Guyana Times - Thursday, June 30, 2022

Sir Shridath Ramphal’s papers, covering 72 years of public life, P16 released Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5055

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

PRICE

50th anniversary

Guyana-China relations stronger than ever – Ali …welcomes contributions being made by Chinese community See story on page 3

Violence, looting during ‘protest’

Compensation paid to Mon Repos …damages being assessed in other market vendors sections along protest route 16 persons charged for riotous behaviour See story on page 2

See story on page 9

…released on $15,000 bail each

Ogle-to-Eccles Highway

Execute works in best possible manner – Edghill to supervisory company See story on page 14

…as US$3.2M contract signed

2 injured after CJIA ground staff accidentally release plane’s tailcone See story on page 11

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

1 dead, 1 injured in Mandela Avenue accident

P16

Corentyne man found guilty of raping 4-yearP13 old girl No foul play found in Anisa Miguel’s P11 death – PME …cause of death listed as drowning

Bodies in hotel parking lot

Tests confirm duo ingested cyanide P13

Eccles man busted with $3.5M in P8 cocaine remanded

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Violence, looting during ‘protest’

Compensation paid to Mon Repos market vendors …damages being assessed in other sections along protest route

By Jemima Holmes

O

ne day after vendors on the East Coast of Demerara were terrorised by looters while plying their trades at various markets, several persons have been readily compensated.

On Tuesday, an armed and errant mob stormed the Mon Repos Market, ECD, where they destroyed stalls and vehicles, and made off with goods and food items all in the name of protest action. They also beat and terrorised vendors at the market.

However, before they had got to the village of Mon Repos, the group wreaked havoc all along the East Coast carriageway.

Numerous roadside stalls were either dismantled or burnt, and some were even thrown in the middle of the road to act as road blocks.

One place that suffered such a fate was the Lusignan Market, where vendors are still assessing their losses.

At Mon Repos, however, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), along with vendors from the market, joined forces to clean up the debris that was

Vendors at Mon Repos waiting to add their names to the list to receive compensation

left in the looters’ wake on Tuesday.

Yet, normalcy is something they may not be soon achieved, since numerous vendors refrained from opening their stalls on Wednesday, either due to fear and/or a lack of goods.

The few who were able to set up shop were among a group that received compensation from the Government of Guyana on Tuesday evening at State House.

The compensation, which was promised by President Dr Irfaan Ali, amounted to millions of dollars, with one vendor receiving as much as $3M. Another vendor, whose vehicle was damaged, received

$1.5M, and yet another vendor received $2M, to compensate for his minibus that was torched by looters.

Satisfied with the compensation received

A vendor who wished to remain anonymous related to this publication that he is satisfied with the compensation and the fast pace at which it was given to them.

“For me, I get exact.

What me lose I get back, and I glad,” the vendor told <<Guyana Times.>> He disclosed that over 100 vendors were compensated on Tuesday evening, but there were still many who were not able to make it to State House, owing to Police road-

blocks on the East Coast.

As for those vendors, a temporary ‘sign-up’ operation has been set up by Government officials in Market Street, Mon Repos.

The operation will allow them to create a list of persons who have not yet been compensated, so as to disburse monies to that group.

According to the vendors, those who were compensated on Tuesday cannot put their names on the second list.

Lusignan Market vendors

Meanwhile, further up the ECD, a group of vendors at the Lusignan Market were observed assessing damages on Wednesday morning.

Mainly pension-aged women who sell to make an extra dollar for their families, those vendors detailed that they have no other option to earn now, since their stands were destroyed.

Zareena Mohamed, whose enclosed stand,

Vendors at the Lusignan Market: Zareena Mohamed, Shanta Motielall and Seeta Rampersaud, whose stalls were looted and destroyed

ing ordeal on Tuesday.

“They beat up this lady, harass her. She had to move the stuff and carry it at the back of the other stands,” Seeta Rampersaud told this

Debris being cleared from the roadway in the aftermath of protest on the East Coast

stocked with goods, was used as a roadblock and torched, said she was not at home to witness the destruction.

“I wasn’t home. I went to carry my husband for exercising therapy. They come and they hoist the stand over and they burn it. I wasn’t there. Everything inside, everything, my gas stove, my glass case, stocks, everything I had inside there,” a weeping Mohamed shared.

The woman, who is currently the bread winner for her ailing husband and herself, explained that she is in desperate need of help to rebuild. She disclosed, “I not gon get to sell. I try selling here cause me husband nah work. My son didn’t want to tell me the stand burning, cause I went at the market. I drop he off. Me husband sick, he get surgery, so he does got to go to the place to exercise (get therapy). I glad to get lil help to build back this stand and build back this glass case and so on.” Mohamed estimated her losses at $500,000.

Another vendor, who estimated her losses at the same sum, revealed that her worker was also assaulted during the distress-

publication.

She added, “I does sell pillow out here, and they break down the pillow stand, burn up my other stand with the…achar them and a lot of stands that I use, bench and all them

have any goods at the location at the time of the looting.

“I just want some help to build back my stand, cause I get in an accident, I’m not working, I’m a pensioner,” Shanta Motielall indicated.

“Me ain’t want nothing more, just some help to build back my empty stand,” she further stated.

A massive protest erupted at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara early on Tuesday morning in reaction to an inaccurate news report which stated that the officer behind the gun in the shooting death of Quindon Bacchus on June 10 was released from Police custody.

Even as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that the information was untrue, the protest was already initiated, with looters making their way down the East Coast corridor, robbing persons and blocking roads.

While visiting the area hours after, President Ali sent a stern warning to

A dismantled stall on the East Coast Public Road

things to sit on. The stand alone cost over $200,000, cause that’s iron with hollow section and other material them. Plus the pillow that they carry way, pepper sauce and everything, it cost over $500,000,” the frustrated Rampersaud said while counting her losses.

A third vendor said all she needed was the stand rebuilt, since she did not

those who committed the acts, and even those who instigated it, assuring that they would face the full brunt of the law. He also asked concerned citizens to give the GPF some more time to complete their investigation. The file is expected to be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the new week.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, June 30 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, July 1 – 04:00h-05:30h and 10:00h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, June 30 – 17:30h-19:00h and Friday, July 1 – 05:10h-06:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

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

Winds: Northerly to West North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 17:26h reaching a maximum height of 2.39 metres.

Low Tide: 11:00h and 23:10h reaching minimum heights of 0.68 metre and 0.83 metre.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

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50th anniversary

Guyana-China relations stronger than ever – Ali

…welcomes contributions being made by Chinese community

W

ednesday marked the 50th anniversary celebration of Guyana-China relations, with President Dr Irfaan Ali, in his feature address, using the occasion to highlight the important role China plays in Guyana and the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to President Ali, Chinese are not only welcome contributors to Guyana’s development, they are also part of Guyana’s cultural heritage. President Ali described Guyana-China relations as “imperishable”.

“Relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China are imperishable. Inseparable ties with China have brought tremendous development gains, have brought our people closer together. Excellency, my Government is committed to a ‘One Guyana’ initiative which is aimed at ensuring greater inclusiveness,” he said.

“In this paradigm, we seek to create an environment where all feel comfortable, to build their lives and relish being part of a closely-knitted Guyana. My Government desires to show no partiality.

And this is why Chinese nationals, like nationals of any other country, are welcome to our country’s national development.”

The President zeroed in on the various ways in which Guyana and China have been partners in development, across various sectors. Not only has China partnered with Guyana on developmental issues, but the countries have also been partners on the international stage.

“Our cooperation has straddled almost all areas of national development, including agriculture, culture, defence cooperation, education, health, information communication technology, infrastructural development, private investment, security, sport, trade and transportation,” Dr Ali said.

“But the rich interactions between Guyana and China over the past half of a century have not been limited only to the bilateral level. As our beliefs, principles and interests converge, our two countries have continued to collaborate in international forums.”

These, according to President Ali, include the China-Caribbean consultations, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)China Forum, the CaribbeanChina Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, the United Nations, the G77 and China, and the World Trade Organisation.

Guyana-China relations

In her address, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan paid tribute to Guyana-China relations.

Guyana has been the recipient of several firsts when it comes to China’s overtures to the

President Dr Irfaan Ali during his address

Region, such as in 1993 when Guyana was the first recipient of the first medical team sent by the Chinese Government to Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Guyana have offered each other a helping hand and overcome together. Guyana is also the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean receiving the donated vaccines from China.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Guyana has firmly adhered to the one China principle. And China has also firmly supported Guyana in pursuing an independent development path that is in line with its own national conditions,” the Ambassador said.

During the 50th anniversary celebration, a commemorative stamp was also unveiled. It was only last week that the Chinese Embassy launched an online photo exhibition displaying numerous interactions between the two countries over half a century in commemoration of the anniversary.

The Chinese Embassy also launched a Film Festival, which kicked off on June 22 with an exclusive screening at MovieTowne. According to the Ambassador at the time, a film festival was ideal for the continued celebrations as it showcases the Chinese culture and national spirit that she believes enhances mutual understanding for people of different cultures.

Diplomatic relations be-

tween Guyana and the People’s Republic of China were formalised on June 27, 1972, making Guyana the first English-speaking Caribbean State to forge diplomatic ties with China and set up its embassy there.

Over the years, agreements such as the joint commission of trade signing, the 2001 trade agreement, the 2003 investment agreement, and the 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Belt and Road Initiative have strengthened the economic relations between the two countries. Bilateral cooperation between the two countries has also resulted in Guyana benefiting from the services of Chinese medical doctors and technicians, donations of equipment to the health sector, the educational work of the Confucius Institute, the support given to the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, the donation of scientific equipment to the tune of $50 million to the Cyril Potter College of Education and the donation of vehicles and other equipment to the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force.

When it comes to infrastructural support, China has provided funding through the EXIM (ExportImport) Bank of China for the expansion and renovation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the widening of the East Coast Demerara Public Road.

(G3)

4

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

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

Positives and negatives of social media

S

ocial media and its platforms: such as Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, have in general taken the world by storm, and youths in particular. They have connected the seven billion people of the earth like at no time before since Homo Sapiens took over from the Neanderthals.

Intended to increase connectivity between persons on the heels of the Internet, it has, however, morphed to create changes in its users – especially youths – that might not have been predicted.

From studies conducted, it is clear that social media is addictive with young people, and they spend vast amounts of their time on it every day of their lives. “Scientists have found that teen social media overuse creates a stimulation pattern similar to the pattern created by other addictive behaviours.

Hence, the brain responds to social media the same way it responds to other “rewards” — with a release of dopamine.

These dopamine rushes are catalysed when a teen posts something online and is met with likes, shares, and positive comments from their peers.” Most parents are unaware of the amount of time their very young children spend on social media, but may observe the effects.

Social media certainly has its benefits for youths, since it is at this stage in life that they are learning to form relationships.

“According to a report released in 2021 by Common Sense Media on social media’s effects on teens, about half of the 1,500 young people surveyed said social media is very important for them in order to get support and advice, feel less alone, and express themselves creatively, as well as for staying in touch with friends and family while social distancing.

And 43 percent said that using social media makes them feel better when they are depressed, stressed, or anxious. Among LGBTQ youth, 52 percent said social media helps them feel better when they are experiencing these difficult emotions.”

Social media also assists youth to discover their identity by providing a forum for them to practice skills related to identity development. “In a longitudinal survey of freshmen at a state university, researchers found that teens who expressed their opinions on social media experienced increased wellbeing. In addition, another study found that adolescents who communicated more online had greater “self-concept clarity” — a clearer idea of who they were. This self-awareness supports mental health.”

But social media also has its downside for youths, and researchers at Facebook – which owns Instagram – found that the latter negatively affects their mental health. “They found that 13% of British teen Instagram users and 6% of American users in the same age segment thought about committing suicide while attributing such self-destructive feelings to the site.” But even against that background, when Facebook owner Mark Zuckerburg was questioned about the subject in a Congressional hearing, he insisted that such statistics were “misleading”. Unfortunately, there are no such studies in Guyana, but the dynamics are the same as should be the effects.

The negative and suicidal thoughts arise out of the operation of platforms like Instagram that is dominated by individuals like the Kardashians and other “influencers” who post pictures of themselves that have been heavily photoshopped and airbrushed to present images that are very unrealistic in comparison to the looks of average youths.

All of these create tremendous pressures on youths to achieve that perfection, especially when it comes to looks and lifestyle. When they compare themselves, they despair at the gap, and feelings of inadequacy set in, which in turn leads to depressive and suicidal thoughts.

Overall, then, social media has its positives and negatives, but it is clear that there has to be more examination to ensure that the latter does not create a public health crisis in youths. While there have been calls for Governments to regulate social media, these have emanated more from those concerned about the platforms’ effectiveness in social mobilisation against Governments or other groups. But that is another story. For now, maybe parents should pay more attention as to where their children’s minds are at with that ubiquitous smartphone in their hands.

