Guyana Times - Thursday May 13, 2021

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4646

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

PRICE

Eid-ul-Fitr

Nurture harmonious relationships in families, communities, nation – CIOG ...Use lessons of Ramadan to care more for each other – President Ali Page 19

Illegal concrete company

WHAT'S INSIDE:

4 Indian companies prequalified for bypass road project P16

Taxi driver rapes P8 teen girl WBD man stones elderly woman’s home after she offered refuge to P15 wife

Page 3

Another Director given 24h to leave Guyana

…failure to comply will result in deportation – Govt’s decision lauded by Guyanese

Contractor accused of taking sand from Number 63 Beach for project

$80 VAT INCLUDED

Road construction workers robbed at gunpoint in Sophia Page 7

…bandit fires warning shot, escapes on foot with accomplice

P11

Guyana Society for the Blind’s Ganesh Singh robbed P18 outside office

...Govt launches probe

128 new COVID-19 cases detected in 24h Page 17

…Health Minister praises nurses for going beyond duty

Region 10 nursing programme paused to fix discriminatory intake Page 5

P14 Craig, Herstelling &15 families attacked, robbed by gunmen GOGEC signs P14 cooperation MoU with Ghana Petroleum Chamber

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

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

Thursday, May 13 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, May 14 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, May 13 – 17:35h-19:05h and Friday, May 14 – 05:10h-06:40h.

Illegal concrete company

Another Director given 24h to leave Guyana …failure to comply will result in deportation …Govt’s decision lauded by Guyanese to halt operations.

“When they came to serve the initial notice, they (met) a very hostile environment. In fact, the person who collected the contravention notice, the paper, and threw it away in front our enforcement team. That was the first order.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers are expected in the morning hours followed by sunny intervals.

Partly cloudy conditions are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 17:32h reaching a maximum height of 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 11:07h and 23:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.52 metre and 0.69 metre.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2021

LOTTERY NUMBERS M

06 08 13

20 22 26

FREE TICKET

15 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

03 06 15 16 17 LUCKY 3

8

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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15 16 17 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021

09 11 13 15 16 13

04 14 15 17 21

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$69.32/barrel

+1.11

Rough Rice

$253. 53/ton

+0.05

London Sugar

$471.80/ton

-1.81

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1816.80

$1817.80

Low/High Change

$1812.60 +1.40

$1845.10 +0.08%

TURN TO PAGE 7

Housing Minister Collin Croal (right) and CH&PA CEO Sherwin Greaves being interviewed by the media at the site

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wo Directors of Superior Concrete Inc – the foreign company that set up an illegal concrete plant at Houston Estates on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), have been ordered to leave the country.

When contacted by Guyana Times, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Superintendent, Dennis Stephens confirmed the issuance of the orders on Wednesday and also explained what the consequences were for non-compliance.

“Of course, the Minister of Home Affairs is the top authority under the Immigration Act. The power is invested in him to revoke someone’s extension of stay.

In the case where someone fail to adhere, they can be placed before the courts, because they would be illegal migrants,” Stephens explained.

The company had set up operations at Houston without the requisite governmental approvals and without even approaching the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). Richard Austin Shamlin, one of the Directors, was given 24 hours to leave Guyana.

Shamlin had overstayed his time on his visitor’s visa. He is the second Director who has been ordered to leave Guyana.

Shamlin was hostile to Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal when he, along with officials from the CHPA, went to the location to serve a third contravention order. Further, Shamlin demanded that the Minister, CH&PA officials and the media leave the premises. However, the Minister ignored him and engaged the media.

Ian Jones was the other Director of Superior Concrete Inc who was instructed by the Immigration Department to depart Guyana by May 19. In Jones’s case, it was discovered that his service was terminated by his previous employer in the oil sector, but he remained in Guyana on the work permit.

He, too, got into an altercation with housing officials, and according to

Croal in his interview with the media, it was Jones who took the first order to desist that was served by housing officials and threw it to the ground in front of them.

Hostile

Housing Minister Croal, who paid a visit to the site on Tuesday, had explained to the media the hostile environment his staff met when they arrived to serve the company with a notice

Richard Austin Shamlin, one of Superior Concrete Incorporated’s Directors

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Spin-off benefits from home ownership

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he Opposition scoffed when, during the campaign, the PPP declared it would be delivering 50,000 house lots during the next five years, were it to get into office. In its previous iterations, the housing sector was one of its glowing successes, and it was not coincidental that much of that success occurred under the watch of Irfaan Ali, who was then the Minister of Housing. With him becoming President on Aug 2, 2020, the promise was almost guaranteed, since he knows exactly what needs to be done.

And now, nine months later, we can see from the trajectory of house lots’ allocation that the goal is well within sight, with 3600 lots allocated between Aug 2 and Dec 31, 2020 – 600 more than had been projected.

This compares with the 7089 lots allocated over the five years the APNU/AFC coalition was in office. However, the Government is not stopping at house lots, but has set its sights on their owners becoming home owners. It has done this by encouraging easier access to loans with lower interest rates, increasing the number of institutions granting mortgages with the authorisation of the Bank of Baroda to enter the mortgage market, and reducing taxes on construction and building materials.

The NBS has been persuaded to grant loans of up to $6 million with an interest rate of four per cent; $6-12 million @ 5.9 per cent, and $12-15 million @ 6.25 per cent. This is against a background of Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, introducing the Income Tax Mortgage Interest Relief back in 2013. Any individual taking out a mortgage of up to $30 million for the purchase of a home would be able to deduct the interest paid on the mortgage from their taxable income. Immediately, homeowners will benefit significantly. Since, in the early mortgage, most of the payments are applied to interest on the mortgage, these payments would now act to raise the “non-taxable” income of the homeowner from the present $720,000 by the total interest paid for the year.

But the benefits from the Government’s overall facilitation of housing for the entire population go far beyond the tax exemption etc. One of these is that a mortgage is a form of long-term forced savings. Many persons have great difficulty in saving directly from their pay checks or wages, which is not just a problem for the individual, but for the nation. Developing countries need savings to make investments, and when individuals take out mortgages, the banks can count on a steady income stream, which can be invested. For the home owners, rather than paying rentals, they accumulate increasing equity in their houses; which, historically, has always tended to go upwards.

Home ownership also has immediate spinoff benefits for the rest of the economy, as owners seek to furnish and constantly upgrade their properties. Businesses that cater to this trade typically employ a large number of unskilled persons as well as give a boost to local manufacturers of furniture and other household goods. The NDCs can now collect rates and taxes to provide various services to the area.

But just as important are the social benefits that give families a sense of stability and security. The moment someone owns a home, the family acquires pride in home ownership, and typically sees itself as having a stake in the community. This leads to the development of social capital in the form of trust between residents. If countries do not have this kind of social capital, it is almost impossible for them to mobilise their citizens for the sacrifices a sustainable developmental thrust demand.

The success of a developing country depends on the development of a growing middle class. And there can be no middle class unless they are facilitated to own their own homes.

Themed “Nurses a voice to lead, a vision for future health care” balloons were released into the air by staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in celebration of International Nurses’ Day (GPHC photo)

Mandatory vaccination is not a bad idea

Dear Editor, We are living in some very dangerous times, and my prayer is that all Guyanese will experience some kind of intelligent awareness of what is really happening. The COVID-19 pandemic is not relenting, and, to me, Guyanese are overall quite facetious about the reality of the disease.

I share the sentiments of President Irfaan Ali who, in an impassioned speech, reminded us (as at May 6) that only 154,000 doses of the various vaccines have been administered. This translates to 31 per cent of the population 18 years and older. This is not good. Something must be done.

Now, word is that the Government is pondering the idea of making the vaccination compulsory in order to curb the COVID-19 situation. The reason is very straightforward, as vaccines are seen as the tool that would enable countries to exit the pandemic and circumvent the challenges raised by those who breach the COVID-19 guidelines, and (therefore) allow for the continuing spread of the novel coronavirus.

I envisage that unless our attitude to the vaccination programme is one of compliance, the compulsory move will become necessary. Adviser in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, is quite on track here. He stated that… “people have not been adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines, and, as such, have contributed to the spread of the virus.” This pronouncement

ensued from “…reports that there have been nine COVID-19-related deaths that were not confirmed nor reported before.”

He explained that “…lic health advice and go out without our masks and go into large gatherings, etcetera, more people will get infected.”

So, I repeat: Guyana may have to mandate the vaccination of its citizens.

Let me state that the authorities in control of the health sector have been desperately battling the pandemic, and they need the nation’s cooperation. So far, in its bid to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Guyana has been on an aggressive vaccination campaign, wherein all adults are eligible for one of the three COVID-19 vaccines being administered locally.

In this regard, kudos must be showered on some conscientious folks. It was reported that, “Over the weekend, there was a kind of ‘better attitude’ prevailing, as “Over 120 residents of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara received their second dose of the Sputnik V vaccine during a community outreach exercise on Saturday.”

The Health Minister was buoyed, and noted, “It shows the power of working with community groups. Here it is we made that call, and we are extremely pleased that this community group here, Block 8 Development Group, heeded that call and has been able to work with the Ministry of Health. We have provided the technical personnel,

the vaccines, and so forth, but they did all the community organising and mobilising of people.”

So, I am gleaning that there is a need for all of us to pitch in. As was the case in this Block 8, so must other communities follow suit. The advantage of this is that there will be far fewer queuing up and mass gatherings, which are the very antithesis of what should happen.

The vaccination rollout is not being stymied from any governmental setback, as Guyana received more COVID-19 vaccines this week.

With billions spent and forceful negotiations from our Health Sector, all that is now needed is that Guyanese respond positively before it is too late.

Sincerely, Brian Azore

Mangroves are not the elixir, as some falsely believe Dear Editor, I am aghast at this nonsensical noise-making over the cutting of some mangroves at Malgre Tout/ Versailles, West Bank Demerara, Region Three.

The noise from some corners is so cacophonous that it resembles a bedlam.

Gosh! If mangroves were so indispensable and impregnable where sea erosion is concerned, then the whole earth would have facilitated its spawning.

So I add my voice to Minister Juan Edghill’s when he says that “Sea defence and flood protection provided by the section of mangroves being cleared at Malgre Tout/ Versailles, West Bank Demerara, Region Three will not be lost.” And his reason is that the “…necessary measures will be implemented to replicate the function of the mangroves and provide same.” The Minister

is right on track, and he is not voicing anything strange or novel.

In fact, what is deemed “Coastal Engineering” is nothing new, and its history goes back to well over 100 years. For example, in the Mediterranean, harbour jetties/breakwaters were constructed by Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans as far back as 30BC. Oceanographic studies record that, in 1911, a Royal Commission on Coast Erosion and Afforestation investigated the state of coastal erosion and the resulting protection measures carried out in the U.K. In this regard, seawall designs have been greatly modified, accommodating structures such as groynes to new solutions such as submerged structures.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Region 10 nursing programme paused to fix discriminatory intake

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he Health Ministry on Wednesday announced a temporary halt of Batch #66 and Class 17 of the nursing programme at the Charles Roza Nursing School in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), over concerns of “structural discrimination” of trainees.

