Guyana Times - Thursday, July 22, 2021

Businesses owned by youths increased during COVID-19 – SBB P11

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

Issue No. 4716

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

See story on page 3

Rule of law demands P8 respect for President’s decision – AG …welcomes court case filed by suspended PSC

GDF must always be ready for any eventuality – Commander-in-Chief

…says Army will play integral role in developing National Disaster Plan

Guyana has potential as premier destination for BPO operations – Finance Minister See story on page 9

…lauds Express International for investment, job creation

Teen dies after crashing into utility pole

Page 2

1 death, 65 new COVID-19 cases P14 recorded Teen caught stealing P10 ducks chopped Joint Services' presence high at border to counter gang attacks – P10 Commander

$500M unreconciled pensions

…“she was a jovial, very religious person” – grieving father

Region Employment recruitment 9 REO drive kicks off today arrested for shooting …persons have been calling for work – Manager woman Rose Hall Estate reopening

Page 7

See story on page 10

No pension funds unaccounted for P7 – GPOC …willing to sit with Auditor General, Ministry officials

CANU ranks intercept car with 33.2kg P15 ganja

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen dies after crashing into utility pole …“she was a jovial, very religious person” – grieving father

A

19-year-old who was reportedly speeding along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) roadway died after she lost control of her car and slammed into a utility pole and signboard.

Dead is Chandramala Singh of Lot 13 Novar, Mahaicony, ECD. Reports are that on Tuesday evening about 20:15h, the teen was driving motor car PVV 3507, which

Dead: Chandramala Singh

was proceeding at a fast pace along the northern side of Content Public Road.

Police on Wednesday said that as the teen was negotiating a left turn, she suddenly lost control of the vehicle and ended up on the parapet on the southern side of the road, colliding with a signboard and then a utility pole.

Following the accident, Singh was taken out of the vehicle by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Mahaicony Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Her body is presently at Anthony’s Funeral Home, Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice awaiting a post-mor-

The scene of the accident

tem examination.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, the teen’s father, Latchman Singh, said that the family was in shock and disbelief over her death.

“She was a jovial, very,

very religious person,” the grieving father said, adding that his daughter was returning home from GuyOil Head Office on Camp Street, Georgetown where she had been employed for over a year.

Guns, ammo, drugs unearthed during Police operations

The items found on the teen who attempted to escape from Police

P

olice on Wednesday unearthed guns, ammunition and drugs in separate operations at Place 19 Miles Kwakwani/Ituni, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) and at Orealla Village, Corentyne River, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Police said that four men were travelling on an unlicensed tractor, at Place 19 Miles when they were stopped by ranks on patrol in the Ituni Station District. The ranks observed that the tractor did not carry a registration number and so searched the vehicle and its occupants.

Police found two 12-gauge shotguns at the side of the tractor and behind the driver’s seat along with 11 matching rounds of ammunition.

According to Police, four persons were on the tractor at the time and a search was carried out on them. Ranks discovered the ammunition in the pockets of two of the suspects.

The men, ages 23, 34, 55, and 62, were arrested and taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, where they remain in custody.

Meanwhile, about 09:30h, also on Wednesday, at Orealla Village, ranks who were on patrol duty observed a young man acting in a suspicious manner. As a result, the Policemen called out to

The two shotguns and ammunition

him and he began running in the opposite direction.

This led to police giving chase and as he was running a bulky brown bag was thrown into some nearby bushes. When ranks caught up with him, the bag was retrieved and opened in his presence, revealing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems.

The juvenile was told of the offence, cautioned, and escorted to the Orealla Police Station, where the illicit substance was weighed and amounted to 20 grams.

Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, July 22 – 03:00h – 04:30h and Friday, July 23 – 03:30h – 05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, July 22 – 15:10h – 16:40h and Friday, July 23 – 16:05h – 17:35h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery and light rain showers are expected with sunny intervals during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 15:22h reaching a maximum height of 2.45 metres.

Low Tide: 08:51h and 21:08h reaching a minimum height of 0.61 metre and 0.77 metre.

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

01 02 04 19 21 27

FREE TICKET

03 Bonus Ball

TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021

DAILY MILLIONS

03 04 11 16 25 LUCKY 3

3

0

7

4

Afternoon Draw

9

5

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

01 04 05 07 08 09 14 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021

03 08 10 12 16 13

02 04 09 11 19

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

$72.23/barrel

Rough Rice

$239.814 /ton

+0.08

London Sugar

$450.40/ton

+0.24

Live Spot Gold

+3.99

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1797.80

$1798.80

Low/High Change

$1794.10 -5.50

$1814.90 -0.30%

GDF must always be ready for any eventuality – Commander-in-Chief

…says Army will play integral role in developing National Disaster Plan

C

ommander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali says that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) must always be ready for any eventuality and as such, will have to play a greater role in the National Disaster Plan to help protect Guyanese and the country’s resources from the effects of climate change.

He made these remarks while addressing graduates of the GDF Standard Officers’ Course 52 at Base Camp Ayanganna on Tuesday.

The Head of State pointed out that threats of natural disasters and pandemics qualify to be issues of civil defence. To this end, the GDF ranks were told that in addition to securing the country’s territorial integrity, they would have to play a bigger role in civil protection.

Army ranks are currently involved in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign and members were actively involved in the national response to the countrywide flooding. They also played a major role in mobilising relief support for St Vincent and the Grenadines following volcanic eruptions in the island state back in April.

According to the President, the Defence Force is now suited to supporting civil protection, disaster preparedness, and disaster response operations presently and in the future. He recalled his address at the recently-concluded Annual GDF Officers’ Conference, where he highlighted that the National Defence Policy would see greater involvement of the army in searchand-rescue operations, disaster response, provision of infrastructural services, the defence and protection of border communities, medical outreaches, medical emergencies, and coaching and honing the talents of local athletes.

“Guyana has no control over the forces of nature. However, we can mitigate their effects and plan to better protect our people and assets. In this regard, Guyana will develop a comprehensive national disaster prevention, preparedness and response plan to help protect our people and our resources from natural and man-made disasters. The Guyana Defence Force will have an integral role in developing and giving effect to this plan,” he stated.

President Ali further posited that this new task would not diminish or detract attention from the GDF’s primary mission of protecting the country’s territorial integrity and defending its national sovereignty.

“Climate change will not disappear and while we all hope that another pandemic will not occur, we must al-

President Dr Irfaan Ali (centre) with Head of the Fire Service, Kalamadeen Edoo; Army Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie and Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliott along with the graduating ranks

ways be ready for any eventuality,” he added.

The Head of State reminded, however, that most of the non-traditional threats were not unique to Guyana, and as a result, the country would continue to build partnerships to collaborate and cooperate in combating and mitigating all threats.

“This is your Force and these are the circumstances under which you are being inducted as officers of the Guyana Defence Force.

You will be expected to lead the efforts in defending our country’s territory, in protecting its national patri-

mony and the safety and well-being of its people; and in supporting our Caribbean brothers and sisters who may be affected by disasters,” the President noted.

Graduates of SOC 52

The 24-month course commenced with 40 students in June of 2019, but whittled down to 16 graduates – two from Belize, two from Antigua and Barbuda, two from St Kitts and Nevis, one from the Guyana Fire Service, one from the Guyana Prison Service, and eight from the GDF. The Head of State added that the participation of

other countries in the course was indicative of Guyana’s commitment to defence cooperation. He said this was also evident by Guyana’s recent hosting of Operation Tradewinds 2021 – which also highlighted the country’s commitment to building the capacities of its neighbours’ defence forces.

“Guyana will continue the long tradition of welcoming officer cadets from our sister Caricom states to train alongside our officers of the Joint Services,” the Commander-in-Chief stated.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 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

One life lost to suicide is one too many T he blinding need for oblivion from harsh realities of overwhelming problems is the driver behind many persons seeking to quit life as the ultimate solution to difficult situations.

A person suffering from deep depression needs assurances that solutions can be found. problems are not insurmountable, but coping with extant and future challenges necessitates one staying alive, not take what seems the easy way out, leaving much devastation in the wake of one’s action, especially the grief and guilt that surviving family members have to cope with.

The media reported recently that a Corentyne, East Berbice rice farmer took his own life because of inability to repay his debts as a result of the devastating floods in his fields, which left his family with no source of income in the foreseeable future, and no hope of recovery of his sole means of providing for his family.

Parmeshwar Dindial, the farmer’s son, who resides at Number 60 Village, Corentyne, explained to media operatives that they found his 54-year-old father Narine Dindial, of Number 58 Village Corentyne, dead in his house on June 11.

Parmeshwar explained that his father had planted about 150 acres of rice, but could harvest only a minimal amount, as most was damaged by flood waters; and the little he reaped proved unfit for human consumption.

Farmers are cultivators who farm either on their own land or on leased land, with or without the assistance of agricultural labourers.

Farm labourers are also severely affected by damage to crops and farmland, with the consequence of farmers being unable to pay their labour force, which results in job loss because the labourers’ primary source of income is through farm (agriculture/horticulture) labour activities.

In a report by the World Health Organization, Guyana was cited as the country with the highest suicide rate in the world — 44.2 suicides per 100,000 deaths, four times the global average.

The WHO report was an attempt to bring global attention to the issue of suicide. The goal was to encourage individual countries to take steps to prevent suicide, considering their specific culture and addressing local risk factors. In early 2015, Guyana became one of only 28 countries to develop a suicide prevention plan in response to the report. The plan identifies factors that could contribute to the country’s high rate of suicide.

Records reveal that approximately 70 percent of the country’s suicides occur in rural regions, where many people assuage their feelings of hopelessness with overindulgence of alcohol to cope with their poverty and economic despair.

Instead, the alcohol exacerbates depression in minds deprived of reasoning powers by alcohol-induced neurosis, precipitating suicidal thoughts.

Guyana Government Psychologist and Addiction Specialist Caitlin Vieira avers that there is a lack of clinics and social support networks in these villages, but that there are plenty of rum shops. She says “Sporting”, Guyanese slang for drinking, is a popular pastime.

Additionally, a study by the Pan American Health Organization reported that nearly 80 percent of Guyanese adolescents had their first drink before the age of 14, and some children try alcohol for the first time in elementary school.

Dysfunction in family constructs and bullying in schools and workplaces also contribute to Guyana’s high suicide rates.

Illicit drug usage has also become a major contributory factor to violent, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse, oftentimes leading to murder and suicide.

It is imperative that Government prioritises the fructification of the suicide prevention plan, because one life lost to suicide is one too many.

A man signs a signature book during a memorial ceremony for late Haitian President Jovenel Moise at the National Pantheon Museum in Port-au-Prince, Haiti (VOA)

PNC/GTU rejection of education cash grant: they are heartless Dear Editor, The popular “Because We Care” cash grant programme is back, bigger and better than the PPP Government’s 2014 version, courtesy of President Irfaan Ali’s PPP Government. This education cash grant is an example of non-contributory cash transfers from the Consolidated Fund to families.

Social scientists around the world have shown the effectiveness and efficacy of non-contributory cash transfers to families. For example, in a study published in 2018 by the University of Cambridge, UK, social scientists reviewed 165 studies of non-contributory cash transfers in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2015, and concluded that such cash transfers reduced monetary poverty and improved health and nutrition, education, savings, and production.

Similarly, a 2021 publication from SEED (Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration) reported a study done by a group of social scientists led

by Dr Stacia West of the University of Tennessee and Dr Amy Castro Baker of the University of Pennsylvania that found a cash grant of US$500 for 24 months to 125 persons living in the town of Stockton positively impacted on their physical and mental health.

There was little or no evidence that such non-contributory cash transfers led to

negative unintended consequences, such as dependency syndrome, or as a disincentive to work etc.

There are numerous studies reflecting the effectiveness and efficacy of non-contributory cash transfers like the “Because We Care” cash transfer programme. UNICEF, the World Bank, IDB and other organisations have declared that cash transfers for children is one of the surest ways to reduce poverty.

While hampers, school uniforms, laptops etc. are beneficial, long-term cash transfers to families promote human development by empowering people to make certain decisions for themselves – how best to use the cash transfers to improve the welfare of children and families in general.

But these studies have revealed certain pitfalls.

One of the pitfalls is the potential for discrimination. When cash transfer programmes identify subgroups to benefit, the potential for discrimination abounds. The “Because We Care” cash transfer programme extends benefits to all families with children in public schools, and is likely to extend to all families with children in public and private schools. Setting an income limit would have introduced the potential for discrimination.

With such strong evidence for cash transfers, it is shocking that leaders of the PNC (APNU/AFC) would

spout nonsense such as the education cash grant is a wasteful way of spending tax payers’ money, and that the programme would promote dependency syndrome in Guyana, leading to greater poverty. These assertions have been uniformly rejected by social scientists in hundreds of studies around the world.

It is in this context that I raise one example of spending tax payers’ money that makes absolutely no sense.

In May 2019, having lost a No-Confidence vote, and desperately trying to stave off elections, APNU+AFC decided to bankroll a Buju Banton visit to Guyana for a show. The APNU/AFC Coalition Government procured $50M worth of tickets for distribution among their supporters. The PNC/ APNU/AFC leaders had no qualms in spending tax payers’ money to bribe their supporters. Families in desperate need for some help got no money from that $50M. It was only a small number of young people who were facilitated with a few fleeting minutes of watching Buju Banton perform.

Unfortunately, the Buju Banton splash is just one of the many examples of APNU/AFC squandermania. It is vexing, therefore, that leaders of the PNC and the APNU/AFC Coalition are out dubbing the PPP Government’s education cash grant as a waste of money.

The cash grant pro-

gramme for 2021 places $3.2B in the hands of ordinary Guyanese families to spend in the economy. In 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the amount in the form of an education cash grant for every child in school would be more than $3.2B. In fact, Dr Irfaan Ali and the PPP had promised that the cash grants would grow to $50,000 per child by the end of President Irfaan Ali’s first term. This means that in 2025, the Irfaan Ali-led PPP Government would put more than $7B in the hands of ordinary families to spend in support of their community economy. The almost $20B that the Irfaan Ali PPP Government would have placed in the hands of ordinary citizens through just one programme – the education cash grant programme – in President Irfaan Ali’s first term would support the local grocery store, the local seamstresses and tailors, the vendors in the community market, etc.

But the PNC and APNU/ AFC see this as a waste of money. The PNC clearly believe that only they can decide how best to spend money for people. Buying Buju Banton tickets for a small group of Guyanese citizens is deemed more worthwhile than giving every family with a child in school a cash grant, which in turn stimulates the economy. This posture by the PNC is irresponsible, and is an utter insult to the Guyanese people.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

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

Rural public road upgrade Love is sacrifice on island of Wakenaam Dear Editor, It was reported in the news media on July 18 that the Minister in the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) visited the island of Wakenaam in the Essequibo River to inspect and announce that the MPW has allocated $120 million dollars to reconstruct two sections of the island’s public road, miles apart; and will be using concrete as the principal construction material.