A member of the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard shows some of the diving gear to visiting students of the West Field Prep Schools. The Grade One children, their teachers, and a small group of parents were treated to a detailed tour of the base, including the Technical and Service Division, as well as the Flagship, GDFS Essequibo (GDF photo)

Where is the justice for the violated?

Dear Editor, The relatives and friends and all right-thinking Guyanese were upset at the way in which 23-year-old Quindon Bacchus was killed by the Police on the East Coast last June 10th – a Friday.

There were just too many discrepancies between the Police’s account and the video clip that had been circulating. The family strenuously disputed the Police’s account. On Monday June 13, Top COP Hicken visited the family, offered his sympathy, and informed them that the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) was going to investigate the killing, since there needed to be absolute impartiality. The Police investigating a Police just wouldn’t do. The Police rank who shot Bacchus was placed under close arrest.

The PCA is an independent body, and they have to follow whatever statutory imperatives they are governed by. Neither the Police nor the political directorate can get involved, lest they be accused of “interference”. It just so happens that, just two weeks earlier, on May 24, 30-year-old Deanraj Singh, called Steve Singh, had been shot and killed at Riverview, Ruimveldt, by the Police, where the family also disputed

the Police’s account. The Police had then announced that the killing would be investigated by their Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), and the Police rank in question was placed under close arrest.

It would appear, then, that the PCA and OPR are both used by the Police Force to investigate allegations of crimes committed by GPF ranks, before passing them on to the DPP to determine whether charges should be laid by the Police.

Secondly, while there have been questions raised about the propriety, if not legality, of ranks accused of committing crimes being placed under “close arrest”, rather than being remanded while under investigation, it would appear that this is the GPF’s “custom and practice” for many years. All in all, if supporters of justice for Bacchus were upset at the sloth at which the wheels of justice were turning in general, and why the accused rank had not been charged in two weeks in particular, they should have directed their indignation at the PCA. Comparable lack of “justice” in the killing of Singh appears to have been forgotten.

But we remain with the larger ques-

tion about the lack of professionalism by the GPF: a question that occupied the authorities ever since the riots before independence, and which has still not been answered. While there are no monocausal reasons for this state of affairs, one of the major ones is the lack of ethnic representativeness in the composition of the GPF, even though several local and international CoIs have recommended its rectification.

This leads to all sorts of external interventions that ensure the debilitating status quo remains firmly in place.

And we had another protest march for justice degenerating into violence against innocent citizens, which was a foregone outcome, as I have been warning. Where is the justice for the violated? The instigators of the protest are more than being cynically disingenuous at feigning sympathy at the outcome.

They are even more criminal than the arsonists, looters and violent assaulters. Yet they continue to call for more protests.

Sincerely, Ravi Dev

Guyana Opposition figures upbraided for silence on violence Dear Editor, I join the President and others in denouncing, in the strongest possible terms, the racially-inspired attacks against Indians on the East Coast on June 28.

I also condemn the threat against the President. There were so many victims – brutally beaten and robbed; vehicles destroyed; arson, looting, and destruction of properties -- on account of their race, for being Indian. I feel the pain of what happened to the victims of June 28. It is inexplicable why the Opposition politicians have been silent on this heinous, bold attack on a people who were simply going about their business.

Public figures who refuse to condemn the atrocities ought to be ashamed of themselves. Silence, ambivalence and complacency – primarily from non-Indi-

ans – have allowed this feature of hate to remain a permanent fixture in our society, for which there should be zero tolerance.

The attacks brought back memories of periods of violence in previous years.

I remember the haunting pleas of those beaten and robbed and their vehicles destroyed in September 2020 in West Berbice. I remember those begging to be able to pass through the blockade to get to the airport and to other destinations.

June 28, 2022 was a repeat. Opposition politicians encouraged the violence in West Berbice, and watched on with a cruel indifference as members of one community pressed against the neck of another, recalling what happened to George Floyd in Minnesota. They didn’t care what others think of their inhumanity.

These hate-filled acts of racial violence in Guyana must be addressed. Strong actions must be taken against the perpetrators of the violence, or else this sore will fester. The person or persons who threatened the President must also be brought to book. We cannot allow such threats against a democratically elected official.

There will be more June 28s and threats against officials, unless there is stern reaction. The law must take its course, with compensation provided by the perpetrators, as happens in other countries. And if we are to achieve the core ideals of equality and justice, then we all must speak out against hate and oppression, and distance ourselves from those who engage in such advocacy.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

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Vulgar display of How does one wrong act justify another wrong act? aggression, theft Dear Editor, I say, with sadness, that we heard of the unfortunate incident in Guyana involving the shooting of Mr Quindon Bacchus. And, with even greater sadness, I say that we saw a protest carried out three days ago by citizens on the East Coast of Demerara, supposedly concerned for justice for the relatives of the deceased Mr. Bacchus.

What was perhaps meant to be a peaceful protest had turned out to be chaotic, riotous and violent. In the mayhem following the commencement of the protest, vehicles were set on fire; the stalls of vendors of the Mon Repos market were burnt down; public roads were blocked with debris and burning tyres to impede traffic to and from Georgetown; produce and other forms of merchandise locked up by vendors for safe keeping in the market were

looted; and innocent people were assaulted and bodily harmed.

The point to note is that the people who suffered from this malicious damage, destruction and bodily harm were in no way related or connected with the perpetrators of the shooting incident. And while there have been some voices urging restraint, we did hear some other voices on social and print media encouraging further atrocities in the name of protesting the unfortunate shooting.

As we ponder all these happenings, we are forced to ask a question that all Guyanese must soon ask of each other: What does burning and looting of innocent people’s property have to do with meaningful protest against supposed injustice?

How does one wrong act (of shooting someone) justify another wrong act (of wanton destruction)? When the

protest and its attendant violence would have come to an end, what would we claim as our achievement? Is it the repulsive sight of blackened vehicles and burnt stalls?

Or is it fear, mistrust, and unjust violation lingering for days in people’s minds?

Or, is it the conviction that every time one political party is not in power their supporters seek to unleash violence on supporters of the other political party?

Editor, during the reign of one political party, we heard talk of social cohesion leading to one people, one nation and one destiny.

During the reign of another political party, we have been hearing talk of all-inclusiveness leading to One Guyana.

Great idea indeed, but have we achieved any degree of this oneness thus far? Or are we ever going to see this One Guyana as the reality waiting for us as we turn the corner in the decade to come?

What is important to understand is that injustice perpetrated against any one ethnic group in this country is morally wrong. One unfortunate act of injustice, however, does not justify the commission of a second parallel act of injustice.

Our older generation used to say instructively that fire matching fire creates bigger fire, something that may be difficult to extinguish.

Wisdom requires us to find water to douse fire.

Collectively, let’s look for that ‘water’, and act responsibly, or else we may end up sabotaging our own future existence. The Gurukula, along with its parent body the Arya Samaj, is asking for better judgment to prevail among all Guyanese.

Sincerely, Dr Satish Prakash Founder-Acharya Maharshi Dayananda Gurukula

It’s time to wake up, act accordingly to rope in guilty ones Dear Editor, Obviously, the dark force has emerged once again to protrude its ugly head in the realms of social cohesion, and distort the truth in order to divide and conquer; so that its evil agenda can manifest in its devious and devilish destination. The propaganda machine has capitalised on a painstaking issue to create mayhem and havoc by infiltrating the minds of easy prey, and lead them astray to disfigure and damage the norms of a peaceful community.

The public is appalled, and cannot applaud the disgusting behaviour to bring shame and disgrace, as appeared in the papers and other media sources.

Of course, the underworld of opposition to a successful President Irfaan Ali, who has perpetually striven to promote and propagate the beauty of Guyana and Guyanese, has to pull the rug from under his feet and claim credit for un-

perceptive showmanship, thereby satisfying a small group of supporters in order to save face from total embarrassment.

Naturally, to hurt innocent bystanders in the process does not provoke sympathy, apology, or remorse.

The behaviour, certainly not childish, but that of matured intimidators, is quite determined and intentional to loot, thief, and rob without the thought of recourse or the fear of the hands of the law, or the hurt of the aggrieved ones or the evilness involved in their actions.

Evidently, each Guyanese has the right to protest peacefully in order to register an action and opinion in opposition to an assumed wrongdoing, and to express that feeling as long as it remains within the parameters of legal ramification. But what we are seeing is certainly not in keeping within the confines of law requirements, but contradicting all the accepted rules and regula-

tions.

Distinctly, this platform of hooliganism is undoubtedly the work of a carefully crafted artist, who uses the power of diabolical ideology to illustrate the continuity of evil genes which may frustrate the smooth flow of tranquility and usurp this complacent grounding of peace. It is imperative that the satanic nature is kept alive, and must infiltrate the doer of unrighteousness. This clearly will satisfy those negating negativities, sitting comfortably in the background while the foot soldiers do their dirty job.

Surely, a worried nation would suffer sleepless moments, and the concerned President, not surprisingly, would be forced to enact the Riot Act, with his back against the wall. This country cannot catapult into the disdainful past, when this Guyana, made of you and me, was bisected by imperialism and dissected by politics. Her people of many races were

traumatised by the hands of foreign rulers with the help of local dictators, and along the line, punctuated with poisonous politicians.

This land has, is, and will be injected with unscrupulous negotiators, debating the better half of greediness at the expense of the rest of the nation.

Definitely, the definitive time has arrived when the law has to define the border line of acceptance and rejection, and it is not thin. Enough is enough, and the economy, the people, the Government, and all law enforcement agencies cannot afford to stand idle while destabilizers attempt to display an upper hand of bullish attitudes, vulgar behaviour, and complete disrespect for the Constitution and laws of Guyana.

Undeniably, it is time to wake up and act accordingly, in order to rope in all the guilty ones.

Sincerely, Jai Lall

AOAG condemns violent, completely lawless behaviour Dear Editor, The Aircraft Owners’ Association of Guyana Inc (AOAG) strongly condemns the violent and completely lawless behaviour that occurred on the 28th June, 2022 on the East Coast of Demerara.

We join the nation in the call for justice for Quindon Bacchus, and reiterate our confidence in our justice

system. We must let the system function. We lend our support to the grieving family.

We are confident that the system will provide fast, efficient, and accurate investigations in this case.

Violence has only increased the amount of suffering we feel as a nation and as a people.

The AOAG always sup-

ports the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression within the rule of law. We will never accept nor tolerate those who attempt to use this tragedy as an opportunity for violence and endangering the peace and the lives and properties of others. We fully support the security forces in their enforcement of the law and the maintenance of peace

and safety of our neighbourhoods and country.

As patriotic Guyanese, we must come together in support of one another when violence threatens the peace and challenges the rule of law.

Sincerely, Aircraft Owners’ Association of Guyana Inc (AOAG)

Dear Editor, The recent attack on the market vendors by political operatives posing as protesters is nothing but a cowardly, racially-motivated, domestic attack. It is unconscionable that they would attack the hard-working people of our country in such a vulgar display of aggression and theft.

Our society must stand together against the perpetrators of this vile act, and ensure they are treated as outcasts in our peaceful quest for prosperity and civil order in our nation. People were even insulting His Excellency and his family when he visited the location. Threats of bodily harm against His Excellency must be taken seriously. They have become utterly disrespectful and increasingly dangerous.

The GPF has shown indifference too many times when these acts have negatively impacted the supporters of the PPPC. Where is the pursuit of law and order independent of race or political affiliation?

It is clearly lacking, and the GPF needs urgent reform and restructuring to ensure that the pleas of Indians do not fall on deaf ears.

The GPF must reflect those whom they serve. The

majority of the nation's population is Indian; this must, at a minimum, be the makeup of the GPF from the top down. Otherwise, these acts of terrorism will continue without resistance from law enforcement, especially given the strong political affiliation with the Opposition.

As His Excellency the President correctly said, the perpetrators are trying to derail the country. Such aggression should not be tolerated! There is no place for it in a One Guyana agenda. The CRG calls on the Government to conduct a CoI into these heinous acts, and to ensure that the perpetrators are dealt with accordingly within the limits of the laws of our land. This is very similar to the robbery and destruction carried out during election protests. The modus operandi of these acts of domestic terrorism are very similar.

Luckily none of our women were raped and killed.

The time has come for the Government to put an end to domestic terrorism, and to deal swiftly and decisively with those involved in domestic terrorism once and for all!

With concern, Jamil Changlee

NY organisation condemns racist violence on East Coast Dear Editor, The New York Guyana Democracy Project (NYGDP) joins the President of Guyana and other individuals and organisations in condemning the looting and robberies, and the racist violence unleased on Indians and the destruction of (including arson on) their properties (buildings, market stalls, vehicles, and goods).