In a statement, the Ministry explained that the taxpayer-funded nursing school was intended to train all eligible Guyanese pursing a nursing career, but most of its intake has been persons from Region 10, and this is heavily discriminating against persons from other hinterland regions who are desirous of being trained in the field.

“Unfortunately, over the years, the school has trained persons mostly from Region 10, while persons from other regions, such as One (BarimaWaini); Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper

Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were given nominal placements,” the missive detailed.

According to the Health Ministry, in 2018 there were intakes of two batches of Professional Nursing students, Batch #64 and Batch #65. With Batch #64, there was an intake of 36 students for the Professional Nursing Programme, with 29 students from Region 10. All students from this Batch will be graduating in 2021.

With Batch #65, there were 27 Professional Nursing students, with 22 students again from Region 10. This Batch will be graduating in 2022. Between these two batches, an additional 51 nurses will be added to the staff of the Upper Demerara-Berbice region.

However, the Health Ministry pointed out that a recent review of nursing personnel for all regions shows that Region 10 is

the only region with an excess of 233 registered nurses and 106 registered nursing assistants. At the same time, it noted that all other regions have deficits for trained nursing staff.

“Many of the regions with deficit staff have identified eligible students for training at the Charles Roza Nursing School.

However, these students were excluded once again.

Of an intake for Batch # 66, of 34 students, 24 are from Region 10. And for Registered Nursing Assistants (RNA), Class 17, which has an intake of 33 students, 21 are from Region 10. These two programmes, Batch #66 and Class 17, have been temporarily suspended to ensure that the intake of students reflects the Regions where the Ministry of Health (MOH) have the greatest need for nurses,” Wednesday’s statement outlined.

Earlier on Wednesday,

Charles Roza Nursing School in Linden, Region 10 (DPI photo)

the Opposition APNU+AFC Coalition, in a statement, called the suspension “reckless” and said the PPP/C Government is jeopardising the delivery of quality healthcare in hinterland regions.

“The mandate of the school is to train health personnel from Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 to deliver quality and reliable healthcare

to the populace. The decision by the PPP regime is unconscionable and jeopardises the health of the Guyanese people and impairs the efficient delivery of health care services, particularly in our hinterland regions and to our beloved indigenous peoples,” the Opposition contended.

In response, however, the Ministry of Health

criticised the APNU+AFC Coalition for peddling misinformation and further seeking to politicise the situation.

“If the APNU/AFC had addressed the structural discrimination at the Charles Roza Nursing School during its tenure, then students from Region 1,7,8 and 9 would have had equitable access. The Ministry of Health would like to assure all Guyanese that it would take the necessary corrective actions to ensure all the eligible students from the regions will be granted access to the Charles Roza Nursing School training programmes,” the missive noted.

Moreover, the Ministry added that it would review Batch #66 and Class 17 to balance the intake before classes can restart – an approach which it says all right-thinking and fair-minded Guyanese would agree with. (G8)

Guyana’s landscape is positively changing Dear Editor, I am very optimistic that Guyana is on the upsurge, as I am seeing more and more signs of overall growth and development across the country, and this is in spite of the raging global COVID-19 pandemic.

Economists speak of “Factors of Production,” which “is an economic term describing the general inputs used to produce goods and services to make a profit.” Subsumed in this view of e conomics, “the factors of production consist of land, labour,

capital, and entrepreneurship.”

So, what is happening in this regard in Guyana?

First, I see that “Plans are moving apace, as some 250 acres of land are being prepared in Tacama, Region 10, to cultivate corn and soya bean locally for livestock feed.” This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

Mustapha “disclosed that land preparation, along with some infrastructural works, has commenced on the farmlands that have been chosen to cultivate the crops, and results

can be expected as early as November.” It is a trial run, and the investment, inclusive of access roads and other accompanying infrastructure, runs to the tune of $500M. For too long, Guyana has been leaving mass swads of arable lands unused. So, this change is most welcome. Barring a few hiccups, this venture translates to employment opportunities and cheaper produce. The Minister explained that, overall, the project will redound in “significantly decreasing the country’s reliance on

imports, and ensure that prices, especially for poultry, remain constant.”

Secondly, let me go across now to the Capoey Sunrise Bakery. The venture, under the aegis of the Guyana Foundation and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), is reaping great success. The news is that some 17 women are now employed at the recently opened bakery. And things are looking up as “work is currently being done on this $12 million facility to install solar panels. The project, when completed, will cost ap-

proximately $15 million.”

Even though Capoey is not very populous, it can still be a prosperous village, and it can be a forerunner in how women should start thinking and planning.

I echo the sentiments of the Toshao of Capoey, Ralph Hendricks, who stated that he is “very happy for the women, as they are now more empowered and marketable.” He was indeed happy that his village “will be more economically viable, and many women will also learn the skills of baking from those

who have already received training.”

Mr. Editor, when I combine happenings in Tacama and Capoey, I see a holistic improvement in the nation. Guyana must address not only infrastructural and financial issues, it must focus also on things like women’s equality and liberation, and equal opportunity for them as the men of the same land. I hope other far-off villages will be inspired to move in this direction.

Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura

Mangroves are not WBD foreshore ideal for modern base/port facilities the...

FROM PAGE 4

Dear Editor, It has been reported in the news media that the Government has given permission to TriStar Incorporated, a US-based company, to develop a tract of land on the West Bank foreshore of the Demerara River in the vicinity of Versailles-Malgre Tout, and north of the bridge, to build an onshore base to service the oil and gas fields along Guyana’s northern coast.

The approved land for the base/port encompasses part of the foreshore which was overgrown with mangroves, and which had to be cleared for construction of the infrastructural works.

Mangroves stabilise the foreshore against erosion

caused by wave action and tidal currents. Its habitat is also a breeding ground for fishes, crustaceans and mosquitoes. However, the proposed base/port area is relatively sheltered, and, without the mangroves, the erosive effects of wave action and tidal currents on the foreshore will be minimal, unlike those areas along the Atlantic Coastland.

The Government has to ensure that the cleared foreshore is protected with an adequately constructed river defence to protect the adjoining villages from flooding due to high tides now and in the future, as global warming takes its toll in rising river levels. There are also environmental issues which

have to be addressed. Piles driven into the river for the purpose of mooring may cause its channel to change course and deposit sling mud into the outfall channels of the sluices upstream, thus blocking the drainage of Vreed-en-Hoop and adjoining residential areas.

The base/port will also cause traffic increases on the roadway and bridge crossing, and action has to be taken to upgrade those facilities to prevent chaos for those using them as well as the people living in the area.

This project is necessary for the economic development of Guyana, and the Government wisely approved its undertaking, but much remains to be

done for its successful implementation.

Guyana’s economy is on the upswing, and there is urgent need to modernise and expand port facilities to accommodate the increasing number of ocean-going vessels visiting the country. Georgetown’s port facilities are antiquated and overcrowded, and do not have the capacity to expand. However, areas on the West Bank of the Demerara River north of the bridge crossing have ample areas which can be developed for modern base/ port facilities, particularly for the rapidly developing and lucrative oil and gas industries.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

Right here in Guyana, Groynes were originally installed along the coastline back in 1915, to prevent undermining of the promenade seawall. We know that Groynes interrupt wave action and so protect beaches from being washed away.

Therefore, at no time Guyana’s sea defence will be compromised by the displacing of mangroves as there are many tested and tried alternatives.

In the present situation, it was explained by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, “… that the Developer, TriStar Incorporated, owned by Guyanese-born Krishna Persaud, has included “hard structures that will be built to mitigate flood-

ing” and protect properties from flooding, in the engineering design. In fact, the developer “… has provided documentation, drawings, engineering designs and everything, of how the development will take place and what will be the measure in place for flood prevention ….”

The idea then that some silent and clandestine destruction is about to descend on Guyana is preposterous.

TriStar, when all is said and done, will create some 150 jobs for Guyanese, which is what progress is all about, that is, ‘taking less and converting it into more.”

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Page

Foundation ◄

Question 1

Clipped wings

E

On a Dream

ven if you have never been on an airplane, air travel is an important part of life. In this writing activity, you will create a comic about living in a world without flight.

Supplies

>> writing and drawing supplies—paper, pencil, markers, ruler >> the comics section from your local newspaper, comic books or access to online comics >> tracing paper (optional)

Getting started

Wednesday’s answers

Think about all the ways air travel affects you.

Make a list of what is possible thanks to aviation, such as fresh fruits flown from distant countries or visits to relatives who live long distances away.

Think too about how flight has affected lifestyles and culture. For example, if humans never took to the skies, would George Lucas have made Star Wars? Would there be more travel by train or boat?

With that list in mind, start a new list that will help you shape your comic. Use headings where you can organise your thoughts about characters, their problems, the actions they take, and the setting.

You can narrow ideas or devise a specific prompt, such as a favourite professional sports team missing an important away game because they couldn’t fly there and had to travel by much slower means.

When you’re ready to draw the comic, first create a six-panel grid on paper. This is easy to do without measuring if you first fold the paper lengthwise and then in thirds. Unfold it and you will have six boxes to draw and write in. You may need more than one sheet depending on the length of the story. Some tips for helping the comic flow: ? The first panel can be for the title of the comic. ? Comics often have captions, written details that help explain a comic panel, included in a frame at the bottom or top of a panel. ? Comics involve a lot of repetitive drawing.

Tracing is allowed and a friend or family member can help with the comic. ? If a character is speaking in a panel, write what he’s saying first and then draw the speech bubble around it. ? Sometimes the best way to tell any story is in graphic form. Comics don’t have to be funny.

(Adapted from startwithabook.org)

By John Keats As Hermes once took to his feathers light, When lulled Argus, baffled, swoon’d and slept, So on a Delphic reed, my idle spright So play’d, so charm’d, so conquer’d, so bereft The dragon-world of all its hundred eyes; And seeing it asleep, so fled away, Not to pure Ida with its snow-cold skies, Nor unto Tempe where Jove griev’d that day; But to that second circle of sad Hell, Where in the gust, the whirlwind, and the flaw Of rain and hail-stones, lovers need not tell Their sorrows—pale were the sweet lips I saw, Pale were the lips I kiss’d, and fair the form I floated with, about that melancholy storm.

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THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Contractor accused of taking sand from Number 63 Beach for project

– Govt launches probe

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he Public Works Ministry has undertaken an investigation into reports that a local contractor, an engineer and regional officials have been working in collusion to misappropriate sand from the Corentyne seashore to execute a project in the region.