A photo accompanying the

report showed the Minister and other officials inspecting a section of the public road, with several potholes filled with water and the shoulders overgrown with banana and coconut trees. It was evident that reconstruction of this section of the public road would require that the shoulders be cleared of the thick vegetation, and graded to accommodate drains for the quick runoff of rainfall on the roadway, if its foundation is to be stabilised

Tribute to Aunty Pat Dear Editor, It is with sadness and gratitude that I express a tribute to Ms Patricia Pierre, who has passed on to her heavenly abode.

Patricia, popularly known as “Aunty Pat”, was a true humanitarian who had cared for the less fortunate and sick. I have had many opportunities to accompany her in humanitarian and religious activities. She gave her life for the care and concern of others.

Through her friendly and humorous demeanor, she had touched and inspired many persons. She had the gift of relating to children, youth and the elderly without reservation. One of her outstanding contributions to humanity is that of her care for the ill children. She

reached out to them and their parents through listening, praying, and caring for them.

She had touched persons across the country because she enjoyed travelling to hinterland communities.

She was also an outstanding photographer, and had spent time to advise the mobile photographer generation on how to get the perfect shot.

I can boldly say that Aunty Pat had lived a true Christian life, and had lived it to the fullest. She will be remembered as a ‘mother’ to many, especially the less fortunate children. Guyana has lost a gem. I am grateful that our paths crossed.

Sincerely, Jerri Dias

for the intended load.

I was not privy to the specs and design for the upgrade for the two sections of public road on the island, but I expect good engineering practice to prevail in their reconstruction.

It is inconceivable that the MPW has specified that concrete, an expensive construction material, would be used to upgrade a rural public road on the island of Wakenaam, when cheaper road building materials could be obtained locally and utilised to achieve the desired objectives.

Concrete is rarely used worldwide for road construction because of its high construction and maintenance costs.

Finally, as reported, the Minister stated that two one-kilometre sections of the island’s estimated 30 kilo-

teachers, the majority of whom have lauded the PPP Government’s programme, whether it is the 2014 version or the 2021 version. Ms. McDonald spoke both as President of the GTU and a PNC MP. Many teachers have already publicly dissociated themselves from her statement. Some did so by publicly and enthusiastically joining in the distribution of the cash to parents. Others have come out and vigorously rejected Ms. McDonald’s demand that they desist from helping the Ministry of Education in the distribution of the cash. No one in the PNC has chastised Ms. McDonald, and therefore we must accept that she was stating a position of the PNC and the APNU/ AFC Coalition.

In fact, Aubrey Norton, another PNC leader, one running to dethrone David Granger as the leader of the PNC, has now come out with his own condemnation of the cash grant to children. Aubrey Norton wants to be leader of the PNC, and he is prepared to oppose anything and everything the PPP Government does. The PNC (APNU/AFC) stand indicted – they are heart-

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

Are we going down that road again?

Dear Editor, As the Opposition continues in its mission to thwart the work of GECOM, it was allegedly posited by one of its commissioners, in the matter of the motions brought against the electoral fraud trio, that a “neutral tribunal” could be set up probably by an Order which would state mandate, com-

PNC/GTU rejection of...

Their assertion that the programme is a total “waste of money” never gained traction, because people refuse to be stupid.

Now PNC leaders are alleging discrimination, but every parent with a child in a public school is eligible to receive the cash grant.

If there are two or three or more children from one family, each child is eligible for the grant. It is for this reason that some families are getting multiple grants. The programme is not restricted to any particular region; every family in every region is eligible, once there is a child in school, from nursery to high school. Ethnicity does not matter, religion does not qualify or disqualify anyone, and definitely, whom a family supports or votes for is irrelevant.

Every family qualifies, as long as a family has a child in school. So where is the discrimination?

Coretta McDonald, the President of the Guyana Teachers Union and a PNC MP in the APNU/AFC faction, has been the most vocal of the PNC leaders rejecting the cash grant programme, dubbing it an absolute waste. It is despicable that Ms. McDonald claims she represents the

metres of public road have been selected for upgrade using concrete. He claimed that the proposed modest road upgrade would significantly improve the standard of living of the islanders, as well as provide them with opportunities for better commerce and innovation.

These are laudable goals, but given the other constraints to development on the island of Wakenaam due to poor river transportation and berthing facilities, as well as inadequate drainage and irrigation for farm lands - these pronouncements by the Minister could pertinently be considered as just pipe dreams.

position and procedure.

Sounds familiar? An Order was established in the recount of votes, which was agreed upon and which was later challenged in the courts.

Are we going down that road again? Hell no!

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

FROM PAGE 4

less, but also prepared to stupidly work against science. Just as they are engaged in a silent whisper campaign, discouraging people from taking vaccines, so too they are now trying desperately to discourage the education cash grant. The people are re-

jecting their anti-vaccination whisper campaign, and also visibly rejecting the call to end the education cash grant. The PNC has gone from clueless to plain stupid.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Dear Editor, On the auspicious occasion of Eid-al-Adha, Muslims remember and honour the trials and triumphs of Prophet Ibraham/ Abraham (Peace Be Upon Him). Additionally, we recognise that all blessings come from God, and that we should open our hearts and share with others these bounties He has bestowed upon us.

As Muslims across the globe celebrate and honour this historic willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son for the sake of Almighty Allah, we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric Mosque’s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation – Guyana, seize this opportunity to extend Eid-al-Adha greetings to the nation of Guyana, His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali and family, distinguished members of the Government, the Opposition, and especially to our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters.

It must be known that the practice of sacrificing an animal on this occasion has nothing to do with atoning for sins or cleansing ourselves of sin with its blood. This symbolic act represents our readiness to forego some of our own blessings in order to develop and maintain our relationship with God, with others, and, most importantly, to provide a helping hand to the poor and needy. As a result, the meat from the Eid-al-Adha sacrifice is distributed in three ways: to oneself, to relatives, and to

the needy.

It is a gesture of humanity to share with those in need, who do not have the same access to nourishment as we do.

What we truly need to grasp is that, in order to offer sacrifices to the Almighty, we must symbolically go to the same lengths as Prophet Abraham. That is to say, sacrificing an animal alone is insufficient, as Almighty God says, “Never does their flesh or blood reach Allah, but your piety successfully reaches him.”

(Quran–22:37).

In light of the forgoing, we encourage everyone to use this opportunity to open their hearts and minds, and to learn to uphold the noble ideals of unwavering service to Almighty God and humanity in general.

We pray that this Eidal-Adha will deepen our relationship with others, foster harmony, as well as provide peace, prosperity, and well-being to the people of Guyana and throughout the world, especially as we are once again forced to celebrate this festivity in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We pray that our selfless sacrifices will bring happiness into our lives and provide salvation for us in the hereafter. Our prayers are also with all those who may be unable to celebrate this occasion with proper revelry due to poverty or other afflictions at this time. We hope that the spirit of Eidal-Adha – bonding, sharing, harmony, love, togetherness, and peace – will embrace us all.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

Tuesday’s answers

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all art is that finishing element that can help pull a space together and make it feel complete. The key is to choose a piece of art or another wall hanging that fits in with the decorating style that you’ve already chosen for the room. List and describe the categories of wall art.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rose Hall Estate reopening

Employment recruitment drive kicks off today …persons have been calling for work – Manager

T

he recruitment drive that has been announced for the Rose Hall sugar estate begins today, targeting some 200 workers. It’s a target that acting estate manager Balraj Dhanraj is optimistic they can reach, since persons have been calling the estate enquiring about work.

In an interview with this publication, Dhanraj explained that the recruitment drive is aiming to employ 200 persons, both skilled and unskilled workers. It is understood that persons in New Amsterdam, West Bank Berbice and Canje are especially expected to benefit from the initiative.

“We looking for technical people like welders, fitter machinists, electricians, diesel mechanics. And we’re looking for unskilled people - porters, cleaners. We’re looking for planters, and we can get fertilizer hands and chemical weed controllers…

some of the people been calling in,” Dhanraj said.

When it comes to operations at the estate, he explained that work has been and continues to be done on the factory. For instance, work has been done in the pre-milling section.

Components of the milling plant were also dismantled, while parts that had to be replaced, including mill rollers, were identified.

“At the boiler, we already replace the generating tubes. We are presently servicing the boiler valves.

In the powerhouse, we’re removing a Blackstone engine.

And that will be replaced by a 400-kilowatt diesel generating set…we’re presently (also) doing some structural work,” he explained, noting that work on the factory roof is expected to take three months.

In terms of the field, he explained that work has been interrupted by the torrential rainfalls that have

The Rose Hall Estate

fallen occurring since May, resulting in countrywide flooding. Dhanraj was confident, however, that the estate was on course for reopening in the second crop of next year.

“In the fields, the major work we identified was to till and plant the land.

But because of the inclement weather, the tillage programme has come to a halt.

We’re hoping to start back the tillage in August, when we’re expecting favourable weather. Once we cannot till, there is no opportunity to plant.”

It was only last week

$500M unreconciled pensions

No pension funds unaccounted for – GPOC …willing to sit with Auditor General, Ministry officials

T

he Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) is disputing reports that millions of dollars that were earmarked for pension payments are unaccounted for, noting that accounts for pension payments have been reconciled monthly for years.

On Wednesday, GPOC Public Relations Officer Thalissa Grant-McClure explained that after pension payments are reconciled, the reconciliation statement is sent to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry. She said this is a practice that has been in effect even before 2016, when the Auditor General flagged over $500 million in pension payments that were unreconciled.

“To further clarify the issue at hand, it is necessary to note that the pension payment system operates as a revolving imprest. To this end, GPOC must submit coupons on a weekly basis to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, which are then forwarded to the Ministry of Finance.”

She noted that this forms the cyclical process of the pension payments, since coupons can be cashed throughout the month. “GPOC receives money from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security which are paid out via coupons, these are then submitted to the Ministry for reimbursement,” the PRO stated.

All coupons, GrantMcClure said, have to be verified and submitted. However, since pension becomes payable at the beginning of every

The Guyana Post Office Corporation

month, GPOC would have an advance of cash on hand in order to ensure persons can continue receiving their payments smoothly.

“Additionally, there are times when GPOC would cash coupons in good faith in advance of the cash provided to the corporation. Thus, as at December 30, 2016, the advance amount as stated was utilised to encash coupons from the first working day of January 2017,” she explained.

“Over the years, additional systems were implemented to monitor the payment process, and we are working with the Ministry to implement a computerised system to facilitate daily financial updates,” she explained.

Willing to meet AG

The PRO has said the corporation’s financial team is willing to sit down with the Auditor General and the Ministry in order to address and clarify any outstanding issues.

During Monday’s sit-

ting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Ministry of Human Service and Social Security’s Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar had explained that the accounts would be closed so that the monies could be reconciled.

“Normally, GPOC would send the Ministry a statement, and we would look at it and compare it to our cash books, because we’re supposed to have the same balance. We would give GPOC the funds, they would pay to the pensioners, and they would bring the coupons back into us.

“There was a difference of $115 million, which we are still reconciling with the assistance of the Auditor General’s Office. As it stands right now, we have taken the advice of the Auditor General and we are in the process of closing the old old age pension account and opening a new old age pension account,” the PS said.

In his 2016 report,

Auditor General Deodat Sharma had found that $594 million that were meant for monthly old age pension payments could not be reconciled. The monies that were unreconciled have since been reduced to $115.9 million as at 2017. The Ministers of what was then the Social Protection Ministry during that two-year span were Volda Lawrence and Amna Ally.

that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had announced that a “special initiative” would be announced in the near future that focuses on bringing benefits to the thousands of ex-sugar workers who were dismissed under the APNU/ AFC regime.

Some 7000-plus sugar workers were placed on the breadline after the APNU/ AFC Administration downsized the industry and shut down four estates across the country. Many of those workers have not been able to secure permanent jobs, and remain on the breadline years later.

However, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), during the 2020 election campaign, had promised to reopen those estates and rehire those sacked workers.

During an interview last week with a social media commentator, Jagdeo said Government has not forgot-

ten this promise. In fact, he disclosed that he would soon be meeting with those former sugar workers on this.

“We remember our pre-election promise, and soon I’ll be meeting with [the ex-sugar workers].

There is a special initiative that we’re working on for the 7000 workers who were laid off. Soon I’ll be meeting with them to explain more about this initiative… We intend to fulfil our promises,” the Vice President had indicated.

Back in 2016, the former APNU/AFC closed the Wales Estate, and, the following year, shut down the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon estates, putting over 7000 sugar workers on the breadline.

The downsizing of the sugar industry resulted in only the Uitvlugt, Blairmont and Albion Estates being in operation.

However, since the PPP/C Administration assumed office in August 2020, they have been putting systems in place to reopen the Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates. Due to the deteriorating state of the Wales factory, that estate would be converted into the Wales Development Authority – an industrial facility that would see the development of not only agriculture, but agro-industries, processing facilities, manufacturing and other sectors to drive economic activities.

A d d i t i o n a l l y , Government, through the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), has already moved to rehire over 700 sugar workers. (G3)

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rule of law demands respect for President’s decision – AG …welcomes court case filed by suspended PSC ly ignored,” Nandlall noted.

The Attorney General had previously made it clear that nothing in the ruling rendered by the Chief Justice gives legitimacy to the purported list of promotions issued by the PSC.

Legal challenge

President Dr Irfaan Ali

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he case filed by suspended head of the Police Service Commission (PSC) challenging the suspension by President Dr Irfaan Ali has been welcomed by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, who has asserted that it is the legal right of those who have been suspended to contest their suspension in the courts.

During his weekly programme “Issues in the News”, Nandlall said, “That is a right that they [PSC] have, and that is a right that I respect. I anticipated that they will go this route, and it is their democratic and legal right to do so.”

He was keen to note that if one wishes to challenge a decision made by a public officer, moreso the President, then one should do so through the courts.

The Attorney General pointed out that the Chairman of the PSC, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe, and his team must recognise that, at least when the PPP/C is in Government, the Constitution and the rule of law will be respected.

He added, “And when the President makes a decision, and when a Minister makes a decision, whether he is right or whether he is wrong in law is a matter for only the court to decide.

However, the rule of law requires and demands that you respect that decision until it is rescinded by a competent authority.”

Following Chief Justice

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Roxane George’s dismissal of the cases filed by Senior Superintendent of Police Calvin Brutus and other senior officers, challenging the 2020 senior Police promotions, the suspended PSC has released its promotions list, which the Government has refused to recognise, and in doing so, has deemed it “unlawful and illegal.”