The organization’s President, Dr. Tara Singh, former Senior Lecturer at UG, says he categorically condemns the violence that has been motivated by race. In a press release, the organisation says that the racial violence that was portrayed on phone, computer, and TV screens on Tuesday June 28 is a stark reminder of how far race baiters and bigots affiliated with Opposition politicians and irresponsible media operatives would go in encouraging unjustified attacks on Indians just to push their political agenda.

The organisation noted that no Opposition politician or Opposition-affiliated media has condemned the violent attacks against Indians.

“Opposition politicians and their supporters have been silent”, it claims.

The NYGDP says it deplores the hateful environment, willfully stoked by Opposition politicians, that

contributed to these atrocities against Indians. “When public figures see injustice, an attack on a people on account of their race, they must speak out forcefully and as strongly as the President did.

Otherwise, they are complicit in the aggression and oppression carried out by others. One cannot be neutral when there are racist attacks in a nation.”

The organisation feels that those engaged in the anti-Indian attacks must be brought to justice. “They must be found, and made an example and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law”.

NYGDP also calls for support for the victims. “The country must bond together in solidarity, empathy, and support for the victims. We support the Government’s decision to give just and fair compensation to the victims for their losses”.

The organisation also extends condolence to the family of Mr Bacchus, who allegedly was killed by a Police officer, urging a quick investigation into the shooting. “We seek justice in this case, too”, says the organisation in its release.

The organisation also condemned the threat against the President.

Sincerely, New York Guyana Democracy Project (NYGDP)

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

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NEWS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana must evolve to a place where institutions of state are trusted – President …urges country to await outcome of due process in Quindon Bacchus’s death

E

ven as the Police C o m p l a i n t s Authority (PCA) wraps up its investigation into the Quindon Bacchus killing, President Dr Irfaan Ali has cited the importance of Guyana evolving to a place where people are able to have trust in the institutions of state and understand the process.

During an interview with the media on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday, President Ali noted that even as they continue building the institutions of state, the people’s respect for, and understanding of, those institutions is important.

“I’m hoping for the day to come, as we build institutions, that people respect institutions and await the outcomes. We can’t have institutions that are independent of the Government and then want the Government to dictate what the institutions must do,” President Ali said.

“But the society and the country must evolve to a place where the institutions are trusted; where people understand the nature under which the institutions work. We want justice for everybody. Mr Bacchus, the process is at the Police Complaints Authority. They said they’ll finish the report in the new week.”

According to President Ali, his uppermost priority is delivering a Guyana that is unified and provides prosperity to all citizens. But

President Dr Irfaan Ali

with recent events proving that some are still intent on dividing Guyana, the President noted on Wednesday, he was contemplating taking drastic action.

“This morning I was contemplating doing something very strange. I was contemplating going to sit in a burial ground and to do a ‘live’ from there, and to remind everybody that, at the end of the day, that’s our final destination. You want to fight and break up; you can have everything. That is our final destination,” he said.

When it comes to the ability of the protestors to advance as far as Mon Repos, where they looted stalls, and to the perceived shortcomings of the Police, President Ali was optimistic that a full report would be produced on this. According to him, however, the im-

mediate task of the Police was to secure the corridor, which they set out to do.

“I’m not making excuse for the Police. The Police worked based on intelligence they had. The Police designed their approach to any situation based on information. Let us think for a moment if Police were in advance of the corridor and action was taken in a different direction, what might have been the outcome? Some actors might have used it against the Police,” he said.

“Whether the Police give an explanation, the immediate task was to secure the corridor and return things to normalcy. That is an ongoing task. But I’m sure there will be a total report on this,” the President declared.

Mob violence

What was intended to be a call for justice for the slain Quindon Bacchus at Golden Grove on Tuesday escalated into terror along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor, thus leading to several vendors at the Mon Repos Market being robbed while their stalls were vandalised and goods looted.

Armed with cutlasses, knives, iron bars and other handy weapons, looters stormed the Mon Repos Market just after 10:00h.

Claiming that they were avenging the shooting death of Bacchus, which took place on June 10, the looters proceeded to destroy goods,

Scenes from Tuesday’s events along the East Coast corridor

burn stalls and vehicles, shatter windscreens of vehicles, and even assault vendors, who were forced to run into the adjoining streets in fear for their lives.

After the looters had made off with the fruits, vegetables, clothing, shoes and other articles which were being sold in the makeshift market, vendors were left counting their losses, which could amount to millions of dollars. Some vendors have since already received compensation.

Bacchus, a father of one and late resident of Golden Grove, ECD, was allegedly shot six times about his body following an encounter with Police ranks. It was reported that, on June 10, ranks were conducting

an intelligence-led operation in the Haslington New Scheme area of the ECD after receiving some information earlier in the day.

While there, the ranks said, they contacted a 22-year-old construction worker, who provided them with certain information.

As a result of the information, a plainclothes rank who was armed made arrangements to purchase a firearm from Bacchus, who left and returned with the firearm.

In the process of handing over the firearm to the rank, an alarm was raised.

As a result, Bacchus ran in a southerly direction and discharged a round in the rank’s direction, and the rank drew his service pistol

and returned fire.

Police said Bacchus then ran further south and jumped into a yard, and the rank gave chase. While the rank was in close proximity to Bacchus, Bacchus allegedly discharged several other rounds at the rank, and the rank took cover and returned fire, hitting the now-deceased man about his body.

Bacchus reportedly fell to the ground, along with the firearm, which was later identified as a .380 pistol with a magazine that still had one round. Police said Bacchus was picked up in a conscious state and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was seen and examined, but subsequently died. (G3)

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Eccles man busted with $3.5M in cocaine remanded

Riots as protests... …with boots on the ground

W The house in which the illegal items were found

Accused drug trafficker Andrew Morgan

A

resident of Ixora Avenue, Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) who has been held on a drug trafficking charge has been remanded to prison by a magistrate.

Andrew Morgan, 52, was refused bail by Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrate Sunil Scarce, before whom he appeared on Wednesday and denied a charge which stated that on June 27, at his home, he had 3.278 kilogrammes of cocaine in his possession for trafficking.

Morgan has been remanded, and the case will continue on August 4.

On June 27, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU)

ranks acting on intelligence conducted a narcotics operation at the property where Morgan was the lone occupant. A quantity of co-

CANU said $3.5 million in cocaine and a gun and ammunition were discovered during a search

caine worth $3.5M, twenty-seven 9mm rounds, and a .32 Taurus firearm with a magazine and 25 matching .32 rounds were found during the search. As a result, Morgan was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the illegal items. Police are expected to institute additional charges against him for the illegal firearm and ammunition.

Andrew Morgan is the brother of convicted drug trafficker Peter Morgan, who was released from a United States prison in 2015 after serving a 10-year sentence for conspiring to import, possess and distribute five kilogrammes of cocaine between December 2001 and August 2003. (G1)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

ell, well, well!! Is anyone surprised that during new Opposition-backed protests, riots broke out against Indian Guyanese on the East Coast yesterday?? Ever since Aug 2 - when David Granger decided he couldn’t stop the tide - wasn’t every issue that could be tweaked – or twisted!! – to suggest some link with the PPP the occasion for demanding “boots on the ground”?? By the Wild Men on social media platforms?? COVID shots??

BOOTS!!! School “because we care” money?? BOOTS!!

Flood relief?? BOOTS!! House Lots?? BOOTS!! Development Grants?? BOOTS!! Unemployment Relief?? BOOTS!! And it went on ad nauseum…very NAUSEUM!!

When they didn’t get the response they wanted, they berated their audience for “betraying the cause”. And what “cause” was that?? To seize power by any means necessary, that’s what!! With BOOTS on the ground as the opening salvo to start a wider conflagration!! Rigging the elections?

Ha!! That isn’t even considered a transgression!! Hadn’t Burnham normalised rigging to “level the playing field”??

And remember he’d used BOOTS to seize power in the first place. You gotta HAVE power to rig and STAY in power!!

Except for the PPP, who’re now accused of rigging against the PNC (!!!) from outside!! Talk about taking their soiled bedsheet and rubbing it on others’ bamsies!!

So, all these calls used events that were merely the OCCASION for BOOTS, not the CAUSE for the BOOTS. The killing of young Bacchus by a Police rank was just another OCCASION for stirring the witches’ brew. Two weeks before poor Bacchus’s killing, wasn’t there an identical Police killing over in Ruimveldt?? Wasn’t there the same seeming lassitude in delivering justice?? So why not a call for justice then?? Aha!! THAT ingredient thrown into the witches’ cauldron wouldn’t have riled up the target community!!

They didn’t want supporters of Singh rampaging through nearby Agricola, did they?? They’d remember when, after one such rampage, one COP had to have a talk with a Bannuh from the PNC!!

Anyhow, the social media provocateurs have now hit their goldmine. They’ve finally gotten their BOOTS protest that descended into anti-Indian violence - after playing on the raw emotions at Bacchus’s funeral. So, what’s next??

Well…for sure, they’ll continue to milk both the riots and aftermath. The rioters - they pointed out even before the dust settled on the beatings and lootings – were PLANTED by the PPP!! They’d thrown out this riposte once the marchers started out at Golden Grove!!

And obviously convinced Guyanese are a bunch of dolts, they insisted the protest was “spontaneous”, with them not leading. So, the masses of red shirts were pure coincidence, and not handed out for the occasion!! As was money and food!!

Shades of slow fyaah; mo’ fyaah!! ……to what (PNC) end??

But the question now arises…to what end are the bootson-the-ground protests and riots? Especially as far as the PNC chances of getting back into power after their stint through the ballot boxes from 2015-2020. If it’s another bout of slow fyaah; mo fyaah, is it because they’ve given up on getting those 5000 votes that’s separating them from the PPP through elections?? If that’s so, it means these protests will have to be escalated in intensity and extent to bludgeon the PPP to demit office.

Because even if they get the PPP to truncate its term of office, as they did in 1998, they certainly won’t be able to translate their violence into votes for the PNC outside their constituency. Then again, they’re fixated on their concoction that the PPP was “installed” by the US. Do they really believe the Americans will encourage instability in Guyana now that one of the last oil plays is benefiting them??

So, what’s the plan, guys?? Just loosen anarchy?? …and the pain of the abused As your Eyewitness has consistently affirmed, we gotta stand up against Police abuse of citizens’ rights, and sympathise with the abused.

But when the partisans of the abused now abuse other citizens, who sympathises with them??

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

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

NEWS

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16 persons charged for riotous behaviour …released on $15,000 bail each

Rawl Griffith Quice Lawrence

Shaphel Caesar

Andrew Sumner

Rondolph Murphy

Shamar Payne

Legendi Pompey

Daniel Thomas George Teixy

S

Rondel Clarke

ixteen persons have been slapped with riotous behaviour charges under Section 136 (b) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:02.

The 16 accused all appeared at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday when the charges were read to them.

Fifteen of the 16 persons pleaded not guilty while one pleaded guilty.

Those charged were Rondolph Murphy, 50, of

Kester Paul

Belfield Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Jawonza Fowler, 18, of Hackett Street, Golden Grove, ECD; Michael Moore, 23, of Victoria, ECD; Rawl Griffith, 45, of Haslington, ECD; George Teixy, 31, of Haslington, ECD; Daniel Thomas, 19, of Haslington, ECD; Legendi Pompey, 33, of Haslington, ECD; Seon Austin, 31, of Golden Grove, ECD; Quice Lawrence, 40, of Golden Grove, ECD; Winston James, 23, of Victoria, ECD; Andrew Sumner, 59,

Jawonza Fowler

of Victoria, ECD; Shentel Caesar, 25, of Melanie, ECD; Rondel Clarke, 21, of Ann’s Grove, ECD; Shamar Payne, 23, of Bachelor’s Adventure, ECD; Kevon Nicholas, 18, of Haslington, ECD and Kester Paul, 24, of Haslington, ECD. The 15 persons who pleaded not guilty to the charges were placed on $15,000 bail each and while Sumner, who pleaded guilty, was fined $20,000. The cases will continue on October 19, 2022.

The persons were charged

Michael Moore

following the chaos that unfolded on the East Coast of Demerara on Tuesday which started as a protest at Golden Grove calling for justice for slain Quindon Bacchus.

However, the protest escalated into terror along the ECD corridor with several vendors at the Mon Repos Market being robbed while their stalls were vandalised and goods looted.

Armed with cutlasses, knives, iron bars, and other handy weapons, looters stormed Mon Repos Market

Seon Austin

just after 10:00h.

Claiming that they were avenging the shooting death of Bacchus which took place on June 10, the rioters proceeded to destroy goods, burn stalls and vehicles, shatter windscreens, and even assault vendors who were forced to run into the adjoining streets in fear for their lives.

