (Alex Carey, 11.4 ov), 4-135 (Moises Henriques, 12.4 ov), 5-146 (Ashton Turner, 15.1 ov), 6-166 (Mitchell Marsh, 17.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Sheldon Cottrell 4-0-31-0 Oshane Thomas 2-0-31-1 Andre Russell 3-0-25-1 Akeal Hosein 2-0-24-0 Fabian Allen 4-0-31-1 Hayden Walsh 4-0-27-3 Lendl Simmons 1-0-16-0

WEST INDIES INNINGS (TARGET: 190 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) Lendl Simmons c Henriques b Marsh 72 Evin Lewis b Zampa 31 Chris Gayle c Behrendorff b Marsh 1 Andre Fletcher b Zampa 6 Nicholas Pooran (c)† c Christian b Marsh 16 Andre Russell not out 24 Fabian Allen c †Wade b Meredith 29 Hayden Walsh not out 0 Extras (nb 1, w 5) 6 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.25) 185/6 Did not bat: Akeal Hosein, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas Fall of wickets: 1-62 (Evin Lewis, 4.5 ov), 2-86 (Chris Gayle, 7.2 ov), 3-97 (Andre Fletcher, 10.3 ov), 4-132 (Nicholas Pooran, 15.2 ov), 5-132 (Lendl Simmons, 15.3 ov), 6-179 (Fabian Allen, 18.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 4-0-37-0 Riley Meredith 4-0-57-1 Jason Behrendorff 3-0-24-0 Dan Christian 1-0-23-0 Adam Zampa 4-0-20-2 Mitchell Marsh 4-0-24-3

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

2237230-1

(Ext 55)

NOW!

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

GAW, TKR to get the ball rolling in CPL 2021 F

ollowing discussions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Cricket West Indies (CWI), the dates

of this year’s tournament have been amended.

The Hero CPL will now start on 26 August and finish on 15 September.

This year’s tournament will be played in St Kitts &

Nevis, with all 33 matches taking place at Warner Park.

The fixtures for the 2021 tournament are as follows:

Hero CPL 2021 Fixtures (all times Eastern Caribbean Time) Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight RidThursday 26 August, 10am ers Thursday 26 August, 7pm Barbados Tridents v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Friday 27 August, 10am Jamaica Tallawahs v St Lucia Zouks Friday 27 August, 7pm Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Kitts & Nevis PatriSaturday 28 August, 10am ots Saturday 28 August, 2:30pm Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents Sunday 29 August, 10am St Lucia Zouks v Trinbago Knight Riders St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Guyana Amazon WarSunday 29 August, 2:30pm riors Tuesday 31 August, 10am Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Zouks Tuesday 31 August, 7pm Barbados Tridents v Jamacia Tallawahs Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon WarWednesday 1 September, 10am riors Wednesday 1 September, 7pm Jamaica Tallawahs v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Thursday 2 September, 10am St Lucia Zouks v Guyana Amazon Warriors Thursday 2 September, 7pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Barbados Tridents Saturday 4 September, 10am St Lucia Zouks v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Saturday 4 September, 2:30pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v Barbados Tridents Sunday 5 September, 10am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v St Lucia Zouks Sunday 5 September, 2:30pm Trinbago Knight Riders v Jamaica Tallawahs Tuesday 7 September, 10am Jamaica Tallawahs v Trinbago Knight Riders Tuesday 7 September, 7pm Barbados Tridents v Guyana Amazon Warriors Wednesday 8 September, 10am St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Jamaica Tallawahs Wednesday 8 September, 7pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v St Lucia Zouks Thursday 9 September, 10am Barbados Tridents v Trinbago Knight Riders Thursday 9 September, 7pm St Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs Saturday 11 September, 10am St Lucia Zouks v Barbados Tridents Saturday 11 September, 2:30pm Jamaica Tallawahs v Guyana Amazon Warriors Saturday 11 September, 7pm Trinbago Knight Riders v St Kitts & Nevis Patriots Sunday 12 September, 10am Barbados Tridents v St Lucia Zouks Sunday 12 September, 2:30pm Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs Sunday 12 September, 7pm St Kitts & Nevis Patriots v Trinbago Knight Riders Tuesday 14 September Semi-final 1 Tuesday 14 September Semi-final 2 Wednesday 15 September Final

MOH & MOCYS still in talks about fan attendance at WI Games

T

he possibility of Guyanese cricket fans being able to see West Indies and Pakistan in action later this month is still ‘up in the air’, as Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony on Wednesday disclosed that the matter is still being mulled between the two relevant Government Ministries.