“So when Mr Slowe and his team were writing the Secretary to the Commission, instructing him to proceed with this

promotion list that they have assembled; and when Mr Slowe was writing the Commissioner of Police, instructing him to proceed to promote a list of officers… they were completely wrong, and their demands were completely unlawful and were properly and rightful-

The war widens...

I

The PSC’s legal action is against President Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Nandlall, Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, and its secretary over the suspension of its Chairman and Commissioners Michael Somersall, Claire Jarvis, Vesta Adams, and Clinton Conway all retired Assistant Commissioners of Police.

In court documents filed at the Demerara High Court, the defunct PSC is seeking a number of orders and declarations, among which is a declaration that the suspension of its Chairman and Commissioners violates the Constitution of Guyana, and is therefore of no force or effect.

The constitutional body wants the High Court to declare that Slowe and the Commissioners of the PSC

Standing Orders. President Ali suspended the Police Service Commission weeks after the Prime Minister wrote to Slowe and the other Commissioners, asking them to show cause why the fraud charges against them should not result in their removal from the PSC. The Prime Minister, in the letter, said he was exercising powers granted under Article 225 of the Constitution, which mandates that a person shall not be removed from a consti-

“remain competent and responsible to fulfill their constitutional mandate, including appointments to any officers in the Police Force above the rank of Inspector.”

The Commission is also asking the court to order the Police Commissioner to give effect to the promotion list under convention and his role and responsibilities under the Constitution and the Police Act. Slowe and several members of the Commission are currently facing criminal charges before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. They have been implicated in a $10 million fraud over duties delegated to them for revising the Police Force’s raft of Standing Orders.

It is alleged that the officers collected payments amounting to $10 million, but never provided the Force with a raft of revised

tutional office except for inability to discharge the function, or for misbehaviour.

The article further provides that a constitutional office holder can be removed by the President if an appointed tribunal recommends the removal of that person. The tribunal is appointed following the advice of a prescribed authority, in this case the Prime Minister, and is to be constituted in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

The JSC is currently not functioning. The last JSC was appointed by former President Donald Ramotar on September 11, 2014. The tenure of each appointed member is for three years; therefore, the tenure of the last Commission expired since September 12, 2017.

The PSC was suspended pending the establishment of a tribunal.

Suspended PSC Chairman Paul Slowe

…against PPP Govt f, as some realists would have it, “politics is war by other means”, then, from where your Eyewitness sits, we shouldn’t be surprised at the “war on every front and by every means” strategy unleashed on the PPP Government by the PNC and their camp followers. After all, the founderleader of the PNC – Forbes Burnham – wasn’t only a political realist, but a most cynical one at that! He’d drank most deeply from the fountain of Machiavelli – the man who still epitomises political cynicism! Burnham institutionalised the Machiavellian outlook in his party.

In such a worldview, there are no Marquis of Queensbury rules – not even the Geneva Convention!! With the PNC, it’s “take no prisoners” and burnt earth tactics when facing their “enemy”. Yes…the PPP and their supporters aren’t just “political opponents”, but “enemies” who must be “vanquished”. Remember Burnham’s “make your will” and “sharper steel” warnings? This is what the PPP Government must expect.

At this moment, there are two prongs to the unfolding of the strategy. One is the fanning out of the various “wings” of the party – who’re vying to take over the leadership – to mobilise the base for the upcoming Armageddon. Each faction is trying to “outbid” the other in the radicalisation sweepstakes. Every positive action by the PPP is given a “racial” slant. House lots at Linden? Stress that the PPP administration was just trying to insult PNC supporters by offering bribes to switch their allegiance. As if political parties never think about votes!! One wonders why the PNC is therefore concerned about losing votes!!

“Because We Care” monetary grants for schoolchildren?

Look at how the PPP axis is “skipping” PNC villages!! Never mind they never identify these “skipped villages”, cause they know folks will hear what they want to hear in our racially polarised society.

But the other prong is more proactive, by having all the PNC front organisations conduct a guerrilla war of “hit and run” against the Government. So, we see the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) take on the Ministry of Education by personalising their attacks against the very energetic Minister. They accuse her of not involving them in the measures against the COVID- 19 pandemic, but, contradictorily, stridently accuse her of getting them too involved in the distribution of the school grants!

Headmasters shouldn’t be bookkeepers!!

Over in GECOM, the PNC Commissioners have walked out of the meeting convened to discuss and decide on the future of the three Secretariat employees charged with “abuse of their offices”. So, THE GECOM Secretariat, which is supposed to get ready for Local government elections, is paralysed.

The GPSU? We’ll see them after their internecine war to get more radical leadership is finished!!

…against corruption Your Eyewitness remains intrigued by the insistence of a lunatic fringe of the PNC, hysterically insisting that “regime change” was effected in Guyana by “western powers”!! So, your Eyewitness would like to know exactly at what point was this “intervention” made. Was it on the day of the elections – March 2nd? All the 2300 polling stations across the country completed their tasks by the evening, and President Granger praised one and all for the wonderful exercise of democracy. In fact, according to one news report, “Granger praised GECOM for the way they conducted the polls, and warned Guyanese that the PPP/C will be spreading what he termed “fake news.” The PPP!!

Was it when the tabulation was halted after Mingo was rushed to GPHC, or was it when he illegally conjured up numbers from spreadsheets and had to be slapped down by the Courts? Or maybe when he ignored the directions and repeated his crime on a dirty bedsheet? Your Eyewitness and other inquiring minds want to know!!

…against insurrectionists In South Africa – a bold experiment in fostering multiracial governance since the fall of apartheid in 1994 – opportunistic racial looting and arson erupted after former President Zuma was imprisoned over corruption charges fallout.

Where have you gone Madiba?

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

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana has potential as premier destination for BPO operations – Finance Minister …lauds Express International for investment, job creation

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and GO-Invest CEO Peter Ramsaroop with Express International Inc President Ken Deocharran and other staff

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he Government is committed to creating an environment that promotes Guyana as a premier destination for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services, which can provide vast employment opportunities.

This is according to Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh during a tour of Express International Incorporated’s BPO facility, on Hadfield Street, Georgetown, on Tuesday.

He was accompanied

by Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Peter Ramsaroop.

Dr Singh referenced the

fact that many businesses internationally are recognising Guyana as a prime destination for BPO services, given its English-speaking population, its educated workforce and its close proximity to the United States of America and Canada.

“As a Government, we would like to see the BPO sector continue to grow. It has the potential to grow far beyond its current size for the reasons: Guyana, of course, is an Englishspeaking country; we have a very well-educated population; we are strategically located on the same time zone as the East Coast of North America, and we’re very close to the US and Canada.

We’re very easily accessible to the big North American cities. As you know, we are five or six hours away from New York. We are four or five hours away from Miami,” he noted.

The Senior Finance Minister went on to laud the President and CEO of Express International, Ken Deocharran, for pursuing his vision, which has since materialised into a successful BPO facility in Guyana, employing 285 Guyanese and heading towards expansion soon.

He commended the businessman for his investment in Guyana and alluded to the fact that the current Irfaan-Ali led Government

strongly supported any effort by businesses which also aligns with its vision of diversification of the economy in the form of expansion of sectors such as the services and tourism industries. This, he noted, will contribute to ensuring the country maintains a stable macro-economic environment.

“In the pre-2015 period, we had already recognised the vast potential for BPO service, and we had invested a lot of policy effort into the sector,” Minister Singh said.

He posited that Express International Inc was one example of what could be achieved by persons in the Guyanese Diaspora willing to invest in the country.

“This is an example of a Guyanese in the Diaspora who saw an opportunity in Guyana and an example of what can be achieved in the BPO sector,” the Minister reiterated.

Dr Singh also recognised that the business had a Guyanese management team of highly professional persons and based on his assessment following the tour,

Staff of Express International at work

boasted an impressive operation.

“We have come into Guyana and made a huge impact on the labour market, providing great job opportunities for Guyanese people, and I’m looking to continue to grow that as fast as I can to potentially get to a bigger number than 285, with the hopes of getting it into the thousands,” the businessman told the Finance Minister during the tour.

On its website, Express International Inc says it provides a comprehensive range of services aimed at optimising business processes ensuring positive out-

comes for organisations. It also lists itself as specialising in expedited high-value shipping services, providing these services to global and domestic clients through distinguishable, time-sensitive service, specialised equipment, and professionally-trained staff.

CEO Deocharran is a 37-year-old Guyanese native who started a trucking and courier service business in 2006 and built it into a US$15 million company with roughly 120 trucks delivering goods throughout the tri-state area and in Chattanooga, Tennessee in the United States. (G8)

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 9 REO arrested for shooting woman R

egional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Nine, (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Karl Singh, has been arrested for reportedly shooting a woman to her abdomen.

Reports are that the 25-year-old woman was shot at about 23:00h on Tuesday in the Commercial Zone of Lethem Central.

According to the Police, the woman was with the REO in his motor pickup when he allegedly shot her. Singh took the woman to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where an immediate surgery was performed on her, and her condition is now regarded as stable.

Police have been unable to interview the victim, due to her condition; however, the REO has been arrested on an attempted murder charge.

He was escorted to Lethem Police Station and his licensed firearm was seized and lodged.

Investigations are ongoing.

P

REO Karl Singh

Teen caught stealing ducks chopped

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8-year-old Chetram Gopaul, called ‘Pops’, is now nursing chop wounds at the New Amsterdam Hospital after he was injured by a homeowner who caught him stealing his ducks.

Joint Services’ presence high at border to counter gang attacks – Commander

The Police have said that on Wednesday at about 03:40h, the teen was chopped at Number 67 Village, Corentyne Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) by a 52-year-old man who subsequently went to the

Springlands Police Station and reported that the teen was found in his duck pen with five of his ducklings in a salt bag. The man valued the ducklings at $5000.

In his report to the Police, the man said he armed himself with a cutlass upon seeing that the teen was armed with a knife. Further, the man said the teen charged towards him with the knife, and he fired several chops at him in self-defense, hence the injuries the teen sustained.

Gopaul was escorted to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was examined and treated for his wounds. He was, however, transferred to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital for further medical attention.

The owner of the ducks has since been taken into custody, pending investigation.

olice Commander of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Superintendent Dion Moore, has said, during an episode of the weekly radio programme “Police and You”, that his division has received reports that Guyanese vessels are being attacked by members of the Sindicato and guerrilla gangs along the Cuyuni River in Region Seven.

After the activities of these gangs were made known to the Police in Region Seven, patrols comprising members of both the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) are said to have been increased along Eteringbang and Mokepai, among other areas, in an attempt to counter the recurrence of these attacks.

The Commander also noted that members of these gangs are not known to the Police, but he revealed that while joint services’ ranks are patrolling the areas, photographs taken for evidence of the existence of these gangs show that the gang members are usually armed, and would been seen in a ready-to-attack position. “…you would see that those men are armed with rifles and handguns, and would always be in a standing ready position,” the Commander has said.

Members of these gangs have set up makeshift tents that allow them to easily pack up and relocate to higher ground when the water level of the river rises.

This is not the first time these gangs have been spotted. “Earlier in the year, we (had) received reports that some

of the members of the Sindicato and guerrilla gangs…would operate out from Venezuela’s shores”, he stated.

These gang members have reportedly stopped Guyanese vessels traversing the Cuyuni River and demanded payment; and Commander Moore has said there are instances in which occupants of vessels would receive threats.

“They would stop Guyanese vessels and demand payment from them…in some instances they threaten them as well”, he said.

In September 2020, the Sindicato gang had reportedly placed joint services’ ranks under fire while the latter were patrolling the Cuyuni River.

According to the GDF, joint services’ ranks were patrolling near the Guyana-Venezuela border when they came under fire from the Venezuela shore. It was suspected that the attack was launched by the Sindicato gang.

Additionally, several officers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had come under fire while conducting inspections along the Cuyuni River. It was suspected that the shots were fired by the notorious Sindicato gang from Venezuela.

Fortunately, in both of these instances of unexpected attack, no one was hurt.

Commander Moore has disclosed that such incidents have been occurring for some time now.

Guyana’s border with Venezuela is more than 1000 kilometres long, and patrols are conducted on a routine basis.

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese on 9 sexual Businesses owned by youths increased during COVID-19 – SBB assault charges in

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond (centre) and Deputy CEO of the Small Business Bureau, Vanessa Thompson, (green dress) are flanked by the awardees of the Green Tech Fund

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surprising fact has emerged out of the COVID-19 pandemic: it has been revealed that since the onset of the pandemic in Guyana, the number of youths who have started small businesses has been on the increase.

This is according to Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau (SBB), Vanessa Thompson, during the disbursement of $12 million to the 12 winners of the bureau’s Green Business Fund challenge on Tuesday.

Thompson revealed that since the initiative started four years ago, the SBB has disbursed $33.8 million to 34 entrepreneurs. She shared that there has been an increase in youth-owned small businesses since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

“Over the past year and a half since the advent of the

unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, one thing that we have noted at the bureau is that there is an increase in youth-owned small businesses.

Not only those applying for the Green Business Technology Fund, but even for our regular grants, we’ve noted there is an increase in youth-owned businesses.

“This is a very much welcome gesture, something we want to encourage and promote,” she said.

The Green Business Fund is an annual competition that pits entrepreneurs against each other for the chance to receive millions in grants to fund their businesses.

Importance of small businesses

During her address to the 12 winning young entrepreneurs, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister

Oneidge Walrond spoke of the importance of the initiative.

The Minister reminded of the importance of small businesses and the innovative ideas they bring as the country continues its development trajectory.

She also noted that at a time when the world has become more technologically advanced, Guyana must find ways to keep up. This is especially so when it comes to ideas that help with climate resilience, which the Green Business Fund promotes.

And according to the Minister, an additional fund is currently being established.

“These kinds of ideas, the idea is to have more funding available to be able to bring these businesses to a worldclass level. So, it doesn’t end here, there is hope for more funding, more innovations.

“Demonstrate a high level of tolerance” – Region 7 Commander to ranks

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aking reference to a recent incident wherein a Police officer had assaulted a civilian in an act of revenge, Commander of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Superintendent Dion Moore, has urged all cops to be humble and disciplined, and to practise tolerance when dealing with the public.

“Police are trained, and one of the things within their training is to have tolerance. As Police, it is expected for you to demonstrate a high level of tolerance,” the Commander stated during a recent “Police and You” programme.

According to the Commander, younger ranks of today do not have tolerance when handling such sensitive situations, even though they had gone through vigorous training.

However, he is encouraging them not to be so easily consumed with anger.

“Do not allow yourself to get angry easily. When you get angry, you cannot think right. When you get angry, you end up doing things that you regret after. Stay fo-

Region 7 Commander, Superintendent Dion Moore

cused, stay humble, be disciplined,” the Commander has advised all ranks.