After the looters made off with fruits, vegetables, clothing, shoes, and other articles which were being sold in the makeshift market, vendors

Kevin Nicholas

were left counting their losses, which could amount to millions of dollars.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Professor Mars’s killers to serve 4 more years in jail

…to undergo period of probation after release

Dead: Professor Pariedeau Mars

T

imothy Paul Chance and Andre Benajmin sat calmly as Demerara High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon sentenced each of them to 10 years’ imprisonment for brutally killing Professor Pariedeau Mars during a robbery at the 75-year-old man’s Prashad Nagar, Georgetown home.

Chance, 23, and Benjamin, 22, though initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter midway through their trial, admitting that they unlawfully killed the elderly man on May 12, 2016.

But with the Judge directing that they be given full credit for time spent on remand — which adds up to about six years — the convicts will therefore have to spend four more years in

Convicted killers Timothy Paul Chance (right) and Andre Benjamin

custody.

Both men, during their address to the court on Wednesday, expressed remorse for their criminal act, begging the victim’s family and the court for forgiveness, and the Judge for a lenient sentence, to allow them an opportunity of a second chance at life.

A crying Benjamin told the family of the deceased Mars that although he knows there is nothing he can do to bring back their loved one, he is deeply saddened by the situation. “I am seeking forgiveness from the family of Mr. Mars. I am begging you [the Judge] to give me a second chance.”

Chance, for his part, said he has already spent six years in jail, and is hoping for an opportunity to go back into society to start a family and be a role model to young people.

According to the young man, while incarcerated, he has taken several classes that have empowered him to be a respectable and law-abiding citizen.

During an interview with a probation officer, Chance revealed that he was enticed by his girlfriend, with whom he was living at the time, to take part in the robbery.

Benjamin, during a similar interview, said that when he arrived at the professor’s home, the pensioner was already tied up, and he was encouraged to take his valuables.

Reports from the prison disclosed that both men are well-behaved inmates.

Similar reports were received from members of their respective communities, who expressed shock at their involvement in the crime.

The presiding Judge, in

Jailed: Naomi Adams

Jailed: Nikisha Dover

Jailed: Orin McRae

his sentencing remarks, described Mars’s killing as “brutal and callous”, noting that the academic was brutally murdered in his home. Justice Kissoon said Professor Mars had lived a life of service and sacrifice that was driven by his passion for education.

He pointed out that the offence for which the duo pleaded guilty is a grave one, simply because citizens are deprived of their property through violence, fear and force, often time in the comfort of their homes.

Justice Kissoon nevertheless acknowledged that Chance and Benjamin were children at the time of the commissioning of the offence, and as such, he is bound to follow the the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act in considering an appropriate sentence for them.

In the instant case, Justice Kissoon noted that the mitigating factors outweigh the aggravating circumstances, as he outlined the duo’s unblemised criminal record as well as their efforts to reform themselves from behind bars. Apart from imposing a custodial sentence, Justice Kissoon ordered the men to undergo a period of probation of three years after their re-

lease from prison. This will see them reporting to the Chief Probation Officer, notifying the officer of any change in their address, and remaining in Guyana unless granted permission by the court to leave.

During the period of probation, Chance has to enroll at an educational institution to write not less than five subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. Benjamin must enroll at a technical institute to complete training in electrical installation. A report on the young men’s attendance, performance and progress will be submitted to the court every three months.

The Judge explained that these orders are to aid in their meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration into society, and to minimise the chances of recidivism.

Should they violate any of these orders, Chance and Benjamin would be remanded to prison to serve an additional 12 months.

Back in 2019, 21-year-old Naomi Adams, 23-year-old Nikisha Dover, and 22-yearold Orin McRae, who had been jointly charged along with Benjamin and Chance, also confessed to killing the elderly man. Initially indict-

ed for the capital offence of murder, they, too, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when they appeared before Justice Navindra Singh.

Adams, being the first to confess to the crime, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, while her co-accused Dover and McRae were each jailed for 12 years. It was ordered that the prison authorities deduct from their sentence the years each of them had spent in pre-trial custody.

It was reported that Mars, also known as “Perry”, of Bissessar Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown, was found bound and beaten in his home at about 18:30h on May 12, 2016 by his wife, upon her return from Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). He was subsequently rushed to a private city hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

Investigations revealed that Dover was known to the now-dead professor, as she would frequently visit his home. She conspired with the others to rob the elderly man who was at home alone.

An iPhone, cash, laptop, and gaming console were among the items stolen from Mars’s home. (G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 injured after CJIA ground staff accidentally release plane’s tailcone T wo ground staff attached to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) last evening received minor injuries about their bodies after a co-

worker accidentally released the tailcone of a plane and it fell on them.

The plane involved is registered to World Atlantic Airlines, which has been con-

tracted by Surinam Airways.

Reports are that a ground staff mistakenly pulled the tailcone jettison handle instead of operating stairway switch of the plane, causing

the tailcone to be released.

As a result, it hit two other workers who were standing below.

An investigation has been launched.

No foul play found in Anisa Miguel’s death – PME

…cause of death listed as drowning

A

The tailcone on the ground after being accidentally released by a ground staff [Photo taken from the Facebook Group ‘Guyanese Pilots’]

n autopsy performed on the body of 19-yearold Anisa Miguel, which was found floating in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Sunday last, has shown that there was no foul play involved in her demise, and that she died as a result of drowning.

The teen had gone missing more than two weeks ago, after a drinking spree with friends.

At about 10:00h on Wednesday, a Post Mortem Examination (PME) was performed at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh.

The body was identified by the teen’s reputed husband, Roopnarine Satnarine, and witnessed by two Police ranks. The cause of death has been given as drowning. According to the pathologist, neither injury nor marks of violence were present on the body.

The body has been handed over to the family for burial.

It was reported that Miguel was employed at a boutique and bar located at Tamakay Landing. On the day she went missing, the teen and two of her female co-workers had travelled to Martin’s Landing to sell perfumes for their employer.

It is alleged that after the transaction, they went to a nearby bar, where they imbibed alcohol.

The boat captain who took the trio to the location had returned to pick them up, but after seeing that the women were highly intoxicated, he refused to take them back to their destination. The following day, Miguel’s employer told her family that she received a

telephone call that the teenager was missing. As such, she made her way to the bar where Miguel had last been seen to make inquiries.

Upon arriving at the location, the woman questioned several persons, and was told that Miguel had last been seen on the dance floor in the company of a male. She was unable to get any additional information.

A report was subsequently made to the Police, and Miguel’s family was informed. The following day, a search party conducted an intensive search operation to locate Miguel, but to no avail.

Days later, Police arrested the owner of the bar where Miguel was last seen, along with the two girls with whom she was drinking at the bar. The trio reportedly

Dead: Anisa Miguel

told the Police that they had no knowledge of Miguel’s whereabouts. However, on Sunday morning, Miguel’s lifeless body was seen floating in the Mazaruni River.

When Miguel’s body was found, it was clad in the same outfit that she was last seen wearing, and was in a state of decomposition. (G9)

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Bodies in hotel parking lot

Corentyne man found guilty Tests confirm duo of raping 4-year-old girl ingested cyanide A fter a trial on Tuesday, Devon Welcome has been found guilty by a jury of raping a fouryear-old girl. The Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) man was on trial for the offence before Berbice High Court Judge Simone MorrisRamlall. He had initially denied the charge, which stated that he engaged in sexual penetration of a child below age 16 between December 1 and 13, 2019.

Sentencing for the convict has been adjourned to July 19.

The court heard that

Paishnarine "Richie" Hansraj and Justin Teixeira

T

wo months after two friends were found dead in a vehicle parked in the compound of the Marriott Hotel at Kingston, Georgetown, test results have confirmed that the duo had ingested cyanide.

During the wee hours of April 23, 2022, the bodies of 25-year-old Paishnarine ‘Richie’ Hansraj and 34-year-old Justin Teixeira were found in a car in the Marriott Hotel parking lot in Kingston, Georgetown.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) revealed on Wednesday that toxicology results confirmed that the duo had consumed cyanide, which resulted in their demise. The tests were conducted at NMS Labs in

Texas, United States, and revealed that both men had a significant concentration of cyanide in their bodies.

The tests supported what Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had indicated earlier last month, after a container with cyanide was found in the vehicle in which the duo was found.

It was reported that an employee of the Marriott Hotel reported that they received a phone call from a relative of Teixeira on the evening of April 22 at about 23:30h, informing them that he was suffering from a seizure, and asking for someone to check on him in his room.

Another employee was sent to Teixeira’s room on

the sixth floor, but it was empty. The hotel staff then went to Teixeira’s vehicle – a black Vezel motor car (PAC 2607) – in the parking lot, and the gruesome discovery was made.

Teixeira was reportedly sitting in the driver’s seat, and all the windows of the vehicle were halfway down. The employee said he opened the front passenger door and discovered Hansraj sitting in a crunch-like position.

Both the Police via 911 and an ambulance with an EMT were summoned to the scene, where the two men were pronounced dead by a doctor. The Police stated no marks of violence were seen on the exposed parts of the two bodies. (G9)

the child’s mother had left her in Welcome’s care and had gone to neighbouring Suriname to trade. Upon her return on December 13, 2019, she picked up her daughter from Welcome’s house, took her home, and bathed her, during which the girl complained of her vagina paining. As such, her mother checked her private area and observed redness and bruising.

The woman took her child to the doctor, who, after examining her, found partial perforation of her hymen. The doctor referred the

matter to the Police, and an investigation was launched, during which the child related that Welcome “troubled’ her by inserting his finger into her vagina.

For his part, Welcome, in his defence, denied sexually abusing the child. To prove his case, he called a witness, his cousin, who told the court that this relative was always at work.

The Prosecution’s case was presented by State Counsel Nafeeza Baig, while the convicted rapist was represented by Attorney at Law Surihya Sabsook.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 30,, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ECD man who threatened Execute works in best President’s life arrested possible manner – Edghill T to supervisory company Ogle-to-Eccles Highway

he man who was captured on camera making a threat to end the life of President Dr Irfaan Ali has been arrested, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has confirmed.

The suspect, who was arrested on Tuesday evening, has been identified as 35-year-old Marvin Richmond, also known as “Wakie” of Sealey Street, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Richmond made the threat on the President’s life amid violent protests on the ECD over the killing of 23-year-old Quindon Bacchus, a father of one.

The threats were captured on a live broadcast being conducted by Opposition parliamentarian Sherod Duncan.

“Investigators have so far confirmed that this individual was treated on several occasions by a psychiatrist,” the GPF explained.

President Ali, weigh-

…as US$3.2M contract signed

Arrested: Marvin Richmond, also known as “Wakie”

ing in on the situation on Tuesday, had expressed that it was “unacceptable”.

“It has been brought to my attention by a number of stakeholders about a video…in which a direct statement was made that ‘we will kill the president’… there was no condemnation

by the one who was doing the live at that moment… this is also unacceptable in a democratic society… but I want to assure all the stakeholders that that is a separate issue and that must also be subjected to investigation,” President Ali had posited.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, along with India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa; Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar and other officials, looks on as the contract was signed

T

he Public Works Ministry on Wednesday signed a contract to the tune of US$3.2 million for supervisory works to be conducted during the construction of the Ogle-to-Eccles Highway.

The US$106 million contract for construction of the highway was signed last Friday, and it will see the construction of some 7.8 kilometres of roadway with each of the four lanes being 3.6 metres wide.

The construction of the highway will be done by Ashoka Buildcon Limited and the supervisory works

by Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES).

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill at the contract signing highlighted the critical role that the supervisory firm would now play in the execution of the highway.

“While we had the civil works contract signed last week, the signing of this contract today (Wednesday) is very important because they need to immediately oversee the removal of utilities along the corridor to ensure that the civil works component can kick into gear.

“So, RITES will have to begin to provide that supervisory service to the various utilities to make sure we clear the carriageway and I would hope that that would be something that is swift,” the Minister explained.

He stated that the removal of the utilities was just awaiting the signing of the contract for a supervisory firm to come on board to

ensure that all works would be conducted according to the project design.

While noting that the Government was privileged to have two of India’s finest companies undertaking the major project, Edghill urged the firms to execute the works in the best possible manner.

“Make your mark, make your footprint, let your flag fly high and let us continue to collaborate for many more things to come,” he said.

The Minister also revealed that Ashoka was actively engaged in the mobilisation of equipment and additional personnel to Guyana which the Ministry would help to facilitate to commence works as soon as possible.

He noted that the Government was committed to Guyana’s development in the best interest of its people.

“We are committed as a Government to being accountable, we are committed to being transparent, and we believe that the way to do so is by bringing to your notice and notice to all in Guyana what we are doing, why we are doing it, how we are doing it, and who will benefit as result of what we are doing,” Edghill said.

Tremendous interest

Meanwhile, in his address at the contract signing, Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa noted that Guyana has been of growing interest for India.

“We have been in touch with the Indian companies,

there’s a tremendous interest in India right now about Guyana,” he said.