After spending $444 million on the Corentyne sea defence, where boulders were placed to make a rip-rap

structure between Numbers 59 and 63 Villages on the Corentyne, a contractor has been accused of fetching away the sand. It is reported that to date, the contractor has removed numerous truckloads.

On Wednesday, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar visited the beach, where he addressed the issue and noted that such actions would not

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar and other Government officials at the site on Wednesday

Another Director given...

They came to serve a second order about two days after; they met no one, but as per norm, they pasted it very visibly on the facility.”

“The hostile environment, the disrespect to our officers of throwing that notice in front the officers will see us at this stage having served the third contravention notice, we’re taking the necessary steps and action that are legally required to ensure that this enforcement is done,” Croal said.

Since the incident, the Minister has come in for high praise for the manner in which he acted. Croal was also commended for his actions in not escalating the matter and acting in a peaceable manner.

Guyanese took to social media and lauded the swift action by the Government in not accepting and condoning the foreigners’ behaviour.

Meanwhile, Andrew Mekdeci, whose company Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC) supplied heavy-duty equipment to the site, is-

Ian Jones, another Director of Superior Concrete

sued a statement distancing his company from the development. According to him, there is no financial connection between Superior Concrete and Mekdeci.

“I wish to state, categorically, that I am not a shareholder, executive nor a joint venture partner, have no interests in, nor am I financially connected with Superior Concrete Inc. I will neither condone nor participate in any illegal operation and I will not flout the laws of Guyana,” Mekdeci said in

FROM PAGE 3

his statement.

“My company was contracted to provide equipment and construction materials to the location leased

by Superior Concrete Inc. Our company, along with many other contractors, used the access roads and we were the only company to conduct repairs to the road on three occasions. Our involvement does not extend to any concrete batch plant or any other area.”

According to Mekdeci, his company did not participate in or condone any breaking of laws and would not be party to such an illegality. He noted that since the Government has issued the cease-and-desist order, they have every intention of complying.

He said following the incident, his company immediately started to demobilise its equipment from the site, adding that it would comply with the instructions from Government departments and regulatory agencies. (G3)

be tolerated.

The contractor had also been given a similar contract to reinforce the sea defence at Corriverton.

That project is being funded by an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan.

The contractor allegedly has been removing sand from the Number 63 Beach and taking it to complete the IMFfunded project.

Minister Indar spoke with the media after examining the damage caused.

“This contractor, (name provided) was doing that.

When we did the investigation, the officers of the Sea Defence Board issued a cease order for them to stop doing it. This is a reef. It is not privately owned; it is the sea defence reserve that is protected by law. They were digging it out,” Minister Indar said.

Asked whether the investigation has been able to ascertain how the sand removal occurred under the Neighbourhood Democratic Council’s watch and whether the NDC might have had a part to play, Minister Indar said the NDC Chairman told him that the contractor

made a request to use an access road.

“Nothing to do with the removal of material. The NDC does not have the power to grant the removal of material from a reef; it is the Sea Defence Board. So, an application would have had to be made to the Sea Defence Board and none were made,” he added.

Indar was questioned on the report by the NDC that it received a request to use an access road leading to a beach, since the only things that could have been coming out would have either been water from the sea or sand from the beach. He was also asked whether that question was put to them based on their claims. However, Indar said the NDC officials can best answer that question.

In an invited comment, Number 52/74 NDC Chairman Hemraj Ghamchan said he did approach the contractor on the issue and it resulted in a heated argument. However, locals say on the day in question the Chairman confronted the driver of one of the sand trucks about the damage being caused to the road-

way.

Meanwhile, the Minister explained that the contractor has agreed to return the sand that was removed from the beach and has since repaired a section of the area the trucks damaged.

“We have written to [the contractor] and told them that they need to restore the material and restore the dam. I have not seen the material restored. I saw that the dam was levelled up to some extent,” he said.

Minister Indar said the purpose of his visit was to see the extent of the damage done to the sea defence. Also of concern is the fact that the Regional Sea Defence Engineer lives along the beach entrance, which has been totally destroyed, but claimed that he did not know what the trucks were going to the beach for.

The Minister added that he was still awaiting a report from engineers and promised an early resolution.

“I am having the engineers to look and see how is it that the engineers at Corriverton did not pick it up and ask the question, where did the sand come from and try to verify the source of the material. This will be resolved sometime this week.

They have to come. [The contractor] has to restore this, and we have to get a progress report on the other project at Corriverton which [the contractor] is doing where the sand has been removed from Number 63 Beach and taken there,” he said.

Efforts by Guyana Times to get a comment from the contactor proved futile. (G4)

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3 slapped with ganja trafficking, B&E, other charges

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hree men have been arraigned before two magistrates at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on varying charges.

Andrew Williams, 29, a construction worker of Middle Road La Penitence Georgetown, is accused of trafficking in narcotics. It is alleged that on May 8 at Middle Road, La Penitence, he had 32 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

According to the Police Prosecutor, on May 8, Police ranks on mobile patrol received certain information and, as a result, went to Williams’s home. While there, the ranks saw Williams holding a one-strap shoulder

bag. A search was conducted on the bag, and quantities of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa were found inside.

Williams was told of the offence committed, and was arrested and cautioned.

He was escorted to the Ruimveldt Police Station.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan granted this ac-

cused drug trafficker bail to the tune of $15,000, and set his next court appearance for June 16.

And before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, 27-year-old Neil Clarke appeared charged with break and enter and larceny.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that

on May 4, at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Marcia Steele and stole $45,000 cash, three gold chains, two gold rings and a gold band valued at $415,000, all property of Marcia Steele.

In addressing the court, Clarke pleaded with the Magistrate to place him on minimum bail, stating that he had already posted $20,000 station bail. However, the defendant’s request was met with objections from the prosecutor, who asked that the defendant be placed on substantial bail, taking into consideration the value of the items he had allegedly stolen.

The Magistrate, however, overruled the prosecutor’s submissions and granted Clarke his pre-trial liberty in the sum of $10,000, since Clarke had indicated that that was all the money he had. Clarke’s next court date is May 31.

Meanwhile, Durban Backlands, Georgetown resident Kester Evelyn was granted $10,000 bail after denying a damage to property charge before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

The 43-year-old man pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on April 26 at Durban Backlands, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged three posts valued $6,600; runners worth $15,000, and angling mesh valued at $8,000, property of Indira Narine.

He has also been charged with two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm committed on Narine and Katrina Johnson, and has been ordered to post $5,000 bail on each of those two counts.

Principal Magistrate Sherdel Issaacs-Marcus instructed him to return to court later this month.

Taxi driver rapes teen girl

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olice in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are currently investigating an allegation of rape committed by a taxi driver on a teen girl, who made a report of this incident to a local Police station.

The incident allegedly occurred at around 23:00h on Tuesday. In her statement, the victim said the taxi driver failed to take her to her desired destination.

Instead, he drove her some distance away and raped her.

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force, the taxi driver is yet to be arrested.

Meanwhile, the teenager has been medically processed as investigations continue.

Standing up…

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…for Guyanese our Eyewitness is all for developing our country.

Since it looks like we will be the last big oil bonanza ever (noting that we should never say “never”!) and the oil majors are winding down operations elsewhere, a whole lot of operators servicing them are heading down here. But he wants to make it very clear: WE HAVE TO SET DOWN SOME GROUND RULES. Yes, the country has laws for doing business. We even have GO-Invest as a “one stop” outfit to explain those rules to whoever wants to get a piece of our action. We’ve discussed “local content” - requiring Guyanese to be equitably included in the bonanza. Not to digress, but you’d know that your Eyewitness had called for the Government to make it mandatory that any foreign company seeking to operate in Guyana must take on 40% Guyanese equity - and work to gradually get Guyanese trained to operate the business.

But back to the point he wants to make very firmly right now. After viewing two videos of foreigner businessmen “interacting” with Guyanese - like it may seem like overkill - he’s insisting that those ground rules MUST govern how workers are treated. In the first one, supposedly taken in a gold mining operation in our interior, one foreign owner was seen brutally pummelling a worker while other workers stood by. Now, your Eyewitness doesn’t care what infraction this worker might’ve committed - unless he threw the first punch at his boss - but beating him like an animal cannot be tolerated!! THIS CONFOUNDED NONSENSE MUST STOP!!

And what made this worse - unimaginably worse - was that the foreign employer doling out the thrashing was white!! Imagine, we’re a nation where we’re all - save for the Indigenous Peoples - descended from slaves and indentured workers who were brutalised by Europeans on the sugar plantations, and this person didn’t feel constrained to recapitulate the old plantation method of “disciplining” workers?! What next? Flogging with a cat-onine tail while tied to a pole?

Your Eyewitness understands that the authorities are investigating the matter, but, frankly, he really doesn’t think there is much to investigate: the video speaks for itself. This fella should be hauled before the courts and, at a minimum, charged with assault. He should be jailed, and then expelled from our country.

In the other video, after the foreign director of an illegally-installed concrete batching company had torn up a notice for the company to cease operating, THE MINISTER OF HOUSING AND THE HEAD OF THE CH&PA showed up to enforce the order, and are threatened by another foreign director!! It’s all related to how they see us “natives”.

The decision to expel the director forthwith is a start! …for Indigenous Peoples Talking about “natives”, if these foreigners will treat a Minister and his officials - in front of the media - so contemptuously, imagine what they’ll do to our Indigenous Peoples, whom even locals feel no compunction to dump on at the least opportunity. After all, they come from a country in which the Native Americans are now the “invisible people” in a continent they’d owned through rights of occupancy!!

It started way back, when the Brits ruled us and saw the Indigenous Peoples as just part of the landscape.

There was the poem in their schoolbooks that summarised their thinking: “There was an Indian, who had known no change/Who strayed content along a sunlit beach/ Gathering shells.” They were talking about a people who’d sailed from South America thousands of miles to Bahamas and “had known no change”?

How were they different from Columbus, who claimed to have “discovered” them?? But the point, of course, is they weren’t seen as humans, and had to be “discovered”

by Columbus to become so!!

The more things change…! …for Justice Your Eyewitness knows that we’re battling a COVID-19 pandemic; but, surely, this doesn’t mean we have to close our eyes to barbarities.

Someone has to denounce the mass killings of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

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

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Road construction workers robbed at gunpoint in Sophia

…bandit fires warning shot, escape on foot with accomplice

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ive individuals who were working on a road construction project at ‘A’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown were on Tuesday morning attacked and robbed by two bandits while they were seeking shelter from the rain in a heavy-duty container.

The incident occurred at about 10:00h, when the workers sought shelter in a container in a nearby street after it began to rain heavily. While

they were waiting for the rain to stop, the workers were approached by the perpetrators, one of whom was armed with a gun.

Police say the bandits assaulted the workers and ordered them to surrender their belongings.

One of the perpetrators discharged one round inside the container before the bandits barricaded their victims and made good their escape on

foot.