The Commander has underscored the importance of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) having a good relationship with the public. He noted that, within his division, there is a great relationship between the Force and the public.

“My approach to address issues is not just to sit in the office and wait until persons come to (me). I would

venture in the form of having community outreaches, and walk around the communities, talk to the people; not just the old, not just the young, but every single person you come into contact with,” he explained.

“We, the Police, we are servants of the public, and every living day I will communicate with my ranks and remind them that their purpose is to serve the public. Demonstrate your core values, and the public will support you,” he advised.

Meanwhile, the Commander noted that Region Seven has seen a 11.4% decrease in serious crimes for the year so far.

“With murder, we’ve had ten murders for last year, we’re having four this year; that shows a 60% decrease. For robbery with violence, we had five last year, we only have one this year; which shows an 80% decrease,” he revealed.

However, regarding break and enter and larceny, five were recorded this year, compared to three last year; which represents an increase of 66%.

So, keep your eyes out,” she advised.

“While Guyana is one of the leading oil-producing nations in the world, everyone will not be able to work directly with an oil company or affiliate service. However, we can develop businesses that can feed into those operations and make the lives of fellow Guyanese more productive,” the Minister has said.

She reminded that Guyana is on a trajectory for unprecedented growth; and, in four years’ time, the country will have a new Demerara River Bridge, highways, and interconnecting roads. Additionally, thousands of Guyanese will be homeowners.

“Sustainable business practices must therefore be at the centre of our development efforts. And that is why ideas like you have created are so important in ensuring our way of life is preserved and, where necessary, enhanced,” the Minister said.

She went on to urge those whose ideas did not make the cut to refine their ideas and not give up on their dreams.

(G3)

T&T denied bail

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31-year-old Guyanese was denied bail on Monday by a Siparia Magistrate, Trinidad and Tobago after appearing on nine sexual charges against his 11-year-old niece.

The accused, an operator, was remanded into custody pending criminal tracing from his homeland.

He was charged by WPC Myers, of the South-Western Division Child Protection Unit (CPU), following a police report in which a 11-year-old girl and her father revealed a series of sexual assaults over a one-year period.

According to the girl, during the alleged acts, which occurred from June 2020 to June 2021, her uncle sexually penetrated and touched her inappropriately.

Following an investigation, led by W/ Superintendent of Police (Ag.) Claire Guy-Alleyne who was supported by ASP Roberts, Insp (Ag.) Knuttand Sgt (Ag.) Taylor, the suspect was charged with seven counts of sexual penetration and two counts of sexual touching of a child.

He will reappear before the court on August 16.

(T&T Guardian)

12 NEWS From dehydrated cook-up to portable kitchen gardens THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…entrepreneurial ideas that won 2021 Green Tech Fund

By Jarryl Bryan

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ince 2017, the Green Business Technology Fund of the Small Business Bureau (SBB) has awarded 34 entrepreneurs $1 million each to help towards developing and launching their business ideas.

This year, the 12 winners whose ideas triumphed were each awarded their $1 million cheque during a ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Tuesday.

Of the dozens of persons who were awarded grants this year, at least three spoke about their innovative business ideas. Their ideas range from a portable kitchen garden to the silver bullet against car jackers and kidnappers, to local cuisines that can be carried around in your pocket and instantly prepared with some water and a microwave.

In the case of Lemuel Williams of LTech, a recent graduate of the Bishop’s High School and, in fact, one of the youngest winners the Fund has ever had, his business idea has enormous scope: a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker that does not need internet to work, but rather telephone towers.

“My business is a start-

Tasmine Pellew of Tas Foods

up business that solely depends on the success of the research and development phase of a GPS tracker. In Guyana, there are a lot of solutions when it comes to GPS tracking…. Almost all of them require internet access for you to track those systems,” the entrepreneur explained.

“However, we’re still a developing country, and as such, not everyone actually has internet access on their devices or their laptops, especially on the road or in the backdams. However, you might find in a lot of places in the country they have access to a service like GTT or Digicel,” Williams added.

He said his solution is a GPS tracker that uses the

GSM modules of these services, enabling persons to track their vehicles - or a person - without the use of the internet. He noted that, with the grant, he can improve on the prototype. Williams also has aspirations of extending his service regionally, once all his paperwork is in order.

“In Guyana, a lot of carjackings are taking place.

And sadly, there have been no efforts to actually solve that issue… Hopefully, with this solution here, at the end of it all, we can have a product made locally, solve this problem, and will utilise our local networks, so we don’t have to worry about internet,” he explained.

Dehydrated foods

Another entrepreneur who was successful was Tasmine Pellew of Tas Foods, who hails from the mining town of Linden. Her business idea, which she said is already in the hands of soldiers in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), is for Guyanese cuisines like pepperpot, cook-up and other delicacies to be packaged in a dehydrated form for ease of carry and a prolonged shelf life.

“When I studied at the Guyana School of Agriculture, I had a passion for dehydration. Dehydration is basically taking moisture

Lemuel Williams of LTech

out of anything and having it last for six months to a year. So, when I got back home to Linden, somebody told me about a project in the GDF in which they use (MRE) ready to eat meals.

“So, I got to doing cook-up rice, parboiled rice, and pasta. These are all ready within 10 minutes. We have it in spicy, pepperpot and regular flavours. If you’re like me, a working mom, when you get home, you’re not the type to cook for hours over a stove,

this is the ideal thing for you,” she explained.

She noted that her product also has potential for soldiers or anyone who is offroad. All that is needed is some hot water.

Meanwhile, Nehru Narine’s winning business idea is a portable kitchen garden. According to Narine, the idea is to have a portable unit in which persons can plant small crops… a unit that can be moved in times of need, such as flooding, thus preventing damage to their crops.

“It’s a very simple setup.

It consists of a metal framework that has an elevated garden box. The benefit of that is that it’s raised above the ground so that (it will not be subject to) the effects of flooding. It’s also compartmentalised using PVC plastics or pipes, so you can have a hydraulics system within the garden,” he explained.

“We’re also going to have a cover made out of UV plastics, that will permit sunlight and also keep the carbon dioxide levels within, to increase photosynthesis and growth of the plant, and pro-

Nehru Narine of NM Proficient Contracting Services

duction,” he said.

He added that the outside of the container would be painted to give it an aesthetic value.

Some examples of the crops that can be planted within this portable garden are callaloo, eschallot, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions and garlic. According to Narine, his company, N.M. Proficient Contracting Services, would provide support services to customers.

Improvised weapons unearthed during prison raid

Items found during the prison raid

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search of the Georgetown Holding Bay and the Lusignan Prison carried out by ranks of the Joint Services has led to the discovery of a number of contraband items, including improvised weapons.

The search was conducted on Wednesday between 07:00h and 10:0h. Items found in Holding Bay One were 25 improvised weapons, eight lighters, two cell-

phones, a quantity of Ziplock bags, two metal objects, and two cellphone cases.

Items found in Holding Bay Two were 14 improvised weapons, five charger heads, seven lighters, three scissors, a quantity of Ziplock bags, one cellphone, one cellphone housing, two cellphone batteries, one cellphone charger, a quantity of wires, ten small transparent Ziplock bags of suspect-

ed cannabis amounting to three grams, and two metal objects.

Items found in Holding Bays Three and Four were a small quantity of homemade wine, 12 improvised weapons, 14 lighters, two scissors, one cellphone charger, one cellphone cable, a quantity of wires, and one small transparent Ziplock bag of what is suspected to be cannabis amounting to half a gram.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UG’s new nursing programme to address mental health challenges said the programme had been in the making for several years.

According to Holder, mental health services in Guyana are sporadic, and not functioning in some areas, even though there are several mental health issues.

“We have no nurse who is trained in mental health or psychiat-

study by the World Health Organization, Guyana was cited as the country with the third-highest suicide rate - 29 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. That same study, he noted, also highlighted that over one billion people globally struggle with issues related to mental health, including self-harm, depression and substance abuse.

“These are especially

search and policies for mental health, as well as barriers affecting persons seeking mental health services.

He added, “The stigma continues to exist in these mental health illnesses. It hinders the effort to provide appropriate mental health services. Poor mental health can contribute to a number of things…low productivity, weak civic society to high

Director of UG’s Nursing School, Dr Noel Holder

UG Vice-Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin

uyana’s growing mental health challenges have been a cause for concern over the years. Apart from being consistently ranked by the World Health Organisation (WHO) among the top five countries with the highest suicide rate, 20 percent of Guyana’s population suffers from mental health issues.

Recognising the dire need to build mental health capacity, the University of Guyana (UG), through its College of Medical Sciences, on Tuesday launched its mental health nursing programme - Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Nursing.

Describing Tuesday’s launch as historic, the Director of UG’s Nursing School, Dr Noel Holder, has

In wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he disclosed, Guyana, like the rest of the world, has experienced high levels of mortality and morbidity, which have affected families and individuals. He pointed out that the onset of the pandemic has also given rise to intimate-partner violence, gender-based violence, economic hardships, and lack of access to services.

In light of the foregoing, he noted, the introduction of the new nursing programme is timely, “because there is an imminent public health crisis waiting to happen in Guyana, as it has begun to show its head in the rest of the world.”

Moreover, he said it is hoped that the Government would purposefully award scholarships in this field to those nurses who fit the criteria, to help facilitate sustainable human resources.

Meanwhile, UG ViceChancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin has said the university is focused on offering programmes to enable people to be better in

G

ric nursing at the bachelor’s level. Nursing care at the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital is provided mainly by trained psychiatric patient care assistants,” he said.

He added that in a 2018

seen in low-income countries and Third World countries, where mental health services are fragmented,” he explained.

In Guyana’s case, the Nursing School Director pointed to the lack of re-

Project launched to empower Region 10 women

Some of the women involved in the initiative launched in Region 10

T

he Regional Economic Advancement Partnership (REAP), an initiative championed by Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) Chairman Deron Adams, launched its first project recently with the start of an internship for women interested in learning dress-making.

The Regional Chairman said he was pleased to receive a donation of sewing machines made by Trevor Bremner, who resides in the United States of America (USA) in support of the initiative. The REAP programme seeks to empower women across Region 10, by supporting

their efforts to become independent and support their families, by teaching entrepreneurial and life skills.

“The Regional Economic Advancement Partnership will seek many similar opportunities to empower both men and women, including youths, to move their efforts into areas that could provide a sustainable income through training for involvement in micro-enterprises, with the support of Private Sector and individual partnerships like this one”, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) noted in a statement.

Another important fac-

et of the programme, he said, is the push to encourage skilled personnel and seniors to donate their time and expertise to such training efforts, to help address unemployment, under-employment and poverty in the region.

The Regional Chairman has expressed the hope that those being trained could secure contracts to supply the Government’s school uniform project within Region 10, once they have mastered the skill.

He said future collaboration with persons interested in supporting similar projects was being encouraged.

(G13)

disease burden… all of these can lead to traumatic experiences.”

With the launch of the mental health nursing degree, Holder said, UG is aiming to have nurses who are trained in mental health to address the current shortage.

“We want to provide relevant and scientifically sound training, in keeping with global standards. We want to bridge the existing gap in mental health care, and to provide a continuous supply of trained mental health nurses in all 10 regions.”

every way. According to her, the degree in mental health nursing is in addition to the diploma, degree, and master’s being offered in psychology, as well as the master’s in psychiatry and the diploma and degree in social work.

Mohamed-Martin disclosed that the university has created a mental health policy, something it has never had before, on how it should treat students and staff who have mental health issues. She explained that the policy has to lead to classification of mental health illnesses as disabilities within UG. According to her, approval has been granted for a slew of mental health professionals to give support to UG’s counselling department, “to help to put teeth onto those policies; and then, of course, the newest one, which is still in draft, is our disabilities policy, which is called an inclusion policy which looks at physical and other disabilities, and, as I said, includes certain classes of mental health illnesses as disabilities.

“The university wants to be at the forefront of not only helping to create practitioners to help to solve these problems, but at the forefront of research. A lot is going on, a very fertile place for study… action, policy… and of course care and love.

This is what we want to see come out of the university, spill into the nation, because what we do is create the best resources, both in terms of people, knowledge, and policy for our country in this area. It has been neglected for a long time,” the Vice-Chancellor added. (G1)

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 death, 65 new COVID-19 cases recorded A

nother person who tested positive for the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has died, according to the Health Ministry.

The latest fatality is an 88-year-old male from Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), who died while receiving care at a medical facility.

With this, the total number of deaths from the virus in Guyana has gone up to 515. Since the beginning of July, 45 persons have succumbed to the life-threatening disease. The total number of deaths from the COVID-19 virus in the month of June was 78. May is the deadliest month with 99 COVID-19 fatalities after surpassing April’s 66 death toll.

Meanwhile, 65 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 over the previous 24 hours.

The total number of confirmed cases in Guyana is now 21,733, according to the Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard.

However, only 1209 of these cases are currently active. These comprise 15 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 1194 persons in isolation, that is, 101 in institutional isolation and 1093 in home isolation.

There are currently three persons in institu-

tional quarantine.

Some 20,009 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease, with 16 recoveries recorded on Wednesday.

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Guyana last year, 213,349 persons have been tested, with 11,125 females and 10, 608 males returning positive results.

Of the 65 new cases reported on Wednesday, one was from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), 10 from Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), 33 from Demerara-Mahaica, five from Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), two from Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), two more from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and the remaining 12 cases from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Regions One (BarimaWaini), Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) recorded no COVID-19 cases in the past 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 in its efforts to achieve

herd immunity.

Recent figures show that more than 243,000 persons have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, representing some 50 per cent of the adult population.

Meanwhile, the number of fully-immunised persons in the country stand at more than 126,000, that is, approximately 26 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.

As more 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 191,148,056 confirmed cases were reported globally along with 4,109,303 deaths.

GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JULY 21 UPDATE

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

65

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

101

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

1093

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

15

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

3

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

11,125

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

10,608

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

21,733

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

20,009

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED

244,166

FULLY IMMUNISED

129,267

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

515

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

1292

REGION 2

600

REGION 3

2464

REGION 4

9823

REGION 5

730

REGION 6

1797

REGION 7

1276

REGION 8

380

REGION 9

1850

REGION 10

1521

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

Keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet.

Wash your hands or use handsanitizer If you have any symptoms, call the COVID-19 Hotline.

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

WHO also reported that in the Region of the Americas, that is,

Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases

GDF must always be ready for...

has increased to 75,085,849 while the death toll has gone up to 1,967,351. (G8)

FROM PAGE 3

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali

President Ali charged the graduates to be prepared for life’s future eventualities through knowledge, commitment, respect and discipline. He told the ranks to be steady, focused, and unwavering in the principles and values of their oaths.