The High Commissioner assured that the Indian companies signed to undertake this massive developmental project would get the job done in a professional manner as they were highly reliable and world-recognised for the quality services that they provide.

He added that these companies would soon be setting up permanent offices in Guyana.

“When interact with these Indian companies I insist that entering Guyana should not be a one off, they should build an office here, they should build a presence here and I’m very happy to inform that based on my conversations with both Ashoka Buildcon and RITES, they are completely sold-out all over Guyana, so they will be here in Guyana with a permanent presence, they will be building their local offices,” the High Commissioner said.

The Highway will link the East Coast of Demerara corridor at Ogle directly to the East Bank Demerara corridor at Eccles.

It will feature a median in the middle and sidewalks as well as several connector roads especially at the East Bank end to allow for further diversion of traffic.

Works are slated to commence August month-end after the rainy season as Ashoka Buildcon Limited is committed to delivering the project within the 24-month timeline stipulated in the contract.

15 Digital Technologies gets $219M contract to supply tablets for 2022 Census NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Group of Companies Inc emerged as the successful bidder for the supply and delivery of the computer tablets and accessories.

The Census, Guyana’s largest national data collection exercise, is being planned for commencement in mid-September 2022.

The Bureau of Statistics posited that this was an extremely important exercise that would produce a large amount of socio-economic

Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez and Digital Technologies Senior Operations Manager Jennifer Persaud display the signed contract

T

he Bureau of Statistics and Digital Technologies Group of Companies Inc on Wednesday signed a $219,784,200 contract for the supply and delivery of 2400 computer tablets and accessories to be utilised for field data collection during Guyana’s 2022 Population and Housing Census.

Signing on behalf of the Bureau during the simple ceremony hosted in the boardroom of the organisation’s Main Street, Georgetown headquarters was Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez, who spoke of the importance of the contract.

According to him, the con-

tract has significant implications for the conduct of the Census, since this will be the first time that this national data collection exercise will be computer-based. By taking this step, the Bureau is embracing the application of available technology.

In a release from the Bureau, it was stated that the Chief Statistician added that the computer tablets would be a critical part of the Census, since they would facilitate faster data capturing, reporting and analysis in order to produce quality data in record time.

This data will guide and provide support for development planning and general

analysis across Guyana.

Signing on behalf of the company was Senior Operations Manager Jennifer Persaud, who noted that it was a pleasure serving the Bureau’s digital technology needs.

She expressed hope that the devices would meet the needs of the organisation and that the execution of the Census would be successful.

A total of 19 bids had been received following the advertising of the open/public tender which was executed through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Digital Technologies

and demographic data that is used for planning and national development. The National Census is conducted every 10 years and Guyana’s last Census was conducted in 2012.

“The Census plays a critical role in evaluating changes in the population and, therefore, should be viewed as more than just a headcount. These changes include size, composition, economic activities, quality

of life, access to basic social services, maternal health, food security, agriculture and education. All of these changes have an impact on the demand for social services, such as health, housing, and education. This information is in great demand by the policymakers for planning and development, Private Sector, students, researchers, and international agencies,” the Bureau noted.

30-year-old busted with over 1800 grams of ganja A 30-year-old man was on Wednesday busted at a Police checkpoint on the Weldaad Public Road, West Bank Berbice (WBD) with 1814 grams of cannabis in his possession.

The man, who is a resident of Cooper Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was at the time a passenger in a minibus, along with nine other persons, that was stopped at the roadblock set up by the Police ranks.

Following a search of the passengers, the cannabis was unearthed in the man’s haversack. Four bulky parcels containing a number of leaves, seeds, and stems of cannabis were in the bag,

The cannabis which was found in the haversack

Police say.

According to Police, the man admitted ownership of

the cannabis and was arrested. He remains in custody pending charges. (G9)

Police hunting suspect in murder of De Kinderen man R anks of the Guyana Police Force are now pursuing a man in relation to the murder of 34-year-old Lindsford Kenwayne Duguid, who was brutally stabbed and chopped to death at De Kinderen Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

In an initial report, Police had said the murder was committed by three known suspects whom they were, up to late Sunday evening, hunting. The suspect currently being sought is a 25-year-old man of De Kinderen, WCD. Duguid was killed at about 22:00h on Saturday.

According to reports, Duguid had allegedly visited the De Kinderen location and asked for a 22-year-old female Venezuelan national. Police said the man was informed by the owner of the proper-

Dead: Lindsford Kenwayne Duguid

ty that the woman was not at home.

However, the landlord told investigators that hours later he heard a loud scream, at about 03:30h on Sunday, and upon checking, he saw

Duguid pulling the 22-yearold female by her hair while one of the suspects (another female Venezuelan national) held on to Duguid’s waist from the back.

The landlord then rushed to the area and saw Duguid and two of the suspects fighting in a drain. He further stated that he saw one of the suspects with a knife in her hand stabbing at the now dead man’s leg, while a male Venezuelan national was seen holding the deceased around his neck.

Sometime later, the third suspect appeared with a cutlass in his hand, and began to chop Duguid about his body. One of the suspects was heard asking for a rope, which was used to tie Duguid’s legs.

The Police were contacted, and arrived at the scene, but the suspects had already escaped. (G9)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1 dead, 1 injured in Mandela Avenue accident

A

Dead: Odessia Sam

woman is now dead while a man is seriously injured following an accident which occurred along Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, opposite the Wings and Things restaurant.

Dead is 42-year-old Odessia Sam of Lot 170 Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown; and injured is Wendel Oudkerk of Lot 65 Lamaha Springs, Georgetown.

Reports are that the accident occurred at about 15:20h on Wednesday.

According to Police,

The motor jeep that was involved in the accident

Oudkerk was riding motorcycle CH 1099 with Sam as his pillion rider, proceeding north along Critchlow Avenue. Motor jeep PSS 7007 was being driven at the time by a 41-year-old female, who was proceeding west along the northern drive lane of the southern carriageway of Nelson Mandela Avenue.

It is alleged that the driver of the motorcycle, on approaching the junction of Nelson Mandela and Critchlow Avenues, failed to stop, and proceeded to cross the road going from south

The motorcycle that was involved in the accident

to north in a bid to proceed onto the northern carriageway at an opening between the median.

According to Police, in so doing, he ended up into the path of the motor jeep, and the front of that vehicle came into contact with the right side of the motorcycle, causing the motorcyclist and pillion rider to be thrown onto the roadway,

where they received injuries about their bodies.

Police said the motorcyclist was picked up in a semi-conscious state by Emergency Medical

Technicians, placed into an ambulance and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, while the pillion rider was placed into a Police vehicle and was also transported to the hospital, where a doctor on duty pronounced the pillion rider dead on arrival.

Police said the motor jeep was examined, two

breathalyzer tests were conducted on the driver, and no trace of alcohol was detected.

Additionally, Police said the motorcyclist was wearing a safety helmet, but the pillion rider was not wearing a helmet.

An investigation has been launched.

Sir Shridath Ramphal’s papers, covering 72 years of public life, released

C

aribbean and Commonwealth elder statesman, Sir Shridath Ramphal, has released papers on the internet, covering 72 years of public life in the Caribbean, the Commonwealth and internationally.

In his distinguished career, Sir Shridath ‘Sonny’ Ramphal has served as Assistant AttorneyGeneral of the West Indies Federation, Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and concurrently Chancellor of the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies and Warwick University.

He is the only person to have served on all the Global Commissions that produced pioneering reports on the environment, development and disarmament, between 1980 and 1995. He was also Chairman of the West Indian Commission, whose 1992 report, “Time for Action”, is still regarded today as the seminal blueprint for Caribbean de-

Sir Shridath Ramphal

velopment. Sir Shridath was called to service in many other capacities, including President of the World Conservation Union, Special Adviser to the UN Conference on Environment and Development, Chief Negotiator for the Caribbean on External Economic Relations, and as a mediator and facilitator in elections and constitutional crises.

As the longest-serving Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral from 1975 to 1990, Sir Shridath played a lead

role in ending institutional racism in Southern Africa, particularly in terminating apartheid in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela said of him: “He is one of those men who have become famous because, in their fight for human justice, they have chosen the whole world as their theatre.” The website, giving free access to Sir Shridath’s speeches and other submissions from 1950 to 2022, is available to the public at www.sirshridathramphal.com (Antigua Observer)

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 men are latest COVID-19 deaths GUYANA COVID-19 DASHBOARD JUNE 29, 2022 UPDATE

T

he country’s novel coronavirus death toll has risen to 1,253 following the deaths of two fully-vaccinated men who were infected with COVID-19.

The latest fatalities,

aged 68 and 64, hailed from Regions Two and Four respectively. It is unclear if the men had received booster doses.

Meanwhile, the country has recorded 104 new cases of the virus, taking

the total positives detected to date to 67,325. There are 32 persons in the hospitals, two in the ICU, 868 in home isolation, and six in institutional quarantine.

Recoveries stand at 65,170.

R Kelly sentenced to 30 years in prison for sex crimes

R

&B star R Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for using his superstardom to subject young fans – some just children – to systematic sexual abuse.

The singer and songwriter, 55, was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking last year at a trial that gave voice to accusers.

US District Judge Ann Donnelly imposed the sentence on Wednesday after hearing from several survivors who attested to how Kelly’s exploitation reverberated across their lives.

“You made me do things that broke my spirit. I literally wished I would die because of how low you

made me feel,” said one unnamed survivor, directly addressing Kelly, who kept his hands folded and his eyes downcast. “Do you remember that?”

The sentence caps a slow-motion fall for Kelly, who was adored by legions of fans and sold millions of albums even after allegations about his abuse of young girls began circulating publicly in the 1990s.

Widespread outrage over Kelly’s sexual misconduct did not come until the #MeToo reckoning, reaching a crescendo after the release of the docuseries, Surviving R Kelly.

Kelly’s lawyers had argued he should get no more than 10 years in prison because he had a traumatic childhood “involving severe, prolonged childhood sexual abuse, poverty, and violence”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

NUMBER OF NEW CASES

104

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL ISOLATION

32

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN HOME ISOLATION

868

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN COVID-19 ICU

2

NUMBER OF PERSONS IN INSTITUTIONAL QUARANTINE

32

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (FEMALES)

36,430

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES BY GENDER (MALES)

30,895

TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES IN GUYANA SINCE 2020

67,325

NUMBER OF RECOVERED CASES

65,170

DISTRIBUTION OF TOTAL CONFIRMED CASES SINCE MARCH 2020 REGION 1

2571

REGION 2

2912

REGION 3

8410

REGION 4

33,439

REGION 5

2468

REGION 6

6508

REGION 7

2482

REGION 8

886

REGION 9

4079

REGION 10

3570

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

TOTAL 1st DOSE VACCINATED FULLY IMMUNISED

443,529 343,324

TOTAL NUMBER OF DEATHS

1253

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.

Diaspora Unit donates medical books to UG throughout the USA and the world.

This is part of the ongoing efforts of the Diaspora Unit to reconnect Guyanese worldwide to be stakehold-

ers in the continued development of Guyana.

The books were handed over by Foreign Service Officers Fardeen Alli and Tevianne Griffith.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

Foreign Service Officers Fardeen Alli and Tevianne Griffith handing over the books to UG Librarian Gwyneth George and UG Acquisitions Librarian (temp) Surujdai Mangra (right)

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he Diaspora Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Wednesday donated to the University of Guyana (UG) copies of a medical book written by Guyanese Physician Dr Wazir Kudrath.

The book, Physiology: Prescription for the United States Medical Licensure Exam (USMLE) – A Concise Conceptual Approach, was handed over to the Library

of the University.

In a release, the University said the objectives of Dr Kudrath’s medical book are to provide a framework that outlines and explains high yield topics, discuss common pitfalls, and provide an approach to clinical application, among other things.

Chief Librarian at UG, Gwyneth George, in expressing gratitude for the donation, said, “We are quite sure that it will be use-

ful to our students and our patrons at large.”

Also present at the simple handing over exercise was UG’s Acquisitions Librarian (temp) Surujdai Mangra, who also expressed appreciation on behalf of the University.

“We are thankful for this kind donation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and we hope to have this continuing relationship with the Ministry,” she said.

Guyanese Physician and

Author Dr Kudrath is a former student of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at UG, and is now a visiting lecturer at several medical schools in the Caribbean, USA and the Middle East.