One of the victims, a 25-year-old construction worker, was robbed of a Samsung J-20 cellular phone valued at $35,000, a Blu cellular phone valued at $6,000, and $5,000 in cash.

Another of the victims, a 21-year-old labourer, was robbed of a Samsung Galaxy A-31 cellular phone valued at $56,000, a gold ring valued at $30,000, and $7,000 in cash.

A third victim, a 32-yearold Operator/Supervisor, was robbed of a Samsung F-E cellular phone valued at $130,000, a gold ring valued at $50,000, two silver rings valued at $40,000, two silver chains valued at $25,000, two silver bands (value unknown), one black leather wallet valued at $1,500, and $70,000 in cash.

A 20-year-old labourer who was also a victim of the incident was robbed of a ZTE cell-

phone valued at $32,000, a silver chain valued at $10,000, and 5,000 in cash; while the

fifth victim of the robbery, a 42-year-old labourer, was robbed of $4,000 cash. (G11)

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Region 2 RDC honours CSEC top students

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igh-performers of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Examination (CSEC) were on Wednesday honoured for their stellar performance by the regional administration, in collaboration with the Department of Education.

An awards ceremony was held in the Regional Democratic Council Boardroom, and the top three CSEC awardees: Duvina Seurattan, Swasti Saytoo and Tabitha Alves, along with their parents, councillors, the regional

bodies and the senior educational officers in the region, were present.

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva congratulated the three students and said they are now embarking on a new journey that would determine their future. She encouraged the students to stay focused, climb the academic ladder, and continue to shine in their future endeavours.

Meanwhile, the Regional Education Officer said that despite the pandemic, the students made the region proud. She said the region recorded 56 per cent matriculation rate for 2020, and that is a remark-

able achievement.

In addition, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt highlighted the talents and skills of the top students, stating they are not only academically brilliant, but also rounded individuals that created a suitable future for them.

The students received plaques, trophies, and cash prizes from Adamantium Holdings/Alfro Alphonso of Charity, Essequibo Coast.

The top performers expressed their gratitude to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for the ceremony and for appreciating their successes.

Power woes, bad roads among issues raised at Belle West

The deplorable state of one of the roads at Belle West, West Bank Demerara

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ower woes, bad roads and noise nuisance were among several issues raised by residents of Belle West on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) during a meeting with Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar.

Indar visited the community on Tuesday after receiving a letter from a frustrated resident, who vented about the various problems facing residents in the area.

According to one resident, “We have a problem of snakes running villagers on the road when they walk. There’s a lot (of) snakes in the village.”

One of the main issues was the deplorable state of the roads. “Well, the road in the community is affecting the people them, because when rain falling them cannot get to walk, they have to walk through people tract,” a resident explained.

The Public Works Minister has assured residents that rehabilitation works will be con-

ducted on some 394 metres of road.

Indar also addressed concerns raised by residents pertaining to electricity, drainage, water quality and pressure, crime, noise nuisance, and land titling.

According to the residents some 75 farmers have been attempting to uplift land titles for some time now in Belle East.

Indar explained that he would discuss the matter with Agriculture Minister Zulkifar Mustapha in order for him to make for an intervention.

Meanwhile, with regards to the water pressure and quality, Indar has said he would relate this matter to the Housing and Water Ministry.

After receiving the numerous complaints from residents, Indar met with a senior rank of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Region Three, to address the issue of noise nuisance and other crime-related matters.

Region 2 CSEC Top performers: Duvina Seurattan, Swasti Saytoo and Tabitha Alves, along with their parents, at the awards ceremony on Wednesday

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GOGEC signs cooperation MoU with Ghana Petroleum Chamber

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he Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) and Ghana Upstream Petroleum Chamber have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between the two organisations.

The signing of the MoU took place during a visit to Accra, Ghana by GOGEC President Manniram Prashad. The MoU was signed by Ghana Upstream Petroleum Chamber Chief Executive Officer David Ampofo.

According to a statement from the organisation, the objective of this MoU is

Upstream Petroleum Chamber Chief Executive Officer David Ampofo and GOGEC President Manniram Prashad signing the MoU

to provide a framework for cooperation in order to facilitate a collaboration that would lead to an exchange of information and sharing of resources between the two Chambers within the oil and gas sector.

Further, the MoU states that the mission of the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber is to ensure that there are equal opportunities for all operators and potential operators within the industry, and to promote trade, investment and knowledge transfer within the energy sector to all members and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Ghana

Upstream Petroleum Chamber aims to achieve long-term, sustainable success of the upstream petroleum industry in Ghana by creating a common platform to promote, protect, and enhance common interests; ensure that high standards, best practices, supportive legislation, policies and protocols are ad-

opted; collaborate with Government on industry policies and programmes, and ensure sustained contribution of the industry to the socio-economic development of Ghana.

It is envisaged that a delegation from Ghana Upstream Petroleum Chamber will be visiting Guyana shortly.

Herstelling couple attacked, robbed by gunmen

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husband and wife of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD) were on Tuesday evening attacked and robbed by two gunmen during a home invasion.

The husband, a 50-yearold taxi driver, had ventured into the yard at around 20:40h to feed the dog and lock up the shop when he was accosted by the armed bandits, who forced him to return into the house, where his wife and daughter were.

In a statement on the matter, Police Headquarters revealed that the husband was gun-butted, and received lacerations to his head.

The armed bandits then tied up the man and his wife with pieces of cloth while they ransacked the house.

They eventually escaped with two cellular phones worth some $120,000, a television set, a quantity of jewellery, and some US$1200.

An investigation has been launched. (G11)

15 Berbice teen fires shot after man throws stones on his roof NEWS

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19-year-old is now in Police custody after he allegedly discharged a loaded firearm in the air outside of a man’s

home, after the man reportedly threw stones on the roof of his house, which resulted in a broken glass window.

The incident occurred

sometime between 03:50h and 04:15h on Tuesday at Tain Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Craig woman robbed during home invasion

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52-year-old woman of Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was robbed at knifepoint after two bandits broke into her home during the wee hours of Wednesday.

The woman, a shopkeeper, told investigators that she was awakened by the robbers

at around 01:30h, and was held at knifepoint while the robbers demanded that she hand over all her valuables.

The bandits ransacked her home and confiscated two television sets valued at $500,000; a pair of gold earrings valued at $10,000; a gold ring valued at $27,000;

and $5,000 in cash.

The Police have said that investigations so far have revealed that the suspects gained entry into the building by prying open a window and cutting an internal steel grill.

Police investigations are ongoing. (G11)

WBD man stones elderly woman’s home after she offered refuge to wife

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26-year-old man has been arrested after he verbally abused his wife and an elderly woman at the latter’s home at Westminster, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The wife was reportedly seeking shelter at the elderly woman’s home on Tuesday when the husband showed up at around 22:00h and started to behave disorderly.

According to a statement from the Police, the man used cement blocks to smash the windscreens of several vehicles belonging to the elderly woman. The total damage has been estimated at $380,000.

He then entered the woman’s home and continued to throw bricks, damaging other items, including a washing machines valued at $46,000 and louvre windows valued at $100,000.

In total, Police said, the man caused $526,000 in

damages.

During the ordeal, the two women were fearful and hid in a bedroom.

A report was subsequently made to the Police, and

ranks visited the scene, arrested the suspect and escorted him to La Parfait Harmonie Police Station, where he remains in custody. (G11)

Polices said the 22-yearold victim, accompanied by a friend, had visited the shop of the suspect to purchase cigarettes.

However, upon their arrival the shop was closed, and the 22-year-old report-

edly threw stones on the roof of the building, breaking a glass window as a result. This caused the suspect who had been asleep at that time to awake.

It was reported that the accused became irate and

visited the victim’s residence where he fired a loaded gun into the air before leaving.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Police, and the teen was arrested.

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4 Indian companies prequalified for bypass road project

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Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

our Indian companies have prequalified for the construction of the four-lane bypass road project that will link the East Coast of Demerara at Ogle to the East Bank of Demerara at Haags Bosch in Eccles.

This was revealed by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the Guyana Government would soon float the tender documents so that the prequalified companies can start to bid for the project.

At the opening of the recently-expanded Hunter Street, on Tuesday, Edghill said Guyana was anticipating that a contractor would be selected by the last quarter of this year.

“We have received official notification that the companies for the building of the

four-lane road from Ogle to Eccles have been prequalified by the Indian Government, because it is a financing from the Indian Exim Bank. And those companies have been prequalified, so they could now compete the final round of bidding. We expect a contract by the last quarter of this year for the building of the four-lane from Ogle all the way to Eccles,” the Public Works Minister noted.

While he did not provide a timeline as to when the tender would be launched, Edghill explained to this newspaper after this was done and the companies have submitted their bids, Guyana would have 21 days to evaluate the proposals and award the contract for the $10.4 billion project.

Back in 2015, the Indian Government had provided a

US$50 million Line of Credit (LOC) for the road link that was initially slated for Ogle to Diamond, EBD. However, the project cost was driven up to over $208 million by the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime and the project was at a standstill since 2019.

However, when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government took office last year it redesigned the project into two phases to fit the LOC – the first from Ogle to Haags Bosch road, which is about 50 per cent of the project, and the second, from Haags Bosch to Diamond – in order to fit the US$50 million LOC. Another aspect of the project will see the road going all the way to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri.

“That [bypass] road will continue with a four-lane from Eccles to Diamond, which is a different road from what you’re hearing right now [is] being built by the Ministry of Housing, and then we will continue from Diamond to Timehri with the intent of being able to link both airports – Ogle and Timehri will be linked with a four-lane highway opening up new lands in the back for

housing and for other developments,” Minister Edghill said on Tuesday.

Terms and conditions

In a previous interview with Guyana Times, Indian High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa had explained that while an Indian company was required to do the construction as per the LOC terms and conditions, Guyanese could also expect to benefit from the project.

“As per the line of credit norms for India, whenever we give lines of credit, we insist on a 75 per cent Indian content. But for Guyana, we’ve made a special exemption, which will be 47 per cent content only from India. So, the remaining 53 per cent will be locally sourced in Guyana.

I think this will fall perfectly in your local content policy and we also would appreciate that the local people can

get jobs and local producers can be able to sell their… raw materials that are required for making the road,” Dr Srinivasa had related to this newspaper.

The bypass road will create a new highway in the backlands, thus allowing for an alternative route to the country’s two main thoroughfares.

This project will see a total of 26 kilometres of road constructed with links to connect key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara.

These include Diamond, Mocha and Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown.

These connections will prove crucial in diverting traffic.

Meanwhile, Government has undertaken several new road projects along the EBD corridor to ease the heavy traffic congestion normally

encountered there. These include an alternative road connecting Diamond and Eccles.

The new road will run from Sixth Avenue, Diamond, to the Windsor Estate Road that leads on to the Eccles Landfill Site Road. This will form a connection through the new Herstelling Housing Scheme and other schemes that are being developed along the EBD corridor.