“As you embark on your new careers as officers in your respective services, it is

expected that you will exemplify the highest standards of discipline, excellence, professionalism, and leadership. Your mission is not simply to lead but to make a difference through your leadership,” he implored.

The President charged the graduates to uphold the Constitution, respect the law and to remain worthy of

their uniforms.

The graduating ranks are Javid Mohamed, Delon Abrams, Jevon Reid, Ralph Williams, Joshua Ferdinand, Carlon Warde, Roy De Younge, Seanden David-Longe and Jermy Charles from the GDF; Mauro Cucul and Radmon Smith from the Belize Coast Guard; Rayon Emmanuel

from the Guyana Prison Service; Mario O’Flaherty and Lakeem Crosse from the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force; and Leshawn Andrews and Charles Batchelor from the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force.

Mohamed was awarded the Sword of Honour as the best graduating student while Smith received the

best international student award. The best drill went to Batchelor, best military knowledge to Abrams, best shot to Smith, and best fitness to Cucul.

The Head of State was accompanied by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance,

Dr Ashni Singh; Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn; National Security Advisor Gerry Gouveia; GDF Chiefof-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess; Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliott; acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie, Head of the Guyana Fire Service, Kalamadeen Edoo and other high-level ranks.

(G8)

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CANU ranks intercept car with 33.2kg ganja

The cannabis that was unearthed by CANU

C

ustoms AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) ranks intercepted a car along the Lusignan Prison road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) with a large quantity of cannabis.

On Wednesday evening, CANU said that about

14:05h, ranks of the Unit stopped and search the occupants and the car, and unearthed 33.2 kg (73 lbs) of cannabis. The two persons who were in the car were arrested and taken to CANU headquarters. An investigation has been launched.

Regional soap traffic dispute dragged to court again J amaican soap manufacturer Blue Power is questioning the rationale for being dragged to court by its Dominican competitor DCP Successors Limited.

Blue Power and DCP Successors are at the centre of a dispute between Jamaica and Dominica regarding the tariff treatment of soap manufactured in Jamaica and exported to the Caribbean market. The trade dispute intensified last month with the Dominican company filing a law suit against Blue Power; two agencies of the Jamaican Government: the Trade Board and the Jamaica Customs Agency; and their bosses the Trade Administrator and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Blue Power Chairman Dr Dhiru Tanna was at a loss about why his company had been dragged to court by DCP Successors, declaring that, “Blue Power has done nothing wrong but has followed the rules.” He advised that Blue Power will be putting up a strong defence and sought to explain why the company ought not to have been named in DCP Successors’ lawsuit, which was filed in the Jamaican Supreme Court on June 8, 2021.

The lawsuit seeks “an order to restrain Jamaica’s Trade Administrator and Trade Board from issuing certificates of origin to local soap manufacturers in respect of soap produced from soap pellets imported from outside of Caricom”, as well as an order directing “the Jamaican Commissioner of Customs and Excise and the Jamaican Customs Agency to apply a Common External Tariff of 40 per cent on all bulk soap pellets (from outside of Caricom) imported

by Blue Power and other Jamaican soap manufacturers”.

turing process.

Dr Tanna was adamant that Blue Power has done nothing wrong, indicating that the issue DCP Successors has is one of policy, which is to be addressed by the Government of Jamaica and not Blue Power, which he emphasised has followed the rules laid down by Jamaica’s customs authorities.

The Blue Power chairman has disclosed that since the stalemate between Jamaica and Dominica last year, the company has not received a certificate of origin for soap exports to the Caribbean market. Lack of a certificate of origin from Jamaica may require an importer in a Caricom country to pay a tariffs on imported Jamaican soap.

Soap pellets are a key bulk ingredient used in the production of bath and laundry soaps. In addition to these orders, DCP Successors is also seeking to “obtain from the Caribbean Court of Justice an advisory opinion on (a) the applicability of a Common External Tariff of 40 per cent to be imposed on imports from outside of Caricom of noodles/pellets used in the production of soap in Jamaica and (b) the validity of certificates of origin issued by the Jamaican Government in connection with bath and laundry soap produced in Jamaica with imported noodles/pellets.”

Blue Power lays out its case

However, Dr Tanna explained that, as required by law, Blue Power has applied for and received a certificate of origin whenever exporting its soaps to the Caribbean market. He acknowledged that the company does import noodles/ pellets, which are used in the manufac-

Looking for new markets

Arising from the trade dispute, Blue Power is looking outside of Caricom for new markets with the company focusing on America and the UK. It is also looking to supply the Central American and Latin markets with laundry and handwashing soaps. Exports to Caricom represent 20 per cent of Blue Power’s total revenue with another 10 per cent coming from extra-regional markets. Inside Caricom, the largest market for laundry soap is Jamaica followed by Guyana.

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of manoeuvrings by DCP Successors, which is seeking to get a level playing field regarding competition in the soap market in Caricom, accusing Jamaica and Blue Power of uncompetitive practices. DCP Successors manufactures soap which it exports across the region, and is regarded as the pre-eminent manufacturer of soaps in Dominica, providing its produce to cruise lines and leading hotel chains.

(Jamaica Observer)

16 NEWS “We understand the importance of agriculture” – Mustapha THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as St Cuthbert’s residents replay hardships due to flooding

A

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has reiterated to residents of St Cuthbert’s Mission, on the Mahaicony River, that the Government understands the importance of agriculture.

Mustapha was at the time leading a team of officials from the Agriculture Ministry on an outreach to the village on Tuesday, after Toshao Timothy Andrews requested a visit.

He told villagers that, since taking office, the Government has implemented several measures that have benefited thousands of families across the country.

“Over the last eleven months, we’ve implemented a number of measures that have benefited Guyanese from all parts of the country.

We’ve removed VAT from a number of commodities, increased old-age pension, implemented subsidies for pensioners, and re-introduced and increased the ‘cash grant’ for school-aged children in the public school system that was stopped by the previous Government. We didn’t have to take loans, monies from other sectors, or funds from the oil and gas earnings. We were able to do this because this Government does not engage in squandermania, wastage of funds, or corruption. Those monies are now going to the people of this country,” Mustapha is quoted by DPI as saying.

A resident highlighting her issues during the meeting

Farmers who were present at the meeting told the Minister that, like many other persons across the country, they too were severely affected by the recent flooding, and sought assistance from the Government with returning to the land.

One farmer who cultivates coconut and cassava said he lost a large percentage of what he planted.

He also said that, in order to save his remaining cultivation, he would need assistance in the form of chemicals.

“During the flood, ninety-five per cent of my farm was under water. Fast forward to now, today my coconut trees look like they had a flu. I would need some things like monocrotophos for the coconut trees, fertilisers, chemicals for pests, and so.

Between the coconut trees, I planted cassava. All the bitter cassava was submerged.

I planted roughly 2000 bitter and sweet together,” the

farmer explained.

Another farmer present at the meeting said in order for farmers in the village to get into serious farming, they would need advice on what to plant, based on the different soil types in the farming areas.

“We want to take farming seriously. I heard the Minister talk about being the “breadbasket of the Caribbean”. As farmers, we need more advice on how to get farming done in terms of the kind of things that we need to plant. In places like this, traditionally we do cassava, coconuts, and things like that, but when we are talking about farming, we are talking about a variety of produce that can be exported. That’s what we need advice on.

First of all, the soil. What can we plant in this soil? We need people to do soil tests so that we can know what produce can be planted where, because I notice (that) in different locations in this village, there are different types of soil, and if people really want to get into farming, they need to know what they can plant,” the farmer said.

Other farmers also appealed to Minister Mustapha for improved drainage and irrigation, better farm-to-market access roads, markets for their produce, better utility services, and assistance with accessing firearms to protect their farms from wild ani-

Food prices increase by 2% over last 12 months in Antigua & Barbuda

T

he All-Items index rose 0.6% for the twelve months ending June

2021.

The Food index increased 2.0% over the last twelve months. This was the largest twelve-month change since December 2020 when the index rose 2.0%.

The index for Fruit rose 12.1% over the last year, the largest twelve months increase in that index. The index for Bread and Cereals and Oils and Fats rose 6.4%.

The Food Products N.E.C index increased by 5.5% while the index for Meat and Meat Products increased by 3.1%.

The indexes for Fish and Seafood and vegetables declined 2.5% and 2.3% respectively.

The index for All Items Less Food and Energy rose 1.5% over the past twelve months.

The index for Communication increased by 7.2% while the index for Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine Household Maintenance rose (5.9%). The Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco, and Narcotics index increased 3.3% over the period.

The Energy index remains unchanged over the past twelve months. Gasoline and Diesel at the pump remain

at $12.50 and S12.20 respectively. The Electricity index remains unchanged over the last year, while the index for LPG (20LB cooking gas) remains at $32.00.

Month-to-month price changes

The Monthly Consumer Price Index increased 0.2% in June 2021 after declining -0.2%in May. This is the largest one-month change since December 2020 when the index rose 1.3%.

The Food index increased 1.7% in June. The Food index increase was mostly due to the indexes for Fruits, Food Products N.E.C, Meat, and Meat Products and Vegetables. The increases ranged from 1.5% to 13.2%. The Fruit index rose 13.2% in June its largest onemonth increase. The index for Vegetables increased 1.5% after declining -0.9% in May. In contrast to these increases, the indexes for Fish and Seafood and Milk, Cheese and Eggs were the only two of the nine major supermarket category indexes to decline. The index for Fish and Seafood decreased by -0.3% while the index for Milk, Cheese and Eggs fell by -1.7%.

The index for All Items Less Food and Energy was

unchanged. Ten of the eleven non-supermarket food categories declined and remained unchanged.

Methodology

What is the consumer price index (CPI) measuring and how is it done?

The All Items Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the main measure of what is commonly called inflation, or headline inflation. It measures the change in prices, on average, from month to month, and from year to year of the goods and services bought by most households.

Prices are collected monthly and quarterly from supermarkets and other suppliers of goods and services. The pattern of household expenditure on these goods and services is derived from a regular household budget (or expenditure) survey (HBS). The prices and spending patterns (known as weights) are then combined to calculate the price indices for groups of goods and services and for the All Items index.

These indices are based on expenditure patterns in 2006.

The All Items (or overall) index, with all of its twelve (12) component indices, is published each month. (Antigua Newsroom)

mals that usually destroy their crops.

While responding to farmers, Minister Mustapha assured them that the Government would work to ensure they have the necessary assistance to return to the land.

“In communities like this, the main activity is usually agriculture, and many families depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Over the last two months, we’ve witnessed some amount of devastation to the sector, moreso with crops, with many farmers losing most if not all of their cultivation because of the unprecedented rainfall. You can rest assured that the Government will ensure farmers receive help to get back to the land. We’ve started an assessment, and based on those figures, you will receive some form of assistance. The President will pronounce shortly on that,” Mustapha said.

He also told residents that he would speak with his colleague Minister so that they can visit and address the other issues that were raised. Mustapha also told residents that through

A villager examining the ‘bongo pump’, a tool used to control Acoushi Ants’ infestation

the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the village will receive materials and technical support to construct a shadehouse that will serve as a model shadehouse for the village.

He also informed villagers that NAREI has shadehouse materials that are being sold at a subsidised cost in an effort to encourage farmers to plant more sustainably, given the negative impact climate change is having on the agriculture

sector.

After the meeting, Mustapha handed over a number of farming tools and planting materials, after receiving requests from farmers for some assistance. The Toshao received the items on behalf of the village, and will distribute the items to those in need. The items included seeds, chemicals, fertilisers, a number of small farming tools, and ‘bongo’ pumps to assist villagers with treating Acoushi Ants’ infestation.

Pegasus: Dubai princesses numbers 'among leaks'

P

hone numbers used by two Dubai princesses have reportedly been found as part of an investigation into the phone hacking spyware known as Pegasus.

Princess Latifa is the daughter of the ruler of Dubai, and Princess Haya Bint al-Hussain is his former wife.

In mid-February, BBC Panorama broadcast a secret video from Princess Latifa in which she said she was being held as a hostage and feared for her life.

Princess Haya meanwhile fled Dubai in 2019 saying she feared for her life.

The UAE has denied both women's allegations.

Their numbers are apparently on a list of some 50,000 phone numbers of people believed to be of interest to clients of Israeli-based firm NSO Group.

The list was leaked to major news outlets.

The discovery of the princesses' phone numbers on the list - and those of some acquaintances - has raised questions about whether they could have been the possible target of a government client of the group.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International has issued a statement alleging that the find implicates NSO Group "in the catalogue of human rights violations" inflicted on the two women.

It calls for regulation to rein in "an unchecked surveillance industry".

NSO has denied any wrongdoing.

It says the software is in-

Princess Latifa is the daughter of the ruler of Dubai

tended for use against criminals and terrorists, and is made available only to military, law enforcement and intelligence agencies with good human rights records.

The original investigation which led to the reports - by Paris-based NGO Forbidden Stories and Amnesty International - was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories", the Israel-based group said.

The reports are part of a series of news articles suggesting thousands of prominent people have been targeted.

A senior Israeli official confirmed to the BBC that the Israeli government had set up a team to examine allegations about the Pegasus software.

Princess Latifa told the BBC this year that she was kidnapped and imprisoned after trying to escape Dubai.

She said that after escaping the UAE and boarding a boat across the Indian Ocean in 2018, she was seized from a yacht and taken back to Dubai, where she says she was imprisoned in a villa converted into a jail.

The story prompted an in-

Princess Haya Bint al-Hussain

ternational outcry. After the UN demanded proof of life, Dubai's royal family said she was "being cared for at home".

Princess Latifa has not been seen or heard from in months. Photos allegedly showing Princess Latifa in public and even travelling have appeared on an acquaintance's Instagram profile in recent months.

Princess Haya meanwhile has accused her ex-husband of abduction, torture and a campaign of intimidation. A UK court published the allegations in a series of judgements last year.

According to the documents, her marriage fell apart after she became suspicious about what happened to Princess Latifa, as well as another of her ex-husband's children, Sheikha Shamsa.

She fled to the UK in April 2019 with her two children. The court heard last year that veiled threats from Sheikh Mohammed had left her terrified for her own safety, as well as fears that her children could be abducted and forcibly returned to Dubai. (BBC)

17 Haiti inaugurates new leader 2 weeks after President’s assassination A NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

riel Henry, a prominent neurosurgeon backed by the US, became Haiti’s new prime minister Tuesday, as it began official ceremonies to mourn assassinated President Jovenel Moïse, and police widened the list of suspects in his killing.

Dr. Henry was inaugurated to lead the embattled Caribbean nation as it struggles to form a new government and tame mounting civil unrest.

“The main goal is elections,” he said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal hours after taking his post. Those should take place within 120 days, handled by an electoral council that he said needed to be re-formed because M. Moïse had illegitimately appointed the current body.