Over the last 25 years, he has specialised in preparing students and medical graduates for the USMLE Step 1 Examination. His ability to take materials and present them in a concise and conceptual format has benefited thousands of students

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:45 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

(Sign on) Inspirational Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Stop Suffering Stay Woke MasterChef Junior House Hunter Renovation Paternity Court Divorce Court Movie - One Summer (2021) Wheel of Fortune The Thundermans S3 E22 No Good Nick S2 E7 Indian Soaps Call me Kat S1 E10 Inspector Gadget S1 E31 The Young & The Restless Access Exxon Mobil 25 CNN The Evening News Stop Suffering Brooklyn Nine-Nine S4 E12 Station 19 S2 E3 Grey's Anatomy S5 E5 The Ranch S3 E14 Whose Line Is It Anyway? S14 E4 Sign off

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

Regional

Brazil’s Senate to vote on Bolsonaro’s Mexican Journalist shot pre-election spending package dead outside home

H

igh fuel prices resulting from the Ukraine war have created an economic emergency in Brazil that justifies a massive aid package for self-employed truckers and others, the Senator behind the Government-backed proposal said on Wednesday as he unveiled the measure.

The proposed constitutional amendment, scheduled to be voted on today, is seen as crucial to boosting support for President Jair Bolsonaro, who faces an uphill battle to win re-election in October.

In addition to the 1000 reais ($192.38) aid for truckers, the bill also seeks to increase by 50 per cent the amount paid in the Auxilio Brasil social welfare programme, and increase a gas voucher.

Senator Fernando Bezerra

said the global spike in energy prices gave legal justification for bypassing a constitutional spending cap and delivering payments to truckers, a key Bolsonaro constituency.

The state of emergency “will not be an open door for new expenses”, Bezerra said in a press conference, noting the proposal has enough support for a Senate vote. It would still require approval in the Lower House for passage.

According to Bezerra, the total impact of the new benefits is around 38.75 billion reais (US$7.5 billion).

Brazilian Treasury Secretary Paulo Valle acknowledged during a separate conference on Wednesday that the spending proposal, along with a recent tax cut on gasoline prices, will negatively impact the budget by US$55.5 billion this year.

A

President Jair Bolsonaro

But he said the cost should be offset by income from the privatisation of power company Eletrobras and from dividends by the State-owned oil firm Petrobras (PETR4.

SA) and development bank BNDES. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexican journalist was shot and killed while leaving his home in Ciudad Victoria in north-eastern Mexico.

His 23-year-old daughter was also seriously injured in the gun attack on Wednesday.

The victim, 47-year-old Antonio de la Cruz, a reporter for the regional newspaper Expreso, is the 12th Mexican Journalist murdered this year amid rising violence against members of the press.

De la Cruz worked for Expreso for nearly three decades, reporting on rural and social issues while

living in the city of Ciudad Victoria. The city is located in the border state of Tamaulipas, which has faced issues of violence and organised crime.

The shooting of de la Cruz is the latest in a string of violent attacks on Journalists in Mexico, making 2022 the deadliest year on record for members of the country’s press.

Mexico is the most dangerous country for reporters outside of war zones.

Two Mexican Journalists, Yessenia Mollinedo and Sheila Johana Garcia, were murdered in the state of

Veracruz in May, and more than 150 journalists have been killed since 2000.

Those employed by smaller regional outlets often face the most risk.

Human rights and press freedom groups have lamented the violence faced

by Mexican Journalists and called on the Government to act.

On its website, the group Reporters Without Borders said that Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had not “undertaken the necessary reforms to stop the spiral of violence against the press”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

PM asked to tell Jamaicans cost of failed Venezuela moves to strengthen rule of law, Johnson Smith bid for Commonwealth job judicial independence a concern – UN

V

enezuela has taken some steps to strengthen the rule of law but the lack of independence of its legal system remains concerning, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet said in a new report on Wednesday.

Bachelet’s office has documented human rights incidents in the nation for the past two years and the latest report, which details the situation between May 2021 and April 2022, noted police and judicial reforms during that period.

Among the changes, she highlighted were the restruc-

turing of the national Police and the official “dissolution” of the Special Action Forces, known as FAES, which had been accused in previous reports of torture and killings.

There has been a reduction in the number of deaths in security operations, Bachelet said.

“I want to encourage the authorities to take more measures to promote structural and long-term changes in the country,” Bachelet said at a UN session in Geneva, where she called for people arbitrarily detained in Venezuela to be released.

But the report indicated that measures to strength-

en the independence of the Venezuelan judicial system remained insufficient. Links between the Judiciary and politicians were a cause for concern, and appointments of Judges should be made through a “public and transparent” process, it said.

Parliament appointed new members to the top court this year, raising concerns among critics and opponents.

The stigmatisation and criminalisation of advocacy groups and the use of anti-terrorism and organised crime legislation against human rights activists and the media is also a concern, Bachelet added. (Excerpt from Reuters)

COVID cases spike in Americas, South America worst hit – PAHO

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OVID-19 cases in the Americas rose about 14 per cent last week from the previous one, with 1.3 million new cases and 4158 new deaths reported, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) said on Wednesday.

South America was the worst affected, with the COVID death rate up 32.8 per cent from the previous week, according to PAHO Director, Dr Carissa Etienne.

“In South America, there has been a significant increase in COVID-19 incidence, with almost half a million new COVID-19 cases reported during the last week – a 24.6 per cent increase compared to the previous week,” Dr Etienne said in a press briefing.

The largest rise in infections were reported in Bolivia followed by Peru.

North America saw an increase of 7.7 per cent compared to the previous week despite a drop in cases in Canada, as the United States

T

he Jamaican Government is being called to tell the nation how much money was spent on the failed campaign by the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, to unseat the Dominica-born Baroness Patricia Scotland as Secretary General of The Commonwealth.

Johnson Smith lost her bid for the top job during last Friday’s vote at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. She polled 24 votes to Scotland’s 27, in a closely-contested race that had threatened to divide Caricom.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in the face of criticism, had stoutly defended Johnson Smith’s candidacy since it was announced in a Jamaica House statement in early April.

Since the surprise announcement, the Prime Minister of Antigua and

Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith addresses a press conference at Jamaica House. Beside her is Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Barbuda, Gaston Browne, described Jamaica’s decision as a “monumental mistake” which he said threatened to divide Caricom.

The decision was also criticised by Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Since she lost, the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has

also accused the Holness Administration of dividing Caricom and said they were left with “eggs on their faces”.

Now the party’s spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson wants the government to tell the country how much was spent on the now failed campaign.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Tobago relieved as island spared major damage after storm warning

T

A woman wearing a protective mask looks through the window of a bus at the central bus station in Brasilia, Brazil (Reuters/Adriano Machado file photo)

and Mexico are trending in the opposite direction, PAHO said.

“In the context of evolving patterns of transmission, countries should not lower their guard,” Dr Etienne said.

She stressed that more attention needed to be paid to prepare the Americas’ health systems for the long-term effects of post COVID-19 conditions, often referred to as long COVID, for which symptoms

can be “extremely debilitating”.

The most common symptom is severe and persistent fatigue, Dr Etienne said, adding that people may also experience shortness of breath and loss of taste and smell.

“All of this can impact a person’s mental health and influence important aspects of their personal and professional lives,” she said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

obagonians are rejoicing that they were spared the wrath of a tropical storm.

On Monday afternoon, the Met Office issued an orange-level tropical storm warning.

After the passage of the strong tropical wave on Tuesday, the atmosphere remains generally moist and unstable and as a result, an adverse weather alert was in effect until 18:00h on Wednesday.

For the most part, Tobagonians buckled down for a battering that never came.

On Tuesday evening,

the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) activated its command centre, comprising all essential services, as well as ordering 17 of the island’s 33 shelters opened.

But by noon on Wednesday, TEMA, on advice from the Met Office announced the situation had changed.

Andy Patrick was relieved.

“I feel good. Tobago is blessed, I felt pretty good when at 11pm I heard of the discontinuation (of the alert) – I feel good.”

Carla Alleyne said: “I went to bed with my Bible.

Those winds were scary. I am really happy to know that we were spared, thank God.” Antonio Phillips said: “This was definitely good news. I experienced quite a few in the past and trust me, it’s not a nice experience. So it’s definitely good news.”

Director of the TEMA Allan Stewart agreed.

“From where we are, we feel very happy. We came away quite well.

“We’re doing everything that we can to bring assistance to those persons that would have been disrupted.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil slides 2% on rising US fuel stocks and output

By David Gaffen

O

il prices slid about two per cent on Wednesday as a rise in US gasoline and distillate inventories and worries about slower economic growth around the world offset ongoing concerns about tight crude supplies.

Brent futures for August delivery fell US$1.72, or 1.5 per cent, to settle at US$116.26 a barrel. The August contract will expire today and the more-active September contract was down US$1.35 to US$112.45.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for August fell US$1.98, or 1.8 per cent, to settle at US$109.78.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) said US crude inventories fell last week even as production hit its highest level since April 2020 during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Fuel stocks rose as refiners ramped up activity, operating at 95 per cent of capacity, the highest for this time of year in four years.

"The EIA report put a damper on the market. The rise in gasoline and distillate inventories eases the pressure a bit and the uptick in US production also factored into the price decline," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

Those surprise inventory gains caused US gasoline and distillates futures to drop about three per cent and four per cent, respectively. Traders said crude futures followed the fuel prices lower.

Also putting pressure on oil was a rise in the US dollar against a basket of other currencies to its highest since hitting a 19-year high in mid-June. A stronger dollar makes oil more expensive for buyers using other currencies.

Brent and WTI gained about seven per cent over the prior three sessions on worries about tight supplies caused in part

by Western sanctions on Russia.

"Given that almost one-fifth of global oil producing capacity today is under some form of sanctions (Iran, Venezuela, Russia), we believed there is no practical way to keep these barrels out of a market that was already exceptionally tight," JP Morgan said in a research note.

But investors are also concerned that slowing economies could dent energy demand as central banks hike interest rates to battle inflation.

The US Federal Reserve will not let the economy slip into a "higher inflation regime" even if it means raising interest rates to levels that put growth at risk, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said.

Uncertainty in global oil and gas markets could stay for some time to come as spare capacity is very low while demand is still recovering, Shell PLC (SHEL.L) Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden said.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies such as Russia that form the OPEC+ group, began a series of two-day meetings on Wednesday with sources saying chances of a big policy change look unlikely this month.

Analysts are concerned that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) may not have enough spare capacity to make up for lost Russian supply. French President Emmanuel Macron said this week he was told these producers will struggle to increase output further.

However, the UAE Energy Minister said the country, which is producing about three million bpd, has some spare capacity above its OPEC quota of 3.17 million bpd.

Analysts also warned that political unrest in Ecuador and Libya could tighten supply further.

In Russia, the Black Sea Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal will resume loading oil from its second single mooring point on July 1.(Reuters)

Putin: Russia will respond if NATO sets up infrastructure in Finland, Sweden

P

resident Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia would respond in kind if NATO deployed troops and infrastructure in Finland and Sweden after they join the US-led military alliance.

"With Sweden and Finland, we don't have the problems that we have with Ukraine. They want to join NATO, go ahead," Putin told Russian State television after talks with regional leaders in the central Asian ex-Soviet state of Turkmenistan.

"But they must understand there was no threat before, while now, if military contingents and infrastructure are deployed there, we will have to respond in kind and create the same threats for the territories from which threats towards us are created."

He said it was inevitable

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends Caspian Summit in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 29, 2022 (Sputnik/Grigory Sysoyev/ Pool via Reuters)

that Moscow's relations with Helsinki and Stockholm would sour over their NATO membership.

"Everything was fine between us, but now there might be some tensions, there certainly will," he said. "It's inevitable if there is a threat to us."

Putin made his comment

a day after NATO member Turkey lifted its veto over the bid by Finland and Sweden to join the alliance after the three nations agreed to protect each other's security.

The move means Helsinki and Stockholm can proceed with their application to join NATO, marking the biggest

shift in European security in decades.

Putin added that the objectives of what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine remained unchanged, that its goal was to "liberate" eastern Ukraine's Donbas region and create conditions to ensure Russia's security.

He said Russian troops had advanced in Ukraine and that the military intervention was going as planned. There was no need, he said, to set a deadline for an end to the campaign.

Meanwhile, in another report, Director of US National Intelligence Avril Haines, outlining the current American intelligence assessment of the morethan-four-month war, said that the consensus of their spy agencies was that it would grind on "for an extended period of time".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Paris attacks: Salah Abdeslam guilty as historic trial ends

T

he only surviving attacker from the group that carried out the November 2015 Paris attacks has been found guilty of terrorism and murder charges.

Salah Abdeslam received a rare full-life sentence for his role in the gun and bomb attacks that killed 130 people.

The court also convicted 19 other men involved, six of whom are believed to be dead.

The trial – the biggest in modern French history – began last September.

For more than nine months, victims, Journalists,

Salah Abdeslam (right) standing next to the 13 other defendants in front of Paris' criminal court during the trial of the November 2015 attacks on June 27

and the families of the dead lined up outside the specially-built courtroom in Paris to piece together the story of

US Capitol riot panel faces questions over Trump fracas in SUV

A

congressional probe into the January 6 assault on the US Capitol by Donald Trump supporters faced questions on Wednesday about what steps it had taken to corroborate a White House aide's account of the then President having struggled with Secret Service agents in his armoured SUV that day.