A second road is also being constructed between Eccles and Mandela Avenue, which will be completed later this year. Last month, the Housing Ministry signed several contracts to the tune of $2.3 billion for the commencement of work on this road.

These projects are all part of the Irfaan Ali-led Government’s urban development as well as its drive to transform Guyana’s infrastructure and link communities. (G8)

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128 new COVID-19 cases detected in 24h …Health Minister praises nurses for going beyond duty

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uyana’s COVID-19 cases continue to rise, as another 128 persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

According to the Ministry of Health’s updated COVID-19 Dashboard on Wednesday, the number of confirmed cases in the country has gone up to 14,659. Of these, however, only 1,777 cases are currently active.

This includes 14 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the remaining 1,763 persons in isolation; that is, 106 in institutional isolation and the other 1,657 in home isolation.

There are also another two persons in institutional quarantine.

The COVID-19 death toll remains at 331, and the number of persons who have recovered from the life-threatening disease has increased to 12,551 – 108 more recoveries than the figure reported on the previous day.

Meanwhile, Guyana has to date tested some 132,331 persons for the novel coronavirus, of whom 7,335 males and 7324 females were found to be positive.

Of the 128 cases recorded on Wednesday, 23 are from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); a whopping 68 are from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 24 are from Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); two are from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), and the remaining 11 are from Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

The figures in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) remained the same.

The Guyana Government has been aggressively rolling out the COVID-19 vaccination campaign amidst a new

wave of the novel coronavirus that is seeing a higher number of young people contracting the virus, and infected persons becoming sicker, with some requiring hospitalisation.

Government has been pushing to have more persons immunised in order to achieve heard immunity.

International Nurses Day

To this end, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony on Wednesday called on nurses who have not gotten their COVID-19 vaccine to do so, and those who have, to encourage others to get inoculated against the life-threatening virus.

His appeal came on the observance of International Nurses Day on Wednesday, during which the Health Minister lauded the nurses for going beyond the call of duty, especially during this unprecedented pandemic.

During his COVID-19 update on Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony acknowledged the critical role nurses played and continue to play on the frontline of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

He noted that while Government ensured that the frontline workers, including nurses, are adequately equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and were the first to get immunised against COVID-19, there are still some who did not take the vaccine.

“Today, as we celebrate International Nurse’s Day, I want to make a special appeal to all our nurses to make sure that they go out and get their vaccines – those who haven’t done so as yet; and for those who have, to encourage others to get their vaccines, because we know that these vaccines work. They are safe, they are effective, and one way of protecting themselves and pro-

tecting their families is to ensure that they get their vaccines,” the Health Minister has posited.

Dr Anthony went on to acknowledge the efforts of nurses in providing excellent patient care as well as comforting families during this unprecedent time.

“Sometimes this goes unacknowledged. It’s tremendous work and takes a lot of personal toll sometimes. So, we want to thank them for all this work they have done.

Many of them have gone beyond the call of duty.

We want to thank them tremendously for all that they have done, the sacrifices they have made, and the contribution they have made,” the Minister asserted.

As at Tuesday, some 159,951 persons have received their first dose of the COVID-19 jab, that is 32.9 per cent of the adult population in Guyana; while some 16,004 persons are fully vaccinated, representing 3.3 per cent of the population of those 18 years and older who are eligible to get immunised.

The Health Minister, however, noted that while there are uptakes of the vaccine in some regions, the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice region continues to lag behind.

“Region 10 is still, when we look at our numbers, lagging behind in terms of vaccinations. So that’s one area where we want to encourage groups in Region 10, community-minded citizens, influential people who can talk to others, to make sure that people take their vaccines, and that is a very important part of the response. So, we really want to appeal to those persons to assist us,” Minister Anthony stressed.

Guyana concerned over escalation of violence between Israel & Palestine

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he Government of Guyana has said it is noting with growing alarm and concern the escalating violence between Israel and Palestine which has resulted in the senseless loss of lives, the destruction of property, the displacement of persons, and a further setback in the Middle East.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Irfaan Aliled Administration said: “The Government of Guyana condemns all acts of violence and finds repugnant the invasion of the Al-Aqsa mosque. We hold sacred and worthy of respect places of worship of all religious faiths. The Government of Guyana implores all parties to apply restraint and to cease all actions that are in contravention of international and humanitarian law.”

The missive went on to stress that constructive dialogue between the Israeli

The Israeli Army targets Burj Al-Shurouq building in Gaza city during a BBC Arabic live report

and Palestinian authorities was pivotal to advancing the peace process and to the realisation of the two-state solution as the legitimate end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A BBC report on Wednesday stated that at least 65 Palestinians, including children, and six people in Israel have died since Monday as the deadly exchange of fire between Palestinian militants in the

Gaza Strip and the Israeli military has escalated significantly.

The United Nations has also expressed fear of a “fullscale war”, with Israel claiming that more than 1000 rockets have been fired by Palestinian militants while the Israeli Government has carried out hundreds of air strikes on Gaza, destroying three tower blocks and killing senior Hamas officials, the report stated.

Low vaccine uptake has also been recorded in Regions One and Eight, while Region Six has the highest inoculation rate, with some 38 per cent of its population having been vaccinated.

Wear masks at workplaces

Meanwhile, health authorities around the world continue to learn more about the novel coronavirus disease 2019 as more research is being conducted on the deadly disease. In fact, only days ago, the United States Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognised that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is airborne and can be transmitted via aerosols (respiratory fluids), which are fine droplets released during respiration.

Speaking on this development during Wednesday’s update, Dr Anthony explained that aerosols remain suspended in the air for a long time due to poor ventilation or even crowded indoor settings.

“So somebody can be infected (with COVID-19) and

leave the room but those viral particles (aerosols) will remain floating in the air in that room for more than an hour.

Because of that, some who come into an empty room, they don’t know what is circulating and what is the content in the air, and if they don’t have on a mask, they can breathe that air and breathe in these viral particles. And if they do, then they can get infected,” the Health Minister outlined.

He went on to say, “… more and more, the reputable international agencies that deal with epidemics have concluded that aerosols play a very significant role in transmission, especially in indoor environments.”

On this note, Minister Anthony said that in taking this new evidence into consideration, the gazetted COVID-19 Emergency Measure (No. 17), which is in place until May 31, 2021, has been updated to make the wearing of masks in workplaces, especially in offices and enclosed spaces, a requirement.

“We have to keep warning people: ‘If you are working in an indoor environment, then it’s necessary for you to keep your masks on all the time, because you don’t know who you’re interfacing with and you don’t know what is circulating in that indoor environment’s air. So that’s something that people would have to keep thinking about when they’re in indoor environments,” the Health Minister has said. (G8)

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Deeds Registrar resumes duties …after fraud conviction, sentence overturned by Appeal Court

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eeds Registrar Azeena Baksh, whose fraud conviction and sentence were set aside by the Guyana Court of Appeal last month, has resumed her duties.

Confirming this on Wednesday was Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, who disclosed that the decision to have her resume duties was taken by the Board of the Deeds and Commercial Registry. Baksh was first charged with the offence in May 2017.

According to Nandlall, she was thereafter sent on administrative leave by his predecessor, Basil Williams, SC. The Deeds Registrar remained on administrative leave until her conviction and sentence were set aside by the appellate court.

Nandlall said that Baksh’s lawyer, Nigel Hughes then wrote to the Board informing its members of the court’s decision.

The Attorney General reminded that even though

Deeds Registrar Azeena Baksh

Baksh was sent on leave, she remained the Registrar of Deeds since her appointment was never rescinded or revoked by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The JSC is the sole constitutional body responsible for making recommendations for judicial appointments and removing or exercising disciplinary control over persons holding

or acting in judicial offices.

The tenure of the last JSC expired on September 12, 2017.

In March 2020, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly found Baksh guilty of fraudulently procuring over $4.5 million between 2014 and 2017 while she was employed by the JSC. It was alleged that she unlawfully paid herself gratuity and a higher salary than what was approved by the JSC. Magistrate Daly ordered the Deeds Registrar to repay the full restitution to the State. At the time of her conviction, she was ordered to lodge $1 million and was given three months to repay the balance.

Appeal

Dissatisfied with the decision of the lower court, Baksh, through her lawyer, appealed to the Court of Appeal, asking that the decision of the Magistrate “be wholly reversed, set aside and/or discharged”. The Court of Appeal rendered its

Former cop on trial for manslaughter

F

ormer Police Sergeant Shawn Sandy, who had allegedly shot and killed a dredge owner back in 2016, is currently on trial for manslaughter before Justice Navindra Singh and a jury at the High Court in Essequibo.

State Prosecutrix Tiffini Lyken has indicted Sandy for the March 24, 2016 unlawful killing of Feroze Khan at King Buoy Hole, Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Sandy is being represented by Attorney-at-law George Thomas, and has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Guyana Police Force, in a statement, said that Sandy had allegedly found a handgun and was showing it

Dead: Feroze Khan

Shawn Sandy

to 30-year-old Khan at King Buoy Hole, Mazaruni when a round was discharged. Sandy was reportedly struck to his right hand and Khan to his abdomen.

Khan was pronounced dead on arrival at the Bartica

Hospital, while Sandy was admitted a patient under Police guard. Following investigations, he was charged. At the time of his demise, Feroze had two children and his wife was pregnant. (G1)

decision on April 26, 2021.

Deliberating on the matter were Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, and High Court Judge Franklin Holder. “…the prosecution did not discharge the duty placed on it to establish beyond a reasonable doubt all the elements of the offence,” Justice Gregory noted as the Court allowed the appeal, setting aside Baksh’s conviction and sentence.

According to Justice Gregory, at the trial stage, the burden was left on the Prosecution to establish what was Baksh’s true status regarding her salary and gratuity. The Judge noted that this was an essential element that had to be proven to establish the fact that the Deeds Registrar falsely obtained benefits.

But this was not established, Justice Gregory said.

While Baksh had no contract of employment for the Deeds and Commercial Registry, Justice Gregory held, “in our view, the absence of a contract had to be accompanied by proof of the terms of her employment in relation to her benefits, and specifically in relation to her gratuity. The absence of a signed contract was insufficient to support the inference that she had falsely represented her entitlement,

and thereby fraudulently obtained benefits to which she was not entitled.”

The charge against Baksh had alleged that while being employed by the JSC between May 1, 2014, and January 31, 2017, in Georgetown, she caused or procured valuable securities of $4,534,486 to be delivered to her Bank of Nova Scotia account for her own use, pretending she was a contracted employee at the Deeds Registry. Charges were instituted against her in 2017.

Back then, the Legal Affairs Ministry had disclosed that the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority had requested that an investigation be launched into financial irregularities in Baksh’s payroll documentation. Upon her appointment as the Deeds Registrar in 2012, Baksh received a salary of $326,171 monthly, as well as duty, entertainment, and housing allowances, and other benefits.