“This council cannot organize elections,” the new prime minister added. “The people don’t trust them. The political parties don’t trust them. It’s obvious.”

Dr. Henry said new board members would need to be appointed so that elections “take place as soon as possible.” He said he would meet with the current members Wednesday, and work with other political players to ensure a peaceful environment for campaigning in the weeks ahead and on the day of the vote. Neither Dr. Henry nor his ministers will run for president in those elections, he said, in which Haitians will also elect members of congress.

Haiti has been steeped in brutal fighting between ganglords that is crippling the economy, with a parliament that has been dissolved because elections weren’t staged and a Supreme Court that hasn’t been functioning after its president died from Covid-19.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry speaking during his inauguration ceremony in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Tuesday

“All Haitians have to unite to fix the crisis. I’m not a magician,” Mr. Henry said at his inauguration Tuesday afternoon.

In the interview, Dr. Henry said his administration faces a worse-than-expected financial situation, hunger on a broad scale, and the pandemic. “In the end, we have to show to the people that they have a government that is running things,” he said.

The 71-year-old said it would be vital to restore security and investor confidence and to better combat Covid-19. Haiti started administering vaccines in recent days after receiving its first allotment, a 500,000dose donation from the U.S., last week. Though the previous prime minister, Claude Joseph, asked the Biden administration for help to bring order in Haiti, Mr. Henry said his government is “not going to ask assistance from the U.S. government just for asking.” He said he might seek unspecified help for specific projects, without elaborating, even though the U.S. has so far declined requests for troops.

“If we are asking for something, we have to have

a precise objective. If it’s just to fight the gangs, it is not enough for me,” he said.

“When they will withdraw the troops, what are you going to do? You have to have a comprehensive plan.” Dr. Henry, whom the U.S. and European powers wanted as the country’s interim leader, said the Biden administration is “very concerned about what’s going on [in Haiti]. The stability of the country is very important for them.”

Dr. Henry, who has met with U.S. officials, said a concern in Washington is that if Haiti descends into total anarchy, Haitians will hit the Caribbean in boats in the hope of landing in Florida as they have in the past. “If they are leaving the country, they will end up on U.S. beaches. They don’t want to see that,” he said, referring to the Americans.

Dr. Henry took over from Mr. Joseph, who had been serving as Mr. Moïse’s interim prime minister. Though Dr. Henry had been named as prime minister a little more than a day before the assassination, he hadn’t been able to take office. Mr. Joseph was named to be Dr. Henry’s new foreign minister in a deal the two men

worked out that led to the handover.

For the moment, the inauguration is likely to ease a succession battle that had emerged in the aftermath of Mr. Moïse’s death. He had been ruling by decree for more than two years, angering many in Haiti’s political and business establishment.

Unresolved is an international mystery over who was responsible for Mr. Moïse’s grisly killing in the early hours of July 7 in the bedroom of his private mansion.

Police on Tuesday identified three police officers and a private security contractor that they have arrested on allegations of having ties to the assassination plot.

Haiti’s National Police says it has arrested 26 people, including local politicians, three Haitian-Americans and 18 Colombian mercenaries whom authorities say carried out the raid on Mr Moïse’s house.

The FBI has sent eight investigators to Haiti to assist the police, whose reputations have also been tarnished in the probe.

Seven Haitian police officers, including Dimitri Herard, the former head of Mr Moïse’s presidential guard, are being detained in isolation. Authorities say they are being questioned but haven’t been formally charged. Among the many puzzling elements in the killing is the little resistance that the guards appeared to have shown against the assailants.

Authorities have issued arrest warrants for at least six people, including a former Haitian senator, on charges of homicide. Police consider them fugitives.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Henry vowed to deliver

justice. “They will pay for what they did,” he said. “We will find all who participated.”

Police have divulged little evidence against the accused and haven’t provided a motive, leading many Haitians to believe the person behind the assassina-

tion is still at large.

“There’s no justice,” said Emmanuel Prince, an unemployed painter who said he supported Mr Moïse.

“This guy tried to change the system. They killed him for that. Now I don’t trust any of these politicians.”

(The Wall Street Journal)

Martinique faces new wave with more than 2,000 COVID-19 cases in 1 week

H

ealth officials in Martinique have warned that the Island’s health service is in danger of being overwhelmed, amid a new surge in COVID-19 cases that saw a total of 2, 241 new infections between July 12 and July 18.

The new infections, diagnosed from almost 15,000 tests, compare with 997 cases recorded the previous week, local reports say.

Martinique has recorded a fourth consecu-

tive week of increases in COVID-19 cases, with the total number diagnosed since the start of the pandemic amounting to 13,405 and total deaths put at 104.

Martinique 1Ere said on Tuesday that 71 patients are at the Island’s university hospital, nine of whom are in intensive care.

The online publication also disclosed that the Delta variant is progressing in Martinique and now accounts for 9% of new cases. (Antigua Newsroom)

Barbados to slash taxes by 50% for regional travellers

Home aid for NYC man found beaten with ‘I touch little girls’ scrawled on chest charged

A

Staten Island mom who worked as a live-in home health aide to an 80-year-old man found beaten to death with “I touch little girls” scrawled in marker across his bare chest was in custody Wednesday for assaulting her 3-year-old daughter — as cops probed whether she has any connection to the bizarre slaying, a source told the Daily News.

Renee Ayarde, 28, and her daughter lived with octogenarian victim Robert Raynor, who was discovered dead Monday morning face up with his hands stretched over his head in the first-floor hallway of his Corson Ave. home in Tompkinsville.

Ayarde has not been named as a suspect in Raynor’s death, which cops announced Wednesday has

been officially deemed a homicide.

The 80-year-old victim’s infuriated daughter insisted Wednesday her father was no pedophile.

Raynor’s daughter Carolyn Whetstone was looking for answers in the shocking death and expressed her outrage over the comments written on her dad’s corpse. “That’s not my father,” Whetstone told the Daily News from her North Carolina home.

“He would not touch a child.

He would never violate anyone. He’s got daughters and granddaughters that he’s watched when he’s come to visit me ... That’s not him. That’s not true.”

Whetstone said her father was stricken with cancer and suffered from arthritic knees “so he didn’t have the physical ability to do

that.”

Raynor’s death was officially declared a homicide Wednesday by police, with the cause of death cited as blunt trauma to the head and torso. A police source indicated Ayarde hasn’t been ruled out as a suspect in the fatal beating. Ayarde was arrested twice in the last five months, most recently for assaulting her 3-year-old daughter just six hours after Raynor’s body was discovered in the hallway outside the apartment he shared with the home health aide and her child, police said.

Ayarde allegedly dropped her daughter onto the concrete and dragged her along Hester St. near Eldridge St. on the Lower East Side about 3:45 p.m.

Monday, then threw a full water bottle at the defense-

less girl’s face, according to authorities.

As she screamed at the crying tot, a passerby called 911 and Ayarde grabbed the cellphone out of the woman’s hands, knocking her to the ground and leaving her scratched and bruised, prosecutors charge. “Are you calling the police? Give me your phone,” Ayarde bellowed according to court papers.

Ayarde’s little daughter was taken to a hospital with bruising to her neck — and investigators found old injuries in various states of healing still visible on the girl’s knees, face, and cheek, according to the criminal complaint.

“I was outside and Mommy threw me on the floor,” the daughter told investigators, court papers say. (NY Daily News)

B

Prime Minister Mia Mottley

arbados will be going the same route as its Caribbean neighbour Antigua and Barbuda in slashing airport taxes for regional travellers by as much as 50 per cent.

Minister of Tourism and International Transport Lisa Cummins made the disclosure this morning as she responded to a question from Barbados TODAY during the state of the tourism industry update at the Barbados Hilton.

“Cabinet has agreed that there is to be a 50 per cent reduction in airport service charge to regional

travellers.

That brings us pretty much in line with what you have been hearing coming out of other markets, and in particular, Antigua . . . that is meant to reduce the taxes on inter-regional travel,” said Cummins.

She was outlining several measures aimed at breathing new life into the tourism industry and getting more visitors to the island.

The move to reduce the taxes came a year after Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that it was a step her administration was examining.

(Antigua Newsroom)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

Regional

“A pandemic of the unvaccinated”: As Cuba begins handing out sentences to protesters, some families left in the dark PAHO urges more jab donations

C

oronavirus infections are increasing across much of Central America and on smaller Caribbean islands, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) said on Wednesday, as it repeated a call for more vaccine donations to help hard-hit nations.

PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne said while Uruguay, Chile and Argentina – nations that have made considerable headway in their vaccination campaigns – are reporting steep declines in new infections, cases and deaths are spiking in Cuba, Honduras, and Guatemala.

The Amazonian regions of Colombia and Peru also remain COVID-19 hotspots, she said.

“We face a pandemic of the unvaccinated and the only way to stop it is to expand vaccination,” Dr Etienne said during a weekly briefing. “Vaccines are critical, even if no vaccine is

A

PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne reiterated a call for countries with enough doses to distribute them as quickly as possible to needy countries

100 per cent effective.”

Just 15 per cent of people in Latin America and the Caribbean have been fully vaccinated, she said, adding that the figure obscures the fact that some countries, including Honduras and Haiti, have yet to reach even one per cent inoculation.

Dr Etienne reiterated a call for countries with enough doses to distribute them as quickly as possible

to needy countries.

“We clearly need more vaccines and we need them now,” she said. “At this time vaccine donations are really the only way for many countries in our region to secure the doses that they need quickly.

“Please don’t wait until you have surplus doses. You need to share out of what you have now.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

T&T Government in talks with Pfizer, CARPHA on US vaccine donation

F

oreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, Dr Amery Browne has said an official date for delivery has not yet been set for the US’ COVID-19 vaccine donation to Trinidad and Tobago, but Government is “in discussions” with the White House, Pfizer, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caricom Secretariat.

In June, the US Government listed the countries which will benefit from its global donation of 80 million doses.

It said, “Approximately 14 million for Latin America and the Caribbean

to the following: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti and other Caricom countries, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Costa Rica.”

To date, donations have been made/pledged to Brazil, Guatemala, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Costa Rica and Panama will receive donations sometime this week.

This means “other Caricom countries” and the Dominican Republic remain from the list.

Two weeks ago, Browne

met virtually with fellow Caricom Ministers with his portfolio as well as representatives from the US. And at a press conference on Saturday, the Prime Minister said the vaccines the US would donate may be Pfizer.

He said, “Based on the documents we have signed with the American offer – one of these documents includes an identification of the supplier. So, in the event that we reach the point that we get vaccines from the US, those vaccines are more than likely to be Pfizer vaccines.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Martine Moïse says thanks for “moral support”

T

he widow of the assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, says the “moral support” of the population has provided her with the help needed to “go through this great ordeal” as the nation gets ready for his official funeral on Friday.

Moïse was shot dead on July 7 during a home invasion by armed men. His wife Martine was also injured and was flown to the United States for medical treatment.

“The First Lady of the Republic wishes to express her deep gratitude to the Haitian people for their messages of compassion and solidarity towards their family, following the assassination of the President of the Republic

Martine Moïse , the widow of the assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse

HE Mr Jovenel Moïse, in his private residence,” she said in a statement, adding that she “very touched by all the expressions of sympathy” shown towards her.

“Your moral support gives the presidential family the courage to go through

this great ordeal and helps them transcend these moments of indescribable pain,” she said.

Moïse adding that she was taking the “opportunity to inform the public that the presidential family wishes to pay alone the expenses related to the funeral of the President of the Republic”.

“To do so, it does not intend to benefit from the financial support of the Public Treasury. However, this decision does not detract from the official and national character of these funerals, to which President Jovenel Moïse is entitled with the respect, solemnity and dignity attached to his rank of Head of State,” she added.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

n anti-Government hip hop song by some of Cuba’s most popular musicians in exile became the anthem of the unprecedented protests that rocked the Communist-run country last week.

Now the visual artist who filmed the Cuban section of the video clip for “Patria y Vida” (“Homeland and Life”), Anyelo Troya, 25, has been sentenced to a year in prison, according to relatives. He was charged with instigating unrest, they said, after attending a demonstration in Havana.

Rights activists say this is just the start of what they predict will be a wave of summary trials of hun-

dreds of people detained during and after the unusual protests on July 11 and 12 that the government has blamed on USbacked counter-revolutionaries.

“They took him to trial without defence or lawyer or anything,” Troya’s mother Raisa Gonzalez told Reuters after witnessing his sentencing in what she called a collective trial of around a dozen people.

The Cuban Foreign Ministry’s International Press Centre, which fields all requests from foreign Journalists for comment from State entities, did not immediately reply to request for comment on the

cases mentioned in this article.

Authorities confirmed on Tuesday they had started the trials of those detained on charges of instigating unrest, committing vandalism, propagating the coronavirus pandemic, or assault, charges that could carry prison sentences of up to 20 years.

“There are people who will receive the response that Cuban legislation allows for, and it will be energetic,” President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on State television last week. He promised there would be due legislative procedure.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica, Japan move to improve bilateral cooperation

J

amaica could see an improvement in technical and economic areas with the Japanese Government as the countries held bilateral discussions in Kingston on Tuesday.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who is on an official visit to Jamaica, and Jamaican Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith held meetings at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in downtown Kingston, following a press briefing earlier in the day.

Minister Motegi said Japan would continue to support Jamaica’s national development in areas such as energy efficiency, maritime security, tourism promotion, and sports cooperation.

“We will work together to respond to the novel coronavirus pandemic and consider a cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and disaster risk reduction towards overcoming vulnerabilities in particular to small island states and for achiev-

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Jamaican Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith do an elbow bump following a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry in Kingston, on Tuesday

ing sustainable development,” he told the briefing.

He added that much attention was being given to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with hopes that it will help to strengthen bilateral economic relations. “We [plan] to coordinate with each other in responding to global challenges such as climate change and also cooperation in the digital field,” he added.

Senator Johnson Smith stressed the importance of addressing matters of climate change, with the ap-

proach of COP26 – the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference to be held from October 31 to November 12.

“Both Japan and Jamaica are committed to advancing the goal of the Paris Agreement to hold global average temperature increase to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels,” she said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Fightback against CXC

T

he legal fightback by a group of students against the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the Government of Barbados is under way.

Lawyers representing more than 60 students and a host of concerned parents have filed in the Supreme Court for leave to appeal and a draft notice of appeal to have a High Court decision from last month overturned.