US media outlets, citing Secret Service sources, said the head of Trump's security detail, Robert Engel, and the driver of the car were prepared to challenge the aide's testimony that Trump grabbed the steering wheel of the modified Chevrolet Suburban when he learned that the Secret Service would not drive him to the Capitol, where thousands of his supporters rioted.

Neither Engel nor the driver made public statements on Wednesday.

Trump on Tuesday denied having grabbed the wheel.

An aide to the US House of Representatives committee on January 6 said it would welcome testimony from any witness who wished to provide new information under oath following Tuesday's testimony by Cassidy Hutchinson, an aide to Trump's White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

The House aide declined to answer questions about whether the committee already had interviewed Secret Service agents or other officials with first-hand knowledge of the incident Hutchinson described.

"Ms. Hutchinson stands by all of the testimony she provided yesterday, under oath, to the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol," her Attorneys Jody Hunt and William Jordan said in a statement late on Wednesday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

the worst attack in France since World War Two. The attacks across bars, restaurants, the national football stadium and Bataclan music venue on November 13, 2015 saw hundreds injured alongside those killed.

At the beginning of the trial Abedslam was defiant, describing himself as a "soldier" of the so-called Islamic

State group.

But he later apologised to the victims, telling the court in his closing remarks that he was "not a murderer, or a killer", and that to convict him of murder would be "an injustice".

He also claimed during the trial that he decided not to detonate his suicide vest on the night of the attack and disposed of it in a Paris suburb.

However, the court accepted evidence that the suicide vest was defective, and, therefore, it did not believe that Abdeslam had experienced a last-minute change of heart.

His full-life sentence means there is only a small chance of parole after 30 years. It is the most severe penalty for criminals in France and is rarely handed down by the country's courts. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Israel set to get new PM and hold 5th election in less than 4 years

Y

air Lapid is poised to become Israel's new Prime Minister, with Parliament preparing to dissolve itself and trigger the country's fifth election in less than four years.

Lapid, the leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party and Foreign Minister, will take over from Naftali Bennett under an existing power-sharing deal.

They formed an unlikely eight-party coalition after last year's election.

However, it collapsed last

week, clearing the way for fresh polls.

It also creates an opening for Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to return to office despite being on trial on corruption charges which he denies.

Netanyahu, whose rightwing Likud party is predicted to remain the largest in the Knesset, was ousted

by Bennett and Lapid last June, breaking two years of political stalemate. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Start a home improvement project or tidy up your surroundings. Channel your energy into something concrete.

Don’t start something you can’t finish or get into a heated discussion.

(March 21-April 19) A change will help you see things differently. Be inventive, and you’ll develop an idea that will help you stand out.

Invest in yourself instead of giving your all to benefit someone else.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

Keep your thoughts private. Someone will misconstrue what you say or give you a hard time. A single-handed approach will provide you with the freedom to get things done without disruption.

(May 21-June 20) Make a change before someone beats you to it, and you’ll find yourself in a much better place mentally and emotionally. Put the past behind you and start anew. Do things that benefit you.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Consider what you can accomplish, then get moving. Trusting your intelligence and having an optimistic outlook will win favors and support. Make self-improvement and love your priorities.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Bring about change. If you wait, someone will take charge and disappoint you. Make sure you oversee things so that every detail will be taken care of to perfection. A change of heart is featured.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22) You’ll be uncertain about what you want to do and what others expect of you. Control your emotions, and take the initiative to do the work yourself. There is no room for laziness.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Observation will pay off when dealing with your peers. Networking and bouncing ideas off someone you find intriguing will lead to an exciting proposal. Make sure you get what you want in writing.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be open to suggestions and willing to put your energy into making things happen, but don’t let anyone take advantage of your enthusiasm. Make sure you get what you give.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Emotions will surface, and being open about your thoughts to those affected by your choices will be necessary.

A plan for a domestic shakeup must be considered carefully.

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- SCAVENGED

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Refuse to let what others do affect your plans. Stay focused on what’s important to you, while also expanding your horizons. Personal improvements will give you a needed boost.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Be careful with whom you share personal information. Stick close to home and refuse to get into an emotional disagreement with someone looking for a fight. Set a budget for a project or party.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

21

WINDIES Masters wing out to UK for the Marlborough Cup Tour …Dhaniram brothers to turn out for the West Indies

A

The Windies Masters Team

lthough the West Indies O-50 team will still be missing some key players for the Marlborough Cup tour of the UK, they have still been able to put together a very formidable lineup for this maiden tour of England and Wales.

However, the West Indies will be without some of their key players: William Lashley, Vejai Seonarine, Shiv Seeram, Krish Harricharan and Lawrence Pooran. Lashley has had his first tour in Houston, Texas in March of this year, and he had made quite an impact with both bat and ball.

Vejai Seonarine had had a very lean series in Texas, which was in stark contrast to his wonderful series during the Americas Cup in Canada last August, when he had skyrocketed to the number 2 ranking in the world. He has

now dropped to number 8, but remains the highest ranked WI player in the World O-50s.

However, Windies will be buttressed with the inclusion of the Dhaniram brothers, Sunil and Sudesh, who are both available for this important tour. Both brothers have had previous experience in English conditions, and will each be expected to play a major role for the Windies Masters in this tour. Sunil is currently ranked at #46 in the World rankings after just one series in the Americas Cup, but had played 44 ODIs and 11 T20Is for Canada. It’s quite surprising that Sudesh is not currently ranked in the top 50, but he would obviously want to correct that anomaly.

The other West Indians in the top 50 rankings of the world are: Azad Mohammed, at #25,

dropping several points from #4; Fareed Hosein at #35; Zamin Amin at #39; and Mohan Harihar at #40.

All these guys will be looking to improve on their current rankings on this tour, with the others looking to break into the top 50.

Kenny Girdharry had had a great series with the ball in Texas, where he had taken the most wickets, and he would surely be spearheading the bowling attack for the West Indies. Kenny will have two other quality seamers in the team in Mark Audain, who is rejoining the team after a brief hiatus since the 2020 World Cup in South Africa; and Mohan Harihar, who had an excellent series with the ball in Canada during the Americas Cup. Fareed Hosein is one of the top all-rounders in the team, and is the only leg spinner in the

squad. He is expected to be a key player for the West Indies, should they come out on top in this tournament.

Ishwar Maraj, who captained the Canadian team in the ICC World Cup, had had some good starts in Texas, but did not carry on for big scores. He will have to temper his shot selection and bat for longer periods.

Anthony Sahadeo is the only newcomer to the West Indies side, slotting in as the firstchoice keeper, and he will be looking to cement his place in the team for the O-50s World Cup next March. Sadeo had a few good starts also in Texas, but must concentrate harder and bat longer for his team. Both Sahadeo and Rajendra ‘Daniel’ Sadeo are attacking batsmen and if they are chosen to open could form a very lethal pair as a left-hand/righthand combination. Ishwar Maraj has also opened for the West Indies in previous series. There are quite a few contenders for the opening slots, namely: Mark Audain, Kris Ramdat, Roy Singh, and Azad Mohammed. Bidhesi is a seasoned veteran, having represented Trinidad & Tobago in the Regional Tournament. He had a decent tour in Texas, but was crippled by a groin injury. He is now back to full fitness, and will be rearing to go.

Once again, the evergreen

Zamin Amin, former captain of the USA team to the ICC World Cup, will be leading the West Indies team in the UK, which consists of twelve O-50 players and four O-60 players, namely: Roy Singh, Rick Ali, Kris Ramdat & Hafiz Mohamed. CWIMA has made a deliberate decision to include a few O-60 players for this tour. The aim is to give them some valuable match practice prior to their O-60 World Cup in Brisbane, Australia in September.

West Indies will play a total of 7 ODIs within the space of 11 days, and will commence their tour on July 3rd with 2 practice ODI games against Wales in Wales, then travel to London for another 2 practice ODIs at Broxbourne and Gravesend against England and India respectively. Hereunder is the full fixture for the tournament: Sunday July 3 11.30 am 1 s t ODI- WI vs Wales Practice game Pontarddulais CC, Wales Tuesday July 5 11.30 am 2 n d ODI- WI vs Wales Practice game Ynystawe CC, Wales Thursday July 7 11.30am 3 r d ODI- WI vs England Practice game Broxbourne CC Friday July 8 11.30am 4 t h ODI- WI vs India Practice game Gravesend CC Sunday July 10 11.30am 5 t h ODI-WI vs Wales Marlborough Cup Marlborough College Monday July 11 11.30am 6 t h

ODI- WI vs India Marlborough Cup Marlborough College Tuesday July 12 11.30 am 7 t h ODI- WI vs England Marlborough Cup Marlborough College The final leg of the tour will take place at the Marlborough College ground with all 4 teams playing each other once in 3 back-to-back games for the Marlborough Cup. The team with the most points at the end of the 3-day tournament will be declared the winner. All games will be live scored online, and persons can login to the CWIMA website-www.windiescricket.org.

Most of the games will also be live streamed.

The full West Indies O-50 squad for this tour reads: * Zamin Amin- Captain * Imtiaz ‘Rick’ Ali * Mark Audain * Narine Bidhesi * Sudesh Dhaniram * Sunil Dhaniram * Kenny Girdharry * Brijmohan Harihar * Fareed Hosein * Ishwar Maraj * Hafiz Mohamed * Azad Mohammed * Krishendat Ramdat * Rajendra ‘Daniel Sadeo * Anthony Sahadeo- Wkpr * Balwant ‘Roy’ Singh Manager: Raj Singh Asst. Manager: Dave Narine Ambassador: Colin Croft

Meridian Bank Great Valley Criterium in USA…

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ritish two-time champion Andy Murray has made his earliest exit from Wimbledon, having lost in four sets against American John Isner in the second round.

The 35-year-old former world number one clinched the third set to keep his hopes alive, but fell 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 to the big-hitting 20th seed.

Isner, a 2018 semi-finalist, fired 36 aces on his way to an impressive victory on Centre Court. He will next play 20-year-old Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner.

In 13 previous attempts, Murray had never previously failed to reach the third round at SW19. But he was unable to register a break of serve against the unwavering Isner, who executed his trademark big-serving game to perfection to record a memorable win, and cause him to go out just hours after British teenager Emma Raducanu had lost to Caroline Garcia on the same court.

No way through for Murray against Isner

Feeding off an electric atmosphere to stay in the match, Murray punched the cooling air as a looping Isner return dropped wide to conclude the third set, and the crowd rose to its feet to offer further encouragement.

But then came the sucker punch.

The Briton, ranked 52nd in the world, rescued one break point for deuce, but a second chance proved one too many as 37-year-old Isner took a 3-2 lead in the fourth, with the light

John Isner is now just four behind the record of 13,728 aces in Tour-level matches held by Ivo Karlovic

beginning to fade at SW19.

At 4-2, play was paused to allow the roof to be closed, and following the restart, the American delivered on serve to turn around a 0-30 deficit and move one game from victory. He was forced to serve out the contest, and duly obliged - a love hold sealing a fitting end to an efficient display against the home favourite.

Murray, whose Wimbledon preparations were disrupted by an abdominal injury, had come back to win his opening match against Australian James Duckworth on Monday in four sets.

A fightback was once again required against an opponent he had beaten in all eight previous meetings, but Isner proved an insurmountable obstacle in their first contest on grass.

It was the American who landed the first blow, drawing a couple of errors from the Scot as he broke to 15. A superb backhand winner was celebrated by the captivated crowd, and helped Murray reach the first of two break-point opportunities in the following game, but a series

of blistering serves ensured Isner escaped unharmed.

Three comfortable holds of serve, two without conceding a point, enabled the world number 24 to secure the first set relatively untroubled.

In a tight second set, Murray took a moment to compose himself, head in hands, after missing a backhand down the line that would have given him a break point when leading 4-3.

But with neither player faltering on serve, it fell to a tie-break to determine the extent of Murray’s task. If he was to continue at SW19, he would have to come back from two sets down for the 11th time in his career.

Twice forced to serve to stay in the tournament when trailing 5-4 and 6-5, Murray called upon his vast experience to twice hold serve to love and reach another tie-break.

And while that one went his way, it was ultimately not to be for Murray and his faithful support, as his 14th Wimbledon challenge met a premature end.

Isner was magnanimous towards his beaten opponent in his on-court interview, saying: “I am most definitely not a better tennis player than Andy Murray, I might have just been a little better than him today.

“It was an incredible honour to play him on this court in front of this crowd. At the age I’m at now, I need to relish these moments. This was one of the biggest wins of my career.

“To play as well as I did against one of our greatest players ever was a huge accomplishment for me. He’s a massive inspiration to each one of us in the locker room, and we are so lucky to still have him around.”