But the Legal Affairs Ministry claimed that she increased her salary to $400,000 in 2014 when the Deeds Registry was merged with the Commercial Registry, without the approval of the JSC. It was further reported that Baksh – being the sole person with authority to sign off on such documents – ap-

proved gratuity to herself and several staff members from the period May 2014 to November 2016.

The current Attorney General has, on numerous occasions, roasted his predecessor for playing a major role in instituting the politically trumped-up charges against Baksh.

Nandlall had argued, “In my humble view, the decision to charge Baksh was a politically-driven one by my predecessor. Baksh was charged for simply receiving her salary from the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, an Authority established by the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority Act, which authorised the transfer of all staff from the Deeds Registry and converted them into employees of the Authority, inclusive of the Registrar of Deeds.”

“In my respectful view, there is nothing wrong with a person being appointed by one agency and paid by another. If that person received two sets of remuneration, it would have been a different matter. That is not the case.

The Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority Act authorises the payment of all staff of the Authority, inclusive of the Registrar of Deeds,” the Attorney General had noted.

Guyana Society for the Blind’s Ganesh Singh robbed outside office

P

rominent member of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Ganesh Singh, was robbed outside the organisation’s headquarters at St Philip’s Green, Georgetown.

Reports are that the incident occurred about 11:45h just as Singh exited a taxi.

Singh, in a statement, said that as he was stepping out of the taxi in the compound of the Guyana Society for the Blind some 10 feet from the door, he was attacked by a young bicycle bandit.

He noted that the security situation in the St Phillip’s Green, where the Guyana

Ganesh Singh

Society for the Blind is located, is getting worse.

“Sadly, this is not the first incident of a blind person getting robbed in the area and I know it will not be the last unless the relevant authorities do something drastic and concrete to improve the security situation in the area,” Singh said, adding that blind persons needed to visit the organisation for training and services, and should be protected.

He added that he did not visit the Brickdam Police Station to make a report, but a friend who is a former Police Inspector called Brickdam Station and requested a patrol visit the location.

“An officer did visit a while after, enduring some difficulty finding the location although a signboard is in front of the driveway.

Honestly, the crime situation in the country is out of control,” Singh added.

19

Eid-Ul-Fitr messages

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Use lessons of Ramadan to care more for each other – President Ali

E

id Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak!

I extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially my fellow Muslim Brothers and Sisters on this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, on behalf of my family and the Government.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, a period of prayers, fasting and peace.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a time for prayers, exchanging best wishes, and helping the needy. These acts of devotion, kindness, love and concern help to contribute to a culture

of understanding and peace.

The Holy Quran says, “When you enter houses, offer greetings of peace upon each other, a greeting from Allah, blessed and good.”

Peace is a virtue engrained in our hearts and a gift to be shared. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be upon Him) urged us all to live as brothers and sisters, respecting and honouring one another.

Peace among men and women is built on respect for, and understanding and tolerance towards, each other.

Peace within society is pred-

icated on justice. And peace between states and peoples must be underscored by respect for religious rights, freedom and democracy.

At this time, we note with

Nurture harmonious relationships in families, communities, nation – CIOG

B

eloved Brothers and Sisters, in Faith and humanity.

Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullaahi Wa Barakaatuh. May the Peace, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah (SWT) be upon you all.

All praises are for Allah (SWT), peace and choicest blessings on our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

On behalf of the Executives and members of Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), I extend to all Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak! On this joyous day of Eid ul Fitr, the Executives and Staff of CIOG join with you in spiritual celebration.

We are grateful to Allah (SWT) for providing the opportunity and the strength to perform our duty during the holy month of Ramadan, and for generously rewarding us for all our various acts of worship. Our bodies, minds, and spirits have been cleansed and rejuvenated by fasting and prayer, and we are prepared to go forward with renewed spiritual strength, fortified in our faith and devotion. Let us take the lessons of the University of Ramadan into the other months.

The 1 of Shawwal is a day of Eid, great joy and reward.

The Prophet (SAW) said, "Angels on the day of Eid stand at the alleys and pathways and say, 'Rush to the Generous Lord Who gives great blessings and forgives great sins’."

Open your hearts to accept the gifts of Forgiveness and Abundance bestowed upon us by our Merciful Creator (SWT), and then be a clear channel to spread the Joy and the Love. Let it flow through your lives in words and actions.

In our celebration, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who face difficulties and hardship, those facing the challenges of illness, hunger, and despair. Reach out, find ways to help, be a role model, live and act in ways that comfort and sustain others, while filling them with hope and reminding them that Allah (SWT) is Gracious, Infinitely Merciful and Abundant.

"Those who have faith and perform righteous deeds, they are the rightful owners of Paradise. Therein they shall abide forever."

(Holy Quran: Chapter 2: Verse82) Let us nurture harmonious relationships in our families, communities, and our nation. I encourage you to invite our Non-Muslim brothers and sisters to join

in our Eid celebrations following the COVID-19 Protocols. It is our duty to promote the core Islamic values of peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and khidma - to be in the service of others, to serve and protect Allah's (SWT) Creation is an act of worship.

May Allah (SWT) bless and have Mercy on us. May He bless our country and the entire world with peace, justice and respecting the human rights of everyone. We beseech Allah (SWT) to accept all our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.

May Allah (SWT) graciously grant us healing and abundance. (Ameen) I close with the pillar of reliance of trust in Allah (SWT) and which is the foundation of our faith.

"Allah (alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us)."

(Holy Quran: Chapter 3: Verse 173) Eid Mubarak!

Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak!

Wa-AlaikumusSalaam-WaRahmatullahiWabarakaatuh. May the peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be with you.

Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad President CIOG

Eid-ul-Fitr reminds divine connection to social responsibility, personal sacrifice – GAWU

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins in extending greetings to all Muslims and to all Guyanese on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. This sacred festival commemorates the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims performed acts of abstinence and engaged in ritual fasting and prayer.

Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of how divine worship is connected to social responsibility and personal sacrifice.

It compels us to continue to demonstrate compassion and kindness to one another. These personal expressions of goodwill and concern for our fellow citizens reinforce social cohesion and mutual respect.

Eid-ul-Fitr emphasises the values of temperance, perseverance, and self-denial during the holy month of Ramadan, which provided a time for devotees of Islam to engage in spiritual reflection and the reaffirmation of their faith.

Eid-ul-Fitr is significant to all Guyanese. The festi-

val’s exuberance has been tempered this year by the social and personal restrictions which have been adopted, out of necessity, in order to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic has witnessed sacrifices by our medical and essential workers in their efforts to administer lifesaving care and ensure the health and safety of others.

Eid-ul-Fitr, nevertheless, is a happy occasion for both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Let us all celebrate our faith and fellowship.

extreme concern the violence which has erupted in the Middle East. Guyana urges restraint. It also uses this opportunity to restate its long-standing position urging

respect for the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and to a homeland.

Peace begins in our hearts, in how we treat those dearest and nearest to us. It extends to our fellow human beings and to our society. Let us therefore become vessels of peace.

On this holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, I urge that we all continue to strive for greater peace in the world – in our homes, communities and institutions, and between states.

So, to families out there, my fellow Guyanese broth-

ers and sisters, let us use the lessons of Ramadan to strengthen us, to make us more courageous, and to add to our resolve to come together as humanity; to love each other as brothers and sisters; to give more to the needy; to care more for each other; to care more about our neighbours, and this will translate into better societies, better communities and indeed, a better country.

A joyous and blessed Eid-ul-Fitr to all!

Eid Mubarak!

Eid-ul-Fitr teaches humility, contentment, restraint, love – PPP

T

he sacred and joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is once again upon us. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to say Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters here in Guyana and in the Diaspora.

Ramadan is the most anticipated month for Muslims across the world. It is the month during which they make tremendous sacrifices for spiritual advancement through fasting.

As the holy month ends and Eid-ul-Fitr is being observed, it is the Party’s wish that the virtues of fasting and the spirituality sought would have been achieved

by all. Our Party is cognisant that Ramadan offers many pertinent lessons for all mankind, as evident from the dedication and self-discipline that exemplifies Islam.

Humility, contentment, restraint, and love for fellow men and women are foremost and relevant, especially in today’s world, which is fraught with many related challenges.

The zakat, or charity, associated with Eid-ul-Fitr is demonstrative of Muslims across the world contributing to the betterment of mankind and to aid in the removal of societal barriers. These selfless acts are extremely important to strengthening the much-needed bonds of brotherhood in the face of

the many global challenges to peace.

On such occasions, our Party would urge reflection, so that all of us can be motivated by the significance given the value and potential for individual and collective advancement.

As in the case of other religious and national observances over the past several months, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on traditional celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr.

However, our Party remains optimistic that the true spirit and intent of the observances will remain dear and deeply etched in the hearts of all.

Eid Mubarak!

20

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Around the World

Rockets pound Israel after Gaza militants killed

H

amas militants have launched dozens of rockets at Israel after Israeli air strikes killed senior commanders and felled a multi-storey building in Gaza.

Reports say several locations in southern Israel were hit, killing a young child in Sderot.

The escalation of the fighting, which began on Monday, has prompted the United Nations to warn of a "full-scale war".

At least 65 people in Gaza, including 14 children, and seven people in Israel have been killed since then.

The fighting erupted after weeks of rising IsraeliPalestinian tension in East Jerusalem which culminated

Violent clashes continued in the town of Lod on Wednesday evening

in clashes at a holy site revered by Muslims and Jews.

Further violence in Israeli areas with mixed Jewish and Arab populations led to the arrests of more than 374 people on Wednesday evening and 36

officers being injured, Israeli Police said.

There were reports in Israeli media of both Jewish and Arab individuals being attacked by mobs in Israeli towns and cities.

They include a Jewish

man who suffered injuries at the hands of Arabs in the city of Acre, and an Arab man who was dragged out of his car and beaten by a mob of right-wing Jews in Bat Yam. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking late on Wednesday night, said he planned to send in military forces to help Police maintain order in cities ruptured by violence.

Netanyahu said the attacks in recent days amounted to "anarchy".

"Nothing can justify an Arab mob assaulting Jews, and nothing can justify a Jewish mob assaulting Arabs," he said in a video statement, as reported by the Times of Israel. (Excerpt from BBC News)

UN chief calls for doubling of world’s COVID vaccine production

U

nited Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for the need to double the capacity of COVID-19 vaccine production and for fairer redistribution of the shots in the developing world, which faces new waves of the coronavirus.

Many countries are experiencing shortages of the vaccine, especially India, worsening a dire second wave of infections that has left hospitals and morgues overflowing while families scramble for increasingly scarce med-

icines and oxygen.

At the same time, some rich countries have moved beyond vaccinating their most vulnerable citizens, offering the jab to younger people, while several countries have secured enough vaccine supplies to inoculate their populations more than once.