This was revealed during the Health Minister’s daily COVID-19 update on Wednesday, after being posed with a question about fan attendance at Providence.

“These are discussions that we’ve started with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and we haven’t concluded those discussion as yet,” Dr. Anthony revealed.

The Health Minister went on to share, “So, as soon as we finished those discussions Minister Ramson would be able to update the public pertaining to what the outcomes are.”

Pakistan will visit Guyana as part of their Tour of the West Indies, playing three of five T20 Internationals

A glimpse of the work being done at the National Stadium, Providence

at the National Stadium, Providence on July 31st and August 1st and 3rd. As is currently the trend, fully vaccinated fans in the Caribbean have been able to attend the games. Thus far, fully vaccinated fans in St. Lucia, Grenada and Antigua (Women’s Series vs Pakistan) have been able to watch West Indies in action, the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The First two games in the five-match T20

International series (July 27th and 28th) will be contested at Kensington Oval, Barbados.

At the moment, work at the National Stadium, Providence is taking shape as the venue is being readied to host it’s first international matches in almost two years.

Following the conclusion of the T20! Series here, the two teams will head Jamaica for a two- match Test series from August 12 – 16 and August 20 – 24.

COVID-19 cluster at Olympic hotel as Tokyo cases surge

A

COVID-19 cluster at a Japanese hotel where dozens of Brazilian Olympic team members are staying raised new concerns about infections at the Tokyo Games, as the host city recorded its highest number of new cases for six months.

Just over a week before the opening ceremony, the spreading infections highlight the risks of staging the world's biggest sports event during a pandemic, even without spectators in sports venues.

Seven staff at the hotel in Hamamatsu city, southwest of Tokyo, had tested positive for the coronavirus, a city official said.

However, a 31-strong Brazilian Olympic delegation, which includes judo athletes, are in a "bubble" in the hotel, separated from other guests, and have not been infected.

The Russian women's rugby sevens team were also in isolation after their masseur tested positive for COVID-19, the RIA news agency reported from Moscow - as was part of the South African men's rugby team after a case on their inbound flight.

Highly contagious virus variants have fuelled the latest wave of infections, and failure to vaccinate people faster has left Japan's population vulnerable.

Tokyo, where a state of emergency has been imposed until after the Games end on Aug. 8, recorded 1,149 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the most since Jan. 22.

Officials have imposed Olympic "bubbles" in an effort to keep out COVID-19, but medical experts are worried that they might not be completely tight, as movement of staff servicing the Games can create opportunities for infection.

The Olympics, postponed last year as the virus

was spreading around the world, have lost much public support in Japan because of fears they will trigger a surge of infections.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach praised organisers and the Japanese people for staging the event in the midst of the pandemic.

"These will be historic Olympic Games…for the way how the Japanese people overcame so many challenges in the last couple of years," Bach told reporters after meeting Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

When Japan was awarded the Games in 2013, there was expected to be a celebration of recovery from a deadly earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in 2011.

Japanese leaders had also hoped the rescheduled Games this year would help mark a global victory over the coronavirus, but many countries are now struggling with new surges in infections.

MUTED GLOBAL INTEREST

Many Olympic delegations are already in Japan, and several athletes have tested positive upon arrival.

The refugee Olympic team has delayed its travel to Japan after a team official tested positive in Qatar, the International Olympic Committee said. Twentyone members of the South African rugby team were

in isolation, as they are believed to have been in close contact with the case on their flight, said Kagoshima city, which is hosting the team.

They were due to stay in the city from Wednesday, but that plan has been halted until further advice from health authorities, said city official Tsuyoshi Kajihara.

Global interest in the Tokyo Olympics is muted, an Ipsos poll of 28 countries showed, amid concerns over COVID-19 in Japan and withdrawals of high-profile athletes.

The poll, released on Tuesday, found a global average of 46% interest in the Games, and in Japan 78% of people were against the Games going ahead.

With spectators barred from all Olympic events in Tokyo and surrounding regions, officials are asking people to watch on television and keep their movements to a minimum.

Among those who will not be competing in Japan is former world number one golfer Adam Scott, who questioned whether holding the Tokyo Olympics was a responsible decision. read more Switzerland's Roger Federer became the latest big name in tennis to withdraw, the 20-times Grand Slam champion saying on Tuesday he had picked up a knee injury during the grasscourt season.

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021

Pg 22

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

All-round Marsh stars as Aussies break T20 drought Crandon confident of Hemraj’s performance in CPL 2021

Pg 23

Chandrapaul Hemraj

Story on page 22

MOH & MOCYS still in talks about fan attendance at WI Games

– “I think he’s going to do well,” says Crandon

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.