James Joseph continues to shine, tops Masters Men 65+class

Analysis

Three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe on 'Today at Wimbledon' “Murray has got to go all in now. What’s he going to do - pick and choose and play every couple of months? I don’t think that’s going to happen. He wants to get back to a point where he’s seeded at a tournament, where he’s in the position where he feels that he’s one of the big boys again. This is a guy who has been in 11 Grand Slam finals.

“This has got to be unbelievably difficult, what he’s been going through the last four or five years.

And to watch Novak Djokovic do what he does, to see Rafa Nadal get to 22, he’s an all-time great also, Murray. This is rough for him. Isner rose to the occasion big time.” (BBC Sport)

W

James Joseph after Sunday’s race

e Stand United Cycle Club’s James Joseph continues to keep the Golden Arrowhead flying in the USA by winning the Masters Men’s 65+ category 1/2/3/4 race at the Meridian Bank Great Valley Criterium on Sunday last in Malvern, PA. Joseph, who is in pristine form this season, topped a field of ten riders in his category, clocking 1:00:22 to win ahead of Paul Korner (ActiveYards/Trek), who was timed at 1:00:24, the same time as the third-placed Mark Hastings (QCW Cycling p/b Cadence Cycling).

Combining the 55+ and 65+ categories, Joseph placed eighth overall.

Meanwhile, another Guyanese, Jamaul John (CRCA/Foundation Elite Team) placed eighth in the category 1/2/3 race in 1:51:23. This race was won by Dylan Bibic (Premier Tech u23) in 1:50:46, with second place going to Clever Martinez (Miami Blazers), who was timed at 1:50:47.

John’s teammate Jamol Eastmond took the final podium spot in 1:50:48.

A total of 102 riders contested this category, with 13 not completing the distance.

22 West Indies to play ‘A’ team tour against Bangladesh in August THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

et. So yes, we have moved from my time to playing five First-Class games now. Pre COVID-19, we played ten games, five home and away.

The logic in getting five, ten First-Class games, we feel in terms of standard and development, we need to find that filler between that level and international level, and ‘A’ team cricket is perfect for that. So, we (CWI) are looking to fill out our calendar for the next five years, of hav-

Tevin Imlach and Tagenarine Chanderpaul may be the first two players from the Guyana Harpy Eagles to play in the ‘A’ team series against Bangladesh ‘A’ (Brandon Corlette photos)

By Brandon Corlette

A

fter an extended break, ‘A’ team cricket is set to return to the Caribbean. West Indies’ ‘A’ team will be playing Bangladesh ‘A’ from August.

This is according to Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, who made this disclosure on the Caribbean Cricket Podcast.

“We are going to have ‘A’ team cricket in August

GCB U17 Inter-County cricket…

Alvin Mohabir scored 58 and bagged 2 for 7

Isai Thorne picked up 5-57 in a losing effort

emerara U17 thrashed Berbice U17 by 113 runs as the U17 Inter-County action continued on Tuesday at the LBI Ground. This victory came compliments of Alvin Mohabir, who bailed his team out of trouble with a fighting half century and two important wickets.

Demerara, having won the toss and electing to bat first, found themselves in trouble as Berbice managed to pick up some early wickets to leave them struggling at 38-3.

Then Alvin Mohabir came to the crease. He dug deep to score a patient 58, which came off 100 balls, and when he departed, the score stood at 133-5, Isai Thorne and Shiv Harripersaud having done most of the damage.

However, things were far from over, as Thorne returned to put the final nail in the Demerara coffin in bowling them out for 179 in 49.1 overs. Besides Mohabir’s 58, Shiloh Adams

contributed a 125-ball 29, and Jonathan Van Lange contributed 26.

Bowling for Berbice, Isai Thorne took 5-57, Shiv Harripersaud took 2-30 and Sanjay Algoo took 1-33.

Heading into the highly anticipated chase, Berbice were bundled out for 66 runs made in 31.2 overs.

There was trouble in the Berbice camp from the getgo, and by the 20th over the score read 39-5. And with most of their top order gone, the lower order folded meekly under pressure.

The Demerara unit showed great fight as they bowled a disciplined line and length. Sasenarine Harricharran was the star of the show, bagging 4-11.

Mohabir returned with the ball and picked up 2-7 off his seven overs, which included three maidens.

Adding to the Berbicians’ woes were Mhyiem Khan with figures of 1-8, Romeo Deonarine with figures of 1-12, and Riyad Latiff with figures of 1-10.

D

against Bangladesh. What we are looking to fill out is a calendar that has a minimum of two ‘A’ team tours per year,” Adams explained.

While some players had shown promise and performance at the recent West Indies First-Class championships, they sat as reserves on the last Test series against Bangladesh. Despite their current form, these players will have to wait a while for more red-ball cricket, until the next season; but with the reintroduction of ‘A’ team tours, players such as Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Jeremiah Louis would have the opportunity to play competitive redball cricket at a level above the Regionals.

“Looking at the development pyramid, we see ‘A’ team cricket as critical in bridging that gap to where our First-Class cricket is at the minute and International crick-

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who had a good First-Class season, would likely be the opening batsman for the West Indies ‘A’ team

ing two ‘A’ team tours per year,” Adams added.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have also confirmed in recent reports that they will send the Bangladesh ‘A’ side for a tour to the West Indies. It will be the Bangladesh ‘A’ team’s first series in nearly three years. Their last tour was to Sri Lanka in September-October 2019, while the Bangladesh Emerging Team - comprising predominantly Under-23 cricketers - last played a series in March 2021.

The BCB’s decision-makers believe that the younger lot, who will be eventually considered for the next batch in Tests, should be given at least another couple of years to prepare themselves, and ‘A’ team tours is the perfect platform for this.

Based on statistics from the most recent First-Class season in the Caribbean, uncapped Test players who were standout performers are Chanderpaul, who scored 439 runs; Devon Thomas, who made 414 runs; Paul Palmer (336), and Yanic Cariah (314).

Guyanese Tevin Imlach, who also scored 215 runs in three matches and is a wicketkeeper-batsman, may also get a look-in.

In the bowling department, uncapped players who may be given a lookin are Jeremiah Louis, who claimed 18 wickets; off-spinner Brian Charles, who had 16 wickets; and Kenneth Dember, who had 15 wickets. In the coming weeks, CWI will announce the full details of the ‘A’ team series against Bangladesh in the Caribbean.

Basketball star James Harden declines $47.4M player option

…Plans long-term extension with the 76ers

J

ames Harden has declined his player option – which would have paid him $47.4M for the upcoming season – to become an unrestricted free agent, although all signs point to an extension with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Since arriving with the 76ers this past season in the trade that sent Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets, Harden's production has been up-and-down. He averaged 21 points, 10.5 assists and 6.5 rebounds in his 21 regular season games with his new team, but he also shot a career low 40 per cent from the field, while attempting his fewest shots per game (13.6) since coming off the bench with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011-12.

His numbers in the playoffs dipped even further, averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 assists and 5.7 rebounds, while no-showing in the second half of some crucial defeats in

James Harden

their six-game series loss to the Miami Heat.

The report about Harden declining his player option, broken by The Athletic's Shams Charania, states his reason for declining the option is to extend his tenure with the 76ers at a more team-friendly salary, which would allow the team to spend the savings on additional talent.

In the report, it is said that Harden has also returned to the 76ers' practice facility to begin his off-season

program early, with his "sole focus" being to win a title in Philadelphia in this coming season.

By signing a deal more in the range of three years, $100m, the 76ers would have slightly more wiggle room to sign additional talent, but if they have plans on totally revamping the landscape, it would require trading Tobias Harris ahead of a season where he would be paid $37.6M – more than star Joel Embiid ($33.6M).

(Sportsmax)

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Injury keeping Hetmyer out of West Indies teams to play Bangladesh

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est Indies will be playhaving some injury problems, and we ing Bangladesh in three are hoping he can work to get himself T20I and three One fit and get back himself into the West Indies’ colours,” Dr Haynes said during Day International matches in Dominica and Guyana from Wednesday’s media interaction. “In a July 2. Four of those six matchsituation like that, I would have to defer es will be played at the Guyana you to the medical panel. What I have National Stadium at Providence, gathered is that he had one (injury) just where many home fans have before the Indian Premier League (IPL). been yearning to see the Someone like Dr Oba Gulston will be able to answer that.” return of Shimron Hetmyer when the Additionally, Hetmyer has not West Indies turn up been given a contract with Guyana at Providence from Harpy Eagles or West Indies for varying reasons. Hetmyer, who July 7.

Hetmyer has last played for West Indies in November 2021, had turned out not been selected to participate in for Guyana at the West Indies any of these matchFour-Day Championships in es, and according February 2022, but has since featured only in the Indian Premier to WI Lead Selector Dr Desmond Haynes, League, with the Rajasthan Royals.

Hetmyer is injured.

“Hettie has been A CWI media personnel had Shimron Hetmyer

indicated that Hetmyer is being assessed, and his return date will be communicated.

“Once he is fit, he will be able to return,” it has been said.

Below are the West Indies squads for Bangladesh white-ball matches: T20 Internationals: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Rovman Powell (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, K y l e Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr. Reserve: Dominic Drakes One-Day Internationals: Nicholas Pooran (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell and Jayden Seales.

Reserve: Romario Shepherd

Dr Desmond Haynes

GFF hails success of Barcelona’s Braithwaite as GFF-DBU Ambassador

Barcelona’s Martin Braithwaite was well received in Guyana he successful vis- generation of girls and boys to it of Barcelona and follow their dreams through Denmark forward football, according to Guyana Martin Braithwaite to Guyana Football Federation President last week will inspire a new (GFF) Wayne Forde.

T

The new 6IXTY Tournament theme song released T

The historic visit of Braithwaite, whose father is Guyanese, represents the first time a Barcelona player had visited Guyana, and it was made possible through support from the Danish Football Association (DBU), UEFA Assist, and Concacaf – underlining the progress the current Forde administration has made in repairing and then building the image and reputation of the GFF among its global football partners.

The 31-year-old Braithwaite was in Guyana to officially take up the role of goodwill ambassador for the football development partnership between the GFF and the DBU, which is also facilitated by UEFA Assist and Concacaf. The attacker has played 58 times for Spanish giants Barcelona and 60 times

Naomi Cowan will voice the 6IXTY’s theme song

he theme song for The SKYEXCH 6IXTY tournament has been released ahead of the first running of the new 60-ball cricket tournament, which gets underway on 24 August in St Kitts & Nevis.

The song has been performed by Naomi Cowan, winner of the Jamaica Reggae Industry’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award in 2018 and 2019. Cowan cowrote and co-produced the song with Skorch Bunit and Cool Blaze, and it has been produced under her independent label, 7th C Records.

Cowan has seen her profile grow rapidly around the world over recent years, with her song “Paradise Plum” getting global plaudits and radio play.

THE 6IXTY will see six men’s teams and three women’s teams compete for their respective versions of the Universe Boss Trophy, as this unique cricketing carnival is launched in 2022.

Naomi Cowan has said: “I’ve always believed that the Caribbean has given the world the best in music & sport for many years. So, it’s truly a privilege to be able to

fuse my music with this new format of cricket. This is truly something to celebrate, and I am excited to see where this partnership takes us. Having been part of the CPL family since 2019, it’s only up from here!”

Pete Russell, CEO of CPL, has said: “We are delighted to have one of the most talented artistes from the Caribbean performing the theme song for this new event. We are certain that this song will become synonymous with the tournament, and also gain wider recognition as an entertaining piece of music.” (CPLT20)

for the Danish national team.

“This was not only a historic visit for Guyana, it was a chance for someone who performs at the highest level of football to connect with his roots and to inspire a new generation of players – both girls and boys,” GFF’s President Forde has said.

“This extremely successful visit shows just how far we have come in raising the image of Guyanese football on the international stage, and we look forward to building

further on our close relationship with Martin, the DBU, UEFA Assist, and Concacaf, to drive the development of the game in Guyana,” he added.

The aim of the goodwill ambassador position is to promote and support development work conducted through the innovative partnership between the GFF and DBU, which has included financial support for the GFF Women’s Development League, and post-COVID capacity building

support under the auspices of the UEFA Assist programme.

While in Guyana with his family, Braithwaite had taken part in a range of footballing activities, met Government dignitaries, and reconnected with the land of his father. The trip included a tour of attractions in Georgetown, a courtesy call on the Government of Guyana, participation in a novelty futsal match at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and a range of grassroots activities.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022

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

Pg 23

Injury keeping Hetmyer out of West Indies teams to play Bangladesh

Page 23

West Indies to play ‘A’ team tour against Bangladesh in August GFF hails success of Page 22

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who had a good First-Class season, would likely be the opening batsman for the West Indies ‘A’ team

Pg 23

Barcelona’s Braithwaite as GFF-DBU Ambassador

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