“It is totally unacceptable to live in the world, in which developed countries can vaccinate most of its population, while many developing countries have not access to one single dose,” Guterres told a briefing on Wednesday af-

ter meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.

He mentioned the risks of coronavirus mutations and new variants as the virus spreads “like wildfire” in different parts of the developing world.

“So, that’s in interest of everybody that everybody is vaccinated everywhere. We believe that we need two things: to double the world’s capacity of production of vaccines and at the same time to have a more equitable distribution of vaccines,” Guterres

said.

Last October, South Africa and India submitted a request to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to waive intellectual property rights on vaccines and other medical technologies needed to combat the coronavirus for the duration of the pandemic. More than 100 other countries have since supported that call.

Last week, Guterres welcomed the United States Government’s support for the patent waiver. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Petition submitted to Barbados T&T records deadliest Prime Minister’s office day of COVID-19

T

rinidad and Tobago recorded the deadliest day for the COVID-19 pandemic to date, with nine people succumbing to the disease on Tuesday.

The country has recorded 55 deaths for the month, Winston Clarke collecting signatures for the vaccine intimidation making May 2021 the deadliest month for the panpetition in the car park at Sky Mall demic, averaging five deaths a day for the last 11 days. ocial activist Winston to a meeting where he could The previous record high Clarke told the Nation discuss the concerns some of monthly death toll occurred on Tuesday that the the masses had with taking in September 2020, with 54 petition garnered 3000 the vaccine. deaths reported. signatures from a wide “I was trying to reach According to the Health cross-section of people with out to her for the past four Ministry, the nine deceased varying religious beliefs, weeks to no avail, so I would included seven people with ethnic backgrounds, health like her to respond soon,” comorbidities. concerns and from different he said. “We need to hear There were three elderly social classes. her on this issue because males, three elderly females, Clarke said the peti- not coming out and talking and one middle-aged female. tion, along with a letter, was against employers intimi- In addition, the remainsent via express mail last dating their workers to take ing two were a middle-aged Tuesday to Prime Minister the vaccine is just like sup- male and a middle-aged feMia Mottley. However, he porting them. male without comorbidities. hand-delivered another copy “People should be able These deaths have taken the of it and the accompanying to exercise their rights and total number of COVID-19 letter on Monday at her of- they have the right not to related deaths to 224. fice in Bay Street, St Michael take the vaccine because of Additionally, 348 pergiving it to a receptionist. religious and ethical rea- sons have tested positive Clarke said that he was sons or health reasons...” for the disease, marking hoping he would be invited (Excerpt from Nation News) the third-highest jump in

S

daily reported COVID-19 cases to date. The cases reported reflect samples taken from May 8 through May 10, 2021.

T&T’s total COVID-19 cases stand at 13,802, with a record high of 4078 cases considered active.

Active cases include COVID-19 positive people isolated at home, in stepdown facilities, or in hospitals across the country. As of May 11, 2972 cases have been recorded month-todate, marking the highest number of cases recorded in a single month.

The previous record occurred last month with 2798 cases.

Testing continues to occur across T&T at a record pace. In the last 24 hours, the total number of people tested at private and public facilities stands at 147,470, rising by 5920. This marks the largest increase on record; however, 5136 people were tested at private facilities in the last week.(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil price rises to 8-wk high on demand hopes, US export decline

O

il prices rose to an eight-week high on Wednesday as US crude exports plunged and on signs of a speedy economic recovery and upbeat forecasts for energy demand.

Brent futures rose 77 cents, or 1.1 per cent, to settle at US$69.32 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 80 cents, or 1.2 per cent, to settle at US$66.08.

That was the highest close for Brent since March 11 and for WTI since March 5.

US crude exports fell last week to around 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), their lowest since October 2018, while crude inventories declined 0.4 million barrels versus an expected 2.8 million-barrel draw, according to weekly Government data.

"The export (drop) is the bullish element keeping trade propped up," Tony Headrick, energy market analyst at CHS Hedging, said, noting the crude stock "drawdown combined with the lack of exports is good sign".

Traders noted one factor in the US inventory report that weighed on prices was a 2.2 million bpd drop in total oil products supplied to 17.5 million bpd last week. That was the biggest weekly decline and lowest weekly demand since January.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its monthly report that oil demand is already outstripping supply and the shortfall is expected to widen even if Iran boosts exports.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Adopt villages to assist administration to combat COVID-19 – Indian Navy Chief to naval units

Indian Navy Chief, Admiral Karambir Singh

I

ndian Navy Chief, Admiral Karambir Singh on Wednesday appealed to naval units to adopt villages to assist the local administration in the fight against COVID. In his message to Navy personnel and ex-servicemen, Singh said, "Our teams put their shoulders on the wheel to support national effort. COVID-19 is spreading in rural areas, our naval units should adopt village(s) and render assistance like INS Chilka."

He mentioned the efforts are being put by the Navy to defeat the COVID pandemic.

"We have marked 111 [Intensive Care Unit] ICU beds for civil use. 450 bedded additional capacities have been created. Over 200 personnel are deployed in COVID hospitals. Around 200 battlefield nursing as-

sistants are being deployed.

Every week we are training 75 nursing assistants to join in this effort," said the Navy Chief.

Emphasising that the Navy is committed to providing absolute assistance to veterans, he said: "We are proud of our naval families.

All veterans are and will be given full assistance at naval hospitals. We will collectively rise as a team in this adversity and do our best for the nation."

Last week, the Navy through its ab-initio training establishment at INS Chilka and under the aegis of the Naval Officer-in-Charge had assisted the state administration in close coordination with Khurda District Collector in setting up a 150-bed COVID care centre for the patients of the district. (Excerpt from ANI)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

21

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Push to get things done on time, and you will succeed.

Network with people who can help you get ahead. Don’t mix business with pleasure or exhibit indulgence in front of influential people.

Face change boldly.

Consider your options and (April 20press forward before someone May 20) tries to make decisions for you. A responsible approach will ensure that you do what’s right.

TAURUS

DILBERT

GEMINI

You’ll have enough discipline to finish what you start.

(May 21You’ll retain information, June 20) making it easy to learn something new. Stick to the facts and express your feelings.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

Don’t make excuses or hide from what needs addressing. If you get things out of the way, it will leave time to do something you enjoy. A creative endeavor will pay off.

LEO Align yourself with innovative people and try to make a (July 23Aug. 22) difference. Be wary of gossip; someone will exaggerate to attract your attention. Stick to a budget, and don’t take risks.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Stay focused on the changes you want to make. Pay attention to detail and the facts.

Refuse to let your emotions get in the way of your work.

You’ll be judged by how you treat people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You’ll retain information and formulate ideas quickly.

Don’t hesitate to take a step in a new direction. Look at logistics and economic trends, and you’ll find a professional advantage.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Spend more time at home or with someone you feel comfortable with, and you will ease stress and come up with a solution that will help you climb out of a rut. Keep life simple.

Pay attention to the way SAGITTARIUS others treat you. Avoid temp(Nov. 23tation or those who prompt Dec. 21) you to be indulgent. Show some discipline, and handle your money matters cautiously. Romance is in the stars.

Think outside the box, and

CAPRICORN you’ll come up with a plan (Dec. 22geared toward getting ahead Jan. 19) professionally, personally and

financially. Discuss your intentions with someone you love.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Take care of personal matters. Discuss your plans with a loved one. Personal and home improvements will turn out better than expected if you stick to your budget.

Romance is encouraged.

Be careful whom you trust with sensitive information.

(Feb. 20March 20) Take your time. Don’t take risks that can lead to a falling out with someone you cherish.

Listen to the lessons of experience.

PISCES

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

Cricket West Indies retains 13 senior umpires for another year – Guyana’s Nigel Duguid among them

S

T. JOHN’S, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that annual retainer contracts have been offered to all 13 members of the existing senior panel of umpires for the new contract period April 1st 2021 to March 31st 2022.

The significant reduction in regional cricket in the last contracting period, due to the impact of COVID-19, has resulted in no changes being made to the list of umpires to be offered contracts. CWI invests annually in the panel of umpires due to their fundamental role in ensuring that the spirit and integrity of cricket are preserved, and that the highest possible quality of fair play is upheld on the field.

Investing in a broader pool of umpires who can be rewarded for their hard work and application in developing their skills is vital for the health of cricket at all levels.

CWI’s Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams, has said, “I am pleased that even in the midst of our financial constraints, CWI will be reengaging our senior panel of umpires as we recognise and appreciate their important role within the game. We all hope that there will be increasing amounts of cricket within the region in the months ahead, to allow our best umpires to continue their ongoing development.”

The senior panel of umpires being offered retainer contracts is as

follows: Zahid Bassarath Johnathan Blades Gregory Brathwaite Deighton Butler Nigel Duguid Patrick Gustard Danesh Ramdhanie

Leslie Reifer Verdayne Smith Christopher Taylor Carl Tuckett Jacqueline Williams Christopher Wright

During the recent international home series between West Indies and Sri Lanka, all match officials were, for the first time, of Caribbean origin, due to the ICC temporarily permitting the appointment of locallybased match officials from the Emirates Elite Panel of Match Officials and the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials.

This was due to the logistical challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One very positive outcome was Barbadian and West Indies Umpire Gregory Brathwaite officiating in his first Test match. (Windies Cricket)

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CWI should decide South Alzarri Joseph admits English Africa venue this week

County Cricket spell not easy

– but says he is determined to improve as a player

“I

'm learning to adjust quicker”, he says West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph has admitted that getting used to conditions on a debut English County cricket season has been challenging, but he says that his only true focus remains on continuing to improve as a player.

The 24-year-old Joseph, who signed with Worcestershire for the first seven games of the 2021 County Championship season, has had a fairly solid debut spell so far. In four games, he has scored 128 runs, with a

high score of 61, as a lower-order batsman, and he has taken 10 wickets.

According to Joseph, things have, however, not been easy, as conditions are very different from what obtains in the Caribbean.

“I wouldn’t say it’s been the best, or that I am extremely satisfied, but it’s improving as I go along. It’s a lot different to the Caribbean, it’s different conditions in terms of different grounds, different types of surfaces, and different types of players; so it’s also about adjusting to everything at once.

It’s helping me to improve as

a player in terms of adjusting to situations a bit quicker,” Alzarri told the Antigua Observer.

“Some days you turn up and it’s like three degrees and very cold in the mornings, and then it goes from three to 12 degrees, to 15 and then back down to three. So, it’s just really difficult sometimes, but it’s all part of the job. All part of the learning experience,” he added.

Joseph signed up with the league last month, following the West Indies series against Sri Lanka.

(Sportsmax)

– says CEO Johnny Grave

C

RICKET West Indies (CWI) should decide the venue(s) for the South Africa series this week, according to CWI CEO Johnny Grave.

In a Whatsapp interview, Grave said, “We hope to have everything confirmed by the end of the week, all being well.”