The legal team also filed a constitutional motion, the basis of which is that CXC’s immunity from legal action is in breach of the students’ and

Barbadians’ constitutional right to protection of the law, as it precludes access to the court for resolution of disputes not just for students, but for anyone in Barbados who might have an issue against CXC. “An example of that is that if you walked on to CXC’s compound and fell

into an open, unsecured well, you can’t sue them for damages for your injuries. So you have no protection against CXC’s breaches of duty toward you,” lead Attorney for the students and concerned parents, Liesel Weekes, told the Daily Nation. (Nation News)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil climbs 4% despite rise in US inventories

O

il prices rose more than four per cent Wednesday, extending gains from the previous session as improved risk appetite provided support despite data showing an unexpected rise in US oil inventories.

Brent crude futures rose 4.15 per cent to settle at US$72.23 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 4.61 per cent to settle at US$70.30 per barrel.

Futures are rebounding after dropping around seven per cent on Monday, following a deal by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, together known as OPEC+, to boost supply by 400,000 barrels per day from August through December.

The sell-off was exacerbated by fears that a rise in cases of the Delta variant of the coronavirus in major markets like the United States, Britain and Japan would affect demand.

The price gains on Wednesday also come despite a rise in US crude stockpiles for the first time since May. Crude inventories rose unexpectedly by 2.1 million barrels last week to 439.7 million barrels, US Energy Information Administration data showed. Analysts had expected a 4.5 million-barrel drop.

Still, gasoline and distillate inventories posted draws of 121,000 barrels and 1.3 million barrels, respectively.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Taliban seeking to cut off Afghan population centres – top US General

“It was hard to breathe”: China flood terror as train carriage submerged

A

s floodwater crashed through a busy subway station in China on Tuesday, desperate passengers tried to flee while others were swept helplessly off platforms.

In one train carriage, water seeped in and rose from ankle, to waist, to neckheight. Panicked commuters stretched upwards to breathe, while others lifted shorter people into the shrinking air pocket above.

In terrifying videos shared on social media, some passengers can be seen standing on chairs and clinging to the ceiling as the floodwater creeps upwards. One tried to smash a window, before realising that there was even more water outside the carriage.

Some filmed the unfold-

Part of the tunnel of Zhengzhou’s subway Line 5 was flooded and water gushed into subway cars, trapping passengers [AFP]

ing tragedy, while others called loved ones or posted pleas for help.

After about an hour, the train carriage was plunged into darkness and the oxygen level waned further. "I was really scared, but the most terrifying thing was not the water, but the diminishing air supply," one person told Reuters news

agency.

After several hours of fear and uncertainty, rescuers were able to gain access through the roof of the carriage and pulled people out. "We knocked on the glass a bit [on the ceiling].

Then suddenly there was air," an unnamed woman told state broadcaster CCTV.

Hundreds of people were eventually saved from the flooded subway tunnel in Zhengzhou, a city of 12 million people that sits on the banks of the Yellow River in central Henan province.

But at least 12 are known to have died and five were injured in the disaster, which came after the region saw more rainfall in three days than it usually would in a year.

The extreme downpours have been described as a "once-in-a-millennium" event by some experts.

In Henan, at least 25 people have died and more than 200,000 have been evacuated. Major roads have been turned into rivers, with cars and debris being swept along by fast moving currents. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Monkeypox: More than 200 contacts tracked in US for rare disease

M

ore than 200 people in 27 US states are being tracked for possible rare monkeypox infections, health officials say.

They fear people may have come in to contact with a Texas man who brought the disease in from Nigeria earlier this month.

The man – believed to be

the first monkeypox case in the US since 2003 – was taken to hospital, but is in stable condition.

So far, no new cases have been found.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is concerned passengers who were on board two flights the man made may have been exposed to the disease.

He flew into Atlanta, Georgia from Lagos, Nigeria on July 9, before taking a flight to Dallas, where he was hospitalised, the CDC said.

It said it was working with the airlines to assess "potential risks to those who may have had close contact with the traveller".

But the chances of the

disease spreading on the plane were low because passengers had to wear face masks, it added.

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease from the same family as smallpox, but is much less severe.

It occurs mostly in remote parts of central and west African countries, near tropical rainforests.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

COVID: Anger as half of Australians in lockdown again

A

Members of the Afghan Special Forces tend to an Afghan National Army soldier injured during a firefight with Taliban, who tried to attack a district centre in Kandahar province on July 11. Danish Siddiqui, the photographer who took the picture, was killed five days later covering a clash with the Taliban [Reuters]

T

aliban fighters have gained “strategic momentum” in Afghanistan and now control about half the countryside as they drive to cut off population centres from the Western-backed Government in Kabul, the United States top military General said.

“This is going to be a test now, of the will and leadership of the Afghan people, the Afghan security forces and the Government of Afghanistan,” Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday.

The Taliban has gained

control of about half of 419 districts in Afghanistan and is “putting pressure on the outskirts” of 17 of 34 provincial capitals, but has not seized control of any of them yet, the top US General said.

“What they’re trying to do is isolate the major population centres. They’re trying to do the same thing to Kabul,” Milley said.

In response, Afghan Government forces are “consolidating” their positions to protect population centres and the fighting is expected to escalate in the coming weeks following the Eid-alAdha holiday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

nger is growing in Australia as 13 million people – about half the population – endure fresh lockdowns to quash COVID outbreaks.

A third state went into lockdown on Tuesday.

Stay-at-home orders are now in place in South Australia, Victoria and parts of New South Wales.

Many people have expressed frustration at being back in highly-policed lockdowns 18 months into the pandemic.

And reopenings in the United Kingdom and the United States have put pressure on the Government.

Fewer than 14 per

cent of people are vaccinated – the worst rating among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) nations.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been heavily criticised over the slow vaccination rate, but has resisted calls to apologise.

"No country has got their pandemic response 100 per cent," he told reporters on Wednesday.

He again mentioned Australia's success in keeping overall infections low compared to those in many nations.

Approximately 915 people have died of COVID in Australia. Morrison noted

Sydneysiders can leave home for exercise and other essential reasons

that the UK had recorded more than 90 deaths in a single day on Tuesday.

Until recently, Australia's strategy of border closures, quarantine programmes, and snap

lockdowns helped keep cases low. But the highly contagious Delta variant has challenged these defences in the past month.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Death toll in South Africa riots rises to 276, Minister says

T

he death toll from recent riots in South Africa has risen to 276, and Police are investigating 168 cases for murder, a Cabinet Minister said on Wednesday.

The unrest started as protests over former President Jacob Zuma's jailing two weeks ago in his home province of

KwaZulu-Natal. But it quickly escalated into arson and looting, and spread to Gauteng province where the biggest city, Johannesburg is located.

The scale of the destruction and loss of life, which was fuelled by poverty and inequality that persist almost three decades af-

ter the end of apartheid in 1994, is still becoming clear. The death toll had stood at 215 on Monday.

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting Minister in the presidency, told a news conference there were now 234 deaths linked to the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and 42 in Gauteng.

Authorities have man-

aged to bring the violence under control. But the economic cost is estimated at 20 billion rand (US$1.37 billion) in KwaZulu-Natal alone, as 161 shopping malls, 11 warehouses and eight factories were extensively damaged. The extent of the damage in Gauteng is still being collated. (Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 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

Don’t let anyone manipulate you. Plan to do something physically exhilarating, and it will ease your mind and offer insight into what to do next. Trust your instincts.

You’ll come up with valuable ideas. Doing research will help you connect with someone who can improve the way you do things. An unexpected change will encourage you to take on a new position.

An offer will surface, but before you say yes, double-check its validity. Don’t believe everything you hear or let someone barter for you. A sale is good only if it applies to something you need.

Take the high road, regardless of what others do. Your heart will not lead you astray.

Focus on essential relationships and making use of your opportunities. Romance will enhance your life.

Don’t lose sight of the bottom line, regardless of ongoing changes. Look for alternative ways to meet your objective and carry on until you reach your destination.

Arguing is futile.

A fresh start will brighten your day. Whether you treat yourself to a makeover or improve your living space, it will give you a new lease on life. A conversation will lead to big plans.

Simplify your life. Discard or sell what you don’t need.

The experience you have gained over the years will help you redefine what you want your life to be like moving forward.

Call on someone you enjoy spending time with and discuss your ideas and plans.

The feedback you get will help you sort through some setbacks and figure out what to do next.

Be careful who you share SAGITTARIUS information with or trust (Nov. 23with your secrets. Protect Dec. 21) your reputation and utilize your skills, knowledge and expertise to bring in more cash. Don’t overdo it.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) YESTERDAY'S WORD -- MUTILATE

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

You’ve got the edge; all you must do is show up and take care of business as usual. A change at home will encourage a healthier lifestyle and better relationships.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Say little and do a lot. The less anyone knows about your whereabouts, the better. Dig in, get things done and refuse to let the outside world interfere with your progress.

PISCES

Someone you know you can rely on will step up and help you out. An opportunity to put your talent to the test will help bring about a positive professional change.

(Feb. 20March 20)

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

21

Caribbean Fest 40 overs…

Nagamootoo’s all-round effort in vain, as MMZ beat Melbourne – Mohammed, Lutchean shine for MMZ M a h e n d r a Nagamootoo’s allround performance was insufficient to prevent Meten-Meer-Zorg (MMZ) from defeating Melbourne New York Alliance by 64 runs, especially as Andy Mohammed and Matthew Lutchean came to the party for the victorious MMZ unit.

Winning the toss and batting first, Meten-MeerZorg (MMZ) posted 219 all out in 36.4 overs. Andy Mohammed top-scored with a blistering 63 from 33 balls,

including five sixes and five fours. He was supported by Looknauth Chinkoo, who made a 32-ball 36 which was decorated with two fours and two sixes.

Vedesh Singh made 33, and Kelvin Shewprasad’s 20 took MMZ to 219. The former West Indies player Nagamootoo was the pick of the bowlers for Melbourne New York Alliance, with 3-27 in seven overs, including one maiden. Fuse Azees and Ryan Girdharry had two wickets each.

In reply, Melbourne New York Alliance managed only 155 all out, with Nagamootoo top-scoring with 37 from 36 balls. His innings included two sixes and one four. He was supported by Al Small (31) and Girdharry (24), but the score was insufficient, as MMZ won by 64 runs.

Matthew Lutchean was the destroyer, ending with 4-23 in 6.2 overs, while Kelvin Shewprasad and Terrence Madramootoo had two wickets each.

Mahendra Nagamootoo, Mohammed and Lutchean had good performances in the match

NBA Finals...

Milwaukee Bucks beat Phoenix Suns to win first NBA title in 50 years

When the lights shine bright, Shelly won't back down, Shericka has something for somebody'

– Why former Olympic champ sees Jamaica 100m sweep

G

i a n n i s Antetokounmpo scored 50 points as the Milwaukee Bucks claimed their first NBA title for 50 years with a 105-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

The Bucks' 4-2 series win was sealed in front of a 17,000 crowd as 65,000 celebrated outside the Fiserv Forum.

They are only the fifth team to win the best-of-seven finals series after losing their first two matches.

"I'm happy I was able to do it with this team for Milwaukee," said Antetokounmpo.

The Suns were seeking a first NBA crown in their 53-year history, having also lost NBA Finals series in 1976 and 1993. However, they were unable to contain Antetokounmpo, who became only the seventh player to register 50 points in a Finals’ game.

It was also the third game in the series in which the 26-year-old had managed at least 40 points and 10 rebounds.

Antetokounmpo has matched the feat of Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon by collecting a regular season MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and NBA defensive player of the year awards.

"I want to thank Milwaukee for believing in me. I want to thank my team-

F

Shericka Jackson, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah

mates for playing hard with me," Antetokounmpo said.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer described the Greek forward as "a special human being".

"I've learned so much from him. He's a special leader," he said. "These players are champions every day.

They've embraced getting better every day."

Budenholzer was only four years old when NBA legends Kareem AbdulJabbar and Oscar Robertson led the Bucks to their only previous NBA title in 1971, when some of the current players' parents had not even been born.

Milwaukee celebrates Unlike the 2020 NBA Finals, which were played without fans, the Bucks' win kicked off a wild party inside

the arena and on the streets of Milwaukee.

More than 10% of the city's population crowded together in the Deer District outside Fiserv Forum, with some fans waiting in line for five hours before the game to ensure they would have seats.

Isaiah Tyler, a 43-yearold painter who was born and raised in the city, said: "This is history! I grew up here and have gone to a lot of lousy games; so, this is the pay-off. Milwaukee is a very segregated city, so to see us all together, all races, for one cause, this is how the world should be."

Tom Cogdall, a 63-yearold retired Army officer who lives in Milwaukee, added: "I remember 1971. This was 50 years, we needed it."

Phoenix fall short Winning their first two games at home had appeared to tip the series towards the Suns, who last appeared in a Finals when Charles Barkley was playing for them.

However, four consecutive defeats brought the finals to an unfortunate and upsetting conclusion.

"I haven't felt a hurt like this in my life," Suns guard Devin Booker said. "This isn't something you want to feel."

A clearly emotional Suns coach Monty Williams added: "It's hard to process right now. It's hard. That's all.

I've never dealt with this kind of hurt as a head coach.

There's just a pain that goes with your season being over, but I've never dealt with this. I know this is going to hurt for a while." (BBC Sport)

ormer 100m world record holder and Olympic champion Donovan Bailey believes Jamaica’s women could sweep the blue ribband event in Tokyo.

Heading into the women’s 100m, it is the Jamaican trio of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shericka Jackson who have clocked the fastest times over the distance this year.

Out front is reigning world champion and two-time winner of the event Fraser-Pryce, with her best time of 10.63, which was recorded last month. The time was the second-fastest time ever recorded over the distance, and fastest in 33 years.

Next up, reigning Olympic champion Thompson-Herah has a season-best of 10.71, a run that she recorded a few weeks ago. American sprinter Sha’carri Richardson is next on the world's top list with her time of 10.72, which was recorded in April. Richardson will, however, miss out on the Games after testing positive for marijuana last month.

Jackson, formerly a 400m specialist, had a breakout performance in the sprints last month, when she recorded a personal best of 10.77 at the country’s national trials, where she was second behind FraserPryce. This is the fourth-fastest time by an athlete this year, and

certainly puts the 27-year-old firmly in the conversation.

“The women’s 100m will be won by Shelly-Ann Fraser, that's my personal favourite.

I really think Jamaica has the opportunity to sweep. I think Shericka Jackson has something up her sleeve,” Bailey said during the SportsMax.Tv special series Great Ones.

“We know Elaine will be there, but I think Shelly-Ann is going to get up and keep Elaine out, but I think Shericka Jackson has something for somebody,” he added.

In addition to their fast times this season, all three Jamaicans have the experience of standing on the medal podium. FraserPryce won the event at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, while Thompson-Herah won the 2016 edition. It will be Jackson’s first time competing at the event, but she claimed a bronze medal in the 400m at the 2016 Rio Games.

“I was looking forward to this race because I really wanted to see Sha’Carri Richardson under the spotlight with the greatest sprinters of this generation. I was looking forward to that,” Bailey said.