The South Africa series, comprising two Test matches and five T20 Internationals, were originally carded to take place in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago in June, but Grave said on Friday that the series will not be staged in Trinidad due to that Government’s COVID-19 quarantine regulations.

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CWI CEO, Johnny Grave

In a television newscast on Monday, it was reported that St Lucia and Grenada are the likely destinations for the South Africa series.

However, Grave made it clear: “We will announce later this week, once confirmed.”

(TT Newsday)

Arokium Funeral Home supporting Flying Ace cyclists Rain plays spoil after preparing for Three-Stage Independence Race Edie, Shewprasad T and Stewart shine

he Arokium Funeral Home of Rose Hall Town Corentyne has made a financial contribution to the Berbice-based Flying Ace cycling club which will have six riders battling in the upcoming Independence Three-Stage Road Race this weekend.

Top junior cyclists Mario Washington and Jeremiah Joseph, veteran cyclist Syborne Fernandes, and senior cyclists Travis Sipriani, Jason Cameron, and Ralph Seenarine are the Flying Ace wheelsmen who will be com-

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Natasha Dey, Secretary of Arokium Funeral Home, making presentation to Flying Ace President Randolph Roberts

peting for honours in this race.

Arokium Funeral Home has always supported cycling in the Ancient County, in particular the Flying Ace cycling club, and this latest gesture will certainly aid in development of the riders who will compete in this weekend's showdown.

The first stage of the race will pedal off at 7:30hrs from outside the Corriverton Police Station and end at Main and Alexander Streets in New Amsterdam. The second stage of

the race, to be contested on Saturday, May 15, is scheduled to start at 14:00hrs at the Rosignol Stelling in Region 5 and end on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

The final stage is billed for Sunday, May 16 from 7:30hrs. Cyclists will race from Linden to outside of the National Sports Commission on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown.

Cycling Coach and President of the Flying Ace cycling club, Randolph Roberts, has expressed gratitude to the Arokium Funeral Home and to Anthony's Funeral Home.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has fully supported this race, and this weekend's encounter will mark the return of the Independence three-stage, which was last held in 2016.

K

Kelvin Shewprasad, Navin Stewart and Keith Edie

eith Edie, Navin Stewart and Kelvin Shewprasad have had good outings for Meten-MeerZorg (MMZ) in the New York National 30-over and 40-over competitions.

Playing against Richmond Hill in the 40-over competition, MMZ posted 239-4 in a reduced 35-over match, which saw no ball being bowled in Richmond Hill's chase.

Keith Edie starred for MMZ, scoring from 95 balls an unbeaten 87 that was decorated with five fours and two sixes, while Navin Stewart slammed 56 from 45 balls, inclusive of six towering maximums and one four. Guyanese boys Jahmeil Jackman and Terrence Madramootoo took 1-30 and 1-34 respectively.

Meanwhile, MMZ won the match played against the King’s Men Cricket Club.

MMZ scored 167 all out in 29.3 overs, after winning the toss. In reply, King's Men CC were 85-6 in 21 overs.

Andy Mohammed and Brian Manniram scored 38 runs each, while Edie made 29.

David Atwell, Dearn Burrell and Calton Whyte each took two wickets. In reply, the King's Men CC’s chase lacked impetus, and the team folded for only 85 runs made in 21 overs and at a cost of 6 wickets. Whyte top-scored with 26, while Andrew Buckle made 24.

Shewprasad was the pick of the bowlers with 3-11 in six overs. He was supported by Mohammed, who bagged 2-16.

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(Ext 55)

NOW!

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Is the GCB putting up a front?

23

Singh, Foster were aware of contracted players at CWI meeting - Harper

By Brandon Corlette

I

s it true that the more things change, the more they remain the same?

A significant number of Guyanese cricket fans are disappointed that no Guyanese has received a Cricket West Indies (CWI) men’s retainer contract. The disappointment for most is based on emotions; they feel their heroes have been done in by this move.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have both expressed concern at this development, and the GCB had even launched an investigation into the matter.

Appearing on Tuesday's Mason and Guest radio programme, CWI Lead Selector Roger Harper came out with all guns blazing as he explained that the GCB, like all other boards, had two directors attending the last CWI Board of Directors meeting, where the presentation of the players who were offered contracts was made evident.

Bissoondyal Singh and Hilbert Foster

"The opportunity was there to ask as many questions as they needed to, so I am not quite sure what's going on," Harper disclosed.

It was also noted that the GCB release had expressed great concern that Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd and Veersammy Permaul were not awarded CWI retainer contracts. However, this official release from the GCB made it look as though the GCB was unaware of the non-selection of Guyanese for CWI retainers, but that was not the case, according to Harper.

GCB President Bissoondyal

Singh and Vice President Hilbert Foster are CWI Directors who, according to Harper, attended the CWI Board of Directors meeting and were fully aware of those contracted players before the matter was made public.

Below is the full GCB statement after no Guyanese had been offered a CWI retainer contract: “The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) notes with great concern the information that Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, and Romario Shepherd were not awarded International Retainer Contracts by the Cricket West Indies (CWI). The GCB is also

API added to list of cancelled events

T

here is now another vacant weekend in the Athletics calendar, following the cancellation of the highly anticipated Aliann Pompey Invitational Track meet.

In a disappointing turn of events, the revelation was made on Wednesday morning by founder and namesake of the Invitational, Aliann Pompey.

Slated for June 19 at the Leonora Track and Field facility, West Coast Demerara; the meet would have acted as an event where athletes could accumulate crucial points for Olympic

Qualification.

The former Olympian athlete, Aliann Pompey was the one to make the dreaded announcement, which she described as ‘personally devastating’.

“It’s with a tremendous amount of sadness that I’m here to announce that this year’s edition of the API will not be held as scheduled on June 19. There’s several reason we had to cancel the event, mainly one of the effects or by products of the COVID-19 pandemic which doesn’t allow us to properly prepare to host an international competition of this caliber,” Pompey disclosed vis video missive yesterday.

As it stands with the API cancelled, Guyanese athletes now only have two chances at Olympic Qualification, at the South A m e r i c a n and Guyana N a t i o n a l Seniors respectively.

It is for this reason that Pompey moved to make the announcement sooner, rather than later; highlighting that the meet has been used, in the past, for Olympic Qualification. “ W i t h the Tokyo g a m e s p o s t poned by a Guyanese year, Olympian Aliann w e Pompey

were also hoping for a similar event this year, whereby athletes can qualify for the Olympic Games. I know a lot of our national athletes and the athletes from the Americas, mainly South America and the Caribbean had it on their calendar as a qualifying event. So, this affects quite a number of people,” Pompey shared.

“We felt it was important to make this announcement now, as opposed to hold on for a few more days or a few more weeks because the preparation of these athletes are greatly impacted, so we decided to announce today.”

In the meantime, all is not lost in Pompey’s eyes, since she hinted at a major announcement to be made in the coming days. She was careful, however, to note that the meet will not be replaced.

The 400M sprint specialist hinted, “The API organization is still working on a way to engage with the Guyanese public, its sponsors and supporter and the Guyanese athletes.”

The Associate head Coach at St. John’s University, USA added, “So over the next few days or maybe within the next two weeks, we’ll make an announcement on how we plan on doing that. I think, while it wouldn’t replace the API competition for this year, I think it would be a meaningful enough compromise.”

Since its inception in 2016, the API has attracted many regional and international track stars; with a number of international athletes qualifying for the 2016 Olympic games during the meet. The AP Invitational was also put off in 2020, owing to the constraints of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer and Veerasammy Permaul

concerned with the non-award of an International Retainer Contract to Veerasammy Permaul.

“The GCB is not aware, and was not informed, of the criteria used for the award of International Retainer Contracts, nor were any reasons given for the non-award of International Retainer Contract to these four (4) players. The non-award of International Retainer Contracts to these players by CWI is a matter of extreme concern to the GCB and to the Guyanese public and the GCB intends to fully investigate this matter.

The GCB has since written to CWI requesting a copy of the criteria which was used to award International Retainer Contracts and the report submitted by the selection panel on which the decision was made not to award International Retainer Contracts

to Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd, and also to Veerasammy Permaul.

The GCB will update the public as soon as the criteria and the report are submitted by CWI. Below is the statement from the BCB “The BCB would like to publicly register its disappointment at the nonselection of any Guyanese cricketer on the list of contracted players released by Cricket West Indies.

“It is simply shocking that our country, which has dominated the game at the four-day level over the last few years, cannot have a single player on the list.

“The board would be very grateful if the West Indies Board can explain the non- selection of Shimron Hetmyer, Veerasammy Permaul and Romario Shepherd

from the list.“ The BCB would like to register our support for our players, and also to urge them to keep knocking at the door and we are confident that they would eventually get their deserved justice. The board would also like to urge our Directors on the CWI to register our displeasure to the board, and to let the selection committee know that Guyanese deserve to be treated equally and with respect.

“BCB stands with our players, and wishes to reassure them that we would continue to stand by their side and would work hard every day to not only develop the game, but to make sure that our players are properly represented at all levels. Members of the public are also urged to support our players, and to offer words of encouragement.”

More support for “Cricket Gears For Young And Promising Cricketers In Guyana” Project

T

he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s Namilco Thunderbolt Flour First Division Team is the latest sponsor to come on board with project “Cricket Gears for Young and Promising Cricketers in Guyana”.

Arguably the number one cricket club in Guyana and one of the most outstanding charitable organisations, the club has donated four pairs of batting gloves and one pair of batting pads. This initiative is a joint effort of Kishan Das of the USA and former Berbice senior player and long serving executive Anil Beharry.

Their aim is to provide Cricket gear free of cost to young and talented cricketers in Guyana. The project is seeking new and used cricket gears which would then be distributed across the length and breadth of Guyana.

Donated were four pairs of batting gloves and one pair of batting pads. Total gear collected so far is eleven pairs of batting pads, nine bats, eight pairs of batting gloves and two cricket bags.

Eight young players from the Essequibo Coast have already benefited from four bats and four pairs of batting pads.

The donor said the initiative is a timely one and will

PRO of RHTY&SC Simon Naidu proudly displaying the gear

surely help to unearth more talent in Guyana, especially in the nontraditional areas.

Talent spotting will be done across Guyana along with guidance from club leaders to identify the players. Players must be in school and be disciplined.

Players above school age will also be considered.

Das and Beharry would

like to thank Imran and Javed Khan of West Indian Sports Complex, Option Group, Bish Panday of P and P Insurance Brokers, Sean Devers, Travis Simon and RHTY&SC. Anyone interested in contributing can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.

THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021

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

API added to list of cancelled events

Page 23

Cricket West Indies retains 13 senior umpires for another Is the GCB putting up a front?

Singh, Foster were aware year of contracted players at Page 23

Page 22

– Guyana’s Nigel Duguid among them

CWI meeting - Harper

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