“The men’s final is open, but the women’s final for me is a little more straightforward.

When the lights shine bright, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will not back down.” (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

West Indies looking to fix batting woes – Mohammed to play Chase’s role

By Brandon Corlette

T

he West Indies outfit had no answers for the impressive Mitchell Starc and company in the series opener in Barbados during the first One Day International (ODI).

Bouncing back will be key, and countering the Australian quicks will play a key role in deciding the encounter.

Kieron Pollard will expect a much more competitive performance from his batsmen, who won't have much time to ponder their mistakes, due to a quick turnaround between the two matches. A victory would also be important for the Windies as they aim to climb up the CWCSL table.

Stand-in Aussie skipper Alex Carey, on the other hand, had a dream start to his career in captaining the Australian side; and Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were back to their devastating best with the ball.

Speaking in a virtual press conference on the eve of the match, Captain Pollard said his team would need to find a way to bounce back.

Reflecting on the batting collapse, Pollard said words cannot describe how poor the performance was. Pollard is also awaiting confirmation on the availability of Fabian Allen and Shai Hope, who missed the first

ODI due to injuries.

"Each match is for points, it is what it is, and I thought Australia were better on the day, and hopefully we can bounce back and show some fight," Pollard said.

During the post-match conference, Pollard said: "I think we did pretty well with the ball.

Par score here is 260-270, and being able to restrict them to 250 was a fantastic effort. My biggest thing is I want the guys to fight. It's a matter of continuing to work hard, understanding my game, understanding my strengths. Just a matter of trying to enjoy it."

Meanwhile, Carey said: "For us to adapt and put the score on the board which we thought was competitive, and then the way the powerplay went for us was fantastic. Ashton played a crucial role. Probably haven't seen a powerplay like that before.

When they get it right, we know how damaging they are."

Pollard on Mohammed Jason Mohammed emerged as the leading run-scorer in the 2020-2021 Regional Super50 tournament, with 327 runs at a brilliant average of 81.75 with one century and one halfcentury. Mohammed's Regional record has been supreme, hence his presence in the West Indies ODI team.

Responding to a question posted by this daily publication, Captain Pollard disclosed that Mohammed will play a similar role to Roston Chase, who is ruled out of this ODI series owing to an injury from which he is recovering.

The 34-year-old Mohammed failed to score a half-century since April 2017, but had the opportunity to bat on 22 more instances for West Indies in ODIs. "We wanted him to play the same role as Chase played for us in ODI cricket recently, being able to bat in the top order once needed, and being able to bowl couple overs for us. Yes, he failed last night (first ODI), and he did not get enough opportunities in the Sri Lanka series," Pollard said.

The West Indies captain added: "He was the top Super50 batsman. We tend to speak about getting guys from our system into the team, but when we do it and see it does not work for a couple games, we start to question certain things."

Mohammed's last 10 scores when he had an opportunity to bat for West Indies at the ODI level were: 02, 08, 13*, 17, 11, 17, 12, 10, 00, and 01.

His bowling has been good, he being the leading wicket-taker in the Sri Lanka series earlier this year. In his last seven matches, he picked up eight wickets for

BFA boss grateful for continued support from GFF

– “A lot of things will happen differently,” says Marslowe

The BFA will be hoping that the pandemic resolves and things go back to the way they were

By Timothy Jaikarran

The Bartica Football Association have seen the fruits of their labour under the leadership of President Alden Marslowe.

However, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was the proverbial thorn in their side, as their plans for the year had to be scuttled.

Even though one year has passed, things are still at a standstill, with the cases rising daily and people dying.

In an exclusive interview with BFA President Alden Marslowe, this publication enquired about his views on things at the moment, and Marslowe replied, “Like the rest of the country, football at Bartica is at a standstill.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting Government regulations have put a halt to all play. Our parent body, the Guyana Football Federation, is in constant contact with the National COVID-19 Task Force in relation to any possible return to training.

Hopefully, that permission will be forthcoming sooner

BFA President Alden Marslowe

rather than later. There is really not much the Association can do to keep players in readiness.

I think that fitness is more of a personal responsibility of the player, especially under these conditions, considering the fact that the Association doesn't even have the go-ahead for a return to training.”

Marslowe also said it is particularly hard to lead when there is nowhere to go, or worse, when there is no one to follow. He related that while he is in constant contact with the executive, it is hard to say to the players, "No word as yet."

The BFA boss was adamant the fact that, despite the gloomy situation, there were some positives to report, such as the

association continuing to receive the full support of the GFF. “Like the other member associations, we continue to benefit from the GFF's Members Financial Assistance Program (MFAP), which is a wonderful initiative aimed at ensuring the administration of the game is made much easier. Through that programme, also, the GFF has provided team uniforms for our association teams (male and female), in various ages categories” Marslowe added.

Marslowe also stated that when there is a return to football, a lot of things will happen differently, owing to the fact, because of the work happening behind the scenes during the lockdown. He reiterated that the association will soon have a brand-new office, thanks to the Mayor of Bartica, who is also very supportive.

The BFA boss was also grateful to be linked to the GFF and the other associations via a database network which is being finalised at the GFF, and he has relayed that the BFA as already received a laptop computer, also through the MFAP programme.

the West Indies. Those eight wickets are all Mohammed has alongside his name in ODIs. Overall, Mohammed played 35 ODIs and batted 30 times, scoring 619 runs. Despite his supreme performances at regional level, he has failed to dominate at International level, averaging 22.1 with the bat

with four half-centuries.

The level-headed batsman will look to come good if given an opportunity in the remainder of the matches.

West Indies and Australia will return to the same venue today (Thursday July 22) for the second CG Insurance ODI. First ball is 14:30h.

GABF confirms FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup registration

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he FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 will be played on 12-14 November in Miami, USA. The event will be played for all registered teams during those 3 days at the same venue, with the competition being split into a Qualification Draw and a Main Draw due to the number of registered teams.

All registered teams would be ranked 1-18 (on the men’s side) and 1-15 (on the women’s side) in the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021, and will receive the corresponding ranking points.

In accordance with Art. 6-75 et seq. of the FIBA Internal Regulations, the teams of the hosting NF and the best-ranked teams in the respective category on November 1st 2020 are qualified for the Main Draw.

Guyana’s Men and Women’s 3x3 national teams will compete in the qualification round, with a chance to play in the main event.

On the men’s side, the Qualification Draw will be played with 3 pools of 3 teams, with the pool winners advancing to the Main Draw.

On the women’s side, the Qualification Draw will be played with 1 pool of 4 teams, with the pool winner advancing to the Main Draw.

The pools will not be determined through a draw, but will be automatically created through the 3x3 Federation Ranking of the participating teams in the respective category.

The GABF, in a missive, said they are pleased to welcome their new 3x3 sponsor AptPay Inc., a Canadian financial technology company which specialises in real-time

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Directly qualified teams to FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 Main Draw are:

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United States (2) - Host Canada (8) Brazil (15) Dominican Republic (33) Puerto Rico (39) Argentina (42) Chile (51) Mexico (70) Venezuela (76) Barbados (83) Venezuela (106)

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United States (9) – Host Canada (12) Brazil (34) Uruguay (37) Dominican Republic (39) Mexico (47) Argentina (48) Chile (67) Puerto Rico (70) The remaining teams will play a Qualification Draw in the mornings of 12 & 13 November 2021: Allocated to FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2021 Qualification Draw

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Uruguay (85) Barbados (102) Saint Lucia (120) Haiti (128) Jamaica (134) Trinidad and Tobago (135) Guyana (137) Aruba (148) Guatemala (190)

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THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

CPL to West Indies team: Pete Russell impressed with young players’ production T20 Internationals, with 24 wickets under his belt with a best bowling figure of 5-15.

In addition to his three Test matches and 19 One Day International matches (ODIs), Paul has played in various leagues around the world.

Meanwhile, his former West Indies Under-19 captain Shimron Hetmyer had a break-out CPL season in 2018 when he scored 440 runs in 2018. Hetmyer scored one century and two fifties during that season, in which he averaged 40 with a strike-rate of 148.14.

Another player who played for West Indies Under-19 but got placed on the T20 map in World Cricket was Pooran. The left-hander, who went on to captain West Indies to a T20I series win against Australia, made his debut in CPL back in 2013 as a 17-year-old, and has since matured into a star player, playing for different franchises in the CPL, and is now in line to lead the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the upcoming CPL. Pooran, like Paul and Hetmyer, went on to play T20 cricket for West Indies,

and played in different T20 leagues around the world.

Still in their early 20s, Hetmyer, Paul and Pooran are among the three main products of CPL, and these players are vital cogs for their franchise and for the West Indies teams.

The 2021 CPL, which has 33 matches to be played in St Kitts and Nevis, will bowl off with ‘a clash of the titans’ between reigning and four-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders and five-time runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors on August 26 from 10:00 hours.

DeNobrega, Team Alanis top podium at Farmsup/Doosan/ Team Alanis-organised cycling Hetmyer, Paul and Pooran

By Brandon Corlette

T

he Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is known as “the biggest party in sport”, and the cricket being played is also of high-quality. From a player's development perspective, CPL has given young Caribbean players the exposure to play against some top international cricketers.

Pete Russell, CPL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), is pleased with the young players who gained recognition in CPL and went on to play for the West Indies team. The likes of Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul,

Romario Shepherd and Kevin Sinclair, among others have come through CPL and played for the West Indies.

"I always look at the young Caribbean talent first, because that ultimately is where the next superstar comes from. We are very lucky, we have not been disappointed in any season. Pooran came through, Hetmyer, Paul, and you can really name them, and they are top quality international players. We are very fortunate, Cricket West Indies have a very good system in place bringing players through," Russell has said.

"For these guys to get exposure to CPL is very im-

portant, not just exposure from TV perspective, but high-level quality players.

You cannot put a value on that, that's invaluable, and players mature very quickly in that environment," Russell explained during an interview with this daily publication.

Paul made his CPL debut in 2017 playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors, and over the seasons, he has had good showings, playing 34 matches and picking up 27 wickets bowling in 31 innings. With a best bowling figure of 4-19 in CPL, and an average of 27.93 with a strike-rate of 19.63, Paul went on to represent West Indies in 20

Ninvalle sends best wishes to Olympic team – urges athletes to get vaccinated

G

uyana will be represented by a 7-member team of athletes when the Tokyo 2020 Olympics finally gets underway, a year after initially scheduled, in Tokyo, Japan on Friday.

As the Guyanese team sets out to represent the Golden Arrowhead, Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, had nothing but good intentions to share with the fairly young group.

“I think Guyana’s chances are very good,” Ninvalle stated candidly.

“The thing is that we have COVID-19, not in Guyana alone, but right around the world. So COVID-19 is not unique to Guyana.

We would have seen that most of our athletes had some level of overseas training before they went to Tokyo,” the Director

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

of Sport shared during an invited comment with this publication.

He continued, “My personal issue is that I hope everyone remains healthy, so that they have a chance to compete. And when I say remain healthy, I hope everyone remains without COVID-19, or not contracting. Once we do that, I think our chances are very good.”

Still on the topic of the coronavirus pandemic, Ninvalle took the opportu-

nity to advise Guyana’s athletes to take their COVID-19 vaccination.

“It would be remiss of me, as I told them, we’re living in a time when we have loved ones falling off like leaves from trees, and it is important as administrators of the sport that we encourage our athletes to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” Ninvalle explained.

He went on to make the charge to the nation’s athletes by stating, “It’s highly serious, and I do hope that this resonates in all sports disciplines.

We cannot force you, but we can advise, we can suggest, and we can request that you actually be vaccinated against COVID-19.”

As at July 21st, Guyana has vaccinated 16.4% of its 700,000+ population.

I

The three top riders with Farmsup representative at the presentation

t was a close contest, but Team Evolution's Paul DeNobrega made it two wins in as many races when he stopped the clock at one hour 45 minutes in the 45mile Farmsup/Doosan/Team Alanis-organised race on the West Side.

The race commenced at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara and fled to Bushy Park at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, before returning to the point of origin. Two of Team Alanis's seasoned riders, Paul Cho Wee Nam (second) and Kemuel Moses (third), rounded out the top three spots in the mass sprint finish.

Marus Keiler finished in fourth, while Roy Wilson (fifth) and Ralph Williams (sixth) were the top six finishers who received cash payouts in the senior category.

The race started slowly, but upon return, all breakaway proved unsuccessful.

With the final 800 metres to go to the finish, DeNobrega made his move despite being tagged throughout the race

by Andre Padlock Green.

This publication was able to catch up with the big winner following the race, who shared that while it was tough, and challenging at

some points, his team (Team Evolution) had a master plan for the win.

“It was quite tough. With an event like this, a lot of men do come out. A lot of strong teams, but most of the teams were riding against Team Evolution, which is my team. So, it was a pretty tough race,” DeNobrega related.

Probed about the challenge, the champion cyclist answered, “Yeah! But we had a plan, the team, that is.

I was waiting for the sprint and the other guys were trying to defend to keep the race together for me to come down to the sprint, and it came to plan.”

Meanwhile, in the other categories, Berbician Mario Washington continued to reign supreme in the junior category, finishing first, ahead of We Stand United Aaron Newton and Team Alanis's Sherwin Sampson in that order.

Guyana's top female rider Suzanne Hamilton won her category, stopping the clock at one hour six minutes in her 30-mile ride, ahead of Anaisha Crandon.

Cho Wee Nam topped the Masters-U50 category, followed by Ralph Williams and Monty Lewis. In the Over-

50 category, Ian Shaw, Ian Jackson and Berbice's Gary Benjamin came in that order.

Deeraj Garbaran won three sprint prizes, while Christopher Griffith took two of the ten sprint prizes on offer in the big money racing event. This event was organised by Team Alanis Cycle Club (TACC). Farm Supplies Ltd (Farmsup) has stuck to its promise to present a total of $485,000 in prizes.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, who was present at the grand finale and presentation, was pleasantly surprised with the cycling action.

“I’m not really a cycling person, but I was really surprised to see the amount of people coming in in a very short space of time, so it’s half a second or so that you had 30, maybe 35 riders coming in,” an elated Ninvalle shared.

The Director of Sport added, “So, my hat’s off to the Guyana Cycling Federation, my hats off to Farm Supplies for also coming on board. We really need to have this private/ public sector sort of initiative in order to push sports further.”

THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

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

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Pg 23

DeNobrega, Team Alanis top CPL to West Indies team: podium at Farmsup/Doosan/ Pete Russell impressed with Team Alanis-organised cycling young players’ production Pg 22

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Ninvalle sends best West Indies looking wishes to Olympic team to fix batting woes – urges athletes to get vaccinated

– Mohammed to play Chase’s role

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